Tuesday, September 29, 2026
TWO MONTH INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF DEXTER MAN ON CHILD EXPLOITATION CHARGE
A man has been taken into custody following an investigation into child sexual abuse material in Stoddard County.
Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout tells KWOC News that in August his department was contacted by the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, regarding a tip of suspicious internet activity.
During the approximately two month investigation, a warrant was obtained to search the suspects social media applications and electronic devices, which yielded a significant amount of child sexual abuse material.
The suspect, identified as 43 year old Matthew Vanvorst, of Dexter, was arrested and is currently being held on a no bond warrant for charges including sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Chief Trout says that the investigation remains active and additional charges may be filed as investigators continue to review evidence.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY MORNING MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Poplar Bluff man was injured in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the 62 year old man was driving the motorcycle on Butler County Road 415 at around 1:45 am Sunday when the vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.
The man suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
WEEKEND SIDE BY SIDE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY LEAVES ONE WITH SERIOUS INJURIES
A crash near Harviell left one person injured Saturday evening.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 60 year old Poplar Bluff man was driving a side by side on Butler County Road 482 when the vehicle ran off the road and overturned.
Officials say that the man was transported by ambulance to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING STRING OF VEHICLE BURGLARIES
Authorities in a Southeast Missouri town are investigating a recent string of vehicle burglaries.
According to the Dexter Police Department, the burglaries were located in an area from Hickory Hills Drive to North Locust Street
Residents in the area are being asked to check your vehicles to see if anything is missing and also to check security or doorbell camera footage from the last several nights to see if you spot anything suspicious.
If your vehicle was gone through, even if nothing was taken, or if you see anything suspicious report it to the Dexter Police Department by calling 573-624-5512.
All residents are also being reminded to lock your vehicles and take any valuables inside your home.
STODDARD COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED THIS WEEK FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS
Route CC in Stoddard County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
Officials say that the work zone is located from Route 114 to Route A and drivers should anticipate short, intermittent closures in the vicinity of the work zone.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Thursday.
INTERSTATE REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Northbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.
The section of Interstate 55 being reduced is located between mile markers 51.6 and 52.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.