POPLAR BLUFF R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES

The Poplar Bluff R-1 School District has updated their procedural guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Superintendent Dr. Dill Scott tells KWOC News that the updated guidelines come from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and state that anyone involved in a contact trace, including anyone within 6 feet of a potential patient, or anyone who has been near a potential patient for 15 minutes or longer, are required to self-quarantine as per the procedures set by the Butler County Health Department.

The school district is still mandating all staff to wear masks and PPE gear, and it is strongly recommended that students wear masks while on campus grounds, or when within six feet of other students or staff.

FATALITY REPORTED FOLLOWING VEHICLE COLLISION IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

A driver was killed in a vehicle crash in Dunklin County on Tuesday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the collision took place on US 412, at County Road 431 east of Kennett, where a vehicle pulled into the path of another oncoming vehicle.

The driver of the oncoming vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital in Hayti for treatment. The driver of the struck vehicle, 77 year old Will Duboise, was pronounced dead at the scene.

TWO SUSPECTS ESCAPED FROM SHANNON COUNTY JAIL; ONE IN CUSTODY, ONE WITH LOCAL TIES REMAINS AT LARGE

A search is currently underway for a man who is accused of escaping from the Shannon County Jail.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, officials are searching for 20 year old Hunter Vest, of Ellsinore, and have arrested 25 year old Cameron Kenney, of Duncan Oklahoma. Authorities report that they overpowered and attacked a jailer on Sunday before escaping and leaving the area in a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado with aluminum toolbox in the bed.

The two were chased by authorities through Ellington, before escaping near Highway 72 in Reynolds County. Both were wearing orange jumpsuits when they fled from police custody.

Kennedy was caught at an Ellington home on Monday, and was arrested on a Carter County charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and 1st degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

Vest is a 5’6, 120 lbs man with short brown hair and brown eyes. He is known to have connections in the Quilin area, and was being held on a charge out of Carter County for resisting arrest by fleeing.

His picture is available at the KWOC Facebook page. If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol by calling 417-469-3121, or the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office at 573-226-3615.

PEDESTRIAN KILLED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTY

A pedestrian was killed after a vehicle struck him in Butler County on Sunday.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the incident took place on Highway 51, south of Fisk, where a vehicle struck 56 year old Steven Sherwood, of Fisk, while he was walking in the roadway.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

MALDEN NATIVE AND PRO FOOTBALL PLAYER DERLAND MOORE PASSES AWAY

Derland Moore, a former student of the Poplar Bluff Highschool and pro football player for the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, passed away yesterday. He was 68 years old.

Moore was born October 7th, 1951, in Malden, and played for the Poplar Bluff varsity football team from 1966-1968. During this time, he also competed in track for shot and discus. He was involved in the Junior Olympics in Poplar Bluff, and both set the record for and won the AAU meet.

He went on to accept a track scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he tried out for the Sooners football team as a walk-on player. He was accepted into the freshmen team, and went on to start every game as a defensive tackle, becoming one of the top 100 Sooners in Oklahoma University football history.

During his time with them, the team finished second in the nation twice, losing to Nebraska 35-31, and to Colorado 20-14. When asked about these close defeats, Moore described them as hard fought battles which inspired both himself and his team to push forward with their goals for victory.

Moore was later the 29th second round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints in the 1973 NFL draft, playing for eight head coaches during this time. It was here where he set a team record with 169 games played in 13 seasons with the Saints.

He won the Pro Bowl award in 1983, New Orleans Saints 40th and 50th Anniversary Team, and was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 1987, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 1991, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has reported that he and First Lady Teresa Parson tested positive for the coronavirus.

The announcement was made Wednesday, where Governor Parson urged residents to take the utmost precaution and safety in keeping themselves safe from the virus, such as keeping social distancing and proper hygiene in mind, and to wear masks when going out into public areas.

After Governor Parson tested positive for the virus, all official campaign events were canceled, and anyone that is frequently around the Governor has been tested for COVID-19.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT IN JUNIOR HIGH BURGLARY

Authorities with the Poplar Bluff Police Department are currently searching for a suspect in relation to a break-in at the Junior High School.

Officials with the Department tell KWOC News that on Saturday evening, a white male driving a white Lincoln Town Car broke into and stole from the Junior High School. A video of the suspect is available at the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Facebook page.

If you know the identity of the suspect, you are asked to contact the department by calling 573-686-8632.

WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN BUTLER COUNTY ON METHAMPHETAMINE POSSESSION

A woman was arrested in Butler County on Sunday on methamphetamine possession.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 33 year old Tiffany Kock, of Troy, was taken into custody on possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while intoxicated – drugs, as well as multiple motor vehicle misdemeanor charges.

Following her arrest, she was transported to the Butler County Jail.

WILLIAMSVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY DURING TRIAL

A Williamsville man pleaded guilty to weapon and intimidation charges during his trial.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, 62 year old Donald Sanders, who was taken into custody following a vehicle chase in January of 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as attempting to intimidate or threaten a government witness, pleaded guilty during his trial on these charges.

He also admitted to possessing multiple firearms that were stolen from Butler County, as well as escaping from custody in March of 2010, and escape from confinement in December of 2015.

A sentencing date has not been scheduled, however Sanders faces up to 30 years in federal prison for these charges.

POPLAR BLUFF R-1 MANDATING FACE COVERING FOR STAFF

Officials with the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District have made the decision to mandate the usage of face masks for staff.

According to Superintendent Doctor Scott Dill, the decision was voted on by school staff after 13 bus drivers were quarantined due to being exposed to the coronavirus. PPE will now be required by staff, and capacity for common areas such as teacher lounges will be decreased to further combat any further spread of COVID-19.

Teachers will be required to wear face coverings when they are inside a six foot distance from another person, but can remove the covering while teaching. The mandate only affects staff; students are not being required to wear face coverings or masks.

The school board reported that there are about 300 individuals in quarantine, with 15 active cases of the virus.

THREE DEATHS FROM COVID-19 REPORTED IN STODDARD COUNTY; ADDITIONAL CASES REPORTED ACROSS MISSOURI

There have been three more deaths from the coronavirus reported in Stoddard County, while additional cases of the coronavirus were confirmed across Southeast Missouri.

According to the Stoddard County Health Department, there were three deaths reported from a nursing home in Puxico, making the County’s death total from the virus 14. 10 new patients were also reported on Wednesday, bringing the County’s total to 452. Of them, 99 are currently active, while 339 have recovered.

In Butler County, 11 new cases were reported on Wednesday, bringing the County’s total to 533. Dunklin County’s total confirmed cases rose to 675 yesterday. Of them, 468 have recovered, while 200 are still under self-isolation.

In Missouri, as of Wednesday, there are now 106,587 cases of the virus in the state, while 1,739 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, including persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or fever, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.

TRIAL SET FOR PIEDMONT MAN IN RELATION TO STABBING DEATH

A Piedmont man will be standing trial in relation to the stabbing death of his mother.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, 33 year old Daniel Adams has been charged with 1st degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, armed criminal action, and abandonment of a corpse in connection to a crime.

These charges stem from the March 2019 death of his mother, 57 year old Gabrielle Gamble, whose body was found hidden inside a wrapped carpet with multiple stab wounds.

Adams admitted to beating and stabbing his mother after she struck him in the face, as well as hiding the body in the garage of their home on Dogwood Lane.

Adams will stand trial at 9am on October 8th for these charges.

CAPE GIRARDEAU MAN CHARGED IN STABBING OF POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN AND CHILD

A Cape Girardeau man was arrested in relation to the stabbing of a Poplar Bluff woman and child on Saturday.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that 26 year old Anthony Allbritton has been charged with two felony counts of assault, 1st degree, as well as burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action.

These charges stem from an investigation made by authorities in Butler County on Saturday, where 48 year old Rosemary Durbin, as well as her 13 year old foster daughter, was found with multiple stab wounds at their home on Meghan Lane.

They told authorities that Allbritton had entered the home from the back entrance, and hid in the teen’s room when she and Durbin returned home. He assaulted and stabbed the teen multiple times with knives taken from the home, and proceeded to attack Durbin when she entered the room to assist the child.

Both Durbin and the 13 year old were transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Allbritton was booked at the Butler County Jail on Sunday, with no bond.

ADDITIONAL CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN BUTLER COUNTY, MISSOURI TOTAL NOW OVER 100,000

More cases of the coronavirus were reported in Butler County, while the total cases of the virus in Missouri have risen past 100,000.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, there were 27 additional cases reported over the weekend, raising the County’s total to 502 cases. The patients have been self-isolated, and the department will be working with the CDC to contact anyone who may have been exposed to the virus while the patients were active and infectious.

In Missouri, as of Sunday, there are now 102,747 confirmed cases of the virus in the state, while 1,705 deaths were directly linked to the disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, including fever, shortness of breath, or persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.

AUTHORITIES IN BUTLER COUNTY SEARCHING FOR MISSING MAN

Authorities are currently searching for a missing man in Butler County.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that the Sheriff’s Office is searching for Jacob Sliger, of Poplar Bluff. He is described as a heavy built white male with red hair, in his early 20’s. A picture of him is available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Sliger has been missing since Wednesday morning, and anyone who has information on his whereabouts, or has heard from him, is asked to contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at 573-785-8444.

COVID-19 OUTBREAK REPORTED IN STODDARD COUNTY NURSING HOME; WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE WORKER TESTS POSITIVE

An outbreak of the coronavirus was reported in a Stoddard County nursing home, while a courthouse worker in Wayne County has tested positive for the virus.

According to the Stoddard County Health Department, an undisclosed situation occurred at a Puxico nursing home, which led to a facility wide testing over the weekend. The results found that 18 residents and 5 staff members of the home were positive for the coronavirus. Measures are being taken to remedy and halt any further spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the courthouse of Wayne County has moved to operating phase one after one of its employees tested positive. Officials with the courthouse will be implementing further precautions when deciding to let anyone visit the building.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE HOMICIDE

Local authorities are currently investigating a potential homicide that took place on Tuesday.

Officials with the department report that authorities responded to a call of an incident that happened in the 1500 block of Vincent Street, involving an unnamed victim. The suspect in the homicide is a family member, and is currently in custody.

The investigation into the homicide is currently ongoing.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTENCED ON BURGLARY CASE

A Poplar Bluff man was sentenced to time in federal prison after pleading guilty to a burglary charge.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that Christopher Darnell was charged with felony possession of stolen ammunition, after he admitted to stealing the ammo from a local store in April of 2019. Darnell was also caught on video surveillance carrying two pails of stolen ammunition from the store.

He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison, with a sentencing set for December 3rd.

MORE CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED ACROSS MISSOURI; STATE TOTAL NOW OVER 88,000

More cases of the coronavirus were reported across Missouri, while the state’s total has risen past 88,000.

According to the Butler County Health Department, seven new cases were reported on Thursday, bringing the County’s total to 410 cases. Of them, 354 have recovered, 4 are hospitalized, and 46 are still under quarantine.

Stoddard County also saw seven additional cases, making the total in the County 338, 50 of which are currently active, with 278 having recovered.

Meanwhile, New Madrid County has confirmed ten additional cases, making the County’s total 419. Three more deaths were also reported, that were caused by COVID-19. 61 of the current patients are active, while 358 are out of quarantine.

In Missouri, as of Thursday, there are now a total of 88,610 cases in the state, while 1,545 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.

Anyone showing symptoms of the virus, including persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or fever, are being asked to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency rooms.

AUTHORITIES IN BUTLER COUNTY SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT IN SHOOTING

Officials with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department are searching for a suspect in relation to a shooting on Wednesday.

Authorities with the Department tell KWOC News that 29 year old Tyler Wangler is currently being searched for by authorities as a person of interest in the shooting that took place at the 100 block of Regency Lane on Wednesday, where a male victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the Hilliard area, and transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Wangler is also wanted on an outstanding Butler County warrant on tampering with a motor vehicle, with a $50,000 bond. He is described as a white male, approximately 5’11 and 185 lbs with short brown hair, and is considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to call the Butler County Sheriff’s Department at 573-785-8444.