Tuesday July 23, 2019

POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT FOLLOWING MULTI-COUNTY PURSUIT 

Police are searching for a suspect in connection to two separate pursuits in Southeast Missouri.  

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley tells KWOC News that on July 15th an officer initiated a traffic stop which led to a pursuit that was eventually called off due to weather conditions near the Butler and Stoddard County line.  

During the afternoon of July 21st, a driver matching the description of the driver in the previous pursuit was observed by officers at 10th and Pine Street in Poplar Bluff and a pursuit was initiated.  

Whiteley says that the driver ran through multiple stop signs at a high rate of speed, putting numerous citizens in jeopardy.  

The pursuit continued for over an hour, until the driver went off road near Kennett and ran through a fence and into a pasture. The driver then fled on foot.   

A passenger in the vehicle identified the driver as 25 year old Johnnie Ray Braden, of Poplar Bluff and said that Braden was also involved in the pursuit on July 15th.  

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

BERNIE MAN ARRESTED ON SODOMY CHARGE 

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a sodomy charge.  

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 69 year old Jimmie Lee Sloan, of Bernie, was recently arrested for sodomy or attempted sodomy 1st degree. Few other details about the arrest have been made available.  

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

POPLAR BLUFF ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR REPAIRS 

A Poplar Bluff road is scheduled to be closed today for repairs.  

According to the Poplar Bluff Street Department Maud Street will be closed for most of the day so crews can overlay the roadway.  

Officials say the work zone will be located between 9th and 12th streets.

MAN SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO POPLAR BLUFF SHOOTING TURNS HIMSELF IN 

A man who was wanted in connection to a shooting last week in Poplar Bluff has surrendered to authorities.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley says that George Robert Strahan turned himself in last night shortly before 10 pm.  

Police had been searching for Strahan after officers responded to a location on Grand Avenue Friday afternoon in reference to a subject who had been shot. 

The victim suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound during the incident.  

Strahan is being held in the Butler County Justice Center on charges of assault 1st degree, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.

METH FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN KENNETT 

A Kennett man is facing a drug charge after meth was found during a traffic stop over the weekend.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers conducted the traffic stop on Independence Avenue Sunday afternoon. During the stop, officers located an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine. 

39 year old Glen Trainer was arrested for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and held in the Dunklin County Justice Center pending the filing of formal charges by the Dunklin County Prosecutor's office.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS FORCE CLOSURE OF PEMISCOT COUNTY ROAD 

Route H in Pemiscot County is being closed through early next month as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.  

According to MoDOT, the section of roadway involved in the repairs is located between Route 164 and Route U. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 5 pm daily through Thursday, August 1st and the road will be open to local traffic only.

Monday July 22, 2019

MAN ARRESTED ON MURDER CHARGE IN CONNECTION TO MISSING WOMAN 

An investigation into a missing woman in Wayne County has led to a murder arrest.  

Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch tells KWOC News that Craig Alan Wood, of Williamsville, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder and first degree assault of Rebecca Alsup, who was reported missing in February of 2017.  

Wood is being held in the Wayne County Jail on no bond. 

Sheriff Finch is asking anyone who has information that could further assist in the investigation to contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Office at 573-224-3219.

DEXTER MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON A RAPE WARRANT 

Authorities in Stoddard County have taken an area man into custody on a rape warrant.  

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 30 year old Adam Eagle, of Dexter, was recently booked on a warrant for rape 2nd degree through Scott County.  

Eagle was held in custody on a $100,000 cash or surety bond.

POPLAR BLUFF RESTAURANT ABRUPTLY CLOSES 

A Poplar Bluff restaurant has abruptly closed its doors.  

Scotty’s Brewhouse on Oak Grove Road has closed until further notice. The restaurant only opened in 2018. 

The restaurant chain had reportedly filed for bankruptcy last December and already closed multiple locations since then.

MAN SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO POPLAR BLUFF SHOOTING 

Poplar Bluff police are searching for man in connection to a shooting last week.  

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers responded to a location on Grand Avenue Friday afternoon in reference to a subject who had been shot. 

The victim suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound during the incident.  

Police officials are currently seeking the whereabouts of George Robert Strahan, who is being considered armed and dangerous. 

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

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON WEAPON CHARGES 

A Dexter man has been taken into custody on weapon charges.  

Officials with the Malden Police Department tell KWOC News that Devon Rogers was arrested Friday on two felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon.  

Rogers was held at the Malden Police Station in lieu of a $50,000 cash only bond. He was later transported to the Dunklin County Jail.

AREA MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY WRECK 

A Harviell man was taken to an area hospital on Friday following a single vehicle wreck in Butler County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 76 year old John McKim was driving on US Highway 67 near Poplar Bluff when his vehicle ran off the side of the road and came to rest in a ditch.  

McKim suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO FORCE CLOSURE OF STODDARD COUNTY ROAD 

Route P in Stoddard County will be closed early this week so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can perform pavement repairs.  

MoDOT officials say the section of roadway to be closed is located from Route 91 to Route Y. 

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

Friday, July 19, 2019

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING TO CONTINUE FOR MOST OF THE WEEKEND

Oppressively hot temperatures have settled in over Southeast Missouri and weather officials say the temperatures will continue for most of the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for many counties in Southeast Missouri, including Carter, Ripley, Butler, Wayne, Stoddard, and New Madrid, until 7 pm on Sunday.

Officials say that dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken.

If anyone has to be outside for work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Weather officials say the rest of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas that is not in the Excessive Heat Warning is currently under a heat advisory.

VEHICLE LEAVES THE SCENE OF A WRECK IN BUTLER COUNTY

A vehicle reportedly left the scene of a wreck Thursday in Butler County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle was stopped in traffic on Highway T when it was struck in the rear by another vehicle.

The second vehicle then left the scene. Officials say the incident occurred at around 12:40 pm.

The driver of the stopped vehicle suffered minor injuries and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONY WARRANTS

An area man has been taken into custody on multiple felony warrants in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 32 year old Gordon Kane, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested Thursday afternoon on felony Butler County warrants for possession of heroin, larceny, and a probation violation.

Kane was also arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

OZARK BORDER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETING

A date has been set for the annual membership meeting for Ozark Border Electric Cooperative.

The meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, August 10th at the Three Rivers College Activity Center.

Registration will begin at 9 am.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING STRUCTURE FIRE IN KENNETT

A fire is under investigation in the Missouri Bootheel.

According to the Kennett Fire Department, crews were dispatched early Thursday morning to a structure fire on Southwest Drive.

Few details about the fire were available; and officials say the cause of the fire is being investigated by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.

DEXTER MAN IN CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT

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

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 51 year old Kenneth Anderson was recently booked on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance along with a separate traffic warrant.

Officials say that Anderson’s bond was set at $25,000, cash only, and he remained in custody as of this morning.

Thursday July 18, 2019

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING TO BEGIN AT NOON 

Parts of Southeast Missouri will be under an Excessive Heat Warning beginning at noon today.  

According to the National Weather Service, the warning will be in effect from noon until 7 pm on Sunday and maximum afternoon heat index values from ranging from around 105 to 110 degrees are expected. 

Remember to drink plenty of fluids. Try to stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun if possible.  

Never leave pets, children, or the elderly unattended in parked vehicles.

SIX ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES WEDNESDAY IN BUTLER COUNTY 

Six men were taken into custody on drug charges in Butler County over a seven hour period on Wednesday.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 30 year old Joshua Hart, 31 year old Gary Hensley, 18 year old Andrew Hill, 30 year old Shawn Bensley, all of Poplar Bluff, along with 37 year old Davis Smith, of Kennett, were each arrested on a methamphetamine charge.  

32 year old Joseph Osborn, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance for Xanax.  

The 1st arrest occurred at 1:45 pm and the last was at 8:27 pm. Officials did not say if any of the arrests were connected.  

PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY 

Route AC in Dunklin County is being reduced with an 11-foot width restriction through part of next month as contractor crews mill and resurface the roadway.  

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of roadway being reduced is located from Route 412 to Route F. 

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place from 6 am to 6 pm daily through Monday, August 12th.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON CRACK COCAINE CHARGE IN PEMISCOT COUNTY 

Authorities have arrested a Southeast Missouri man on a cocaine charge.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 61 year old Johnny Luster, of Homestown, was taken into custody Wednesday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for crack cocaine.  

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

EARTHQUAKE FELT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 

There have been reports of an earthquake hitting on Wednesday in Southeast Missouri.  

According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.5 earthquake was recorded at 12:12 pm Thursday afternoon. 

The earthquake had a depth of approximately five and a half miles and was centered around 30 miles south of Sikeston.

NEW DAY MINISTRIES TO HOST FEED AND SEED EVENT TODAY 

New Day Ministries in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event this afternoon.  

The event is scheduled for 3 to 5 pm at New Day Ministries at 703 Franklin Street.  

The event is first come, first serve, and packs will be limited to one per household. 

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

Wednesday July 17, 2019

BUTLER COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER INMATE DIES OF NATURAL CAUSES 

An inmate at the Butler County Justice Center has died.  

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that 44 year old Donald Ray Herrold III, of Poplar Bluff, was found unresponsive in the shower on Monday.  

An officer administrated CPR and Herrold was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.  

Butler County Coroner Andy Moore says that an autopsy was performed Tuesday morning that revealed that Herrold had a fatal upper respiratory infection and has had this issue for a long time.  

Moore also stated that Herrold’s death had nothing to do with his incarceration.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO FLEE FROM OFFICERS 

A man has been taken into custody after attempting to flee from police in the Missouri bootheel.  

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched to an area residence Monday afternoon in reference to suspicious activity.  

At the scene, officers came into contact with an individual who had been seen underneath the reporting parties' vehicle. 

Officials say the subject attempted to flee on foot however was apprehended by officers. 

40 year old Dustin Hamlett, of Kennett, was arrested for resisting arrest and on an un-related state of Missouri warrant issued out of Dunklin County. 

Hamlett was held in the Dunklin County Justice Center pending the filing of formal charges by the Dunklin County Prosecutor's office.

PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS TO CAUSE DELAYS ON DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD 

Route F in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 10-foot width restriction through early next month as contractor crews mill and resurface the roadway.  

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of Route F to be reduced is located from Route 412 to the Arkansas state line. 

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Thursday, August 8th from 6 am to 6 pm daily.

HEAT WAVE TO CROSS OVER THE AREA BRINGING HEAT INDICES OVER 105 DEGREES 

Excessive heat will be gripping the area for the rest of this week and weather officials are warning residents to be prepared.  

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Shanklin with the National Weather Service in Paducah tells KWOC News that an Excessive Heat Watch will be in effect beginning on Thursday.  

RICK SHANKLIN: 

An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible if precautions aren't taken. We're expecting high temperatures in the mid-90s, low temperatures only falling off into the mid-70s, all the way through the weekend and that combination will produce indices from around 105 to 110 degrees each afternoon from Thursday and all the way through the weekend. Some things to keep in mind to stay safe during this period of excessive heat are to drink plenty of fluids. Stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, certainly stay out of the sun. And don't forget to check up on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly. And also those pets be sure they had plenty of shade or brought inside and that they have plenty of water to drink as well. 

Shanklin says that the Excessive Heat Watch will currently be in effect from Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening.

MULTIPLE COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE IN BUTLER COUNTY 

Anyone looking for relief from the heat wave that will scorch Southeast Missouri the rest of this week can visit any of the multiple cooling centers available in Butler County. 

Cooling centers have been established in Poplar Bluff at the Butler County Health Department, and Poplar Bluff Public Library. 

Cooling Centers are also available at the Fisk Community Library and the Qulin Senior Center. 

A tool to find cooling centers in your area is available at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.

NEELYVILLE MAN ARRESTED ON METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE 

A Neelyville man has been taken into custody on a felony methamphetamine charge.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 37 year old Jamaal Hamilton was arrested Monday night on a felony charge of delivery of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.  

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

STATE OFFICIALS REQUEST FOR DISASTER DECLARATION TO EXPAND  

Missouri State officials have sent in a request to expand a disaster declaration issued earlier this month.  

Missouri Governor Mike Parson tells KWOC News that the State Emergency Management Agency has requested that FEMA expand the July 9th disaster declaration to provide Public Assistance for repairs to damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure along with emergency response costs in a total of 68 counties, including Stoddard, Wayne, New Madrid, Shannon, Bollinger, and Pemiscot.  

Officials say that additional counties may be considered for Public Assistance as floodwaters recede and more information is gathered locally.

Tuesday July 16, 2019

FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS 

A flash flood watch continues for much of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas through this evening.  

According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase in coverage and intensity today with the primary hazard being locally heavy rainfall. 

Weather officials say that up to three inches of rain has already fallen in parts of Southeast Missouri and today’s storms could produce hourly rainfall rates of up to 2 inches.  

According to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service, an extended period of excessive heat is anticipated to begin later this week and continue through early next week.  

Weather officials say that maximum afternoon heat index values will easily surpass 100 degrees and numerous locations may top out around 105 degrees or slightly higher.

AREA TEENAGER KILLED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY WRECK 

An area teenager was killed in a wreck Sunday evening in Pemiscot County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol the wreck occurred when a vehicle travelled off the side of Route B near Homestown, struck a ditch, and overturned.  

Three of the passengers in the vehicle were ejected during the wreck. One of the passengers, a 15 year old female from Caruthersville, was later pronounced dead at a Blytheville hospital.  

The driver and two other passengers suffered moderate injuries and were transported to area hospitals.

STODDARD COUNTY ROAD CLOSED FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT 

Route T in Stoddard County has been closed so contractor crews can replace a bridge over Turkey Creek. 

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the bridge is located between County Road 295 and County Road 297.   

Weather permitting, the road is scheduled to re-open on Monday, September 30th.

GREENVILLE MAN FACING METH CHARGE FOLLOWING ARREST IN WAYNE COUNTY 

Authorities in Wayne County have arrested a Greenville man on a felony drug charge.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 35 year old Michael Bennett was taken into custody Monday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine.  

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

BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOST IMMUNIZATION CLINICS 

The beginning of the school year is coming up and the Butler County Health Department wants to make sure that students are prepared.  

The Health Department will be hosting back-to-school immunization clinics on July 22nd and 29th as well as August 5th.  

Each clinic will begin at 8:30 am and continue until 4 pm, except for the clinic on July 29th, which will end at 6 pm.  

Parents are asked to bring their children’s immunization records with them to the clinic.

MONTH LONG PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY 

Route N in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 10 foot width restriction for almost a month as contractor crews mill and resurface the roadway.  

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation tell KWOC News that the work zone will be located between Route 412 and Route 164. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 6 pm daily through Wednesday, August 14th.

Monday, July 15, 2019

REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM BARRY COULD DROP MULTIPLE INCHES OF RAIN ON THE AREA

Weather officials say that the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry could cause some heavy rainfall over the area.

According to a Flash Flood watch from the National Weather Service, rainfall totals are forecast to range from two and a half to four and a half inches for most of Southeast Missouri, with isolated higher amounts possible.

In the Missouri Bootheel, as well as Clay and Greene Counties in Northeast Arkansas, two to three inches of rainfall is forecast with localized four inch amounts also possible.

The Flash Flood watches will be in effect through Tuesday evening.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook by the National Weather Service, a few strong to severe storms are possible. The main hazards with the storms will be damaging winds and possibly brief tornadoes.

KENNETT MAN DROWNS WHILE FISHING ON ST. FRANCIS RIVER

An area man has died after drowning in St. Francis River.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 44 year old David Nichols, of Kennett, was checking a fishing line on the front of a boat Friday when he fell off into the water.

He was pronounced dead at the scene the next morning by Dunklin County Coroner James Powell.

ARKANSAS MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

A Northeast Arkansas man has died from injuries he received in a single vehicle wreck on Friday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Obispo Sapon Sic, of Blytheville, was driving on Route NN in Dunklin County when his vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials say that the wreck occurred at around 4 am Friday morning.

WAPPAPELLO MAN STRUCK BY A VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTY

A Wappapello man was taken to an area hospital Friday night after being hit by a vehicle.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 54 year old Eric Steinbeck was struck by a vehicle on Highway T in Butler County at approximately 10 pm Friday.

Steinbeck suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital. No injuries were listed for the driver of the vehicle.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND SEWER USER FEE TO BE DISCUSSED AT POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The Poplar Bluff City Council will be holding a meeting tonight.

During the meeting, the city council will review and take action on a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve an amendment to Land Use Regulations to restrict the location of medical marijuana facilities in the city as well as a recommendation from the Municipal Utilities Advisory Board regarding a sewer user fee rate adjustment in order to finance the State Revolving Fund Wastewater Treatment Project.

The City Council will also take action on an ordinance regarding benefits for future employees.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 pm in the city council chambers on 5th Street.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS UPCOMING ROAD PROJECT IN WAYNE COUNTY

A public meeting will be held today to discuss an upcoming road project in Wayne County.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation tell KWOC News that the meeting has been scheduled for 4 to 6 pm at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor’s Center in Wappapello.

The project to be discussed includes relocating Route D as part of the improvements to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Plan at Lake Wappapello.

Improvements to Route D would extend from south of the bridge over the East Fork of Lost Creek to half a mile south of County Road 524. During the meeting, two alternates will also be shared for relocating Route D.

Friday July 12, 2019

RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY 

There will be an opportunity today to give blood and help save lives.  

The River Radio Blood Drive has been scheduled for noon to 6 pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic School Gym in Poplar Bluff.  

All presenting donors will receive a free commemorative St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive T-shirt.  

According to the Red Cross, blood donations fell short of expectations in June, resulting in 24,000 fewer donations than needed.  

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter the code RiverRadio to schedule an appointment for today’s blood drive.

FREE CANOE AND KAYAK SKILLS CLINICS OFFERED AT CURRENT RIVER STATE PARK 

Free paddling clinics are being offered this summer at Current River State Park.  

Paddlers will meet at Current River State Park at 10 am on Sunday mornings for one hour of dry land basic skills lessons, followed by instruction and paddling practice on the lower lake.   

Students will have the option to continue instruction on the river in the afternoon, paddling approximately four miles from Current River State Park to Round Spring.   

Topics to be covered include canoe and kayak equipment, rescue techniques, basic paddle strokes and maneuvers, and river safety.  Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be supplied.   

The classes will be available through August 18th. The free clinics are open to twelve participants each week, so pre-registration is required. 

For more information or to register for one of the sessions call the Round Spring Visitor Center at 573-323-8093. 

ATHLETE PHYSICALS SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH IN POPLAR BLUFF 

Poplar Bluff High School and Junior High student athletes can get a free physical done in later this month at the High School.  

Physicals will be conducted beginning at 5:30 pm on Tuesday July 30th for athletes in the 7th and 8th grades, beginning at 6:30 for 9th and 10th grades, and beginning at 7:30 for 11th and 12th grades.  

Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith tells KWOC News that services will be provided by the Orthopedic Staff and Sports Medicine Team from Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.  

Focus on Physical Therapy will also continue as a service provider.

CONCERT TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND AT HYDRO ADVENTURES IN POPLAR BLUFF  

Hydro Adventures in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a Summer Jam County Concert this weekend.  

The headline act for the concert on Saturday will be singer-songwriter Kyle Park. The Justin Heskett Band and Jesse Hammock will also be performing during the one-day festival.  

Summer Jam is free for Hydro Adventures season passholders and is included with waterpark daily admission. The Waterpark daily admission is $21.99 per person and $16.99 for those under 48 inches tall or over 65 years old. 

Summer Jam will begin at 11 am on Saturday.

SILVA MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON METH AND PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES 

Authorities in Wayne County have arrested an area man on a felony drug charge.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 49 year old Todd Barker, of Silva, was taken into custody Thursday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine.  

Barker is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and officials say he also had a warrant out of Wayne County.  

Following the arrest, Barker was held at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR REPAIRS IN DUNKLIN COUNTY 

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission held a meeting earlier this week where they awarded a contract for repairs in Dunklin County.  

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, an over $131,000 contract was awarded for scour repairs on Route 53.  

The work zone will be located one mile south of Route J. 

Officials say that additional information, including timelines and impacts to traffic, will be released prior to the start of construction.

Thursday July 11, 2019

MISSING ELLINGTON MAN FOUND SAFE 

A man reported missing earlier this week was found on Wednesday. 

An Endangered Silver Advisory was issued Tuesday for 78 year old Richard Dorey, of Ellington.  

Authorities say that Dorey was discovered safe Wednesday afternoon.

STORMS CAUSE FLASH FLOODING IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 

There were multiple reports of flooding following a sudden storm system that hit Southeast Missouri on Wednesday.  

According to the National Weather Service, in Stoddard County there was a report of over 2 inches of rain falling in an hour shortly before 5 pm.  

Law enforcement officials in Ripley County say that there were numerous roads flooded at around 4 pm.  

The Kennett Office of Emergency Management posted multiple videos and pictures on their Facebook page showing flooded roads and urged motorists to stay off the roads if possible.

DATES SET FOR OPEN HOUSE AND ORIENTATIONS IN THE POPLAR BLUFF R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Parents in Poplar Bluff will have the opportunity to learn more about the schools their children will be attending this fall during a series of open houses scheduled for next month.  

Open houses will be held for the Kindergarten, 5th, and 6th, grades on Monday, August 12th. The 7th Grade Orientation will also be held on the 12th. 

Early Childhood parent orientation is also scheduled for August 12th, with the Early Childhood Open House and first day occurring on August 21st.  

On Tuesday, August 13th, there will be the 4th grade orientation at the Middle School as well as the 8th grade Open House at the Junior High.  

The four elementary schools will be holding their Open Houses on Wednesday, August 14th.  

For Poplar Bluff High School, freshman orientation is set for Wednesday, August 7th, and the Open House will be held on Tuesday, August 20th.  

The first day of school has been scheduled for Thursday, August 15th.  For exact times of all of the events, visit the Poplar Bluff School District website.

NO INJURIES REPORTED AFTER PLANE CRASHES IN BUTLER COUNTY 

A small plane crashed Wednesday afternoon in southern Butler County.  

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that the plane went down in the area of County Roads 278 and 276 at around 3:45 pm.  

Two people were on board the plane, however neither were injured.  

Sheriff Dobbs says that a preliminary investigation into the incident suggests that there was an engine failure at the time of the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

CITY OF POPLAR BLUFF EXPERIENCING OCCASIONAL NETWORK ISSUES 

Officials in Poplar Bluff say that the city offices are experiencing some technical problems.  

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the City of Poplar Bluff is experiencing sporadic network failures and network administrators are attempting to locate the source of the problem.  

If you are unable to reach the Poplar Bluff Police Department on the regular lines, you can reach the Communications Division by calling 573-718-0235. 

Police officials say that the 911 system has not been affected by the outage.

TEENAGER CRASHES INTO A BUILDING IN BUTLER COUNTY 

An area teenager was injured Wednesday afternoon after crashing into a building in Butler County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 16 year old was driving on Highway W, north of Poplar Bluff, when her vehicle ran off the roadway and then struck a mailbox and a building.  

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

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

HEAT ADVISORY TO BE IN EFFECT TODAY FOR MUCH OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A heat advisory will be in effect today for much of Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, heat index values are expected to get around 105 degrees today due to temperatures in the lower to middle 90s, and dew points in the mid 70s.

Officials say the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Remember to drink plenty of fluids as well as stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun.

The advisory is set to be in effect from 10 am to 7 pm for multiple counties in Southeast Missouri including Butler, Wayne, Carter, Ripley, and Stoddard.

MISSING MAN MAY BE EN ROUTE TO THE POPLAR BLUFF AREA

An Endangered Silver Advisory has been issued for a missing Southeast Missouri man.

According to the Ellington Police Department, 78 year old Richard Dorey was last seen leaving the Brent B. Tinnin Manor facility on foot towards Highway 21, possibly en route to the Poplar Bluff area.

Dorey is described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes.

He has been diagnosed with dementia and hypoglycemia and officials say he may be wearing a red shirt, blue jeans with black suspenders, and black shoes.

A picture of Dorey is available on our Facebook page.

Anyone who has information on his whereabouts should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency.

SCREENING APPOINTMENTS BEING ACCEPTED FOR POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Appointments are now being taken for the next screening day for the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center.

The screening appointments for the upcoming school year are available for new incoming students who were 3 years old before July 31st, 2019 and were not 5 years old before that date. The screenings will be held on Thursday, July 25th.

You must have your child’s social security number available when calling to make an appointment. To make an appointment, call 573-785-6803 and ask for Sandy Case.

SIKESTON MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON A FIREARM CHARGE

An area man was in custody this morning on a firearm charge.

According to the Malden Police Department, 31 year old Jeremy Scott, of Sikeston, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Officials say that Scott is being held at the Dunklin County Justice Center on a $50,000 cash only bond.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT TO MADISON COUNTY TREASURER POSITION

The Missouri Governor tells KWOC News that a Fredericktown woman has been appointed to a position in the Madison County Government.

Governor Michael Parson says that Jessica Stevens will be taking the position of Madison County Treasurer.

Stevens has been serving as Deputy County Treasurer since February 2019, and prior to that she served as Deputy County Clerk beginning in June 2007.

DONIPHAN MAN FACING METH AND PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES

A Doniphan man is facing a felony methamphetamine charge following his arrest Tuesday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 50 year old Wesley Sturm was arrested in Ripley County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Sturm was also reportedly arrested on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tuesday July 9, 2019

DEXTER WOMAN DROWNS IN ST. FRANCIS RIVER 

An area woman drowned over the weekend in Butler County.  

According to Butler County Coroner Andy Moore, 52 year old Barbara Reese, of Dexter, was swimming in St. Francis River Sunday evening when she began to struggle, submerged, and did not resurface.  

The incident occurred off of Route U, six miles east of Broseley.  

Reese was later pronounced dead at the scene.

ELLSINORE MAN FACING WEAPON AND DRUG CHARGES 

An Ellsinore man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest early Monday morning in Ripley County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Adam Bishop was taken into custody shortly before 1 am Monday on felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.  

Bishop is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT UNDERWAY IN RIPLEY COUNTY 

An almost three month long pavement repair project is underway in Ripley and Oregon Counties.  

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route 142 is being reduced with a 10 foot width restriction as contractor crews overlay the roadway and add rumble strips.  

The work zone is located from Route EE in Oregon County to Route 21 in Ripley County and officials say that work will take place from 6 am to 7 pm daily through Tuesday, October 1st.

MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING WRECK NEAR PORTAGEVILLE 

A man was taken into custody Monday following a wreck near Portageville.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old William Manning, of Tallapoosa, was attempting to overtake a vehicle on Highway B when he struck the vehicle.  

Officials say the vehicle then overturned. The driver of the vehicle suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Cape Girardeau hospital.  

According to a Highway Patrol arrest report, Manning was arrested later Monday evening on charges of driving while intoxicated – drugs, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, and possession of marijuana.

AREA MAN IN CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT 

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

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 35 year old Jamie Wilkerson was recently taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Officials say Wilkerson’s bond has been set at $25,000 cash only, and he remained in custody as of this morning.

SIX TRC STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL ALL-ACADEMIC STUDENT ATHLETES 

Six student-athletes at Three Rivers College have been honored for the work in the classroom.  

The Lady Raiders softball team had five members receive the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Academic award. Calli Gerber was named to the second team, while Zoe Bisby, Alexis Campbell, Grace King, and Allison Pingel were all named to the Third Team. Bisby also plays for the Lady Raiders basketball team.  

TRC Baseball Player Braden Cox was also named to the All-Academic Third Team. 

College officials say that Student-Athlete Awards are given to student athletes that maintain high grade point averages while competing on a community college athletic team.  

First Team is awarded to those with a GPA of 4.00, Second Team is awarded to those with GPAs between 3.80 and 3.99, and Third Team is awarded to those with GPAs between 3.60 and 3.79.

CARTER COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED BEGINNING TODAY FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS 

A portion of Route H in Carter County will be closed beginning today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.  

The section of Route H to be closed is located from Route 21 to Route V. 

Weather permitting, work will be performed from 7 am to 5 pm daily through Thursday, July 18th.

Monday July 8, 2019

CLARKTON MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK 

A single vehicle wreck early Saturday morning resulted in the death of a Clarkton man.  

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 69 year old Leslie Bullow was driving on Missouri Highway 25 in Dunklin County when his vehicle ran off the side of the road and overturned.  

Bullow, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was pronounced dead at the scene by Dunklin County Coroner James Powell.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES 

A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest over the weekend.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 44 year old Phillip Stephens was taken into custody early Saturday morning on felony charges of possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and hydrocodone.  

Stephens is also facing charges of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  

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

ROAD PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY 

Route 49 in Wayne County will be reduced with a 10 foot width restriction for the rest of this month as contractor crews overlay the road with asphalt. 

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of roadway involved in the project is located from Route 67 to Route 34. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 8 pm daily through Wednesday, July 31st.

TWO TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON METH AND PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES 

Authorities in Butler County have arrested two Poplar Bluff men on methamphetamine and paraphernalia charges.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, both 32 year old Ashley Merriott and 30 year old Larry Rudd were each taken into custody at around 11:15 am Friday morning on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Rudd also had warrants out of Wayne County, Butler County, and Poplar Bluff while Merriott had a warrant from Morgan County.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN MALDEN ON BURGLARY WARRANT 

A Malden man has been arrested on a burglary warrant.  

According to the Malden Police Department, 21 year old Terrell McIntyre was recently taken into custody on a Dunklin County warrant for burglary 2nd degree.  

His bond was set at $35,000 and officials say he was held at the Malden City Jail awaiting extradition.

AUTHORITIES IN REYNOLDS COUNTY INVESTIGATING STOLEN VEHICLE 

An investigation is underway after a vehicle was reported stolen in Southeast Missouri.  

According to the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office, between approximately 11 am and 1pm on July 6th, a white two door 2003 Chevy 3500 flatbed truck was stolen from the area of B Highway and County Road 762. 

Officials say that there was a 1,000 pound Mighty Feeder on the bed of the truck and a ranch hand bumper on the front. It has a Missouri License Plate of 78H 0XE. 

Anyone who has information about the location of the vehicle is asked to contact Deputy Jacob Garcia at 573-648-2491 or your local law enforcement agency.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO FORCE CLOSURE OF PEMISCOT COUNTY ROAD 

Route H in Pemiscot County will be closed for almost two weeks so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.  

According to MoDOT, the section of roadway to be closed is located between Route E and Route 164. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 5 pm daily through Friday, July 19th and the road will be open to local traffic only.

Friday July 5, 2019

MAN WITH CHILD MOLESTATION WARRANT WANTED OUT OF NEW MADRID COUNTY 

Authorities in New Madrid County are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man with a felony warrant.  

New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens tells KWOC News that his office is searching for Allen Pretz, who has an active felony warrant for child molestation. 

Pretz is from Halls, Kentucky and is believed to have ties to the Matthews area.  

Stevens says that it is possible that Pretz is doing construction or labor because he has held jobs of this nature in the past. 

We have a picture of Pretz available on the KWOC Facebook page.  

Anyone who has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office at 573-758-2516.

AREA MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE IN CARTER COUNTY 

Authorities in Carter County have arrested an area man on multiple drug charges.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 27 year old Mitchell Gore, of Van Buren, was taken into custody Thursday evening on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.  

Gore is also facing a charge of possession of marijuana – 10 grams or less. Following the arrest, he was held at the Carter County Sheriff’s Office.

RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK 

There will be an opportunity next week to give blood and help save lives.  

The River Radio Blood Drive has been scheduled for noon to 6 pm on Friday, July 12th at the Sacred Heart Catholic School Gym in Poplar Bluff.  

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter the code RiverRadio to schedule an appointment.  

All presenting donors will receive a free commemorative St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive T-shirt.

ONE KILLED, TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI WRECK

A two vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Southeast Missouri resulted in one fatality.  

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle drive by 25 year old Carlos Riddle, of Caruthersville, crossed the center line of Highway 84 in Pemiscot County and struck another vehicle head on.  

The driver of the second vehicle, 80 year old Duane Michie, of Hayti, was transported to a Pemiscot County hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Riddle and a passenger in his vehicle each suffered serious injuries and were taken to area hospital.

STATE AUDITOR SAYS CITY OF GREENVILLE HAS MADE PROGRESS ON INCREASING OVERSIGHT 

State officials say that the City of Greenville is making changes to help prevent or quickly detect the loss or theft of city funds.  

According to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway, a previous audit of the city was initiated as a part of a law enforcement investigation and revealed more than $160,000 missing from city funds. The former city clerk, Pam Birmingham, now faces felony charges of stolen property and forgery. 

A follow-up review released this week found that the city has taken steps to increase oversight of finances and is working to improve personnel policies and payroll processes. 

Galloway says that in total, auditors identified 18 areas of concern to evaluate during the follow-up review. Nine recommendations were implemented.  

For six other recommendations, progress has been made or recommendations were partially implemented. The recommendation for three findings had not been addressed, and no specific plans had been made to act on the recommendation. 

The full audit is available at auditor.mo.gov.

$13,000 IN PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS MISSING FROM SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COUNTY 

Over $10,000 in property tax payments are missing from a Southeast Missouri County.

 According to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway, an audit of the Madison County Collector's Office, completed by the Public Corruption and Fraud Division, details how more than $13,000 went missing between January 2017 and October 2018. 

The missing money represented 66 individual personal property and real estate tax payments. When taxpayers would pay their bill, the transaction was recorded and they were issued a receipt. However, the transaction was subsequently deleted from the system and the money was not deposited. 

Galloway says that an additional $2,000 in deleted transactions are questionable. This includes three transactions for the former deputy collector's personal property taxes. 

Local and state law enforcement continue to investigate, and Galloway has pledged continued cooperation from her Public Corruption and Fraud Division.

TWO WEEK ROAD PROJECT UNDERWAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 

Route U in New Madrid County will be reduced with a 9-foot width restriction through the end of next week as contractor crews perform milling and paving repairs. 

The section of roadway being reduced is located between Route 61 and Route WW. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 8 pm daily through Friday, July 12th.

Wednesday July 3, 2019

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN CHARGED IN STODDARD COUNTY SHOOTING DEATH 

A Southeast Missouri man is facing numerous charges, including murder, in connection to a shooting death in Stoddard County.  

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells KWOC News that Melvin Anderson, of Advance, was charged Tuesday with murder 1st degree, armed criminal action, domestic assault 2nd degree, kidnapping 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence.  

The charges stem from the June 28th shooting death of Tristan Davis near Advance.  

Oliver says Anderson is currently housed in the Stoddard County Jail under a no bond warrant.

TWO YEAR OLD CHILD DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE NEAR ORAN 

A young child from Chaffee has died after being hit by a vehicle near Oran.  

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the two year old child had walked onto Missouri Highway 77 at around 4:40 pm Tuesday when they were struck by a vehicle.  

The child was later pronounced dead at a Cape Girardeau hospital.

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PETS DURING THE INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY 

While fireworks are a great treat for many during the Fourth of July, your pets might not enjoy them as much as you do.  

The Humane Society of Missouri says that the loud noises can cause dogs and cats to act out of character. A startled dog or cat may hide or try to escape the noise by digging under, chewing through or climbing over fences. 

The Humane Society has released some tips for keeping your pet happy during the holiday.   

Give your pet a quiet, cool place to retreat inside where sounds are less intense.  

Keeping them inside will also protect them from stray fireworks. Their retreat could be a basement or an interior room like a bathroom with access to clean, cool water.

MULTIPLE EVENTS PLANNED TO CELEBRATE 4TH OF JULY IN POPLAR BLUFF 

There are multiple events planned for tomorrow in Poplar Bluff to celebrate Independence Day.  

The Black River Coliseum will be the host for the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker 4th of July Pageant. Registration will begin at 10 am with the pageant beginning at 11 am.  

There will be music, vendors, and food available from 4 to 9 pm at the Farmer’s Market area located across from the Black River Coliseum.  

The fireworks display is scheduled to start at approximately 9 pm.

MALDEN MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON METH AND PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES 

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

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Joseph Robinson, of Malden, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Robinson was also arrested on a probation and parole absconder warrant.  

He was held at the Butler County Jail following the arrest.

DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS TO BE CLOSED THURSDAY AND FRIDAY IN MISSOURI

Driver examination stations will be closed Thursday and Friday of this week in Missouri.  

State officials say that the stations will be closed in observance of Independence Day.  

Normal operations are set to resume on Monday, July 8th.

EMERGENCY SIREN TO BE WORKED ON IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CITY 

Officials say that workers will be coming to work on a Southeast Missouri city’s emergency siren.  

According to the City of Cardwell Office of Emergency Management Facebook page, the emergency siren on the south end of town was tested on Monday and found to be down. The siren is located by the school on Union Street.  

The north end siren near the Police Department is still working and they have contacted the people who work on the sirens.

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019

KENNETT MAN DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

One person has died following a wreck in Dunklin County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 65 year old Orbon Duke, of Kennett, was driving on Route P when his vehicle ran off the road struck several mailboxes and then a utility pole.

Duke was reportedly not wearing a safety device and was ejected during the wreck.

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

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has released some fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.

The CPSC advises parents to never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and always have adult supervision when kids of any age are playing with fireworks, including sparklers.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Also, never point or throw fireworks at another person.

AREA MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE

An area man was taken into custody in Ripley County on Monday on a felony drug related charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old Jason Stodghill, of Doniphan was arrested Monday evening on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.

He also reportedly had a failure to appear warrant from the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Following the arrest, Stodghill was held at the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

POPLAR BLUFF ELK’S LODGE TO HOST FIRST RESPONDERS BALL IN THE FALL

A date has been set for the 2nd Annual Poplar Bluff Elk’s Lodge First Responders Ball.

The event has been scheduled for Friday, September 13th with dinner beginning at 7 pm. Doors will open an hour before.

The ball, which is open to the public, will cost $25 to attend for each person.

To purchase tickets, contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at (573) 785-5776.

Proceeds from the event will go to the charitable organization Supporting Heroes.

FREE MAMMOGRAMS TO BE OFFERED LATER THIS MONTH IN DONIPHAN

Area women without health insurance will have the opportunity to get a free mammogram done later this month.

According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, the Saint Francis Healthcare System will be offering free mammograms in Doniphan on Wednesday, July 17th from 8 am to noon.

To register, or for more information, call 573-331-5111.

ROADWORK TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS MONTH IN WAYNE COUNTY

Route 49 in Wayne County is being reduced with a 10 foot width restriction this month so contractor crews can overlay the road with asphalt.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of Route 49 being reduced is located from Route 67 to Route 34.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 8 pm daily through Wednesday, July 31st.

Monday July 1, 2019

TWO ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGES 

Two Doniphan residents have been taken into custody in Ripley County on multiple charges.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Candace Scott and 27 year old Lewis Kramer were each arrested at around 10 pm Friday night on charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, endangering the welfare of a child – 1st degree, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Kramer is also facing a charge of unlawful use of a weapon.  

Following their arrests, both Scott and Kramer were held at the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office.

FOUR INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY WRECK 

Four people were injured in a wreck Saturday night in Butler County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a vehicle driven by 53 year old Edward Allison, of Puxico, crossed the center line of Highway T and struck two vehicles.  

Four people in one of the vehicles that was hit suffered minor injuries and were transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.  

Allison was arrested later Saturday night on a charge of driving while intoxicated involving a motor vehicle crash. Following the arrest, he was held at the Butler County Jail.

BUTLER COUNTY ROAD TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS 

Route CC in Butler County will be reduced to one lane early this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. 

The section of Route CC to be reduced is located between Routes 53 and 51.   

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

MAN FACING KIDNAPPING AND ASSAULT CHARGES 

Authorities in Stoddard County have taken an Oran man into custody on a kidnapping charge.  

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 32 year old Melvin Anderson was recently booked on charges of domestic assault 2nd degree and kidnapping 2nd degree. 

Few details about the charges have been released and officials say that no bond had been set for Anderson.

HIGHWAY PATROL PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY TRAFFIC 

With the Fourth of July coming up, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol are preparing for an increase in travelers on Missouri’s roadways.  

Officials tell KWOC News that the Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. over the July Fourth holiday. All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.  

In addition, a 2019 Independence Day DWI Enforcement operation will be in effect during the long weekend. Troopers will strictly enforce Missouri statutes addressing driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, possession of intoxicating liquor by a minor, and intoxication by a minor. 

Troopers will also be working on the state’s waterways to enforce Missouri’s boating laws and provide assistance where needed. Missouri’s boaters are being asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water.

AREA SHERIFF LOOKING FOR DONATIONS OF STUFFED ANIMALS 

An area sheriff is asking for donations of stuffed animals.  

Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens tells KWOC News that the sheriff’s department is in need of clean, small or medium sized, stuffed animals.  

Stephens says that deputies routinely provide the stuffed animals to young children on emergency calls as well as during court proceedings and their stock was recently depleted.  

Anyone willing to help out can bring stuffed animals to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office in Van Buren or call 573-323-4510.

Friday, June 28, 2019

HEAVY RAINS CAUSE NUMEROUS FLOODED ROADS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Heavy rains Thursday morning resulting in flash flooding and water covered roads in Southeast Missouri.

Flash Flood warnings were in effect for numerous counties, including Butler and Stoddard, during the morning hours on Thursday.

Multiple roads were covered at points in Stoddard County including Highways J and U, along with numerous County Roads.

The Missouri Department of Transportation says that Southbound Route C in Wayne County is still closed this morning due to water over the roadway.

In Butler County, a tree fell across US Highway 67 yesterday near Hendrickson, blocking traffic for a period of time and there were numerous reports of power outages.

Lightning was also a hazard as the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department reported that two structure fires seemed to have been caused by the lightning storm.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, scattered thunderstorms over southeast Missouri early this morning may produce heavy rainfall and result in renewed flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for a portion of Southeast Missouri until 10 am.

BICYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN HIT AND RUN

A bicyclist was injured early this morning in a hit and run incident in New Madrid County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 23 year old man from Caledonia, Missouri, was riding a bicycle on Route FF, near Morehouse, when he was struck by an unknown vehicle, that then fled the scene. Officials say the incident occurred at around 12:20 am.

The victim was seriously injured and transported to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

TWO ARRESTED ON METH CHARGES IN BUTLER COUNTY

Two area men were arrested Thursday afternoon in Butler County on felony drug charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 44 year old Brian Taylor, of Broseley, and 28 year old Taylor Turner, of Fisk, were each taken into custody at around 2:40 pm on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Brian Taylor also had felony warrants out of Butler and Dunklin Counties, while Taylor Turner had a felony warrant out of Wayne County.

The Highway Patrol did not say if the two arrests were connected.

They were both held at the Butler County Jail.

BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY TODAY

The Butler County Health Department will be celebrating their 70th anniversary today with a huge event in Poplar Bluff.

The agency’s 70th Anniversary Summer Bash has been scheduled for 9 am to noon at the Butler County Health Department, located at 1619 North Main Street.

There will be activities for all ages such as the Poplar Bluff Fire Department smoke house, as well as Poplar Bluff Animal Control showcasing animals that are available for adoption.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS UPCOMING ROAD PROJECT IN WAYNE COUNTY

A public meeting will be held next month to discuss an upcoming road project in Wayne County.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation tell KWOC News that the meeting has been scheduled for 4 to 6 pm on Monday, July 15th at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor’s Center in Wappapello.

The project to be discussed includes relocating Route D as part of the improvements to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Plan at Lake Wappapello.

Improvements to Route D would extend from south of the bridge over the East Fork of Lost Creek to half a mile south of County Road 524. During the meeting, two alternates will also be shared for relocating Route D.

DONIPHAN MAN FACING DRUG AND PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES

A Doniphan man is facing multiple charges following his arrest last night in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 43 year old Jason Payne was arrested at approximately 8:15 pm on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

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

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

STAR GAZING EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND AT ALLEY SPRING

A star gazing event has been scheduled for later this month in Southeast Missouri.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host “Stars in the Night Sky” from 8 pm through 10 pm on June 29th at Alley Spring. The free event is open to the public and telescopes will be provided.

Rangers at Alley Spring will be surveying the night sky along with a local astronomer. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, insect repellent and flashlight, and are also welcome to bring a personal telescope.

Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence, Missouri, on State Route 106. For more information call 573-226-3945 or visit nps.gov/ozar.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

FLASH FLOODING CAUSES DAMAGE AT AREA SCHOOL

Heavy rains on Wednesday resulted in flood damage to an area school.

According to the Doniphan R-1 School District Facebook page, there was damage campus wide with flooding in the High School, Central Office, and Elementary. A retaining wall at the elementary playground also busted.

According to the National Weather Service, in nearby Ellsinore, four to five inches of water was reported over the roadway at the intersection of FF Highway and Carter County Road 327 shortly before 3 pm.

Trees were also blown down in Ripley and New Madrid County.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service says that scattered to numerous thunderstorms are forecast for today across portions of southeast Missouri.

Given their slow movement, the storms may produce heavy rainfall that leads to flash flooding. A flash flood watch is in effect for most of southeast Missouri through late tonight.

WOMAN SHOT WHILE ALLEGEDLY PLAYING WITH A GUN IN DEXTER

A woman has been transported to a St. Louis hospital following a shooting incident in Dexter.

According to the Dexter Police Department, Tuesday night officers were dispatched to a location on Bain Street regarding a woman who had been shot.

The woman had a single gunshot wound to her throat and is currently in the intensive care unit of a St. Louis hospital.

Authorities say that it appears that the woman was playing with a pistol with her friend when the gun was fired.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and no charges have been filed.

2.1 MILLION DOLLAR LOTTO JACKPOT CLAIMED BY PIEDMONT MAN

An over two million dollar Lotto Jackpot has been claimed by a Wayne County man.

According to the Missouri Lottery, Carl Sedlacek, of Piedmont, bought the 2.1 million dollar winning ticket for the April 24th drawing.

Officials say that Sedlacek’s ticket is the fourth Lotto jackpot-winning ticket sold in 2019.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES

A Poplar Bluff man has been taken into custody on controlled substance charges.

According to authorities, 19 year old Payton Ice was arrested Tuesday afternoon on three counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

Ice was held at the Butler County Justice Center and his bonds on the three counts ranged from $20,000 to $50,000.

NAYLOR WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON FELONY METH CHARGE

Authorities in Butler County have arrested an area woman on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Megan McColley, of Naylor, was taken into custody Wednesday morning on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

McColley also reportedly had a felony warrant out of Butler County.

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

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS CITY TO RECEIVE AN OVER MILLION DOLLAR LOAN FOR WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS

A Northeast Arkansas city has been approved for a loan from the US Department of Agriculture for wastewater improvements.

The City of Corning will receive a $1,045,000 loan to improve the wastewater collection system and wastewater treatment facility.

The improvements include rehabilitating four wastewater lift stations, replacing a section of constricted pipes that have caused back-ups in the sewer system, and adding a post-aeration system that will bring the dissolved oxygen levels in the water back into compliance with the facility's discharge permit

The loan is part of a $192 million dollar investment from the USDA in 71 projects across 29 states to improve rural water infrastructure.

Wednesday June 26, 2019

WATER TO BE SHUT OFF TODAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CITY 

Officials say that water will be temporarily shut off today in a Southeast Missouri community.  

The city of Clarkton will be shutting off the town’s water beginning at around 10 am to install two fire hydrants. 

One of the hydrants will be installed on Davis Street, and the second one will be installed on James Street. 

Following the instillation, the city will be under a boil water advisory for two weeks.

ARKANSAS MAN ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT 

A Hayti woman was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on drug related charges.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 33 year old Sunkia Luster was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Pemiscot County on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for tramadol hydrochloride and clonazepam.  

Officials say Luster also had a warrant out of Dunklin County.  

Following the arrest, she was held at the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office.

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY 

Route A in Dunklin County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can repair a bridge deck.  

MoDOT officials tell KWOC News that the bridge involved is located between County Road 515 and Route T. 

Weather permitting, work will take place today through 4:30 pm.

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE FREE MEALS FOR CHILDREN THROUGH EARLY AUGUST 

The Poplar Bluff School District has announced that they will continue to provide meals free of charge for children in need following summer school.  

The Summer Food Service, a partnership between Poplar Bluff Schools and Chartwells, will be free to all patrons 18 and under from July 1st through August 2nd, except on July 4th.  

Breakfast and Lunch will be served at Wheatley Elementary School, while lunch only will be served at Poplar Bluff Head Start and True Believers Missionary Baptist Church.  

For more information, visit mules.me/meals.

ARKANSAS MAN ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT 

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested a Northeast Arkansas man on a warrant.  

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 40 year old Steven Gilliam, of Jonesboro, was recently arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance, except 35 grams or less of marijuana.  

Officials say that Gilliam’s bond was set at $7,500.

PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT UNDERWAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY 

Route B in New Madrid County has been closed so crews can perform pavement repairs. 

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of B that is being worked on is located from Route 153 to Route 162. 

Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 am to 4 pm today and tomorrow.

Tuesday June 25, 2019

MISSOURI OFFICIALS ASK PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR ANOTHER FEDERAL DISASTER DECELERATION 

Missouri State officials have requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration to assist residents and businesses in numerous Missouri counties that have been hard hit by flooding, tornadoes, and severe storms beginning on April 29th and continuing throughout the spring. 

Missouri Governor Mike Parson tells KWOC News that the state expects to request Public Assistance once joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are completed in 64 counties.  

In Southeast Missouri, this includes Bollinger, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Shannon, and Stoddard Counties.  

Additional joint damage assessments for public assistance may be conducted in more counties as additional information is gathered locally when floodwaters recede. 

A major disaster declaration was approved last month for Missouri to help recover from devastating flooding and severe storms that occurred from March 11th to April 16th.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY WARRANT AND DRUG CHARGE 

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

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 35 year old Brian Staffey, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody Monday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.  

Officials say that Staffey also had a felony warrant out of Pemiscot County for failure to appear.  

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

EARLY REGISTRATION TO BE HELD TODAY FOR KIDS CAMP AT WHEATLEY SCHOOL IN POPLAR BLUFF 

Early registration will be held today for an upcoming kids camp in Poplar Bluff.  

The Super Kids Camp 2019 has been scheduled for 8 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday from July 8th to July 26th.  

The camp is free for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade and will include breakfast and lunch, swimming, academic enrichment, and more. A maximum of fifty students will be accepted.  

Early registration will be held today and Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm.  

For more information, call 573-776-5073.

MAN SENTENCED OVER THREE YEARS AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO SECOND DEGREE MURDER 

A Southeast Missouri man has been sentenced, over three years after pleading guilty to a murder charge.  

According to Missouri Case Net, Brandon Norman, of Lowndes, pled guilty on June 14, 2016 to a charge of second degree murder.  

On Monday, Norman was sentenced to 20 years’ incarceration on the charge, which stems from the shooting death of John Fowler, of St. Peters, in early 2015.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COUNTIES REMOVED AND ADDED TO THE MANAGEMENT ZONE FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE 

The Missouri Department of Conservation has altered the counties that are included in the management zone for Chronic Wasting Disease.  

Officials say that Bollinger and Madison Counties were removed from the list, while Howell and Oregon counties were added because of recent CWD detections in Oregon, Stone, and Taney counties.  

The MDC will require hunters who harvest deer in any of the 29 counties of the CWD Management Zone during the opening weekend of the fall firearms deer season to take their harvested deer, or the head with at least six inches of neck attached, to one of MDC’s numerous CWD sampling stations throughout the zone on the day of harvest. 

CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family. The disease has no vaccine or cure and eventually kills all deer it infects. CWD is spread from deer to deer and through the environment.  

The change will also impact restrictions on feeding deer, antler-point restrictions, and antlerless permits for some counties. 

For more information, go online to mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

JOHN J. PERSHING VA MEDICAL CENTER PARTNERS WITH SEMO FOOD BANK 

A food giveaway will be held this week for veterans in need.  

The Health Promotion Disease Prevention program at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center has partnered with the Southeast Missouri Food Bank to provide a monthly mobile food pantry called the Veterans Healthy Food Surplus.  

The event will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 8 am to 10 am at the John J. Pershing VAMC walking track.  

Veterans are asked to bring an identification card to the event.