8 St. Louis Police Officers Honored For Assisting In Lake Ozark Strip Shooting

September 20, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A number of St. Louis County Police officers who stepped in during the shooting on the Bagnell Dam Strip last July are being honored.

Sergeant Shanna Ostendorf, along with Officers Michael Deck, Kyle Embrey, Dawn Neuman, Justin Bryant, Robert Tosie, John O’Neill, and Kristin Engle all received the “Back the Blue” award, presented by Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

The officers were at a nearby restaurant when the gunfire went off in Lake Ozark and they quickly sprang into action, assisting the Lake Ozark police department in bringing the shooting to a stop.

In total, one person died and four others were injured in what was later determined to be a brawl between rival biker groups.

Tonka Way-Con Ponder of Hickory County was taken into custody in the shooting and he is facing numerous charges.

MO Attorney General Pushes To Have Mask Mandate Lawsuit Class Certified

September 20, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

woman in black long sleeve shirt holding white face mask

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

The Camdenton R-3 School District and School of the Osage are not forcing children to wear masks all day in school, but some school districts in Missouri are, and they’re facing what could be a class certified lawsuit.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt has already filed lawsuit against some districts in St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia.

But if the lawsuit gets class certification, 50 more school districts would be added to the lawsuit.

The AG’s website shows zero children under the age of 10 have died from COVID-19, and DHSS numbers show children make up less than 1 of every 100-thousand people hospitalized with COVID in Missouri.

Schmitt says wearing masks is a decision for parents and students, not for school districts.

Fallen Marine From Afghanistan Laid To Rest On Friday

September 18, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A fallen U-S Marine from Missouri was being laid to rest Friday after his death Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, age 20, was killed August 26 while helping evacuation efforts in Kabul.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson had ordered flags at half staff in honor of Schmitz.

Parson says a debt of gratitude is owed to Schmitz for his service to the U-S and his defense of freedom.

Schmitz is from Wentzville, east of St. Louis.

Ameren Missouri Rates To Go Up As Investments In Energy Continue

September 17, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

If you’re an Ameren Missouri customer, you can expect a 12-percent increase on your monthly bill early next year.

This comes after Ameren filed an electric and natural gas rate review with the Public Service Commission in March.

These filings reflect major upgrades to electric and natural gas systems reliability and resilience and investments in support of a transition to clearer energy resources” says Warren Wood with Ameren, “We’re basically hardening the grid, adding smarter technology…moving to cleaner technology…we’re seeing these investments make significant differences.”

He tells KRMS News the investments are paying off to the tune of 40-percent greater reliability “If we all go back to February this year and we remember the extremely cold weather….we were reading about all the outages across the US….the technology really performed well in Missouri. We didn’t have a lot of those same problems everyone else had across the country.”

Wood says part of the reason the power stayed in last winter is because of the company’s Smart Energy Plan.

For the average customer, an increase of around $12 per month can be expected by February.

Wood was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

*****More info:

The new rates would not take effect until 2022 and reflect major upgrades to electric and natural gas system reliability and resiliency for customers, as well as investments to support the transition to cleaner energy for the benefit of customers and local communities.
Ameren Missouri customers have seen rate decreases in recent years, including two electric base rate decreases since 2017 and a natural gas rate decrease in 2019.
Electric rates today are 8.3% lower than they were in 2017.

2021 Lake Of The Ozarks Bikefest Now Underway Across The Region

September 17, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The largest bike rally in the Midwest is now taking shape in Lake of the Ozarks.

Bike Fest 2021 is underway, and you’ll notice more and more bikers showing up on roads and highways heading into the weekend.

The Bagnell Dam Strip will be closed from Ballenger Road to the dam from 11 am through 2 am until Monday.

The road across the dam remains closed through December while MoDOT crews work on improvements.

If you want to keep up with the events happening, you can log onto http://lakebikefest.com

Attorney Talks About COVID Mandates And Local Businesses

September 17, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

As pushback and defiance of Washington DC’s COVID shot mandates continues, one local attorney is talking about the future relationship between businesses and their employees.

“This is going to be a huge impact as folks continue to look forward. I think employers are going to struggle with “how do I deal with this COVID 19 thing” and “How do I let people back into my business” as opposed to not” says Attorney At Law David Porter.

He tells KRMS News Lake Area businesses need to have their own plan moving ahead “Don’t let yourself get carried away with the global and national rhetoric and let that decide how you drive your business.”

Porter also talks about how the word ‘science’ is being used in ongoing COVID measures “There’s a lot of different positions on what the science is. And the science is constantly evolving. I think the idea that science is a static, that we’re going to land on a place in science and that’s where we are going to stop, that’s really really false.”

The Biden Administration’s COVID shot mandates are being condemned by the entire Camden County Commission, U-S Missouri Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer and Vicky Hartzler and also Governor Mike Parson.

Porter Law handles Business, Estate Planning and Mediation in Lake Ozark.

New Job Report Numbers Show Unemployment Rate Still Dropping In Missouri

September 16, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

The Missouri jobs report for August is out, and the unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percent in the Show Me State from July.

The unemployment rate of 4-percent shows more than 54-hundred people not unemployed compared to July.

In August 2020, Missouri had an unemployment rate of 6-percent, and more than 73-thousand 4-hundred jobs have been recovered over the last 12 months.

In April 2020, Missouri’s unemployment rate spiked to 12-and-a-half percent before decreasing monthly for the rest of the year.

Missouri’s unemployment rate has been below the national unemployment rate since February of this year.

****That report:

August 2021 Monthly Jobs Report

Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased from July 2021 to August 2021, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by two-tenths of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 7,300 jobs over the month, with job gains in both goods-producing and service-providing industries. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in August 2021, down from 4.2 percent in July 2021. Recovery from COVID-19-related layoffs continued with an increase of 73,400 jobs from August 2020 to August 2021. Short-term shortages of semiconductor chips may hold down employment in manufacturing in the next few months.

UNEMPLOYMENT

Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by two-tenths of a percentage point in August 2021, dropping to 4.0 percent from the July 2021 rate of 4.2 percent.

The national unemployment rate decreased from 5.4 percent in July 2021 to 5.2 percent in August 2021. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 123,158 in August 2021, down by 5,448 from July’s 128,606.

The state’s not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate also decreased in August 2021, dropping by 0.4 percentage points to 3.5 percent from the July 2021 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.9 percent. The decrease resulted from the recall of manufacturing workers from short-term layoff. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for August 2021 was 5.3 percent.

A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 6.0 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 6.1 percent.

With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic now more than a year in the past, the August 2021 rate was 2.0 percentage points lower than the August 2020 rate. The rate had reached a low of 3.1 percent starting in July 2018, before gradually edging up to 3.5 percent by the end of 2019, and then to 3.7 percent in March 2020. The COVID-19 effect hit in April 2020, spiking the rate to 12.5 percent for that month. The rate decreased monthly for the rest of 2020, reaching 4.4 percent in December, and continued gradually downward through the first four months of 2021. The increase of two-tenths of a percentage point from April 2021 to June 2021 appeared to be related to a temporary shortage in the supply of semiconductor chips, which caused production slowdowns in some manufacturing industries.

EMPLOYMENT

Missouri’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment was 2,839,400 in August 2021, up by 7,300 from the revised July 2021 figure. However, the July 2021 total was revised downward by 3,600 from the preliminary estimate, producing a revised increase of 11,400 jobs from June 2021 to July 2021 and a revised increase of 80,300 jobs from July 2020 to July 2021.

Goods-producing industries gained 5,300 jobs over the month with gains in both durable and non-durable goods. Meanwhile, service-providing industries gained 2,000 jobs between July and August 2021, with increases in leisure & hospitality (+3,300 jobs) and professional & business services (+1,600 jobs). Government employment showed a decrease of 3,200 jobs over the month.

Total payroll employment increased by 73,400 jobs from August 2020 to August 2021, reflecting the recovery from job cuts brought on by the initial wave of COVID-19 infections. All but one of the major private-sector industry groups shared in the increases, with the largest gain in leisure & hospitality (+33,700 jobs), followed by professional and business services (+17,700 jobs), educational & health services (+12,100 jobs), and trade, transportation & utilities (+8,700 jobs). The sole private-sector exception was financial activities, which lost 5,600 jobs. Government employment decreased over the year, with a loss of 6,200 jobs concentrated in federal and local government.

Read the full report at https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report.

EPA Says “Impaired Waterway” Designation For LOTO Is About Fish & Wildlife – Not Tourism

September 16, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri DNR disagree on Lake of the Ozarks landing on a list of ‘Impaired Waterways.’

But the EPA is also explaining what that list of 40 impaired water bodies in Missouri means.

“All of the Lakes we’re talking, these 40, are being listed for chlorophyll” says Jeff Robichaud with the Water Division Director for EPA Region 7, “What happens is you get high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous and you get the creation of algae blooms and when that occurs…it can affect aquatic species, mainly fish.”

But Robichaud tells KRMS News the designation does not mean the lake area economy will be affected because people can’t go in the water or because recreational boating isn’t allowed “There’s a bit of a misconception either that a water body is pristine, or often times people think when it gets on a list that it’s heavily polluted….that’s not the case.

He says the concerns about the lake’s water quality are directed at fish and not humans “The Lake had water quality data that exceeded the State’s water quality criteria, or their screening levels, that coupled with some Fish Kills that occurred during that time period…resulted in the Lake exceeding the threshold and needing to be impaired.

He also says solutions will be discussed and implemented locally “For Lake of the Ozarks, it may need additional work to septic systems alongside of the Lake or additional best management practices for those who are located along the watershed. In this the Public is involved, the community is brought in and it really is a local approach to making sure these waters are protected in the future. This is not a case where the EPA comes in and tells the local community what to do.”

Robichaud was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Bass Pro Shops Owner Johnny Morris Inducted Into Hall Of Famous Missourians

September 15, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The owner and founder of Bass Pro Shops is being inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians.

Johnny Morris and his family was welcomed to Jefferson City, where a bronze bust of Morris was unveiled and will be permanently displayed inside the State Capitol.

“I don’t recall every being in this chamber…but…it’s pretty humbling to come to our State Capitol, it’s just very special” says Morris, “I tell people this all the time, I can’t think a better place that anybody can start any kind of business, than (in my case) Springfield, Missouri, because were else can you find people that have such pride as Missourians have.”

Morris founded his business in 1972 and Bass Pro’s company has now grown to over 200 stores nationwide.

Morris also invests in other Missouri based businesses, including world-class golf courses, Big Cedar Lodge in Branson and the new Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium at the Bass Pro Headquarters in Springfield.

MO Highway Patrol Celebrates 90 Years Of Service

September 15, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is turning 90 this year.

It all started in 1931 with a superintendent, six captains, 55 troopers and a few civilians, each getting credit for launching the history of service and protection offered by the ‘Patrol.

“Even though we’ve grown and changed over the last 90 years, our focus is still keeping our State a safe place. We focus on traffic safety, reducing the number of severe traffic crashes and we try to keep fatal traffic crashes from occurring” says Lieutenant Eric Brown, “When you look back to the first fleet of vehicles we had, it was 36 new Model A Ford Roadsters, 1 Ford Sedan, 1 Plymouth Sedan, An Oldsmobile, 1 Buick, 3 Chevy’s and 12 Harley’s.”

Brown tells KRMS the Highway Patrol has added more departments and responsibilities over the years, like crime labs, driver testing, criminal records, gaming enforcement and others.

He says Troopers don’t even need paper to write a ticket “They use a computer and a printer in the car. The cameras in the cars, which capture footage inside and outside the car, are very high tech and digital now.”

Today, the ‘Patrol has close to 12-hundred members.

*****More info:

EMPHASIS: MSHP Marks 90 Years Of Service & Protection

A letter from Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol:

For nine decades, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has answered the call to serve and protect the citizens of this great state. In 1931, a superintendent, six captains, 49 troopers, and a few civilians launched the legacy of exceptional service and protection that remains. From these humble beginnings evolved the full-service law enforcement agency you know today. Our employees have embraced each additional responsibility–the crime laboratory, driver testing, criminal records, commercial vehicle enforcement, motor vehicle inspection, criminal investigation, gaming enforcement, and marine operations, to name a few. Numerous natural disasters and serious incidents, increasing social unrest, and most recently, the coronavirus pandemic inspire us to continue being Missouri’s beacon of integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Throughout our history, the Patrol has endured crises, emergencies, and challenges that consistently revealed the true quality of our people and our mission.

Patrol employees have shown the public we are ladies and gentlemen who serve and protect one contact, one stakeholder at a time for 90 years. Our employees have been and will continue to be connected to the community in which they live. We are your neighbors, school board members, and local volunteers.

As we recognize how far we’ve come since 1931, we are creating a vision for our future. Our vision is simple: We are committed to being professional, courteous, compassionate, resourceful, and responsible. We will hold ourselves to the highest degree of integrity and show respect to all people. We will excel as a criminal justice leader and to help ensure Missouri is a safe place to live or visit. The Patrol’s 1,191 members, 524 uniformed civilians, and 544 civilians are living examples of its vision, mission, and core values. We are honored to serve and protect the people of this great state.

More Details Continue To Come In About Kaiser Homicide Case

September 14, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

We’re learning more about the homicide case in Kaiser.

According to the Miller County Sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a welfare check for Pam and Dan Stephan, after a friend told deputies their lack of response was “out of character” for the couple.

Court documents show the officer who responded found the couple deceased from a gunshot to the head.

Evidence taken from the home included two bullet fragments & bullet casings, a cell phone, a tablet, and some of the victim’s hair.

A motorcycle was also found behind the Stephan’s house, one that suspect J.T. McLean is suspected of ditching.

An autopsy was scheduled on Monday for the Stephan’s.

****Additional information on the cases:

**Update Homicide Investigation**

Autopsies are scheduled Monday 09/13/2021 for Daniel and Pam Stephan at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Results of those autopsies may not be available for several weeks. The Union County Sheriff’s Office has executed a search warrant and obtained several items of interest. Detectives will be traveling to South Dakota next week along with Boone County and Highway Patrol Investigators. Out of respect to the family, limited information is being released until the investigation is complete. Additional press releases will follow in the next several weeks. We want to thank the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Union County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this joint investigation.

***Homicide Investigation Update***

On 08/22/2021, at about 10:58 pm, Boone County Joint Communications received a call from a concerned subject reporting they had been unable to contact Allison Abitz and her daughter Jozee Abitz, who both resided in the 7500 block of Lavender Drive south of Columbia.

Boone County deputies responded to the residence on Lavender Court and once inside located Allison, age 43, and her daughter Jozee, age 11, deceased.

Evidence suggested Allison had been strangled and Jozee had been drowned.

Investigators soon identified JT McLean as the long-term boyfriend of Allison and developed probable cause to believe McLean murdered Allison and Jozee. The motive for the murder of these victims is still unknown. Investigators soon discovered a burn pile at McLean’s last known address in Callaway County and within that burn pile they found electronics to include cellular phones and computers. All the vehicles known to belong to McLean were accounted for; however, McLean’s whereabouts were unknown. It was apparent at that point McLean was attempting to evade apprehension and not be tracked.

On 08/25/2021, the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney charged JT McLean (age 45) with two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree. A warrant for the arrest of McLean was then issued in the 13th Judicial Circuit Boone County, Missouri. McLean’s bond for these charges was set at $1,000,000.00 cash only.

Due to the murders of Allison and Jozee, as well as the allegations of prior threats of violence, we believed McLean could be a threat to anyone; however, we knew of no current specific threats or details regarding danger to the public or any specific individuals.

During the investigation of the homicides of Allison and Jozee, investigators received information that McLean had recently acquired a dark colored motorcycle, which was not titled or registered in his name and the make, model and type of motorcycle was unknown. Based on that information, we believed McLean likely fled the area on the motorcycle, so we pushed that information out on social media on 09/08/2021.

On 09/08/2021, at around 7:45 pm, we received information from the Miller County Sheriff’s Office that they were investigating a double homicide at a residence that was possibly related to our investigation. We then learned the two victims in Miller County, were related to one of McLean’s ex-wives, an unregistered motorcycle had been found near the victims’ residence, and a vehicle belonging to the Miller County victims was missing.

Our investigators began collaborating with the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and agencies in the Sioux City area to include the Union County Sheriff’s Office, in Elk Point, South Dakota.

With the assistance of OnStar, the vehicle belonging to the Miller County victims was located and disabled in a hotel parking lot in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, which is an unincorporated community just outside of Sioux City. This was concerning as we learned relatives of the Miller County victims were also somewhere in the greater Sioux City area and could be in danger. Law enforcement personnel contacted the relatives and they were moved to a safe location.

Local South Dakota law enforcement personnel were also able to locate the vehicle in the hotel parking lot. According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, non-lethal means were used, and officers received no response from McLean. A drone was then deployed over the vehicle and TJ McLean was found deceased inside the vehicle from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At this time, we will forward questions regarding the homicides in Miller County or the investigation into the death of JT McLean in Union County South Dakota to the Miller County Sheriff’s Office or the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into the deaths of Allison and Jozee Abitz is still active and ongoing; however, at this time we believe JT McLean, now deceased, was the person who murdered Allison and Jozee.

**PRESS RELEASE**

REFERENCE: Double Homicide

On 09/08/2021, Miller County deputies were dispatched to an address in the 300 block of Route D in Kaiser for a well-being check. Upon arrival, deputies located two deceased individuals, one male, and one female. The victims’ have been identified as Daniel Stephan, 74 and Pamela Stephan, 64, both of Kaiser. The case is being investigated by detectives as a homicide. The preliminary investigation has identified a male, JT Mclean, as a suspect. During the early morning hours of 09/09/2021 JT Mclean was found deceased by the Union County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This is an on-going investigation and the Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

Camden County Commission Remains United Against Vaccine Mandates

September 14, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Camden County Commission is showing unity in standing up to the Biden Administrations new vaccine mandates.

“We’re all 3 dead set against this” says Commissioner Don Williams, “This has to do with taking away people’s freedom of choice…their freedom of Liberty.”

Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty says his first call after learning about Washington’s vaccine mandates was to James Gohagan, then the three Commissioners then set up an executive session to talk things over.

“Based on my conversations with all 3 county commissioners….we agree, that we would all 3…rather be removed from our offices, before we will back down from this unconstitutional mandate from this President regarding these vaccinations” says Hasty, “If you look at our COVID rates, they’re no worse than anywhere else. They’re actually better! We’ve had 105 deaths, so far in our county of 4 or 5 thousand. The deadliness of this virus, that we’re seeing statistically in Camden County….doesn’t reflect what they’re trying to tell us.”

Hasty tells KRMS News he had COVID earlier this year, and while he says it was difficult, he still supports the right of all Camden County residents to make their own decision on whether or not to take a COVID shot.

In statement on Facebook, James Gohagan indicated he will stand firm in his decision “Citizens of Camden County, I will never agree to force you to put anything into your body against your will, that applies for county employees as well. My vote will always be no.”

Don Williams says he’s questioning some of the COVID data he’s been following, like health experts saying a 50-to-75-percent vaccination rate would bring on herd immunity from COVID “75% of the Population has already had the first shot….53% of the population have had both vaccinations for COVID. So, we’re already approaching herd immunity! So…what was the motivation for President Biden to pass this vaccine mandate?”

Hasty says he also stands by the decision to open the county in the summer of 2020 after a 30-day shutdown before tourism started “One of the things we all discussed was…if it was as bad as they said it was going to be, there wouldn’t have been a need for a shutdown or any further orders because no one would have been going anywhere. Everyone would have been hiding out.”

Instead, Hasty says Camden County has flourished since last summer and that it also became a model of what the rest of the U-S should have done.

The Camden County Commission is waiting to see if state legal action will adequately protect county residents, or if it will have to take its own legal action against Washington, DC.

Autopsy Scheduled For Double Homicide Victims In Kaiser

September 13, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Autopsies are scheduled for two people found dead in Kaiser on Wednesday, the Miller County Sheriff’s Office calling it a double homicide.

Daniel and Pam Stephan were found dead at a home on Route D.

The suspect in case was also wanted for two murders in Columbia, and Union County Sheriff’s Deputies in South Dakota found JT Mclean in a car early Thursday morning.

Investigators say Mclean had shot himself.

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office says there’s no timetable for the results of the autopsies, but it could take weeks before there’s new information on how the Stephans were killed.

The two people murdered in Columbia in late August were a schoolteacher in the Fulton School System and her 11-year-old daughter.

Route D Homicide 3

Camden County Commission – Local And State Leaders Snap Back At COVID Vaccine Mandates

September 13, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Camden County Commission, U-S Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer and Vicky Hartzler, and Governor Mike Parson are united in their stance on a Biden Administration mandate to take new COVID shots.

Governor Parson says it’s a poor attempt by the White House to reset after the disaster in Afghanistan and that his administration will fight it (See below.)

Representative Luetkemeyer thinks it’s going nowhere “This is so over the top, this is so tyrannical in the way they are doing this…it’s going to be challenged in court and I think the courts will overturn it.”

He’s joined by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, who says these mandates are not American at all “I never thought I would see a day, in our country, where the Government would be forcing citizens to do something (a medical procedure) and these mandates are just out of line. They’re UN-American and they have to be opposed.”

Camden County Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty says in a release (see below), that the commission’s united in its concerns about the federal measures as well.

Hasty points to early January, when the Commission voted to rescind a prior ordinance requiring food service workers to get hepatitis A vaccines.

On the same day in January, the Commission passed an ordinance recognizing and reasserting several God-given rights, including your right to reject any forced vaccinations and, in some cases, medications.

Hasty says Camden County, unlike many others in Missouri and the U-S, has refused to pass ordinances requiring face masks in schools, public places or working locations.

The Biden Administration also wants to double fines for airline passengers who refuse to cover their faces on a place, despite little evidence mask-wearing impacts the spread of COVID.

***More from the Camden County Commission on the Vaccines below:

The Camden County Commission met this morning in executive session to discuss the potential ramifications of the Presidential covid vaccine mandates announced by Washington on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

The president announced vaccination requirements for health care providers that accept Medicare and Medicaid, for all federal employees and contractors and for the staffs of Head Start programs, Department of Defense Schools and Bureau of Indian Education-operated schools. All members of the Armed Forces are required to get vaccinated.

Regarding the private sector and the public, The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is developing a rule requiring all employers with at least 100 employees to make sure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require unvaccinated workers to get a negative test at least once a week. OSHA will issue an “Emergency Temporary Standard” to introduce the vaccine requirement. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of $14,000 per violation. It appears the orders may include exceptions for workers seeking religious or medical exemptions from vaccination. The new vaccination requirements could apply to as many as 100 million Americans — close to two-thirds of the American workforce.

In addition to the vaccination requirements, President Biden moved to double federal fines for airline passengers who refuse to wear masks on flights or to maintain face-covering requirements on federal property.

Many organizations across the nation have already announced their concerns in relation to the President’s announcement. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, is taking issue with the mandatory vaccine requirement. Further, the Republican National Committee announced that it plans to file a lawsuit against the Biden administration regarding the new vaccine requirements. Across the nation, Governors of many states have announced that they also take issue with new mandates.

The Camden County Commissioners are united in their concerns about the new federal vaccine mandates. Early this year, on January 28^th, 2021, the Commission voted to rescind a prior ordinance (Ordinance 1-14-21-01) requiring food industry workers to get a hepatitis A vaccination, leaving that decision to employers. The same day, the Commission passed an ordinance (Ordinance 01-28-21-01) recognizing and reasserting several God-given rights possessed by all Americans; including:

“6. The citizens of Camden County are aware of their own underlying health risk factors better than the government and can reject any unduly forced vaccinations; and

That unless required by law, individuals have the right to refuse directives or recommendations to take any drugs or medications for the prevention or treatment of any condition, illness or disease and
A state of emergency that operates in perpetuity can be considered by some a state of tyranny”

Similarly, unlike a large number of counties across the United States, the Camden County Commission has refused to pass any ordinance requiring face masks in schools, public places or places of employment, being of the opinion that this would represent an over-reach of government authority.

***More from Governor Mike Parson on the Vaccines:

Governor Mike Parson says that his administration will reject the Biden Administration’s attempt to enforce an unconstitutional, federal vaccine mandate for Missourians and private businesses. The Office of the Governor has been in communication with leadership from the Missouri General Assembly and the Attorney General’s Office to align resources for a pending legal fight.

“This assault on individual liberty and free enterprise is a poorly executed attempt by the Biden Administration to reset after its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Governor Parson said. “With our southern border in crisis and as we are experiencing out-of-control inflation, President Biden is desperate to divert attention from his failures. However, Missouri will not be a pawn in this publicity stunt that seeks to force Missourians to disclose private health care decisions and dictate private business operations.”

Yesterday, during a speech at the White House, President Biden announced plans to use the Occupational Safety and Health Admisntration (OSHA) to issue an unconstitutional vaccine mandate for private employers. This action would infringe on Missouri’s constitutional authority and exceeds the scope of the authority granted to either President Biden or OSHA. The President cannot legislate with the flick of his pen from the Oval Office and OSHA cannot dictate personal health care decisions for Missourians. Missouri is not under an OSHA state plan, and Governor Parson will not allow state employees to be used to enforce this unconstitutional action.

The United States Constitution does not give unelected and unaccountable federal bureaucrats authority over the personal health care decisions of Missourians. The Biden Administration is trying to use a federal agency to interfere with private businesses and personal decisions. This unconstitutional behavior is clearly meant as a distraction from the real problems the Biden administration has fostered since coming into office.

“When President Biden should be focused on protecting our troops and securing our borders, he has instead decided to inject himself into the private lives and business dealings of hard-working Missourians,” said Speaker Rob Vescovo. “This is an obvious attempt by the President to shift attention away from his failures in Afghanistan where his disastrous withdrawal left American citizens behind. We in the Missouri House of Representatives will not stand for it, and we will do everything in our power to protect the personal liberties of Missourians.”

The United States Supreme Court has said that states, not the federal government, are charged with the responsibility to protect public health within states under the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Governor Parson believes the regulation of public health is a state issue and that the General Assembly has a say in the process.

“As a small business owner who would be subjugated to President Biden’s unconstitutional mandate, I, nor the Missouri Senate, will stand idly by and allow this inexcusable power grab to harm Missourians,” said President Pro-Tem Dave Schatz. “What the Biden Administration is attempting to do will only worsen the workforce shortages businesses across the country are facing and is an absolute affront to our American freedoms.”

Missouri stands ready to meet this unconstitutional encroachment of power with strong legal action.

More Missouri COVID 19 Vaccine VIP Winners Announced

September 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

More winners are being announced in Missouri Covid 19 Vaccine VIP program.

180 winners were chosen this round to receive $10,000 across the state.

Those winners include Susan Zink and Judy Shulte in Miller County, Jocelyn Bryan and Teresa Clark in Laclede County, Matthew Dunegan of Pulaski County,

Previous winners include Rian Cerny in Camden County, Jessie Detherage and John Herron in Laclede County and Adam Howe in Benton County.

Thomas Orozco of Montreal is still the only local scholarship winner and he will receive $10,000 towards an education savings account.

You can learn more about the VIP program here: https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/win/vips/#winners

Haze In Sky Across The Ozarks Stems From Wildfires Out West

September 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Air quality index for the weekend of 9/11 from AirNow.GOV

You may notice a haze in the skies this weekend and may be smelling smoke, but it’s not from the Lake Area.

Officials say large wildfires out west are sending thick smoke into the atmosphere and it’s expected to impact the entire Ozarks Region throughout the weekend.

That means our air quality around the Lake will likely be in a Moderate range.

Fire officials say it’s important to limit your time outside if you suffer from respiratory diseases, such as asthma or COPD.

Reaction To President Biden’s COVID Mandate Met With Hard Push-back In The Ozarks

September 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Reaction to President Biden’s vaccine mandate is being met with harsh push-back in the Lake of the Ozarks region.

In separate interviews on KRMS, both Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler say the request “infringes” on the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Missouri.

“This is so over the top, this is so….tyrannical in the way they are doing this” says Lake Area Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District, “They’re going to intimidate a lot of small businesses to get everyone vaccinated. To mandate that is way out of line…we’re going to take this to court and I think they’re going to lose.”

“Well it’s draconian and it’s unconstitutional” says Lake Area Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District,“I never thought I would see a day, in our country, where the Government would be forcing citizens to do something (a medical procedure) and these mandates are just out of line. They’re UN-American and they have to be opposed.”

At the Camden County Commission, one commissioner agrees.

In a post to Facebook, 1^st district commissioner James Gohagan says he will never vote to “force” residents to put anything in their bodies and that he will vote “no” on any such requirement for the district and county employees.

“Citizens of Camden County, I will never agree to force you to put anything into your body against your will, that applies for county employees as well. My vote will always be no.” says Gohagan.

That sentiment is being echoed by leaders throughout Missouri who also say the President is stepping over a line that “should never be crossed.”

Missing Benton County Mom Echo Lloyd’s Photo Published In People Magazine

September 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A missing mother from Benton County now has her face on People Magazine.

In an issued soon to be published, Echo Lloyd is listed as 1 of 8 mother’s who’ve gone missing across the United States.

Lloyd has been missing since May of this year, after she was last seen in the Climax Springs area.

Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox told KRMS that she doesn’t have her medications, her wallet or her cell phone…they were all left behind when she vanished.

You can see the article here: https://people.com/crime/missouri-mom-missing-since-mothers-day-we-suspect-foul-play/

Governor Parson To Light Up Jeff City Dome For September 11th

September 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Missouri Governor Mike Parson is ordering the capitol dome in Jeff City to be lit up in red and blue in remembering the attacks of September 11^th, 2001.

Saturday marks the 20^th anniversary of the attacks that killed close to 3-thousand people.

Governor Parson says he wants to remember the firefighters, police and other first responders who risked their lives or died trying to help others.

The dome will turn red and blue on Saturday at sunset until Sunday at dawn.

****Info:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and blue beginning on Saturday, September 11, 2021, in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

“On the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, we remember the heroes lost during the 9/11 attacks,” Governor Parson said. “This Saturday, we will light the Capitol red and blue in honor of all the firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, and all Americans who risked their own lives and made the ultimate sacrifice, without hesitation, to help their fellow Americans.”

The dome will light up at sunset on Saturday and remain lit until sunrise Sunday in honor of the victims of the September 11 attacks and in remembrance of the heroes who gave everything. Pictures will be available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page.

USDA Putting $25 Million Towards Improving Missouri Rural Energy

September 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting more than $25 million-dollars toward building or improving renewable energy infrastructure in Missouri.

Officials say it’s part of the nationwide $464 million-dollar effort to help Rural America lower its energy costs.

19 Investments will be made throughout the Show Me State.

USDA officials say these changes could generate nearly 800,000 kilowatt hours of power, which would save Missourians nearly $90,000 dollars annually.

Double-Homicide In Kaiser Linked To Possible Suicide In South Dakota

September 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The KRMS News room is getting details on a double-homicide followed by a possible suicide.

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office is reporting two people dead after deputies found the bodies at or near a home in the 300 block of Route D in Kaiser.

But the suspect, JT Mclean, was found dead in a car early Thursday morning in South Dakota.

“We located it at a motel in the southern part of our county. We had several agencies involved” says Dan Limoges with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

But when they found him inside and unresponsive…the used a drone to investigate “flew the drone right through the windows and we were able to see the subject in the back seat was deceased.”

He tells KRMS News Mclean’s car was tracked with the help of OnStar and that he might have been heading that way to get closer to family members.

The two people found dead in Kaiser are identified as 74-year-old Daniel Stephan and 64-year-old Pamela Stephan.

Boone County Sheriff’s Department investigators said J.T. McLean was also wanted for the murder of his girlfriend Allison Abitz and her 11-year-old daughter Jozee in their home on Lavender Drive on August 22.

Few other details are available right now, but we’ll pass along more when possible on News / Talk KRMS.

Route D Homicide 2

Former Warsaw Teacher Honored By DESE With Entrance Into Pioneers Group

September 8, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A former Warsaw R-9 teacher is getting statewide recognition for her 43-years of service in Benton County.

Nellie Harper is being added to the DESE Pioneers group for 2021, a group that has inducted over 200 educators in the Show Me State since 1974.

Harper started teaching at 17-years-old in a one-room school house in the 1950s, before making her way up to the Warsaw School District, where she remained until she retired in 1995.

This isn’t the first award for Harper, who was listed in the “Who’s Who” in Missouri Education…. She also earned the 1999 Warsaw R-9 Academic Service award and was entered into the 2006 Warsaw R-9 Hall of Fame.

An award ceremony was held for her and several other educators at DESE’s event at the Lodge of the Four Seasons last month.

****Press Release:

Five Pioneers in Education will be in the spotlight in recognition of their commitment and contributions to public education in Missouri. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recognized the 2021 Pioneers during the 60th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in August.

“These individuals are true champions of public education, striving for excellence and advocating for Missouri students throughout their careers as public servants,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “DESE is honored to bring together educators from across the state to recognize the trailblazing efforts of these Pioneers in Education.”

The following individuals will be honored as Pioneers in Education:
• Lynn Beckwith, Jr., Florissant, spent more than 50 years working to educate and bring meaningful change to the lives of students in the St. Louis area, and continues to be a highly respected and sought after mentor. He served as a teacher, principal, Director of Federal Programs, and Executive Director of Federal Programs and Governmental Relations in the St. Louis Public School District; as superintendent at the University City School District; and later as an endowed professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Beckwith currently serves as Chair of the Riverview Gardens Special Administrative Board.

• Nellie Harper, Warsaw, started her 43-year teaching career at just 17 years old when she began leading classes at a rural, one-room school in Benton County in 1948. She later moved on to teach in the Warsaw School District where she worked to implement modern teaching techniques before many of her colleagues, like peer tutoring, cross grade-level tutoring, and a flipped classroom model. Throughout her career, Harper promoted the use of new technology to broaden student learning opportunities.

• J.D. King, Macon, was dedicated to improving the quality of the education students receive and mentoring fellow school leaders. He served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent at Macon R-I. After 25 years of service at Macon, King came to DESE to work as a DESE area supervisor of instruction in the north central region as the department launched its first cycle of the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP). King went on to facilitate nearly 150 MSIP reviews.

• Ted Molitor, O’Fallon, retired from the Fort Zumwalt School District after 39 years working as a teacher, coach, and school counselor in his hometown. During his career, Molitor saw Fort Zumwalt grow from less than 300 students to more than 17,000. Along with colleagues, he formed the Gateway Athletic Conference that is still in existence today. He was recently recognized by Fort Zumwalt’s Grow Your Own program, as many of his students have become educators themselves, crediting Molitor’s guidance.

• Cindy O’Brien, Liberty, spent more than 20 years in the Savannah R-III School District where she was the first female assistant principal at high schools in both Savannah and the Kearney School District. A scholarship was established in O’Brien’s name at Savannah to benefit aspiring educators, which O’Brien now provides matching funds for out of her own pocket. While officially retired, O’Brien continues to work at Kearney, mentoring new school administrators and helping at-risk students earn their diplomas.

State education officials have presented the Pioneer in Education awards for 46 years, which honor teachers, school administrators, citizens, and lawmakers for their distinguished careers and contributions to public education in Missouri.

Missouri US Senate Candidates Make Their Way To Lake Of The Ozarks

September 8, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Candidates for the U-S Senate in Missouri will be heading to the Lake Area this month and next.

“We have Attorney General Eric Schmitt coming on September 23rd and then Mark McCloskey is scheduled for October 21st” says Jennie Brinkman with the steering committee for the Camden County Chapter of We The People of Missouri.

She tells KRMS News the new organization is working on bringing other candidates for the U-S Senate in Missouri to Lake of the Ozarks to answer questions.

The two scheduled events with Schmitt and McCloskey will take place at the Osage Beach Elks Hall.

Brinkman was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

****Details:

We are hosting a series of events to be held at the Osage Beach Elks Hall to vet the Missouri Senatorial candidates. At separate events, each candidate will speak to a set of liberty-based questions, and also take questions from the crowd.

Scheduled candidates as of today: Attorney General Eric Schmitt is schedule for September 23rd at 6:30 pm, and St. Louis Attorney Mark McCloskey is scheduled for October 21st at 6:30 pm.

We are waiting for existing representatives Hartzler, Long and Smith to advise on dates, but they have committed to making an appearance.

Jason Smith has not yet declared his candidacy, so we are particularly happy that he agreed to come present his platform.

MSHP Numbers For Labor Day Weekend Down Compared To 2020

September 8, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Nobody died on the road or on the water in Lake of the Ozarks over Labor Day weekend, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol says there were deaths around the state.

Seven people died in car crashes between 6 o’clock Friday night and 11:59 Sunday night.

The lone death on the water happened on Table Rock Lake in Stone County when a 14-year-old was ejected on a PWC by another PWC.

There 351 crashes around Missouri, 108 DWI arrests and 6 BWI arrests.

The seven deaths on the road are down from last year’s total of 18 over Labor Day weekend.

****Full release:

EMPHASIS: MSHP Releases Labor Day Holiday Statistics

Seven people died in traffic crashes during the 2021 Labor Day holiday weekend. Last year, there were 18 fatalities. The 2021 counting period for the Labor Day holiday ran from 6 p.m., Friday, September 3, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 6.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following enforcement activity during 2021 Labor Day Holiday:

MSHP Traffic Statistics (preliminary):

Crashes ¯ 351
Injuries ¯ 103
Fatalities ¯ 7
DWI ¯ 108
Drug Arrests ¯ 71

MSHP Boating Statistics (preliminary):

Crashes ─ 7
Injuries ─ 4
Fatalities ─ 1
BWI ¯ 6
Drownings — 0
Drug Arrests ¯ 18

(Note: During the 2020 counting period, the Patrol investigated 278 traffic crashes, which included 140 injuries and 11 of the 18 fatalities. Troopers made 146 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the Labor Day holiday 2020: Troopers investigated 20 boating crashes involving six injuries and one fatality; and arrested seven people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. There were no drownings over the 2020 Labor Day holiday weekend.]

Troopers investigated all seven of the fatal traffic crashes over the 2021 Labor Day holiday weekend. Three of the fatal traffic crashes occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, area; two fatal traffic crashes occurred in the Troop I, Rolla, MO, area; and one traffic crash fatality occurred in both Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, area, and the Troop F, Jefferson City, MO, area. The boating fatality occurred in the Troop D, Springfield, MO, area.

One boating fatality occurred on Saturday, September 4, 2021. A 14-year-old female from St. Louis, MO, died when a personal watercraft struck the personal watercraft she was operating on Table Rock Lake in Stone County. The 14-year-old was ejected. Dr. Pallohusky pronounced the juvenile deceased at Mercy Hospital. The juvenile operating the other personal watercraft sustained minor injuries. Both operators were wearing life jackets at the time of the crash.

Three traffic fatalities occurred on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Godfrey G. Gitau, 35, of Hazelwood, MO, died when the vehicle he was operating traveled off the roadway and struck a guardrail end cap. Gitau was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred in St. Louis County on Interstate 170 south of Interstate 270. Hazelwood EMS personnel pronounced Gitau dead at the scene.

Jaswant Singh, 31, of Fremont, CA, died when the commercial vehicle in which he was a passenger traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail, an embankment wall, and then overturned. Singh was not wearing a seat belt. The crash occurred in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at the 214.8-mile marker. Deputy Coroner Nikki Bussell pronounced Singh deceased at the scene. The driver of the commercial vehicle was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash; he sustained minor injuries. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department and the Bourbon, MO, Police Department responded to the scene.

Renee D. Honor, 47, of Detroit, MI, died when the vehicle she was driving traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. Honor was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Callaway County on Interstate 70 at the 146.6-mile marker. Dr. Salman Ahmad pronounced Honor deceased at University Hospital in Columbia, MO. A juvenile passenger in Honor’s vehicle sustained minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Three traffic fatalities occurred on Sunday, September 5, 2021. William C. Moore, 28, Lyons, KS, died when the driver of the commercial vehicle in which he was a passenger attempted to exit the roadway causing its load to shift and overturn into the median. Moore was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Jackson County on Interstate 470 at Missouri Highway 291. Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office Investigator Amanda Bogacz pronounced Moore deceased at the scene. A second passenger in the commercial vehicle sustained minor injuries. She was wearing a seat belt. The driver of the commercial vehicle was not injured; he was wearing a seat belt. The Lee’s Summit Police Department also responded to the scene.

A 13-year-old male from Cedar Hill, MO, died when the driver of the vehicle in which he was a passenger lost control. The vehicle began sliding, traveled off the roadway, struck a tree, continued to travel northbound off the roadway, and struck a second tree. The juvenile male was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Jefferson County on Engledow Road south of Blackwell Road. Valle Ambulance District personnel pronounced the juvenile deceased at the scene. The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries; he was not wearing a seat belt. A 13-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries; he was not wearing a seat belt. A third juvenile passenger, age 16, sustained serious injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.

Matthew W. Hedrick, 27, of Aledo, IL, died after falling off the tailgate of a pickup truck when the vehicle hit a bump while negotiating a curve. When Hedrick fell from the tailgate, he then struck the ground. The crash occurred in Crawford County on a road within the Bass River Resort. Dr. Srivastava pronounced Hedrick deceased at Mercy Hospital Creve Coeur. The driver was not injured in the crash; he was wearing a seat belt.

One traffic fatality occurred on Monday, September 6, 2021. Mark W. Higginbotham, 54, of Farmington, MO, died when the motorcycle he was operating traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him. The vehicle then collided with the median cable barrier. Higginbotham was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in St. Francois County on U.S. Highway 67 south of Missouri Highway 8. St. Francois County Coroner Jason Coplin pronounced Higginbotham deceased at the scene.

NOTE: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, if other departments report fatal traffic/boating crashes after this news release was published, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition rather than traffic/boating incident.

Wanted Sex Offender Captured During Chase In Miller County Hayfield

September 7, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A wanted man accused of driving stolen vehicles through numerous fields in Miller County is in jail facing more charges.

The Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to a location off Highway 52 in St. Elizabeth on report of a theft in progress.

Investigators say they were told by a property owner a man had walked onto his property and stole a struck.

45-year-old Kenneth Goldsberry of Montreal got stuck in the bean field and took off.

Investigators say Goldsberry then stole an ATV and was later caught in a hay field.

Records show Goldsberry’s a non-compliant sex-offender with warrants out of Camden and Pike County.

Kenneth Goldsberry

Governor’s Mansion Hunts For 2021 Christmas Tree

September 7, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Governor’s Mansion is on the hunt for the 2021 Christmas tree.

Officials say the tree must be a native species to the state, which includes Norway Spruce, White Pine or Eastern Red Cedar trees, and it must be at least 35 to 40 feet tall.

The tree must also have full branches on all sides and be accessible for crews to be able to chop it down and haul it out.

Each year the Governor’s Mansion picks a tree from somewhere in the Show Me State once a donor has come forward.

You can send pictures of your tree from now until October 4 to be considered, by e-mailing them to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov.

Governor Parson Vetoes 4 Bills Including One Made By Rolla State Senator

September 6, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Not counting the line-item vetoes made to parts of the appropriations measures for the current year, there were four bills that were vetoed by Governor Mike Parson.

Among these is House Bill 685.

Senator Justin Brown of Rolla handled this proposal in the upper chamber. When this bill was discussed on the floor of the Missouri Senate on May 4, he told his colleagues this measure would make changes to rules relating to the duties and qualifications of certain public officers…

“It’s a dissolution of candidate committees that deals with, under current law any person who registered as a lobbyist required to dissolve his or her candidate committee, this act creates an exemption per where this require a person holding an elected municipal office or school district office, or any person that is a candidate for an elected municipal office in that school district, this prevision is identical to senate bill 602…”

During discussion, Senator Jill Schupp of Creve Coeur focused on the main part of the proposal, which dealt with campaign committees for certain candidates…

“They can continue to lobby even though they hold positions in their local community…”

In his veto letter, the governor says — and, these are his words — “[p]ublic officers should have the interests of the people they represent in mind, not those of the organization they have been hired to represent”…

Lawmakers will have the opportunity to override any and all vetoes during the annual veto session, which is scheduled for the middle of this month. By law, a veto override needs a two-thirds’ majority in each chamber.

House Bill 661 is another proposal to receive a veto this year.

During discussion on the floor of the Missouri Senate on May 11, Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield told his colleagues this bill related to transportation…

“Currently, when someone wants to get access to the Patrol crash records…they must also pay the fee associated with the Sunshine Law, this bill adds that the Patrol may charge a $5 electronic distribution fee for that report.”

A number of amendments were offered, including one from Sen. Angela Walton Moseley of Florissant…

“A historic motor vehicle may be operated for personal use, as described in the statute, more than 1,000 miles. This act repeals the limitations. It was voted out the transportation committee unanimously.”

In his veto letter for House Bill 661, the governor cites several reasons, including a portion that would have expanded powers for the Joint Committee on Transportation.

In addition, this measure would have made changes to certain things MoDOT could do.

Also, three St. Louis-area counties would have been excluded from the federal Clean Air Act.

Vicky Hartzler Gives Opinion On A Women Draft

September 4, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

woman in gray tank top and black pants standing on red and black exercise equipment

Photo by Corey Young on Unsplash

A U-S Representative from Missouri is giving her opinion on women getting drafted for military service.

The House Armed Services Committee voted in favor of the idea Wednesday during deliberations on the annual defense bill.

All combat military operations were opened up to women during the Barak Obama presidency in 2015.

But Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler says women don’t need to be drafted to have equality in the U-S.

***Hartzler quote from the floor:

“We don’t need to draft women in order for women to have equality in this nation,” Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) “Women are of worth and of value right now, and we are equal with men without having to pass a new law that would require 50 percent of this country, our daughters and our sisters and our wives, to have to be drafted.”

MSHP Prepares For Labor Day Weekend On Land And Water

September 3, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Labor Day coming up Monday and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is getting ready.

“We’re advising people…if you have a destination you need to be at, leave with enough time…trying to speed through traffic, you’re not going to save much time at all and you’re going to increase the risk of a crash” says Corporal Kyle Green with the Patrol.

He tells KRMS News Troopers will be watching for drunk drivers on the roads “one of biggest problems you have when you have increased traffic on the roadways is road rage itself….you know you got someone cuts you off, or is tailgating you and things like that and you never know these days what people may do with retaliation. So, just let them go down the road…go about your own way…and if it becomes a bigger issue, just contact *55 and that will put you in connection with the highway patrol.”

The Patrol will also be out on the water as well

“We have 14 full time trooper spots at the Lake of the Ozarks. Every now and then we’ll even bring in other Troopers that work different waterways within Troop F, like we did for the Shootout” says Trooper Brian Geier.

He tells KRMS the importance of wearing a life jacket while on a boat or even near a dock “in almost every drowning we’ve dealt with here at the lake, no one is wearing a life jacket. Someone goes down to the dock…to do whatever, fish, swim or drink…we see a lot of alcohol consumption here during these kind of weekends and those sorta things don’t mix too well.”

The Patrol reports five drowning deaths on Lake of the Ozarks for the month of August, and each person who drowned was not wearing a lifejacket.

MO School Board Director Questions Decisions Made By MO AG

September 3, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

The Executive Director of the Missouri School Board Association is questioning the decisions made by State Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

It follows Schmitt’s decision to sue the Columbia Public School District, and any K-12 public school requiring masks mandates, such as Richland R-IV just implemented.

Director Melissa Randol says the information he is citing about the mandates were done before the delta variant ever existed, and that some of the studies weren’t even conducted in the United States.

In the lawsuits, AG Schmitt stays the mask mandates “flies in the face of science” and that children are at a “low risk” of transmission.

Randol says she isn’t advocating for mandates, but rather for health experts to guide schools in their own local safety measures.

SFCC Looking For New President Follow Retirement Announcement

September 3, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

State Fair Community College in Sedalia’s looking for a new President.

Dr. Joanna Anderson is announcing her retirement at the end of her current contract, which runs through June 2022.

Anderson became the fifth President at SFCC in 2013 and she says she’s ready to spend more time with her family.

The school says a search committee has been formed and we do know State Fair will not be using an external agency to find its replacement for Dr. Anderson.

****More info:

Sedalia, Missouri – Sept. 2, 2021 – State Fair Community College has officially begun the search for the next college president following President Dr. Joanna Anderson’s recent announcement to retire when her contract ends June 30, 2022.

Anderson, who became SFCC’s fifth president in 2013, cited the desire to spend more time with her family as the reason for her decision.

“You know, it’s just time,” said Anderson. “My family is growing and my husband Ken and I are looking forward to being together again with time to focus on family … my parents are both turning 90 this year, three kids with spouses, four grandkids with another one expected in March.”

Randall D. Eaton, SFCC Board of Trustees President, announced at the Aug. 26 meeting that the college will not be using an external agency in the search for the next president. The Board of Trustees finalized the members of the search committee at that same meeting. The college has publicly posted the committee members and the vacancy on its website. The vacancy is also listed online at higheredjobs.com and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

To learn more, or provide input in the selection process, go to www.sfccmo.edu/presidential-search. All stakeholders, including the public, are invited to participate. All submissions are anonymous.

AG News Looks Bright For Farmers In The Lake Area

September 3, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Gozha Net on Unsplash

If you’re an ag producer in the Lake Area, or anywhere in Missouri, future projections are looking strong.

The USDA is releasing its ag export forecast for both this year and next, and the numbers show exports could surpass $173-billion dollars for 2021, and more than $4 billion in 2022.

Experts say livestock, poultry and dairy exports are all up.

They also says the U-S will be buying more foreign agriculture products, but the US ag trade surplus should continue to grow.

Morgan County Welcomes New MDC Agent

September 1, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

There’s a new Department of Conservation agent working in Morgan County.

Officials welcoming in agent Matt Wheaton as the 2^nd agent working in the Morgan Division.

Wheaton comes from Putnam County following his studies at UCM and his work in the Protection Volunteer Program.

Wheaton says he is excited to start working and to meet the people of Morgan County.

Agents in the MDC help protect the forest, fish, and wildlife resources of the state, and interact with and educate youth who enjoy being outdoors.

Rolla Man Arrested In Burglary

September 1, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Evidence at the scene of a Burglary is landing a Rolla man in jail.

Investigators with the Rolla Police Department say officers were called to a business and they say it was clear someone had broken in and they say a large sum of money had been stolen.

But physical evidence left at the scene lead them to 34-year-old Harland Frohmader.

Police got a search warrant for his house and investigators say more evidence and money was found before Frohmader was arrested and taken to the Phelps County Jail.

He’s charged with Burglary and Stealing and was given a bond of $150-thousand dollars.

Burglary

Ameren Sending Personnel To Louisiana For Hurricane Ida Recovery

September 1, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois are sending personnel to Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, now breaking apart over the U-S.

More than 300 people from both divisions will be headed south for two-week deployments to help restore areas hit hardest by the storm.

It’s part of the power industry’s mutual assistance network through the Edison Electric Institute, which allows a given electric company in an area hit by a catastrophic event to expand its workforce.

Ameren has a history of sending people to other parts of the U-S after major storms, like Hurricane Irma and Maria In Puerto Rico in 2017, Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

*******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ameren sending crews to Louisiana for Hurricane Ida restoration

More than 300 personnel from Ameren Illinois, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Transmission will be departing this week to assist Entergy

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 31, 2021) – Ameren workers across Illinois and Missouri will be are heading to Louisiana later this week to assist in repairing damage and restoring power to communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

The company’s personnel and contractors, including lineworkers, fleet, logistics and safety, will assist crews from Entergy. Ameren personnel will deploy from operating centers in Illinois and Missouri throughout the week.

“Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by this devastating hurricane. We will help these communities recover from this storm’s stunning damage as soon as possible,” said Warner Baxter, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren Corporation. “Ameren customers in Illinois and Missouri have benefited many times from mutual assistance following severe storms and know firsthand how this type of support can make a real difference in recovery efforts.”

Ameren crews are planning a two-week deployment to assist in the restoration efforts.

Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri are voluntary members of the electric power industry’s mutual assistance network through the Edison Electric Institute. When called upon, a company will send either company employees, contractors or both, along with specialized equipment to help with the restoration efforts of a fellow company. In essence, it allows a utility hit by a major or catastrophic event to expand its workforce by borrowing field personnel from other companies in unaffected areas. Following some large storms here, Ameren has called upon other utilities for assistance and has a history of helping other utilities, providing support with catastrophic events such as Hurricane Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017, Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Just as they do when working in Illinois and Missouri service territories, Ameren response personnel and crews are taking extra precautions to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19. Preventive actions such as social distancing and use of masks, protective eyewear and gloves, are being followed. Safety is one of Ameren‘s core values.
About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

Drowning Deaths At Lake Of The Ozarks Have Local Water Safety Officials Concerned

September 1, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

There have been five drowning deaths on Lake of the Ozarks for the month of August alone, and another drowning happened on July 31^st.

And not all of them are happening on the water.

“One of them was a gentleman who liked to fish…and he was leaning back to try and support himself on a post, well…he didn’t hit the post and instead he fell off the dock and never resurfaced” says Captain Doug Beck with the Lake of the Ozarks Captain’s Association and the water Safety Council,“we have currents, we have underwater obstacles as well as the boat traffic. People have to remember, underneath the lake we have branches, we have trees, we have concrete, we have other objects. They increase the chances of extreme injury or even death so, it’s very simple, wear a life jacket!”

Beck says in most cases you can’t see those objects under the water; the lake may offer only one or two feet of visibility from the surface and sometimes people are unaware of what they’re diving into when they jump off a cliff.

He also says many people don’t understand the warning signs of drowning “Drowning doesn’t look like it does on TV or movies, where people are wailing and splashing around…that’s not what that is. A person is often not kicking, so their legs are still….they often hold their face above the water, so they may be still. They could be bobbing up and down, but they’re actually trying to gasp for air…so they may not be able to scream.”

Beck says wearing a life jacket should be worn anytime you’re on the water or around a dock.

Beck was a guest with Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

New Law Permanently Allows To-Go Cocktail Sales

August 31, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A new law in effect now in Missouri allows restaurants to sell to-go cocktails.

The state had temporarily allowed restaurants to serve alcohol to go during the pandemic, but that is now permanent.

Alcohol can be served with food in a sealed container that’ll discourage drinking and driving.

Booz can also be sold from 6 am Sunday through 1:30 Monday morning, the same hours as the rest of the week.

Before the new liquor law went into effect, alcohol sales were limited to 9 am Sunday morning to midnight.

****More info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 24, 2021

New Missouri ‘to-go’ alcohol sales law takes effect Aug. 28

Senate Bill 126 also extends hours for alcohol sales on Sundays to between 6 a.m. Sunday and 1:30 a.m. Monday

JEFFERSON CITY – The waiver that allowed Missouri restaurants to sell “to-go” alcoholic drinks beginning on April 14, 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, will become permanent when Senate Bill 126<https://www.senate.mo.gov/21info/pdf-bill/tat/SB126.pdf> takes effect on Aug. 28. The administrative waiver was granted because many restaurants were severely strained as business dropped off or shifted to take out during 2020. In Missouri, unless they contain an emergency provision, most new laws take effect on Aug. 28.

Before the waiver, to-go alcohol had to be sold in its original package. The new law means that mixed drinks can be sold for off-premises consumption provided:

· The alcohol container is durable, leak-proof, and sealable, and does not exceed 128 ounces;

· The customer must have ordered and purchased a meal simultaneous with the liquor purchase;

· No more than two alcohol drinks may be sold per meal serving;

· The licensee must provide a dated receipt for the meal and alcohol beverage(s); and

· The sealed alcohol container must either be:

o Placed in a one-time-use, tamperproof, transparent bag which must be securely sealed, or;

o The container opening must be sealed with tamperproof tape.

The law does not allow liquor licensees to sell mixed drinks in typical “to-go” cups or other containers having a lid with a sipping hole or an opening for straws.

Senate Bill 126 also extends the hours during which alcohol can be sold by the drink and at package stores on Sundays. Liquor licensees permitted to make Sunday sales will legally be able to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. Sunday until 1:30 a.m. Monday, the same hours that apply during the rest of the week.

2021-08-24 New Missouri to-go alcohol sales law takes effect Aug. 28

New Laws Going Into Effect Change How Your Charged For Vandalism

August 31, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

If you’re caught vandalizing any public monument or structure in Missouri, it’ll now be a felony charge as opposed to a misdemeanor.

That change in the law could mean more jail time and a higher fine if you’re convicted.

It’ll be a new Class D misdemeanor if you ‘willfully or recklessly’ interfere with an ambulance or other first responder, after complaints were given over some protestors who gather in streets, roads or highways.

Another new law makes it a misdemeanor crime to point a laser pointer at police or other first responders.

Federal EPA Grant Could Help Rural Lake Towns Improve Water Quality

August 30, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

An EPA grant is making it possible for small towns and communities in Missouri to improve their drinking water quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says around $492,000 in grant funding is being made available as part of the $25 million dollar Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.

The EPA will award grants to support compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and provide access to drinking water services.

Funds can also be used for conducting household water quality testing.

Man Drowns After Jumping Off 125′ Cliff At Lake Of The Ozarks

August 30, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

There have now been 5 drownings for the Month of August across Lake of the Ozarks.

The latest is a 41-year-old man who died after jumping from a 125’ cliff, at the 64 ½ mile marker of the main channel at the Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend.

The Highway Patrol’s water division says Thomas Painter of Bosworth, Missouri made the jump without a lifejacket, hit the water and never resurfaced.

There have been 11 deaths (10 were drownings) recorded since the start of August and a total of 57 since January, many on Missouri Rivers.

“We’ve got people that have died in Current River, Elk River, Meramac River, A Private Pond, Stockton Lake, Truman Lake and of course here, so I guess you can say we’ve all contributed to that number” says Captain Bob May of the No Wake Zone Boating Radio Show, “many of them were not aware of the fact that a river has some strong currents. I mean, you have a 5 mile an hour current and you won’t last very long in that without a life jacket on.”

Fort Leonard Wood Army Specialist Joshua Morrison was the latest victim of river currents, when he was killed while on a Kayaking trip on the Gasconade River.

May says that the biggest issue involved in all of these water related deaths were boating and water safety education “You know these days it’s so easy to get boating and water safety education, there’s websites….in person trainings and there’s just so many ways you can get trained. It doesn’t take long…you can do it at home, on your cellphone, tablet, laptop…whatever. And we need more education now more than ever.”

The Highway Patrol reminds boaters, swimmers and kayakers alike….everyone should remember to wear a life jacket whenever you’re entering the water and it is the law if you’re 7 years or younger, or you’re riding on a PWC.

MO COVID 19 State Of Emergency Enacted In March 2020 Ends After New One Takes It’s Place

August 28, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

As one State of Emergency for the Show Me State comes to an end, another takes it place.

Governor Mike Parson officially ending the original State of Emergency on Friday, after it had been in effect since March 13, 2020.

However Parson issued Executive Order 21-09 short after, a more targeted State of Emergency declaration acknowledging the continued needs of Missouri’s health care system.

This new State of Emergency invokes the Governor’s emergency powers and activates the Missouri National Guard for continued mission support in recovery operations, if needed.

The order also keeps in place telehealth, and it allows state agencies to request waiver of certain statutory and regulatory requirements that would otherwise hinder the state’s response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Richland High School Requests Masks Back In Class

August 27, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

A Lake area school is heading back to class with Masks.

Officials in the Richland School High School are putting the requirements back in place, after more than 20% of students and staff were required to quarantine after coming in contact with an infected individual.

Officials at Lebanon R-3 recently agreed to allow masks in school, but they remain optional for staff and students.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has vowed to sue any school district that institutes a mask mandate, even if cases are spreading at high rate.

***Editors note: This story was edited to remove a statement that Lebanon R3 Schools is requiring masks….the masks are “optional” for staff and students in the district, not required.

3rd Soldier In 2 Weeks Dies At Fort Leonard Wood

August 27, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Another soldier from Fort Leonard Wood has been found dead, making it 3 deaths in just two weeks.

Officials say 34-year-old Staff Sargent Robert Early died unexpectedly on Monday.

Early was the NCOIC of emergency services at the General Leonard Wood Army Hospital.

His death follows the death of 21-year-old Specialist Joshua Morrison, who was found in the Gasconade River after going on a Kayak Trip of which he never returned from.

Morrison’s death was followed by the death of 18-year-old Private Jamal Rogers, who was found with a gunshot wound inside a barracks last Friday.

No foul play was suspected with Rogers’s death, but an investigation remains ongoing.

Several Lake Area Residents Win In MO COVID Vaccine Lottery

August 27, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

Several area residents are picking up cash and scholarships in the first round of the Missouri COVID 19 vaccine lottery.

According to the state, Rian Cerny of Roach, Jessie Detherage of Phillipsburg, John Herron of Lebanon and Adam Howe of Warsaw all picked up a $10,000 Cash Prize.

Thomas Orozco of Montreal was the only local scholarship winner and he will receive $10,000 towards an education savings account.

Officials say the state will award 900 individuals throughout the incentive program, which will end with a final drawing in October.

Justice For Survivors Act Works To Improve Resources For Victims Of Sexual Assault

August 27, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

The Justice For Survivors Act is one of four pillars of new legislation in Missouri that’s working to improve resources for the victims of sexual assault.

This includes making a forensic exam easier to get to, for some victims.

“What the Justice for Survivors Act does, is it establishes a statewide telehealth network…for that forensic exam…so that they can do it in their hometown” says Republican State Senator Holly Rehder, “we have people from law enforcement, people from forensic labs, we have lawmakers, we have medical professionals….what we wanted to is assemble a group of folks that touch these areas.”

She tells KRMS News before the legislation passed in Missouri last year, victims sometimes had to travel two hours to get a forensic exam.

She also says girls and women aren’t the only victims of sexual abuse “for a whole mired of reasons, Men don’t tell…more so than Women don’t, or boys more than girls.”

Rehder says work’s being done to make sure rape victim Collection Kits stay current.

She’s on the 13-member Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force.

Rehder is conducting a Survey at surveymonkey.com/r/MORightsTaskForce

******Message from the Senator.

#metoo

I’ve stopped sleeping at night. Our constant news cycle bringing the realization of all that’s been going on in the entertainment industry has kept my brain from any possibility of rest. Don’t get me wrong, the exposure of sexual abuse is exactly what’s needed. My sleeping problems seem to be because I know there’s so much more than the entertainment industry that must be addressed to bring healing and change. My own past and the non-traditional way that I was raised begs me to speak to other areas holding this great evil.

As a child, we traveled a lot. Moving so frequently that my age is usually foggy in memories. I seem to judge time better by which town we lived in and what grade I was in at the time. Because of this, summer months are particularly difficult to really pin down.

The summer I was 10, I believe, we lived in a trailer in Morehouse. My mother didn’t drink, smoke, or do illegal drugs, but she would hang out in the bars with my aunt a lot because the bars had air conditioning and kind men would buy her a Pepsi. She was incredibly beautiful but very much needed the attention.

She always had a boyfriend. Most of the time they lived with us and she went from one to the next, typically breaking the heart of the one who was headed out. Almost always turning into fights of valor for all in the trailer park to see. I was usually glad to see the old one leave, but never excited about the new one. Morehouse was worse than usual.

It seems like it was mid-day, Mama was up at the bar and my sisters and I were just hanging out in the trailer. My older sister is two years older than me so if I was 10, she was 12, our birthdays fall on the same day. We lived in a much different culture, at this age she had already begun smoking weed and trying different things.

I will never forget this day. My mother’s boyfriend shows up, his name was Jesse, and I remember thinking it was odd because I couldn’t imagine one of her boyfriend’s letting her sit up at a bar without them.

Jesse was a big guy. He seemed to tower over us and was just larger than her typical picks. He told my sister he had just picked up some new pot and wondered if she wanted to go walking and smoke some, to which she happily agreed.

My mother returns sometime after this and asks where my sister is. I explain she left with Jesse and she freaks out. Apparently, she had broken up with him earlier at the bar because there’s someone else on the line and now demands to know why my sister went with him?

Well….we didn’t know.

And I wasn’t about to tell her she was off smoking pot.

Soon after my sister returns. Alone. And crying. Very roughed up as if she’s been in a fight in the dirt and weeds. I remember the cockleburs stuck throughout her hair.

Jesse had taken my sister walking, down the railroad tracks, where he raped her to get back at my mother.

I remember the police. I remember them talking about the hospital to have her checked and I remember them using the word “sodomy” a lot. I didn’t understand why they didn’t just go arrest him? We knew who he was. It was clear what he did to her. My young brain simply could not understand.

I had so many questions. What was “sodomy”? If she had not been high would she have been able to run? Why didn’t they just go arrest him? My mother was always over the top with emotions and this was off the charts for multiple reasons. Asking questions would only add to our trouble so I didn’t.

I looked “sodomy” up in our dictionary and then knew what all she went through. My heart broke for her.

We packed up and moved soon thereafter so to my knowledge, he was never arrested. She told. Yet there was no justice.

The summer that I was 13, my mother worked at a local club as a waitress. My little sister and I would walk to the city swimming pool everyday as Mama had some dollars from tips to keep us busy during her day shift.

Turning down our street on our walk home one day, an old brown car ripped around the corner, scaring us both, and drove very recklessly past. Before I could yell in response, they squeal to a stop in front of our house. I remember so vividly as the car door flew open and I heard my mother’s screams as they kicked her from the car into our front yard.

I ran towards the house as they peeled off and squealed down the street. I don’t remember much more than just sitting in the front yard and holding her as she screamed and cried. I’m sure the police came. I’m sure she filed a report. But she didn’t know the men who had done this to her.

Someone must have put something in her Pepsi before she got off her shift. She had started feeling disoriented as she began the walk home. Some men she had been waiting on offered her a ride instead. They didn’t take her straight home. They took her somewhere else where multiple men raped her. Then they brought her home.

To this day, I would know the car if I saw it. These are moments that never leave. They are burned into your soul.

Again, she told, yet there was no justice.

The most painful abuse to me personally came at the hands of someone I loved, and honestly, the only person in my world that I trusted. My pillar. My security. So what happens when your perpetrator is someone you’ve loved and admired your entire life?

The summer I was 11, I would eat at the DEAOC lunch program every day. Through this program two of us were selected for an area trip to 6-Flags, which was in fact, the coolest thing of all time.

Only caveat was you had to have a ride to and from a town 30 min from my home to catch the bus. I contacted my Papa and explained that I had been chosen but I had to have the ride to the bus and back. He agreed to make that happen even though we had to arrive very early and we would be getting back pretty late.

When we pulled into town it was very late and I was exhausted from a super exciting day. He told me we would just stay the night at his house before taking me the next morning the rest of the way home. No big deal. My Papa and his house had been my only steady my entire life. Being there was a good thing.

We got home, I went to my grandmother’s old room that I’d slept in on and off for years and was out like a light.

I’m not sure how long I was asleep. All that I know was it was very dark when I woke up to all that was going on to me and around me. I prayed. I kicked and I squirmed as I felt like every ounce of air had been stolen from my lungs. He left the room apologizing. I just laid there and quietly cried the rest of the night. My only security in life was not. My safe place was no longer safe. My whole world had crashed down around me and my heart was ripped in pieces lost somewhere in the rubble.

As soon as the sun came up I washed my face and brushed my hair. My things gathered from my fun day no longer brought a smile. With a stern face and a completely hollow chest I announced I had to go home right now. It was the longest, quietest drive we had ever taken.

He took me to my great aunt’s, his cousin, where I had been staying temporarily. My mother had moved to Kansas, or maybe it was Indiana. I honestly just don’t know.

Much can be said about the way my mother raised us. For someone who suffered with mental illness from many reasons, I think she probably did the best she could. She loved us. What I did learn from watching her though was that I would never be their victim. They had broken her. Mentally she succumbed to the pain of her past daily. That would not be me.

I told. I told my great aunt when I got home. Turns out she had been his victim too. When my sister called, I told her. Another person was staying at my aunt’s at the time, I told him. Neighbors who lived behind us? Yes. Told them too. Our family’s little secret was no longer in the shadows, and I be damned if he would ever feel comfortable enough to lay a hand on me – again.

But he was my Papa. And I loved him with my whole heart.

When these things happen at the hands of someone you love. You trust. It’s hard to mentally walk the landmine of feelings. I’m sure it’s different for everyone. He agreed to get help, so I agreed to quit telling. I eventually forgave him. But I never allowed my daughter to be alone with him. When he became ill with cancer, I moved in and cared for him. I know he loved me.

Should I have known and protected myself? Probably. I’m not sure how old I was when I started hearing about my mother’s sexual abuses but it always seemed to be a narrative in our home. She had been raped by and uncle and her brother since she was 4. Her mother passed at about 9 and she was put in an orphanage. She was then adopted by her great uncle and his wife. He also sexually abused her. That was my Papa. So yes. I guess I should have known. But I was 11, and in the crazy world I grew up in, he was my solid and I never once feared him.

Maybe I thought he’d found forgiveness. Looking back there were many things I now know were wrong and flashing signs. But I was a child and children trust and love unconditionally.

I grew up that day. I now understood things my mother’s words could never explain, but a story her actions told daily.

These are a few of these moments in my childhood. I’ve explained them to say I have seen and felt the devastation of sexual abuse; as a sister, as a daughter, from my own experiences, and even from the insurmountable guilt as a mother who failed at protecting my own daughter. One day maybe she will tell her own story.

I know my experiences pale in comparison to what so many go through.

We carry so much guilt and shame wondering if we would have done this or that, could the outcome have been different? There is no right or wrong response to sexual abuse. Survival comes in many forms.

I write this to say, it’s up to those of us who have been there to speak up so that the others in our lives can see they are not alone. Just as we have seen in the entertainment industry this month. When we speak up, we become a beacon of light, that safe place maybe, to those who need it. A place that maybe you didn’t have. You can now be for someone else.

There’s power in telling. Whether you receive justice or not. It’s a cleansing for your soul that words simply cannot explain. You will stand a little taller knowing that it’s no longer protected by the darkness.

For every person out there, young or old, what you are going through, or what you have been through, does not define you. Find your voice. Tell someone. Even if your abuser is someone you love. Their power lies in our silence.

But for all who simply cannot yet…for you, I say #metoo.

Heat Advisory Extended Until Friday Evening

August 27, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Lake Area won’t be catching a break from the heat after all.

The National Weather Service is extending their Heat Advisory that was expected to end Thursday.

Temperatures will continue to be near 100 degrees with heat index values reaching 105 today.

Officials remind everyone to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade and to watch for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values of around 100 to 105.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east
  central, south central, southwest and west central Missouri.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

New Over The Air Free TV Station Coming To Lake Of The Ozarks

August 27, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

There’s a new TV station coming to Lake of the Ozarks.

It’ll be called KRMS TV 32.

“The Lake of the Ozarks have never had a true, local Television station” says Viper Communications President and Co-Owner Ken Kuenzie, “we’re going to be able to provide 4 different channels, all on channel 32. One will have news content, one will have entertainment content, and we have some plans for the other channels…all focused on local community involvement.”

Kuenzie tells KRMS News the channel will be free and easy to tune in to “all you have to do is put one of those little $10 TV antennas, which you can pretty much buy anywhere, and connect it to your TV and boom you’ll have free HD TV.”

Kuenzie says he wants the TV station on the air by the end of the year.

He also says Viper Communications will be looking for local talent, and you can apply at the Osage Beach offices during business hours.

KRMS TV will be joining a family of Lake Area radio stations, including 98.7 The Cove, Classic Country 104.9, 93.5 Rocks and News / Talk KRMS, AM 1150 – FM 97.5 & 103.3.

New TV Press Release

Investigation Continues Into Another Soldier’s Death At Fort Leonard Wood

August 26, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

An investigation remains underway in the death of an 18-year-old Army Solider stationed at Fort Leonard Wood.

Officials say Private Jamal Rogers of Conyers Georgia, was found dead from a gunshot wound on August 20^th inside of a barracks complex.

It’s unknown at this time how he received that gunshot wound.

Rogers entered the Army in July of this year, assigned to the 2^nd Battalion and the 10^th Infantry Regiment.

Both the Fort Leonard Wood Law Enforcement team and the US Army Criminal Investigation command are investigating, however both agencies say no foul play is suspected at this time.

Just a few weeks ago another Solider died, after going on a Kayaking trip on the Gasconade river.

His body was recovered several days after he had been reported missing.

******Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Aug. 24, 2021) A Fort Leonard Wood Soldier was found unresponsive Monday, Aug. 23, at approximately 3 p.m. at a training area here, according to Fort Leonard Wood’s Directorate of Emergency Services.

Emergency personnel arrived on scene within minutes and transported the Soldier by ambulance to the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital where the Soldier was pronounced deceased at 7:32 p.m. by GLWACH personnel.

The Soldier, Staff Sgt. Robert Early, 34, whose home of record is listed as Gifford, Illinois, was a combat medic with Fort Leonard Wood’s General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our teammate, Staff Sgt. Robert Early. As a committed Soldier, medic, friend and valued member of our team, his loss is not just felt within our formation, but across the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood and our Army,” said Maj. Gen. James Bonner, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general. “As we mourn Staff Sgt. Early’s passing, our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the GLWACH team during this difficult time.”

An investigation surrounding the circumstances of this incident is ongoing.

Two Separate Murder Trials Continue In Laclede County

August 26, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

Two separate murder trials are still underway in Laclede County.

In the trial of 31-year-old Shane Patrick Norman, accused of murdering Nathan Young in October 2020, a case review has been scheduled for October 18^th.

Norman plead “not guilty” during his arraignment back in May.

In the trial of Kevin Ryan Kayden, accused of killing his girlfriend Laquita Williams, a trial date has been set for November 29^th.

Kayden was scheduled to have a trial this past Monday, however the state prosecutor requested a continuance due to contracting COVID 19.

Gas Prices Start To Come Down Across The Ozarks Highways

August 26, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Gas prices around the Lake Area below $2.80 per gallon of regular unleaded as summer winds down.

In Osage Beach the average is around $2.76 per gallon, in Camdenton you can find regular unleaded for as low as $2.65 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com.

The Missouri average ahead of Labor Day is $2.83 per gallon and the lowest price found is $2.36 per gallon.

The highest average price for a gallon of regular is $4.39 in California.

Dangerous Heat Wave Continues Across The Ozarks

August 24, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Over the next several days the Lake Area will remain in a heat advisory.

The air temperature during the day may be around the mid-to-upper 90s, but the heat index will make it feel more like 106 – or more.

“You combine the heat and humidity and your body behaves as if the air temperature is what the heat index temperature is, so if you have an air temperature of 95 degrees but the head index is say…105….your body can only cool itself as if the air temperature was 105 degrees” says meteorologist Ray Miller with the Weatherology Weather Center.

Miller also says the risk for heat-related illness goes up considerably it can get even hotter if your in a parked car “You can see temperatures climbing well into the 100s inside of a car. It’s easy to get up to 140 even 150 degrees, within a matter of minutes…and that’s going to be fatal for just about anybody.”

A Heat Advisory’s in effect for Lake of the Ozarks and most of Mid-Missouri through Thursday night at 7.

From the national weather service:

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Daily afternoon and evening heat index values of 100 to
  106 are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east
  central, south central, southwest and west central Missouri.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This will be a prolonged heat wave that
  will last through most of the week.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Camdenton Schools Respond To American Flag Issue During Jamboree

August 24, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Camdenton R-3 School Board is making a statement after accusations on social media a football player was told he could not fly the American Flag before Friday night’s football jamboree.

The Missouri State High School Athletic Association has confirmed they had no presence at the game, but the school district says a player holding an American flag was told to get out of the street by an unnamed school official.

A release sent out Monday confirms some students were then reminded by the official that MSHSAA prohibits political statements at MSHSAA events.

But it’s not clear why.

Camdenton R-3 says it will always support the flag and it also points out the National Anthem is played before athletic events.

Solders At Fort Leonard Wood And Other Bases To Be Required To Take COVID Vaccine

August 24, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

If you’re unvaccinated and you’re serving at Fort Leonard Wood, you will soon be required to take the COVID vaccine.

With the FDA’s stamp of approval on the Pfizer vaccine, Pentagon officials say they are going ahead with a plan to require all active-duty military personnel to receive the shot.

A Pentagon spokesman said Monday that guidance is being developed and a timeline will be provided in the coming days.

Officials with Fort Leonard Wood expect that to begin within the next few weeks.

Mayor Of Lake Ozark Advocates For Alternative COVID 19 Medicine

August 24, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The Mayor of Lake Ozark is calling it a ‘Hail Mary’ while taking an alternative medication to a friend hospitalized with COVID-19.

On a post since deleted off of Dennis Newberry’s Mayoral Facebook Page, he says he’s procured an unknown amount of the drug ‘ivermectin’ (Eye-ver-meh-ctin), and he’s taking it to a Central Missouri hospital in hopes the medical staff will administer the drug.

The mayor says in the post if he does nothing, his friend will die and he asks for prayers and support in the comment section.

KRMS News is reaching out to the Mayor to learn more about why Newberry is choosing ‘ivermectin’ for his friend, who keeps a boat at a Lake Ozark marina but lives in Cuba, Missouri.

We’ll pass along more details when possible on KRMS.

Here are some screen shots of the post and comments before it was taken down.

Heat Advisory In Effect Through Thursday Across The Lake Area

August 23, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Heat index values are expected to hit 100 to 106 degrees across the region today through Thursday, which is why the National Weather service has issued a Heat Advisory.

Weather officials say it’s important to keep an eye on the elderly during this time, double check to make sure their air condition is functioning properly and remember to drink plenty of water.

You should take proper precautions such as drinking plenty of water, taking frequent breaks in the shade and monitor yourself for any heat related issues.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM CDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 105 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east
  central, south central, southwest and west central Missouri.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Lebanon Attorney Pleads Guilty To Tax Violations In Federal Court

August 21, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A Lebanon Attorney with ties to the Lake Area is pleading guilty in Federal court, to charges of tax and labor violations.

According to court documents, 35-year-old Meagan Howe admitted that she withheld just over $15,000 in federal taxes from her employees’ paychecks at Garner and Howe Law Firm and Missouri Law Firm in 2019, but failed to turn that over to the IRS.

She also admitted that she failed to pay an additional $10,285 in employment taxes.

Additionally, Howe stated she falsely prepared and submitted 2018 tax returns for herself and her husband.

Howe accepted a plea deal, in which she must pay restitution to the IRS, the Missouri Department of Revenue and the individual victims in her case.

She also faces up to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

****Release from the FEDS:

Lebanon Tax Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax and Labor Violations

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Lebanon, Missouri, attorney has pleaded guilty in federal court to tax and labor violations.

Meagan M. Howe, also known as Meagan M. Hasty, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Thursday, Aug. 19, to one count of failure to pay employment tax and one count of making a false representation related to an employee benefit plan.

Howe owns and operates Conquer the Divide, LLC. She is also the past owner and operator of Garner and Howe Law Firm; Missouri Law Firm, LLC; and Just Ask Howe Tax Advocacy Services, LLC.

Howe admitted that she withheld a total of $15,019 in federal taxes from her employees’ paychecks at Garner and Howe Law Firm and Missouri Law Firm, LLC in 2019, but failed to turn them over to the IRS. Howe further admitted that she failed to pay an additional $10,285 in employment taxes for the businesses in 2019.

Howe also admitted that she falsely prepared and submitted 2018 tax returns for herself and her husband. By filing separate returns that each claimed “Head of Household” status, she was able to fraudulently receive $3,775 earned income tax credits.

Howe also admitted that she failed to transmit $3,111 in contributions to an employee pension plan. Howe then falsely reported there was not a failure to transmit contributions to her employee pension plan.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Howe must pay restitution to the IRS, the Missouri Department of Revenue and individual victims.

Under federal statutes, Howe is subject to a sentence of up to 10 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 Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, and the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Classes On Livestock Grazing Management Offered By MU Extension For Lake Area Farmers

August 21, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Advanced classes on grazing management for livestock producers in the Lake Area and around Missouri are now being offered thanks to a grant from the U-S Department of Agriculture.

One of the focus topics is soil health….

“There’s been a big nationwide interest in improving that, and even defining what that is” says Gene Schmitz with the MU Extension, “so we’ll spend some time discussing that, and we’ll spend time on feed quality and the supplementation that we may need to provide to improve an animal’s diet.”

Schmitz tells KRMS News the courses can also help livestock producers handling animals beyond cattle, like goats, sheep and horses.

Registration deadline for the classes is September 3^rd and you can contact the University of Missouri Extension for more details.

****MU Extension event:

SEDALIA, Mo. – MU Extension regional specialists have recently received a USDA/NRCS Conservation Partnership grant focused on increasing the knowledge and skills of livestock producers in the area of grazing management. As part of the grant, these specialists have developed a Prescribed Grazing: Advanced Management School to assist producers in continuing their education in the area of forage and grazing management.

These advanced schools build upon the principles taught in the regional grazing schools jointly sponsored by MU Extension, NRCS, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) throughout the state of Missouri. Unlike the regional grazing schools, these advanced schools do not qualify participants for NRCS or SWCD cost-share programs.

The advanced school combines inside programs with field activities to expand on topics that, due to time constraints, are not covered in the regional cost-share schools. Topics in the advanced school include: Pasture and Weed Identification and Control, Alternative Forages, Tall Fescue Stockpiling and Alkaloid Management, Soil Health in Forage Systems, Forage Quality and Supplementation, and Pasture, Range, and Forage Insurance.

Field activities include Pasture Assessments, Forage Allocation, Animal Body Condition Scoring, Forage and Soil Sampling, and Plant and Weed Identification. The on-farm activities will include discussions with experienced graziers on how they manage their various livestock enterprises and forage types.

The next advanced school is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 15 at the Hampton Inn in Sedalia, MO. The program is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Registration is due by Friday, September 3. Contact the Pettis County Extension Center at pettisco@missouri.edu or by calling (660) 827-0591 more information or to register for the program. On-line registration is available by contacting the Extension Center and requesting the registration link. This program is sponsored by MU Extension and USDA/NRCS and is open to all.

Campground Law Could Protect Owners And Employees In The Future

August 21, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash

A new law that’s going into effect next week will be giving Campground owners more protection.

The law slated to start August 28^th says that “If an injury or death occurs from an inherent risk of camping, campground owners and employees will be protected from lawsuits.”

The law however would not protect a campground, or its employees, if there is a lack of warning signs.

****Full details:

The Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (MOARC) and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) announced the signing of Missouri House Bill 369, which both groups supported, into law by Mo. Gov. Mike Parson.

The “inherent risk” bill specifically offers owners, operators and employees of campgrounds and RV parks protection from frivolous lawsuits when an injury or death occurs as a result of an inherent risk of camping. The bill does not shield a campground or its employees when injuries result from willful or wanton disregard for safety, and clearly outlines the types of warning signs that operators are required to post.

ARVC supplied MOARC with the model language for the bill that was amended as it went through the process. ARVC and MOARC leaders also testified before the Senate Committee and negotiated with trial attorneys and insurance associations, reaching a compromise on wording that alleviated possible opposition, adding an exception if a park “fails to use that degree of care that an ordinarily careful and prudent person would use under the same or similar circumstances.”

“This is industry unity at its best! It is a big win for our industry and shows the strength of state organizations and National ARVC working together,” said Paul Bambei, ARVC President and CEO. “This bill is an extremely important piece of legislation for our industry, and it couldn’t have happened without the hard work of everyone involved. I want to especially thank Larry Helms for leading this campaign for the campground owners in Missouri, Kyna Iman for her insightful lobbying efforts and our own Jeff Sims for his tireless effort to bring this legislation to fruition.”

Wisconsin was the first state to pass an inherent risk bill in 2016, and that bill has served as a guide for other states looking to pass similar legislation. Other inherent risk bills introduced in 2021 that ARVC is supporting are in Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Ohio and Texas.

Body Of Fort Wood Solider Missing Since Sunday Found In The River

August 20, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The body of a Fort Leonard Wood Solider who went missing last Sunday has been found in the Gasconade River.

According to sources, the body of Specialist Joshua Morrison was found Thursday morning during the 2^nd day of search and rescue operations.

Morrison had been on a Kayaking trip with friends on Sunday, but sources say he decided to go off on his own.

Later in the week family and friends reported that he hadn’t spoken to them and no one had seen him.

During a search on Wednesday, officials say they found his Kayak and a backpack by the riverside.

The investigation into his death remains ongoing.

Ameren Offers Customers Free Nest Digital Thermostats

August 20, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash

If you’re looking to save money on heating and cooling and you’re an Ameren Customer, you’re in luck.

Ameren is offering families free Nest Digital Thermostats, provided they connect to a new system that’s aimed at helping to reduce demands on the energy grid.

The offer is available until October 11^th and all customers need to do is apply, enroll in the Peak Time Savings program and pay the sales tax for the device.

You can visit http://AmerenMissouri.com/ZeroDollarNest for more information.

The Nest thermostat retails around $129.

****More info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

$0 Nest Thermostat can save customers an average of 15% on cooling costs

Ameren Missouri and Google partner to give away energy-saving thermostats for a limited time

JEFFERSON CITY (Aug. 19, 2021) – Families across central Missouri now have easier access to a cutting-edge, energy-saving device. The Nest Thermostat makes homes more energy efficient and saves customers an average of 15% on cooling costs, according to an independent study conducted by ENERGY STAR.

For a limited time, Ameren Missouri customers can get the Nest Thermostat at no cost other than the required sales tax. This offer is possible thanks to instant discounts and required enrollment in the Peak Time Savings program. To get a $0 Nest, customers can visit AmerenMissouri.com/ZeroDollarNest. Normal retail price for the Nest Thermostat is $129.

“Families will begin saving money almost immediately after installing the Nest Thermostat, and it’s important to us to make this advanced technology accessible to more of our customers,” said Shelly Harmon, manager of residential energy efficiency programs at Ameren Missouri. “The Nest Thermostat gives customers much more control while increasing energy efficiency.”

The Nest Thermostat features a thin, sleek design with a sharp display that lights up when it sees you coming. It learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week. The Nest Thermostat also works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice control, giving you a hands-free way to adjust your thermostat. Users can easily program and control the thermostat with the Google Home app. Nest also sends helpful maintenance reminders to replace air filters and can help catch many system issues early.

Recipients of the Nest Thermostat must enroll in the Peak Time Savings program. During the summer, the program will occasionally run an event that manages the customer’s cooling schedule to reduce the runtime of HVAC systems when demand for energy is highest. To ensure comfort, Ameren Missouri will precool the customers’ homes when energy demand is low. Customers are always in control of their thermostat and can adjust the temperature if the home feels too warm. The required enrollment in Peak Time Savings ensures customers can keep benefitting from a smart thermostat installation and receive a $25 incentive annually.

The $0 Nest Thermostat offer is just one component of Ameren Missouri’s residential energy efficiency program. Customers also have the power to save on LED lightbulbs, HVAC systems and other products that use less energy. Find more ways to save at AmerenMissouriSavings.com.

Visit AmerenMissouri.com/ZeroDollarNest for full details. This offer is available until Oct. 11, 2021, or while supplies last.

About Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company’s electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri’s mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company’s service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

Numerous New Laws Set To Go Into Effect Across Missouri

August 19, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is offering details on several new laws that are about to go into effect in the Lake Area and around Missouri.

Beginning August 28^th, respiratory chokeholds are being prohibited by law enforcement officers, unless they’re defending themselves or another person from serious physical injury or death.

Starting March 1^st of next year, law enforcement agencies will be reporting use-of-force incidents involving police officers to a data base run by the FBI.

On March 1^st 2023, the Department of Public Safety will then report the data on use of force incidents to the public.

New laws are also set to go into effect that will require law enforcement officer to have their mental health examined once every three to five years.

The Critical Incident Stress Management Program will also offer services to law enforcement officers who have responded to a critical incident or emotionally difficult event.

A fund for those resources is being set up within the State Treasury to help pay for consultation, risk assessment, education and any other crisis intervention measures necessary.

Also, if you’re convicted of human trafficking in the state of Missouri, you will not be making a living by driving a commercial vehicle.

A lifetime ban for all human trafficking convicts goes into effect August 28^th.

And a Missouri fuel tax of 2.5 cents per gallon goes into effect in October, and that will keep going up another 2.5 cents each fiscal year until it reaches 12.5 cents by July 1, 2025.

Missouri Unemployment Continues To Remain Under National Levels

August 19, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

The Missouri jobs report shows close to 84-thousand jobs being added to the state’s economy from July 2020 through July of this year.

Around 15-thousand jobs were added in Missouri last month for an unemployment rate of 4.2-percent, a tenth-of-a-percent decrease from June.

Significant gains were seen in both goods-producing and service-providing industries.

The national unemployment rate for July was 5.4-percent.

That means Missouri’s unemployment rate has been below the national unemployment rate in every month since February of 2020, just as the pandemic was ramping up.

****Official report:

July 2021 Monthly Jobs Report
Missouri adds 15,000 jobs over the month

Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased from June 2021 to July 2021, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 15,000 jobs over the month, with job gains in both goods-producing and service-providing industries. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in July 2021, down from 4.3 percent in June 2021. Recovery from COVID-19-related layoffs continued with an increase of more than 83,900 jobs from July 2020 to July 2021. Short-term shortages of semiconductor chips may hold down employment in manufacturing in the next few months and the emergence of the delta variant of COVID-19 may impact longer-term growth.

UNEMPLOYMENT

Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point in July 2021, dropping to 4.2 percent from the June 2021 rate of 4.3 percent. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic now more than a year in the past, the July 2021 rate was 2.6 percentage points lower than the July 2020 rate. The rate had reached a low of 3.1 percent starting in July 2018, before gradually edging up to 3.5 percent by the end of 2019, and then to 3.7 percent in March 2020. The COVID-19 effect hit in April 2020, spiking the rate to 12.5 percent for that month. The rate decreased monthly for the rest of 2020, reaching 4.4 percent in December, and continued gradually downward through the first four months of 2021. The increase of two-tenths of a percentage point from April 2021 to June 2021over the last two months appeared to be related to a temporary shortage in the supply of semiconductor chips, which caused production slowdowns in some manufacturing industries.

Due to benchmark revisions, Missouri’s unemployment rate rose a tenth of a percentage point higher than the national rate in January and February of 2020, but has been below the national rate for every month since February 2020. The national unemployment rate decreased from 5.9 percent in June 2021 to 5.4 percent in July 2021. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 128,685 in July 2021, down by 4,639 from June’s 133,324.

The state’s not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate also decreased in July 2021, dropping by 1.2 percentage points to 3.9 percent from the June 2021 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 5.1 percent. The decrease resulted from the recall of manufacturing workers from short-term layoff. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for July 2021 was 5.7 percent.

A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 6.8 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 7.3 percent.

Read the full report at https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report.

Lake Area Loses Population According To 2020 US Census

August 19, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The two most populated counties in the Lake Area are falling in population, according to the 2020 U-S Census.

The numbers show Camden County’s population dropping 2.9-percent for a total of just over 42-thousand seven hundred people.

Miller County’s population fell point-one-percent to a total of more than 24-thousand seven hundred residents.

But it’s a different story to the south and southwest.

The census shows Laclede County increasing its population by 1.3-percent to just over 36-thousand people.

Pulaski County had the greatest increase in the region with close to 17-hundred people showing up – that’s an increase of 3.2-percent over the 2010 Census.

Data by county:

In The Lake Area

Just Outside The Lake Area

Camdenton School Board Rejects Over $8 Million In Federal COVID Funds

August 18, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Over $8 million dollars in Federal COVID relief funds are being rejected by the Camdenton School Board.

In a special session Tuesday night, school board officials gathered to discuss whether or not to accept the money, with a majority voting no….making it 4 no and 2 yes votes.

Many stated that the strings attached to the money were too much to bear for the school district and that they’ve already planned out money for other projects before it was offered.

You can watch the full meeting below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRE2Hq7gwrA

Two Miller County Residents Convicted Of Drug Charges Lose Over $46,000 Dollars

August 18, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Two people convicted of drug offenses in Miller County are learning crime does not pay behind bars.

Ricky Distler and Kelley Raney are losing a combined $46-hundred fifty-six dollars and change because of a statute in the state of Missouri.

“The money is seized during a search warrant, or a traffic stop. Under Missouri law we’re able to take that money and seize it through a separate civil action. That money gets distributed back to the state and it’s sent to schools and places like that” says Miller County Prosecutor Benjamin Winfrey. , “So the money had been seized for some time…but what just happened is the judge finally granted our request to forfeit that money…so that it’s taken from those defendants, forever, and then distributed back into the community.”

He tells KRMS News similar statutes are found in other states in the U-S and there’s also a Federal version of Missouri’s Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act.

Distler will be losing more than $21-hundred seventy dollars.

Raney will forfeit just over $24-hundred dollars.

Winfrey says only money connected to drug convictions can be taken by the state via the CAFA statute.

KC Man Missing Since Sunday Drowns At Lake Of The Ozarks

August 18, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A Kansas City Man who’s been missing since Sunday has been found dead after drowning at the Lake of the Ozarks.

According to the Highway Patrol’s Water Division, 55-year-old James Jensen was found floating in a cove, just off the 9.5 Mile Marker of the Main Channel on Tuesday morning.

No further details as to how he ended up in the water have been released, but an investigation is now underway.

Fort Wood Officials Need Help Finding Missing Solider

August 18, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A Specialist from Fort Leonard Wood is missing and leaders are asking for help in finding him.

Officials say Joshua Morrison disappeared near Ruby’s Landing wile Kayaking on the Gasconade River.

First responders and special agents have been working with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office, conducting search and rescue operations along that area of the riverbank.

If you are anyone you know may have information on his whereabouts, please contact law enforcement or Fort Leonard Wood immediately.

US Interstate System Celebrates 65 Years With America’s First Interstate I-70 In Missouri

August 18, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

It’s been 65 years since Missouri became the first state in the U-S to move ahead with plans for what we now know as the interstate system.

The Show Me State was the first to award interstate construction contracts after President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act in August 1956.

Those initial contracts triggered the construction of I-44 in Laclede County and also I-70 in St. Charles County.

Today, Missouri’s 14-hundred miles of interstate are driven by 21.5 million vehicles each year.

Eugene Boy Wins Goat Parade At MO State Fair

August 17, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A Lake area boy is celebrating a big win at the Missouri State Fair.

Thomas Limbauch of Eugene is blind, but that didn’t stop him from working to lead his 90-pound Goat around the ring to wind a Reserve Grand Champion Honors.

Limbauch says he may not be able to see the ring, but thanks to help from his spotter he’s able to walk it perfectly.

Thomas is a member of the Spring Garden 4-H Club and he works on his family’s Hog farm, but Limbauch says he finds Goats more enjoyable to work alongside.

Limbach’s goat will be among the 16 sale items in Saturday’s “Sale of Champions” in which proceeds benefit Youth in Agriculture Scholarships.

****Press release:

(SEDALIA, Mo.) – Rylee Anderson, daughter of Brad and Lori Anderson, is the exhibitor of the 2021 Grand Champion Market Goat at the Missouri State Fair. Rylee is from Chillicothe, and is a member of the Liberty 4-H Club. Rylee’s prize-winning goat weighed 79 pounds.

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat honor went to Thomas Limbach of Eugene. He is the son of Dennis and Tayla Limbach and is a member of the Spring Garden 4-H Club. Thomas’s market goat weighed 90 pounds.

On Aug. 21, both Rylee and Thomas will sell their market goats in two of 16 lots offered in the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions. Proceeds from the annual sale benefit both the winning exhibitors and the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture (YIA) Scholarship Program, administered by the Missouri State Fair Foundation.

Many livestock exhibitors will work toward earning a place in the ring at the time-honored Sale of Champions Auction. Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Steers, Barrows, Lambs, Meat Goats, Pens of Chickens and Pens of Rabbits will be featured in the auction, along with the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Hams and Bacons. The Sale will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall. The entire auction will be broadcast live by KMMO radio online and video streamed live by Carter Media at midvid.com. Updates and interviews will be available on KMZU the Farm, 100.7. FM. The auction will also be live on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Facebook page and live online bidding will be available via LiveAuctions.tv . For more information regarding online bidding please visit the State Fair website.

Through the generous support of YIA sponsors and the Missouri State Fair Foundation, the Missouri State Fair is able to award scholarships each year to Missouri youth. Last year, thirty-four $1,500 scholarships, one supreme $2,500 scholarship, sponsored by Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners/Sydenstricker Genetics, four supreme $2,500 scholarships, sponsored by the Missouri State Fair Foundation and one $5,000 platinum scholarship offered by YIA supporters were awarded to youth across Missouri. Since 1992, the YIA committee has awarded $797,500 in scholarships.

A complete listing of the 2020 YIA sponsors is available on the Fair’s website. A listing of the 2021 sponsors will be posted soon. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor this year, or receiving more information about sponsorship, can visit the Fair’s website, or contact Chuck Miller at 573-881-3589, Rodney Heimer at 217-257-6182, Sharon Topliff at 573-353-0543 or Mike Williams at 816-797-5450.

Two Major Recalls Underway – Shrimp & Hot Dog Buns

August 17, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Two major recalls are now underway for food you may have in your kitchen.

The first involves a massive recall of numerous brands of frozen shrimp, due to a salmonella outbreak.

The second involves hot dog and hamburger buns made by Hostess Brands.

Officials say it’s best to throw it out or return it for a full refund immediately.

****Shrimp Recall:

SALMONELLA OUTBREAK: Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled frozen cooked shrimp. Throw them away or return them to the store.

Recalled shrimp were sold under multiple brand names:

• 365

• Ahold

• Big River

• Censea

• Chicken of the Sea

• CWNO

• First Street

• Food Lion

• Hannaford

• Harbor Banks

• Honest Catch

• HOS

• Meijer

• Nature’s Promise

• Open Acres

• Sandbar

• Sea Cove

• Waterfront Bistro

• Wellsley Farms

• WFNO

Check the outbreak update for more information about the recall: https://bit.ly/3vXoWer.

****Hostess Recall:

Company Announcement

Hostess Brands, LLC (“Hostess Brands”) is voluntarily recalling certain Hostess® Soft White Hamburger Buns and Soft White Hot Dog Buns due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella. Hostess Brands is recalling the impacted products out of an abundance of caution after becoming aware of this issue from its co-manufacturer, Best Harvest Bakeries, through Best Harvest Bakeries’ environmental monitoring program. To date, Hostess Brands has received no reports of illness related to this issue.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.

This recall is limited to the following Hostess® Soft White Hamburger Buns and Soft White Hot Dog Buns, which were sold to distributors, convenience stores, and other retail stores throughout the United States. See which ones are affected here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall-hostessr-hamburger-buns-hot-dog-buns-due-possible-health-risks

As Best Harvest Bakeries only manufactures certain Hostess® hamburger buns and hot dog buns for Hostess Brands, no other Hostess® products are affected, including Hostess® bread and bagel products.

Consumers who have purchased an affected product are urged to immediately dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact 1-800-483-7253 and also visit www.hostesscakes.com External Link Disclaimer.

Columbia Man Involved In Wild Chase Identified As Kenneth Rybolt

August 17, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Lake Ozark police are releasing the name of a Columbia man accused of trying to steal multiple cars, including a police car, and a PWC on Saturday.

But the whole thing started with a call from Kohl’s Department Store about shoplifting.

“This one was a little bit more bizarre, it involved a lot more people and it was a whole lot more dangerous than a typical shoplifting call” says Lake Ozark Police Chief Gary Launderville.

He tells KRMS News when officers got to Kohl’s 26-year-old Kenneth Rybolt rammed a police car and headed toward Bagnell Dam before crashing into another car “it just showed he had no regard for anybody’s safety, including his own.”

Rybolt was arrested after the first crash, but he broke free inside the patrol car he was put in – and then took off in that car “we have a plexiglass sliding window in our cage in the car, and he was able to kick that hard enough and was able to get it unlocked. Then he climbed through the window and even once he was able to get away in the police car it was very evident that he wanted to get away because he event tried to steal the jet ski.”

Investigators say Rybolt then crashed the police car near Porta Cima and then tried to steal a PWC before he was found under a dock in the lake.

Rybolt’s facing numerous charges, including First Degree Assault, Resisting Arrest and Escaping from Custody While Under Arrest.

*********More info:

Kenneth Rybolt, 26, of Columbia, is facing multiple Miller County and Camden County charges after a wild vehicle chase Saturday afternoon that ended with the suspect apprehended in the lake.

The charges from both counties resulted because the chase began in Lake Ozark/Miller County and ended in Camden County. He is currently being held in Miller County Jail.

Rybolt is facing Miller County charges of:

•First degree assault or attempt – serious physical injury.

•Resisting arrest/detention/stop by fleeing and creating a substantial risk or serious injury/death.

Camden County charges include:

•First degree assault or attempt – serious physical injury.

•Two charges of tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree.

•Resisting arrest/detention/stop by fleeing and creating a substantial risk or serious injury/death.

•Escaping or attempting to escape from custody while under arrest for a felony.

•Careless and imprudent driving involving an accident.

•Burglary in the second degree.

•Tampering with an airplane/motorboat in the first degree.

•Property damage in the second degree.

The scenario

A little after 3 p.m. today, Saturday, the Lake Ozark Police Department responded to a call of shoplifting at Kohl’s Department Store in Eagles’ Landing.

The reporting party was an employee just getting off work and was in the parking lot when he called the LOPD. The reporting party was being followed by the suspect into the Marcus Theatre parking lot. Two of the LOPD officers arrived, blocked in the suspect car (later determined to be stolen from Columbia a week prior) when the suspect rammed one of LOPD cars and got away.

The pursuit ensued on Bagnell Dam Blvd. where the suspect hit another vehicle in traffic head-on in the Break Time/JB Hooks area. The suspect then left the scene and drove down past the post office and instead of turning into Woods Supermarket, drove straight off the roadway, down an incline and then went off the first layer of the cliff above the Rt. MM highway, stopping just short of going off the cliff onto MM highway.

The suspect got out of car, ran to the MM stoplight, attempted to carjack a car at the stoplight and was finally apprehended by one of our officers and Miller County deputy. The suspect was handcuffed behind his back and shackled around his ankles and placed in the back seat of our car. Somehow the suspect was able to get his hands from behind his back (still cuffed), broke the cage partition and was able to climb in the driver’s seat and took off with the LOPD car over the Community Toll Bridge.

A Miller County deputy and an LOPD officer had to run back up the hill to the Miller County squad car since they did not have sight of the LOPD car. In the meantime, Camden County received a call from a resident in Porto Cima that a LOPD car was crashed and the suspect attempted to steal their car. The suspect also broke into an unoccupied house in that neighborhood, stole a key for a personal watercraft and was attempting to steal that PWC when the Missouri State Water Patrol pulled up. The suspect jumped into the water and was trying to hide under a dock. An LOPD officer jumped into the water and re-apprehended the suspect (still cuffed and shackled).

“Thankfully, no one was injured in this entire incident. We have two cars with damage,” Police Chief Gary Launderville said.

The stolen car from Columbia is totaled and full of property that has probably been stolen, according to the chief. The car that was hit head-on by the suspect has extensive damage. Those people were checked out by medics and released.

Both Miller and Camden County will be getting statements of probably cause from the LOPD and both prosecutors are expected to file numerous charges.

Columbia Police Department has been contacted and is familiar with the suspect.

Catalytic Converters Stolen From Missouri Department Of Conservation

August 16, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

More reports of catalytic converters being stolen are coming into the KRMS News room.

This time it was vehicles owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation that were targeted.

Officials say the vehicles that were hit were parked on river accesses in Pulaski and Laclede Counties.

The MDC says law enforcement has already followed up on 11 reports of catalytic converter thefts from MDC access sites in both counties since June alone.

Food Stamp Benefits Raised By 25% For Residents Nationwide

August 16, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Residents who receive snap benefits are getting a permanent 25% increase.

President Biden approving the increase, which will start in October, the largest increase in the program’s history.

The boost is part of the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, which will boost the per-person pay from $121 to $157 a month.

The move comes as activists across the nation were pushing for higher snap benefits because the cost of healthier foods was rising faster than poorer families could keep up with.

16 People Sent To Department Of Corrections Out Of Pulaski County

August 14, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

16 People are being sentenced to the Department of Corrections following court proceedings in Pulaski County.

Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hillman tells KRMS News that one of those individuals is Misty Zerr of Dixon, who violated terms of her probation for leaving the scene of an accident and was sentenced to 2 years behind bars.

Another includes Lela Ransome of Crocker, who violated her probation for the possession of a controlled substance.

She will serve a 3-year sentence.

Also sentenced for 7 years was Cody West of Richland, for violating a probation for forgery.

***More information on the 16:

PRESS RELEASE

8/12/2021

16 Offenders Sentenced to the Department of Corrections

Kevin Hillman, Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney announces that the following defendants were sentenced to terms of imprisonment in the Missouri Department of Corrections in Circuit Court action over the last two months. Those offenders were:

1. Dirk McGinnie of Kansas City. The defendant was on probation for Burglary in the First Degree. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Beger granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 6 years in the Department of Corrections. The St. Robert Police Department investigated this case.

2. Misty Zerr of Dixon. The defendant was on probation for Leaving the Scene of an Accident. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of her probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke her probation. Judge Hickle granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 2 years in the Department of Corrections. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated this case.

3. Lela Ransome of Crocker. The defendant was on probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of her probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke her probation. Judge Beger granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 3 years in the Department of Corrections. The Crocker Police Department investigated this case.

4. Diamarr Keys of Waynesville. The defendant pled guilty to Harassment in the First Degree. Judge Wiggins sentenced the defendant to 4 years in the Department of Corrections. The Waynesville Police Department investigated this case.

5. Lance Baker of Dixon. The defendant was on probation for Resisting Arrest. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Beger granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 5 years in the Department of Corrections. The Dixon Police Department investigated this case.

6. Cody West of Richland. The defendant was on probation for Forgery. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Hickle granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 7 years in the Department of Corrections. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case.

7. Darius Brown of Tacoma, Washington. The defendant was on probation for Resisting Arrest After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Hickle granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 4 years in the Department of Corrections. The Crocker Police Department investigated this case.

8. Todd Decker of St. Clair, Missouri. The defendant was on probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Beger granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to ten years in the Department of Corrections. The Waynesville Police Department investigated this case.

9. Nicholas Brewer of Waynesville. The defendant was on probation for Burglary in the Second Degree and Possession of a Controlled Substance. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Beger granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 5 years in the Department of Corrections on each count. The St. Robert Police Department investigated this case.

10. Leroy Vanderhoof of Laquey. The defendant pled guilty to Stealing. Judge Beger sentenced the defendant to 3 years in the Department of Corrections. The St. Robert Police Department investigated this case.

11. Jenna Ringwell of Plato. The defendant was on probation for Possession of a Controlled Substance. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of her probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke her probation. Judge Beger granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 5 years in the Department of Corrections. The St. Robert Police Department investigated this case.

12. Billy Rains Jr. of Laquey. The defendant was on probation for Domestic Assault in the Third Degree and Harrassment in the First Degree. After failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of his probation, the Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Judge Hickle granted the motion and sentenced the defendant to 2 years in the Department of Corrections on each count. The Waynesville Police Department and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department investigated these cases.

13. Donald Copeland of Potosi. The defendant pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance. Judge Beger sentenced the defendant to 4 years in the Department of Corrections. The Richland Police Department investigated this case.

14. Jeremy McAllister of Waynesville. The defendant pled guilty Possession of a Controlled Substance. Judge Beger sentenced the defendant to 4 years in the Department of Corrections. The Crocker Police Department investigated this case.

15. Stephen Hunt of St. Robert. The defendant pled guilty Possession of a Controlled Substance. Judge Beger sentenced the defendant to 4 years in the Department of Corrections. The St. Robert Police Department investigated this case.

16. Joseph Curtis of St. Robert. The defendant pled guilty to Assault in the Third Degree. Judge Beger sentenced the defendant to 3 years in the Department of Corrections. The Waynesville Police department investigated this case.

“We continue to work hard to hold offenders accountable for their misconduct,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hillman. “I believe that these sentences show that Pulaski County law enforcement officials remain committed to seeing that justice is served.”

These cases were prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hillman and Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys, Donna Holden, Sherrie Hamner, and Henry Surkamp.

Please direct all questions to Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hillman.

98-Year-Old WW2 Vet To Serve As Grand Marshal For Bicentennial Parade

August 14, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A 98-year-old World War II U-S Cadet Nurse Corps Member will serve as the 2021 Bicentennial Inaugural Parade Grand Marshal.

Governor Mike Parson asked Edith Harrington to serve in that role after he says she served her country honorably during the war.

Harrington has spent most of her life in Missouri she cared for wounded U-S Navy soldiers while studying at the University of Columbia.

The Governor and First Lady Teresa Parson will host the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade September 18^th.

****More info:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson announced Edith Harrington, a World War II United States Cadet Nurse Corps member, as the 2021 Bicentennial Inaugural Parade Grand Marshal on September 18, 2021.

“We are excited and grateful that Ms. Harrington has agreed to be the Parade Marshal for our historic Bicentennial Inaugural Parade,” Governor Parson said. “Ms. Harrington served her country honorably and cared for our military service members during WWII, and she represents some of the best qualities an American and a Missourian can have. On September 18, we hope Missourians from all across the state will join us to celebrate 200 years of Missouri history.”

Ms. Harrington, 98, was born and raised and has spent the majority of her life in Missouri. She graduated from Atlanta High School in 1937 and enrolled in pre-nursing courses at Kirksville State Teachers College. Ms. Harrington then went on to complete her training at the University of Missouri-Columbia. While at the University of Missouri, she cared for wounded and sick U.S. Navy soldiers at Columbia Hospital.

In 1943, Ms. Harrington joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps (USCNC). After serving her country and completing the USCNC program, she returned home, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and married her husband, Ward Harrington. Mr. & Ms. Harrington were married for nearly 65 years before his passing, and they lived, worked, and raised their two daughters in Macon. Ms. Harrington resides in Macon to this day and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. A photo of Governor Parson and Ms. Harrington at a recent Bicentennial Tour event at Macon Historical Society is attached.

Governor and First Lady Teresa Parson will host the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade on September 18, 2021, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Governor Parson encourages anyone who can represent a piece of Missouri history to participate in the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade. The parade will be livestreamed. The parade entry form can be found here. All entries are due by Sunday, August 15, 2021.

The parade will celebrate the swearing-in of Missouri’s elected officials from this year’s Bicentennial Inauguration as well as highlight the history and significance of all 114 counties and the City of Saint Louis, which compromise the state of Missouri.

The deadline to submit a Bicentennial Inaugural Parade Entry Form is Sunday, August 15, 2021. Some entries already registered to participate in the parade include:

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales
Statewide Elected Officials
Fort Leonard Wood 339th Army Band
Missouri National Guard Honor Guard
Missouri State University Pride Marching Band
Lincoln University Marching Musical Storm
Various businesses, organizations, and groups that represent Missouri history, and others

The Missouri State Capitol will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, and will feature various community engagement items for Missourians visiting the Capital City that day, which include the following:

Missouri professional sports memorabilia and championship trophies
Missouri Bicentennial Quilt
Missouri Bicentennial Mural, and more

The Bicentennial Inaugural Ball will be held the same evening following the parade at the Missouri State Capitol. The Ball will take place on the Capitol’s North Portico and Lawn and will feature live music and a fireworks display. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Grand March of elected officials. All guests who plan to attend the Bicentennial Inaugural Ball are asked to RSVP by September 1, 2021, using this link.

The Bicentennial Inaugural Parade and Ball will be a historic day to enjoy with friends and family.

“We hope that everyone who is able and willing to showcase a piece of Missouri history – whether big or small – is able to join us in the historic Bicentennial Inaugural Parade on September 18,” Governor Parson said.

RAM Trucks Under Recall Due To Dangerous Airbags

August 14, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Heads Up RAM Truck drivers.

Officials with Fiat Chrysler are recalling over 250,000 RAM trucks because of an issue with the side air bags.

They say they can explode without warning and will hurl shrapnel into the cabin.

The recall affects the 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks from 2015 to 2020, and some older versions of the Ram 1500 and Classics.

***More info:

Statement: Side-curtain Air Bags

August 13, 2021 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 212,373 U.S.-market vehicles to replace their side-curtain air bags.

An FCA US investigation discovered certain vehicles may be equipped with air-bag inflators that were contaminated by moisture during the supplier’s manufacturing process. Such inflators may rupture, even without air-bag deployment, possibly sending debris into the cabin.

The Company is aware of a single rupture involving one of its vehicles. There were no injuries.

The inflators were produced by a supplier implicated in a similar recall by another auto maker.

The FCA campaign is limited to certain model-year 2015-20 Ram 3500 pickup trucks and cab-chassis vehicles, 2500 pickups and previous-generation 1500 pickups, now known as the Classic. The current-generation Ram 1500, which launched in model-year 2019, is not affected.

As with all safety recalls, service will be provided free of charge.

Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service; those with questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403.

The campaign affects additional vehicles in Canada (est. 42,532), Mexico (est. 3,802) and certain markets outside North America (est. 4,540).

A small number of inflators sold as replacement parts are also subject to recall.

Governor Parson & First Lady To Visit Margaritaville Lake Resort On Tuesday

August 14, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will be on the road in several parts of Missouri in the coming week.

And that includes Lake of the Ozarks.

The Governor will be at Margaritaville Lake Resort on Tuesday morning to speak at the Missouri Sheriff’s Association 2021 Summer Training Conference & Expo.

Governor Parson will attend numerous gatherings at the Missouri State Fair on Wednesday and Thursday.

****The Governor’s Full Schedule:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Next week, Governor Mike Parson will attend various meetings and events across the sate, including visits to the 2021 Missouri State Fair. Governor and First Lady Parson will also make stops as part of their Bicentennial Tour.

On Sunday, August 15, Governor Parson will participate in the Military Appreciation Ceremony at the Missouri State Fair.

On Tuesday, August 17, Governor Parson will speak at the Missouri Sheriff’s Association’s 76th Annual Training Conference. He and the First Lady will also make stops in Hamilton and St. Joseph as part of the Bicentennial Tour before meeting with Tremco representatives during a training program at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph.

On Wednesday, August 18, Governor Parson will attend the Governor’s Dinner and Wine Reception at the Missouri State Fair. Following the reception, the Governor will participate in a Military Flag Retreat Ceremony.

On Thursday, August 19, Governor Parson will attend the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and visit various buildings and exhibits at the Missouri State Fair.

On Friday, August 20, Governor Parson will participate in i3 Broadband’s ribbon cutting event as it expands broadband services to St. Charles County.

Former Manager At FT Wood Hospital Pleads Guilty To Fraud

August 13, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A former Manager of the Fort Leonard Wood Hospital’s Dining Facility is pleading guilty in federal court, for stealing more than $69,000 from their cash registers.

53-year-old Gregory Arthur Norton of Springfield was employed by Sodexo, a contractor who provides food services to the patients and staff at the General Leonard Wood Hospital.

He worked with the company from 2015 to 2018 as served as General Manager, overseeing payroll, managing the budget and reviewing financial statements.

Officials say they noticed cash discrepancies during an audit in 2018, which matched up to missing cash at the cash registers dating back to 2015 and ending in 2018.

The audit concluded the issue was conducted by one or more Sodexo managers in an attempt to defraud the government, and further concluded Norton was the one working the dining facility during that time.

Under federal statutes, Norton is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

****More info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Former Manager at Fort Leonard Wood Pleads Guilty to Theft

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The former general manager of the hospital dining facility at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing more than $69,000 from the cash registers.

Gregory Arthur Norton, 53, of Springfield, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of theft of public money.

Norton was employed by Sodexo, Inc., which was contracted to provide food services to the patients and staff of the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, from August 2015 to July 2018. Norton’s duties as general manager included managing payroll for the employees, managing the budget, reviewing financial statements and tracking operating expenses for the hospital dining area, the close out of all cash drawers, and the preparation and verification of the daily cash deposit.

Significant cash discrepancies totaling $78,320 were discovered during an audit in November 2018. These discrepancies were identified as being related to large unexplained voids conducted at the cash register Point of Sale (“POS”) systems, which began in November 2015 and ended in March 2018. The report concluded the voids were conducted by one or more Sodexo managers in an attempt to defraud the government. The report further concluded Norton was present and working in the dining facility during the loss of at least $69,025. Multiple witnesses stated that Norton worked unusual hours, often staying at work longer than would be considered normal for someone in his position.

Norton admitted he conducted fraudulent voids at the POS systems from August 2015 to March 31, 2018. Norton used his manager code to authorize the voids and stole the voided amount of cash. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Norton must pay $69,025 in restitution to the government.

Under federal statutes, Norton is subject to a sentence of up to 10 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 Shannon T. Kempf. It was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at Fort Leonard Wood.

Governor Parson Names Dru Buntin As New DNR Director

August 13, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

There’s a new leader at the helm of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Governor Mike Parson naming Dru Buntin as Director on Wednesday.

Bunton has been serving as acting director, since the former director Carol Comer died in June.

Buntin has worked with DNR for 15 years and says he will continue to build on his previous accomplishments.

****More info:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has named Dru Buntin as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, effective immediately.

“We are excited to announce Dru as the new DNR Director and look forward to his continued service to Missourians,” Governor Parson said. “Dru is an experienced and trusted leader within DNR and across state government. He worked closely with Director Comer during her illness and stepped up to be a steady hand of leadership upon her passing. We are confident in Dru’s abilities to lead DNR, and we look forward to seeing him implement his vision and ideas.”

Mr. Buntin has served as the Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for more than four years. He first joined DNR in 2000 as the Director of Government Affairs and advanced to Deputy Director for Policy and Chief of Water Resources. In 2013, Mr. Buntin became the Executive Director of the Upper Missouri River Basin Association before rejoining DNR in 2017. He has more than 15 years experience with DNR and more than 20 years experience in Missouri state government.

Since rejoining DNR as Deputy Director in 2017, Dru has been instrumental in leading the Department’s Red Tape Reduction initiative as well as drought response and flood recovery support efforts. He also worked closely with the late Director Carol Comer to strengthen partnerships with Missouri businesses, citizens, and communities to assist with and promote compliance with Missouri’s environmental laws and regulations.

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed by Governor Parson to serve as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “Five generations of my family have lived in Missouri, and I love this state. We have a great team at DNR, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish working together with communities across Missouri.”

Mr. Buntin attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

Iberia Man Sentenced To 13 Years For Jefferson City Sexual Assault

August 13, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

An Iberia man will spend the next 13 years in prison for sexually assaulting a Jefferson City woman.

The sentence was handed down by a Cole County Judge after 50-year-old David Gene Lee pleaded guilty to charges of Sexual Abuse.

Lee, a registered sex offender, admitted to the court that he promised to give the 19-year-old victim a “ride home” while at the 500 block of High Street back in January of this year.

Instead, Lee took the woman to a hotel on Jefferson Street and repeatedly assaulted her.

Lee’s record shows a history of assaults and kidnappings, some of which date back to 1988.

More Lake Area Schools Say “No” To Masks In Class As Of Today

August 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

With the start of the upcoming school year now under two weeks away, districts across the Lake Area continue to look at the possibility of having to mask up.

In the Macks Creek District, Superintendent Josh Phillips says it’ll be business as usual “Because of small numbers and because of our departmentalization, we didn’t have the prevalence of spread they saw in other areas. No community here spread here since last school year. So, since that worked so well…that’s how we will start this school year.”

Phillips also says concerns over a lack of social distancing on buses was an issue which worked itself out “In normal times kids crowd into seats and visit with their buddies…so we were cautious. But, with people exercising our car rider options…that freed up a lot of space.”

Should the health department issue any recommendations on mask wearing or other Covid protocol, that is when Phillips says the district will consider implementing any changes.

Earlier this week both School of the Osage and St. Elizabeth R-4 said they too will not require masks, unless directed to do so.

That’s a stark contrast to other cities outside the lake, like Springfield and St. Louis, where mask mandates will be returning for students in most of their area school districts.

Heat Advisory Remains In Effect Through Thursday Evening

August 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Hans Reniers on Unsplash

A Heat Advisory remains in effect for the Lake Area and much of Missouri.

Heat index values could reach 105 degrees or higher today and tomorrow (Thursday).

Officials say you should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room when possible and stay out of the sun.

They also recommend checking up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Missouri Professor Says Show Me State Played Major Role In US History

August 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The history books may not put that much of an emphasis on it, but the Show-Me State has played a pretty significant role in the history of the U-S.

That’s according to History Professor Jim Paisley.

Paisley says you don’t need to look any further back than the early 1800’s to realize it was a key time in the history of the U-S “Think about it, Missouri was a jumping off point for traveling out west…All the incidents that took place leading up to the civil war, with Dread Scott and the Missouri Compromise…all these things tie back to Missouri.”

Paisley also says there is no shortage of well-known names that are connected through history with Missouri “When you look back at some of the fascinating people that came out of Missouri….Harry Truman, Walt Disney…the list goes on and on and on of just fascinating individuals who came here to Missouri and made a difference.”

Missouri was 24th state in the Union and celebrated its 200^th birthday Bicentennial on Tuesday.

Fitzpatrick To Run For State Auditor On Republican Ticket

August 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick says he will be running for state auditor.

Fitzpatrick has been serving the state since 2013.

The Republican Candidate began as a Missouri House Representative and six years later was appointed state treasurer.

Fitzpatrick says his years as budget chairman and treasurer give him an enhanced perspective for the position.

The decision to run follows the announcement earlier this year that current State Auditor Nicole Galloway, a Democrat, will not run for re-election in 2022.

Galloway was unsuccessful in her attempt to beat Governor Mike Parson in the 2020 Governor’s race.

Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Scheduled For This Afternoon

August 11, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Residents across the Lake Area and the State of Missouri will be seeing a “Nationwide Emergency” alert this afternoon.

It’s part of a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert System that FEMA will be running just after 1PM central time.

Officials say the test will be sent to TV, select cellphones and radio stations like KRMS.

FEMA say the test is a way to make sure the system is working properly in case there is a national emergency where the alert would be issued.

We'll be conducting a national test in coordination with @FCC of the Emergency Alert System at 2:20 PM ET on Aug 11. The test will go to televisions & radios, while specially configured cell phones will receive an emergency alert test code message. #IPAWS https://t.co/var1irGebr pic.twitter.com/0eZEaLmtTS

— FEMA (@fema) August 9, 2021

School Districts In The Lake Area Say No Mask Requirements Just Yet

August 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

School Districts across the Lake Area are busy with back-to-school registrations, but officials are also keeping a close eye on the COVID 19 Delta Variant and the possibility of any mask mandates being ordered.

In School of the Osage District, Superintendent Dr. Laura Nelson says there are no changes anticipated when the kids return to the hallways this year “They are optional this year as they were last year, but we will continue to make sure we are a welcoming environment around that and we will continue to stay in touch with our local health departments.”

In the St. Elizabeth District, Superintendent Doug Kempker says there is a call by some for the district to implement a mask mandate “There is a little bit of a, I don’t want to say an outcry, but there are a group of parents that are for masking our students when they come back. Several of those work in the health field, but at this time we are going to start without masks.”

KRMS is awaiting a reply from other districts in the Lake area.

At this time, there are no statewide health mandates in effect, with the decision of requiring masks in school being left at the discretion of local boards of education.

The CDC is however recommending that masks be worn on school buses.

HWP Makes Numerous Arrests – Several Of Which Are Released Without Bond

August 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

The highway patrol reports seven arrests across the four-county Lake Area over the weekend.

Among those arrests, one person was taken in for violating an order of protection, two people each were brought in for drug possession and failure to appear in court, one for alleged drunken boating and one for violating sex offender requirements.

Four of the seven were released without having to post a bond, including the man accused of violating his sex offender requirements.

US Jobs Report Shows Strong July And Issues With Childcare For Missourians

August 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

The US Jobs report is out, showing a strong month for July with over 900,000 new jobs being added to the economy.

The current National Unemployment rate is now at 5.4%, the lowest since the start of the Pandemic.

However, the rate for teens is nearly double the national average, at 9.6%.

The report shows older employees are staying with their current jobs and childcare continues to remain the biggest hurdle for workers in Missouri.

The report also shows higher wages attracted more skilled talent and motivated individuals who previously weren’t seeking employment.

Missouri’s official numbers were included in the national report, however a separate Missouri based report has yet to be released.

Missouri Bicentennial & Best Dam Birthday Bash Fireworks Show Happens Tonight

August 10, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

Celebrations will be plenty across the Lake of the Ozarks today.

The show me state is celebrating 200 years in existence and coinciding with that, the Lake area is throwing a celebration for the 90^th anniversary of the Bagnell Dam as well.

“We have the largest Fireworks display the Lake has ever seen happening tonight. It’s spread throughout the lake area with 6 different locations on the water” says Director of the Convention and Visitor Bureau Heather Brown.

She tells KRMS News the fireworks display isn’t the only event taken place “There is still a lot happening. We have the big Art Festival taking place all week…people are coming from all over the nation to participate. Plus we have concerts at the Ozarks Amphitheater this week and we have the Hot Summer Nights this weekend as well, which will be dedicating it’s show to the Bagnell Dam’s 90th anniversary.”

Brown says the fireworks displays will begin at 9:45PM, with music from Missouri Based Artists, synced up to the display being played on our sister station, 935 ROCKS as well as our country station, Classic Country 104.9 “We did the show on Tuesday because it is the actual Missouri Bicentennial holiday, plus this is a lot for our locals and people who quite often aren’t able to watch these events because they work on the weekends.”

See the map below for locations:

BDBB2021-FireworksMap-7-26-21

Numerous Lake Area Murder Cases Are Being Found “Not Guilty” After Years On The Docket

August 9, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

The number of murder cases filed in the Lake Area continues to dwindle with, at least, four of the defendants no longer facing charges.

The most recent, Thomas Capps of Stover, was found not guilty in late May of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Capps had been accused of staging a home invasion, reportedly, as a defense for his son to cover for allegedly shooting Ronald Salmons back in 2015.

Christine Zahn, of the Camdenton area, was also found not guilty by a jury back in March on the same charges after, allegedly, shooting her on-again-off-again boyfriend back in 2018.

Two other Lake Area residents, Tabatha Carter and Larry Matthews, had murder charges filed against them dropped before their trials could begin.

There are five other murder cases plus another four cases of involuntary manslaughter for drug-related deaths which do continue progressing through the courtrooms.

Masks Required At Springfield Area Schools – No Word On Lake Schools Yet

August 9, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Students in the Lake Area haven’t been told if they’ll be wearing masks again or not, but in the Southern Part of the Ozarks that decision has already been made.

Springfield’s largest school district will be requiring students and staff to start the new school year wearing masks.

Districts in St. Louis County and all Illinois schools are also being ordered to follow suit.

One elementary school administrator tells CBS News, it’s the right choice in his opinion “I don’t want a 10 year old getting sick. I don’t want an outbreak.”

Kansas City reinstated a mandate for the entire city requiring masks be worn in all indoor spaces where 6ft cannot be maintained.

Two days after it went into effect, the state’s attorney general sued the city and mayor Lucas, in part claiming he didn’t have the power to make this decision.

Officials say the state is responding to the latest surge by deploying ambulances statewide, and they’ll transport infected patients to other regions if nearby hospitals are too full to admit them.

Neosho Man Arrested In Miller County For Oklahoma Embezzlement Case

August 9, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

A 47-year-old man from Neosho Missouri, wanted on a felony warrant for embezzlement in Delaware County Oklahoma, is now in custody.

According to the highway patrol, Michael Shearer was arrested around 11:00 Saturday night in the Lake Area.

Shearer also had a warrant for not showing up to court almost five years ago for a misdemeanor traffic charge in Newton County.

He was taken to the Miller County Jail.

Heat Advisory In Effect Through Thursday – Heat Indexes Could Reach 110

August 9, 2021 By KRMS News Anchor

Sustained daytime highs reaching 100 degrees or hotter are in store for Lake of the Ozarks from today through Thursday.

Local officials say it will be hot enough to cause health risks for some people “you should limit the number of outdoor activities you’re going to be doing, especially if those activities are going to be strenuous. Whether that’s yard work, exercises outside….whatever the case, just make sure you remain hydrated” says Meteorologist Jake Pozezinski with the Weatherology Weather Center.

He tells KRMS News it’ll be hot enough to be dangerous in cars “if you have small children or pets, temperatures in a car will get extremely hot. Especially when it’s sunshine and we see those temperatures into the 90s….so make sure you check your back seat and make sure nothing is left back there as well.”

Officials are recommending that you keep a close eye on your body, take plenty of breaks in the shade and check on family and friends during this heatwave.

****More info from the NWS:

...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM
CDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heat index values near 105 expected each afternoon.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east
  central, south central, southwest and west central Missouri.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

NBC News Does National Story On Lake Of The Ozarks

August 8, 2021 By