15-year-old Aurora boy dies after being struck by vehicle

(From the Aurora and Marionville Police Department)

Troy Clifton Devine Jr. (15) has passed away as a result of being struck by a vehicle Friday at the intersection of Hwy 60 and Hwy 39 in Aurora.

 
This crash is still under investigation. 

As we’ve stated, there is no evidence of impairment by any party involved. The driver of the vehicle has fully cooperated with our agency and voluntarily submitted to toxicology testing as requested by AMPD. There was no sign of drug or alcohol impairment at the scene and the tests were requested for precautionary and routine reasons and in accordance with statute.

We are aware of the social media rumors and allegations. 

As law enforcement, we are probably more keenly aware than most about how false, malicious, untrue, and unverified information spreads across the internet. All we can recommend is that you consider the source of your information and remember that the 1st Amendment protects all free speech, including lies.

Earlier news release- Friday

The person hit in the pedestrian crash yesterday was a 15- year old boy from Aurora. His injuries are critical and he has undergone surgery. He is far from out of the woods. We would encourage our community to continue prayers and offers of support for this young man and his family. 

The outpouring so far has been remarkable and refreshing to us in a business where we hear so much negative. We are reminded so often how incredible our community is and how willing people are to offer help, support, prayer, and time for people in need. We need that, this family needs that.

As part of any serious crash, a full and thorough investigation of the contributing factors continues to be conducted. At this time, it does not appear the driver of the car that hit him was impaired. It appears the juvenile along with a friend was crossing Hwy 60 in low-light conditions and was difficult to see as he was in dark clothing. We continue to assess evidence to determine if any traffic violation was committed.

Fort Leonard Wood youth minister sentenced to 30 years for sexually abusing four children

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A former soldier in the Army National Guard was sentenced in federal court today for sexually abusing four children over several years while he was director of the youth ministry at Fort Leonard Wood U.S. Army Base.

David J. McKay, 43, of Waynesville, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced McKay to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On April 29, 2021, McKay pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and four counts of sexually abusing a minor.

McKay, at the time an Army National Guard First Sergeant, was the youth ministry director for the Religious Services Office at Fort Leonard Wood. McKay is not currently serving as a member of the National Guard.

McKay admitted that he sexually abused four victims, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old, on dozens of occasions from 2010 to 2017. The sexual abuse occurred at Fort Leonard Wood and various other locations within Pulaski County, Mo. The victims also reported being abused during the youth group’s ski trips to Colorado and on camping trips at Fort Leonard Wood.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base, the Pulaski County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office, and the Waynesville, Mo., Police Department.

Four Southern Missouri men sentenced for meth conspiracy

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

Four southern Missouri men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.

Patrick A. Dodson, also known as “Julio,” 42, and Leslie O. Collins, 48, bdoth of West Plains, Mo., Samuel L. Pyatt, also known as “Tippy,” 47, of Pomona, Mo., and Christopher L. Dusenbury, 32, of Bowling Green, Mo., were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips.

Dodson was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole. Pyatt was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Dusenbury was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole. Collins was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole.

Dodson and Pyatt pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Feb. 28, 2017, to Feb. 28, 2020. Dodson and Pyatt obtained methamphetamine from co-defendant James W. Fithen, Jr., also known as “Boss,” 37, of West Plains, who acquired kilogram-level quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico. Dodson and Pyatt then distributed the methamphetamine to others. Dodson admitted he was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine for approximately four years. During that time, the Fithen drug-trafficking organization was selling, on average, 10 kilograms of methamphetamine per month, at a profit of approximately $100,000 per month.

Dodson also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and to two counts of being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Dodson admitted that he was in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol on Oct. 6, 2019, in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and while he was a felon and a drug user. Dodson also admitted that he was in possession of a Bryco 9mm pistol on Dec. 17, 2019, while he was a felon and a drug user.

Dusenbury pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Collins pleaded guilty to controlling a place for the distribution of illegal drugs.

Fithen has pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy, as well as to aiding and abetting the attempted possession of methamphetamine to distribute, and awaits sentencing.

Co-defendant Bradley J. Russell , 58, of West Plains, was sentenced on Oct. 6, 2021, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Seven additional co-defendants also have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

Dodson was the passenger in a vehicle that led police officers on a high-speed chase in Howell County, Mo., on Oct. 6, 2019. A Howell County sheriff’s deputy saw several items being thrown out of his vehicle during the chase. The driver lost control of the vehicle and struck an embankment, knocking down two fence posts. The deputy saw the loaded Ruger pistol thrown from the vehicle, to which Dodson later admitted possessing. Dodson and the driver were arrested; Dodson was in possession of .82 grams of methamphetamine and $170 in cash. Officers recovered two boxes with fentanyl patches and a plastic bag that contained marijuana, which had been thrown from the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found methamphetamine, fentanyl patches, marijuana, cash and drug paraphernalia.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Dodson has five prior felony convictions, including a conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

On April 16, 2020, law enforcement was informed that a county employee who was grading the gravel road on County Road 2630, approximately a quarter mile north of State Route N Highway, had located an unknown quantity of suspected methamphetamine inside a .30-caliber ammunition container. At that time, the officer recalled having a conversation with Dodson in late 2019 in which Dodson stated he had placed an ammunition can containing approximately one to two kilograms of methamphetamine somewhere around State Route N in Pomona. Dodson told the officer he was high when he hid it and had spent two weeks trying to locate it. The officer recovered the container and the methamphetamine.


This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Howell, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, the Fulton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the Arkansas 16th Judicial Drug Task Force.

Cassville man killed in collision on 76

A Cassville man was killed in a two-vehicle accident 3:24 p.m. Thursday on MO 76 five miles southeast of Cassville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Ford Taurus driven by Walter B. Hooper III, 28, Cassville, crossed the center line and struck a 2000 Freightliner driven by Christopher W. Diehl, 50, Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Barry County Coronoer Gary Swearingin pronounced Hooper dead at the scene at 4:50 p.m.

The fatality was the 111th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

I-44 ramps at 97 south of Stotts City to be closed

(From MODOT)

MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Ramps (mile marker 38) CLOSED at Missouri Route 97 south of Stotts City Monday-Friday, November 7-11 & 14-18

Where: I-44 ramps (mile marker 38) CLOSED at Missouri Route 97 south of Stotts City

When: Beginning Monday-Friday, November 7-11 & 14-18

What: Contractor crews to repair pavement on I-44 ramps as part of the Pavement Repair Project on Various Routes in Five (5) Southwest Counties that is to completed by December 1, 2022

Traffic Impacts

I-44 ramps (mile marker 38) CLOSED at Missouri Route 97 south of Stotts City during the weekdays

I-44 ramps (mile marker 38) open at Route 97 during the weekends

I-44 and Route 97 Open

Drivers may encounter flaggers directing traffic through the work zone where crews are working

Drivers will encounter automated flaggers directing traffic through work zone during non-working hours on Route 97

Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas

Electronic message boards located near the planned road work will alert drivers to any changes in the work schedule

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)

Billings man, an Aryan Brotherhood member, sentenced for meth trafficking

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Billings, Mo., man who belonged to the Aryan Brotherhood was sentenced in federal court today for methamphetamine trafficking.

Jimmy Jack Pinkley, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 18 years and four months in federal prison without parole.

On Dec. 16, 2021, Pinkley pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Pinkley admitted that he was in possession of methamphetamine when he was stopped by a Christian County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy on Jan. 17, 2021. Pinkley was driving a Dodge Charger, which was later identified as a stolen vehicle, in the area of Evergreen Circle, driving down multiple roads of the trailer park and stopping briefly at multiple houses. 

When the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, Pinkley pulled into a driveway and got out of the vehicle. The deputy ordered Pinkley to show his hands, but he reached with both his hands to his rear waistband. The deputy removed his firearm and again ordered Pinkley to show him his hands. After a brief pause, Pinkley lifted his hands above his head. The deputy handcuffed Pinkley and frisked him for weapons.

Pinkley appeared to be very nervous, sweating and breathing heavily. The deputy searched the vehicle and found a brown leather bag on the front passenger seat that contained approximately 177 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine in multiple individually wrapped clear plastic baggies.

Pinkley told investigators the methamphetamine was what he had left from the 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine he had obtained from his supplier in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the previous day. Pinkley, who said he had been selling methamphetamine for approximately six months, told investigators he received approximately one pound of methamphetamine during each trip to Oklahoma City. He got his methamphetamine by calling an inmate in Oklahoma State Prison, who would then tell him where to go to obtain his methamphetamine.

Pinkley also told investigators that he had been an active member of the Aryan Brotherhood for more than 20 years, and that he joined the gang during his first stint in state prison. He showed them his patch to the gang.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Pinkley’s residence, where they found a loaded Maverick 12-gauge shotgun leaning against a safe in the metal shop located on the property behind Pinkley’s trailer. Inside the safe, officers found a small baggie of methamphetamine and a set of digital scales.

Pinkly was also a passenger in a Pontiac Grand Prix that was stopped by law enforcement officers on Oct. 29, 2020. Officers found a brown nylon case under the front passenger’s seat that contained 11.48 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, since Pinkly obtained his first felony conviction for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in 1997, he has been convicted of either possession, possession with the intent to distribute, or manufacturing a controlled substance in eight different cases. He also has prior convictions for misdemeanor domestic abuse, misdemeanor resisting arrest, felony intimidation of a witness, two felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two felony convictions for aggravated assault and battery.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield man sentenced for bank robbery committed 1 month after release from prison for previous bank robbery

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing a bank within a month of being released from federal prison for another bank robbery.

Charles Edgar King Jr., 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to five years and 11 months in federal prison without parole.

On May 31, 2022, King pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. King admitted that he used a note to steal $8,815 from Guaranty Bank, 2109 N. Glenstone Ave., in Springfield, on July 10, 2021. King entered the bank at about 10:30 a.m. and went straight to a teller counter, where he handed the teller a handwritten note that read, “I have a gun this is a robbery.” The teller handed over cash and King left the bank and walked away through a parking lot.

Surveillance cameras in the bank captured good quality video, which show King, who was not wearing a mask, and images of his bare hands that show a tattoo of a cross on the back of his right middle finger. On the same day as the robbery, July 10, 2021, the FBI released one of the surveillance images to the media and requested assistance from the public in identifying the bank robber. King’s former probation officer saw the media coverage and contacted the FBI the same day and identified King.

King had been released from federal prison 30 days prior to robbing Guaranty Bank. King was convicted of robbing Citizen’s Bank in Rogersville, Mo., in 2012 and sentenced to seven years in federal prison without parole. He served an additional 14 months for repeatedly violating the terms of his supervised release following incarceration, according to court documents, for a total prison term of nine years and two months. King, who was released with no further supervision, had been out of custody for 30 days when he committed the Guaranty Bank robbery.

On July 19, 2021, an anonymous source contacted law enforcement with a tip that King was staying at the Springfield Inn near Kearney and North Glenstone in Springfield. Springfield police detectives and FBI agents conducted surveillance on the hotel and saw King leave the hotel driving a purple Scion Cube with no license plate. Springfield police officers conducted a car stop and detained King on an investigative arrest for robbery.

King told an FBI agent that he used the stolen money to buy the used Scion Cube for $2,400, and that he gave some of the money away and spent the rest.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.

Springfield woman pleads guilty to child sexual exploitation enterprise

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., woman became the fifth defendant today to plead guilty in federal court to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise that victimized at least three children.

Angela Marie Brown, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise from Jan. 1, 2017, to Nov. 6, 2019.

By pleading guilty today, Brown admitted that she engaged in a series of felony violations, including the sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving and distributing child pornography. Those felony violations, constituting three or more separate incidents and involving more than one minor victim, comprise a child exploitation enterprise.

Co-defendants Kevin Grant McMillan, 35, Christine Marie Rossiter, 36, and Amber Marie Baley, 38, all of Springfield, and Casie Dee Rice, 52, of Branson, Mo., have also pleaded guilty to the same charge.

The federal investigation began in May 2019 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified law enforcement that McMillan had uploaded three files of child pornography through his Gmail account. The Springfield Police Department was also investigating McMillan in a separate case involving an 8-year-old victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 2. Springfield investigators identified additional Google accounts that contained child pornography.

On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McMillan’s residence, where they contacted a second, 15-year-old victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 1, and a 17-year-old minor. Officers seized five laptops, two hard drives, an Apple iPad, a cell phone, and seven USB/micro SD cards. 

A forensic analyst found images of child pornography depicting Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and a third victim, a toddler identified in court documents as Jane Doe 3. There were a total of 27,542 pornographic images and videos of subjects whose age is difficult to determine and child erotica. There was a total of 682 images and videos of bestiality pornography. There were 111 videos and images of child exploitive animated pornography located on the devices.

Investigators also found MMS messages between McMillan and Brown, who lived with him on and off for a few years, from January 2017 until April 2019. McMillan said he wanted to drug and sexually assault Jane Doe 1 (who was 13 years old at the time). 

Brown said she would be interested in assisting him in drugging and raping children and adult women. McMillan also sent Brown sexually explicit images of Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 3. They exchanged incest-related pornography, bondage pornography, bestiality pornography, child pornography, and child erotica. They also had conversations about having sexual contact with children and about having children together and impregnating them.

Investigators found Facebook conversations in which McMillan and Brown extensively discussed engaging in sexual contact with other individuals, including children.

Under federal statutes, each of the five defendants is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life 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 defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield officer on administrative leave after shooting suspected child molester

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 19, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force responded to 1511 W. Florida to arrest Roberto Esquivel. Esquivel was wanted on warrants issued by Webster County, Missouri, for First Degree Statutory Rape, First Degree Child Molestation, First Degree Statutory Sodomy, and First Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Esquivel was observed by officers leaving the residence. As they attempted to contact him, he fled on foot back toward the home. 

Officers chased Esquivel and during the foot pursuit, he pointed a gun at the officers. A Springfield police officer assigned to the task force fired a shot at Esquivel, striking him once. Esquivel was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.

Per Springfield Police Department policy, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of both an internal and criminal investigation.

 

The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident. This case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for review and determination of any criminal charges.

Detectives are asking anyone who has additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Cooking remains top cause of Springfield residential fires

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

During 2021, the Springfield Fire Department responded to 64 residential cooking fires, with 79% of these fires occurring in single family dwellings, 15% in multi-family dwellings, and 6% in hotels and motels and other occupancies. Unattended cooking and grease fires remain the leading type of cooking fires.

Cooking fires can be prevented by following some reminders to keep you and your family safe:Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking. Never leave your pot or pan unattended. Turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen. A small flame can turn into a major fire in less than 30 seconds!

 
Even if you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, stay vigilant and check the food often. Use a timer to help remind you something is cooking.

Keep a 3-foot safety zone around the stove and cooking areas for kids.

When cooking, heat oil slowly and add food gently to prevent splatter.

If the pan or pot is on fire, do not attempt to move it to the sink or take it outside. This can cause the fire to quickly spread and increases the chances of burn injuries.

Never throw water on a grease fire.

 
Fire needs oxygen and heat to survive. To remove the oxygen, smother flames by sliding a lid over the pan. Then remove the heat by turning off the burner once it is safe to do so. Do not remove the lid until the pan is cool to the touch.

 
Keep a working fire extinguisher accessible in your kitchen and check it monthly to make sure it is not expired.

 
If you have a small fire and use your extinguisher, exit and go to your meeting place, closing the door behind you to help contain any fire. Call 9-1-1 once safely outside.

If in doubt of being able to put out the fire with an extinguisher, get out of your house and stay out. Do not re-enter your home until the Fire Department lets you know it is safe to do so.

“Practicing an escape plan at least once a year and knowing your meeting place will help prepare your family should a fire occur,” Fire Chief David Pennington said. “It is also very important to have working smoke alarms, and to test your alarms monthly.”

Smoke alarms should be installed and maintained in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement.

The Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to Springfield residents and may be requested by calling Fire Department Headquarters at 417-874-2300 or by email at SFDcrr@springfieldmo.gov.

Greene County man sentenced to 20 years for meth trafficking

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Greene County, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute and illegally possessing five firearms along with several high-capacity magazines.

James Dixon, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On March 9, 2022, Dixon pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Dixon’s residence on Jan. 21, 2021, after receiving information that he was distributing up to one-quarter pound of methamphetamine per week. Officers found a Diamondback 5.56-calbier semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine, a Remington 12-gaue shotgun, a JTS 12-gauge shotgun, shotgun shells of various gauges, and an Eksen Arms 12-gaug shotgun with a loaded high-capacity drum magazine. Inside the detached garage, officers found three plastic baggies that contained a total of 106.95 grams of methamphetamine, a Remington 20-gauge shotgun, a 500-count box of 5.56-caliber ammunition, an empty 100-round high-capacity magazine for an AR-15 rifle, and drug paraphernalia.

Dixon admitted to purchasing four ounces of methamphetamine at a time for $2,000. Dixon also admitted to selling methamphetamine. Officers searched Dixon and found approximately $1,000 in cash in his wallet.

According to court documents, Dixon has five prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and three prior felony convictions for drug possession.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Republic, Billings teens killed, two others injured when car slams into tree

 Two teens were killed and two others injured in a one-vehicle accident 6:15 p.m. Saturday on Farm Road 170, one mile east of Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Honda Accord driven by a 16-year-old Republic boy traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Greene County Medical Examiner Tom Vandeberg pronounced the driver and a passenger, a 15-year-old Billings boy dead at the scene.

Two other passengers, a 16-year-old Republic girl and a 16-year-old Republic boy were treated for serious and minor injuries, respectively, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

The fatalities were the 106th and 107th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Aurora and Marionville Police: Watch out for funny money

(From the Aurora and Marionville Police Department)

If you accept cash for payment, please pay close attention to the cash given. 

We have discovered two of these bills in Aurora and Marionville. They are not counterfeit necessarily because if you look close they say they are “prop money.” 

But at a quick glance, you could be fooled!

Springfield-Greene County Health Department pauses COVID-19 booster shots for ages 5-11

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

On Oct. 12, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration granted emergency authorization of the updated mRNA boosters for children ages 5 and older. This authorization comes a month after the approval and distribution of the updated booster for individuals 12 and older.

Due to the emergency authorization, existing vaccine types are no longer authorized as booster doses for children ages 5-11. The Health Department will not be offering booster doses to children ages 5-11 while awaiting completion of the approval process effective immediately.

 

The updated boosters from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna must now receive authorization from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services before distribution.

Once the approval process is completed, the Health Department can begin offering the new booster doses to those eligible. The approval process is expected to move quickly, but the Health Department cannot give a firm date as to when ages 5 and up can receive their booster at one of its clinics.

Once approved, the updated Moderna booster dose will be available for children 6 and up, and the new Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose will be available for those 5 years and older. These booster doses should be administered at least two months after the child’s most recent dose and are designed to protect against the original COVID-19 strain and the omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

 

The Health Department is still offering primary series vaccinations (first and second doses) to those who have yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as the updated booster for individuals 12 and older.

Individuals who receive a primary (first or second) dose and their first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Health Department clinic will continue to receive a $50 gift card while supplies last. Individuals should visit vaccine417.com or call the COVID-19 call center for all vaccine questions and availability.

Springfield/Greene County Health Department to offer free flu shots to underinsured

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Springfield-Greene County Health is offering influenza immunizations at no charge to adults 19 years and older in Greene County who are underinsured or uninsured. In order to make it accessible across the county, the Health Department is making the flu vaccine available at select COVID-19 vaccination outreach clinics with no appointment required.

Tuesday, October 11 Fair Grove Library – 81 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove, from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Thursday, October 13 Midtown Library – 397 E. Central, Springfield from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Library Station – 2535 N. Kansas Expy., Springfield from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

 

Experts use the flu season in Australia to predict the prevalence of the virus in the U.S. Australia is seeing its worst flu season in five years and flu cases have surpassed pre-COVID-19 numbers. Therefore, the U.S. could see a particularly severe flu season this year. Flu season typically peaks between December and February, so it is recommended adults needing one dose be vaccinated by end of October, if possible. However, a vaccine anytime during the season provides some protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions such as allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Vulnerable groups of people like those who are pregnant should speak with their doctor to decide the best timeline for their flu vaccine.

Parents looking to get their children vaccinated, those with insurance to cover the vaccine and individuals who need a high dose vaccination due to their age or risk level can find flu vaccination opportunities on the Find a Vaccine map at vaccine417.com.

Springfield Police Department warns of scam

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Over the weekend, officers contacted several individuals wearing high-visibility vests standing on traffic islands and medians in north Springfield holding signs indicating they were collecting donations for the funeral of 15-year-old “Maryo.”

In recent months, these individuals have been seen at other intersections along Kearney, reportedly collecting funds for different juvenile funerals.

Not only are these activities in violation of Springfield city ordinances, but also the Springfield Police Department would like to remind the public that they should not give cash to any individual without verifying the cause.

 

Kimberling City man killed in UTV crash

 A Kimberling City man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 7:55 p.m. Saturday Joe Bald Road two miles southwest of Kimberling City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2021 Polaris Ranger driven by John C. Ruetschi, 73, Kimberling City, traveled off the roadway and overturned.

Stone County Deputy Coroner Jerry Jenkins pronounced Ruetschi dead at the scene at 9:05 p.m.

The fatality was the 104th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield man charged with murder in connection with 2021 DWI crash

 (From the U. S. Marshals Service)

– U.S. Marshals-Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Donald Pierce Jr. in Springfield on Thursday morning. Pierce was charged with murder for a deadly DWI crash in October 2021. 

On September 30, 2022, Donald R. Pierce Jr. was charged in Greene County with 2nd Degree Murder following a deadly DWI crash investigated by the Springfield Police Department. 

The U.S. Marshals Service-Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force began the hunt for Pierce, who was believed hiding in the Springfield area. 

Earlier this week, investigators developed information that Pierce was hiding in a relative’s residence in the 800 Block of S. Jefferson in Springfield. 

On Thursday morning, Special Deputy U.S. Marshals searched the residence and found Pierce inside. Pierce was arrested and later booked into the Greene County Jail. 

“Pierce chose to drink and drive, and his actions took the life of an innocent member of our community”, said Scott Seeling, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri. “Pierce will now answer for his choices, which have taken so much from this family.”

Pedestrian hit, killed near Republic Road and Fremont Avenue

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 4, 2022, at approximately 7:28 a.m., Springfield Police responded to a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Republic Road and Fremont Avenue. A pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle.

Ronnie Highbear, 35, from Rapid City, South Dakota, was walking northbound across Republic Road when he was struck by a 2019 Nissan Rogue traveling eastbound. The Nissan Rogue was driven by Ryan Morris, 31, of Ash Grove.

 

Highbear was transported to the hospital where he later died. Highbear’s family has been notified.

Impairment is not suspected as a factor in this incident. The circumstances involved in the crash are under investigation.

This was the 20th traffic fatality in Springfield in 2022.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department to hold COVID-19 booster clinic

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

As respiratory illness season approaches, staying up to date on vaccines, like COVID-19, is crucial for maintaining a healthy community. 

To make the updated COVID-19 booster easy to access, Springfield-Greene County Health will host a COVID-19 booster clinic on Oct. 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hillcrest High School (3319 N Grant Ave) offering both Pfizer and Moderna boosters.

The updated COVID-19 booster dose protects individuals from the original and Omicron strains of COVID-19. The Pfizer updated booster is authorized for people 12 years and older at least two months after completing a primary vaccine series or receiving a booster dose. The Moderna updated booster is authorized for people 18 years and older within the same time frame.

The clinic is by appointment only and will only offer booster doses. Community members can reserve a spot here. Individuals needing a primary series COVID-19 vaccine dose can view upcoming vaccine clinic opportunities at vaccine417.com.

Those receiving their first booster dose at the event will be eligible for a $50 gift card, while supplies last.