(Missourinet, AP) – Missourians can expect about 51-million Americans on the roads, railways and in the air during this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

AAA spokesman Mike Right said that’s more than a three-percent increase compared to last year.

“Ninety percent of all travelers will be traveling by motor vehicle and that’s up 3.2 percent from last year,” Right said. “So it’ll be a busy Thanksgiving holiday period, in fact, we haven’t seen these kinds of numbers for at least the last decade.”

AAA expects most drivers will pay the highest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2014 with the national average for a gallon of regular being $2.56, up from $2.16 a year ago. Those flying will pay the lowest average in five years for a round-trip flight for the top 40 domestic routes.

A murder charge has been filed against a St. Joseph man in reference to a shooting death last month.

According to the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s office, 19-year-old Khaury El-Amin is charged with second degree murder in the death of Donovan L. Smith on October 28th.

According to the probable cause statement, in the area of 724 North 23rd Street, El-Amin was a passenger in a vehicle and he was seen firing a handgun at Smith, hitting the victim at least once. El-Amin fled the scene and Smith later died as a result of the gunshot wound.

Murder in the second degree is a Class A felony and carries a penalty of 10-30 years or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole until after 85% of any sentence ordered has been served.

Bond has been set at $250,000. An arraignment is scheduled for December 5th.

(Missourinet) – Missouri state troopers will be visible on all interstates Wednesday and again on Sunday, during the peak of the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz says 14 people were killed and that another 553 people were injured during the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“So if you look at that for that timeframe, that’s roughly one person was killed or injured every 10.8 minutes somewhere in Missouri over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday,” Hotz says.

Captain Hotz tells Missourinet troopers will be stationed at 20-mile intervals on interstates 29, 44, 55 and 70 Wednesday and again on Sunday, as well as along Highways 60 and 63.

It’s part of a program called Operation C.A.R.E. Hotz says that stands for Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort.

“They’re (Missouri state troopers) being visible,” says Hotz. “We know that when people see a patrol vehicle they typically have a tendency to drive in a safer manner. But in addition to being visible, they will be enforcing traffic laws.”

Hotz says troopers will also be assisting motorists, as needed.

Troopers remind you to observe the speed limit, to wear your seat belt and to make sure your vehicle is in good condition.

The Missouri Highway Patrol’s emergency assistance phone number is 1-800-525-5555, or *55 on your cellular phone.

Hotz encourages motorists to use that number to report traffic crashes and crimes being committed.

by SARAH THOMACK

St. Joseph Post

A tree lighting will take place Tuesday evening as a way for the community to remember victims of crime and pay tribute to those family members and friends. 

Paralegal with the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office Jenn Moden said the Victim Memorial Tree Lighting is an annual event the Prosecutor’s Office has held for many years. 

“It’s just really important to bring the community together and honor the victims that we have lost, just an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to those family members or even friends that were taken too soon,” Moden said. “It has a huge impact on our community members…It’s just really a great time, during the holidays, to come together… just be supportive of each other, make a new friend. Our community is going through so much right now.… it’s just an excellent opportunity to come and get into the holiday spirit.” 

Anyone attending is invited to bring an ornament to place on the tree in memory of a loved one. Moden said the event will also include speakers and music.

The Victim Memorial Tree Lighting takes place at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, outside on the north side of the courthouse at 411 Jules Street in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Fire Department has cancelled open burning Monday.

According to a Nixle alert issued at 10:37 a.m., the cancellation is due to the windy conditions.

As previously reported, fall open burning runs through Sunday, Nov. 26.