Region briefs 2/29/08

Poplar Bluff man wins $1 million in lottery

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Brent House of Poplar Bluff is $1 million richer after winning a Missouri Lottery scratch-off game.

The 33-year-old House claimed one of 16 prizes on the lottery's "4 Million Dollar Cash Bonanza" on Tuesday, according to a news release sent out by the Missouri Lottery.

The ticket was purchased at Minit Food Mart, 3937 Highway 67 in Poplar Bluff.

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Perryville man charged with statutory rape

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Steven L. Unterreiner, 18, of Perryville, was charged Tuesday with three counts of statutory rape with a person under 14 years old.

The incident was reported to the sheriff's office on Dec. 16, according to Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf.

"We take crimes against children particularly serious," Schaaf said in a prepared statement.

Unterreiner was transported to the Perry County Jail, where he is currently being held pending $75,000\ bond allowing for 10 percent cash to be paid.

An initial court appearance is scheduled for March 18 at 9 a.m.

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Highway 51 reopened after accident

Highway 51 between Highway FF and Highway 34 in Bollinger County has now reopened following a closure this morning.

The Missouri Department of Transportation sent out a news release this morning saying Highway 51 in Bollinger County was closed. The accident involved an overturned tractor-trailer.

The section of closed road was between Highway FF and Highway 34. It was closed for two hours while workers cleaned up spilled peat moss and fertilizer, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The driver sustained minor injuries and was driven by family to Saint Francis Medical Center. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

-- From staff reports