RIVER RADIO NEWS JANUARY 6, 2014

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POPLAR BLUFF MAN DIES AFTER BEING EJECTED FROM SCOOTER

A Poplar Bluff man was killed Saturday night in a scooter wreck.

According to the Highway Patrol, 24 year old Michael B. Payne was ejected from a scooter he was driving when it overturned. He was later pronounced dead by the Butler County Deputy Coroner.

The wreck occurred one mile south of Poplar Bluff on Highway 142.

SECOND MAN DIES FROM MADISON COUNTY WRECK

A second man has died after a Madison County wreck on Thursday that also killed a Florida man.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 65 year old Newell G. Gillenwater, of Coconut Creek, Florida, was driving on Highway 67 when his vehicle ran off the road and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Highway Patrol now says that a passenger, 69 year old Charles F. Gillenwater, of Piedmont, has died, as well.

CAPE MAN CHARGED WITH MAKING A FALSE BOMB REPORT

A Cape Girardeau man was arrested Friday afternoon on multiple charges, including making a false bomb report.

44 year old Scott A. Caton, was arrested shortly after 4 pm Friday in Cape Girardeau County.

Few details about the incident are available, but Canton was charged with felony making a false bomb report, terroristic threats, and stealing, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest report.

HOLCOMB MAN FACING MULTIPLE CHARGES INCLUDING RESISTING ARREST BY FLEEING AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

A Holcomb man was arrested early Sunday morning on multiple felony charges in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 32 year old Brandon L. Wilson was arrested on felony charges of resisting arrest by fleeing; possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance at a correctional facility, hydrocodone; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

WINONA MAN ARRESTED ON POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE

A Winona man is facing a felony meth charge following his arrest Friday afternoon.

According to the Highway Patrol, 44 year old Michael R. Haynes was arrested Friday in Shannon County on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine. Haynes is also facing a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO UNDERCOVER NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION

Two people were taken into custody Friday on drug charges.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 34 year old Jeremy Lee Smith, of Charleston, and 33 year old Natalie Maze, of Dexter, were arrested following a traffic stop in Scott County.

Walter says that the pair was arrested after an undercover narcotics investigation was completed by investigators with the sheriff’s office.

Smith and Maze are each facing felony charges of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

WINTER WEATHER LIKELY TO CAUSE DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Yesterday’s winter weather and today’s extremely cold temperatures will cause travel conditions to be very difficult for many motorists in Southeast Missouri today.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the snowfall, coupled with wind gusts, can create drifts that will seriously challenge even four-wheel drive vehicles.

When temperatures dip this low, getting stranded on the side of the road can be very dangerous. Before you head out, equip your vehicle with an emergency kit and let a friend or family member know when and where you're traveling.

If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911. Be aware that emergency responders may have difficulty reaching you.

The MoDot traveler information map is available online at MoDot.org. It offers real-time views of road conditions for Missouri's interstates and major highways. MoDOT's Traveler Information App is also available for free on the iPhone App Store and Android Marketplace.

EARLY DEPOSIT FROM SECURITIES FEES KEEP ARKANSAS REVENUE ABOVE FORECAST

Arkansas finance officials say an early deposit from securities fees kept the state's revenue above forecast and ahead of expectations in December.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration on Friday said the state's net available general revenue totaled $472.1 million in December. That's $15.6 million above last year and $2.8 million above forecast.

The state's net revenue for the fiscal year that began July 1 totals $2.5 billion, which is $85.2 million ahead of last year and $32.2 million above forecast.

A $5.7 million from securities fees collected by the state from brokers offset individual income, sales and corporate income tax collections that were below forecast in December.

MISSOURI HOUSE SPEAKER REMAINS OPPOSED TO MEDICAID EXPANSION

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has made Medicaid expansion a priority for the legislative session that starts this week. But the prospects of that occurring appear slim.

The Republican-led Legislature repeatedly rejected a Medicaid expansion proposed by Democrats last year. And House Speaker Tim Jones remains opposed to it this year.

A Medicaid expansion under the terms of the federal health care law would bring billions of federal dollars to Missouri.

Some lawmakers want to couple a Medicaid expansion with "reform" measures for the health-care program for the poor. But there are divisions about what that "reform" should entail.

A Senate committee has recommended Missouri adopt a statewide managed-care format for parents and children in Medicaid. But Senator Rob Schaaf, a Republican physician, said he opposes such managed care programs.

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RIVER RADIO NEWS 010314  

FLORIDA MAN KILLED IN MADISON COUNTY WRECK

A Florida man was killed Thursday in a wreck on US Highway 67 in Madison County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 65 year old Newell G. Gillenwater, of Coconut Creek, Florida, was driving on Highway 67 when his vehicle ran off the road and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, 69 year old Charles F. Gillenwater, of Piedmont, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital.

SIX THOUSAND POUNDS OF COPPER REPORTEDLY STOLEN FROM BUSINESS

Six thousand pounds of copper was reportedly stolen earlier this week from a Cape Girardeau County business.

According to the Southeast Missourian, the owner of Strack Stone Company, J.W. Strack, said the copper was taken Sunday or Monday night. Strack says the copper is worth about $20,000.

Anybody who has information about the incident is asked to contact the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Department at 243-3551.

SEVEN PUPPIES FOUND TAPED INSIDE A BOX ON THE SIDE OF A NORTHEAST ARKANSAS INTERSECTION

A Jonesboro Police officer reportedly found seven puppies trapped inside a box near an area intersection earlier this week.

According to KAIT, it was 35 degrees on Wednesday when the officer found the dogs, who were taped inside a cardboard box with no food or water. One of the puppies later died. They were discovered near the intersection of North Church and Coleman Street.

The dogs were taken to animal control. Anyone with information about the puppies is being asked to call the Jonesboro Police Department.

SNOW IN THE FORECAST FOR THIS WEEKEND

If you have not gotten your cold weather clothes out of storage yet, you might want to get that done before the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Southeast Missouri that says accumulating snow is expected Saturday night into Sunday as a large storm system makes its way across the area. When the outlook was issued it was still too early to pinpoint exact amounts.

Following the snow over the weekend, an arctic cold will come in on Monday and Tuesday which will see highs in the single digits and teens in some areas and lows down to around zero to negative digits. Wind chills could bottom out at minus 10 to minus 20 Monday night and early Tuesday.

TRAFFIC FATALITIES DOWN IN MISSOURI

For only the second time since 1949, Missouri experienced less than 800 traffic fatalities in a year.

According to preliminary statistics released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri recorded 741 traffic fatalities in 2013.  This is a 41 percent decrease from the 1,257 fatalities recorded in 2005. Each year for the past seven year period, with the exception of 2012's slight increase, the number of traffic deaths has dropped.

The Highway Patrol says that of the 741 people killed in traffic crashes in 2013, 63 percent of those required to be restrained were not at the time of the crash.

The Patrol is encouraging motorists to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

LAWSUIT AIMS TO FORCE MISSOURI GOVERNOR TO SET SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR VACANT SEATS

A new lawsuit seeks to compel Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to call special elections to fill four vacant legislative seats.

The lawsuit filed Thursday in Cole County claims Nixon is shirking his duties by not setting special elections.

One of the seats is the 120th House District, which has been vacant since June when Republican Representative Jason Smith, of Salem, won a special election to Congress.

The other three seats just became vacant in December, including the former seat of Republican Representative Dennis Fowler, of Advance, who resigned from the 151st House District after being appointed by Nixon to the parole board.

SUPPLY MANAGERS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MIDWEST ECONOMY ACCORDING TO NEW SURVEY

A monthly economic report suggests supply managers surveyed in nine Midwestern and Plains states are optimistic about the regional economy over the next six months.

The confidence index for the Mid-America Business Conditions Index jumped to 66.5 last month from 57.2 in November. However, the overall index rose just 2 points, to 53.2 from 51.2 in November.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says businesses tied to agriculture continue to report softer economic conditions.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers nine states including Arkansas and Missouri.

MISSOURI REVENUES UP JUST UNDER THREE PERCENT

Missouri revenues have grown by slightly less than 3 percent through the first half of the state's budget year.

Figures released Thursday by the state Office of Administration show Missouri's general revenues stood at nearly $3.9 billion at the end of December. That was up more than $100 million from the same period a year earlier - a growth rate of 2.8 percent.

Missouri's 2014 fiscal year began last July and ends this coming June 30^th.

Individual income tax collections mirrored the growth rate in total revenues. Sales taxes grew at a faster rate of 6.4 percent.

Corporate taxes, which comprise a smaller portion of the budget, were up nearly 22 percent compared with the first half of the previous fiscal year.

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RIVER RADIO NEWS 010214  

CARUTHERSVILLE POLICE ARREST MAN ON RAPE WARRANT

Authorities in Caruthersville arrested a Hayti man who reportedly had an active warrant for rape.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, 32 year old William Cherry was taken into custody Saturday night.

The warrant included charges of first degree child molestation, forcible rape, first degree statutory rape, armed criminal action, and felonious restraint.

According to Missouri Case Net, the charges stem from an incident in 2011.

JONESBORO POLICE LOOKING FOR MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY ATTACKED A WOMAN

Jonesboro police are investigating an alleged attack that occurred Tuesday night.

According to KAIT, a woman reported to police that a man chased and attacked her on South Culberhouse. The woman suffered several injuries.

Anybody with information about that attack is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 870-935-7867.

LILBOURN MAN ARRESTED ON BURGLARY AND DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGE

Kennett authorities have taken a Lilbourn man into custody in connection to an incident early Tuesday morning.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched to a location on East Washington at 1:15 am Tuesday morning to take a report of a domestic disturbance.

Officers arrested 27 year old Demarcus Redman on charges of first degree burglary and first degree domestic assault. Redman reportedly also had warrants out of Kennett, New Madrid County, and Craighead County.

EAST PRAIRIE MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE

An East Prairie teenager was arrested New Year’s Eve on a drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 18 year old Austin S. Peters was arrested shortly after 11 pm Tuesday on charges of driving while intoxicated and felony possession of a controlled substance, Xanex.

The arrest occurred in Mississippi County.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE MAIL THEFT IN WAPPAPELLO

The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating a mail theft that may have occurred in the Wappapello area.

Christopher Eby with the Inspection Service told KFVS that the investigation is concerning residents on Route 3 in Wappapello and that a suspect is in mind.

Residents reportedly received a letter recently saying that mail theft might have occurred.

BOLLINGER COUNTY RECEIVES FAIR RATING IN STATE AUDIT

Bollinger County has been given a fair rating in a recent audit by state officials.

State Auditor Tom Schweich announced the rating on Monday.

According to a release from the Auditor’s office, the sheriff maintains two bank accounts outside the county treasury, which is not allowed by state law. Other issues were also cited in the report, which is available on the Auditor’s website.

A fair rating means the entity needs to improve operations in several areas. The rating scale goes poor, fair, good, and excellent.

RICHARDSON PLANNING TO PROPOSE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING GOVERNOR’S POWER OVER BUDGET

Missouri lawmakers are considering changes to the governor's authority over the state budget.

The discussion comes after budget disputes in recent years. Most recently, Governor Jay Nixon froze $400 million in the current year's spending plan, while citing concerns lawmakers would override his veto of a tax cut.

The veto was sustained and all but $134 million for capital improvements has since been released.

Republican House member Todd Richardson plans to propose a constitutional amendment for the annual legislative session starting next week.

Richardson says he wants governors to have the ability to restrict spending when it is needed to keep the budget balanced, while also protecting the Legislature's power to decide how funds are spent.

Nixon says Missouri governors' current tools for managing the budget are needed.

GRANT MONEY AWARDED TO MULTIPLE ARKANSAS HOUSING AUTHORITIES

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded 16 Arkansas public housing authorities a total of $638,701 in grants to help residents receiving housing assistance.

Included in the funding award are housing authorities in Jonesboro and Mississippi County.

The funding is to help public housing authorities hire or retain service coordinators who will work directly with families to connect them to support services and to help residents find jobs.

GOVERNOR NIXON BACKING MISSOURI MEDICAID EXPANSION

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is renewing his push to expand Missouri's Medicaid health care program to cover more lower-income adults.

The Democratic governor said Tuesday that he hopes lawmakers who rejected a Medicaid expansion in 2013 will reconsider in 2014 as they see federal dollars start flowing to other states that have expanded eligibility.

Republican legislative leaders have said they are reluctant to expand eligibility without first overhauling the Medicaid program to make it more efficient and effective.

Nixon said he's open to many of those proposals, such as penalties for Medicaid patients who make unnecessary emergency room visits. He's also open to an expanded use of managed care policies.

States that expand Medicaid eligibility for adults can receive enhanced federal funding beginning in 2014.

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POPLAR BLUFF MOTHER URGES FLU SHOTS AFTER SON DIES FROM H1N1

A Poplar Bluff mother is urging citizens to get a flu shot after her 29 year old son died of what may be the first case of H1N1 flu of the season in Butler County.

Alene Porter told KFVS that her son, Kevin Light, went to a local doctor who diagnosed him with a cold.  She says Light’s condition worsened and he was taken to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where he was diagnosed with H1N1 and died.

According to the Butler County Health Department, there has been one confirmed case of H1N1 in the county, but they were unable to confirm that the case was Light.

TRIAL SET IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MURDER CASE

A southeast Missouri man accused of first-degree murder will go to trial in March.

The Southeast Missourian reports that a judge on Monday scheduled a March 11 trial for Glen Scott Evans of Dexter. He is accused of killing 34-year-old Sean Crow, whose body was found inside a pickup truck in February outside a fast-food restaurant in the town of Advance.

A trial date has not been set for co-defendant Matt Cook, also of Dexter. A status hearing for Cook is Jan. 6.

Evans' attorney said in a Dec. 12 court hearing that Evans was too drunk and sleep-deprived to know what he was doing when he waived his Miranda rights and talked to police after his arrest.

FATAL JACKSON FIRE RULED ACCIDENTAL

A Sunday fire at a Jackson apartment complex that left one person dead has been ruled as accidental.

Authorities with the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office say the cause of the fire has been determined as accidental, caused by smoking.

61 year old Sandra Riggins died in the fire.  There were no other injuries reported in the incident.

CARUTHERSVILLE POLICE INVESTIGATE SATURDAY SHOOTING

Authorities in Caruthersville are investigating a weekend shooting incident that resulted in several reports of damaged property.

According to police, the shooting occurred early Saturday morning in the neighborhood of East 19^th Street.  No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 573-333-0216 or 573-333-4101.

JONESBORO POLICE LOOK FOR FORGERY SUSPECT

Police in Jonesboro are looking for a woman they believe stole checks from a local man and used them to purchase items at Walmart.

Authorities say the victim, R. L. McGinnis of Jonesboro, reported that someone had stolen some of his checks and used them to overdraw his account.  McGinnis told investigators that he thought the checks had been taken by a woman he knew only as Velencia, who had cleaned his apartment.

Officers discovered the suspect had used an Arkansas driver’s license when writing the checks.  The license number was traced back to a female from Wynne.

The suspect has not yet been located, however authorities say she could be charged with felony forgery and misdemeanor theft.

CAPE POLICE ARREST MAN FOR ARMED BREAK-IN

A man accused of breaking into a Cape Girardeau home and threatening a woman early yesterday morning has been arrested.

Authorities say Demetruis Willis, who was armed with a gun, allegedly kicked down the back door of a home on Hickory Street.  They say Willis made threats to a woman in the home, before fleeing the scene on foot.

Officers found Willis a short time later.  He is being charged with first degree burglary, domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

MORLEY MAYOR ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING

The mayor of a small southeast Missouri town is facing a court date after being caught attempting to allegedly shoplift several items.

Authorities say Jonathan McNeely, the mayor of Morley, was detained by loss-prevention officers at the Cape Girardeau Walmart on Saturday after being observed concealing several hunting and fishing items in a shopping cart with a coat and then leaving the store without paying for the items.

McNeely is scheduled to appear in municipal court in February on the charge.

ROUTE PP IN CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY TO CLOSE FOR ACCIDENT CLEAN-UP

A section of Route PP in Cape Girardeau County will be closed today for clean-up of accident.  The affected section of roadway is located between Route 72 and County Road 330.  Work will take place today from 7 am to 3 pm.

MISSOUR POPULATION GROWTH RATE LAGS NATIONAL AVERAGE

Missouri's population continues to grow at a slower rate than the national average.

New estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau show Missouri's population of 6 million grew by fewer than 20,000 people from 2012 to 2013. That's a growth rate of about one-third of a percent.

Nationally, the population is estimated to have risen by 0.7 percent from 2012 to 2013.

Missouri's growth of 0.3 percent was typical for the Midwest. It was better than Illinois, about the same as Arkansas, Kansas and Kentucky, but lagged behind the rest of its neighboring states.

Missouri's population growth rate ranked 35th nationally.

The Census Bureau says North Dakota, Utah, Colorado and Texas had the fastest growth rates.

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SUNDAY MORNING WRECK CLAIMS LIFE OF CLUBB WOMAN A Sunday morning wreck in Wayne County has claimed the life of a Clubb woman.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 52 year old Deborah L. Allen lost control of her vehicle on a frost covered roadway, hit an embankment and overturned. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene.

She was allegedly not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Northeast Arkansas man has died following a single vehicle wreck early Friday morning.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 20 year old Arturo Gonzales Garcia, of Manila, was driving in Mississippi County, Arkansas, when his vehicle ran off a road and overturned.

Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene. The wreck occurred at around 3 am Friday morning.

MAN HIT WHILE PUSHING BROKEN DOWN VEHICLE ACROSS HIGHWAY A Dexter man suffered serious injuries after being hit while pushing his vehicle across a Stoddard County Highway.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred Friday evening when a vehicle being driven by 61 year old Levi W. Sommers broke down. Sommers was pushing the vehicle across Missouri Highway 25 when it went into the path of another vehicle which struck it.

Sommers was seriously injured while the driver of the second vehicle suffered moderately injuries. They were each taken by ambulance to area hospitals.

HUSBAND AND WIFE DEAD IN POSSIBLE MURDER SUICIDE An investigation is ongoing into a murder-suicide in Howell County.

According to KFVS, two bodies were found inside a home on Friday in Willow Springs. Star Arnett reportedly had blunt force trauma to the head and her husband Dwayne Arnett had a gunshot wound.

Multiple buildings and vehicles had also been set on fire.

WOMAN FOUND DEAD FOLLOWING FIRE AT JACKSON RESIDENCE One person has died following a fire at a Jackson apartment.

According to authorities, 61 year old Sandra Riggins was killed in the fire Sunday at an apartment on Shawnee Circle.

No one else was injured due to the fire.

TWO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON DRUG CHARGES Two California men have been arrested in New Madrid County on drug charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 41 year old Dana D. White, of Bellflower, California, and 22 year old Dani E. Freeman, of Compton, California, were taken into custody Saturday night.

The two men are each facing felony charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance for cocaine and marijuana.

MISSOURI LAWMAKERS SAY TAX CUTS ARE AN EARLY PRIORITY FOR NEW SESSION Missouri lawmakers plan to make another attempt at cutting income taxes during their 2014 session.

Democratic Governor Jay Nixon vetoed an income tax cut bill passed earlier this year, and majority party Republicans were unable to override it.

House and Senate leaders say an income tax cut will be an early priority when lawmakers convene January 8th.

Representative T.J. Berry, who sponsored the vetoed bill, says next year's version will leave out some of the provisions to which Nixon objected.

One of those dropped sections would have automatically cut state income tax rates even further if Congress enacted a law making it easier for states to collect taxes on sales made over the Internet.

Bill sponsor Senator Will Kraus says lawmakers want to simplify the legislation and lower its cost.

ROAD PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY Route U in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane over the next few weeks as Missouri Department of Transportation crews clean out the ditch along the roadway.

The work zone will be located between County Road 732 and Highway 61.

Weather permitting, work will be performed today through Friday, January 17th from 7:30 am to 3 pm each day.

NEW BILL WOULD MANDATE A 72 HOUR WAITING PERIOD FOR ABORTIONS A Missouri senator is proposing legislation that would require a 72-hour wait before an abortion.

The state currently has a 24-hour informed consent law. Republican David Sater of Cassville says extending that period would provide additional time for reflection. He said he hopes it would reduce the number of abortions.

The legislation has been proposed for the 2014 legislative session starting January 8th.

Opponents contend a longer waiting period would not decrease the number of abortions but simply cause them to happen later in pregnancy, which can increase risk.

South Dakota and Utah have 72-hour waiting periods.

HIGHWAY PATROL URGING EVERYONE TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR NEW YEARS EVE With the calendar switching over to 2014 tomorrow night, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging everyone to make good decisions on how they intend to celebrate.

The Highway Patrol says that during the New Year’s counting period last year, there were 1,615 traffic crashes, which killed 12 people and injured 517.

Remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. Also, if you plan on drinking that night, designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

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SIKESTON MAN FACING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CHARGE

A Sikeston teenager is facing multiple charges after allegedly exposing himself and assaulting another person.

17 year old Ryan Andrew Tropf was arrested Wednesday on charges of 1st degree burglary, resisting arrest, sexual misconduct, and third degree assault.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses reported that Tropf had dropped his trousers while standing outside a residence, exposing himself to occupants inside. He then allegedly forced his way into the residence, assaulting a female occupant.

Tropf was later arrested by Scott County Deputies after being found hiding under an abandoned mobile home trailer. MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

A man has been taken into custody in Northeast Arkansas in connection to an alleged sexual assault of a child from 8 years ago.

According to KAIT, Paul Eldon Richardson was arrested after the victim made a report to the Crimes Against Children division with the Arkansas State Police earlier this month.

During the arrest, offices reportedly found a bag that contained drug paraphernalia and suspected meth. STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR SOUTH CENTRAL EDUCATION CONSORTIUM TO BEGIN JANUARY 7TH

Student registration for a new education consortium in Willow Springs will begin next month.

Three Rivers College and Missouri State University-West Plains will open their new South Central Education Consortium in Willow Springs, Missouri for new student registration on January 7th. Spring semester classes are set to start on January 13th.

The Consortium will offer two-year technical degrees, short-term career certificates, developmental classes, and general education courses. For more information, go online to TRCC.edu. WOMAN ARRESTED ON METH CHARGE

Authorities in Lawrence County took a Walnut Ridge woman into custody on Christmas day after reportedly finding her in possession of meth.

According to authorities, 31 year old Ashley Stevens was arrested after a Lawrence County deputy found syringes and a liquid that tested positive for meth during a traffic stop. MISSOURI SECRETARY OF STATE WARNS BUSINESSES OF DECEPTIVE LETTERS

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander is warning business owners to be on the lookout for deceptive letters.

The letters, from Michigan based Corporate Records Service, are mailed in green envelopes titled "Annual Records Solicitation Forms" and falsely suggest Missouri law requires businesses pay a $125 fee.

Kander says, business owners are not required to file annual minutes with his office, and are not required to pay fees to companies like Corporate Records Service to comply with Missouri law.

Kander issued a similar alert about Corporate Records Service in March, when the company solicited fees under the guise of an "Annual Minutes Records Form."

Individuals who have received the deceptive mailer are encouraged to report their experience to Kander’s office by calling 1-866-223-6535. KENNETT LICENSE OFFICE LATEST TO GO UP FOR BID

The management contract bid for the license office in Kennett has gone up for bid according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Prospective bidders may tour the office from 5 to 6 pm on January 2nd. Bids must be submitted by January 17th.

Bids will be evaluated on areas such as expertise of the personnel proposed, methods proposed for performing the services and whether the individual or entity is a not-for-profit, political subdivision, a Missouri Certified Minority Business Enterprise, a Women Business Enterprise or a Missouri Service-Disabled Veteran Enterprise. NEW YEAR TO BRING HEART SCREENINGS FOR NEWBORNS

Missouri is preparing to start screening every newborn baby for a heart disease that can cause developmental delays or death if left untreated.

The screenings for critical congenital heart disease are required under a new state law that takes effect January 1st.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services says an estimated 140 babies are born in Missouri each year with the disease. The noninvasive screenings measure oxygen in the blood and show if a newborn needs treatment with a catheter or surgery.

More than 30 other states have added critical congenital heart disease to the list of disorders for which newborns are screened. The Missouri agency says the tests will prevent babies from being sent home with the risk of developing serious complications in the first few weeks of life. 71 MILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY TICKET PURCHASED IN MISSOURI

Someone is holding a very valuable lottery ticket that was purchased in Missouri.

The Missouri Lottery said Thursday that one Powerball ticket sold in Missouri matched all six numbers drawn Christmas night to win the $71.5 million jackpot. The winning numbers are 23, 28, 38, 39, 56 and the Powerball number is 32. Lottery officials did not say specifically where the ticket was purchased.

The winner can either collect the full jackpot in 30 annuity payments, or take the one-lump payment of $39.8 million before taxes. The winner has 180 days to claim the prize - or until June 23, 2014.

He or she is encouraged to sign the back of the ticket and put it in a safe place before taking it to the Missouri Lottery headquarters in Jefferson City.

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TWO FOUND DEAD IN POSSIBLE MURDER/SUICIDE

Cape Girardeau police have identified two bodies that were found the night of Christmas Eve.

According to Cape Girardeau Police, 40 year old Demetrius Beasley, of St. Louis, and 6 year old Markell Beasley, of Jefferson City, were found dead at a residence on South Hanover. An initial investigation by authorities indicated that it was a possible murder suicide.

According to the Jefferson City Police Department, Markell had been allowed by his mother to travel to St. Louis to be with his father, Demetrius, for a holiday party. Markell’s mother later found out that there was no holiday party, and that the father allegedly did not intend to bring the child back.

The exact manner that the two had died was not available, and police are still investigating the incident. PARMA WOMAN KILLED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY WRECK

One woman has died after her car hit a tree.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 68 year old Mary A. Fortner, of Parma, was driving on Highway 153 near Tallapoosa in New Madrid County, when she travelled off the side of the road, overturned, and hit a tree.

The wreck occurred Tuesday evening and Fortner was pronounced dead at a Dexter hospital. Fortner was allegedly not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck. ONE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO STABBING

Kennett authorities have taken a person into custody following a stabbing report.

According to the Kennett Police Department, early Wednesday morning officers were dispatched to a location on east Second Street. At the location, officers found a black male that had been stabbed in the leg.

Following an investigation, officers arrested 36 year old Elissa K. Adaway, of Kennett, on the charge of first degree domestic assault.

The victim, whose name and current condition was not released, was taken to an area hospital. WRECK ON CHRISTMAS EVE LEAVES ONE DEAD

A single vehicle wreck on Christmas Eve resulted in the death of a New Madrid woman.

According to the Highway Patrol, 51 year old Georgia M. Halford was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck five miles west of Lilbourn. Halford had been driving on Route E when her vehicle ran off the roadway, hit a utility pole, overturned, and submerged into a ditch of water.

Halford was allegedly not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.

SIKESTON WOMAN ARRESTED ON ROBBERY CHARGE

A Sikeston woman has been taken into custody for an alleged robbery.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, 20 year old Tyangela Gibson was arrested during a stop in connection to an investigation into two iPhones that had allegedly been taken by force from an individual.

The stolen phones were reportedly recovered during the traffic stop.

Gibson is facing a felony charge of second degree robbery. MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNING OF SCAMS IN CONNECTION TO TARGET SECURITY BREACH

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster tells us that victims of the recent security breach at Target stores are being targeted by scammers.

On Monday, Koster warned consumers to be cautious in providing personal or financial information over the phone or in response to emails related to the Target credit and debit-card breach.

Thieves pretending to be from Target or a consumer's bank or credit-card company have been contacting consumers by phone or email and asking for their personal and financial information.

Koster says that neither Target nor financial institutions would ask for personal information over the phone or by email. OPERATION JUMPSTART IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AWARDED OVER 7 THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT

The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission have been awarded over 7 thousand dollars in grant money for operation jumpstart.

According to Steve Halter, the Chamber and OFRPC were awarded $7,481 to offer potential start-ups the opportunity to get trained for free and compete for $2,000 seed money.

The training will be hosted at the Chamber of Commerce, however a date was not released. LIGHTNING SUSPECTED TO CAUSE FIRE AT VACANT SCHOOL BUILDING

Authorities suspect lightning is to blame for a fire that destroyed a vacant school building in rural Greene County, Arkansas.

The former Stanford High School building burned to the ground over the weekend. Western Greene County Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Potter says the cause of the fire hasn't been determined, but no investigation will be conducted because the building wasn't insured.

Potter says lightning most likely sparked the blaze early Saturday that destroyed the school.

The Paragould Daily Press reports that the school has been vacant since the 1990s when Stanford was consolidated with the Paragould School District. MISSOURI GETS FEDERAL GRANT TO HELP LOW ACHIEVING SCHOOLS

Missouri has been awarded a $7.5 million federal grant to continue a program that helps the state's lowest-achieving schools.

The U.S. Department of Education announced the award from the federal School Improvement Grants program on Monday. In all, the agency awarded more than $43 million in such grants to seven states.

Missouri's education department will distribute the federal funds to districts showing the greatest need and strongest commitment to improving achievement at their lowest-performing schools.

This is the third year Missouri has received a grant from the federal program. OVER 40 MILLION DOLLARS RELEASED FROM STATE BUDGET

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has released $40.1 million that he previously froze from the current year's state budget.

The largest amount is $18 million for repair work at the Missouri Capitol. The money will be used for sealing and waterproofing the exterior of the Capitol's south side that faces away from the Missouri River toward the state Supreme Court building.

Nixon also is releasing $7 million for state facilities maintenance and repair and $5 million for projects at state parks.

Nixon announced Tuesday that $10 million would be released for various state programs. That includes $750,000 for small business programs through the Missouri Department of Economic Development and $500,000 for dental programs at rural health clinics.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 122313

RIVER RADIO NEWS 122313  

ELLINGTON MAN FATALLY INJURED IN WEEKEND CRASH

A weekend traffic crash has claimed the life of an Ellington man.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 23 year old Kirk E. Odell was killed when a second vehicle pulled into the path of the vehicle Odell was driving.  The crash happened at around 2 am Sunday on Route M, near County Road 100 in Carter County.

A passenger in Odell’s car, 23 year old Tasha L. Parks, of Ellington, received minor injuries.  According to the Patrol, Parks was wearing her safety device.  Odell was not.

TWO FROM FISK KILLED WHEN HIT BY CAR

Two Fisk residents are dead after being hit by a car Saturday night.

Authorities say 28 year old Dustin Binkard and 29 year old Charles Price were lying in the roadway on Highway B in Butler County when they were struck by a vehicle.  Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials say no charges are being sought against the driver at this time.

JONESBORO POLICE INVESTIGATE ARMED ROBBERY

Police in Jonesboro are investigating the Friday night armed robbery of a local business.

Authorities say the incident happened shortly after 9 pm at Advanced Auto, when a black male entered the business, armed with a gun.  The suspect was able to escape with an undisclosed amount of cash.

JONESBORO FAST FOOD EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR STEALING FROM CUSTOMERS

An employee of a Jonesboro fast food restaurant has been cited for allegedly stealing from customers.

According to authorities, 18 year old Dezirae Schulz was adding an extra $10 to the bills of customers who paid with credit cards, then pocketing the extra cash.  Authorities say Schulz admitted to adding the money to the tabs of at least seven customers.  The stolen money has been returned to the restaurant, which will return it to their customers.

Schulz is scheduled to appear in court December 30^th.

WEEKEND FLOODING FORCES RESCUES

Flash flooding across Butler and Ripley Counties over the weekend forced the rescue of at least 15 people.  According to authorities, by 6 pm Saturday evening, nearly five inches of rain had been measured at the Poplar Bluff Airport in 24 hours.  No serious injuries were reported due to the flooding.

KINDER FOCUSING ON MISSOURI HOUSING CREDITS

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder is preparing to announce efforts to preserve Missouri's low-income housing tax credits.

Kinder was traveling Monday to St. Louis for a news conference with lawmakers and a city alderwoman.

The tax credits are awarded to developers of low-income housing. The Missouri Housing Development Commission this month delayed about $14 million annually in tax credits to build apartments for low-income residents. Kinder was the lone commission member to vote against the move.

The delay came shortly after Missouri lawmakers approved legislation authorizing up to $1.7 billion in tax incentives over two decades for Boeing Co. to build a plant in the St. Louis area. Those incentives and the housing tax credits were linked informally as part of negotiations between Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon and Republican senators.

MISSOURI LAWMAKER PROPOSES SEPTEMBER TO MAY SCHOOL YEAR

Summers could extend a little longer for school kids under a proposed Missouri law that also seeks to require students to spend more time in class and attend summer school if they don't perform well.

Districts would be required to make summer school enrollment mandatory for students who score less than proficient on statewide tests. Plus, the regular school year would be occur between Sept. 1 and May 31 while the state's minimum class time would increase.

Sponsoring House member Steve Cookson says summer school would help prevent students from falling further behind. He says more uniform school calendars can help families who move between communities.

The Missouri School Boards' Association says local officials should have flexibility to set academic calendars and that summer school would add costs for districts.

RURAL MISSOURI RESIDENTS MORE LIKELY TO BE UNINSURED

Missourians who live in rural areas are far less likely to have health insurance than those living near big cities, according to U.S. Census data.

The Associated Press examined county-by-county data for 2011, the most recent year available.

The numbers show the uphill climb facing President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in Missouri, which opted against setting up its own exchange and instead allowed the federal government to run it.

Missouri overall ranks right in the middle of the nation in the percentage of uninsured residents under age 65 - tied with Washington state at 25th with 16 percent uninsured. But in 34 of Missouri's 115 counties, one-fifth to one-quarter of non-senior residents lack health insurance.  Twenty-seven of those 34 counties have fewer than 25,000 residents.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 122013

RIVER RADIO NEWS 122013  

BLOOMFIELD MAN KILLED IN CAVE DIVING ACCIDENT

A southeast Missouri man has died following an accident while on vacation.

According to the Dexter Daily Statesman, 52 year old Brent Cooper, of Bloomfield, was killed last week in a cave diving accident in Mexico.

The accident occurred on Tuesday, December 10^th.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER IN SHOOTING DEATH OF SALESVILLE RESIDENT

A Salesville man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Johnnie Carl Baker faced a second degree murder charge in the November 12^th, 2012, death of 65 year old Dennis Franklin Chapman of Salesville.

Baker, who is 48, insisted he accidentally shot Chapman while at a home in Norfork. The Baxter Bulletin reported Thursday that Baker told Judge John Putman the weapon fired while being oiled.

Investigators said Baker had given Chapman a soft drink bottle and told him to hold it so he could shoot at it.

Prosecutors said that even if Baker didn't intend to shoot Chapman, his actions were reckless. The judge sentenced Baker to 10 years, then added four years because he used a gun, which is allowed under state law.

WOMAN REPORTEDLY ROBBED AND STABBED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Police in Newport, Arkansas are investigating an incident where a woman was stabbed and robbed outside her home.

According to authorities, a woman told officers that she was walking from her vehicle to her residence on Hout Circle in Newport when a black male wearing dark clothing approached her.

The man ordered her to give him the plastic bag she was carrying which contained a Christmas gift for her child.

The woman then hit the man with her keys. The suspect reportedly knocked her to the ground and stabbed her in the leg with a knife. The suspect then fled the scene with the bag.

The victim was treated at an area hospital and later released. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to call Newport Police at 870-523-2722.

TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG AND WEAPON CHARGES

Two Charleston men were taken into custody Wednesday night on multiple felony charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 18 year old Jadarius A. McCain and Herandez M. Evans were each arrested in Mississippi County on felony charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, unlawful use of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence.

McCain is also facing additional felony charges of resisting arrest and receiving stolen property.

AREA SCHOOL EVACUATED FOLLOWING GAS LEAK

Students in Paragould got some unexpected time off of school yesterday morning following a gas leak.

Students at the Paragould Junior High and High Schools were evacuated, but eventually released back to class and the school day resumed as normal.

MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS OF SCAM SEEKING UTILITY BILL PAYMENTS

The Missouri attorney general is warning people to beware of a scam in which fake representatives of utility companies are seeking money for supposedly overdue bills.

Attorney General Chris Koster says his consumer protection hotline has received several reports of phone callers claiming to be from a power company and demanding money to avoid disconnecting their service.

Koster says the scam has targeted residential and small-business customers and seems to have become more common as the weather has gotten colder.

The attorney general's office says people should never provide personal or banking information on phone calls they did not initiate. Koster suggests people hang up and instead call the utility company using a number listed on a bill or the company's website.

SEMO CHOSEN FOR $100,000 GRANT

Southeast Missouri State University has been chosen for a $100,000 grant from the USDA.

The university will receive the Rural Business Enterprise Grant to construct a greenhouse in Malden for rice breeding research.

The USDA has also announced that the Missouri Innovation Corporation received an Intermediary Relending Program loan of $1,000,000. The loan will be used to establish a revolving loan fund which will be made available to small businesses in Southeast Missouri and is expected to result in the creation of 200 jobs.

HIGHWAY PATROL WANTS EVERYONE TO DRIVE SAFE OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wants to wish everyone a merry and safe Christmas and remind them to drive safely during the holiday.

Last year, six people were killed and another 342 injured in 1,117 wrecks during the Christmas Holiday counting period.

Colonel Ron Replogle said in a release, “Please be a safe, courteous driver. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.”

WEEKEND BRINGS FLOOD WATCH FOR SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

With showers in the forecast this weekend, the National Weather Service is warning of possible floods.

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Flood watch for all of Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky that will be in effect from 6 pm Friday evening through 6 am Sunday morning.

Three to five inches of rainfall is in the forecast for the weekend and with the ground conditions being saturated from the recent winter weather there is potential for flooding.

The weather service is advising people who live in areas that are prone to flooding to be prepared to take action should floods develop.

SURVEY PREDICTS ECONOMY GROWTH IN RURAL MIDWEST

A new survey of bankers suggests that the economy will grow at a healthy pace in rural parts of 10 Midwest and Western states in the months ahead.

The monthly survey's overall index rose to 56.1 in December from November's more moderate 54.3. But any score above 50 suggests growth.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the region continues to benefit from the strength of agriculture and energy businesses. But declining crop prices and the lack of a farm bill are concerning.

The index is based on surveys of rural bankers in 10 states including Missouri and Illinois.

It ranges from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests growth in that factor in the months ahead.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121913

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121913  

SECOND PERSON CHARGED IN 2012 SHOOTING DEATH

A second suspect now faces murder charges for a fatal shooting nearly 20 months ago in southeast Missouri.

The Daily Journal newspaper in Park Hills reports that 24 year old Tyson Fortner, of Bismarck, was charged with second degree murder in the April 25, 2012, killing of 57 year old Thomas Espy. Earlier, 24-year-old Zachary Clampitt, of Park Hills, was charged with first degree murder.

Espy was sleeping on a couch at a family retreat near the Black River in Reynolds County when he was shot.

Clampitt is already serving a seven-year sentence for assault on law enforcement and property damage. Fortner was already jailed on warrants for driving while suspended, shoplifting, and failure to appear in court.

SHOTS REPORTEDLY FIRED IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Authorities are investigating a report of shots being fired in Cape Girardeau.

Shots were reportedly fired into two separate residences Wednesday evening. One of the residences was located on Good Hope Street and the other on Hanover. According to KFVS, the incidents are under investigation and police do not have any suspects.

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO VEHICLE BREAK INS IN NORTHERN ARKANSAS

A man has been taken into custody following multiple reports of vehicle break-ins.

According to the Baxter County Sheriff’s Department, multiple reports were made of thefts of contents from vehicles on December 17^th. A purse containing credit cards and other documents was taken from one of the vehicles and two muzzle loaders rifles were taken from another.

Authorities also took a report from a nearby resident indicating that she found credit cards in her son’s bed that did not belong to him.  Those credit cards were found to be in the name of one of the theft victims.  Further searching of the residence uncovered the stolen muzzle loaders in the suspect’s bedroom.

Early Wednesday morning, authorities responded to a complaint indicating that 23 year old Alec Robert Johnson was trying to get into a residence. Deputies found Johnson in possession of Xanax and took him into custody.

Johnson is facing charges of breaking or entering, theft of property, and possession of a schedule six controlled substance, among other charges.

SEVEN ARRESTS MADE DURING BUTLER COUNTY CHECKPOINT

State troopers made seven arrests during a sobriety checkpoint last weekend in Butler County.

According to the Highway Patrol, a total of 170 vehicles were stopped during the four hour operation on December 14^th. Of the seven arrests made, four were driving while intoxicated arrests.

There were 34 warnings and 13 summonses issued during the operation.

18 YEAR OLD THREE RIVERS STUDENT CLAIMS 100 THOUSAND DOLLAR LOTTERY PRIZE

An 18 year old student at Three Rivers College should not have any trouble paying for books next semester.

Rodie Rainey, of Lowndes, won $100,000 from a Missouri Lottery “Millionaire” scratchers ticket she purchased in Zalma.

Rainey says she was having some bad luck that day, so she pulled into a gas station and bought the ticket.

HEARING SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF TO DISCUSS DISCUS PROPOSED HIGHWAY PROJECT

A hearing will be held today by the Missouri Department of Transportation to discuss intersection improvements at Route PP and Township Line Road.

The meeting is scheduled for 4 to 6 pm at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce. The proposed intersection improvements at Route PP and Township Line Road include constructing a four-leg roundabout to improve safety and help traffic flow more smoothly.

Two options for the Route 67 crossover at Township Line Road will also be shared at the meeting.

According to project manager Jason Williams, "Visitors can stop-by anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to discuss the details of the project with a member of the project team and provide their comments.”

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS SHERIFF ISSUES WARNING ABOUT SCAM PHONE CALLS

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department is reporting that they have received several calls about an insurance scam that is using local numbers.

A post on the sheriff’s department’s Facebook page says that it seems that the scammers are attempting to obtain people’s social security and credit card numbers and that the local numbers that are showing up on people’s caller IDs are not who is really calling.

Authorities are urging everyone to be careful with their personal information.

GROUND BROKEN FOR NEW THREE RIVERS BUILDING

Three Rivers College held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the new Humanities and Social Sciences building.

The 40,000 square foot classroom building, when completed, will include the college’s first lecture hall, 16 state-of-the-art classrooms, and three computer labs.

In addition, the structure will also contain a two-story FEMA certified safe room capable of withstanding 200 mile per hour winds.

The building will be located on the east side of the Poplar Bluff Campus by the Academic Resource Commons and the Westover Administration Building.

Construction is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2015.

MISSOURI AUDITOR EXAMINING STATE TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich says he will have reports coming out soon on some of Missouri's biggest tax credit programs.

Schweich says he hopes to release audits early in the 2014 legislative session on tax credits for developers who build low-income housing, renovate historic buildings and clean up contaminated old business sites.

Missouri waived $144 million of taxes during its last budget year because of the low-income housing credits. Developers redeemed nearly $79 million in historic preservation tax credits and more than $6 million in Brownfield remediation tax credits for work on contaminated sites.

Lawmakers are to consider new limits on some of those tax credit programs during their session that starts January 8.

Schweich said he wants the audits out early enough that lawmakers can use the information.

OVER 86,000 PEOPLE APPLY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE UNDER ARKANSAS PROGRAM

More than 86,000 Arkansas residents have applied for health insurance under a state plan to use Medicaid expansion money to provide the coverage.

The Department of Human Services said Wednesday that of the 86,341 people who applied, 72,361 are eligible for the private option insurance.

The program is separate from the federal health insurance program that operates through the HealthCare.gov website. As of last week, about 1,400 Arkansas residents had enrolled in that program of 18,000 who applied.

State health officials say that 5,700 private option applicants will be placed in the traditional Medicaid program.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121813

  MAN INDICTED FOR FRAUD SCHEME THAT INVOLVED POPLAR BLUFF PROPERTY

A man has been indicted in connection to a multi-million dollar loan fraud scheme that involved property in the Poplar Bluff area.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Ronald L. Roberts was indicted on three felony counts of wire fraud and one felony count of mail fraud.

The indictment alleges that Roberts solicited personal loans for a fictitious real estate transaction involving property in or around Poplar Bluff.

According to the indictment, there was no such real estate transaction pending, the property in question was worth substantially less than Roberts represented and the funds provided by lenders were instead diverted to Roberts’ personal use.

If convicted, each count of mail and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. APPROXIMATELY 75 EMPLOYEES TO BE LAID OFF FROM AREA BUSINESS

Approximately 75 employees are set to be laid off from an area business.

Noranda Aluminum Holding Corporation announced on Tuesday that they are planning to reduce their workforce by approximately 190 employees and contract workers.

A press release states that the workforce reduction plan includes approximately 75 employees in the Company's Primary Aluminum business. Noranda’s primary aluminum smelter is located in New Madrid. TWO ARRESTED IN SIKESTON BURGLARY

Over $1450 worth of Jewelry items was reportedly burglarized from a Sikeston business.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, two people have been arrested in connection to the burglary at the JC Penny’s in Sikeston.

45 year old Joe Nathan Williamson and 41 year old Paul Wayne Williamson, both of Sikeston, are facing charges of 2nd degree burglary and stealing. Police say that about a third of the property was recovered. MAN CHARGED IN 2012 SHOOTING DEATH

Nearly 20 months after a southeast Missouri man was shot to death, charges have been filed.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that 24-year-old Zachary Clampitt of Park Hills is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and first-degree burglary in the April 25, 2012, killing of 57-year-old Thomas Espy.

The Reynolds County sheriff is also seeking second-degree murder and burglary charges against another suspect.

Espy was a retired St. Louis sheet metal worker. He was sleeping on a couch at a family retreat near the Black River when a bullet came through the window and struck and killed him.

Clampitt is already serving a seven-year sentence for assault on law enforcement and property damage.

Police got a tip that the two were involved in the case. JONESBORO MAN FACING STALKING CHARGE

A Jonesboro man has been arrested on a stalking charge.

According to authorities, 18 year old Joshua Michael Brooks has been accused of stalking a young girl. The girl’s father reportedly told authorities that Brooks had exposed himself to the girl.

Brooks was taken into custody on Monday. MORE CHARGES FOR MAN ARRESTED IN ATTEMPTED CAPE GIRARDEAU BANK ROBBERY

A man who was taken into custody Monday following an attempted bank robbery in Cape Girardeau is facing additional charges.

According to authorities, 50 year old David C. Dawson, of Cape Girardeau, is facing a charge of 1st degree attempted robbery.

Patrolman Darin Hickey, with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, tells KWOC News that Dawson has also been charged with felony property damage for his alleged role in the damaging of an ATM. TEENAGER MISSING OUT OF INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, ARKANSAS

Authorities in Northeast Arkansas are looking for help in finding a missing teenager.

According to KAIT, The Independence County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in finding 15 year old Kourtney Shiver. The girl has black hair and brown eyes and is 5 foot 7 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Shiver was last seen on Friday, December 13th in the area of Spring Valley. Anyone with information about Shiver’s location is asked to call 870-793-8838. MAN CHARGED IN SIKESTON CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBERY

One man has been taken into custody following a robbery at a Sikeston convenience store.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, a man entered a Break Time early Monday morning and allegedly ordered the clerk to the register and demanded money. The man then fled from the business with the money and two packs of cigarettes.

Following an investigation, officers arrested 24 year old Collin Lester Mosley, of Sikeston. Mosley has been charged with 2nd degree robbery. LISTENING POST MEETING TO BE HELD THURSDAY IN ELLINGTON

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s staff will host a Listening Post Meeting Thursday in Ellington.

Listening Posts 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 meeting will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am tomorrow at the Ellington City Hall. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DOWN IN MISSOURI

Missouri's unemployment rate declined in November while payrolls expanded by 15,000 jobs.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development reported Tuesday the jobless rate fell to 6.1 percent in November from 6.5 percent in October.

The leading gainer was educational and health services, which added 5,200 jobs last month. The construction sector grew by 2,300 and professional and business services increased by 2,000 jobs. The information, leisure and hospitality sectors each declined by 200 jobs.

Missouri's civilian labor force was about 3 million, which is down 244 from October. The labor force includes people with jobs and those who are on unemployment but looking for work. MISSOURI AUDITOR LOOKS AT MISSOURI WELFARE BENEFITS

A new audit questions whether hundreds of Missouri welfare recipients are living out of state or using benefits for alcohol, tobacco and gambling.

The report released Tuesday by State Auditor Tom Schweich looks at about $96 million of benefits paid through electronic cards in 2012 for a program known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The audit found 366 cases in which recipients used a total of $461,000 of benefits exclusively out of state for at least three months. Although nothing prohibits out of state use, the report says that may indicate the welfare recipients no longer live in Missouri.

The audit also found about 1,600 cases in which $261,000 of benefits were used at locations appearing to be associated with alcohol, tobacco, gambling or adult entertainment.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121713

  POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTENCED FOR PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A Poplar Bluff man has been sentenced for producing child pornography.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 62 year old David L. Cathey, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment on two felony charges for producing child pornography.

Cathey reportedly admitted to taking images of two minor females over a period of several years. The images of the children were discovered when Cathey sold his computer and failed to remove a compact disc containing the photographs. REGISTRATION HOURS EXTENDED AT THREE RIVERS

Students looking to register at Three Rivers College have gotten a little extra time.

The college has announced that it will be extending the hours for students to complete registration at its Poplar Bluff campus and its Centers in Dexter, Kennett, Malden, and Sikeston, due to the recent weather related closings.

The College will be open from 8 am to 6:30 pm through December 19th and then again from January 7th through January 9th. A special registration session will also be held on January 11th from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information, go online to trcc.edu. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CITY SUED BY ACLU

A Southeast Missouri city has been sued by the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri on the behalf of a homeless couple.

The ACLU says that Miner police threatened Orchard and Edward Gillespie in September. According to a post on the ACLU website, the pair was holding up a sign that read “Travelling. Anything helps. God bless,” when they were approached by a police officer and told they had to leave.

The officer reportedly left and returned with highlighted copies of ordinances against vagrancy, begging and loitering. Another policeman later joined the original officer, and reportedly told the couple that they would be arrested for violating the ordinances if they did not leave the town, which they then did.

The ACLU says that the ordinances do not exist. The lawsuit was filed against the city of Miner and two unnamed police officers in US District Court. POLICE IN BLYTHEVILLE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING THAT LEAVE TWO INJURED Police in Blytheville, Arkansas are investigating a weekend shooting that left two brothers with injuries.

According to authorities, John and Scott McGrath were both shot in the incident, which happened Saturday at around 4 am outside the Drift Inn and Entertainer Club.

No arrests have been made. Authorities say an investigation is ongoing.

Both victims were taken to a hospital in Memphis for treatment. KENNETT POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED

A Kennett Police Officer has been arrested as a result of an undercover investigation.

According to the Kennett Police Department, 27 year old Jeremy Crawford was stopped in the parking lot of a local gas station after being observed by investigators purchasing controlled substances.

During a search, authorities found an undisclosed amount of prescription medication in Crawford’s possession. He was taken into custody for investigation of possession of a controlled substance. Kennett Police say the investigation is ongoing. HAYWOOD CITY WOMAN ARRESTED ON FELONY ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD CHARGE

A woman has been charged with four counts of 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, authorities received a report last week of injuries to a child resulting from abuse or neglect.

As a result, the investigators went to a residence in Haywood City to check the living conditions there. Investigators discovered enough evidence for the Children’s Division to remove four juveniles from the residence.

Authorities later arrested 27 year old Cassandra L. Gipson, of Haywood City, and the children were taken into custody to be placed with other family members. ONE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO CAPE BANK ROBBERY

Police in Cape Girardeau say they have a man in custody in connection to a bank robbery yesterday.

According to Cape Police, they received a call from First Missouri State Bank on South Mount Auburn Road shortly after 8:30 Monday morning, saying a man with a weapon was inside the bank, and that the man had given a teller a note demanding money.

Police arrived at the bank within minutes, surrounded the building, and took the suspect into custody as he exited.

Patrolman Darin Hickey tells KWOC News that 50 year old David C. Dawson, of Cape Girardeau, is facing a charge of 1st degree attempted robbery. Dawson’s bond was set at $75,000. CARUTHERSVILLE POLICE WANTS EVERYONE TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT BURGLARIES

With Christmas just over a week away, many people have finished their shopping and have multiple gifts under their tree, but they may also be putting themselves at risk for burglaries.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, residential burglaries commonly increase during the holiday season. Caruthersville authorities want to remind everyone to be sure your windows are secured and that your doors are locked.

Don’t place items of value or Christmas presents where they can be easily seen by someone outside your residence. The police department also recommends taking pictures and recording the serial numbers of your valuables in case of a burglary at your residence. RIPLEY COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED FOR PIPE REPLACEMENT

Route V in Ripley County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe under the roadway.

The work zone will be located 2 miles from the Highway 142 intersection.

Work will take place today from 9 am to 1 pm, weather permitting. MISSOURI LAWMAKERS WILL TRY TO LIMIT MEDICAL LAWSUITS

Missouri lawmakers plan to try again to limit how much money people can receive in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones says the liability limits are a priority for the 2014 session. And Rep. Eric Burlison, of Springfield, already is promoting a bill.

Republican lawmakers want to reinstate a $350,000 limit on noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering that was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court in July 2012.

The court said the limit violated a common-law right to seek damages for medical malpractice that predated the adoption of a state constitution in 1820.

The proposed legislation would abolish that common-law right and instead make medical liability lawsuits subject to state law.

A similar bill stalled earlier this year in the Senate. OFFICIALS TESTING DNA OF KILLED ANIMAL

Officials are checking whether an animal shot and killed last month in southeastern Missouri is a wolf.

Wolves are a protected species in Missouri, and the state Department of Conservation says DNA testing will be used to determine whether it is a gray wolf, coyote or other canine species. A landowner in Wayne County contacted the agency after shooting the animal in late November.

Conservation officials say wolves appear similar to coyotes but are much larger. Coyotes generally do not weigh more than 30 pounds in Missouri and can be hunted throughout the year.

The agency says there is no known wolf breeding population in Missouri, although hunters have occasionally shot wolves in the past decade after mistaking them for coyotes.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121613

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO CAPE GIRARDEAU SHOOTING A man has been taken into custody in connection to a November shooting in Cape Girardeau.

According to Patrolman Darin Hickey with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, 34 year old Dennis L. Williams, of Cape Girardeau, was arrested in Boone County on December 12th. Williams is a suspect in an incident where a woman was shot in the leg while sitting in a vehicle on November 30th.

Williams was arrested on charges of two counts of felony first degree assault and felony armed criminal action. Patrolman Hickey says Williams will be transported to Cape Girardeau County in the near future. MAN HIT BY VEHICLE IN CARUTHERSVILLE

A woman has been arrested after her boyfriend was reportedly hit by a vehicle.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, on Thursday police were dispatched to an area where a man had been hit by a motor vehicle. When they arrived they found a 40 year old male lying in the roadway with a fractured ankle and a laceration to the head.

During an investigation, officers learned that the man had been in an altercation with his girlfriend. The 33 year old woman, whose name was not released, was arrested. The man was air lifted to a Memphis hospital for treatment. SIX ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY

The Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department says that six people have been taken into custody on charges for attempt to manufacture.

Five of the people arrested were 48 year old Paula Johnson, 42 year old James Craddock, 36 year old Jennifer England, 23 year old Michael Malone Jr., and 20 year old Felicia Krah, all from Dexter. The other arrestee was 32 year old Joseph Saffell Jr., of Murder, Florida. AUTHORITIES LOOKING FOR MAN IN CONNECTION TO SHOOTING

Jonesboro authorities are searching for a man in connection to a shooting Saturday night.

According to authorities, Quinton Boggard was shot Saturday night and sustained non-life threatening injuries. He had reportedly gotten into an altercation with Willie Boggard, who is being sought in connection to the incident. WOMAN FACING CHARGES FOR REPORTEDLY HITTING CHILDREN WITH A STICK

A woman is facing battery and assault charges for reportedly hitting children with a stick.

According to KAIT, Shanell Williams was arrested by Jonesboro Police after she allegedly hit three children on the head with a small, wooden stick at the daycare where she worked.

The children were all boys. Two were four years old and the other was seven years old. Williams has been terminated from her position at the daycare. SIX INJURED IN TWO VEHICLE WRECK

Six people suffered injuries in a weekend wreck in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred Sunday afternoon when 45 year old Jeff Whitehead, of Puxico, attempted to pass a vehicle driven by 33 year old Shlisa Whitaker of Hornersville on Missouri Highway 51.

Whitaker had reportedly stopped to make a left turn and was hit by Whitehead in the rear of the vehicle. Whitaker and four passengers in her vehicle suffered injuries, including one who was seriously injured.

A passenger in Whitehead’s vehicle suffered moderate injuries. AREA BANK ISSUES FRAUD ALERT

An area bank is warning customers to be aware of possible fraudulent phone calls.

Focus Bank, which has multiple locations in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, put a fraud alert on its website cautioning people to be on the lookout for fraudulent phone calls that purport to be from Focus Bank.

The bank says to not supply any card number or personal information to these callers. For more information, go online to www.focusbank.com. ADVANCE MAN APPOINTED TO STATE BOARD

Missouri Representative Dennis Fowler has been appointed by the governor to the state Board of Probation and Parole.

Governor Jay Nixon announced Fowler's appointment Friday - the same day that he also appointed state Senator Ryan McKenna to a spot in his administration as the labor department director.

Fowler is a Navy veteran who worked in law enforcement for 38 years before winning election to the House in 2012. The Republican from Advance represented the 151st District in southeast Missouri.

His appointment to the Board of Probation and Parole will be subject to Senate confirmation. DATES SET FOR 2014 DEER AND TURKEY FIREARMS SEASONS

The Missouri Conservation Commission has set the dates for the 2014 firearms turkey and deer hunting seasons.

The regular spring season for turkeys will be April 21st to May 11th and the fall firearms season will be October 1st to October 31st.

For Deer, the November portion will run from November 15th to 25th, with the antlerless portion coming right after from November 26th to December 7th.

Additional 2014 hunting dates are available online at mdc.mo.gov. IN STATE TUITION RATES APPROVED FOR EXTENSION TO ALL ROTC CADETS AT ASU

The Arkansas State University Board of Trustees has approved in-state tuition rates to all U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets.

The board in 2011 had authorized the lower in-state rates to all people serving in the military, but the policy did not specifically address ROTC students, who sign an enlistment contract. DISASTER DECLARATION ISSUED FOR MULTIPLE ARKANSAS COUNTIES

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe has declared a disaster in multiple counties after last week's wintry weather.

The governor on Friday issued a disaster declaration for 22 counties including Baxter, Independence, Izard, and Sharp counties.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is on the ground with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in about a dozen of the affected counties to determine whether Arkansas will qualify for federal assistance.

If the state qualifies, it will be for public-assistance funds to help counties recover and repair damaged infrastructure.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121313

FUNERAL FOR MARINE KILLED IN ACCIDENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAYA funeral for Staff Sergeant Eric W. Summers, of Poplar Bluff, will be held Saturday.

Staff Sergeant Summers was killed on November 13th in an accident at Camp Pendleton along with three other marines. His funeral will be held Saturday at 10 am at First Baptist Church.

The funeral procession will leave the church and turn north onto Westwood Boulevard. The procession will then turn right onto Katy Lane and then take Baron Road to Main Street and then the city cemetery.

Citizens are encouraged to line the funeral procession route to honor Staff Sergeant Summers. Volunteers put up flags on Wednesday in honor of the fallen marine. INVESTIGATION ONGOING INTO CHARLESTON BANK ROBBERY

Authorities in Charleston are investigating an alleged bank robbery.

According to the Charleston Department of Public Safety, at around 11:20 am Thursday, officers received a call of a bomb threat at three local schools. The schools were evacuated according to school policy and students were transported to local churches.

A search of the schools resulted in no explosives being found and students were allowed to return to classes at around 2 pm.

While officers were investigating the bomb threat, a report was made of a bank robbery at Citizens Bank in Charleston. Two black males reportedly entered the bank, displayed handguns, and demanded cash. The two suspects fled the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the bomb threat was a diversionary tactic to tie up law enforcement resources during the bank robbery. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Charleston DPS at (573) 683-3737. NEW MADRID AUTHORITIES LOOKING FOR TWO MEN IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED THEFT

Authorities in New Madrid County are searching for two men in connection to an alleged theft.

According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, two black males entered an area store shortly before noon on Thursday. While one of the suspects stood watch, the other allegedly entered the accounting office and took cash out of the safe.

Anyone who has information on the incident is asked to call (573)748-2516 and leave a message for Sergeant Ware.

Pictures of each of the suspects are available on our Facebook page. NATIONWIDE DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER CAMPAIGN BEGINS TODAY

Police will be out in force beginning today in a nationwide crackdown on drunk driving.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety the crackdown will run from today through January 2nd.

Chief Drew Juden said his officers will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk. FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF STAFF TO HONOR FALLEN MARINE

Governor Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff tomorrow to honor Staff Sergeant Eric W. Summers, of Poplar Bluff.

Summers was killed in an accident at Camp Pendleton last month. Nixon also ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in Butler County be flown at half staff from December 15th to December 20th. THREE ARRESTED ON METH CHARGES IN WAYNE COUNTY

Three men were taken into custody Thursday afternoon on drug charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 51 year old Billy J. Hancock, of Hiram, 46 year old Lloyd R. Allen, and 20 year old Cole W. Sansoucie, both of Lowndes were all arrested in Wayne County.

They are each facing felony charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. 1,400 ARKANSAS RESIDENTS SIGN UP FOR HEALTH COVERAGE THROUGH HEALTHCARE.GOV

A new federal report says 1,400 Arkansas residents have enrolled in health coverage through the HealthCare.gov website that's in place to facilitate insurance sign-ups as part of the government's health care overhaul.

The Wednesday report says nearly 18,000 Arkansans completed applications through the new marketplace. When adding in family members who would be covered, the applications totaled about 34,600 people.

The numbers are from activity on the website from October 1st through November 30th.

Arkansas Insurance Department spokeswoman Heather Haywood says 250 state residents had enrolled as of Oct. 30 and says the new numbers show the pace is picking up now that the government website is running more efficiently.

The department estimates that 211,000 Arkansans will ultimately sign up for health coverage under the new program. MISSOURI GOVERNOR CALLING FOR ETHICS LEGISLATION THAT INCLUDES CAMPAIGN DONATION LIMITS

Governor Jay Nixon is joining several Kansas City-area lawmakers in calling for ethics legislation that includes limits on campaign donations.

Nixon had called for reinstating campaign contribution limits during his State of the State speech this past January. He said unlimited contributions erode public trust.

State lawmakers return to the Capitol on January 8th for their legislative session.

Missouri's campaign finance limits were eliminated by legislation passed in the closing hours of the 2008 session. Supporters contend capping campaign donations creates an incentive to circumvent the limits and thereby obscure from where money has flowed.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121213

MISSING GIRL FROM NORTHEAST ARKANSAS IS BACK HOME A teenager who has been missing since last week has been found.

According to KAIT, Independence County Sheriff Steve Jeffery says that 16 year old Jordan Townsend is home safe.

She had been missing since December 3rd. MORE WINTER WEATHER COULD BE ON THE WAY

As things are starting to get back to normal after last week’s winter weather outbreak, more snow could be on the way tomorrow.

According to the National Weather Service, a wintery mix of precipitation is expected to move into Southeast Missouri on Friday.

The precipitation may be a mix of rain, sleet and snow with freezing rain also possible. SHOW ME CANNABIS MEETING TONIGHT IN POPLAR BLUFF

A meeting will be held in Poplar Bluff tonight to discuss marijuana policy.

The town hall meeting will be hosted by Show-me Cannabis at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

Participants from both sides of the issue are scheduled to be involved in the meeting including Show-Me Cannabis Executive Director and Poplar Bluff native John Payne along with Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley.

The town hall meeting is set to begin at 6:30 pm this evening. SIKESTON WOMAN WINS BIG WITH SHOW ME CASH

A Sikeston woman is celebrating after winning over a hundred and sixty thousand dollars.

35 year old Kristin Hensley won $168,000 with Show Me Cash, which is a daily jackpot game. The jackpot starts at $50,000 and grows until there a winner. 56 jackpots have been won in the past year, with an average prize of $160,000.

Hensley purchased her winning ticket in Sikeston. LISTENING POST TO BE HELD MONDAY IN NEW MADRID

Staff members of United States Senator Roy Blunt will be in New Madrid Monday morning to speak with area citizens.

The stop is a part of Senator Blunt’s listening post program, which 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 Listening Post will be held Monday from 9 am to 10 am at the New Madrid County Courthouse. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY CAN NOW BE DONATED TO CERTAIN CHARITIES

Missourians now can donate unclaimed property held by state government directly to charities that support military veterans, medical research, children's education and other causes.

Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced the donation program Wednesday at the state Capitol. He says people regularly have asked to donate their unclaimed property and that the new program gives Missourians a "quick, easy and simple" way to do so.

The state treasurer's office currently holds $810 million in unclaimed property belonging to 4.7 million account holders. He says many claims are small but when combined could have a significant affect.

Twenty charitable organizations are participating in the donation program. MISSOURI GOVERNOR PROPOSES OVER 36 MILLION DOLLARS FOR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Governor Jay Nixon wants Missouri's universities to freeze undergraduate tuition next year while also proposing more state funding.

The governor says the budget he recommends next year will include an additional $36.7 million for public universities. The 5 percent funding increase would be distributed using a performance-based funding system.

Nixon announced the proposal Wednesday at Missouri State University in Springfield.

The governor called for a tuition freeze at four-year schools for Missouri undergraduates in the 2014-2015 academic year.

Previously, Missouri higher education institutions and Nixon reached an agreement to freeze tuition for the 2009-2010. The next year, public colleges and universities struck a deal to hold undergraduate tuition flat to avert deeper state funding cuts. OVER 4,000 MISSOURIANS PICKED INSURANCE EXCHANGE PLANS The U.S. Department of Health and Senior Services reports 4,124 Missouri residents have selected a health insurance plan through the federally run online marketplace.

The department released the figures Wednesday. HHS said the insurance exchange had more than 31,000 applications from Missouri through November 30th. The applications sought coverage for nearly 63,000 people.

Enrollment is up from early November when just 751 Missourians had selected a health insurance plan. The federal health care law set up online marketplaces to help people find affordable insurance but the rollout of the website has been troubled.

The federal agency says that as of November 30th, about 137,000 people have enrolled in the 36 states served by the federal website.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121113

WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN SUBMERGED CAR IN ARKANSAS LAKE A body was discovered Tuesday in a submerged vehicle in Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi County Arkansas.

According to authorities, the body has been identified as 60 year old Linda Jackson, of Manila. A report was made Tuesday morning that someone saw the vehicle in the water and authorities later found the body. ROOF OF PARKING GARAGE COLLAPSES IN JONESBORO

The roof of a downtown parking garage in Jonesboro has collapsed and officials are blaming a buildup of ice and snow.

The garage roof fell on Tuesday. The structure is on Union Avenue, where a traffic lane was blocked off as a precaution.

City E911 director Jeff Presley told KAIT that no one was injured but several vehicles were in the parking deck at the time the roof failed. TORNADO SIRENS ACCIDENTLY SET OFF IN PARAGOULD

Some Paragould residents were awakened by an unintentional alarm early Tuesday morning.

According to Paragould Police, the tornado sirens for the city were accidently set off at around 3:30 am Tuesday morning. The sirens went off when authorities were trying to disarm the system.

Police say that measures have been taken to prevent it from happening again. DORENA HICKMAN FERRY TO REOPEN THIS MORNING

Service is scheduled to restart today at the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the ferry will reopen on its normal winter schedule this morning.

The ferry has been closed since Friday due to ice and snow accumulation on the landing ramps. GOVERNOR NIXON TO SPEAK TODAY IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will be in Cape Girardeau today.

Governor Nixon will be speaking at Southeast Missouri State University beginning at 10:15 am. The appearance will be at the Wehking Alumni Building. BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE FOR AG EXPO 2014

Booth space is available for next year’s Ag Expo. Ag Expo 2014 will be held January 24th from 1 to 8 pm and January 25th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

There will be 118 booths available to visit consisting of many different exhibits and attractions including contests, music, a beauty pageant, and a toy tractor pedal pull contest for kids. Approximately 10,000 people attended the two days of Ag Expo 2013.

Also returning will be the pesticide applicator training for private re-certification which will be held at the Expo on January 24th from 2 to 5 pm. New this year is the Mobile Certified Kitchen, along with a live cow milking demonstration.

To purchase booth space or to register for the beauty contest, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center at 686-8064. Ag Expo 2014 is sponsored by the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council and the Ag Club of Three Rivers College. CORPS OF ENGINEERS REMOVING ROCK FORMATIONS DUE TO LOW MISSISSIPPI RIVER

The up-and-down Mississippi River is down again, and the Army Corps of Engineers is once again removing rock formations to try and ensure that the river remains open to barge traffic through the winter.

The corps said Tuesday that contractors will remove about 2,800 cubic yards of rock over the next several months from the middle Mississippi River.

It is an extension of work that began last winter when the middle Mississippi reached to near-record low levels after months of drought. Though barge loads were limited, the rock removal helped keep the river open to barge traffic.

A wet spring led to flooding, but a dry fall has the river low again.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121113

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121113  

WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN SUBMERGED CAR IN ARKANSAS LAKE

A body was discovered Tuesday in a submerged vehicle in Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi County Arkansas.

According to authorities, the body has been identified as 60 year old Linda Jackson, of Manila. A report was made Tuesday morning that someone saw the vehicle in the water and authorities later found the body.

ROOF OF PARKING GARAGE COLLAPSES IN JONESBORO

The roof of a downtown parking garage in Jonesboro has collapsed and officials are blaming a buildup of ice and snow.

The garage roof fell on Tuesday. The structure is on Union Avenue, where a traffic lane was blocked off as a precaution.

City E911 director Jeff Presley told KAIT that no one was injured but several vehicles were in the parking deck at the time the roof failed.

TORNADO SIRENS ACCIDENTLY SET OFF IN PARAGOULD

Some Paragould residents were awakened by an unintentional alarm early Tuesday morning.

According to Paragould Police, the tornado sirens for the city were accidently set off at around 3:30 am Tuesday morning. The sirens went off when authorities were trying to disarm the system.

Police say that measures have been taken to prevent it from happening again.

DORENA HICKMAN FERRY TO REOPEN THIS MORNING

Service is scheduled to restart today at the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the ferry will reopen on its normal winter schedule this morning.

The ferry has been closed since Friday due to ice and snow accumulation on the landing ramps.

GOVERNOR NIXON TO SPEAK TODAY IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will be in Cape Girardeau today.

Governor Nixon will be speaking at Southeast Missouri State University beginning at 10:15 am. The appearance will be at the Wehking Alumni Building.

BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE FOR AG EXPO 2014

Booth space is available for next year’s Ag Expo. Ag Expo 2014 will be held January 24^th from 1 to 8 pm and January 25^th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

There will be 118 booths available to visit consisting of many different exhibits and attractions including contests, music, a beauty pageant, and a toy tractor pedal pull contest for kids. Approximately 10,000 people attended the two days of Ag Expo 2013.

Also returning will be the pesticide applicator training for private re-certification which will be held at the Expo on January 24^th from 2 to 5 pm. New this year is the Mobile Certified Kitchen, along with a live cow milking demonstration.

To purchase booth space or to register for the beauty contest, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center at 686-8064. Ag Expo 2014 is sponsored by the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council and the Ag Club of Three Rivers College.

CORPS OF ENGINEERS REMOVING ROCK FORMATIONS DUE TO LOW MISSISSIPPI RIVER

The up-and-down Mississippi River is down again, and the Army Corps of Engineers is once again removing rock formations to try and ensure that the river remains open to barge traffic through the winter.

The corps said Tuesday that contractors will remove about 2,800 cubic yards of rock over the next several months from the middle Mississippi River.

It is an extension of work that began last winter when the middle Mississippi reached to near-record low levels after months of drought. Though barge loads were limited, the rock removal helped keep the river open to barge traffic.

A wet spring led to flooding, but a dry fall has the river low again.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121013

RIVER RADIO NEWS 121013  

JONESBORO MAN ACCUSED OF RAPING YOUNG GIRL

A Northeast Arkansas man has reportedly confessed to raping a young girl.

According to the Jonesboro Sun, 21 year old Donald Stevens, of Jonesboro, confessed to raping an 8 year old girl that he had been asked to babysit. Stevens was arrested previously after being accused of allegedly raping a 13 year old girl at a party in October.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER HITTING ANOTHER PERSON WITH HIS CAR

A man has been taken into custody after allegedly hitting another man who was stuck in a ditch.

According to KAIT, the incident occurred Saturday night in Brookland. A man had reportedly gotten stuck in a ditch when a vehicle hit the vehicle of a person who was helping the man, then struck the man that was stuck in the ditch and fled.

The man that was hit was treated for non-life threatening injuries at an area hospital. The driver of the vehicle that hit the man was taken into custody later that night.

CANOPY COLLAPSES AT NORTHEAST ARKANSAS BUSINESS, INJURING ONE

A canopy collapsed at a convenience store in Northeast Arkansas on Monday afternoon, injuring one person.

According to KAIT, the incident happened at a convenience store in Ash Flat.  There were five vehicles underneath the canopy when it collapsed. One person reportedly had to be treated at a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The winter weather was cited by authorities as a contributing to the collapse.

AREA COLLEGE NAMED AS ONE OF TOP IN STATE FOR TEACHER EDUCATION

An area college has been chosen as one of the top in Missouri for teacher education.

The College Database ranked Southeast Missouri State University as seventh in Missouri for producing education graduates in 2012.

The College Database is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to provide free information about education options to students, parents and other interested parties.

ARKANSAS GOVERNOR TO BE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS TODAY

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe is expected in northeast Arkansas today for a couple of events.

Beebe will be in Paragould this morning to participate in the Paragould Medical Park ribbon-cutting ceremony. The governor will then participate in the NEA Baptist Hospital dedication in Jonesboro this afternoon.

Beebe will return to central Arkansas where he's to address the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting in North Little Rock on Wednesday morning.

LISTENING POST MEETING TO BE HELD IN KENNETT

A Listening Post meeting has been scheduled for next week in Kennett.

The meeting will be held from 2 to 3 pm on Monday, December 16^th at the Kennett Chamber of Commerce.

Listening Posts are opportunities for Missourians to discuss their questions or concerns with the federal government one-on-one with members of U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s staff.

WEATHER FORCES RESCHEDULING OF RIVERWAYS MEETINGS

The winter weather of the past weekend has prompted the rescheduling of a public meeting originally planned for today.

The public meeting for the Draft General Management Plan has been rescheduled for Tuesday January 7^th at the Van Buren Youth and Community Center.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Bill Black said that the poor condition of many roads around the Riverways was the reason for the delay.

The draft plan can still be viewed online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/ozar.

SECRETARY OF STATE WARNS OF FRAUD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander is warning Missourians to be on the lookout for fraud attempts this holiday season.

In addition to the well known scams, such as bogus charity solicitations and spam email seeking bank account number and personal information, Kander also wants Missourians to aware of financial fraud and threats to savings.

Kander says, “Be wary of individuals who claim to have trading expertise and offer to set up or "manage" an online brokerage trading account on your or another investor’s behalf. Allowing unlicensed individuals to set up an account in somebody else’s name or utilize that individual’s username and password can lead to substantial trading losses and account theft.”

Kander also says that the best way to protect yourself is to call the Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-721-7996 before making any investment.

HIGHWAY PATROL TO PARTICIPATE IN DWI ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN STARTING ON FRIDAY

State Troopers in Southeast Missouri will be joining with other officers statewide starting on Friday for a DWI Enforcement campaign.

According to Captain George Ridens, enforcement efforts will be increased starting on Friday and continuing through January 4^th, in an effort to stop people from driving impaired during the holiday season.

The Highway Patrol says that alcohol and drug-impaired drivers have killed 151 people and injured 2,019 in 2013.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 120613

MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS GOVERNORS ADDRESS STORM Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has activated the State Emergency Operations Center for round-the-clock operation in response to the winter storm bearing down on the state.

Nixon encouraged Missourians to stay on top of the weather, drive cautiously, and check on the elderly and others who may need help.

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe is also declaring a statewide emergency because of the wintry storm.

Beebe declared a statewide disaster on Thursday afternoon.

The governor's office says that combined with additional proclamations, the disaster declaration will ease restrictions on utility crews, fuel haulers and propane deliveries during the wintry storm. WHERE TO FIND ROAD CONDITIONS ONLINE

The winter weather is causing dangerous road condition throughout southeast Missouri this morning, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking everyone to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Before heading out on the road you can check road conditions online at Modot.org or on the Missouri Department of Transportation mobile app.

Anyone interested in receiving text message updates from the Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office should text “63901” to 888777; and information will also be posted to the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Twitter account.

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING WRECK IN IZARD COUNTY

A Violet Hill man has died as a result of a wreck Thursday in Izard County.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 75 year old Paul Zerby was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck off of Spring Hill road. Zerby was driving south on Spring Hill road when he reportedly ran off the side of the road and hit a tree.

The Arkansas State Police report says that there was freezing rain at the time of the wreck. KENNETT POLICE INVESTIGATING SHOOTING

Kennett authorities are investigating a shooting incident that happened earlier this week.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched Tuesday to the to the Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in reference to a subject whom had came in after suffering a gunshot wound.

Following an investigation at a residence on Harrison Street, officers believe that the shooting was only an accidental discharge of a firearm. Officers reportedly discovered an undisclosed amount of substances believed to be Marijuana and Crack Cocaine at the residence however.

The name or current condition of the shooting victim was not released.

Kennett Police say the investigation is ongoing. SIKESTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY GIVES TIPS FOR GENERATOR USAGE

With freezing rain and snow often comes power outages and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety has released some tips for what to do when you are using a generator while the power is out.

Sikeston DPS says to never use a generator indoors on in enclosed spaced, for example garages, basements, or crawl spaces. Make sure that your generator has three to four feet of clear space on all sides and that there is adequate ventilation.

You should also ensure that your generator is placed far away from doors, windows, and vents as this could allow carbon monoxide to enter the home.

You can also look into installing a CO detector in your home.

Symptoms of CO poisoning are dizziness, headaches, nausea, and tiredness. If you believe you have CO poisoning, seek fresh air immediately and contact Sikeston DPS before you re-enter the structure.

The agency also wants to remind you to never use a barbeque grill in your home for heat. MAN FACING CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

A Delta man is facing charges following his arrest on Wednesday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Jordan D. White was arrested Wednesday night in Cape Girardeau County. White was arrested on felony charges of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, and domestic assault.

White is also facing a charge of careless and imprudent driving. MARIJUANA AND HEROIN FOUND IN PEMISCOT COUNTY HOME

Multiple types of drugs were recently found in a southeast Missouri home.

Authorities in Pemiscot County say that ecstasy pills, illegal prescription pills, five grams of cocaine, and two pounds of marijuana were found during a search on Wednesday.

According to KAIT, Pemiscot County Sheriff Tommy Greenwell said that there will be arrests made, pending formal charges. CONVICTION UPHELD IN 1998 KILLINGS

The Arkansas Supreme Court says it will not set aside the conviction and life term given to a Randolph County man in the 1998 slayings of a family of four from Dalton.

Billy Dale Green said a judge should have stopped his 2012 trial at least four times, but justices said Thursday any errors were cured by instructions given to the jury.

Members of Green's family testified Green left his house one night in 1998 saying he had to "clean up a mess" created by his son, Chad Green. Carl and Lisa Elliott and their two children were killed that night.

Billy Green said his son killed the family but that he only helped cover up the crimes. A jailhouse informant said Billy Green admitted killing the Elliotts' 8-year-old daughter.

RIVER RADIO NEWS 120513

BUTLER COUNTY OFFICIALS WARN “BE PREPARED” FOR WINTER WEATHER Snow and ice are in the forecast for Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas and officials in Butler County say now is the time to prepare.

Jeff Shawan with Butler Emergency Management says the best thing to do in times of severe winter weather is stay home. However, if you must be out, you should keep several items in your vehicle.

Shawan says make sure you have warm blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, snacks, kitty litter or sand, a shovel, booster cables and a small tool kit.

Shawan also advises that every home should have a working weather alert radio and extra batteries for it.

The National Weather Service has announced that a Winter Storm Warning will go into effect beginning at 3 pm Thursday afternoon

TEENAGER MISSING OUT OF INDEPENDENCE COUNTY ARKANSAS

Authorities in Independence County Arkansas are looking for information about a girl who went missing earlier this week.

According to KAIT, 16 year old Jordan Townsend was last seen leaving home for school on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Townsend has black hair and hazel eyes, is five foot tall and weighs 110 pounds. She may be in the Cushman area. Anyone who has information about Townsend’s whereabouts is asked to contact 870-793-8878.

NEW GROCERY STORE COMING TO POPLAR BLUFF

A new grocery store is coming to Poplar Bluff.

According to the Daily American Republic, Harps Foods has purchased land in the Cripple Creek Development. The land, which is located between the Kindergarten Center and Shelby road, will be used for the 30,000 square foot grocery store which is set to be open next fall.

Officials expect the store to hire 80 employees. The grocery store will also have a gas station. MAN SUFFERS NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR

A man is in the hospital with non life threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle.

According to KAIT, the incident happened in Jonesboro. Witnesses reportedly told police that the man had tried crossing Huntington Avenue while a don’t walk symbol was lit.

The name of the man was not released. TIME RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER FOR SPRING CLASSES AT THREE RIVERS

Time is running out for prospective students to get registered for classes this spring at Three Rivers College.

Prospective students must have taken the ACT or Compass placement tests before becoming eligible to register for classes, and only a handful of test dates remain before the registration deadline. They must also fill out a free application and attend an orientation to be eligible to register.

Registration for the Spring semester will continue through January 10th at the Poplar Bluff campus and the centers in Sikeston, Dexter, Kennett, Malden, and Cape Girardeau. The semester starts on Jan. 13th.

More information is available online at trcc.edu. INFORMATIONAL MEETING TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK AT LAKE WAPPAPELLO STATE PARK

An informational meeting has been scheduled for next week at Lake Wappapello state park.

Park representatives will provide information about the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about park services and operations.

The meeting will be held at the Lake Wappapello park office from 3 to 5 pm on Thursday, December 12th. MISSOURI STATE VETERANS CEMETERY AT BLOOMFIELD TO PARTICIPATE IN WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Coming up next week, the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield will participate in the annual Wreaths Across America program.

During the ceremony a wreath will be placed on every grave in the cemetery. Families and friends of those interred as well as the general public are invited to attend.

The program will start at 11 am on Saturday, December 14th, at the Committal Shelter Pavilion at the Cemetery. CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ROAD PROJECTS

Several contracts have been awarded for Southeast Missouri road projects.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contracts during a special session on December 3rd. Among the contracts awarded was a $922,457 contract for diamond grinding and asphalt pavement on Highway 412 in Dunklin County.

A $419,126 contract was also awarded for guard rail repairs and upgrades on Highway 60 between Highways 67 and 114 in Butler and Stoddard Counties. EDUCATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS SCHOOL CHANGES

A Missouri House interim education committee is recommending changes to student transfers, more funding for early childhood education and increased learning time for students.

The panel held 11 public meetings throughout the state this fall and released its report Tuesday to the House speaker.

One of its major topics was Missouri's law allowing students in unaccredited districts to transfer to neighboring districts.

The committee recommended setting a fixed rate of tuition that schools receiving transfer students could charge. It also suggested prescribing the scope of receiving districts' control over the numbers and conditions of transfers they accept.

The panel also recommended that the Legislature look at providing more money for early childhood education, and longer school days for students, especially those who struggle academically or attend troubled districts. SENATOR McCASKILL TO DELIVER COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS AT SEMO

Senator Claire McCaskill will deliver the winter commencement address when 740 students graduate at Southeast Missouri State University on December 21st.

Plans for the commencement were announced by the university on Tuesday. Degree recipients will include 574 undergraduate students, along with graduate, specialist and doctoral students. Ten undergraduate students will be honored for perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

Commencement events will take place at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.