Region briefs 4/15/04

Stoddard County looking into embezzlement case

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- An employee of a county office has been placed on leave, pending the investigation of possible embezzling charges. Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis and County Collector/ Treasurer Carla Moore an-nounced late Tuesday afternoon that an employee of Moore's office has been placed on leave following the discovery of discrepancies in the collector's office. Moore said she discovered some "discrepancies" late in March as she was reviewing accounts in her office. The county prosecutor is now reviewing the case.

Poplar Bluff attendance policy questioned

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Angry Poplar Bluff residents complained to the school board Tuesday night about a school policy they say places a higher priority on attendance than academics. But school administrators say the group is angry about something that hasn't happened yet -- and probably won't ever happen. The district policy states that verified or unverified absences of 15 days may be evidence of educational neglect. Students with excessive absences may be retained a year or sent to summer school, regardless of their academic scores. The complaints came after two honor roll students were sent home with "warning letters" from the school that reminded parents of the attendance policy.

Police find $9 million in cocaine in motor home

ROLLA, Mo. -- What began as a routine mid-Missouri traffic stop ended with police seizing 250 pounds of cocaine worth at least $9 million. A Phelps County deputy on Sunday pulled over a motor home on Interstate 44 near Rolla, Capt. Roy Day said Wednesday. A drug-sniffing dog was called in and alerted officers to nearly 100 packages inside three suitcases, Day said. Officers also found about one pound of marijuana. Kenneth Torry Collins, 32, of Nashville, Tenn., was arrested and held without bond.

-- From staff, wire reports