State briefs 7/20/15

Area teen drowns at swimming spot

MINE LA MOTTE, Mo. -- Authorities say an 18-year-old man from Southeast Missouri has drowned at the popular "Offsets" recreation area in eastern Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol identified the victim as Devron Looney of Sikeston. The patrol says he jumped Saturday afternoon off an 18-foot cliff and didn't resurface. His body was taken to the coroner's office in Madison County.

Columbia clinic to resume abortions

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Planned Parenthood says a Columbia clinic plans to resume providing abortions in August after hiring a new physician. The Columbia Health Center received its license as an abortion facility last week. Columbia Planned Parenthood was licensed to perform abortions until 2012, when the physician who provided abortions resigned. The center plans to begin offering surgical abortions in early 2016. The location is intended to address a service gap.

Seat-belt usage falls in NW Missouri

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Northwest Missouri has seen a rise in fatality wrecks, and authorities say part of the problem is most of the victims weren't wearing seat belts. A Missouri State Highway Patrol troop in the region reports a 54 percent increase in vehicle fatalities for the year. Sgt. Jacob Angle says he's confident at least some of the 16 people who died could have been saved if they'd buckled up. He says drivers are 10 times more likely to survive a crash if they're wearing their seat belts.

-- From wire reports