An Eldon man is hospitalized following a standoff with police Wednesday morning.

Officers were called out to the 211 block of Leeds Avenue for a hostage situation, with two women reportedly hiding in a closet.

34-year-old David Wallace then confronted police when they arrived, throwing knives at them.

A highway patrol officer then shot the Wallace during the confrontation.

He was taken to Lake Regional for treatment. He faces numerous charges and is expected to be held on a $500,000 bond.

Miller County Sheriff’s deputies and Eldon police assisted in the incident. The official report is seen below.

Eldon Shooting MSHP

Hundreds of people gathering for the “Re-Open Missouri” protest in Jefferson City on Tuesday.

Protesters were asked to maintain social distancing, but the crowded spaces made that virtually impossible.

It was estimated that nearly 1,000 people attended, including those who drove by multiple times and those who stood outside in the heat.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt becomes the first attorney general to sue the Chinese Communist Party over the Coronavirus pandemic.

Schmitt says China deceived the public, suppressed critical information, arrested whistleblowers and denied human-to-human transmission.

Schmitt also says China destroyed medical research, allowed millions to be exposed to the virus and hoarded personal protection equipment.

The Morgan County Health Center is reporting a 3rd case of COVID 19.

Officials say it is not travel related.

See below:

The number of COVID 19 cases rising again across the lake area

Camden County now reports 35 cases, 16 of whom have already recovered.

Benton remains at 3, Morgan at 2 and Miller with 1.

Nearby Pulaski county is now at 31 cases.

The Gravois Fire District now has five new firefighters ready to roll for two of their firehouses, just in time for the summer season at the Lake.

Fire Chief Ed Hancock. He tells KRMS radio news that it took about four years to the right people and there are more improvements planned…

The hiring was made possible by levy passed in 2016. The district also hired a floating firefighter who will work between the two buildings.

People across the Lake Area are ready to back outside and get back to work.

One Lake city is is following Governor Mike Parson’s multi-phased plan for Missouri businesses and moving in that direction.

Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski. He tells KRMS Radio News about a new idea for pubs in the city.

Most restaurants across the community do remain open, but only for take out and delivery options.

Several groups across the state are planning numerous “open Missouri” protests this week.

The largest group dubbed “Re-Open Missouri” on Facebook, will be holding a rally against the “Stay-at-home” order at the State Capitol on Tuesday afternoon.

That group has around 300 people already planning to attend.

The protests follow similar events across the nation, in states like Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland and California.

 

Improper passing on a hill and along a curve on Highway-5 is blamed for a head-on collision killing one and injuring two others in Camden County.

The highway patrol says it happened Sunday afternoon, just south of Greenview. The car driven by 44-year-old Samuel Burrell, of Oregon, crossed over the center striking a pickup driven by 22-year-old Jordan Rabenold, of Osage Beach.

Burrell was pronounced dead at the scene while Rabenold was seriously hurt and taken to Lake Regional. A passenger in the pickup driven by Rabenold, 57-year-old James Rabenold also from Osage Beach, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lake Regional as well.

The Rabenold’s were both wearing seat belts while it’s unknown whether or not Burrell was wearing one at the time.

This Sunday starts the annual Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.

Residents will be given exemption on state sales tax for qualifying energy star certified new appliances, up to 100 thousand 500 dollars per appliance.

That includes washers and dryers, water heaters, stoves, a/c units, refrigerators and more.

The program ends on April 25th

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the name of the man found floating in a pond on Poplar Road last week.

58-year-old Dallas Murphy was found when a farmer saw something he thought didn’t look right.

Murphy was pulled from the pond, along with his car.

Miller County Sheriff Louie Gregoire says Murphy was suffering from a health condition and it’s believed Murphy suffered a medical emergency while on Poplar Road, but then drove off the road and into the pond.

Murphy had not been seen or heard from since early January.

Camden County Health Officials Say there are 4 new cases of COVID 19, bringing their total to 32 cases.

At this time only 16 people remain as “active” cases, 15 have recovered, 2 remain hospitalized and 1 person has died from the virus.

Close contacts have been identified and have been instructed to quarantine at home.

That brings the Lake Total to 38, including 3 In Benton County, 2 In Morgan County and 1 in Miller County.

The Miller County Sheriff’s Department says they DO  have a positive identification after a body was discovered floating in a pond along Poplar Road close to Highway-52. However, the name of the victim described as a white male in his 30’s and not from the area is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy performed in Boone County was able to I-D the man but the cause of death is still, officially, unknown as the sheriff’s department waits for a toxicology report.

If the COVID pandemic wasn’t enough, Camden County has just been slapped with another issue…

According to a release sent out by a California based law firm and not the commission itself, the county government was recently attacked by online hackers.

The release says “at this time, the county is not aware of any unauthorized disclosure of personal data or financial information.”

It’s not the first time this has happened to the commission either. Back in 2016 they were attacked and the FBI had to get involved.

No further details in the hacking have been released.

The Hack did not affect the Camden County Sheriff’s operations, but Sheriff Tony Helms did indicate he was “unable to access payrolls” due to the computer issues.

Governor Mike Parson is extending Missouri’s statewide order to Stay Home during the COVID-19 pandemic until May 3rd.

Governor Parson made the announcement at his Thursday afternoon press briefing. He announced the Stay home order on April 3^rd and it was set to expire on the 24^th.

Governor Parson says between now and May 4^th, he’ll be working with health care professionals and business leaders in making the safest plan possible to resume Missouri’s economy in phases.

 

The Morgan County Health Center has announced a second case of COVID 19 reported.

They are currently connecting with everyone who’s been in recent contact with this individual.

 

Official Press Release:

Governor Mike Parson is expected to address the re-opening of Missouri in the fight against COVID 19 during his daily press briefing today.

According to his tweet, he is working with other Governors and area elected officials on a plan that will allow the state to slowly reopen while keeping everyone safe.

However, a number of state capitol insiders say the Governor is likely to extend the stay-at-home orders, set to expire on the 24^th, by possibly two weeks.

The Governor’s press briefing is scheduled for 3PM today and we’ll be sharing it on the KRMS Facebook page.

The Miller County Health Department has just released information in it’s first case of COVID 19.

See below:

First case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Miller County, Missouri

The Miller County Health Center has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in Miller County. The individual is an adult male in their 30s and is currently in-home isolation. The Miller County Health Center shall identify and contact people who may have come into contact with the individual while infectious and monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms and discuss testing options. No other information will be provided about the patient.

It is important that each and every one of us continue to practice preventative measures to help keep the spread to a minimum. These measures include: social distancing, proper hand-washing, no touching of the face, cleaning frequently used surfaces, avoid sick people, and respecting the Stay at Home and Social Distancing Order. The complete Order is located at millercountyhealth.com.

The Miller County Health Center has taken and will continue to take the necessary precautions to keep our community safe. We will continue to diligently monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves by following Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines to help protect the public health and limit spread of infection. We strongly encourage, if you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before seeking care or call the toll-free hotline at 877-435-8411.

Lake area restaurant owners breathing a sigh of relief today

That’s because the Missouri Alcohol and Tobacco control is changing its policy on to-go alcohol sales.

Current law requires to-go sales to be in original packaging only, however in an effort to help businesses suffering from the Coronavirus Shutdowns, officials are waving that rule until May 15^th.

Restaurants can now offer alcohol sales so long as the container is durable, leakproof and sealable and a customer purchases it along with a meal.

The ATC is also extending the deadlines for liquor license renewals and waiving additional fees for two months.

 

Press Release:

MISSOURI, USA — The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announced on Tuesday it would be temporarily waiving a restriction on some “to-go” alcohol sales to help businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Missouri currently limits “to-go” alcohol sales to products in their original packaging. With this change, the ATC will temporarily allow retailer-packaged alcoholic drinks under certain conditions.

The new rules from the ATC are:

• The alcohol container must be durable, leakproof, and sealable, and must meet the minimum size requirements outlined in the Code of State Regulations [11 CSR 70-2.010(5)];
• The customer must have ordered and purchased a meal simultaneous with the liquor purchase;
• The licensee must provide the customer with a dated receipt for the alcohol beverage(s); and
• The sealed alcohol container must either be:
  • Placed in a one-time-use, tamperproof, transparent bag which must be securely sealed, or;
  • The container opening must be sealed with tamperproof tape.

The temporary new rules won’t allow businesses that hold liquor licenses to sell mixed drinks in “to-go” plastic or Styrofoam cups with straws or loose covers.

These rules will expire on May 15, in an effort to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic.

Camden County Health Department has received reports of 2 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases.  This brings our total cases since March 22, 2020 to 28.  15 are active cases, 13 are considered recovered.  As of this morning, 6 were hospitalized; 3 confirmed, 2 presumptive and 1 pending results.  Cases and close contacts have been notified and instructed to quarantine at home.  Investigations will continue.

Bee Dampier RN/PHNC

 

The numbers remain the sale around the lake area with Benton County reporting 3 cases, Morgan County reporting 1 case and there are no confirmed cases in Miller County.

If you often drive across Business 54 across Bagnell Dam, you’ll need an alternate route early this week.

Ameren utilities will be inspecting the dam and it’ll be closing it Today and Wednesday from 6:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Weather could cause delays on the project, so you can keep up with the latest Modot.org.

Information will also be available at Modot’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Still no change in the number of COVID 19 cases across the Lake area

We remain at 30 official cases, 26 out of Camden where 10 people have already recovered, 3 in Benton and 1 in Morgan. No cases reported in Miller.

Statewide the number of cases is 4,388. More than 47,000 people have been tested and 114 people have lost their life to the virus.

 

The Miller County Sheriff’s Department is turning to the public for information after a grisly find Friday afternoon. Sheriff Louie Gregoire says that deputies were called to a location along Poplar Road near Highway-52 and, upon arrival, discovered the body of a white male subject floating in a small pond on the property. The age and identification of the man, or how long he had been floating in the pond, is uncertain at this time. The body was taken to the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy expected to be conducted sometime this week. There is no indication, at this time, whether foul play is suspected. Anyone with information on the victim, or who may have observed suspicious activity in the area, should contact the Miller County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement.

If you’re looking for a job due to COVID layoffs, you’re in luck

A number of area businesses are still hiring despite the closures and shut downs.

Some include Casey’s General Stores, Arc of the Ozarks, CVS, Domino’s, Instacart, Papa John’s, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and Harmy’s Cheese Store as well as a few construction companies and resort management firms.

To find some area jobs, visit lakejob.com or contact the company on the list above that you’re interested in working with.

 

While the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases remain steady in the lake area, the same numbers continue to rise statewide. Here in the lake area, the total number of cases stands at 30…26 of those in Camden County with one death reported. Elsewhere there were three cases reported in Benton County and one in Morgan County. Statewide, the numbers are up to 4,160 confirmed cases with 110 deaths…92 of them being victims 60-years-old and older. The health department also reports 200 cases have been travel-related, 215 contact-related, 9 with no known contact and more than 3,700 still being looked at. Gender-wise, 1,926 men have contracted the virus in Missouri compared to 2,180 women.

 

Governor Mike Parson calling on all charter and private schools in Missouri to shut down for the remainder of this school year.

The Governor made the announcement at his Thursday press conference.

He says work will be done to figure out how graduating seniors can walk down the aisle to get their diplomas at some point.

Dr. Margie Vandeven with the Missouri Department of Education says the continued education that is happening calls on some creativity.

Vandeven concedes questions still remain regarding summer school, graduation and the re-entry into a new school year after the summer.

 

The City of Lake Ozark displaying two new banners across the strip

They’re welcome visitors to the area, while reminding everyone to make good health decisions by following all recommendations from area Health Departments and the Centers for Disease Control.

As of now City Hall remains closed to the public, but essential city business will continue.

Residents can continue to pay their utility bills and any court fines through the drop box outside.

Camden County joining a growing number of Counties adding more to the state “stay-at-home” order.

The additional ordinance passed Tuesday adds fines and possible imprisonment for those who violate the order, similar to what Benton County put into place on Friday last week.

It also indicates that any restaurant or bar who violates the rules would also face possible suspension of their operating license.

Both Miller and Morgan Counties also added their own orders that echo the Governor’s, but go further by including a provision which mandates that non-essential businesses not able to comply with adequate space for social distancing should cease operating immediately, unless they get a waiver from the department of economic development.

 

See below:

 

Ordinance 04072001
Amendment to Ord 03312001

 

The Miller County Sheriff’s Department is turning to the public for information about a person of interest after a search warrant was served up at a residence off Highway-W near Lake Ozark. Sheriff Louie Gregoire says while conducting the search for stolen property, deputies discovered an improvised explosive device. The highway patrol’s bomb squad was summoned to render the device safe and remove it from the property. The person of interest, according to Gregoire, is identified as 39-year-old Kaleb Henson from the Eldon area. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Henson should contact the Miller County Sheriff’s Department or local law enforcement.

Governor Mike Parson issuing an emergency rule during his latest press briefing to protect the state’s first responders….

Parson says the rule adds to the current workers’ compensation program and gives First Responders more breathing room…

Additionally, Parson says he is expecting all unemployment payments made through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation to begin going out to eligible recipients as early as the week of April 12.

 

Here is the full details below, including the full press conference….

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2020

Governor Parson Announces Implementation of $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program, Workers’ Compensation for First Responders

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – In today’s COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ (DOLIR) Division of Employment Security (DES) has received its first operational guidance related to the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

The FPUC does not include any provisions or benefits for eligible self-employed workers. Late Sunday, DOLIR received federal guidance on that provision, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

The FPUC provides that those eligible for at least one dollar ($1 US) of unemployment compensation benefits during the week will receive an additional $600 per week as a federal supplement. The DES expects FPUC payments to begin going out to eligible recipients as early as the week of April 12, 2020, after the technology updates and procedures are implemented.

“COVID-19 has had a serious impact not only on public health, but also our economy. Business operations have been limited, and many people have lost their jobs. Over 100,000 people have filed for unemployment this past week,” Governor Parson said. “This federal assistance is critical to supporting unemployed Missourians and their families during this challenging time.”

The $600 federal supplement for those that are unemployed will be effective the week beginning March 29, 2020, for those filing their unemployment payment request for that week.

• Payments will be made retroactively for claims filed on or after March 29, 2020.
• The last payable week for the $600 supplement will be the week ending July 25, 2020.
• During the FPUC program period, claimants who are eligible to receive regular unemployment weekly payments will receive the additional $600 FPUC payment.

Missouri’s regular unemployment insurance program continues to be in effect. Under Missouri unemployment law, most people who are currently employed and quit are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

• If an employer offers sick leave and/or other leave options to address COVID-19 in lieu of layoffs, then a person who quits on his/her own volition would not qualify for unemployment benefits.
• At this point, no federal legislation changes this part of Missouri’s program eligibility for unemployment.

Governor Parson also announced at today’s briefing that he has directed DOLIR to implement an emergency rule that will help ensure first-responders who contract COVID-19 are covered through workers’ compensation.

“Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs are tireless public servants who compromise their own safety to ensure the safety of others,” Governor Parson said. “They risk themselves each and every day, and because of their duties, our first responders are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while on the job.”

This emergency rule will create a presumption that first responders who contract COVID-19 did so in the line of duty and allow them to make a claim under the Missouri Workers’ Compensation law to cover the expenses incurred.

Officer Jeremy Bowman, President of Jefferson City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 19, and International Association of Fire Fighters 2^nd District Vice President Mark Woolbright attended today’s briefing to discuss the importance of this action for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs across the state.

Unemployed workers are encouraged to file their unemployment claims online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov as soon as they are separated from their employer. For convenience, the UInteract website is available 24/7 and mobile-friendly. Over 90 percent of initial claims are now filed online. 

For questions and answers related to the coronavirus and unemployment, as well as other effects on employment, visit labor.mo.gov/coronavirus frequently for updates.

To view Governor Parson’s remarks from today’s briefing, please see attachment. Pictures from the briefing are available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page.

Wonderland Camp is cancelling the 2020 Camp Season due to the Coronavirus epidemic.

The 11-week camp season has never been called off in the 50-year history of the program.

All 80 staffers were informed of the news on Sunday.

Close to 800 registered campers with disabilities are being notified there will be no camp this summer.

Former Missouri State Trooper Anthony Piercy receiving his final settlement payment from the state, following an ongoing battle to be reinstated as an officer.

Piercy lost his law enforcement license for pleading guilty in 2017 to the deadly drowning of 20-year-old Brandon Ellingson of Iowa in 2014.

Ellingson had been taken into custody by Piercy on the Lake of the Ozarks, in the newly formed Water Division of the Highway Patrol.

While in transport, Ellingson ended up in the water. He slipped out of his improperly secured life vest and since he was handcuffed, was unable to swim and drowned.

Piercy agreed to a $201,000 settlement from the state, so long as he would not be reinstated as an officer.

The latest COVID 19 numbers are in…

Statewide there are 2,291 positive cases. 24 people have now died from the virus.

Locally the Lake has 24 cases, including 20 from Camden County, 3 from Benton County and 1 out of Morgan County. Still no cases to report from Miller County.

Outside of the Lake, there are 28 Cases in Cole County, 10 Cases in Pulaski County, 2 Cases in Maries, Osage, Pettis and Moniteau Counties, 1 case in Henry and no cases in Laclede Dallas or Hickory counties.

Governor Mike Parson issuing the order asking residents across the state to “stay home..”

Order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020.

Residents are asked to remain at home, unless traveling for essentials such as doctor’s visits, trips to the grocery store or heading to provide an essential service.

You can also head out and enjoy the sunshine, but you have to continue social distancing requirements such as staying 6 feet away from others.

 

Full Release:

 

Jefferson City — Building on Missouri’s efforts to control, contain, and combat COVID-19, Governor Mike Parson today issued a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020.

The Order explicitly states that individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence unless necessary.

“First and foremost, I want everyone to know that I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”

In order to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Governor Parson’s Order includes specific guidance for staying home, social distancing, businesses and employees, schools, restaurants, firearm sales, and state government buildings.

Among other guidelines, the Order requires the following:

• • Individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence.
  • All individuals in the state of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.
  • All public and charter schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order.
  • Any entity that does not employ individuals to perform essential worker functions, as set forth in guidance provided by the federal government, shall adhere to the limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.
  • Any entity that employs individuals to perform essential worker functions, and that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in any particular retail location as follows:
    • Twenty-five (25) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²);
    • Ten (10) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²) or more.

The Order does not prohibit Missourians from accessing essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks, or engaging in outdoor recreation, provided that necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including observing the social gathering and social distancing requirements set forth in the Order.

The Order shall be observed throughout the state and enforced by all local and state health authorities. Local public health authorities are directed to carry out and enforce the provisions of the Order by any legal means.

“There comes a time when we have to make major sacrifices in our lives. Many of us make sacrifices each and every day, but now more than ever, we must all make sacrifices,” Governor Parson said. “This is not about any one individual person. This is about our families, friends, neighbors, and the entire state of Missouri. For the sake of all Missourians, be smart, be responsible, and stay home, Missourians.”

As of today, Missouri has 2,113 positive COVID-19 cases out of 24,727 tested in a total population of 6 million Missourians. This data shows that 8.5 percent of those tested have been positive.

Of the 8.5 percent of Missouri citizens who have tested positive, approximately 22 percent have required hospitalization. This means the remaining 78 percent are recovering at home or have already recovered.

Missouri has at least one positive case in 76 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Over half of the total positive cases are in St. Louis region.

Also as of today, Missouri has 19 COVID-19 related deaths. Based on the state’s current data, Missouri’s death rate is still below one percent.

To view the full “Stay Home Missouri” Order, please click here

. For more information and resources regarding COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

Benton County now the first Lake community to issue a “Stay at Home” order…

It requires all individuals residing in Benton County to remain at home, unless leaving to provide or receive essential services.

That includes medical care, getting supplies and engaging in outdoor activity while respecting required social distancing guidelines.

Violating the order will result in fines or possible imprisonment.

The order is effective immediately and will last until April 30^th, unless extended.

Following the County, the city of Warsaw has since issued their own state at home order.

Both orders are seen below:

 

It’s no surprise that the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise here in the lake area and, in particular, in Camden County…

Bee Dampier, Director of the Camden County Health Department, responds to public sentiment calling for more information not just about the number of confirmed cases but, also, the number of those who have been treated and recovered…

As the day began on Thursday, Camden County had 19 confirmed cases…the 12^th highest number statewide. Dampier also says she expects that number to rise even more sharply as more test results are returned.

 

Sweeping changes are in effect throughout Camden County after commissioners and the health department tighten up measures in the ongoing fight against the Coronavirus.

The county is putting up new rules in the restaurant and personal care industries, including reduced outdoor dining options, limiting waterfront venues with docks to 10 boats at a time and the closure of area salons, spas and tattoo parlors.

Residents can continue visiting the “essential businesses” such as grocery stores, gas stations and banks…so long as everyone is practicing the required six feet for social distancing.

The commission is encouraging businesses to implement a work from home strategy and is warning restaurant and bar owners found to be non-compliant, that they may be subject to suspension of their operating permits.

The changes remain in effect until April 30^th and may be extended if need be.

 

A 28-year-old from Iberia faces, at least, ten felony charges in connection to several incidents in the lake area over the past month. A probable cause statement filed in the Miller County Courthouse indicates that Cody Dale Umfleet was taken into custody early Saturday afternoon after a report of shoplifting in progress at Menards in Lake Ozark. While at the scene, a search of the vehicle Umfleet was in, allegedly, uncovered several stolen keys from at least two car dealers in the lake area, a large quantity of cigarettes, license and dealer plates, a plastic bag which contained suspected methamphetamine and a nine-millimeter handgun. A VIN check also revealed that the car Umfleet was in had been reported stolen out of Iberia. Umfleet was taken into custody and is formally charged in Miller County with felony possession of a controlled substance, tampering with a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of a firearm. Umfleet is also charged in Camden County with three felony counts each of burglary and stealing, and one misdemeanor count of property damage. A second unidentified person was was also taken into custody and transported to the Miller County Jail. Umfleet is currently being held in the Camden County Jail.

Severe weather season is here and it’s coming in the midst of a viral outbreak.

Storms over the weekend ravaging communities like Jonesboro Arkansas, where an EF 3 tornado injured 22 people and destroyed numerous businesses, homes and an area shopping mall.

But with fears of COVID 19 and required nationwide social distancing, how do you protect yourself when a storm comes your way?

Ray Miller, meteorologist in the Weatherology Weather Center says the social distancing really matters more at the workplace or outside, than at home….

But what happens when a Tornado warning comes?

Miller says it’s best to huddle up and stay safe, than to risk being injured or killed…

Experts in both the weather field and COVID response recommend locating multiple safe spots (if possible) now and make sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio on hand with fresh batteries, to prepare before the next storm comes.

 

This is an ongoing list of all active cases of COVID 19 at the Lake Of the Ozarks:

 

Current Active Cases: 17

Overall Totals in the Lake Area: 45

 

Totals by County:

 

Camden County:

Total Active Cases: 11

Total Recovered: 24

Total Cases: 35

Deaths: 1

 

Additional Details:

The Camden County Health Department has followed 110 cases and contacts daily for the duration of the quarantine and isolation periods for each individual. Currently only 11 cases remain active. We had one death.

 

Miller County:

Total Active Cases: 0

Total Recovered: 1

Total Cases: 1

Deaths: 0

 

Additional Details:

Only one case of COVID 19 has been reported so far. That person has since recovered. Others who have been in contact with those who may have had the virus, have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

 

Morgan County:

Total Active Cases: 3

Total Recovered: 0

Total Cases: 3

Deaths: 0

 

Additional Details:

Three people have so far tested positive for COVID 19.

 

Benton County:

Total Active Cases: 2

Total recovered: 4

Total Cases: 6

Deaths: 0

 

Additional Details:

Six people have tested positive for COVID 19, of them 4 have since recovered. Two new cases were added on 4/30 and those individuals have been quarantined. The health department is reaching out to individuals who may have been in contact with the latest cases.

 

For state data: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ ongoing data on COVID 19 cases can be found here.

 

Drive up COVID 19 testing is finally arriving in the Lake area.

According to Officials with Lake Regional Hospital, the drive through testing will begin starting on March 30^th at the Parkway Center at 5816 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach.

Officials say it will be appointment only, no walk-in wills be accepted. You also must have a physician’s order and meet the testing criteria for COVID 19 symptoms to be seen.

To schedule your visit, you must first get screened by your primary care doctor, who will then do a virtual visit with Lake Regional officials and place you on the list for Monday’s drive-thru testing.

For more details, click here.

 

The search is on for two individuals who broke into a construction site off Pier 31 road earlier this week.

Camera footage captured at the site shows the two individuals rummaging through a building under construction near the Loch Haven Condominium area.

A source familiar to the situation tells KRMS news that a number of tools and other items disappeared from the location.

If you recognize those individuals, you’re asked to contact your local police department immediately.

Additional videos are on our Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/krmsnews

Here is the video…

 

 

They are considered the front line when it comes to emergencies of all kinds…our medical providers and first responders. But how are they being protected during this time of uncertainty when the country is getting hit hard by COVID-19…?

Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten, speaking during Governor Mike Parson’s daily press conference on Tuesday, says…all totaled…the state has shifted around some $18-million in the budget to pay for personal protective equipment items to be used by medical providers and first responders statewide.

 

 

 

The following is a statement released Tuesday afternoon by Bee Dampier, director of the Camden County Health Department:

 

Investigation of the Camden County + Coronavirus case is still under way.  People who were most at risk of prolonged close contact with the case have been notified and instructed to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms until 14 days past the last exposure.

This case is not travel related.  The person did go to a few local retailers BEFORE symptoms developed, so the actual risk of transmission at these places is very low.  As best we can determine, from March 13-19, the case POSSIBLY visited these locations.  We cannot determine definite dates or times; this is best guess of case’s activity reported from household contacts.

Nauti-fish

WalMart Camdenton

Woods at Sunrise Beach

Dollar General on F Road

Camdenton Bus Barn

Hurricane Deck School

It is important for us to look at this situation the same as we have looked at the Blood Borne Pathogen standard for the past 30+ years.  You cannot look at someone and know whether or not they have HIV, Hepatitis B or C.  You have to treat everyone as if their blood is potentially infected.  We need to do the same regarding Covid-19.

We have 1 confirmed case, and yes, that is alarming!   But how many others among our 44,000+ neighbors may be unknowingly infected?  Testing is not widely available and those tests that are available take several days to get results.  Many will only have mild symptoms.  We are coming into the “allergy season.”  There were still over 8800 cases of flu reported last week! Is it allergy?  Is it flu?  Or is it Covid?

Assume anyone you are dealing with in the public can potentially be infectious.

• Take precautions: Stay home as much as possible.
• If you must go out to work or essential business, check your temperature twice a day and go home immediately if over 100.4
• Do not gather in crowds of more than 10 people.
• KEEP YOUR 6ft DISTANCE when at all possible.
• Wash hands thoroughly and often.
• Testing is not widely available, so if you THINK you have it, act as if you KNOW you have it and STAY HOME until your temperature has been gone for 72 hours and it has been 7 days from your first symptoms.

 

Childcare workers are getting a bump from the state in order to handle the large loads of children needing care.

The Departments of Health and Senior Services and Social Services taking regulatory action to allow providers to exceed normal capacity by 1/3^rd and allow for temporary care of pre-school and school age children, under a short term 45-day temporary license.

Additionally, all Child Care Subsidy program benefits and application procedures are extended for another 90 days.

The CCS program will also cover a portion of the costs for those affected by the school closings.

Parents interested in child care assistance should visit mo.childcareaware.org for more details.

If the saying is true that the best advertising is by word of mouth, then the City of Lake Ozark has some work to do in getting out that word about two upcoming ballot issues in April. The two issues were expected to be main topics during a series of town hall meetings which have, now, been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Public Information Officer Dan Field says finer details of the two issues are still readily available starting with the city’s website…

Field also says, whether it’s taking a back seat due to COVID-19 or other issues, there’s been very little feedback, so far, from the community…

The city is trying to borrow up to $6-million for bonding purposes to go toward much-needed street improvements and to establish a use-tax on businesses outside of Missouri selling items online to Lake Ozark residents. The two issues are scheduled to be voted on, at least for the time being, on April 7^th.

A Kaiser man originally charged in connection to a murder case in Miller County is now facing new charges in a separate arrest. William Lucas had a charge of abandonment of a corpse dismissed in the shooting death of Columbia resident Aaron Brantley. Now he’s been arrested by the Highway Patrol. It happened Friday afternoon. The charges pending against him include possession and delivery of methamphetamine, and speeding by more than 10 miles an hour over the limit. Following his arrest, Lucas was taken to the Miller County jail and placed on a 24-hour hold.

Fully funded and once again under construction, a new baseball and softball complex is set to open in Camden County this fall. Ballparks National General Manager Jeff Vernetti says they anticipate holding their first tournament in September. In addition to the tournaments they book, Vernetti says the fields will also be available for limited use by local teams.

The nine field, all-turf complex will feature state-of-the-art LED lighting, an outdoor bar, and a pro shop. The complex is entirely privately funded. You can learn more at www.ballparksnational.com.

A series of three public forums has been scheduled to discuss a pair of ballot issues in Lake Ozark. The issues on the ballot in April are for borrowing up to $6 million for road repairs and implementing a use-tax on out-of-state purchases, also to be spent on road repairs. The first forum will be held March 19th at Lake Ozark Christian Church at 7pm. The other two will be held March 26th. One at 10am at Willmore Lodge, and the other at 6pm at Lake Ozark Christian Church.

Voters in the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District will decide in April whether they want a larger board. A ballot issue requests voter permission to expand the board from three members to five. Chief Joe LaPlant says adding more members would allow them to more regularly make quorum to vote on official business. He says it also gives the community more of a voice in what their fire department is doing.

The vote will take place in the April primary. If voters say yes, they would then vote for the two new members during the April election in 2021.

Three RV trailers and a nearby structure are destroyed over the weekend at Red Oak Resort in Greenview. Mid-County Fire Chief Scott Frandsen says the call to Recreation Row was received late Saturday night and, upon arrival, the RV’s were fully engulfed and the structure was heavily involved. There were also several propane bottles overheating and releasing. Personnel on the scene shuttled water to attack the blaze and keep it from spreading any further. The RV’s and structure were, apparently, vacant at the time and there were no injuries reported. Sunrise Beach and Osage Beach assisted at the scene while Lake Ozark provided move-ups for Mid-County. The blaze is being investigated by Mid-County assistant fire marshal despite the cause not appearing to be suspicious. Firefighters were on the scene for about three-and-a-half hours.

Three defendants in high-profile cases will be in court Monday. Linn Creek Police Chief Greg Berry is scheduled to make his initial appearance on a charge of fourth-degree domestic assault. His hearing will be held in Camden County. The other two hearings will both take place in Laclede County. Former Camdenton schools janitor Jesse Devore has a pre-trial conference on four counts of sexual misconduct involving a child under the age of 15. Christine Zahn has a counsel status hearing. She’s charged with murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of a former boyfriend in November of 2018. Her attorney recently withdrew from the case.

 

 

 

The highway patrol’s division of drug and crime control is turning to the public for possible information into what’s being called an ongoing sexual assault investigation in the Lake of the Ozarks. Sergeant Shawn Griggs says investigators are specifically looking for any information about sexual assaults which may have occurred over the past five years. The call goes out after the recent arrests of 41-year-old Carl Mort and 39-year-old Cassandra Wedeking, both from Overland Park, who are formally charged in Morgan County with first-degree rape and multiple counts of sodomy and drug charges. The sergeant goes on to explain that the typical incidents being investigated include a victim being befriended and then supplied with alcohol and/or drugs before being taken to a boat and sexually assaulted. The investigation is centering around the entire lake region of Camden, Miller and Morgan counties. Anyone with information or who may have been assaulted under the same circumstances should contact the highway patrol.

 

A 20-year-old from Montreal is being held in the Camden County Jail after an alleged incident which, apparently, happened on Tuesday. The Camden County Sheriff’s Office says several reports were received about the suspect, identified as Logan Allan Hopwood, exposing himself while performing a lewd act on the side of a road in the Montreal area. Hopwood was taken into custody and, reportedly, admitted to the act. Hopwood has a previous charge of sexual misconduct and a conviction for child molestation. He now faces two new misdemeanor counts of first-degree sexual misconduct–second or subsequent offense. Hopwood is being held without bond.

We haven’t reached the month of March yet and the Highway Patrol is already reporting two calls for boat fires. The first happened earlier this month at a location along Greenwood Lane, in Gravois Mills. In it, a 51-foot Bluewater was fully engulfed burning down to the waterline and also causing extensive damage to the dock. The cause of that boat fire is undetermined. The patrol also reported another call this past weekend for a possible boat fire. While en route, fire personnel from the Sunrise Beach District were cancelled after it was determined that it was only an overheated engine. There were no injuries reported from either of the incidents.

A former Camden County Sheriff Deputy sentenced to eight years in a federal prison has not seen the last of the inside of a courtroom. Leonard Wilson still has two local cases pending against him. In those cases, it’s alleged that he sent unsolicited images of himself to young girls that he met through his position with the Sheriff’s office. It’s also alleged that Wilson stalked one of the teenage girls, even coming to her place of work. On more than once occasion, it’s alleged that Wilson forced the girls to perform sex acts on him….sometimes even while he was on duty, in uniform, in his police cruiser. As part of a federal plea arrangement, Wilson is expected to plead guilty to the local charges against him this week. He’ll appear in a Camden County courtroom for a hearing on Thursday.

 

Some anxious moments for a Lake Area school district. That’s according to Camden County Captain Chris Twitchel who says deputies were dispatched early Thursday morning to the Stoutland school campus. Upon arrival, a 34-year-old man from St. Robert was disrupting the beginning of the school day…

Taken into custody was Christopher Plotner who was formally charged with felony unlawful possession of a firearm. It’s alleged that Plotner, a prior convicted felon for firearm violations, attempted to flee the patrol car as it arrived at the Camden County Jail, and then tried to flee through an airlock once inside the jail booking area. Bond was set at $150-thousand.

The Camden County Sheriff’s office responded to 716 calls for service during the week ending February 17th. During that time period they made 37 arrests and booked 46 guests in for a stay at the county jail. Their calls included four reported burglaries, one case involving alleged child molestation, one assault, one report of counterfeit money, and one case of animal neglect.

We have more details on an alleged domestic assault involving Linn Creek Police Chief Greg Berry. According to the sworn statement provided by the investigating officer from the Highway Patrol, the patrol was called to Lake Regional October 11th in reference to a patient they had seen the day before. That patient was Berry’s wife. Hospital staff says she told them she had been “grabbed” by Berry during a dispute at their home. An ambulance was called to the home, where she told paramedics she had been thrown into the baby’s crib, grabbed forcefully, and handcuffed. The report also says that Berry admitted to investigators that a physical disturbance had occurred, that he put his hands on his wife, and likely left bruises. During another interview with patrol, the victim told them she had been pushed against a wall. The investigator observed fingerprint bruises on her upper arm. It’s also alleged that Berry admitted to restraining his wife on previous occasions. Berry has been charged with fourth-degree domestic assault.

A Lebanon teenager is dead and three others injured, two seriously, after a one-car accident early Saturday afternoon in Laclede County. The highway patrol says a 17-year-old girl was driving the car which ran off Rockwell Drive, north of Evanston Drive, before overturning and striking a tree. A 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver and a 16-year-old girl were seriously hurt and flown to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. One other teen in the car, a 15- year-old boy, escaped with minor injuries. All four were wearing seat belts at the time.

Two Linn Creek residents land in the Camden County jail after being taken into custody by the Highway Patrol just after noon on Tuesday.  41-year-old Kylie Martin had been wanted on a felony failure to appear warrant in Miller County and two felony failure to appear warrants in Pulaski County. She was being held without bond. Also arrested was 46-year-old Matthew Romine on a felony charge of hindering prosecution. He was put on a 24-hour hold.

The new interim Superintendent of the Morgan County R-II school district says he has no interest in pursuing the position full time.

Sid Doerhoff says, instead, his job for the rest of the school year is to analyze the district’s budget and finances. That means addressing a $2.2 million deficit.

Doerhoff says further analysis is necessary, but higher lunch fees and some budget cuts may be needed in the near future.

 

An electrical space heater is being called the likely cause of a fire that all but destroyed a Greenview-area residence. Mid-County Fire Chief Scott Frandsen says the call to Wolf Pen Hollow Road, off north Hwy. 7, was received just before 7:15 Friday morning and, upon arrival, flames were showing from 50-percent of the single-story structure. The incident was brought under control in about 12 minutes but not before the structure sustained severe damage and a pet dog was killed in the blaze. One resident, home at the time, was able to escape and there were no other injuries. Personnel from the Osage Beach and Sunrise Beach districts provided move-ups for Mid-County while Lake West Ambulance, the Camden County Sheriff’s Department and Southwest Electric Cooperative responded to the scene.

A traffic stop in Camden County leads to the arrests of three people. The sheriff’s department’s Captain Chris Twitchel says that deputies conducted the stop in the Linn Creek area during the evening hours on Monday. One subject in the car, 26-year-old Kara Yowell of Camdenton, had an outstanding parole warrant and was taken into custody. Further investigation during the stop uncovered an undisclosed amount of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Two others, 22-year-old Stephanie Onak-Keller of Sunrise Beach and 30-year-old Jacob Watt of Camdenton, were also arrested. They both face one felony count each of delivery of a controlled
substance and one misdemeanor count each of possessing drug paraphernalia. All three were taken to the Camden County Jail.

In light of recent discussions centering around the closure of the courthouse during inclement weather, the Camden County Commission has adopted a new policy. The former policy of closing the administrative building to synchronize with the Camdenton R3 School District being closed had generally been functioning well until this year. That’s according to a press release issued on Monday by the commission saying the “unpredictable nature of mid-Missouri weather has caused the practice to become unwieldy and cumbersome.” The new policy now states that the administrative building, effective immediately, will no longer close due to inclement weather regardless of whether the school district is closed or not. The release also indicates any future closures will only result from a specific directive from the Camden County Commission.

An Eldon area man faces several charges after being arrested over the weekend by the Highway Patrol. 54-year-old Tony Humphrey was taken into custody late Saturday night. Humphrey faces pending charges of unlawful use and unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of 12-grams of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, producing fraudulent documents for an insurance card and other traffic-related offenses. Humphrey was taken to the Miller County Jail where he was being held without bond.

The Morgan County R-2 school district is looking for a new Superintendent. Dr. Joyce Ryerson has resigned her position, effective immediately. Ryerson had been placed on administrative leave in December following a reported “disagreement” with the Board of Education. The district plans to find an interim superintendent to fill the role for the remainder of the school year before searching for a permanent replacement to take over with the 2020-2021 school year.

Deputies with the Camden County Sheriff’s office will make a little more money this year.

Sheriff Tony Helms says that amounts to a raise of $3600. The change became effective with the passage of this year’s county budget. The operations budget for the Sheriff’s office checked in at $2.1 million this year.

A Sunrise Beach native has been named the 2019 Military Instructor of the Year. Tamika Williams is 1996 graduate of Roosevelt High School in St. Louis. She was honored in a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola January 23rd. Williams is the training division officer at the Training Support Center, Great Lakes. She oversees training programs for over 340 staff members and more than 4500 students daily. Her areas of training cover all aspects of military life, ranging from mentorship and leadership to military drill, customs and courtesies, and naval heritage.

A Versailles woman has been sentenced to ten years in prison for abuse or neglect of a child causing serious physical injury. Skylar Duhn entered a guilty plea to the charge Monday. She also plead guilty to endangering and was given a seven year sentence that was suspended for probation. Authorities allege that Duhn left her young child in the care of Troy Wyche despite a court order barring him from being around the child. Over several days the child received multiple serious injuries. The same child suffered a broken arm the year before while in Wyche’s care. He faces two trials for those incidents – one in Morgan County and another in Miller County.

A lake area businessman facing multiple criminal charges has been convicted on two of them. Tom Rickey II of Sunrise Beach was found guilty on two counts of felony assault. He was acquitted on a charge of property damage. He still has at least two other trials scheduled. The charges against him included allegations that he tried to run over his ex-girlfriend with a car, stealing, and tampering with electronic monitoring equipment, among others. He fled from authorities after allegedly kidnapping his own child. He was captured by U.S. Marshals in Kansas City.

After nearly five years, a case involving a former bus driver in Camden County is over. Joel Stoner was originally charged with statutory rape and molestation resulting from allegations involving a 15-year old girl in 2015. Tuesday Stoner entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of harassment. He received a suspended execution of sentence on a one-year jail term. He’ll be serving two years of supervised probation for what the prosecution contends was a kiss that caused emotional distress for the young girl.

Some unexpected winter weather wreaked havoc Monday afternoon in the lake area. The result was several traffic accidents reported stretching from Route-W in Miller County, along and off of Highway-54 towards Camdenton and up to the Sunrise Beach area. Captain Chris Twitchel says the combination of a surprise factor and the actual snow made for an unfortunate “perfect storm”…

The snow and slippery conditions Monday caused problems for some school buses trying to get kids home. Camdenton Schools were in session and some of their drivers got caught up in some dangerous road conditions. Superintendent Dr. Tim Hadfield tells KRMS that some of the buses had to wait for road crews to get out and get material on the roadway before they could finish their routes. All kids did get home safely, according to Hadfield, it just took much longer than usual.

Friday’s winter weather kept the Highway Patrol busy. Troop F reported 149 calls for service, including 35 crashes and 41 stranded motorists. Through 8pm Friday they reported four injuries. There were no fatalities reported. There was one accident handled by the patrol in the lake area. An 18-year old girl from Versailles received minor injuries when her car slid on the ice and hit a tree just after 11 am Friday.

After being found guilty in October on charges of statutory sodomy and incest, a Morgan County man learns his fate on Thursday. 35-year-old Joshua Miller was handed the jury recommended sentence of 50 years on the sodomy charge and another four years on the incest…the sentences to run concurrently in the department of corrections. The victim was under 12 years old. Miller was originally charged in connection to the sex-related offenses in June of 2018 and had been held since the guilty verdict when his bond was revoked by the court. Circuit Judge Kenneth Hayden presided over the sentencing which also saw the prosecution express its gratitude to all involved in the case and, ultimately, for the final outcome.

An Eldon area man suspected in multiple car thefts in the Iberia area has been arrested, thanks in part to a little help from a private citizen of Miller County.

Miller County Sheriff Louie Gregoire says Chanley Plemmons faces multiple counts in at least three different cases, including:

– Tampering with a motor vehicle
– Trespassing
– Stealing motor vehicles
– Stealing firearms or explosives
– Property damage
– Assault
– Resisting arrest
– Possession of a controlled substance
– Careless & imprudent driving

A teen from Tuscumbia is seriously injured after trying to drive through standing water. The accident happened just after 7pm Friday night on Route B in Cole County. The Highway Patrol says the 16-year old male travelled through standing water on the highway, causing the vehicle to hydroplane. The truck went off the road and hit a tree. The teen driver was wearing a seatbelt. He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital.

A 47-year-old man from Camdenton avoids trial by entering an 11th hour guilty plea to a
“romance fraud scheme.” The Federal trial for Ivan Joseph Stark, Jr., was scheduled to begin Monday with Stark facing one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. It had been alleged that Stark became romantically involved with the victim after meeting on a dating website before obtaining her credit cards and manufacturing a story about using them to repair an electronic sign which did not exist. All totaled, Stark was able to dupe the victim out of nearly $80,000 in purchases and cash. Under federal statutes, Stark could be sentenced up to 30 years without parole for the bank fraud and a mandatory two years for the identity theft. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled pending a pre-sentence investigation.

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information regarding reports of an incident involving paintball guns on Highway 42. According to a social media post, a motorist was traveling toward Osage Beach when someone in an oncoming vehicle shot his window with a paintball gun. There are also reports of areas of Iberia shot up with paintballs. If anyone has any information they should contact Deputy Wheeler at 573-369-2341, extension 723.

Decent weather and heavy generation at Bagnell Dam added up over the weekend to another successful Eagle Days event at Lake of the Ozarks. That’s according to committee member Michelle Cook who says all three venues for the weekend (the Lake Area Chamber office at Willmore Lodge, Heritage Elementary and Osage National) remained busy throughout the two-day event…

Cook also says the event would not be what it is without a lot of support from the key players involved and the community as a whole…

Thousands turned out over the weekend for Eagle Days and plans are already underway for a 19th annual event in January, 2021.

The City of Osage Beach has finalized an ordinance regulating ownership of dangerous animals. Mayor John Olivarri says the city attorney deserves credit for crafting the ordinance.

The ordinance defines what is considered a dangerous animal as one that has bitten before and bites again. An animal can also be deemed dangerous for one bite that causes serious injury or death.

The new law allows the owner to be punished and the animal to be seized and, possibly, destroyed.

Preliminary data from the holiday counting period for the Highway Patrol indicates that there were at least 23 accidents handled by the patrol statewide.  The wrecks resulted in 15 minor injuries, eight moderate injuries, and nine serious injuries, with no fatalities.  There were a handful of arrests in the lake area to go along with 88 arrests across the state.  A large majority of those 88, 58 in fact, were for alleged impaired or drunk driving, with seven arrests made for illegal drugs and 23 for other offenses.