RIVER RADIO NEWS 042414
ASSAULT REPORTED AT NURSING CENTER
Authorities in Steele say that an assault was reported last week at an area nursing center.
According to the Steele Police Department, early April 14th Steele Police responded to the River Oaks Nursing Center in reference to a 911 call stating that two men entered the building, one being armed with a gun.
One nurse was reportedly assaulted and suffered a minor injury. A motive is unclear, but authorities say the suspects may have been after narcotics.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Steele Police Department.
FORMER TEACHER CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A STUDENT
A Poinsett County jury has convicted a former teacher on charges of first degree sexual assault and fourth degree sexual assault.
According to Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington, 40 year old Danny Shane Akers, of Trumann, was convicted of sexually assaulting a then 15 year old student and fathering her child.
Akers was sentenced to 25 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and a $25,000 fine.
MISSING MAN FOUND IN NEW MADRID
A Caraway man who went missing earlier this week has been found.
According to KAIT, 81 year old Donald E. Ashley was found safe in New Madrid.
A silver alert was issued for Ashley by the Caraway Police Department on Tuesday.
MODOT ADVISING MOTORISTS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FARMING EQUIPMENT
The Missouri Department of Transportation wants motorists to be on the lookout for farm equipment.
Planting season is underway and tractors, trucks, and other farm equipment will be using and crossing state highways. Motorists are advised to slow down when they see farm equipment on the highway and to wait until it is safe before attempting to pass.
According to MoDOT, state roadways pass alongside more than 100,000 farms throughout the state.
HIGHWAY PATROL TO PARTICIPATE IN OPERATION LIFESAVER
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is joining with local volunteers to spread information on railroad safety.
According to Captain George Ridens, on April 28th and 29th, Troop E officers will be working with Missouri Operation Lifesaver volunteers in Butler and Scott counties to raise the awareness level for railroad crossing safety and trespass prevention.
Troopers will be part of safety teams that visit with motorists briefly in advance of certain railroad crossings. Team members will be reminding drivers about railroad safety tips as they approach crossings throughout the counties.
MISSOURI REDUCES ENERGY USE BY OVER 22 PERCENT
Governor Jay Nixon's administration says it has exceeded a goal to reduce Missouri's energy consumption.
Nixon signed an executive order in 2009 setting a target of a 2 percent annual reduction in state energy use for each of the next 10 years for state buildings under the direction of the Office of Administration.
The administration office says Missouri already has reduced its energy use by 22.5 percent, which it says equals an annualized decline of 4.45 percent.
The office says those figures include a greater than 16 percent reduction in electricity use since 2008 and a nearly 33 percent reduction in propane and natural gas use since that time.
BILL WOULD ALLOW SOME MOTORCYCLISTS TO FORGO WEARING HELMETS
The Missouri House has endorsed a bill that would allow motorcyclists over the age of 21 to forgo wearing helmets while travelling on the road.
Current law requires motorists to wear helmets or face a fine of up to $25 for each offense.
Supporters say adults should have the freedom to decide whether to wear a helmet and argue Missouri misses out on tourism because of the current law. Opponents say the helmet law protects riders during accidents and that the measure would cost the state in higher medical bills.
The measure given first-round approval Wednesday needs one more vote before moving to the Senate. Lawmakers adjourn May 16th.
SPENDING BILL SIGNED BY MISSOURI GOVERNOR
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has signed a mid-year spending bill with funding for social services, education and a financially troubled St. Louis County school district.
The supplemental budget signed into law Wednesday moves $69 million to the state Medicaid program to offset a shortfall in Missouri's settlement payments from tobacco companies. It also includes an extra $3 million to help low-income people pay utility bills, and $2 million to help the unaccredited Normandy School District.
The measure also provides additional funding for public schools and colleges through June 30 to make up for shortfalls in gambling and lottery revenues.
Nixon froze $22 million budgeted for schools and colleges earlier this month, saying lawmakers had not included enough money in the supplemental budget.
