Miller man killed in rollover crash

A Miller man was killed in a one-vehicle accident Saturday on Lawrence County Road 2040, three miles east of Miller.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 Buick Enclave driven by Franklin R. Bradley, 41, Miller, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree, then overturned, ejecting Bradley.

Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Bradley dead at the scene at 2:01 a.m. The time of the accident is uncertain.

The fatality was the 67th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Aurora man suffers serious injuries in crash after swerving to avoid deer

An Aurora man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 12:45 a.m. today on MO 76, three miles north of Shell Knob.

According to the Highway Patrol, a 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Daniel T. Harris, 28, Aurora, swerved to avoid a deer, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.

Harris was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 30-31

Joseph Michael D. Lamb, 43, Branson, driving while intoxicated

Alejandro C. Chamcola, 49, Grove, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Rashanai A. Owens, 24, Kansas City, Platte County felony warrant for failure to appear on forgery, possession of a controlled substance

Salvador Vargas-Ramirez, 33, Springdale, Arkansas, felony driving while suspended or revoked, no insurance

 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 29-30

 

Salvador R. Martinez, 26, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Reginald L. Brown, 35, St. Louis, possession of marijuana

Andrew J. Exson, 31, Hazelwood, possession of marijuana, speeding

Elder J. Mejia Escalante, 25, Tulsa, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no driver's license, possession of drug paraphernalia

 

Nixa teen drops phone under car, run over by second teen while retrieving it

 A Nixa pedestrian was injured in an accident 9:10 a.m. today on private property 80 feet west of Nixa.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a passenger in a 1999 GMC Sierra, a 17-year-old girl, left the car to search for her dropped phone.

She was looking under the car when the driver, a 16-year-old Nixa girl, who was unaware of what the 17-year-old was doing, pulled forward and ran over her.

The 17-year-old was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield. 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 28-29

Scott M. Klein, 30, Purdy, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no seat belt

Teri S. Gaston, 38, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, lane violation

Ian M. Cole, 35, Osceola, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked

Heather R. Cecotti, 37, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 27-28

Michael D. Pratt, 37, Tulsa, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated

Mark A. Elser, 45, Ozark, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident

Shelby N. Dempsay, 27, Cape Fair, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked

 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 26-27

Christopher J. Dykes, 29, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, Lawrence County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated 

Cindy L. Martz, 54, Stotts City, felony leaving the scene of an injury crash, no valid license, no insurance

Jessica G. Bednarek, 38, Leavenworth, Kansas, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana

Summary of Monday's Springfield City Council meeting

 1. ROLL CALL.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. JULY 11, 2022, CITY COUNCIL MEETING, JULY 12, 2022, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AND JULY 19, 2022, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  (APPROVED AS PRESENTED)

Documents:

07-11-22.PDF

07-12-22 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING.PDF

07-19-22 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING.PDF

3. FINALIZATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDAS. CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK TO OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDAS MUST DO SO AT THIS TIME. (APPROVED AS PRESENTED)

4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

5. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT THE PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

 

Political signs reminder
Ahead of the Aug. 2 primary election, and the November general election, the City communicated details from the City Code regarding the rules surrounding political signage. We have received a number of complaints and have responded by removing the signs. The communication provided to the public and the political parties included location and size restrictions, as well requirements for removal and process for retrieving signs from our compound.

Forward SGF
Just shy of 300 people participated in Forward SGF Revealed! - the kickoff event for our comprehensive plan held last week at Hammons Field. The draft plan and video messages from the event are located at the plan website at forwardsgf.com. Additional public sessions will take place in all four City Council Zone during the month of August.

Stotts City woman injured in collision with hit-and-run driver

A Stotts City woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 8:01 p.m. Monday on Lawrence County Road 2130 one mile west of Mount Vernon.

According to the Highway Patrol report, an unknown vehicle struck a 2021 Tao Tao moped driven by Rebecca R. Reavis, 28, Stotts City, on a curve and fled the scene.

Reavis was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

 

Clever woman killed in collision on 160

A Clever woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 6:14 p.m. Monday on U. S. 160, three miles south of Highlandville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Sarah A. Marshall, 68, Clever, pulled into the path of a 2006 Toyota Tacoma driven by Kimberly L. Adams, 58, Highlandville.

The Adams vehicle struck the side of the Marshall vehicle.

Marshall was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Jennifer Kimball at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at 7:03 p.m.

Adams was treated for minor injuries and a passenger in her vehicle, Derek J. Mullen, 29, Highlandville, for moderate injuries at Cox South.

The fatality was the 65th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 25-26

Jason N. Jones, 33, Exeter, Benton County, Arkansas felony warrant for failure to appear on possession of a controlled substance, McDonald County misdemeanor warrants for driving while suspended and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway, driving while suspended

Emily K. Meier, 27, Exeter, Seligman Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on speeding

Ryan D. Poage, 34, Pierce City, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, failed to maintain financial responsibility, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Matthew Z. Shadwick, 39, Willard, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident, no seat belt

Danny W. Glidewell, 64, Springfield, Greene County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on driving while revoked, no seat belt 

Lawrence County Route K/Honey Creek Bridge to close

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lawrence Co. Route K/Honey Creek Bridge CLOSED for Repair Beginning Week of Aug. 8

Where: Lawrence County Route K/Honey Creek bridge North of Aurora

When: Beginning 8 a.m., Monday, August 8

What: Bridge CLOSED to allow MoDOT crews to repair bridge

Traffic Impacts

All Route K lanes CLOSED over Honey Creek around the clock for up to two weeks for initial repairs beginning week of August 8

After initial repairs, all Route K lanes CLOSED 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday for up 10 weeksAll Route K lanes OPEN at night and weekends

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

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers to the work zone

Drivers should find alternate route

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

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Highlandville man airlifted to Cox South after near drowning on Table Rock Lake

A Highlandville man was airlifted to Cox South Hospital with serious injuries following a near drowning on Schooner Creek near Kimberling City on Table Rock Lake.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Glenn S. Trust, 71, Highlandville, jumped into the lake from a 2019 Bass Tracker pontoon driven by Michael D. Klinger, 68, Ozark, and did not resurface for some time.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 24-25

Cheyenne L. Stricklin, 26, St. Joseph, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding

William R. Hall, 34, Hollister, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of marijuana

Angel E. Gonzalez, 18, Springfield, possession of marijuana

Roney A. Pitts, 50, Cassville, Lawrence County felony warrant, speeding

 

Minnesota man drowns on Table Rock Lake

An Eden Prairie, Minnesota man drowned Saturday at the Point One area of Table Rock Lake.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Eugene M. Nelson, 79, began struggling while swimming in the lake, went under and drowned. He was located the following day and pronounced dead at the scene by Taney County Coroner Tony Mullin.

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

 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 23-24

Gavin B. Upchurch, 22, Purdy, driving while intoxicated, failed to place vehicle as far to the right as possible, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Ricky L. Williams, 24, Noel, driving while intoxicated

Michael L. DeJong, 38, Edgar, Wisconsin, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to drive in a single lane, failed to stop vehicle as far to the right as possible, lane violation

Savannah R. Clair, 22, Marshfield, possession of marijuana

Abbiegail J. Hodges, 22, St. Charles, possession of marijuana

Elizabeth K. Elms, 45, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated

Joshua D. Blakey, 48, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated

Dylan Bohannon, 19, Neosho, possession of marijuana

Amanda L. Rumsbarger, 30, Kissee Mills, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain financial responsibility, no insurance

Whitney K. Tucker, 41, Blue Springs, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended

Jeremy D. Payne, 43, Kansas City, Barry County felony warrant for fraud, no seat belt

Saul Flores Solis, 53, Tulsa, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no valid license, no insurance

Rose M. White, 37, Springfield, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Sierra D. Fenix, 23, Fayetteville, Arkansas, possession of marijuana

Aaron W. McClintock, 24, Bentonville, Arkansas, possession of marijuana

William R. Martindale, 47, Joplin, driving while intoxicated

Springfield man suffers serious injuries crashing into tree

A Springfield man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 8:30 a.m. today on W. Shelvin Rock Road, five miles south of Nixa.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Dodge 1500 driven by Connor W. Wood, 29, Springfield, went off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

 The report says Wood suffered serious injuries and went to a Springfield hospital by unknown means.

 

Marionville teen flown to Mercy Springfield after fiery crash

 Two Marionville teens were injured in a one-vehicle accident 3:08 a.m. today on Lawrence County Road 1210, one mile north of Aurora.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Chevrolet Camaro driven by 15-year-old Marionville boy ran off the roadway on a curve, struck several trees and caught fire.

The boy was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

A passenger, a 13-year-old boy, was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Aurora.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 22-23

Alexis S. Goldner, 21, Kansas City, driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Shaela R. Gougler, 30, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to stop for stop light, failed to maintain lane

Brian K. Perryman, 50, Reeds Spring, driving while intoxicated

Jonathan C. Mart, 23, El Dorado Springs, driving while intoxicated

 

Shell Knob man killed, wife airlifted to Mercy Springfield following 3-vehicle accident

 A Shell Knob man was killed and two people injured in a three-vehicle accident 12:38 p.m. today on MO 86, one mile west of Golden.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 Ford Explorer driven by Bruce D. Meyers, 75, Shell Knob, failed to yield and was struck by a 2018 Ford motor home driven by Barnard J. Bax, 66, O'Fallon.

The collision caused the Meyers vehicle to travel off the right side of the roadway and hit a parked 2015 Ford F350.

Barry County Coroner Gary Swearingen pronounced Meyers dead at the scene at 12:55 p.m.

A passenger in the Meyers vehicle, Beverly R. Meyers, 80, Shell Knob, was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

A passenger in the Bax vehicle, Jo C. Bax, 64, St. Paul, received minor injuries.

The fatality was the 63rd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 21-22

Jaden A. Steele, 23, Fairview, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Shane A. Jones, 26, Branson, Taney County felony warrant for moving traffic violation, Taney County misdemenor warrants for possession and assault, Branson Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to register, possession of drug paraphernalia

Mandy D. Coffey, 40, Branson, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony possession of a controlled substance-xanax, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

John F. Pino, 69, Branson, felony possession of a controlled substance- clonazepam, felony possession of a controlled substance- xanax, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Jeremiah T. Block, 43, Galena, Kansas, felony driving while intoxicated, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, failed to drive in a single lane, no insurance, failed to place vehicle not in motion to the right side of the roadway, failed to drive in the right lane

Gerald P. Dale, 28, Branson, Taney County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Avilio A. Vasquez Juarez, 25, Tulsa, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no valid license

Roger J. Merrill, 44, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Michael E. Garoutte, 63, Fair Grove, driving while intoxicated, no valid license

Wallace K. Emerson, 51, Ozark, driving while intoxicated

Danny R. Blythe, 28, Goodman, Neosho Police Department misdemeanor traffic warrants

Probable cause: Springfield man says he robbed bank to prove a point to his girlfriend

 It all started with a fight with his girlfriend, Mike Loyd told authorities.

He wanted to prove a point.

So the 30-year-old Springfield resident robbed the Bank of America branch at 633 West Kearney Wednesday, according to the probable cause affidavit.

A 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 preliminary hearing is scheduled for Loyd.

The allegations against Loyd are detailed in the affidavit:

On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at approximately 11:30 a.m., an unknown white male ("LINISUB"), wearing a gray, cut-off t-shirt, with blue gym shorts, and an orange shoe on his right foot, enter the BOA, located at 633 West Kearney, Springfield, Missouri. 

The UNSUB had multiple tattoos brandished on both his left and right arms. The UNSUB approached the teller counter, presented a note to a teller, written on a white piece of printer-like paper, which was written with a pink marker or higher and it stated, "Give Your Money Now. Don't Say Anything. I Have A Partner Outside." 

The teller, who received the note will be referred to herein as D.D. D.D. took the note from the LINSUB and grabbed money from one of the teller drawers at the teller station D.D. was occupying. D.D. then handed the money and the demand note over to the UNSUB who took the money and the demand note, turned away from the teller counter, and exited the west entrance of the BOA. 

D.D. was later interviewed by investigators, at which point D.D. told investigators that during the robbery felt scared and threatened for the safety of the customers who were in the bank, while it was being robbed. 

Upon the arrival of Springfield Police Department ("SPD") investigators at the BOA, investigators learned that the UNSUB had departed in a black Dodge Ram pickup truck. At approximately 11:40 a.m., the SPD received a phone call from a person who identified themselves as Timothy Casey, at(417) 396-0840. 

Casey told the SPD that Michael Loyd, who was roommates with his girlfriend, Denise Caudill, at 2945 W. High, Lot 1, Springfield, (was the UNSUB).

Detective Patton read Loyd his Miranda rights, at which point Loyd stated he understood and was willing to answer questions without a lawyer present. 

During the interview of Loyd, Loyd admitted to robbing the BOA earlier in the day. Loyd told investigators that he robbed the bank because he and his lover, Ashley Sutton, had gotten into a fight and he wanted to "prove a point." 

Prior to robbing the BOA, Loyd wasn't sure which bank he was going to rob but he drove by the BOA and decided to pull into the parking lot, driving Caudill's black Dodge Ram. 

While in the parking lot, Loyd used a highlighter to write the demand note. The demand note was written on the back of Loyd's birth certificate. Loyd recalled writing, "Be quiet until I leave and give me all the money."

Loyd robbed the BOA by himself and did not receive any input or help from anyone else.  Loyd then went into the BOA and provided the teller the demand note. The teller then gave Loyd an unknown amount of cash and Loyd departed the BOA and got in the black Dodge Ram. Loyd departed the BOA by traveling west onto Kearney. 

Shortly after, Loyd threw his ID card and his birth certificate out the driver's side window. As Loyd was driving, he observed SPD patrol units driving with their red and blue lights activated, in the direction of the BOA. Loyd got scared and started throwing money out the window. 

Loyd was not sure on how much of the money he had disposed of because he was unsure on how much money the bank gave him. 

As Loyd was driving to Caudill's residence, he sent Caudill a text message telling her to turn the police scanner on and to report her black Dodge Ram pickup stolen. 

When Loyd arrived at Caudill's residence, Loyd changed clothes and called his lover, Ashley Sutton, to tell her what he had done. 

While speaking to SA Heath and Detective Patton, Loyd told investigators that he expected to receive prison time and he would take full responsibility for whatever punishment he was to receive.

Cassville woman airlifted to Mercy Springfield following car-pedestrian accident

A Cassville woman was injured in a car-pedestrian accident 5:10 p.m. Tuesday on Route CC, five miles north of Exeter.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Kia Sorento driven by Andrea J. Aldridge, 38, Exeter, struck Etta M. Nesbitt, 69, who was in the roadway.

Nesbitt was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

 

Springfield, Marshfield teens injured in UTV crash

Two people were injured in a one-vehicle accident 7 p.m. Wednesday on private property five miles southwest of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 John Deere Gator driven by a 17-year-old Marshfield boy was westbound a field and overturned, ejecting both occupants.

The driver was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Springfield.

The passenger, a 17-year-old Springfield boy, was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 20-21

Kylar D. Little, 21, Galena, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest

Ryan C. Thompson, 18, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no valid plates, possession of drug paraphernalia

Devin J. Fisher, 30, Hollister, driving while intoxicated (drugs), possession of marijuana

Chelsey Martin, 28, Greenfield, felony endangering the welfare of a child, felony possession of marijuana

Stormy M. Baker, 27, Greenfield, felony endangering the welfare of a child, felony possession of marijuana

Tanner M. Fly, 19, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain lane, no seat belt, texting while driving 

Springfield residents suffer serious injuries in motorcycle-deer collision

Two Springfield residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 12:46 a.m. today on Farm Road 124, two miles west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1992 Harley Davidson driven by Mark A. Neal, 60, Springfield, struck a deer in the roadway.

Neal was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

A passenger, Chelsea R. Moore, 30, Springfield, was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 19-20

Donald R. Hanson, 66, St. Louis, St. Louis County misdemeanor warrant for contempt of court

Joshua J. Martin, 30, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway, no seat belt

Randall E. Mejia, 22, Carthage, five Newton County warrants for failure to appear on traffic violations, speeding, driving while revoked, no seat belt

Cailey L. King, 24, Aurora, Lawrence County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on no insurance, no insurance, speeding

Zachory E. Myers, 24, Lebanon, two Greene County traffic warrants

Adam E. Harris, 36, Fairland, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, Newton County misdemeanor warrants for driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving and no valid license, failure to drive on right half of roadway, failure to stop at stop sign, window tint violation

Michael L. Brenneman, 35, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop at stop sign

Steven G. Harter, 28, Pleasant Hope, felony possession of a controlled substance- xanax

Seng Pang, 33, St. Louis, felony driving while intoxicated

Hanah D. Clark, 22, Rockaway Beach, Christian County felony warrant for failure to appear on dangerous drugs charge 

Springfield, Cassville, Bolivar residents among 18 indicted for meth conspiracy

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

Eighteen defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri after law enforcement officers seized approximately 29 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately $57,000, and firearms.

Brian E. Hall, 45, of Aurora, Mo., Jacqueline Aldrete Bojorquez, 28, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Jeffrey L. Hughley, 37, of Tulsa, Okla., were originally charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 31, 2022. 

Fifteen additional defendants were charged in a superseding indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.

Christopher A. Blevins, 37, of Fairview, Mo.; Lawrence D. Gwinup, 43, of Cassville, Mo.; Jennifer L. Childers, 38, Anthony S. Cooper, 39, and Joseph D. Piunti, 54, all of Bolivar, Mo.; Guy R. Winchester, 55, of Shell Knob, Mo.; Kimberly C. Elliott, 42, of Reeds, Mo.; Cody D. Ezell, 39, of Piedmont, Mo.; Charles W. Mierisch, 49, of Cole Camp, Mo.; Kenneth C. Cole, Jr., 61, of Independence, Mo.; Edward Uribe, 34, who is in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in an unrelated case; Joseph A. Gilbert, 39, Joel O. Rodriguez, 39, and Shawna R. Bartman, 49, all of Phoenix, Arizona; and Coreena D. Velasco, 29, of Tulsa; along with the original defendants Hall, Bojorquez, and Hughley, were charged in the 37-count superseding indictment.

The federal indictment charges each of the 18 defendants with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry, Stone, Polk, Lawrence, Greene, Jasper, and Newton Counties, and elsewhere, from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence on April 28, 2022, as part of an ongoing methamphetamine investigation. Officers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, approximately $57,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia used for the packaging and sale of methamphetamine.

When Bojorquez and Hughley arrived at Hall’s residence later that night, they were taken into custody as well. Officers searched their vehicle and found approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk and a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the floorboard of the front passenger seat.

In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Cole, Cooper, Childers, Elliott, Rodriguez, Mierisch, Bartman, Hall, Winchester, Gwinup, Gilbert, Bojorquez, and Hughley are charged in 18 counts related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Piunti is charged with two counts relating to the distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Elmwood Park playground in Bolivar. Mierisch is also charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on a premises where a minor was present or resides.

Hall is also charged with one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hall allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol on April 28, 2022.

Bartman is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Bartman allegedly possessed a Hi-Point .45-caliber pistol and a Tanfoglio 9mm pistol on May 19, 2021.

Blevins is also charged with one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Blevins allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol and a Ruger 9mm pistol on April 4, 2022.

Gwinup is also charged with one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Gwinup allegedly possessed a Smith & Wesson SD40 on April 9, 2022.

Bojorquez and Hughley are charged together in one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. They allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol on April 28, 2022.

Hall is also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Uribe, Velasco, Bojorquez, and Hughley are charged together in a separate count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Elliott and Blevins are each charged with one count of money laundering.

Uribe and Velasco are charged in two counts each with the unlawful use of a telephone to facilitate the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, COMET (the Combined Ozark Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County, Ok., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Stotts City, Verona residents injured in accident on 37

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 2:25 p.m. Monday on MO 37 at Route B in Purdy.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Kia Sorento driven by Martha Garcia Romero, 39, Verona, was slowing to stop and was struck in the rear by a 2000 Ford F150 driven by Daniel A. Bishop, 38, Stotts City.

Bishop was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin.

Romero was treated for moderate injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett. 

Highway Patrol Arrests July 18-19

Jesse A. Plaster, 41, Tonganoxie, Kansas, possession of marijuana

Karl A. Braun, 51, Cape Fair, possession of marijuana

Kimberly A. Israel, 52, Crane, possession of marijuana

Benny K. Israel, 21, Crane, felony resisting arrest, Lawrence County felony warrants for failure to appear on child molestation and failure to appear on failure to register as a sex offender

 

Springfield-Greene County Health Department reports high rate of heat-related illness

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Springfield-Greene County Health is reporting the highest rate of heat-related illness in Greene County since 2018. As of July 18, more than 60 individuals have sought emergency medical attention to address symptoms caused by heat overexposure, nearly double the rate in 2021.

According to the Greene County Office of Emergency Management, high temperatures are expected to continue through the end of July, with temperatures between 100°F and 104°F expected tomorrow through the end of the week. The Health Department is asking residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from heat-related illness this summer.

 

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.

To protect 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.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
Remember to check on older family members or neighbors who may be at greater risk for heat-related illness.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

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. Cooling centers include the lobbies of the following Springfield-Greene County Park Board facilities during their normal hours of operation: Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway
Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Rd.
Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Rd.
Doling Family Center, 310 E. Talmage St.

The Park Board also offers extended pool hours at Silver Springs Park & Pool when heat advisories are issued. Updated pool hours can be found at parkboard.org/aquatics.

Other cooling centers in Greene County include: The Salvation Army Springfield, 1707 W. Chestnut from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

While they are not official cooling centers, Springfield-Greene County Libraries are also a good option for those needing to stay out of the heat. A list of library hours and locations can be found at thelibrary.org/branches.

 

In people, illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Children, senior adults and people with chronic illness are at highest risk.

If you see a child, pet or unresponsive adult in a closed, parked vehicle, immediately call 9-1-1. For more information on staying safe in the heat and other summer-related topics, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/summer.

Pedestrian killed on Chestnut Expressway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 16, 2022, at 10:35 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle the 4100 block of west Chestnut Expressway.

Rebecca Cary, 24, from Odessa, Texas, was walking westbound in the center turn lane of Chestnut Expressway, just west of Orchard Crest. 

A 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Tommy Arcudia, 59, from Springfield, was westbound in the center turn lane when it hit Cary. Cary was transported to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Cary’s family has been notified. Impairment is not a factor in the crash.

The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash. Anyone with information about this incident can call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This incident is the 13th fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2022.

Aurora man airlifted to Cox South after motorcycle crash on 39

 An Aurora man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 3:03 p.m. Sunday on MO 39, five miles north of Shell Knob.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2022 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by Tylor C. Davis, 27, Aurora, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.

Davis was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.