MAN DIES AFTER BEING FOUND IN BUTLER COUNTY DITCHThe Major Case Squad was activated following a death over the weekend in Butler County.
Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that on Saturday afternoon at around 4 pm, a person was walking by County Road 606 near B Street in Poplar Bluff and found a person lying in a ditch.
The subject later passed away at an area hospital.
An autopsy was conducted Sunday and the death was ruled to be due to accidental hypothermia.
KWOC News has confirmed that the subject was a male, however his identity has not been released.
We will keep following this story and bring you updates when they become available.
BUTLER COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES EARLY SUNDAY MORNING An area man is facing multiple drug related charges following his arrest early Sunday morning.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 20 year old Andrew Persons, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested at around 2:44 am Sunday morning in Butler County.
Persons was taken into custody on felony charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. He is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving while intoxicated.
Persons was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.
BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTY ROAD An over two month long bridge repair project in Butler and Stoddard Counties is scheduled to begin today.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route U will be closed as contractor crews perform bridge repairs on a bridge located between Route H in Butler County and Route CC in Stoddard County. Officials say that a detour will be in place.
Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be performed today through Wednesday, March 15th from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
CITY OF NAYLOR UNDER BOIL WATER ADVISORY ORDER The city of Naylor is under a boil water advisory order.
Officials say that the order is due to a broken water main. Residents must boil their water for five minutes before drinking or using it to cook with.
It is safe to take baths and showers. It is also safe to wash clothes and dishes, just don’t add any bleach.
No timetable was given for when the order could end.
POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN FACING CHARGES OF 2ND DEGREE MURDER AND ELDER ABUSE A Poplar Bluff woman has pled not guilty on a murder charge following the death of her mother.
Theresa Smothers was found severely malnourished and dehydrated in her home in December and later died.
According to Missouri Case Net, 65 year old Judy Smothers, has been charged with felony 2nd degree murder and 2nd degree elder abuse.
Judy Smothers’ bond was set at $50,000.
SIX ARRESTED DURING PROBATION/PAROLE SWEEP IN CLAY COUNTY Multiple arrests were made during a probation and parole sweep last week in Northeast Arkansas.
Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that on Thursday the Clay County Sheriff's Department conducted the country wide sweep along with officers from multiple other agencies including the Piggott and Corning Police Departments.
Miller says that six individuals were arrested during the sweep on warrants and drug related charges. The names of the arrestees were not available.
ORAN MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE An Oran man has been taken into custody in New Madrid County on a felony drug charge.
According to authorities, 24 year old Stewart Johnson was arrested Friday evening on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.
Johnson is also facing charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following the arrest, he was held in New Madrid County on a 24 hour hold.
KENNETT TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Kennett teenager has been injured following a single vehicle wreck Sunday night.
According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at around 11:20 pm when a vehicle, driven by 18 year old Sydney Patton, ran off of Route Z in Pemiscot County and struck a ditch.
Patton suffered serious injuries and was taken to a Kennett hospital.
