RIVER RADIO NEWS 041615
ONE DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN CRAIGHEAD COUNTY
A Jonesboro man has died in a single vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Craighead County.
According to the Arkansas State Police, a vehicle driven by 63 year old William Gregory Chance ran off the side of Highway 91 and struck a tree at around 10:40 pm Tuesday night.
Chance was killed in the wreck.
JONESBORO OFFICER FATALLY SHOOTS MAN WHO HAD A MACHETE
(AP) - Jonesboro police say an officer shot and killed a man who authorities say attacked the officer with a machete.
KAIT reports that Patrolman First Class Heath Loggains shot 31 year old Grant Finley late Tuesday after officers were dispatched to Finley's home.
Police said Finley fled into his home, then later came out, but retreated back into the home and officers tried follow when Loggains tried to push open the front door. Police say Finley then struck the officer's arm with a machete and Loggains fired several times.
Finley was found dead in the home early Wednesday morning after a tactical team arrived.
Loggains was treated and released at a local hospital and is now on paid leave.
Arkansas State Police are assisting with the investigation.
MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY
One man is in custody in connection to a shooting in Mississippi County.
According to authorities, 29 year old Trevor Michael Tatum Jr., of Sikeston, was arrested for allegedly shooting a person in the leg. Tatum and the victim had reportedly gotten into an argument prior to the shooting.
Tatum is facing charges of first degree assault, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.
FUNERAL SET FOR K-9 ACCUSED OF MAULING CITIZEN’S PET
(AP) - A memorial service has been scheduled for the Bay Police Department's only K-9, who was fatally shot after escaping from his handler and mauling a resident's rabbit.
The Jonesboro Sun reports the service for Vox, the police dog, will be on Saturday. A man says he shot the dog after he caught it in his backyard with one of his rabbits in the dog's mouth. When the suspect learned a police dog was missing, he notified the department.
The dog's handler, Bay Police Chief Paul Keith, says this is not the first time Vox has escaped.
The man who says he shot Vox was arrested instead for felony aggravated cruelty to an animal. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor of discharging a firearm within city limits.
Keith said it's undecided whether the firearm charge would be dropped.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING METH AND MARIJUANA CHARGES
A Poplar Bluff man is facing methamphetamine and marijuana charges following his arrest Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 47 year old Larry Rudd was taken into custody shortly before 3 pm Wednesday in Butler County.
Rudd was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; and failure to register motor vehicle.
SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN ARRESTED IN SCOTT COUNTY
A South Carolina teenager is facing multiple charges after allegedly admitting to stealing and wrecking a vehicle.
According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 18 year old Ryan McManus of Lancaster, South Carolina, has been charged with stealing a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of alcohol by a minor.
Authorities reportedly found narcotic prescription pills and a bottle of alcohol in McManus’s backpack.
PRODUCTION OF OKLAHOMA! TO BEGIN TONIGHT
Center Stage and the Three Rivers College Music Department will be presenting the musical Oklahama! beginning tonight at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.
The musical features such memorable tunes as "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'," "People Will Say We're In Love," "Surrey with the Fringe on Top," and the title song "Oklahoma."
This is the first collaboration of Center Stage, Three Rivers College’s blended community/student theater company directed by Tim Thompson, and the college’s Music Department, led by Cindy White.
Performances will be held tonight through Saturday at 7 pm each night. A final performance is scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm.
Tickets are available for $10 at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and the Three Rivers Financial Services Office. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
ROUTE 60 IN BUTLER COUNTY TO BE REDUCED TODAY
Westbound Route 60 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform routine bridge repairs.
The work zone will be located at the bridge over the Black River.
Work will be performed today from 7 am to 5 pm.
BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY ON BUSINESS 60 IN BUTLER COUNTY
Business 60 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.
Business 60 will be reduced from 7 am to 5 pm between Route NN and Route B.
MODOT CREWS TO BE IN DUNKLIN COUNTY TODAY
Route J in Dunklin County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform approach work.
The work zone will be located between Route H and Route 53.
Work is scheduled for today from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
MISSOURI SENATE OKS PRISON OPTIONS FOR KIDS GUILTY OF MURDER
(AP) - Missouri lawmakers have advanced a bill that addresses issues with a state law requiring lifetime prison sentences for people younger than 16 who are convicted of first-degree murder.
The Senate in a voice vote Wednesday gave initial approval to a measure that authorizes less severe punishments. It needs another vote to go to the House.
The U.S. Supreme Court in 2012 ruled mandatory life sentences for minors are unconstitutional.
A bill by Republican Sen. Bob Dixon, of Springfield, would give jurors the option of life without parole or at least 35 years for youths under 16 who are convicted of first-degree murder. Those ages 16 to 18 could be sentenced either to life without parole or at least 50 years in prison.
