Region digest 11/17/02

Wanted Scott County couple now in custody

BENTON, Mo. -- A Scott County couple wanted for the production of more than 1,200 marijuana plants turned themselves in Saturday, according to the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

Daryl W. McKnelly, 55, and Vicki L. McKnelly, 52, turned themselves in to the Cape Girardeau Police Department and were then transferred to Scott County.

Their bonds had been set at $150,000 each earlier in the week, and they had not bonded out late Saturday.

Officers with the SEMO Drug Task Force searched the couple's home near Blodgett, Mo., on Thursday and found an elaborate hydroponic system for growing marijuana and more than 1,200 plants. The McKnellys were not at home when the search warrant was served, but warrants were issued for their arrest on charges of second-degree trafficking.

Normal, Sprigg traffic signals to be activated

New traffic signals at the intersection of Sprigg and Normal will be activated at 9 a.m. Monday. The signals also have cameras that detect vehicles for traffic purposes.

The project was a joint venture between the city of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University.

Cape offering city news update via e-mail

The City of Cape Girardeau is offering e-mail news updates to those who are interested. There is no charge. To receive the service, call the public information office at 335-8556 or send an e-mail to tglenn@cityofcapegirardeau. org.

Public information officer Tracey Glenn said the city has been providing this service to advisory board members for a few months.

Knudtson to be guest on KRCU show today

Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson will be the guest on Sunday on KRCU's "Going Public" radio show.

Knudtson will discuss the current state of the city and his goals for the coming year.

The show will air at 3 p.m. on 90.9 FM, the region's Public Radio affiliate station.

Three promoted at Scott Co. Sheriff's Department

The Scott County Sheriff's Department announced the promotions of three officers on Friday.

Lt. Brenda Schiwitz was promoted to captain and will be responsible for the operations and administrative divisions of the office. She has been employed by the sheriff's office since 1974. In addition to her daily duties, Schiwitz also serves as one of two DARE instructors with the office and is a specialist instructor for the Southeast Missouri Law Enforcement Academy.

Lt. James Chambers was promoted to captain and will be responsible for the operations and administrative divisions of the new county jail facility. He will also be in charge of the court officers and oversee the communication division. Chambers has been with the sheriff's office for 18 years.Sgt. Jerry Bledsoe was promoted to lieutenant and will be responsible for the supervision of the road deputies and criminal investigators. Bledsoe also serves as evidence technician, reserve liaison officer and will continue to be involved in criminal investigations. He has been with the sheriff's office for 21 years.

-- From staff, wire reports