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Sheriff Wayne Winn reports a man allegedly went to a local residence and told them that their house had been struck by lightning.  The man then proceeded to go up on their roof and retrieve a lightning rod that had allegedly been struck by lightning.  The man informed the couple that he had replaced the lightning rod, and asked for payment.  The resident wrote the man a check for a considerable amount of money, however the man who did the alleged work left no receipt, took the check and left.

Sheriff Winn would like to advise anyone contacted recently by an operation such as this to please contact the Scotland County sheriff’s office at 660-465-2106.

According to a news release this past Friday night the Scotland Co. Sheriff’s Office and the Memphis Police Department served a search warrant at the home of 32 year old Derek Sanchez at 345 South Market Street in Memphis.

During a search of the residence several items allegedly used in the manufacture of Methamphetamine were seized from the residence. 

Derek M. Sanchez was arrested at 8:37 p.m. and booked into the Scotland Co. Jail on a 24-hour hold.

On Saturday an arrest warrant was served on Sanchez for the charge of attempt to manufacture a controlled substance-Methamphetamine (195.211 RSMO.)

Sanchez is currently being held on a $50,000.00 cash only bond.

Officers at the scene were assisted by the North Missouri Drug Task Force.

According to a news release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and information from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, 34 year old Adam L. Riney of Keokuk and 36 year old Jenny M. Milhouse of Luray were both arrested by officers at 2:41 p.m. yesterday on methamphetamine related charges that included possession of a controlled substance, attempt to manufacture a controlled substance, felony distribution, child endangerment, and illegal use of drug paraphenalia.

Riney and Millhouse are each being held in the Clark County Jail on fifty thousand dollars cash only bond.

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander made the announcement this week when he announced the membership of an early voting commission formed to evaluate the most efficient, fair and secure way to allow eligible Missourians to cast a ballot before Election Day.  The commission will meet throughout the month of February in Jefferson City to discuss the merits of early voting and to give citizens the opportunity to provide input.

The goal of the committee is to preserve security in elections while increasing efficient access for eligible voters.  Kander says, “Early voting could help alleviate long lines at the polls on Election Day by adding a much-needed convenience for Missourians across the state.”

Again, Schuyler County Clerk Bree Shaw has been selected to be one of the members of the commission.  Shaw will serve along with other committee members from all political parties and all regions of Missouri.

The Memphis City Council held their regular monthly meeting Thursday night at Memphis City Hall.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, the council heard from VFW members Mike Stephenson and Lloyd Erickson who asked the council to consider the possibility of the city of Memphis furnishing a burial plot for military veterans who cannot afford one due to unfortunate circumstances.  The council unanimously agreed to furnish individual plots for indigent veterans on an as needed basis.  The council also agreed to pay the $400.00 fee required to open and close the grave.  City attorney April Wilson will look into the issue, and individual cases will be taken under advisement.  Proper paperwork will need to be provided by the veteran or their family.

It was also announced that once the winning photographs from the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce photography contest are professionally mounted, they will be hung on public display at Memphis City Hall.

City Street Superintendent Roy Monroe also advised Scotland County Ambulance Service Director Jason Moss that the city would prefer that ambulances use the Sigler street entrance to access the hospital to relieve the city of any liability.  That issue was discussed at length with a number of pros and cons discussed, including the possibility of installing a three way stop on Mety street for access by the ambulance.  The possibilities will be reviewed over the coming months.

Jason Moss also advised the council that there will be another Kid’s Safety Day on the Scotland County Courthouse Lawn Saturday June 15th.

In other action, the council approved the City Farm Plan with Lane Campbell.

City Alderman Chris Feeney told the council that he is continuing to investigate the possibility of a Cost of  Service Study regarding the hospital’s electric rate usage with the possible assistance of the MoPep group.  MoPep is a coop of cities that jointly purchases electric power for a group of 38 cities, of which Memphis is a member.  The proposed cost of the study would not exceed $14,000.00.

Bill number 13-01 to allow the placement of a stop sign on Cecil street was also read and passed.

In department head reports, the council advised the city trash department to get bids for new tires for the city trash truck and set up an annual maintenance schedule for the truck through RPM Truck Accessories in Memphis.

The street department reported a relatively normal month of pushing snow and routine maintenance.

City Marshall Bill Holland thanked city crews for their assistance at the scene of a recent wreck in Memphis when a semi accidentally dumped a load of telephone poles on one of the coldest days of the winter.  Holland also mentioned that the city police department is having some problems with their hand held radios, but those problems are being addressed.

City Water Superintendent Stacy Alexander mentioned that the lift station at the Hamilton and highway 15 junction needs some work.

Inside City Light Superintendent Mike Ahland reported that a state inspector has been in and inspected air tanks at the light plant.  Ahland will also be overseeing the mowing of the city cemetery this year.  Ahland suggested that the city get bids for two new sixty inch mowers and three new weedeaters before the next city council meeting.  City employees and community service people will be mowing the cemetery this year.

Outside City Light Superintendent Dave Kittle reported a typical month.  Kittle and his crew have also been working on the city substation.

City Attorney April Wilson is also continuing to work on various file issues, including railroad files.

Alderman Tom Glass mentioned concerns on city wastewater issues.  Research there is continuing.  Alderman Chris Feeney stated that a grant application has been turned in for a recycling project.  Alderman Lucas Remley also mentioned that there are still some overhead internet cables that need to be taken out.  That issue should be taken care of  in the coming months.

Coffee Break airs every weekday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m..

Monday’s program at Scotland County Hospital will feature Scotland Co. R-1 Superintendent Dave Shalley talking about school-related issues.  Tuesday at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua will feature Davis County School Superintendent Dan Maeder.  The Davis County school district is discussing adopting a new math program, as well as a new “Power School” school information program.  Maeder will also discuss funding issues,  as well as pushing forward with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s proposed education reform and allowable growth in Iowa schools.  Wednesday at the Main Street Cafe in Memphis, Kathi Scott from Davis County Hospital will be bringing a guest to talk about what’s going on there.  Thursday at Steve’s Family Dining in Kahoka, LeeAnn Shaffer-Smith of the local Great River Area Big Brothers/Big Sisters group in Keokuk will talk about their upcoming “Bowl For Kids Sake” fundraiser in March.  Local board member Thelma Bryant of Kahoka will also be there, then on Friday our featured guest on Coffee Break will be Missouri State Senator Brian Munzlinger.

If you have an idea for a program, or if you would like to be a guest on Coffee Break, please contact KMEM News and Programming Director Rick Fischer at 1-800-748-7875.

According to a news release from the Clark County sheriff’s office, a number of fire departments responded to the scene and discovered Goldie’s Sawmill engulfed in flames.

An ambulance was also called to the scene when two people were discovered at the scene suffering from stab wounds.

A warrant was issued yesterday for 34-year old Caleb Goldie.  Goldie has been charged with first degree assault (a class “A” felony), and armed criminal action ( a non-classified felony).

At last report, Goldie was being detained at the Clark County Detention Center on a $75,000.00 cash only bond.

An investigation into the incident continues.

The Clark County sheriff’s office reports firemen from the Wayland, Clark County and Alexandria fire departments answered a call to the scene of a fire at Goldie’s Sawmill.

Upon arrival, firemen found the sawmill completely engulfed in flames. 

No information on the cause of the fire is available, pending investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal.

While on scene at 8:45 p.m. the Clark County fire department requested an ambulance, due to the fact that it was discovered there was a stabbing at the scene of the fire.  Two people were transported to hospitals, one to Keokuk, and one was transported to Scotland County Hospital, then to a Columbia, Missouri hospital for further treatment.

Until further investigation of the stabbing incident to determine whether the incident was self defense or assault, no further information is available.

Assisting at the scene were the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Clark County Ambulance, and Wayland Emergency Medical Responders.

49-year old Paul R. Potter is accused of  murder and dismemberment of a body inside an apartment.

Police responding late Sunday to a report of a disturbance said they found Potter near a burning car and two nearby apartments on fire.  A police report also says officers saw Potter throw two objects at witnesses that were later determined to be human arms.  An armless body with multiple stab wounds was also found in one of the apartments.

Police responded  to a report of a vehicle fire in the 100 block of Valley Forge Drive Sunday at 11:16 P.M.  Shortly thereafter, officers found an additional fire in nearby apartments.

So far, no information on the victim has been released.

Court documents state that Potter made several admissions to his crimes, and had set the fire to conceal the murder.

Potter is being held in the Adair County jail on one million dollars bond.