COLUMBIA MAN ARRESTED IN DECOY OPERATION
A Boone County man was arrested after responding to a post from someone he believed to be a 14 year old girl who was actually an undercover decoy pretending to be a 14 year old girl. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department made the arrest on Monday after the suspect showed up at a predetermined location where he thought the two would engage in sexual relations. 24 year old Harrison Stretz of Columbia faces what could be two or more charges including sexual misconduct with a minor and attempted enticement of a child.
DRIVER INJURED ATTEMPTING TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH A DEER
A Clark driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck in Randolph County around 10:16 last (Tues) night. The patrol said 70 year old Judy C. Barnes was southbound and swerved to avoid a deer on US 63, about 5 miles south of Clark. The vehicle went off the roadway and overturned. Barnes had moderate injuries and was transported to a Columbia hospital for treatment.
NOT A FREE LUNCH BUT IT IS A FREE BRIDGE!
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I’m sure you’ve heard it said there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free bridge, for the right person or group. The Missouri Department of Transportation is currently accepting proposals for the reuse of the seven panel Pratt pony truss bridge located on Route PP just east of Route 139 in Sullivan County. The one-lane bridge was rebuilt in 1955 and is 255 feet long, 14.5 feet wide and boasts a 63-foot steel girder span and 128-foot pony truss. It will be replaced with a new and wider bridge in 2019 or 2020. The bridge is considered historic because it is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places due to its local significance in transportation and engineering. Because of that eligibility, federal law requires any state proposing demolition of a historic bridge to first make it available for donation to a state, locality or responsible private entity. The bridge can be obtained by government entities, historical or civic groups, or private citizens, free of charge. The cost to remove the bridge or any of its parts is borne by the party obtaining the bridge. Individuals and organizations interested in taking all or part of the bridge are invited to submit a proposal for reuse. Those proposals are due by December 31, 2018. Details about the bridge, as well as information about reusing a bridge or making a reuse proposal, can be found on MoDOT's Free Bridges website at http://www.modot.org/freebridges/. ADDITIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK EVENTS PLANNED Tuesday we told you about the Macon Police Department Drug Take Back Event planned for this Saturday in Macon. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department will also be participating and will have several drop-off locations throughout the county starting Friday and continuing Saturday. For more information about the Boone Country drop off locations, visit their website. Two locations will be available Friday from 10 to 2 in Columbia including the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital and the University of Missouri Student Center. On Saturday 5 collection locations will be in operation from 10 to 1 at the Ashland Police Department, the Centralia Police De’artment, the Hallsville Police Department and both Hickman and Rock Bridge High Schools. |
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
(04/24/2018)
SALISBURY MAN ARRESTED ON SEX CHARGES
A Salisbury resident was charged Friday with five counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, all Class B Felony charges. On-line court documents show that 43 year old Gregory K. McCloud is due to make his initial appearance in this week. The probable cause statement says charges were officially filed after authorities were notified by a woman that she had seen several photos of a child that were sexual in nature stored on McCloud’s phone. McCloud was being held in liew of a $25,000 cash only bond.
MACON POLICE AND OTHERS TEAM UP FOR DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT
This Saturday, the Macon Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give listeners an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding your home of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Police Department is partnering with the Macon Municipal Utilities, Macon County Public Water Supply District # 1 and the Missouri Rural Water Association. The goal is to prevent pill abuse and theft as well as protecting our local environment from these harmful drugs being disposed of improperly. Bring your pills for disposal to C&R Market Parking Lot at 703 E Briggs Drive in Macon, MO. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. If you’d like more information, call the Macon Police Department at (660) 385-2195.
HONOR FLIGHT NUMBER 51 TAKES TO THE AIR THURSDAY
110 veterans will leave Columbia at 1:45am on Thursday and return to Columbia Courtyard Marriott at 9:30pm Thursday, April 26. This is the first honor flight of 2018 for Central Missouri Honor Flight. Ninety are Vietnam veterans and the remaining 20 are Korean War veterans. As the busses roll back into Columbia overnight Thursday, you are encouraged to come out and help our honor flight veterans have the homecoming they deserve. For more information, visit their website at www.centralmissourihonorflight.com or contact Central Missouri Honor Flight President, Mary Paulsell at (573) 289-3799.
SUSPECT ARRESTED THANKS TO ASSISTANCE OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE K-9
This past Saturday, the Highway Patrol was investigating and searching for the driver of a car allegedly involved in an accident in the northwestern portion of Livingston County. The man fled the scene on foot and was eluding officers when the Livingston County Sheriff’s office K-9 located the suspect’s trail and lead authorities to the suspect. John J. Young was apprehended and charged with felony driving While Intoxicated. A last word, Young was still in custody at the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail.
CHILLICOTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
April 20th, 2018:
· 12:41am, Officers responded to an alarm in the 1000 blk. of S. Washington….False alarm
· 2:37am, Alarm at business on N. Washington,..Accidentally activated by employee
· 4:02am, Barking dog complaint in the 1500 blk. of Webster…owner took dog inside..
· 4:14am, Assisted fire department in 100 blk. Tenth St…
· 10:39am, Officer took Fraud report at PD…
· 11:55am, Officer was contacted reference a missing toddler in the 100 blk. of Polk St.,,child had slipped out door unnoticed. Child located and returned…12:07pm, Report people soliciting money on parking lot in the 1000 blk. of Graves St. ,Advised to leave property…
· 12:26pm, Checked report of children left unattended in vehicle in 1000 blk of Graves St,..unable to locate
· 3:56pm, Check for speeding vehicle in 1200 blk. Clay St…Neg. Findings4:03pm, Conducted investigation at First & Washington…
· 4:31pm, Assisted another agency at Polk & Locust St.s…
· 4:41pm, Fowl running loose 200 blk. Southwest Drive,…Given warning…
· 5:02pm, Assisted with traffic for 5K from Central School…
· 6:55pm, Civil complaint in 300 blk. of Webster St…advised remedies
· 7:13pm, Well-being check at residence on Monroe St,..subject OK..10:24pm, DWI arrest at Samuel & Keith St.s…Lydia Walker of California, Mo..Subject was processed and released…
· 11:02pm, Report of subjects trespassing on Railroad Property…Neg Findings
April 21st, 2018…
· 1:19am, Officers provided a courtesy escort for an individual to their vehicle…
· 5:10am, Well-being check in the 1700 blk. of Hickory Drive…subject OK
· 1:11pm, 4:24pm, Complaint of property damage…civil issue…
· 5:39pm, Complaint of mistreatment to two dogs 900 blk Woodrow…,.investigation continuing…
· 6:12pm, Investigation in 1000 blk. of Walnut St….
· 6:52pm, Officers investigated a fire in the restroom at a business on N. Washington…Damage was inflicted to a towel dispenser/waste can…ignition source undetermined at this time…investigation continuing….
· 7:18pm, Disturbance reported at business on W. Business 36 Highway….Subjects were gone on officers arrival…
· 7:35pm, Officers arrested two individuals for stealing from a business in the 1000 blk. of Graves St….Jamies Palmer of Brookfield, Mo, and Alysa Henke of Brookfield, Mo. were processed and released…
· 11:25pm, Officers out on suspicious activity near Webster and Elm, ..no report…
April 22nd, 2018…
· 12:35am, Disturbance at business in 200blk. of W. Business 36 Highway,,..subjects left establishment…
· 1:13am, Officers assisted with a subject that was having medical issues and was able to get the subject to receive help…
· 4:15am, Officers took a report of a stolen trailer license plate…
· 5:51am, Officer spoke with a subject in the1600 blk. of Springhill about personal issues…no report…
· 2:01pm, Officers checked report of suspicious activity near Bridge and Montgomery, …neg. finding…
· 2:47pm, Alarm at business on Mitchell Rd.,,,employee activation,,,,
· 4:19pm Fire in the 200 blk. of Southwest Dr…grass fire…Chillicothe Emergency Services extinguished the fire…
· 5:00pm, Parking complaint in 1100 blk. Jackson St….a drug offense was discovered, with the subject cited and released…
· 5:15pm, Report of suspicious person around vehicles in the Jackson St. and Mansur St. area…Suspect identified…
· 6:10pm, Investigation in 1100 blk. Of Clay St….
· 6:17pm, Investigation in 300 blk. Mansur St
· 6:25pm, Out of Control juvenile in 800 blk. Samuel St…Situation handled…
· 7:00pm, Officers out on investigation from earlier call at 5:15pm…
· 7:01pm, Report of Assault in the 2600 blk. of Shawnee Drive…
· 9:08pm, Investigation on fire at business on North Washington St…
· 10:02pm, Continuing investigation in 300 blk. of Wilson St…
· Officers made numerous traffic stops with citations and performed numerous building security checks….
In summary, Chillicothe Police Received 114 calls for service on April 20th, 64 on April 21st, and 86 on April 22nd, 2018.
A Excello driver received minor injuries in a two vehicle wreck that occurred on Route T about a mile West of Excello in Macon County Wednesday shortly after 10PM. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol 24 year old Wilson McGowan was traveling Eastbound when he crossed the centerline and was struck by another vehicle driven by 60 year old Robin Cross of Excello. Cross’s vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, while McGowan’s vehicle made a controlled stop in a private drive. Robin Cross was transported by Macon County Ambulance to Samaritan Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
A woman from Chillicothe was injured in a single vehicle wreck that occurred on Livingston County Road 228 west of US 65 about a mile North of Chillicothe early Thursday morning. According to the Highway Patrol, 20 year old Taisia Zeger Pagliai was traveling Eastbound when she crested a hill, traveled into the westbound lane, and overcorrected causing the vehicle to skid. Then her vehicle traveled off the south side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned onto the driver’s side. She was transported to Hedrick Medical Center by Chillicothe EMS for treatment of moderate injuries.
Weather Permitting MODOT crews will be working along Route 3 in Macon County today (April 20, 2018). Route 3 will be closed from Garden Street to Frontier Street for a culvert replacement from 8AM to 3PM. The work is weather dependant and could be delayed or rescheduled. You can find the latest information on roadwork in your area by visiting the MODOT traveler information map on modot.org.
The Kirksville Fire Department responded to a call of a fire at Kraft Heinz late Wednesday morning. Three fire trucks and an ambulance arrived on the scene shortly after 11 a.m. On scene, the fire department said there was a small fire, but later told KTVO there was no fire, but a welding accident led to overheating of the roof located toward the back of the building. The overheating of the roof allowed insulation to smolder, which was extinguished on arrival ,KFD gave the clear after thermal cameras were used to assess the removed insulation. No injuries were reported.
A 12 year old Polo boy was injured after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a car Tuesday afternoon in his hometown. The patrol said Ryan Bell was going south on Stoutmore and was hit as he failed to sto[ amd was as he crossing School street. 18 year old Megan Latimer of Polo was behind the wheel and was not injured. Bell was transported by ambulance to a Liberty Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries according to the official report.
A one vehicle wreck in Marion County around 8:10 last (WED) resulted in injuries. The patrol said 17 year old Lance R. Hettinger of Philadelphia was behind the wheel and traveling too fast for conditions and lost control. The vehicle struck a rut and overturned, ejecting Hettinger and a passenger, 16 year old Casey W. Wolfe. Hettinger received serious injuries and was transported to a Qunicy hospital. Wolve was taken to Hannibal Regional. The other occupants identified as 18 year old Ty h. Bowdish and 17 year old Henry S. Whetstong had minor injuries. That accident occurred on Marion County Road 128, a half a mile west of Philadelphia
When conditions are dry and its windy it doesn’t take long for a small fire to become an uncontrolled fire, and that usually results in contact with your local fire department. And that’s basically what happened Wednesday as Columbia firefighters were called the scene of a grass fire along northbound lanes of Highway 63. Firemen were able to quickly extinguish the blase. Fire authorities are working to determine the cause.
A 41 year old
2 VEHCILES
Three vehicles, including a dump truck were in a collision on US 36 a half a mile east of Anabel Tuesday morning. The patrol said 41 year old Travis C. Thrasher of Clarence was behind the wheel of the dump truck and was following another auto driven by 31 year of Jessica L. McClintock of Shelbina. Both of those autos had slowed for traffic when a third auto driven by 56 year old Christopher M. Dilallo of Shelbyville failed to yield and struck the Friedman vehicle which resulted in it striking the side of the dump truck. Trasher was not injured. McClintock received only minor injuries but a passenger in the McClintock auto, 79 year old James E. Friedman of Shelbina received serious injuries. Dilallo sustained moderate injuries. The Macon County Sheriffs Department, Shelby County Sheriffs Deparmtent and the Clarence Police Department
LENNEUS
A Lenneus man received serious injuries and was flown to a
A one vehicle accident in
A wreck in
RALLS
A
TWO KILLED IN
A man and woman from Jonesburg were killed in an accident that occurred at
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A
UNVILLE POLICE CHIEF OFFICIALLY CHARGED
The Unionville Police Chief has been charged with DWI. KTVO.com reports 29 year old Joshua Mathes of Unionville was arrested in February on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Formal charges have now been filed against Mathes for DWI and Failure to Drive on the Right Half of the Roadway. The charges stem from an incident in
LOCAL
FELONY CHARGES FILED AFTER
The man at the center of a
37-year-old David Yount, of
LAPLATA
A LaPlata man was a taken to the Macon County Jail on a 24 hour hold pending the filing of formal charges shortly before
LOCAL
MOBERLY
A Moberly man is facing 17 separate charges of Sex Abuse involving a 6 year old. KTVO.com reports 52-year-old Danny Allan Washam was arrested on Tuesday after an investigation commenced on April 3rd alleging abuse of a child. Some of the charges Washam is facing are statutory rape, statutory sodomy, child molestation, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was transported to the Randolph County Jail in
KIDDER WOMAN KILLED IN
A 34 year old Kidder resident died as a result of a collision in
THREE VEHICLE COLLISION IN
A three vehicle collision in
The Trenton Police Department posted last week on their Face book page that the old
Two people were in custody shortly after 10 AM Tuesday morning after the driver of a vehicle traveling northbound on US 65 in Carroll County refused to pull over for authorities. A chase involving several law enforcement agencies; including aircraft surveillance was involved. The pursuit continued into
HIGHWAY PATROL MAKES
A
A Brookfield driver sustained moderate injuries in a one-vehicle wreck on Route KK, 5 miles northeast of Purdon just before 8:00 Monday morning. The patrol report said 19-year-old Gabrielle Monstermann lost on the ice-covered roadway. Her vehicle ran off the road and struck a fence.
A Callao business owner is now facing a couple of sex-related charges with his recent arrest . 46 year old Calvin Vose of Callao runs “Almighty’s Touch Massage” out of his home on East Second Street in Callao. Court documents state the female victim has gone to the business for a massage. She also told a Macon County Sheriff’s deputy that when she arrived, Vose instructed her to remove her clothing, lay on the massage table and cover herself with a towel. The woman told investigators that when Vose came into the room, he removed the towel and proceeded to touch her in a sexual manor. The alleged incident happened on March 21st and she reported it to law enforcement the very next day. Vose was arrested that same date and was taken to the Macon County Jail. He has since posted bond and released.
This is National Work Zone Awareness Week and the Missouri Department of Transportation is doing their part to make people more aware of the dangers a work zone presents. Unfortunately, work zone crashers are on the rise nationwide. 16 people were killed in work zone crashes last year. For information on work zone safety and a list of high impact work zones across the state, visit modot.org/workzones/ml.
Now that spring is officially here, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services urges precaution against tick-borne illnesses as tick bites can transmit serious, potentially deadly illnesses and they can be active anytime the ground isn’t frozen.
SPRING TIME WEATHER LATER THIS WEEK
Even through it was a cold and wet Sunday for most of us, the forecast is indicating more seasonal weather for later this week. As for snowfall amounts, we’ve had numerous reports of around an inch or so, with the heaviest amounts along and north of Highway 24. South of that line, most of the snowfall was only visiable in limited areas. Monday’s forecast is still calling for cloudy and cooler type conditions, but by Tuesday we should be seeing Sunny skies and temperatures near 70 by Wednesday. We also have the possibility of showers and thunderstorms later in the week.
SEVERAL ACCIDENTS RESULT IN INJURIES
A 16 year old driver from
PATROL MAKES SEVERAL ARRESTS OVER THE WEEKEND
Several people were arrested over the weekend by State Troopers. Stephanie E. Dotson of Moberly was one of those individuals. She was cited for drug induced Driving while Intoxicated and failure to drive on the right half of the road resulting in a crash. 23 year old Tristan J. Easley of Fayette was arrested on a warrant for defective equipment late Friday afternoon. 19 year old Jacob A. Campbell of Mexico was arrested at 12:39 AM, Saturday and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance – Methamphetamine as well as 10 grams of less of Marijuana as a prior offender as well as possession of drug paraphernalia as a prior offender. 25 year old Charles A Griffin of Rocheport was charged with DWI and speeding at
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD UNDERWAY
The Missouri Department of Transportation has launched a 30-day public comment period on an update of the state’s Long Range Transportation Plan. The Long Range Transportation Plan is a federally required process that sets the state’s 25-year vision for transportation.
In the previous effort, four goal areas were established:
· Take care of the transportation system and services we enjoy today;
· Keep all travelers safe, no matter the mode of transportation;
· Invest in projects that spur economic growth and create jobs; and
· Give Missourians better transportation choices.
MoDOT sought public input in the fall to determine if those goals were still valid, or if priorities had changed. Nearly 8,000 people participated in the online survey and submitted about 5,400 comments. Based on that feedback, the four goals above were validated and the updated plan adds a fifth goal:
· Improve reliability and reduce congestion on
For the first time, the plan also examines how
The draft Long-Range Transportation Plan can be viewed online at www.modot.org/LRTP/, or at any MoDOT District Office. Those interested in offering comments on the plan can contact MoDOT by emailing LRTPcomments@modot.mo.gov Additional questions about the survey and the long range planning process can be addressed by calling customer service centers at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning,
The final plan will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for approval at its June 2018 meeting.
BOATER SAFETY CERTIFICATION COURSE OFFERED AT
A boater safety certification course will be offered from
AREA NEWS HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY – April 6, 2018
TWO DRIVERS INJURED IN CALDWELL COUNTY CRASH
Two Braymer drivers were injured in a Caldwell County crash at 2:55 PM Thursday afternoon. The patrol said the wreck occurred when two pickups met at a hill crest and collided on Catawba Road, 5 miles northwest of Braymer. 39 year old Christopher E. Waters was southbound and his vehicle crossed the centerline and was struck by a northbound pickup driven by 40 year old Kevin S. Leakey. Waters had serious injuries and was transported by Life Flight to Truman Medical Center. Leakey sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Chillicothe Ambulance to Liberty Hospital. The Caldwell County Sheriffs Office, Braymer Fire Department and Cowgill Fire Department provided assistance..
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SNOW IN THE FORECAST??? REALLY??? The Missouri Department of Transportation officials urge motorists to drive with care and allow extra time for travel Today (FRI) and tonight as rain turning to snow is in the forecast. MoDOT Central District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer said “The calendar may say it’s spring, but Mother Nature isn’t following suit and Drivers shouldn’t let their guard down. Snow showers in April can cause just as many problems as they do at other times of the year.” MoDOT crews will carefully monitor road conditions and treat and plow as needed. MoDot’s Traveler Information Map, located at modot.org offers the latest road conditions, as well as real-time traffic clow and traffic cameras that provide a view of traffic on the interstates. You can also call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT which is manned and answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Accumulating snowfall will be possible Friday into Friday evening. A
hard freeze with temperatures in the teens is expected Saturday
morning. Another chance of light accumulating snowfall is possible
Sunday morning. SPRING STROLL IN DOWNTOWN MOBERLY SATURDAY The Moberly Downtown Association will be hosting the 3rd Annual Spring Stroll this Saturday throughout the downtown area. It’s an opportunity for those attending to go on a shopping adventure and keep the love local as you stroll through the downtown area. Most participating Stroll sponsors have a number of specials and other activities available throughout the day an encourage you to see and participate in the many things happening in downtown Moberly. TODAY IS ARBOR DAY IN MISSOURI Today is Arbor Day in Missouri and the Department of Conservation encourages Missourians to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests all month long by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care. Missouri has been observing the state's official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 27 for 2018. |
PATROL STUDENT ALLIANCE PROGRAM
On Saturday, March 10, 2018, 15 Troop B area high school students representing 14 high schools completed the 2018 Troop B Missouri State Highway Patrol Student Alliance Program. The program was conducted at the Troop B Headquarters in Macon, MO, on Saturday, March 3, 2018, and Saturday, March 10, 2018. During the two-day program, students were familiarized with many duties performed by a Missouri state trooper, and participated in hands-on activities such as firing a Glock pistol, stop and approach, and crime scene investigations. The students observed a canine demonstration and heard presentations from several members and civilian employees of the Patrol. The program, which targeted juniors and seniors in high school, was conducted to provide an opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about law enforcement and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
FREE GUIDED TOURS OF MORRISON OBSERVATORY THRU MAY 3RD
The Morrison Observatory is open and all sessions free to the general public every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 pm during April as well as on May 3rd. Guided viewing sessions, tours and comments on historical highlights of the facility will be provided and weather permiting visitors will have the opportunity to take in the many wonders of the night sky. The observatory is located at 504 Park Road in northwest Fayette, across from Fayette City Park and the swimming pool. The Morrison Observatory features a 12 1/2 -inch Clark refractor and a 10-inch reflecting telescope. One fact that many don’t know is the observatory was originally located in Glasgow. It was acquired by Central Methodist in 1927, and moved to its current location in 1935. For additional information call 660-248-6383
VEHICLES COLLIDE IN
A two-vehicle accident on US Highway 63, 2miles south of Greentop at
KMIZ TV reports
AUTHORITIES ARREST
The Livingston County Sheriffs Department and Chillicothe Police assisted the Highway Patrol in apprehending an Orrick, MO man after a vehicle pursuit on US Highway36 in
The emphasis on safety is part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13.
The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to slow down and not be distracted when driving through construction areas. MODot wants everyone to get home safe and are encouraging everyone to “please pay attention and drive safely in work zones,” In 2017, 13 people were killed in work zone crashes on state system routes and an additional three on the local system, for a total of 16 fatalities. Warmer weather will start a busy season of construction and maintenance work on
Today is Election day for what’s commonly referred to as the municipal elections. A number of bond issues are on today’s ballot, along with candidates for School board, City and County positions and more. Polls opened at
METH CHARGES LANDS
A Pacific, MO Man was arrested overnight in
FATAL ATV CRASH IN
A Pattonsburg man was killed in a crash involving two ATV’s Monday night in Winston. The Patrol said 30 year old Dallas J. Allen of Pattonsburg was operating an ATV and had a passenger, 10 year old Carly J. Allen of Pattonsburg as another ATV being driven by 29 year old Robert A. Vessar of
BAD CHECKS LANDS
KTVO.com reports authorities in
SNOWFALL TO START APRIL
Mother Nature wasn’t pulling any April fools pranks; instead she delivered precipitation in the form of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow with the heaviest of the snowfall right across North Missouri. Four to five inch snowfall amounts were common between highway 24 and Missouri Route 6 with lesser amounts toward the Iowa border and Interstate 70. Black ice and freezing fog a concern for travelers this morning and Thunderstorms are expected overnight tonight.
A Cairo man was behind the wheel of a pickup on County Road 1330 in Randolph County early this (MON) morning. The patrol said 27-year old Kristofer J. Clickner lost control and his vehicle went off the left side of the roadway, about 2 miles north of Moberly. The truck overturned and became fully submerged in a tributary of Sugar Creek Lake. The driver was taken to Moberly Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. He was later arrested for driving while intoxicated-aggravated offender, driving while revoked, resisting arrest and careless and imprudent driving.
SEVERAL ACCIDENTS OVER THE WEEKEND
As you can imagine, a number of weather related accidents across the area Sunday. 54 year old Marvin E. Crawford of Keytesville sustained moderate injuries when his vehicle overturned after losing control on Route D, 3 miles east of Route 5 in Chariton County at 3:25 yesterday (SUN) afternoon. He was taken to Pershing Hospital for treatment. Just minutes earlier, 4 Milan residents were injured in a one-vehicle wreck on MO Route 6 in Sullivan County. Donna J. Smith Elder was eastbound and stopped in traffic when her vehicle was struck from behind by another auto operated by 65 year old Achenghe Issac Molla. Both drivers received minor injuries as did 17-year-old Ryley J. Head, a passenger in the Smith-Elder pickup. 59-year-old Mary M. Molla had moderate injuries. All received treatment at Sullivan County Hospital. Additional accident reports will be posted on-line at our website throughout the day.
MEXICO AUTHORITIES RESPOND TO PERSON WAVING GUN REPORT
Mexico Department of Public Safety responded to a report of a man waving a gun at 11:33am Friday in response to a report of a man waving a gun in the Garfield Park area of Mexico. Officers arrived and located the suspect vehicle in the 900 block of Tyronn Lue Boulevard. The driver ran from the stop and was taken into custody without incident two blocks later. 27-year-old Ty'Rek Williams of Mexico was arrested on an outstanding Audrain County warrant and the additional charge of Resisting Arrest. Following processing, he was taken to the Audrain County jail. The Audrain County Sheriffs Department assisted in the arrest. No gun was located.
An area teenager was arrested in Chariton County Thursday night on child pornography allegations. The Highway Patrol report says 19 year old Steven T. Greer, of Prairie Hill, was taken into custody on accusations of felony possession of child pornography and furnishing pornography to a minor. He was placed on a 24-hour investigative hold, pending formal charges.
MODOT PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 9
MoDOT has announced plans for a shoulder improvement project on Highway 36, around the Marceline Junction next month. Crews will improve and repave the shoulders and replace guardrails on the ramps of the Highway 5/Route U interchange on 36, as well as several miles of 36, from just east of Brookfield to near Bucklin. The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 9 and should be completed by the end of May. Officials say traffic control will be in place at the work area and lane closures will be likely during the project. They say at least one lane of 36 in each direction will remain open at all times.
The recent wet weather has delayed a pair of north Missouri resurfacing projects. Work on Route H in Livingston County and Route J in Carroll County has been delayed until the week of April 9…and will cause lane closures for about 10 days in the work zone.
Sobriety checkpoints will likely become fewer and farther between in the state of Missouri, after the Missouri House Budget Committee voted Thursday to cut funding for checkpoints. The action drew quick criticism from several special-interest groups, who believe the checkpoints are a crucial part of the fight against drunk driving. Legislators say the funding for the checkpoints will be shifted to more saturation patrols, which many feel are more effective and efficient at getting impaired drivers off the roadways. The cuts will also effect funding for checkpoints by local law enforcement.
The Linn County Health Department will hold a prescription drug take-back day on Tuesday, at their office in Brookfield. Unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs can be dropped off for safe disposal, from 9am to 3pm Tuesday. They can not accept sharps, glass, aerosol medications or bio-hazardous materials. That prescription drug take-back day is Tuesday from 9am to 3pm at the Linn County Health Department in Brookfield.
AUXVASSE TEEN INJURED IN THURSDAY COLLISION
An Auxvasse teenager was treated for moderate injuries after his vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer on Callaway County Route 3, Thursday morning. 19 year old Cody Nitcher, of Auxvasse, was treated at University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred just after 10am. The patrol says Nitcher completed left turn into the path of the westbound semi.
A Columbia man was arrested this week, in connection with a February robbery at a Columbia home. 26 year old Anthony Acton is being held in the Boone County jail, on a robbery charge and for failing to follow the court’s instructions on a previous robbery charge. Acton is accused of pulling a gun on the victim in his home and taking cash. Acton is also charged for allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint in an August incident.
From ktvo.com: A Kirksville man is behind bars after community tips resulted in a sting operation for child enticement. 45 year old Joseph E. Chistman, of Kirksville, was charged Wednesday with attempted enticement of a child. Kirksville Police had received numerous complaints that Christman was sending inappropriate messages through social media accounts. The Kirksville Regional Computer Crime Unit used an under cover social media profile of a 14 year old girl to make contact with the suspect, who allegedly agreed to meet the girl near a Kirksville park, where Christman was arrested.
Another dangerously dilapidated building in downtown Edina has prompted authorities to close off nearby roads and sidewalks. Edina Police Chief Ryan Bishop says officers oversaw parking and road closures Tuesday, outside 302 East Lafayette Street on Highway 6, where the building’s south-facing windows had shattered overnight and a large crack in the structure had widened after a round of rain and wind.
The Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold a ‘JAKES DAY’ of free fun for area youth, this Saturday at Locust Creek Conservation Area, located near Milan. The day’s events will include archery, shooting, fishing and other outdoor activities, from 8:30am to 1pm on Saturday. Area youth age 6 thru 15 are invited to take part in the free event. Preregistration is required. Call Sullivan County Conservation Agent Sean Ernst at 573-673-7588 for more details.
Moberly’s annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt will be held this (Thurs) evening at the Howard Hills Athletic Complex. Kids age 10 and under are invited to take part in the annual hunt, which will begin tonight at around dark. Your asked to bring your own easter basket or bag and flashlight for the event…and dress for chilly and damp weather conditions. That’s tonight at dusk at Moberly’s Howard Hills Athletic Complex.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department arrested a 40 year old woman for burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia, Wednesday night. Residents in the 5800 block of South Howard Orchard Road in Columbia reported the female suspect in their home, rifling through their belongings before running from the scene. Officials found the woman, 40 year old Joyce Reynolds, nearby with items from the victims home. She was charged with burglary, stealing and possession of drug paraphernalia
A Kirksville truck driver was treated for minor injuries after his tractor-trailer ran off Highway 63, just south of Millard, and overturned, at around 6:20am Tuesday. 53 year old Jimmy Stewart, of Kirksville, was the driver of the southbound semi. The patrol says it ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned, coming to rest on its side in the median. Stewart was treated by ambulance personnel at the scene.
WHEELING MAN ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY ATTEMPT
A Wheeling man is in custody after an alleged early-morning burglary attempt was thwarted by a property owner. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says the suspect, 34 year old Douglas Steven Coin, of Wheeling, was allegedly seen entering private property at around 6am Tuesday. The property owner attempted to confront the suspect, but he fled the scene in a small pickup and a chase ensued. The property owner was able to contact the Sheriff’s office and give a location for the vehicle. Chillicothe Police and Livingston County Deputies responded, along with a K-9 unit, who was able to track Coin. He was taken into custody on preliminary charges of attempted burglary and driving while revoked.
A Chillicothe teenager was arraigned Tuesday in Livingston County and the 16 year old suspect is being charged as an adult, in connection with the February assault of a juvenile victim. A probable cause statement identified 16 year old Matthew Miller, of Chillicothe, as the suspect in the case. The juvenile victim and another alleged juvenile perpetrator are not named in the court documents. The victim says the two suspects invited him to meet them at a rural Livingston County location to ‘hang out’. During the incident, the two suspects are accused of assaulting, choking and tying up the victim and hitting him with a large rock, before he was able to free himself and escape. Miller’s bond is set at $50,000 dollars cash-only.
A Macon teenager is charged with felony delivery of a controlled substance, after a traffic stop by a Macon County Sheriff’s Deputy, over the past weekend. A probable cause statement accused 19 year old Jose F. Garcia, of Macon, of being in possession of a large amount of marijuana, along with items commonly associated with drug use, in his vehicle. Garcia appeared for arraignment in Macon County on Tuesday.
‘SMOKE TESTING’ WEDNESDAY IN PARTS OF COLUMBIA
Drivers in downtown Columbia and near the Mizzou campus can expect some delays and lane closures this (Wed) morning, as crews will be doing smoke testing of sewer lines. While the artificial smoke is non-toxic, non-staining and odorless, it could set off smoke alarms in buildings that use visual detection. The tests help identify issues in the infrastructure of the Columbia sewer system.
Heavy rain caused major flash-flooding problems in the Moberly area Monday, along with parts of Chariton and Howard Counties. Some locations received more than five inches of rain, which caused water over roadways in locations that do not normally flood…and also resulted in numerous reports of flooded basements in the area. Moberly first responders were involved in several water rescues from submerged vehicles during the worst of the flooding. The Missouri Department of Transportation says floodwaters have receded substantially overnight, but there are still a handful of secondary road closures this morning. The latest information on high water closures is always available online at modot.org.
Heavy rain was a factor in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred just before noon Monday on Highway 24, just east of Clifton Hill. The patrol says 21 year old Brooke Summerville, of Salisbury, lost control of her westbound vehicle when it hydroplaned on the wet driving surface. It ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its top in the ditch. Summerville sought her own treatment for minor injuries.
A Trenton driver escaped with only minor injuries after his vehicle ran off Highway 6, just west of Humphreys in Sullivan County, early Monday morning. 38 year old Joshua Vandevender, of Trenton, was treated and released at Wright Memorial Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 4:45am. The patrol says his eastbound vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a fence and ditch and overturned.
A Kansas man was killed and a Tennessee driver suffered serious injuries in a Monday morning accident on I-70, near the 93-mile marker in Cooper County. It occurred just before 8am. The patrol says a westbound pickup, driven by 27 year old Alejandro Esparaza-Cardona, of Wichita, Kansas, had stopped in the roadway, due to a previous accident and Cardona had exited his vehicle. He was struck and killed by a westbound tractor-trailer, driven by 28 year old Brian Tomlinson, of Dyersburg, TN. After impact, the semi ran off the highway, struck the guardrail and then several trees. Tomlinson suffered serious injuries and was treated at University Hospital.
A detention officer at the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail has been charged with two counts of sexual misconduct involving inmates. Court documents accuse 27 year old Michael Byrd, of Bethany, in both Clinton and Daviess Counties. The victims say Byrd forced inmates to engage in sexual acts on multiple occasions, including an incident at a rest area on I-35, while Byrd was transporting inmates from Jackson County. Byrd is free on $15,000 dollars bond and is schedule for an arraignment next month.
A four-year-old child was seriously injured when a pickup overturned off Daviess County Route P, just east of Jameson, Saturday evening. The child was transported by ambulance to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30pm. The patrol says an eastbound pickup, driven by 29 year old Andrew Adkison, of Jameson, ran off the roadway and overturned. Adkison was treated for minor injuries at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany.
A Saline County teenager was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after her car ran off Highway 20, just after 10pm Sunday night. 17 year old Moradiance Wheeler, of Malta Bend, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says she suffered serious injuries when it traveled off the roadway, went airborne and struck an embankment.
Two Columbia residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Saturday morning, just south of the Cairo junction on Highway 63. 59 year old Richard McKenzie, of Columbia, was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, just before 9am, and overturned, coming to rest on its passenger side in the median. McKenzie and his passenger, 56 year old Debbie McKenzie, of Columbia, were both treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Paris driver was seriously injured in a Friday afternoon accident on Highway 24, just east of Moberly. 34 year old Arvell Tillman, of Paris, was taken to University Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 3:20pm. The patrol says he attempted to avoid another vehicle that had slowed to make a turn. Tillman was seriously injured when his vehicle ran off the highway and overturned, coming to rest in a farm field.
A months-long Randolph County drug investigation resulted in multiple arrests on drug charges on Friday. Randolph County deputies and Moberly Police made a total of nine arrests on counts involving the distribution or delivery of a controlled substance. Investigators say the North Missouri Drug Task Force made multiple undercover drug buys during the investigation. Seven Moberly residents are charged, including Tara L. Belcher, Tyler H. Bennett, Charles L. Grosvenor, Tyler W. Kelsay, Austin Westberg, Thomas L. Miller, Jr., and Carl L. Bode. Also charged are Bailer Coleman of Huntsville and Evan J. Hayes of DeWitt.
The Brookfield Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident, which injured a male victim, on the lot of Smith Motor in Brookfield. It occurred at around 11am Wednesday. Investigators say the victim was outside his vehicle, looking at other vehicles in the parking lot when he was struck by a single gunshot in the back. He was driven by private vehicle to Pershing Memorial Hospital for treatment. The victim and witnesses at the scene say they heard the gunshot. Brookfield Police are investigating the incident with assistance by the Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Brookfield Police at 258-3385.
The suspect in a Tuesday morning stabbing incident at a Memphis residence has been arrested and is in custody. Police say 34 year old Curtis Anthony Cousins, of Washington, Iowa, was arrested Tuesday evening at a Memphis home. He is charged with first-degree assault and is being held on $100,000 dollars bond. Cousins is accused of stabbing a male victim multiple times, during a confrontation in the garage of a home on Dial Court in Memphis, early Tuesday morning. The victim was hospitalized for treatment.
A former Slater police officer pleaded guilty this week to a felony child endangerment charge. 30 year old Benjamin Thomas, of Slater was the suspect. He was initially charged with second-degree sodomy, after he was accused of being involved in a relationship with a 16 year old female victim. Saline County Prosecutors say the victim refused to cooperate in the prosecution, so they accepted Thomas’ guilty plea to a lesser charge. Thomas will be placed on five years probation.
A Columbia man faces multiple charges after a suspicious package, which was shipped to a Boonville address, was seized and found to contain 22 pounds of high-grade marijuana, plus an undisclosed amount of cash. Boonville Police and the MUSTANG Drug Task Force were involved in the investigation. 38 year old Kelvon Dow, of Columbia was arrested and is being held in the Cooper County Jail on charges of delivery and distribution of a controlled substance. Investigators say more arrests are likely in the case.
Columbia Police are looking for a male suspect, who allegedly tried to pick up an 11 year old boy, who was walking home from Fairview Elementary School, Tuesday afternoon. The child says the man’s vehicle drove past him multiple times before he stopped and told the boy to get in. The boy ran from the scene. The suspect is described as a middle-aged white male with a white mustache and beard. He was wearing a dark-colored baseball cap and a dark-colored shirt. Columbia Public School officials were notified of the incident and have increased security at the school.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released more details on an officer-involved shooting, which occurred Monday in Daviess County. A suspect vehicle was identified as having been involved in a home invasion robbery in Ridgeway at around 10:45am Monday. A Highway Patrol trooper pursued the vehicle on I-35 in Daviess County, until the vehicle ran off a Daviess County Highway and two occupants fled on foot. The male driver allegedly fired shots at the trooper, who returned fire, striking the male suspect. He is identified as 52 year old Elmer Martin Sorrell, of High Ridge, MO. He was treated for his injuries at Liberty Hospital and faces multiple charges, including robbery, stealing, resisting arrest and assault on a law enforcement officer. A female passenger, 55 year old Lisa Ann Legge, of Washington, MO was also arrested and is charged with burglary, robbery and stealing.
City officials in Lancaster are working to determine what to do with a downtown building that collapsed early Tuesday morning. Officials say the building, located on the northern part of the Lancaster Square, is over 100 years old and its flat roof and age are the likely factors which caused the collapse. The owner, who lives in California, has been contacted, but city officials are hoping for emergency funding to demolish the building, which is leaning toward a neighboring business.
A Memphis, MO man is being sought on a felony assault charge, after a stabbing incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning. 34 year old Curtis Anthony Cousins, of Memphis, is charged in the case and a male victim was treated at Scotland County Hospital for multiple stab wounds. Court documents alleged that the stabbing occurred in the garage of a home on Dial Court, when the victim confronted Cousins about his interactions with a family member. Cousins is believed to have fled the scene in a black Mitsubishi Lancer with Iowa license plates. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Memphis Police.
The Moberly Job Fair will be held this afternoon at Municipal Auditorium. The Moberly Chamber of Commerce says more than 40 area employers are expected to be on-hand for the event, which will be open from 2 to 6pm. Applicants are encouraged to bring your resume and other information necessary to fill out an application, and be ready to interview. Again, the Moberly Job Fair is today from 2 to 6pm at Municipal Auditorium.
A former Moniteau County teacher, who is accused of having sex with a 16 year old student, has now been charged in Cooper County. Clairyssa Lorenz was originally charged with statutory rape in Moniteau County. She has now been charged with sexual contact with a student in Cooper County, as well. Investigators say the charges involve the same 16 year old victim, but that incidents allegedly occurred in both counties in June and July of 2017.
Authorities are investigating the death of a two-month-old baby in a Rothville home. Chariton County authorities received a 911 call from a residence in the 300 block of Main Street in Rothville, at around 10am Monday. When investigators arrived, they found a two-month-old girl dead inside the home. Officials have not said whether the child lived at that residence. They have not released any names or any other details about the circumstances of the death. An autopsy has been scheduled. The investigation is being conducted by the Chariton County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Highway Patrol.
Authorities say a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper chased two robbery suspects on foot Monday morning and returned fire and shot one of the suspects. The Highway Patrol says a theft in progress was reported at a home in Ridgway, at around 10:45am Monday. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department provided a vehicle and suspect description and a trooper gave chase to a vehicle on I-35 before it crashed into a ditch. Investigators say the male driver and a female occupant fled on foot, with the trooper pursuing. The male suspect shot at the trooper, who returned fire. Both suspects were taken into custody. The male suspect was treated for injuries at a Kansas City area hospital.
Fire crews were called to the parking lot of a New Cambria Bank, Monday afternoon, where a car had caught fire. Officials say the car suffered extensive damage under the hood, before firefighters were able to get it under control. There were no injuries and no damage to any other vehicles.
MOBERLY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER ARREST IN KENTUCKY
A Moberly man, who was wanted in connection with an alleged assault, was arrested in Kentucky. Investigators say the suspect, 24 year old Matthew Graves, of Moberly, was accused of being involved in a fight in the parking lot of a Moberly business, at around 7 o’clock Friday morning. One victim was treated for injuries. Authorities say Graves fled the area and was arrested by authorities in Cadiz, Kentucky, on Sunday. He is being held in the Christian County Jail on $100,000 dollars bond, pending extradition.
COLUMBIA DRIVER HURT IN HIGHWAY 54 ACCIDENT
A Columbia driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 54, just west of Mexico in Audrain County, Monday afternoon. It occurred at around 1:30pm. The patrol says 36 year old Charles Campbell, of Columbia, lost control of his eastbound car and it ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. Campbell was taken to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
A Macon driver suffered moderate injuries in a Sunday morning accident on Highway 63 at the Route 22 junction in Boone County. 22 year old Beverly Huddleston, of Macon, was treated at University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30am. The patrol says she apparently fell asleep at the wheel of her vehicle. It ran off the roadway and struck a guardrail face twice, coming to rest in the median.
Two Marshall teenagers were injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred at around Saturday afternoon, at around 4:40pm, on Highway 20 in Lafayette County. 19 year old Esmerelda Tinoco, of Marshall, was the driver of an eastbound car. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Tinoco and her passenger, 16 year old Ismael Tinoco, of Marshall, were both treated for moderate injuries at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
Three Kirksville residents were injured in a Friday afternoon accident on Highway 6, just west of Novinger. It occurred just after 3:30pm. The patrol says an eastbound vehicle, driven by 35 year old Le Petit Bunze, of Kirksville, was attempting to pass a line of cars when another eastbound car, driven by 29 year old Meris Kempamo Bile, of Kirksville, also pulled out to pass and the two vehicles collided. Bunze’s SUV overturned off the roadway. Three passengers in his vehicle sustained moderate injuries…35 year old Alidor Masingo, 33 year old Tersor Mpeti, and 32 year old Prince Yawenda, all of Kirksville. They were all taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A Hamilton woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Friday night accident on I-35 at Shoal Creek in Clinton County. 54 year old Gina Saunders, of Hamilton, was taken to Liberty Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 10pm. The patrol says her vehicle was northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway, ran into the median and crashed into Shoal Creek, coming to rest on its drivers side.
A Sunday morning accident on a Cooper County highway seriously injured two occupants of the vehicle. It occurred just after 6:20am. 21 year old Joshua Bailey, of Blackwater, was the driver…21 year old Caleb Miller, of Boonville, was his passenger. The patrol says Bailey failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle ran off the roadway, struck the ground, a utility pole, a fence and a tree and then caught fire. Both occupants were taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
A Saturday fire destroyed the Friendship Christian Church, located north of Centralia. The Boone County and Little Dixie Fire Departments were called to the blaze, late Saturday afternoon, and found flames coming through the roof. Additional assistance was called in from other local fire departments to get the fire under control. Officials say the church building was a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Chillicothe Police are looking for a 13 year old juvenile, who was reported missing, just after 3pm Thursday. Jayden Joseph Beltran was last seen in the 1500 block of Calhoun Street in Chillicothe. He is about 5-1 and 100 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a chipped front tooth and was last seen wearing a camo jacket with hood, blue jeans and navy blue shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact Chillicothe Police.
A Moberly man is in custody after authorities responded to a report of an incident with a gun in rural Randolph County, Thursday morning. Deputies were called to the Deerfield Apartments, on County Road JJ west of Moberly, at around 3:45am. They say the suspect, 23 year old Jeremy Allen Bell, of Moberly, allegedly pulled a gun during a confrontation in one of the apartments. The other apartments were evacuated and officers entered the building and found that Bell had fled the scene. He was later found, with the assistance of a K-9 unit, hiding in a wooded area near the residence. Bell was taken into custody without incident.
LA PLATA MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED WALMART THEFT
A La Plata man is charged with attempting to steal from an Ottumwa, Iowa Walmart last week. The alleged incident occurred on March 5. Authorities say Audra Owen Newcomer, of La Plata, and an accomplice, allegedly loaded up a Walmart shopping cart and tried to exit the store through a fire escape, where the accomplice waited with a getaway car. Investigators say the incident was captured on security cameras. Newcomer has pleaded not guilty to theft charges in the case.
A Clark man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison, after a Chariton County Jury found him guilty of ten felony charges, including child molestation and enticement. 47 year old Alonzo Bernard Thorpe, of Clark, was tried in Chariton County on a change of venue from Randolph County. The allegations stemmed from incidents, which occurred between 2011 and 2014 and involved two victims under the age of 14. Thorpe was sentenced to ten years for each of the ten felony counts, to be served consecutively.
A Centralia man faces rape and sodomy charges, after he was accused of attacking a female victim at his home. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department says 40 year old Christopher Malloy, of Centralia, was arrested Wednesday. Formal charges were filed Thursday and bond is set at $13,500 dollars.
A driver from Center, MO was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after his pickup ran off Route 19 in Ralls County, Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred, just north of Center, at around 1:20pm. 29 year old William Sullivan was the driver of the southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran of the roadway and struck a tree. Sullivan was flown from the scene to University Hospital in Columbia.
MISSING CARROLLTON MAN FOUND SAFE
A Carrollton man, who went missing Sunday, has been found. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department says Ross Flick was found alive. He had been reported missing earlier this week, after he had not been seen or heard from since Sunday. No further details on the disappearance have been released.
A Mercer County teenager is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter, in connection with a fatal traffic crash, which occurred last fall. Authorities arrested 17 year old Elijah Mandich, of Princeton, on Wednesday. He is accused of operating a motor vehicle at excessive speed and using his cell phone while driving, in connection with an accident on Highway 65 in October of last year. 18 year old Saige Boswell, of Lineville, Iowa was killed in that collision. Mandich’s Bond has been set at $25,000 dollars cash-only. He is scheduled to appear for arraignment today (Thurs).
A Clinton woman, who was in the home where Clinton Police Officer Christopher Morton was shot and killed on March 6, has been charged with second-degree murder in the case. Authorities say Tammy Widger was initially arrested on the day of the shooting and charged with possession of meth with intent to deliver. Investigators say her criminal activity resulted in the incident that caused Morton’s death. Officer Morton was shot and killed and two other officers were injured when they responded to a 911 call at the home. The gunman, James Waters, was found dead inside the home. His death is still under investigation.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department reports the arrest of two suspects in connection with a shooting incident, which occurred last week. Deputies were called to the Gregory Heights subdivision on March 7, after multiple 911 calls reported gunshots. Authorities then learned a young male victim was treated for a gunshot wound at a local hospital. Two juvenile suspects have been arrested in the case this week…they were turned over to Juvenile Authorities, accused of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and felony resisting arrest.
A Palmyra couple were both treated for moderate injuries, after their car ran off a Marion County road, just after 11am Wednesday. 53 year old Laurie Hobbs, of Palmyra was the driver of the southbound vehicle. 53 year old Brent Hobbs was her passenger. The patrol says the vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a concrete post. Both occupants were treated for moderate injuries at Hannibal Regional Hospital.
The Adair County Coroner’s Office has released information on an accident, which killed a Brashear man over the past weekend. It occurred Saturday morning at around 11am at a home on Twin Oaks Lane, outside Brashear. Adair County Coroner Brian Noe says Matthew ‘Matt’ Bleything, of Brashear, was working under a car at his residence, when the car rolled off a railroad tie and pinned him under the vehicle. Bleything was pronounced dead at the scene. Noe says the death has been ruled an accident.
The Marceline Carnegie Library is set to sponsor an informational meeting on Dyslexia, tomorrow (Thurs) evening. The interactive presentation is open to everyone. Lachrissa Smith, a Dyslexic Consultant and school superintendent, will conduct the program, with lots of good information, including details on a new state law, which requires dyslexia screenings for all students. The meeting will begin at 6:30pm tomorrow at the Walsworth Community Center in Marceline.
BBB AND HAND-IN-HAND OPEN HOUSE EVENTS NEXT TUESDAY
Brookfield Bright Beginnings Preschool will hold an enrollment open house next week…Tuesday evening from 5 to 6:30pm at the preschool on the Brookfield R-3 campus. Parents and children are welcome to attend, meet the teachers, tour the facility and enroll for the 2018-19 school year. The Linn County Area Career and Technical Center will also hold an open house Tuesday evening for their ‘Hand-in-Hand’ Lab School, also for preschool-age children. The public is welcome from 5 to 6pm. For more information, contact the Brookfield Preschool Office at 258-2445.
Mexico authorities have released the identity of the victim in a fatal fire, which occurred late Monday night. 84 year old Ruby Hamlett, died in the blaze, which caused extensive damage to her home. Mexico Firefighters responded to the scene at around 11pm Monday. They say flames were coming out of the back of the home when they arrived and firefighters were unable to get inside the home until they got the fire under control. Hamlett’s body was recovered early Tuesday morning.
There were no serious injuries in a nine-vehicle pileup, which occurred Tuesday afternoon at Vandiver Driver and Paris Road in Columbia. Police say a vehicle ran a red light at the intersection, striking one vehicle, and causing a chain-reaction crash that involved nine vehicles. Five persons were taken to a Columbia hospital for treatment of injuries, but none of those injuries were serious.
A Columbia man faces charges after the death of his six month old child, earlier this week. Police say medics responded a report of an unresponsive child at the Break Time convenience store on Nifong Boulevard, shortly before 4:30am Monday. The child was later pronounced dead at a Columbia hospital. Doctors reported bruising on her head and torso and police say the child’s father, Cortavia Smith, says he accidentally kicked the girl and then took her to the Break Time, where another family member was present, to try CPR. Prosecutors have charged Smith with endangering the welfare of a child. His bond has been set at $500,000 dollars cash-only.
Drivers from Kirksville and Harrisburg were seriously injured in a head-on collision on Route 124 in Boone County, just before midnight Sunday night. The patrol says a westbound vehicle driven by 24 year old Cody Mordica, of Harrisburg, crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle driven by 20 year old Alexander Tubbergen-Magglio, of Kirksville. Both drivers suffered serious injuries. A passenger in Mordica’s vehicle, 22 year old Alexandria Carney-Jackson, of Harrisburg sustained moderate injuries. All three were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
Two separate power outages left about 3,000 Ameren Missouri customers without power in north Missouri Monday evening. The first outage, just after 5pm, left much of Kirksville and surrounding communities without power. Officials say a voltage change caused an automatic shutdown at a substation, but the outage generally lasted just a few minutes. A second outage Monday evening was caused by an equipment malfunction at another Kirksville substation. It affected locations from northern Kirksville into Schuyler County and lasted about an hour for most customers. Ameren says all power was restored Monday evening.
SUSPENDED SOUTHWEST AT LUDLOW PRINCIPAL CHARGED
The Principal at the Southwest Livingston County School in Ludlow has been suspended and is formally charged with stealing prescription drugs. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says 44 year old Christopher Scott Calhoun, of Chillicothe, is accused of stealing the prescription medications Percocet and Adderall from a locked medicine cabinet at the school, which is monitored by the school nurse. Calhoun’s bond is set at $10,000 dollars.
A former Marshall resident has been sentenced in federal court for possession of child pornography. 48 year old Kenneth Larrechea, now an Arkansas resident, was sentenced to 13 years without parole, followed by ten years supervised release. Larrechea pleaded guilty in November to receiving child pornography through an instant messaging and chat application. The arrest was part of an FBI investigation into a New York man, who was accused of distributing child pornography to numerous individual in 2015. Marshall Police assisted in that investigation. Authorities say they found more than 400 illegal videos and 70 illegal images in his possession.
Firefighters say one woman died in an overnight house fire at a Mexico home. The fire was reported at around 11pm Monday and firefighters arrived to the scene on Elm Tree Drive to find flames visible from the back of the home and the garage. They say the body of a female resident of the home was recovered from the residence early this morning. Her name has not been released. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A Friday night accident on Route 149, just north of Novinger in Adair County, sent a driver to the hospital with serious injuries…and also resulted in his arrest. According to the patrol, 52 year old John Sizemore was the driver of the truck, which ran off the highway and struck several trees and a vehicle. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The patrol says Sizemore was also arrested for alleged driving while intoxicated as a persistent offender.
KIRKSVILLE STUDENT ACCUSED OF THREAT AGAINST WALKOUT
Kirksville High School students held a walkout Friday, in response to the recent high school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Now a Kirksville teen is in custody after allegedly making a threat, prior to Friday’s event. According to Kirksville Police, a 15 year old is accused of posting a threatening message on snapchat, with the image of two shotguns and three rifles on a bed, and the caption ‘walkout ready’. The teen was arrested Thursday night on a charge of making a terrorist threat and was transported to the Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center in Kirksville.
Saline County authorities arrested a suspect, over the weekend, in connection with Friday’s death of a Slater resident. The suspect, Adam E. McAlister, of Marshall, is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the case. Authorities say the investigation began after the body of 31 year old Lance Gibson, of Slater, was found at a Slater home in the early morning hours on Friday. No further details have been released, pending a court date. Slater Police were assisted in the investigation by the Saline County Sheriff’s Department and the Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
A Vandalia motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Saturday afternoon accident on I-70. The crash occurred at around 1:30pm Saturday on Westbound I-70 near Jonesburg in Montgomery County. The patrol says the driver, 48 year old Carl Heaston, of Vandalia, lost control as he slowed due to traffic congestion. He was ejected when the motorcycle ran off the roadway.
Two Columbia residents face multliple charges after police say they were found with more than 200 cloned credit and debit cards in a truck. According to court documents, the two suspects, Yaneisis Hernandez-Romero and Lazaro Fernandez-Iglesias, were arrested March 3 at the Walmart on Conley Road. Authorities say a search of their vehicle turned up a total of 206 cloned credit and debit cards, along with a computer and other equipment used in the process. Investigators say the two are also suspects in four other forgery investigations.
A Carrollton woman and a Norborne man were both killed in a head-on collision, which occurred Thursday morning on Highway 65 in Carroll County. 62 year old Esther Gregg, of Carrollton was the driver of a northbound vehicle. 45 year old Spencer Alexander, of Norborne was her passenger. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred just after 6am. The patrol says their car was struck head-on by a southbound pickup, which crossed the centerline. That driver, 51 year old Monty Isaacs, of Bogard, was treated for moderate injuries at Carroll County Memorial Hospital in Carrollton.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating several reports received in the past few days, of persons vandalizing the lobby of the Wheeling Post Office. Sheriff Steve Cox notes the reports include the lobby being trashed, items destroyed and the United States flag being taken down. Cox says evidence suggests those responsible are juveniles. Anyone with information is urged to call the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
A Humphreys man faces multiple charges after his arrest Thursday by the Highway Patrol in Sullivan County. 42 year old Brian McDonald, of Humphreys, was arrested after a traffic stop. He is accused of driving an off-road recreational vehicle on a highway and without a valid license and possession of drug paraphernalia. McDonald was also arrested on outstanding Grundy County warrants for DWI, third-degree domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon. He was taken to the Sullivan County Jail.
A jury found Jason Lage, of Fulton, guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in a 2014 Madison shooting. The jury returned a guilty verdict after eight hours of deliberation Thursday. Lage was acquitted on one count of tampering with evidence in the case. He was accused in the 2014 shooting death of Zachary Dawson during a robbery. His co-defendant in the case, Jessica Munoz, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in 2016. She is serving a seven-year sentence.
Two Moberly residents face felony stealing charges in St. Charles County, after their arrest by Centralia Police this week. 28 year old Crystal Foreman and 24 year old Michael Knisel, both of Moberly, were both wanted on St. Charles area warrants from February. Officers located the two suspects, apparently living out of a car in the Centralia area. They were taken into custody after a short foot pursuit and could also face charges of resisting arrest. Bond on the St. Charles County warrants is set at $10,000 dollars.
The National Weather Service will be wrapping up its annual series of storm spotter training programs around the area, over the next few weeks. A Storm Spotter Training Program will be held this (Thurs) evening at 7pm at the Glasgow Fire Department. The Kirksville Area storm spotter program is scheduled for March 20th at the Reheboth Baptist Church. Storm Spotter programs will also be held on March 22 at Schuyler County High School in Queen City and on March 27 at the Milan Community Center. All sessions are free and open to the public.
The Linn and Livingston County Young Farmers and Ranchers Organization will host a spring market outlook meeting, next week in Chillicothe. The meeting, presented by the USDA’s Tony Hancock, will be held Tuesday, March 13, at 7pm at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Meals by ‘Uprooted Kitchen’ will be available beginning at 6pm. RSVP or find out more about the meeting by contacting the Linn or Livingston County Farm Bureau Offices.
BROOKFIELD FBLA TO HOLD FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST
The Brookfield FBLA Chapter has announced plans for a fundraising breakfast later this month. A freewill donation breakfast will be served on Saturday, March 24 at the Brickhouse Bar and Grill in Brookfield, from 7 to 10:30am. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy and more will be on the menu. Freewill donations will help send 25 Brookfield FBLA members to the State Leadership Conference next month. Again, that fundraising breakfast will be March 24 at the Brickhouse in Brookfield.
BOONE COUNTY FIRE INCLUDES POTENTIAL HAZMAT SITUATION
There were no injuries when Boone County firefighters battled a blaze that involved a potential hazmat situation, Wednesday night. Firefighters were called to the location, on Alan Circle, just north of Columbia, where they indicated they had encountered an unknown potentially hazardous material. A short time later the fire was under control and officials say the unkown substance was identified as anti-freeze. There were no injuries.
A Columbia man has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, after he was accused of pointing a gun at a pedestrian in downtown Columbia. Michael Burns, of Columbia, is the suspsect in the case. Investigators say Burns is accused of exiting his car at the corner of Cherry and Hitt Streets, yelling at a pedestrian and pointing a gun at the pedestrian. No shots were fired.
EARLY MORNING ACCIDENT DAMAGES MAIL COLLECTION BINS
Columbia Police are investigating a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early this (Thurs) morning, causing damage to multiple mail collection boxes outside the Columbia Post Office on Walnut Street. Officers say the accident occurred at around 3:40am. They say the vehicle struck and knocked over several post office collection boxes at the scene. The accident is under investigation.
CLINTON, MO POLICE OFFICER SHOT TO DEATH, TWO OFFICERS INJURED
A Clinton, MO Police Officer was killed and two officers were injured in a shootout with a suspect at a Clinton home Tuesday night. The Highway Patrol says officers responded to a 911 call, in which two women were heard screaming in the background, just after 9 o’clock last night. When they arrived, shots were fired from inside the home. 30 year old Officer Christopher Ryan Morton suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Two other officers were hospitalized, one with moderate injuries and the other with minor injuries. A standoff at the residence ended when a SWAT team entered the home early this (Wed) morning and found the suspect dead. The Highway Patrol’s Division of Crime Control is conducting the investigation.
A Kirksville man is charged with rape and sodomy, in connection with an incident, which occurred in January. Court documents accuse 34 year old Alexis Jimenez Diaz, of Kirksville, of one count each of rape or attempted rape and sodomy or attempted sodomy. Diaz was arrested after an incident on January 26, when he allegedly assaulted the victim at a residence on West Cottonwood Drive. Diaz is being held on $15,000 dollars bond. He is scheduled for arraignment in Adair County today (Wed).
A Milan teenager has been charged with a sex-related crime, involving a child under the age of 14. Authorities say the charges stem from an alleged incident, which occurred last September in Grundy County. 18 year old Sean Keaton Babbitt, of rural Milan, is charged with child molestation in the third degree, involving a child under 14. His bond has been set at $20,000 dollars cash-only and is scheduled for a court appearance in Grundy County next week.
Boonville residents are being reminded to keep their vehicles locked after multiple recent car break-ins have been reported. Police say they are currently investigating a number of recent incidents involving reports of vehicles broken into. They say 90 percent of those cases involve vehicles that were left unlocked and unattended. Police recommend that people keep their cars locked everywhere they are parked.
COLUMBIA MAN CHARGED WITH STALKING AND HARRASSMENT
A Columbia man is charged with felony stalking and harassment, after his arrest Sunday night. Officers were called to a report of a hostage situation, where a woman was allegedly being held against her will at the Welcome Inn in Columbia. After police made contact with the victim, they determined she was not being held against her will, but was trying to get away from the suspect and was receiving threatening texts. Roger Mahan, of Columbia, was arrested and charged with first-degree stalking and harassment and is being held without bond, pending a court appearance.
A Columbia woman was killed and a Moberly woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Monday afternoon collision on Highway 24, just west of Moberly. It occurred at around 12:10pm. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 46 year old Heather Unglesvee, of Columbia, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound vehicle, driven by 69 year old Bonnie Kiser, of Moberly. Unglesvee was pronounced dead the scene. Kiser was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
A Braymer driver suffered moderate injuries when his pickup ran off Route 116, just east of Cowgill in Caldwell County, early Monday morning. It occurred just before 4:30am. 21 year old Samuel Wright, of Braymer, was the driver of the eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck a drain tube, vaulted over a driveway and overturned, coming to rest on its top. Wright was taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries, and was then transferred to Liberty Hospital.
The partial collapse of a downtown Edina building reduced traffic on Highway 6 to one lane, Monday morning. Police received a report of the collapse at 100 South Main in Edina, just before 7:30am. Officials say crews had the debris off the road and traffic normalized by 8am. The building, known as the ‘Old Stagecoach Building’ was partially demolished in May of 2016 after being declared unsafe. An arrest warrant for the owner, who lives in Birch Tree, Missouri, was issued after the building lay untouched for more than a year and could face a fine of $100 dollars per day since the building has been in violation of city ordinance.
After a report of an incident in which a man posed as a law enforcement officer in Columbia over the weekend, Columbia Police gave an update on ways to discern a real officer from an imposter. The victim reported being pulled over Saturday by a dark-colored, unmarked SUV with flashing yellow lights. Columbia Police vehicles flashing lights are always blue and red. Officers will have an identifying patch on their uniform, unlike the suspect in the weekend incident. Officials say, if something feels ‘off’ about a traffic stop, find a safe, well-lit place to stop and you can call 911 to confirm whether the stop is legitimate. Saturday’s incident is still under investigation. The victim was not injured.
Drivers from Monroe City and Illinois were both seriously injured in a Saturday evening collision on Highway 36, just east of Monroe City. It occurred just after 5:30pm. The patrol says 17 year old Nolan Pennewell, of Monroe City, attempted to cross Highway 36 and struck the towed unit of an eastbound tractor-trailer, driven by 59 year old Michael Pribble, of Coello, Illinois. The collision caused the trailer to lose its axles and overturn. Both Pennewell and Pribble suffered serious injuries. A passenger in the semi, 56 year old Deborah Durando, of Illinois, sustained minor injuries. All three were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.
A Bevier driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Friday evening motorcycle accident on Macon County Route V, just south of Anabel, which occurred at around 7:15pm. 22 year old Timothy Gladhill, of Bevier, was the driver of the northbound motorcycle. The patrol says he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway and was ejected when the bike ran off the road and overturned. Gladhill was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
A Cairo driver was treated for moderate injuries, Friday evening, after she was struck by her own vehicle on a county road, just south of Cairo, at around 5pm. 21 year old Chyna Snodgrass, of Cairo, was taken to University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says she was low on gas and exited the vehicle while it was in motion, in an attempt to push it. She fell to the ground and was struck by the vehicle.
A Saturday afternoon grass fire burned about 100 acres in Livingston County, just off Highway 190, near the Thompson River bridge. Officials say a truck and trailer was hauling hay bales when they caught on fire, then caught the grass on fire. High winds and dry vegetation caused difficulties in battling the blaze. The Livingston County Rural Fire Department was assisted by firefighters from the Lock Springs, Chula and Dawn Fire Departments, along with the Missouri Department of Conservation and spent about five hours on the scene.
Columbia Police took a 15 year old student into custody, over the weekend, for allegedly posting a threatening message on Facebook, while using someone else’s phone and Facebook account. Authorities say the post threatened to shoot students at Hickman High School and included a racial slur. Police say the suspect allegedly stole the phone to make the threatening post. They say investigators recovered the stolen phone in the trunk of a car at the suspect’s residence.
Two Atlanta residents were treated for moderate injuries after their vehicle struck a deer in the roadway on Macon County Route J, northwest of Atlanta, at around 7:45pm Thursday. 42 year old Melissa Cuppy, of Atlanta, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. 15 year old Chandler Cuppy was a passenger. The patrol says both were treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
Three persons were injured in a collision involving three vehicles on Highway 5 in Howard County, which occurred Thursday evening at around 5:25pm. The patrol says a northbound pickup, driven by 16 year old Viola Wayland, of Fayette, tried to overtake a northbound vehicle driven by 54 year old Tami Hendrix, of New Franklin. When Wayland’s pickup went into the passing lane, it struck an oncoming car, driven by 81 year old Beverly Campbell, of Boonville, head-on. The pickup then struck the rear of Hendrix’ car. Wayland and a passenger in her vehicle, 17 year old Alexuss Roth, of Armstrong, were both taken to University Hospital with moderate injuries. Campbell also suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Cooper County Memorial Hospital.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY SHERIFF INVESTIGATING MISSING CATTLE
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating two incidents of missing cattle, which were both reported on Monday. One report, from the Dawn area, involves a missing Angus bull, weighing about 2100 pounds, with ear tag #59. A second report, from the very northeast part of Livingston County is a missing black cow-calf pair. Anyone with information on the missing cattle is urged to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department or your local law enforcement.
A Columbia nurse and business owner has pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally obtaining prescription drugs. 41 year old Elisabeth Joan Trumbower, of Columbia, pleaded guilty this week in federal court, to a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery or deception. Trumbower, a registered nurse and the owner of Pela Cura Anti-Aging and Wellness, in Columbia, was accused of forging a radiologist’s signature and using his DEA registration number to obtain prescriptions on 25 occasions at ten different locations in 2016. A sentencing hearing date is pending in the case.
Four people were injured in a Wednesday afternoon collision on Highway 63, just north of Sublette, in Adair County. It occurred at around 4pm. The patrol says a northbound pickup, driven by 32 year old Tyson Vincent, of Queen City, crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming SUV, driven by 45 year old Sara Morris, of Queen City. After the collision, Vincent’s vehicle ran off the highway and struck a tree and Morris’ vehicle overturned and slid off the roadway. Sara Morris suffered moderate injuries, as did a passenger in her vehicle, 17 year old Carli White, of Queen City. Another passenger, 16 year old Lauren Morris, of Queen City, was treated for minor injuries. Vincent was also treated for minor injuries. All four were taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
The Chillicothe Police report includes information on a stabbing incident, which occurred Tuesday night. Officers responded to the 400 block of Jackson Street, where a victim was flown to a trauma hospital with moderate injuries. Officers say one suspect was taken into custody and was later transported to a facility for mental health treatment. The names of the parties involved have not been released.
A suspect escaped from police custody in Marshall Wednesday morning, but was taken back into custody a short time later. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office says 34 year old Christopher Miller escaped from custody at or near the Saline County Courthouse in Marshall. Local schools and businesses were notified that Miller had escaped and a manhunt ensued. A short time later, Miller was taken back into custody without incident.
A Trenton man faces felony charges, after his arrest Tuesday by Trenton Police. 31 year old Aaron Michael Perez, Jr., of Trenton, was taken into custody after the incident. Officers arrested Perez after he allegedly exhibited a butcher knife in a threatening manner. Court documents also accuse him of resisting arrest by failing to comply with the officer’s orders. Perez is charged with unlawful use of a weapon and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $15,000 dollars, cash-only.
A Monroe City driver faces charges after an accident on a Marion County road, early Wednesday morning. It occurred at around 12:45am, just north of Monroe City. The patrol says 26 year old Patrick Enochs, of Monroe City, was the driver of a UTV, which ran off the roadway and struck a ditch. A passenger, 42 year old James Sullivan, of Monroe City, was treated for minor injuries. Enochs is accused of leaving the scene of the accident and driving while his license is suspended.
COLUMBIA AGENCIES TAKE PART IN ACTIVE-SHOOTER SIMULATION
Multiple Columbia area law enforcement agencies took part in an active shooter event simulation, Wednesday evening at Stephens College. The Columbia Police and Fire Departments and University of Missouri Ambulance Service all took part in the simulation, which gave officials the opportunity to evaluate the local agencies’ ability to respond and coordinate their efforts in an active-shooter situation.
A Chillicothe driver was injured in a Tuesday morning collision on Highway 36 at the Meadville Junction. 55 year old Lorrinda Suddith, of Chillicothe, was treated for minor injuries at Hedrick Medical Center, after the accident…which occurred just before 8:30am. The patrol says a southbound pickup, driven by 27 year old Derick Dennis, of Humphreys, pulled into the intersection and into the path of Suddith’s eastbound vehicle.
A Marshall woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Tuesday afternoon collision on Highway 65 in Saline County. 74 year old Dorothy Carroll, of Marshall, was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, after the accident. It occurred at around 12:30pm. The patrol says her northbound car struck the rear of a northbound pickup, which had slowed to turn off the highway. That driver, 54 year old Milton Wright, of Marshall, was not injured.
The Highway Patrol continues to investigate a fatal accident, which occurred last Thursday morning in Monroe County. Investigators say a pickup slid off Highway 151 in icy conditions and overturned several times, coming to rest in a farm field. The patrol has not yet been able to confirm who was the driver of the vehicle. 31 year old Heath McCall of Holliday died from injuries sustained in the accident. Four other occupants of the vehicle were seriously injured…23 year old Mikaela Spires of Moberly, 27 year old Cory Putnam of Holliday, 20 year old Chandler Mudd, of Monroe City and 21 year old Jordan Kellogg, of Middletown.
MACC COLLEGE, CAREER AND HEALTH FAIR MARCH 14
Moberly Area Community College will hold its annual spring College, Career and Health fair in a couple of weeks….Wednesday, March 14, at MACC in Columbia’s Parkade Center. Exhibitors will include area employers and colleges, as well as health representatives and information from MACC’s Allied Health students and area health care providers. The MACC Spring College, Career and Health Fair will be held from 11am to 3pm on the 14th, at the MACC Higher Learning Center in Columbia, at the Parkade Center.
A Daviess County man was killed in a farm tractor accident on private property north of Pattonsburg, Monday morning. According to the Highway Patrol report, 64 year old Morgan Victor, of McFall, was loading a hay bale at around 10:30am, when the excessive weight caused his tractor to tip and roll down an embankment, pinning him underneath. Victor was pronounced dead at the scene.
From KTVO.com – The Macon R-1 School District is assessing its security plans after threats made by a student last week. Macon School Superintendent Scott Jarvis sent an alert to parents, notifying them of a high school student making serious threats, resulting in the student being taken into custody by law enforcement. There were no weapons found on the student, but the incident has caused administrators to assess campus security, including reviewing the option of adding an additional school resource officer.
Daviess County authorities took a juvenile student into custody Monday morning, after being informed of an alleged planned act of violence at the North Daviess R-3 School. The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office says they received a phone call regarding the alleged threat at around 7:20am Monday. The juvenile was quickly taken into custody for questioning. No further details have been released at this time.
A special panel of Missouri House members was formed Monday to investigate the felony invasion-of-privacy charges against Governor Eric Greitens. House Speaker Todd Richardson says the panel will include five Republicans and two Democrats, led by Jefferson City attorney and Republican Representative Jay Barnes. Barnes pledges a fair, thorough and timely investigation, without any pre-ordained results.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER BOONVILLE POLICE SEIZE MARIJUANA
Two Boonville residents are in custody after Boonville Police say they seized 240 marijuana plans and about 30 pounds of processed marijuana from two neighboring homes. Search warrants were served at the two homes, in the 500 block of West Street in Boonville, Saturday. Officers say they also seized brownies and candies made with marijuana, along with equipment used to grow, process and package the drug. 55 year old Robert Adam Morrison and 60 year old Deborah Helen Hombs were arrested and charged with five felonies and two misdemeanors.
A northeast Missouri man died in a hunting accident over the weekend. The Highway Patrol says the victim, 27 year old Justin Tobias, of Palmyra, was snow goose hunting Saturday afternoon, when he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, near Palmyra. Tobias was treated on the scene by medical personnel, than taken by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just after 4pm Saturday. The incident is being investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Authorities say it is believed to be an accidental shooting.
A Knox County teenager was reported missing, over the weekend. Authorities say 16 year old Stephanie Love, of Novelty, was reported missing Saturday night. The mother of the missing teen told KTVO news the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is also looking for 20 year old Emily Nicole Yeary, also know as R.J. Blake, in connection with the teen’s disappearance. Yeary is described a white female, 5-2 and about 180 pounds, with green eyes and short dark hair. Authorities say they believe she is in the Kirksville area, but may be traveling to South Dakota, Indiana or Illinois. Anyone with information on either girls’ whereabouts is urged to contact authorities.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Laclede teenager Friday, in connection with an alleged threat against the school, which occurred on Friday, February 16. According to court documents, 18 year old Jeffrey Woodward, of Laclede, was arrested after multiple students reported that the suspect made comments about shooting up or bombing the school. Woodward is charged with two misdemeanor counts of making a terroristic threat. His bond has been set at $20,000 dollars. The incident is not thought to be related to a previous threat made by a student, earlier this month.
RANDOLPH COUNTY MAN ARRESTED AFTER SEARCH WARRANT
A Randolph County man has been arrested after a search warrant at his home led to drug charges. According to a Facebook post by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and the North Missouri Drug Task Force executed the search warrant in Clifton Hill Friday. 59 year old George Fotovich, of Clifton Hill, was arrested after the search allegedly turned up a pound of marijuana and other incriminating items. Deputies say he is also charged in connection with allegations of rape by a 15 year old victim. He is being held in the Randolph County Jail on $75,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A 13 year old Columbia student was arrested over the weekend after police say he posted content on social media that ws threatening toward the Columbia School District. The teen was taken into custody Saturday for misdemeanor peace disturbance. The Boone County Juvenile office will handle disposition of the case. The investigation occurred after numerous reports of the alleged threatening content by students and parents of the district on Friday.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was formally indicted Thursday on a felony charge of invasion of privacy. The charges stem from a March 2015 incident. The indictment alleges that Greitens knowingly photographed a victim in a state of full or partial nudity without her knowledge or consent. Governor Greitens has admitted having an affair in 2015, but he and his attorney have categorically denied that any crime was committed. Several Missouri lawmakers have responded to the indictment with calls for Greitens to resign, regardless of his guilt or innocence. The Governor is scheduled for a court date in St. Louis next month.
A Brookfield man is charged with child molestation involving a 14 year old girl. Court documents allege the incident occurred Monday at a residence in Brookfield. The suspect, 25 year old Robert E. Jones III, of Brookfield, is accused of sexually assaulting the victim, after he was hired to do yard work at the home. He is charged with felony counts of statutory sodomy and child molestation. Jones is being held in the Macon County Jail on $100,000 dollars bond.
A Macon woman was injured when her vehicle ran off an icy Highway 63, north of the Clark Junction in Randolph County, Thursday morning. 54 year old Linda Wilson, of Macon, was treated and released at Boone Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 7am. The patrol says her southbound vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a delineator post and a tree and came to rest in a ditch.
Columbia Police have arrested a man who was wanted on a charged of domestic assault and kidnapping. Dylan Pecheco, of Columbia has been taken into custody and his bond is set at $7,500 dollars. He was wanted after a February 4 incident in the 4600 block of South Hampton Court. Pecheco is accused of pinning a woman to the couch and attempting to strangle her during a domestic dispute.
The Highway Patrol has released the name of the 9 year old girl, who was struck and killed by a train in Marceline Monday night. 9 year old Katawna Clay, a third-grader at Walt Disney Elementary School, died in the accident, which occurred at around 7:30pm. Investigators say the girl was walking her dog across the tracks near Lake Street when she was struck. The Marceline School District had counselors on-hand Tuesday for teachers and students. Although the investigation is continuing, the patrol says there is no reason to believe it was anything but a tragic accident.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a Linneus teenager this week, after he allegedly made a threat against Meadville High School, where he is a student. 17 year old Keith D. Herring was arrested in the case. The Sheriff’s Department investigated after being notified of the teen’s threatening comments last Friday. Investigators say Herring said the comments were meant as a joke, but authorities say there is no longer a tolerance for these types of jokes. Herring faces a misdemeanor charge of making a terrorist threat. His bond is set at $20,000 dollars.
A suspect is in custody after he allegedly stole a Grundy County Ambulance, which was parked outside of Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton Tuesday. Police say the incident occurred at around 12:30pm. They say the male suspect had been seeking medical treatment at the hospital, then walked out of the emergency room, entered the ambulance and drove away. Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputies recovered the ambulance in a remote location in southeastern Grundy County. The male suspect was taken into custody without incident and was held overnight, pending formal charges. His identity has not been released.
Icy conditions played a part in several accidents around the area Tuesday. A Bethany woman was taken to KU Medical Center with serious injuries after her vehicle slid off Highway 136, just west of Bethany, at around 8:40am. The patrol says a vehicle driven by 26 year old Kayla Ramey of Bethany slid off the highway, struck a mailbox and an embankment, and overturned into a fence.
A Trenton driver was treated for moderate injuries when her vehicle ran off Harrison County Route H, Tuesday morning. 50 year old Lori Croley, of Trenton, was treated at Harrison County Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 7:40am. The patrol says she suffered moderate injuries when her westbound vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its wheels.
A Marshall teenager was treated for moderate injuries after his car collided with a pickup on Route 240 in Saline County. 18 year old Logan Johnson, of Marshall, was treated at University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says his westbound car slid into the path of an oncoming pickup, driven by a Slater man, who was not injured.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an endangered person advisory for a 13 year old Monroe City girl. Troopers say they are looking for Caitlyn Carey, who is described as a white female, 5-4 and 155 pounds, with brown and blonde hair, brown eyes, a fair complexion and a small mole on her left cheek. She was last seen getting into a car with an unknown male Monday night. Anyone with information on the missing teen, or the unidentified man, is urged to contact Monroe City Police or the Highway Patrol.
Significant icing is expected today across much of northwest Missouri. An Ice Storm Warning has been issued for a portion of the I-35 corridor, from the Kansas City Metro area, north to the Highway 36 corridor, including Caldwell, Clinton, Davies, Ray and DeKalb counties, until 6pm. The National Weather Service says ice accumulations up to a quarter of an inch or more are possible in that area, which could cause tree and power line damage, in addition to extremely hazardous travel conditions. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the rest of northwest Missouri, including Putnam, Sullivan, Grundy and Livingston Counties, and locations to the west, through the St. Joseph area and into northeastern Kansas. Lesser ice accumulations, but still significant icing on roadways, is expected in those locations, with significant travel concerns across all of northwest Missouri.
For the remainder of north central and northeast Missouri, light icing is possible as temperatures drop today and scattered rain showers mix with and then change to freezing rain. The lighter accumulations will limit the widespread nature of the threat, but motorists are encouraged to be prepared for at least some slick travel later today in north central and northeast Missouri. Once again, significant hazardous travel is developing to our west. The system will push out of the area and the precipitation chances will diminish by this evening into the overnight hours.
An 8 year old Marceline girl was struck and killed by a freight train in Marceline Monday night. The Highway Patrol says the girl was struck and killed on the railroad tracks in Marceline just before 7:30pm. The circumstances are still under investigation by the Highway Patrol, Marceline Police and the Linn County Coroner’s office. The girl’s identity has not yet been released by authorities.
NORTH MO RESTAURANT MANAGERS SENTENCED FOR TAX FRAUD
A pair of north Missouri restaurant managers avoided jail time, after their sentencing in a federal income tax fraud case. 39 year old Rafael Ramirez, of Kirksville, the manager of La Pachanga Restaurant and 34 year old Oscar Fernando Flores, of Moberly, manager of Santa Fe Restaurant in Moberly, were both sentenced to four years probation last week. Ramirez was also ordered to pay nearly $31,000 dollars in restitution, plus a $2,000 dollar fine. Flores was ordered to pay nearly $9,000 dollars in restitution and fines. Both men pleaded guilty in September to multiple charges in the case, including a count of conspiracy and multiple counts of filing false income tax returns. Prosecutors alleged the restaurants did not report a large portion of their cash sales to the IRS.
A chain-reaction collision involving a semi and three other vehicles, north of Kirksville Monday afternoon, caused only two minor injuries. It occurred at around 1:15pm. According to the Highway Patrol, a northbound tractor-trailer, driven by 32 year old Joseph Moriarty, of Glenwood, struck a vehicle, which was stopped in traffic on Highway 63, about five miles north of Kirksville. The impact caused a chain-reaction collision with two other vehicles which were stopped. Two of those drivers, 82 year old Ruth Brown, of Lancaster and 23 year old Abby Wheeler, of Downing, were treated for minor injuries.
A report of smoke caused the brief evacuation of a Kirksville nursing home Sunday. Firefighters were called to Kirksville Manor Care at around 3pm, to a report of smoke coming from the basement of the facility. Residents began to evacuate as a precaution. The Kirksville Fire Department says the smoke came from the boiler room and was quickly controlled once crews arrived. Residents and staff were able to return to the building a short time later. No injuries were reported.
A stolen vehicle report in Saline County resulted in a pursuit by law enforcement from Carroll County into Livingston County Saturday. According to the report, a stolen utility truck was spotted by Carroll County authorities and the driver fled, resulting in a pursuit into Livingston County. The Highway Patrol assisted and deployed spike strips on Highway 36, west of Chillicothe. The suspect surrendered without incident, after striking the spike strips. 20 year old Jeremiah Joel Bailiff, of St. Louis, was taken into custody, pending charges in three counties.
Carrollton Police are investigating a shooting incident, which occurred Friday night at a Carrollton residence. According to police, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Park Street, where an individual was apparently shot twice in the abdomen. The victim was transported to Carroll County Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia. No further details about the ongoing investigation have been released. Anyone with information is urged to contact Carrollton Police.
Two Kirksville residents were injured when their vehicle ran off Sullivan County Route E, just west of Milan, Saturday afternoon. 24 year old Jordan Mukanza, of Kirksville, was the driver of the westbound vehicle, which ran off the highway and struck a road sign and a fence at around 12:30pm. Two passengers in the vehicle, 32 year old Gisele Ndiang Asuza and 15 year old Noel Nputu, both of Kirksville, were both treated for minor injuries at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital.
A Moberly man was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 24, just west of Madison, on Friday. The accident occurred at around 10:40am. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 59 year old Gillis Leonard, of Moberly, ran off the roadway and struck a ditch. Leonard was treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
Columbia Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash, which occurred Saturday morning on westbound I-70. Police say the victim, 35 year old Jerry Martin, of Florissant, MO, was walking on the roadway when he was struck. The vehicle, believed to be a silver passenger car, left the scene. Anyone with information is urged to call Columbia Police or the Boone County tips line.
A Centralia High School student face possible charges, as the investigation continues into a gun and ammunition found in the student’s backpack on Friday. Administrators were notified of the possible threat after the items were reported by other students Friday morning. Centralia Police took the student into custody at the scene and have indicated that the handgun was apparently stolen from a residence in Audrain County. The investigation is ongoing.
KIRKSVILLE TEEN DEAD AFTER FALLING FROM HANNIBAL BLUFF
A Kirksville teenager died Thursday, after apparently falling from a popular bluff in Hannibal. Hannibal Police were called Thursday afternoon to Lover’s Leap, which overlooks the city and the Mississippi River in Hannibal, to a report of a suicidal person. Officers found 17 year old Lexie Myers of Kirksville, who had fallen from the bluff and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday. The investigation continues.
Carrollton Police have released information on a search warrant, which was served Wednesday at a Carrollton home. That search resulted in five arrests and three individuals with formal drug charges. 28 year old Mark Lee Smith, Jr and 34 year old Brandon Ray Adkins, both of Carrollton and 23 year old Tye Nicole Wells, of Chillicothe, are all charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for all three suspects has been set at $15,000 dollars.
Two Moberly juveniles, who were reported missing overnight Wednesday night into Thursday morning, were found safe at a Moberly Convenience Store on Thursday, after a search, which involved several local law enforcement agencies. Investigators say one male and one female were reported missing shortly after midnight Thursday morning. Moberly Police, the Highway Patrol K-9 Unit and a bloodhound from the Department of Corrections were all involved in the search, along with the Patrol’s helicopter and other local first-responders. A Moberly Police officer located the juveniles at a Moberly Convenience Store. They’ve been turned over to juvenile authorities.
Columbia Police have confirmed that one person is dead after being struck by a semi on Eastbound I-70, early this (Fri) morning. Police were called the scene at around 1am. They have not released the identity of the victim, and no further details have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
Five Chillicothe juveniles are in trouble after Chillicothe Police investigated reports of vandalism at the Chillicothe Walmart, over the weekend. Police were called to the store Sunday evening. Five juveniles were identified as suspects in the case, which involved the destruction of a restroom toilet using fireworks. Officers are working with the 43rd Judicial Circuit to complete the investigation.
A Chillicothe woman was treated for injuries after a Tuesday morning collision at the intersection of southbound Highway 65 and westbound Business 36 in Chillicothe. According to the police report, both drivers claimed to have had a green light at the intersection, when their vehicles collided. One of those drivers, Jessica Trussell, of Chillicothe, was taken to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment.
THREE CHARGED AFTER SEARCH WARRANT AT BRUNSWICK HOME
A search warrant served at a Brunswick residence last week resulted in drug charges against three Chariton County suspects. Officers say the search turned up meth and drug paraphernalia. 43 year old John January, Jr. of Keytesville, 42 year old Tammy Michelle Marshall of Brunswick and 42 year old Melissa Kistler, of Brunswick each face two felony counts of a controlled substance.
A Carrollton man, who was accused of statutory rape and sodomy involving a victim under the age of 17 will avoid jail time, after pleading guilty to a lesser charge. Court records indicate 33 year old Theodore Ryan Draeger, of Carrollton, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child, involving sexual contact. A plea agreement in the case resulted in a suspended sentence with five years supervised probation.
A Columbia man has been charged in connection with a deadly accident, which occurred in November on I-70 Drive southeast in Columbia. Court documents identify William Lauer as the driver of a truck, which crashed into a bridge support. He allegedly left the scene, but two passengers were injured and one of those, Cathy Watson, later died from her injuries. Investigators say Lauer had an outstanding warrant for his arrest at the time of the accident, which is why he left the scene. He is charged with involuntary manslaughters and is being held in the Boone County Jail on $100,000 dollars bond.
A new trial date has been set in the federal case against James D. Lolli, former president of Lolli Livestock Market and former Macon Police Chief Scott Ziebarth, both of Macon. Lolli and Ziebarth are charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods from the United States, wildlife trafficking and money laundering/aiding and abetting. According to the federal indictment, the charges stem from allegations of their involvement in the illegal trade and transport of rhinocerous horns, through the livestock market, between April of 2009 and December of 2011. A jury trial, in the case, has been scheduled for May 15 of this year in Santa Ana, California.
MOBERLY POLICE ADVISE RESIDENTS TO MONITOR TRANSACTIONS
Moberly Police are advising residents to keep a close eye on your credit and debit card accounts, after numerous recent reports of fraudulent transactions to area banks. Investigators say there is evidence that credit card numbers have been obtained and are being used around the state of Missouri. They say many of the fraudulent transactions occurred from late December thru late January. The investigation is in its preliminary stages and will take some time. Anyone with information is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Randolph County Tips Line. All citizens are advised to closely monitor their debit and credit transaction records, as the investigation continues.
TWO ARRESTS IN CONNECTION WITH CHILLICOTHE HIT AND RUN
Chillicothe Police have identified two suspects, in connection with a hit and run accident, which seriously injured a pedestrian on December 28. Investigators used surveillance video to help identify the vehicle involved. On Monday, they received information about a possible suspect. An alleged passenger in the vehicle, 19 year old Levi Terrell, was arrested on an unrelated warrant, after a pursuit in Livingston and Grundy Counties. Officers say information received led to the arrest of the accused driver, 19 year old Jordan Daniel Wells, of Chillicothe. The investigation is ongoing.
Three Kirksville residents were injured when a vehicle struck a deer in the roadway on Highway 6, just west of Kirksville, Tuesday evening. It occurred at around 6:45pm. 39 year old Flavic Massamba, of Kirksville, was the driver of the eastbound vehicle. Three passengers were injured, including 26 year old Gloire Kole, 24 year old Tony Bakomba and 19 year old Benny Kadima. They were treated at the scene by ambulance personnel.
A Columbia driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 63 in Osage County, Tuesday morning. 24 year old Blake Reno, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 6:45am. The patrol says Reno’s northbound vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a fence and a utility pole, then overturned.
Randolph County authorities have filed multiple charges against a Moberly man, in connection with allegations involving a six-year-old girl. Officers were called to a residence Sunday, where the boyfriend of the child’s mother, 19 year old Blake Andrew Varner, of Moberly, was accused of inappropriately touching the six-year-old. After investigation, Varner was charged with two counts of child molestation and two counts of statutory sodomy. He is being held in the Randolph County Justice Center, on $75,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A Shelbina driver was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early Monday morning on an Audrain County road. 35 year old Corey Peacock, of Shelbina, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 4:45am. The patrol says he failed to stop at a stop sign and his southbound vehicle ran through an intersection, struck a raised railroad crossing grade and ran off the roadway.
A Milan man was treated for minor injuries after a one-vehicle accident on Sullivan County Route K, which occurred Monday afternoon at around 2:30pm. 19 year old Odalis Bahena Pineda, of Milan, was the driver of a southbound pickup, which ran off the highway, struck a fence and ran into a ditch. Her passenger, 41 year old Carlos Caceres Medina, of Milan, was treated for minor injuries at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating after two children died in a Sunday night house fire in Chamois, in Osage County. The Osage County Sheriff’s Department says firefighters were called to the scene at around 10:15pm Sunday. When they arrived, it was fully engulfed and they were not able to get inside. Officials say the family included four children, two of those kids were unable to escape the blaze. Authorities say the cause is under investigation but it does not appear to be suspicious.
A boil order, for downtown Moberly residents, which was issued after a water leak Saturday, has been lifted. Officials say bacteria-sampling tests came back negative Sunday, allowing the advisory to be lifted earlier than originally expected.
A Saturday evening accident on Highway 54, north of Auxvasse in Callaway County, killed a man and woman from Mexico, and seriously injured a Vandalia resident. It occurred at around 6pm Saturday. The patrol says an eastbound vehicle driven by 28 year old David Fletcher, of Mexico, ran off the roadway, struck a concrete culvert and overturned. Fletcher was taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One passenger, 36 year old Amanda Goff, of Mexico, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 37 year old Michael Fitch, of Vandalia, was taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
MINOR INJURIES FOR MOBERLY DRIVER IN WEEKEND ‘SLIDE-OFF’
A Moberly driver was treated for minor injuries after his pickup slid off Randolph County Route A, just south of Moberly, Saturday morning. 20 year old Ross Courtland, of Moberly, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says it slid off the highway and overturned just before 9am Saturday. Courtland was treated and released at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
The Animal Shelter of Linn County has announced plans for a fundraising Trivia Night, to be held later this month. The event is scheduled for Friday, February 23 at the Brookfield Elks Lodge. Dinner and a social hour will begin at 6pm, with the trivia starting at 7. Teams of 5 to 10 are welcome to register, or you can come as an individual and be placed on a team. All proceeds will benefit the Linn County Animal Shelter.
The Brookfield Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its regular monthly membership meeting this week, but on a different day than usual. The Chamber will meet this Friday, instead of its normal Wednesday meeting day, as State Representative Rusty Black will be on-hand Friday to update the Chamber on a number of legislative issues. A buffet-style meal will be served at noon at the Brickhouse in Brookfield. RSVP by contacting the Chamber office by Wednesday for this Friday’s noon meeting.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY USING MACHETE TO STEAL CAR
Boone County deputies arrested a man, who was accused of stealing a car by threatening the owner with a machete. 35 year old Manuel Grajalez-Lopez, of Columbia, was arrested after the incident, which occurred Sunday evening in the 700 block of Demaret Drive. The victim says he his car was running to warm up, outside his home, when Lopez tried to drive off, but slid on the ice and struck a pile of debris. The suspect then allegedly pulled out a machete and threatened the victim. He was arrested at the scene.
Two teenagers were injured when a car ran off Highway 63, south of Greentop in Adair County, Thursday evening. It occurred at around 6:15pm. 19 year old Delaney Snyder, of Green Castle, was the driver of the northbound car. The patrol says she swerved to miss a dead deer in the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. It ran off the highway, struck a utility pole and overturned. Delaney was treated for minor injuries. Her passenger, 16 year old Tionja Johnson, of Kirksville, suffered moderate injuries. They were both taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A Bucklin woman has been added to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department’s most wanted list. 44 year old Rachel Lynn Sprague, of Bucklin, is wanted on a Livingston County warrant for possession of meth, with bond set at $15,000 dollars. Sprague is described as a white female, 5-4 and about 180 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement.
Dozens of brave souls are preparing to take a dip in cold water Saturday, as Kirksville’s annual Polar Plunge is held at Forest Lake, at Thousand Hills State Park. Registration begins at 11am and the Polar Plunge will begin at 1pm. Participants must be at least ten years old and raise at least $75 dollars prior to the event. The Polar Plunge is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Missouri Special Olympics. Spectators are welcome to watch the frigid event, tomorrow at Thousand Hills State Park.
Moberly City officials say repairs are planned Friday on a water main, which will affect service for a portion of the city. Residents in the 100 block of North Clark Street, and 100 and 200 blocks of South Sturgeon, the 100 block of North Sturgeon and the 100 block of West Burkhart could see an interruption of service today. The entire city of Moberly remains under a boil advisory, through today, due to the major water main break which occurred earlier in the week.
A Columbia man has been formally charged after his arrest this week. Enoch Peters was arrested Tuesday. A probable cause statement accuses Peters of knocking on a woman’s door, asking for sex and attempting force his way into her home. The woman was able to get her door closed and locked. A second female victim told police Peters also knocked on her door and suggested sexual contact. He is charged with second-degree sexual misconduct.
A Thursday morning collision on Boone County Route A at Old U.S. 63 sent a driver to the hospital with moderate injuries. It occurred at around 7:30am. The patrol says a northbound car, driven by 37 year old Linda Sapp, of Hartsburg, apparently failed to yield at the intersection and collided with an eastbound pickup, driven by an Ashland man. Sapp was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital.
CITY OF MOBERLY EXPERIENCING LOW WATER PRESSURE
The City of Moberly has issued an emergency boil order and water conservation statement, due to a major water line break. Officials say the break has caused the City’s water towers to drain and caused low water pressure for the entire City of Moberly. The pressure is low enough to increase the possibility of contaminates entering the system. All Moberly water customers are advised to boil water for 5 minutes before consumption. Customers are also asked to take immediate measures to conserve water, while the system is restored. Moberly water customers will experience little or no water pressure until the repairs can be completed. The city will provide further updates as soon as possible.
MARCELINE DRIVER HURT AS VEHICLE SLIDES OF HIGHWAY 36
A Marceline driver was treated for moderate injuries after her vehicle ran off an ice-covered Highway 36, Tuesday morning. 35 year old Terisa Buckner, of Marceline, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says it slid off the highway and struck a tree, about a mile east of Brookfield at around 8:45am. Buckner was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment of moderate injuries.
Two Kirksville residents were injured when their SUV ran off Highway 6, just east of Greencastle, just before 6am Tuesday. 38 year old Jean Sambayi, of Kirksville, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says he lost control on the ice-covered roadway and the vehicle ran off the road and overturned, coming to rest on its top. Two passengers in the vehicle were injured. 27 year old Nadine Nanku and 22 year old Josue Muzembayi, both of Kirksville, were both treated for minor injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
PEGGY MCGAUGH WINS 39TH DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION
Republican Peggy McGaugh is the unofficial winner of Tuesday’s special election in the race for representative of Missouri’s 39th District. McGaugh received a total of 1,942 votes to just 1,077 for Democrat Ethan Perkinson. She will fill the unexpired terms of Joe Don McGaugh, who resigned his position last fall. The 39th district covers portions of Chariton, Carroll and Ray Counties.
Chillicothe Police are warning residents of a telephone scam, which has been reported recently. The scammer has apparently been calling residents and claiming that he is with Chillicothe Municipal Utilities. He threatens to cut off services without immediate payment by check, debit or credit card. Officials say CMU does not conduct those type of collection activities by telephone, nor do they take payments over the phone. Chillicothe Police remind residents to not give out personal or banking information over the telephone.
SHOTS FIRED IN NORTH COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD
Columbia Police converged on a north Columbia neighborhood after a report of shots fired Tuesday night. The incident occurred at the intersection of Pinehurst Lane and Godas Drive, where officers say they found 10 to 20 shell casings and it appears two weapons were involved. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to nearby homes or vehicles found. Investigators say they do not have a confirmed suspect as of yet, but they are working with car descriptions, as the investigation continues.
COLUMBIA MAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC ASSAULT
A Columbia man is accused of domestic violence and property damage at a home in east Columbia. Officers were called to the home on Albany drive, Monday morning, where 28 year old Geoffrey Burris was accused of attacking the female victim and then keeping her from leaving the home. Burris is also accused of causing more than $1,000 dollars in damage to the victim’s vehicle and home. Burris was arrested at the scene for domestic assault, false imprisonment, resisting arrest and use of drug paraphernalia.
A one-vehicle accident on an ice-covered Highway 36, Monday afternoon, seriously injured a Brookfield woman. It occurred at around 4:40pm, just west of Macon. The patrol says a westbound pickup, driven by 49 year old Derek Sturguess, of Brookfield, slid off the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned, coming to rest on its top. A passenger in the vehicle, 46 year old Sherri Sturguess, of Brookfield, suffered serious injuries. She was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. Derek Sturguess was treated for minor injuries.
A Jamesport woman was seriously injured when her car ran off Route 190, west of Chillicothe, at around 3 o’clock Monday afternoon. 49 year old Elizabeth Huffman, of Jamesport, was taken to Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe after the accident. The patrol says her westbound van ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned, coming to rest on its top.
Icy roadways caused a Monday afternoon collision on Highway 11 in Chariton County. It occurred at around 3:50pm. The patrol says a southbound pickup, driven by 88 year old Robert Bolzendahl, of Triplett, slid into the path of a northbound van, driven by 33 year old Jessica Foster, of Marceline. Foster sustained moderate injuries. Her 5 year old passenger was treated for minor injuries. Bolzendahl was also treated for minor injuries. All three were taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
LANCASTER MAN TURNS HIMSELF IN FOR CHILD MOLESTATION
Law enforcement officers say a Lancaster man called 9-1-1 to turn himself in for an incident of child molestation. 28 year old Darren Logsdon, of Lancaster is charged with one count stemming from an incident at his residence. According to court documents, a Schuyler County dispatcher got a call from Logsdon in the early-morning hours of January 20, wanting to turn himself in for pedophilia. Logsdon is accused of inappropriately touching a 13 year old female victim. He is being held on $25,000 cash-only bond, pending a court hearing on February 28.
Columbia Police are investigating a home invasion in the 3600 block of Hermitage Road, which occurred Monday morning, just before 7:30am. Officers say a suspect forced entry into the home, showed a weapon to one of three people inside, and searched the home before fleeing the scene. There were no reported injuries and the amount of property taken has not been released. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Moberly woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday afternoon accident on Highway 63, just north of the Clark junction. It occurred just after 1:30pm. 40 year old Jessica Buck, of Moberly, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says she was stopped on the shoulder of the highway when another vehicle slid into the rear of her car. A passenger, 20 year old Mataya Farnsworth, of Moberly, was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries.
A Linneus woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Friday afternoon accident on Highway 36, just west of Brookfield. It occurred at around 1:20pm. 60 year old Janette Orr, of Linneus, was the driver of the eastbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway and struck a guardrail. Orr was treated for moderate injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
No one was injured when a driver crashed his vehicle into a Kirksville home, over the weekend. Kirksville Police say the accident occurred Friday night at the intersection of Shepherd Avenue and First Street in Kirksville. Officers say a medical condition caused the driver to black out and his truck crashed into the home, causing damage to the siding of the house. No one was home at the time of the accident. The driver was taken to a local doctor for treatment.
JUVENILE VICTIM ASSAULTED IN LIVINGSTON COUNTY INCIDENT
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the assault of a juvenile victim, as part of an alleged murder plot. Deputies were called to Hedrick Medical Center Friday night, where the juvenile victim was being treated. Investigators say the victim agreed to walk to a remote location in rural Livingston County, with two juvenile suspects. A series of events included the victim being tied up, beaten and threatened. The victim was released after allegedly agreeing to kill another person for the suspects. Two juvenile suspects were detained at the crime scene and no other victims were involved. The incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.
MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS IN COLUMBIA AREA CAUSED BY SLICK ROADS
Slick roadways caused a number of accidents in the area Sunday.
Two cars collided on Highway 63 in Boone County and, troopers say, while those two drivers were assessing their damage another vehicle slid off the road and struck their vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
More than six vehicles were involved in a pile-up at the intersection of Old Route 63 and Broadway in Columbia. Police say the slick roadways caused the chain-reaction collision. No significant injuries were reported. A number of other minor accidents were reported around the area during Sunday’s snowfall.
Columbia Police are seeking a suspect who allegedly snatched a woman’s purse in the McDonald’s Parking Lot on Clark Lane Saturday evening. Officers were called to the scene just after 6pm, where the victim says the suspect grabbed her purse and ran from the scene. Officers searched the area with a K-9 unit but the suspect was not found. The incident remains under investigation.
A 911 call made Thursday morning concerning Ray Miller Elementary School in Kirksville was determined to be a prank. School officials say a Ray Miller student apparently used his parent’s cell phone to call 911 several times, claiming that there was an emergency situation at the Kirksville Primary School. Police were able to quickly determine that the calls were a hoax. The student who made the calls was detained when he arrived at the school.
A traffic crash shut down the westbound lanes of Highway 36, just west of Brookfield, Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred near the railroad overpass on 36, at around 4pm. The highway patrol has not released the accident report and no injury information is available. It took crews a couple of hours to clear the scene and return traffic to normal.
A rural Macon County home was destroyed by fire Thursday morning, but no one was injured. Elmer firefighters were called to the home of Douglas and Melissa Cuppy, about four miles southeast of Elmer, just before 8am. Firefighters say the home was fully involved when they arrived. Callao Town and Country Fire department was called in to help battle the blaze. No injuries were reported. The home was a total loss.
A Higbee man is wanted on four felony charges, including domestic assault with serious physical injury, after an alleged stabbing incident this week. 38 year old Shawn Skaggs, of Higbee, is the suspect in the case. A probable cause statement accuses Skaggs of threatening two victims in his home with a knife and stabbing one of the victims. Investigators were called to an area hospital to interview the victims.
TWO INCIDENTS AT BATTLE HIGH SCHOOL RESULT IN ARRESTS
Two separate incidents at Columbia Battle High School on Wednesday resulted in charges against one student and the mother of another student.
Administrators say the student struck an administrator who was searching him, as the administrator was pulling a baggie of marijuana from the student’s pants pocket. The student then ran from the office, struck another school official with a door and fought with a third administrator while attempting to flee. The student faces charges of assault and drug possession.
In a separate incident, police say the mother of another student, Amanda Christine Dubuque, engaged in a fight with juvenile students at the school entrance. Dubuque is accused of encouraging the disturbance, which her daughter was involved in. She faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child.
A Kirksville teenager is charged with first-degree rape or attempted rape, after his arrest on Tuesday. According to court records, 18 year old David Allen Woods, of Kirksville, has been charged in an indictment by an Adair County Grand Jury. Court documents accuse Woods of having sex with a victim who was incapable of consent, due to a lack of mental capacity. He is being held in the Adair County Jail on $100,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A Brookfield woman has been charged this week, after being accused of taking prescription medications from a residence in Purdin. 46 year old Tricia Kauzlarich, of Brookfield, was charged Tuesday, in Linn County Circuit Court, with six counts of stealing a controlled substance. A probable cause statement says the defendant was caught on home video surveillance taking medication from pill bottles belonging to the victims. Her bond was set at $25,000 dollars.
A Moberly woman is accused of distributing a controlled substance, after an investigation by the Central Missouri Drug Task Force. 28 year old Andrea Keefer was charged with three counts on Wednesday. Investigators say the task force used three informants to purchase meth from the suspect, including one transaction, which occurred near the Moberly Head Start Daycare and Preschool. Keefer is being held on $50,000 dollars cash-only bond, pending a court appearance next week.
A Mexico man is headed to prison, after pleading guilty Wednesday to 12 felony counts, including forcible sodomy, statutory sodomy, child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. 34 year old Travis Kelly, of Mexico entered the guilty plea just before a 3-day jury trial was to begin, in connection with allegations of abuse involving a 9-year-old girl, which occurred in 2014 and 2015. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT: Newtown-Harris schools will be closed again today (Wed) due to illness
An Atlanta driver was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after an early-morning accident on Highway 63, north of Macon. It occurred this (Wed) morning at around 4:23am. 31 year old Daniel Hager, of Atlanta, was flown by Air Evac Helicopter to University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says he suffered serious injuries when his northbound SUV ran off the highway and overturned.
The Highway Patrol says formal drug charges are pending against a Laclede woman, after her arrest during a traffic stop in Caldwell County Tuesday afternoon. The patrol says 36 year old Sarah Washam, of Laclede, was stopped for speeding and is also accused of operating a vehicle without a valid license. Troopers at the scene say Washam was in felony possession of a controlled substance. She was held overnight in the Caldwell County Detention Center, on a 24-hour hold.
A Moberly man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, in connection with a fatal accident, which occurred in June of last year. 37 year old Danny Bowen faces one count of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Bowen was a passenger in the car. Investigators accuse him of arguing with the driver of the vehicle, Nicole Ashbaker, hitting her repeatedly and grabbing the steering wheel, causing the crash. Ashbaker died when she was ejected from the vehicle. Her four children were passengers in the vehicle and were all treated for minor injuries. Bowen is scheduled for a arraignment on February 26.
A Centerville, Iowa family continues to search for a teen, who was reported missing a week ago and was last seen in north Missouri. 18 year old Sebastian Husted was last seen on January 22 at a hog confinement facility in Mercer County, MO. He was reported missing on January 25. Centerville Police say Husted is 5-11 and about 200 pounds. Since he was last seen in Mercer County, the case will likely be passed on to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information on Husted’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office or Centerville Police.
Three Columbia teenagers have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in central Columbia, which occurred Monday. 17 year old Cornell Fisher, 17 year old Joshua McTye and a 16 year old juvenile were all arrested on suspicion of robbery, armed criminal action and assault. The male victim says he was in his car on Sixth Street near Wilkes Boulevard when the teens approached from both sides, pointed multiple weapons and demanded property. Police say one of the teens fired a weapon at the victim as they fled the scene.
SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT: Newtown Harris schools will be closed Tuesday, due to illness…all evening activities will be rescheduled.
KIRKSVILLE TEEN CHARGED IN DEATH OF 9-MONTH-OLD CHILD
A Kirksville teenager has been charged with abuse or neglect of a child, resulting in the death of her 9-month-old child in November. 19 year old Stephanie Cox, of Kirksville is charged in the case. Kirksville Police say an autopsy report indicates the baby’s cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head, consistent with shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. After a two-month investigation, Cox was arrested and charged. Her bond is set at $100,000 dollars.
A Salisbury teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a Sunday afternoon collision on Highway 5, just south of Salisbury. 17 year old Garrett Green, of Salisbury, was taken to University Medical Center after the accident, which occurred just after 1pm. The patrol says Green’s southbound pickup crossed the centerline at a hillcrest and collided with an oncoming car, driven by 44 year old Vida Jane Dewolfe, of Glasgow. Dewolfe was not injured.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department has released more details on a Sunday evening traffic stop, which resulted in the arrest of four suspects. Deputies stopped a vehicle, which matched the description of a truck used in a recent theft in Randolph County, at the intersection of Routes C and Z, north of Huntsville. They say a large portable generator in the bed of the truck was believed to have been stolen in that theft. Deputies say the four occupants of the truck refused to get out of the vehicle and an assault rifle and two handguns were seen inside. Assistance from Moberly Police and the Highway Patrol was requested and, when additional officers arrived, the men were taken into custody without incident. Deputies say the owner of the generator positively identified it as stolen. All four men face charges of resisting arrest and the driver could be charged with receiving stolen property. Their names have not been released, pending formal charges.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was in Macon Monday, as part of a tour of the state, during which he is outlining his tax reform proposal. Greitens calls his plan the ‘boldest state tax reform in America’. It is highlighted by a proposed reduction in the state’s top individual income tax rate from 5.9 percent to 5.3 percent and would also create a refundable state tax credit for low-income workers. Greitens say that credit would essentially eliminate income taxes for 380,000 Missourians. The plan would also cut Missouri’s corporate tax rate from 6.25 to 4.25 percent. Greitens says the plan would be revenue-neutral by eliminating incentives for businesses to pay sales taxes quickly and also paring back the state’s income tax deduction on federal tax payments.
Centralia Police say a suspect who was wanted on multiple warrants, is accused of using a child to shield him in a confrontation with the arresting officers. Derrick Petty was arrested Sunday after officers determined that he was wanted on multiple Boone County warrants. They say Petty was found hiding under clothes in a bedroom closet. He is accused of grabbing a child and using him as a shield, while demanding that officers shoot and kill him. One officer was treated for an eye injury after the arrest. Petty faces possible additional charges of assaulting an officer, resisting arrest and endangering the welfare of a child.
The City of Marceline has scheduled a planned water service interruption, for a portion of the city, on Monday. Crews will replace a leaking water valve and fire hydrant, which will cause water service to be shut off in the 200 thru 500 blocks of East Truman, the 200 blocks of East Crocker and East Chicago and the 500 thru 800 blocks of Missouri Avenue. Officials ask customers not in those areas, who experience loss of water to report it to the Marceline City Hall. A boil advisory may be required after the repair is complete.
Four people are in custody after a traffic stop, which occurred Sunday evening, north of Huntsville on Route C. Deputies stopped a possible suspect vehicle that had been used in a Randolph County burglary last week. The deputy says there were four occupants in the vehicle and he noticed a firearm in the front seat. The driver and occupants refused to get out of the vehicle, so additional assistance was requested, from Moberly Police and the Highway Patrol. Four suspects were peacefully detained and are being questioned.
Charges are pending against a driver involved in a Saturday morning accident on Highway 63 near Moberly Regional Medical Center. Police say a 20 year old male driver was southbound, when his car collided with a guardrail and came to rest in the southbound lane. The subject then left the scene. Another southbound vehicle, driven by a 42 year old male, collided with the car and the driver was treated for minor injuries. The 20 year old driver was later identified and arrested. Charges are pending.
Columbia authorities are investigating an arson case involving a car fire at Ashland Auto Sales, on Business Loop 70. Columbia firefighters were called to the scene at around 3:15am Saturday. They say a vehicle on the dealer’s lot was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. Investigators say the fire was intentionally set. The incident remains under investigation.
An Ohio man is in custody after a traffic stop on I-70 in Cooper County led to the seizure of more than 100 pounds of marijuana, Friday afternoon. 22 year old Nicholas Anderson, of Cincinatti, Ohio, was arrested at the scene and is being held in the Cooper County Jail, pending formal charges for drug trafficking. Troopers say numerous packages of marijuana were found in the back of the suspect’s vehicle.
NOTE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT: Breckenridge School closed Friday due to illness.
A Nebraska man was treated for moderate injuries, after his tractor-trailer overturned and blocked both eastbound lanes of Highway 36, west of Hannibal, Thursday evening. It occurred just after 7pm. The patrol says 55 year old Richard Fuerhoff, of Plainview, Nebraska, was the driver of the eastbound semi, which ran off the left side of the highway and overturned and came to rest blocking both eastbound lanes of 36. Fuerhoff was treated for moderate injuries at Hannibal Regional Hospital.
TWO FACE LINN COUNTY DRUG DISTRIBUTION CHARGES
Two Linn County residents face drug charges after an undercover operation by local law enforcement, last month. A probable cause statement says a confidential informant purchased meth in December at a home in the 400 block of East Clark Street. That informant identified a second suspect, who allegedly provided the meth. 24 year old Robyn Gentry, of Brookfield and 37 year old Gregg Jackman, of Marceline, are both now charged with distribution of a controlled substance. Gentry is being held on $100,000 dollars bond. Jackman is still at large and is wanted on a felony warrant. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement.
The public is welcome to a Legislative Forum in Chillicothe this (Fri) afternoon. State Senator Denny Hoskins and Representative Rusty Black will be on-hand to discuss a variety of legislative issues, at the Chillicothe Cultural Corner’s Art Guild and Gallery. The forum will begin at 3pm.
Governor Eric Greitens will be in Macon on Monday. The Governor will appear at Economy Products Company, at 202 Pine Crest Drive in Macon, with an appearance from 10 to 11am Monday morning.
A car, traveling at high speed, ran off Highway 63 in Columbia Thursday and ended up in Gans Creek. The Highway Patrol reports that the car was southbound on Highway 63 when it sailed off the roadway and across a divider, crossed Ponderosa Street, over a rocky embankment and landed on the far side of Gans Creek. The driver and two passengers, who were all described as elderly, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill will be in Columbia Friday and is scheduled to appear at two events on the University of Missouri campus. The Senator will speak with Columbia Chamber of Commerce members, at 11:30am at the Reynolds Alumni Center on the Mizzou Campus. The senator will also take part in a student forum at Mizzou, which is scheduled to begin at 3pm at Wrench Auditorium.
The Keytesville R-3 School District has announced that its preschool will be closed Thursday and Friday, due to a widespread sickness. Officials say the preschool staff will use the closure to clean and disinfect the facility. Keytesville preschool will reopen on Monday.
Howard County Prosecutors have dropped an involuntary manslaughter charge against a former manager at the Fayette Dairy Queen, who is accused of bullying a Glasgow teenager who committed suicide. Harley Branham appeared in court Wednesday morning. She is accused of bullying and harassing the teen, Kenneth Suttner, of Glasgow, who worked at Dairy Queen until he committed suicide in December of 2016. A charge of involuntary manslaughter against Branham was dropped Wednesday. She still faces a felony charge of aggravated stalking, and misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault in connection with the case. She is due back in court for arraignment on March 7.
A Moberly woman was treated after her vehicle overturned on Route JJ, just west of Moberly, just after 2pm Wednesday. 33 year old Chelsey Million, of Moberly, was treated and released at Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident. The patrol says her vehicle’s rear axle broke, causing it to overturn in the roadway.
A welcome home ceremony will be held Saturday for the Missouri National Guard’s 548th Transportation Company, headquartered in Trenton. The 548th is returning from a deployment in Kuwait. Saturday’s ceremony will be held at the Ketcham Community Center on the North Central Missouri College Campus in Trenton. It is tentatively scheduled to begin at 4pm Saturday, but officials say the time could be adjusted, depending on the flight time for the returning soldiers.
MISSOURI S&T STUDENT ACCUSED OF THREATENING SHOOTING
A student at Missouri S&T University in Rolla has been charged with making a terrorist threat, after he allegedly said he was going to open fire on campus with an assault rifle, last weekend. Alexander Beetler is charged in the case. A news release from the University says Beetler was nowhere near campus or Rolla at the time of the threats and there was no immediate threat to the campus or S&T students. He was taken into custody after police stopped his vehicle near Lebanon, MO. Officers say he did not have any weapons with him at the time of his arrest, but they did find weapons and ammunition during a search of his home.
A Kirksville man was injured when his utility truck ran off Shepherd Avenue in Kirksville Tuesday morning. The accident occurred just after 7am. 57 year old Derek Fowler, of Kirksville, was the driver of the eastbound truck. Police say a medical condition cause him to veer off the roadway. It then struck and snapped off a utility pole and ran into some small trees, coming to rest on the fence line at the south edge of the Kirksville Country Club Golf Course. Fowler was treated for minor injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
Two Chula residents were injured in a Tuesday morning collision on Highway 65, just south of Trenton, which occurred just after 8am. The patrol says 19 year old Cale Hitt, of Derby, Iowa, was driving a southbound tractor-trailer and approached slowing traffic, when he swerved into the northbound lanes to avoid a collision and struck a northbound car, driven by 26 year old Madison Imgarten, of Chula. Imgarten escaped with just minor injuries, but her 4 year old passenger, also from Chula, suffered moderate injuries. Both were treated at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.
ACCIDENTAL GUNSHOT STRIKES PUTNAM COUNTY COURTHOUSE
No one was injured when someone accidentally fired a gunshot into a window at the Putnam County Courthouse in Unionville, Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say a gentleman was disassembling a firearm outside the courthouse when it accidentally discharged and struck a third-floor window. Charges against the man are pending at this time.
A Columbia man was seriously injured in a three-vehicle chain-reaction accident, which occurred at around 8 o’clock Tuesday morning on Highway 63 in Boone County. 55 year old Michael Baumer, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says his southbound car was struck by another vehicle, which failed to stop at a stop sign. After the collision, Baumer’s vehicle traveled into the path of a northbound truck. Neither of the other drivers were injured.
ENDANGERED SILVER ADVISORY CANCELLED – WOMAN FOUND SAFE
An endangered silver advisory has been cancelled, after a missing Columbia woman was found safe, early this (Wed) morning. The advisory was issued Tuesday by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, after 79 year old Lynda Smith went missing and failed to arrive at a doctor’s appointment. According to the advisory, Smith suffers from cancer, high blood pressure, bone disease and dementia. Officials say Smith was found safe early this morning and is back with her family.
Boonville Police arrested a man on Monday, after officers were called to a report of a domestic assault in the 800 block of Ashley Road in Boonville. A probable cause statement says the suspect, Brian Anderson of Boonville, refused to leave the female victim’s home. He is accused of shoving her onto a bed, holding her down and choking her. Anderson is charged with domestic assault, kidnapping and trespassing.
A Moberly paramedic is charged with burglary, assault and stealing, after allegedly burglarizing a patient’s home and stealing medication from another residence. 44 year old Richelle Grapes, of Moberly, is charged in the case. Investigators say Grapes, who worked for the Randolph County Ambulance District, was arrested on December 22 after she was discovered inside the home of a patient she had taken to the hospital. Prosecutors say she was also found in possession of opiate-based medication that was allegedly taken from another Randolph County Home. Grapes has been suspended from her position with the ambulance district.
KIRKSVILLE BUSINESSMAN SENTENCED ON BANK FRAUD CHARGES
Kirksville business-owner Burt Beard was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison on bank fraud charges. Federal prosecutors accused Beard, the former owner of Beard’s Decorating Center in Kirksville, of making more than $380,000 dollars in fraudulent payments to himself while he served as the volunteer treasurer for the University of Missouri’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His sentence also requires restitution in the amount of $380,502 dollars. Beard is to report to the federal prison facility in Marion, Illinois by March 5.
MILAN MAN CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING MISSING OMAHA GIRL
A Milan man is charged with kidnapping, in connection with a missing 12 year old Omaha girl, who was found in a Milan home over the weekend. 23 year old Eh Tha Ger, of Milan, was arrested Saturday morning. He is believed to be the boyfriend of 12 year old Paw Ku, who was reported missing in Omaha on January 9. A search warrant was served at the home early Saturday morning and Paw Ku was found in the home, in good condition and healthy. She was placed in protective custody. Ger is charged with statutory rape and child kidnapping. He is being held in the Sullivan County Jail.
Two Knox County residents were injured in a head-on collision on Highway 15, just south of Baring, at around 3:30 Monday afternoon. The patrol says a southbound pickup, driven by 28 year old Edwin Haldeman, of Rutledge, crossed into the northbound lane and struck an oncoming vehicle, driven by 26 year old Matthew Neagle, of Edina. Haldeman suffered serious injuries and Neagle was treated for moderate injuries. Both men were taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
Columbia Police are seeking two suspects, in connection with an armed robbery, which occurred just after midnight this (Tues) morning in the 1600 block of Kitty Hawk Drive. Investigators say four people were walking back to a residence when they were approached by two armed male suspects, who demanded property from the victims. After taking an unidentified amount of property, the suspects fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information on the robbery is urged to contact Columbia Police or Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
An endangered person advisory remains in effect for a Kirksville woman, who was last seen Friday evening. 20 year old Courtney M. Shearer, of Kirksville, was seen leaving the Kirksville Hy-Vee on foot Friday…and has not been heard from since. Authorities say Shearer is known to abuse drugs and suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. She does not have her mediations with her. Police say she has contacts in the Kansas City area. She’s described as a white female, 5-4 and around 130 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Kirksville Police or the anonymous Adair County tips line at 627-BUST.
A 12 year old girl, who had been reported missing in Omaha, Nebraska, was found safe in a Milan, MO home and has been taken into protective custody. Omaha Police say 12 year old Paw Ku was reported missing on January 9. They developed information that Ku was the in the company of an older male and had traveled out of state. Late Friday night, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Milan Police and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office were contacted by Nebraska authorities with information that Ku was possibly in the Milan area. Authorities secured a search warrant for a residence in Milan. Three suspects inside the home were detained and Ku was located just after 3am Saturday. A fourth suspect turned himself in to authorities Saturday. The suspects were placed in an investigative hold, as the investigation continues.
CLARK MAN CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX CRIMES
A two-day jury trial ended late Friday, with the conviction of Alonzo Bernard Thorpe, of
Clark, on eight counts of child molestation and two counts of child enticement. The charges stemmed from allegations of sexual assault involving two Randolph County children from April of 2011 to February of 2014. The two children and an infant sister were removed from their home after a 2014 domestic assault investigation. They began telling their foster parents and investigators about the sexual assault allegations several months later. Thorpe was charged in Randolph County but the case was heard Friday in Chariton County on a change of venue. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 15.
WAFFLE HOUSE SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED IN KANSAS CITY
A suspect wanted for his alleged involvement in the deadly New Year’s Day Waffle House shooting in Columbia has been arrested in Kansas City. 29 year old Matthew Callier McMillan was arrested by Kansas City Police Saturday evening. He is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault, in connection with the New Year’s Day shooting that killed Anthony Warren. Police say McMillan was one of two suspects involved in an altercation, which led up to the shooting of Warren by a security guard.
Two suspects face drug distribution charges after police say they found more than 400 grams of marijuana Saturday afternoon. Hallsville and Centralia Police Officers arrested William Pieper, of Columbia and Emmy Fry, of Kirksville, Saturday afternoon. The two were booked into the Boone County Jail after officers say they found 460 grams of marijuana in their possession.
A Macon man, who was wanted on two drug-related charges, faces new allegations after his arrest in Macon Thursday morning. 32 year old Jay Patel, of Macon, was charged in Chariton County with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance last June. Patel was arrested by the Highway Patrol Thursday morning and now faces additional allegations of possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. Patel is also charged as a persistent DWI offender in Cooper County. He is being held in the Macon County Jail on $25,000 dollars bond.
Heavy equipment demolished the 110 year old former Macon County Jail on Thursday. Crews arrived to begin the demolition at around 8am Thursday morning. The old jail facility was condemned as unsafe, a few years ago, and a new facility, containing the Macon County Jail and Sheriff’s Office was built across the street. Crews will be back at the demolition site Friday to finish the job. The location will be turned into a new parking lot.
Two men faces multiple Boone County charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, after investigators uncovered an apparent plan to kills one of their sets of grandparents. 20 year old Brian Kelley and 19 year old Jared Bears are both charged in the case and are being held in the Boone County Jail. Kelley has been in custody since December, after he allegedly attacked his 70 year old grandfather at his home. Investigators say a conversation on Kelley’s Facebook page included discussions between the two suspects about killing the grandparents, including plans to escape law enforcement. Bears was arrested this week in Independence.
BROOKFIELD WRESTLING INVITATIONAL HONORS GARY HAAG
Former Brookfield R-3 teacher, coach and principal, and BHS Hall-Of-Famer Gary Haag will be honored during the Brookfield Wrestling Invitational this weekend. The public is welcome to a reception for the Haag family Friday evening, starting at 7pm at the school. Then, during Saturday morning ceremonies at the Wrestling Invitational, the tournament will be named in honor of Gary Haag and his contributions to the BHS Wrestling Program. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the tournament and help honor Coach Haag, at the Brookfield Invitational, this weekend.
Moberly Area Community College will hold its ‘Hounds 23’ reunion this weekend, celebrating that last 23 years of Greyhounds basketball. A welcome reception will be held this evening in the MACC Jorgenson Fine Arts Gallery, starting at 7pm. Saturday’s festivities include a luncheon and program in the MACC Auditorium at 11am, a public reception in the Activity Center meeting room at 4pm and all players and coaches will be honored during Saturday’s MACC men’s basketball game.
Brookfield Police arrested a New Cambria man, after a Tuesday night traffic stop turned into a drug investigation. The suspect, 53 year old Jonathan Abeln, of New Cambria, was stopped in the 500 block of South Main Street in Brookfield, just before 11pm Tuesday. Officers observed Abeln reaching into his coat pocket several times. They recovered a glass meth pipe, then called in K-9 ‘Nitro’ for a search of the vehicle. It turned up nearly 70 grams of a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for meth, with a street value estimated at around $7,000 dollars. Abeln is charged with attempted drug trafficking. His bond has been set at $50,000 dollars cash-only.
Police say a northeast Missouri woman suffered major injuries, in an attack by a LaBelle man. 57 year old Daniel Hartgrave, of LaBelle, has been charged with first-degree assault. According to information from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, investigators were notified of the woman’s injuries by a medical facility on Monday. Deputies say Hartgrave is accused of striking the woman with two different objects, causing major injuries. Hartgrave is being held in the Lewis County Jail on $100,000 dollars cash-only bond.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY DEPUTIES INVESTIGATE CHULA INCIDENTS
Livingston County deputies are investigating after they were called twice to the same Chula business over the weekend. Deputies were first called to an altercation inside the business, Sunday morning. A second report from the same location Sunday involved the discharge of a firearm in the parking lot of the business. No one was injured in the incidents and the suspect was not on the scene when deputies arrived. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.
Columbia Police say a Centralia man suffered life-threatening injuries in an early-morning one-vehicle accident on Brown Station Road. 22 year old Dylan Bebeszko, of Centralia, was the driver of the vehicle. Police say it ran through a ditch, went airborne and struck a stop sign and a tree in a residential yard. Officers say Bebeszko may have been speeding and driving under the influence at the time of the accident. He was taken to a Columbia Hospital with serious injuries.
FIRE CREW CALLED TO MIZZOU ARENA
Just hours after the Missouri Tigers finished off a home victory over Tennessee, Wednesday night, firefighters were called to Mizzou Arena, responding to an alarm, just after 2am this morning. University security workers say a water leak in the pump room prompted the alarm and no fire was involved. Repair efforts have been underway early this morning.
A Kirksville man has been charged in connection with a Monday morning shots fired incident, near the Casey’s Convenience Store, located just south of downtown Kirksville. Officers were called to the report, just after 9:30 Monday morning. They say the suspect, 28 year old John E. Mims, of Kirksville, got into an altercation with another man in the parking lot of the store. Mims is accused of shooting at the victim from the driver’s seat of a car as it left the scene. Mims was arrested a short time later outside a nearby residence. He is charged with assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Mims is being held on $150,000 dollars bond.
Chillicothe Police have released information on a months-long narcotics investigation, which resulted in multiple arrests earlier this week. Officers say a traffic stop netted the arrest of 28 year old Travis Donoho. Police then executed a search warrant at a home in the 100 block of Second Street, where they seized meth, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash. Arrested at the scene was 64 year old George Kitchin, of Chillicothe, for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Also arrested were 25 year old Austin Estes and 39 year old Maria Childs, on possession charges.
A Gallatin driver was treated for moderate injuries, after a one-vehicle accident, which occurred just after 10:30 Tuesday night on Highway 6 in Gallatin. 39 year old Kevin Caldwell was taken to Liberty Hospital for treatment after the accident. The patrol says his eastbound car ran off the roadway, struck a guardrail, became airborne and traveled down an embankment and overturned.
Sullivan County fire officials say one person was injured, when a Milan apartment complex burned over the weekend. Leewood Apartments in Milan, reportedly burned to the ground after a greases fire ignited in one apartment. All of the residents were able to escape the building, but one firefighter suffered a minor injury when he slipped on ice around the building.
Columbia Police have arrested the suspect, who allegedly robbed the Best Buy store on Worley Street in Columbia and then held an employee and her children at gunpoint. 28 year old Erik Demtrek Colbert, of Fulton, has been arrested and charged with robbery, kidnapping, assault and armed criminal action. Police say Colbert held a Best Buy employee at gunpoint before ordering her and her children to carry the stolen items to his vehicle. He was arrested in the vehicle about 30 minutes later.
A Saline County man is charged with child molestation and endangering the welfare of a child, after Marshall Police investigated a report of child abuse. A probable cause statement accuses the suspect, Mark Hughes, of taking two children to the hospital for treatment, which revealed the children, both age three, suffered from sexually transmitted diseases and had also suffered apparent child abuse. Hughes was arrested and is being held in the Saline County jail.
Moberly Police say a male and a female suspect are in custody, after a search warrant was served Friday night at a Moberly residence. The 30 year old male and 21 year old female suspects were arrested after a search in the 400 block of South Ault Street, in Moberly, allegedly turned up marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a stolen firearm and a large amount of currency. The suspect’s identities have not been release, pending the filing of formal charges.
Moberly Police report the arrest of a suspect in last week’s burglary at Xpress Liquor and Smokes. The burglary occurred early Thursday morning and the suspect was arrested over the weekend. Police say 24 year old Milton Ketchem, of Moberly, is charged with second-degree burglary and his bond has been set at $100,000 dollars, cash-only. Investigators say information leading to Ketchem’s arrest was provided by the public.
SHELBINA MAN FACES NEW CHARGES AFTER WARRANT ARREST
A Shelbina man faces drug charges, after his arrest over the weekend. Shelbina police took the suspect, Joseph E. Mefford, of Shelbina, into custody Saturday night on a felony probation and parole warrant, along with an active warrant for peace disturbance. During the arrest, officers say they found 90 grams of marijuana, scales and other items of drug paraphernalia. Mefford faces new charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has released the results of a covert operation, involving checks on businesses that sell alcohol. The operation was conducted last week, with cooperation and grant funding from the Midland Empire Alcohol Task Force. A willing 18 year old participant was sent into businesses, attempting to buy alcohol. As a result of the operation, three individuals were issued citations for supplying liquor to a minor.
An Ethel woman faces charges after a fatal accident occurred Thursday night on Route 149, north of New Cambria. 71 year old Gall Allard, of Ethel, died from injuries sustained in the accident, which occurred at around 7pm. He was a passenger in a northbound pickup, driven by 45 year old Rebekah Smith, of Ethel. The patrol says Smith lost control and the pickup ran off the roadway, struck a fence and overturned, partially ejecting Allard from the vehicle. Smith refused treatment for minor injuries. She was arrested for driving while intoxicated, causing a fatality.
A Brookfield driver was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 36, just west of the Laclede junction, just before 9pm Thursday night. 36 year old Ronell Clark, of Brookfield, was the driver of a westbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway, struck a sign and continued through some trees before coming to rest. Clark was treated for minor injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
A Princeton driver was treated for moderate injuries after her pickup ran off Sullivan County Route E, just west of Milan, Thursday night. 22 year old April Wipple, of Princeton, was taken to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 9pm. The patrol says she lost control on the ice-covered roadway and her pickup skidded off the road and overturned.
MOBERLY POLICE INVESTIGATE THURSDAY MORNING BURGLARY
Moberly Police are investigating a Thursday morning burglary at Express Liquor and Smokes, on South Morley in Moberly. Investigators say a subject entered the building and took some undisclosed items. He is described as a white male, about 5-11 with an average build. He was last seen wearing a plaid coat or shirt, camouflage pants and a blue cloth over his face. Anyone with information is urged to contact Moberly Police at 660-263-0346.
Columbia Police are looking for a person of interest in the Thursday morning shooting at Woodlake Apartments, which seriously injured a Columbia woman. Investigators say the 31 year old female victim is in stable condition, after suffering life-threatening gun shot wounds. They have not released her identity. Officers were called to multiple reports of a disturbance followed by gunfire at around 1:15am. They say a person of interest has been identified and is being sought. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the entire area today, as falling temperatures will create the possibility of some slick roadways as the day goes along. Temperatures are expected to fall below the freezing mark by mid to late morning, causing areas of rain to transition to a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain and sleet, possibly changing over to some light snow this afternoon. Temperatures will continue to drop this evening, into the teens by 5pm and down to single-digits overnight, with gusty northwest winds causing wind chill readings below zero. Little if any accumulation is expected, but wet roadways will likely freeze and the wintry mix could cause an additional glaze on untreated surfaces. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day and into tonight.
NOTE: We do have numerous school closings and other announcements this morning…click our ‘cancellations’ page for the latest information.
A Columbia driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Route 124 in Boone County, Wednesday morning. It occurred at around 10am. The patrol says an eastbound car driven by 24 year old Shawnie Ivicsics, of Columbia, ran off the roadway and overturned. She was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
Columbia Police say a woman suffered life-threatening injuries in a shooting incident, which occurred early Thursday morning in the 2600 block of Eastwood Drive. Officers were called to the scene just after 1am. No further details have been released, as of yet, as the investigation continues.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens gave his State of the State speech last night. The Governor promised to deliver ‘the boldest state tax reform in America’. Greitens says he will lay out a detailed, thoughtful and thorough plan to cut taxes for both individuals and businesses, early next week. Missouri Lawmakers say they are ready to take on tax reform during the legislative session, but there is some concern about how to enact such a plan and balance the state budget.
A La Plata woman has died from injuries sustained in a rollover crash, which occurred Sunday morning. 82 year old Kathy East, of La Plata, was critically injured in the accident. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia, where she died from her injuries Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at around 9:20am Sunday, when a southbound pickup, driven by her husband, 80 year old Stan East, of La Plata, slid off an icy Highway 63 and overturned. Stan East also suffered serious injuries in the accident. He is listed in fair condition at University Hospital in Columbia.
A Tuesday morning collision on Highway 24, just west of Madison, injured a Madison driver. 60 year old Larry D. Arp, of Madison, was treated for minor injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center, after the accident, which occurred at around 9:30am. The patrol says a tractor-trailer, driven by an Iowa man, was attempting to pass Arp’s pickup when he made a left turn into the path of the semi.
A Moberly woman is charged with endangering the welfare of her children, and possession of a controlled substance, after three kids called 911 because they’d been left alone in an apartment. It occurred in the 400 block of West Reed Street in Moberly. Officers say the woman, Tara Belcher, returned to the home and told them she did not leave the children for long and that she had left them her cell phone. Officers found oxycodone in the apartment. Belcher was arrested and is scheduled for a court appearance on January 29.
Slick roads in the area have been a part of multiple accidents, over the past few days.
Police say a Monday evening multi-vehicle pileup on Baltimore Street in Kirksville, which involved a total of five vehicles, may have been affected by a slick driving surface. Two persons went to the hospital for treatment of injuries, after the accident, which occurred just before 5:30pm. Police say an SUV struck the car in front of it, causing a chain-reaction collision with three other vehicles involved. An occupant of one of the vehicles was taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center. Another drove to the hospital by private vehicle.
A La Plata couple both suffered serious injuries when their vehicle slid off an ice-covered Highway 63, near the Atlanta junction, at around 9:20 Sunday morning. 80 year old Stanley East, of La Plata, was the driver of a southbound pickup…82 year old Mary East was his passenger. Both were taken to Samaritan Hospital with serious injuries, after the pickup slid off the highway and overturned.
Three suspects are in custody, after their arrest by Chillicothe Police and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputies, Friday evening at a Chillicothe home. Officers responded to the 400 block of St. Louis Avenue, at around 7:30pm, in reference to a wanted individual with an active Livingston County warrant and drug charges. 30 year old Brandon Scott Simpson was arrested at the home. As a result of the arrest, meth and drug paraphernalia were seized and two others were also arrested…23 year old Felicia Pauline Martin and 27 year old Renee Justine Korona. All three were charged and are being held in the Daviess/Dekalb Regional Jail. Authorities say two other theft cases were also solved with the arrests.
Moberly Police say a man who was reported missing from a Moberly Care Facility, early Monday morning, was found and is safe. 36 year old Daniel Beeding, who suffers from mental illness, left North Village Park at around 12:30am Monday. Police say Beeding was found Monday evening at a bus stop in Columbia.
The City of Trenton and the Missouri Department of Ecnoomic Development have been notified by ConAgra Brands, Inc. of the expected closure date for Con Agra’s Trenton facility. A total of 282 employees will be affected by the closure, which will occur in phases from early March, thru May 31 of this year. Con Agra says the purpose of the closure is to improve inefficiencies and effectiveness within its supply chain network.
MORE DETAILS RELEASED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY COLUMBIA SHOOTING
Court documents say the shot that killed Anthony Warren at the Columbia Waffle House on New Year’s Day, was fired by a security guard who felt threatened by escalating hostilities, following another shooting. The statements say the incident began as a fight between two men, during which two shots were fired. The security guard pulled his weapon and told the two me to drop theirs, which they did. The guard told police a crowd of people, including Warren, began to encroach on him, leading him to believe they were a threat. The guard fired a single shot, which struck and killed Warren. No charges have been filed in relation to the shootings. The investigation is ongoing.
As expected, temperatures dipped below freezing early this morning, leaving some very icy roadways across the area. In addition, areas of patchy fog are affecting visibility in some locations. We have numerous school announcements and other cancellations. Get the latest list by clicking the ‘cancellations’ tab above. The lifting fog and low cloud cover will slow an expected warm up this morning, that will bring temperatures above freezing and improve travel conditions by mid-day. Some sunshine this afternoon and temperatures in the lower 40’s should help dry out the roadways, but a few slick spots could reform overnight, as we dip into the mid 20’s. Highs in the 40’s tomorrow and above-freezing lows tomorrow night will give us a break from travel concerns, but a wintry mix Thursday could bring us more problems for the end of the week.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Department is investigating break-ins at two local city halls. On Thursday, Deputies responded to reports of burglaries at the city halls in both Bevier and Callao. They say cash and credit devices were taken from both locations. Investigators have obtained surveillance video of two people near the Callao City Hall and they also found video of a van believed to be connected to the break-ins. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an active missing persons alert for two Kirksville teens. Authorities say 13 year old James Owen Warren, a white male and 15 year old Victoria Whitlock, a white female, have been missing since Wednesday. The mother of one of the teens says they ran away from the Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center in Kirksville. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Kirksville Police, the Adair county Sheriff’s Office or the Highway Patrol.
Moberly Police are seeking a suspect, who fled from officers after a vehicle stop Thursday night. 30 year old Cody Kitchen, of Moberly, was stopped by officers at around 8:45pm. Officers say Kitchen was wanted on a felony probation and parole warrant. He fled his vehicle on foot and then unlawfully entered a residence in the 600 block of Coates Street. As officers entered the residence, Kitchen escaped out the back door. A search with assistance from the Columbia Police K9 unit was unable to locate the suspect. Anyone with information on Kitchen’s whereabouts is urged to contact Moberly Police or the anonymous tips line at 269-TIPS.
A Cooper County woman faces drug trafficking charges after deputies found a large amount of meth in her car. The car was stopped by deputies this week, after she failed to stop at a stop sign. Deputies say the driver, Cynthia Gibler-O’Brien, had an active warrant for meth possession out of Illinois. Officers called in a K9 unit to search the vehicle. The search turned up 116 grams of meth and drug paraphernalia. O’Brien is charged with delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
A Carrollton driver was treated for moderate injuries after her pickup ran off Highway 65 in Saline County, Wednesday night. 49 year old Kathy Norris, of Carrollton, was taken to Centerpoint Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 9:25pm. The patrol says she fell asleep at the wheel of her northbound pickup, which ran off the roadway and struck a culvert.
A Kirksville man is accused of assaulting two Kirksville Police Officers during his arrest, on Tuesday in the Kirksville Walmart Parking Lot. 30 year old Shane Mullen, of Kirksville, is charged with resisting arrest, two counts of assault on an officer and possession of a controlled substance. Court documents say Mullen gave officers a fake name and birthdate before providing his proper ID. He then attempted to flee from officers, pushing one to the ground during his attempt to run. Investigators say Mullen was in possession of two bags of a white crystal substance, which field-tested positive for meth. He was also wanted on a Kirksville warrant for stealing, along with a probation and parole violation warrant. Mullen is being held on $10,000 dollars cash-only bond.
HEALTH DEPARMENT AND YMCA TEAM UP FOR WELLNESS CHALLENGE
The Linn County Health Department and the North Central Missouri YMCA are teaming up to host a ‘Healthy You’ wellness challenge to kick off the new year. The 12-week challenge will begin next week and registration is underway now. There’s a ten-dollar fee to join the challenge with cash prizes awarded at the end of the 12 weeks, along with other weekly prizes. The signup deadline is Friday. Call, e-mail or stop by the Linn County Health Department Office in Brookfield to find out more, or to get registered, by tomorrow.
ONE KILLED ONE INJURED IN JEFFERSON CITY HOUSE FIRE
One person was killed and another was injured in a Jefferson City house fire, which occurred early Wednesday morning. Firefighters were called to the home on Walsh Street at around 4:30am Wednesday, and found flames coming from the roof of the home. One occupant, who was critically injured, was rescued and taken to an area hospital. The body of a second victim was found inside the home. The identities of the victims have not been released and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Mexico Police arrested at woman over the New Year’s weekend, who is accused of stabbing a St. Louis man with a knife. Officers were called to the 900 block of Hassen Drive in Mexico on Saturday to a report of a disturbance. Inside an apartment, officers discovered a fight had occurred and a 23 year old St. Louis man suffered a stab wound. 20 year old Lanyia Smith was arrested at the scene. She faces possible charges for domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon. The victim was treated and released at an area hospital.
A Moberly man, who had been reported missing from a Moberly Care Facility, was found Tuesday and is safe. Moberly Police issued an endangered person advisory for 41 year old Corey Ryan Green, who is a patient at
The Highway Patrol says seven people died in
The Chillicothe Area Arts Council will host a Missoula Children’s Theatre production of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, which will rehearse next week for performances on Saturday, January 13 at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center in
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Power is back on this morning in Carrollton, after an equipment failure caused a major power outage Monday evening. Officials say a transformer exploded and burned at around 6:15pm Monday, resulting in a power outage for much of the community of Carrollton. Crews say power was restored to all affected areas by around 12:30 this morning. A Saturday evening power outage in Carrollton affected most of the city, but lasted only about 30 minutes.
More than 200 northeast Columbia residents were affected by a power outage, which lasted several hours Monday morning. Officials report a total of three outages, which began at around 4am. All outages were restored shortly before noon Monday.
A Mendon driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Saturday evening on Highway 11, just north of Brunswick. 64 year old Kevin Hart, of Mendon, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 5:30pm. The patrol says he was seriously injured when his southbound pickup ran off the roadway, struck a mailbox and driveway entrance, then went airborne and struck a second driveway and a tree and overturned.
An Independence driver was killed in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early New Year’s Day in Clinton County. 28 year old Brandon Scott, of Independence died in the accident, which occurred at around 1:15am Monday. The patrol says his car was northbound on Route A in Turney, when he ran through a T-intersection and struck a hedge post. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Columbia driver suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Sunday afternoon on Highway 40 in Boone County. 58 year old Sharon Baly, of Columbia, was the driver of a westbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and struck a guardrail. Baly was taken by ambulance to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
ONE KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED IN WAFFLE HOUSE SHOOTING
One person was killed and another was injured in a double shooting at the Columbia Waffle House, on Vandiver Drive, which occurred just before 2 o’clock Monday morning. Police say the shooting happened during a fight. One victim, 30 year old Dean Warren, died from a gunshot wound, after being taken to a Columbia Hospital. The other victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police have not released any suspect information, as the investigation continues.
Columbia Police say two suspects have been arrested in connection with a Sunday night shots fired incident at the Columbia Welcome Inn. Investigators say Matthew Benjamin Moore is accused of stealing a vehicle from the hotel parking lot and another man, identified as Michael Duwan Shields, allegedly fired several shots in the direction of the vehicle. Police arrested Moore for tampering with a motor vehicle. Shields, who is a convicted felony, is charged with assault, armed criminal action and illegal possession of a firearm. No injuries were reported.
A Novinger driver was injured when his pickup ran off an icy Route 149, just north of Novinger, early Thursday morning. 32 year old Kenneth Cody, of Novinger, was treated for minor injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 5:30am. The patrol says his southbound pickup hit a patch of black ice and slid off the roadway and overturned.
An Illinois driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 36 in Shelby County, late Thursday night. It occurred at around 11:15pm, just east of Hunnewell. The patrol says 54 year old Montell Raymond, of Peoria, Illinois, was the driver of an eastbound car, which ran off the roadway, struck an embankment, became airborne, struck a utility pole and overturned.
Chillicothe Police are seeking information on a hit and run driver, after a pedestrian was struck and injured, Thursday morning. Police say a small, dark-colored vehicle fled the scene after striking the pedestrian in the 400 block of Vine Street. The victim was treated for serious injuries at Hedrick Medical Center and then transferred to a Kansas City Hospital. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Chillicothe Police.
A postal truck crashed into a Columbia home Thursday evening. The accident occurred on Salem Drive, and caused just minor damage to the residence. Investigators say the postal worker apparently suffered a medical condition, which caused him to run into the home. He was taken to a Columbia hospital for treatment.
A Centralia family escaped their burning home without injury Thursday morning, but the home was a total loss. Firefighters responded to the blaze just after 1am Thursday and were on the scene for about five hours. They believe the fire originated in the area of a wood stove.
A Columbia woman faces forgery charges after allegedly using a fake social security number to buy two cars. Antwonett Biles was arrested after officers investigated the incident at Central Bank of Boone County. Investigators say the woman provided a social security number that was non-existent when opening a car loan. She faces forgery charges in the case.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents that they will take seriously any report of animal neglect and abuse, during extremely cold weather. The Department has opened a pair of investigations in the last couple of days, involving proper care and shelter for animals who are left outside. Each of those incidents could result in criminal charges or potential seizure of pets and livestock. The Department reminds residents to take proper care of your animals, or find them a home that will properly take care of them. Anyone with concerns about animal abuse or neglect is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office.
A northeast Missouri drug bust has two suspects facing a variety of charges. The NEMO Drug Task Force assisted the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office in executing a raid at the residence of 37 year old Erik P. Hickerson, in Durham, last week. Officers say a second suspect, 39 year old Derrill Jackson, of Palmyra, was also on the property and both men tried to flee the scene in separate vehicles. Officers were able to take Jackson into custody. Hickerson eluded arrest and was wanted by authorities over the weekend. Authorities say Hickerson turned himself in this week, without incident. Both men face multiple charges in connection with the case.
Columbia Police have arrested a man, in connection with an alleged domestic assault, which occurred earlier this month. The incident occurred on December 19, as officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Valencia Drive. Police say the investigation reveals that the suspect woke up a female victim, who lived in the home, and started breaking things, held knives in his hands and threatened to kill her and choked her. The suspect was also accused of using a piece of broken glass to threaten a 7 year old boy. The woman says she drove through a closed garage door to escape the home. Williams Brooks has been arrested in the case. He faces charges of domestic assault, armed criminal action and endangering the welfare of a child.
Fulton Police arrested three suspects Wednesday morning, after police investigated a stolen firearm. Stephanie Hope, of Fulton, is accused of stealing a gun and trading it for drugs. Officers say a search warrant also netted the arrest of Ryan Wainwright, for possession of a controlled substance and possession of the stolen gun. Reginald Wainwright was also arrested at the scene for unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. All three are being held, pending the filing of formal charges.
The Livingston County Library will host a free New Year’s concert this (Thurs) evening in the second-floor courtroom at the Library in Chillicothe. This year’s concert features the St. Louis-based ‘Acoustik Element’, who are best known for reinventing popular songs by artists like Santana or The Eagles, while remaining true to their latin and jazz standards. No tickets or reservations are required for the free concert. Doors will open for first-come first-serve seating at 5:30pm and the concert begins at 6 tonight at the Livingston County Library.
One driver was seriously injured in a Tuesday evening collision on Highway 63, just north of Cairo. It occurred at around 8:20pm. 38 year old Billy Davis, of Lewistown, was seriously injured in the accident. He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The patrol says Davis was northbound on 63, when a northbound pickup was pulling a trailer with no rear lights. Davis’ pickup struck the trailer in the rear. His vehicle then ran off the highway and overturned. The other driver, 54 year old Kevin Gunnerson, of Moberly, was not injured.
The Highway Patrol reports a total of five fatalities on Missouri roadways over the Christmas weekend. Slippery roadways, from snowfall Saturday night into Sunday morning, contributed to nearly 500 total accidents in the state, almost twice as many as last year’s Christmas weekend. The patrol says 125 people were injured during the holiday period that began Friday night, thru Christmas Day. Troopers arrested 91 people for driving while impaired and made 49 drug arrests over the holiday weekend.
KIRKSVILLE MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH MULTIPLE THEFTS
A Kirksville man faces multiple charges after his arrest over the Christmas weekend, in connection with several Kirksville area thefts and burglaries. 26 year old Dustin R. Glaspie, of Kirksville, was arrested Saturday, after police recovered a number of stolen items from his apartment. According to online records, Glaspie is charged with one count of felony stealing, one count of misdemeanor stealing, four counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, second-degree property damage and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held in the Adair County Jail on $25,000 dollars cash-only bond.
A Higbee couple and their three children managed to escape a Tuesday morning fire, which destroyed their home. Authorities say a smoke alarm alerted the family of the fire in the early morning hours. A family friend says they were able to escape with just the clothes on their backs. Firefighters arrived at around 3:15am Tuesday and found the home on County Road 2495 fully involved. It was a total loss. A ‘go fund me’ account has been set up on the family’s behalf at go fund me dot com slash Dougherty fire recovery.
Two Carrollton residents were killed in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early Saturday morning on a Carroll County highway. The patrol says 20 year old Blake Wilson, of Carrollton, was the driver of an eastbound pickup on Carroll County Route CC. It ran off the roadway, struck an embankment, then struck a tree and overturned, just after 12:30am Saturday. Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle and were both pronounced dead at the scene…19 year old Teagan Birdno and 21 year old Matthew Landi, both of Carrollton. Wilson was life-flighted to Centerpoint Hospital with serious injuries. Another passenger, 22 year old Zachary Warner, of Carrollton, was treated for minor injuries at Carroll County Memorial Hospital. The patrol says Wilson was arrested after the accident for multiple traffic charges, including driving while intoxicated.
SUNDAY MORNING SLICK ROADWAYS CAUSE MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS
Our first significant snowfall of the season left slick roadways around the area Sunday morning and caused multiple accidents…
Four Palmyra residents were injured when their eastbound SUV skidded off a snow-covered Highway 36 and overturned at around 9am Sunday, just west of the New Cambria junction. The patrol says the driver, 30 year old Audra Brentlinger, of Palmyra, and three passengers, age 7, 10 and 12, were all treated for minor injuries at Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
A Unionville driver was treated for minor injuries after her vehicle ran off a snow-covered Highway 5, north of Unionville, at around 7:20 Sunday morning. 39 year old Kristina Gibson, of Unionville, was treated and released at Putnam County Memorial Hospital after the accident. The patrol says her northbound vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned.
A Columbia driver was treated for minor injuries after a Sunday morning collision on Highway 63, just north of Clark, which occurred at around 6:45am. The patrol says a southbound pickup, driven by 18 year old James Beugh, of Clark, slid off the slick roadway and crossed the median into the northbound lanes of the highway, striking a northbound car driven by 24 year old Bobby Jones, of Columbia. Jones was treated for minor injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
Boone County Sheriff’s Deputies and Columbia Police arrested a suspect on the Columbia-Boone County most wanted list, Sunday evening. 36 year old Jalon Pittman, of Columbia, was taken into custody at around 5:30pm, in the 2500 block of I-70 Drive Southwest. Authorities say Pittman was wanted on an outstanding warrant for delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. He is being held without bond, pending a court appearance this week.
A driver from Anabel was killed when his pickup ran off Highway 3 at its junction with Route J, just east of Elmer in Macon County, at around noon Thursday. 52 year old Dwayne Howell, of Anabel, was pronounced dead at the scene. The patrol says his northbound pickup ran off Highway 3, struck a road sign, crossed Route J, then struck a tree and a fence.
A Knox County woman was killed in an accident involving a golf cart, on her family’s farm near Knox City, Wednesday afternoon. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office says 56 year old Debbie Roush, of Knox City, died in the accident. Deputies say she had driven the golf cart to a burn pile, a short distance from their home. Her husband found her pinned under the golf cart at around 4pm. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Moberly woman faces multiple charges, in connection with a child molestation investigation, which previously prompted charges against her husband. 26 year old Angie Nicole Sheets, of Moberly, was taken into custody this week in Sedalia. She is charged with sodomy or attempted sodomy, two counts of child molestation, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of incest and rape or attempted rape. The allegations stem from investigations that began in 2015, involving a victim under the age of 12. Her bond has been set at $25,000 dollars, cash only. Her husband, 38 year old Carl Sheets was arrested in October and is charged with 16 felony counts, including rape and endangering the welfare of a child. He is being held on $500,000 dollars cash-only bond.
KIRKSVILLE MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER SECOND PROBATION VIOLATION
A Kirksville man is behind bars, after allegedly violating his probation on an arson charge, for a second time. 41 year old Brandon True, of Kirksville was arrested Wednesday at a Kirksville residence. He is accused of violating his probation for a second time, by consuming alcohol. True was placed on five years probation in March, after pleading guilty to second-degree arson, in connection with a 2014 Kirksville fire. He was arrested in May, after violating his probation by disturbing the peace at a Columbia bar. True served 120 days after that arrest and was released on probation again. Now he’s being held in the Chariton County Jail, pending another probation hearing next month.
The Highway Patrol has released more details on a vehicle pursuit and officer-involved shooting, which occurred early Wedneseday morning in Cooper County. According to the Cooper County Sheriff’s Department, the pursuit, involving Boonville Police, began at around 12:40am, and led officers southbound on Highway 87. Gunfire was exchanged in the Prairie Home area and the suspect vehicle continued southbound to near the Cooper-Moniteau County Line. The 21 year old female driver of the vehicle is in custody and facing multiple charges. A 34 year old female passenger was treated for a gunshot wound at a Columbia hospital. The Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is conducting the investigation.
A judge has ordered the Howard County Sheriff and a special prosecutor to hand over documents related to the investigation into the 2016 suicide of a Glasgow student. Kenneth Suttner committed suicide in December of last year. A coroner’s inquest ruled the suicide was caused by bullying and Suttner’s former manager at the Fayette Dairy Queen, Harley Branham, is charged with involuntary manslaughter, stalking, harassment and assault. The inquest also found the Glasgow School District negligent in their handling of the bullying complaint. The District has sued the coroner’s office, seeking access to documents from the inquest. On Tuesday, the judge ordered those records turned over to the district, as the legal battle continues.
Randolph County Collector, Shiela Miller, reminds area property taxpayers that the deadline for payments of your 2017 property taxes, December 31st, falls on a Sunday this year. That means, if you’re mailing your property tax payment, you need to get it in the mail and postmarked by next Friday, December 28th, to ensure timely payment. Avoid late fees and penalties by getting your tax payment in the mail by next Friday.
A Tuesday evening collision on Highway 36 at the Bucklin junction injured six occupants of two vehicles. It occurred at around 6:15pm. The patrol says a southbound vehicle, driven by 72 year old Judy Dinneen, of Bucklin, attempted to cross Highway 36 and pulled into the path of a westbound van, driven by 47 year old Cheri Allen, of Brookfield. Judy Dineen and her passenger, 90 year old John Dinneen, of Bucklin, both suffered moderate injuries. Allen and three passengers in her vehicle, 65 year old Joseph Slater, 24 year old Racheal Adams and 20 year old Jesse Adams, all of Brookfield, were all treated for minor injuries. All six were taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital for treatment.
A Unionville teenager was treated for minor injuries after her car ran off Route 129 and overturned, southeast of Unionville, early this (Wed) morning. 16 year old Madeline Pinson was treated and released at Putnam County Memorial Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 12:50am. The patrol says she was wearing her seatbelt when her southbound car ran off the roadway, overturned and struck a fence.
CHARGES FILED IN THREAT THAT CAUSED PARIS SCHOOL LOCKDOWN
Prosecutors have charged a Monroe County teenager, in connection with an alleged threat that prompted a lockdown at the Paris School last week. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department says a report of a possible threat to the Paris School District prompted their investigation and caused a lockdown at the school last Thursday afternoon. A student, Jason Lansche, has been charged with making a terrorist threat. He was released, over the weekend, on $3,500 dollars bond. In a letter from the district to parents, officials say a staff member saw a forwarded threatening social media post, which prompted the call to law enforcement.
BOONVILLE AREA CHASE ENDS WITH OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING
Boonville Police and the Cooper County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a vehicle chase, which ended with an officer-involved shooting early this (Wed) morning. Few details have been released. Officers say the pursuit ended and shots were fired at a location on Route 87, near Teel Street, in Cooper County. The investigation is underway.
COLUMBIA POLICE WORKING EARLY-MORNING ARMED ROBBERY
Columbia Police are investigating an armed robbery, which occurred early this (Wed) morning outside the Buffalo Wild Wings on East Nifong. Authorities say a black male suspect, about 5-10 and wearing all black clothing, was armed with a handgun robbed a victim, then fled on foot. No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
A Purdin woman was seriously injured in a Monday evening accident on Highway 5, just south of
The Highway Patrol has released information on a fatal accident, which occurred at around 11:35am Sunday on Highway 5 in
Chillicothe Police say a 13 year old girl, who was reported missing Monday evening, is safe at home. Reports indicated the 13 year old was last seen at the Chillicothe Hy-Vee at around 6pm Monday and asked for the public assistance in locating her. Chillicothe Police report this morning that she was found and is safe.
A 17 year old
Columbia Police are investigating, after a man was shot at the Columbia Red Roof Inn Monday night. Officers responded to the report just before 11pm. Police say they did not get much cooperation at the scene and it is not clear if the man shot himself or someone else shot him. He was treated at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. The investigation is ongoing.
Mexico Police are seeking a suspect in a weekend shooting, which left one person injured. Shortly before 9pm Saturday,
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A Brookfield driver and his passenger were both treated for moderate injuries after a collision, which occurred just after midnight, Sunday morning, on Highway 5 north of Keytesville. 34 year old Travis Tillman, of Brookfield, was the driver of a northbound pickup. The patrol says it was parked in the roadway when it was struck in the rear by a northbound SUV, driven by 34 year old Alexis Ashbaker, of Sturgeon. Tillman was treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center. His passenger, 19 year old Keyera Adams, of Boonville, also suffered moderate injuries. She was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.
Four occupants of two vehicles were injured in a Friday afternoon collision on Highway 11, just north of St. Catharine. It occurred at around 2:20pm. The patrol says a southbound car driven by 20 year old Harrison Kessler, of Lawson, crossed the center line and struck a northbound van head-on. The driver of the van, 40 year old Laura Furstenwerth, of Brookfield, was treated for moderate injuries. Two passengers in her vehicle, her son, 20 year old John Furstenwerth, of Brookfield and her mother, 60 year old Nellie Burris, of New Boston, were both treated for mino injuries. Kessler suffered moderate injuries. All four were treated at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
A Monroe City man suffered moderate injuries in a Saturday night ATV accident, on Big Creek Lane in Hannibal. 34 year old Terrial Moses, of Monroe City, was treated at Hannibal Regional Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 9:30pm. The patrol says his southbound ATV struck a tree.
A New Bloomfield driver was killed and two occupants of another vehicle were seriously injured, in a head-on collision on Callway County Route Y, which occurred Saturday afternoon, just before 1pm. The patrol says pickups driven by 23 year old Ryan Kirk and 28 year old Ross Arntzen, both of New Bloomfield, collided head-on and became fully engulfed in flames. Kirk was pronounced dead at the scene. Arntzen and his 7 year old passenger were both taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
Shelbina Police say a traffic stop, last week on Highway 36, has prompted an ongoing drug investigation. Officers say the stop, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the seizure of more than $40,000 dollars in cash and illegal drugs from the vehicle. The DEA was contacted and is assisting in the investigation, which is ongoing. The names of the suspects have not yet been released.
Three people are in custody after a car chase ended with a traffic crash in Boone County, early this (Monday) morning. The Highway Patrol says trooper responded to north Columbia, just after midnight, where a vehicle tried to elude a traffic stop. A pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed on Skylane Drive, and the three suspects tried to flee on foot. They were arrested after a short chase. All three were treated for minor injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
MOBERLY DRIVER SERIOUSLY HURT IN HIGHWAY 63 COLLISION
A Moberly driver was seriously injured in a Thursday morning collision, which occurred just before 7am on Highway 63, just south of the Clark Junction. 32 year old Spencer Garman, of Moberly, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident. The patrol says his southbound car struck a southbound pickup, driven by 81 year old Lyle Van Hooten, of Clarence. Garman’s car then ran off the highway and struck a tree. Van Hooten was not injured.
MOBERLY DRIVER INJURED IN HIGHWAY 63 ROLLOVER CRASH
A Moberly driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Highway 63 just northwest of Clark, just after 6:30 Thursday morning. 44 year old Alex Cason, of Moberly, was treated at University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says he was southbound, when he swerved to avoid another vehicle and his car ran off the roadway, into the median and then overturned onto the northbound lanes of 63.
KIRKSVILLE DRIVER TREATED AFTER HIGHWAY 63 COLLISION
A Kirksville driver was treated for moderate injuries, after a Thursday morning collision on Highway 63, near Rolling Hills Road, in Boone County. It occurred at around 7:40am. 36 year old Chira Weyant, of Kirksville was the driver of a southbound car. The patrol says she tried to make a left turn from the driving lane and struck another southbound vehicle, driven by 39 year old Anna Luecke, of Columbia. Luecke was not injured.
A suspect, who was being sought in connection with a Wednesday night stabbing incident in Moberly, is in custody, after his arrest by Columbia Police. 31 year old Manquail Leray Williams, of Moberly, was taken into custody in Boone County, without incident. Williams had been sought by police since around 10:30 Wednesday night, when his ex-girlfriend told officers he had tried to cut her throat after breaking into her residence. A short time later, a male victim was treated for stab wounds to the abdomen at Moberly Regional Medical Center. Williams is charged with assault and domestic assault and is being held on $100,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Final exams scheduled for Thursday afternoon and evening at the Moberly Area Community College Columbia Campus have been rescheduled for Monday, after it was evacuated Thursday afternoon, due to a threat. Officials say the threat against the campus was made by a suspect, while talking to campus staff. Administrators say they took the threat seriously and made the decision to evacuate the building. Columbia Police canvassed the area and determined that threat was no longer active. They are seeking the suspect in the incident.
Felony drug charges against the former Sullivan County Prosecutor and his girlfriend have been dismissed, for now. According to KTVO.com, the special prosecutor in the case, Matt Wilson, of Kirksville, says he recently dismissed the case against 47 year old Jerry Hollon and 52 year old Susan Foster, both of Milan. Wilson says the case was dismissed for a couple of reasons -- one, the complexity and amount of evidence and secondly, due to issues beyond law enforcement’s control, investigators were not able to provide him with all of the evidence in time to prepare for scheduled hearings. Wilson says he now has the completed investigation report and will determine which charges will be refiled.
A Trenton man is charged with rape, in connection with an incident at a Carrollton residence on December 3. 29 year old Brent Applegate, of Trenton, is charged in the case. According to a probable cause statement, Carrollton Police were called to the residence, where the victim claims to have woken up to find Applegate engaged in sexual intercourse. Applegate is accused of sexual contact with a victim unable to consent. His bond has been set at $50,000.
A Carrollton teenager is charged with child molestation, in connection with a November incident involving a victim under the age of 12. 19 year old Dekota Hamblen is charged in the case. His bond has been set at $50,000 dollars. The alleged incident occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend. A probable cause statement accuses Hamblen of terrorizing the victim with a panda costume and having inappropriate sexual contact.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating, after responding to a report of a deceased person, at a rural Livingston County home on Tuesday. Deputies were called to the residence on Highway 65, and found an adult female deceased, who possibly overdosed on air duster compressed spray. They say a juvenile child discovered the mother in her bed. An investigation is ongoing.
Audrain County authorities have identified the man who died Tuesday on Audrain County Road 913. 19 year old Antonio Jefferson, of Mexico, was the victim in the incident, which was originally reported as a traffic crash with a vehicle on fire, but is now being investigated as a homicide. Investigators say Jefferson was found lying in the road near the vehicle and was taken to the hospital, where he later died. They say his injuries were not consistent with a car crash. Audrain County authorities say they are looking for information on Jefferson’s whereabouts between the time he was last seen, around 11:30am Tuesday at the Walmart in Mexico, and noon, when the vehicle was found. They say 12 different agencies are involved in following up on leads in the case.
Columbia Police say Monday’s homicide in the 1900 block of Lasso Circle, in Columbia, is believed to have been drug-related and involved a home invasion at the residence. Police say the suspects forced entry into the home and assaulted the victim, 28 year old Gus Roberts and a 24 year old female resident. Roberts died from his injuries. The female victim suffered only minor injuries. Police are asking neighbors in the Old Hawthorne area to contact police if they have any security footage or other information that may be of assistance in the investigation.
Police are seeking two suspects, in connection with an armed home invasion in the 1500 block of Vandiver Driver in Columbia, which occurred Wednesday night. The victim says two suspects knocked on his door at around 10:30pm, then forced their way inside, stole property and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. Police say the suspects are described as two white males in their 20’s, wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information should contact Columbia Police or call Crime Stoppers.
A Jamesport driver walked away from a rollover crash, which occurred at around 7:15 Wednesday morning, on Route 6, just west of Trenton. 32 year old Jared Perkins, of Jamesport, was the driver of an eastbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned. Perkins refused treatment for minor injuries.
A Princeton driver was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany for treatment, after her car ran off Highway 136 in Harrison County, just before 9am Tuesday. 26 year old Ashley Herring, of Princeton, was the driver of an eastbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway and overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side.
A Chillicothe Police officer was injured and one suspect was arrested after officers investigated a report of a suspicious person at Simpson Park last week. The incident occurred on December 6. A police report indicates the male suspect was found in possession of stolen property and became combative when officers attempted to take him into custody. Police Sergeant John Valbracht suffered a leg injury during the arrest and was treated at Hedrick Medical Center. 54 year old Merelyn Ray Hendricks, of Chillicothe, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail on $75,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Police have identified the victim of a Monday morning Columbia homicide as the son of a northeast Missouri judge. Police were called to a residence in the 1900 block of Lasso Circle, early Monday morning. Investigators say 28 year old Augustus Jackson (Gus) Roberts was pronounced dead at the home, after officers found him unconscious and not breathing. Media reports indicate Roberts is the son of Clark County Associate Circuit Judge Rick Roberts. Gus Roberts was a 2008 graduate of Clark County High School. No further details have been released, as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers – 573-875-TIPS.
Audrain County authorities are investigating a man’s death and a vehicle fire, which occurred Tuesday on an Audrain County road. Authorities say the death is considered suspicious and the incident is being investigated as a homicide. Emergency crews were called to Audrain County Road 913 Tuesday afternoon, where they found an unresponsive male victim in a burned car. Officials have not released the victim’s identity. The investigation is ongoing.
Two men were arrested Monday, after a Columbia Police found a FedEx package with more than 20 pounds of marijuana, which was delivered to a Columbia home. 34 year old Bunrong Rey and 35 year old Roeun Rey were both arrested at the scene for possession and distribution of a controlled substance. Officers were notified about the package and say they also found an additional 53 pounds of packaged marijuana, along with $20,000 dollars in cash and other items, inside the home.
PATROL RELEASES DETAILS ON SUNDAY HIGHWAY 36 ACCIDENT
The Highway Patrol has released details on a Sunday evening accident, which injured three Clarence residents on Highway 36. It occurred at around 5:40pm, at the intersection with Business 36, just east of Macon. The patrol says 17 year old Audrey Lane, of Macon, was southbound, attempting to cross 36, and pulled into the path of an eastbound car, driven by 47 year old Amber Rufener, of Clarence. Rufener suffered moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. Two passengers in her vehicle, her son and daughter, age 17 and 12, were both treated for minor injuries at Samritan Hospital in Macon.
CHILLICOTHE TEEN CHARGED WITH STATUTORY RAPE
A Chillicothe teenager has been charged with statutory rape, involving a person under 14 years of age. Police arrested 18 year old Lucas William Wine, of Chillicothe, over the weekend. He was arraigned in Livingston County Monday morning and bond was set at $20,000 dollars. The charges stem from allegations of an aggravated offense incident, which allegedly occurred on November 24.
BROOKFIELD FIRST GRADE SEEKS MISSING GINGERBREAD MEN
The Brookfield R-3 First Grade asks you to be on the lookout for their missing gingerbread men. They say a total of 80 gingerbread men apparently ran away from the Brookfield Elementary School cafeteria yesterday (Monday) morning. They are described as about 3 inches tall, tan in color and they had not yet been decorated. Anyone who sees the gingerbread men are asked not to eat them, but to contact the Brookfield Elementary School office with any information.
Columbia Police are investigating a homicide, which occurred early Monday morning in the 1900 block of Lasso Circle, near Old Hawthorne Drive in Columbia. Officers were called to the scene to a report of a suspicious person just after 3:30am Monday. They found a male victim unconscious and not breathing, who was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released. Investigators say paint spilled inside the garage of the residence left a trail of footprints fleeing the home toward Old Hawthorne Drive. No other information has been released.
A Columbia woman pleaded guilty to second-degree assault charges, in connection with an incident in Callaway County in February. Mikayla Collins entered a guilty plea Monday. She had been accused of an additional charge of kidnapping. Investigators say Collins and another suspect, Brianna Cavins, had picked up the female victim from work in Jefferson City, after contacting her through Facebook, under false pretenses. The victim says she was taken to a remote location in Callaway County, where she was extensively assaulted, items were stolen from her and she was left along the roadway. Collins was placed on five years supervised probation and ordered to pay restitution for the victim’s medical bills.
ATTORNEY GENERAL LAUNCHING MILITARY LEGAL ASSISTANCE TEAM
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office is forming an advisory board to develop the first statewide program in Missouri that will provide pro bono legal services to current military service members. The Military Legal Assistance Team will be Missouri’s first Attorney General-led program offering free legal services. The advisory board is still in discussion on the qualifications for the free assistance, as well as its strategy to recruit local Missouri attorneys. Members of the advisory board include a retired U.S. Army Colonel, a former U.S. Navy officer and a former State Judge Advocate of the Missouri Army National Guard. The Military Legal Assistance Team is scheduled to launch in the beginning of the new year.
A Cameron driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred Saturday morning on a Caldwell County road. 41 year old Scotty Caselman, of Cameron, was treated at Liberty Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 3:45am. The patrol says his southbound pickup ran off the roadway and struck an embankment.
Three Carrollton residents were injured in a Friday night accident on a Carroll County gravel road. 23 year old Danielle Wright was the driver of a southbound pickup. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and overturned, at around 9:10pm. Wright was treated for moderate injuries. Two passengers were also hurt, 23 year old Blake Smith of Carrollton, who suffered serious injuries and 29 year old Britnie Griego, of Carrollton, with just minor injuries. All three were treated at Carroll County Memorial Hospital.
A Saturday afternoon accident on Highway 11 in Adair County injured the driver of a pickup. It occurred just south of the Highway 11 junction with Route J, near Adair, MO. The patrol says the driver lost control of his southbound pickup. It ran off the roadway and struck a residential archway, coming to rest in the front lawn of the residence. The driver was treated at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
A Chillicothe woman faces felony drug charges, after her arrest by Chillicothe Police over the weekend. 54 year old Merelyn Ray Hendricks has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Her bond has been set at $75,000 dollars. She is scheduled to appear for arraignment today (Monday).
A 73 year old Boonville man was formally charged Friday, in connection with allegations of sodomy, incest and child molestation. 73 year old Gary W. Korte, of Boonville, faces four charges in the case. They come after Cooper County authorities investigated accusations of multiple sexual encounters with four different juveniles, some of those incidents dating back to 2012. Korte is being held on $500,000 dollars bond.
A Sunday afternoon accident on I-70 in Columbia sent at least on occupant of multiple vehicles to the hospital. The accident also shut down one lane of westbound I-70. The accident occurred at around 4:30pm and involved at least four vehicles, with one occupants being taken from the scene, by ambulance, to a Columbia hospital. Officials were still working to determine the cause of the accident and did not release details on the injuries.
JEFFERSON CITY WOMAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE AND KILLED
A Jefferson City woman was killed over the weekend when she was struck by a vehicle in her driveway. 75 year old Carole Thomas, of Jefferson City, died in the accident, which occurred just before 5 o’clock Saturday morning. The patrol says she was walking around the back of a vehicle in the driveway, when her husband, 76 year old Gary Thomas of Jefferson City, backed the vehicle to reposition it, and struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A former Chillicothe resident, who was accidentally shot in the parking lot of the Columbia Mall on Thanksgiving night, has died from his injuries. 19 year old Jeffrey Dillon Swope died Monday at a Columbia Hospital. Columbia Police say he was accidentally shot when Swope was in a parked vehicle with another man in the north parking lot of the Mall. The man was holstering a pistol when it accidentally discharged. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal accident, which occurred Thursday morning, on Highway 63 south of Ashland. 33 year old Aaron Meeks, of Holts Summit died in the accident, which occurred just after 6:30am Thursday. The Highway Patrol says Meeks was northbound at a high rate of speed, when his car struck a northbound dump truck, driven by a Hartsburg man, in the rear.
Officials say a squirrel caused a power outage for about a thousand Randolph County residents on Wednesday. Ameren officials say the squirrel came in contact with a Huntsville area substation, blowing a fuse and knocking out a transformer. The outage occurred at around noon Wednesday and affected customers in the Huntsville area and rural locations west of Moberly.
This weekend brings a number of annual holiday events around the area:
Macon’s Blees-Still-Hildreth Museum will hold its annual Christmas Open House, Friday evening from 5 to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from noon to 4.
Brookfield’s annual Beta Sigma Phi Santa House is set for Saturday at the Trinity United Methodist Fellowship Center in Brookfield. The Santa House and live Candyland game are both free to everyone, Saturday morning, from 9 to 11am.
The annual ‘Kids Make It for Christmas’ event will be held Saturday morning in the Huntsville Elementary School Cafeteria, from 9am to noon.
The Cairo Lions Club will host a holiday toy show Saturday at the Cairo School, open from 9am to 3pm.
The First Baptist Church in Chillicothe will hold a Christmas Décor garage sale and giveaway Saturday from 9 to noon at the church.
The Putnam County High School advertising class will hold their annual holiday craft and vendor show at the Putnam County school in Unionville Saturday. It will be open from 9am to 3pm.
Saturday evening, the Moberly Area Council on the Arts has its annual ‘Cocoa and Carols’ program, starting at 7pm in the MACC Auditorium.
Also Saturday night, the Columbia Civic Orchestra presents its winter concert, starting at 7:30pm at the Columbia First Baptist Church.
A Keytesville driver was treated for moderate injuries, after his vehicle struck a horse in the roadway on Highway 5, just north of Keytesville. 48 year old John Pope, of Keytesville, was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 5:15am Wednesday. The patrol says his southbound pickup struck a horse in the roadway, about five miles north of Keytesville.
CARROLLTON DRIVER HURT IN LAFAYETTE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Carrollton driver was treated for injuries after his vehicle ran off a Lafayette County highway, Wednesday morning. 67 year old Michael Corrie, of Carrollton, was taken to Centerpoint Hospital after the accident, which occurred just south of Wellington. The patrol says he failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle ran off the highway and struck an embankment.
Fulton Police say a man threatened to kidnap three children outside of McIntire Elementary School in Fulton, Tuesday afternoon. Officers say a 6 year old and two other children were walking near Brookside Drive in Fulton when a white middle-aged man with brown hair, brown eyes and a beard, driving a black four-door car told the children he was going to kidnap them. The children ran home. Anyone with information is urged to contact Fulton Police.
Downtown Moberly is set for its annual ‘Living Windows’ event this (Thurs) evening. A variety of holiday displays and live performances will be held in the windows of downtown businesses from 5:30 to 7:30pm. The annual Altrusa Cookie Fest will also be held during the event, starting at 5pm. Also, this evening, Homecare of Mid-Missouri’s Tree of Memories ceremony and open house will be held. It begins at 4:30pm in downtown Moberly.
Downtown Paris will celebrate ‘the Magic of Christmas’ with the annual Paris Christmas Parade, starting at 5:30pm. A soup supper and silent auction will be held at the Paris Senior Center before and after the parade, from 5 to 7pm. A number of holiday activities, including a living nativity and visits with Santa, will be held around the courthouse, after the Paris parade.
Human remains found in Trenton Monday morning have been positively identified as those of 19 year old Tanner Ward, of Trenton, who had been reported missing in June. Ward was last seen by his family on June 7. The remains were discovered by two high school students, who were walking to school at around 7:30am Monday, in a wooded area near GFG Ag Services in central Trenton. Trenton Police say the forensic pathologist who conducted an autopsy Tuesday has ruled the death a suicide.
A Clarence teenager was killed in a rollover accident on Highway 36, just east of Shelbina, Tuesday afternoon. It occurred at around 3:15pm. 18 year old McKenzie Craigg, of Clarence, died in the accident. She was a passenger in a car driven by 23 year old Keith Bond, of Palmyra. The patrol says Craigg was ejected from the vehicle, when it ran off the highway and overturned. Bond and another passenger, 19 year old Donovan Barnes, of Palmyra, were both treated for moderate injuries at Hannibal Regional Hospital.
WEATHER SERVICE CONFIRMS RANDOLPH COUNTY TORNADO
The National Weather Service surveyed storm damage in southern Randolph County Tuesday, and confirmed that an EF-1 tornado rolled through the area Monday evening. The damage survey cites winds, ranging from 86 to 110 miles per hour, which caused numerous damage reports on an 11-mile path from Higbee to the Renick area. Officials say the storm hit Higbee at around 4:55pm and struck in Renick at around 5:10pm. At least two people were treated for injuries sustained during the storm. One of those victims remains hospitalized, at last report.
PATROL RELEASES INFO ON FATAL MONDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
The Highway Patrol has released details on a Monday morning accident, which killed a Centralia driver. It occurred just before 6am Monday on Boone County Route B at Academy Road. 34 year old Thomas L. Willems, of Centralia, died in the accident. The patrol says a northbound vehicle, driven by 20 year old Isaiah Black, of Sturgeon, crossed the center line and struck Willems southbound car head-on. Black was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
A Columbia pedestrian was seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross westbound Route 763, Tuesday evening. The patrol says the pedestrian, 78 year old Michel Munyantarama, of Columbia, was crossing 763, just south of Summerfield Street, when he was struck by a southbound car driven by 26 year old Tre Yancey, of Moberly. Munyantarama was taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
One suspect is charged in connection with an armed home invasion, which occurred Tuesday morning in the 200 block of Apple Tree Court in Columbia. 21 year old Aidan Dennis Murphy is accused of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, burglary, robbery, property damage, domestic assault and possession of a controlled substance. Officers say Murphy and another male suspect allegedly forced their way into an apartment, struck a female victim and took property. A second suspect is still being sought. Anyone with information is urged to call crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
Cleanup will continue today after thunderstorms winds caused numerous reports of damage in southern Randolph County, Monday evening. A severe thunderstorm rolled through areas between Higbee and Renick at around 5pm, causing damage to a number of structures, including a double-wide mobile home, which was destroyed. At least one injury was reported at that location. Randolph County Emergency Managers reported two travel trailers and a work shop destroyed just southwest of Renick and a barn and garage with significant damage just east of Renick, with multiple other reports coming in from various other sources. There was also widespread tree limb and power line damage reported in that same area. The National Weather Service is expected to survey the damage to determine if it was caused by straight-line winds or a tornado.
Trenton Police are investigating the discovery of human remains in a wooded area in Trenton, Monday morning. Investigators say the remains were found by some students, while walking to school, at around 7:30am, near GFG Ag Services on Shanklin Avenue in Central Trenton. Police have not released any further information. They say an autopsy is scheduled for today, to begin the process of identifying the body and to possibly determine a cause of death.
A Macon teenager has been formally charged with delivery of a controlled substance, in connection with a traffic stop in Macon last week. According to a news release, 17 year old Trenten A. Harris, of Macon, is charged in the case. Officers say they detected the odor of marijuana during a traffic stop on November 30. They say a search of his vehicle turned up a large amount of marijuana. Harris’ bond has been set at $10,000 dollars, cash-only.
A former Mexico band teacher was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday, in connection with allegations that he inappropriately touched a student. 44 year old Robert Cortez pleaded guilty to two counts in October. He was accused of touching a student during a car ride to retrieve items for a school function in 2016. Prosecutors say the eight-year sentence was the maximum allowed under the law.
Authorities say a St. Joseph man was killed when an ultralight aircraft crashed in a farm field Sunday afternoon. Emergency crews were called to a report of the crash, along Buchanan County Route JJ, about four miles south of St. Joseph, at around 3pm. Troopers say the pilot, 65 year old Randal Reynolds, of St. Joseph, was the only occupant of the ultralight. He was pronounced dead the scene. The crash is under investigation.
Two kids were injured when a vehicle collided with an Amish Buggy on Route 3, just west of La Plata, Sunday morning. The accident occurred just after 11:30am. The patrol says a southbound SUV, driven by 46 year old Brian Bulington, of Kirksville, crossed the center line and struck the side of a northbound buggy, driven by 43 year old Albert Lee, of La Plata. Two children in the buggy, age 5 and 9, suffered minor injuries. They refused treatment at the scene.
A Friday night accident on Highway 24, just west of Madison, seriously injured two occupants of a vehicle. 23 year old Sidney Freese, of Madison, was the driver of the eastbound vehicle. The patrol says she and her passenger were both ejected when it ran off the roadway and overturned, at around 10:15pm. Freese and the passenger, 21 yaer old Zachary Cullom, of Holliday, both suffered serious injuries. They were both transported to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
Two Macon residents were seriously injured in a collision, which occurred Friday on Highway 63 in Randolph County. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 22 year old Sarah Murphy, of Columbia, rear-ended a vehicle driven by 63 year old Kathleen Ashenfelter, of Macon. Ashenfelter and her passenger, 70 year old Troy Ashenfelter, of Macon, were both taken to University Hospital with serious injuries.
A Friday night search warrant, served at a Moberly residence, resulted in six arrests, and formal drug charges are pending against three of those suspects. Officers with the Moberly Police Department, North Missouri and East Central Drug Task Forces and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department executed the search warrant in the 1900 block of Eastbrook, in Moberly, at around 6:45pm Friday. They say the search turned up meth and drug paraphernalia. The names of the suspects have not been released, pending the filing of formal charges.
Columbia Police say a male victim suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the head, during a Sunday night home invasion in the 200 block of Loch Lane. They say the victim remained conscious while being transported to a Columbia hospital. Investigators say at least two armed suspects were involved in the incident and then fled the scene. Two others inside the home were not injured. The investigation is ongoing.
Columbia Police say at least one suspect is still being sought, in connection with an attempted armed home invasion in the 3200 block of Mexico Gravel, Sunday night. Officers were called to the scene just before 10pm. They say an occupant of the home answered a knock at the door and found an armed suspect. The homeowner was able to keep the person outside. The homeowner shot at the suspect, who then fled the scene. No injuries were reported.
CAMERON MAN KILLED IN OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING
The Highway Patrol is investigating an officer-involved shooting, which occurred Thursday in Cameron. Cameron Police officers were called to the 900 block of
BROWNING MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN HIGHWAY M COLLISION
The Highway Patrol has released information on a serious injury accident, which occurred Wednesday morning on Route M, north of
CHULA DRIVER LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER CRASH
A Chula driver was life-flighted to
MURDER CHARGE FILED IN FATAL
A
GRENADE LAUNCHER FOUND DURING
CHARGES FILED IN
Columbia Police say formal charges have been filed against a
A Putnam County traffic stop led to drug allegations against a Unionville man, Wednesday evening. The Highway Patrol says 27 year old Thomas A Duncan, of Unionville, was the driver of the vehicle, which was stopped by a trooper at around 7:15pm. The patrol says Duncan was arrested for not having a valid license and a search of his vehicle turned up methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was held overnight, pending formal charges in the case.
Livingston County authorities are seeking information on the whereabouts of a Chillicothe woman, who is wanted for alleged failure to register as a sex offender. Authorities are seeking 44 year old Bettina Jane Ickenroth, whose last known address was on Monroe Street in Chillicothe. Ickenroth is described as a white female, about 5-1 and 120 pounds, with red hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
From KTVO.com: sentencing has been scheduled for a Kirksville business owner who pleaded guilty to bank fraud, earlier this year, in connection with missing funds from a University of Missouri fraternity. Federal court records show sentencing for Burt Beard will be January 22, 2018. Beard, one of the owners of Beard’s Decorating Center in Kirksville and a former president of Kirksville Regional Ecomonic Development, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud in September. The charges stem from allegations that Beard, while serving as the volunteer treasurer for Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the University of Missouri, wrote himself more than 150 checks totaling over $380,000 dollars in fraudulent payouts, between March of 2008 and August of 2014.
Downtown Macon will hold its annual Christmas Parade this evening. The Macon Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to enjoy the parade, starting at 6pm. The Chamber will serve hot cocoa and Christmas cookies, and downtown businesses will be open until 7pm tonight…and every Thursday evening, during the holiday season.
Columbia Police detained one suspect after a Wednesday afternoon shots fired incident in the area of Claudell Lane, in Columbia. Officers were called to the scene at around 2:30pm. They took one suspect into custody for questioning, but no formal charges have been filed. No injuries were reported during the incident. Officials with the Columbia Public Schools say dismissal of the students at West Middle School was held up for about a half hour, while officers investigated. Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School also held up dismissal, due to police activity.
A runaway juvenile, who had been reported missing overnight Monday night, has been found safe. 14 year old Emma Whittle, of Columbia, was being sought after she was reported missing from her home early Tuesday morning. Early this (Thurs) morning, Columbia Police tweeted that the missing juvenile had been located and was safe.
TWO CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM IA-MO PULLERS ASSOCIATION
Two former board members of the Kirksville-based Iowa-Missouri Truck and Tractor Pullers Association face charges, after being accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the organization. 48 year old Charisse Hatfield, of Kirksville and 47 year old Kevin Stover, of Cameron, are both charged in the case. Investigators say the two served in overlapping roles of secretary and treasurer of the association. They’re accused of misusing funds from the IAMO Pullers bank account over a period of years, starting in 2011. Hatfield is charged with six felonies, including five counts of receiving stolen property and one count of fraudulent use of a credit or debit device, totaling more than $33,000 dollars. Stover is charged with three felonies, two counts of receiving stolen property and one count of tampering with a motor vehicle. He is accused of issuing checks to himself for more than $6,000 dollars.
A Tuesday morning collision on Highway 149, in front of the Adair County R-1 School in Novinger injured five occupants of two vehicles. It occurred at 6:45am. The patrol says a southbound SUV, driven by 37 year old Anika Downing, of Novinger, stopped at a crosswalk to unload passengers, when her vehicle was struck in the rear by a southbound car, driven by 72 year old Gary Millhouse, of Novinger. Anika Downing was treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center. The three passengers, age 10, 12 and 14, were all treated for minor injuries. Millhouse refused treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
No injuries were reported, but several salvage vehicles and a small outbuilding were damaged in a fire at Prather’s Towing and Salvage in Cairo, Tuesday morning. Firefighters were called to the scene just after 11am. They say the apparent cause was trash burning in the area.
Missourians won’t have to worry about the effect of the federal REAL ID law for another full year, after action by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday. Missouri has received a temporary federal waiver that will allow residents to board airplanes and enter federal installations with their current Missouri driver’s license and ID cards, thru October of next year. The waiver will allow the Missouri Department of Revenue more time to comply with the REAL ID guidelines. Missouri lawmakers approved a plan for an enhanced driver's license this spring, but it is not yet available.
Two suspects are being sought after Lend Nation, on Business Loop 70, in Columbia, was robbed Tuesday night. Officers were called to the scene at around 6:20pm. Investigators say two black male suspects entered the business, showed a handgun and demanded money. They fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. Police are reviewing surveillance video as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
THEATRE EVACUATED AFTER REPORTS OF SUSPECT WITH GUN
Columbia’s Regal 14 Theatre was evacuated Tuesday night, after police received multiple reports of a man with a gun. Police evacuated the patrons as a precaution, after employees said the suspect walked into the building with a handgun. A K-9 unit was used to aid in the search. Police did not locate the suspect and moviegoers were allowed back in to retrieve their belongings. The incident remains under investigation.
A Shelbyville driver is dead after driving the wrong way on Highway 36 in Macon County, Monday evening. The accident occurred just after 5:15pm on 36, near Anabel, about five miles east of Macon. The Highway Patrol says the driver was 84 year old Albin Covington, of Shelbyville. Troopers say Covington was eastbound in the westbound lanes of 36, when his pickup collided head-on with a minivan, driven by 17 year old Katelynn Sizemore, of Clarence. Covington was pronounced dead after being taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon. Sizemore was life-flighted to a Columbia hospital with serious injuries. The accident backed up traffic for miles on westbound 36, for much of the evening.
A Moberly woman suffered serious injuries in a Monday afternoon rollover crash on a Monroe County roadway, about five miles west of Madison. 69 year old Karen S. Wilson, of Moberly, was flown by Air Evac Helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia. The patrol says she was ejected from her vehicle when it ran off the highway and overturned.
A Kirksville man is behind bars, after police say he took a swing at another man with a metal bar, during an incident in Kirksville, Friday night. 34 year old Alexis Diaz-Jimenez, of Kirksville was arrested at the scene. He is charged with second-degree assault and armed criminal action. According to the probable cause statement, police arrived at Diaz’s home just before 11:30pm. They say Diaz was seen holding a metal bar and threatening a group of people about a block away. Witnesses say he got into an argument with another man and followed him towards the Helping Hands Mission, while banging street signs with the metal bar and yelling threats. When Diaz neared the group, he allegedly took a swing with the metal bar, but didn’t hit the man. Diaz admitted walking from his residence to the mission with the metal bar, but denies swinging it. He is being held on $150,000 dollars bond.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department has identified the man who was struck by a car and killed on a Columbia area roadway, Wednesday night. Authorities say 27 year old Timothy A. Wright, of Columbia, was walking near the 6700 block of Gillespie Bridge Road when he was hit. Deputies responded after the driver of the vehicle reported the accident, at around 10:15pm. Wright was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was not hurt. No charges have been filed.
A Marceline teenager was killed and three others were life-flighted from the scene with injuries, after a Friday night accident on Route M, north of Brookfield. 17 year old Maysell Crossland, of Marceline, died in the accident. She was a passenger in a car driven by 17 year old Alex Coyle, of Brookfield. The patrol says it ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned at around 10:15pm, ejecting Crossland and another passenger, 20 year old Alexis Harris, of Brookfield. Harris was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries. A third passenger, 16 year old Blake Woody, of Brookfield, also suffered serious injuries and was life-flighted to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Coyle was flown to Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
CHILLICOTHE WOMAN KILLED IN WASHINGTON STREET COLLISION
A Chillicothe woman was killed in a Saturday evening collision on Washington Street at Calhoun Street in Chillicothe. It occurred just after 5pm. 39 year old Danette Rardon, of Chillicothe, died in the accident. The patrol says she was turning onto Washington Street when a northbound pickup, driven by 23 year old Shawn Yuille, of Trenton, failed to stop at a red light and struck Rardon’s car in the driver’s side. Yuille was life-flighted to Kansas City with serious injuries. Two passengers in his vehicle were also hurt…his two year old daughter was treated for moderate injuries at Children’s Mercy Hospital and 22 year old Jeremy Osburn, of Chillicother refused treatment for minor injuries.
A Centralia driver was killed in a Friday evening collision on Highway 22 in Audrain County. 62 year old Victoria Roberts, of Centralia, died in the crash, which occurred at around 7pm, at the Route NN Junction. The patrol says Roberts’ eastbound car struck another eastbound vehicle, which was stopped in traffic. She was flown to University Hospital in Columbia, where she was pronounced dead later Saturday night. The other driver, 32 year old Christy Allton, of Mexico, was treated for minor injuries at St. Mary’s Hospital Audrain.
A Friday afternoon collision on Highway 63, just south of Jacksonville, injured three occupants of two vehicles. It occurred just before 3pm. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 17 year old Aislinn Harville, of Moberly, failed to yield, when entering Highway 63 from the median crossover, and pulled into the path of a southbound car, driven by 24 year old Samantha Linneman, of Marceline. Harville and her passenger, 16 year old Torrynce Frey, of Macon, both sustained minor injuries. Linneman also suffered minor injuries. All three refused treatment at the scene.
Columbia Police say a pedestrian suffered only minor injuries, when he was struck by a vehicle, Sunday afternoon. Officers say the man was using the crosswalk at Grindstone Parkway and Rock Quarry Road when he was struck. The driver was ticketed at the scene.
A New Cambria teenager was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries, after her vehicle ran off Chariton County Route P, just south of New Cambria, Thursday morning. 17 year old Destiny Sloan-Clapp, of New Cambria, was the driver of the northbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the right side of the roadway and she overcorrected, it ran off the left side of the road and overcorrected and then returned to the roadway and overturned, ejecting her from the vehicle. She was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.
COLUMBIA MALL IS OPEN FOR BLACK FRIDAY AFTER THURS NIGHT SHOOTING
Officials say the Columbia Mall will be open for Black Friday, despite a shooting incident, which occurred just before 11:30pm Thursday night in the Mall’s parking lot. Columbia Police say a 19 year old was transported to a Columbia Hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident. Investigators say a handgun went off when a man pushed it into its holster, striking the teen. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities say, though the shooting may have been accidental, charges are pending, as possession of a firearm on mall property, including the parking lot, is a crime.
A Thanksgiving morning accident in Mexico killed the driver of a vehicle. Officers were called to southbound Fairground Street just after 4:20am Thursday. They say the driver, 34 year old Omar Cruz-Martinez, lost control of his southbound vehicle, which ran off the roadway and struck a tree. He was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital-Audrain, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
Boone County authorities say a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed on West Gillespie Bridge Road, Wednesday night. The name of the victim had not yet been released. Investigators say the man was struck in the roadway just before 10:15pm. The driver of the vehicle was not injured and no charges have been filed as of yet, as the investigation continues.
A Mendon teenager was treated for minor injuries after a Tuesday morning accident on Highway 11, just south of Route BB, in Chariton County. It occurred at around 5am. The patrol says 19 year old Zachary Fay, of Mendon, was the driver of a northbound pickup, which ran off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Fay was treated and released at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
No significant injuries were reported, but an overturned tractor-trailer tied up traffic on westbound Highway 36, west of Chillicothe, Tuesday evening. The Highway Patrol says the tractor-trailer overturned near the Route C junction at Utica, shutting down both westbound lanes for some time. Traffic was detoured around the scene, utilizing Highway 65 and Livingston County Routes Z and C, during the cleanup. Westbound 36 reopened to normal traffic late Tuesday evening.
A suspect is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, after a Highway Patrol traffic stop in Randolph County. Officers stopped a vehicle on northbound 63 for driving in a careless and imprudent manner. They say the car’s license plate was registered to a different vehicle and they could smell marijuana. A probable cause search turned up 154 grams of marijuana. Montrell Tobias was arrested at the scene. Officers say he told them he was delivering the drugs to the Kirksville area, as a favor for a friend.
TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH COLUMBIA SHOTS FIRED
Two suspects have been formally charged, in connection with a shots fired incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning on Clark Lane, in Columbia. Police arrested 18 year old Anquan Glover and 21 year old Tavious Grant. Glover is charged with armed criminal action and three counts of assault. Officers say were called to the area and saw one suspect running from the scene and a car with gunfire damage pulling into a convenience store parking lot. Glover is accused of using his vehicle to block the damaged car, then firing a handgun several times. Tavious Grant was a passenger in Glover’s vehicle, he is charged with possession of marijuana and first-degree property damage. No injuries were reported.
Three Columbia teenagers have been arrested in connection with a robbery at the McDonald’s Restaurant on Smiley Lane, which occurred on November 11. 18 year old Alexander Lovin, 18 year old Javion Swope and 17 year old Jaden Rother are all charged with second-degree robbery. Video camera footage showed a man police have identified as Swope walking from the suspect vehicle to the drive-thru window, where he allegedly grabbed cash and fled the scene.
A Clarence man faces arson charges, after he allegedly packed a suitcase and then set his home on fire Monday morning. The Clarence Fire Department was called to the home on West Walnut Street at around 10:40am. Shelbina Firefighters were also called in to assist, as strong winds caused flames to quickly engulf the home. 55 year old George Gale, of Clarence was arrested at the scene after he allegedly told officers he had set fire to the home. Gale had lived in the residence for a number of years, but was not the owner of the property…it was purchased at a tax sale last fall by Donald Simpson of Paris. Simpson said he had not been pressuring Gale to move out, but had suggested he look for a safer place to live, as the home was not in good condition. Gale is being held, pending the filing of second-degree arson charges.
Moberly authorities are investigating a possible explosion, which led to a fire at a residence in the 500 block of Patton Street, Sunday night. Firefighters were called to the scene at around 9:30pm. They say they were able to quickly contain the fire primarily to a first floor bedroom. Investigators say there was no one home at the time of the blaze and no injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Additional charges have been filed, in connection with the suicide of a Howard County teenager. 17 year old Kenneth Suttner, of Glasgow, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound last December. A Howard County Coroner’s Inquest resulted in involuntary manslaughter charges against Harley Branham, who was a manager at the Fayette Dairy Queen, where Suttner worked, alleging bullying as a prime factor in the teen’s suicide. Branham now faces additional charges in the case, including two counts each of aggravated stalking, third degree assault and harassment. Branham is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next week.
Columbia Police detained multiple suspects after a Tuesday night shots fired incident in northeast Columbia. Police were called to the Links at Columbia apartments at around midnight. They say one person was arrested at the scene. The investigation then led to five more people being detained near Clark Lane and Eastwood Drive. None of the suspect’s names have been released and no formal charges have been reported. There were no reports of injuries.
Three Moberly residents were injured, one seriously, in a Saturday afternoon collision on a Randolph County road, south of Renick. It occurred at around 12:40pm. The patrol says a northbound pickup, driven by 31 year old Justin Micke, of Moberly, struck a northbound car, driven by 52 year old Ronnie Wallace, of Moberly, in the rear, causing both vehicles to run off the roadway. Both drivers were treated for moderate injuries. A passenger in the Wallace vehicle, 56 year old Patricia Wallace, of Moberly, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
A Hamilton driver died Saturday from injuries sustained in an early-morning accident on Highway 13, just south of Gallatin. 24 year old Harrison Lapen, of Hamilton, was the driver of a northbound car. The patrol says it ran off the highway at around 1:45am Saturday, and overturned multiple times, coming to rest on its top in a farm field. Lapen was taken by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, just before noon Saturday.
MACON MAN INJURED WHILE TRYING TO ASSIST MOTORIST
Jefferson City Police say a Macon man was injured, while trying to assist a motorist who was involved in an accident in Jefferson City, Saturday morning. Officers say 67 year old Gary Prenger stopped his vehicle in the passing lane of Highway 54 to try to help a driver who was involved in an accident, when his vehicle was rear-ended by another car. Prenger was treated for injuries at a Jefferson City hospital. Two occupants of the car were also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Fire officials say they will likely be unable to determine the cause of the fire, which destroyed a building complex, which housed multiple businesses in Macon, Thursday night. Firefighters were called to the structure at Highway 63 and Patton Street at around 9:20pm…they were on the scene for more than six hours. The building housed Macon Rehabilitation Services, along with a heating and cooling business, an auto shop, a martial arts studio and Midwest Seamless Guttering. There were no injuries reported. Officials say the damage was so extensive they will likely be unable to determine the cause.
A Columbia woman is in custody in connection with a shooting, which occurred early Sunday morning. A male victim is hospitalized in critical condition. Police say the unidentified 29 year old victim was critically wounded as shots were fired during a domestic incident in the 5500 block of Volunteer Drive. The suspect, 37 year old Sheri Nicole Williams, is accused of entering the residence and shooting the man. She is charged with armed criminal action, domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
POLICE INVESTIGATE HOME INVASION AT FRATERNITY ANNEX
Columbia Police are investigating a home invasion, which occurred just before 10pm Saturday at the Delta Kappa Epsilon Annex on South Providence Road. Officers say three black male suspects entered the home through an unlocked door and brandished at least one firearm. They say one of the occupants of the home was forcefully struck in the head by one of the suspects who took property from the home and field the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
MACON MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH FATAL ACCIDENT
A Macon man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, in connection with a fatal traffic accident, which occurred last week in Randolph County. 32 year old James Hartung, of Macon, is charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter. The accident occurred on November 9, just north of Cairo on Highway 63. 75 year old Marlene Mathis, of Cairo, was killed in the collision. The patrol report indicates she slowed to make a turn off the roadway and her vehicle was struck in the rear by Hartung’s pickup, causing both vehicles to overturn. Hartung is free on $5,000 dollars bond.
MODOT INSTALLING SAFETY DEVICES AT KIRKSVILLE INTERSECTIONS
The Missouri Department of Transportation will be installing new safety devices at two Highway 63 intersections in Kirksville in the coming weeks. Interactive flashing lights are to be installed near the intersections of 63 and Illinois Street and Highway 6 East. The signs on 63 will alert drivers that there are cars waiting to pull onto the highway. The signs on the two side streets will flash to let motorists know when cars are coming from either direction on Highway 63. MODOT officials say the two intersections have been involved in a number of serious crashes. They say inattention and driver error has been involved in a majority of those crashes.
Two Marceline railroad crossings will be closed for repair work next week. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad says the crossing on Santa Fe in Marceline will be closed Tuesday, from 7am to 3pm and the crossing on Crocker and Houser Streets will be closed Wednesday, also from 7 to 3. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to allow themselves extra time to use an alternate route around those closures in Marceline, next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Columbia Police arrested two suspects after they allegedly stole aluminum wire from a lot off Ashley Street in Columbia. Officers say the two suspects were detained after a brief foot chase, Thursday morning. They say the two men fled when an unmarked car started to follow them. Their identities have not been release, pending the filing of formal charges.
Callaway County deputies arrested a naked man who allegedly forced his way into the Riverview Nursing Home, near Mokane, Thursday morning. Officers responded to a report of a male subject driving his vehicle through yards in the area. The driver, identified as Allen Chudej, allegedly pulled into the parking lot of the nursing facility and approached the door completely naked and pushed it open. He is also accused of hitting an employee multiple times and resisting the arresting officers at the scene. Officers say Chudej admitted that he had recently used meth. He faces multiple charges, including DWI, trespassing, assault and resisting arrest.
BROWNING WOMAN KILLED IN COLLISION AT MEADVILLE JUNCTION
A Browning woman died Wednesday from injuries sustained in a Tuesday evening collision on Highway 36 at the Meadville Junction. The accident occurred at around 5:45pm Tuesday. The patrol says 78 year old Velma Trentham, of Browning, was the driver of a southbound car, which attempted to cross Highway 36 and pulled into the side of a westbound tractor-trailer, driven by a Detroit, Michigan man. Trentham was taken to University Hospital in Columbia Tuesday night, where she died from her injuries Wednesday morning. Her passenger, her 81 year old husband Ernest Trentham, was treated for minor injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
CHILLICOTHE WOMAN INJURED WHEN VEHICLE STRIKES DEER
A Chillicothe woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Tuesday evening accident on Highway 65, about seven miles south of Trenton. 45 year old Theresa Covert, of Chillicothe, was taken to Hedrick Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 7:30pm. She was a passenger in a northbound pickup, driven by 42 year old Robert Covert, of Chillicothe. The patrol says it struck a deer in the roadway and then spun off the road, coming to rest on the southbound shoulder.
BROOKFIELD SENIOR CENTER SEEKING MORE VOLUNTEERS
The Brookfield Senior Center is seeking volunteers to help make an increasing number of home deliveries. The Senior Center continues to increase the number of meals delivered each day, and they need more volunteers to deliver meals in Brookfield. It takes about an hour a day to handle a delivery route, and the volunteers get a free meal each day. If you’d like to find out more, contact the Brookfield Senior Center at 258-2577. They also deliver meals to residents in Laclede and Meadville.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is investigating at least eight reports of stolen tools in the area of Highway 63 North and Route B, over the past several weeks. Hand tools, power tools, generators and other equipment has been reported stolen from multiple locations, which are in close proximity to one another, including a handful of construction sites, residences and two businesses on Boone Industrial Drive. A 16-foot construction trailer full of tools was also reported stolen on Spiva Crossing Road in Hallsville. All of the reported incidents occurred in the overnight hours. Anyone with information is urged to contact Boone County authorities.
A former member of the Columbia Mayor’s Task Force on Community Violence has been charged with assault, in connection with an incident involving a female victim. 64 year old Lorenzo Lawson, of Columbia, was arraigned in court Wednesday. A probable cause statement accuses him of punching a female victim repeatedly, causing her to fall to the ground multiple times. A hospital report on her injuries indicates she suffered a broken jaw. Lawson was arrested on November 2. His bond has been set at $6,500 dollars.
The Macon Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Chamber ‘After Hours’ event Thursday evening, to kick off ‘Shop Thursdays’ in downtown Macon. Every Thursday, thru the holidays, stores in Macon will be open until 7pm for holiday shopping. The Chamber After Hours event will be held at C.A. Shoush Company in downtown Macon, from 5 to 7pm. Thursday evening is also the lighting ceremony for the Macon A Wish Tree at the Macon County Courthouse. It begins at 5:30pm in downtown Macon.
Downtown Chillicothe’s Silver Moon Plaza will host Chillicothe’s Memory Tree Lighting and Dedication Ceremony, Thursday evening at 6pm. Special ornaments, in memory of a loved one, can be purchased from Main Street Chillicothe to be hung on the tree. Each of the names will be read during Thursday evening’s ceremony.
The Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce will present its 71st annul Christmas Parade, Saturday morning starting at 10am in downtown Chillicothe. The North Missouri Center for Youth and Families will also hold a parade day pancake fundraiser before the parade Saturday, at their location on Locust Street. They’ll serve from 6 to 10am. All proceeds will support their ‘Power Up’ after-school program.
HOME INVASION LEAVES COLUMBIA VICTIM WITH GUNSHOT WOUND
A male victim suffered gunshot wounds in a home invasion robbery, which occurred Tuesday night in Columbia. Police were called to the 3900 block of Mint Julep Drive at around 10pm. They say the man was entering the home when two suspects forced their way through an open garage door. They fired multiple rounds and struck the male victim at least twice. They took an undisclosed amount of cash and property from the home and then fled the scene. The male victim was taken to a Columbia hospital. A female and two children in the home were unharmed.
Two Jefferson City teenagers were reported missing by their families Tuesday morning. Police believe 15 year old Zachary Johnson and 17 year old Lily Gore are together. Gore’s mother reports that she woke up Tuesday morning to find her green 2005 Jeep Liberty missing. Investigators believe the teens took the vehicle. Johnson is described as a white male, 5-11 and 190 pounds, with curly blond hair and blue eyes. Gore is described as a black female, 5-1 and around 100 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes. The stolen green 2005 Jeep Liberty has Missouri license plates – FP8D1J. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Jefferson City Police or your local law enforcement.
A 5 year old Moberly girl suffered serious injuries, when she apparently ran into the path of a school bus and was struck, Monday morning, in the 300 block of East Burkhart Street in Moberly. It occurred just after 9am. The Highway Patrol says 5 year old London Kariuki, of Moberly, was struck after she ran into the path of a moving school bus, while trying to cross the street. The girl was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. A hospital spokesperson says she is in good condition. The driver of the bus was 39 year old Shauntiel Lancaster, of Moberly.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is assisting in the investigation into a Monday fire at a duplex in Chillicothe, which may have involved an explosion. Firefighters were called to the scene, in the 300 block of East Jackson Street, where they found smoke coming from the structure and flames in the attic area. Fire officials surmise that an explosion may have occurred in the building and the State Fire Marshal’s office was called in to investigate. The occupants of the duplex escaped without injury.
Brookfield is set to kick off the Christmas season this Saturday, with a handful of events. It starts with the 8th annual Holiday Mart, featuring a variety of gift ideas from area merchants and vendors, from 9am to 2pm in the Trinity United Methodist Fellowship Center in Brookfield. Then, we’ll move to the Twin Parks Saturday evening for the Christmas Lighting Celebration. It will begin with a homemade soup and pie cancer benefit for John Roe at the Park Baptist Fellowship Center, starting at 4:30pm. Activities in the Twin Parks begin at 5:30, with choirs and carolers, the arrival of Santa Claus and the Twin Parks lighting. The Christmas celebration continues thru the evening in the park, with hot dogs and hot chocolate, face painting, polar express rides, horse drawn wagon rides and more. All of the events are free to everyone…this Saturday in downtown Brookfield.
Columbia Police say they have located the vehicle and driver that they believe was involved in a fatal hit and run accident, which occurred Saturday night on Highway 63. 34 year old Rocky Salvador, of Columbia, died after he was struck while walking northbound on 63 near Route B. Police have not identified the driver that was located Monday, nor have they indicated whether charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Columbia man faces possible stalking charges, after a Sunday morning incident involving a female victim. Marvin Stemmons has been arrested in the case. The female victim told police she left the Suburban Hotel on Wingate Court and Simmons allegedly followed her, tried to flag her down, pulled alongside her vehicle and almost sideswiped her. When she stopped, along Brown Station Road, she says Simmons blocked her vehicle and when she backed up he started driving in the opposite lane of traffic to try to continue to follow her.
SCHOOL CLOSING MONDAY (11/13)
A water main break has caused the Breckenridge School District to be without water service this morning, so no school at the Breckenridge schools today (Mon).
A Kirksville teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident, which occurred early Sunday morning on Highway 6 in Green City. 18 year old Jake Allensworth, of Kirksville, was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred just before 6am Sunday. The patrol says his eastbound car ran off the roadway and came to rest on the side of the road.
A Columbia driver suffered moderate injuries in a Saturday morning accident on Macon County Route M, just east of Atlanta. 26 year old Jeremy Teter, of Columbia, was the driver of a southbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and overturned, at around 12:30am Saturday. Teter was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, where he was treated for moderate injuries.
Over the weekend, the Highway Patrol released details on a one-vehicle accident that killed a Utica driver, early Friday morning. 26 year old Samuel Van Horn, of Utica died in the crash, which occurred at around 1:30am Friday. The patrol says his westbound car ran off Livingston County Route C in Dawn, struck a utility pole, then went airborne over a creek bed and struck the opposite bank, slid into the creek and became submerged. Van Horn was pronounced dead at the scene just before 10 o’clock Friday morning.
A Moberly man faces multiple charges after his vehicle struck an occupied Moberly residence, while he was trying to flee police, Saturday night. Officers say 42 year old Shawn Reese, of Moberly, was arrested for driving with a revoked license, resisting arrest by fleeing, DWI and possession of meth. They say his vehicle ran off the road and struck an occupied residence in the 300 block of McKinsey Street, causing major damage to the home. No one inside the residence was injured. Reese was treated at Moberly Regional Medical Center and then taken to the Randolph County Justice Center, pending formal charges.
Columbia Police are continuing to investigate a hit and run accident, which killed a pedestrian on Highway 63 near the Route B exit, Saturday night. Officers say the pedestrian, 34 year old Rocky Salvador, of Columbia, was walking on the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle, which then left the scene. Investigators say the vehicle’s make and model is not known, but it was pulling a white, 24-foot long camper. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
Columbia Police are investigating an armed robbery, which occurred Saturday night at the McDonald’s Restaurant on Smiley Lane. Witnesses say a male suspect approached the business on foot as an employee was completing a transaction at the drive-thru window. The suspect reached inside and grabbed money from the register, then fled on foot. Officers used a K-9 to try to track the suspect but he was not located. He is described as approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt, dark pants, white socks and dark shoes. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A
MARCELINE DRIVER LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER CRASH
A Marceline driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Thursday afternoon accident on Macon County Route FF, just southwest of Bevier. 63 year old Jerry Newman, of Marceline was flown by Air Evac helicopter to
SERIOUS INJURY IN GRUNDY
A Thursday evening collision on Highway 6 in
FOUR ARRESTED AFTER ST. CATHARINE DRUG BUST
Four St. Catharine residents face drug charges, after a search warrant was served this week at a St. Catharine home. Officers with the North Missouri Drug Task Force, the Linn County Sheriff’s Department and the Brookfield Police Department served the search warrant Monday, on Highway 11. According to a news release, they seized marijuana, methamphetamine, syringes and other drug paraphernalia. Arrested at the scene were 53 year old Jerry McCollum and 26 year old Alisha McCollum, both of St. Catharine. They were both charged with delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and Jerry McCollum also had an active parole warrant. Bond for both was set at $50,000 dollars. 60 year old Margaret Tipton and 55 year old Charles Ellis, both of St. Catharine, were also arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Tipton’s bond was set at $20,000 dollars and Ellis’ bond is $25,000 dollars.
POLICE INVESTIATING
Columbia Police are investigating, after a female victim went to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Officers responded to the report, just after 8pm Thursday. They are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the gunshot wound. They reported several people detained for questioning Thursday night, as the investigation continued.
The Missouri State Auditor’s Office has issued a report, which provides evidence of the theft of more than $26,000 dollars from the Chariton County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say the audit was initiated by the sheriff after he discovered questionable activity in department bank accounts. The audit report details more than $26,000 dollars missing from two separate accounts, over nearly a two-year period. It says both accounts were the responsibility of Chariton County’s Jail Administrator. The report and supporting information has been turned over to law enforcement and an investigation is underway.
The former owner of a Kirksville title company has been sentenced to federal prison on a mail fraud charge. Nancy Porter, of Kirksville, ran Adair County Title and Escrow in Kirksville. She was sentenced Wednesday to one year and one day in prison, after pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud. In 2015, investigators found that Porter had issued non-existent title insurance polices, while keeping payments collected from clients for her personal use. She also admitted to employing unlicensed agents, beginning in early 2012. Federal authorities say Porter will serve at least 85 percent of her sentence.
A Moberly man is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and statutory sodomy, after he allegedly tried to expose a female victim’s breasts. 59 year old George Griffin, of Moberly, is charged in the case after an investigation, which began early Monday morning. A probable cause statement accuses Griffin of grabbing a woman’s shirt and bra and pulling them up. Authorities say additional charges are possible in the case. Griffin is being held on $20,000 dollars cash-only bond.
INDEPENDENCE MURDER SUSPECT SOUGHT IN CENTRAL MISSOURI
Independence police are searching for a murder suspect in the Hermann and Columbia areas. 46 year old Nathan Hendricks of Hermann is one of three men charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and first-degree burglary in connection with the death of 72 year old William Domann, at his Independence home. Domann was found dead, after a home-invasion robbery on October 30. Hendricks is described as a 46 year old white male, about 6-4 and 320 pounds. Police believe he may have fled to the Columbia or Hermann areas. They say 48 year old Sheila Casey may be traveling with Hendricks and is wanted as a person of interest in the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement.
A Columbia man was seriously injured Wednesday, in a one-vehicle accident on Nifong Boulevard. Columbia Police say 42 year old Christopher Wise was westbound on Nifong when a medical emergency caused him to veer off the roadway and into the parking lot of the Boone Medical Group, colliding with six parked vehicles. Nurses at the scene provided medical attention until emergency responders arrived. Wise was taken to a Columbia hospital with serious injuries.
Tuesday was election day in a handful of area communities…
Voters in the Macon R-1 School District approved a ballot issue that will help fund improvements to the Macon Elementary School. The issue passed with a 54% majority, with around 1,500 total votes cast.
Shelbina voters approved a sales tax issue to fund street, sidewalk and curb repairs in the city of Shelbina. 160 voted in favor of the measure, with 89 opposed.
The City of Carrollton held a special election to fill unexpired terms for two City Council seats. Rebecca Mohn won a majority in the first ward and Stacy Ray-Machado was the winner in Ward 2. Carrollton voters also approved two issues, Question 1, regarding a change to the town charter about handling vacancies in office…and Question 2, a waterworks system bond issue. Both issues passed.
There were a handful of use tax issues on out-of-state purchases on the ballot in Boone County and voters defeated all of those issues. Countywide Proposition U failed, with 55 percent opposed. Columbia voters defeated a proposed use tax by less than 100 votes, with a 51 percent majority voting ‘no’. 60 percent of Ashland voters said ‘no’ to a use tax issue…and Harrisburg voters defeated their use tax by a 79% majority.
Two Kirksville residents were treated for moderate injuries, after a car ran off Adair County Route N, southwest of Kirksville, Tuesday night. 25 year old Christopher Jones, of Kirksville, was the driver of the westbound vehicle. The patrol says it ran off the roadway and overturned at around 8pm. Jones and his passenger, 24 year old Marcus Jones, also of Kirksville, were both treated for moderate injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville. Christopher Jones was cited by the patrol for driving while intoxicated.
A Chillicothe man is charged after Chillicothe Police investigated a stolen vehicle report on Monday. Officers took the report in the 400 block of Elm Street. As a result of their investigation, Steven Howard Boyd was arrested for stealing a motor vehicle, operating a vehicle while his driver’s license was revoked and resisting arrest. He was transferred to the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail, pending formal charges.
Hallsville Police responded to a report of a person with a gun near the Hallsville Intermediate School, Tuesday afternoon. When they arrived on the scene, officers say they found a person with an airsoft gun west of school property. No charges were filed, as they say the individual did not have intent to cause harm or alarm the public.
COLUMBIA MAN CHARGED AFTER ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT
A Columbia man faces multiple charges in connection with a sexual assault, which occurred Monday in Columbia. Investigators say the suspect, Davion Gross, of Columbia, sexually assaulted female victim as they sat in a vehicle. He is also accused of pulling a weapon to force the woman to drive him to another location. Gross is charged with sodomy, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and kidnapping.
Two Brookfield residents were taken into custody after a recent search warrant served at a residence turned up meth and drug paraphernalia. Police served the search warrant last Thursday in the 100 block of West Clayton. Officers say multiple baggies of meth and drug paraphernalia was recovered. The two residents, 60 year old Kenneth Mayberry and 49 year old Tammy Mayberry, were both arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance. Their bond was set at $50,000 dollars each.
A Trenton man is accused of domestic assault and property damage, after allegedly driving a motor vehicle into another car in Trenton over the weekend. 38 year old David Michael Willey, of Trenton, is charged in the case. Court documents accuse him of using his vehicle to purposely strike another vehicle, which contained two occupants. Willey’s bond has been set at $40,000 dollars cash-only.
A New Franklin teenager, who was the subject of an endangered person advisory issued over the weekend, was found safe Monday and her father is in custody. New Franklin Police confirm that 13 year old Jasmine Postak is safe. Her father, 53 year old Theodore Postak, was taken into custody. He went missing with his daughter after he was supposed to meet officers at his New Franklin home, regarding a search warrant, which turned up drugs and weapons. Formal charges against Postak are pending.
The Moberly School District is providing additional support for its students, after the weekend death of a 14 year old at a Moberly home. Officials say numerous counselors are on-hand at Moberly High School this week to help students cope with the death. Moberly Police reports the 14 year old was found in a bedroom at his home Saturday afternoon, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. They say foul play is not suspected. The investigation is ongoing.
AUTOPSY CONFIRMS MURDER-SUICIDE IN ASHLAND SHOOTING
Autopsy results have been received and the investigation completed into a double-shooting, which occurred last week at an Ashland residence. Investigators have confirmed the incident was a murder-suicide. They say 42 year old Travis J. Parker shot his fiancée, 36 year old Jessica Willits, and then took his own life. Officers were called to the incident at around midnight last Thursday, where both victims were found shot to death in the home.
Columbia Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a stabbing incident in Columbia Saturday night. Officers were called to a report of an altercation involving a weapon in the 3700 block of Pimlico Drive. During the altercation, two 24 year old victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a Columbia Hospital. 29 year old Frank Benedetti of Columbia was arrested at the scene and is accused of assault in the case.
Two teenagers were seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon accident on Shelby County Route J, just east of Bethel. It occurred at around 12:25pm. 18 year old Courtney Scoggins, of Wentzville, was the driver of an eastbound car. The patrol says it ran off the left side of the highway, struck a field entrance and went airborne. Scoggins was seriously injured. Her passenger, 15 year old Mariann Dolson, of O’Fallon, also suffered serious injuries. Another passenger, 15 year old Olivia Dickus, of St. Charles, escaped with minor injuries. The teens were all taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment.
The Highway Patrol released details, over the weekend, on a fatality accident, which occurred Friday afternoon on Highway 6 in Sullivan County. 30 year old Laurette Nganga, of Kirksville, died in the accident, which occurred just before 2pm, just east of Green City. She was a passenger in a westbound vehicle, driven by 25 year old Glody Makengele, of Kirksville. The patrol says the car ran off the roadway, overturned and struck a utility pole. Makengele was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia with moderate injuries. Two other passengers, also from Kirksville, were treated for minor injuries at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
A Shelbina driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Highway 24 in Holliday, Saturday evening. 25 year old Stacey Biegel, of Shelbina, was treated at Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 6:45pm. The patrol says her car ran off the south side of the highway and struck a ditch.
New Franklin police have issued an endangered person advisory for a 13 year old girl. The advisory is for 13 year old Jasmine Postak, who might be with her father, 53 year old Theodore Postak, both of New Franklin. Police say he is a felon and was supposed to meet officers about a search warrant of his home, where drugs and weapons were found. He also faces domestic abuse charges. Jasmine Postak is described as a 13 year old white female, about 5-3 and 115 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. Theodore Postak is described as a white male, 5-8 and 130 pounds with brown or shaved hair and blue eyes. Police believe he may be driving a gray GMC pickup, which was last seen on Old Highway 40 in Cooper County. Anyone with information is urged to contact your local law enforcement.
Two people were injured in a Saturday night stabbing incident in Columbia. Officers were called to the report of a disturbance with a weapon at around 8:45pm, in the 3700 block of Pimlico Drive. Two victims, with stab wounds, were transported from the scene to a Columbia hospital. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A motorcyclist was hospitalized with serious injuries after a Saturday night collision with a car, on Providence Road in Columbia. Police say 55 year old Richard Olson was the driver of the motorcycle. He was taken to a Columbia hospital with serious injuries, after it was struck by a vehicle driven by 35 year old Shane Lucas, which turned into the path of the motorcycle. The investigation is ongoing.
A pair of area YMCA’s have big events happening in the next few days.
The Grand River Area Family YMCA in Chillicothe is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a reception and program this (Fri) evening, from 5 to 7pm, at the Y in Chillicothe. The entire community is invited to join the celebration. It’s a free, family-friendly event, which will include appetizers, fun activities for the kids and more. That’s this (Fri) evening from 5 to 7pm at the Grand River Area YMCA.
The North Central Missouri YMCA is Brookfield will hold one of its biggest fundraising events of the year Monday evening. The annual Y Dinner and Auction will be held at the Brickhouse Bar and Grill, with social hour and the silent auction starting at 5:30pm, dinner at 6:30 and the live auction beginning at around 7:30pm. Tickets are still available thru the YMCA in Brookfield. All proceeds support programs and activities of the North Central Missouri YMCA.
The Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri will hold one of its biggest fundraising events of the year tomorrow (Sat) in Trenton. Their 8th Annual Women’s Health Services Holiday Expo will be held at Trenton High School, from 9am to 2pm. A variety of vendors will be on-hand, with food, craft items and more. All booth and sponsorship fees support the Community Action Partnership’s Women’s Health Services programs, throughout the area. For more information on their program, or tomorrow’s Holiday Expo, visit green hills womens health dot org.
Truman State University in Kirksville is set to host sections of the celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt, which will be on display on the campus next week. The free display of the quilt, which stands as a memorial to more than 96,000 lives lost to AIDS, will be open to the public next Monday thru Saturday (Nov. 6-11) in the lobby of the Ophelia Parrish, on the Truman Campus. A panel discussion about the quilt will be held next Friday night at 10:30pm, in the Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.
Boone County authorities are investigating the deaths of two residents at a home in Ashland this (Fri) morning, which occurred overnight. Police were called to a report of shots fired, just after 2am and they say two deceased victims were found in the home. An investigation is ongoing. Officials have confirmed that the two victims were a man and a woman, who were engaged and have lived in the home since July. They were both shot to death. Authorities have not confirmed that the shootings were a murder-suicide, but they have said they don’t believe anyone else was involved in the shooting and there is no suspect being sought. More details are expected later today.
A Boonville man has been charged with enticement or attempted enticement of a child in Miller County, after he allegedly attempted to kidnap a minor in the parking lot of the Dollar General Store in Iberia. 23 year old Derek Bruce is charged in the incident, which allegedly occurred on August 22. Investigators say Bruce approached a young girl and told her he had a puppy in his truck. He is accused of trying to grab her by the wrist, but she was able to kick him and run away. Prosecutors say Bruce was identified by the victim in a police lineup.
The Moberly Area Council on the Arts is teaming up with the Moberly Area Community College Theatre Department to highlight a performance of its fall comedy Saturday evening. The MACC production of ‘The Good Doctor’ is part of the Arts Council’s season ticket package. Saturday evening’s performance will begin at 7pm in the MACC Auditorium. General admission seats will be available at the door for five dollars, and Arts Council season ticket holders get in free.
A one-vehicle accident on Highway 24 in Carroll County killed a driver from Miami, MO, at around 7:20 Wednesday morning. The patrol says 31 year old Cynthia Burton, of Miami, was the driver of an eastbound vehicle, which ran off the roadway, skidded sideways and overturned multiple times. Burton was taken to Carroll County Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Two Milan residents were injured in a Wednesday afternoon collision on Sullivan County Route E, just east of Harris. It occurred just after 4pm. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 35 year old Lilian Gonzalez Salmeron, of Milan, pulled into the path of an eastbound vehicle, driven by 26 year old Bryce McDonald, of Browning. Gonzalez Salmeron and her passenger, 21 year old Raul Coronado Aguilar, of Milan were both taken to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. McDonald was not injured. All three occupants of the two vehicles were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
A Wednesday morning collision in Bucklin caused only minor injures for one of the drivers involved. It occurred at around 7:25am at the intersection of Pine and Second Streets in Bucklin. The patrol says a pickup, driven by 38 year old David Beakley, of Bucklin, failed to yield and collided with a car driven by 51 year old Cinthy Teel, of Bucklin. They were both wearing their seatbelts and Teel was treated for minor injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
Columbia Police are investigating a Wednesday morning accident on I-70 in Columbia, which left two occupants of a vehicle with serious injuries. It occurred just after 11am. Investigators say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, when the driver attempted to switch lanes and lost control. It ran off the highway, into a culvert and overturned several times. 36 year old Johnny Spain and 38 year old Monica King, both of Columbia, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police say alcohol or drug use is suspected, but has not been confirmed. The investigation is ongoing.
A Paris driver was treated for moderate injuries after his vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer on Highway 15 in Monroe County, just before 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. The patrol says 67 year old Glenn Vaughn, of Paris, was backing his vehicle across the roadway, when it was struck by an eastbound semi, driven by 56 year old Roger Lehenbauer, of Paris. Vaughn was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
COLUMBIA WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM ELDERLY VICTIM
A Columbia woman is charged with fraudulent use of a credit card, after being accused of stealing more than $16,000 dollars from an elderly woman. Ruby Martin, of Columbia, who is the owner of Senior Care Services, provided service for the 83 year old victim during the spring and summer of this year. Investigators say Martin used a debit card, which was attached to the victim’s bank account, for charges totaling more than $16,000 dollars. After the bank account was closed, Martin is accused of using the woman’s Discover card to make additional unauthorized transactions, two of them after the woman had died.
KIRKSVILLE MAN ARRESTED AFTER MAKING ALLEGED THREAT
A Kirksville man is accused of making a threat towards the Missouri Division of Family Services Office in Kirksville and also is accused of injuring two law enforcement officers during his arrest on Tuesday. Kirksville Police took a report of a suspect threatening to shoot people at the DFS office. 26 year old Daniel Arey, of Kirksville, was identified as that suspect. A KPD officer and an Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy went to his residence to investigate. They say a confrontation ensued and Arey resisted arrest and assaulted both officers. Both the officer and the deputy suffered minor injuries. Arey was placed under arrest and taken to the Adair County Detention Center, after he was also treated for minor injuries. He was placed on a 24-hour hold, pending formal charges, which could include making a terrorist threat, resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.
Smoke in the building caused the evacuation of the Dollar Tree store in Chillicothe Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters were called to the scene at around 2:15pm. They say police were on-hand and the building was evacuated before they arrived. A fire in a heater at the rear of the building apparently caused the smoke. They were able to quickly extinguish the fire and ventilate the building.
MAN LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER FALL FROM TREE STAND
Howard County authorities say a man was hospitalized after falling from a tree stand Tuesday. The accident occurred on the Katy Trail in the Diana Bend Conservation Area near Rocheport. First-responders say the man was cutting branches to make shooting lanes for his tree stand, but was not wearing a safety harness. He fell about 12 feet, suffering possible head and arm injuries. He was life-flighted to University Hospital at around 11am.
As the month of November begins, plans for Moberly’s annual Veteran’s Day celebration are coming together. The Moberly Veteran’s Flag Team will raise about 430 flags in Oakland Cemetery this Saturday, beginning at 9:30am. Volunteers are always welcome. They’ll meet at a cemetery’s Gazebo. Moberly Area Community College invites all area veterans to attend a special recognition ceremony on November 9, and 11am in the MACC Auditorium. Moberly’s annual Veteran’s Day Parade will be held on November 11 in downtown Moberly, starting at 1pm. A reception will follow at the Moberly VFW Post.
KIRKSVILLE WOMAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT WITH VEHICLE
A Kirksville woman faces domestic assault charges, after she allegedly hit a man with her car and then tried to run over him, early Monday morning. 29 year old Sabrina Hatter, of Kirksville, was arrested for first-degree domestic assault and leaving the scene of an accident. Officers responded to a 911 hang-up call at around 3:30am Monday. They say they heard yelling in the 700 block of South Sheridan, and upon arrival, saw a man standing in front of a vehicle, speaking with the driver, who was later identified as Hatter. Officers say she accelerated and struck the man, forcing him onto the hood of the vehicle and then onto the pavement. She then allegedly revved the engine and sped towards him while he was on the ground. He was able to avoid being struck and Hatter allegedly then fled the scene. After her arrest, she admitted driving the vehicle, but said she did not recall hitting the man.
Schuyler County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a fugitive. 32 year old Tanya Marie Nab is wanted on a probation violation for an original charge of distribution of meth. Nab is described as a white female, about 5-1 and 115 pounds. She has family in the Moulton and Centerville, Iowa area. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Schuyler county Sheriff’s Office at 660-457-3436.
On this Halloween evening, several area communities have safe trick-or-treating events scheduled for the kids:
Downtown Moberly’s annual Trick-or-Treat Trail will be held from 4:30 to 6:30pm, with dozens of businesses and organizations passing out candy to kids 10 and under, in downtown Moberly. The Moberly Public Library will also hold its Halloween Extravaganza, with prizes, games and more, from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
Trick or Treat downtown Marceline, with a costume contest at 4:30pm, the First Baptist Church ‘Trunk or Treat’ from 4:30 to 7, trick-or-treating at downtown merchants and treats and games at the Masonic Temple from 5 to 6:30pm, along with hot dogs and hot chocolate at the Marceline Fire Barn, starting at 5:30pm.
Main Street Chillicothe will hold its 18th annual ‘Boofest’, with trick-or-treating and other activities at downtown Chillicothe businesses, from 4 to 6pm.
In Macon, the Crossroads Christian Church will hold a ‘Trunk or Treat’ event from 6 to 8pm at the church.
For other trick-or-treating events in our area, check out our on-line events calendar.
Columbia’s Crimestoppers has received an anonymous donation of $2,000 to be put towards reward money for tips leading to the arrest in the July murder of Jamar Hicks. Hicks was murdered on July 16 when at least one suspect approached a car and opened fire, killing Hicks and injuring two other victims. The anonymous donation brings the reward for information in the case to $3,500 dollars. You can call Crime Stoppers and provide information anonymously, at 573-875-TIPS.
TWO INJURED IN SUNDAY COLLISION NEAR MARCELINE JUNCTION
Two Illinois residents were injured in a Sunday evening collision on Highway 36, just east of the Marceline junction. The accident occurred at around 5:25pm, in the eastbound lanes of 36. The patrol says an eastbound vehicle driven by 38 year old Lucia Morales-Trujillo, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, passed another eastbound vehicle and clipped the front of that car as it merged back into the driving lane. Morales-Trujillo’s vehicle then ran off the roadway into the median and overturned several times. A passenger, 38 year old Margarita Puntos-Coahuilas, also of Bolingbrook, was ejected from the vehicle. She was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The driver was treated for moderate injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.
A Ridgeway driver was killed in a fiery crash, which occurred Friday afternoon on a Harrison County road, about 9 miles east of Bethany. 65 year old Michael Sherer, of Ridgeway, died in the accident, which occurred at around 2:40pm. The patrol says his northbound pickup ran off the roadway, struck a fence and a tree and became fully engulfed in flames. Sherer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two Kidder residents were injured in a Saturday afternoon UTV accident, which occurred on Caldwell County Route V, just southeast of Polo, at around 2pm. 33 year old Dustin Pittsenbarger, of Kidder, was the driver of the eastbound UTV. The patrol says he lost control and it ran off the roadway, struck small trees and then traveled down an embankment and overturned. Pittsenbarger was ejected from the vehicle and suffered moderate injuries. He was taken to Liberty Hospital for treatment. A passenger in the UTV, his 26 year old wife, Kyndra Pittsenbarger, of Kidder, sought her own treatment for minor injuries.
Two Moberly residents are both charged with burglary and stealing, after their arrest over the weekend by Moberly Police. Both arrests occurred Saturday, but it is not clear if the two burglary charges are related. Officers arrested 36 year old Robert Hess, of Moberly, in the 300 block of South Morley. 45 year old Vicki Craig, of Moberly, was arrested in the 200 block of Walnut Street. Both suspects faces two counts of burglary and one charge of stealing. Bond for both suspects is set at $10,000 dollars.
A Wheeling man is accused of stealing tools and equipment from a rural residence, after an investigation by Livingston County deputies earlier this month. According to a Friday news release, 36 year old Joseph Wayne Woody, of Wheeling, was arrested and charged last week. The incident occurred on October 12. Deputies served a warrant in the 200 block of Sherman in Wheeling and say they recovered most of the stolen items. Woody is free after posting $5,000 dollars bond.
COLUMBIA WOMAN ACCUSED OF STEALING MORE THAN $250,000
A Columbia woman is accused of identity theft and stealing more than a quarter of a million dollars from a business checking account. Tanya Garay-Contreras, of Columbia, was arrested last week on suspicion of passing bad checks. A pair of victims in the case say Contreras contacted them and asked if they’d be willing to help out the less fortunate by assisting Columbia families with utility bills. Contreras allegedly kept the donations and did not pay any utility bills. During the investigation, a victim in the case says more than $250,000 dollars turned up missing from a business checking account. The investigation reveals the thefts had been ongoing since February.
A Moberly driver was seriously injured in an early Thursday morning accident on Randolph County Route JJ, just west of Moberly. 21 year old Zachary Baker, of Moberly, was treated at Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 4:30am. The patrol says Baker suffered serious injuries when his eastbound car crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a section of pavement and overturned.
A Macon woman was hurt in a Thursday evening accident on Randolph County Route K, just east of Cairo. 29 year old Tia Goble, of Macon, was the driver of a westbound car, which ran off the roadway and struck a ditch, at around 7:30pm. The patrol says she was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. She was treated for minor injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
A Unionville driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, escaped with just minor injuries, after his truck ran off Route 139 in Putnam County and overturned. That accident occurred at around 10:30 Thursday morning, about five miles south of Powersville. 22 year old Cory Lewis, of Unionville, was treated at the scene, after his southbound truck ran off the highway and overturned.
A Fayette driver was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off a Howard County road, Thursday evening. 31 year old Russell Suggs, of Fayette, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 6:15pm. The patrol says his southbound car ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
STATE AUDIT REVEALS DETAILS OF CHARGES AGAINST COUNTY CLERK
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released a report on the audit of Cooper County, which details alleged misappropriation of county funds that resulted in criminal charges against former Cooper County Clerk Darryl Kempf. According to the audit report, Kempf used county funds to lease a vehicle for his personal use, despite the fact that the county owned an SUV, which was available for his use. The report alleges that, in 2016, after the county had all ready paid substantial lease payments and property taxes for the vehicle, Kempf terminated the lease early and used both personal and county funds to purchase the truck. The clerk then gifted the truck to himself and traveled to a different county to license the vehicle in his name. Kempf resigned from office in September, after pleading guilty to stealing. He received a six-month suspended sentence and two years probation and is also required to pay restitution.
A ‘silver alert’, issued Thursday for a Mexico man, has been cancelled after the man was found safe. The alert was issued after 81 year old William Gary Resa left his Mexico home to drive to Independence Thursday morning, but did not arrive at his destination. Resa, who suffers from Alzheimer’s was reported missing. Authorities say he was found safe and has been returned to his home.
A driver was killed when his pickup collided with a tractor-trailer on Highway 69 in Daviess County, Wednesday afternoon. 63 year old Jay Williams, of Rogersville, MO, died in the accident, which occurred at around 3:20pm. The patrol says he tried to cross Highway 69 in Pattonsburg, and pulled into the path of a northbound semi, driven by 52 year old Greg Linthacum, of Ridgeway. Williams was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, where he was pronounced dead. Linthacum was not injured.
A northeast Missouri teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a Wednesday afternoon collision on a Marion County road. 18 year old Sierra Plank, of Palmyra, was treated at Hannibal Regional Hospital after the accident, which occurred just after noon, just west of Palmyra. The patrol says her eastbound SUV crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a westbound vehicle, driven by 68 year old Joseph Barnes, of Palmyra. Barnes was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
From KTVO.com: Police are investigating reports of a gun at Kirksville High School Wednesday. Kirksville Police say students reported to teachers that a teenage boy had a handgun at school. They say no teacher or administrator saw the gun and no weapon was found at the school, but the male juvenile was taken to the Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center for questioning. The investigation is continuing. So far, no charges have been filed.
Moberly Police arrested a man after allegedly leaving his child in an abandoned vehicle. Police arrested 29 year old Brandon President of Columbia after the incident, which occurred Tuesday morning. He has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious man banging on a door in the area of Williams Street in Moberly. They say he told them he had ingested cocaine and could not breathe and that he had blacked out and could not remember where his child was. A search for the missing child ensued and the 5-year-old was found shivering in an abandoned vehicle parked along Highway 63.
Drivers from Fulton and Auxvasse were both seriously injured when their vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lanes of Highway 54, at the Auxvasse Creek Bridge. The accident occurred at around 6:45am Wednesday. The patrol says 74 year old William Gentzsch, of Fulton, was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes and his vehicle collided head-on with a westbound car, driven by 45 year old Theresa Haubner, of Auxvasse. Both drivers were seriously injured…both were taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia.
BOONE COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOTS FIRED
Boone County deputies have arrested a suspect, in connection with a Wednesday morning shots fired incident in the 100 block of Moonglow Lane. 61 year old Thomas Hayden was arrested at the scene. Deputies were called to his residence after multiple reports of gunshots. They determined that Hayden had been in an argument with a 26 year old man, who told investigators Hayden fired his shotgun several times as the man was leaving his property. Deputies also found Hayden in possession of a substance resembling meth. He was taken into custody for unlawful use of a weapon, assault and possible possession charges. His bond is set at $9,500 dollars.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Department reports the arrest of two Bevier area residents, after approximately 22 harvested marijuana plants were found on their property. 48 year old Damon C. Felton and 49 year old Tinamarie Felton, of Bevier, are both charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. Macon County Deputies, with assistance from the North Missouri Drug Task Force, investigated an anonymous tip about marijuana being grown on the property, located on State Highway C in Bevier. Authorities say the marijuana plants were found drying in a barn and they also seized drug paraphernalia and items used for the manufacture and delivery of marijuana. Damon Felton is being held on $50,000 dollars cash-only bond and Tinamarie Felton’s bond has been set at $25,000 dollars, cash-only.
CHILLICOTHE WOMAN CHARGED WITH LIVINGSTON COUNTY BREAK-IN
A Chillicothe woman has been charged with burglary, in connection with a break-in at a rural Livingston County home last week. 29 year old Cynthia Renee Periman, of Chillicothe, is charged in the case. She is being held in the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail on $25,000 dollars bond. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department was called to a report of forced entry into a home on Old Highway 190. The victim reported several electronics items, a small amount of cash, a bed mattress and prescription medication missing from the home. Deputies say Periman was identified as a suspect and a search of her home turned up most of the stolen property.
A Novinger man is in custody, after a burglary alarm alerted authorities to a break-in at the Kirksville Walgreen’s store, early Tuesday morning. Officers say they found damage to the front door of the store and used surveillance video to develop a suspect description. 33 year old Billy Thudium, of Novinger, is charged with property damage and attempted burglary. He is being held on $5,000 dollars cash-only bond.
Kirksville Police have released details on a Monday afternoon traffic crash that killed three occupants of two vehicles. It occurred just before 2:30pm on Highway 63, a quarter-mile north of Illinois Street in Kirksville. Investigators say a northbound SUV, driven by 76 year old Gwendolyn Laudwig, of Greentop, crossed the center line and struck a southbound car, driven by 19 year old Rachel Morris, of Queen City. Both drivers were killed in the accident, along with Laudwig’s passenger, her 84 year old husband, Wayne Laudwig.
A Columbia pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday night. Police say 60 year old Donald Wayne Meyer, of Columbia, was in the roadway on Keene Street near Berrywood Drive, at around 8:30pm, when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. Meyer was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police say the driver, 36 year old Anthony Johnson, of Kansas City was not injured and drugs or alcohol were not believe to be a factor in the accident. No charges have been filed.
A Columbia man faces prison time, after pleading guilty to producing and possessing child pornography. 33 year old Justin Hull, of Columbia, entered a guilty plea Thursday. He admitted using a child victim to produce pornography in December of 2015 and also admitted to possession of child porn. The investigation was prompted when a detective from the Boone County Cyber Crimes Task Force received a tip regarding the suspect. Deputies say Hull had uploaded approximately 71 videos believed to contain child pornography to his dropbox account. Investigators say they also found photos and videos on other electronic items owned by Hull. Prosecutors say they will recommend that Hull be sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
POLICE INVESTIGATE TOYS FOR TOTS STORAGE FACILITY BREAK-IN
Fulton Police are investigating the theft of toys from a Toys for Tots storage facility in Fulton. Reports indicate the toys belonged to the Columbia area Toys for Tots program, which serves 6,000 to 10,000 needy children in a 9-county area. Investigators say the storage unit locks were completely removed and the amount of stolen items could fill a large truck. Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact Fulton Police.
Three persons were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 63 in Kirksville, Monday afternoon. It occurred a half-mile north of the Illinois Street intersection. Police are still piecing together the details of the deadly crash, which involved a car and an SUV. The driver of the car was 19 year old Rachel Morris, of Queen City. She was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. A couple in the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene…84 year old Wayne Laudwig and his 78 year old wife, Gwen Laudwig, both of Greentop. Investigators are expected to release more details on the accident Tuesday.
Two Iowa drivers were injured when their vehicles collided head-on on Highway 65 at Lineville, in Mercer County. It occurred just after 11 o’clock Monday morning. The patrol says a northbound vehicle, driven by 58 year old Lawrence Devitt, of Lineville, Iowa, was attempting to pass another vehicle, when his car skidded and collided head-on with a southbound vehicle, driven by 63 year old Jackie Kostka, of Des Moines, Iowa. Kostka was flown to a Des Moines area hospital with serious injuries. Lawrence was treated for moderate injuries at Wayne County, Iowa Hospital.
CHILLICOTHE WOMAN ONE OF FOUR INJURED IN CRASH
A Chillicothe woman was one of four people injured in a Monday morning chain-reaction collision involving four vehicles, in heavy traffic on southbound I-35 in Clay County. 37 year old Amy Ketchum, of Chillicothe was treated for moderate injuries at Liberty Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 6:40am. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 54 year old Randy Mullen, of Chillicothe. The patrol says they were stopped in traffic, when a vehicle driven by 63 year old Larry Chipman, of Cameron struck their vehicle in the rear, causing a chain-reaction collision with two other vehicles. Three other passengers in Mullen’s vehicle were also treated for minor to moderate injuries.
A Mexico driver was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Audrain County Route Z, which occurred Monday afternoon. 84 year old William Phillips, of Mexico, died in the crash, which occurred at around 2:30pm. The patrol says his northbound car ran off the roadway and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Glasgow Chief of Police and City Administrator has been suspended for a month, after action by the Glasgow City Council. Kevin Atwood was suspended after a recent closed session by the city council. Officials say the council’s action involves an investigation of allegations against Atwood, but they will not release more details at this time. The suspension is for 30 days, with pay. Assistant Police Chief Charlie Polson has taken over Atwood’s duties as chief, pending the investigation.
Columbia Police are seeking the public’s helping in locating a runaway teenager. Authorities say 13 year old Trinity Spohn, of Columbia, was last seen Sunday afternoon in the area of Business Loop 70 and Seventh Street. Her family believes she ran away from home and may be trying to hitchhike to Drexel, in western Missouri. She is described as a white female, about 5-3 and 125 pounds, with shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, black yoga pants and black tennis shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact Columbia Police or call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
It was a scary sight on Highway 36 near New Cambria, early Sunday morning, when a tractor-trailer burned. The Highway Patrol says there were no injuries in the fire, which occurred at around 5am, on eastbound 36. Authorities believe a mechanical issue caused the truck to catch fire. The driver noticed smoke and flames coming from his vehicle and was able to pull it onto the shoulder and exit the cab. One lane of eastbound 36 was closed for much of the day Sunday, as crews cleaned up the remnants of the burned semi.
A Shelbina teenager was treated for moderate injuries after an ATV accident, which occurred Saturday evening on private property in Monroe County. 16 year old Abigail Copenhaver, of Shelbina, was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment after the accident, which occurred at around 6:45pm, about five miles southwest of Shelbina. The patrol says she was driving an ATV up a hill when it overturned, ejecting the occupants.
A Marshall woman was one of two persons, who were seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon collision on eastbound I-70 in Jackson County. 45 year old Maria Aguirre Tobar, of Marshall, was a passenger in a car driven by 32 year old Yeimi Ruiz Mendez, of Sedalia. The patrol says their eastbound car sideswiped another eastbound vehicle, driven by a 61 year old Belton man, then ran off the highway and struck a lamp post. Both the driver and passenger were taken to Centerpoint Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.
MARSHALL MOTORCYLIST TREATED AFTER SATURDAY ACCIDENT
A Saturday morning accident on Highway 24 in Lafayette County, sent a Marshall man to the hospital with moderate injuries. 70 year old Joel Rice, of Marshall, was the driver of a westbound motorcycle. The patrol says he suffered moderate injuries when it ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a curb. Rice was treated at Centerpoint Medical Center.
One victim was hospitalized after suffering a gunshot wound in central Columbia Saturday night. Officers were called to the 200 block of Business Loop 70 East to a report of shots fired, at around 8pm Saturday. They found multiple shell casings at the scene, along with one vehicle damaged by gunfire. The male victim was located some time later in the 700 block of Sixth Street and transported to a Columbia hospital. Investigators have not released information on the victim or any suspects in the case. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
A Thursday night accident in Putnam County seriously injured an Illinois driver. It occurred at around 7:45pm on Wildflower Drive, about four miles north of Unionville. 68 year old Robert Burton, of Machesney Park, Illinois, was the driver of a northbound vehicle. The patrol says it crossed the centerline and struck the trailer of an oncoming pickup, which was driven by 29 year old Wendell Kurtz, of Unionville. Burton was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. His passenger, his 66 year old wife, Linda Burton, sought her own treatment for minor injuries.
A Madison woman was seriously injured in a Thursday afternoon head-on collision on Monroe County Route C, about ten miles north of Centralia. 38 year old Lucinda Levings, of Madison, was taken to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 12:45pm. The patrol says her northbound car crossed the centerline into the path of an oncoming SUV, driven by 44 year old Alexander Knopick, of Edina, Minnesota. Knopick swered to avoid the collision, but Levings also swerved and the vehicles collided head-on. Knopick and his 16 year old son were both treated for minor injuries at University Hospital.
COLUMBIA MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER OVERNIGHT FIRE
A male victim is in critical condition this morning, after an overnight house fire in Columbia. Firefighters were called to the scene on Forest Avenue shortly after 12:30am and found smoke coming from the home. They were able to enter the home and get the male resident out. He was taken to a local hospital. The department says the fire was contained in one room and no one else was home at the time. The man’s identity has not been released.
Boone County authorities say a Columbia teenager was shot in a home in the 4200 block of Bethany Drive on Wednesday night. The incident occurred at around 10:30pm. Boone County Deputies were called to a report of gunshots and learned the 17 year old victim had all ready been taken to a hospital by private vehicle. The victim was treated for a gunshot wound to the head. The injuries were described as not life-threatening. No suspect information has been released.
It’s something we should all be smart enough to do every day, but MODOT and the Coalition for Roadway Safety are hoping that if we all do it for one day, maybe it will start a new habit for all of us. Today is ‘Buckle Up Phone Down’ day in Missouri. We’re all being challenged to buckle our seat belts and put our phones down while driving. It sounds easy…but yet, 6 out of 10 traffic fatality victims in Missouri last year were NOT buckled up…and, since 2014, there has been a 20 percent increase in traffic crashes involving cell phone use. So, do it today…and then do it again tomorrow…buckle up and phone down…arrive alive!
A Trenton truck driver suffered moderate injuries when his semi overturned off a Grundy County road, just north of Laredo on Wednesday. 35 year old Kevin Berry, of Trenton, was treated for moderate injuries after the accident, which occurred at around 11am. The patrol says his southbound semi ran off the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its passenger side.
A Wednesday afternoon collision in Grundy County injured two drivers from Spickard. It occurred at around 3:45pm, at the intersection of Grundy County Routes Y & B, just east of Spickard. The patrol says 19 year old Nina Jermanovich, of Spickard, stopped at the intersection, then continued across Route Y and into the path of a northbound car driven by 60 year old Cheryl Burtch, of Spickard. Burtch was treated for moderate injuries at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton. Jermanovich refused treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
Four people were injured when two vehicles both struck a cow in the roadway on Highway 41 in Saline County, Wednesday night. The accident occurred just after 7:30pm. The patrol says a southbound car, driven by 46 year old Avery Goehman, of Pilot Grove, struck a cow in the roadway, then ran off the road. The injured cow came to rest in the northbound lane of the highway and was struck by a second vehicle, driven by 35 year old Thaddeus Rodgers, of Brunswick. Both drivers and two passengers in Rodgers vehicle, including a one year old child all were treated for minor injuries at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall.
A Moberly man faces a total of 16 counts of child-sex-related charges, after an investigation by Randolph County authorities. The Moberly Police Department says 38 year old Carl Edward Sheets, of Moberly, was arrested Tuesday. The warrant includes 16 charges, including three counts of statutory sodomy, three counts of statutory rape, three counts of incest and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct. Sheets is being held in the Randolph County Jail on $500,000 dollars cash only bond and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday. No further details on the investigation have been released.
Reports of a woman with a gun caused a Tuesday morning lockdown on the University of Missouri Campus. Reports indicated a woman was possibly suicidal and carrying a gun, near the Mizzou Campus. The woman was later located and taken into custody in the 400 block of Park Avenue. Officers say she was not armed at that time, but they believe she may have discarded the weapon. Police say they believe she had no intention of harming anyone else. Her identity has not been released.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER VEHICLE AND FOOT PURSUIT
A Wednesday night police pursuit started with a traffic stop in Boone County and ended with a foot chase in Cooper County. Just before 10pm, a Boone County deputy attempted to stop a westbound vehicle on I-70. The vehicle fled the scene into Cooper County before becoming disabled near the 99 mile marker. Two suspects attempted to flee the vehicle on foot. They were both apprehended after a foot pursuit. 37 year old Jose De Los Dios and 27 year old Lesli Ramirez, both of Kansas City, are in custody. Both are accused of possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. De Los Dios also was wanted on a parole violation warrant from New York state.
A Kirksville man is wanted by authorities in Illinois. A press release from the Marine Police Department indicates that 32 year old Lendsey Phillips, of Kirksville, is being sought on multiple charges, in connection with an August 24 traffic stop. They say a car was stopped for driving 62 miles per hour in a 20 mile per hour school zone and the driver of the car was not able to provide a driver’s license. He allegedly fled the scene and struck an officer with his vehicle. The vehicle was located abandoned a short time later and investigation revealed evidence that the driver was Lendsey Phillips of Kirksville. Phillips is wanted on three felony warrants from Madison County, Illinois, with bond set at $100,000 dollars. He is also wanted on a parole violation warrant. Police say he is considered armed and dangerous with an extensive history of violence toward law enforcement. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the authorities.
A 2 year old child, who was reported missing in Kansas, was found Tuesday night, with assistance from the Moberly Police Department. Authorities say the child’s father had reported the child missing, after being taken by a 26 year old woman from Kansas. Authorities have not confirmed the suspect’s relationship to the child, but the case was originally reported as a parental kidnapping. The child was located safely in Moberly by the Highway Patrol, with assistance from Moberly Police and the Randolph County Children’s Division. The woman was taken into custody, pending formal charges.
Two Chillicothe residents were injured in a Tuesday afternoon ATV accident, on a Livingston County road, just east of Chillicothe. It occurred at around 3:45pm. 36 year old Matthew Curtis, of Chillicothe was the driver of the ATV. The patrol says he was traveling too fast for his attempt to make a left turn and the ATV overturned, ejecting him and his passenger, 14 year old Ehrich Weiss-Vanfossen, of Chillicothe. They both suffered moderate injuries and were both treated at Hedrick Medical Center.
A Vandalia driver suffered moderate injuries when her car was struck by a dump truck at an Audrain County intersection, Tuesday afternoon. 55 year old Linda Govero, of Vandalia, was taken to SSM Audrain Hospital in Mexico after the accident, which occurred at around 2:45pm. The patrol says she was stopped in the roadway and her car was struck in the rear by a northbound dump truck, driven by 50 year old James Wright, of Columbia. Wright was not injured.
A Tuesday morning drug bust at a Columbia residence, resulted in the arrest of two suspects on drug and firearms charges. A raid by Columbia Police and the East Central Drug Task Force occurred at around 4am Tuesday, in the 500 block of East Rollins Street. 19 year old Dominic Kurt Loise and 19 year old Luke Joseph Stone were both arrested at the scene. Officers say they found cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, marijuana concentrate and marijuana edibles at the home, along with weapons.
SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER FLEEING CENTRALIA TRAFFIC STOP
A suspect is in custody after fleeing a Centralia traffic stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. A probable cause statement says the suspect, Tanner Spurlock, fled a traffic stop by Centralia Police and the vehicle pursuit ensued, lasting more than 40 minutes through multiple counties, with speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour at times. Officers say Spurlock was taken into custody and was found to be in possession of marijuana and rolling papers. He faces multiple charges.
A homecoming weekend accident resulted in serious injuries for one Truman State University student and felony charges against another. Kirksville Police say 20 year old Austin Haywood, of Liberty, was seriously injured when he fell from the back of a pickup truck on Saturday. The driver of the truck, 23 year old Bryan Moore, of Lone Jack, has been formally charged with DWI resulting in serious physical injury. Police say Moore had three passengers and a barbecue grill in the bed of his truck, when he sped up sharply near the intersection of Davis and Randolph Streets in Kirksville. One of the passengers, Haywood, fell from the back of the truck and was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
Adair County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a noncompliant sex offender. Deputies are searching for 32 year old Dustin Leroy McKim, who reportedly failed to notify authorities when he left Adair County. They were unable to locate him at his last known address. They say McKim is about 5-8 and around 180 pounds with short, blond hair. He is believed to be in the Kirksville area. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Adair County authorities.
CORRECTIONS EMPLOYEE ACCUSED OF SEXUAL CONTACT WITH PRISONER
A corrections employee has been accused of having unlawful sexual contact with a prisoner at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. A warrant issued Monday in Livingston County accuses John Thomas Dunn of sexual contact with a prisoner, along with second-degree sodomy. His bond has been set at $100,000 dollars cash only.
A Shelbyville man was treated for moderate injuries after his semi overturned off Highway 63 in Boone County, Monday night. The accident occurred at around 10:20pm on 63, south of Friendship Church Road. The patrol says 63 year old Steven Bue, of Shelbyville, was southbound when his tractor-trailer ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned into a ditch. Bue was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
A Memphis driver was treated for moderate injuries after her pickup ran off Schuyler County Route A, east of Queen City, on Monday. 42 year old Kary Curry, of Memphis, was taken to Scotland County Hospital in Memphis after the accident, which occurred at around 4pm. The patrol says her northbound pickup ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence.
Two drivers suffered moderate injuries in a Monday night collision on Southbound 63 at New Salem Road in Boone County. It occurred at around 10:15pm. The patrol says an eastbound car, driven by 51 year old John Gray, of California, MO, failed to yield at the intersection and pulled into the path of a southbound car, driven by 19 year old Kori Poynter, of Monett. Both drivers were treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital.
A Chillicothe woman is safe after she was found Sunday, after being reported missing since Saturday afternoon. Chillicothe Police and the Highway Patrol issued a Silver Advisory early Sunday morning, for 67 year old Maureen Moffit, of Chillicothe, who was last seen near Danner Park in Chillicothe at around 3:45pm Saturday. Police said she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well as dementia. She was found safe and uninjured in the 1700 block of Fairchild Street, at around 12:30 Sunday afternoon.
KIRKSVILLE DRIVER TREATED AFTER PUTNAM COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Kirksville driver was treated for moderate injuries after a Saturday afternoon accident on a Putnam County highway. 37 year old Stacey Semple, of Kirksville, was taken to Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville after the accident, which occurred at around 1:50pm on Route B, just south of Lemons. The patrol says she suffered moderate injuries when she failed to negotiate a curve and her northbound vehicle became airborne and struck the ground.
A Moberly driver escaped with just minor injuries, after his SUV ran off a Randolph County road and overturned, just after 9 o’clock Sunday night. 39 year old Floyd Snow, of Moberly, was the driver of a southbound car on a gravel road, just west of Moberly. The patrol says it ran off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Snow refused treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
Columbia Police are investigating a total of 17 calls Friday night, involving car break-ins in the area of the Regal Stadium 14 movie theatres, also known as Hollywood Theatres. Authorities say all 17 calls came in between the hours of 11:27pm Friday and 1 o’clock Saturday morning. 13 of the calls were reported as vandalism damage to vehicles…the other four involved items reported stolen from vehicles. The series of incidents remains under investigation by Columbia Police.
A Macon woman was sentenced to prison last week, on charges that she attempted to bring drugs into the Moberly Correctional Center, earlier this year. 35 year old Barbara Ward was the defendant in the case, which stemmed from her arrest in March. Officials say she was sentenced to 5 years in prison on each of two counts, possession of meth and possession of heroin. Those sentences will be served concurrently.
Boil advisory is in effect this morning for the entire city of Keytesville. According to a release from city officials, the 48-hour boil advisory was issued Thursday afternoon and remains in effect thru 4pm Saturday.
A Shelbina driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident, which occurred just after 8:30 Thursday morning on Highway 15 in Monroe County. 50 year old Jacqueline A. Wright, of Shelbina, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident. The patrol says she suffered serious injuries when her northbound car ran off the roadway and overturned.
A driver from Anabel was injured when his pickup struck a calf on Macon County Route V, early Thursday morning. It occurred at around 4:20am. 53 year old Jeffrey Gladhill, of Anabel, was the driver of the northbound pickup. The patrol says it struck a calf in the roadway and then ran off the road and struck a ditch. Gladhill was treated for minor injuries at Samaritan Hospital in Macon.
Marshall Police investigated a social media threat against Marshall High School on Thursday. A text alert sent out to parents Thursday morning indicated that school officials were aware of a social media post alluding to planned violence at the school. Officials told parents the suspected poster had been taken into custody and was being questioned. No further details on the investigation have been released. Thursday’s classes at Marshall High School were not interrupted, but there was an increased police presence on school grounds.
GOVERNOR GREITENS APPOINTS NEW 8TH CIRCUIT JUDGE
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has appointed a new judge to take over the 8th Circuit, which covers Ray and Carroll Counties. Judge Kevin Walden, of Carrollton, will replace the retiring Judge David Miller. Walden has served as Associate Circuit Judge for Carroll County since 2005. He also previously served as the Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Ellis-Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia will hold a ‘mammothon’ this weekend, urging women to get breast cancer screenings. The ‘mammothon’ will be held this (Friday) evening from 5 to 9pm and Saturday morning from 8am to noon. Mammograms, breast exams and more information on cancer education will be available during the event. You can make an appointment by calling Ellis-Fischel at 573-884-4082, and walk-ins are also welcome.
A Milan man has been arrested for child abuse and domestic assault, after being accused of throwing a toddler twice, sending the child to the hospital with serious head injuries. 27 year old Shane Stephenson, of Milan, is being held on $100,000 dollars bond. According to the probable cause statement, the alleged incident occurred Saturday night. The mother of the 2-year-old child told investigators that Stephenson threw her son twice, causing his head to strike the floor and a wall, leaving him unresponsive. The child was flown from Sullivan County Memorial Hospital to University Hospital in Columbia, with head injuries.
Kirksville Police say a burglar was caught stealing electronics from a Kirksville home while the residents were upstairs. 26 year old Cody A. Williams, of Kirksville, was arrested Monday night and is charged with first-degree burglary, resisting arrest, property damage and stealing. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for absconding parole. The probable cause statement says police were called to a home on Fourth Street in Kirksville, when residents heard someone moving around in the home. Williams was arrested at the scene, then tried to flee on foot but was quickly caught. He is being held on $50,000 dollars bond.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is seeking a suspect, who is wanted on felony charges of meth possession. 41 year old Jason D. Jameson, of Breckenridge is wanted on the warrant, dated October 2. Anyone with information on Jameson’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. Tips can also be left on the Department’s website.
Columbia Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with a robbery, which occurred last weekend on Claudell Lane. 19 year old Jeremy Nash was arrested Tuesday at the Columbia Red Roof Inn. Officers say they found marijuana, meth and digital scales in Nash’s hotel room, which will likely prompt additional charges. Police previously arrested 18 year old Keaveon Harris in connection with the robbery.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Columbia man Wednesday, after he allegedly tried to flee from officers who were serving an active warrant. Deputies tried to make contact with the suspect, 44 year old Shawn Ingram, in the 2100 block of Sycamore Hills Road, just after 5pm Wednesday. They say Ingram ran into a nearby wooded area and K9 units were used to help locate him. Ingram was wanted warrants for first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, distributing a controlled substance and three counts of resisting arrest. Another man in the home, who was allegedly carrying a large amount of meth, was also arrested. 52 year old Gerald Summers is charged with possession.
A northeast Missouri teenager was seriously injured in a Wednesday afternoon collision on Route 16 at Highway Z, in Lewis County. 18 year old Jason Poulter, of Canton, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, after the accident, which occurred at around 3:50pm. The patrol says his westbound pickup struck an SUV in the rear as it slowed to make a left turn at the intersection. The driver of the SUV, 32 year old Danika Wallace, of Ewing, was treated for minor injuries.
A Chillicothe man has been charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon, in connection with Sunday afternoon’s stabbing incident at the Chillicothe McDonald’s. Court documents accuse 30 year old Nathan Osborne of attacking a store manager with a knife, after an altercation, causing multiple stab wounds. Osborne’s bond has been set at $250,000 dollars.
A Brookfield driver was treated for minor injuries after his vehicle ran off Highway 5 in Linneus, early this (Wed) morning. 68 year old Jose Munoz, of Brookfield, was the driver of the southbound SUV. The patrol says it ran off the right side of the highway and struck a utility pole. Munoz was treated for minor injuries by ambulance personnel at the scene.
Two drivers were injured in a Tuesday afternoon collision on Highway 6 in Lewis County. It occurred just before 4pm. The patrol says a westbound vehicle driven by 18 year old Natalie Halma, of Kirksville, hydroplaned on wet pavement, crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound car driven by 37 year old Jeffery Smith, of Lewistown. Smith sustained moderate injuries and Halma escaped with just minor injuries. Both were treated at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
A New London driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off Ralls County Route F, just north of Vandalia, early Tuesday morning. 49 year old Lori Epperson, of New London, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred just before 6am. The patrol says her car ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch.
A New Franklin teenager escaped with just minor injuries when her vehicle ran off Howard County Route P and overturned, just after 4 o’clock Tuesday afternoon. 17 year old Davi L. Smith, of New Franklin, was treated at Cooper County Memorial Hospital after the accident. The patrol says she was wearing her seatbelt when her car ran off the highway and overturned.
A Missouri Valley College student faces charges after a school resource officer allegedly seized a handgun from him on the campus in Marshall, last week. Court records indicate that 18 year old Kelvin Lamaar Phillips, of St. Louis, is charged with unlawful use of a weapon on school premises. The school’s director of public safety says Phillips posted threatening messages on social media and was in possession of a handgun on campus. He is being held in the Saline County jail on $7500 dollars cash-only bond.
WEEKEND SHOOTING VICTIM DIES AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Columbia Police have confirmed that the victim in a Saturday night shooting incident on Rolling Rock Drive has died from his injuries. 20 year old Richard Ware was the victim in the incident. Two suspects, Darren Carter and Deandre Winters, were arrested Monday for allegedly tampering with evidence at the crime scene. Police say Winters was the victim’s roommate. The incident remains under investigation and police are still asking anyone with information to contact police or call Crimestoppers to remain anonymous….573-875-TIPS.
Chillicothe Police have released more information on the Sunday afternoon stabbing incident at the Chillicothe McDonald’s. Police say an employee had an altercation with a manager of the restaurant, just after noon Sunday. According to a news release, the manager suffered multiple stab wounds and the suspect fled the scene on foot. A short time later, the male suspect was taken into custody after he was located attempting to take cover in weeds near Highway 36. He was transported to the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail, awaiting the filing of formal charges. The manager was treated and released for his injuries at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe. The identities of the victim and suspect have not yet been released.
Milan Police have released more information on the vehicle that crashed into the front of Richardson’s Supermarket in Milan, Sunday evening. It occurred at around 5:30pm. Police say 49 year old Adam Tong, of Milan, was the driver of the vehicle. They say Tong was attempting to get as close to the store as possible, when his SUV went over a concrete parking bumper, through the front electric doors of the store and partially into the business. Tong then tried to back out of the doorway and struck a parked car. He was cited by police for driving while his license was suspended and careless and imprudent driving. Tong was not injured in the accident and there were no injuries reported inside the store.
A Moberly teenager was treated for minor injuries after her car ran off Randolph County Route NN, Monday night. 16 year old Maggie Sutton, of Moberly, was treated and released at Moberly Regional Medical Center after the accident, which occurred at around 10:25pm. The patrol says she swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway and the car ran off the road,