Monday February 13, 2017

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SUSPICIOUS FIRE IN POPLAR BLUFF An investigation has been started following what’s been called a suspicious fire in Poplar Bluff.

The fire broke out Saturday morning at a house on Main Street.

The residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire, which was extinguished later that day.

TENNESSEE TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WRECK NEAR DONIPHAN A Tennessee teenager has been transported to a Memphis hospital following a wreck Friday afternoon near Doniphan.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a vehicle, driven by 42 year old Charles Johnson, of Rector, allegedly crossed the center line of Highway E in Ripley County and struck another vehicle head on.

A 17 year old female passenger in the second vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Medical to a Memphis hospital.

Johnson received minor injuries in the wreck while the driver of the second vehicle had moderate injuries. They were both transported to area hospitals.

MULTIPLE PEOPLE SHOT AT CLUB IN CARUTHERSVILLE Multiple people were shot early Sunday morning at a business in Caruthersville.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that five people were shot and one person was injured in the altercation at Club Envy.

The victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries; their current conditions were not available.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is assisting the Caruthersville Police Department and the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

Anyone who has information related to this shooting is asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500.

PATTERSON WOMAN FACING METH CHARGE FOLLOWING WEEKEND ARREST A weekend arrest in Wayne County has resulted in a Patterson woman facing a meth charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 42 year old Cindy Harmon was arrested early Saturday morning on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. Harmon is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

She was transported to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

ADVANCE MAN SUFFERES SERIOUS INJURIES AFTER HITTING TREE IN STODDARD COUNTY An Advance man received serious injuries early Sunday morning following a wreck in Stoddard County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 22 year old Ethan Manuel’s vehicle ran off the side of Route K at around 2:45 am Sunday morning and hit a tree.

Manuel was seriously injured and taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

MAN SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO FRAUD INVESTIGATION IN POPLAR BLUFF Authorities in Poplar Bluff are searching for an area man in connection to a fraud investigation.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that 41 year old William Taylor, of Poplar Bluff, is responsible for several fraud cases involving credit and debit card usage and has two active warrants for his arrest.

Anyone with information on Taylor’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

Friday, February 10, 2017

FLU CAUSES CLOSURE OF MORE SCHOOLS IN BUTLER COUNTY Another school in Butler County will not have classes today due to illness.

According to a post on the Sacred Heart School Facebook page, about a quarter of the school has been out due to flu and other illnesses, so classes, including preschool, have been cancelled for Friday.

Other area schools that have had cancellations include Twin Rivers, Neelyville, and Clarkton.

  ELDERLY VICTIM SEVERELY BEATEN IN WAYNE COUNTY Authorities in Wayne County are seeking more information following an assault in Wayne County.

Officials with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that an assault and burglary occurred early Wednesday morning in the Green Tree Area on County Road 455.

An elderly victim was reportedly beaten pretty severely.

Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 573-224-3319.

  WAYNE COUNTY AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING STRING OF THEFTS An investigation is underway in connection to a string of thefts in the Wayne County.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the thefts have occurred in the Green tree area out past Black River Retreat. On Tuesday, a vehicle was also stolen near the county line. The vehicle is described as a 2016 white Dodge Journey with a plate number of WG9-L0Z.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Department at 573-224-3319.

  FORMER SIKESTON PUBLIC SAFETY CHIEF CONFIRMED AS DIRECTOR OF THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY The former chief of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety has been confirmed for a state post.

Drew Juden was confirmed Thursday by the Missouri Senate as the director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Juden was nominated for the position by Governor Eric Greitens.

Juden was one of five of Greiten’s cabinet appointees confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.

  DONIPHAN MAN FACING METH AND MARIJUANA CHARGES Authorities in Ripley County have taken a Doniphan man into custody on methamphetamine and marijuana charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 25 year old Zachary Bryeans was arrested Thursday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Bryeans is also facing charges of possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

He also reportedly had warrants out of Butler and Ripley Counties.

Following the arrest, he was held at the Doniphan City jail.

  METHAMPHETAMINE FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS A man is facing charges following a traffic stop in Northeast Arkansas.

According to Greene County Sheriff David Carter, during a recent traffic stop a deputy found a small bag of crystal methamphetamine in the vehicle.

A man in the vehicle, identified as Kenneth Pullen, claimed that it was his. Pullen was taken to the Greene County Jail for possession of crystal methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

TWIN RIVERS TO BE OUT FOR REST OF THIS WEEK DUE TO FLU Students at Twin Rivers are joining some other students in Southeast Missouri in a getting a long weekend.

Classes at all three schools in the Twin Rivers school district will be out of session for the rest of this week due to the flu. Clarkton schools will also be out for the rest of the week as well.

Students at Neelyville will miss class today; however a post on the school district’s Facebook page says that school will be in session on Friday.

  TWO INJURED, ONE FACING CHARGES, FOLLOWING CHASE WITH AUTHORITIES Two people were injured following a chase with authorities on Tuesday.

According to the Morehouse Police Department, police were alerted by a juvenile’s mother that her 14 year old child had stormed out of the house and was going to meet Justin Mattison, who is a registered sex offender and is currently on probation with a special condition of no contact with any non-related females under the age of 16.

Authorities located Mattison’s vehicle and attempted to pull him over, however he failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit which continued from Morehouse through Dexter, Bloomfield, and Circle City.

The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a drainage ditch in New Madrid County.

Mattison and the juvenile passenger were both taken to an area hospital for their injuries.

Mattison has been charged with 1st degree assault, 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child, and resisting arrest for a felony. He is currently being held in the Pemiscot County Jail with a $75,000 cash only bond.

  TWO MEN FACING CHARGES FOLLOWING INCIDENT WHERE SHOTS WERE FIRED Two men are facing charges following an incident last week in Kennett.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell KWOC News that on the afternoon of February 1st, officers were dispatched in reference to shots being fired. Officers learned that a fight had taken place that included Marquel Rhines and Dequion Williams shooting at three unknown males.

Rhines and Williams later turned themselves into the Kennett Police Department and were transported to the Dunklin County Jail on the charges of unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.

  PHONE SCAM REPORTED IN MULTIPLE SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COMMUNITIES Ozark Border Electric Cooperative says they have been notified of a scam in the Malden and Campbell area along with the Doniphan area.

There have been recent reports of customers receiving calls from individuals impersonating Ozark Border, stating they have not paid their electric bill and attempting to collect payment for their unpaid bill over the phone.

According to a post on the company’s Facebook page, the information customers are given from the impersonators, was not and is not being given to them from Ozark Border employees, nor has their system been hacked.

Anybody who receives this phone call is reminded to not provide the individuals with any personal information and should call Ozark Border immediately at 573-785-4631.

  OVER 600 POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AWARDED FOR ATTENDANCE AND GRADES Hundreds of Poplar Bluff High School students were rewarded last week for not missing class and keeping their grades up.

According to officials, over 600 students have earned reward cards for having stellar attendance, behavior and grades.

Students were issued gold, silver, or bronze punch cards for maintaining between 95 and 98 percent attendance, an 8.0 to 10.25 GPA, and no discipline resulting in suspension or no disciplinary issues altogether.

The rewards included a free cookie provided by Chartwells, plus a game admission, and dance pass.

  EDGE RUT REPAIR PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route 114 in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane through next week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform edge rut repairs.

The work zone is located from Route 25 to County Road 717.

Weather permitting, work will continue from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily through Friday, February 17th.

Wednesday February 8, 2017

THREE POUNDS OF MARIJUANA SEIZED DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN BUTLER COUNTYMultiple pounds of marijuana were seized during a recent traffic stop in Butler County.

Few details about the bust have been released, but Missouri State Highway Patrol officials tell KWOC News that troopers seized three pounds of processed marijuana, two pounds of marijuana laced edibles, one firearm, and $7,000 in cash during the stop.

We will keep following this story and bring you more information when it becomes available.

TRAIN COLLIDES WITH SEMI IN STODDARD COUNTY A train reportedly collided with a semi-truck Tuesday in Stoddard County.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on Highway 25 near Bernie.

Nobody was injured in connection to the collision.

TREE TRIMMING TO CAUSE DELAYS IN WAYNE AND REYNOLDS COUNTIES Missouri Department of Transportation officials say that a week and half long tree trimming project could cause delays in Wayne and Reynolds Counties.

Route 34 in both counties will be reduced to one lane beginning today as MoDot crews perform the tree trimming from the Route HH Spur to Route 49.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Friday, February 17th.

CLARKTON SCHOOLS TO BE OUT AGAIN TODAY Students in Clarkton will be missing another day of school.

The Clarkton School District has cancelled classes for Wednesday following a flu outbreak.

Students were let out early on Monday and classes were also cancelled on Tuesday due to the illness.

School has also been closed for the Neelyville R-4 for today and Thursday. According to a post on the Neelyville School District Facebook page, Parent/Teacher conferences have also been postponed until Thursday, February 16th.

DISTRACTED DRIVER HITS DEXTER PATROL VEHICLE Dexter police are reminding motorists to not use their cell phone while driving following an incident last week involving a patrol vehicle.

According to the Dexter Police Department, a patrol vehicle was struck from behind while stopped at stoplight on Friday.

Officials say the driver of the vehicle who struck the patrol car was distracted by his cell phone at the time of the accident. There was no one seriously hurt as a result of the crash.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE ON PEMISCOT COUNTY ROADWAY A Portageville man was injured after being hit by a vehicle Tuesday night in Pemiscot County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the incident occurred shortly after 9 pm on Route A near Wardell.

A vehicle was attempting to pass another vehicle when it struck 34 year old James Rudd, who was reportedly standing in the roadway. Rudd suffered serious injuries and was taken by Life Flight to an area hospital.

MODOT CREWS TO BEGIN REPAIR PROJECT TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane beginning today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.

The section of roadway to be reduced is located from Route 114 to Route A.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place today through Friday, February 17th from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily.

Tuesday February 7, 2017

BOONVILLE WOMAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS INCARCERATION FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDERA Southeast Missouri woman was sentenced on Monday on a murder related charge.

According to Missouri Case Net, Heather Cummings, of Boonville, has entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to commit murder. Cummings ex-husband, David Phelps, of Hayti, was murdered in September of 2015.

Cummings was sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

TWO ARRESTED FOR COCAINE AND FIREARM CHARGES IN BUTLER COUNTY Two people were taken into custody early this morning in Butler County on felony drug and gun charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 33 year old Brian Gibbs of Brush Creek, Tennessee, and 25 year old Sandra Carter, of Springfield, were arrested shortly before 12:30 this morning.

Both are facing felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance for cocaine and marijuana.

CHANCES OF SEVERE WEATHER CONTINUE TODAY FOR SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Most of Southeast Missouri was under a Severe Thunderstorm watch for most of the overnight; however weather officials say that there is still a chance for severe weather today.

The watch ended at five am, and a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service says that thunderstorms will still be possible through this evening.

A few storms could become severe, mainly in the morning, with large hail and damaging winds being the primary hazards. Officials say that a weak tornado or two is not out of the question.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR ERIC GREITENS SPEAKS ON RIGHT TO WORK PASSAGE New Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was in Poplar Bluff on Monday to trumpet his signing of Right to Work legislation for the state.

We spoke with Greitens during his stop and he said the legislation will lead to more jobs.

ERIC GREITENS:

We were so proud to be right back down here in Poplar Bluff to make Missouri the 28th right to work state for a very simple reason, it's going to lead to more jobs for our people. You know, I traveled all over the state of Missouri and people said we need to have a governor who's going to fight for us. We went to Jefferson City and we took the fight to Jefferson City.

Right at the beginning we said we’re done with politics as usual, we're going to fight for the people and today was a major milestone because this is going to lead to more jobs. One of the key points that I made here is that people are sick of having to watch their neighbors get in a truck and drive across the border to Arkansas, or drive across the border to Tennessee to get a quality job.

Those days are over, Missouri is open for business. This is just the beginning we're going to continue to fight for the people of Missouri every single day and our mission is really clear it's more jobs and higher pay for the people of Missouri.

And we're going to continue to fight for when it comes of tort reform, reducing regulations on businesses so that we can bring more quality jobs in, welfare reform, we’re fighting for the people of Missouri they sent me to Jefferson City to fight for them and that's exactly what we're going to do.

MAYNARD WOMAN DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN RANDOLPH COUNTY A Maynard woman has died following a single vehicle wreck Sunday night.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell KWOC News that 58 year old Cynthia Kelso was driving on Highway 328 in Randolph County when her vehicle ran off the road, hit a tree, and overturned.

Kelso was pronounced dead at the scene.

WOMAN HIT DURING SHOOTING INCIDENT IN CHARLESTON Two men have been arrested following a shooting incident over the weekend in Charleston.

According to authorities, 26 year old Meshaw Daniels, of Haywood City, and 42 year old Rodney Chappell, of Charleston, allegedly exchanged gunfire during an altercation on Saturday. One of the shots hit a woman, who was taken to an area hospital in serious but stable condition.

Daniels and Chappell were taken into custody and are facing charges including 1st degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI SCHOOL TO BE CLOSED TODAY DUE TO FLU OUTBREAK A flu outbreak has caused the closure of a school district in Dunklin County.

Students were let out early on Monday at the Clarkton School District and classes have been cancelled for today due to the illness.

There are just over 300 students at the school, and over 70 were reportedly absent on Monday.

Monday February 6, 2017

MISSOURI GOVERNOR TO BE IN POPLAR BLUFF TODAYNew Missouri Governor Eric Greitens is scheduled to make an appearance today at a Poplar Bluff business.

Greitens will be at Briggs and Stratton this morning at 11:30 AM to discuss right to work legislation that has been approved by the Missouri congress.

The legislation that was approved last week would ban mandatory union fees and Greitens has promised he would sign the bill. If the Governor does sign it, Missouri will become the 28th state to adopt right to work laws.

AUTHORITIES ARREST VAN BUREN RESIDENT FOR POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE A controlled substance arrest was made early Sunday morning in Carter County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 35 year old Laura Kennedy was arrested shortly before 1 am Sunday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Kennedy is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and was taken to the Carter County Jail on a 12 hour hold.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT SEX OFFENDER Authorities in Poplar Bluff are seeking information about a sex offender.

According to a post on the Poplar Bluff Police Department Facebook page, police are seeking information about the whereabouts of Milton “Roy” Taylor, of Poplar Bluff.

Taylor is listed as a non-compliant sex offender and anyone with information on his location is asked to contact law enforcement.

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

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE FOR TONIGHT AND TUESDAY Weather officials are warning of possible severe weather in Southeast Missouri tonight and on Tuesday.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms are possible this evening and overnight, with large hail being the primary hazard. The outlook says that damaging winds and a brief tornado are not out of the question.

The storms are expected to become more widespread on Tuesday with damaging winds becoming the primary hazard. Large hail and a tornado will also be possible.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING APPARENT MURDER/SUICIDE IN PARAGOULD Two people are dead following what appears to be a murder suicide in Northeast Arkansas.

Officials with the Paragould Police Department tell KWOC News that Paragould 9-1-1 received a call of a domestic incident on Saturday where two shots were fired.

Inside the residence, officers found two deceased parties.

Officials say that from initial interviews and evidence at the scene it appears to have been a murder/suicide, but this will not be confirmed until reports are received from the Medical Examiner’s Office with the State Crime Lab in Little Rock.

The incident is still under investigation.

MOREHOUSE MAN ARRESTED ON METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE A Morehouse man is facing a felony methamphetamine charge following his arrest Saturday night.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 50 year old Douglas Kitchen was taken into custody in New Madrid County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

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

Following the arrest, he was transported to the New Madrid County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

K-9 BODY ARMOR DONATED TO CARTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE A law enforcement officer in Carter County will now have more protection thanks to an anonymous donor.

Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens tells KWOC News that K-9 Lobo has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Incorporated.

Stephens say the vest was sponsored by an anonymous donor.

ROAD CLOSURE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN PEMISCOT COUNTY Route K in Pemiscot County will be temporarily closed so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe under the roadway.

MoDot officials say that Route K will be closed today from 7 am to 3:30 pm between Route A and County Road 283.

Friday, February 3, 2017

PARMA MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON METH AND MARIJUANA CHARGES A Parma man was taken into custody Thursday night in Stoddard County on methamphetamine and marijuana charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 24 year old Devin Dinkins was arrested shortly before 8:30 pm Thursday on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dinkins is also facing charges of possession of marijuana and driving while intoxicated – drugs.

  SIKESTON WOMAN ARRESED FOR XANAX A Sikeston woman is facing a felony charge following her arrest Thursday afternoon.

According to authorities, 33 year old Rebecca Powell was arrested shortly after 2 pm on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance - xanax.

She is also facing other charges including unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

  DEXTER POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN SEAT BELT MOBILIZATION THIS MONTH The Dexter Police Department has announced they will be participating in a seat belt mobilization effort later this month.

The Dexter PD will be joining with statewide law enforcement on February 16th for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to get more motorists to buckle up.

More information is available online at www.SaveMoLives.com.

  DATE SET FOR 2017 BLUFF CITY MALLARDS ANNUAL SPORTSMAN’S DINNER Officials have set the date for the 2017 Bluff City Mallards Annual Sportsman’s Dinner.

The event will be held on Saturday, February 18th at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. Doors will open at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 7. A live auction will then begin at 8 pm.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Grant Collins at 573-718-9737.

  ZALMA GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCH TO HOST DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION The Zalma General Baptist Church has announced they will be hosting their 11th annual dinner and silent auction next month.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 4th at the Church Gym. Both the dinner and silent auction will begin at 3:30 pm.

All fundraiser proceeds from the event will go to the Church’s Special Needs Fund, which was able to help 793 families last year by hosting five mobile pantries.

For more information, contact Patti Shelby at 573-225-3615.

  CULVERT REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF BUTLER COUNTY ROAD TODAY Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Butler County today for a project on Route M.

Officials say that Route M will be closed from 8 am to noon so crews can replace a pipe beneath the roadway.

The work zone will be located from County Road 463 to just east of County Road 448.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

OVER 10 ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANTS IN DUNKLIN COUNTY Over 10 people were arrested over a six hour stretch Wednesday morning in Dunklin County.

According to arrest reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 13 total people were arrested from 8 am to 2 pm on felony controlled substance warrants out of Dunklin County.

10 of the arrestees were from Kennett, the other three were from Hornersville, Senath, or Clarkton.

  PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon near the Missouri/Arkansas state line.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on US 412 in Dunklin County when 61 year old Richard Taylor, of Paragould, was struck by the mirror of a vehicle.

Taylor suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a Paragould hospital.

  POPLAR BLUFF POM SQUAD TO HOLD DANCE CAMP THIS MONTH The Poplar Bluff Pom Squad will be holding a dance camp later this month.

The camp has been scheduled for Saturday, February 18th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center Gymnasium. A performance will follow on Monday, February 20th at the Lady Mules junior varsity basketball game.

The camp is for girls in preschool through 6th grade and will cost $25. Registration will be held on Monday, February 6th, from 5 to 7 pm in the Kindergarten Center Lobby.

  POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE Authorities in Butler County have arrested a Poplar Bluff man on multiple felony controlled substance charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 53 year old Charles Berry was arrested Wednesday night on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and tramadol.

Berry is also facing felony charges of driving while intoxicated and driving while suspended.

Following the arrest, he was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

  ALMOST MONTH LONG PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT UNDERWAY IN PEMISCOT COUNTY Northbound I-155 in Pemiscot County is being reduced with a 14-foot width restriction for most of the month so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

The section of roadway affected is located from the Route U interchange to the I-55 north and southbound ramps.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6:30 am to 6 pm daily, through Saturday, February 25.

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

The work zone is located between County Road 617 and County Road 600.

Work will take place from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

TWO POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOLS PLACED ON LOCKDOWN Two Poplar Bluff Schools were placed on lockdown Tuesday morning.

KWOC News spoke with Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Scott Dill who said that the lockdown was due to a domestic dispute.

“Early on Tuesday morning I had a report from the Director of the Early Childhood Center that we had an incident, a domestic dispute, in which allegedly a weapon had been brandished. And so we immediately put that facility on lockdown. We then became aware that there was a family connection to the middle school and so as a precautionary measure we put that facility on lockdown as well.

We worked very closely with Poplar Bluff PD and with County. They very quickly and efficiently tracked the individual down, got him into custody, and we resumed normal operations at those facilities.

I want to stress that at no time was there a direct threat to our kids or our teachers, but that we will always be overly cautious, we will do whatever is necessary to protect our kids.

We have had a couple situations in the last week that resulted from domestic situations that carried on to school property. I want to remind people I recognize that everyone has problems and everyone has disputes in their lives, but when you bring those on to school property a bad day turns into a terrible day very quickly.

There's no place for it on school property and we will take the steps we need to protect our kids and we will do whatever is necessary to keep our school safe.”

  STUDENT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO POST ON FACEBOOK A teenager has been arrested in connection to a possible threat posted on Facebook.

Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield tells KWOC News that on Monday his department was contacted by the South Pemiscot School Superintendent about a student posting on his Facebook page a possible threat toward the school.

An investigation was conducted and authorities arrested a 19 year old male student at South Pemiscot High School and charged him with making a terrorist threat in the first degree. The name of the student was not released.

Stanfield says a report has been filed with the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney for review of formal charges.

  ARRESTS MADE IN CONNECTION TO STORAGE SHED BURGLARIES Authorities in East Prairie say two arrests have been made in connection to recent storage shed burglaries.

According to the East Prairie Police Department, over the past few weeks there has been a rash of burglaries involving storage sheds. Officials say that over $30,000 worth of property has been reported stolen

On January 30th, officials received an anonymous tip that led to the discovery of numerous reported stolen items.

Authorities arrested 37 year old Leslie Henderson, of East Prairie, for stealing and hindering prosecution of a felony. 41 year old Michael Metz, of East Prairie, was also arrested and charged with stealing and possession of burglary tools.

Officials say the case is still under investigation and items are still being recovered.

  TWO ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANTS IN STODDARD COUNTY Two people were recently taken into custody in Stoddard County on controlled substance warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, both 49 year old Timmy Glass, of Malden, and 37 year old Cassey Bryan, of Bernie, were arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Officials did not say if the two arrests were connected.

Their bonds were each set at $12,500 cash only, and they both remained in jail as of this morning.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT SET FOR TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY Route P in Wayne County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

The section of roadway to be reduced is located between Route E and County Road 504.

Officials say work will be performed today from 8 am to 2 pm.

  INTERSTATE REPAIR PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY Southbound I-55 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

MoDot officials say the work zone will be located between Mile Markers 34 and 32.

Weather permitting, work will be performed today through Friday, February 10th from 8 am to 4 pm daily.

Tuesday January 31, 2017

STODDARD COUNTY JURY FINDS MAN GUILTY ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES  

A man has been found guilty by a Stoddard County jury on child pornography charges.

According to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver, Verl Cato, of Dexter, was found guilty Monday of all counts of possession of child pornography.

Cato had been arrested by the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department in July of 2012.

DEXTER POLICE INVESTIGATING COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY

Authorities in Dexter are investigating the use of counterfeit currency.

According to the Dexter Police Department, the fake currency was recently passed at a local business.

Police say they have spoken with a man in connection to the investigation; however no further details were made available.

CULVERT REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS WEEK IN CARTER COUNTY

A week long culvert pipe replacement project is underway in Carter County.

Route DD in Carter County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert pipe beneath the roadway.

The work zone is located from Route A to the end of state maintenance.

Work will take place from 8 am to 3 pm daily through Friday.

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO STABBING DEATH

An arrest has been made in connection to a stabbing death in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, 38 year old Bennie Holliman, of Blytheville, was stabbed in the neck on Sunday night. He later died at an area hospital.

Authorities say a juvenile has been taken into custody in connection to the incident. The name of the juvenile was not released.

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTED BY STATE AGENCY

A Poplar Bluff school has been highlighted in a recent newsletter published by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Lake Road Elementary was selected as the Southeast Region's success story in the "Positive Focus" quarterly newsletter.

The winter publication highlights nine schools in the state that have experienced notable results applying the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support system, which aims to create and maintain an effective learning environment.

A link to the newsletter is available on our website.

http://pbismissouri.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/12-MOSWPBS-Positive-Focus_Winter-2017-.pdf.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route A in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge to be worked on is located between County Road 525 and County Road 526.

Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 am to 3:30 pm.

Monday, January 30, 2017

ONE KILLED, THREE INJURED, IN WEEKEND WRECK NEAR BERNIE One person has died and three others are injured in connection to a wreck Saturday evening near Bernie.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred on Missouri Highway 25 at around 6:30 pm Saturday.

A vehicle, driven by 30 year old Jordan Evans, of Imperial, reportedly crossed the center line of the highway and struck another vehicle head on. The second vehicle was then hit from behind by a third vehicle.

Evans was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, 40 year old Kristy Steward, of Dexter, was seriously injured and flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital. Two people in the third vehicle suffered minor injuries.

  ADDITIONAL DETAILS RELEASED ABOUT RIPLEY COUNTY MURDER/SUICIDE Updating a story we brought to you on Friday, additional details have been released about the alleged murder suicide that occurred in Ripley County.

According to authorities, 32 year old Laura Coleman allegedly shot and killed her two children, Maycie and Gunner. Coleman then shot herself. Their bodies were found on Thursday in Coleman’s home.

The Current River Major Case Squad was activated to investigate the incident.

  WOMAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY METH CHARGE A Fredericktown woman is facing multiple charges following her arrest Friday night in Butler County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 28 year old Virginia Sebastian was arrested on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance in a jail.

Sebastian also reportedly had a warrant from Butler County along with the Poplar Bluff, Williamsville, and Fredericktown Police Departments.

She was held in the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

  KENNETT MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE METHAMPHETAMINE RELATED CHARGES Authorities in Dunklin County have arrested a Kennett man on multiple meth related charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 29 year old Darius Shavers was taken into custody Friday on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Shavers was also arrested on a felony charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Following the arrest, he was held in the Dunklin County Jail.

  REGISTRATION TO BE HELD TODAY AND TOMORROW FOR POPLAR BLUFF YOUTH WRESTLING Registration has been scheduled for the upcoming Poplar Bluff youth wrestling season.

According to officials, registration will be held from 6 to 7:30 pm both tonight and tomorrow night at the Poplar Bluff High School.

The league is open for students age 6 to 12 in Kindergarten through 6th grade.

A non refundable $35 fee and parent or guardian signature will be required at the time of registration.

  CONSERVATION OFFICIALS CONFIRM THAT A MOUNTAIN LION HAS BEEN IN SHANNON COUNTY Conservation officials have confirmed to KWOC News that a Mountain Lion has been in Southeast Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently received DNA results from a confirmed female mountain lion in Shannon County. This is the first definitive confirmation of a female mountain lion being present in Missouri since 1994.

Officials say that the risk of a mountain lion attack in Missouri remains highly unlikely. No mountain lion attack on a human has ever been recorded in the state.

  WEEK LONG ROAD PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route 25 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform shoulder repairs.

The work zone is located from Business 60 to Route E.

Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm, daily.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PEMISCOT COUNTY ROAD Route B in Pemiscot County will be temporarily closed so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe under the roadway.

According to officials, Route B will be closed both today and tomorrow from 7 am to 3:30 pm. The work zone is located between Route 412 and Route K.

Friday, January 27, 2017

THREE FOUND DEAD IN RIPLEY COUNTY HOME Three people were found dead Thursday in a Ripley County home.

According to authorities, the body of 32 year old Laura Coleman was found Thursday afternoon. Coleman’s two children were also found dead.

A cause for the deaths has not been released; however authorities believe it to be a murder-suicide.

  SKYWARN SPOTTER TRAINING CLASS TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF The National Weather Service will be hosting a Skywarn Spotter Training class next month in Poplar Bluff.

Officials say the class is free of charge and open to anyone who has an interest in severe weather and/or public service. The objective of the training is to provide the knowledge to identify and report key severe weather features.

The class in Poplar Bluff will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, February 23rd, at the Black River Coliseum.

Registration is required and you can register online at www.weather.gov/pah/spottertraining.

  METH ARREST MADE IN GREENE COUNTY Officials in Greene County say a man was taken into custody earlier this week on a meth charge.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that Greene County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Jimmy Haynes Wednesday morning for possession of crystal methamphetamine.

Haynes was also arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

  EARTHQUAKE HITS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Southeast Missouri was hit by an earthquake on Thursday.

The United State Geological Survey says the 2.1 magnitude earthquake was located east northeast of Steele and had a depth of over four and a half miles.

The quake was recorded at 4:07 pm Thursday afternoon.

  ROUTE TT IN BUTLER COUNTY TO BE CLOSED FOR PIPE REPLACEMENT Route TT in Butler County will be closed today so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can replace a pipe under the roadway.

The work zone will be located from Route PP to County Road 451.

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

  ROAD CLOSURE SET FOR TODAY IN PEMISCOT COUNTY Route H in Pemiscot County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

Officials say that Route H will be closed from 7 am to 3:30 pm between County Road 530 and Route 164.

Thursday January 26, 2017

THREE INJURED IN WRECK IN STODDARD COUNTYThree people were injured, one seriously, in a wreck Wednesday evening in Stoddard County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle, driven by 21 year old Austin Battles, of Bloomfield, reportedly failed to yield and struck another vehicle in the side. The wreck occurred in the Dudley area.

Battles was seriously injured in the wreck and taken to a Poplar Bluff hospital. A passenger in the second vehicle had moderate injuries, while the driver suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to an area hospital.

BUTLER COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO HOST OPEN HOUSE TODAY Butler County Emergency Management officials have announced that an open house will be held today.

The event will begin at 10 am on the ground floor of the Butler-Ripley County Juvenile Justice Center.

Officials say the open house will be available until 2 pm.

PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE DELAYS IN STODDARD COUNTY Route ZZ in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane today and tomorrow as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert pipe under the roadway.

The work zone is located between County Roads 667 and 624.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 am to 3:30 pm, both today and tomorrow.

ARRESTS MADE FOLLOWING MULTIPLE VEHICLE PURSUITS IN SIKESTON A tip about possible criminal activity led to multiple vehicle pursuits in Sikeston.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, officials received information about subjects at Lincoln Park that were possibly engaged in criminal activity.

Several officers responded and located two vehicles leaving the area. The two vehicles left in separate directions and immediately began fleeing from police.

One of the vehicles was chased into a cotton field and two men abandoned the car. They were apprehended after a short foot chase.

Two other offenders were taken into custody when their vehicle came to a stop in an area parking lot.

Sikeston officers reportedly located firearms, illegal narcotics, and cash. The names of the arrestees have not been released.

FEDERAL ARREST WARRANT EXECUTED IN PORTAGEVILLE Officials with multiple agencies were in Portageville on Tuesday to execute a federal arrest warrant.

Portageville Police Chief Ronnie Adams tells KWOC News that 36 year old Torry Saxton was arrested on a warrant for the charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking crimes.

The warrant stems from a traffic stop on January 2nd. During the investigation of the traffic stop, a firearm and approximately 1.1 pounds of marijuana were located inside the vehicle.

Officers searched Saxton’s residence and located an additional firearm and a large amount of currency.

The Portageville Police Department, New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, agents with the SEMO Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were involved in executing the arrest warrant.

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

The work zone will be located between Route J and County Road 118

Work is scheduled to take place today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

ARBYRD MAN DIES FOLLOWING WRECK IN DUNKLIN COUNTY An Arbyrd man has died following a single vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 76 year old Edmond Hatley was ejected from his vehicle after it ran off the side of Missouri Highway 164 and overturned.

Hatley was pronounced dead at the scene by Dunklin County Coroner James Powell.

  TWO KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK Two people were killed in a three vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Greene County, Arkansas.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 2:30 pm on Highway 49. A vehicle, driven by 48 year old David Nolen, of Marmaduke, reportedly struck the back of a vehicle before crossing the center line of the highway and hitting another vehicle head on.

Nolen was killed in the wreck, as was the driver of the third vehicle, 29 year old Stadford Mace, of Edwards, Mississippi.

No other injuries were listed in connection to the wreck.

  DOWNTOWN POPLAR BLUFF PARKING GARAGE TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC Officials say that the parking garage in downtown Poplar Bluff will be closed to traffic beginning tomorrow.

According to the Poplar Bluff Fire Department, there is a large crack in the upper slab along the north wall, near the entrance on the upper level.

From below, daylight can be seen through the crack with only corroded reinforcing steel connecting the concrete slab to the support beam.

Officials say the garage will be closed to traffic until it is repaired.

  MULTIPLE BURGLARIES REPORTED AT VETERINARY CLINIC Authorities in Kennett are investigating multiple burglaries at a local vet.

According to the Kennett Police Department, on January 16th and 24th, officers took burglary reports from KenMo Veterinary Clinic.

It was reported that suspects entered the building and stole an undisclosed amount of money.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department at 573-888-4622.

  MULTIPLE PIPE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY Multiple pipe replacement projects have been scheduled for today in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, both Route E and Route P in Wayne County will be reduced today for the projects.

The work zone on Route E will be located east of County Road 501, while the work zone on Route P will be south of County Road 504.

Both projects are scheduled to be done from 7 am to 3 pm.

MODOT CREWS TO BE WORKING ON MISSOURI ROUTE 114 IN STODDARD COUNTY THIS WEEK Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Stoddard County for the rest of this week for repairs on Route 114.

During the repairs, Route 114 will be reduced to one lane as crews replace a culvert pipe under the roadway.

Work will take place today through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily and officials say the work zone will be located between County Roads 725 and 702.

Tuesday January 24, 2017

POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER PLACED ON LOCKDOWN MONDAY MORNINGThe Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center was placed on lockdown Monday morning.

KWOC News spoke with Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Scott Dill who said that the lockdown was due to domestic dispute in the area.

SCOTT DILL:

On Monday morning as students were arriving for school at the Early Childhood Center we were made aware of some concerns resulting from a domestic dispute that had spilled over into the school environment.

At that time as I was apprised of the details we made the decision to lock the building down and get a police presence on campus until we got everything sorted out. We were locked down for a few hours until we made sure that everybody was secure and that there was no credible or specific threat towards anyone at the school or anything that would put our kids in harm’s way. Once that had been established it was back to business as usual.

We do appreciate our partnership with Poplar Bluff Police Department they were very responsive to our needs helped us sort the situation out as quickly as we could and get us back on track.

The main thing I want people to understand is that if there's any doubt about the safety or a situation that seems unsafe we will take that action, we will lock down and we will make sure that the kids are safe. That is our top priority and will always remain so.

POPLAR BLUF FMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES INCLUDING POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND RESISTING ARREST Authorities in Poplar Bluff have arrested an area man on multiple charges following an incident Saturday evening.

Detective Joey Woodruff with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us more about the arrest.

JOEY WOODRUFF:

On Saturday evening about 7:30, Officer Duckett was patrolling the area of 9th and Cherry Streets in Poplar Bluff when a male subject spotted him, turned, and began to walk in the opposite direction of him.

Officer Duckett exited his patrol vehicle to contact the man and noticed the man place something in his mouth. Officer Duckett gave commands for the man to stop, however he continued to quickly walk away from him. Duckett was able to stop the man and detained him. The man was identified as Donald Rodgers, 41, of Poplar Bluff.

As Officer Duckett was speaking with Rodgers he admitted to swallowing prescription medication. As Officer Duckett checked the area around Rodgers he located a baggie of suspected methamphetamine.

A check of Rodgers’ information revealed three active warrants for his arrest. Rodgers was transported to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, booked, and then lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on the charges of possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and the three active warrants.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES A Poplar Bluff woman is facing a felony controlled substance charge in connection to her arrest Monday evening.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 37 year old Kimberly Marlowe was arrested in Butler County on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and alprazolam.

Marlowe is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

PIPE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY A Wayne County road will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

According to MoDot, Route P in Wayne County will be closed between Route E and County Road 504 during the replacement.

Work is scheduled to be performed from 7 am to 3 pm.

CONVICTED FELON FOUND IN A STOLEN VEHICLE WITH VARIOUS ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION A convicted felon was arrested over the weekend in Poplar Bluff after he was reportedly found in a stolen vehicle.

Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that the incident occurred Sunday morning.

DARRON MOORE:

On Sunday morning around 8:30, Officers responded to McDonald's north in reference to a white male in a red Ford truck behaving erratically.

Upon arrival officers located a white male asleep in the vehicle. He was later identified as 37 year-old Paul Ryan Lutes.

During the investigation officers observed the vehicle ignition showed obvious signs of tampering and a records check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from Greenville, Missouri.

Inside the vehicle, officers located several various rounds of ammunition.

After being advised of his rights, Lutes refused to speak to officers. Lutes, a convicted felon, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and tampering with a motor vehicle. He was later lodged in the Butler County Justice Center.

LUCAS AND BESS CHOSEN AS POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Two basketball players have been chosen as the Poplar Bluff High School athletes of the month for December.

Senior Willie Lucas Jr. and Freshman Kiley Bess were chosen for the awards by the Mules Booster Club.

Lucas is currently averaging over 20 points and seven rebounds per game. He scored his 1,000th career point during the Poplar Bluff ShowDown. Lucas was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the ShowDown and won the three-point contest. In the classroom, he maintains a 9.71 GPA.

Bess has averaged over 15 points and four rebounds per game, starting in all varsity contests as a freshman. She was named to the Mustang Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team in Hoxie, Arkansas. In the classroom, she has maintained straight A's throughout the first semester.

Monday January 23, 2017

POPLAR BLUFF TEEN ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON METH CHARGE  

A Poplar Bluff teenager is facing felony charges following her arrest over the weekend in New Madrid County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 19 year old Tiara Holloway was taken into custody Saturday afternoon on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Holloway is also facing a charge of possession of marijuana.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON FORGERY WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County have taken an Osage Beach man into custody.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 19 year old Jermaine Smith was recently arrested on a warrant for forgery.

Smith’s bond has been set at $7,500 and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

FIVE DAY BRIDGE PROJECT SET TO BEGIN TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route 412 in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 12 foot width restriction this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.

MoDot officials say that the section of Route 412 to be affected is located from Route U to Route NN.

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

SUSPECT WANTED IN CONNECTION TO BREAK-INS AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE

Poplar Bluff police are searching for a man in connection to several recent break-ins.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that the man is a suspect in multiple thefts from vehicles at Three Rivers College.

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

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is being asked to contact Patrolman David Perkins at 573-785-5776 extension 1346.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON DRUG AND FIREARM CHARGES IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Authorities in New Madrid County have arrested an area man on felony drug and gun charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 23 year old Keith Word, of New Madrid, was arrested Friday night on felony charges of unlawful use of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute – marijuana.

Word was taken to the New Madrid County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT WINNER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

Sikeston resident and winner of the third season of America’s Got Talent Neal Boyd has serious injuries following a single vehicle wreck over the weekend in Scott County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred Saturday morning when Boyd’s vehicle ran off the side of Interstate 55 and struck multiple trees.

Boyd and a passenger in the vehicle were seriously injured in the wreck and taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS

Applications are now available for area teens to join the Youth Conservation Corps.

The Corps is a paid summer work program for teens ages 15 to 18.  The program offers summer employment for eight weeks on Mark Twain National Forest at the Poplar Bluff Ranger District.

Officials say that projects will include building trails, clerical/office support, maintaining and cleaning up campgrounds, and improving wildlife habitat. Four enrollees will be selected for the Poplar Bluff Ranger District through a random drawing.

More information is available at the Mark Twain National Forest website or by calling 573-996-2153. Applications are due by Monday, April 17^th.

Friday January 20, 2017

WANTED BUTLER COUNTY MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY  

A Poplar Bluff man wanted on multiple warrants has been taken into custody.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley tells KWOC News that on Thursday, January 11th, officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, the SEMO Drug Task Force, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to contact 39 year old Cortez Jones, of Poplar Bluff, at a residence on County Road 525.

Jones allegedly fled the area, and two women, 38 year old Elizabeth Cross, of Poplar Bluff, and 55 year old Brenda King, of Doniphan, both denied any knowledge of Jones’ whereabouts.

A few hours later, officers observed Jones as a passenger in a vehicle that was traveling West on Highway 60. Officers followed the vehicle, which attempted to elude them. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on a rural Carter County road where Jones was taken into custody.

He is being held on warrants out of Butler County for possession of a controlled substance, hit and run, failure to appear for possession of marijuana, and failure to appear for non support along with a Poplar Bluff warrant for failure to appear for possession of marijuana.

Both King and Cross were also in the vehicle with Jones and were arrested for hindering prosecution.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING GUNSHOTS IN POPLAR BLUFF

Gunshots were reportedly fired at a home in Poplar Bluff on Wednesday.

The shots hit a residence on North Street Wednesday night.

There have been no arrests made and the incident is under investigation.

NEW WAVE COMMUNICATIONS SOLD TO ARIZONA BASED COMPANY

New Wave Communications, which provides internet service to multiple communities in Southeast Missouri, including Poplar Bluff and Dexter, has been sold to Cable One Incorporated.

The transaction was reportedly for $735 million dollars.

Cable One is a publicly traded cable service provider serving more than 650,000 customers in 19 states.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE UNDERWAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route A in Dunklin County is being reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located between County Roads 525 and 526.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 am to 3 pm daily, through Thursday, January 26th.

CARUTHERSVILLE MAN’S SENTENCE COMMUTED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA

A Caruthersville man has had his sentence commuted by President Obama.

Timmy Nathan Johnson was sentenced in October of 2009 to 30 years imprisonment for the offenses of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine; money laundering; felon in possession of a firearm; and unlawful drug use in possession of a firearm.

Johnson’s sentence was commuted to 20 years with the condition that he enrolls in residential drug treatment.

OVER THREE GRAMS OF CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE DISCOVERED DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

A deputy in Northeast Arkansas reportedly discovered over three grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that the deputy stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and that led to him finding 3.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Gregory Pippin was taken into custody and has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver.

Following the arrest, Pippin was transported to the Greene County Detention Center.

AG EXPO TO OPEN AT 1 PM TODAY

Multiple events are on the schedule for the opening day of Ag Expo at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Doors will open at the Coliseum at 1 pm and attendees can see over 118 agriculture exhibits that will be at the event.

In addition, there will also be the prepared public speaking contest at 4 pm, the milking contest at 5:30 pm, and the toy tractor pedal pull contest that will start at 6 pm.

Educational events scheduled for Friday include the private applicator training at 2 pm, how to prepare nutritious snacks at 5 pm, and the food safety modernization act at 6:15 pm.

Admission to Ag Expo is $1 for adults. For more information, call 686-8064.

WEEK LONG SHOULDER REPAIR PROJECT BEGINNING TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Missouri Department of Transportation crews will be in Dunklin County today for a week long shoulder repair project.

According to MoDot, crews will be performing shoulder repairs on Route NN between Routes 412 and 164. Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday, January 27th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.

During the repairs, Route NN will be reduced to one lane.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

MISSING TEENAGE GIRL FOUND SAFE Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, a missing teenage girl has been found safe.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Endangered Person Advisory for 15 year old Abigail Norville was cancelled Wednesday after the girl was located.

Officials have not released any details on how or where the teenager was found.

  KENNETT POLICE INVESTIGATING ARMED ROBBERY AT LOCAL BUSINESSS Authorities in Kennett are investigating a reported armed robbery at an area business.

According to the Kennett Police Department, at around 10:45 pm on Tuesday, officers were dispatched to the Casey's General Store on Saint Francis Street where employees reported that a black male had entered the store, pulled a pistol out, and demanded money.

The suspect then fled the store on foot with an undetermined amount of money.

The employees said that the suspect was dressed in black and wearing a ski mask.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department at 573-888-4622.

  MALDEN MAN ARRESTED ON WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER A Malden man was taken into custody Wednesday for a felony warrant.

According to the Malden Police Department, 28 year old Samuel Sherrod was arrested on a felony Dunklin County warrant for the charge of failure to register as a sex offender.

Sherrod’s bond was $7,500 and he was held in the Malden City Jail.

  TWO ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF CRYSTAL METH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Two people were recently taken into custody in Northeast Arkansas on a methamphetamine charge.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that Greene County Deputies were working with Arkansas Probation and Parole during a home visit when they arrested Harley Duffel and Amanda Wince.

Carter says both Duffel and Wince were arrested for possession of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

  TWO PEOPLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT Officials in Stoddard County have arrested two Dexter residents on a controlled substance warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 29 year old Darren Ledbetter and 25 year old Subrina Ledbetter were each taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Both remained in jail as of this morning and their bond was each set at $7,500 cash.

  TREE TRIMMING PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route 25 in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform tree trimming.

The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route O to Route Y.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 am to 3 pm both today and tomorrow.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE DELAYS ON ROUTE AB IN STODDARD COUNTY A pipe replacement will cause delays for some motorists in Stoddard County this week.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route AB in Stoddard County is being reduced as crews replace a culvert under the roadway.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place today and tomorrow from 7 am to 4 pm daily.

The work zone is located from County Road 503 to County Road 506.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

FOUR ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED BURGLARY IN POPLAR BLUFF Four arrests have been made in connection to an alleged burglary this past weekend in Poplar Bluff.

Captain Dave Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that shots were fired during the incident.

“On Saturday, January 14th, at around 8 p.m. officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Lexington Street in reference to shots fired during a residential burglary.

The victims told officers that the front door to the residence was kicked in and Larry Carter Sr., Larry Carter Jr., Sureeka Carter, Martrez Carter, and other identified suspects entered the residence. Martrez Carter flourished a handgun.

Larry Carter held the female victim down while the other suspects assaulted the male victim. After the assault the suspects left the residence in three vehicles. Two gunshots were fired from the suspect vehicles as they left the area.

Larry Carter Sr., Larry Carter Jr., Sureeka Carter, and Martrez Carter were located at a residence in the 1500 Block of North 5th Street. They were taken into custody without incident and transported to the police station.

Larry Carter Sr., Larry Carter Jr., and Sureeka Carter were each booked in on a charge of burglary first-degree. Martrez Carter was booked in on charges of burglary 1st degree, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon”

  ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MISSING SCOTT CITY TEENAGER The Scott City Police Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a missing teenager.

The advisory is for 15 year old Abigail Norville.

Norville reportedly left her residence after an argument with her father and the last communication with her was by text message at 2 pm on Monday.

Norville is described as a white female, five feet tall and weighing 125 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was wearing a black jacket with blue jeans.

Authorities believe Norville may be in the company of 21 year old James Scheller. Scheller is described as a white male, 5 foot 9 inches tall, weighing 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Norville or Scheller’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Scott City Police Department at 573-264-2121.

AREA MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY METH CHARGE An area man was arrested Tuesday morning in Butler County on a methamphetamine charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 22 year old Justin Ard was taken into custody at around 10 am Tuesday on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Ard is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the arrest, he was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

PIEDMONT MAN FACING FELONY GUN AND FIREARM CHARGES A Piedmont man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old William McKinney was arrested in Wayne County on felony charges including possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.

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

WAPPAPELLO MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FORGERY WARRANTS Authorities in Stoddard County have taken a Wappapello man into custody on multiple forgery warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 46 year old William Thomas Pearce III was recently arrested on four warrants for forgery and two warrants for probation violation.

Pearce’s bond was set at $35,000 cash only, and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

EROSION WORK TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Eastbound Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane for the rest of this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform erosion work.

The work zone is located between Route 25 and County Road 717.

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

Tuesday January 17, 2017

HIGH SPEED CHASE LEADS TO ARREST IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTYAuthorities in Mississippi County were involved in a high speed chase on Monday.

According to authorities, 22 year old Lamarquez Sutton, of Charleston, was taken into custody and is facing charges including first degree assault, resisting arrest, and delivery of a controlled substance.

Following the chase, Sutton was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.

APPROACH WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK IN DUNKLIN COUNTY Route 412 in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 12 foot width restriction this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform approach work.

Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.

The work zone will be located from Route U to Route NN in Dunklin County.

POPLAR BLUFF CHEERLEADING KIDDIE CAMP SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK A Poplar Bluff Cheerleading Kiddie Camp for future cheerleaders ages 3 to 6th grade will be held next week.

The camp is scheduled to be held at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School on Monday, January 23rd from 5 to 6:30 pm, as well as 5 to 6 pm on January 25th and 26th.

The cost is $25 per child.

All Kiddie Camp Cheerleaders will then perform at the JV Girls Basketball game on Monday, January 30th.

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO SHOTS BEING FIRED IN KENNETT Authorities in Kennett have made an arrest in connection to a report of shots being fired over the weekend.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell KWOC News, that officers were dispatched to an area of Bradley Street Sunday night to check on a report of gun shots being fired.

An investigation led to the arrest of Andre Haymon Jr. of Osceola, Arkansas, for unlawful use of a weapon.

Haymon was held at the Dunklin County Jail pending formal charges from the Dunklin County Prosecutors Office.

APPROXIMATLY 600 ACRES OF MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST TO BE CLOSED TODAY Officials have closed approximately 600 acres of Mark Twain National Forrest to support feral hog eradication activities.

The areas of the forest to be closed today are located in the Eleven Point Ranger District. The closure includes all access to the area from FR 3250 and County Road F-227 in Carter County.

All Forest Service Trails within the closure area will also be closed during this timeframe, including the Ozark Trail—Big Springs Connector Trail.

A full map of the temporary closure area is available on the Mark Twain National Forest Facebook page.

POPLAR BLUFF LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULED TO MOVE TO WARD FIVE 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 Five beginning today and continuing through January 27th.

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.