FALL BUFF UP THE BLUFF SET FOR THIS WEEKEND
The 2021 Fall Buff up the Bluff event is set for this weekend.
The citywide clean up event has been scheduled for Saturday, October 16th.
The Poplar Bluff Leaf Disposal Site will be accepting items from 8 am to 3:30 pm. The site is located southeast of Twin Towers and signs will be posted. Proof of city residency is required.
Today is the last day to arrange for curbside pickup of items for residents 65 years old and older. To make the reservations, call 573-686-8622.
For more information, go to the City of Poplar Bluff Facebook page.
MISSING MAN FOUND SAFE
Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, officials say that a man who was reported missing earlier this week has been located.
According to the Dexter Police Department, 61 year old Robert Watts was reported missing on Monday after attending a friend’s funeral in Chicago.
Police say that Watts has been found and is safe.
MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO NEW MADRID SHOOTING INCIDENT
Updating a story we brought to you last week, authorities in New Madrid have made an arrest in connection to a shooting incident.
According to New Madrid Police Chief Joey Higgerson, last week officers were called to the 400 block of Semo Drive in reference to gunshots in the neighborhood.
Witnesses told police that the driver of a blue car was firing at a white car, and that an occupant of the white car was shooting back. The vehicles had both left the scene prior to officers' arrival and there appeared to be no injuries.
Higgerson says that police were searching for Dominiqe Betts for unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Betts was arrested Wednesday during a traffic stop in New Madrid County.
MISSOURI CHANGES SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS EXPOSED TO COVID-19
Missouri education officials say that students, teachers, and staff who were directly exposed to someone with the coronavirus will be allowed to stay in school and participate in sports and extracurricular activities if they follow new guidelines.
The new “test to stay” rules announced this week say anyone exposed to a person with COVID-19 can remain in school if they get frequent negative test results. Local health agencies will determine if the “test to stay” policy will be used in schools in their region.
The rules will require the person who was exposed to have no COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days, with at least three rapid antigen tests taken in the first seven days after exposure.
STATE AUDITOR SAYS THAT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COUNTY IS MAKING PROGRESS
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway says that a Southeast Missouri County is making progress following a 2020 audit that found unpaid payroll taxes cost county taxpayers more than $50,000.
A regularly scheduled audit of New Madrid County in 2020 resulted in a rating of "poor" - the lowest possible rating.
The most significant finding from that audit was that monthly reports and state payroll tax withholdings totaling $382,047 were not received by the state for more than five years, resulting in more than $50,000 in interest costs to the county.
Galloway released her follow up review of New Madrid County yesterday.
In their follow up review, auditors found that the County Clerk is performing documented reviews to ensure state payroll tax withholdings are remitted and monthly reports are filed timely with the DOR.
The review also determined that some steps have been taken towards implementing recommendations relating to the offices of the Sheriff and the Prosecuting Attorney.
Of the 18 audit recommendations reviewed as part of the report, 12 have been implemented or partially implemented, another three are in progress, and three remain not implemented.
DEXTER WOMAN FACING SIX YEARS IN PRISON ON DRUG CHARGE
A Southeast Missouri woman is facing six years in federal prison after pleading guilty on a methamphetamine charge.
Officials with the United States Attorney’s Office tell KWOC News that 43 year old Tori Carlisle, of Dexter, was sentenced Tuesday to serve 72 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Officers arrested Carlisle at a truck stop in New Madrid County on July 25th, 2020 after discovering digital scales and other drug paraphernalia items in her vehicle. During a search incident to arrest, officers found 25 grams of methamphetamine concealed in her shirt.
Two weeks after being released from custody, Carlisle was pulled over for a traffic violation in Mississippi County. Several plastic bags containing approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine were discovered under the driver’s seat.
During her guilty plea hearing earlier this year, Carlisle admitted that she was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine.
After serving the 72-month sentence, Carlisle will be placed on supervised release for three years.
