POPLAR BLUFF BUSINESS TEMPORARILY CLOSES
The Briggs and Stratton factory in Poplar Bluff will be temporarily closed.
Due to the slow operations and inability to acquire components and parts, the business temporarily closed after its third shift on Monday and will remain closed throughout March.
It is scheduled to return to normal operations between April 13th and April 27th.
Help slow the spread in your community by practicing social distancing. Learn more best practices for COVID-19 http://bit.ly/2UfPJlj
Poplar Bluff Schools, in partnership with Chartwells, will provide a Curbside Meal Service with free ‘grab and go’ meals for all children in need under 18 years old during our wellness break at the following locations:
GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON ISSUES SOCIAL DISTANCING AND COVID-19 COUNTERMEASURES
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has issued several COVID-19 Countermeasures that took effect today.
The measures to prevent the spread of the virus include mandated social distancing statewide, in which all social gatherings both spontaneous and planned, must consist of no more than 10 people at any given time.
Additionally, every person in the state of Missouri must avoid eating or drinking at restaurants, bars, or food courts. Drive through, pickup, and delivery, however, are allowed.
Citizens must also avoid visiting nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes, unless it is for providing critical assistance.
Schools will remain closed, but children who qualify may still receive food and nutritional services.
Other priorities include keeping a 6 foot distance between individuals, keeping good hygiene, and taking precautions to reduce public contact.
These protocols are all taken by the guidelines from the President and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and will stay in effect until April 6th, unless extended.
NORTH CAROLINA MAN DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTY
A Greensboro man was killed early this morning after being hit by a vehicle.
Butler County Coroner Andy Moore tells KWOC News that 33 year old Josh Demastus, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Highway C and 158 in Harviell at approximately 1 am.
Demastus was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Andy Moore.
ENHANCED RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER INCLUDING TORNADOES POSSIBLE THIS EVENING IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas could see severe weather tonight.
According to officials with the National Weather Service in Paducah, a chance of thunderstorms will spread north and east across our region later this afternoon and evening.
Severe weather is possible with this system, especially across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas this evening. The region is currently under an enhanced risk for severe weather.
The main hazards will be damaging winds and large hail, but a few tornadoes may be a concern too. Locally heavy rainfall could also lead to some isolated minor flooding issues. A flash flood watch is in effect for our region through 7 am on Friday.
BUTLER COUNTY COURTHOUSE LIMITS ACCESS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS
The Butler County Courthouse is being placed under a strict access limitation in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
According to the Butler County Commission, use for the courthouse is being restricted to urgent business only, and that any questions or concerns can be given through online drop boxes, or by calling the courthouse at 573-686-8081.
There will be signs placed outside the building for directions, and more information can be found by visiting www.ButlerCountyMo.Com.
SEVERAL SCHOOLS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CLOSING DUE TO COVID-19
There are several schools in Southeast Missouri that will be closing due to the COVID-19 virus.
Affected schools include Poplar Bluff R-1, Twin Rivers R-10, East Carter R-2, Naylor, Puxico R-8, and Neelyville R-4, which will all be closed until April 3rd in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Sacred Heart School of Poplar Bluff will be closed until April 6th on evaluation.
Additionally, Lesterville R-4 closes today through April 6th, and Pemiscot County R-3 will be closed from March 18th through 20th, going into their scheduled spring break.
Portageville School District will also be closed from March 18th through the 27th, moving into their spring break.
BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS IN BUTLER COUNTY WORKING ON COVID-19 PREVENTION
Several businesses and schools in Southeast Missouri are working on preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Among organizations, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center and Saint Francis Healthcare are limiting visitors, while several nursing homes including the Westwood Hills Center are completely closing their doors to visitors.
Several Schools are also acting to prevent the virus spread, including Neelyville R-4, Poplar Bluff R-1, and Twin Rivers R-10- which are all emphasizing extensive cleaning and deep sanitizing of all rooms and buses, as well as focusing on cleanliness among students and teachers.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has asked that anyone showing symptoms – including fever and cough – to postpone their driving tests, and is recommending residents to practice sanitization methods like avoiding touching your face, staying at home and away from others while sick, and covering your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Other ways to prevent the spread of the virus is to limit personal contact with other people, and avoiding touching your face after touching objects or surfaces.
DEATH REPORTED FROM HOUSE FIRE IN CLAY COUNTY
A woman has died following a house fire in Clay County on Thursday.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, authorities responded to a house fire on East 7th Street in Rector, where the home was found smoking.
Authorities report that 89 year old Louise Shelton was found deceased inside the house.
The incident is currently under investigation, and more details will become available as it proceeds.
WEATHER OFFICIALS SAY THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER EVENT THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING
Weather officials say we could see severe weather this afternoon and evening.
According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service, the potential exists for a significant severe weather episode this afternoon and evening. Isolated to scattered supercells with very large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes are possible.
This evening, these storms could evolve into a line of thunderstorms, with a significant damaging wind threat. The time frame to see severe weather will be from noon through 10 pm.
ENDANGERED TEEN OUT OF RIPLEY COUNTY FOUND
An endangered person from Doniphan was found safe at midnight today.
According to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, 13 year old Hannah Hamor was found safe after her father reported that she was safe with family near Washington State.
She had previously not been seen since March 5th, and was last seen with 35 year old Dawn Jessup.
VOTING HAS BEGUN FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY IN MISSOURI
Voting has begun in Missouri for the Presidential Primary Election.
Voters will be able to cast their votes at a number of stations statewide from 6 am to 7 pm for the primary nominations, and anyone who is in line when the stations close will be able to cast their votes.
A full list of polling stations is available by visiting SOS.Mo.Gov.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN CONVICTED ON SODOMY CHARGES
A Poplar Bluff man was convicted of several sodomy and statutory rape charges.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 47 year old Robert Chavez was convicted of statutory sodomy, 1st degree, and statutory rape, 1st and 2nd degree.
He was also charged on four additional 1st degree statutory sodomy charges, first degree child molestation, and second degree rape.
These charges are a result of a sexual abuse claim that began in 2012 on a then 13 year old, and continued into 2014.
POPLAR BLUFF GIRLS BASKETBALL WINS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
The Poplar Bluff girls’ basketball team won their first district championship in nine years last night in Poplar Bluff.
The Mules won the Class 5, District 1 championship game over Jackson 49 to 44. This is the Lady Mules first district title since the 2010-11 season.
The Lady Mules now advance to play in the state sectional next Wednesday at Jefferson College in Hillsboro. They will play the winner of the district 2 final tonight between Oakville and Cor Jesu Academy.
The Mules lost their District Championship game last night to Jackson 49 to 45.
THREE DEATHS REPORTED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Three deaths were reported from a vehicle crash that occurred in Dunklin County on Wednesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at US 412 on Missouri 25, near Kennett, where a vehicle crashed into another vehicle’s side, then struck a third vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle, 52 year old Nelson Mayberry, the driver of the struck vehicle, 69 year old Carolyn Taylor, and an occupant of the same vehicle, 80 year old Dorothy Brewer, were all pronounced dead at the scene.
A woman has died following a house fire in Butler County.
Butler County Coroner Andy Moore tells KWOC News that early Wednesday morning, authorities responded to a structure fire on Highway 53, south of Qulin.
Fire crews were able to make entry and found one person down inside the residence. The subject was immediately removed and determined to be deceased.
Coroner Andy Moore says that the person has been identified as 51 year old Tammie Boswell of Qulin
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently still on scene, however no foul play is currently suspected at this time.
FUGITIVE OUT OF STATE ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
A fugitive from Iowa was taken into custody in New Madrid County on methamphetamine possession on Tuesday.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 32 year old Alexandra Crow, of Fairfield, was arrested on felony possession of methamphetamine.
She was transported to the New Madrid County Jail following her arrest.
WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF HAIL DURING MONDAY STORMS
Monday’s storm system brought heavy winds and Tornado Warnings to our area, along with widespread hail.
Tornado warnings were issued in multiple areas yesterday evening including Butler, Dunklin, Ripley, Stoddard, and Wayne Counties in Southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service, minor damage was reported in Ripley and Stoddard Counties.
There were also widespread reports of hail in Southeast Missouri with an estimated three inch size hail reported in the Poplar Bluff area.
MISSOURI STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL TO BE HELD TOMORROW
A statewide tornado drill will be held tomorrow as a part of Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week.
State officials say that Missouri’s annual Statewide Tornado Drill is scheduled to be held at 10 am.
Multiple area communities including Carter County and Sikeston have confirmed they will be participating in the drill.
If a tornado is in your area, the best shelter is a basement or other underground location. If a basement is not available, move to an all interior small room, or other interior location such as a hallway. Stay away from outside walls, doors, and windows. Try to keep as many walls as you can between you and the wind outside.
Mobile homes should be abandoned in favor of a more substantial structure if you are threatened by a tornado.
If you are in a vehicle and have a clear path that you can drive in a direction away from the tornado, then do so. As a last resort, you can abandon your vehicle and hide in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head. The best thing to do if severe weather threatens is to not drive. Stay in a safe building until the storms pass.
