HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN WAYNE COUNTY
Human remains were found last week in Wayne County.
Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch tells KWOC News that the remains were initially discovered on Friday in the Mill Springs area. Further searches this week uncovered more remains in the area.
Finch says the remains have been identified as belonging to Patrick Chapman, who was reported missing in May of 2020. He was 34 at the time of his disappearance.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and volunteers from the Clearwater and Piedmont Fire Departments all assisted in the searches.
Finch added that Chapman's remains are being sent to an anthropologist in St. Louis for further investigation.
PURSUIT LEADS TO ARREST IN RURAL BUTLER COUNTY
One person has been taken into custody following a multistate pursuit on Wednesday.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, an officer tried to pull over a vehicle for not having a license plate at around 9:45 am Wednesday morning on Highway 67 North, near Corning, however the subject fled the scene.
The pursuit continued into Butler County and eventually came to an end at 10:03 am in a driveway in the Stringtown area.
36 year old Ricky Wilkerson Jr., of Harville, was arrested and is facing charges out of Clay County of felony fleeing, improper vehicle license, no insurance, possession of a controlled substance - marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Butler County Chief Deputy Wes Popp tells KWOC News that Wilkerson is also facing charges out of Butler County for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and resisting arrest by fleeing.
AUTOPSY CONDUCTED ON HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN BOLLINGER COUNTY
Updating a story we have been following for you, an autopsy has been conducted on human remains that were discovered earlier this month in Bollinger County.
According to Sheriff Casey Graham, on September 29th, his office received a report that Leah Lamb was missing. Lamb has a registered address in St. Louis, but was believed to be residing in Bollinger County.
A search was conducted on October 12th at a 225 acre property in the county that resulted in the discovery of human remains.
Graham says that an autopsy was performed on the remains earlier this week. The remains were confirmed to be that of a female, and it was found that the remains did not have any signs of traumatic injuries or fractures.
The Bollinger County Coroner’s Office identified those remains as those of Lamb. Graham says that for further confirmation and complete documentation purposes, evidence was collected during the autopsy to compare to Ms. Lamb’s DNA which is already on file through the State of Missouri.
He added that at this time, the missing person investigation pertaining to Lamb is considered open pending the results of DNA testing. However, no foul play is suspected.
AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Authorities in New Madrid County are investigating a reported shooting from earlier this week.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, on Tuesday, deputies were dispatched to a location in Morehouse after someone reported they heard an argument followed by a gunshot.
At the scene, deputies located a gunshot victim who was transported to an area hospital.
Officials say that a search warrant was obtained for the suspect’s residence and deputies seized several items.
The names of the suspect and the victim have not been released.
MODOT CREWS TO BE TRAINING FOR WINTER WEATHER TODAY
Do not be surprised if you see an increased number of MoDOT vehicles on the roads today.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual statewide winter operations drill beginning this morning.
During today’s drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will be activated and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.
In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m.
The exercise should be completed by 3 p.m.
Officials say that with high turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training is more critical than ever.
FEED AND SEED EVENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY
New Day Ministry in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event today.
The event is from 3 to 5 pm and is first come, first serve, with packs limited to one per household.
New Day Ministry is located at 703 Franklin Street in Poplar Bluff. For more information, call 573-718-4578.
ROAD CLOSED IN MADLEN DUE TO RAILROAD MAINTENANCE
A major road in Malden will be closed for the rest of this week so railroad crews can perform railroad maintenance.
According to authorities, the work zone is located on Route 25 between End and Harper Streets.
Officials say that work will be ongoing through 8 pm, Saturday night.
DONIPHAN STREET TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR UTILITY WORK
A Doniphan street is being closed today for utility work.
According to the Doniphan Police Department, utility crews are closing the 800 block of Grand Avenue today for the project.
No timetable was given for when the area would reopen and motorists are asked to watch for street signs and choose alternate routes if needed.
