POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN KILLED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY WRECK
Three Poplar Bluff residents were involved in a wreck Tuesday in Jefferson County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a 16 year old driver attempted to cross the northbound lanes of US 67 and was struck by another vehicle.
A passenger in the teenager’s vehicle, 37 year old Stacy Swisher, of Poplar Bluff, was later pronounced dead at an area hospital. The driver and another passenger suffered serious injuries.
PARAGOULD DOCTOR SENTENCED ON VIDEO VOYEURISM CHARGES
A former Paragould OBGYN has been sentenced on video voyeurism charges.
According to District Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington, 69 year old Paul Becton was sentenced to 36 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. He will also have to register as a sex offender.
The doctor allegedly took nude photographs of a patient with his cell phone during an examination without her consent, permission, or approval.
Evidence found on Becton’s phone corroborated the patient’s complaint.
MAN ARRESTED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE
A children’s pastor is facing a child pornography charge in Northeast Arkansas.
According to KAIT, 39 year old Tony Waller is charged with computer child pornography.
Waller was allegedly in possession of thousands of files of nude or scantily clad girls. Waller’s wife found the files on their computer and turned it in to police.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF ASSAULT AND RESISTING ARREST
A Poplar Bluff man was taken into custody Tuesday evening following a standoff with police.
According to the Daily American Republic, 43 year old John Purvis allegedly slapped and attempted to suffocate a family member before locking himself in a room.
When officers arrived at the scene they learned he had weapons with him in the room. They eventually were able to subdue him with a taser.
Purvis was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault and resisting arrest.
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR BUTLER COUNTY ROAD PROJECT
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission have awarded a contract for an upcoming road project in Butler County.
The almost 1 million dollar contract for grading and paving the intersection at Route PP and Township Line Road was awarded to R.L. Persons, Incorporated.
More information about the project will be released prior to the start of construction.
SENATOR ROY BLUNT ACCEPTING APPLICATION FOR U.S. SERVICE ACADEMIES
United States Senator Roy Blunt says that he is now accepting applications for Missourians who are interested in competing for nominations to the U.S. Military Service Academies.
Nominations to the Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy are available for qualified applicants. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 23, a United States Citizen, and a legal resident of Missouri.
For more information, go online to blunt.senate.gov. Applications must be received on or before October 30th.
MISSOURI LAWMAKERS OK INTERVENTION IN CHILD ON CHILD ABUSE
(AP) - A measure that would give the state's child protection office authority to investigate complaints of child abuse by other juveniles is now headed to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's desk.
The Missouri Senate on Wednesday approved the measure 33-1. The House earlier approved it 140-13.
The bill would allow the Children's Division to notify local offices to investigate complaints of juveniles with problem sexual behaviors.
It also would require training of staff at licensed child-care facilities in safe-sleep practices for infants - a measure inspired by the death of an infant who was napping at a day care center.
The bill would also require child care centers and preschools to disclose to parents who request that information whether any children there are not up-to-date on their vaccinations.
MISSOURI STUDENT TRANSPORTATION AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS RELEASED
(AP) - Missouri Governor Jay Nixon says continued revenue growth means he can release an additional $67 million he initially restricted for this year's budget.
The money released Wednesday includes $10 million in transportation aid for local school districts, $15 million for college scholarships and millions more in matching funds for building projects at public universities.
Nixon had restricted the money last summer to keep the budget balanced but he says state revenues now are sufficient to spend it.
Revenues have grown 7.7 percent this fiscal year, which runs through June 30th.
But that's still short of what Nixon's administration says is needed to fully fund the budget. So he is continuing to block the expenditure of $269 million in the budget.
MISSOURI HOUSE ENDORSES HIGHER CAPS FOR SOME TO GET MEDICAID
(AP) - A proposal that would expand Missouri's Medicaid rolls by increasing the amount of assets elderly and disabled people can have and still qualify for the program is heading back to the Missouri Senate.
The Missouri House on Wednesday voted 136-8 for a measure that would increase the limit set in 1968. The current limits are $1,000 for a single person and $2,000 for a married couple.
The measure would gradually increase the limits to $5,000 and $10,000, respectively, in 2020. After that, the limits would increase with inflation.
Republican Representative Kevin Engler, of Farmington, says the change is needed to allow people on the program to provide more for themselves.
Legislative researchers estimate the measure would cost $42 million and add nearly 10,000 people to Medicaid.
