RIVER RADIO NEWS 122214
MAN STABBED AT BUTLER COUNTY RESIDENCE
An area man was reportedly stabbed Friday at a Butler County residence.
According to the Daily American Republic, 34 year old Michael Melvin, of Poplar Bluff, was stabbed in the shoulder and back area after he allegedly forced his way into the residence and got into a physical altercation with two men there.
Melvin was taken to an area hospital with a punctured lung and is in serious, but stable condition.
CAPE GIRARDEAU WOMAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING SIKESTON CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBERY
A Cape Girardeau woman has been charged in connection to a weekend robbery.
According to Captain James McMillen, 29 year old Amanda Carr was taken into custody following the alleged robbery of a convenience store in Sikeston. Employees say Carr robbed the store with a large butcher knife.
Carr has been charged with robbery and armed criminal action.
QULIN MAN FACING CHARGES OF TAMPERING WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE AND POSSESSION OF METH
A Qulin man was arrested Sunday in Butler County on multiple charges, including tampering with a motor vehicle.
According to authorities, 26 year old Cody Vaughn is facing multiple felony charges, including receiving stolen property; possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; and first degree tampering with a motor vehicle.
Vaughn also reportedly had multiple warrants from the Poplar Bluff Police Department.
TWO ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON DRUG CHARGE
Two people were taken into custody Friday in Wayne County on methamphetamine related charges.
According to the Highway Patrol, 28 year old Eric Evans, of Poplar Bluff was arrested at 11:30 am Friday. 10 minutes later, 23 year old Christina Isbell, of Campbell, was also taken into custody.
The Highway Patrol did not release if the arrests were related, however they are each facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Evans was also charged with felony delivery of an imitation controlled substance.
THREE ARRESTED FOLLOWING EMERGENCY CALL IN SCOTT COUNTY
An emergency 911 call in Scott County has led to the arrest of three Sikeston residents.
According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 29 year old Wade Griffin, 26 year old Natish Newman, and 53 year old Michael Newman were taken into custody Saturday.
Griffin has been charged with second degree domestic assault, possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of first degree child endangerment.
Natish Newman is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of child endangerment in the first degree.
Michael Newman has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
CAPE GIRARDEAU MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE
A Cape Girardeau man is facing a meth charge following his arrest Friday morning.
According to authorities, 32 year old Randy Lewis was arrested in Cape Girardeau County on charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; resisting arrest; and property damage.
CAPE GIRARDEAU TEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES
A Cape Girardeau teenager was taken into custody Sunday afternoon on drug charges.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 18 year old Sterling Satterfield was arrested in Cape Girardeau County on felony charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance.
SIKESTON POLICE INVESTIGATING WEEKEND FIRES
The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is investigating two structure fires that occurred Saturday night.
According to authorities, at around 9:30 pm officers responded to a structure fire at 803 Woodruff that resulted from a chimney fire.
Shortly thereafter, a second structure fire was reported to DPS at 504 Wilson Street. Upon arrival officers found an abandoned structure engulfed in flames.
Authorities think the fire is suspicious and the cause is under investigation.
EXPANSION AT AREA BUSINESS TO INCLUDE 91 JOBS
A planned expansion of an area business will include over 90 new jobs.
According to the Daily American Republic, Mid Continent Nail is planning on an almost $5 million dollar expansion that will include a new line at its original Poplar Bluff plant.
The expansion will also include the hiring of 91 workers.
MISSOURI LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SAY ANTI-ABORTION MEASURES NOT PRIORITY FOR NEW SESSION
Missouri's legislative leaders say anti-abortion measures are not among their main priorities next session.
Eight bills have been filed so far as the legislative session that starts January 7 nears.
The dimmed interest follows Republican lawmakers' success in September in overriding a veto by Gov. Jay Nixon to enact one of the nation's longest waiting periods for abortions.
The GOP now has even greater numbers to override a veto by the governor.
But legislative leaders say their focus will be on economics and education instead of potentially divisive abortion bills.
Anti-abortion lobbyist Sam Lee of Campaign Life Missouri says a bill for annual health inspections of clinics has the best chances of passing.
Other abortion-related bills include a hotly contested measure to require the father's permission for an abortion.
MISSOURI SECRETARY OF STATE REDUCES OPERATING BUDGET FOR HIS OFFICE
Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander says he is reducing the amount of state tax revenue needed for his office.
Kander said his general revenue request for the 2016 operating budget, which begins next July, will be the smallest for the secretary of state's office since 1999.
The Democratic secretary of state says he is shifting some office costs off of Missouri tax dollars to previously existing special funds. Kander says he also has eliminated some positions and spending. He says he saved $20,000 by reducing the size of a business registration reminder that is mailed out.
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS DISCUSSING MERGER WITH MID-SOUTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Officials say progress is being made toward a merger agreement between Arkansas State University and the Mid-South Community College.
Both the ASU board of trustees and the MSCC board of trustees have scheduled meetings on Jan. 9 to consider the plan.
ASU President Charles L. Welch says MSCC officials have done an excellent job of outlining their expectations and vision for the institution. Welch says officials are enthusiastic about the system's ability to help achieve their goals in education and workforce training.
If approved by the boards of the two schools, the merger would be effective July 1 following approval of the Higher Learning Commission. MSCC President Glen Fenter says that would give officials ample time to work through the legislative session and budget planning for the next year.
