RIVER RADIO NEWS 121614
AUTHORITIES IN STODDARD COUNTY SEARCHING FOR MISSING MAN
Authorities in Stoddard County say a family has reported a man missing who was last seen six weeks ago.
According to KFVS, 53 year old Kenneth Willard, of St. Francois County, was last seen in the area of Sturdivant and Arab in Stoddard County. Willard has a family farm in Stoddard County and was reported missing by family on Sunday.
Willard is described as 5 foot, 11 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. He also has a heavy build and tattoos. He was reportedly wearing blue jeans and a shirt when he was last seen. Anyone with information on Willard’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office.
THREE DIE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK
Three people are dead in connection to a single vehicle wreck Sunday in Mississippi County, Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas State Police, a tire blow out caused the driver of the vehicle, Francisico Figurero, of Chicago, Illinois, to lose control, overcorrect, and drive into a ditch off of Interstate 55.
Three passengers in the vehicle, Elva Figurero, Gabriel Figurero, and Navor Medina, all from Chicago, died from injuries received in the wreck. The driver suffered undisclosed injuries and was taken to a Memphis hospital.
FOURTH DEATH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS HOME EXPLOSION
A fourth person who was injured when a home exploded at Lake City, Arkansas last month has died.
The Jonesboro Sun reports that 66 year old Gary Gilley died Friday at a Memphis hospital.
Gilley's death comes two days after 49 year old Ellis Glen Eaton died at the same hospital of injuries he suffered in the blast. Gilley's 64 year old wife, Deborah Gilley, and 11 year old Slade Gilley were both killed in the November 29 blast.
A 12 year old was also injured but has since been released from a hospital.
Investigators have said Gary Gilley and Eaton were connecting a gas line to a propane tank for a stove at Gilley's home when a gas leak inside the home caused the explosion.
IDENTITY RELEASED OF BODY FOUND IN CARTER COUNTY
The identity of a body found last month in Carter County has been released.
According to the Daily American Republic, the body was identified as 64 year old Susan Hamric, of rural Van Buren.
Hamric’s body was discovered by a hunter in a wooded area on November 23rd. The cause of death has not been determined.
WOMAN REPORTEDLY USES STOLEN CREDIT CARD TO BUY A TELEVISION IN POPLAR BLUFF
Police in Poplar Bluff say a woman reportedly used a stolen credit card to purchase a television Saturday night.
According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, shortly before 10 pm Saturday, officers received a report that someone had broken into a vehicle on Pine Street and stolen a purse.
A credit card taken with the purse was used at a local business just before the theft was discovered. Surveillance video footage captured a white female using the card to purchase a large flat panel television with the stolen credit card.
Police say the suspect has been identified; however the identity has not been released.
WOMAN ARRESTED IN SCOTT COUNTY IN CONNECTION TO SHOPLIFTING INVESTIGATION
A shoplifting investigation has lead to the arrest of a Jackson woman on a drug charge.
According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 28 year old Genny M. Jones is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, and stealing.
On Sunday, officers received a report of shoplifting from a business in Oran. Jones was arrested later that day after authorities reportedly found items stolen from the business and pills during a search of her vehicle.
BRUSH CUTTING TO CAUSE POSSIBLE DELAYS IN WAYNE COUNTY
Route A in Wayne County will be reduced to one lane today and tomorrow so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform brush cutting.
The work zone is located from Route 49 to Williamsville.
Work will be performed today and tomorrow from 8 am to 2:30 pm each day.
STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDING REDUCTION IN PREMIUMS FOR WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE
The Missouri insurance department is recommending a reduction in the premiums charged to businesses for workers' compensation insurance.
The department is recommending a 4.4 percent decrease in insurers' "loss costs" for 2015. Those loss projections typically are used by insurers when setting rates.
Department Director John Huff says the reduction is due to a decrease in medical claims costs, a decline in large losses in 2012 and a downward trend in the frequency of claims for lost time at work.
The state's recommended reduction is slightly more than had been indicated in a report three months ago by the National Council on Compensation Insurance.
LAWMAKER TO MAKE ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT BILL THAT WOULD EXPAND E-VERIFY SYSTEM
A failed measure to require employers to use a federal system for checking employees' legal resident status will have another chance in the Missouri Legislature.
State Representative Mark Parkinson of St. Charles on Monday announced plans to file a bill that would expand the E-Verify system to all state businesses.
The Republican says it could reduce the number of immigrants working illegally in Missouri.
Missouri already requires public and private employers that receive loans, contracts or grants from the state to participate in the federal work authorization program.
Parkinson's bill also would increase the penalties for noncompliance, including as much as $10,000 in fines or revoking business licenses.
Immigrant advocates and business leaders say the program is not always accurate and places a burden on employers.
