RIVER RADIO NEWS 021314
TWO CHILDREN DEAD FOLLOWING FIRE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Two Northeast Arkansas children have died in a house fire.
According to authorities, the fire yesterday morning happened at a residence in Greene County. The names of the two children have not been released.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
HAYTI MAN FACING CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGE
A Hayti man is facing a child molestation charge.
According to Missouri Case Net, 18 year old Ricky England was arrested by the Hayti Police Department on a charge of first degree child molestation.
Hayti Police Chief, Paul Sheckell, says that the arrest is in connection to a report made by an 11 year old girl. The girl told authorities that England had inappropriately touched her, according to KAIT.
SIKESTON WOMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONY DRUG CHARGES
Authorities have taken a Sikeston woman into custody after allegedly finding her with multiple drugs.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 31 year old Stephanie R. Cruse, was arrested early Wednesday morning in Scott County.
Cruse is facing felony charges of possession of hydrocodone, possession of xanax, and possession of tramadol, along with an additional felony charge of tampering with physical evidence.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FIRST DEGREE MURDER
A man has pled guilty to the murder of his child in Northeast Arkansas.
Sidney Campbell, of Brookland, pled guilty yesterday to first degree murder in connection to the death of his one month old child. He received a prison sentence of 26 years.
KNEIBERT CLINIC LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE
An area medical clinic is celebrating the launch of its redesigned website.
Kneibert Clinic launched the site last week. Through the new website, patients can quickly and easily locate information to fill their healthcare needs and check out a new blog focusing on healthy living.
During the summer, the patient portal will launch on the site. The portal will allow patients to access their medical information online, as well as refill prescriptions, access health history forms and lab results, and pay their bills.
The website is located at www.kneibertclinic.com.
JONESBORO CALL CENTER TO SHUT DOWN IN MAY
A call center in Jonesboro is again closing its doors and laying off employees.
StarTek said Tuesday that 125 people will lose their jobs as the facility shuts down completely on May 12. Company marketing director Rosemary Hanratty says the Jonesboro call center performed well, but that StarTek decided to close it as part of a "strategic business decision."
StarTek previously ceased operations in northeast Arkansas in April 2012, but reopened several months later.
Hanratty tells The Jonesboro Sun that the company has no current plans to possibly reopen again in Jonesboro.
The call center provided customer support for various industries.
POPLAR BLUFF REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERING HELP IS SIGNING UP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE
The deadline to have health insurance before tax penalties start is rapidly approaching, and a local hospital is offering help to get people signed up.
The Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is offering application counselors that can assist individuals and their families in evaluating the available health plans and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options.
The last day to enroll for health insurance before the penalties kick in is March 31st. If you would like to set up an appointment with the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, call 573-776-9070.
SENATE PANEL ADVANCES LEGISLATION ON CHEMOTHERAPY COSTS
A Missouri Senate panel has advanced legislation that could lower costs for some cancer patients.
Bills endorsed Tuesday by the Senate insurance committee would require insurance companies to charge patients the same out-of-pocket costs for chemotherapy pills as they do for intravenous chemotherapy treatments.
Patients often currently are charged much more for oral chemotherapy. That's because it is handled as a pharmacy benefit while intravenous treatments often trigger only a standard co-payment for an office visit.
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia already have enacted laws requiring equal coverage for oral and intravenous chemotherapy treatments.
The Missouri legislation now goes to the full Senate. A similar proposal is pending in a House committee.
MISSOURI HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO BILL THAT WOULD LET HEALTH CARE WORKERS OPT OUT OF PROCEDURES FOR ETHICAL OR RELIGIOUS REASONS
Legislation that would let health care workers refuse to participate in procedures that violate their ethical or religious beliefs has been given first-round approval in the Missouri House.
The measure endorsed 116-38 on Wednesday is sponsored by Republican House Speaker Tim Jones. He says the bill protects patients in making sure they don't have people involved in their procedures making second guesses because of their religion.
Critics argued that it would block access to health care for people, especially women.
The measure would apply to procedures such as those involving abortion-inducing drugs, artificial insemination and the withdrawal of nutrition and hydration. Religiously-affiliated hospitals would be shielded from liability for refusing medical procedures violating their religious beliefs.
It needs one more vote before moving to the Senate.
