Wednesday May 4, 2016

SPIKE STRIPS DEPLOYED DURING CHASE WHICH CROSSED FROM ARKANSAS TO MISSOURIPoplar Bluff and Butler County officials were involved in a chase early Tuesday morning that crossed over from Northeast Arkansas to Southeast Missouri.

We spoke with Investigator Wess Popp about the case.

WESS POPP:

Approximately 1 a.m., Butler County dispatch was contacted by Clay County authorities that they were in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. It was a 1987 Chevy Astro van, the van had passed a Clay County deputy and he began Pursuit. As it neared the Missouri state line, Clay County called Butler County dispatch advised them they were in a Pursuit with that 87 van and that they were on Highway 67 heading to Neelyville. Deputies were dispatched along with Highway Patrol to assist. The deputies make contact at approximately Harville aboput 160 158 and continued the pursuit. The vehicle was traveling Northbound in the southbound Lane at approximately 90 miles an hour. A Butler County Deputy was ahead of the vehicle being pursued activating its emergency lights to warn travelers that were in the southbound lane to get them to pull over, in case there was any traffic so there wouldn't be a collision. The pursuit got up to M Highway and 67. The Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to lay spike strips which the suspect went around and continued Northbound in the southbound lane. Sergeant Joe Ward from the Poplar Bluff City Police Department was at PP Highway and was able to lay spike strips as well which the vehicle ran over causing two of the tires to deflate where the suspect then surrendered to law enforcement. The suspect was identified as Jason Jeffers and it was learned that he had punched out the ignition and use a screwdriver to steal that vehicle. On the suspect was also some hydrocodone. In Butler County he will be facing charges and warrants will be sought for resisting arrest, careless and imprudent driving, and also possession of a controlled substance.

 

PIEDMONT MAN FACING METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE Authorities arrested a Piedmont man Tuesday afternoon on a meth charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Bryan Swift is facing a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine following the arrest.

Swift also reportedly had felony warrants out of Carter County for dangerous drugs and distribution of a controlled substance.

 

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION UNDERWAY AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE An exhibition is underway at Three Rivers College showcasing art created by Three Rivers students.

The exhibition is on display at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center through May 13th with an awards ceremony also scheduled for 6 pm on May 5th. The art was all produced throughout the 2015-16 academic year.

The Tinnin Center will also be hosting a concert by the Three Rivers Music Department on May 10th at 7 pm. The free concert will feature the Three Rivers College Choir and the Jazz Band.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY A ramp on Eastbound 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

MoDOT officials tell us that the Eastbound Route 60 on-ramp from Route 25 will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both today and tomorrow.

 

CLUBB WOMAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED A Clubb woman is facing a felony drug charge in connection to her arrest Tuesday afternoon.

According to authorities, 32 year old Rhonda Zimmer was arrested in Wayne County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Zimmer is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated – drugs. Following the arrest, Zimmer was held in the Wayne County Jail.

 

DONIPHAN POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH ALCOHOL ENFOREMENT CAMPAIGN Police in Doniphan have announced that they will be participating in a youth enforcement campaign to reduce drunk driving.

The Doniphan Police Department will be one of many law enforcement agencies involved in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” substance–impaired driving crackdown. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Doniphan will run from May 5th to May 16th.

Police officials say that officers will be aggressively looking for substance–impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired.

 

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TOMORROW FOR BRIDGE MAINTENANCE Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Dunklin County tomorrow for bridge maintenance.

During the maintenance, Route O in Dunklin County will be closed from 6:30 am to 4 pm.

The work zone will be located between Route W and Providence Street.

 

PBJHS STUDENTS WIN REGIONAL UNDERWATER ROBOT COMPETITION A team of Poplar Bluff Junior High School students have taken 1st place at a regional underwater robot competition.

The students placed first out of about 10 intermediate schools in the scout division of the fourth annual remotely operated vehicle competition of the Northern Gulf. The competition was held in late April in Mobile, Alabama.

Out of a possible 340 points, Mules Aquaticus scored 248, 75 points ahead of the second place team, according to SINGS instructor Tom Allen.

 

 

Tuesday May 3, 2016

CHILD STRUCK AND KILLED BY VEHICLE IN STODDARD COUNTYA young teenager has died after he was hit by a vehicle Monday in Stoddard County.

According to authorities, 13 year old Tristan Morrison was struck by the vehicle Monday afternoon at a Dexter intersection.

Morrison was taken to an area hospital where he died.

 

KENNETT POLICE ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MISSING PERSON Authorities in Kennett are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell us that 42 year old Tyrone Price was reported missing shortly after 1 pm on Sunday.

Price was last seen last Tuesday or Wednesday getting into a black SUV near his residence on Baldwin Street.

Price is described as an African American male, approximately six feet one inch and weighing approximately 190 pounds.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Price is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 573-888-4622.

 

THREE RIVERS COLLEGE TO HOLD MASS CASUALTY TRAINING EVENT Three Rivers College will hold its bi-annual mass casualty training event today.

The event will be held on the Westwood Campus of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. The training helps prepare students in participating programs for a mass casualty emergency such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Students from several fields of study will participate in the training, including three classes of nursing, EMT, LPN, and Paramedic students. The training will also receive support from local hospitals and ambulance services.

In keeping with the training’s focus on realism, the students themselves will coordinate much of the event, with students serving in leadership and command/control positions.

The college is also keeping the type of “disaster” under wraps, so that students have no chance to prepare beforehand.

 

TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP IN KENNETT A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two people on Monday.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers conducted the stop Monday afternoon on U.S. 412. During the stop, a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle and permission was granted to conduct a search.

Following the search, officers arrested 40 year old Doyle Gray, of Risco, and 42 year old Angeleke Bradley, of Malden, for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Both parties were taken to the Dunklin County Justice Center on 24 hour holds.

 

MULTIPLE ENFORCEMENT PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that they will be holding multiple enforcement projects this month in Southeast Missouri.

Captain Jeffrey Vitale tells us that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Stoddard County and a driving while intoxicated saturation will be held in Dunklin County.

Vitale says the checkpoint is a static operation on a specific highway that is designed to check every driver to ensure they are sober. The driving while intoxicated saturation is a mobile operation in which troopers saturate a specific area in an effort to arrest impaired drivers.

The operation will be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.

 

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO BE CONDUCTED TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY Route O in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 10 foot width restriction today and tomorrow as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located between Mallard Lane and Route V V. Work will take both days from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday April 2, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF MAN SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES IN COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 160A Poplar Bluff man was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries Sunday afternoon following a collision on Highway 160.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle, driven by 24 year old Ashley Hicks, of Poplar Bluff, pulled into the path of a second vehicle, driven by 38 year old Donald Brazel.

Both Brazel and Hicks were taken to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical center following the incident. The Highway Patrol says Brazel was seriously injured while Hicks had minor injuries.

 

TWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING SEARCH OF PIGGOTT RESIDENCE Two Piggott residents were taken into custody Friday in Clay County in connection to the search of a Piggott residence.

Officers conducted the search after they were notified of possible drug activity. According to Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller, during the search authorities found numerous items of felony drug paraphernalia and placed 55 year old Vonceil Lockard and 31 year old Micah Walker into custody.

At the Clay County Detention Center, Lockard was found to be in possession of 3.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine along with a small amount of suspected marijuana.

Lockard was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance - marijuana.

Walker was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

WOMAN CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING AFTER USING FAKE NAME TO CHECK STUDENT OUT OF PB SCOOL A Poplar Bluff woman was taken into custody last week after she allegedly used a fake name to check a student out of school.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell us that the 13 year old child’s father told officers on Thursday that 37 year old Lori Flickinger had checked his child out of Poplar Bluff Junior High School on Wednesday. He also told police that he does not know Flickinger.

Authorities learned during an investigation that Flickinger went to the school at 11:40 am Wednesday and told school officials that she was the juvenile’s sister and that she was checking the child out of school for a family matter.

She signed the juvenile out of school using a false name and took the juvenile to eat at a local restaurant and then to Flickinger’s residence.

The juvenile stayed at the residence for a couple of hours before being dropped off at an afterschool church activity that the juvenile was originally supposed to attend.

While talking to investigators, Flickinger admitted to the incident and said that she is a friend of the juvenile’s biological mother. Flickinger was arrested on a charge of kidnapping.

 

THREE MONTH LONG ROAD PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY Motorists in Butler County should be prepared for delays this summer on Route 60.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route 60 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane between Route W and County Road 521 so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

Work is scheduled to start today and will be performed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Monday, August 1st.

 

KENNETT MAN ARRESTED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY ON METH CHARGE A Kennett man is facing drug related felony charges following his arrest over the weekend in Dunklin County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 27 year old Jerry Gage was taken into custody early Sunday morning on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gage is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated – drugs.

 

TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WAYNE COUNTY WRECK A teenager was seriously injured Friday evening in a single vehicle wreck.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred on Missouri Highway 49, seven miles south of Mill Spring in Wayne County. A vehicle driven by 18 year old Chelsea Middleton, of Mill Spring, ran off the road, struck an embankment, and overturned.

Middleton, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was ejected from the vehicle and taken to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. A one year old child in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS IN STODDARD COUNTY A Ramp on Eastbound 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane early this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The ramp is the Eastbound Route 60 off ramp to Route 25.

Work will take place today and tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

 

STUDENTS FROM 11 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATED IN 38TH ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY FAIR Students from 11 high schools across Southeast Missouri were in Poplar Bluff last week to show off their talents in woodworking, metalworking, drafting, robotics, and more, at the 38th Annual Industrial Technology Fair.

The Fair was held April 27th at Three Rivers College and featured over 308 student-created projects competing for the chance to move on to the state industrial technology competition at Lake of the Ozarks.

Chaffee High School student Hannah Seyer took home the Best of Show award for her Walnut and Maple Rocking Chair, while Chaffee High School was awarded Best School.

Friday April 29, 2016

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY ON THE JOB FOR POPLAR BLUFF DEPUTY POLICE CHIEFToday is the final day on the job for Poplar Bluff Police Department Deputy Chief Jeff Rolland.

KWOC News spoke with Rolland about his career and retirement:

[NEWS CUT - 0011]

JEFF ROLLAND:

I started my law enforcement career in 1984 when I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went through the MP training in the Marine Corps Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. I spent four years in the Marine Corps as a MP, when I was discharged Cindy and I moved back to Poplar Bluff, went back to work for the Butler County Sheriff's Office as a road deputy. Spent two-and-a-half years there until August 1st of 1990 when I was hired by the Poplar Bluff Police Department. I spent 26 years with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, been in the Patrol Division, Narcotics investigator, detective, Captain in charge of the detective Division, and then promoted to Deputy Chief of Police. The last 10 years with the Poplar Bluff Police Department my main function is to make sure that we meet budgetary goals, that the road officers, the detectives, and the other division commanders have the assets they need to serve the public to the best of our abilities. It's humbling it's an honor to serve the citizens of this great Community as their Deputy Chief of Police. I truly believe that the police department belongs to the public. It's their agency we just get to serve it for very brief period time. I'm honored and humbled that I was able to spend 26 years with the Poplar Bluff PD, two and a half years with the Butler County Sheriff's Office and the public put that trust in me. I love this community. To the residents of Poplar Bluff and Butler County, thank you very much.

Rolland will be succeeded by Donnie Trout as Poplar Bluff Deputy Chief of Police.

 

POPLAR BLUFF TEEN ARRESTED AFTER MARIJUANA FOUND IN A VEHICLE A Poplar Bluff teenager has been taken into custody after police found marijuana during the search of a vehicle.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, an officer conducted a search of a vehicle Wednesday as a part of a narcotics investigation.

While searching the vehicle, the officer discovered approximately 56 grams of marijuana. A passenger in the vehicle, 19 year old Trevor Crook, told the officer that the marijuana in the vehicle was his.

Crook was taken into custody for possession of more than 35 grams of marijuana. He was later lodged into the Butler County Justice Center awaiting bond.

 

METHAMPHETAMINE AND GUNS FOUND IN CORNING RESIDENCE Officials in Northeast Arkansas say six people have been taken into custody after guns and meth were found in a Corning residence.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that the Corning Police Department and Clay County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at the home Thursday morning.

During the search, officials located 10.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 7.9 grams of suspected marijuana. 14 firearms were also located in the house, one of which was a loaded sawed off 12 gauge shotgun.

Miller says that six people were arrested and additional information will be released after further investigation.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REPUBLICANS TO MEET IN POPLAR BLUFF TO SELECT DELEGATS FOR REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION Republicans in Southeast Missouri will be convening in Poplar Bluff to select delegates for the 2016 Republican National Convention.

We spoke with Eddy Justice, Chairman of the 8th Congressional District, about the event on Saturday:

[NEWS CUTS – 0012]

EDDY JUSTICE:

This Saturday on the campus of Three Rivers college at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, delegates of 29 counties in the 8th district will Converge on Poplar Bluff to elect three delegates and three alternates to the Republican National Convention. The delegates will also elect an elector a member of the Electoral College to represent the 8th District. These delegates that are elected will go to the Republican National Convention and will vote for Donald Trump on the first ballot at the convention. These delegates will vote for Donald Trump on the first ballot because of the election results held in the presidential preference primary earlier this year, in which Donald Trump won by 12,065 votes.

The event is scheduled to start Saturday at 10 am.

 

DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH IN POPLAR BLUFF The Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will be holding a drug take back event this weekend.

We spoke with Captain Dave Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the event:

[NEWS CUT - 0010]

DAVE SUTTON:

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Black River Coliseum at 301 S. 5th. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

In addition, other area agencies, including the Doniphan Police Department, have announced they will be holding a take back event this weekend.

 

VFW RIDERS POKER RUN SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY The VFW Riders District 15 West and Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church will be teaming up for a Poker Run on Saturday.

Registration for the event will begin at 8:30 am at the Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church on D Highway. The run will begin at 11 am. Some of the proceeds from the event will go to the VA Hospital CLC.

Attendees can also bring a non-perishable item donation for the church food bank. For more information, contact VFW Post 3416 at 573-222-9687.

Thursday April 28, 2016

MISSING POPLAR BLUFF MOTHER FOUND AND IS FACING CHARGESPoplar Bluff police have found the mother of a child who was found alone Monday morning in an area residence.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Monday morning officers found a child lying in a bed crying, with a heavily soiled diaper. It was not clear how long she had been left unattended; but she was found lying in a bed with a fan blowing over her, and an empty bottle was lying next to her.

The child was released to an Investigator with the Missouri Children’s Services.

Police have found the child’s mother, 19 year old Jasmine Baldazo, of Poplar Bluff, and have also found an older sibling, Julissa Baldazo.

We spoke with Detective Josh Stewart about the situation,

[NEWS CUT - 0010]

DETECTIVE JOSH STEWART:

On the evening of April 26th, 2016, Julissa Beldazo was located with family in Arkansas and is currently in custody of the Butler County Children's Division. On Wednesday April 27th, 2016, at approximately 9 o'clock in the morning Jasmine Beldazo checked herself into a local hospital and was contacted by investigators with the Poplar Bluff police department. During a subsequent interview, Mrs. Beldazo admitted to investigators that she had become overwhelmed and left the child unattended on Sunday night. A probable cause affidavit was submitted to the Butler County prosecuting attorney's office, seeking charges for endangering the welfare of a child felony and additional charges are expected to be sought. Both children are being treated by physicians in the event that there are illnesses; however none have been discovered at this time. Both appear to be in good health and good spirits.

 

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO REYNOLDS COUNTY SHOOTING Updating a story we brought to you earlier this week, an arrest has been made in connection to a shooting early Monday morning in Reynolds County.

According to authorities, 28 year old Weston Kinsey, of Springfield, was being sought following a shooting that injured 51 year old Jefferey Parker.

Kinsey has since been arrested in the Springfield area and will be extradited to Reynolds County.

 

WIND GUSTS MEASURED AT ALMOST 60 MILES PER HOUR IN POPLAR BLUFF Almost 60 mile per hour wind gusts were recorded Tuesday in Poplar Bluff during a storm system that crossed Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, the gusts were recorded as 59 miles per hour at 5:23 pm Tuesday. Some areas in Southeast Missouri received hail as well with reports of hail with sizes of just under 1 inch.

 

QULIN MAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE A Qulin man has been taken into custody on a felony methamphetamine charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 40 year old Jimmie Woodham was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Butler County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Woodham was held in Butler County on a 24 hour hold.

 

BERNIE WOMAN FACING CHARGE OF ASSAULT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Authorities in Stoddard County say a Bernie woman has been taken into custody on multiple charges.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 53 year old Ladonna Hyslip was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and 3rd degree assault of a law enforcement officer.

Her bond was set at $15,000 and she has since bonded out.

 

TWELVE IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING WARRANT ROUNDUP Multiple area law enforcement agencies teamed up Wednesday morning for a warrant roundup.

According to Captain James McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, 12 of the nearly 20 people sought were in custody when the roundup came to an end.

The agencies participating in the operation included the SEMO Drug Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Poplar Bluff Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Girardeau Police Department, and Charleston Police Department.

A full list of the people arrested is available on our website.

 

POPLAR BLUFF KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TO HOST COMEDY NIGHT ON APRIL 30TH The Knights of Columbus in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a comedy night on April 30th.

The comedy show will also include dinner as well. The dinner will begin at 7 pm with the show following at 8.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 2280 North Grand the night of the event.

Wednesday April 27, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR MOTHER AFTER INFANT FOUND ALONE IN A RESIDENCEAn infant was found alone in a residence on Monday and Poplar Bluff Police are currently trying to find the child’s mother.

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

[NEWS CUT – 0010]

DAVE SUTTON:

On Monday morning at approximately 9:30 am, Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of West Midland Street in reference to an infant left alone inside the residence. Upon officer arrival, they found the child lying in a bed crying, with a heavily soiled diaper. It was not clear how long she had been left unattended; but she was found lying in a bed with a fan blowing over her, and an empty bottle was lying next to her. So it seemed as though someone took care to make her comfortable for an extended period. The eight month old child was released to an Investigator with the Missouri Children’s Division. The child's mother is believed to be Jasmine Baldazo , 19, of Poplar Bluff. A friend to Jasmine Baldazo told Officers that Julissa Baldazo, an older sibling, was staying with an unidentified grandparent in Arkansas. At the time of this report, efforts to locate Jasmine Baldazo were unsuccessful. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jasmine or Julissa Baldazo is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

A picture of Jasmine Baldazo is available on our Facebook page.

 

11 YEAR OLD BOY KILLED IN CLAY COUNTY WRECK A child died over the weekend in a utility vehicle wreck in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, a side by side utility vehicle overturned on a Clay County road Sunday. An 11 year old passenger in the vehicle later died from injuries he received during the wreck.

Two other people in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

 

PARAGOULD POLICE SEARCHING FOR LEVEL THREE SEX OFFENDER Police in Northeast Arkansas are asking for the public’s help in locating a level three sex offender.

Officials with the Paragould Police Department tell us that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of 62 year old Richard Whittaker.

Whittaker was released from prison on March 13th and has failed to report to his probation/parole officer along with registering his current address.

Anyone with information concerning Whittaker’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Paragould Police Department at 870- 236-7621.

A picture of Whittaker is available on our Facebook page.

 

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE WITH TODAY’S STORM SYSTEMS An official with the National Weather Service tells us that there is some concern that Southeast Missouri could see severe weather today.

We spoke with Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Shanklin with the National Weather Service Office in Paducah about the concerns:

[NEWS CUT – 0011]

RICK SHANKLIN:

The thunderstorm activity across the region this morning will determine part of what the severe weather threat will be this afternoon. So I have to watch that closely and not just activity but the cloud cover from that because that's actually what's going to determine how much we heat up. That instability will allow the atmosphere to become more conducive to producing severe weather. So I have to watch that closely this morning, and we do have some concerns with severe weather. In fact, at this time we had a hatched area across Southeast Missouri, which is basically a significant threat of severe weather which includes winds of at least 75 miles an hour, hail at least 2 inches in diameter, and even the possibility of a strong tornado. So again we’ll have to watch that closely as the day progresses, see how the atmosphere recovers from the overnight and morning thunderstorm activity. The key thing really is to stay prepared to stay informed through this particular time of severe weather concern. And there are excellent ways to do that and you certainly need a way to be alerted. Weather radio is a primary means of being alerted. Cell phone alerts are another excellent way to be alerted. Stay informed to this radio station for example to stay up on the latest information. Once you're alerted it's very important that you heed those warnings and take shelter if that warning is for your particular area.

We will be following the storm system throughout the day and will bring you the latest information on any severe weather as it occurs.

 

MAN FLOWN TO ST. LOUIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN BUTLER COUNTY A Greenville man was seriously injured in a wreck early Tuesday morning in Butler County.

According to authorities, 29 year old Joseph Coble’s vehicle ran off the side of Route O and overturned. Coble, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was ejected during the wreck.

Coble suffered serious injuries and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.

 

TWO POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS MEDAL AT MATH FIELD DAY Two Poplar Bluff math club members recently received medals during the Math Field Day at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Junior Humza Siddiqui and sophomore Adeesh Mishra placed first and second respectively in the computational math competition. Adeesh also came in second in non-routine level one and Humza placed second in trigonometry.

A total of 25 Poplar Bluff High School students participated in the annual event. The students competed both individually and as part of a team.

 

 

Tuesday April 26, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON FIREARM AND DRUG CHARGESA Poplar Bluff man has been taken into custody on a firearm and drug charge.

Detective Cory Mitchell with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us that the arrested occurred on Friday:

[NEWS CUT – 0010]

CORY MITCHELL:

On Friday at around 6 p.m., myself and TFO Jason Morgan were patrolling in the area of WW and Hendricks street, whenever we observed a truck associated with the drug trade parked on a business parking lot. We noticed that the vehicle was occupied as well as three subjects standing at the rear of the vehicle. We believed this area to be suspicious and believe that there was some type of criminal activity. Therefore, myself and TFO Morgan would investigate. Upon pulling up to the individual standing at the back, a black male later identified as Terrence Fields Jr, quickly placed an item in his mouth. Believing that he was trying to destroy narcotics, we made contact, instructed him to spit out, however he failed. A struggle ensued where he was taken to the ground and he later spit the item out which was a bag containing some methamphetamine. Upon securing him and rolling him over, a Kel Tec 380 fell from his waistband on to the parking lot. He was secured, the Kel Tec was rendered safe. It was loaded, the magazine was loaded with 5 rounds however one was not in the chamber. He was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by certain persons and tampering with physical evidence. He was transported to the police department where he was marandized. During the interview he admitted to locating the firearm in a ditch by a playground on the south end. He retrieved it with the intention to sell the firearm to make some money. He was later lodged in the Butler County Jail where he was formally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by certain person with a $50,000 cash only bond.

Fields, who is a convicted felon, was on parole at the time of his arrest.

 

MAN SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO SHOOTING IN REYNOLDS COUNTY A man was shot multiple times during an incident Monday in Reynolds County.

According to authorities, when officers arrived on the scene early Monday morning they discovered the victim with multiple shooting wounds. The victim’s current condition was not available.

Authorities are searching for 28 year old Weston Kinsey in connection to the shooting. Anyone with information on Kinsey’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department at 573-648-2491.

 

THUNDERSTORM SYSTEM TO MOVE INTO THE AREA TONIGHT A Thunderstorm system carrying the potential for severe weather is expected to move into our listening area tonight.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, chances of thunderstorms will increase as we move throughout today and tonight. Heavy rainfall and lightning will be possible for the storms through tonight.

We have showers and thunderstorms likely for Wednesday, with severe storms containing large hail and damaging winds possible. The National Weather Service says that a tornado cannot be ruled out for the area as well.

 

MULTIPLE POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOLS PLACED ON LOCKDOWN MONDAY Multiple Poplar Bluff schools were on lockdown for a short time Monday following a pursuit in the area.

Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Chris Hon spoke with KWOC News about the lockdown:

[NEWS CUT – 0012]

CHRIS HON:

After being notified by police Monday at around the 1:30 that a traffic stop has resulted in foot pursuit of a suspect, the 5th and 6th grade center, the technical center, and Oak Grove was put on lock down for about 45 minutes. The police continue to stay in touch with us to our school resource officer, Officer Knapp and he was relaying information back and forth. At around 2:30, we removed the lockdown situation. I dismissed our technical career center, the 5th and 6th Grade Center and also later on that day dismissed Oak Grove at its regular time.

Information about the suspects involved in the traffic stop and subsequent pursuit has not been released.

 

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO ARREST OF THREE IN POPLAR BLUFF Three people were taken into custody last week following the execution of a search warrant at a Poplar Bluff residence.

We spoke with Captain Dave Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the arrests:

[NEWS CUTS – 0011]

DAVE SUTTON:

On Friday April 22nd Officers and Detectives with the Poplar Bluff Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2300 block of Tennessee Street in Poplar Bluff. During the execution of this search warrant, Officers found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Danielle Septer, 45, of Dexter, and Danny Roberts, 35, of Poplar Bluff, were arrested and booked on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Aaron Allen, 24, of Bernie, was arrested and booked on an outstanding Dunklin County warrant for Domestic Assault. The investigation continues, and additional arrests may follow.

 

PIPE REPLACMENT TO CAUSE CLOSRUE OF DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TODAY Route V in Dunklin County will be closed today so the Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe beneath the roadway.

Work is scheduled to take place today from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Route 412 and Route P.

Monday April 25, 2016

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED ON US 60 IN STODDARD COUNTYA pedestrian was struck and killed over the weekend near Dudley.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 38 year old Jamie Sifford, of Bloomfield, was walking in the driving lane of US 60 at around 10 pm Saturday night when he was hit by a vehicle. Sifford was later pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to a Dexter hospital.

 

JOSEPH WISDOM WAIVES PRELIMINARY HEARING 33 year old Joseph Wisdom will appear for arraignment early next month in a Butler County courtroom.

The hearing was scheduled after Wisdom waived his preliminary hearing at a court appearance on Friday. The arraignment was set for 9 am on May 3rd.

Wisdom was arrested in March in connection to the shooting death of Stahl Sturgeon, of Doniphan.

 

MAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE OUT OF WAYNE COUNTY Authorities arrested a Patterson man over the weekend on a felony meth charge.

According to authorities, 55 year old William Hicks was arrested early Saturday morning on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. Hicks is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Hicks was taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

BUS CRASH NEAR POPLAR BLUFF INJURES FOURTEEN Over 10 people were injured Friday afternoon when a bus crashed in Butler County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the bus ran into the median of US 60, struck a crossover, and then came to rest on the shoulder, two miles east of Poplar Bluff.

Highway Patrol officials say that 14 people suffered minor injuries during the wreck and were taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff hospitals.

 

KENNETT TEENAGER ARRESTED ON BURGLARY CHARGE A Kennett teenager is facing a burglary charge following an incident that allegedly occurred last week.

According to the Kennett Police Department, early Friday morning officers were dispatched to a residence in reference to a male subject that had reportedly broken into the residence and assaulted a female.

Officers later arrested 19 year old Anthony Queen for 1st degree burglary. Queen was also arrested in connection to a separate burglary that happened on Thursday.

 

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS SHERIFF WARNS OF PHONE SCAM A Sheriff in Northeast Arkansas wants area residents to be aware of a phone scam.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that people have contacted the Clay County dispatch and reported that they have been receiving calls from foreign numbers stating they have won money from the federal government.

Miller says that anyone who receives such a call should not give out any personal information.

 

PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TODAY Route F in Dunklin County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe beneath the roadway.

The section of Route F to be closed is located between Route FF and County Road 628.

Work will take place today from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.