Monday May 16, 2016

TWO KILLED IN HEAD ON COLLISION IN DUNKLIN COUNTYTwo Campbell residents have died in connection to a head on collision Friday night in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a vehicle, driven by 24 year old Shawn Skaggs, of Campbell, crossed the center line of US Highway 62 and hit another vehicle head on.

Two people in the second vehicle, 46 year old James Kerperien and 44 year old Stephanie Kerperien, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Skaggs was reportedly arrested a short time later on two counts of involuntary manslaughter. He was held in the Dunklin County Jail.

 

GIRL TAKEN BY HER NON CUSTODIAL FATHER FOUND SAFE A man is in custody after him and his daughter went missing last week.

According to authorities, the five year old girl from Kennett was taken by her father, Andrew Brown last Thursday. Brown does not have custody of the child and he and the girl were found by police Friday night.

The girl was returned to her guardian and Brown was taken into custody.

 

ROUTE 60 IN BUTLER COUNTY TO BE REDUCED OVER TWO DAYS THIS WEEK Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Butler County this week for pavement repairs on Route 60.

During the project, Eastbound Route 60 will be reduced to one lane between Marble Hill Road and County Road 554 so crews can seal the roadway on a bridge.

Work is scheduled to be performed from 7 am to 3:30 pm both today and tomorrow, weather permitting.

 

PEMISCOT COUNTY WRECK LEAVES TWO DEAD, ONE INJURED Two people have died, and another is seriously injured following a two vehicle wreck Friday morning in Pemiscot County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 82 year old Maxine Hogan allegedly pulled into the path of another vehicle and was struck. Hogan was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in her vehicle, 86 year old T L Hogan, of Deering, and the driver of the second vehicle 22 year old Ian Wilson, of Hayti, were taken to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center in Memphis, Tennessee. T L Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING FELONY DRUG RELATED CHARGES A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple felony charges in connection to his arrest Sunday afternoon.

According to authorities, 33 year old Aaron Johnson was arrested on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Johnson was taken to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

MALDEN WOMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG WARRANT A bond has been set at $50,000 for a Malden woman arrested on a drug warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 31 year old Tonya Marie Patterson was arrested on a warrant for two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

The Sheriff’s Department says Patterson remained in jail as of this morning.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO BEGIN THIS WEEK IN BUTLER COUNTY Route FF in Butler County will be reduced to one lane for most of this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

The section of roadway to be reduced is located between Route 51 and Route CC.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

 

Friday, May 13, 2016

   

 

EAST PRAIRIE MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TWO VEHICLE WRECK

Two East Prairie residents were taken to an area hospital Thursday morning following a two vehicle wreck.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at Highway 105 and County Road 407 in Mississippi County, shortly before 8 am.

A vehicle driven by 46 year old Larry Archie reportedly failed to yield and struck another vehicle. Archie suffered serious injuries in the wreck, while a passenger in his vehicle received moderate injuries. Both people were taken by ambulance to Missouri Delta Medical Center.

 

 

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION HELD LAST NIGHT

The Poplar Bluff School District has dismissed for the summer and the Class of 2016 was honored at the graduation ceremony held last night.

The Ceremony was held at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

The senior class valedictorian was Jackson Rideout.

 

 

END OF SCHOOL YEAR BASH SET FOR SUNDAY IN DONIPHAN

Doniphan for Football Incorporated will be hosting an end of school year bash this weekend.

The event is scheduled for 1 to 4 pm Sunday at the Doniphan High School Ballpark.

Organizers say there will be music, an auction, a 50/50 drawing, and lots of food at the bash.

The event is raising money to help bring football to the Doniphan High School.

 

 

CURRENT RIVER CLEAN UP EVENT TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND

A clean-up event for Current River will be held this weekend.

Sign in for the event will begin at 7 am Saturday at the Doniphan Boat Ramp. The clean-up will start at 8 am and finish at 4 pm.

For more information, contact Dustin Turner at 609-1969.

 

 

FIRST POPLAR BLUFF CRUISE IN NIGHTS OF THE YEAR SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT

Tonight is the first scheduled Poplar Bluff Cruise in Night of 2016.

On the second Friday of each month through October, vehicles will cruise from Hefner’s to Downtown beginning at 6 pm. There will also be entertainment, raffles, concessions, and more as a part of the event.

There is no entry fee and all vehicles are welcome. For more information, contact Bennie or Beverly Roach at 573-785-1050.

 

 

EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND IN POPLAR BLUFF TO CELEBRATE KIDS WHO WEAR GLASSES, CONTACTS, OR PATCHES

An event has been scheduled for this weekend to celebrate children who wear glasses, contacts, or patches.

The Great Glasses Play Day will be held from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday at Hendrickson Park in Poplar Bluff. The event will feature games, crafts, snacks, giveaways, and special visitors.

Organizers say that Great Glasses Play Day is also a day to raise awareness about the importance of childhood vision problems and the early detection of these problems to save children’s sight.

 

 

MOVIE NIGHT TO BE HELD AT PLEASANT HILL FAMILY CENTER

The Pleasant Hill M.B. Church’s movie night has been set for this Friday.

A presentation of “42: The Jackie Robinson Story,” will begin at 6:30 pm at the Pleasant Hill Family Center in Poplar Bluff.

The cost to attend is $3.50 and will also include popcorn and a drink.

Thursday May 12, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING CHARGES AFTER CHILDREN FOUND IN HAZARDOUS LIVING CONDITIONSA Poplar Bluff man is facing charges after his children were reportedly found in hazardous living conditions.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Tuesday night Police Officer and an investigator with the Butler County Children’s Division made contact with Michael West and Vanessa May at an area residence.

While investigating the residence, the authorities found a child’s bedroom that was empty with a concrete floor, an empty plastic shelf, and no visible light other than the light from the window. May said they would put down an air mattress for the child to sleep on. The child also had bruised areas on their face.

Another bedroom was occupied by two other children. The bedroom contained stacks of totes all over the room stacked approximately 5 feet high. The three children were placed in possession of a family member.

Later that night, the officer was dispatched back to the residence in reference to a dispute. At the residence, a neighbor told officers that West had threatened them. 41 year old Michael West was placed into custody and is facing charges of 2nd degree endangering the welfare of a child, peace disturbance, and tampering with a victim.

 

PIEDMONT RESIDENT ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE Authorities in Wayne County have arrested a Piedmont resident on a felony drug charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 50 year old Lori Seiffert was taken into custody Wednesday evening on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Seiffert is also facing a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.

 

BARK IN THE PARK TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND A fun event for dog lovers is coming up this weekend in Poplar Bluff.

The Animal Welfare Alliance will be holding its annual “Bark in the Park” event on Sunday, May 15th from 2 to 5 pm at Hendrickson Park. Some events to be held include dog training demonstrations, a pet parade and goofy pet contests.

Admission is $1 per dog. Owners are also asked to make sure there dogs are on leashes.

 

THREE RIVERS STUDENT PLACES IN THE TOP TEN IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION A Three Rivers College student from Poplar Bluff has placed in the top ten of an international competition.

Madison Miller placed in the top ten of Collegiate DECA’s international competition in Washington, D.C.

Miller had previously placed third in the Banking and Financial Services competition in March at the DECA State Career Development Conference.

Collegiate DECA helps high school and college students prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Officials say that Miller will graduate from Three Rivers this month with an associate’s degree in Business Management.

 

PEDESTRIAN SERIOUSLY INJURED DURING COLLISION IN NEW MADRID COUNTY A pedestrian was injured Wednesday morning during a collision in New Madrid County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 59 year old Milisav Bozovic was under a parked freightliner on Interstate 55 when the vehicle was hit from behind by another freightliner.

Bozovic was seriously injured in the collision and was taken to St. Francis Medical Center. No other injuries were reported from the wreck.

 

BLOOMFIELD RESIDENT FACING CHARGES OF POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD A Bloomfield resident is facing multiple charges out of Stoddard County.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 22 year old Alana Jo Hensley is being held on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a child, and driving while suspended.

Hensley’s bond has been set at $7,500.

 

24TH ANNUAL LETTER CARRIERS STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND Poplar Bluff residents will have an opportunity to help out multiple local charities this weekend.

The 24th Annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has been scheduled for this Saturday. Anyone wishing to participate simply needs to put out a bag of non-perishable food either by or in your mailbox. Your letter carrier will then pick it up for you.

All food donations in Poplar Bluff will stay in the city with donations going to the Rescue Mission, Haven House, St. Vincent De Paul, and other local charities.

 

FOUR POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS RECIVE STATE AWARD Four Poplar Bluff student athletes have been chosen for the prestigious Missouri Good Sport honor for their exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity.

Katie Huskey and Steven Haley of Poplar Bluff Senior High School, and Kiley Bess and Trenton Davis of the Junior High were given the awards earlier this month by Athletic Director Kent Keith.

According to Jason West, Missouri State High School Activities Association communications director, the state award is intended to recognize students that have had a positive impact on the student body through their participation in extra-curricular activities.

Thousands awarded through Montgomery Scholarship program

montgomery-slider

Five hard-working seniors recently earned scholarships through The Montgomery Family Foundation, which awards college funds to Poplar Bluff Senior High students annually among over 30 other secondary schools and universities across several states. The mission of the Montgomery Foundation is to: “provide scholarship funds to ‘B' students who possess the ...read more

Source: Poplar Bluff Mules

Wednesday May 11, 2016

CAMPBELL MAN IN CUSTDOY IN CONNECTION TO FATAL WRECK THAT OCCURRED IN DECEMBERA Campbell man is in custody in connection to a fatal wreck that occurred in December.

According to authorities, Corey Thompson turned himself in on Tuesday. Thompson was involved in a wreck on December 19th that resulted in the deaths of 52 year old Jimmy Harrison and 45 year old Billy Faucett.

A vehicle driven by Thompson reportedly crossed the center line of Highway 53 in Dunklin County and struck a vehicle containing Harrison and Faucett head on.

Thompson was taken to an area hospital with moderate injuries following the wreck.

 

FISK RESIDENT IN CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGE A Fisk resident is in custody in Stoddard County on a controlled substance charge.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 29 year old Alexis Peters is being held on a $12,500 cash only bond for possession of a controlled substance.

The Sheriff’s Department says that Peters remained in jail as of this morning.

 

SUMMER VACATION STARTS THURSDAY FOR POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS Summer vacation will begin Thursday for students in the Poplar Bluff School District and Superintendent Chris Hon says that different grades will be released at different times.

Hon tells us that the 5th and 6th grade center will be the first to be dismissed at 11:30 am, followed by the Junior High at 11:35, and the Senior High at 11:52.

The Kindergarten Center will be dismissed at 12:30 pm and the grades 1 through 4 buildings will finish the school year at 12:45.

The 2016-17 school year is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 1st.

 

NAMES RELEASED OF THOSE INVOLVED IN HAYTI SHOOTING Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, a Hayti woman has been charged with 1st degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting.

According to authorities, 28 year old John Thomas was shot in the back of the head during an incident Monday night.

Thomas’s girlfriend, 37 year old Lisa Hooper was taken into custody and is facing charges of 1st degree murder and armed criminal action.

 

YARD SALE THIS WEEKEND TO BENEFIT ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL A yard sale has been scheduled for this weekend in Poplar Bluff for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The yard sale will be held on Saturday at the Briggs and Stratton parking lot.

Anyone who would like more information or wants booth space can call 573-686-3004.

 

POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENT RECIEVES AWARD FROM DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION A Poplar Bluff resident has received an award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Wendy Spradling was awarded a Distinguished Citizen Medal at a ceremony held during a recent “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” event at Three Rivers College.

Spradling, who served in the Army from 1978 to 1980, was nominated for the award for her volunteer work as a “Vietnam veteran locator” and for her efforts organizing veterans events in the Poplar Bluff area.

Tuesday May 10, 2016

DOWNED TREES AND POWER OUTAGES REPORTED FOLLOWING LAST NIGHTS STORMSHeavy winds and rainfall last night caused havoc across Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, there were trees and power lines knocked down, cutting off power in multiple communities including Van Buren and Doniphan.

In Poplar Bluff, several trees were reported down, blocking parts of PP Highway. In greater Butler County, a tree was blown onto a garage on County Road 469 and trees and power lines were down on Highway 142.

A tree was also snapped two feet from its base in Dexter. In Sikeston, multiple trees were down across the city and a building was also missing part of its roof.

 

KENNETT MAN SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A single vehicle wreck in Pemiscot County has left a Kennett man with serious injuries.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 23 year old KC Carter ran off the side of Route C near Deering Monday evening. Carter’s vehicle then hit a ditch and overturned.

Carter, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Twin Rivers Hospital in Kennett.

 

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR INDIVIDUAL IN CONNECTION TO FRAUD INVESTIGATION Authorities in Poplar Bluff are searching for a person of interest in connection to a fraud investigation.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department say the investigation is for a fraudulent use of a credit device. Police have released a picture of the individual, which is available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone with information on the identity of the individual is asked to contact Detective Scott Phelps at 573-686-8641.

 

GIRL INVOLVED IN TENNESSEE AMBER ALERT POSSIBLY SEEN IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI A girl involved in an Amber Alert out of Tennessee has possibly been seen in Southeast Missouri.

The Amber Alert was issued last Thursday out of Rogersville, Tennessee for 9 year old Carlie Trent. Carlie was removed from school last week by her uncle Gary Simpson under false pretenses. The Amber Alert says Simpson has no custodial rights to Carlie.

Carlie is 4'8" tall, weighs 75lbs with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black and grey tank top and blue jeans. Simpson is a 57 year-old white male, 5'10" tall, weighing 157lbs. He is balding and has brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown cap, a dark colored shirt and jeans.

The Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department is saying that there was a possible sighting at approximately 2 pm Sunday on Highway 61 at the Caruthersville / Braggadocio Exit area. There was a child wearing a grey or white baseball cap in an older model van.

The Amber Alert says Simpson was last seen driving a white 2002 Dodge Conversion Van with a Tennessee registration 173GPS. The van has a dark stripe down the middle with light gold running boards and paint is chipping off of the hood.

A warrant has been issued for Simpson for Kidnapping and anyone with information on the pair’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

 

ONE IN CUSTODY ON MURDER CHARGE IN HAYTI A suspect has been taken into custody on a murder charge in connection to an overnight incident in Hayti.

According to authorities, the suspect is being held on charges of 1st degree murder and armed criminal action. No information has been released on the identity of the suspect or the victim in the case.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

 

ROAD WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY A U.S. 60 westbound off ramp to Route 25 in Stoddard County is scheduled to be reduced to one lane beginning today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

The work zone is located at the off ramp of Route 60 going west to Route 25.

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

 

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR TAKES FIRST PLACE IN FBLA STATE COMPETITION A Poplar Bluff High School student has qualified to participate in a national competition based on his performance at the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference.

Senior Christian Cmehil-Warn won first place in the category of cyber security during the event that was held last month in Springfield.

Since Cmehil-Warn scored highest on the test in Missouri, he has qualified to participate in the National Leadership Conference, beginning late next month in Atlanta.

He also received an achievement award for completing more than 500 hours of community service.

Monday May 9, 2016

BLOOMFIELD WOMAN DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN ILLINOISA Bloomfield woman has died from injuries she received in a single vehicle wreck on Saturday.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred Saturday morning on Interstate 57 in Franklin County, Illinois. A vehicle driven by 70 year old Patricia Huston travelled off the side of the road and overturned.

Huston was taken by air to an Indiana hospital and later died.

 

MISSING WOMAN FOUND ALIVE IN WAYNE COUNTY Authorities have found a Poplar Bluff woman who was reported missing last week.

A search had been ongoing for 36 year old Kelly Holcomb before she was found alive on US 67 Saturday morning in Wayne County.

She was taken to an area hospital.

 

DONIPHAN TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Doniphan teenager received serious injuries over the weekend in a single vehicle wreck in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 15 year old girl was in a vehicle that ran off the side of Pumpkin Patch Road near Doniphan and struck a tree Saturday night.

The teen was taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. No injuries were listed for the driver of the vehicle.

 

ALMOST A MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANT MONEY APPROVED FOR POPLAR BLUFF The city of Poplar Bluff will received almost a million dollars in grant money to assist in repairing damage from flooding in 2011.

The $955,000 Community Development Block Grant was approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

This project will assist in the acquisition and demolition of twenty residential properties affected by the 2011 flooding and also includes funding for a hydraulic study of Pike Creek.

 

ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR WOMAN WHO ALLEGEDLY LEFT BABY ALONE An arraignment has been scheduled for a Poplar Bluff teen who allegedly left her baby home alone.

According to Missouri Case Net, the initial arraignment for 19 year old Jasmine Baldazo was set for Thursday at 9 am. Baldazo is facing a charge of 1st degree abandonment of a child.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, in March officers found a child lying in a bed crying at an area residence. The child had a heavily soiled diaper and it was not clear how long she had been left unattended. She was found lying in a bed with a fan blowing over her, and an empty bottle was lying next to her.

The child’s mother, Beldazo, was found a few days later after she checked herself into a local hospital. Beldazo admitted to investigators that she had become overwhelmed and left the child unattended.

 

CAMPBELL TEEN FACING FELONY DRUG CHARGES FOLLOWING WEEKEND ARREST Authorities arrested a teenager over the weekend on felony drug charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 19 year old Cameron Gunter, of Campbell, was arrested Saturday night on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and Xanax along with possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is also facing charges of driving while intoxicated – drugs and driving while suspended. Following the arrest, Gunter was held in the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office.

 

KENNETT POLICE INVESTIGATING INCIDENT AT AREA BUSINESS Kennett Police are investigating an incident that happened early Thursday morning at an area business.

According to the Kennett Police Department, at around 2:30 am Thursday, officers were dispatched to a burglar alarm at Bootheel Guns and Ammo and found a window had been broken out.

The owner checked the building and determined that approximately $6000 in merchandise was missing.

The case is under investigation and anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department at 573-888-4622.

 

BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD UNTIL AUGUST Route HH in Dunklin County is closed beginning today so contractor crews can replace a bridge with a box culvert.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the bridge is located between Route 153 and County Road 282.

Weather permitting, work began this morning at 6 a.m. The bridge will re-open on Monday, August 1st at 6 p.m.

 

 

Wednesday May 4, 2016

SPIKE STRIPS DEPLOYED DURING CHASE WHICH CROSSED FROM ARKANSAS TO MISSOURIPoplar Bluff and Butler County officials were involved in a chase early Tuesday morning that crossed over from Northeast Arkansas to Southeast Missouri.

We spoke with Investigator Wess Popp about the case.

WESS POPP:

Approximately 1 a.m., Butler County dispatch was contacted by Clay County authorities that they were in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. It was a 1987 Chevy Astro van, the van had passed a Clay County deputy and he began Pursuit. As it neared the Missouri state line, Clay County called Butler County dispatch advised them they were in a Pursuit with that 87 van and that they were on Highway 67 heading to Neelyville. Deputies were dispatched along with Highway Patrol to assist. The deputies make contact at approximately Harville aboput 160 158 and continued the pursuit. The vehicle was traveling Northbound in the southbound Lane at approximately 90 miles an hour. A Butler County Deputy was ahead of the vehicle being pursued activating its emergency lights to warn travelers that were in the southbound lane to get them to pull over, in case there was any traffic so there wouldn't be a collision. The pursuit got up to M Highway and 67. The Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to lay spike strips which the suspect went around and continued Northbound in the southbound lane. Sergeant Joe Ward from the Poplar Bluff City Police Department was at PP Highway and was able to lay spike strips as well which the vehicle ran over causing two of the tires to deflate where the suspect then surrendered to law enforcement. The suspect was identified as Jason Jeffers and it was learned that he had punched out the ignition and use a screwdriver to steal that vehicle. On the suspect was also some hydrocodone. In Butler County he will be facing charges and warrants will be sought for resisting arrest, careless and imprudent driving, and also possession of a controlled substance.

 

PIEDMONT MAN FACING METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE Authorities arrested a Piedmont man Tuesday afternoon on a meth charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Bryan Swift is facing a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine following the arrest.

Swift also reportedly had felony warrants out of Carter County for dangerous drugs and distribution of a controlled substance.

 

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION UNDERWAY AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE An exhibition is underway at Three Rivers College showcasing art created by Three Rivers students.

The exhibition is on display at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center through May 13th with an awards ceremony also scheduled for 6 pm on May 5th. The art was all produced throughout the 2015-16 academic year.

The Tinnin Center will also be hosting a concert by the Three Rivers Music Department on May 10th at 7 pm. The free concert will feature the Three Rivers College Choir and the Jazz Band.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY A ramp on Eastbound 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

MoDOT officials tell us that the Eastbound Route 60 on-ramp from Route 25 will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both today and tomorrow.

 

CLUBB WOMAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED A Clubb woman is facing a felony drug charge in connection to her arrest Tuesday afternoon.

According to authorities, 32 year old Rhonda Zimmer was arrested in Wayne County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Zimmer is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated – drugs. Following the arrest, Zimmer was held in the Wayne County Jail.

 

DONIPHAN POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH ALCOHOL ENFOREMENT CAMPAIGN Police in Doniphan have announced that they will be participating in a youth enforcement campaign to reduce drunk driving.

The Doniphan Police Department will be one of many law enforcement agencies involved in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” substance–impaired driving crackdown. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Doniphan will run from May 5th to May 16th.

Police officials say that officers will be aggressively looking for substance–impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired.

 

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TOMORROW FOR BRIDGE MAINTENANCE Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Dunklin County tomorrow for bridge maintenance.

During the maintenance, Route O in Dunklin County will be closed from 6:30 am to 4 pm.

The work zone will be located between Route W and Providence Street.

 

PBJHS STUDENTS WIN REGIONAL UNDERWATER ROBOT COMPETITION A team of Poplar Bluff Junior High School students have taken 1st place at a regional underwater robot competition.

The students placed first out of about 10 intermediate schools in the scout division of the fourth annual remotely operated vehicle competition of the Northern Gulf. The competition was held in late April in Mobile, Alabama.

Out of a possible 340 points, Mules Aquaticus scored 248, 75 points ahead of the second place team, according to SINGS instructor Tom Allen.

 

 

Tuesday May 3, 2016

CHILD STRUCK AND KILLED BY VEHICLE IN STODDARD COUNTYA young teenager has died after he was hit by a vehicle Monday in Stoddard County.

According to authorities, 13 year old Tristan Morrison was struck by the vehicle Monday afternoon at a Dexter intersection.

Morrison was taken to an area hospital where he died.

 

KENNETT POLICE ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MISSING PERSON Authorities in Kennett are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell us that 42 year old Tyrone Price was reported missing shortly after 1 pm on Sunday.

Price was last seen last Tuesday or Wednesday getting into a black SUV near his residence on Baldwin Street.

Price is described as an African American male, approximately six feet one inch and weighing approximately 190 pounds.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Price is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 573-888-4622.

 

THREE RIVERS COLLEGE TO HOLD MASS CASUALTY TRAINING EVENT Three Rivers College will hold its bi-annual mass casualty training event today.

The event will be held on the Westwood Campus of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. The training helps prepare students in participating programs for a mass casualty emergency such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

Students from several fields of study will participate in the training, including three classes of nursing, EMT, LPN, and Paramedic students. The training will also receive support from local hospitals and ambulance services.

In keeping with the training’s focus on realism, the students themselves will coordinate much of the event, with students serving in leadership and command/control positions.

The college is also keeping the type of “disaster” under wraps, so that students have no chance to prepare beforehand.

 

TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP IN KENNETT A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two people on Monday.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers conducted the stop Monday afternoon on U.S. 412. During the stop, a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle and permission was granted to conduct a search.

Following the search, officers arrested 40 year old Doyle Gray, of Risco, and 42 year old Angeleke Bradley, of Malden, for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Both parties were taken to the Dunklin County Justice Center on 24 hour holds.

 

MULTIPLE ENFORCEMENT PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that they will be holding multiple enforcement projects this month in Southeast Missouri.

Captain Jeffrey Vitale tells us that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Stoddard County and a driving while intoxicated saturation will be held in Dunklin County.

Vitale says the checkpoint is a static operation on a specific highway that is designed to check every driver to ensure they are sober. The driving while intoxicated saturation is a mobile operation in which troopers saturate a specific area in an effort to arrest impaired drivers.

The operation will be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.

 

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO BE CONDUCTED TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY Route O in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 10 foot width restriction today and tomorrow as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located between Mallard Lane and Route V V. Work will take both days from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday April 2, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF MAN SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES IN COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 160A Poplar Bluff man was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries Sunday afternoon following a collision on Highway 160.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle, driven by 24 year old Ashley Hicks, of Poplar Bluff, pulled into the path of a second vehicle, driven by 38 year old Donald Brazel.

Both Brazel and Hicks were taken to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical center following the incident. The Highway Patrol says Brazel was seriously injured while Hicks had minor injuries.

 

TWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING SEARCH OF PIGGOTT RESIDENCE Two Piggott residents were taken into custody Friday in Clay County in connection to the search of a Piggott residence.

Officers conducted the search after they were notified of possible drug activity. According to Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller, during the search authorities found numerous items of felony drug paraphernalia and placed 55 year old Vonceil Lockard and 31 year old Micah Walker into custody.

At the Clay County Detention Center, Lockard was found to be in possession of 3.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine along with a small amount of suspected marijuana.

Lockard was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance - marijuana.

Walker was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

WOMAN CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING AFTER USING FAKE NAME TO CHECK STUDENT OUT OF PB SCOOL A Poplar Bluff woman was taken into custody last week after she allegedly used a fake name to check a student out of school.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell us that the 13 year old child’s father told officers on Thursday that 37 year old Lori Flickinger had checked his child out of Poplar Bluff Junior High School on Wednesday. He also told police that he does not know Flickinger.

Authorities learned during an investigation that Flickinger went to the school at 11:40 am Wednesday and told school officials that she was the juvenile’s sister and that she was checking the child out of school for a family matter.

She signed the juvenile out of school using a false name and took the juvenile to eat at a local restaurant and then to Flickinger’s residence.

The juvenile stayed at the residence for a couple of hours before being dropped off at an afterschool church activity that the juvenile was originally supposed to attend.

While talking to investigators, Flickinger admitted to the incident and said that she is a friend of the juvenile’s biological mother. Flickinger was arrested on a charge of kidnapping.

 

THREE MONTH LONG ROAD PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY Motorists in Butler County should be prepared for delays this summer on Route 60.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route 60 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane between Route W and County Road 521 so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

Work is scheduled to start today and will be performed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Monday, August 1st.

 

KENNETT MAN ARRESTED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY ON METH CHARGE A Kennett man is facing drug related felony charges following his arrest over the weekend in Dunklin County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 27 year old Jerry Gage was taken into custody early Sunday morning on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gage is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated – drugs.

 

TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WAYNE COUNTY WRECK A teenager was seriously injured Friday evening in a single vehicle wreck.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred on Missouri Highway 49, seven miles south of Mill Spring in Wayne County. A vehicle driven by 18 year old Chelsea Middleton, of Mill Spring, ran off the road, struck an embankment, and overturned.

Middleton, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was ejected from the vehicle and taken to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. A one year old child in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS IN STODDARD COUNTY A Ramp on Eastbound 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane early this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The ramp is the Eastbound Route 60 off ramp to Route 25.

Work will take place today and tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

 

STUDENTS FROM 11 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATED IN 38TH ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY FAIR Students from 11 high schools across Southeast Missouri were in Poplar Bluff last week to show off their talents in woodworking, metalworking, drafting, robotics, and more, at the 38th Annual Industrial Technology Fair.

The Fair was held April 27th at Three Rivers College and featured over 308 student-created projects competing for the chance to move on to the state industrial technology competition at Lake of the Ozarks.

Chaffee High School student Hannah Seyer took home the Best of Show award for her Walnut and Maple Rocking Chair, while Chaffee High School was awarded Best School.

Friday April 29, 2016

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY ON THE JOB FOR POPLAR BLUFF DEPUTY POLICE CHIEFToday is the final day on the job for Poplar Bluff Police Department Deputy Chief Jeff Rolland.

KWOC News spoke with Rolland about his career and retirement:

[NEWS CUT - 0011]

JEFF ROLLAND:

I started my law enforcement career in 1984 when I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went through the MP training in the Marine Corps Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. I spent four years in the Marine Corps as a MP, when I was discharged Cindy and I moved back to Poplar Bluff, went back to work for the Butler County Sheriff's Office as a road deputy. Spent two-and-a-half years there until August 1st of 1990 when I was hired by the Poplar Bluff Police Department. I spent 26 years with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, been in the Patrol Division, Narcotics investigator, detective, Captain in charge of the detective Division, and then promoted to Deputy Chief of Police. The last 10 years with the Poplar Bluff Police Department my main function is to make sure that we meet budgetary goals, that the road officers, the detectives, and the other division commanders have the assets they need to serve the public to the best of our abilities. It's humbling it's an honor to serve the citizens of this great Community as their Deputy Chief of Police. I truly believe that the police department belongs to the public. It's their agency we just get to serve it for very brief period time. I'm honored and humbled that I was able to spend 26 years with the Poplar Bluff PD, two and a half years with the Butler County Sheriff's Office and the public put that trust in me. I love this community. To the residents of Poplar Bluff and Butler County, thank you very much.

Rolland will be succeeded by Donnie Trout as Poplar Bluff Deputy Chief of Police.

 

POPLAR BLUFF TEEN ARRESTED AFTER MARIJUANA FOUND IN A VEHICLE A Poplar Bluff teenager has been taken into custody after police found marijuana during the search of a vehicle.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, an officer conducted a search of a vehicle Wednesday as a part of a narcotics investigation.

While searching the vehicle, the officer discovered approximately 56 grams of marijuana. A passenger in the vehicle, 19 year old Trevor Crook, told the officer that the marijuana in the vehicle was his.

Crook was taken into custody for possession of more than 35 grams of marijuana. He was later lodged into the Butler County Justice Center awaiting bond.

 

METHAMPHETAMINE AND GUNS FOUND IN CORNING RESIDENCE Officials in Northeast Arkansas say six people have been taken into custody after guns and meth were found in a Corning residence.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that the Corning Police Department and Clay County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at the home Thursday morning.

During the search, officials located 10.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 7.9 grams of suspected marijuana. 14 firearms were also located in the house, one of which was a loaded sawed off 12 gauge shotgun.

Miller says that six people were arrested and additional information will be released after further investigation.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REPUBLICANS TO MEET IN POPLAR BLUFF TO SELECT DELEGATS FOR REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION Republicans in Southeast Missouri will be convening in Poplar Bluff to select delegates for the 2016 Republican National Convention.

We spoke with Eddy Justice, Chairman of the 8th Congressional District, about the event on Saturday:

[NEWS CUTS – 0012]

EDDY JUSTICE:

This Saturday on the campus of Three Rivers college at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, delegates of 29 counties in the 8th district will Converge on Poplar Bluff to elect three delegates and three alternates to the Republican National Convention. The delegates will also elect an elector a member of the Electoral College to represent the 8th District. These delegates that are elected will go to the Republican National Convention and will vote for Donald Trump on the first ballot at the convention. These delegates will vote for Donald Trump on the first ballot because of the election results held in the presidential preference primary earlier this year, in which Donald Trump won by 12,065 votes.

The event is scheduled to start Saturday at 10 am.

 

DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH IN POPLAR BLUFF The Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will be holding a drug take back event this weekend.

We spoke with Captain Dave Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the event:

[NEWS CUT - 0010]

DAVE SUTTON:

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Black River Coliseum at 301 S. 5th. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

In addition, other area agencies, including the Doniphan Police Department, have announced they will be holding a take back event this weekend.

 

VFW RIDERS POKER RUN SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY The VFW Riders District 15 West and Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church will be teaming up for a Poker Run on Saturday.

Registration for the event will begin at 8:30 am at the Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church on D Highway. The run will begin at 11 am. Some of the proceeds from the event will go to the VA Hospital CLC.

Attendees can also bring a non-perishable item donation for the church food bank. For more information, contact VFW Post 3416 at 573-222-9687.

Thursday April 28, 2016

MISSING POPLAR BLUFF MOTHER FOUND AND IS FACING CHARGESPoplar Bluff police have found the mother of a child who was found alone Monday morning in an area residence.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Monday morning officers found a child lying in a bed crying, with a heavily soiled diaper. It was not clear how long she had been left unattended; but she was found lying in a bed with a fan blowing over her, and an empty bottle was lying next to her.

The child was released to an Investigator with the Missouri Children’s Services.

Police have found the child’s mother, 19 year old Jasmine Baldazo, of Poplar Bluff, and have also found an older sibling, Julissa Baldazo.

We spoke with Detective Josh Stewart about the situation,

[NEWS CUT - 0010]

DETECTIVE JOSH STEWART:

On the evening of April 26th, 2016, Julissa Beldazo was located with family in Arkansas and is currently in custody of the Butler County Children's Division. On Wednesday April 27th, 2016, at approximately 9 o'clock in the morning Jasmine Beldazo checked herself into a local hospital and was contacted by investigators with the Poplar Bluff police department. During a subsequent interview, Mrs. Beldazo admitted to investigators that she had become overwhelmed and left the child unattended on Sunday night. A probable cause affidavit was submitted to the Butler County prosecuting attorney's office, seeking charges for endangering the welfare of a child felony and additional charges are expected to be sought. Both children are being treated by physicians in the event that there are illnesses; however none have been discovered at this time. Both appear to be in good health and good spirits.

 

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO REYNOLDS COUNTY SHOOTING Updating a story we brought to you earlier this week, an arrest has been made in connection to a shooting early Monday morning in Reynolds County.

According to authorities, 28 year old Weston Kinsey, of Springfield, was being sought following a shooting that injured 51 year old Jefferey Parker.

Kinsey has since been arrested in the Springfield area and will be extradited to Reynolds County.

 

WIND GUSTS MEASURED AT ALMOST 60 MILES PER HOUR IN POPLAR BLUFF Almost 60 mile per hour wind gusts were recorded Tuesday in Poplar Bluff during a storm system that crossed Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, the gusts were recorded as 59 miles per hour at 5:23 pm Tuesday. Some areas in Southeast Missouri received hail as well with reports of hail with sizes of just under 1 inch.

 

QULIN MAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE A Qulin man has been taken into custody on a felony methamphetamine charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 40 year old Jimmie Woodham was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Butler County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Woodham was held in Butler County on a 24 hour hold.

 

BERNIE WOMAN FACING CHARGE OF ASSAULT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Authorities in Stoddard County say a Bernie woman has been taken into custody on multiple charges.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 53 year old Ladonna Hyslip was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and 3rd degree assault of a law enforcement officer.

Her bond was set at $15,000 and she has since bonded out.

 

TWELVE IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING WARRANT ROUNDUP Multiple area law enforcement agencies teamed up Wednesday morning for a warrant roundup.

According to Captain James McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, 12 of the nearly 20 people sought were in custody when the roundup came to an end.

The agencies participating in the operation included the SEMO Drug Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Poplar Bluff Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Girardeau Police Department, and Charleston Police Department.

A full list of the people arrested is available on our website.

 

POPLAR BLUFF KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TO HOST COMEDY NIGHT ON APRIL 30TH The Knights of Columbus in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a comedy night on April 30th.

The comedy show will also include dinner as well. The dinner will begin at 7 pm with the show following at 8.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 2280 North Grand the night of the event.

Wednesday April 27, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR MOTHER AFTER INFANT FOUND ALONE IN A RESIDENCEAn infant was found alone in a residence on Monday and Poplar Bluff Police are currently trying to find the child’s mother.

We spoke with Captain Dave Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the incident.

[NEWS CUT – 0010]

DAVE SUTTON:

On Monday morning at approximately 9:30 am, Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of West Midland Street in reference to an infant left alone inside the residence. Upon officer arrival, they found the child lying in a bed crying, with a heavily soiled diaper. It was not clear how long she had been left unattended; but she was found lying in a bed with a fan blowing over her, and an empty bottle was lying next to her. So it seemed as though someone took care to make her comfortable for an extended period. The eight month old child was released to an Investigator with the Missouri Children’s Division. The child's mother is believed to be Jasmine Baldazo , 19, of Poplar Bluff. A friend to Jasmine Baldazo told Officers that Julissa Baldazo, an older sibling, was staying with an unidentified grandparent in Arkansas. At the time of this report, efforts to locate Jasmine Baldazo were unsuccessful. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jasmine or Julissa Baldazo is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

A picture of Jasmine Baldazo is available on our Facebook page.

 

11 YEAR OLD BOY KILLED IN CLAY COUNTY WRECK A child died over the weekend in a utility vehicle wreck in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, a side by side utility vehicle overturned on a Clay County road Sunday. An 11 year old passenger in the vehicle later died from injuries he received during the wreck.

Two other people in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

 

PARAGOULD POLICE SEARCHING FOR LEVEL THREE SEX OFFENDER Police in Northeast Arkansas are asking for the public’s help in locating a level three sex offender.

Officials with the Paragould Police Department tell us that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of 62 year old Richard Whittaker.

Whittaker was released from prison on March 13th and has failed to report to his probation/parole officer along with registering his current address.

Anyone with information concerning Whittaker’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Paragould Police Department at 870- 236-7621.

A picture of Whittaker is available on our Facebook page.

 

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE WITH TODAY’S STORM SYSTEMS An official with the National Weather Service tells us that there is some concern that Southeast Missouri could see severe weather today.

We spoke with Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Shanklin with the National Weather Service Office in Paducah about the concerns:

[NEWS CUT – 0011]

RICK SHANKLIN:

The thunderstorm activity across the region this morning will determine part of what the severe weather threat will be this afternoon. So I have to watch that closely and not just activity but the cloud cover from that because that's actually what's going to determine how much we heat up. That instability will allow the atmosphere to become more conducive to producing severe weather. So I have to watch that closely this morning, and we do have some concerns with severe weather. In fact, at this time we had a hatched area across Southeast Missouri, which is basically a significant threat of severe weather which includes winds of at least 75 miles an hour, hail at least 2 inches in diameter, and even the possibility of a strong tornado. So again we’ll have to watch that closely as the day progresses, see how the atmosphere recovers from the overnight and morning thunderstorm activity. The key thing really is to stay prepared to stay informed through this particular time of severe weather concern. And there are excellent ways to do that and you certainly need a way to be alerted. Weather radio is a primary means of being alerted. Cell phone alerts are another excellent way to be alerted. Stay informed to this radio station for example to stay up on the latest information. Once you're alerted it's very important that you heed those warnings and take shelter if that warning is for your particular area.

We will be following the storm system throughout the day and will bring you the latest information on any severe weather as it occurs.

 

MAN FLOWN TO ST. LOUIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN BUTLER COUNTY A Greenville man was seriously injured in a wreck early Tuesday morning in Butler County.

According to authorities, 29 year old Joseph Coble’s vehicle ran off the side of Route O and overturned. Coble, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was ejected during the wreck.

Coble suffered serious injuries and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.

 

TWO POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS MEDAL AT MATH FIELD DAY Two Poplar Bluff math club members recently received medals during the Math Field Day at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Junior Humza Siddiqui and sophomore Adeesh Mishra placed first and second respectively in the computational math competition. Adeesh also came in second in non-routine level one and Humza placed second in trigonometry.

A total of 25 Poplar Bluff High School students participated in the annual event. The students competed both individually and as part of a team.