News

Thursday, November 10, 2016

   

 

ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY WRECK A Caruthersville man has been flown to a Memphis hospital following a single vehicle wreck in Pemiscot County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 20 year old Johnathan Casey was ejected from the vehicle he was driving after it struck a guard post and overturned near Caruthersville.

Casey was flown to Region One Medical Center in Memphis with serious injuries.

  5TH ANNUAL STEAK AND BURGER EVENT IS TONIGHT The Boys and Girls Club’s 5th Annual Steak and Burger event will be held tonight at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Voice of the St. Louis Cardinals Mike Shannon will be speaking at the event, which will have doors opening at 5:30 pm.

Previous guest speakers have included Jim Edmonds, Mike Matheny, and Michael Wacha.

Tickets are on sale, with general admission tickets costing $75 and including dinner. All proceeds go to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.

For more information, contact Abbey Heuiser at 573-776-1690 or go online to bgcpd.org.

  DEXTER MAN FACING MULTIPLE COUNTS OF 3RD DEGREE ASSAULT A Dexter man is facing multiple counts of assault in Stoddard County.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell us that 22 year old Donald Lee Morris Jr. was taken into custody on a warrant for endangering the welfare of a child and five counts of 3rd degree assault.

His bond was set at $2,500 and he has since bonded out.

  ADVANCE MAN ARRESTED ON DISTRIBUTION WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County tell KWOC News they have arrested an Advance man on a distribution warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 52 year old Thomas Gregory Winder was recently arrested on a warrant for distribution of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and driving while revoked.

Winder’s bond was set at $17,500 cash.

  FIREARM DEER SEASON BEGINS THIS WEEKEND Hunters across Southeast Missouri are getting ready for this weekend and the beginning of firearm deer season.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the November firearms portion of deer season will run from November 12th to November 22nd.

Hunters can only take one antlered deer during the entire firearms season. Each county also limits the number of antlerless deer hunting permits you can fill during the season as well.

You can find more information online at mdc.mo.gov.

  POPLAR BLUFF STUDENT SELECTED TO NATIONAL SOCIETY OF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS A Poplar Bluff High School student has been selected to become a lifelong member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

High School junior John Page was chosen for his leadership, scholarship, and community commitment.

The society says they connect outstanding young scholars with the resources needed to develop their strengths and pursue their passions, from high school to college to a career.

Page, who is a member of the JROTC, has a GPA of 9.357 according to the counseling department.

Tuesday November 9, 2016

DONALD TRUMP ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATESDonald Trump is projected to be the next President of the United States.

According to CBS News, Trump is projected to win 289 Electoral votes compared to Hilary Clinton’s 218 with a few states still too close to call this morning.

Trump was also very successful in the Heartland, taking Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

In Butler County, Trump carried almost 80 percent of voters.

CBS News is also projecting the Republican Party to retain control of both the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

Incumbent Senator Roy Blunt was successful in holding off a challenge from Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander for the United States Senate seat from Missouri.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI LOCAL RACE RESULTS PART 1 Here are the results for local races during yesterday’s general election.

Butler County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall tells KWOC News that over 17,000 voters participated Tuesday in Butler County.

In the two competitive Butler County races, for Eastern District County Commissioner, Republican Don ‘Butch’ Anderson defeated Democrat Van Rhodes by carrying around 70 percent of the vote.

For Western District County Commissioner, Republican Dennis ‘Boots’ Legrand carried around 85 percent of the vote in his win over Democrat Doug Harwell.

In Stoddard County, Republican Steve Jordan won the race for Stoddard County 1st District Commissioner over Democrat Curtis Clark. For Stoddard County Coroner, Democrat Kenny Pope defeated Republican Jason Williams.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI LOCAL RACE RESULTS PART 2 Here are more results for local races during yesterday’s general election.

In Carter County, Republican Andy Steiger won the race for Commissioner of the County Commission for the Eastern District, Democrat Lisa Goodwin won a close race for Collector of Revenue, and the race for Assessor went to Republican Gary Rector.

In Ripley County, the election for Sheriff was won by Democrat Mike Barton. For Ripley County Associate County Commissioner for the Eastern District, Republican Gary Emmons won the seat, while the Western District seat was won by Republican Andy Towell.

In Wayne County, Democrat Dean Finch won the race for Sheriff. Republican Donna Eads took the race for Public Administrator. In the two elections for Wayne County Commissioners, Republican Chad Henson won the Western District seat and Republican James (Bill) Hovis won the Eastern District seat.

 

REPUBLICANS SWEEP MISSOURI STATE OFFICES Tuesday was a good day for Republicans in Missouri as they swept the high ranking Missouri State Government Offices during the general election.

Eric Greitens won the election for Missouri Governor over Chris Koster.

Mike Parson will step into the role of Lieutenant Governor with his win over Russ Carnahan. For Missouri Secretary of State, John (Jay) Ashcroft defeated Robin Smith.

In the race for Missouri State Treasurer, Eric Schmitt was selected over Judy Baker. And for Attorney General, Josh Hawley won over Teresa Hensley.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI RACE RESULTS Here are the results for Southeast Missouri positions in the United States and Missouri state governments.

Republican Jason Smith was successful in his reelection bid for the United States House of Representatives seat for District eight in Missouri over Democratic challenger Dave Cowell.

For the Missouri State Senate, in District 25, incumbent Republican Doug Libla defeated Democrat Bill Burlison. In District 27, Republican incumbent Wayne Wallingford will hold his seat over Democrat Donnie Owens.

In District 153 of the Missouri House of Representatives, incumbent Republican Steve Cookson defeated Democrat Matt Michel.

 

FOUR OF FIVE MISSOURI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PASS Missouri voters approved four of five constitutional amendments that were voted on Tuesday.

Voters approved Constitutional amendments 1, 2, 4, and 6. The only amendment that was defeated was Amendment 3, which would have amended the Missouri Constitution to increase taxes on cigarettes each year through 2020.

Voters also voted down a proposition which would have increased taxes on cigarettes.

Voters approved amendments related to an extension of a one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax, limits on campaign contributions, a prohibition on certain new sales/use or other similar taxes, and photo voter ID.

 

 

Tuesday November 8, 2016

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN BUTLER COUNTY  

Authorities in Butler County are investigating a Sunday night death as a homicide; however officials say that everything seems to point to the death as being a justifiable homicide.

On Monday, we spoke with Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs about the investigation.

MARK DOBBS:

 Sunday night at about 8:48 p.m. officers responded to 91 County Road 635 in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival it was learned that the victim Thomas Ray Sharon, age 41, of Broseley was fatally shot in a domestic altercation. Apparently Sharon had pulled a knife on his live-in girlfriend and the son had came in defense of the mother and shot Sharon at that time. At this time it's being treated as a homicide investigation however everything seems to point at this time to justifiable homicide, the investigation will continue to gather evidence and piece this thing together and see what happened exactly.

 

ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS TO BE OUT CONTROLLING TRAFFIC AROUND POLLING PLACES

 

With Election Day being today, voters in Poplar Bluff may notice an increase of police officers near polling places.

Deputy Chief Don Trout with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News one reason for the presence of extra officers is traffic concerns.

DON TROUT:

 With today being Election Day, we're going to have a couple extra officers in place. One in particular at the Kay Porter Theatre at the middle school to assist with traffic in the mornings and afternoons. Once traffic’s handled at the school for the parents dropping off children and picking up children, that officer will just roam around to different polling places in the city and we will have one other that will be roaming polling precincts in the city to. The reason we are doing this is because of traffic congestion. Everyone's anticipating this will be a huge turnout for the election and we just want to make sure everybody has the chance to vote and can get to where they need to be.

 

LOCAL RACES AT STAKE DURING ELECTION DAY

 

Voters in Southeast Missouri will be choosing who will serve them at multiple levels of government today.

Voters will be deciding if Republican Jason Smith will be keeping his seat in the United States House of Representatives. Smith is facing a challenge from Democrat Dave Cowell.

For the Missouri State Senate, in District 25, incumbent Republican Doug Libla will be taking on Democrat Bill Burlison. In District 27, Republican incumbent Wayne Wallingford is facing Democrat Donnie Owens.

In District 153 of the Missouri House of Representatives, incumbent Republican Steve Cookson is being challenged by Democrat Matt Michel.

Other competitive local races include the race for Butler County Commissioner for the Eastern District between Republican Don “Butch” Anderson and Democrat Van Rhodes.

In Carter County, competitive races include, Commissioner of the County Commission for the Eastern District, Collector of Revenue, and Assessor. In Ripley County, Associate County Commissioner for Eastern and Western Districts, along with the Ripley County Sheriff.

In Stoddard County, 1st District Commissioner and Coroner. In Wayne County, County Commissioner for the Western District, Sheriff, and Public Administrator.

 

MISSOURI TO ELECT A NEW GOVERNOR TODAY

 

Missouri voters will decide multiple contested races today, with two of the most watched being the races for Governor and the United States Senate.

Democrat Chris Koster and Republican Eric Greitens are running to take over for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, who is leaving office due to term limits.

For one of Missouri’s US Senate seats, incumbent Republican Roy Blunt is being challenged by current Missouri Secretary of State, Democrat Jason Kander.

Voters across the state in Missouri will also be voting for Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney General.

A United States Senate seat is also up for election in Arkansas today, as incumbent Republican John Boozman takes on Democrat Conner Eldridge.

 

MISSOURIANS TO VOTE ON FIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMMENDMENTS TODAY

 

Five constitutional amendments and one proposition will be on the ballot today for Missourians.

Amendment one will continue a one percent sales/use tax for state parks and historic sites along with soil and water conservation.

Amendment two establishes limits on campaign contributions by individuals or entities to political parties, political committees, or committees to elect candidates for state or judicial office.

Amendment three will amend the Missouri Constitution to increase taxes on cigarettes each year through 2020, at which point this additional tax will total 60 cents per pack of 20. This amendment further provides that the funds generated by these taxes shall be deposited into a newly established Early Childhood Health and Education Trust Fund. Proposition A also concerns an increase in cigarette taxes.

Amendment four will prohibit a new state or local sales/use or other similar tax on any service or transaction. This amendment only applies to any service or transaction that was not subject to a sales/use or similar tax as of January 1, 2015.

Amendment six will amend the Missouri Constitution to state that voters may be required by law to verify their identity, citizenship, and residence by presenting identification that may include valid government-issued photo identification.

 

MAN FACING CHARGES OF ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC ASSAULT FOLLOWING INCIDENT SUNDAY NIGHT

 

A man is facing assault and domestic assault charges following an incident Sunday night.

KWOC News spoke with Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the incident.

DARRON MOORE: 

On Sunday afternoon officers responded to the 400 block of Karen Drive in reference to domestic assault in progress. Upon arrival officer Jerry Cates observed a large crowd gathered and was told by a witness that Aaron Scowden had assaulted his wife. As Officer Cates approached the residence he could hear Scowden yelling inside. Officer Cates announced his presence and placed him under arrest. Scowden’s wife stated her husband became angry after she failed to answer him when he asked her what was for dinner. She reported during the incident that Scowden struck her in the face several times and had at one point placed a blanket over her head which made it hard for her to breathe. During the incident Scowden assaulted his wife's friend who was trying to record the assault. Scowden’s wife was transported by EMS with injuries to her face and bruising on her scalp. After receiving treatment she was later released. Aaron Scowden was lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on charges of a domestic assault 2nd degree and assault 3rd degree.

 

POPLAR BLUFF SOFTBALL PLAYER TO SIGN LETTER OF INTENT TODAY

 

A Poplar Bluff Senior Softball player will be signing a National Letter of Intent later today.

The signing ceremony for Grace King is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am this morning at the High School Cafeteria.

King will be signing a letter of intent to play softball at Three Rivers College.

Monday November 7, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON MULTIPLE DRUG RELATED CHARGESA Poplar Bluff woman has been taken into custody in Butler County on multiple drug related charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Carla Mize, was arrested early Sunday morning on felony charges of distribution of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mize is also facing a charge possession of a controlled substance for marijuana.

Following the arrest, Owens was taken to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

5TH ANNUAL STEAK AND BURGER EVENT THIS THURSDAY WITH GUEST SPEAKER MIKE SHANNON The Boys and Girls Club’s 5th Annual Steak and Burger event is this Thursday.

Voice of the St. Louis Cardinals Mike Shannon will be speaking at the event on November 10th at the Black River Coliseum.

Previous guest speakers have included Jim Edmonds, Mike Matheny, and Michael Wacha.

Tickets are on sale with general admission tickets costing $75 and including dinner. All proceeds go to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.

For more information, contact Abbey Heuiser at 573-776-1690.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS SET FOR TODAY ON ROUTE 67 IN BUTLER COUNTY Northbound Route 67 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

This section of roadway to be affected is located at Route 160 and extending north 3 miles.

Work will be performed from 7 am to 5 pm.

 

BUTLER COUNTY TORNADO SIRENS TO BE TESTED TODAY Authorities in Butler County will be testing the tornado sirens today.

According to Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers, the sirens are scheduled to be tested today at noon.

Myers says that the tests will be conducted every month on the first Monday.

 

 

NEELYVILLE MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE A Neelyville man has been taken into custody on a felony drug charge.

According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 45 year old John Storey was arrested Saturday night on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Storey is also facing a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.

Following the arrest, Storey was held in the Butler County Jail.

 

US 60 IN STODDARD COUNTY TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS Eastbound U.S. 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

Officials with the MoDot tell KWOC News that work will take place today through Friday, November 11th from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily.

The work zone will be located from One Mile Road to Route 25.

 

POPLAR BLUFF LIONS CLUB CHILI DAY TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY The Poplar Bluff Lions Club will be hosting their annual Chili Day on Tuesday.

The event will be held from 11 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 7 pm at First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff.

Deliveries will also be available for orders of 10 or more by calling 573-609-4683.

The event helps the Poplar Bluff Lions club raise money to help provide glasses and eye care for the needy in the area.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

   

DEXTER MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A Dexter man has been flown to an area hospital following a single vehicle wreck in Stoddard County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 62 year old Eddie Bowman was driving a vehicle that ran off of County Road 624, struck an embankment, and overturned.

The wreck occurred at approximately 6:30 pm Wednesday evening near Dudley.

Bowman suffered serious injuries and was flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

 

TWO POPLAR BLUFF BASEBALL PLAYERS TO SIGN NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT TODAY

Two Poplar Bluff Senior Baseball players will be signing their national letters of intent at a ceremony today at the High School.

Both Tanner Tibbs and Ronin Rice will sign the letters of intent to play college baseball at Lindenwood University-Belleville next year.

The ceremony will be held this morning at 10:30 am on the stage of the Poplar Bluff High School Cafeteria.

 

HOTLINE ESTABLISHED FOR HANDLING ELECTION FRAUD AND VOTING RIGHTS CALLS

With the election coming up next week the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri has established a hotline for election fraud and voting rights calls.

United States Attorney Richard Callahan tells us that the hotline will be for citizens to call on election day regarding complaints of possible election fraud, voter intimidation, and any other forms of election abuses.

Hotline calls will be answered by Assistant United States Attorneys from the time the polls open at 6 am until the polls close at 7 pm. The Hotline number is 314-539-7733.

Callahan says that the St. Louis FBI field office will also have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The St. Louis FBI field office can be reached at 314-589-2500.

 

POPLAR BLUFF CHURCH TO HOST VETERANS DEDICATION SERVICE THIS WEEKEND

An area church has announced they will be hosting a veteran’s dedication service this weekend.

1st General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff will be holding their 2nd Annual Veteran's Dedication Service this Sunday beginning at 10:30 am.

In addition to veterans, the church is also including public servants such as law enforcement, fire fighters, EMT, paramedics, and 1st responders in the service.

1st General Baptist Church is located at 1801 North Main Street in Poplar Bluff.

 

TWO SOUTHEAST MISSOURI LICESNSE OFFICE CONTRACTS UP FOR BID

Two Southeast Missouri license offices could soon be under new management.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, The Missouri Office of Administration is now accepting management contract bids for the Doniphan and Kennett License offices.

In the 2016 Fiscal Year, each office had more than 31,000 transactions which generated over $100,000 in agent processing fees.

The deadline for bids to be submitted is November 28th.

More information is available online at the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

 

8TH ANNUAL HOWLING AT THE MOON SCHEUDLED FOR TOMORROW NIGHT

The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri is preparing for the fall benefit tomorrow night.

“Howling at the Moon,” the 8th annual fall benefit for the AWA is scheduled for 6 to 10 pm Friday night at the Westwood Center in Poplar Bluff.

Tickets will be available at the door with proceeds going towards building a no-kill animal shelter. There will be dinner, beverages, and a silent auction at the event. Live Entertainment will be provided by “Thin Blue Line.”

For more information, visit www.AWASEMO.org

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

DONIPHAN WOMAN CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF STATUTORY SODOMY

Authorities say that a Doniphan woman is facing statutory sodomy charges following her arrest yesterday.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 30 year old Calista Cates was taken into custody Tuesday in connection to an investigation conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has formally charged Cates with three counts of statutory sodomy - 2nd degree.

Cates bond has been set at $50,000.

OVER 11 THOUSAND DEER KILLED DURING EARLY YOUTH HUNTING SEASON

Youth hunters in Missouri checked over 11,000 deer during the early youth portion of the 2016 deer season.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation tell us that hunters age 6 through 15 checked 11,171 deer on during the season on October 29th and 30th.

The overall number is down from last year’s harvest total, which was 13,583 for the early youth portion.

The top counties were Osage with 253 deer checked, Howell with 246, and Franklin with 242. Ripley County was fourth with 225 deer checked.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGES

Authorities in Carter County have arrested an area man on multiple felony charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Kody Davis, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested shortly after 11 am Tuesday on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Davis also reportedly had a warrant out of Carter County for assault and other miscellaneous traffic offenses.

Following the arrest, he was held in the Carter County Jail.

BERNIE MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON SEXUAL ABUSE WARRANT

Stoddard County authorities tell us that a Bernie man has been arrested on a sexual abuse warrant.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department say that 70 year old Danny Lee Freed was recently arrested on a warrant for 1st degree sexual abuse.

Additional details about the warrant were not given.

Freed’s bond was set at $12,500.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT IN CONNECTION TO THEFT COMPLAINT AT AREA BUSINESS

Poplar Bluff police are searching for a suspect in connection to an area theft report.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on October 22nd officers took a theft complaint at Hopper's Service.

Police have released a picture of a suspect in the case which is currently available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s name and/or location is asked to contact Officer Woodruff at 573-785-5776 extension 1360.

MAN ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON FELONY GUN AND DRUG CHARGES

A St. Louis man was arrested Tuesday afternoon in southeast Missouri on felony gun and drug charges.

According to authorities, 28 year old Simmeon Roberson was taken into custody shortly after noon Tuesday on felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana.

Following the arrest, Roberson was held in the New Madrid County Jail.

CHARTWELLS TO TAKE OVER BACKPACKS FOR FRIDAY PROGRAM

Chartwells School Dining Services has announced it will be taking over the Backpacks for Friday program in the Poplar Bluff School District.

Food Services Director Dixie Harden says the program will be supplying district families in need with food for the weekend beginning on New Year's Day. The program was previously done by the Bread Shed.

The announcement was made during the third annual Bright Futures symposium on October 28th.

Tuesday November 1, 2016

MAN ARRESTED ON CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGE IN POPLAR BLUFFA report made over the weekend has led to the arrest of an area man on a child molestation charge.

Detective Danny Hicks with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us more.

DANNY HICKS:

On Saturday evening, approximately, 7 p.m. I was notified of a child molestation complaint at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Upon arrival I made contact with four-year-old victim and the victim's mother. Accusations were made that 52 year old Willard McCullum had inappropriately touched the four-year-old victim. I was given an address and made contact with McCullum in the 800 block of Davis Street. McCullum was subsequently arrested and transported to the station for questioning. During questioning McCullum admitted to the charge of child molestation, inappropriately touching the four-year-old. Due to the statement from the victim and the admission by the suspect, Willard McCullum, he was arrested, transported, and lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on the charge of child molestation first-degree.

 

84 YEAR OLD MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK An 84 year old man has died following a single vehicle wreck over the weekend in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Clay Charlton, of Kennett, was driving on County Road 725 when his vehicle travelled off the roadway and struck a ditch.

The Highway Patrol did not specify what caused Charlton’s vehicle to run off of the County Road.

Charlton was taken to a Kennett hospital where he was pronounced dead Sunday afternoon.

 

TWO ILLINOIS RESIDENTS ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY FOR POSSESESSION OF ECSTASY Two Illinois women were taken into custody Monday morning in Southeast Missouri on a felony drug charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 21 year old Kayla Frank, of Washington, Illinois, and 20 year old Hannah Lichius, of Normal, Illinois, were each arrested shortly after 10 am Monday in Wayne County.

Both are facing a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – ecstasy. Following the arrests, the women were taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

REPUBLICAN NOMINEES FOR MISSOURI GOVERNOR AND UNITED STATES SENATE TO BE IN POPLAR BLUFF TODAY We are one week away from Election Day, and the Republican nominees for the United States Senate and Missouri Governor will both be campaigning today in Poplar Bluff.

Eddy Justice, Chairman of the Butler County Republican Party, tells KWOC News that Senator Roy Blunt will be appearing at 10 am this morning at Gamma Labs.

At 4 pm, Republican Gubernatorial nominee Eric Greitens will be at the Hampton Inn in Poplar Bluff.

Justice says that these are the last scheduled political gatherings in Butler County for this election cycle.

 

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING WRECK IN CLAY COUNTY A Northeast Arkansas man is dead after he was ejected from his vehicle during a single vehicle wreck Monday morning.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 42 year old Lance Mason, of Pocahontas, was ejected from his vehicle when he failed to negotiate a curve on Highway 211 in Clay County and overturned.

Mason was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Rick Ermert.

 

TWO TAKEN INTO CUSODY IN CONNECTION TO INCIDENT AT POPLAR BLUFF BUSINESS Two people have been taken into custody and Poplar Bluff officials are searching for a third in connection to a incident over the weekend at a Poplar Bluff business.

KWOC News spoke with Detective Joey Woodruff with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the incident.

JOEY WOODRUFF:

On Saturday morning, around 2:15 am, Officer Bates was flagged down by a motorist who believed someone was inside the business of Will's Automotive Machine Shop. Officer Bates responded to the business and observed three unidentified people exiting. Further inspection of the business revealed the pane of the front door had been kicked out. During an area search for the subjects, several juveniles were located behind a neighboring residence. At the arrival of the business owner, it was determined that the shop had been entered and approximately $2,000 in cash and a briefcase containing important paperwork were missing. Through the course of our investigation three suspects were identified. Brett Walls, 17 of Poplar Bluff, and a 15 year old juvenile were located at a residence in the 600 block of Park Street and taken into custody. The third suspect, a 16 year old juvenile, was subsequently identified. Later, the business owner contacted the Poplar Bluff Police Department and advised he had located the briefcase near the scene. Brett Walls was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary. The 15 year old was turned over to the Butler County Juvenile Office and we are currently attempting to locate the third juvenile in this case.

 

STATE OFFICIALS TO BE IN POPLAR BLUFF TO GET PUBLIC INPUT ON NEW LICENSE PLATE DESIGN With Missouri’s Bicentennial coming up in five years, state officials are seeking the public’s input on a new license plate to commemorate the occasion.

A public meeting has been scheduled for 6 pm tonight at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center so area residents can give their input on the final design of the new plates.

State law requires the Department of Revenue begin a full reissuance of license plates with the new plate design no later than January 1st, 2019. The new design commemorating the bicentennial will replace the current Missouri bluebird license plate.

 

PAVEMENT REPAIRS SET FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route 25 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

The repairs will be located from Hunts Road to North Drake Street.

MoDot officials say that work is scheduled for 7 am to 5 pm today.

Monday October 31, 2016

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM THE POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENTHalloween is here and Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley has some tips to help keep your child safe while trick or treating tonight.

Chief Whiteley says parents should establish a route for children, making sure they stay within familiar areas and surroundings. An adult should accompany young children. Parents should also remind kids not to enter strangers' homes or cars, and to avoid homes without an outside light on.

Be sure to tell your children to not eat treats until they get home and remember to inspect all treats before allowing your kids to eat them.

 

5TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPPOKTACULAR TO BE HELD TONIGHT IN DOWNTOWN DONIPHAN Doniphan will be the host of a Halloween event tonight beginning at 6 pm.

The 5th Annual Haunted Downtown Doniphan Halloween Spooktacular will be held tonight from 6 to 8 pm. There will be a trunk or Treat from His Place Church with numerous businesses giving out candy.

Admission is free. For more information, call 573-996-7481.

 

TRIVIA NIGHT TO BE HELD TO SUPPORT NEW TWIN RIVERS PRACTICE FACILITY A Trivia Night fundraiser has been scheduled for this weekend to help support a new indoor practice facility being built for the Twin Rivers Baseball and Softball teams.

Jared Stockton tells us that the new facility should be completed in a week or two and the softball and baseball teams are responsible for finishing out the inside of it with equipment such as netting and turf.

The Trivia Night will be held at 6 pm this Saturday, at the Twin Rivers High School Gymnasium. The cost is $20 per person with five to eight people per team.

In addition to the trivia there will also be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

 

DEXTER WOMAN INJURIES DURING WRECK IN WAYNE COUNTY A Dexter woman was injured following a single vehicle wreck Friday evening in Wayne County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck happened around 7:45 pm Friday, when 32 year old Amanda Cochran, ran off of Route W, struck a MODOT sign, and an embankment.

Cochran suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to a Poplar Bluff Hospital.

 

8TH ANNUAL HOWLING AT THE MOON SCHEUDLED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri is preparing for the upcoming fall benefit on Friday.

“Howling at the Moon,” the 8th annual fall benefit for the AWA is scheduled for 6 to 10 pm Friday night at the Westwood Center in Poplar Bluff.

Tickets will be available at the door with proceeds going towards building a no-kill animal shelter. There will be dinner, beverages, and a silent auction at the event. Live Entertainment will be provided by “Thin Blue Line.”

For more information, visit www.AWASEMO.org.

 

POPLAR BLUFF WORSHIP CENTER TO HOST FALL FESTIVAL TONIGHT Bluff City Apostolic Worship Center has announced they will be hosting a fall festival from 5:30 to 7:30 pm tonight.

Church officials say there will be candy booths, a bounce house, food, and giveaways at the free community event.

The Worship Center is located at 200 Walnut Street in Poplar Bluff.

For more information go online to www.BluffCityAWC.com.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOST CHILI SUPPER AND AUCTION The Highway K Volunteer Fire Department in the Doniphan area has announced they will be hosting a Chili Supper and Auction on November 5th.

The supper will begin at 6 pm and will include a drink and dessert along with all you can eat chili or soup. Entry will cost $5 for adults, $3 for children ages six to 12, and free for children under five.

Following the supper, there will be an auction of baked goods and items donated by local businesses and members of the community.

 

NAYLOR CHURCH HOSTING QUARTET CONCERT THIS WEEKEND Naylor First Christian Church is hosting the Golden Road Quartet Concert this weekend.

The concert will begin at 6 pm on Saturday at the church on Jackson Street in Naylor.

Officials tell us that refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the concert.

Friday October 28, 2016

ONE DEAD IN CONNECTION TO CARTER COUNTY WRECK  

Authorities say that an area man has died in connection to a single vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon.

51 year old Jerry Mullins, of Qulin, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck off of Route B in Carter County.

Mullins vehicle had reportedly ran off the side of the road and hit a mailbox and embankment before overturning. He was reportedly not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.

 

MCGEE MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON METHAMPHETAMINE AND FLEEING CHARGES A McGee man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest Thursday evening.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 35 year old Kevin Hefner was taken into custody shortly before 7:30 pm Thursday in Wayne County.

Hefner was arrested on felony charges of resisting arrest by fleeing, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, assault on a law enforcement officer, and driving while intoxicated – persistent offender.

Hefner is also facing charges of driving while revoked and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

 

GAS LEAK REPORTED AT TWIN RIVERS HIGH SCHOOL Some classes at Twin Rivers High School were disrupted for a period of time Wednesday following a gas leak in one of the school’s buildings.

At least one student reported getting sick following the propane leak.

The gas was shut off and the affected rooms were evacuated. Classes resumed on Thursday.

 

NEW MADRID MAN FACING 2ND DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN CONNECTION TO DEATH OF HIS WIFE Authorities have arrested a New Madrid man following the death of his wife earlier this week.

According to Missouri Case Net, 62 year old George Dawson Jr. has been charged with 2nd degree murder and DWI. The charges stem from the death of Dawson’s wife, 59 year old Jane Dawson, on Wednesday.

Jane had reportedly been struck by George’s vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

George Dawson’s arraignment has been scheduled for Monday morning.

 

ORAN MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK An Oran man has died following a single vehicle wreck near Wyatt.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Blake Marshall was driving on Missouri Highway 77 when his truck ran off the roadway and overturned.

Marshall, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

MOTORISTS REMINDED TO BE SAFE DURING THE HALLOWEEN HOLIDAY WEEKEND The Halloween Holiday weekend is upon us and officials with the Dexter Police Department is reminding motorists to be on the lookout for any children who will be participating in the facilities.

Whether it’s this weekend or on Monday, slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited for the holiday and may move in unpredictable ways, take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

For Monday, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Coming up on Monday we will have tips for parents to give to their children who will be out Trick or Treating.

 

 

Thursday, October 27, 2016

   

 

 

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR MAN IN CONNECTION TO SHOPLIFTING COMPLAINT

Poplar Bluff police are searching for a man in connection to a shoplifting complaint earlier this week.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Tuesday officers were dispatched to Harp's grocery store where employees advised that a white male had concealed two bottles of liquor in his backpack and left the store without paying for them.

A picture of the person is available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone who has information on the man’s identity or whereabouts is encouraged to contact Officer Dustin Barks at 573-785-5776.

 

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON STEALING AND PROBATION VIOLATION WARRANT

A Poplar Bluff man is in custody this morning following his arrest in Stoddard County.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 30 year old Derek Ray was recently taken into custody on a warrant for stealing and probation violation.

Ray’s bond was set at $20,000 cash, with no bond set for the probation violation, and he remained in jail as of this morning.

 

BERNIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTING HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE AND TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT

The Bernie Chamber of Commerce has announced they will be hosting an event for Halloween next week.

The Trunk or Treat event and Costume Parade will begin at 5 pm Monday in Downtown Bernie.

All children wanting to participate in the parade should meet at the corner of Crumb and Drake between 4:35 and 5 pm. Parents are welcome to walk with their children.

There will also be free costume contests with winners receiving a small gift.

 

VAN BUREN AREA CHURCH HOSTING INSIDE SALE THIS WEEKEND

A Van Buren area church will be hosting a sale this weekend.

According to Val Cook, Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church will be the location for the sale on Saturday beginning at 8 am. Cook says that there will be multiple items, including furniture and antiques, for sale. Lunch items will also be available to purchase.

Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church is located approximately two miles west of Van Buren on Highway 60. For more information, call 573-325-4680.

 

HIGHWAY PATROL ADVISING MOTORISTS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR DEER

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is advising motorists to be on the lookout for deer.

Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells us that the majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November each year, with the largest number taking place in November.

Johnson says that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic and motorists should try to remain calm as panicking and overreacting usually lead to more serious traffic crashes.

Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced over 3,700 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. In these crashes, there were three fatalities and 346 people were injured.

 

OVER WEEK LONG ROAD PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Route D in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane over the next week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews trim trees along the roadway and replace a culvert.

The work zone will be located from County Road 506 to US 61.

Weather permitting, work will be performed today through Friday, November 4th from 8 am to 3 pm, daily.

 

DUNKLIN COUNTY PAVEMENT REPAIRS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY

Route 62 in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs

According to officials with MoDOT, work is schedule to take place today from 8 am to 3 pm.

The section of Route 62 to be affected is located between County Roads 231 and 323.