COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ARRIVING AND BEING ADMINISTERED IN POPLAR BLUFF

Shipments of the coronavirus vaccinations are being delivered and administered in Poplar Bluff.

According to Marcus Selvidge, the Chief Quality Officer at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, the center received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday, and administered doses to roughly 360 frontline healthcare workers.

The John J Pershing VA Medical Center will be administering doses of the Moderna vaccine to veterans of age 85 and older starting on Thursday. The vaccinations will take place from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays, including two Saturdays: January 16th, and January 30th.

The Center has received about 700 doses of the vaccine, and will move on to administering them to veterans of age 75 to 84 as supplies become readily available.

The vaccinations require two injections for the appropriate immune response, and hold an efficacy rate of 95%.

Health officials are urging residents to keep safety and hygiene in mind while vaccinations become available, and to continue wearing face masks to protect themselves from potentially catching or spreading the virus.

POPLAR BLUFF MURDER SUSPECT APPREHENDED IN WEST VIRGINIA

Updating a story we brought to you previously, a Poplar Bluff man, who was wanted for murder, has been taken into custody in West Virginia.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that on December 1st of 2020, 25 year old Stacy Gipson, along with 22 year old Christopher Gilmore, went to purchase narcotics from a residence in the 100 block of Begley Street.

At the time, the home was occupied by 23 year olds Kevin Sanders and Adriana Lundy, both of Poplar Bluff.

Upon arriving at the home, Gipson attempted to rob and subsequently shot both Sanders and Lundy. Lundy’s condition was noted as severe, but non-life threatening, while Sanders died from his injuries.

Gilmore was quickly taken into custody, however Gipson managed to evade authorities, and was believed to have fled the state.

On December 9th, officials in Cape Girardeau reported to Poplar Bluff authorities that Gipson was possibly at his mother’s residence in Charleston, West Virginia. On December 31st, around 9:15 am, Gipson was located by authorities, and was taken into custody after a short pursuit on foot.

At the time of his arrest, Gipson was wanted for charges on 2nd degree murder, 1st degree assault, armed criminal action, and 1st degree robbery and burglary.

Authorities with the Criminal Investigation Division in Poplar Bluff, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, and US Marshals Service in Cape Girardeau and West Virginia assisted in the month-long hunt for Gipson.

SEVERAL OFFICIALS IN BUTLER COUNTY SWORN IN TO 2021 TERMS

There were several Butler County officials sworn in to their 2021 terms by Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett on Thursday morning.

Among the elected officials were Butler County Commissioners Butch Anderson and Boots LeGrand, Treasurer Tammy Marler, and County Assessor Chris Rickman.

Former western district commissioner Jeff Darnell was also sworn in as Public Administrator, replacing former incumbent Sharron Payne.

Jim Akers was sworn in as Butler County Coroner, after outvoting former incumbent Andy Moore, and Mark Dobbs will be continuing his service as Butler County Sheriff.

This will be Judge Michael Pritchett’s last term as Presiding Circuit Judge. He has been serving for over ten years since first being elected in 2010.

The ceremony was held in the Division 1 Courtroom at the Butler County Courthouse.

POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENT CHARGED ON IN RELATION TO LOCAL SHOOTING

Updating a story we brought to you previously, a Poplar Bluff man was charged on Tuesday in relation to a shooting that resulted in a death.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, 44 year old Gregory Richie was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as tampering with physical evidence, in regards to a shooting that caused the death of 30 year old Tanika Trice, of Poplar Bluff.

The shooting was reported on December 22nd, where officers responded to a call about a shooting at a residence in the 800 block of Valley Street.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Trice laying unresponsive in the driveway, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

In an interview with investigators, Richie told authorities that Trice had entered Richie’s bedroom with a black male subject, who was reportedly holding a firearm.

After demanding Richie turn over his possessions, the male took a TV from his home and began to flee. Richie then grabbed a firearm, and fired four shots at the subject.

After the male fled in a white passenger vehicle, Richie reportedly got in his vehicle and attempted to chase the male’s vehicle.

After authorities recovered the firearm used by Richie in the shooting, he was booked at the Butler County Jail, with a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

HEAVY RAIN AND FREEZING RAIN EXPECTED FOR POPLAR BLUFF THROUGH TOMORROW

An incoming weather system is expected to bring heavy rains and possible freezing rain to Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, the rains late tonight through Thursday night will likely set the stage for the possibility of area flooding, as rounds of widespread showers and a few thunderstorms are expected, with multiple possible periods of heavy rainfall.

Weather officials say that over two inches of rainfall is forecast for most of Southeast Missouri through Thursday night.

Freezing rain will be possible late tonight and into the overnight hours across portions of Southeast Missouri. Freezing rain will continue to be a threat as we head through the day on Thursday.

BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RELEASES LONG TERM PLAN FOR COVID-19 VACCINES

The Butler County Health Department has released a long term plan for distributing the coronavirus vaccine.

The plan consists of a four step phase, which will see distribution of the vaccine to several groups of people. The first is Phase 1A, which will have the vaccine administered to healthcare workers and long-term care facility staff.

In Phase 1-B, the vaccine will be given to essential workers such as childcare workers and teachers, first-responders, and high risk individuals.

Phase 2 involves administering the vaccine to populations at increased risk, including homeless shelters and prisons.

Afterwards, Phase 3 will see the vaccine administered to all Missouri residents. Ages 16 and older will be given the Pfizer vaccine, while ages 18 and older will be given the Mederna vaccination.

TWO ARRESTS MADE IN PEMISCOT COUNTY FOR MURDER

There were two men arrested in Pemiscot County on Thursday after they allegedly beat a man to death.

Authorities with the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 26 year old Caleb Holland, of Dyersburg, and 45 year old Sean Kotalik, of Blytheville, were charged with the 1st degree murder of a Blytheville man.

The charges stem from an investigation made after officials in Steele received a call about an ongoing assault at a bar on West Main Street on Thursday.

There, authorities found the 46 year old with severe injuries to the head, which were caused by him being assaulted by Holland and Kotalik.

He was transported to a hospital for treatment, where he died from his injuries.

Both Holland and Kotalik were booked at the Dyer County Jail following the investigation, and were transported to the Pemiscot County Jail pending formal charges.

AUTHORITIES IN POPLAR BLUFF INVESTIGATING SHOOTING DEATH

Authorities with the Poplar Bluff Police Department are currently investigating a shooting death.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers responded to a call early Tuesday morning about a shooting at a residence in the 800 block of Valley Street.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found 30 year old Tanika Trice, of Poplar Bluff, laying in the driveway. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

An unnamed person of interest was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Butler County Jail on unrelated charges, and is pending future charges as the investigation into the shooting continues.

If you have any information regarding the incident, you are asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department by calling 573-785-5776.

AUTHORITIES IN BUTLER COUNTY INVESTIGATING IN CUSTODY DEATH AT COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER

Authorities in Butler County are investigating a death that occurred at the County Justice Center over the weekend.

Few details are available at this time, but Butler County Coroner tells KWOC News that he has confirmed the in custody death of Noah Burke. An autopsy was held on Monday morning.

No trauma was found, and authorities are currently waiting on toxicology reports.

We will continue to follow this story and report more details as they become available.

BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES ORDER FOR COVID-19 VACCINE

The Butler County Health Department is making progress on having a vaccine for the coronavirus readily available by the end of December.

According to Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers, the FDA panel recommended the Moderna vaccine for Butler County on Thursday, and if passed, should be available in the County before Christmas.

Once the vaccine arrives, under the current COVID-19 guidelines, they will be administered to healthcare and essential workers, and will become available to local residents as they become readily available.

Local hospitals are expecting to have shipments of the vaccinations by the end of the week.

Until they arrive, officials are urging residents to remember proper social distancing guidelines, wear face masks, avoid large gatherings, and to limit travel as much as possible.

For more information on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, visit the Butler County Health Center’s Facebook page.

SUPPLY OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ARRIVING AT THE JOHN J PERSHING MEDICAL CENTER IN POPLAR BLUFF

A supply of the Pfizer Coronavirus vaccination, which began shipping to Missouri earlier in the month, will be arriving at the local John J. Pershing Medical Center.

According to center director Drew Dewitt, the first dosages of the vaccine will be arriving by the end of December, possibly by next week. The center will be striving to deliver the vaccinations with safety and efficiency in mind when the first shipment arrives.

He also stated that after the first round of vaccines are administered to healthcare personnel and long-term facility residents, veteran patients will be given the opportunity to schedule an appointment for a vaccination.

Veterans at the center are being asked to not put themselves at risk by going to the center, but should wait to be contacted by center staff.

MEMPHIS MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN PEMISCOT COUNTY ON HOMICIDE

A Memphis man was arrested in Pemiscot County on Wednesday on a homicide charge.

According to the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department, 27 year old Keshon Ford was charged on a felony warrant out of Memphis, Tennessee, for homicide. He was also charged with several vehicle related offenses.

Following his arrest, he was transported to the Pemiscot County Jail, with no bond.

QULIN WOMAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER LEAVING THE SCENE OF A FATAL CRASH

A Qulin woman was arrested after leaving the scene of a crash, which resulted in the death of a Wappapello woman.

Officials with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department report that 40 year old Misty Stark was taken into custody for leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in a death, as well as causing a crash that resulted in a death.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident happened on Highway 51, south of Broseley, where 29 year old Chelsie Fortner was struck by a vehicle driven by Stark while she was walking along the roadway. She was rushed to a Poplar Bluff hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Stark is currently being held at the Butler County Jail on these charges.

BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALONG WITH RIVER RADIO HOSTING VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

The Butler County Health Department along with River Radio will be hosting a virtual town hall today.

According to the Department, the online event will be dedicated to answering and addressing a number of community health issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. Officials with the department, as well as local health care providers, will be present to assist in this endeavor.

The event will be held online at KWOC’s Facebook page, starting at 6 pm.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY A VEHICLE NEAR BROSELEY

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle near Broseley.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at around midnight Sunday morning on Highway 51, in Butler County.

Officials say a vehicle was traveling southbound and struck 29 year old Chelsie Fortner, of Wappapello, who was in the roadway.

Fortner was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

IN-PERSON COURT CASES IN STODDARD AND DUNKLIN COUNTIES SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19

Courts in Stoddard and Dunklin Counties will be suspending all in-person cases due to a surge in coronavirus cases.

Presiding Circuit Judge Robert Mayer made the decision last week to lower operating phases in the 35th Judicial Circuit from phase one to zero, which suspends all in-person court cases.

The courts will remain in operating phase zero until December 17th, and the situation will be reviewed by court officials when the order expires.

TWO DEATHS REPORTED BY PORTAGEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Portageville Fire Department has reported two fatalities in Portageville.

Few details are available, however officials with the department report that firefighter crews were dispatched to a residence within city limits on a report of two unresponsive individuals inside the residence on Wednesday. When crews arrived, the two victims were both found deceased.

After investigating the scene, the department believes the cause of death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning. A further investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The details of the victims are being kept confidential out of respect for the family’s privacy.

FILING FOR POSITIONS ON POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL TO OPEN NEXT WEEK

Filing will be opening for positions on the Poplar Bluff city council next week.

The ballot will be for the filing for council seats in Wards 2 and 4, which are currently held by Ed DeGaris and Shane Cornman, respectively. Candidates for city council must be 21 years old, must be a qualified voter, and have to have lived in the ward for one year.

Applications can be sent to the Poplar Bluff City Hall at 501 Vine Street, from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Filing for the positions will open on December 15th, and continue through January 19th.

The ballot will also include an online tax proposition, which will affect online purchases from out of state. The tax, which is expected to generate between $300k to $350k revenue for the city, has previously failed to be implemented four times, due to voters voting against the tax.

POPLAR BLUFF COUNCIL SCHEDULED TO REVIEW POTENTIAL FACE MASK MANDATE

Poplar Bluff City Council members will be looking over a potential, city-wide face mask requirement due to concerns over COVID-19.

Dr. Doland Piland, a Poplar Bluff physician and 30 year hospital official, came to the council on Monday, bringing his concerns over the virus, and the potential it still has to harm the city and its residents.

In his presentation to the Council, Piland stated that the virus has left the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center at full capacity for three months, forcing them to seek hospitalization at areas further away from Missouri. He also referenced that 29 states are already mandating face-masks, as well as 19 community governments in Missouri.

Piland went on to announce that many communities are suffering financially from equipment and staffing costs, and that the number of coronavirus related hospitalizations, deaths, and cases, have only increased as time passes.

According to Piland, while face masks aren’t a perfect solution, they have been shown to minimize the spread of the virus, helped lower cases of the virus in school districts, and have aided New York City in reducing coronavirus cases when the stay at home order proved ineffective.

HOME HEAVILY DAMAGED BY FIRE IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

A home was heavily damaged by a fire in Dunklin County on Friday.

According to the Kennett Fire Department, firefighter crews responded to a call of a structure fire on King Street, where the home was heavily engulfed by the time officials arrived at the scene. The occupants were able to escape before being injured, however the home suffered major damage, and most of the interior was destroyed.

The cause of the fire was reported to be a space heater that was left on in a bedroom at the back of the house.