IDENTITIES RELEASED OF VICTIMS IN BUTLER COUNTY HOUSE EXPLOSION
Two people were killed in a large explosion in rural Butler County on Friday.
The explosion occurred shortly before 9 am at a home near Highway 53 and Butler County Road 605.
While working the scene, emergency crews found two people deceased among the debris.
Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that the deceased have been identified as 77 year old Diana Baker and 67 year old Danny Batchelor, both of Poplar Bluff
The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a possible cause for the explosion.
The Poplar Bluff Fire Department, Butler County Fire Department, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler County EMS, Butler County Coroner's Office, and Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office were all on scene.
We will keep following this story for you and bring you updates as they become available.
SENATOR JOSH HAWLEY AND KANSAS CITY CHIEFS KICKER HARRISON BUTKER TO APPEAR AT RALLY THIS WEEK IN POPLAR BLUFF
A sitting United States Senator along with a member of the Kansas City Chiefs will be in Poplar Bluff this week.
A political rally will be held at 5 pm on Thursday and the speakers will include United States Senator Josh Hawley and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
The location will be announced this week.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER ALLEGEDLY HOLDING ANOTHER PERSON AT GUNPOINT
An argument led to a weapons arrest last week in Poplar Bluff.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Wednesday, officers responded to a residence on Arkansas Avenue in reference to an individual brandishing a weapon.
Officials say that it was determined that an argument had occurred between several people at the residence, and that one person had obtained a firearm and held another person at gunpoint.
33 year old Brandon Random, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested for kidnapping 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.
Charges are being sought against Random through the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office as well as for a second subject in the incident for unlawful possession of a firearm.
MOTORISTS WARNED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DEER
With temperatures starting to drop, Missouri motorists are being advised to watch for deer.
Officials say that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists at this time of year.
The majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November each year, with most happening in the 6 to 7 am and 6 to 9 pm timeframes.
Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 3,591 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. In these crashes, there were four fatalities and 420 people were injured.
Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed gradually while watching other traffic around you.
If you do strike a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location and call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it.
ROAD CREWS TO BE WORKING THIS WEEK ON ROUTE P IN SENATH
Route P in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The work zone will be located from Route V to Route C in Senath.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Thursday.
PAVEMENT REPAIRS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Route E in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route A to County Road 632 near Big Ridge.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
