MACON, Mo.- The Missouri State Highway Patrol has provided an update to an earlier story on KMEM News regarding an officer-involved shooting following a pursuit in Shelby County. 

The patrol reported that they received a request for assistance in locating a suspect just before 8 pm Wednesday night.  The suspect had fled in a vehicle from the Quincy area and was believed to be heading west in Missouri on Highway 36.  Troopers located the vehicle just after 8:15 pm heading west on Highway 36.  After initially attempting to stop the vehicle, troopers pursued the suspect before successfully deploying spike strips. 

The vehicle pulled off on the Highway 151 exit in Clarence and stopped.  The driver, now identified as 51-year old Erik A Prange of Moberly, exited the vehicle with a rifle and began firing at troopers.  The troopers returned fire, striking Prange and resulting in non-life threatening injuries.  During that exchange, a trooper was also struck by gunfire.  The trooper was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

On Thursday, Prange was formally charged by the Shelby County Prosecuting Attorney with four counts of Felony Assault of a Special Victim in the 1^st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.  The charges stem from the preliminary investigation by the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control into the incident.  Prange is being held without bond and the investigation is ongoing.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- For individuals interested in becoming a University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener, an in-person course will be held on Thursdays, February 29 through May 16, from 9:30-12:30, at the Kirksville Aquatic Center meeting room. Most classes will have a garden tour or hands-on learning opportunities. You can find registration information at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/master-gardener-course-kirksville.

The mission of the Missouri Master Gardener Extension Program is “helping others learn to grow.” The Master Gardener program provides in-depth horticultural training to individuals throughout Missouri who then volunteer their time applying what they have learned to help others in their communities learn about gardening and environmental education.

After the course, individuals will be encouraged to join a local chapter, and complete 30 volunteer hours of service and 6 continuing education hours within the first year to become a certified Master Gardener. Local chapters have monthly meetings, social activities, garden tours, service projects, and much more. Chapters organize projects monthly so members can get their volunteer service hours.

There is a fee for the course. For more information contact Jennifer Schutter, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture at schutterjl@missouri.edu or 660-665-9866.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The City of Kirksville has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission that will be used to build a new multi-use trail on abandoned railroad land.

This project is phase one of a multi-phase project that will revitalize the obsolete rail corridor by providing a safe walking, biking and overall activity trail for residents.

The planned trail will start at existing sidewalk at the intersection of North Baltimore Street and East Cottonwood Street, continue northwest with a new crosswalk at Library Lane near the Adair County Public Library, and continue northwest to connect to planned sidewalk at North New Street. In total, this will be approximately 1,400 lineal feet of paved trail.

“This trail will connect important community centers such as the library, Rotary Park and Kirksville Aquatic Center to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses,” said City Manager Mari Macomber. “Additional phases of this trail project will create a great trail system across the north side of the City.”

Trains were once a key part of Kirksville’s history, with two railroads that ran through town. The east-west railroad line was run under several names before becoming part of the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway Company. Those areas have since been abandoned for many decades, as the westward portion was decommissioned in the 1950s and the eastward section removed in the 1980s.

The total project is estimated to cost $200,000. The grant will cover 80 percent, which is roughly $160,000. The costs cover the purchase of the land and the subsequent trail construction.

Trail construction was a topic selected by the community as part of last year’s Kirk’s Capital Improvement Tournament. Funds designated from that will be used toward this project, as well as planned expansion in the future since this grant will help stretch those dollars.

EDINA, Mo.- Edina City Police Chief Ryan Bishop says that his department is asking for the public’s help to solve a local burglary.

Chief Bishop told KMEM News that an unknown suspect broke into Family Foods in Edina around 3:40 Monday morning.  The individual stole $60 in cash from the business. 

Chief Bishop asks the public to call the Knox County dispatcher’s office at 660-385-1911 or Edina City Hall at 660-397-3251 with any information about the incident or the individual in the photos.

Photos Courtesy Edina Police Chief Ryan Bishop

HANNIBAL, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a certification course for teachers and coaches to become certified as a Basic Archery Instructor. This certification is necessary to use the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) in their curriculum or to assist an afterschool team.

MoNASP is modeled on the National Archery in the Schools Program which began with a simple idea of teaching kids the basics of archery as part of school curriculum. This is a hybrid course, which requires online work ahead of the training. The in-person portion of this training will be held at the following locations, and interested persons are only required to attend one of the two in-person trainings offered:

• Jan 27 at Shelbina Middle School from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Registration for this training is required and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4nL. Shelbina Middle School is located at 4154 Hwy 36 in Shelbina.
• March 11 at St. John’s Lutheran School from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Registration for this training is required and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4nE. St. John’s Lutheran Middle School is located at 1317 Lyons Street in Hannibal.

MoNASP aims to include children of nearly every background.  Nearly everyone—regardless of age, size, or physical ability—can succeed at archery. Kids love archery, and archery helps kids excel. Statistics show that school archery programs:

• Improve school attendance
• Increase self-esteem
• Increase physical activity
• Relate to subject matter
• Appeal to all students
• Get kids outdoors
• Can become an after-school activity

Educators who are interested in MoNASP can also work to qualify for rebates to repay the cost of purchasing equipment. For more information about MoNASP, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4nR. For any questions about these trainings, please contact Kathi Moore at kathi.moore@mdc.mo.gov.

TAMPA, Fla. – A local 4-H member joined 24 other 4-H youth from across the country in attending a Zoo Apprentice Camp at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay over winter break.  Merrick Bush, daughter of Broderick and Dana Bush, is the first Clark County 4-H member to ever attend the camp.

Participants became amateur zookeepers for five days, taking care of animals from around the world alongside zookeepers. Members went on behind-the-scenes tours with staff members from Busch Gardens, experiencing the park as a 335-acre African-themed living classroom.

The 4-H members spent one day at SeaWorld Orlando, learning about marine life, rescue efforts, and veterinary care of marine animals.

States represented at the camp include Missouri, California, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin.

In between animal encounters, the participants experienced food, rides, and shows in the amusement park.

Members returned home with a keen understanding of animal behavior, science, and nutrition, as well as the ability to be a better communicator with their own animals and four-footed family members.

4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp is offered annually for youth ages 11-18.

Clark County 4-H Member Merrick Bush recently participated in Zoo Apprentice Camp at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

(Photos courtesy Clark County 4-H)

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The City of Kirksville is declaring a Snow Emergency, beginning at 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024. All vehicles parked on designated Snow Emergency Routes, including City streets in the downtown, must be moved. If vehicles are not moved by then, they are subject to be ticketed and/or towed. The Snow Emergency will remain in place until terminated.

Please use caution when traveling during this round of winter weather since there are forecasts of snow and ice, along with high winds. If you can limit your time on the roads, please do so.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mo.- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Missouri Division of Fire Safety and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire at the Providence Baptist Church and Parsonage in Williamstown.

The investigators are meticulously working to uncover evidence and to determine the origin and cause of the blaze.  Investigators focusing on leads are calling on members of the public for information to help move the case along more quickly.

This fire occurred on Thursday, January 4^th.  At just after 5 am that morning, the Canton R-V Fire Protection District was dispatched to the church and was supported by several other fire departments.  The church and parsonage were both fully engulfed in flames.  No firefighters or first responders were injured while battling the blaze.

Anyone with information regarding the fire should contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS.  You can also submit tips through the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department website at www.lewiscosheriff.org. 

Farmers who want to purchase or apply restricted use pesticides on property owned or rented by them, must have a private pesticide applicator license. Currently there are two options to obtain certification or renew a license.

The first option is a training session via Zoom. Anyone can join these meetings from their home computer. Go to www.extension.missouri.edu/events and search for private pesticide applicator training to find the date and time of the next virtual training event. Also, in person programs are scheduled for 2024 and can be found and registered for online at the same website.

There will be two face-to-face programs held in Scotland County on February 6th at the Scotland County Fire Department at 104 North Washington Street, Memphis, Missouri 63555. The programs will begin at 10:00AM and 2:00PM. There is no charge for the programs, but you must preregister to attend by calling 660-465-7255 or preregistering online. In the event of poor weather conditions that lead to school closings, please contact the MU Extension Office in the county you plan to attend the training in to confirm if the event will still be held.

It is recommended that each farm operation possess a copy of the Missouri Private Pesticide Applicator Reference Manual. They may be purchased at the MU Extension website, at: www.extension.missouri.edu/m87.

For more information and ADA accommodations, please contact Nick Wesslak, Field Specialist in Agronomy by email at r.n.wesslak@missouri.edu or call 573-769-2177. MU Extension programs are open to all.

OTTUMWA, Ia- The City of Ottumwa’s Snow Emergency Ordinance will be placed into effect beginning at noon today, January 8. The ordinance is being put into effect due to the Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect from 3 p.m. today until 6 p.m. tomorrow, January 9. Another notice will be given when the snow emergency has lifted.

With the Snow Emergency Ordinance in effect, parking is prohibited on either side of roads designated as snow routes. These can be identified with a small, blue sign with a white snowflake. On other roads, parking is allowed on the even side of the street during even days of the month and the odd side of the street during odd days of the month. Drivers can begin moving vehicles after 7:00 p.m. in preparation for the next day. Stalled or illegally parked vehicles during snow emergencies may be towed and impounded by the Police Department, and a citation will be issued and a fee charged for towing/impoundment. Full details, along with a map of the snow routes, can be found on the City of Ottumwa website at https://www.ottumwa.us/departments/public_works/snow_removal/. 

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The City of Kirksville is declaring a Snow Emergency, beginning at 12:00 pm on Monday, January 8, 2024. All vehicles parked on designated Snow Emergency Routes, including City streets in the Downtown, must be moved two hours prior to then, or by 10:00 am, January 8, 2024. If vehicles are not moved by then, they are subject to be ticketed and/or towed. The Snow Emergency will remain in place until terminated.

Forecasts for this storm indicate potential for several inches of snow on Monday and Tuesday, along with high winds that could blow snow around. The City of Kirksville encourages drivers to stay off the roads as much as possible if these conditions occur.

The City asks residents to monitor City communication channels for further details as the weather develops. If snowfall reaches excessive amounts, street closures may be needed to clear streets. Additionally, the Snow Emergency’s termination will be announced by the City.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.

MEMPHIS, Mo.- Scotland County Hospital announced the first baby born in 2024 at their Women's Center was Carter Zane, the son of Jamie and Janet Fox of Memphis.  Carter was born on Tuesday at 5:02 am and weighed six pounds and 15 ounces.  He measured 20 inches long.  Dr. Jeff Davis delivered the baby.  Carter Zane and his parents recieved a shower of gifts from numerous local businesses and organizations.  They also received a supply of diapers in sizes 0-6 that will last nearly a year, as well as a case of wipes.

L-R: Jeff Davis, DO, Janet, Carter & Jamie Fox, Sonya See, WHNP, Women's Center Supervisor

(Photo courtesy SCH)