RIVER RADIO NEWS 013015
WOMAN INJURED IN POPLAR BLUFF HOME INVASION
Police in Poplar Bluff are searching for three suspects in a reported home invasion.
According to the Daily American Republic, the victim said that the suspects stole two video game consoles and the victim’s cell phone during the home invasion early Thursday morning on North Fifth Street. The victim was also hit with a handgun.
TWO ARRESTED IN CAPE ARMED ROBBERY
Two armed robbery suspects have been arrested in Cape Girardeau.
19 year old Aaron J. Drake and 20 year old Laterrius M. Triplett have each been charged with first degree robbery and armed criminal action.
Authorities say a Cape Girardeau Police officer was flagged down Wednesday night shortly after 10 pm by a man who said he had been robbed at gunpoint.
Officers later located a vehicle matching a description given by the victim. A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun and property belonging to the victim.
SHOTS FIRED DURING ARMED ROBBERY OF BLYTHEVILLE BUSINESS
Shots were fired Wednesday night during the reported armed robbery of a Northeast Arkansas business.
According to authorities, three men entered a Blytheville Domino’s and demanded money. One of the suspects allegedly shot at the manager. The manager returned fire and the three suspects then fled the area.
A reward is being offered for information in connection to the robbery.
JACKSON MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG RELATED CHARGES
A Jackson man is facing multiple drug related charges following his arrest early Thursday morning.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 37 year old Brian Smith, was taken into custody at around 1:30 am in Cape Girardeau County.
Smith is facing charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance, hydrocodone; unlawful use of drug paraphernalia; and driving while revoked.
FOUR ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES IN BERNIE
Four Bernie residents have been taken into custody and more arrests are expected in connection to a four month investigation.
According to authorities, 57 year old Linda Price, 71 year old Sharon Passley, 35 year old Margaret Miller, and 53 year old Jeffery Scott Boyle were arrested on Wednesday. The investigation was focused on people who were allegedly selling prescription pills.
The four arrested are each facing a charge of distribution of a controlled substance.
JONESBORO POLICE INVESTIGATING STRING OF VANDALISM
Authorities in Jonesboro, Arkansas are investigating multiple reports of vandalism to vehicles.
According to KAIT, at least 25 reports of vandalism have been made including car windows being shot out with a BB or pellet gun. The incidents were concentrated on the west and south sides of the city.
Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact the Jonesboro Police Department.
STODDARD COUNTY SCHOOL CLOSED TODAY DUE TO ILLNESS
A school in Stoddard County will not be having classes today.
According to KFVS, the Richland R-1 School District has cancelled school for today after the flu and strep caused around 50 students to miss classes on Thursday.
Many school officials and teachers also missed school on Thursday due to sickness.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO CAUSE DELAYS IN SCOTT COUNTY
The southbound I-55/57 interchange in Scott County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The I-55/57 interchange is located at mile marker 66. Work is scheduled to be performed from 8 am to 3:30 pm.
ARKANSAS HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES ANTI-ABORTION PROPOSAL
(AP) - An Arkansas House committee has approved a proposal that would require a doctor to be present when women take abortion-inducing medication.
The Public Health, Welfare, and Labor committee Thursday voted to send the bill to the House. It would prevent any instance of the medication being administered through telemedicine and require that doctors attempt to schedule a follow-up visit.
Republican Representative Julie Mayberry of Hensley says her bill is aimed at protecting the health of women who might have adverse reactions to abortion-inducing pills. She says a doctor should be present.
Opponents say lawmakers shouldn't dictate how doctors practice medicine. They say the bill grants government too much control.
Mayberry says that telemedicine isn't used to administer the pill in the state and that her bill is a preventative measure.
PAY RAISE FOR MISSOURI LAWMAKERS AND STATE OFFICIALS BLOCKED
(AP) - Missouri lawmakers and state elected officials will not receive a raise.
State senators on Thursday voted 31-3 to block a pay increase for themselves that was recommended by a state commission.
The commission in November recommended $4,000 more for legislators and 8 percent more for the governor and other state officials in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
Opponents say lawmakers should not receive a raise, especially when state employees are not expected to get one next fiscal year.
The House voted 133-15 against the pay raises last week.
Efforts to prevent the raise stalled Wednesday after a filibuster by some Senate Democrats, who say the current $35,915 a year isn't enough to compensate lawmakers for their work. But they backed down Thursday, allowing a vote.
MISSOURI SENATORS PASS BILL AIMED TO HELP DAIRY FARMERS
(AP) - A bill to create incentives for Missouri's dairy farmers has won approval from state senators.
Senators voted 32-2 Thursday for legislation that would provide subsidies to help dairy farmers pay for insurance. Other provisions include a scholarship for students studying farming and funds for research on the industry.
The bill now goes to the House, which already has given initial approval to its own version of the legislation.
Republican Sen. Brian Munzlinger, of Williamstown, says the bill is needed to keep Missouri's milk providers in business.
Critics say state government should not interfere with the free market or try to fix an industry regulated at the federal level.
Funds for the state incentives would have to be approved separately and would come from an existing sales tax on dairy products.
