May 16, 2014

RIVER RADIO NEWS 051614  

WINONA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MAKING THREATS TO VA MEDICAL CENTER

 

A Winona man is facing up to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to making threats to the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center.

 

57 year old Markel Abbey has pled guilty to two counts of threat by interstate communication.

 

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, on June 17th and June 28th, 2013, Abbey placed telephone calls to the Veterans

Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff and made a threat to physically harm his treating physician and members of the hospital staff.

 

His sentencing is set for August 11th.

 

 

TEENAGER WOUNDED IN SIKESTON SHOOTING

 

Authorities in Sikeston are searching for more information about a shooting Thursday that put an area teenager in the hospital.

 

According to authorities, the victim told police that he and another person were riding their bikes when someone leaned out of a vehicle’s window and fired four to five shots at them.

 

The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the back and was taken to an area hospital for surgery. He is expected to recover.

 

Police believe they have found the vehicle that was involved in the shooting and are now attempting to identify who was in the vehicle at the time.

 

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to call the Sikeston Department of Public Safety at 573-471-1500.

 

 

MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON FELONY DRUG CHARGES

 

A Lowndes man is facing multiple felony charges in connection to his arrest Thursday afternoon in Wayne County.

 

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 54 year old Lindell B. Fischer is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and oxycodone, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

 

3.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

 

A 3.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded Thursday in Southeast Missouri.

 

According to the Center for Earthquake Research and Information, the quake occurred at 10:44 am Thursday, 9 miles northwest of Gideon.

 

The earthquake depth was listed at 3.5 miles.

 

 

POPLAR BLUFF CITY PROSECUTOR RESIGNS

 

The Poplar Bluff City Prosecutor has submitted his resignation.

 

According to the Daily American Republic, City Prosecutor Wade Pierce has resigned effective at midnight, May 31st. Pierce has served in the role for over 11 years.

 

The city attorney position has now been filed, at least for the time being.

 

Robert Smith was appointed to the position on an interim basis earlier this week by interim city manager, Mark Massingham. Smith is taking over for Wally Duncan, who resigned earlier this month.

 

 

OPENING DATE SET FOR NEW POPLAR BLUFF HOBBY LOBBY

 

A new business in Poplar Bluff is set to open its doors to customers later this month.

 

Hobby Lobby will hold a grand opening celebration on Monday, May 26th at 9 am. Hobby Lobby, a national retail chain of craft and home décor stores, will be located in Valley Plaza at North Westwood Boulevard and Maud Street.

 

 

ALMOST $11,000 RAISED DURING SCHOOL FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

 

Twenty-three teams have helped raise almost $11,000 for the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation.

 

The money was raised during the Foundation’s 15th annual golf tournament on May 2nd at the Ozark Ridge Golf Course.

 

Proceeds from the tournament will go to fund student scholarships and classroom projects.

 

 

SCHOOL STANDARDS MEASURE SENT TO GOVERNOR NIXON

 

The Republican-led Missouri Legislature has passed legislation that would task groups of parents and educators with writing new benchmarks for student achievement.

 

The measure sent to Democratic Governor Jay Nixon on Thursday could pave the way for Missouri to become the second state to ditch the Common Core Standards, which have been adopted by more than 40 states. Missouri's State Board of Education adopted Common Core in 2010.

 

Under the bill, state officials would pick teams to develop new school standards for English, math, science and history to be implemented during the 2016 academic year.

 

Until then, Missouri schools could continue using Common Core in the classroom and for tests that are scheduled to be taken this fall.

 

 

MISSOURI LAWMAKERS PASS BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW SOME FELONS TO QUALIFY FOR FOOD STAMPS

 

People convicted of drug felonies could potentially qualify for food stamps under a bill passed by the Missouri Legislature.

 

Drug felons are currently banned for life from the aid program. But the bill would allow them to receive the benefit if they have completed or been determined by the state not to need a substance abuse program. It would not apply to people with three or more felony drug convictions.

 

The bill would also restrict welfare spending out-of-state and at casinos, liquor stores and strip clubs. Recipients could lose their benefits if they don't make a purchase within Missouri every 90 days. They could also be penalized for spending public assistance on tobacco, alcohol or lottery tickets.

 

The House and Senate both passed the measure Thursday.

 

 

RURAL ECONOMY SURVEY SUGGESTS GROWTH

 

The economy appears to be gaining strength in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states.

 

The overall economic index for the region improved to 55.6 in May from April's 53.2, suggesting growth in the months ahead.

 

The survey of bankers in the region uses indexes that range from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests growth in that factor in the months ahead.

 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey. He says the results show the economy is improving in these rural areas that depend heavily on agriculture and energy production.

 

Bankers from 10 states including Illinois and Missouri were surveyed.