Local News – Friday, October 16, 2020
A one vehicle fatality accident happened Thursday morning at 5:00 in Texas County on Route BB about one mile west of Highway 63 near Licking. According to the report from highway patrol, a 1997 Dodge 1500 being driven by 35-year old Justin Creech of Licking was eastbound when the vehicle crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Creech was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:31 by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. Creech was taken to Fox Funeral Home in Licking. According to the report, Creech was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Towing.
Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports that on Tuesday, October 13th, the Child Fatality Review Board established pursuant to Missouri RSMo 210.192 met to collaborate on the recent child fatality that resulted in the filing of charges for criminal neglect resulting the death of a child. The members of the panel include the prosecuting or circuit attorney; the coroner or medical examiner for the county or city not within a county; law enforcement personnel in the county or city not within a county; a representative from the children’s division; a provider of public health care services; a representative of the juvenile court; and a provider of emergency medical services. The panel discussed the information currently available and requested additional information to review at a meeting to be scheduled upon receipt of the autopsy of the deceased child. The formal autopsy has not been made available to any members of the panel at this time. Upon receipt of the autopsy and the additional requested information, the panel will reconvene to develop recommendations that will be made available to the public, media and potentially the legislature. The recommendations will be targeted to prevent future acts of child abuse and/or neglect consistent with the purpose of the Child Fatality Review Board. A press release will be provided at the conclusion of the board’s review to be distributed to the public. This particular case has the full attention of the Child Fatality Board at this time.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks is launching a new state park and historic site status map providing the public with one convenient location to easily view closures and information that may impact upcoming visits to a Missouri state park or historic site. The map highlights temporary closures that may be experienced while visiting a park or site including closures related to trails, roads, beaches, parking lots, gates, shower houses or restrooms. Visitors are encouraged to check the map prior to leaving for the park or site in preparation of their visit by visiting https://mostateparks.com. Capacity at state parks and historic sites is being monitored closely in order to prevent overcrowding. If nearing capacity, parking lots or gates may close temporarily. When visiting a park or site, the public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds, and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged and may be required by local order.
Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed today as “Buckle Up Phone Down” Day in Missouri and fellow Missourian and former race car driver Carl Edwards is lending his famous name to the cause, all in an effort to encourage Missourians to fasten their seatbelts and put their phones down while driving. As part of the promotion, Missourians are invited to join in a virtual BUPD Day kickoff event starting at 9:00 this morning at www.facebook.com/MoDOTStatewide. This is the fourth year MoDOT and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with safety partners throughout the state, will mark “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Day with events and activities designed to encourage drivers to buckle up and avoid cell phone use. Since the program began in 2017, more than 13,000 individuals and businesses have accepted the BUPD challenge to always wear their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.