POPLAR BLUFF TEACHER NAMED 2023 MCDONALD’S OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR
A Poplar Bluff teacher has been named a 2023 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator.
According to school officials, Poplar Bluff native Crystal Huddleston, a PBHS business instructor since 2012, was selected earlier this month, as a finalist among 1,750 submissions in a multi-state service area.
Huddleston, who also serves as the Future Business Leaders of America adviser, received a $100 Visa gift card, coffee mug that reads “best teacher ever,” and 25 McDonald's 'Teach it Forward' free menu item vouchers to be distributed to students of her choosing.
At least one Poplar Bluff teacher has been named a McDonald’s Outstanding Educator annually since the advent of the regional recognition program four years ago.
Past Poplar Bluff Outstanding Educator recipients have included Ashley Blume, Teresa Hefner, Aleanna Moore, and Amy Ethridge.
AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN THE CORNING AREA
An investigation is underway following a shooting in the Corning area.
Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole tells KWOC News that on Monday at around 7:25 pm, his office received a 911 call from a motorist stating that an individual was standing in the middle of Highway 328 with a gunshot wound.
Deputies located the individual, who had an apparent gunshot wound in his upper leg. The individual identified himself as 31 year old William Clay Lester, of Corning.
He gave officers a statement before being transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital.
Sheriff Cole says that his department has reason to doubt the individual’s statement and they also know that another individual was involved.
The Sheriff’s Department believes the incident started on County Road 148 close to Highway 328.
Anyone who has information that could assist with the investigation to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Department at 870-598-2270.
CITY OF POPLAR BLUFF AWARDED OVER $70,000 TO HELP ADDRESS CITY INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES
The City of Poplar Bluff will be receiving funding concerning the city’s infrastructure.
The Delta Regional Authority announced this week that thirteen communities across six states will share part of over 1.5 million dollars in funding to address infrastructure needs.
Poplar Bluff was awarded $72,500 for a comprehensive economic development plan to address infrastructure issues including the aging wastewater system.
During the City Council meeting Monday night, Poplar Bluff City Manager Matt Winters said that the city’s current plan is outdated and is in dire need of updating.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER FOR GIRLFRIENDS DEATH
A Southeast Missouri man has been convicted of first degree murder for the death of his on again-off again girlfriend.
According to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Kyle Byington was convicted of first degree murder and abandonment of a corpse in Bollinger County.
The victim was last reported seen spending time with Byington at his residence in late January of 2021. An investigation revealed that the victim was buried in a shallow grave on Byington’s property.
The jury deliberated for approximately forty-five minutes before returning guilty verdicts on all counts as charged and recommended a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first degree murder and four years’ imprisonment plus a fine for the abandonment of a corpse.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 18th.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Westbound U.S. 412 in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
According to MoDOT officials, the work zone will be located from County Road 299 to Route U near Kennett.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
STODDARD COUNTY ROAD TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK FOR SHOULDER REPAIRS
Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced this week so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can perform shoulder repairs.
The work zone will be located between Route A and Route Z.
Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., each day.
