BODY FOUND IN ST. FRANCIS RIVER IDENTIFIED AS MISSING WOMAN
The body of a missing Dexter woman was discovered earlier this week in an area river.
According to authorities, a boater on the St. Francis River reported seeing the wheels of a vehicle sticking out of the water Monday night near the Butler and Stoddard County line.
A body was found which has been identified by Stoddard County Coroner Kenny Pope as 39 year old Crystal Brown-Hart, of Dexter. Brown-Hart was reported missing in April.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed this morning in Farmington and the death is under investigation.
HEAT ADVISORY CONTINUES TODAY IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS AND PARTS OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
A heat advisory continues today for Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, heat index readings of 105 degrees or greater are forecast for this afternoon and evening.
Officials say the advisory will be in effect through 8 pm tonight.
For the rest of southeast Missouri, high temperatures in the lower to mid 90s are forecast for today and when you factor in the extreme humidity, it will feel like it is 100 degrees or greater.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioning, and wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
DONATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR FAMILY OF SHERIFF’S DEPUTY THAT WAS SHOT LAST WEEK
Donations are being accepted to assist the family of a Sheriff’s Deputy that was struck by gunfire in the line of duty last week.
Carter County Deputy Brigg Pierson was shot multiple times last Friday while attempting to serve an eviction notice at a Van Buren area residence.
He was transported to a St. Louis hospital and Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens says he is continuing to fight hard and is progressing.
Sheriff Stephens says that donations can be made to assist Pierson’s family during his recovery at any First Midwest Bank location or by going to www.BackupForBrigg.com.
AREA STUDENTS TO RETURN TO CLASSES THIS WEEK
Students in some southeast Missouri communities will be returning to school this week.
The school year is set to begin today in the Puxico R-8 school district. Coming up tomorrow, students in Van Buren will return to classes.
One of the final schools to begin classes this year in Southeast Missouri is the Dexter R-11 school district, which will have their first day on August 28th.
AREA MAN FACING DRUG AND WEAPON CHARGES
An area man was taken into custody Tuesday in Butler County on drug and weapon charges.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 37 year old Jestin Smith, of Neelyville, was arrested Tuesday night on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and marijuana as well as unlawful use of a weapon.
Smith is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
EARTHQUAKE SHAKES SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
An earthquake shook parts of Southeast Missouri on Tuesday.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.5 earthquake was recorded at 6:16 Wednesday evening.
The earthquake was centered approximately seven and a half miles south of New Madrid and had a depth of over five miles.
KENNETT WOMAN FACING METHAMPHETAMINE AND PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES
Authorities in Pemiscot County have arrested a Kennett woman on a felony controlled substance charge.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Lorine Childs was taken into custody Tuesday morning on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine.
She is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following her arrest, Childs was held at the Pemiscot County Jail.
