Friday April 24, 2020

Friday April 24, 2020

24th CASE OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS REPORTED IN BUTLER COUNTY

Butler County reported its 24th case of the COVID-19 virus on Thursday.

According to the Butler County Health Department, as well as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the patient has been quarantined, and residents who may have come into contact with the patient while they were active will be contacted and given instruction.

In Butler County, 12 of the total 24 cases have recovered, with 2 patients currently hospitalized, and 10 cases that are unknown at this time.

As of Thursday, there have been a total of 6,321 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Missouri, and 218 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.

Butler County Health Department Confirms 24th Positive Case of COVID-19; 12 Patients have Recovered

Officials with the Butler County Health Department tell KWOC News, they have confirmed an additional case of COVID-19.

Local Health Department staff will be monitoring the case and additional follow up contacts will be done. They have already received a list of people from the patients’ contacts.

This patient is self-quarantining at their homes, according to health officials. No other information will be released about the two patients.

The health department reports there are 24 positive cases of COVID-19 in Butler County. Of those 24 cases, 12 have recovered, 2 are hospitalized, 14 are male, and 10 are female. 10 cases are still pending at this time.

The Butler County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC, to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with the individual, while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

As of 11 AM on Thursday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports there are 6,137 cases and 208 deaths in the state.

Area Counties are reporting the following positive cases:

Carter- 3

Dunklin- 19

New Madrid- 9

Pemiscot- 17

Reynolds- 2

Ripley- 4

Stoddard- 19

Wayne- 0

Thursday April 23, 2020

Thursday April 23, 2020

MAN'S BODY FOUND FOLLOWING STRUCTURE FIRE IN DEXTER

A man's body was found after a structure fire was reported in Dexter on Wednesday.

According to Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner, a house fire was called in on State Highway 114 in Dexter, and the structure was completely engulfed in flames by the time fire crews arrived at the scene. The building was destroyed by the fire, and the body of a male was discovered inside.

The Stoddard County Major Case Squad has been sent to aid the Sheriff’s Department, Dexter Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Missouri Fire Marshall in an investigation on the incident, which is currently ongoing.

The identity of the man is currently unknown, and an autopsy is scheduled for today in Farmington.

Wednesday April 22, 2020

Wednesday April 22, 2020

POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 VIRUS IN MISSOURI REACHES 5,900

The total cases of the coronavirus in Missouri continues to increase.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of Tuesday, there have been a total of 5,941 cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri, with just under 57,000 Missouri residents that have been tested for the disease. Among the cases, there have been a total of 189 deaths that were directly caused by the virus.

Residents are reminded not to panic, and to continue keeping social distancing and hygiene ethics in mind in order to stop any further spread of the disease.

If you are showing symptoms of the disease, such as shortness of breath, consistent coughing, and a fever, you’re advised to first contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any emergency rooms or hospitals.

Tuesday April 21, 2020

Tuesday April 21, 2020

BODY RECOVERED FROM BLACK RIVER IN BUTLER COUNTY

A body was recovered from the Black River in Butler County on Sunday.

Butler County Coroner Andy Moore tells KWOC News that the body has been identified as 36 year old John Bishop, of Poplar Bluff, who was last seen in the city on March 16th.

He had previously been reported missing on March 18th by a family member, and his body was found by a fisherman who reportedly found it about one mile from Hargrove Road, in a decomposed state. It is suspected that his body had been there for at least days, possibly weeks.

An autopsy of his body has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Body recovered from the Black River in Butler County now identified

Authorities have identified a body that was recovered from the Black River in Butler County on Sunday.

Butler County Coroner Andy Moore tells KWOC News, the body has been identified as 36 year old John Bishop of Poplar Bluff. He was identified by tattoos and pictures they had of him. He also had identification on him as well. An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs says, had been last talked to or heard from on March 16. He reportedly was last seen in the city.

Two days later, a family member reported him missing to the Poplar Bluff Police Department. 

Dobbs says, a fisherman called to report he found what he believed to be a body in Black River, approximately a half to one mile upstream from the Hargrove Road.

The body was retrieved about an hour later. The body appeared to be in decomposition and had been there for several days, maybe even weeks.

Authorities investigating after body was recovered from Black River in Butler County

Authorities in Butler County are investigating the death of a man whose body was pulled from Black River Sunday afternoon.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs says shortly after 2:30 p.m., a fisherman called to report he found what he believed to be a body in Black River, approximately a half to one mile upstream from the Hargrove Road.

The body was retrieved about an hour later. The body appeared to be in decomposition and had been there for several days, maybe even weeks.”

Identification has been made of the white male, but next of kin has not been notified.

Further details are not being released at this time.

Health Officials in Butler County Confirm 22nd Positive Case of COVID-19; Eight Have Recovered, Two Currently Hospitalized

Case Manager and Prevention Specialist Amanda Fitzwater with the Butler County Health Department tells KWOC News, another resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

Local Health Department staff will be monitoring the case and additional follow up contacts will be done. They have already received a list of people from the patients’ contacts.

This patient is self-quarantining at their homes, according to health officials. No other information will be released about the patient.

The health department now reports, there are currently 22 residents in the County who have the virus, including 13 men and 9 women. In addition, two patients are currently hospitalized due to the disease and eight have recovered.

The Butler County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC, to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with the individuals, while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Area Counties are reporting the following positive cases:

Carter- 3

Dunklin- 18

New Madrid- 8

Pemiscot- 11

Reynolds- 2

Ripley- 3

Stoddard- 16

Wayne- 0

As of 11 AM on Saturday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports there are 5,283 cases and 165 deaths in the state.

Butler County Health Officials Confirm 21st Positive Case of COVID-19; Eight Have Recovered

Case Manager and Prevention Specialist Amanda Fitzwater with the Butler County Health Department tells KWOC News, another resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

Local Health Department staff will be monitoring the case and additional follow up contacts will be done. They have already received a list of people from the patients’ contacts.

This patient is self-quarantining at their homes, according to health officials. No other information will be released about the patient.

The health department now reports, there are currently 21 people in the County who have the virus, including 12 men and 9 women. In addition, two patients are currently hospitalized due to the disease and eight have recovered.

The Butler County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC, to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with the individuals, while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Area Counties are reporting the following positive cases:

Carter- 3

Dunklin- 18

New Madrid- 8

Pemiscot- 11

Reynolds- 2

Ripley- 3

Stoddard- 13

Wayne- 0

As of 11 AM on Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports there are 5,111 cases and 152 deaths in the state.

Friday April 17, 2020

Friday April 17, 2020

SECOND COVID-19 DEATH REPORTED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY; NEW CASES IN DUNKLIN AND BUTLER COUNTIES

A second patient has died in Dunklin County due to the COVID-19 virus.

Dunklin County also reported its 18th positive case on Thursday, and Butler County has confirmed another case of the disease, making it the 20th case of the County. In Butler County, there have been at least 513 residents that have tested for the disease.

Officials with the Counties’ Health Departments are working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as the CDC, to find and contact any individuals who may have been exposed to the disease while the patients were active.

As of Thursday, there have been a total of 5,111 cases of the coronavirus in Missouri, and 152 deaths have been reported due to the disease.

If you are showing any symptoms of the virus, including persistent coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting a hospital. Residents are also being reminded to keep social distancing guidelines, and to continue practicing good hygiene to help curb the spread of the disease.

One New COVID-19 Case Confirmed; Two Patients Hospitalized in Butler County

Case Manager and Prevention Specialist Amanda Fitzwater with the Butler County Health Department tells KWOC News, another resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

Local Health Department staff will be monitoring the case and additional follow up contacts will be done. They have already received a list of people from the patients’ contacts.

This patient is self-quarantining at their homes, according to health officials. No other information will be released about the patient.

The health department now reports, there are currently 20 people in the County who have the virus, including 12 men and 8 women. In addition, two patients are currently hospitalized due to the disease. At least 513 Butler County residents have been tested for COVID-19, according to health officials.

The Butler County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC, to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with the individuals, while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Area Counties are reporting the following positive cases:

Carter- 3

Dunklin- 18

New Madrid- 8

Pemiscot- 11

Reynolds- 2

Ripley- 3

Stoddard- 13

Wayne- 0

As of 11 AM on Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports there are 4,895 cases and 147 deaths in the state.

Thursday April 16, 2020

Thursday April 16, 2020

GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON TO ADDRESS MISSOURI’S STAY AT HOME ORDER THIS AFTERNOON

Governor Mike Parson will address Missouri’s Stay-at-Home order during his daily COVID-19 briefing at 3 pm today.

Gov. Parson announced he is looking at plans to re-open the state after having multiple conversations with local elected officials and other governors. The governor hinted there will be changes made in the coming days during his address on Wednesday.

At this time, it is not clear if the order will be extended or if the governor will begin to ease some of the restrictions.

Parson said testing and social distancing are the most important factors in getting the spread of COVID-19 under control and putting the state’s economy back on track.

COVID-19 testing is one of the factors Parson is looking at in re-opening the state. He said once testing is where it needs to be, Missouri can reopen.

Wednesday April 15, 2020

Wednesday April 15, 2020

BUTLER COUNTY HOLDING CARING TOGETHER EVENT

Butler County will be participating today in an All Caring Together and Serving day to help families and homes that have been affected by the COVID-19 virus.

According to the Butler County EMA, the day will be used to help the County, and its residents, overcome and help reduce the strain that the disease has caused in the last few months, and there are a few ways that individuals can help.

This includes making wellness calls to homes that are suffering from the impact of the virus, making masks to donate to front line workers, and making donations to help with the financial needs of the community who are suffering the most.

You can also donate non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items, fabric, and elastic to the Libla Family Sports Complex from 3 pm to 7 pm.

The Animal Welfare Alliance will also be accepting donations on the campus of animal food, or money to buy animal food, to give to pet owners who can’t afford to buy any.

To volunteer for wellness check calls, visit www.Deliver-Hope.Com, or call 686-8624. If you are making masks, call or text 573-714-5328, and they will be picked up from your home for distribution. Financial donations are available online or through Facebook through several churches and organizations, including the Deliver Hope program.

Tuesday April 14, 2020

Tuesday April 14, 2020

MISSOURI HEALTHCARE OPENING CORONAVIRUS TEST COLLECTING SITE

Missouri Highlands Health Care will be opening a COVID-19 test collection site in Poplar Bluff today.

According to the department, the testing center will be an appointment only location where individuals who meet requirements will be able to be tested for the disease. The center will open at 8:30 am, and is located at the Mansion Mall parking lot.

To schedule an appointment, call their Nurse Coronavirus Hotline at 573-727-8285, which will give you direction on a pre-screening that is necessary before an appointment can be made.

The hotline is available on Mondays through Fridays, from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.

Butler County Reports Two More COVID-19 Cases; 2 Patients Recovering from COVID-19 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center

The Health Department has announced new cases of the coronavirus. Case Manager and Prevention Specialist Amanda Fitzwater tells KWOC News, they have confirmed two new cases of COVID-19.

Local Health Department staff will be monitoring the cases and additional follow up contacts will be done. They have already received a list of people from both patients’ contacts.

This patients are self-quarantining at their homes, according to health officials. No other information will be released about the patients.

The health department now reports, there are 17 positive cases of COVID-19 in Butler County. KWOC News has learned that two other patients with COVID-19 are being cared for at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

The Butler County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC, to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with the individuals, while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

As of 11 AM on Monday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports there are 4,160 cases and 110 deaths in the state.

Area Counties are reporting the following positive cases:

Carter- 3

Dunklin- 15

New Madrid- 8

Pemiscot- 4

Reynolds- 2

Ripley- 3

Stoddard- 11

Wayne- 0

Monday April 13, 2020

Monday April 13, 2020

JUVENILE WOUNDED FROM ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING IN BUTLER COUNTY

A juvenile from Butler County was transported to a hospital on Friday after being accidentally shot in the head.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, a juvenile was handling a low caliber firearm before he accidentally shot his younger brother in the head. Following the shooting, the victim was transported by air to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment. He is now out of surgery, and in a critical but stable condition.

The Sheriff’s Department urges residents to keep the importance of gun safety in their minds during this time, especially around children.

Juvenile air lifted to a St. Louis Hospital Following Accidental Shooting in Butler County

Authorities in Butler County are investigating after what appears to be an accidental shooting.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News, around 3:15 Friday afternoon, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1800 Block of County Road 316 off of Highway UU, in reference to an accidental shooting.

Few details are being released at this time, however Sheriff Dobbs says his office is still investigating, but preliminary findings show this was an accidental shooting involving two juveniles, in which a 22 long rifle struck one of the juveniles in the head.

Following the incident the juvenile was air lifted to a St. Louis Hospital. At this time, the condition of the juvenile is unknown.

Sheriff Dobbs says, “This situation reminds us of gun safety, especially with so many kids at home during this pandemic situation.”

Due to the circumstances of the incident, KWOC News will not be releasing the ages of the juveniles involved.

COVID-19 Cases on the Rise: Butler County Health Department Confirms 5 New Cases of COVID-19; Bringing Total Positive Cases to 15

Butler County may be starting to see an uptick of COVID-19 cases. Butler County Health Department Case Manager and Prevention Specialist Amanda Fitzwater tells KWOC News, they have confirmed five new cases of COVID-19. Since Monday, 11 cases have been reported.

Local Health Department staff will be monitoring the cases and additional follow up contacts will be done. They have already received a list of people from each patients’ contacts.

This patients are self-quarantining at their homes, according to health officials. No other information will be released about the patients.

The health department reports there are 15 positive cases of COVID-19 in Butler County.

The Butler County Health Department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC, to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with the individuals, while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Area Counties are reporting the following positive cases:

Carter- 3

Dunklin- 12

New Madrid- 6

Pemiscot- 4

Reynolds- 2

Ripley- 2

Stoddard- 9

Wayne- 0

As of 11 AM on Friday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports there are 3,539 cases and 77 deaths in the state.

Friday April 10,2020

Friday April 10,2020

ONE TEENAGER DEAD AND THREE OTHERS SERIOUSLY INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

A death has been reported, and three others were severely injured from a vehicle crash in Dunklin County on Thursday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News that a vehicle ran off the left side of Highway NN, north of the Arkansas State Line, before striking a utility pole and overturning.

A 16 year old occupant was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, with the 16 year old driver, as well as a 17 year old and 19 year old passenger, suffering serious injuries from the incident.

The three injured were transported by air to a hospital in Memphis.