SECOND DEATH FROM COVID-19 REPORTED IN BUTLER COUNTY
The Butler County Health Department has announced that a second resident has died from the coronavirus.
According to the department, the resident had previously tested positive for the virus, and passed away while under care. At this time, no personal information about the patient is being released.
Officials with the health department are urging residents to practice social distancing guidelines, and to make safety and hygiene top priorities while going out in public spaces. It is also recommended to avoid large crowds of people or social gatherings.
MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON DRUG AND WEAPON CHARGES
A man was arrested in Stoddard County on drug and weapon possession charges.
According to officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 22 year old Justice Heflin, of Dexter, was booked on a warrant for unlawful use of a weapon, as well as possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Stoddard County Jail following his arrest, on a $12,500 cash only bond.
ROADWAY THROUGH RIPLEY AND OREGON COUNTIES SCHEDULED FOR REDUCTION
A road stretching through Ripley and Oregon Counties will be reduced while undergoing roadwork.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, a section of Route 142, from Route EE in Oregon County and Route 21 in Ripley County, will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction while crews perform overlay and shoulder widening.
The project is set to begin on Monday, and is expected to be completed by October 1st.
FORMER NAYLOR R-2 ADMINISTRATOR FACES LAWSUIT FOR 2015 ASSAULT CASE
A former administrator of Naylor R-2, as well as the school district, is facing a civil lawsuit.
The case has been filed in relation to a 2015 sexual assault case, where a female student was allegedly assaulted during school hours. It includes charges against former administrator John Mullins, who had previously pleaded guilty to a 1st degree sodomy charge, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December.
The lawsuit also accuses school administrators of knowing about the alleged assaults, as well as five sexual misconduct cases by Mullings from 2008 to 2009, while continuing to have him work with the district.
Both the school district and Mullins have until August 5th to respond.
NEW CASES OF COVID-19 CONFIRMED IN BUTLER, CARTER, AND STODDARD COUNTIES
New cases of the coronavirus were reported in Butler, Carter, and Stoddard Counties.
According to the Counties’ Health Departments, Butler County has reported six new cases, with a total of 117 confirmed cases, while Stoddard County has reported two new patients, raising the County’s total to 148. In Carter County, its seventh patient was reported.
The patients have been put in self-isolation, and the departments will be working with the CDC to contact anyone who may have come into contact with the disease while the patients were active and infectious.
In Missouri, as of Wednesday, there are a total of 25,204 cases of the coronavirus in the state, and 1,046 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are showing any symptoms of the virus, including persistent coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
WAPPAPELLO PARK HOSTING PUBLIC MEETING THIS WEEKEND
Missouri State Parks officials will be hosting a public meeting at Wappapello State Park on Saturday.
The meeting will be used to discuss plans for parks across Missouri, as well as gather input and comments from the public about park operations and future goals. Wappapello Park staff will be attending the meeting to answer any questions or concerns.
The meeting will be held at Wappapello Park’s store, and staff is recommending attendees to follow social-distancing guidelines while the meeting takes place.
Lake Wappapello State Park is on Highway 172 in Williamsville, and the park can be contacted by calling 573-297-3232.
