Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Route 266 bridge near Halltown to be closed


(From MODOT)

The Missouri Route 266 bridge over Billies Creek near Halltown will be CLOSED beginning the week of September 6, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will replace the existing truss bridge with a new structure.

The original bridge was built in 1923 and is in deteriorating condition. Approximately 471 vehicles cross the bridge daily.








Traffic impacts

All lanes of Route 266 CLOSED at the bridge for the duration of the project

Drivers will have access to entrances and driveways at either end of the bridge but will not be able to travel through the work zone

Drivers will be directed to a signed detour using Missouri Route 96, I-44 and Lawrence County Route Z

Drivers are urged to find alternate routes around the work zone

Weather and/or unforeseen delays will alter the work schedule.

Project background

Prime Contractor: Mera Excavating LLC, Loose Creek
Completion Date: December 1, 2021
Total project cost: $1.1 million

Monday, August 30, 2021

Springfield man charged with murdering 79-year-old woman, tampering with evidence


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 28, 2021, at approximately 11:41 a.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to 219 W. Atlantic St. for a wellness check. When officers arrived, they located a female who had suffered multiple injuries. The female was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On Aug. 29, 2021, the victim, identified as Judy Bishop, 79, from Springfield, MO, succumbed to her injuries. Notifications have been made to Mrs. Bishop’s family.








During their investigation, the Springfield Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit identified Brandon Wilson, a 34-year-old male, from Springfield, MO, as a suspect. On Aug. 30, 2021, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office and Brandon Wilson was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office cautions that the charges contained in the felony complaint are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has 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).

This incident marks the 16th homicide for 2021.

Friday, August 20, 2021

Crane man killed in motorcycle/car collision at Campbell and James River Freeway

 (From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 19, 2021, at 10:44 a.m., Springfield police were called to the intersection of Campbell and James River/US 60 regarding a four-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.

The initial investigation indicates a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle was southbound on Campbell at or near the James River/US 60 Hwy underpass. A 2011 Toyota Corolla was stopped on the eastbound off-ramp of James River/US 60 Hwy at Campbell in the right turn lane to go south.






 

The driver of the Corolla began to turn onto southbound Campbell, at which time the motorcycle driver abruptly changed lanes into the path of the Corolla causing the two vehicles to collide. The motorcycle driver was ejected from the motorcycle and hit by a 2020 Ford Explorer, also traveling south on Campbell. After the driver was ejected, the motorcycle continued to slide, hitting and damaging a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox.

The motorcycle driver, identified as 59-year-old Robert Butler from Crane, MO, was transported to the hospital where he later died. Officers have made notifications to Mr. Butler’s family. The other drivers involved in the crash were not injured and did not seek any medical assistance. The speed of the motorcycle appears to be a contributing factor.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This is the sixteenth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Willard man killed in motorcycle crash at West Chestnut Expressway and Airport Boulevard


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 19, 2021, at 6:47 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of West Chestnut Expy and Airport Blvd for a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.

The investigation indicated that a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling westbound on Chestnut toward Airport Blvd. The motorcycle left the roadway, and the driver was ejected.






 

The driver of the motorcycle, identified as 40-year-old Tyler Dooly from Willard, MO, was transported to the hospital where he later died. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident.

Next of kin notifications were made to Mr. Dooly’s family.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This is the seventeenth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Father drowns in Table Rock Lake while trying to help his children

A Byrnes Mill man drowned at Point One in Table Rock Lake 6 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Bradley D. Bruce, 44, entered the water to help his children, went under water and did not resurface.









Stone County Coroner Jerry Jenkins pronounced Bruce dead 6:23 p.m. Friday.

The drowning was the 16th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Friday, August 13, 2021

Springfield Police investigating South Street shooting death as homicide


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug 5, 2021, at 3:39 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Campbell and Sunshine for a motor vehicle accident. When officers arrived, they found two males on scene suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 

Investigators determined the males were shot in a parking lot at 925 South Ave. shortly before the vehicle accident.








Both males were transported to local hospitals for treatment. One of the victims was later released after being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. On Aug. 12, 2021, the second victim, identified as 34-year-old Calvin James III from Springfield, succumbed to his injuries.

Notifications have been made to Mr. James’ family. A suspect has not been identified at this time.

Detectives continue to investigate this crime and ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the 14th homicide for 2021.

Monday, August 9, 2021

Springfield woman killed in collision at Olive and Warren


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 6, 2021, at 7:37 p.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the intersection of Olive and Warren for a two-vehicle crash.

The initial investigation indicates a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix was southbound in the 300 block of N. Warren and a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado was northbound in the same area. 








It appears the Silverado veered to the left as the Grand Prix turned into the east entrance of Study School. The Silverado struck the Grand Prix in the driver’s side door. The driver and the passenger of the Grand Prix were injured in the crash and transported to local hospitals. The driver of the Silverado was not injured.

The driver of the Grand Prix, identified as 60-year-old Martha Wimmer from Springfield, died at the hospital. Officers have contacted and notified her family.

Impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash. Officers with the Traffic Section continue to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and ask anyone who has information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This is the fifteenth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Bolivar teen killed crashing into tree

A Bolivar man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 3:10 a.m. today on Highway D, a half-mile north of Bolivar.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Mazda 3 driven by Zachary T. Grenier, 19, Bolivar, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.

Polk County Coroner Scott Pursselley pronounced Grenier dead at the scene at 3:20 a.m.

The fatality was the 82nd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
 

Friday, August 6, 2021

Springfield man killed after two motorcycles collide with third vehicle


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 1, 2021, at 10:19 p.m. Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Campbell and Walnut Lawn after two motorcycles struck a vehicle in the intersection.

The drivers of both motorcycles were critically injured in the crash and transported to a local hospital. 








On Aug. 3, 2021, one of the motorcyclists, 58-year-old Noel Dedios of Springfield, died as a result of the crash. The other driver remains hospitalized. Next of kin notifications have been made for Mr. Dedios.

The initial investigation into the crash indicates the two motorcycles were traveling northbound on Campbell approaching Walnut Lawn from the south. A vehicle was traveling southbound on Campbell and began a left turn to travel east onto Walnut Lawn. Both motorcycles struck the turning vehicle, almost simultaneously, in the intersection causing the drivers to be ejected from their respective motorcycles. The driver of the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This is the fourteenth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Three Springfield residents sentenced for roles in meth conspiracy


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

Three Springfield, Missouri, residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine.

Jeremy A. Ingram, 42, Laurie B. Holmes, 39, and Lonnie J. Tinker, 36, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool. Ingram was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Holmes was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Tinker was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.








Ingram, Holmes, and Tinker each pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Nov. 22, 2016, to Sept. 26, 2018. Ingram also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Ingram and Holmes each admitted they directly received methamphetamine to distribute from co-defendant Cheyenne W. Conn, 45, of Everton, Mo. Conn transported approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine per week by vehicle from California to the Springfield area. He then distributed the methamphetamine to other dealers in the conspiracy, including Ingram and Holmes, who in turn distributed methamphetamine to other dealers. Tinker admitted that he purchased more than a kilogram of pure methamphetamine from co-defendant Cassidy R. Clayton, 25, of Springfield, who also received methamphetamine directly from Conn. Tinker distributed methamphetamine to at least seven other individuals.

Ingram admitted that he engaged in several controlled purchases of methamphetamine by undercover law enforcement officers and confidential informants. On Sept. 22, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ingram’s motorcycle shop, Straight Clownin’ Customs. He and Conn were present in the garage, where officers seized a loaded Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition, numerous rounds of various caliber ammunition, a lock pick set, and drug paraphernalia. Officers also seized a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol from Conn’s GMC Sierra, which had been reported as stolen.

When Ingram was arrested on May 10, 2018, he was in possession of a stolen Springfield Armory .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol and 31.79 grams of methamphetamine. Ingram was arrested again on July 4, 2018. Ingram fled from officers on his motorcycle at a high rate of speed, nearly striking a police van as he drove through a public parking lot.

Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Holmes’s residence on Dec. 8, 2017, and seized 82.7 grams of methamphetamine, $2,085, and drug paraphernalia. Holmes admitted she purchased approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine from Conn during the conspiracy, which she distributed to others. Holmes also admitted that she traveled with Conn to Los Angeles, Calif., to purchase methamphetamine.

When officer’s searched Tinker’s residence, they found a safe in his bedroom that contained a Tanfoglio .22-caliber revolver that had been reported stolen, 87 rounds of ammunition, and methamphetamine.

Conn and Clayton are among nine defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case and await sentencing: Larry E Stapp, 42, Tresha R. Ahart, 31, and Megan L McNary, 27, all of Springfield; Ginger L. Huerta, also known as Ginger L. Gray, 41, of Halfway, Mo.; Lloyd R. Bradley, 44, of Fordland, Mo.; Shelby R. Maupin, 32, of Ozark, Mo.; and Summerlee M. Barnett, also known as Summerlee M. Lacount, 35, of Salem, Mo.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Sarff. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Dade County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, and the Oldham County, Texas, Sheriff’s Department.

Ash Grove couple airlifted to Cox South following motorcycle crash

Two people were injured in a one-vehicle accident 8:15 p.m. Wednesday on MO 215 west of 1851 Road, seven miles southeast of Stockton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2020 Indian Chief motorcycle driven by Bradley W. Snyder, 51, Ash Grove, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.

Snyder and a passenger, Michelle R. Snyder, 50, Ash Grove, were airlifted to Cox South Hospital with serious injuries.

Ozark pedestrian struck, killed near Rogersville

 An Ozark pedestrian was killed 9:35 p.m. Wednesday on MO 125, two miles north of Rogersville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Ford 500 driven by Leslie J. Glenn, 33, Rogersville, created a hill and struck Bridget D. Morris, 36, Ozark, who was standing in the roadway.

Greene County Medical Examiner Luke Storer pronounced Morris dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 81st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Sparta man sentenced for failing to pay $600,000 in taxes


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

A Sparta, Missouri, man has been sentenced in federal court for failing to pay more than $600,000 in federal taxes.

Jeffrey Scott Allen, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, Aug. 3, to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Allen to pay $758,517 in restitution.

On Sept. 1, 2020, Allen pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Allen admitted that he evaded, and failed to pay, $606,338 in federal taxes and $96,478 in state taxes from 2012 through 2017.








Allen, who operates his own business, has worked as a successful installer for satellite-based internet and television for the past 21 years. According to court documents, he utilizes contract labor with five separate contractors, claims a gross annual profit of $2.1 million, and takes a $6,000 draw each month from the business.

According to court documents, Allen substantially underreported net income from his business and paid most of his and his family’s personal expenses from his business accounts. By underreporting his income, Allen was able to illegally receive federal benefits to which he was not entitled. Allen fraudulently received $15,856 in Medicaid benefits for three of his children, $4,392 in free and reduced school lunches for his children, and $35,453 in federal student aid under the Pell Grant program. Allen is required to repay federal and state agencies for those benefits under the court’s restitution order.

This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, Missouri Department of Revenue – Criminal Tax Investigation Bureau, Missouri Department of Social Services – Welfare Investigations Unit, U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General, and USDA – Office of Inspector General.