RIVER RADIO NEWS 040114
JONESBORO WOMAN KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK
A Jonesboro woman is dead following a two vehicle wreck Monday morning in Greene County.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the vehicle of 30 year old Andrea Denise Jefferson allegedly crossed into the path of another vehicle on US Highway 49.
Jefferson was pronounced dead after the wreck. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured in the incident.
FIRE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS RESULTS IN TWO DEATHS
Two people died Sunday in a house fire in Northeast Arkansas.
The fire was at a residence on the south side of Pocahontas.
According to KAIT, Pocahontas Fire Chief Jimmy Shields says that the fire did not appear to be suspicious, but the cause is under investigation. The names of those who died have not been released.
CAPE GIRARDEAU POLICE ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MISSING TEENAGER
The Cape Girardeau Police Department is looking for information on the whereabouts of a teenager who has been missing since March 12th.
15 year old Breannin F. Arnold, was last seen walking with friends near Ellis St. and Maple St. on Wednesday, March 12th at around 6:25 pm. She was last seen wearing black sweat pants, a purple shirt and a gray jacket.
She is not believed to be in any danger, and family members have reported that she may have been in the St. Louis area but believe she may now be in the Dyersburg, Tennessee area.
Anyone who has information on Arnold’s whereabouts is asked to call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 573-335-6621.
BURGLARY INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF MOREHOUSE WOMAN
A multi jurisdiction burglary and stealing investigation has lead to the arrest of a Morehouse woman.
According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, 28 year old Ashley M. Riggins has been arrested on burglary, stealing, and property damage charges.
The arrest comes following an investigation of the burglary of a residence near Vanduser on March 11th. Firearms, a coin collection, and jewelry were stolen during the burglary.
NAME RELEASED OF MAN ARRESTED IN KENNETT APARTMENT FIRE
Authorities in Kennett have released the name of a man taken into custody following a fire at an area apartment building.
According to the Kennett Police Department, Lewis H. Howard has been arrested for first degree arson.
The arrest is in connection to a fire Sunday at a building on South Vandeventer Street.
WINONA MAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE
A Winona man is facing a felony drug charge in connection to his arrest over the weekend.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 37 year old Clinton D. Barnes was arrested Saturday in Shannon County on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.
Barnes is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.
ORAN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FIREARM CHARGE
An Oran man faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony firearm charge.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 28 year old Joshua L. Rogers pled guilty to one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Officers reportedly found a stolen handgun in Rogers’ residence in September of 2013.
Rogers now faces a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been set for June 16th.
BILL THAT WOULD LIMIT UNION FEE COLLECTIONS GIVEN FIRST APPROVAL BY MISSOURI HOUSE
The Missouri House has endorsed legislation that would require annual written authorization for public employee unions to receive dues automatically deducted from a worker's paycheck.
The measure endorsed Monday evening would require similar approval for unions to spend worker fees on political activities.
Supporters argued it gives public employees more control over how unions spend their fees. Opponents say it would be an undue burden on those who want to participate in a union.
Governor Jay Nixon vetoed similar legislation last year. To avoid another veto, this year's Republican-supported measure would head to the August ballot instead.
The bill, known to supporters as "paycheck protection," needs one more vote before moving to the Senate. It does not apply to unions representing first responders, such as police and firefighter organizations.
ARKANSAS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS TO JUST OVER SEVEN PERCENT
Officials say Arkansas' unemployment rate dipped to 7.1 percent in February.
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services spokeswoman Becky Heflin says the state's unemployment rate has been steadily dropping since last October. Heflin says employment has increased while the number of unemployed people continues to drop.
Arkansas' rate is down from January's rate of 7.3 percent.
Seven major industry sectors showed gains in February with the government sector posting the highest increase. The Department of Workforce Services says the 5,100 jobs added in the government sector primarily came as public schools and universities returned to full capacity after the holiday break.
Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector rose by 900 jobs.
The biggest drop came in the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which saw a decline of 900 jobs.
HOUSE COMMITTEE RECEIVES ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST GOVERNOR NIXON
Three articles of impeachment against Missouri Governor Jay Nixon are now in a state House committee.
Republican lawmakers have raised several complaints against the Democratic governor.
One article seeks to impeach Nixon over an executive order directing state tax officials to accept joint returns from same-sex couples who married legally in other states.
Another asserts Nixon did not move fast enough to call special elections for vacant legislative seats. The third complains there was insufficient punishment of officials involved in a dispute over the handling of concealed gun permits.
The articles of impeachment have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
