RIVER RADIO NEWS 043014
WEST PLAINS MAN KILLED IN ARKANSAS WRECK
A West Plains man has died following a wreck Monday in Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas State Police, 63 year old Billy Leatherwood was killed in the wreck in Bald Knob. A vehicle had failed to yield while making a left hand turn and was hit by Leatherwood’s motorcycle on the passenger’s side.
A passenger on Leatherwood’s motorcycle, Cathy Leatherwood, suffered undisclosed injuries.
SHOOTING IN SCOTT CITY RULED ACCIDENT
A recent shooting in Scott City has been ruled accidental.
According to authorities, the incident happened shortly after midnight April 25th, when a 21 year old man allegedly shot a 17 year old girl in the face. The man told investigators that he was showing his gun to friends when it went off.
The man was arrested and later released. No charges were filed.
The girl is expected to recover for her injuries.
TWO EAST PRAIRIE RESIDENTS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY
Two men are facing burglary charges in connection to an alleged residential burglary last week in Anniston.
According to KFVS, 45 year old Van Lynn Owens and 24 year old Dusten Matthew Vinson, of East Prairie, have been arrested. They are each facing charges of first degree burglary, misdemeanor property damage, and three counts of theft/stealing of a firearm.
Owens is also charged with three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, while Vinson is charged with three counts of unlawful transfer of a firearm to a felon.
A third man is also facing charges in connection to the incident. 41 year old Michael Dean Woods, of Anniston, is facing a charge of hindering prosecution.
SCHOOL BUS HIT BY VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTY
Two children, ages 9 and 10, suffered minor injuries Monday in a collision involving a school bus.
According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on Business 67 south of Poplar Bluff. The bus was stopped to unload passengers when it was rear ended by another vehicle.
The driver of the other vehicle, 63 year old Charlotte L. Merriman, of Poplar Bluff, received moderate injuries. Merriman and the two injured children were taken to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.
FORMER CEO OF SEMO HEALTH NETWORK PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO SUBMIT FALSE DOCUMENTS
A New Madrid woman faces five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to submit false documents.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 56 year old Cheryl Ann White pled guilty to conspiring to create and submit numerous false documents related to Southeast Missouri Health Network, Inc. to federal agencies from 2004 to 2013.
White served as CEO of Southeast Missouri Health Network, along with being a non-voting member of the board of directors, until December of 2013.
Her sentencing is set for July 30th.
TWO CARUTHERSVILLE RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON FELONY TAMPERING CHARGE
Two Caruthersville residents are facing felony charges in connection to their arrest early Tuesday morning.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Jacqueline R. Rodgers and 19 year old Alphonso Bates were arrested at around 12:40 am Tuesday in Pemiscot County.
Rodgers is facing a felony charge of second degree tampering. Bates has been charged with felony first degree tampering.
POPLAR BLUFF ACADEMIC TEAM WINS SCHOLAR BOWL,… AGAIN
The Poplar Bluff High School Academic Team recently won the Class 4 District 1 Championship in the Scholar Bowl Tournament at Cape Central High School, defeating DeSoto, North County and Farmington.
With a varsity record of 117 wins, 45 losses and three ties over the past five years, the Academic Team will advance to the state tournament against Oakville.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH BEGINS TOMORROW
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging all motorcyclists to be safe as a part of Motorcycle Safety Month in May.
Colonel Ron Replogle has released some tips for motorcyclists including wearing appropriate clothing and protection. Those riding a motorcycle should wear a helmet, eye protection, bright clothing, as well as thick or leather clothing for protection.
Since many will be riding their motorcycle for the first time since the winter has ended, be sure to practice or take refresher courses before going into heavy traffic.
PAYDAY LOAN LEGISLATION APPROVED BY MISSOURI HOUSE
The Missouri House passed legislation that would eliminate renewals on payday loans and lower the amount of interest borrowers can currently charge.
Under current law, loans can be renewed up to six times and lenders can change up to $75 in fees for a $100 loan. In Missouri, payday loans can be up to $500 and last from 14 to 31 days.
The bill also allows a borrower to sign up for additional time to pay back a loan without penalty.
Supporters say the measure protects consumers from debt. But opponents argue it doesn't go far enough to curb irresponsible lending.
House members voted 112 to 39 on Tuesday to send the bill to the Senate, where a different version passed earlier. Lawmakers must agree on an identical measure by May 16th.
UNEMPLOYMENT BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR NIXON
Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to legislation that could make it harder for people to collect unemployment benefits after being fired for repeated absences or other alleged misconduct.
The House passed the bill Tuesday by a 107 to 45 vote. Because it already had cleared the Senate, the measure now goes to Governor Jay Nixon.
The Democratic governor vetoed a similar bill passed last year by the Republican-led Legislature. He cited concerns that it could conflict with federal law, thus putting businesses at risk of having to pay additional federal unemployment insurance taxes.
Republican Senator Will Kraus, of Lee's Summit, says he tweaked the wording of this year's bill to try to address those concerns. But many House Democrats still opposed the bill Tuesday.
TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX PASSED BY MISSOURI SENATE
Missouri senators have endorsed a three-fourths-cent sales tax increase to fund state and local transportation needs.
Tuesday's 22 to10 Senate vote sent the measure to the House, which earlier approved a 1-cent sales tax hike for transportation. If the chambers agree on an identical bill, it would go on the November's statewide ballot.
Transportation officials estimate the Senate version would bring in $534 million annually over its 10-year lifespan. Revenue could be used for state and local highway construction, as well as operating costs for existing travel facilities and alternative modes of transportation.
Supporters say the fuel tax that currently funds transportation is no longer viable with higher gas prices and greater fuel economy. Opponents say raising the sales tax would disproportionately affect low-income Missourians.
