State audit launched to examine possible missing money in Stone County Collector's office

(From State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick)

With taxpayer money potentially missing from the Stone County Collector's Office, Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick this week announced an audit of the office with the goal of uncovering any financial irregularities. The audit was requested by the Stone County Commission after commissioners discovered the possibility of missing money. Auditors from Fitzpatrick's office met with county officials to begin the audit process on Tuesday, July 2.

"We will conduct a thorough review of the office with the goal of providing answers for the Stone County Commission and all taxpayers in Stone County who deserve to know if their tax dollars have been misused or even stolen," said Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. "If we discover money is missing from the Stone County Collector's Office, we will do everything we can to ensure those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions."

The Missouri State Auditor's Office last audited the Stone County Collector in 2021. That report gave the office a rating of excellent and identified no significant deficiencies in internal controls and no significant noncompliance with legal provisions. Prior to that, the State Auditor's Office released an audit of Stone County in 2020. The report gave the county a rating of fair and identified some concerns with controls and procedures in the Collector's Office.

Individuals may provide confidential information for consideration during the audit of the Stone County Collector's Office to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

Pyrotechnician seriously injured during Purdy fireworks show

(From the Purdy Police Department)

On Wednesday night, July 3rd 2024, one of the pyrotechnicians who were setting off the fireworks display at the Terry Family Fireworks Show in Purdy was seriously injured when the final mortar shell misfired, striking him in the shoulder.

The technician was conscious and alert at the scene and was transported by ground ambulance to a trauma center in Springfield.

He is reported to be in stable condition at this time and did not suffer any broken bones, or any nerve damage.

Springfield Police investigate double homicide on West Chestnut

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 5, 2024, at 3:12 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to the report of two people shot at 1634 W. Chestnut St.


Officers located Jack Osborn, 46, with a gunshot wound at the residence. Osborn died on scene. The second victim, Melissa Evans, 44, also had gunshot wounds. Evans was transported to a local hospital where she later died. The families of Osborn and Evans have been notified.

 

There is no suspect information at this time.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s fifth homicide investigation in 2024, which includes the sixth and seventh victims for the year.

Three Seligman residents suffer serious injuries in crash, two airlifted to Springfield hospitals

Three Seligman residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 8:45 a.m. today on Farm Road 2230, a mile and a half east of Washburn.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Ford F250 driven by George F. Cline, 59, Seligman, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a pole and a culvert.

Cline was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas.

Two passengers, Donna D. Andrews, 50, and Mari K. Pressler, 52, both of Seligman, were airlifted to Mercy Springfield and Cox Hospital, Springfield, respectively, to be treated for serious injuries. 

Teens arrested in connection with Monett vehicle break-ins

(From the Monett Police Department)

The Monett Police Department is investigating a series of vehicle break-ins that occurred from 6-30-2024 to 7-02-2024. Multiple unlocked vehicles were entered and various valuable items wer stolen.

Between 13 and 15 vehicles have reported all located in the neighborhoods north of Pine Street.

Two men were apprehended near the 300 block of Pine Street in Monett. At the time of their arrest, stolen items were recovered.

Both men are being held pending formal charges at the Monett Police Department.

Both are white, ages 18 and 19 of Monett. Additional suspects have been identified.

The Monett Police Department asks all residents to remove valuables from their vehicles and lock them.

This investigation is ongoing. There is no danger to the public. If you have additional information regarding these thefts, please contact the Monett Police Department at 417-235-4241, option 2.