Flash Flood Warning including Hermitage MO, Wheatland MO, Macks Creek MO until 10:00 PM CDT

 

Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
356 PM CDT Sat Jul 10 2021

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southern Benton County in central Missouri...
  Southwestern Camden County in central Missouri...
  Hickory County in central Missouri...
  East Central St. Clair County in west central Missouri...

* Until 1000 PM CDT Saturday.

* At 356 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain
  have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
  shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Hermitage, Wheatland, Macks Creek, Preston, Cross Timbers, Climax
  Springs, Gerster and Fristoe.

This includes the following low water crossings...
  Little Niangua at County Road 200, Little Niangua at County Road
  66, Macks Creek at Coffey Hollow Road, Turkey Creek at Jackman
  Avenue and Weaubleau Creek at 350 Road.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Many flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Severe storms are moving into the Lake of the Ozarks region now! Damaging winds are likely! Take shelter now!

 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Osage Beach MO, Camdenton MO, Village of Four Seasons MO until 7:00 PM CDT

If you have a child yet to reach high school who’s thinking about a career wearing a badge, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office wants you to know about its Junior Police Academy.

It’s going to be happening during the first week of August and kids need to have an essay turned in to the Sheriff’s Office by July 1^st.

Twenty-five to 30 students will be accepted and you can get more details by contacting the Camden County Sheriff’s Office or by reaching out to the Hurricane Deck School Resource Officer.

Traffic is about to get dicey in the W area.

MoDot says they’ll be shutting down the Highway 54 off ramp as they build the new roundabout between Business 54, W and Osage Hills Road.

The work will be taking place this coming Monday the 7^th, after Lake Race is full over.

The ramp will remain closed until Friday and the entire project is expected to last until December.

 

***Additional Info….

Route 54 Ramp to Close at Lake of the Ozarks Interchange Next Week

LAKE OZARK – As construction of the new interchange at the intersection of U.S. Route 54, Route W, Business 54, and Osage Hills Road continues to move forward, crews will temporarily close a ramp next week.

Crews are scheduled to close the westbound Route 54 exit ramp to Business Route 54 on Monday morning, June 7, to build and install pavement that will connect the ramp and Route W at the new roundabout in that location. That ramp will be closed until late Friday morning. Motorists will need to utilize an alternative route.

Construction on the new interchange began in February of 2020 and is scheduled for completion later this year. The new interchange is designed to increase traffic safety and improve traffic flow in an area where numerous traffic accidents have occurred. In addition to the new interchange, the project involves building several new connecting roads and three roundabouts in the same area.

More information and updates are available at www.modot.org/Miller54Interchange.

This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/Miller54Interchange. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.

One person is in serious condition following a wreck on the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Highway Patrol says it happened at the 3 ½ mile mark of Downing Branch Cove.

They say 24-year-old Charles Phelps of Holts Summit moved his PWC into the path of an oncoming boat driven 25-year-old Tyler Crocker also from Holts Summit.

Crocker’s boat then collided with Phelps’ PWC.

Phelps was flown to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

In a second unrelated incident, a Wisconsin man was hospitalized for serious injuries after being struck by a propeller.

The Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Dhaval Patel of Grafton Wisconsin was swimming behind a boat that was idling, driven by 37-year-old Gautm Patel of Mount Vernon, Illinois.

When he attempted to climb into the boat, Dhaval was hit by the propeller.

Patel was transported to Lake Regional Hospital For Treatment.

The 2020 Show-Me State Games are being canceled due to COVID 19.

Officials say the decision was made in an effort to protect the athletes, volunteers and the public.

The games were scheduled for the last two weekends this month.

More than 30,000 athletes from across the state participate in the event each year.

UPDATE: Mr. Taylor has been found safe!

 

Previous Story:

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s office is asking for help in finding a man who is missing.

They say 89-year-old Fred Taylor Jr. of St. Robert disappeared on the 4^th of July.

He was last seen leaving his home on Harlen Lane around 9:30AM in a tan 2003 Dodge Dakota Pickup with Missouri license plate 5-G-V-2-5.

Officials say Taylor suffers from a heart condition and possibly Dementia.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately.

The Camdenton City Aquatic Facility tentatively plans to be open July 11 and 12 (Friday and Saturday) and resume regular hours on Friday, July 17.

This is subject to change.

Officials say they will be releasing more information regarding swim lessons and pool party reservations tomorrow (Thursday).

If you’re looking for notary services in the Lake Area, you now have three  options.

In addition to notary services on paper, notary modernization now allows in-person electronic notary and remote electronic notary services.

These are the first changes to Missouri notary law since the 1970s.

The new update is designed to protect the notary and signor by requiring all notarizations to be logged in the Notary Journal.

We’re learning more about the new assistant city administrator for the city of Lake Ozark.

Harrison Fry of Tennessee was selected to head up the new position on Monday, following an extensive search by the city.

Speaking to Christian Blood on the Ozarks Today, Fry says he jumped at the chance to work in the “post card community” of Lake of the Ozarks.

Fry recently completed an internship with the city of Paducah, Kentucky and will join Lake Ozark on July 13^th.

 

Learn more about Fry’s accomplishments in this article by Murry State University. MURRY STATE GRAD HONORED

Hear the full interview with Christian Blood below:

For the sixth year in a row, the Governors Highway Safety Association is awarding the state of Missouri a grant to combat impaired driving.

Out of the $210,000 being awarded to seven states, Missouri is getting $12,000 to use towards exploring new ways to address impaired driving.

The state plans to work with the Missouri Safety Center to improve their already existing programs while looking for fresh ideas.

Officials say the grants will also expand the nearly 2,000 officers currently trained in drug-impaired driving detection.

 

July 7, 2020 – For immediate release     

Missouri one of seven states to receive grant to stop high-risk impaired driving

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the sixth consecutive year, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) are awarding grants to help states keep Americans safe from the most dangerous impaired drivers.

The new grants will expand the nearly 2,000 officers trained in drug-impaired driving detection through the first five years of the partnership. The 2020 grant awards will fund seven states – Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyoming – with a total of $210,000 to support enhanced identification and assessment of alcohol and drug impaired drivers. GHSA will also receive $35,000 to educate State Highway Safety Offices and law enforcement agencies throughout the United States about state oral fluid test pilot programs.

Summer is traditionally the deadliest season for impaired driving, and risks are expected to be particularly high this summer as states reopen bars, restaurants and other hospitality establishments that have been shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With road traffic levels returning to pre-pandemic levels, and the pandemic’s impact on mental health and economic anxiety, experts believe this is a critical time to support efforts to keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.

“Vehicle miles traveled fell drastically during the pandemic, but that decline didn’t result in improved safety on our nation’s roadways,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. “Alcohol and drug impaired driving persisted, with prevention experts warning the problem may worsen as people continue to worry about contracting the virus, recover from the economic fall-out and adhere to social distancing requirements. All are triggers for substance use making this grant program even more important.”

The grants will help states implement key recommendations in the GHSA report on High Risk Impaired Drivers, funded by Responsibility.org. While every impaired driver is high risk, this report and the Responsibility.org STOP HRID online resource hub take counter-measures to the next level by recommending proven, multidisciplinary approaches to addressing the specific dangers posed by repeat offenders and impaired drivers with high blood alcohol concentrations or a combination of impairing substances.

Impairment may be the result of alcohol, drugs or both, as there has been a 16% increase between 2006 and 2016 in the number of impaired drivers killed in crashes who tested positive for multiple substances, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The GHSA report calls on states to prevent repeat offenders and reduce the number of fatalities by taking an individualized justice approach to the problem. This is a multidisciplinary effort to identify the root cause of an offender’s behavior, determine the appropriate sanctions and prevent recidivism. Highlights of the programs to be funded with STOP HRID grants include:

·       MISSOURI – $12,000 – Implementing innovative partnerships to combat impaired driving. Missouri will use its grant to explore new ways to address impaired driving through a partnership with the Missouri Safety Center, that will include examining new and successful programs employed by other states.

“Last year over 10,000 people in the United States died in preventable impaired driving crashes. It is an honor to support innovative state efforts to address alcohol, drug and multi-substance impaired driving and remove high-risk impaired drivers from the roadways,” said Dr. Darrin T. Grondel, Responsibility.org’s Vice President of Traffic Safety and Government Relations.

For more information on the grants and previous state program results, visit ghsa.org/resources/partner-initiatives/FAAR.

Flags will be flying at half-staff today at all Firehouses across the state.

It’s in response to the death of Fire Marshal Lieutenant Ronald Wehlage Jr. of the Desoto Rural Fire District.

He was among several firefighters who responded to a large structure fire on June 28^th.

Wehlage died 2 days later due to a medical emergency in the line of duty.

His funeral will be held today (Wednesday).

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2020

Governor Parson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District Lieutenant Ronald Wehlage

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Jefferson County and at fire houses across the state on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in honor of DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District Fire Marshal/Lieutenant Ronald W. Wehlage, Jr.

Governor Parson also ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City.

On June 28, Lieutenant Wehlage was among the firefighters who responded to a reported structure fire. On June 30, Lieutenant Wehlage died following a medical emergency. His death is considered to be in the line of duty. His funeral will be held on July 8.

“At an early age, Ronald Wehlage chose a career path based on service to others,” Governor Parson said. “He was committed to protecting others, educating residents and children about the importance of fire safety, and improving the lives of the people he served. Lieutenant Wehlage will be remembered for his devotion to ensuring the people of the DeSoto Rural Fire Protection were safe and secure.”

Lieutenant Wehlage joined the DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter in April 2003 and became a full-time firefighter with the district in February 2004. As fire marshal, he was responsible for fire safety education in the district. He was also the district’s media representative.

Lieutenant Wehlage joined the fire service as a member of the Hillsboro Fire Protection District in 1999. He also served as an EMT with the North Jefferson County Ambulance District and the Valley Ambulance District before joining the DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District. He was 40 years old.

To view the proclamation, click here.

A business owner from Jefferson City has pleaded guilty in federal court to Tax evasion.

According to a release, 39-year-old Ryan Phegley failed to pay taxes to both the state and the federal government, on more than $600,000 in income over a three-year period.

Phegley was the owner of Phoenix Freight Lines from 2010 to 2014 and during one of those years, they he used the company’s bank accounts to pay person expenses including his mortgage.

In a plea deal, Phegley must repay $157,570 in restitution to the IRS and $31,604 to the Missouri DOR.

 

NEWS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

TIMOTHY A. GARRISON

 

Contact Don Ledford, Public Affairs  (816) 426-4220  400 East Ninth Street, Room 5510  Kansas City, MO 64106

www.justice.gov/wdmo

 

JULY 7, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Jefferson City Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Missouri, business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion after failing to pay taxes on more than $600,000 in income over three years.

 

Ryan M. Phegley, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr., to one count of tax evasion.

 

Phegley was the owner and operator of Phoenix Freight Lines, Inc., from 2010 to 2014. Phoenix provided truck transportation services, in which it leased trucks, hired drivers, and obtained contracts for transporting goods.

 

By pleading guilty today, Phegley admitted that he never filed state or federal individual income tax returns or state or federal business income tax returns for Phoenix for the years 2011-2013, despite earning a total of $642,344 in unreported taxable income during those years.

 

Phegley also admitted that, from January 2011 through April 15, 2012, he willfully attempted to evade income tax owed for the year 2011 by using the Phoenix bank account to pay his personal expenses, such as residential mortgage and utilities, personal vehicles, and remodeling his residence.

 

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Phegley must pay $152,570 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and $31,604 to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

 

Under federal statutes, Phegley is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.

 

****************

This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, is available on-line at http://www.justice.gov/wdmo

The lake area has lost another legend.

Old Time Photos owner Don Roelofs passed away on Sunday following a battle with congestive heart failure.

Both Don and his wife opened Old Time Photos on the Lake Ozark Strip back in 1976.

The family says they are inviting residents to stop by their shop today (Wednesday) from 5-7PM if you’d like to pay your respects.

Roelofs was 74 years old.

 

A Gravois Mills man has died following a crash in Cooper County.

The Highway Patrol says 61-year-old Harold Spruell was a passenger in 57-year-old Deborah Cheatum’s car, which was traveling Southbound on Route B.

The Patrols says she crossed the center line, then over-corrected numerous times before running off the road and overturning.

Spruell was pronounced dead at the scene and Cheatum’s condition was not listed.

A Climax Springs man is in jail on no bond after Camden County Sheriff’s deputies say he made terrorist threats against them and assaulted someone.

Investigators say 44-year-old Dennis Kraus had left a home when they arrived on July 4th, but they later found him and placed him under arrest.

Kraus is facing numerous charges, including felony domestic assault and threatening to kill police officers.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

On 07/04/20 deputies responded to Climax Springs for a domestic assault. While responding, deputies learned the suspect had left the residence and had been making terroristic threats to kill law enforcement. The suspect was later located and arrested without further incident.

Dennis L Kraus age 44 of Climax Springs was charged with:

2 counts of Felony Domestic Assault, Misdemeanor Property Damage. He remains at the Camden County Correctional Facility with no bond.

*The Camden County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that these charges are merely an accusation and these individuals remain innocent until proven guilty.

There’s been an update to the human remains found on the Gasconade river last week.

In a post to Facebook, the Maries County Sheriff’s office says they have identified the body and have contacted the family.

They say the remains where that of a 50-year-old man and likely have been there for under a year.

No further details on the case have been released at this time.

State of Missouri receives donation of PPE from Republic of Korea to aid in COVID-19 response

JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri received a shipment of 60,000 nitrile and latex gloves from its sister state of Jeollanamdo Province, Republic of Korea in June to assist in the response to COVID-19.

“Missouri sincerely appreciates this donation of PPE from Governor Kim and the citizens of Jeollanamdo Province,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Their generosity highlights the value of Missouri’s international relationships and will help our health care providers, care facilities, and many others across the state as we continue to build up our PPE supply. It gives me great hope to know that Jeollanamdo stands with Missouri in our efforts to overcome and recover from COVID-19.”

Missouri and the Republic of Korea’s Jeollanamdo Province have worked as sister states since 1986. The Republic of Korea is among Missouri’s top trade partners and received $428 million in Missouri exports in 2019.

The shipment, received by SEMA, will be utilized to help meet PPE needs in the state. To request PPE, hospitals should visit health.mo.gov/PPErequest or access Missouri’s PPE Marketplace at ppemarketplace.mo.gov.

For more information on the statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit ded.mo.gov/coronavirus.

Hartzler on House Armed Services Committee Passing National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Ranking Member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021:

“In order for America to project its dominance in the international system and safeguard the security of all Americans, we must keep modernizing our forces. The need to recapitalize and modernize exists across all the services and in all military domains. From nuclear to conventional, and from land to sea, we are relying on legacy platforms and weapons that must be updated to meet current and future threats. I’m proud this NDAA does just that,” Hartzler said.

“This bipartisan bill is a win for Missouri and a win for our country. Not only does this legislation bolster important national defense programs and help America keep our competitive advantage over our adversaries, it also provides critical funding for Missouri’s military installations and defense programs,” Hartzler added.

One of the provisions Hartzler championed included language from the Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Act, which she co-led with Rep. John Garamendi of California. That provision included in the NDAA requires Department of Defense to examine the vulnerabilities faced by our country’s dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals.

“China having control over the production of our military’s medicine poses a grave national security threat, and this provision will provide the Department of Defense and Congress with more information on these vulnerabilities so we can take proactive steps to secure the supply chain and encourage domestic production right here in the United States,” Hartzler said.

Congresswoman Hartzler had significant initiatives included in the committee passed bill including:

• $40 million for the Fort Leonard Wood hospital replacement project;
• $2.9 billion for the B-21 program, which will eventually replace the B-2 at Whiteman Air Force Base;
• $119 million for the Next NGA West Complex in St. Louis;
• $5 million to update T-38 ejection seats at Whiteman Air Force Base;
• $696.7 million for Army Ammunition Production Plants, like the one at Lake City;
• Funding for engine and propeller upgrades for the C-130H fleet, including the 139^th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base;
• Funding for Missouri-made aircraft including the F-15EX, F-18 Super Hornet, and T-7A trainer;
• $28 million in advanced procurement funding for the F-18 Super Hornet to ensure the Navy continues to address its strike fighter short fall in Fiscal Year 2022;
• Funding for Missouri-made munitions for the warfighter.
• Language directing the Army to provide Congress a fielding strategy for updated Blackhawk helicopters to the Army National Guard, including to the 1-135th at Whiteman Air Force Base.
• Language directing the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the implementation of Section 889 of the FY19 NDAA, which prohibits the federal government and federal contractors from procuring and using certain Chinese made telecommunications and video surveillance equipment;
• Language directing the Secretary of Defense to include a strategy for the use of Chaplains and nonprofit post traumatic growth organizations for behavioral health care for military service members;

“Our military must be able to secure the tools necessary to readily address the evolving security needs of our nation. It is critical that we continue the path forward by investing in capabilities needed to ensure a credible deterrent posture now and into the future. I look forward to continuing this work when the full House of Representatives considers this legislation later this month,” Hartzler concluded.

 

Lake Regional Occupational Medicine Expands to Eldon

 

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Clinic – Eldon now offers occupational medicine services to the local business community. Pauline Abbott, D.O., MPH, CIME, who is board-certified in occupational medicine and environmental medicine, provides comprehensive services to promote the health of workers through preventive medicine and clinical care.

 Occupational medicine services now available at Lake Regional Clinic – Eldon include DOT physicals; drug tests; breath alcohol tests; hearing tests; pulmonary function tests; and immunizations. In addition, Dr. Abbott treats work-related injuries.

 Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.  Lake Regional Clinic – Eldon is located at 416 S. Maple Street, Eldon, MO. To schedule an appointment, call 573-392-5523.

 Learn more and download an Occupational Medicine Information Packet at www.lakeregional.com/OccMed.

The city of Camdenton is one step closer towards becoming an Autism Friendly City.

In partnership with Stars for Autism, the city has been working on projects including a communications board and accessible swings at the city park.

Officials at the city say the board is up and the swings are in place despite COVID setbacks.

The project was partially funded though fundraisers put on by GO CAPS, a student led project to create communications boards in both Camdenton and Lebanon area parks.

Park officials say they have more on the project list, including adding accessible ramps to each playground.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is releasing numbers from the 4^th of July holiday weekend.

Troopers reported 294 crashes on the road, which included 107 injuries and all five deaths around the state.

On the water, the Highway Patrol Water Division worked nine boat crashes resulting in no deaths.

Six BWIs were cited and there were 139 DWIs.

On the road and on the water, Troopers made 151 drug arrests.

The numbers were tallied from 6 pm last Thursday to just before midnight on Sunday.

 

July 6, 2020
EMPHASIS: MSHP Reports Five Traffic Fatalities, Zero Boating Fatalities, & One Drowning Over July Fourth Holiday Counting Period

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following 2020 July Fourth holiday statistics:

2020 July Fourth Holiday Traffic Statistics

Troopers worked 294 traffic crashes, which included 107 injuries and all five fatalities. Troopers also made 139 DWI arrests and 126 drug arrests over the holiday weekend.

2020 July Fourth Holiday Boating Statistics

Troopers worked nine boating crashes, which included four injuries and zero fatalities. Troopers made six BWI arrests and 25 drug arrests. There was one drowning over the holiday weekend.

The 2020 July Fourth holiday counting period began at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 5, 2020.

[During the 2019 counting period, 15 people were killed and 457 injured statewide in Missouri over the holiday in 1,109 traffic crashes. Troopers arrested 162 people for driving while intoxicated last year. Over the 2019 July Fourth holiday, there were nine boating crashes, which included four injuries and zero fatalities. Three people drowned during last year’s holiday. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests during the 2019 counting period.]

Traffic fatalities occurred in the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, and Troop F, Jefferson City, MO, areas. Troopers worked all five traffic fatalities.

There were no traffic or boating fatalities or drownings on Thursday, July 2, 2020, during the counting period.

One person drowned Friday, July 3, 2020. Gregory J. Muller, 62, of O’Fallon, MO, drowned when he was swimming off a sandbar and got caught in an eddy. Muller was not wearing a life jacket. The incident occurred at the 54-mile marker of the Missouri River in St. Charles County. St. Charles Ambulance District personnel pronounced Muller deceased at the scene.

One person died in a traffic crash on Friday, July 3, 2020. Samuel T. Jakubczak, 24, of Troy, MO, died when another driver failed to yield and the motorcycle he was operating struck the driver’s side of the vehicle. Jakubczak was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which occurred on Missouri Highway J south of Pear Tree Road in Lincoln County. Lincoln County Coroner R. Parker pronounced Jakubczak deceased at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash; she sustained serious injuries.

Two people died on Saturday, July 4, 2020. A one-year-old male from Kansas City, MO, died after being struck by a vehicle. The child was in the roadway at the time of the crash. The crash occurred on Shawnee View Drive in Camden County, MO. Dr. W.T. Cooper pronounced the child deceased at Lake Regional Hospital. The driver of the vehicle was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. He was not injured.

Regino Puente, 63, of Dallas, TX, died when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving, and it ran off the left side of the roadway, and overturned. He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred on Interstate 55 at the 33-mile marker in New Madrid County, MO. New Madrid County Coroner George DeLisle pronounced Puente deceased at the scene. There were two passengers in Puente’s vehicle. One passenger was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle, and sustained serious injuries. The other passenger was wearing a seat belt and sustained serious injuries.

Two people died in fatal traffic crashes on Sunday, July 5, 2020. Bryan H. Sanders, 53, of Odessa, MO, died when the motorcycle he was driving traveled off the roadway, struck a fence and several trees. Sanders was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash occurred on Missouri Route OO at NW 521st Road in Johnson County, MO. Dr. C. Hirsch pronounced Sanders deceased at Western Missouri Medical Center. A passenger on the motorcycle sustained moderate injuries. She was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Information about the remaining fatality is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The crash occurred in Butler County, MO.

The five lucky hunters for the first ever Missouri Elk Hunting season have been selected.

MDC officials say the hunt will take place in a 20-acre area known as the “Elk Restoration Zone” in Southern Missouri.

Archery events will be a nine-day event in October, with Firearms in December.

The last time Elk where hunted in Missouri was in the 1800s when Lewis and Clark first arrived in the state.

 

A bear nicknamed Bruno on Social Media, is safe after being sedated near St. Charles.

The bear left Wisconsin earlier this year and made his way into the Show Me State near Elsberry on June 30th.

On Sunday however, he became trapped while entering the St. Charles area due to the numerous interstate highways.

MDC officials were move him to a safer location and witnessed him regain his strength and take off again.

The bear is tagged and has a substantial following online as he continues on his trek to “find a mate.”

 

There have now been 82 positive cases of COVID 19 linked to Kamp Kanakuk.

Health officials say the cases include both campers and camp counselors.

Over 5,000 campers have gone through the camp sessions already this summer.

The camp located in Lampe, Missouri is currently shut down for the remainder of the term.

There’s a new bill in Missouri that takes aim at violent crimes committed in the state.

The main targets are crimes related to conspiracy, unlawful possession of guns, criminal street gangs and carjacking.

Governor Mike Parson signed the bill on Monday.

He says the legislation is a big step towards making communities safer, but he also says a lot more needs to be done.

The City of Lake Ozark has a new position that’s been filled.

Harrison Fry is the new Assistant City Administrator and the Community Economic Director.

Fry’s from Tennessee and just wrapped up a city management internship in Paducah, Kentucky.

The search for new position included over 20 candidates coming out of a nation-wide search.

LO NEW HIRE

Changes are in store for the Piney Valley Golf Course in Fort Leonard Wood.

Officials say you can now use Golf Carts on the course.

The hours of operation are also changing. The course will now be open from 7AM to 6PM Wednesday through Sunday.

Guests are allowed one person per cart, except for Family Members.

You will be responsible for sanitizing the cart before and after play.

Two Maries County residents are facing charges following an assault on Monday Night.

The Maries County Sheriff’s office says Dylan Kinsey and Madison Ridenhour, both from Belle, were involved in an altercation at a person’s home around 1 am.

Deputies say they were called out to a person’s home and found a man covered in blood, with a broken nose and numerous lacerations on his face and arms.

That man told police we had hit multiple times before he attempted to flee, breaking through a glass pane in his screen door which caused a severe cut to his throat.

In multiple interviews, it was determined that in total there were four people involved in the assault, two of which apparently attempted to talk Kinsley out of it and Ridenhour, who reportedly had a key to the residence and allowed them access to the home.

The two other individuals are facing charges for disorderly conduct.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is trying to get more blood donations as supplies are critically low thanks to COVID 19.

Officials say they will be hosting a drive in Springfield where you can donate and get two tickets to a 2021 Springfield Cardinals game, along with a t-shirt.

The drive runs from July 6^th through the 10^th at the Thomson Donor Center.

The CBCO will be hosting two local drives this month, one at the Meadowview Country Market in Tunas on July 13^th and another at the Lodge of the Four Seasons on the 30^th.

Overall, they are more than 8,000 donations short compared to this time last year.

Officials in Maries County continue to investigate after human remains were found along the Gasconade (GAS-CON-AID) river on Sunday.

The Sheriff’s Office says they are unsure at this time if foul play was involved and are asking anyone with information to please come forward.

The Marie’s County Sheriff’s office is also asking for help in finding the person responsible for stealing numerous antiques from the Old Jail Museum in Vienna, including muskets and military collectables.

In that case a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the return of the items and an arrest.

The Village of the Four Seasons is working with the Camden County Sheriff’s office to find those responsible for vandalizing the pools over the holiday weekend.

Officials say they found all of the patio furniture thrown into the pool and someone’s float was draped across the pool.

That float has since been returned to its owner.

Officials say they have video evidence from a nearby surveillance camera.

Top honors for the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Lake’s being named in the top 100 best bass lakes in the US by Bassmaster Magazine.

In the central region, the Lake area was #1 on the list, beating out Bull Shoals in 2^nd and Table Rock in 4^th.

The top lake nationwide was California’s Clear Lake.

A man who nearly drowned on the Lake over the 4^th of July weekend is facing numerous charges and is banned from a local bar.

The Highway Patrol reports that 25-year-old Jason Federer of Chesterfield (St. Louis area) was banned from Shady Gators on Friday night, after restaurant officials deemed him “extremely drunk.”

He then “went for a swim” at the 7 ½ Mile Mark of the Main Channel, where he had some difficulty stay afloat.

Officers helped him out of the water but he resisted arrest and according to the report, he assaulted an officer.

He was taken to Lake Regional for treatment before being placed on a 24-hour hold at the Camden County Jail.

Drivers will need to find an alternate route in the Iberia starting today (Monday).

Miller County officials say Highway BB will be closed at the second creek due to slab repairs.

It will likely remain closed until July 15^th.

Other bridges that remain closed in the area include Route C over Deane Creek, South of Rollins Creek Road and Route U over Tavern Creek, south of Crocker.

They are expected to remain closed until August.

There will be changes taking place on Highway 54 throughout this week at the new interchange for W.

Modot says westbound traffic will be reduce in order to allow for construction of the new westbound ramp.

Contractors will be adding fill material starting today (Monday) and single lane closures are expected through Thursday.

Resurfacing and shoulder widening projects also continue on U road between Highway 42 and Highway 17 as well as W road between Y road and Highway 5.

 

Road Work for Mid-Missouri
July 6-10, 2020

JEFFERSON CITY – The following is a listing of general highway maintenance and construction work in the mid-Missouri area for the period of July 6-10, 2020. The projects listed will include lane closures that could cause traffic delays. Full roadway closures are also noted. Work will take place during the entire week, unless otherwise noted. Weather conditions may postpone the work schedule.

MoDOT reminds motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow posted signs and drive safely through work areas. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/modot-central-district. You can also follow MoDOT’s Central Missouri District on Twitter and Facebook at https://twitter.com/MoDOT_Centraland MoDOT Central Missouri District.

 

 

All Counties

Daylight Hours

Mowing and striping operations are underway in various locations.  Motorists should travel with care and be alert to slow-moving equipment along the road.

Boone County
Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route HH over Hinkson Creek, east of Deer Valley Lane – Bridge deck rehabilitation. The bridge is closed through early August.

 

Sorrels Overpass over Interstate 70 – Bridge deck repair is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6. The bridge will be closed 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, until Friday, July 24.

 

Daylight Hours
Route 163 (Providence Road) between Route 740 (Stadium Boulevard) and Business Loop 70 – ADA improvements and sidewalk upgrades.

 

Route 740 (Stadium Boulevard) between Route 63 and Route 763 (College Avenue) – Interconnect fiber installation.

 

 

Callaway County
Daylight/Overnight Hours
Route D over Interstate 70 – Bridge replacement. The bridge is closed until October.

 

 

Cole County

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route 54 between Stadium Boulevard and Route AA in Miller County – Pavement and safety improvements, including guardrail and guard cable installation, continue through November.

 

Daylight Hours

Route E between Route 50 and Route B – Shoulder construction continues through late August.

 

Route M between Route 50 and Route W – Shoulder construction continues through late August.

 

 

Cooper County

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route 179 over the Petite Saline Creek – Bridge replacement. The bridge is closed through August.

 

Route K over the Blackwater River, south of Route DD – Bridge deck rehabilitation. The bridge is closed through late August.

 

 

Crawford County
Daylight Hours

Route 8 between Route 19 and Route Y – Brush cutting.

 

Route 8 between Route M and Route 68 in Phelps County – Shoulder repair.

 

Route 19 between Route F and Route O – Pavement marking.

 

Route 19 between Route 8 and the Dent County line – Brush cutting.

 

Route 49 between Route 19 and Route Y in Iron County – Brush cutting.

 

Route 49 between Setzer Road and the Iron County line – Pavement patching.

 

Route 49 between Route 19 and Route V – Pipe replacement.

 

Route H between Interstate 44 and Cave Road – Drainage repair.

 

Route V between Route 49 and Route Y – Pipe replacement.

 

Route Y between Route 49 in Iron County and Route C in Washington County – Pipe replacement.

 

Route HH between Route 19 and Ollie Coleman Road – Pipe replacement.

 

Interstate 44 North Outer Road between Route F and the Phelps County line – Drainage repair.

 

 

Dent County
Daylight Hours

Route 19 between Route 32 and Route KK in Shannon County – Chip sealing to extend roadway surface life.

 

Route TT between Route 19 and County Road 4030 – Pipe replacement.

 

 

Gasconade County
Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route A over Third Creek, south of Valentine Ford Road – Bridge replacement. The bridge is closed through August.

 

 

Howard County

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route Z over Bartlett Creek, west of Route 87 – Bridge replacement. The bridge will be closed through September.

 

Daylight Hours

Route A between County Road 418 and County Road 420 – Drainage repair.

 

Route P between County Road 448 and County Road 459 – Drainage repair.

 

Route Z between County Road 341 and County Road 343 – Drainage repair.

 

 

Laclede County

Overnight Hours
Interstate 44 between the Webster County Line and the Pulaski County Line – Roadway resurfacing and guardrail work in the eastbound and westbound lanes continues through November.

 

 

Miller County

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route 54 at Route W – Interchange construction continues until December 2021. Temporary bypasses are in place in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

 

Route 54 between Route AA and Stadium Boulevard in Cole County – Pavement and safety improvements, including guardrail and guard cable installation, continue through November.

 

Route C over Deane Creek, south of Rollins Creek Road – Bridge deck replacement. The road is closed through late August.

 

Daylight Hours

Route U between Route 42 and Route 17 in Pulaski County – Resurfacing, culvert pipe installation and shoulder widening continues through November.

 

Route W between Route Y and Route 5 in Morgan County – Resurfacing, box culvert modification and shoulder widening continues through November.

 

 

Moniteau County
Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route CC over Burris Fork, south of Walking Acres Road – Bridge replacement. The road is closed through mid-July.

 

Daylight Hours
Route 50 between Route H and Business Route 50 – Pavement patching.

 

Route 50 at Route 87 – Pavement patching on the exit and entrance ramps. The westbound entrance and exit ramps and the eastbound exit ramp will be closed Tuesday, July 7; the eastbound entrance ramp will be closed on Wednesday, July 8.

 

Route 50 between Route K and Mockingbird Road – Pavement patching in the westbound lanes.

 

 

Morgan County
Daylight Hours

Route W between Route 5 and Route Y in Miller County – Resurfacing, box culvert modification and shoulder widening continues through November.

 

 

Osage County
Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route 100 over Shawnee Creek, west of Route Z – Bridge replacement continues through October.

 

 

Phelps County
Overnight Hours

Interstate 44 between Route 63 and Route C – Concrete pavement repair in the westbound lanes.

 

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Interstate 44 between Mile Marker 163 and Mile Marker 169 – Paving in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

 

Daylight Hours

Route 8 between Route 68 and Route M in Crawford County – Shoulder repair.

 

Route 8 between Route 68 East and Route 68 West – Paving.

 

Route 72 at Route 63 – Paving will take place from 5 a.m. until 7 a.m. each day.

 

Route AA between Route P and County Road 7630 – Drainage repair.

 

 

Pulaski County

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route U over Tavern Creek, west of Crocker – Bridge widening is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 7. The bridge will be closed until early August.

 

Daylight Hours

Route U between Route 17 and Route 42 in Miller County – Resurfacing, culvert pipe installation and shoulder widening continues through November.

 

 

Washington County

Daylight/Overnight Hours

Route AA over Fourche-A-Renault Creek – Bridge replacement. The bridge is closed through July.

 

Daylight Hours

Route Y between Route C and Route 49 in Iron County – Pipe replacement.

 

Route AA at Route 8 – Pipe replacement.

 

Route CC between Route 21 and Route E – Pipe replacement.

 

 

MoDOT encourages motorists to log on to www.modot.org/modot-central-district to comment on their experiences traveling through highway work zones.

A number of residents in the Lebanon area spent the 4^th of July weekend staying up late, to protect the American Flag.

Speaking to KY 3 TV, they say it was a small price to pay.

The massive flag flew all weekend long at the Laclede County Courthouse to celebrate Independence Day.

Last year, vandals attempted to burn a similar flag at the courthouse, which led to these local residents vowing to protect it day and night this year.

The Miller County Sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help in finding counterfeit cash.

Officials say in a recent transaction, someone used a counterfeit $20 bill at a local Eldon Business.

If anyone knows anything about this investigation, they are encouraged to contact detectives at 573-369-2341 and refer to case # 20-00757MCSO.

A one-year old child has died following a crash in Camden County on Saturday.

The Highway Patrol says the child was hit by a car early in the morning on Shawnee View Drive just off Route MM.

The child was rushed to Lake Regional for treatment, but later died from the injuries.

A Camden County Sheriff’s Deputy is recovering from cuts on his arm after a car window had to be broken during a traffic stop.

Deputies say they knew the man had outstanding felony warrants when they pulled him over on Horseshoe Bend.

Captain Chris Twitchel with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

He tells KRMS News deputies had to break the window of a car driven by 22-year-old Campbell Bee of Lake Ozark.

Bee’s being held with no bond in the Camden County Jail.

 

Press Release:

On 06/30/2020 deputies were on Horseshoe Bend Parkway, when they observed a subject who they knew to have felony warrants out of Camden County. At this point a traffic stop was conducted. Deputies attempted to remove the subject from the vehicle to effect an arrest however, the driver resisted. While deputies were attempting to remove him from the vehicle, the driver rolled a window up on the deputy’s arm, trapping him in the vehicle. Assisting deputies were able to break the window and eventually remove the driver from the car. The male subject continued to be combative until he was eventually placed in custody. An assisting deputy suffered lacerations from the window because of the incident. The male subject was transported to the Camden Correctional Facility without further incident.

Drivers will need to find an alternate route in the Iberia this coming week.

Miller County officials say Highway BB will be closed at the second creek due to slab repairs.

Construction starts on Monday and it will likely remain closed until July 15^th.

Thousands of people are flocking to the Lake Area for the 4^th of July weekend, and the Camden County Sheriff’s Office is pulling in extra help.

Captain Chris Twitchel also tells KRMS News they’ll be watching for people who are drinking and driving.

He also has some advice for vacationers in town.

Captain Twitchel is also reminding visitors to be patient with others during this busy time and to drink plenty of water in the hot temperatures expected through the holiday weekend.

 

Gas prices are steady this Independence Day Weekend.

Boaters on the water are seeing around $2.14 to $2.30 per gallon for 87 Octane and $3.10 to $3.40 per gallon for 93 Octane.

Diesel is coming in around $2.15 to $2.60 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy.com drivers on Lake Area roadways are seeing an average of $1.68 to $1.85 per gallon for regular.

The lowest price in the Camdenton area.

Maries County officials are asking for the public’s help in finding whoever was responsible for stealing several historical artifacts.

They say someone took numerous items, including muskets, rifles, some military items and a number of arrowheads out of the Old Jail Museum in Vienna.

A $1,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can help lead police to the items and an arrest.

Lake are fire districts have some advice for those planning to shoot off fireworks this weekend.

Lake Ozark Assistant Fire Chief Matt Birdsley.

He tells KRMS News if you don’t follow the instructions on the firework, it can be disastrous.

Osage Beach Fire Chief Jeff Dorhauer says sparklers are one of the most dangerous because of the temperature they reach

Both Birdsley and Dorhauer recommend you maintain a source of water and make sure to clear up any dried brush where you would be shooting off the fireworks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Benjamin L. Roderick, 30, of Fulton, Missouri, on Thursday, July 2, 2020, for attempted statutory rape and sodomy. The arrest was the result of an investigation into his alleged sexual communication with a juvenile. The investigation was conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, Stover (MO) Police Department, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.

Roderick was arrested at his residence, located on 9th Street, in Fulton, Missouri. The Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Roderick with attempted statutory rape-second degree and attempted statutory sodomy-second degree. He is being held at the Morgan County Jail, with a bond of $50,000.

The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages Internet users to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

 

Flash Flood warning in effect until 2pm.

From the national weather service….

Heads up if you are in the area of Eldon, MO and northern Miller county. Heavy rain continues to track over the same areas this morning with radar estimates of 2 to 3 inches of rainfall in a short period of time. A flash flood warning is currently in effect for this area. #mowx

— NWS Springfield (@NWSSpringfield) July 4, 2020

 

 

Expanding broadband access in rural Missouri is the focus of one bill signed by Governor Mike Parson.

Governor Parson signed the bill into law Thursday at COMO Connect’s office in Tipton.

He says Fifty-million dollars will be aimed at expanding high-speed internet access to areas that don’t have in Missouri.

Governor Parson is also extending Missouri’s Broadband Grant Program through 2027.

 

 

Governor Parson Signs HB 1768 and HB 2120 Extending Missouri Broadband Grant Program

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 1768 and HB 2120 extending the Missouri Broadband Grant Program through 2027.

 

“Now more than ever, access to high-speed broadband is critical to Missouri’s infrastructure,” Governor Parson said. “We greatly appreciate the leadership of Representative Louis Riggs and Senator Dan Hegeman on this legislation, which will help us continue to bring the best possible broadband programs and services to all Missourians, especially to those in rural areas of the state.”

The Missouri Broadband Grant Program was created in 2018 to help providers, communities, counties, and regions invest in broadband infrastructure for unserved and underserved areas. In the 2019 legislative session, $5 million was appropriated for the inaugural round of grant funding.

The grant program is currently set to expire August 28, 2021. HB 1768 extends the broadband program an additional six years to June 30, 2027. Under the legislation, grant recipients that do not meet the speed requirement of 25 megabits per second must repay any funds received through the program.

In addition to extending the Missouri Broadband Grant Program, HB 1768 modifies the powers of Neighborhood Improvement and Community Improvement Districts to include broadband as an acceptable project.

This legislation builds on Missouri’s efforts to bridge the digital gap and expand broadband access to all areas of the state.

Governor Parson also signed HB 2120, which provides protections for safe drinking water in Missouri’s schools. 

HB 2120 will allow Missouri schools to submit a test of potable water for lead content to a laboratory approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This provision, championed by Senator Gina Walsh, is in response to a review that found numerous schools with elevated lead levels in their water.

By signing this legislation, Missouri’s schools and the Department of Health and Senior Services will be able to capitalize on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant of $719,000 that will assist with lead water testing. 

To view HB 1768, click here. To view HB 2120, click here. Pictures from today’s signing will be available on Flickr.

If you’re planning to attend the annual Fourth of July festivities in Jefferson City, it may look a bit different than years past.

Officials say the Salute To America will run from July 3^rd through the 5^th with the parade, carnival rides and a few concerts.

But other events like the Car Show, little Mr. & Miss Independence Contest and the Splash and Play zone will not return.

Residents will also notice spaces for social distancing and hand sanitization stations throughout the event.

A Black Bear is dead after being struck by a car on Interstate 44 in Pulaski County.

Officials with the DOC say it was a female around 1 ½ years old.

They say it’s surprising to them because the majority of bears sightings in the area have been predominantly male.

The number of Black Bears have been slowly been increasing across the Ozarks.

A suspicious death investigation in Laclede County is now being ruled as a homicide.

The Laclede County Sheriff’s Office says 57-year-old Mark Allan Pitts was found dead by a relative on Thursday, at his home on the 25000 block of Highway YY.

Speaking with KY 3 TV, Sheriff David Millsap says “We are currently following several leads, and speaking with people who knew and associated with the victim.”

Officials say the man’s truck is missing and they’re asking the public for help in locating it.

It’s a red 1999 Chevy Silverado with a toolbox in the bed and rust over the rear wheels, bearing Missouri license plate number 0HD-A10.

Anyone with information should contact the Laclede County Sheriff’s office immediately at 417-532-2311 or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

 

For the holiday weekend all beaches at the Lake of the Ozarks are open.

The DNR reports no issues with public beach # 1 or # 2.

The Day Use beach at the Truman Park in Warsaw is also open, however the Campground beach remains closed due to flood damage that remains under repair.

 

Open beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson

 

Closed beaches

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/