August 28, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 082814  

TWO VEHICLE CRASH CLAIMS LIFE OF OXLY MAN

A two vehicle crash in Ripley County has claimed the life of an Oxly man.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a vehicle driven by 37 year old Bryan L. Crawford, of Poplar Bluff, was attempting to make a left turn and was struck from behind by 74 year old Denver W. Joplin, of Oxly.

Joplin was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Crawford received minor injuries.

The accident happened shortly after 8:30 am Tuesday, on Highway 160, four miles west of Fairdealing.

KENNETT MAN SENTENCED ON FRAUD CHARGE

A sentence was handed down Wednesday to a Kennett pharmacist on a fraud charge.

According to authorities, 51 year old Brian Keith Mitchell was sentenced to six months in prison on a felony count of healthcare fraud. He had pled guilty to the charge in April.

Mitchell will also have to pay $120,000 in restitution and serve six months of home confinement.

WOMAN FACING THEFT AND FORGERY CHARGES

A woman is facing theft and forgery charges.

According to KAIT, Sharon Denise Yarbrough allegedly stole over $46,000 from a deceased woman she had been a home health aide for.

Yarbrough has been charged with theft and second degree forgery.

THREE ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY

Three men are facing a drug charge following their arrest Wednesday morning in Mississippi County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 27 year old Cleveland Williamson, of Sikeston, along with 19 year olds Kyrron Haynes and Jadarius McCain, each of Charleston, were arrested shortly before 9:30 am.

Each man is facing a felony charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

CHRIS MICHEL TO CHALLENGE FOR COLLECTOR POSITION

Chris Michel will be the democratic nominee for the Butler County Collector position.

According to the Daily American Republic, Michel filed for the election Wednesday morning.

He was chosen by the Butler County Democratic Central Committee earlier this month by a unanimous vote. The election will be held on November 4^th.

25 MILE YARD SALE BEGINS TODAY

The 25 mile yard sale is set to begin today.

The yard sale will be held along T Highway beginning at the Lake Wappapello exit off of Highway 60.

Anyone driving on T Highway should be careful as cars will be pulled over on the side of the road.

The yard sale will run from today through Sunday.

LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL TO CLOSE BY SEPTEMBER 17^TH

A Northeast Arkansas jail is set to close by mid September.

According to a post on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page, the Arkansas Jail Standards committee voted unanimously to close the Lawrence County Jail.

The jail reportedly failed inspection for over 10 years. Issues included overcrowding and lack of a fire alarm system.

A deadline was given for September 17^th to close the jail.

WATER MAIN BREAK CAUSE CLOSURE OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Southeast Missouri State University is temporarily closing its main campus and a second campus that houses fine arts programs.

The school announced Wednesday afternoon that the closure is the result of a break in a Cape Girardeau water main. Offices will open and classes will resume Tuesday morning.

Residence halls will be open for those students who need to remain on campus, but dining facilities will be available only in the Towers cafeteria, Rowdy's, and at the River Campus.

A football game scheduled for Thursday and a women's soccer match scheduled for Friday will proceed.

The closing does not affect the university's regional campuses or the Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education located at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.

ARKANSAS GOVERNOR SAYS HEATH INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE PROJECTED TO DROP 2 PERCENT

The governor's office says Arkansas' health insurance premiums under the "private option" Medicaid expansion are projected to decrease by 2 percent next year.

In a Tuesday news release, the governor's office said there won't be a blanket reduction - some premiums may rise slightly and others may stay the same or go down. Overall, policyholders will pay 2 percent less in the coming year.

The governor's office says it is releasing the projection because incomplete information was mistakenly posted on a state Insurance Department website.

Once the U.S. Health and Human Services Department certifies the plans for next year, official rates will be set. Final numbers are to be known before the start of open enrollment on November 15^th.

Legislators are to consider in 2015 whether to renew the program.

August 27, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 082714  

INMATE FROM MALDEN DIES FROM INJURIES RECEIVED DURING BEATING

A Missouri inmate from Malden has died after being beaten by his cellmate at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

The Cole County sheriff's office said Tuesday that 35 year old Mark Melton was assaulted August 19^th and taken to University Hospital in Columbia. The sheriff's office said Melton died Sunday as a result of his injuries, and the case has now been classified as a homicide.

The sheriff's office said the cellmate is a 33 year old man serving sentences for second degree murder and armed criminal action.

Melton pleaded guilty in 2009 to attempted first-degree sodomy and was sentenced in Dunklin County Circuit Court to nine years in prison.

An autopsy was performed Monday, but the sheriff's office says results will not be ready for several weeks.

NAMES RELEASED OF THOSE INVOLVED IN KENNETT HIT AND RUN

Kennett Police have released the names of two people who were victims of a hit and run collision on August 23^rd.

Authorities say a dark colored SUV stuck pedestrians 54 year old Clinton D. Queen and 58 year old Vernon Pittman, both of Kennett. The vehicle then fled the scene. Pittman was taken to a Memphis hospital and is still listed in critical condition.

On Tuesday, officers arrested 42 year old Joseph M. Stewart, of Kennett, for assault first degree and felony leaving the scene of an accident.

MAN CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC ASSAULT AND KIDNAPPING

A Sikeston man has been taken into custody on multiple charges including kidnapping.

According to Missouri Case Net, Harold Duff has been charged with second degree domestic assault and kidnapping in connection to an alleged incident on August 14^th.

Duff allegedly kidnapped a woman and also hit her. The woman was later able to escape.

TEEN FACING 30 COUNTS OF BREAKING OR ENTERING

A teenager is facing charges after he allegedly broke-in to multiple vehicles in the Jonesboro area.

According to KAIT, 18 year old Lane Fears was arrested in connection to 30 vehicle break-ins around the community. Over $16,000 worth of items were reportedly taken from the vehicles.

Fears is facing 30 counts of breaking or entering.

EMILY CLARK PARKS IS REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR BUTLER COUNTY COLLECTOR

The Republican Party of Butler County has chosen their nominee for the Butler County Collector position.

Emily Clark Parks was selected as the Republican nominee to replace Brenda Fox, who passed away earlier this month.

The election will be held on November 4^th.

McCASKILL VISITS POPLAR BLUFF TO ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF VA SECRET SHOPPER PROGRAM

U. S. Senator Clair McCaskill was in Poplar Bluff yesterday to announce the expansion of a VA Secret Shopper Program.

Senator McCaskill explained to a group at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center that the Secret Shopper Program involves surveys given to veterans after utilizing medical services to gain feedback about their experience.

She said the program, which sees survey results sent to her office rather than the medical facility, previously served 120,000 veterans in Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia, and that with the expansion of the program to Poplar Bluff, an additional 20,000 Missouri veterans will be served.

McCaskill says the survey program has seen positive results in the past with improvement each year.  She told the group that a promise made to a veteran is a moral obligation that the country must meet.

EARTHQUAKE REPORTED NEAR NEW MADRID

An earthquake was recorded Tuesday morning near New Madrid.

According to the Center for Earthquake Research and Information, a 2.3 magnitude micro earthquake occurred at 9:06 am 7 miles south of New Madrid.

The quake had a depth of 5.1 miles.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SAY AMENDMENT COULD MAKE IT EASIER TO CONVICT CHILD SEX OFFENDERS

Missouri law enforcement groups are promoting a proposed constitutional amendment that they say could make it easier to convict child sex offenders.

Members of the state prosecutors and sheriffs associations held a news conference Tuesday at the Capitol to tout proposed Constitutional Amendment 2 on the November ballot.

The measure would allow evidence of past criminal actions to be used in the prosecution of child sex abuse cases, even if those past allegations did not result in convictions. The law enforcement groups say the change would put Missouri on par with rules used by the federal government and many other states.

The proposal was referred to the ballot by the state Legislature.

August 26, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 082614  

IDENTITY RELEASED OF BODY FOUND IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Officials in northeastern Arkansas have identified a body found during the weekend in the Current River.

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office told KAIT Monday that the body is that of 27 year old Robin Due, of Maynard.

Due's body was found Sunday afternoon by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Randolph County authorities near the Johnson Eddy River Access.

The woman's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED ASSAULT

A Jonesboro man is facing charges in connection to an alleged assault.

According to KAIT, 37 year old Marcus A. Harris allegedly assaulted his girlfriend during an altercation on Sunday. Harris is facing charges of aggravated assault on a family or household member, domestic battery, and terroristic threatening.

SCOTT CITY MAN WITH NUMEROUS WARRANTS ARRESTED IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

A Scott City man was taken into custody over the weekend in Cape Girardeau.

According to KFVS, 28 year old Robert Hennecke II, is facing multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and three counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Hennecke also reportedly had numerous warrants, as well.

JONESBORO POLICE CHIEF SUBMITS RESIGNATION LETTER

Jonesboro's police chief has resigned three days after being suspended without pay because of derogatory statements he made on Facebook about a reporter.

Michael Yates submitted a resignation letter to Mayor Harold Perrin on Monday, saying he carefully considered his position and decided "the present circumstances dictate" that he must leave his position." Yates wrote that he let "anger and pride override" his judgment and wisdom and said things that are unacceptable.

His resignation was effective Monday.

He was given a 30-day suspension by Perrin on Friday after a series of posts critical of Jonesboro Sun reporter Sunshine Crump. The Sun reports Crump has agreed to return to work after resigning and citing harassment by Yates as the reason.

Perrin says Assistant Chief Tim Eads will be acting police chief.

11^TH ANNUAL MULTI-COUNTY WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17^TH

The 11^th Annual “Multi-County” Women’s Health Conference has been scheduled for Friday, October 17^th at the Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston.

The conference will run 8 am to 3:30 pm and will feature a keynote speaker and multiple sessions.

Admission to the conference is free and those who want to attend should register by September 30^th. For more information, contact the Scott County University Extension at 573-545-3516.

OZZIE SMITH, ANDERSON COOPER, AND SOLEDAD O’BRIEN AMONG SPEAKERS TO APPEAR AT SEMO

Some high profile guests have been scheduled for the upcoming Southeast Missouri University speaker series.

New York City fire battalion commander Richard Picciotto will start the series on September 10^th. Three journalists will follow with Anderson Cooper speaking on September 21^st, Mara Liasson on October 28^th and Soledad O'Brien on January 21^st.

In February, actor Hill Harper will speak on the 25^th, and Ozzie Smith will finish the series on April 20^th.

ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY

Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Butler County today for pavement repairs on Route CC.

During the repairs, Route CC will be reduced to one lane from Highway 51 to Route U. Work is scheduled to be performed from 7 am to 4:30 pm both today and tomorrow.

RECOUNT TO BE HELD ON MISSOURI RIGHT TO FARM AMENDMENT

There will be a statewide recount on the narrow passage of a constitutional amendment creating a right to farm in Missouri.

The secretary of state on Monday was officially certifying the results of Missouri's August 5^th primary elections. Those include the approval of Constitutional Amendment 1 by fewer than 2,500 votes out of nearly 1 million cast.

Missouri law allows a recount whenever the margin of victory is less than one-half of a percentage point.

Two opponents of the measure already have asked for a recount. One of those is Wes Shoemyer, a former Democratic state senator who is president of Missouri's Food for America.

Shoemyer says he's not aware of any particular election problems that he believes will reverse the result, but he says it's worth a try.

August 25, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 082514  

DONIPHAN MAN DEAD AFTER BEING EJECTED FROM VEHICLE DURING WRECK

A Doniphan man is dead as the result of a single vehicle wreck Saturday evening.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on US 160 in Ripley County. A vehicle driven by 45 year old Rickey Jarrett had overturned and ejected him.

Jarrett was pronounced dead at the scene.

MARBLE HILL WOMAN KILLED IN COLLISION NEAR JACKSON

A two vehicle collision near Jackson has resulted in the death of a Marble Hill woman.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a vehicle driven by 59 year old Daniele Ravanelli, of Piedmont, crossed through the center divider of Missouri Highway 72 and struck another vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle, 27 year old Rachel Brown, of Marble Hill, was later pronounced dead at a Cape Girardeau hospital. Two passengers in Brown’s vehicle suffered moderate injuries.

TWO KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

Two people have died, while another is seriously injured following a single vehicle wreck last week.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 79 year old Jerry Ogden, of Pocahontas, Arkansas, was driving a vehicle near Brighton, Missouri on Thursday when the left front tire failed. The vehicle travelled across the median and the opposite highway before hitting an embankment and overturning.

Ogden was seriously injured and taken to a Springfield hospital.

Two passengers in the vehicle, 79 year old Billie Ogden, also of Pocahontas, and 61 year old Cheryl Harshman, of Fishers, Indiana, died from injuries suffered in the wreck.

BODY FOUND IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Officials in a Randolph County Arkansas reportedly discovered a body in Current River over the weekend.

The body was found at around 2 pm Sunday near the Johnson Eddy River Access.

According to KAIT, the incident is believed to be related to a report of a missing woman. Then identity of the body was not released.

VEHICLE REPORTEDLY HITS TWO PEDESTRIANS IN KENNETT

Kennett Police say two people were struck by a vehicle Saturday night.

According to the Kennett Police Department, two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle on Compress Road and the vehicle then left the scene. The vehicle was described as a dark colored SUV and should have damage on the front passenger side of the vehicle.

The condition of the two pedestrians has not released.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Kennett Police Department.

KENNETT POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

Police in Kennett are looking for more information in connection to a reported attempted robbery.

According to the Kennett Police Department, shortly after 8 am Saturday morning officers were dispatched to the Jan Motel.

A white male had reportedly entered a room wearing a red bandana and armed with a handgun. The man demanded money and pills. Authoities say he man left after going through the victim’s pills and learning that she had no money. The man left without talking anything.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Kennett Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 573-888-4622.

ESSEX MAN ARRESTED ON ASSAULT ON A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CHARGE

An Essex man is in custody on a charge of assault on a law enforcement officer.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 61 year old Ricky James Long was taken into custody recently on warrants for second degree assault of a law enforcement officer with a weapon and armed criminal action.

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON METH CHARGE

A Dexter man has been arrested on a warrant for a meth charge.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office, 35 year old Billy Joseph Robinson was arrested for a warrant for manufacture of methamphetamine.

His bond was set at $50,000.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED IN MALDEN ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS

A Poplar Bluff woman was arrested on Sunday on multiple warrants.

According to the Malden Police Department, Heather Hoss was taken into custody on a felony Butler County warrant for second degree assault.

Hoss also had misdemeanor warrants for possession of marijuana out of Poplar Bluff and stealing out of Dunklin County.

CAPE GIRARDEAU POLICE WARNING OF COUNTERFEIT PAYROLL CHECKS

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is warning area businesses to be on the lookout for counterfeit payroll checks.

Several checks have reportedly been passed at local businesses since the end of July.

The suspects have avoided banks, instead taking the checks to local business that provide check cashing services to the public. The payroll checks are counterfeit ones made up to appear as if they were issued by well established companies.

Police are asking everyone to be diligent when presented with checks. Asking for more than one form of identification or some proof of employment are ways to make it more difficult for the suspects.

FRUITLAND REST AREA TO BE CLOSED THIS WEEK FOR REPAIRS

The Fruitland rest area on Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau County will be closed this week as contractor crews perform repairs.

Work will begin at the southbound rest area at 7 am this morning, with crews moving to the northbound rest area on Wednesday, August 27^th.

Repairs are expected to be completed by 8 am on Friday.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN STODDARD AND SCOTT COUNTY

Highway 91 in Stoddard and Scott Counties will be reduced, with a width restriction of 10 feet, this week as contractor crews perform pavement repairs.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place through Friday, August 29^th from 6:30 am to 7 pm daily.

The work zone is located between Route P and Highway 61.

August 22, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 082214  

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING PLANE CRASH

One person has died in West Tennessee where a crop dusting plane went down.

Decatur County Emergency Management Director Kevin Cagle says the plane crashed about 3 pm Wednesday in the Bible Hill community in the northern part of the county, about five miles north of Parsons.

Cagle says the person killed was piloting the plane and was the only person aboard.

Cagle says the cause of the crash hasn't been determined, and the Federal Aviation Administration dispatched someone to investigate.

KFVS is reporting that the pilot was 29 year old Hollis Malone, of Benton, Missouri.

BLOOMFIELD MAYOR RESIGNS

The mayor of the southeast Missouri city of Bloomfield is resigning for health reasons part-way into her first term.

The Dexter Daily Statesman reports Mayor Donna Medlin said she receives injections every two to three months to manage pain in her back. Medlin said continuing in the job would be too difficult.

Medlin was elected mayor in 2013 after serving on the Bloomfield Board of Aldermen, which will officially receive her resignation next week.

She said her proudest accomplishment was leading the campaign for a $10 million bond issue to overhaul Bloomfield's existing water system. Voters narrowly approved the bond issue earlier this month.

BLOOMFIELD WOMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS

A Bloomfield woman was recently taken into custody on multiple warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 26 year old Amber Marie Kerr was arrested on warrants for possession of a controlled substance, leaving the scene of an accident, tampering with physical evidence, and DWI prior offender.

HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS SOME HEAT SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS

With many areas under a heat advisory, the Humane Society of Missouri has offered some tips to keep your pets safe during the hot weather.

Some of the tips include never leaving a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is above 70 degrees, make sure your pets have access to fresh clean water at all times, and to call authorities if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car.

More tips are available on our Facebook page.

ROAD WORK ONGOING IN STODDARD COUNTY

Pavement repairs will force delays into next week on Route CC in Stoddard County.

During the repairs, Route CC will be reduced to one lane from Route HH to Highway 114.

Work is scheduled to take place daily from 6:30 am to 5 pm through Wednesday, August 27^th.

SURVEY SUGGESTS RURAL ECONOMY IS SLOWING DOWN

A new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy is slowing down in rural areas of 10 states in the Plains and the West.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says falling crop prices have farmers spending less, and crop prices are expected to continue declining this fall.

The overall economic index for the region fell into negative territory to 48.3 in August from July's 51.8.

The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in the months ahead.

Goss said bankers are not very optimistic about the next few months. The survey's confidence index dropped to 39.9 in August, from 42.9.

Bankers from rural areas of 10 states including Illinois and Missouri were surveyed.

MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNING OF SCAM CALLS COMING FROM 202 AREA CODE

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is warning consumers of recent reports of scam telephone calls appearing from the 202 area code.

The reports indicate that scammers leave threatening voicemail messages urging the consumer to call back or face severe consequences.

When consumers return the call they are asked to leave their name and number, whereupon their message is returned from a different 202 area code number.

Koster says that scammers often claim to be from federal agencies, such as the IRS, purporting to collect an unpaid debt and demanding personal financial information.

While the scam calls appear to originate from a Washington D.C. area code, Koster warned that spoofing technology means the calls are frequently placed by scammers operating overseas.

The Attorney General advises consumers who have received a scam call to contact 800-392-8222 or file a complaint online.

FOOTBALL PLAYER WHO COLLAPSED TO BE RECOGNIZED BEFORE TONIGHT’S GAME

A Poplar Bluff Mules football player who collapsed during practice earlier this month will be recognized before tonight’s opening game.

Caleb Morrow collapsed on the field during a warm-up drill on August 4^th. Athletic Trainer Heath Willis performed CPR on Caleb with the aid of Assistant Football Coach Jay Dowd.

Morrow was taken to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis, where he was treated for a previously undetected heart condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Caleb and his first responders will receive special on the field recognition tonight at 6:30 pm at Fred M. Morrow Stadium. Kick-off for the Poplar Bluff Mules opener against Fox will be at 7 pm

You can hear tonight’s action live on Today’s Talk KWOC.

August 21, 2014

NAYLOR CYCLIST KILLED IN ARKANSASA cyclist from Naylor was killed in a collision with a vehicle on Wednesday.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the collision occurred shortly after 5 pm in Clay County.

72 year old Johnie Brooks, of Naylor, reportedly pulled into the path of a vehicle on Highway 328. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.

STUDENT IMPALED BY GOLF CLUB AT ASU FRAT HOUSE Police at Arkansas State University say an 18-year-old student was badly hurt by a flying piece of a broken golf club at a fraternity house.

Authorities say a female student was taken to a Memphis hospital after she was impaled by broken golf club on Tuesday night.

Jonesboro television station KAIT reports the student's condition has not been released.

University police say a 19-year-old man threw a football to another man, who was using a golf club as a bat. The golf club's shaft broke after it struck the football.

Authorities say parts of the broken golf club traveled about 30 feet before a piece stabbed the female student.

University police say a second student was hurt but told officials she was OK.

  AROUND 26 THOUSAND DOLLARS RAISED TO SUPPORT MULES ATHLETICS DURING GOLF TOURNAMENT Around 26 thousand dollars has was raised for the Poplar Bluff R-1 athletic programs during a recent golf tournament.

32 teams, consisting of 144 ex-Mules and school supporters, participated in the sixth annual Mule Skinner Golf Tournament on August 8th.

The fundraiser was held at Westwood Hills Country Club.

  BERNIE MAN FACING CHARGE OF DISTRIBUTION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE A Bernie man is facing drug charges following his arrest.

According to KFVS, Larry Ryans allegedly sold Xanax to an informant. Police had previously been informed that Ryans was selling the drugs from his home.

Ryans is facing a charge of distribution of a controlled substance.

  REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ANNUAL BRIDGE BUILDING COMPETITION Registration is open for the 11th annual bridge building competition.

The competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials-15 pieces of balsa wood, thread and glue.

Schools must register by September 9th to participate. The judging for the competition will be held on November 20th in Cape Girardeau.

The lightest bridge to carry the greatest load will ultimately be declared the winner. Prizes will also be awarded for the most aesthetic bridge and to the winner of the electronic bridge competition.

  HIGHWAY 67 COULD BE CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY DUE TO CLEAN UP FROM TRAIN COLLISION Highway crews say cleanup operations at the site of a head-on train collision in northeastern Arkansas could keep a busy roadway closed into next week.

Two Union Pacific freight trains crashed Sunday morning near Hoxie. Two railroad workers died and another two were injured.

The accident occurred near U.S. 67, which remained closed Wednesday. Highway officials say the road could reopen this weekend, but with a chance it could be closed until Monday.

The National Transportation Safety Board continued its investigation Wednesday and a spokesman said more information will be released in a week or two, when a written report is ready.

Federal investigators want to recover data from a signal that would have given a final instruction to the southbound train to determine whether it was signaled to stop.

  NORANDA’S REQUEST FOR LOWER ELECTRIC RATE DECLINED Missouri regulators have denied a request from the state's largest electricity consumer to cut the rate it's charged by Ameren Missouri by roughly 25 percent.

Noranda Aluminum operates a smelting plant in southeast Missouri with nearly 900 workers.

The company wanted the Public Service Commission to order what it said would amount to a $48 reduction in its rates and pass the costs along to other Ameren customers.

In a 5 to 0 vote Wednesday, the commission said it was unpersuaded by Noranda's assertion of a "liquidity crisis" that put the future of the smelter in New Madrid at risk.

The commission said it doesn't want the plant to close. But it also said Noranda failed to show that Ameren's other customers would be best served by the rate reduction.

  BRIDGE IN CAMPBELL TO BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Officials have closed a bridge in Campbell following an inspection yesterday.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Highway 53 Bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad is closed until further notice as a precautionary measure.

During a routine inspection Wednesday, officials noticed excess movement. Additional inspections are set to begin today.

August 20, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 082014  

ONE KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED IN RIPLEY COUNTY COLLISION

An Arkansas woman is dead and another man is injured as a result of a two vehicle wreck in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a vehicle driven by 78 year old Earnest Hamlett, of Van Buren, made a left turn into the path of another vehicle.

A passenger in Hamlett’s vehicle, 51 year old Patricia Emberton, of Alpena, Arkansas, was pronounced dead at the scene. Hamlett suffered moderate injuries.

BUNKER WOMAN KILLED IN ATV WRECK

A Bunker woman is dead following an ATV wreck on Tuesday.

According to the Highway Patrol, 38 year old Donna Nunley was driving an ATV on Highway A when she lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and eject her.

She was reportedly not wearing a safety device and was pronounced dead at the scene.

ELLINGTON MAN ARRESTED ON RAPE CHARGE

An Ellington man is facing a rape charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Lawrence T. Harper was arrested on a charge of felony forcible rape.

Harper was arrested in Reynolds County shortly before 11:30 am Tuesday. Additional details about the arrest were not available.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE ARREST MAN ON SEVERAL FELONY WARRANTS

Poplar Bluff Police arrested a man early Tuesday morning on several felony warrants for charges stemming from a shooting incident earlier this month.

Shortly before 2 am Tuesday morning, officers arrested Christopher Gainwell on a charge of resisting arrest, as well as two warrants for burglary and another for a weapon offense.

Gainwell was found hiding at a residence on Bradley Street. He allegedly attempted to flee and was taken into custody following a brief struggle.

PERSON HIT BY TRAIN IN SCOTT CITY

One person has been hit by a train in Scott City.

According to KFVS, a Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson says that the incident occurred Monday night near Crites Street.

The person, whose name was not available, suffered a broken bone in their hand.

TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO CAPE GIRARDEAU ROBBERY

Two people have been taken into custody in connection to a Cape Girardeau robbery.

According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, on Sunday, an elderly woman told police that she had let a male and female into her home for a glass of water.

When they got inside, the male allegedly pushed the victim to the floor and the two subjects stole a television, wallet, cellphone and then took the victim’s vehicle and fled from the scene. The victim suffered an injury to her hip in the incident.

Two suspects were identified and taken into custody on Monday. 18 year old Napoleon A. Cornelius Jr., of Cape Girardeau, and 22 year old Britney L. Morse, of Perryville, are each facing charges of second degree robbery, first degree burglary, and stealing.

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON IN CONNECTION TO BUSINESS ROBBERY IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

A Memphis man has been sentenced for his participation in the robbery of a Cape Girardeau business in 2009.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 30 year old Darryl House was sentenced to life imprisonment on one felony count of aiding and abetting the interference with commerce by threat or violence.

He also received a consecutive 84 month sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

House was found guilty of the charges in April.

ARKANSAS SCHOLARSHIP LOTTERY SAYS PEOPLE SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT A PHONE SCAM

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is warning about telephone scammers making false representations about people winning a prize.

The lottery says there are reports of someone claiming to represent the lottery and calling Arkansans to say they had won a prize. The caller instructs the would-be victim to go to a local store and buy a pre-paid card called a Green Dot MoneyPak in order to pre-pay taxes on the prize.

The lottery says scammers have also provided a toll-free number that - when called - mimics the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery phone message.

The lottery says it never requires payment of money to claim a prize and that it typically doesn't call people to tell them they've won a prize - except in contests that the person has intentionally entered.

FORMER MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE FINED $10,000

A former campaign committee for Missouri House Democrats has agreed to pay a $10,000 fine for campaign finance violations.

The consent order released Monday by the Missouri Ethics Commission says the Democratic group failed to include some expenditures and contributions that it had made on its 2012 finance reports. It also failed to list a deputy treasurer.

The Missouri House Democratic Campaign Committee shut down in July 2013. It was succeeded by the House Democratic Victory Committee, which also no longer exists.

Democrats shifted their House and Senate campaign operations under the umbrella of the state party earlier this year.

Missouri Democratic Chairman Roy Temple says the state party will pay the fine.

The ethics complaint was brought by the treasurer for the House Republican Campaign Committee.

ARKANSAS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DOWN TO 6.2 PERCENT

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services says the state's unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 percent in July.

The agency says the jobless rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point from June's numbers. The 6.2 percent unemployment rate mirrors the national rate in July.

Officials say seven major industry sectors posted decreases in July. The biggest drop came in the government sector, which reported a drop of 12,700 jobs. Officials say the decrease is caused by summer break at schools and universities.

Jobs in trade, transportation and utilities decreased by 900 in July as well.

Officials say five industry sectors posted gains, with most coming in educational and health services and in leisure and hospitality.

August 19, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 081914  

INFORMATION FROM OVER 4 MILLION PATIENTS TAKEN IN HOSPITAL CYBERATTACK

Hospital operator Community Health Systems said a cyberattack took information on more than 4 million patients from its computer network earlier this year.

The company said Monday that no medical or credit card records were taken in the attack, which may have happened in April and June. But Community said the attack did bypass its security systems to take patient names, addresses, birthdates, and phone and Social Security numbers.

The information that was taken came from patients who were referred to or received care from doctors tied to the company over the past five years.

Community Health Systems Incorporated is notifying patients affected by the attack and offering them identity theft protection services. The company owns, leases, or operates 206 hospitals in 29 states, including the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and the Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett.

The hospital operator said it believes the attack came from a group in China that used sophisticated malware and technology to get the information. Community Health has since removed the malware from its system and finalized "other remediation efforts" to prevent future attacks.

INMATE CONVICTED OF RAPE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER FOUND DEAD IN PRISON CELL

Arkansas prison officials say a 24 year old state inmate has been found dead in his cell at the maximum security Varner SuperMax unit in Grady.

A spokeswoman says Steven Hill Jr. was found dead at 2:50 am Monday by security staff delivering breakfast. Spokeswoman Shea Wilson says Hill hanged himself with a sheet attached to an air vent in the single-person cell.

Hill was serving a 62½ year sentence for rape and attempted murder convictions in Craighead County; a second degree sexual assault conviction in Mississippi County; and a second degree battery conviction in Lincoln County.

NAMES RELEASED OF TWO KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS TRAIN COLLISION

The two Union Pacific train crew members killed after two freight trains collided head on early Sunday have been identified.

Railroad spokesman Jeff DeGraff says engineer Chance Gober of White Hall, Arkansas, and conductor Roderick Hayes, of McKinney, Texas, died in the crash.

DeGraff says both were in the train traveling southbound and died of their injuries.

DeGraff says two other employees were injured.

Sunday's collision happened at about 3 am in Hoxie. A resulting fire took about seven hours to extinguish.

WOMAN ARRESTED IN KENNETT FOR REPORTED BURGLARY

A Kennett woman was taken into custody in connection to an incident over the weekend.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence Saturday afternoon in connection to a reported burglary in progress.

Officers were told that the victim had the suspect detained.

When they arrived, officers arrested 39 year old Alecia Parnell, of Kennett, for first degree burglary, resisting arrest for a felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

POLICE INVESTIGATE AUTO VANDALISMS IN DEXTER

Police in Dexter are investigating after receiving reports of at least three cases of vehicle vandalism.

Authorities say in each case, a vehicle was spray painted.

The incidents happened on Mulberry and Elm streets.

POPLAR BLUFF LIBRARY RECEIVES CLEAN AUDIT

The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library District has received a clean audit for the 2013 Fiscal Year.

The audit, conducted by Boyer and Associates, says that they “did not find any deficiencies in internal control” or “instances of non-compliance or other matters that are required to be reported”

The audit also showed that the Library is meeting its goals for financial stability by having a positive balance of almost $400,000 at the end of the year.

The full audit is available online at Poplarbluff.org/trustees.html.

HIGHWAY PATROL URGES SAFETY FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

With Labor Day less than two weeks away, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging everyone to be safe during the holiday weekend.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. over the Labor Day holiday weekend. All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and alcohol laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.

Troopers throughout the state will also be participating in a 20-Mile Trooper operation on August 29^th and again on September 1^st. This operation will include Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61.

Last year, eight people were killed and 404 injured in Missouri over the Labor Day holiday in 967 traffic crashes. Also, 119 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated by the Highway Patrol during the holiday.

ROAD WORK TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY

Route CC in Butler County will be reduced to one lane today and tomorrow as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

This work zone is located from Highway 51 to Route U.

Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow from 7:30 am to 4 pm each day.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route AD in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane through next Wednesday so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can perform pavement repairs.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be done from 6:30 am to 5 pm daily through August 27^th. The work zone is located from US 60 to the end of state maintenance.

August 18, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 081814  

TWO DEAD FOLLOWING TRAIN COLLISION IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

An investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board says a collision in northeast Arkansas involved a train with two locomotives and 86 cars and another with two locomotives and 92 cars.

Investigator Michael Hiller says the first train was northbound on a single main track early Sunday when a southbound train collided with it. He says they were on the same track.

State police have said two Union Pacific train crew members were killed and two others were injured.

Hiller said the cause of the accident has not been determined and he expects investigators to be on the scene about a week.

The collision happened about 3 am in Hoxie. Union Pacific says a resulting fire took about seven hours to extinguish.

MARBLE HILL MAN KILLED IN COLLISION BETWEEN VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE

A Sunday morning collision in Cape Girardeau County between a vehicle and a motorcycle has resulted in the death of a Marble Hill man.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred when a vehicle driven by 20 year old Brittany Murphy, of Cape Girardeau, pulled into the path of a motorcycle driven by 56 year old Thomas Ring, of Marble Hill.

Following the collision Ring was taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

SCHOOL EMPLOYEE FACING SEXUAL CHARGES INVOLVING A MINOR

An ROTC instructor in Northeast Arkansas is facing charges in connection to alleged incidents involving a 16 year old female student.

According to KAIT, 48 year old Steven Eagle is facing charges of first degree sexual assault and possession of computer child pornography.

Eagle was taken into custody after the girl’s mother informed authorities of things that she had found on her daughters phone and authorities interviewed the victim.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED OVER THE WEEKEND ON METH CHARGE

A Poplar Bluff man was taken into custody over the weekend on a drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Tyler West was arrested shortly after midnight Saturday morning in Butler County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine.

WAPPAPELLO MAN ARRESTED FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED AND POSSESSION OF METH

Authorities have taken a Wappapello man into custody on multiple felony charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 53 year old Michael Brown is facing felony charges of driving while intoxicated, drugs; and possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine.

Brown was arrested shortly after 1 am Saturday in Wayne County.

MAN ARRESTED IN SHANNON COUNTY FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND METH

A Mountain View man was arrested Sunday afternoon for alleged possession of meth and marijuana.

According to the Highway Patrol, 36 year old Micheal Gimple was arrested at around 12:30 pm Sunday in Shannon County.

Gimple is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH DAY TO BE HELD THIS WEEK IN POPLAR BLUFF

The Project Connect Community Outreach Day will be held this week at the Black River Coliseum. The Community Outreach Day is a grassroots, community-based intervention where all individuals, Veteran or not, are brought together in a single location to access community resources and supplies needed to begin addressing their individual needs.

The event will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on August 21^st. Services to be available include medical screenings, dental screenings, skin cancer screenings, mental health, substance abuse, housing, legal advice, food, haircuts and more.

The events are being planned by the Poplar Bluff VA in partnership with local organizations and businesses.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR POPLAR BLUFF LICENSE OFFICE

A new contract has been awarded that will see the Poplar Bluff License Office will remain at its current location.

The management contract has been awarded to License Office Services LLC for the Poplar Bluff License Office.

The contract was awarded by the Office of Administration, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Over 75 thousand transactions were conducted at the Poplar Bluff office in fiscal year 2013.

ROAD WORK SET FOR THIS WEEK IN WAYNE COUNTY

Highway 34 in Wayne County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction this week as contractor crews seal coat the roadway.

The work zone is located from Highway 49 north of Piedmont to US 67.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Saturday, August 23^rd from 6:30 am to 7 pm, daily.

STODDARD COUNTY ROAD TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK

Route C in Bollinger and Stoddard Counties will be reduced to one lane this week with a 10-foot width restriction so contractor crews can seal coat the roadway.

Work is scheduled to take place from 6:30 am to 7 pm through Saturday, August 23^rd.

The work zone is located from Highway 51 in Bollinger County to Highway 91 in Stoddard County.

August 15, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 081514  

IDENTITY RELEASED OF DEAD BODY FOUND IN POPLAR BLUFF

Poplar Bluff Police have released the identity of a body found earlier this week in a wooded area near Maud Street.

According to Captain David Sutton, the body has been identified as Justin R. Allen, of Arlington, Texas.

Allen had apparently been camped in the area for some time, and witnesses had described him as unusually thin; also saying he seemed confused or disoriented.

An autopsy was inconclusive, and the cause of death could not be determined. Captain Sutton says there is no evidence to suggest any criminal activity or third-party involvement in Allen’s death.

POCAHONTAS TO RECEIVE OVER $200,000 FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

The city of Pocahontas has been awarded over $200,000 for drainage improvements.

The $202,250 Community Block Development Grant was awarded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Pocahontas was one of eight grants approved for a total of almost $1.4 million.

NO INJURIES REPORTED AFTER TRANSFORMER EXPLODES IN NEW MADRID

There were no injuries reported after a transformer exploded Thursday in New Madrid.

According to KFVS, the transformer exploded at around 9:15 am at Noranda Aluminum. No cause for the explosion was available.

A fire from the explosion was contained.

OVER 580 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN POPLAR BLUFF LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Over 580 children participated in the summer reading program this year at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library.

584 children logged 6,192 reading hours during the program.

This year’s prizes included three bicycles sponsored by First Midwest Bank, two Kindle Fire tablets sponsored by the Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library, nine MP3 players, and coupons for Marble slab.

For children to be eligible for a prize, they had to read at least four hours or complete a science log over the nine week summer program.

DATES SET FOR 2014 BUTLER COUNTY FAIR

The dates have been set for the 2014 Butler County Fair.

The Fair will be held from September 10^th through September 12^th at the Black River Coliseum in downtown Poplar Bluff. There are multiple events and exhibits planned for the fair this year and admission is free.

You can get a schedule for this year’s fair online at extension.missouri.edu/butler.

TODAY IS FINAL DAY TO REGISTER FOR THREE RIVERS COLLEGE FALL SEMESTER

Today is the final day to register for classes during the upcoming Fall Semester at Three Rivers College.

Students can find out more information online at the Three Rivers College website, trcc.edu.

Classes for the Fall Semester will begin on Monday.

27^TH ANNUAL WOMEN AWARE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER

The 27^th Annual Women Aware Conference will be held next month at the Black River Coliseum.

The Women Aware Conference will be on Thursday, September 25^th. It is designed for those seeking the opportunity to expand their professional and personal growth network with others in the area.

The registration fee is $40 and includes admission to 28 breakout sessions, 70 booths, continental breakfast, lunch and snacks, and a one-year membership to Women Aware. After August 31^st, the registration fee goes up to $50.

The keynote speaker this year is Jeanne Robertson.

For more information, call 573-778-1804 or go online to www.womenawareinc.com.

HIGHWAY PATROL TO TEST TROOPER APPLICANTS NEXT MONTH

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be testing for new troopers next month in Poplar Bluff.

The test date has been scheduled for September 20^th.

To be eligible, candidates must possess a minimum of 30 college credits, or two years of federal active duty military service with an honorable discharge, or two years of full-time POST certified experience as a law enforcement officer with arrest authority at the time recruit training begins.

Those who successfully complete testing will be eligible to continue in the selection process for the 101st Recruit Class, scheduled to begin training on July 1^st, 2015.

For more information, call 1-800-796-7000 or go online to www.motrooper.com.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROPOSAL COULD BE ON ARKANSAS’S 2016 BALLOT

The Arkansas attorney general's office has approved the wording of an item for the 2016 ballot that would legalize use of medical marijuana.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Thursday that the proposal meets state requirements to enable the sponsoring group, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, to begin gathering signatures.

A similar proposal was on the 2012 ballot but was narrowly defeated.

In a letter certifying the ballot wording, McDaniel issued a note of the caution, saying that the "complexity and far-reaching effects of the proposal" could leave it open to a potentially successful court challenge.

Arkansans for Compassionate Care sought a spot on the 2014 general election ballot but couldn't gather the needed 62,507 signatures of registered voters before a July 7 deadline.

August 14, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 081414 COLIFORM AND E.COLI BACTERIA FOUND IN CARTER COUNTY DRINKING WATER

A mandatory boil water order has been issued for Public Water Supply District #2 in the Fremont area of Carter County.

Drinking water samples analyzed on August 12th tested present for coliform bacteria and one sample also contained E.coli bacteria.

Samples analyzed on August 13th also tested present for coliform bacteria.

If you are in the affected area you should boil your water vigorously for three minutes prior to use for drinking or cooking. Also, remember to dispose of ice cubes and remake them with water that has been boiled. THREE POPLAR BLUFF TEENS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH

Three Poplar Bluff teenagers have been seriously injured in a single vehicle crash just before 1 am Wednesday morning.

Authorities say 17 year old Madyson F. Comfort, 19 year old Dylan M. Sparkman and 16 year old Lorin J. Stuhr were airlifted to a Memphis hospital after the vehicle Comfort was driving ran off the road and overturned.

Two of the occupants were thrown from the vehicle. None were wearing a safety device.

The crash occurred on County Road 450, about a quarter mile west of Maud Street. KENNETT MAN CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE MURDER

Authorities in Dunklin County have charged a Kennett man with first degree murder.

According to Missouri Case Net, Jeremy Corcoran has been charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action.

The charges are reportedly in connection to a shooting death in June. WANTED FELON ARRESTED IN SCOTT COUNTY

A manhunt has led to the arrest of a wanted felon in Scott County.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 37 year old Shawn Dobbs, of Benton has been taken into custody on warrants for felony dangerous drugs, misdemeanor assault, and numerous traffic charges.

Officials had executed a search warrant at Dobbs’ home on Monday. Dobbs was not at the residence at the time, even though he had been placed on house arrest. An ankle monitor that Dobbs was supposed to be wearing was found at the house.

Dobbs was taken into custody on Wednesday. AUTHORITIES RELEASE NAME OF MAN SOUGHT AFTER PURSUIT

Authorities are searching for a man in connection to a pursuit on Sunday.

According to New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on Sunday. The deputy pursued the vehicle into rural Mississippi County, where it traveled off the roadway and the driver fled the scene.

The suspect in the case has been identified as Curtis Jerome Burleson Jr. He has been charged with receiving stolen property and resisting arrest/detention/stop by fleeing.

Anyone with information on Burleson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Stevens says to not approach Burleson, as he may be armed.

Pictures of Burleson are available on our Facebook page. MALFUNCTIONING SWITCH DEVICE CITED AS REASON FOR STODDARD COUNTY TRAIN DERAILMENT

Union Pacific has determined that a faulty switch caused a train derailment in southeastern Missouri last month.

Spokesman Mark Davis told the Dexter Daily Statesman Wednesday that Union Pacific investigators found that the switching device that moves trains from one track to another malfunctioned. He says there was a defective component in the switch.

Fourteen railroad cars derailed within Dexter city limits in July. One of those contained liquid petroleum gas, which is hazardous.

No injuries were reported in connection to the derailment.

Davis says investigators will continue to test metal and other components to determine why the switch failed. WAPPAPELLO WOMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE

A Wappapello woman is facing a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 41 year old Jennifer S. Jones is charged with felony distribution of a controlled substance, methamphetamine.

Jones was taken into custody Wednesday evening in Wayne County. MAN ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY FOR STEALING BATTERIES AND A LAWN MOWER

A Portageville man was taken into custody on Tuesday in New Madrid County.

According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, Paul Shumate was arrested Tuesday evening on an active warrant. At the time of the arrest, a Sherriff’s Deputy reportedly discovered batteries in Shumate’s truck that were stolen from several irrigation units within the county.

Shumate also allegedly stole a riding lawn mower and hid it in a cotton field near where it was stolen from. AUDITIONS TO BE HELD TONIGHT FOR CENTER STAGE PRODUCTION OF MARVIN’S ROOM

Auditions will be held tonight for the upcoming Center Stage production of Marvin’s Room.

The auditions will be held from 7 to 10 pm at the Tinnin Auditorium. The format is a cold read from a provided script and no preparation is necessary.

Rehearsals will be held three days per week until the week before the show. The show will run from September 25th to September 28th.

For more information, call 573-840-9648. HIGHWAY 114 IN STODDARD COUNTY TO BE CLOSED TODAY

Highway 114 in Stoddard County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The work zone is located from Highway 60 to County Road 599.

Work is scheduled to take place today from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. MISSOURI UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HOLDS STEADY IN JULY

A new report says Missouri's unemployment rate held steady in July while the state gained more than 13,000 jobs.

Figures from the Department of Economic Development show the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.5 percent in July. That's the same percentage as June and down slightly from its 2014 peak of 6.7 percent in March.

Missouri's seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment reached 2.78 million, up 13,200 jobs compared with June. Some of the larger gains came in durable-goods manufacturing, while the leisure and hospitality industry saw declines.

Missouri's seasonally adjusted civilian labor force of 3 million people shrank by slightly less than 1,500 in July. The labor force counts people with jobs and those who are on unemployment but looking for work.

August 13, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 081314  

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN CHARLESTON

Authorities in Charleston are investigating a shooting.

According to the Charleston Department of Public Safety, the shooting was located in the 200 block of Morgan Street.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 573-683-3737.

MAN SENTENCED TO JUST OVER A YEAR FOR MAKING THREAT

A Winona man has been sentenced to just over a year for making a threat to staff at the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center.

57 year old Markel Abbey was sentenced to 13 months in prison on two felony counts of threat by interstate communication.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, in June of 2013, Abbey placed telephone calls to the Veterans Administration Medical Center and made a threat to physically harm his treating physician and members of the hospital staff.

Abbey was then arrested after assaulting a VA employee. Officials searched Abbey’s car after his arrest and found two firearms and over 300 rounds of ammunition.

RECOUNT TO BE HELD FOR CARTER COUNTY TREASURER RACE

A Carter County judge has ordered a recount for the Republican nomination for the county’s treasurer position.

According to the Daily American Republic, the recount will be held on August 20^th.

Only two votes separated Velvet Ricker and Emily Sellinger following the primary on August 5^th, with Ricker winning by a vote of 485 to 483.

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL YEAR TO BEGIN TOMORROW

Students will be heading back to school tomorrow in Poplar Bluff.

The 2014-2015 Poplar Bluff school year is scheduled to begin tomorrow. Parents can find more information about the Poplar Bluff School District online at www.poplarbluffschools.net.

With the school year beginning, The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also reminding drivers to be alert and on the lookout for children, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths.

Motorists should also remember to be cautious around school buses.

WORLD SERIES OF SPRINT BOAT RACING TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND

The World Series of Sprint Boat racing will be held this weekend near Poplar Bluff.

The event will be held from August 15^th through the 17^th at Brick’s Water Speedway. Over 30 teams will be at the event, representing four countries.

For more information, go online to www.bricksoffroadpark.com.

PAVEMENT REPAIRS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY

Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Butler County today and tomorrow for pavement repairs on Route CC.

During the repairs, Route CC will be reduced to one lane between Highway 53 and Route U.

Work is set to take place today and tomorrow from 7 am to 5 pm.

MODOT IS PLANNING TO REPLACE BRIDGE IN WAYNE COUNTY

The Missouri Department of Transportation has recently announced a plan to replace a bridge in Wayne County.

The bridge is located on Route Z, approximately three miles east of Route T. Construction could begin as early as spring 2015. As construction is underway, Route Z will be closed to through traffic in the vicinity of the bridge.

Additional information on the project will be available at the Missouri Department of Transportation's Sikeston District office.

ACLU ASKS ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT TO UPHOLD RULING THAT VOTER ID LAW IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas is asking the state's highest court to uphold a judge's ruling that Arkansas' new voter identification law is unconstitutional.

Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin had appealed the ruling from Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox, who struck down the law in May but put his decision on hold pending an appeal.

The case was filed by the ACLU of Arkansas and the Arkansas Public Law Center on behalf of four voters who they said would be harmed by the new requirement. In paperwork submitted Monday with the Arkansas Supreme Court, the groups argued that Fox's ruling should be upheld.

Also Monday, Pulaski County Clerk Larry Crane submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, arguing that the law is "overreaching and unnecessary."

ARKANSAS STATE POLICE TO CRACK DOWN ON DRUNKEN DRIVING

Arkansas State Police say they'll step up traffic enforcement on suspected drunken drivers in the weeks ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

State police say the crackdown will begin Friday and continue through Labor Day on September 1^st. Authorities say state and local officers will aggressively target drunken drivers as part of a national campaign called "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

State police say there were 552 traffic fatalities on Arkansas roads during 2012 - and 26 percent of those involved a driver who was legally drunk.

State Police Director Colonel Stan Witt says he hopes motorists will listen to the warning and arrange for a designated driver or another safe ride home.

August 12, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 081214  

DECOMPOSING BODY FOUND IN POPLAR BLUFF

An investigation is ongoing into a dead body found in Poplar Bluff.

According to Poplar Bluff Police, the body was found Monday afternoon in a wooded area near the Poplar Bluff Junior High School.

The body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, and authorities say no cause of death was immediately apparent. The identity of the body has not released.

SCOTT CITY MAN FACING SODOMY AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CHARGES

A Scott City man is facing sex related charges in connection to an incident that occurred last December.

According to KFVS, 33 year old Justin Bailey allegedly exposed himself and inappropriately touched a girl under the age of 14. The girl reportedly then stabbed Bailey in the hand with a pencil after telling him to stop.

Bailey is facing charges of first degree statutory sodomy and sexual misconduct.

PERSON OF INTEREST SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO NEW MADRID COUNTY THEFT

Authorities in New Madrid County are seeking a person of interest in connection to an theft on Sunday.

According to New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding and the driver tried to flee.

The deputy pursued the vehicle into rural Mississippi County, where it traveled off the roadway and the driver fled the scene.

While investigating the vehicle, officers found numerous items, including tools, that had been reportedly stolen from a New Madrid County business.

Formal charges are pending in the case.

TWO WOMEN ARRESTED ON BURGLARY AND TRESPASSING CHARGES

Two women were taken into custody last week after being caught in the middle of a reported burglary.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence on Franklin Avenue Friday morning in connection to a reported burglary in process.

Two females were found in the residence and taken into custody on charges of burglary and trespassing. Their names have not yet been released.

WOMAN CAUGHT ALLEGEDLY DRIVING STOLEN TRACTOR

A woman was caught Friday driving a stolen tractor.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, a 39 year old female from Caruthersville was stopped at an intersection driving a tractor that had been reported stolen earlier that day.

The woman was taken into custody pending the filling of formal charges.

TWO ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON METH CHARGE

Two people were taken into custody Monday night on a drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 33 year old Constancia M. Gonzales, of Chaffee, and 37 year old Adrian J. McFall, of Lowndes, were arrested at around 8:30 pm in Wayne County.

They are each facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

MISSOURI SUPREME COURT RULING STRIKES DOWN RULE IN CONNECTION TO SEX CRIME CASES

Prosecutors and victims' advocates are hailing a Missouri Supreme Court ruling as a positive step for prosecuting sex crimes.

The ruling, which received little public attention when it was issued July 29, struck down a rule that allowed appellate judges to set aside convictions on sex crimes if they thought the victim's testimony wasn't credible.

The state Supreme Court said the rule required appellate judges to make determinations they were not equipped to make.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports prosecutors and advocates say the ruling removes an obstacle that often factored into decisions on whether to file charges in sex abuse cases.

Boone County prosecutor Dan Knight says the ruling could prompt prosecutors to consider whether old cases could have a chance of success at new trials.

OVER 37 THOUSAND PEOPLE DROPPED FROM MISSOURI MEDICAID ROLL

Missouri's Medicaid program is leading the nation in the number of people dropped from its rolls.

New figures from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that Missouri's Medicaid enrollment dropped by 37,260 people in June, compared with its average enrollment from July through September of last year.

That was the largest numerical decrease of any state, though it ranked second behind Nebraska in terms of the percentage decline.

Missouri, Nebraska, Alabama and Wyoming were the only states that reported enrollment declines during that period, which coincided with the launch of new online insurance marketplaces required under the federal health care law.

Missouri's Medicaid program switched to a new computer system during that time and also experienced delays in verifying referrals from the federally run insurance website.

August 11, 2014

RIVER RADIO 081114  

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR MAN IN CONNECTION TO SHOOTING

Poplar Bluff Police are looking for a man in connection to a shooting incident early Sunday morning.

According to Captain David Sutton, officers were dispatched to a residence on Roxie Drive at around 2:30 am Sunday in reference to shots being fired into a house.

Witnesses told officers that 25 year old Christopher Gainwell, of Poplar Bluff, fired three shots through a window into the house after being refused entry. No injuries were reported.

Captain Sutton says Gainwell should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on Gainwell’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

A picture of Gainwell is available on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/930KWOC.

CYCLIST KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK

A Batesville, Arkansas man has died following a wreck Thursday night in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 44 year old Woody Allen Thompson was traveling on a bicycle inside the southbound lane of traffic on Highway 167 when he was hit by two vehicles.

The incident occurred shortly after 10 pm.

JONESBORO MAN FACING ASSAULT AND ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION CHARGES

A Jonesboro man is in custody in connection to an alleged assault in Cape Girardeau.

According to Missouri Case Net, 40 year old Robert L. Brewer is facing felony charges of first degree assault with serious physical injury and armed criminal action.

The charges stem from an incident Thursday night at a Cape Girardeau hotel. The victim reportedly suffered several wounds and was in stable condition Friday morning following surgery.

WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CONNECTION TO 2011 SHOOTING DEATH

The sister of a Jonesboro man who was shot to death in his home nearly three years ago says she's "shocked and relieved" that the man's wife pleaded guilty to charges in the case.

Michelle Despain pleaded guilty Friday to hindering apprehension or prosecution in the August 24^th, 2011, shooting death of Marc Despain. Prosecutors reduced the charge from capital murder and agreed to recommend a 30 year prison sentence when Despain is sentenced on September 17^th.

Deputy Prosecutor Mike Walden said prosecutors agreed to the deal out of concern over recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings about the admissibility of cellphone evidence that may have affected the state's case.

Jacquelyn Henley, Marc Despain's sister, told The Jonesboro Sun that the family wasn't expecting the guilty plea and was "shocked and relieved," with the development.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE

A Poplar Bluff woman is facing a felony drug charge following her arrest Friday afternoon.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 64 year old Linda F. Davis is facing a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance, Clorazepate.

Davis was arrested at 2:30 pm Friday afternoon in Butler County.

DEXTER MAN FACING METH CHARGE

A Dexter man was arrested Sunday evening on multiple drug related charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 28 year old Mark J. Owens was arrested in Stoddard County on charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance, marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

A Silva man was taken into custody early Friday morning on drug charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 44 year old Glen Reando was arrested in Wayne County on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, hydrocodone; and possession of a controlled substance, oxycodone.

Reando was also charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

SIKESTON MAN CHARGED WITH TAMPERING

A Sikeston man has been charged after he allegedly tried to force his way into a vehicle.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 41 year old Nickie J. Cain has been charged with felony first degree tampering.

A woman told a sheriff’s deputy on Saturday that Cain had broken the door handle off her pickup and left the scene. Cain was later located and reportedly admitted that he tried to force his way into the truck and broke the door handle off in the process.

WEEK AND A HALF LONG ROAD PROJECT BEGINNING TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in New Madrid County beginning today to partially overlay Route P.

The overlay is scheduled to be performed from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm daily through Thursday, August 21^st.

While work is ongoing, Route P will be reduced to one lane from Route BB to Route WW.

HIGHWAY 25 IN DUNKLIN COUNTY TO BE REDUCED FOR CONCRETE WORK

Route 25 in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform concrete work.

The work zone is located south of County Road 414 at White Oak to the city limits of Kennett.

Weather permitting, work will take place through Thursday, August 14^th from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.

August 8, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 080814  

TWO DIE DAYS AFTER TWO VEHICLE CRASH NEAR JACKSON

A vehicle crash near Jackson earlier this week has resulted in the death of two people.

Authorities say the crash occurred Sunday, just north of Jackson on Highway 61, when 39 year old Regina A. Mize drove her vehicle off the road, over corrected, crossed the center line and hit a van being driven by 70 year old Bertha M. Foster.

Mize and two of her passengers were seriously injured.  A fourth passenger and Foster received minor injuries.

Mize and 8 year old Justin T. Murphy were both pronounced dead yesterday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says Mize was charged with three counts of felony second degree assault, and possession of a controlled substance after the crash.

The deaths are the 31^st and 32^nd fatalities for 2014 in Troop E.

ARKANSAS MAN ARRESTED ON TWO COUNTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

An Arkansas man is facing charges following his arrest by Miner Police.

According to Missouri Case Net, 46 year old Jeff Mahaffey, of Ravenden, Arkansas, was arrested on two counts of second degree sexual abuse.

Mahaffey allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a Miner hotel.

WOMAN ARRESTED IN STABBING INCIDENT

A Steele woman is in custody for allegedly stabbing another woman in the head.

According to Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield, 25 year old Tonya Mayberry was arrested on Wednesday on charges of first degree assault and armed criminal action.

Mayberry was arrested in connection to an incident in July where she stabbed a 20 year old female with a knife during an altercation.

SEARCH LEADS TO DISCOVERY OF METH IN STEELE HOME

A man was caught Tuesday night trying to eat methamphetamine.

According to Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield, while executing a search warrant, officers found a 54 year old male attempting to swallow a substantial amount of purported methamphetamine.

Officers were able to retrieve the plastic baggie.

The suspects name is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges.

RURAL MOUNTAIN HOME MAN CHARGED WITH BURGLARY

A rural Mountain Home, Arkansas man is facing a burglary charge in connection to an incident earlier this month.

According to the Baxter County Sheriff’s Department, a report was filed on August 3^rd that said 30 year old James Cody Buchanan had entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence without permission, assaulted her, and attacked another man. He then reportedly fled from the scene.

Buchanan was arrested on August 6^th on charges of residential burglary, third degree domestic battery, and third degree battery.

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCE TEST TO BE HELD IN MALDEN

Three Rivers College will be hosting the HiSET High School Equivalence test next month in Malden.

The test, which has replaced the GED test, will be held at Three Rivers College Center in Malden from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday, September 20^th.

The registration period for the test closes on September 17^th. The test will cover writing, essay, math, science, social studies and reading. For more information or to register should go online to hiset.ets.org.

MISSOURI GAY MARRIAGE LAWSUIT MOVED FROM STATE TO FEDERAL COURT

A lawsuit challenging Missouri's ban on gay marriage has been moved to federal court instead of state court.

The lawsuit was originally filed in Jackson County by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of two same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses.

Attorney General Chris Koster's office intervened in the case and moved it to U.S. District Court. Koster's office said federal court is appropriate because the lawsuit alleges that Missouri's gay-marriage prohibition violates the U.S. Constitution.

Missouri voters adopted a state constitutional amendment in 2004 that limits marriage to one man and one woman.

A separate legal challenge still is pending in St. Louis Circuit Court. That case was prompted when St. Louis issued marriage licenses to several gay couples despite Missouri's prohibition.

MISSOURI CONSUMER SPENDING UP NEARLY FOUR PERCENT

A new federal report shows modest consumer spending increases in Missouri as the state's economy continues to improve five years after the Great Recession.

The U.S. Department of Commerce report released Thursday shows that consumer spending in the state increased nearly 4 percent in 2012, the latest year figures are available, with a 4.5 percent increase the previous year.

By contrast, statewide consumer spending decreased in 2009 amid a nationwide housing bust.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis study offers the first state-by-state comparison of consumer spending. North Dakota saw the greatest increase in per-person income in 2012, with a 16.2 percent hike driven by oil and natural gas production.

August 7, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 080714  

TWO FACING METH CHARGES IN BUTLER COUNTY

Two people are facing drug charges in Butler County after allegedly being found with methamphetamine.

According to KFVS, Savanah Lovette and Thomas Teyssier are facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

The pair allegedly left two children home alone while they were sleeping. When the children, ages 6 and 7, woke up, they went to a neighbor, who called the police.

Officers returned the children to the home where they reportedly found meth and marijuana. Teyssier and Lovette returned soon after and were taken into custody. The kids were placed into the care of the Missouri Children’s Division.

MALDEN MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

A Malden man has been charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection to his arrest in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 44 year old Timothy J. Newsom was taken into custody Tuesday night at 10 pm.

Newsom is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

ANNISTON MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO ASSAULT

An Anniston man has been taken into custody in connection to an alleged assault.

According to authorities, 48 year old Troy Alexander Knupp allegedly assaulted an elderly man and woman.

According to Missouri Case Net, Knupp has been charged with first degree domestic assault, second degree domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon. A warrant was issued for Knupp on July 30^th and it was served August 4^th.

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

The new school year is coming up and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is reminding parents to make sure their children have their required immunizations.

Children attending kindergarten through 12^th grade are required to have the following immunizations or booster shots: DtaP, IPV, Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella.

8^th through 12^th grade students are also required to have the Tdap immunization. For more information you can go online to www.health.mo.gov/immunizations or contact your local public health agency.

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT TO BE HELD THIS MONTH IN BUTLER COUNTY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint soon in Butler County.

According to Captain George Ridens, the checkpoint will be held sometime this month by the Highway Patrol in cooperation with local law enforcement.

Another checkpoint will also be held this month in Cape Girardeau County.

MODOT TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING TODAY FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN CARTER COUNTY

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing today to discuss proposed improvements to Route M in Carter County.

The hearing will be held from 4 to 6 pm at the Carter County Courthouse in Van Buren.

Visitors can stop by anytime during the event to discuss the project, which includes widening curves, replacing the one-lane bridge over Pike Creek with a 2-lane structure and adding paved shoulders from Route 60 to the end of state maintenance.

ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFERS CREDIT CARD TIPS FOR STUDENTS

As students prepare to head back to school, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says young consumers should use caution when considering applying for credit cards.

McDaniel also says laws are in place to protect college campuses from predatory credit card solicitations.

A 1999 state law restricts the practice of marketing credit cards on college campuses in an effort to combat high-pressure solicitations that target college students.

Congress also passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act in 2009, which bans solicitors from marketing credit cards within 1,000 feet of a college campus or off-campus student gatherings, such as athletic events.

For more information, visit the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division website, www.GotYourBackArkansas.org, or call (800) 482-8982.

ALMOST ONE IN FOUR REGISTERED VOTERS PARTICIPATED IN MISSOURI PRIMARY

Nearly 25 percent of Missouri's registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's primary elections.

Voter turnout figures show that a proposed transportation sales tax attracted the most votes, followed by constitutional amendments creating a right to farm and enhancing the state's right to keep and bear arms.

Voters defeated the tax while passing the measures adding constitutional rights.

The turnout was just slightly above the average of the past couple of decades for August primary elections and just slightly below the 27 percent predicted by local election officials.

Voter turnout ranged from a high of 46 percent in northeast Missouri's Knox County to a low of 16 percent in the city of St. Louis.

August 6, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 080614  

BUTLER COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS

Butler County residents came out to make their opinions heard during yesterday’s Missouri Primary.

In local races, Republicans were the only group to have competitive races. John Shock defeated Scott Dale by 104 votes for the nomination for Associate Circuit Judge for Division 3.

For the nomination for Presiding Commissioner of the County Commission, Vince Lampe won over Larry Kimbrow and Ed Strenfel. Lampe carried 2,963 of the 6,057 votes cast.

For the nomination for Poplar Bluff Ward 5 Committeeman, Peter Tinsley defeated Ryan Kyle Ortego 134 to 65.

HUBRECHT WINS STATE HOUSE SEAT IN SPECIAL ELECTION

Republican Tila Rowland Hubrecht has won a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Hubrecht defeated Democrat Ryan Holder during a special election held yesterday for Legislative District 151, which includes voters in Stoddard and Scott Counties. The special election was held to fill a seat left vacant after the resignation of State Representative Dennis Fowler.

Also, in Southeast Missouri, bond issues passed Bloomfield and Campbell while a school bond issue did not receive enough votes in Neelyville.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON GUN RIGHTS, FARMING, AND DIGITAL PRIVACY APPROVED

Voters approved three constitutional amendments yesterday during Missouri’s Primary election.

Missouri voters decided to bolster legal protection of electronic communications through a state constitutional amendment on digital privacy. Constitutional Amendment 9 had the biggest gap in voters with almost 75 percent of voters voting in favor.

The closest amendment race was for Constitutional Amendment 1 which unofficial numbers have being approved by just 2,528 votes of almost a million cast. The amendment proposed to make farming an official constitutional right, similar to existing protections for the freedoms of speech and religion.

Voters also passed Constitutional Amendment 5, which will expand state gun rights to cover ammunition and other accessories. It also will declare those rights to be "unalienable" and require any gun-control restrictions to be subject to strict legal scrutiny.

TAX AND LOTTERY MEASURES FAIL IN PRIMARY VOTE

Two of the five proposed constitutional amendments in Missouri failed during yesterday’s primary election.

Voters rejected a ballot measure that would have created a Missouri Lottery scratch-off ticket with net proceeds designated to help veterans. Unofficial numbers have Constitutional Amendment 8 failing by 10 percent of the vote.

Voters also decided against a sales tax increase to pay for roads and other transportation projects. Just over 59 percent of voters sided against the transportation tax.

FOOTBALL PLAYER TO HAVE SURGERY

A Poplar Bluff High School football player who collapsed during practice earlier this week is set to have surgery.

According to Poplar Bluff Mules Football fan page on Facebook, Caleb Morrow will go into surgery on Friday.

Morrow collapsed during the first day of football practice on Monday. A coach and athletic trainer performed CPR after Morrow collapsed.

WOMAN CLAIMS MAN ABUSED HER FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 YEARS

A Jonesboro man is facing a rape charge.

According to KAIT, Jonesboro authorities say a woman claimed that Richard Ressler abused her for approximately eight years until December 2012.

Ressler was ordered to be held on a bond of $100,000 on Monday with a court date set for August 29^th.

RAPE CHARGE DROPPED AGAINST NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN

A rape charge has been dropped against a man in connection to an incident in August of 2013 in Northeast Arkansas.

According to KAIT, the rape charge against Phillip Kyle Bunch, of Cave City, was dropped. Bunch was arrested and charged last year following the report of the alleged incident in Izard County.

NEW DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED FOR THREE RIVERS CENTER AT KENNETT

Three Rivers College has announced who has been chosen as the new director for the college’s center in Kennett.

Kathy Ballard will replace Ann Matthews, who was appointed as Dean of Student Services in July. Ballard has served as Coordinator of Disability Services since 2009 and has worked at Three Rivers since 1998.

ALMOST TWO MONTH LONG ROAD PROJECT BEGINNING TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Highway 61 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction over almost two months so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

The work zone is located from Larcel Drive to County Road 824.

Weather permitting, work will take place through October 1^st from 7 am to 5 pm daily.

August 5, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 080514  

BUTLER COUNTY COLLECTOR BRENDA FOX PASSED AWAY OVER THE WEEKEND

Butler County Collector Brenda Fox passed away over the weekend at the age of 62.

According to the Daily American Republic, Fox died on Sunday and had suffered from pancreatic cancer. Her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.

Fox served as Butler County Collector for almost 16 years.

POPLAR BLUFF FOOTBALL PLAYER COLLAPES DURING PRACTICE

A Poplar Bluff High School football player is recovering after collapsing yesterday during football practice.

According to an anonymous source, team members had been running plays for about 20 minutes during the first day of practice yesterday, when an unidentified sophomore collapsed. The source says the coach and athletic trainer immediately called for an ambulance and began performing CPR on the student.

Medical personnel were able to stabilize the teen. He is expected to fully recover. No word yet on what caused the collapse.

CAPE POLICE INVESTIGATE DOUBLE HOMICIDE

The Major Case Squad has been activated in Cape Girardeau to investigate a double homicide.

According to a release from the MCS, Cape officers responded to a call Sunday evening, shortly before 9:30 pm, about shots being fired on South Middle Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims, who were taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The victims have been identified as 20 year old Detavian L. Richardson and 28 year old Zatrun R. Twiggs, both of Cape Girardeau.

Investigators believe a white SUV, with multiple occupants, may have been involved in the incident.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 573-335-6621.

TWO ARRESTED AND ONE SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED POPLAR BLUFF ROBBERY

Two men are in custody and authorities are searching for a third in connection to a reported robbery.

According to Captain David Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, a 17 year old female reported that she had been riding in a vehicle with three men on Sunday. One of the men, 19 year old Demetri Rodgers, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, asked for her cell phone.

When she refused, Rodgers took it from her and another man,        23 year old Steven Moore, of Poplar Bluff, threatened her with a pistol. Moore and Rodgers then demanded money.

When the third man in the vehicle, 19 year old Terrance Fields, also of Poplar Bluff, pulled into a parking lot, the female fled from the vehicle and asked a bystander to call police.

Rodgers and Fields were later taken into custody on charges of first degree robbery, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. Rodgers was also booked on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance.

Steven Moore is still at large.

MISSOURI PRIMARY ELECTION IS TODAY

Be sure to get out and vote today as a part of the Missouri Primary election.

There are multiple constitutional amendments on the ballots as well as local bond issues. A special election is also being held today to fill a vacant spot for District 151 of the Missouri House of Representatives after the resignation of State Representative Dennis Fowler.

Polls will be open from 6 am to 7 pm today. You can find your local polling place by going online to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website at sos.mo.gov.

MISSOURI VOTERS TO DECIDE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON FARMING, GUNS, AND PRIVACY

Voters will decide today on Missouri constitutional amendments on farming, guns, and electronic privacy.

If passed, Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1 would guarantee the rights of Missourians to engage in farming and ranching practices, subject to any power given to local government under Article 6 of the Missouri Constitution.

If passed, Proposed Constitutional Amendment 5 would expand the right to keep and bear arms to include ammunition and related accessories for such arms. This amendment also removes the language that states the right to keep and bear arms does not justify the wearing of concealed weapons.

If passed, Proposed Constitutional Amendment 9 would specify that electronic data and communications have the same protections from unreasonable searches and seizures as persons, papers, homes, and effects.

TRANSPORTATION TAX AND LOTTERY TICKET TO SUPPORT VETERANS ON TODAY’S BALLOT

Two constitutional amendments regarding a transportation tax and a new lottery ticket to support veterans will appear on ballots today during the Missouri Primary election.

If passed, Proposed Constitutional Amendment 7 would increase funding for state, county, and municipal street, road, bridge, highway, and public transportation initiatives by increasing the state sales/use tax by three-quarters of one percent for 10 years.

The amendment would also prohibit a change in gasoline taxes and prohibits toll roads or bridges.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 8 would create a "Veterans Lottery Ticket." Revenues from sales of the tickets would be used for projects and services related to veterans.

NEW NORTHEAST ARKANSAS JAIL EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL THIS MONTH

The project manager of the new Greene County Jail says he expects it to be operational this month.

The Paragould Daily Press reports the new jail is set to house nearly 500 inmates. Project manager Dave Tierney says he expects the county sheriff will receive the jail's keys in a few days. He says while the construction has been behind schedule, they've built the facility under budget.

The jail had its official ribbon cutting ceremony in March.

The facility is about 75,000 square feet. Tierney says each inmate cell in the facility is constructed with thick steel and 500 pound doors.

ARKANSAS REVENUE IS BELOW FORECAST

Arkansas finance officials say sluggish corporate and sales tax collections pushed the state's revenue below forecast and the same month last year as it began the fiscal year.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration on Monday said the state's net available revenue totaled $403.1 million, which is $7.1 million below the same month last year and $9.8 million below forecast. Arkansas' fiscal year began July 1.

Corporate income tax collections totaled $18.4 million, which was $8.5 million below July 2013 and $9.7 million below forecast. Sales tax collections totaled $185.5 million, which was $500,000 below July 2013 and below forecast by $7.6 million.

Officials said they were encouraged by individual income taxes being on forecast and an increase in withholding.

August 4, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 080414  

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A Piggott, Arkansas man is dead in connection to a single vehicle wreck in Dunklin County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 44 year old Cheil Cardenas was driving a vehicle on Missouri Highway 25, when the vehicle ran off the road and overturned. Cardenas was ejected during the wreck and later pronounced dead at the scene.

The wreck occurred Saturday night near Clarkton.

JACKSON WOMAN FACING DRUG AND ASSAULT CHARGES

A Jackson woman is facing drug and assault charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 39 year old Regina Mize is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and three counts of second degree assault.

Mize was charged Sunday night a little over three hours after suffering serious injuries in a two vehicle wreck near Jackson. Four other people were injured in the wreck, two seriously.

JONESBORO WOMAN FACING SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE

A Jonesboro woman is facing a sexual assault charge.

According to KAIT, 21 year old Samantha Barnes reportedly admitted to having sex with a 14 year old boy.

MAN FACING DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGE AFTER VICTIM FOUND UNCONSCIOUS

An Oran man is facing a domestic assault charge in connection to an incident over the weekend.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, deputies responded to a domestic assault report Sunday morning at approximately 3:15 am. A witness said that he heard the victim yelling no, saw a man flee the residence, and then found the victim unconscious.

Deputies later took 33 year old Billy Abernathy Jr., of Oran, into custody. Abernathy has been charged with felony second degree domestic assault.

KENNETT MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE

A Kennett man is facing a drug charge after allegedly being found in possession of K2.

According to the Kennett Police Department, 22 year old Johnathon Winfield was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Officers located “K2” along with several baggies for packaging and a set of digital scales in Winfield’s pockets while arresting him for an active municipal warrant.

TWO DOGS STOLEN FROM HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau is searching for two dogs that were recently stolen.

According to the Humane Society, the dogs were taken Friday night.  Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 573-334-5837. A $500 reward is being offered for their safe return or information that leads to their return.

Pictures of the stolen animals are available on the KWOC Facebook Page.

MOBILE OFFICE SET FOR TODAY IN KENNETT

A mobile office has been scheduled for this afternoon in Kennett.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s staff will host the Mobile Office today from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the Kennett Chamber of Commerce.

Mobile Offices are opportunities for Missourians to discuss their questions or concerns with the federal government one-on-one with members of Senator Blunt’s staff.

NATIONWIDE MINI TOUR TO STOP IN POPLAR BLUFF TODAY

A country wide tour of Mini Cooper vehicles will be coming through Poplar Bluff today during their journey from Memphis to St. Louis.

The over 200 Mini Cooper drivers will be stopping to eat at Hayden’s BBQ on Maud Street between 11 am and 2 pm.

The Mini Takes the States Tour began in San Francisco on July 26^th and will wrap up on August 9^th in Boston.

MISSOURI REPORTEDLY DID NOT USE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR DRINKING WATER PROJECTS

A new report says millions of dollars in federal funds for drinking water projects in Missouri and four other states have been languishing unspent.

The Office of Inspector General for the Environmental Protection Agency says it found that five states - Missouri, California, Connecticut, Hawaii and New Mexico - have a total of about $231 million in their Drinking Water State Revolving Funds above the goal level.

The funds are for low-interest loans for drinking water infrastructure improvements and are provided to the states by the EPA. The report says the $231 million is idle when it could be used to help communities implement drinking water improvements.

In 2013, Missouri had nearly $60 million in unused DWSRF funds, with about $22 million in unused funds above the recommended level.

OVER ONE IN FOUR REGISTERED VOTERS PREDICTED TO VOTE IN TUESDAY’S PRIMARY

Missouri election authorities are predicting about one in four voters will cast ballots in tomorrow’s primaries.

Statewide voter turnout on Tuesday is projected at nearly 1.1 million people - about 27 percent of the almost 4.1 million Missourians registered to vote.

The turnout projections are compiled from figures collected by the secretary of state's office from each of Missouri's 116 local election jurisdictions.

They range from a projected high of 69 percent in northeast Missouri's Knox County to a low of 9 percent in southern Missouri's Howell County.

The primaries include contested races for state and federal legislative seats as well as county offices.

The ballot also features five proposed constitutional amendments, including one imposing a sales tax for transportation.

MIDWEST ECONOMIC INDEX SLUMPS AFTER THREE YEAR HIGH

A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwestern and Plains states has slumped after hitting a three-year high a month earlier.

A report issued Friday says the overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index dropped more than 3½ percentage points in July, to 57.0. The index had risen slightly in June, to 60.6.

Looking six months ahead, the business confidence portion of the overall index also declined. It hit 60.0 last month, compared with 63.6 in June.

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

The survey covers nine states including Missouri and Arkansas.

August 1. 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 080114  

ONE SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO JONESBORO ARMED ROBBERY

An armed robbery in Jonesboro has authorities searching for a suspect who is considered armed and dangerous.

According to KAIT, four men reportedly robbed a Dollar General store Wednesday night. One of the men, 20 year old Dre-Keillen “Shawn” Strickland allegedly hit a clerk in the face with a gun during the robbery. Police are searching for Strickland and anyone with information on his whereabouts to call (870) 935-STOP.

Three people have been arrested in connection to the case, 20 year old Dewayne Covington, 18 year old Aaron Pettis, and a juvenile.

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TRACTOR ACCIDENT IN OREGON COUNTY

Two people have serious injuries following a tractor accident in Oregon County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when a truck was attempting to start a tractor by pulling it through a field. Upon ignition, the tractor lost control and hit the truck and a pedestrian who was trying to gain control of the tractor.

The driver of the truck, 41 year old Michael Ficke, and the pedestrian, 58 year old Janet Sutton, both of Koshkonong, suffered serious injuries in the incident.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN TRIES TO MAIL METH TO TWIN IN JAIL

Police say twin brothers in Arkansas will soon be together after one tried to mail methamphetamine to the other who was in jail.

The Jonesboro Sun reports that 27 year olds Brandon and David Buck were arrested July 2 for meth possession. David Buck posted bond, but his brother remained incarcerated with a parole hold.

A Craighead County deputy says he was monitoring inmate phone calls Sunday when David Buck told his brother he was going to mail him meth. He says the drugs would be hidden under the label on an envelope.

Authorities say they intercepted the letter that contained suspected meth Tuesday.

A drug task force agent says he plans to seek an arrest warrant for David Buck.

Online jail records did not indicate an attorney for either brother.

DONIPHAN MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED POSSESSION OF SYNTHETIC NARCOTICS

A Doniphan man is facing charges following his arrest for alleged possession of a synthetic narcotic.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Joshua Smedley is facing a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance, synthetic narcotic. Smedley was also arrested on charges of possession of synthetic cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Smedley was arrested shortly before 3 pm Thursday afternoon in Ripley County

GIDEON MAN FACING METH CHARGE

A Gideon man was taken into custody Thursday night on a felony drug charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 25 year old Michael Kerr was arrested at 9 pm in New Madrid County on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Kerr is also facing charges of possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT IN JONESBORO TO GET OVER $100,000 GRANT

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman and Representatives Tim Griffin and Steve Womack have announced $700,000 in federal grants to be divided among five fire departments in Arkansas.

The grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program announced Thursday are to be used to purchase equipment, training materials and vehicles.

One of the departments selected was the Valley View Fire Protection District in Jonesboro; which will receive $100,482.

EARLY VOTING PROPOSAL APPEARS TO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE AMOUNT OF SIGNATURES NEEDED

A Missouri proposal to create one of the nation's most expansive early voting periods appears to have fallen short of the number of initiative petition signatures needed to make the November ballot.

An Associated Press analysis of tallies by Missouri's local election authorities shows the proposed constitutional amendment on early voting lacks enough valid signatures of registered voters in all but two of the state's eight congressional districts.

To qualify for the ballot, initiatives must get signatures equal to 8 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in at least six of the congressional districts.

That threshold appears to have been met by supporters of a separate initiative that would curb teacher tenure protections and require public schools to evaluate personnel based on student performance data.

STATE SALES TAX HOLIDAY BEGINS TODAY

The Missouri Back to School sales tax holiday begins today.

If you make a qualified purchase during the holiday, from August 1^st through August 3^rd, you will not have to pay Missouri’s sales tax.

In general, qualified items include clothing less than $100, school supplies not exceeding a total of $50 per purchase, and all computers and computer accessories less than $3,500.

City and County governments can also choose to suspend their sales taxes for the weekend. Poplar Bluff has chosen to not participate in the 2014 Sales Tax Holiday.