RIVER RADIO NEWS 123114
POPLAR BLUFF COUNCILMAN RESIGNS
A Poplar Bluff Councilman has resigned.
According to the Daily American Republican, the city council accepted the resignation of Johnny Brannum on Monday. He was elected to the council in 2012, representing Ward 4.
Brannum cited his impending move outside of the city limits for the resignation.
MAN FACING CHARGES OF FORCIBLE SODOMY AND KIDNAPPING OUT OF DUNKLIN COUNTY
An Illinois man is facing charges out of Dunklin County, including forcible sodomy.
According to authorities, 56 year old Michael Dean, of Kampsville, Illinois, has been charged with three counts of forcible sodomy and kidnapping. Dean allegedly drugged and had intercourse with three men while they were unconscious.
Photos were found at the time of Dean’s arrest that showed men who were nude, handcuffed, and unconscious.
WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO HIT AN OFFICER
A Steele woman is facing charges following an incident with police officers at an area trailer park.
According to the Steele Police Department, officers were dispatched to the location in reference to a woman trying to stab her husband. When they arrived, they attempted to take a 50 year old Steele woman into custody. During the process, the woman allegedly took a swing at an officer’s face.
The woman, whose name was not released, was arrested on charges of domestic assault, resisting arrest and assault on law enforcement.
OFFICIALS WARNING OF JURY DUTY SCAM
Officials in Cape Girardeau are warning of a reported scam concerning jury duty.
According to the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office, people are getting phone calls from a man who claims to be a Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s deputy. He says that the person will be arrested for failing to appear for jury duty unless they pay a fine immediately.
The Sheriff’s Office says the calls are not legitimate. Court officers won’t ask for personal information or seek payment for fines or fees over the phone. Most court related correspondence takes place through the mail. Authorities advise never to agree to send money to someone who calls you out of the blue.
DRAINAGE REPAIRS SET FOR THIS WEEK IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in New Madrid County this week for drainage repairs on Highway 61.
During the repairs, Highway 61 will be reduced to one lane between County Road 314 and Highway 62. Work is scheduled to be performed daily through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.
HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFELY TONIGHT
The Missouri State Highway patrol is reminding motorists to stay safe while celebrating the New Year tonight.
Last year in Missouri, there were 380 crashes, resulting in 147 injuries over the New Year’s counting period.
Remember to drive safe and if your plans involve alcohol, select a designated driver. The Patrol is also encouraging motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.
OVER 100,000 MISSOURIANS USE FEDERAL WEBSITE TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE
More than 100,000 Missouri residents have signed up for health insurance through a federally run website during the first month of enrollment.
The figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that about half of the Missourians who signed up are new enrollees, and the other half already had coverage through a HealthCare.gov policy.
People faced a December 15th enrollment deadline if they wanted their coverage to kick in when the new year begins Thursday. But people can still sign up for insurance through February 15th.
The federal figures show that 102,087 Missouri residents had selected a 2015 coverage plan through HealthCare.gov as of December 15th. About 150,000 people got health insurance through the website in 2014.
LAW GOING INTO EFFECT AIMS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO CHEMOTHERAPY PILLS
Cancer medicine that previously could cost thousands of dollars soon will cost Missourians at most $75 a month.
State lawmakers and cancer patient advocates say the new state law taking effect Thursday will increase access to chemotherapy pills.
They say those drugs typically have fewer harmful side effects compared to traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
But previously the pills cost patients thousands of dollars more than the IV procedure.
Other laws that will take effect in 2015 include one requiring that women be notified after a mammogram that dense breast tissue can hide signs of cancer.
Another mandates that the state create a handbook to help train adult daycare providers, and one will increase fees for companies that violate federal natural gas safety standards.
