HEALTH EXCHANGES OPEN IN MISSOURI The insurance exchanges that form a part of the Affordable Care Act go into effect today.
The online insurance exchange in Missouri is being operated by the federal government after state lawmakers and then voters rejected a state-run system. Unlike in many other states, few details about the plans' premium costs, deductible levels and other specifics were disclosed in advance of today's kickoff.
Consumers have until March to enroll, or by December 15th if they want coverage starting January 1st. The online marketplaces are for those who don't receive employer-sponsored health coverage or for certain residents eligible for workplace plans but looking for better deals. Program details can be found online at www.healthcare.gov. MAN SENTENCED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY
A man is facing a decade incarceration following his sentencing yesterday on multiple charges.
According to Missouri Case Net, 27 year old Jeff Hemphill, of Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years incarceration on two counts of 1st degree assault - serious physical injury, 7 years on two counts of abuse of child, and seven years on two counts of 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child.
A jury found Hemphill guilty of the six counts in August. The judge ruled for the sentences to be run concurrent with each other. TWO ARRESTED IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY ON METH CHARGES
Two Charleston residents were arrested yesterday afternoon in Mississippi County on meth charges.
According to the Highway Patrol, 54 year old Billy J. Buttry and 46 year old Lisa L. Buttry were arrested at around 4 pm on felony charges of attempt to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia – methamphetamine. CARUTHERSVILLE POLICE MAKE ARREST IN ROBBERY CASE
A Caruthersville man is in custody after being arrested in a strong arm robbery case.
Authorities say they responded to a robbery call Friday morning. The victim told officers that he was carrying cash, going to Jerry Body Shop, when a man approached him, grabbed the money and ran.
A witness was able to identify the suspect as Claude E. Taylor, of Caruthersville. Police later arrested Taylor. He has been charged with second degree robbery. DRUGS AND FIREARMS FOUND IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS RESIDENCE
Authorities in Northeast Arkansas reportedly found guns and drugs while executing a warrant over the weekend at a residence in Imboden.
According to authorities, 50 year old Herschel Davis Sr. was taken into custody.
Davis is facing charges of delivery of a controlled substance – meth, possession of a controlled substance, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of drug paraphernalia, and use of a communication device to commit a felony. MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER IN CONNECTION TO MURDER CASE
A Poplar Bluff man has pled guilty to manslaughter charges in connection to the shooting death of Marcus McFarland.
According to the Southeast Missourian, 23 year old Paris Thomas has pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Thomas had originally been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection to the case before agreeing to a plea agreement. ARKANSAS MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE
An Arkansas man has been taken into custody after being charged with rape.
According to KAIT, 47 year old Ronnie Cashion, of Piggott, was arrested following an investigation by the Piggott Police Department and the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division.
Cashion is facing charges of rape and sexual indecency with a child. LISTENING POST MEETING TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK
Staff members with United States Senator Roy Blunt will be in Doniphan next week to speak with Missourians.
The meetings will be a part of the Senator’s Listening Post series. Listening Posts are intended for Missourians to share their questions and concerns during meetings with members of Senator Blunt's staff.
The Listening Post will be held from 10 am to 11 am at the Ripley County Courthouse in Doniphan on Tuesday, October 8th. ASH WOOD QUARANTINE EXTENDS TO ALL OF MISSOURI
The expansion of the tree-killing emerald ash borer into new areas means ash wood can now be transported freely within Missouri.
Ash wood products can only be transported among counties under quarantine. The Missouri Department of Agriculture expanded the quarantine last week from nine counties to the entire state. That means ash wood products can be transported among all the state's counties and the City of St. Louis.
Separate federal requirements govern taking ash wood from quarantined counties out of state. OCTOBER IS CRIME PREVENTION MONTH
With crime prevention month beginning today, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has some tips on what you should do when you realize that you have been a victim of identity theft.
One of the first things you should do is notify the credit bureaus, your creditors, your bank, and local law enforcement.
Also you should notify the local postal inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud.
More information, including a brochure on identity theft is available on the Highway Patrol’s website at www.mshp.dps.gov.
Tomorrow we will continue our series on Crime Prevention with tips for home safety.
