Regional briefs 12/9/15

Poplar Bluff to pay Internet firm $1.8M

Despite many complaints from residents about service issues, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, officials said Monday they have little choice but to settle a contract dispute with owners of NewWave Communications for almost $1.8 million. The city could face a far more costly court battle if a dispute over the accurate number of potential customers is not resolved, said city manager Mark Massingham. Massingham said the refund will not prevent the city from moving forward with plans for a new city hall and new police department. The city has proposed paying $175,000 in cash and crediting NewWave the remaining money through utility bills and franchise taxes. It is expected to take about six years to repay the money.

Pedestrian killed in Pemiscot County

HAYTI, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Major Crash Unit will investigate an accident that killed a pedestrian Monday evening in Pemiscot County. Dustin L. Godair, 29, of Caruthersville, Missouri, was killed after being struck at 9:05 p.m. on Route K, five miles north of Hayti, according to the Standard Democrat. According to the Highway Patrol's report, a southbound vehicle driven by Anthony D. Cameron, 48, of Marston, Missouri, struck a pedestrian, later identified as Godair, who was in the southbound lane. After the impact, Cameron's vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking two cable barrier posts and 20 feet of cable.

-- From staff reports