CONVICTION VACATED IN 2013 WAYNE COUNTY SHOOTING DEATH
The Missouri Supreme Court has vacated the 2018 manslaughter and armed criminal action convictions for a southeast Missouri man and sent the case back to circuit court.
Samuel Whitaker was convicted in the 2013 shooting death of his stepson-in-law, Carl Streeval, in Wayne County.
Whitaker was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and 13 years for armed criminal action.
Whitaker’s appeal claimed the circuit court erred in failing to instruct jurors that he could claim self-defense to prevent arson.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday cited substantial evidence that Whitaker faced imminent threat that Streeval was going to burn a mobile home on Whitaker’s property.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING ARSON CHARGE IN CONNECTION TO FIRE AT AN AREA RESIDENCE
A Poplar Bluff man is facing an arson charge in connection to a fire at an area residence.
According to Missouri Case Net, Tommy Rouse Sr. has been charged with 1st degree arson.
The arrest stems from a fire on January 7th at a residence on Wallace Street. There were two people inside the home at the time of the fire.
The home suffered damage to its siding.
Rouse’s arraignment was held Monday morning. He is scheduled to appear in court next on January 20th.
DISASTER DECLARATION REQUEST APPROVED FOR SEVEN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COUNTIES
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a request for a major disaster declaration in seven Southeast Missouri counties in response to severe storms and tornadoes on December 10th.
Governor Mike Parson tells KWOC News that FEMA’s approval means local governments and eligible nonprofits in Bollinger, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Pemiscot, Reynolds, and Wayne counties will receive reimbursements for emergency protective measures, response costs, and repairs to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
The State Emergency Management Agency is developing an online video applicant briefing that will be available next week for local governments and eligible nonprofits in the seven counties that plan to apply for FEMA assistance.
All Requests for Public Assistance must be submitted to FEMA by February 9th.
VAN BUREN TO RECEIVE ALMOST ONE MILLION DOLLARS FOR REGIONAL SEWER PROJECT
An area community will be receiving almost one million dollars for a new regional sewer project.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $981,000 in financial assistance to the city of Van Buren to connect the wastewater flow from Deer Run Reorganized Common Sewer District to Van Buren’s wastewater treatment system.
Officials say the grant will fund all of the eligible construction costs for the sewer connection project, which is expected to be completed by April of this year.
POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL FOUNDATION APPROVES OVER $3,500 IN TEACHER GRANTS
Some Poplar Bluff teachers will be receiving grants from the Poplar Bluff School Foundation to help students.
The Foundation recently voted to fund over $3,500 in competitive grants designated to benefit a range of students, both at-risk and gifted, at the Middle School and Junior High.
At the Junior High, Hilary Taylor, who teaches gifted students as well as a series of electives, received 60 percent financing toward a $3,200 3D laser cutter and engraver, with a building commitment to cover the remainder out of the supply budget, in addition to an air filter needed for the classroom.
Middle School math interventionist Krystal Dover received approval from the Foundation board for her $1,500 proposal to purchase several software licenses for teacher dashboards, along with acquiring two additional iPads with cases for classroom usage.
The Foundation also voted unanimously to fund its annual scholarship at $1,000 for a PBHS graduate planning to enter the field of teaching.
ANNUAL COUNT OF HOMELESS POPULATION TO BE HELD THIS MONTH
An area organization is participating in a survey to determine the homeless population in Missouri.
The Point in Time Count will be held on Wednesday, January 26th.
FCC Behavioral Health will be conducting the survey of homeless individuals and families in the area to help the community get a better understanding of the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness.
Anyone who would like to get involved in their local count is asked to contact Tammie Bratton at 573-686-1200, extension 3289.
