DANNY WHITELEY RETURNS AS POPLAR BLUFF POLICE CHIEF
A familiar face will be taking the reins at the Poplar Bluff Police Department.
Poplar Bluff City Manager Robert Knodell has confirmed with KWOC News that Danny Whiteley will be rejoining the department as the new Poplar Bluff Police Chief.
Whiteley retired from the position in 2022 ending an over two decade tenure at the seat. His successor, Mike McClain, announced his own retirement in March.
Knodell says that the search took longer than initially expected because of the tornado. Knodell added that acting Chief JR Keirsey did an amazing job leading the Department through challenging times, and will remain a key leader in the PBPD command staff.
Poplar Bluff Mayor Shane Cornman says that "Poplar Bluff citizens want public safety to be enhanced and revitalized. There is no better choice than the man who defined excellence in Poplar Bluff law enforcement for a generation, Danny Whiteley."
Knodell tells us, “Poplar Bluff is a great place to call home because of Danny Whiteley’s longtime service, and our future is brighter because he has answered the call yet again. He is the right leader at the right time to make our City safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and I am honored to bring one of my heroes home.”
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey tells KWOC News, “Danny Whiteley has devoted his life to excellence in law enforcement, and I congratulate Rob Knodell for bringing him back as Chief of Police in the great City of Poplar Bluff. His return is a big win for law-abiding citizens, and a big loss for bad actors who would threaten public safety.”
Congressman Jason Smith says that “Danny Whiteley is a legend of law enforcement. He is a treasured friend and his return to Poplar Bluff is a win for the City and for public safety partners across the Eighth District.”
State Senator Jason Bean tells us “I am very excited to see the return of my friend Danny Whiteley as Police Chief of Poplar Bluff. His proven leadership in public safety will enhance and accelerate exciting developments on the horizon for the City.”
SURVEY RELEASED FOR STODDARD AND SCOTT COUNTY TORNADO THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE
The National Weather Service has released the survey for a tornado that killed two people in Southeast Missouri last week.
According to weather officials, the 16 mile long EF-3 tornado started in eastern Stoddard County, along County Highway Y, approximately 5 miles southeast of Bell City.
It removed the roof of a house shortly after touching down and then continued east into Scott County.
The worst damage was found in the Sloanville Drive area where numerous homes were heavily damaged or completely destroyed. The two fatalities occurred along this road. Numerous more homes were either significantly damaged or completely destroyed just west of I-55 and continuing east to Woodhaven Estates.
The tornado lifted just east of Highway O about 3 miles west of Diehlstadt. Officials say that the tornado had a maximum width of 200 yards and also resulted in 10 injuries.
POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON STATUTORY SODOMY CHARGE
A Poplar Bluff woman was taken into custody this week in Butler County on a statutory sodomy charge.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 40 year old Megan Joyce Hicks is accused of having inappropriate contact with an underage subject.
Hicks has been charged with 1st degree statutory sodomy. Her bond was set at $100,000 and she has since posted bond.
COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION CELEBRATE EMS WORKERS FOR EMS WEEK
This week communities across the nation are celebrating some of their first responders for the work they do to keep their residents safe.
This week is National Emergency Medical Services week. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS professionals and the important work they do in our nation's communities.
The EMS Week campaign brings the country together to honor the accomplishments of EMTs, paramedics and other critical team members, in addition to building awareness of their vital role in prehospital medical care, emergency management and community healthcare.
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, this year is the 51st time EMS Week has been observed and features the theme, “We Care. For Everyone.”
KENNETT POLICE RESPOND TO TWO REPORTS OF SHOTS BEING FIRED, RESULTING IN ONE ARREST
Police in Kennett responded to multiple reports of shots being fired in the city Sunday morning.
Shortly after midnight on Sunday, officers responded to an area of North Baldwin, where one subject reported that his vehicle had been hit by a bullet that was fired by an unknown subject.
The investigation into that incident is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department.
Later Sunday morning, officers responded to another call of shots being fired on North Everett Street. That investigation led to a subject, identified as Rantrell Caruthers, being arrested and charged with armed criminal action, assault 1st degree, property damage, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Officials say that Caruthers is being held in custody. It was not released if Caruthers was connected to the first shots fired report.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN KENNETT AREA
Route 412 in Dunklin County will be reduced today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The work zone is located from Route U to Route NN near Kennett.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through 7 p.m.
