BUTLER COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE SEEN A RECENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SUICIDES
Officials in Butler County say that they have seen an increase in the amount of suicides this year.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that there has been at least nine suicides over the past nine weeks.
In addition there have been a total of 20 overdose deaths in Butler County this year.
Akers is urging anyone who is feeling suicidal or having suicidal thoughts to contact help immediately.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, 1-800-273-TALK(8255) connects the caller to a certified crisis center near where the call is placed.
You can also chat with a counselor online at SuicidePreventionLifeline.org/chat/.
That website has information for anyone who believes that a friend or family member is acting suicidal and steps they can take to help people who might be suicidal.
Akers also said that an average of 22 veterans a day commit suicide. In addition to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Veterans are also encouraged to reach out to their local VA Medical Center for resources if they are feeling depressed or suicidal.
OFC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT THIRD PLACE GAME POSTPONED
The Ozark Foothills Conference Softball tournament is set to resume play on Friday.
The third place game between East Carter and Clearwater was scheduled to be played tonight, however the game has been postponed due to inclement weather. No make up date has been announced.
The championship game will be played Friday night at 7 pm where Doniphan will take on Neelyville.
The championship game will be played at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff and you will be able to watch it live online at Facebook.com/TodaysTalkKWOC and youtube.com/RiverRadioPB.
SEARCH LEADS TO DRUG ARREST IN STODDARD COUNTY
A Bernie area man has been taken into custody after authorities executed a search warrant on Wednesday.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office, Stoddard County deputies, members of the SEMO Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol served the search warrant at a residence on Kay Drive near Bernie.
During the search, officers located approximately 23 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 110 grams of marijuana, assorted pills, and several items of drug paraphernalia.
The owner of the residence, 56 year old James Jankowski, was taken into custody and booked into the Stoddard County Jail pending the filing of formal charges.
PARK ROAD COLLAPSES NEAR VAN BUREN
Officials at Ozark National Scenic Riverways say that a park road will be temporarily closed.
NPS Road 123 south of Van Buren, locally known as the “Tram Road” will be closed due to a collapse of the road and nearby slope. The closure is approximately 7.5 miles south of Van Buren and 1 mile north of Chilton.
Officials say that the collapse was likely caused by wet conditions and ground saturation. The slope on the road’s downhill side collapsed, taking with it a large portion of the road surface.
The remaining pavement is continuing to crumble and is unsafe for traffic.
The road will be closed to thru traffic indefinitely while plans are developed for repairing or rerouting the roadway.
CITY OF KENNETT AWARDED ALMOST TWO MILLION DOLLARS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The City of Kennett will be able to make improvements to area facilities thanks to a new grant.
According to Missouri Representative Andrew McDaniel, Kennett has been awarded a community block grant for over 1.75 million dollars.
The grant money is to go towards community facilities.
POWER OUTAGES REPORTED WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN POPLAR BLUFF
Some Poplar Bluff residents were without power for a period of time Wednesday.
A strong Thunderstorm system crossed Poplar Bluff Wednesday evening. Shortly after 6 pm, there were reports of power outages all over the city on social media.
By 7 pm, many were reporting that their power had been restored.
