MULTIPLE HIGHWAYS FLOODED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Southeast Missouri received heavy rains and thunder-storms throughout the weekend, which has resulted in some highways being flooded this morning.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Highway 142, from Highway 67 South to Highway HH in Neelyville, and a section of roadway on Highway 53, from Highway 51 to Highway HH, in Butler County are closed due to the flooding.
Flooding has also resulted in the closure of parts of Highway W in Ripley County.
Motorists are reminded to never attempt to drive over flooded roadways.
Additionally, Twin Rivers R-10 School, and Neelyville R-4 are closed due to the flooding.
MAN ARRESTED IN RIPLEY COUNTY ON DRUG AND FIREARM CHARGES
A man was taken into custody in Ripley County on Friday on drug and firearm charges.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 32 year old Joshua Leonard, of Corning, was arrested on felony unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Ripley County Jail following his arrest.
JUVENILE INJURED IN VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
A juvenile was reportedly injured in a vehicle crash in Butler County on Saturday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at Woodland Meadows, west of Poplar Bluff, where a vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
A 15 year old juvenile, who was driving the vehicle, received serious injuries as a result of the crash, and was transported to a hospital in Poplar Bluff.
VEHICLE RESCUES AND WATER ISSUES REPORTED FOLLOWING FLOODING
Some vehicle rescues and water related issues were reported due to the flooding over the weekend.
The Butler County Sheriff Department reports that there were three vehicle water rescues over the weekend, including another incident involving a tree that had fallen, and that first responders were having difficulty traveling to the areas due to the rising waters.
The Black River in Poplar Bluff had crested at just below 19 feet on Sunday by the time the flood watch had ended, and is expected to fall below flood stage by noon today.
NEW MADRID MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN CONNECTION TO COLD CASE
A New Madrid man was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection to a 2006 cold case.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 42 year old Melvin Hufford, of Tallapoosa, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to one charge of manslaughter, and one felony charge on tampering with physical evidence.
The manslaughter count was charged on the death of 35 year old Teresa Butler, of Risco, who Hufford injected with a lethal dose of methamphetamine.
He also admitted to wrapping and hiding her body in an abandoned home for a few years, before ultimately burning and hiding her remains in a ditch south of Tallapoosa.
DONIPHAN MAN ARRESTED IN RIPLEY COUNTY ON METHAMPHETAMINE POSSESSION
A Doniphan man was taken into custody on Saturday in Ripley County on possession of methamphetamine.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News that 45 year old Ronald Bohannon, of Doniphan, was arrested on felony possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Ripley County Jail following his arrest.
ROAD IN RIPLEY COUNTY SCHEDULED TO CLOSE FOR REPAIRS
A road in Ripley County is scheduled to close this week for repairs.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route A will be closed between County Road 21 South-3 and County Road A-3 on Tuesday from 8 am to 2 pm, and will be closed between County Road A-2 and A-3 on Thursday from 3 am to 2 pm.
For more information, contact MoDOT crews by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT, or by visiting www.MoDot.Org.
