Ramp to be closed at Route 39 and I-44 in Lawrence County

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Ramp CLOSED at Route 39 & I-44 in Lawrence Co. for Guardrail Repair March 12

Where: Missouri Route 39-to-eastbound I-44 on ramp (Exit 46) in Mt. Vernon

When: 10 p.m., Wednesday, March 12 through 2 a.m., Thursday, March 13

What: Contractor crews will make repairs to guardrail

Traffic Impacts

Missouri Route 39-to-eastbound I-44 on ramp (Exit 46) CLOSED to traffic

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching closure

Drivers should find alternate routes

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

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for drug trafficking conspiracy, weapons offenses

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

Bryce A. LaNear, 27, Springfield, Mo., was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes today to 15 years in federal court following his guilty plea and convictions for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine as well as distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of $7,950 seized from LaNear that were proceeds of LaNear’s drug distribution activity.

As LaNear admitted in his plea agreement, from April of 2017 to October of 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine and more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy. 

On April 19, 2017, LaNear was arrested in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to other persons as well as five firearms which he possessed in furtherance of his drug distribution activity. 

LaNear also sold cocaine to undercover Springfield, Missouri, police officers in August, September and December of 2017. On April 11, 2018, members of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant on LaNear’s residence and discovered additional amounts of methamphetamine and another firearm. 

In May of 2018, Springfield Police Officers seized additional amounts of methamphetamine and another firearm from LaNear. The investigation concluded with the seizure on October 2, 2019, of over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine from one of LaNear’s codefendants. In total, LaNear was responsible for the distribution of over 9 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 3 kilograms of cocaine in the Springfield, Missouri, area.

This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and Assistant United States Attorney Cameron Beaver. It was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department.