Thursday August 25, 2016

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO HIT AND RUN DEATH WANTED ON NEW WARRANT  

A man who was arrested last year in connection to the death of 13 year old Heavenly Hafford in Poplar Bluff is now wanted on a new warrant.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Captain Dave Sutton, a no bond capias warrant has been issued for 42 year old Randel Sparks.

Sutton spoke with KWOC News about the warrant.

DAVE SUTTON:

 The Poplar Bluff Police Department is asking for the Public's help in locating Randall Sparks of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Sparks is currently wanted on a no-bond capias warrant for his arrest stemming from a leaving the scene accident which resulted in the death of 13 year old Heavenly Hafford. Sparks was last known to be living in the Ozark, Missouri area. Sparks failed to appear for court date associated with his December 9th 2015 arrest for leaving the scene of an accident. While investigating the incident officers learned the Sparks owned a blue Volkswagen Beetle, which matched the description of the suspect vehicle provided by witnesses. Sparks was located in a storage facility on Peach Street where he was found removing parts from his vehicle. Sparks was subsequently arrested for felony leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with physical evidence. We will use all available resources to locate this fugitive from justice. In the event Sparks whereabouts are known we are asking the public to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Anyone in Poplar Bluff who has information on Sparks whereabouts can contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

 

SIKESTON TEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

 

A Sikeston teenager is facing multiple drug related charges following his arrest Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Highway Patrol, the 17 year old male was arrested shortly before 2 pm on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

The teen is also facing a charge of possession of marijuana. Following the arrest, the teen was transported to the Scott County Jail.

 

TWIN RIVERS TO MERGE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS

 

Middle School athletes at Twin Rivers Fisk and Qulin campuses will soon have some new teammates.

The Twin Rivers Board of Education voted earlier this week to merge the two schools boy’s sports teams for grades five through eight.

The vote passed five to two.

 

NEW STOP SIGNS INSTALLED IN POPLAR BLUFF

 

Poplar Bluff officials say that new stop signs have been put in near the Middle School.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the stop signs were placed behind Orscheln’s on West Harper Street at Ida Street.

These signs are meant to help students from the new Poplar Bluff Middle School cross Harper Street more safely when the new school year begins next week.

Poplar Bluff motorists are reminded to watch for children walking in or near roadways. Officers will be on patrol around all of Poplar Bluff’s schools, and will be strictly enforcing reduced speed limits in school zones.

 

WILLIAMSVILLE WOMAN FACING METH CHARGE

 

A Williamsville woman was taken into custody Wednesday night in Wayne County on a felony meth charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 50 year old Jacqueline Lossos was arrested at around 8:30 pm on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine and two counts of 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Lossos is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. She was taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN STODDARD AND DUNKLIN COUNTIES

 

Route MM in Stoddard and Dunklin Counties will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

According to MoDOT, the work zone is located from Route U to Route J.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place through 6:30 pm tonight.

Wednesday August 24, 2016

HIGHWAY PATROL URGES SAFETY FOR LABOR DAY WEEKENDWith Labor Day weekend coming up, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging everyone to be safe during the holiday weekend.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. over the Labor Day holiday weekend. All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and alcohol laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.

Troopers throughout the state will also be participating in a special enforcement operation on September 2nd and 5th. Troopers will be targeting all traffic violations, and be especially vigilant of aggressive driving violations on U.S. Highways 60 and 61 along with Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70.

Last year, 10 people were killed and 508 injured in Missouri over the Labor Day holiday in over 1,000 traffic crashes. Also, 121 people were arrested by the Highway Patrol for driving while intoxicated during the holiday weekend.

 

WOMAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Hayti Heights woman was injured Monday night in a single vehicle wreck in Pemiscot County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that a vehicle driven by 37 year old Yolanda Russell, ran off of US 412 and overturned at around 11 pm. What caused the vehicle to run off the road was not released.

Russell was seriously injured in the wreck and flown to a Memphis Hospital.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF STODDARD COUNTY ROAD Route VV in Stoddard County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

Route VV will be closed from Route Z to County Road 743.

Work is scheduled to take place from 8 am to 3 pm.

 

ADVANCE MAN IN CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County say an Advance man is in custody on a controlled substance warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 42 year old Michael Rutherford was recently arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Officials say Rutherford remained in jail as of this morning and his bond was set at $12,500.

 

POVERTY SIMULATION TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF Two area agencies are teaming up to help educate citizens about poverty.

The South Central Missouri Community Action Agency and the Butler County Community Resource Council will be holding a Poverty Simulation in October.

The event will allow attendees the chance to experience true life situations of people who live in poverty.

According to the Butler County Community Resource Council, over 21 percent of Butler County residents live in poverty, including one in four children.

The simulation will be held at from 9 am to noon on October 4th at First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff.

For more information, or to register, call 573-776-7830.

 

DICE RUN TO BE HELD TO RAISE MONEY FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL The Ride for a Cure Dice Run in memory of Larry Maronay has been scheduled this weekend.

Registration for the event will begin at 11 am on August 27th at the Dexter Elks Lodge, with the ride beginning at 1 pm. Entry fee is $20 per bike and $10 for an additional rider with a meal included at the end of the ride.

All proceeds will benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For more information, call Brian Jones at 573-421-1771.

 

ROUTE H IN STODDARD AND DUNKLIN COUNTIES TO BE REDUCED FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Stoddard and Dunklin Counties today to perform pavement repairs.

According to MoDOT, work will take place on Route H in both counties from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm both today and tomorrow.

The work zone will be located from Route U to Route J.

Tuesday August 23, 2016

INVESTIGATION LEADS TO POPLAR BLUFF MAN’S ARREST ON ARSON CHARGEA Poplar Bluff man is facing an arson charge in connection to a fire on Sunday.

Detective Andy Cleaveland with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us more about the arrest.

ANDY CLEAVELAND:

On Sunday around noon, officers from The Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Poplar Bluff Fire Department respond to a fire on North 10th Street. Upon arrival officers determined that the fire was suspicious in nature. The Investigation was completed by Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office. The investigation indicated that it was possibly arson. It was further investigated and through the course of the investigation a suspect who has been identified as Christopher Ward of Poplar Bluff, 31 years old, was identified as being the suspect in the arson. We have several statements made by persons there at the scene and also in the interview with Mr. Ward that information was gathered indicating that he had set the fire. There were two children there at the residence. One was 3 years old and one was a year old. These are the children of Mr. Ward’s girlfriend who also resided there at the residence. The investigation led us to have the understanding that the apartment was being rented by Mr. Ward and the investigation also indicated that the children were residing at the house along with Mr. Ward's girlfriend. There was some issues indicating that the reason why the fire had been set was evidently the victim had been involved in a domestic dispute with Mr. Ward and his girlfriend and he became angered over this issue. Mr. Ward was charged with arson in the first degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Cleaveland would go on to add, that Ward’s bond has been set at $50,000.

 

HAYTI HEIGHTS MAN DIES FROM INJURIES RECEIVED WHEN HE WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE A Hayti Heights man has died from injuries he received when he was hit by a vehicle over the weekend.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 47 year old Eldon Green was hit by the vehicle Sunday night while he was laying on First Street in Hayti Heights.

Green was taken to a Memphis hospital, where he passed away on Monday.

 

PIPE BOMBS FOUND AND DETONATED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Three pipe bombs were safely detonated Monday in Northeast Arkansas.

The bombs were found near an intersection in Paragould.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells us that the bombs were taken to a rural location where they were detonated by the Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad.

An investigation into the bombs is being conducted and Carter says that they believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no other danger.

 

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO DRUG BUST IN CORNING Four people have been taken into custody following the execution of a search warrant last week at a residence in Corning.

According to Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller, during the search officers found a substantial amount of drugs which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Officials also found several items of drug paraphernalia, a small amount of Marijuana, and several firearms.

Miller says that four Corning residents were arrested on numerous charges, 47 year old Kevin Hensley, 47 year old Mary Hensley, 31 year old Daniel Jackson, and 25 year old Shaman Stevens.

 

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY MULTIPLE VEHICLES NEAR SIKESTON A Morehouse man has died following an incident Monday morning near Sikeston.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, 29 year old James Hopper was walking along US 60, near Keystone, at around 5:45 am Monday when he was struck by multiple vehicles.

One of the drivers of the vehicles was taken to a local hospital with lacerations from broken glass.

Sikeston officials say the incident is under investigation.

 

NATIONAL MASS CARE EXERCISE HELD MONDAY IN POPLAR BLUFF Officials in Poplar Bluff got some hands on training yesterday on what to do in case of a disaster.

We spoke with Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Sara Geau, about the exercise.

SARA GEAU:

This is the National Mass Care Exercise and this is where all the partners and agencies come together to really figure out what we would do in case of a huge disaster such as an earthquake. So we're doing a 7.8 earthquake on the New Madrid fault and this is really how we get to see what's going to happen during that day, we all hands on deck and we figure out how we're going to be able to take care of our clients and where to get them. They're going to coming in on mass transit, on buses and they're going to be injured and they're going to have individuals that are not with their family members. They are trying to get back to their family members to let them know that they're ok, different things like that. We're thrilled with the number of the turnout today of everyone coming in. It's just so important that we get the community involved so that we have not just the agencies and the partner groups, but you know our community that comes out and they figure out and learn what to do during the time of disaster and when these occurrences happen. So we're thrilled that we got this number of individuals. We’ve got students here today which I think is fantastic, you know playing the victims and going through the exercise as well.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety says that additional exercises will be held throughout the state of Missouri this week.

 

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN RIPLEY COUNTY Route 21 in Ripley County is being reduced to one lane through Thursday so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located between Route 142 and Route A over Powder Creek.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 am to 3 pm daily through Thursday.

Monday August 22, 2016

REPORT OF SHOTS FIRED LEADS TO MANS ARREST ON MURDER CHARGEA man has been taken into custody in connection to a death in Kennett.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers responded Sunday to Miss Clara Drive in reference to shots being fired. At the scene, officers located Francisco Mendez bleeding and unresponsive. Mendez was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A suspect in the case, 29 year old Josue Rivera, has been taken into custody in Memphis, Tennessee. A warrant for Rivera’s arrest has been issued for 1st degree murder and armed criminal action with no bond having been set.

 

ARREST MADE IN WAYNE COUNTY ON METH AND WEAPON CHARGES Authorities say a woman has been arrested in Wayne County on felony weapon and meth charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 61 year old Nina Webster, of Greenville, was taken into custody Friday afternoon on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful use of a weapon.

Webster was held in Wayne County on a 24 hour hold.

 

TEEN SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES IN ATV WRECK A St. Louis teenager was injured over the weekend following an ATV wreck Saturday morning in Reynolds County.

Authorities say the wreck occurred 10 miles east of Ellington near County Road 410. An ATV, driven by a 17 year old male, travelled off the roadway and hit a stump, ejecting the driver.

The teen was taken by aircraft to a Cape Girardeau hospital with serious injuries.

 

MISSING ARKANSAS WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN BUTLER COUNTY An Arkansas woman who went missing last week has been found dead.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells us that 44 year old Ginger Myers, of Concord, Arkansas, was in a vehicle that was swept off a flooded roadway last Tuesday night.

A multi day search followed, which came to an end when Myers and the vehicle were found Friday afternoon. The vehicle was found submerged near the Hargrove Bridge in Butler County.

 

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR BROSELEY MAN IN CONNECTION TO MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT A man is being sought in connection to a wreck that occurred last week.

Captain J.R. Keirsey with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us that on Tuesday officers responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of 9th and Lester Streets.

At the location, officers determined that one of the drivers had left the scene of the accident on foot, carrying an infant child in a car seat.

The driver was identified as 24 year old Joshua Forbes, of Broseley. Keirsey says that officers made contact with the child’s mother and were able to get the child evaluated by medical personnel. The child was determined to not have been injured during the accident.

According to Keirsey, Forbes is being sought by Police for numerous outstanding warrants and charges of leaving the scene of an accident.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON HEROIN CHARGE A Poplar Bluff man was arrested over the weekend on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Daniel Hulan was taken into custody Saturday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for heroin.

Hulan is also facing a charge of unlawful use of paraphernalia. Following the arrest, he was taken to the Butler County Jail on a 12 hour hold.

 

NATIONAL MASS CARE EXERCISE TO BE HELD TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF Poplar Bluff will be participating in an exercise today that will test plans for evacuating and sheltering potential victims of a catastrophic New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake

The exercise, called “Show-Me Mass Care,” will involve state, local and federal officials, along with volunteer and faith-based groups, simulating how they would assist survivors of a major southeast Missouri earthquake.

Other events will be held throughout the state this week.

 

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR PIPE REPLACEMENT Route 164 in Dunklin County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe beneath the roadway.

The section of Route 164 to be closed is located from Route Y to County Road 612.

Work is scheduled to take place from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

Friday August 19, 2016

SEARCH CONTINUES IN BUTLER COUNTY FOR MISSING WOMANThe search for a missing Arkansas woman will continue this morning in Butler County.

According to Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs, 44 year old Ginger Myers has been missing since Tuesday night. Myers had called 911 and said that water was coming into her vehicle. Myers said that she thought she was on 53 Highway, but the call suddenly ended.

Boat crews were in flooded areas of Butler County Thursday searching for the woman. The search is set to resume this morning.

 

TWO ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE IN WAYNE COUNTY Two people were taken into custody Thursday night on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, both 28 year old Cody Harris, of Neelyville, and 25 year old Alexandra Snyder, of Williamsville, were arrested at around 6:50 pm in Wayne County. Both are facing a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute for marijuana.

The Highway Patrol did not release if the two arrests were connected to each other.

 

FORMER SCOTT COUNTY ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR NAMED AS CARTER COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY A former assistant prosecutor has been named as the new Carter County Prosecuting Attorney.

Governor Jay Nixon has announced that Amanda Oesch will fill the position that was left vacant following the resignation of former Carter County Prosecutor Ernie Richardson.

Oesch previously served as an assistant prosecutor in Scott County from 2007 until 2012, before going into private practice in 2013.

 

A FEW ROADS STILL CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING

A few communities in Southeast Missouri are still dealing with flooded roads following this week’s storms.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, portions of Routes 158, 142, and N in Butler County have been closed due to the heavy rainfall.

Roads closed in Ripley County include Routes AA, H, W, and 142.

In Wayne County, crews have closed Route FF at Big Lake Creek.

Motorists are being reminded to not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

On Thursday, three people were rescued by the Butler County Fire Department after their vehicle got stuck on County Road 260 near Neelyville. The Highway Patrol and Butler County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the rescue.

Motorists can check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map to find out if there are any road closures in their area. The map is available at modot.org.

 

MAN ACCUSED OF DISTRIBUTING CRYSTAL METH NEAR CHURCH AND DAY CARE

A man has been taken into custody in Northeast Arkansas after he allegedly distributed crystal methamphetamine near a day care.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells us that Eric Swink was arrested for three counts of delivery of crystal methamphetamine.

Carter says Swink is also facing a charge of distribution near a certain facility because all three transactions were within 1000 feet of a church building and a day care.

 

POPLAR BLUFF YOUTH FOOTBALL TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 10TH The date has been set for the beginning of youth football in Poplar Bluff.

Officials say that the season will begin on September 10th. Anyone who would like to sign their children up for football or cheerleading can visit the youth football table during tonight’s Poplar Bluff High School football game.

The table will be located next to the Mules Booster Club.

 

DATE SET FOR NEXT COFFEE WITH A COP EVENT IN POPLAR BLUFF The Poplar Bluff Police Department will be holding their next coffee with a cop event in September.

The event will be held from 8 to 10 am on Saturday, September 17th at McDonald’s on Highway 53.

You will be able to have a cup of coffee and chat with your local police officers during the event.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

   

 

SEARCH ONGOING IN BUTLER COUNTY FOR MISSING WOMAN

Authorities in Butler County are still searching for a woman who has been missing since Tuesday night.

According to Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs, a 911 call was made Tuesday night by 44 year old Ginger Myers, of Arkansas. During the call, Myers said she thought she was on 53 Highway and water was coming into her vehicle, but the call suddenly ended.

Dobbs says that she was driving a silver or light blue Lincoln Town Car.

Crews were out searching the area for Myers; however they have been unable to locate her. Dobbs says that the search will resume this morning.

Anyone with information on Myers whereabouts is asked to contact their local law enforcement.

 

BLACK RIVER FALLS BELOW FLOOD STAGE

The Black River at Poplar Bluff has fallen below the flood stage.

According to the National Weather Service, the river was at 14.56 feet at 4:15 am this morning. The minor flood stage is at 16 feet. Officials say that the river crested Tuesday night at just over 20 feet.

Even though river levels are going down, there are still multiple roads flooded this morning in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, portions of Routes 53, 158, 142, and N in Butler County have been closed.

Roads closed in Ripley County include Routes AA, H, W, and 142.

In Wayne County, crews have closed Route FF.

Motorists can check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map to find out if there are any road closures in their area. The map is available at modot.org.

 

EAST PRAIRIE TEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG RELATED WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County say an East Prairie teenager has been arrested on a drug related warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 19 year old Clarissa Urchison has been taken into custody on a warrant for delivery of a controlled substance at an incarceration facility and distribution of a controlled substance.

Her total bond has been set at $75,000 and she reportedly remained in jail as of this morning.

 

MAN ARRESTED ON STATUTORY SODOMY WARRANT

A Cape Girardeau man has been taken into custody on a statutory sodomy warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 52 year old Leonard Gadberry was recently arrested on a warrant for 1st degree statutory sodomy.

As of this morning, Gadberry remained in jail and his bond has been set at $25,000.

 

16TH ANNUAL SCHOOL READINESS EVENT TO BE HELD TODAY AT BLACK RIVER COLISEUM

The South Central Missouri Community Action Agency will be holding the 16th Annual School Readiness Event today from 9 am to 3 pm at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

The event, previously known as the Back to School Fair, is an annual event targeting children of low income families in Butler County. During the event, various vendors provide free services to low-income children returning to school.

Services include health screenings, safety and health information, fingerprinting, and educational information for parents. The SCMCAA also provides free school supplies to all children in attendance.

For more information, call the SCMCAA at 573-785-4727.

 

NEW DAY MINISTRIES TO HOST FEED AND SEED EVENT

New Day Ministries in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event on today from 3 to 5 pm.

The event is first come, first serve, and packs will be limited to one per family. New Day Ministries is located at 703 Franklin Street on the south side of Poplar Bluff.

If you would like more information, contact Pastors Vernon and Nancy Wolverton at 573-718-4578.

 

MOTORISTS REMINDED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR STUDENTS

The new school year has started or will be starting soon for students across Southeast Missouri and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that this often brings a change to traffic patterns.

School buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.

Afternoons can be especially dangerous. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers in 2015 occurred between 3 and 4 pm, when school typically lets out.

Drivers should also be mindful around school busses. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus.

However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Remember to stay alert as children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.

Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

 

Tuesday August 16, 2016

SEVERAL PEOPLE RESCUED FROM FLOOD WATERS IN BUTLER COUNTYSeveral people had to be rescued Monday from rising flood waters in Butler County.

People were rescued from flooded vehicles on County Road 540, off Highway W and Highway 158 near Harviell. The Butler County Sheriff’s Department and the Poplar Bluff Fire Department participated in the rescues.

According to the National Weather Service, the Black River at Poplar Bluff was at 19.5 feet at 7 pm Monday night. The flood stage is at 16 feet. Black River is expected to crest sometime this morning. A flood warning is in effect for Black River in Butler County through Wednesday afternoon.

In Wayne County, a flood warning is also in effect for the St. Francis River near Patterson through late Wednesday night. The St. Francis River was at 20.5 feet Monday night at 8 pm and is expected to crest this afternoon near 25 feet. The flood stage is 16 feet.

The river is expected to fall below flood stage Wednesday evening.

 

TWIN RIVERS SCHOOL BOARD VOTES TO HIRE A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER The Twin Rivers School board voted Monday night to add a School Resource Officer to improve security at the school district.

We spoke with Twin Rivers Superintendent Jeremy Siebert about the decision.

JEREMY SIEBERT:

Adding a school resource officer at Twin Rivers is a huge benefit for our district and our communities. Obviously in today's world security and safety are very important and essential to provide a safe learning environment for our students and our staff. Having an SRO at Twin Rivers will enhance the security and safety of all of our students and our staff. I would like to thank Sheriff Dobbs and the Butler County Sheriff's Department for partnering with us to make this agreement happen. I would also like to thank Billy Watson and Jeff Arnold for their help in getting the ball rolling with the SRO idea. I would like to thank our entire school board and the entire Twin Rivers Community for all their support and helping make TR a safer place to work and learn.

Siebert added that the School Resource Officer will be an employee of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the school district will contribute $30,000 annually and will be responsible for the reimbursement of the SRO’s health insurance cost through Butler County’s group insurance.

The appointment of the SRO will be made by the Sheriff. The SRO will be present during the school year and then return to the Sheriff’s Office during the summer months.

 

ORAN MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK An Oran man has died in connection to a single vehicle wreck Monday night.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us the wreck occurred at around 6:45 pm on US 61 near Morley.

A vehicle, driven by 64 year old Bradley Bollinger, ran off the side of the roadway and struck a fence and a tree. Officials say that Bollinger was killed in the wreck.

 

WILLIAMSVILLE MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES FRIDAY NIGHT Authorities say a Williamsville man was taken into custody Friday night on multiple charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 54 year old Danny Kelsoe was arrested in Wayne County on charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and two charges of 1st degree child endangerment.

Following the arrest, Kelsoe was held in Wayne County on a 24 hour hold.

 

MULTIPLE ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING Multiple roads are closed this morning due to flooding.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, portions of Routes 158, 142, N, and W in Butler County have been closed.

Roads closed in Ripley County include Routes NN, H, and 142.

In Wayne County, crews have closed Routes KK, 49, FF, C, and E.

Motorists can check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map to find out if there are any road closures in their area. The map is available at modot.org.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER HITTING TREE IN WAYNE COUNTY A Cape Girardeau man suffered serious injuries Monday evening after his vehicle hit a tree in Wayne County.

According to the authorities, a vehicle driven by 33 year old Dustin McDowell ran off the side of Highway 34, near Silva, and struck a tree.

McDowell was seriously injured in the wreck and taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

 

Monday August 15, 2016

BLACK RIVER EXPECTED TO RISE TO 19.5 FEET THIS EVENINGResidents near the Black River are being cautioned to be aware of flooding in their area.

According to Butler County EMA Director Robbie Myers, the Black River at Poplar Bluff was at 17 feet this morning. The flood stage is at 16 feet.

Moderate flooding is expected as the river is forecast to continue rising to near 19.5 feet by this evening. The river is forecast to fall below flood stage tomorrow afternoon.

On Saturday afternoon the Black River at Poplar Bluff was only 3.8 feet.

 

PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR TONIGHT AT POPLAR BLUFF CITY HALL A public hearing has been held tonight to set the tax rate for the city of Poplar Bluff.

The hearing will be hosted by the Poplar Bluff City Council at 6:45 pm. The proposed tax rate is the same as it was last year with the General Fund being set at .5127 and the Police and Fire Pension at .0967.

The hearing will be followed by the city council’s regular meeting at 7 pm.

During the meeting, the council will receive the presentation of an audit for the city, review a bid for the city’s telecommunication services, and review a proposed grant agreement with the Department of Public Safety, along with other items.

 

THREE CHILDREN INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY, IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK Three Wappapello children were injured over the weekend in a single vehicle wreck in Cape Girardeau County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that the wreck occurred shortly after noon Saturday on Route AB when a driver lost control of his vehicle while attempting to overtake another vehicle on the rain covered roadway.

The vehicle then struck a concrete center divider and eventually overturned down a ditch. Two of the children in the vehicle, ages 13 and 10, suffered moderate injuries and were taken to St. Francis Medical Center. A third child, age 6, was seriously injured and taken to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.

The driver of the vehicle received minor injuries.

 

TWIN RIVERS NINTH GRADE ORIENTATION SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT Incoming students to Twin Rivers High School are being encouraged to attend the orientation scheduled for tonight.

According to Twin Rivers High School Counselor Christina Miller, the ninth grade orientation will be held at 7 pm this evening at the High School cafeteria.

The orientation is for all incoming ninth grade students and their parents or guardians. Miller says that important information will be distributed during the meeting.

 

HEAVY RAIN TO CONTINUE TODAY Heavy Rain is set to continue today for most of Southeast Missouri.

Some areas of Southeast Missouri received an estimated over 10 inches of rainfall over the weekend, and a flood warning is in effect until 8:30 am this morning for Wayne, Bollinger, and Northern Butler Counties. Southeastern Carter County and Eastern Ripley County are also under a flood warning until 9 am this morning.

A flash flood watch is also in effect through Tuesday morning for most of Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, several rounds of showers and thunderstorms with occasionally intense rainfall rates are expected. Some areas could see rainfall rates of up to an inch or so within a 30 to 45 minute window.

Motorists are being reminded to not drive through flood waters if they approach them. You can check the current condition of Missouri’s roadways on the Missouri Department of Transportation website at modot.org.

 

TWO ARRESTED ON METH CHARGE IN BUTLER COUNTY Two people were arrested Friday evening in Butler County on meth charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 35 year old Jessie Chaffin, of Poplar Bluff, and 25 year old Amber McDannald, of Ellsinore were both taken into custody at around 5:20 pm Friday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

They were both taken to the Butler County Jail on a 12 hour hold. The Highway Patrol did not release if the two arrests were connected to each other.

 

PUXICO MAN ARRESTED ON HEROIN WARRANT A Puxico man has been taken into custody on a drug warrant in Stoddard County.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 23 year old Joshua Whitehead was recently arrested on a warrant for possession of heroin.

Whitehead’s bond was set at $7,500, cash only.

 

MONEY IS BEING COLLECTED FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE DOWNTOWN POPLAR BLUFF FIRE Area citizens can donate to help the victims of the fire that engulfed a building last week in Downtown Poplar Bluff.

Cash or checks are being accepted for the special fund at First Midwest Bank.

Friday, August 12, 2016

   

 

 

MULTIPLE INCHES OF RAINFALL POSSIBLE DURING WEEKEND STORMS, FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED

Most of Southeast Missouri will be under a flash flood watch this weekend due to a storm system approaching the area.

Officials with the National Weather Service in Paducah tell us that waves of heavy rain will be possible this weekend and continuing through Monday morning. This has the potential of bringing multiple inches of rainfall to the area, along with flooded roadways, creeks, and streams.

Weather officials say that a flash flood watch will be in effect from Saturday morning through Monday morning.

 

 

THREE DEXTER RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANTS

Three Dexter residents have been taken into custody on controlled substances warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 27 year old William Eugene Shafer Jr., 27 year old Heighly Brooke Oaks, and 26 year old Erik Randall Schmidt were all recently arrested on warrants for possession of a controlled substance.

The sheriff’s department did not specify if the arrests were connected. Oakes bond was set at $7,500, cash only, while no bond has been set for Shafer or Schmidt. All three arrestees remained in jail as of this morning.

 

 

OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK FOR STUDENTS AT FISK

The Fisk campus of the Twin Rivers School district will be holding an open house next week.

The open house will be held on Tuesday; from 5 to 7 pm. Students in 1st through 8th grade along with their parents will be able to meet their teachers as well as their new principal during the event.

The campus will also be hosting kindergarten orientation at 5:30 pm on Monday.

 

 

BLOOMFIELD WOMAN IN CUSTODY ON WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County say an area woman is in custody following her arrest on a possession warrant.

According to authorities, 38 year old Kimberly Sharon Lady, of Bloomfield, was recently arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Officials say Lady was still in custody as of this morning and her bond has been set at $25,000, cash only.

 

 

CITY OF NEW MADRID TO RECEIVE ALMOST A MILLION DOLLAR BLOCK GRANT

The City of New Madrid will receive almost a million dollars in grant money to expand access to quality early childhood education.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon was in New Madrid earlier this week to announce that the Department of Economic Development will authorize a $971,350 Community Development Block Grant to the city.

The Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation will use these funds to expand the New Madrid Early Learning Center with four new classrooms, creating 50 new early childhood education spots for area families.

The investment comes through Missouri Start Smart, which was launched in 2014 to support the development, expansion or improvement of high-quality early childhood and pre-kindergarten programs throughout the state

 

 

MAN ARRESTED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS AFTER BEING CAUGHT DRIVING STOLEN VEHICLE

A man has been taken into custody in Northeast Arkansas on meth and morphine charges.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells us that deputies arrested Charles S. Quintana Tuesday night during a traffic stop. Quintana was arrested for possession of crystal methamphetamine, possession of morphine tablets, and theft by receiving.

Carter says that Quintana was driving a stolen vehicle when the traffic stop was made.

 

Thursday August 11, 2016

MULTIPLE POPLAR BLUFF STREETS BLOCKED OFF DUE TO DOWNTOWN FIREDowntown Poplar Bluff was brought to a standstill Wednesday afternoon after a fire broke out at a building on the corner of Vine and South Broadway.

Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Ralph Stucker tells us more.

RALPH STUCKER:

Wednesday morning about approximately 10:15 we received a call in the 300 block of Vine Street, smoke in the area. When one of the crews arrived the building next to McNeeley’s, Rosie's, indicated that she seen some sparks and everything coming out of her breaker box. Personnel checked that location also checked McNeeleys. They found smoke in both buildings, they was able to go upstairs they end up going up to the second floor and pulling hose lines up there and end up pulling down the ceiling on the Second Story and found the tremendous amount of fire between the ceiling and the roof. They hit it with attack lines the fire was advanced to the point our attack line was not doing any good so we pull our personnel back out and set up for a defensive attack. Along with our 105 foot tower truck the Butler County brought their 105 foot tower truck and our aerial truck and we set up on three corners and tried to isolate and keep it in that one building. It took us approximately 8 hours to control the fire. Once we had to go to a defensive attack, we pull our personnel back up and use our monitor guns and our aerial devices. Our goal was to try to let it come through the roof and be able to hit it with a lot of water. The way everything laid approximately five roofs was on this. It did not come through the roof like we expected to. In a typical downtown building usually we will have a wall come down, on this right here we didn't have a Wall come down until we start using the master strings to start knocking some of it down to get in there to it. We have four firefighters injured today, heat-related injuries and dehydration. As far as we know everybody will make a full recovery, there's a couple of them they are going to keep an eye on for a couple days. I started with the Department in 95 the two big downtown fires we had was in 92 about six months apart across from the post office. Since then we've had a couple fires in the downtown area. The personnel have been able to get to them real quick and contain them. This one right here was extended beyond the initial attack. We're believing approximately five families was displaced, the Red Cross was on scene early on and let us know that they was taking care of all the people that was displaced. The PD was able to go through and get everybody’s name that was in the apartments and then got that information to the Red Cross so that took that burden off of us trying to deal with. We’ve said it more than once, the natural disasters we've had and everything over the years this community when something happens this community comes together. We had people coming up buying food and bring it down here bringing water, Gatorade. We had all the city departments on hand assisting. PD, street department, motor pool, municipal utilities. Everybody just pitched in and did a great job. Butler County Fire came in and assisted us and everything. Butler County EMS was here for the majority of the day to give several guys IVs in the ambulance to give them some fluids back in them. It's amazing how this community comes together.

Stucker also tells us that the State Fire Marshal has been notified to investigate.

 

WOMAN FACING TERROIST THREAT CHARGE FOLLOWING IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED HIT LIST ON FACEBOOK A woman is due to appear in court later this month in connection to an alleged “Hit List” on Facebook.

According to Missouri Case Net, Sherr Harden, of Kennett, was arrested earlier this week on a charge of making a terrorist threat. The hit list reportedly contained over 10 people.

Harden’s court date has been scheduled for next Tuesday.

 

TEAR GAS USED TO END STANDOFF SITUATION WEDNESDAY IN POPLAR BLUFF A man has been taken into custody after a situation Wednesday in Butler County where he barricaded himself inside a residence.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs says that the incident began inside the Poplar Bluff city limits.

MARK DOBBS:

On Wednesday there was an incident where an individual had shot into a house in the city limits of Poplar Bluff. That person was tracked to location off of Turtle Lane. A search warrant was obtained for his house to try to gather additional evidence as well as to capture the suspect and bring him in for questioning. Upon trying to serve that search warrant, the suspect wouldn't answer the door, barricaded himself in with 2 females. Eventually negotiators with the Sheriff’s Department were able to at least get one of these females out of the house. The girlfriend of the suspect stayed in the house. Later on that night after all other means were exhausted, OC chemicals were dispersed inside the residence. A short time after, the suspect and his girlfriend came out of the house and gave themselves up without any kind of an incident. We’d like to thank all the other agencies, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Poplar Bluff city police, and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and their Special Response Team for helping us to turn what could have been a very bad situation into a peaceful ending. The male suspect has been identified as 34 year old Benjamin Deters, of Gulf Port, Mississippi. Sheriff Dobbs says Deters is facing a charge of assault 1st as well as numerous warrants through Butler County.

Deters girlfriend, 22 year old Maranda Weaver, of Poplar Bluff, was also arrested on numerous Butler County warrants.

 

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WOMAN DEAD FOLLOWING ROLLOVER WRECK IN RIPLEY COUNTY Authorities in Ripley County say a Corning woman has died in connection to a rollover wreck early Wednesday morning.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 38 year old Jamie Hawkins was driving on Highway N in Ripley County when her vehicle ran off the side of the road and overturned.

Hawkins, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was ejected from the vehicle. She was later pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Mike Jackson.

Officials say the wreck occurred at around 5 am Wednesday, four miles west of Naylor.

 

THREE KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK Three Blytheville residents have died, and another is injured, following a two vehicle wreck Wednesday in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the wreck occurred Wednesday morning when two vehicles collided on US Highway 61 in Mississippi County.

Three people in one of the vehicles were killed in the wreck. They have been identified as 76 year old Robert Davis, 64 year old Della Stringer, and 30 year old Trestan Johnson, all of Blytheville.

The driver of the second vehicle was injured and taken to an area hospital.

Wednesday August 10, 2016

LOCAL MAN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON ON MULTIPLE CHARGESAn area man has been sentenced on multiple charges stemming from a fatal wreck last year in Northeast Arkansas.

23 year old Bruce Stevens, of Poplar Bluff, was sentenced to six years in prison in connection to a wreck that killed 80 year old Jim Austin, of Peach Orchard, in February of 2015.

Stevens’ charges including manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

 

AREA MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY FOR POSSESSION OF HEROIN AND STEROIDS An area man was taken into custody yesterday on multiple felony possession charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 26 year old Scott Hughes, of Broseley, was arrested Tuesday in Wayne County on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for heroin and steroids.

After his arrest, Hughes was taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

MULTIPLE TRAFFIC CHANGES MADE AROUND THE DONIPHAN SCHOOL Officials in Doniphan are warning drivers to be mindful of multiple changes that have been made to the roads around the Doniphan School.

The Doniphan Police Department tells us that several new signs have been placed around the school in an effort to make traffic flow smoother and be safer for children.

Additional restrictions are also in place for parking in the area of the school.

The full list of changes is available on the Doniphan Police Department Facebook page.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING DISTRIBUTION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGE A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple charges following his arrest Tuesday evening in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Robert Evans was arrested shortly before 6 pm Tuesday on a felony charge of distribution of a controlled substance for heroin.

Evans is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility.

He also reportedly had multiple felony warrants out of Butler County. Following the arrest, Evans was held in the Wayne County Jail.

 

CHARGES REQUESTED AFTER DOG WAS REPORTEDLY LEFT NEGELECTED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS Poplar Bluff police are seeking charges against two area residents after a dog was euthanized after have reportedly been left neglected for several weeks.

We spoke with Andy Cleaveland with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the incident.

ANDY CLEVELAND:

On early Sunday afternoon on August 7th of 2016, officers from the Poplar Bluff Police Department responded to an incident regarding animal cruelty in the 300 block of Cleveland Street. Officers contacted a neighbor who advised that the canine at the residence had been neglected for several weeks having no food or water. Contact was made with the owner of the residence, who was identified as Paul Lindquist of the 300 block of Cleveland Street. Paul Lindquist advised that the owner of the canine was his daughter Ashley Lindquist, of Williamsville, Missouri. The canine was examined and determined to have suffered from severe malnutrition. It appeared that the dog had not been fed in several weeks. The dog also had fly larvae infestation in its ears and other significant medical issues. The medical condition of the canine had declined to the point that euthanasia was required. A report regarding this incident has been sent to the Butler County prosecutor's office requesting charges for the offense of animal neglect on Paul Lindquist and Ashley Lindquist.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Stoddard County for the rest of this week for pavement repairs.

According to MoDOT, Route F in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane during the repairs from Route 60 to Route J.

Work is scheduled to take place daily from 6 am to 5 pm through Friday.

 

ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE RECORDED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Officials with the United States Geological Survey say that another earthquake has been recorded in Southeast Missouri.

The 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred shortly after 4 am Tuesday.

The epicenter of the quake was located around 8 miles southeast of Sikeston.

Tuesday August 9, 2016

POLICE INVESTIGATING ROBBERY COMPLAINT AT POPLAR BLUFF HOTELPoplar Bluff Police are investigating a robbery complaint that was made over the weekend at an area hotel.

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

DAVE SUTTON:

On Sunday morning at around 2 a.m. officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to Holiday Inn, located at 2781 North Westwood Boulevard, in reference to a robbery complaint. The clerk advised a white male suspect entered the hotel wearing black clothing and a black ski mask, displayed a handgun, and demanded the clerk give him money. The clerk opened the cash drawer and gave him all the bills. As the suspect fled the building he told the clerk not to call the police. The clerk believed the suspect was 5 foot 3 inches to 5 foot 5 inches tall, and weighed around a hundred and fifty pounds. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.

We will continue following this story and bring you updates when they are available.

 

HAYTI MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER HIS VEHICLE OVERTURNED A Hayti man has been flown to a Memphis hospital following a single vehicle wreck early Monday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at around 4:30 am on County Road 489 in Pemiscot County.

A vehicle driven by 30 year old Carlos Gonzalez reportedly ran off the side of the road and overturned. Gonzalez was taken by helicopter to Region One Medical Center in Memphis with serious injuries.

 

MISSOURI RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATED TO MEET AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Butler County unit of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association will be holding a meeting on August 17th.

The meeting will begin at 10 am at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce building. Todd Richardson, speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives is scheduled to be speaking.

Officials say that all retired teachers and school personnel are invited to attend.

Lunch will also be provided courtesy of Ozark Federal Credit Union.

 

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED ON METH AND MARIJUANA CHARGES A Poplar Bluff woman is facing multiple drug related charges in connection to her arrest on Monday.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 54 year old Sally Friar was arrested in Butler County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Friar is also facing charges of possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana and failure to register a motor vehicle.

Following the arrest, Friar was taken to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

TWO INJURED IN COLLISION IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Two people were injured Monday in a wreck in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, two vehicles collided head on Monday afternoon on Highway 34 in Greene County.

Both people that were injured were taken to an area hospital. The names of the people involved were not available.

 

ROAD WORK SET FOR TOMORROW IN STODDARD COUNTY Route TT in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane tomorrow so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

The work zone will be located from Route 60 to County Road 642.

Work is scheduled to take place from 6 am to 5 pm tomorrow.

Monday August 8, 2016

ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED FOLLOWING WRECK IN RIPLEY COUNTYA Doniphan woman has died following a wreck over the weekend in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred Sunday afternoon on Highway 160, near Fairdealing. A vehicle driven 36 year old Shayla Steward allegedly crossed the center line of the highway and struck another vehicle head on.

Steward was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the second vehicle was flown to Region One Medical Center in Memphis with serious injuries. A passenger in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

 

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON DISTRIBUTION WARRANT A Dexter man has been taken into custody on a distribution warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell us that 37 year old Brandon Campbell was arrested on a warrant for distribution of a controlled substance and probation violation.

Campbell’s bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

 

EARTHQUAKE RECORDED OVER THE WEEKEND IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Officials with the United States Geological Survey tell us that an earthquake was recorded over the weekend in Southeast Missouri.

The 2.3 magnitude earthquake occurred shortly after 4 pm Saturday.

The epicenter for the quake was located around 20 miles east southeast of Kennett.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI TEACHER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO INVESTIGATION A teacher who was set to begin work in Southeast Missouri during the upcoming school year has been arrested in connection to an investigation in Kentucky.

According to the Kentucky State Police, 40 year old David B. Jordan Jr. was arrested on Thursday as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes against Children investigation.

Officials say that the suspect was observed using an online chat system to communicate with a subject whom he believed to be a 14 year old female. On August 4th Jordan allegedly traveled across state lines from Missouri to Kentucky with plans to engage in illicit sexual contact with the minor.

Jordan has been charged with one count of prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor/police officer in reference: sex offenses. Additional charges are expected.

The Sikeston R-6 School District tells us that Jordan had been offered a position in June for the upcoming school year and at the time he was in possession of a valid teaching certificate and cleared background check.

However, he has not completed his new teacher orientation and has never taught at the school or had contact with Sikeston students.

Jordan has been placed on administrative leave pending termination.

 

FIVE INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY WRECK Multiple people were injured Friday night following a two vehicle wreck in Butler County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly after 8 pm Friday when a vehicle struck the rear of a second vehicle on Missouri Highway 51 at Fisk.

Officials say that five people were injured in the wreck and they were taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for treatment.

 

PUXICO MAN IN CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested a Puxico man on a controlled substance warrant.

47 year old Robert Austin Wallace was recently taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, Wallace remained in jail as of this morning and his bond has been set at $25,000 cash only.

 

SHOULDER REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS IN WAYNE COUNTY Route 34 in Wayne and Bollinger Counties will be reduced for almost two months so contractor crews can begin installing shoulders along the roadway.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the work zone is located from County Road 808 to Route 67.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Saturday, October 1st from 7 am to 6 pm daily.

During the repairs, Route 34 will be reduced to one lane with an eleven-foot width restriction.

Friday, August 5, 2016

   

 

PIEDMONT MAN DIES FROM INJURIES RECEIVED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK Updating a story we brought to you earlier this week, a Piedmont man has died from injuries he received in a single vehicle wreck on Tuesday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on Route 34 when a vehicle driven by 71 year old Jon Hartley ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Hartley received serious injuries in the wreck, and was taken a Poplar Bluff hospital.

He was then transferred to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, where he died on Thursday.

A passenger in the vehicle suffered moderate injuries. Their current condition was not available.

 

  MALDEN MAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT A Malden man has been taken into custody in Stoddard County on a controlled substance warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell us that 31 year old Brandon Rice was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Rice’s bond was set at $20,000 cash and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

 

  NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION TO BE HELD AT TWIN RIVERS NEXT WEEK Parents in the Twin Rivers School District will have the opportunity to register their children for school next week.

According to Twin Rivers High School Counselor Christina Miller, Twin Rivers will be registering new students Monday through Thursday, by appointment only.

Parents will need to bring their student’s immunization record, three proofs of residency in the Twin Rivers School District, birth certificate, and proof of guardianship if applicable.

If you have any questions or would like to register, contact the campus where your child will be enrolling.

 

  DATE SET FOR 13TH ANNUAL ST. JUDE CAR SHOW The date has been set for the 13th Annual St. Jude Car Show presented by Briggs and Stratton.

The show will be held on September 10th at Briggs and Stratton in Poplar Bluff. Registration is scheduled for 8 am to noon and there is a $20 entry fee. Awards will be presented at 3 pm.

In addition to the car show, there will also be concessions, games, and a silent auction.

For more information, call 573-686-3004.

 

  BACK TO SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY BEGINS TODAY The new school year is approaching fast and parents will be able to save some money on their back to school purchases this weekend.

The Missouri Back to School Sales Tax Holiday began at 12:01 am this morning and will run through Sunday. During the holiday, certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and certain other items, are exempt from state sales tax.

Many area counties and cities are also participating in the sales tax holiday; however the cities of Poplar Bluff and Doniphan are not among them. More information is available online at dor.mo.gov.

 

  ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND FOR OZARK BORDER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Ozark Border Electric Cooperative will be holding its annual Board of Directors election this weekend.

The election will be a part of the Cooperative’s Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting is scheduled to be held on Saturday at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.

It was estimated that over 2,500 individuals were in attendance during last year’s meeting.

Thursday August 4, 2016

IDENTITY RELEASED OF MAN ARRESTED IN KENNETT SHOOTINGAuthorities in Kennett have released the identity of a suspect who was arrested in connection to a shooting earlier this week.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers found 27 year old Isaac Lee Jefferson, of Kennett, shot and lying in front of a residence Tuesday evening. Jefferson was pronounced dead a short time later.

While officers were at the scene, 27 year old, Demetrius Jamal Woods, of Kennett, entered the Kennett Police Department and identified himself as the shooter of Jefferson.

Woods was arrested for investigation of 2nd degree homicide.

Officials say that there apparently was an ongoing dispute between the two over numerous reasons.

Investigators believe that there are witnesses to the shooting that have yet to speak with Police and are asking anyone with information to contact the Kennett Police Department at 888-4622.

 

FISK WOMAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING BUTLER COUNTY WRECK A Fisk woman suffered serious injuries Wednesday night following a Butler County wreck.

According to officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly before 11 pm on Missouri Highway 51 at County Road 639.

A vehicle driven by 42 year old Michelle Kelm reportedly failed to yield and was struck by a second vehicle. Kelm was seriously injured in the wreck and flown via Air Evac to Regional One in Memphis, Tennessee.

The driver of the second vehicle received moderate injuries and was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

 

TWO CANDIDATES END UP WITH SAME AMOUNT OF VOTES RIPELY COUNTY PRIMARY One of the primary races in Ripley County was so tight on Tuesday that it’s not over yet.

The primary for the Republican nomination for Western Associate Commission between Andy Towell and Jerry Kelly ended in a deadlocked tie, with both candidates getting 475 votes.

In the case of a tied primary, Missouri statues say that a special primary election can be held or the winner can be picked by drawing of lots if both candidates agree to it.

 

PIEDMONT MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK Two Piedmont residents were injured, one seriously, in a single vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on Route 34 when a vehicle driven by 71 year old Jon Hartley ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Hartley received serious injuries in the wreck, while a passenger in the vehicle suffered moderate injuries.

Both were taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

 

MAN FOUND WITH WALKING CANE FILLED WITH METH DURING PAROLE VISIT A man in Northeast Arkansas has been taken into custody after he was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine during a parole visit.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells us that Scott Callahan was arrested when he showed up at his parole visit with a walking cane filled with measured out baggies of crystal methamphetamine.

Callahan was taken to the Greene County Detention Center on a charge of possession of crystal methamphetamine with purpose to deliver.

 

ENROLLMENT TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK FOR POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL New middle school students in Poplar Bluff will get to enroll for school next week.

Poplar Bluff Middle School will be taking new enrollments for grades 4, 5, and 6 on August 9th, 10th, and 11th. Enrollment will be held at the Mules Cafe from 9 am to 2 pm.

The enrolment is for students who are new to Poplar Bluff schools, if your child attended one of the elementary buildings last year you do not need to enroll.

 

THREE BLOOD DRIVES SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH IN POPLAR BLUFF Officials with the American Red Cross tell us that multiple blood drives have been scheduled for this month in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what’s needed, as well as a significant draw down of the overall Red Cross blood supply.

Area residents will have the opportunity to give blood on August 18th at the Black River Regional Medical Center.

Additional blood drives will also be held on August 19th and 20th at First United Methodist Church.

Multiple other blood drives will be held throughout the month in Southeast Missouri. You can find a donation place close to you at redcross.org.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

   

 

 

BUTLER COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS

Over 30 percent of registered voters in Butler County participated in Tuesday’s Missouri primary election.

Butler County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall tells us that a total of 7,567 votes were cast in Butler County.

In the race for the Republican Nomination for Butler County Western District commissioner, Dennis ‘Boots’ Legrand won the nomination with 42.5 percent of the votes cast.

For commissioner of the Eastern District of Butler County, Don ‘Butch’ Anderson received over 73 percent of votes to take the Republican nomination. Legrand will face Democrat Doug Harwell while, Anderson will run against Democrat Van Rhodes in the November Election. Both Harwell and Rhodes ran unopposed yesterday.

Chris Rickman won the Republican nomination for Butler County Assessor with 56.6 percent of the vote.

The Republican nomination for Public Administrator was won by incumbent Sharron Payne, who was selected by almost 60 percent of voters.

Andy Moore has taken the Republican nomination for Butler County Coroner, receiving just over 50 percent of the vote.

In the city of Poplar Bluff, Mark Dobbs won the republican nomination for committeeman of Ward Five. Dobbs received just under 67 percent of votes cast. NOMINEES SELECTED FOR MISSOURI STATE OFFICES Missourians will be getting mostly new statewide elected officials next year following yesterday’s primary election.

Missouri will have a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer due to all five positions being vacated by incumbents.

This led to some to some highly competitive primary races, highlighted by the Republican battle for Governor. The Republican nomination went to Eric Greitens, who will now go on to face Democrat Chris Koster in November’s general election.

Lieutenant Governor will be a race between Republican Mike Parson and Democrat Russ Carnahan. Attorney General will see Democrat Teresa Hensley matched up with Republican Josh Hawley.

Democrat Robin Smith and Republican Jay Ashcroft are matched up for the Secretary of State position. State Treasurer will be contested by Democrat Judy Baker and Republican Eric Schmitt. ROY BLUNT TO FACE JASON KANDER FOR MISSOURI US SENATE SEAT United States Senator Roy Blunt easily won his nomination for reelection yesterday and will face the current Missouri Secretary of State in November’s election.

Blunt won the Republican nomination with over 72 percent of the vote. The Democratic nomination was won by Jason Kander, who received just under 70 percent of the votes cast.

Southeast Missouri’s representative in the United States House of Representatives, Republican Jason Smith, also sailed through his nomination, carrying over 67 percent of votes. Dave Cowell ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination. SUSPECT IN CUSTDOY IN CONNECTION TO KENNETT SHOOTING INVESTIGATION Authorities in Kennett say a suspect is facing a murder charge following a shooting Tuesday evening.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers found 27 year old Isaac Lee Jefferson, of Kennett, shot and lying in front of a residence in the 900 block of North Baldwin Street. Jefferson was pronounced dead a short time later.

While officers were at the scene, a man arrived at the Kennett Police Department wanting to speak to an officer. The suspect identified himself as the shooter of Jefferson. Police officials say they will be seeking 2nd degree murder charges for the suspect, whose name was not released.

The investigation is still active, and investigators are urging anyone with information to contact the Kennett Police Department at 573-888-4622. SIKESTON MAN ARRESTED ON CHILD ENTICEMENT AND ATTEMPTED CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGES A Sikeston man has been taken into custody on an attempted child molestation charge.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter tells us that 51 year old Daniel Roland was arrested in connection to a call made from the Missouri Children’s Division in July.

When interviewed by deputies, Roland reportedly told them he was “very lonely” and that he cannot take back what he said to the juvenile.

Walter says that Roland has been charged with felony enticement of a child and attempted child molestation. His bond was set at $50,000 and he remains in custody at the Scott County Jail.

 

METH ARREST MADE TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN WAYNE COUNTY Authorities in Wayne County have arrested a Lowndes man on a methamphetamine charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 48 year old Lloyd Allen was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

He is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked.

Following the arrest, Allen was transported to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold. BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR TO BE HELD TODAY AT TWIN RIVERS HIGH SCHOOL A Back to School fair has been scheduled today for students at Twin Rivers.

The fair will be held from 1 to 7 pm at Twin Rivers High School.

The fair will be open to all students, kindergarten through 12th grade, in the Twin Rivers School District.