COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ARRIVING AND BEING ADMINISTERED IN POPLAR BLUFF
Shipments of the coronavirus vaccinations are being delivered and administered in Poplar Bluff.
According to Marcus Selvidge, the Chief Quality Officer at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, the center received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday, and administered doses to roughly 360 frontline healthcare workers.
The John J Pershing VA Medical Center will be administering doses of the Moderna vaccine to veterans of age 85 and older starting on Thursday. The vaccinations will take place from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays, including two Saturdays: January 16th, and January 30th.
The Center has received about 700 doses of the vaccine, and will move on to administering them to veterans of age 75 to 84 as supplies become readily available.
The vaccinations require two injections for the appropriate immune response, and hold an efficacy rate of 95%.
Health officials are urging residents to keep safety and hygiene in mind while vaccinations become available, and to continue wearing face masks to protect themselves from potentially catching or spreading the virus.
BERNIE MAN ARRESTED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY ON DRUG AND FIREARM POSSESSION
A Bernie man was taken into custody in Dunklin County on Monday on drug and firearm possession.
According to the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department, 39 year old Charles Southard was arrested on a felony charge for possession of a firearm, and felony possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
Southard also faces a felony charge on possession of drug paraphernalia, and several vehicle related offenses.
Following his arrest, he was transported to the Dunklin County Jail.
GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON HOLDING BRIEFING ON STATE’S CURRENT EVENTS TODAY
Missouri Governor Mike Parson is scheduled to hold a briefing today.
Governor Parson will be holding the meeting at 3 pm, with the focus of updating residents on Missouri’s current events, and future plans.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Governor Parson’s Facebook page for anyone who wants to view it.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES RESULTS FOR NEW YEAR’S COUNTING PERIOD
The Missouri State Highway Patrol released the results of the 2021 New Year’s counting period on Monday.
According to Superintendent Colonel Eric Olson, the counting period saw 458 crashes, 97 injuries, 4 deaths, and 135 DWI arrests. There were no boating related crashes or drownings.
Last year's counting period reported 323 crashes, 140 injuries, 1 fatality, and 58 DWI arrests.
The counting period ran from 6 pm on December 31st, through 11:59 pm on January 3rd.
APARTMENT BUILDING HEAVILY DAMAGED FOLLOWING STRUCTURE FIRE IN KENNETT
A building was heavily damaged by a structure fire on Tuesday in Kennett.
According to the Kennett Fire Department, officials received a call Tuesday morning about a structure fire at an apartment building at Beaton Street.
Firefighter crews responded to the scene, where the complex was completely engulfed from all sides by the time crews arrived.
All occupants were able to escape safely, and the families involved were assisted by authorities with the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office.
TWO MEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES
Two men were arrested in Stoddard County on Tuesday on multiple drug related charges.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 18 year olds Caleb Smith, of Zalma, and James Douglas, of Scott City, were taken into custody on felony possession of a controlled substance – morphine tablets.
They also face charges on possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The two were transported to the Stoddard County Jail following their arrests.
