POPLAR BLUFF MAN FLOWN TO TENNESSEE HOSPITAL AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE FACE
A Poplar Bluff man was flown to a hospital on Friday after being shot in the face.
Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that authorities responded to a call of a shooting in the 800 block of County Road 301, where Jessie Lacy was asking for help from a neighbor, saying that he had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene, Lacy stated that 48 year old Edward Rodgers shot him while they were arguing.
Lacy was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for his injuries, before being flown to a hospital in Tennessee after being listed in critical condition.
Rodgers was located a few hours after the alleged shooting on Thomas Street, and was taken into custody on suspicion of 1st degree assault and armed criminal action. He was also wanted on a federal warrant for escape prior to his arrest.
He was transported to the Butler County Jail following his arrest, where he awaits formal charges.
KENNETT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOW MANDATING FACE MASKS
The Kennett School District is now mandating face masks to be worn while on school grounds.
According to officials with the school board, the decision was made due to the recent changes to state guidance for school districts on proper mask wearing that Governor Mike Parson announced last week.
The change stated that students and staff who have been exposed to the virus will not have to quarantine if they were properly wearing a face mask or covering at the time of exposure.
ROADWAY IN PEMISCOT COUNTY SCHEDULED FOR REDUCTION DURING BRIDGE REPAIRS
A roadway in Pemiscot County will be reduced while bridge repairs are underway.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of North and Southbound Interstate 55, from mile marker 18 to mile marker 20 in Hayti, will be reduced to one lane with a 13-foot width restriction while MODOT crews perform bridge repairs.
The work is scheduled to take place from 7 am to 5 pm, from today through December 4th.
BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSTING COVID-19 TESTING SITE TODAY
The Butler County Health Department will be hosting a COVID-19 testing site today.
According to the department, they will be having first come, first serve coronavirus tests to anyone who wants to get tested. The tests will be performed through a nasal swab, and participants will stay inside their vehicles while the test is performed.
You will also be asked questions about any potential symptoms you may or may not have.
To get tested, visit the Whitley Park at the intersection of Highway 53 and 142 from 9 am to 3 pm. The tests are free and available to all Missouri residents, and you do not need an appointment to be tested.
NEELYVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE ON MURDER CHARGES
A Neelyville man will be spending his life in prison after he pleaded guilty to two 2016 murder charges.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 34 year old Nicholas Suiter was charged with two counts of 1st degree murder, as well as 2nd degree arson and burglary, after pleading guilty to the killing of 70 year old Jimmy Atchley, of Wappapello, and 48 year old Nancy Sisco, of Neelyville.
These charges stem from an investigation made by authorities, who found the burnt bodies of both Atchley and Sisco inside Suiter’s trailer in October of 2016, after a fire was reported inside the structure. They were later identified after the fire was put out, and an autopsy report revealed that they were both killed from gunshot wounds.
After being apprehended by authorities in a lengthy investigation, Suiter admitted to shooting both of them, then setting the trailer on fire in an effort to hide the evidence.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION ASKING HUNTERS TO ASSIST IN DISEASE TESTING
The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking hunters in the state to assist in identifying a disease in the deer population.
According to officers with the conservation, samples are needed from the deer in order to identify and possibly halt the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, a virus that is lethal in the deer family, that has been found in higher percentages of the wildlife than usual.
Under normal circumstances, hunters are required to send deer to a testing station, however the mandate has changed due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Hunters do not have to visit a station due to concerns about the coronavirus, though officials are highly recommending that you visit a testing station when processing your deer.
For a full list of testing stations and their availability, visit MDC.Mo.Gov.
