Tuesday, December 28, 2021

BUTLER COUNTY CLERK ANNOUNCES THAT SHE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

The Butler County Clerk has announced that she is retiring at the end of next year.

Tonyi Deffendall posted on Facebook that she will not seek re-election to the Clerk’s office.

Deffendall has served the people of Butler County for over thirty years. Her term ends on December 31st, 2022.  

MULES PICK UP WIN ON DAY ONE OF THE SHOWDOWN

The Poplar Bluff Mules picked up a win on day one of the 34th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown.

The tournament format had to be changed before the games could begin due to Raytown South and Memphis Central having to withdraw because of COVID 19.

On Monday, the Mules started their tournament by defeating the Forrest City Mustangs 74-66. In the other two games, Overton defeated South Side 71-55 and Fayetteville beat Haywood 75-52.

Action will start today at 10 am with the ShowDown Slam Dunk and Three point contest. Forrest City will take on South Side at 4 pm, followed by Overton vs. Fayetteville at 5:30 pm and Poplar Bluff facing Haywood at 7 pm.

Today’s Talk KWOC will have live video coverage, with commentary, for every game, along with the 3 Point and Slam Dunk Contest, on our Facebook and Youtube pages during the Showdown.

Live audio coverage of every Poplar Bluff Mules game will also be broadcast on 93.3 FM, 930 AM, and at KWOC.com. 

ONE KILLED FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

A Rector man is dead following a single vehicle wreck over the weekend in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 72 year old Jerry Cossey was driving on US Highway 49 in Clay County when his vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a culvert. The vehicle then overturned and caught fire.

Officials say that Cossey was the only person killed in the wreck. 

RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET IN POPLAR BLUFF ON CHRISTMAS DAY

A record high temperature was set on Christmas Day in Poplar Bluff.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Poplar Bluff had a recorded high of 77 degrees on Christmas Day.

That broke the previous record high of 70 degrees that was set in 1921. 

RECYCLING GRACE WOMEN’S CENTER RECEIVES $30,000 DONATION FROM AREA BANK

A center for local women recently accepted a $30,000 donation from an area bank.

Recycling Grace Women’s Center was donated the money from the Bank of Missouri to go towards construction costs for a new residential center that will provide housing for up to 14 women.

Recycling Grace Women's Center works to help women break the cycle of addiction and recycle their problems into purpose.

ROUTE 153 IN STODDARD COUNTY TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK

Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform shoulder repairs.

The section of Route 153 to be reduced is located from Route A to Route 114.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 am to 3 pm daily through Thursday.

The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

Thursday, December 23, 2021

POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN TO BEGIN ON MONDAY

We are less than one week away from the 34th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown.

The three day tournament will begin on Monday, December 27th at Poplar Bluff High School. 

The first round will see Fayetteville take on Haywood at 4 pm, followed by South Side vs. Overton at 5:30 pm, Poplar Bluff against Forrest City at 7 pm, and the day will finish with Raytown South vs. Memphis Central at 8:30 pm.

Today’s Talk KWOC will have live video coverage, with commentary, for all 12 games, along with the 3 Point and Slam Dunk Contest, on our Facebook and Youtube pages during the Showdown.

Live audio coverage of every Poplar Bluff Mules game, as well as the tournament championship game, will also be broadcast on 93.3 FM, 930 AM, and at KWOC.com. 

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFE OVER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely during the Christmas holiday weekend.

Remember to check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance.

According to the Highway Patrol, last year there were 746 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, ten people were killed and another 310 were injured.

The 2021 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6 pm tonight and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 26th.

If you face a traffic emergency, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies. 

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AUTO TOUR AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE TO END ON SUNDAY

This weekend is the final chance this year to check out the lights at Wappapello Lake.

The 29th Annual Festival of Lights Auto Tour will be available from 5 pm to 9 pm nightly through December 26th at the Redman Creek Campground East at Wappapello Lake.

More information is available on the Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page. 

STUDENTS GIVE A SPLASH OF COLOR TO LOCAL SNOWPLOWS

When we finally get some snow this winter, area snowplows will have a splash of color to them thanks to area students.

According to school officials, Middle School students in art class, STEM and Life Skills participated in an activity with the City of Poplar Bluff earlier this month, where they added colorful handprints to a fleet of snowplows.

The idea originally came from City Manager Matt Winters, who learned of another city initiating the community relations project during a recent state municipal conference. The Street Department brought three dump trucks with plow blade attachments to the Victory Lane campus.

POPLAR BLUFF LIBRARY TO BE CLOSED UNTIL 2022

The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library will be closed for the rest of the year.

Library Director Sue Szostak says that in order to protect their patrons and staff, the Main Library and Ridgel Branch will be closed until Monday, January 3rd, unless otherwise announced.

Item due dates have been extended as a result of the closure.

Szostak says that updates will be posted on the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Website and Facebook pages.

PORTION ROUTE 61 TO BE CLOSED TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Route 61 in New Madrid County will be closed today as contractor crews perform railroad maintenance.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of roadway to be closed is located from Route 62 to County Road 314.

Work is scheduled to take place from 8 am to 3:30 pm.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

KENNETT MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSAULTING ONE YEAR OLD CHILD

A Dunklin County man is set to spend three decades in prison for assaulting a one year old child.

Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain tells KWOC News that 33 year old Matthew Estes, Jr., of Kennett, was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in the Department of Corrections on the charge of assault in the first degree and 16 years on the charge of abuse of a child causing serious physical injury.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

Jain says that in April of 2016, Estes’s girlfriend found her 21-month-old son with bruises all over his face and body. The child was airlifted to an area Children's Hospital where he was diagnosed with three skull fractures and a buildup of blood on his brain, among other injuries.

Jain added that while the victim in this case does not have lasting injuries, the assault was serious enough that it could have killed the child.

A Dunklin County jury found Estes guilty of the charges after a three day trial in September. 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI WRECK LEAVES ONE DEAD

A wreck Tuesday morning on US Highway 60 has resulted in one death.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle driven by 25 year old Wyatt Borgman, of Mountain View, struck the back of a large truck, half of a mile east of Birch Tree.

Borgman was pronounced dead a short time later by Shannon County Coroner, Sam Murphy.

No injuries were listed for the driver of the truck. 

FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE TO AREA AIRPORTS THROUGH BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

Multiple area airports will have funds available to them to invest in a variety of ways thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law.

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced it will award $2.89 billion to over 3,000 airports around the nation.

This includes $159,000 being made available to the airports in Poplar Bluff, Corning, Dexter, Malden, and Kennett. $110,000 is available to the airports in Piggott and Piedmont.

The money can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety, and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections, and roadway projects.

Airports can submit proposals to the FAA for review in the coming weeks. The FAA is encouraging applicants to prioritize projects that increase airport safety, equity and sustainability.

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL GETS NEW PLAYGROUND

A Poplar Bluff school has gotten a new area for students to play in.

A new playground is available for Poplar Bluff Middle School students on what was formerly Strenfel Stadium. The playground includes a jungle gym with slides, a swing set, volleyball nets, a set of soccer goals, and a backstop for games such as kickball.

The project has been a collaborative effort both internally and through community partnerships, according to school officials.

Fundraising under the PTO, on top of a donation from the PBHS Class of 1972, helped finance the pavilion, while much of the playground equipment has come directly out of the Middle School’s budget.

PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD IN RIPLEY COUNTY TO DISCUSS BLOCK GRANT

A public hearing will be held next week in Ripley County to discuss a grant application.

Ripley County will hold a public hearing at 10 am on Thursday, December 30th at the Ripley County Courthouse in Doniphan to discuss the county’s submission of an application for the fiscal year 2021 Community Development Block Grant Covid-19 program.

The county is proposing to request additional grant funding to assist in covering the increased costs of labor and materials needed for construction of the Ripley County Jail project. The total request amount is $470,783.

For more information on the proposed project, contact Presiding Commissioner Jesse Roy at 573-996-2623.

TWO ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON DRUG CHARGES

Two people have been taken into custody in Stoddard County on drug charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 48 year old Danny Sweatt, of New Madrid, and 28 year old Janay Thacker, of Risco, were arrested within 30 minutes of each other Monday night.

They are each facing charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and felony possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

It was not released if the two arrests were connected. 

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

One person is dead and another has been transported to an area hospital following a single vehicle wreck in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 54 year old Robert Collier, of Maynard, was driving on Shelby Road in Maynard early Sunday morning when the vehicle ran off the side of the road and struck a tree.

Collier was pronounced dead at the scene by the Randolph County coroner.

A passenger in the vehicle, identified as a 43 year old man from Fairdealing, was injured in the wreck and transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

NAME RELEASED OF SUBJECT IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, the name has been released of the subject killed in a Butler County officer involved shooting.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that shortly before 3 pm Sunday, officers responded to a residence on Highway N in reference to an alleged sexual assault.

During the investigation, an individual in the residence began firing a handgun. At the time, one deputy and four EMS workers were inside the residence.

The deputy fired his weapon, resulting in the subject’s death. According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, the subject has been identified as Chris Craft.

Sheriff Dobbs says that the Sheriff’s Department has requested an independent investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is ongoing. 

WANTED MAN OUT OF POPLAR BLUFF APPREHENDED

Authorities in Poplar Bluff say that a wanted man has been apprehended.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 31 year old Bryce Davis was arrested on Monday.

Davis had been wanted on a felony warrant for multiple charges including vehicle hijacking, kidnapping, and armed criminal action.

Davis was being considered armed and dangerous prior to his arrest. 

CARTER COUNTY GIVEN GOOD RATING IN STATE AUDIT

A Southeast Missouri county has received a positive rating from the state auditor.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway tells KWOC News that Carter County has received a rating of "good," from a regularly scheduled audit, which indicates that the County is well managed.

Auditors recommended several measures to improve oversight and accountability for the county's Senior Citizens' Tax Board.

The audit recommended that the county enter into written agreements with any entities providing services as required by state law, develop procedures to ensure all disbursements are reviewed and approved by the Board, and meetings should be conducted at least annually as required by law.

A complete copy of the audit is available at auditor.mo.gov. 

ALMOST 15,000 DEER HARVESTED DURING ANTLERLESS PORTION OF DEER SEASON

Almost 15,000 deer were harvested during the antlerless portion of firearms deer season.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 14,896 deer during the antlerless portion from December 4th through the 12th.

Last year’s antlerless-portion harvest total was 15,620.

County totals are available at mdc.mo.gov. 

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY

Business Route 60 in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction through the end of January as contractor crews improve sidewalks in Dexter.

Officials say that crews are improving sidewalks between North Mulberry Street and Route 25.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 am to 6 pm daily through Monday, January 31st.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the project is part of an initiative to bring roadway facilities into compliance with the current standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Monday December 20, 2021

HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATING OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN BUTLER COUNTY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer involved shooting in rural Butler County.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that shortly before 3 pm Sunday, officers responded to a residence on Highway N in reference to an alleged sexual assault.

During the investigation, one of the individuals in the residence began firing a handgun. At the time, one deputy and four EMS workers were inside the residence.

The deputy fired his weapon, resulting in the subject’s death.

Sheriff Dobbs says that the Sheriff’s Department has requested an independent investigation by the Highway Patrol, which is ongoing.

The name of the officer and the subject are not being released at this time.

We will keep following this story for you and bring you updates as they become available.

ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY CANCELLED AFTER CHILDREN FOUND SAFE

Updating a story we brought to you last week, an endangered person advisory has been cancelled for two children from the Doniphan area.

According to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, the advisory was issued for 10 year old Hunter Radford and 3 year old Jordan Buse after their mother, 29 year old Sandra Radford, reportedly took the children after an order had been placed for them to be removed from her custody.

The advisory was cancelled Friday night when the children were located safe. No further information was released. 

POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL HOSTING TOY DRIVE FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

Students at a Poplar Bluff school are collecting toys to go to victims of the recent tornados.

The Poplar Bluff Middle School is asking for new unwrapped toys, for any ages, to be dropped off through their pick up and drop off lanes on Tuesday, December 21st.

Staff will be on site from 7 am to 2 pm to take the donations, which will then be taken to areas in need on Wednesday.

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO BURGLARIES AT POPLAR BLUFF BUSINESSES

Poplar Bluff police have arrested a man in connection to multiple burglaries at area businesses.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley tells KWOC News that a subject entered Bread and Butter during the early morning hours of December 7th and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. 

Two days later, a burglary was reported at Heights Finance, where a subject had also stolen an undisclosed amount of cash.

On December 16th, officers arrested James Michael Hastings for two counts of burglary in connection to the incidents. Whiteley says that a warrant was issued on Hastings and he was held at the Butler County Jail.

Whiteley added that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may be made as the case continues. 

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR TODAY TO DISCUSS GRANT APPLICATION FOR NEW PARK ON SHELBY ROAD

The City of Poplar Bluff will hold a public hearing today to discuss a grant application for funds to develop a new park.

The hearing has been scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on December 20th at the City Council Chambers inside the Black River Coliseum.

The proposed project consists of development of a park to be located on Shelby Road, near the new Poplar Bluff Police Department. Central to the design is a pond to be stocked with trout on an annual basis through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The total project cost is estimated at approximately $651,000.

For more information regarding the proposed project, contact Mayor Steve Davis at 573-686-8620.

MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY DRUG CHARGES

Authorities in Butler County have arrested a Bunker man on multiple felony charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 46 year old Sidney Jones was taken into custody Saturday night on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility.

Officials say that Jones was held at the Butler County Jail. 

Friday, December 17, 2021

NEW 21 MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY TO BRING 175 JOBS TO POPLAR BLUFF

A Missouri based commercial refrigeration manufacturer is coming to Poplar Bluff, bringing over 150 new jobs to the area.

Poplar Bluff City Manager Matt Winters tells KWOC News that Missouri-based True Manufacturing has announced it will build a new facility in Poplar Bluff, investing $21 million and creating 175 new jobs.

Construction on the new 400,000 square foot facility is planned to begin in spring of 2022.

True Manufacturing produces a wide array of commercial, retail, and residential refrigeration products. The company was established in St. Louis in 1945. 

 ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR TWO MISSING RIPLEY COUNTY CHILDREN

An endangered person advisory has been issued for two missing children from the Doniphan area.

According to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, the advisory is for 10 year old Hunter Radford and 3 year old Jordan Buse.

The mother of the children, 29 year old Sandra Radford, reportedly took the children after an order had been placed for them to be removed from her custody. They might be in a gold 2003 Hyundai Santa FE bearing a Missouri License Plate of EG2P8V.

Sandra Radford is described as a white female, five feet tall, weighing 140 pounds, with blonde hair, and hazel eyes.

Hunter Radford is a white male, four feet five inches tall, weighing 75 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Jordan Buse is described as a white male, three feet tall, weighing 35 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes.

We have pictures of all three available on our Facebook page.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Ripley County Sheriff's Department at (573) 996-5555.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR BEGINS PROCESS TO REQUEST FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced the state has begun the process to obtain federal disaster assistance for Missouri in response to severe storms and deadly tornadoes that swept across the state on December 10th. 

Governor Parson is requesting the Federal Emergency Management Agency work with state and local partners to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments and review documentation from Dunklin, Pemiscot, and Reynolds Counties.

Parson says that requesting joint PDAs is one of the first steps the state must take in order to request the President declare a federal Major Disaster.

A preliminary damage survey from the National Weather Service in Memphis says that an EF-4 tornado travelled from Craighead County, Arkansas through the Missouri Bootheel to Obion, Tennessee. The tornado had estimated peak winds of 170 miles per hour and a maximum width of 1.02 miles.

The State Emergency Management Agency is helping coordinate a Multi-Agency Resource Center on Saturday in Hayti.

The event will be from 1 to 5 pm at the Hayti Community Center. The MARC will assist disaster survivors with unmet needs, including insurance information, food stamp replacement, emergency financial assistance, and legal services.

MAN SENTENCED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGE

A man has been ordered to spend over two decades in prison following his conviction on a child molestation charge.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells KWOC News that David Ryan Troyer, of Advance, was convicted in September to 1st degree child molestation by a Stoddard County Jury.

This week, Troyer was sentenced to 22 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Oliver says that Troyer is statutorily ineligible for parole, meaning he will be required to serve every day of the 22 year sentence.

AREA ORGANIZATION DONATES OVER $10,000 TO LOCAL SCHOOLS

A Poplar Bluff organization has donated over $10,000 dollars to five area schools.

Poplar Bluff Lodge #209 recently distributed $10,500 to five local schools.

According to a post on the Lodge’s Facebook page, a portion of the funds raised at the 2021 Father Daughter Ball was donated to the Creating a Partnership Program and a 2 for 1 match by the Masonic Home of Missouri resulted in 5 local schools receiving $2100 each.

BIRD COUNTING EVENT TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK IN POPLAR BLUFF

Volunteers will be out in Poplar Bluff next week, assisting the National Audubon Society’s 122nd Christmas Bird Count.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the bird count is an early-winter bird census where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and many countries in the western hemisphere go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds.

The Poplar Bluff count has been scheduled for Monday, December 20th. Anyone who would like to participate is asked to contact Bruce Beck at BeckBugs42@gmail.com. 

FISK HOLIDAY PARADE TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND

The city of Fisk is getting ready for a parade this weekend. 

According to officials, the annual Fisk Winter Holiday Parade will begin at 6 pm on Saturday.

The parade route will begin at the Fisk School. 

Thursday, December 16, 2021

POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON TODAY’S TALK KWOC

We are less than two weeks away from the 34th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown.

This year’s Showdown will be a little different with fans now getting the opportunity to watch from home. 

Today’s Talk KWOC will have live video coverage, with commentary, for all 12 games, along with the 3 Point and Slam Dunk Contest, on our Facebook and Youtube pages during the Showdown.

Live audio coverage of every Poplar Bluff Mules game, as well as the tournament championship game, will also be broadcast on 93.3 FM, 930 AM, and at KWOC.com. 

HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE WITH INCOMING STORM SYSTEM

An incoming storm system is bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall to the region.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah, heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday may produce an average storm total rainfall amount of 1.5 to 3 inches, with localized higher amounts possible, through Saturday morning.

Officials say that even though we have been dry lately, this amount of rainfall may at least cause localized flooding issues.

The rain and storm chances will continue until the entire system can be swept out by another cold front early this weekend.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN TO SPEND 60 YEARS IN PRISON ON STATUTORY RAPE AND SODOMY CHARGES

A Poplar Bluff man will be spending six decades in prison on statutory rape and sodomy charges.

Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Kacey Proctor tells KWOC News that on Tuesday, 38 year old Thomas Woodham received the maximum sentence of 30 years each on charges of 1st degree statutory rape and 1st degree statutory sodomy. Woodham was also given a four year sentence on an incest charge.

Proctor says that the statutory rape and sodomy charges were ordered to run consecutive to each other giving Woodham an overall sentence of 60 years.

A jury found Woodham guilty of the charges in October after deliberating for only 30 minutes. 

POPLAR BLUFF NATIVE HELPS DELIVER CHRISTMAS PACKAGES TO SMALL PACIFIC ISLANDS

A Southeast Missouri native recently assisted in delivering some Christmas cheer to islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Michael and Jayne Lunsford along with their children helped package gifts for Operation Christmas Drop, which transports humanitarian goods to more than 50 islands throughout the pacific.

Michael was also on board one of the flights to deliver the packages, which included food, supplies, educational materials, and toys.

Michael Lunsford is a recruiter for the United States Air Force and is from Poplar Bluff. 

DRUNK DRIVER RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR CRASH THAT KILLED THREE PEOPLE IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

A Tennessee man has received the maximum sentence available for his involvement in a drunk driving crash that killed three people.

According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain, 59 year old Benny Lynn Johnson crashed into a family as they were standing on the side of the road after their car had a flat tire near the Dunklin and Stoddard County line.

The crash resulted in the deaths of 32 year old Tiffini Santana, 10 year old Phoenix Santana, and 2 year old Jackson Venneman.

At the time of the crash, the Highway Patrol Crime Lab estimated Johnson’s blood alcohol content to be two and a half to four times the legal limit.

Jain says that Johnson was found guilty of three counts of driving while intoxicated causing a death and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident after a three-day jury trial in October.

He has been sentenced to 38 years in the Department of Corrections and given a fine of $40,000. 

FEED AND SEED EVENT SET FOR TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF

New Day Ministry in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event today. 

The event is from 3 to 5 pm and is first come, first serve, with packs limited to one per household.

New Day Ministry is located at 703 Franklin Street in Poplar Bluff.

If you would like more information, contact Pastor Nancy Wolverton at 573-718-4578.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

RECOVERY EFFORTS CONTINUE IN KENTUCKY, PRESIDENT BIDEN TO SURVEY DAMAGE TODAY

Kentucky's governor says at least 74 people were killed in the state during a devastating cluster of tornadoes.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear told reporters that it could take days to tally a final death toll because of the sheer devastation from Friday's twisters. President Joe Biden has said he will be in Kentucky today to survey the tornado damage.

At least 14 people are dead in four other states: Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Illinois.

As searches continue for those still missing, efforts are also turning to repairing the power grid, sheltering those whose homes were destroyed and delivering drinking water and other supplies.

Kentucky officials have warned that residents could be without heat, water or electricity in frigid temperatures for weeks or longer.

HEAD ON COLLISION LEAVES TWO DEAD IN RIPLEY COUNTY

Two women are dead following a head on collision in Ripley County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 12:45 am Tuesday morning on US Highway 160, four miles east of Doniphan.

A vehicle, driven by 83 year old Patricia Hemphill, of Doniphan, reportedly crossed the center line of the highway and struck another vehicle head on.

Hemphill was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Mike Jackson.

The driver of the second vehicle, 37 year old Jamie Conger, of Naylor, was flown to a Memphis hospital where she died later Tuesday morning. 

TONIGHT IS THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS FINALE AT THE PALACE OF PRAISE 

Tonight is the final night this year for a Christmas themed play at a Poplar Bluff church.

The Palace of Praise is presenting the final performance for the 12th Annual Sounds of Christmas at 7 pm tonight.  

Admission to the show is free, but you can also purchase tickets for a dinner that will begin at 5 pm.  

Tickets for the dinner are $15 per person and can be purchased online at SoundsOfChristmas.org or at the Palace of Praise, which is located at 1400 Herschel Bess Boulevard in Poplar Bluff.

For more information, call 573-785-4232.

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFE DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely during the Christmas holiday season.

Remember to check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance.

According to the Highway Patrol, last year there were 746 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, ten people were killed and another 310 were injured.

The 2021 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6 pm on Thursday, December 23rd and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 26th.

If you face a traffic emergency, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

DONIPHAN STREET TO BE CLOSED TODAY

A portion of a Doniphan street will be closed today.

According to the Doniphan Police Department, part of Lafayette Street will be closed to through traffic today due to contractors being on site for modifications.

The closure will be located from Marvin Street to Morgan Street.

ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.

The section of roadway to be reduced is located from U.S. Route 60 to Route A.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm daily, through Friday.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

SURVEYS ONGOING FOR LONG TRACK TORNADO THAT STRUCK ARKANSAS, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY

Surveys are ongoing for a large tornado tract that hit parts of at least four states on Friday.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, preliminary surveys suggest this tornado began in northeast Arkansas, crossing the Missouri Bootheel, northwest Tennessee, and across western Kentucky, resulting in significant destruction to portions of the region.

The tornado is estimated to have peak winds of 158 to 206 miles per hour with a max width of three-quarters of a mile.

The NWS in Memphis says that a tornado with at least EF-3 damage struck the area between Weiner, Arkansas and Hornersville, Missouri. The EF-3 damage was found in Monette and Leachville, Arkansas.

Surveys along the tornado path will be continuing over the next few days.  

EF2 TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN ELLINGTON AREA

The National Weather Service in St. Louis says that an EF2 Tornado touched down Friday night in Reynolds County.

According to preliminary data, the tornado touched down at around 10:05 pm to the northeast of Ellington.

The tornado was on the ground for 6 minutes and damaged multiple homes, including tearing the roofs off of two homes.

The twister also caused significant tree damage before lifting near Reynolds County Road 456.

It had an estimated peak winds of 130 miles per hour, a length of 6.3 miles, and an estimated maximum width of 300 yards. 

WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE IMPACTED BY TORNADO DAMAGE

There are multiple ways for you to donate to assist those that were affected by the Tornados from this past weekend.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says that people can donate to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.

According to Beshear, this is a single fund connected with the state that will help fund the ground efforts taking place right now and the relief efforts families will need to rebuild.

The American Red Cross is also taking donations for the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. More information is available at RedCross.org or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. 

RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR FRIDAY

Another way to assist victims from last week’s severe weather is by donating during the River Radio Blood Drive this week in Poplar Bluff.

The Blood Drive will be from 12:30 to 5:30 pm on Friday at the Black River Coliseum.

The Red Cross is asking everyone who can to donate in honor of Zachary Dobbs, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in July, as well as to help victims from the tornados Friday night.  

Call 1-800-Red Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment. 

POPLAR BLUFF CHEERLEADING TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Poplar Bluff Mules Competitive Cheerleading Team are state champions.

The Mules won the Class 4 Small Squad State Championship during the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association state Championships over the weekend in Cape Girardeau.

Four Mules cheerleaders were named to the all-state team, including McKenzie Cassie, Sarena Hill, Lanie Robertson, and Macie Robertson. 

Poplar Bluff Athletics Director Kent Keith tells us that Mules football players Nic Brumitt and Hunter Jenkins were named to the 2021 Missouri Football Coaches Association All-State Team.

Brumitt was named 2nd Team Wide Receiver, while Jenkins was named 3rd Team Linebacker.

MEMPHIS MAN KILLED IN WRECK ON INTERSTATE 55

A Memphis man has died following a wreck between two freightliners in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred Sunday morning when a freightliner struck the back of another freightliner on Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County.

The driver of the first vehicle, 55 year old Kenneth Cripps, was pronounced dead at the scene by Pemiscot County Coroner Jim Brimhall. No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle. 

Monday, December 13, 2021

GOVERNOR SAYS THAT DEATH TOLL MAY EXCEED 100 FROM TORNADOS IN KENTUCKY

Kentucky's governor says tornadoes have killed at least 80 people in the state and the death toll may exceed 100.

Governor Andy Beshear said Saturday that a twister had touched down for more than 200 miles in the state Friday night.

In Mayfield, rescuers are picking through the ruins of homes and businesses, including a candle factory that was bustling with night-shift employees when it was flattened.

Authorities on Saturday reported rescuing 40 of the 110 people who were in the building at the time, but by Sunday, Governor Beshear said it would be a miracle if anyone else were rescued.

Beshear has declared a state of emergency and submitted a request to President Joe Biden for an immediate federal emergency declaration. 

President Biden has approved the emergency declaration for Kentucky, ordering federal assistance to help with local response efforts. 

The National Weather Service in Paducah says that it was a historic long track Tornado in Western Kentucky. Officials say that the tornado was at least EF3 damage with a maximum width of at least three-quarters of a mile. Surveys are set to continue for the next several days. 

MULTIPLE DEATHS REPORTED IN MISSOURI FROM FRIDAY NIGHT TORNADOS

At least two people in Missouri have died and hundreds of homes and buildings are damaged or destroyed after a massive Friday night stormfront that killed dozens in several states.

Overnight Friday, the National Weather Service issued 31 tornado warnings for Missouri.

A young child was killed at home and at least nine people were transported to hospitals in Pemiscot County. A motorist was also killed after striking a utility pole in the county.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson was in Pemiscot County Sunday to assess storm and tornado damage and visit with impacted Missourians.

Governor Parson, along with Governors from other impacted states, spoke with President Joe Biden to coordinate state and federal resources for communities affected by the severe weather and tornadoes.

Parson says that State Emergency Management Agency regional coordinators have been working with local partners to assess resource needs and preliminary damage estimates and will continue to do so in the coming days.

The Caruthersville School District has announced they will not have school today due to one of their kindergarten teacher’s home taking a direct hit from a tornado during the storm.

TORNADO STRIKES NURSING HOME, KILLING TWO, IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Areas of Northeast Arkansas are under a state of emergency due to the severe storm system on Friday.

Governor Asa Hutchinson declared the State of Emergency on Saturday.

The tornado Friday night caused the deaths of two people at the Monette Manor Nursing home as well as extensive damage in the Monette, Trumann, and Leachville areas.

Hutchinson was in Monette over the weekend to assess storm damage and meet with local leaders. 

WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE IMPACTED BY TORNADO DAMAGE

There are multiple ways for you to donate to assist those that were affected by the Tornados from this past weekend.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says that people can donate to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.

According to Beshear, this is a single fund connected with the state that will help fund the ground efforts taking place right now and the relief efforts families will need to rebuild.

The American Red Cross is also taking donations for the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. More information is available at RedCross.org or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. 

VEHICLE HITS DOWNED UTILITY POLE IN PEMISCOT COUNTY, KILLING ONE PERSON, INJURING ANOTHER 

A downed utility pole resulted in the death of one person Friday night in Southeast Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Marc Travis, of Caruthersville, was driving on Missouri Highway 84 when his vehicle struck a utility pole that was laying in the roadway.

The wreck occurred two miles east of Hayti at approximately 8:35 pm.

Officials say that Travis was ejected during the wreck and later pronounced dead at a Pemiscot County hospital.

A passenger in the vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital. 

DONIPHAN DRIVER KILLED AFTER HITTING TREE IN RIPLEY COUNTY

A Doniphan man has died after striking a tree Friday night.

According to the Missouri state Highway Patrol, 39 year old Christopher Koehler was driving on Missouri Highway 142 in Ripley County at around 7:30 pm Friday when his vehicle ran off the side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Koehler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner. 

Friday, December 10, 2021

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE TONIGHT

All of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas are now under an enhanced risk of severe weather tonight

According to the National Weather Service, Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas classified as being under an enhanced risk of storms.

According to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service, the main hazards will be damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, possibly including a couple strong tornadoes.

Officials say the most likely time period for the storms is 9 pm to 3 am, however there may be some development before 9 pm. 

ONE DEAD, ANOTHER INJURED, AFTER VEHICLE HITS TREE NEAR POPLAR BLUFF

A Doniphan woman has died after being involved in a Butler County wreck.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 25 year old Logan Markham was driving on Missouri Highway 142 when her vehicle ran off the side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Markham was pronounced dead at the scene by Butler County Coroner Jim Akers.

An eight year old child in the vehicle suffered serious injuries and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.

FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS SET FOR 34TH ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN

The first round matchups have been set for the 34th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown.

The three day tournament will start on Monday, December 27th at Poplar Bluff High School.

The first round will see Fayetteville take on Haywood at 4 pm, followed by South Side vs. Overton at 5:30 pm, Poplar Bluff against Forrest City at 7 pm, and the day will finish with Raytown South vs. Memphis Central at 8:30 pm.

Poplar Bluff Athletics Director Kent Keith tells KWOC News that tickets are on sale in the High School Athletic Department for eight dollars per day.

WANTED MAN OUT OF POPLAR BLUFF CAPTURED

Updating a story we brought to you earlier this week, police in Poplar Bluff say that a wanted man is in custody. 

The Poplar Bluff Police Department reported Thursday that 33 year old Shawn Vega has been arrested.

Officials say that Vega was wanted on a parole violation and was being considered armed and dangerous.

DONIPHAN WOMAN FLOWN TO JONESBORO HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A Doniphan woman was flown to an area hospital Wednesday after being involved in a single vehicle wreck.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 35 year old Michelle Morris was driving on Route A, near Doniphan, when her vehicle ran off the side of the roadway.

Morris, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was ejected during the wreck. She suffered serious injuries and was flown to a Jonesboro hospital.

According to an arrest report form the Highway Patrol, Morris is also facing charges of driving while intoxicated – alcohol and driving while revoked. 

MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON HEROIN CHARGE

A St. Louis man has been taken into custody in Southeast Missouri on a heroin charge.

According to authorities, 39 year old Heath Wibbenmeyer was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Wayne County on a felony charge of possession of heroin.

He is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Wibbenmeyer was held at the Wayne County Jail. 

Thursday, December 9, 2021

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE ON FRIDAY

We could be seeing higher chances of severe weather tomorrow.

According to the National Weather Service, The Storm Prediction Center has issued an outlook that most of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas will have a slight risk of severe thunderstorms late Friday afternoon into Friday night.

Officials say that the main concern appears to be damaging winds along with the possibility of tornados.

We could also be seeing locally heavy rain lead to chances of flooding.

Area residents are urged to be weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warning information if one was to be issued. 

MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL DEMANDS THAT LOCAL COVID MANDATES END

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is warning school districts and local public health departments that he will take legal action if they do not stop enforcing COVID-19 related health orders such as mask mandates and quarantine rules.

In letters sent earlier this week, Schmitt cited a Cole County judge’s ruling last month that said health orders issued by local authorities under state health regulations were “null and void.”

Schmitt also said his office has advised local public health authorities and school districts to stop enforcing or publicizing any COVID-19 health orders immediately because state law doesn’t give them the authority to issue such orders. 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN FACING STATUTORY RAPE AND SODOMY CHARGES

A Southeast Missouri man is due to appear in court today on statutory rape charges.

According to Missouri Case Net, a warrant was served Wednesday on 25 year old Daniel Greer, of Morehouse, on five counts of 2nd degree statutory rape and one count of 2nd degree statutory sodomy.

Few details about the incident have been released and Greer is scheduled to appear in a New Madrid Courtroom at 10 am this morning.  

PBHS DRAMA CLUB TO PERFORM “ELF: THE MUSICAL” THIS WEEKEND

70 Poplar Bluff students will be taking to the stage at the Kay M. Porter Theater this weekend.

The Poplar Bluff High School Drama Club is presenting “Elf: the Musical,” at 7 pm on December 10th and 11th, along with a 1 pm matinee on December 12th.

Tickets are $5 and doors will open half an hour before the shows begin.

Officials say that a toy drive for the Butler County Children’s Division is being held in conjunction with the show.

CHRISTMAS EVENT SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK AT THE PUXICO LIBRARY

A Christmas event has been scheduled for next week at the Puxico Public Library.

The event, sponsored by the library and Puxico Parents as Teachers, will be held on Monday December 13th, from 5 to 7 pm.

Kids will receive a small present and a candy cane from Santa and can get their pictures taken with Santa as well.

There will also be stories, crafts, and cookies available at the library during the event.  

MODOT OFFICIALS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO HELP PICK UP LITTER

December has been a little warmer than usual and state officials are taking the opportunity to ask for help removing litter from the state’s roadways.

Natalie Roark, state highway maintenance director with the Missouri Department of Transportation tells KWOC News that MoDOT has completed the last of their mowing for 2021 and this has the unfortunate effect of making litter more visible along Missouri roads.

Last year, MoDOT spent $6.4 million to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of roadsides along 34,000 state highway miles.

Roark says the best way to prevent litter on Missouri roads is to not create it in the first place.

Since 1987, Missouri's Adopt-A-Highway program has involved volunteers across the state working together to clean up Missouri.

For more information about how to join the Missouri Adopt-A-Highway program, go to MoDOT.org.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

FIREFIGHTER STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE WORKING ACCIDENT

A firefighter in northeast Arkansas has died after being struck by a vehicle.

According to the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Department, Wes Adams, of the Sedgwick Volunteer Fire Department, was working the scene of a motor vehicle accident Monday night when he was struck by a vehicle.

The fire department later posted on Facebook that Adams died on Tuesday.

No further information about the incident was available. 

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH TO DISCUSS GRANT APPLICATION FOR NEW PARK ON SHELBY ROAD

The City of Poplar Bluff will hold a public hearing later this month to discuss a grant application for funds to develop a new park.

The hearing has been scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on December 20th at the City Council Chambers inside the Black River Coliseum.

The proposed project consists of development of a park to be located on Shelby Road, near the new Poplar Bluff Police Department. Central to the design is a pond to be stocked with trout on an annual basis through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The total project cost is estimated at approximately $651,000.

For more information regarding the proposed project, contact Mayor Steve Davis at 573-686-8620.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE IN BUTLER COUNTY

Authorities in Butler County have arrested an area man on multiple drug related charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 32 year old Michael Jones, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

He is also facing charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Following the arrest, Jones was held at the Butler County Jail. 

STUDENT ARTWORK TO BE PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED AT POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL

 A Poplar Bluff school will be displaying artwork from a student who has taught himself to create highly detailed 3D paper models from memory

The Poplar Bluff Middle School has plans to permanently display a shadow box cabinet in the school foyer to showcase the train characters drawn up by sixth grader Terrell Causey, based on the “Thomas & Friends” television series.

Causey’s Teacher says that Causey creates them in record time without instructions using paper, colored pencils, scissors and glue.  The characters are complete with spinning wheels, stairs, a functioning gate, and couplers on the front and back.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI SCHOOL IS OFFERING PLANKS FROM OLD GYM FLOOR

A Southeast Missouri school is getting a new gym floor and is offering area residents the opportunity to take a portion of the old floor home with them.

Qulin Middle School is accepting donations for pieces of the old gym floor that was in use for 70 years. Officials are asking for reasonable donations for the planks.

The donations will go to improvements at the Qulin playground. 

For more information, contact the Qulin Middle School office at 573-328-4444.

18TH ANNUAL BRIDGE BUILDING COMPETITION TO BE HELD TOMORROW

Schools from across southeast Missouri will be competing to build the best bridge tomorrow.

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southeast District will hold the 18th Annual Bridge Building Competition on Thursday.

The bridge competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials, including balsa wood, string, and glue.

The competition will conclude with a bridge breaking ceremony where the bridges will be put to the test. Senior Highway Designer Gretchen Hanks says that videos of the bridge breaking ceremony will be available Thursday morning, and the winning students and schools will be announced later in the day.

Anyone can watch the ceremonies by going to modot.org/bridge-competition. 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEEKING WHEREABOUTS OF WANTED MAN

Police in Poplar Bluff are seeking the whereabouts of a wanted man.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 33 year old Shawn Vega is wanted for a parole violation.

Vega is described as a white male, six feet tall, weighing 195 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Officials say that he should be considered armed and dangerous. We have a picture of Vega available on our Facebook page.

Anyone who has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

ELECTION FILING BEGINS TODAY FOR APRIL ELECTION

Today marks the beginning of the filing period for the municipal election coming up in April.

Multiple area agencies will be having elections including local school boards and the Three Rivers College Board of Trustees.

The filing period was moved up this year and will officially end on December 28th.

The Missouri General Municipal Election Day is scheduled for April 5th.  

MISSOURI GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS WAGE INCREASES FOR STATE EMPLOYEES

Missouri Governor Mike Parson is recommending that state government employees get a raise.

Parson says that he will recommend a 5.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment and $15 per hour minimum base pay standard for all state employees across state government.

The recommendation will be included in the Governor's Supplemental Budget request to be introduced at the beginning of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session on January 5th.

The salary adjustments will require General Assembly approval before they can go into effect. 

FOUR POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SELECTED FOR ALL-STATE CHOIR

Four Poplar Bluff High School students have been chosen for the All-State Choir.

School officials tell KWOC News that soprano Emma Harris and tenor Bralin Duckett will perform with the choir during the Missouri Music Educators Association conference in January at Osage Beach.

Tenor Christian Redding and alto Emma Tinsley will serve as alternates.

Harris, who has achieved one of the highest sight-singing scores in the state, will also participate in the Missouri Choral Directors Association sponsored Sight-Singing Bee during the conference. 

SANTA LAND IS TONIGHT AT THE BLACK RIVER COLISEUM

The 2021 Santa Land event will be held tonight from 6 to 8 pm at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Individuals with special needs may enter at 5:30 pm.

Officials with Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation say that even though the early sessions are full, anyone who has not registered can still attend, and they will try to fit you in. If you haven’t registered, it is advised for you to go for the 7:30 session.

Officials are also recommending that everyone wear a face mask.

For more information contact the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation office at 686-8645.

WINTER DRAWDOWN SCHEDULED AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE

The date has been announced for the annual winter drawdown at Wappapello Lake.

According to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the drawdown from recreation pool to conservation pool will begin on December 15th.

Officials say the lake level is drawn down five feet, from 359.74 feet to 354.74 feet, which allows for additional storage of winter and spring precipitation.

During the conservation pool, boaters are urged to use caution when on the lake as mud flats and tree stumps may be exposed or be just under the water surface.

Anyone with questions concerning the annual winter drawdown is asked to contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562.

Monday, December 6, 2021

MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER SHOOTING AT LAW ENFORCEMENT

A Southeast Missouri man has been taken into custody after allegedly shooting at law enforcement.

Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain tells KWOC News that 28 year old Patrick Skelton, of Senath was arrested Thursday evening.

A Dunklin County Deputy was responding to a domestic assault on Highway Z, near Kennett, where he found Skelton’s girlfriend and her 4 year old child.

While the Deputy was gathering information, Skelton, who had crashed a car nearby, began shooting at them. One bullet struck a vehicle.

Skelton was then arrested in a nearby ditch. After being taken into custody, he allegedly threatened another police officer and said he wished he had killed the deputy.

Jain says that he has charged Skelton with 5 counts of assault in the first degree, 5 counts of armed criminal action, 7 counts of unlawful use of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, domestic assault in the third degree, and driving while intoxicated as a persistent offender.

Skelton was held in the Dunklin County Jail on a $750,000, cash only bond. 

NUMEROUS FLOATS LIGHT UP POPLAR BLUFF DURING THE RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

Hundreds of spectators and dozens of floats lit up downtown Poplar Bluff this past weekend.

Everyone was out Friday night for the latest edition of the River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade.

If you could not attend this year’s parade, we have a video of the festivities available on our Facebook page. 

VICTIM IN STABLE CONDITION AFTER BEING SHOT DURING STORE ROBBERY 

Two people are in custody following a shooting during a store robbery in the Missouri Bootheel.

According to Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield, early Friday morning, officers responded to a store on North Walnut Street in reference to a man being shot in the head.

An investigation revealed that the victim, who was a store employee, was shot during an armed robbery. The investigation led to the arrest of 30 year old James Stewart, of Steele, on charges of assault first degree, armed criminal action, robbery 1st degree, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A juvenile suspect was also arrested in connection to the incident.

Stanfield says that the victim, whose identity was not released, is reported to be in stable condition. 

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

Two people were seriously injured in a single vehicle wreck on Highway 51 in Southern Bollinger County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred early Friday morning when a truck driven by 37 year old Elvin Mendez, of Lowndes, ran off the roadway and struck a ditch.

Two passengers in the vehicle, a 33 year old male from Scott City and a 28 year old male from Advance, were both seriously injured and transported to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

No injuries were listed for the driver. 

CITY OF DEXTER TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING ON ALLOWING UTV’S TO BE DRIVEN IN THE CITY

Residents of the city of Dexter are being asked to give their opinions on UTV’s in the city.

According to Dexter City Clerk Crystal Bishop, the Dexter Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing at 7 pm tonight at the Municipal Building.

The hearing is regarding whether UTV’s should be allowed to be driven on city streets. 

CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR ROAD WORK IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Contracts have been awarded for various road projects in Southeast Missouri.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contracts last week during their regular meeting.

An over 3.3 million dollar contract was awarded to Pace Construction Company for resurfacing Route T from Route 51 to Route 60 and paving shoulders from Route D to Route 60 in Wayne and Butler Counties.

An almost 1.9 million dollar contract was awarded to Apex Paving for resurfacing portions of northbound and southbound Route 67 in Wayne County.

Additional information, including timelines and impacts to traffic, will be released prior to the start of construction.

Friday, December 3, 2021

RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET IN POPLAR BLUFF

The Poplar Bluff area set a new record high temperature yesterday.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, temperatures reached 78 degrees at the Poplar Bluff Airport at around 2:20 pm.

The previous record for December 2nd in Poplar Bluff was 73 degrees which was set way back in 1956.

2021 RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE IS TONIGHT

Tonight is the night for the 2021 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Poplar Bluff.

You still have until noon today to get your entry in for the parade, which is scheduled to begin at 6 pm. Entry forms are available on our Facebook page and website.

Participants can start lining up at 4:30 pm at the old Hydro Adventures site. Personal vehicles will not be allowed to park at the old Hydro Adventures site, but can be parked at Whiteley Park or the old grocery store beside Rick’s 66.

The parade route this year will run from Highway 142 at McDonalds through downtown Poplar Bluff before looping back and ending at the Black River Coliseum.

Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. For more information, call 785-0881.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN COMPETING IN NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

A Carter County man is in Nevada for a national rodeo competition.

Coy Rahlmann, of Ellsinore, is one of two Missourians competing among a total of 119 entrants in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

The rodeo kicked off Thursday night and is scheduled to run through Saturday, December 11th. 

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS COMING UP AT THE PALACE OF PRAISE

The dates have been set for a Christmas themed play at a Poplar Bluff church. 

The Palace of Praise is presenting the 12th Annual Sounds of Christmas nightly from December 12th through the 15th beginning at 7 pm each night.  

Admission to the show is free, but you can also purchase tickets for a dinner theater experience on the 13th, 14th, and 15th.

Tickets for the dinner are $15 per person and can be purchased online at SoundsOfChristmas.org or at the Palace of Praise, which is located at 1400 Herschel Bess Boulevard in Poplar Bluff.

For more information, call 573-785-4232.

PRESCRIBED BURN CONDUCTED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Forrest officials in Southeast Missouri conducted a prescribed fire on Thursday.

According to officials with Mark Twain National Forest, the Gotham prescribed fire operation covered approximately 585 acres around 11 miles Southwest of Van Buren.

Fire management staff say that the burn went well.

Prescribed burns are used to maintain healthy Forests by achieving resource benefits in the fire-adapted ecosystems. They also reduce the chance for devastating wildfires in the future.

BROSELEY MAN FACING CHARGES FOLLOWING TWO VEHICLE WRECK NEAR QULIN

A Broseley man is facing charges following a two vehicle wreck in Butler County.  

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 50 year old Jeffery Worley was driving on Highway 53 in Qulin, Wednesday night, when he turned into the path of another vehicle.

Worley suffered moderate injuries in the wreck and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

According to an arrest report from the Highway Patrol, Worley is facing a felony charge of driving while intoxicated along with a charge of failure to yield.

Thursday, December 2, 2021

MAN SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES IN POPLAR BLUFF

An investigation is underway after a man was shot multiple times in Poplar Bluff.

Lieutenant Danny Hicks with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim Tuesday evening near Munch N Pump on Sycamore Street.

At the scene, officers found an 18 year old male who had been shot multiple times. The victim was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

No suspect is in custody at this time. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Lieutenant Hicks at 573-785-5776.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTNECED ON MURDER CHARGE

A Poplar Bluff man is facing almost 20 years in prison on a murder charge.

According to Missouri Case Net, Kahlil Gregory Smith was sentenced this week to 18 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for both 2nd degree murder and armed criminal action. The two sentences are to run concurrently.

Smith was arrested in April of 2019 in connection to the shooting death of 39 year old Daniel Carroll, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Smith entered a guilty plea on the two counts in September. 

JOHN J PERSHING VA MEDICAL CENTER TO UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE THIS WEEKEND

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will be undergoing some upgrades this weekend.

The hospital will be shutting down power to much of its medical center on Saturday to modernize the infrastructure.

This will cause the urgent care and pharmacy to be closed at the medical center that day. Officials say that the phone system will be down as well, so if a veteran needs to dial in a prescription refill request, it will need to be done before or after Saturday.

For more information, go to the John J. Pershing VA medical Center Facebook page. 

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL TO HOST ROBOTICS MEET THIS WEEKEND 

Seven teams from schools around Southeast Missouri will be coming to Poplar Bluff this weekend for the Kickin’ It with the Mules Robotics Meet.

According to Poplar Bluff Robotics Coach Kathy Miller, the meet will be from noon to 2 pm Saturday at Poplar Bluff High School.

Spectators can enjoy the meet for free, but everyone must wear a mask to attend. 

NO BOATING CRASHES OR DROWNINGS REPORTED OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY IN MISSOURI

The state of Missouri had nine people die in traffic crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were a total of 457 crashes during the counting period, resulting in 114 injuries as well as nine fatalities. One of the fatalities was in Southeast Missouri.

Troopers also made 125 DWI arrests and 72 drug arrests.

The counting period ran from 6 pm on Wednesday, November 24th through 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 28th.

Officials say there were no boating crashes or drownings reported across the state. 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO FORCE CLOSURE OF NEW MADRID COUNTY ROAD

Route WW in New Madrid County will be closed through next week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

According to officials, the section of roadway to be closed is located from Route AB to County Road 740.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 am to 2 pm daily, through Friday, December 10th.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

JUVENILE RECOVERING AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE IN DEXTER

A juvenile is recovering after being hit by a vehicle last week.

According to the Dexter Police Department, on November 26th, a seven year old male juvenile ran out onto Stoddard Street and was struck by a car.

The juvenile suffered injuries to his abdomen, left arm, and face. He was treated on scene by EMS and transported to a local medical facility.

Police spoke with the juvenile’s family on Tuesday, who reported that he was doing fine and is recovering well.

Officials say that the incident was an unfortunate accident and no charges will be filed. 

FIRST MIDWEST BANK OF POPLAR BLUFF TO MERGE WITH FIRST MIDWEST BANK OF THE OZARKS

Two area banks will be merging this week.

In a letter posted online, President and CEO of First Midwest Bank, Joey McLane, announced that First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff and First Midwest Bank of the Ozarks will merge on Friday.

McLane says that the combined organization will retain the name of First Midwest Bank of the Ozarks because they believe it is most reflective of their growing geographical locations.

Anyone with questions is asked to call 573-785-8461.

2021 RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS FRIDAY

Parade lights will be shining bright in Downtown Poplar Bluff this Friday for the 2021 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade.

The deadline to get your entry in for this year’s parade has been extended to Friday at noon, with the parade scheduled for 6 pm that night. Entry forms are available on our Facebook page and website.

The parade route this year will run from Highway 142 at McDonalds through downtown Poplar Bluff before looping back and ending at the Black River Coliseum. Line-up will begin at 4:30 pm at the Old Hydro Adventure Water Park.

Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. For more information, call 785-0881. 

YOUNG HUNTERS HARVEST OVER 3,000 DEER DURING LATE YOUTH PORTION

Young Missouri hunters took over three thousand deer during the late youth portion of the 2021 deer hunting season.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 3,477 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion which ran from November 26th to the 28th.

Of the deer harvested, 1,470 were antlered bucks, 383 were button bucks, and 1,624 were does.

This year’s number was down around 500 deer from last year’s harvest total for the late youth portion.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN FACING MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES FOLLOWING ARREST

A Poplar Bluff woman is facing multiple drug charges following her arrest over the weekend.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 40 year old Sarah Waters was taken into custody Sunday night on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of liquid morphine, and possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility.

Waters also reportedly had a felony Butler County warrant for burglary 1st degree.

She was held at the Butler County Jail. 

NEW MADRID COUNTY ROAD CLOSED THIS WEEK

Route AB in New Madrid County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The section of roadway being closed is located from Route WW to County Road 405.

Work is scheduled to take place from 7 am to 3 pm, daily, through Friday.

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

SUSPICIOUS DEATH INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN DEXTER

Authorities in Stoddard County are investigating a suspicious death.

Dexter Chief of Police Hank Trout tells KWOC News that officers responded to a location on Condor Drive Monday for a medical assist call of a cardiac arrest.

The 49 year old male victim was transported to a Dexter hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The victim’s identity is being withheld until the next of kin can be notified.

Trout says that the Stoddard County Major Case Squad has been activated due to the death being suspicious.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday in Farmington. 

BUTLER COUNTY RESIDENTS COULD SEE AN INCREASE IN NATURAL GAS PRICES

Residents in Butler County could soon be seeing an increase in Natural Gas prices.

According to the Missouri Public Service Commission, Spire East customers will see natural gas rates change under a filing that takes effect today.

The Commission says that Spire East residential customers currently pay approximately $0.37 per therm of natural gas and under the filing, the rate will increase to approximately $0.59 per therm.

Spire East provides natural gas service to customers in multiple eastern Missouri counties, including Butler, Iron, and Madison. 

DEXTER MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDER CHARGE

A Dexter man will be sentenced early next year following his guilty plea on a murder charge.

According to Missouri Case Net, Joshua Koonce pled guilty Monday to charges of murder 2nd degree and armed criminal action.

The charges stem from the death of Jimmy Casey in 2018.

Sentencing has been scheduled for February 1st, 2022. 

INTERSTATE 155 BRIDGE STRUCK BY A BARGE

A bridge connecting Southeast Missouri to Northwest Tennessee was closed for a period of time on Monday.

According to officials, the Interstate 155 bridge was closed after being hit by a barge.

Crews from the Tennessee Department of Transportation inspected the bridge and traffic was allowed to cross later Monday evening.  

STATE AUDITOR GIVES WAYNE COUNTY RATING OF FAIR, CITES SEVERAL CONCERNS

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has completed an audit of Wayne County.

Galloway gave the county an overall rating of fair and says there are several concerns with county government operations.

Many of the findings identified in the report were in the County Collector's office, which handles tax collections. The audit found the Collector did not prepare and file an annual settlement for two separate years, as required by state law.

The audit also found the County Clerk does not maintain an account book or other records summarizing property tax charges, transactions and changes and does not prepare or verify the accuracy of the current or delinquent tax books.

In addition, the audit reported the offices of the Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney need to improve accounting controls and procedures.

The full audit is available at auditor.mo.gov. 

MULES FOOTBALL PLAYERS NAMED FINALISTS FOR THE CARR TROPHY AND DERLAND MOORE AWARD

Two Poplar Bluff Mules players have been named as finalists for prestigious awards in Southeast Missouri.

Mules Quarterback Kannon Carr is a finalist for the Carr Trophy, presented annually since 1979 to the most outstanding player in the SEMO conference.

The Carr Trophy is named in honor of E.E. “Bus” Carr who was one of the early members of the Poplar Bluff Letter Club, a sports announcer for KWOC and who was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

The other finalists are Kennett running back Jordan Jarrett and Hayti quarterback Trayvon Thomas.

Mules linebacker Hunter Jenkins is a finalist for the Derland Moore Award, which is presented to the top defensive player in the conference.

The award is named in honor of the Poplar Bluff native who was an All-American defensive lineman at Oklahoma and played for 14 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. The other finalists are Kennett lineman Latrevion Thompson and Malden linebacker Jalias Anderson.

The winners will be announced on December 15th during the 76th Poplar Bluff Letter Club Gridiron Banquet at the Black River Coliseum.

Monday, November 29, 2021

ONE DEAD, THREE INJURED, FOLLOWING BUTLER COUNTY WRECK

A Doniphan woman has died following a two vehicle crash in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly after 2 pm Friday on US Highway 67 at County Road 323, when a vehicle pulled into the path of another vehicle.

The driver of the first vehicle, identified as 59 year old Rita Overstreet, was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital where she was pronounced dead. A passenger in the vehicle received serious injuries and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.

Two people in the second vehicle were also seriously injured and transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

MISSING DEER HUNTER FOUND IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A deer hunter who went missing in Southeast Missouri last week has been located.

According to the Oregon County Sheriff’s Office, a 62 year old hunter from St. Louis left his hunting camp along an Oregon County road last Tuesday morning and became lost and disoriented.

After the hunter failed to return to his camp, his cousin contacted the Sheriff's Office at about 6 pm Tuesday evening.

A search was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri Department of Conservation, local landowners, and volunteers through the night and into the early morning hours on Wednesday. 

A Baxter County Sheriff’s Office helicopter responded Wednesday morning and located the injured man.  He was transported from the ravine where he was located to an area medical facility.

No information was released on the extent of his injuries. 

OVER 180,000 DEER HARVESTED DURING FIREARM DEER SEASON

Almost 188,000 deer were harvested during the November portion of firearms deer season.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 187,967 deer during the season, which ran from November 13th through the 23rd.

The total was up over 10,000 deer from last year’s number.

Of the deer harvested, 101,501 were antlered bucks, 16,435 were button bucks, and 70,031 were does.

Conservation officials say that the top harvest counties were Franklin, Texas, and Howell.

Three other Southeast Missouri counties were in the top 20, with Bollinger County coming in 10th, Oregon County in 12th, and Shannon County in 18th.

More information is available at MDC.mo.gov. 

DEXTER WOMAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE

Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area woman on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Brittany Smith, of Dexter, was taken into custody Friday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Smith also had a warrant out of Stoddard County for property damage.

Following the arrest, she was held at the Stoddard County Jail. 

FOUR SMALL EARTHQUAKES RECORDED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI OVER HOLIDAY WEEK

The United States Geological Survey is reporting that four small earthquakes were recorded in Southeast Missouri over the Thanksgiving holiday week.

The first was a 1.8 magnitude earthquake recorded at 11:10 pm Tuesday night. It was located five miles north of New Madrid.

Two earthquakes occurred on Thanksgiving Day, a magnitude 2.1 which was located three miles southwest of Caruthersville and a magnitude 2.0 which was located three and a half miles southeast of Marston.

On Friday morning, officials reported a magnitude 2.1 earthquake just over four miles south of Williamsville. 

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO CLOSE TODAY FOR FIVE MONTH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Route DD in Dunklin County will be closed beginning today for bridge construction over the St. Francis River.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the closure will be located around three miles west of Missouri Route 53 near Campbell.

Weather permitting, work will begin today, with completion anticipated by April 1st, 2022. A signed detour will be in place during construction.