ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – During the brief breaks in winter weather, Missouri Department of Transportation crews will continue to temporarily patch potholes caused by the continuous freeze/thaw cycle and perform routine maintenance to roadways.

MoDOT also encourages motorists to take time during the break in winter weather to prepare for the next round:

• Replenish your car’s emergency kit. Consider adding an extra set of clothing, hand warmers, small bottles of water, and snacks to your usual supplies, just in case you get stranded and have to wait for help.
• Download MoDOT’s app from your app store. The app is an interactive map that displays real-time road conditions, work zones, traffic congestion, cameras, weather radar and more, just by toggling on and off layers on the app menu.
• Bookmark MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org/map. It has the same features as the app, plus links to other states’ road conditions, winter driving tips, and other information.
• Follow MoDOT’s Northwest District on your favorite social media site. While it’s not the 24/7 source that the app and map are, we share important information and tips there often.
  • Facebook: @MoDOTNWDistrict
  • Twitter: @ModotNorthwest
  • Instagram: modotnorthwst

MoDOT reminds motorists that even light precipitation can cause roads to become slick. While MoDOT works hard to treat and plow Missouri highways, it’s important to allow extra time for travel, change plans as needed, and to check road conditions before you head out. Remember the following tips when driving in inclement weather:

• Slow down.
• Steer and brake gently.
• Accelerate slowly at intersections.
• Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Stay back 100 feet from snow plows that may be spreading salt. Avoid passing snow plows, even when on a multi-lane road.
• Be aware that bridges and overpasses generally experience freezing conditions first. Cold air is able to circulate above and below these structures, making them the first to have slick spots, even from melting ice and snow.

MoDOT also provides road conditions information through their Customer Service Center at 888 ASK MODOT (888-275-6636).

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ronald R. Holliday announced Friday that no criminal charges will be filed in the fatal officer-involved shooting death of Christopher L. Kelly last year.

As previously reported, the shooting occurred on December 29, 2018, at 1007 S. 12th Street in St. Joseph. The St. Joseph Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting were Officers Brett Sagel and Matthew Kneib. 

According to a press release from the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Special Division of Drug and Crime Control, conducted the investigation at the request of the St. Joseph Police Department.

The investigation disclosed that the officers went to the residence initially to attempt to locate an individual in reference to an outstanding warrant. The officers went to the front door of the residence, knocked, and received no response. An officer went to the rear of the residence and located a white Hyundai Sonata vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Pleasant Valley, Missouri. A neighbor told police the vehicle in the rear of the residence was not a vehicle normally seen at the residence. Officers at the scene observed in plain view holsters, ammunition, and masks inside the stolen Hyundai. The rear of the residence was unsecured and the officers entered the residence through the back door to check the welfare of the residents. The officers loudly announced their presence and advised any occupants of the residence to identify their location but received no response.

The press release goes on to say that as the officers systematically searched the residence, they entered a bedroom in the northwest corner of the residence. They observed Kelly standing in the closet of the bedroom. At the same time the officers observed a second person in the closet who immediately surrendered to the officers. Additional officers then entered the northwest bedroom. Kelly was instructed to show his hands to the officers but he verbally refused. The officers then observed a firearm in his right hand. He was told to drop the weapon and refused. A taser was then deployed striking Kelly. However, the Taser had no effect on him. He then raised the pistol and pointed it at the officers and both officers then discharged their firearms at Kelly, striking him multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Phoenix Arms Model HP22A, .22 caliber pistol, loaded with 6 live rounds, was recovered from the possession of Kelly. A toxicology screen during his autopsy revealed Methamphetamine and Amphetamine in his blood.

The press release concludes: “A law enforcement officer is allowed to use deadly force if that officer has a reasonable belief that the use of such force is necessary to protect himself or another from serious physical injury or death… the use of deadly force by both officers in this case was permissible and not unreasonable and as a result, will not be the basis for any criminal charge allegations.”

A Princeton, Missouri, man was seriously injured in a crash between a tractor and a tractor-trailer Friday morning in Mercer county.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shortly after 10 a.m., the tractor and the tractor-trailer were both southbound on US 65 about four miles north of Princeton. The tractor, driven by 44-year-old Gilbert E. Lawson, was turning left onto a private drive. The tractor-trailer, driven by 44-year-old Timothy D. Spickard of Trenton, was attempting to pass the tractor when it hit the tractor in the northbound lane, causing Lawson to be ejected. The tractor-trailer continued on US 65, went off the east side of the road, overturning onto the driver’s side.

Lawson was transported to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton for treatment of serious injuries. No injuries were reported for the driver of the tractor-trailer.

By Sarah Thomack
St. Joseph Post

This weekend, in Atchison, Kansas, there’s an opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth and help a local theater restoration.

Atchison Chamber of Commerce President Jacque Pregont said there are over 13 different businesses participating in the Annual Chocolate Tasting this year.

“Chocolate cupcakes, chocolate covered espresso beans, I believe somebody is doing chocolate covered bacon, so you’ve got about 13 places to go and pick up your chocolate,” Pregont said. “You can either eat it as you go, or you can bring a little container. Lots of people have started bringing little containers to put the chocolates in so they can take them home and enjoy them one at a time and savor each and every one.”

This year, the funds from tickets for the Chocolate Tasting will be donated to the Fox Theatre project.

“We’re doing major renovations and reopening our movie theater, so we’re trying to give them a little bump to help pay for that project,” Pregont said. “We’re also excited to see that opening, they say the end of March, 1st of April, so we thought why not help them out with the ticket sales from our Chocolate Tasting.”  

The Chocolate Tasting is Friday and Saturday during normal business hours. You can find a list of participating businesses and more information at visitatchison.com.

A “Night at the Museum” this weekend will focus on reconnecting children with nature.

The Remington Nature Center will be holding the Night at the Museum event Friday evening. It will feature nature themed crafts and the Nature Center will be open for touring from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Shelly Cox with the Remington Nature Center says there will be a presentation at 6:30 p.m. called “Reconnecting Our Children with Nature.”

The presenter is graduate student Tracy Dotson who has a bachelor’s degree from MWSU in Health and Communications and an Associate’s degree from MWSU in Health Information Technologies. She is currently a graduate student with Grand Canyon University, majoring in secondary education. The presentation is recommended for educators, scout leaders, and parents, but children are welcome to attend.

The Remington Nature Center is located at 1502 McArthur Drive in St. Joseph. Regular admission prices apply.

For more information, contact Nature Center Manager, Andrea McCoy at (816) 676-3204 or click here.