Monday February 22, 2016

BERNIE MAN ARRESTED ON STATUTORY SODOMY CHARGEA Bernie man has been taken into custody on a sodomy charge.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell us that 61 year old Robert Glenn Moore was recently arrested for 2 counts of 1st degree statutory sodomy.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, Moore was still in custody as of this morning.

 

BROSELEY MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF XANAX An area man is facing a drug charge in connection to his arrest Friday morning in Dunklin County.

According to authorities, 53 year old Terry Haley, of Broseley, was arrested on a charge of felony drug possession - Xanax. He is also charged with driving while intoxicated.

After the arrest, Haley was taken to the Dunklin County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

PERSON CLAIMING TO WITH MUNICIPAL UTILITIES REPORTEDLY ATTEMPTING TO SCAM POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENTS Poplar Bluff Police tell us that a person is attempting to scam area residents over the phone.

On Friday the Poplar Bluff Police Department received a complaint that someone claiming to be a representative of Municipal Utilities was calling Poplar Bluff residents.

The caller told the Utilities customer that their account was past due; and threatened to disconnect their power unless the customer gave a check number for payment over the phone.

Police are advising that if you receive such a call, you should hang up immediately and call Municipal Utilities directly to ask about your account.

Do not give anyone your personal or financial information over the phone.

 

CHAFEE MAN IN CUSTODY FOR ALLEGED POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY A search warrant led to the arrest of a Chaffee man on Friday.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter tells us that the warrant was executed Friday at the residence of 45 year old George Hyman Arensmann. Authorities had previously received a report that Arensmann was suspected of being in possession of illegal images of children.

During the search, authorities seized multiple computer discs containing photographs of persons under the age of 18.

Walter says many of the photographs were depicting children inappropriately dressed and in provocative poses.

Officers also found a firearm accessory which was identified by Arensmann as a homemade firearm silencer.

Arensmann was arrested and has been charged with possession of child pornography and possession of a firearm silencer.

The case is still under investigation and Walter tells us that he expects additional charges to be filed.

 

DONIPHAN MAN FACING FELONY FIREARM CHARGE Authorities in Carter County have arrested a Doniphan man on a felony firearm charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 26 year old Kristopher Gatewood is facing a felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm.

Gatewood was arrested at around 10:20 am Sunday morning in Carter County.

 

MALDEN TEENAGER FLOWN TO ST. LOUIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING ATV WRECK A Malden teenager was flown to a St. Louis hospital over the weekend following an ATV wreck in New Madrid County.

According to authorities, the 16 year old male was not wearing a safety device when he lost control and was ejected from the ATV Sunday evening.

The teen was taken via Air Evac to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

RIVER RADIO TO HOST SMOKE DETECTOR EVENT ON FEBRUARY 29TH River Radio in Poplar Bluff will be hosting an event on Monday, February 29th to help area residents get a smoke detector in their homes.

Residents will be able to call from 7 am to 11 am able to set up an appointment to get a smoke detector installed in their residence. Red Cross volunteers and area fire departments will then be sent out on March 12th to install the smoke detectors.

The event is being done in conjunction with the American Red Cross and the Poplar Bluff and Butler County Fire Departments for the Nationwide Smoke Detector Instillation Campaign.

 

KELSO C-7 STUDENTS EVACUATED FROM SCHOOL DUE TO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE Students and staff were evacuated Friday from Kelso C-7 elementary school due to structural damage suffered by the school building.

Officials say no students, staff, or faculty were injured at any point.

An initial evaluation of the building was made and a temporary repair was completed by a general contractor. A plumbing company was asked to evaluate the situation as well.

However, students will not be allowed back in the building until more permanent repairs can be made and professional clearance is given.

There will be no classes held today. Beginning on Tuesday, students should report to the St. Lawrence campus.

Officials say a Town hall meeting will be held tonight at 6 pm in the Parrish center gym to discuss what happened, answer questions, and allow parents to see where their students will be having class.

Friday, February 19th, 2016

   

PUXICO WOMAN SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES IN NEW MADRID COUNTY WRECK

A Puxico woman was seriously injured Thursday morning following a two vehicle wreck in New Madrid County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on US 60, three miles east of Morehouse, when a vehicle failed to yield to oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle. The second vehicle then ran off the side of the road and struck a ditch.

A passenger in the second vehicle, 69 year old Judy Miller, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Missouri Delta in Sikeston. No other injuries were reported.

 

TWO WILLIAMSVILLE MEN ARRESTED ON METH CHARGES IN WAYNE COUNTY

Two Williamsville men were taken into custody Thursday afternoon in Wayne County.

According to authorities, 33 year old Brian Middleton and 28 year old Allen Minor were each taken into custody shortly after 2 pm on Thursday.

Each man is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance - hydrocodone.

 

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY HITTING HER BOYFRIEND

A Poplar Bluff woman was arrested on Wednesday following a reported domestic assault.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, at around 4:40 pm Wednesday the victim told police that he had been struck in the head with a small liquor bottle by his girlfriend 42 year old Brenda Garmon. Police say the victim had a cut on his head which he claimed he sustained from being struck with the bottle.

At the time, the victim said he wanted to collect some warm clothing and leave the residence for the evening.

Later that night the victim returned to the residence to collect some clothes when he and Garmon exchanged words. The victim told police that Garmon had then struck him in the nose.

Garmon was taken into custody without incident. She was lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on a charge of domestic assault.

 

SWIMMER AND BASKETBALL PLAYER NAMED AS POPLAR BLUFF ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

A Poplar Bluff Swimmer and Basketball player have been announced as the January Athletes of the Month.

The Mules Booster Club gave the awards Poplar Bluff High School Junior basketball player Willie Lucas Jr. and freshman swimmer Raegan McAtee.

Lucas averages 21.4 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game, while maintaining a 9.0 GPA.

McAtee qualified for states in the 50 and 100 freestyle, the 200 and 400 freestyle relay, and the 200 medley relay. In the classroom, she has earned a 10.857 GPA.

 

SENATOR ROY BLUNT TO KICK OFF REELECTION BID THIS WEEKEND IN POPLAR BLUFF

United States Senator Roy Blunt is set to kick off his reelection tour this weekend in Poplar Bluff.

The Senator will announce his reelection campaign at 12:45 pm Saturday at the Shooter’s Shack. Blunt has served in the Senate since 2011.

Thursday February 18, 2016

NEW COMMANDING OFFICER NAMED FOR TROOP E OF THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROLAn Air Force veteran and former member of the Missouri Air National Guard will be the new commanding officer for Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Jeffrey Vitale will be promoted to captain and take over the post on April 1st. In addition to the Air Force and Air National Guard, Vitale has served for the St. Louis County Police and various positions in the Highway Patrol.

Vitale has been a Lieutenant in Troop E since 2006. Troop E, which is based in Poplar Bluff, serves 13 counties in Southeast Missouri.

 

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL BOARD TO DISCUSS FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM AT MEETING TONIGHT The food service program is one of many items on the agenda for the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education meeting tonight.

We spoke with Poplar Bluff Superintended Chris Hon about the meeting.

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Additional issues to be discussed include additional staffing for the next school year and a technology proposal for middle school students.

The next school board meeting has been scheduled for March 17th.

 

RAPE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN KENNETT Authorities say a rape suspect has been arrested in Kennett.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell us that officers were dispatched to an area early Wednesday morning in connection to a reported rape.

A suspect was identified during an investigation and later taken into custody. The suspect, a 36 year old male from Malden, was taken to the Dunklin County Jail following the arrest.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK Authorities say a Poplar Bluff man is facing charges following a single vehicle wreck in Pemiscot County.

According to the Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 42 year old Jason Pratt ran off the left side of Route NN early Wednesday morning and overturned.

Pratt was taken to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti with serious injuries.

Pratt is facing multiple charges including driving while intoxicated - drugs, driving while revoked, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway, and felony possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.

 

BUTLER COUNTY CLERK DISCUSSES UPCOMING ELECTIONS Elections season is starting to ramp up here in Missouri and we spoke with Butler County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall about some upcoming dates that voters need to know.

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Deffendall added that if you have questions about registering or your local voting location, you can contact the Butler County Clerk’s Office at 686-8050.

 

MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE AFTER BEING FOUND PASSED OUT IN A VEHICLE A man has been arrested after he was found passed out in a vehicle in Kennett.

According to the Kennett Police Department, Kennett police were dispatched to the Central Street area earlier this week in reference to a man slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle.

At the scene, officers found 47 year old Ronald Wake passed out. Wake was later arrested for possession of a controlled substance and was held in the Dunklin County Jail.

 

POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS GIVEN TEN DOLLARS AND ASKED TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE COMMUNITY Poplar Bluff students in a senior composition class were recently tasked with doing something kind and simple for the community.

The project was a part of a book study on the book, “The Ultimate Gift.” Students had to complete a journal entry for each chapter in the book, which focused on a different type of gift, material or otherwise.

The final project had each student given 10 dollars and asked to do something for the community.

Students donated to organizations and funds such as Haven House and the Kaitlyn Pullam Scholarship; paid a portion of a hotel for someone traveling for medical care; gave money to a random stranger at Wal-Mart; taped the $10 to a car seat; and bought diapers, meals, cards, school supplies, and materials for a blanket.

The funding came from a mini-grant supplied by the nonprofit Academic Assistance Group.

 

Wednesday February 17, 2016

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO ARREST OF FOUR IN CORNINGFour people were taken into custody Monday after authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Corning.

According to Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller, officers located several articles of drug paraphernalia and multiple baggies of suspected methamphetamine within the residence.

Miller tells us that 23 year old Tiffany Hawkins, of Corning, 62 year old Ralph Dodd, of Knobel, 34 year old June Yandell, of Corning, and 44 year old James Yandell, of Corning were taken into custody.

Following the search, officers conducted a separate search at Ralph Dodd’s residence and located a large amount of suspected methamphetamines, a large quantity of money, and several items of drug paraphernalia.

The four arrestees are each facing charges including possession of a controlled substance with intent – methamphetamine.

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS ROUTE 53 BRIDGE PROJECT Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be hosting a public meeting in Qulin next week to discuss constructing a new Route 53 bridge over the St. Francis River in Butler and Dunklin Counties.

The project manager tells us that Visitors can stop by the Qulin Middle School anytime between 4 and 6 pm on February 25th to discuss the details of the project and provide comments.

The project will include constructing a Route 53 bridge over the St. Francis River on a new alignment to replace the existing bridges at the location.

Traffic will remain on existing structures as construction is underway. Improvements are expected to begin in spring of 2017, with completion anticipated in fall of 2018.

 

POPLAR BLUFF TRAP TEAM HOSTING FUNDRAISER RAFFLE The Poplar Bluff Trap Shooting Team is raffling off a rare gun to raise money for the Poplar Bluff Trap Team.

The team is raffling off a Winchester Model 70 Super Grade, chambered in .280 Remington. The team says there were fewer than 500 of this type of gun made. Tickets are being sold for the raffle for $5 through Wednesday, February 24th.

If you would like to purchase a ticket, contact Donald Cash at 776-5642 or Ralph Stucker at 429-1314. The drawing for the gun will be held March 1st. All proceeds will go to benefit the Poplar Bluff Trap Team.

 

DEXTER POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN STATEWIDE YOUTH SEAT BELT CRACK DOWN Dexter Police will be participating in a statewide youth seat belt mobilization next month.

The crackdown has been scheduled for March 15th through March 31st.

Lieutenant Joshua Benton tells us that local motorists should be prepared for stepped up seat belt enforcement.

According to the Dexter Police Department only 68 percent of Missouri teens wear their seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle and eight out of ten teens killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.

 

TODAY IS DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN MISSOURI PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES Anyone who wishes to vote in the upcoming presidential primary needs to make sure they are registered by 5 pm this evening.

That is the deadline to register for the March 15th presidential preference primary. You can register at your local election authority, any Department of Motor Vehicles office, or state agency that provides services to the public as well as online.

To register to vote or find a local place to register, go online to GoVoteMissouri.com.

 

GRANT FUNDING BEING OFFERED PROJECT PROM AND PROJECT GRADUATION EVENTS Local schools are being offered grant funding for project prom and graduation events.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, studies show there’s a prom-to-graduation corridor, when hundreds of students across this country get into car accidents and suffer serious consequences. While most traffic accidents are alcohol related, teens who aren’t drinking are still at risk.

Grant applications are being accepted by the Southeast Region of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety through March 19th. Interested schools and/or their sponsors can obtain applications by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT.

These grants can include reimbursement of expenses for event location rental, food, entertainment, and more. Qualifying schools will receive $200 each for one of these special event nights.

Tuesday February 16, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON MULTIPLE FELONY DRUG CHARGESAuthorities in Butler County say an area man has been taken into custody on multiple felony drug charges.

26 year old Curtis Dugas, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested Monday afternoon in Butler County on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Dugas is also facing charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.

 

DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Driving conditions will be poor for much of Southeast Missouri this morning due to a dense fog that is blanketing the area.

The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory that is in effect through 9 am. Visibility will average less than a mile and could be near zero in scattered areas.

Freezing temperatures overnight may also resulted in slick spots in roadways.

Motorists have been advised to slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

 

RIVER RADIO TO HOST SMOKE DETECTOR EVENT ON FEBRUARY 29TH River Radio in Poplar Bluff will be hosting an event on Monday, February 29th to help area residents get a smoke detector in their homes.

Residents will be able to call from 7 am to 11 am able to set up an appointment to get a smoke detector installed in their residence. Red Cross volunteers and area fire departments will then be sent out on March 12th to install the smoke detectors.

The event is being done in conjunction with the American Red Cross and the Poplar Bluff and Butler County Fire Departments for the Nationwide Smoke Detector Instillation Campaign.

 

MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY WARRANT FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP IN KENNETT A Kennett man has been arrested on a drug charge and felony warrant.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell us that an officer conducted a traffic stop Monday morning.

During the stop, officers arrested Detrick Ray on a felony warrant out of Dunklin County for 2nd degree domestic assault. Officers conducted a search and found various narcotics in Ray’s possession as well.

Ray was taken to the Dunklin County Jail on an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

 

JEFFERSON CITY WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY WRECK A Jefferson City woman was seriously injured Monday in a Butler County wreck.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred when a vehicle slid off of US 60 and overturned at around 1:20 am Monday morning.

A passenger in the vehicle, 62 year old Adrian Taylor, was ejected from the vehicle during the wreck. She was taken to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

No injuries were listed for the driver of the vehicle.

 

MUSIC FOR A CAUSE CONCERT AND FOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 19TH You can support a local organization and hear some music at an event scheduled for this month in Poplar Bluff.

The Music for a Cause Concert and Food Drive will be held on Friday, February 19th at the American Legion Post 153 on PP Highway. Doors will open at 6 pm and attendees are asked to bring one canned food item to enter.

Proceeds from the event will go to support the Bread Shed in Poplar Bluff.

 

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS CLUB QUALITIES FOR STATE COMPETITION The Poplar Bluff High School Robotics Club has qualified for a state competition that will be held next month.

The Iron Mules won their division and placed second overall in the FIRST Tech Challenge, which was held earlier this month at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Students had to navigate their classroom-assembled robots through a series of obstacles, scoring points by moving items and climbing to different areas throughout the course. A total of 52 schools participated throughout the region.

The Iron Mules will go on to compete statewide on Saturday, March 5th, at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

Monday February 15, 2016

REMEMBER TO WATCH OUT FOR SLICK SPOTSArea motorists are reminded to be cautious while on the roadways this morning.

Officials with the National Weather Service tell us the wintery precipitant that fell on Valentine’s Day has left slick and hazardous road condition scattered across Southeast Missouri.

Some light freezing drizzle overnight could aggravate the problem in a few areas as well.

A hazardous weather outlook states that road conditions should improve later this morning as surface temperatures warm above freezing.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FLOWN TO A ST. LOUIS HOSPITAL AFTER HITTING TREE A Poplar Bluff man was flown to a St. Louis hospital Friday after he hit a tree.

According to authorities, 55 year old Clay Pruett was seriously injured after his vehicle ran off the side of US 67 and struck a tree, 10 miles north of Poplar Bluff.

Following the wreck, Pruett was taken by Air Evac to Barnes Jewish hospital in St. Louis.

 

PRISONER VISITS TO NOW BE DONE OVER VIDEO CAMERA AT BUTLER COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER Technology is changing how prisoner visits will work at the Butler County Justice Center.

Visitors will now speak with inmates over video camera stations set up in the lobby of the facility or from a remote location, instead of through a Plexiglas barrier.

Anyone wishing to use the system will need to schedule the visit at least 24 hours in advance. Inmates are allowed 1 onsite visit and 2 remote visits per week.

For more information, go online to icsvideovisit.com/butler.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN NOMINATED TO SEISMIC SAFETY COMMISSION A Poplar Bluff man been nominated to a Missouri state commission.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon nominated Daryl R. Sorrell to the Seismic Safety Commission. The commission provides, with the assistance of state and federal agencies, a program to help the state respond to a major earthquake either in Missouri, or affecting Missouri.

Sorrell is a CPA and general manager of M&A Electric Power Cooperative. He also is a board member of Associated Electric Power Cooperative.

 

DRUGS FOUND IN VEHICLE AFTER TRAFFIC STOP Poplar Bluff Police say two people were arrested on warrants following a recent traffic stop.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department an officer conducted the stop Wednesday afternoon on a vehicle bearing no visible state registration.

During the stop, the officer was informed that the driver, 31 year old Samantha Stout, and passenger, George Childress the 3rd, both had active warrants.

Both people were then taken into custody. While searching the vehicle, officers reportedly found multiple Alprazolam pills along with a small plastic baggie of suspected marijuana.

Stout is now facing charges of possession of drugs and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana.

 

ORAN MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE AND SODOMY An Oran man has been taken into custody following an incident where he allegedly assaulted a woman at his apartment.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter tells us that the victim contacted authorities on February 4th and told them that 55 year old Richie Dock had sexually assaulted her.

Dock, a registered sex offender, was arrested on felony charges of 1st Degree sexual abuse, 1st Degree sodomy, and felonious restraint.

Walter says Dock was held in custody on a $25,000 bond.

 

GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENTS SET TO BEGIN TODAY IN BUTLER AND CARTER COUNTIES A two and a half month project is set to begin today in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, east and westbound Route 60 in Butler and Carter Counties will be reduced, with a 16 foot width restriction, so contractor crews can perform guardrail improvements.

The work zone is located from Carter Creek Bridge to County Road 409.

Weather permitting; work will be performed today through Friday, April 29th from 7 am to 5:30 pm daily.

 

$500 AWARDED TO EUGENE FIELD ELEMENTARY FOR BOOK PURCHASES A Poplar Bluff elementary school has been awarded $500 to purchase book sets for third graders.

Ronald McDonald House Charities awarded the money to Eugene Field Elementary. Teacher April Sandlin had applied for the grant and local McDonald’s owner Steve Sells delivered the check last week.

This is not the first time Eugene Field has received money from the program. Principal Jennifer Taylor tells us that the elementary school has received funding from RMHC in the past, allowing for the purchase of playground equipment.

 

 

Friday February 12, 2016

SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED IN POPLAR BLUFFPoplar Bluff Police arrested a sex offender Wednesday after receiving information that the man was downloading child pornography.

We spoke with Deputy Police Chief Jeff Rolland about the arrest.

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Police officials later said that they will be requesting a No Bond warrant due to the potential danger that Mr. Sivley poses to children and the public.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE A Poplar Bluff man was taken into custody Wednesday on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, 44 year old Danny McKinnon was arrested during a traffic stop after a Sheriff’s Deputy found a syringe with blood and fluid located in a door panel.

A small bag containing a white crystallized substance was later located in McKinnon’s right pocket. Authorities say McKinnon also had an active probation warrant for non-support.

Another man in the vehicle, Tommy Green, was taken into custody for an active warrant from the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

 

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS TO CAUSE CLOSURES OF DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS Two upcoming holidays will cause driver examination stations across Missouri to be closed.

John Hotz with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells us that the stations will be closed this Friday in observance of President Lincoln’s birthday, and Monday, February 15th, in observance of President Washington’s birthday.

Normal operations are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, February 16th.

 

LIONS CLUB AUCTION TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND The Poplar Bluff Lion’s Club will be holding their annual TV Auction this weekend.

The auction has been scheduled for 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday. City residents with New Wave television can watch the auction on Channel 2.

For more information, call 573-609-4683.

 

IDENTITY RELEASED OF SUSPECT IN SIKESTON SHOOTING Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, a man has been named as the suspect in a recent shooting in Sikeston.

According to authorities, 29 year old Chester Brown is facing charges including armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and assault in connection to the shooting of a 23 year old Sikeston man.

Captain James McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells us that the victim was found with several gunshot wounds to his torso and legs Wednesday morning. The victim was then taken to an area hospital for surgery.

Brown was later taken into custody without incident.

 

MISSING IRON COUNTY BODY LIKELY DIED OF HYPOTHERMIA Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, a missing Iron County boy who was found dead on Wednesday likely died of hypothermia.

That was the preliminary result from an autopsy conducted Thursday on 3 year old Titus Greyson Tackett. The boy was reported missing early Wednesday by his family. He was later found in a neighbor's van wrapped in a blanket.

There were no signs of bruising or abuse according to the autopsy.

The child's mother and father said they saw him around midnight Tuesday before they went on an errand. Iron County Sheriff Roger Medley says when they returned around 1:30 a.m., the door was open and the boy was missing.

 

OZARK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HOSTS LUNCHEON The Ozark Federal Credit Union hosted a luncheon Thursday at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

I attended the luncheon and spoke with Ozark Federal Credit Union President Kirk Mondy about an award the Credit Union recently received.

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RAILROAD REPAIRS TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Railroad repairs will cause the closure of a Stoddard County road for over 24 hours.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route 91 in Stoddard County will be closed from County Road 341 to County Road 351 while railroad company crews perform the repairs.

Work is scheduled to begin at 1 pm today and continue through 3 pm on Saturday.

Thursday February 11, 2016

MISSING THREE YEAR OLD BOY FOUND DEAD IN IRON COUNTYA missing three year old boy has been found dead in Iron County.

According to authorities, the body of Titus Greyson Tackett was found Wednesday morning in a neighbor's van about half a mile from his home.

Tackett was reported missing early Wednesday by his family. He was found wrapped in a blanket and wearing only underwear.

Authorities say an autopsy has been scheduled for today.

 

PIEDMONT WOMAN FACING METH CHARGE Authorities say a Piedmont woman is facing a felony drug charge following her arrest in Wayne County.

34 year old Susan Coffey was taken into custody Tuesday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. Coffey is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, she was held in Wayne County on a 24 hour hold.

 

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOLS TO BE OUT FOR FOUR DAY WEEKEND Poplar Bluff R-1 school students will be enjoying a four day weekend starting on Friday.

Superintendent Chris Hon tells us that the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District will not be in session on Friday, February 12th for a teacher collaboration day as well as Monday, February 15th for President’s Day.

Hon says that the regular class schedule will resume on Tuesday, February 16th.

 

OZARK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HOSTING DROP IN LUNCHEON TODAY The Ozark Federal Credit Union is hosting a drop in luncheon today at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

The Luncheon is being held in honor of the bank getting 1st place for the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award for 2015 at the state and national level among credit unions in their category.

Bank officials say they placed 1st thanks to community participation in the 2015 Reality Fair.

The Luncheon will be held today from 11 am to 1 pm.

 

ALMOST 12 GRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Almost 12 grams of meth was recently during a traffic stop in Greene County, Arkansas.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells us that 11.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 7.4 grams of marijuana, smoking pipes, and scales were all found during the stop.

Robert Anderson was taken into custody for possession of crystal meth with purpose to deliver.

 

ARREST MADE IN SIKESTON SHOOTING One person has been taken into custody in connection to a shooting in Sikeston.

Captain James McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells us that a 23 year old Sikeston man was found with several gunshot wounds to his torso and legs Wednesday morning. The victim was taken to an area hospital for surgery.

Authorities later arrested a 29 year old suspect that had been named by the victim. The suspect, whose name was not released, was taken into custody without incident.

McMillen says that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

 

SOME SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED IN DISASTER DECLARATION Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved his request to expand the federal major disaster declaration for Missouri to include assistance for local governments and nonprofit agencies for 37 counties, including many in Southeast Missouri.

The disaster declaration stems from the historic flooding that affected the state from December 23rd to January 9th. The flooding led to 16 deaths and caused an estimated $41 million in damage to infrastructure and response expenses.

Stoddard, Dunklin, Iron, and Reynolds Counties were four of the 37 counties included in the expansion.

More information is available online at governor.mo.gov.

 

NEW DAY MINISTRIES TO HOST FEED AND SEED EVENT New Day Ministries in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event on Thursday, February 18th from 3 to 5 pm.

The event is first come, first serve, and packs will be limited to one per family. New Day Ministries is located at 703 Franklin Street on the south side of Poplar Bluff.

If you would like more information, contact Pastors Vernon and Nancy Wolverton at 573-718-4578.

Wednesday February 10, 2016

ARREST MADE IN ROBBERY OF POPLAR BLUFF CONVENIENCE STOREPoplar Bluff police have made an arrest in the robbery of an area convenience store.

We spoke with Captain Dave Sutton of the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the arrest.

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Police say Johnson later admitted to the crime while in custody.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON BURGLARY CHARGE A Poplar Bluff man is facing a burglary charge following his arrest Monday evening.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area of Probation and Parole shortly before 5 pm Monday in reference to 28 year old Ricky Weaver Jr.

Officials conducted a search of the area and found Weaver in the attic of a nearby shop. He was taken into custody on a warrant for a probation violation and a charge of 2nd degree burglary.

 

HOSPITAL AND CLINICS TO BE CLOSED NEXT MONTH A hospital and clinics in Southeast Missouri will be closed next month.

Southeast Health will be closing the Southeast Health Center of Reynolds County in Ellington along with clinics located in Ellington and Van Buren on March 11th.

Southeast Health purchased the hospital from Advanced Healthcare in 2013.

Employees at the facilities could be relocated to other facilities or provided severance packages.

 

EAST CARTER COUNTY SCHOOL TO HOST FAFSA FRENZY EVENT The East Carter County School district will be hosting an event in early March to help students complete their free applications for federal student aid.

FAFSA Frenzy has been scheduled for 2 to 4 pm on March 5th at the East Carter County High School. The free event will offer students and their parents an opportunity to meet one-on-one with financial aid advisors for assistance in filling out the FAFSA, the first step in applying for federal student aid.

Plus, students can also enter for a chance to win a scholarship for the Fall 2016 term at a college, university, or other postsecondary school in Missouri.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ALLEGEDLY SET CURTAINS ON FIRE DURING ARGUMENT A Poplar Bluff man has been charged with arson in connection to an incident at a residence Monday night.

KWOC News spoke with Sergeant Darron Moore about the incident.

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According to Police the Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect hot line was notified of the incident.

 

MULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE IN CONNECTION TO SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA INVESTIGATION Kennett Police say multiple arrests have been made in connection to an investigation regarding synthetic marijuana

Authorities executed search warrants at two separate residences shortly before noon on Tuesday. Officers were able to locate and seize an unspecified amount of “K2”, cocaine, prescription pills, several items of paraphernalia, and other items used in the packaging and sale of narcotics during the searches.

Officers arrested 38 year old Lavirous Turner and 41 year old Lisa Turner, both of Kennett, for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

26 year old Martez Smith, of Kennett, was arrested on a Caruthersville municipal warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of two counts of Stealing.

53 year old Claude Smoot, of Kennett, was taken into custody on a Kennett municipal warrant charging him with failure to appear on the original charge of domestic assault.

Officials with the Kennett Police Criminal Investigations Division say that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

 

POPLAR BLUFF STUDENT CATCHES EAR OF TALENT SCOUT A Poplar Bluff Junior High School student has been visiting with a talent scout after creating a rap music video that garnered tens of millions of views.

Tim Krakowiak with the Poplar Bluff School District says 13 year old Bryson Morris and his family were scheduled to meet with Maurice Evans, the owner of the management company Every Level of Success, on Tuesday to review a contract.

If both parties agree to the terms, the plan would be for Bryson to record an album during spring break in March.

Evans, a retired NBA Player, flew Bryson and his mother Sherry out to Houston last weekend where they was treated to over a $1,000 shopping spree and locker room access during a Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards game.

 

ROAD WORK TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be closing a Dunklin County road today to replace a pipe beneath the roadway.

According to MoDOT, Route J in Dunklin County will be closed between Sue Drive and Felix Drive from 8 am to 3 pm today.

Tuesday February 9, 2016

METH ARREST MADE IN WAYNE COUNTYAuthorities in Wayne County arrested a Patterson woman last week on a felony drug charge.

33 year old Amanda Fobian was taken into custody shortly after 4 pm Friday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine.

Fobian is also charged with failure to register a motor vehicle. She was taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

NORANDA TO CURTAIL REMAINING OPERATIONS IN NEW MADRID Noranda Aluminum has announced that the company will be curtailing their remaining operations in New Madrid.

The company said in a release that it expects to continue operating the single remaining pot line at its primary aluminum smelter until March.

The company said it could restart operations at New Madrid, should conditions allow.

In the release, Noranda also revealed that it has initiated the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy process.

 

FAT TUESDAY JAMBALAYA FEAST TO BE HELD AT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL The Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart School in Poplar Bluff are teaming up for a Fat Tuesday Jambalaya Feast today.

The Cajun Jambalaya meal will be held from 4 to 8 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 2280 North Grand.

The price for adults is $10, for kids 6 to 12, the price is $5, and kids five and under get in for free.

 

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG ARREST IN CLAY COUNTY A weekend traffic stop led to a drug bust in Northeast Arkansas.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us deputies conducted a traffic stop Saturday afternoon in Piggott. The driver of the vehicle, 52 year old Steven Stockton, of Pollard was discovered to have a warrant through the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.

Miller says that deputies conducted a search of Stockton and found a large quantity of prescription narcotics and a corner cut baggie containing 2.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Stockton was taken to the Clay County Detention Center on charges of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine and felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

 

SIKESTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY INVESTIGATING PHONE SCAM Officials with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety are asking local business owners to be on the lookout for a phone scam.

DPS has received reports from local businesses that they are receiving phone calls from a male caller identifying themselves as the Board of Municipal Utilities. The caller has been demanding payment for services or stating they will shut off their utilities.

Officials with the Board of Municipal Utilities told police that they do not place these types of phone calls, businesses would be contacted in person during these situations.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

 

DEXTER POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES DRUNK DRIVING CRACKDOWN FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY HOLIDAY The Dexter Police Department has announced that officers will be out in force for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Dexter officers will be participating in a nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” substance–impaired driving crackdown from March 17th to March 20th.

Dexter Police say that two people were killed and seven seriously injured during the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

 

STUDENTS HAVE UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH TO APPLY FOR THREE RIVERS NURSING PROGRAMS Potential nursing students have until the end of the month to apply for nursing programs at Three Rivers College.

The application deadline for the College’s day and evening Nursing programs in Poplar Bluff, its LPN-to-RN Bridge program in Poplar Bluff, and its Practical Nursing program in Kennett is March 1st.

Dr. Staci Campbell, chair of Nursing and Allied Health, says that spots are available in all four programs. Application forms and requirements are available online at trcc.edu.

Prospective students can also contact Campbell at 573-840-9680.

Monday February 8, 2016

MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON IN CONNECTION TO FIRE IN HAYTIA Hayti man has been arrested on an arson charge in connection to a residential structure fire last week.

According to authorities, the fire was located at a structure on Bell Street in Hayti.

An investigation led to the arrest of 28 year old Dixie Reed Jr. According to Missouri Case Net, Reed is facing a felony charge of 1st degree arson and he was given a bond of $150,000 cash or surety.

 

INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN ARREST OF CANALOU MAN ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES An investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Canalou man on child pornography charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, a search warrant was executed Friday at the residence of 49 year old Casey Bailey.

Investigators seized evidence during the search and Bailey was arrested later that morning. Bailey has been charged with possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography by distribution.

Bailey’s bond was set at $50,000.

 

REPORT OF POSSIBLE HOSTAGE SITUATION LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Two people were arrested after authorities in Northeast Arkansas responded to a residence on a report of a possible hostage situation.

According to Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller, Clay County Dispatch received the report of a possible hostage situation at a location just south of Rector Friday afternoon.

When deputies, along with the Arkansas State Police, arrived to the scene they found a male standing in the yard wielding a machete. The man, identified as 31 year old David Griggs, of Lepanto, complied with requests to drop the weapon and was secured.

An investigation revealed that Griggs had allegedly broken into a neighboring house prior to officers' arrival. He was arrested on charges of criminal mischief, criminal trespass, breaking and entering, and theft of property.

While on the scene, authorities entered the residence and found a woman, 34 year old Julie Parnell, of Kennett. Parnell advised officers that she had methamphetamines in an insulin bag in her purse.

She was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

FIRST CHURCH OF GOD IN POPLAR BLUFF TO HOST VALENTINE BANQUET The First Church of God in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a Valentine Banquet on February 14th.

Church officials say there will food and entertainment as well as free childcare and children’s meals provided.

The event will begin at 6 pm at a cost of $15 per person. For reservations call 573-785-5378.

 

PIEDMONT MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES OVER THE WEEKEND A Piedmont man was been taken into custody in Wayne County on multiple felony drug charges.

According to Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, 22 year old Hunter Sutton was arrested Friday evening on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Sutton is also facing a felony charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the arrest, he was held in the Wayne County Jail.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE A Poplar Bluff man is facing a felony drug charge in connection to his arrest in Wayne County.

According to authorities, 44 year old Stephen Benton was arrested Friday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Benton is also facing charges of driving while intoxicated – drugs and failure to maintain the right half of the roadway.

Following the arrest, Benton was taken to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on a 24 hour hold.

 

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR A PIPE REPLACEMENT Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Dunklin County today to replace a pipe beneath Route TT.

During the replacement, Route TT will be closed between County Road 715 and 726.

Work is scheduled to take place from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

 

BIG GAME COMMERCIAL FEATURES SUPER BOWL WOMAN Carolina defensive end and New Madrid County Central graduate Kony Ealy wasn’t the only Southeast Missouri native to appear during last night’s big game broadcast.

A commercial for Michelob Ultra featured Poplar Bluff native Chelsea Edmundson.

The commercial, titled “Breathe”, is available to watch on our Facebook page.

Friday February 5, 2016

WANTED BROSELEY MAN CAPTURED IN TEXASFollowing up on a story we brought you last week, a wanted Broseley man has been captured in Texas.

We spoke with Poplar Bluff Deputy Police Chief Jeff Rolland about the arrest of 31 year old Jeffery Vest.

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Vest was wanted on felony charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, tampering with a motor vehicle, and felony stealing. Vest is also facing local charges out of Texas.

At the time of his arrest a stolen vehicle was recovered and two other suspects were also taken into custody.

 

METHAMPHETAMINE FOUND DURING SEARCH OF RECTOR RESIDENCE Two people have been arrested in connection to the discovery of meth at a Rector residence.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that deputies with the Clay County Sheriff's Department along with officers from the Arkansas State Police conducted a probation/parole search at the residence on Thursday.

During the search, authorities found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They were also able to recover a generator that had been reported stolen out of Rector.

Billy Hill and Melanie Dillard were both taken into custody in connection to the search. They have both been charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft by receiving.

 

REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT DONIPHAN BURGLARY Authorities in Doniphan say a reward is being offered in connection to a burglary investigation.

According to the Doniphan Police Department, the burglary was located at 608 Walnut Street. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for the arrest and conviction of person or persons involved in the burglary.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Doniphan Police Department at 573-996-7123.

 

FAT TUESDAY JAMBALAYA FEAST TO BE HELD AT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL The Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart School in Poplar Bluff are teaming for a Fat Tuesday Jambalaya Feast.

The Cajun Jambalaya meal will be held on February 9th from 4 to 8 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 2280 North Grand.

The price for adults is $10, for kids 6 to 12, the price is $5, and kids five and under get in for free.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG WARRANT A Poplar Bluff man was taken into custody Wednesday night on a drug warrant.

The Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us that an officer made contact with 25 year old Damien Gaylor shortly before 9:30 Wednesday night.

The officer conducted a wants/warrant check and found that Gaylor had a warrant through the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for possession of a controlled substance along with a warrant through the Poplar Bluff Police Department for possession of paraphernalia.

Gaylor was processed and transported to the Butler County Justice Center. His warrant from the Sheriff’s Office has a bond of $100,000 cash or surety.

 

KENNETT WOMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES A Kennett woman has been taken into custody in Dunklin County on multiple felony drug charges.

According to authorities, 58 year old Margaret Roach was arrested Thursday afternoon on a felony charge of possession with intent to distribute for methamphetamine.

Roach is also facing a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – hydrocodone. Following the arrest, she was held in the Dunklin County Jail.

 

NAYLOR NUTRITION CENTER TO HOLD FISH FRY TODAY The Naylor Nutrition Center will be holding a fish fry for lunch today.

The event will take place from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Adults can eat in for $7 or carry out for $7.50. For children below 11 years old, the cost will be $4. The plate will include catfish and other items.

 

MOTORISTS REMINDED TO DESIGNATE A DRIVER WHILE CELEBRATING THE BIG GAME The big game is coming up this weekend and while you are celebrating all the great plays, remember to designate a drive if you plan on drinking.

According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, in 2015, 162 people were killed and 576 seriously injured in Missouri crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver.

If you plan on drinking while enjoying the game, leave your keys at home. Designate a sober driver, whether it’s a friend, relative, taxi, ride share or public transportation.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is also offering a new SaferRide mobile app. The app helps people who have been drinking get a safe ride home; it helps users call a taxi or a friend and identifies their location so they can be picked up.

The app is available for Android devices on Google Play, and Apple devices on the iTunes store.