Grand Lake Boating Deaths Update
The Oklahoma medical examiner's office has ruled the deaths of two people in a Grand Lake boating crash to be an accident. 21-year-old Rachel Swetnam of Grove died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck; while 21-year-old William Varner the third of Texarkana, Arkansas died from blunt force trauma to the head. The two were riding on a boat Tuesday that crashed into a houseboat that was docked at Arrowhead Yacht Club. Investigators say they belive speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
|
KS Budget Talks Screech To Halt
Negotiations on the Kansas budget for the next two fiscal years have come to an abrupt halt after senators demanded a final offer from the House that could lead to ending the 2013 session.
The talks were scheduled to begin Friday morning, following three rounds of negotiations Thursday which saw legislators make steady progress.
Senate Ways and Means Chairman Ty Masterson asked his House counterpart to move the process further along, seeking a final offer on higher education and a state employee salary cap that would pass the GOP-dominated House.
But House Appropriations Committee Chairman Marc Rhoades said the request couldn't be accommodated and canceled Friday's meetings.
Rhoades says he hopes to meet with House leaders and resume talks with the Senate on Monday.
|
MO Election Change - Lt. Governor
Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to a bill clarifying the way a vacancy is filled in the office of lieutenant governor.
Current law lets the governor appoint a replacement for a secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, auditor or a U.S. senator who leaves office. But there's been uncertainty on how to replace a lieutenant governor if he or she steps down.
Thelegislation would put the office on the ballot at the next general election. Until then, the departing lieutenant governor's top aide would perform the office's ministerial duties.
The lieutenant governor's duties as Senate president would be handled by the Senate president pro tem, who is a state senator.
The House and Senate both passed the bill Friday.
|
Joplin Schools Alumni Association
There's a new way for graduates of Joplin high schools to stay together. The Joplin Schools Alumni Association has been formed, with the graduating class of 2013 being the first official members. Superintendent Doctor CJ Huff tells News Talk KZRG the value of the alumni association.
"It's really important, I think, for students who graduate from Joplin High School to leave here still feeling a connection to the schools that gave them that foundation, so they can do great and wonderful things."
There's more information on the Joplin Schools Alumni Association Facebook page.
|
Stormy Weather Coming Sunday
The weekend is supposed to start out nice, but could end up stormy. KZRG Chief Meteorologist John Wetherbee says a storm system will move into the Plains Sunday and it will bring a chance of thunderstorms Sunday evening through Tuesday night.
"This system's not going to move very quickly. But strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday night through Monday night. Highest potential expected to be during the day on Monday."
John says hail, lightning and isolated tornados are possible. Remember, you can get severe weather text alerts sent directly to your phone. Sign up at News Talk KZRG dot com.
|
Rohr On Joplin 2 Years After The Tornado
Joplin's recovery is ahead of schedule. Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr was happy to report to News Talk KZRG just how far Joplin has come since the May 2011 tornado.
"We're doing very well. Approximately 84% of the 7500 homes impacted have either been repaired, rebuilt, or have plans pulled to do so."
Rohr says 90% of Joplin's businesses that were impacted are already back up and running, or have plans to do so in the very near future. The second year anniversary of the May 2011 tornado is next Wednesday.
|
Davis On EBT Bill
Missouri State Representative, Charlie Davis, shared with the KZRG Morning News Watch this morning that he was happy to see the House approve the bill that limits what you can buy with EBT cards.
"I want to help people that need help. But I don't want them to be able to take that cash and go buy booze or gamble it away, because that's not what that money is designedfor."
The bill now complies with the federal restrictions on purchases with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families EBT cards. The bill is just awaiting Governor Nixon's signature.
|
2 Arrested For Drugs In Pittsburg
Five pounds of pot, two rifles, a handgun and drug paraphernalia. That's what Pittsburg Police found Thursday when they executed a search warrant at 204 West Kansas. The two men who live there, 22-year-old Theodore Thompson and 23-year-old Nicholas Pugh, were arrested. Thompson's charged with having marijuana with intent to distributte and criminal possession of a firearm. Pugh's charged with having pot and drug paraphernalia.
|
MO Congressman Long On Obamacare Vote
The US House yesterday voted to repeal President Obama's Affordable Health Care Act. Missouri Congressman Billy Long was among those in favor of repeal. Long told the KZRG Morning Newswatch why he wants to erase Obamacare.
"The public is on our side. Only 35% of the people like Obamacare. 53% want full appeal, so we're on the right side of this issue."
Whileit's unlikely the repeal will get through the Democrat-led Senate, Long says it's important to get across what the American public wants.
|
OK & KS Unemployment Drops
Oklahoma's unemployment rate is now below 5%. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission says the state's unemployment felll one-tenth of a percent to 4.9% last month. That's well below the national unemployment rate of 7.5%.
The Kansas unemployment rate dipped to 5.5% last month. The report says the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged lower from 5.6% in March. The rate for April 2012 was 6.1%. The number of people applying for jobless benefits also fell.
|
