November 21, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 112114  

MALDEN WOMAN CHARGED WITH 2^ND DEGREE MURDER

A Malden woman has been charged with murder in connection to the death of a child.

According to KFVS, Tina Burton’s five year old child allegedly died from injuries received after being shaken.

Burton was taken into custody Thursday and is facing charges including second degree murder and second degree involuntary manslaughter.

AUTHORITIES IN CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY SEARCHING FOR MAN IN CONNECTION TO ASSAULT

Authorities in Cape Girardeau are searching for a man in connection to an alleged assault and robbery.

According to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office, a man told authorities that 25 year old Torian Hence, of Cape Girardeau, physically attacked him and robbed him of his wallet.

Hence has been charged with first degree robbery and second degree assault. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office.

DEXTER POLICE SEEK PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN BREAK-IN INVESTIGATION

Police in Dexter are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a business break-in.

According to Detective Captain Trevor Pulley of the Dexter Police Department, a man forcibly entered a downtown business on Tuesday.  The suspect was captured on video inside the business.

A photo of the suspect is available on our Facebook page.

Anyone with information about the break-in or the man in the photo is asked to contact the Dexter Police Department at 624-5512.

FESTUS MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF METH

Authorities arrested a Festus man Thursday afternoon on a meth charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 24 year old Benjamin Pendergrass was arrested in Wayne County shortly after 1:30 pm.

Pendergrass is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

TWO FACING MULTIPLE CHARGES AFTER DRUGS AND GUNS FOUND DURING PROBATION CHECK

A probation check has led to the arrest of two men in Randolph County, Arkansas.

According to authorities, 27 year old Cody Slusser and 21 year old Katelyn Matthews, both of Ravenden, were taken into custody on multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms; and possession of a defaced firearm.

Three other people were also arrested on misdemeanor charges.

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY TO INVEST ALMOST FOUR MILLION DOLLARS IN ARKANSAS

The Delta Regional Authority and its partners say they're investing more than $3.7 million in small business owners, entrepreneurs, families and communities to grow the economy and create jobs in the Arkansas Delta.

Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill announced seven new investments Thursday.

The projects range from building and repairing roadways and sewer systems to making hospital upgrades. Authority officials say the investments are expected to help create and keep 1,050 jobs for local residents.

The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership that is congressionally-mandated to help create jobs, build communities and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in the 252 counties and parishes of the Delta region.

GREATER POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2015 Gateway to Leadership Program.

The 12 month course is a community program designed to identify and motivate emerging and relocated leaders and to develop their potential for community leadership roles by acquainting them with the opportunities, realities and challenges of the community.

The time commitment is two to three hours per month. For more information, or to sign-up, contact Steve Halter at 785-7761.

RECOMMENDED PAY RAISE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS DRAWS IRE OF MISSOURI LAWMAKERS

A Missouri lawmaker is vowing to block recommended pay increases for elected officials.

Representative Mark Parkinson announced Thursday that he'll file a resolution against proposed salary increases next session.

A panel this week suggested 8 percent pay raises in fiscal year 2016 and again in 2017 for the governor and other statewide officials.

State lawmakers also would receive a $4,000 raise over two years.

But Parkinson, says the money could be better spent as the state's economy continues to recover.

November 20, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 112014  

POPLAR BLUFF NORDYNE PLANT TO FINISH CLOSURE NEXT MONTH

A suburban St. Louis-based company is shutting down two factories in Missouri that at one time employed more than 700 people.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that O'Fallon, Missouri-based Nordyne Inc. will finish closing its Poplar Bluff plant next month. The plant employed about 500 people.

Nordyne will begin closing its Boonville plant in December and finish by June, according to a notice filed with the Missouri Division of Workforce Development. About 240 workers will be impacted.

The company announced in March 2013 it would consolidate its Missouri plants at a new location in Saltillo, Mexico.

POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER WARNS ABOUT FALSE INVOICES

The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce is warning business owners and managers about a possible scam in the area.

The scam involves false invoices sent by fax from a company called American Yellow Corporation. According to an alert from the Chamber, several local businesspeople have received the fake bills.

The alert says the Better Business Bureau has given American Yellow Corporation a rating of F, due to several complaints alleging the company sends fraudulent invoices for directory publication services that were never ordered.

MAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE

A Clarkton man was shot Wednesday during a shootout with police.

According to KFVS, Elton Loughary allegedly fired a shot at police officers before an officer returned fire. Loughary was shot in the process and eventually was flown to a Memphis Hospital.

The incident is under investigation.

DONIPHAN HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ARRAIGNED ON FORGERY CHARGE

The principal at Doniphan High School was arraigned earlier this week on a felony forgery charge.

According to the Daily American Republic, 53 year old Ronald McCutchen allegedly forged a college placement test for a former student.

McCutchen was placed on paid administrative leave on October 1^st.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER INJURED IN CRASH WHILE ON DUTY

A law enforcement officer was injured Wednesday night after getting in a wreck while responding to a call of shots being fired.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Joshua Doyle, of Poplar Bluff, was responding to the call when he failed to negotiate a curve and ran off of Highway 164 in Pemiscot County.

Doyle suffered moderate injuries in the wreck.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER VEHICLE CRASHES INTO SHOP BUILDING

A man suffered serious injuries Wednesday in Bollinger County after a vehicle crashed into a shop building.

According to the Highway Patrol, 75 year old William Kramper, of St. Louis, was driving on Highway JJ near Patton when he ran off the side of the road and struck a wooden shop building.

Kramper also struck 74 year old Perry Long, who was in the building at the time. Long was seriously injured and taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

FIRST BUSINESS LOAN ISSUED THROUGH MISSOURI INNOVATION CORPORATION

The first business loan has been closed through the Missouri Innovation Corporation at Southeast Missouri State University.

The loan for just over $25,000 went to a craft coffee shop in Sikeston.

The Intermediary Relending Program is a revolving loan fund program managed by the MIC and funded by a $1 million investment from USDA Rural Development. It was established to help entrepreneurs in the region secure financing for their new or existing small businesses.

For more information about the program, go online to semo.edu.

TWO MILLION DOLLAR GRANT APPROVED FOR JOB TRAINING EFFORTS

A state board has approved a $2 million grant to help fund Missouri job-training efforts that have been scaled back because of a state budget freeze.

The money approved Tuesday by the Missouri Development Finance Board will go to a state program that helps pay for customized training for businesses.

The Missouri Works jobs training program was budgeted to get $14 million this year. Governor Jay Nixon froze all but $2 million of that because of concerns about the state's finances.

The Department of Economic Development cut its average training assistance in half to less than $20,000 per project, and it's funding just 112 of the 437 companies that applied.

The additional $2 million grant could provide funding for at least some of those other companies.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TO STOP ACCEPTING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THOSE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster no longer will accept campaign contributions from anyone under investigation by his office.

Koster on Wednesday announced the new, self-imposed policy after a New York Times report alleged he was influenced by lobbyists and campaign donations.

The report addressed claims that Koster, along with attorneys general across the country, changed policies and negotiated more favorable settlements after receiving campaign contributions and perks from lobbyists.

He says he also no longer will accept contributions from lobbyists or attorneys representing entities facing litigation from his office.

Gifts of any value from registered lobbyists are off the table, as well as contributions from members of Koster's office.

He's asking lawmakers to enact similar policies statewide.

Koster says the newspaper report distorts how his office deals with companies.

November 19, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111914  

GREENVILLE MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A Greenville man is dead following a single vehicle wreck on Tuesday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the vehicle of 21 year old Anthony Hamman ran off of Route C in Wayne County, hit an embankment, overturned, and ejected him.

Hamman was pronounced dead at the scene.

NAME RELEASED IN HOUSE FIRE DEATH

Authorities have released the name of a woman found dead following a house fire in Hayti.

According to KFVS, foul play is not suspected in the death of 64 year old Stella Rook. The fire started early Monday morning at around 2 am. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

POSSIBLE POLICE IMPERSONATOR IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Authorities in Northeast Arkansas are on the lookout for a possible police impersonator.

According to Imboden Live, a person was stopped by a man in a black vehicle in Craighead County at the intersection of Highways 91 and 18.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department describes the vehicle as a black Dodge Charger. The man was described as being a white male, 25 to 30 years old, around 5 foot 8 inches tall, and wearing black pants and a black police shirt.

TENNESSEE MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG AND WEAPON CHARGES

A Tennessee man has been charged following his arrest in New Madrid County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 25 year old Daniel Yarbro, of Jackson, Tennessee, is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, heroin; and unlawful use of a weapon.

Yarbro was taken into custody shortly after 3:30 pm on Tuesday.

HAYTI MAN CHARGED WITH FELONY LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

A Hayti man is facing multiple charges in connection to his arrest Tuesday afternoon in New Madrid County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 20 year old Keydric Dillard is facing a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident.

Dillard is also charged with first degree property damage and careless and imprudent driving.

FERRY TO BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT A WEEK

A western Kentucky ferry that connects Kentucky and Missouri has closed for about a week.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the Dorena-Hickman Ferry is going to a Memphis shipyard to be outfitted for a new barge. It's expected to take a week but may be longer. Afterward, the U.S. Coast Guard will inspect the ferry for safety before it returns to service.

The ferry connects Kentucky 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77, near Dorena, Missouri. It is the only direct route between the two states.

Kentucky and Missouri are the only border states that aren't directly connected by a road or bridge.

HIGHWAY PATROL TO HOLD SAFETY OPERATION THIS MONTH IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be conducting a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Project sometime this month in Southeast Missouri.

During the operation, troopers and officers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will be concentrating their efforts on locating commercial vehicles being operated in an unsafe manner, as well as drivers committing hazardous moving violations.

Authorities will be focusing their enforcement efforts on high crash corridors and high risk areas, including work zones and rural roads.

MISSOURI HUNTERS KILL OVER 91,000 DEER DURING OPENING WEEKEND

Hunters killed more than 91,000 deer in Missouri during the first weekend of firearms season.

The Missouri Department of Conservation on Monday said the number of deer shot during opening weekend is up roughly 30,000 from 61,446 last year.

The last time hunters checked this many deer during the first weekend of the season was in 2010, when Missouri reported 97,856 animals were killed.

Franklin County had the largest harvest with 1,839 deer, followed by Howell and Callaway counties with a little less than 1,800 each.

MISSOURI UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT LOWEST MARK SINCE 2008

Missouri's unemployment has dropped slightly to its lowest rate since June 2008.

The state Department of Economic Development released data Tuesday showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 6.3 percent in September to 5.9 percent in October.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment grew by 2,400 jobs in October and the financial sector employed 1,500 additional people.

Missouri has added more than 48,000 nonfarm jobs in the past year.

The 3 million seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew by more than 10,000 people in October. The labor force counts people with jobs and those who are on unemployment but looking for work.

November 18, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111814  

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING FIRE IN HAYTI

One person has died following a fire in Hayti.

The fire was reportedly at an area home early Monday morning.

According to KFVS, the cause for the fire is under investigation, but, foul play is not suspected. The name of the woman who died has not yet been made available.

ONE KILLED, THREE INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

A Blytheville woman has died following a 4 vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Mississippi County, Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the wreck occurred on an icy bridge on Interstate 55 at 4:35 am.

The driver of one of the vehicles, 61 year old Cynthia Simmons was killed in the wreck. The drivers of the three other vehicles suffered undisclosed injuries.

ORAN WOMAN SENTENCED IN CONNECTION TO BANK ROBBERY

An Oran woman has been sentenced for her role in a 2013 bank robbery.

According to the Southeast Missourian, Alisha Porter was sentenced to 60 months in prison on charges of conspiracy to commit a bank robbery and bank robbery.

Candice Wright, of Chicago, was also sentenced Monday to 70 months in prison on the same charges.

STEELE MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

A Steele man is facing an assault charge in connection to a weekend incident.

According to Missouri Case Net, Adam Jones, is facing charges of first degree assault and armed criminal action.

Jones is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Pemiscot County.

FOOD TAKEN FROM NORTHEAST ARKANSAS FOOD PANTRY

Thieves reportedly took $3,000 worth of food recently from a Luxora, Arkansas food pantry.

According to KAIT, the food was taken from God’s Angel Ministry. The thieves busted down part of a wall before taking the food which had been dropped off by just two days before.

MOBILE VET CENTER TO BE IN CLAY COUNTY ON WEDNESDAY

The Memphis Mobile Vet Center and a John J. Pershing VA Medical Center representative will be in Piggott Wednesday to offer information regarding VA services and resources available to veterans.

Some of the services offered by the vet center include individual, group, and family readjustment counseling to veterans and their families, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, and Military sexual trauma counseling.

The services are available at no charge and veterans do not need to be enrolled with VA to use the Vet Centers.

The Mobile Vet Center will be at the Clay County Courthouse in Piggott from 10 am to noon on Wednesday.

For more information should call the Memphis Vet Center at 901-544-01 73.

REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DROP

With the latest occurrences of freezing temperatures hitting the area, it is important to remember to keep your pets safe.

The Humane Society of Missouri says pet owners should bring their animals inside and also exercise caution when exposing them to the cold.

You should limit your pet’s time outdoors and be mindful of frostbite on ears, tail and paws.

We have additional tips from the Humane Society available on our Facebook page.

HIGHWAY PATROL TO HOLD PROJECT OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that area troopers will be participating in a project to keep roadways safe over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

According to Captain George Ridens, on Wednesday, November 26^th, and Sunday, November 30^th, Troop E officers will take part in the 20-Mile Trooper project. The project will see troopers assigned every 20 miles on Interstates 55 and 57, and on other selected secondary roads.

The Highway Patrol says the objective of the project is to place a trooper in close proximity of motorists who may need assistance and to aggressively enforce all traffic violations which may contribute to unsafe traveling conditions.

NATIONAL GUARD ACTIVATED IN ADVANCE OF GRAND JURY DECISION IN FERGUSON

Missouri's governor has again activated the National Guard in an effort to avoid more unrest in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson.

The announcement comes as a grand jury weighs criminal charges against Darren Wilson, the white police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown. Governor Jay Nixon gave no indication that an announcement is imminent. The prosecutor expects a decision this month.

In August, Nixon asked the troops to help quell the sometimes-violent protests that occurred nightly following the black 18-year-old's death.

There also are some operational differences this time. The St. Louis County Police Department will be in charge of security in Ferguson, working with the Highway Patrol and St. Louis city police as part of a unified command.

MISSOURI SHOWS DROP IN CHILD CARE PROGRAM

A report shows Missouri had the largest enrollment decline for a federal program that helps working parents pay for child care.

The October report by Center for Law and Social Policy, or CLASP, says the number of Missouri children receiving a federal child care subsidy fell by 12,300 from 2012 through 2013.

Some officials think a recovering economy is the cause for the decrease, with families earning too much to qualify for the child care discounts.

But some Missouri child advocates say otherwise. They think the state's reorganization of its Family Support Division offices in the Department of Social Services is preventing parents from signing up.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports state officials declined to comment or offer possible reasons for the decline.

November 17, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111714  

NEW MADRID MAN DIES IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH

A New Madrid man has been fatally injured in a single vehicle crash last night.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly before 8 pm in New Madrid County when the vehicle being driven by 54 year old Donald R. Johnson ran off the roadway into a ditch.  The accident happened about three miles east of Portageville on County Road 425.

Johnson was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

ICY DRIVING CONDITIONS CLAIM LIVES OF TWO CABOOL RESIDENTS

Icy driving conditions have claimed the lives of two Cabool residents.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 15 year old Alex Greuter and 37 year old Patricia M. Wiest were killed when the vehicle Greuter was driving slid on an icy bridge into the path of a U-Haul truck.

The crash happened at 7 pm on Highway 63, five miles north of Cabool.

Another passenger in Greuter’s vehicle, 15 year old Aleena C. Kaltenberger received serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

WOMAN KILLED WHEN HOME IN KEISER EXPLODES

Mississippi County, Arkansas authorities say a woman was killed and her son injured when their home in Keiser exploded.

Investigators told reporters that the woman was killed in her late 80s or early 90s and that her 62 year old son was flown to a Memphis hospital for treatment of burns he suffered in the blast on Saturday.

The names of the two were not released.

Fire Chief Joseph Richmond said the cause of the blast is still under investigation and could take several days to determine.

CALL FROM RHODE ISLAND LEADS TO ARREST OF SCOTT COUNTY MAN ON EXPLOITATION CHARGES

A call from police in Rhode Island has led to the arrest of a Scott County man.

According to authorities, an investigation was started after an officer with the Smithfield, Rhode Island Police Department called the Morehouse Police Department, saying 22 year old Jayson Luther had been having inappropriate communication with a 14 year old girl.

Two mobile devices and a laptop were seized during a search of Luther’s home.  Investigators found evidence that supported the allegations, as well as evidence that Luther had also been in contact with a 15 year old girl.

Luther has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and enticement of a child.  Additional charges may be filed at a later date.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED FOR HEROIN POSSESSION

A Poplar Bluff man is facing drug related charges after his arrest by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Friday.  According to the Patrol, 25 year old Derek E. Sieben was taken into custody shortly before 10 pm in Wayne County.  He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, heroin; and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

The Patrol reports a second Poplar Bluff man was also arrested at the same time.  23 year old Tanner D. Harris was found to be in illegal possession of a prescription medication.  He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, Alprazolam; driving while intoxicated, drugs; unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and several other traffic offenses.  Harris was also taken into custody shortly before 10 pm Friday in Wayne County.  However, the Patrol didn’t specify if Sieben and Harris’ arrests were related.

DONIPHAN MAN FACING MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES

A Doniphan man is facing multiple drug related charges after being arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Saturday morning.

According to the Patrol, 26 year old Jeremy A. Riggs was arrested shortly after 9 am yesterday in Butler County.  Riggs has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, prescription drugs; possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; and possession of marijuana.

SIKESTON MAN ARRESTED ON WEAPON CHARGE

A Sikeston man has been taken into custody on a weapon related warrant.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 49 year old Steven D. Peet was arrested in Scott County shortly before 1 am Saturday on a warrant for unlawful use of a weapon.

EMPLOYEE IN HOSPITAL AFTER GIN MACHINE ACCIDENT

A 68 year old worker with the Bay Gin Company, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized after being injured by a piece of equipment Saturday night.

Authorities say the man got his arm stuck in a machine.  Rescue workers and other employees were able to free the man after taking the machine apart.  He was treated at the scene and then airlifted to the Med in Memphis for additional treatment.

NUMBER OF MISSOURI’S HOUSE GOP WOMEN GROWS

More than twice the number of Republican women will serve in Missouri’s House next session than a decade ago.

Data from the National Conference of State Legislatures show a slight increase in the number of female lawmakers driven partly by more GOP women in the lower chamber.

The total number of female lawmakers in the General Assembly also increased slightly to 48 from 44 in 2000.

House majority leader John Diehl says it’s in part due to party efforts to recruit more women, although only slightly more female candidates ran this year than a decade ago.

A leader of the Missouri Women’s Political Caucus says about 25 percent of women in the legislature still underrepresents the 51 percent of in Missouri.  She says there’s still work to do.

November 14, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111414  

BLODGETT WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER OBTAINING OVER 1000 PAIN PILLS IN THREE MONTH PERIOD

A Blodgett woman is in custody following a doctor shopping investigation.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 51 year old Diana Breedlove used different pharmacies to obtain over 1,000 pain pills over a three month period. The pills had a street value over approximately $4,248.

Breedlove has been charged with fraudulently attempting to obtain a controlled substance.

WOMAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO THREAT AT DEXTER SCHOOL

A woman is facing a charge after reportedly making a threat at a Dexter school.

According to KFVS, authorities say that 45 year old Stacy Griffin made the threat and indicated that she had a gun in connection to a child custody issue.

Authorities apprehended Griffin less than an hour after the threat was made. Griffin has been charged with possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING INCIDENT WHERE BULLET HITS CAR IN BOLLINGER COUNTY

Authorities in Bollinger County are investigating an incident Thursday where a shot was fired and reportedly hit a car.

According to KFVS, the incident occurred at around 7 am on Highway 34. Two people were in the vehicle, however the shot missed them both.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department at 573-238-2633.

NEIL SIMON CLASSIC TO BE PERFORMED AT THE TINNIN CENTER

The Neil Simon play “The Good Doctor” will be performed at the Tinnin Center in Poplar Bluff later this month.

The performance, by the Three Rivers College Theatre Company “Center Stage,” will premiere on November 20^th at 7 pm. Additional performances will follow at 7 pm on November 21^st and 22^nd, before a final show at 2 pm on November 23^rd.

Tickets are $10, or $5 with a valid Three Rivers student ID. Tickets are available at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the Financial Services office at Three Rivers Poplar Bluff Campus, or can be purchased at the door.

BRIDGE BUILDING COMPETITION SET FOR NEXT WEEK

Area high school students will be putting their bridge building skills to the test next week in Cape Girardeau.

The 11th Annual Bridge Building Competition will be held Thursday, November 20^th at the Cape West 14 Cine. 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.

The competition is set to begin at 8:45 am. Doors will open at 8 am.

GOVERNOR NIXON ENCOURAGES HUNTERS TO SHARE THE HARVEST DURING STOP IN SIKESTON

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon was in Sikeston Thursday to encourage area hunters to participate in the Share the Harvest program.

Share the Harvest is a partnership between the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation, regional food banks, local food pantries and meat processors to provide venison donated by hunters and processors to Missouri families in need.

Nixon made the statements at an event at the SEMO Food Bank.

The 2014 Missouri firearms deer season runs this year from November 15^th through November 25^th.

SENATOR FROM CAPE GIRARDEAU INTRODUCES ABORTION CLINIC LEGISLATION

A Missouri lawmaker is trying again to require health inspections of abortion clinics.

State Senator Wayne Wallingford has submitted legislation that would mandate the Department of Health and Senior Services conduct annual health inspections of certain abortion clinics.

The bill is scheduled to be introduced during the General Assembly session that begins in January.

If it passes, clinics that perform abortions for women in the second or third trimesters would be subject to inspection. Clinics that perform at least five first-trimester abortions each month also would be inspected.

The Republican senator from Cape Girardeau says the bill is intended to make abortions safer for Missouri women by ensuring procedures are conducted in clean facilities.

Wallingford introduced similar legislation last session that never made it to a full Senate vote.

HEALTH ADVOCATES TRYING TO ENCOURAGE RURAL RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTHCARE

Missouri health advocates are trying to encourage more minorities and rural residents to sign up for insurance through a federally run website.

An open enrollment period begins Saturday for 2015 insurance policies offered on HealthCare.gov, the online insurance marketplace established under the federal health care law.

About 150,000 Missouri residents already are covered by insurance policies available through the site. They will automatically be re-enrolled but can change policies if they want.

The nonprofit Missouri Foundation for Health has distributed $4.5 million in grants this year for regional organizations to promote the website and help people sign up. The foundation says it increased the money flowing to groups working with minority residents in urban areas and to organizations based in some rural areas such as the Bootheel.

November 13, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111314  

BODY FOUND OF MISSING NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN

The body of a missing man was found Wednesday in Northeast Arkansas.

According to Imboden Live, the body of Steven Liles was found in a wooded area near Village Creek. Liles had been missing after last being seen on Friday in the Alicia area.

No foul play is suspected in the death, however Liles body will undergo an autopsy.

TWO HOUSES DESTROYED AND ONE PERSON INJURED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS EXPLOSION

Authorities say a woman suffered burn injuries and two homes were destroyed in an explosion in Osceola.

Osceola Police Chief David Gladden told reporters that the blast was reported about 5:30 am Wednesday and that it also damaged seven other nearby homes.

Investigators said the woman who was burned said she was lighting a cigarette when the explosion occurred, leading authorities to suspect a possible gas leak as the cause. The woman was flown to a Memphis, Tennessee, hospital. Her condition was not immediately released.

SIKESTON AREA MAN IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT

An alleged domestic violence incident has led to the arrest of a Sikeston area man on a firearm charge.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, authorities were dispatched to a residence on Tuesday for a delayed report of a domestic assault.

The victim said that she was assaulted by 23 year old Joshua Powell and locked in a storage shed on November 9^th.

Powell said he had pushed the victim to the ground but was defending himself. The victim later stopped cooperating with authorities and stated she did not want to press charges.

While at the residence the deputy found two firearms that Powell said were his. The firearms were confiscated as Powell is prohibited by law to possess them. Powell has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

INMATE ASSAULT LEADS TO CHARGES AGAINST FOUR MEN

An alleged assault of an inmate in Mississippi County has led to charges against four other inmates.

According to authorities, the victim was reportedly assaulted and had property stolen.

Four inmates are facing charges of second degree assault and first degree robbery. The inmates are 45 year old Clifford Ray Williams, 31 year old Teco Vanshawn Woods, 30 year old Sterling Lamarr McCain, and 19 year old Demetric Takyrick Owens.

CORNING MAN ARRESTED AFTER REPORTEDLY BEING FOUND WITH METH

A Corning man was taken into custody on Monday.

According to authorities, 41 year old Christopher Garrett was allegedly found in possession of four ounces of methamphetamine.

The arrest occurred Monday in Hoxie.

THREAT REPORTEDLY MADE AT DEXTER SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY

A person of interest was taken in custody Wednesday in connection to an alleged threat at a Dexter School.

According to KFVS, the threat was not a bomb threat, however additional information was not released due to the incident being under investigation.

The person of interest was not on school grounds when taken into custody.

MAN HITS POLICE VEHICLE AND HOUSE IN JONESBORO

A man is reportedly facing a fleeing charge after hitting a police vehicle and a home Wednesday in Jonesboro.

According to authorities, 19 year old Damontay Wright had gotten into a chase with officers, which ended after he crashed into a home.

A person in the house at the time was uninjured.

LAWMAKERS TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL

A panel of state lawmakers has been formed to look into allegations involving lobbyist perks and campaign contributions going to Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster.

Republican House Speaker Tim Jones on Wednesday announced the committee will review allegations reported in a New York Times article against Koster and attorneys general across the country.

The New York Times report addressed claims that Koster, a Democrat, changed policies and negotiated more favorable settlements after receiving campaign contributions and perks from lobbyists.

Koster has said the New York Times report distorts how his office dealt with the companies and cited previous legal actions taken against companies.

Republican state Representative Jay Barnes of Jefferson City will be chairman of the review committee. Republican Representative Stanley Cox of Sedalia will serve as vice chairman.

LAWMAKERS PUSHING FOR STRICTER STANDARDS FOR SMOG POLLUTION

A group of Democratic Missouri state lawmakers is calling for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue stricter standards for smog pollution.

The lawmakers have written the agency requesting the smog pollution standard be bumped down to 60 parts per billion.

The current standard is 75 parts per billion.

A federal judge in California ruled the EPA must draft new standards for ground-level ozone pollution by December.

St. Louis state Senators Jamilah Nasheed and Scott Sifton and House members Gina Mitten, Jeanne Kirkton, Stacey Newman, Tommie Pierson and Clem Smith submitted letters.

Others who support toughen the standards include Kansas City House members Jon Carpenter, Randy Dunn, Jeremy LaFaver and Judy Morgan, along with Tom McDonald of Raytown, Margo McNeil of Florissant and Bill Otto of St. Charles.

November 12, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111214  

MAN FOUND DEAD FOLLOWING FIRE

A man was found dead following a fire earlier this week in Cape Girardeau.

According to authorities, on Monday, James Stuart Weber was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire on Big Bend Road.

The death is under investigation.

MAN SENTENCED AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO COMPUTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

A Bay, Arkansas man has been sentenced to two years in prison on a computer child porn charge.

According to authorities, 55 year old Carl Russell Carter was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by a 72 month suspended imposition of sentence on a charge of computer child pornography.

Carter pleaded guilty to the charge on November 3^rd.

JONESBORO MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BATTERY AND THREATENING CHARGE

A Jonesboro man is facing almost five years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges.

According to KAIT, 27 year old Jose Juan Marquez recently pled guilty to charges of battery and terroristic threatening. The charges are in connection to an incident where a woman was shot in the stomach.

Marquez was sentenced to five years in prison along with a 10 year suspended imposition of sentence.

SCOTT CITY WOMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS

A Scott City woman was taken into custody early Tuesday morning on multiple warrants.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 41 year old Rose Rhodes was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and warrants out of Cape Girardeau County and Scott City.

Rhodes was arrested at around 2:30 am Tuesday in Cape Girardeau County.

STODDARD COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT PREPARING FOR 29TH ANNUAL HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS PROJECT

This year will be the 29^th year of the annual Home for the Holiday’s project in Stoddard County.

The project, by the Stoddard County Ambulance District, allows patients who are unable to travel home from nursing facilities, except by ambulance, to be with their families for Thanksgiving.

There will be no charges for either the patients or the family for the service, but it will be limited to patients who cannot get home by any means but an ambulance.

Patients must be in a nursing home in Stoddard County and can only be transported to a residence in the county as well. To make arrangements, or for more information, ask the staff at your nursing home.

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY

A Dunklin County road will be closed today for a pipe replacement.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route MM will be closed from 8 am to 3 pm today for the replacement.

The work zone will be located between County Roads 110 and 102.

JAY NIXON BECOMES VICE CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS’ BIOFUELS COALITION

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is in line to serve as a leader of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition.

Nixon's office said Monday that he will become vice chairman of the organization in 2015 and then could become chairman in 2016 when Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's term ends.

The coalition supports fuels such as ethanol made from corn.

The membership of the biofuels coalition includes 33 states, plus the Canadian province of Quebec, the Australian state of Queensland and the countries of Brazil, Mexico, Sweden and Thailand.

Former Missouri Governors Mel Carnahan and Bob Holden also served as chairmen of the biofuels group.

OPEN ENROLMENT BEGINS THIS WEEKEND FOR FEDERAL HEALTHCARE WEBSITE

Some Missouri residents could have more choices but also see higher costs when enrollment begins for health insurance plans offered through a federally run website.

Open enrollment starts Saturday for people wanting to purchase insurance for 2015 through HealthCare.gov, which offers subsidized coverage under the federal health care law.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that some people will have more choices. For example, there will be four insurers selling a total of 42 different plans in the St. Louis area, up from two insurers offering a combined 25 plans this past year.

But some of the monthly premiums also will be higher. For example, the lowest-cost premiums will rise nearly 12 percent for a 27-year-old nonsmoker in St. Louis County.

November 11, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111114  

INVESTIGATION ONGOING INTO MISSING MAN IN ARKANSAS

Authorities in Lawrence County, Arkansas say a man has been missing since Friday.

According to Imboden Live, Steven Liles was last seen on Friday in the Alicia area. He was reportedly walking with a suitcase which was later recovered from a ditch.

A search was conducted for Liles on Saturday. Anyone with information on Liles whereabouts is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 870-886-2525.

BODY FOUND NEAR CAPE GIRARDEAU RULED TO BE FROM A SUICIDE

Authorities in southeast Missouri say a 64 year old man whose body was found in a lake committed suicide.

The Southeast Missourian reports that the body of Terry Dale Dalton of Cape Girardeau was found Saturday morning in Elk's Lake north of Cape Girardeau.

The death was initially considered suspicious. Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton says Dalton had self-inflicted wounds from a handgun, which was also found in the lake.

Relatives had become concerned Friday when Dalton failed to return home from work. A member of a search party found his body in the lake just after midnight Saturday.

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO STABBING INCIDENT

A man has been arrested in connection to a stabbing incident.

According to the Izard County Sheriff’s Department, 53 year old Noel Gene Loosey, of Calico Rock, was arrested on November 5^th. He is facing a charge of first degree battery.

33 year old Kenny Vandrimmelen had reportedly been in an argument with Loosey on November 3rd, when Vandrimmelen was stabbed with what is believed to be a straight blade knife.

JACKSON WOMAN SENTENCED FOR FILING FALSE TAX RETURNS

A 42 year old Missouri woman has been sentenced for more than four years in federal prison for preparing false income tax returns that resulted in a loss to the government of more than $316,000.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom says Cynthia M. Raymond of Jackson, Missouri, was sentenced Monday to 51 months after pleading guilty to five counts of filing false tax returns and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Raymond admitted submitting 98 false tax returns under the names of 36 clients for the 2007 through 2010 tax years. Her clients weren't aware that she included false deductions on their tax returns and kept part of the refunds.

Grissom says Raymond filed the returns electronically and provided her clients with different returns than the ones she filed with the IRS.

LOUISIANA MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES IN SCOTT COUNTY

A Louisiana man is facing multiple charges following his arrest Monday in Scott County.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, Monday morning authorities responded to an area business in reference to a naked male.

At the location, they found 44 year old Tyler Levron, of Denison, Louisiana partially clothed behind the steering wheel of a red pickup. Two Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills were found in a pocket of the pants Levron was wearing during a search.

Levron is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, and driving while suspended.

TWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP IN HOXIE

Two men are in custody after drugs were allegedly found during a traffic stop.

According to authorities, four ounces of methamphetamine ice were reportedly found during the traffic stop in Hoxie. Two men in the vehicle, 41 year old Christopher Garret and 36 year old Donald Malin, were arrested and are each facing a charge of intent to deliver a controlled substance.

AREA VETERAN RECEIVES VETERANS SERVICE AWARD

A Veteran from Poplar Bluff has been chosen to receive a Veterans Service Award.

Richard Deason was chosen as a recipient of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor's Veterans Service Award, along with 23 other veterans. The award is for veterans who provide exemplary volunteer service to their communities.

Deason was nominated for the award by Missouri Senator Doug Libla.

VETERANS COUNCIL TO HOST EVENT TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF FOR VETERANS DAY

An Veterans Day event has been scheduled for today in Poplar Bluff.

The event will be hosted by the Poplar Bluff Veterans Council at the Black River Coliseum Veterans’ Wall beginning at 11 am.

Vietnam Veteran and Wall of Valor honoree Paul Schuerenberg will be speaking at the event.

MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL TO BE PERFORMED THIS WEEKEND

A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” will be performed this weekend at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff.

The performance of “Bah! Humbug!” by the Imaginary Theatre Company will begin at 2 pm on Sunday, November 16^th.

The show follows filthy-rich businessman Ebenezer Scrooge as three ghosts help him learn the importance of kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Tickets are available at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the Three Rivers College Business Office, and at trcc.edu/tinnin. Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $5.

BELOW AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN THE FORECAST FOR THIS WEEK

Freezing weather is expected throughout much of Arkansas this week as a front brings temperatures that are much colder than normal for November.

The National Weather Service says the cold front will move through the state Tuesday. On Wednesday, high temperatures will be about 15 to 20 degrees below normal, reaching only the 40s in most areas.

It's expected to be even colder Thursday with some areas not making it out of the 30s.

The weather service says the weekend could bring some wintry precipitation, but it's still uncertain this far out. Forecasters say a storm system is expected to approach Arkansas from the southwest, which could lead to a wintry mix in the northern parts of the state this weekend.

November 10, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 111014  

FREDERICKTOWN MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH

A single vehicle crash has claimed the life of a Fredericktown man.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 76 year old Jimmie P. Wall received fatal injuries Saturday afternoon in Madison County when the vehicle he was a passenger in ran off the roadway on Highway 67, struck a highway sign and caught on fire.

Wall was not wearing a safety device.

CAPE WOMAN FACING DRUG CHARGES AFTER ARREST IN STODDARD COUNTY

A Cape Girardeau woman is facing drug and traffic charges after being arrested Friday night in Stoddard County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that 24 year old Samantha E. Hurdle was taken into custody shortly before 11:30 pm on two counts of possession of a controlled substance, as well as multiple traffic violations.

WEEKEND ARRESTS LEADS TO DRUG CHARGES FOR CARUTHERSVILLE WOMAN

A Caruthersville woman’s weekend arrest by the Missouri State Highway Patrol has led to drug charges.

According to the Patrol, 49 year old Lanell A. Thomas was arrested early Sunday morning in Pemicot County.  Thomas has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving while intoxicated.

WEEKEND ARREST IN PEMICOT COUNTY LEADS TO CHARGES FOR BLYTHEVILLE MAN

A Blytheville, Arkansas resident is facing drug related charges after being arrested in Pemiscot County early yesterday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 53 year old Victor D. Beaugard was taken into custody shortly after 1 am yesterday and has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

GIVING CIRCLE GIVES $4000 IN GRANTS TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

The Poplar Bluff Regional Giving Circle has awarded $4000 in grants to four local non-profit organizations.

Charlie Harper, Board President of the Giving Circle, says the grants were awarded during the organization’s annual meeting Saturday.

According to Harper, Giving Circle members voted to give $600 to the Butler County Council on Aging for the purpose of making repairs to appliances at the Northside Nutrition Center, $600 to CASA to pay for training for new volunteers, $1950 to the Child Concern Center to purchase a new freezer and office equipment, and $850 to Recycling Grace to help pay for food for residents.

For more information about the Poplar Bluff Regional Giving Circle, go to pbgivingcircle.org.

ROUTE E IN WAYNE COUNTY CLOSED FOR TREE TRIMMING

A portion of Route E in Wayne County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews trim trees.

The affected section of roadway is located from Business 67 to County Road 537.  Work is scheduled to take place today from 9 am to 1 pm.

YOUTH DEER HARVEST DOWN 3 PERCENT IN MISSOURI

Young Missouri hunters killed 18,091 deer in the first youth weekend deer hunt of the season.

The Daily American Republic in Poplar Bluff says the number marks a 3 percent drop from last year's 18,676. But even with the drop, the harvest was the third-largest since the season was split into two segments in 2008.

The first youth hunt is November 1-2, while the second is January 3-4.

The state Conservation Department says the youth deer hunting season is part of its efforts to recruit new hunters. Hunters must be at least 6 and no older than 15 to participate.

NEARLY HALF OF ARKANSAS REGISTERED VOTERS CAST BALLOTS IN GENERAL ELECTION

The Arkansas Secretary of State's Office says nearly half of Arkansas' registered voters cast ballots in this year's general election.

Secretary of State Mark Martin says about 49 percent of the state's 1.7 million voters cast ballots in the recent election. That's up from the most recent midterm election in 2010, when 47.6 percent of Arkansas' 1.6 million registered voters participated.

This year's numbers are slightly below Martin's projection of 51 percent voter turnout.

The secretary of state's office is now in the process of certifying the election results, which must be completed within 15 days of the election.

November 7, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 110714  

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN SENTENCED IN WOMAN’S DEATH

A Northeast Arkansas man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of negligent homicide.

29 year old Carlos Coronado was given 135 days in jail, in addition to a six month suspended imposition of sentence for the death of Karrie Deshae Shadwick.

According to KAIT, Coronado and Shadwick had reportedly been shooting guns to celebrate New Years, when Shadwick was shot and killed. The two had been pointing guns at each other and Coronado told authorities that he thought the gun was empty.

TWO WOMEN FACING CHARGES OF BURGLARY AND STEALING

Two women have been arrested in connection to an alleged burglary.

According to KFVS, a Mississippi County resident alerted authorities on Tuesday that clothes and jewelry had been stolen from her home.

An investigation led to the arrest of 53 year old Janet Marie Williams and 28 year old Laura Jean Williams, both of East Prairie.

Both women are facing charges of second degree burglary and felony stealing.

MISSOURI STATE VETERANS CEMETERY TO HOLD VETERANS DAY PROGRAM

The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield will be holding their annual Veterans Day Program next week.

The program on Tuesday will begin at 1 pm at the Committal Shelter Plaza in the cemetery. The keynote speaker for this year’s program is Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gargas.

MOBILE OFFICE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY IN KENNETT

Staff Members of United States Senator Roy Blunt will be in Kennett on Monday to meet with area residents.

The Mobile Office will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 pm on Monday 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.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY DAY TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK AT THREE RIVERS

The Three Rivers College Music Department will be holding the Annual Music Technology day next week at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

The event on November 13^th will feature a day of music technology master classes for college, high school and junior high music students, followed by an evening concert by area jazz groups.

The concert will begin at 6:30 pm and is open to the public. There will be performances by the Three Rivers College Jazz Band, Poplar Bluff Junior High Jazz Bands, Poplar Bluff High School Jazz Band and the New Arts Jazztet from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Admission will be $3 for adults and $1 for students and children.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERING MASS FLU CLINICS

Multiple mass flu clinics have been scheduled in Arkansas over the next month.

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, a Mass Flu Clinic is a day-long event where a community comes together to immunize as many people as possible.

Some of the clinics will even have “drive-thrus” available. For more information along with a list of upcoming mass flu clinics, go online to healthy.arkansas.gov.

PETITION DRIVE STARTED TO GET MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION MEASURE PUT ON MISSOURI BALLOT

Supporters of legalized marijuana are getting an early start on a petition drive to put the measure on Missouri's 2016 ballot.

Columbia attorney Dan Viets has already submitted an initiative petition to the secretary of state's office. That's the first step in an approval process that could clear the way for supporters to start collecting signatures from registered voters.

The proposed constitutional amendment would make it legal to manufacture, sell and use marijuana in Missouri for people age 21 and older. Viets said Thursday that the measure is intended to tax and regulate marijuana in the same way as alcohol.

The Missouri initiative comes after voters on Tuesday approved legalized marijuana in Alaska, Oregon and Washington, D.C. Recreational use of marijuana already is legal in Colorado and Washington state.

GOVERNOR NIXON RELEASES SOME FROZEN STATE FUNDS

Governor Jay Nixon has released more than $5.6 million in state funds he had frozen earlier, saying the move was possible because Missouri gained jobs in September.

Wednesday's release includes $2 million for the A+ Scholarship program and $1 million for Access Missouri scholarships.

Nixon also unfroze $1 million for high-tech startups, $500,000 for multijurisdictional drug task forces and $450,000 for the Missouri Rx program to residents pay for prescription drugs.

The announcement came on day after Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment that allows lawmakers to override a governor's decision to freeze or slow spending.

Republican House members say they might use the power to override Nixon's spending freezes as early as January.

OVER 28,000 ARKANSAS EMPLOYEES TO GET PAY RAISE

More than 28,000 Arkansas state workers are set to receive a 1 percent pay raise that had been delayed.

Department of Finance and Administration Director Richard Weiss told state agency directors in a memo Thursday that a cost-of-living adjustment will appear in employees' November 28 paychecks.

Weiss says in the memo that Governor Mike Beebe asked finance officials to review the performance of the state's economy and revenue collections for the first quarter of the year.

Weiss says Beebe directed the raise be implemented after the state's revenue ended the first three months of the year above forecast.

State Personnel Administrator Kay Terry says the raise is expected to cost the state $2.7 million for the rest of the fiscal year.

November 6, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 110614  

CAMPBELL WOMAN KILLED IN WRECK NEAR QULIN

A Campbell resident is dead and another is injured in connection to a two vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred three miles south of Qulin on Highway 53. A vehicle driven by 23 year old Chelsea Hill ran off the side of the road, overcorrected, and slid into the path of another vehicle.

Hill was ejected from the vehicle and later pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries.

POCAHONTAS WOMAN DIES FROM WEEKEND CAR WRECK

A Pocahontas woman has died from injuries she received in a weekend car wreck.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 47 year old Sherry A. Parker’s vehicle was hit head on by a vehicle on Saturday. She was taken to a Memphis hospital, where she later died.

SCOTT CITY AREA MAN CHARGED WITH SEX CRIME

A Scott City area man has been charged with a sex crime in Scott County.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 41 year old Todd Michael Kluesner was arrested Tuesday in connection to allegations of molestation.

Kluesner has been charged with attempted statutory sodomy in the first degree, attempted deviant sexual intercourse with another person under 14 years old; and 3^rd degree assault.

JONESBORO POLICE INVESTIGATING ROBBERY

Jonesboro authorities are investigating a robbery.

According to KAIT, an area woman was reportedly robbed by two men Tuesday evening.

The men approached the woman as she was walking to her car from her work at around 6:15 pm. They shoved her into the car before escaping with her belongings.

No arrests have been made in the case.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SPRING SEMESTER AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE

Registration is now open for the upcoming spring semester at Three Rivers College.

New and returning students can register for classes at the Poplar Bluff campus and the centers in Sikeston, Dexter, Kennett, Malden, Willow Springs, Piedmont, and Cape Girardeau.

Current students, with advisor approval, can also register online through the myTRCC system.

Registration will continue through January 9^th, with the semester beginning on January 12^th.

RICHARDSON CHOSEN MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER IN MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Following his reelection on Tuesday, Representative Todd Richardson has some new duties in the Missouri House.

Richardson was chosen to serve as the Majority Floor Leader for the 98^th General Assembly. Richardson will take over for John Diehl Jr., who was chosen as the next Speaker of the House.

In his new role, Richardson will set the legislative calendar and determine which legislation makes it to the floor for debate and when.  The Majority Floor Leader also controls the flow of business on the House floor and is considered the second most powerful position in the Missouri House of Representatives.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Missouri Department of Social Services has announced that applications are being accepted for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The program offers help paying heating bills through March.  Payment amounts can range from $45 to $450, and are based on the household size, income, and type of fuel used for home heating. Payments are generally made directly to the utility company.

An individual may be eligible for the program if they are a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence, responsible for paying home heating costs, have an income at or below 135 percent of the poverty level, and have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments.

For more information, visit dss.mo.gov.

MISSOURI GAY MARRIAGE BAN RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ATTORNEY GENERAL APPEALS

Missouri's top prosecutor has appealed a judge's ruling overturning the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Attorney General Chris Koster said in a news release Wednesday that the issue needed to be resolved by the Missouri Supreme Court.

The announcement came after St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison said in a written ruling that Missouri's measure recognizing marriage as only between a man and woman violates the due process and equal protection rights of the U.S. Constitution.

The decision mirrored ones handed down recently in numerous other states.

November 5, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 110514  

BUTLER COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS

Less than 35 percent of Butler County voters went to the polls Tuesday to cast a vote in the general election.

According to Butler County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall, a total of 8,592 ballots were cast, which comes out to 34.6 percent.

In the contested race for Butler County Collector of Revenue, Emily Clark Parks took the seat with just over 47 percent of the vote. Write in Tammy Marler was 2^nd at 42 percent, and M. Chris Michel got 10 percent.

In the race for the 153^rd District of the Missouri State House of Representatives, Steve Cookson was reelected to the seat.

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO REPORT OF SHOTS FIRED IN POPLAR BLUFF

One man was arrested earlier this week following a report of shots being fired in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Daily American Republic, the report of shots being fired at an occupied vehicle was made to police early Tuesday morning.

Police arrested 30 year old Joseph Lee Johnson Jr. on suspicion of first degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action.

Johnson also had a warrant for probation violation.

SIX YEAR OLD HONORED FOR SAVING FAMILY’S LIFE DURING HOUSE FIRE

A six year old Poplar Bluff boy was recently honored for saving the lives of his family during a house fire.

Hunter Schmidt reportedly saw smoke coming from a wall one Friday evening last month and awoke the adult of the house, who was able to get the rest of the children out of the structure.

Schmidt was presented with a bravery award from Poplar Bluff Mayor Angela Pearson. He was also given a fire hat and badge by Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Ralph Stucker, Captain Kevin Edgar and firefighter Bob Caswell.

HARRISBURG, ARKANSAS MAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS FOR CHILD PORN

A northeast Arkansas man charged with 150 counts of child pornography crimes has pleaded guilty to four of the counts in a deal with prosecutors.

The Jonesboro Sun reports 38 year old Jason McDonald was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after taking the deal. Jonesboro police arrested him in September 2013 for possessing and distributing the material.

Police found more than 200 videos and pictures, a pistol, a shotgun and marijuana when they searched his home. Firearm and drug charges were dropped in the deal, as well as most of the pornography charges.

McDonald received the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each charge.

AUTHOR TO SPEAK IN PIGGOTT ON THURSDAY

An area author will be launching a national book tour on Thursday in Piggott.

Jen Teachenor will be at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum, in Piggott, Arkansas, this Thursday night for their annual fall writer's retreat.

Teachenor will be reading from her debut novel, “Beautiful Life,” which has become an Amazon Best-Seller in both paperback and Kindle formats since its release on October 28^th. Following the reading, there will be a meet and greet and book signing.

The event will begin at 5:30 pm and is open to the public.

JASON SMITH REELECTED TO UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Jason Smith has been reelected to the United States House of Representatives.

The republican defeated Democrat Barbara Stocker and others for the congressional seat that represents Southeast Missouri.

Smith won a special election for the seat in 2013 to take over for a resigning Jo Ann Emerson.

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich was also reelected on Tuesday.

MISSOURI VOTERS APPROVE TWO AMENDMENTS

Missouri voters decided on four proposed constitutional amendments on Tuesday.

Voters approved Constitutional Amendments 2 and 10.

Constitutional Amendment 2 allows previous allegations of criminal acts to be used against people facing sex-related charges involving victims under 18 years old.

Amendment 10 allows the Legislature to override a governor's decision to freeze or slow spending on items in the state budget.

The amendment also takes away governors' powers to assume new revenues from policy proposals when making budget recommendations to the Legislature.

Voters rejected a proposal that would have allowed six days of early voting for general elections as well as a proposal that would have linked teacher evaluations to student performance and limited tenure protections.

MINIMUM WAGE MEASURE PASSES IN ARKANSAS

Arkansas voters have approved a ballot measure that will gradually increase the state's minimum wage to $8.50 by 2017.

The proposal on Tuesday's ballot had enjoyed widespread support from Democrats and some Republican candidates, too. Democrats had pushed the wage increase, touting it as a way to boost turnout in the election.

Arkansas' minimum wage is now $6.25 an hour. The state is among the few in the country with a minimum wage below the U.S. level of $7.25 an hour.

Voters also turned down a proposed constitutional amendment that would have legalized alcohol sales in all 75 counties.

MISSOURI FIREARMS HUNTERS TAKE 5700 TURKEYS

Missouri conservation officials say hunters took nearly 5,700 turkeys during fall firearms season, down about 200 from last year.

The season ran October 1^st through October 31^st. The Conservation Department said Monday that Greene County had the highest number of turkeys checked at 165, followed closely by Franklin and St. Clair counties.

The agency also reported selling about 14,000 fall firearms turkey hunting permits this year. That's a decline of 5 percent from last year.

Central Missouri saw an 8 percent increase in the number of turkeys checked. Most other regions recorded decreases from last year.

November 4, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 110414  

PUXICO MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

A Puxico man is dead following a single vehicle wreck in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred Thursday night five miles south of Puxico.

A vehicle driven by 35 year old Jacob Hemby reportedly ran off of Route J and struck a ditch. Hemby was pronounced dead the next morning.

SIX ARRESTED FOLLOWING TWO MONTH INVESTIGATION

A two month joint investigation between the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department and the New Madrid Police Department has lead to the arrest of six people on drug charges.

On Sunday officers found what appeared to be a sophisticated marijuana grow operation while serving a search warrant at a residence in Catron. Approximately 15 marijuana plants, in various stages of growth, were found during the search.

Six people were taken into custody, 42 year old James McCain and Angela McCain, of Catron, 31 year old Nicholas Rhodes and 21 year old Erica Clement, of New Madrid, and 25 year old Shanna Matkin and 21 year old Kenneth Steele, of Piedmont.

They are each facing a charge of distribution/manufacturing of a controlled substance with intent. Rhodes and Clement are also facing a charge of first degree endangering the welfare of a child.

ONE ARRESTED ON BURGLARY AND STEALING CHARGES

A Jackson man is facing charges in connection to a reported burglary.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, the victims told authorities that 20 year old Alex Ressel allegedly entered their residence while the family was on vacation and stole jewelry valued at an estimated $8000.

Ressel turned himself in and admitted to stealing the jewelry and selling it at an area pawn shop. Ressel was arrested on charges of stealing and second degree burglary.

THREE RIVERS OFFERING NEW TESTING SERVICE FOR STUDENTS

Three Rivers College is now offering a test for students completing their four-year education degree.

The MEGA test will be offered in January, with test dates following in March, June, August, and October of each year. The length and cost of the test varies depending on the subject area of the test.

Area students had to previously go to Cape Girardeau or Jonesboro in order to take the exam, according to Diane Patterson, Testing Coordinator at Three Rivers.

OVER 18 THOUSAND DEER CHECKED DURING YOUTH FIREARMS SEASON

Young hunters checked over 18,000 deer during the firearms early youth portion of the deer hunting season this past weekend.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, hunters between the ages of 6 and 15 checked a total of 18,091 deer. Antlered bucks accounted for about 63 percent of deer harvested. Button bucks accounted for almost 10 percent and does accounted for about 27 percent.

181 deer total were checked in Butler County.

FOUR PROPOSED CHANGES TO MISSOURI CONSTITUTION ON BALLOT

Missourians have been weighing in on an unusually large number of proposed changes to the state constitution this year.

Tuesday's ballot features four proposals, including an amendment to base teacher evaluations largely on student performance data. Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3 is opposed by public education groups, and the sponsors have quit campaigning for it.

Proposed constitutional amendment 6 would create a six-day, no-excuses-needed early voting period for general elections, but only if the state provides funding.

Proposed constitutional amendment 2 would allow allegations of past criminal acts to be used against those facing sex-related charges involving victims under 18 years old.

Proposed constitutional amendment 10 would allow lawmakers to override a governor's decision to freeze or slow spending on items in the state budget.

40 PERCENT OF VOTERS EXPECTED TO CAST BALLOTS DURING MIDTERM ELECTION

Missouri's local election authorities are expecting about 40 percent of registered voters to cast ballots in Tuesday's elections.

The voter turnout predictions are compiled by the secretary of state's office from figures submitted by local clerks and election officials. They are based on rolls showing more than 4 million registered voters in Missouri.

The predictions range from a low of about 15 percent in some counties to more than 60 percent in other counties.

ECONOMIC INDEX FALLS IN OCTOBER

A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwestern and Plains has dropped again.

A survey report issued early Monday says the overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell in October to 51.8 from 54.3 in September. The figure was from 57.2 in August.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says sharp declines in grain and crude oil prices drove down the overall index for the month. He says the index figure points to slow economic gains ahead.

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

The survey covers nine states including Arkansas and Missouri.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE GRANTS

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority is now accepting applications for grants to assist farmers with business planning expenses for projects that develop, process, or market agricultural goods.

The individual grants are for a maximum of $200,000 and applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward eligible expenses.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and applications will be scored based on a variety of factors. The deadline for submissions is December 29^th. For more information, go online to agriculture.mo.gov.

November 3, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 110314  

SEXUAL PREDATOR CAPTURED IN ST. LOUIS

A man who Poplar Bluff Police say absconded from Probation and Parole supervision last week has been captured in St. Louis.

According to Poplar Bluff Chief of Police Danny Whitely, 55 year old John L. Squires was returned to custody Friday night.

Squires cut off his electronic ankle monitor last Wednesday and fled supervision.

Squires is considered a sexual predator with violent tendencies.

Chief Whiteley said in a release about the arrest that he is glad this violent sexual predator is back in custody, and is no longer an imminent threat to any families, and hopefully he will never be outside of a prison for the rest of his life.

CALICO ROCK MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH

A Calico Rock, Arkansas man has died in a single vehicle crash.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 83 year old Earl Lee Killian was fatally injured when the vehicle he was driving ran off of Highway 223 in Izard County and struck a rock embankment.  The crash happened Friday, shortly after 11 am.

TWO INJURED IN WEEKEND SHOOTINGS IN SIKESTON

Police in Sikeston are investigating two weekend shooting incidents.

Authorities say the first happened Saturday shortly after 10:30 pm on Clayton Avenue, in which a man received two gunshot wounds.  The victim was treated at an area hospital for a wound to his back and another to his leg.  The man said he was shot while getting out of his car.

While officers were investigating the incident, a second call was received by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety about a second man who was being treated for a gunshot wound to the knee.  The man told officers he was driving by a convenience store on Malone Street when he was shot.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

JONESBORO POLICE LOOK FOR SUSPECTS IN HALLOWEEN SHOOTING

Police in Jonesboro, Arkansas say they are looking for two suspects in a Halloween shooting incident that left one man injured.

Authorities say 54 year old Alvin Green was shot in the shoulder shortly after 11 pm Friday.

Investigators say Green told them he had heard a knock at his door.  When he asked who it was, a man answered “Jason.”  Green says he opened the door and two men wearing Jason Halloween masks attempted to push into his apartment.  During the struggle, Green was shot with a small caliber handgun.

Two children were in the home at the time of the incident.  They were unharmed.

JONESBORO NIGHTCLUB EMPLOYEE STABBED

A man working at a Jonesboro nightclub has been stabbed by a fellow employee.

Jonesboro Police report the incident happened late Friday night, when a nightclub employee who was off work at the time, began acting belligerent.  The victim was attempting to calm him, when the suspect began striking and stabbing him.

The victim was treated at an area hospital for multiple stab wounds.

KENNETT POLICE INVESTIGATE WEEKEND SHOOTING

Kennett Police are investigating a Saturday shooting.

According to authorities, officers received a call at around 2 am regarding shots being fired at Homecrest Street.  Upon arrival, investigators discovered several shell casings inside the building, as well as in the parking lot.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department.

JONESBORO TEENS ASSAULTED ON HALLOWEEN

Jonesboro Police are looking for suspects in connection to a Halloween assault incident against a group of teenagers.

According to authorities, a group of young people were trick or treating when they were approached by a vehicle near Allen Avenue and Church Street.  The teens told officers that several men in the car pointed guns at them.  The teens attempted to run.  One suspect exited the car and pushed a female to the ground.  The driver of the car followed another teen and struck him with the vehicle.

Officers arrived on the scene and the boy who had been struck by the car refused treatment and unsuccessfully attempted to run from officers.  The boy told police that he did not know his assaulters, but several witnesses told police that he did know them.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple charges after his arrest over the weekend.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 41 year old Jasen E. Thompson was taken into custody in Stoddard County at around 12:20 am yesterday.  Thompson has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.

DEXTER MAN FACING CHARGES AFTER WEEKEND ARREST

A Dexter man is facing a drug possession and multiple traffic charges after being stopped by the Missouri State Highway Patrol early yesterday morning.

According to the Patrol, 34 year old Robert D. Edwards was arrested shortly before 1:30 am in Stoddard County.  Edwards has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; driving while intoxicated, drugs; operating a motor vehicle while drinking an alcoholic beverage, as well as additional traffic violations.

ROUTE AD IN STODDARD COUNTY REDUCED FOR BRIDGE MAINTENANCE

A portion of Route AD in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane through Thursday as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located over US 60 west of Dexter.

Work is scheduled to take place today through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.

MoDOT PREPARES FOR WINTER WITH STATEWIDE DRILL

Snow is not in the local forecast yet, but the Missouri Department of Transportation wants to be ready when winter weather is here. To prepare, MoDOT will test its readiness for the upcoming winter season with a statewide drill on November 5.

During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department's emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks.

Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill.

The drill isn't the only element to MoDOT's winter weather operations. All maintenance employees complete an annual winter skills training that serves as a refresher course for plowing snow.

The Missouri Department of Transportation annually spends about $46 million to keep roads clear in the winter and help ensure motorists get to their destinations safely and quickly. For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other winter weather information, visit www.modot.org.

October 31, 2014

  ONE KILLED IN WRECK INVOLVING ATV

One person has died following a wreck on Thursday in Shannon County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Cody Rector, of Birch Tree, was driving an ATV when he allegedly failed to yield at a stop sign and struck another vehicle on the driver’s side door.

Rector was fatally injured in the wreck. The driver of the second vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

  ONE KILLED, THREE INJURED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK

A Hardy woman has died and three others suffered injuries in a wreck involving multiple vehicles in Lawrence County.

According to the Arkansas State Police, a vehicle crossed the center line of Highway 63 and hit another vehicle head on. The second vehicle then struck two other vehicles.

The driver of one of the other vehicles, 24 year old Natosha A. Brink, of Hardy, was killed in the wreck.

Three other people were injured.

  HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM THE POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT

Halloween is here and Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley has some tips to help keep your child safe while trick or treating tonight.

Chief Whiteley says parents should establish a route for children, making sure they stay within familiar areas and surroundings. An adult should accompany young children. Parents should also remind kids not to enter strangers' homes or cars, and to avoid homes without an outside light on.

Be sure to tell your children to not eat treats until they get home along with inspecting all treats before allowing kids to eat them.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS THIS WEEKEND

Are you ready for an extra hour of sleep this weekend?

Daylight Savings Time will come to an end at 2 am Sunday morning. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.

Daylight Savings Time will start again on March 8th, 2015.

  STANDOFF LEADS TO ARREST OF MAN IN CARTER COUNTY

An eight hour standoff in Carter County led to the arrest of a man on Thursday.

According to KFVS, authorities arrested 29 year old Jeremiah Silva shortly before 8:30 am Thursday in Ellsinore.

His house had been surrounded by authorities since around Midnight Thursday morning. Silva is facing a charge of 2nd degree domestic assault.

  CAPE GIRARDEAU WOMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

A Cape Girardeau woman is facing multiple charges following her arrest early Thursday morning.

According to the Highway Patrol, 49 year old Tamara Nelson was arrested at around 1:30 am Thursday on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Nelson is also facing a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance at a jail.

  VA MEDICAL CENTER IN POPLAR BLUFF TO HOLD A TOWN HALL MEETING NEXT WEEK

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff will be holding a town hall meeting next week to offer information about services the center provides.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6th, at the Holiday Inn in Poplar Bluff beginning at 6:30 pm. The meeting is expected to last about an hour.

Medical Center staff will be on hand to provide information about VA programs such as home health assistance and educational benefits.

In addition, Veterans not currently receiving VA healthcare will be able to enroll for VA health care services at the meeting. All interested Veterans and community members are invited to attend.

  YOUTH FIREARMS DEER SEASON TO BEGIN THIS WEEKEND

Young hunters will be out in the woods this weekend for youth firearms deer season.

The season is set to run on November 1st and 2nd. Harvest hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

Hunters can take only one antlered deer during the firearms deer season. Additional regulations and permits are available online at the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

  MISSOURI SETS EXECUTION DATE FOR CONVICTED MURDERER

The Missouri Supreme Court has set an execution date for a man convicted of sexually assaulting a 63-year-old woman and beating her to death with a hammer.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday scheduled the execution of 47-year-old Paul Goodwin for December 10th. Missouri has executed eight men already in 2014, with the execution of Leon Taylor scheduled for November 19th.

Joan Crotts of St. Louis County was killed March 1st, 1998, at her home. Goodwin lived in a boarding house next door.

Court documents show that Goodwin sexually assaulted her, threw her down a flight of stairs and attacked her with a hammer.

October 30, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 103014  

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE LOOKING FOR SEXUAL PREDATOR

The Poplar Bluff Police Department is looking for a man who has absconded from Probation and Parole supervision.

According to Deputy Chief of Police Jeff Rolland, 55 year old John L. Squires cut off his electronic ankle monitor and fled supervision while attending a doctor’s appointment Wednesday in Poplar Bluff. Squires is considered a sexual predator with violent tendencies.

Squires is described as a white male, 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds with gray and brown hair and blue eyes.

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

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN CARUTHERSVILLE ON ACTIVE WARRANT FOR STATUTORY RAPE

A Caruthersville man was taken into custody Wednesday on a statutory rape warrant.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, officers made contact with Roberto Slaughter in reference to an active warrant which included charges of first degree statutory sodomy, three counts of first degree statutory rape, and two counts of second degree statutory rape.

Slaughter was taken to the Pemiscot County Justice Center and was held on a $200,000 bond.

MORE INFORMATION RELEASED ON INCIDENT WHERE JONESBORO OFFICER WAS HIT BY VEHICLE

More information has been released on an incident where a Jonesboro Police Officer was hit by a vehicle Tuesday night .

According to KAIT, a 17 year old had not followed an officer’s instructions at an intersection and hit another vehicle, causing that vehicle to strike Officer Nathan Ivy. Officers were directing traffic at the intersection due to maintenance on the traffic signal.

Ivy has since been released from an area hospital.

GREENVILLE MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS

A Greenville man has been taken into custody on multiple warrants.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 46 year old Joseph Casey was arrested Wednesday on two Wayne County warrants, one for felony possession of a controlled substance and the other for felony unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Casey was arrested at 5:14 pm Wednesday in Wayne County.

POPLAR BLUFF R-1 STAFF RECEIVE CPR TRAINING

Staff members of Poplar Bluff R-1 recently participated in CPR Training.

According to the Poplar Bluff School District, about 85 district employees representing all buildings and numerous departments participated in the voluntary training.

The training comes after an athletic trainer and assistant football coach saved the life of a student athlete earlier this year by using mouth to mouth.

MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TO DRIVE SAFELY ON HALLOWEEN

With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding adults who plan to join the festivities to drive responsibly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies Halloween as a statistically dangerous night for impaired driving.

If you are planning on going to a celebration Friday night, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. Be sure to also designate a sober driver if you intend to drink alcohol.

For more information on Highway Safety, go to savemolives.com.

EXECUTION TO BE ON HOLD INDEFINITELY SO SUPREME COURT CAN DECIDE ON REVIEWING THE CASE

The execution of a Missouri man who killed a woman and her two children is on hold indefinitely as the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to review the case.

The court on Tuesday issued a late stay of execution just hours before Mark Christeson was scheduled to die by injection.

That stay will remain in place until the court decides whether to hear Christeson's appeal. His request cites concerns that his lawyers were ineffective and missed a deadline to appeal with a federal court in 2005.

Christeson still could be executed if the justices rule against a review.

In the meantime, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Corrections says he'll be transferred from a holding cell at the execution facility and back to prison in the next few days.

MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL INCLUDED IN NEW YORK TIMES REPORT ON LOBBYISTS

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones is forming an investigatory committee after a report that Chris Koster was one of several state attorneys general who may have been influenced by campaign contributions and lobbyists.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that Koster is one of numerous state attorneys general who have changed policies and negotiated more favorable settlements after receiving campaign contributions and incentives from lobbyists.

Documents obtained by the newspaper show Koster received contributions, met with lobbyists and spoke to political action committees for companies under investigation by his office. The newspaper reported that Koster later negotiated more favorable settlements with those companies than they received in other states.

Koster says the report distorts how his office dealt with the companies and cited previous legal actions taken against them.

October 29, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 102914  

ARKANSAS TEENAGER KILLED IN EARLY MORNING WRECK

An early morning crash Tuesday in Dunklin County has claimed the life of a Rector teenager.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 18 year old Ryker Graves was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck near Kennett. The vehicle Graves was driving ran off of Missouri Highway 84 and struck a ditch.

A passenger in the vehicle suffered moderate injuries. Graves was reportedly not wearing a safety device.

ONE KILLED, TWO INJURED IN POINSETT COUNTY WRECK

One person is dead and two are injured following a two vehicle wreck in Poinsett County.

According to the Arkansas State Police, a vehicle driven by 37 year old Johnathon Coldiron, of Harrisburg, crossed the center line of Highway 14 and hit another vehicle head on. Coldiron was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two people in the second vehicle suffered undisclosed injuries and were taken to an area hospital.

RAPE SUSPECT SOUGHT IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

A rape suspect is being sought in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, 25 year old Joseph Franklin Stewart, of Walnut Ridge, is facing a rape charge and is out on bond.

He also has warrants for possession of a firearm by certain person and fleeing in connection to an incident where he ran from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Anyone with information on Stewart’s location is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

STEEL MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

A Steele man has been taken into custody in connection to a sexual assault report.

According to the Steele Police Department, a woman filed a report on October 26^th that stated she had been sexually assaulted.

During the investigation, officers arrested 35 year old Ricky Hollywood and a warrant has been issued charging him with sodomy and or attempted sodomy.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER OVER 200 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA FOUND IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

One man is in custody in connection to the discovery of over 200 pounds of marijuana in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, the marijuana was found during the search of an apartment and vehicle in Jonesboro. 31 year old Danny Ray Williams Jr. was taken into custody.

POLICE OFFICER HIT BY VEHICLE IN JONESBORO

A Jonesboro police officer was reportedly hit by a vehicle Tuesday night.

According to KAIT, the incident occurred around 10 pm near the Mall at Turtle Creek. The officer was directing traffic when they were hit.

The identity and condition of the officer was not released.

TWO MEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO KENNETT ASSAULT

Two men are in custody in connection to an alleged assault.

According to the Kennett Police Department, 42 year old Keith Rhamy and 45 year old Shane Ellis, are currently in the Dunklin County Jail awaiting charges of first degree assault and kidnapping.

A victim that was treated for blunt force trauma to the head was reported to have been assaulted at a residence in Kennett.

MISSOURI COMPANY TO BUILD PROCESSING FACILITY IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

A Missouri-based company has announced plans to build a metal processing facility in Osceola that will be adjacent to the Big River Steel mill in the northeast Arkansas city.

The Material Works Ltd. announced plans Tuesday to invest about $20 million in the new facility and said about 45 new jobs will be created.

Company officials say construction on the plant is to begin during the second quarter of 2015. The plant is expected to be fully operational about the same time as Big River Steel opens its steel mill in 2016.

TWO BLOOMFIELD RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON WARRANT FOR ASSAULT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Two Bloomfield residents are in custody on an assault warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 36 year old Charlotte Bradley and 26 year old Zackary Burkett were each arrested on a warrant for second degree assault of a law enforcement officer.

Details about what led to the warrant were not released.

PIPE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN RIPLEY COUNTY

Route 142 in Ripley County will be reduced today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a pipe under the roadway.

The work zone is located between County Roads E-17 and E-22.

Work will take place today from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

ROUTE Y IN CARTER COUNTY REDUCED FOR DRAINAGE WORK

A portion of Route Y in Carter County will be reduced to one lane for the rest of the week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform drainage work.

The affected section of roadway is located from US 60 to the end of state maintenance.

Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday, from 7:30 am to 3 pm each day.

MISSOURI MAN’S EXECUTION STAYED BY SUPREME COURT

The U.S. Supreme Court has stayed the scheduled execution of a Missouri man who was convicted of killing a woman and her two children in 1998.

The high court late Tuesday sided with Mark Christeson who claimed that his previous attorneys were inadequate.

Among other things, those attorneys missed a 2005 deadline for a federal court appeal of Christeson's conviction and death sentence.

He had been scheduled to die at 12:01 am Wednesday.

Missouri Department of Corrections spokesman Mike O'Connell says the execution will not take place Wednesday and that no new date has been set.

Messages seeking comment from Christeson's lawyers were not returned late Tuesday.

Christeson would have been the ninth person executed by Missouri this year.

October 28, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 102814  

ONE KILLED IN NORTHERN ARKANSAS MOTORCYCLE WRECK

A Lakeview, Arkansas, man has died in connection to a motorcycle wreck in Northern Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, a motorcycle driven by 25 year old Bryan Bausano crashed into a ditch Sunday afternoon in Baxter County.

Bausano had reportedly lost control of the motorcycle before leaving the roadway.

OFFICERS INVESTIGATING CAPE GIRARDEAU SHOOTING

Authorities in Cape Girardeau are investigating a shooting.

According to Corporal Darin Hickey, shortly after 3 pm Monday, officers responded to a report of a subject being shot.

Officers found a male with multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. The man was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The incident is under investigation and Corporal Hickey says that no suspects are in custody.

MAN ARRESTED IN MINER ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS

A man is in custody after allegedly giving a police officer a false name.

According to authorities, a Miner police officer pulled over Mathew Ballew for having an expired registration on his vehicle. During the stop, Ballew reportedly gave the officer a false name.

Ballew also had two active warrants, one of which is from the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

ARKANSAS COMMUNITY GIVEN APPROVAL TO INCORPORATE

The Southside community just south of Batesville, Arkansas has been granted a request to incorporate as a city as some residents oppose a proposal that it be annexed into the city of Batesville.

Independence County Judge Robert Griffin on Friday approved the incorporation request by the group Keep Southside Free From Annexation.

Arkansas Municipal League attorney Mark Hayes - representing Batesville - said the decision will be appealed.

Brandon Gay - an organizer of the group opposed to the proposed annexation - said he expects to appeal if future rulings go against his group.

The anti-annexation group filed a petition of incorporation on September 22^nd after the Batesville City Council voted 5 to 2 on August 25^th to put the question of annexing the community on the November 4^th ballot.

THREE RIVERS ENDOWMENT TRUST RECEIVES DONATION OF OVER $750,000

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust has received a donation of $770,000 that will mostly go to the college’s proposed sports complex project.

The proposed Sports Complex will replace the college’s aging gymnasium with a new 3,000-seat facility that incorporates a FEMA tornado safe room into its design.

Just over $100,000 of the donation will go towards general expenses incurred by the trust.

The donation follows the sale of properties held in trust for late Piedmont resident James Adams.

PIEDMONT/GREENVILLE LICENSE OFFICE CONTRACT UP FOR BID

Management contract bids are now being accepted for the Piedmont/Greenville License Office.

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

A tour of the office will be held from 5:45 to 6:45 pm on November 5^th for prospective bidders to gain perspective on how a license office is operated.

More information is available online at the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

EVENING FLU SHOT CLINIC TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY IN POPLAR BLUFF

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will be hosting an evening Flu Shot Clinic for veterans on Wednesday.

The clinic will be held from 4:30 pm to 8 pm at the Medical Center’s main building in Poplar Bluff.

Anyone who would like additional information about the clinic can contact VA Health Promotion/Disease Prevention nurse, Bonnie Connelly at 573-778-4386.

ARKANSAS TEMPERATURES HIGHER THAN NORMAL THIS MONTH

The National Weather Service says October will likely be one of the warmest in recent years in Arkansas, although the end of the month is forecast to become cooler.

A cold front is expected to move through the state on Tuesday and put an end to unseasonably warm temperatures throughout much of the state. During the weekend, many areas reported temperatures in the mid to upper 80s - well above the typical readings of the upper 60s to mid-70s.

The National Weather Service in North Little Rock says this October will likely end up being the warmest since 2007.

Stormy weather is expected Tuesday and temperatures will drop to more typical levels and in the Little Rock area, lows could dip into the 40s during the weekend.

October 27, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 102714  

ARRESTS MADE IN POPLAR BLUFF MAN’S KILLING

Authorities have arrested several people while investigating a Poplar Bluff shooting death.

24 year old Bryce Davis, of Doniphan; 32 year old Casey R. Marler, of Williamsville; and 29 year old Curtis L. Walker, of Poplar Bluff, have each been arrested for their alleged part in the shooting death of 48 year old Salvador Ruiz Ramirez.

The Daily American Republic reports that a break in the case came while authorities were investigating a car that was reported stolen Thursday from a Poplar Bluff dealership. Authorities attempted to stop the stolen vehicle and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit ended with the arrest of the car's driver and another man suspected in the shooting. Ramirez's body was found Wednesday submerged at the end of the boat ramp on the Black River at the Dan River access.

The man suspected of killing Ramirez faces charges that include burglary. Others have been arrested on suspicion of hindering prosecution.

TWELVE YEAR OLD DIES IN CRASH WITH 14 YEAR OLD AT THE WHEEL

A single vehicle crash with a 14 year old driver has claimed the life of a Bunker boy.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened Saturday, shortly before 1 pm, on Route TT, six miles north of Reynolds in Reynolds County, when 14 year old Alexander W. Gordon lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to run off the road, down an embankment and overturn.

A passenger in the vehicle, 12 year old Tison P. Gordon was fatally injured.

Alexander received serious injuries.

Two other passengers, 16 year old Gregory L. Barton and 13 year old Jordan M. Shaw received minor to moderate injuries.

None of the boys were wearing a safety device.

FOUR YEAR OLD HIT BY VEHICLE IN JONESBORO

A four year old girl is in critical, but stable condition after being hit by a vehicle Saturday afternoon in Jonesboro.

Authorities say the girl’s father said they were playing and walking around their driveway when the child was struck.  She was airlifted to a Memphis hospital.

The driver, a 27 year old woman, passed an alcohol intoxication test.

SIKESTON MAN FACING CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGE

A Sikeston man is facing a child endangerment charge after he allegedly injured a child.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter says 38 year old Dewey Wesley Davidson II was arrested Thursday afternoon.

According to Sheriff Walter, a deputy responded to a home on Highway 532 to assist the Missouri Division of Family Services with a case of a reported injury to a child.  The deputy observed a bruise on the juvenile consistent with information provided by a complainant.

Davidson was charged with second degree endangerment of a child.

He denied striking the child.

SIKESTON INMATE FACES ADDITIONAL CHARGES AFTER ASSAULTING CORRECTIONS OFFICER

A Sikeston man is in custody after being accused of assaulting a corrections officer.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, 23 year old Terriante Maurice McClinton has been charged with felony assault of a corrections officer and second degree property damage.

According to Sheriff Walter, McClinton was already in custody at the Scott County Jail, waiting to be transported to the Missouri Department of Corrections, when the incident occurred Thursday night.  McClinton allegedly struck a female corrections officer in the face and intentionally broke her glasses.

The corrections officer was treated at a local hospital and released.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACES DRUG CHARGES AFTER WEEKEND ARREST

A Poplar Bluff man is facing several charges after his arrest over the weekend.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that 31 year old Joshua P. Darnell was taken into custody shortly before 2 am Saturday in Butler County.

Darnell has been charged with felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; driving while intoxicated, drugs; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; and two other traffic charges.

PUXICO MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS FROM MULTIPLE COUNTIES

A Puxico man has been arrested on multiple warrants out of multiple counties.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 27 year old Alexis P. Peters was taken into custody Friday night in Stoddard County.

Peters was arrested on a Butler County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of felony possession of dangerous drugs, a Carter County warrant for felony possession of amphetamine, a Stoddard County warrant for probation violation and felony endangering the welfare of a child, a Wayne County warrant for probation violation and possession of marijuana and a new charge of possession of marijuana.

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

A Dexter man is facing multiple charges after being arrested Friday afternoon.

According to the Dexter Police Department, 38 year old Joseph Womble has been charged with first degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, violation of an ex parte order and first degree assault on a law enforcement officer.  No details about what led to the arrest have been released at this time.

SMALL EARTHQUAKE NEAR NEW MADRID

A small earthquake was recorded Friday night.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a quake registering 2.1 was centered two miles northwest of New Madrid and 18 miles south of Sikeston.

PUBLIC TO TALK ON MISSOURI STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

The State Board of Education is taking public comment on a review of Missouri's education standards for elementary and secondary schools.

The board scheduled a public hearing Monday to gather opinions on the work of parent and educator groups that are revising the standards.

Missouri currently uses the national Common Core benchmarks for what students should learn in each grade.

Lawmakers passed legislation in May requiring a review of what they call shoddy standards created without local input. The hope was to eventually eliminate Common Core.

But some work group members appointed by public officials both for and against Common Core have struggled to reach a compromise in outlining learning goals.

MISSOURI TROOPER PROVIDED LITTLE TRAINING

Missouri State Highway Patrol records raise questions about the training that a trooper received before a suspect drowned while in custody.

Twenty-year-old Brandon Ellingson went into the water May 31 as Trooper Anthony Piercy was transporting him from the Lake of the Ozarks on suspicion of boating while intoxicated. Witnesses have said that Piercy placed Ellingson in a life jacket but that the suspect's arms weren't in the arm holes. The device came off when Ellingson went into the water.

The Missouri Water Patrol merged with the Highway Patrol in 2011. Afterward, troopers like Piercy, who primarily patrol Missouri's roadways, began working the lake during peak boating season.

The Kansas City Star reports that they received a fraction of the water-based training they would have received before the merger.