Wednesday, November 21, 2018

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN KILLED AFTER BEING HIT BY MULTIPLE VEHICLES

An Arkansas man has died after being hit by two vehicles Tuesday in Greene County.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell KWOC News that the incident occurred on Highway 412 at around 5:15 am Tuesday morning.

The deceased has been identified as 80 year old Glen Maple, of Light.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI SHERIFF PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT

A Southeast Missouri Sheriff has agreed to resign from his post as a part of a guilty plea on multiple charges.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 35 year old Cory Hutcheson, of East Prairie, has pled guilty to wire fraud and to illegally possessing and transferring the means of identification of others, in this case mobile telephone numbers, without lawful authority, and in connection with the commission of the state felony crime of forgery.

As part of the plea, Hutcheson agreed to resign as Mississippi County Sheriff no later than November 24th.

His sentencing has been scheduled for February 28th. Hutcheson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 on the wire fraud charge and not more than 5 years and a fine of $250,000 on the transfer of identification information charge.

PORTAGEVILLE POLICE SEEKING INFORMATION IN CONNECTION TO A LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVESTIGATION

Authorities in Portageville are asking for the public’s assistance in connection to an ongoing investigation.

According to the Portageville Police Department, the police department and the highway patrol are investigating a leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash that occurred at 12th and Mac Arthur.

Officials say that the suspect vehicle struck a building and is a 99-07 GMC truck or SUV.

The vehicle is possibly white in color, sustained front end damage and is missing the passenger side headlight, daytime running light, and splash guard on the bumper.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Portageville Police Department at 573-379-5500.

APPROXIMATELY 800 MEALS SERVED DURING COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER

Approximately 800 meals were served last week during the Poplar Bluff Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the High School.

According to Trish Wilson, food services office manager and safety coordinator, a total of 13 44-pound cases of turkey breast were purchased for the 9th annual event, which was held last Thursday.

The event was sponsored by Chartwells School Dining Services in collaboration with the Student Council.

The Student Council also collected $200 in donations for the Haven House. This brings their fundraising total to over $1,000 for the women's shelter. Students also accepted winter wear to help stock the Giving Closet.

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR ENTRY INTO THE RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

The deadline is coming up to get your entry in for the 2018 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm on Friday, December 7th. Entry forms are available at River Radio as well as on our Facebook page and website. The deadline to submit your float entry is November 23rd.

The parade route this year will run from Highway 142 at McDonalds through downtown Poplar Bluff before looping back and ending at the Black River Coliseum.

Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. For more information, call 785-0881.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AUTO TOUR TO OPEN THIS WEEKEND

The official opening of the 26th Annual Festival of Lights Auto Tour is set for Friday.

The Wappapello Lake Area Association and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be partnering for this year’s event at the Redman Creek East Campground from November 23rd through December 30th.

The free tour will be open on weekends from 4 to 9 pm through December 10th, and then every night from December 15th through the 30th.

For more information, visit the Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page.


MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TO DRIVE SAFELY OVER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Many Missouri residents are getting ready to get on the road to see their family over the Thanksgiving holiday, but officials are urging motorists to keep safety in mind.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, during the 2017 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 17 people were killed and another 555 were injured in 1,364 traffic crashes.

During the holiday weekend, troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and making themselves available to assist the public.

The Highway Patrol’s Emergency Report line 1-800-525-5555, or (star)55 on a cellular phone. Motorists should use the emergency line if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

THANKSGIVING COOKING SAFETY TIPS

Thanksgiving is almost here, and the American Red Cross is reminding you to stay safe while you prepare the holiday dinner.

The Red Cross advises that cooks should avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while preparing the holiday meal. You should also never leave the stove unattended – if the cook has to leave the kitchen even for a short time, they should turn off the stove.

Remember to clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup and keep anything that can catch fire, including pot holders, oven mitts, and food packaging, away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

Children and pets also bring an increased chance of accidents and should be kept away from the cooking area.