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 same street as that body was found. No further details have been released, as the investigation continues.
A Green Castle driver was injured in a Monday afternoon accident on private property, west of Milan. It occurred just after 3pm. 27 year old Colby Reynolds, of Green Castle, was the driver of a westbound van. The patrol says it ran off a private road into a field and struck a tree. Reynolds was treated for minor injuries at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan.
CARROLLTON WOMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES
A Carrollton woman faces drug charges, after her arrest by Carrollton Police last Friday. Court records indicate 22 year old Sheanna Rowles, of Carrollton, is charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and two counts of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Rowles is being held, pending a future court date.
CHILLICOTHE CULTURAL CORNER HOSTING PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Work from more than a dozen local photographers will be on display at the Chillicothe Cultural Corner Art Guild and Gallery, beginning tomorrow (Wed). The artists’ work will be showcased thru February 24. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Friday, from 5 to8pm. The Cultrual Corner Art Guild and Gallery is open Tuesdays thru Fridays from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10 to 2.
The Brunswick Knights of Columbus will hold a fundraising Wild Game Supper Thursday evening, starting at 6pm at the Knights Hall in Brunswick. The cost is fifteen dollars and includes the wild game dinner and chance at prizes. Everyone is welcome, Thursday evening at the Brunswick Knights of Columbus Hall.
Columbia Police are investigating a death on the north side of Columbia. Officers were called to the area of Brown Station Road and Leeway Drive at around 3pm Monday. They say one male victim was deceased at the scene. A forensics unit was called in Monday evening to assist in the investigation. No further details have been released.
A girl was taken to the hospital after she was assaulted at a Columbia bus stop Monday morning. Police say the bus driver called 911 after finding the student on the ground when he pulled up to the stop at the intersection of Garth and Pendleton in Columbia. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment, there was no update on her condition. Two juvenile girls, age 14 and 15, were taken into custody for assault and could face disciplinary action from the Columbia School District.
A Bethany driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday afternoon accident on I-35, at the Highway 36 interchange at Cameron. 56 year old Marla Williams, of Bethany, was the driver…she was taken to Liberty Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 3:30pm. The patrol says her southbound car traveled into the median, then crossed the roadway, struck a guardrail, then traveled back into the median and came to rest on its wheels. A 15 year old passenger, from Kearney, was treated for minor injuries.
Chillicothe Police report a pair of arrests for assault, in two separate weekend incidents.
A Chillicothe man faces assault charges, after police were called to a disturbance in the 100 block of Herriman Street, in Chillicothe, Sunday night. Virgil Hurling was taken into custody at the scene, accused of second-degree assault. He was held overnight in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail, pending the filing of formal charges.
Officers responded to a Friday night disturbance at a business in the 2800 block of Grand Drive, where Zayne Evans was arrested for assault, property damage and possession of meth. He was held, over the weekend, in the Daviess Dekalb Regional Jail.
The Missouri Public Service Commission continues a series of public hearings, in an electric rate case filed by Ameren Missouri. A public hearing will be held in Kirksville this (Mon) evening at 6pm in the Truman State University Student Union Activities Room. Last July, Ameren Missouri filed a request to increase it annual electric revenues by approximately 206 million dollars. According to the filing, residential customers would pay approximately $99 more per year. Tonight’s hearing will begin with a public information and question and answer session, followed by testimony from the public. Again, it starts at 6pm at the Truman State University Student Union Activities Room.
A Jefferson City teenager was seriously injured in a weekend accident on Highway 54 in Cole County. 18 year old Brandon Bailey, of Jefferson City, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 3:20am Saturday. The patrol says Bailey was ejected from his eastbound vehicle when it ran off the roadway and overturned.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department reports the arrest of two suspect on drug charges, after an early Saturday morning traffic stop. Deputies pulled over a vehicle in the 900 block of Vandiver Drive at around 3am Saturday. They say they found different types of controlled substances in the vehicle, along with drug paraphernalia and a firearm. The driver, 36 year old Alohn Griffin was arrested for multiple charges, including drug trafficking, delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm. A passenger in the vehicle, 35 year old Zora Reeves, was also arrested for drug trafficking and delivery of a controlled substance.
A female victim was treated at a Columbia hospital, after a home invasion robbery, which occurred late Friday night in the 1100 block of Vandiver Drive, in Columbia. Officers say there were five people in the home when the doorbell ran at around 11:15pm. Two male suspects forced their way in, showed a handgun and demanded cash. Witnesses say one of the suspects fired twice as they were leaving, and a female victim suffered a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation is ongoing by Columbia Police.
A Thursday morning collision at the Highway 11/63 intersection in Kirksville sent a driver to the hospital for treatment. Police say a 16 year old Kirksville male was westbound on Highway 11 and tried to cross 63, pulling into the path of a southbound pickup. The driver of the pickup, 31 year old Chase McCarty, of Kirksville, was taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center. The 16 year old driver was not injured.
Slick road conditions, Thursday morning, on Highway 136, west of Unionville in Putnam County, caused an accident, which injured a Unionville driver. The patrol says 27 year old Heather Spurling, of Unionville, was westbound on 136, at around 6:15am yesterday, when she lost control on the ice-covered roadway. Her vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned. Spurling was taken to Putnam County Memorial Hospital, where she was treated and released.
TRENTON TEEN FACING FELONY SEX CHARGES
A Trenton teenager is charged with felony sex crimes against a victim under the age of 15, after an investigation by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Online records indicated 18 year old Colby Weaver, was arrested Tuesday. He is charged with two felony counts of sexual misconduct or attempted sexual misconduct against an underage victim. Weaver’s bond is set at $30,000 dollars cash-only. He’ll be arraigned next month in Grundy County Circuit Court.
The City of Moberly will host a public hearing Monday at Moberly City Hall. Moberly Public Works and Moberly Parks and Recreation will discuss the RTP Trail Project, which is designed to link existing trails throughout the Moberly community…and an LWCF grant application, which would help fund resurfacing projects at the Wilhite Tennis Court and Candy Cane city. The public hearing will begin at 4pm Monday at Moberly City Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
Columbia police say a driver was seriously injured in an overnight accident on Rock Quarry Road, near the Hinkson Creek Bridge. It occurred just before 2am Friday. Investigators say the driver ran off the roadway, hit a tree and then the vehicle became suspended by hitting another tree. Police have not released the identity of the driver, who was taken to a Columbia Hospital with serious injuries.
A Columbia tax-preparer has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, after allegedly failing to pay his own personal income taxes and cheating clients out of nearly $300,000 dollars. 63 year old David Keithley pleaded guilty in August. He was accused of failing to file federal tax returns between 2009 and 2013, defrauding the IRS and the state of Missouri out of more than $170,000 dollars. Keithley was also ordered to pay $291,000 dollars in restitution to victims of his fraud.
A Chillicothe school bus was involved in a traffic accident Wednesday morning. There were eleven students on the bus at the time of the accident, but no one was injured. Police say the bus driver, Forrest J. Chance, was southbound on Washington Street, when he made a right turn and the bus struck a vehicle driven by Brent Minnick. Chance was cited for an improper turn.
A Meadville woman is in custody after allegedly stealing a pickup from a rural Livingston County residence last week. Deputies were called to a location near Highways B & BB, to a report of a pickup stolen from the driveway. The owner of the truck was able to follow the vehicle and a female suspect, who allegedly took the truck, was detained by the owner until deputies arrived. 35 year old Amanda Burns, of Meadville, was arrested and is being held in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail on $25,000 dollars bond, on charges of tampering with a motor vehicle. Authorities say she is also currently on probation from a prior burglary conviction.
The Brookfield Area Growth Partnership invites the community to join them for their 2017 ‘Thank You’ event, this evening at the Brookfield Elks Lodge. The event celebrates the community’s accomplishments of the past year and the efforts of supporters and volunteers throughout the community. Appetizers, beverages and a cash bar will be available from 5 to 6:30pm, and the growth partnership will provide a ‘Year in Review’ program at 5:30pm. You’re asked to RSVP by calling the Brookfield Economic Development Office at 258-7278.
Charges have been filed against a Columbia man, who is accused of hitting a police dog and charging at an officer. Police were called to the 3600 block of Aspen Heights Parkway Tuesday night to a report of a man yelling and acting violent outdoors. Officers say the suspect was walking around without shoes or a shirt. The suspect allegedly charged one of the officers, then opened the door of the K9 vehicle and repeated struck the police dog in the head and snout. The man, identified as Jean Richard Innocent, was taken into custody and is accused of assault and resisting arrest.
A Lake St. Louis man faces multiple burglary charges in Howard County, after his arrest by Fayette Police, early Wednesday morning. The suspect, 33 year old Mikeal J. Smith, was found outside a Fayette insurance office and taken into custody just before 1:30am. He is accused of a string of petty cash thefts at several Fayette businesses over the past week. Officers say Smith was identified from trail camera photos taken of the suspect. He had several ‘bump’ keys’, often used by burglars, in his possession. He is charged with four counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary and one count of possession of burglary tools.
A new bill filed in the Missouri Legislature would require gun owners to report the loss or theft of their firearms within 72 hours of the crime. The proposed House Bill 185 would implement punishments for violators that vary, based on the number of offenses, not to exceed $1,000 dollars for the third violation. Supporters of the bill say that prompt information on stolen or missing firearms would assist law enforcement in investigating criminal activity.
A Hamilton woman was seriously injured when her vehicle ran off Business 36, just west of Hamilton, Tuesday afternoon. It occurred just before 4pm. 47 year old Joeanna White, of Hamilton, was taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center and then life-flighted to St. Luke’s on the Plaza. The patrol says she failed to negotiate a curve and her vehicle ran off the highway, down an embankment, up a second embankment, became airborne and crossed westbound 36, ran through the median and became airborne a second time, crossing eastbound 36 and overturned several times.
Three persons were hurt in a Tuesday afternoon collision on westbound Highway 36, a couple miles west of Hamilton, which also occurred just before 4pm. The patrol says 17 year old Garret Donoho, of Chillicothe, was westbound when he attempted to make a u-turn and pulled into the path of a westbound SUV, driven by 46 year old Larissa Anderson, of Hamilton. The vehicles collided and ran into the median. Both drivers and a 14 year old passenger in Anderson’s vehicle, were all treated for minor injuries at Cameron Regional Medical Center.
A Chillicothe man, who is charged with child molestation in Livingston County, now faces new charges in Carroll County. 28 year old Nicholas Reed has been charged with child molestation, enticement of a child and two counts of sodomy, involving a victim under the age of 12. Reed is being held on bond.
The City of Edina will have a new Chief of Police tomorrow, after action this week by the Edina City Council. According to the Edina Sentinel, the Council interviewed three candidates Monday and hired Ryan Bishop as the city’s new Police Chief Monday night. Bishop was an officer with the Edina Police Department from 2000 to 2001 and has served as a Knox County deputy since then, most recently serving as Chief Deputy, starting in 2007. Bishop replaces Kelly Hayes, who served as chief for 18 years. Hayes says he is retiring to pursue opportunities outside of law enforcement. Bishop will be sworn in at Edina City Hall tomorrow (Thurs).
Columbia Police are offering tips to the public, after a cell phone sale turned into a shooting Monday night. It occurred in the 1500 block of Riva Ridge court. 23 year old Karl Otto Henson was arrested after he attempted to sell his phone to a buyer, who tried to flee the scene without paying. Henson shot the buyer in the leg and is now facing assault charges. Columbia Police remind residents that the Department’s lobby has been to the public for the exchange of goods in a safe space since January of 2015. There is video surveillance and the lobby area is open 24/7. The only restriction is that people can not exchange weapons in the lobby.
The Moberly Optimist Club is all set for its annual Spaghetti Dinner…Saturday (1/28) in the St. Pius School Undercroft in Moberly. They’ll serve from 11am to 2:30pm Saturday. Cost is eight dollars for adults, three dollars for kids under 12 and kids under 6 eat free. All proceeds will support community projects by the Moberly Optimist Club. Everyone is welcome to their annual Spaghetti Dinner…Saturday from 11 to 2:30…in the St. Pius Undercroft.
A northeast Missouri motorcyclist has died from injuries sustained in a weekend accident. 51 year old Robert Grimsley, of Labelle, died Monday at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. According to the Patrol, Grimsley was seriously injured Saturday evening, when his motorcycle ran off Highway 61 at the Canton exit and struck another motorcycle, driven by an Illinois man.
A Kirksville man faces felony drug distribution charges, after his arrest Monday. Online records indicate 44 year old Keith Steen, of Kirksville, is charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, along with unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Steen is accused of possessing an undisclosed quantity of meth. He is in custody on a 24-hour hold.
AUDIT CRITICAL OF SHELBINA MUNICIPAL COURT
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway released a critical report on the recent audit of the Shelbina Municipal Court Monday. The audit detailed more than $1,200 dollars in missing payments and numerous instances of inaccurate, incomplete and disorganized documentation by the former Municipal Court Clerk. The report also noted inadequate oversight over the clerk’s handling of fines, and a number of instances of improper adjustments in fine amounts, without a judge’s consent. Galloway’s report said ‘it is unacceptable for a public body to operate in this manner’. The audit was initiated after the clerk was terminated by court officials. The Shelbina Municipal Court received an overall rating of ‘poor’, which means they’ll be subject to a follow-up by auditors later this year.
TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH COLUMBIA ROBBERIES
Two Columbia men were arrested Monday evening, in connection with Friday’s attempted armed robbery at the I-70 Eagle Stop. 26 year old Quantrell Brookins and 28 year old Oscar Brookins were taken into custody, after being identified by surveillance footage of the parking lot. The two suspects fled the Eagle Stop Friday after noticing an on-duty security guard. During the arrest, officers say they found evidence linking the men to a January 9 armed robbery at a Break Time Store. Both suspects face charges of robbery and armed criminal action.
Columbia Police are investigating a shots-fired call and a report of a victim treated for a gunshot wound, early Monday morning. The shots-fired incident occurred just after 12:30am, in the 3700 block of Hermitage Road. A house at that location was hit by gunfire and a car, with damage from an apparent gunshot, was located nearby. A female occupant of that vehicle was not injured. Just after 2am, a Columbia hospital alerted police of a gunshot victim. Police are trying to determine if the two reports are related. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Vandalia man has been sentenced to seven years in prison, on felony charges of enticement of a child, child molestation and sexual misconduct. 34 year old Curtis J. Lasley, of Vandalia, was sentenced after pleading guilty to the charges. Lasley was accused of encouraging a 13 year old female victim to have sex with him.
Two Macon teenagers were injured in a Friday afternoon accident on southbound Highway 63, just north of the Clark Junction. 16 year old Trenten Harris, of Macon, was the driver of the vehicle. The patrol says he lost control on wet pavement and the car ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. Harris and his passenger, 17 year old Demarcus Harris, of Macon, were both treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
Chillicothe Police responded to a two-vehicle injury accident at Highway 65 and Green Street in Chillicothe, which occurred just before 12:30pm Sunday. Police say a vehicle driven by Jennifer Stephens pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by Nathanael Molina. Molina and an occupant of his vehicle both complained of minor injuries, but refused treatment at the scene.
One case of mumps has been confirmed in the Putnam County R-1 School District in Unionville. School officials notified parents in a letter sent home on Friday. The district has been working closely with the Putnam County Health Department since the mumps case has been identified. Officials say mumps is caused by a virus and is spread person-to-person by saliva or mucus, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. If exposed, symptoms can take 12 to 25 days to present. The district asks students, teachers or staff who present symptoms to stay home from school for five days. Vaccinations and more information are available thru the Putnam County Health Department in Unionville.
Columbia Police are investigating an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles, early Sunday morning in Columbia. Police say the first shots-fired calls came in just after 1:15am in the 500 block of College Avenue. They say the cars apparently traveled westbound on Business Loop 70, then onto side streets and back onto westbound Business Loop as far as Garth Avenue. Several businesses and cars along the route were struck by gunfire, but no injuries were reported. Police believe a newer, dark-colored SUV and a lighter-colored Mercedes-style vehicle were involved. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
Two Columbia teens were arrested Friday in connection with an alleged terrorist threat, after an exchange of texts caused concerns. Police say 18 year old Jacob Vincent and a 14 year old male were charged with a misdemeanor, making a terrorist threat. Vincent was also charged with disturbing the peace. The investigation was prompted when a Rock Bridge High School resource officer was informed of a string of text messages that allegedly discussed a plot to kill a female victim.
Kirksville Police are investigating a stabbing incident, which occurred Thursday afternoon at a triplex in the 1400 block of South Lewis Street. Officers were called to the scene at around 1:50pm. They found a man suffering from a stab wound. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police say they believe it was an unprovoked attack by another tenant of the triplex and that there was no other relationship between the victim and the suspect. Police used a negotiator to get the suspect to surrender himself without incident. He is identified as a 53 year old male. Charges are pending in the case, as the investigation continues.
Kirksville’s fugitive of the week is no longer a fugitive. Officers arrested Clifford M. Eiler in the north part of Kirksville, after a short foot pursuit, Thursday afternoon. Eiler was wanted on a Grundy County warrant for receiving stolen property and Adair County warrants for assault, armed criminal action and failure to appear on non-support. He is being held in the Adair County Detention Center.
The man found dead in a vehicle, north of Columbia, on Wednesday has been identified as the suspect in an exchange of gunfire with a patrol trooper in Saline County, last week. 35 year old Troy Bateman, of Marshall, was wanted on a parole warrant when he allegedly exchanged gunfire with a trooper, after attempting to flee a traffic stop, last Friday night. Bateman fled the scene into a farm field and eluded capture. Wednesday afternoon, Columbia Police stopped a car near Oakland Gravel Road and Alfalfa Drive. Two women got out of the car and officers heard a gunshot inside the vehicle and returned fire. Bateman was found dead in the vehicle. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate he died from self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. No other injuries were reported.
A Columbia man has been charged in connection with a Wednesday morning robbery at the First State Community Bank in Columbia. Investigators say the suspect, 51 year old Carl Lovell Wade, apparently took a taxi to the bank, demanded cash and fled the scene in the same cab. He was later arrested and the cash recovered, after officers contacted the taxi company. Wade is charged with robbery in the case. Bond has not been set.
Columbia Police are searching for multiple suspects after an attempted armed robbery at the Eagle Stop in Columbia, early this morning. Officers were called to the scene just after 4am. They say two armed suspects attempted to rob the store, but fled the scene when they saw a security guard. The description of the suspects is vague, but surveillance footage is being reviewed for more information.
A Milan driver was killed when his vehicle collided with a semi on Highway 5, south of Unionville, Wednesday night. 36 year old John R. Hanen, of Milan, died in the accident, which occurred at around 8pm. The patrol says Hanen’s southbound vehicle crossed the center and collided with an oncoming semi, driven by an Iowa man. Hanen was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Kirksville man could be sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in connection with a 2014 arson charge. 40 year old Brandon True, of Kirksville, pleaded guilty to a reduced charged of second-degree arson Wednesday, in a Linn County Courtroom in Linneus, where the case was heard on a change of venue. True was accused of setting fire to a duplex at 518 East Hickory Street in Kirksville on April 24, 2014. Court documents allege that True was involved in a dispute with a tenant of the duplex. Prosecutors say complications with witnesses prompted the charge to be reduced from first-degree to second-degree arson, as part of a plea agreement. They’re asking for the maximum 7-year sentence in the case. Sentencing is set for March 9.
The Kirksville Police Department’s fugitive of the week is wanted on a Grundy County warrant for receiving stolen property, and is also wanted in Adair County on assault and armed criminal action charges, in connection with a shooting earlier this month. Last month, 40 year old Clifford M. Eiler led officers on a short bicycle chase before being arrested on meth charges. He was released on his own recognizance on January 10 and three days later, police believe he was involved in a shooting in 1000 block of North Osteopathy that injured one victim. Eiler is a white male, 6 feet tall and about 155 pounds, with ties to the Kirksville area. If you have information on his whereabouts, you’re urged to call authorities or the anonymous tips line at 627-BUST.
HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATING COLUMBIA SHOOTING DEATH
The Highway Patrol has been called in to investigate a Columbia shooting death, which occurred Wednesday afternoon in the area of Oakland Gravel Road and Elaine Drive. Police stopped a vehicle at that location and during the traffic stop, two women got out of the car. Officers say they then heard a gunshot come from inside the car and they returned fire. One male victim was found dead in the vehicle, but it is not clear if the gunshot wound was self-inflicted or came from police. No other injuries were reported. The Highway Patrol’s investigation is ongoing.
Columbia Police are investigating a bank robbery, which occurred Wednesday morning at First State Community Bank on Golden Bear Drive. Investigators say a male suspect entered the bank just after 11:30am and demanded money from a teller. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. A suspect matching his description was located near Vandiver Drive and Paris Road. He was taken into custody for questioning. No injuries or property damage were reported.
A homeless man is accused of kicking two Kirksville Police officers, during an incident, which occurred at a Kirksville residence Friday. Police were called to a home in the 600 block of North Elson, to a report of a drunk man who would not leave the residence. Police say the 42 year old suspect struggled with them as they tried to place him in handcuffs and ended up kicking both officers during the struggle. Investigators say the man also damaged the interior of the patrol car door. Formal charges are pending against the suspect, whose name has not been released.
A 9 year old boy was killed when a farm tractor overturned on private property in Miller County, Tuesday evening. The Highway Patrol says 9 year old Chesney Rush of Eugene, MO, was riding on the tractor with his 40 year old father when the tractor overturned while crossing a pond dam. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens gave his first ‘State of the State’ address Tuesday evening. His message focused on job creation and the state’s economy. Greitens is calling for Missouri to join 27 other state in passing Right-to-work legislation. He also discussed changes to Missouri’s welfare system, saying ‘it should always pay more to work in the state of Missouri…and if your boss gives you a raise you should take home more money’. Democrats strongly oppose the Right-to-work issue and criticized the Governor for not presenting his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Boone County authorities are warning residents of several reports of scammers, who are pretending to be with Ameren UE and the City of Columbia Power and Light. The callers are telling residents that their utilities will be disconnected if they don’t provide a payment over the phone. Both Ameren UE and the City of Columbia reminds residents that they do not call citizens demanding immediate payment over the phone.
A Kirksville driver was injured in a Monday morning accident on Highway 6, just west of Green Castle. 28 year old Patrick Vangu, of Kirksville, was the driver of a westbound car. The patrol says it slid off the highway and overturned, coming to rest on its top, at around 5:30am. Vangu was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens announced budget cuts totaling $146 million dollars on Monday. The Governor says the cuts are necessary to keep the budget in balance, due to lower than expected tax revenues and rising costs in certain programs, such as Medicaid. They include a total of $56 million dollars from the core budgets of Missouri’s public universities, nearly $12 million dollars from community colleges and almost $9 million in busing aid for K thru 12 school districts. Greitens says more than $700 million dollars in cuts will be needed, over the next 18 months, to keep the state budget balanced. He will deliver his first State of the State address Tuesday evening.
HIGHWAY PATROL STUDENT ALLIANCE PROGRAM COMING UP
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is preparing for its two-day Student Alliance Program, which will be held on two consecutive Saturdays, March 11 and March 18, at the Patrol’s Troop B Headquarters in Macon. Troop B is seeking interested junior high and high school students, of good character, to apply for the program, which will include a variety of educational activities, intended to familiarize them with Highway Patrol operations and equipment. The program is limited to 20 students. Applications are available the Troop B Headquarters in Macon or by calling the patrol at 660-385-2132. Applications must be received by February 15.
Three people are recovering from injuries sustained in a Monday night accident in Boone County. It occurred just after 7pm at Brown School Road and Rangeline Street. The Boone County Fire Protection District says two vehicles were involved. Three occupants of the two vehicles were injured. Two of them were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
A Blue Springs driver is accused of DWI and careless driving, after a Monday morning accident on I-70 in Boone County. The patrol says 29 year old Delante Hamilton, of Blue Springs, was attempting to pass another vehicle when he lost control and it ran into the median and struck the median cables. Hamilton was treated for minor injuries.
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IMPROVING TRAVEL CONDITIONS MONDAY
Rain is falling across the area today, as temperatures continue to rise. NOTE: there are still some slick spots on untreated surfaces. Please use caution. We do have school announcements and cancellations – click the ‘cancellations’ tab for the latest.
SUSPECT WANTED AFTER EXCHANGE OF GUNFIRE WITH TROOPER 011617
Authorities continue to search for a suspect, after he exchanged gunfire with a highway patrol trooper Friday night in Saline County. The patrol says 35 year old Troy Bateman, of Marshall, is wanted in connection with the incident. It occurred when a trooper attempted to stop Bateman’s vehicle in Saline County, and the suspect vehicle crashed at an intersection. After trading gunfire with the trooper, the suspect fled into a field. The trooper was not injured. The patrol says Bateman has an active warrant for a burglary-related parole violation, in addition to Friday’s night’s incident.
An Iowa teenager was seriously injured in a Friday night accident on Route 15 in Scotland County. 17 year old Rebecca Cline, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, suffered serious injuries in the accident, which occurred just before 10pm. She was a passenger in a car driven by 18 year old Mekenzie Steeples, of Memphis. The patrol says the car ran off the highway, struck an embankment and overturned. Steeples and another passenger in the vehicle were treated for minor injuries.
An Auxvasse driver was treated for moderate injuries after a pickup ran off Highway 50 in Morgan County, early Saturday morning. 52 year old Kenneth Watring, of Auxvasse, was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment after the accident. The patrol says his westbound pickup ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
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The entire state of Missouri and portions of Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois are bracing for a potentially major ice storm this weekend. The National Weather Service says periods of freezing rain will cause significant ice accumulations, beginning this morning south of the I-70 corridor, and spreading northward throughout the afternoon and evening. Off and on freezing rain will continue throughout the weekend, until temperatures rise above the freezing mark Sunday morning in south Missouri…and Sunday afternoon and evening across the rest of the state. Ice accumulations are expected to be fairly light thru Saturday morning, with heavier freezing rain expected to cause additional problems Saturday afternoon thru Sunday morning. Widespread one-quarter to three-quarter inch ice accumulations are possible. Travel will be affected throughout the weekend and could be nearly impossible at times. Heavier ice accumulations could also cause tree limb and power line damage. MoDOT asks Missourians to avoid travel if possible.
An Arizona driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Sullivan County Route E, just west of Milan, Thursday afternoon. It occurred just before 2pm. 49 year old Diane Mittan, of Bullhead City, Arizona, was the driver of a southbound car. The patrol says is ran off the roadway and overturned. She was treated for moderate injuries at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan.
A Carrollton teenager escaped with just minor injuries, when his car ran off Highway 10 in Carroll County, early this (Fri) morning. 18 year old Nicholas Burton, of Carrollton, refused treatment after the accident, which occurred just after 12:30am. The patrol says his eastbound car ran off the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
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It looks like a significant ice storm for the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for nearly the entire state of Missouri. In north Missouri, the watch begins Friday afternoon and continues thru Sunday afternoon. In Central and South Missouri, the watch begins early Friday morning and continues thru Sunday morning. MoDOT is advising motorists to avoid travel if possible this weekend, as significant ice accumulations are expected to impact much of the state. A sleet-snow mix on Friday will change over to freezing rain by Friday night, with 'off an on' freezing rain continuing into Sunday. Widespread ice accumulations could range from a quarter of an inch, up to three-quarters of an inch in some locations. It is expected to dramatically affect travel and locations that receive the heavier ice amounts could see widespread tree and power line damage. The University of Missouri is advising students to wait until after the weekend to travel back to Columbia for classes. The spring semester at Mizzou is scheduled to start next week.
A Brunswick man has been charged with burglary and possession of a controlled substance this week. 40 year old Vincent Hohn, of Brunswick, was formally charged in Chariton County Circuit Court Wednesday morning. Hohn’s next court appearance is set for February 2nd.
Cooper County deputies are investigating an armed robbery at a truck stop on I-70 in Cooper County. It occurred just before 7:30am Wednesday. Investigators say a suspect wearing a ski mask entered the Dogwood Truck Stop, at the junction of I-70 and Highway 135. He threatened the attendant and fled with a small amount of cash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office.
Bagnell Dam and Osage Energy Center at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks will get a $52 million dollar upgrade, starting this spring. Ameren Missouri has announced that new anchors will be installed and more than 66 million pounds of new concrete will be installed on the downstream side of the dam. It will be the first major structural upgrade at Bagnell Dam in more than 30 years. The project is expected to take about 18 months to complete. Ameren says no long-term road closures are expected during the project and it will not impact the dam’s energy generation capacity.
A male suspect was shot, after threatening a Moberly Police Officer with a knife, during a Tuesday afternoon domestic incident in Moberly. Police were called to a residence in the 400 block of West Carpenter Street just after 1:30pm. Upon arrival, officers say a 37 year old white male subject was acting erratically, ran to the kitchen and grabbed a large knife and approached an officer in a threatening manner. The officer shot the suspect, who was taken to University Medical Center in serous condition. An investigation is underway by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
A Moberly man is charged with five counts of possession of child pornography, after an investigation ended this week. 27 year old Jianfei Lin, of Moberly, is accused in the case. Court documents indicate Lin’s home IP address came up in connection with an investigation into child pornography shared on the internet in June. A search warrant served on the home led to a desktop computer, which allegedly contained additional files. Lin was arraigned in Randolph County Circuit Court this week. He is free on $20,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Chillicothe Police arrested two suspects on a Buchanan County warrant, after a search and seizure at a home on St. Paul Street Tuesday. Officers were called to the residence for a property dispute. They say two suspects were arrested and narcotics and firearms were seized during a search of the home. Both suspects are in custody in the Daviess Dekalb Regional Jail. A minor at the scene was taken into protective custody by the Livingston County Children’s Division.
Both drivers were killed in a head-on collision, which occurred early this (Wed) morning on Highway 54 in Callaway County. The patrol says 40 year old Christopher Edwards, of Fulton, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane, at around 4:30am, when his vehicle struck an oncoming car, driven by 32 year old Christopher Steeleman, of New Bloomfield, head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two occupants of a car, from Columbia and Luray, MO, were injured in a Tuesday morning collision on Highway 63 in Boone County. It occurred just after 10am. 20 year old Antonio Carpenter, of Columbia, was the driver of the southbound car. The patrol says it struck another southbound vehicle and then ran off the roadway and struck a rock bluff. Carpenter sustained moderate injuries and his passenger, 22 year old Toujaye Carter, of Luray, was seriously injured. Both were treated at University Hospital in Columbia.
The murder case against a Macon man has been moved to Adair County on a change of venue. 38 year old Ray A. Holt, of Macon, has pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge, in connection with the October death of 34 year old Ryon Perkins, of Macon. Holt will appear for a trial-setting hearing on February 6. He remains in custody on one million dollars cash-only bond.
Missouri has a new Governor, after Eric Greitens was sworn in during ceremonies in Jefferson City on Monday. Four other state officials were also sworn in on the steps of the Capitol…Attorney General Josh Hawley, State Treasurer Eric Schmitt, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson. Meanwhile, Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway and her husband, Jon, announced the birth of their third son, who was born Friday afternoon. Galloway became the first statewide officeholder in Missouri’s history to have a baby while serving in office.
The Missouri Public Service commission will hold a pair of public hearings today (Tuesday), regarding an electric rate case filed by Ameren Missouri. A hearing will be held at noon at the Boonville Knights of Columbus Hall and another hearing is scheduled for 6pm at the Audrain County VFW Post in Mexico. Ameren seeks to increase its annual electric revenues by just over $206 million dollars. According to the filing, approval of the request would cost the average residential customer about $99 dollars per year.
A one-year old girl was killed and her mother and infant sister were seriously injured, in a Monday morning collision on Cole County Route M. 29 year old Beth Mandry, of Holts Summit, was the driver of their eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and then returned to the road, crossed the center line and struck an oncoming car, driven by 51 year old Sharon Twehouse, of Jefferson City. Mandry’s one-year old daughter was killed in the accident and she and her infant daughter were both taken to University Hospital with serious injuries. Twehouse was treated for moderate injuries at SSM Health in Jefferson City.
Police are investigating an early Monday morning armed robbery at the Break Time Convenience Store on Nebraska Avenue in Columbia. Police say two suspects entered the store at around 1:45 am Monday…they displayed handguns and demanded money. The two then fled the store northbound on foot. No injuries or property damage was reported. The Columbia Police investigation is continuing.
A Moberly teenager was seriously injured in a Saturday morning accident on a county road, northwest of Middle Grove. 18 year old Christopher Duvall, of Moberly, was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center and then flown to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 9:45am. The patrol says Duvall lost control on the snow-covered roadway. His car ran off the road, struck an embankment and overturned.
WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER PEDESTRIAN STRUCK
Chillicothe Police arrested a woman for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident, which caused physical injury to a pedestrian over the weekend. Officers were called to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 100 block of Trenton Road at around 2:30 Saturday morning. Ashley Bosley was arrested and charged with leaving the scene. Her bond was set at $5,000 dollars, cash-only.
Three Slater residents were injured in a Saturday afternoon accident, which occurred just after 1pm at the intersection of Saline County Routes D and P. 54 year old Theresa Robbins, of Slater, was the driver of an eastbound car. The patrol says it skidded through the intersection and struck an embankment. Robbins was treated for moderate injuries. Two passengers in the car, 51 year old Avonna Widner and 18 year old Thomas Widner, both of Slater, both were treated for minor injuries.
Autopsies are scheduled for today, in connection with Thursday night’s apparent murder-suicide, which occurred at a Macon home. Investigators say 38 year old Jared McKinney, of Cairo, arrived at the residence on Western Drive, in violation of an active protection order and intending to harm his estranged wife. Police say McKinney shot and killed a man who was leaving the home, identified as 40 year old Scott Speichinger, of Meadville. McKinney then tried to enter the home but apparently shot himself when the homeowners called police. Officers found both men dead in the back yard of the home. The investigation is ongoing.
Boone County authorities are investigating a shooting incident, which occurred early Saturday morning and injured a 40 year old man. Witnesses say the man was found in his car, suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, just after 1am Saturday on Demaret Drive in east Columbia. The incident is under investigation. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call 573-875-TIPS.
A Centralia driver was killed when two pickups collided on Highway 22 in Audrain County, at around 5:30pm Thursday evening. 62 year old Ralph Robertson, of Centralia, was life-flighted from the scene to University Hospital, where he died from injuries sustained in the accident. The patrol says Robertson’s eastbound pickup ran off the roadway and he over-corrected. His vehicle crossed the center line and struck an oncoming pickup, driven by 35 year old Cary Schulte, of Centralia. Schulte was not injured.
An 11 year old from Bogard suffered moderate injuries in a Thursday morning collision on I-70 in Jackson County. It occurred at around 9:45am. 11 year old Marie Borntrager, of Bogard, was a passenger in a car driven by 52 year old Marty J. Bennett, of Carrollton. The patrol says Bennett was overtaking another vehicle, when he lost control and his car struck the trailer of the other vehicle, then ran off the highway and struck a guard rail. The child was treated for moderate injuries at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
A Milan man has been charged with rape in Sullivan County Circuit Court. Court documents indicate Carlos Phanor was arrested Wednesday, after an investigation into alleged forcible rape. The incident allegedly occurred early Wednesday morning, in an apartment above the Main Street Café in Milan. The victim told police that she was at Phanor’s residence with her friend, who was dating the suspect’s brother, when it occurred. Phanor is being held on $50,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Columbia Police have arrested four suspects, in connection with a Wednesday night armed robbery, in the area of Alpine Drive and Mexico Gravel Road. Officers say three victims in a car were flagged down by a black male and when they stopped, three more men approached the car, two armed with handguns. The suspects fled the scene on foot, with property taken from the victims. Police arrested 23 year old Dantrell-Nash Jeter, 21 year old Walter Nash, 18 year old Jeremy Nash and 17 year old Keaveon Harris. They were able to locate the stolen property and three handguns.
There are school announcements this morning…click on cancellations for the latest info.
A Wednesday afternoon collision at a Kirksville intersection sent one driver the hospital and caused traffic problems for part of the afternoon. It occurred just after 2:30pm at the intersection of Highway 63 and Illinois Street. Investigators say a northbound semi tried to make a left turn off 63 and pulled into the path of an oncoming car. Neither driver’s name has been released, but both vehicles had South Dakota license plates. The female driver of the car was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A northeast Missouri man will spend 10 years in prison, after pleading guilty to attempting to meet an underage girl for sex. 55 year old Verle Gutting, of Alexandria, in Clark County, pleaded guilty in November to a charge of attempted statutory rape. His ten-year sentence was handed down Tuesday. Gutting was accused of contacting the social media profile of a 13 year old girl, which was operated by the Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit. After numerous messages were exchanged, Gutting allegedly arranged to meet the girl in downtown Kirksville. When he arrived for that meeting, Gutting was arrested by Kirksville Police.
A Mexico man is accused of child enticement and furnishing pornography to a minor, after a lengthy investigation by the Highway Patrol’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. 39 year old Christopher M. Deornellas, of Mexico, was arrested last September and faces multiple charges in the case. Investigators say Deornellas agreed to meet with Troopers who were posing on-line as a minor and a search of his residence turned up electronic and computer equipment used to commit the crimes. He is being held on $75,000 dollars bond.
There were no serious injuries when an SUV collided with an Amish buggy on Highway 156, west of La Plata, Tuesday afternoon. It occurred just after 4:30pm. 67 year old Marilyn Sinnock, of Ethel, was the driver of the westbound SUV. The patrol says her vehicle struck the rear of a westbound Amish Buggy, driven by 40 year old Noah Schwartz, of La Plata. The SUV ran off the roadway and struck a ditch and a tree…the buggy ran off the road and overturned. Sinnock and her passenger, Vernon Bontrager, of Stotts, were both treated for minor injuries. No one in the buggy was injured.
A Bethany teenager was treated and released with just minor injuries, after her car ran off Highway 13, just south of Bethany, Tuesday afternoon. 18 year old Ashley Lerette, of Bethany, was the driver of the northbound car. The patrol says she was wearing her seatbelt when her car ran off the highway and struck an embankment and a tree, at around 1:45pm. She was treated for minor injuries at Harrison County Community Hospital.
A Columbia man is in custody, in connection with a recent burglary in Macon. Seth R. Ivie, of Columbia, was taken into custody in Boonville and is being held on $9,000 dollars bond. Ivie is charged with three felony counts of stealing. Investigators say the theft occurred last week, in the 700 block of North Rutherford in Macon. The victim reported two firearms and a laptop computer stolen and supplied police with a description of the suspect.
A former Chillicothe resident is in custody in the Livingston County Jail, after being extradited from Massachusetts, in connection with a 2008 burglary. U.S. Marshals assisted in the arrest of 27 year old Aidan Volker. Reports indicate Volker had evaded arrest by living with relatives in Canada. U.S. Agencies were able to work with Canadian authorities to have Volker deported and he was charged in Massachusetts as a fugitive from justice. He faces two Livingston County burglary charges.
Columbia Police say a December 8 apartment fire is being investigated as arson. The fire occurred in the 2300 block of South Providence Road. It resulted in the total loss of apartment A in the complex and also caused smoke damage to an adjoining unit. Investigators say no arrests have been made, but it has been determined that the fire was intentionally set.
A Mexico man has been formally charged in connection with a shooting incident, which occurred Sunday in Mexico. Daryl Richardson was arrested at the scene of the incident, Sunday afternoon, after an argument ended with Richardson allegedly shooting a man twice. Richardson is charged with second-degree attempted murder, assault and armed criminal action. The victim was treated at University Hospital and has since been released.
Effective January 1, Liberty Utilities has announced the completion of its acquisition of, and merger with, The Empire District Electric Company, based in Joplin, along with its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Empire District Gas Company. The Empire Companies serve a total of 218,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Officials say the companies have been working together for several months, leading up to the closing of the transaction. Customers will continue to contact Empire using the same office locations, website and telephone numbers. Customers will notice a ‘refreshed’ Empire logo, to be introduced over the next few months.
Eastbound Highway 36 will be re-routed over the exit ramps at the Hamilton Junction for the next few weeks, beginning today (Tuesday). A repair project on the Highway 13 overpass will cause the closure of all lanes of Eastbound 36, from approximately 7:30am to 3:30pm daily, Monday thru Friday, weather permitting, beginning today. Traffic will be rerouted up and over the exit ramps at Route 13. The project is weather permitting and will take about a month to complete.
STRIPING PROJECT BEGINS AT BOONE COUNTY INTERCHANGES
Contractors for the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin a striping project at the U.S. 63 interchanges with Boone County Routes WW and AC, beginning today (Tuesday). Weather permitting, striping crews will work daily, between 9am and 3pm for the next several weeks. Motorists can expect lane closures at those interchanges, along with slow-moving vehicles and crews on foot. Again, that work begins today, weather permitting, at the Highway 63 interchanges with Boone County Routes WW and AC.
A Columbia man and an Iowa woman are both free on bond, after their arrest Monday in connection with a Callaway County burglary. Deputies responded to the Stephens area in Callaway County Monday morning, and found the two suspects…35 year old Justin Archuleta, of Columbia and 36 year old Alicia Kaufmann, from Iowa. Achuleta was arrested for burglary, stealing and possession of marijuana. Kaufman was arrested for trespassing. Both are free on bond.
A Kirksville driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Highway 3 in Macon County, early Monday morning. 23 year old Richie Ngana, of Kirksville, was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 1:15am, just south of Callao. The patrol says her northbound vehicle ran off the roadway, down an embankment and overturned.
A Fayette driver was seriously injured when his car ran off Highway 240 in Howard County, early Sunday morning. 22 year old Chance Wheelan, of Fayette, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred just after 3am. The patrol says he failed to negotiate a curve and his southbound car ran off the roadway, went airborne, struck the ground and overturned.
A Marshall teen suffered moderate injuries when his car ran off Highway 65 in Saline County, just after midnight Sunday. 19 year old Roberto Hernandez Linares, of Marshall, was the driver of a northbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway, struck the median and overturned. Linares was treated at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
Mexico Police arrested a suspect in connection with a Sunday afternoon shooting incident. It occurred just before 4pm. Investigators say 22 year old Daryl Richardson was taken into custody. Richardson is accused of shooting a 25 year old male victim twice as he walked away from him. Richardson is being held, pending formal charges for assault and armed criminal action. The victim was treated at University Hospital.
A man is charged with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal traffic crash, which occurred in Columbia Friday night. 33 year old Joshua M. Keller, of Jefferson City, is also charged with assault, driving while revoked and careless and imprudent driving. 39 year old Sebastian Sneed, of Columbia, was killed in the collision, which occurred at around 8:40pm at Business Loop East and Eastland Circle. A 6 year old child in Sneed’s vehicle was injured.
NOVINGER MAN CHARGED AFTER DOMESTIC DISPUTE
A Novinger man faces multiple charges, after authorities say he assaulted a family member and pointed a gun at another man during a dispute. 40 year old Jesse L. Billington, of Novinger, was charged Wednesday with two counts of domestic assault, one count of assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Court documents accuse Billington of kicking a family member and striking that family member with the butt of a shotgun after an argument. He also allegedly pointed the gun at another man after repeatedly punching him in the face. Billington is being held on $100,000 dollars cash only bond.
MAN ARRESTED FOR METH AFTER FLEEING ON A BICYCLE
Kirksville Police report the arrest of a suspect on meth charges, after he tried to flee officers on a bicycle. 37 year old Clifford M. Eiler, of Kirksville, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. Police say Eiler was wanted on an outstanding warrant when he was spotted on a bicycle on Normal Avenue in Kirksville Thursday. Eiler allegedly tried to flee on the bicycle, but was arrested after a short chase. A search turned up a baggie of crystal fragments that tested positive for meth, along with a checkbook that was reported stolen. Eiler is being held on $25,000 dollars cash only bond.
A Marceline man was treated for moderate injuries after his farm tractor overturned on a Linn County road, Thursday afternoon. 48 year old Daniel B. Hays, of Marceline, was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield after the accident, which occurred at around 3:15pm. The patrol says his northbound tractor ran off Neward Drive, just east of Marceline, struck a mailbox and overturned.
MORE ON THURSDAY MORNING FATAL ACCIDENT IN COLUMBIA
The Highway Patrol has released details on an accident on West Worley Street in Columbia, which occurred early Thursday morning and killed a Columbia woman. 51 year old Karin Kespohl, of Columbia, died in the accident, which occurred at around 1:15am. The patrol says her westbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when she lost control. It ran off the roadway and overturned, striking a parked vehicle and a house. Kespohl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The City of Moberly reminds residents that its annual Christmas tree pickup will be in two weeks – on Friday, January 13, weather permitting. Residents are asked to be sure all decorations have been removed – if there are any visible decorations the trees can not be picked up. Trees need to be placed curbside for pickup by 6am on the morning of the 13th. For more information, call the City at 269-9450.
A Linn County man faces multiple felony charges, after being accused of trading drugs and alcohol for sex with a 15 year old girl, while he was employed as a janitor at the Linn County R-1 School. Court documents accuse 57 year old Steven Klinger with having a sexual relationship with the teen and giving her Xanax and alcohol in exchange for sex multiple times since August of 2015. The victim says their relationship began at the school, but the incidents allegedly occurred at Klinger’s home. Klinger is charged with distributing a controlled substance to a minor, statutory sodomy, statutory rape, sexual misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child, child molestation and supplying liquor to a minor. He is being held on $100,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Nebraska authorities say three northeast Missouri teens are charged, after one of them allegedly brandished a gun at a driver and drugs were found in their vehicle. 19 year old David Overbeck of Queen City and 19 year old Caleb Nelson and Aubriana Meinen, both of Kirksville, were arrested Tuesday on Interstate 80 near Lexington, Nebraska. All three are charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and Overbeck is also charged with illegal use of a weapon and making a terrorist threat. Their vehicle was stopped after a motorist told the Nebraska State Patrol that one of the teens had pointed a gun at them. Troopers say a search of the vehicle turned up several large bags of marijuana.
No injuries were reported, after a plane made a rough landing at the Macon-Fower Memorial Airport on Wednesday. Authorities say it occurred at around 1:15pm. The plane ended up off the runway, after a strut broke during the landing. No one was injured and airport operations were only briefly affected.
Missouri Governor-elect Eric Greitens has picked a Shelby County woman to be the next director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Greitens announced the selection of 41 year old Chris Chinn, of Clarence on Tuesday. Chinn and her husband Kevin are fifth-generation farmers, who raise hogs, cattle and crops in Shelby County. The announcement describes Chinn as a leading advocate for agriculture and family farms. Her appointment is subject to the approval of the Missouri Senate next month.
An overnight traffic crash on Worley, near Park De Ville Place in Columbia, shut down the roadway and caused a fatality. Police were called to the scene at around 1:30am. They say a car struck another vehicle and a utility box and one female victim was killed. They have not released the name of the victim, pending notification of relatives.
A new trial date has been set, in connection with an alleged rape and robbery on the University of Missouri Campus. The incident occurred in May of 2015. Mohamed Mostafa is accused in the case. A mistrial was declared in November, after the jury was unable to come to a verdict. The new trial is scheduled for March, in Boone County. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for February 27.
A Cameron driver suffered moderate injuries when his car ran off a Caldwell County road, Tuesday morning. 81 year old John T. Riffle, of Cameron, was treated at Cameron Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred just after 9am. The patrol says he failed to negotiate a curve on Sale Barn Road, just east of Cameron. His vehicle ran onto a secondary road, then struck a ditch and overturned.
Columbia Police report another car theft, which occurred while the vehicle was running to warm up in an apartment complex parking lot. It occurred at around 5:30am Tuesday, at The Greens at Columbia. Officers found the stolen vehicle later in the morning. Police say one male suspect ran from the area of the vehicle and a search of the area with a K9 unit was unable to locate the man. The investigation is ongoing.
The Macon R-1 PTO will host a basketball game, featuring the Harlem Wizards, next week. The Wizards will take on a team of Macon teachers, administrators and community members on Friday, January 6, at 6:30pm in the Macon High School Gym. Tickets are on sale at Macon Atlanta State Bank and they will also be available at the Macon Elementary Office next week. Proceeds will support the Macon R-1 PTO.
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free workshop on the basics of fly tying, on Saturday, January 7, from 2 to 6pm, at the Department’s Regional Office in Kirksville. Anyone age 12 and older is eligible to register for the free clinic. The Department will supply all necessary equipment. To register, call the MDC office in Hannibal at 573-248-2530 or visit the Department of Conservation website.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has reported a total of six fatalities on Missouri highways during the Christmas Holiday weekend. One of those fatalities occurred in north Missouri. 27 year old Brooke J. Summers, of Salisbury, was killed in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Friday night on Highway 5, south of Marceline. The patrol says she was ejected from her northbound vehicle, when it ran off the highway, struck a culvert and overturned at around 11pm.
A Maysville driver suffered moderate injuries when his car ran off Route 33, north of Osborn in DeKalb County, Monday night. 29 year old Bradley Diller, of Maysville, was treated at Cameron Regional Medical Center after the accident. The patrol says his northbound car ran off the highway, down an embankment and struck a tree.
Four people were injured, none seriously, in a Monday evening collision on Highway 65, just north of Chillicothe. It occurred just before 6pm. The patrol says a northbound car, driven by 56 year old David Buttman, of Chillicothe, was slowing to turn when it was struck in the rear by a car, driven by 21 year old April Whipple, of Princeton. Two occupants of each vehicle were treated for minor injuries at Hedrick Medical Center.
A Chillicothe teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a car ran off Livingston County Route Y, on Friday. 18 year old Hannah Leeper, of Chillicothe, was taken to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 7:30am. She was a passenger in a northbound car, driven by 20 year old Jacob Search, of Chillicothe. The patrol says it slid off the snow and ice covered roadway and struck a ditch.
One person was treated for moderate injuries after a vehicle ran off Highway 24, just east of Paris, Monday evening. It occurred just after 6:30pm. 20 year old Ashley Dollard, of Gravois Mills, was the driver of the eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. Dollard was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
FOUR HURT IN CHRISTMAS DAY I-70 CRASH
Four Kansas City residents were injured when their vehicle ran off Eastbound I-70 in Boone County, on Christmas Day. The accident occurred just before 2pm. 31 year old Kelly Garrett, of Kansas City was the driver of the eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the highway and overturned. Garrett and a 10 year old passenger from Kansas City both suffered serious injuries. Two other passenger, age 11 and 12, were both treated for moderate injuries. All four were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
A couple were arrested for burglary, after allegedly breaking into a home, just north of Columbia, Sunday afternoon. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department says Brandon Lee Edwards and Brittney Marie Edwards were arrested at the residence, located in the 8200 block of Wade School Road. They are accused of entering Brittney Edwards’ ex-husbands home uninvited, and she allegedly slapped her ex. Both were charged with burglary and she is also charged with domestic assault.
The Highway Patrol has released details on a fatal accident, which occurred at around 8:20 Wednesday morning at the Route 156/Route E intersection in Newark, in Knox County. The patrol says a southbound car driven by 60 year old Michael Varner, of LaBelle, tried to cross 156 and failed to yield to an oncoming tractor-trailer driven by 37 year old Joshlin Yoder, of Leonard. Varner was ejected from his car when it was struck in the passenger side by the semi. He was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, where he was pronounced dead. Yoder was not injured in the accident.
A Linneus woman was treated for just minor injuries after a Thursday afternoon collision on Kahn Drive, about 8 miles north of Brookfield. It occurred just before 3:30pm. 45 year old Suzanne Jungles, of Linneus, was treated and released at Pershing Memorial Hospital after the accident. The patrol says her southbound SUV met and collided with a northbound pickup at a hillcrest. The driver of the pickup, 16 year old Delanie Smith of Brookfield, was not injured.
A statewide Amber Alert for a 5-month old St. Louis area girl was cancelled Thursday night, after the girl was found safe. The alert was issued after the child was abducted Monday from a location in Normandy, MO. Two black male suspects and a black female were being sought in connection with the incident. Investigators say the child and her mother were in a vehicle with four other individuals. The mother and one male subject exited the vehicle and the others drove off in the van, with the child inside. Police reported finding the child safe. No further information was released regarding the suspects.
Columbia Police are investigating a shooting incident, which occurred in the 1000 block of Claudell Lane on Thursday. They say one victim found at the scene was suffering from life-threatening injuries. A second victim, with lesser injuries, was found in a different part of the same apartment complex. Both victims were males in their late teens or early 20’s and both were taken to Columbia hospitals for treatment. Neither victim’s identity has been released. Police are investigating the incident and will release more information as it becomes available.
A Putnam County teenager was treated for moderate injuries after his pickup ran off Route 149, just south of Martinstown, Wednesday evening. 18 year old Brenden Smyser, of Livonia, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the highway, struck a ditch and overturned several times, just after 6pm. Smyser was treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
An elderly south Missouri man, who was reported missing Wednesday has been found safe. According to an Endangered Silver Advisory, issued Wednesday, 89 year old Gerald Smith was missing from his home in Nixa, MO. Smith suffers from congestive heart failure and dementia and his debit had been used in southeastern, Iowa. The advisory was cancelled Wednesday night after Smith was found safe.
A longtime familiar face at the Kirksville City Hall will soon be saying farewell. Kirksville City Clerk Vickie Brumbaugh is retiring after 42 years of service with the city. She was first hired as a secretary on January 6, of 1975 and was appointed City Clerk and executive secretary to the City Manager in September of 1988. Brumbaugh was honored during her last city council meeting, this past Monday night. Her last day on the job will be January 6.
The Columbia Police Department is reminding residents of the potential dangers of leaving your car running and unattended, while warming up the vehicle. A total of seven vehicles have been reported stolen in this manner, since the beginning of December. The latest occurred Wednesday on Mikel Street. The department reminds you to never leave your vehicle unattended, even if it’s just for a minute…roll up your windows and lock your car…park in well-lit public areas…and never leave valuables in your vehicle in plain sight.
Randolph County emergency personnel have a significant number of new emergency radios to work with, after a donation from the City of Eureka. Eureka donated 16 vehicle radios and 37 hand-held radios to Randolph County, after recently completing a replacement of their existing communications system. Officials say they were presented to firefighters in Randolph County’s Northeastern, Eastern, Southeastern and Higbee fire protection districts, Wednesday night.
Two drivers were injured in a collision at the Highway 63/Route 6 intersection in Kirksville on Tuesday. Police say a pickup, driven by 84 year old Stanley Wilson, of Canton, was eastbound on Route 6, when his vehicle collided with a northbound car on Highway 63. That car was driven by 53 year old John Schmidt, of Lake Ozark. Both drivers had to be cut free from their vehicles and both were taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
A Bevier teenager escaped with just minor injuries when her SUV overturned off Macon County Route C, just south of Bevier, Tuesday morning. 18 year old Alyssa Gunnels, of Bevier, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says she was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident. Her vehicle slid off the roadway, struck the ground and overturned, at around 10:45am. She was treated and released at Samaritan Hospital in Macon, with just minor injuries.
A Moberly man was the driver of a semi, which struck and killed a pedestrian on I-70 in Warren County, Tuesday evening. The accident occurred just after 5:20pm. 44 year old Mark Miller, of Moberly, was the driver of a westbound tractor-trailer. The patrol says 20 year old Darryl Boyle, of O’Fallon, tried to cross the interstate on foot and was struck by Miller’s truck. Boyle was taken to SSM St. Joseph Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Miller was not injured in the accident.
Two people were seriously injured when their vehicle was struck by a train at an Audrain County railroad crossing. It occurred Tuesday morning at around 11:15am on Audrain County Road 577 at U.S. 54. 46 year old Melissa Hodde, of Vandalia, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says it drove into the path of a westbound train. Hodde and her passenger, 37 year old Stephanie Stephens, of West Plains, both were ejected from the vehicle after impact. Both were life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
A Kirksville man was treated for injuries after his car burned in a Kirksville parking lot, Monday morning. Kirksville Police and Firefighters were called to the scene just before 8:30am. They found the car fully engulfed. They say the owner, 49 year old Steven Glaspie, of Kirksville, suffered flash burns to his hair, face and right arm as he tried to reach for the ignition to shut the car off. He was taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Officials say the cause of the fire was a mechanical failure of the car’s exhaust system.
The official cause of a December 2 fire that destroyed the Kirksville Arts Center building will be listed as ‘undetermined’, after completion of the investigation. Authorities say there was no evidence of foul play, but investigators were unable to determine the exact cause, due to the extreme damage caused by the blaze, making the structure unsafe. The Kirksville Arts Association is accepting bids for demolition of the burned-out building, located just a block south of the Kirksville square. A timeline for the work is still pending.
A Richmond woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Monday afternoon collision on Highway 36, just east of Chillicothe. 41 year old Angela Stith, of Richmond, was treated at Hedrick Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 2:30pm. She was a passenger in an eastbound car driven by 50 year old Richard Stith, of Richmond. The patrol says Stith had just turned onto Highway 36 when a vehicle driven by 42 year old Andrew Lane, of Moberly, crested a hill and struck Stith’s vehicle in the rear.
Three St. Charles residents were injured in a Monday afternoon accident on Monroe County Route D, just east of Santa Fe. 66 year old Ronald Buenemann, of St. Charles, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says it slid off the roadway and overturned. Buenemann suffered moderate injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, 32 year old Jordan Buenamann, of St. Charles, also was treated for moderate injuries. 64 year old Laurie Buenamann, also of St. Charles, was treated for minor injuries. All three were taken to SSM Hospital in Mexico.
Three Holliday residents escaped with just minor injuries, when their vehicle ran off Audrain County Route C, just after noon Monday. 29 year old Amanda Shumard, of Holliday, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, down an embankment and overturned. All three occupants of the vehicle were wearing safety devices. Shumard, and two passengers, 29 year old Lacey Shumard and 7 year old Christopher Shumard, all declined treatment for minor injuries.
WE HAVE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS – Click ‘Cancellations’ tab above for the latest list!!!
The weekend ‘winter mess’ caused numerous traffic crashed across the area over the weekend, but fortunately, most of those crashes did not involve significant injuries. Road conditions will continue to slowly improve this week, with sunshine and warmer temperatures in the forecast.
A Moberly driver was treated for moderate injuries after his SUV ran off Randolph County Route B, southeast of Higbee, Saturday afternoon. 49 year old Thomas C. Lee, of Moberly, was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred just after noon Saturday. The patrol says he lost control on the ice-covered roadway and the vehicle ran off the road and struck an unoccupied vehicle.
A Milan driver was treated for moderate injuries after his vehicle ran off Highway 36 in Buchanan County, Saturday afternoon. 42 year old Jose Luis Aguilar, of Milan, was treated at Mosaic Life Care Center in St. Joseph, after the accident. It occurred at around 12:45pm. The patrol says he lost control on the ice-covered roadway and his vehicle spun off the road, struck an embankment and overturned.
An endangered person advisory for a Gallatin boy, who was reported missing last weekend, has been cancelled, after 7 year old Seth Davis was found safe in Texas. Authorities had been seeking the child and his father, 32 year old Anthony Davis, after he failed to show up for a custody exchange in Chillicothe last week. The child was found safe in the Brownsville, Texas area. Anthony Davis was arrested on charges of parental kidnapping. He is being held in Texas on $15,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A Unionville driver was treated for moderate injuries after his van ran off Highway 149, just south of Grayville in Putnam County, early this (Fri) morning. 57 year old Albert Suitt, of Unionville, was the driver of the northbound van. The patrol says it ran off the highway and struck a tree at around 12:30am. Suitt was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
A Laclede driver was treated for minor injuries after a Thursday morning collision on Route 139, north of Meadville. It occurred just after 8am. The patrol says 16 year old Keith Herring, of Linneus, failed to yield while turning onto the highway and pulled into the path of a northbound van, driven by 49 year old Troy Dunkin, of Laclede. Dunkin was treated for minor injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital.
Two residents of a Chillicothe home were arrested, after police were called to a domestic disturbance, Thursday evening. Officers arrested Jonathan Bryce Ranes for domestic assault, resisting arrest and assault of a law enforcement officer. He was held overnight in the Daviess-Dekald Regional Jail. Rachele Dawn Ranes was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana
The Ralls County Sheriff’s Department is calling a woman’s death a possible homicide. Police found the body of 53 year old Sue Epperson, inside a home in New London Wednesday, after Epperson’s daughter reported she hadn’t heard from her mother in several days. No further details on her death have been released. The Northeast Missouri Major Case Squad is assisting in the investigation.
A Centralia woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Thursday afternoon on Highway 54 at the Auxvasse Creek Bridge in Callaway County. 30 year old Shana Taylor, of Centralia, died in the accident, which occurred at around 2:20pm. The patrol says her westbound pickup ran off the highway, struck a concrete grate then vaulted off an embankment and overturned, coming to rest in a creek. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
From KTVO.com: Witnesses say a shooting, which occurred Tuesday night at the Green City Motel and Party Mart, was accidental. The Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. One victim was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia, after suffering a gunshot wound to the pelvis. According to the KTVO report, family members say the victim’s brother and his girlfriend were fighting when the victim arrived at the motel and that his brother locked himself in the bathroom and threatened suicide. The victim says the gun accidentally discharged when he kicked open the bathroom door. Authorities have not released the names of those involved. The Highway Patrol’s investigation is ongoing.
The FBI is investigating possible mismanagement of funds and narcotics by an employee of the Knox County Ambulance District in Edina. Officials confirmed that investigators were called in August and asked to look at possible theft within the District. They say they can not comment further on an ongoing investigation.
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway says Sullivan County has issues that need to be addressed immediately, after a recent audit of the County’s finances. Of particular concern to auditors is an apparent lack of documentation in the Sullivan County Public Administrator’s Office. The audit also cites inadequate review of the Public Administrator’s case activity by the circuit court, lack of oversight in the County Collector/Treasurer’s Office and possible Sunshine Law violations by the County Commission. Sullivan County received an overall performance rating of ‘poor’.
Two Moberly residents were treated for moderate injuries after their car ran off Highway 24, just west of Moberly, Wednesday night. 28 year old Tia Goble, of Moberly, was the driver of the eastbound car. The patrol says she swerved to avoid a deer and the car ran off the roadway and struck a tree, at around 8:45pm. Goble and her passenger, 20 year old Roben Teter, of Moberly, were both treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
Hallsville City Officials have announced the hiring of a new Police Chief. Robert Bias, a former assistant chief in Centralia, will be sworn in at the end of the month. Hallsville has been operating without any full time officers for he past month. Bias says one of his first goals, after taking over as chief, will be to hire full time officers for the department. Bias will meet with the public at the Hallsville City Hall on the morning of December 27, followed by his swearing in ceremony.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has awarded Certified Work Ready Status to Boone County. The certification completes a three and a half year process by county leaders to earn the designation. It means the county has a system in place to provide irrefutable data showing Boone County can deliver a quality workforce for current and prospective employers.
Macon Police say the driver of a tractor-trailer that struck a Macon first-grader Monday evening did not know he had hit the girl as the drove through a Macon intersection. Investigators say northbound and southbound vehicle traffic at the crosswalk had a green light when the girl tried to cross Highway 63. 6 year old Jaddin Knouse, of Macon, was flown to University Hospital in Columbia and then transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, after the accident. She was listed in fair and stable condition on Tuesday.
Kirksville Police say the hay bale fire that lit up Kirksville Friday evening is considered suspicious. The fire ignited 40 large bales of hay in a field in the 4500 block of North Lincoln Street late Friday afternoon. Investigators say there was no heat source near the bales at the time of the fire, causing suspicion as to its cause. Kirksville, Adair County and Novinger firefighters battled the fire for several hours Friday evening.
A Moberly driver was treated for just minor injuries after his pickup ran off Route 22 in Audrain County, Tuesday morning. 54 year old Kenton Stallman, of Moberly, was the driver of a westbound vehicle, which skidded on the icy roadway, ran onto the shoulder, struck a guard rail and overturned, just before 7am. Stallman was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Livingston County authorities report an arrest in connection with an auto theft investigation, which began nearly a year ago. 31 year old Gregory Allen Simpson, of Independence was arrested over the weekend at a rural Livingston County home. Deputies say he attempted to flee from officers on foot during the arrest and was again apprehended. He’s been charged with tampering with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest and is being held on $25,000 dollars bond. Investigators say a vehicle was stolen from a location on Old Highway 190 on January 31. The vehicle was used to damage property in rural Livingston County and was involved in a pursuit in Daviess County before being ditched in a remote area near Kearney. Officials say testing on DNA evidence found in the vehicle was recently completed and resulted in Simpson’s arrest.
One person has been hospitalized after an early-morning crash in southern Boone County. Officials say it occurred on Highway 63, just north of Deer Park Road. They say a tire blowout apparently caused the accident, which briefly blocked one lane of Southbound 63, just after 4am. Troopers are still investigation, but the crash scene has been cleared.
A Columbia man has been arrested after official say multiple videos depicting child pornography were found in his home. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department’s Cyber Crimes Task Force arrested 25 year old Cole Woll Tuesday. Investigators looked into the crime after downloading child pornography from a computer located in Columbia. Several computers were seized during Woll’s arrest. His bond has not yet been set.
From KTVO.com: A Macon girl was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after she was struck by a tractor-trailer, while trying to cross Highway 63 at the Macon School, Monday evening. The accident occurred just before 5:30pm. Macon Police say the girl tried to cross the road against the crosswalk sign and that oncoming traffic had a green light, when she was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer. The driver of the semi failed to stop after the accident and the vehicle and a person of interest have been identified as the investigation continues. Family members told KTVO the injured girl is Macon first-grader, 6 year old Jaddin Knouse. They say she was flown to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment and then transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital Monday night. More information on the accident investigation is expected to be released Tuesday.
Authorities have issued an endangered person advisory for a Gallatin boy, who is believed to be with his non-custodial father. 7 year old Seth Davis, of Gallatin, has been missing since his father failed to show up for a custody exchange at the Chillicothe Wal-Mart on December 4. Authorities say the father, 32 year old Anthony Davis, suffers from an undisclosed mental health issue, and was last seen driving a dark red 1998 Dodge Durango with Missouri license SM4-G3N. Davis is also wanted on Daviess County warrants for failure to pay child support. He is described as a white male, about 5-11 and 130 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. The child is about 4 feet tall and 50 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact Gallatin Police at 660-663-9512.
ST. JOSEPH DRIVER HURT IN LIVINGSTON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A driver from St. Joseph was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Highway 36, just east of Chillicothe, Monday evening. 24 year old Jenna Ebbers was treated at Hedrick Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 7pm. The patrol says her eastbound car ran off the roadway, into the median, then struck the edge of a culvert at a crossover.
A Monday night chase through Boone County ended with one arrest by Deputies. They say the pursuit ended in the 7000 block of Kircher Road, and the suspect attempted to flee his vehicle on foot but was taken into custody. No further details on the pursuit have been released, but authorities have confirmed that it was a felony arrest.
BROOKFIELD FIRST GRADE SEEKS MISSING GINGERBREAD MEN
The Brookfield R-3 First Grade asks you to be on the lookout for their missing gingerbread men. They say a total of 77 gingerbread men apparently ran away from the Brookfield Elementary School cafeteria yesterday (Monday) morning. They are described as about 3 inches tall, brown in color and they had not yet been decorated. Anyone who sees the gingerbread men are asked not to eat them, but to contact the Brookfield Elementary School office with any information.
Two Brookfield drivers were injured in a Friday afternoon collision on Route M, about five miles north of Brookfield. It occurred at around 4:40pm. The patrol says a northbound pickup, driven by 24 year old Jasmine Stanfield, of Brookfield, crossed the center line and collided with a southbound car, driven by 48 year old Michael Fowler, of Brookfield. Both drivers were taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital, where Stanfield was treated for moderate injuries and Fowler was treated for minor injuries.
A Clark teenager sustained moderate injuries when his car ran off Route 124 in Boone County, Sunday night. 17 year old Daniel Sartin, of Clark, was taken to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 10:30pm. The patrol says his eastbound car ran off the roadway and struck a concrete driveway, then became airborne and overturned several times.
ONE KILLED, TWO SERIOUSLY HURT IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia man was killed and drivers from Centralia and Columbia both suffered serious injuries in a Saturday evening collision on Route 124, just south of Boone County Route JJ. It occurred at around 9:45pm. The patrol says a southbound car driven by 39 year old Aaron K. Dow, of Columbia, crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming car, driven by 54 year old Rebecca Coulter, of Centralia. A passenger in Dow’s vehicle, 55 year old Ricky McGinnis, of Columbia, was killed in the accident. Dow was life-flighted to University Hospital with serious injuries. Coulter also was seriously injured…she was taken to University Hospital by ambulance.
A Mexico man is accused of breaking into a Columbia area home, after his arrest Sunday morning. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 4300 block of Santa Barbara Drive, just before 4:30am Sunday. 25 year old Charles Buchanan of Mexico was arrested at the scene. He is accused of entering the home and assaulting one of the residents. Buchanan is charged with burglary, leaving the scene and was also wanted on outstanding warrants for non-support and failure to appear.
Boonville Police are investigating an armed robbery, which occurred Saturday night near Santa Fe Trail and Riviera Drive. Police say a victim was robbed at gunpoint. Officer’s located a supect’s car and a pursuit ensued. During that chase, the vehicle crashed at a Boonville intersection and multiple suspects fled on foot. A search of the area with a K9 unit turned up one of the suspects, who was hiding in a back yard. The investigation continues…anyone with information is urged to contact Boonville Police.
A former Callao School Board member has been selected to serve a temporary term on the board. Officials say Dale Wreidt previously served on the Callao Board for nine years. He has been selected to replace Bobby Rhoads, who recently resigned from the board. Wreidt will serve Rhoads term until April, when that seat will be up for re-election.
A Brunswick driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 24 in Carroll County, late Thursday night. 43 year old Michael Mayer, of Brunswick, was taken to Carroll County Memorial Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 11:15pm. The patrol says his eastbound car ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and a utility pole and overturned.
One suspect was arrested after a Thursday morning pursuit in Moberly ended with the crash of a stolen vehicle. Authorities say an attempted a traffic stop at Logan and Morley in Moberly turned into a pursuit, as the vehicle had been reported stolen from Salisbury. It ended on Rollins Street, near Meadowbrook Drive, where the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned in the roadway. 54 year old Anthony Epperson, of Monroe County, was arrested for tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest and distribution of meth. He was in custody, at last report, on $55,000 dollars bond. Two other occupants of the vehicle were released.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says foul play is not suspected in connection with an unattended death investigation. Deputies were called to a rural residence in north central Livingston County, Wednesday afternoon, for a well-being check on an individual. They discovered that a 54 year old male of Chillicothe was deceased at that location. A news release says foul play is not suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force reported the rescue of 59 animals from private property outside Marshall in Saline County. They say 49 dogs, 5 potbellied pigs, 3 miniature horses and 1 goat were found living outdoors in dilapidated, trash-strewn pens and enclosures. The task force had been working with the owner of the property since early November to try to improve living conditions. Ultimately the owner realized he was overwhelmed in trying to care for so many animals and agreed to cooperate with the Humane Society rescue. The animals will be examined and treated before being made available for adoption.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATING FIVE CAR BREAK-INS
Columbia Police are investigating five reports of cars being broken into, while parked at three Columbia gyms, Wednesday morning. The break-ins happened between 9am and noon, in the parking lots at three different locations, the Activity and Recreation Center, All Group Fitness and Pro Fitness. Investigators say all five vehicles had their passenger side windows smashed and the owners had left items in plain sight inside the vehicles. Residents are, once again, urged to not leave items of value where they can be seen inside your vehicle…and shoppers are encouraged to put purchase in the trunk, if the vehicle is to be left unattended.
Columbia firefighters say one person was injured when a vehicle burned in the 3200 block of Creasy Springs Road on Thursday. Fire crews called to the scene found the vehicle fully engulfed and one occupants with significant burns, outside the vehicle. The victim was taken to University Hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
A La Plata man was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after a Wednesday morning collision on Highway 63 in Macon County. 22 year old Travis Clay was flown to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30am, about a mile north of the Atlanta junction. The patrol says Clay’s northbound vehicle was struck in the rear by a car driven by 34 year old Danny Couch, of La Plata. After the collision, Clay was partially ejected from his vehicle when it ran off the highway and overturned.
A Hamilton woman suffered moderate injuries when her car ran off Ray County Route H and overturned, just after noon Wednesday. 35 year old Jayme Knudsen, of Hamilton, was treated at Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond after the accident. The patrol says she lost control of her eastbound car in a curve and it ran off the highway and came to rest on its side.
CHILDREN OF MURDER SUSPECT FILE WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT
The three children of a Kirksville murder suspect have filed a wrongful death suit against their father, who is accused of fatally shooting their mother in mid-November. 40 year old Danny Welte, of Kirksville, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the November 17 death of his estranged wife, Echo Leanne Welte, also of Kirksville. Police say the shooting took place during an argument in the parking lot of the Kirksville Days Inn. The suit seeks more than $25,000 dollars in damages. Danny Welte remains in the Adair County Jail on $1 million dollars bond.
The University of Missouri is now recommending a third MMR vaccine, as a mumps outbreak on the Columbia campus continues to grow. Officials say a total of 193 confirmed and probable mumps cases have been reported on the campus since the first of November. As of Wednesday, 169 of those patients were considered recovered, leaving 24 active cases. The University’s Student Health Center has announced it is recommending students get a third MMR vaccine, rather than the required two. All of the infected students met the two-vaccine requirement.
A Columbia man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, after pleading guilty to a child sex trafficking charge. 35 year old Kenyata Miles was arrested last spring, after he allegedly booked two rooms for two night’s at the Quail’s Neest Motel in Osage Beach. Officers say they found a 16 year old girl, who had been reported missing, in one of the rooms and Miles and two women in the adjacent room. The teenager told investigators she had been used for prostitution on multiple occasions and that Miles had assaulted her and threatened her with a gun.
A Columbia woman was arrested this week, after allegedly forging multiple prescriptions for Adderall. Officers say they discovered 17 different forgeries at five different area pharmacies. They say surveillance footage provided additional evidence in the case. Elisabeth Trumbower, of Columbia, was arrested as a result of the investigation. She is accused of 17 instances of forgery and fraudulently attempting to obtain a controlled substance. Trumbower was released after posting $153,000 dollars bond.
A Brashear teenager was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 6, just east Kirksville, Tuesday afternoon. 18 year old Kourtney Arnold, of Brashear, was treated for minor injuries after the accident, which occurred just before 4pm. The patrol says she swerved off the roadway to avoid colliding with another vehicle, which had slowed to make a turn. Her car struck a ditch and overturned.
THREE TEENS INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING CRASH
Three teens were injured when a car ran off the highway at the junction of Route B and US 136 in Harrison County, Tuesday evening. 18 year old Hunter Brown, of Princeton, was the driver of the car. The patrol says it was southbound on Route B and ran through the intersection, crossed Route 136, ran off the roadway, through a field and struck a ditch. Brown was treated for minor injuries. One passenger, 16 year old Joseph Brown, of Gilman City, also sustained minor injuries. They were both treated at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany. Another passenger, 17 year old Makayle Crabtree, of Bethany, was taken to Liberty Hospital with moderate injuries.
A Chillicothe man has been arrested in Canada, after being wanted on a Livingston County burglary warrant since 2008. The warrant for 27 year old Aidan Volker, of Chillicothe, was issued in November, of 2008, on two felony counts of second-degree burglary. The Livingston County Sheriff’s office says a tip had been received indicating Volker was with relatives in Canada. He has been arrested and is awaiting extraditio