Friday, February 15, 2019

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY TO BE IN EFFECT FOR MOST OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI BEGINNING AT NOON

Winter Weather is projected to return to the region today.

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from noon today through 3 am tomorrow morning for most of Southeast Missouri.

Weather officials say that mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to three inches are expected, generally along and north of a line from Greenville, Missouri to Greenville, Kentucky.

Farther south, ice accumulations averaging around one tenth of an inch are expected.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is advising motorists to limit travel today and throughout the weekend across the state due to the winter weather.

Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute home from school and work. Officials say that travel conditions will deteriorate during the evening hours.

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BEGINS FLOODFIGHT ACTIVITIES

The United States Army Corps of Engineers in Memphis has announced that floodfight activities have begun following the heavy rainfall the area received over the past week.

The Corps of Engineers has initiated Phase I floodfight activities in the Lower St. Francis and Missouri areas due to high river stages.

During Phase I floodfight activities, personnel deploy to the field and monitor all federal flood control works including levees, flood walls, and pumping stations.

In addition to the activities, the Memphis District has also provided material assistance to local communities and flood control organizations to aid them in their floodfighting efforts.

The items recently provided were two portable pumps to remove water from flooded areas, and eight rolls of plastic sheeting to cover levees and help minimize levee slides and erosion.

OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING ELK POACHING IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

State officials are investigating a case of elk poaching in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, two adult elk were shot Friday, February 8th, near the Log Yard area of Shannon County. One of the elk was a 10-year-old bull and the other was an adult cow.

Officials say that no parts of either animal were removed. This is the fifth known elk poaching incident since the elk population was restored to Missouri in 2011.

The MDC is asking anyone with information on this poaching case to call 573-226-3616, extension 226, or Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.

QULIN MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES

Authorities in Butler County arrested an area man yesterday morning on multiple felony charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 49 year old Robert Taylor, of Qulin, was taken into custody shortly before 9 am on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Taylor was held at the Butler County Jail.

KIWANIS CLUB HOSTING 81ST ANNUAL PANCAKE DAY NEXT MONTH

Pancakes are on the menu early next month to help out a local organization.

The Kiwanis Club of Poplar Bluff will be holding their 81st Annual Pancake Day from 6 am to noon on Saturday, March 16th at the Poplar Bluff Junior High cafeteria.

Pancakes, sausage, and coffee will be available at the event and all proceeds go towards the second phase of the Kiwanis Bacon Memorial Park all-inclusive playground.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Meredith Rines at 573-686-3053.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT

A Northeast Arkansas fire department has been chosen for a $5,000 grant.

The Piggott Volunteer Fire Department was one of three departments nationwide to win the Leary Firefighters Foundation 2018 National “Spot-a-Hero” Technology Grant.

The fire department will receive a $5,000 licensing grant for the Rover Incident Response Platform, which works with a fire department’s dispatch system to send alerts to the mobile device carried by first responders.

The Rover Platform provides access to information that tracks responding firefighters, and visually identifies hazards, hydrants, and water sources.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

WOMAN FOUND WITH FENTANYL POWDER IN STODDARD COUNTY

A Cape Girardeau woman was found with Fentanyl powder earlier this week in Stoddard County.

According to the Bernie Police Department, an officer was called to an area business on February 11th for a suspected shoplifter.

At the business, the officer spoke with a woman and asked for her identification. While the woman, later identified as 37 year old Tanya Rankin, was digging around her purse, the officer noticed a white capsule and asked Rankin what it was. She responded that it was Fentanyl.

The officer then placed Rankin under arrest. She was booked into the Bernie City Jail on a charge of possession of a controlled substance with bond set at $7,500.

Bernie Chief of Police Justin Allen tells us that this is the first case of Fentanyl in its powdered form in Stoddard County.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the drug is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Fentanyl was responsible for more than 28,400 overdose deaths in 2017.

MAN ARRESTED ON COCAINE CHARGE IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

A St. Joseph, Missouri man has been taken into custody in Southeast Missouri on a cocaine charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 47 year old Detrick Hampton was arrested Wednesday evening in New Madrid County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for cocaine.

Hampton also reportedly had a felony Pemiscot County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of possession of a weapon.

Following the arrest, Hampton was held at the Pemiscot County Jail.

AREA MAN SENTENCED TO ALMOST FIVE YEARS IN PRISON IN CONNECTION TO ROBBERY

A Sikeston man has been sentenced to almost five years behind bars in connection to a 2018 robbery.

Officials with the United States Attorney’s Office tell KWOC News that 40 year old Joshua Kerr was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment on one felony count of interference with commerce by robbery, one felony count of carjacking, and one felony count of possession of ammunition by a felon.

Kerr reportedly admitted to entering a store in July 2018 and demanding the store's cash while carrying a BB pistol that looked like a real handgun. The victim obeyed his commands and gave him money from three cash registers and the change refund bag. Kerr then took the victim’s vehicle and left the store with the cash.

Kerr was later apprehended and found to be in possession of several rounds of ammunition.

Kerr had been previously convicted of distribution of a controlled substance in New Madrid County and possession of a controlled substance in Stoddard County.

TWO DEXTER RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON DRUG RELATED WARRANTS FROM KENTUCKY

Authorities say that two Dexter residents have been arrested on drug related warrants out of Kentucky.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 50 year old John Peters was recently arrested on a warrant for drug trafficking 1st degree and 40 year old Jennifer Hampton was taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Peters bond was set at $50,000, while Hampton’s bond was set at $35,000 and officials say that both remained in jail as of this morning.

DEXTER MAN IN CUSTODY ON FEDERAL WARRANT

An area man is in custody following his arrest on a federal warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 38 year old Johnathan Worley, of Dexter, was recently arrested on a federal warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

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

FISH FRY TO BE HELD FOR 18 YEAR VETERAN OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL BATTLING BRAIN CANCER

A fish fry will be held later this month for an 18 year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol who is battling brain cancer.

Corporal Curt Fox was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2012. It has now returned for a third time and been upgraded to a grade 4 glioblastoma.

A fish fry fundraiser to help Corporal Fox and his family has been scheduled for Friday, February 22nd from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus in Jackson. There will also be a raffle tickets sold for a gun.

For more information, contact Jamie Malugen at 573-979-2181.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

NUMEROUS ROADS REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING

Even though the latest rounds of rainfall have come to an end, officials say that many roads remain flooded in Southeast Missouri.

According to precipitation totals from the National Weather Service, most areas of Southeast Missouri recorded one to four inches of rain from the latest storm system, while the Missouri Bootheel and most of Northeast Arkansas received four to five inches of rainfall.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Highway 142 east of Neelyville in Butler County has been closed due to flooding.

Flooding has also caused the closure of portions of Routes H, K, and NN in Ripley County, Route F in Dunklin County, and Route DD in Pemiscot County, among others.

You can find road conditions online at traveler.modot.org.

CLARKTON MAN TRANSPORTED TO POPLAR BLUFF HOSPITAL FOLLOWING TWO VEHICLE WRECK

A Clarkton man was injured Tuesday Morning in a wreck in Dunklin County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle driven by 34 year old Ronald Fowler struck another vehicle in the rear on County Road 229 near Campbell.

Following the wreck, Fowler was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital with serious injuries. No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle.

THREE RIVERS COLLEGE EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Officials at Three Rivers College and Central Methodist University have announced an expanded partnership between the two institutions.

The partnership will see a four-year Agribusiness degree and a four-year rodeo team become available to students beginning this fall.

For the new Agribusiness program, students will complete coursework through Three Rivers for three years, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness as well as an Associate of Arts in Agriculture before beginning their fourth year with CMU.

All courses will be available at the Three Rivers Poplar Bluff campus and will have components utilizing the TRC farm.

Students on the Three Rivers rodeo team will also now have the opportunity to compete with the newly formed Central Methodist rodeo team after they transfer to CMU. The CMU rodeo team will be based in Poplar Bluff and share the arena at the Three Rivers College farm for practices and training.

POPLAR BLUFF HISTORY TEACHER RECEIVES AWARD

A Poplar Bluff history teacher has won an award for her efforts co-teaching the ‘I’m A Citizen, Too’ summer enrichment class.

Poplar Bluff School Officials tell KWOC News that Junior High American History teacher Kathy Pattillo won the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher award for the middle school grade-span.

The ‘I’m A Citizen, Too’ program teaches students in 5th through 8th grades what it means to be productive citizens to one’s family, community, state, and nation.

Pattillo was recognized earlier this month in Jefferson City at a banquet hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary alongside a teacher at Truman Elementary in Rolla and an educator at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights.

POPLAR BLUFF AUTHORITIES TRYING TO IDENTIFY MAN IN CONNECTION TO VEHICLE THEFT INVESTIGATION

Authorities in Poplar Bluff are trying to identify a man in connection to a stolen vehicle investigation.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, a vehicle was stolen from the parking lot of M&P Liquor on January 28th. The vehicle was later recovered in Douglas County.

Police officials have released a video that contains a male subject that they are attempting to identify. You can view the video on our Facebook page.

Anyone who has information about the subject’s identity is asked to contact Detective Dan Mustain at 573-686-8632.

AREA RESIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A Southeast Missouri resident was injured Tuesday in a single vehicle wreck.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 20 year old Savannah Fennell, of Steele, received serious injuries in a wreck on State Highway NN near Gobler.

Fennell’s vehicle reportedly travelled off the left side of the highway, struck a tree, and overturned.

Following the wreck, Fennell was transported to a Dyersberg, Tennessee hospital.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR SOME LOCATIONS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A flood warning remains in effect for some locations in southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, a flood warning is in effect for Butler, Stoddard, New Madrid, Scott, and Mississippi County until 1:45 pm this afternoon.

A flood warning has also been issued for Southeastern Reynolds County in southeastern Missouri until 1:30 pm.

One and one half to two and three quarters inches of rain has fallen across the region in the last 24 hours. The steadier rains will come to an end early today, but officials say it will take quite some time for the high water to recede.

NUMEROUS ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING

Heavy rains over the past few days have caused numerous roads to be closed in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Highway 142 east of Neelyville in Butler County has been closed due to flooding.

Flooding has also caused the closure of portions of Routes H, K, and NN in Ripley County, Route F in Reynolds County, Route NN in Shannon County, and Route DD in Pemiscot County, among others.

You can find road conditions online at traveler.modot.org.

Multiple schools are also closed today because of flooding. A list of school closings is available on our website.

POPLAR BLUFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

A Poplar Bluff Elementary School has received national recognition for student achievement on the MAP test.

School officials tell KWOC News that Lake Road Elementary was one of only two Missouri schools to be named a National ESEA Distinguished School during the program's annual conference held earlier this month in Kansas City.

Lake Road was nominated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for maintaining excellent student performance for consecutive years.

There were a total of 68 educational institutions nationwide to be chosen for the honor.

CARUTHERSVILLE FLOODGATES SET TO CLOSE ON THURSDAY

Officials in the Caruthersville area will be closing area floodgates this week.

The Mississippi River flood stage forecast is causing the St. Francis Levee District to close the floodgates on Thursday.

Area residents are being asked to avoid travelling on the levee.

GROUNDBREAKING TO BE HELD THIS MONTH FOR NEW CENTER AT VA MEDICAL CENTER

A groundbreaking will be held later this month for a new center in Poplar Bluff.

The groundbreaking of the Learning Resource Center at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center has been scheduled for Thursday, February 21st.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 2 pm.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN RIPLEY COUNTY

A contract has been approved for pavement improvements in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has awarded an over $320,000 contract to Apex Paving Co., for pavement improvements on Route B in Ripley County from Route 160 to Route 142.

Additional information, including timelines and impact to traffic, will be released prior to the start of construction.

Monday, February 11, 2019

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING

A flood watch is in effect for most of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas through late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

According to the National Weather Service, the rain is anticipated to continue through today and tonight and a storm total of two to four inches of rainfall is expected at many locations in Southeast Missouri. In Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel, three to five inches of rainfall with isolated heavier amounts is expected.

Weather officials say that rainfall runoff is expected to lead to areal flooding issues. River flooding will likely be prolonged, and possibly could worsen with time.

DONIPHAN MAN FOUND GUILTY OF FOUR COUNTS OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER

Sentencing has been scheduled for May after a Southeast Missouri man was found guilty of four counts of murder.

According to Missouri Case Net, on Friday, 26 year old Keith Boyles, of Doniphan, was found guilty on four counts each of 1st degree murder and armed criminal action.

The charges stem from the deaths of Edgar Atkinson, Bonnie Chase, Gladys Piatt, and Loyd Piatt in 2010.

A Sentencing Assessment Report has been ordered and Boyles sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 1st.

TWO PARAGOULD RESIDENTS KILLED IN COLLISION NEAR BEECH GROVE

Two people are dead and a third injured following a wreck Friday morning in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, a vehicle driven by 21 year old Ivan Puello, of Paragould, failed to stop at a stop sign on Highway 141 in Greene County and travelled into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

The wreck occurred shortly before 8 am Friday morning.

Both Puello and a passenger in his vehicle, 21 year old Alexandria Snyder, also of Paragould, were killed in the wreck.

The driver of the other vehicle was injured and transported to an area hospital.

AUTHORITIES SEARCHING FOR PERSON OF INTEREST IN FATAL HIT AND RUN

Updating a story we brought to you last week, authorities are seeking a man as a person of interest in a fatal hit and run incident near Poplar Bluff.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a pedestrian was walking on the southbound shoulder of Highway 53 on February 4th and was struck by a northbound, white, 1999 Oldsmobile Alero.

Officials say that video surveillance from a business close to the crash scene is being reviewed and a person of interest has been identified as Zack L. Davis.

We have a picture of Davis available on our Facebook page.

Anyone who has information about Davis’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500 or your local law enforcement agency.

POPLAR BLUFF JUNIOR HIGH FINISHES IN TOP 15 AT NATIONAL CHEERLEADING COMPETITION

Junior High cheerleaders from Poplar Bluff finished in the top 15 at a national cheerleading competition over the weekend.

According to Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith, the Junior High Competition Cheerleading Team finished in 14th Place of the Large Junior High Squad division at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando.

The Poplar Bluff High School Competition Cheerleading Team also participated in the competition however did not advance to the finals for Medium Varsity Division 1.

ONE MILE CROSSING REOPENED IN DEXTER

A Dexter railroad crossing has reopened after a train crash last week.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol say that a strong line of storms pushed through the Dexter area and led to the derailment at one mile crossing on Thursday. A National Weather Service storm survey found straight-line wind damage in Dexter, with estimated peak winds at 90 mph.

According to the Dexter Police Department, One Mile Crossing was reopened on Sunday.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON METH CHARGE

Two Poplar Bluff residents were taken into custody over the weekend on a felony meth charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 41 year old Robert Brown and 34 year old Crystal Swafford, were each arrested shortly after 10:30 pm Saturday night on charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brown is also facing a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility.

Following their arrests, both were held at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

Friday, February 8, 2019

THURSDAY STORMS CAUSE DAMAGE ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Multiple communities have reported damage following the severe storm system that crossed our area on Thursday.

In Butler County, a grain bin was destroyed and power lines were knocked down in the Broseley area. Highway 51 was also closed for a period of time yesterday.

The Missouri Department of Transportation says that part of Missouri Highway 142 east of Neelyville is closed this morning due to flooding. Also closed are parts of Route H, K, and NN in Ripley County, as well as a portion of Route C in Wayne County.

Officials with the Twin Rivers School District say that there will be no school again today due to the flooding.

According to the Highway patrol, Current River Marine Sales in Doniphan experienced significant damage from straight line winds. Multiple vessels and trailers were damaged and the side door glass to their main building was completely shattered by the strong winds.

TRAIN DERAILS IN DEXTER

A train derailed yesterday morning in Dexter.

According to the Dexter Police Department, the train derailed at one mile crossing and several buildings were damaged in the area. Nearby phone and power lines were also knocked down.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol say that a strong line of storms pushed through the area and led to the derailment.

No one was injured in the incident.

DRIVERS ASKED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BLACK ICE THIS MORNING

Area motorists are being asked to be on the lookout for black ice this morning.

Weather officials say that residual moisture from yesterday’s storm system could have frozen overnight on area roadways.

Drivers should be cautious and give themselves some extra time to reach their destination.

CITY OF GREENVILLE TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING NEXT WEEK

The city of Greenville will be hosting a public hearing next week to discuss the city’s submission of an application for a MDNR Recreational Trails Program grant.

According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, the city is proposing to apply for approximately $200,000 in RTP Funding to repair the city trail system along Walnut Street leading to the school.

The hearing will be held at 10 am on Monday, February 11th, at the Greenville City Hall.

For more information on the proposed project, contact Mayor Carroll Rainwater at 573-224-3911.

SCAM TARGETING STUDENTS AT BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Officials at Black River Technical College are warning students to be careful about a scam that is targeting them on Facebook.

According to officials, a company appearing to be called Fiscal Analytics is promising students a loan forgiveness program.

Drew Garland, BRTC Default Prevention Specialist, says that while other loan forgiveness programs are legitimate, this particular program does not exist.

Students who have any questions about repayment options, are asked to contact Garland at 870-248-4022.

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METH CHARGE

Authorities in Stoddard County say that an area man has been taken into custody on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 49 year old Donald Newell, of Dexter, was arrested yesterday morning in Stoddard County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Newell was held in the Stoddard County Jail.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

FLOOD WATCH TO REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING

Showers and thunderstorms will continue today resulting in chances of flooding.

According to the National Weather Service, a flood watch remains in effect through this evening for most of Southeast Missouri.

Weather officials say that Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to result in additional rainfall amounts of around an inch of so today, although locally higher amounts cannon be ruled out.

The rain will likely result in flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas, in addition to rising water levels on area rivers, creeks, and streams. Localized flash flooding cannot be ruled out with scattered thunderstorms producing heavier rainfall rates.

A drastic change to very cold arctic air will take place later today and tonight. Wind chill readings by late tonight could be in the single digits or teens.

ILLNESS TO CAUSE ADDITIONAL MISSED CLASSES AT AREA SCHOOLS

Officials at two area schools have cancelled classes for today due to illness.

According to the Portageville Police Department, the Portageville School District will be closed for the rest of the week. Classes will be back in session on Monday.

Piggott Public Schools will also not be in session for today due to widespread illness in the district. According to the Piggott High School Facebook Page, students will need to complete AMI Day 4.

The Twin Rivers School District will also be missing classes today, but that is due to flooding conditions in the district.

AREA AUTHORITIES ATTEMPTING TO LOCATE TWO INDIVIDUALS IN CONNECTION TO AN ALLEGED VEHICLE THEFT

Authorities in Carter County are attempting to locate two individuals.

Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens tells KWOC News that a man and a woman are being sought in connection to an alleged vehicle theft in the area.

We have pictures of both the man and the woman available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone who has information about their identities or whereabouts is being asked to contact Chief Alonzo Bradwell with the Van Buren Police Department at 573-323-4510.

DANCING WITH THE PB STARS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND

The 2019 Dancing with the PB Stars will be held this weekend at the Historic Rodgers Theater in Poplar Bluff.

Local couples will compete Saturday night at 7 pm in various styles of dance while the audience votes on their favorite performances.

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $25 for VIP seating. There will also be entertainment by local musicians and performers.

Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Sacred Heart Catholic School.

CITY OF DONIPHAN TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING NEXT WEEK

The city of Doniphan will be hosting a public hearing next week to discuss the city’s submission of an application for a grant.

According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, the city is proposing to construct possible bathrooms, Pickle Ball courts, and park amenities.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund grant is a 50/50 match program, with the City of Doniphan requesting approximately $26,000 in LWCF funds.

The hearing will be held at 2 pm on Monday, February 11th, at the Doniphan Community Center.

For more information on the proposed project, contact Mayor Dennis Cox at 573-996-2623.

NEW BENCH INSTALLED AT POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HELP STUDENTS MAKE NEW FRIENDS

A new bench is being installed at Poplar Bluff Middle School to help students make new friends.

School officials say that a Buddy Bench was introduced last week during a school wide positive behavior support assembly held at the Middle School.

Among several scenarios detailed during the assembly, the main rule established is for students to invite classmates who are sitting alone on the Buddy Bench to play.

Guidance counselor Julie Withrow says that the concept of the bench was student-directed. Sixth graders Rachel Eason, Zoë Freeman, and Bailey Taylor approached her with the idea at the end of the last school year.

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

FLOOD WATCH TO GO INTO EFFECT TODAY FOR MOST OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Weather officials say that a flood watch will be in effect for most of Southeast Missouri beginning midday today.

According to the National Weather Service there will be several periods of showers and scattered thunderstorms late today through Thursday. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to result in rain totals from two to four inches, although locally higher amounts cannot be ruled out.

Officials say the heavy rain will likely result in the flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

The flood watch will be in effect from noon today through Thursday evening.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook by the National Weather Service says that strong to perhaps isolated severe thunderstorms cannot be ruled out for this evening and overnight which could include locally damaging wind gusts.

Weather officials say that given the amount of wind shear that will be present, a brief spin up tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

ELLSINORE WOMAN DIES FROM INJURIES RECEIVED IN A TUESDAY MORNING WRECK

An Ellsinore woman has died following a wreck yesterday morning in Carter County.

Authorities tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred on US 60 at Ellsinore when 90 year old Wilma Miller allegedly pulled into the path of a tractor trailer at around 10:30 am.

Miller was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital where she was pronounced dead. No injuries were listed for the driver of the tractor trailer.

JOINT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO TWO BURGLARY ARRESTS

Two people have been arrested following a joint investigation into burglaries in Ripley and Oregon Counties.

According to the Oregon County Sheriff’s Office, officers from both the Oregon and Ripley County Sheriff’s Offices have been co-operating in the investigation of a series of burglaries from rural areas in both counties.

A traffic stop by the Ripley County Sheriff's Office on February 1st led to the arrests of 30 year old Kyle King and 33 year old Sandy Edwards, both of Alton.

Officials say King is charged with 10 counts of burglary 1st degree and has a $100,000 dollar bond, while Edwards is being held for 10 counts of burglary in the 1st degree and has a $75,000 dollar bond.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER

Authorities have arrested an area man for failing to register as a sex offender.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 30 year old Chadwick Wilson, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody shortly before 9 pm last night in Butler County.

Following the arrest, Wilson was held at the Butler County Jail.

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND FIREARM WARRANT

A Dexter man has been taken into custody on a controlled substance and firearm warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 53 year old Ralph Vancil was recently arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vancil’s bond was set at $7,500, cash only, and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

TWO TEENAGERS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOLLINGER COUNTY WRECK

Two teenagers were injured Tuesday afternoon in a Zalma area wreck.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 18 year old Hailey Turner, of Zalma, ran into the back of a tractor trailer on Route C in Bollinger County.

Turner, as well as a 15 year old passenger in her vehicle, suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was transported to an area hospital.

POPLAR BLUFF TEACHER RECEIVES FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT

A Poplar Bluff teacher recently received a $5,000 grant to receive professional development to help enhance a new robotics program at the Junior High.

School officials say that Hilary Taylor was awarded a $5,000 Learning and Leadership grant through the National Education Association Foundation.

This gave Taylor the opportunity to travel to Michigan, Oklahoma, and Washington in the fall to participate in conferences through Google and the International Society for Technology in Education for the purpose of bringing innovative ideas back to the classroom

Tuesday February 5, 2019

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY A VEHICLE 

A Poplar Bluff woman has died after being hit by a vehicle in Butler County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 23 year old Wendy Dumas was struck by an unknown vehicle at around 7:39 pm Monday night. Officials say the vehicle ran off the left side of Missouri Highway 53, struck Dumas, and then left the scene. 

The incident occurred approximately three miles south of Poplar Bluff.  

Dumas was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.

TWO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO MISS CLASSES THIS WEEK DUE TO ILLNESS 

Students at two Southeast Missouri school districts will be missing some classes this week due to illness.  

Twin Rivers R-10 Superintendent Jeremy Siebert tells KWOC News, that a combined total of over 100 kids and facility missed school yesterday with flu like symptoms. Siebert says that the school district will be closed until Thursday of this week. 

The Portageville School District dismissed classes early yesterday because of illness in the district. Classes in Portageville will also resume on Thursday.

TWO ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGE IN MALDEN 

Two Malden residents have been taken into custody on a controlled substance charge.  

According to the Malden Police Department, on Sunday, officers arrested Richard Brock and Steven Goff, each on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. 

Both have been transported to the Dunklin County Jail and officials say Brock’s bond has been set at $30,000 while Goff’s bond was set at $25,000.

AREA SCHOOL PUT ON LOCK DOWN BECAUSE OF POLICE CHASE 

An area school was put on lock down yesterday due to a police chase in the area.  

According to a post on the Bernie R-13 Schools Facebook page, the school district was on lock down for a period of time Monday afternoon as a precaution because of a police chase near the town.  

Authorities say the chase started in Qulin and continued from Butler County into Stoddard County before authorities lost the vehicle. 

HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING POSSIBLE THIS WEEK 

Heavy rainfall and flooding will be possible this week in Southeast Missouri.  

According to a Hydrologic Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, several upper air systems will move over the area from Wednesday through Thursday and interact with abundant moisture and a boundary near the Ohio Valley.  

This will likely result in moderate to heavy rainfall across southeast Missouri and a widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain is likely. 

Officials say that the end result will be a risk for considerable flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas. Localized flash flooding cannot be ruled out with some thunderstorms producing heavier rainfall rates.

TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO RASH OF BURGLARIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 

Authorities say that two people have been arrested in connection to multiple burglaries in Southeast Missouri.  

Over the last two months, members of the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office, Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Advance Police Department, Oran Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the United States Postal Service have been investigating a rash of recent burglaries in Bollinger, Scott, and Stoddard Counties. 

According to the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department, Shawn Yount, of Advance, has been arrested and charged in Bollinger County with six counts of burglary 2nd degree. Yount’s bond was set at $175,000. 

Sidney Scowden of Dexter, was also arrested in reference to the investigation. A warrant for her arrest was issued for six counts of burglary 2nd degree in Bollinger County. Scowden’s bond was set at $75,000. 

Officials say that this is still considered an open and active investigation and Yount is suspected in additional burglaries committed in Bollinger County.

ROAD WORK TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF NEW MADRID COUNTY ROAD TODAY 

Route E in New Madrid County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway. 

The section of roadway to be closed is located between Route D and County Road 646. 

Weather permitting, work will performed from 8 am to 3 pm.

Monday, February 4, 2019

DEXTER WOMAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A single vehicle wreck has claimed the life of a Dexter woman.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 73 year old Verda Allstun was driving on Route ZZ in Stoddard County on Friday when her vehicle ran off the side of the roadway, struck a bridge, and overturned in a ditch.

Allstun was pronounced dead at the scene by Stoddard County Coroner Kenny Pope.

MAN RESCUED FROM WATER NEAR NEW MADRID

A man was rescued from waters near New Madrid on Friday.

Officials with the New Madrid Police Department tell KWOC News that at around 4 pm on Friday dispatch received several 911 calls about someone shot on the levee and a possible shooter on the loose.

When officers arrived, they found one man in the water who was holding onto a piece of driftwood and was disoriented from being in the cold water. A deputy jumped in to the water with a life jacket and brought the man to the bank. It was later found that he had no gunshot wounds but was suffering from hypothermia.

Evidence was collected from in and around a car that was on top of the curb at the boat ramp. The car had several bullet holes, and a gun as well as casings was collected from the scene.

Witnesses gave a description of a man who had fled the scene. The man was later located and willingly went to the police station to give a statement.

The man who was in the water was transported to a local hospital for treatment and officials say he is not cooperating with the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and officials say criminal charges will be sought against one or both of the men.

ARKANSAS MAN ARRESTED ON MOLESTATION WARRANT

Authorities in Dunklin County have arrested an Arkansas man on a molestation warrant.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 26 year old Dimitri Cavazos, of Manilla, Arkansas, was taken into custody Friday night on a felony warrant out of Shannon County for child molestation.

Following the arrest, Cavazos was held at the Dunklin County Jail.

PIGGOTT MAN HIT BY A VEHICLE IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A Piggott man was hit by a vehicle Sunday night in Pemiscot County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 27 year old Christopher Pipp allegedly ran into the path of a vehicle on Interstate 55 at around 7:45 pm Sunday.

Pipp suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Dyersburg, Tennessee hospital.

ONE DEAD, ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED FOLLOWING WRECK IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

An Illinois woman has died following an early Saturday morning wreck in New Madrid County.

According to authorities, the crash occurred at around 1:30 am Saturday when a vehicle driven by 40 year old Travis Ford, of Thebes, Illinois, struck the rear of another vehicle on Interstate 55.

A passenger in Ford’s vehicle, 22 year old Tianna Ford, of Anna, Illinois, was pronounced dead at the scene. Travis Ford received serious injuries and was transported to a St. Louis hospital.

TWO WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON METH CHARGE

Two Wayne County residents were arrested Friday evening on drug related charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 41 year old Jason Radcliff and 39 year old Jane Radcliff, of Lowndes, were each taken into custody on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

They are also each facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Following the arrests, both were held at the Butler County Jail.

DUDLEY MAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County say that an area man has been taken into custody on a controlled substance warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 26 year old Bradley Mitchell, of Dudley, was recently arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

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

Friday, February 1, 2019

LILBOURN WOMAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT

A Lilbourn woman was arrested yesterday evening in New Madrid County on a controlled substance warrant.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 31 year old Amanda Zimmerman was taken into custody on a felony warrant out of New Madrid County for delivery of a controlled substance.

Following the arrest, Zimmerman was held in the New Madrid County Jail.

NEW THREE RIVERS SPORTS COMPLEX TO OPEN THIS WEEKEND

The opening of the new sports complex on the campus of Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff is set for this weekend.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Libla Family Sports Complex has been scheduled for 3 pm on Saturday.

The sports complex is a 60,000-square-foot gymnasium that seats over 3,000 people and is intended to replace the Bess Activity Center as the home of the College’s Raiders and Lady Raiders basketball teams.

The complex is also convertible into a three-court facility suitable for holding practices and regional high school basketball tournaments.

The ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday will be followed by a basketball double-header as both the Lady Raiders and Raiders take on State Fair Community College. The Lady Raiders will tip-off at 5 pm followed by the men’s game at 7 pm.

5TH ANNUAL BADGE OF HONOR BENEFIT RUN SET TO BE HELD IN EARLY APRIL

Registration is ongoing for the 5th Annual Badge of Honor Benefit Run.

The Benefit Run will be held on Saturday, April 6th at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 am.

There will be a 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon and anyone who registers by March 1st will receive an event t-shirt and medal.

For more information, go to www.bohbr.com.

OVER TWENTY POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS QUALIFY TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL BETA COMPETITIONS

Over 20 Poplar Bluff students were recently recognized for qualifying to compete at the National Beta Convention in Oklahoma City.

According to Poplar Bluff School Officials, about 100 R-I students participated in the Missouri Junior and Senior conventions held in December in Springfield. Students that placed in the top five in statewide academic and skill contests are eligible to go on to the National Convention in June.

The students who qualified were recognized by the Poplar Bluff Board of Education during their monthly meeting in January.

PIEDMONT TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING EARLY NEXT MONTH

The city of Piedmont will be hosting a public hearing next week to discuss the city’s submission of a grant application.

According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, the city is proposing to construct an extension of the city trail system at Handy Park and is proposing to apply for approximately $90,000 in Recreational Trails Program funding.

The hearing will be held at 2 pm on Monday, February 4th at Piedmont City Hall.

For more information on the proposed project, contact Mayor Bill Kirkpatrick at 573-223-7660.

LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE TO CONTINUE NEXT WEEK IN POPLAR BLUFF

The leaf pick up schedule for the city of Poplar Bluff is scheduled to continue next week.

According to city officials, leaves will be picked up in Ward 5 from February 4th through the 22nd.

Leaves may also be disposed of at the landfill located on the east side of the city. To reach the landfill, take Bartlett Street to “F” Street and go under the railroad crossing. Follow the graveled portion of “F” Street around the curve and the disposal is located on the left side of the road. There are signs marking the location.

The site is open for leaf disposal from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

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

Thursday January 31, 2019

TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES IN RIPLEY COUNTY 

Two women have been taken into custody in Ripley County on felony drug charges.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 48 year old Julie Meadors, of Doniphan, and 19 year old McKayla Tyler, of Naylor, were arrested Wednesday afternoon on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and diazepam.  

Each woman is also facing charges of possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER 

Officials in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a warrant.  

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 38 year old Preston Simpson, of Dexter, was recently arrested on a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender.   

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

EAGLE DAYS EVENT CANCELLED 

Even though the Eagle Days Event originally scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled, officials say there will still be opportunities for area residents to possibly see an eagle.  

The Missouri Department of Conservation announced last week that the Eagle Days event scheduled for Friday and Saturday at MINGO National Wildlife Refuge, Duck Creek Conservation Area and Wappapello Lake had been cancelled due to the federal government shutdown. 

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say that Wappapello will still be staffing their Eagle Watch stations on Saturday from 9am - 1pm.  

Maps of the self-guided "Eagle route" located on Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Duck Creek Conservation Area will also be available at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center.

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO PURSUIT IN THE BOOTHEEL 

Authorities in the Missouri bootheel were involved in a pursuit while executing a search warrant earlier this week.  

Steele Chief of Police Billy Joe Stanfield tells KWOC News that on Wednesday his officers along with Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department, Caruthersville Police, Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, SEMO DTF, and the United States Marshalls executed a federal search warrant and a state issued search warrant in Steele.  

During the course of initiating the search warrants, law enforcement attempted a vehicle stop on a 30 year old male from Steele. The suspect failed to stop for law enforcement and a pursuit was initiated. 

The suspect vehicle was eventually stopped by law enforcement and the driver was apprehended without any further incident. Stanfield says the investigation resulted in the seizure of purported methamphetamine and firearms. 

The suspect was arrested on charges of felony possession of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, and felony resisting arrest. His name is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges with the prosecuting attorney.

AREA MAN SENTENCED TO A DECADE IN PRISON ON FIREARM CHARGE 

A Southeast Missouri man was sentenced earlier this week on a firearm charge.  

Officials with the United States Attorney’s Office tell KWOC News that 49 year old Terry Thornton, of Marston, was pulled over for a traffic violation in September of 2017. During a search of Thornton’s vehicle, officers discovered a Hi-Point 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol and several bags of marijuana. 

Officials say Thornton had felony convictions for first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and first-degree assault. 

Thornton was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 10 years in federal prison following his guilty plea to being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

THREE RIVERS COLLEGE TO HOST JAZZ FESTIVAL NEXT WEEK 

The Three Rivers College Music Department will be hosting their 28th Annual Jazz Festival next week.  

Jazz performers from schools across Southeast Missouri will be performing live at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff on February 7th and 9th.  

Both nights will feature performances from the Three Rivers College Jazz Band, which will be joined on February 7th by junior high and high school bands from across the region.

The February 9th performance will feature the Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band, which consists of the best high school jazz musicians in District 10 of the Missouri Music Educators Association. 

Both shows will begin at 7 pm and admission is free.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

BITTERLY COLD TEMPERATURES SETTLE IN OVER SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A bitterly cold morning is awaiting residents throughout Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values could range anywhere from around zero to negative 20 in Southeast Missouri this morning.

A number of counties are under a wind chill advisory until noon today, including Wayne, Carter, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, and Bollinger Counties.

Officials say that frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

For a list of warming center’s available in Southeast Missouri visit our Facebook page.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also made a website available for finding warming centers in your area at https://ogi.oa.mo.gov/DHSS/warmingCenter/.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR KENTUCKY MAN IN CONNECTION TO VEHICLE THEFT

Authorities in Poplar Bluff are searching for a Kentucky man in connection to a report of a stolen vehicle.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, a black Chevrolet Silverado Z71 was stolen from the parking lot of a Poplar Bluff Rhodes 101 Convenience Store on January 19th.

Police have identified Dalton Norville, of Marshall County, Kentucky, as a suspect in the theft. Norville is believed to be in the company of a runaway juvenile.

We have pictures of Norville and the truck available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone who has information about Norville’s whereabouts or the location of the stolen pickup is asked to contact Detective Mustain at 573-686-8632.

POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS SEW PILLOWCASES TO HELP FOSTER CHILDREN

Junior High students in Poplar Bluff have been sewing pillowcases over the past few months to help foster children.

According to Principal Candace Warren, a group of seventh graders have donated about 100 hand-sewn pillowcases that double as laundry bags to FosterAdopt Connect SEMO.

The sacks were filled with small blankets, fidget spinners, and toiletry items such as wet wipes, deodorant and toothbrushes.

Principal Warren says the charitable deed served as a midyear service project for Team One.

FosterAdopt Connect offers training, advocacy and licensing to families caring for children through the foster system and adoption process.

CONSTRUCTION FORCES TEMPORARY CHANGES TO PARKING AT JOHN J PERSHING VA MEDICAL CENTER

Ongoing construction is forcing some parking changes at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Medical Center’s Facebook page, most of their patient parking is now on the north side of the building to provide more accessible spaces for Veterans while the new urgent care is under construction.

The changes will be temporary while the construction is going on. A map of the new parking areas is available on the Medical Center’s Facebook page and signs will be set up as well.

EARTHQUAKE REPORTED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Officials say that an earthquake was recorded early Tuesday morning in Southeast Missouri.

According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.2 quake occurred at 1:44 am Tuesday.

The earthquake was located approximately 10 miles southeast of Sikeston and had a depth of almost 10 miles.

US HIGHWAY 60 IN CARTER COUNTY TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK FOR REPAIRS

Westbound US Highway 60 in Carter County will be reduced to one lane through Friday so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can seal cracks in the roadway.

MoDOT officials tell KWOC News the section of roadway to be reduced is located from Route P to one mile east of Route J.

Weather permitting; work will be performed from 7 am to 3 pm daily, through Friday. Officials say the work-zone may also be set-up overnight.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

WIND CHILL VALUES EXPECTED TO GET NEAR ZERO TONIGHT

Wind chill values are expected to get around of below zero tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, It will be bitterly cold at times tonight through Wednesday night as a frigid arctic airmass spreads across the area.

Wind chills temperatures overnight will fall to zero to 10 below. Wind chills values will be lower the further north you go and a Wind Chill Advisory will be in effect for Iron, Madison, Reynolds, and Bollinger Counties.

Warming centers have been set up at numerous locations in Southeast Missouri, including the Butler County Health Department and the Poplar Bluff Public Library in Poplar Bluff as well as the Ripley County Health Center in Doniphan, and the Dexter Library.

For a list of warming center’s available in Southeast Missouri visit our Facebook page.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also made a website available for finding warming centers in your area at https://ogi.oa.mo.gov/DHSS/warmingCenter/

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH BITTERLY COLD TEMPERATURES

With bitterly cold wind chill values expected for tonight and tomorrow morning, Missouri Governor Mike Parson is urging residents to take precautions to protect you and your family.

Remember to dress properly if you will be spending any time outdoors because such cold wind chill values will produce frostbite and hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

People need to also remember that an unexpected vehicle breakdown could turn into an extremely dangerous situation if they are unprepared-- remember to bring an extra set of warm clothing when traveling. Do not let the warmth of your vehicle give you a false sense of security.

State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says that space heaters are potentially deadly if they are not monitored and used correctly. Ovens and stove tops should never be used to attempt to heat a home. Make sure you are not overloading extension cords and power strips, which are not designed for heavy electrical loads.

Governor Parson is also urging Missourians to check on neighbors and family members who may need a little extra help during these dangerous conditions. Remember to limit outdoor time for your pets as well, as they will also be susceptible to the extreme cold temperatures.

AUTHORITIES ARREST BLOOMFIELD MAN ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a controlled substance warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 33 year old Robert Peloquin, of Bloomfield, was recently arrested on a two count felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Peloquin’s bond was set at $15,000, cash only, and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS RESIDENTS APPOINTED TO STATE BOARDS

Multiple Northeast Arkansas residents have been appointed to state boards by Governor Asa Hutchinson.

According to the Governor’s Office, Will Brewer of Paragould has been appointed to a seat on the Arkansas Economic Development Council.

Paragould Mayor Mike Gaskill and Ramonda Housh, of Pocahontas, have been reappointed to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board of Trustees and the State Board of Nursing respectively.

The appointments were announced by Governor Hutchinson on Monday.

RIPLEY COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR PIPE REPLACEMENT

Route N in Ripley County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe under the roadway.

According to MoDOT, the closure will be located 2 miles from the junction of Route 142.

Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 am through 2 pm.

ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route J in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform drainage improvements.

The work zone is located from Route AA to Route F.

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

Monday January 28, 2019

AREA MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE IN BUTLER COUNTY 

Authorities in Butler County have arrested an area man on a meth charge.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 45 year old Daniel Russell, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.  

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

Following his arrest, Russell was held at the Butler County Jail.

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN STODDARD COUNTY 

Authorities say a Dexter man was badly injured in a wreck last night in Stoddard County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 29 year old Andres Triplett was driving on Stoddard County Road 468 shortly before 9 pm when his vehicle ran off the side of the road and struck a tree.  

Triplett was reportedly not wearing a safety device and suffered serious injuries in the wreck. He was transported by ambulance to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

US HIGHWAY 60 IN CARTER COUNTY TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK FOR REPAIRS 

Eastbound US Highway 60 in Carter County will be reduced to one lane this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can seal cracks in the roadway.  

MoDOT officials tell KWOC News the section of roadway to be reduced is located from Route P to Route J. 

Weather permitting; work will be performed today through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm, daily. The work-zone may be set-up overnight, weather permitting.

BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF WARNS OF PHONE SCAMS 

The Butler County Sheriff is warning area residents to be cautious about multiple phone scams that have been reported.  

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that citizens should not to respond to calls in which the caller claims to be a Sheriff’s Deputy and states that the individual did not show up for jury duty and that they will be arrested. 

Some residents have also received calls in which a person falsely claiming to be a Sheriff’s deputy threatens to arrest them if the citizen does not send money. In some cases the caller I.D. shows up as a Sheriff’s Department. 

Sheriff Dobbs says that Missouri law enforcement will never call citizens demanding payment for anything. The best course of action is these situations is to simply hang up.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING MULTIPLE DRUG RELATED CHARGES 

A Poplar Bluff man was taken into custody Friday night on multiple drug related charges.  

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 23 year old Demetri Rodgers was arrested shortly after 11 pm Friday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Rodgers is also facing a felony charge of possession of controlled substance at a county jail. 

He was held at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

POPLAR BLUFF PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING THIS AFTERNOON 

A public hearing has been scheduled for today by the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department.  

The hearing will be to discuss the submission of an application for the Fiscal Year 2019 Recreational Trails Program of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

The department is requesting approximately $220,000 in RTP funds to complete phase four of the Poplar Bluff Greenways Project. Specifically, the project will include construction of a new trail to connect an existing trail along South Westwood Boulevard to the Shelby Road Extension Trail, and then heading east onto the intersection of Highway 53 and 11th Street. 

The total project cost is estimated at $315,000 with approximately $95,000 provided by the department. 

Department staff members will be present to answer questions at the hearing, which is set to begin at 4 pm today at the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission on Fair Street.  

For more information, contact Director Clark Allen at 573-686-8645.

GRANTS APPROVED FOR CARTER COUNTY 

A Southeast Missouri community has been approved grant money from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.  

According to Carter County Clerk Leona Stephens, the Center has approved a grant for Carter County’s Flood Coordinator and the Temporary Facility for the offices of County Clerk, Treasurer, Commission and Judge.  

Stephens says they have also approved funds of $15,000 for the Recorder of Deeds to purchase a scanner and additional money to pay the setup fee and per diem to have the County Records scanned and digitized on site.

Friday, January 25, 2019

DISCHARGE TO BE INCREASED AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE

Officials say that discharges may be increased soon at Wappapello Lake.

According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is forecast to rise to a level of 364.5 by Saturday due to recent rainfall and snowmelt throughout the watershed.

To help combat the rise, officials say the discharge has been increased to roughly 5,000 CFS, which is around 37,000 gallons a second.

The discharge could be increased today to 6,000 CFS.

Motorists are being asked to avoid flooded creek bottoms and areas prone to flash flooding.

AREA MAN WALKING OVER 900 MILES IN 92 DAYS

A Southeast Missouri resident has embarked on a journey to walk almost 1000 miles in around three months through Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas.

64 year old Rick Mansfield, of Ellington, is attempting to follow the path taken by explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft over 200 years ago.

KWOC News caught up with Mansfield yesterday over the phone who said he’s attempting to walk over 900 miles in 92 days.

“It started for me November 6th, 2018, the original started November 6th, 1818. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, he was seeking if not fortune at least a better monetary life. There were rumors gossip of lead deposits to the west, he was doing quite well mining in Potosi, smelting lead.

So he and his companion Levi Pettibone set out that day to find those lead deposits and to make a history, a chart, of lead deposits and mineral prospects. I do historical characters to help teach culture and history and I've been doing Henry Schoolcraft for three years. The bicentennial was coming up and I thought you know this is a great way to highlight, a great way to immerse myself in the character.

So I left Potosi 200 years later to the day, almost to the hour, and so far have been able to step-by-step, day-by-day, recreate that journey. Part of my goal is to not only bring attention to Mr. Schoolcraft’s iconic journey and it his heroic contribution to our history and also to reconnect with nature.

And when you wake up out here at 15 or 16 degrees, you feel connected to nature.”

When we spoke with Mansfield yesterday he had just come through Imboden in Northeast Arkansas. Mansfield is hoping to complete his journey back to Potosi by February 4th.

WAPPAPELLO MAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a controlled substance and paraphernalia warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 49 year old Johnny Sauls, of Wappapello, was recently taken into custody on a warrant for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

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

14TH ANNUAL MASON DIXON CHILI SOCIETY COOKOFF SCHEDULED FOR LATE FEBRUARY

A date has been set for the upcoming Mason Dixon Chili Society Chili Cookoff.

The 14th annual cookoff has been scheduled for Saturday, February 23rd at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

The entry fee is $100 per 8x10 booth, with the deadline for entry being February 8th. Teams can have a maximum of eight members including the head cook.

For more information, call 573-714-2040.

PIEDMONT TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING EARLY NEXT MONTH

The city of Piedmont will be hosting a public hearing early next month to discuss the city’s submission of a grant application.

According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, the city is proposing to construct an extension of the city trail system at Handy Park and is proposing to apply for approximately $90,000 in Recreational Trails Program funding.

The hearing will be held at 2 pm on Monday, February 4th at Piedmont City Hall.

For more information on the proposed project, contact Mayor Bill Kirkpatrick at 573-223-7660.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION GRANT AWARDED TO MISSOURI

The state of Missouri has been awarded 6.5 million dollars for early childhood education.

Missouri Governor Michael Parson’s office tells KWOC News that families with children up to the age of five who participate in early learning programs in the state will benefit from the grant, which was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Officials say the grant will be used to fund the Stronger Together Missouri project, which aims to implement a comprehensive, statewide, birth-to-kindergarten-entry needs assessment and to update the state’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan to enhance long-term sustainability in early childhood services.

The state will begin to implement the grant early this year.

Thursday January 24, 2019

DRIVERS CAUTIONED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BLACK ICE 

Weather officials are cautioning motorists to be on the lookout for black ice this morning.  

After yesterday’s rainfall and temperatures dropping below freezing overnight, officials say there is the potential for black ice to have developed on area road surfaces. 

Motorists are being advised to use caution while driving this morning, especially on untreated driveways and parking lots.

MAN ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT 

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a controlled substance warrant.  

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 50 year old Michael Jenkins, of Dexter, was recently taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. 

Jenkins bond was set at $12,000, cash only, and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

CIRCUS TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF IN EARLY FEBRUARY 

Circus animals will be returning to Poplar Bluff early next month.  

The Carden International Circus will be presenting the All New Super Spectacular Circus on February 4th and 5th at the Black River Coliseum.  

Animals to be involved in the circus include a herd of Asian elephants, as well as Bengal tigers, horses, and camels.  

There will also be acrobats, aerialists, and clowns at the circus as well. 

The shows will begin at 6:30 pm each night will doors opening one hour before the show begins. General admission tickets are $14 for children 12 and under and $20 for adults. Tickets are on sale at www.SpectacularCircus.com.   

DEXTER TEEN ARRESTED ON KIDNAPPING WARRANT IN BUTLER COUNTY 

A Dexter teenager has been taken into custody on a kidnapping warrant.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 19 year old Cody Hicks was arrested Wednesday evening on a felony warrant out of Stoddard County on the original charges of kidnapping and domestic assault.  

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

ALZHEIMER’S CLASS TO BE OFFERED BY BUTLER COUNTY UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION 

The University of Missouri Extension in Butler County is offering a monthly class about Alzheimer’s disease. 

Alzheimer's 101 will be provided today and on the fourth Thursday of every month at noon. The class will cover what Alzheimer's is and some of the signs associated with the disease in addition to a discussion about the benefits of early detection and diagnosis. 

For more information, contact the University of Missouri Extension at 573-686-8064.

DATE SET FOR ZALMA CHURCH’S ANNUAL SPECIAL NEEDS DINNER AND AUCTION 

A date has been set for the Zalma General Baptist Church 13th annual special needs dinner and silent auction.  

The event will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at the Church Gym. Both the dinner and silent auction will begin at 3:30 pm.  

All proceeds from the event will go to the Church’s Special Needs Fund, which is used to sponsor mobile food give-aways, stock the church’s pantry for handout, and help those in need throughout the year.  

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

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO DROP INTO THE LOWER TEENS LATER THIS WEEK

Temperatures are expected to drop harshly throughout the rest of the week in Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, overnight Thursday night the temperature in Poplar Bluff is expected to bottom out in the lower teens, before rebounding to the lower 30’s during the day on Friday.

Weather officials say that some areas in Southeast Missouri could see wind chill values approaching or getting below zero Thursday night as well.

Warming centers have been set up at numerous locations in Southeast Missouri, including the Butler County Health Department and the Poplar Bluff Public Library in Poplar Bluff as well as the Ripley County Health Center in Doniphan, and the Dexter Library.

For a list of warming center’s available in Southeast Missouri visit our Facebook page.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also made a website available for finding warming centers in your area at https://ogi.oa.mo.gov/DHSS/warmingCenter/

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING FIRE IN HAYTI

A Hayti home suffered extensive damage in a Tuesday morning fire.

According to the Hayti Fire Department, crews were dispatched shortly after 7 am yesterday to a structure fire on South Second Street.

It was decided at the scene that more manpower was needed and the Caruthersville Fire Department was called for assistance. With both crews, the fire was brought under control and hot spots were extinguished.

Officials say that the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time but the most intense fire was in the kitchen and laundry area. No information was available on if anyone was in the house at the time of the fire.

MISSING MARBLE HILL TEENAGER FOUND IN BONNE TERRE

A missing teenager from Southeast Missouri has been found.

According to the Marble Hill Police Department, a 13 year old male had last been seen at around 8 am Tuesday morning walking on west Highway 34 towards the Marble Hill city limits.

Later on Tuesday, a patrolman in Bonne Terre, Missouri saw a juvenile getting ready to enter a vehicle. He stopped the vehicle and found that the juvenile was the missing juvenile from Marble Hill.

Police are asking parents to ensure that you know who your children are communicating with on social media. Also talk to your children about the dangers of social media.

NO INJURIES AFTER MINER INN CATCHES FIRE

No injuries have been reported after an area Inn caught fire yesterday.

According to the Miner Police Department, the Country Hearth Inn caught fire and sustained heavy damage Tuesday morning.

Police officials say that everyone inside was able to escape safely.

A cause for the fire is under investigation.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A man has been flown to a regional hospital following a single vehicle wreck on Monday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 40 year old Guy Jenkins Jr., of Sikeston, was driving on US Highway 60 in New Madrid County when his vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned.

Jenkins suffered serious injuries in the wreck and has been flown to a St. Louis hospital.

DRUG FREE YOUTH RALLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH IN BUTLER COUNTY

An area organization will be hosting a youth rally in March.

The Butler County Community Resource Council will host a Drug Free Youth Rally from 6 to 9 pm on Friday, March 8th at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

The event, for children 10 to 17 years old, will feature food, music, games, and prizes.

For more information, call 573-776-7830.

Tuesday January 22, 2019

ADVANCE MAN KILLED IN HEAD ON COLLISION  

An Advance man has died following a wreck over the weekend in Stoddard County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 58 year old James Greer was driving westbound in eastbound lane of Route C in Advance when he collided with another vehicle head-on.  

Officials say the wreck occurred at around 3 pm on Saturday.  

Greer was taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital where he was pronounced dead.  

The driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene.

POPLAR BLUFF PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING NEXT WEEK 

A public hearing has been scheduled for next week by the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department.  

The hearing will be to discuss the submission of an application for the Fiscal Year 2019 Recreational Trails Program of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

The department is requesting approximately $220,000 in RTP funds to complete phase four of the Poplar Bluff Greenways Project. Specifically, the project will include construction of a new trail to connect an existing trail along South Westwood Boulevard to the Shelby Road Extension Trail, and then heading east onto the intersection of Highway 53 and 11th Street. 

The total project cost is estimated at $315,000 with approximately $95,000 provided by the department. 

Department staff members will be present to answer questions at the hearing, which will begin at 4 pm on Monday, January 28th at the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission on Fair Street.  

For more information, contact Director Clark Allen at 573-686-8645.

LEARNING LAB IN POPLAR BLUFF TO HOST OPEN HOUSE TODAY 

The Learning Lab in Poplar Bluff will be hosting an Open House this afternoon.  

The event has been scheduled for 3 to 7 pm at The Learning Lab, located at 1125 Herschel Bess Boulevard in Poplar Bluff.  

Officials say attendees can learn about the services offered at the Learning Lab and also possibly win prizes. 

For more information, call 573-609-2294 or go to PBLearningLab.com.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING FATAL SHOOTING IN SIKESTON 

Authorities in Sikeston say that an investigation is ongoing in connection to a fatal shooting on Monday.  

Captain Austin Henley with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells KWOC News that at around 9:15 am Monday officers responded to a location on Adams Street in reference to a male subject that had been shot. 

At the scene, officers found a 25 year old male from Charleston with a single gunshot wound. The victim was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.  

A 27 year old female from Charleston has been identified as a person of interest in the shooting and she is currently cooperating with law enforcement. Captain Henley says that the early indications in the investigation are pointing toward a domestic violence incident. 

The name of the victim is being withheld pending family notifications. The name of the female involved has also not been released, since no charges have been filed.

TWO PEOPLE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ADVANCE AREA WRECK 

Two people were seriously injured in a wreck Saturday afternoon in the Advance area.  

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 1:35 pm Saturday when a vehicle lost control on Highway 25 in Stoddard County, slid sideways, and struck another vehicle.  

Two people in the vehicle that was hit received serious injuries in the wreck and were transported to a Cape Girardeau hospital. No injuries were listed for the driver of the first vehicle.

MULTIPLE EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR KIDS TO PARKS DAY AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE 

Officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers tell KWOC News that multiple activities have been scheduled for the 2019 Kids to Parks day at Wappapello Lake. 

The free event has been scheduled for 9 am to 12 pm on Saturday, May 18th at the Redman Creek Recreation Area. 

There will be a variety of fun water safety and recreational themed games and activities with prizes also being awarded. 

For more information, call the Wappapello Lake Management office at 573-222-8562.

Monday January 21, 2019

POPLAR BLUFF MAN TO BE SENTENCED IN APRIL FOR SHOOTING AT AUTHORITIES 

Sentencing has been set for April after a man pled guilty on Friday to the shooting of two members of law enforcement last year in Poplar Bluff.  

Last July, Poplar Bluff officers, along with the United States Marshals Service, responded to an apartment located on Kinzer Street in an attempt to arrest a man on an active warrant. 

Officers entered the apartment, at which point the suspect opened fire. A Poplar Bluff Police Detective received a non-life threatening wound while an officer with the US Marshals Service was struck in his body armor, but had no additional injuries. 

After a short standoff, 28 year old James Johnson Jr. surrendered and was taken into custody.  

On Friday, Johnson pled guilty to multiple charges and his sentencing was scheduled for April 19th.

WEEKEND WEATHER SYSTEM DROPS UP TO NINE INCHES OF SNOW IN SOME LOCATIONS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 

Near blizzard conditions were experienced in some areas over the weekend as a strong storm system moved into our region.  

According to the National Weather Service, on Saturday a combination of high snowfall rates, strong winds up to and over 45 mph, and rapidly falling temperatures led to treacherous road conditions.  

In Southeast Missouri, some areas including parts of Ripley, Carter, Wayne, and Bollinger County reported snow fall totals of six to eight inches. Some isolated areas reported up to nine inches of snow.  

Snow fall totals were more modest in other areas, with reports of two and a half inches of snow in Fairdealing, three inches in Kennett, and three and a half inches in Dexter and Bernie.  

Heavy rain also impacted the region prior to the snow arriving, with many areas receiving 1 to 2 inches of total rainfall.

POPLAR BLUFF COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. TO BE HELD THIS MORNING 

An event will be held this morning in Poplar Bluff for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  

The 33rd Annual Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at 11 am at the Wheatley School on Garfield Street.  

The theme of the event is “We Are All One Humanity,” and the speaker will be Mrs. Erin Moore.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE NEAR POPLAR BLUFF 

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle last week in Butler County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 40 year old James Beckham, of Piedmont, was hit by a vehicle on Business 67, one mile south of Poplar Bluff.  

Officials say the incident occurred shortly before 6 pm Friday evening.  

Beckham suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.     

PROSECUTOR SAYS RECTOR OFFICER APPEARED TO BE JUSTIFIED IN FATAL SHOOTING 

A preliminary report says a northeast Arkansas police officer was justified in fatally shooting a man last year. 

Prosecutor Scott Ellington says that Rector Officer Jeffery Wolfenbarger appears justified in the shooting of 21 year old Gary Warbritton as Warbritton pointed a handgun at two other officers at a convenience store in Rector on December 26th. 

Ellington says that both Wolfenbarger and Officer Michael Turner appear justified in shooting at Warbritton. Turner had encountered Warbritton on a city street and shot and missed him when Warbritton pointed the gun at him. 

Ellington noted that his report is preliminary pending ballistics and autopsy reports.    

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE 2019 OPTIMIST SOCCER SPRING LEAGUE IN POPLAR BLUFF 

Registration is now open for the 2019 Poplar Bluff Optimist Spring Soccer League. 

Registrations for youth in first through sixth grades will be open until March 1st and the registration fee is $20. Forms are available at the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Office located at 430 North Second Street. 

For more information, contact Staci Barker at 718-0959.