BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL GAME OFFICIATED BY ALL FEMALE REFEREE CREW FOR FIRST TIME IN MISSOURI HISTORY
Three area women made Missouri history Tuesday night.
Tierra Johnson, Laura Hagood, and Stefanie Tinsley became the 1st all female officiating crew to oversee a boys varsity basketball game in the state of Missouri when they officiated the matchup between Scott County Central and Zalma.
Johnson played at Three Rivers College and Southeast Missouri State University, Hagood played for TRC and was two time All-Region before going on to play at Murray State, and Tinsley was a stand out player at TRC.
CHARGES REQUESTED FOR FOUR SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH FIGHT AT GIDEON HIGH SCHOOL
Updating a story we have been following for you, charges have been requested against four teenagers in connection to a fight at Gideon High School.
The fight occurred Friday night during a basketball tournament that was being held at the school.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, the fight started when a small group of individuals entered the school, paid admission, and immediately began to fight with students in line at the concession stand. The alleged instigators never entered the gymnasium nor were they participants in the events.
Officials say that there were no injuries and no weapons used in the altercation.
As a result of the investigation, a report has been filed with the New Madrid County Prosecutor's Office and the New Madrid County Juvenile Office. Charges are being requested on four suspects, ranging in age from 15 to 19. No names have been released.
Only one of the four suspects is currently attending a school that was involved in the event. The Hayti School District has taken disciplinary action against the student.
OZARK FOOTHILLS REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO HOST MEETING TONIGHT
Multiple topics will be discussed at a meeting of the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.
The open meeting will begin at 6 pm tonight at the Planning Commission on Fair Street in Poplar Bluff.
The agenda will include the Transportation Advisory Committee report, Solid Waste Management; Ripley County Public Housing report; as well as new grants submitted and received.
For more information, visit the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission Facebook page.
STATE OFFICIALS MONITORING REPORTS OF SICK WATERFOWL ACROSS THE STATE
Waterfowl hunters in Missouri are asked to be extra cautious due to an outbreak of bird flu.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is monitoring reports of sick and dead waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, across the state. The Department is actively collecting birds to determine the cause of illness but suspects highly pathogenic avian influenza to be the cause.
Due to ongoing waterfowl hunting seasons, waterfowl hunters should dress game birds in the field whenever possible or at a location away from poultry or other birds. Hunters should also properly dispose of harvest waste by placing the remains in trash bags and disposing of them through trash collection or a permitted landfill.
Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern, though on rare occasions it has infected humans and other animals. It is safe to eat poultry and wild game as normal cooking temperatures are hot enough to kill the virus if present. Meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern, MDC recommends that people do not touch dead geese, waterfowl, or other bird species.
MATTHEWS MAN INDICTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES
A Matthews man has been indicted on multiple drug related charges.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, last week, a Federal Grand Jury found probable cause to indict David Wilburn, of Mathews, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Officials say that the charges stem from an multi agency investigation where Wilburn was arrested at his residence in September.
As a part of that investigation, officers located approximately 61 grams of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, drug paraphernalia with packaging supplies, and a 3-D printer that was used for manufacturing illegal firearms.
LOW INTEREST LOAN AWARDED TO CARTER COUNTY WATER DISTRICT FOR DRINKING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Some Southeast Missouri residents could be seeing water improvements thanks to a recent decision by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The Department has awarded a $278,000 low-interest loan to Carter County Public Water Supply District Number 1 for planning and design work related to the district’s ongoing drinking water improvement project.
Officials say that the funds will provide vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while the district works with the department to secure a larger loan and grant funding package for their drinking water project.
The larger construction project is expected to cost $5.8 million and is expected to start in 2025.
