2nd Resident that Tested Positive In Stoddard County Nursing Home has Died
A 2nd resident of the Crowley Ridge Nursing Home in Dexter, who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, has died.
According to Stoddard County officials, though the patient had tested positive for the coronavirus last week, the cause of death is currently undetermined. Additionally, of the 27 total patients from the nursing home who tested positive for the virus, five of them are currently hospitalized.
At this time, no personal information about the resident will be released.
As of 4 pm Tuesday, Stoddard County has 65 total cases of COVID-19, of those cases 36 are active.
Wednesday May 20, 2020
POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON IN RAPE, SODOMY CASE
A Poplar Bluff man was sentenced to time in prison in a rape, sodomy case.
According to officials from the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 47 year old Robert Chavez, of Poplar Bluff, was charged on 1st degree statutory sodomy, and 1st degree statutory rape.
These charges stem from multiple witness, law enforcement, and victim testimonies – as well as a letter read by the victim – which state that Chavez began sexually abusing the then 13 year old victim in October 2012, and continued the abuse until June of 2014.
A SAFE examination by the victim, as well as several months worth of messages between the two, were also used as evidence in court trials.
Chavez is currently incarcerated at the Butler County Jail, and will be serving 55 years jail time – 25 years on statutory sodomy, and 30 years for statutory rape.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON IN RAPE, SODOMY CASE
A Poplar Bluff man was sentenced to time in prison in a rape, sodomy case.
According to officials from the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 47 year old Robert Chavez, of Poplar Bluff, was charged on 1st degree statutory sodomy, and 1st degree statutory rape.
These charges stem from multiple witness, law enforcement, and victim testimonies – as well as a letter read by the victim – which state that Chavez began sexually abusing the then 13 year old victim in October 2012, and continued the abuse until June of 2014.
A SAFE examination by the victim, as well as several months worth of messages between the two, were also used as evidence in court trials.
Chavez is currently incarcerated at the Butler County Jail, and will be serving 55 years jail time – 25 years on statutory sodomy, and 30 years for statutory rape.
ARREST MADE IN PEMISCOT COUNTY FOLLOWING METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE
A man was taken into custody in Pemiscot County on Tuesday for methamphetamine possession.
According to the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department, 43 year old Bryan Prater, of Baytown, Texas, was arrested for the felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
He was transported to the Pemiscot County Jail following his arrest.
INJURIES REPORTED IN BUTLER COUNTY FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH
A driver was injured in Butler County on Tuesday from a vehicle crash.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the incident occurred on Highway O, north of Poplar Bluff, where a vehicle ran off the roadway and struck 2 guy wires and a utility pole.
The elderly driver suffered minor injuries from the crash, and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment.
NEW CASE OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN STODDARD COUNTY, TOTAL CASES IN MISSOURI OVER 11,000
A new case of the coronavirus was reported in Stoddard County, and the number of cases in the state has peaked 11,000.
According to the Stoddard County Health Department, as well as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, a new case was announced on Tuesday, raising the total cases in the County to 65.
The patient has been quarantined, and the health departments are working to contact anyone who may have been exposed while they were active.
Additionally, a resident of the Crowley Ridge Nursing Home in Dexter, who tested positive for the disease, died on Tuesday, however the cause of death is currently undetermined. 27 other residents of the nursing home tested positive, and 5 of them are currently hospitalized.
In Missouri, the total number of COVID-19 cases has increased to 11,080, and a total of 616 deaths in the state have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus, including shortness of breath, fever, and persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any emergency or hospital rooms.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL EXPANDS ALERT SYSTEMS
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that it has expanded its AMBER Alert System.
According to the Patrol, the system has been expanded to include a Blue Alert system, which will provide law enforcement with early warnings for officers for a variety of scenarios involving the arrest of suspects who have reported to have killed or injured an officer.
A Blue Alert will initiate when an officer is missing, an officer or law enforcer is killed or injured, a credible threat to kill or injure an officer is reported, or a request to activate the Alert is approved.
ROADWAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY SCHEDULED FOR REDUCTION DURING REPAIRS
A roadway in New Madrid County will be reduced while it undergoes repairs.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 153, from Route B to Route 62, will be reduced to one lane while MoDOT crews perform pavement repairs.
The work is set to begin today, and will continue through Thursday, from 7 am to 4:30 pm both days.
Stoddard County Patient That Tested Positive for COVID-19 has Died
A resident of the Crowley Ridge Nursing Home in Dexter, who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, has died.
According to Stoddard County officials, though the patient had tested positive for the coronavirus last week, the cause of death is currently undetermined. Additionally, of the 27 total patients from the nursing home who tested positive for the virus, five of them are currently hospitalized.
At this time, no personal information about the resident will be released.
Tuesday May 19, 2020
NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN BUTLER AND CARTER COUNTIES
New cases of the COVID-19 virus have been reported in both Butler and Carter County.
According to the Counties’ Health Departments, one new case was reported in Butler County, the first new case since May 13th, raising the total cases in the County to 28. Of these, 24 have recovered.
In Carter County, health departments have reported its first confirmed case since April 6th, making the total number of patients in the County four.
Both patients have been self-quarantined at their homes, and local health departments will be working with the CDC to contact anyone who may have been in contact with them while they were active.
In Missouri, the total positive cases of the coronavirus has reached 10,945, and 605 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.
NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN BUTLER AND CARTER COUNTIES
New cases of the COVID-19 virus have been reported in both Butler and Carter County.
According to the Counties’ Health Departments, one new case was reported in Butler County, the first new case since May 13th, raising the total cases in the County to 28. Of these, 24 have recovered.
In Carter County, health departments have reported its first confirmed case since April 6th, making the total number of patients in the County four.
Both patients have been self-quarantined at their homes, and local health departments will be working with the CDC to contact anyone who may have been in contact with them while they were active.
In Missouri, the total positive cases of the coronavirus has reached 10,945, and 605 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.
POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT IN POPLAR BLUFF THEFT
Poplar Bluff authorities are searching for the identity of a suspect in an area theft.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, a suspect was caught on video surveillance stealing from a local business, and a video of the male is available at the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Facebook page.
If you know the identity of the male, you are asked to contact Detective Dan Mustain by calling 573-686-8632.
POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL SELLING TICKETS FOR SENIOR EVENTS
The Poplar Bluff Highschool will be selling tickets to Senior Events starting today.
The High School will be selling tickets for Project Graduations, Prom, and the Senior Banquet. Graduation tickets will be $5, Prom tickets are $20 for Seniors and $25 for all others, and Senior Banquet tickets will be $15 per ticket.
The tickets will be available today and Wednesday in front of the High School, from 4 pm to 7 pm.
TWO VEHICLES SHOT BY AIR RIFLES WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH BUTLER COUNTY
Two vehicles were reported to have been shot by air rifles in Butler County on Monday.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, authorities responded to a call to an area on U.S. 60 East, near Marble Hill Cemetery, about reported shots fired.
There, a driver reported to officials that he saw what seemed to be a dark-skinned male subject while approaching the Marble Hill overpass, who reportedly put his hands out in front of him as if holding out a gun. Then, the driver heard what he believed to be gunshots, which struck the rear of his car and cracked the passenger windshield.
Around an hour later, authorities responded to another call of shots fired on Highway 67 South, where a Poplar Bluff resident’s vehicle’s rear glass was shattered by suspected gunfire coming from a black, four-door Jeep Cherokee that was driving beside them.
In both cases, no bullet fragments or shell casings were found, and the indentations found in the vehicles were consistent with an air rifle or pellet gun.
No injuries were reported from either cases, and both are currently under investigation.
WOMAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY FOR DRUG POSSESSION
An Ellsinore woman was taken into custody in Butler County on Monday for drug possession.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 28 year old Bethany Payne was arrested for the felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
Following her arrest, she was transported to the Butler County Jail.
ROADWAY IN RIPLEY COUNTY SCHEDULED TO CLOSE DURING BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
A road in Ripley County is set to close down while a bridge is being replaced.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 142, between Route B and County Road B-3AA – near Naylor – will be closed while contractor crew replace the Little Black River bridge.
The work is set to take place on Tuesday, May 26th, and is expected to be finished by August 14th.
Monday May 18, 2020
BUSINESS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 OUTBREAK; MULTIPLE CASES REPORTED FROM DEXTER NURSING HOME
The ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has left a business bankrupt, and a nursing home in Dexter has reported multiple positive cases of the virus.
According to the Stoddard County Health Department, 22 cases of the disease were confirmed in a Stoddard County nursing home, including 20 residents and 2 employees. All of the infected patients have been hospitalized, and the rest of the staff and residents have been tested.
Any further patients will be moved to a separate wing of the nursing home.
In business, the JCPenney company filed for bankruptcy on Friday afternoon, with officials from the company stating that the COVID outbreak was the last nail in the coffin after a decade of poor decisions, damaging market trends, and executive decisions.
The company has started a turnaround plan that will allow it to stay in business, however an unknown number of its 846 stores will be shutting down.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services state that as of Sunday, there have been a total of 10,789 confirmed cases in Missouri, and 594 deaths in the state have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are showing symptoms of the coronavirus, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
BUSINESS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 OUTBREAK; MULTIPLE CASES REPORTED FROM DEXTER NURSING HOME
The ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has left a business bankrupt, and a nursing home in Dexter has reported multiple positive cases of the virus.
According to the Stoddard County Health Department, 22 cases of the disease were confirmed in a Stoddard County nursing home, including 20 residents and 2 employees.
Any further patients will be moved to a separate wing of the nursing home.
In business, the JCPenney company filed for bankruptcy on Friday afternoon, with officials from the company stating that the COVID outbreak was the last nail in the coffin after a decade of poor decisions, damaging market trends, and executive decisions.
The company has started a turnaround plan that will allow it to stay in business, however an unknown number of its 846 stores will be shutting down.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services state that as of Sunday, there have been a total of 10,789 confirmed cases in Missouri, and 594 deaths in the state have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are showing symptoms of the coronavirus, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENT ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG RELATED CHARGES
A Poplar Bluff resident was taken into custody on Sunday on multiple drug related charges.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 18 year old Kylea Hunter was arrested for the felony charges on possession of heroin – 49 grams-, ecstasy possession – 14 grams -, and 2nd degree trafficking of a controlled substance.
Following his arrest, he was transported to the Butler County Jail.
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED IN POPLAR BLUFF TONIGHT
There will be a public hearing in the city of Poplar Bluff tonight.
According to Poplar Bluff City Hall, the hearing will be conducted to receive citizens input relative to an application for the annexation of city property at 481 State Highway West, owned by Joe and Karen Knuckles, as well as property on 465 State Highway West, owned by Kathe Ledwidge.
There will also be a discussion on the possible submission of an application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for funding for a new fire truck.
Any interested persons, corporation or political subdivision are allowed to present evidence regarding the proposed annexation, and all citizens are encouraged to attend.
The hearing will be held tonight at 6:45 pm in the City Council Chambers.
ROAD WORK SCHEDULED TODAY FOR BUTLER AND DUNKLIN COUNTIES
Work and maintenance is set to begin today for roads in Butler and Dunklin Counties.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 53 in Butler County, from County Road 309 to 311, will be reduced to one lane while crews perform drainage repairs. The work will begin today, and will continue through Thursday, from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily.
Additionally, part of Route J in Dunklin County, from Palo Verde Drive to Bernard Road, is set to have a culvert on the roadway replaced, and will be reduced to one lane today from 7 am to 4:30 pm. Starting at 6 am on Tuesday, the roadway will be closed, and will stay closed until Wednesday at 6 pm.
AREA MAN CHARGED ON STABBING DEATH IN SIKESTON
A Poplar Bluff man was charged with murder in relation to a stabbing death in Sikeston.
According to the Sikeston Police Department, 40 year old Joseph Cannon, of Poplar Bluff, was charged with the 2nd degree murder of Nina Pop, and armed criminal action.
These charges stem from an investigation by the SEMO Major Case Squad, after Pop’s body was found inside of her apartment at 600 South New Madrid Street in Sikeston, with knife wounds.
Cannon was taken into custody in Dexter, and was transported to be held in custody with no bond.
FOUR ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON DRUG TRAFFICKING
Four suspects were taken into custody in New Madrid County on Saturday for drug trafficking.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 29 year old Ashley Hall, of Detroit, Missouri, 29 year old Jamel Sanders, 36 year old Takesha Williams, and 51 year old Jerome Gipson, all from Detroit, Michigan, were arrested on the felony charge of 1st degree drug trafficking.
They were all transported to the New Madrid County Jail following their arrests.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED FOLLOWING STODDARD COUNTY VEHICLE CRASH
A driver was injured in a vehicle crash in Stoddard County on Friday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle was moving down Missouri 91, west of Bell City, where it failed to negotiate a curve, causing it to run off the left side of the roadway and overturn.
The driver was seriously injured in the crash, and was transported to a hospital in Cape Girardeau for treatment.
MISSOURI STATE PARKS SCHEDULED TO REOPEN TODAY
Missouri State Parks will be reopening their campgrounds today.
The announcement to reopen grounds was made on Friday, and the organization will be instituting several changes to campground operations to keep with federal social distancing guidelines, as well as to ensure the safety of park guests and staff.
Missouri State Parks now require reservations to be made prior to arrival, cleaning will take priority, some parks will be under limited occupancy, and there will be restrictions to shower houses and restrooms.
Additionally, a new self-check-in feature has been instated, and the parks will only be accepting credit and debit cards.
The parks will be open for business starting today at 3 pm. New reservations will be accepted today for arrival dates starting on May 26th.
Friday May 15, 2020
COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE IN MISSOURI; COUNTIES OPENING THEIR DOORS
The number of cases of the coronavirus in Missouri have continued to increase.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that as of Thursday, there have been a total of 10,317 cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri, and there are now 562 reported deaths in the state that are directly linked to the disease.
According to the Pemiscot County Health Center, the County’s stay at home order and curfew will be ending on Monday, however businesses and churches are still required to maintain proper social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
If you are showing symptoms of the coronavirus, such as shortness of breath, fever, and persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency rooms.
COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE IN MISSOURI; COUNTIES OPENING THEIR DOORS
The number of cases of the coronavirus in Missouri have continued to increase.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that as of Thursday, there have been a total of 10,317 cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri, and there are now 562 reported deaths in the state that are directly linked to the disease.
According to the Pemiscot County Health Center, the County’s stay at home order and curfew will be ending on Monday, however businesses and churches are still required to maintain proper social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
If you are showing symptoms of the coronavirus, such as shortness of breath, fever, and persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency rooms.
ROADWAY SCHEDULED FOR REDUCTION FOR DERAILMENT CLEANUP
A road in Dunklin County will be reduced while cleanup is being performed from the recent train derailment.
According to the Campbell Fire Department, US 62 will be reduced to one lane starting today so that contractor crews can begin the work of preparing, unloading, and removing the blown over rail cars from the roadway.
The derailing happened on May 4th, near Highway 62 and County Road 217, and was caused by heavy winds from the severe thunderstorms that occurred.
To keep up to date on road closures and maintenance regarding the incident, visit the Campbell Fire Department Facebook page.
TRACK AND FIELD RUNNER AND SOCCER PLAYER NAMED POPLAR BLUFF ATHLETES OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL
A Poplar Bluff track and field runner and soccer player have been named as Athletes of the Month for April.
The Mules Booster Club has named Gage Rowland and Emily Spencer of Poplar Bluff High School for the honor.
Rowland, a senior track and field runner, jumped 13 feet 11.25 inches in the pole vault, ranking 9th in the state in 2020. In the classroom, he maintained a 10.306 GPA, and has signed a National Letter of Intent to run track for Lindenwood University.
Spender, a senior soccer player, has averaged 15 tackles per season with 60 career tackles. During her freshman and junior years, she was named All-Defense and most improved during her sophomore year. She has maintained an 11.3 GPA in the classroom.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES START TO FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced yesterday that plans have started for the state to receive federal disaster assistance.
The decision to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency comes from the severe storms and tornado damage that occurred in early May, which caused heavy damage to buildings, homes, and structures in multiple Counties in Southeast Missouri.
The damage includes the two tornadoes that were confirmed in Marston on May 3rd and Carter County on May 4th, as well as the train derailing that occurred in Dunklin County due to strong winds, and the mass power outages across the state which left over 37,000 homes without power.
Counties slated for assistance by the disaster funding include Butler, Carter, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Wayne and Stoddard Counties.
HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE FOR THIS WEEKEND
Weather officials say that Southeast Missouri could see some heavy rainfall this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, locally heavy rainfall is possible later today as a strong storm system moves into the area.
Parts of Butler, Ripley, Wayne, Carter, Stoddard, and New Madrid Counties could all see one to three inches of rainfall.
Officials say the heaviest rainfall is expected this evening through Sunday night.
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK STARTS ON SATURDAY
Saturday marks the beginning of the 2020 National Safe Boating week.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, tells KWOC News that National Safe Boating week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season.
Boaters are encouraged to arrange for a thorough inspection of your boat prior to taking it out on the water.
The Patrol’s marine operations troopers are available to inspect the required equipment on your boat, at your request, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law.
Thursday May 14, 2020
LAKE WAPPAPELLO CAMPGROUNDS SET TO REOPEN SOON
The campgrounds of Lake Wappapello are scheduled to open its doors to the public soon.
The Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers announced on Wednesday that the grounds will be opening on May 22nd, including Greenville, Peoples and Redman Creek, as well as all primitive campgrounds and camping.
To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the grounds will only be available through reservations. These reservations must be made in advance, and are only available online at www.Recreation.Gov.
All beaches, playgrounds, fish cleaning stations, and the Visitor Center will remain closed until further notice, and all special events will remain canceled until June 30th.
LAKE WAPPAPELLO CAMPGROUNDS SET TO REOPEN SOON
The campgrounds of Lake Wappapello are scheduled to open its doors to the public soon.
The Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers announced on Wednesday that the grounds will be opening on May 22nd, including Greenville, Peoples and Redman Creek, as well as all primitive campgrounds and camping.
To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the grounds will only be available through reservations. These reservations must be made in advance, and are only available online at www.Recreation.Gov.
All beaches, playgrounds, fish cleaning stations, and the Visitor Center will remain closed until further notice, and all special events will remain canceled until June 30th.
AREA RESIDENT INJURED FROM VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
An area driver was injured in a vehicle crash in Butler County on Wednesday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the crash occurred on the south outer road, half a mile north of Poplar Bluff, where a vehicle overturned from the driver losing control of the car.
The 94 year old driver received moderate injuries as a result of the crash, and was transported to a Poplar Bluff Hospital for treatment.
ROAD IN WAYNE AND BOLLINGER COUNTIES SCHEDULED TO CLOSE
A road through Wayne and Bollinger Counties will be closed while maintenance is performed.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route P, from Route 51 in Bollinger County, to Route TT in Wayne County, will be closed while MoDOT crews perform asphalt overlay on the road.
The work is set to begin on Tuesday, and will continue through June 4th, from 7 am to 5 pm daily.
POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI CONTINUES TO INCREASE
There have been over 100 additional cases of the coronavirus in Missouri since yesterday.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of Wednesday, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri has increased to 10,142, and there are now 542 deaths in the state that have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, including fever, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any emergency or hospital rooms.
MAN ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON MULTIPLE CHARGES
A Blytheville, AR man was taken into custody in New Madrid on Wednesday on multiple charges.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 35 year old Calvin Britton was arrested on the felony charge of resisting arrest by fleeing, as well as charges on stealing, driving the wrong direction on a divided highway, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.
He was also charged with possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Britton was transported to the New Madrid County Jail following his arrest.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM VEHICLE CRASH IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Serious injuries were reported from a vehicle crash in Pemiscot County on Wednesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle was traveling down I-155 EB, at 9.8 MM, before it went off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
The driver was seriously injured from the crash, and was transported to a hospital in Tennessee.
Wednesday May 13, 2020
BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAYING OFF EMPLOYEES DUE TO BUDGET SHORTAGE
Five employees at the Butler County Sheriff’s Department will be laid off due to a budget shortage.
Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs says that funding shortfalls have forced authorities to lay off several officers and a custodian. The layoffs began in March, and so far a deputy process server and the custodian of the Department has been let go.
There will be three more deputies that will be laid off for an indefinite amount of time, including supervisors and ranking members of the department.
The employees will be able to collect unemployment benefits, and it is unknown at this time if the layoffs will be permanent.
BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAYING OFF EMPLOYEES DUE TO BUDGET SHORTAGE
Five employees at the Butler County Sheriff’s Department will be laid off due to a budget shortage.
Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs says that funding shortfalls have forced authorities to lay off several officers and a custodian. The layoffs began in March, and so far a deputy process server and the custodian of the Department has been let go.
There will be three more deputies that will be laid off for an indefinite amount of time, including supervisors and ranking members of the department.
The employees will be able to collect unemployment benefits, and it is unknown at this time if the layoffs will be permanent.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL DRIVER TESTING SITES OVERCROWDED
There has been an overabundance of upcoming and current drivers arriving at MSHP sites for driver tests.
Since the driver testing sites in Missouri opened back up on Monday, a flood of both newly turned 16 year old drivers, as well as commercial and business drivers, have been crowding sites to get their licenses. Since Monday, over 61 tests have been administered, and 34 individuals have been turned down.
The Patrol is asking young drivers to hold off on taking their tests, so that commercial drivers and essential workers can renew their licenses.
ROAD IN CARTER COUNTY SCHEDULED TO CLOSE FOR REPAIRS
A road in Carter County will be closing while undergoing maintenance.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a portion of Route Z, from Route 103 to County Road 217, will be closed today while contractor crews perform a scrub seal for pavement repairs.
The work is slated to take place today from 6 am to 5 pm, open to local traffic only.
POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI OVER 10,000
Total confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri is now over 10,000.
One new patient has been reported in Butler County, raising the County’s total to 27. Additionally, the County’s Health Department will be lifting the requirement of food establishment workers to wear face masks during their shifts.
The restrictions of limiting seating capacity to half, not allowing self-service at buffets, keeping a maximum of 8 people to a table, proper glove and wellness usage for employees, and keeping larger events outside will remain in place until further notice.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported on Tuesday that the total cases in Missouri has reached 10,006, and the number of deaths in the state caused by the disease has increased to 524.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus, including shortness of breath, fever ,and persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider for assistance before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR IDENTITY OF THIEF
The Poplar Bluff Police Department is searching for the identity of a thief.
According to the department, a subject was caught on video surveillance stealing a battery from a local store. A video of the theft is available on the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Facebook page.
If you know his identity, you are asked to contact Detective Dan Mustain by calling 573-686-8632.
OCCUPANT INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE COLLISION IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Injuries were reported from a vehicle crash in New Madrid County on Tuesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred on Interstate 55, on the Northbound 32 Mile Marker on Ramp, where a vehicle struck another car in the rear.
An occupant of the first vehicle was moderately injured from the collision, and was transported to a Cape Girardeau hospital for treatment.
New Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Butler County; First Since April 26th
Health officials in Butler County are reporting it’s first case of COVID-19 in over two weeks.
Amanda Fitzwater with the Butler County Health Department tells KWOC News, they have confirmed a new case of COVID-19. The last positive case in Butler County was confirmed on April 26th.
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.
The patient is currently hospitalized and will soon be released for self-isolation. No other information will be released about the two patients.
The health department reports there are 27 total positive cases of COVID-19 in Butler County. Of the 27 total cases, 23 have fully recovered.
Tuesday May 12, 2020
MAN ARRESTED IN POPLAR BLUFF FOLLOWING VEHICLE PURSUIT
A man was taken into custody in Poplar Bluff after he crashed his car following a vehicle pursuit.
Lt. Keith Hefner with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that authorities were involved in a vehicle pursuit after they had attempted to stop a car near the intersection of South 11th and Martin Street for careless driving.
The vehicle failed to yield and, following a vehicle pursuit by officers, overturned and crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of 6th and Lester Street.
The driver was identified as 31 year old Seth Parker, of Poplar Bluff, who was taken into custody on a felony charge for resisting arrest, careless and imprudent driving, and multiple minor traffic violations.
An investigation into this incident is currently ongoing, and more information will be available as it proceeds.
MAN ARRESTED IN POPLAR BLUFF FOLLOWING VEHICLE PURSUIT
A man was taken into custody in Poplar Bluff after he crashed his car following a vehicle pursuit.
Lt. Keith Hefner with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that authorities were involved in a vehicle pursuit after they had attempted to stop a car near the intersection of South 11th and Martin Street for careless driving.
The vehicle failed to yield and, following a vehicle pursuit by officers, overturned and crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of 6th and Lester Street.
The driver was identified as 31 year old Seth Parker, of Poplar Bluff, who was taken into custody on a felony charge for resisting arrest, careless and imprudent driving, and multiple minor traffic violations.
An investigation into this incident is currently ongoing, and more information will be available as it proceeds.
MOTORISTS ASKED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MOWERS
Missouri motorists are asked to be careful when approaching mowers along Missouri’s highways.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, major and minor routes will be mowed in three cycles through September. On rural two-lane roads, crews may use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.
Motorists are asked to be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, around 2 to 5 mph. When you approach one of these vehicles, slow down and focus on the road ahead of you.
Also, be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.
ROADWAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY SCHEDULED FOR REDUCTION
A Route through New Madrid County will be reduced today for repairs.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 153, from Route 62 to Route J, will be reduced to one lane while MoDOT crews perform pavement repairs.
The work is set to take place today through Thursday, from 7 am to 4:30 pm each day.
MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER FORMERLY CHARGED IN COURT CASE
Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, a Mississippi man has been formerly charged on the accusation of causing the death of a Poplar Bluff man.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 28 year old Terry Brown appeared in court on Monday via video call, where he was accused on the charges of 2nd degree murder, and armed criminal action.
These charges come from an investigation by the Police Department on Thursday, on the 1000 block of North Grand Avenue, where 50 year old Virgil Brown Sr. was lying on the floor inside the residence with a laceration to his chest.
Brown’s Fiance told authorities that he had gotten into a verbal argument with his brother, and that he had attempted to leave the house before Brown Sr. began to instigate them both. Terry Brown then began to point a knife to the members of the household, before Brown Sr. attempted to subdue him.
Following a short altercation, Brown Sr. was stabbed through his chest, and died of his injuries later at a Poplar Bluff hospital.
A bond reduction hearing has been set for May 18th, and Brown is currently being held at the Butler County Jail on a $500,000 cash or surety bond.
CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI NEARING 10,000
The total number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Missouri continues to rise.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of Monday, there are a total of 9,918 cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri, and 488 have died from the disease within the state.
Officials urge residents to continue practicing social distancing guidelines, and to contact your primary healthcare provider for assistance if you begin showing symptoms of the virus.
ALMOST 42,000 BIRDS HARVESTED IN MISSOURI DURING TURKEY SEASON
A total of almost 42,000 birds were harvested in Missouri during the regular spring turkey season.
According to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation, turkey hunters checked 41,468 birds during the season which ran from April 20th through May 10th.
Young turkey hunters harvested 2,712 birds during the 2020 spring youth season on April 4th and 5th.
The total was almost 5,000 birds higher than the 2019 spring season total harvest of 36,321.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRIES OPENING THIS WEEK IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
There will be a few mobile food pantries opening throughout the week.
Locations for the pantries include the Patterson Baptist Church in Patterson, Wayne County, Ely Baptist Church in Kennett, Dunklin County, and the First Baptist Church in Doniphan, Ripley County.
A full list of locations, dates, and opening times is available on the Kennett Fire Departments Facebook Page.
Food will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis, and will be limited to one box per household. You are required to bring a photo ID and proof of residence with you.
It is requested that each household only visits one mobile food pantry per month in the County they live in.
Monday May 11, 2020
LONG TIME THREE RIVERS COLLEGE COACH RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS
Three River College Basketball Coach Gene Bess has announced his retirement.
Bass has 1,300 wins to his name after his 50 years working as a basketball coach for the college, and was the first college basketball coach to reach 1,000 wins in 2006, 1,100 wins four seasons later, and 1,200 in 2015. His final home game win marked his 1,300th win.
He finished his career with a record of 1,300-416.
The 85 year old coach taught two classes each semester while working as the college’s Athletic Director, and his son, Brian Bess, who has been an assistant coach for 27 years, will be taking his place.
LONG TIME THREE RIVERS COLLEGE COACH RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS
Three River College Basketball Coach Gene Bess has announced his retirement.
Bass has 1,300 wins to his name after his 50 years working as a basketball coach for the college, and was the first college basketball coach to reach 1,000 wins in 2006, 1,100 wins four seasons later, and 1,200 in 2015. His final home game win marked his 1,300th win.
He finished his career with a record of 1,300-416.
The 85 year old coach taught two classes each semester while working as the college’s Athletic Director, and his son, Brian Bess, who has been an assistant coach for 27 years, will be taking his place.
MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON MULTIPLE CHARGES
A Williamsville man was taken into custody in Wayne County on Friday on multiple charges.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, 34 year old Cody Faraone was arrested on a Wayne County Warrant for possession of a controlled substance, and tampering with physical evidence.
He was also charged on felony possession of a controlled substance inside a correctional facility, possession of methamphetamine, 3rd degree assault on a special victim, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following his arrest, he was transported to the Wayne County Jail.
OCCUPANT INJURED FROM VEHICLE CRASH IN RIPLEY COUNTY
An occupant received injuries from a vehicle crash in Ripley County on Friday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle was traveling down US 160, west of Fairdealing, before striking another car in the rear, causing it to run off the roadway and strike a ditch.
An occupant of the struck vehicle was moderately injured from the crash, and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN MURDER CASE
A Poplar Bluff man has been arrested following the stabbing death of his uncle.
According to Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley, authorities responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1000 block of North Grand Avenue on Thursday, where 50 year old Virgil Brown Sr. was lying on the floor inside the residence.
Brown was transported to a hospital for the treatment of a laceration to his chest, where he later died from his injuries.
Witness reports state that he was in an argument with 28 year old Terry Brown, who was reportedly wielding a knife. Brown Sr. had attempted to disarm him, before Terry Brown stabbed him.
Brown was booked at the Butler County Jail for 1st degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.
POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI OVER 9,800
The amount of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri has continued to rise over the weekend.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that as of Sunday, the total number of coronavirus cases in Missouri has risen to 9,844, while the deaths directly linked to the disease has increased to 482.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus, including persistent coughing, fever, or shortness of breath, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider for assistance before visiting any emergency or hospital room.
CHILD PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
A child pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in Pemiscot County on Saturday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on First Street, at Maple Street in Bragg City, where the 13 year old failed to yield and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
The child was seriously injured from the incident, and was transported to a children’s hospital in Memphis for treatment.
ROADS IN SEVERAL SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COUNTIES SCHEDULED FOR MAINTENANCE
There are a few roads in Southeast Missouri that will be closed for road maintenance and repair.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route O, from Route 21 in Carter County to Route 21 in Ripley County, will be closed while transportation crews perform storm debris cleanup. The work will begin today, and will continue through Thursday, from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Additionally, a portion of Route 91 in Scott and Stoddard Counties, between County Roads 447 and 385, will be closed while maintenance is being performed on drainage ditch 35. The work is set to begin today, and will continue through August 10th.
Friday May 8, 2020
DRIVER KILLED IN VEHICLE INCIDENT IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
A driver was killed in an incident that occurred in New Madrid County on Thursday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell (Station Name) News that the event took place on Highway F, north of Portageville, where a vehicle pulled into the path of an oncoming freightliner’s towed unit.
The driver, 20 year old Dylan Emmons, was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER KILLED IN VEHICLE INCIDENT IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
A driver was killed in an incident that occurred in New Madrid County on Thursday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell (Station Name) News that the event took place on Highway F, north of Portageville, where a vehicle pulled into the path of an oncoming freightliner’s towed unit.
The driver, 20 year old Dylan Emmons, was pronounced dead at the scene.
POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI CONTINUES TO INCREASE
Confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri have continued to increase.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there are now a total of 9,341 positive cases of the coronavirus in the state, and 417 deaths in Missouri have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus, such as shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and a fever, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider for assistance, and to avoid visiting any hospital or emergency rooms.
BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERING COVID-19 RAPID TESTING
The Butler County Health Department is offering free coronavirus rapid testing for residents.
The Department will be working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for the testing, and will offer the service to a limited number of individuals, due to the amount received from the state.
Testing will be held at 1619 North Main Street in Poplar Bluff, at the side of the building by the tent, and residents will receive results withing 30 to 45 minutes.
In order to be eligible for testing, you must first schedule an appointment with the department by calling 573-785-8478.
BUTLER COUNTY EMA REQUESTING MASKS FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS
The Butler County Emergency Management Office is requesting masks for frontline workers.
According to the EMA, there is an urgent need for protective facemasks for the County’s frontline workers, and residents are being asked to help meet the demand. Currently, over 1,000 masks are needed for workers at risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
If you want to help make and donate masks, contact the office by calling 573-714-4197, and they will pick them up from your doorstep. Information on making and properly using the masks can be found on the Butler County EMA Facebook page.
WRITTEN AND DRIVER SKILLS TESTING SCHEDULED TO RESUME NEXT WEEK
Written and driver skill testing in Missouri is set to resume next week.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, all written testing and driver skill testing across the state will be opening back up and resuming operation on Monday.
Due to concerns over the COVID-19 virus, locations will be limited, and a list of available testing sites will be available at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Facebook page.
STRUCTURE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE REPORTED FOLLOWING STRONG WINDS IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
New Madrid County has reported damage to property and structures after a bout of strong winds struck on Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a macroburst passed through the County at about 5 in the evening, starting east of Campbell and traveling through Wardell. The damage included the destruction of multiple large grain bins, as well as a collapsed warehouse and two partially collapsed buildings.
Additionally, multiple sheds, garages, and other structures were either destroyed or received heavy damage from the winds.
No injuries were reported, and the winds had an estimated speed of about 110 miles per hour.
TWO INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Two were injured in a vehicle crash in Pemiscot County on Thursday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle was traveling down Interstate 1-55, at the 9 mile marker, where it struck a crossing animal and ran off the right side of the roadway, plowing through several trees before coming to a stop.
The driver and an occupant of the vehicle suffered minor injuries from the crash, and were both transported to a Tennessee hospital for treatment.
Thursday May 7, 2020
TORNADO CONFIRMED BY WEATHER SERVICE IN CARTER COUNTY
A tornado was reported to have touched down in a town in Carter County on Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, an EF0 Tornado was confirmed about 2 miles west of Grandin, and traveled around 4 miles along Highway 21 through Grandin and the Ripley County Line. It pulled trees and ripped out multiple electrical poles in its path, and ripped the roof off a home.
The tornado’s wind speed was about 85 miles per hour, and no injuries were reported from the event.
TORNADO CONFIRMED BY WEATHER SERVICE IN CARTER COUNTY
A tornado was reported to have touched down in a town in Carter County on Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, an EF0 Tornado was confirmed about 2 miles west of Grandin, and traveled around 4 miles along Highway 21 through Grandin and the Ripley County Line. It pulled trees and ripped out multiple electrical poles in its path, and ripped the roof off a home.
The tornado’s wind speed was about 85 miles per hour, and no injuries were reported from the event.
DRIVER INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY VEHICLE CRASH
A driver was injured in a vehicle collision that occurred in Butler County on Wednesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident happened on Missouri Highway 53, at County Road 306, where a vehicle was traveling down the road before striking another car in the rear.
The driver of the traveling vehicle suffered moderate injuries from the crash, and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment.
ROAD IN WAYNE COUNTY SCHEDULED TO BE REDUCED DURING BRIDGE WORK
There is a road in Wayne County that will be reduced while bridge work is being performed.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 34, between County Road 459 and County Road 459-A, will be reduced to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction while contractor crews perform bridge work.
The bridge work is scheduled to take place from Monday, May 11th, through May 29th, from 7 am to 7 pm daily, including weekends.
FOUR OFFICERS INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE PURSUIT IN STODDARD COUNTY
A vehicle pursuit in Dexter led to one arrest, and four officers suffering injuries.
According to the Dexter Police Department, officers engaged in a vehicle pursuit on Monday, where a driver ran a stop sign and almost struck a patrol car. The subject was driving erratically during the pursuit, and intentionally drove into a police patrol car in the South ditch of Lighthouse Drive.
Four Dexter police officers were injured in the pursuit, and were transported to a Dexter hospital for treatment.
The driver of the vehicle, 25 year old Thomas Christian, was taken into custody at the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department for 2nd degree assault, and resisting arrest, on no bond.
TOTAL CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI NOW OVER 9,000
The number of confirmed coronavirus patients in Missouri has reached over 9,000 cases.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the total number of positive COVID-19 virus cases in the state has reached a total of 9,102, and the number of deaths in Missouri directly linked to the disease has increased to 396.
If you are experiencing symptoms of the virus, such as shortness of breath, fever, or persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider for assistance before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
INJURIES REPORTED FOLLOWING VEHICLE INCIDENT IN WAYNE COUNTY
A Poplar Bluff resident was injured in a vehicle incident in Wayne County on Wednesday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News that a vehicle was traveling down Highway W, west of Wappapello, before running off the left side of the roadway and striking a ditch.
The driver received minor injuries from the crash, and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
BOIL WATER ADVISORY CURRENTLY IN EFFECT IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Dunklin County has been placed under a boil water advisory until further notice.
According to County authorities, power to the water supply pumps in district 1 was disconnected after the thunderstorms that spread through Southeast Missouri earlier this week, and water samples will be taken this morning to see if the water is hazardous.
Additional information will be available after the water is tested.
Wednesday April 6, 2020
AREA MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON IN 2018 DEATH CASE
A Poplar Bluff resident was sentenced to time in federal prison in regards to a 2018 death case.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 26 year old Skylar Carter has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a felony charge on 1st degree involuntary manslaughter.
The incident allegedly occurred in November of 2018, where Carter struck 59 year old Daniel Lashley in the chest, leading to his death from blunt-force trauma. He was found in a ditch near Henry Street and taken to Poplar Bluff Regional, where he passed away.
Witnesses state that Lashley had been in an altercation with Carter in the ditch, where Carter had struck and kicked Lashley, leading to his injuries.
Following his trial, Carter has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
AREA MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON IN 2018 DEATH CASE
A Poplar Bluff resident was sentenced to time in federal prison in regards to a 2018 death case.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 26 year old Skylar Carter has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a felony charge on 1st degree involuntary manslaughter.
The incident allegedly occurred in November of 2018, where Carter struck 59 year old Daniel Lashley in the chest, leading to his death from blunt-force trauma. He was found in a ditch near Henry Street and taken to Poplar Bluff Regional, where he passed away.
Witnesses state that Lashley had been in an altercation with Carter in the ditch, where Carter had struck and kicked Lashley, leading to his injuries.
Following his trial, Carter has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
NEW MADRID COUNTY CITY UNDER NIGHTTIME CURFEW AND BOIL WATER ORDER
The city of Gideon in New Madrid County is currently under a nighttime curfew, as well as a boil water order.
According to city officials, the decision for the curfew was made as a result of the increasing number of non-residents coming to the town, and the boil water order was put in place due to the storms disabling water service. When power is restored, the water will be tested to see if the order can be lifted.
Several phone and power lines are down in the city, and Gideon authorities are asking all non-residents to stay out of the town so that crews can continue their work undisturbed.
THREE INJURED IN VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
Three injuries were reported from a vehicle crash in Butler County on Tuesday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the crash occurred on County Road 534, east of County Road 543, where a vehicle was traveling westbound before striking another oncoming car head-on.
Both drivers, as well as an occupant of the struck vehicle, received minor injuries following the crash, and were transported to a hospital in Poplar Bluff for treatment.
TOTAL POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI CONTINUES TO INCREASE
The total number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Missouri has continued to rise.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the total number of cases in Missouri has risen to 8,916, and a total of 377 deaths in the state have been directly linked to the disease.
The department urges residents to stay cautious and to adhere to social distancing guidelines while the state’s stay at home order is lifted, and to contact your primary healthcare provider if you are showing any signs of the virus; including shortness of breath, fever, or persistent coughing.
25 RAIL CARS DERAILED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY AFTER TRAIN INCIDENT
A train derailed near the Arkansas state line in Dunklin County on Monday.
According to the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department, the train derailed on US 62 and County Road 217, west of Campbell, along with the 25 rail cars it was toting at the time of the incident. No one was injured from the derailing, and none of the contents inside the cars spilled.
It is unknown at this time what caused the train to derail, and an investigation is underway.
TWO SEMI TRUCKS BLOWN OFF INTERSTATE 55 IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Two semi trucks were blown off of a roadway during the thunderstorms on Tuesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the two semi’s were blown off of Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County, near Wardell, at around 6 in the evening, during one of the heavy storms in the area. Both were pushed into nearby cable barriers, and one of the rigs overturned.
The driver of the overturned semi received moderate injuries, and the second driver suffered minor injuries, as a result of the crash. Both were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
ROAD IN BUTLER COUNTY SCHEDULED TO BE REDUCED DURING REPAIRS
A road in Butler County is scheduled to be reduced while crews perform repairs.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 53, from County Road 220 to Strawberry Lane, will be reduced to one lane while pavement repairs are being performed.
The work is set to take place today, from 8 am to 4 pm.
Tuesday May 5, 2020
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE AND POWER OUTAGES REPORTED ACROSS THE AREA
Damage to homes and cities in Southeast Missouri has been reported following yesterday’s thunderstorms.
There were several incidents reported in Gideon, ranging from structure damage, homes losing their roofs, and trees blocking Main Street. Road blockage was also reported along Highway 158 near Harviel, Highway 53 in Campbell.
There have also been reports of multiple downed trees and power lines, as well as residence damage in Butler County.
Residents will be hard at work clearing the recent storms damage on top of the incidents caused by Sunday’s thunderstorms, which resulted in about 12,000 houses losing their power, and caused extensive damage across multiple counties.
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE AND POWER OUTAGES REPORTED ACROSS THE AREA
Damage to homes and cities in Southeast Missouri has been reported following yesterday’s thunderstorms.
There were several incidents reported in Gideon, ranging from structure damage, homes losing their roofs, and trees blocking Main Street. Road blockage was also reported along Highway 158 near Harviel, Highway 53 in Campbell.
There have also been reports of multiple downed trees and power lines, as well as residence damage in Butler County.
Residents will be hard at work clearing the recent storms damage on top of the incidents caused by Sunday’s thunderstorms, which resulted in about 12,000 houses losing their power, and caused extensive damage across multiple counties.
MOTORIST INJURED FROM TRAFFIC CRASH IN POPLAR BLUFF
A motorist was injured in a traffic crash that took place in Poplar Bluff on Monday.
Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that a motorized tricycle was traveling eastbound on Pine Street before another driver struck the trike while attempting to change lanes. The vehicle skidded 30 yards across the pavement.
The driver of the trike was injured in the accident, and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment.
TRAIN INCIDENT REPORTED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY BY ARKANSAS BORDER
A train was reported to have derailed in Dunklin County on Monday.
According to authorities with the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office and Kennett Fire Department, the train derailed on US 62, near Campbell, and officials from JSR Environmental and the Department of Natural Resources assisted in accessing the scene.
Additional information on the incident will become available as the investigation proceeds.
PEMISCOT COUNTY PROLONGS STAY AT HOME ORDER DUE TO COVID-19 CASES
Recent cases of the COVID-19 virus have led some counties to prolong their own stay at home orders.
Pemiscot County decided yesterday to prolong their stay at home order throughout May 18th, after two new cases of the coronavirus were reported inside the County, bringing the total cases to 40. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the patients have been quarantined, and efforts are being made to contact anyone who may have been exposed to them while they were active.
As of Monday, there have been a total of 8,754 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri, and 358 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.
PARKS AND FACILITIES IN MISSOURI SCHEDULED TO REOPEN
Parks and Facilities across Missouri are scheduled to reopen now that the statewide stay at home order has ended.
Among them, Lake Wappapello State Park’s lodging and retail operations will be opening back up on May 8th, however watercraft rental will remain closed. Meramec, Montauk, and Sam A Baker State Parks’ facilities reopened operations yesterday. Elephants Rock State Park will start back up on May 13th, and Johnson Shut-Ins State Park will open back up later in the spring.
All of the parks will be operating on limited capacity and services to stop any further spread of the coronavirus, and will be strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines.
DRIVER INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE INCIDENT IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
A driver was injured in a vehicle incident that occurred in Pemiscot County on Monday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle was blown off of Interstate 55 as it was traveling South, causing it to overturn. The car crashed through 25 feet of cable barriers and 6 posts as it overturned.
The driver suffered moderate injuries from the crash, and was transported to a hospital in Hayti for treatment.
Monday May 4, 2020
THUNDERSTORMS LEADS TO POWER OUTAGES ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Thunderstorms that struck on Sunday led to several Counties losing their power.
The storm caused extensive damage to homes, and downed several trees which caused roadways to be blocked and power to be cut off from residents. There were no injuries reported, however an estimated 12,000 homes lost their power starting at around 3:30 in the afternoon.
Power outages spread throughout the day in Butler, Wayne, Carter, and Ripley Counties as the storm moved, with downed trees and power lines being reported in Poplar Bluff, Fremont, Van Buren, Ellsinore, and Neelyville.
THUNDERSTORMS LEADS TO POWER OUTAGES ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Thunderstorms that struck on Sunday led to several Counties losing their power.
The storm caused extensive damage to homes, and downed several trees which caused roadways to be blocked and power to be cut off from residents. There were no injuries reported, however an estimated 12,000 homes lost their power starting at around 3:30 in the afternoon.
Power outages spread throughout the day in Butler, Wayne, Carter, and Ripley Counties as the storm moved, with downed trees and power lines being reported in Poplar Bluff, Fremont, Van Buren, Ellsinore, and Neelyville.
MISSOURI’S STAY AT HOME ORDER OUT OF EFFECT
The state of Missouri’s stay at home order ended yesterday, and operations in the state will slowly return.
With businesses and establishments opening their doors to the public again, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as health departments around the state, is reminding residents to stay cautious of the coronavirus threat.
Guidelines for preventing any further spread of the disease include continuing to practice social distancing when leaving your home or workplace, and to avoid visiting any nursing or assisted living homes.
Schools in Missouri will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be opening written license testing for all commercial driver license skills testing. Applicants are advised to wear face coverings, and to adhere to social distancing guidelines while taking the examination.
CITY OF POPLAR BLUFF HOLDING MEETING ON SEVERAL TOPICS
The Poplar Bluff City Council will be holding a meeting to discuss several subjects.
According to Poplar Bluff City Hall, the meeting will discuss a multitude of workshop items, including petitions for the annexation of several properties, the application of federal programs, property rezoning, and the discussion of amending general permit applications.
A full list of the workshop items is available on Poplar Bluff City Hall’s Facebook page.
The meeting will be held today at the City Council Chambers on 301 South 5th Street, at 7 pm. In adherence to social distancing guidelines, space for attending the meeting will be limited.
TWO INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
Two drivers were injured in a vehicle crash in Butler County on Thursday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News that a vehicle was traveling down Route M, west of Poplar Bluff, where it crossed the center line and struck another oncoming car.
The driver of the first vehicle was seriously injured and flown to a hospital in Memphis, while the second driver suffered moderate injuries from the crash, and was transported to a hospital in Poplar Bluff for treatment.
STORMS DAMAGE REPORTED IN BUTLER, CARTER, AND RIPLEY COUNTIES; MORE SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE TODAY
The storms that crossed the area over the weekend resulted in some damage to multiple homes in Butler County.
According to the National Weather Service, Sunday afternoon in Butler County, a roof was blown off a home and a vacant business in the Neelyville area, and a tree fell onto a residence in Poplar Bluff, trapping the residents inside.
In Carter County, several power poles were broken and dozens of trees were uprooted or had broken limbs.
In Ripley County, trees fell on some power lines north of the Doniphan area.
Another round of severe weather is possible this afternoon in our area. Large hail and damaging winds will be possible once again with this round.
TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI OVER 8,300
The total cases of the coronavirus in Missouri has continued to increase over the weekend.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of Sunday, there have been a total of 8,386 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Missouri, and 352 deaths in the state have been directly linked to the disease.
The Pemiscot County Health Center also reported on Saturday that a second death has been reported from the virus.
If you are showing symptoms of the disease, such as shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and a fever, you are advised to contact your primary health care provider before visiting any hospitals or emergency rooms.
THREE ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES
Three individuals were taken into custody in Wayne County over the weekend on drug related charges.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the first arrest was made on Friday, where 30 year old Tyrell Lindsey, of St. Louis, was booked on felony possession of a controlled substance – cocaine, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The second arrest was on Saturday to 35 year old Amanda Hearne, who was taken into custody on a Wayne County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
The last arrest was on Sunday, where 30 year old Timothy Wimpee was arrested on felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following their arrests, they were all transported to the Wayne County Jail.
ROAD WORK SCHEDULED IN SEVERAL COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Several road work projects in Southeast Missouri will be starting today.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route JJ in Butler County, from County Road 417 to Route 67, will be reduced with a 10-foot width restriction while crews perform asphalt overlay on the road. The work will take place today through May 25th, from 6 am to 7 pm daily.
Part of Route JJ in Dunklin and Stoddard Counties, from Route J in Dunklin County to Route U in Stoddard County, will also be reduced today through May 7th while pavement repairs are underway, and the work will take place from 7 am to 4:30 pm each day.
Additionally, Route 61 in New Madrid County, between Route F and Route 162 near Portageville, will be closed today through October 5th while the bridges over a few drainage ditches are replaced.
Poplar Bluff Local Katy Ormsby's St. Jude Story
November 14, 2012 at 16 years old I was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma by Dr. Jones here in Poplar Bluff. He immediately called St. Jude’s and within an hour of being diagnosed an Oncologist from St. Jude’s called my mom to reassure her I was going to get the best care.
November 17, 2012, I walked into St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for the first time.
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November 14, 2012 at 16 years old I was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma by Dr. Jones here in Poplar Bluff. He immediately called St. Jude’s and within an hour of being diagnosed an Oncologist from St. Jude’s called my mom to reassure her I was going to get the best care.
November 17, 2012, I walked into St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for the first time. The very first person we met reassured my whole family that I was in the best hands and would be well taken care of. She wasn’t even a doctor or nurse; she was a receptionist that had to check us in. But that one person gave us so much hope that I would be ok.
After further testing at St. Jude’s they discovered my condition was a little more serious than we thought. I had tumors all over my organs and my airway was partially blocked. St. Jude’s doesn’t just give you one doctor and one nurse, they give you an entire team. I had multiple oncologist and nurses working together to determine the best course of treatment for me. After a few days of contemplating it they decided I would undergo 5 intensive rounds on Chemotherapy. They also told me I wouldn’t be able to return home or back to school until my treatment was completed. It was my junior year of high school I was determine to make it back for my prom!
After the first round of chemo they discovered all my tumors shrunk by 50% But we still had a long road ahead of us. St. Jude’s gave us an apartment to stay in through my treatment, they had a school program to I wouldn’t fall behind, then the best part was they had a prom I was able to attend on campus. When I got bored, they always found things to for me to do, thing like painting my finger nails or even shoot my nurses with nerf guns. My team always made sure my spirits were up so I was strong enough to fight through chemo.
March 13th, 2013 after 5 intensive rounds of chemo, 2 major surgeries, and countless minor procedures I was cancer free! I was set to go home and return back to my friends at school. This story doesn’t even begin to tell you the things St. Jude’s did for me. This year I am grateful to say they keep adding to the list.
Once a patient at St. Jude’s they follow you for life. I will return for yearly check ups until I’m 27 year. The best part of my story starts here. After getting married to my best friend in May of 2018 we discovered due to chemo scarring I was unable to conceive a child naturally. At my check up for 2018 St. Jude’s was informed and started immediately running test on me. Little did I know that St. Jude’s started a fertility clinic in 2016. After a day of test and many doctors talking about it, St. Jude’s decided they would pay for OVER HALF of my IVF treatment. I am the oldest and first St. Jude patient that was ready to use the harvested eggs. I am now 24 years old and 7 months pregnant with the first St. Jude’s baby!
Jessa Louise Ormsby will make her grand appearance in August and will always know what a wonderful place St. Jude’s is. I love my St. Jude’s family, not only did they save my life but they helped create my daughter’s life. I pray my child never has to go through the treatment I did but I am at peace knowing there’s a place like St. Jude’s if she ever needs it.
Things St. Jude’s paid for (Everything)
Housing
Fuel
Groceries
Prom Dress
Limo to Prom
Nail Polish
Anything I needed all I had to do was ask. If they couldn’t find it they found someone that could!
Poplar Bluff Local Dustin Cook's St. Jude Story
I am nearly 11 years cancer-free, and man, does that feel good to say. My journey with St. Jude started May 19, 2009. Up until that point I was just your average 12-year-old kid. I loved reading, playing video games, and spending time with family. I enjoyed school and made straight A’s. I honestly don’t remember when things began to change, but I believe it was near the beginning of 2009.
We are excited to support St. Jude Children Hospital this year's River Radio St. Jude Radiothon! Join us in celebrating and supporting the lifesaving work St. Jude is doing! Become a Partner in Hope today, it's only $20 a month. Call 1-800-330-9727 and help the kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
My Story
Dustin Cook, BSRS, RT (MR)
I am nearly 11 years cancer-free, and man, does that feel good to say. My journey with St. Jude started May 19, 2009. Up until that point I was just your average 12-year-old kid. I loved reading, playing video games, and spending time with family. I enjoyed school and made straight A’s. I honestly don’t remember when things began to change, but I believe it was near the beginning of 2009. I began to be very fatigued and slept all the time. I was moody, began to lose my appetite, and started losing weight. And the worst part of all was the headaches. The mind-numbing headaches were so bad I couldn’t think straight. They were so intense they’d make me vomit, and eventually my grades began to drop. When the symptoms began to get worse, we went to see my doctor. As a child I routinely got sinus infections, and this seemed to be a severe bout of that. When the medication for that didn’t help and the headaches got worse, we next sought help from my eye doctor to see if my prescription had changed. They discovered my prescription had not changed, but I did have raised pressure on my optic nerve. That was a red flag so the next day we saw an eye specialist. His findings blindsided us. He plainly told us that I had one of two conditions. The first was pseudotumorcerebri, which literally just means fake brain tumor, it’s a condition that mimics the symptoms of a brain tumor that is treated with simple medications. The only other option was that I had a brain tumor. Obviously, that news hit us like a freight train. There was no way that could have been true, right? We clung to the hope that it wasn’t. The next day I had an MRI and we went to see my pediatrician to hear the results. That day was May 19, 2009. I knew something was wrong the moment we walked in. They separated my parents and myself into different rooms. After some time, the door opened and my mom, dad, and pediatrician walked in. They all had red, puffy eyes filled with tears, and I knew the bad news was coming. It was then that she told me the news that would change my life forever. I had a massive, softball-sized brain tumor. It was so shocking I honestly didn’t know what to think. All I did was look at my parents and tell them, “I’m going to be ok, God’s got this.”
We had no idea how right I was. That night we traveled to LeBonhuer in Memphis and I had my surgery on May 21, 2009. The surgery was quite risky and my parents were told not to expect the same kid waking up. Side effects could include memory loss, paralysis, impaired motor functions, and so much more. However, my surgery went much better than expected, and I suffered no side effects whatsoever. It was a miracle. Our miracle. Unfortunately, that was not the end of the story, as pathology of the tumor came back and confirmed the worst. The big “C” word. It was cancer. Anaplastic Ependymoma Grade III to be exact. And that is what led us to St. Jude.
It’s such an amazing place. So amazing, my words can’t do it justice. Once we were there, my doctors decided that the best route of treatment for me would be 7 weeks of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be fairly harsh and I was told to expect side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, possible stunted growth, and hair loss. Yet again, I performed much better than expected. I don’t remember ever getting sick to my stomach once. To combat fatigue, I was told to drink Mountain Dew to get some caffeine in me. I was apparently not very fatigued, to the point I couldn’t sleep at night and they eventually had to cut my caffeine intake. I also grew more and gained more that summer than ever before. The only side effect I ever really noticed was patchy hair loss from where the beams of radiation entered my head. Next thing you know, I finished my treatments without a hitch and went back to my normal life. Cancer-free.
To this day I still go back for periodic check-ups. I’m proud to say I am a survivor, thanks to St. Jude. The 11th anniversary of the day we found out will be in just a couple weeks. And my how things have changed in that amount of time. I’ve grown up. I graduated high school. I graduated college with an associate degree. Since the last time I’ve been on air I graduated with my first bachelor’s degree, and I’m currently pursuing another.
And here’s the thing. St. Jude has been so impactful and instrumental in my life that it has influenced my career choice. I love St. Jude so much that I’ve decided to someday return, not as a patient, but as an employee. I can think of no better way of giving back to the place that helped save my life, than going back to help save the lives of future patients. The first Bachelor’s I obtained was in X-Ray, CT, and MRI, and I’m currently studying to also be a Radiation Therapist. As a Radiologic Technologist, I can be a vital piece of the cancer treatment process by providing doctors with diagnoses as well as tracking treatment progress, as well as monitor patients well after treatment. And as a Radiation Therapist I can also be the vital piece of the puzzle that directly treats patients. It is my life’s goal and greatest dream to help save lives at the very place that saved mine, and with those who helped save it.
I have been a student at Arkansas State University for about 5 years now, studying Radiology. One important aspect of the educational program is the clinical component. I have had the honor and privilege of being able to experience clinical education at St. Jude. I have already had the great honor of seeing St. Jude from the other side and I can confirm it is just as amazing. It truly is a world-class facility. During my time in the MRI/CT program at A-State I attended clinicals at St. Jude and it was fascinating and surreal. I was taking MRIs and CTs of patients on the same machines I have been imaged in. I was setting up patients on the same tables that I’ve laid on myself all these years. And all while sitting next to some of the same technologists that have run these scans on me. It was amazing. And I was not only honored to have the privilege there, but also in the Radiation Therapy department. I was treating patients in the exact room I received my radiation treatments in 11 years ago! All while doing it with some of the very Radiation Therapists that treated me! I cannot tell you how amazing it was to work among the very MRI and CT Technologists and Radiation Therapists that inspired me to go into the field. It’s truly been an indescribable experience. I will graduate in August and I patiently wait for the day I can accept a job offer there. And all of this thanks to St. Jude.
Wednesday April 29, 2020
ONE HOSPITALIZED, ONE ARRESTED FOLLOWING DOMESTIC DISPUTE
A man was hospitalized, and another was taken into custody following an aggressive domestic dispute.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers responded to a stabbing from the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where 39 year old Jeffery Logan entered the hospital with multiple 6 to 7 inch deep cuts and lacerations along his stomach.
According to Logan, he received the injuries from his boyfriend, 39 year old Joseph Adams, over an argument about his unemployment. Logan went on to state that he drove himself to the hospital after Adams grabbed a knife and began slashing at him.
Adams was booked at the Butler County Jail early Tuesday morning, on suspicion of assault - 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.
ONE HOSPITALIZED, ONE ARRESTED FOLLOWING DOMESTIC DISPUTE
A man was hospitalized, and another was taken into custody following an aggressive domestic dispute.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers responded to a stabbing from the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where 39 year old Jeffery Logan entered the hospital with multiple 6 to 7 inch deep cuts and lacerations along his stomach.
According to Logan, he received the injuries from his boyfriend, 39 year old Joseph Adams, over an argument about his unemployment. Logan went on to state that he drove himself to the hospital after Adams grabbed a knife and began slashing at him.
Adams was booked at the Butler County Jail early Tuesday morning, on suspicion of assault - 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.
CHILD STRUCK BY MOVING VEHICLE IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
A child was struck by a moving vehicle in Dunklin County on Tuesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on County Road 237, east of Campbell, where a vehicle was moving from a stationary position before hitting the young pedestrian.
The 5 year old was seriously injured from the incident, and was transported to a hospital in Poplar Bluff for treatment.
MALE SUSPECT WANTED FOR QUESTIONING REGARDING BUSINESS THEFT
A man is being searched for by the Poplar Bluff Police Department for a business theft.
According to the department, a white male subject was seen and is wanted for questioning in connection with a theft from a local business, and a picture of the suspect is available at the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Facebook page.
If you know the person’s identity, you are asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department by calling 573-785-5776.
POPLAR BLUFF REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RESUMING PROCEDURES NEXT WEEK
The Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center will be resuming elective procedures next week.
According to the Center, the facility will be deciding on which surgeries to perform based on the urgency of the procedure, and availability of protective equipment. Additionally, a quarter of the hospital's capacity will be reserved for treating patients who are infected with the COVID-19 virus, in an effort to preserve capacity and curb any potential spread of the disease.
As of now, the hospital only has one patient who has tested positive for the coronavirus, and this patient, as well as any future patients, will be placed in isolation units. Employees and patients will continue to be thoroughly screened when entering the facility.
TOTAL CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI REACHES OVER 7,300
The total number of positive cases in Missouri has continued to increase.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the total number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus has risen to 7,303, and the number of deaths in the state that are directly linked to the disease has increased to 314.
If you are showing symptoms of the disease, including fever, shortness of breath, or persistent coughing, you are advised to first contact your primary health care provider for help before visiting any hospital or emergency rooms.
THREE INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
Three injuries were reported from a vehicle crash in Butler County on Tuesday.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News that a vehicle was traveling down County Road 450, west of Poplar Bluff, before it went off the right side of the roadway and overturned.
The driver and an occupant of the vehicle received minor injuries, and another occupant suffered serious injuries from the crash. They were all transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment.
ROUTE U IN BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTIES SCHEDULED FOR REDUCTIONS
A route in Butler and Stoddard Counties will be reduced during pavement repairs.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route U, from Route CC in Butler County to Route H in Stoddard County, will be reduced while contractor crews perform pavement repairs.
The work will take place today from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Tuesday April 28, 2020
DRIVER DIES FROM VEHICLE CRASH IN STODDARD COUNTY
A driver was killed following a vehicle crash in Stoddard County on Sunday.
Officials from the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle was traveling down Missouri 153, north of Parma, before it overcorrected and ran off the left side of the roadway, striking a ditch and overturning, causing the driver to be ejected from the vehicle.
The 24 year old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER DIES FROM VEHICLE CRASH IN STODDARD COUNTY
A driver was killed following a vehicle crash in Stoddard County on Sunday.
Officials from the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle was traveling down Missouri 153, north of Parma, before it overcorrected and ran off the left side of the roadway, striking a ditch and overturning, causing the driver to be ejected from the vehicle.
The 24 year old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
WAYNE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF STOLEN FIREARMS
A Wayne County man has been charged with possession of stolen firearms.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, John Quigley, of Patterson, was taken into custody on possession of stolen firearms, which was allegedly taken from a Poplar Bluff gun dealer who employed him.
The alleged thefts occurred from August of 2017 to December of 2018, which involves the theft and involvement of almost 100 firearms. According to reports, Quigley would have his associates steal the firearms from his employer, then sell them to various individuals and shops.
Following an investigation and report into the employers purchase and sale history, Quigley was taken into custody for his involvement in the theft and sale of the stolen inventory.
Currently, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison on these charges.
DETENTION OFFICER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOLLOWING INMATE ALTERCATION
A detention officer in Greene County, Arkansas, has been taken into custody following an altercation with an inmate.
According to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Shawn Hunt was reported to have had an altercation with an inmate on Saturday. He was initially placed on administrative leave, however was fired from the detention center on Monday.
Following his termination, Hunt was taken into custody on a 2nd degree battery charge, and given a $5,000 bond.
TOTAL CASES OF COVID-19 VIRUS IN MISSOURI OVER 7,100
Cases of the novel COVID-19 virus in Missouri have continued to increase.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of Monday, the total number of positive cases in Missouri has risen to 7,171, and the total number of deaths directly caused by the disease has increased to 288.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus, including shortness of breath, persistent coughing, or a fever, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider for guidance before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
FORMER STODDARD COUNTY PRIEST UNDER INVESTIGATION
A former priest is currently under investigation of physical and sexual misconduct.
According to the Stoddard County Prosecuting Office, former priest Gary Carr is being placed under investigation from sexual and physical misconduct allegations received by an unnamed male, who reported that Carr had made sexual contact with him about 30 years ago, when he was around 10 to 13 years old.
The prosecuting office states that the investigation into these allegations, and the investigation into Carr, is currently ongoing. Anyone who has information on Carr, or anyone who may be a victim, is asked to call the prosecuting office at 573-568-4640.
WOMAN ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY FOR METHAMPHETAMINE POSSESSION
A woman was taken into custody in New Madrid County on Monday for drug possession.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 21 year old Kendra Kraudy, of Sikeston, was arrested on a felony charge for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
Following her arrest, she was transported to the New Madrid County Jail.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
A driver was seriously injured from a vehicle crash in Dunklin County on Monday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on US 412, north of Arbyrd, where a vehicle ran off the roadway, causing it to overturn.
The driver was seriously injured as a result of the crash, and was transported by air to a hospital in Memphis for treatment.