TWO AREA HEALTH DEPARMENTS WARN OF ECLIPSE GLASSES RECALL
Eclipse glasses distributed by two northeast Missouri health departments are part of a national recall and should not be used. The Adair County Health Department in Kirksville and the Knox County Health Department in Edina have advised that eclipse glasses received from them should not be used to view the eclipse. The glasses are part of a larger recall by online retailer Amazon, who has sent out a notice saying they could not verify that the makers of the glasses used credible sources for materials in assembly. Officials with the Adair County and Knox County Health Departments say the glasses should be discarded or returned to their offices.
TWO DRIVERS SERIOUSLY HURT IN CALDWELL COUNTY COLLISION
Two drivers were seriously injured in a Thursday morning collision on Highway 13 in Caldwell County. It occurred just after 11am about two miles north of Polo. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 33 year old Courtney Dull, of Braymer, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound car driven by 20 year old Kathryn Ross, of Kingston. Both drivers were life-flighted from the scene…Dull was flown to Truman Medical Center and Ross to Liberty Hospital. An infant passenger in the Ross vehicle suffered moderate injuries and 22 year old James Ross, of Kingston, was treated for minor injuries.
Moberly is set for a full weekend of pre-eclipse festivities. The annual ‘Taste of Missouri’ Wine Stroll will be held at several Moberly venues Saturday, from 2 to 10pm. Tickets will be available at Municipal Auditorium. Proceeds will support Safe Passage Domestic Violence Center. Sunday, the Moberly St. Pius Church will host a pre-eclipse party at the Knights of Columbus Paradise Park, with food, games, music and family fun from noon to 7pm. On Monday, pick your spot to view the eclipse, a number of Moberly and Randolph County area venues will host viewing parties.
COLUMBIA MAN CHARGED IN HOME INVASION ROBBERY
A Columbia man has been charged in connection with a Wednesday night home invasion robbery, which occurred in the 900 block of Huntridge Drive. Police say 25 year old Anthony Acton was arrested in a vehicle, which was identified by witnesses. A search turned up cash, heroin, marijuana and a gun. Acton has been charged with first-degree armed robbery and armed criminal action, along with possession of a controlled substance. Witnesses say two suspects entered the home and took an undisclosed amount of cash. Police say they are continuing to work to identify the second suspect in the robbery.
A toddler and mother were ejected from a vehicle and two other people were injured when the vehicle overturned on northbound Highway 63, near Breedlove Drive on Thursday. Authorities say the driver of the vehicle was airlifted from the scene, while the other victims were taken by ambulance to a Columbia hospital. The Highway Patrol has not released the identities of the victims. Investigators say the car ran off the highway, traveled through the median, then came back onto the road and overturned into the ditch.
A Chillicothe woman suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident on a Livingston County road, Wednesday evening. It occurred just before 6pm, about a mile west of Chillicothe. 25 year old Amber Breeze, of Chillicothe, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and into a ditch, coming to rest on its passenger side. A passenger in the vehicle, 26 year old Amanda Seek, of Chillicothe, was taken to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Three other occupants of the vehicle, including two young children who were properly restrained in the vehicle, were not hurt.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with a burglary investigation, which began Tuesday, involving the burglary and theft at a building in the Mooresville area. Deputies say a suspect or suspects forced entry into a building and removed several items, including an Echo chainsaw, a belt sander, jig saw, circular saw, a Kobalt drill set, Stanley socket set and a Stihl weedeater. Investigators say they want to talk to the driver of small pickup, green in color with a blue topper. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s office. Tips can also be submitted through their website.
PSC REJECTS GRAIN BELT EXPRESS TRANMISSION LINE
The Missouri Public Service Commission formally rejected the proposed Grain Belt Express high-voltage power line project on Wednesday. The decision creates a significant hurdle for the line, which was proposed to carry wind power from Kansas, through Missouri and Illinois to Indiana, where it could connect with a power grid for further eastern states. The other three states involved have all ready granted full approval for the project, leaving Missouri as its only hurdle. Missouri regulators cited a recent state appeals court ruling that said utilities must first get consent from all affected counties before state approval can be granted. The Grain Belt Express Line lacks approval from several counties in its path.
Autopsy results have confirmed that the death of a 4 year old boy in a May Columbia house fire was accidental. The fire occurred on May 26, at a home on Quail Drive. Firefighters say 4 year old Zadrian Harper was found in a bedroom and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An adult and three other children got out of the home safely. Investigators say the fire was started by a child playing with a lighter. The Columbia Police Department reminds residents that they offer a free, confidential education program for children who show a curiosity about fires or who have started a fire.
TWO SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT, ONE INJURY, UNDER INVESTIGATION
Columbia Police are investigating two more shots fired incidents, both of which occurred late Tuesday night, into early Wednesday morning. Officers were called to a report of a shooting on Greensboro Drive at around 11:30pm Tuesday, where they found evidence of an injury at the scene and damage to the home. They later received a report that a man was taken to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Around midnight, officers were called to a report of gunshots in the 2600 block of Quail Drive. There were no injuries or property damage at that location. Investigators aren’t sure if the two incidents are related. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Kirksville man was injured when his vehicle side-swiped a semi and overturned multiple times on Highway 6, west of Novinger in Adair County. It occurred Tuesday afternoon. The patrol says 40 year old Michee Nzau, of Kirksville, was eastbound, and attempted to pass multiple vehicles in a blind curve, when he met oncoming traffic and tried to cut back into the driving lane. His vehicle side-swiped an eastbound semi, then ran off the highway and overturned multiple times, coming to rest on its top in a ditch. Nzau escaped with just minor injuries. He was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment.
A Macon woman was treated for minor injuries after her vehicle struck a deer in the roadway, on Highway 63, just south of Jacksonville. It occurred Tuesday night, at around 9:20pm. 22 year old Brittany Helm, of Macon, was the driver of a northbound minivan, which struck a deer in the roadway. She was taken to University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Columbia, for treatment.
A Paris woman sustained moderate injuries in a Tuesday afternoon collision on a Jackson County highway. It occurred just after 2:30pm on Jackson County Route BB. 68 year old Benjamin Haskell, of Paris, was the driver of a southbound car. The patrol says a vehicle, driven by a 16 year old driver from Buckner, pulled into the path of the Haskell’s vehicle. His passenger, 66 year old Sharon Haskell, of Paris, suffered moderate injuries. She was treated at Centerpoint Hospital. The teenage driver was treated for minor injuries.
Chillicothe Police have issued an alert, regarding a runaway juvenile, who was last known to be in Chillicothe. 16 year old Louis Sullivan Terrell was last seen Monday evening, around the 300 block of 11th Street in Chillicothe. He is described as a white male, about 5-10 and 130 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Chillicothe Police.
ONE HURT IN COLUMBIA SHOOTING INCIDENT
Columbia Police are investigating a shooting incident in north Columbia, which injured one person. Officers responded to a shots fired call in the 1400 block of Greensboro Drive at around 11:30pm. They say one victim at the scene had suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a Columbia Hospital. The name of the victim and more details on the shooting have not yet been released, as the investigation continues.
Police say a car fire, which killed a Columbia woman early Tuesday morning, was intentionally set, but foul play is not suspected. First responders say the victim was found dead inside the vehicle and two children who were related to the victim, ages 2 and 6, were found nearby, unhurt. Police say, due to the nature of the incident, they will not release any additional information.
Power is back on in downtown Brookfield this morning, after the entire city and most of Linn County was without power for several hours Monday night. An Ameren Missouri spokesperson says the outage was caused by equipment failure at an area substation. It lasted nearly five hours, with power restored shortly after midnight. Ameren’s outage statistics indicated that more than 98 percent of its customers in Linn County were affected, more than 3,000 households and businesses in all. Power has been restored to all of those affected.
A Brashear man was injured in a farm tractor accident, which occurred Monday evening at around 6:30pm. The Adair County Sheriff’s Office says 94 year old Dorrance Magruder, of Brashear, was the driver of the tractor. He told first-responders he was brush-hogging on his farm when his tractor died. When he got off to check on it, the tractor rolled over him. He was flown from the scene to University Hospital in Columbia, where he was listed in fair condition.
Three people were injured in a Monday morning collision on a Grundy County road. It occurred at around 10:30am, about seven miles southwest of Trenton. The patrol says a vehicle, driven by 53 year old Cynthia Donnelly, of Trenton, merged onto 54th Street Southwest, into the path of an eastbound car, driven by 16 year old Adreanna Gard, of Trenton, and the two vehicles collided head-on. Gard and her 12 year old passenger both suffered minor injuries. Donnelly also was treated for minor injuries.
The Office of the Inspector General has opened an investigation into the Kirksville Post Office and placed postmaster Greg Stiner on administrative leave. A spokesman for the office says the investigation is related to missing ‘stamp stock’, which refers to the number of stamps each post office in accountable for. They say the investigation began Friday and Stiner was suspended that same day. They also say Stiner’s suspension does not mean that he is necessarily the subject of the investigation, but it does indicate that the loss is significant enough to warrant the action, until the investigation is complete.
Columbia Police are investigating a car fire, which killed one occupant of the vehicle, early this (Tues) morning. Shortly after 1am, a vehicle fire was reported near Grindstone Parkway and Bearfield Road. The car ended up in the grass on the northeast part of the intersection. No further details on the incident, and no information on the fatality have been released as of yet.
A pickup truck fire near the Stephens College Campus, early this (Tues) morning, is under investigation. Columbia Fire Crews were called to that location, in the 100 block of Dorsey Street, just after 3am. They found a pickup fully engulfed in flames. A nearby building was evacuated, but there were no injuries. That investigation is continuing.
A Macon child was killed in at ATV accident, which occurred in rural Lewis County over the weekend. According to the highway patrol, it occurred Saturday afternoon at around 1pm on Maple Street, about four miles southwest of Durham. 8 year old Vallen McVey, of Macon, died in the accident. The patrol says he was the driver of a southbound ATV, when he made a sharp left turn and it overturned, coming to rest on top of the driver. The child was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, where he was pronounced dead.
9 YEAR OLD GREENTOP CHILD LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER ACCIDENT
A 9 year old Greentop resident was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after a one-vehicle accident Friday on an Adair County road. The patrol says an eastbound pickup, driven by 16 year old Randall Yarrington, of Greentop, ran off a county road and overturned into a dry creek bed, coming to rest on its top. His 9 year old passenger, Wyatt Bulecheck, of Greentop, suffered serious injuries and was flown from the scene by Air Evac Helicopter to University Hospital. Yarrington was treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
CHILLICOTHE MAN ARRESTED AFTER INCIDENT INVOLVING JUVENILE
A Chillicothe man was arrested over the weekend, after an investigation into a report of an attempted sexual assault of a juvenile, which allegedly occurred last Wednesday night in the 300 block of Cherry Street in Chillicothe. Their investigation resulted in the arrest of Jonathan Patterson, of Chillicothe, on a Class C Felony charge of promoting a sexual performance by a child. Patterson is being on $25,000 dollars bond. He’ll appear in court today (Mon) on a parole violation hearing.
No details have been released as Boone County authorities investigate a fatal ATV crash, which occurred Saturday at Finger Lakes State Park. Reports indicate a female driver was killed when her ATV overturned on a steep hill. Her identity has not been released and no further details on the accident are available, pending notification of relatives.
SERIOUS INJURY REPORTED WHEN MAN FALLS ON KATY TRAIL
Paramedics say a man suffered serious injuries in a fall down a steep incline along Katy Trail, Sunday night. The report indicates the man was walking on private property above the Katy Trail in Rocheport at around 8pm, when he fell down a steep slope onto the trail. The victim, who has not been identified by authorities, was taken from the scene by helicopter for treatment at a Columbia hospital. First-responders say the man had apparently been drinking prior to the fall.
Columbia Police are investigating a Saturday morning shots fired incident, which occurred just after 2am in the 1000 block of Claudell Lane. Investigators say three vehicles and one residence was damaged by gunfire, but no injuries were reported. Anyone with information is urged to contact Columbia Police or call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
An Elmer man was killed when his farm tractor overturned on private property north of Elmer in Macon County, Wednesday evening. First-responders were dispatched to the location just before 6pm. 64 year old Martin Vroom, of Elmer, was mowing along a ditch, when the tractor overturned and landed in the bottom of the ditch, pinning him underneath. Vroom was pronounced dead at the scene.
KIRKSVILLE MURDER SUSPECT TO PRISON AFTER PROBATION REVOKED
A Kirksville man, who is accused of first-degree murder in connection with the March shooting death of Steven Filczer, of Kirksville, will await trial in prison, after being sentenced on a probation violation this week. 31 year old Joshua Atkins, of Kirksville, will serve seven years on a domestic assault conviction, from November of 2015, after his probation on that charge was revoked. Atkins is charged with shooting 62 year old Steven Filczer at a home in the 800 block of East Jefferson Street in Kirksville, in March. The murder case will be heard in Livingston County, after a change of venue last month.
The 2017 Missouri State Fair Queen is from Sullivan County. Natalie Ayers, of Green City, was crowned State Fair Queen in opening night ceremonies Thursday evening in Sedalia. Ayers advanced to the State Fair competition after being named Sullivan County Fair Queen last month.
Two women are in custody after a vehicle pursuit led, started in Boone County, continued through parts of Callaway, Montgomery and Warren Counties. Boone County deputies tried to stop the vehicle, after they were alerted to a report of it being stolen in Arnold, MO. The vehicle traveled eastbound on I-70 at high speeds, eventually becoming disabled in Warren County. 23 year old Samantha Rachels, of St. Louis and 44 year old Diane Williams, of O’Fallon, were taken into custody at the scene and face multiple charges, including tampering with a motor vehicle.
A Columbia Walmart store was evacuated Thursday afternoon after a bomb threat. Police responded to the Walmart on Grindstone Parkway, after the store received the bomb threat by telephone, shortly after 3:30pm. Officers say employees were all ready evacuating the building when they arrived. A search of the building found no evidence of any type of explosive and the store reopened at around 4:15pm. An investigation is ongoing.
PUTNAM COUNTY HOSPITAL AUDIT REPORT ALLEGATIONS
A scathing report by Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway, released Wednesday, includes serious allegations against the Board of Trustees and the management of Putnam County Memorial Hospital, including concerns of mismanagement and irresponsible and potentially illegal billing practices. The list of audit concerns centers around a nationwide insurance billing scheme that has resulted in as much as $90 million dollars in improperly billed charges. Galloway’s audit says the hospital’s 2016 hiring of Hospital Partners, Incorporated to take over operations, was the beginning of the scheme, which effectively made the hospital a ‘shell organization’ that processes billing for medical testing labs across the country and takes a cut of the insurance proceeds. Galloway says the management company and its President, David Byrns, who became the CEO of the hospital, began billing insurance companies for lab services provided at locations all over the country, thru Putnam County Memorial Hospital. The audit says the vast majority of those charges were for patients who had never been to or received services from Putnam County Memorial Hospital. The audit says the hospital is paying the salaries for 33 lab employees, who work at locations in 11 different states, but none of whom actually work for the hospital. The audit also raises concerns about nearly $1 million dollars in payments to the management company and to CEO Byrns, without approval of the hospital board. Auditor Galloway says she has forwarded relevant materials concerning the audit to the appropriate state and federal law enforcement agencies for further review. Putnam County Memorial Hospital was given an overall ‘poor’ rating, meaning that auditors will return for a follow-up review, in the next several months. A written response from the hospital board challenges Galloway’s authority to conduct the audit and accuses the Auditor’s Office of colluding with private insurers to avoid paying proper claims.
A 16 year old Cameron driver was killed in a Wednesday evening accident on a Dekalb County road. 16 year old Matthew Eberhart, of Cameron, died from injuries sustained in the accident. It occurred at around 5pm, about four miles northwest of Cameron. The patrol says Eberhart lost control of his westbound car and it ran off the roadway and overturned into a creek bed, coming to rest on its top. The teen was taken by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, where he was pronounced dead.
A Moberly driver was treated for minor injuries after his vehicle ran off a Randolph County road, early this (Thurs) morning. 31 year old Sheldon Thomas, of Moberly, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says he failed to negotiate a curve and it ran off the roadway, west of Cairo, just before 1am, and struck a utility pole. Thomas sought his own treatment for moderate injuries.
An Fulton infant was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on a Callway County Road, which occurred at around 8 o’clock Wednesday night. 25 year old Lisa Luna, of Fulton, was the driver of a southbound pickup. The patrol says it slid off the gravel roadway and struck several trees. Luna suffered just minor injuries, but her infant son, who was a passenger, was seriously injured. They were both taken to University Hospital for treatment.
A Mexico man was arrested Wednesday morning, in connection with a suspicious package, which was left near the Columbia Probation and Parole office in July. 47 year old Vincent E Ferrell, Jr. of Mexico is accused of leaving the package outside the office and has been charged with making a terrorist threat. On July 18, multiple law enforcement units were called to the office, after the small package, wrapped in duct tape, was found outside the building. The area was evacuated before investigators were able to determine that the package was not hazardous.
A Brookfield driver was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon collision on Route P, north of Brookfield. It occurred at around 4:30pm. 29 year old Ryan T. Bartlett, of Brookfield, was life-flighted to Truman Medical Center after the accident. The patrol says his southbound vehicle ran off the right side of the highway, he overcorrected and collided with an oncoming SUV driven by 28 year old Shawn Armstrong, of Linneus. Armstrong was not injured.
A Kirksville motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon collision at the intersection of Business Highway 63 south and Highway 11 West, in Kirksville. 39 year old Donnie Mullins, Jr., of Kirksville, was the driver of the motorcycle. He was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries. Kirksville Police say an eastbound SUV, driven by 17 year old Ashley Ball, of Smithville, tried to cross 63 and pulled into the path of the motorcycle.
MANHUNT OVER: CLINTON OFFICER SHOOTING SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
A two-day manhunt in western Missouri is over, after a suspect accused of killing a Clinton, MO Police Officer was taken into custody Tuesday night. The Highway Patrol says 39 year old Ian McCarthy, of Clinton, was arrested in Henry County, no other details have been released. McCarthy was charged Monday with first-degree murder, in the death of Officer Gary Michael, who was shot to death during a traffic stop Sunday night.
Macon voters approved a sales tax to support the Macon Fire Department by nearly a 3 to 1 margin in Tuesday’s election. The issue passed with 368 votes in favor and 125 opposed. Sullivan County voters said ‘no’ to a tax levy issue that would’ve created a special rural road rock fund. The proposal was voted down by more than a 2 to 1 margin, 639 ‘no’ votes to just 316 in favor. Grundy County voters also turned down a tax issue by nearly a 2 to 1 margin. A levy increase for the Grundy County Nursing Home District was defeated, with 596 opposed and just 312 in favor. Boone County voters approved proposition 1 for road and bridge funding. The half-cent countywide sales tax passed with an 86 percent majority. The Centralia School District saw its tax levy issue fail Tuesday, with a 52 percent majority opposed.
Republican Sara Walsh defeated Democrat Michela Skelton, to win the 50th District Missouri House seat. The special election was held to replace Republican Caleb Jones, who resigned to take a position with Governor Eric Greitens’ Administration. Walsh won Tuesday’s vote with just over a 52 percent majority. House District 50 covers southern Boone County and parts of Cole, Cooper and Moniteau Counties.
Although there are not a lot of issues on the ballot today, it is Election Day in a handful of area counties. Macon voters are headed to the polls this morning to decide a ¼ cent sales tax, which would fund needed improvements and new equipment for the Macon Fire Department. City Officials say Macon’s fire trucks continue to age, with two of the three trucks in service more than 40 years old. Polls will remain open in Macon until 7pm.
Also on today’s ballot – Grundy County residents will decide a 15 cent tax levy increase for the Grundy County Nursing Home District. Sullivan County has an issue on the ballot, which would enact a tax levy on agriculture property to create a special road rock fund, earmarked for rural Sullivan County roadways. Centralia schools have a tax levy issue for operating funds and Boone County voters will decide a half-cent sales tax issue for road and bridge funding.
Authorities say a medical condition is to blame for a Monday afternoon accident involving an OATS bus. It occurred just west of Novinger at around 1:30pm. The patrol says they driver, 67 year old Robert Lewis, of Trenton, pulled off Highway 6 because of a medical condition, but the OATS van accelerated through a yard and struck a parked trailer and a tree. Lewis and his passenger, 67 year old Joyce Smith, of Unionville, were both treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
A Maysville woman was killed and a Cameron woman was seriously injured in a collision on Dekalb County Route C, just northwest of Cameron, which occurred at around 6:30 Monday morning. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 49 year old Marsha Fairbanks, of Maysville, crossed the center line and collided with a northbound SUV, driven by 31 year old April Benedict, of Cameron. Fairbanks died in the accident. Benedict was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, with serious injuries.
A Columbia teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a Monday afternoon collision on Boone County Route K. 13 year old Sophia Angel, of Columbia, was treated at Boone Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 1:45pm. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 17 year old Falen Singleton, of Columbia. The patrol says their vehicle struck another car in the rear, while it was stopped to allow another motorist to turn.
A Grand Jury filed indictments on two Columbia murder cases Friday. Denico Crawley was indicted on charges of murder, armed criminal action, assault and drug possession charges, in connection with a shooting at the I-70/Highway 63 connector in June. Two people were shot and one of the victims, 25 year old Quenten Hurt, later died. Court documents say Crawley and the other victim, had been in a relationship prior to the shooting. Crawley pleaded not guilty in court on Monday.
In the other case, Demtrus Washington was indicted on charges of murder, kidnapping and assault. It involved the alleged kidnapping of Washington’s three children, of whom she did not have custody. One of the children was killed in a vehicle crash on I-70. Washington is scheduled for arraignment on August 14.
A Chillicothe man was arrested over the weekend, and faces child molestation charges. Michael Earp, of Chillicothe, was taken into custody Sunday in the 600 block of Walnut Street. He is accused of first-degree child molestation and first-degree statutory sodomy, after an investigation by Chillicothe Police. Earp is being held in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail, on $50,000 dollars bond.
A Kirksville man faces multiple charges, after being arrested for stealing mail. Police received a tip that the suspect had taken items from several local residences. Officers stopped the suspect, 24 year old Andrew Walker-Bullock, of Kirksville, Thursday and allegedly found a box containing several pieces of stolen mail, along with syringes and a substance that field-tested positive for meth. Walker-Bullock faces charges of drug possession and misdemeanor theft. He’s being held on $10,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A Clarence driver was seriously injured in a Friday night accident on a Monroe County road. It occurred just before 7pm. The patrol says 82 year old John Frisbee, of Clarence, was the driver of a southbound pickup, which ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Frisbee was flown by Staff for Life helicopter to Boone Hospital in Columbia, with serious injuries.
A Columbia woman suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early Sunday morning on eastbound I-70 at the Missouri River Bridge in Boone County. The patrol says 50 year old Charles Coats, of Columbia, was the driver of an eastbound car, which struck the median wall, spun and struck the median wall a secondtime, just after midnight. His passenger, 51 year old Tammy Glasgow, of Columbia, suffered moderate injuries. She was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Columbia man has been charged in connection with a 2002 rape, after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Police arrested 53 year old Jackie Lee Jennings, of Columbia, last week. He is charged with forcible rape and burglary in connection with an incident, which occurred in April of 2002. Court documents accuse the suspect of approaching the victim outside a Columbia bar, and offering her a ride home. She refused, but the suspect apparently followed her home and attacked her. The victim was unable to identify the suspect in 2002, but DNA evidence was placed in a database. Prosecutors say Jennings provided a DNA sample for a 2014 felony case and investigators were able to confirm a match. Jennings is being held on $200,000 dollars bond.
Routine maintenance will close one lane of westbound Highway 36 this week, at the Locust Creek Overflow Bridge, just west of Pershing State Park. Crews will begin work at 8am Monday and the lane closures will continue thru Thursday. The driving lane will be closed today and tomorrow and the passing lane will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Motorists are advised to use extra caution in that work area, in the Pershing Park Bottom, beginning today.
Two north Missouri men are behind bars, in connection with two separate investigations by the Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit. Kirksville Police say 24 year old Timothy Wireman, of Memphis and 37 year old Jimmy Cunningham, of Ethel, are both charged with attempted enticement of a child. Wireman was arrested at a local park in Memphis on Wednesday, where he allegedly arranged to meet an undercover officer, posing online as a 13 year old girl. Cunningham was arrested at a Kirksville parking lot Thursday, after he also allegedly arranged to meet an undercover detective, posing as a 13 year old girl.
A Higbee driver was seriously injured in a Thursday afternoon accident on Randolph County Route A, southwest of Moberly. It occurred at around 2:40pm. The patrol says a southbound pickup driven by 68 year old Joseph Ellis, of Higbee, ran off the roadway and struck a utility pole and a fence. Ellis was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. He was also cited by the patrol for driving under the influence of drugs and for careless and imprudent driving.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY UNDERWAY
Starting today, thru Sunday, Missouri’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday is underway. A number of back-to school items, including school supplies, clothing and computers are exempt from the state’s 4.225% sales tax this weekend, thru Midnight Sunday. The sales tax exemption on clothing is limited to $100, school supplies up to $50 per purchase, personal computers up to $1,500, software up to $350, computer peripheral devices, up to $1,500 and graphing calculators up to $150. A handful of area cities and counties are also waiving local sales tax during the weekend, but many have opted out of the sales tax holiday. A complete listing of cities and counties participating can be found on the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website.
Mexico Police are investigating a possible armed robbery, after a man says four teenagers forced him to empty his pockets while he was walking home, It occurred at around 1:30 Thursday morning in the 500 block of S. Western in Mexico. The victim says one of the teens was holding what looked like a handgun. The teens rode off on bicycles after taking a personal item. About four hours later, Mexico Police were called to a report of teenagers waving a gun at passing cars. Three teens were found in the area, but no gun was found. The investigation is ongoing.
A southeast Iowa man accidentally struck a 6 year old boy with his vehicle, on a private lot in Sullivan County. The accident occurred at around 4pm Tuesday, in Harris. The patrol says 28 year old Daniel Pendergraft, of Allerton, Iowa, was backing a car when it struck 6 year old Collin Pendergraft, also of Allerton. The child suffered moderate injuries and was taken initially to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan and then transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Main Street Moberly’s annual sidewalk bazaar and sales will be Saturday, all day, in downtown Moberly. Many stores will have special sale items, beginning at 7am Saturday. Several community organizations also have special plans for the sidewalk sale. Altrusa International will hold a fundraising indoor rummage sale in the former J.C. Penney building, both Friday evening and Saturday. The Randolph County Historical Museum will be open Saturday morning and the Depot Park Farmer’s Market will have special Saturday morning hours as well. It’s all happening in downtown Moberly, beginning bright and early Saturday.
The Brookfield R-3 School District reminds students and parents that enrollment is scheduled for next week. Elementary and Middle School enrollment will be held Tuesday and Wednesday in the Elementary/Middle School Gym, from 7:30am to 3pm. Brookfield High School enrollment will also be held Tuesday and Wednesday. Seniors should report to the Career Center Conference Room Tuesday morning from 9 to 11am, Juniors enroll Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 3pm, Sophomores on Wednesday morning from 9 to 11 and Freshmen Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 3. If you are unable to attend enrollment on your assigned day, you should contact the school office, after Wednesday, to set up an appointment.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced plans for an 80th Anniversary Celebration at Department’s Kirksville Regional Office, coming up on August 14. The Kirksville office will host an open house that evening, from 6 to 8pm. You’re invited to come early and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Northeast Regional Office, from 4:30 to 6pm. The celebration will include free guided fishing and hiking on the grounds, along with several indoor exhibits and nature craft activities. There is no registration required and refreshments will be served during the anniversary celebration at the Missouri Department of Conservation Regional Office in Kirksville, August 14.
THREE IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION WITH TUESDAY’S SHOOTING
Two juveniles and an 18 year old suspect have been taken into custody in connection with a Tuesday afternoon shooting in northeast Columbia, which seriously injured a 15 year old victim. 18 year old Johnny Hurd is charged with robbery, assault and armed criminal action. The two juveniles were also accused of robbery. Court documents say the victim was shot in the chest at his home after selling marijuana to the three suspects. The 15 year old victim is in stable condition at University Hospital.
A missing 16 year old Columbia boy was found safe and is back with his family this morning. The teenager, Brice Lewis Key, who is autistic, was reported missing at around 2:30pm Wednesday. Key was found safe a short time later.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the loss of one of its K-9’s, after the dog had to be euthanized Tuesday. Brix, a 9 year old German Shepherd, had served the department since 2009, along with his handler, Lieutenant Philip Smith. Brix had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
A Trenton driver was treated for moderate injuries after his pickup ran off Sullivan County Route E, just west of Harris, early Tuesday morning. It occurred at around 5:30am. 30 year old Jacob Anderson, of Trenton, was the driver of a westbound pickup. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. Anderson was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
A Hamilton motorcyclist and his passenger were both injured when a motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway on Highway 13, just north of Hamilton, Tuesday night. 47 year old Rod Bowen, of Hamilton, was the driver of the southbound motorcycle. The patrol says it struck a deer in the roadway at around 9pm. Both the driver and passenger were ejected as the motorcycle overturned. Bowen was treated for minor injuries. His passenger, 32 year old Kristina Bates, of Hamilton, suffered moderate injuries. They were both treated at Cameron Regional Medical Center.
Drivers from Hurdland and Greentop were fortunate to escape a head-on collision on Highway 6 in Adair County, without serious injury, Tuesday morning. It occurred at around 7:20am. The patrol says 19 year old Mercades Licht, of Hurdland, was westbound when she lost control of her SUV. It ran off the roadway and she overcorrected and it crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming SUV, driven by 32 year old Jessica Corrick, of Greentop. Corrick was treated for minor injuries.
From KTVO.com: A northeast Missouri teenager is recovering after being bitten by a shark, while on vacation in Florida this week. 15 year old Colten McCarty, of Hurdland, suffered the shark bite Monday, while skimboarding in knee-deep water near Jacksonville, Florida. McCarty was taken by ambulance to a Jacksonville area hospital for treatment of a bite wound on his leg.
Columbia Police are investigating a Tuesday afternoon shooting incident, which seriously injured a teenage victim. It occurred at around 3pm in the 2300 block of Parks Edge Place. Investigators say the 15 year old victim was taken to a Columbia Hospital for treatment. They’re asking the public to call the Crimestoppers hotline at 573-875-TIPS with any information regarding the incident, as the investigation continues.
Police arrested a Columbia man, after an attempted armed robbery at a Columbia Dairy Queen, Tuesday afternoon. Officers were called to the restaurant on Business Loop 70 at around 3:15pm. Vincent E. Ferrell, Jr. was identified as the suspect and arrested nearby. He is accused of entering the business with a knife and demanding money from an employee. The empoyee refused and Ferrell fled the scene on foot.
A former Columbia resident, Daniel Teare, now of New York, has been sentenced to ten years in prison on child pornography charges in Boone County. Teare was found guilty of two counts of promoting child porn and ten counts of possession of child porn. The charges stem from a 2014 investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department’s Cyber Crimes Task Force, which identified Teare’s Boone County computer as the source for multiple illegal videos.
A Macon man was hurt when his pickup ran off a Macon County roadway, Monday night. The patrol says 28 year old Shawn A. Reger, of Macon, was the driver of a southbound vehicle on Route K, northeast of Macon, when it traveled off the roadway and into a ditch, at around 9:30pm. Reger was treated and released after the accident at Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
A Chillicothe man was injured when his motorcycle crashed into a garage in Chillicothe, Monday evening. It occurred just after 5:30pm. Police say the driver, Ryan Christian Wheeler, lost control as he accelerated, running off the roadway and into the wall of a garage. The garage received major damage. Officers say Wheeler refused medical treatment for an injured shoulder.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY DEPUTIES RESPOND TO FLOAT TRIP GONE WRONG
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department assisted in a search for a small group, floating the Thompson and Grand Rivers, Sunday night, who were overdue at reaching their planned takeout point. According to a news release, the two adults and one 8 year old child, who were not Livingston County residents, set out on a float trip at around 6:30 Sunday evening and assumed the trip would only take about an hour. About six hours later, at around 12:30 Monday morning, a person responsible for picking up the group called the Sheriff’s Department for assistance. After a long overnight search, the group was found safe just before 4am.
A half-cent sales tax to support the U.S. Highway 36-Interstate 72 Corridor Transportation Development District in northeast Missouri is ending sooner than expected. The announcement came Monday…the District’s Board of Directors authorized the repeal of the sales tax at a special meeting this spring. The sales tax was established in January of 2006, in four northeast Missouri counties, to support a 52-mile expansion of 36 from just west of Hannibal to Macon. It was originally approved for up to 15 years. The board says, as of July 27, it has made its final installments for repayment of financing for the project. The sales tax is terminated effective today (August 1), about three and a half years ahead of schedule.
Columbia Police are investigating a Monday evening shots fired incident, which occurred in the area of Amelia and Ann Streets in Columbia. Witnesses report multiple shots fired from a vehicle. Officers found several shell casings in the area, but no damage or injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens made a number of state appointments Monday, including the appointment of a new Boone County Clerk. Taylor Burks, of Columbia, was appointed to complete the term of Wendy S. Noren, who resigned as clerk after nearly 40 years of service, due to health issues. Burks was sworn in Monday afternoon and will begin full duties this week, in time for next Tuesday’s election.
A Brookfield motorcyclist was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after a Friday evening accident on Highway 5, a couple miles north of Purdin. 27 year old Tyrel Treat, of Brookfield, was flown to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30 Friday evening. The patrol says Treat was ejected from his northbound motorcycle, when it ran off the highway and overturned.
A Boonville driver was killed in a Saturday morning accident on Highway 5 in Cooper County. It occurred at around 9:15am. 29 year old John Dicus, of Boonville, died in the accident. The patrol says his northbound van ran off the roadway and struck two large brick driveway approaches. Dicus was pronounced dead at the scene.
An Excello driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off a Randolph County Road, Sunday afternoon. The accident occurred just before 4pm, about two miles south of Jacksonville. 47 year old Stacey Sipe, of Excello, was the driver of the westbound car. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. Sipe was treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Columbia man suffered moderate injuries when his motorcycle ran off Boone County Route O, Sunday afternoon. 52 year old William Crowder, of Columbia, was the driver of a southbound motorcycle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and struck a tree, at around 4:40pm. Crowder was taken to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
A Schuyler County man is accused of sexual misconduct involving a child, after his arrest over the weekend. 69 year old Jack Yardley, Sr., of Glenwood, is charged with second-degree child molestation. Investigators say Yardley is accused of forcing an underage female victim to touch him inappropriately on multiple occasions in April and May of this year. Yardley is being held on $100,000 dollars bond.
A Columbia teenager is in custody on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, in connection with a fatal accident earlier this month. Police say a 16 year old female driver was taken into custody. The accident occurred on July 10, just before noon, on Oakland Gravel Road. Police say her vehicle struck and killed 9 year old Kimberlynn Bartlett, of Kirksville, as she was attempting to cross the roadway. The case is under review by the Boone County Juvenile Office.
The 2017 Browning Homecoming celebration gets underway this (Fri) evening and continues thru the weekend. Tonight, an ice cream social begins in the park at 6:30pm, with the baby show and queen contests starting at 7. Live music by Glory Road begins at 8pm. Vendors will be open in the park at 8 o’clock Saturday morning, with a full day of games and contest, including the Regional Dog Show at 8:30am and the Browning Homecoming Parade at noon. Tomorrow evening’s schedule includes a steak dinner at 6pm, and live music by ‘No Apology’. Browning Homecoming wraps up on Sunday with a BBQ Pork and Chicken Dinner at the Community Center, from 11am to 1pm.
The North Central Missouri Fair in Trenton gets underway tonight and continues thru next weekend. TNT Ranch and Rodeo Company will hold a children’s rodeo tonight at the grandstand, starting at 7pm. Tomorrow evening, rodeo action begins at 7 as well, and Sunday afternoon, a truck and tractor pull begins at 1pm. Fair activities kick into full gear next week, with motocross races and a demolition derby highlighting next weekend’s schedule. It’s all happening, beginning tonight, at the North Central Missouri Fair in Trenton.
The Rothwell Park Railroad and Moberly Kiwanis will partner to offer a special ride on the Rothwell Park mini-train tomorrow (Sat) afternoon. The mini-train will be open from 4 to 7pm. Proceeds from the ride will be shared between the Kiwanis Youth Program and the Moberly Friends of the Park. Tickets for Satrurday’s special ride are available from Kiwanis members and will also be available at the passenger station of the Magic City Line.
A Columbia woman was arrested, early Thursday morning, after she allegedly tried to stab an officer during a traffic stop. An officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Nifong and Santiago just before 1am. The officer says the female suspect gave a false name and date of birth. She was identified as Amy Michelle Sparks, who had outstanding warrants for her arrest. As the officer began to handcuff her, Sparks is accused of pulling away and then lunging at the officer with a knife. The officer and a deputy were able to disarm the suspect and take her into custody. Sparks is charged with resisting arrest and assault, along with the outstanding warrants.
An investigation is underway after an attempted traffic stop ended in a crash in central Columbia, late Thursday night. Police say officers tried to stop a vehicle on Ammonette Street near Old Highway 63. The suspect tried to drive away, before the vehicle struck a support cable, leading from a power pole. The suspect then fled on foot, but was taken into custody after a short pursuit.
Three Memphis residents were injured when their van collided with a backhoe on Route 136, east of Memphis, Wednesday morning. The patrol says 61 year old David Herman, of Holland, Iowa was the driver of the westbound backhoe, when he attempted to turn south onto Clark County Route A, and pulled into the path of an oncoming van, just after 8:30am. The driver of the van, 49 year old Samantha Brush, of Memphis, was seriously injured. One passenger, 54 year old Kevin Goosey, of Memphis, also suffered serious injuries…they were both taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Another passenger, 28 year old Jacqui Brush, of Memphis, was treated for moderate injuries at Scotland County Hospital.
A Glasgow driver was injured when a tractor-trailer ran off Randolph County Route B, just west of Higbee, just after 9:30 Wednesday morning. 21 year old Shawn Fehling, of Glasgow, was the driver of the eastbound semi. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and overturned. Fehling sought his own treatment for minor injuries.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a total of 11 reports of mailbox vandalism, in the northeast part of Livingston County, over the past few days. Investigators are seeking information from the public. They say all of the mailboxes were either damaged or stolen in those incidents. It is not clear if they are related, as the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline, 660-646-0515. Tips can also be submitted via the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department website.
A Moberly man is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly couple. 51 year old Kevin Ridgeway, of Ridgeway Construction, has been charged this week with financial exploitation of the elderly. According to court documents, Ridgeway was hired to renovate the couple’s home, after a fire in January of 2015. The repair costs were estimated at more than $156,000 dollars and insurance payments allegedly totaled more than $160,000 dollars, but the renovations were never completed.
Columbia police arrested a man for suspicious of stalking, after the victim reported finding him in her kitchen, Tuesday evening. Shortly after 6pm, officers were called to a home on Lynnwood Drive, for a protection order violation. The victim says she had received numerous text messages from the suspect and returned home to find her garage door disabled and the suspect, 36 year old Rudi Weis, in her kitchen. As she tried to drive away, the victim says Weis laid down in the street to block her truck. Police found Weis in the road near a neighbor’s home and he was taken into custody.
A Chillicothe man, who reported finding two improvised explosive devices along a Livingston County Road earlier this year, has been arrested for making a false report. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says 53 year old James R. Forbis is accused of calling in the reports on May 10. He indicated two IED’s with trip wires stretching across a county road had detonated as he drove to work. An investigation found no evidence of the devices in the area. Forbis was arrested and charged late last week.
Another open house to discuss a controversial power line project has been scheduled in Kirksville. The Adair County Commission will host the meeting, to discuss the Mark Twain Transmission Project, proposed by Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois, on Tuesday, September 5, beginning at 6pm, at the Kirksville Middle School. Thanks to a new partnership with Northeast Power, ATXI hopes to build the line along existing rights-of-way. Members of the public who wish to ask questions or raise concerns at the September 5 meeting are asked to provide those questions, in writing, to the Adair County Commission, no later than Friday, August 25.
The American Red Cross continues to ask for more blood donations, as a blood shortage in the Missouri-Illinois region continues. The Red Cross says it received 61,000 fewer blood donations than was needed in the months of May and June, resulting in the declaration of a critical blood shortage for the area, earlier this month. Officials say that blood shortage continues and they continue to ask for donations from all blood types. To find the nearest blood drive to you, search the Red Cross Missouri-Illinois website at redcrossblood.org. We ALWAYS have information on local blood drives available on our daily events calendars, on-line and on the air.
MU WORKING WITH POLICE TO INVESTIGATE MISAPPROPRIATED FUNDS
The University of Missouri is cooperating with the Columbia Police Department, for an investigation into possible misappropriation of funds by a former employee. The MU News Bureau says the alleged misappropriations came from student organization accounts associated with Greek Life. The release says those accounts are external to the school and officials are cooperating with investigators as they review the case. The University has also made immediate changes to its management of all external accounts affiliated with student organizations.
The 37th Annual Macon County Old Time Flywheel Reunion is set to begin Thursday at the Macon County Fairgrounds. It will continue thru the weekend, with a full schedule of displays and exhibits and a large craft and flea market each day. Thursday’s schedule includes the 21st annual antique machinery auction at Lolli’s in Macon at 10am, with the baby show and Little Mr. and Miss Contests Thursday evening. A draft horse pull highlights Friday evening’s schedule and a full Saturday schedule includes an exhibitor tractor pull, a stock truck pull and a pedal pull. A car show and truck and tractor pull will be held on the final day, Sunday. Admission buttons, good for all four days, are still available for ten dollars. Kids 13 and under get in free.
Two Kirksville residents were injured when a utility vehicle overturned on Kohlmyer Trail, in Adair County. Monday evening. The accident occurred just before 6pm. 22 year old Thomas Snyder, of Kirksville, was the driver of the southbound UTV. The patrol says he swerved to avoid a stopped vehicle and it ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its passenger side. Snyder suffered moderate injuries. His passenger, 17 year old Dusty Norman, of Kirksville, sustained minor injuries. Both were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A Memphis man suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident on a Scotland County road, which occurred just after midnight Monday morning. 21 year old Joseph Weiler, of Memphis, was treated at Scotland County Memorial Hospital after the accident. He was a passenger in a southbound car, driven by 17 year old Sharon Good, of Knox City. The patrol says she lost control while attempting to turn at an intersection, just north of Rutledge. The car skidded off the roadway and came to rest in a ditch.
A wanted suspect, who eluded capture in April by jumping off the Grand River Bridge, west of Chillicothe, is now in custody, after his arrest in the Kansas City area Monday. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says 42 year old Brian Vincent Bowman was originally wanted on a Livingston County warrant for an alleged probation violation. During a traffic stop on Highway 36, on April 29, Bowman fled from deputies and jumped off the Grand River Bridge to elude capture. He was taken into custody by Raytown Police on Monday.
A Marshall woman has pleaded guilty to an amended charge, in connection with the 2016 death of her 8-month old child. 27 year old Lara Browder, of Marshall, was charged with felony abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. Prosecutors say her 8 month old died in the fall of 2016 and an autopsy showed blunt force trauma to the head, resulting in large skull fractures. On Monday, Browder pleaded guilty to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter. The state has recommended a sentence of seven years in prison.
COLUMBIA POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN WEEKEND SHOOTING
Columbia Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting, which occurred in Columbia over the weekend. 23 year old Willie Lee-Jacari Higgins was arrested Sunday night. Investigators say he was found in possession of a gun that was believed to have been used in the shooting. They say Higgins is a convicted felon in Michigan and is being held for possession of the firearm, as the investigation continues. Damian Ramon Davis died from a gunshot wound, which occurred Saturday in the 2700 block of Quail Drive.
The Fulton Medical Center has announced plans to close its doors, no later than September 22. Officials cite a variety of factors in the decision, including low patient volume, an old building in need of repair, certification challenges and other issues. The announcement comes just a few days after MU Health announced its decision to sell its 35 percent stake in the hospital. Fulton Medical Center is the only hospital in Callaway County. It has 158 employees, including 124 full-time positions. A news release says the hospital will continue to care for its patients and accept new patients, until further notice.
A search party found a Putnam County man alive and well, after he’d been missing for more than 24 hours, in the weekend’s excessive heat. 75 year old Tom Carman, Sr. was found sitting in a pasture, off Highway 149 in Adair county, Saturday afternoon at around 3:30pm. Carman, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer, wandered away from his rural Novinger home sometime between midnight and 8 o’clock Friday morning. Dozens of volunteers spent much of Friday and Saturday involved in the search. They say Carman was conscious and alert when he was found. Family members say he survived by eating berries and drinking creek water and is doing well.
While that search was going on Friday evening, tragedy struck elsewhere in Putnam County…when an 11 year old girl drowned at Lake Thunderhead, north of Unionville. The highway patrol says 11 year old Susanna Eicher, of Unionville, waded into water over her head and went under at around 6:30pm, at the Lake’s South Beach. Divers recovered her body at around 10pm Friday.
An 11 year old Kirksville boy was seriously injured in a Friday evening ATV accident. It occurred at around 6:45pm on private property, along Spencer Lane, about a mile southeast of Kirksville. The patrol says 11 year old Lane Rongey was driving an ATV, when it overturned, ejecting both Rongey and a 10 year old passenger. Rongey was flown by Air Evac Helicopter to University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. The passenger was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
A Marshall driver was killed when his car was struck by a train at a Saline County railroad crossing on Friday. 20 year old Adam Hammer, of Marshall, died in the accident, which occurred just before 2pm. The patrol says Hammer failed to yield at the crossing and pulled into the path of the westbound train. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Mexico driver and a motorcyclist from Warrenton were both treated for moderate injuries after they collided on Highway 54 at Route 19 in Audrain County, Saturday night. The patrol says it occurred at around 10pm, when a motorcycle, driven by 22 year old Cody Castleberry, of Warrenton, entered the intersection as a car driven by 31 year old Jennifer Baker, of Mexico, turned and collided with the motorcycle. Castleberry and Baker were both treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital. A passenger in Baker’s vehicle was treated for minor injuries.
Columbia police are investigating a fatal shooting, which occurred over the weekend. Police were called to the 2700 block of Quail Drive at around 6:30pm Saturday, to a report of a man with a gunshot wound. They say the 20 year old victim was pronounced dead after being taken by private vehicle to a Columbia hospital. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
The Cooper County Clerk was arrested Thursday on multiple theft charges. 66 year old Darryl Kempf, of Boonville, is charged with intent to defraud, receiving stolen property and theft. Charges were filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and Kempf was arrested Thursday by the Highway Patrol. No other details on the investigation have been released. Kempf is free on bond, with an arraignment scheduled for Monday.
A Columbia man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison, in connection with multiple counts of rape. 27 year old Joanthony Johnson was sentenced Thursday on two counts of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sodomy and one count of attempted sexual abuse. Johnson was found guilty of raping three women and attempting to rape a fourth. The state had recommended a sentence of life plus 154 years in prison. The judge ruled Johnson will serve a minimum of 85 years with a maximum of 100 years.
Jefferson City Police have confirmed that two missing teenagers were found dead in the Moreau River on Thursday. Police say it appears the deaths were accidental. The bodies of 17 year old Dantonio McClain and 18 year old Jacob Foster were recovered Thursday, downstream from a bridge on Algoa Road. Authorities say it appears they went to that location Wednesday, intending to jump from the bridge into the river. Autopsies on the two teens will be conducted Friday, as the investigation continues.
BOATER SAFETY COURSE SATURDAY AT LONG BRANCH LAKE
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will hold a Boater Safety Certification Course in Macon tomorrow (Sat). The course will be offered at the Long Branch Lake Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, from 9am to 3pm. There is no fee for the course, but students are required to pre-register, using the highway patrol’s website. You can also call the Troop B office in Macon for more information…660-385-2132.
ZACH CUPP MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR AUG 5th
The 6th Annual Marceline Red Cross Blood Drive in memory of Zach Cupp will be held Saturday, August 5, from 8am to 3pm, at the Walsworth Community Center. Cupp was 17 years old in August of 2012, when he was killed in a car accident. The family and community have since held an annual August blood drive in his memory. This year’s drive comes as the Red Cross faces a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for all types of donors. The Zach Cupp Memorial Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, August 5.
A Shelbyville man will likely be joining his wife in prison, after being convicted of seven sex crimes against children. 48 year old Kevin Tillitt, of Shelbyville, was convicted last week, on four counts of statutory sodomy, two counts of statutory rape and one count of child molestation. His wife, 40 year old Melinda Tillitt, was sentenced last year to a total of 90 years in prison on similar charges. Kevin Tillitt’s sentencing is scheduled for September 6. The couple were both accused of sexually abusing two female children, between the ages of 8 and 14.
There have been a number of recent telephone scam alerts, by area law enforcement agencies. The latest alert comes from Regional Missouri Bank. A resident has reported getting a phone call that showed up on caller ID as Regional Missouri Bank, with their correct Marceline Uptown Branch number. The caller asked the resident for information to renew her credit card. These calls do not originate from Regional Missouri Bank, and residents are reminded not to provide any personal or financial information over the phone, especially to an unsolicited caller…simply hang up. Contact your local Regional Missouri Bank branch with any questions.
Two former physicians at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have pleaded guilty in federal court to health care fraud. 82 year old Kenneth Rall and 65 year old Michael Richards, both of Columbia, admitted to falsely certifying that they had viewed hundreds of patient files and records, when they had not viewed the images, causing money to be paid thru the federal health benefit plan. Authorities say the improper payments totaled more than $190,000 dollars. Rall was chairman of the Department of Radiology at the school until his resignation in 2011. Richards was head of mammography. Both men face sentencing in the coming weeks.
As we continue to deal with this week-long heat wave, Missouri health officials remind you to continue to be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses. You may feel like your body is becoming acclimated to the heat, but, actually, the effects are often cumulative over several days, making you more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke continue to be the most serious of those illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, loss of coordination, clammy skin and a weak, rapid pulse. Heat stroke can be life-threatening. Symptoms include a high body temperature with no sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure and can also cause seizures. The elderly, infants and young children and those with other medical conditions are at the greatest risk for being overcome by the heat. Officials say drinking lots of water remains the primary preventative measure for all heat-related conditions, along with finding breaks to get out of direct sunlight and, of possible, into air conditioning.
The former Sullivan County Prosecutor faces drug charges, after search warrants were served this week at his home and office. 47 year old Jerry Hollon, of Milan, and his significant other, 52 year old Susan Foster, of Milan, are both charged with conspiracy to distribute morphine and conspiracy to possess morphine. Both suspects were arrested Tuesday afternoon. Court documents accuse Hollon of accepting morphine pills and meth from clients, as payment toward his attorney’s fees. Bond for both Hollon and Foster has been set at $25,000 dollars.
A Moberly man has been charged, after allegedly throwing knives at people, during an altercation at a Moberly residence. Court documents accuse 29 year old Brandon A. Tolson, of attempting to force his way into the residence, getting into a physical altercation with one person and stealing a cell phone. Tolson is also accused of breaking out the window of a vehicle, slashing a tire and throwing knives at residents of the home. He is charged with two felony counts of assault or attempted assault and endangering the welfare of a child. He is being held on $20,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A Macon man is charged, after Macon Police investigated a report of child abuse, over the weekend. Officers were called to the 200 block of Seventh Street in Macon on Saturday, to a report involving a 2 year old child. The Macon County Children’s Division assisted in the investigation. 36 year old Benjamin S. Davis, of Macon, is charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child and felony child abuse, causing serious physical injury. His bond was set at $20,000 dollars cash-only.
Columbia Police were called to a report of an apparent overdose at an area gas station, when they heard shots fired at another station, Tuesday night. Police were at the Gulf Station on Paris road when the shots fired incident occurred at the Phillips 66 Fastlane convenience store down the street. Witnesses say suspects in an unidentified black car fired on an unidentified purple car. Several shell casings were found at the scene, but there was no evidence of any injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
A Columbia man will spend 24 years in prison, after accepting a plea deal, in connection with a traffic crash that killed his girlfriend and her unborn child. 24 year old Jeremiah Lynne, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of an accident. In exchange for his plea, the state dropped murder charges against Lynne. He was sentenced to 10 years on each manslaughter charged and four years for leaving the scene. Lynne was fleeing from police on April 1, when his vehicle struck a utility pole, killing his passenger, Skyler Littleton.
A military court convicted a Jordanian soldier Monday, in connection with the deaths of three U.S. Military trainers, including Kirksville native, 27 year old Staff Sergeant Matthew Lewellen. The defendant, Marik al-Tuwayha, was sentenced to life in prison with hard labor. Family members of the victims, including members of Lewellen’s family, were in the courtroom for yesterday sentencing. The three U.S. Army Green Berets were killed on November 4, as the Jordanian soldier opened fire on their convoy, while they waited at the gate of an air base in southern Jordan.
A tractor-trailer overturned near the Marceline junction Monday night, shutting down eastbound Highway 36 for a few hours. The highway patrol says the accident occurred at around 10pm. MoDOT reported that the accident scene was cleared and Eastbound 36 was reopened to traffic early this morning. There has been no report of injuries by the Highway Patrol.
It’s another week of fairs around the area this week, as the Linn County Fair is underway in Brookfield, the Randolph County Fair is being held in Moberly and the NEMO Fair in Kirksville continues.
The Linn County Fair will crown royalty this evening at the Fairgrounds in Brookfield. Thursday evening is the Youth Olympics and Super Farmer Contest, and Saturday night is the annual buyer’s dinner and Premium Livestock Sale.
The Randolph County Fair has a full schedule of livestock shows and contests underway all week, with a BBQ Meal and Premium Livestock Sale scheduled for Friday evening, followed by a concert by ‘Loaded Chamber’. Saturday’s schedule in Moberly includes a biscuit and gravy breakfast, tractor show, car show and baby show.
The NEMO Fair in Kirksville is also in full swing, the Livingston County fair continues all week in Chillicothe, along with the Boone County Fair in Sturgeon.
Columbia Police are investigating a shots fired incident, which occurred Monday afternoon in the 1700 block of West Worley. Officers on the scene found several shell casings near the Columbia Square Townhome Apartments and the window of a vehicle, which was parked nearby, was damaged by the gunfire. Police say the suspect vehicle was described as a small gray car. No injuries were reported.
COLUMBIA MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR MU CAMPUS RAPE
A Columbia man was sentenced to 18 years in prison Monday, in connection with two sexual assaults on the Mizzou Campus, which occurred in March of 2016. Zachery Jones was sentenced to five years in prison on a charge of attempted rape and 13 years on a count of rape. University Police say the two attacks occurred in the early morning hours of March 5, 2016. Jones was accused of throwing a woman to the ground near Mumford Hall. The victim was able to fight off his attack. A short time later, a second victim was attacked near the University Student CenteTwo persons were treated for moderate injuries after a car ran off Highway 6 in Green City, Sunday afternoon. It occurred just before 3pm. 29 year old Omar Morales Almestica, of Milan, was the driver of the eastbound car. The patrol says it ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Almestica and his passenger, 26 year old Juvintino Martinez, of Kirksville, both suffered moderate injuries. They were both flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Trenton man was treated for moderate injuries after his motorcycle ran off Lafayette County Route OO, south of Odessa, Saturday evening. 43 year old Matthew Snow, of Trenton, was taken to Centerpoint Medical Center for treatment after the accident, which occurred just after 6pm. The patrol says he failed to negotiate a curve and his motorcycle ran off the roadway and overturned.
MARSHALL WOMAN DEAD AFTER LAKE AREA COLLISION
A Marshall woman was killed and three others were seriously injured in a Saturday night collision on Highway 54 in Miller County. 46 year old Grace Helgenberger, of Marshall, died in the accident, which occurred at around 7:45pm. She was a passenger in a westbound car, driven by 50 year old Donald Talbott, of Marshall. The patrol says he turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by 71 year old Bobby Albertson, of Eldon. Talbott was life-flighted to University Hospital with serious injuries. Albertson and his wife were both taken to Lake Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Talbott was arrested for driving while intoxicated and failure to yield.
COLUMBIA DRIVER TREATED AFTER HITTING DEER IN ROADWAY
A Columbia driver suffered moderate injuries when her vehicle struck a deer in the roadway, early this (Mon) morning. It occurred just before 3am on Highway 87 in Howard County. 51 year old George Ann Cossey, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
One person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting incident, which occurred early Sunday morning in Columbia. Officers were called to the Break Time gas station on East Broadway at around 3am, to a report of a female gunshot victim entering the store. Two other gunshot victims were located in a vehicle nearby and all three were taken to a Columbia hospital, where one man was pronounced dead. Bullet holes were found in the victim’s vehicle and officers determined the shooting was part of a traveling gun battle, involving at least two other vehicles. No arrests have been made, as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Brookfield man has been formally charged, in connection with an officer-involved shooting, which occurred over the 4th of July weekend. 39 year old Jason R. Buckallew, of Brookfield, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. The incident occurred in Brookfield at around 10:45pm on July 2. According to the Highway Patrol, Buckallew is accused of driving an ATV in a careless manner and fleeing a traffic stop by Brookfield Police. During the pursuit, he entered private property and was forced to turn the ATV around. A Brookfield Police Officer had exited his vehicle and was attempting to contact the suspect on foot when he was struck by the ATV. The officer discharged his firearm, striking the suspect twice. Buckallew was flown to Columbia for treatment of his injuries and the officer was treated for minor injuries. The Highway Patrol has turned over all evidence to the Adair County Prosecuting Attorney, who was appointed to review the use of force by the officer.
The driver of a tractor-trailer, from Kahoka, was treated for moderate injuries, after his semi ran off a Schuyler County highway, Thursday morning. It occurred at around 6am, three miles north of Greenwood on Missouri Route 202. 48 year old Patrick Gregory, of Kahoka, was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville after the accident. The patrol says his westbound tractor-trailer ran off the roadway, began to slide and then overturned.
Brookfield welcomes home its high school alumni this weekend, with a full schedule of Alumni Weekend events. The Alumni Golf Tournament at the Brookfield Country Club begins this (Friday) morning at 10am. The party in the Twin Parks this evening starts at 6pm, with food vendors, DJ music and a washer tournament. Tomorrow morning, the 5K/10K Walk and Run begins at 6:30pm and the Alumni Softball Tournament starts at 8:30. The alumni parade is scheduled for noon in downtown Brookfield. Tomorrow night’s Alumni Banquet and BHS Hall of Fame ceremonies will be held at the Park Baptist Church Fellowship Hall…social hour begins at 5pm with dinner at 6, followed by an Alumni Dance at the Elks Lodge.
A Columbia man was treated for moderate injuries after his motorcycle ran off Route 240 in Howard County, Thursday morning. 50 year old Allen Houston, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 9:25am. The patrol says Houston’s westbound motorcycle ran off the roadway, overturned and skidded to a stop in a ditch.
A Columbia man, who was the victim of a shooting on I-70 last month, has died from his injuries. 25 year old Quentin Hurt died Thursday. He was injured on June 26, when he and a female passenger were traveling on I-70, at the Highway 63 Connector, when the alleged suspect, 30 year old Denico Sanchez Crawley, of Columbia, pulled alongside and fired several shots into the driver’s side of their vehicle. Police say Crawley was the female victim’s former boyfriend. He has been charged with assault and armed criminal action in the case. Prosecutors say an autopsy must be performed before additional charges can be considered.
A Hallsville woman is charged with sex crimes involving a juvenile male. 26 year old Amanda Jones turned herself in this week, after being charged with statutory rape and statutory sodomy, involving a person under 14 years of age. The alleged incident occurred at Jones’ home in April. Her bond is set at $100,000 dollars.
HEAVY RAINS CAUSING FLASH FLOODING
A handful of flash flood advisories are in effect for parts of the area, after thunderstorms dumped heavy rain overnight. Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches are being reported along and north of the Highway 36 corridor, with up to 5 inches in some locations, in Grundy, Sullivan and Adair Counties, and additional showers and thunderstorms continue this morning. Authorities in several north Missouri counties are reporting road closures due to high water this morning, with numerous closures reported in Grundy and Daviess Counties. Motorists are urged to use extra caution on the roadway, especially in locations that typically flood. We expect this morning’s storms to diminish by mid-morning with additional thunderstorm development possible this afternoon and evening.
Both the Macon and Chillicothe Police Departments will be searching for a new Chief of Police, as their current leaders will be stepping down. Macon Police Chief Steve Olinger announced his resignation with a letter to Macon Citizens, released Wednesday, and effective July 24. Olinger leaves the Macon Police Department after 25 years of service…15 years as Chief. Chillicothe Police Chief Rick Knouse will retire, effective September 29. His letter of retirement was accepted at this week’s Chillicothe City Council Meeting. Knouse served 36 years as a full-time officer, 17 of those as Chief.
A Unionville couple survived the crash of their small plane in southeast Iowa, over the weekend. The FAA has released a preliminary report on the crash, which occurred just after 3:30 Sunday afternoon, near the Corydon, Iowa airport. The pilot was identified as Craig Comstock, of Unionville and his wife, Mary Comstock, was a passenger. The FAA says they both suffered serious injuries when their single-engine plane crashed into trees near the airport, and the aircraft became stuck in the trees. Craig Comstock was flown to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, where he remained in the intensive care unit, at last report. Mary Comstock was treated at Mercy Medical, but has since been released from the hospital.
A Carrollton man has been charged with a total of 18 felony counts, in connection with allegations of extensive deviate sexual abuse of an underage victim, over a number of years. 52 year old Louis L. Jefferson, of Carrollton is charged in the case. Court documents accuse Jefferson of ongoing sexual abuse, from August of 2004, when the victim was 11 years of age, thru March of last year. Jefferson’s bond has been set at $75,000 dollars.
A third suspect has been arrested, in connection with the ongoing Audrain County murder investigation. 37 year old Justin Traugher, of O’Fallon, was arrested Tuesday, and authorities confirm that he is connected to the investigation of the murder of Leon Wilder, of Columbia, last week. Wilder’s body was found in a rural location, near the Audrain/Boone County line, last Thursday. Two other suspects, Richard Henry and Arline Diedrich were arrested Monday and are charged with murder and armed criminal action. Court documents allege they were involved in an argument with Wilder at the Welcome Inn, in Columbia and evidence in the case indicates Wilder was forced into a pickup truck at gunpoint, shot and then dumped along an Audrain County Road.
A New Franklin teenager was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Howard County Route DD, Wednesday evening. 17 year old Cierra Maupin, of New Franklin, was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 5:45pm. The patrol says her northbound car ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its top.
Columbia Police have identified the 9 year old victim, who was struck by a car and killed in Columbia Monday. 9 year old Kimberlynn Bartlett, of Kirksville, died in the accident. She was the daughter of Kirksville Police Office Benjamin Bartlett and his wife April. Police are still investigating the cause. They say she and two other people were crossing Oakland Gravel Road in Columbia when she was struck. The car was driven by a 16 year old girl whose name has not yet been released. Investigators say the pedestrians were crossing at an intersection, but there was not a stop sign for the driver and they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
A Kirksville woman suffered moderate injuries in a Tuesday evening collision on Highway 11, northeast of Kirksville. 30 year old Alisha Hardwick, who is six months pregnant, was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries after the accident, which occurred at around 5:50pm. The patrol says her northbound pickup was sideswiped by an oncoming car, which crossed the center line. That driver, 29 year old William Waddle, of Kirksville, was not injured.
A Marceline driver was injured when his car ran off Highway 11, just north of New Boston, Tuesday night. 22 year old Zachary Yarnell, of Marceline, was treated and released at Northeast Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 11:45pm. The patrol says he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway and his southbound car ran off the highway and struck the ground and a tree.
Five people were hurt, including four members of a Moberly family, when two cars collided on Highway 63 at the south edge of Clark, Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred just before 3pm. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 32 year old Crystal Smith, of Prairie Home, tried to cross 63 and pulled into the path of a northbound car driven by 30 year old Kimberly Mason, of Moberly. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries. Three passengers in the Mason vehicle were hurt. Her 3 year old daughter was treated for moderate injuries. Her husband and a 16 year old daughter each suffered minor injuries. They were all treated at University Hospital in Columbia.
A 9 year old Kirksville girl has died after being struck by a car in Columbia on Monday. Police have not released the victim’s name. The accident occurred just before noon. Columbia Police say the girl was crossing Oakland Gravel Road with two other people when she was struck by a southbound car. She was taken to a Columbia hospital, where she later died. Investigators say the car was driven by a 16 year old, who was treated for minor injuries. Police say alcohol or drug impairment is not believed to have been a factor. The accident remains under investigation.
A woman who nearly drowned Friday on the Thompson River, near Chillicothe, is recovering in a Kansas City area hospital. Just after 2:30pm Friday, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of an unresponsive female with a group on a float trip on the Thompson River, west of Chillicothe. Members of the group were performing CPR when deputies arrived, and the remote location made for a difficult rescue. The woman was life-flighted from the scene to Kansas City. An update from the Sheriff’s Office Monday says family members report that the woman’s condition has been upgraded and she is improving, but she remains hospitalized.
EMERGENCY BRIDGE CLOSURE ON ROUTE 139 NORTH OF MEADVILLE
Emergency bridge work will close Route 139, north of Meadville, beginning today (Tues). MoDOT says the bridge over Lewis Creek, on 139 about three miles north of Meadville, will be closed daily from 7:30am to 5pm, as crews conduct guardrail and handrail repairs. The work is expected to continue thru Friday, July 21. The bridge will reopen to traffic each evening and over the weekend. During the work days, motorists will need to use an alternate route.
Two suspects are in custody and a third is being sought, in connection with last week’s Audrain County homicide. The body of the victim, which was identified as 30 year old Leon Wilder III, of Columbia, was found along a county road, near the Audrain/Boone County Line last Thursday. Investigators say Wilder died from a gunshot wound. Two suspects were arrested over the weekend and are awaiting formal charges…37 year old Richard Henry III, of Overland and 39 year old Arline Diedrich, of St. Ann.
Columbia Police are investigating a home invasion robbery, which occurred Monday morning in the 1300 block of Anthony Street. Officers say a 22 year old male victim answered the back door of the home and found a black male suspect, pointing a gun at him. The suspect asked for money and drugs and struck the victim in the head. The victim was treated for minor injuries. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Wheeling driver was treated for minor injuries, after her car struck a bridge on Route 139, just north of Meadville, Sunday evening. 21 year old Haley Fitzpatrick, of Wheeling, was treated and released at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe after the accident, which occurred at around 6:40pm. The patrol says her northbound pickup ran off the highway and struck a bridge rail.
KIRKSVILLE DRIVER LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER FRIDAY COLLISION
A Kirksville driver was life-flighted to Columbia after a Friday afternoon accident at the intersection of Highways 63 and 6 in Kirksville. Police say the driver, 60 year old Jim Bell, of Kirksville, failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled into the path of a southbound pickup, just after 4pm. After the collision, Bell’s vehicle ran off the highway, down an embankment and overturned several times. He suffered moderate injuries and was flown to University Hospital for treatment.
Chillicothe Firefighters quickly extinguished a car fire, which occurred Sunday morning on Highway 65, near the Grand River Bridge south of Chillicothe. Officials say the fire broke out in the car’s engine compartment and spread to the passenger area. It was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER ITEMS STOLEN FROM MOBERLY HOME
One suspect is in custody as Moberly Police continue to investigate a report of stolen property and property damage at a Moberly residence, which occurred Friday morning. Investigators say approximately $1,400 dollars worth of miscellaneous items were stolen and $1,700 dollars in property damage occurred. A 38 year old Moberly man was identified as a suspect and taken into custody for stealing, property damage, forgery, possession of drug paraphernalia and also an active warrant out of Macon County. His identity has not been released, pending formal charges. Moberly Police continue to investigate.
VICTIM PULLS HIS OWN GUN DURING COLUMBIA ROBBERY ATTEMPT
A Columbia attempted robbery was thwarted by the victim, who pulled his own gun and fired shots at the robber, Saturday night. Police were called to a location on Claudell Lane, to a report of shots fired, at around 11:30pm Saturday. They say the 27 year old male victim was approached by an armed suspect, who demanded his belongings. The victim pulled his own gun and fired several shots at the suspect, who fled the scene. The suspect was described as a black male with all-black clothing and his face covered. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Colorado man was injured when, the patrol says, he intentionally jumped in front of a vehicle on I-70, just west of Columbia, on Saturday. 39 year old Wally Izzard, of Denver, Colorado, suffered moderate injuries, when he jumped in front of a vehicle driven by a Bunceton woman. He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia.
Three Kingdom City residents, including a 3 year old, were injured when their motorcycle collided with a pickup on Business 24, just west of Paris, Saturday afternoon. 69 year old Randy Estes, of Kingdom City, was the driver of a motorcycle, which skidded as turned onto the highway, then crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming pickup. Estes was treated for minor injuries. His passenger, 63 year old Edith Estes was treated for moderate injuries and a 3-year old passenger also sustained minor injuries.
A Trenton woman was killed when she was struck by a vehicle Wednesday night in downtown Trenton. Police say the 48 year old woman apparently walked into the path of a westbound pickup, in front of the Plaza Apartments in Trenton. She was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Police say the accident remains under investigation. They have not yet released the identity of the victim or the driver.
A Blue Springs driver was treated for minor injuries and then taken to jail, after crashing his car while being pursued by Salisbury police, early Thursday morning. 30 year old Brandon Beth was the driver of the vehicle. The patrol says the chase began just after midnight in Salisbury and continued into Randolph County, where Beth failed to negotiate a curve on Route JJ, just east of Huntsville, and crashed on the railroad tracks. Officers took him to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
A Jamesport man was arrested Thursday afternoon, in connection with an out-of-state warrant for child molestation. 40 year old Ezra K. Peaster, of Jamesport, was arrested by the Highway Patrol on a warrant from DeBaca County, New Mexico. The warrant alleges sexual contact with a child. Peaster is being held in the Grundy County Jail, to await extradition.
A convicted arsonist from Kirksville is headed to prison for 120 days ‘shock time’ after admitting to violation his probation. 40 year old Brandon True was on five years probation, after pleading guilty in March to second-degree arson, in connection with a 2014 fire at a Kirksville duplex. True was in a Chariton County courtroom Wednesday, accused of violating his probation by being in a Columbia bar, consuming alcohol and getting involved in a bar fight, earlier this year. Judge Terry Tschannen revoked True’s probation and sentenced him to 120 days of shock detention in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Audrain County authorities are investigating the discovery of a body, found near an Audrain County road, Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the call at around 2:40pm. The body of an unidentified male was located southeast of Centralia, near the Audrain/Boone County line. Authorities say foul play is suspected in the case. The Mid Missouri Major Case Squad has been activated to conduct the investigation.
Columbia Police have arrested two more suspects, in connection with a home invasion robbery, which occurred in March. 32 year old Jeremiah Ezekiel Brown and 29 year old Courtney Lawhorn were each arrested on suspicion of robbery and armed criminal action. They’re each being held on $250,000 dollars bond. 57 year old Henry Hayes, Jr. had previously been arrested in the case, and is charged with felonious restraint, kidnapping and first-degree robbery.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released traffic crash statistics for this year’s 4th of July weekend. 14 people died in traffic crashes and there were no boating fatalities in the state of Missouri, over the holiday weekend. None of the traffic fatalities occurred in the Troop B area. The five-day holiday counting period began at 6pm Friday, thru midnight on the 4th. Last year, only five fatalities occurred over a three-day 4th of July weekend.
As we recap 4th of July safety, there were a couple of area incidents involving damage by fireworks. A wayward firework shot out the front window of the Queen City Post Office Tuesday night. KTVO.com quotes a witness, who says a multi-shot firework tipped over and sent a shell through the front window of the building. There were no injuries.
And…the Kirksville Fire Department says fireworks might be the cause of a small fire on the roof of the Kirksville Hy-Vee Store Tuesday night. The cause is still under investigation, but the timing sure fits…smoke was reported coming from a section of the roof near the back of the store, at around 11:45pm Tuesday. The small fire was quickly extinguished with minimal damage, other than to the roof itself.
The 2017 Sullivan County Fair is in full swing at the Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Milan. Goat and sheep shows are on the schedule today (Thurs), with rabbit, poultry and swine shows schedule for Friday and the beef shows on Saturday. Saturday night, the Sullivan County Fair will host a Bull Buckout, with mutton-busting signups at 5:30pm and the buckout beginning at 7. Live music by Dirt Road Addiction will follow.
The Livingston County 4-H and FFA Fair is set to kickoff a week-long schedule of events this weekend, with their annual Truck and Tractor Pull, tomorrow (Fri) evening at 6:30pm at the Litton Agri-Science Center in Chillicothe. More than a dozen sanctioned pulling classes will be on Friday’s schedule. Friday’s admission is ten dollars for adults and kids 8 and under get in free.
A Columbia man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday, for attempting to entice a minor online. 28 year old Darren Wade Lasley, of Columbia, is accused of contacting an undercover officer of the Cyber Crimes Task Force, who was posing online as a 14 year old girl. Investigators say Lasley contacted the undercover officer via e-mail last month to set up a sexual encounter. The indictment alleges that Lasley arranged the meeting and was arrested at that location on June 21.
The month of July is a big month for area fairs and festivals, and the annual Centralia Fair is underway this week. A full schedule of livestock shows and 4-H exhibits get going today. A truck and tractor pull will highlight Friday’s schedule, along with a Garden Tractor Pull, starting at 7pm. The 2017 Centralia Fair wraps up Saturday at the Centralia Fairgrounds.
Four suspects are in custody in connection with an investigation into a string of burglaries in Macon County. 49 year old Peggy Grant, 47 year old Quenton Grant, 41 year old Joseph Kribble, Jr. and 22 year old Jaquan McDonald, all of Macon, are all charged in the case. The Macon County Sheriff’s Department says the investigation involved several burglaries in southeastern Macon County, during the month of June. They say a weeks-long investigation involved two search warrants and the recovery of some of the stolen property.
A Trenton teenager sustained moderate injuries in a Monday evening accident on Highway 6, just east of Trenton. 18 year old Cade Darting, of Trenton, was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 8:20pm. The patrol says his westbound SUV ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
MERCER TEEN INJURED AS CAR RUNS OF HIGHWAY
A Mercer teenager was treated for moderate injuries after his pickup ran off Highway 65, just north of Princeton, Monday night. 19 year old Brendan Schooler, of Mercer, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the highway at around 9:45pm, went down an embankment and struck several large rocks in a drainage ditch. Schooler was treated for moderate injuries at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.
A Kirksville woman was one of three injured in a Tuesday accident on Highway 7 in Benton County. 63 year old Sheila Costello was treated at Lake Regional Hospital after the accident, which occurred just before 8pm. She was a passenger in a car driven by a Camdenton man. The patrol says it ran off the highway and struck a tree. Two other occupants of the vehicle were also treated for injuries.
BODY RECOVERED FROM MISSOURI RIVER IN CARROLL COUNTY 070517
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department is investigating after a body was pulled from the Missouri River in Carroll County, Monday night. Deputies received a report of a body floating in the river at around 8:30pm. It was located just east of the Highway 65 bridge at Waverly. The individual has not yet been identified and the investigation is ongoing.
A Columbia teenager is recovering after suffering a gunshot wound while riding a Mo-Ped, just southwest of Columbia, Tuesday evening. First-responders were called to a location on Bethany Drive, just after 9pm and the 17 year old victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is under investigation.
No names have been released, as the Highway Patrol continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Brookfield, Sunday night. According to a release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, just after 10:45 p.m., Brookfield Police began a pursuit on South Main Street, near Helm Street, involving an ATV that had been observed driving in a careless manner. The pursuit continued to the 300 block of East Sedgwick, where the ATV driver entered private property and was forced to turn around. A Brookfield police officer had exited his vehicle was struck by the ATV as he attempted to contact the suspect. The officer the officer fired at the suspect and struck him two times. The 39-year old male suspect, of Brookfield, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a Columbia area hospital by helicopter. The police officer sustained minor injuries and was treated and released at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield. The officer has been placed on administrative leave per department policy.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the incident with the assistance of the Brookfield Police Department and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Moberly Police say a deadly shooting Saturday evening in Moberly was apparently a murder-suicide. Investigators say the male victim, 60 year old Norman Householder, apparently shot and killed the female victim, 49 year old Joan Householder, outside the home, then went into the home and shot himself. Officers were called to the 600 block of South Ault in Moberly just before 8pm Saturday night, and found a deceased female victim in the street and a male victim in the residence. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department and Ambulance, the Highway Patrol and Moberly Fire Department were all called to the scene to assist.
Chillicothe firefighters battled a large fire that damaged three adjacent buildings in the 400 block of Reynard Street, early Saturday morning. Investigators say a broken gas line apparently caused a natural gas explosion in the center of the three buildings. The fire then spread to two adjacent buildings. The center structure eventually collapsed and the two other structures sustained excessive smoke and fire damage. One resident of the buildings suffered a minor burn and then smoke inhalation, when he tried to rescue a pet. A Chillicothe Firefighter was treated for dehydration and heat exhaustion at Hedrick Medical Center. An investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office is ongoing.
A Brunswick driver, 78 year old Leonard Dockstader, was treated for moderate injuries after his vehicle ran off Highway 41 in Saline County, Sunday morning. The patrol says it occurred at around 10:20am, when Dockstader lost control of his southbound car and it ran off the highway, struck a drainage culvert and overturned. His passenger, 69 year old Dianna Dockstader, of Brunswick, escaped with minor injuries. They were both treated at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
Five people were injured in a Sunday afternoon collision at the junction of Routes D and Z, west of Santa Fe in Monroe County. It occurred just after 12:30pm. The patrol says a northbound vehicle, driven by 44 year old James Williams, of Mexico, failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled into the path of an eastbound pickup, driven by 28 year old Terri Fike, of Clark. Williams and his passenger, 46 year old Jami Williams, of Mexico, were both flown to University Hospital in Columbia with moderate injuries. Fike and her passenger, 28 year old Erica Lake, of New London, also both sustained moderate injuries and were treated at University Hospital. Another passenger, 31 year old Kevin Fike, of Clark, refused treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
A Monroe City driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday evening accident on Route J in Marion County. It occurred just before 7pm. The patrol says 30 year old Joseph Chatfield, of Monroe City, was the driver of an eastbound car, which ran off the highway and overturned. He was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment.
CENTRALIA MAN PRONOUNCED DEAD AFTER FALLING FROM GOLF CART
A Centralia man was killed when he fell from a golf cart in Centralia, Friday night. The accident occurred just before midnight on Allen Street. 51 year old Sherwen Sanders, of Centralia, died when he fell from the golf cart and struck his head. 33 year old Landon Magley, of Centralia, was the driver of the cart. He was not injured.
There are numerous road closures to deal with this morning, as many locations around the area have received 4 to 10-plus inches of rain over the past two days. Flooding is occurring along many area rivers, creeks and streams. Law enforcement officials in several counties are reporting that many roads that do not normally flood have been under water overnight. There have been several vehicle water rescues reported in the area, where drivers have attempted to get through water over the roadway. If you encounter high water on the roads, do not try to cross. Turn around, be safe, and find an alternate route. For the latest road closure information, go to the traveler information map on MoDOT’s website.
CHILLICOTHE POLICE EXECUTE ARRESTS IN DRUG INVESTIGATION
Chillicothe Police report a total of 30 arrest warrants and the seizure of narcotics, in connection with a lengthy and ongoing drug investigation. 19 individuals were arrested Thursday, in connection with the investigation. Three other subjects are being actively sought on warrants, including 19 year old Tehya Kelly, 35 year old Travis Anderson and 30 year old Jared Livengood, all of Chillicothe. Authorities say additional arrests are pending, as the investigation continues.
A Carrollton man was treated for moderate injuries, after a Thursday collision on Highway 65 in Carroll County. 30 year old Shawn Brotherton, of Carrollton, was taken to Carroll County Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 12:20pm. The patrol says Brotherton was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped and waiting for another car to turn off the highway. A car driven by 19 year old Jordan Stewart-Humphrey, of Carrollton, approached from the rear and began skidding. It struck the rear of the vehicle, causing a chain-reaction crash involving two other cars.
A Moberly man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and four counts of child endangerment, in connection with a fatal June 10 accident near Huntsville. 36 year old Danny Bowen, of Moberly, was arrested this week, in connection with the crash that killed 27 year old Nicole Ashbaker and injured four other occupants of a vehicle. He is being held in Randolph County on $100,000 dollars bond, pending arraignment on Monday.
A Columbia woman has been arrested for falsely reporting a hostage situation, which caused a large response from area law enforcement last week. 42 year old April Rae Brashier is charged in the case. She is accused of calling 911 and falsely reporting an armed hostage situation, but giving an invalid address. Police say she called in the report to divert officers from a residence where she was hiding to avoid arrest on outstanding warrants. Brashier is being held in the Boone County Jail.
Several hours of strong thunderstorms across parts of north Missouri, Wednesday night, left multiple reports of wind damage and widespread flash flooding…with more storms expected across the area today. Rainfall totals range from widespread reports of 3-plus inches along and north of Highway 36, to a few reports in excess of six inches of rain closer to the Missouri/Iowa border. Multiple reports of tornado and straight-line wind damage will be surveyed by the National Weather Service today. Additional storm reports are expected, as residents and Emergency Managers are able to get out and survey the damage in daylight. Based on the reports so far, the hardest hit locations in our area appear to be around Spickard in Grundy County, with reports of widespread significant tree and power line damage…a swath of damage from the Cainsville area, in Harrison County, to locations northeast of Princeton in Mercer County, which include a couple of conformed tornado touchdowns, outbuildings destroyed in two locations, and damage to several other structures, along with downed trees and power lines, which closed several roadways…and in the La Plata area, where a Tornado Warning was issued between 9 and 10pm. There have been no tornado reports, but numerous trees were reported down after strong winds and large hail rolled through . Harrison County Emergency Managers report rainfall totals of 6-plus inches in some locations, causing widespread road closures overnight and basement flooding in several buildings, including the Harrison County Hospital. Several other counties report road closures due to high water this morning. Multiple rounds of additional thunderstorms are expected today and tonight along some of those same areas…a flash flood watch is in effect for much of the area, along with a risk for more damaging winds and large hail.
Drivers from Shelbina and Ashland were both treated for moderate injuries, after a Wednesday afternoon collision at Route 24 and 15, north of Paris. It occurred just after 1:30pm. The patrol says a southbound car driven by 19 year old Whitney Fountain, of Shelbina, pulled into the path of an eastbound vehicle driven by 22 year old Bethany Hadsell, of Ashland. Both drivers were treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Wednesday morning collision on Highway 63, just south of Cairo, caused only minor injuries for a Moberly teenager and a young child and resulted in the arrest of a Moberly driver. It occurred at around 7:45am. The patrol says a vehicle driven by 32 year old Anette Webster, of Moberly, attempted to cross 63 on a county road and struck a northbound car, driven by 19 year old Sarah Laws, of Moberly. Webster’s car continued across the intersection and struck another vehicle, which was stopped at a stop sign. The patrol says Webster then left the scene and was located a short time later. She was arrested on a felony Randolph County warrant for possession of meth, driving while under the influences of drugs, leaving the scene of an accident and driving while revoked. Sarah Laws and her 3 year old passenger were both treated at the scene for minor injuries.
A Marshall driver was seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision on I-70 in Cooper County, which occurred Wednesday at around 10:15am. 52 year old Gary L. Kruger, of Marshall, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident. The patrol says he was eastbound, and his pickup struck two other eastbound vehicles, which had slowed for traffic congestion. All three vehicles came to rest in the median. The other drivers were not injured.
A Tuesday evening collision on Highway 36 in Shelby County seriously injured one driver and sent two others to the hospital with moderate injuries. It occurred at around 5:45pm, just west of Lakenan on 36. The patrol says a spray truck, driven by 76 year old Hurley Schweiter, of Shelbyville, pulled from a driveway into the path of a westbound vehicle, driven by 36 year old Kristin Lyon, of Lawrence, Kansas. Lyon was seriously injured in the accident. She was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia. Her two year old son suffered moderate injuries, as did Schwieter. They were both taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.
KANSAS CITY WOMAN CHARGED WITH CARROLL COUNTY SEX CRIME
A Kansas City woman faces charges, in connection with alleged child-sex crimes in Carroll County. 49 year old Tammy Lynn McCollum is charged with statutory rape in the case. According to a probable cause statement, McCollum admitted having sex with a juvenile male at his home in Bosworth, in April of 2016. The juvenile was 14 at the time of the incident. McCollum is being held on $50,000 dollars bond.
Downtown Marceline’s annual 4th of July celebration gets underway this (Wed) evening and continues thru the Fourth. There’ll be nightly armbands at the carnival for the entire week, from 7 to 11pm. A nightly schedule of entertainment and events on the Ripley Park Stage begins with Gospel Night at 7 this evening. Thursday night is the annual Tiger Booster Night Auction, beginning at 6pm. There’ll be nightly live music thru the weekend. Marceline’s annual fireworks display is scheduled for 11pm on the 4th.
BOONE COUNTY SHERIFF INVESTIGATING SERIES OF BURGLARIES
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is investigating four burglaries this month in the Elm Tree area. Investigators say the burglaries all happened during the day, when homeowners were not home. Electronics, firearms, hunting equipment, ATV’s, tools and prescription medications have been reported stolen. Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information resulting in arrests in the case. Anyone with information is urged to call 573-875-TIPS.
JEFFERSON CITY WOMAN CHARGED IN COLUMBIA DOUBLE SHOOTING
A Jefferson City woman has been arrested in connection with a double-shooting, which occurred June 18 at the Columbia BP Kwik Store. Two 35 year old Columbia women were injured in the incident. 20 year old Alyssa L. Thorpe, of Jefferson City was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence in the case. The incident remains under investigation.
A Bucklin man has been formally charged with four felony counts, including a second-degree murder charge, in connection with the death of a New Cambria woman, earlier this month. 18 year old Jose Montoya is accused of driving a stolen vehicle in a reckless manner and striking the victim, 27 year old Amanda Hepworth, of New Cambria, in the back yard of a Bucklin home, in the early morning hours of June 14. Hepworth died from injuries sustained in the accident. Montoya has since been formally charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, driving while intoxicated causing serious injury and tampering with a motor vehicle. He is being held on $50,000 dollars bond, pending a preliminary hearing on August 24.
A report of careless driving turned into a drug arrest in Chillicothe Monday evening. Police responded to a complaint of careless driving near Montgomery and Commercial Streets, and stopped the driver of the suspect vehicle. Sterling Blakely was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. He was transferred to the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail, pending the filing of formal charges.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office continues its investigation into a fire, which damaged a playground at Chillicothe’s Simpson Park on Saturday. Authorities say three juveniles have been identified in the incident and around $30,000 dollars in damage has been assessed. Reports indicate the three suspects are all under 13 years of age. No further information on potential charges has been released. Firefighters were called to the playground, which was engulfed in flames, late Saturday afternoon.
Moberly Police are investigating a hit and run accident involving a bicyclist, which occurred at around noon Monday at the intersection of Morley and Rollins Streets. Officers say a 21 year old Moberly woman was treated for moderate injuries after she was struck on her bicycle as she turned onto Morley. The driver left the scene southbound. The vehicle is described as a newer tan or brown colored car with an older white male driver. Anyone with information is asked to contact Moberly Police.
Marshall Police are investigating the theft of equipment from a Marshall business, which occurred over the weekend. Police were contacted Sunday by David Lawn Equipment in Marshall, who reported a missing lawn tractor, a zero-turn mower and a utility trailer, taken from their property. The estimated value of the items is nearly $9,000 dollars. An investigation by Marshall Police is underway.
A Jefferson City driver was killed in a Monday afternoon accident on Highway 54 in Miller County. 49 year old Mark Lepper, of Jefferson City, died in the crash, which occurred at around 4:45pm. The patrol says Lepper was westbound, when he swerved to avoid a slower-moving vehicle. He was ejected from his pickup when it overturned and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Columbia man has been arrested after driving his vehicle into Mizzou Arena, early Sunday morning. Police say the suspect drove his vehicle through a closed gate and through a garage door on the dock area of the arena at around 4am. He then drove around inside, causing damage to golf carts, before driving out of the arena through the press gate.
A Brookfield man suffered moderate injuries in an ATV accident, which occurred Sunday morning on private property, just north of Marceline. 24 year old Joshua Molloy, of Brookfield, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at around 11am. The patrol says his northbound ATV was traveling up a hill, when the weight of a back-mounted spray tank caused it to overturn.
A Cameron driver was life-flighted to Liberty Hospital with serious injuries, after his pickup ran off Highway 6, just east of Altamont in Daviess County, early Saturday morning. 23 year old Joshua Detherage, of Cameron, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck a tree and overturned, just after 2am Saturday.
SALSIBURY WOMAN HURT IN FRIDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A Salisbury driver suffered moderate injuries in a Friday night accident on Highway 24, just west of Clifton Hill. 25 year old Ashley Stockdall, of Salisbury, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 9:45pm. The patrol says her westbound car ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its top.
COLLISION CAUSES MODERATE INJURIES FOR BOSWORTH DRIVER
A Bosworth driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Friday evening collision on a Carroll County road. 70 year old Linda Owens, of Bosworth, was treated at Carroll County Memorial Hospital after the accident, which occurred just after 5pm. The patrol says she was attempting to make a left turn and failed to yield to an oncoming car, driven by 18 year old Jesse Steinke, of Bosworth. Steinke was not injured.
An Arizona teenager was seriously injured in an ATV accident, which occurred Friday on a Monroe County road, just northwest of Holliday. 18 year old Patrick Robertson, of Arizona, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 1pm Friday. The patrol says he was ejected from his ATV when he lost control on the gravel road.
Chillicothe authorities are investigating a suspicious fire, which damaged a playground at Simpson Park over the weekend. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene just before 5pm Saturday. Upon arrival, they say the playground was engulfed in flames, including fencing, tire-chipping and a swing set and rock-climbing wall. The State Fire Marshal has been called in to assist in the investigation.
Columbia Police are investigating a pair of shots fired incidents, which occurred Sunday evening. Officers were called to a drive-by shooting, with occupants of two vehicles firing shots at each other, at around 5:30pm. The shooting apparently carried over to the 2000 block of Dickinson Court, where bullets struck at least two homes, causing property damage. No injuries were reported at either location. The incident remains under investigation.
A Carrollton man has been charged with felony statutory rape and statutory sodomy, in connection with an incident at his home in Carrollton last weekend. 22 year old Theodore Ryan Draeger, of Carrollton, is charged in the case. Last Sunday, Carrollton Police received a report of a rape victim at the hospital, who was less than 17 years of age. Draeger is accused of forcing himself on the victim at his home. He admitted having sex with the victim, but maintains it was consensual. He is in custody on $75,000 dollars bond.
The Milan Driver Examination Station will operate from a new location beginning next month. The Highway Patrol says, effective July 11, Milan Driver Examinations, which had been given in the Milan Community Center, will move to the Department of Social Services Office, 309 East 3rd Street in Milan. Testing in Milan is held on the second and fourth Tuesday’s of each month, from 10:15am to 4pm. Motorcycle skills tests are given at 11am. Again, the Milan Driver Examination Station will operate from a new location at the Department of Social Services Office in Milan, beginning July 11.
DNR TO HOLD PESTICIDE COLLECTION EVENT
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has announced plans to collect unwanted or unused pesticides from area farmers and homeowners next month. The Missouri Pesticide Collection Event will be held Saturday, July 15, from 8am to noon at the Litton Ag Center in Chillicothe. All pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, dewormers, fly tags and more will be collected during the event. Pesticides from businesses will not be accepted. Over the past five years, the Department of Natural Resources collection programs has collected, and safely disposed of, more than 126 tons of pesticides.
A Centralia man was treated for moderate injuries, after his tractor-trailer collided with a car and Southbound Interstate 49, south of Kansas City in Bates County, Thursday evening. 74 year old Glenn D. Rice, of Centralia, was transported by Med Flight to Freeman Hospital in Joplin after the accident, which occurred at around 9:30pm. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 54 year old Terrence Schwind, of Boscobel, Wisconsin struck Rice’s semi, forcing both vehicles off the roadway. Schwind was also treated for moderate injuries in Joplin.
Columbia Police were called to a report of a hostage situation, Thursday afternoon, but after an intensive investigation, they have determined that it was apparently a hoax. Officers were called to the 200 block of Apple Tree Court, after a caller told police she was being held at gunpoint. They say the address given by the caller did not exist, so they began a search of the area. Three nearby buildings were evacuated, as the investigation continued. After more than two hours at the scene and more than 30 officers involved in the search, no hostage situation was discovered.
BOONE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TRYING TO MEET YOUNG GIRL
A Boone County man was arrested Wednesday, after allegedly attempting to meet an underage girl for sex. 27 year old Darren Lasley is accused of communicating via e-mail with an underage girl, who was actually an undercover detective with the Boone County Cyber Crimes Task Force. Lasley allegedly arranged to meet the girl, who he thought was age 14. Authorities met Lasley at that location and he was arrested for attempted child enticement and attempted statutory sodomy.
A Harrison County teenager was treated for moderate injuries after his truck collided with a semi in the Love’s Truck Stop Parking Lot in Eagleville, Wednesday morning. 16 year old Logan Huitt, of Eagleville, was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred just after 9:30am. The patrol says Huitt made a left turn and failed to yield to the tractor-trailer. The driver of the semi, from Nebraska, was not injured.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate a fatal traffic crash, which occurred last month, and indirectly involved a red minivan. 21 year old Kimberly M. Schumann, of Jacksonville died in the accident. It occurred Friday, May 19 on Highway 63, just south of the Hallsville junction in Boone County. According to the patrol, Schumann was southbound on 63 and swerved to miss the minivan, which had turned into the path of her vehicle. Her car traveled across the median and collided with an oncoming vehicle in the northbound lanes. The patrol says the minivan driver stopped momentarily and then left the scene, southbound on 63. It is described as a cherry red, new model van, being driven by a male with some gray hair. Anyone with information on the vehicle is urged to contact the patrol’s Troop F headquarters in Jefferson City, at 573-751-1000.
The former director of the Knox County Ambulance District will avoid jail time, after being sentenced for embezzling cash and fraudulently filling prescriptions. Russell Hall, of Edina, has been sentenced to four years supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay more than $22,000 dollars in restitution to the ambulance district and must complete a drug treatment program. Hall pleaded guilty in March to stealing more than $28,000 from the district, by writing nearly two dozen checks to himself as vacation pay and also paying himself for extra shifts not worked. Hall also admitted to fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs, through the ambulance district, for his own use.
PROSPECTIVE FAYETTE BUSINESS OWNER ARRESTED
A prospective business owner in Fayette has been arrested this week for allegedly stealing items leased for her former business in Florida. Tara Zysset is accused of stealing more than $20,000 dollars in TV’s and kitchen equipment, which was leased for her former business. Investigators say Zysset and her boyfriend, David Cook, planned to open a bar and pizzeria in downtown Fayette, using the stolen items. She was arrested by Fayette Police and turned herself in to Florida authorities on Wednesday, where she posted $25,000 dollars bond.
A Boonville man faces stealing charges after being accused of stealing items from a woman, while helping her move and promising to do work at her home. Donald Gerlt, of Boonville, is charged in the case. According to court documents, Gerlt offered to help a 64 year old woman move and was paid to do work in her home. The woman later noticed more than $1,700 dollars worth of items missing from her home and, she says, the work was never done.
A Macon driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 5, just south of Marceline, early this (Wed) morning. 32 year old Jay Patel, of Macon, was the driver of a northbound car. The patrol says it ran off the right side of the highway, struck a tree and overturned, just after midnight. Patel suffered moderate injuries. He was treated initially at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield and then life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED AS DUMP TRUCK OVERTURNS ON 36
The driver of a dump truck, from Hamilton, was seriously injured when it overturned on Highway 36, near Breckenridge, just after 11:30 Tuesday morning. 44 year old Robert Feigly, of Hamilton, was taken to Liberty Hospital after the accident. The patrol says he lost control of the truck after its left front tire failed. It traveled into the median and overturned, coming to rest on its top in the westbound lanes of 36. Both westbound lanes were blocked for some time after the accident.
An Auxvasse man was treated for moderate injuries after his motorcycle struck a cow on Audrain County Route E, early Tuesday morning. 36 year old Matthew Edwards, of Auxvasse, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment after the accident, which occurred just after 6:30am. The patrol says his motorcycle struck a cow in the roadway, then ran off the road and overturned.
The former head of Moberly’s failed Mamtek Plant will be released from prison next year. The Missouri Department of Corrections says Bruce Cole will be released next June. Cole was convicted in 2014 of stealing funds borrowed by the City of Moberly to build the Mamtek artificial sweetener plant, which was projected to provide around 600 jobs. The project never got off the ground and Cole was charged, after diverting more than $6 million dollars in bond funds for his personal use. He was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will be released after serving just under 4 years.
Columbia Police are investigating another shots fired incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon in the 2600 block of Quail Drive. Officers were called to the scene at around 1:40pm. Investigators say they located multiple shell casings in the area and found evidence of a nearby home and car being struck by gunfire. They say ten people were around that area at the time, but no injuries were reported. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Florida woman has been charged in Daviess County, in connection with the 2016 death of her young daughter. A probable cause statement accuses the suspect, 25 year old Susan Phelps, of Cocoa, Florida, of leaving her two year old daughter unattended in a bathtub at the home in Altamont in April of 2016. Reports indicate that, when Phelps returned to the bathroom, the child was unresponsive and was later pronounced dead. Phelps bond has been set at $100,000 dollars.
The Chillicothe School Board has selected a new member. The board met in special session Monday afternoon and interviewed two candidates for the vacant seat. They selected Lindy Chapman to fill the seat, which was vacated by the resignation of Robin Westphal. Chapman will fill the position until the next municipal election in April of next year, when a special election will fill the remainder of Westphal’s unexpired term.
Parts of the Missouri Bootheel were shaken by a small earthquake, early Monday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey says the earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.7, rumbled just before 4:30am. It was centered near the small town of Steele in the Missouri Bootheel. There were no immediate reports of any significant damage and no injuries were reported.
Plans are set for the first-ever Linn County Relay for Life fish fry and pie auction, Saturday evening in the Brookfield South City Park. The fish fry will be held from 4:30 to 8pm. The cost is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for kids ten and under. A silent auction will run from 4:30 to 7pm…and then the pie auction begins, with some well-known local pie producers represented. There’ll be live music and more during the evening. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Again, that’s Saturday from 4:30 to 8pm, at the Brookfield South City Park.
Boone County authorities have released more information on a Sunday night shooting incident, which occurred at the BP gas station in the 5700 block of East St. Charles Road in Columbia. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department says two women were reportedly shot during the incident. One of them has been treated and released, while the other remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives say the shooter apparently knew the victims. A suspect is still being sought in the case.
A verbal disturbance turned into a shots fired incident in Columbia, Monday afternoon. It began, just after 3pm, with a report of an argument between occupants of two vehicles at Loop Liquor and Convenience Store, 26 Business Loop 70 East. A report of an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles matching the description, was called in from the area of War Admiral Drive and Triple Crown Drive. Officers found multiple shell casings in that area. There have been no reports of property damage or injuries. Anyone with information on the altercation is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR DOUBLE MURDER
A judge has sentenced a Columbia man to life in prison without parole for a 2015 double murder. Darious Lucas received two life sentences in connection with the September 2015 murders of James Richardson, of Columbia and Kenneth Long, of Mexico. The two victims were found in an abandoned trailer park, just outside the Columbia city limits. Investigators say Lucas wrote rap lyrics, shortly after a drug arrest in October of 2015 that detailed the murder of two men, naming the type of bullets used in the shootings and describing details of the case.
A northeast Missouri man was killed in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred at around midnight Sunday morning on Clark County Route D. 24 year old William See, of Gorin, died in the accident. He was the driver of a westbound pickup. The patrol says it became airborne at a hillcrest and ran off the highway and overturned multiple times. Two passengers were also injured. 22 year old Reid Harris, of Muscatine, Iowa suffered serious injuries and was taken to Keokuk Area Hospital. 19 year old Luke Sedore, of Alexandria, MO was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
A Clarence driver suffered moderate injuries in a Friday evening accident on a Macon County roadway. It occurred just before 5pm on Orbit Road, north of Anabel. 43 year old John W. Koch, of Clarence, was the driver. The patrol says his southbound pickup met a farm tractor at a hillcrest and skidded off the roadway to avoid a collision. Koch was treated for moderate injuries at Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
The Macon Police Department will take on the Macon Fire Department in their annual Battle for Blood Community Blood Drive, Tuesday afternoon at the Macon Comfort Inn. The two agencies will compete to bring in the most blood donations during the event. The Community Blood Center will be on-hand for donors from 1 to 5pm Tuesday afternoon, at the Macon Comfort Inn.
Boone County deputies are investigating a Sunday night shooting incident at the BP gas station, in the 5700 block of East St. Charles Road. Investigators have not released details on the circumstances or on victims in the case. They have confirmed that a police presence at the emergency room at University Hospital was related to the incident. Further information is expected to be released Monday morning.
Columbia Police are investigating the discovery of a body, in a field in the 500 block of High Street in Columbia, Sunday afternoon. Officers were called to the scene at around 5:20pm and the medical examiner was called in. Investigators say they do not believe foul play is involved in the death. Further information is pending the results of the medical examiner’s investigation.
Formal charges have been filed against a Bucklin teen and a New Cambria woman continues to recover from serious injures sustained when she was struck by a car in a Bucklin yard, shortly after midnight Wednesday morning. The Highway Patrol says the driver, 18 year old Jose “Joey” Montoya, of Bucklin, was driving a stolen pickup in a careless manner, when it struck 27 year old Amanda Hepworth, of New Cambria, in the back yard of a home in the 200 block of Baker Street in Bucklin. Hepworth was flown from the scene to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. Montoya has been formally charged with tampering with a motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury, second-degree assault and armed criminal action.
CLARENCE MAN CHARGED WITH CRIMES AGAINST UNDERAGE GIRL
A Clarence man is charged with multiple sex crimes, involving an underage girl, after being arrested last week. 41 year old James Beckley, of Clarence, is charged with first-degree rape or attempted rape, first-degree sexual misconduct and furnishing pornographic material to a minor. Investigators accuse Beckley of inappropriately touching a 15 year old female victim at his home in January. In March, investigators say he sent her graphic photos and text messages and exposed himself. In April, Beckley is accused of forcing himself on the victim at his home. He is free on bond and is due in court for arraignment next month.
A Schuyler County preacher, who is accused of molesting an underage boy over a period of several years, will go on trial this fall. 69 year old George Bradburn, of Queen City, the former pastor of the Queen City Christian Church, will go on trial on October 12 in Knox County Circuit Court. Bradburn faces faces a total of 14 counts of first-degree statutory sodomy-deviate sexual intercourse involving a victim under the age of 14. Investigators accuse Bradburn of engaging in inappropriate acts with the young male victim, starting when he was approximately 9 years old and continuing over a five year period. Bradburn is being held in the Adair County Jail.
A Paris driver was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident Wednesday night. 18 year old Rene McCune, of Paris, was the driver of a westbound vehicle on Industrial Street in Paris. The patrol says it ran through and intersection and struck a ditch, just after 10:30pm. McCune was taken to University Hospital with moderate injuries.
A Columbia woman is charged with three counts of child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, after investigators say they found unlivable conditions in the woman’s home. Teresa Kennedy, of Columbia, was arrested Wednesday, after three kids, age 4, 6 and 11, were found living in a residence with trash piles in every room, including old food and food cans with sharp edges. Investigators say an upstairs bathroom in the home was flooded and full of dried waste, and one of the children was sleeping on a stained and dirty mattress.
Two Illinois men have been formally charged, in connection with last week’s high-speed chase, which ended near Jacksonville. 35 year old Nicholas Baldwin, of Collinsville, IL and 46 year old Scott Thorburg, of Madison, IL, were both arrested after Thursday’s pursuit, which began in Boone County and involved several area law enforcement agencies. Investigators say they found approximately six pounds of meth, along with cash and a handgun, in the vehicle. Both men are charged with first-degree drug trafficking. They’re being held on $1 million dollars cash-only bond.
A Hale man faces drug charges after his arrest by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department over the weekend. Deputies responded to a Caldwell County report of a careless driver heading into Livingston County, Friday evening. A traffic stop, with a search by a K9 unit, turned up more than seven grams of meth and other drug paraphernalia. The suspect, 55 year old Gerald Lyle Ratcliffe, of Hale, was arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. His bond has been set at $35,000 dollars cash-only.
Trenton Police are seeking information on a missing teenager. 19 year old Tanner Ward, of Trenton, was last seen leaving a family member’s home last Wednesday. He is described as a white male with brown hair, brown eyes and a slim athletic build, about 5-10 and 150 to 170 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Trenton Police.
A Marshall man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole, in connection with the murders of his son-in-law and his former mother-in-law, in the Slater area, last Summer. 59 year old Donald Bruce Owens, of Marshall, pleaded guilty in the case on Monday. He was charged in connection with the shooting deaths of 35 year old Ryan W. Sanders and 83 year old Bonnie Charlene Happ, of Slater, last June. Court documents indicate Owens felt the two victims were threatening his family, during an ongoing custody dispute involving his granddaughter.
Three occupants of a vehicle were injured in a Monday afternoon accident on Highway 63 in Boone County, which occurred at around 4pm. 53 year old Mark Winscott, of Harrisburg, was the driver of a southbound vehicle. The patrol says he became distracted and the vehicle ran off the roadway, collided with a bridge rail and ran into the median. A passenger, 12 year old Charlea Winscott, of Harrisburg, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered moderate injuries. Two other passengers, 55 year old Delores Winscott of Harrisburg and 12 year old Gage Winscott, of Fayette, were treated for minor injuries.
COLUMBIA CAR FIRES RULED SUSPICIOUS
Columbia Police say a pair of Monday morning vehicle fires have been ruled suspicious, and are under investigation. Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire in the 1600 block of Paris Road, early Monday morning. Twenty minutes later, a second vehicle fire was reported, less than a half-mile away, in the 1800 block of Gordon Street. In both cases, the vehicles were engulfed when firefighters arrived. Both fires were quickly extinguished and there were no injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
A Moberly woman was killed, a Moberly man was seriously injured and four children suffered minor injuries, in a weekend accident on Randolph County Route C, north of Huntsville. It occurred just before 4pm Saturday. 27 year old Nicole Ashbaker, of Moberly, was the driver of a northbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the highway, went up an embankment and overturned, ejecting Ashbaker from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger 36 year old Danny Bowen, of Moberly, was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. Four children in the vehicle, age 4 thru 9, were all treated for minor injuries.
Three Moberly teenagers were injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred just after 4:30 Sunday morning, on a Randolph County road. 15 year old Shaun Coonce, of Moberly, was the driver of a northbound car on a county road, just west of Moberly. The patrol says he swerved to miss a deer in the roadway and the car ran off the road and overturned. Coonce and one passenger, 16 year old Alexus McDonald, of Moberly, both suffered moderate injuries. They were treated at Moberly Regional Medical Center. A second passenger, 16 year old Stephanie Smith, of Moberly, refused treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
Friday was a deadly day on north Missouri roadways, with three people killed in a pair of traffic crashes.
A Marceline couple, 30 year old Jeremy Maddox and 24 year old Jessika Maddox, died in a head-on collision just north of Marceline, at around 11am Friday. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 47 year old Shauna Gauthier, of Bucklin, crossed the center line and collided with the Maddox vehicle head-on. The couple’s 4 year old son was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries. Gauthier and a 7 year old passenger in her vehicle were also both life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries.
29 year old Timothy Vos, of Unionville was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Route 149 in Adair County, just after 7 o’clock Friday morning. The patrol says Vos was ejected from his southbound vehicle as it ran off the roadway, struck a fence and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
INVESTIGATORS CALLED IN AFTER ABANDONED BUILDING FIRE
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a Sunday evening fire at an abandoned building in south Columbia. Firefighters were called to the 4100 block of Bearfield Road, just after 8pm Sunday. Boone County Fire Protection District officials say the fire had multiple small starting points, but they were able to get it under control quickly. They believe it was started by kids or teenagers.
A Thursday night motorcycle crash on Route 139 in Sullivan County sent a Humphreys man to the hospital with serious injuries. 51 year old Charles H. Fields, of Humphreys, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, after the accident, which occurred just before 10pm, about five miles south of Humphreys. The patrol says Fields was ejected from his southbound motorcycle when it ran off the roadway.
A Unionville teenager was treated for moderate injuries, after a Thursday afternoon ATV accident at Lake Thunderhead in Putnam County. 13 year old Colton Webb, of Unionville, was taken to Putnam County Memorial Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 2:20pm. The patrol says he suffered moderate injuries when his westbound ATV ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
A Milan man faces drug charges, after Chillicothe Police were called to a domestic disturbance at a residence last weekend. Sunday afternoon, officers were called to a domestic dispute in the 1000 block of First Street. During their investigation, 47 year old Travis Von Shaw, of Milan, was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned this week and a preliminary hearing was set for June 21.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER CAR CHASE ENDS NEAR JACKSONVILLE
Two suspects are in custody after a car chase ran through Boone and Randolph Counties, Thursday evening. It began with an attempted traffic stop in Boone County, just before 7pm and it ended at around 8 o’clock, after spike strips were deployed along Highway 63 and the suspect vehicle crashed near Jacksonville. Authorities say the vehicle had been reported stolen in Florida. Two suspects were taken into custody at the scene. No further information has been released.
A Thursday afternoon Centralia house fire is being investigated as arson by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. The fire occurred at a home on Rodney Griffin Street in Centralia, just before 2pm. Authorities say the fire started outside the home, but jumped a wall and quickly spread to the structure. The investigation is ongoing.
The Macon Fower Memorial Airport is set to host a fly-in and drive-in breakfast tomorrow (Sat) morning. The ‘all you can eat’ pancake and sausage breakfast will be served from 7am to 11am and pilots who fly-in to the airport are invited to eat free. Cost to the public is seven dollars for adults and five dollars for kids 10 and under. A number of demonstrations and displays will be available for viewing during the event…and several pilots will offer free Young Eagle Flights for ages 8 to 17. You must register for your flight by 11am and a parent or legal guardian must be on-hand to sign a permission form.
No one was injured and one person was taken into custody, after a Wednesday morning standoff in Moberly, which lasted more than four hours. The incident occurred at a residence near the intersection of McKinley and Logan in Moberly, where officers responded to a report of an assault with shots fired. The suspect refused to come out of the home as officers attempted to communicate with him. The man, described as a 35 year old white male, eventually surrendered without incident. Again, no injuries were reported. The suspect’s identity has not been released as the investigation is ongoing.
A Higbee driver was killed in a Wednesday morning accident on Boone County Route E. 30 year old Daniel Wertzberger, of Higbee, died in the accident, which occurred just after 8am. The patrol says his southbound pickup ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Wertzberger was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Highway Patrol is seeking information on a hit and run driver, who struck a bicyclist on Boone County Route E, just before 8 o’clock Wednesday morning. 25 year old Tyler Cordia, of Columbia, was riding his bicycle northbound when an unidentified northbound SUV struck the bike, causing it to run off the roadway. Cordia was taken to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The suspect vehicle fled the scene without stopping.
Shelby County authorities say a Quincy, Illinois man was arrested Monday night, after an injured and nearly naked teenager was found in his Shelbina Hotel Room. 27 year old Jacob M. Almeter is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. According to court documents, Almeter contacted Shelbina Police and reported that his car had been borrowed by a friend, who claimed he was in an accident. Police found a 16 year old girl with a bleeding head wound in Almeter’s room. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Almeter was arrested at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
Four Trenton residents were killed in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon on Highway 190, just west of the Daviess-Grundy County Line. 20 year old Trey Shaw, of Trenton, was the driver of the eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, down an embankment, struck a ditch and became airborne, before coming to rest on its wheels in the ditch. The patrol says the vehicle was difficult to see and was not discovered until several hours later. Shaw and his three passengers, 18 year old Malachi Knapp, 19 year old Matheson Knapp and 31 year old Micah Knapp, all of Trenton, were all pronounced dead at the scene.
A Bethel driver was treated for moderate injuries after his van ran off Shelby County Route J, Tuesday afternoon. The patrol says 79 year old Raymond Pace, of Bethel, suffered a medical condition at around 2pm Tuesday, causing his vehicle to run off the roadway and strike a tree. Pace was treated for moderate injuries at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
The Moberly man, who was driving a vehicle during Monday night’s fatal accident on a county road north of Huntsville, faces charges in connection with that fatality. 26 year old Jacob Gerhard, of Moberly was taken into custody after the accident, on suspicion of felony DWI involving the death of another person, careless and imprudent driving resulting in an accident and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. 25 year old Asher Kimbrough, of Moberly was riding on the roof of Gerhard’s SUV Monday evening, and died from injuries sustained when he fell off the vehicle onto the roadway.
Four people, including an infant child, were injured in a Tuesday morning collision on Callaway County Route FF at its junction with Highway 54. It occurred just after 11:30am Tuesday. The patrol says 51 year old Nancy Wilson, of Mexico, apparently failed to stop at a stop light and her vehicle collided with a pickup, driven by 29 year old Megan Henricks, of Columbia. Wilson was treated for moderate injuries and her passenger, 28 year old Holly Wilson of Mexico, was treated for minor injuries. Henricks and her infant child were both treated for minor injuries.
THREE KNOX COUNTY RESDIENTS FACE DRUG CHARGES
Three Knox County residents face drug charges, after their recent arrests. 36 year old Donna Saulmon, of Knox City, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. 53 year old James Rudicil, of Knox City was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia on June 3. 19 year old Kendyl Johnson, of Edina was arrested on those same charges on May 28.
Two men are in custody after a high-speed car chase through parts of Columbia early this (Wed) morning. Boone County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle, which was reported stolen from Kansas. A chase ensued, with speeds reaching near 50 miles per hour through residential neighborhoods near downtown Columbia, before the vehicle was stopped at a dead end. Two male suspects in their 20’s were taken into custody at the scene…no further information has been released.
A Moberly man was killed in a one-vehicle accident on a Randolph County road, Monday evening. 25 year old Asher R. Kimbrough, of Moberly, died in the crash, which occurred at around 6pm, about a mile and a half north of Huntsville. The Highway Patrol says Kimbrough was riding on the roof of a westbound car, driven by 26 year old Jacob Gerhard, of Moberly. He suffered fatal injuries, when he fell off the vehicle and landed in the roadway. Kimbrough was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
MARCELINE WOMAN LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER HIGHWAY 36 CRASH
A Marceline woman was seriously injured in a Monday morning collision on Highway 36 at Keene Road. It occurred at around 9:45am. The patrol says 21 year old Sarah Dewitt, of Marceline, pulled into the path of an eastbound vehicle, driven by a 62 year old Kansas man. She was flown to University Hospital by Air Evac helicopter. A passenger in her car, 11 year old Trent Flair, of Marceline, was treated for minor injuries.
MORE INFO RELEASED ON KIRKSVILLE JEWELRY STORE THEFT
Kirksville Police have released more information on the theft of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from Gardner-Collier Jewelers in downtown Kirksville. The store was broken into just after 7 o’clock Friday morning. Investigators say more than 50 gold necklaces, bracelets and pendants were taken in the break-in. Police believe one person carried out the theft, after jimmying open the front door of the store and breaking a glass display case. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed in hopes of gathering more information on the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Kirksville Police.
A trial date has been set for a Kirksville man, who is charged with killing his estranged wife, last November. 41 year old Danny Welte, of Kirksville faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, in the shooting death of Echo Leanne Welte. His trial is set to begin on January 8. Police say Welte shot his wife during an argument in the Kirksville Days Inn parking lot on November 17. He surrender without incident early the next morning.
Two Shelbina teenagers were treated for moderate injuries after their vehicle ran off a Shelby County gravel road, at around 9:45 Monday morning. 16 year old Hannah Large, of Shelbina was the driver of the vehicle…16 year old Lacie Kennison, of Shelbina was her passenger. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck a tree and came to rest on its passenger side. Both teens were taken to area hospitals with moderate injuries.
An Illinois driver was seriously injured when his pickup ran off Cooper County Route B, just north of I-70, just before 8:30 Monday morning. 20 year old Shane Giacoletto, of Collinsville, Illinois, was treated at University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says the pickup was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran through a stop sign and off the west side of the roadway, into a ditch.
From KTVO.com – the families of three fallen Green Beret’s, including Kirksville native, 27 year old Matthew Lewellen, have been informed that murder charges have been filed by Jordanian authorities, in connection with their deaths. Lewellen’s family told KTVO that the FBI has briefed them on the investigation. The Jordanian soldier, who is accused in the attack that killed Lewellen and his two fellow soldiers, Abu Tayeh, has been charged in the deaths, for actions which were in violation of military orders. The three were killed when Tayeh opened fire on their vehicle at a Jordanian military checkpoint in November of last year.
Kirksville Police are investigating a dog attack in Kirksville, which sent a mother and child to the hospital last week. Investigators say two dogs were involved in the attack, which occurred just before 4 o’clock Wednesday afternoon in the 1500 block of North Franklin. They say it caused significant physical injuries for a mother and her juvenile son. The dogs have been quarantined and formal charges are pending in the case, as the investigation continues.
A Moberly driver escaped with minor injuries, when his car ran off Highway 63, just north of Renick, Saturday afternoon. It occurred at around 12:30pm. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 20 year old Joshua Swank, of Moberly, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Swank was treated and released at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Boone County motorcycle accident, which occurred Saturday night, injured Hallsville and Sturgeon residents. The patrol says a southbound motorcycle on Highway 63 was driven by 26 year old Morgann Simpson, of Hallsville. It ran off the roadway and struck an embankment at Hinton Road in Boone County, just after 9pm. Simpson suffered moderate injuries and was treated at University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger, 28 year old Derrick Petty, of Sturgeon, suffered minor injuries.
COLUMBIA WOMAN TREATED AFTER MOTORCYCLE OVERTURNS
A Columbia woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Saturday morning motorcycle accident on Highway 63. It occurred just before 11am. The patrol says 49 year old Randy Easton, of Columbia, was the driver of a southbound motorcycle. He lost control while attempting to turn onto Liberty Lane and it overturned. Randy Easton was treated for minor injuries…his passenger, 42 year old Angela Easton, of Columbia, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital.
ONE VEHICLE LINN COUNTY WRECK THURSDAY AFTERNOON
A one vehicle wreck on Route Y, 1 mile west of Meadville at 1:15 yesterday (Thurs) afternoon resulted in several injuries, but all minor. The patrol reports 32 year old Lena R. Williams of Meadville was behind the wheel and failed to negotiate a curve. The auto went off the roadway and struck an embankment. Williams, along with11 year old Emma Williams of Meadville, 10 year old Jaylin R. Williams of Kansas Cityand 12 year old Roger D. Nickell of Independence were transported to Pershing Hospital for treatment.
MINOR INJURIES IN HOWARD CO. ACCIDENT - VEHICLE TOTALLED
24 year old Cassidyann Robinson of Sunrise Beach, MO received minor injuries in a one vehicle wreck in Howard County on MO 240, 1 mile north of 240 Alternate around 3:20 yesterday (Thurs) afternoon. The patrol said the driver of the car, a male has not been identified as of yet, but it appears the vehicle went off the roadway with the driver overcorrecting and the vehicle going off the road on the other side, eventually striking a fence and a tree.
ATV ACCIDENT SENDS OKLAHOMA WOMAN TO HOSPITAL
An ATV accident resulted in moderate injuries after the vehicle traveled off the west side of the roadway on NE Railroad Pond Road, south of NE Old US 36, five miles east of Hamilton Sunday night around 8:30 pm. The ATV went off the roadway and 33 year old Kimberly R. Moore of Grove, Oklahoma was totally ejected
FUGITIVE SURRENDERS TO AUTHORITIES
KTVO.com reports Brandon True, who was last wanted on assault charges from Boone County, has surrendered to authorities. His month, Rose True said her son turned himself in Monday at the Chariton County Sheriffs office in Keytesville. True was wanted for a probation violation in connection with the alleged Boone County assault on April 1st. The charges came less than a month after True was placed on five-years probation for setting fire to a Kirksville duplex in 2014. His bond was set at $50,000 cash only.
JUNE 1, 2017
VEHICLE AND FARM TRACTOR COLLIDE
A Clarence resident received moderate injuries in a collision involving a farm tractor around 5:10 pm Tuesday. The highway patrol said 29 year Misty D. Peart of Clarence failed to see a tractor and farm equipment operated by 54 year old Richard G. Chinn of Clarence. Her vehicle ended up striking the equipment be towed by the tractor and struck equipment in tow. Peart was transported by Air Evac Helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia. The tractor operator was not injured. That accident occurred on U.S. 36 Westbound 1 mile west of Lentner in Shelby County.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTING INCIDENT IN MACON
KTVO dot com is reporting a shooting incident ends with two suspects behind bars and one is a juvenile. According to the report a 911 call reporting a disturbance with possible shots fired in Macon came in on Sunday. Macon Police officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Jefferson Street. The investigation led to the arrest of 18 year old Kyle Boyce of Macon and a juvenile. Boyce is now charged with four felonies: Armed Criminal Action, First-Degree Assault, First-Degree Burglary and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He’s being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. The juvenile was turned over to juvenile authorities. Macon Police said the two suspects entered a back door of the victim’s home, and one fired a gunshot toward people in the residence and then fled. Investigation revealed the spent ammunication went through the interior and exterior walls of the home and lodged in the exterior wall of a neighboring residence. Macon Police Officers later tracked down Boyce and the juvenile and placed them under arrest. Macon Police Chief Steve Olinger said his department is investigating the possible involvement of a third suspect, who is also believed to be a juvenile.
PLANE CRASH LANDED AT BOONVILLE AIRPORT
A plane was forced to crash land at the Boonville Airport Wednesday night after experiencing engine troubles. KOMU TV is reporting that the Boonville Police Department, said the plane experienced an engine failure roughly 100 feet in the air. The pilot was able to direct the plane to the runway, but lost control and flipped the plane over. The pilot was not hurt and no one else was on board. Boonville Police, Boonville Fire and Cooper County Fire were dispatched to the scene,
MAY 31, 2017
FIVE PEOPLE DIE IN TRAFFIC CRASHES WHILE THREE PEOPLE DROWN
Five people died in traffic crashes over the 2017 Memorial Day weekend. Last year, 13 people were killed during the three-day weekend. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 345 traffic crashes which included 128 injuries and all five fatalities. Troopers also arrested 107 people for driving while intoxicated and made 125 drug arrests. During the 2016 Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Patrol investigated 347 traffic crashes which included 128 injuries and six of the 13 fatalities. Last year, troopers arrested 135 people for driving while intoxicated.
Zero boating fatalities occurred during this years counting period but three people did drown over the holiday weekend. Marine operations troopers investigated 14 boating crashes involving seven injuries. Three people drowned over the 2017 Memorial Day holiday. Marine operations troopers arrested 20 boaters for boating while intoxicated and made six drug arrests. Of the five traffic crash fatalities investigated by the Patrol, one occurred in the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, area and the Troop B, Macon, area. Three fatalities occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, area. 33 year old Jesse W. Kechum, of Downing, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving ran off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, returned to the roadway, and the vehicle overturned several times. Both Kechum and a passenger were ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred in Scotland County on Missouri Highway 15 north of Memphis, MO. Deputy Coroner Sheriff Wayne Winn pronounced Kechum dead at the scene. Neither Kechum nor the passenger was wearing a seat belt. The passenger sustained serious injuries in the crash. Troop B officers investigated 20 traffic crashes resulting in two injuries and one fatality in Scotland County. Officers also investigated one non injury boating crash.
BUSY WEEKEND FOR MEXCO PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS
On Sunday, 05/28/17, at approximately 5:59AM, Mexico Public Safety became aware of a neighborhood disturbance that had occurred in the 900 block of Hassen Drive. Responding officers learned that several residents had heard a man yelling from inside of his home throughout the night. Just before coming to MPSD, two people were preparing to leave the neighborhood when the man stepped out of his home, yelled something at them, and fired a gun at them. At approximately 8:00AM, officers located and arrested 36 year old Patrick Eldridge, for the offense. Eldridge was processed at MPSD and later taken to the Audrain County Jail for two counts of Assault 4th degree, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. At approximately 9:41PM, Mexico Public Safety responded to the area of Breckenridge and Coal Streets in reference to gunshots being fired. Witnesses reported seeing a light colored vehicle driving through the area and hearing several gunshots. This incident is still being investigated. Then Monday, at approximately 7:51PM, Mexico Public Safety responded to the 700 block of W Love in reference to a disturbance involving a gun. It was reported that while some area residents were outside, a neighbor came out of his house, began yelling at them, and waved a gun in the air. At approximately 8:28PM, officer arrested 55 year old Joe Bickell, for the offense. Bickell was processed at MPSD and later take to the Audrain County Jail for two counts of Assault 4th degree and Unlawful Use of Weapon. There were no injuries and no property damage during the incidents.
ANNIMAL GAS CHAMBER SHUT DOWN EFFORT GAINS MOMENTUM
A recent move by animal shelter officials in Moberly to destroy a gas chamber for animals has increased calls to shut down other such facilities across the state. The city of Moberly received a three-thousand-dollar grant from the Humane Society for dismantling and discarding the chamber. Humane Society State Director Amanda Good says since that time their social media accounts have been flooded with tips. The use of gas chambers has long been treated as unnecessarily cruel since injection takes a matter of seconds while death by gas chamber can take minutes. Only four states in the country still allow animal gas chambers to be used – Missouri, Ohio, Wyoming and Utah.
ASSISTANCE STAYING COOL THIS SUMMER
Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri will have a limited number of 110 air conditioner units available for residents living within the 9-county service area. Beginning June 1st, tye b Energy Assistance program will be able to offer air conditioners to a small number of clients who suffer from a life-threatening condition and who can provide a doctor’s note stating such. The AC units are first come, first serve, and clients submitting a request cannot have received an air conditioner from the agency within the past 3 years. Other stipulations also apply. A limited number of air conditioners & box fans are available during the summer months along with infrared heaters for colder weather are available to residents in the service area who are 60 or older. If you have questions or would like to see if you may qualify, call 855-290-8544, or go to: www.capncm.org,
A Queen City man was injured in a one vehicle accident that occurred Tuesday afternoon on Kirby Timber Rd about 7 miles Northwest of Queen City. According to the Highway Patrol 30 year old Jacob Moffit of Queen City was traveling Westbound when he drove off the North side of the roadway and struck a tree. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Schuyler Co. ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment.
May 30, 2017
Four people where injured in an accident that occurred at 10:55AM Friday in Randolph County. According to the highway patrol the accident occurred on US 63 Southbound at Highway KK near Renick when an Eastbound vehicle driven by 81 year old Robert D Beamer of Clark attempted to cross US 63 and drove into the path of a Southbound vehicle driven by 33 year old Rebecca Graham of Clark. The driver and two passengers in the Graham vehicle, 12 year old Damian Graham, and 14 year old Destiny Stephenson all sustained moderate injuries and where transported to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. Robert Beamer sustained minor injuries, and refused treatment at the scene.
FIRE TRUCK CRASH RESULTS IN DEATH OF FIRE FIGHTER
From KTVO.Com a Northeast Mo Firefighter is dead, and another injured in a rollover crash involving a fire truck. The accident occurred just before 6:15pm Monday on Highway 15 three miles North of Memphis. The truck was on its way to fight a fire when the incident occurred. The two men involved where part of the Memphis Volunteer Fire Department. Both where ejected from the fire truck. Scotland County Sheriff Wayne Winn pronounced one of the men dead at the scene. The other firefighter involved was transported to Scotland County Hospital by ambulance and was then flown to University Hospital in Columbia where he is listed in serious condition. The names of the firefighters have not yet been released as the investigation continues.
MARSHALL MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN SALINE COUNTY
A motorcyclist from Marshall was seriously injured in an accident on US 65 at 116th Trail in Saline County Sunday afternoon. According to the Highway Patrol 27 year old Christopher Davis of Marshall was ejected from his southbound motorcycle after he was struck by an Eastbound vehicle driven by 62-year-old William Norman of Nelson Mo. Christopher Davis was seriously injured and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
A Kirksville man is recovering, after suffering a severe electrical shock while working on his camper Wednesday evening. Officials say 34 year old Jeff Brake was screwing sheet metal onto the top of the camper, at his home, northeast of Kirksville, when he was shocked. Emergency crews had to rescue Brake from the top of the camper. He was flown from the scene to University Hospital in Columbia. Brake has since been released from the hospital.
A Macon man was arrested earlier this week, after allegedly threatening a woman with a gun, inside a residence. The call came in Monday, from the 600 block of Elm Street in Macon. Several law enforcement agencies responded and located the suspect at the intersection of Briggs Drive and Maffry Avenue. 26 year old Mark Baggos, of Macon, was arrested and has since been charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon and misdemeanor assault. He is being held on $25,000 dollars bond.
A Huntsville driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Thursday morning accident on Highway 3, just north of Kaseyville. It occurred at around 8:20am. 53 year old Cindy Latimer, of Huntsville, was treated at Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident. The patrol says she was attempting to pass a farm tractor as it attempted to make a left turn. She swerved to avoid the collision, then ran off the roadway and struck a ditch.
A Fayette driver suffered moderate injuries when his pickup ran off Highway 5 in Howard County, Thursday night. 26 year old Shawn Flick, of Fayette, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 9:40pm. The patrol says he failed to negotiate a curve and his pickup ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will have extra troopers on patrol for the Memorial Day weekend, starting today. The patrol annually participates in Operation CARE, over each of our holiday weekends. ‘CARE’ stands for Combined Accident Reduction Effort. Additional troopers will be on patrol thru Monday, looking for excessive speed, careless and aggressive drivers and drivers under the influence. The additional officers will also be available to assist motorists on the roadway, if needed. You can always contact your local Highway Patrol headquarters by calling #55 in your cell phone.
A Waverly driver was seriously injured when his vehicle was struck by a train at a crossing in Waverly, Wednesday afternoon. 34 year old Anthony Allen, of Waverly, was life-flighted to a Kansas City hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 1:20pm. The patrol says Allen’s northbound vehicle failed to yield at the crossing and traveled into the path of an eastbound train.
A driver from Texas was seriously injured when his car ran off I-35 in Daviess County and overturned multiple times, just after 10 o’clock Wednesday night. 44 year old Christopher Russmann, of Farmersville, Texas, was the driver of the vehicle, a 1936 Ford Coupe, which ran off the roadway, into the median, skidded sideways and then rolled approximately five times. Russmann was taken to Liberty Hospital with serious injuries.
A Wheeling man faces drug charges, after a search warrant was executed at his home this week. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says Monday’s search resulted in the seizure of 8 ounces of high-grade marijuana, along with other items. Deputies also seized five marijuana plants from the home. 61 year old Clifford Alan Thompson, of Wheeling, was arrested and is charged with felony possession of a controlled substance.
The new Brookfield Aquatic Center is ready to open for the summer season…and it will be on display this evening, for a ribbon-cutting event starting at 6pm. After the ribbon-cutting, the public is welcome to tour the new facility and meet the staff. The new Brookfield Aquatic Center opens this Saturday (5/27) at noon.
A Columbia man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute meth. 55 year old Douglas Marion Pryor was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Kansas City. Earlier this year, Pryor pleaded guilty to taking part in a conspiracy to distribute meth in Boone, Cooper and Lafayette Counties from August of 2015 thru January of 2016. He also admitted to distributing 40 to 50 pounds of meth since 2012. One co-defendant in the case, from Independence, has all ready been sentenced to ten years in prison. Two other co-defendants, 53 year old Alan Kennedy, of Boonville and 35 year old Matthew Allen Hampton, of Franklin, are still awaiting sentencing.
Closing arguments are scheduled today in the murder trial of a Mexico man, who is charged in the 2015 death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper James Bava. Serghei Comerzan is charged with second-degree murder in the case. He is accused of fleeing from the trooper, on Route FF in Audrain County, leading him on a high-speed chase, which resulted in a traffic crash that killed Bava. Jury deliberations will begin after the closing arguments, later today. The case is being heard in St. Charles County.
A jury was unable to reach a verdict Wednesday, in connection with a 2015 Columbia double-shooting. Mylonyo Cunningham was charged with two counts of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, in the August 2015 shooting on Peachtree Drive that sent two victims to the hospital. After three and a half hours of deliberation, the jury said it remained split on the verdict. Prosecutors are expected to ask for a new trial.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department and the North Missouri Drug Task Force have made seven arrests, in connection with a year-long drug investigation. Each of the seven suspects are charged with at least one count of distribution or delivery of a controlled substance. Investigators say most of the charges involve meth. The suspects are 30 year old Cody Wayne Smith, 19 year old Cheyenne Sky Sharp and 50 year old Charles Shane McCabe, all of Milan…48 year old Wendy Leigh Garret-Thomas, of Harris…34 year old Amanda Dawn Hanlin, of Novinger…and two men who are all ready in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections, 62 year old Leonard Albert Vega and 55 year old James Leon Baker. The Highway Patrol and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrests. Authorities say more arrests are expected as part of the investigation.
The investigation into Monday’s arson fire at a Kirksville hotel construction site has resulted in the arrest of a suspect, in connection with a small fire, which occurred LAST week. Court documents indicate 33 year old Alan Dubon-Gavarrete, a Honduran national who has a Kirksville address, is charged with first-degree attempted arson. Investigators say Dubon-Gavarrete is accused of using a lighter to set a cardboard box on fire on the second floor of the hotel last Thursday. A witness says, when the suspect noticed him, he quickly put out the fire with his water bottle. Dubon-Gavarette denies the accusations. He is being held on $25,000 dollars cash-only bond. He has not been charged in connection with Monday’s fire, which caused minor damage to a room on the third floor of the structure. That investigation is ongoing.
BROOKFIELD DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING COLLISION
A Brookfield driver was treated for minor injuries, after a Tuesday morning collision on Highway 36, just west of Brookfield. 76 year old Leroy Cook, of Brookfield, was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital after the accident, which occurred just after 10:30am. The patrol says Cook slowed to turn into a private drive and his pickup was struck in the rear by another pickup, driven by 30 year old Anthony Yount, of Marceline.
COLUMBIA SHOOTING VICTIM DIES – INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Columbia Police have identified the victim of a shooting incident, which occurred Monday at a residence on Dawn Ridge Road. 28 year old Cameron Scott Carruthers, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound. He later died at the hospital. A second man at the scene was released after being detained for questioning. Police were initially called to the home for a report of a home invasion. Police say the shooting stemmed from a disturbance between two people who knew each other. Their investigation continues.
A Columbia woman has pleaded guilty, in connection with the shooting death of a man at the Welcome Inn in Columbia, which occurred last November. 34 year old Jaclyn A. Rose, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and armed criminal action. Police were called to the Welcome Inn on November 16 and found Gregory J. Moore dead in his hotel room. A video showed Rose and Moore entering the room and Rose was seen leaving a short time later. She was later arrested in Fulton after she was found in possession of Moore’s cell phone.
A Monday morning fire at the Kirksville Hampton Inn construction site is being investigated as arson. Police and fire crews were called to the site at around 11:30am Monday. They found heavy smoke toward the back of the building. It took about 30 minutes to contain the fire, which caused damage on the third floor of the southwest part of the building. Construction workers were evacuated from the site and no injuries were reported. Officials say they believe the fire was intentionally set and an investigation is underway. Police say one suspect, who is tied to the construction site, was arrested Monday afternoon, but the arrest was not in connection with the fire. They say his arrest concerns a crime that happened at the construction site last week.
Two Salisbury teenagers are charged with child molestation and burglary, in connection with recent incidents in Salisbury. 17 year old Michael L. Stoops and 18 year old Tyler Greer, both of Salisbury, are charged in the case. A probable cause statement accuses the two of having sexual contact with a 14 year old female victim. It also alleges that the incidents occurred in an abandoned mobile home in the 200 block of South Fifth Street in Salisbury, without the consent of the owner. Stoops and Greer are being held on $25,000 dollars bond and are scheduled to appear for arraignment Tuesday.
A Marshall man has been charged with statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy-deviate sexual intercourse, involving a victim under the age of 12. 30 year old Kenneth Lydell Robinson, of Marshall, is charged in the case. A probable cause statement says a child abuse hotline investigator obtained information from the alleged victim, indicating the suspect engaged in sexual contact in April of this year and urged the victim not to tell anyone. Robinson is being held on $250,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Columbia Police are investigating a Monday afternoon home invasion, which resulted in life-threatening injuries for one man. Officers responded to a report of a home invasion and a gun shot, on Dawn Ridge Road, just after noon Monday. They found two males inside the home and one of the two suffered a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen area. That individual was taken to a Columbia hospital with life-threatening injuries. The uninjured man was detained for questioning. Police have not indicated whether the man shot was the homeowner or a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
A Branson man, who was the subject of an endangered silver advisory, was involved in an accident in Columbia, early Tuesday morning. Police say Thomas Harpool suffered minor injuries in the accident, which occurred at around 1am at the intersection of Broadway and Providence Road. Details of the accident are under investigation. Authorities say Harpool’s family had issued a silver alert for him, after he was found to be missing from his home.
Officials called it one of the largest fire responses ever seen in the city of Trenton. Six area fire departments battled a large fire, which heavily damaged the Lakeview Restaurant and Motor Lodge, in Trenton, Saturday night. The fire began at around 5pm, with reports of flames bellowing from the structure. Firefighters from Trenton, Grundy County Rural Fire Department, Chillicothe, Bethany, Galt and Laredo were called in to battle the blaze, through the overnight hours into Sunday morning. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A Macon teen was treated for moderate injuries, after a pickup ran off Highway 63, just south of Macon, early Saturday morning. It occurred at around 4:30am. 40 year old Jason E. Carr, of Macon, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the highway, struck a MODOT sign, a guy wire, utility markers and a small shed. Carr sought treatment for minor injuries. His passenger, 16 year old Nikolas Hulett, of Macon, was treated for moderate injuries at Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
Atlanta High School has been presented with $500 dollars for their education efforts in the ‘It Only Takes One’ highway safety campaign. The award, by the Missouri State Highway Patrol was one of two presented in the northeast district. Atlanta was also one of three northeast Missouri schools to receive a bronze banner for achieving 93% seat belt usage. ‘It Only Takes One’ is a statewide campaign among high school students, promoting the importance of good decisions on the roadway. One drink, one text, one distraction could end it all, but one click of the seatbelt could save your life. In the Central Region, Sturgeon High School was a $500 dollar winner.
A Columbia man was injured overnight Saturday night, when he was mugged by three men in downtown Columbia. It occurred in an alley between 8th and 9th streets at around midnight Saturday. Police say the victim was hit from behind and the three suspects took his wallet and fled the scene. The suspects are described as being in their early 20’s. Police say one man had dreadlocks and was wearing a red shirt, another had a short afro and multicolored shirt and the third was wearing a gray hoodie. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
Columbia Police are also investigating shots fired in the area of the 1200 block of Rangeline Street, early Sunday morning. Police were called at around 1am, after a large gathering was reported at ‘The Soul Spot’. They say the crowd apparently moved to the parking lot of Mid American Title Loans, where an argument began between the crowd and the business and shots were fired. Officers confirmed at least one car with damage in the area. No injuries were reported and no suspect information is available.
Two Macon residents escaped with just minor injuries, after a motorcycle ran off Old Highway 36, just west of Bevier, Thursday evening. It occurred at around 7pm. 65 year old Kenneth Weber, of Macon, was the driver of the westbound motorcycle. The patrol says he swerved to miss a deer in the roadway and it ran off the road and overturned, ejecting Weber and his passenger, 17 year old Carissa Land, of Macon. They were both treated and released, with minor injuries, at Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
One person was injured and another was taken into custody, after a Thursday morning stabbing incident in Vandalia. Authorities say it occurred at the Harbison Water Plant, during an altercation between two delivery truck drivers. The names of the suspect and victim were not immediately released. One was from Pennsylvania and the other from Texas. No charges have been filed in the case. .
A Columbia man is accused of threatening a law enforcement officer, after a confrontation at the Columbia Police Department on Monday. Officers say the suspect, John Benton, threatened the station master on duty, using profanity and making a death threat. He then allegedly resisted arrest while being taken into custody. Benton was pepper sprayed and then taken to University Hospital for medical and mental health evaluations.
A Saline County man is charged with child molestation, in connection with allegations that he molested two girls. Simon Parada-Flores, who is from El Salvador, is charged in the case. Investigators say a 14 year old girl reported being touched inappropriately by him. They say Parada-Flores admitted touching the girl’s sister.
Due to a wet weather forecast, this evening’s Family Bike Night in downtown Brookfield has been postponed. The event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 30, with activities at the East Twin Park, and a family bike ride through downtown Brookfield, starting at 6pm. The Family Bike Night is brought to you by the Linn County Health Department, Brookfield Parks and Recreation and the North Central Missouri YMCA. Once again, it has been postponed and rescheduled for May 30.
A Higbee teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a Wednesday afternoon accident on a Randolph County road. It occurred just before 4:30pm, about a mile east of Higbee. 18 year old Courtanie Johnson, of Higbee, was the driver of a westbound car. The patrol says she lost control on loose gravel and the vehicle ran off the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. Johnson was taken to University Hospital with moderate injuries. A passenger, 16 year old Katie Williams, of Slater, was treated for minor injuries.
A Trenton driver sustained moderate injuries when her van ran off Route 146 in Harrison County, just before 8 o’clock Wednesday morning. 70 year old Jo Ann Retzke, of Trenton, was treated at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, after the accident. The patrol says she failed to negotiate a curve and her vehicle ran off the roadway and struck an embankment.
A woman was seriously injured in a Wednesday morning accident on Callaway County Route Z. 48 year old Sandra P. Ozburn, of Williamsburg, was taken to University Hospital after the accident, which at around 8:35am, just west of Auxvasse Creek. The patrol says she was ejected from her westbound car, when it ran off the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
The Brookfield Driver Examination Station will be closed today (Thurs) to allow employees to attend the funeral of a co-worker. Brookfield’s Exam Station will be open normal hours next Thursday. Also, the Macon Driver Examination Station will be closed for the funeral this morning. It will open at 12:30pm today.
A Columbia teenager is wanted in connection with a Tuesday evening shots fired incident, along with two other warrants for a previous armed robbery. The Tuesday night incident occurred inside a home on Gregory Drive in Boone County. Officers have not released details, but witnesses say the suspect fired multiple shots in the home, but caused no injuries. Police are seeking 18 year old Deaunte Shaw as a suspect in the case. Shaw is also wanted on charges in connection with an October robbery with a gun.
A Kirksville driver walked away with just minor injuries, after his pickup overturned on Potter Trail, just west of Kirksville, Tuesday morning. It occurred at around 6:45am. 21 year old Tilar Rogers, of Kirksville, was the driver of a westbound pickup. The patrol says it ran off the left side of the roadway, then returned to the road, overturned, and ran off the right side of the road, coming to rest on its top. Rogers refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
The Linn County Health Department, Brookfield Parks and Recreation and the YMCA will host a bike safety Family Bike Night Friday evening in downtown Brookfield. The free event will begin at 6pm at the East Twin Park in Brookfield, where a bike and trike safety course will be available. Participants will ride to the Linn County Health Department Office for a water stop and then return to the Twin Parks for a finish line celebration, including hot dogs, face painting and music. A bike trailer and two mountain bikes will be given away during the event. All ages are welcome to the free Family Bike Night in downtown Brookfield, Friday evening, riders 10 and under must have an adult with them.
A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony will open the new Randolph County Courthouse on Saturday. Tours of the new facility will be available after the formal ceremonies, which will begin at 3pm Saturday at the new Randolph County Courthouse, located on Highway JJ in Huntsville.
Also on Saturday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will kick off National Safe Boating Week, with a schedule of boat inspections, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. The inspections will be available at more than 20 locations Saturday…including the Ray Behrens Boat Ramp on Mark Twain Lake, Highway J, in Monroe City, from 8 to 10am…at the Hannibal Riverfront from 8 to 10…and at three locations on the Lake of the Ozarks, from 9 to 11am. National Safe Boating week runs May 20 thru the 26, not coincidentally just before Memorial Day Weekend, which many consider the kickoff of the boating season. For more information on Missouri boating laws or Saturday’s inspections, go to the highway patrol’s website or contact your local Troop Headquarters.
Two Columbia men and a Jefferson City man pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in federal court this week. 23 year old Sergio Antonio Dominguez-Gonzalez, of Columbia pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. He was accused of making a video involving a 2 year old victim. 22 year old Brandon Lee Deavers, of Columbia and 35 year old Lucas Wayne Slusser, of Jefferson City, both pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child porn, for allegedly posting illegal material on the internet.
A Chillicothe child was flown by helicopter to Children’s Mercy Hospital, after being seriously injured by a dog bite, Monday evening. Police were called to the 300 block of Mansur Street, just after 6:30pm, where officers say the child walked onto a neighbor’s property to pet the dog, and suffered a serious bite to the face. Reports indicate the dog was properly restrained and that its owner had warned the child’s parent that the dog did not like children. The animal will be quarantined for ten days, as the investigation continues.
A Minnesota driver suffered moderate injuries when her car was struck by a deer on Highway 63, early Monday morning. 44 year old Angela Korpela, of Carlton, Minnesota, was treated at Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 3:40am. The patrol says a deer crossing the highway struck her southbound car in the driver’s side.
MODERATE INJURY AS CAR RUNS OF HARRISON COUNTY ROAD
A one-vehicle accident on a Harrison County road, early this (Tues) morning, involved an animal in the roadway and caused moderate injuries for a Cainsville woman. 29 year old Betty Stufflebean was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred just before 12:30am on Route N, just east of Blythedale. The patrol says she swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway and her car ran off the road, struck an embankment and overturned, coming to rest on its top.
Human remains found in an abandoned Vandalia home earlier this month have been identified as those of Jennifer Lynn Middleton, who had been reported missing. Vandalia Police, the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department, the Highway Patrol and agents from the FBI were involved in the investigation that uncovered Middleton’s remains, which were identified using dental records. The patrol says Middleton had been missing for about two years. The owner of the Vandalia property, John Lue II, is accused of burying Middleton under the home, after she died in 2015. Lue has been charged with abandoning a corpse.
A Boone County man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison, in connection with a 2016 incident. Charles Simcoe was sentenced for seven years on a domestic assault charge and ten years for assault on a law enforcement officer. Simcoe was accused of attacking a woman at her home in Sturgeon and pointing a gun at an officer, who arrived on the scene.
A two-year old child was struck by a semi and killed, on Highway 5, in Putnam County, Sunday evening. The accident occurred at around 7:40pm, about five miles south of Unionville. According to the Highway Patrol, 2 year old Madison Roberts, of Algona, Iowa, was in the northbound lane of the highway, when a northbound semi, driven by 51 year old Scott Sorenson, of Algona, crested a hill and struck the child. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two Macon residents were seriously injured in an early Sunday morning accident on Macon County Route V. It occurred at around 1:30am. The patrol says a southbound vehicle driven by 21 year old Alexander Rice, of Macon, ran off the roadway, off an embankment and struck a tree. Rice was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of serious injuries. His passenger, 22 year old Christopher Schumann, of Macon, also suffered serious injuries. He was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Carrollton teenager was treated for moderate injuries after his pickup ran off Route 139 in Chariton County, early this (Mon) morning. It occurred just before 1am. 19 year old Jordan Stewart-Humphrey, of Carrollton, was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment. The patrol says he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway and his southbound pickup ran off the road and struck a ditch.
A Monroe City motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries in a Saturday evening accident on a Monroe County road, just south of Stoutsville. 39 year old Jeremy D. Smith, of Monroe City, was flown by Survival Flight to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 7:20pm. The patrol says he was ejected from his southbound motorcycle, when it went into a skid, ran off the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned.
A Saturday morning collision on a Knox County road, caused moderate injuries for one driver. 56 year old Jerry Schuler, of Novelty, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy after the accident, which occurred just before 8am Saturday. The patrol says his westbound car met an oncoming vehicle on the narrow gravel road, and the vehicles collided. The other driver was not injured.
A Salisbury teenager was seriously injured in a Friday afternoon collision on Highway 24, just west of Huntsville. It occurred at around 3:40pm. 18 year old Tiara Skyler, of Salisbury, was taken by ambulance to Moberly Regional Medical Center, with serious injuries. The patrol says her eastbound car struck a vehicle, which had stopped for a school bus to unload passengers. The other driver, 24 year old Lindy Herbel, of Huntsville, was treated for minor injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A suspect was shot and killed by police, during an active shooter incident in downtown Columbia Saturday evening. According to a news release from the Highway Patrol, 41 year old Clarence E. Coats, of Columbia, was killed in a shootout with police, just before 8pm Saturday. Officers were called to reports of a gunman walking in the 100 block of Oak Street just before 6:30pm. The suspect fled into a wooded area and was later located on a nearby rooftop, where he exchanged gunfire with police. Coats died from injuries sustained. A Boone County Deputy was treated for minor injuries. The Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation into a report of improvised explosive devices having been detonated on or near an unimproved portion of a northwestern Livingston County road this week. The report came in Wednesday evening. The witness reported driving down the roadway and passing a trip wire placed across the road, prompting some type of explosion near the vehicle. The driver saw a similar setup further down the road and turned around. Deputies who responded say the vehicle sustained little or no damage and an investigation in the area did not reveal any additional devices. They say the incident occurred in an area that receives very little car traffic. The investigation continues with assistance from the Highway Patrol Bomb Unit, an ATF task force and the FBI.
RANDOLPH COUNTY AUDIT REPORT
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released her report on a regular audit of Randolph County this week. The report included a handful of concerns, regarding verifying the accuracy of accounting records, but the county’s overall rating was ‘good’. That’s an improvement over their last audit report, in 2013, which concluded with a rating of ‘fair’.
It’s a big weekend of graduation ceremonies coming up…beginning this evening, as Central Christian College of the Bible holds its commencement in Moberly at 6pm. Also this evening, Bucklin, Fayette, Gallatin, Higbee, Princeton and Tri-County at Jamesport will hold high school commencement ceremonies. Brookfield High School’s senior awards night is this (Fri) evening, starting at 7pm in the high school gym. Saturday, a full weekend schedule of ceremonies gets underway at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Truman State University will hold three commencement ceremonies Saturday at 9am, 1pm and 4pm. Central Methodist University spring commencement will be Saturday at 2pm. Keytesville, Macon County R-4 and Milan High School ceremonies are also scheduled for Saturday. Sunday’s schedule is full of high school graduations. Brookfield High School Commencement begins at 1pm. 2pm ceremonies are schedule Sunday for Moberly, Northeast R-4 at Cairo, Westran at Huntsville, Madison, Paris, Salisbury, Sturgeon and Trenton High Schools. Marceline, Chillicothe, Centralia and North Shelby High School graduation ceremonies are at 3pm Sunday. Atlanta High School commencement is Sunday evening at 7pm. Other Graduations on Sunday include Adair County R-1 at Novinger and R-2 at Brashear…Hamilton (Penney), Marshall, New Franklin, Pilot Grove, Putnam County, Schuyler County and Slater.
A Columbia man was arrested in connection with multiple thefts, Wednesday afternoon. Officers located the suspect, Devlin Clark, at a home on Calvert Hill Road. They say Clark attempted to flee the arrest on foot, but was taken into custody. He was wanted on warrants for first-degree tampering, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. Investigators believe Clark is involved in several thefts in Columbia and Boone County. He is being held on $100,000 dollars bond.
A suspect has been charged in connection with a Tuesday night ‘shots fired’ incident, which occurred on Edenton Boulevard in Columbia. Tyrell Brown, of Columbia, was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and two counts of second-degree drug trafficking. Police say they found drugs, guns and bullets that matched ones found at the scene of the shots fired incident.
An Edina woman and her daughter face charges, after allegedly holding up a Kirksville woman at gunpoint. 55 year old Debra J. Kincaid and 36 year old Stephanie M. Kincaid, both of Edina, are charged with first-degree burglary and unlawful use of a weapon. A probable cause statement says the mother and daughter went to a Kirksville apartment complex to collect money owed them by a tenant. The tenant says the two showed up at her door armed and demanded cash. They’re each being held on $75,000 dollars bond.
A Linn County sex suspect’s home burned to the ground early Wednesday morning. Firefighters were called to 100 West Main Street in Browning at around 5am, where the home was fully involved upon their arrival. It belonged to Ronald Riedl, who was not at home at the time because he is in jail, facing charges of second-degree statutory rape, incest and second-degree child molestation. There were no injuries and no other structures were damage in the blaze. Investigators say the State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate the cause, but they’re doubtful there will be any conclusions, due to the extensive damage.
A St. Joseph man faces statutory rape and child molestation charges in both Chariton and Saline County. Those charges have been filed in the last week against 31 year old Zachary J. Bruce. The Chariton County complaint alleges Bruce had sexual contact with a victim under the age of 14 in July and August of 2015, at a residence in Brunswick. Bruce is in custody at the Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph. His bond has been set at $50,000 dollars in both counties.
Two suspects are in custody, in connection with a robbery near the University of Missouri Campus, early Wednesday morning. Columbia Police were called to the 1700 block of University Avenue, where a female victim said three male suspects grabbed her purse as she walked to her car. One of those suspects, 19 year old Jervon Johnson, of Columbia, was caught after a short foot pursuit. The second suspect, 20 year old Jaron Gates, of Columbia, was found with money that matched the amount taken from the victim. Both men face charges of stealing and possession of a controlled substance. A third suspect is still being sought in the case…call Crimestoppers if you have any information.
ONE TREATED, ONE ARRESTED AFTER COLUMBIA ALTERCATION
One Columbia man was treated for injuries and another was arrested on assault charges, after an argument led to an attack with a knife. Columbia Police were called to the 500 block of Jackson Street, where the altercation occurred. The victim said the suspect attacked him with an 18-inch knife, and that he had thrown a hammer in retaliation. The victim was taken to a Columbia hospital for treatment of injuries. The suspect, Anwar Gordon, of Columbia, was arrested for assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.
There were no human injuries, but several hogs died when a tractor-trailer overturned on Route 136 in Scotland County, Tuesday morning. It occurred at around 10:30am. The patrol says the driver of an eastbound semi lost control in a curve and it rolled over into a ditch, about 8 miles west of Memphis. The accident shut down 136, at that location, for part of the day Tuesday.
Fire crews worked overnight to put out the last hot spots, from a fire that destroyed the MFA Agri Services Building in Clark. Officials say the cause of the blaze is still unknown, but investigators are on the scene. It broke out overnight Monday night into Tuesday morning and burned all day Tuesday, destroying the facility. Hot spots were still burning Tuesday night, as firefighters remained on the scene.
A federal indictment, handed down this week in Jefferson City, accuses a Columbia man of possession of meth with intent to distribute. 31 year old Gary Deangelo Warren of Columbia was named in the indictment. He is accused of selling meth to an informant. Officers say they seized a large quantity of meth and a handgun as part of their investigation.
The Moberly Area Technical Center is set to host its annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, this Saturday, behind Moberly High School. Registration gets underway at 10am and the judging will start at noon. There’ll be a swap meet, vendors, music food and other activities thru 2:30pm…Saturday at the Moberly Area Technical Center. All proceeds benefit the MATC Student Organization.
The Brookfield 5th and 6th Grade Track and Field Day, which was scheduled for Wednesday, has been moved up and will be held TODAY (Tues), starting at 9am. Weather concerns for later in the week prompted the schedule change. Again, the Brookfield 5th and 6th Grade track and field day will be today…starting at 9am.
The Audrain County Sheriff’s Department continues to work to identify human remains found, over the weekend, in an abandoned Vandalia residence. Authorities say they’re looking to determine whether the remains could be of a missing woman, Jennifer Middleton, who was reported missing last Wednesday, but had not been seen in the Vandalia area since 2015. The owner of the property, John Herman Lue II was arrested Friday night and charged Saturday with abandoning a corpse. Reports indicate the suspect and the missing woman were living together at one point. The investigation continues.
A Sunday morning collision on a Livingston County road injured three occupants of two vehicles. The accident occurred just after 9:30am, just west of Mooresville. The patrol says a northbound vehicle, driven by 28 year old Sasha Klein, of Chillicothe, failed to yield at an intersection. Her vehicle collided with a westbound car driven by 18 year old Sarah Mason, of Breckenridge. A passenger in Mason’s vehicle, 45 year old Francis Mason, of Breckenridge, sustained moderate injuries. Sarah Mason escaped with minor injuries. Sasha Klein suffered moderate injuries. All three were treated at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe.
A Gallatin driver was treated for moderate injuries after her motorcycle struck another vehicle on Route 92 in Clay County, just after 4pm Saturday. 48 year old Tracey Dunse, of Gallatin, was taken to Liberty Hospital after the accident. The patrol says her eastbound motorcycle struck the rear of an unknown vehicle, then skidded and overturned in the roadway.
A Brookfield driver was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after a Friday morning accident on Route WW, east of Marceline. It occurred at around 6:20am Friday. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 25 year old Coleton Futhey, of Brookfield, failed to negotiate a curve and his car ran off the roadway and overturned. Futhey was ejected from the vehicle. He was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Paris man was seriously injured in a Friday evening accident on Monroe County Route C, just south of Holliday. It occurred at around 7:45pm. 31 year old Scott Berrey, of Paris, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital after the accident. He was a passenger in a pickup driven by 25 year old Kody Berrey, of Paris. The patrol says the pickup ran off the roadway and overturned several times, ejecting both occupants. Kody Berrey refused treatment for minor injuries.
MOBERLY MAN ARRESTED AFTER SUNDAY MORNING PURSUIT
A Moberly man was arrested after attempting to flee police, Sunday morning. According to Moberly police, officers were called to a report of an assault and they attempted to stop a vehicle matching a description at South Morley and McKenzie. They say the driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed, resulting in a pursuit. The driver stopped in the 900 block of South Fifth Street and fled into a residence. 24 year old Michael Leroy Butler, of Moberly, was taken into custody a short time later. He is charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. Butler is being held on $40,000 dollars cash only bond.
A Vandalia man is in custody after human remains were found at an abandoned residence owned by him, over the weekend. John Hermann Lue II, of Vandalia, is the property owner. He has been charged with abandonment of a corpse. Authorities say the body had been buried in the building for some time. Officials have indicated it could be the body of Jennifer Middleton, who has been missing for two years. The investigation was conducted by Vandalia Police, the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department and agents from the FBI. Officials say it will take some time to confirm the identity of the remains.
A Thursday afternoon collision on Highway 24, west of Huntsville, injured five occupants of the two vehicles. It occurred at around 2:45pm. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 56 year old Ruth Terrill, of Glasgow, was stopped on the highway, waiting to make a left turn, when it was struck in the rear by a westbound pickup, driven by 26 year old Shawn Adkison, of Huntsville. After impact, the pickup overturned on the roadway and the car ran off the road and came to rest in a field. Adkison suffered serious injuries, as did a passenger in Terrill’s car, 31 year old Shane Brookins, of Fayette, who was life-flighted to Columbia. Terrill and two other passengers, 35 year old Anthony Moulder and 47 year old William Britton, both of Fayette, were all treated for moderate injuries.
A Marshall teenager suffered moderate injuries when the ATV he was driving collided with a car on a Saline County road, just after 6:30pm Thursday. 15 year old Benjamin Brown, of Marshall, was the driver of the ATV. The patrol says he turned into the path of a car, driven by 40 year old Tori Allen, of Marshall. Brown was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall with moderate injuries. Allen was not hurt.
Drivers from Prairie Home and Harrisburg were injured when their cars collided on Highway 124, in Boone County, at around 6:20pm Thursday. The patrol says 18 year old Caleb Johnson, of Prairie Home, was traveling too fast for conditions and his car struck a patch of sand in the roadway and skidded into an oncoming car, driven by 60 year old Patricia Cahill, of Harrisburg. Johnson suffered moderate injuries and Cahill was treated for minor injuries. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
TWO AREA RESTAURANT MANAGERS CHARGED WITH TAX FRAUD
Two area restaurant managers are in custody, facing federal tax fraud charges. 38 year old Rafael Ramirez, the manager of La Pachanga Mexican Restaurant in Kirksville and Oscar Flores, who managed Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant in Moberly, are both charged in the case. A federal grand jury indictment alleges that the two filed false corporate tax returns for 2010, 2011 and 2012. Investigators say they underreported a large portion of their cash sales, during those tax years. They are in custody without bond, pending an appearance in federal court in St. Louis. Both restaurants remain open, at last report.
The Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce Merchants Committee will host a fun-filled event called ‘Rumor Has It…’, tomorrow (Fri) morning, starting at 8am, at Manhattan Events in Kirksville. The event will celebrate national small business week, with an update on the local economy, along with a question and answer session, in part, to address rumors that are being heard around the Kirksville business community. ‘Rumor Has It…’ is free of charge and coffee and light breakfast items will be served. RSVP by calling or emailing the Kirksville Chamber Office.
The Walsworth Community Center in Marceline is set to host the 2017 Railroad Memorabilia and Model Train Show, Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Admission is free for the sixth annual event, which will feature a variety of working model train layouts, private vendors selling railroad items, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Engine walk through and more. There’ll be a craft show and kids bounce house at Ripley Park and railroad art and photography on display at the NOMO Art Center. It’s all happening Saturday…the 6th Annual Railroad Memorabilia and Model Train Show, at the Walsworth Community Center in Marceline.
The Chillicothe Area Arts Council is set to host their annual Cultural Luncheon, today at noon at Silver Moon Plaza in downtown Chillicothe. The luncheon will feature performances by the fourth and fifth grade Hornet Stinger Choir and by the CHS Jazz Band. Activities get underway at noon today at Chillicothe’s Silver Moon Plaza.
An inmate at the Boone County Jail has been charged with assault, in connection with allegations he attacked another inmate this week. A probable cause statement says 24 year old Darian Carter is charged with misdemeanor assault, after the Boone County Sheriff’s Office responded to the jail for a disturbance between three inmates Monday afternoon. The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack. Carter was being held in the Boone County Jail on an unrelated assault charge.
PLANT SALE IN MOBERLY, RUMMAGE SALES IN HUNTSVILLE
As we leave the wet weather behind and look forward to a nice weekend, a couple of area 'spring events' are plannced for Saturday.
The Magic City Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale at the James Youth Cabin at Moberly's Rothwell Park. The sale runs from 8am to 1pm Saturday.
Meanwhile, Huntsville is set to hold their citywide rummage sale Saturday. Maps will be available, first thing in the morning, at the Huntsville Casey's and at Prenger's in Huntsville.
A Macon woman was arrested after a vehicle pursuit ended in Randolph County Tuesday afternoon. The patrol says 42 year old April C. Stephenson, of Macon, is accused of resisting arrest by fleeing, possession of a controlled substance, displaying license plates of another vehicle, speeding, careless and imprudent driving and driving while revoked. She was also arrested on an outstanding Macon County warrant for failure to appear ono a marijuana possession charge. Stephenson was on a 24-hour hold overnight, pending formal charges.
Tickets are still available for the 5th annual Brookfield Quarterback Club Banquet, this Saturday evening at the Brookfield Plaza. Tickets are $100 dollars each, which covers you and a guest for all the festivities, including the banquet, program and dance…and one ticket will win a $10,000 dollar cash prize. This year’s special speaker will be former Bulldog and Mizzou Tiger, Steve Haag…and the 1992 State Semifinalist team will be honored as well. Of course, all proceeds help the Quarterback Club’s ongoing support of the Brookfield football program and Burlington Field. For tickets, contact Nile Thudium or any other club member.
Tomorrow (Thursday) is the National Day of Prayer…and most of our area communities are planning community programs to observe the event. Brookfield First Christian Church Pastor, Mandy Wiedemann, will lead a prayer service at noon at the Brookfield East Twin Park. The Macon area churches will host a National Day of Prayer program at noon at the First Christian Church in Macon. Moberly’s 66th annual National Day of Prayer observance will be held at the Moberly City Hall at noon. A Prayer Gathering will be held at 12:10pm in Kirksville, on the south lawn of the Adair County Courthouse. Marceline will hold its National Day of Prayer event Thursday evening, at 7pm, in the Ripley Park Gazebo.
Columbia Police responded to reports of shots fired in the 2900 block of Northland Drive, early this (Wed) morning. Officers say they found shell casings at the scene, but there were no injuries or arrests reported.
A Mexico man faced drug charges after, police say, he was found with materials for a meth lab in his vehicle. It occurred during a traffic stop on Monday. Authorities say Johnnie L. Schultz, of Mexico, was eastbound on Highway 54 when a patrol trooper attempted to stop him. The trooper says Schultz slowed down on the shoulder and tried to throw a container out of the passenger side of the vehicle. He was arrested for traffic violations, along with felony manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of anhydrous ammonia in a non-approved container and possession of meth precursors.
A Columbia woman was treated for moderate injuries after a car skidded off a roundabout and struck her vehicle head-on, early Tuesday morning. 49 year old Esther Atiah, of Columbia, was treated at University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30am. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 30 year old Randall Robins of Columbia, skidded on a roundabout on St. Charles Road. His car crossed the separator and struck Atiah’s eastbound vehicle head-on. Robins was not hurt.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY FUGUTIVE STILL BEING SOUGHT
Livingston County authorities are continuing their search for a fugitive, who eluded capture, Saturday afternoon, by jumping from the Highway 36 Grand River Bridge. The suspect is 41 year old Brian Vincent Bowman, of Brookfield, who is wanted on a felony Livingston County warrant from January of 2016 for resisting arrest. Officials say the investigation revealed a credible sighting of Bowman in Chillicothe on Monday. Officers surround a residence and ultimately searched the home but did not locate the suspect. Their investigation suggests Bowman is hiding in the Chillicothe or Brookfield areas. He is considered a dangerous person and anyone who assists him could face serious charges. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact your local law enforcement. The female driver of the vehicle that fled deputies on Saturday, 40 year old Wanita J. Bowman, of Chillicothe, was arrested at the scene for possession of meth and resisting or interfering with arrest. She is being held in the Daviess DeKalb Regional Jail on $20,000 dollars bond.
FOUR MORE DRUG ARRESTS BRING ADAIR COUNTY TOTAL TO 28
Four more suspects have been charged in connection with a major drug sweep, which occurred early Friday morning in Adair County. That brings the total to 28 drug-related arrests made by multiple law enforcement agencies, as part of an 18-month investigation. 26 of those suspects are Kirksville residents, one is from Novinger and the other from Milan. Most of the charges are related to distribution of meth and marijuana.
NEW ROUTE PROPOSED FOR MARK TWAIN TRANSMISSION LINE
The much-debated Mark Twain Transmission line project may soon have new life and a new route for the high-power transmission lines. Thanks to a lack of support from property owners and county officials on the original route from Palmyra to Kirksville and north to the Iowa border, that route was scrapped. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois and Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative have announced a new plan to use rights of way from existing transmission lines for about 90 percent of the new route. Despite the existing right of ways, the new plan will still require approval to connect the lines to new and existing substations in both Kirksville and Palmyra.
High water from the weekend’s heavy rains continues to severely impact travel in parts of eastern and southern Missouri. MoDOT says there are still more than 300 roads closed across the state, including a number of major highways. Interstate 44 remains closed between Rolla and Lebanon and is not expected to reopen until mid to late week. I-44 in St. Louis County closed Monday afternoon, due to high water, and will likely remain closed for the rest of the week as well. Other major highway closures that are ongoing include Highway 63 near Vienna, between Rolla and Jefferson City, Highway 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County, Routes 30, 21, 109 and 141 in St. Louis County also remain closed.
A Milan driver was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early Sunday morning on Mercer County Route E, southeast of Princeton. 23 year old Jacob W. Cassity, of Milan, was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred just before 2am. The patrol says his eastbound car ran off the highway and struck an embankment, coming to rest on its wheels in a ditch.
A Polo driver suffered moderate injuries when his pickup ran off a Caldwell County road, just east of Polo, at around 3:30am Sunday. 24 year old David Casey, of Polo, was treated at Liberty Hospital after the accident. The patrol says his southbound pickup failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and then overturned three times, coming to rest on its wheels.
Livingston County authorities are seeking a suspect who jumped off the Grand River bridge, west of Chillicothe, to avoid capture Saturday afternoon. Just after 3pm, a Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a westbound vehicle on Highway 36, which was believed to contain a man wanted on one or more felony arrest warrants. The driver stopped once, near U.S. 65, and the suspect exited the passenger door of the vehicle, but refused to comply with the deputy’s requests. A taser was applied, to no effect, and the fugitive returned to the vehicle, which continued west to the Grand River bridge. The suspect then exited the vehicle and jumped off the bridge into the river. The fugitive was seen swimming toward the bank, but disappeared from view. Emergency responders were unable to locate the suspect or any evidence that he had exited the water. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for possession of meth, resisting arrest and hindering prosecution. Additional details on the search will be released Monday.
MORE THAN TWO DOZENS ARRESTS IN ADAIR COUNTY DRUG SWEEP
More than two dozen suspects were arrested Friday, in a massive Adair County drug crackdown. Nearly 40 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies gathered at the Adair County Annex Building, early Friday morning. After a briefing, officers fanned out across the county. Twenty-two arrest warrants were served in Adair County and one was served in Sullivan County. Four additional warrants were served to individuals all ready incarcerated in the Missouri Department of Corrections on other charges. The Adair County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation has been ongoing for the past 18 months. The operation also resulted in six additional arrests and twenty-five new charges. The drug crackdown primarily involved meth and marijuana distribution charges.
COLUMBIA ARMED ROBBERY AT CHECK INTO CASH
Columbia Police are investigating a Saturday afternoon armed robbery at ‘Check into Cash’ in Columbia. Officers were called to the scene at around 12:30pm. They say an armed suspect entered the business and demanded money from an employee. He then ran from the business with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured in the incident. The suspect is described as a black middle-aged male, about 5-11 with a medium build. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
COLUMBIA WOMAN ARRESTED ON ST. LOUIS MURDER CHARGE
A Columbia woman, who was wanted in connection with a St. Louis area homicide investigation, was arrested in mid-Missouri Friday night. Columbia Police received information on the whereabouts of Emily Paul, who St. Louis authorities say is the girlfriend of a suspect, who is accused of smothering his three-month old child earlier this month. Friday evening, Paul was arrested a Green Meadows and Providence Road, on a warrant for first-degree murder. She was held in the Boone County jail, over the weekend, awaiting extradition to St. Louis.
KIRKSVILLE POLICE MAKE ARRESTS IN VEHICLE INCIDENT
Kirksville Police have made two arrests, in connection with two vehicles which almost hit a Kirksville home, earlier this week. The two cars, one of which was reported stolen, were abandoned on a residential property at 1004 North Centennial Avenue, Wednesday afternoon. Witness descriptions allowed officers to identify a male and female, who were in one of the vehicles. The two were on a 24 hour hold in the Adair county jail. Their names have not been released as charges are pending and more arrests are possible. Officers say a three other suspected occupants of the two vehicles are still being sought.
A wrong-way driver on Highway 63 faces multiple charges after being stopped by the Highway Patrol. Troop B Headquarters received multiple reports on its emergency line, of a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of 63, near Jacksonville, at around 11:30am Wednesday. Troopers responded to the area and stopped northbound traffic near the Moberly airport. Spike strips were deployed to stop the suspect vehicle at that location. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and driving the wrong way on a divided highway. The patrol credits the calls from the public in helping to avoid any traffic crashes as a result of the incident. If you see a vehicle driving in a dangerous manner, you’re urged to call *55 on your wireless phone to make a report.
Plans are set for the MU Tiger Caravan, which is coming to Northwestern High School in Mendon in a couple of weeks. The annual event will be Wednesday, May 17, with social hour at 6pm and dinner at around 6:45pm. The program will feature Missouri Athletic Director Jim Sterk, Head Football Coach Barry Odom, new men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin and Mizzou women’s coach Robin Pington. Tickets are thirty dollars and are available by contacting Fred Carpenter…660-856-3648. It’s the 2017 Mizzou Tiger Caravan at Northwestern High School in Mendon…May 17.
A Columbia bank robbery led to a police chase and a foot pursuit in Callaway County, Thursday afternoon. Police were called to the Callaway Bank’s Lake of the Woods branch at around 1:45pm. Two male suspects, armed with a firearm, had entered the bank and demanded money. Witnesses provided the highway patrol with a vehicle description and that vehicle was spotted driving eastbound on I-70 in Callaway County. The vehicle was being pursued by troopers when it crashed, and three occupants were arrested after a short foot pursuit.
A Columbia woman pleaded guilty Thursday to embezzling more than $230,000 dollars from her employer, Shelter Insurance Federal Credit Union. 62 year old Debra L. Wenger, of Columbia pleaded guilty to charges of misappropriation of funds. Investigators say she had been an employee of Shelter Insurance since 1972 and had worked for the credit union since 1988. She admitted misappropriating the funds and diverting them to her personal account. Sentencing in the case has not yet been set.
A Marceline man faces multiple child sex charges, after an investigation this month. 27 year old Dustin Andrew Foster, of Marceline, is charged with two counts of statutory rape and one count of statutory sodomy – deviate sexual intercourse, involving a person under age 12. According to a probable cause statement, a young female victim told investigators that Foster had touched her inappropriately and done inappropriate things to her on multiple occasions, earlier this month. Foster is detained in the Macon County Jail.
A Macon driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Wednesday morning collision on Highway 63, just north of the Renick Junction. It occurred at around 10am. The patrol says a southbound vehicle driven by 28 year old Kristina Aldridge, of Macon, was struck in the rear by a tractor-trailer, driven by 50 year old William Chinn, of Moberly. Aldridge was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. Chinn was not injured.
A Kirksville home narrowly escaped damage, Wednesday afternoon, when two vehicles almost ran into it. It occurred at around 3:45pm on the 1000 block of North Centennial Avenue in Kirksville. Both drivers apparently fled the scene, leaving one car with front-end damage in the front yard of the home and a second vehicle around the corner, which narrowly missed colliding with the home’s attached garage. Witnesses reported seeing both cars driving recklessly a short time earlier. Kirksville Police say one of the vehicles was reported stolen Wednesday evening. The investigation is ongoing.
Columbia Police are investigating a shooting incident, which occurred on Greensboro Drive in north Columbia, at around 9:30 Wednesday night. Police say one victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers found multiple shell casings on the road at that location and at least one round hit a nearby home. The investigation is underway.
A Columbia man faces multiple sex charges, after a Columbia Police investigation. 34 year old James Patterson, of Columbia, is charged with possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child. Investigators say Patterson befriended the victim, who was 16 at time, through a Hula Hoop club. He is accused of taking numerous illicit photographs of the girl at a hotel last January. His bond has been set at $100,000 dollars.
In a sports note this morning, Brookfield High School has named its new head football coach. Scott Stevens, of Trenton, will be the head coach of the Bulldogs, replacing Nile Thudium, who will be the Brookfield High School principal next year. Coach Stevens rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a Trenton Bulldog, where he graduated in 2008. He was a Truman State University Bulldog running back, and then returned to Trenton as an assistant football coach and head track coach. Stevens now becomes the new Brookfield Bulldog head coach. He will also be a track assistant. BHS has also named its new head girls basketball coach. Former Meadville Girls coach Tony Fairchild will take over the Lady Bulldogs program next season.
Three people were injured, two suffered serious injuries, in a Tuesday evening collision at a Knox County intersection. It occurred just before 6pm at the Highway 15/Route 6 junction, just south of Edina. The patrol says an eastbound car driven by 22 year old Devraj Karki, of Kirksville, failed to stop at a stop sign and collided head-on with a pickup, driven by 46 year old James Rudicil, of Edina. Both drivers suffered serious injuries. Rudicil was taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center. Karki was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. A passenger in Karki’s vehicle, 31 year old Saroj Gautam, of Kirksville, was treated for moderate injuries.
A Shelbina driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 36, just west of Anabel in Macon County, Tuesday evening. 56 year old Ronald P. Ruegg, of Shelbina, was treated at Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at around 5pm. The patrol says his eastbound vehicle ran off the highway, crossed the median, crossed the westbound lanes of 36, became airborne and landed in a farm field.
Saturday’s wet weather forecast has caused Main Street Chillicothe to postpone its scheduled Chalk Walk and Chocolate Crawl until Saturday, May 13. Registration will begin on the north side of the Livingston County Courthouse at 9:30am on the 13th and the event runs from 10am to 2pm. The Chalk Walk is free for anyone age 8 to adult. A total of 15 businesses will participate in the Chocolate Crawl, which costs ten dollars. Proceeds will benefit Main Street Chillicothe’s revitalization efforts. Again, the event was scheduled for this Saturday in downtown Chillicothe, but has been postponed until Saturday May 13.
GUN FOUND IN BACKPACK OF BATTLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
A student at Columbia’s Battle High School was taken into custody this week, after administrators say they found drugs and a gun in the student’s backpack. A letter sent to Battle parents says the gun was found during a search of the student’s belongings on Monday. It was not loaded and the student did not make any threats. Marijuana was also found during the search. Officials say they’re working with juvenile authorities to determine the proper consequences for the student. No further information can be released, because the incident involves a juvenile.
Centralia school officials have notified parents of a threat made by a minor. A message sent home to parents acknowledges that there was a threat at the high school, which was overheard by students. They say school administrators and law enforcements acted swiftly and decisively to address the situation. The matter is now being handled by juvenile authorities. No other details have been released.
Two people were killed when a small plane crashed near the Boonville Airport, Monday afternoon. The Highway Patrol says the pilot, 67 year old Charles McCutcheon, of Fayette, and a passenger, 49 year old Bryan Roth, of Franklin, were both killed in the crash. They say the plane struck a power line when it went down along Highway 98, as it approached the Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport in Boonville at around 1:40pm. MoDOT shut down the highway for more than two hours Monday after the crash occurred. Investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to be on the scene this morning to begin work to determine the cause.
A Jefferson City woman was life-flighted to Columbia after her car collided with a semi on Highway 24, just east of Clifton Hill in Randolph County, at around 12:30pm Monday. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 58 year old Cheryl Parsons, of Jefferson City, crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming tractor-trailer, driven by 41 year old Dorian Triplett, of East St. Louis, IL. Parsons was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, where she was treated for moderate injuries. The driver of the semi was not injured.
A Milan driver escaped with just minor injuries, after his truck overturned into a creek on a Livingston County road, Monday morning. It occurred just before 8am, on a gravel road about a mile and a half west of Chillicothe. 25 year old David Shiner, of Milan, was the driver of a westbound truck. The patrol says he lost control and the truck ran off the roadway, crested a levee and overturned off a bridge deck into a creek. Shiner was life-flighted from the scene to St. Luke’s on the Plaza for treatment of minor injuries.
A 2-year old Fayette child was treated for moderate injuries after being struck by a car Monday evening in Carrollton. 30 year old Tara M. Ponting, of Hale, was the driver of a northbound car on Mason Street in Carrollton. The patrol says the 2-year old ran out from behind a parked vehicle, into the path of Ponting’s car. The child was taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
A Paris driver suffered moderate injuries when his pickup ran off an Audrain County highway, early Monday morning. 70 year old Larry G. Bounds, of Paris, was taken to SSM Health in Mexico for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 5am on Route 15. The patrol says his northbound pickup ran off the roadway, crossed an outer road and struck an embankment, which caused a trailer to separate from the pickup and overturned. The pickup continued through the embankment and struck a fence.
A Marshall man was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday morning accident on I-70. The patrol says a westbound vehicle, driven by 30 year old Sapas Ramisin, of Marshall, ran off the interstate at around 6:20am. It struck several median cable posts, returned to the highway, then ran onto the shoulder. Ramisin was treated for moderate injuries at Cooper County Hospital. He was also cited by the patrol for driving while intoxicated.
‘Partnering with Parents’, the Marceline R-5 Parents as Teachers program will host its final event of the school year this week. ‘Explorers and Adventures’ will be held at the Marceline Country Club Lake, Thursday evening at 5:30pm. It will include a treasure hunt and picnic, to celebrate the year’s activities, which have been hosted by the group. ‘Explorers and Adventures’, by Marceline’s Partnering with Parents begins at 5:30pm Thursday evening, at the shelter house behind the pool. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is next Tuesday, May 2.
A five-session parent education workshop will be offered by the University of Missouri Extension, beginning tomorrow (Tues) morning. The 5-week Building Strong Families series will meet on Tuesday mornings, from 9 to 11am, at the North Missouri Center for Youth and Families, located at 211 Locust Street in Chillicothe. Its focus is identifying and building upon family strengths. The cost for the series is $40 per person. Contact Jessica Trussell, Human Development Specialist at the University Extension office in Chillicothe for more information….646-0811.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a home invasion robbery, which occurred late Saturday night. Deputies were called to the 11000 block of I-70 Drive, just after 11pm. According to witnesses, two armed black male suspects forced their way into a home and demanded money. One of the victims in the home was reportedly struck by a suspect and they then fled the home in the resident’s vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to call the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.
An early morning fire call in Columbia, turned into a drug investigation. Firefighters were called to a residence on Albany Court at around 4am Saturday. Authorities say the clothes dryer caused an electrical fire, which was confined to the inside of a wall at the home. After the fire was under control, Columbia Police responded and made one arrest for possession of narcotics. 23 year old Nathaniel Demian was arrested at the scene.
A Salisbury man was killed, when a farm tractor was struck by a train at a Chariton County railroad crossing, Thursday afternoon. 36 year old William E. Thompson, of Salisbury, died in the accident, which occurred just after 2:30pm. The patrol says Thompson failed to yield at the railroad crossing on Cal Hubbard Avenue, a few miles east of Keytesville, and his tractor was struck by a westbound train. Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Marceline man is behind bars after allegedly attempting to break into an RV. 56 year old William ‘Bill’ Arthur, of Marceline, was charged last week with second-degree attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools and second-degree property damage. The Macon County Sheriff’s Department says deputies responded to a report of a man trying to break into a camper at Shoemaker’s RV Park in Bevier. Deputies say Arthur’s vehicle was found on the scene and he was identified by witnesses, as the suspect. A Highway Patrol Trooper arrested Arthur later that evening in Marceline. He was reportedly found with multiple tools that investigators believe were used in the attempted break-in. During the investigation, deputies say they’ve connected Arthur to multiple other incidents in the same area. Additional charges are pending in the case.
Unionville Police are seeking a suspect, who witnesses say, was acting suspicious around a young girl. The incident occurred at around 5pm Thursday, when a 13 year old girl was walking across the Unionville Square. The girl says a man approached her in a vehicle and told her to ‘come here’. She fled the area and contacted police. Authorities say they don’t believe it was an abduction attempt, but they would like to talk to the driver to find out what was happening. The vehicle was described as an older, beat-up, possibly four-door silver or blue colored car and that the driver was in his late 40s or early 50s, with dark hair, a beard and glasses. Anyone with information should contact Unionville Police.
The 89th Missouri State FFA Convention is underway, after the opening session Thursday evening, and there’s all ready some good news for area participants. Brookfield’s Abby Turner was named a State FFA Vice-President at last night’s session. Chillicothe FFA Chapter member Madelyn Warren, of Dawn, was also named a state Vice-President and Mariah Fox, of Galt, a member of the Trenton Chapter, was named First Vice-President as well. A full schedule of events and competitions continues today and tomorrow as the State FFA Convention kicks into full gear, in Columbia.
Boone County deputies arrested a Columbia man Thursday, in connection with a child pornography investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation. Authorities say the Boone County Cyber Crimes Task Force received a report that the suspect, 39 year old James Roberts, of Columbia, was sending images of child pornography to an Oklahoma subject, using the messaging app KIK. Roberts was arrested for promoting child pornography and is being held in the Boone County Jail.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has confirmed the arrest of a Moberly teen on multiple child sex charges. 19 year old Joseph Allen Schmitt, of Moberly, is charged with possession of child pornography, child molestation, statutory sodomy, attempted statutory sodomy and deviate sexual intercourse involving a victim under 12 years of age. Investigators say a search warrant served at Schmitt’s home resulted in the recovery of evidence in the case. The investigation was conducted by the Patrol’s Digital Forensics Unit and Division of Drug and Crime Control, with assistance by the Moberly Police Department. Schmitt is being held on $500,000 dollars cash-only bond.
From KTVO.com – a data breach at Holiday Inn hotels left guests’ credit card information vulnerable, including at the Holiday Inn Express in Kirksville. According to a notice by Holiday Inn’s parent company, the InterContinental Hotels Group, an investigation indicates that malware infected more than 1,000 hotels, including the Kirksville location, between September and December of 2016. The breach left credit card information vulnerable during that time frame. The company says any guests at the affected hotels during that time should be vigilant in making sure all charges on their accounts are accurate.
MOBERLY HOSTS PROGRAM ON SOLAR ECLIPSE
Dr. Angela Speck, Director of Astronomy at the University of Missouri, will be in Moberly this evening, to present a program on the upcoming solar eclipse, which will occur in August. Dr. Speck built the MU Astronomy program, starting with her arrival at Mizzou in 2002. She’ll provide a variety of information on the eclipse in a presentation at Moberly’s Municipal Auditorium. It is free and open to everyone, starting at 6:30pm. The total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, August 21.
STANBURY UNIFORMS MOURNS DEATH OF CEO GARY ROBERTS
Everyone at the Best Broadcast Group sends our heartfelt condolences to everyone at Stanbury Uniforms in Brookfield, on the death of longtime Stanbury CEO Gary Roberts this week, after a battle with cancer. Gary was part of the management team that put together the deal that kept Stanbury open in Brookfield in 1993. Under his leadership, Stanbury Uniforms has since become the nation’s largest manufacturer of band uniforms, and is celebrating its 100th year in business this year. To Gary’s family, including current Stanbury COO Steve Roberts…to Stanbury CFO Jim Elliott, a member of the Best Broadcast Group family as well…and to everyone at Stanbury Uniforms, our condolences on this loss. Funeral services for Gary Roberts will be Saturday morning at 10am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbia…visitation is tomorrow (Friday) evening at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia.
ROCHEPORT DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CRASH
A Rocheport driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Boone County Route J, which occurred Wednesday night, just before 9pm. 22 year old Jonathan R. Jones, of Rocheport, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, after the accident. The patrol says he swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway and his southbound car ran off the road and overturned.
A northeast Missouri teenager was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon accident on Route 136 in Scotland County. 16 year old Saydrianne Spurgeon, of Arbela, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville after the accident, which occurred at around 4:50pm, about seven miles east of Memphis. The patrol says he suffered serious injuries when his westbound car ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
A Fayette driver was seriously injured, when he was struck by his own truck on Cooper County Route B, Tuesday night. 82 year old Marvin Earl, of Fayette, was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred just before 10pm. The patrol says Earl’s northbound box truck stopped in the roadway. Earl got out of the truck, which was left in gear. He was struck by the truck, which then ran off the roadway.
A Madison driver sustained moderate injuries when his vehicle ran off the roadway at a Monroe County intersection. It occurred at around 11:30pm, Tuesday night, just south of Madison. 39 year old Michael Battaglio, of Madison, was the driver of an eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it skidded through the intersection of Highway 151 and Route YY and struck a ditch. Battaglio refused treatment for moderate injuries at the scene.
A 2-year old child was struck by a vehicle and killed in a private driveway in northwest Missouri, Tuesday morning. The accident occurred in rural Worth County, just north of Grant City. The patrol says 32 year old Danelle Head, of Grant City, was southbound in the driveway when 2 year old Lane McDonald began running along the passenger side. The child tripped and fell under the wheel of the vehicle. He was taken to the Grant City Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.
A Kirksville woman was killed in a Monday night accident on Route 3, northeast of Elmer, in Macon County. 43 year old Priscilla Weeks, of Kirksville, died in the accident, which occurred at around 7:20pm. The patrol says her southbound vehicle crossed the centerline and then swerved to avoid oncoming traffic. She was ejected when the car ran off the highway and overturned multiple times. She was pronounced dead at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
A Chillicothe man was killed in a Monday afternoon accident on Route 139, just south of Osgood, in Sullivan County. 25 year old Cameron Lollar, of Chillicothe, died in the accident, which occurred at around 4:30pm. According to the patrol, Lollar was ejected from his southbound vehicle, when it ran off the roadway, struck the ground and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
SPRINGFIELD INFANT DEAD AFTER COLLISION NEAR CHILLICOTHE
A Springfield infant was killed and three others were injured in a collision on Highway 65, just south of Chillicothe, which occurred just before 11am Monday. The patrol says a southbound SUV, driven by 26 year old Warren Nichols, of Springfield, was stopped in a MODOT work zone, when it was rear-ended by a southbound van, driven by 23 year old Benjamin Davis, of Chillicothe. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries. Nichols’ wife, 27 year old Amanda Nichols, of Springfield, also suffered moderate injuries. The Nichols’ infant son was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Moberly man remains on the run this morning, after a high-speed chase through parts of Monroe and Randolph Counties, Monday night. Authorities say Landon Haddock, of Moberly, is wanted on an active warrant for violating a protection order. He fled a traffic stop on Monroe County Route M and a high-speed chase ensued, through parts of Monroe and Randolph County and also involved Randolph County Deputies and Moberly Police. As of early this morning, authorities say, Haddock is still at-large. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact your local law enforcement.
Columbia Police arrested a male suspect, after a Monday morning robbery on Stadium Boulevard. 29 year old Aaron Greenup was arrested, after the incident. Investigators say the victim had asked Greenup for a ride, and was putting items that belonged to him and two other people into Greenup’s trunk when he started to drive away. The victim got into the car as it left the scene and Greenup is accused of stopping at a nearby McDonald’s and pulling a gun on the victim and forcing him out of the vehicle. Greenup was arrested in the 10000 block of Serenity Circle, a short time later.
A Marceline driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Route 149, just north of New Cambria, Sunday evening. 48 year old Daniel B. Hays, of Marceline, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at around 6:20pm. The patrol says his southbound car ran off the roadway, became airborne and struck an embankment.
A Marshall couple were both killed when their motorcycle collided with a vehicle at a Saline County intersection, Friday evening. 38 year old Nathaniel Offield and 37 year old Shelley Offield, both of Marshall, died in the accident, which occurred at around 6:30pm on Highway 65. The patrol says a car driven by 80 year old Janice Jones, of Marshall, failed to yield at an intersection and pulled into the path of the Offield’s motorcycle. They were both pronounced dead at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
One person was treated for smoke inhalation, after a Saturday afternoon house fire, on Millay Trail in Adair County. Firefighters from Novinger and La Plata were called to battle the blaze at around 2:30pm. Three persons were in the home when the fire broke out. One of them was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. The Missouri State Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire.
Boonville Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing woman. According to a Department Facebook post, Carrie Tucker was reported missing Friday night. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a long, black trench coat. Police say Tucker may have been picked up by someone driving a red pickup truck and she may have a 2-month old child with her. Anyone with information on Tucker’s whereabouts is urged to contact Boonville Police.
A family’s home was destroyed and their dog was killed in a Sunday house fire on South Hickory Grove School Road in Boone County. Officials say a resident returned home from work at around 10am and saw flames shooting out of the one-store residence. Firefighters say the home was fully involved when they arrived and the house was a total loss. The cause is still under investigation.
Dark billowing smoke could be seen for miles around Macon Thursday afternoon. The source was a fire behind Scotty’s Auction Service, where old tires and some equipment burned, after a burn barrel got out of control. Firefighters from both Macon and Bevier were called to the scene at around 1:30pm. The business’ main building was not damaged.
The Kirksville Police Department is investigating a series of four small arson fires, which have been recently set in the same general area. The latest of those four fires occurred early Wednesday morning. It destroyed a small storage shed and its contents, located behind a rental home in the 1400 block of South First Street. Investigators say the four fires appear to be related and have been increasing in severity. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kirksville Police.
A LaBelle woman was injured Thursday afternoon, when she jumped from a golf cart to try and catch her two year old daugheter, who fell from the cart. The accident occurred just after 3pm in LaBelle. The patrol says the 2 year old girl fell from the golf cart and 26 year old Paige Kerr, of La Belle, suffered moderate injuries when she jumped from the vehicle to try and catch the girl. The child was treated for minor injuries. Both mother and daughter were treated at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
A Braymer driver was treated for moderate injuries after his pickup struck a cow in the roadway, on Caldwell County Route A, north of Braymer, just after 1 o’clock this (Fri) morning. 26 year old Lucas Morrill, of Braymer, was the driver of the pickup. The patrol says it came to a controlled stop in a private driveway, after striking the cow. Morrill was treated for moderate injuries at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe.
Two teens were injured in a Thursday afternoon collision on Highway 63, about four miles south of Moberly. It occurred at around 1pm. 19 year old Nicholas Mattis, of Columbia, was treated for minor injuries. A passenger in his vehicle, 19 year old Madaline Richter, of Minnesota, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment. The patrol says a pickup, driven by 81 year old Wilman Ferguson, of Armstrong, pulled from an intersection, into the path of their northbound car.
A Cooper County teenager was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Route 179, just south of I-70 in Cooper County, just before noon Thursday. 17 year old Faith Vance, of Wooldridge, was taken to University Hospital for treatment after the accident. The patrol says her northbound car ran off the roadway and overturned.
A woman has been arrested in connection with multiple thefts from vehicles, in Boone County. Deputies say 39 year old Joyce Reynolds, of California, was arrested Thursday morning after a report of a theft from a car in the 10000 block of I-70 Drive Northeast.
Investigators say she was connected to several thefts from vehicles in that area. She is charged with burglary, resisting arrest and two counts of stealing.
A Kahoka woman suffered moderate injuries, when she tried to keep a toddler from being struck by a vehicle on Highway 136 in Clark County. The accident occurred at around 3:40pm Wednesday. The patrol says 25 year old Caylove Sackman ran onto the highway to try to remove a two year old pedestrian. Both Sackman and the child were struck by a westbound pickup, driven by 38 year old Sara McFarland, of Kahoka. Sackman was treated for moderate injuries at Scotland County Memorial Hospital in Memphis. The child was treated for minor injuries.
The Marshall Police Department is seeking information on the whereabouts of two Marshall teens, who have been reported missing. According to a news release, the two are 15 year old females, Asia Schafer and Angel Huddleston. They were last seen together Sunday, on East Highway WW in the Marshall area. Asia is described as a white female, about 5-6 and 100 pounds with shoulder-length brown hair and was last seen wearing a black shirt and red pants. Angel is a white female, 5-2 and about 100 pounds, with shoulder-length light red colored hair. She was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and white pajama pants and possibly carrying a dark-colored backpack. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marshall Police Department.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is seeking a suspect, who is wanted on charges of possession of child pornography. 20 year old Dylan Scott Holloway, of Trenton, is wanted on the Livingston County Warrant. He is described as a white male, about 5-5 and 125 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. His bond has been set a $10,000 dollars cash-only. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department or your local law enforcement.
Columbia Police are investigating an early-morning robbery at the Phillips 66 on Ash Street. Officers were called to the scene just before 5am this (Thurs) morning. Employees say a 20-something year old male with a white hoodie walked into the store and demanded cash, then fled the scene. Investigators say they’ll be reviewing security footage this morning and will provide more information on the incident later today.
Plans have been announced for a new group to help promote economic development in Moberly. Grow Mid-Missouri, an extension of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation, has announced the launch of the new group, called NEXT. Officials say NEXT will target young adults and community members who hope to start a business in the Moberly area. The group plans to start holding recruitment events to draw in prospective members. There is currently no fee to join NEXT. Anyone with an interest in economics, entrepreneurship and business are encouraged to join.
An area school board race, which ended in a tie during last week’s Municipal General Election, was decided Wednesday by drawing the winner’s name out of a hat. Price Nichols and George Carney both received 329 votes for the third seat on the Southern Boone County School Board last week. State law says the race can be decided by drawing lots, so, Wednesday afternoon, both candidate’s names were put into a hat and one name was drawn. Price Nichols was the winner of the drawing and will take the school board seat.
A Unionville man, who admitted to possessing child pornography, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison Tuesday. 51 year old Joel Bremer, of Unionville, appeared in Federal Court in Kansas City, after pleading guilty to possession of child porn last Summer. The investigation was prompted by accusations from a 19 year old female that she had been sexually abused by Bremer as a child and that he had taken nude photos of her. A second victim has also accused Bremer of sexual abuse when she was under age 16. Bremer faces state charges, in connection with those allegations.
Two Marshall teenagers suffered moderate injuries in a Tuesday morning accident on a Saline County road. 16 year old Lorin King, of Marshall, was the driver of the northbound vehicle, 15 year old Emily Rogers, also of Marshall, was her passenger. The patrol says the vehicle ran off the roadway and into a ditch, at around 10am. Both teens were treated for moderate injuries at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
LARGE CONTROLLED BURN AT THOUSAND HILLS STATE PARK
A large plume of smoke, West of Kirksville, prompted some concern, Tuesday afternoon, as it was seen and reported by many area residents. It was caused by a large controlled burn at Thousand Hills State Park. Park officials say the prescribed burn was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and covered 650 acres around Forest Lake. The purpose of the burn was to eliminate layers of leaves, dead pine needles and twigs to clear the way for new growth. Authorities say weather conditions were just right to safely conduct the large burn.
U.S. Army officials say an explosion at an ammunition plant in Independence Tuesday killed one person and injured three others. It occurred in a primer mixing building at the Lake City Army Ammunition plant. The plant, located on nearly 4,000 acres in Independence, is a manufacturing site for small caliber ammunition and also operates a NATO testing center. Nearly 1,800 employees were sent home after Tuesday’s explosion. No further information has been released, as the incident is under investigation.
One suspect is in custody after an overnight high-speed chase through parts of Columbia. Officials say it began with an attempted traffic stop on the I-70 Connector, just after 3am. They say the high-speed chase was brief, ending on the Business Loop with the arrest of a male suspect. No further details have been released, as the investigation continues.
A Columbia man has been sentenced to five years in prison on child pornography charges. Cody Woll was arrested in December after investigators served a search warrant and found illegal videos and images on his computer. Woll was sentenced to five years in prison in Boone County court, Tuesday.
A Higbee man is charged with assault and armed criminal action, after a Friday night bar fight ended with a stabbing. 49 year old Randall D. Lauffer, of Higbee, was arrested after the incident. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department says deputies were called to the bar just before 11:30pm. The 27 year old male victim says a game of pool ended with an argument, which turned into a shoving match. Lauffer is accused of stabbing the victim with a small folding knife and then fleeing the scene. Lauffer was arrested at his home a short time later. His bond is set at $100,000 dollars. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a Columbia hospital.
A Vandalia driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Monday morning accident on Audrain County Route P. 21 year old Johnetta Salmon, of Vandalia, was taken to SSM Health in Mexico after the accident, which occurred at around 7:20am. The patrol says she apparently fell asleep at the wheel and her eastbound car ran off the highway and struck a ditch bank.
The Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging is holding a series of Medicare Boot Camp events, around the area. Attendees can learn about important decisions that need to be made when you first become eligible for Medicare, or are all ready eligible and have questions to be answered. The events are scheduled from 1 to 3pm…at the Marceline Senior Center on April 20…at Serve Link Home Care in Trenton on May 10…at Bank Midwest in Cameron on May 26 and at the Chillicothe Senior Center on June 7. Class sizes are limited, so you need to RSVP to the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging.
Truman State University will hold a Children’s Literature Festival, on the campus in Kirksville, next Friday, April 21. A number of visiting authors and illustrators will be on-hand for the day-long event, which will take place in the Truman Student Union Building, from 9am to 2:15pm. An informal meeting and book signing with the presenters will follow, starting at 3pm. More than 1,400 fourth, fifth and sixth grade students from around the area are expected to attend. To find out more or to register for the event, contact the university.
CENTRAL MISSOURI HONOR FLIGHT BEGINS 9th SEASON
Central Missouri Honor Flight has announced plans for its first flight of the season, later this month. Nearly 80 veterans will take part in the 45th Central Missouri Honor Flight, marking the beginning of its 9th year in operation. The group will depart Columbia at 2am on Tuesday, April 18, for a one-day tour of Washington D.C.’s war memorials. They’ll return that evening for a homecoming reception and flag ceremony at the Columbia Courtyard Marriott. The public is welcome to attend that event. The group is expected to return at around 9:30pm on the 18th.
A Brookfield driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday night accident on Highway 87, in Cooper County. 23 year old Taylor Almond, of Brookfield, was treated at University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 9:20pm. The patrol says she suffered moderate injuries when her northbound car ran off the roadway, struck a ditch, overturned and struck a fence.
Two Atlanta teenagers were injured in a Saturday afternoon ATV accident. It occurred just after 4:30pm on a Macon County gravel road, just northeast of Atlanta. The patrol says the ATV was driven by 15 year old Aleassa Hruska, of Atlanta, and traveled through an intersection and struck a utility pole. Hruska was treated for minor injuries but her passenger, 15 year old Mackenzie White, of Atlanta, was flown to University Hospital by Air Evac Helicopter, for treatment of moderate injuries.
A Gallatin man suffered moderate injuries in a chain-reaction crash that involved four vehicles. It occurred at around 2:45pm Saturday on Route 6, just west of Gallatin. 20 year old Wyatt Owings, of Gallatin, was treated for moderate injuries at Cameron Regional Medical Center after the accident. The patrol says his vehicle was one of three, which had slowed for vehicles turning in the roadway. A pickup, driven by a Kansas man, failed to stop and struck Owings’ car from behind, causing a chain reaction crash. None of the other drivers were injured.
Four Kirksville residents are charged after a pair of search warrants allegedly turned up five pounds of packaged meth, last week. The first search warrant was served at a home on West Dodson Street in Kirksville, where three pounds of meth was seized, along with other items used in the sale of drugs. A second search involved a storage unit, located south of Kirksville, resulting in the recovery of two additional pounds of meth, along with an illegal firearm and a handgun. Four Kirksville residents are charged with drug trafficking. 36 year old Thomas J. Hill, 29 year old Nicki L. Hill, 23 year old Michael A. Griffin and 27 year old Andrew J. Farnan.
BODY FOUND – MARSHALL MAN’S DEATH FROM NATURAL CAUSES
Authorities say a Marshall man found dead near Malta Bend Lake, over the weekend, apparently died of natural causes. The man has been identified as 62 year old Daniel Kempf, of Marshall. His body was found Saturday afternoon, lying near the edge of the lake. An investigation has determined that he died of natural causes.
A dispute between a University of Missouri student and his girlfriend last week, could result in charges against the student. Campus police say the suspect refused to let his girlfriend leave his dorm room, leading to a fight between the two. Investigators say the male student assaulted the girl and broke her cell phone by throwing it in the toilet. No charges have been filed, but the student was arrested and accused of kidnapping, domestic assault and tampering with property. The girl refused medical treatment.
BOONE COUNTY MAN ARRESTED - STOLEN TRUCK RECOVERED
One suspect has been charged after allegedly stealing a truck in Boone County. 28 year old Brandon Harrison was arrested Friday. He is accused of stealing a truck from the 2200 block of Woody Proctor Road, during the overnight hours Friday morning. A few hours later, Harrison was spotted driving the truck and arrested. Investigators say they also found drugs in the vehicle. Harrison is charged possession, in addition to the stealing charge.
A rape suspect, who disappeared earlier this week, while on a court-ordered furlough from the Macon County Jail, has been found and taken into custody. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office says 33 year old Jonathon R. ‘Bobby’ Boyd, of New Cambria, was arrested by officers in Columbia. Boyd was released Monday, into the custody of Wendy Kent, of Kirksville, for a doctor’s appointment in Columbia. He did not show up for that appointment and did not return to custody. Boone County Sheriff’s deputies learned that Boyd and Kent were staying at a Columbia area hotel. He was taken into custody Wednesday evening. Kent’s whereabouts are still unknown. She has been charged with aiding the escape of a prisoner.
KTVO REPORT: KIRKSVILLE FRAT HOUSE DEATH INVESTIGATED
From KTVO.com: Kirksville Police are investigating the third death of this school year at the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house on South Osteopathy Street. According to the KTVO report, investigators are remaining tight-lipped, regarding an unattended death that was discovered early Thursday morning at the residence. Adair County Coroner Brian Noe says the deceased is an 18 year old male Truman State University student from St. Peters, MO, who was a member of a fraternity, but did not live at the house. Two other deaths occurred at the house, on August 7 and August 27 of 2016. Noe says an autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon in Columbia. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kirksville Police Department.
A Macon man was treated for moderate injuries after a Thursday morning collision on Highway 36, about five miles west of Macon. 66 year old Jeffrey Knapp, of Macon, was the driver of an eastbound vehicle. The patrol says he slowed to make a turn and was struck in the rear by an eastbound pickup, driven by 45 year old Daniel Wiegand, of Bloomfield, Iowa. Knapp was taken to Samaritan Hospital, for treatment of moderate injuries.
The highway patrol has released more information on a drug investigation, which resulted in the arrest of two California men and two Madison residents this week. Tuesday afternoon, members of the U.S. Postal Service, the East Central Drug Task Force and the highway patrol executed a search warrant at a home in Madison. During that search, they seized about 30 pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 42 year old Matthew B. Taylor and 24 year old Jason W. Derboven, both of Madison and two California men, 27 year old Loren M. Thompson and 34 year old Christopher Owens, were all arrested for delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
A La Plata driver was killed in a Wednesday morning collision on Highway 63 at the La Plata junction. 61 year old Richard W. Martin, of La Plata, was killed in the crash, which occurred at around 10:15am. The patrol says he pulled from the intersection into the path of a northbound van, driven by 56 year old Jane Perry, of Columbia. Martin was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Perry was treated for moderate injuries.
A Bethany driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on a Harrison County gravel road. It occurred just after 4 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, just south of Bethany. 71 year old Sharon K. Johnson, of Bethany, was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital after the accident. The patrol says her northbound truck skidded off the roadway and overturned.
A Brookfield man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison this week, in Sullivan County Court. Tuesday morning, 52 year old Danny Gardner, of Brookfield, was ordered to serve 65 months, on two felony counts of assault of a law enforcement officer. Gardner pleaded guilty to the two charges in January.
The Payless Shoe Source locations in both Chillicothe and Kirksville are on the list of 400 across the country set to close. The company filed for bankruptcy this week and released a list of stores it plans to close on Wednesday. The Kirksville and Chillicothe locations are both on that list. Company officials say there is no set timeline for the closures. More details are expected to be released in the next several weeks.
Three men were arrested on drug charges, during a Monroe County traffic stop Wednesday. According to the Highway Patrol, 27 year old Loren Thompson and 34 year old Christopher Owens, both from the state of California, and 42 year old Matthew Taylor of Madison, each face charges of felony delivery of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. All three are being held, pending the filing of formal charges.
Chariton Valley Telephone Corporation has announced the selection of Westran High School student, Emily Minor, for an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. this summer. Minor will join more than 100 high school juniors from around the country in Washington, June 3rd thru the 7th, where she will get a look at the legislative process and other government operations and tour many of the nation’s most historic sites. Minor was selected following a nomination and interview process. She is the 19th area student to be sponsored by Chariton Valley Telephone Corporation. .
A Macon County inmate, who is facing rape charges, remains at-large, after he failed to show up for an appointment at the VA Hospital in Columbia this week. 33 year old Jonathon R. ‘Bobby’ Boyd of New Cambria, was released from the Macon County Jail on a court-ordered furlough for a doctor’s appointment on Monday, into the custody of Kirksville resident, Wendy Kent. Authorities say Boyd did not show up for that appointment and the pair have not been seen since. Officials believe they were traveling in a burnt-orange passenger car. Boyd is described as a white male, 5-9 and about 175 pounds. He was wearing a grey Mizzou shirt, blue jeans and black shoes. Boyd was in custody on charges of rape, assault, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance, related to an incident last October. He had also been charged with damage to jail property in January and was awaiting a hearing on previous probation violations. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, or your local law enforcement.
Incumbents Toni Fay and Jered Wallace were re-elected to the Brookfield R-3 School Board, as the top two in Tuesday’s race…Fay led the field with 566 total votes, including a handful of votes from Chariton County…Wallace was second with 442 votes. The third spot on the Brookfield board came down to a slim four vote margin for Blake Devoy, who edged Mandy Wiedeman for the spot, 386 to 382. Monica Baker had 293 votes. Sarah Bowden Wessing and Paul Frey led the race for two Brookfield City Council seats, with 315 and 220 votes, respectively. Don Fuhrhop was third with 181 and Todd Bourcard fourth with 149. Brookfield voters approved the renewal of an existing sales tax, Proposition A, 340 in favor to 149 opposed. Liz Cupp was the top vote-getter in the Marceline Alderman’s race, over John Carver, 126 to 98. A Marceline Titling Tax issue was voted down by a large margin, 179 opposed to just 50 in favor. Roger Rhodes and Leroy Cook were the top two in the race for Brookfield Township Board…Clarke Burns and Dane Lambert topped the Grantsville Township Board race and Bill Young and Ernest Trentham were the top two for Jackson Township Board seats. The City of Laclede passed its question, regarding the tax collector position being an elected office, with 36 in favor and 13 opposed.
In the Salisbury School Board race, Denny Henke led a field of five candidates with 403 votes…Andrea Binder was second with 373, Deborah Edwards third with 333. Jeff Lockard won Salisbury’s second ward alderman seat with 52 votes to 25 for Michael Bales and 23 for Judy Powell. Salisbury passed its sales tax question with a 73% majority. Cindy Collier won a Brunswick Alderman seat with a 58% majority. Donnie Littleton and Troy Sellmeyer were the top two vote-getters for Keytesville Township Board. Mike Lentz edged Sharon Shatto for the Sumner second-ward alderman position, 10 votes to 7.
Dale Kinkhorst won the Macon City Council ward one race with a 57% majority. Macon’s ward two seat went to Richard Schlanker, with 49% of the vote in a three-person race. Greg Wiggans carried a 73% majority in the Macon Ward four race. Tony Askew won a 52% majority for Atlanta Mayor and Darrin Watson and Julie Couldry led the race for two seats on the Atlanta Board of Aldermen, with Couldry’s margin just one vote, over third-place finisher, Lisa Bender. Patty Cheever and Dennis Whisenand were the top two in a four-person race for two Bevier Alderman seats. Marsha Janes and Julie Spencer were the top two for Elmer Alderman. Three Atlanta School Board seats were decided Tuesday, with Nathan R. Young, Cory Hatcher and Suzanne Forquer taking the top three spots. Joshua Stucki, Michael Seipel and Jennifer Dawson took the top three spots for Callao School Board. A handful of Adair County votes turned the tide in the La Plata School board race. Matthew Belt and Tina M. Belfield were the top two overall...Kevin Pipes trailed Jason Robinson by just four votes for the third spot in Macon County…but Pipes grabbed a 12 vote margin in the Adair County part of the district, to turn that result around by an 8-vote margin. So Belt, Belfield and Kevin Pipes were the top-three in the La Plata School Board race, overall.
Richard ‘Rick’ Steele and Jerry Michael Mills won seats on the Kirksville City Council by a large margin, as the two combine got more than 80% of the votes cast. City of Kirksville voters passed a half cent sales tax for parks by a large margin…also more than an 80% majority. Nan Davis and Jeremy James Houser were the top two in the Kirksville School Board race. The race for the third seat was a close one, with Adam Michael Moore edging out Tarasa Marie Gardner by just 26 votes, out of more than 2,000 votes cast. Novinger School board seats went to Christina Farrell, Kathryn Magers and Troy Smith. Brashear school board seats were won by Alissa Garlock, Keith L. Turner and Sara Erwin.
One vote separated the two candidates for Moberly City Council…John W. Kimmons, Jr. with 465 votes and Bob Riley with 464. Moberly’s sales tax issue passed, with an 80% majority. Carla Price and Mary Crutchfield were the unofficial winners of seats on the Randolph County board of trustees. Sandra Gamble finished a close third, just 27 votes behind Crutchfield. Matthew Crist, Lisa Vanderburg and Jonean Ratliff were the top three in the race for Moberly School Board, with Jackie Barrow just over 100 votes back. Higbee School Board seats went to Rob Clark, Jr, Ricky Switzer and Susan Ware. A very tight Renick School Board race came down to just two votes, between the second, third and fourth place candidates, with three seats on the line. Dawn Cleeton led the field with 46 votes, Josh Taylor and Michael Don McKeown each had 36 votes, Darwin K. Woods received 34 and Mark Fischer 26. Joe Rowland and Katherine McClean took the top two spots for Westran Fire Board. Lisa Rice won a Huntsville City Council seat with a 76% majority.
The Sturgeon School Board race combines votes from both Randolph and Boone Counties. The three seats went to Misty R. Doss with 260 votes, Heather Dawn Dougherty with 245 and Charles Edward King with 218 over Heidi Lynn Ellington at 181. Danny Joiner wins the Sturgeon Mayor’s race with a 65% majority, and Heidi Ellington was elected ward one alderman with 87% of the vote.
VOTE TODAY!!!!
Polls are open this morning, for the Municipal General Election. Nearly all of our area communities have contested races for school board and city offices on today’s ballot, along with a number of city, county and school-related tax issues. Polls will remain open until 7pm. We’ll have live results coverage sometime after 8 tonight, on KZBK and KLTI.
A Kirksville man, who was reported missing and endangered, is safe after being found in Minnesota. 22 year old James Conner Green was reported missing Sunday afternoon. Police say he was considered endangered, due to medical conditions. Kirksville Police say Green was found safe Sunday by a state trooper in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Two Kirksville residents were injured in a Monday night accident on Highway 63, just south of Millard. 21 year old Matthew C. Witten, of Blue Springs, was the driver of a northbound van, which ran off the roadway and struck an embankment, at around 11:40pm. The patrol says two passengers in the vehicle, both from Kirksville, were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. 25 year old Skyler Joiner was treated for moderate injuries and 24 year old Andrew Walker-Bullock was treated for minor injuries.
A Moberly driver was treated and released with just minor injuries after a car ran off Highway 63, just north of Clark, Monday morning. It occurred just before 11:30am. 68 year old Mel Coonce, of Moberly, was the driver of the southbound car. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck the median and became stuck. Coonce was treated by ambulance personnel at the scene.
A Livingston County man faces new charges after trying to flee from deputies last month. A week ago, Friday, two deputies attempted to serve a probation and parole warrant on 58 year old Mark Powers, of Avalon, at a residence in Bedford. A deputy says he went to the front door and saw Powers looking at him…the suspect then fled out the rear of the home. Both deputies gave chase and Powers was taken into custody a short time later, in a remote area. He is being held on the probation warrant and could now face additional charges for fleeing from officers.
A Columbia man now faces murder charges, in connection with a fatal accident, which occurred in Columbia Saturday night. 23 year old Jeremiah Karl Lynne, of Columbia, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, resisting arrest and leaving the scene of an accident. He was arrested Monday after being released from the hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained in the crash. Police say Lynne fled a traffic stop southbound on Garth Avenue at a high rate of speed, when his vehicle collided with another car. A passenger in his vehicle, 19 year old Skyler Littleton, who was four months pregnant, died from her injuries. Lynne is being held without bond, pending a court appearance.
Columbia Police have announced the arrest of a suspect, in connection with a Columbia bank robbery, which occurred last month. Marquez Floydell Marshall was taken into custody Friday. He is accused of robbing the Landmark Bank in Columbia on March 13. Marshall is being held on $100,000 dollars bond.
A 3 year old Moberly boy was treated for moderate injuries after falling from a UTV, on a Monroe County road. The accident occurred Saturday afternoon, at around 2:40pm, about five miles east of Moberly. The Patrol says the child was a passenger in an UTV driven by his 31 year old mother, Nicole Kellogg, of Moberly. He fell from the vehicle as it was traveling southbound on a gravel road. The child was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
A weekend motorcycle accident on Route 156, just east of La Plata, injured a St. Charles, MO man. It occurred Saturday morning, just after 4am. 30 year old Luke Rutledge, of St. Charles, was the driver of an eastbound motorcycle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and overturned. Rutledge was treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
KIRKSVILLE POLICE ISSUE ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY
Kirksville Police have issued a missing/endangered person alert for a Kirksville man. 22 year old James Conner Green left the area of the 900 block of East LaHarpe in Kirksville sometime before 12:45pm Sunday and was last seen walking northbound on Baltimore Street near Home Depot at around 2pm. He is considered endangered because of his medical conditions. Green is a white male, about 6 feet tall and 245 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored baggy jeans and a dark colored backpack. It is believe he may be trying to make his way to Iowa. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Kirksville Police or the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.
A Columbia teenager died and three others were hurt in a Saturday night vehicle crash in Columbia. Columbia Police say 19 year old Skylar Littleton died in the accident. She was a passenger in a car, driven by 23 year old Jeremiah K. Lynne. Police say he was speeding southbound on Garth Avenue, attempting to flee a traffic stop, when he passed a vehicle, which was attempting a left turn onto Ash Street, causing the collision. Another passenger in Lynn’s vehicle, 24 year old Brittany R. Hart, was also injured, as was Lynne, and the driver of the other vehicle, 41 year old Shelia Lankford.
Boone County deputies are investigating a shots fired incident, which occurred Sunday afternoon, in the area of Crestview and Bainbridge Drives. Deputies were called to the area just after 12:30pm. They say shots were apparently exchanged between two people in separate vehicles, who had fled the area. Two persons were detained by officers after a traffic stop, a short time later, but no further details have been released. There have been no reports of injury or property damage from the incident, which remains under investigation.
A Moberly woman was killed in a Thursday evening head-on collision on Highway 63. 43 year old Shirley A. Phillips, of Moberly, died in the accident, which occurred at around 7:15pm, about three miles north of Clark. The Highway Patrol says Phillips southbound car ran off the left side of the highway, traveled through the median and collided head-on with a northbound pickup, driven by 43 year old Brian Buol, of Osage Beach. Phillips was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, where she was pronounced dead. Buol was not injured.
A trespassing call to Chillicothe Police led to drug charges for a Chillicothe woman. Officers were called to a business on West Business 36, just before midnight Wednesday. 30 year old Kristi Marie Carr was arrested at the scene for trespassing, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and three felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. Carr is being held on $25,000 dollars cash-only bond.
An FBI sex trafficking investigation has led to a federal indictment against a Columbia man. Investigators say they were led to a residence in the 1100 block of Vandiver Drive, where the resident, 25 year old Kenneth Jones, of Columbia, is accused of holding a girl against her will and forcing her into prostitution. Court documents indicate the girl was found last summer, after agents in Wisconsin provided information. They allege that a minimum of four girls engaged in prostitution at that same home. Jones has been indicted by a federal grand jury for three counts of transporting for illegal sexual activity by coercion, enticement and transportation of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor and three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Jones was arraigned this week in federal court in Jefferson City.
SALISBURY’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Salisbury is set to celebrate its 150th Anniversary Saturday, with a day-long schedule of events. The celebration begins at 10:30am, with a Shriner’s Parade on Broadway. It continues throughout the day, with a variety of vendors, a Shriner’s Fish Fry, a quilt show, history tours and a scavenger hunt in the afternoon, a Wedding Dress Fashion Show at 2pm at the Balcony Ballroom, with a pie contest and kids games starting at 3. Also on the schedule is the opening of a time capsule at noon, in front of US Bank, where a new time capsule will then be sealed. Saturday night, an 8pm concert features a Poison tribute band at the Balcony Ballroom. Everyone is welcome to join Salisbury’s 150th Celebration…all day Saturday.
A Kirksville man has been charged with first-degree murder, in connection with a shooting death at a Kirksville residence Tuesday night. Police say 31 year old Joshua Atkins was arrested at the scene, in the 800 block of East Jefferson Street. The victim of the shooting has been identified as 62 year old Steven D. Filczer, of Kirksville. Court documents state that Atkins called 911 and told the dispatcher he shot his friend ten times during an argument at the home. Investigators say there were multiple handguns and long rifles in the home where the shooting occurred. The suspect claims that, earlier in the day, Filczer had fired three shots at Atkins while he sat on the couch inside the residence. Atkins is being held on $1 million dollars bond.
A Boonville driver was seriously injured in a Wednesday night accident on Route 135 in Pettis County. 45 year old John Dufur, of Boonville, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 8:45pm. The patrol says Dufur was partially ejected from his southbound, when it ran off the roadway, struck a culvert and went airborne…then overturned, coming to rest on its top.
North Missouri residents may see drones in the air over the next several weeks, over the future site of the planned East Locust Creek Reservoir. The project team will be using drones to take aerial photographs and video of the future lake bed and shoreline. Officials say the drone flyovers will begin as soon as weather permits and before tree leaves begin to obscure vision…and will generally be done at 10 to 20 miles per hour and about 300 feet above the area. They say photographs and video will only be taken over property that will be part of the lake bed and the flight-paths should not be over private property.
An Independence police officer remains in critical condition, after being shot during a residential burglary, Wednesday morning. Police were called to a burglary in progress, just after 9:30am. Officer Tom Wagstaff was shot in an exchange of gunfire outside the home. Two suspects stole a vehicle and fled the scene. They were taken into custody after a police pursuit. Wagstaff underwent life-saving surgery at a Kansas City area hospital and remains in critical condition.
NC STATE FOOTBALL PLAYER FACES COLUMBIA DRUG CHARGE
A North Carolina State University football player faces drugs charges in mid-Missouri, after his arrest in Columbia earlier this month. 19 year old Bryce Marquan Banks, of Columbia, was charged with felony delivery of a controlled substance. Court documents indicate Banks was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for an expired registration. During the stop, police say he was arrested after they seized a bottle containing 49 Xanax bars.
Kirksville Police are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in the 800 block of Jefferson Street. According to KTVO.com, a 911 call from that address was received just after 9:30pm Tuesday. The caller reportedly said he had gotten into an argument with his friend and shot him. Kirksville Police have confirmed that one man was found dead inside the home and that they are talking to one person of interest, along with other witnesses who were there. They say the victim’s identity will not be released until family members are notified and no charges had been filed, as of late Tuesday night.
A Clark driver was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon ATV accident, which occurred on a private drive, just south of Clark. 51 year old Phllip J. Orf was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred just after 2pm. The patrol says he lost control and was ejected from the ATV.
A Downing driver was treated and released with minor injuries after an SUV ran off a Schuyler County road and overturned, just before 4:30pm Tuesday. 33 year old Amanda Moffett, of Downing, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says it got struck in a rut on a mud road, then ran off the roadway and overturned down an embankment. She was treated at the scene by ambulance personnel.
A Carrollton woman has been convicted in federal court, in connection with a bank fraud scheme. Prosecutors say 65 year old Carol Joyce Noble, of Carrollton, was found guilty of two counts of bank fraud. The charges stem from a 2014 federal indictment, which alleged Noble obtained a $185,000 dollar bank loan in 2011, to purchase a convenience store in Stover, MO. She is accused of changing the house number on a neighbor’s residence to obtain a fraudulent appraisal of her home. A sentencing date has not been set.
Sturgeon Police Chief Greg Halderman has been fired, after action by city officials. The Sturgeon Board of Aldermen voted 3-1 to remove Halderman as police chief, at a meeting Monday night. The vote was held after a two and a half hour closed hearing, in which Halderman and his attorney presented a dozen witnesses, in defense of allegations of misconduct as chief. Officials say Alderman Danny Joiner was the lone dissenting vote. Halderman’s firing is effective immediately.
A Columbia man is charged with distributing drugs near a school, in connection with a November search warrant, which was executed at his home on West Worley Street. Justin Aman faces multiple charges in the case. Deputies say the search turned up meth, a digital scale with residue, packaging materials, prescription pulls and other drugs. Aman is free on bond.
FIREFIGHTERS CALLED TO CHILLICOTHE CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Firefighters were called to the Chillicothe Correctional Center, early this morning. The Chillicothe Fire Department says the call came in just before 2am. When crews arrived, they found smoke coming from a service building on the north side of the facility. They say flames were coming from a commercial clothes dryer, which had overheated, and the fire was quickly extinguished. The building sustained moderate smoke damage. There were no injuries.
OPEN HOUSE AT RENOVATED MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE BUILDING
Main Street Chillicothe will host an open house this (Tuesday) afternoon, at their newly renovated historic building, located at 504 Washington Street in Chillicothe. The public is welcome to the open house from 3:30 to 6pm. Main Street Chillicothe purchased the downtown building last fall, financed by local public investment, through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. Interior renovations on the building include a residential 2 bedroom, 2 bath luxury apartment on the second floor and a large commercial space on the ground level. The open house will include refreshments, tours of the facility and information about Main Street Chillicothe.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Haymaker’s Convenience Store, on the Old Sutton’s lot in Macon, scheduled for this (Tues) afternoon, has been moved to the Macon County Economic Development Office in Macon. The event, hosted by Niemann Foods, will be held at 3pm at the office at 303 North Missouri Street, Suite A.
A woman from Independence suffered serious injuries when her vehicle ran off Highway 151, just north of Duncan’s Bridge, in Monroe County, Monday afternoon. 72 year old Karen S. Copenhaver was taken to University Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 2:20pm. The patrol says her northbound vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a driveway, became airborne and overturned.
EMERGENCY BRIDGE REPAIR WILL CAUSE I-70 PROBLEMS
Emergency bridge work on the I-70 bridge over the Missouri River near Rocheport will likely cause heavy traffic congestion and travel delays for eastbound traffic, over the next several days. MoDOT says crews will be making emergency repairs to an expansion joint on the bridge, causing eastbound I-70 to be reduced to one lane. The speed limit around the bridge will be reduced to 45 miles per hour during the work. Westbound traffic should not be affected by the work.
A second suspect has been charged in connection with last week’s fatal shooting at a home on Madison Drive in Columbia. 23 year old Devontre Deshawn Kennedy has been charged in the case. 43 year old Darold Pruitt was charged last week in connection with shots fired into a home, which caused injuries for two women. One of those victims, Shamya Brimmage, died from those injuries. Kennedy and Pruitt are both charged with second-degree murder, assault and unlawful discharge of a firearm. They’re both being held on $1 million dollars bond.
Two Knox County teens were injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Saturday night on Eagle Street, north of Edina. 15 year old Keagan Hamlin, of Knox City, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck a dirt pile and became airborne, then struck the ground, just after 8:30pm. Hamlin was treated for minor injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville. A passenger, 14 year old Robert Mauch, of Edina, was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital with moderate injuries.
Chillicothe Police report the arrest of a suspect, in connection with multiple thefts at the same location. Officers responded to reports of stealing on Friday, in the 400 block of Locust Street. 23 year old Cody Dover, of Chillicothe was arrested on multiple counts of stealing, along with the theft and fraudulent use of a credit device. Investigators say the incidents reportedly spanned a six-month time frame. He was held, over the weekend, in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail, pending the filing of formal charges.
Kirksville Fire Chief Tom Collins was fired last week. Collins was hired in 2014 to replace Fire Chief Randy Behrens. Kirksville City Officials say the termination came Thursday afternoon and was effective immediately. A statement from City Manager Mari Macomber says the decision was made in the best interest of the City and the Fire Department. Police Chief Jim Hughes will serve as interim manager of the Fire Department, working closely with deputy Jon Cook and rest of the department’s leadership.
Two victims are dead, after a Sunday afternoon shooting on I-70 Drive Northwest, in Columbia. Police were called to the location at around 12:45pm, where an SUV had sustained damage from multiple gunshots. One occupant of the vehicle, 26 year old Jeffrey D. Jones, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man, 32 year old Michael J. Walker, Jr., of Columbia, was taken to the hospital, where he later died. A third male victim suffered serious injuries and was also taken to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
One suspect was arrested early Sunday morning, after a report of gunshots near the Eagle Stop Gas station at I-70 and Providence in Columbia. Officers were called to the scene at around 2am Sunday. Witnesses say the suspect, 25 year old Marc Ballinger, Jr. pointed a gun at another man during an argument, then ran behind the business and fired two rounds. No injuries have been reported. Ballinger was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon.
Police have released more details on a Saturday afternoon accident, which caused multiple injuries and shut down Westbound I-70 at the Highway 63 interchange in Columbia. They say a blown tire caused a tractor-trailer to rotate 180 degrees, partially blocking the roadway. A vehicle tried to avoid hitting the trailer and was struck from behind by a second semi, which pushed it under the first semi’s trailer. Police say two occupants of that vehicle had to be extricated from the wreck and were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash shut down I-70 for several hours before the scene was cleared.
Sturgeon City Officials are set to hold a hearing for Police Chief Greg Halderman tonight. Two weeks ago, Sturgeon Mayor Gene Kelly gave Halderman a document asking him to resign or attend tonight’s hearing. The document detailed accusations of alcohol abuse on the job, inappropriate language with a minor, holding a gun to another officer’s face and verbal abuse of prisoners. Chief Halderman says two of those four allegations have since been dropped. He and other witnesses will speak on his behalf at tonight’s hearing, which is open to the public.
A Meadville woman has been found guilty of keeping her 9 year old son gravely ill for nearly a year by secretly poisoning him with prescription medications. A St. Louis County jury found 36 year old Rachel Kinsella, of Meadville, guilty yesterday of first-degree assault and child endangerment. Prosecutors say Kinsella’s son, Patrick, was ‘at death’s door’ when the state removed him from her care, after a hospital visit in early 2015. He is now living with his paternal grandparents and has no major health problems. Kinsella had rented a home in the St. Louis area while the child was undergoing treatment, from March of 2014 until early 2015. Prosecutors say she stockpiled prescription drugs that he was all ready getting at the hospital and also sought treatment in Kansas City, without informing doctors in either city of the additional treatment. She told police she accidentally gave her son the wrong medications on occasion, but doctors say the amount of drugs found in his system revealed intentional poisoning. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for May 26.
Two Fayette residents suffered moderate injuries when a motorcycle struck a deer on Highway 5, in Howard County, early this (Fri) morning. 35 year old Ronnie Phillips, of Fayette, was the driver of the northbound motorcycle. 26 year old Elizabeth Hazlett, also of Fayette, was his passenger. The patrol says the motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway and then overturned, just after 1am. They were both taken to Cooper County Hospital for treatment.
A residential grass fire in Chillicothe got out of control and spread onto neighboring property, including the Green Hills Golf Course, Thursday afternoon. Chillicothe firefighters were called to the scene just after 3:30pm. They say about nine acres of grass and some old lumber burned before the fire was under control.
Columbia Police have arrested a suspect in connection with Tuesday night’s fatal shooting at a Columbia home. 45 year old Darold Pruitt was taken into custody for resisting arrest, shortly after two women were found with gunshot wounds, in a home. One of those victims, 25 year old Shamya Brimmage, had died from her injuries. The arrest came after witnesses told officers Pruitt’s SUV was at the scene during two separate shots fired calls, which came in from that location Tuesday night. Investigators say shell casings in the vehicle match the caliber of bullets used in the shooting. He is being held on $25,000 dollars bond, as the investigation continues.
There was more good news for Missouri basketball fans Thursday night, as new head coach Cuonzo Martin announced that Michael Porter, SR has been hired as an assistant coach. Porter is the father of National High School Player of the Year, Michael Porter, Jr., who has now officially been released from his letter of intent to Washington University. Porter’s younger brother, Jontay, is the 26th ranked player in next year’s high school recruiting class. The Porter brothers starred at Father Tolton Catholic High School while their father was an assistant for the Mizzou women’s team, before being hired to coach at Washington this past season. Earlier this week, Porter, Jr. said he would not necessarily follow his father, but that it would be a ‘dream come true’ to play for him in college. Porter, Sr. rejoins his two daughters, who are still on the Mizzou women’s basketball roster.
The owner of an area tree service was killed by a falling tree Tuesday afternoon. Charles Hamblin, of Rural Macon, an owner of C&H Tree Removal, died in the accident. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office says Hamblin was clearing trees on a property at 504 Front Street in Renick, when a wind shift caused a large tree to fall in the wrong direction…striking him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER CRASHING KIRKSVILLE STOLEN TRUCK
Two suspects are in custody after a pickup, stolen from Kirksville, was wrecked in Des Moines, following a high-speed chase. According to KTVO.com, the truck was owned by Mark Williams, of Kirksville. It was stolen from his garage Tuesday afternoon and Williams’ home was ransacked and other items, including a purse and electronics were also stolen. West Des Moines police say the truck was later involved in a high-speed chase on I-235, where it ran off the roadway and through a chain-link fence. Two suspects fled the scene on foot but were taken into custody a short time later. They’re identified as 32 year old Justin Marshall, of Panama City Beach, Florida and 29 year old Allison Hunter, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Both suspects face theft, robbery and other charges.
An Illinois man faces drug charges, after an arrest by Macon Police last week. They say the investigation began after receiving information of illegal activity in the 300 block of Butler Street. Officers stopped a vehicle, which had left that area, and the police K-9 unit alerted to narcotics in the vehicle. A search turned up a large amount of marijuana, marijuana wax concentrate, a medication known as a controlled substance and other items. 37 year old William J. Yeager, of Antioch, IL was arrested and charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and a count of possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $25,000 dollars, cash-only.
A Columbia woman has died from injuries sustained in a Tuesday night ‘shots fired’ incident. Police say 25 year old Shamya Nicole Brimmage died at a local hospital, where she was transported after suffering gunshot wounds. The condition of a second female victim in the incident is still not known. Officers were called to a report of gunshots in the 1000 block of Madison Street on two occasions Tuesday evening. The second time, just after 10pm, the two women were found with gunshot wounds inside a home. Investigators say they were hit when one or more suspects fired at the residence.
A Columbia man has been indicted by a federal grand jury, on charges of producing and distributing child pornography. 23 year old Sergio Antonio Dominguez-Gonzalez is charged in the two-count indictment. He is accused of producing child pornography with a minor last month and posting it on the internet. The FBI, Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington D.C. Metro Police investigated the case.
A northwest Missouri teacher and coach is accused of more than a dozen felony sex charges. Maysville High School wrestling coach and middle school teacher, 39 year old Rodney Thomas, of Cameron, was arrested Tuesday and is charged with 9 counts of sexual contact with students, two counts of statutory sodomy and 9 counts of attempted enticement of a child. Court documents say the accusations come from ten students, who’ve detailed multiple incidents between August of 2014 and January of this year. Thomas is being held on $150,000 dollars bond.
A New Cambria teenager was treated for minor injuries after her car overturned off Macon County Route Z, just northwest of New Cambria, at around 7 o’clock Tuesday night. 17 year old Kasey Lile was the driver of the westbound car. The patrol says she failed to negotiate a curve and it ran off the highway and overturned. Lile was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident and was treated for minor injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
Truman State University will host a free workshop on the upcoming total solar eclipse, next weekend. Faculty members and students from the Stargazers Astronomy Club will host the event on Saturday, April 1, from 9am to 3:30pm, in Magruder Hall on the Truman Campus in Kirksville. The total solar eclipse will take place on August 21 of this year. The workshop will provide an overview of planned events for the community and invite ideas and suggestions to implement them…along with a discussion of geometry of the Sun-Earth-Moon system that will cause the total eclipse, which will be nearly 100 percent in north Missouri. Truman State University, in collaboration with Moberly Area Community College, the Kirksville School District and others are organizing a series of events leading up to eclipse day and on the day of the eclipse itself. Again, that total solar eclipse will occur on August 21.
A Paris man suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon on Monroe County Route P, just northeast of Paris. 20 year old Albert Langerud, of Paris, was taken to University Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 2:45pm. He was a passenger in a pickup driven by 23 year old Jacob Allison, of Paris. The patrol says it skidded off the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned, coming to rest on its wheels.
TWO COLUMBIA WOMEN SUFFER GUNSHOT WOUNDS
Two women were hospitalized with gunshot wounds Tuesday night, after an incident in the 1000 block of Madison Street in Columbia. Officers were first called to that location at around 5:45pm, to a report of multiple shots fired. They found evidence of the gunfire, including damage to a home. A second shots fired call came just after 10pm, where two women in their early 20’s were found inside a home, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers say one of the women had life-threatening injuries. Investigators say it appears the women were injured by shots fired into the home from outside. The investigation is ongoing.
Columbia Police are seeking one suspect in connection with a Tuesday night armed robbery at the Columbia Red Roof Inn. Officers were called to the scene at around 8:40pm. They say an armed male suspect entered the hotel lobby and demanded cash. He is described as a light-skinned black male, around 5-11 with a thin build and wearing a light-colored hooded jacket. No injuries or property damage were reported. Anyone with information is urged to call crimestoppers, as the investigation continues.
OTTUMWA POLICE INVESTIGATE FORMER UNIONVILLE MAN’S DEATH
Ottumwa authorities are investigating the death of a former Putnam County man, which occurred last week. Friday afternoon, Ottumwa Police found the body of 41 year old Jason Lee Seavey, formerly of Unionville, in a creek near the 700 block of South Webster. So far, the cause of death is unknown. Seavey’s remains have been taken to the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.
A Trenton driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 65 in Pettis County on Monday. It occurred at around 8:15am. 19 year old Jose S. Barron IV, of Trenton, was the driver of a southbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway, struck a ditch and overturned and Barron was ejected out the rear window of the vehicle. He was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Macon motorcyclist escaped with just minor injuries when his motorcycle overturned on Sunset Drive, just west of Macon, Monday afternoon. 42 year old Aaron Donald, of Macon, was treated and released at Samaritan Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 4pm. The patrol says he attempted to stop to avoid a collision and he lost control of his motorcycle, which skidded and overturned.
A Trenton woman was treated for minor injuries after she was struck by a car early Monday morning, while walking along I-35, just south of Lathrop in Clinton County. 21 year old Courtney Michael, of Trenton, was treated at Liberty Hospital after the accident, which occurred just after 4:15am. According to the patrol, a Clinton County deputy had stopped on the shoulder with emergency lights activated, and was looking for the pedestrian. A southbound car, driven by a Lathrop man, saw the Deputy’s vehicle and changed lanes to pass the scene, when Michael walked from the median toward the deputy’s vehicle and stepped into the path of the car.
A Fulton man was life-flighted to Columbia after he was ejected from his motorcycle in a Monday night accident. According to Fulton police, officers responded to the call about an injury near Tennyson Road. Officers say they found a man who had been thrown from his motorcycle and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was flown from the scene for treatment.
Columbia Police and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a large fight, which turned into a shots fired call, at McKee Street Park. It occurred around 8pm Monday. Officers say there were 40 to 50 people involved in the fight when someone apparently fired a gun shot and the crowd scattered. Officers found multiple shell casings at the scene and at least one vehicle was struck by gunfire, but there was no evidence of any injuries. The incident remains under investigation.
A Sunday morning collision on Highway 36 in Macon, injured four occupants of two vehicles. It occurred at around 11:30am at the intersection of 36 and Kellogg Avenue. The patrol says 75 year old Sharon Leenerts, of Bevier, failed to yield and pulled into the path of an eastbound SUV, driven by 38 year old Tanesha Hawkins, of Chicago, IL. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries. They were both treated at Samaritan Hospital in Macon. A passenger in Leenerts’ vehicle, 82 year old Gerald Leenerts, of Bevier and a passenger in Hawkins’ vehicle, 39 year old Tabitha French, of Zion, IL, were both seriously injured. They were both taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Knox County teenager was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Route HH, just north of Knox City, early Saturday morning. 18 year old Kaylee Sallee, of Knox City, was the driver of the westbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway, struck a ditch and overturned at around 3:45am. Sallee was treated at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
The Highway Patrol released details, over the weekend, on a fatal accident, which occurred Friday morning, on Business 63 just south of Moberly. 29 year old Daniel R. Johnston, of Madison, was the driver of a southbound car, which ran off the highway, struck a utility pole and overturned, at around 3:45am Friday. Johnston was pronounced dead at the scene. Three passengers were injured….19 year old Alicia Gravett, of Moberly, with moderate injuries and 18 year old Adrian Conway and 14 year old Alyssa Howe, both of Moberly, with minor injuries.
HUNTSVILLE MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED
A Huntsville motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Friday night accident at the intersection of Huntsville Drive and Highway 24. It occurred at around 7:40pm. The patrol says 27 year old Leland Coonce, of Huntsville, was ejected from his motorcycle when it ran off the roadway. Coonce was taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
COLUMBIA POLICE RESPOND TO FIGHT WITH SHOTS FIRED
Columbia Police officers say they had to use pepper spray to disburse a crowd, after they were called to a fight, resulting in shots fired, at the I-70 Eagle Stop, early Sunday morning. When officers arrived, they say several people were involved in a fight. Officers used tasers to break up the disturbance. One suspect, Spencer Ervin, is accused of shooting an unknown victim, who left the scene by private vehicle, with unknown injuries. As officers arrested Ervin for unlawful use of a weapon, they were attacked and had to use pepper spray to break up the disturbance. Three other suspects at the scene were arrested for misdemeanors. The investigation is ongoing.
A Columbia man is charged with armed criminal action and assault, in connection with a Saturday morning stabbing, in the 1600 block of Sylvan Lane. Investigators say the victim, a 28 year old male, was taken to a Columbia hospital for treatment. The suspect, 30 year old Dorell Sheley, was arrested at the scene. The stabbing apparently occurred during an altercation between the two men.
A Marshall woman was seriously injured when her car ran off Route Z in Cooper County, Thursday afternoon. 25 year old Overia Farrelly, of Marshall, was the driver of an eastbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway and struck a ditch, just after 12:30pm. Farrelly suffered serious injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
An Edina man is behind bars, after authorities say he sent illicit pictures to a minor. 25 year old Ryan J. Mathews, of Edina, was charged this week with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He is accused of sending obscene photos of himself to a 15 year old girl, via text and snapchat. Investigators say Mathews also admitted to having sexually explicit conversations with the teen. His bond is set at $25,000 dollars.
Murder charges have been refiled against Jeffrey Nichols, of Macon, in connection with a crime spree in Macon and Randolph Counties, which occurred on Easter weekend of 2013. Nichols is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 92 year old Carmelita Kaser. Prosecutors say charges were re-filed after an appellate decision resolved some issues in the case. Nichols waived preliminary hearing on the new charges and will appear for arraignment on April 12. He is currently serving a sentence on another charge in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The other suspect in the case, Christopher Lewis, of Macon, admitted to his role in Kaser’s death and is serving a life sentence.
University of Missouri Police arrested a suspect in connection with a sexual assault, which was reported on March 14 on the Mizzou campus. 46 year old Randall D. Marshall was arrested in the case, for second-degree domestic assault. Investigators say the alleged victim and Marshall know each other and neither are MU students.
A Boone County man faces possible jail time, after being found guilty of first-degree child molestation Thursday. Timothy McWilliams was arrested in December of 2014, in connection with the case. Prosecutors say the victim, now 8 years old, testified at the trial. After the guilty verdict, McWilliams was held on a $20,000 dollars cash-only bond. He could face up to eight years in prison.
A Thursday morning accident on Callaway County Route O sent a Fulton woman to the hospital with moderate injuries. It occurred at around 8:20am. The patrol says an eastbound vehicle driven by 32 year old Brandon Byrd, of Steedman, ran off the roadway and struck a tree. His passenger, 24 year old Kaylea Lawson, of Fulton, was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital.
A Knox County teenager was treated for minor injuries after an ATV overturned in a farm field, Wednesday afternoon. According to the Highway Patrol, the 13 year old from Wildwood, MO, was attempting to turn the ATV when she struck a ditch and was ejected, at around 4pm. The girl was flown by Air Evac Helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, where she was treated and released.
A Callao man faces charges in connection with a home invasion, which occurred Monday in Callao. Court documents accuse 32 year old Summar Giorgione of knocking on the door of an apartment at around 1am. As the resident tried to unlock the door, investigators say, two subjects shoved the door open and entered. Giorgione is accused of shoving a blunt object, believed to be a flashlight, into the chest of the resident. Items stolen include a purse, which contained cash, a check book and the resident’s vehicle keys. Giorgione was later arrested at a family member’s home. He’s been charged with burglary, stealing, assault and tampering with a victim and is being held on $20,000 dollars bond.
A Wednesday morning traffic stop in Livingston County resulted in the arrest of an Indiana man on drug charges. Troopers say 20 year old Timothy Jarjoura, of Greenwood, Indiana, was in possession of prescription pills and marijuana at the time of the traffic stop on Highway 36. He is charged with two counts of possession and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
A Columbia man is accused with the sale and delivery of meth and cocaine, after a drug investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies say they found drugs, a stolen firearm and thousands of dollars of cash at the home of the suspect, 36 year old Jalon Pittman, Wednesday morning. They say Pittman is prohibited from possessing a firearm, while on federal probation from a previous case. He was sentenced to federal prison for drug offenses in 2005. He faces new charges of delivering a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Columbia Police are investigating a shots fired incident, which damaged a car and a home near Hendrix Drive and Sylvan Lane. Officers were called to the scene at around 6:30pm Wednesday. They found damage to a vehicle in the 2400 block of Hendrix Drive and a residence in the 2300 block of Hendrix. No injuries were reported as the investigation continues.
More details have been released, regarding a Macon woman, who is accused of taking three kinds of illegal drugs to her workplace, the Moberly Correctional Center. 35 year old Barbara Ward, of Macon, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, after her arrest last week in Moberly. Court documents indicate her arrest came as the result of an investigation by the North Missouri Drug Task Force. She was under surveillance when she is accused of meeting another person before going to work. A search of her vehicle turned up plastic baggies containing meth, marijuana and heroin. She is being held in the Randolph County Justice Center on $100,000 dollars bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.
MEXICAN NATIONALS PLEAD GUILTY TO MARIJUANA GROWING
Two Mexican nationals have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a large marijuana-growing operation, on a federal wildlife refuge in Howard County. 27 year old Carlos-Vasquez-Duarte and 24 year old Rigaberto Camacho Reyes, pleaded guilty in Federal Court in Jefferson City. Their arrest came after law enforcement discovered a growing operation, which encompassed five acres at the Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge in October. Investigators say the two suspects were carrying marijuana to one of five nearby processing tents when they were arrested. A sentencing date has not been set.
Four suspects were arrested on drug charges after a weekend drug bust in Boonville. Officers executed search warrants at four Boonville area residences. They say they seized a large quantity of meth and marijuana, along with firearms and drug paraphernalia. 43 year old Dawn Perkins, 59 year old Donny Chase, 27 year old Lucas W. Day and 18 year old Daniel R. Purdee, all of Boonville, were arrested. The investigation and arrests were carried out by Cooper County deputies, Highway Patrol troopers and agents of the East Central Drug Task Force.
Two mid-Missouri teenagers suffered serious injuries in a Tuesday evening accident on Highway 54 in Cole County. It occurred just after 6pm. 18 year old Justin Baucom, of Tebbetts, was the driver of an eastbound pickup. The patrol says it swerved off the roadway, went down an embankment and overturned several times, striking several trees. Baucom and his passenger, 17 year old Montana Werdehausen, of Tebbetts, were both seriously injured. They were taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia.
Two teens were injured when their vehicle ran off Delta Drive, just north of Reger, in Sullivan County. It occurred just before 4 o’clock Monday afternoon. 17 year old Lacey Clark, of Pollock, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says she swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway and the vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. Clark was treated for minor injuries. A passenger, 15 year old Blakely Oder, of Milan was treated for moderate injuries. Both were taken to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital for treatment. Two other teens in the vehicle were not hurt.
Two Cameron teenagers both suffered serious injuries when their pickup ran off a Caldwell County gravel road, Monday evening. It occurred at around 6pm. 17 year old William Jeffries, of Cameron, was the driver of the pickup, which was northbound on Sale Barn Road, just east of Cameron. The patrol says he lost control and it ran off the roadway and overturned. Jeffries and his passenger, 17 year old Sarah Robinson, of Cameron, were both taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
A Kirksville driver was injured when his car ran off Highway 157, west of Kirksville, at around 8:30 Monday morning. 56 year old Roy Buck, of Kirksville, was the driver of a southbound car, which ran off the roadway and struck two trees. Buck was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment.
From KTVO.com: A north Missouri prison guard faces felony drug charges. Online court records indicate 35 year old Barbara Ward, of Macon, is charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance. Ward, who is an overnight guard at the Moberly Correctional Center, is being held in the Randolph County Jail on $100,000 dollars bond. She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing next Monday afternoon. No other details on the case have been released.
TWO PEDESTRIANS STRUCK BY CAR ON I-70 OUTER ROAD
Two Ohio residents were treated for moderate injuries after they were struck while walking along the I-70 Outer Road in Columbia, just east of Route Z, early Monday morning. 20 year old Daniel Penrod and 19 year old Tyler Todd, both of West Carrollton, Ohio, were walking on the outer road at around 6am, when they were struck by a westbound car, driven by 71 year old Warren Taylor, of Columbia. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
COLUMBIA BANK ROBBED, SUSPECT AT-LARGE
One suspect is still at-large, after a robbery at the Landmark Bank, on North Garth Avenue, in Columbia. Police responded to an alarm at the scene on Monday. They say a light-skinned black male suspect, with a medium build and goatee, walked in and demanded money from a teller…then fled the scene with an undetermined amount of cash. Officers initially indicated they had located a person that matched the suspect’s description, but they determined that he was not involved in the robbery. The suspect remains at-large. Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
Four teenagers were injured in a Sunday afternoon accident on a Callaway County road. 17 year old John P. Mays, of Fulton, was the driver of a westbound vehicle, which ran off the highway and struck a tree, just after noon Sunday. Hays suffered serious injuries, along with two passengers in the vehicle, 14 year old Haley Hyde, of Fulton and 14 year old Zoey Ison, of Auxvasse. Another passenger, 16 year old Jacob Crowder, of Fulton, was treated for moderate injuries. All four were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
A Moberly driver was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Friday, at around 10:30am, on Route BB at Highway 3, in Randolph County. The patrol says 29 year old Anthony Nash, of Moberly, was the driver of a westbound pickup, which ran through the intersection, crossed Highway 3, became airborne and overturned, coming to rest on its top. Nash was treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Cairo man faces drug possession charges, after a traffic stop by Moberly Police, over the weekend. Officers say 51 year old Lyell Dee Harris, of Cairo, was stopped on Sinnock Avenue Friday. During that stop, Harris was arrested for possession of meth. His bond has been set a $45,000 dollars.
BROOKFIELD PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN EVENTS THIS WEEK
The Brookfield R-3 School District will host enrollment events for both Preschool and Kindergarten students this week. Tomorrow (Tues) evening, Bright Beginnings Preschool will host an enrollment open house, from 5 to 7pm, at the Brookfield Early Childhood Center. Parents of students interesting in preschool enrollment for next year are asked to attend and make an appointment for free preschool screenings, which will be held next week. Thursday night, parents of incoming kindergarten students are asked to attend enrollment night in the Brookfield Elementary Cafeteria, starting at 6pm. Information on the Kindergarten Roundup Event, scheduled for May 11, will be a part of Thursday’s program.
Boone County deputies are investigating a shooting incident, which occurred early this (Mon) morning on Ludwick Boulevard. Officers were called to the scene at around 4:30am. They say one male victim was transported to University Hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the face. Deputies say there was apparently a small gathering at that location before the incident occurred. No further details on the investigation have been released.
Two runaway juveniles are in custody in Kirksville and accused of stealing an SUV. Investigators say the two female juveniles walked away from a Kirksville treatment facility Thursday. An Adair County deputy spotted the stolen vehicle headed north on Highway 63, just after 9pm. The girls were taken into custody with assistance from Kirksville Police and the Highway Patrol. They were taken to the Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center, where they are expected to be charged with tampering with a motor vehicle.
An Excello man was seriously injured when an ATV overturned on a Macon County road, just after noon Thursday. 89 year old Loren E. Bond, of Excello, was flown by Air Evac Helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident. The patrol says Bond was operating an ATV on a hill. Southwest of Excello, when it overturned and came to rest on top of him.
A Mexico driver was treated for moderate injuries after his vehicle ran off Highway 63, just north of Macon, Thursday afternoon. 68 year old Stephen Wallace, of Mexico, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at around 4:15pm. The patrol says his southbound vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents of a ‘Jury Scam’, which has been recently reported. They say an individual, posing as a law enforcement officer, contacts a citizen by phone and advises them that they failed to attend a jury trial. The caller demands immediate payment of a fee to avoid arrest. Do NOT send money…this is a scam. In Randolph County, the only time that a prospective juror would possibly get a phone call would be a reminder call on the day of the trial by the Circuit Clerks office, NOT by law enforcement. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
A mumps outbreak has been a big story on the University of Missouri campus this school year. Now, Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau is reporting 29 confirmed cases of mumps in its student body, since last month, and that number is expected to grow. Health officials are recommending that SEMO students consider getting a third dose of the MMR vaccine.
Milan Police have released details on an accident, which occurred Tuesday morning in Milan, when a car veered off East Third Street and struck a detached garage on private property. Investigators say the driver, 34 year old Shashana Carr, of Milan, blacked out while driving, due to a medical condition. Her car veered off the road, crossed the oncoming lane of traffic and then slammed into the side of the garage. Carr suffered minor injuries in the accident. She was issued a citation for driving without a license.
A Marshall driver suffered moderate injuries in a Wednesday evening collision on Highway 41 at Route E in Saline County. It occurred just before 6:30pm. The patrol says 17 year old Jackson Neff, of Marshall, failed to yield at the intersection and his car collided with a vehicle driven by 25 year old Alysia Soto, of Marshall. Soto was treated for moderate injuries at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
Two Vandalia residents were treated for moderate injuries after a dump truck overturned on Highway 154, just east of Vandalia, Wednesday afternoon. 25 year old Leroy Schlueter, of Vandalia, was the driver of the eastbound dump truck. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and then came back on the road and overturned, coming to rest on its top, just before 1:30pm. Schlueter and his passenger, 41 year old David Sanders, of Vandalia, were both life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia, with moderate injuries.
Authorities say a custody dispute may have been behind a Tuesday collision on I-70, which officials initially believed was a road-rage incident. Investigators say the driver of the car, Demetres Washington, has been charged with three counts of kidnapping. She is accused of taking her three children from the home of their grandmother, without permission, and the crash occurred, as family members and police were looking for her vehicle. Washington attempted to pass another car on the right, in traffic on I-70, when the vehicles collided and her car overturned. Five occupants of the vehicle, including the three children, were hospitalized after the accident.
A pair of Brookfield churches have big events planned for this weekend.
Brookfield Trinity Daycare will hold a fundraising soup and chilli supper and silent auction tomorrow (Fri) evening, starting at 6pm, at the Trinity Fellowship Building in Brookfield. The silent auction is actually underway, with items all ready available for preview. Winning bids will be announced after the supper tomorrow evening.
On Saturday, the Brookfield First Christian Church will hold its annual Chicken Pie Supper, in the Church Fellowship Hall, serving homemade chicken pie and all the trimmings from 5 to 7pm Saturday. Cost is nine dollars for adults and five dollars for kids under 10. Dine in or carry-out, Saturday evening at the Brookfield First Christian Church.
MENDON POWER OUTAGE CONTINUES – NO SCHOOL AT NORTHWESTERN
The Northwestern school at Mendon will not have classes again today, as a power outage continues in the Mendon area, still affecting most of that area. A National Weather Service storm report indicates as many at fifty power poles were damaged and the roof of a home was blown off by thunderstorms winds, south of Mendon, Monday night. Officials say it has been a huge job to get that many poles and lines replaced. Utility crews are continuing to work around the clock, and they hope to be able to restore power to many of those affected in the Mendon area later today. No school again today at Northwestern at Mendon.
A Trenton woman is charged in a federal indictment, with stealing mail while working under a contract with the U.S. Postal Service. 37 year old Kristen L. McIntyre, of Trenton, is accused of stealing mail, including cash and gift cards, between August 18 and September 15 of last year. The alleged thefts occurred while McIntyre was employed by a trucking company which was under contract with the U.S. Postal Service. McIntyre worked as a route driver transporting mail to and from the post offices in Trenton, Spickard, Princeton and Mercer to the Chillicothe Post Office.
A Salisbury man faces drug charges after a search warrant was executed by the North Missouri Drug Task Force last weekend. On Saturday, officers searched a home on East Third Street in Salisbury, where they located and seized marijuana, meth, drug paraphernalia and cash. Arrested at the scene was 36 year old Christopher Guthrie, of Salisbury. He has been charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Five occupants of a vehicle were injured in a Tuesday afternoon collision on I-70 at Exti 117 in Boone County. It occurred just before 4:30pm. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 31 year old Demetres Washington, of Columbia, attempted to pass a vehicle driven by 32 year old Dianna Mays, of Columbia, on the right and the vehicles collided. Washington’s car ran off the highway, struck a guardrail and overturned. He suffered serious injuries and four passengers in his vehicle were also hurt…22 year old Nia McCoy of Leavenworth, Kansas and 13 year old Shianna Mays, of Columbia both suffered serious injuries…10 year old Adrianna Mays and 9 year old Tyler Mays, of Columbia both were treated for moderate injuries. All five were taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTED STRONG-ARM ROBBERY
Columbia Police arrested a woman in connection with a strong-armed robbery, which occurred Tuesday at the Walgreen’s on Broadway in Columbia. 24 year old Samantha Nicole Doty, of Springfield, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon. Police say she is accused of trying to steal a purse from a 66 year old female victim outside the store. The victim was struck several times in the face, body and legs during the incident. Doty is charged with second-degree robbery.
A line of severe thunderstorms rolled across Missouri Monday evening, causing numerous reports of wind damage, large hail, power outages and multiple locations with apparent tornado damage. Two area school districts have cancelled classes today (Tuesday)…South Shelby schools have cancelled classes due to storm damage on the campus. Northwestern at Mendon schools will not have classes today, due to an ongoing power outage.
South Shelby school officials report significant damage to their campus, from a possible tornado, causing classes to be cancelled today (Tuesday) at South Shelby. Reports indicate that several outbuildings on the campus were damaged, along with roof damage to the main school building and significant damage to both the softball and football facilities. A more detailed damage assessment will occur today at South Shelby.
Northwestern at Mendon Schools are closed, due to an ongoing power outage, as that same storm caused reports of wind damage through central Chariton County. Those damage reports began in the Carrollton area, where a power pole was downed onto a vehicle and some outbuilding damage was reported. The storm then cut a path through Chariton County, causing reports of damage to a home and outbuildings north of Keytesville and at least one home and several outbuildings south of Mendon. Railroad employees reported the wind causing a train to rock back and forth, which resulted in a minor derailment in that same area, near Mendon. That shut down railroad traffic on that line for much of the night. Again, parts of the Mendon area are still being affected by a power outage this morning, and no classes at Northwestern Schools today. That same storm caused multiple tornado sightings across southern Macon County, from near Bevier to near Macon, but, so far, there have been no reports of significant damage in those areas.
Another storm caused some damage reports in the Pilot Grove area in Cooper County, including at least one home with window and roof damage. That storm left nearly 2,000 Columbia area homes and businesses without power late Monday night, after it blew through Boone County. There were numerous reports of large hail across mid-Missouri, but no significant wind damage has been confirmed.
Multiple tornadoes caused significant damage around the Kansas City area. Several homes in Oak Grove were damaged or destroyed by an apparent tornado and as many as 15 minor injuries were reported there. An apparent tornado also cut a swath of damage from near Smithville to the Plattsburg and Lathrop areas in Clinton County. A tornado also damaged several homes and the main school building in Seymour, Iowa. A number of residents were evacuated in Seymour for part of the night, due to a gas leak. There were no significant injuries reported. Additional storm damage reports are expected today, as residents get a chance to survey their property in the daylight.
A Bevier man was treated for moderate injuries, after an ATV accident, which occurred at around 10 o’clock Monday night, on Jet Road, just west of Macon. 28 year old Andrew Romanetto, was the driver of a northbound ATV. The patrol says he lost control and it ran off the roadway, struck a bridge railing and then went over the railing, coming to rest in a creek. Romanetto was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment.
A Moberly man suffered moderate injuries in a Saturday evening motorcycle crash on I-70 in Callaway County. 47 year old Scott H. Komer, of Moberly, was the driver of an eastbound motorcycle. The patrol says he was ejected when it ran off the roadway and overturned multiple times, just before 7pm Saturday. Komer was taken by ambulance to University Hospital, for treatment of moderate injuries.
A Kirksville driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Friday night accident on Gifford Trail, southwest of Kirksville. 54 year old Thomas Ireland, of Kirksville, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy after the accident, which occurred at around 9pm Friday. The patrol says Ireland’s northbound pickup ran off the roadway and collided with and came to rest in the basement of an abandoned home.
COOPER COUNTY AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE 12-YEAR OLD’S SHOOTING DEATH
The Cooper County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the weekend shooting death of a 12 year old boy. Deputies were called to a report of a gunshot victim in rural southwestern Cooper County, Saturday evening at around 8:40pm. The 12 year old was found with a fatal gunshot wound. Investigators say they are working to determine the events leading up to the boy’s death. An autopsy is scheduled for today (Mon) and more details will be released when appropriate.
FORMER KNOX COUNTY AMBULANCE DIRECTOR PLEADS GUILTY
The former manager of the Knox County Ambulance District pleaded guilty last week to embezzling funds from the district and fraudulently acquiring prescription drugs. As part of the plead deal, 46 year old Russell J. Hall admitted to stealing more than $28,000 dollars and lying to obtain prescription opioids and other drugs on 25 separate occasions. According to federal court documents, Hall wrote and cashed approximately 20 checks as improper vacation compensation totaling more than $24,000 dollars and an additional $3,800 dollars for extra shifts he did not work. Hall also admitted filling prescription orders, while falsely claiming they would be used by the ambulance district. Hall, who worked for the ambulance district in Edina since 1994, resigned his position after taking the plea deal. He will be sentenced in federal court in St. Louis on June 7.
A Jefferson City man was killed in a Saturday afternoon collision on Old Highway 63 in Columbia. It occurred at around 2:20pm. Columbia Police say 58 year old Kenneth Wimer, of Jefferson City, died from injuries sustained in the accident. He apparently pulled from a private drive, into the path of a northbound car driven by 33 year old Michelle Gilbert. Gilbert was treated for moderate injuries at a Columbia hospital.
A Shelby County driver was treated for moderate injuries, and faces multiple charges, after a Wednesday evening accident on Route KK, north of Clarence. 24 year old Wesley Kissee, of Leonard, was the driver of a northbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway and overturned, at around 7pm Wednesday. Kissee sustained moderate injuries and was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia. He was also arrested for DWI, possession of synthetic marijuana and traffic violations.
A Michigan man was treated for moderate injuries after he apparently fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle, and it ran off Highway 36 in Shelby County. 69 year old Gregory Smoyer, of Albion, Michigan, was the driver of an eastbound car, which ran off 36, just before 11am. It struck a field entrance and became airborne, coming to rest in a ditch. Smoyer was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
A Trenton driver escaped with just minor injuries, when her vehicle overturned off Leisure Lake Drive in Grundy County, just after noon Wednesday. 70 year old Diana Hoppe, of Trenton, was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. The patrol says she was eastbound on Leisure Lake Drive when her vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a wooden barrier post and overturned, coming to rest on its top. She was treated for minor injuries at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a recently released sex offender, who the Department of Correction is concerned may re-offend. 29 year old Michael Ryan Gale recently completed a prison term for sodomy and property damage charges. Although he is required to register as a sex offender, he does not have to report his location and is not under supervision by parole officers. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is asking for help in locating Gale, to provide assistance with his registration. Contact their office with any information at 646-0515.
STURGEON MAN ARRESTED AFTER RUNNING FROM OFFICERS
A Sturgeon man was arrested Wednesday on multiple warrants, after allegedly fleeing from officers. Boone County Deputies were at a home on Serenity Circle, east of Columbia, on another matter, when they saw the suspect, 18 year old Randy McGrath, of Sturgeon, who had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. They say McGrath ran from the home and was caught after a short chase. He was taken into custody for resisting arrest, along with the previous warrants for allegedly threatening another person with a handgun and for tampering with an electronic monitoring device. He is being held on $110,000 dollars bond.
A Mexico man was arrested Wednesday, after a disturbance at a residence, with shots fired, resulted in an injury to the victim. 24 year old Padre Lucas, of Mexico, is accused of domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Police say their investigation revealed that Lucas and the victim had been arguing overnight, and Lucas allegedly shot the victim in the leg. He was treated at University Hospital in Columbia.
Power has been restored to area residents who were affected by strong thunderstorms that rolled through Tuesday night. The strongest storm prompted multiple severe thunderstorm warnings along the Highway 24 corridor, from Ray and Saline Counties to Carroll, Chariton, Randolph and then Monroe Counties. There were a number of power outages reported in the Huntsville and Moberly areas, where widespread hail and strong winds were reported. Overnight, a handful of power outages were reported in parts of Boone County, after another storm moved that area. There were no significant wind damage reports in our area, but widespread hail and wind damage across parts of the Missouri Ozarks into Eastern and Southeast Missouri. Significant tornado damage was reported in the Perryville area, in southeast Missouri.
Two persons were seriously injured in a Tuesday morning accident on Highway 36 in Caldwell County. It occurred at around 9:20am, about a mile east of Cameron. The patrol says an eastbound vehicle, driven by 51 year old Anthony Bish, of Helena, MO, suffered a blown tire, which caused the vehicle to swerve off the roadway and overturn. Bish and his passenger, 30 year old Casey Baker, of Atchinson, KS, were both hospitalized with serious injuries.
A Cairo man is charged after he was accused of trying to pawn stolen guns last month. 24 year old Kyle D. Jones, of Cairo, is accused in the case. Investigators say they have recovered multiple firearms, which were reported stolen from a Clarence residence last fall, after they were sold at a Columbia area pawn shop. Jones was charged in Boone County Tuesday with two state felony charges of stealing a firearm.
A man was arrested after Columbia Police say they found 91 grams of heroin in a storage unit he was known to frequent. Police say they received information from a citizen about the suspect, Maurice Mitchell, coming from St. Louis to Columbia with heroin. Investigators were told he might be associated with a storage unit on Route K. Surveillance of that storage unit on Monday resulted in Mitchell’s arrest and the seizure of heroin, digital scales and other items used in the distribution of drugs.
The annual Chariton County Youth Fair Tenderloin Luncheon will be held the next two Sundays, to help fund this summer’s Chariton County Youth Fair. This Sunday, March 5, the luncheon will be served by Salisbury and Keytesville area FFA and 4-H youth, from 10:30am to 1pm, at the Salisbury Knights of Columbus Hall. A week from Sunday, March 12, the dinner will be served at the Brunswick Knights of Columbus Hall, also from 10:30am to 1pm, sponsored by Brunswick, Indian Grove and Northwestern area 4-H and FFA groups. The cost is ten dollars for a full tenderloin meal and carryouts are available. That’s this Sunday in Salisbury and a week from Sunday in Brunswick.
The mumps outbreak at the University of Missouri has continued into the spring semester, and Mizzou is holding a series of free mumps immunization clinics on the campus. 1300 doses of the MMR Vaccine were dispensed at a clinic last week and another clinic will be held today (Tues), from 10am to 4pm on the main floor of the student center, on the campus in Columbia. Officials say supplies are limited, with about 700 doses still available. A clinic is also planned for Thursday, if vaccine remains. Mizzou has seen a total of about 350 confirmed and probable cases of mumps on campus, during the current school year.
Central Methodist University is set to host 15 U.S. Military Veterans from the Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, to undergo SCUBA training on the CMU campus, during ‘Explore Scuba Day’ on Saturday. Sponsored by CMU and its Marine Biology program, the veterans will undergo education and scuba training Saturday morning and then put on their gear and get a taste of SCUBA with CMU Marine Biology students in the E.E. Rich Pool, in the Phillips-Robb Recreation Center, on the campus in the afternoon. CMU officials say they’re pleased to partner with the Truman VA to offer this experience to veterans. They hope to make this a regular event.
A large fight in a Columbia parking lot caused three injuries Monday night. Police were called to the Hathman Village parking lot on Paris Road, just before 7pm, where they say two large groups were fighting. Witnesses reported at least one gunshot, fired into the air. Three people were injured and one of them was taken to the hospital. No other details have been released, as the investigation continues.
A Columbia man has been charged with sex trafficking, involving a minor, in federal court in Jefferson City. 25 year old Kenneth Ronald Jones, of Columbia, was arrested yesterday at the Boone County Courthouse. An affidavit filed in support of the federal complaint accuses Jones of holding a 17 year old runaway from Wisconsin against her will and forcing her into prostitution. The girl was found in a Columbia residence in June of last year. The case was investigated by the FBI.
A Milan teenager was treated for moderate injuries after her vehicle ran off Route 6, just west of Milan, Sunday afternoon. 16 year old Mackenzie McDaniel, of Milan, was taken to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 1:15pm. The patrol says she suffered moderate injuries when her westbound vehicle ran off the highway, down an embankment, struck a tree and overturned.
ONE DRIVER TREATED AFTER SUNDAY COLLISION
A Chula driver was treated at Hedrick Medical Center after a Sunday afternoon collision in Chula. The Highway Patrol says 46 year old Christina Meservey, of Chula, apparently failed to yield at the intersection and her SUV collided with a pickup, driven by 56 year old Dana Melte, of Chillicothe. Meservey suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at Hedrick Medical Center. Melte was not injured.
A Martinsburg driver was killed in a one-vehicle accident, Sunday night, on an Audrain County road. 24 year old Clinton Deimeke, of Martinsburg, was the driver of the eastbound pickup. The accident occurred just before 10pm. The patrol says it slid off the roadway and overturned, ejecting both Deimeke and his passenger, 21 year old Leah Mays of Martinsburg. Deimeke was pronounced dead at the scene. Mays was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
FAYETTE MAN CHARGED AFTER COLLIDING WITH DEPUTY’S SUV
A Fayette man faces multiple charges, after his pickup collided with a Sheriff’s Deputy’s vehicle in Fayette, Friday night. 25 year old Trevor Henry was the driver of the pickup. The patrol says it collided head-on with a Sheriff’s Department SUV, driven by Deputy Bradley Young. Young was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Henry was arrested for felony leaving the scene of an accident and felony driving under the influence of drugs.
A former Carroll County deputy is charged with six counts of sexual assault in Ray County. 37 year old William Cringan, of Henrietta, faces six counts of second-degree statutory sodomy. Officials say Cringan was discharged from duty in Carroll County about two weeks prior to the filing of charges. His bond has been set at $50,000 dollars.
Carroll County authorities have filed felony charges against four suspects, in connection with a residential burglary, which occurred last fall in Carrollton. 32 year old Eric Fortner, 47 year old Eric Wilson and 30 year old Melissa Turner, all of Carrollton, are charged with burglary, along with 17 year old Kassidy Jean Miller, of Wheatland. A probable cause statement accuses the suspects of stealing a number of items from a residence on Leslie Street in Carrollton, including a Smart TV, a gaming system and a cordless drill. Bond has been set at $15,000 dollars for each of the suspects.
A Moberly woman faces charges of child abuse, for alleged abuse of a special-needs Columbia boy, who was in her care. 42 year old Stacey Robertson is charges in the case. A probable cause statement says investigators saw videos of Robertson physically and verbally abusing the 12 year old child, in September of 2014. They say the videos became available to the investigation earlier this month. Court documents indicate Robertson had been a caregiver for the child since 2007 or 2008. She is free on bond.
COLUMBIA TERROR SUSPECT INDICTED ON SECOND CHARGE
The Columbia man, who is accused of providing support for a terrorist attack, has been indicted on a second charge this week. Robert Lorenzo Hester, of Columbia is now charged with attempting to provide material support or resource to a foreign terrorist organization and a new charge of providing material support for the use of weapons of mass destruction. The federal indictment says Hester’s activities took place between October of last year and February 17 – last Friday. He was arrested Friday after arriving for a meeting with undercover agents who he believed were members of ISIS.
A car collided head-on with a school bus in Saline County, Wednesday morning, killing a Sweet Springs woman and injuring the bus driver and two students. The accident occurred at around 7:30am on Highway 20. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 66 year old Carolyn Lacy, of Sweet Springs, crossed the center line and collided with the Marshall School bus head-on. Lacy was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, where she was later pronounced dead. Two students on the bus, age 9 and 12, were treated for minor to moderate injuries at Fitzgibbon Hospital and the bus driver, 66 year old Gary Pennock, of Marshall, was also treated for minor injuries.
A year-long investigation by the MUSTANG Drug Task Force has netted nine arrests and a dozen additional indictments on a variety of drug charges. Boonville Police, the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office and Fayette Police assisted the task force in making the arrests Wednesday. Taken into custody were 44 year old Jeana Hazlett of Fayette…seven Boonville residents, including 56 year old Melodie Owings, 50 year old Edward Cunningham, 61 year old Kenneth Lewis, 43 year old Marci Cox, 24 year old Ryan Owings, 24 year old Christina Schouten and 32 year old Demetris McCoy, all of Boonville…25 year old Kasaundra Gatewood of Franklin…and 23 year old Joseph Gann and 33 year old Rondell Bradford, both of Columbia.
The East Central Missouri Drug Task Force, assisted by the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office, Mexico Department of Public Safety and the Highway Patrol served a search warrant on Marine Drive in Mexico, early Wednesday morning, resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of meth, marijuana, diazepam and drug paraphernalia. 18 year old Chase Melton is charged with distribution of a controlled substance in a protected location, along with multiple possession charges, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Possession charges are also being sought for a second suspect.
The Brookfield Area Community Chest is beginning its 21st Charity Fund Drive. One hundred percent of the donations made through the Community Chest go to local charities. Organizations can apply to be a part of this year’s Community Chest funding beginning tomorrow. They must have an IRS 501(c)(3) designation. Applications may be picked up at the Brookfield Public Library or the Brookfield City Hall. Completed applications must be returned by March 24 to be considered for funding in the current cycle. For more information, or to request or submist an application, you can also e-mail bacc563@yahoo.com.
A little bit of rain was received across the area Monday, but not enough to alleviate the ongoing hazardous conditions for outdoor burning. The National Weather Service and area fire officials continue to strongly warn residents that the unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions continue to be a dangerous combination. A survey of seven north Missouri counties shows nearly 100 grass fire calls for area firefighters in the past couple of weeks. Several area counties have burn advisories still in effect and strong south winds will return to the picture tomorrow, adding to the hazardous conditions. More substantial rainfall is possible by Thursday, with much cooler temperatures by the weekend. You’re advised to heed the warnings and avoid any open burning until conditions improve.
National FFA Week is underway and many area chapters have a variety of activities planned for the celebration, including a handful of community breakfasts this week. The annual Brookfield FFA Community Appreciation breakfast will be held tomorrow (Wed) morning from 6:30 to 8am, in the Career Center Conference Room at the Brookfield School. The Bucklin FFA Week Breakfast will be Thursday morning in the Bucklin R-2 Ag Shop, from 6:30 to 8:15am. Friday, both Linn County R-1 and Meadville FFA chapters will hold their annual breakfasts. Meadville’s event will be from 6 to 8am in the Meadville Community Center. The Linn County R-1 Breakfast will be Friday, also from 6-8am at the Purdin Community Center.
NOMO ART TEACHERS ART SHOW OPENS NEXT WEEK
Area art teachers will have their works on display during the Sixth Annual Art Teachers Art Show, beginning next week at the NOMO Art Gallery in downtown Marceline. The exhibit opens Monday at the gallery, located at 111 S. Main Street USA in Marceline. Teachers from around north central and northeast Missouri will display their work and many pieces will be fore sale, thru April 29. Everyone is invited to a reception for the artists next Saturday, March 4, from 1 to 4pm.
A Columbia woman was arrested Monday morning, after allegedly trying to steal a vehicle. Police say Arianna Hutchison was a passenger in the vehicle when the male driver went into the McDonald’s of Business Loop 70, just after midnight Monday. Hutchison is accused of taking the vehicle and then fleeing from officers, who tried to stop her. The vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Hutchison was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.
A Fayette man has been charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident, after allegedly hitting a pedestrian in downtown Columbia last month. It occurred in the area of Ninth Street and Broadway on January 21. One person was struck and complained of shoulder pain, but refused medical treatment. Columbia Police released surveillance video of the truck involved, later identified as belonging to 37 year old Denver Watts, of Fayette. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will hold a pair of public meetings in the South Fork Salt River Watershed…this afternoon in Madison and next Tuesday afternoon in Mexico. The meetings are initial outreach efforts to gather input on the watershed. Residents, landowners, local officials and the general public are invited. This afternoon’s meeting will be held at the Madison Community Center, starting at 1:30pm. Next Tuesday’s meeting will also begin at 1:30, in the Farnen Community Room of the Audrain County Courthouse.
A Trenton driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday night accident on Highway 65, north of Trenton. It occurred just before 8pm. 40 year old Kenton Whitt, of Trenton, was treated at Wright Memorial Hospital after the accident. The patrol says Whitt was southbound on 65, when his car skidded off the roadway, down an embankment and into a ravine, striking some large rocks. The vehicle then went airborne and struck some trees.
A Tina woman suffered moderate injuries in a collision at an intersection in Jamesport, which occurred just after 5pm Sunday. The patrol says a northbound car driven by 18 year old Kyle Downs of Trenton, failed to yield at the intersection and collided with an eastbound car, driven by 22 year old Roy Houk, of Jamesport. A passenger in Houk’s car, 20 year old Amanda Osbon of Tina, suffered moderate injuries. She was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.
A Salisbury driver suffered moderate injuries when his vehicle ran off Highway 24, just west of Huntsville, early Sunday morning. 33 year old Courtni Logan, of Salisbury, was treated at University Hospital in Columbia, after the accident, which occurred at around 5am. The patrol says Logan tried to avoid a deer in the roadway and his vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree.
Five occupants of a vehicle were injured, when their car ran off an Audrain County road, just north of Mexico, early Sunday morning. 21 year old Richard Dollens, of Mexico, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says he lost control on loose gravel and the vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned. Dollens was treated for minor injuries. Two passengers in the vehicle sustained moderate injuries…19 year old Kelsey Cook and 18 year old Tressie Walton, both of Centralia. Two other passengers escaped with just minor injuries…19 year old Prism Henley of Centralia and 20 year old Sonny Roberts of Mexico.
Teenagers from Cairo and Moberly were injured in a Sunday night accident on a Randolph County road. The patrol says a northbound car, driven by 16 year old Nicole Prather, of Cairo, skidded off a gravel road, northeast of Cairo at around 9:30pm. The car struck the ground and a utility pole and overturned. Prather and her passenger, 17 year old Emilee Rudkin, of Moberly, were both wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident. Both were treated for minor injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Fulton driver was killed in a collision on Highway 54 in Callaway County, which occurred just after midnight Sunday morning. 25 year old Cory Barnes, of Fulton, died in the accident. The patrol says his southbound SUV sideswiped a southbound vehicle driven by a Jefferson City man. The vehicle then traveled through the median and overturned, ejecting both occupants. Barnes was pronounced dead at the scene. 46 year old Kevin King, of Byhalia, Mississippi, was flown to University Hospital by Staff for Life helicopter, with serious injuries.
A Hannibal driver was killed in a head-on collision, which shut down Highway 63 north of Macon for much of Thursday morning. 62 year old Sterling E. Owens, of Hannibal, died in the crash, which occurred just before 8:30am. The patrol says Owens’ northbound vehicle crossed the center line and struck an oncoming tractor-trailer head-on. Owens was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi, from Rockford, Illinois, was not injured.
A Monroe City man was killed when his pickup collided with a dump truck on Ralls County Route J, just south of Monroe City, Thursday afternoon. It occurred just after 3:30pm. 73 year old Marshall Libby, of Monroe City, died in the accident. The patrol says he was attempting to cross the highway and pulled into the path of a southbound dump truck, driven by 75 year old Willie Ragon, of Perry. Ragon sought his own treatment for minor injuries.
A familiar face of the Highway Patrol in north Missouri schools and communities, and a familiar voice on the Best Broadcast Group family of radio stations is retiring from the patrol. Sergeant Brent Bernhardt will retire at the end of the month, with more than 27 years of dedicated service. Bernhardt is a Macon native and a 1982 graduate of Macon High School. He served as a trooper in northeast Missouri, beginning in 1990 and became the Troop B public information and education officer in August of 1997. He has served in that role for nearly 20 years. Sergeant Eric Brown will take over Bernhardt’s role with Troop B.
The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office says dozens of northeast Missouri and southeast Iowa residents are victims of an identity theft, fraud and stolen mail case that has been under investigation since October. Authorities say there are between 50 and 100 victims from as far away as Oklahoma and California, who’ve had checks, W-2’s and other important documents stolen from their mailboxes. The fraud case has been turned over to the FBI and 30 year old Dwayne Brewster, of Lancaster is charged with financial exploitation of the elderly, and also faces charges in Davis County, Iowa, with additional charges pending. Four other suspects face drug charges, after an active meth lab was found during a search of Brewster’s Lancaster area home. 22 year old David Brown and 26 year old Allen Brewster, both of Lancaster and 52 year old Michael Brewster and 34 year old Crystal Brewster, of Kirksville, are all charged with possession of meth.
The Livingston County Health Center says the flu has become widespread across parts of Missouri and, particularly in the northwest region of the state, over the past several weeks. The Northwest District has had nearly 7,500 confirmed influenza cases as of last week, more than 1,700 were confirmed last week alone. That compares to just 448 cases at this time last year. The flu seems to be hitting children the worst, with the numbers for 0 to 17 year olds exponentially higher than those 18 and older. Officials say vaccination rates in the area were down significantly from last year. You’re advised that it not too late to get a flu shot for the remainder of this flu season and you’re reminded to take all other precautions to avoid contact with the virus, including frequent handwashing and cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces that might have come in contact with the flu. If you develop flu-like symptoms, you’re encouraged to stay home and keep sick children home to help limit the spread of the illness. For more information on flu vaccine options and other anti-flu tips, contact your local health department or your family doctor.
SUSPECTS IN WEDNESDAY MORNING PURSUIT NAMED
The Highway Patrol has named two St. Louis men, who were injured in a traffic crash during a pursuit on I-70, early Wednesday morning. 45 year old Roger Hanson, of St. Louis, was the driver of the vehicle, which was fled a traffic stop in Boonville and was eastbound on I-70. It struck a spike strip, ran off the roadway and overturned. Hanson suffered moderate injuries. His passenger, 48 year old Joey Stout, of St. Louis, was seriously injured. Both men were treated at University Hospital. Hanson was released from the hospital and has been taken into custody on a number of traffic charges. Additional charges against both men are pending.
The Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation is working with a prospective employer to assess the area’s labor pool. A blind job posting has been issued, thru the Moberly Area Economic Development office, to see what kind of qualified applicants are available in the area. The two main positions that are to be filled are a mechanical drafting position and a mechanical engineering position. Resumes from qualified applicants are being sought thru the end of the month. Get in touch with the Economic Development office by February 28 to submit a resume.
An ongoing identity theft investigation turned into a drug bust in Schuyler County, when sheriff’s deputies found an active meth lab in a home northwest of Lancaster. Deputies were executing a search warrant related to identity theft, fraud and stolen mail, when they entered the home on Rabbit Run Avenue and discovered an active meth lab and drug paraphernalia. Three other search warrants were executed, including one at a Kirksville home. A total of five suspects were arrested, three from Lancaster and two from Kirksville. Those arrests include 30 year old Dwayne Brewster, of Lancaster, who was wanted on a warrant for financial exploitation of the elderly. Authorities say their search also turned up garbage bags full of stolen checks, W-2’s and other documents stolen from people’s mailboxes. The FBI has taken over the fraud investigation. Drug charges are pending against multiple suspects.
A Kirksville woman, who suffered serious injuries in a collision on Highway 63 in Kirksville last week, has died from her injuries. 90 year old Maride Elam died Tuesday at a Columbia hospital. Officials say her husband, 91 year old Bud Elam, who was also injured in the accident, has been upgraded from serious to fair condition. The couple suffered serious injuries when Bud Elam pulled into the path of an oncoming semi at Highway 63 and Shepherd Avenue last Thursday.
A Bevier driver was injured in a collision on Macon County Route C, just south of Bevier, which occurred Tuesday night, just before 10:15pm. 22 year old Cody Martin, of Bevier, was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia. The patrol says Martin was passing another vehicle at a hillcrest when he met oncoming traffic. He swerved to avoid a collision and struck the pickup he was passing, which was driven by 18 year old Alex Durham, of Bevier. Both vehicles skidded off the roadway. Durham was not injured.
Moberly Police and the Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control are continuing to investigate the February 2 shooting death of 54 year old Christopher Shawn James of Moberly. Police are asking anyone with information that might be related to the investigation to contact the Moberly Police Department or Randolph County’s anonymous tips line. A reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. Police responded to a report of a disturbance with shots fire in the 1000 block of South Williams Street in Moberly, in the early morning of February 2. James was found at the scene and died from a gunshot wound.
CAR CHASE ENDS WITH BOONE COUNTY CRASH
A Tuesday night car chase, which began in Cooper County, ended with a traffic crash in eastern Boone County, just after midnight this (Wed) morning. Boonville Police say the chase began when an officer tried to pull over a suspicious vehicle. The suspect vehicle fled the scene, driving through resident’s yards and was able to get to I-70 and head eastbound. The highway patrol joined the chase and deployed spike strips at the Boone County Route Z exit. The suspect vehicle crashed at that location and two male occupants from St. Louis were injured and treated at a Columbia Hospital. Arrests are pending in the case.
Chillicothe Police have made an arrest in connection with at least 13 recent thefts from unlocked vehicles. Officers have been investigating those reports for the past three weeks. Over the weekend, they set up a covert operation in the area where the criminal activity was taking place and a suspect was recorded committing criminal acts. Officers went to the suspect’s residence with a search warrant and the individual had barricaded himself inside the home. Officers were able to gain entry and arrest an 18 year old male for stealing, tampering with a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property. During the search, multiple items were recovered, which had been reported stolen, including firearms, jewelry and cash. The suspect’s name has not been released, pending the filing of formal charges. Authorities say other items were recovered that have not been reported stolen. They urge citizens to report any recent missing items, including firearms.
WINDS FAN FLAMES AS GRASS FIRE GETS OUT OF CONTROL
Strong winds, Monday afternoon, fed a large grass fire, which burned an estimated 10 acres of farmland, just north of Kirksville. The fire was reported by a passing motorist on Benton Way, east of Highway 63, just after 2:30pm. Officials say the fire burned dry grass up to the edge of the roadway and it jumped the roadway as winds pushed the flames east. The Adair County Rural Fire Department, Kirksville and Novinger Fire Departments all responded to help control the blaze. There was no damage to any buildings.
Many north Missouri fire officials continue to warn residents of the potential danger of outdoor burning this week, with above-normal temperatures and dry and windy conditions expected to continue thru the coming weekend.
Columbia Police are seeking one male suspect, after he attempted to rob a Columbia pharmacy with a gun, Monday morning. Officers were called to Kilgore’s Pharmacy on Chapel Hill Road, just before noon. Witnesses say the robbery attempt was unsuccessful and the man fled in a car northbound on Forum Boulevard. He is described as a white male in his 30’s, about 6 feet tall with a medium build. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A male suspect is in custody after Boone County deputies were called to the Budget Inn-Midway, early Tuesday morning. Deputies say the call was prompted by a disturbance between a man and a woman. They say the male suspect had to be tazed prior to his arrest. No further details have been released.
A Moberly driver was treated for minor injuries after a Monday morning collision on Highway 22 in Boone County, just east of the Highway 63 interchange. The patrol says an eastbound car driven by 39 year old Lourae Lee, of Moberly, struck another eastbound vehicle, driven by 62 year old Michael Tripp of Elmer. Lee was taken by ambulance to Moberly Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and released.
A Moberly firefighter was listed in fair condition, at last report, after suffering serious injuries when he was ejected from his fire truck, Saturday afternoon. The patrol says 57 year old Kenneth McCune, of Moberly, was responding to a fire, just after 12:30pm, when his truck ran off Business 63, near the Renick city limits. McCune was ejected when the truck struck a culvert, overturned and struck a sign. He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Marshall man was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 24 at its junction with Highway 65 in Carroll County, Sunday night. It occurred just after 8:30pm. The patrol says 24 year old Jesse Herd, of Marshall, was turning from eastbound 24 to southbound 65 and he failed to negotiate the turn. His car ran off the roadway and overturned. He was treated for moderate injuries at Carroll County Memorial Hospital.
A Palmyra woman suffered moderate injuries in a Sunday evening accident on Business Highway 54 in Audrain County. 66 year old Joyce Muehring, of Palmyra, was treated at University Hospital after the accident. She was a passenger in an SUV driven by 77 year old Merle Muehring, of Palmyra. The patrol says Muehring was attempting to turn into a private drive when the vehicle ran into a ditch.
SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED ON I-70
A driver from South Carolina was seriously injured in a Saturday night accident on I-70 in Cooper County. It occurred at around 10:15pm Saturday, near mile marker 102. 29 year old Stephen Beasley, of Fort Collins, SC was taken by ambulance to University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says his car ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its top.
A Boone County driver faces drug charges after a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Saturday afternoon. The patrol says 19 year old Adam Quinn was arrested after the accident for felony distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, alcohol and drug paraphernalia. Troopers say they found Xanax bars, molly and THC wax in his possession.
TRENTON MAN ARRESTED IN STOLEN VEHICLE
A Trenton man faces charges, after he was arrested in a stolen vehicle in Mercer County, early Saturday morning. 33 year old Timothy Nguyen, of Trenton, was arrested by the highway patrol for alleged tampering with a motor vehicle, felony resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools. He was held in the Grundy County Law Enforcement Center over the weekend, pending formal charges.
TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY CONFIRMS ITS 17th PRESIDENT
Truman State University’s interim President has been formally named Truman’s new permanent President. The Truman Board of Governors announced its unanimous decision Friday, naming Dr. Susan Thomas the 17th president in the university’s history. Thomas has served as Truman’s interim president since July 1 of last year and previously served as vice president for academic affairs and provost since July of 2014.
A Kirksville couple suffered serious injuries in a Thursday evening collision at the intersection of Highway 63 and Shepherd Avenue in Kirksville. 91 year old Charlie ‘Bud’ Elam, of Kirksville was the driver of the car. His 90 year old wife, Maride Elam, was a passenger. Kirksville Police say both were seriously injured when Elam failed to yield at the intersection and pulled into the path of a northbound tractor-trailer, at around 5pm Thursday. The Elams were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center and then transferred to University Hospital in Columbia. The driver of the semi, from Springfield, was not injured.
A Slater Police Officer is accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with an underage girl. 29 year old Benjamin Adam Thomas, of Slater, is charged with statutory sodomy, with bond set at $15,000 dollars. According to a probable cause statement, the Highway Patrol investigated the allegations and found evidence of a romantic and sexual relationship between Thomas and an unnamed 16 year old girl. The Slater Police Department says Thomas has been suspended from duty in connection with the case.
A Columbia man and a Harrisburg man were sentenced in federal court this week, for their role in a mid-Missouri drug conspiracy. 34 year old Sean Anthony Blumenshine, of Harrisburg and 31 year old Troy Chance Lewis, of Columbia, were each sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. Lewis pleaded guilty to possession of meth with intent to distribute in October. Blumneshine pleaded guilty to a similar charge last August.
Columbia Police have identified the suspect who was arrested after a Wednesday evening standoff at a Columbia apartment complex. Rockus Roland, of Columbia, was taken into custody at Columbia Square Apartments. Authorities say he was wanted on a parole violation from a previous drug charge when officers went to the apartments. Roland initially refused to come out, but he was taken into custody without incident after Wednesday evening’s standoff.
Tickets are on sale now for the Kirksville High School Music Department’s 10th Annual Celebrity Dinner Fundraiser. It will be held two weeks from tonight…Friday, February 24, in the Kirksville Primary School Commons. The event features a gourmet meal, with live entertainment, featuring performances by Kirksville High School music groups. Tickets are $25 dollars per person and are available through Kirksville High School. The tenth annual Celebrity Dinner is Friday, February 24 in the Kirksville Primary School Commons.
A Macon woman is accused of breaking into a home and stealing prescription pain medications. 40 year old Sonna L. Basler, of Macon, was arrested Monday and is charged with burglary and possession of a controlled substance. The arrest came after a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress on Kingston Place, just outside of Macon. Deputies say, when they arrived, the reporting party was holding Basler at gunpoint. They say the owner of the residence returned home to find Basler had unlawfully entered the home. A search turned up various prescription pain pills in her possession. She is being held on $60,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Yesterday’s light snow caused some slick driving conditions around north Missouri, with a number of accidents reported…
- A Green Castle woman suffered moderate injuries when her car slid off Highway 6, just west of Novinger, at around 9:50am. 24 year old Calli Allen, of Green Castle, was treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
- A Bethany driver, 30 year old Jarod Hillyard, was treated for moderate injuries after his pickup ran off Harrison County Route F, just northwest of Bethany. It occurred at around 5:30pm. The patrol says Hillyard’s pickup went down an embankment and overturned. He was treated at Harrison County Community Hospital.
- A head-on collision on Highway 15, just north of Paris, sent two drivers to the hospital. It occurred just before 1pm. The patrol says 79 year old Eugene Pardo, of Chesterfield, was northbound and lost control of his vehicle on the snow-covered roadway. It crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming car, driven by 81 year old Mary Roe, of LaGrange. Roe was seriously injured. Her passenger, 51 year old Kimberly Sutton, of Hannibal suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
- A Moberly man was treated for minor injuries after his pickup ran off Highway 63, south of Moberly. That accident occurred just after noon. 52 year old Bruce Rolland, of Moberly, was treated and released at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
Two Chillicothe residents face drug charges, after officers were called to a home on a noise complaint, Monday evening. As a result of the investigation, Sean Biller and Alyssa Dowell were arrested at the residence and charged with possession of meth and marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
A Wednesday morning collision at a Callaway County intersection injured three occupants of the two vehicles. It occurred just after 8:30am at the Highway 54 junction with County Road 318. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 31 year old Joe Davis, of Fulton, failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a westbound car, driven by 26 year old Kylee Loethen, of Fulton. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries. A passenger in Davis’ vehicle, 32 year old Jessica Ewald, of Fulton, was also treated for moderate injuries. All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
A Columbia man is in custody after a Wednesday night police standoff at a Columbia apartment complex. Officers say they went to the Columbia Square Apartments, seeking a suspect who was wanted on an active ‘no bond’ warrant. They say they saw the suspect enter the residence but he refused to come out. Officers surrounded the residence and were in communication with those inside. The man was taken into custody without incident late last night.
The former Saline County Sheriff, 70 year old Wallace Newman George, Jr, was sentenced Tuesday to 9 months in prison in federal court in Kansas City. George pleaded guilty to stealing more than $75,000 dollars in public funds, by misappropriating state-issued checks meant to cover prisoner costs. George was formerly the longest-tenured sheriff in the state, having served in the position since 1979 until his recent resignation. Authorities say he had all ready paid restitution, prior to his sentencing. He will report to federal custody on March 24.
It's not a new concern, bu law enforcement officials are warning residents again about Craigslist and other on-line transactions, after several recent reports of theft. Officials say victims attempting to sell high-value items, or electronics, arrange a meeting with a buyer online. At that meeting, the buyer flees the scene without paying, or, in some cases, armed robberies have occurred during these meetings. Authorities advise sellers to meet their buyer in a well-lit, familiar public place during the day. Many communities and law enforcement agencies actually provide a public space that is suitable for meetings. You’re also advised to inform others of your whereabouts. Two Kansas City area men were sentenced to federal prison this week for a handful of armed robberies, which occurred after they set up meetings with their victims thru phony Craigslist ads.
“BAREFOOT IN THE PARK” PRODUCTION COMING TO CHILLICOTHE
The Chillicothe Area Arts Council is set to host the Montana Repertory Theatre Production of Neil Simon’s Classic ‘Barefoot in the Park’, Sunday afternoon at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center at Chillicothe High School. The Box Office opens at 2pm on Sunday for the 3 o’clock performance. Season ticket holders will be seated, beginning at 2:30pm. Advance tickets are available by calling the Chillicothe Arts Council office at 660-646-1173.
Columbia Police are investigating a Monday night robbery, which occurred in a parking lot in the 4700 block of Clark Lane. Police say an armed male suspect, wearing all black and a mask, approached another man in the parking lot and demanded the victim’s cash and other possessions. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored car. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A traffic stop ended with a foot chase and a suspect in custody in Columbia, Tuesday afternoon. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department says a deputy tried to stop a vehicle on Oakbrook Drive, just after 3pm. The driver fled the scene, but deputies were able to catch him after a short pursuit. 31 year old Aaron Perry, of Columbia was arrested at the scene, for possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and assault on a law enforcement officer.
A Columbia man sustained moderate injuries when his tractor-trailer ran off Route 151 in Monroe County, Monday evening. 46 year old Steve Deornellis, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 6:25pm, about four miles north of Madison. The patrol says Deornellis failed to negotiate a curve and his semi ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
MOBERLY SCHOOL & AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE THREATENING MESSAGE
Officials are investigating a threatening message, found written on furniture at Moberly High School. Reports indicate the message states the school will ‘blow up’ later this week. School officials say they are treating the report with the seriousness it deserves. Moberly Police and the School District are working together to follow district protocols for bomb threats and are taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
GLASGOW SCHOOL STATEMENT ACCUSES CORONER OF MALICIOUS INTENT
The Glasgow School District has released a statement regarding the ongoing investigation into the suicide of 17 year old Kenneth Stuttner. The statement accuses Howard County Coroner Frank Flaspohler of malicious intent. School officials say Flaspohler has made statements that he knows to be false, in connection with the case. Last week, Flaspohler told the Associate Press that the District initially wasn’t cooperative with the investigation and a coroner’s inquest was a way to force them to discuss the matter. The District says they cooperated fully with the inquiry before being asked to do so, providing the coroner with District policies and procedures, educational records, bullying incident reports and other documents and that four Glasgow teachers were interviewed by the coroner last month. The release says the suggestion that they were uncooperative is malicious and it calls on Flaspohler to publicly apologize. A Coroner’s inquest into Stuttner’s December suicide found that bullying was a major factor in the teen’s death and indicated negligence on the part of the school and the Dairy Queen in Fayette, where Stuttner worked. A manager at that Dairy Queen, 21 year old Harley Branham, of Fayette has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case.
Brookfield High School is now distributing applications to seniors for this spring's local scholarships to help students in the Class of 2017 with higher education plans. The BHS Guidance Office is asking any local club, organization, or other entity or individual that has scholarships available this spring, to contact the school office and make sure the correct application is available and current. Call the Brookfield High School Guidance Office to confirm your scholarship information…at 258-7242.
A Kirksville child, who was reported missing Sunday afternoon, was found safe. Kirksville Police released an alert, regarding an 8 year old girl, who had left her residence at Devlin Place at around 3pm Sunday and was last seen in the area of P.C. Mills Park. Multiple Kirksville area agencies were involved in the search for the girl. Authorities say she was found safe a few hours later. Police say the girl had apparently been picked up and transported to a relative’s home, just outside of Kirksville.
An Edina teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a Saturday evening accident on Knox County Route AA. 18 year old Ezra Weiler, of Edina, was flown to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The patrol says his westbound car ran off the highway and struck a culvert Saturday, at around 6:40pm.
A one-vehicle accident on a Harrison County road sent a Cainsville driver to the hospital with moderate injuries. It occurred Saturday evening, just after 7:30pm. The Patrol says 44 year old Chairity Wayman, of Cainsville, failed to negotiate a curve and her SUV ran off the roadway and overturned. Wayman was treated for moderate injuries at Cameron Regional Medical Center.
A Salisbury man faces charges of rape and drug possession, after his arrest last week. 37 year old Alejandro Estrada Galeana, of Salisbury, is accused of attempting to rape a woman after an evening of drinking with her and another male, at the woman’s home last month. During his arrest, officers say they found a powdery substance in his residence, which field-tested positive as cocaine. Galeana is in custody on $100,000 dollars cash-only bond.
SUSPECT ARRESTED IN SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT
Boone County authorities arrested one suspect in connection with a shots-fired incident, which occurred at a Columbia area home, Saturday afternoon. 21 year old Joel Sandhu is charged with assault, property damage and armed criminal action. He also faces charges of manufacturing a controlled substance. Authorities say the suspect went to the 4700 block of Eastview Lane, claiming a person at the home had stolen from him. He is accused of firing a handgun through the closed front door of the home. During his arrest, authorities say, a search of his home turned up small marijuana plants.
A Columbia man was arrested, early Sunday morning, after officers spotted him driving a stolen vehicle. 33 year old Derek Long, of Columbia, was taken into custody without incident after he was stopped near the Highway 63 Broadway interchange. A Boone County deputy was on patrol with an automated license plate reader, when the vehicle showed up as stolen. Long is charged with tampering with a motor vehicle, driving while revoked and possession of a controlled substance.
Moberly Police are investigating a homicide, which occurred early Thursday morning, in the 1000 block of South Williams Street. Police responded to a report of a disturbance with shots fired, at around 12:12am. A 54 year old white male at the scene suffered a possible gunshot wound and was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. That victim has been identified as Christopher Shawn James, of Moberly. James’ death has been ruled a homicide and an autopsy of the victim has been requested. Police say they are interviewing persons of interest in the case.
A Moberly Police Officer has been charged with two felonies, after he admitted stealing money during a December drug raid. According to ABC17news.com, Officer Mark Mueller is charged with tampering with physical evidence and receiving stolen property. A probable cause statement says evidence inventory did not match the cash recovered from a drug raid on December 1. During a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation, Mueller became a person of interest and admitted to stealing less than $500 dollars. His bond is set at $10,000 dollars.
Chillicothe Police have arrested an Illinois woman this week, accused of fraudulently attempting to obtain a controlled substance. On Wednesday, police received a report from a local pharmacy, of a male calling in a prescription and acting as a local doctor. The 25 year old Illinois female was detained when she attempted to pickup the prescription. Police say two other suspects have been identified and charges are being sought, as the investigation continues.
A Fulton driver was killed in a Thursday afternoon accident on I-70 in Callaway County. 51 year old Bonnie Pierce, of Fulton, died in the accident, which occurred at around 3:45pm. The patrol says her westbound car skidded off the roadway, struck the median cables, then continued through the median and entered the eastbound lane, where it collided with an oncoming pickup, driven by 21 year old Charles Sherrow, of Fulton. Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene. Sherrow was treated for minor injuries at Boone Hospital.
COLUMBIA MAN CHARGED IN RECENT HOME INVASION
A Columbia man has been charged in connection with a home invasion robbery, which sent a woman to the hospital. 23 year old James Fernando Webb, of Columbia, is charged with three counts of first-degree robbery and a charge of first-degree assault. A probable cause statement accuses of Webb of perpetrating an armed home invasion robbery on January 27, in the 1100 block of Vandiver Drive. During the robbery, one of the victims in the home suffered a gunshot wound.
A one-vehicle accident on Route 6 in Adair County sent a Hurdland driver to the hospital with minor injuries. It occurred at around 4:45pm Wednesday on Highway 6, west of Brashear. 44 year old Barbara Sukes, of Hurdland, was the driver of the eastbound van. The patrol says she swerved to miss a deer in the roadway and the vehicle ran off the road and struck the ground. Sukes was treated and released at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
A Wednesday morning house fire, south of Novinger, caused some additional concerns when the fire set off ammunition stored in the home. Fire crews responded to the blaze on Jersey Trail just after 10am. All three residents who were home at the time had exited the home safely and they warned first-responders that the basement fire might set off ammunition stored there. No one was injured by the fire or by the ammunition. The cause is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been an electrical fire.
HOWARD COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED IN TEEN’S SUICIDE DEATH
Howard County authorities have charged a Fayette woman with involuntary manslaughter, in connection with a Glasgow teen’s suicide. Harley Branham is charged in the death of 17 year old Kenneth Suttner, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on December 21. Branham was a manager at the Fayette Dairy Queen, where Suttner worked. A Howard County Coroner’s Inquest found that workplace harassment by Branham played a focal role in his death.
FIRST FEMALE HIGHWAY PATROL SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has appointed the first-ever female superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Lieutenant Colonel Sandra Karsten is the highest-ranking woman in the eight-plus decades of Patrol History. Her appointment Wednesday highlights a 32 year career with the agency. Karsten is a graduate of Putnam County High School. She began her career as a road trooper in Callaway and Audrain Counties. She replaces another Putnam County graduate, the retiring Colonel Bret Johnson.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an attempted armed robbery, in the parking lot of the Columbia Mall, which occurred Monday night. Police arrested 19 year old Sarena Rothenberger and 25 year old Lance Rothernberger. They each face three counts of armed criminal action and first-degree robbery. Police say one of the suspects approached a 69 year old woman from Sedalia and demanded her purse. The suspect then allegedly assaulted the victim with a sharp object. She was treated for minor injuries. Officers believe the two suspects are also responsible for a similar incident at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant a short time later.
A Columbia man faces firearms charges in Macon, after his arrest last week. Macon Police were called to the 800 block of Overbrook Drive, to a report of a subject refusing to leave a residence at that location. When officers contacted the suspect, he initially gave a fictitious name. After positively identifying him as 39 year old Gregory Haynes, of Columbia, officers determined that his driver’s license was revoked and they found him to be in possession of a defaced firearm. Haynes is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a defaced firearm. His bond is set at $10,000 dollars cash-only.
A Howard County Coroner’s inquest, held Tuesday, determined that a teen’s suicide was likely caused by bullying. Six jurors were on-hand to review the death of 17 year old Kenneth Suttner, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on December 21. After six hours in the courtroom, the jury found probable cause to believe Suttner’s death should be considered felony involuntary manslaughter, due to harassment at both his employer, Dairy Queen, and at the Glasgow school. The jury says a Dairy Queen manager, Harley Branham, played a focal point in his death, and also said the business was negligent in training its employees about harassment prevention and resolution. The jury also said the school followed its polices and procedures but was also negligent in preventing bullying. Branham is in custody on a 24-hour hold, while a special prosecutor determines whether any charges will be filed.
Demolition of the Kirksville Arts Center Building is set to begin soon, 60 days after a fire destroyed the building. A safety fence has been put up and the Kirksville Arts Association says a contract has been signed with A&D Construction out of California, MO. The company plans to bring in equipment over the next few days, with demolition to begin next week. A spokesperson for the company says it should take about 30 working days to complete, depending on the weather. A portion of South Franklin Street in downtown Kirksville remains closed to through traffic, but downtown businesses near the building reiterate that they remain open for business.
A Columbia woman is accused of abandoning a corpse, which may be connected to a body found Monday afternoon in the area of Leeway Drive in Columbia. The Highway Patrol arrested 55 year old Deborah Berardi, of Columbia, Tuesday night in Montgomery County. She is being held on $20,000 dollars bond and is scheduled to appear in court this (Wed) afternoon. Police have not confirmed that the charges are, in fact, connected to their ongoing death investigation, but Berardi’s home address is in on the sam