LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

June 2, 2023

MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT     

A St. Clair man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:50pm Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 34 year old Shane Pryor was westbound on I-44 when he suffered a medical emergency causing his vehicle to strike the median.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN WARREN COUNTY CRASH    

34 year old Demetrice Williams of O’Fallon was hurt in a motorcycle crash Wednesday afternoon in Warren County.  The highway patrol said that it happened just after 3pm as he was on Highway D when he failed to negotiate a curve and his motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a traffic sign and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.

WOMAN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK

A woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Ralls County.  State troopers stated that 21 year old Laila Hunter of Gretna, LA was on Highway H when her car ran off the right side of the road and struck a ditch.  She was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  The wreck occurred at 3:05am Wednesday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

June 1, 2023

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT    

A Fulton man was injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 4:25am Wednesday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 43 year old Kenneth Holland was on Route O and negotiating a turn at an S-curve when his motorcycle overturned onto its right side and skidded to a stop in the roadway.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH   

35 year old Brandon Smith of Boonville was hurt in a Tuesday night crash in Cooper County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 10:50pm Tuesday as he was on Route U when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

NATURAL GAS RATES TO CHANGE FOR AMEREN MISSOURI CUSTOMERS

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri natural gas customers will see rates drop under a filing that will take effect on Thursday.  Residential customers currently pay approximately $0.95 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natural gas.  Under Ameren Missouri’s filing, the rate will drop to approximately $0.63 per Ccf, a reduction of approximately $0.32 per Ccf.  Approximately 50% to 55% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers.  The wholesale cost of natural gas (the cost your local natural gas company must pay to its suppliers for natural gas) is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission.  The wellhead cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, demand and the weather.  The Missouri Public Service Commission does conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers.  Ameren Missouri serves approximately 134,500 natural gas customers in the Missouri counties of Audrain, Bollinger, Boone, Butler, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Cole, Cooper, Dent, Gasconade, Howard, Lincoln, Miller, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, Phelps, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, St. Charles, Saline, Scott, Stoddard and Warren.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 31, 2023

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN MILLER COUNTY ACCIDENT   

Two Columbia residents were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at around 5:30pm Monday in Miller County.  The patrol says that 37 year old John Griggs was riding his motorcycle on US 54 when the rear tire blew out and it traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert and ejected his passenger 37 year old Amber Keith-Childs and then it came to rest off the right side facing northbound.  She sustained serious injuries while the man suffered moderate injuries.  Both were transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach for treatment.

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING WRECK

A man and a teenage boy from Tuscumbia were seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Miller County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 12:55am Tuesday as 50 year old Lester Boyer was on Midway Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his truck to cross the center of the road, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck the ground and then struck a rock and came to rest on its left side.  Both Boyer and his passenger a 16 year old boy were taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach with serious injuries.

MSHP REPORTS 10 TRAFFIC FATALITIES, NO BOATING OR DROWNING FATALITIES OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Ten people died in traffic crashes over the 2023 Memorial Day weekend counting period of 6 p.m., Friday, May 26, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 29, 2023.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated the following over the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend:

Traffic Statistics

Crashes -- 314
Injuries -- 102
Fatalities -- 10
DWI -- 130
Drug Arrests -- 14

Boating Statistics

Crashes -- 6
Injuries -- 3
Fatalities -- 0
Drowning -- 0
BWI -- 7
Drug Arrests -- 0

(Note: During the 2022 counting period, the Patrol investigated 301 traffic crashes, which included 129 injuries and nine of the 13 fatalities. Also, over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday: Marine operations troopers investigated nine boating crashes, which included one fatality and four injuries. Troopers made 131 driving while intoxicated arrests and seven boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday.)

Troopers investigated all of the traffic crash fatalities. Two fatalities occurred in both the Troop B, Macon, MO, area, and the Troop I, Rolla, MO, area. One fatality occurred in each of the following areas: Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, Troop D, Springfield, MO, Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, Troop G, Willow Springs, MO, and Troop H, St. Joseph, MO.

NIGHTTIME RAMP CLOSURES SCHEDULED ON I-70 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, temporary traffic impacts are currently scheduled for May 30 – June 2 and the week of June 5-7, affecting several ramps on Interstate 70 between mile marker 165 and mile marker 180.

Resurfacing continues along the I-70 corridor in Montgomery County from the Callaway County line to just east of Route F, near High Hill. The ramps at the following locations are scheduled to close from 8:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. to allow for asphalt placement:

I-70 EB ramps to truck parking rest area at Mineola (mm 165)

I-70 WB ramps to truck parking rest area at Mineola (mm 167)

I-70 EB & WB at Danville (mm 170)

I-70 EB & WB at New Florence (mm 175)

I-70 EB & WB at High Hill (mm 180)

All work is weather dependent and schedule changes could occur.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 30, 2023

UNIONVILLE TEEN KILLED IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT

A Unionville teen was killed in a Saturday afternoon incident in Sullivan County.  State troopers stated that the 15 year old boy was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 24 year old Michael Barraza of Unionville.  They were on MO 5 when it went off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, causing it to travel off the left side of the road and overturned.  The teen was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries.  The incident happened at 12:20pm Saturday.

TEEN KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED IN RALLS COUNTY ACCIDENT

A teen was killed and another teen was injured in an accident that occurred at around 8:30pm Saturday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that 18 year old Tucker Tollerton of Hannibal was on Route M when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and then it returned to the road and he overcorrected, causing it to overturn multiple times before traveling off the left side of the road and coming to rest.  He was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later.  Meanwhile, his passenger 18 year old Jace Utterback of New London was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH

48 year old Jeremy Hanson of New Auburn, WI was hurt in a motorcycle crash Saturday morning in Ralls County.  MSHP reports that he was on US 61 at Clemens Road when he lost control while entering the roadway and his motorcycle overturned.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment.  The crash occurred at 9:50am Saturday.

WOMAN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY WRECK

A Linn woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Gasconade County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 12:55pm Saturday as 25 year old Hanna Hensing was on Route E when her car ran off the right side of the road and struck several trees.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur for treatment of moderate injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 26, 2023

MAN INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT     

A man was injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 11:20pm Wednesday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 66 year old Ernest Grimm of Alton, IL was eastbound on I-70 when he swerved to avoid rocks in the road, causing his motorcycle to travel off the right side of the roadway, hit an embankment and overturned onto its side.  He was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A Lonedell woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at around 3:15pm Wednesday as 53 year old Samantha Konieczny was on Old Mount Hope Road when her car ran off the right side of the road and struck a bridge rail.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT CRASH

A motorcyclist was hurt in a Wednesday night crash in Franklin County.  State troopers report that 68 year old Glenn Ridgley of Vero Beach, FL was riding his motorcycle on Calvey Creek Road when it struck loose gravel in the road and traveled off the roadway.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.  The crash occurred at 8pm Wednesday.

MSHP: HAVE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Got plans Memorial Day weekend? Missouri has a lot to offer with its state parks, lakes, sporting events, and attractions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water.
This year's Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 26, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 29, 2023. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend.
Over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 13 people died and 507 were injured in 1,043 traffic crashes. The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2022 Memorial Day weekend, there were nine boating crashes which included one fatality and four injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 131 driving while intoxicated and seven boating while intoxicated arrests.
Always be courteous and pay attention, whether you're operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and good decisions.
Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol's website at www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas as well as road conditions throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.
Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.
When you’re on the water, please be courteous to others enjoying Missouri’s lakes and rivers, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability.

When you’re traveling up Missouri’s rivers in a jet boat turn off the motor for a second and listen before navigating around that bend. River bends create blind spots. Listening for boats coming down the river allows you time to give way. Also, jet boats should stay closer to the center of the river to give floaters room.
When operating a power-driven vessel, it’s important to understand the rules of navigation. Power-driven vessels must give way to anchored or disabled vessels, vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, and commercial fishing vessels. Power-driven vessels also yield to a sailboat under sail unless it is overtaking, and canoes or other vessels powered by paddles or oars alone. Observing right-of-way rules makes our waterways safer for everyone.
Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives. Wear It!! 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 25, 2023

MAN INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT     

39 year old Daniel Cooke of Sturgeon was injured in an accident that occurred at 4am Wednesday in Boone County.  The patrol says that he was on MO 763 when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries. 

WOMAN HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH   

A woman was hurt in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Franklin County.  MSHP stated that 34 year old Melissa Chestnut of Louisville, KY was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 36 year old Juan Martin of Louisville, KY.  They were eastbound on I-44 when he changed lanes and the vehicle struck a vehicle driven by 57 year old Shawn Venable of Sullivan, MO.  She suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital for treatment.  The crash happened at 2:20pm Tuesday.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE NEWS

The Department of Revenue is now allowing otherwise eligible Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders to submit their self-certification and updated medical examiner certificate by email or fax to license offices for processing. This change not only helps CDL holders but it is also expected to reduce the number of customers waiting in lines at the State’s contract license offices.

“Since becoming Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, I have made it my mission to transform the Department and lead it to achieve its vision of providing every customer the best experience every time,” said Wayne Wallingford, Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. “To that end, we discovered a need to make the process of maintaining a commercial driver license more convenient and we worked with Missouri lawmakers to take steps to eliminate an unnecessary burden for our CDL customers. This is just one in myriad ways we are working to better serve the 6 million Missourians who depend upon the services we provide.”

Previously, CDL holders had been required to submit their self-certification and updated medical examiner certificates in person at a license office to maintain a valid CDL privilege.  This step often required truck drivers to take time off work or risk getting stalled roadside—perhaps even in another state—due to certificate expirations.

For more information on the CDL requirements, visit

https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/commercial/

SEAL COAT PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN MONTGOMERY AND WARREN COUNTIES

A seal coat project located on Route H in Warren County, from Route F to Route M near Innsbrook, is expected to begin on Wednesday May 31.

The $974,162 contract, awarded this last year to Missouri Petroleum Products Company, LLC of St. Louis, includes several additional seal coat projects which will be completed in the order as listed below:

Warren County, Route AA - From I-70 north outer road in Warrenton to end of state maintenance

Warren County, Route U - From West Booneslick Road in Warrenton to Missouri Route 94

Montgomery/Warren County, Route Y - From Missouri Route 19 to Route E in Jonesburg

Traffic will be reduced to one lane during the day at the location where crews are actively working for the duration of the project.  For the safety of the crews and the traveling public, they would like to remind drivers to be attentive in work zones and put down your cell phones to eliminate distractions.  

Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone.  Workers will be present during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, weather permitting.  A 9-foot width restriction will be in place for the duration of the project.  All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 24, 2023

WOMAN INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT  

A Brookfield woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 8:45am Monday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 26 year old Samantha Walgren was on Highway 5 when her SUV crossed the center line, side swiped a freightliner driven by 33 year old Matthew Sly of Clifton Hill and then her vehicle came to rest in a ditch.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment.

TEENS HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT INCIDENT

Two teens were hurt in a Monday night incident in Grundy County.  The highway patrol said that a 17 year old boy from Laredo was on Northeast 110th Avenue when he lost control of his truck and it skidded off the west side of the road, overturned one time, coming to rest on its wheels facing east as the boy and his passenger a 15 year old girl from Galt were ejected.  Both were taken to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  The incident happened at 7:10pm Monday.

MAN INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING ACCIDENT   

A man was injured in a Monday morning accident in Warren County.  State troopers report that it occurred just before 10:00am as 36 year old Ronald McKee of St. Louis was on Stracks Church Road when he failed to yield to Warren County Sheriff’s Department as he was traveling too fast for conditions when he lost control on a hillcrest and his motorcycle overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries. 

DRIVER HURT IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING CRASH   

A driver was hurt in an early Tuesday morning crash in St. Charles County.  MSHP stated that 32 year old Luke Sherman of Moscow Mills was on Highway 79 when he failed to keep a proper lookout and was unable to stop in time, causing his car to strike the rear of a truck driven by 54 year old David Duncan of O’Fallon who was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.  Sherman suffered minor injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.  The crash happened at around 5:40am Tuesday.

MAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK   

35 year old Charles Ziegler of St. Clair was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 5:05am Tuesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that he was on Anaconda Road at a high rate of speed when he attempted to slow down and lost control of his truck, crossed the center line and skidded off the left side of the roadway, overturned and came to rest on its wheels facing north. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 23, 2023

SEMI TRUCK DRIVER KILLED AFTER STRIKING TRAIN IN MONROE COUNTY

A semi truck driver was killed after striking a train Sunday afternoon in Monroe County.  The patrol says it occurred at 2:45pm as 65 year old Russell Minnis of Higbee was on US 24 when he failed to stop at the railroad crossing and his freightliner struck a locomotive operated by 45 year old Matthew Sunderland of Decatur, IL.  Minnis was pronounced dead at the scene.

MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN MARION COUNTY INCIDENT

A motorcyclist was hurt in a Sunday afternoon incident in Marion County.  The highway patrol said that two motorcycles were southbound on Highway 79 when the one ridden by 55 year old Dewayne Parrett of Silex struck a deer in the roadway and then it was struck by a motorcycle ridden by 38 year old Christopher Smith of Winfield.  Smith was taken to Lake St. Louis Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  The incident happened just before 4pm Sunday.

MAN KILLED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT  

43 year old Justin Riffle of Elsberry was killed in an accident that occurred at 6:55pm Sunday in Lincoln County.  The patrol says that he was on Highway E when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, returned to the road, went off the right side and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN UTILITY VEHICLE MISHAP  

A man was seriously injured in a utility vehicle mishap Sunday afternoon in Franklin County.  State troopers report that it occurred at 1:50pm Sunday as the vehicle was repairing a power line from a previous crash on Highway T when the line struck the top of the utility vehicle.  The man operating the vehicle 53 year old Henry Holden of Lonedell was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON CRASH  

Two people from Washington were injured, one seriously in a motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon in Gasconade County.  MSHP stated that it happened at 2:40pm as 41 year old Jeffrey Gardner was riding his motorcycle on Route Z when it crossed the center of the road, ran off the left side of the road, struck the ground and slid.  Gardner suffered  moderate injuries, while his passenger 42 year old Shamber Bryant sustained serious injuries.  Both were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 22, 2023

TRENTON TEEN KILLED IN GRUNDY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Trenton teen was killed in an ATV accident that occurred at 4:45pm Saturday in Grundy County.  The highway patrol said that the 12 year old boy was on southwest 30th Avenue when he attempted to negotiate a curve, lost control and traveled off the east side of the roadway and was ejected as the ATV came to rest on its wheels in the roadway facing east.  The boy was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton where he died a short time later from his injuries.

THREE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three people from Louisiana were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:50pm Saturday in Pike County.  The patrol says that 65 year old Harry Patrick of Bowling Green was negotiating a left turn crossing the westbound lane of US 54 as a truck driven by 59 year old Terry Harrison of Louisiana changed lanes to pass him and the front of Harrison’s truck struck the passenger side of Patrick’s truck.  Harrison along with his two passengers’ a 16 year old boy and a 9 year old girl were transported by ambulance to Pike County Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

TEEN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE MISHAP

A New London teen was killed in a motorcycle mishap Saturday afternoon in Boone County.  MSHP stated that it happened at 1:05pm as the 13 year old boy was riding a motorcycle on Finger Lake State Park Motocross Track when he failed to maintain control as it traveled over a berm, causing it to become airborne, collided with the ground and ejected him.  The teen was taken to University Hospital in Columbia where he died from his injuries a short time later.

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT CRASH

A driver was hurt in a Saturday night crash in Franklin County.  State troopers report that 52 year old Gary Funderburg Jr. of Bourbon, MO was on Bend Road when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.  The crash happened at 9:30pm Saturday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 19, 2023

TEEN KILLED, ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ATV ACCIDENT IN PIKE COUNTY

A teen was killed and another was seriously injured in an ATV accident that occurred at 5:40pm Wednesday in Pike County.  The patrol says that a 15 year old girl and her passenger a 14 year old girl both from Eolia were riding the ATV on County Road 268 when it traveled off the left side of the roadway, went up an embankment, struck a tree and rolled over.  The 15 year old girl was air lifted by Air Evac to SSM Health DePaul Hospital where she died a short time later from her injuries.  Meanwhile her passenger the 14 year old girl was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

MAN HURT IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A Villa Ridge man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Franklin County.  MSHP said it happened at around 1:20pm as 88 year old George Weiland was on Highway V when he suffered a medical emergency, causing his jeep to travel off the left side of the road and hit a fence and a tree.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT CRASH

25 year old Landon Bell of Warsaw was hurt in a Wednesday night crash in Lafayette County.  State troopers report that he was on Halls Station Road, two miles south of US 24 when his car ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a pole.  He was taken to Lafayette Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.  The crash occurred at 5pm Wednesday.

RESURFACING SCHEDULED FOR I-70 NORTH OUTER ROAD IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, the week of May 22, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation will start work on resurfacing Interstate 70 North Outer Road in Montgomery County from Missouri Route 161 in Danville to Clark Drive, just east of Missouri Route 19, with plans for completion by mid-June.  A 9-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working. The length of improvement is 4.7 miles.

“Traffic will be reduced to one lane where crews are actively working, and motorists will be directed through the work zone with the use of flaggers and a pilot car.  This work will occur during daytime hours,” explained Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Jeff Niemeyer.  “This route will carry a considerable volume of local traffic as the interchange improvement project enters the next stage of construction," he added. 

Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts when traveling in this area:

North Outer Road of I-70/Boonslick Road, west of MO 19 and half of the entrance at Fastlane will open on May 10.  At this time, the remaining half of the entrance at Fastlane will close along with the Boonslick Road at MO 19 to work on the north roundabout.

South Outer Road of I-70/Tree Farm Road east of MO 19, near Love’s Travel Stop.  This closure is anticipated to remain in place for approximately three weeks.

The I-70 SOR, west of MO 19 is currently closed and will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 18, 2023

COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST DISTRICT

During its regular meeting earlier this month, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the following contracts for ADA improvements and bridge rehabilitation projects in the Northeast District. 

A $1,263,114 contract was awarded to S&A Equipment & Builders, LLC, for ADA sidewalk improvement projects in Warren and Montgomery counties at the following locations:

Missouri Route 47 in Warrenton

Route J in Wright City

Interstate 70 North Outer Road in Wright City

Missouri Route 19 and Missouri Route 161 in Montgomery City

Missouri Route 161 in Middletown

Route CC and Route ZZ in Wellsville

A $2,212,656 contract was awarded to Capital Paving & Construction, LLC, for 25 bridge rehabilitation projects in Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Schuyler, Scotland and Shelby counties. 

DED AWARDS MORE THAN $5.8 MILLION IN TAX CREDITS TO ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT MISSOURI THROUGH THE YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced that it will award more than $5.8 million in 50% tax credits to 34 organizations throughout Missouri through the Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) during its 2023 cycle.

“Missouri nonprofits provide our youngest and most vulnerable citizens with critically-needed services,” said Governor Mike Parson. “We’re proud to assist these organizations in their work to improve the lives of young people statewide. This program is supporting efforts that help build stronger communities and secure brighter futures.”

YOP helps broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development and participation in community life for youth. The program allows nonprofit organizations to leverage private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses and individuals making contributions to approved youth development or crime prevention projects. YOP funds a variety of project types, including degree completion, internships and apprenticeships, mentoring, substance abuse prevention, violence prevention, counseling, and more.

A total of up to $6 million are awarded through YOP annually, with projects limited to $200,000 in tax credits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, education institutions, faith-based organizations, local governments, and businesses that meet program requirements. YOP is administered by the Division of Business and Community Solutions. The full list of 2023 YOP recipients is available here.

MDC REPORTS HUNTERS HARVESTED 41,970 BIRDS DURING SPRING TURKEY SEASON

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows turkey hunters checked 41,970 birds during Missouri’s 2023 regular spring turkey season, April 17 through May 7. Top regular season harvest counties were Franklin with 973 birds harvested, Callaway with 801, and Osage with 792.

Young turkey hunters also harvested 2,566 turkeys over the youth weekend, April 1 and 2, bringing the overall 2023 spring turkey harvest to 44,536 – the highest harvest total since 2016.

Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,894 turkeys over the spring youth season and hunters harvested 33,359 during the regular spring season for a 2022 spring season total harvest of 36,253.

Get more information on this year’s spring turkey harvest numbers by county at https://extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 17, 2023

TEEN HURT IN BOONE COUNTY CRASH

A Centralia teen was hurt in a Monday morning crash in Boone County.  The highway patrol said that the 17 year old girl was on Route Z when she failed to negotiate a curve, overcorrected, causing her jeep to run off the left side of the road, struck a mailbox, overturned and came to rest on the left side of the roadway.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.  The crash occurred just after 11am Monday.

DRIVERS INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

Both drivers were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Lincoln County.  State troopers report that it happened at 11:40am Monday as 33 year old Christopher Draper of Troy was attempting to cross US 61 from Dugan Lane when he pulled into the path of a car driven by a 16 year old boy from Louisiana and the two cars collided.  Both sustained moderate injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

HERMANN MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Hermann man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9pm Monday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 43 year old Anthony Cruts was on River Trail Road when his truck crossed the center of the roadway, traveled off the left side and struck a large tree.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI FOR NEXT FEW WEEKS

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below.  MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Route P – May 16 – 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 63 to the end of state maintenance on Route P between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route V – May 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Salt River Lane to Redtail Hawk Lance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route V – May 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Twin Oaks to Missouri Route 6 Lance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Clark County

Route CC – May 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 21 to CR 27 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route CC – May 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 384 to end of Route CC between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route CC – May 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route 81 to CR 390 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – May 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 98 to CR 95 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route DD – May 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 84 to CR 98 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route DD – May 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 84 to CR 98 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route DD – May 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Fifth Street in Revere to CR 84 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route Y – May 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 81 to CR 146 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route Y – May 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route HH to CR 134 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route Y – May 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 144 to CR 146 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Lincoln County

Missouri Route 47 – May 17, LANE RESTRICTION for brush cutting operations from Dollar General in Winfield to Myer Road between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Missouri Route 47 – May 18, LANE RESTRICTION for brush cutting operations from Mennemeyer Road to North Moore School Road between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Macon County

Route BB – May 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Jade Place to Intrepid Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route BB – May 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Interlude Road to Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – May 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Greyhound Street to Ginger Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – May 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Ginger Street to Heron Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route T – May 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Galaxy Avenue to Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Missouri Route 161 – May 15 – May 18, CLOSED from 500 ft. before and after the bridge over Elk Horn Creek, for core drilling operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Missouri Route 161 – May 22 – May 25, CLOSED from 500 ft. before and after the bridge over Elk Horn Creek, for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Randolph County

Route AA – May 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1,400 feet North of CR 2680 to 2,000 feet North of CR 2680 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route AA – May 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 3,500 feet North of CR 2680 to 3,700 feet North of CR 2680 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route J – May 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from four miles East of U.S. Route 63 to four one-half miles East of U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route J – May 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from four and one-half miles East of U.S. Route 63 to five miles East of U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route J – May 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from six and one-half miles East of U.S. Route 63 to seven miles East of U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Scotland County

Route B – May 15 & 16, CLOSED for seal coating operations from the Iowa state line to U.S. Route 136, 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, Monday and Tuesday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 16, 2023

MAN INJURED IN PUTNAM COUNTY CRASH   

A man was injured in an early Monday morning crash in Putnam County.  MSHP reports that it occurred at around 5:20am as 21 year old Jeremiah McCain of Unionville was on Highway 5 when his truck ran off the west side of the road and struck a fence.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Putnam County Hospital for treatment.

FIVE TEENS INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Five teens all from St. Clair were injured in an accident that occurred at 3:45am Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 18 year old Jordan Stephens was on Pickles Ford Road north of Highway PP and driving too fast for conditions when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his truck to travel off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.  The driver along with four passengers’ ranging from 14 to 19 years old were all   transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

DRIVER HURT IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK   

18 year old Madison Tyree of Wardsville was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Cole County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 1:55pm as she was on Route C when her car ran off the right side of the road, returned to the road and then traveled off the left side of the roadway where it struck the ground and a tree.  She suffered minor injuries and was taken to Capital Regional Hospital for treatment.  

GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS SECOND FY 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET BILL

On Monday, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill (HB) 15, a second supplemental budget bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, into law.  HB 15 appropriates more than $2 billion to ensure state government operations continue uninterrupted through the end of the current fiscal year, ending June 30, 2023. 

"This bill provides critical funding to support the education of our kids and the development of Missouri's workforce, and we are happy to sign it into law today," Governor Parson said. "We thank the General Assembly for passing this legislation and ensuring state government continues to operate smoothly."

HB 15 appropriates critical funding for K-12 education, higher education, public safety, mental health, and transportation, among others.  Funding highlights can be found below:

• $217 million for school nutrition programs
• $75 million for state aid to charter schools
• $3 million for career and technical education programs in K-12 schools
• $800,000 for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Program 
• $175,000 for the Missouri Blue Scholarship

The more than $2 billion package includes $427 million in general revenue, $1.45 billion in federal funds, and $176 million in other funds. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 15, 2023

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT

18 year old Pete Schneider of Florissant was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:45am Sunday in Warren County.  The patrol says he was westbound on I-70 and failing to yield to Foristell Police Department and also exceeding the posted speed limit when he failed to maintain a single lane, causing his car to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturned several times.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

TROY WOMAN INJURED IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON WRECK  

A Troy woman was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 12:30pm as 65 year old Rita Keen of Troy was on Route H when her SUV went from the northbound lane to the southbound lane and it struck a tractor trailer and then the SUV ran off the right side of the road and struck a ditch.  Keen was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH  

A Hannibal driver was hurt in a Saturday morning crash in Marion County.  MSHP reports that 46 year old Clayton Biggs was on US 61 when his truck began to hydroplane, ran off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.  The crash occurred at 11:58am Saturday.     

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT MISHAP

A man was seriously injured in a Saturday night mishap in Cooper County.  State troopers stated that 20 year old Dalton Hazlett of Pilot Grove was south of 3874 Conservation Drive when he failed to negotiate a turn, causing his vehicle to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck an embankment ejecting him as it struck a fence post, overturned and came to rest in the roadway.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The mishap occurred at 7:30pm Saturday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 12, 2023

TEEN HURT IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Paris teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 11am Thursday in Audrain County.  MSHP reports that the 16 year old boy was on Missouri 15 when his car hydroplaned, ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  The teen refused medical treatment for his injuries.

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT MISHAP

A driver was seriously injured in a Wednesday night mishap in Callaway County.  State troopers stated that 53 year old Robert Jones of New Bloomfield was riding his motorcycle on US 54 when it suffered a mechanical issue, causing it to roll over onto its side, skidded off the left side of the roadway into the median and ejected him from the motorcycle.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The mishap occurred at 5:15pm Wednesday.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

76 year old Donald Bolin of California was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 4:40pm Wednesday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says he was riding an ATV on private property when it rolled backwards down a hill and struck a tree.  He was transported by ambulance to Capital Region Hospital in Jefferson City with serious injuries. 

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Wednesday afternoon in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said that it happened just after 3pm as 39 year old John Hurley of Gerald was on Shotwell Road and traveling too fast for road conditions when his motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway and came to rest in a ditch.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 11, 2023

POPULAR RESTAURANT JUST OUTSIDE MACON DESTROYED BY FIRE WEDNESDAY MORNING

A popular restaurant just west of Macon was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning.  The blaze at Raspberry’s BBQ owned by Heidi Edwards was reported shortly after 9am as according to Macon County Fire Chief Jeff McLin employees at the restaurant were in the kitchen preparing to open at 11am Wednesday when they smelled smoke in the building and when they opened the door to the location of the smoker which was on the west side of the building noticed flames were shooting out of the smoker.  He said that the flames spread from there up into the attic and then throughout the rest of the restaurant.  The good news is that all the employees made it out safely.  The building is a total loss as the fire has been ruled accidental.  Fire departments from Bevier and Callao also assisted with battling the blaze.

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Two Walnut Ridge, AR residents were injured, one seriously in a motorcycle accident Wednesday afternoon in Callaway County.  The patrol says that it occurred at 12pm as 50 year old Richard Millsap was eastbound on I-70 when his motorcycle traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a cable barrier.  He sustained serious injuries, while his passenger an 11 year old girl suffered minor injuries.  Both were transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

CANTON TEEN HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

A Canton teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Lewis County.  MSHP states that a 17 year old boy was on Route P when his truck ran off the right side of the road, he overcorrected, causing it to travel off the left side of the road and overturned.  The teen was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment of minor injuries.  The wreck happened at around 10:15pm Tuesday.

SERIOUS INJURY CRASH IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

A Sullivan teen was seriously injured in a Tuesday evening crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it occurred at 6:35pm Tuesday as a 14 year old boy failed to maintain control of his motorcycle and it began to skid/slide into the eastbound lane of Luechtefeld Road and into the front of a truck driven by 54 year old Daniel Hawkins of Sullivan where it became disabled underneath the truck.  The boy was air-lifted by Arch Medical Helicopter 2 to St. Louis Children’s Hospital with serious injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 10, 2023

MAN INJURED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 7:10pm Monday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 56 year old Paul Kahre of Norfolk, NB was attempting to make a left turn at Loves Truck Stop in Bevier when his vehicle struck a stationary freightliner.  The occupant in freightliner 46 year old Leosthene Arrnoux of East Stroudsburg, PN was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY WRECK

A Bowling Green woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 4:40pm Monday in Pike County.  The highway patrol said that 31 year old Shelby Ardeneaux was on 12780 Highway NN when her car ran off the right side of the road, she overcorrected and came back onto the roadway, crossed the center line, went off the left side of the road and struck a tree.  She was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT CRASH

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Monday night crash in Boone County.  State troopers report that it happened at 7:50pm as 24 year old Jaylen Brownlee of Inver Grove Heights, MN was riding his motorcycle on Route VV when he began passing traffic while a car driven by 24 year old Briana Lewis of Columbia slowed and began to make a u-turn when the two collided.  Brownlee was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

TEEN HURT IN MONDAY EVENING MISHAP

A teen was hurt in a Monday evening mishap in Cole County.  MSHP said that the 16 year old girl from Jefferson City was on Churchview Drive and her car was stopped, but not placed in park when it began to roll forward and went off the right side of the road and struck a tree.  She suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Capital Region Hospital for treatment.  The mishap happened just before 10pm Monday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 9, 2023

TWO LICENSE OFFICE CONTRACTS UP FOR BID

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license office in Macon, Missouri, located at 210 N. Rubey, Macon, MO 63552. Bids will start being accepted May 10, and must be submitted by May 23. Also the license office in Edina located at 55682 State Highway 6 Suite B Edina, MO 63537 contract is up for bid as they will start being accepted May 10 and must be submitted by May 23.  For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/.

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Louisiana woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:30am Monday in Pike County.  The patrol says that 38 year old Crystal Wilson was on Route YY when she became distracted and failed to negotiate a curve, causing her truck to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck several mailboxes and a utility pole.  She was air-lifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

MAN HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT WRECK

32 year old Robert Reese of Sullivan was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 11:20pm as he was on North Service Road when his car ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI FOR NEXT FEW WEEKS

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Route O – May 8 – 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route D to Missouri Route 6 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.

Route P – May 16 – 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route P to U.S. Route 63 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Audrain County

Route C – May 9 – 11, CLOSED for core drilling operations from Route T to Route CC between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily Tuesday through Thursday.

Clark County

Route CC – May 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 81 to CR 390 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route CC – May 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 390 to CR 20 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route CC – May 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 20 to CR 27 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route CC – May 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 21 to CR 27 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route Y – May 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route HH to CR 134 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route Y – May 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 81 to CR 146 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Route DD – May 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 84 to CR 98 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route DD – May 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 98 to CR 95 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Lincoln County

Missouri Route 47 – May 17, LANE RESTRICTION for brush cutting operations from Dollar General in Winfield to Myer Road between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Missouri Route 47 – May 18, LANE RESTRICTION for brush cutting operations from Mennemeyer Road to North Moore School Road between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Macon County

Route P – May 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Destiny Avenue to 2 miles north of Dynamo Place between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route FF – May 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route C to Hawk Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – May 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Ginger Street to Heron Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route BB – May 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Jade Place to Intrepid Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route BB – May 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Interlude Road to Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 149 – May 8 – May 9, LANE RESTRICTION from one-half mile before and after the bridge over Painter Creek, for bridge maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 63 – May 16 & 17, LANE RESTRICTION for traffic count operations from Route AX to Route DD between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, Monday and Tuesday. A 15-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Montgomery County

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – May 10 & 11, LANE RESTRICTION for core drilling operations between mile marker 183.6 and mile marker 184.2, from 7:00 p.m. on May 10 to 5:00 a.m. on May 11. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Missouri Route 161 – May 15 – May 18, CLOSED from 500 ft. before and after the bridge over Elk Horn Creek, for core drilling operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Randolph County

U.S. Route 63 (Southbound) – May 11, LANE RESTRICTION for pavement patching operations from one-half mile south of U.S. Route 24 to two miles south of U.S. Rte. 24, between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Scotland County

Route B – May 15 & 16, CLOSED for seal coating operations from the Iowa state line to U.S. Route 136, 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, Monday and Tuesday.

Shelby County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – May 8 – May 12, LANE RESTRICTION for pavement patching operations from Monroe City to Clarence between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 8, 2023

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY WRECK

A teen was seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Friday evening in Randolph County.  State troopers report that the 16 year old boy from Macon was riding an ATV on County Road 1275 when he attempted to make a right turn and failed to yield to a truck driven by 61 year old Jeffrey Rank of Lohman, MO.  The teen was ejected from the ATV upon impact.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The wreck occurred at 5:50pm Friday.

COLUMBIA DRIVER SERIOUSLY HURT IN SUNDAY MORNING INCIDENT

A Columbia driver was seriously hurt in a Sunday morning incident in Callaway County.  It happened at 9:15am as the patrol says that 61 year old Charles Jones was on US 63 when his motorcycle went off the right side of the road, struck a stop sign and overturned.  He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Winfield man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:55pm Friday in Lincoln County.  The patrol says that 33 year old Nathaniel Bethmann was on North Chantilly Road when his auto traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to overturn onto its left side and ejected him.  He was transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries.

WOMAN HURT IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A Pacific woman was hurt in a Friday afternoon crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:10pm Friday as three vehicles were on Highway 47 when the car driven by 36 year old Savannah Gore struck the rear of a car driven by 43 year old Alla Boyer of Leslie which in turn her car struck the rear of a truck driven by 57 year old Michael Stevens of Leslie.  Gore was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 5, 2023

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED IN WARREN COUNTY

A pedestrian was struck and killed in an accident that occurred at 6:25am Wednesday in Warren County.  The patrol says that 36 year old Tabatha Knichel of St. Charles was on the right shoulder of eastbound I-70 when she walked into the path of a freightliner and was struck and thrown by it off the right side of the roadway, into the grass separator.  The freightliner with the unknown driver did not stop as it continued eastbound on I-70.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

           … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 4, 2023

TROY MAN HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A Troy man was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 8:50pm Tuesday in St. Charles County.  The patrol says that 82 year old Larry Dooley was on US 61 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail.  He was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries. 

TWO INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

Two women were injured in a two-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:35am Tuesday as 20 year old Alexis Patterson of St. Clair was eastbound on I-44 when her car struck the rear of a truck driven by 49 year old Albert Knese of Leslie.  Both Patterson and her passenger 23 year old Kristina Voight of Pacific were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

DRIVER INJURED IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH

24 year old Wilver Ramirez Perez of Wentzville was injured in a Tuesday morning crash in St. Charles County.  State troopers report that he was on Highway 94 when he failed to maintain the lane, causing his car to travel off the right side of the road and hit a guardrail.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.  The crash occurred at 4:35am Tuesday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 3, 2023

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI TO START THE MONTH OF MAY  

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Route O – May 8 – 12, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route D to Missouri Route 6 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.

Audrain County

Route C – May 9 – 11, CLOSED for core drilling operations from Route T to Route CC between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily Tuesday through Thursday.

Macon County

Route P – May 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Destiny Avenue to 2 miles north of Dynamo Place between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Missouri Route 149 – May 1 – May 9, LANE RESTRICTION from one-half mile before and after the bridge over Painter Creek, for bridge maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Montgomery County

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – May 1 & 2, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance on the bridge over Loutre River from mile marker 167.4 to mile marker 168.4, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – May 10 & 11, LANE RESTRICTION for core drilling operations from mile marker 183.6 to mile marker 184.2, between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Randolph County

U.S. Route 63 (Southbound) – May 11, LANE RESTRICTION for pavement patching operations from one-half mile south of U.S. Route 24 to two miles south of U.S. Rte. 24, between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Shelby County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – May 1 – May 12, LANE RESTRICTION for pavement patching operations from Monroe City to Clarence between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

TWO TEENS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN RALLS COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two Hannibal teens were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 4:15am Monday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that the 18 year old driver was on Route H when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck an embankment.  She suffered moderate injuries while her passenger a 16 year old girl sustained serious injuries.  Both were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment. 

MAN HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A Steedman man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Callaway County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 12:15pm Monday as 58 year old Kevin Woods was on Route O when his truck ran off the right side of the road, struck several trees and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                                 … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 1, 2023

FOUR PEOPLE KILLED IN LINCOLN COUNT Y CRASH SATURDAY NIGHT

Four of Five people involved in a two car crash in Lincoln County Saturday night were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while the lone survivor was flown to a St. Louis hospital with serious injuries. The patrol said a 16 year old female driver from Wright City was southbound on Missouri 79, south of Route C at 11:46 pm Saturday night when her vehicle crossed the center of the road and overtook a vehicle and then traveled into the patch of and collided with a northbound auto driven by 23 year old Racheal Neldon of Elsberry and both vehicles ended up going off the east side of the highway. Four people were in the southbound auto and only one survived the crash. 18 year old Zachary Shields of Wright City was transported by Arch Ari Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The 16 year old female driver of the southbound auto was killed and two other passengers, a 16 female and a 15 year old female juvenile, both of O’Fallon were killed. Racheal Neldon, the other driver was also killed and was traveling alone.

DEADLY WEEKEND ON MISSOURI ROADS IN NORTHERN HALF OF THE STATE

In addition to the four people killed in Lincoln County Saturday night, a Batesville woman was killed in a Johnson County wreck, another fatal crash involved a driver from the Omaha area happened in Holt County along with a fatal crash involving a Centertown man who died in a fatal crash in Moniteau county. All of those fatal accidents happened Sunday.

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED INCLUDING 4 YEAR OLD BOY WHO WAS EJECTED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ROLLOVER CRASH SATURDAY NIGHT

Troopers report a Mexico driver and a 4 year old boy were both seriously injured in a single crash Saturday night at 11:25 pm in Audrain County. According to the report, 26 year old Michael Marks of Mexico was eastbound on MO 22 at Audrain County Road 945 when he swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle crossed the center of the road and went off the highway and overturned several times ejecting the 4 year old male passenger. Both were transported by Audrain County EMS to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The crash report indicated the driver was wearing a safety device while the 4 year old was not.

GREENTOP DRIVERS INVOLVED IN CRASH

Two women from Greentop were involved in a crash 2 miles east of Sublett on Morgan Way in Adair County around 6pm Sunday night. The patrol said Mellissa Roberts, age 37, of Greentop was eastbound in a pickup. Another vehicle driven by 42 year old Rachel Meeker of Greentop was westbound and the two vehicles met on a hill and struck each in the front. Roberts has minor injuries and was transported by private auto to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment. The other driver was not injured.

CAIRO MAN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER CAR CAUGHT FIRE

A Cairo man was transported to University Medical Center in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries after his car caught fire in Chariton County. The patrol said 58 year old Rodney Creed of Cairo was eastbound on US 24, 5 miles east of Salisbury around 5:07 pm Sunday when the 1963 Volkswagen Beetle he was driving caught fire while going down the highway.  The Salisbury Fire Department responded to the scene but the car was a total loss.

ONE DRIVER FLOWN TO COLUMBA HOSPITAL FOLLOWING CRASH IN MACON COUNTY SUNDAY AFTERNOON

The highway Patrol said 69 year old Robert Pippin of La Plata failed to yield to a southbound vehicle driven by 46 year old Jamie Kirkpatrick of Atlanta and the southbound auto crashed into the pickup shortly before 3 pm Sunday afternoon. That crash happened at the intersection of Highway 63 and Route J, one mile north of Atlanta. Kirkpatrick has moderate injuries and was transported by MU 1 to University hospital in Columbia for treatment.

DOWNING MAN FACING CHARGES AFTER CRASHING HIS CAR IN SCHUYLER COUNTY

A driver from Downing was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries after a one-car crash in Schuyler County on Highway 63, a half a mile north of Greentop at 7:05 pm Friday night. Highway Patrol troopers say a car driven by Colton Cuculich, 24, of Downing, MO was northbound when it veered off the right side of the highway, overturned and struck a sign post. Cuculich was arrested for DWI as a prior offender and was also charged with careless and imprudent driving involving an accident.

ANOTHER ARREST MADE INVOLVING A HOMICIDE OVER TWO YEARS OLD IN COLUMBIA

Columbia Police reported Saturday the arrest of a juvenile for second-degree murder in connection to a homicide that occurred at Cosmopolitan Recreation Area Park on Nov. 2, 2020. The juvenile is the second arrest made in this incident. On May 26, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Maurice D. Banks, Jr. in Las Vegas. Banks, 19, of Columbia, was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and armed criminal action. At approximately 6 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2020, Columbia police responded to a report of shots fired at the park and located a deceased male who was later identified as Jermaine Spain, 19, of Columbia. During the investigation, officers were able to identify a second gunshot victim who received medical attention at a local hospital. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

NEW K9 TEAMS ON THE JOB

Several new K9 Teams are on the job after completing the Boone County Sheriff's Office K9 Training Program at the Training Center. These K9 Teams include Officer Paul Gash and K9 Micky of the Jefferson City Police Department, Corporal Zach Feil and K9 Axel of the Caldwell County Missouri Sheriff's Department, Deputy Matt Jones and K9 Blitz of the Howard County Sheriff Office, and Officer Jake Hubbard and K9 Erno of the Kirksville Police Department. This was Class 24 to complete the program offered through the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. The K9 Teams successfully completed the Basic K9 Handler Course and are now certified with the North American Police Work Dog Association and the Missouri Police Canine Association!

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                                 … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

May 1, 2023

FOUR PEOPLE KILLED IN LINCOLN COUNT Y CRASH SATURDAY NIGHT

Four of Five people involved in a two car crash in Lincoln County Saturday night were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while the lone survivor was flown to a St. Louis hospital with serious injuries. The patrol said a 16 year old female driver from Wright City was southbound on Missouri 79, south of Route C at 11:46 pm Saturday night when her vehicle crossed the center of the road and overtook a vehicle and then traveled into the patch of and collided with a northbound auto driven by 23 year old Racheal Neldon of Elsberry and both vehicles ended up going off the east side of the highway. Four people were in the southbound auto and only one survived the crash. 18 year old Zachary Shields of Wright City was transported by Arch Ari Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The 16 year old female driver of the southbound auto was killed and two other passengers, a 16 female and a 15 year old female juvenile, both of O’Fallon were killed. Racheal Neldon, the other driver was also killed and was traveling alone.

DEADLY WEEKEND ON MISSOURI ROADS IN NORTHERN HALF OF THE STATE

In addition to the four people killed in Lincoln County Saturday night, a Batesville woman was killed in a Johnson County wreck, another fatal crash involved a driver from the Omaha area happened in Holt County along with a fatal crash involving a Centertown man who died in a fatal crash in Moniteau county. All of those fatal accidents happened Sunday.

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED INCLUDING 4 YEAR OLD BOY WHO WAS EJECTED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ROLLOVER CRASH SATURDAY NIGHT

Troopers report a Mexico driver and a 4 year old boy were both seriously injured in a single crash Saturday night at 11:25 pm in Audrain County. According to the report, 26 year old Michael Marks of Mexico was eastbound on MO 22 at Audrain County Road 945 when he swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle crossed the center of the road and went off the highway and overturned several times ejecting the 4 year old male passenger. Both were transported by Audrain County EMS to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The crash report indicated the driver was wearing a safety device while the 4 year old was not.

GREENTOP DRIVERS INVOLVED IN CRASH

Two women from Greentop were involved in a crash 2 miles east of Sublett on Morgan Way in Adair County around 6pm Sunday night. The patrol said Mellissa Roberts, age 37, of Greentop was eastbound in a pickup. Another vehicle driven by 42 year old Rachel Meeker of Greentop was westbound and the two vehicles met on a hill and struck each in the front. Roberts has minor injuries and was transported by private auto to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment. The other driver was not injured.

CAIRO MAN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER CAR CAUGHT FIRE

A Cairo man was transported to University Medical Center in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries after his car caught fire in Chariton County. The patrol said 58 year old Rodney Creed of Cairo was eastbound on US 24, 5 miles east of Salisbury around 5:07 pm Sunday when the 1963 Volkswagen Beetle he was driving caught fire while going down the highway.  The Salisbury Fire Department responded to the scene but the car was a total loss.

ONE DRIVER FLOWN TO COLUMBA HOSPITAL FOLLOWING CRASH IN MACON COUNTY SUNDAY AFTERNOON

The highway Patrol said 69 year old Robert Pippin of La Plata failed to yield to a southbound vehicle driven by 46 year old Jamie Kirkpatrick of Atlanta and the southbound auto crashed into the pickup shortly before 3 pm Sunday afternoon. That crash happened at the intersection of Highway 63 and Route J, one mile north of Atlanta. Kirkpatrick has moderate injuries and was transported by MU 1 to University hospital in Columbia for treatment.

DOWNING MAN FACING CHARGES AFTER CRASHING HIS CAR IN SCHUYLER COUNTY

A driver from Downing was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries after a one-car crash in Schuyler County on Highway 63, a half a mile north of Greentop at 7:05 pm Friday night. Highway Patrol troopers say a car driven by Colton Cuculich, 24, of Downing, MO was northbound when it veered off the right side of the highway, overturned and struck a sign post. Cuculich was arrested for DWI as a prior offender and was also charged with careless and imprudent driving involving an accident.

ANOTHER ARREST MADE INVOLVING A HOMICIDE OVER TWO YEARS OLD IN COLUMBIA

Columbia Police reported Saturday the arrest of a juvenile for second-degree murder in connection to a homicide that occurred at Cosmopolitan Recreation Area Park on Nov. 2, 2020. The juvenile is the second arrest made in this incident. On May 26, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Maurice D. Banks, Jr. in Las Vegas. Banks, 19, of Columbia, was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and armed criminal action. At approximately 6 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2020, Columbia police responded to a report of shots fired at the park and located a deceased male who was later identified as Jermaine Spain, 19, of Columbia. During the investigation, officers were able to identify a second gunshot victim who received medical attention at a local hospital. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

NEW K9 TEAMS ON THE JOB

Several new K9 Teams are on the job after completing the Boone County Sheriff's Office K9 Training Program at the Training Center. These K9 Teams include Officer Paul Gash and K9 Micky of the Jefferson City Police Department, Corporal Zach Feil and K9 Axel of the Caldwell County Missouri Sheriff's Department, Deputy Matt Jones and K9 Blitz of the Howard County Sheriff Office, and Officer Jake Hubbard and K9 Erno of the Kirksville Police Department. This was Class 24 to complete the program offered through the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. The K9 Teams successfully completed the Basic K9 Handler Course and are now certified with the North American Police Work Dog Association and the Missouri Police Canine Association!

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 28, 2023

MAN HURT IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Unionville man was hurt in an accident that occurred at 7:40pm Wednesday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 70 year old Richard Ogle was on MO 129 when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch.  He was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment of minor injuries. 

DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A driver was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Linn County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at around 2:25pm Wednesday as 65 year old Lee Jaynes of Meadville was riding his farm tractor on US 36 when it was struck from behind by a tractor trailer driven by 37 year old Zachary Thompson of Derby, KS, causing both vehicles to run off the right side of the road.  Jaynes sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Air Evac to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

MODOT URGING DRIVERS TO “WORK WITH US” IN RECORD BREAKING YEAR THIS CONSTRUCTION SEASON

With a record-breaking $1.8 billion for road and bridge work this year, Missouri motorists can expect to encounter a significant amount of work zones and ongoing maintenance operations during their travels this year. The Missouri Department of Transportation hosted the National Work Zone Awareness Week last week, urging motorists to “Work with Us” by making smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel to protect themselves and those they share the road with, including highway workers.

It’s not just a courtesy to slow down and move over for these work zones—it’s the law. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.

With a record number of construction projects, you can help make your travel safer by checking out what work zones you’ll encounter before you go. Visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org.

In 2022, Missouri saw fewer work zone protective vehicle crashes and fatalities. Crashes with protective vehicles with truck/trailer-mounted attenuators (TMAs) totaled 36 in 2022, a decrease of 25 from the previous construction season. Work zone crash fatalities also decreased, down to 15 compared to 17 the year before.

Over the past three years, TMA crashes resulted in 75 injuries and two fatalities. These crashes are almost always a result of drivers being distracted behind the wheel and/or driving too fast for the conditions. In 2022, distracted driving contributed to more than 400 work zone crashes. Additionally, 71% of those killed in work zone crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 27, 2023

WOMAN KILLED, THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Columbia woman was killed and three other people were injured, two seriously in an accident that occurred after 4pm Tuesday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 79 year old Joan Broxton of Columbia attempted to enter a median J-turn on US 63 northbound at MO 124 East when her car traveled into the path of a car driven by 70 year old Mary Jecusco of Kirksville and the front of her car struck the driver’s side of Broxton’s car.  After impact both cars went off the left side of the roadway and came to rest in the median.  Broxton was pronounced dead at the scene while her passenger 76 year old Robert Larson of Columbia sustained serious injuries, while Jecusco suffered minor injuries and also her passenger 37 year old Angela McMahan of Kirksville sustained serious injuries.  All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

MAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

66 year old Michael McConnell of New London was seriously hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Ralls County.  The highway patrol says that it happened at 6:20pm Tuesday as he was on Highway O when his truck ran off the right side of the road, struck a private drive and overturned coming to rest on its wheels in the road.  He was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital with serious injuries.  

GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES OVER $6.3 MILLION IN GRANTS TO MISSOURI LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE SERVICE AND EMS PROVIDERS

Governor Mike Parson has announced that the Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 428 grants totaling over $6.3 million to law enforcement, fire service and EMS providers across the state for new equipment, supplies, personnel, and training. Grant funded equipment includes patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment, cardiac monitors, and emergency communications radios.  Grants to additional law enforcement, fire service, and EMS agencies are still under review.

The maximum grant amount to recipients was $20,000.  Grants were awarded as follows:

Law Enforcement: To date, a total of 106 law enforcement agencies have been approved to receive a total of over $1.6 million for equipment, including patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, and investigative technology and software. The list of law enforcement grant recipients is available here.

Fire Safety: To date, a total of 224 fire service agencies have been approved to receive a total of over $3 million for equipment, including turnout gear, extrication equipment, and thermal imaging cameras. The list of fire service grant recipients is available here.

EMS: To date, a total of 98 emergency medical service providers have been approved to receive a total of over $1.6 million for equipment, including automatic compression devices, cardiac monitors, and emergency communications radios. The list of EMS grant recipients is available here

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 26, 2023

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ROADS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, on Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., have scheduled the following temporary closures affecting some of the Interstate 70 outer roads at the Missouri Route 19 interchange at New Florence:

North Outer Road of I-70/Bloonslick Road, west of MO 19 at Fastlane (two-week duration).

South Outer Road of I-70/Tree Farm Road east of MO 19, near Love’s Travel Stop (approximately three-week duration).

The South Outer Road of I-70 west of MO 19 is currently closed and will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete. 

Message boards will be placed on Missouri Route 19 to alert motorists of closures.

Drivers will continue to experience additional various temporary traffic impacts over the next few months when traveling on I-70 and MO 19, near New Florence.

STRUCTURE FIRE ON SATURDAY IN MEXICO

On Saturday, April 22 at approximately 5:53PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 600 block of W Boulevard in reference to a structure fire after a passerby saw smoke coming from a home.  Responding personnel found fire in the kitchen and were able to contain and extinguish it in that area with the kitchen suffering serious fire damage.  Rooms near the kitchen suffered heat damage and the rest of the house had some degree of smoke damage.  Personnel determined that new residents were moving into the home and had left shortly before the fire, after dropping off furniture and personal items.  It appeared the fire started in the area of the stove and an electrical outlet just above the stove.  There were no injuries from the incident.

SCHOOLS IN BOONVILLE, FULTON AND LIBERAL WIN MODOT’S “NO MORE TRASH!” CAN DECORATING CONTEST

The Missouri Department of Transportation congratulates Ginnifer Fuemmeler and their K-2 students at Hannah Cole Primary School in Boonville, Daniel Schaefer and their 4th graders at Kingdom Christian Academy in Fulton, and Hannah Shaw and their 7th graders at Liberal R-II Middle School in Liberal on being selected as winners of the 2023 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” trash-can-decorating contest.

MoDOT sponsors the contest as part of Missouri’s “No MOre Trash” campaign to raise awareness about and discourage littering.  The contest encourages students kindergarten through eighth grade to join the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative mediums.

These first-place winners from each of the three competition categories (K-2, 3-5 and 6-8) receive a $200 award.  All first-place winners are then eligible for the $600 grand prize and trophy.  Entries are judged by MoDOT staff. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 25, 2023

BOY SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY MISHAP

A 4 year old boy from Bucklin was seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon mishap that occurred at 12pm in Linn County.  The patrol says that the boy was able to get a parked truck into gear, causing it to roll into a nearby pond at Major Drive 3 miles south of Bucklin.  The boy was taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries.

MAN KILLED IN SUNDAY MORNING CRASH

A St. Louis man was killed in a Sunday morning crash in Warren County.  The patrol says that it happened at 11:35am Sunday as 80 year old John Oates was on Archer Road approaching railroad tracks when he failed to stop and drove into the path of a train operated by 46 year old Clinton Turnbough of Moberly and the train struck the truck in the passenger side, pushing it off the tracks and it overturned.  Oates was pronounced dead at the scene.

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK

A Wentzville woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in St. Charles County.  State troopers report that 20 year old Sarhea Ervin was on US 61 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway onto the shoulder, returned to the ramp, ran off the left side of the road, went airborne and returned to the ground and overturned several times.  She was transported by ambulance to SSM Health DePaul Hospital with serious injuries.  The wreck occurred at 4:30am Sunday.

NIGHTTIME RAMP CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK ON I-70 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, temporary traffic impacts are currently scheduled for the week of April 24, affecting several ramps on Interstate 70 between mile marker 167 and mile marker 179.  Resurfacing continues along the I-70 corridor in Montgomery County from the Callaway County line to just east of Route F, near High Hill.  The ramps at the following locations are scheduled to close from 8:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.  April 24-28 to allow for milling and asphalt placement:

• I-70 EB ramps  to truck parking rest area at Danville (mm 167)
• I-70 WB at New Florence (mm 175)
• I-70 WB at High Hill (mm 179)

Work is anticipated to be completed in two nights.  All work is weather dependent and schedule changes could occur.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 24, 2023

DRIVER HURT IN ADAIR COUNTY CRASH

A Baring driver was hurt in a Saturday morning crash in Adair County.  The patrol says that it occurred at 7:50am Saturday as 43 year old Michael Mefferd was on Highway 11 when he attempted to avoid a deer, causing his truck to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.  He was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of moderate injuries. 

MAN INJURED IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

40 year old Dustan Pease of Vandalia was injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Audrain County.  State troopers report that he was on US 54 when he suffered an unknown medical condition, causing his truck to travel off the right side of the road and hit a tree.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The wreck happened at around 5:20am Saturday.

TEEN KILLED, THREE INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN RALLS COUNTY ACCIDENT

A 14 year old girl was killed and three other teens were injured, one seriously all from Hannibal in an accident that occurred after 6:30pm Friday in Ralls County.  The highway patrol said that a 15 year old girl was on Route O when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck a sign, an embankment and overturned.  She along with one of her passengers’ an 8 year old girl were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  Another passenger a 15 year old boy was transported by Survival Flight to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries, while the 14 year old girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Tuesday April 18, Moberly Officers responded to the 800 block of Bond St in reference to a male subject who had fired a handgun in the area.  While responding, Officers learned the subject ran south towards Franklin St.  They set up a perimeter and talked to neighbors in the area.  The Macon County Sheriff’s Office K9 was also called to assist with tracking the subject.  Officers quickly learned the subject’s identify and that he was possibly intoxicated.  Witnesses in the area told Officers the subject entered 829 Franklin St.  The K9 also tracked the subject to a stairwell at 829 Franklin St which is an apartment building.  Officers set up a perimeter around the building and evacuated the occupants.  The Moberly SWAT team was activated and responded.  Officers utilized less lethal force and after about a two-hour standoff, Moberly SWAT and Officers made entry and apprehended a 34-year-old Moberly man.  Officers located a small caliber handgun on the premise.  The subject was transported to the Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment.  After he was discharged, he was transported to the Randolph County Jail.  The subject is a convicted felon and cannot legally possess a firearm.  Moberly Officers were assisted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph County Ambulance District, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Conservation Department. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 21, 2023

MARCELINE WOMAN HURT IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Marceline woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 8:45am Thursday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 31 year old Emilee Banks was on US 36 when her car hydroplaned, crossed the median and came to rest in the eastbound lanes.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment.

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

A Winfield woman was seriously injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9:55am Wednesday as 55 year old Rebecca Fielder was on Cannon Road and driving too fast for conditions when she failed to negotiate a curve, applied the brakes and began to skid and crashed into a farm tractor driven by 70 year old Stanley Role of Winfield.  Fielder was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital with serious injuries.

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Wednesday at about 3:13pm the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of Boulevard and Calhoun in reference to a traffic crash.  Officers spoke with 28 year old Jason Rioux of Mexico.  Rioux stated he was operating a “mini motorcycle” on Boulevard and attempted to pass a school bus traveling in front of him.  He stated that the bus then began to switch lanes and he swerved to avoid a collision.  Rioux lost control of the mini motorcycle and left the roadway.  He suffered minor injuries but did not require medical assistance.  Residents are reminded that it is illegal and unsafe to operate motorized play vehicles on the streets.  Motorized vehicles that can be legally operated on the streets can and should be licensed through the state of Missouri, or meet the definition of a moped or motorized bicycle.

PLANNED ROAD WORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Macon County

Missouri Route 156 – April 21 & 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hilton Avenue to Harness Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route KK – April 25 & 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Olympic Avenue to CR 201 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Missouri Route 149 – April 25 – May 9, LANE RESTRICTION from one-half mile before and after the bridge over Painter Creek, for bridge maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday with a 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Montgomery County

Interstate 70 (Westbound) – April 26 & 27, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance on the bridge over Loutre River from mile marker 168 to mile marker 169, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – May 1 & 2, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance on the bridge over Loutre River from mile marker 167.4 to mile marker 168.4, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Scotland County

Route A – April 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route U to CR 116 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Shelby County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – April 21 – April 28, LANE RESTRICTION for pavement patching operations from Monroe City to Clarence between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 20, 2023

KIRKSVILLE DRIVER INJURED IN ADAIR COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Kirksville driver was injured in an accident that occurred at 4:10pm Tuesday in Adair County.  The patrol says that 60 year old Barbara Banner was on MO 6 when she slowed to make a turn and her SUV was struck in the rear by a vehicle driven by 18 year old Evelyn Hale of Green City.  Banner was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of moderate injuries.

MAN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING MISHAP

A Cedar Rapids, IA man was hurt in an early Wednesday morning mishap in Clark County.  State troopers report that it happened at around 12:20am Wednesday as he was on MO 27 when due to a mechanical issue his freightliner caught fire and while still in motion he exited it as it traveled off the left side of the road and came to rest in the median.  He was taken to Fort Madison Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

MEXICO MAN INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Mexico man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 5:45pm Tuesday in Audrain County.  The patrol says that 30 year old Joshua Benton was on US 54 when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.  

TEEN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK

A Wright City teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:15am Wednesday as the 16 year old boy was on 433 Zoar Church Road when his pickup truck ran off the right side of the road, returned to the roadway, overcorrected, went off the left side of the road and struck a tree.  The teen suffered minor injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A woman was injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Cooper County.  State troopers report that 35 year old Angela Marquez of Sedalia was eastbound on I-70 when she fell asleep at the wheel, causing her car to travel off the left side of the roadway, she overcorrected and it went off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail.  She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The crash happened at 4:50pm Tuesday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 19, 2023

PEDESTRIAN INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY CAR IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

A pedestrian was injured after being struck by a car Monday night in Franklin County.  The patrol says that it occurred at 11:15pm Monday when a car driven by 21 year old Alyssa Beede of Union was on Highway A when it struck another car which in turn struck 35 year old Tyler Boyer of Richwoods, MO.  Boyer was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries. 

MAN HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK

A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Clark County.  The highway patrol said it happened just before 9pm Monday as 43 year old Nicholas Esterday was on Route A when his truck struck a deer in the roadway.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment.

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN MONDAY EVENING CRASH

Both drivers were injured, one seriously in a Monday evening crash in Lafayette County.  State troopers report that 22 year old Teresa Harris of Henrietta was on Highway 13 when her truck ran off the left side of the road, struck a sign and then continued into the roadway and struck a car driven by 57 year old Sue Westerhouse of Aurora.  Harris sustained serious injuries while Westerhouse suffered moderate injuries.  Both were taken to Lafayette Regional Health Center for treatment.  The crash occurred at around 6:20pm Monday.

MODOT, ROCHEPORT BRIDGE HOSTED NATIONAL WORK ZONE SAFETY EVENT

On Tuesday, the Missouri Department of Transportation hosted the National Work Zone Awareness Week kickoff news conference at the LCpl. Leon Deraps I-70 Missouri River Bridge Project at Rocheport, making guests some of the first to walk on the new westbound bridge.  The event - created to bring awareness to work zone hazards and remind drivers of the important role they play in work zone safety - included remarks from the Federal Highway Administration as well as personal stories of impact from the daughter and granddaughter of a fallen MoDOT maintenance worker.

These individuals and more shared their stories to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week, which takes place April 17-21. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 18, 2023

BOY KILLED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT

A 5 year old boy from St. Charles was killed in a tragic incident that occurred at 1:05pm Sunday in Lincoln County.  MSHP reports that the boy was on a tractor driven by 59 year old Steven Keiser of Foley which was traveling on a gravel road on private property at Apex Lane with the door ajar when the boy was ejected and run over by the tractor.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

WOMAN INJURED IN COOPER COUNTY ACCIDENT

A New Franklin woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:45am Sunday in Cooper County.  The patrol says that 87 year old Martha Cleeton was on MO 87 when her van ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a concrete barrier then returned to the road crossing over and went off the right side of the roadway, striking the concrete barrier again.  She was transported by ambulance to Boone Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION IN FUNDING TO SUPPORT TOURISM INDUSTRY RECOVERY STATEWIDE

Last Thursday, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded a total of $30 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program for 26 projects across the state. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan, is focused on supporting projects that further the recovery of the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries.

The Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program was launched in October 2022. The program awarded competitive grants to applicants, including destination marketing organizations (DMOs), convention and visitors bureaus, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and chambers of commerce affected by the pandemic. Grant awards will fund a variety of projects, such as welcome and recreation centers, property renovations, museum expansions, park improvements, indoor and outdoor attraction development, and more. 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 04/12/2023 and 7am 04/14/2023.

On April 12, 2023, Moberly Officers contacted 50-year-old Dorothy Tolson near the 300 block of S. Morley St.  Tolson was placed under arrest for an active Randolph County warrant on original charges of possession of a controlled substance.  Tolson was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

On April 13, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to Windsor Place in reference to a possible domestic assault.  Officers later arrested a 52-year-old Moberly man for domestic assault and kidnapping.  The man was transported to the Randolph County Jail.  

On April 14, 2023, Moberly Officers initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Halleck St and Cleveland Ave.  During an inventory of the vehicle, Officers located what’s believed to be methamphetamine, cocaine and drug paraphernalia.  The 57-year-old female driver and 54-year-old male passenger were both arrested and transported to the Randolph County Jail.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 17, 2023

MACON MAN HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Macon man was hurt in an accident that occurred after 12pm Saturday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 42 year old Brent Koch was on Highway 3 when his truck ran off the right side of the roadway, lost control and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

DRIVER INJURED IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

A Keytesville driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Chariton County.  The highway patrol said that 76 year old Lawrence Logue was on MO 5 and while attempting to avoid a deer in the road had his truck travel off the road, became airborne and hit a tree.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The wreck happened at 5:10am Saturday.

COLUMBIA MAN INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A Columbia man was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:50pm Saturday in Cooper County.  The patrol says that 28 year old Jacob Wermuth was on Highway 98 when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his truck to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY CRASH

A Mokane driver was seriously injured in a automobile crash that happened at 7:25pm last Thursday in Callaway County.  State troopers report that 55 year old Kerri Pierson was on Route C when she entered a curve, causing her vehicle to run off the right side of the road, returned to the road and started to skid, traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a parked car and two mailboxes.  Pierson was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS SCHEDULED FOR BUSINESS 61 IN PIKE COUNTY

Weather permitting, on Monday, contractor crews will start work on a resurfacing project on Business 61 in Pike County from 0.3 miles south of Route UU to the roundabout in Bowling Green.  The expected completion is late May.

Work will occur during nighttime hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.  Motorists can expect delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane where work is occurring.  All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change. For the safety of the crews and the traveling public, they would like to remind drivers to be attentive in work zones and put down your cell phones to eliminate distractions.

The $7.6M contract, awarded to Magruder Paving, LLC. and includes the following pavement improvement projects listed below. The below work will occur during daylight hours with flaggers and a pilot car used to direct motorists through the work zone.  

Pike County, Missouri Route 161 – Resurfacing from Bowling Green to Middletown (late April thru May)

Pike County, Route NN – Resurfacing from U.S. Route 54 to U.S. Route 61 (late May to late June)

Pike County, Route UU – Seal coat from U.S. 61 to U.S. 54 near Louisiana (late May to late June)

Montgomery County, Missouri Route 161 – Resurfacing from Middletown to Interstate 70 near Danville (late August to late September)

Signs and message boards will be in place to alert motorists, as schedule changes occur.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 14, 2023

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A Pacific man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 10:25pm Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 31 year old Nathan Flynn was on Woods Creek Road when he failed to stop for a stop signal and attempted to make a left turn when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from it as the front of the car struck a tree.  Flynn was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.  

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Wednesday, April 12 at approximately 6:17 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of Bolivar in reference to a disturbance.  Responding personnel learned that 23 year old Amar N Sykes and 18 year old J’zmin Fierge both of Mexico had come to the area to fight some area residents.  During the altercation, Sykes injured a 20 year-old man.  The man was taken to University Hospital in Columbia by Audrain Ambulance District where he was treated and released.  Fierge was threatening people with a gun while the assault was occurring.

MPSD located the suspects a couple of blocks away and arrested Sykes for Assault 3^rd degree and Fierge for Unlawful Use of Weapon.  Both were processed at MPSD and taken to the Audrain County Jail. 

On Tuesday, April 11 at approximately 3:40PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1100 block of Ringo in reference to a grass fire.  Responding personnel found that a resident was burning leaves in their back yard but stopped paying attention to it for a short time.  The fire spread across the yard and onto a neighbor’s property.  The fire was contained and extinguished with the neighbor’s wooden privacy fence suffering minor damage.  There were no injuries from the incident.

AG’S OFFICE ASSISTS WARREN COUNTY PROSECUTOR IN OBTAINING FIRST DEGREE MURDER CONVICTIONS

In an effort to protect Missourians, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced that his office has assisted in obtaining nine felony convictions against Shawn Kavanaugh in connection with multiple murders. Kavanaugh was sentenced to life without probation or parole.
On February 14, 2014, Kavanaugh murdered three people. A fourth was lucky to live. The Kavanagh soon to be ex-wife, Jessica Kavanagh, was visiting her friend’s house. Kavanaugh showed up and suspected that his ex-wife was engaged in a sexual relationship with one of the victim’s. After arguing, he retrieved a knife from his car. He returned to the house and went on a killing spree. When he was done, Tara Fifer (age 22), Lexy Vandiver (age 29) and her son, Mason (age 7) were all dead. Jessica was stabbed multiple times but luckily survived. A total of 75 stab wounds had been inflicted on the four victims.
These murders occurred in Warren County. The Attorney General’s Office was asked to assist the Warren County Prosecuting Attorney.
After a change of venue to St. Charles County, the case was tried before Judge Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey. The Judge found the Defendant guilty of the following counts:
Count I: Murder in the first degree
Count II: Armed criminal action
Count III: Murder in the first degree
Count IV: Armed criminal action
Count V: Murder in the first degree
Count VI: Armed criminal action
Count VII: Domestic assault in the first degree
Count VIII: Armed criminal action
Count IX: Burglary in the first degree
The Court sentenced Kavanaugh to life without probation or parole for each count of murder in the first degree, fifteen years for each count of armed criminal action, life imprisonment for domestic assault in the first degree, and fifteen years for burglary in the first degree.
Assistant Attorney General Kevin Zoellner assisted the Warren County Prosecuting Attorney, Kelly King, in prosecuting the case.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 13, 2023

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

A Warrenton man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:15am Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 23 year old Tristan Brown was westbound on I-44 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned.  He was air-lifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

Both drivers were injured, one seriously after a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Caldwell County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:15pm Tuesday as a 16 year old boy from Kingston was crossing US 36 when his car was struck by a car driven by 78 year old Jean Golden of Chillicothe.  After impact her car came to rest off the south side of US 36 on its wheels facing southeast while his car came to rest in the driving lane of eastbound US 36 facing northwest.  The teen was taken to Cameron Regional Hospital with serious injuries while Golden was taken to Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe for treatment of minor injuries. 

MDC REPORTS 117 NEW CASES OF CWD FOR 2022 SURVEILLANCE YEAR

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that it sampled and tested more than 33,000 deer for chronic wasting disease (CWD) during the 2022 CWD surveillance year between July 2022 and April 2023. Of the more than 33,000 deer sampled, 117 tested positive for CWD.

CWD is a 100% fatal disease in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family. The disease has been attributed to significant deer population declines in other states. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Those 117 deer bring the total number of CWD cases found in the state to 409 since the first case in wild deer was confirmed by MDC in early 2012. Including recent sampling efforts, more than 243,000 tissue samples from wild deer have been collected for CWD testing in Missouri since MDC began CWD surveillance in 2002.

Nearly 19,400 of the 33,000-plus deer tested this past CWD surveillance year were sampled as part of MDC mandatory CWD sampling efforts in select counties during the opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 12 and 13. Most of the remaining samples resulted from MDC’s voluntary sampling efforts conducted throughout the deer season in partnership with taxidermists and meat processors throughout the state.

Of the more than 33,000 samples, about 3,500 were collected during MDC’s targeted culling efforts conducted in cooperation with landowners on a voluntary basis after the close of regular deer season in localized areas near where CWD has been found. Through targeted culling, 41 CWD-positive deer were removed to help slow the spread of CWD.

Of the deer tested, MDC found CWD-positive deer in 23 counties: Adair (3), Barry (1), Barton (9), Carroll (1), Cedar (1), Crawford (2), Dallas (1), Franklin (22), Gasconade (1), Hickory (1), Jefferson (7), Linn (15), Livingston (1), Macon (13), Perry (4), Putnam (3), Ray (1), St. Clair (1), St. Francois (1), Ste. Genevieve (20), Stone (4), Sullivan (3), and Taney (2).

In Missouri this past year, less than one percent of tissue samples from hunter-harvested deer tested positive for CWD.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                                 … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 12, 2023

HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE AND KIDNAPPING

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was arrested and charged with sexual abuse and kidnapping on Wednesday, April 5^th and was released from the Boone County Jail after posting a $5000 bond. 30 year old Jeffery Durbin, age 30, of Madison is scheduled to make his initial appearance on May 1^st.. Court documents indicate the charges came about after an incident on the night of March 23rd at a Columbia Hotel where Durbin and the victim allegedly met and purchased alcohol at a nearby gas station. The patrol is aware of the criminal charges against Durbin who is currently on special leave without pay. Durbin is assigned to Randolph and Monroe County. He graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Center at Moberly Area Community College and also studied psychology at MU. He also was a deputy sheriff in Monroe County prior to graduation from the Patrol Academy as part of the 103^rd Recruit Class in December of 2016 and also worked in Troop C as a patrolmen assigned to Warren County prior to transferring to Troop B.

MAN LYING ON RAILROAD TRACKS STRUCK AND KILLED IN WARREN COUNTY

A man lying on railroad tracks was struck and killed Monday night in Warren County.  The highway patrol said that 63 year old Jimmy Corder of Truesdale was lying on the tracks at South Water Street when he was struck by a Norfolk Southern Locomotive driven by 44 year old Paul Wagaman of St. Louis.  Corder was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident that occurred at 9:40pm Monday.

STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED BY AREA AUTHORITIES

This past Saturday, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a lead on the location of a Ford 8N tractor that was previously reported stolen off of Highway N in Mineola on October 4, 2022.  Upon receiving the lead, Montgomery County requested the assistance of the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office and asked them to respond to O’Keefe Ridge Road, near Williamsburg, and verify whether or not this was in fact the stolen tractor. Callaway County Deputies responded and verified this was the stolen Ford tractor. The tractor was recovered and returned to Montgomery County.  On Sunday, Callaway and Montgomery County deputies responded to a location off of County Road 1031, near Williamsburg, and further recovered a New Holland TN55 tractor, Land Pride Z52 zero turn lawnmower and a 3-Point Liberty Backhoe, that was all reported stolen off of Hwy N in Mineola on October 4, 2022. Also recovered was a Massey Ferguson tractor that was previously reported stolen off of Micah Road in Montgomery County on February 11, 2023.  As the investigation continues, several suspects have been identified but, no arrests have been made at this time.

DRIVER INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A Winfield driver was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:20pm Monday in Lincoln County.  The patrol says that 38 year old Justin Riddle was on Highway 47 when another vehicle made a left turn onto southbound Highway 47 in front of him, causing him to brake and his vehicle began to slide and traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

WOMAN HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A woman was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Gasconade County.  State troopers report that a truck driven by 47 year old Stephen Evans of Bland was on Pleasant Avenue when it suffered a mechanical failure, causing it to travel over the center line and into the path of a car driven by 44 year old Rae Figgemeier of Owensville.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health Center in Rolla for treatment.  The wreck happened after 12pm Tuesday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 11, 2023

TEEN INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Huntsville teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 4:10pm Sunday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that the 16 year old boy was on Route D when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  The teen was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 10, 2023

MACON MAN HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Macon man was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4:30pm Saturday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 70 year old Larry Ballew was on Sunset Drive, one mile west of Macon when his moped experienced an equipment failure and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 7, 2023

SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT IN SCOTLAND COUNTY

A school bus accident that occurred at 3:45pm Wednesday in Scotland County sent 5 kids to the hospital with minor injuries.  The patrol says that a school bus driven by 58 year old David Kittle of Arbela was on Highway 136 and stopped in the roadway with stop sign and red lights activated when it was struck from behind by an SUV driven by a 17 year old girl from Memphis.  The teen driver along with 4 kids on the school bus ranging from 6 to 13 years old were all taken to Scotland County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

A man was injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol says it happened after 7:30am Wednesday as 49 year old Gregory Allen of Glendale, AZ was eastbound on I-44 when his car struck a guardrail.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR REST OF APRIL IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Missouri Route 6 – April 10-13, LANE RESTRICTION from one-half mile before and after the bridge over North Fork Salt River overflow, located near Brashear, for bridge maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Thursday with a 14-ft width restriction in place while work is being completed.

Macon County

Missouri Route 156 – April 10 & 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Southeast Outer Road to Leopard Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Missouri Route 156 – April 12-14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Leopard Avenue to Mercury Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Missouri Route 156 – April 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Mercury Avenue to Rte. H between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 156 – April 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Neptune Road to CR 243 Knox County between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 156 – April 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from January Place to Interior Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 156 – April 19, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Iceberg Avenue to Hilton Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 156 – April 20-21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hilton Avenue to Harness Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Montgomery County

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) –  April 10 & 11, LANE RESTRICTION for core drilling operations from mile marker 183.6 to mile marker 184.2 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) –  April 18 & 19, LANE RESTRICTION for core drilling operations from mile marker 179.6 to mile marker 180.0 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Shelby County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) –  April 7 – April 28, LANE RESTRICTION for pavement patching operations from Monroe City to Clarence between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 6, 2023

A Moberly teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 8:20pm Tuesday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that the 17 year old girl was on Route D when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 5, 2023

MAN INJURED IN RALLS COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Center man was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:55am Tuesday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that 73 year old Lowell Jackson was on Route P when his vehicle traveled off the roadway, then back onto the roadway and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 4, 2023

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MARION COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Palmyra man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:50am Sunday in Marion County.  The patrol says that 52 year old Charles Bowers was on US 61 when he attempted to exit onto MO 168 when his vehicle ran off the road and overturned.  He was transported by Air Evac to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                                 … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

April 3, 2023

FIRE DISTROYED MAJORITY OPF WHISKEY BARREL MANUFACTURING COMPANY SUNDAY

The Higbee Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call that turned out to be a major fire around 6:30 Sunday morning to Barrel 53 Cooperage, just off State Highway A. on the north side of Higbee.  Additional fire crews from throughout the county responded to the large blasé and the firecrews worked together to save some of the machinery and the front part of the building. The investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Crews remained on the scene to deal with hot spots. The company makes white oak whiskey and bourbon barrels.  

MAN AND WOMAN HURT IN KNOX COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man and woman were hurt in an accident that occurred at 8:40am Saturday in Knox County.  The patrol says that 27 year old Daniel Harrelson of Kirksville was on Highway J when his truck experienced an equipment malfunction, causing him to overcorrect and traveled off the left side of the roadway.  Both Harrelson and his passenger 27 year old Charity Coram of Brookfield were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries.

TWO WOMEN INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

Two Kahoka women were injured in a Saturday night wreck in Clark County.  MSHP said it happened at 5:20pm Saturday as 81 year old Virginia Webster was backing out of a parking spot when she struck 74 year old Rosalie Smith who was a pedestrian and then also impacted a parked vehicle.  Smith was air lifted to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment of moderate injuries, while Webster sustained minor injuries and was taken to Scotland County Hospital in Memphis for treatment.

TEEN INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Mexico teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:55pm Saturday in Audrain County.  The patrol says that the 16 year old boy was on Audrain Road 930 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

SHELBINA MAN TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER BEING EJECTED FROM SIDE BY SIDE

The Highway Patrol said 46 year old John P. Clevenger of Shelbina received moderate injuries after being ejected from a side by side around 4pm Saturday. It happened on County Road 4670, 1 mile east of Shelbina . Clevenger was ejected when his eastbound vehicle began to turn and overturned on County Road 4670, 1 mile east of Shelbina at 4pm Saturday. He was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment.

PARIS WOMAN FLOWN TO COLUMBIA HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH

A Paris woman was seriously injured in a two vehicle crash in Ralls County around 6:35 pm Saturday. It happened at the Junction of Highways 19 and 154 known as the Perry Junction. Troopers say 78 year old Mary S. Branham of Paris failed to yield while making a left turn and struck a southbound vehicle driven by 51 year old Gregory Palmer of Quincy. Palmer was not injuried. Branham was flown by Survival Flight to University Hospital in Columbia.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 31, 2023

WOMAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A Marshall woman was injured in an accident that occurred after 6pm Wednesday in Cooper County.  The patrol says that 30 year old Kristina Stevens was on MO 41 when she braked abruptly, causing her SUV to skid off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

RESURFACING PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI

A resurfacing project located on Route T in Lincoln and Montgomery counties, from Missouri Route 161 in Montgomery County to Route O in Lincoln County, is expected to begin the week of April 3. 

The $2.3M contract, awarded last year to Pace Construction of St. Louis, includes several additional resurfacing projects which will be completed in the order as listed below, with all projects completed by June 30, 2023:

• Montgomery County, Route MM – From Missouri Route 161 in Montgomery County to the end of state maintenance.
• Warren County, Route CC - From Missouri Route 47 to the end of state maintenance.
• Warren County, Route N - From Missouri Route 94 to Missouri Route 47.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane during the day at the location where crews are actively working for the duration of the project.  For the safety of the crews and the traveling public, we would like to remind drivers to be attentive in work zones and put down your cell phones to eliminate distractions.  

Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone.  Workers will be present during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place for the duration of the project.  All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

ATTORNEY GENERAL BAILEY ANNOUNCES CONCRETE CONTRACTOR CHARGED FOR FRAUD AND THEFT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

In an effort to protect consumers, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced that his office has filed twelve felony counts of Deceptive Business Practice, Stealing by Deceit and Financial Exploitation of the Elderly against 49 year old Daniel M. Carbone of St. Clair, MO.  He is accused of criminally defrauding five Franklin County consumers, some of whom are elderly, in connection with his businesses, Concrete Impressions and All Pro Concrete.  Carbone promised to provide mostly concrete and other exterior remodeling work in exchange for large down payments.  The charges allege that after taking these payments from the consumers, Carbone either did minimal work before abandoning the project completely, or did no work at all in spite of being paid by victims in advance to do so.  He left consumers with no materials for their payments and refused multiple demands for refunds. The consumers’ aggregate losses total just over $55,000.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Don Re and Natalie Warner. Consumers who believe they may have been scammed by a contractor should file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection hotline at 800-392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.

BOWLING GREEN LICENSE OFFICE CONTRACT UP FOR BID

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license office in Bowling Green, Missouri, located at 204 S. Business Highway 61, Bowling Green, Missouri, 63334.  Bids will start being accepted April 5, and must be submitted by April 18.

For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/.  Interested groups or individuals who wish to bid to operate the Bowling Green License Office must have an active Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and must submit the proposal under the legal entity name for which the FEIN was assigned. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through the Office of Administration, is posting an RFP for the Bowling Green License Office contract, since the current contract is close to expiring. Interested bidders have approximately 10 business days to submit their proposal for the operation of the license office in the competitive bid process, as outlined in the RFP. A scheduled tour of the current location may be requested by emailing the procurement contact listed on MissouriBUYS.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 30, 2023

WOMAN INJURED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Warrenton woman was injured in an accident that occurred at around 7:40am Wednesday in Warren County.  The patrol says that 58 year old Debra Wilson was on Route MM when she stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk when her car was struck in the rear by a truck driven by 36 year old Timothy Reichert of Warrenton.  Wilson was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

MAN HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON MOTORCYCLE CRASH

52 year old Lowell Scott of Elsberry was hurt in a Tuesday afternoon motorcycle crash in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:25pm Tuesday as he was riding his motorcycle on Highway W when it struck some gravel and he began to lose control, causing it to travel off the right side of the road and hit a sign.  He was ejected from his motorcycle as it began to overturn.  He sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.

TWO TRACTOR TRAILERS INVOLVED IN WRECK WEDNESDAY MORNING

The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated a Wednesday morning wreck involving two tractor trailers on I-70 in Cooper County.  The wreck occurred at around 8:30am on I-70 near the 96.4 mile marker with reported injuries, but they did not elaborate on the extent of those injuries.  The eastbound passing lane was expected to stay closed until around 9:30am, while the westbound passing lane reopened at around 9am.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 29, 2023

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN MACON LOOKING FOR RAPE SUSPECT

Law enforcement officers in Macon are trying to locate a rape suspect.  According to KTVO they are looking for 34 year old Derrick Beemer of Macon.  He was charged last week with second-degree rape. According to court documents, the female accuser told Macon police that Beemer forced her to have sex with him.  She said she was afraid he would hurt her if she didn't do what he wanted or if she yelled for help.  The alleged crime reportedly happened in December 2021.  An arrest warrant for Beemer was issued last week. So far, as of last report officers have not been able to locate him.  If you have information regarding his whereabouts, you are asked to call the Macon County Sheriff's Office at 660-385-2062.  Once he is apprehended, Beemer will be held on $50,000 cash-only bond.

BEVIER MAN FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES, INCLUDING ASSAULT AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

A Bevier man is in jail facing multiple charges.  According to KTVO on Thursday March 23 Macon County sheriff’s deputies received reports from several women that a man at Long Branch State Park in Macon had approached them asking to perform sexual acts.  Park staff attempted to locate the man who had fled and caused damage to park property.  The report also stated that a park employee was allegedly hit by the man’s vehicle after finding him on the Long Branch Dam.  During the course of an investigation, they found evidence that led them to 21 year old Logan Fainter of Bevier.  He was located a short time later and arrested.  Fainter was taken to the Macon County Jail on a 24 hour hold and has since been charged with assault-second degree and property damage-second degree.  Fainter’s bond was set at $50,000 cash only bond. 

PEDESTRIAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY TRUCK

A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a truck that occurred at 11:15am Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 44 year old Rebecca Fitzgerald of Dittmer, MO was walking on or near the white line on Route O when a truck driven by 80 year old George Brown of St. Clair struck the pedestrian.  Fitzgerald was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 28, 2023

MAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was injured in an accident that occurred at 5:45pm Saturday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 28 year old Austin Meyer of Labadie, MO was on Old Highway 100 when he became distracted/inattentive to the roadway, causing his truck to travel off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected and it overturned.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

TEEN HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK

19 year old Colby Nelson of Princeton was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Grundy County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:55am Sunday as he was on 40th Street at Highway J when his car ran off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned onto its top.  He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by private auto to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment.

GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES OVER $94 MILLION AWARDED THROUGH COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION GRANT PROGRAM

Last week, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded more than $94 million through the Community Revitalization Grant Program for 70 projects across the state. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan, is focused on investing in communities of all sizes to support local priorities, encourage economic recovery, and build resilience for the future.

The Community Revitalization Grant Program was launched in September 2022. The program awarded competitive grants to applicants, including municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations, to benefit households, communities, and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards will fund a variety of projects, such as downtown property renovations, business skills training, homelessness prevention, and more. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 27, 2023

MILAN MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ADAIR COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Milan man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:35pm Saturday in Adair County.  The patrol says that 38 year old Janvier Peterson of Milan was on MO 6 when he attempted to pass multiple vehicles and his truck struck a vehicle driven by 54 year old Timothy Harrelson of Milan head-on.  Meanwhile a third vehicle driven by 32 year old Sara Sinclair of Milan ran off the right side of the roadway to avoid the two vehicles.  Harrelson was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville with serious injuries.

DRIVER INJURED IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Lewis County.  The highway patrol said that 72 year old Michael Newberry of La Belle was on Route K when he ran a stop sign, crossed over MO 6 and ran off the right side of the road, striking a fence, a tree and a building before coming to rest.  He was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment of moderate injuries.  The wreck happened at around 12:45pm Friday.

MAN HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING INCIDENT

A man was hurt in a Saturday morning incident in Gasconade County.  State troopers report that it happened at 11:10am as an uninvolved vehicle was on the shoulder of MO 28 smoking when a truck driven by 72 year old Walter Scheer of New Haven swerved into the lane of an eastbound car driven by 45 year old Joseph Pondron of Sullivan to avoid the smoke when the two collided.  Pondron sustained minor injuries and was taken to Sullivan Baptist Hospital for treatment. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 24, 2023

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT

A St. Louis man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3:45pm Wednesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 60 year old Gustavo Vonderlancken was on Route T when a deer came out of nowhere and struck his vehicle, ejecting him from it.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

WOMAN HURT IN COOPER COUNTY WRECK

A woman was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Cooper County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 2pm Wednesday as 61 year old Karen Wesselman of Pilot Grove was on MO 41 at MO 135 when she failed to yield to a truck driven by 43 year old Dallas Pinkett of Boonville and her SUV was struck in the intersection by his truck.  She sustained minor injuries but refused medical transport. 

TWO TROY RESIDENTS FOUND DEAD IN HOME, MAN IN CUSTODY

A man and a woman were found dead in their home in Troy Tuesday night and a man described as a person of interest is now in custody.  According to KOMU, police said that the victims were discovered at a mobile home in Troy as they believe that 71 year old Don McRoberts and 58 year old Kathy McRoberts were shot in their trailer home near Eames Street and East Cherry Street.  Police used drones to help search for a man in his early 20’s.  On Wednesday afternoon they announced that Davionne McRoberts, a grandson of the victims was in custody, but no charges have been filed as of last report.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 23, 2023

NATURAL GAS RATES TO DROP FOR LIBERTY UTILITIES CUSTOMERS

The natural gas rates of Liberty Utilities (Midstates Natural Gas) Corp.

d/b/a Liberty Utilities customers will decrease under a filing that will take effect on April 1, 2023.  The rate change reflects the Weather Normalization Adjustment Rider (WNAR) which authorizes rate adjustments based on weather variations. The purpose of the tariff is to adjust revenues for differences between actual heating degree days and normal heating degree days.  Under the Liberty Utilities filing, a residential customer using 100 Ccf’s (10,000 cubic feet) of natural gas in a given billing month will see a reduction of approximately $9.50 a month in Liberty Utilities’ Northeast and West Districts.  Natural gas rates will drop by approximately $7.84 a month for a residential customer using approximately 100 Ccf’s of natural gas in a given billing month in

Liberty Utilities’ Southeast District.  Liberty Utilities serves approximately 52,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.  The Northeast and West District service area includes the Missouri counties of Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Marion, Pike, Ralls, Schuyler, Scotland, Bates, Cass, Henry and St. Clair.  The Southeast District service area includes the counties of Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne.

MISSOURI DOCTOR ADMITS DEFRAUDING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

A doctor from Moberly, Missouri pleaded guilty last week to federal charges and admitted falsely using his father’s name to bill Medicare and Medicaid for medical services.  41 year old Dr. Justin G. LaMonda pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of making false statements related to health care matters.  Dr. LaMonda admitted as part of his plea that he and his father agreed to bill Medicare and Missouri Medicaid for services performed by Dr. LaMonda as if they had actually been performed by Dr. LaMonda’s father, who was also a doctor.  The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts suspended Dr. LaMonda’s medical license for 30 days effective Aug. 10, 2017 after he was accused of engaging in sexual activity with his office manager and prescribing her controlled substances “without sufficient examination and outside of the usual course of professional practice,” the plea says.  On Dec. 20, 2018, a Medicare administrative contractor revoked his Medicare Part B privileges after determining that he submitted reimbursement claims for services performed when he was suspended. Then, on Sept. 12, 2019, the Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance Unit terminated his Medicare provider number.

Dr. LaMonda admitted that as early as Dec. 20, 2018, he and his father agreed to bill Medicare for services performed by Dr. LaMonda as if they had been performed by his father. After Dr. LaMonda’s Missouri Medicaid billing privileges were terminated, the pair expanded their scheme to include Medicaid claims, the plea says.  Dr. LaMonda admitted causing total losses of $537,322 to Medicare and Missouri Medicaid.

At sentencing, Dr. LaMonda could face up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

TEXWRAP PACKAGING SYSTEMS TO EXPAND IN WASHINGTON, INVESTING $2.25 MILLION AND CREATING 35 NEW JOBS

Texwrap Packaging Systems, a leader in the design and manufacturing of shrink wrapping and bundling systems, has announced that it will expand in Washington, investing $2.25 million and creating 35 new jobs.  The company’s expansion will increase capacity for shrink wrapping and bundling product lines at its existing Washington facility.  Texwrap, a ProMach brand, is a Washington-based leader in fully automatic shrink wrapping and e-commerce systems. The company holds patents in innovative industry technologies.  Texwrap’s line of wrappers include L-bar sealers, intermittent motion side sealers, continuous motion side sealers, vertical wrappers, and shrink tunnels, all of which are made in the United States.  Texwrap also recently developed a new style bundler to add to its growing line of machinery.  New jobs added as part of Texwrap’s expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.

Texwrap’s Washington facility is also the home of Texwrap Fabricators, one of the region’s most complete metal fabricating facilities.  In addition to producing parts for Texwrap and Tekkra machinery, Texwrap Fabricators supplies metal fabrications for other industrial, commercial, military, and aerospace applications.  Texwrap’s Tekkra line of shrink bundlers rounds out its shrink packaging solutions with intermittent motion, continuous motion, and custom bundling systems.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 22, 2023

WOMAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 12:30pm Tuesday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 28 year old Kelly Ratliff of Ashland was on Highway D when she failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the road, she overcorrected, traveled off the other side of the road, struck the ground and then struck a tree.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries. 

TWO MEN INJURED IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH

Two men from Gerald, MO were injured in a Tuesday morning crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened after 9:30am Tuesday as a vehicle was stopped on Route A to make a left turn onto Pottery Road when 47 year old Douglas Vaughn became inattentive before swerving to avoid hitting the stopped vehicle and swerved to the left into the northbound lane and struck the front of another vehicle driven by 59 year old Gregory Reed of New Haven.  Both Vaughn and his passenger 56 year old John Heady sustained moderate injuries and were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital for treatment.

TWO LICENSE OFFICE CONTRACTS UP FOR BID

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license offices in Brookfield, located at 223 N. Main St., Brookfield, Missouri, 64628 and also the license office in Monroe City, located at 109 Second St., Monroe City, Missouri, 63456. Bids will start being accepted March 22, and must be submitted by April 4. For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 21, 2023

POLICE CHIEF IN MACON ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION, CAREER CHANGE

Macon Police Chief, Adam Dawdy has announced that he will be resigning as chief of the department effective next month.  According to KTVO the reason for his resignation is that he has accepted a position at Mark Twain Behavioral Health in Kirksville.  He also stated that he was ready for a life change and it was a decision made on behalf of his family.  Dawdy has worked at the Macon Police Department since 2005 when he was hired as a police officer and then he went to work as a school resource officer and then assistant police chief for a short time before becoming Macon Police Chief in March 2017.  While he is resigning as chief, he is not completely leaving the field of law enforcement.  He said he is going to continue as a reserve deputy for the Macon County Sheriff's Office.  Dawdy’s last day as Macon Police Chief will be April 25.

MACON TEEN HURT IN MARION COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Macon teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 9:10am Monday in Marion County.  The patrol says that 64 year old James Mozingo of Clarence was on US 36 when he failed to yield and drove into the path of a car driven by 19 year old Jason Viers of Macon.  Viers was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. 

MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT WRECK

A Warrenton man was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Warren County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:25pm Sunday as 42 year old Travis Shrum of Warrenton was southbound on Missouri Route 47 when he lost control of his UTV and traveled into the path of an SUV driven by 47 year old Tiffany Meine of Wright City.  After impact the UTV overturned onto its right side.  Shrum sustained minor injuries, but refused transport at the scene.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                                 … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 20, 2023

ADULT AND CHILD SHOT IN COLUMBIA SATURDAY

This past Saturday, at approximately 5:11 pm, Boone County Joint Communications received numerous calls reporting shots being fired in the 700 block of Demaret Drive in Columbia. At least one caller also reported a child had been shot. Deputies responded to investigate and were assisted by members of the Columbia Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Upon arrival, responding personnel discovered an adult male and a female child had been shot. Both subjects were seriously injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities said they are limited as to what information can be released at this point in the investigation but Initial information obtained indicates a disturbance between parties erupted in gunfire. It is believed the child, who was simply present, was struck by gunfire and the male who was shot was possibly a participant in the disturbance. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department says this is an ongoing investigation, and more information may become available at a later time. Anyone with information on this investigation is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office through Boone County Joint Communications by calling 573-442-6131 or 311. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS (8477).

DRIVER KILLED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A driver was killed in an accident that occurred at 1:30am Sunday in Gasconade County.  The patrol says that 20 year old Markus Eldringhoff of Berger was on Route J when his car traveled into the northbound lanes, he overcorrected, traveled into the southbound lanes, went off the right side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

PASSENGER IN UTV FALLS FROM VEHICLE AND STRUCK BY CAR

The Highway Patrol reports an accident occurred around 5:30 pm Sunday in Marion County. The incident happened on Breckenridge Avenue in Palmyra when a 15 year old female driver was operating a UTV and being followed by a car driven by a 16 year old male. Both drivers were from Palmyra. When when the driver of the UTV and the car both made a left hand turn at an intersection, a 14 year old female passenger in the UTV from Hannibal fell from the vehicle onto the roadway and was struck by the car resulting in moderate injuries. She was transported by Survival Flight to St Louis Childrens Hospital for treatment.

TWO INJURED IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

Two men were injured in a Friday afternoon crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:45pm Friday as an ATV and also a mini bike were both on a dirt path in a wooded area on Iron Hill Road when they collided head-on.  28 year old Brandon Hall the Fourth of St. Louis sustained moderate injuries while 27 year old Brandon Jones of St. Clair suffered minor injuries.  Both were taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.

I-70 SOUTH OUTER ROAD/TREE FARM ROAD SCHEDULED TO CLOSE-WEATHER DOES NOT LOOK PROMISING

Weather permitting, the week of March 20, The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractor, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., have scheduled the closure of the South Outer Road of I-70/Tree Farm Road.  The outer road will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete.  Message boards will be placed on Missouri Route 19 to alert motorists of this closure.

Drivers will continue to experience various temporary traffic impacts over the next few months when traveling on Interstate 70 and Missouri Route 19, near New Florence.

The following traffic impacts will also be in effect with all work occurring during the nighttime hours of 8:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.:

• March 20 & 21, as well as the week of March 27, MO 19 south of I-70 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers used for traffic control while shoulder widening, asphalt work and barrier wall placements are completed.  All ramps at Missouri Route 19 and access to the south outer road/Tree Farm Road will remain open. Flaggers will direct motorists through the work zone.
• Also, the week of March 20, MO 19, north of I-70 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers used for traffic control for shoulder widening work.
• Intermittent lane closures will continue over the next month along I-70 affecting the inside lanes between mile markers 174 and 176 for concrete placement for the new bridge.  All ramps at Missouri Route 19 will remain open.
• Intermittent rolling lane closures will continue along I-70 between mile markers 174 and 176 to move equipment in and out of the median.
• Bridge girders will be placed between March 29 and April 6.  This will require a 2-night closure of the passing lanes of WB and EB I-70 and rolling lane blocks between mile markers 174 and 176 while cranes are moving beams into final position.   Additionally, work will require the closure of the EB and WB off ramps at MO 19 from 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.  During this time, MO 19 will be reduced to one lane from the North Outer Road to the South outer Road during this time to stage girders and place onto the bridge. 

All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change. 

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 17, 2023

ONE KILLED, TWO INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was killed and also a woman and another man were injured in an accident that occurred at 3:45pm Wednesday in Lincoln County.  The patrol says that 25 year old Colin Heisserer of Wentzville was on Route C when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to return to the road and then went across the center of the road and collided head-on with a car driven by 75 year old Terrence Allen of O’Fallon.  Allen was taken to Mercy Hospital where he died a short time later from his injuries, while his passenger 74 year old Cheryl Allen of O’Fallon was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries and also Heisserer was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK

55 year old Stacey Williams of Vandalia was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Pike County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 7:55pm Wednesday as he was on Missouri 79 when his car struck a deer in the roadway.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

PALMYRA WOMAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH  

A Palmyra woman was injured in a crash that occurred at 10:30am Wednesday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that 48 year old Michael Waters of St. Louis was on Route H when he failed to yield to an SUV driven by Elizabeth Gainer of Palmyra, causing his freightliner to strike the SUV in the side.  She was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 16, 2023

PALMYRA WOMAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

A Palmyra woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 10:30am Wednesday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that 48 year old Michael Waters of St. Louis was on Route H when he failed to yield to an SUV driven by Elizabeth Gainer of Palmyra, causing his freightliner to strike the SUV in the side.  She was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

JONES POULTRY TO EXPAND IN HANNIBAL, INVESTING $6 MILLION AND CREATING 50 NEW JOBS

Jones Poultry, a family-owned poultry processing company, has announced that it will expand in Hannibal, investing $6 million and creating 50 new jobs. The company is expanding its Illinois-based operations to Missouri due to the state’s business-friendly climate and strong workforce.

Jones Poultry was founded in Illinois in 1940 as a farm-based chicken processor. By 1996, the company modernized its operations by moving to a state-of-the-art, USDA-inspected poultry processing plant. Today, Jones Poultry is owned exclusively by the Duane Venvertloh family and offers a complete line of fresh poultry products to its customers, including restaurants, grocery stores, nursing homes, and broad line food service distributors throughout the country. The company is a leader in developing innovative solutions in response to its customers’ needs. Over the years, Jones Poultry has remained committed to improving operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and freshness.

With its expanded facility, Jones Poultry will increase production and hire employees across all positions, including processing, sanitation, maintenance, customer service, sales, and management. The company expects to begin production by the end of April 2023. Jones Poultry will host an on-site recruiting event on April 1, 2023. Details on available opportunities can be found on the company’s website.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 15, 2023

CHARGES FILED AGAINST MAN WHO SHOT AND KILLED POLICE OFFICER AND INJURED ANOTHER

Formal charges have now been filed against Kenneth L. Simpson, the man accused of fatally shooting a Hermann Police Officer and wounding another. The Gasconade County Prosecutors office has charged Simpson with 1^st Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, 1^st Degree Assault and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Two officers with the Hermann Police Department attempted to arrest Simpson who had outstanding warrants at the Casey’s Convenience store in Hermann according to the probable cause statement. Neither of the two officers had guns drawn and when the suspect was told he was under arrest and started to handcuff the man, he pulled a gun and shot Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith and Officer Adam Sullentrup. Griffith was able to pull his weapon and return fire as Simpson fled the scene. He died from his injuries. The other officer was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and later was stabilized. The suspect was taken into custody Monday following a standoff with Police was being held in the Crawford County Jail without bond. Tuesday night, a candlelight vigil was held in Rosebud where Giffith had served as the Police Chief and shared stories of his life and dedication to public service. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday at Owensville High School with visitation starting at 9 am.

TWO PEOPLE KILLED IN CRASH TUESDAY MORNING

The Highway Patrol said both drivers were killed in a crash at 6:46 am Tuesday morning on Route C, just east of Route AA in Russellville. 35 year old Loren Nichols of Jeff City was westbound when his van crossed the center line and hiit another vehicle driven by 39 year old Richard Dippold head-on. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

TRAFFIC BACKED UP ON i70 TUESDAY AFTERNOON DUE TO CRASH

A traffic crash backed up traffic for sometime on Interstate 70, near the Highway 63 interchange Tuesday afternoon.  The Missouri Department of Transportation’s traveler’s information map showed the crash shut down the right lane of the Interstate. Columbia Police said units were responding to a vehicle collision in the area of Clark Lane near the I-70 East connector and asking drivers to avoid the area.

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK

A Marshall man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Saline County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:10pm Monday as 32 year old Jessy Smith was on MO 20 when his truck ran off the left side of the road and overturned, ejecting him from it as it came to rest on its passenger side.  He was flown by Life Flight to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

SALINE COUNTY INCIDENT MONDAY EVENING  

25 year old Taylor Anderson of Marshall was hurt in an incident that occurred at 8:45pm Monday in Saline County.  According to what he said to the state troopers, he was a passenger in a truck driven by an unknown person on Hemlock Avenue near 205th Road when the truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch.  After impact the driver left the scene of the incident and Anderson told police he wasn’t sure of their location.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken home by private vehicle.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 14, 2023

TWO INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two people from Iowa were injured in an accident that occurred at 12:50pm Sunday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 76 year old Phylis Willis of Altoona, IA attempted to turn eastbound onto US 36 from MO 5 and pulled into the path of a truck driven by 69 year old Robert Miller of Keytesville when the accident occurred.  Willis sustained moderate injuries while her passenger a 15 year old boy from Des Moines, IA suffered minor injuries.  Both were taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment.

VANDALIA TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

A Vandalia teen was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Ralls County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9:25am Monday as 19 year old Bryson Aguirre Kelley was on Highway Y when his vehicle struck a deer, ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

MAN HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH

35 year old Craig Doerr of Owensville was hurt in a Sunday night crash in Franklin County.  State troopers report that he was on 3559 Highway E when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck two culverts, two mailboxes and overturned.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  The crash occurred at 6:45pm Sunday.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 13, 2023

TEENS INJURED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three teens were injured in an accident that occurred at 6:40pm Saturday in Macon County.  The patrol says that a 17 year old boy from Shelbina was on US 36 at Anabel when his jeep slid off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  The driver and his two passengers’ a 15 year old boy from Shelbina and a 15 year old boy from Lentner were all taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT CRASH

A Hannibal teenage driver was hurt in a Saturday night crash in Marion County.  State troopers report that the 17 year old boy was riding a motorcycle on MO 79 when it struck a car in the rear driven by 41 year old Matthew Lilo of Quincy, IL which had slowed down.  The teen suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.  The crash happened at 5:15pm Saturday.

TEEN HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

18 year old Jaden Ludy of Hawk Point was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 12:30pm Saturday as she was on Highway D when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, hit an embankment and a utility box.  She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

                                                 … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

March 10, 2023

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME RESUMES THIS SUNDAY AT 2 AM

This Sunday morning is when Day light savings time resumes as clocks spring forward by 1 hour. It’s also a great time to replace battery’s in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them to make sure they are function properly.

GREENTOP MAN FACING FELONY CHARGES

A Greentop man is accused of molesting and raping a girl who was under the age of 12. KTVO reports on air and at KTVO dot com that Four felony charges were filed this week against Benjamin Charles Walker, 47, of Greentop, Missouri. Walker is charged with first-degree statutory rape, first-degree child molestation and two counts of sexual misconduct involving a child as he allegedly exposed himself to the girl on two separate occasions. Walker is being held in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail on $100,000 cash-only bond.  The alleged crimes happened at a Sullivan County residence between May 1, 2020, and September 1, 2020

DRIVERS HURT IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK

Both drivers from O’Fallon were hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in St. Charles County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 7:10pm Wednesday as 62 year old Santonio Love was on Route P when he failed to slow down approaching the intersection and his SUV struck a car in the rear which was stopped at the intersection with flashing red lights on driven by 19 year old Haleigh Augusta.  Both were taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

SALISBURY PANTHERS PLAY HARTVILLe  TODAY AT 4PM

This past Monday, the Salisbury School District confirmed the death of London White, a junior at Salisbury R-4 Schools and a student athlete on the basketball and football teams. The sudden unexpected news of White’s death resulted in immediate grief of various forms which will continue for some time.  The message from the school indicated the next few months will likely be some of the hardest faced in the district and beyond as they work through the tragedy.  News about Whites death spread like wildfire on social media and other platforms locally, regionally, statewide and beyond. Up until the time of London’s death, everyone in the Salisbury area was eagerly awaiting today as the Panther Basketball program was headed to state to compete in the State Basketball Final Four in Springfield. A decision had to be made. After talking with London’s family and learning of their support, it was decided to proceed with the games in Springfield and today at 4pm the Panthers will play Hartville. On Monday, March 13, at 8:15 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held at the Salisbury High School football field. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 pm at the Salisbury High School Old Gym. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11 am until the time of the service. Interment will follow in the East Lawn Memory Garden in Salisbury, MO.