Local News – Wednesday, June 30th, 2021

The July Fourth weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy one of Missouri’s lakes and rivers. Colonel Eric T. Olson, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe July Fourth holiday. Safety should be at the top of the list when you plan on how you’ll celebrate our nation’s freedoms. In 2020, there were 14 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and zero fatalities. Two people drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made six boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend. The 2021 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6:00 this Friday night until to 11:59 Monday night, July 5th. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation Dry Water over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri waterways to enforce boating laws and offering assistance as needed. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel. Never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe place on shore. Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!! Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses any criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

An accident involving a Salem woman occurred Monday morning at 11:53 on Interstate 44 at the 186-mile marker eastbound entrance ramp to the highway. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country driven by 35-year-old Jason M. Flyzik of St. Clair, struck the rear of a 2015 Chevy Cruze driven by 22-year-old Chiara M. Nicholls of Crocker. The Cruze then struck a 2011 Kia Sorrento driven by 45-year-old Jody R. Kimrey of Salem. After being hit, the Chevy Cruze traveled onto eastbound I-44 and struck a 2018 Ram 1500 driven by 38-year-old Bryce Burke of St. Louis, forcing the Ram into a 2015 Buick Enclave driven by 78-year-old Teodorico Mendoza of Schaumburg, Illinois. Chiara Nicholls suffered moderate injuries, while her infant son had minor injuries. They were both transported to Phelps Health in Rolla by Phelps Ambulance. Also suffering minor injuries was Jody Kimrey of Salem and she was taken by the Phelps Ambulance to Phelps Health. The 2012 Chrysler Town and Country sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The Chevy Cruze sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Big Boys Towing. The other three vehicles had minor damage with the Ram and Buick being driven from the scene, while the Kia was secured roadside. The report stated that everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 15th, officers with the South Central Drug Task Force, in coordination with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Shannon County Sheriff’s Department, concluded a series of long-term narcotics investigations in Shannon County, Missouri. As a result of these investigations, 17 suspects were arrested for delivery of a controlled substance. The arrest teams consisted of members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Shannon County Sheriff’s Department, Oregon County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, and Mountain View Police Department. A temporary detention facility was provided by the city of Winona, Missouri. A total of 27 charges were made for the delivery of a controlled substance with three individuals having three charges, four having two charges and the rest of those arrested each having one charge. These charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction.

With the Fourth-of-July weekend coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities. MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature like Red Royal Catchfly Flowers, White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves, White Great Egrets, Blue False Indigos, and male Indigo Buntings. If you want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them you can use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov. You can also check out GreatMissouriBirdingTrail.com for a list of the best-of-the-best places to birdwatch in Missouri, and more.