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Multiple people hospitalized after Sunday night crash

Four people are in the hospital after a two-vehicle severe injury crash Sunday night in St. Joseph.

According to St. Joseph Police, at 9:40 p.m. the driver of a car failed to stop at a stop sign at 12th and Pacific Streets and hit another car with three occupants. The fire department was called out to help as people were trapped due to the extent of the damage.

Everyone involved in the crash was taken to the hospital.

The driver that ran the stop sign is in police custody for investigative charges.

The crash is still under investigation.

Morning fog possible followed by mostly sunny skies

Areas of light fog possible early this morning before burning off by mid to late morning. Another cool day in store with a few sprinkles possible, but overall conditions will be dry. Skies will begin to clear from west to east late this afternoon and evening becoming mostly clear overnight. Tuesday will see temperatures rebound back into the 80s and dry conditions. Stormier weather returns mid-week and continues into the holiday weekend. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 78. West wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Light and variable wind.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South southeast wind 3 to 8 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South southeast wind 5 to 8 mph.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, May 21 – 27

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The following is a listing of general highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region planned for the week of May 21 – 27 from the Missouri Department of Transportation. In addition to the work listed below, there may be pothole patching, mowing, shoulder work, bridge maintenance, striping, brush cutting, guardrail repairs, litter pick up and other road work conducted throughout the region. Many of these will be moving operations and could include lane closures with delays. All scheduled maintenance and construction projects are subject to change.

MoDOT reminds the public to stay alert, watch for road work, buckle up, slow down, and drive with extreme caution through work zones and in changing weather conditions.

For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) or visit modot.org/northwest. You can also follow MoDOT’s Northwest Missouri District on Twitter @ModotNorthwest and on Facebook.

Andrew County

Interstate 29 – Bridge deck replacement project at the Nodaway River Bridge. Traffic is head to head in the northbound lanes. This traffic pattern will be in place through August and includes a 13-foot width restriction.

U.S. Route 71 – Resurfacing project from Route 48 to Route A (Nodaway County), May 21 – 27

Atchison County

U.S. Route 275 – Bridge maintenance at the McElroy Bridge, May 21 – 24

U.S. Route 275 – Bridge maintenance at the East Fork of High Creek Bridge, May 21 – May 27

U.S. Route 275 – Bridge maintenance at the West Fork of High Creek Bridge, May 25

Buchanan County

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement repair from Route AC to the Missouri River, May 21 – 24

Caldwell County

U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance at the Long Branch Bridge, May 22 – 27

Carroll County

Route KK – Shoulder and drainage work at County Road 101, May 21 – 25

Route M – Pavement repair, May 22 – 24

Chariton County

Route E – Pothole patching from Route 11 to Route 139, May 21

Route C – Bridge maintenance on the Hickory Branch Bridge, May 21 – 22

Routes EE and RA – Pothole patching, May 22

Route YY – Pothole patching, May 23

Route E – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from Route JJ to Route 5, May 23, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route D – Bridge maintenance at the Clark Branch Bridge and the Mussel Fork Creek Bridge, May 23 – 24

Clinton County

Route V – Chip seal from U.S. Route 69 to Route 33, May 21

Daviess County

Route 13 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Honey Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through September.

I-35 – Pavement repair from mile marker 64 (near Route 6) to mile marker 84 (near Route AA/H Harrison County), May 21 – 24

Route KK – CLOSED for a resurfacing project, May 21 – 23, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Route E – CLOSED for a resurfacing project from Santa Rosa to Route D (DeKalb County), May 24 – 25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

DeKalb County

U.S. Route 36 – Pavement resurfacing and realignment project at the Route 33 North/Route M junction. Traffic is head to head in the eastbound lanes. This traffic pattern will be in place through July 3 and includes a 14-foot width restriction.

Route E – CLOSED for a resurfacing project from Route D to Santa Rosa (Daviess County), May 24 – 25, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Gentry County

Route C – Bridge maintenance at the Panther Creek Bridge, May 21 – 25

Grundy County

Route K – Pothole patching, May 23 – 24

Harrison County

Route AA/H – CLOSED for a bridge deck replacement at the I-35 overpass. The bridge will be closed through July. I-35 traffic will diverted up and over the on and off ramps at the exit beginning Tuesday May 29 for approximately 5 working days. No access to or from Routes AA or H will be permitted during this portion of the project.

I-35 – Pavement repair from mile marker 84 (near Route AA/H) to mile marker 64 (near Route 6 Daviess County), May 21 – 24

Route U – Pothole patching, May 24 – 25

Holt County

I-29 – Bridge deck replacement at the Nodaway River Bridge. Traffic is head to head in the northbound lanes. This traffic pattern will be in place through August and includes a 13-foot width restriction.

U.S. Route 59 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Davis Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through June.

I-29 – Resurfacing project and shoulder improvements from Route 118 to Route W, May 21 – 25. This includes a15-foot Width restriction.

Linn County

U.S. Route 36 – Shoulder improvements from just east of Route 11 to Route 5, May 21 – 27

Route YY – Pothole patching from the Chariton County line to Route 130, May 23 – 24

Route 130 – Pothole patching from Route YY to U.S. Route 36, May 24 – 25

Route KK – Pothole patching from Route B to Route K (Livingston County), May 25

Livingston County

U.S. Route 65 – Pavement repair from the north city limits of Chillicothe to the Iowa state line, May 21 – 27. This includes a 12-foot width restriction.

Route K – Pothole patching, May 21 – 22

Route KK – Pothole patching from Route K to Route B (Linn County), May 25

Mercer County

U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Weldon Branch Grand River Bridge, May 22 – 24. This will include overnight lane closures.

Nodaway County

U.S. Route 71 – Resurfacing project from Route A to just north of Route 48 (Andrew County), May 21 – 27

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder improvements from east of the Maryville city limits to Route 46 in Ravenwood, May 21 – 25

Worth County

Route AA – CLOSED for a culvert replacement two miles east of Route C, May 22, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Northwest announces free Summer Movie Series for 2018

Northwest Missouri State University’s Office of Student Involvement and the Student Activities Council has announced its schedule for the 2018 Summer Movie Series.

Five movies comprise this summer’s series, which is free and open to the public.

All show times are 7 p.m. at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.

Dates, movies and film ratings appear below.

For more information, contact Northwest’s Office of Student Involvement at (660) 562-1226 or [email protected].

·         June 13: “Coco” (PG)

·         June 27: “McFarland USA” (PG)

·         July 11: “Black Panther” (PG-13)

·         July 18: “Million Dollar Arm” (PG)

·         Aug. 8: “Invictus” (PG-13)

Border to Border seat belt initiative kicks off Click It or Ticket week

To kick off the 2018 Click It or Ticket seat belt initiative with the highest level of support, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is spearheading an awareness event.

According to a press release from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, Border to Border (B2B) is a one-day national seat belt awareness kickoff event coordinated by participating state highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. B2B aims to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible, seat belt enforcement and providing seat belt fact sheets for drivers at heavily traveled locations at state lines.

The B2B event will be held Monday, May 21, beginning the Click It or Ticket week which runs through June 3 and covers the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend.

“Past Border to Border initiatives have proved helpful toward our overall goal of spreading the message about the importance of buckling up,” said Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The B2B kickoff will include a four-hour enforcement crackdown from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 21.

The B2B program is also a successful study in collaboration between local law enforcement offices: During the 2017 B2B program, participating nationwide law enforcement offices issued citations for 5,695 seat belt and child car seat violations, as well as 14,619 citations for other traffic infractions. 

According to NHTSA, nearly half (48%) of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2016 were unrestrained. From 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m., that number soared to 56 percent of those killed. That’s why one focus of this year’s B2B and Click It or Ticket campaigns is nighttime enforcement. During the week of Click It or Ticket, participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In Missouri the maximum penalty for a seat belt violation is $10.

“In 2016, 947 people died in Missouri traffic crashes, and 62 percent of the drivers and passengers killed were not wearing their seat belt. Many of those community members would have survived if they’d made the choice to buckle up,” said Colonel Karsten. “If one of your friends or a family member does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to change their habit. Help us spread this life-saving message before one more friend or family member dies needlessly. Seat belts save lives, and everyone—front seat and back, child and adult—needs to remember to buckle up—every trip, every time.”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.saveMOlives.com or nhtsa.gov/ciot.  

MDC encourages public comments on monarch conservation plan

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to share their comments on a conservation plan of the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) to help save monarch butterflies.

MAFWA, of which MDC is a member, welcomes public comments on its draft “Mid-America Monarch Conservation Strategy” through May 31.

According to MAFWA, eastern monarch numbers have declined by more than 80 percent over the past 20 years. This decline is primarily due to habitat loss, including reduced numbers of milkweed plants that monarch caterpillars feed on, and fewer nectar plants that migrating monarchs feed from. State wildlife agencies, including MDC, and partners are planting milkweed to create more monarch habitat, but more work is needed.

According to a press release, the draft plan builds on these and other existing efforts of state, federal, and local agencies, along with private organizations and individuals. It covers a 16-state region stretching from Texas to the Upper Midwest that encompasses the primary production and migratory habitat areas for eastern monarchs – including Missouri.

The draft plan identifies conservation goals and strategies for improving monarch habitat on natural areas, agricultural lands, urban lands, and other areas. The plan focuses on habitat restoration and enhancement, but also includes education and outreach, research, and monitoring needs related to monarch conservation.

“In addition to their beauty, monarch butterflies are an important native species when it comes to much of the food we eat,” said MDC Private Land Services Division Chief Bill White. “One out of every three mouthfuls of food and drink we consume depends upon pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and other species.”

He added that the Mid-America Monarch Conservation Strategy is the first phase of a long-term strategy to help save these important pollinators.

“Our efforts in Missouri are an important part of the plan and we hope every Missourian takes action to help us save monarchs and other pollinators,” White said.

For more information, a copy of the draft conservation plan, and how to submit comments, visit the MAFWA website.

Route 33 to close at U.S. Route 36 near Osborn

OSBORN, Mo. – Route 33 North at Route 36 will close soon as a resurfacing and realignment project continues in DeKalb County.

According to a press release, the Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Herzog Contracting Corporation to realign and resurface the westbound lanes of U.S. Route 36 near the junction with Route 33 North and Route M.

Traffic is diverted off the westbound lanes via crossovers and all traffic is now head to head in the eastbound lanes. Throughout the head-to-head traffic, drivers have been restricted to right turns only at the Route 33 North/Route M intersection and access across U.S. Route 36 has been closed.

As the project moves into one of the final stages, crews will begin to pave the newly aligned westbound lanes and reconstruction the Route 33 North intersection. In order to safely and efficiently complete this work, access to Route 33 North will be closed to all traffic while a new intersection is constructed. Crews will close the U.S. Route 36 and Route 33 North intersection at approximately 9 a.m. on May 29. The intersection will remain closed around the clock and is anticipated to reopen the evening of June 8.

Traffic control, signs and message boards are in place alerting motorists of the work. All work is weather permitting and could be rescheduled.

MoDOT encourages all travelers to slow down, especially in work zones. As always, please buckle up, eliminate distractions, pay attention and drive safely so everyone is able to Arrive Alive.

For more information on this or other MoDOT projects, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) or visit modot.org/northwest and view the online Traveler Information Map. In addition, MoDOT provides updated information on Twitter and Facebook.

Weekend storms possible

Saturday A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 7pm and 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming north northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Mustangs to kick off 10th season with Fan Fest on May 29th

The St. Joseph Mustangs kickoff their 10th Anniversary Season with the 4th annual Mustangs Fan Fest celebration Tuesday, May 29th. at East Hills Shopping Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

According to a press release, the first half hour will feature a live press conference with local media and opening statements from the Mustangs Front Office. Guests in attendance will be provided the opportunity to ask the Mustangs front office, coaches, and players questions following the media portion.

The entire Mustangs 2018 roster will also be on hand for the duration of the event, signing autographs and taking pictures. Guests in attendance will also receive a free 2018 schedule poster.

For musically inclined fans, National Anthem auditions will also be taking place at Mustangs Fan Fest. Fans of all ages are invited to participate, for the opportunity to sing before a 2018 Mustangs baseball game.

This event is free, and will also feature prize giveaways, games, an appearance from Rally, and a first look at new Mustangs merchandise.

“This is our players first chance to interact with our fans. It’s a great chance to put a face with a name before they put on the jersey for the first time,” Mustangs General Manager Ky Turner said. “Our players really enjoy meeting members of the community, and getting to know them too. Whether you want to sit and listen to the press conference, or move around, playing games and meeting our players, there is something to do for everyone.”

The Mustangs will begin their chase for their second MINK League title in as many years and their 6th all time. Coming off a championship campaign in 2017, they begin their first season under Manager Johnny Coy on May 30th against the Midwest A’s.

Tickets are available by calling (816) 279-7856 or visiting stjoemustangs.com.

Missouri to launch special session on Greitens allegations

 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The case against Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens is shifting from a St. Louis courtroom to a Capitol committee room.

A special, monthlong legislative session devoted to allegations against the Republican governor was to get underway Friday evening with the goal of determining whether to try to impeach Greitens in an effort to oust him from office.

The special session was to start just 30 minutes after the official end of the Legislature’s regular session, and just five days after the St. Louis circuit attorney’s office dropped a felony charge accusing Greitens of taking a nonconsensual photo of a partially nude woman in 2015.

Allegations of sexual misconduct during what Greitens’ describes as a consensual affair are likely to be revived during the special session. Lawmakers also will be looking into whether to discipline Greitens for using a donor list from a veterans charity he founded to raise money for his 2016 gubernatorial campaign, and whether he committed any other campaign finance violations.

The Missouri Constitution says executive officeholders can be impeached for crimes, misconduct and “moral turpitude,” among other things. It does not require a conviction in a criminal court — a key fact, considering the special session will be starting before prosecutors have decided whether to refile the invasion-of-privacy charge against Greitens.

No trial date has been set on a separate St. Louis felony charging Greitens with tampering with computer data for allegedly misusing The Mission Continues donor list.

Greitens so far has declined to appear before a special House investigatory committee that’s been taking testimony about allegations against him since March. He hasn’t said whether will testify during the special session.

The governor has been gearing up to fight for his political life. He’s hired two private attorneys to represent the governor’s office and several others to represent him in his personal capacity.

Governor’s office attorneys Ross Garber and Eddie Greim have urged the House to adopt rules allowing Greitens’ lawyers to submit subpoena requests for documents and witnesses, and to cross-examine others who testify before the House committee. They said similar procedures were adopted as Connecticut, Illinois and Alabama considered gubernatorial impeachments during the past decade.

Committee chairman Rep. Jay Barnes said he likely will honor gubernatorial requests to call witnesses. But he has shown little inclination to allow Greitens’ attorneys to question witnesses — a privilege reserved only for members of the special investigative committee under its current rules.

The tiff over procedural rules highlights an underlying controversy about the special session. A total of 139 of the 161 House members and 29 of the 33 senators signed a petition calling for the session. But of those who didn’t, some believe the Legislature is acting too quickly.

Rep. Bill White, a Republican attorney from Joplin, would prefer that lawmakers wait to decide on impeachment until after any criminal trials are concluded, so that they can get the benefit of seeing Greitens’ defense.

“I think it’s premature,” White said. “I have grave concerns on the process we’re doing.”

Yet GOP legislative leaders have faced criticism from others, especially Democrats, for not attempting to impeach Greitens more quickly.

House Majority Whip Steve Lynch, a Waynesville Republican, said he won’t be rallying support for impeaching Greitens — even if that’s what the House committee recommends. Instead, he said his duties would focus solely on counting potential votes among colleagues.

“We want people to vote their own conscience and not to feel pressure — at least not from me — to vote one way or the other,” Lynch said.

——-

ST. LOUIS (AP) – St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner says lawyers for Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens twice threatened to “ruin” her if she didn’t back off investigations of the governor.

Gardner spoke to The Associated Press this week after her office dismissed an invasion of privacy case stemming from Greitens’ 2015 affair with his St. Louis hairdresser. She says a decision will be made by June 1 on whether to refile the charge.

Gardner says Greitens attorneys told her in a March meeting that she would be ruined personally and professionally if she moved forward with the case. She says they made a similar threat in April as she contemplated a second charge alleging Greitens illegally used a charity donor list for his gubernatorial campaign.

Defense attorney Jack Garvey says Gardner’s allegations are false.

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