Monett Police: Do you recognize this suspect?

(From the Monett Police Department)

The Monett Police Department is trying to locate this stealing suspect. If you have any information contact the Monett Police Dept. at 417-235-4241 ask for Detective Salazar.

Aurora man suffers serious injuries when car goes airborne, overturns

An Aurora man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 10:49 a.m. Sunday on MO 39 five miles south of Mount Vernon.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Ford Fusion driven by Joe A. Lara, 43, Aurora, drove off the right side of the roadway, struck a driveway, went airborne and overturned.

Lara was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Springfield business owner pleads guilty to $14 million fraud scheme

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

A Springfield, Mo., business owner has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a nearly $14 million wire fraud conspiracy that utilized his businesses, as well as fake businesses, to fraudulently receive loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

John Michael Felts, 48, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Friday, July 28, to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.

Felts was the owner of several restaurants, including Taco Habitat in Springfield and Branson, Mo.

By pleading guilty today, Felts admitted that he participated in a wire fraud conspiracy that fraudulently obtained or attempted to obtain $13,925,534 through commercial loans as well as Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans and grants under the CARES Act from January 2018 to Sept. 13, 2022.

The purpose of the CARES Act was to provide emergency financial assistance due to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses that experienced substantial financial disruption due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, and make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. Under the PPP, both the principal and interest on those loans were eligible for forgiveness.

Felts and another person, a San Antonio, Texas, resident identified in court documents as “Individual-1,” applied for PPP loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans and grants for various businesses they controlled. The conspirators made material misrepresentations about the businesses in the applications, including the purpose of the funding, and submitted fake and forged documents as a part of the application process.

Felts and Individual-1 also created fake businesses that they controlled, under fake identities they created. The conspirators then used these fake businesses and identities, as well as false financial and business documents, to apply for loans.

Felts did not utilize the loan proceeds for the purpose he represented to the lenders in the application process. Instead, he utilized proceeds for his own personal benefit (including vehicles, a yacht, jewelry, rare sports cards, and construction related to personal residences) and for the benefit of other businesses he controlled.

According to a parallel federal civil complaint filed on Sept. 13, 2022, Felts applied for 12 PPP loans using several different companies under his ownership or control. Most of these companies did not have employees and were not in operation at the time of application. Felts also applied for 13 PPP loans using synthesized or fabricated identities and companies under his control.

$2 Million Fraudulent Diagnostic Equipment, Inc., Loans

For example, in January 2020 Felts and Individual-1 set up a business, Diagnostic Equipment, Inc., for the purpose of representing it as a legitimate business, when in fact it was not and did not have any business operations. On April 26, 2020, they submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for Diagnostic Equipment. Felts, using a fake identity, submitted false materials in support of the PPP loan application, such as false tax statements and payroll summaries. On June 18, 2020, they applied for an EIDL in the name of Diagnostic Equipment.

After receiving $1,029,100 in PPP and EIDL proceeds, Felt spent $157,000 of the proceeds to pay off a personal real estate loan, spent $39,000 to pay off a loan for a 2018 Cadillac CT6, spent $40,000 to pay off a loan for a 2018 Jeep Wrangler (which he gave as a gift to a relative), and spent $5,000 to make a down payment for the purchase of personal real estate.

On April 25, 2021, Felts submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for Diagnostic Equipment for a second round of PPP loans. Felts received $1,054,494 in PPP loan proceeds and spent $150,000 for a corporate suite sponsorship with the Kansas City Chiefs, spent $213,000 to pay a loan on a 2021 Galeon 470SKY Yacht, spent $30,000 for construction on his personal residence, and spent $12,180 on sports memorabilia.

$310,000 Fraudulent Taco Habitat Loan

In May 2020, Felts and Indivdiual-1 submitted a PPP loan application for Taco Habitat in Branson. This application contained material misrepresentations, including the number of employees for the business.

After Felts received $310,000 in PPP proceeds for Taco Habitat in Branson, he spent $58,594 to purchase a 2020 Jeep Wrangler (which he gave as a gift to another individual) and spent $125,707 for the purchase of personal real estate.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Felts must pay restitution in excess of $9.9 million and a money judgment in an amount to be determined at sentencing, but not less than of $7 million, which represents the amount of fraudulent proceeds he actually received from the conspiracy.

Felts also agrees not to contest the government’s forfeiture of personal property and real estate purchased with the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy in two civil forfeiture complaints filed on Sept. 13, 2022, and Jan. 26, 2023. That property includes four parcels of real estate in Springfield, six vehicles, a yacht, two Rolex watches, five additional pieces of valuable jewelry, a 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson baseball card, a 1980-1981 Topps Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson card (signed by all three players), and a 1909-1911 Ty Cobb baseball card.

Under federal statutes, Felts is subject to a sentence of up to 40 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 criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark and the civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown. Both the criminal and civil cases were investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department warns of health risks due to power outages

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

With many residents without power, Springfield-Greene County Health is reminding the community of the dangers of heat. According to the National Weather Service, Springfield’s heat index is forecasted to reach as high as 102°F today and 106°F tomorrow. Heat advisories have been issued for both days. 

With a large segment of the community without power, many people could experience heat-related illness at home. In addition to the impact that high heat has on our health and the health of our pets, the lack of electricity also effects the safety of our perishable foods.

 

Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness and can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting. A person with these symptoms should move to a cool spot, rest and drink cool water. If symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, they should seek medical attention.

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature climbs to or above 104°F. It can be deadly. Call 9-1-1 immediately if a person has symptoms including a high body temperature, red, hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are at highest risk.

To protect people against heat-related illness:

Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.

 
Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water. This includes cleaning up after last night’s storm. If it is not blocking roads and driveways or posing some other kind of safety hazard, leave clean up to cooler parts of the day or for once you have power restored to your home.

 
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

 
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. Including pets.

When the National Weather Service issues heat advisories, some air-conditioned facilities are available as public cooling centers. These are a good option for those without shelter and those whose homes are not air-conditioned. A map of public cooling centers, public buildings with air conditioning and water-refill stations is available at health.springfieldmo.gov/heat.

 

If you have family members, friends, neighbors, or other acquaintances who are without power and air-conditioning, please consider offering shelter to them. Especially children, older adult and those with chronic health conditions. If you have older neighbors who live alone, consider checking on them periodically to ensure that they are safe.

Pet owners have additional considerations during this heat advisory. Pet owners should also follow these tips to keep animals safe in the heat:Do not leave a pet unattended in a hot car.
Always make sure pets have access to cool, clean, fresh water as well as adequate food and shelter.
Walk your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If you must walk mid-day, shorten the distance. And keep your dog in the grass as much as possible, as hot sidewalks can burn the pads of their feet.
Do not leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the summer can result in countless insect bites, dehydration and heat stroke.
With the lack of air conditioning indoors due to the power outages, it is important to monitor your pet for signs of overheating and ensure they have constant access to cool, fresh water.

If you see a child, pet or unresponsive adult outdoors or in a closed, parked vehicle, immediately call 9-1-1.

In order to avoid foodborne illness, it is important that frozen and refrigerated foods be kept at appropriate temperatures. If you have an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator or freezer, use it to ensure that food is being stored at safe temperatures throughout the power outage (34 to 45ºF for the refrigerator; 0ºF or below for the freezer).

 

A full freezer should keep food safe about two days if it is left closed. You can add bags of ice or dry ice to the freezer if it appears the power will be off for an extended time. Refrigerated foods, however, may not be safe after about four to six hours. Any perishable food that has been above 45ºF for two hours or more and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture must be discarded. If it appears the power will be off more than six hours, transfer perishable foods to an insulator cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Keep a thermometer in the cooler to be sure the food stays at 45ºF or below.

Foodborne illness can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may last only 24 hours, or they may become severe and lead to hospitalization, or in extreme cases, death. If you experience these symptoms for more than 24 hours, please contact your health care provider. Foodborne illnesses can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and in people with a compromised immune system.

For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/heat. More information on food safety during power outages can be found at health.springfieldmo.gov/2897/Food-Safety.

Springfield residents killed in collision at Sunshine and McCurry

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 29, 2023, at approximately 4:15 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Sunshine St. and McCurry St.

A 2019 Ford F350 driven by 30-year-old Jordan Crockett of Clever was eastbound on Sunshine St. and entered the intersection, hitting a northbound 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by 37-year-old Justin Richards of Springfield.

 

Richards was pronounced dead at the scene. Richards’ family has been notified.

The pregnant front passenger of the Grand Prix, 31-year-old Trisha Gulick of Springfield, was transported to Cox South Hospital where she and her baby were pronounced dead. Gulick’s family has also been notified.

The circumstances in the crash are under investigation.

 

Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make any anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s 16th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2023.

Springfield man wanted on felony warrants on the loose, considered armed and dangerous

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

In the early morning hours of July 29th, 2023, Greene County Deputies located a stolen vehicle in the area of Glenstone Avenue and Battlefield Road. 

The driver, 54-year-old, James H. Cruse, of Springfield, MO spotted Deputies and fled at a high rate of speed. James fled to the Forrest Heights Area where he crashed the stolen vehicle and fled on foot. 

Greene County Sheriff’s Office along with the Springfield Police Department began a search of the area for James. A Springfield Police Officer spotted James in a field on a John Deere Tractor. James then saw the officers heading towards him and dumped the tractor, fleeing on foot into a wooded area. 

James was last seen in the area of Farm Road 148 and Farm Road 193 near the Forrest Heights Subdivision wearing a gray short sleeve shirt and black shorts. Multiple Deputies and K9 Teams assisted in searching for James but were unsuccessful.

James is considered armed and dangerous and has multiple felony warrant out of the Springfield Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

 
As of this afternoon, James H. Cruse is still at large. Deputies have concluded their search and believe James has left the area. If you see this wanted subject or know his whereabouts, call 911 immediately.

Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

David R. Alliman vs. Francesca Alliman

Julia A. Driskell vs. Andrew W. Driskell

Michael J. Perez vs. Hannah E. Perez

 

Polk County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Eric P. Geary vs. Kimberly S. Geary

Laura D. Cain vs. Steven G. Cain

 

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jamie J. Burk vs. Bradley Collins

Larry M. Richbourg vs. Karmen Richbourg

Chloe S. Cutler vs. Clayton Cutler

Eugenia L. De Leon Gonzalez vs. Herber Y. Turcios Peli

Jessica D. Butts vs. Robert W. Butts

Brittney K. Cheek vs. Franklin V. Cheek

 

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kelly A. McKay vs. Steven McKay

Kathleen A. McCroskey vs. Carl R. McCroskey

Laura D. Killilea vs. Scott T. Killilea

Kerry S. Phipps vs. Vickie J. Phipps

Eric F. Stevens vs. Sherry F. Stevens

Amanda K. Greenbank vs. Levi I. Greenbank

Olivia R. Nordin vs. Kenneth Nordin

Jack B. Xonners vs. Landry Conner

Zine Doucene vs. Rhiannon N. Spriggs

Lisa I. Brammer vs. Christopher L. Brammer

Rhonda C. Day vs. James S. Day

Teresa M. Arnold vs. Matthew Arnold

Ashley S. Nihiser vs. Tahj J. Marshall

Savannah M. McGhee vs. Justin M. McGhee

Rebecca L. Vernon vs. David E. Vernon

Ashley A. Schellen vs. Matthew H. J. Richardson

Barry County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Lidia M. Zavala vs. Carlo Bolanos Roquillo

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

James Collin Pilkinton and Heather Dawn Pilkinton

Jody Allan Rudick and Tammy Michelle Rudick

Casey Dianne Fern Grabner

Dallas County

Irene Lynn Ray

Douglas County

Timmy L. Caudill and Marci M. Caudill

Greene County

Sammy Joe Lawrence and Janeth Kay Lawrence

Morgan Lorene Patricia Brown

Felecia Dawn Nava

Brody Tyler Wicklund

Christopher Michael Smith

Adam Wade Morganthaler

Brian Keith Walker and Karen Dean Walker

Ryan Louis Broyles and Jessica Renee Broyles

Howell County

Christine Kossakowski

Dawn Marie Bond

Lawrence County

Robby Lynn Powers and Kimberly Ann Powers

Pulaski County

Darrell Gene Crawford and Mary Kay Crawford

Deborah Marie Hodges

Stone County

Dyann Theresa Vance

Taney County

Sean T. Hooten

Alan Brad Markley and Deborah Florence Markley

Texas County

Kimberly Ann Sylvester

Wright County

Marvin Franklin Fullington and Tresa Sue Fullington

 

Eastbound Route 39 to 1-44 exit ramp in Lawrence County to be closed

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: EB Route 39-to-I-44 On Ramp (Exit 46) CLOSED at Night for Guardrail Repair Aug. 1

Where: Eastbound Missouri Route 39-to-I-44 on ramp (Exit 46) in Lawrence County at Mt. Vernon

When: 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m., Tuesday, August 1

What: Ramp CLOSED to allow contractor crews to repair guardrail on the ramp

Traffic Impact

Eastbound Route 39-to-I-44 on ramp (Exit 49) CLOSED while crews are working

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching work zone

No signed detours

Drivers urged to find alternate routes to avoid work zone

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

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

Louisiana man drowns in Table Rock Lake

A Paradis, Louisiana man drowned 3:10 p.m. Thursday at Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Shannon R. Summers, 44, Paradis, lost his grip on a floating device and went under water.

Dr. Todd Baker at Cox Branson prounced Summers dead at 4:23 p.m.

The drowning was the third this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Pierce City man arrested after failed attempt to kidnap woman

(From the Monett Police Department)

On July 27, 2023, at around 6 a.m., Monett police officers responded to a business located in the 800 block of East Cleveland Avenue, contacting the victim, an 18-year-old white female of Pierce City.

The victim stated while at her workplace, the suspect who was in a vehicle with a small child contacted her and attempted to abduct her.

The victim fled to safety and contacted the police department. During the investigation, suspect was identified and subsequently arrested without incident with assistance from the Pierce City Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.

The small child was located at home safe with a parent.

Suspect was identified as 34-year-old white male Aaron Michael Fryer, who is currently in custody. There is no threat to the community.

City of Springfield to seek voter approval on recreational marijuana sales tax in August

(From the City of Springfield)

On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Springfield voters will be asked whether the City of Springfield shall impose an additional sales tax of 3% on the retail sale of adult use marijuana, also known as recreational marijuana, with proceeds from the tax to be used for public safety, mental health services, housing and substance abuse services.

Retail sales of recreational marijuana are already taxed by the state of Missouri at a rate of 6%. The sales tax rate in the city limits of Springfield is 8.1% for all retail goods, which includes the City’s sales tax rate of 2.125%.

 

Amendment 3, the Missouri Constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana, has a provision that allows local governing bodies to place an additional 3% local tax on retail sales if voter approved.

If approved by voters, this additional 3% local tax could generate up to $1.8 million a year for public safety, addiction prevention and treatment services, mental health services and housing. The tax would not apply to sales of medical marijuana.

Springfield is the largest Missouri city without a 3% local tax on recreational marijuana. Other cities and counties in Missouri with the tax include Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Joplin and Ozark and the counties of Jackson, St. Louis, Boone, Christian, Webster, Polk, Newton and Jasper.

Republic Police: Do you know the owner of this vehicle?

(From the Republic Police Department)

HELP IDENTIFY: 3000 blk of East US Highway 60: 

The Republic Police Department is asking for help in locating and identifying the owner of this vehicle.

On 07/18/2023 the driver of this vehicle entered onto a job site and stole a trailer, later abandoning it in the City of Springfield. 

The vehicle appears to be a late model Ford Excursion, missing driver-side door handles, with red paint transfer on its rear bumper, and blue paint transfer on its driver-side front fender. 

Persons with information are asked to Contact Detective R. Stewart at 417/732-3913 or rstewart@republicmo.com.

Springfield Police blotter: Man enters through unlocked door, attempts to sexually assault resident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Officers responded early Sunday morning to a burglary in progress in the 1600 block of E. Delmar. Gene Ferguson, 41, broke into the residence through an unlocked door and attempted to assault the victim.

 
When police arrived, Ferguson fled the home and was located in the area. Ferguson was positively identified by the victims.

 
He was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for 1st degree burglary and 1st degree sexual abuse.

***
Early on Sunday morning, officers on patrol saw a vehicle doing donuts in the parking lot at 3860 S. Campbell. When the officer attempted to pull over the vehicle, it sped away.

 
Officers later saw the vehicle commit several traffic violations before the driver of the vehicle, Kaden Jordan, 18, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a house in the 2000 block of E. Mimosa.

 
Jordan was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, and resisting arrest.

Alcohol, speed factors in multi-vehicle fatality crash at Kansas Expressway and Sunshine

(From the Springfield Police Department)

UPDATE- The driver killed in the July 22 multi-vehicle crash at Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Ave., is 37-year-old Jonathan Wright, of Crane. Wright’s family has been notified.

Original news release  

On July 22, 2023, at approximately 7:03 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash at Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Ave.

A juvenile driving a 2015 Chrysler 200 southbound on Kansas Expressway entered the intersection at Sunshine Ave., hitting a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 37-year-old man. The collision caused the Malibu and Chrysler to hit a 2011 Mazda 3, a 2003 Honda Accord, and a 2008 Buick Lucerne.

 

The driver of the Malibu was pronounced dead at the scene and the family has not yet been notified.

The driver of the Mazda was transported to the hospital with moderate injures and a passenger of the Chrysler was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Speed and alcohol were believed to be a factor in the crash.

The circumstances of the crash are under investigation.

Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS or online at p3tips.com.

This was Springfield’s 15th motor vehicle fatality in 2023.

Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Elisabeth E. Gibson vs. Marshall K. Gibson

Gage T. Mayes vs. Kelsey A. Mayes

Theresa M. Lawrence vs Steve Lawrence

 

Barry County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Shannon R. Shaw vs. Tonya Shaw

Jeffrey L. Parman vs. Kelley Parman

 

Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Shelia J. Combs vs. Randall C. Combs

Jeffrey Schultz vs. Lori Schultz

 

Polk County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jamie Jones vs. Clint Jones

Peggy S. Blackstock vs. Tyler O. Blackstock

Michael L. Maggard vs. Pamela Maggard

Michael W. Davis vs. Julie R. Davis

Tara M. Simmons vs. Joshua A. Hamilton

Hannah Taylor vs. Keith E. Taylor

 

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Scott A. Green vs. Rebecca Green

Krystal A. Veith vs. Keith W. Veith

John L. Slater vs. Desiree Slater

Herminio Canales-Perez vs. Ana M. Canales

Cheryl L. Vestal vs. Michael T. Vestal

Jason S. Lacey vs. Wendy J. Lacey

 

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Laiken N. Underwood vs. Daniel Underwood

Brody W. Kump vs. Shelby Kump

Stacie L. Kennedy vs. Shanrod M. Kennedy

Emelia G. Hansen-Johnson vs. Curtis M. Johnson

Julia M. Rudd vs. Billy J. Rudd

Christina Dahlia Kolbe vs. Christopher Karl Kolbe

Thomas L. Watson vs. Tiffanie L. Watson

Della L. Jones vs. Michael L. Jones

Stevan R. Curry vs. Amanda Adair

Amanda Mullane vs. E. Patrick Mullane

Charles M. Higginbotham vs. Brandie L. Larcade

Derrick J. Miller vs. Lakota C. Miller

Caleb F. Eickhorst vs. Tiffany Eickhorst

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Cedar County

David Alan Kincaid and Tiffany Joy Kincaid

Christian County

Douglas E. Yeager and Jennifer L. Yeager

Rose Linda Weng

Greene County

Scott Harlin Piland and Jamie Lynn Piland

Thaddeus Roderick Jai Feeney

William Matthew Morgan and Candice Joy Morgan

Luke Anthony Peterson

Jacob David Dixon and Emalee Dawn Dixon

Michael Patrick Bleckler and Michelle Marie Bleckler

Howell County

Matthew D. Asher

Laclede County

Darren Dee Scurlock and Michelle Ann Scurlock

Polk County

Christina Louise St. Charles

Michael Anderson Bishop

 

Kansas City Chiefs championship tour coming to Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure announced Friday that the Kansas City Chiefs Champion Tour will join the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival at 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11 at Springfield Expo Center.

The Kansas City Chiefs launched the Chiefs Champion Tour this summer to provide fans the opportunity to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII victory. It is a mobile brand experience that brings the Chiefs to communities around the club's six-state "home" region. 

This marks the first time in franchise history that the Chiefs have hosted a tour that invites members of Chiefs Kingdom to celebrate one of the club's Super Bowl victories.

"With a global pandemic in 2020, we were not able to celebrate properly with Chiefs Kingdom after our Super Bowl LIV victory, so this tour has been something we have been looking forward to for the past couple of years. We are proud of the team here that helped put together this summer-long trip that invites the Kingdom to celebrate with us.," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said.

The general public will have two opportunities to join the celebration. The club's Super Bowl LVII Lombardi Trophy being the main attraction at a rally from 4-6 p.m. at Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis. In addition to the trophy, the event includes an appearance by the "Kingdom Cruiser" bus, appearances by Chiefs Cheerleaders, the Rumble drumline, as well as KC Wolf and more.

The fun doesn't stop there. At 6 p.m., the bus and entourage will leave the facility, lining up to join a portion of the Birthplace of Route 66 Parade, The Kingdom Cruiser, cheerleaders, and drumline and KC Wolf will all feature prominently in this festive procession of classic cars and motorcycles.

The culmination of the day's events is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the festival’s Motorcycle Village, where the cheerleaders, and drumline will perform once again on the Aaron Sachs Stage. Mayor McClure has encouraged everyone to remember to wear red to support our team.

“We are excited to bring the Kansas City Chiefs Champions Tour to Springfield and the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival,” said Mayor McClure. “Without a doubt, the Springfield region is Chiefs Kingdom!”

The Chiefs Champion Tour stop in Springfield is made possible thanks to generous sponsorships.
Gold ($10,000 or more)
Aaron Sachs & Associates
EPIC Strategies
City of Springfield (in-kind)
Loren Cook Company
Wampler & Passanise
SRC
University Plaza

Red ($5000 )
Coyote’s Sports Café
EPIC Strategies
Heart of America Beverage Company
Route 66 Car Museum
Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Purdy Police Department investigates series of burglaries

(From the Purdy Police Department)

On 06/14/2023, the police department responded to Windstream, 103 N. Business 37 for the theft of a catalytic converter from a utility van.

The police department responded to 730 N. Commercial Street for a reported Burglary.

The suspect forced entry into a garage and several items, including a Welder, Chainsaw, Tools and a Bicycle were stolen.

The bicycle was recovered, lying in a ditch nearby.

On 06/21/2023 the police department responded to Windstream, 103 N. Business 37 for a reported Burglary.

The suspect entered through an unlocked rear door and several items were taken including: A computer Tablet and charger, Three Hammer Drills, and several assorted hand tools.

On 06/28/23, the police department responded to the softball field on Ninth Street for a reported Burglary.

The suspect used an unknown tool to pry open the door lock to the brand new concession stand, causing several hundred dollars in property damage.

Nothing was reported to be missing.

On 07/11/2023, the police department responded to the Purdy Special Road District barn at 200 S. Ninth Street for a reported Burglary.

The suspect forced entry through a locked door and several items, including: a Chainsaw, a Weed Trimmer, a Welder, and several Assorted Hand Tools were stolen.

07/12/2023, the police department responded to The Eagles Roost, 104 S. Business 37, for a reported Burglary.

The suspect forced entry through a locked side door and stole a small amount of money from the cash register and several food items from the business.

All burglaries are still under investigation.

If you have any information regarding these crimes, please contact Barry-Lawrence County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-635-8477.

Branson man sentenced to 18 years distribution of fentanyl, heroin

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

Brandon Michael Jones, 26, Branson, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to a single count of knowingly and intentionally transferring a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and/or heroin. 

The charge was based upon the distribution of drugs by Jones on March 27, 2020, in Christian County, Missouri. 

In announcing the sentence today, Judge Bough referenced the fact that Jones had provided drugs on two separate occasions which resulted in the death of one individual and the serious physical injury of the second. Both of these instances happened within days of each other in March 2020.

This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Eggert. It was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the Christian County Sherriff’s Department.

Springfield man suffers serious injuries in crash on I-44

A Springfield man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on I-44 four miles north of Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2020 Ford Escape driven by Joseph M. Owens, 41, Springfield, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a concrete barrier, then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail and then traveled off the left side of the road and struck another concrete barrier.

Owens was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Ash Grove man, Republic infant killed in head-on collision, two others flown to Mercy Springfield

An Ash Grove man and a Republic infant were killed in a two-vehicle accident 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on MO 96 six miles west of Miller.

According to the Highway Patrol report, 1983 Ford F250 driven by Wyatt Seelaus L. Cady, 32, Ash Grove, traveled off the roadway, overcorrected and struck a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Curtis M. Forrest, 31, Republic, head on.

Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Cady and a passenger in the Forrest vehicle, a female baby, deceased at the scene at 9:15 p.m.

Forrest and another passenger in his vehicle, a 3-year-old boy, were airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

The fatalities were the 76th and 77th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Cassville Police: Do you know these guys?

 

Pierce City woman suffers serious injures in collision on 37

A Pierce City woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 5:25 p.m. Monday on MO 37 in Pierce City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Ford F150 driven by Sheila R. Caddell, 58, Pierce City, failed to yield to a 2020 Buick Enclave driven by Carl L. King, 68, Pierce City, resulting in a collision.

Caddell was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Springfield man killed in motorcycle crash

A Springfield man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 6:10 p.m. Sunday on Farm Road 66 west of Farm Road 189 four miles north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Harley Davidson driven by Kenneth D. Barker, 38, Springfield, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a fence and overturned.

Barker was pronounced dead at 7:29 p.m. at Mercy Springfield.

The fatality was the 74th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

https://insidejoplin.blogspot.com/2023/07/joplin-teen-injured-in-crash-on-river.html