RIVER RADIO NEWS 072415
CAPE GIRARDEAU MAN CONVICTED IN 2013 MURDER
(AP) - A Cape Girardeau businessman has been found guilty of killing his wife and 18 year old son.
KFVS reports that jurors in a Cape Girardeau County court on Thursday found George Joseph guilty of first-degree murder in the 2013 deaths of his wife, Mary, and son, Matthew, who were shot to death at the family's home. Joseph was also treated for a gunshot wound to the head but recovered.
Joseph's trial began Monday.
Prosecutor Angel Woodruff said Joseph was dealing with financial troubles when he shot his wife and son and then himself. She told jurors that Joseph's investment business had turned into a Ponzi scheme, where he used one client's money to pay back another.
Defense attorney Cynthia Dryden told jurors there was no proof George Joseph pulled the trigger.
TWO DEAD FOLLOWING WRECK INVOLVING A TRACTOR TRAILER
Two Monette residents are dead following a wreck early Thursday morning involving a tractor trailer in Northeast Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas State Police, a tractor trailer driven by 44 year old Chad Marshal, of Jonesboro, was travelling west on Highway 18 in Craighead County shortly before 3 am. The trailer allegedly crossed into the eastbound lanes and struck another vehicle head on.
The driver of the second vehicle 20 year old Zachary Wells, and his passenger, 19 year old Tanner Platz, were each pronounced dead at the scene.
Marshall was injured and taken to a Jonesboro hospital.
ONE DEAD FOLLOWING PARAGOULD SHOOTING
One person was shot and killed during an incident Thursday in Northeast Arkansas.
According to Paragould Police, the shooting occurred Thursday afternoon at an area residence.
The identity of the victim has not been released. Police are investigating the shooting.
FIRE REPORTED AT MALDEN AREA BUSINESS
Fire crews were sent early Thursday morning to a Malden area business.
According to the Daily Dunklin Democrat, a lightning strike caused the fire to begin at Dixie Auto Auction. There was extensive damage to the building, which is considered a total loss.
There were no injuries reported.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFERING GRANTS
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced that up to $5,000 in grant money is available through the Urban & Non-Traditional Agriculture Matching Grant Program.
The grants will go to assist the development of production infrastructure, direct distribution venues, education programs, workforce development and an increased understanding of the importance of agriculture.
Examples of projects include assisting farmers’ markets and developing small agribusinesses.
The application deadline is September 1st. More information is available online at agriculture.mo.gov.
BUTLER COUNTY ROAD CLOSED TODAY FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS
Route 158 in Butler County will be closed beginning today so contractor crews can replace a bridge with a box culvert.
The bridge is located between County Road 323 and Route BB.
Work will be performed from 8 am to 5 pm daily through Monday, August 31st.
POINSETT COUNTY BRIDGE CLOSED FOR REPAIRS
A Poinsett County road has been closed for bridge repairs.
Arkansas Highway 75 is being closed for two weeks between Marked Tree and Highway 42 in Cross County, however local traffic will be permitted in the area.
Officials reported discovered several cracks in the bridge’s support columns prompting the closure.
ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT FOR SCAMMERS
(AP) - Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning consumers to beware of scam artists who are telling Arkansans they have won money in an international lottery.
Rutledge says con artists are contacting Arkansas consumers through direct mail, email or by phone requesting a small fee in order to process these cash prizes.
Usually the con artist claims the recipient has won a lottery or an expensive prize, such as a car or a trip. All the consumer has to do is submit either a small payment or personal financial information to claim the prize.
But Rutledge says the international lottery ploys are just another attempt by overseas scammers to steal money from consumers. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service estimates Americans pay the scammers $120 million a year for this scam alone.