RIVER RADIO NEWS 011515
AREA MAN SENTENCED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES
An area man is facing seven years in prison on gun and drug charges.
According to the Daily American Republic, 35 year old Derek Blackmon, of Poplar Bluff, was sentenced Tuesday on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Methanphetamine and a firearm were reportedly found during a search of Blackmon’s residence in May of 2013.
MAN WANTED IN CONNECTION TO NORTHEAST ARKANSAS POLICE SHOOTING TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
A man who was wanted in connection to a shooting involving police in Northeast Arkansas has been arrested.
According to authorities, Brandon Johnson was arrested Wednesday in Crittenden County. He is facing charges including aggravated assault.
Johnson was reportedly shot by police during an incident last week. He was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries, but left the hospital Monday morning.
NAME RELEASED OF MAN INVOLVED IN STANDOFF IN SCOTT COUNTY
Scott County authorities have released the identity of a man involved in a standoff with police Tuesday night.
According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 53 year old Kenneth Eugene Cummins Sr., of Chaffee, was arrested. Cummins had allegedly struck a family member and attempted to shoot a gun at them prior to the standoff.
The family members were able to escape the home and contact authorities.
Cummins is facing charges of first degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
FORMER CARTER COUNTY COLLECTOR ENTERS GUILTY PLEA
A former county collector for Carter County has entered a guilty plea to a charge of misdemeanor stealing.
Authorities say Jennifer Clark-Williams, of Van Buren, pled guilty to the charge on Monday and that she will be required to pay restitution before her sentencing, potentially in February.
Clark-Williams reportedly admitted to taking over $5000 from county funds in order to pay personal bills.
Clark-Williams resigned from her position as county collector in October 2012.
HOME HEALTH WORKER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING FROM PATIENT
A home health worker is facing charges out of Baxter County for allegedly stealing from a patient.
According to the Baxter County Sheriff, 53 year old Mary Close, of Yellville, admitted to stealing prescription medication from one of her patients. The victim had found that 18 Alprazolam and 20 Tramadol pills were missing after Close left the residence.
Close is facing charges of possession of a schedule four controlled substance and theft of property.
MATTHEWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUT ON LOCKDOWN FOR ALMOST AN HOUR WEDNESDAY
A Southeast Missouri elementary school was put on lockdown for almost an hour Wednesday afternoon.
According to KFVS, police were in the area of Matthews Elementary School during the pursuit of a man who ran during a warrant check.
During the incident, the school was on lockdown for around 45 minutes. The lockdown was lifted and the students were allowed to leave, however the man was not apprehended.
PARAGOULD RESIDENT WINS $100,000 FROM SCRATCHERS TICKET
A Paragould resident got a big surprise recently from a lottery ticket.
Danny Gibbins purchased a “$100,000 Taxes Paid” scratchers ticket from a liquor store in Cardwell to discover that it was a top prize $100,000 ticket.
Gibbon’s ticket was the first of four total top prizes that could be claimed from the “$100,000 Taxes Paid” tickets.
BRIDGE REPAIRS TO BEGIN TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY
Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Wayne County today and tomorrow for bridge repairs on Route A.
During the repairs, Route A will be reduced to one lane between County Road 371 and Route 67. Work is scheduled to take place from 8 am to 2 pm each day.
TRANSPORTATION OFFICIAL PRESENTS PLAN FOR MISSOURI HIGHWAYS
(AP) - The state's top transportation official has proposed fully maintaining only one-quarter of Missouri's highways because of a funding shortfall.
The Missouri Department of Transportation would focus on primary roads connecting communities under a proposal presented Wednesday to the state's transportation commission.
Transportation director Dave Nichols says the state is projected to have just $325 million for construction and maintenance, which is enough to fully maintain about 8,000 miles of roads.
A three-quarters cent state sales tax to fund transportation failed in August, and no alternative has emerged.
Under the plan, some busy local roads in major cities would be secondary routes and only receive minimal maintenance, including snow plowing, pothole patching and road striping.
The proposal is to be considered by state Highway and Transportation Commission next month.
