RIVER RADIO NEWS 022114
BODIES OF MISSING REYNOLDS COUNTY COUPLE FOUND
The bodies of a missing Reynolds County couple have been found.
Authorities say crews found the bodies of 54 year old William Talley and 47 year old Jordy Wagner with the assistance of search dogs early yesterday morning.
Talley and Wagner were last seen February 1st leaving a bank in Piedmont. The couple’s vehicle was found Wednesday approximately three miles from their home in Reynolds County.
A cause of death has not yet been determined.
TWO TRAILER HOUSES REPORTEDLY BLOWN OVER IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Yesterday’s severe weather left three people trapped after two trailer homes were blown over in Pemiscot County. Authorities say the three people were taken to an area hospital for treatment.
There was also a report of a roof being blown off of a home.
A National Weather Service storm report lists quarter and dime sized hail being observed as well in Southeast Missouri.
BERNIE MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGES
A Bernie man is facing multiple felony drug related charges following his arrest early Thursday morning in Stoddard County.
According to the Highway Patrol, 55 year old Dale D. Morgan was taken into custody shortly after 3:30 am Thursday on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
CHILI COOK OFF IS THIS WEEKEND
Chili lovers will want to check out a free event this weekend in Poplar Bluff.
The Mason Dixon Chili Society Chili Cook Off is scheduled for Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at the Black River Coliseum. The event is free and open to the public. Donations and proceeds from the event will go the United Gospel Rescue Mission.
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCE TEST TO BE HELD IN CARUTHERSVILLE
A High School Equivalence test has been scheduled for early next month in Caruthersville.
The HiSET High School Equivalence test, hosted by Three Rivers College, will be administered at the Caruthersville High School on Saturday, March 8th, from 8 am until 4 pm. The registration period for the test closes on March 4th.
The HiSET has replaced the GED test and covers writing, essay, math, science, social studies and reading. Those interested in taking the exam should go to hiset.ets.org to register, pay and schedule the test.
JONESBORO TEACHER RECEIVES MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD
A Jonesboro teacher was surprised at Douglas MacArthur Junior High when she learned she had received a national award.
A special assembly was held at the school to honor English and Language Arts teacher Erin Hodges for receiving the Milken Educator Award.
According to the award’s website, the Milken Educator Awards program rewards and inspires excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards.
PRESCRIBED BURNS PLANNED FOR OZARK RIVERWAYS
Officials at Ozark National Scenic Riverways are preparing for several prescribed burns to be conducted this spring.
Operations will continue as usual during the burns, however public, foot and vehicle travel in or near the prescribed fire operations may be restricted.
Over 3500 acres of land is set to be included in the burns which will take place between late-February and mid-April.
MISSOURI LEGAL POT SUPPORTERS TO DELAY CAMPAIGN
A group that hoped to put a marijuana legalization proposal on Missouri's November ballot instead plans to postpone its efforts until the 2016 presidential election.
Show Me Cannabis organizers say an internal survey shows that just 45 percent of likely voters support legal pot, with 51 percent opposed. The group had submitted 10 different legalization proposals to the Missouri secretary of state's office but hoped for voter approval ratings of at least 60 percent.
Executive director John Payne says the cannabis group plans to focus its immediate efforts on proposed legislation reducing Missouri's criminal penalties for marijuana possession. He's also concerned that voter turnout could be low in November, when the job of state auditor is the only statewide office on the ballot.
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES RESOLUTION ON SCENIC RIVERWAYS
Missouri senators have adopted a resolution asking the state's congressional delegation to block the federal government's proposed management plan of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
The National Park Service is in the midst of changing the management plan for the park along the spring-fed Current and Jacks Fork rivers. The system's preferred option would close 65 miles of undesignated horse trails and unauthorized stream crossings, and add restrictions on the use of motorized boats.
The resolution asks the park system to leave the current plan in place, work with the Missouri Conservation Department or relinquish control of the park to state officials.
The measure was adopted on a 23 to 8 vote on Thursday and now heads to the House.
MISSOURI FINDS NEW EXECUTION DRUG SUPPLIER
Court documents filed on behalf of Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster show that the state has found a new supplier of its execution drug, less than a week before convicted killer Michael Taylor is scheduled to be put to death.
A Tulsa, Oklahoma based compounding pharmacy reached a settlement Monday in a suit filed by Taylor and agreed that it won't provide pentobarbital for the execution scheduled for Wednesday.
Koster's office said in a Wednesday filing with U.S. District Court in Kansas City that Missouri has arranged for a different pharmacy to provide pentobarbital. That pharmacy is not named.
Attorneys for Taylor responded in a filing on Thursday that it would violate Taylor's constitutional rights to execute him without an opportunity to check the background of the new pharmacy.
MISSOURI SENATE TO TAKE UP GUN NULLIFICATION BILL
Missouri senators are expected to pass legislation that would send federal agents to jail for enforcing some federal gun laws.
The measure on the Senate's Thursday calendar provides for any federal law considered by the state to infringe on gun rights to be declared null and void in Missouri. Federal agents enforcing those laws could face up to a year in prison and a $1,000.
Courts have consistently ruled that states cannot nullify federal laws. But supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect law-abiding gun owners from intrusive federal regulations. Opponents say it wouldn't survive a court challenge.
Earlier this week, the Senate stripped a provision requiring gun thefts to be reported within 72 hours.
Senate approval of the bill would send it to the House.
