Thursday October 20, 2016

SUSPICIOUS FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION IN POPLAR BLUFFAn investigation is under way in connection to a Wednesday morning house fire in Poplar Bluff.

Chief Ralph Stucker with the Poplar Bluff Fire Department tells KWOC News that the fire is being considered suspicious.

RALPH STUCKER:

Early Wednesday morning around 2:10 a.m. the Poplar Bluff fire department received a report of a structure fire at 828 Poplar Street with the possibility of somebody being in the house. Before the first truck arrived with was also updated that everybody was out of the house. Crews pulled up to find single story structure fully involved worked on extinguishing that and then getting information from the occupant that was there. We had a little trouble doing that. The police department and the Missouri Fire Marshal's office assisted on that. Heavy to moderate damage to the structure. At the time no utilities was hooked up, they had their power cut off the day before and hadn't had gas hooked up since the summer of 15’. Right now we're still checking on leads and getting information with different suspects. The occupant told us that he woke up to somebody yelling to get out of the house, that somebody threw something on it. We've got down to where the fire origin’s at. All that's under investigation right now, but with no electric being to the house, no utilities being to the house this is a suspicious fire. There is a deal that the State Fire Marshal's office has it in case someone has information on the fire that leads to conviction, there’s a $5,000 reward. Just one thing for the public to understand when you have an incident like that, we’re there to help you. Some of the information we're going to ask you is going to help us kind of put things back together so we can figure out what happened. If it's an accident it's an accident if it's a criminal activity we're going to do everything we can to prosecute that.

Stucker tells us that the phone number for the Arson Hotline is 1-800-39-ARSON, that’s 1-800-392-7766.

 

ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN DUMP TRUCK WRECK NEAR BROSELEY A man was injured Wednesday morning following a dump truck wreck near Broseley.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 63 year old Keith Moore, of Bloomfield, was driving the dump truck when the vehicle ran off the side of Route U and then hit an embankment, utility pole, and culvert.

Patrol officials say that Moore suffered serious injuries during the wreck.

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE A Cape Girardeau man is facing a felony drug charge following his arrest in Butler County.

According to authorities, 46 year old John Bradley was taken into custody Wednesday morning on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and alprazolam.

Bradley is also facing a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

MODOT CREWS TO BE IN STODDARD COUNTY TODAY FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS Route H in Stoddard County will be reduced today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

MoDOT officials say that the work zone will be located from Route ZZ to Route U.

Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

 

HAYTI WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County say that a Hayti woman has been taken into custody on a distribution warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 26 year old Danyel Williams was recently arrested on a warrant for distribution of a controlled substance.

William’s bond was set at $20,000 cash.

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY, IN CONNECTION TO WRECK NEAR WAPPAPELLO A 90 year old Wappapello man suffered serious injuries Wednesday afternoon following a wreck in Butler County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle, driven by 90 year old Harold Wright, overturned after it struck another vehicle on Route T.

Wright was taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. A passenger in the second vehicle received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

 

2ND ANNUAL OUTDOORSMEN WITH A MISSION GIGGING TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND The second annual Outdoorsmen with a Mission gigging tournament has been scheduled for this weekend at the Doniphan Boat Ramp.

Registration will begin Saturday at 5 pm, with the launch following at 6 pm. Weigh in will be held at 11 pm.

There will be trophies for 1st place as well as the biggest fish. Registration will cost $25 per person with a max of four people to a boat. T-shirts can also be purchased for $15 dollars.

In addition to the gigging tournament there will also be a community chili dinner at 5 pm.

Officials tell us that all proceeds from the event will help John McDonough fight his battle with cancer.

For more information, or to register, call 776-5991.

 

CORNING HARVEST FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY The annual Corning Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday at Wynn Park.

There will be multiple antique cars and machinery as well as arts and crafts on display. Live entertainment throughout the day along with a 5K run are also scheduled.

For more information, contact Rhonda Sollis at 870-926-1188.

Wednesday October 19, 2016

WOMAN FACING DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH TWO POUNDS OF SUSPECTED METH  

A Poplar Bluff woman is facing a drug trafficking charge after she was allegedly found in possession of two pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine.

Investigator Randle Huddleston with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department tells us more about the arrest.

RANDLE HUDDLESTON:

 On Monday afternoon, at around 5:30 pm I was contacted by Department of Revenue Criminal Investigative Division. One of their agents called and requested backup at South Main Street in front of Dollar General in reference to a license plate that had been altered. I arrived on scene, the department of revenue investigator made contact with the driver and sole operator of the vehicle who identified herself as Angela Hays. While speaking with her about the license plate, I began to pick up on some indicators that she was possibly involved in illegal narcotics activity. I confronted her with those assumptions and upon questioning her about that she indicated that she was on probation for possession of narcotics and that she had been to prison for that offense. She further stated that she had used recently, putting all of those indicators together, I asked consent to search the vehicle. She denied consent at that point in time. I contacted K-9 handler Duckett with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, he arrived with his K-9. A free air sniff of the vehicle was conducted. K-9 alerted on the vehicle as to the presence of the odor of narcotics and a search was then conducted on the vehicle at which time a large amount of suspected crystal methamphetamine was located along with scales and other items used for sales of illegal narcotics. Along with that was a small amount of marijuana, some other paraphernalia that is used for drug use, as well as approximately $5,000 in cash money, All of which was seized and put into evidence. With the amount of methamphetamine that was there in the vehicle, if you break it down into grams for sales, which is normally how methamphetamine is sold on the street level, approximately $70,000 worth of methamphetamine is what is suspected to be in the vehicle. At this point in time, Angela Hays is incarcerated in the Butler County Jail and is being charged with trafficking methamphetamine which is a Class A felony.

Hays remained in custody as of this morning and no bond has been set.

 

PLANE CRASHES IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

 

Authorities were at the scene of a plane crash Tuesday in Northeast Arkansas.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that the plane clipped a highline wire and then crashed into a fish farm pond near Highway 135.

Carter says that the pilot walked away uninjured.

 

PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAYNE COUNTY ROAD

 

Route 49 in Wayne County will be closed both today and tomorrow as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

According to MoDot, the work zone will be located from Route A to Mill Spring.

Weather permitting, work will be performed today and tomorrow from 8 am to 3 pm daily.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI LOOKING AT POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER TONIGHT

 

Southeast Missouri is looking at the possibility of thunderstorms today and weather officials say that we could see some severe storms as well.

According to a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service, numerous thunderstorms are forecast for today through Thursday morning. A few severe storms will also be possible this afternoon and tonight.

The primary concerns related to the storms will be damaging winds and large hail. There could also be flooding issues possible in locations that experience multiple rounds of storms.

 

11 ARRESTED, TWO AT LARGE IN CONNECTION TO METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING RING

 

11 people have been arrested and authorities are still looking for two others in connection to an investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization based in Blytheville.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the joint DEA-ATF investigation began in mid-2015, with a series of smaller controlled purchases of methamphetamine from targets in Missouri.

Eventually, as law enforcement informants increased the amounts of methamphetamine they purchased, these targets brought the informants to their main meth suppliers in Blytheville to buy larger amounts, up to quarter-pounds at a time.

All told, law enforcement directly purchased more than one kilogram of methamphetamine from the Arther James and Robert Brown drug-trafficking organization in 17 controlled purchases.

Six of the defendants were arrested in Blytheville, while defendants were also arrested in Malden, Steele, and Jonesboro. Two others were served arrest warrants while incarcerated in the Dunklin County jail.

Officials say that two of the indicted individuals, 34 year old Brad Vernon, of Gosnell, and 30 year old Joseph Riley, of Blytheville, are still at large. A full list of the subjects arrested is available online at KWOC.com.

 

STUDENTS ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI TO PARTICIPATE IN GREAT CENTRAL US SHAKEOUT

 

Students across Southeast Missouri will be participating in the Great Central U.S. Shakeout drill on Thursday.

During the drill, students will practice what they need to do when an earthquake hits, including the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" protocol, which has students drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a desk or table, and hold on.

The drill will be held tomorrow at 10:20 am.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN PEMISCOT COUNTY

 

Route A in Pemiscot County will be reduced to one lane with an 8-foot width restriction through the end of the month so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, work will take place today through Sunday, October 30th from 6 am to 7 pm, each day.

The section of roadway to be affected is located between Route EE and the I-55 interchange.

Tuesday October 18, 2016

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER TO BE DISCUSSED AT UPCOMING POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGThe addition of a school resource officer is one of many things to be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Poplar Bluff School Board.

We spoke with Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Scott Dill about the meeting.

SCOTT DILL:

This Thursday at 7 p.m. we will have our monthly school board meeting, open session begins at 7 o'clock, one of the items on the agenda this month is the school resource officer. This is an issue that has been discussed over the course of several months. The Poplar Bluff Police Department had applied for some grant funds to help offset the cost of the officer. They were unsuccessful in securing that grant, and so now the school board of the local district is deciding whether or not we go ahead and employ a full-time school resource officer. I don't think that anyone can deny that the need is there. This person would be working at the 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Center. With those three grade levels we have approximately 1,200 students. It is centrally located right in the heart of the community. The demographics of the building have changed significantly with the move. The Poplar Bluff PD has had someone on site since the beginning of the school year and they have done a great job down there, interfaces well with the kids. So the decision will come down to really does the district finance this position or not. I think our SRO program has been very successful obviously we have those individuals in place for worst case scenarios. Thankfully, we don't have those situations come up. They are involved in some of our discipline when we have major issues, but really their job there is to facilitate relationships with our students and positive relationships within the community. And these guys do a great job I mean absolutely top-notch. The meeting will be held at 1110 North Westwood here in Poplar Bluff. That's at the same location of the Mules Cafe for anybody that would like to come and join us for that meeting. There is a portion of the agenda for public comment right at the beginning of the meeting. So if somebody wanted to come and comment on this issue, talk to the board about their feelings on the subject, they would be welcome to do so.

The school board meeting will be held at 7 pm this Thursday.

 

MAN FACING COCAINE CHARGE OUT OF PEMISCOT COUNTY A Caruthersville man is facing a felony drug charge following his arrest Monday night.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 22 year old Cody Quertermous was taken into custody in Pemiscot County on a felony charge of possession of cocaine.

Following the arrest, Quertermous was held in the Pemiscot County Jail.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS UNDERWAY ON ROUTE 60 IN CARTER AND SHANNON COUNTIES Eastbound Route 60 in Shannon and Carter County is being reduced to one lane this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

The work zone is located from one mile east of Winona to Route P.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6:30 am to 5 pm daily through Thursday. MoDot officials say that the work zone will be set up 24-hours a day.

 

ADVANCE MAN FACING CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTING A WOMAN An Advance man has been taken into custody after a report over the weekend that he assaulted a woman.

According to authorities, the victim on Saturday said that a gun had been held to her head and that she had been assaulted by 45 year old Lonnie Masters.

The victim also reported that Masters had discharged the firearm inside their residence in front of a minor child.

Masters was arrested and has been charged with domestic assault 2nd degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.

His bond has been set at $25,000 cash or surety.

 

MCGEE MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS IN WAYNE COUNTY Authorities in Wayne County have arrested a McGee man on multiple warrants.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 75 year old Buddy Walker was taken into custody Monday afternoon on Wayne County warrants of felony possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon.

Walker is also facing a felony charge of resisting arrest. Following the arrest, he was held in the Wayne County Jail.

 

$20,000 RAISED DURING 6TH ANNUAL PINK-OUT DAY A total of $20,000 dollars was raised for the Untied Cancer Assistance Network last week as a part of a city wide event in Poplar Bluff.

The money was raised during the sixth annual Pink-Out Day last Friday.

The Pink-Out Day is an event founded by the Poplar Bluff High School Student Council.

As a part of the event, citizens participated in a T-shirt fundraiser which has proceeds go toward UCAN, a nonprofit organization that provides monetary support for local patients receiving cancer treatment.

 

SPAGHETTI DINNER SCHEUDLED FOR THRUSDAY NIGHT AT O’NEAL ELEMENTARY A Spaghetti dinner has been scheduled for this Thursday at O’Neal Elementary School to raise money for the PTO.

The dinner will be held at the O’Neal Elementary Gym from 4:30 to 7 pm on Thursday. The dinner will consist of spaghetti, a breadstick, salad, dessert, and drink and will cost five dollars per person.

During the dinner, the book fair will also be going on at the FEMA gym and pumpkins from the 3rd grade Pumpkin Palooza will be on display in the old gym for everyone to vote on.

Monday October 17, 2016

TWO HARVIELL RESIDENTS ARE FACING A FELONY DRUG CHARGE FOLLOWING ARREST IN BUTLER COUNTY  

Two Harviell residents were taken into custody Saturday night on a felony drug charge.

According to authorities, 27 year old Ryan Capper and 20 year old Sierra Crosby were each arrested at around 10:30 pm in Butler County on felony charge of possession of a methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, both were taken to the Butler County Jail.

 

MULTIPLE AREA POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO HOST DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT Area residents will have a chance to safely dispose of their unused or expired medication later this month.

The Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Puxico, and Doniphan Police Departments will all be taking part in the 12th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22nd from 10 am to 2 pm.

For more information or to find a collection site near you go online to www.dea.gov.

 

CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES STARTING TIME FOR HALLOWEEN PARADE The Campbell Volunteer Fire Department has set the start time for their upcoming Halloween Parade.

The parade will begin at 7 pm on Monday, October 31st. There will be awards given out in multiple categories, including floats, bands, adult groups, and children’s groups.

For more information, contact Fire Chief Ben Weeks at 573-778-7478.

 

ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER JUMPING FROM A MOVING VEHICLE A Malden man suffered serious injuries Saturday evening during a single vehicle wreck in Stoddard County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the accident happened on Missouri Highway 114, 80 feet east of Dexter City limits. Authorities say, 44 year old Jerry McCulley, jumped from his vehicle while it was still in motion.

McCulley, was taken by ambulance to a Cape Girardeau hospital following the accident.

 

DEDICATION CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR STAFF SERGEANT ERIC W. SUMMERS A dedication ceremony for Staff Sgt. Eric W. Summers is scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, October 29th, at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson sponsored legislation naming Highway 67 in Butler County from Route M to the Route 60/67 interchange the “SSgt. Eric W. Summers Memorial Highway.” Senator Doug Libla also helped to pass this legislation through the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate.

Summers, who was deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, died at the age of 32 in November of 2013.

 

NEW DAY MINISTRIES TO HOST FEED AND SEED EVENT THIS WEEK New Day Ministries in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event on Thursday 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.

Friday, October 14, 2016

   

 

 

TAILGATE PARTY TO BE HELD BEFORE MULES GAME TONIGHT

The Poplar Bluff Mules football team will be playing in their regular season finale tonight at 7 pm against the Festus Tigers.

Prior to the game, River Radio, the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, and the Poplar Bluff Mules Booster Club are hosting a tailgate party in the Mules Stadium Parking Lot beginning at 5 pm.

Tonight’s game is also the Pink-Out game, so during the tailgate party, River Radio will be handing out pink rally towels courtesy of Poplar Bluff Realty and Stinson Press.

There will also be food available from Buffalo Wild Wings.

The Mules Tailgate Party is sponsored by Poplar Bluff Realty, Medic One, First Choice Insurance, and Whitworth Gift Chest Jewelers.

 

 

MAN REPORTEDLY SHOT DURING ROBBERY IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY 

A man was shot Wednesday during a robbery in Mississippi County.

According to authorities, the victim said he was robbed by two men and then shot in the leg Wednesday night.

The victim was taken to an area hospital. The shooting is under investigation.

 

 

ONE KILLED IN TRACTOR WRECK IN BOLLINGER COUNTY 

One man has died following a tractor wreck Thursday in Bollinger County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 39 year old Bradley Billinger, of Patton, was ejected from a tractor he was operating when it struck a hay bale and overturned.

Billinger was pronounced dead at the scene by Bollinger County Coroner Charlie Hutchings.

 

 

BROSELEY HOMECOMING SET FOR THIS WEEKEND

The annual Broseley Homecoming event has been set for Saturday.

The Homecoming parade will begin at 10 am. Other events scheduled include breakfast at 6 am, the Big Ticket Auction at 11:30 am, and the Miss Broseley Beauty Pageant at 2 pm.

More information is available online at the Broseley Senior Community Center Facebook Page.

 

 

MAN ARRESTED IN POPLAR BLUFF IN CONNECTION TO COUNTERFEIT MONEY

Authorities have arrested a man in Poplar Bluff in connection to counterfeit money.

42 year old Shedric Anderson was arrested at an area residence on Wednesday. Officials also found printed bills along with counterfeiting equipment at the residence.

After being arrested, Anderson was taken to the Butler County Jail.

 

 

DONIPHAN MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE

A Doniphan man has been taken into custody on a felony drug charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 36 year old Van Evans was arrested Thursday afternoon on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

He also had a misdemeanor probation violation warrant out of Ripley County.

Following the arrest, Evans was held in the Doniphan City Jail.

 

 

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S EVENT TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF

The Alzheimer’s Association will be holding an event in Poplar Bluff this weekend to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

The 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held at McLane Park on Saturday, October 15th. Registration will begin at 8 am, followed by a ceremony at 9 am, and the walk at 9:30.

More information about the walk, including how to start a team, is available online at alz.org/walk.

 

 

INTERSTATE 55 REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS THROUGH THE END OF THE MONTH

Southbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction through the end of the month so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the work zone will be located between mile markers 49 and 32.

Weather permitting; work will be performed from 6 am to 7 pm daily, through Monday, October 31st.

 

Thursday October 13, 2016

METH AND A FIREARM FOUND DURING SEARCH IN CORNINGA Corning man is facing charges following a search earlier this week.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that Clay County Deputies and the Corning Police Department executed a search on Monday at an address in Corning.

During the search, officers located around 40 to 45 grams of suspect methamphetamines and a loaded 40 caliber firearm.

Miller says that 34 year old Nicholas Kemp was arrested on felony drug and firearm charges.

 

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING DEATH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS One man has died in connection to a shooting in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, 33 year old Michael Angelo Scott was shot Tuesday night at a residence in Blytheville.

Scott later died at an area hospital. Authorities say the incident is under investigation.

 

BRIDGE TO BE CONSTRUCTED TODAY IN WILLIAMSVILLE Route 49 in Wayne County will be reduced with a 10 foot width restriction today so the City of Williamsville can install a pedestrian bridge.

The bridge will be located between Route A and County Road 415 over Williams Creek.

Work is scheduled today for 7 am to 5 pm.

 

MAN ARRESTED AFTER DRUGS FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP A Wardell man has been taken into custody after drugs were reportedly found during a traffic stop.

According to the Steele Police Department, officers found a bag containing purported methamphetamine during the stop earlier this week.

A 44 year old man from Wardell was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. The name of the man arrested was not released.

 

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WARRANT A Dexter man is in custody following his arrest on a sexual misconduct warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 24 year old Trenton Alexander Spencer was recently arrested on warrants for sodomy or attempted sodomy 1st degree and sexual misconduct involving a child.

Authorities say that no bond has been set and Spencer remained in jail as of this morning.

 

6TH ANNUAL NEELYVILLE FFA PULLIN’ FOR PINK EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND The Neelyville FFA will be holding their 6th annual Pullin’ For Pink event this weekend at Ray Clinton Park in Poplar Bluff.

Gates will open for the event at 6 pm with the pull beginning at 7 pm. In addition to the pull, there will also be a 50/50 Raffle and a trailer raffle. Proceeds from T-Shirts for the event will go to Susan G. Komen.

For more information, contact Jasa Hollis at 870-239-1369.

Tuesday October 11, 2016

FOUR ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANTS IN STODDARD COUNTY  

Four people were recently taken into custody in Stoddard County on controlled substance warrants.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell us that 50 year old Gregory Gill and 44 year old Billy Sanders Jr., both of Bernie, along with 24 year old Stephanie Edwards, of Dexter, and 23 year old Jacob Tipton, of Bloomfield, were all arrested on warrants for possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities say that all four were still in custody as of this morning.

 

TWO INJURED IN HEAD ON COLLISION NEAR DONIPHAN

 

A Doniphan woman has been taken to a St. Louis hospital in connection to a collision in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at around 4:40 pm Monday around two miles west of Doniphan. A vehicle reportedly crossed the center line of Missouri Highway 21 and struck another vehicle head on.

The driver of the second vehicle, 43 year old Melissa Lane, of Doniphan, was seriously injured in the wreck. The driver of the first vehicle, 25 year old Jacob Browning, also of Doniphan, suffered minor injuries.

 

MULTIPLE AREA POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO HOST DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT

 

Area residents will have a chance to safely dispose of their unused or expired medication later this month.

The Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Puxico, and Doniphan Police Departments will all be taking part in the 12th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22nd from 10 am to 2 pm.

For more information or to find a collection site near you go online to www.dea.gov.

 

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR TWO MEN IN CONNECTION TO THE FRAUDULANT USE OF A VOUCHER

 

Authorities in Poplar Bluff are searching for two men and seeking the public’s help in finding them.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on September 27th, police received a complaint involving the fraudulent use of a missing Menard's rebate voucher.

Two males have been identified as persons who may have used the missing voucher and we have pictures of the men available on our Facebook page.

Anyone with information regarding the identity and location of these subjects is asked to contact Lieutenant Ralph Jefferson at the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

 

TEENAGER FLOWN TO ST. LOUIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK

 

A Vanduser teenager suffered serious injuries Monday afternoon in a two vehicle wreck in Scott County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle, driven by a 15 year old male, was travelling northbound on US 61 when it reportedly crossed the centerline and struck another vehicle head on.

The teen was flown to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The driver of the second vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was taken to St. Francis Medical Center.

 

REPAIRS TO BEGIN TODAY ON ROUTE 60 IN CARTER AND SHANNON COUNTIES

 

Eastbound Route 60 in Shannon and Carter County will be reduced to one lane beginning today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform joint and crack sealing on the roadway.

According to MODOT, the section of Route 60 to be reduced is located from County Road 60B to Route P.

Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow from 6:30 am to 5 pm each day.

 

POPLAR BLUFF JUNIOR HIGH TEACHER AWARDED MINI-GRANT FROM MISSOURI STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

 

A Poplar Bluff teacher has been awarded a mini-grant from the Missouri State Teachers Association.

Junior High communication arts teacher Julie Gambill was one of 30 educators in the Southeast Region to receive the grant for student-centered materials.

Gambill purchased a tablet with the funding so students can use the camera to shoot stills and video that are transferable into various digital applications.

Monday October 10, 2016

PEDESTRIAN DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTYA Wappapello man has died after he was hit by a vehicle Sunday night in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Charles Colbert III (the third) was attempting to cross Route T at around 9:30 pm Sunday night when he was struck by a vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was 33 year old Brian Kearbey, of Poplar Bluff, who is a Sheriff’s Deputy in Butler County.

We spoke with Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs about the incident:

MARK DOBBS:

The entire situation being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol major crash team from all indications it looks like just a very tragic and unfortunate accident. We looked at some things the officer was going the appropriate speed. Don't appear to be anything that he could have done to avoid just want is a very tragic accident. I think the young man is crossing the road just overlooked the fact that there was oncoming traffic and it's just one of those things that you try to avoid but just a very unfortunate accident.

Dobbs would go on to say that Kearbey has been placed on paid leave during the investigation of the incident.

 

TWO FOUND DEAD FOLLOWING CAMPER TRAILER FIRE IN WAYNE COUNTY

 

Two people have been found dead in connection to a fire in Wayne County.

According to authorities, the fire occurred in the Wappapello area Saturday morning at a camper trailer. A nearby mobile home was also burglarized. An autopsy has been scheduled for this morning.

Two Neelyville residents were arrested Sunday, 30 year old Nicholas Suiter, and 25 year old Felicia Crumley. They are each facing charges of burglary, arson, and tampering with a motor vehicle.

Suiter is also facing a charge of 1st degree murder, while Crumley is also facing a charge of second degree murder.

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY, IN WRECK NEAR NAYLOR A Naylor man suffered serious injuries Friday afternoon when his vehicle hit a tree in Ripley County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on Missouri Highway 142 at around 1 pm Friday. A vehicle, driven by 41 year old Daniel Mitchell, ran off the side of the road, struck a tree, and caught fire.

Mitchell was seriously injured, while a three year old child suffered minor injuries in the wreck. Both were taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

 

BERNIE WOMAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Bernie woman has died in connection to a single vehicle wreck Saturday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 33 year old Rebeca Mead was driving on Route W, near Catron, when her vehicle ran off the side of the road and overturned.

Officials say the wreck occurred at around 5 am Saturday. Mead was later pronounced dead at the scene by Stoddard County Coroner Kenny Pope.

 

WOMAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN PEMISCOT COUNTY A single vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon has resulted in a woman being flown to a Memphis hospital with serious injuries.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 31 year old Leann King, of Marion, Arkansas, was driving on Route D, in Pemiscot County, when her vehicle ran off the road, struck a ditch, and overturned.

King was seriously injured and was taken by Air Evac to Region One Health of Memphis, Tennessee. A five year old passenger received moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital.

 

STODDARD COUNTY AUTHORITIES ARREST DUDLEY MAN ON SEXUAL ABUSE WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County say a Dudley man has been taken into custody on a sexual abuse warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 55 year old Ricky Lee Green Senior was recently arrested on a warrant for 1st degree sexual abuse.

Green’s bond was set at $25,000 cash.

 

STODDARD COUNTY SCHOOL RECIEVES NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON AWARD Missouri Governor Jay Nixon was in Stoddard County last week to commend an area school for receiving a national award.

Richland High School has been named a 2016 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

The award, given to only 329 schools nationwide this year, honors schools whose students achieve at very high levels or who have made significant progress to close gaps in achievement.

Last year, Richland High School scored a perfect 100 on its MSIP 5 and had a 100 percent graduation rate. The MSIP 5 is the state’s school accountability system for reviewing and accrediting public school districts in Missouri.

Eight public schools and three private schools in Missouri have been honored as 2016 Blue Ribbon Schools.

 

DEADLINE COMING UP TO REGISTER TO VOTE We are less than a month away from the November general election and there is still time to make sure you are registered to vote.

According to the Missouri Secretary of State, in Missouri you can register to vote online at GoVoteMissouri.com. You can also register in person at your local county clerk’s office. The deadline to register to vote in Missouri is this Wednesday, October 12th.

For residents in Arkansas, today is your deadline to register. Voter registration forms are available at your local county clerk office. Additional information is available at the Arkansas Secretary of State website, sos.arkansas.gov.

Friday, October 7, 2016

   

  ONE INJURED IN SHOOTING

One person was injured Thursday evening in a shooting.

Few details about the shooting are available; however Poplar Bluff police were searching for 26 year old Guy Michael Conner II in connection to the incident.

Conner was found later Thursday night. We will keep following this story for you and bring you updates when they become available.

 

MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME TO HONOR GENE BESS AS A MISSOURI SPORTS LEGEND

Gene Bess will be honored next month by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame will honor the longtime Three Rivers College basketball coach as a Missouri Sports Legend at the Enshrinement on Sunday, November 6th at the Show Me Center.

Bess, the all-time winningest coach in college basketball history, is receiving the Hall’s highest honor with a bronze bust. It eventually will be on display on the Legends Walkway, home to other bronze statues of Missouri greats such as Stan Musial, Whitey Herzog, Norm Stewart, and Ozzie Smith.

Poplar Bluff’s Eddie Moss was also selected for induction into the Hall. A 1967 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, Moss was a football standout at Poplar Bluff, Southeast Missouri State and the St. Louis Football Cardinals.

The 1979 and 1992 Three Rivers Community College men’s basketball teams, who won national championships in the NJCAA Tournament, will also be inducted into the hall.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame will bestow its President’s Award on Joe Scott, a Poplar Bluff attorney and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee who was a standout basketball player at the University of Missouri.

 

ELLINGTON MAN FACING METH CHARGE FOLLOWING ARREST IN STODDARD COUNTY

An Ellington man is facing a meth charge following his arrest Wednesday in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 51 year old Gregory Hundelt was taken into custody Wednesday morning on a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Hundelt was taken to the Stoddard County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

WOMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE THURSDAY NIGHT

Authorities have arrested a Southeast Missouri woman on a felony drug charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 46 year old Angela Taylor, of Puxico, was arrested Thursday night in Wayne County on charges of driving while intoxicated and felony possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Taylor was held in the Wayne County Jail.

 

STORM SIRENS TO BE TESTED TODAY AT NOON

Officials with the Butler County EMA and Poplar Bluff Police Department tell us that the outdoor warning system sirens will be tested today.

The storm sirens will be activated at noon.

The Police Department says that the actual sirens will be sounding today and not a recording of “God Bless America.”

 

WHOLE KIDS OUTREACH FALL FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEKEND

Preparations are underway for the annual Whole Kids Outreach Fall Festival.

Officials tell us that festival is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th, with registration beginning at 9:30 am.

Everyone is invited to attend and there will be games, prizes, pony rides, and a free lunch.

Whole Kids Outreach is located on Highway 21, six miles south of Ellington. For more information, call 573-663- 3257.

 

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

Officials have set the dates for the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Poplar Bluff Middle and High Schools.

The ceremony for the middle school will begin at 4 pm on Tuesday, October 11th, at the Victory Lane facility.

The senior high school ceremony will be held two days later at the Oak Grove facility, also beginning at 4 pm.

Following each ceremony, the public will be allowed to tour the buildings.

Thursday October 6, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTENCED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGE  

A Poplar Bluff man has been sentenced on a sexual abuse charge in Stoddard County.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells KWOC News that Charles Labarre was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for the offense of Sexual Abuse involving a minor.

Labarre had previously pleaded guilty to statutory sodomy in the first degree in August of 2009, and was found by the Court to be a Predatory Sexual Offender.

Oliver says that when a defendant is found to be a Predatory Sexual Offender, a life sentence is for the duration of the person’s natural life.

Labarre will be ineligible for parole until he has served at least 20 years imprisonment.

 

MALDEN MAN ARRESTED ON FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR DISTRIBUTING METH

 

A Malden man is in custody on a federal meth indictment.

According to the Malden Police Department, on Wednesday, officers arrested Corneilius M. Porter on a federal indictment for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

Porter is being held without bond at the Malden Police Station, awaiting extradition.

 

HAYTI WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

 

A Hayti woman has been flown to a Memphis hospital following a single vehicle wreck Wednesday evening.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the vehicle ran off the side of Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County and struck numerous posts of the median barrier cable.

The driver, 61 year old Jann Guinn, suffered serious injuries in the wreck. Her current condition was not available.

 

WOMAN REPORTEDLY CAUGHT COMMITING BURGLARY IN POPLAR BLUFF

 

A woman is facing a burglary charge after she was reportedly caught in the act Tuesday in Poplar Bluff.

We spoke with Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the arrest.

DARRON MOORE:

On Tuesday, officers responded to the 2300 block of Mangold in reference to someone breaking into a storage shed. Upon arrival officers located two adults, with a 4 year old child removing items from the shed. A witness reported seeing Courtnee Whitworth pry the lock from the storage shed. The property owner stated Whitworth did not have permission to enter the shed. Whitworth was placed under arrest for burglary and an outstanding warrant for failure to appear from the Poplar Bluff Municipal Court. The child was released her grandmother.

 

TWO ARRESTS MADE IN CONNECTION TO AN AUGUST BURGLARY IN STEELE

 

Steele Police officials say that two arrests have been made in connection to an August burglary.

According to Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield, officials attempted to make contact with 23 year old William Cook on September 30th, when Cook then took off running. After a short foot pursuit, Cook was arrested on an active Pemiscot County warrant charging him with Burglary 1st degree and felony stealing.

The next day, officers also arrested 23 year old Jordan Johnson on a warrant for Burglary 1st degree and felony stealing.

Following the arrests, both Cook and Johnson were taken to the Pemiscot County Jail.

Stanfield says the two arrests are a result of an incident on August 23rd where a house was burglarized.

 

EIGHT POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CHOSEN FOR ALL DISTRICT CHOIR

 

Eight students from Poplar Bluff High School were recently chosen to participate in the 2016 Southeast Missouri All-District Choir.

Ross Dare, Alivia and Bethany Jenson, Allison Knowlton and Aaron Taylor will perform with the ninth and 10th grade choir, while Hunter Ellis, Ariel Judd and Shelby Ross will join the 11th and 12th grade choir on Saturday, November 12th, at Cape Central High School.

The eight were selected following an audition held on September 24th. The juniors and seniors selected will also have the opportunity to try out for the All-State Choir.

Wednesday October 5, 2016

TWO YEAR OLD CHILD DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY VEHICLE  

A young child has died in Southeast Missouri after they were hit by a vehicle.

According to Senath authorities, the two year old child was hit in their driveway Tuesday evening.

The child later died at an area hospital.

 

SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR SUSPECT IN CONNECTION TO AN ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT A search is underway for a suspect in an alleged sexual assault in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Blytheville Police Department, police are looking for Duan Harris in connection to the sexual assault of a woman last week.

Authorities say that Harris should be considered dangerous and anybody who knows his whereabouts should contact the Blytheville Police Department at 870-763-4491.

 

MOTORISTS ADVISED TO BE AWARE OF FARM VEHICLES ON AREA ROADS Many area farmers are in the process of harvesting their crops and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be prepared for heavier farm machinery traffic, especially on rural highways.

When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, remember to slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.

Officials say that collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, instead may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Be sure to watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.

According to the Highway Patrol, there were a total of 209 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment in 2015. In those crashes six people were killed and 165 were injured.

 

TWO FACING MURDER CHARGE IN CONNECTION TO POLICE CHASE Two people who were taken into custody following a police chase in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas are now facing a murder charge.

According to the Arkansas State Police, on Sunday a stolen vehicle was involved in a pursuit with Kennett Police that crossed into Arkansas.

At approximately 10:35 am that morning, a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the stolen car near Rector on U.S. 49. As the pursuit entered the city, the deputy’s patrol car collided with another vehicle unrelated to the pursuit.

84 year old Sadine Dixon, of Rector, was killed in the collision. The deputy was injured and taken to an area hospital.

36 year old Robert Huffines, of Holcomb and 32 year old Lea Mamino, of Collinsville, Illinois were later arrested after the chase ended in Paragould.

They are both facing charges including 1st degree murder, theft by receiving, and fleeing a vehicle.

 

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS POLICE WARNING ABOUT PHONE SCAMMERS Authorities in Northeast Arkansas are warning area residents about scammers who are claiming to be with the IRS.

According to the Paragould Police Department, the scammers are calling from an out of state phone number and claiming to be a Paragould police officer with a warrant for the person being called.

The scammers are also using the names of actual Paragould police officers in an attempt to add some legitimacy to their scam.

The caller will typically attempt to get the potential victim to purchase gift cards or iTunes cards to satisfy the payment of the fine that they insist exists.

Paragould Police Officials say that you should hang up the phone if you get one of these calls.

 

ALLEY SPRING TO HOST HAUNTING IN THE HILLS THIS WEEKEND Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be hosting the Haunting in the Hills event this weekend.

The event will be held on Friday and Saturday at Alley Spring near Eminence.

On Friday night attendees can learn about Ozark tales and superstitions with multiple storytelling and skit sessions from 6 to 9:30 pm.

There will be multiple craft demonstrations from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, including apple butter making, basket weaving, blacksmithing, soap making, square dancing, and woodworking.

For more information, visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

 

ROAD REPAIRS UNDERWAY IN WAYNE COUNTY Southbound US 67 in Wayne County is being reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform concrete repairs.

The work zone is located from County Road 216 to Route 49.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled for today and tomorrow from 7 am to 2:30 pm each day.

TCC granted reaccreditation for six years

reaccreditation-slider

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center will continue its long-standing tradition of upholding full accreditation, ensuring that adult students can receive federal Title IV loans, grants and financial aid. The TCC had to restart a rigorous compliance process after its previous regional accrediting agency—utilized by post-secondary education institutions in 19 ...read more

Source: Poplar Bluff Mules

Tuesday October 4, 2016

MAN FOUND IN POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND DRUGS IN POPLAR BLUFF  

A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple charges after he was found in possession of drugs and firearms.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley tells KWOC News that officers arrested 60 year old Michael Woods on Saturday.

We spoke with Chief Whiteley about the arrest.

DANNY WHITELEY:

 On Saturday at approximately 6:30 p.m. a concerned citizen saw something suspicious at a house located at 717 Ethel Street. Our officers were dispatched and came in contact with a subject who was later identified as Michael Woods of Poplar Bluff. The reporting party thought it might be a burglary in progress and when our officers contacted the subject they saw a taser, which they asked him put down and a pat down for weapons revealed a couple of knives and a handgun. He was placed in custody at that time. Later there were items of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and morphine that were on his person. A further search of the motorcycle he was on revealed another handgun all of which were seized and this subject placed under arrest for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful use of a firearm. This will continue to be an ongoing investigation, we believe he may have some felony convictions in the past we will submit this to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for further disposition. A couple things, one you’ve got a person with a criminal history that has dope on them, have handguns in their possession, and at a house, that can turn out to be a dangerous situation anytime. I want to commend the public that helped us on this thing, paying attention, and not getting involved as sometimes happens. We are no better than the community that we police and their cooperation and I certainly want to thank them for paying attention, for stepping up, and being counted in advising this situation. This could have turned into a deadly occurrence and by their proactive response, it turned out good.

Following the arrest, Woods was transported to the Butler County Justice Center.

 

TWO POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON FELONY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES

 

Two Poplar Bluff residents were taken into custody over the weekend on felony controlled substance charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, both 47 year old John Peters and 37 year old Jennifer Hampton were arrested Saturday night in Stoddard County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Hampton is also facing a charge of felony tampering with evidence.

Both arrestees were taken to the Stoddard County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

HIGHWAY 60 TO BE REDUCED FOR ROAD REPAIRS THIS WEEK

 

US 60 in Carter and Shannon Counties will be reduced to one lane this week while crews perform joint and crack sealing on the roadway.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, work is scheduled for today through Thursday from 7 am to 3:30 pm each day.

The work zone is located from Route P in Carter County to 1 mile east of Winona.

 

7TH ANNUAL WAYNE COUNTY FAIR SCHEUDLED FOR THIS WEEKEND

 

The 7th Annual Wayne County Fair has been scheduled for this weekend.

A truck pull has been set for 6 pm on the opening day of the fair on Friday.

Events scheduled for Saturday include the logger games, the bench dog show, the pedal tractor pull, and more.

Sunday will begin with the Cowboy Church at 10 am, followed by the horse show, ATV drag race, and antique tractor show. For more information, call 573-778-2371.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES EARLY THIS MORNING

 

A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest early Tuesday morning in Wayne County.

According to officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 47 year old Bobby Brown was taken into custody shortly before 2 am on felony charges of resisting arrest by fleeing, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Brown is also facing charges of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

 

GOVERNOR PARDONS MAN CONVICTED OF BURGLARY AND STEALING IN STODDARD COUNTY

 

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon announced a total of 14 pardons last Friday, including one for a man who was convicted on multiple charges in Stoddard County.

One of the pardons went to David Newell, who was placed on a two-year term of probation after being convicted in 1970 in Stoddard County of burglary and stealing.

According to Nixon, Newell successfully completed probation and went on to work for more than three decades at a food processing plant. He is currently retired.

 

TWO ORAN RESIDENTS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES

 

A narcotics investigation has led to the arrest of two Oran residents on drug related charges.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter tells KWOC News that deputies and investigators executed a search warrant Sunday evening at a residence in Oran.

During the search officials located a brown powdery substance and a crystal like substance which both field tested positive for methamphetamine. Articles of drug paraphernalia, numerous prescription narcotics, and marijuana were also found.

Walter says that both 48 year old Joseph Arnold and 46 year old Joie Green were taken into custody on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS SET FOR TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

 

Route 25 in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs

The work zone will be located between Broadway Road and Route 62.

Work is scheduled to be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm.