MISSOURI GOVERNOR ASKING FOR RETURN OF COVID-19 VACCINE FROM SOME PHARMACIES

Missouri Governor Mike Parson is asking for the return of the coronavirus vaccine from some pharmacies in the state to give a boost to the vaccine’s distribution.

According to the governor’s spokeswoman, Kelli Jones, the administration already has requested the return of 25,000 doses from CVS and Walgreens, which would then be re-routed to county health departments, medical hospitals and clinics, local pharmacies, and other state-approved vaccinators.

CVS and Walgreens were tasked with providing vaccinations at long-term care facilities, and Jones says the new plan won’t affect shots for workers and residents at those facilities.

SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE THIS MORNING

Snowfall this morning could cause travel issues for some motorists in Southeast Missouri.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, most of Southeast Missouri could get up to one inch of light snowfall this morning.

In our northern and western counties, including Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Dunklin, Stoddard, Ripley, and Wayne, snow accumulation of up to two inches is possible.

A Winter Weather Advisory says that snowfall rates before 9 am in these counties could lead to slick spots on area roads.

COVID-19 DEATH TOTAL UP TO TWENTY-SIX IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Multiple new Covid-19 deaths have been reported in Dunklin County.

The Dunklin County Health Department announced Monday that there have been a total of 26 Covid-19 deaths in the county, an increase of 8 from the total reported on January 22nd. Officials say there are 33 active cases in the county.

The Butler County Health Department tells KWOC News that there have been 88 new cases since January 20th in Butler County.

In Stoddard County, health officials reported 14 new cases on Monday and five over the weekend, bringing the active total to 79 cases.

INCOMING STORM SYSTEM BRINGS WITH IT CHANCE OF HEAVY RAINFALL

An incoming storm system is bringing with it the chance of heavy rainfall.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, thunderstorms are possible with increasing rain chances today and tonight.

Heavy rainfall will be the primary storm related hazard through the period. Weather officials say up to two and a half inches of rain is likely with this storm system, along with isolated flooding being a concern.

The chances of light to moderate rainfall are also expected on Wednesday.

ESCAPED INMATE OUT OF IRON COUNTY FOUND AND ARRESTED IN NEW MEXICO

One of the three inmates who escaped from Ironton Jail was captured in New Mexico.

According to the Iron County Sheriff’s Department, 57 year old Tracy Brown, as well as his girlfriend Diana Thomas, were found and taken into custody in Carrizozo, New Mexico, after being seen at a gas station.

Authorities are still searching for the other two suspects, 36 year old Dwight Abernathie and 35 year old Samual Gillam.

Abernathie is a 6’1, 175 lbs white male, with blue eyes and red hair. Gilliam is a 5’6, 160 lbs white male with blue eyes and brown hair. Pictures of them are available on the Ironton Police Department’s Facebook page.

They are considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for any information on their whereabouts.

If you have any information, contact the U.S. Marshals Tip Line by calling 1-800-336-0102.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON ACTIVATES NATIONAL GUARD FOR VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

Missouri Governor Mike Parson activated the Missouri National Guard to assist with the COVID-19 vaccine distribution on Wednesday.

The decision was made by Parson during a coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, where he stated that there have been over 265,000 doses of the vaccine administered across Missouri.

He went on to announce that the state will continue following the vaccination plan that was put in place in October, and that administration of the vaccine will be limited until it becomes available in higher numbers.

Currently, there are three options for receiving the vaccine in Missouri. The first is employer initiated, where the employer contracts an approved third party to schedule employees for vaccinations.

The second option is by making an appointment with your healthcare provider or pharmacy, or by contacting your local public health agency.

The final option is through community events, which are being coordinated and planned to begin in Spring.

SEVERAL ELECTIONS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CONTESTED

There are several elections seeing contested races for the April ballot.

For Poplar Bluff, the seat of Ward 4, which is currently held by Shane Cornman, is being contested by Robert Durbin, a former candidate in 2020. Cornman filed for re-election in December.

Jerrica Fox, a former council member, is running for Ward 2 in Poplar Bluff. The seat is currently held by Ed DeGaris.

For the Poplar Bluff R-1 school board, incumbents Tim Gaebler and Ken Davis are being contested for their seats by Kevin Ellis.

There are also races for seats at the Neelyville City Council and School Board.

Current Mayor Kevin Byrnum is racing against Karen Prosser, and the city has two open seats for Ward 1 and 2. They are seeing uncontested races by John Knowles for Ward 1, and Jeffery Gilmore for Ward 2.

There are currently six candidates running for two seats on the Neelyville School Board, which are being held by Jim Hover, who has filed for re-election, and Gene Russom.

The candidates running against Hover are Travis Russom, Justin Pennington, Ashley Taylor, Dean Fisher, and Justin Beaird.

For the Twin Rivers R-X board, incumbents Keith Parker and Donna Fincher will be running uncontested for re-election.

POPLAR BLUFF DRIVER KILLED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY

An area driver was killed after his vehicle crashed in Butler County earlier this morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident happened around 12:55 am this morning, on US 160, east of Fairdealing.

The crash occurred when a vehicle ran off the roadway, struck two trees, and caught fire.

The driver, 21 year old Aaron Gawthrop, of Poplar Bluff, was pronounced dead at a Poplar Bluff hospital.

AUTHORITIES NOW OFFERING A $5,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON THREE ESCAPED SUSPECTS FROM IRON COUNTY

Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information on three escaped inmates. Police in Iron County are currently searching for the three inmates who escaped from the Iron County Jail sometime between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

The first subject is 57 year old Tracy Brown, who is described as a 5’9 white male with green eyes and salt/pepper hair. He was last known to be wearing a black and white jumpsuit.

The second is 36 year old Dwight Abernathie, who is a 6’1 white male with blue eyes and red hair. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants.

The last subject is 35 year old Samuel Gilliam, who has been described as a 5’6 white male with blue eyes and brown hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt and striped pants when he was last seen.

Pictures of the three are available on the KWOC and Ironton Police Department Facebook pages. They are all considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of the subjects, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement agency, or the Iron County Sheriff’s Office at 573-546-4000. The United States Marshals Service is also assisting in the fugitive search.

TRIAL SET FOR SUSPECT IN RELATION TO POPLAR BLUFF MURDER CASE

A trial has been set for a suspect in relation to a murder case in Poplar Bluff in early December.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 22 year old Christopher Gilmore, of Poplar Bluff, was charged with 1st degree murder and assault, 1st degree attempted robbery, and three counts of armed criminal action during his preliminary hearing on Thursday.

The charges stem from a shooting in Poplar Bluff on December 1st, where Gilmore and 25 year old Stacy Gipson entered a home in the 100 block of Begley Street in order to steal marijuana and cash from the residents.

There, Gilmore and Gipson were both accused of shooting and killing 23 year old Kevin Sanders, as well as critically injuring 23 year old Andriana Lundy.

Gilmore will appear in court at 1 pm on Tuesday for these charges. Gipson faces the same charges, and is currently awaiting extradition to Butler County from West Virginia.

BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH AUTHORITIES UPDATE COVID-19 VACCINE SITUATION

Health officials in Butler County made an update to the progress of the coronavirus vaccine distribution.

The report was made on Wednesday, during a briefing on the status of COVID-19 in the County. Deputy Chief of Staff Robert Knodell states that over 165,000 initial doses, and around 15,000 secondary doses, have been administered since the vaccines started being delivered.

There are approximately 73,000 doses of the vaccine being delivered to Butler County per week. About half of the doses are the Pfizer vaccine, while the other half are the Moderna.

Currently, the County is still in Phase 1A of the Coronavirus Vaccination plan, which is for long-term residents, and frontline healthcare workers who come into direct contact with patients.

Phase 1B will be for high risk individuals of age 18-64, residents who are 65 or older, essential workers, and first responders. Phase 2 will focus on residents who are at an increased risk, including the homeless and prison inmates.

Phase 3 will then include all Missouri residents. To view the full Vaccination Plan, and for more information on the vaccine, visit CovidVaccine.Mo.Gov.

CANDIDATES ADDED FOR RACES FOR POPLAR BLUFF AND NEELYVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT SEATS

Candidates have been added, and races are being contested for seats in Poplar Bluff and the Neelyville school board.

For the seat of Poplar Bluff Ward 4, which is currently held by Shane Cornman, Robert Durbin filed on Tuesday morning. Cornman filed for reelection in December.

Jerrica Fox, a former council member, filed for a seat on Ward 2, which is currently held by Ed DeGaris.

A second candidate has filed for the Neelyville R-IV School District. The two seats open are currently held by Jim Hover and Gene Russom.

To file for a seat in Poplar Bluff, you can apply from 8 am to 4 pm at the Poplar Bluff City Hall, located at 501 Vine Street. Applications end on January 19th.

To file for the Neelyville School Board, you can visit the Central Office from 8 am to 3 pm, until January 19th. The office is located at 289 Broadway Street in Neelyville.

TWO SUSPECTS WANTED FOR ROBBERY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN POPLAR BLUFF

Two men who were wanted for a robbery in Poplar Bluff over the weekend have been taken into custody.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 32 year old Nathan Murray and 31 year old Nicholas Barton, both of Campbell, were identified and placed under arrest at 12:30 pm in Campbell for a robbery at a local business on Saturday.

The robbery took place around 6:30 pm on Saturday, where officers responded to a robbery at a business in the 1000 block of South Westwood Boulevard. The owner was held at gunpoint by the two, and was forced to give them an undisclosed amount of money from the register.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT SEARCHING FOR ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS

The Poplar Bluff Police Department is currently searching for suspects involved in a local armed robbery on Saturday.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that two white males, wearing sweatshirts and face-masks, entered a local business on 1006 South Westwood Boulevard, at 6:30 pm on Saturday.

After entering the store, one of the suspects pulled a handgun, and held the owner of the business at gunpoint. The owner was the only person present in the business at the time.

After stealing an unknown amount of money, the two fled the scene by vehicle. Authorities are currently searching through surveillance footage to find details on the suspects.

If you have any information that could aid in this investigation, you are asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department by calling 573-785-5776.

JOHN J PERSHING VA MEDICAL CENTER BEGINS VACCINATION OF VETERANS

The John J Pershing VA Medical Center has started vaccinating veterans with the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.

According to officials with the center, 40 veterans were administered the first round of dosages for the vaccine yesterday, and more vaccinations are being scheduled.

Veterans of age 85 and older who have registered for the shot will continue to be vaccinated over the next few weeks, and will be given their second dose 28 days after the first.

The center has had just over 700 doses of the vaccine delivered so far, and is now expecting weekly shipments.

U.S. CAPITOL LOCKED DOWN FOLLOWING BOMBS THREATS AND SHOOTING VICTIM

The U.S. Capitol was forced into lockdown after a shooting and bomb threats were reported.

The Senate went into recess, and both the Cannon House Office Building and Madison Library of Congress building were evacuated because of a bomb threat that was reported. Suspicious packages were also reportedly found in the area.

During the evacuation, demonstrators came close to breaching through the fencing that was set up to hold the crowds back. This caused the entire Capitol plaza to be closed off, even to members trying to go into the chamber for the joint session.

Few details are available of the shooting, though it was reported that shots were fired as lawmakers were evacuating from the buildings, and that an arm standoff occurred at the House front door.

A victim of the shooting was transported from the Capitol building around 2 pm, and House members were warned to potentially relocate to the cloakroom.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ARRIVING AND BEING ADMINISTERED IN POPLAR BLUFF

Shipments of the coronavirus vaccinations are being delivered and administered in Poplar Bluff.

According to Marcus Selvidge, the Chief Quality Officer at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, the center received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday, and administered doses to roughly 360 frontline healthcare workers.

The John J Pershing VA Medical Center will be administering doses of the Moderna vaccine to veterans of age 85 and older starting on Thursday. The vaccinations will take place from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays, including two Saturdays: January 16th, and January 30th.

The Center has received about 700 doses of the vaccine, and will move on to administering them to veterans of age 75 to 84 as supplies become readily available.

The vaccinations require two injections for the appropriate immune response, and hold an efficacy rate of 95%.

Health officials are urging residents to keep safety and hygiene in mind while vaccinations become available, and to continue wearing face masks to protect themselves from potentially catching or spreading the virus.

POPLAR BLUFF MURDER SUSPECT APPREHENDED IN WEST VIRGINIA

Updating a story we brought to you previously, a Poplar Bluff man, who was wanted for murder, has been taken into custody in West Virginia.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that on December 1st of 2020, 25 year old Stacy Gipson, along with 22 year old Christopher Gilmore, went to purchase narcotics from a residence in the 100 block of Begley Street.

At the time, the home was occupied by 23 year olds Kevin Sanders and Adriana Lundy, both of Poplar Bluff.

Upon arriving at the home, Gipson attempted to rob and subsequently shot both Sanders and Lundy. Lundy’s condition was noted as severe, but non-life threatening, while Sanders died from his injuries.

Gilmore was quickly taken into custody, however Gipson managed to evade authorities, and was believed to have fled the state.

On December 9th, officials in Cape Girardeau reported to Poplar Bluff authorities that Gipson was possibly at his mother’s residence in Charleston, West Virginia. On December 31st, around 9:15 am, Gipson was located by authorities, and was taken into custody after a short pursuit on foot.

At the time of his arrest, Gipson was wanted for charges on 2nd degree murder, 1st degree assault, armed criminal action, and 1st degree robbery and burglary.

Authorities with the Criminal Investigation Division in Poplar Bluff, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, and US Marshals Service in Cape Girardeau and West Virginia assisted in the month-long hunt for Gipson.

SEVERAL OFFICIALS IN BUTLER COUNTY SWORN IN TO 2021 TERMS

There were several Butler County officials sworn in to their 2021 terms by Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett on Thursday morning.

Among the elected officials were Butler County Commissioners Butch Anderson and Boots LeGrand, Treasurer Tammy Marler, and County Assessor Chris Rickman.

Former western district commissioner Jeff Darnell was also sworn in as Public Administrator, replacing former incumbent Sharron Payne.

Jim Akers was sworn in as Butler County Coroner, after outvoting former incumbent Andy Moore, and Mark Dobbs will be continuing his service as Butler County Sheriff.

This will be Judge Michael Pritchett’s last term as Presiding Circuit Judge. He has been serving for over ten years since first being elected in 2010.

The ceremony was held in the Division 1 Courtroom at the Butler County Courthouse.

POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENT CHARGED ON IN RELATION TO LOCAL SHOOTING

Updating a story we brought to you previously, a Poplar Bluff man was charged on Tuesday in relation to a shooting that resulted in a death.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 44 year old Gregory Richie was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as tampering with physical evidence, in regards to a shooting that caused the death of 30 year old Tanika Trice, of Poplar Bluff.

The shooting was reported on December 22nd, where officers responded to a call about a shooting at a residence in the 800 block of Valley Street.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Trice laying unresponsive in the driveway, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

In an interview with investigators, Richie told authorities that Trice had entered Richie’s bedroom with a black male subject, who was reportedly holding a firearm.

After demanding Richie turn over his possessions, the male took a TV from his home and began to flee. Richie then grabbed a firearm, and fired four shots at the subject.

After the male fled in a white passenger vehicle, Richie reportedly got in his vehicle and attempted to chase the male’s vehicle.

After authorities recovered the firearm used by Richie in the shooting, he was booked at the Butler County Jail, with a $50,000 cash or surety bond.