RIVER RADIO NEWS 050615
PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY REPORT SAYS STABBING DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CAUSE OF SIKESTON MAN’S DEATH
A preliminary autopsy report has been released in the death of a Sikeston man.
According to Scott County Coroner Scott Amick, a medical examiner says that a recent knife injury did not appear to have anything to do with the death of Tony Burns.
Burns was found dead Monday at his home in Sikeston. Burns had been stabbed in the neck allegedly by his girlfriend on Friday. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment, but later released.
The exact cause of death is yet to be determined. It will be several weeks before the results of the microscopic and toxicology results are able to be released.
ARKANSAS WOMAN CHARGED WITH HUMAN TRAFFICKING
(AP) - Jonesboro police say a woman is facing human trafficking charges after being accused of forcing two teenage girls into prostitution.
Police say charges were lodged against 28 year old Amber Nicole Johnson, of Wynne. She was arrested in Little Rock last week at a motel where troopers announced Monday they had rescued a 15 year old girl. State police listed the woman's hometown as North Little Rock.
Jonesboro police say a 14 year old girl told a social worker at Arkansas Children's Hospital that she had been forced into prostitution. The victim said she had run away from foster care with a 17 year old relative, who told investigators she had been forced into prostitution as well.
SILVER ADVISORY CANCELLED FOR MISSING LEWIS COUNTY MAN
An Endangered Silver Advisory alert has been cancelled for a missing Missouri man.
According to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, 71 year old Ernest Wood has been found safe. Wood had been missing from Ewing, MO since Sunday morning.
SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO MEN IN STODDARD COUNTY
Stoddard County authorities have two Bernie men in custody following the execution of a search warrant.
According to authorities, firearms, a suppresser, an explosives fuse, gunpowder, and methamphetamine were allegedly found during the search of a residence in the Powe area.
Deputies had originally gone to the residence after receiving information that a person had been threatened with a gun.
49 year old Curtis McNece is facing a charge of possession of a controlled substance, while 27 year old Bradley Jenkins has been charged with second degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY ATTACKING STEELE POLICE OFFICER
A Steele man is facing charges in connection to an incident involving a police officer on Sunday.
According to Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield, officers were sent to an area residence Sunday in reference to a domestic disturbance. During an investigation of the disturbance, officers found 43 year old Rickey Tomlin to be in possession of purported methamphetamine.
While attempting to arrest Tomlin, the man allegedly became aggressive and spit in the officers’ face. He also swung his fist toward the officers’ head.
Tomlin was then handcuffed and taken into custody. A warrant was issued on Tomlin charging him with felony possession of a controlled substance and felony assault on law enforcement officer.
CHARLESTON MAN SUFFERS NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES IN SHOOTING
A Charleston man suffered non-life threatening injuries following a shooting incident.
According to authorities, the 20 year old man was found with a gunshot wound Monday night and taken to an area hospital. No suspects have been identified in the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call the Charleston Department of Public Safety at 573-683-3737.
BENTON MAN ARRESTED ON BURGLARY CHARGE
A Benton man is in custody in connection to an alleged theft from a construction site.
According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 24 year old Michael Gunter is facing charges of stealing, possession of drug paraphernalia, and second degree burglary.
Deputies reportedly found several stolen items, along with a glass pipe with burnt residue, during a search of Gunter’s residence. The
pipe field tested positive for methamphetamine.
Gunter was taken into custody on Monday.
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE WILDFIRE NEAR BLACK
A wildfire was discovered Sunday on Mark Twain National Forrest Lands in Reynolds County.
The fire, which is located around two miles southwest of Black, was reported to be around 900 acres and it is expected to grow in size before the fire is fully contained.
Firefighters will be working on the wildfire until it is controlled, which will be at least several more days, according to forest officials.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.
MOBILE OFFICE TO BE HELD TODAY IN MALDEN
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s staff will host a Mobile Office today in Malden.
Mobile Offices are opportunities for Missourians to discuss their questions or concerns with the federal government one-on-one with members of Senator Blunt’s staff.
The Mobile Office has been scheduled for 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the Malden Chamber of Commerce.
MISSOURI LAWMAKERS OVERRIDE VETO TO ENACT WELFARE LIMITS
(AP) - Missouri lawmakers have overridden a veto to enact a law removing several thousand low-income families from a welfare program.
The votes by the Republican-led Senate and House will reduce Missouri's lifetime limit for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash-assistance program from five years to three years and nine months, starting in January. The new law also imposes stricter work requirements.
Democratic Governor Jay Nixon had vetoed the bill, citing concerns that it would punish children for the actions of their parents. The Senate overrode the veto on Monday, and the House acted Tuesday.
Republican supporters say the measure could end dependency on welfare by encouraging people to get jobs.
The program pays up to $292 a month to a parent with two children.
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES LIMITS ON LOCAL WAGE, BAG ORDINANCES
(AP) - The Missouri Senate has passed a bill to prevent cities from banning plastic bags and stop them from raising the minimum wage.
The measure passed 24-10 on Tuesday amid heightened tensions between Democrats and Republicans as the May 15th deadline to pass bills approaches.
The bill now goes back to the House, which had passed a different version earlier this year.
Democratic senators have argued in favor of allowing cities to implement their own wage requirements in excess of state standards and to prohibit plastic bags.
Republican lawmakers have opposed that. They said their legislation will help businesses. For example, Republican Senator Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City says different local ordinances on plastic bags could cost grocers money.
