Local News – Tuesday, November 20th, 2018
An accident happened Sunday morning at 9:12 on Highway O, four miles south of Rolla that took the lives of two Dent County men and two Phelps County men. According to the Highway Patrol report the accident occurred as a southbound 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by 22 year-old Alonzo C. Moore of Rolla, traveled into the path of a northbound 2015 Nissan Titan, driven by 42 year-old Andrew Knehans of Rolla, where the Chevrolet struck the Nissan. Pronounced deceased at the scene were Alonzo C. Moore along with passengers Andrew T. Theiss of Rolla, Logan K. Barton of Salem and Zachary J. Barton of Salem. Andrew Knehans suffered moderate injuries, while passengers 43 year-old Lainie Knehans suffered serious injuries, 6 year-old Parker Knehans suffered minor injuries and 10 year-old Sophia Knehans also suffered minor injuries. The Knehans were transported by EMS to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The bodies of Logan and Zachary Barton were transported to James and Gahr Mortuary, while the bodies of Alonzo Moore and Andrew Theiss were transported to Null and Son Funeral Home. The report stated that none of the occupants of the Chevrolet Cavalier were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. It also stated that all of the Knehans were wearing safety restraints. The Chevrolet Cavalier was totaled, while the Nissan Titan sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed by C & C Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Phelps County EMS, and the Rolla Rural Fire Department.
The Salem R-80 Board of education held their regular monthly meeting Thursday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. After a motion to approve the agenda and consent agenda the board heard from Superintendent John McColloch. McColloch reported on Parent/Teachers conferences and also gave a report on the current construction projects. He reported that the masons have started on the walls of the football field bathrooms and that the HVAC units for the gym are scheduled to be delivered on December 2nd. Both of those projects should be completed by the end of the first semester. McColloch also gave an update regarding the long range facility plan. FFA students Jodie Dean, Nathan Williams, Taylor Smith, Emma Southards, Cecelia Reed, and Easton Ingram gave a report detailing their recent trip to the 91st FFA National Convention. The principals reports was then heard by the board. A motion was then made to approve the auditors report as well as a motion to set board election filing dates for December 11th, 2018 through January 15th, 2019. A motion was then made to move into executive session at 7 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel issues.
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced that a Phelps County Grand Jury indicted attorney Brant Shockley with 18 counts involving sexual assaults of four different women. The charged criminal conduct dates back to 2014 and occurred at the Defendant’s home and offices in Phelps County. Shockley was taken into custody Friday. This case is being investigated by the Rolla Police Department, with assistance from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case and was appointed special prosecutor because of a conflict at the request of the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney. The Attorney General and the Rolla Police Department encourage anyone with additional information regarding Mr. Shockley or this case to contact Michael Boll at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office at (573) 644-3068 or Detective Adam Meyer at the Rolla Police Department at (573) 308-1213. Attorney General Hawley reminds the public that the charges against Shockley are allegations and, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Winter Wonderland at Night Trees, Trains, Wreaths and Christmas Arrangements is now open and continuing through Christmas Eve December 24th. Hours at the Ozarks Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Highway 19 in Salem are 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday, Saturdays 9:00 until 1:00, Thursday December 6th 9:00 until 8:00 and Christmas Eve from 9:00 until 2:00. Santa will be in his North Pole Workshop from 12:00 until 5:00 on Saturdays December 8th, 15th, and 22nd. For more information call Mary Beth at (573) 453-6091.