LABADIE, Mo. (AP) — An 11-year-old Missouri girl is dead after an accident involving a bulldozer.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says Emma Proemsey of Labadie died Saturday.
The child was on a utility vehicle that came up behind the bulldozer. The patrol says the bulldozer driver, 65-year-old Larry Proemsey, had just knocked over a tree that fell across part of the bulldozer, and began to back up, unaware that the child was behind him.
Emma was pronounced dead at the scene. The patrol report did not disclose the relationship between Emma and Larry Proemsey.
Labadie is in Franklin County southwest of St. Louis.
President Donald Trump signed the $19.1 billion disaster aid bill into law on Thursday. A DTN report says that means farmers in at least six states will likely be eligible for financial help. Three billion of the total has been designated specifically for agricultural losses. It will help southeastern farmers hit hard by last fall’s hurricanes, as well as help Midwest farmers recover from flooding that destroyed grain stored on their farms.
However, the report says there is some confusion over language in the bill regarding “crops prevented from planting in 2019.” USDA will have to decide how it wants to divide up the $3 billion in disaster help for damage done by Hurricanes Michael and Florence, as well as wildfire damage to California crops and flooding in several Midwest states. While Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue commended the president and Congress for getting the bill done, USDA didn’t provide any details on how the agency would begin to distribute the aid.
The disaster aid package comes as farmers across the Corn Belt continue to battle wet weather and are struggling to get crops in the ground. Multiple groups are asking USDA to adjust planting dates or restrictions. Farmers are looking at their options as they’ve passed the prevented planting date for corn and are approaching the late planting period for soybeans.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in St. Clair County.
Just after 3:30 p.m. Sunday, a St. Clair County deputy was trying to pull over a vehicle for failure to yield, according to a media release from the sheriff’s department. The vehicle finally stopped approximately one and a half miles east of Highway E and Highway A intersection.
Upon making contact with the subject, the deputy noticed a weapon. The subject allegedly reached for the weapon. The deputy drew his county issued service weapon and fired one shot that struck the driver. The deputy was not injured.
A helicopter transported the driver to an area hospital in critical condition, according to the release. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave per St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office policy The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have a suspect in custody.
Ralph Hayward-photo Montgomery Co.
Just after 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a battery at 905 W. 9th Street in Coffeyville, according to a media release. At the scene, officers found 71-year-old Steven L. Lucas of Coffeyville unconscious. Lucas was transported by EMS to CRMC where he died of his injuries.
Police arrested a person of interest identified as Ralph Hayward, 47, of Coffeyville, He is being held in the Coffeyville jail without bond.
Police also were able to identify the owner, occupants of a black SUV for additional information in the case, according to the release.
CRAWFORD COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Suzuki Intruder driven by Shawn T. Lafferty, 53, Leasburg, was northbound on Highway JJ just south of Bourbon. The vehicle left the road, struck a ditch, overturned and the driver was ejected.
Lafferty was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Hutson Funeral Home. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.
WICHITA —Kansas 4th district democrat party leader James Thompson announced on Facebook Sunday that he has cancer.
Thompson, a Wichita attorney was the party’s congressional candidate and was defeated by Ron Estes in 2017 and 2018.
In August 2018, candidate James Thompson (left) made a campaign appearance with U.S Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic congresswoman from New York, stand together on stage during a rally in Wichita
In his social media post, Thompson wrote, “First, I want to say thank you to everyone who encouraged me to run for office again, whether it was Congress, Mayor, Senate, or District Attorney. I can’t really express how much your support means to me. Your enthusiasm and kindness inspired me to keep going during the campaign and to continue after it was over.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that I will ever have the opportunity to run for office again. I just found out, I have a rare cancer called a carcinoid tumor with accompanying carcinoid syndrome. The tumor metastasized into multiple lesions/tumors on my liver, which means I am in the later stages. The carcinoid syndrome causes severe head and torso flushing, dizziness, fuzzy headedness, and extreme fatigue. The good news is this is a “slow moving” cancer that I have probably had for many years and will probably be able to live for at least a few more. We are fortunate that Obamacare allowed us to have insurance. Hopefully, it continues.
For those of you who know me personally, you know that I am a stubborn SOB. I have a 14 year old daughter who I plan to see graduate high school, and the lord willing, walk down the aisle. I also have a 19 month old daughter and I want her to remember me as her father and our good times and laughter.I fought for my country, I fought for you, and you can sure as hell bet I will fight to live.
As you can imagine, my availability to attend events will depend on how I am feeling. I plan to continue in my role as the 4th Congressional District Democratic Chair, and practice law to the extent I am able, although I can no longer take on the stress of civil rights litigation.
I appreciate your prayers, warm thoughts and general encouragement as I and my family go through this as so many others in our country do everyday. Thank you for allowing me the honor of twice having been your nominee for U.S. Congress. I have a dark sense of humor. I joke that I may run for Congress or Senate as “Terminal Thompson” because I have built in term limits. (Not everyone thinks this is funny, but like I said, dark sense of humor. I bet this scares the hell out of Estes. LOL)
“My one wish is that people step up to take the baton and continue fighting for a better Kansas. Knock doors, make phone calls, get involved in campaigns for candidates who inspire you, and most importantly, run for office at every level. Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. Let them know you are here and you want a just, decent, and empathetic society. Inspire people to empower themselves and make a better city, Kansas and country. Make people understand the definition of diversity must also include diversity of opinion. Don’t allow the politics of hatred to override the sense of decency I know resides in everyone who supported me. I am so sorry this happened but Kansas is worth fighting for. What do we say to cancer? Not today!”
The National Corn Growers Association made a trip to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to talk about the Renewable Fuels Standard and blending waivers given to refiners. NCGA Renewable Fuels Public Policy Director Kathy Bergren held a briefing for House of Representatives staff. The goal was to explain the damaging effects of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuels Standard blending waivers given to large, profitable refineries.
They also talked about potential solutions to the dispute between the oil and ethanol industries. Since early 2018, the EPA has granted a total of 53 RFS exemptions to refineries for the 2016 and 2017 compliance years. Those exemptions equal a total of 2.61 billion gallons of ethanol. EPA currently has 39 waiver petitions for the 2018 compliance year awaiting action.
The NCGA told the staff in attendance that the waivers have taken a toll on farmers by undercutting the RFS and reducing corn demand. NCGA President Lynn Chrisp was there as well, saying, “While corn farmers are immensely grateful that the barrier to year-round E15 has been lifted, we won’t be able to reap the full benefits if the EPA continues to allow oil companies to avoid blending biofuels in accordance with the RFS.”
KANSAS CITY – Two men were sentenced in federal court Friday for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that led to a man’s kidnapping and torture, according to the U.S. Attorney.
Holmes photo Jackson Co.
Gerald L. Holmes, also known as “Jerry” or “Joker,” 27, and Richard M. Phoenix, also known as “Snake,” 77, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays. Holmes was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Phoenix was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 17, 2018, Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
During the conspiracy, which lasted from May 1 to Sept. 13, 2016, co-defendant Jeremy R. Bond, 40, of Independence, invested $10,000 into the marijuana operation. In return, he received $1,000 a week as interest and free marijuana until the entire principal investment was repaid in full. This investment allowed Holmes and a co-conspirator, identified in court documents as “C.H.” (who had made four trips to Colorado with Gerald Holmes), to purchase greater quantities of marijuana per trip. Once it reached the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, the marijuana was then resold by Gerald Holmes and C.H.
Phoenix photo Jackson Co.
Conspirators purchased at least 120 pounds of marijuana from co-defendant Michael C. Borrusch, also known as “Birdie,” 43, of Lakewood, Colo., for which they made more than a dozen trips between Colorado and Kansas City. Holmes paid Borrusch between $1,600 to $2,400 per pound, depending on the type and quality of marijuana available. Holmes’s father and co-defendant, Randal G. Holmes, also known as “Peckerwood” or “Wood,” 54, of Kansas City, Mo., received $100 for every pound of marijuana brought back to Kansas City because of his prior connection to Borrusch, who was previously his supplier.
On Sept. 12, 2016, Gerald and Randal Holmes agreed to kidnap C.H. because he stole $16,000 that was intended for the purchase of marijuana. C.H. spent the money in Las Vegas, Nev.
They arrived at the Independence, Mo., residence of the victim’s father, identified as “W.H.,” on Sept. 12, 2016. During their conversation, Gerald Holmes removed a firearm from his waistband and placed it on a table in front of W.H. They told W.H. to call C.H. and tell him he was being held at gunpoint and that C.H. needed to come to the residence right away. When C.H. arrived at the residence, Randal Holmes pointed a firearm at him and told him to get into his vehicle. While in the vehicle, Gerald Holmes struck, punched, and choked C.H. as Randal Holmes drove away.
They took C.H. to Randal Holmes’s residence, where they met Phoenix, who was living with Randal Holmes and his wife. C.H. was taken to the basement, where he was assaulted with fists, a hammer, and tin snips/clippers. Gerald Holmes attempted to remove the victim’s pinkie finger and a toe. During the assault, Randal Holmes repeatedly demanded that C.H. disclose where the duffle bag containing the money was located. Randal and Gerald Holmes left to retrieve the duffle bag while Phoenix held C.H. at gunpoint with instructions to shoot him if he got off the desk he had been sitting on.
Randal Holmes later drove C.H. to a rural residence near Edwards, Mo. As Randal Holmes drove them to the residence, Gerald Holmes continued to strike C.H. with fists and the butt of a firearm. When they arrived at the residence, C.H. was told to call his father and to tell him that he was okay, that he had taken a beating, that he would be home in a couple of days, and that he deserved what had happened.
Law enforcement officers were able to trace the telephone call and on Sept. 13, 2016, officers were able to locate C.H. and arrest the conspirators. Officers observed that C.H. had suffered multiple, visible injuries to his face, head, hands, and feet. Officers noted that C.H. had trouble walking, that his face was black and blue, as well as swollen with traces of dried blood. Upon receiving medical treatment, it was determined that C.H. had also suffered a fracture in his left hand.
Officers found a Jimenez Arms 9mm pistol in Randal Holmes’s vehicle and a Hi-Point 9mm pistol in the residence where C.H. had been held. Officers also found an FN Herstal .40-caliber pistol, a Remington .270-caliber rifle, an RG .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, a Mossberg .20-gauge shotgun, 36.4 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in another residence.
Gerald Holmes and Phoenix are the final defendants to plead guilty and be sentenced in this case. Randal Holmes was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Borrusch was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Jeremy R. Bond, 40, of Independence, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison without parole.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A prominent donor to Republican causes has contributed $1 million to a newly formed political action committee aimed at overturning Missouri’s restrictive new abortion law.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that a filing with state campaign regulators shows David Humphreys of Joplin contributed to the Committee to Protect the Rights of Victims of Rape & Incest. Humphreys’ is the first known contribution to the PAC, and comes after he had said he would back a referendum asking voters to overturn the new law if Republican Gov. Mike Parson signed it.
Humphreys and his family are longtime conservative donors and contributed more than $14 million to Republicans during the 2016 election cycle.
Humphreys publicly urged Parson to veto the abortion bill, saying the lack of exceptions allowing for abortion in cases of rape and incest “is bad public policy and bad for Missourians.”
The new law bans abortions at eight weeks with exceptions only for medical emergencies. If Roe v. Wade is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, that ruling would trigger another provision in Missouri’s law outlawing nearly all abortions at any stage of pregnancy.
Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said last week that he rejected two referendum petitions aimed at repealing the sweeping abortion law — one backed by the ACLU of Missouri and the other backed by Humphreys. Ashcroft cited a provision in the Missouri Constitution that prohibits referendums on legislation that has already taken effect.
Most new laws in Missouri automatically take effect on Aug. 28 of each year, as the ban on abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy will.
The Republican-led Legislature, though, voted to make a section of the bill that changed parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions take effect as soon as Parson signed it into law.
Ashcroft, the state’s top election official, said that effectively blocked the two efforts to repeal the law through a public vote. He cited a provision in the constitution that prohibits referendums on “laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”
The ACLU is suing to overturn Ashcroft’s ruling, and Humphreys’ attorney says he will also.
Humphreys and the ACLU want the referendums to be approved so backers can start collecting signatures to place a question on the November 2020 ballot.
If the courts reverse Ashcroft’s action, and the language is approved, proponents of a referendum will have until Aug. 28 to turn in more than 100,000 signatures to the secretary of state in order to suspend the law until voters weigh in in 2020.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Friday no human cases have been reported as of May 25.
The virus can cause fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain tissue that in some cases can cause death. The virus cannot be transmitted from human to human.
The health department says people should remove standing water from their property. To avoid being bitten, people should wear insect repellant, long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
President Donald Trump signed the $19.1 billion disaster aid bill into law on Thursday. A DTN report says that means farmers in at least six states will likely be eligible for financial help. Three billion of the total has been designated specifically for agricultural losses. It will help southeastern farmers hit hard by last fall’s hurricanes, as well as help Midwest farmers recover from flooding that destroyed grain stored on their farms.
The National Corn Growers Association made a trip to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to talk about the Renewable Fuels Standard and blending waivers given to refiners. NCGA Renewable Fuels Public Policy Director Kathy Bergren held a briefing for House of Representatives staff. The goal was to explain the damaging effects of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuels Standard blending waivers given to large, profitable refineries.
