POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED FOR 2ND DEGREE MURDER
A Poplar Bluff man has been arrested on a murder charge.
Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that his agency and the Missouri State Highway Patrol have arrested 43 year old Willie Eddie Sipes, of Poplar Bluff, and charges have been requested for 2nd degree murder and possession of a controlled substance.
The charges are in connection to a deceased female that was found at her home in Wayne County. Sheriff Dobbs says it is believed that she died as a result of injuries she sustained while at Sipes residence, located in Northern Butler County.
After she received the injuries, another female took the victim back to the victim's residence in Wayne County where she was later discovered by a family member.
According to Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch, the victim has been identified as 36 year old Leslie Cook, of Hiram. Finch added that Cook had been assaulted and an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
Sipes was lodged in the Butler County Justice Center. The investigation continues with Missouri State Highway, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI RESIDENTS URGED TO USE CAUTION IF DRIVING TODAY
Southeast Missouri residents are being advised to avoid use caution if they are getting out on the roadways today.
Snowfall accumulations from last night and this morning could result in dangerous conditions for driving.
If you must travel during the winter storm, make sure to have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves, as well as provisions like water and snacks in the event of an emergency. Keep your cellphone charged, but do not use it while driving.
While driving, remember to buckle up, give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination, and remember to give snowplows room to work. Don’t tailgate or attempt to pass them. In the event of a crash, stay buckled inside your vehicle until help arrives.
You can find road conditions online by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s free smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones.
POLICE INVESTIGATING THREAT MADE AT POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Poplar Bluff school officials are investigating a threat made at the Middle School.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill tells KWOC News that on Tuesday morning, officials at the Middle School learned of a threat that was reported by a student. Dill added that at this time there is no creditable threat and all students were safe.
The school is working with the Poplar Bluff Police Department to expedite the investigation.
NAMES RELEASED OF VICTIMS IN DOUBLE HOMICIDE
Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities have released the names of the two victims in a double homicide investigation in Sikeston.
According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, officers found a married couple with gunshot wounds Sunday morning at the 800 block of Southwest Street.
The first victim is identified as 33 year old Kiara D. Haynes, who was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim is identified as 27 year old Breana Conner, who was treated on scene and later pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Anyone who has information about the investigation is asked to contact the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tip line at 573-475-3774.
POPLAR BLUFF TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER GRANTED REACCREDITATION
The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center received a virtually flawless review during the latest reaccreditation process.
According to school officials, the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has received reaffirmation of accreditation, ensuring complete compliance with government standards so that qualifying adult students can continue to receive federal loans, grants and financial aid.
The TCC was granted the maximum of six years of reaccreditation, effective last month, until its next review in 2028, provided annual benchmarks proceed to be met.
Officials say that a single suggestion for improvement was included in the findings, which was to store agendas and minutes from occupational advisory committee meetings separately, rather than relying on the combined file to post.
TCC Director Charles Kinsey says that the matter was rectified within weeks of the exit report.
COURT DATE SET FOR TEACHER ACCUSED OF HAVING INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP WITH A STUDENT
A Southeast Missouri teacher is scheduled to be in court in March after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.
According to the Dunklin County Prosecutor Office, Kennett School district officials alerted Kennett Police of a teacher and student being involved in a sexual relationship.
The teacher, identified as 24 year old Lindsey Marshall, admitted to police that she had inappropriate contact with the student in December.
Marshall was taken into custody and has been charged with two counts of sexual contact with a student. She waived formal arraignment on Tuesday and is scheduled to be in court for a preliminary hearing in early March.
