LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 29, 2023
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CARROLL COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Hale woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 11pm Tuesday in Carroll County. The patrol says that 66 year old Margaret Ellis was on Route J when she fell asleep at the wheel, causing her car to run off the road and then struck a culvert and came to rest in a creek. She was air-lifted by helicopter to North Kansas City Hospital with serious injuries.
TEEN HURT IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Gravois Mills teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Morgan County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4:05pm as the 16 year old girl was on Missouri 135 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, returned to the road, skidded across the center of the road where she overcorrected and skidded again and then struck a fence post overturned, hit a cable sign and a tree before coming to rest on its side. She refused treatment for minor injuries.
NECAC TO TAKE APPLICATIONS FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE
A local agency has a remedy for rising utility costs. Starting Sunday October 1st, the North East Community Action Corporation will take applications for energy assistance from the elderly and disabled in 12 Missouri counties. The program starts November 1st for families and individuals.
NECAC assisted about 9,600 households with utility assistance last year, and expects the number to increase this winter due to inflation and escalating costs. Two types of programs are available, with maximum benefits of 153 dollars to 800 dollars depending upon the type of heating source.
To receive help, you must qualify by income. The monthly income limit for a one-person household is $2,535. For a four-person residence, it’s $4,875. Additional amounts are available upon request.
To find out more, call your NECAC
MDC CONFIRMS 117TH CONFIRMED MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTING IN MISSOURI
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) confirms that an
adult elk was killed by a mountain lion in Shannon
Reports of a mountain lion sighting were sent to MDC staff early on Sept. 12, and members of MDC’s Large Carnivore Response Team responded to the area later that same day to confirm the sighting. Trail camera images were used to confirm that a mountain lion was in the area and had returned to the elk carcass to feed.
Mountain lions are known to travel through Missouri,
but there is no known breeding population in the state. MDC staff did collect
genetic samples from the site which are in the process of being analyzed to
provide further information about the animal such as the sex of the animal.
Most confirmed sightings of mountain lions in
MDC continues to monitor confirmed mountain lion sightings in
the state, and this sighting marks the 117th confirmed sighting
since 1994. Suspected mountain lion sightings can be reported to MDC by
emailing photos, video, or physical evidence to mountain.lion@mdc.mo.gov.
More information about mountain lions in
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 28, 2023
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Sunday, September 24 at approximately 11:05pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of Emmons in reference to a report of a gunshot and then a vehicle leaving the area. Investigation indicated that a 39-year-old Mexico man was in the area with some associates when a gun he was holding accidentally discharged and shot him in the foot. The man left the scene and has avoided contact with MPSD. There is no indication that anyone was threatened or that there were any other injuries. Mexico Public Safety is continuing to investigate what occurred.
HIGHWAY 36 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Missouri Highway 36 Heritage Alliance Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday in Chillicothe. The meeting begins at 9:30am at the Comfort Inn in Chillicothe. They will have for attendees arriving early coffee and conversation. The meeting will conclude before noon.
Some things to know before the meeting:
No pre-registration is necessary
There is no cost to attend
Bring brochures to share with your neighbors
A limited number of new Highway 36 guides will be available
Come prepared to tell them what's new in your community
Program highlights for the meeting include:
Organizational updates and plans
Hwy 36 Promotional Video Debut
How to work with Missouri Humanities Council
An update from the Missouri Division of Tourism
A how to for regional partnerships
Opportunities for ideas, questions and answers
All members are encouraged to attend. Guests are also welcome.
MOBERLY LICENSE OFFICE CONTRACT UP FOR BID
The Missouri Department of Revenue is announcing the upcoming
Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license office in Moberly located at 521
W Coates St.
For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/. Interested groups or individuals who wish to bid to operate the Moberly License Office must have an active Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and must submit the proposal under the legal entity name for which the FEIN was assigned.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 27, 2023
THREE WOMEN INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three Hallsville women were injured in an accident that occurred at 4:40pm Monday in Boone County. The patrol says that a car driven by 47 year old Angela Ketchum of Centralia stopped abruptly for another vehicle making a left turn on Route B when the chain-reaction accident started as an SUV driven by 31 year old Kelsay McCord of Madison was struck in the rear by another SUV driven by 36 year old Jamie Calvert of Hallsville which caused McCord’s SUV to strike the rear of Ketchum’s car and also another SUV driven southbound by 39 year old Amber Hendren of Hallsville struck Calvert’s SUV causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Both Amber Hendren and her passenger 24 year old Javonna Pigman were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries while Jamie Calvert was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
MISSOURI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION UNVEILS STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR FY 2024
The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) announced Tuesday that
it has released its Strategic Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year 2024. This
comprehensive plan outlines MTC's commitment to catalyzing innovation and
entrepreneurship in the state of Missouri by
introducing new programs and initiatives to empower high-tech companies to
thrive. By leveraging state and federal funds, MTC aims to drive economic
growth through the creation of a thriving ecosystem for
Increased funding for MTC will allow for continued financial support through core programs, such as the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) Grant Program and the Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurship Advancement (IDEA) Fund Co-Investment Program. Additionally, programs piloted in Fiscal Year 2023, such as the Physical Infrastructure Grant Program, will be expanded to further fuel economic development throughout the fiscal year.
MTC, a public-private partnership established by the Missouri General Assembly, receives direct appropriations from the state budget and access to federally funded programs. This funding enables strategic investments in Missouri-based high-tech companies that support their growth and the overall economic prosperity of the state.
For more information about MTC and its Strategic Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year 2024, visit missouritechnology.com.
MDC ASKS TURKEY HUNTERS FOR INPUT ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO HUNTING REGULATIONS
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking input from turkey hunters on possible changes to spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons, including all-day spring hunting and reduced harvest limits for fall seasons.
According to MDC, Missouri’s spring turkey hunting season, specifically the start date, was designed to take place after the peak in turkey breeding had occurred. Additionally, MDC research indicates that the current season structure, combined with the reproductive ecology of turkeys, has resulted in relatively low harvest rates on juvenile and adult gobblers over the years.
MDC encourages turkey hunters to go online to mdc.mo.gov/turkey-regs for more information on potential regulation changes and to provide comment. The comment period closes Oct. 6. The webpage also has information on the history and structure of Missouri turkey hunting and possible effects of regulation changes on turkey numbers and hunter opportunities.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 27, 2023
THREE WOMEN INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three Hallsville women were injured in an accident that occurred at 4:40pm Monday in Boone County. The patrol says that a car driven by 47 year old Angela Ketchum of Centralia stopped abruptly for another vehicle making a left turn on Route B when the chain-reaction accident started as an SUV driven by 31 year old Kelsay McCord of Madison was struck in the rear by another SUV driven by 36 year old Jamie Calvert of Hallsville which caused McCord’s SUV to strike the rear of Ketchum’s car and also another SUV driven southbound by 39 year old Amber Hendren of Hallsville struck Calvert’s SUV causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Both Amber Hendren and her passenger 24 year old Javonna Pigman were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries while Jamie Calvert was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 26, 2023
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING WRECK
Two people were injured, one seriously in a one-vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Ralls County. The highway patrol said 31 year old James Fisher of Atlanta was on US 36 when his freightliner ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment, while his passenger a 4 year old girl from Kirksville was air-lifted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The wreck happened just before 6am Monday.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
60 year old Paul Declue of Gray Summit, MO was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 11:20am Monday in Franklin County. The patrol says that he was on Highway MM when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
NATURAL GAS RATES TO CHANGE FOR LIBERTY UTILITIES CUSTOMERS
Natural gas rates for Liberty Utilities (Midstates Natural Gas) Corp. d/b/a Liberty Utilities customers will change under a filing that will take effect on October 1, 2023. The rate change reflects the Weather Normalization Adjustment Rider (WNAR) which authorizes rate adjustments based on weather variations. The purpose of the tariff is to adjust revenues for differences between actual heating degree days and normal heating degree days. Under the Liberty Utilities filing, a residential customer using 100 Ccf’s (10,000 cubic feet) of natural gas in a given billing month will see an increase of approximately $3.05 a month in Liberty Utilities’ Northeast and West Districts. Natural gas rates will increase by approximately $2.39 a month for a residential customer using approximately 100 Ccf’s of natural gas in a given billing month in Liberty Utilities’ Southeast District. Liberty Utilities serves approximately 52,500 natural gas customers in Missouri. The Northeast and West District service area includes the Missouri counties of Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Marion, Pike, Ralls, Schuyler, Scotland, Bates, Cass, Henry and St. Clair. The Southeast District service area includes the counties of Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne.
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES TWO JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS
Last Friday, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District and the 16th Judicial Circuit.
The Honorable Michael S. Wright, of Warrenton, was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.
Judge Wright currently serves as an associate circuit judge in Warren County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Sherri B. Sullivan.
The Honorable Jessica Agnelly Krawczyk, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Judge Agnelly Krawczyk serves as an associate circuit judge in Jackson County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Avila University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Marco A. Roldan.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 25, 2023
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES GOVERNOR PARSON’S REQUEST FOR MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION
Last Week, Governor Mike Parson announced that President Joe Biden has approved his request for a major disaster declaration to help local governments and nonprofit agencies in 33 counties in response to multiple severe weather systems that impacted Missouri from July 29 – August 14.
The declaration makes federal public assistance available for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of associated emergency response and recovery costs. The Governor’s September 5 request included more than $14 million in qualifying expenses that had already been identified.
The following counties are included in the President’s disaster declaration: Adair, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Camden, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Dade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Henry, Iron, Knox, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, Morgan, New Madrid, Ozark, Perry, Scotland, Scott, Shelby, St. Clair, Ste. Genevieve, Taney, Vernon, Wayne, and Worth.
The disaster declaration also makes assistance available statewide through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Program, which assists with cost-effective measures to reduce the potential for future damage to public infrastructure as a result of natural disasters.
Individuals with unmet needs should contact United Way 211. Call
2-1-1 for assistance or visit http://211helps.org. For additional resources
and information about disaster recovery in
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Thursday, September 21 at approximately 10:38AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 600 block of W Boulevard in reference to someone driving an off-road vehicle on the area residential side streets. By the time officers arrived in the area around 10:45AM, the vehicle had crashed. Responding personnel learned that a 17-year-old female had been driving the off-road vehicle on the streets for recreational purposes. She failed to maintain control of the vehicle and it rolled over. Both the driver and a 17-year-old female passenger were thrown from the vehicle. The passenger was taken for medical treatment by a family member. Her injuries were treated and she was released. The driver did not require medical treatment.
PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Adair County
Route B – September 25 – 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route K to Missouri Route 6 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Audrain County
Route FF – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route FF – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route FF – September 27 - 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 951 to CR 947 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Clark County
U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – October 4 - 5, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Sugar Creek to CR 315 between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4 and 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5.
U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – October 5 - 6, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route F to Honey Creek between 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5 and 7:00 a.m. on Friday, October 6.
Macon County
U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 25 - 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25 and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – September 27 - 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Karma Street to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 28. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S.
Route 63 (Northbound) –
September 28, LANE
RESTRICTION for patching operations from
Monroe County
U.S. Route 24 – September 25 – 26, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations just before and after bridge over Otter Creek between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
Route K – September 25 –
28, LANE
RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations 0.5 mile
before and after bridge over
Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – October 2, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from mile marker 180.6 to mile marker 181.6 between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Schuyler County
U.S. Route 136 (Eastbound) – September 26, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from 0.5 mile before and after bridge over Elm Creek between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Warren County
Missouri
Route 94 – September 25 –
26, CLOSED for
bridge maintenance from Route B to
Route A/Route B – October 1 – 4, continuous LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from just before to just after the bridge over I-70 between 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – October 2 – 3, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from mile marker 187.8 to mile marker 188.2 between 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2 and 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Interstate 70 (Westbound) – October 3 – 4, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from mile marker 188.2 to mile marker 187.8 between 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3 and 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 22, 2023
MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
A Columbia man was injured in an accident that occurred at 1:05pm Wednesday in Linn County. The patrol says that 28 year old Hakeem Ajiwokewu was on MO 5 when his truck ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment of minor injuries.
MDC ASKS DEER HUNTERS TO SHARE THE HARVEST AND FOLLOW CWD REGULATIONS
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages deer hunters to share their harvests to help feed hungry Missourians. MDC also reminds deer hunters to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and follow related regulations.
Missouri’s deer season opened with archery hunting on Sept. 15 and runs through the close of the second archery portion on Jan. 15 with other hunting portions during this time. Get more on deer season portions and dates at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.
Share the Harvest
MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvests by donating surplus venison to the Share the Harvest program to help feed hungry Missourians. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries.
Donating is easy. Simply take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison to donate. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors.
The program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC and has provided nearly 5 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992.
For more information on Share the Harvest, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/share.
Follow CWD Regulations
CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is in Missouri and MDC continues its efforts to limit the spread of CWD by finding new cases as early as possible and managing the disease to slow its spread to more deer in more areas.
MDC’s CWD Management Zone consists of counties where or near
where CWD has been found. MDC has included 14 new counties as part of the CWD
Management Zone this year: Bollinger, Caldwell,
Carroll, Clay,
As with all counties in the CWD Management Zone, grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited year-round. Hunters must also follow carcass transportation regulations. The antler-point restriction has also been removed from Caldwell, Carroll, Clinton, Grundy, Livingston, Montgomery, Ray, and Schuyler counties.
Learn more about CWD and related regulations and restrictions online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.
CWD Sampling and Testing All Season
As part of its efforts to find cases of CWD early and help slow its spread, MDC is again offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state, including some MDC offices and participating taxidermists and meat processors.
MDC also offers self-service freezer drop-off locations within the CWD Management Zone for hunters to deposit harvested deer heads to have tested for CWD. Instructions, packing supplies, and information tags are available at the sites. Get more information on voluntary sampling and drop-off locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.
Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are usually available within four weeks or less from the time of sampling.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE ENCOURAGES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DURING SEPTEMBER
National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies each September. This year, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) continues to focus on consumer awareness and education by partnering with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to encourage emergency preparedness.
A planned discussion during dinner or over the weekend is a great way to review your family emergency plan. Ready.gov has an emergency guide template and other resources available to help initiate the conversation. Part of this plan should include:
Determining where you and your family will shelter based on the threat you are experiencing. During a tornado, this may be your basement or a community storm shelter. Still it may be underneath your kitchen table during an earthquake. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go by practicing for each scenario. Information can be found on Missouri's Stormaware.mo.gov website, which includes detailed videos about taking shelter in specific locations, such as in a mobile home, school, or place of worship.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 21, 2023
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH
60 year old Dale Geeding of Troy was seriously injured in a Tuesday night crash in Monroe County. The highway patrol said it occurred at 7:30pm as he was on Highway 154 when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway and was ejected from it. He was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
FATALITY ACCIDENT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY
A man was killed in an accident that occurred at 6:20pm Tuesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 39 year old Michael Roberson of St. Louis was on Oak Grove Church Road when his motorcycle overturned, ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington where he died from his injuries a short time later.
WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON MISHAP
A Troy woman was injured in a Tuesday afternoon mishap in St. Charles County. State troopers reported that it happened at around 12:15pm as 43 year old Meredith Lasalle was riding her motorcycle on Highway 94 when she failed to maintain her lane and traveled off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. She sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT INCIDENT
A motorcyclist was injured in an incident Monday night in Saline County. MSHP stated that 42 year old Bobby Clark of Auxvasse was on MO 127 when he failed to negotiate a corner, causing his motorcycle to leave the roadway, hit a shed and was ejected into the side of a house. He was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The incident happened at 10:40pm Monday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 20, 2023
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONROE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:50am Monday in Monroe County. The patrol says that 49 year old Terry McNabb of Madison was on Route M when his motorcycle struck a deer and ejected him from it. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
FORMER MISSOURI DOCTOR SENTENCED TO 22 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR DEFRAUDING MEDICARE, MEDICAID
Last Thursday a Moberly doctor was sentenced to 22 months in prison for falsely using his father’s name to bill Medicare and Medicaid for medical services.
42 year old Justin G. LaMonda was also ordered to repay $537,332. His crimes originated after the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts suspended his medical license for 30 days in 2017 after he was accused of engaging in sexual activity with his office manager and prescribing her controlled substances “without sufficient examination and outside of the usual course of professional practice,” LaMonda’s plea agreement says. LaMonda “flagrantly violated” the revocation of his Medicare and Medicaid billing privileges by fraudulently billing those programs, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric wrote in a sentencing memorandum. LaMonda pleaded guilty in March to two counts of making false statements related to health care matters. His medical license has been revoked. LaMonda’s father, Dr. Gary LaMonda, died in September 2021. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI and the Missouri’s Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric prosecuted the case.
MAN ARRESTED FOR STATUTORY RAPE AND CHILD MOLESTATION
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division
of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of 25 year old Logan M. Johnson
of Moberly. Johnson was arrested on September 15 following an
investigation by the Troop B Criminal Unit of the Missouri State Highway
Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. The Randolph County Sheriff’s
Office assisted in the investigation.
On September 14 the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime
Control received a request from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office to
investigate allegations of sexual misconduct involving Logan M. Johnson. On
September 15 results of the investigation led investigators to arrest Johnson,
who was transported to the Randolph County Jail where he was held, pending the
filing of formal charges. On September 15 the Randolph County Prosecuting
Attorney formally charged Johnson with three counts of statutory sodomy, one
count of statutory rape, five counts of child molestation, and one count of
tampering with a witness. Johnson is currently being held in the Randolph
County Jail on a $50,000 cash only bond.
NEW MO 19 & I-70 INTERCHANGE COMPLETED AT NEW FLORENCE
Over two months ahead of schedule, the bridge replacement and interchange project located on Missouri Route 19 and Interstate 70 fully opened to traffic Monday, September 18, upon completion of the north roundabout.
Contractor crews with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. have worked diligently throughout the course of the project to be able to deliver the project early. Drivers will experience intermittent short-term lane closures on Missouri Route 19, the North Outer Road west of MO 19 and the South Outer Road/Tree Farm Road during overnight hours while crews complete concrete work on the islands at the roundabouts. Weather permitting, this work is anticipated to be completed within one week.
The final stage of work will include demolition of the old bridge on MO 19 over I-70, currently scheduled for the evening of October 22. This will require all I-70 traffic to be rerouted over the on/off ramps at this location for up to 24 hours. In case of inclement weather, this work could be rescheduled to the evening of October 29.
In preparation of the bridge demolition, I-70 will be restricted to one-lane the week of October 17 from 7 PM to 6 AM. Additional details will be distributed before this work occurs.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 19, 2023
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Wednesday, September 13 at approximately 3:08PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of W Boulevard and Dogwood in reference to a juvenile that had been hit by a vehicle. Responding personnel found that a 9-year-old female was walking home from school when she crossed the road in front of a truck being driven westbound by 33 year old Christina Karkut of Mexico. Karkut attempted to stop but could not avoid a minor collision. The juvenile was taken to MU Urgent Care by a parent, where her injuries were treated and she was released.
Pedestrians and drivers are reminded to watch out for each other, especially just before and after school. Crosswalks should be used when possible and school zone speed limits should be obeyed.
MDHEWD AWARDED $5 MILLION GRANT TO HELP MISSOURIANS LAND HIGH-QUALITY JOBS
A $5 million grant awarded to the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will help Missourians get high-quality jobs in growing industries. The U.S. Department of Labor announced recently that MDHEWD will receive $5 million in the form of a Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training (QUEST) Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant.
They will work directly with higher education institutions across the state to provide students with necessary wraparound services to remove barriers they may be facing that might otherwise cause them not to complete their training. Wraparound services may include assistance with child care, transportation, housing, or other supportive services to address barriers. Training services may include tuition assistance, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeships.
The grant will support unemployed and underemployed Missourians to access, return to, or advance in high-quality jobs in infrastructure, environment and climate, the care economy, and other critical and growing industries.
Missouri is one of 12 states awarded a QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant for this funding cycle.
NEARLY 350,000 ENJOY ANNUAL
On Monday, Governor Mike Parson and Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced that nearly 350,000 visitors attended the annual State Fair in Sedalia, which was held Aug. 10-20, 2023. The figure reflects an approximate two and a half percent increase from last year.
Special events and exhibits celebrated the 2023 Fair theme Where Traditions Grow. Statistics from fairgoer surveys consistently show that one of the top reasons guests attend the Fair is because it is a tradition for their family.
The agriculture showcase, family-friendly attractions and shows, fair food and drink, shopping, and camping also ranked high in the list of why fairgoers came to the Fair in 2023. Concerts were also an important part of the fairgoer experience this year, with the sold-out Lainey Wilson show and nearly sold-out Nelly concert coming in as the most popular.
The carnival midway was a popular destination for Fair guests, recording its second highest year for revenue with the first Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday coming in as the biggest days on record.
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced that
entry numbers were also encouraging with more than 25,500 livestock and
competitive entries shown at the State Fair in 2023. Notable increases in
livestock entries shown included 37 percent for dairy cattle and 30 percent for
rabbits. Agriculture
The 2024 Fair will be held Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia. To learn more, visit mostatefair.com.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 18, 2023
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Monroe City teen was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Marion County. The highway patrol said the 17 year old boy was on Highway K when his jeep ran off the left side of the road, struck several trees and overturned. The teen was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital and then flown to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The wreck happened at 12:30am Sunday.
DRIVER HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
25 year old Benjamin Cavin of Fulton was hurt in an accident that occurred at 5:35pm Friday in Macon County. The patrol says that he was on US 63 when he experienced a medical issue, causing his box truck to travel off the left side of the roadway through a corn field and then re-entered the road and ran off the right side, coming to rest in a ditch. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
TEEN INJURED IN FRIDAY EVENING CRASH
A Kirksville teen was injured in a Friday evening crash in Adair County. State troopers stated that 19 year old Liam Ruuskanen was on MO 11 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to run off the right side of the road, hit an embankment and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The crash happened at 5:25pm Friday.
BOY HURT IN ATV CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON
A Middletown boy was hurt in an ATV crash Saturday afternoon in Audrain County. The patrol says it occurred at 4:25pm as the 5 year old boy was on private property at 44707 Audrain Road 626 when the ATV struck a utility pole. The boy was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Audrain County
Route FF – September 18, CLOSED for
culvert replacement operations from
Route FF – September 19 - 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 989 to CR 977 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route FF – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route FF – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route FF – September 27 - 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 951 to CR 947 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Macon County
U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 18 - 19, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from U.S. Route 63 to Long Branch Lake Road between 7:00 a.m. on Monday, September 18 and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 19 - 20, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East and West of Route C and Route O at Bevier between 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19 and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 20 - 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East and West of Route C and Route O at Bevier between 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20 and 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 25 - 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25 and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – September 27 - 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Karma Street to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 28. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S.
Route 63 (Northbound) –
September 28, LANE
RESTRICTION for patching operations from
Montgomery County
Route K – September 25 –
28, LANE
RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations 0.5 mile
before and after bridge over
Pike County
Missouri Route 79 – September 18, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route B to CR 120 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Randolph County
Route C – September 18 - 21, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from start to end of bridge over U.S. Route 24 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 15, 2023
JOBS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2023
Missouri non-farm payroll employment decreased by 13,700 jobs in August 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment decreased by 16,100 jobs, and government employment increased by 2,400 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in August 2023, up from 2.7 percent in July 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 51,700 jobs from August 2022 to August 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.4 percent in August 2022 to 2.8 percent in August 2023.
MSHP INVITES JOB SEEKERS TO CAREER EXPO
Colonel Eric T. Olson,
superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, invites those interested
in exploring employment with the agency to attend a career expo set for
Thursday Sept. 21 from 10am to 6pm at
the MSHP Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson
City. In addition to the position of trooper, the Patrol workforce
includes over 60 civilian career paths. Divisions with current openings will
have representatives available to answer questions about positions and
projects, employee benefits, and what it's like to work for the Patrol.
Currently, there is a wide variety of job opportunities located throughout the
state.
Representatives from the following units will be available to answer questions
about employment opportunities:
Aircraft Division
Bomb Squad
Budget & Procurement Division
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
Communications Division
Crime Laboratory Division
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Dive Team
Driver & Vehicle Safety Division
Fleet & Facilities Division
Gaming Division
Human Resources Division
Missouri Information Analysis Center
Recruiting & Community Outreach Division
Water Patrol Division
The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers an excellent benefits package, which
includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement and savings
(MoDOT & Patrol Employees' Retirement System (MPERS), deferred
compensation, and cafeteria plan); leave (vacation, sick, 13 paid holidays, and
more); and flexible work schedules. Some positions also offer a teleworking
option.
For more information contact: Lieutenant Alex Vivas, Recruiting and Community
Outreach Division, at (573) 751-9901 x1053, or Trooper Robert "Mike"
Malone, Recruiting and Community Outreach Division, at (573) 508-9804.
MISSOURI PSC SUPPORTS NATIONAL DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND LIFELINE AWARENESS WEEK
Staying connected with family and friends, seeking emergency and government services as well as community resources is essential. The Lifeline Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program can help eligible low-income customers access broadband and phone services. The Missouri Public Service Commission helps the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) administer the Lifeline program and joins a national effort in observing National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week September 11-17, 2023.
Funding for the Lifeline Program is primarily from the federal Universal Service Fund, but additional funding may also be provided by the Missouri Universal Service Fund. Missouri also has a separate program for eligible disabled customers. The overall monthly discount can be as much as $24.00 for landline Lifeline service if it includes voice service. Wireless service can also qualify for Lifeline discounts but the monthly discount is limited to $9.25. Customers may be eligible for assistance if their annual household income level is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level or if a member of the household participates in any of these programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps; MOHealthnet (or Medicaid); Supplemental Security Income; Federal Public Housing Assistance; Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit; or certain disability benefits. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program which provides a qualifying subscriber with a $30.00 monthly discount for broadband service and up to $100.00 for the purchase of computer and broadband-related equipment. A consumer qualifies for ACP if they are eligible for the Lifeline program, have a total household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, participates in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year, received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.
The ACP discount and Lifeline discount is limited to one per household but a household qualifying for the ACP and Lifeline programs can receive both discounts. In such instances, the household will need to separately apply to both programs. Not all companies participate in the Lifeline and ACP programs. Please contact your local voice provider and/or internet provider to see if they participate. For more information, visit www.lifelinesupport.org for the Lifeline program and www.Getinternet.gov for the ACP program.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 14, 2023
THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
Three people were injured, two seriously in a Tuesday morning accident in Randolph County. The highway patrol said it happened at 11am as a truck driven by 81 year old Terry Bagby of Huntsville was on Route A when he failed to yield and pulled into the path of a van driven by 72 year old Patrick Boone of Sturgeon. Boone along with one of his passengers’ 52 year old Jan Boone of Sturgeon sustained serious injuries while his other passenger 70 year old James Boone of Higbee suffered moderate injuries. All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
DRIVER INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
20 year old Christian Mike Mariano of Union was injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 7am Tuesday in Franklin County. The patrol says he was on Highway T when his SUV traveled off the roadway and into a ditch. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
MSHP: STAY ALERT DURING HARVEST SEASON
In 2022, there were 177 Missouri traffic
crashes involving farm equipment/implements. In those crashes, seven people
were killed and 63 were injured. Missouri has entered harvest season
and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road.
Farmers and motorists are encouraged to be courteous drivers and to obey all
traffic laws.
Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay
attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers
are dangerous drivers. Please remain vigilant!
Farmers
* Make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a
“slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway.
*If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a
safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can
pass.
*Always drive as far to the right as possible.
*It's harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don't travel on the road
during those times if possible.
* Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being
used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be
equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a "slow-moving vehicle"
emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet
when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety
helmet regardless of age.
Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements
to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for
agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required
lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts.
Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over
protection structure.
Drivers:
* Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.
* When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down
and be patient.
* Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no
oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.
* Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm
vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to
let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the
farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
* It's important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and
leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be
paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers
to see.
Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility. It's that simple.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 12, 2023
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY CRASH
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon crash in Boone County. The highway patrol said it happened at 3:40pm as 51 year old Steve Coats of Columbia was eastbound on I-70 when he turned in front of a truck driven by 53 year old Scott Stuhr of Central City, NE and after the collision was ejected from his motorcycle. Coats was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A St. Clair teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6pm Sunday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 18 year old Korey Hedge was on Sunny Meadows Road and driving too fast for the curvy conditions when his vehicle began skidding and it overturned onto its right side. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
TWO INJURED IN ATV MISHAP
Two people from Linn were injured in an ATV mishap Sunday afternoon in Osage County. State troopers stated that 21 year old Gavin Edwards was on Route CC when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his ATV to exit the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to cross the road and exit the left side of the road where he overcorrected once more and it overturned and struck a tree. He sustained moderate injuries while his passenger a 17 year old boy suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment. The mishap occurred at 3:10pm Sunday.
COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACTS IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI
During its regular meeting on Thursday September 7, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded contracts for corridor improvements/turn lane, a bridge replacement, a slide repair and pavement replacement, and multiple resurfacing projects in the Northeast District.
Contract information and project locations are as follows:
The resurfacing projects are included as part of
Gov. Parson’s
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 11, 2023
MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A motorcyclist was killed in an accident that occurred at 6:10pm Thursday in Macon County. The patrol says that 74 year old Ronald Wilson of Moberly was on Route T when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway and was ejected from it. He was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries a short time later.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING INCIDENT
A driver was hurt in a Saturday morning incident in Audrain County. MSHP reported that it occurred at around 10:45am as 69 year old Charles Fox of Laddonia was on 401 Poplar Street when he suffered a medical issue and became unconscious, causing his SUV to travel off the right side of the roadway, collided with a parked truck and then struck a tree. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
TEEN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY CRASH
A New Haven teen was hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Franklin County. State troopers stated that the 16 year old boy was on Highway C when he swerved to avoid a vehicle in his lane and traveled off the right side of the road into a ditch and then he attempted to steer back onto the roadway but overcorrected, causing his truck to return to the road and skidded across and off the left side into another ditch, struck a highway sign and spun and continued down the ditch until it’s rear bumper struck a large cedar tree. The teen was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries. The crash happened at 4:20pm Saturday.
MAN KILLED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
28 year old Michael Bira of Marthasville was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in St. Charles County. The highway patrol said it happened at 7pm as he was on Highway N when his truck ran off the right side of the road, he overcorrected and returned to the roadway and then it ran off the left side of the road and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 8, 2023
MAN INJURED IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
22 year old Jacob Ronimous of Hannibal was injured in an accident that occurred just before 7am Thursday in Marion County. The patrol says he was on Highway C when his car ran off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A Union woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at around 3pm as 82 year old Janet Kugel was on Clearview Road when she failed to maintain control as she was making a left turn onto Route A and her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, she attempted to regain control and overcorrected, causing her vehicle to hit a ditch and then it continued off the road into the backyard of 1582 Clearview Road. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
DED AWARDS NEARLY $11 MILLION THROUGH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM TO 22 COMMUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced it has awarded a total of nearly $11 million to 22 communities through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to assist with various improvement projects.
“Maintaining infrastructure is vital to keeping Missourians safe and communities strong,” said Governor Mike Parson. “The Community Development Block Grant Program is another way we’re investing in critical infrastructure and improving public safety statewide. These grants are funding projects that benefit communities’ wellbeing while increasing their capacity for future economic growth.”
Funded projects include street and roadway repairs, stormwater and drainage improvements, demolition of dilapidated structures, and construction of new public facilities.
“Projects funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program help Missourians prosper by making needed improvements to the infrastructure and facilities they rely on every day,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “As a result of this program, communities are provided opportunities for growth that strengthen our entire state’s economy.”
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 7, 2023
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:45pm Tuesday in Linn County. The patrol says that 32 year old Jacob Wiese of Linneus was on MO 11 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and began overturning, ejecting the driver. He was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield with serious injuries.
WOMAN KILLED IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK
A woman was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Lincoln County. The highway patrol said it happened at 11:40pm as 22 year old Saraya Sanders of Lake St. Louis was on North Lindsey Road when her car crossed the center of the road, she overcorrected and ran off the right side of the road, struck a guardrail end, became airborne and went into a creek bed, struck a rock bluff and overturned. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Sunday, September 3 at approximately 11:29am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of Yale in reference to a disturbance involving a weapon. Responding officers contacted Travis K Baclesse, age 33 of Mexico, who was armed with a knife. Officers were able to safely take Baclesse into custody and he was eventually transported to the Audrain County Jail for Domestic Assault 3rd degree, Assault 4th degree-Special Victim, Unlawful Use of Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Armed Criminal Action. Personnel from the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol also responded to the scene to assist.
On Sunday, September 3 at approximately 11:16am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of N Jefferson Street and Vine Street in reference to a crash involving a bicycle. Responding personnel learned that Jo Ann Thomas, age 73 of Mexico, was traveling northbound on Jefferson Street near Vine in her 2017 Toyota, when she passed an E-bike being ridden by Jason King, age 53 of Mexico. Thomas proceeded to then turn at the intersection, into the path of the bicycle. There were no injuries from the crash.
MSHP RELEASES LABOR DAY HOLIDAY STATISTICS
Twelve people died in traffic crashes, no one
died in a boating crash, and no one drowned during the 2023 Labor Day holiday
weekend. The Patrol investigated nine of the traffic fatalities. The Joplin
(MO) Police Department investigated two traffic fatalities, and Springfield
(MO) Police Department investigated one traffic fatality during the holiday
weekend counting period. The 2023 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was
from 6 p.m., Friday, September 1, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 4.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following enforcement activity
during 2023 Labor Day holiday:
MSHP Traffic Statistics (preliminary):
Crashes ¯ 306
Injuries ¯ 146
Fatalities ¯ 9
DWI ¯ 119
Drug Arrests ¯ 19
MSHP Boating Statistics (preliminary):
Crashes ─ 11
Injuries ─ 2
Fatalities ─ 0
BWI ¯ 2
Drownings — 0
Drug Arrests ¯ 0
(Note: During the 2022 counting period, the Patrol investigated 286 traffic
crashes, which included 119 injuries and four of the seven fatalities. Troopers
made 121 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the Labor
Day holiday 2022: Troopers investigated eight boating crashes involving one
fatality and five injuries; and arrested five people for boating while
intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2022
Labor Day holiday weekend.)
Troopers investigated nine of the 12 fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor
Day holiday weekend. Two fatal traffic crashes occurred in each of the Troop
B, Macon, MO, Troop D, Springfield, MO, and Troop
H, St. Joseph, MO, areas. One fatal traffic crash each occurred in
the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO,
and Troop G, Willow Springs, MO, areas.
MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 08/30/2023 and 7am 09/01/2023.
On August 30, 2023, a Moberly Officer contacted 33-year-old Andrea Williams at College Town Apartments. Williams was placed under arrest on an active Randolph County Warrant for original charges of possession of a controlled substance. Williams was transported to the Randolph County Jail.
On August 30, 2023, a Moberly Officer contacted 39-year-old Dustin Brown on a traffic stop in the 300 block of W. Rollins St. Brown was placed under arrest for a probation violation warrant. Brown was transported to the Randolph County Jail.
On August 31, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the Probation and Parole Office and arrested 45-year-old Bryan Rogers for an active warrant. Rogers was transported to the Randolph County Jail.
On August 31, 2023, a Moberly Officer initiated a traffic stop on S. Morley St. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Brandon Charles, was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and driving while revoked. Charles was later transported to the Randolph County Jail.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 6, 2023
DRIVER KILLED IN SHELBY COUNTY INCIDENT
A Bethel driver was killed in an early Monday morning incident in Shelby County. The patrol says that it occurred at 3am as 50 year old Christopher White was on Shelby County Road 242 when his ATV slid off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from the ATV. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
CENTRALIA TEEN HURT IN BOONE COUNTY WRECK
A Centralia teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Boone County. The patrol says it occurred at 8:25pm as the 18 year old girl was on Route B when her vehicle struck a deer. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A man and a teenage girl from Vandalia were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 2:15pm Monday in Pike County. State troopers stated that 40 year old Joseph Resor and his passenger a 16 year old girl were on US 54 when their motorcycle struck an unknown object in the road and after impact it overturned, ejecting both from the motorcycle, before it went off the south side of the road. The teen was air-lifted by helicopter to St. Louis Children’s Hospital while the man was air-lifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
35 year old Christopher Crawford of Gerald was hurt in a Monday afternoon crash in Gasconade County. The highway patrol said he was on MO 19 when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence and went into a pond. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hermann Hospital for treatment. The crash happened at 2:20pm Monday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 4-5, 2023
MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON
21 year old Jonathon Burke of Wright City was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in Warren County. State troopers stated that it happened just before 2pm as he was on South Stracks Church Road when his motorcycle struck loose oil dry in the road and he was unable to maintain control and it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from his motorcycle. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two people from Sullivan were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 1:15am Saturday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 44 year old Jess Earney was on Missouri 185 when he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway, but still struck it with his motorcycle and it overturned, ejecting both the man and his passenger 40 year old Heidi Earney. Jess sustained serious injuries while Heidi suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
Another incident involving a deer happened early Saturday morning in Franklin County as a driver was sent to the hospital with minor injuries. The highway patrol said 20 year old Randy Stephens of Sullivan was on Missouri 185 when he swerved to avoid a deer in the road and his truck overturned. He was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of minor injuries. The wreck happened at around 1:50am Saturday.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Wednesday, August 30 at approximately 1:56am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of W Monroe in reference to gunshots being fired. Responding officers contacted Jacob L Etheridge, age 23, in the area. Investigation indicated Etheridge was impaired and had fired a gun out of frustration with a nearby business. Etheridge was arrested and processed at MPSD, and later taken to the Audrain County Jail for Unlawful Use of Weapon. There were no injuries from the incident.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
September 1, 2023
MAN HURT IN MACON COUNTY WRECK
A Macon man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Macon County. The highway patrol said it happened at 8:40pm as 38 year old Jesse Heller was a passenger in a truck driven by 21 year old Joshua Roper of Macon. They were on US 36 when Roper lost control of the truck which was pulling a trailer and it traveled off the right side of the roadway. Heller was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.
DRIVER KILLED, ANOTHER DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A driver was killed while the other driver was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:15pm Wednesday in Jefferson County. The patrol says that 50 year old Lyle Skinner of Wentzville was on Missouri 30 when he stopped for a changing electrical signal and his motorcycle was struck in the rear by another motorcycle operated by 58 year old John Morgan of St. Peters and after impact both were ejected from their motorcycles. Both were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South where Morgan died a short time later from his injuries, meanwhile Skinner is being treated for serious injuries.
NEW SOUTH ROUNDABOUT OPENS AT NEW FLORENCE INTERCHANGE
The bridge replacement and interchange project located on Missouri Route 19 and Interstate 70 is set to enter the final stages including reduced traffic impacts.
Weather permitting, September 1, the following portions of the project will be complete and open to traffic:
New I-70 eastbound off and on-ramps
The South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) east and west of MO 19
The south roundabout
Construction continues on the eastern portion of the north roundabout and islands on the south roundabout. During this time, drivers can expect to experience the following traffic impacts:
The North Outer Road, Booneslick, west of MO 19, will open from Highway 19 to FastLane, but will have right-in/right-out only access at Highway 19. Drivers wishing to travel northbound on MO 19 from the North Outer Road/Booneslick will continue to use Clark Drive.
Upon exiting WB I-70, traffic will detour onto the temporary off-ramp and onto a portion of the North Outer Road/Booneslick. This detour will accommodate one-way traffic only and access to businesses will be right-in/right-out only. At the intersection with MO 19 only right turn movements will be permitted to travel north. Motorists wishing to travel southbound on MO 19 from the WB I-70 exit ramp will utilize the Clark Drive extension as a detour loop in conjunction with the north outer road.
The North Outer Road/Booneslick will be closed to eastbound traffic between MO 19 and Coop Road.
The I-70 WB on-ramp will re-open from southbound MO 19. Northbound MO 19 traffic will access this ramp by taking Clark Drive to the North Outer Road.
Over the next several weeks, temporary nighttime lane restrictions will be in place between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. to allow for placement of concrete for the islands at the south roundabout.
MSHP: INCLUDE SAFETY IN YOUR PLANS FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Colonel Eric T. Olson,
superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to
plan for a safe 2023 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the
road, it’s everyone's responsibility to travel safely and observe
all Missouri laws. Never operate a vehicle or vessel while you are
impaired. Alcohol affects your judgement, reaction time, vision, coordination,
and comprehension. The movement of the boat, vibration and noise from the
boat’s motor, sun, and wind are all boating stressors and enhance the effect of
alcohol on your body. If alcohol is part of your water activities, drink
responsibly, and never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol.
The 2023 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday,
September 1, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 4, 2023.
The Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend. Before you take your boat on
the water, inspect fuel lines and hose connections for leaks, and test the
battery to confirm it is charged. When refueling, turn off any electrical
devices which could create a spark. After refueling, open the engine compartment
to visually inspect and smell for fuel leaks. Activate the blower system for at
least four minutes before restarting the vessel.
In 2022, there were eight boating crashes which included one fatality and five
injuries. One person drowned over last year's Labor Day holiday. Troopers
arrested five people for boating while intoxicated during last year's counting
period.
Marine enforcement troopers will be working to make our waterways safer during
the holiday weekend. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by
remaining alert for other boats and swimmers and being courteous on the water.
Smaller vessels should yield right-of-way to larger vessels. Boaters should
avoid overloading their boat with too many passengers and always pay close
attention to the boats around them. Causing harm to another person or their
property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or
civil liability. Treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be
treated. Be courteous and follow all of Missouri’s boating laws. Remember:
Life jackets save lives. Wear one when you are on or around water.
If you'll be on the road this Labor Day holiday, make sure your vehicle is in
good working condition before you depart. Drive courteously and obey all
of Missouri's traffic laws. Remember to buckle up and pay attention as you
travel.
Help ensure a safer Labor Day weekend for everyone.
In Missouri, seven people died and 398 were injured in 1,041 traffic
crashes over the 2022 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or
injured every 11.5 minutes. Troopers arrested 121 people for driving while
intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.
The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness
& Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention,
and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available
troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. Troopers on
the roadways will be enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and
impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800)
525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or
experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both
highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate
someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car. Please don't
become a statistic.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 31, 2023
PHONE SCAM ALERT IN ADAIR COUNTY
Another phone scam alert has been reported in northeast Missouri. According to KTVO, on Wednesday in a Facebook post the Adair County Sheriff’s Office warned residents that scammers are making calls asking for payments for outstanding warrants and other legal matters, claiming to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office. They may even spoof the phone number to appear like it’s a real call from the Sheriff’s Office. If you get a call like this, do not provide any information and hang up. The Adair County Sheriff’s Office does not make calls asking for payments and they also don’t process payments for warrants or any other service by phone. If you ever receive a call that appears to come from the sheriff’s office, you can verify it by calling them back at 660-665-4644.
DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday morning in Marion County. The highway patrol said it happened at 10:50am as 67 year old Richard Epperson of New London attempted to cross Veterans Road and pulled into the path of a car driven by 39 year old April Darnell of Hannibal. Darnell was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Wellsville woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4:10pm Tuesday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 60 year old Denise Keller was on US 54 when her SUV was bumped in the rear by a truck driven by 65 year old Glen Miller of Auxvasse. She suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 30, 2023
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Fulton man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 6:15pm Monday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 21 year old Evan Mackey was on Route UU and driving with emergency equipment activated while en route to a call when he failed to negotiate a curve when his vehicle came upon a vehicle in the road and traveled off the right side and struck a ditch. He was air-lifted by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
70 year old Mark Welch of Boonville was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Lafayette County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4:55pm as he was on the North Outer Road East of Concordia when he failed to negotiate a curve and his truck struck a guardrail. He was taken to Western Missouri Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
NEW DIALING PROCEDURE COMING TO THE 573 AREA CODE IN MISSOURI
The Missouri Public Service Commission, the North American
Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) and the telecommunications industry remind customers to continue preparing for a new area code (235) in the current 573 area code in Missouri. As part of that process, customers should prepare for 10-digit local dialing. The 235 area code will be added as an overlay to the 573 region. An overlay is the addition of another area code (235) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (573). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code, but does require customers to dial the area code to complete local calls.
A six-month permissive dialing period began on August 26, 2023, to give consumers
adequate time to adjust to the dialing changes. During this period, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and all calls that are local will continue to be local even though you dial 10 digits.
Beginning February 24, 2024, all local calls made within the 573 area code must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). On and after that date, calls placed using just 7 digits will not be completed.
Starting on March 24, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 235 area code.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 29, 2023
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY MORNING WRECK
57 year old Tammy Wheeler of Memphis was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck in Scotland County. The highway patrol said it happened at 11:30am last Friday as she was on US 136 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree before overturning. She was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN RANDOLPH COUNTY CRASH
A driver was hurt in a automobile crash in Randolph County. State troopers stated that 26 year old Sierra LeBlanc was on County Road 2515 when they failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to run off the left side of the road and overturned. The driver decided to seek own treatment for minor injuries. The crash occurred at 10:55am last Friday.
MAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A St. Louis man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 3:50pm Sunday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 58 year old Joseph Larson was eastbound on I-44 when his motorcycle was struck in the rear by a car driven by 72 year old Bette Weisman of Chesterfield who was following too closely and then caused it to slide and eject him from the motorcycle. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
HANDS-FREE LAW TOOK EFFECT ON MONDAY
After two years in a row of more than 1,000 fatalities on Missouri’s roadways, Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving, which took effect on Monday. Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. Between 2012 and 2021, there were nearly 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes in Missouri, resulting in at least 801 fatalities. Cell phone use is responsible for far more distracted driving crashes than are being reported, according to a recent report from the National Safety Council. When the law took effect Aug. 28, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 28, 2023
TEEN GIRL KILLED, TWO TEEN BOYS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A teenage girl was killed, while two teenage boys were seriously injured in an early Sunday morning accident in Macon County. The patrol says that a 15 year old girl from Bevier was a passenger in a car driven by a 16 year old boy from Bevier. They were on MO 3 when the car traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting the girl from it. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver and his other passenger a 18 year old boy from Macon sustained serious injuries. The driver was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon while his passenger was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The accident occurred after 2:30am Sunday.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
24 year old Wyatt Huskey of Sullivan was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 8:50pm Saturday in Franklin County. The patrol says that he was on Jake’s Prairie Road when he failed to negotiate a curve and his ATV overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4:50am as 33 year old Nash Mroah Sim of Owensboro, KY was eastbound on I-44 and traveling too fast for wet road conditions when his car began sliding and struck a guardrail. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
WOMAN INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY CRASH
A Mokane woman was injured in a crash that occurred at 3:40am Sunday in Callaway County. State troopers stated that 32 year old Kathryn Vandelicht was on MO 94 when her SUV ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a concrete culvert. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 25, 2023
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:30am Wednesday in Boone County. The patrol says that 25 year old Page Burnett was on Route Z when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, causing it to return to the road and went off the left side and overturned. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
62 year old Nancy Carico of Marceline was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in St. Charles County. The highway patrol said it happened at around 2:25pm as she was on US 61 when her SUV ran off the right side of the road, went up a hill and then down an embankment, overturned and came to rest upright in a creek bed. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
PUBLIC INVITED TO INFORMATION MEETINGS FOR STATEWIDE IMPROVE I-70 PROGRAM
The Missouri Department of Transportation is inviting the public to informational meetings to learn more about MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT’s Northeast district will host two of these meetings on:
Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by Governor Parson provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third lane of Interstate 70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on approximately 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
The public is invited to attend the informational meetings to learn about the proposed plan and next steps for I-70. Please note these are open house style meetings, and no formal presentations will be made. The public can attend the meetings anytime during the advertised hours, and the information will be the same at each location. For a full list of public meeting dates and locations, click here.
MoDOT is currently in the planning stage of the Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT engineers will share preliminary information about the goals for improving I-70, possible construction schedules for the 200 miles, and next steps. MoDOT is interested in gathering feedback from the public regarding I-70’s current condition, construction staging, and other general comments they may have. Public input is important ahead of the design phase of the work. For those who are unable to attend a meeting in person, the information that will be presented and an online comment form will be available starting August 28 at www.modot.org/improvei70/public-involvement. The comment period online will be open from Monday, Aug. 28, through Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 24, 2023
TEEN HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Macon teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 1pm Tuesday in Macon County. The patrol says that a 16 year old girl was on Kestrel Avenue when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. She was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH
71 year old William Whitney of Washington was injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Franklin County. State troopers stated that he was on Route AJ when his truck ran off the roadway, struck a ditch and several trees. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries. The crash occurred after 9am Wednesday.
WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A Villa Ridge woman was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at 2:30pm as 30 year old Kelsey Larose was on MO 100 at I-44 when she attempted to make a left turn and her jeep was struck by a truck driven by 22 year old Colt Stevens of Villa Ridge which had failed to stop at a steady red traffic signal. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
STATE AWARDS MORE THAN $3.7 MILLION IN ARPA FUNDING TO HELP REVITALIZE NORTHERN MISSOURI COMMUNITIES
The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced on Monday that it has awarded a total of more than $3.7 million through the second round of the Community Revitalization Grant Program for six projects in northern Missouri. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is focused on investing in communities of all sizes to support local priorities, encourage economic recovery, and build resilience for the future.
The second round of the Community Revitalization Grant Program was launched in May 2023 to ensure an equitable distribution of funds for Missouri’s north region, which did not exhaust the $10 million available during the first round. The program’s second round awarded competitive grants to applicants, including municipalities and nonprofit organizations, to benefit communities affected by the pandemic. Grant awards will fund a variety of projects, such as downtown property renovations, historic district redevelopment, and community facilities.
Details on recipients of the Community Revitalization Grant Program’s second round are available here.
To learn more about DED’s ARPA-funded grant programs, visit ded.mo.gov/arpa.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 23, 2023
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:30pm Tuesday in Macon County. The patrol says that 71 year old John Williams of Kirksville was on US 63 when his motorcycle ran off the roadway, began to slide and overturned, ejecting him from it. He was taken to Northeast Regional Hospital in Kirksville with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING COLLISION
A Paris driver was hurt in a Tuesday morning collision in Monroe County. The patrol says it occurred at 9am as 63 year old Peggy Lehenbauer was northbound and 61 year old David Fitzgerald of Holiday was eastbound on US 24 when their vehicles collided head-on. Lehenbauer was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT CRASH
23 year old Darren Peecher of Monroe City was hurt in a Monday night crash in Ralls County. State troopers stated that he was riding a motorized bicycle on Birch Lane when he lost control on the gravel road and it overturned. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment. The crash happened at 5:35pm Monday.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Sunday at approximately 8:53pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 4800 block of S Clark in reference to a vehicle fire. Responding personnel found a 2014 Nissan sedan with flame coming from the passenger compartment. The fire was extinguished but not before the passenger compartment and the numerous items packed inside were destroyed. The owner of the vehicle, a 52-year-old female from Auxvasse, could not give much information about what occurred prior to the fire. She requested Audrain Ambulance District transport her to University Hospital, but she had no visible injuries. The vehicle was later towed from the scene.
On Thursday, August 17 at about 3:26am, an alert resident notified the Mexico Public Safety Department about some suspicious activity in the northwest part of town. By around 4:06am, officers learned of numerous vehicles that had been rummaged through in the north part of Mexico. Items had been stolen from some of the vehicles and in one instance, the vehicle itself had been stolen and abandoned about 10 blocks away. Beginning around 12:20pm, five juvenile males, ages 12-16, were located and detained for their roles in the various incidents. Two of the juveniles were taken into custody by the 12th Circuit Court-Juvenile Division and Division of Youth Services. The others were released to their guardians for follow up with the Juvenile Office.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 22, 2023
DRIVER KILLED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Green City driver was killed in an accident that occurred at around 11:20pm Sunday in Macon County. The patrol says that 60 year old Samuel Ratliff was on US 63 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
WOMAN HURT IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A woman was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Callaway County. The highway patrol said it happened at 7:15am as 25 year old Abbie Romph of Holts Summit was stopped at a traffic light on US 54 when her car was struck in the rear by a jeep driven by 30 year old Ivett Silva of Fulton. Romph sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
TROY MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT INCIDENT
A Troy man was seriously injured in a Sunday night incident in St. Charles County. MSHP reports that 38 year old Daniel Hammer was eastbound on I-70 ramp to northbound US 61 when he lost control of his motorcycle and it ran off the left side of the road and overturned, ejecting him from it. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The incident happened at around 11:55pm Sunday.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
24 year old Roper Calvert of Hermann was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash that occurred at 6:25pm Sunday in Franklin County. The patrol says that he was on Highway B and traveling too fast for the conditions of the roadway when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his motorcycle to overturn and travel off the left side of the road and also eject him from it. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 21, 2023
MAN INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Mexico man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 3:45pm Saturday in Audrain County. The patrol says that a truck driven by 32 year old Jade Mcelyea of Auxvasse was on Audrain County Road 845 while another truck driven by 63 year old Bruce Mueller was on Audrain County Road 852. Both approached the intersection and the woman attempted to turn left when she crossed paths with the man’s truck and they collided. Mueller was taken to MU Urgent Care in Mexico for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
64 year old Daniel Right of Gerald was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Gasconade County. The highway patrol said it happened at 9:45am as he was on Missouri 28 when he suffered a medical condition, causing his truck to travel off the left side of the roadway and struck several trees. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY EVENING CRASH
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Saturday evening crash in Boone County. State troopers stated that a motorcycle ridden by 27 year old Randall Fisher of Columbia and a car driven by a 17 year old girl from Columbia both made a lane change at approximately the same time on MO 763 and the motorcycle was traveling at an excessive rate of speed when it struck the rear of the car and then he was ejected from his motorcycle. Fisher was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The crash happened at around 8:20pm Saturday.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A St. Louis woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:50pm Friday in Pike County. MSHP reported that 34 year old Katherine Fagin was on US 61 when her car ran off the right side of the road, went down an embankment, struck a tree line and overturned. She was air-lifted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 18, 2023
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN DIRT BIKE INCIDENT
A teen was seriously injured in a dirt bike incident Wednesday afternoon in Marion County. MSHP stated that it happened at 12pm as a 14 year old boy from Colorado Springs, CO was on private property on County Road 428 when he overcorrected and lost control causing his dirt bike to strike the ground. He was transported by helicopter to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
TWO INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY VEHICLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Two people from Eolia were injured after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night in Pike County. State troopers report that 65 year old Jean Stidem of Eolia was distracted and did not notice her SUV was in drive when it rolled forward and struck 36 year old Carolyn Todd and 52 year old Matthew Todd and also a house. Carolyn Todd was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis while Matthew Todd was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The mishap occurred at 9:25pm Wednesday.
MAN STRUCK AND KILLED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was struck and killed in an accident that occurred after 9pm Wednesday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 43 year old Curtis Berry of Houston, TX was on the south outer road of I-70 when he was struck in the roadway by a freightliner driven by a Fowler, CA man and after impact the freightliner ran off the left side of the road, struck a guy wire and a culvert. Berry was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
39 year old Jesse Ellsworth of Truesdale was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Montgomery County. The highway patrol said it happened at 3:10pm as he was on Route E when his car struck a deer in the road, causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 17, 2023
MAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia man was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 8:15am Wednesday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 36 year old Anthony Mars was on US 63 when he pulled to the shoulder as his goggles began to fog and then returned to the roadway where his motorcycle struck the rear bumper of a car with its front tire and overturned onto its right side. Mars sustained minor injuries and was taken to Capital Region Medical Center for treatment.
WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY MORNING WRECK
59 year old Jacqueline Fernald of Columbia was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Callaway County. State troopers stated that she was westbound on I-70 when her truck hydroplaned, ran off the right side of the road and struck the median cables. She was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries. The wreck happened at around 8:20am Tuesday.
TEEN KILLED IN ATV CRASH
A Waverly teen was killed in an ATV crash Tuesday night in Lafayette County. The highway patrol said it happened at around 7:40pm as a 13 year old boy was riding his ATV on Durant Road when it traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. The teen was taken to Carroll County Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE RECEIVES REACCREDITATION FROM NAIC
The Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation (F) Committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) voted to reaccredit the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) for a full 5 years at the NAIC's 2023 Summer National Meeting. This is the highest recommendation level from the F Committee and certifies that DCI is meeting a standard that ensures all other states can rely on the department’s work, demonstrating DCI’s commitment to excellence when using statutory and administrative authority to regulate an insurer’s corporate and financial affairs.
A system of effective solvency regulation provides crucial safeguards for insurance consumers as consumers benefit when the insurance industry is strong enough financially to be able to pay and settle claims in a timely manner.
The accreditation program also allows for inter-state cooperation and reduces regulatory redundancies. All accredited states require financial examinations on all companies that are licensed in the state; however, in lieu of performing its own examination, a state may accept the examination report prepared by an accredited insurance department. This keeps costs low for companies and consumers, allowing other states to rely on the work performed by the department rather than conducting their own examination and analysis. This saves millions of dollars in duplicative costs.
DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities, and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit their website at dci.mo.gov.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 16, 2023
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
24 year old Elijah Mayfield of Fulton was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Callaway County. State troopers stated that he was on Route H when his car ran off the right side of the road, struck several trees before catching on fire. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. The wreck happened at 7pm Saturday.
MAN HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A Hannibal man was hurt in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in Ralls County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4:30pm as 35 year old Nicholis Tischer was riding his motorcycle on Route O when he lost control and it overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Beaufort man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:30am Monday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 60 year old David Hoerr was on US 50 and traveling too fast for conditions during a heavy rain storm when he claimed another vehicle swerved to avoid a deer and crossed the center of the roadway causing him to swerve and then his car traveled off the right side of the roadway into a ditch and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NEXT TWO WEEKS
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next two weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Adair County
Route Y – August 17 & August 21, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 11 to Route BB between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route BB – August 22, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Route FF to Missouri Route 149 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Audrain County
Route D – August 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route HH to CR 975 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – August 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route M to CR 948 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – August 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 917 to CR 919 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route FF – August 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route ZZ to Cline
Road in
Clark County
Route P – August 21, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Iowa State line to Route K at Clark County line between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Route K – August 21 - 22, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Iowa State line to U.S. Route 136 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Lewis County
Route P – August 14 – 17 & August 21 - 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 310 Avenue to Route C between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route C – August 21 – 22, CLOSED for bridge maintenance operations on bridge over U.S. Route 61 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Macon County
Route F – August 22, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 149 to Route J between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Montgomery County
Missouri Route 19 (Northbound & Southbound) – August 14 – 18, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Route B to U.S. Route 54 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.
Pike County
Business Route 161 – August 17, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Business Route 61 to end of state maintenance between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route U – August 23, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 54 to U.S. Route 61 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Ralls County
Missouri Route 19 – August 14 - 17, LANE RESTRICTION on bridge over U.S. 61 starting just before to immediately after the bridge for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Route P – August 14 – 17, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 154 to Route K between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route P – August 21 - 23, CLOSED for patching operations from Route K to Missouri Route 19 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route P – August 24, CLOSED for seal coating operations from U.S. Route 54 to Missouri Route 154 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Randolph County
U.S. Route 63 (Southbound) – August 23, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from CR 2655 to ¼ mile south of bridge between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – August 24, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from ½ mile north of Route M to ¼ mile north of bridge between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
U.S. Route 24 – August 25, LANE RESTRICTION on the bridge over Muncas Creek starting just before to immediately after bridge for bridge maintenance operations between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Route M – August 21 - 24, LANE RESTRICTION on the bridge over U.S. Route 63 starting ½ mile before and after bridge for bridge maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Scotland County
Route P – August 21, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Iowa State line to Route K at Clark County line between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 11, 2023
TEEN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WRECK
A Belton teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Montgomery County. The highway patrol said it happened at 6:50am as 18 year old Serena Bays was westbound on I-70 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, she overcorrected, ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
FIVE INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
Five men from Hannibal were injured in an accident that occurred at 7:35pm Wednesday in Marion County. The patrol says that a truck driven by 18 year old Ace Sims was on Veterans Road when he failed to yield and was struck by a truck driven by 36 year old Joseph Elzea and then Sims’s truck struck a car driven by 61 year old Deborah Kalousek of Piney Flatts, TN and the debris from the crash struck another car. Elzea sustained moderate injuries, while three passengers’ in his truck and Sims suffered minor injuries. All five were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.
MSHP: IT’S TIME
August has arrived and with it the 2023-2024 school year. The
Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include
conversations about safety when preparing their student for school. It’s also
important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as
students begin another year of instruction. In 2022, two people were killed and
361 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last
year, a total of 884 traffic crashes involved school buses.
Troopers hope everyone will review these safety tips:
Motorists
Always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle
paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and
bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days where the weather is good.
When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns
─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers
will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon
commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare
by allowing extra time to reach your destination.
Students
If you’re walking to school, stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or
marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Use sidewalks when they are
available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left
edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the
street after a friend or to retrieve something.
Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike,
be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near
to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals
when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep
both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. It’s important to maintain
your bicycle in good condition.
If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line
for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or
off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus and walk at
least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the
bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the
instructions of the bus driver.
Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur
between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these
drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage
those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone,
texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic
crash. It's also against the law for this age group.
Parents
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking,
or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure
they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
Please talk to your children about the Courage2ReportMO program, which provides
a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or
the safety of others. These concerns may include: assault, bullying/repeated
harassment, cyber bullying, fighting, guns, homicide, human trafficking, knife,
planned school attack, imminent school shooting, school shooting threat, sexual
offense, suicide-other person (3rd party), or a terrorism threat (extremism).
Those reporting their concerns may remain anonymous. C2R provides a “sooner is
safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways
concerned persons may submit a C2R report:
through an Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile app,
by making an online report via http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Courage2ReportMO/index.html,
by speaking confidentially to a trained professional at 866-748-7047, or
by texting "C2R" to 738477.
C2R Missouri calls and tips (web, text, and mobile app) are answered 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. C2R Missouri
requests a disposition report be returned on each tip report, notifying the Missouri
State Highway Patrol of the outcome. For more information
about C2R Missouri awareness and
education resources, call the C2R
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 10, 2023
ONE KILLED, ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A man was killed while another man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 8:30pm Tuesday in Linn County. The highway patrol said that 81 year old Girard Feltman of Middletown was southbound from Highway 5, crossing US 36 when his truck pulled into the path of an eastbound car driven by 67 year old Johnny Edwards of Brookfield and they collided. Feltman was pronounced dead at the scene while Edwards was air-lifted by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK
36 year old Michael Flowers of Anabel was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Shelby County. MSHP stated that he was on Highway 151 when he lost control of his car and it ran off the left side of the road and overturned. He refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries. The wreck happened at 7:55pm Tuesday.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING INCIDENT
A Spickard man was seriously injured in a Tuesday evening incident in Grundy County. State troopers report that it happened at 9pm as 56 year old Richard Tharp was on Route B when an animal entered the roadway and his motorcycle struck the animal and ejected him from it. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TWO HURT IN PIKE COUNTY CRASH
Two people from Bowling Green were hurt in a motorcycle crash that occurred at 4pm Tuesday in Pike County. The patrol says that 54 year old Jay Taylor and his passenger 54 year old Kayla Taylor were on Highway NN when their motorcycle traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the ground and overturned, ejecting both from the motorcycle. They were taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 9, 2023
MAN INJURED IN SCOTLAND COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Memphis man was injured in an accident that occurred at 3:40pm Monday in Scotland County. The patrol says that 89 year old Jackie Goosey was on MO 15 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to travel off the left side of the roadway and hit a utility pole. He was transported by ambulance to Scotland County Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Callaway County. State troopers stated that 42 year old Timothy Durbin of New Bloomfield was on Route Y when he swerved to avoid an unknown vehicle which in turn caused his car to run off the right side of the road and strike a tree. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The wreck happened at around 5:30am Tuesday.
WOMAN INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING CRASH
33 year old Jesse Sims of Pacific was injured in a Monday morning crash in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it occurred just before 10am as she was on Route N and driving too fast for the wet road conditions when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, causing it to return to the road and then skidded off the left side and the undercarriage of the car struck the ground which caused it to rotate and collide with a tree with its right side and rear. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE PARTICIPATING IN RESOURCE CENTER TO ASSIST RESIDENTS AFTER SEVERE STORMS
Consumer specialists from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) will be on-site at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Knox County to answer insurance questions and assist residents impacted by tornadoes and severe storms on August 4.
DCI’s consumer specialists assist residents with understanding their insurance policies, including the process of filing a claim, and provide insurance company contact information. The specialists will be at the Knox County Community Center at 207 Fourth St. in Edina from noon to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
For any insurance questions, Missouri consumers can also call DCI’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390, or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers. Individuals with unmet needs should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit 211helps.org.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 8, 2023
THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three people were injured, two seriously in an accident that occurred at 2:05pm Saturday in Boone County. The patrol says that two motorcycles were on US 63 and traveling directly behind one another when one of them operated by 58 year old Ricky Hensley of Warsaw slowed in preparation to make a turn when the other motorcycle ridden by 59 year old Curtis Hart of Columbia failed to observe the other motorcycle change in speed, Hart swerved in an attempt to avoid striking it, but struck Hensley’s motorcycle on the right side and after impact both were ejected along with a passenger on Hart’s bike 41 year old Ahlea Rogers of Warsaw. Both men sustained serious injuries while the woman suffered minor injuries. All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
BOY KILLED IN ATV CRASH
A 10 year old boy from Eolia was killed in an ATV crash Friday morning in Pike County. MSHP stated that it happened at 8:30am as the boy was riding his ATV on Pike County Road 301 and making a right hand turn when it began to skid, ran off the roadway, struck a fence and overturned, ejecting him and his passenger a 10 year old boy also from Eolia. The boy who operated the ATV was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later, while the other boy was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
TEEN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
19 year old Dominic Ruzicka of Robertsville was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Franklin County. The highway patrol said he was on Finney Road when his truck crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a fence. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries. The wreck occurred at 12:30am Saturday.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
The Mexico Public Safety Department has become aware of an increase in scams of area residents lately. Residents are reminded that:
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 7, 2023
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ACTIVATING STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER
On Saturday, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-08, activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan in response to severe weather and flooding that has been impacting the state beginning on July 29.
On Friday August 4, tornadoes struck in Ray (EF-0), Saline (EF-0), and Knox (EF-2) counties. The Knox County tornado and strong winds destroyed or did major damage to at least 35 residences and displaced at least 16 people in the Baring area. Two minor injuries were reported there. There was also substantial flooding overnight in the Kirksville area.
Executive Order 23-08 will expire on September 5, 2023, unless otherwise terminated or extended.
PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI AUG. 7 TO AUG. 18
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Audrain County
Route Y – August 7, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Route M to Route NN between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – August 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route HH to CR 975 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – August 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route M to CR 948 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – August 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 917 to CR 919 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route FF – August 14, CLOSED for
culvert replacement operations from Route ZZ in
Route FF – August 15, CLOSED for
culvert replacement operations from CR 989 to
Clark County
Route W – August 9 – 10 and August 14 - 15, CLOSED for asphalt pavement repairs from Route D to Route A between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Lewis County
Route N – August 7 - 8, CLOSED for
culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 6 to the
Route E – August 7 - 8, CLOSED for bridge maintenance operations from Missouri Route 81 to Route F between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Route C – August 9 – 10, CLOSED just before to immediately after the bridge over U.S. Route 61 for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Lincoln County
Missouri Route 79 – August 7 - 10, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route B to Missouri Route 47 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Macon County
Route P – August 7, LANE RESTRICTION for
asphalt pavement repairs from
Route F – August 8, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route J to Missouri Route 149 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route P – August 10, CLOSED for seal
coating operations from
U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – August 14 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from one mile before the bridge to just after the end of the bridge over Middle Fork Salt River between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – August 14 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from one mile before the bridge to just after the end of the bridge over Long Branch Lake Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Route M – August 14 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from one-half mile before bridge to bridge end over U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Marion County
Route K – August 7 – 9, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 36 to Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.
Monroe County
Route J – August 7, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from Missouri Route 151 to Route OO between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route M – August 8, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from CR 1059 to CR 1039 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route AA – August 9, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from CR 835 to CR 857 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Montgomery County
Missouri Route 19 – August 14 - 18, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Route B to U.S. Route 54 at Scotts Corner between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Pike County
Route M – August 8, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 161 to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route V – August 9 - 10, CLOSED for patching operations from Route W to Route M between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on August 9 and 7:00 a.m. and noon on August 10.
U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – August 7, LANE RESTRICTION for environmental clean up from Route HH to approximately 1000 feet south on U.S. Route 61 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route V – August 15, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Route W to Route M between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Ralls County
Missouri Route 19 – August 7 - 10, LANE RESTRICTION on the bridge over U.S. Route 61 starting just before to immediately after the bridge for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working with signals utilized to direct traffic through the work zone.
MISSOURI ROUTE 19 TEMPORARY CLOSURE BEGAN ON SUNDAY
On Sunday August 6 at 6pm, Missouri Route 19 closed for a period of up to 7 days in order to complete the tie-in work at the south roundabout and remaining work in Stage 3 of construction. The closure will be located just south of Tree Farm Road, extending south for 800 ft. This closure is necessary in order to safely complete work at this location due to steep slopes and the existing curve.
During this time, message boards will be in place to alert motorists as changes occur and traffic will be routed over the following detours:
Highway 100 from Herman to Highway 47 in Washington and back to I-70 at Warrenton.
Highway 94 from McKittrick to Highway 54 near Jefferson City and back to I-70 at Kingdom City.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 4, 2023
DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY EVENING CRASH
A driver was hurt in a Wednesday evening crash in Knox County. State troopers stated that 52 year old Anthony Marble of Edina was on MO 15 when his truck ran off the left side of the road and struck a fence. He was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries. The crash occurred at 5:30pm Wednesday.
MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK
44 year old Alan Sanderson of Holden was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Lafayette County. The highway patrol said it happened at 10:10pm as he was on MO 131 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to travel off the east side of the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Centerpoint Hospital for treatment.
THREE WOMEN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three women were injured in an accident that occurred at 12:15pm Wednesday in Gasconade County. The patrol says that 55 year old Cynthia Dunning of Rhineland was on MO 100 when her car crossed the centerline and struck a truck driven by 34 year old Robyn Boudreaux of Tebbetts nearly head-on. Both drivers and a passenger in Dunning’s car 78 year old Ruth Knisley of Rhineland were taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 3, 2023
FOUR INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Four people were injured, one seriously in a chain-reaction accident that occurred at 11:20am Tuesday in Franklin County. The patrol says it all started as 28 year old Chelsey Strothcamp of St. Clair was southbound on Highway 47 when she became distracted, causing her car to cross the centerline and struck a jeep driven by a 16 year old boy from St. Clair and then the jeep traveled off the right side of the roadway, meanwhile her car struck the rear of a car driven by 35 year old Sarah Fischer of Washington which was northbound on Highway 47. The 16 year old boy sustained serious injuries, while his passenger 70 year old Gail Roller of Bourbon suffered minor injuries. Both Strothcamp and her passenger 63 year old Gary Bucher of St. Clair suffered minor injuries. All four were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
TWO HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
Two females were hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Lafayette County. The highway patrol said it happened at 2:05am as 32 year old Cierra Baker of Florissant was eastbound on I-70 when her car ran off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. Both Baker and her passenger a 13 year old girl from St. Louis were taken to Centerpoint Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPERS CAN SAVE MORE THIS YEAR DURING MISSOURI’S ANNUAL SALES TAX HOLIDAY
Missouri’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 and runs through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 6. During this time, certain back-to-school purchases such as school supplies, computers, clothing and other qualifying items as defined by statute are exempt from all state and local sales tax.
During the sales tax holiday, state and local sales tax will not be charged on the following items:
Clothing that does not have a taxable value of more than $100. Eligible clothing items include any article of apparel intended to be worn on or about the body, including footwear and disposable diapers for infants or adults. Cloth and other material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing are also included. Not included are watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles;
School supplies, not exceeding $50 per purchase, that are used in a standard classroom for educational purposes. School supplies include, but are not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, chalk, maps, globes, handheld calculators, graphing calculators that do not have a taxable value of more than $150, and computer software that does not have a taxable value of more than $350. Not included are watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures; and
Personal computers that do not cost more than $1,500 and computer peripheral devices that do not cost more than $1,500. A personal computer can be a laptop, desktop, or tower computer system which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, and a keyboard. Peripheral devices include items such as a disk drive, memory module, compact disk drive, daughterboard, digitizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, printer, scanner, single-user hardware, single-user operating system, soundcard, or video card.
New this year, in addition to the state sales tax, local sales tax will also be waived in all cities, counties and special tax districts.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 2, 2023
MO RAILROAD SAFETY CROSSING PLAN UNVEILED ONE YEAR AFTER MENDON CRASH
The Missouri Department of Transportation, along with Gov. Parson will announce the new Missouri Railroad Safety Crossing Plan at a news conference set for 11am Thursday, Aug. 3. Gov. Mike Parson’s signing of House Bill 4 includes an historic $50 million General Revenue investment. In response to the June 2022 AMTRAK crash near Mendon, Mo., the state’s plan focuses on improvements at the 47 passive public rail crossings on Missouri’s three rail lines that carry passenger rail.
BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR THURSDAY IN HERMANN
The American Red Cross is teaming up with the
Hermann community to host a blood drive in memory of Sergeant Mason Griffith
and in honor of Officer Adam Sullentrup on Thursday August 3 from
12pm to 6pm at St. George High School Gymnasium at 133
W. 4th
Hermann Police Department Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith passed away from his injuries following a shooting on the night of Sunday, March 12, 2023. He had been with the department since September 2017 and also served as Chief of Police for the Rosebud Police Department.
Hermann Police Officer Adam Sullentrup
sustained injuries from the same shooting as Griffith and
is currently recovering from his injuries at the
MISSOURI ROUTE 19 TEMPORARY CLOSURE SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY
Weather permitting, Sunday August 6, at 7am, Missouri Route 19 will close for a period of up to 7 days in order to complete the tie-in work at the south roundabout. The closure will be located just south of Tree Farm Road, extending south for 800 ft. This closure is necessary in order to safely complete work at this location due to steep slopes and the existing curve. During this time, traffic will be routed over a detour on Missouri Route 100 East to Missouri Route 47 or Missouri Route 94 West to U.S. Route 54. Message boards will be in place to alert motorists as changes occur.
In the last two weeks, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation began work on stage 3 of the bridge replacement and interchange improvement project located at Interstate 70 and Missouri 19 at New Florence in Montgomery County. This included the closure of the I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Missouri Route 19. Traffic will utilize the temporary eastbound off-ramp onto the new portion of Tree Farm Road to provide access to Missouri Route 19. Traffic on the new portion of Tree Farm Road will be one-way only ramp traffic at this time, as the south outer road, west of Missouri Route 19, will remain closed until later this fall. Traffic needing to access this route will need to detour to the Missouri Route 161 interchange at Danville.
In addition, the westbound on-ramp to I-70 is closed with traffic being detoured north to the new Clark Drive and onto Booneslick Road, west to Danville, to access westbound Interstate 70 at the Missouri Route 161 interchange.
Drivers can expect to experience the following traffic impacts when traveling in this area:
North Outer Road of I-70/Booneslick Road, west of MO 19 will remain closed from 19 to the FastLane entrance. Access to the FastLane entrance and west are open and accessible from the new Clark Drive.
The I-70 SOR, west of MO 19 is currently closed and will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
August 1, 2023
WOMAN AND BABY GIRL INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT WRECK
A woman and a baby girl both from Fayette were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Callaway County. State troopers stated that 25 year old Haley Robertson was on Route B when her car traveled off the left side of the road, struck two embankments and a fence. Both Robertson and her passenger a 1 year old girl were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries. The wreck occurred at 7:20pm Sunday.
WOMAN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4:05am Sunday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 31 year old Leticia Cruz of O’Fallon, IL was a passenger in a car driven by 25 year old Jose Reyes Cuevas of O’Fallon, IL. They were eastbound on I-70 when their car struck the rear of a car driven by 51 year old Viguilinn Dublon Chang of Stone Mountain, GA. Cruz was transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING CRASH
A motorcyclist was injured in an early Sunday morning crash in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at 3:20am as 22 year old Mariah Staggs of Union was on North Bend Road when she failed to negotiate a curve and her motorcycle overturned and slid off the roadway. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
TROY LICENSE OFFICE TRANSISTIONS TO A NEW CONTRACTOR
The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced that the Troy License Office has transitioned to a new contractor and will remain at the current location of 850 E. Cherry St., Ste. D, Troy, Mo., 63379. The first day of business for the new contractor will be Tuesday. The business hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the telephone number is 636-622-7090. License offices are operated by independent contractors but overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue. All license office contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 31, 2023
SUSPECT IN MONROE COUNTY HOMICIDE ARRESTED
On Friday July 28, investigators with the
Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of a
rural Monroe County pond, in connection with the investigation
into the 2021 disappearance of Betty L. Hayes,
of Holliday, Missouri. On Friday afternoon, members of the
Missouri State Highway Patrol Dive Team recovered human remains from the
pond. An autopsy of the remains will be performed at a later date.
Later on Friday night investigators arrested 65 year old Lyle W. Miller
of Madison, Missouri, for the murder of Hayes. The Monroe
County Prosecutor has formally charged Miller with second degree murder and he
is being held without bond.
CHARITON COUNTY BRIDGE NOW OPEN AFTER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The Chariton County Route D Bridge over East Fork of Bee Branch, located 0.5 miles west of Route 129, is now open. The bridge was replaced as part of the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program. The bridge closed April 2023 and reopen to all traffic on Wednesday evening, July 26.
Also on Route D, the Clark Branch Bridge, located approximately 1 mile east of Missouri Route 5, is still closed for replacement through the FARM Bridge Program. This bridge is anticipated to remain closed through early October 2023.
“We have 31 weight-restricted, poor condition bridges in northern Missouri to replace under this federally-funded program,” stated Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Jeff Gander. Lehman-Wilson was awarded the design-build contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its meeting in May 2022 to replace the bridges.
“The MoDOT team has worked closely with the contractor to develop plans for these improvements, and by October 2023, all 31 bridges will be replaced,” Gander noted.
MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 07/24/2023 and 7am 07/26/2023.
On July 25, 2023, a Moberly Officer contacted 40-year-old Daniel Reardon in the 1000 block of S. Williams St. Reardon was placed under arrest for an active Boone County traffic warrant. Reardon was transported to the Randolph County Jail.
On July 25, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the 500 block of S. Clark St in reference to a domestic assault. Officers learned that a rolling domestic occurred in a vehicle which started in Macon County and ended in Moberly. The female victim sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital. A 31-year-old male was located in Moberly and placed under arrest for 2nd degree domestic assault and kidnapping. The man was transported to the Randolph County Jail.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Monday, July 24 at approximately 3:08pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the US Highway 54 bypass, about 1 mile north of the S Clark exit, in reference to a crash. Responding personnel found that 81 year old Carol Whelpley of Camdenton was traveling south in the 54 westbound lane when she drifted over the centerline and side swiped a tractor-trailer unit being driven in the 54 eastbound lane by 43 year old James Clinkenbeard of Glenwood, MO. Whelpley was treated for minor injuries on the scene but was not transported. Both vehicles were towed from the area.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 28, 2023
WOMEN HURT IN FRANKLIN
Two women were hurt in an accident that occurred at 2:45pm
Wednesday in Franklin
MAN HURT IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING INCIDENT
A man was hurt in an early Thursday morning incident in Callaway
THREE TEENS INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH
Three teenage girls from Bunceton were injured in a Wednesday
morning crash in Moniteau
ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON PATROL
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State
Highway Patrol, has announced an assessor from the Commission on Accreditation
for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., will arrive on August 7, 2023, to examine
all aspects of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's policies and procedures,
management, operations, and support services. Verification by the assessor that
the Missouri State Highway Patrol meets the Commission's stringent standards is
a vital part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation — an esteemed
recognition of law enforcement professionalism and excellence.
As part of the on-site assessment, the Missouri State Highway Patrol seeks
feedback regarding its services and performance. The public is invited to visit
the Patrol's website www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov to
register a comment. On the Patrol's website, choose the Show-Me Accountability
Portal to access a link located under the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies Inc. icon. The link provides a comment form for feedback
regarding the CALEA standards. The public may also access the CALEA comment
portal via this link https://cimrs2.calea.org/98 or
through the Patrol's social media accounts.
Persons wishing to offer written comments about the ability of the Missouri
State Highway Patrol to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to
write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.,
The assessor will report back to the Commission after completing their review
of the agency. The Commission will then decide whether the Missouri State
Highway Patrol is to be granted continued accredited status. Accreditation is
for four years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports
attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were
initially accredited. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been accredited
since 1992.
For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies Inc., inquiries may be addressed to the Commission at
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 27, 2023
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Huntsville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:30pm Tuesday in Randolph County. The patrol says that 46 year old Joseph Black was on Route C when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned, ejecting him from it. Black was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A driver was injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Marion County. MSHP stated that 87 year old Chester Moss of Hunnewell was on US 36 when his car was struck in the rear by a freightliner driven by 58 year old Douglas Sopha of Canada. Moss was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The crash occurred at 12:25pm Tuesday.
WOMAN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK
61 year old Lesia Totsch of Ewing was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Lewis County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4:50am as she was on Route Z when she attempted to avoid a deer in the road, causing her jeep to travel off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment.
Veterans from across Missouri to attend 70th Anniversary Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at Capitol
Veterans across Missouri will attend the 70th Anniversary Korean War Veterans Armistice Day event at the Missouri State Capitol starting at 10am on Thursday. The event is hosted by the Missouri Veterans Commission and will include a keynote address by Missouri National Guard, Deputy Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Charles D. Hausman and Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director COL (Ret.) Paul Kirchhoff. After the event, the Commission will be hosting a resource fair and a will clinic. The will clinic is an opportunity for Veterans and their spouses to visit with a lawyer to prepare testamentary documents at no expense to the individuals.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 26, 2023
WOMEN HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH
Two women were hurt in a Tuesday morning crash in Macon County. The highway patrol said it happened at around 11:15am as 64 year old Tonya Ausmus of Macon was on State Highway C at eastbound US 36 off ramp in Bevier when her vehicle struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 60 year old Julie Bader of Bevier. Both were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Hallsville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:40pm Monday in Boone County. The patrol says that 60 year old John Reinkemeyer was on US 63 when he lost control of his truck, causing it to travel thru the median and overturned onto a southbound lane of US 63. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
71 year old Terry Bockenfeld of Quincy, IL was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Scotland County. State troopers stated that he was on Route W when his tractor trailer ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Scotland County Hospital in Memphis for treatment. The wreck happened at around 1:45pm Monday.
MISSOURI DCI ANNOUNCES REBRAND OF STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) has rebranded Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program to Missouri SHIP, formerly known as Missouri CLAIM.
Missouri SHIP offers free assistance to Missourians eligible for Medicare and their caregivers to help consumers choose a plan that best meets their needs. The program also helps Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a Low-Income Subsidy and/or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs.
Missourians can seek free and unbiased assistance from Missouri SHIP throughout the year by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330, or visiting missouriship.org.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 25, 2023
WOMAN KILLED IN GRUNDY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Trenton woman was killed in an accident that occurred at around 12:45pm Sunday in Grundy County. The patrol says that 66 year old James Havens of Trenton was stopped at a traffic light on MO 6 when his truck was struck in the rear by a car driven by 77 year old Twyila Whitney. She was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton where she died a short time later from her injuries. Meanwhile he was also taken to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING MISHAP
A Kirksville man was injured in a Sunday morning mishap in Adair County. The highway patrol said it happened just before 9am as 29 year old Lukus House was riding his motorcycle on MO 11 when he slowed down to make a turn and was struck by a truck driven by 18 year old Wyatt Bell of Kirksville. House was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of moderate injuries.
SEMI TRUCK DRIVER HURT IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A semi truck driver was hurt in a Sunday afternoon crash in Pike County. State troopers stated that 73 year old Nina Brown of Pueblo, CO was on US 61 when her freightliner went off the right side of the road, struck a sign and jack knifed returning to the roadway. She suffered minor injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph in Lake St. Louis for treatment. The crash happened at 4:50pm Sunday.
SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BEGIN IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, this week contractor crews will start work on three sidewalk improvement projects in Montgomery County, located on Missouri Route 19 and Missouri Route 161 in Montgomery City, Missouri Route 161 in Middletown and Route CC and Route ZZ in Wellsville.
This contract also includes sidewalk improvement projects in Warren County located on Route J in Wright City, Interstate 70 North Outer Road in Wright City and on Missouri Route 47 in Warrenton. This project is scheduled to begin in early October with all work scheduled to be completed by July 2024.
Work on sidewalk improvements within Wright City and Warrenton will occur during nighttime hours and include minor traffic impacts on sidewalks and driveways. This work is being completed as part of MoDOT’s initiative for compliance with the current standards of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 24, 2023
LINN COUNTY BRIDGE NOW OPEN AFTER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The Linn County Route C bridge over West Yellow Creek, located approximately 1 mile west of Missouri Route 111 is now open. The bridge was replaced as part of the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program. The bridge closed in April 2023 and was reopened to all traffic on Wednesday July 19.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ADAIR COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Queen City woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:35am Saturday in Adair County. The patrol says that 21 year old Elaina Smith was on Highway 149 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck two fences and overturned coming to rest on its top. She was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville with serious injuries.
WOMAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A St. Louis woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 4:30pm Saturday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 56 year old Deborah Rosenhoffer was on 6067 Dry Branch Road when her car crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at 2:15am as 48 year old Joseph Norwick of Monroe, TN was on Route AT when he swerved to avoid a deer, lost control and his truck traveled off the left side of the road and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
DRIVER KILLED IN PIKE COUNTY CRASH
38 year old Nicholas Twilla of Louisiana was killed in a crash last Thursday night in Pike County. MSHP stated that he was on Highway 79 when his car went off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened just before 8pm on Thursday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 21, 2023
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Wayland man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Wednesday morning in Clark County. State troopers stated that 39 year old Kent Ash was on US 61 when his motorcycle ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and became airborne, partially ejecting him from it. He was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries. The crash occurred at 9:35am Wednesday.
MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK
76 year old David Coleman of House Springs was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Marion County. The highway patrol said it happened at 5pm as he was on Route E when he suffered a medical event, causing his truck to travel off the road and struck a tree. He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Villa Ridge teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred after 10pm Wednesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that a scooter ridden by 18 year old Donavan Snyder and also a SUV driven by 57 year old Reva Friedmann of Pacific were eastbound on Highway 100 when the scooter turned in front of the SUV and was then struck by the SUV. Snyder was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 20, 2023
TWO MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two men were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:10pm Tuesday in Linn County. The patrol says that 75 year old Larry Buswell of Lathrop was on US 36 when a truck driven by 63 year old Randy Schneider of Chillicothe pulled into the path of his truck and they collided and then they came to rest in the median. Buswell was taken to Truman Hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries while Schneider was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
THREE HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING INCIDENT
Three people from Slater were hurt in a Tuesday morning incident in Saline County. State troopers stated that 47 year old Eugene Fizer was on Highway 240 when his car crossed the center line and struck a car driven by 36 year old Amanda Pycke. Fizer was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, while Pycke and her passenger a 10 year old boy were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries. The incident happened at 8am Tuesday.
WOMAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A Rolla woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 7:45am Wednesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 35 year old Erin Ellisbyrd was eastbound on I-44 when her car hydroplaned and slid into the center median striking the cable barrier. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH
43 year old Sarah Frederick of St. Clair was injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened after 8am as she was eastbound on I-44 and traveling too fast for conditions when her car ran off the road and struck a concrete median barrier. She sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 19, 2023
MOBERLY WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Moberly woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:25am Tuesday in Randolph County. The patrol says that 43 year old Kelly Burkett was on US 63 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
RAMP CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR I-70 AND MO 19 INTERCHANGE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, as early as the week of July 19, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation will start work on stage 3 of the bridge replacement and interchange improvement project located at Interstate 70 and Missouri 19 at New Florence in Montgomery County. This will include the closure of the I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Missouri Route 19. Traffic will utilize the temporary eastbound off-ramp onto the new portion of Tree Farm Road to provide access to Missouri Route 19. Traffic on the new portion of Tree Farm Road will be one-way only ramp traffic at this time, as the south outer road, west of Missouri Route 19, will remain closed until later this fall. Traffic needing to access this route will need to detour to the Missouri Route 161 interchange at Danville.
In addition, the westbound on-ramp to I-70 will be closed with traffic being detoured north to the new Clark Drive and onto Booneslick Road, west to Danville, to access westbound Interstate 70 at the Missouri Route 161 interchange.
MISSOURI SALES AND USE TAX LOOKUP
The Missouri Department of Revenue has released a newly enhanced
version of sales and use tax rate lookup map. The Missouri Sales and Use Tax Lookup is
a Google based map that provides some features that the prior map displayed but
offers new features as well. This lookup tool is intended to provide customers
with up to date tax rates and boundaries for addresses throughout the state of
Features include:
· Ability to export the tax rate printout for the searched address.
Links to the Taxability
Matrices that outlines the taxability of products and
services based on
Allows customers to send questions to the Department via email.
GOVERNOR PARSON APPOINTS STATE SUPERVISOR FOR DIVISION OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO CONTROL
On Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced he has selected Michael Leara as the next State Supervisor for the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control within the Missouri Department of Public Safety. His appointment was effective Monday.
Mr. Leara, of St. Louis, has served as the Chairman of the Missouri Gaming Commission since August 2019. He has also owned and operated Gateway Advisors, LLC, in St. Louis since 1999. He has grown his business from a financial consulting firm offering public and private pension services to a now corporate and governmental retirement and pension plan consulting firm. Mr. Leara also served as a State Representative for the 96th District from 2009-2017. During his time as a State Representative, he served as Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees for the Missouri State Employee Retirement System. Mr. Leara attended Saint Louis University.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 18, 2023
TEEN KILLED IN UTV ACCIDENT IN ADAIR COUNTY
A teenage girl was killed in a UTV accident that occurred at 9:15pm Sunday in Adair County. The patrol says that a 15 year old girl from Eureka, KS was on Sugar Creek School Trail and driving downhill on a gravel road when she lost control and the UTV traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting her from it. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
TEEN HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
A Salisbury teen was hurt in a Sunday night crash in Chariton County. The highway patrol said it happened at around 7:25pm as the 17 year old boy was on Highway HH when his truck ran off the left side of the road, struck a fence and overturned. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
THREE INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY WRECK
Three people were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday evening in Pike County. State troopers report that 18 year old Rayann Smith of Louisiana was on Route NN when she looked down at the speedometer, causing her car to travel off the right side of the roadway, struck a dirt embankment, a tree and overturned onto its top. Smith was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, while one of her passengers’ 22 year old Kyjiah Clark of Elsberry was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, meanwhile Smith’s other passenger 19 year old Luke Deak of Eolia was treated and released at the scene for minor injuries. The wreck occurred at 5:25pm Saturday.
FUTURE MISSOURI ROUTE 3 PROJECT UPDATE IN RANDOLPH COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been preparing for a road realignment project on Missouri Route 3 between U.S. Route 24 and Route BB in Randolph County.
"We have worked through the right of way process with the project currently on schedule to go out for bid in the August letting. Bids will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for action at the September 7 meeting," explained Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.
The decision was made in 2021 to close the road when a significant slide caused unstable soil conditions in the area. HNTB has conducted the necessary environmental evaluation to determine a viable design solution. This included a review of soil conditions, slopes of the quarry pits on either side of Route 3, and the excavated caves below this area. The proposed work would involve shifting the road to the west by 15’-30’ and lowering it by 10’-15’ to ensure a favorable location.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 17, 2023
INCIDENT AT MOVIE THEATER IN KIRKSVILLE
Several Kirksville police officers responded to a movie theater in Kirksville late Saturday afternoon. According to KTVO they were called to the Downtown Cinema 8 movie theater at around 5pm after an underage male was assaulted. Investigators said the man allegedly responsible for the incident had fled the scene before police arrived. He is described as being in his 20s who was wearing a red shirt, glasses and was bald or had a buzz haircut. It’s unclear where he went. Police said they don’t know the motive for the attack. They also said that the boy was not injured in the incident. If anyone sees a man matching the description given to police, they are asked to call the Kirksville Police Department at 660-785-6945.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN LINCOLN COUNTY COLLISION
Two people were injured, one seriously in a collision that occurred at 11:55am Friday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 62 year old Terry Ammon of Foley was on Route C when his truck crossed the center line and struck a truck driven by 24 year old Ruben Lozano of Rio Grande City, TX head-on. Ammon sustained serious injuries, while a passenger in Lozano’s truck 22 year old Alondra Diaz of Rio Grande City, TX suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
MAN HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at 9:40pm as 55 year old Andy Leak of St. Clair was on North Commercial Avenue when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY EVENING CRASH
A St. Clair driver was hurt in a Saturday evening crash in Franklin County. MSHP stated that 49 year old Bobbie Campbell was on Route WW when his jeep ran off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to return to the roadway and then went off the left side of the road and overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment. The crash happened at 7:50pm Saturday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 14, 2023
PURDIN AND BROWNING SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK
A sidewalk improvement project is scheduled to begin Monday, July 17, in Purdin and Browning. The project to help ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), funded in part through the Transportation Alternatives Program, will improve sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities in the two Linn County communities.
Stanton Contracting, LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, plan to complete the project by early October 2023.
Planned project schedule:
Browning (Routes MM and O) – scheduled to begin Monday, July 17.
Crews plan to begin on the north side at 7th Street (Route MM) working east towards Alonzo Avenue (Route O). Once complete, crews will switch to the south side working west from Alonzo Avenue to 7th
Work is expected to be complete in mid-August.
Purdin (Route 5) – scheduled to begin Monday, August 21.
Crews plan to begin on the west side of A Street working south towards Ada Street. Once complete, crews will switch to the east side working north from Ada Street to A Street.
Work is expected to be complete in early October.
Some lane closures will be necessary throughout the project. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and follow all traffic control, flaggers, signs and barricades. All vehicles and personal property will need to be removed from the work area prior to start of construction.
All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.
COMMISSION APPROVES FY 2024-2028 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
On Wednesday the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the FY 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2028. The five-year program includes funding from General Revenue – passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Parson – to widen and improve I-70, fix low-volume minor roads, upgrade railroad safety crossings and more.
The STIP makes available nearly $14 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years, making it the largest program ever. Of the $14 billion, the draft STIP details $10.4 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $2.1 billion per year.
The program details these maintenance improvements to Missouri’s nearly 34,000 miles of roads and 10,400 bridges. The draft STIP was released in June for public review, and MoDOT received 72 comments.
The STIP also includes detailed project information for non-highway modes of transportation and a section detailing planned operations and maintenance activities for the next three years. This additional information is provided to allow Missourians to more easily see how their transportation funding is invested. The Final STIP is available online at https://www.modot.org/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip.
RAMP CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR I-70 AND MO 19 INTERCHANGE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting, as early as the week of July 19, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation will start work on stage 3 of the bridge replacement and interchange improvement project located at Interstate 70 and Missouri 19 at New Florence in Montgomery County. This will include the closure of the I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Missouri Route 19. Traffic will utilize the temporary eastbound off-ramp onto the new portion of Tree Farm Road to provide access to Missouri Route 19. Traffic on the new portion of Tree Farm Road will be one-way only ramp traffic at this time, as the south outer road, west of Missouri Route 19, will remain closed until later this fall. Traffic needing to access this route will need to detour to the Missouri Route 161 interchange at Danville.
In addition, the westbound on-ramp to I-70 will be closed with traffic being detoured north to the new Clark Drive and onto Booneslick Road, west to Danville, to access westbound Interstate 70 at the Missouri Route 161 interchange.
On August 6, at 7:00 a.m., Missouri Route 19 will close for a period of up to 7 days in order to complete the tie-in work at the south roundabout. The closure will be located just south of Tree Farm Road, extending south for 800 ft. This closure is necessary in order to safely complete work at this location due to steep slopes and the existing curve. During this time, traffic will be routed over a detour on Missouri Route 100 East to Missouri Route 47 or Missouri Route 94 West to U.S. Route 54. Message boards will be in place to alert motorists as changes occur.
Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts when traveling in this area:
North Outer Road of I-70/Booneslick Road, west of MO 19 will remain closed from 19 to the FastLane entrance. Access to the FastLane entrance and west are open and accessible from the new Clark Drive.
The Love’s Travel Stop auto entrance will be partially closed to reconstruct the entrance the week of July 10 and is expected to reopen in two weeks.
The I-70 SOR, west of MO 19 is currently closed and will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete.
MoDOT ask that motorists please be attentive in work zones for their safety and the safety of highway workers. All work is weather dependent, and signs and message boards will be in place to alert motorists, as schedule changes occur.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 13, 2023
WOMAN KILLED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was killed in an accident that occurred at 4:30pm Tuesday in Warren County. The patrol says that 69 year old Priscilla Luke of Union was on MO 47 when her car was struck head-on by an SUV driven by 25 year old Ellie Unerstall of Washington which had crossed the center of the roadway. Luke was pronounced dead at the scene while Unerstall was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Franklin County. The highway patrol said it happened at 9pm as 79 year old Virginia Trueman of Villa Ridge was on MO 100 when she failed to yield to a car driven by 19 year old Blake Gammill of Pacific and her jeep collided with his car. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
NECAC SEEKS DONATIONS FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
NECAC
is seeking donations for school supply purchases that will supplement five
school districts in Macon
The fund-raiser is entitled Macon Strides for Success and is in its second year. The contribution deadline is July 31.
NECAC
Macon County Service Coordinator Terri Laughlin said the goal is to help public
school students in the smaller districts of Atlanta,
Bevier,
The focus of supply purchases will be pre-kindergarten through third grade. Enough money was raised last year to cover just about all of the needs.
Checks
should be payable to NECAC and may be sent to the agency at 907 Highway PP, Macon
Questions may be directed to Laughlin at 660-385-4616 Mondays to Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. She also can be reached at tlaughlin@necac.org.
PARK AND RECREATION MONTH
This July join Moberly Parks and Recreation for Park and Recreation Month as they celebrate how Moberly is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation. Year-round a variety of activities are planned for residents of all ages and abilities. Moberly Parks and Recreation is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association by inviting the community to share their how parks and recreation has benefited them and positively impacted their quality of life. There are plenty of ways that you can celebrate as well!!! To share how they have improved their quality of life you can go on social media with the hashtag #WhereCommunityGrows. To learn more about Park and Recreation Month visit nrpa.org/July.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 12, 2023
TEENS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two teens were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 2:35pm Monday in Macon County. The patrol says that a 16 year old boy from Atlanta was on Route J when his vehicle ran off the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to strike a fence and overturned. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment, while his passenger a 15 year old boy from Elmer was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT
A driver was injured in a Monday afternoon incident in Livingston County. State troopers report that it occurred after 3:30pm as 74 year old Darwin Nieman of Chillicothe was westbound on LIV 320 while a truck driven by 62 year old Sherman Shields of Hale was southbound on LIV 369 when they met at an uncontrolled intersection and the front of Nieman’s UTV struck the left rear of Shields’ truck. After impact the UTV came to rest on its wheels in the intersection facing southeast while the truck came to rest on its wheels south of the intersection facing southeast. Nieman was taken to Truman Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEEN HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A Vandalia teen was hurt in a Monday afternoon crash in Audrain County. MSHP stated that the 16 year old girl was a passenger in a car driven by 59 year old Karen Guminski of Vandalia. They were on US 54 when their car struck a car driven by 28 year old Kevin Haller of Wellsville as he had slowed down for another vehicle to make a turn. The teen suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The crash happened at around 4:50pm Monday.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Hermann woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Gasconade County. The highway patrol said it happened at 6:35pm as 31 year old Brittney Cruts was on MO 100 when her SUV traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a driveway, a utility pole and after striking the ground came to rest. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 11, 2023
COLUMBIA MAN HURT IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A Columbia man was hurt in a motorcycle accident that occurred at 6pm Sunday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 66 year old William Johnson was on Route WW when he swerved to avoid a vehicle that had pulled out in front of him and his motorcycle ran off the left side of the road. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to an unknown hospital for treatment.
WOMAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Jefferson City woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in Callaway County. The highway patrol said it happened at 6:10am as 25 year old Bridget Garcia was on US 63 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, became airborne and struck the ground. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Friday, July 7 at approximately 3:26 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of Muldrow in reference to a disturbance inside a home involving a gun. As a result of the disturbance, Audrain Ambulance District took a 51-year-old female to University Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. A 66-year-old male died at the scene. The incident is still under investigation and there is no indication there is any danger to anyone else.
NORTH MISSOURI DRUG TASK FORCE NEWS
On Sunday, July 2 the
North Missouri Drug Task Force assisted the Chariton County Sheriff’s
Department with the execution of a narcotics search warrant located
at 25385 Liberty Rd. Mendon, Missouri. Chariton County Sheriff’s
Deputy was called to the residence in reference to a domestic dispute. While at
the residence, the Officer observed what was believed to be illegal narcotics
in plain view of the Officer. A field test of the substance returned a positive
result for methamphetamine. The two occupants were arrested and a search
warrant was issued for the residence. An execution of the search warrant
resulted in the discovery of several small baggies of methamphetamine weighing
a total of approximately 1/4 ounce, Scales, 2 firearms, pills believed to be
oxycodone, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia including pipes and syringes
used to ingest methamphetamine.
Officers arrested 64-year-old Robert W. Walker of Mendon. He was transported to
the Randolph County Justice Center. Chariton County
Prosecuting Attorney Cliff Thornburg charged Walker with:
Count I: Class C Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or
Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid.
Count II: Class D Felony Possession of Controlled Substance.
Count III: Class E Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon- Subsection 11- Possesses
Weapon and A Felony Controlled Substance.
Count IV: Class D Misdemeanor Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Walker’s bond was set at $10,000 cash only.
Also arrested was 32-year-old Angel S. Reams of Mendon. She was also
transported to the Randolph County Justice Center. Chariton
County Prosecuting Attorney Cliff Thornburg charged Reams with:
Count I: Class C Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or
Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid.
BE ALERT FOR MODOT MOWING CREWS
Though it’s been a drier start to summer than usual, seasonal growth along Missouri’s roadways still needs to be mowed. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution when encountering tractor mowers near the shoulders of interstates and other busy roadways.
MoDOT’s goal is to mow major and minor routes three times by the end of October, dependent upon staffing and equipment availability. MoDOT mows about 400,000 acres of grass each year, which is equivalent to 300,000 football fields.
Crews use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers. Drivers are advised to use the following tips to safely pass mowers on rural two-lane roads:
Be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, 2-5 mph.
Slow down and focus on the road ahead of you. Put your cellphone down and avoid other distractions.
Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.
Obey the no-passing zone stripes, and only pass when you can see far enough past the "follow" truck to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.
Between mowing cycles, you can report grass and weeds blocking visibility at intersections along state-maintained roads by calling MoDOT’s 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by going to modot.org/report-road-concern.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 10, 2023
THREE TEENS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MACON COUNTY WRECK
Three teens were seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 10pm Saturday in Macon County. The patrol says that a 18 year old boy from Moberly was on Route T when his jeep ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. The boy along with his two passengers’ a 17 year old girl from Moberly and a 19 year old girl from Excello were taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER KILLED, OTHER ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT MISHAP
A driver was killed while the other one was seriously injured in a Saturday night mishap in Lincoln County. State troopers report that 35 year old David Case of Troy was on Route J when his car crossed the centerline and struck a motorcycle ridden by 60 year old Steven Tucker of Troy. Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene while Case was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries. The mishap happened at 7:25pm Saturday.
MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON
A man was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in Callaway County. The highway patrol said it happened at 12:35pm as 76 year old Elizabeth Broyles of Wildwood was eastbound on I-70 when she slowed for other traffic and her SUV was struck in the rear by a motorcycle ridden by 61 year old Charles Hollister of Lake St. Louis. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY
IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman was seriously injured while her teenage daughter suffered minor injuries in an accident that occurred at 5:35pm Saturday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 46 year old Sharon Johns and her 12 year old daughter both from Charlestown, IN were on Bethel Church Road and traveling too fast for conditions and turned into a private drive when their UTV began to skid, she overcorrected, causing it to overturn onto its side, ejecting her daughter from it. Johns was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, while her daughter was taken to an unknown hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 7, 2023
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Vandalia woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12pm Wednesday in Audrain County. The patrol says that 65 year old Valera Pabst Bostic was on Route KK when her car traveled across the left side of the roadway, collided with a road sign and then became airborne and then hit the bridge support before coming to a stop. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
47 year old Mary Hoaglin and her passenger 41 year old David Ahrens both from Louisiana were seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Pike County. The highway patrol said it happened at 4:10pm as they were eastbound on Route B when she failed to stop at a stop sign, causing her SUV to cross Missouri 79 and then traveled off the right side of the road, began to skid and then struck an embankment. Both were transported by ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries.
MSHP REPORTS EIGHT TRAFFIC FATALITIES, ZERO BOATING FATALITIES, & FOUR DROWNINGS OVER JULY 4TH HOLIDAY COUNTING PERIOD
The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the following 2023 July Fourth holiday statistics for
the counting period of 6 p.m., Friday, June 30, through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday,
July 4, 2023:
2023 July Fourth Holiday Boating Statistics
Troopers worked six boating crashes, which included two injuries and zero
fatalities. Troopers made 10 boating while intoxicated arrests. Four people
drowned over the holiday weekend. Two of the drownings occurred in the Troop F
area, one drowning occurred in the Troop A area, and one drowning occurred in
the Troop C area. Troopers worked all four drownings.
Two people drowned on Sunday, July 2, 2023. James D. Roy, 56, of Kansas
City, MO, was last seen near a moored vessel. It is unknown
how Roy entered the water. He was not wearing a life jacket and did
not resurface. Camden County Medical Examiner Crystal Lloyd
pronounced Roy dead at Mimosa Beach. The incident occurred
at the Lake of the Ozarks near the 43-mile marker of the main channel in
Bollinger Creek Cove in Camden County.
Hamsa Mohamed, 41, of St. Louis, MO, drowned after jumping from a
cliff on the right side of Big River. He attempted to float and did
not surface. He was not wearing a life jacket. High Ridge Fire Department
personnel pronounced Mohamed dead at the scene. The incident occurred
at Big River near Rockford Beach in House
Springs, in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Sheriff's
Department and St. Louis County Police Department also responded to the scene.
Two people drowned on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. A six-year-old male drowned when
he jumped into the water onto a lily pad, went under the water, and did not
resurface. He was not wearing a life jacket. Dr. Campbell pronounced the
six-year-old dead at Lake Regional Hospital. The incident
occurred at the Lake of the Ozarks near the 65.9-mile marker in Lick Creek Cove
in Camden County. The Camden County Sheriff's Office and Edwards, MO,
Fire Department also responded.
Carlos Antonio, 22, of St. Joseph, MO, drowned when he was swimming,
walked off a ledge in the water, and never resurfaced. He was not wearing a
life jacket. The incident occurred at Smithville Lake near
Little Platte Swim Beach in Clay County.
2023 July Fourth Holiday Traffic Statistics
Troopers worked 390 traffic crashes, which included 152 injuries and seven of
the eight fatalities. The Kansas City Police Department worked the remaining
fatality. Troopers also made 116 DWI arrests and 21 drug arrests over the
holiday weekend.
One traffic fatality occurred in each of the Troop A, Lee's
Summit, MO, Troop B, Macon, MO, Troop C, Weldon Spring, and
Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, areas. Four fatalities occurred in the
Troop H, St. Joseph, MO, area.
[During the 2022 counting period, 11 people were killed and 449 injured
statewide in Missouri over the holiday in 1,069 traffic crashes.
Troopers arrested 146 people for driving while intoxicated last year. Over the
2022 July Fourth holiday, there were nine boating crashes, which included five
injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year's July Fourth
holiday. Troopers made 13 BWI arrests during the 2022 counting period.]
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 6, 2023
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two people from Marceline were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 10:05am Sunday in Linn County. The patrol said that 35 year old Beau Smith of Kansas City was on MO 5 when he failed to yield to a car driven by 81 year old Douglas Jackson and Jackson’s car struck Smith’s truck. Douglas Jackson was air lifted by helicopter to Liberty Hospital with serious injuries, while his passenger 79 year old Bertha Jackson sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital for treatment.
WOMAN KILLED, TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Bowling Green woman was killed and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Ralls County. State troopers report that it happened at around 9:50pm as an SUV driven by 43 year old Terri Rucker was driving northbound in the southbound lane of US 61 when it collided head-on with an ambulance from Van Far driven by 54 year old Leslie Dahl of Farber. Rucker was pronounced dead at the scene while Dahl and her passenger 47 year old Jason Bostic of Troy was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING MISHAP
A motorcyclist was injured in a Tuesday evening mishap in Audrain County. The highway patrol said it happened at 5:25pm as 36 year old Justin Flowers of Vandalia was on private property off 710 North Galloway Road in Vandalia when he jumped a ramp and upon landing, lost control and his motorcycle struck a tree and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT
24 year old Dalton Stewart of Bowling Green was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:40pm Monday in Pike County. The patrol says that he was on Pike County Road 248 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and overturned. He was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
A Pacific man was seriously injured in a Sunday night crash in Franklin County. MSHP stated that 75 year old Gerald Johnson was on Highway O and driving too fast for conditions when his motorcycle slid off the right side of the road. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The crash occurred at 7:15pm Sunday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
July 3-5, 2023
WOMAN HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
A New Cambria woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 8:30pm Saturday in Macon County. The patrol says that 21 year old Lizzy Sweet was on US 36 when her jeep hydroplaned and ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment.
DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING INCIDENT
A Queen City driver was hurt in a Saturday morning incident in Schuyler County. The highway patrol said that it happened at 10am as 51 year old Becky Nolan of Queen City was on Route W when her jeep crossed the center of the road and struck a truck driven by 56 year old Bryan Jones of Queen City. Jones was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON MISHAP
A motorcyclist was hurt in a Saturday afternoon mishap in Howard County. MSHP stated that it happened at around 2:50pm as 44 year old William Maddex of Boonville was on US 40 when he failed to make a left turn onto Highway 240 and his motorcycle overturned onto its side and skidded to a stop. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
TROY MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
45 year old Jason Knoll of Troy was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:40pm Saturday in Lincoln County. The patrol says he was on Highway U when his motorcycle struck a traffic cone and went off the right side of the roadway. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY AFTERNNON WRECK
A teenage girl from Elsberry was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Pike County. State troopers report that the 17 year old girl was on Route D when she swerved to miss a deer, causing her car to travel off the right side of the road, hit a culvert, became airborne and came to rest on its driver side on a barb wire fence. She was air lifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. The wreck happened at 12:05pm Friday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 30, 2023
PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI FOR NEXT FEW WEEKS
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Lincoln County
Route J – July 3, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Interstate 70 Outer Road to Missouri Route 47 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Route WW – July 5 – 6, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route J to the end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Monroe County
Route PP – July 5 – 6, CLOSED for patching operations from Route FF in Monroe County to U.S. Route 36 in Shelby County between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
MSHP: PLAN A SAFE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY!
The July Fourth holiday weekend is a great
opportunity to enjoy one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or a
backyard barbecue. Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State
Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a
safe July Fourth holiday. Everyone should place safety at the top of their list
when planning how to celebrate our nation’s freedoms. No matter how you decide
to celebrate, your smartest choice is to follow all Missouri traffic
and boating laws.
The 2023 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m.,
Friday, June 30, to 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness
& Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water over the July Fourth holiday.
Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. All
available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways
to enforce traffic and boating laws, and offering assistance as needed.
Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other
boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. Never operate a vessel if
you’ve consumed alcohol. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to
discharge fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe
place on shore. Remember to share the waterway and use common sense, good
judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives.
Wear It!!
Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on
Missouri’s roadways or waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop
headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or
*55 on a cellular phone. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road
construction along their travel route.
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY URGES CAUTION WITH FIREWORKS
As drought conditions worsen in Missouri,
the Division of Fire Safety is urging Missourians to put
fireworks safety first as they prepare for Independence Day celebrations. Over
the last three months, the percentage of
Fireworks also pose a risk of injury. According
to data collected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services, in 2022, 324 people in
More than 77% of those fireworks injuries occurred in the three-week period leading up to and following Independence Day (June 21 to July 11, 2022). During that period, 252 people with fireworks injuries sought hospital treatment in emergency rooms or were admitted for inpatient care.
Missourians who choose to use consumer fireworks should follow these safety tips:
Confirm fireworks are legal where you live; only purchase fireworks from licensed retailers.
Only use fireworks in a large open space that is clear of flammable materials. Do not light fireworks in areas where a spark could ignite dry grass, leaves or other flammable materials.
Always have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.
Always keep young children away from fireworks; if teens are permitted to handle fireworks, they should be closely supervised by an adult; always wear eye protection.
Only light fireworks one at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned
Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.
Never shoot fireworks off from a glass jar or container.
Never use fireworks while consuming alcohol.
Never store fireworks from season to season.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 29, 2023
HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT LEAVES PEDESTRIAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY
A hit and run accident that occurred at 9:40pm Tuesday in Linn County leaves pedestrian with serious injuries. The patrol says that an unknown vehicle was on MO 11 one mile north of Brookfield when it struck 43 year old Bradley Clapp of Brookfield and left the scene. He was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield and then flown to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
THREE TEENS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
Three teens were seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Boone County. The highway patrol said it happened after 4pm as 60 year old Brenda Birdsong of Huntsville was on US 63 when she began to slow down to make a right hand turn and her SUV was struck in the rear by a car driven by a 16 year old boy from Fulton. After impact both vehicles went off the right side of the road where they came to rest. The boy along with his two passengers’ both 15 year old boys from Auxvasse sustained serious injuries while the woman suffered minor injuries. All four were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT MISHAP
A driver was hurt in a Tuesday night mishap in Ralls County. State troopers report that it occurred at around 7:50pm as 46 year old Mark Taylor of Edwardsville, IL was on Highway 61 when he swerved to miss a slowing vehicle, causing his car to travel off the right side of the road and hit a utility pole. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment.
MAN HURT IN TUESDAY EVENING CRASH
A St. Charles man was hurt in a Tuesday evening crash in Lincoln County. MSHP stated that 59 year old Sammie Shipley was on Highway W when he became inattentive, causing his car to cross the centerline and sideswiped a car driven by 71 year old Ricky Meyer of Winfield. After doing that Shipley’s car rotated, ran off the roadway in reverse and struck several trees. Shipley was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The crash happened at 9:10pm Tuesday.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
65 year old Bobby Matlock of Valley Park was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3:35pm Tuesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that he was on College Road when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 28, 2023
TEENS HURT IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two teen drivers were hurt in an accident that occurred at around 6:20pm Monday in Boone County. The patrol says that a 16 year old boy from Hallsville was westbound on Route HH while a 19 year old boy from Columbia was northbound on Brown Station Road when the Columbia teen failed to stop at a stop sign and his vehicle collided with the Hallsville teen’s car. The 16 year old boy sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Boone Hospital for treatment while the 19 year old boy received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
RALLS COUNTY ACCIDENT
54 year old Roger Sutherland of Radcliff, KY was injured in an accident that occurred at 2:45am Tuesday in Ralls County. MSHP stated that he was on Highway A when his car went off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, overturned and struck a tree. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Gerald man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Gasconade County. The highway patrol said that it happened at 6:05pm as 46 year old Thomas Winter was on Holzschuh Road when his truck crossed the center of the roadway, ran off the left side of the road, struck a tree and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING CRASH
A New Bloomfield driver was hurt in an early Monday morning crash in Callaway County. State troopers report that 20 year old Bryce Schmidt was on Old US 54 when his jeep traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. He was taken to Capital Region Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was also charged with DWI and careless and imprudent driving resulting in an accident. The crash happened at 2:30am Monday.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at approximately 6:21pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 300 block of W Orange in reference to a disturbance. Responding personnel found that Shaun M McIlhatton, age 44 of Mexico, was in the area and began arguing with two 15 year-old males who were playing basketball outside of a home. While officers were attempting to detain McIlhatton and determine what had occurred, he became combative. McIlhatton was arrested and taken to the Audrain County Jail for two counts of Assault 4th Degree, Attempted Burglary 1st Degree, and Resisting Arrest. There were no injuries from the incident.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 27, 2023
BROOKFIELD MAN INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Brookfield man was injured in an accident that occurred at 5:20am Sunday in Linn County. The patrol says that 21 year old Mason Swift-Tarpening was on US 36 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a dry creek bed. He was taken to Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe for treatment of moderate injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT MISHAP
29 year old Caleb Wright of Kirksville was seriously injured in a Sunday night mishap in Adair County. MSHP stated that it happened after 6pm as he was on Highway AA when his motorcycle was blown off the right side of the road by a strong wind, struck a ditch, overturned and ejected him from the motorcycle. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LEWIS COUNTY INCIDENT
A driver from Quincy, IL was seriously injured in a Sunday evening incident in Lewis County. The highway patrol said that 30 year old James Merideth was on Route V when his van ran off the right side of the road, impacted the ground became airborne, rolled several times and came to rest on its wheels facing south. He was transported by ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy with serious injuries. The incident happened at 8:50pm Sunday.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A St. Louis woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 7:55am Friday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 24 year old Sidnea Wattle was on Highway 100 when she became distracted, causing her SUV to travel off the right side of the roadway into a ditch and struck a tree. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A St. Clair man was hurt in an accident that occurred at 5:20am Monday in Franklin County. The highway patrol said that 50 year old Aaron Click was on Route K when his truck ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence, a barn, several trees and came to rest against a tree. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.
TEEN INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
A teen was injured in a Sunday night crash in Franklin County. State troopers stated that a 16 year old girl from St. Clair was on North Bend Road when her car went off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and a tree. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries. The crash happened at around 11:20pm Sunday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 23, 2023
MAN INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
75 year old Dewey Bullard of Williamsburg was injured in an accident that occurred at 9:10pm Wednesday in Callaway County. The patrol says that he was on Route D and operating his car at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his car to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree before returning to the roadway. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN THURSDAY MORNING CRASH
A semi truck driver was hurt in a Thursday morning crash in Monroe County. The highway patrol said it happened at 9:35am as 42 year old Jeffrey Crain of Holliday was on Highway A when the semi ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
MONROE COUNTY INCIDENT
Two Paris teens were hurt in a Wednesday evening incident in Monroe County. MSHP reports that an 18 year old boy was on US 24 when he overtook a vehicle on the shoulder and overturned, ejecting both occupants from the motorcycle. The 18 year old boy refused medical treatment while his passenger a 16 year old boy was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries. The incident happened after 5:30pm Wednesday.
FOUR INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK
Four teens were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Marion County. State troopers stated that it occurred at 6:50pm as a 16 year old boy from Mount Sterling, IL along with three passengers a 17 year old boy from Mount Sterling, IL and 17 year old and 16 year old girls from Palmyra were on County Road 401 when their truck traveled off the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned. All four were taken to area hospitals for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 22, 2023
DRIVER INJURED IN ADAIR COUNTY ACCIDENT
24 year old John Carreno of Eddy, TX was injured in an accident that occurred at 10:35am Tuesday in Adair County. The patrol says that he was on MO 6 when his truck ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. He was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville with serious injuries.
DRIVERS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN TUESDAY EVENING WRECK
Two drivers were injured, one seriously in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday evening in Warren County. State troopers report that 34 year old Dennis Vickers of Marthasville was on MO 47 when his car crossed the center line and struck a truck driven by 66 year old Debra Klenke of Union. Vickers sustained serious injuries while Klenke suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment. The wreck happened at 8:10pm Tuesday.
FULTON MAN HURT IN MISHAP
A Fulton man was hurt in a mishap Tuesday night in Jefferson County. MSHP stated that 37 year old Russell Suggs was on East Romaine Creek Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his vehicle to travel off the right side of the road and hit a tree. He was taken to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of moderate injuries. The mishap occurred at 9:15pm Tuesday.
DRIVER INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
68 year old Randall Cox of Myrtle Beach, SC was injured in an accident that occurred at 2:40pm Tuesday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that he was eastbound on I-70 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to travel off the left side of the roadway and overturned and then struck the median cables. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH
A man was hurt in a Tuesday night crash in Montgomery County. The highway patrol said it happened at 7:30pm as 26 year old Tyler Quel of Centertown, MO was on MO 94 and passing a tractor trailer when his car ran off the left side of the road, lost control, went off the right side of the road and overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to the VA Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 21, 2023
SHELBY COUNTY ACCIDENT
41 year old Faysal Barre of St. Cloud, MN was injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:30am Tuesday in Shelby County. The patrol says that he was on US 36 when his freightliner traveled off the left side of the roadway, crossed the median and eastbound US 36 and overturned. He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
HERMANN MAN INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT COLLISION
A Hermann man was injured in a Monday night collision in Boone County. The highway patrol said it happened at 5:10pm as 29 year old Jeffrey Baumstark was riding his motorcycle on Route DD when a car driven by 23 year old Jamon McKay of Columbia pulled into his path and they collided. Baumstark sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
DRIVER INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
31 year old Charles Calvert of St. Clair was injured in an accident that occurred at around 11:30am Monday in Franklin County. The patrol says that he was on Route K when his vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, skidded on the road and overturned. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN MONDAY EVENING WRECK
A Sullivan woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday evening in Franklin County. State troopers report that 20 year old Megan Ware was westbound on I-44 when she failed to negotiate a curve, causing her SUV to travel off the left side of the road and hit the median cables. She was transported by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The wreck happened at 10:10pm Monday.
PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI FOR REST OF JUNE
The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Audrain County
Route BB – June 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 757 to CR 629 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – June 27, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from McDonald Road to CR 989 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route D – June 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route DD to CR 975 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Clark County
Route E – June 20 – 21 and June 27, CLOSED for
asphalt pavement repair operations from Route A in Clark
U.S.
Route 136 – June 28 – 29, LANE
RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route A
in Clark
Knox County
Route HH – June 20 – 22, CLOSED for patching operations from Route V to the end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.
Route V – June 26 – 29, CLOSED for asphalt pavement repairs from Missouri Route 6 to Route K between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.
Lewis County
Route N – June 20, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 6 at Ewing to CR 309/CR 310 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route CC – June 20 – 21 and June 26 - 27, CLOSED for asphalt pavement repairs from Route C to 550th (
Route H – June 28 – 29, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 6 to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Lincoln County
Route J – June 28 – 29, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Interstate 70 Outer Road to Missouri Route 47 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Macon County
Route FF – June 26 – 29, CLOSED for patching operations from Hawk Avenue to end of state maintenance between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Marion County
U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound & Westbound) – June 27 - 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Harrison Hill to U.S. Route 61 between 2:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A 12’ 6”-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Monroe County
Missouri Route 107 – June 20, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 24 to Missouri Route 154 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route V – June 21 - 26, CLOSED for asphalt pavement repairs from Route FF to U.S. Route 24 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route HH – June 26 – 27, CLOSED for seal coating operations from U.S. Route 24 to CR 562 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
Route EE – June 20 – 22 and June 26 - 27, CLOSED for patching and seal coating operations from Missouri Route 94 to end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route P – June 28 – 29, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 94 to Wardens Branch Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Ralls County
U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – June 20, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from Paris Gravel to Red Devil Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
U.S.
Route 61 – June 22, LANE
RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance on Spencer
Randolph County
Route C – June 19 – 22, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from ½ mile before and ½ mile after U.S. Route 24 bridge at Huntsville between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Route FF – June 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1 mile East of Route CC to westside of CR 1820 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route J – June 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 6.5 miles east of U.S. Route 63 to 7 miles east of U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route J -June 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1 mile east of Route CC to 0.5 mile west of Route Y between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route D – June 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 3 miles south of Route C to Route BB between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route J – June 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 2 miles east of Route CC to CR 1865 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Schuyler County
Route JJ – June 26 – 29, CLOSED for
asphalt pavement repair operations from Route B in Scotland
Scotland County
Route E – June 20 – 21 and June 27, CLOSED for
asphalt pavement repairs from Route A in Clark
Route Z – June 22 and June 26 - 27, CLOSED for asphalt pavement repair operations from Iowa state line to Route H between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route JJ – June 26 – 29, CLOSED for
asphalt pavement repair operations from Route B in Scotland
U.S.
Route 136 – June 28 – 29, LANE
RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route A
in Clark
Warren County
Route EE – June 20 – 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route B to end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. A 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
North
Service Road – June 22 and June 26 - 27, LANE
RESTRICTION for patching operations from St.
Charles
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 20, 2023
DRIVERS INJURED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT
Both drivers were injured in an accident that occurred at 12:35pm Sunday in Macon County. The patrol says that a 16 year old boy from New Cambria was on US 63 at Route M in Atlanta when he failed to yield and pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 31 year old Sarah Jensen of La Plata. The boy suffered minor injuries and was taken to Samaritan Hospital for treatment while Jensen was taken to Northeast Regional Hospital in Kirksville for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAN HURT IN MONDAY MORNING CRASH
A man was hurt in a Monday morning crash in Monroe County. State troopers stated that 57 year old Rodney Wright of Paris was on MO 15 when he attempted to make a left turn and his truck was struck in the rear by a truck driven by 32 year old Alissa Hirner of Mokane. After impact his truck went off the right side of the road and struck a post. Wright suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The crash happened at 9am Monday.
DRIVER HURT IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
23 year old Hayden Frank of Columbia was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Carroll County. MSHP reports that he was on US 24 when his SUV ran off the right side of the road and overturned. He refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries. The wreck happened at around 4:30pm Sunday.
MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A motorcyclist was injured in an accident that occurred at 8:15pm Sunday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 52 year old Tommy Shannon of Fulton was on Route BB when his motorcycle struck a deer that had entered the roadway, causing it to roll onto its side and eject Shannon as it skidded and came to rest off the right side of the roadway. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 19, 2023
TEEN HURT IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Salisbury teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4am Sunday in Linn County. The patrol says that the 17 year old girl was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an 18 year old boy from Brookfield. They were on US 36 when it struck a deer in the roadway, traveled off the right side and overturned. The girl was transported by ambulance to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment of minor injuries.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN FRIDAY NIGHT INCIDENT
Two Kirksville residents were injured, one seriously in a Friday night incident in Adair County. The highway patrol said it happened at 9:45pm as 31 year old Adam Lewis was on Highway 6 when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia while his passenger 23 year old Kelsey Laws suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment.
TWO TEENS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
Two Iowa teens were injured, one seriously in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Putnam County. State troopers report that a 19 year old boy from Cincinnati, IA was on Blackberry Trail when his car ran off the left side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned, ejecting him from it. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, while his passenger a 18 year old girl from Centerville, IA was taken to Centerville, IA Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The wreck happened at 12:15am Sunday.
MONTGOMERY CITY MAN KILLED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Montgomery City man was killed in an accident that occurred just before 2pm Saturday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 47 year old Gregory Booth was on Crossroads Blvd. when he attempted to pass a truck driven by 46 year old Joseph Weathers of Elsberry in a no passing zone and he cut in front of it, causing his SUV to strike the left side of the truck and the impact caused his SUV to lose control and then travel off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from it. Booth was pronounced dead at the scene.
MAN KILLED, TWO HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
A man was killed and two others were hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Lincoln County. MSHP stated that it happened at 10:25pm as 21 year old Scott Weisheyer of Troy was on Missouri 47 when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a truck driven by 26 year old Kimberly Doll of Hawk Point head-on. Weisheyer was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later. Both Doll and her passenger 24 year old Joseph York of Troy were transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A FRIDAY NIGHT CRASH
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Friday night crash in Lincoln County. State troopers report that 33 year old Jacob Gove of Hawk Point was riding his motorcycle on North 7th Street while a car driven by 21 year old Kyle Bartels of Troy was on Route B when Gove failed to stop for a posted stop sign and traveled into the path of Bartels car and the front of the motorcycle struck the passenger side of the car, ejecting Gove from his motorcycle. Gove was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries, while a passenger in Bartels car 23 year old Samantha Wheeler of Troy was also taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries. The crash occurred at 11:30pm Friday.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 16, 2023
COLUMBIA MAN INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Columbia man was injured in an accident that occurred at 9:40pm Wednesday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 28 year old Adam Wesbury was on Route HH when he failed to stop at a stop sign, causing his motorcycle to travel thru the intersection, struck an embankment, became airborne, landed in the passing lane of I-70, traveled off the inside shoulder and struck the cable barrier. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
TWO HURT IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH
Two Green City residents were hurt in a Wednesday morning crash in Sullivan County. The highway patrol said that the two were passengers in an SUV driven by a 17 year old boy also from Green City. They were on MO 6 when the SUV ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. The boy was not injured, but his two passengers 38 year old Elena Nickel and a 16 year old girl were taken to Sullivan County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The crash occurred at 8am Wednesday.
DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
31 year old Colby Gilpin of Russellville was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Cole County. MSHP stated that it happened at 2:35pm as he was on MO 179 when his freightliner ran off the right side of the road, skidded and overturned on its passenger side. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
MAY 2023 MONTHLY JOBS REPORT
Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased by 3,700 jobs in May 2023 and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 2.5 percent. Private industry employment increased by 3,300 jobs and government employment increased by 400 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.5 percent in May 2023, unchanged from April 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 55,600 jobs from May 2022 to May 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.1 percent in May 2022 to 2.5 percent in May 2023.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged in May 2023 at 2.5 percent. The May 2023 rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point from the May 2022 rate of 2.1 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 78,891 in May 2023, up by 965 from April.
The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in May 2023, rising by half of a percentage point to 2.9 percent from the April 2023 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 2.4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 2.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for May 2023 was 3.4 percent.
Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.4 percent in May 2023, eight-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.6 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61.8 percent in May 2023, 1.5 percentage points higher than the national rate of 60.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate of 2.5 percent was 1.2 percentage points lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years.
EMPLOYMENT
Missouri's non-farm payroll employment was 2,977,700 in May 2023, up by 3,700 from the revised April 2023 figure. The April 2023 total was revised downward by 600 jobs from the preliminary estimate.
Goods-producing industries increased by 900 jobs over the month, with manufacturing gaining 600 jobs and mining, logging, and construction gaining 300 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 2,400 jobs between April 2023 and May 2023. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in professional and business services (3,800 jobs), leisure and hospitality (1,000 jobs), and other services (500 jobs). Employment decreased in information (-1,200 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,100 jobs); and financial activities (-600 jobs). Employment in private education and health services was unchanged from April. Total government employment increased by 400 jobs over the month. Federal (300 jobs) and local (200 jobs) increased while state government decreased (-100 jobs).
Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 55,600 jobs from May 2022 to May 2023. The largest gain was in leisure and hospitality (14,000 jobs); professional and business services (13,000 jobs); manufacturing (10,000 jobs); private education and health services (8,700 jobs); other services (4,800 jobs); financial activities (900 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (200 jobs). Employment decreased in mining, logging, and construction (-1,000 jobs) and information (-900 jobs). Government employment increased by 5,900 jobs over the year, with an increase in local government (5,800 jobs) and federal government (500 jobs) and a decrease in state government (-400 jobs).
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 15, 2023
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Sullivan teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:55pm Tuesday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 19 year old Lucas Livell was on MO 185 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. He was transported by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital with serious injuries.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK
37 year old Cassandra Tidwell of Iberia was seriously hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Miller County. The highway patrol said it happened at 10:10pm as she was on MO 42 when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck two embankments before coming to rest facing east. She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
MODOT STREAMLINES HAY MOVEMENT FOR DROUGHT RELIEF TO MISSOURI FARMERS AND RANCHERS
In response to Gov. Mike Parson’s declaration of a drought alert in more than half of Missouri’s counties, the Missouri Department of Transportation is offering a special overwidth hauling permit at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay as needed. Loads must be of legal height, length and weight.
Permits can be requested using the MoDOT Carrier Express online service, located at www.modot.org/mce. To ensure the fee is waived, hay haulers should place a comment in the application about the fee waiver. The blanket permit fee of $96 and single trip fee of $15 are waived for hay haulers through Dec. 1, 2023.
Before hauling, drivers must apply for the special overwidth hauling permit for loads that exceed 8 feet and 6 inches in width, and map their route to avoid work zones, bridges and other areas that have weight, narrow-lane or height restrictions. This information, as well as a special bridge and height restriction view, is available on the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org.
MoDOT’s waiver and special overwidth permit allows drivers in Missouri to:
Drivers
must adhere to all permit requirements, such as using proper signage and
lighting and stopping at weigh stations. Drivers should also be advised that
most of the southeastern
Those visiting the MoDOT Carrier Express system for the first time will find a link to obtain a customer ID and password needed to access the service. Required information includes:
The make, license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the power unit, and
The farm business name and address.
MoDOT permits cover movement within Missouri only and are required for each truck. Questions may be directed to MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499.
MISSOURI VETERANS CEMETERY IN JACKSONVILLE NEWS
Chariton Valley and Macon Electric Cooperative share a great partnership with their “cooperative” program, ‘Co-ops in Action’. The two cooperatives started the Co-ops in Action program in 2017 with the intention of working together to improve the lives of the people they serve. The program includes quarterly work projects where both MEC and CV employees come together to help a community group in need of assistance with a project.
Recently, Co-ops in Action completed a project for the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville. MEC and CV worked together for the day to clean headstones in preparation for Memorial Day.
MEC and CV select projects through a request process where community groups apply to have work completed for their organization. A committee reviews the applications quarterly and selects projects to complete based on feasibility and impact on the community. During the volunteer workday, the organization provides the materials needed for the project, and the cooperatives provide the labor. Co-ops in Action is currently seeking requests for 2023 projects. Interested organizations can apply at www.maconelectric.com or www.cvalley.net.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 14, 2023
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A teenager was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 12:45pm Monday in Franklin County. The patrol says that 19 year old Matthew Wilkerson of Pacific was attempting to flee from Franklin County Sheriffs’ when he attempted to take the exit ramp on westbound I-44 and went through the grass median, lost control of his truck, struck the guardrail and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
THREE TEEN GIRLS INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK
Three teenage girls from Jefferson City were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Cole County. The highway patrol said it happened at 11:35pm as they were on Route A when their car slid on the roadway, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned. All three girls ranging from 15 to 19 years old were taken to Capital Region Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
MISSOURI TO OBSERVE SUMMER SAFETY DAY ON WEDNESDAY
As summer weather arrives, Missourians are reminded to be aware of the dangers posed by extreme heat and humidity and take precautions as they spend more time outdoors.
To help Missourians prepare and stay safe during the summer months, the state will observe Summer Safety Day on Wednesday. SEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourage all Missourians to pay attention to local forecasts and plan accordingly when activities are outside. Humidity can amplify the feeling of heat measured by a heat index, so it is especially important to keep a close eye on friends and family and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
Never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Even on a cooler day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and pose a real threat to anyone left inside. Stress, distraction and being out of a normal routine can all contribute to forgetting a child in a car seat. Always “look before you lock” and check the back seat each time you exit your vehicle.
Remember these other safety tips to protect yourself and your family during the summer heat:
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 13, 2023
TWO DRIVERS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
Two drivers were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred after 8am Sunday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 24 year old Austin Zykan of Troy was on MO 47 when he became distracted while being on his cellphone, causing his truck to travel into the westbound lane and struck a car head-on driven by 24 year old Ahlexis Rau of Warrensburg. She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries, while the man was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEEN INJURED, WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A teen was injured and a woman was seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Boone County. The highway patrol said it happened at 3:30am as the 16 year old boy from Hallsville was on Route B when he swerved into the southbound lane to miss a deer and struck a truck driven by 55 year old Tammy Alexander of Centralia. Alexander was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, while the teen was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT INCIDENT
A woman was seriously hurt in a Sunday night incident in Clark County. State troopers report that 51 year old Lachelle Cumpton of Sandy Hook, MS was a passenger in a SUV driven by 42 year old Chandra Carroll of Knoxville, IA. They were on Highway 27 when Cumpton removed her seatbelt and attempted to exit the moving vehicle, falling out of the SUV. She was transported by ambulance to Fort Madison Community Hospital in Iowa with serious injuries. The incident occurred at around 9:25pm Sunday.
DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS CLOSE STATEWIDE FOR JUNETEENTH
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like
to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will
be closed on the following date:
Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth. Normal operations will
resume on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY
… from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom
June 12, 2023
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ADAIR COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Kirksville motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:35pm Saturday in Adair County. The patrol says that 38 year old Ryan Baker was on MO 157 when his motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from it. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
MAN HURT IN ATV CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON
A Queen City man was hurt in an ATV crash Saturday afternoon in Adair County. MSHP stated that it happened at 1:45pm Saturday as 22 year old Douglas Middleton was riding his ATV on private property on Oak Grove Way when it struck a tree and overturned. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Northeast Regional Hospital in Kirksville for treatment.
DRIVER INJURED IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
29 year old Isaias Carrisoza of Unionville was injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Putnam County. State troopers report that he was on US 136 when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville for treatment of moderate injuries. The wreck occurred at 5:45am Saturday.
WOMAN INJURED IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A Huntsville woman was injured in a Saturday morning crash in Callaway County. The highway patrol said it happened at 11:50am as 49 year old Cathy Riley was on Route A when her motorcycle ran off the right side of the road and overturned. She was transported by ambulance to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
TEEN HURT IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Mexico teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 9:45pm Friday in Audrain County. The patrol says that 18 year old Carlee Abbott was on Audrain Road 820 when her truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a pole. She decided to seek her own treatment for minor injuries.
UPCOMING PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI, JUNE 12 TO JUNE 23
All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.
Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.
Clark County
Route E – June 14 – 15 and June
20 - 21, CLOSED for pavement
improvement operations from Route A in Clark
Knox County
Route B – June 12 – 15, CLOSED for
patching operations from Missouri Route 151 in Shelby
Route HH – June 20 – 22, CLOSED for patching operations from East end of Route HH to Route V between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.
Lewis County
Route N – June 15 and June 20, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 6 at Ewing to CR 309/CR 310 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Route CC – June 20 - 21, CLOSED for patching operations from Route C to 550th (
Lincoln County
U.S. Route 61 (Northbound & Southbound) – June 12 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from Route C to Dietrick Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Macon County
U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – June 12 – 15 and June 19 - 22, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from Business Route 36 to Nixon Industrial Blvd between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. A 15-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Route DD – June 13 – 14, CLOSED for
culvert replacement operations from Lariat
Avenue to
Route DD – June 15, CLOSED for
culvert replacement operations from Lynx
Avenue to
Monroe County
Route P – June 12 – 13, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 15 to CR 346 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Route HH – June 14 – 15, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 24 to CR 562 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Missouri Route 107 – June 20 – 21, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 24 to Missouri Route 154 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Montgomery County
Missouri
Route 19 – June 12 –
14, LANE RESTRICTION for
patching operations from Audrain
Route EE – June 20 - 22, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 94 to end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Randolph County
Route C – June 12 – 22, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from ½ mile before and ½ mile after U.S. Route 24 bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.
Route FF – June 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 1 mile East of Route CC to Westside of CR 1820 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Route J – June 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 6 ½ miles East of U.S. Route 63 to 7 miles East of U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Schuyler County
Route K – June 12 – 13, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Bridge Road to U.S. Route 63 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Scotland County
Route E – June 14 – 15 and June 20 - 21,