GOVERNOR APPOINTS COUNTY OFFICIALS
Governor Jay Nixon has appointed Gary Redmon, of Brookfield, as Presiding Commissioner of Linn County. The governor’s appointment was announced yesterday, to fill the term of Rick Solomon, who recently resigned from office. Redmon won the Democratic nomination for the position in the August primary and will face off against Republican Dick King in the November general election. Governor Nixon has also appointed a new County Clerk for Putnam County. Chrystal D. Perkins, of Unionville will complete the term of Sue Ann Varner, who resigned as clerk, effective August 31st. Perkins has served as Deputy Clerk of Putnam County since 2006.
CHILLICOTHE DRUG INVESTIGATION NETS ARRESTS
Chillicothe Police have wrapped up a drug distribution investigation with a pair of arrests this week. Cindy J. Braley and Paul B. Fastenau, both of Chillicothe, face a number of charges, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, distribution within 2000 feet of a school and delivery of a controlled substance. Officers say they seized approximately one pound of marijuana from the suspect’s residence at the time of the arrest.
KIRKSVILLE MAN CHARGED IN KNOX COUNTY THEFT
From heartlandconnection.com – powered by KTVO: A Kirksville man faces three felony charges after a cooperative investigation by Kirksville Police and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department. 28 year old Wesley Ruggles, of Kirksville, is charged with one count of receiving stolen property and two counts of unlawful use of a firearm. Authorities say Kirksville Police recovered items which were allegedly stolen from a Hurdland residence. Rubbles is being held on $25,000 dollars cash-only bond.
STATE FUNDS COMING TO THE CITY OF MACON
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has announced a Community Development Block Grant for the City of Macon. An Industrial Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $620,000 dollars has been approved. The funds will help the City of Macon extend a street, which will be city owned and maintained, to serve three employers who plan to expand operations in Macon. Economy Products Company, Yutz Enterprises and Wyatt Enterprises plan to collectively create more than 60 new jobs and commit more than $1 million dollars in private investment over the next two years.
COLUMBIA MAN FACES DRUG CHARGE
A Columbia man faces drug possession charges after a Boone County traffic stop on Wednesday. Deputies were on the lookout for 30 year old Matthew Hall, who had an active warrant on a weapons charge. Officers stopped a vehicle after Hall was seen entering it. During the traffic stop, reports say Hall got out of the vehicle and ran. He allegedly tried to discard a quantity of crack cocaine which was packaged for sale. Hall was taken into custody after the short pursuit and is charged with resisting arrest and possession with intent to distribute.
FORMER RESTAURANT OWNER PLEADS GUILTY
The former owner of a Kirksville restaurant has pleaded guilty to more federal charges this week. 36 year old Tali Lopez entered his plea in federal court, for failure to pay federal employment taxes for workers at the El Vaquero restaurant in Hannibal. Lopez had all ready been sentenced to nearly a year in prison on social security fraud charges in connection with his Kirksville restaurant by the same name. Lopez could face up to another year in prison on this latest charge.
HOG FARM WASTEWATER IN MACON COUNTY CREEK
Cleanup efforts are underway after wastewater from a Macon County hog farm was discovered in an area creek on Tuesday. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says their investigators discovered waste from the Clear Creek Swine Operation, located on Highway 3 in Macon County, in Sweezer Creek. They say the wastewater apparently entered the creek after flowing off a field where it had been applied. Cleanup efforts were underway yesterday and the appropriate local health officials have been notified.
FIVE INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY COLLISION
Five occupants of two vehicles were treated for minor to moderate injuries after a collision on a Randolph County road, west of Higbee, Tuesday evening. The patrol says vehicles driven by 26 year old Matthew Eustace, of Huntsville and 38 year old Carrie Belzer, of Higbee, met on a hillcrest and collided head-on. Eustace suffered moderate injuries…his 25 year old wife and 2 year old son were both treated for minor injuries. Belzer and her 12 year old daughter were also treated for minor injuries.
KANSAS CHURCH TO PROTEST - KIRKSVILLE RESIDENTS URGE SUPPORT
A controversial Kansas-based church has announced plans to protest at the funeral for a Kirksville soldier who was killed in Iraq. The Westboro Baptist Church says members will protest Sergeant Brandon Maggart’s funeral this evening, part of its ongoing protest against America and its morals. Meanwhile, Kirksville residents plan to honor Maggart and his family by lining the road and waving flags…and they invite residents all along the processional route, from South Baltimore Street in Kirksville all the way to the Veterans Cemetary in Jacksonville, to join them following the funeral. Maggart’s services will begin at 6pm at the Kirksville Middle School.
VANDALIA MOTORCYCLIST INJURED
A Vandalia driver was treated for moderate injuries after crashing his motorcycle on Route 154, near Vandalia, Tuesday night. 49 year old Donald Heller was treated at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, after the accident, which occurred at around 7:40pm. The patrol says his motorcycle ran off the roadway and into a ditch after he swerved to miss a deer on the roadway.
ROBBERY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER POLICE STANDOFF
POLICE CHASE RESULTS IN EARLY MORNING ACCIDENT
A Kansas City man was injured while attempting to elude Brookfield Police, early this morning. 29 year old Robert L. Edde, of Kansas City, was treated for minor injuries at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, before being taken into custody by Brookfield Police. Edde was attempting to elude officers, just before 2am, when his car ran off Highway 11 at the south edge of Brookfield, struck an embankment and overturned. More information from the Brookfield Police Department will be released today.
CHILD STRUCK BY CAR AT CHILLICOTHE BUS STOP
Chillicothe Police are investigating a hit and run accident which injured a child at a bus stop Monday morning. Authorities say the child escaped with only minor injuries after being struck in the area of Clay and Peacher Streets in Chillicothe. Witnesses say the driver of the car initially stopped and then left the scene. Part of the passenger side mirror from the vehicle was left at the scene as a result of the impact. The suspect vehicle is described as a mid to late 90’s Chevrolet, possibly a Lumina, white or light cream in color. Anyone with information is urged to contact Chillicothe Police.
WOMAN CHARGED WITH BACKING CAR INTO CROWD
A Queen City woman is accused of purposely backing her vehicle into crowd of people with the intent to cause bodily injury, Sunday morning at the fairgrounds in Downing. 28 year old Alissa McElroy, of Queen City, is charged with multiple counts of assault. One person was life-flighted to Columbia with serious injuries after her legs were pinned between McElroy’s vehicle and a pickup. Prosecutors allege McElroy pushed that pickup more than 14 feet. She is being held on $50,000 dollars cash-only bond.
CHARGES AGAINST TROOPER DROPPED
Felony charges against a Northeast Missouri State Trooper have been dropped by prosecutors. 26 year old Dustin Berry, of Leonard, was charged with forgery and possession or sale of equipment with altered identification. Prosecutors say those charges have been dropped due to lack of evidence in the case. They say charges could be refiled if additional evidence becomes available.
MIZZOU RUNNING BACK CHARGED MONDAY
Suspended Mizzou Running Back Derrick Washington was charged Monday with a class C Felony of deviate sexual assault. Washington turned himself in and posted $4,500 dollars bond Monday. He is scheduled for an arraignment on September 23rd. According to court documents, Washington is accused of assaulting his female roommate in the early morning hours of June 19th.
POLICE INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE COLUMBIA RAPE
Columbia Police are investigating the possible rape of a 17 year old girl over the weekend. The teenager says she went to the Super 7 Motel near the Columbia Business Loop, to spend the night with a friend. She says three men arrived, gave her drugs, sexually assaulted her and threatened her to keep her from leaving. She was able to escape and call for help from a nearby gas station. That investigation is continuing.
CENTRALIA WOMAN TRIES TO FLEE COURTHOUSE
A Centralia woman remains in custody after attempting to run from the Boone County Courthouse on Friday. 23 year old Sydney Rodgers was in court for an arraignment hearing on a possession charge when she apparently ran out of the ground-level courtroom, up a flight of stairs, and nearly out of the courthouse. She was halted when the exit was blocked.
SERIOUS INJURIES AS TEENS CRASH NEAR NEW BOSTON
Two area teenagers were seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Route 129, south of New Boston, early Sunday morning. 19 year old Devin C. Colyer, of St. Catharine and 19 year old Gage-Ian Colyer, of Clark, were both flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, after the accident. It occurred just after 1am Sunday. The patrol says Devin Colyer was the driver of the car which ran off the highway and overturned several times.
ELMER TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MACON COLLISION
An Elmer teenager was seriously injured in a collision on Highway 36 at the east Macon City Limits, Saturday night. 19 year old Blake Grigsby, of Elmer, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon and then life-flighted to University Hospital, after the accident. The patrol says Grigsby failed to yield and pulled onto 36 into the path of a westbound car driven by an Illinois man.
PRINCETON TEEN INJURED IN ROLLOVER CRASH
A Princeton teenager was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Mercer County Route E, southeast of Princeton, Friday night. 17 year old Victoria Terabelian, of Princeton, was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton after the accident, which occurred at 9:20pm Friday. The patrol says her car ran off the highway, struck an embankment and overturned.
KIRKSVILLE SOLDIER'S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS SET
Funeral arrangements for a Kirksville soldier who was killed in Iraq have been announced. Sgt. Brandon Edward Maggart was killed in action on August 22nd. Public visitation will be held Tuesday evening, from 5 to 8pm, at the Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Funeral services will be held at the Kirksville Middle School Wednesday evening at 6pm, with burial in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.
AUXVASSE WOMAN FALLS OFF MOTORCYCLE
A woman from Auxvasse, Missouri was seriously injured when she fell off a motorcycle while it was in motion on Callaway County Route A, just north of I-70, early Sunday morning. The patrol says 33 year old Tanya Andrews was riding a motorcycle driven by 31 year old Michael Andrews, when she fell off, causing serious injuries. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
BOONVILLE COUPLE INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE/BUS COLLISION
A pair of Boonville residents were injured when their motorcycle struck the rear of a bus on I-70, Saturday evening. 60 year old Benjamin Biehl, of Boonville, was the driver of the motorcycle. The patrol says it struck the rear of a bus, which was traveling below the posted minimum speed limit. Biehl suffered moderate injuries while his passenger, 60 year old Alicia Biehl was seriously injured. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
ARMED ROBBERY AT COLUMBIA WENDY’S OVERNIGHT
Columbia Police are investigating an overnight armed robbery at the Wendy’s Retaurant, located near the Columbia Mall. They say a male a female suspect apparently accosted an employee outside the business and forced him back into the restaurant at gunpoint. The suspects were seen getting into a dark vehicle and leaving the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
BANK ROBBER SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS
The second suspect in a string of 2009 bank robberies, which included banks in Winigan and Clarence, was sentenced to prison this week. 29 year old Alan Wolfe, of Fulton, will spend 30 years in prison without parole. Wolfe had pleaded guilty to last July’s robberies at the Bank of Brookfield-Purdin branch in Winigan, The Community State Bank in Clarence and a bank in Holden, Missouri. Earlier this year, Wolfe’s accomplice, 20 year old Michael Leak, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The two men have also been ordered to pay more than $42,000 dollars in restitution to the banks.
MACON SENTENCED ON RAPE CHARGE
A Macon man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to a rape charge. 35 year old Nathanial Flennory, of Macon, entered his plea Thursday in Macon County Circuit Court. The rape occurred in September of last year. He’ll serve 15 years on the rape charge and was also ordered to serve three years on a probation violation from an earlier felony DWI charge.
MACON TEEN HURT AS CAR STRIKES BICYCLE
A Macon teenager is listed in fair condition at a Columbia hospital after being hit by a car on his bicycle this week. 13 year old Jared Welch was struck after he apparently pulled into the path of a car on Highway 63 in Macon, at around 8:30 Wednesday night. He was taken initially to Samaritan Hospital in Macon and later transferred to University Hospital in Columbia.
LANCASTER DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED
A Lancaster driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 11 in Knox County Thursday. 24 year old Trent Small, of Lancaster, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident. It occurred at around 11am, six miles west of Baring. The patrol says Small’s vehicle ran off the highway and struck a ditch.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATING BULLET HOLES
Columbia Police are investigating bullet holes discovered in a Columbia Transit System bus on Thursday. Police say the bus driver reported the incident during a routing safety check, just before noon. He reported hearing what sounded like rocks hitting the bus in the area of Providence Road and Kentucky Boulevard, Thursday morning. Columbia Police are continuing that investigation. Police are also investigating a ‘shots fired’ report which came in late Thursday night, in the 1200 block of East McCarty Street.
TWO ARRESTED IN STOLEN VEHICLE
COUPLE SENTENCED IN 2005 SHOOTING
A Unionville husband and wife were both sentenced to prison Wednesday, in connection with the 2005 shooting of the woman’s former boyfriend. Thomas Mitchell was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Anna Mitchell was handed a 12 year sentence. The two were charged in the non-fatal shooting of Larry Staggs of Unionville, which occurred in December of 2005. The couple pleaded guilty to charges of assault and tampering with evidence in June.
UNIONVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO SHOCK TIME
A Unionville man will serve 120 days ‘shock time’, but avoided a seven year sentence on charges involving a female child. 67 year old Alfred Tamman, of Unionville, was convicted on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, but that sentence was suspended and Tamman will instead serve 120 days shock time in the State’s Sex Offender Assessment Unit, and then five years of probation.
EDINA CONVENIENCE STORE CLERK CHARGED
An Edina convenience store clerk faces burglary and theft charges after an investigation by Edina Police. Officers were called to the Pick-A-Dilly convenience store in the early morning hours last Friday, after an alarm at the store went off. Police arrested a clerk at the store, 23 year old Steven Gearhart, later that morning. He is charged with one count of burglary and stealing and a count of theft of more than $500.
NO INJURIES IN SCHOOL BUS COLLISION
There were no significant injuries in a collision between a car and a school bus on Highway 24, just east of Moberly, Wednesday afternoon. The patrol says the bus was unloading passengers when it was struck from behind by a car, driven by 20 year old Zachary Jennings, of Paris, at around 3pm. Four students were taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center as a precautionary measure…no significant injuries were reported.
MARSHALL TEEN HURT IN ACCIDENT
A Marshall teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident on a Saline County gravel road Wednesday. 18 year old Shelby Graham was treated at Fitzgibbon Hospital after the accident, which occurred just after 11am. The patrol says her car ran of the roadway and struck a ditch and a tree.
CENTRALIA WOMAN FACES DRUG CHARGE
A Centralia woman faces meth charges after her arrest this week. 44 year old Patricia Clay, of Centralia, is charged with distributing a controlled substance near a school. A police officer says he witnessed the sale of a bag of meth within 2,000 feet of Chance Elementary School. She is being held on $50,000 dollars bond.
MINOR INJURY IN COLUMBIA APARTMENT FIRE
One person was injured in a fire at a Columbia apartment complex Wednesday night. Firefighters were called to the Columbia Square Apartments just after 8pm. They were able to extinguish the blaze, which was limited primarily to the kitchen of one apartment. Fire officials say one occupant of the apartment was treated for cuts from broken glass after attempting to jump out of a first-floor window.
SERIOUS INJURY IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Callao motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision on Highway 3, just north of Clifton Hill, Tuesday evening. 48 year old Steven R. Judy, of Callao, was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 5:30pm. The patrol says Judy’s motorcycle apparently crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle. It then traveled off the roadway and struck a fence line.
THREE HURT AS CAR COLLIDES WITH FARM TRACTOR
Three Edina residents were seriously injured when their car collided with a farm tractor on a Knox County highway, Tuesday night. 21 year old Mark Strange, of Edina, was the driver of the car. The patrol says it struck the rear of a farm tractor, just after cresting a hill on Route C, west of Baring…at around 8:30pm. Strange was seriously injured, along with two passengers in his vehicle…20 year old Robert Hawkins and 41 year old Phyllip Franklin. All three were flown by Air Evac Helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy. The driver of the tractor, 38 year old Ira Hoover, of Hurdland, was not injured.
MORE ON KIRKSVILLE SOLDIER’S DEATH
The Department of Defense has released more information on the death of a Kirksville man in Iraq. 24 year old Sergeant Brandon Maggart was killed on Sunday when insurgents attacked his unit in Basrah. Funeral arrangements are pending for the Kirksville graduate, who was stationed at Fort Lewis, in Washington state, prior to his deployment in January.
BLOCK GRANT TO FUND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Randolph County has received funds to help with a bridge replacement project in the county. A Community Development Block Grant, in the amount of $117,000 dollars, will help fund the replacement of the Sugar Creek School Bridge, on County Road 1330, north of Moberly. The Randolph County project is one of 36 approved for grant funds this week…totaling more than $10 million dollars.
COLUMBIA TEEN SENTENCED IN DECEMBER SHOOTING
A Columbia teenager has been sentenced to ten years in prison this week, in connection with a 2009 shooting outside the Columbia Walmart store. 18 year old Darrius L. Davis pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted robbery. A second charge of armed criminal action was dropped as part of the plea agreement. Davis will serve ten years in prison and will receive credit for time all ready served. An Ashland man, who was a Walmart employee, suffered three gunshot wounds in the robbery, which occurred in the early morning hours on December 14th. A 16 year old male was also arrested in connection with the shooting.
MARCELINE MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ACCIDENT
Two Marceline men were seriously injured in a Monday morning accident on a Chariton County gravel road. 91 year old Carl Cordray was the driver of the car and 68 year old Jerry Cordray was his passenger…both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The patrol says their vehicle was southbound on Williams Road, about two miles south of Marceline, when it ran off the roadway, struck a fence and went into a creek.
KIRKSVILLE SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ
A Kirksville man was killed over the weekend while serving in Iraq. 24 year old Brandon Maggart was one of the soldiers remaining in Iraq after the recent withdrawal of combat troops. The Department of Defense has not yet released information on his death. Family members say Maggart was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq and was scheduled to return on leave next month and to come home for good in January.
TRENTON MAN CHARGED IN DOMESTIC ASSAULT
A Trenton man will appear in court today after a weekend domestic incident. 52 year old Ronnie Ellis, of Trenton, is charged with second degree domestic assault after allegedly stabbing his wife in the hand with a pocket knife during a dispute on Saturday. He is being held on $10,000 dollars cash-only bond and is scheduled to appear in Grundy County court today.
MACON COUNTY MENINGITIS CASES REPORTED
The Macon County Health Department is investigating a cluster of viral meningitis cases. Four possible infections have been reported in recent days. The department is conducting an investigation to determine how the patients became infected. Officials say viral meningitis is serious, but rarely fatal in people with normal immune systems. Individuals should contact their health care provider is they think they’re infected. Symptoms of viral meningitis include high fever, severe headache, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, sleepiness or trouble waking up, nausea or vomiting and lack of appetite.
MODERATE INJURIES FOR CENTRALIA DRIVER
A Centralia driver was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident on an Audrain County roadway, on Monday. 23 year old Travis Thurman, of Centralia, was treated at University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 11:30am. The patrol says Thurman’s vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned several times.
MORE SHOTS FIRED IN COLUMBIA
Columbia Police are investigating a disturbance outside a South Columbia business, which occurred early Sunday morning and included a number of fights and a report of shots fired. Officers were called to the location, outside the Galactic Fun Zone on Grindstone Parkway, just after 1am Sunday. They say they found a large crowd in the parking lot and saw a number of shots being fired from a vehicle across the street. Officers also say they dealt with several fights in the parking lot. Two persons were arrested and the investigation is ongoing. Another shots fired incident is also under investigation. Sunday evening, shortly after 7pm, witnesses say shots were fired from a vehicle in Central Columbia, near McBaine Avenue and Worley Street.
BOONVILLE MAN KILLED IN ATV ACCIDENT
A Boonville man was killed in a Saturday evening ATV accident in rural Howard County. 33 year old Michael S. Sweezer, of Boonville, died in the accident, which occurred at around 9 o’clock Saturday night on Route J, near Boonesboro. The patrol says Sweezer was attempting to climb a steep embankment when the ATV he was driving overturned backwards, ejecting him from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
SERIOUS INJURIES FOR CARROLLTON DRIVER
A Carrollton driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Carroll County Route CC, Sunday evening. 58 year old Lawrence D. Hinson, of Carrollton, was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City after the accident, which occurred at 8:50pm Sunday. The patrol says Hinson apparently fell asleep at the wheel of his eastbound vehicle. It ran off the roadway, struck a creek bank and came to rest in the creek.
KIRKSVILLE MAN CHARGED AFTER BREAK-IN
From www.heartlandconnection.com – powered by KTVO…a Kirksville man faces multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting multiple victims. 30 year old Gary Cima, of Kirksville, is charged with first-degree burglary, third degree domestic assault and two counts of third degree assault. Cima is accused of breaking into an apartment on North New Street in Kirksville, and assaulting two female and one male occupant of the home, including his former girlfriend. He is being held in the Adair County Jail on $100,000 dollars bond.
22 VEHICLES INVOLVED IN I-70 CHAIN-REACTION
Columbia Police are continuing to investigate Friday night’s chain-reaction collision on I-70, which involved a total of 22 vehicles and injured at least 11 occupants of those vehicles. Three persons remained in serious condition at Columbia area hospitals, at last report. The first accident occurred just after 6:30pm when a westbound vehicle hydroplaned on wet pavement. That car spun and ended up facing eastbound against the guardrail, where it was struck by a oncoming truck and another car. Several other collisions occurred as vehicles tried to avoid that first accident and the traffic backup.
TWO INJURED AS PICKUP ROLLS INTO RIVER
A pickup went off a bridge and rolled into the Chariton River, on an Adair County roadway Thursday morning, seriously injured two occupants of the vehicle. 24 year old Bridget Kurz, of St. Louis, was the driver…53 year old Martin J. Bertels, of Laddonia, was a passenger. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries after the accident, which occurred at around 11am Thursday on Youngstown Trail Road , at the Chariton River Bridge, in Adair County. The patrol says Kurz lost control of the pickup and it struck the bridge rail and overturned, then struck the ground below the bridge and rolled into the river, becoming completely submerged.
JUVENILE ARRESTED IN FAIR SHOOTING INCIDENT
A 14 year old suspect in last month’s shooting incident at the Boone County Fair has been taken into custody. The juvenile was apprehended Thursday. Authorities had been on the lookout for the suspect since the shooting occurred on July 23rd. He’ll face charges of assault and unlawful use of a weapon. An 18 year old was hospitalized and later released after the shooting incident.
TWO ARRESTED IN RURAL BOONE COUNTY BURGLARIES
Two suspects are in custody in connection with three residential burglaries in rural Boone County. 33 year old Bobby Bailey, of Jefferson City, and 25 year old Melissa Crowell were in custody awaiting bond at last report, after their arrests Thursday. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department made the arrests while investigating a report of an attempted break-in at a home on Colchester Drive. The two have been linked to incidents at two other residences.
DEATH PENALTY SOUGHT IN ADAIR COUNTY MURDER
A four year old Adair County murder case may now be a death penalty case. According to federal court records, prosecutors will ask for the death penalty against Kay Young of Novinger and Catherine Mock, of Cassville. The two are charged with murder for hire and conspiracy to commit murder in the March, 2006 shooting death of Young’s husband, Melvin Griesbauer, at their Novinger area residence. The two defendants are expected in court September 8th, on a motion to suppress evidence collected by investigators. There is also a pending motion to separate the cases and have Young and Mock tired separately. Both remain in federal custody.
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER OVERNIGHT BURGLARY
Columbia Police spent part of the night investigating an apparent burglary at a Columbia area church. Officers were called to the Calvary Baptist Church on Ridgway Avenue, shortly after midnight. As they set up a perimeter around the location, the suspect ran out of the building and was taken into custody. Police say they found a broken window, which was apparently used to gain access to the building and stolen property was recovered outside the church.
15 YEAR PRISON TERM FOR ROBBERY SUSPECT
A Columbia man will serve 15 years in prison after being sentenced this week in connection with a pair of Columbia burglaries. 24 year old Zachary P. Davis was sentenced in Circuit Court on Monday, after pleading guilty to two counts of 2nd degree robbery. Davis is one of four men arrested in connection with a March 8th robbery at Rangeline Liquor and a March 9th incident at Dream Smoke Shop, both in Columbia.
MINOR INJURIES IN LAPLATA ACCIDENT
Two area teenagers were treated for minor injuries after a one-vehicle accident on a Macon County roadway early Tuesday morning. 18 year old Shelby Waddle, of LaPlata, was the driver of the car…17 year old David Shears, of Macon, was her passenger. Both sought their own treatment for minor injuries after the accident, which occurred just after midnight on Tuesday. The patrol says their car ran off the roadway, just west of LaPlata, after failing to negotiate a turn.
NCMC HOSTING TOWN HALL MEETING
North Central Missouri College in Trenton will host a Town Hall Meeting on suicide prevention later this month. NCMC is working in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Preferred Family Health Care to host one of several meetings around Missouri, on Tuesday, August 31st, starting at 6pm. The public is encouraged to attend. It will be held in the Alexander Student Center meeting room, on the campus in Trenton.
PERSHING’S 150th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
This year’s Laclede Pershing Days plans include a 150th birthday celebration for General John J. Pershing. Pershing Days will be held September 9th thru the 12th in Laclede. A number of special events are planned for that Saturday, September 11th, to celebrate the birthday. Performances by the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and the 399th Army Band, from Fort Leonard Wood are planned, along with a group of military re-enactors representing Spanish-American and World War I era soldiers. There will also be an appearance by member of America’s Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association. The special celebration will be a part of Pershing Days in Laclede, September 9th thru the 12th.
JUVENILE WILL FACE MURDER CHARGE AS AN ADULT
A 15 year old suspect in last year’s murder of an Ohio man will stand trial as an adult. A judge handed down that decision Tuesday in Audrain County Circuit Court. 15 year old Jordan Clay Harvey joins his mother and father and 19 year old and 17 year old siblings in facing first-degree murder and kidnapping charges. The five family members are charged in the death of 20 year old James William Boyd McNeely, of Ohio. His body was found in a refrigerated tractor-trailer unit parked in Vandalia in December of last year.
36 IS FOUR LANE ACROSS THE STATE!!!
Highway 36 is now four lanes all the way across the state of Missouri, after the opening of the final section of new highway, from Clarence to Shelbina, on Monday. That final section opened to traffic at around 10am Monday, and includes a new entrance route to South Shelby High School. MoDOT reminds motorists that work crews will still be doing some finishing work in the area for a few weeks. All of the work should be completed this fall.
STATE FAIR STORM VICTIMS RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL
Three persons injured in a storm-related tent collapse at the State Fair on Friday have all been released from the hospital. Two of those victims were from Gallatin. A wind storm which blew through the fairgrounds at around 8:45pm Friday caused the Wade Entertainment hospitality tent to collapse. Heavy wooden tent poles caused injuries to the three victims…37 year old Lena K. Ishmael and 9 year old Trenton Ishmael, both of Gallatin, along with a Kansas City man. All three have been released from the hospital.
TWO INJURED IN CARROLL COUNTY COLLISION
Two drivers were treated for moderate injuries after a collision on Highway 65 in Carroll County on Monday. The patrol says 82 year old Norma Swank, of Carrollton, turned into the path of an oncoming car driven by 59 year old Patricia Collins of Marshfield, MO. The two vehicles collided head on at around 11:15am. Both drivers were treated for moderate injuries at the Carrollton Hospital.
TAUSHA MORTON SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON
A Boone County woman was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, in the 2004 murder of her former husband. Tausha Morton was sentenced to life without parole in the shooting death of 39 year old Mitchell Kemp. Fields helped lead authorities to her former husband’s body on a southern Boone County farm, four years after the murder. She was found guilty of first degree murder, by a Boone County Jury, last month.
WEEKEND PURSUIT THRU RANDOLPH/MACON COUNTIES
A Springfield man spent the weekend in jail after leading officers on a chase thru Randolph and Macon Counties, late Friday night. 49 year old Grant Marsh faces multiple charges, including failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, resisting arrest, felony DWI and possession of a controlled substance. The pursuit began at around 11:30pm Friday, when officers received a report of a vehicle driving erratically on Highway 63 in Randolph County. Marsh’s vehicle was pursued north into the Macon area, where spike strips were deployed. The vehicle finally went out of control and ran into the median south of Atlanta, where Marsh was taken into custody.
TWO HURT IN FRIDAY COLLISION
A Friday afternoon collision on Highway 63 north of Kirksville sent two drivers to the hospital with moderate injuries. 40 year old Suzanne Elmore, of Kirksville and 59 year old Joyce Garr, of Greentop, were both taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center for treatment after the accident, which occurred at 3:45pm. The patrol says Elmore apparently attempted a left turn from a private drive and pulled into the path of the car driven by Garr.
CENTRALIA MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN SOUTH DAKOTA
A Centralia motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a semi on Interstate 90, in South Dakota, over the weekend. 51 year old Richard Whitaker died in the accident Friday night. The South Dakota Highway Patrol says Whitaker was killed when his motorcycle collided with the rear of a semi which had slowed for traffic congestion.
MEMPHIS NATIVE CROWNED STATE FAIR QUEEN
The 2010 Missouri State Fair Queen is Miss Northeast Missouri Fair Queen. Megan Westhoff, of Memphis, was crowned during State Fair Coronation ceremonies on Saturday afternoon in Sedalia. Miss Boone County, Amy Wilsdorf, was first runner-up.
COLUMBIA PURSUIT ENDS IN ARREST
A Columbia man faces numerous charges after leading police on a late night chase in Boone County. Columbia Police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle late Friday night into early Saturday morning. A pursuit on Highway 163 caused some property damage as the suspect’s vehicle drove thru several yards. Sreyvout Sing was arrested after abandoning the stolen vehicle and fleeing on foot. Police say he was turned in by a resident after stopping to use the telephone.
COLUMBIA MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN CRASH
A Columbia man was treated for moderate injuries after his motorcycle ran off Boone County Route KK, Sunday night. 24 year old John S. Austin was treated at University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 7:30pm. The patrol says he was ejected from his motorcycle when it went out of control after cresting a hill.
ONE HURT IN CAR/FARM EQUIPMENT COLLISION
A Shelbyville driver was treated for moderate injuries after a collision on Highway 36 in Macon County Thursday afternoon. 20 year old Taleka Aldridge, of Shelbyville, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at around 4:40pm on 36, just east of Anabel. The patrol says Aldridge was eastbound when her car ran into the rear of an eastbound piece of farm equipment.
SPICKARD TEEN INJURED IN ROLLOVER CRASH
A Spickard teenager suffered moderate injuries when her car ran off the roadway after swerving to avoid farm equipment. 17 year old Brooke Higgins, of Spickard, was treated at Harrison County Memorial Hospital in Bethany after the accident, which occurred at 6:20pm Thursday. The patrol says she crested a hill and saw a farm tractor partially in her lane. She swerved to avoid a collision and her car ran off the highway, impacted a ditch and overturned.
MANHUNT SUBJECT HEADED TO LOUISIANA
The subject of last month’s three-day manhunt in Macon and Randolph Counties is headed to Louisiana after being picked up this week. 30 year old Christopher Holcomb was turned over to Louisiana Officers on Wednesday. He’ll face a probation and parole warrant upon his return to his home state. Holcomb was arrested in a Randolph County farm field on July 27th, after being on the loose in the area for three days.
POLICE SEEK SUSPECTS IN COLUMBIA HOME INVASION
Columbia Police are seeking four suspects in a home invasion robbery which occurred early Thursday morning. Officers say the masked suspects broke into a home on Valley Creek Lane, in northeast Columbia, shortly after midnight Thursday. They threatened the residents with handgun and took off with about $4,500 dollars worth of property. The suspects were a white female, a white male and two black males. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (573) 875-TIPS.
FIVE HURT IN ADAIR COUNTY COLLISION
A total of five persons were injured in a collision on Highway 149, north of Novinger in Adair County, Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred at around 3:20pm. The patrol says a car driven by 40 year old Sandra Ciccone, of Novinger, turned left into a private drive and into the path of an oncoming car driven by 49 year old Lori J. Mahurin, of Kirksville. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries and Ciccone’s three children, age 4, 12 and 16, also suffered moderate injuries. All five were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment.
TEEN SISTERS INJURED IN ACCIDENT
Two Schuyler County teenagers were injured when a car overturned off Route D, south of Lancaster, early Wednesday morning. 18 year old Jessica Murphy, of Glenwood, was the driver of the car. The patrol says it ran off the highway and overturned, ejecting a passenger in the vehicle, the driver’s 16 year old sister, Samantha Murphy. She suffered moderate injuries, while Jessica Murphy escaped with minor injuries. Both were treated at Northeast Regional Medical Center.
SERIOUS INJURIED IN HOWARD COUNTY ACCIDENT
A one-vehicle accident in Howard County seriously injured a teenager from Pilot Grove early Wednesday morning. 16 year old Kenneth C. Renfrow, of Pilot Grove, was taken to Cooper County Memorial Hospital and then transferred to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 1:30am Wednesday on Howard County Route P. The patrol says a car driven by 18 year old Kayla Page, of New Franklin, ran off the highway and overturned. The driver and two other teens from Pilot Grove were treated for minor injuries.
TWO HURT IN WRECK ON HIGHWAY 40
Two Sturgeon residents were injured when their car ran off Highway 40 in Howard County, Wednesday night. 43 year old Dawn Dudley, of Sturgeon, was the driver of the car which ran off the highway and struck a concrete culvert, after she swerved to avoid another vehicle. A passenger in the car, 65 year old Donna Weston, of Sturgeon, was flown to University Hospital in Columbia with moderate injuries. Dudley was treated for minor injuries.
ARKANSAS MAN TURNS HIMSELF IN TO FACE INCEST CHARGES
An Arkansas man is in custody in Boone County after turning himself in to authorities this week. 40 year old John Reed is charged with first-degree statutory rape, incest, and other charges. He is accused of the crimes against a now 10 year old relative in Boone County. He turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday.
MARSHALL DRIVER KILLED IN COLLISION WITH TRAIN
A Marshall man was killed when his vehicle collided with a train at a Marshall railroad crossing Tuesday. 79 year old John M. Norris, of Marshall, died in the accident, which occurred at around 11am. The patrol says Norris’s vehicle collided with the train when he failed to stop at a marked railroad crossing with flashing lights and bells. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
KIRKSVILLE PERJURY CHARGES DROPPED
Perjury charges have been dropped against a Kirksville teenager. 19 year old Earlene Rogers was indicted on eight counts of perjury in May of last year, after she accused two Kirksville men of rape and sodomy and then withdrew her allegations after they spent eight months in jail, awaiting trial. Adair County Prosecutor Matt Wilson says the charges were dropped because of a potential conflict of interest in the prosecution. Wilson says he will turn the case over to the Missouri Attorney General’s office for review. Charges could be re-filed.
OVERDOSE CAUSE OF MACON DEATH
Macon Police have released information in the death of a Wisconsin man…found dead in May in a Macon hotel room. Authorities say the 24 year old man died from an overdose of morphine. A woman in the hotel room is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance. 27 year old Jacki L. Peterson has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a hearing in the case on Monday.
KIRKSVILLE POLICE: ‘LOCK YOUR CAR’
From www.heartlandconnection.com – powered by KTVO: Kirksville Police are warning residents to lock their cars after a number of reports of vehicles being ransacked. A total of eight reports were received last weekend, and at least three of those reports involved items stolen from the vehicles. Police remind residents to secure your vehicles.
COURT DECIDING WHETHER JUVENILE TO STAND TRIAL
A judge will decide whether a 14 year old suspect in an Audrain County murder case will stand trial as an adult. Testimony was heard yesterday in the death of James McNeely, who’s body was found in a semi-truck in Vandalia, late last year. The 14 year old faces charges of murder, kidnapping, felonious restraint and armed criminal action. Another juvenile and four adults are also charged with involvement in the murder.
HEAT WARNING EXTENDED
The National Weather Service has extended the Excessive Heat Warning, thru Thursday evening…and it is likely that it will be extended thru Friday as well. High temperatures will continue to reach the mid-90’s thru the remainder of the work week. Some locations could see the upper 90’s Wednesday and Thursday. Heat index values will be between 105 and 110 degrees. Everyone is cautioned to take extra precautions against this extended period of excessive heat, and check on individuals who may be more at risk for heat-related illnesses.
AUTHORITIES SEEK IOWA BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT
The FBI and local authorities in Iowa and Missouri are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect who apparently robbed two banks in southeast Iowa Monday. The suspect robbed the Community First Credit Union in Ottumwa Monday morning. Authorities believe the same man robbed the Wayland State Bank in Mount Pleasant, Iowa on Monday afternoon. He is described as a white male in his mid-20’s, around 5 feet 6 inches tall with a small build. He was wearing a white, short-sleeve shirt with striped tie, brown slacks, glasses and a white baseball cap with a Jagermeister logo. Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact your local law enforcement authorities.
DEADLY MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN COLUMBIA
Columbia Police are investigating a Monday morning motorcycle accident which killed a University of Missouri student. 20 year old Caitlin Valora, of Grover, MO, died in the accident. She was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by 21 year old Aaron Hansberry, who is also a student from the Kansas City area. Police say the motorcycle went through a t-intersection on East Nifong Boulevard. The bike struck a curb and went airborne before impacting the ground. Hansberry was listed in fair condition at University Hospital in Columbia after sustaining a broken leg.
MISSING BOONE COUNTY WOMAN FOUND SAFE
An overnight search for a missing Boone County woman ended successfully Monday morning. The 58 year old woman was reported missing from her home, west of Columbia, at around 1:30am Monday. Searchers found her in good condition, with the help of a tracking dog, at around 7:30am. Authorities say a medical condition apparently contributed to her getting lost.
MORE DANGEROUS HEAT THIS WEEK
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the entire state of Missouri, thru Wednesday…and that warning will likely be extended thru the end of the week, as dangerous heat is expected to remain thru Saturday. Temperatures will reach the mid-90’s today and into the upper 90’s by mid-week. Heat index values could top 110 degrees in the afternoon and evening, over the next several days.
MOBERLY COUPLE INJURED IN KC CRASH
A Moberly couple both suffered serious injuries in a three-vehicle collision on I-35 in the Kansas City area, Sunday evening. 69 year old Noel F. Keen and 63 year old Linda J. Keen, both of Moberly, were seriously injured in the accident. The patrol says their car collided head-on with another vehicle, which had stopped for traffic congestion in a construction zone and was pushed into their path after being struck from behind. A driver and passenger in that vehicle were also seriously injured. All four victims were taken to Liberty Hospital for treatment.
MOBERLY WOMAN LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER SATURDAY ACCIDENT
A Moberly woman was seriously injured in a Saturday afternoon accident on Highway 24, just east of Moberly. 92 year old Ruth Pentlin, of Moberly, was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at around 3pm Saturday. The patrol says a car driven by 56 year old Kathy Fluharty, of Brighton, Iowa, ran off the highway as she avoid a car which was making a turn in front of her. Fluharty and her husband, who was also a passenger in the vehicle, were treated for moderate injuries at Moberly Regional Medical Center.
HIGBEE MAN INJURED AS CAR STRIKES HORSES
A Higbee man was seriously injured when his vehicle struck two horses in the roadway on a Randolph County highway, Friday night. 36 year old Gary L. Hargis, of Higbee, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident. The patrol says his car struck two horses, just after cresting a hill on Route A, just south of Higbee.
PATROL RELEASES INFO ON FATAL ACCIDENT
The highway patrol has released details on a fatal accident in Caldwell County, which occurred a week ago. 24 year old Tegan A. Edmundson, of Hamilton, a former Chillicothe resident, was killed in the accident, which occurred Saturday night, July 31st, on a Caldwell County gravel road. The patrol says she sustained fatal injuries when she jumped out of the passenger side door of a southbound pickup, driven by 25 year old Bradley Corbin, of Hamilton.
UTILITY VEHICLE OVERTURNS IN SCOTLAND COUNTY
A Scotland County man was seriously injured when a Kawasaki Mule overturned on a gravel road, over the weekend. 47 year old Pat J. Shannon, of Granger, was seriously injured and 44 year old Adam Dannenhauer, of Memphis, suffered moderate injuries in the accident, which occurred in the early morning hours Sunday, near the Scotland/Clark County line. The patrol says Dannenhauer was driving the vehicle when he attempted to make a left turn and it ran off the roadway and struck an embankment.
DANGEROUS HEAT RETURNS BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Dangerous heat is expected to return to the area by Sunday afternoon and we could see triple-digit heat index readings thru Wednesday of next week. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch, Sunday afternoon through at least Monday evening. Temperatures will rise to the mid to upper 90’s and heat index readings could approach 110 degrees both Sunday and Monday…and perhaps Tuesday and Wednesday as well.
SHELBINA TEEN HURT IN THURSDAY COLLISION
A Shelbina teen was treated for moderate injuries after a collision on a Shelby county gravel road Thursday evening. 19 year old Rebecca Perrigo, of Shelbina, was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30pm. The patrol says Perrigo was a passenger in a truck driven by 19 year old Lauren Studer, of Shelbyville. Their truck collided with another truck, driven by 31 year old John Broughton, of Emden, at an uncontrolled intersection.
SERIOUS INJURY IN COLUMBIA AREA COLLISION
A Columbia man was seriously injured in a collision on Highway 63 in Boone County, Thursday night. The driver of one vehicle, 20 year old Ryan K. Snow, of Columbia, suffered serious injuries…his passenger, 19 year old Thomas Parker, of New Bloomfield, was treated for moderate injuries. The other vehicle was a pickup, driven by 65 year old Edwinna Clutter, of Columbia also suffered moderate injuries. The patrol says Clutter’s pickup failed to yield at an intersection on 63 at Minor Hill Road and pulled into the path of Snow’s oncoming vehicle.
MOBERLY MAN CHARGED IN RECENT BURGLARIES
A Moberly man is charged in connection with three recent burglaries after his arrest this week by Moberly Police. 38 year old Cedric Lionel Buckner, of Moberly, is charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft. He is accused in connection with burglaries which involved the theft of computers and other electronic equipment from three Moberly businesses this week. Officers arrested Buckner after receiving reports that he had attempted to sell laptops. They say a search of his vehicle turned up evidence in the case.
DETOUR ON SHELBY COUNTY HIGHWAY
MoDOT reminds motorists that a detour will affect traffic on Shelby County Route FF, beginning today (Thursday). The detour is located at the Route FF junction with Highway 36, just east of South Shelby High School. Traffic will be detoured about a miles west, to a gravel road, for access to 36. It should continue for about two weeks at that location.
LAPLATA TEEN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
A Macon County teenager is facing a felony charge after a weekend assault. 17 year old Jacob Cook, of LaPlata, is charged with first degree assault in connection with an incident which occurred overnight Saturday, near LaPlata. Authorities say the assault victim was discovered with serious facial injuries and underwent surgery at a Columbia Hospital. They say alcohol was apparently a factor in the incident.
BROOKFIELD TEEN HURT IN ACCIDENT
A Brookfield teenager escaped with only minor injuries after a one-vehicle accident on Highway 11, north of New Boston, Wednesday morning. 18 year old Rachel Zumbrunnen, of Brookfield, was treated at Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at around 10:30am. The patrol says Zumbrunnen’s northbound car ran off the highway, went down an embankment and struck a fence.
BEVIER MAN TREATED AFTER ONE-VEHICLE CRASH
A Bevier man was treated for moderate injuries after his car ran off Old Highway 36, east of Bevier, Tuesday evening. 50 year old Floyd M. Coons, of Bevier, was treated at Samaritan Hospital in Macon after the accident, which occurred at 8:15pm. The patrol says Coon’s car ran off the roadway and came to rest after striking a dirt embankment.
UPS DRIVER HURT AS TRUCK RUNS OFF HIGHWAY
A Columbia man sustained moderate injuries when the UPS truck he was driving ran off a Cooper County highway, Tuesday afternoon. 25 year old Brent Bradley, of Columbia, was taken to Cooper County Hospital for treatment after the accident. It occurred just before 3pm on Cooper County Route N. The patrol says Bradley ran off the highway while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle in his lane. The truck struck a road sign, a fence and a silo before coming to rest.
TRIAL DATE SET FOR LADDONIA MAN
A trial date has been set for a Laddonia truck driver who is accused of killing an Ohio drifter. 38 year old Chester C. Harvey, Jr. will go on trial on November 18th. A Columbia jury will hear the first-degree murder case, which is expected to take about four days. Harvey is charged in the December, 2009, death of James William Boyd McNeely. His wife and three sons also face various charges in the case.
AUGUST 2010 PRIMARY – STATEWIDE RACES
As expected, Democrat Robin Carnahan and Republican Roy Blunt will face off for Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat in November. Carnahan won the democratic nomination with nearly 84% of yesterday’s vote, while Blunt gained more than 70% support on the Republican ballot. State Auditor Susan Montee won more than 90 percent of the Democratic vote for her re-election. She’ll face Republican Tom Schweich, who defeated Allen Icet with 58.6% of the primary vote. Congressman Sam Graves won the Republican 6th District nomination with an 82% margin. In District 9, incumbent Blaine Luetkemeyer took 83% on the Republican ballot. There were a couple of area State Senate races on the Republican ballot. In District 22, Randy Asbury gained more than 57% of the vote to beat out Tim Remole and Doug Farnen…in District 21, John Cauthorn won the Republican nomination with 63% of the vote. Missouri voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition C. 71.1% of Missourians supported the proposition which will challenge some portions of the federal health care legislation.
Linn County:
Democrat – Presiding Commissioner
Gary Redmon 683
Bob Green 582
Ed Smith 95
Republican – Presiding Commissioner
Dick King 564
William McQueen 176
Linneus Sewer & Water $300,000 Bond Issue
Yes 43
No 28
Adair County:
Democrat – Presiding Commissioner
Harley Harrelson 899
Gary W. Jones 806
Thomas J. Daugherty 491
Republican – Presiding Commissioner
Stanley Pickens 1064
Bill Himes 285
Democrat – Prosecuting Attorney
Matt Wilson 1403
Arthur David Peppard 801
Republican – Benton Township Committeeman
Brian C. Noe 770
Brad Bolz 158
County Local Optional Fence Law
NO - 57%
Macon County:
Democrat – Recorder of Deeds
Betty L. March 823
Garna J. Fredman 500
Republican – Round Grove Committeeman
Brent Foreman 17
David Foster 14
Bevier C-4 School District – Tax Levy Rollback Issue
Yes – 70%
Livingston County:
Democrat – County Clerk (unopposed in November)
Sherry Parks 800
Brandy Wedlock 573
Kamie Gray 201
Randolph County:
Democrat – County Clerk
Dorinda Dameron 810
Wanda Finnigan 723
Democrat – Treasurer
Becky Truesdell Brown 1228
Melissa Wiggs Anderson 279
Chariton County:
Democrat – Associate Circuit Judge
Andrea Vandeloecht 593
Bryan Scheiderer 444
Dan Rork 260
Sullivan County:
Republican – County Clerk
Lawrence E. Allen Jr. 373
Dwain E. McCollum 371
Republican – Recorder of Deeds
Peggy Hedges Sloan 624
Betsy Champ 126
Knox County:
Democrat – Circuit Clerk
James R. Gibbons 416
Kelly Hayes 227
Sales Tax for Law Enforcement
No – 59%
Shelby County:
Democrat – Associate Circuit Judge
Mike Greenwell 1006
Steven E. Raymond 509
James McConnell 418
Democrat – Recorder of Deeds
Audrey Buzzard 1190
Amy Presson 714
Democrat – Collector
John Chinn 1412
Cathy Stachan 497
Howard County:
½ Cent Sales Tax Issue
62% Yes
Monroe County:
Democrat – Commissioner
Mike Minor 1078
Donald Simpson 855
Democrat – Circuit Clerk
Heather Wheeler 963
Paula Delaney 927
Democrat – Treasurer
Brandie Baker Kinnaman 791
Mary Lynn Powell 716
Lenice Dunlap 346
DANGEROUS HEAT CONTINUES THRU WEDNESDAY
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for the entire area, thru Wednesday evening. Also, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas, as well as the Columbia and Jefferson City areas. Temperatures will reach the upper 90’s Tuesday and the mid 90’s on Wednesday. Heat index values could reach 110 degrees in some locations. There is a slight chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms late tonight and Wednesday and some relief from the heat will be felt on Thursday, with mostly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 80’s to low 90’s.
SERIOUS INJURIES IN SCHUYLER COUNTY CRASH
A Queen City woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on a Schuyler County gravel road. 24 year old Stephanie Winter, of Queen City, was flown by Air Evac helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy after the accident, which occurred at 2:10pm Monday, about three miles southwest of Queen City. The patrol says she was injured when the driver of the car, her former husband from Ottumwa, Iowa, attempted to jump an approximately 19-foot wide washout in the roadway. The car struck a collapsed portion of the road. Winter’s three year old child was treated for minor injuries.
FATAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
The Highway Patrol has not yet released details on a fatal accident in Caldwell County, which occurred Saturday night. Authorities have confirmed that a 24 year old woman with a Chillicothe address was killed in the accident, which occurred on a county road near Kingston. No other information has been released as of yet, as the investigation continues.
ANOTHER SUSPECT CHARGED IN FIREWORKS THEFT
The sixth and final suspect in the theft of fireworks in Kirksville is now in custody, after turning himself in. 18 year old Charles Longcor, of Kirksville, is charged with two counts of felony stealing. He is one of six adults and one junvenile who are charged in connection with the theft of more than $2,000 dollars worth of fireworks from two Kirksville fireworks stands. Longcor is being held in the Adair County Jail on $50,000 dollars cash-only bond.
TWO CHARGED IN COLUMBIA ‘SHOTS FIRED’ INCIDENT
Two Columbia men face charges after another ‘shots fired’ incident Sunday night. Police were called to Douglass Park to a call of shots fired, shortly after 10:30pm. 26 year old Maurice D. Penny and 17 year old Deundrea L. Woods were apprehended shortly thereafter. Police allege the two fired handguns after arguing with each other. Both are charged with unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.
MOTORCYCLIST LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER CRASH
A Chillicothe motorcyclist was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident, Sunday evening. 62 year old Gerald W. Staggs, of Chillicothe, was life-flighted to Truman Medical Center after the accident, which occurred just before 6pm Sunday on Livingston County Route Y, northwest of Chillicothe. The patrol says Staggs failed to negotiate a curve and was ejected as his motorcycle ran off the highway and overturned.
GALLATIN DRIVER INJURED IN WEEKEND CRASH
A Gallatin driver was treated for moderate injuries after her car ran off a Livingston County road, early Sunday morning. 25 year old Darcie Lukeheart, of Gallatin, was treated at Hedrick Medical Center after the accident. The patrol says her car ran off a gravel road, about four miles north of Chillicothe, and struck several trees, at around 2:15am Sunday.
THREE-YEAR-OLD INJURED IN ATV ACCIDENT
A three-year-old child was treated for moderate injuries after falling off an ATV in Scotland County, over the weekend. The patrol says three year old Cody Briggs, of Memphis, was a passenger on an ATV which was traveling on a county road, southwest of Memphis Friday evening. The child was treated for moderate injuries at Scotland County Memorial Hospital in Memphis and then transferred to University Hospital in Columbia.
LUETKEMEYER’S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW KILLED
The 27 year old daughter-in-law of 9th District Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer was killed in a weekend accident in Maries County. Amy Luetkemeyer, who married the Congressman’s son, Trevor, in October of last year, died after the Friday evening accident, just south of Meta, MO. The highway patrol says Luetkemeyer’s car crossed the center line and sideswiped an oncoming car…then went out of control and struck another vehicle.
PARIS MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Paris man was treated for moderate injuries after a motorcycle and car collided at a Paris intersection over the weekend. 51 year old Gary L. Tawney, of Paris, was treated at University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at 8:15am Saturday. The patrol says Tawney was southbound on a motorcycle when a car driven by 29 year old Jeffery Crain, of Holliday, apparently attempted a left turn into the path of the bike.
LINN COUNTY RELAY SUCCESFUL
Friday afternoon’s heavy rain caused a last-minute location change, but the Linn County Relay for Life was still a big success. The Relay had to be moved indoors to the Brookfield High School Gym and Cafeteria, but community support still generate a total of more than $44,000 dollars to benefit the fight against cancer. Congratulations and a big ‘thank you’ to all of the organizers, volunteers and team members who made the event a success.
MU POLICE SEEKING ASSAULT SUSPECT
University of Missouri Police are looking for a suspect in an assault, which occurred early Saturday morning near University Avenue and Hitt Street in Columbia. Police say a women was treated and released for injuries sustained in the assault. They’re looking for a heavyset male suspect in his early 20’s, who was seen wearing a gold MU shirt and khaki shorts. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 875-8477.
CHILLICOTHE TEEN HURT IN ACCIDENT
A Chillicothe teenager was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident on a Livingston County road, early this (Fri) morning. 17 year old Landie England, of Chillicothe, was taken to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment after the accident, which occurred just after midnight on a gravel road about eight miles south of Chillicothe. The patrol says her westbound car ran off the roadway and partially overturned into a deep ravine.
APPARENT ASSAULT INCIDENT IN KIRKSVILLE
Kirksville Police are investigating an apparent assault, which occurred Thursday morning, in the 800 block of South Baltimore Street in Kirksville. Police were called to the scene after a report of a fight at that location. The victim told officers he was struck in the head by at least two men with a pipe-like object. Less than an hour later, officers stopped a vehicle and found one person driving and two men hiding in the back seat. Three people were taken into custody and two vehicles were seized, charges had not been filed in the case, as of last night.
FORMER FEED STORE MANAGER PLEADS NOT GUILTY
The former manager of an area feed store has pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing from the business. 41 year old Michael Combs, of Atlanta, is charged with taking more than $25,000 dollars in cash and products from Novelty Feed and Seed, while he was manager of the business. Combs has pleaded not guilty to those charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 8th.
HEARING SET IN DEADLY MOBERLY AREA ACCIDENT
An Illinois man, charged in a deadly accident on Highway 63 near Moberly, will appear in court next month. A preliminary hearing has been set for August 30th in the case of 34 year old Jeffrey D. Fleming, of Staunton, Illinois. He is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the January accident, which killed Eli Borntrager of Madison. Prosecutors allege inattention and careless driving when Fleming’s vehicle struck Borntrager’s horse-drawn buggy in the rear.
COLUMBIA POLICE SEEK ROBBERY SUSPECTS
Columbia Police are seeking three suspects in connection with a Thursday morning armed robbery, outside an apartment complex. The incident occurred at around 2am Thursday. The victims, one male and one female, say they were sitting in a car at the Gatehouse Apartment complex when three black suspects threatened them with a handgun and demanded money, fleeing with the victims’ purse and wallet. One of the suspects also allegedly struck the man with the pistol. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (573) 875-TIPS.
DRIVER LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER LINN COUNTY CRASH
An Arkansas man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident, just east of Bucklin on Highway 36, on Wednesday. 35 year old Robert L. Whitney, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred at 10:50am. The patrol says Whitney’s westbound car ran off the highway and overturned several times.
FUGITIVE WAIVES EXTRADITION TO LOUISIANA
An out-of-state fugitive arrested this week in Randolph County will apparently be heading back to Louisiana to face charges. 30 year old Christopher Holcomb, of Lafayette, Louisiana, appeared in a Randolph County Courtroom on Wednesday. He waived extradition back to Louisiana, where he is wanted on a felony probation and parole warrant. Holcomb also faces drug and assault charges in Georgia. He was arrested Tuesday afternoon near Cairo, after eluding authorities the two previous days. Holcomb will remain in the Randolph County jail until Louisiana authorities make arrangements to have him transferred.
MU GRADS PLEAD GUILTY TO E-MAIL SCHEME
Two University of Missouri graduates have pleaded guilty to their role in a nationwide e-mail spamming scheme. 26 year old Osmaan Shah of Columbia and 29 year old Amir Shat of St. Louis entered their plea in federal court on Wednesday. They admitted their involvement in the scheme, which included the improper use of millions of e-mail addresses from computers at a number of universities, including MU. The pair could face up to eight years in prison in connection with the case.
NCMC GOES TOBACCO-FREE
North Central Missouri College in Trenton is now tobacco-free after action by its Board of Trustees this week. The Trustees voted unanimously, Tuesday evening, to endorse a policy prohibiting tobacco products on the NCMC Campuses. The policy was recommended as a result of a student initiative. It was developed in a joint effort by the administration and the Student Senate.
MOBERLY MAN CHARGED AFTER SEARCH WARRANT
A Moberly man faces multiple charges after Police executed a search warrant at his residence last week. 22 year old Michael Robert Halley, of Moberly, is charged with two counts of distributing a controlled substance and maintaining a public nuisance. Police allegedly found marijuana and prescription medications, along with stolen video gaming equipment and cash when the search warrant was executed, last Thursday night. Halley was in custody at last report, on $20,000 dollars cash-only bond.
MAN HURT AS SEMI OVERTURNS
A Unionville driver was treated for moderate injuries after a tractor-trailer overturned on a Putnam County highway on Tuesday. 32 year old Christopher Bowen, of Unionville, was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia after the accident, which occurred shortly before noon on Route 129, just south of its junction with Highway 136. The patrol says Bowen’s semi ran off the roadway, overturned and struck a traffic light.
THREE MACON COUNTY GRANTS AWARDED
Macon County Economic Development has recently awarded three grant projects, totaling more than $50,000 dollars, through the Macon County Landfill Fee Program. More than $5,000 dollars will help construct a handicapped accessible ramp at the Macon County Historical Society Museum. Nearly $33,000 dollars will assist with a new sewer project at the Macon County Park. Up to $15,000 dollars is approved for the City of Macon to perform a feasibility study for a sewer project north of Macon.
SECOND ROBBERY SUSPECT WANTED
Columbia Police are looking for a second suspect in an armed robbery at a Columbia residence on Sunday. 23 year old Harelquin M. Harris, of Columbia, is wanted for questioning. Police describe him as a 6-1, 170 pound black male. 29 year old Randall King, of Columbia, is all ready in custody in connection with the robbery. Two men broke into a home, armed with shotguns, and stole computer and gaming equipment and cash.
FUGITIVE IN CUSTODY AFTER TUESDAY ARREST
An out-of-state fugitive who has been the subject of an area-wide search for the past couple of days is in custody, after being arrested Tuesday afternoon. 30 year old Christopher Holcomb, wanted on arrest warrants in the states of Louisiana and Georgia, was taken into custody at around 2:15pm Tuesday. Holcomb was hiding in a brush pile in a cornfield near Cairo, after being spotted a short time earlier. He had eluded capture after being identified by a Park Ranger at Long Branch Lake near Macon Sunday afternoon…and again on Monday, during a day-long search near Highway 63, north of Jacksonville. Holcomb is wanted on a Louisiana probation and parole warrant and on drug and assault charges in Georgia.
SEARCH CONTINUES FOR OUT-OF-STATE FUGITIVE
Law enforcement authorities remain on the lookout for an out-of-state fugitive, after an active manhunt near the Macon/Randolph County line came up empty on Monday. 30 year old Christopher G. Holcomb is wanted on outstanding warrants from the states of Louisiana and Georgia. Several law enforcement agencies participated in Monday’s manhunt, around a wooded area along Highway 63, north of Jacksonville, after Holcomb was spotted in that area Monday morning. The active manhunt was suspended late yesterday afternoon, but officers continue to be present in the area and are pursuing other investigative avenues to locate Holcomb. He is described as a 30 year old white male, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing tan shorts and a dark-colored sleeveless shirt. If you see an individual matching that description, you’re urged to call 911 or contact the Highway Patrol. As with any wanted fugitive, Holcomb should be considered potentially dangerous.
TEENAGER DROWNS IN MILAN MOTEL POOL
A Wisconsin teenager drowned in a motel pool in Milan Sunday night. Sullivan County authorities say 17 year old David Snyder, of Colfax, Wisconsin, drowned while swimming with co-workers at the Milan Motel. The 911 call came in just before 10:30pm. Snyder was in Milan working at PSF Farms as an employee of a pit pumping company. The investigation is continuing.
KIRKSVILLE MAN SENTENCED ON METH CHARGE
Another former Kirksville resident has been sentenced in connection with federal meth charges. 37 year old David D. Leo II, was sentenced Monday to 22 months in prison. Leo had plead guilty in April to a felony count of conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine for the manufacture of meth. Co-defendant Sherri L. Thomas, also a former Kirksville resident, was sentenced to 40 months in prison last month.
POLICE MAKE ANOTHER FIREWORKS THEFT ARREST
From www.heartlandconnection.com – powered by KTVO: Kirksville Police have made a 5th arrest in connection with the theft of more than two thousand dollars worth of fireworks. 23 year old Joshua Graham, of Kirksville, is charged with receiving stolen property in connection with the case. The fireworks were taken from the El Kadir Shrine Club and Compton’s Fireworks locations in Kirksville. Police say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
COLUBMIA POLICE REPORT MORE “SHOTS FIRED”
Columbia Police are investigating another ‘shots fired’ incident in the city. The report came in at around 7pm Monday, in the 500 block of Woodlawn, in Columia’s Central City. Police say no one was hurt in the shooting, which left a pickup with a bullet hole in its windshield.
SEWAGE SPILL IN COLUMBIA CREEK
Heavy rains, combined with a malfunctioning pump, apparently caused a sewage spill into a Columbia creek on Monday. Officials say the pump station, near Rock Quarry Road and East Gans Road, allowed about 1,000 gallons of sewage into a stream that feed Clear Creek. Inspectors say the sewage made the water cloudy, but see no visible signs of contamination.
RANDOLPH/MACON COUNTY MANHUNT SUSPENDED
An active manhunt for an out-of state fugitive along Highway 63, north of Jacksonville, this afternoon, has been suspended. Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the hunt for 30 year old Christopher G. Holcomb, in a wooded area along 63, near the Macon/Randolph County line. Authorities say officers will continue to be present in the area and will pursue other investigative avenues to located the suspect, who is wanted on warrants from the states of Louisiana and Georgia. Holcomb was seen near that area, at around 8:15am Monday. He is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, 165 pounds, with brown hair, last seen wearing tan shorts and a dark colored sleeveless shirt. If you see an individual matching that description, you’re urged to call 911 or contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol or Macon County Sheriff’s Department. As with any wanted fugitive, Holcomb should be considered potentially dangerous.
MANHUNT FOR FUGITIVE BEING CONDUCTED IN MACON COUNTY
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, along with members of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Water Patrol, and a canine unit from the Moberly Police Department are currently searching a wooded area along U.S. Highway 63, north of Jacksonville, Missouri, near the Macon and Randolph county line, for a subject believed to be Christopher G. Holcomb. Holcomb is wanted on a felony probation and parole warrant issued from the State of Louisiana, and another felony warrant for drugs and assault issued by Cobb County Georgia. Holcomb is described as being a white male, 30 years of age, 6 foot tall, 165 lbs, and has brown hair. He was last seen at approximately 8:15 a.m., on July 26, 2010, near the area being searched by law enforcement officers. At last sighting, he was observed to be wearing tan shorts and a dark colored sleeveless shirt. Law enforcement authorities urge anyone who observes an individual meeting the description of Holcomb to immediately contact 911, the Missouri State Highway Patrol at (660) 385-2132, or the Macon County Sheriff’s Department at (660) 385-2062. As with any wanted fugitive, Holcomb should be considered potentially dangerous.
Initial contact was made with Holcomb on July 25, 2010 at the Long Branch State Park, near Macon, Missouri, when a Missouri State Park Ranger made contact with Holcomb and a computer check revealed he was wanted by Georgia and Louisiana authorities. At that time Holcomb fled into a wooded area. After a several hour manhunt, law enforcement officers were unable to locate Holcomb.
SHOOTING SUSPECT FOUND DEAD
A suspect in Friday’s Shelby County shooting incident was found dead, over the weekend, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 41 year old Patrick McIntyre, of Waverly, Illinois, had been sought by authorities since Friday afternoon. He was wanted in the shooting of his former girlfriend, near Bethel, Missouri. Shelby County authorities found McIntyre’s body Sunday afternoon…outside his vehicle, about a half-mile off a county roadway. The victim in Friday’s shooting incident was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon after being shot in the eye.
POLO CHILD HURT IN CHARITON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Polo child was injured in a one-vehicle accident, just south of Marceline, early Sunday morning. 10 year old Dustin Hatfield was treated at Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield after the accident, which occurred at 12:20am Sunday. The patrol says the child suffered moderate injuries when a car driven by his father, 42 year old Gerald Hatfield, ran off a Chariton County roadway and struck a tree.
CARROLLTON WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEEKEND CRASH
A Carrollton woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident Saturday night, on Carroll County Route UU. 23 year old Devan Frakes, of Carrollton, was treated at the University of Missouri Trauma Center after the accident, which occurred at around 11pm Saturday. The patrol says she failed to negotiate a curve and was ejected from her pickup at it ran off the highway, struck an embankment and overturned.
CENTRALIA MAN INJURED IN FRIDAY ACCIDENT
A Centralia man was treated for moderate injuries after a one-vehicle accident on Boone County Route Z, Friday evening. 30 year old Travis Lynn, of Centralia, was the driver of a car which ran off the highway and struck a culvert and two trees, at around 5:30pm Friday. He was treated for moderate injuries at University Hospital in Columbia.
BOONE COUNTY FAIR SHOOTING INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Boone County authorities are continuing to investigate Friday’s shooting at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Investigators say they have solid information that the shootings are related to a number of recent ‘shots fired’ incidents in Columbia, involving feuding factions in the city. A 19 year old male was shot in the upper leg during Friday morning’s incident at the fairgrounds. Authorities say several witnesses in the case, including the victim, are being uncooperative in the investigation. They say the Boone County Fair continued with good crowds and without any additional problems over the weekend.