Monday, January 16, 2017

TWO TEENAGERS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN STODDARD COUNTY WRECK Two Dexter teenagers have been taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital in connection to a wreck Sunday evening in Stoddard County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at approximately 6 pm on US 60 when a vehicle, driven by 19 year old Seth Hubbert pulled into the path of a vehicle and was hit.

Hubbert, and a 17 year old passenger, were seriously injured in the wreck. No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle.

  WAYNE COUNTY AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING CHURCH BURGLARY Authorities in Wayne County are investigating a burglary that occurred at an area church.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, New Home Church on M Highway was burglarized on December 28th.

Two guitars were stolen along with amps, microphones, and a wall heater. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 573-224-3319.

TWO KILLED IN WRECK IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Two people have died following a wreck Saturday afternoon in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the wreck occurred shortly before 4:30 pm Saturday near Blytheville. A vehicle, driven by 47 year old Dennis Stone, of Blytheville, reportedly crossed the center line of Highway 61 and hit another vehicle head on.

Both Stone and the driver of the second vehicle, 26 year old Kaylam Diggs, of Osceola, were killed in the wreck. A passenger in Diggs’ vehicle was injured.

WOMAN KILLED IN FIRE IN MADISON COUNTY A woman was killed in a house fire Friday Night in Southeast Missouri.

The body of 74 year old Lucille Francis was discovered after her home caught fire in Madison County.

Two other people in the home were able to escape. Authorities are investigating a cause for the fire.

POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL TO MEET ON TUESDAY The Poplar Bluff City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.

Items to be discussed include a request from Rodgers Theater, Incorporated to pass a CDBG grant through the City of Poplar Bluff, a settlement with TracFone relative to litigation for past due taxes, and an agreement with MoDOT relative to sidewalk improvements and ADA compliant curb ramps along Highways 60 and 67.

Council Members will also be discussing a review of an annual budget appropriating the City's local share payments for four lane improvements on Highway 67 from Poplar Bluff to Fredericktown.

The meeting will begin at 7 pm Tuesday night in the City Council chambers.

AAG TRIVIA NIGHT SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT The Poplar Bluff High School Academic Assistance Group will be holding their 16th annual Trivia Night this Friday night.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. Friday night in the High School commons area. The cost is $150 per team. The mission of the AAG is to provide supplemental educational opportunities to Poplar Bluff High School Students.

For registration information, contact Tina Wilkins at 573-785-6471.

Friday, January 13, 2017

FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH 6 PM TONIGHT A freezing rain advisory has been issued for most of Southeast Missouri through 6 pm tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, a glaze of one to two tenths of an inch of ice is likely in most areas, while some of our northern listening areas could receive close to a quarter of an inch of ice.

If you have to be on the roadways this morning, be prepared for slick roads, especially on secondary and untreated roads. Remember to slow down and use caution while driving. Sidewalks and parking lots may also be very slick if not treated.

You can check road conditions in your area on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map, which is available at modot.org.

MISSING HAYTI TEENAGER FOUND DEAD A missing Hayti teenager has been found dead.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the endangered Person Advisory for 15 year old Shamar Holmes was cancelled after Holmes body was found.

Holmes had last been seen on Friday, January 6th at the Cleveland Apartments in Hayti.

No cause of death has been released.

  MAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN KENNETT A man has been flown to a Memphis Hospital following a two vehicle wreck in Kennett.

According to the Kennett Police Department, at around 7:13 am Thursday morning, officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Independence and Russell Street.

A vehicle, driven by 46 year old Bradford Metheny, had allegedly rear ended a van. Metheny was air lifted from the scene and taken to The Med in Memphis, Tennessee.

The driver of the van and his two passengers were taken by ambulance to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center for treatment.

  GRANDIN MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY CARTER COUNTY WARRANT A Grandin man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in Carter County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old Terry Swigert was arrested at approximately 2 pm on a felony Carter County warrant for drugs.

Following the arrest, Swigert was held at the Carter County Sheriff’s Department.

  OVER 300 FAMILIES PROVIDED GIFTS THROUGH PROJECT CHRISTMAS PROMISE Over 300 families were provided Christmas gifts over the holidays through Project Christmas Promise.

AmeriCorps, a service organization housed at Poplar Bluff Schools, provided gifts for a total of 335 families and roughly 900 children, most of whom were enrolled in the R-1 district.

More than 200 donors supported the project, which has been an annual service project of the program since 2007.

Extra toys will serve to supply the Good Habits Store at Lake Road Elementary, while the leftover clothing will go to the Poplar Bluff High School Giving Closet.

Wednesday January 11, 2016

GUILTY PLEA ENTERED IN MURDER CASEA Zalma man will be sentenced in February on a murder charge.

According to Missouri Case Net, Russell Mayberry, of Zalma, pled guilty on Tuesday to a charge of 2nd degree murder. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st.

The body of Kenneth Willard was found in January of 2015 near the Markham Springs Recreation area of Black River.

Mayberry had allegedly shot Willard.

MULTIPLE BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY FIRE IN MALDEN Multiple businesses have been affected by a Tuesday fire in Southeast Missouri.

The fire was discovered early Tuesday morning in a building in downtown Malden. At least one building was destroyed.

A cause for the fire was not available.

DRAINAGE REPAIR PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route AB in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane through the rest of this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform drainage repairs.

The work zone is located from County Road 503 to County Road 510.

Weather permitting, work will take place daily, from 7 am to 4 pm, through Friday.

ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MISSING TEENAGER An Endangered Person Advisory has been issued for a teenager who has been missing since last week.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 15 year old Shamar Holmes was last seen at 10 pm on Friday, January 6th at the Cleveland Apartments in Hayti.

Holmes is a black male, 6 feet tall and weighing 204 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, dark complexion, and a scar on his abdomen.

He was last seen wearing a white button-up shirt, khaki pants, and a blue coat.

Anyone with information related to Holmes whereabouts should immediately dial 911 or call the Hayti Police Department at 573-359-1259.

DETAILS RELEASED ABOUT UPCOMING BRIDGE PROJECT IN BUTLER COUNTY Details have been released about an upcoming bridge project in Butler County.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is planning to replace a bridge on Route 158 over Cane Creek, approximately a third of a mile east of Harviell.

Construction could begin as early as this summer and while construction is underway, Route 158 will be closed to through traffic in the vicinity of the bridge.

Anybody affected by the project may request that a public hearing be held in regard to the proposed improvements. For more information, contact Project Manager Pete Berry at 417-469-6242.

ALUMNUS DONATES TO POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL GIVING CLOSET A $1,000 donation has been made to the Poplar Bluff High School Giving Closet.

According to school officials, the donation was made by a pet food and supply store based in California.

Business owner Larry Mitchener wrote a note with the check which said "Here are a few bucks from an old alumnus for the Giving Closet - hope it helps."

Mitchener attended PBHS in the 1960s.

POPLAR BLUFF AWARDED SECTIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT The city of Poplar Bluff will be hosting an upcoming golf tournament.

Poplar Bluff Schools Athletic Director Kent Keith tells KWOC News that Poplar Bluff has been selected to host the 2018 Sectional Golf Tournament.

Keith says that he put in bids to host the 2017 and 2018 District & Sectional Tournaments. The 2017 District Tournament was given to Northwest in Cedar Hill while the 2017 Sectional and 2018 District tournaments were awarded to Rockwood Summit in Fenton.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

NAME RELEASED OF PERSON FOUND IN BUTLER COUNTY Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, additional information has been released about the investigation started after a person was found over the weekend in a Butler County ditch.

We spoke with Chief Deputy Wess Popp with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department about the incident:

“On Saturday afternoon at about 4 o'clock p.m. dispatch received 9-1-1 call of a white male that was found roadside on County Road 606 in Butler County and that he was unresponsive and needing EMS. EMS and Butler County deputies were dispatched to that area along with Poplar Bluff City. Upon arrival an unidentified white male was unresponsive and CPR was immediately started until EMS arrived.

Once EMS arrived they took over CPR and the individual was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center to their trauma unit. At this point the male was unidentified. He was only found in a shirt, pants, and socks. With limited information as far as the reason for him being there and who he was, a call was placed to DDCC and also Poplar Bluff City Police Department to assist us in following leads for friends and family and to get him identified.

During the course of the investigation at approximately 6:35 pm, I was notified that Mr. Sutherland had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Through the course of the investigation, one of the leads was that maybe he might have drove into the Black River and possibly there might be another one inside. It went from that to possible he was assaulted and left roadside. With all these factors we went ahead and called for help, DDCC arrived along with Poplar Bluff City Police Department and the Butler County deputies.

We asked for water Patrol to come out to see if there was a vehicle in the water while other investigators attempted to discover the individual's identity. The individual was identified as 34-year old Joshua Ray Sutherland from Arkansas. We were able to find out where his family was who his friends were and where he lived at here in Poplar Bluff. During the course of Investigation Water Patrol was out they found a backpack and a coat that was up on the bank of the river.

What it appeared was he had been in the water, he had pulled his jacket off because the jacket was inside out and the backpack had miscellaneous stuff in it including some mail with his name on it. Once we're sure there was not a vehicle in the water we attempted to look for any other evidence but it was too dark. We went ahead and stopped for the evening, that was at approximately midnight, to return in the morning so that we would have daylight to be able to see anything that could have possibly been missed at night. We returned in the morning we were able to find a place where he actually walked in from the county road to the River.

Family said he did not have a vehicle and where he lived was not that far of a walk to get there. We found his single track of boot prints which were his leading down to the river and we followed that along the riverbank and we kept following the prints along the waterline until it looks like that's where he fell into the water which was approximately about 20-25 feet from where the backpack was found.

Mr. Sutherland was sent to Farmington for an autopsy which the pathologist confirmed as accidental death due as a cause of hypothermia. Once again, a case like this even if it's accidental this goes to show the close bonds that we have both with the city and with the highway patrol that we were able to come together and solve this in a very short amount of time.

We've been so successful are so lucky here in this area of the bootheel that all of us can come together and solve what needs to be done. Take care of business and move on.”

TEENAGER KILLED IN RIPLEY COUNTY WRECK A Doniphan teenager has died following a single vehicle wreck in Ripley County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 17 year old Zachary Brittain was driving on Missouri Highway 142 Monday morning when his vehicle ran off the side of the road and struck a tree.

Brittain was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Mike Jackson.

  INVESTIGATION ONGOING IN CONNECTION TO PEMISCOT COUNTY SHOOTING An investigation is underway following a shooting Monday in Southeast Missouri.

According to authorities, the shooting occurred Monday morning at a business in Pemiscot County. A man had been shot in the head by his cousin. The incident is being described as self defense.

The victim was injured and taken to a Memphis hospital. The name of the victim has not been released.

  POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE OUT OF WAYNE COUNTY A Poplar Bluff woman is facing a felony meth charge following her arrest over the weekend in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old Christina King was arrested shortly after 10 am Saturday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.

King is also facing a charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

  BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in New Madrid County today for bridge maintenance.

According to MoDot, Route 62 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane for the maintenance.

The bridges involved are located over drain ditches between County Roads 521 and 335.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 8 am to 3 pm.

Monday January 9, 2017

MAN DIES AFTER BEING FOUND IN BUTLER COUNTY DITCHThe Major Case Squad was activated following a death over the weekend in Butler County.

Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that on Saturday afternoon at around 4 pm, a person was walking by County Road 606 near B Street in Poplar Bluff and found a person lying in a ditch.

The subject later passed away at an area hospital.

An autopsy was conducted Sunday and the death was ruled to be due to accidental hypothermia.

KWOC News has confirmed that the subject was a male, however his identity has not been released.

We will keep following this story and bring you updates when they become available.

BUTLER COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES EARLY SUNDAY MORNING An area man is facing multiple drug related charges following his arrest early Sunday morning.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 20 year old Andrew Persons, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested at around 2:44 am Sunday morning in Butler County.

Persons was taken into custody on felony charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. He is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving while intoxicated.

Persons was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTY ROAD An over two month long bridge repair project in Butler and Stoddard Counties is scheduled to begin today.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route U will be closed as contractor crews perform bridge repairs on a bridge located between Route H in Butler County and Route CC in Stoddard County. Officials say that a detour will be in place.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be performed today through Wednesday, March 15th from 6 am to 6 pm daily.

CITY OF NAYLOR UNDER BOIL WATER ADVISORY ORDER The city of Naylor is under a boil water advisory order.

Officials say that the order is due to a broken water main. Residents must boil their water for five minutes before drinking or using it to cook with.

It is safe to take baths and showers. It is also safe to wash clothes and dishes, just don’t add any bleach.

No timetable was given for when the order could end.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN FACING CHARGES OF 2ND DEGREE MURDER AND ELDER ABUSE A Poplar Bluff woman has pled not guilty on a murder charge following the death of her mother.

Theresa Smothers was found severely malnourished and dehydrated in her home in December and later died.

According to Missouri Case Net, 65 year old Judy Smothers, has been charged with felony 2nd degree murder and 2nd degree elder abuse.

Judy Smothers’ bond was set at $50,000.

SIX ARRESTED DURING PROBATION/PAROLE SWEEP IN CLAY COUNTY Multiple arrests were made during a probation and parole sweep last week in Northeast Arkansas.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that on Thursday the Clay County Sheriff's Department conducted the country wide sweep along with officers from multiple other agencies including the Piggott and Corning Police Departments.

Miller says that six individuals were arrested during the sweep on warrants and drug related charges. The names of the arrestees were not available.

ORAN MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE An Oran man has been taken into custody in New Madrid County on a felony drug charge.

According to authorities, 24 year old Stewart Johnson was arrested Friday evening on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Johnson is also facing charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, he was held in New Madrid County on a 24 hour hold.

KENNETT TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Kennett teenager has been injured following a single vehicle wreck Sunday night.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at around 11:20 pm when a vehicle, driven by 18 year old Sydney Patton, ran off of Route Z in Pemiscot County and struck a ditch.

Patton suffered serious injuries and was taken to a Kennett hospital.

Friday January 6, 2016

MULTIPLE WRECKS REPORTED DURING THURSDAY’S SNOW FALLWinter weather conditions made roads treacherous Thursday in Southeast Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported nine wrecks between 7 am and 10 pm Thursday in Troop E, which covers Southeast Missouri. Four of the wrecks were in Butler County, with wrecks also reported in Dunklin, Wayne, Stoddard, and Bollinger counties.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map, there are still several partly covered roads across Southeast Missouri. Motorists are advised to watch for slick spots, especially on untreated and less traveled roads.

Also remember to slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

You can find the Traveler’s Information Map online at MoDot.org.

BODY FOUND IN DUNKLIN COUNTY LAKE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MEMPHIS MAN Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities have released the identity of a body that was found Wednesday in a Southeast Missouri lake.

The body of 49 year old Antonio Owens, of Memphis, Tennessee, was discovered Wednesday in Combs Lake near Kennett.

Owens had been reported missing in early December.

His death is under investigation and an autopsy has been scheduled for this morning.

THREE ARRESTED AFTER METH, MARIJUANA, AND A FIREARM WERE FOUND IN A VEHICLE IN POPLAR BLUFF A motor vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon led to the arrest of three people in Poplar Bluff.

Patrolman James Henry with the Poplar Bluff Police Department spoke with KWOC News about the incident.

JAMES HENRY:

On Wednesday afternoon about 2:30 p.m. I was flagged down at 9th Street and Lester Street in reference to a traffic accident. I made contact with the driver of one of the vehicles who advised me he was northbound on 9th Street when another vehicle ran a stop sign causing a motor vehicle accident. I then made contact with the driver of the other vehicle identified as 20 year old Jonathan Kuykendall from Doniphan who admitted to running the stop sign and striking the other vehicle. When I made contact with the passengers inside Jonathan Kuykendall’s vehicle I could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The two passengers in the vehicle identified as twenty-six-year-old Barrett Kruse from Doniphan and 23 year old Heather Haley from Ellsinore. I informed the occupants of the vehicle that I could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and I asked if they had anything left in the vehicle. Heather Haley stated that they had smoked marijuana about an hour ago and she retrieved a Crown Royal bag from the vehicle containing a small glass pipe. I then asked the occupants if there's anything else in the vehicle and everyone in the vehicle denied there being anything else. Upon the arrival of an additional officer a search was conducted and a firearm was located which was a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol which was fully loaded and also a sock hat was located in the vehicle which contained 34 $20 bills, 5 $10 bills, 20 $1 bills, a $50 bill. The money was all wadded up individually and consistent with possible drug transactions. I also located a small black box in the vehicle which contained a small bag of marijuana and a small bag of methamphetamine. I also located multiple items of drug paraphernalia in the box and multiple clear plastic bags and a digital scale. Jonathan Kuykendall, Barrett Kruse, and Heather Haley were all placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the driver Jonathan Kuykendall was also charged with DWI drugs and other traffic offenses.

Following the arrest, the three were processed at the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

MAN FOUND WITH CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE DURING TRAFFIC STOP A traffic stop led to the discovery of meth earlier this week in Northeast Arkansas.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that a deputy stopped a vehicle Tuesday night for expired tags.

While speaking to the driver, later identified as Anthony Eply, the deputy noticed something in Eply’s hand which turned out to be 1.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Eply was taken into custody and transported to the Greene County Detention Center.

POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER ACCEPTING SCREENING APPOINTMENTS FOR HALF DAY PROGRAM The Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center is accepting screening appointments for the Half Day program of the 2017-2018 school year.

If you are a parent in the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District and has a child who will be three or four years old on July 31st, you can call 573-785-6803 for more information about having your child screened for the program.

The next screening will be held by appointment only on Thursday, February 16th. Officials say that you must have your child’s social security number available when calling to make an appointment.

Thursday January 5, 2017

INVESTIGATION STARTED AFTER BODY FOUND IN LAKEAuthorities are investigating a body that was found in a lake Wednesday in Dunklin County.

The body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in Combs Lake near Kennett.

The identity of the person found has not been released.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF FUGITIVES ARRESTED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY Two wanted Poplar Bluff men have been arrested in Franklin County, Missouri.

Franklin County Sheriff, Steve Pelton, tells KWOC News that on Tuesday, a deputy observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Doniphan. The vehicle was found a short time later abandoned and wrecked.

Later on Tuesday, officials received information from citizens that led to Union Police and deputies locating and arresting 29 year old Sean O’Kelley and 19 year old Dustin Hayes, both of Poplar Bluff.

Pelton says that both men had active warrants from Butler County, O’Kelley for DWI and Hayes for Burglary 2nd.

DUMP TRUCK OVERTURNS IN DUNKLIN COUNTY INJURING DRIVER A dump truck driver was injured Wednesday afternoon when the vehicle he was driving overturned in Dunklin County.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred at around 3:40 pm on Route AC, near Cardwell.

51 year old Joe Brinkley, of Monet, Arkansas, was driving the dump truck when he reportedly ran off the roadway, and then overcorrected, came back on to the roadway, and overturned.

Brinkley suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a Memphis hospital.

MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY STEALING WARRANT Authorities in Butler County have arrested an area man on a felony warrant.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Markus Ridener, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody Wednesday night on a felony Butler County warrant for stealing.

Following the arrest, Ridener was held in the Butler County Jail.

PORTAGEVILLE MAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Portageville man has been flown to an area hospital following a single vehicle wreck in New Madrid County.

34 year old Brandon Darnall was reportedly driving on Missouri Highway 162, near Portageville, when he ran off the side of the road and overturned.

Darnall was seriously injured in the wreck and air lifted to a Memphis hospital.

FIVE NEW TROOPER ASSIGNED TO SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Five new Highway Patrol troopers have been assigned to Southeast Missouri.

According to Captain Jeffrey Vitale, commanding officer of Troop E in Poplar Bluff, two of the new troopers will be serving zones coving New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties.

One of the new troopers was assigned to a zone covering Butler and Ripley Counties, while the other two will be serving Wayne or Stoddard Counties.

Vitale says that the new troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 103rd Recruit Class that graduated from the Patrol Academy on December 30th.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

DRIVER KILLED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY WRECK A Kennett woman has died in connection to a two vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Dunklin County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 9:40 am on US 412 near Arbyrd.

A vehicle, driven by 36 year old Britany Shaver, reportedly crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a tractor trailer head on.

Shaver was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

  MOTHER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT POPLAR BLUFF HOSPITAL A mother has been taken into custody in connection to an incident over the weekend at a Poplar Bluff hospital.

According to authorities, a child was born who reportedly tested positive for heroin upon delivery. The next day, the child’s mother was reportedly found by a nurse passed out in a hospital bathroom along with a cut soda can that contained burn residue and an unknown liquid.

Misti Hill was arrested for possession of drugs, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hill’s husband, Brian Hill, is also facing a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

  OVER A POUND OF MARIJUANA FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP A man has been taken into custody following marijuana and a gun being found during a traffic stop.

According to authorities, officers in Portageville conducted the stop Monday and found over a pound of marijuana, as well as a pistol.

Officers arrested 36 year old Torry Sexton and he was transported to the Pemiscot County Jail.

  BLOOMFIELD MAN ARRESTED ON ALMOST 20 WARRANTS A Bloomfield man has been taken into custody on almost 20 warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 39 year old Brian Harper, was recently arrested on 19 warrants for passing bad checks.

His total bond was set at $47,500 and he remained in jail as of this morning.

  DEXTER POLICE SAY THAT DWI ENFORCEMENT CRACKDOWN CAMPAIGN WAS A SUCCESS Police officials in Dexter are calling a holiday DWI enforcement crackdown a major success.

According to the Dexter Police Department, one felony substance-impaired driving arrest was made as well as eight citations issued during the enforcement period, which ran from December 15th through January 1st.

The Dexter Police Department was one of nearly 10,000 law enforcement agencies across the country to participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

  POPLAR BLUFF AND DEXTER AMONG EIGHT COMMUNITIES SELECTED TO RECEIVE TRANSPORTATION FUNDS Eight communities in Southeast Missouri have been selected to receive part of $1.74 million in transportation alternative funds.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the communities chosen include Poplar Bluff and Dexter.

A selection committee comprised of representatives from local regional planning commissions and the metropolitan planning organization reviewed applications before making their recommendations.

The funds, which are set aside by Congress to be used specifically for transportation enhancements, allow communities to develop projects that improve the quality of a community and enhance the travel experience.

  DEXTER POLICE WARN RESIDENTS OF SPOOF CALLERS APPEARING AS CALLERS FROM DEXTER STREET DEPARTMENT Officials in Dexter are warning area residents to be cautious of spoof callers.

According to the Dexter Police Department, the spoof callers are using the phone number of the Dexter Street Department.

The Police Department says that there are computer programs used by criminals to reproduce real entities and phone numbers on a CallerID display, in order to trick would be victims into providing personal details, such as credit card information.

Officials say that the City of Dexter will never ask for any type of credit card information over the telephone. If you have a doubt about any call originating from any City of Dexter department, hang up the phone and call that department yourself to verify the authenticity of the phone calls.

  STODDARD COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT Route AB in Stoddard County will be closed beginning today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway.

The section of roadway is located from County Road 506 to County Road 551.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily.

Tuesday January 3, 2017

SIKESTON POLICE CHIEF CHOSEN AS NEW DIRECTOR OF MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETYMissouri Governor elect Eric Greitens has chosen an area police chief as the new director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Chief Drew Juden, from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, has accepted the position as part of Greitens’ transitional team.

Juden is the former president of the Missouri Police Chiefs association and a SWAT team commander.

According to a press release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, the city is now undergoing the process of filling the position that Juden leaves.

MAN ARRESTED FOR METHAMPHETAMINE AND MARIJUANA IN WAYNE COUNTY Officials in Wayne County have arrested a Patterson man on multiple drug related charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 52 year old David Ezell was taken into custody Saturday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Ezell was also arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

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

FISK MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON WARRANT FOR PATRONIZING PROSTITUTION A Fisk man was recently taken into custody on a prostitution related warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 22 year old John Morgan was arrested on a warrant for patronizing prostitution, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and illegal license plates.

Morgan’s bond was set at $35,000 cash.

POPLAR BLUFF AUTHORITIES SEEKING MAN IN TRESPASSING INCIDENT Poplar Bluff authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying a male suspect.

A picture of the man is available on the KWOC Facebook page.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the man is a suspect in a trespassing incident.

Anyone who has information on identity of the suspect is asked to contact Patrolman Bob Larkins at 573-785-5776 extension 1349.

KENNETT OFFICERS ARREST AREA MAN FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

A Kennett man was taken in to custody early New Year’s Day after authorities discovered methamphetamine.

According to the Kennett Police Department, shortly after midnight Sunday morning, officers were dispatched to check on two suspicious males. When they arrived they found two individuals and observed one of the males drop a small plastic bag.

In the bag, the officers found a white powdery substance that later field tested positive to be methamphetamine.

Jeremy Duke, of Kennett, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Following the arrest, Duke was transported to the Dunklin County Jail.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING MULTIPLE DRUG RELATED CHARGES FOLLOWING WEEKEND ARREST A Poplar Bluff man was arrested over the weekend on a felony methamphetamine charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 29 year old Thomas Young was taken into custody Saturday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Young is also facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

He was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO BEGIN TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY Route 62 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane beginning today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

According to MoDOT, the bridge is located between County Roads 335 and 521.

Work is scheduled to take place today and tomorrow from 8:30 am to 3 pm daily.

POPLAR BLUFF LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULED TO MOVE TO WARD THREE TODAY

The leaf pick up schedule for the city of Poplar Bluff is set to continue today.

The Street Department vacuum is scheduled to be in Ward Three beginning today and continuing through January 13^th. It is then scheduled to move to Ward Five on January 17^th.

Officials say that the Street Department has only one vacuum and it is over twenty years old and breaks down frequently, which might cause changes to the schedule.

For more information, contact the Street Department at 573-686-8646.

Friday, December 30, 2016

JONESBORO GOLDEN HURRICANES WIN POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN Jonesboro High School Golden Hurricanes are the new champions of the Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown.

Jonesboro defeated last year’s champion Kenwood High School, 70 to 54 in Thursday’s final. The Poplar Bluff Mules took 4th place in the tournament after falling to Vashon 85 to 60.

In the Consolation championship, Humboldt beat Memphis Central 61 to 59. In the 7th Place game, Cordova defeated Liberty Tech 71 to 66.

  POPLAR BLUFF MULE WILLIE LUCAS NAMED TO ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM AT THE POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN Poplar Bluff boys’ basketball player Willie Lucas has had a pretty good week at the Poplar Bluff Showdown.

After scoring his 1000th career point on Tuesday and winning the Three-Point Contest on Wednesday, Lucas has also been named to the All-Tournament team for the 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown.

Joining Lucas on the All-Tournament team, are three members from the champion Jonesboro Golden Hurricanes, Marquis Eaton, Desi Sills, and Ben Harvey, along with Manny Patterson from Kenwood, Levi Stockard III from Vashon, and Jarred Walker from Humboldt.

  HIGHWAY PATROL ENCOURAGES MOTORISTS TO BE SAFE OVER THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY WEEKEND The New Year is upon us and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone who is planning to get out and celebrate this weekend to drive safely.

According to the Highway Patrol, seven people were killed last year during the New Year’s holiday counting period. There were a total of 954 traffic crashes which injured 364 people.

If you are driving to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, remember to designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

  GOVERNOR NIXON APPOINTS NEW NEW MADRID COUNTY ASSESSOR Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has appointed a new assessor for New Madrid County.

Governor Nixon appointed Jacob Johnson to the position, which had became vacant upon the resignation of former Assessor Ronnie Simmons.

Johnson was elected as Assessor in November 2016, but under the Missouri law regarding assessors, normally would not have taken office until September 1st, 2017.

Johnson has served as an appraiser for the New Madrid County Assessor’s Office since 1997.

  POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS Authorities in Butler County have arrested a Poplar Bluff man on multiple warrants.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 36 year old Jason Trinkler was taken into custody Thursday morning on warrants from Laclede County, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Following the arrest, Trinkler was held in the Butler County Jail.

  KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TO HOST NEW YEARS EVE PARTY THIS WEEKEND The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a New Years Eve party this weekend.

The party Saturday night will feature food, music, and a cash bar for only $20 per person.

If you would like more information or would like to purchase tickets, call 718-2293. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

JONESBORO TO FACE KENWOOD IN FINALS OF POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN Kenwood High School will have a chance to repeat as champions of the Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown in today’s final vs. Jonesboro.

Kenwood defeated Poplar Bluff Wednesday, 67-54. The Mules will move to the third place game tonight vs. Vashon at 5:30 pm. Vashon lost to Jonesboro on Wednesday 81-63. The final between Kenwood and Jonesboro will begin at 7 pm.

The other games scheduled for the final day of the showdown will be Memphis Central vs. Humboldt in the 5th place game at 4 pm and Cordova vs. Liberty Tech in the 7th place game at 2:30 pm.

  PIEDMONT WOMAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT A Piedmont woman has been taken into custody on a controlled substance warrant.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 51 year old Lori Seiffert was arrested Wednesday evening on a felony Wayne County warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Following the arrest, Seiffert was held at the Wayne County Jail.

  MISSISSIPPI MAN INJURED IN WRECK ON INTERSTATE 55 A Mississippi man was injured Wednesday in Southeast Missouri after a towed unit on the vehicle he was driving jackknifed on Interstate 55.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly after 7 pm Wednesday in Pemiscot County.

The driver of the vehicle, 78 year old Joseph Lee, of Kiln, Mississippi, suffered moderate injuries in the wreck and was taken to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital.

  DEXTER TEENAGER IN CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND DRUG PARAPHERNLALIA WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County have taken a Dexter teenager into custody.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 18 year old Dakota Davis was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Davis’s bond was set at $7,500 and he remained in jail as of this morning.

  SCOTT COUNTY ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEY NAMED AS ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE An Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Scott County has been appointed as Associate Circuit Judge.

On Wednesday, Governor Jay Nixon named D. Blake Pearson as Associate Circuit Judge for Scott County to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of William Winchester.

Pearson currently serves as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Scott County and has been with that office since 2013. He also serves as the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Special Prosecutor for Scott, Bollinger and Mississippi counties.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF ROUTE W IN BUTLER COUNTY Route W in Butler County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

The work zone will be located a quarter of a mile north of Route KK.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 8 am to 3 pm.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL APPROVES 2017 CITY BUDGET The Poplar Bluff City Council has approved a city budget for the fiscal year beginning on January 1st.

The budget was unanimously approved at the city council meeting Tuesday night and includes a deficit of $237,758.

The budget does include the cutting of one employee in the municipal court and some open positions in other departments will also not be filled.

  SEMIFINAL SET FOR 30TH ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN The semifinal matchups have been set for the 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown.

The Poplar Bluff Mules advanced to today’s semifinal with a 84-82 victory over Humboldt. Senior Willie Lucas scored 30 points, which gives him over 1,000 points for his career.

The Mules will take on defending champs Kenwood Academy tonight at 7pm. Kenwood defeated Cordova Tuesday 63-60.

The other semifinal will be a Missouri-Arkansas matchup as Jonesboro takes on Vashon at 8:30 pm.

The two consolation matchups today will be Liberty Tech vs. Memphis Central at 4 pm and Humboldt vs. Cordova at 5:30 pm.

Today is also the day for the Slam Dunk and 3-point contest, which will begin at 10 am.

AIRCRAFT CRASHES NEAR PIEDMONT An aircraft crashed Tuesday near Piedmont.

The incident occurred Tuesday evening when a small aircraft hit a power line and crashed.

According to the Piedmont City Fire Department, everyone involved is okay.

  DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE A Dexter man is facing a felony meth charge following his arrest Monday in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 43 year old Christopher Opiela was arrested shortly before 11 pm Monday night on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Opiela is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated – drugs. Following the arrest, he was reportedly held in Stoddard County on a 24 hour hold.

  NAME RELEASED OF VICTIM IN SIKESTON SHOOTING Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities have released the name of a man who was shot over the weekend in Sikeston.

Captain Jim McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells us that 32 year old Barrett Swan, of Cape Girardeau, is still in critical condition and at last report was awaiting surgery for injuries he received in a shooting on Christmas morning.

Swan had three gunshots to his torso and said he was leaving a party in Sikeston when he was shot by an unknown subject.

The SEMO Major Case Squad has been activated and investigators are working on the incident. Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

START DATE ANNOUNCED FOR UPCOMING TWO MONTH LONG BRIDGE PROJECT IN BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTIES Officials have announced the start date for an upcoming bridge repair project in Butler and Stoddard Counties.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route U in Butler and Stoddard Counties will be closed beginning on Monday, January 9th as contractor crews perform bridge repairs.

Work is scheduled to be performed from 6 am to 6 pm daily through Wednesday, March 15th.

The bridge is located between Route H in Butler County and Route CC in Stoddard County. During the repairs, officials say a detour will be in place.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

TEXAS MAN KILLED IN WRECK NEAR DONIPHAN A Texas man has died following a single vehicle wreck Monday morning in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly before noon Monday on US 160 near Doniphan.

A vehicle, driven by 65 year old Martin Lenwood, reportedly ran through an intersection and struck a ditch. Lenwood was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced dead.

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN IRON COUNTY Authorities tell us that an Arcadia man has died in connection to a wreck last week in Iron County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 57 year old Kenneth Duncan was driving on Route E Thursday night when his vehicle ran off the side of the road, struck several trees, and overturned.

Duncan was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.

30TH ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN TO BEGIN TODAY The 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown is scheduled to begin today.

According to Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith, the Showdown will feature eight teams across four states at the Poplar Bluff Senior High gym. The games will begin at 4 pm today with Kenwood High School, from Chicago, Illinois, facing Cordova High School, from Cordova, Tennessee.

The Poplar Bluff Mules will be taking on Tennessee’s Humboldt High School beginning at approximately 7 pm this evening.

Other matchups for today include Jonesboro High School vs. Liberty Tech Magnet High School at approximately 5:30 pm, and Vashon High School vs. Memphis Central High School at approximately 8:30 pm.

OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING SHOOTING AT PARTY IN SIKESTON A Cape Girardeau man was in critical condition after being shot over the weekend at a party in Sikeston.

Captain James McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells us that Sikeston DPS received a call early Christmas morning of shots being fired as a party was letting out.

A short time later Missouri Delta Medical Center contacted DPS and informed them that a 32 year old man was at the ER with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim had three gunshots to his torso and said he was leaving the party and was shot by an unknown subject. He was later transferred to St. Louis.

The SEMO Major Case Squad has been activated and investigators are working on the incident. Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

MINER MAN INJURED IN CHRISTMAS DAY WRECK IN PEMISCOT COUNTY

A Christmas Day wreck has resulted in a man being flown to an area hospital.

According to authorities, 39 year old James Stinnett, of Miner, was ejected from his vehicle after it ran off the side of a Pemiscot County Road and overturned.

Stinnett suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a Memphis hospital.

TICKETS BECOME AVAILABLE TODAY FOR VALENTINES FOR VETERANS CONCERT Tickets will become available today for the 2017 Valentines for Veterans concert.

According to the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, the free concert, featuring Tracy Lawrence, will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday, February 17th at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Tickets will be available at the Voluntary Service Office on the second floor of the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center. For more information, call 573-778-4414.

TEEN FALLS THROUGH SKYLIGHT IN KENNETT A teenager was injured last week after he fell through a skylight in Kennett.

According to authorities, the 14 year old boy was with another student Friday morning when they reportedly climbed onto a roof at the Kennett Middle School and he then fell through a skylight.

The boy was airlifted to a Memphis hospital. His current condition was not available.

Friday December 23, 2016

MAN FACING MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE IN CONNECTION TO FATAL WRECK IN CLAY COUNTYA man is facing a manslaughter charge following a fatal wreck earlier this week in Clay County.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell us that the wreck occurred at around 11:18 am Wednesday morning on US 67 when a vehicle reportedly crossed the center line and struck a vehicle in the northbound lane.

Two people in the second vehicle, 66 year old Brenda Christopher, of Russellville, and 43 year old Christopher Bryant, of Carlisle, were killed in the wreck.

Casapu Mihail is reportedly facing charges of negligent homicide and manslaughter in connection to the wreck.

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TAKES JOB AT WOODLAND R-4 Poplar Bluff school officials will be looking for a new principal for Poplar Bluff High School.

Current principal Michael Kiehne will be stepping down in June to take the Superintendent position at Woodland R-4.

He has been principal at Poplar Bluff High School since 2011.

LITTLE TIME LEFT TO SEE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AUTO TOUR AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE There is only a few days left to see the 24th Annual Festival of Lights Auto Tour at Wappapello Lake.

The tour is hosted by The Wappapello Lake Area Association and is available at the Redman Creek Campground from dusk to 9 PM each night until Christmas.

For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562.

PORTAGEVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGE A Portageville woman was taken into custody Thursday night on a felony controlled substance charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 45 year old Tasha Treece was arrested shortly before 9:30 pm in New Madrid County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – prescription medication.

Treece is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated. She was held in New Madrid County on a 24 hour hold.

THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINNERS IS ACCEPTING USED CHRISTMAS TREES Once you are done with your Christmas tree this weekend, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to have it.

The Corps of Engineers will be accepting used Christmas trees from December 26th up until January 17th.

All you have to do is drop your undecorated tree off in the marked pile near the Redman Creek Recreation Area boat ramp.

Officials say the trees will be used to aid in providing vital fish habitat throughout Wappapello Lake.

BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE FOR 2017 AG EXPO We are less than one month away from Ag Expo 2017 and officials say that agriculture booth space is available.

Ag Expo 2017 will be held on January 20th and 21st at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. There will be 118 agriculture related exhibits at the expo along with many activities for the whole family.

Other events will include the beauty pageant, FFA tractor driving contest, petting farm, and duck calling contest, plus much more.

Admission will be $1 for adults.

If you would like to purchase booth space, register for the beauty pageant, or would just like more information, call 573-686-8064.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

MAN REPORTEDLY SWINGS AT POPLAR BLUFF POLICE OFFICER WITH A KNIFE

A man has been taken into custody following an incident Tuesday night where he allegedly swung at a Poplar Bluff Police Officer with a knife.

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

“On Tuesday night at 6:54 PM Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to Jiffy Self Storage in the 3000 block of South Westwood Blvd in reference to a suspicious person.

Officer Janes contacted the person and he identified himself as Timothy Williams. A warrant check revealed an outstanding arrest warrant for Williams. Officer Janes explained that he had a warrant, and told Williams he was under arrest. Williams told Officer Janes that he did not have a warrant; then shoved his hand in his pocket and assumed a fighting stance. As Officer Janes reached for Williams’ arm, Williams pulled his hand from the pocket and swung at Officer Janes with a knife fashioned from a scissor blade.

Officer Janes forced Williams to the ground and tried to place him in handcuffs. As he did, Williams said “OK, I dropped I tossed it.” Williams continued to resist, and grabbed Officer Janes’ wrists. Officer Janes was able to free one hand and used his radio to call for assistance. Officer Janes attempted to use a taser, but Williams grabbed Officer Janes’ arm with both of his hands and pushed the taser toward Officer Janes.

Sergeant Hefner and Officer Larkins arrived and Williams was placed into handcuffs.

At the time of his arrest, Williams also carried a large bowie style knife with an 8 inch blade, and a utility knife.

Timothy Williams was booked in on charges of assault 2nd degree on a Law Enforcement Officer, Armed Criminal Action, Resisting Arrest, and a Poplar Bluff Municipal warrant for fail to appear, on an original charge of possession of marijuana. Williams was lodged in the Butler County Jail.”

Deputy Chief Don Trout tells us that he is proud of the restraint shown by Officer Janes.

“We are extremely proud of their restraint demonstrated by Officer Janes. This was a deadly force encounter and it was resolved without death or serious injury to the suspect or officer.”

TWO KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK

Two people have died following a wreck Wednesday morning in Northeast Arkansas.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell us that the wreck occurred at around 11:18 am on US 67 in Clay County.

A vehicle reportedly crossed the center line and struck a vehicle in the northbound lane.

Two people in the second vehicle, 66 year old Brenda Christopher, of Russellville, and 43 year old Christopher Bryant, of Carlisle, were killed in the wreck.

A third person in the second vehicle was injured, however the full extent of their injuries were not released. No injuries were listed for anybody in the first vehicle.

  SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SPEND FAKE MONEY STOLEN FROM AMMUSEMENT MACHINE

Poplar Bluff police have arrested a man who allegedly stole fake money from an amusement machine and attempted to pass it at an area business.

Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us that police began an investigation early Wednesday morning.

“On Wednesday morning around 2 a.m. officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Southside Sinclair. During the investigation it was learned the suspect had damaged a quarter amusement machine and removed several fake currency bills, which were props in the machine.

Officers begin to canvass the area to contact employees of other open businesses and advise them of the movie money which was stolen during the Southside Sinclair burglary. Officer Shane Bates made contact with the clerk at Rick’s 66 to tell them of the fake money.

The clerk immediately told him that the man who passed him in the doorway had just tried to pass some of the fake money. Officer Bates returned to his vehicle and attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle. He observed the vehicle make numerous turns on side streets in an apparent attempt to evade him. Officer Bates conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver later identified as Blake Dietz.

The store clerk came to the scene and positive inside Duetz as the person who tried to pass the fake bill. Dietz was placed under arrest and during a search of his person one of the fake $20 bills was located in his possession. In his vehicle offices located drug paraphernalia which was also seized as evidence.

Dietz was lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on charges of counterfeiting, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended/revoked, and no proof of auto insurance.”

  POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS TO GET INTO NEXT WEEKS SHOWDOWN WITH FOOD DONATION

The 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown is scheduled to begin next week, and Poplar Bluff high school students will have the chance to attend games for free, as long as they are generous.

Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith tells us that thanks to the generous donation of several Mule Supporters, High School Students will be admitted free to the three day tournament by showing their Student ID and bringing two cans of food to donate to the Bread Shed for each day they attend.

The Showdown, featuring eight teams across four states, will begin at 4 pm next Tuesday. On day one, the Poplar Bluff Mules will be taking on Tennessee’s Humboldt High School beginning at approximately 7 pm.

  EAST PRAIRIE POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING AREA THEFTS

Authorities in East Prairie are investigating several reported thefts in the area.

According to the East Prairie Police Department, items including packages from mailboxes, lawn/patio furniture and Christmas decoration items have recently been stolen from several residences in town.

Police say that an investigation is under way and anyone who has information on the thefts, or the suspects involved, is asked to call 573-649-3511.

  DELAYS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY ON INTERSTATE 55 IN SCOTT COUNTY

Motorists hoping to get an early start on travelling for the Christmas holiday should be prepared for delays today on Interstate 55.

Southbound I-55 in Scott County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.

The work zone is located at the Interstate 57 overpass bridge at exit 66.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 7 am to 4 pm.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

ONE KILLED IN WRECK NEAR SIKESTON

A Kentucky man has died following a single vehicle wreck near Sikeston.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 55 year old David Stephenson, of South Shore, Kentucky, ran off the side of Interstate 57 and hit a tree Tuesday night.

Stephenson was pronounced dead at the scene by Mississippi County Coroner Terry Parker.

  THREE NEW MADRID TEENAGERS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

Three Southeast Missouri teenagers have been flown to area hospitals after they were involved in a single vehicle wreck Tuesday night.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred at around 10:30 pm on Route WW near New Madrid when a vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned.

Three New Madrid teenagers, ages 15 and 16, were seriously injured in the wreck. Two of the teenagers were flown to a Memphis hospital, while the third was flown to a hospital in Cape Girardeau.

  FREEZING FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR MISSOURI BOOTHEEL AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Motorists in Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel should be prepared for the possibility of icy roads this morning.

According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee, a freezing fog advisory is in effect through 9 am this morning for some counties in those areas.

Weather officials say that the combination of dense fog and temperatures several degrees below freezing will result in icy conditions developing on area roadways. Visibility will also drop below a half a mile in some areas.

Motorists are being advised to slow down and leave plenty of distance ahead of your vehicle.

  POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL IS FIRST LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A Poplar Bluff school is the first to achieve Lighthouse status in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Poplar Bluff School District, Eugene Field has achieved lighthouse status under The Leader in Me program, joining only a dozen other schools in Missouri and less than 250 world-wide that have met the prestigious benchmark.

According to school officials, students have participated in goal setting, leadership roles, self-led conferences with parents, and community events since the elementary school received a grant valued at about $75,000 from Franklin Covey’s I Am A Leader Foundation in 2013.

At the start of the month a review team from Franklin Covey visited Poplar Bluff to evaluate the environment, culture and language at Eugene Field.

Poplar Bluff R-I Superintendent Scott Dill says that this is a tremendous accolade for the students, faculty and staff at Eugene Field and all of their hard work and their persistence has merited this award.

  MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFE OVER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely over the Christmas holiday.

Remember to check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance.

According to the Highway Patrol, last year there were 1,070 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 363 were injured.

If you face a traffic emergency, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY

Route CC in Butler County will be reduced today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform a pipe replacement.

The section of roadway is located between Route U and County Road 664.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 8 am to 3 pm.

First ‘lighthouse’ school in Southeast Missouri

Eugene Field has achieved lighthouse status under The Leader in Me program, joining only a dozen other schools in Missouri and less than 250 world-wide that have met the prestigious benchmark. Students have participated in goal setting, data tracking, leadership roles, self-led conferences with parents and community events since the ...read more

Source: Poplar Bluff Mules

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

OVER TWO MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF DRUGS DISCOVERED DURING INVESTIGATION IN CARTER COUNTY

A traffic stop led to the discovery of over two million dollars worth of drugs in Carter County.

Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens tells us that officers with the Ellsinore Police Department conducted the stop on U.S. Highway 60 because of a traffic violation.

An investigation was started after officers made contact with the driver of the vehicle. Stephens says the investigation resulted in over 873 pounds of marijuana, 12.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and 2.4 pounds of cocaine being recovered.

The street value of the recovered controlled substances was 2.4 million dollars.

The driver of the vehicle, 57 year old Lowell Johnson, of Metropolis, Illinois, was taken into custody and is facing charges including 2nd degree drug trafficking. A female passenger was also taken into custody.

TWO ARRESTED AFTER BEING FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN A VEHICLE IN POPLAR BLUFF

Two Poplar Bluff men are facing charges in connection to an incident where they were discovered unconscious in a vehicle by police.

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

“On Friday, December 16th at approximately 11:50 a.m. Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Dewey Street in reference to a vehicle parked at the residence, with a subject passed out at the wheel of a vehicle. The caller did not know the subject parked in their front yard.

Upon their arrival, Officers found a silver 2009 Chevrolet Trail Blazer parked in the front yard of the residence. Sterling Marshall, 34, of Poplar Bluff, was sitting in the driver’s seat; and Anthony Thompson, 43, of Poplar Bluff, was sitting in the front passenger seat. Both subjects were unconscious.

As Officer Reed spoke with Sterling Marshall, he observed a leafy substance which appeared to be loose marijuana spilled on his lap. Officer Reed asked Marshall to step out of the vehicle; and as he did, the leafy substance, several blue pills, and several $100.00 bills fell to the ground. As Officer Reed and Officer Tubb tried to place Marshall into custody, he fought with them in an effort to escape. After a brief struggle Marshall was taken into custody and placed into a patrol car.

During a search of his person incident to arrest, a clear plastic baggie with 12.3 grams of heroin was found in his sock.

Drug paraphernalia was found on Anthony Thompson’s person. He was taken into custody without incident.

Sterling Marshall was booked in on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Synthetic Cannaboid, Resisting Arrest, and Assault 3rd Degree on a Law Enforcement Officer. Marshall was booked in the Butler County Jail.

Anthony Thompson was booked in on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and he was released pending review by the Butler County Prosecuting Attorney.”

POLICE FIND A REPORTED STOLEN FIREARM IN AN IMPOUNDED VEHICLE

A man is facing a receiving stolen property charge after a reported stolen firearm was discovered in a impounded vehicle.

We spoke with Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department for more information about what lead to the charge.

“On Sunday evening around 10 p.m. Sergeant Joe Ward conducted a traffic stop on a green Ford Explorer for expired state registration. The driver, later identified as Mark Anthony Benton, was unable to provide proof of insurance or a driver's license. Sergeant Ward issued Benton two citations, one for no state registration and one for no proof of insurance.

Sergeant Ward impounded the vehicle and during an inventory search of the vehicle he located a small amount of suspected marijuana in the center console, a loaded Walther 40 caliber handgun was also located under the driver's seat.

A check of the weapon's serial number revealed it had been reported stolen in Butler County. Benton claimed he had purchased the handgun from an acquaintance. Mark Anthony Benton was lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on a charge of receiving stolen property.”

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED DURING WEEKEND TRAFFIC STOP

A Poplar Bluff man was arrested over the weekend following a traffic stop.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers conducted the traffic stop Sunday night on a vehicle driven by 20 year old Martrez Carter.

During the stop, officers noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the passenger compartment of Carter’s vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded 45.9 grams of marijuana and a set of digital scales.

Carter was arrested on an outstanding Butler County warrant for distribution of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Carter was booked in and lodged in the Butler County Jail.

FIRE BREAKS OUT OVERNIGHT AT BUILDING IN STODDARD COUNTY

A fire broke out overnight at a building near Puxico.

Multiple crews were on hand to deal with the fire Monday night at the Puxico Livestock Auction Company.

The cause of the fire was not available.

WAPPAPELLO WOMAN ARRESTED SUNDAY ON METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE

Authorities in Wayne County have taken a Wappapello woman into custody on a felony methamphetamine charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 29 year old Nicole Borgetti was arrested Sunday on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance at a county jail.

Borgetti is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. She was held in Wayne County on a 24 hour hold.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOLS NOMINATED FOR AWARD

Two schools in Poplar Bluff have been nominated for an award.

Poplar Bluff Junior High and O'Neal Elementary have been nominated by the Flippen Group to potentially receive Capturing Kids' Hearts showcase school awards for the 2016/17 school year.

Capturing Kids' Hearts campuses across the country are considered for the award based on observation from trainers, level of implementation by all staff, and data demonstrating that significant improvement has been made in attendance, discipline, culture or academics.

Next month, a Flippen Group site team will visit a select 46 schools out of over 10,000 in the program to observe and experience for themselves the impact taking place, according to a press release from the organization.

Monday December 19, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF CONVENIENCE STORE REPORTEDLY ROBBED OVER THE WEEKENDAuthorities in Poplar Bluff are investigating a reported armed robbery at an area business.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley says officers responded to an armed robbery call at the Casey’s General Store, on South Broadway at approximately 2 am on Saturday.

A store clerk told police that a white male had entered the store and was armed with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect then left the store with an undisclosed amount of money and two cartons of cigarettes. The suspect is described as 5’5 and weighing about 140.

Anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to contact Poplar Bluff Police at 573-785-5776.

HARVIELL MAN ARESTED ON DISTRIBUTION WARRANT A Harviell man has been taken into custody in on a distribution warrant.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 38 year old Eric Hodge was recently arrested on a warrant for distribution of a controlled substance.

His bond was set at $100,000 and officials say he remains in jail as of this morning.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS ON INTERSTATE 55 BEGINNING TODAY Southbound Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County will be reduced for part of this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The work zone is located between mile markers 29 and 27.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Wednesday from 7 am to 5 pm each day.

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 this Thursday from 3 to 5 pm.

The event is first come, first serve, and packs will be limited to one per person per family. New Day Ministries is located at 703 Franklin Street in Poplar Bluff.

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

TWO INJURED INCLUDING SMALL CHILD IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Piedmont woman was injured in a single vehicle wreck in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 30 year old Julie Umfleet’s vehicle, slid off an ice covered roadway and overturned. The accident happened on US Highway 49, a half mile north of Highway 34 on Friday afternoon.

Umfleet and a 9 year old child were injured in the wreck and were taken to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

DEXTER MAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a felony meth charge.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 52 year old Robert Johnson, of Dexter was arrested before 11 pm Saturday on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, he was held in the Stoddard County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

POPLAR BLUFF LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULED TO MOVE TO WARD 1 TODAY The leaf pick up schedule for the city of Poplar Bluff is set to continue today.

The Street Department vacuum is scheduled to be in Ward 1 beginning today and continuing through December 30th. It will then move to Ward 3 on January 3rd.

Officials say that the Street Department has only one vacuum and it is over twenty years old and breaks down frequently, which might cause changes to the schedule.

For more information, contact the Street Department at 573-686-8646.

CHEERLEADER AND BASKETBALL PLAYER CHOSEN AS POPLAR BLUFF ATHLETES OF THE MONTH The Poplar Bluff Mules Booster Club has selected a basketball player and a cheerleader as the athletes of the month for November.

Sophomore Dominique Hardimon has averaged 18.3 points, 10 rebounds and two steals during the first three games of the current basketball season. In the classroom, Dominique maintains a B+ average, according to his coach, Will Durden.

Junior Coco Raymer won second place at the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association competition this year. Her coach, Stephanie Hillis describes Raymer as both a "leader" and "team player" and says she maintains a 9.134 grade point average.

Friday, December 16, 2016

  PUXICO WOMAN RECIEVES LIFE SENTENCE ON MURDER CHARGE

A Puxico woman has been sentenced to life in prison in connection to the shooting death of her husband.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells us that Victoria Isaac was sentenced Thursday to life imprisonment for murder in the second degree plus a consecutive sentence of 25 years for armed criminal action.

Isaac’s husband, Chris Isaac, was shot 11 times in the head while he slept on a couch in their home in May of 2013.

Oliver says that immediately after the sentencing hearing, Isaac and her sister, Betty Taylor, began screaming obscenities and threats of physical violence towards the victim’s family, court personnel, and judicial officers.

Taylor then fled the courthouse and her whereabouts are unknown. Witness statements were completed and submitted to the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office for consideration of charges against Taylor by the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney.

STEELE CONVENIENCE STORE REPORTEDLY ROBBED BY TWO MEN

Authorities in Steele are investigating a reported armed robbery at an area business.

Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield tells us that officers responded to an armed robbery call at the Flash Market Convenience Store at approximately 9:30 pm Wednesday night.

A store clerk told police that two black males had entered the store and one of the men was armed with a handgun and demanded money. The two suspects then left the store with an undisclosed amount of money.

Anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to contact Steele Police at 573-695-3411.

BROSELEY MAN ARRESTED ON METH CHARGE

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

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 59 year old Securley Harley was arrested Thursday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Harley also reportedly had a warrant out of Butler County.

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

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN HOLIDAY DWI ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

The Poplar Bluff Police Department has announced that they are participating in a Holiday DWI Enforcement Campaign.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which includes high-visibility enforcement throughout the Poplar Bluff area, began yesterday and will run through January 1st.

Officers with the PBPD will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers during the crackdown, and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired.

POSSIBILITY OF FREEZING RAIN AND SNOW OVER THE WEEKEND

This weekend has the possibility of the first period of winter weather this season in Poplar Bluff.

According to the National Weather Service, rain or freezing rain is likely Saturday night along with a slight chance of snow. Temperatures are also expected to fall to around 15 degrees Saturday night and only getting as high as 25 on Sunday.

If you have to get on the roads Sunday morning, remember to check road conditions in your area on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map, which is available at modot.org.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO CAUSE DELAYS ON INTERSTATE 55 BEGINNING NEXT WEEK

Southbound Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County will be reduced beginning on Monday so contractor crews can perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge to be worked on is located north of the Route A interchange.

Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, December 19th through Saturday, December 31st from 7 am to 5 pm daily.