A measure that will allow deputies to pull-over and issue tickets based on failing to wear a seat-belt has been passed in Buchanan County.

The Buchanan County Commission approved the measure Monday morning on a vote of 2-1.  Ron Hook and Dan Hausman voted in favor of the measure with Harry Roberts opposed.

The county has held public hearings for commissioners to take comments on the “primary” seat belt law proposal.  Hook said he voted in favor of the measure due to statistics.

“There was a lot of stats that were provided to us by Safety Council, Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Department and Police Department that the number of accidents that occur and stats that show if not wearing a seat belt the possibility of severe injury or death increase seven times,” Hook said. “I felt it necessary to enforce it.”

Previously, Proscuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins told the St. Joseph Post the ordinance was made possible by a ruling from the Supreme Court of Missouri that upheld a primary seat belt ordinance in St John, Missouri. Since that ruling several other jurisdictions have implemented local, primary ordinances. Those include the town of Weston, Missouri.

Hook said the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department is the only agency that can pull you over in Buchanan County based on not wearing your safety belt.

“But they can pull you over any place in Buchanan County, wither it’s inside the city limits of St. Joseph, or DeKalb, or Rushville, or Agency or any place like that.  It’s for the whole county,” Hook said.

The measure will take effect Nov. 1

A Kansas City man has been charged in Buchanan County on a weapon violation after allegedly running from police after a crash.

33-year-old Michael L. Fernandez was charged Sunday with a felony for unlawful possession of an explosive weapon.

According to court documents the incident took place Sunday in the 1900 block of Mitchell Ave.

“Fernandez was involved in a motor vehicle crash, where he fled the scene.  After a brief foot pursuit he was arrest.  A firearm fell out of his hoodie pocket when he was taken to the ground,” said Officer Justice McElroy with the St. Joseph Police Department. “Criminal history reveals numerous felony convictions.”

Court documents said a small amount of marijuana and a white powder substance was also recovered from a search.

“Fernandez also voluntarily admitted to being under the influence of controlled substance,” McElroy said.

Fernandez is being held on $10,000 cash bond.  An arraignment is set for Oct. 13.

MERIL is teaming up with area business and agencies to address the issue of the availability of safe and affordable universally designed housing in the region.

“There are more and more people every day having difficulty navigating their homes. Getting in and out of their homes, in and out of the bathroom, for whatever reason that might be. Mobility issues typically,” said Paul Bergonzoni, Director of Community Access with MERIL. “There’s a need not just for people with disabilities but really for everybody as they age, to try and get it started where when people are building homes where people don’t have to move just because they can’t get around anymore.”

MERIL is hosting a conference called ‘A Home For Everyone,’ Monday, Oct. 26 at Missouri Western State University to address the issue.  Bergonzoni said there’s a big call for universally designed housing in the region.

“There are a whole lot of folks that are having a hard time finding a good place to live,” Bergonzoni. “They may find a place to live but they’re having a difficult time being able to afford it.”

Examples of universally designed homes include things like 36″ wide doors, five-foot diameter clearance in kitchens and bathrooms, and adjustable closet and pantry shelving. Bergonzoni said the upcoming conference will try to tackle the issues and find a way to get more builders to think of universal design plans.

“This is a problem everywhere,” Bergonzoni said. “We’re trying to get our region going, follow a model that somebody else has started, develop our own model and maybe develop it for people in other areas.”

The conference is free but seating is limited. Interested participants can register online at www.meril.org/ahomeforeveryone. Registration is required by Oct. 9.

Two area women have been deployed to the West Coast by the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri to provide support to thousands of people affected by wildfires.

Ex. Dir. Angie Springs said one women is a nurse and was deployed late last week, the second was deployed this week and is working in logistics.  They will be gone for around two weeks assisting with services in California.

As of last Sunday, 250 people were at Red Cross and Community shelters where they received food and drinks, showers and other support. The agency is helping thousands of people begin the task of cleaning up after they were forced to evacuate the area due to fast-moving wildfires.

Financial contributions to support relief efforts following disasters are being accepted at the Northwest Missouri Chapter, located at 401 N. 12th St. St. Joseph, Mo. 64501.   The Northwest Missouri Chapter is also recruiting volunteers to provide aid in the event of future disaster situations.  For more information call (816) 232-8439.

 

 

UPDATE: A St. Joseph man has been charged after a police officer was taken to the hospital earlier this week.

According to court documents, 52-year-old Esteban Pena-Arrezola was charged Wednesday with a class C felony for assault/attempted assault on a law enforcement officer. It stems from an incident that took place Tuesday.

As we previously reported, officers initially responded to a disturbance at the Countryside Lane mobile home park between Pear and Easton Road Tuesday.

“Reference to a male suspect giving an unknown type of pills to kids,” Det. Jeremy Peters said in the probable cause document.

Officers caught up with the suspect at 3215 S. 22nd.

“The suspect was not compliant with officer Hamm and refused to be detained while officers continued to investigate the incident,” Peters said. “The suspect, Esteban Pena-Arresole, resisted the detention by Officers Hamm and S. Hernandez-Gross.  During the resisting Esteban fell onto Officer Hamm, who is considerably smaller than him causing serious injury to her.”

Sergeant Brett Kelly said the officer received a leg injury. She was taken to Mosaic Life Care where she was treated and released.

“Witnesses in the area stated Esteban was swinging a stick,” Peters said. “One witness, Linda McGehee, tried to assist the officers who were struggling with Esteban and was injured in the process.”

Capt. Jeff Wilson said the witness sustained a very minor injury.

Court documents said Pena-Arresola was recently homeless and unemployed.

He is currently being held on $15,000 bond. An arraignment is set for Friday.