MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025

THREE CHARGED IN CONNECTION TO THE MURDER OF MISSING PORTAGEVILLE TEENAGER 

Updating a story we have been following for you, authorities say that they have found the body of a missing Portageville teenager. 

Sergeant Bradley Germann with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control tells KWOC News that investigators located the body of 18 year old Kaniah Jennings on Friday in rural Pemiscot County. 

Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney Steven Horton says that three men have been charged in connection to Jennings murder. 

34 year old Kennan Peoples of Hayti, has been charged murder 1st degree, kidnapping 1st degree, rape 1st degree, and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. 

18 year old Blake Patrick, of East Prairie, is charged with accessory to murder in the 1st degree, rape 1st degree, kidnapping 1st degree, tampering with a motor vehicle 1st degree, stealing a firearm, and stealing over $750. 

38 year old Donald Peoples Jr., of Hayti, is charged with accessory to murder in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. 

Germann added that the DDCC investigation into Jennings' death is ongoing.  Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Highway Patrol Troop E Headquarters at 573-840-9500.

HUNTERS REMINDED TO BE AWARE OF BAITING REGULATIONS 

Deer season is here and the Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding hunters of baiting regulations. 

According to the MDC, the use of bait, including grain or other feed placed or scattered to attract deer or turkey while hunting this fall is illegal. 

A hunter can be in violation if they take or attempt to take a deer by the aid of bait where the hunter knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. An area is considered baited for 10 days after complete removal of the bait. 

Officials say the regulations are in place to help limit the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and to ensure fair chase. 

More information is available at mdc.mo.gov.

FAFSA FRENZY EVENTS COMING TO POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL 

Multiple events have been scheduled over the next few months in Poplar Bluff to help students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

FAFSA Frenzy will be held from 4 to 6 pm at the Poplar Bluff High School Cafeteria on Tuesday, November 18th.

Additional FAFSA Frenzy events have been scheduled for December 11th and January 12th. 

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS OPENING THIS WEEK IN RIPLEY AND WAYNE COUNTIES 

Disaster Recovery Centers will be available this week in Carter and Wayne Counties. 

A center will be opening today from 11 am to 4 pm at the Carter County Courthouse. That center will also be open from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday through Thursday and 10 am to 4 pm on Friday. 

A center has also been opened at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Piedmont. That center will be available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm today and tomorrow. 

Missourians who sustained damage to their primary residence or personal property due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from March 30th through April 8th of this year can visit the centers for one-on-one help. The counties who are eligible include Butler, Carter, Dunklin, New Madrid, Ripley, Stoddard, and Wayne, among others. 

Affected individuals can get help applying for disaster assistance, speak to state or federal representatives, receive updates on their FEMA registration, and more. 

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other underinsured/uninsured disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses. The FEMA registration deadline is December 22nd. More information is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

SHOULDER WORK SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY 

Route F in Stoddard County will be reduced this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform shoulder work.   

The section of roadway being reduced is located from County Road 468 to County Road 462 near Dexter. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, through Friday. 

UNITED GOSPEL RESCUE MISSION TO HOST ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER 

The United Gospel Rescue Mission is providing their annual Thanksgiving Meal on November 27th.  

The meal will be held at around noon on Thanksgiving at the Rescue Mission in Poplar Bluff. If you can’t make it to the rescue mission you can also call ahead and have a meal delivered to you. 

The Rescue Mission is in need of volunteers to help prepare meals leading up to the event. On Thanksgiving, the rescue mission will also need assistance to prepare, serve, and deliver the meals. They are also accepting donations of desserts to be used in the meals. 

Pastor Kirk is expecting to feed many more people this year compared to the over 2,000 meals served last year. 

If you would like more information, want to volunteer, want to schedule a delivery, or want to donate food such as a dessert, call 573-785-4683.