http://kfmo.com/wire/news.rss AM 1240 KFMO News Sports and Weather and B 104.3 Quality Rock en ©2012 kfmo.com 60 0d678d41-f230-4f5e-a482-3d6ad2030b9c Goose Creek Accident Seriously Injures Three
Three people are recovering from serious injuries they received in a traffic accident that occurred art Goose Creek Saturday evening about 9 o'clock. Missouri State HIghway Patrol reports show 46 year old David Nauke, of Bonne Terre, was driving his pick up west on Mohican Drive. He was pulling a trailer carrying a pontoon boat. The trailer broke loose from the truck at Martin Drive. The trailer and the boat rolled over. 23 year old Katelyn Brame of Cameron, 20 year old Megan Meadows of Dittmer, and 49 year old Jill Zintel of Pevely, were all riding in the boat when the wreck took place. They were al taken to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. Nauke was not injured.

Motorcycle Accident With Serious Injuries
A Ste. Genevieve man, 56 year old David V. Wibbenmeyer, is recovering from serious injuries he received in a motorcycle wreck that happened Sunday afternoon in Ste. Genevieve County. According to Highway Patrol records Wibbenmeyer was riding North on Route C, south of Lawrenceton Cutoff Road, when he lost control of the bike and it ran off the right side of the road and rolled over onto its left side. Wibbenmeyer was thrown from the motorcycle. He was flown to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was wearing his helmet when the accident took place.

Three Suspects Held For Truck Theft
Three people from Washington County, two males and a female, are in custody in Ste. Genevieve County for being involved in an attempt to steal a truck from a home on Route J. The incident occurred Sunday morning just before 10 o'clock when the three tried to drive off in the pickup. When authorities were called the suspects ran. Two of them were eventually found in a nearby wooded area while the third was discovered at the Ozora Truck and Travel center. A pickup truck was burnt earlier on Route J and it was determined it belonged to one of the suspect. There was also a stolen box trailer that had been involved in a pursuit earlier in the morning near Sparta, Illinois.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOODING UPDATE
The Missouri River burst through a levee near Jefferson City as the 5th crest of the river this year came to a head, but will the flooding woes on the Missouri have an impact on the Mississippi River in our area? Matt McClain reports..
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PARK HILLS FIREWORKS THIS WEEK
The City of Park Hills will be having their large fireworks display on July 4th this week. Dooley Politte is with the city and he says the ending will be even more condensed and intense than last year.
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Politte says the City will be setting off the fireworks will be at the Park Hills Sports Complex at dusk.

Busy Summer Months for Schools
The summer months are a busy time for area school officials. Matt Ruble is the Superintendent of the Farmington School District. He says the buildings that aren't in use during the summer are being readied for the next school year.
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Ruble adds they will have the buildings ready by the second week of August when teachers and staff begin to come back to work.

ST PAUL LUTHERAN NEW BUILDING
St. Paul Lutheran High School will one day soon be relocating to a brand new building. Cara Robbs is the spokesperson for the school, and she says they are working on a 16 acre tract of land to locate the building on.
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Robbs says the new facility will include things like a gymnasium and other things typical of a high school. Robbs says enrollment is at an all time high at the high school. She says there are 22 incoming freshman as well. An exact date for when the school will be built has yet to be determined. Robbs says they hope to know more in the coming months.

Park Hills Leadington Chamber First Friday Coffee
The next First Friday Coffee for the Park HIlls Leadington Chamber of Commerce, is coming up in July. The Executive Director of the organization, Tammi Coleman, says it's going to happen Friday morning, July 5th at the Edward Jones office in Downtown Park Hills.
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The get together will last from 7:30 to 9 A.M. Coleman says it's a great way to start the day and keep in touch with others in the community.

]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2019 08:08:47 CDT d5f1d4c8-8216-4810-a895-010c50d6d8e0 Parkland Health Center Cancer Center
The Parkland Health Center's new Cancer Center will be open soon after a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday in Farmington. The center moved from it's Bonne RTerre location to Park land in Farmington and an RN OCN at the hospital, Jennifer Robbs, says it's important to provide this service locally.
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The center will open at the end of July. Robbs says it's taken several months of planning and work by several teams at the hospital to orchestrate the move. The center is located on the 4th floor at Parkland Health Center in Farmington.

St. Francois County Wreck
A St . Louis man, 20 year old Devonte C. Cosby, is suffering moderate injuries after he was involved in a one car accident just before 9 o'clock Thursday morning in St. Francois County. According to Highway Patrol reports Cosby was driving south on Highway 67, south of St. Francois State Park, when he lost control of the vehicle and it ran off the right side of the road. Cosby's car rolled over during the crash. He was wearing his seat belt when the accident took place. Cosby was taken to Mercy Hospital Jefferson.

Firecracker Run Coming Up
The 16th Annual Firecracker Run in Park Hills is coming up. Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce Director Tammi Coleman says they are looking forward to this weekend. Pre-registration has come to an end as of Wednesday. Coleman says you can still register at the Run on Saturday for a small up charge than the pre-registration pricing. The run is on Saturday from 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Registration begins at 7:00 am, 1 Mile Run begins at 8:00 am, 1 Mile & 5K Walk begins at 8:05 am, and the 5K Run & Business Team 5K Challenge begins at 8:30 am. The run will once again be held at Central High School. For more information, you can go to the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce website.

Breakfast for Vets
A breakfast for Vets will be held in Farmington at the VFW Post 5896 in Farmington on July 3rd. Ginger Pizarro with Kindred Home Community Care says they are partnering with Humana to provide the breakfast the morning of the July 3rd.
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Pizarro says they are hoping to fill the place, and they are asking that you RSVP as well. She says it's not just for the Vets, but the Vet's families as well. She says it's a regional breakfast, not just for St Francois County veterans. The RSVP can be up until July 2nd, the day before the breakfast. You just need to call the Kindred Home Community Care to RSVP.

Park HIlls K9 Fundraiser
Another fundraiser has been planned for this Saturday in Park Hills for the city's police department and a new K-9 Unit. City Councilman David Easter says it's going to be a car show and BBQ fundraiser.
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Easter says registration runs from 10 am until 1 pm with a $20 entry fee. Judging will take place at 2 pm and awards will be given out at 3 pm. All proceeds go to the Park Hills Police Department K9 Fundraiser.

Romine On Our Independence
This independence day many people are calling on us to remember our forefathers efforts to begin our country and leave British rule. State Senator, Gary Romine, says we are lucky because of the efforts of our founding fathers to break away and form our own democracy.
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According to Romine we should all be very thankful for our country and strive to keep it the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Jeffco Meetings on the Web
If you've ever wanted to attend a Jefferson College Board Meeting, but find yourself unable to, you can now watch it live online. College Spokesperson Roger Barrentine says you can go to the college's website and watch the board meeting in real time each month.
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Barrentine says you just have to go to jeffco.edu for more information.


]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2019 07:30:28 CDT e09eb6ce-1ccb-4c6e-8eb0-b2ad718b2e4a Heavy Rains Hit The Parkland Wednesday
Officials in some parts of St. Francois County assessing minor damage after a storm rolled through the county with hi winds and heavy downpours Wednesday afternoon. In Park HIlls some parts of St. Joe Drive, Third Street, and some areas of Main were flooded with water making driving hazardous. Some trees were also blown down along with a few power lines in the area of Lewis Street. It's reported part of the roof of the Parkland Hope Center at Lewis and St. Joe Drive was blown off. Repairs are ongoing yet the store will be closed for a time. In at least one part of Farmington a tree was knocked down by the storm. For a video showing the intensity of the storm, as it struck the KFMO B12054 studios, visit the KFMO or B104 facebook page.

St. Francois County Woman Charged in Pipe Bomb Case
A French Village woman, 44 year old Shannon Aschoff, is in custody after being arrested Monday evening after a traffic stop which was initiated by a Goose Creek police officer. The officer found what he suspected was a pipe bomb. Backup was called in, including a K9 unit. The dog sniffed out the bomb and members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Bomb Squad diffused the device and the investigation began. Aschoff is charged with felony possession of an illegal weapon. She is being held at the St. Francois County jail on a $75,000 bond.

St. Francois County One Vehicle Wreck
A Park HIlls Woman, 28 year old Danielle S. Higgins, is recovering from moderate injuries after being in a one vehicle wreck in St. Francois County Wednesday afternoon just before 5:30. Highway Patrol reports indicate Higgins was driving south on Route B, at Russell Road, when she lost control of her S.U.V. and it ran off the right side of the road. The vehicle then smashed through two signs and crashed head on into a tree. Higgins was taken to Parkland Health Center of Farmington.

Park HIlls K9 Fundraiser
Another fundraiser has been planned for this Saturday in Park Hills for the city's police department and a new K-9 Unit. City Councilman David Easter says it's going to be a car show and barbecue fundraiser.
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Easter says registration from from 10 am until 1 pm with $20 entry fee. Judging will take place at 2 pm and awards will be given out at 3 pm. All proceeds go to the Park Hills Police Department K9 Fundraiser.

St. Francois County Fair is Coming
The Annual St Francois County Fair is just a little over a month away. One of the organizers, Stephanie Schindler, says they've changed a lot of things this year to make most of the events go on during the evening hours.
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Schindler says they are hoping the time changes will help attendance with the county fair, which is at the St Francois County Raceway / Fairgrounds Exit off of Highway 67. Again the fair will run from July 30th, until August 3rd.

Farmington Fireworks Celebration
Farmington officials are getting ready for the annual fireworks show at Engler Park. City Administrator, Greg Beavers, says they encourage everyone to come out early and enjoy the many activities they offer at the park.
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According to Beavers the Farmington 4th of July event begins at 6 p.m. with music by Black Diamond. Food trucks and bounce houses will also be on site. Fireworks begin at 9 o'clock. If there's's rain the fireworks display will be presented Saturday, July 6th.

Fireworks Regulations
If you're thinking of getting your own fireworks and lighting up a display this year it's a good idea to know the fireworks regulations in your area, especially if you live within city limits. KFMO - B104 News asked officials with towns in the parkland and discovered if you live in Bismarck you're allowed to shoot fireworks on your own property as long as you have a special permit from the city. The permit doesn't cost anything and you can light fireworks, with the exception of bottle rockets and similar self propelled items, from June 27th through July 5th from 10 am to 10 pm. The time is extended until 11:30 the night of July 4th.
The city of Desloge will let you set off fireworks inside the city limits from July 3rd through the 6th from 10 am to 10 pm.
Farmington officials say you cannot posses, manufacture, store, sell, handle, or use fireworks unless they fall under the classification of small division 1.4g fireworks limited to poppers, snappers and smoke devices which conform to all other local, state and federal requirements. In Ste. Genevieve there are no fireworks allowed within the city limits.
In Bonne Terre citizens are allowed to light fireworks from June 15th through July 15th from 8 am until 11 pm. All forms of fireworks, except commercial grade and homemade, are allowed. In Fredericktown the rules are simple,..no fireworks are allowed at all in the city limits. Leadwood allows fireworks from June 20th until July 10th on private property only. Authorities in Leadwood also ask that you set them off no later than midnight July 4th. In Leadington you may use fireworks from July 3rd through the 10th from 10 am to 10 pm on private property and there's no throwing of fireworks from vehicles allowed.
A check with st. Francois county officials showed there aren't any regulations for fireworks use within the county boundaries.

A Safely Barbecued 4th of July
Food safety is always an important part of any holiday celebration where food is involved and the 4th of July is certainly no exception. A Nursing Supervisor and Immunization Coordinator for the St Francois County Health Center, Linda Ragsdale, says whether it's a picnic, barbecue, fish fry, or other food event for the 4th, it's important to remember a few basic tips that can help you prevent food borne illnesses.
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Ragsdale says if you have any questions about food safety, or any other health concerns, you are invited to call the nurses at the health department for more information, or visit their offices in Park Hills. The phone number is 573-431-1947. The center is located at 1025 West Main Street in Park Hills.

]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2019 09:00:19 CDT 8f36cc55-d67c-4281-a000-9502576d7be2 Crump Charged After Weekend Standoff
A Doe Run man, 39 year old Donald Crump II, is charged with armed criminal action, burglary in the first degree, stealing a firearm, resisting or interfering with an arrest, and unlawful possession of a firearm after a 5 hour standoff with police in Farmington Saturday. Chief of Police, Rick Baker, says officers were called to 203 Patterson Street for a disturbance about 10:30 a.m. When they arrived Crump ran from the scene and was pursued by officers. He ran into a home at 504 North Jackson and barricaded himself in a bedroom. The owner of the home escaped along with an infant. After negotiating with members of the Farmington Police, and St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, for five hours, Crump surrendered peacefully. Crump is being held at the St. Francois County Jail on a $250,000 cash only bond after Saturday's incident.

St. Francois County Accident
A Fredericktown man, 60 year old Charles W. Jennings, is suffering moderate injuries after he was involved in a one vehicle wreck in St. Francois County Tuesday morning. Highway Patrol reports indicate it took place at 9:20 on Route T near Nike Lane. Troopers say Jennings was driving his pick up truck east on T when he lost control of the truck and it ran off the right side of the road and Jennings overcorrected. The truck ran off the left side of the highway, across a driveway, and became airborne before finally stopping. Jennings was taken to Parkland Health Center Farmington.

Death Row Inmate Will Die
A Missouri death row inmate who has received last-minute reprieves twice before over concerns about a rare medical condition is now scheduled to die in October in Bonne Terre. The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday set an Oct. 1 execution date for Russell Bucklew, who was convicted in the 1996 shooting death of a man who was living with Bucklew"s former girlfriend. Bucklew narrowly escaped execution in 2014 and again in 2018. Each time, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened moments before Bucklew was scheduled to be put to death. His ailment causes blood-filled tumors to grow in his head, neck and throat. Bucklew has argued that the throat tumor could burst during the execution, causing him to choke on his own blood. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in April that the state could move ahead with the execution. The court"s five conservative justices rejected Bucklew"s argument that subjecting him to lethal injection would violate the Constitution"s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that Bucklew"s claim �isn"t supported by either the law or the evidence.�

United Way of St. Francois County Funds Awarded
Funds raised through the United Way of St. Francois County are now in the hands of the 33 different service organizations that receive the monies in order to help them operate in the county after the annual awards presentation this afternoon at the Farmington Library. The Executive Director of the group Clay Whitener, says they were able to give $181,200 dollars this year and they're already organizing next year's effort
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Whitener also says if you have a company you can contact him about their payroll deduction program and, he adds, all of the money raised and donated to the service groups stays in St. Francois County.

Sales Taxes Up In St. Francois County
Sales Tax revenues are up in St Francois County. Count Commissioner Patrick Mullins says he's pleased with what he has seen in revenue so far.
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Mullins says that's a great thing, because it means things are busier in the county with regard to business, and it gives the county a little more money to fund the necessary things.

Truman Auditorium Improvements Moving Along
The renovations to the Truman Auditorium building in the Farmington School District are beginning to take shape. The Superintendent of the schools, Matt Ruble, says they had two bid packages for the work. One for the normal renovations and a second for a sound system.
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The new work is made possible by a bond issue approved by voters.

Bonne Terre Chamber Lunch
The Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce will be holding their monthly Business Luncheon today. Leigha Head is the Executive Director of the Chamber and says an area State Representative will be the featured speaker.
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Head says the deadline to RSVP for lunch was this past Monday.

Cruisin for a Cause Volunteers
Cruisin for a Cause needs some volunteers, vendors, and other help to make this year's event a success for the Park Hills Senior Center. Holly Buxton is the Executive Director for the center and says they are planning for a lot of people to attend.
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Buxton says if you are able to be a vendor, sponsor, or help out in any way, just call 573-431-4974 and ask to speak with Buxton. Cruisin for a Cause is coming up in October.


]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2019 06:30:25 CDT e1fe4c2b-1bd1-4b96-90fe-c8748be874f7 The investigation continues into a suspected pipe bomb that was discovered in the French Village area late Monday afternoon about 5 o'clock. According to published reports deputies from the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department were called by a Goose Creek Police Officer who had what he suspected was a pipe bomb he found during a traffic stop. A K9 Unit was called in and the dog picked up on the scent of a pipe bomb. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Bomb Squad was brought in. Members of the unit then made the device safe. It's not known if there was more than one arrest made during the incident. The investigation and any arrests are being handled by the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department. KFMO B104 News has made an attempt to contact St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

]]> Tue, 25 Jun 2019 12:27:34 CDT 870f2403-62eb-4316-b222-a0f8266f9b30 Ste. Genevieve Hiring Event Today
A hiring event is going on This afternoon in Ste Genevieve County. Mike Campbell is with the Missouri Jobs Center and says multiple employers will be on site to hire people on the spot.
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Campbell says all you have to do is show up anytime Tuesday afternoon from 3 until 6 pm at the Ste Genevieve Community Center. Campbell says bring plenty of resumes with you and dress for an on-the-spot interview.

Fire Chief Gremminger Talks Fireworks Safety
Fireworks stands are popping up around the Parkland and children are again looking forward to the displays and Fourth of July holiday celebrations that usually involve fireworks. Desloge Fire Chief, Larry Gremminger, says if you're staying home for fireworks in the back yard the most important thing to remember is to use common sense and not let young children light them.
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Gremminger explains it's also a good idea to use fireworks in an open area away from buildings, people, and machinery.

Firecracker Run Update
The 16th Annual Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce Firecracker Run is this month. The executive Director of the Chamber, Tammi Coleman, says pre-registration ends tomorrow, Wednesday, the 26th. Coleman adds you can go online now to register.
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The Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce Firecracker Run takes place Saturday, the 29th. For more information and to pre-register, visit the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce website, stop by the office, or call 431-1051.

Funding at Same Levels for Partnership
Funding will remain the same this year for the St Francois County Community Partnership. Bill Bunch is Executive Director and says state the money receives from the state will go unchanged, which is good news and not so good news.
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Bunch says the Partnership is very helpful to the area schools and local organizations in St. Francois County. Bunch says they will continue to assess the needs of each entity and award money as they can to the school or organization.

Baby Boomer's Reunion Concert Coming
The 17th Annual Baby Boomer Concert from Mineral Area College is coming up in a few months, and tickets will soon be on sale. Dr. Kevin White, with the Music Department, says the band always has so much fun with this concert, and if you don't buy tickets fast, you probably won't get one.
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White says tickets go on sale July 1st for $12 each. He says tickers sell out very quickly at all three performances, which are held at the Centene Center in Farmington. For ticket information, you can contact the Farmington Civic Center at 573-756-0900

Farmington School District Alternative Studies
Sometimes kids don't always fit in within a normal classroom setting in schools. Mike Rickerman with the Farmington School District says they have an alternative for kids that need a little extra attention.
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Rickerman says education is most important and they take the needs of the students seriously. He says the alternative studies that the district offers helps students gain the education they otherwise might not receive due to one issue or another.

M.O.D.O.T. Highway Striping Crews Out
Missouri Department of Transportation highway paint striping crews are out working on several stretches of roadway in the area. An Area Engineer with the Department, Brian Okenfuss, says you should be very careful when driving near one of these paint crews and give them plenty of room.
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Okenfuss also says it's not a good idea to try and pass a paint striping crew. It could ruin the stripe, get paint on your car, and create an unsafe situation.

BRICK MEMORIAL
On the campus of Mineral Area College you might have noticed a memorial garden by Serenity Hospice Care that has some memorial bricks available for purchase in memory of your loved one. Beth Simmons is with Serenity and says they also have a ceremony coming up this fall.
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The bricks costs $100 for a regular sized brick and $225 for a double sized brick to have your loved one's name engraved and memorialized in their name. For more information on both the memorial bricks and the ceremony this fall, you can contact Serenity Hospice Care.

]]> Tue, 25 Jun 2019 08:34:50 CDT 697d3dd1-4e41-4857-87a4-6ab8cbc7df89 Water Safety From The Highway Patrol
Flood waters may be receding for many areas yet water safety is still a concern for officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Patrol's Corporal Juston Wheetley, says if you decide to go swimming be cautious
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According to Wheetley, if you're around moving water a life jacket is essential.
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Rains this past weekend in some parts of the region caused minor problems for low water bridges and other roads where water normally runs over the road. Major river flooding continues on parts of the Mississippi and lower Illinois Rivers.

Washington County Traffic Accident
A man from Cahokia, Illinois, 59 year old Robert D. Poe, is seriously injured after a one vehicle accident involving his all terrain vehicle yesterday afternoon about 5:20 in Washington County. Highway Patrol reports show Poe was driving the vehicle north on a mud trail near the 21,000 block of Highway A when he began to climb a steep hill. The A.T.V. became stuck and overturned backwards throwing Poe off. He was flown to Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis.

Summertime Burglary Safety Tips
Daytime burglaries have been happening in St. Francois County over the past several weeks now that the weather is getting warmer. St Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock says it's a good time to implement a neighborhood watch program in your area.
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Bullock says it's important to be watchful neighbor and pay attention to details if anything unusual occurs.

Latest From The Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Members of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce are encouraging everyone to take part in the Chamber's First Friday event that takes place the first Friday of each month. Chamber President, Stacey Sisk, says it all happens in Potosi.
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Sisk adds Chamber leaders have also chosen a new Chamber Director, Nina Gilliam.

Mineral Area College Educational Talent Search
A Federal Grant, through the TRIO group, will help officials with Mineral Area College find prospective college students who might not think college could be in their future. An Academic Advisor at the college, Whitney Maddox, says the grant is with the Federal Department of Education.
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Maddox says the TRIO program was created during the Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Enrollment Growing at St. Paul Lutheran High School
St. Paul Lutheran High School continues to grow after its over 7 year existence. Principal Andy Sherrill says they are growing in enrollment every single year since day one.
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Sherrill says they are working to grow the school even more beyond that, and eventually they hope to expand their facility. Enrollment for St. Paul continues for the next several months. For more information, you can call St Paul Lutheran School in Farmington at (573) 756-5147.

Headstart Officials Still Recruiting Children
Headstart officials are still signing children up for Head Start. The Director of Headstart in the Parkland, Renee Killian, says there are some things you will need to bring with you when checking to see if your child qualifies.
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According to Killian they are required to serve the oldest children, and those with the lowest income, first. For more information on Headstart registration call 573-431-5191.

Jefferson College Increases Tuition Rates
Tuition at Jefferson College is going up, but as Roger Barrentine with the college explains, it's not increasing by a huge amount.
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Barrentine says if you compare that to a four year public university in Missouri the cost to attend JeffCo is about half the cost of a 4 year institution for a year's tuition. The increase will take effect for the next school year.

]]> Mon, 24 Jun 2019 06:30:34 CDT cb3e9abf-0c46-4d0a-a355-8ee10f6de2f7 A man from Farmington is in custody after a five hour standoff with police Saturday. Records indicate police were called to 203 Patterson Street for a disturbance about 10:30 a.m. When they arrived a man ran from the scene and was pursued by officers. The man, who has several warrants, ran into a home at 504 North Jackson. He barricaded himself in a bedroom. The owner of the home escaped along with an infant. After negotiating with members of the Farmington Police, and St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, for five hours, The suspect surrendered peacefully. It's said police will charge the man with first degree burglary, fourth degree assault, resisting arrest by fleeing, and armed criminal action. The man has four active warrants.

]]> Sun, 23 Jun 2019 08:02:16 CDT bd588b6f-41ed-4cf8-8900-5b74b3015a95 WASHINGTON COUNTY WRECK

A Bonne Terre man, 21 year old Justin T. Dennis, is recovering from moderate injuries he sustained in a two vehicle accident between a car and a motorcycle Thursday afternoon in Washington County. According to records from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Dennis was driving his motorcycle west on Highway 8, just west of Old Highway 8. A car driven west on Highway 8 by 51 year old Jerry G. Harmon was stopped in the highway to make a left turn. Dennis didn't see Harmon's car and crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The impact of the wreck threw Dennis from the bike. He was taken to Washington County Hospital.

NEW LOCATION FOR PARKLAND HEALTH CENTER CANCER CENTER
There's a new location for the Parkland Health Center of Farmington's Cancer Center. The Executive Director of the Parkland Health Center Foundation, Carla Crocker, says they are preparing a Grand Opening of the facility for Thursday, June 27th, from noon to 4 p.m. that day.
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Crocker adds a lot of planning went into the new facility. The current Cancer Center has been housed in the Parkland Health Center North building in Bonne Terre. Crocker explains there will also be cake and punch at the open house.

ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY SENIOR CENTERS FUNDING
There are four Senior Centers in St. Francois County and they all receive funding from the county. The funding comes from a 5 cent per 100 dollars assessed valuation on residents property taxes. One of the county's Associate Commissioners, Patrick Mullins, says the second and final funds disbursement of the year was made recently.
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Mullins adds the county's Senior Center Board meets just twice a year. According to Mullins members of the board spend time throughout the year visiting the centers and working with the different center directors to better understand their needs and budget methods.

THE E.M.T. AND PARAMEDIC PROGRAMS AT MAC
The Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic programs at Mineral Area College are moving forward again after a period of change. The President of the MAC Board of Trustees, Alan Wells, says the coordinator of the programs retired and that had caused a lack of classes for a time.
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According to Wells the programs are up and running again and if you have any interest just call the college at 5783-431-4593 or visit the website, mineralarea.edu

PARK HILLS LEADINGTON CHAMBER FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE
The next First Friday Coffee for the Park HIlls Leadington Chamber of Commerce, is coming up in July. The Executive Director of the organization, Tammi Coleman, says it's going to happen Friday morning, July 5th at the Edward Jones office in Downtown Park Hills.
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The get together will last from 7:30 to 9 A.M. Coleman says it's a great way to start the day and keep in touch with others in the community.

KLEINER ON WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN ROTARY
Officials with the St. Francois County Rotary Club are encouraging people to join their ranks. Anna Kleiner is a member of the St. Francois County Rotary and she says there are many ways you can become involved including coming to the group's weekly luncheon meetings.
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Kleiner says you can also just talk to a Rotarian about membership. An induction ceremony will be held soon to swear in the club's new officials. According to Kleiner the new President of the St. Francois County Rotary will be Curtis Walter of Edward D. Jones in Farmington and the Vice President will be Kevin Thurmond of Mineral Area College.

THE PARKLAND PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER'S MOMS NIGHT OUT
The Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center has a program called Mom's Night Out during the summer months. The Center's Director Linda May says she is very grateful to all the area churches that have offered to help with this event to give mothers a much needed break.
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May says you can contact the Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center at 573-431-6001 for more information on, and how you can participate in, their Mom's Night Out.

WHAT IS HOSPICE NURSE
Being a nurse at a hospice care facility is a different type of work. Serenity Hospice Care Clinical Supervisor, Christy Lashley says it's not always easy to be a hospice nurse, but it is rewarding.
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Lashley says hospice nurses also monitor events in case an intervention is needed in how care is being provided. She says nurses are the backbone of what they do and they are truly appreciated.


]]> Fri, 21 Jun 2019 09:56:32 CDT 59ade2df-ceb6-4a6b-bbc6-d1a4e1c3c0d7 CHESTER BRIDGE SHOULD BE REOPENING SOON
The Missouri Department of Transportation is taking steps to reopen the Chester Bridge. Matt McClain reports
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UNITED WAY AWARDS FUNDING FOR THE YEAR
Officials with the United Way of St. Francois County will award thousands of dollars worth of funding to over 30 service organiations in the county next week. Local United Way Executive Director, Clay Whitener, says they'll make the presentations Tuesday.
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Whitener says it's encouraging to help these groups and he adds the organizations actually need more resoures than they can give.

BONNE TERRE LIGHT UP THE SKY FOR 4TH COMING
The Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce continues to raise money for their "Light Up The Sky" campaign for the 4th of July Fireworks Display. Chamber Spokesperson Leigah Head says they are still taking donations to make this year's event greater than ever.
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Head says you can contact the Chamber Office for more information and to donate to the Chamber to help purchase the fireworks. Head says they are expecting a great turnout this year.

FARMINGTON CHAMBER LUNCHEON
The Farmington Regional Chamber Luncheon is today at the Centene Center in Farmington. Chamber Co-Director Candy Zarcone says if you're in to recycling, you don't want to miss this lunch.
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Zarcone says you just need to let them know you're coming. You can call the chamber office for more information and to register for the event.

FORT DAVIDSON STATE HISTORIC EXHIBIT
A new exhibit is about to be debuted at Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob. Missouri State Park spokesperson Brian Bethel at Pilot Knob says it's an exhibit that's never been seen by the public before.
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Bethel says not only do they have the new exhibit coming up, but they have several other new events and projects later in 2019. You can go to mostateparks.com and select the Battle of Pilot Knob page, and click on the events tab. He says all the new events they will be offering are listed there. Fort Davidson is open daily 10 am to 4 pm, and it's free of charge.

MINERAL AREA COLLEGE DROP DEAD
The latest play from the Mineral Area College Theater Department is Drop Dead. Theater Director Chuck Gallagher says it's being presented now through Saturday.
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Gallagher says the play will take place in the college's Fine Arts theater at 7:00 p.m. nightly. For ticket information, you can go to mineralarea.edu, or call the college bookstore at 573-518-2106.

ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
The St. Francois County Habitat For Humanity Organization is always happy to have as many volunteers as possible when building homes. The group's Executive Director, Linda Dickerson Bell, says there is one area of work many people take an interest in when volunteering.
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Dickerson-Bell explains if you are interested volunteering, they can always use your help, just call the St Francois County Habitat for Humanity.

BLUNT CONFIDENT OVER MEASURES IN DEFENSE ACT
United States Senator Roy Blunt is Confident in provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act. Blunt told those at the weekly Republican Leadership Congress the measure would provide three key benefits.
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Senate members are expected to consider the meausre this week.


]]> Fri, 21 Jun 2019 09:54:57 CDT 59561dbf-c874-4807-baa3-795aaf58252a NICKLES NO LONGER CHARGED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE
28 year old Roseanna Nickles, of Bonne Terre, is no longer charged in connection to a child pornography case involving her child. A Grand Jury decided Monday that new evidence in the case showed Nickles did not know anything about the alleged sexual acts being performed on her child by the defendant 33 year old Andrew Hotchkiss, also of Bonne Terre. The original charges came about after an investigation in Oregon. An officer from Oregon's State Police contacted the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department about child pornography photos they had discovered on a cell phone. Through the data contained in the photos police were able to determine they had been taken at an address on Quiet Lane , north of Bonne Terre. More photographs were found that appeared to contain Hotchkiss, a person younger than 12 years old, and what was thought to be Nickles. Hotchkiss, an ex Leadwood Police Officer, is charged with two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree and felony possession of child pornography. Nickles was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child. Hotchkiss is still in custody. He's scheduled to appear in court again June 25th for a bond reduction hearing.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL HOSPITALIST PROGRAM
The Washington County Memorial Hospital in Potosi has joined a new program that brings doctors in to their facility from across the nation. Michelle Meyer is with Mercy Health that manages Washington County Hospital and says this is a game changer for the hospital.
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Meyer says the Hospitalist Program allows doctors on site to be there around the clock. She says this brings the best solutions to the rural hospital. The program began back in April and Meyer says it's working very well so far. Washington County Hospital is managed by Mercy Health out of St. Louis. Mercy took over managing the medical care at the hospital more than 3 years ago.

MORE K-9 FUNDRAISING FOR PARK HILLS POLICE
A special Bar-B-Q and Car Show will be held Saturday, June 29th, to help the Park Hills Police obtain a K-9 unit. The City Administrator of Park Hills, Mark McFarland, says Marler's Towing will sponsor the event.
MoreK9FundraisingforParkHillsPoliceMcFarland         :22
The event will be held in Park Hills' Columbia Park. According to McFarland they'll be barbecuing in the pavilions at the park. The goal for the K-9 Unit is $20,000. McFarland says they have raised a little over $10,000 so far.

DESLOGE DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE
Improvements to Desloge Drive are moving ahead as more sidewalks and streetlights are installed. The City Administrator of Desloge, Dan Bryan, says it's an exciting facelift for the town.
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Bryan says once all the work is complete residents will be able to walk all the way around town on mostly new sidewalks with new street lights for nighttime treks under the stars.

CHAUTAUQUA THEME "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES"
The theme for this year's Big River Chautauqua is Thanks for the Memories a signature phrase of one of the entertainers being portrayed this year, Bob Hope. One of the organizers of the historical reenactment of famous figures from the past, Paul Williams, says everything gets underway about 5:30 each evening of the event.
ChautauquaThemeThanksfortheMemoriesWilliams         :21
According to Williams this year's performers will include a historical portrayal of TV Newsman Walter Cronkite, TV Chef Julia Child, and Comedian Bob Hope. The event will be held again under the big tent behind City Hall in Bonne Terre. It's free to attend and it takes place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday July 18th, 19th, and 20th.

ELECTRIC BILL ASSISTANCE
Sometimes your bills can get the best of you. That's when the East Missouri Action Agency can help. Rob Baker with the agency, says when it comes to your electric bill, they might be able to help you.
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But if you didn't apply during the Winter, Baker says you will need to do so. He says you can call the East Missouri Action Agency Office and they can let you know all the information you will need for the application process.

AV CHAMBER MET
The Arcadia Valley Chamber recently had their monthly chamber luncheon, and Chamber Secretary Angela Carter says it was a great meeting with a few great speakers.
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Carter says you can go to the chamber website for more on the July 4th Festival. She says you can also call the chamber office for more information.

ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
The St. Francois County Habitat For Humanity Organization is always happy to have as many volunteers as possible when building homes. The group's Executive Director, Linda Dickerson Bell, says there is one area of work many people take an interest in when volunteering.
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Dickerson-Bell explains if you are interested volunteering, they can always use your help, just call the St Francois County Habitat for Humanity.

ILLEGAL ALIEN ARRESTED IN CAPE
A man living in the country illegally in Cape Girardeau has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for unlawfully reentering the U.S. Matt McClain reports.
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]]> Fri, 21 Jun 2019 09:51:57 CDT a326709b-9180-46e2-8142-6ba706255bf7 FLOODING WHEETLEY
Flooding across Missouri has already claimed multiple lives, and with the rivers in a prolonged flooding event, the highway patrol is issuing a plea to stay off flooded roadways. Matt McClain reports.
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BROADCASTER AWARDS
KFMO B104 NEWS and KFMO Sports are the recipients of three awards from the Missouri Broadcasters Association after this past weekend's annual convention of radio and television broadcasters from across the state. KFMO Sports was given a first place award for play by play and KFMO B104 News received a certificate of merit for a news series of stories on the Aaron Armantrout murder case and a first place award for complete newscast. there were over 800 entries in various categories including everything from commercials to breaking news and more. This year's convention was held in Branson.

JOSEPH GIVEN LIFETIME AWARD
The former Vice President of M.K.S. Broadcasting, Larry Joseph, is awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Missouri Broadcasters Annual Convention Saturday. Joseph says he's receiving the award is very special.
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Joseph became a Missouri Broadcaster in 1980 moving into the Park Hills area in 1987.

GRANTS THIS MONTH
United Way of St. Francois County officials will award funding to the over 30 service organizations in St. Francois County this month Tuesday, the 24th. The Executive Director of the group, Clay Whitener, says they'll be giving out just a little under two hundred thousand dollars.
UnitedWayGrantsSoonWhitener         :22
According to Whitener this was one of the biggest years for donations. The United Way of St. Francois County received a little over $180,000 dollars from contributions for the cause. Whitener was our guest on the KFMO Morning Drive radio show.

ANNUAL ROCK SWAP UNDERWAY
The Annual Rock Swap at the Great Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills will soon be underway. Site Director Art Hebrank says a lot of people always take part
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Hebrank says it's free of charge to attend and for more information, you can call the Great Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills.

COPS TO BECOME SERVERS
If you show up to eat at The Riverside Grill in Park Hills this Saturday, you might find someone with a badge waiting on your table. Restaurant Owner Brandon Hardin says it's all for a good cause.
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Hardin says the tips the officers make will be going toward purchasing a K-9 for the Park Hills Police Department. Hardin says you can come by and eat from 7 am until 8 pm at their location in Park Hills.

4H UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
This is the time of year for 4-H clubs to be in full swing. Local University Extension representative, Rachel Hopkins, says 4-H is a whole lot more than just livestock and you should check it out.
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Hopkins says 4-H groups are great for interaction with each other as well.


]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:51:00 CDT d9868142-e942-43ec-bd37-68f74d54f9bc FLOODING UPDATE
The latest prediction of the river crests along the Mississippi River has taken a turn for the worse. Matt McClain of KFMO B104 News explains,...
UpdatedFloodingMATTVCR    1:08

FLOODING COULD GO ON FOR MONTHS
The surging Missouri River is being filled with more than twice the normal amount of water from an upstream reservoir so more flooding is likely, and the heavy releases may continue for months. The flooding could be particularly bad in communities that sit behind levees that were damaged by massive flooding in March that primarily affected smaller communities and farms along the river in the four states downstream of the dams.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the amount of water being released from Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border will remain at 75,000 cubic feet (2,124 cubic meters) per second for at least a month because of all the recent rain. That"s about 85 percent of the amount of water in an Olympic size swimming pool.
The Corps will reassess the amount of water being released into the river, and if there hasn"t been significantly more rain than expected the amount could be reduced this summer. But it is still likely to remain above average into the Fall.

FERAL HOG BILL SIGNED
There are nine bills that will go into law now that they have been signed by Governor Mike Parson. One of them is House Bill 655, better known as the Feral Hog bill. The measure was worked on by the State Representative of the 144th District, Chris Dinkins. Dinkins says the measure clarifies definitions for those involved in hunting feral hogs when they ask a landowners permission to do so.
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Other bills signed by Parson include two dealing with financial institutions. They would reduce duplicate reports and filings and streamline processes for state regulators. Another bill clarifies insurance companies who voluntarily pay interest on a claim shall also calculate an interest rate. There's a measure regarding maximum penalties under the Solid Waste Management Law, one extending the sunset date on the Geologic Resources Fee, and another provides eligibility for MOSERS insurance and the State's retirement program for two State groups. A Senate measure provides certain provisions for intoxicating liquor and House Bill 812 marks two state highways to be named as a memorial highway in memory of Trooper John N. Greim and Trooper Fred L. Walker. Finally, the last bill signed Brings the state into compliance with the federal Rap Back Program ensuring government agencies have the authority to submit fingerprint based background checks and receive continuous monitoring and notification of criminal background changes. The bill also includes a DNA Fund sunset extension.

PROPERTY TAX PENALTIES DUE
If you haven't yet paid your property tax bills with your local assessor's office, you will now face penalties. St Francois County Assessor Dan Ward says you need to get in contact with the county assessor's office within your county right away.
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Ward says it's important to remain current on your taxes. He says you can contact his office for more information.

HABITAT HOUSE AVAILABLE
If you're looking for a brand new 4 bedroom 2 bath house with a big yard under construction in Farmington and think you would qualify with Habitat For Humanity, then Director Linda Dickerson-Bell says you need to give them a call right away. An agreement with a family that was going to be buying the house fell through and now a home under construction is available.
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Dickerson-Bell says there are no guarantees that you will qualify. She says you need to give the office a call and they can get you more information. The number to call is 573-760-1702.

JURY TRIALS
There have been an abundance of jury trials as of late in St. Francois County. The newly elected St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney, Melissa Gilliam, says they have another coming up soon.
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According to police Herrington played video games with a 14 year old girl and then allegedly started to touch her inappropriately in an attempt to entice her to perform sexual acts. Herrington will go before Judge Wendy Wexler Horn for a Bond Appearance Hearing Monday, the 11th, while he'll be beck in court for his jury trial Tuesday, the 12th.

MINERAL AREA NEW DEGREE
A new degree is being offered at Mineral Area College. Director of the Horticultural Department at Mineral Area College, Chad Follis, says they have a brand new transferable degree in Agriculture.
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Follis says this will be better for students who want to get an Agricultural degree so they won't have difficulty transferring the hours when working on a bachelors degree. He says the Ag Department continues to add additional programs for students.

KLEINER ON ROTARY
Officials with the St. Francois County Rotary Club are encouraging people to join their ranks. Anna Kleiner is a member of the St. Francois County Rotary and she says there are many ways you can become involved including coming to the group's weekly luncheon meetings.
KleinerOnRotaryKleiner         :20
Kleiner says you can also just talk to a Rotarian about membership. An induction ceremony will be held soon to swear in the club's new officials. According to Kleiner the new President of the St. Francois County Rotary will be Curtis Walter of Edward D. Jones in Farmington and the Vice President will be Kevin Thurmond of Mineral Area College.

]]> Fri, 07 Jun 2019 06:33:55 CDT 346adff4-eb22-4f9c-841e-48e24b3bd2e8 FLOOD UPDATE
Forecasters have a small amount of good news when it comes to how high the Mississippi River is expected to go this week. Matt McClain reports.
FloodUpdateMattVCR    :01:10

ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY AUDIT
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway is releasing the audit looking into whistleblower allegations that public resources could have been misused by the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The report, authorized by the county commission at the request of the Auditor, raised concerns about bonuses improperly paid to some employees of the office, as well as excessive and poorly documented reimbursement for meals.Galloway says her office requested the authority for the audit after the auditor's Whistleblower Hotline received information about alleged inappropriate spending of taxpayer dollars in the former prosecuting attorney's office. The report details bonuses awarded contrary to state law and excessive meal reimbursements. Galloway also says the current prosecuting attorney and the county commission have indicated these practices have stopped, so that taxpayer funds will be better used.
The audit examined the period from January 2012 to December 2018, which was the tenure of former prosecuting attorney Jerrod Mahurin. During that time, Mahurin approved year-end payments totaling $21,400 for several employees of his office. Galloway says such bonuses are prohibited by the Missouri Constitution. In addition, the audit found that time sheets and leave records were not completed for several assistant prosecuting attorneys, and that two of those assistant prosecuting attorneys also received compensation for doing private work on county time.
The audit also found that various employees of the office, including the prosecuting attorney, frequently violated the county's reimbursement policy, and that many of the reimbursements did not appear to be prudent or necessary. Other concerns in the audit were raised regarding an investigator taking home a county-owned vehicle without procedures in place to review and document the necessity and justification for use of the vehicle. The audit also said significant improvement was needed for accounting controls and procedures in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, as well as better electronic data security. The audit gave the Prosecuting Attorney's Office a rating of "fair."

WASHINGTON COUNTY WRECK
A Mineral Point woman, 67 year old Sally M. Loner, is moderately injured after her S.U.V. was rear ended by a car driven by 23 year old Jesse E. Portell of Potosi Wednesday afternoon just before 5 o'clock. Highway Patrol reports show Portell was driving east on Highway 8 and didn't see Loner's vehicle stopped on the highway attempting to make a turn onto Bohr Road. Portell's S.U.V. crashed into the rear of Loner's car. Loner was taken to Washington County Memorial Hospital. Both Loner and Portell were wearing their seat belts when the accident took place.

UNITED WAY CHECKS
Soon, the United Way of St. Francois County will be releasing tens of thousands of dollars worth of money to multiple area chartable organizations that provide assistance to residents of St. Francois County. Local United Way Director Clay Whitener says they actually have more money to give away this year than last year.
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Whitener says while they are very happy to help each and every organization, these organizations need even more than they are able to offer to them. He says you can contact any of those organizations to find out how you can donate directly.

MENS HEALTH DAY
Men's Health Day is coming up on Friday, June 14th. St Francois County Health Department Nurse Leslie Tedder says there are many things you can get checked for free at the event.
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Tedder says all you have to do is show up at the event. You can also call ahead to find out more information. There are a few tests that come at a very discounted cost. Tedder says if you're unable to make it before noon, call the health department and they can hold some supplies back for you to come afterward and get checked out.

THE SILVER BEAVER
A Scoutmaster in the area, Gene Bannister, is the recipient of scouting's highest honor, The Silver Beaver Award. The award was presented to Bannister at a special ceremony last month in Collinsville, Illinois. Bannister says being given the award is a humbling experience as he was chosen from a large pool of volunteers.
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Bannister is the Cub Scout Committee chair and a member of Troop 417. He's also on the Venturing Crew Committee and is Scoutmaster to Troop 418. Bannister is the Merit Badge counselor, Day Camp director, District Camping chair, Unit commissioner, Friends of Scouting Trailblazer presenter and temporary Round Table commissioner.

MACOTA NEXT YEAR LINEUP
Next year's lineup for shows with the Mineral Area Council on the Arts is coming together. The Executive Director of the council, Danielle Basler, says she's very excited to be able to already announce one show coming up in October.
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Basler says contract negotiations are well underway on multiple different shows and they can't release any additional information about potential shows until they are under contract.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEERS
The St. Francois County Habitat For Humanity Organization is always happy to have volunteers when they are building homes. Organization Director Linda Dickerson Bell says they have one area of construction that a lot of people seem to take an interest in.
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Dickerson-Bell says if you are interested volunteering, they can always use your help, just call the St Francois County Habitat For Humanity and they will let you know what they have open.


]]> Thu, 06 Jun 2019 06:58:47 CDT 1b44417a-871e-4914-84b8-9a062d0dedc7 NACO AWARD FOR COUNTY
St. Francois County officials are announcing the National Association of Counties has given the county commission a national achievement award for the second year in a row,...a feat never before accomplished by the county. St. Francois County Associate Commissioner, Patrick Mullins, says they received the award for being the first county in the state to form an adopt a road program. According to Mullins there are 13 groups in St. Francois County that pick up trash on 25 miles worth of designated county roads.
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Mullins adds last year the county won the achievement award for recycling taxpayer money back into the county with the county's Weber Road Facility.

FARMINGTON LAWNCARE INJURY
A lawncare contractor, who was mowing an embankment at the Parkland Health Center Tuesday afternoon, is recovering from serious injuries after the riding mower rolled over on top of him. Reports indicate the accident took place at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Members of the Farmington Fire Department got the man out and he was taken into Parkland Health center for treatment. No further details are available on the incident yet.

COBALT MINE HIRING SUCCESSFUL
Officials with the new Cobalt mine in Madison county are pleased with the turnout for one of their recent hiring events held in conjunction with the Missouri Jobs Center office of Park Hills. A representative of the center, Mike Campbell, says there were 26 positions available and those have been filled.
CobaltMineHiringSucceessfulCampbell         :20
Campbell also says there will be additional hiring events for stage two and stage three of the Cobalt plant's opening schedule. There are only two Cobalt mines in the United States and the quality of the material in Madison county is considered the best.

SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM
Social Security Administration officials are telling citizens there's a telephone scam going around now that's out to get your personal information and those responsible are connecting their efforts to the Social Security Administration. A Representative of the Park Hills Social Security Office, Grant Becker, says scammers use many different phone tricks to get what they're after.
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Becker says if you suspect you have received a scam call the one most important things to remember is to file a report with the Social Security Administration's Inspector General. You can find out more by calling the Park Hills Social Security office at 1-877-622-9185.

LUNCH FOR LIFE THURSDAY
The Parkland Pregnancy Center, of Park Hills, will have another Lunch for Life fundraiser Thursday, June 13th. The events run once a month through September. The Center's Linda May says it's a great way to help the Center gain additional resources.
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May says you can also purchase an extra pulled pork sandwich for an additional 3 dollars. The center is located at 815 East Main Street in Park Hills. To order your Lunch for Life from the Parkland Pregnancy P.R.C., call 573-431-6001 or send an email to parklandprc@gmail.com

RECYCLE FUND DRIVE
Two different organizations that share the same building, in Bonne Terre, are sharing the same fund drive. Shared Blessings Homeless Shelter and New Beginnings Grief and Loss Support Program have teamed up to take recyclable aluminum cans and turn them into money for the two organizations. The Executive Director of Shared Blessings, Shelley Bess, says every can will help both organizations.
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According to Bess the drop off area is at their facility at 518 Grove St in Bonne Terre.

WHAT IS HOSPICE NURSE
Being a nurse at a hospice care facility is a different type of work. Serenity Hospice Care Clinical Supervisor, Christy Lashley says it's not always easy to be a hospice nurse, but it is rewarding.
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Lashley says hospice nurses also monitor events in case an intervention is needed in how care is being provided. She says nurses are the backbone of what they do and they are truly appreciated.

STRIPING CREWS OUT
Roadway paint striping crews are out in full swing striping highways across the area. MoDot Area Engineer Brian Okenfuss says it's very important to exercise plenty of caution when you see one of the paint striping caravans.
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Beyond safety concerns, there's also a second reason for being careful around striping crews. Okenfuss says if you don't stay back and obey the trucks with signs and flashing lights, you run the risk of getting paint on your vehicle because the paint will not have dried in between the caravan vehicles yet.

BENCH OR JURY TRAIL
When a person winds up in trouble with the law they may be facing a choice between a bench trial or a jury trial. St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney, Melissa Gilliam, says a jury trial is what many people are more familiar with yet a bench trial involves a judge with no jury.
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Gilliam adds sometimes a defendant's lawyer will suggest a bench trial to argue the case on the merits of it's technical legality like an officer inadvertently skipping reading the suspect's rights to them as they're being arrested. Gilliam was a guest on our minthly St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney's report on the KFMO Morning drive.


]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2019 06:34:14 CDT 971685b4-13c3-40fe-b991-44b5c8468494 WEATHER OUTLOOK
With major flooding in some parts of our area Meteorologists with the National Weather Service say the Mississippi River is cresting near Winfield, while points north are falling
and points south will crest through the late week period. Most points along the Missouri and Illinois Rivers will see minor additional rises through midweek. Locally, thunderstorms will become likely heading into tonight. Some of these storms may become severe and capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. The highest severe threat is expected to be during the evening hours.

MODOT TRAVELER MAP FLOODS
Driving is still hazardous because of additional flooding in parts of our region of the state. An Area Engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, Brian Okenfuss, says their Traveler Information Map is updated constantly by department workers and with visual monitoring assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
modottravelrmapfloodsokenfuss         :12
According to Okenfuss drivers can check road conditions around the St. Louis metro area with the help of cameras.
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The Traveler Information Map is available online at modot.org, or you can download the MODOT map app to your smartphone or tablet to keep up on the latest road closings.

FLOOD WATERS UNHEALTHY
With another bout of rain, and more flooding expected, health and safety is a main concern for everyone. The Assistant Director of the St. Francois County Health Center, and registered Nurse B.S.N., Amber Elliot, says flood waters can make you sick.
AMBER ELLIOT :26
Elliott also says if you're helping with flood cleanup, you should have had a tetanus shot within the last ten years.
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Elliott adds you can get a tetanus shot through the Health Center. Call the center for more information at 431-1947. They're located on West Main in Park Hills.

THE WALL CONTINUES
The Missouri National Veteran's Memorial Vietnam Wall in Perryville continues to draw those who wish to honor those who died in the Vietnam War. The Executive Director of America's Wall, as the project has been called, Nancy Guth, says the shrine is a testament to the community and everyone's support of veterans.
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Guth says the Wall is easy to find by taking Highway 51 east at Perryville to Route AC. She adds signs are posted to guide you.

CRUISIN' FOR A CAUSE DUNKING
The Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce will have a dunking booth at this year's Cruisin for a Cause event that's held annually to benefit the Park Hills Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program. The Executive Director of the Chamber, Tammi Coleman, says they are working on list of people to invite to sit in the dunking chair.
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The event will be held in downtown Park Hills Saturday, October 5th. It will be a full day of activ9ities which will include a hot dog eating contest, beard and moustache contests, a bar b cue contest, crafters, music, a dog show, look alike contest, and much more. For more information you can call the Park HIlls Senior Center at 431-4974.

PARKLAND HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
June is National Safety Month and officials at Parkland Health Center, in Farmington, are using disaster preparedness exercises annually to fine tune the hospital's emergency department and the response of staff members. The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and Security Manager, at Parkland, Brad Barton, says they involve artificial victims and certain props, even makeup, to help train hospital workers for possibly disasters.
ParklandHealthPreparesnessBarton         :24
According to Barton even though they focus on the emergency room, all departments at the hospital are involved to some degree in the emergency preparedness scenario.

COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL TALENT SEARCH
A Federal Grant, through the TRIO group, will help officials with Mineral Area College find prospective college students who might not think college could be in their future. An Academic Advisor at the college, Whitney Maddox, says the grant is with the Federal Department of Education.
CollegeEducationalTalentSearchMaddox         :23
Maddox says the TRIO program was created during the Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.


]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2019 06:30:37 CDT 913d7f8a-fc60-4b01-bbc7-9933edf403cb REGIONAL FLOODING UPDATE
Flood waters have overcome at least one leave in the area, and the crest date has been pushed to later in the week. KFMO B104 News Reporter Matt McClain has more,...
RegionalFloodingUpdateMcClain         :01:08

IRON COUNTY WRECK
A Festus man, 47 year old Tommy R. Cox, is recovering from moderate injuries after being involved in a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon at 5:30 in Iron County. According to Highway Patrol records Cox was riding east on Highway 32, west of State Route A, when he struck some debris in the roadway. The motorcycle ran off the right side of the road and crashed into a traffic sign. Cox was wearing his helmet at the time of the wreck. He was taken to St. Mercy Regional Hospital in St. Louis.

COUNTRY DAYS FOLLOW UP
With Country Days now officially in the books, the event is once again being called a success. A Co Director of the Farmington Regional Chamber, Laura Raymer, says the parade was a hit again this year.
CountryDaysFollowUpRaymer         :10
The Country Days Stampede 5k Run was also a big part of the event. Organizer Colton Wooldridge says he wants it to only grow from here for next year.
ColtonWooldridgeRunning    :37
Wooldridge says he's happy with this past weekend's turnout and the weather cooperated very much in a runner's favor. He says he will start planning next year's run almost right away.

TRADE JOBS OPEN
It's getting harder to find young people that have an interest in specialty trades like auto body, plumbing, and construction. Alan Yount was the organizer of the Car Show for Country Days this year, and also drives a tow truck daily. He says it's not easy finding younger people wanting a job in these types of jobs.
AlanYountTradeJobs    :23
Governor Parson has announced a package of workforce and economic development legislation designed to make Missouri the "Best in the Midwest." The Governor's continued focus on the administration"s top priorities of infrastructure and workforce development in jobs like this, when all combined together, would give Missouri an advantage when competing with other states to attract and retain major business expansion projects.

JEFFCO NASA
On June 13th, America will celebrate the 50th anniversary of landing people on the moon, and Jefferson College is teaming up with a national TV network to celebrate. College Spokesman Roger Barrentine says they are looking forward to it all.
RogerBarrentineNASAPBS    :30
Barrentine says you can go to the college website, jeffco.edu for more information on the event on June 13th.

BURGLARY SAFETY TIPS
Daytime burglaries have been happening in St. Francois County over the past several weeks now that the weather is getting warmer. St Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock says it's a good time to implement a neighborhood watch program in your area.
DanBullockBurglaryTips    :18
Bullock says it's important to be watchful neighbor and pay attention to details if anything unusual occurs.

FARMINGTON BOY TURNED ACTOR
It's not too often you meet an 8 year old boy that's turned into an actor, but that's exactly what Talon Worden from Farmington has become. Talon has already been in two feature films, a music video, and multiple commercials across the country. He says his latest acting job had him in a Christian music video for Vertical Worship and their newest release.
TalonWordenActor    :37
Talon has an agent as well. His father is a former M.M.A. Coach and both his parents model and act in feature television production as well across the nation. Talon says his teachers at Farmington Elementary always ask questions when he gets back from filming, but his peers in his class aren't quite as interested in everything. He says he has a goal of continuing his acting career well into adulthood.


]]> Mon, 03 Jun 2019 09:56:09 CDT a1970fae-d3c9-4800-b478-e109fa8cf6e9 A man who was missing for two days was found alive after he was swept away by flood waters in Jefferson County. Daniel Conrad, 64, was found on May 23, trapped beneath the Highway 141 overpass near his home. He had been there since May 21 when he walked to Saline Creek during heavy rain. The Jefferson County Sherriff"s Office said a family member of Conrad"s reported him missing on May 23 and their K-9 Zeus, helped with the search. They found him along the bank toward the highway.
Conrad"s family member, who was helping with the search, then spotted Conrad under the overpass. He was disoriented and weak but appeared to be otherwise uninjured, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff"s Office.

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Based on current river levels, the Missouri Department of Transportation says they are closing the Route 51 Chester Bridge across the Mississippi River at noon Saturday. This bridge links Perry County, Missouri, to Randolph County, Illinois. Drivers wanting to get from Missouri to Illinois will now have to use a bridge in St. Louis or Cape Girardeau instead of the Chester Bridge.

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CRUISIN WITH A CAUSE
Crusin with a Cause is coming up later this year for the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Director Tammi Coleman says they are adding some features this year.

ColmanCruisinWithCause    :17

Coleman says they are still hoping ot annoucne even more things as they go along. For more information, contact Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce.

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LONG HOUSE COUNTRY DAYS
The Long House is the oldest home in Farmington and it's a feature point for Country Days. Nancy Cozean is with The Long House and says they have a lot of things going on for Country Days this weekend.
NancyCozeanLongHouse    :32

Cozean says you can also take tours of the house and other things throughout the weekend. You can contact The Long House for more information.

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Mr Country Days
Country Days is finally here, starting today. Mr Country Days for 2019, Jerry Weems says he's looking forward to it.

WeemsRidesCountryDays    :34

Weems says you will be able to see him and his wife, Mrs Country Days, Susan Weems, throughout all the festivities throughout town. Country Days ends on Sunday evening.

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PURPLE PLEDGE
A fundraiser called the Purple Pledge is underway at The SEMO Family Violence Council. The council's Executive Director, Stephanie Bennett, says it's easy to donate and it helps the organization out in several ways.

StephanieBennettPurplePledge    :28

According to Bennett you can have a monthly amount debited from your account for the shelter. The donations are important, according to Bennett, to help meet the monthly needs of the shelter like supplies. Contact the SEMO Family Violence Council.

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Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site/Fort Davidson and Elephant Rocks State Park invite the public to an informational meeting from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site visitor center. The public is invited to share comments about the locations and their operations. Site and state park staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the parks and historic sites, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities.

Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is located at 118 E. Maple, Pilot Knob. For more information, you can contact Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site at 573-546-3454.

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]]> Fri, 31 May 2019 05:21:26 CDT 249fbcd9-297e-4578-9afe-f9cf35212341 MATTM
HIGHWAY PATROL WATER SAFETY
With our latest bout of rain flood waters are rising and the dangers of being around them is increasing. A Corporal with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Juston Wheetley, says the slogan Turn Around, Don't Drown, is something all motorists be serious about but he also says another aspect of water safety is to not use some rivers or stream for recreation since it can be deadly as well.
HighwayPatrolWaterSafetyWheetley         :13
Wheetley adds if you are swimming wear a life jacket.
HigwayPatrolWaterSafetyWheetley1         :16
According to Wheetley if you have anu doubts about swimming, driving across a flooded roadway, or any other water safety situation, always take the safe way out and do not attempt anything that could be life threatening.

FIRST STATE COMMUNITY BANK
Country Days starts tomorrow and Janeen McEntire with First State Community Bank says an old favorite will be back for Country Days again.
McEntireHotDogCartAgain    :32
McEntire says inside the bank lobby will be the super hero decorations as well. From 11 to 1 will be the Superhero Meet and Greet. All types of super heroes will be there to meet with fans as well.

HENDERSONS GRASSROOTS EFFORT
The new Executive Director of the Desloge Chamber of Commerce, Cheri Henderson, says she has plans for getting to know all of the member investors of the Chamber. Henderson says she wants to let members know what the chamber can do to help them promote thir business and the area.
HendersonsGrassRootsEffortHenderson         :24
Henderson adds you don't have to own a business to become a member investor of the Desloge Chamber of Commerce. She adds if you'd like more information just give her a call at the Desloge Chamber of Commerc4e office at 573-431-3006.

RENTING THE CENTER
If you're looking for the perfect venue for a child's birthday party the Farmington Water Park just might be for you. The Water Park's, Jake Lahay, says you can rent for an outside party or a combination of an indoor outdoor party.
RentingTheCenterLahay         :17
Lahay says for more information just call the Farmington Civic Center at 573-756-0900.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
With warmer weather comes more motorcycles on our Misouri roadways. An Area Engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, Brian Okenfuss, says drivers should watch for motorcycles and drive with extra caution.
MotorcycleSafetyOkenfuss         :14
Okenfuss says preliminary data shows 11 percent of traffic fatalities in Missouri last year involved a motorcyclist.

ROTARY SCHOLORSHIPS
Scholorships for college will be handed out soon by the Rotary Club of St Francois County. Anna Kleiner is with Rotary.
AnnaKleinerRotaryScholorships    :16
Kleiner says the club holds fundraisers throughout the year so they can give out the scholarships to the graduates from the five high schools in the county. For more information, you can contact the St Francois County Rotary Club.


]]> Thu, 30 May 2019 05:56:01 CDT a76c4a20-8a2d-463b-8e21-3a37a05dcf71 RIVER FLOODING CONTINUES
The second highest flood along the Mississippi River is now unfolding before our very eyes. Matt McClain reports.
MightyMississippiFloodingVCRMATT    :01:34


MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND TRAFFIC
Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol have release the annual Memorial Day weekend holiday crash reports. Officials say there were 7 traffic fatalities in three parts of the state. Patrolmen worked 294 crashes with 124 people injured. Five fatalities took place in the Weldon Spring area. There was one death near Rolla and another in the Willow Springs area. From the Highway Patrol Water Division a boating death was reported at the Lake of the Ozarks. There were 14 boating crashes reported with 10 injuries.


COUNTRY DAYS FRIDAY
It's a party in the park for this Friday with Farmington Country Days. A Co Director of the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce, Laura Raymer, says they'll have great music Friday in Long Park to help get the party started.
CountryDaysFridayRaymer         :25
Raymer says Whiskey Dixon is a combo of rock, country, and southern rock. For more information and schedules visit FarmingtonCountryDays.com and remember, you can purchase ride tickets and Country Days buttons at the studios of KFMO B104 on St. Joe Drive in Park Hills.


DARRYL WORLEY CONCERT
Country Days is this weekend and the concerts will be one of the main features throughout the event again this year. Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce Co-Director Laura Raymer says the main artist for Saturday night is country music superstar, Darryl Worley.
LauraRaymerDarrylWorley    :23
Raymer says there will be concerts each evening for Country Days and on Sunday morning as well.. All concerts including the Darryl Worley concert will be FREE of charge for those who want to attend. For more information, you can go to FarmingtonCountryDays.com.


PROPERTY TAX PENALTIES
We have now approached the time of the year where if you haven't yet paid your property tax bills with your local assessor's office, you'll now face penalties. St Francois County Assessor Dan Ward says if you haven't yet paid, do so as soon as possible.
DanWardAssessingPenalties    :27
Ward says it's important to remain current on your taxes. He says you can contact his office for more information.


SUMP PUMP ORDINANCE
Farmington city council members are discussing an ordinance change that would effect sump pump and roof drain discharges in the city. City Administrator, Greg Beavers, says our wet winter and spring weather has caused resident's pumps and drains to work overtime causing hazards.
SumpPumpOrdinanceBeavers         :13
Beavers also says the ordinance will be crafted in such a way as to make it a violation of the ordinance to discharge roof drains or sump pumps in a manner that creates a nuisance for adjacent property owners. The ordinance could be ready for approval by the next Farmington City Council meeting.


JEFFCO WALK IN WEDNESDAY
Registering for summer or fall classes at Jefferson College can be as easy as simply walking into the college's offices. The Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Jefferson College, Roger Barrentine, says it's easy with something called "Walk in Wednesdays".
JeffcoWalkInWednesdayBarrentine         :20
According to Barrrentine prospective students need to have all their college entrance test scores on file before coming to any registration event at Jefferson College, including Walk in Wednesdays.


STRIPING CREWS OUT
Roadway paint striping crews are out in full swing striping highways across the area. MoDot Area Engineer Brian Okenfuss says it's very important to exercise plenty of caution when you see one of the paint striping caravans.
BrianOkenfussStripingCrews    :27
Beyond safety concerns, there's also a second reason for being careful around striping crews. Okenfuss says if you don't stay back and obey the trucks with signs and flashing lights, you run the risk of getting paint on your vehicle because the paint will not have dried in between the caravan vehicles yet.



]]> Wed, 29 May 2019 06:27:44 CDT 393b5c0c-9992-4c9d-a8dc-94521291876c WASHINGTON COUNTY WRECK
A Blackwell woman, 55 year old Diana R. Cantrell, is suffering serious injuries after a one vehicle accident in Washington County. Highway Patrol reports indicate Cantrell was driving her pick up west on Route CC, near Route E, Monday morning. The accident occurred at 9:30 as Cantrell was driving west in the eastbound lanes when the truck ran off the right edge of the road. Cantrell overcorrected causing the truck to roll over throwing her out. Troopers say Cantrell was wearing her seat belt when the wreck took place. She was taken to Mercy Hospital south.


RED ROOSTER LIFT STATION 2
Work continues on the Red Rooster Road Lift Station, for the City of Park Hills. The old lift station is being replaced with a bigger lift station to handle growth around the Fairgrounds exit. City Administrator Mark McFarland says the lift station was installed when the area wasn't nearly as developed.

MarkMcFarlandRedRooster    :32

McFarland says a new lift station will help further development in the area by making sure the extra capacity is available for growth.


COUNTRY DAYS VISIONS
Visions of Hope's Dress to Impress Resale Shop will be bring some special sales to downtown Farmington as a part of the shop's Country Days celebration this weekend. Jessica Harmon is with Visions of Hope and she says things will be happening inside the store and out.

JessicaHarmonCountryDays    :28

Harmon says Bentley the Bull, their mascot, will also be out and about during Country Days entertaining people as well. Visions of Hope is located at 117 E Columbia Street in Farmington.


4H UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
This is the time of year for 4-H clubs are gearing up for warm weather activities. Local University Extension Office Representative Rachel Hopkins says 4-H is more than just livestock.

RachelHopkins4H    :27

Hopkins says 4-H groups feature cooking, photography, and grafts of all kinds as well.


FIRECRACKER RUN COMING UP
The 16th Annual Firecracker Run, presented by the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce, is coming up soon. The Executive Director of the Chamber, Tammi Coleman, says now is the best time to register.

TammiColemanFirecracker    :24

The run is Saturday June 29th, from 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Registration begins at 7:00 am, 1 Mile Run begins at 8:00 am, 1 Mile & 5K Walk begins at 8:05 am, and the 5K Run & Business Team 5K Challenge begins at 8:30 am. The run will once again be held at Central High School. For more information, you can go to the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce website.


COLLEGE FOR KIDS
Mineral Area College is rolling out their College for Kids program again this Summer. Continuing Education Director for the College, Pam Watkins, says they've added many new classes this year.

PamWaktinsCollegeForKids    :30

To find out more about the Mineral Area College, College for Kids Program, visit www.mineralarea.edu or call the main campus in Park Hills at 573-431-4593.


PURPLE PLEDGE
A fundraiser called the Purple Pledge is underway at The SEMO Family Violence Council. The council's Executive Director, Stephanie Bennett, says it's easy to donate and it helps the organization out in several ways.

StephanieBennettPurplePledge    :28

According to Bennett you can have a monthly amount debited from your account for the shelter. The donations are important, according to Bennett, to help meet the monthly needs of the shelter like supplies. Contact the SEMO Family Violence Council.


POTHOLE FIXING
Harsh winter weather has left county roads in need of repair in St. Francois County now that the weather has warmed up. St Francois County Associate Commissioner Gay Wilkenson says they've a lot of work to do..

GayWilkensonSTFC    :32

Wilkenson says to remember if you see road work in the area slow down and drive with extra caution.


]]> Tue, 28 May 2019 08:35:01 CDT 6caa47a9-e278-4a96-a31a-53ecb10d6a9f RIVER MAJOR FLOODING AGAIN
Major river flooding is in the forecast again. KFMO B104 news reporter Matt McClain reports,...

FLOODINGAGAINVCRMATT    :49


JEFFERSON CITY DAMAGE
Officials in Jefferson City are still looking into how much damage was created by the tornado that struck the city Wednesday. Governor Mike Parson says emergency services personnel and the systems set up to tackle a disaster like this, worked well.
JeffersonCityDamageParson         :25
There were no deaths in Jefferson City however three people we re killed in the Golden City area. Killed were 56-year-old Betty Berg, 86-year-old Kenneth Harris, and 83-year-old Opal Harris.


CHARGES AFTER KIDS FIGHT
Two people from Washington County, 30 year old Megan DeClue of Cadet, and her boyfriend, 38 year old William Hawkins III, of Potosi, are facing felonies after police allege they took DeClue's daughter to the Potosi baseball field to engage in a fight with another juvenile. The alleged incident occurred December 27th of last year. DeClue is charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree resulting in physical injury, felony assault in the third degree, and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree. Hawkins' charges include felony endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree resulting in physical injury and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree. Police reports indicate DeClue and Hawkins were cheering DeClue's 12 year old daughter on and were physically interfering with the other juvenile defending themselves. Nearly $1,800 dollars in damage was reported at the ball field. DeClue's bond is set at $35,000 and Hawkins is $25,000.


ST. FRANCOIS SERIOUS
Three people are suffering serious injuries after a traffic accident involving a motorcycle and a van in St. Francois County Wednesday evening a 7 o'clock. Highway Patrol reports show a motorcycle being driven by 30 year old Colby Murdock of Bonne Terre, was headed east on Highway 32 just west of Green Road. 38 year old Amber Garner, of Farmington, was a passenger on the bike. When the motorcycle crested a hill a van driven by 25 year old Kaylean Danback, of Bonne Terre, pulled onto the highway. The motorcycle smashed into the front left corner of the van. The van ran off the road and crashed into a tree. Murdock was flown to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis while his passenger, Garner, was flown to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. A passenger in Danback's van, 53 year old Timothy Lato, of House Springs, also received serious injuries. He was taken to Parkland Health Center in Farmington. Danback was treated for minor injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. Troopers say no in the accident was wearing any safety gear when the accident took place.


HENDERSON ON BOARD CHAMBER
Now that Cheri Henderson has been chosen to be the new Executive Director of the Desloge Chamber of Commerce, she continues to meet chamber members, work with future events, and set the tone of the chamber. Henderson says she is excited about the job and she feels having been raised in the area helps her bring a special perspective to the job ahead.
HendersonOnBoardChamberHenderson         :21
Henderson, who has over 30 years experience in the education field, also says she wants to let current and future Desloge Chamber members know the chamber is there for them and she will do everything in her power to assist them.
HendersoOnBoardChamber1         :12
Henderson will be introduced as the new Executive Director during the next Desloge Chamber of Commerce meeting Tuesday, June 4th.


FARMINGTON PEDESTRIAN PLAZA
Farmington officials have begun construction of a Pedestrian Plaza downtown. The City Administrator of Farmington, Greg Beavers, says this new area will be constructed on Jefferson Street from Columbia Street back to the rear of the building line of Opehlia's, and formerly the Christian Bookstore.
FarmingtonPedestrianPlazaBeavers         :23
Beavers also says not only will the areas physical appearance be changed, it's character will also be different. According to Beavers another reason the project is underway has to do with visibility concerns for drivers. Motorists have complained for years about the dangers of the intersection. The new Pedestrian Plaza in Downtown Farmington should be complete within about a month.


PARK HILLS FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE
The First Friday Coffee event for the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce will be coming up on June 7th. Chamber Director Tammi Coleman says they've picked a really cool place to hold it in June.
ColemanFirstFridayCoffee    :31
Coleman says the first Friday coffee runs from 7:30 am until 9 am and is free to attend. You can go to the chamber's website to register for the event.


]]> Fri, 24 May 2019 06:31:31 CDT 9e58aaf0-a56a-4346-ac43-3d35ffb83768 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SAFETY
With Memorial Day Weekend starting tomorrow, Highway Patrol Corporal Justin Wheetley wants to remind folks to drive carefully with crowded roads expected.
CorpJustinWheetlyDriveCarefully    :33
Wheetley also stresses that drinking and driving will be met with a zero tolerance and will land you in jail with no exceptions. He says if you're going to drink, have a designated driver.

TORCH RUN COMPLETE
St. Francois County law enforcement officials are pleased with the support of their annual torch run in support of Special Olympics Missouri. The event was held Wednesday as 54 officers from the Desloge Police Department, Farmington Police Department, St. Francois County Sheriff"s Department, Farmington Correctional Center, Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center, Probation and Parole, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol signed on for the run. Desloge Police Chief, James Bullock, says they want to keep awareness high and gain support for Special Olympics.
TorchRunCompleteBullock         :15
Police officers were joined by local Olympians during part of the run. The run began at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Madison - St/. Francois County line on Highway 67 and continued north to the Jefferson County line. Sheriff Dan bullock and members of the Missouri Department of Transportation were escorts for the runners.

FAIRGROUNDS EXIT WORK
Work continues at the Highway 67 Fairgrounds entrance to St. Joe State Park. Mark McFArland is the City Administrator of Park Hills, He says because of a few hidden costs, city workers are trying to do as much of the work as they can to help save money.
FairgroundsExitWorkMcFarland         :24
McFarland says he'd like to see the project finished by the end of this year's fiscal year, October 1st.

DESLOGE DONATES POLICE CAR
A police car has been donated by the City of Desloge to the City of Bismarck. Desloge City Administrator Dan Bryan says Bismarck truly needed the car and they were happy to do it.
DanBryanOldCrownVic    :34
There's no word on when the car will be put into service in Bismarck. Bryan says he's happy they were able to help Bismarck Police to help make that community a little safer.

FARMINGTON WATER PARK OPENS
It's the 20th year for the Farmington Water Park. Matt McClain reports.
WATERPARKVCRMATT    :41

BRIAN OKENFUSS MODOT
There are some big changes to the annual report from officials with the Missouri department of Transportation. In years past, MoDot was required to issue an annual report that was more like an omnibus novel, and considered cumbersome to read. Brian Okenfuss with MoDot says this year, the State Legislature is allowing them to break the report down into five smaller reports that are much easier for Missouri residents to read.
BrianOkenfussModot    :27
Okenfuss says residents can call toll free 888-Ask-MoDot for more information about any of the reports, or any highway questions you may have.

FARMING SAFETY FOR SUMMER
Farmers are busy this time of year with the first crop of hay ready to harvest, and summer getting into full swing. University of Missouri Extension Office person Rachel Hopkins says if's very important to remember safety around farm equipment.
RachelHopkinsFarmSafety    :29
Hopkins says make sure you exercise plenty of extra caution. She says it's easy to become used to the equipment and forget that you can still get injured from using the equipment inappropriately.


]]> Thu, 23 May 2019 06:33:05 CDT 0883e8d1-5fb9-48e7-8caf-f8b5d2b8c78a BONNE TERRE INDUSTRIAL PARK
The Bonne Terre Industrial Park may be getting an expansion of one of it's main roads. City Administrator Shawn Kay says a grant has been applied for to get the necessary money to pave the road further into the park.


ShawnKayIndustrialParkRoad    :25

Kay says it's not yet known if they will be awarded the grant. He says the roadway extension would benefit the promotion of the industrial park and allow potential businesses to get a better view of the property that's available.


HENDERSON ON SESSION
State Representative Mike Henderson says he is pleased with the recent legislative session and the measures legislators passed. There aren't as many bills going to the Governor this session as last yet, Henderson explains the amount of legislation isn't as important as its content.

HendersonOnSessioHenderson         :12

According to Henderson one of his bills, the School Turn Around Bill, was approved by House Members and Senators. Henderson tells us the measure would have the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or D.E.S.E., identify school buildings, not districts, that are unsuccessful across Missouri.

HendersonOnSessionHenderson1     :27

Henderson also says he's glad they were able to dully fund education in the latest budget which is the largest the state has ever approved.


CHAMBER MET
Members of the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce are looking towards Missouri's Bicentennial Celebration after being given a presentation by Michael Sweeney with the Missouri State Historical Society at Tuesday's chamber luncheon. Sweeney told those at the meeting he invites everyone to visit the Missouri 2020 Celebration website for ideas on how to commemorate the bicentennial.

ChamberMetSweeney        :11

The 5th chamber scholarship recipient was announced, it was Yancy McCarron. In other business it was announced the chamber's Sweetheart Trivia event raised $1058.00 for the scholarship fund. The Business Spotlight was on Kindred at Home Hospice. The next meeting of the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce is set for Tuesday, June 18th at Mineral Area College.


ART SHOW COMING
An art show is coming to Farmington on Thursday. Lindsay Petty is with Diamonds and More on Karsch Boulevard in Farmington.

LindsayPettyDiamondsandMoreArtShow    :28

Petty says its a completely free event for anyone to attend at Diamonds and More on Karsch Boulevard in Farmington at 6 pm. She says you can call them for more information.


KNIGHT CLASS OF 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Class of 2019 for the Farmington School District has already received their diplomas and sashes, but that isn't stopping School Superintendent Matt Ruble from talking about how proud he is of their accomplishments. He says the class did a great job this year.

MattRubleAccomplishments    :17

Ruble says he's very proud of the class as a whole. The school district itself is going to be undergoing renovations in most of the buildings across the district and that is getting underway in full swing this summer.


WHAT IS HOSPICE NURSE
Being a nurse at a hospice care facility is a little different than you might think of how a nurse does their job. Serenity Hospice Care Clinical Supervisor, Krissie Lashley says it's not always easy to be a hospice nurse, but it is rewarding.

SerenityHospiceNurses    :28

Lashley says hospice nurses also monitor things in case an intervention is needed in how care is being provided. She says nurses are the backbone of what they do and they are truly appreciated.


OFFSETS CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY
The popular recreational swimming area, 'The Offsets', will not be open this Memorial Day weekend according to a post on the business's facebook page. The post indicated the state is closing the business temporarily. The owners of the offsets, Gary and Rebecca Henson are facing a lawsuit from the state after two drowning deaths in 2018. The suit alleges several dangers at the Offsets including no life preservers available near the diving area bluffs, no lifeguards on duty, and insufficient warning signs. The post asks those who support the Offsets to contact their state government officials and urge them to reopen the facility.


]]> Wed, 22 May 2019 06:34:46 CDT bf009450-38e5-415f-b930-605ab4cf4048 POLICE STATION WEATHER SHELTER
Farmington officials are making the town's police station a shelter against tonight's possible severe weather. Farmington Emergency Management Director, Tim Porter, says they want to make sure a safe place is available for anyone who might be effected.

PoliceStationWeatherShelterPorter         :23

Porter adds if you need shelter this evening in Farmington come to the front entrance of the police station downtown. There will be staff on hand to welcome you, provide bottled water if needed, and escort you to the safe area of the station. Officials with The National Weather Service indicate we could see severe weather, including heavy winds and hard rainfall, sometime around 6 to 8 o'clock this evening.

]]> Tue, 21 May 2019 14:51:48 CDT b3635fc0-abbf-4c74-8996-c95c8af12cd1 SEVERE WEATHER COMING
The National Weather Service in St. Louis and the National Storm Prediction Center near Oklahoma City have issued a forecast for potentially severe weather across our area Tuesday evening. Matt McClain reports..

BadWeatherComingVCRMATT    :55


HENDERSON NAMED DIRECTOR
KFMO B104 News has learned Cheri Henderson is the new Director for the Desloge Chamber of Commerce. She is a native of Desloge and has 31 years of experience as a teacher in the North County School District. Henderson and her husband, State Representative, Mike Henderson, have lived in the town for almost 30 years. Chamber officials and members will introduce Henderson as the new Director at the chamber's Tuesday, June 4th, meeting. It's scheduled for noon that day at the Lincoln Street Event Center. The center is located at 112 North Lincoln Street in Desloge.


ROMINE ON SESSION
With the latest legislative session complete legislators are calling the session a productive one after many bills were passed and sent to the desk of Governor Mike Parson for his signature. State Senator, Gary Romine, says he's pleased with legislation he worked on that will fairly distribute mining royalties in his district. Romine says 27 counties in the Mark Twain National Forest were sharing the mining royalties from only two counties and that needed to end.

RomineOnSessionRomine         :17

Romine say's he's's also pleased the tax break measure for the GM Wentzville plant and the FasTrack education bills passed. GM will add 750 million to the state's 50 million break to improve the plant and provide more jobs. The FasTrack Education measure is designed for those with lower incomes, who want to go back to school to add to their work skills and knowledge.


VIOLENCE BILL FAILS SENATE
The House Bill designed to provide a free birth certificate for victims who've fled from domestic violence didn't make it through the Missouri Senate. The sponsor of the bill, State Representative Chris Dinkins, says she is disappointed by the outcome, and it's thanks to a filibuster from St. Charles republicans over the GM tax incentive issue.

ChrisDinkinsViolenceBill    :25

Dinkins says she is hopeful to get the measure through both houses next year. Until then, she says things will remain as they are. Dinkins got the idea to create the bill after meeting with officials at the SEMO Family Violence Council in the Parkland.


LEGISLATIVE PRO-LIFE MEASURE
The pro-life measure, or the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act, passed by Missouri Legislators, is being called one of the strongest in the nation. State Representative, Dale Wright, says he voted for the bill yet he was hoping it would contain more specific language for certain unforeseen pregnancies.

LegislativeProLifeMeasureWright         :19

Wright adds he's relieved they were able to get the measure passed. Wright says fighting for the unborn is one of the reasons he agreed to run for election to the        District Representative seat.


MISSOURI BICENTENNIAL MTG
The Park Hills - Leadington Chamber Investor Meeting will be held today at noon, and the state of Missouri is sending a special speaker according to Chamber Director Tammy Coleman, to talk about the Bicentennial celebration across the state.

TammyColemanInvestorMeeting    :27

Coleman says the meeting starts at noon, and you can contact the chamber for more information.


MINERAL AREA NEW DEGREE
A new degree is being offered at Mineral Area College. Director of the Horticultural Department at Mineral Area College, Chad Follis, says they have a brand new transferable AA degree in Agriculture.

ChadFollisNewDegree    :35

Follis says this will be so much better for students wanting to get an Ag degree but was having difficulty transferring the degree for a bachelors. He says the Ag Department continues to add additional things for students to keep it all interesting.


SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
Your local Social Security Office isn't just for when you're getting ready to retire. Park Hills Social Security Office Representative Grant Becker says a disability claim can happen at any moment in your life.

GrantBeckerDisability    :26

Becker says you can contact the local Park Hills Office and schedule an appointment regarding disability. He says you can also go to SSA.gov for more information.


]]> Tue, 21 May 2019 06:25:25 CDT e2bba390-b99d-4058-af03-26ed46813292 TWO ARRESTED ON CHARGES
No court date is set yet for two rural St. Francois County residents, 33 year old Andrew Hotchkiss and 28 year old Roseann Nickles, after being charged with felonies in connection to a child pornography case that reports show was investigated in Oregon. It's indicated an officer from Oregon's State Police contacted the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department about child pornography photos they had discovered on a cell phone. Through the data contained in the photos police were able to determine they had been taken at an address on Quiet Lane , north of Bonne Terre. More photographs were found and they are alleged to contain Hotchkiss, a person younger than 12 years old, and Nickles. Hotchkiss, an ex Leadwood Police Officer, is charged with two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree and felony possession of child pornography. Nickles is charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child.


MINERAL POINT WOMAN INJURED
A Mineral Point woman, 29 year old Nicole L. Gevermuenle, is suffering serious injuries after being involved in a one car accident in Jefferson County Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. According to Highway Patrol reports She was driving north on Highway 67, north of Lee Pyle Road, when she lost control of the car and it ran off the left side of the road into the grassy median. The car crashed into two signs and then rolled over throwing Gevermeunle out of the vehicle. She had not been wearing her seat belt when the wreck occurred and was taken to Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis.


DESLOGE DRIVE UPDATE
Desloge Drive continues to be IMPROVEMEd AND RENOVATed. City Administrator Dan Bryan says they've reached the halfway point of construction and things are looking great.

DanBryanDeslogeDriveUpdate    :23

Bryan says things will progress with more street lights and sidewalks. He adds the deadline of the beginning of December for completion is looking good now, if not before then.


RED ROOSTER LIFT STATION
The Red Rooster Lift Station for the City of Park Hills is going to have to be replaced with a bigger lift station to handle future growth around the Fairgrounds exit area. City Administrator Mark McFarland says the lift station was installed back when the area wasn't nearly as developed

MarkMcFarlandRedRooster    :32

McFarland says a new lift station will help further development in the area by making sure the extra capacity is available for that growth.


WEST COUNTY GRADUATION
West St Francois County Schools will be holding their graduation this year on a different day than in years past. School Superintendent Stacy Stevens says they were concerned about holding the ceremony on Sunday this year being a Holiday weekend.

StacyStevensGraduation    :25

Stevens says he's very proud of the district and the students have done well.


SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM
The East Missouri Action Agency's Summer Food Service Program is starting up again for the summer. The annual program will begin in June in St. Francois County. A Program Director with the Agency, Rob Baker, says they will have three locations for free meals once school is out for the summer.

SummerFoodProgramBaker         :25

The Desloge locations at Desloge City Park will serve from 11:30 to noon. At Columbia Park in Park Hills lunch will be served from noon to 1:00. In Bonne Terre at City Park serving time is from 1:30 to 2 o'clock. Upward Bound students, at Mineral Area College, will also be served breakfast from 7:50 to 8:20. Lunch is from 12:05 to 12:30 at the College.
You can get more information on the East Missouri Action Agency's Summer Food program contact Shanna Yount at 1-800-392-8663 extension 1137. Baker adds the program runs June 3rd through the 26th at Desloge and Bonne Terre and from June 3rd through July 6th at Mineral ASrea College's Upward Bound Program. There's no fee or registration required. There will not be any free meals the 4th of July due to the Holiday.


BURGLARY SAFETY TIPS
Daytime burglaries have been happening in St. Francois County over the past several weeks now that the weather is getting warmer. St Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock says it's time to implement neighborhood watch programs again...

DanBullockBurglaryTips    :18

Bullock says it's important to make sure you keep an eye on things in your neighborhood and if you see something, say something.


SUMMERTIME KID ACTIVITIES
Summertime is almost here, and there might be some activities that you haven't thought of to do with the kids. Tammy Bracken with the Bracken Report says she's got some ideas.

BrackenReportKeepsKidsBusy    :24

Bracken says spending times with kids is very important and there are many outdoor things to do with the kids that low cost or no cost around the Parkland that will make it fun and get the kids away from electronics for a while.


]]> Mon, 20 May 2019 07:33:56 CDT 9a9d54e1-b256-4e0c-ab47-7911f8e12b0c The Bonne Terre woman accused in the death of her infant son, Roberta Baker, will be sentenced July 19th after being found guilty of a Class B Felony of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. She had been charged with a Class A Felony connected to the death of her son Elijah. Judge Wendy Wexler Horn determined in her ruling that the Class A Felony Baker was charged with couldn't be supported by the evidence however a Class B Felony charge could. Police say Baker gave birth at her home in the 1400 block of Highway 47 outside Bonne Terre in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 22nd. reports also show the baby died hours later. Law enforcement officials indicate Baker admitted to using methamphetamine while pregnant. Baker faces a possible sentence of10 to 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.


PEDESTRIAN STRUCK
A Farmington woman, 34 year old Yuelette L. Hootselle, is suffering serious injuries after Highway Patrolmen say she was struck by a vehicle while walking on Highway 00 at Kollmeyer road in St. Francois County. Reports indicate the accident happened just after 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Troopers says Hootselle's car had went off the road earlier and she was walking on the northbound shoulder of the highway when she was struck by the front right side a vehicle driven north by Michael M. DeFrancesco, of Fredericktown. Hootselle was flown to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. DeFrancesco was not injured.


CHAMBER NEEDS DIRECTOR
Officials with the Washington County Chamber are looking for a new, full time, Director after announcing the hunt at Thursday's meeting of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The President of the Chamber, Amber Coleman, says this announcement, the Chamber's Annual Report, and a list of area activities, made for a great meeting.

ChamberNeedsDirectorColeman         :16

Coleman adds they also talked about the first ever Washington County Chamber of Commerce Member Mixer Monday, May 20th, at the Caledonia Barn from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This weekend's Caledonia Vintage Market and Antique Show Bicentennial Celebration and Scottish Festival was also mentioned at the meeting.


GOLF TOURNAMENT BEST EVER
Officials at Mineral Area College are calling their latest annual Golf Tournament the best the college has ever held. The announcement was made at today's Mineral Area College Board of Director's meeting by Foundation Director, Kevin Thurmond. Thurmond said there were more teams than ever.

GolfTournamentBestEverThurmond         :22

In other business enrollment was discussed. Enrollment Representative, Julie Sheets, told board members they are down 4.5% in student headcount and credit hours.


BONNE TERRE EVENT CENTER
A new type of event center might be coming to Bonne Terre, but it would be in a familiar spot. City Administrator Shawn Kay says it would in the old nutrition center.

ShawnKayNewRentalPlace    :27

Kay says there's no timeline on the idea, but it is moving forward with planning for now.


FARMINGTON GRADUATION CEREMONY
The Farmington High School Graduation Ceremony will be this Sunday afternoon. School Superintendent Matt Ruble says the Class of 2019 has picked out their speaker for this year.

MattRubleGraduationDavidBurke    :26

The district will graduate with 229 at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Farmington Civic Center.


PURPLE PLEDGE
A fundraiser called Purple Pledge is underway for The SEMO Family Violence Council in the Parkland. Director Stephanie Bennett says it's easy to donate and it helps the organization out a lot.

StephanieBennettPurplePledge    :28

Bennett says you can fill out a little paperwork and then a monthly amount can be debited from your account for the shelter. The donations are important, according to Bennett, to help meet the monthly financial needs of the shelter and for those that need the safety if provides them from violence. For more information, you can contact the SEMO Family Violence Council.


JEFFCO LAW ENFORCEMENT GRADUATION
The Jefferson College Police Academy recently held a graduation ceremony. College Spokesman Roger Barrentine says the college is very proud of the graduates.

RogerBarrentineLawEnforcement    :30

Barrentine says if you are looking for any information regarding some of the special degrees like the police academy that's offered, you can contact the college.



]]> Fri, 17 May 2019 06:27:29 CDT 28f5743d-c741-4a4d-af10-e85306acf409 The special General Motors tax incentive package, put together by Missouri Legislators is on its way to Governor Mike Parson after being approved Tuesday evening by Senators. State Senator, Gary Romine, says communication with 6 Senators who were filibustering the bill helped get the measure approved.

IncentivePassedFastrackRomine         :18

Romine adds the tax incentive will provide 50 million dollars in tax breaks over a 10 year period and GM officials will invest 750 million dollars in the company's plant in Wentzville. According to Romine the legislation is tied to the Fastrack Education measure. He adds an important part of Fastrack is that it allows you to go back to school and improve your education and training provided you qualify.

IncentivePassedFastrackRomine1         :22

The current session ends this Friday. Our last legislative report of the session, on the KFMO Morning Drive, is scheduled to feature a visit with State Representative, Mike Henderson.

]]> Wed, 15 May 2019 14:14:13 CDT 78dbe615-4c4b-4ab9-a609-61c681269e2c A woman from Farmington, 30 year old Samantha Hemsath-Haas, is being held in the St. Francois County Jail on 100 thousand dollars bond after being charged with domestic assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. Desloge Police Chief, James Bullock, says a car pulled up to the Desloge Police Station Monday night about 8 o'clock. According to Bullock the 33 year old man driving was from Park Hills. He had been wounded and was bleeding badly.

ChiefBullockStabbing1    :27

It appears the weapon was a hatchet found in the vehicle. Authorities say the victim had three large lacerations from the weapon.


DESLOGE MEETING MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Desloge City officials are looking at how to deal with marijuana dispensaries, and grow operations, now that voters have said yes to medical marijuana in the State. The city's Board of Aldermen met Monday night and City Administrator, Dan Bryan, says there are a lot of issues city leaders will have to deal with, that they've never had to think about until now.

DeslogeMeetingMedicalMarijuanaBryan         :15

According to Bryan it is illegal to make any ordinance so restrictive that a dispensary, or manufacturer, could not locate in Desloge.

DeslogeMeetingMedicalMarijuanaBryan1       :24

In other business at the Monday night meeting of Desloge Aldermen street overlay and paving improvements were discussed, the donation of a police vehicle to the Bismarck Police Department was approved, and surplus equipment was purchased from the City of Farmington.


BONNE TERRE MEETS
Bonne Terre citizens could see work soon on four bridges in town after voters approved a property tax in the November elections last year. The city Administrator for Bonne Terre, Shawn Kay, says since they now have a property tax, city officials are able to pursue grant funding to improve the city's infrastructure, including four bridges in town.

BonneTerreMeetsKay         :23

The grant application was discussed at Monday night's Bonne Terre City Council meeting. In other business council members approved the mutual aid agreement with Desloge and the purchase of a new 2019 Ford F150 for the Police Department.


GOVERNOR ON GM INCENTIVE
Governor Mike Parson is urging some Missouri Senators to overcome their problems with the tax incentives for General Motors and move forward with the package which could give GM up to 50 million dollars if the company invests 750 million dollars in their Wentzville Missouri plant. Governor Parson says Missourians need the jobs and if Senators don't pass the measure the company could easily take their business elsewhere.

GovernorOnGMIncentiveParson         :19

KFMO B104 News has been in contact with State Senator Gary Romine. He tells us Senators are having conversations now to try and reach an agreement on the issue. Republicans from St. Charles have filibustered because they believe the state wouldn't be getting the advantage of employees being retained and new jobs being created under the proposed incentive agreement. Even though an alternative measure came from the House, Senate President, Dave Schatz, says the senate is not taking any options at the moment. The last day of this session is Friday at 6 p.m.


ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY WRECK
A man from Park Hills, 26 year old Kyle R. Wilson, is recovering from moderate injuries after his car crashed into a tree in St. Francois County Tuesday afternoon at 1:45. According to Highway Patrol reports Wilson was driving west on Old Highway 8, west of Mayberry Lane, when he lost control of his automobile in a curve. It ran off the north side of the road and smashed where into a tree. Troopers say Wilson was not wearing his seatbelt at the time. He was taken to Parkland Health Center South in Farmington.


MAC KICKS BAND CONCERT
The Mineral Area College Kicks Band Spring Concert is will be held tomorrow evening at the Mineral Area College Fine Arts Theater on the Park Hills campus. The Director of the Kicks Band, Dan Schunks, says it's going to be a special evening of big band jazz.

DanSchunksKicksBand    :10

Schunks says the MAC Kicks Band Spring Concert will be held at 7:30 and it's free to attend.


RECYCLE FUND DRIVE
Two different organizations that share the same building are sharing the same fund drive. Aluminum cans are typically just thrown away in many households, but Shared Blessings Homeless Shelter and New Beginnings have teamed up to take those cans off your hands and turn them into money for the two organizations. Shared Blessings Executive Director Shelley Bess says every can will help both organizations right away...

ShellyBessCanRecyling    :30

Bess says the drop off area is at their facility at 518 Grove St in Bonne Terre. For more information, you can contact either organization.


]]> Wed, 15 May 2019 07:18:10 CDT 788cc71c-b748-4dd5-85a6-8df8c088d50d Governor Mike Parson is urging some Missouri Senators to overcome their problems with the tax incentives for General Motors and move forward with the package which could give GM up to 50 million dollars if the company invests 750 million dollars in their Wentzville Missouri plant. Governor Parson says Missourians need the jobs and if Senators don't pass the measure the company could easily take their business elsewhere.

GovernorOnGMIncentiveParson         :19

KFMO B104 News has been in contact with State Senator Gary Romine. He tells us Senators are having conversations now to try and reach an agreement on the issue. Republicans from St. Charles have filibustered because they believe the state wouldn't be getting the advantage of employees being retained and new jobs being created under the proposed incentive agreement. Even though an alternative measure came from the House, Senate President, Dave Schatz, says the senate is not taking any options at the moment. The last day of this session is Friday at 6 p.m.


DESLOGE MEETING MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Desloge City officials are looking at how to deal with marijuana dispensaries, and grow operations, now that voters have said yes to medical marijuana in the State. The city's Board of Aldermen met Monday night and City Administrator, Dan Bryan, says there are a lot of issues city leaders will have to deal with, that they've never had to think about until now.

DeslogeMeetingMedicalMarijuanaBryan         :15

According to Bryan it is illegal to make any ordinances so restrictive that a dispensary, or manufacturer, could not locate in Desloge.

DeslogeMeetingMedicalMarijuanaBryan1       :24

In other business at the Monday night meeting of Desloge Aldermen street overlay and paving improvements were discussed, the donation of a police vehicle to the Bismarck Police Department was approved, and surplus equipment was purchased from the City of Farmington.


BONNE TERRE MEETS
Bonne Terre citizens could see work soon on four bridges in town after voters approved a property tax in the November elections last year. The city Administrator for Bonne Terre, Shawn Kay, says since they now have a property tax, city officials are able to pursue grant funding to improve the city's infrastructure, including four bridges in town.

BonneTerreMeetsKay         :23

The grant application was discussed at Monday night's Bonne Terre City Council meeting. In other business council members approved the mutual aid agreement with Desloge and the purchase of a new 2019 Ford F150 for the Police Department.


]]> Tue, 14 May 2019 13:49:35 CDT 5895ca94-fe4e-426e-85ea-b855fccaa730 If you're looking for a job in the Fredericktown Cobalt Mine project, they are ready to hire. Mike Campbell is with the Missouri Jobs Center of Park Hills and he says if you're looking for a job, you'll want to be ready to interview, and be prepared to be hired on the spot today at a hiring event in Fredericktown.

MikeCampbellCobaltMines    :31

Remember, the hiring event is at the United Methodist Church in Fredericktown until 3 pm today. Campbell adds you should dress sharp, have a copy of your resume handy, and for more information, call the Missouri Jobs Center of Park Hills at 573-518-2431.


THE HEARTBEAT BILL
The Heartbeat Bill sponsored by State Representative, Dale Wright, designed to place new limits on abortion, is set to be heard this week in the Senate after passing a vote in the House. Wright says it's one of the strongest pro-life measures in the nation.

TheHeartbeatBillWright         :25

The measure has been placed on the Senate's informal calendar for this week as part of an omnibus bill. The last day of the current Missouri Legislative session is this Friday, May 17th.


SHOW ME HISTORY
Caledonia's Bicentennial Celebration and Scottish Festival is coming up this weekend. Matt McClain reports.

CaledoniaBicentennialWRAPMATT    :01:02



BONNE TERRE WOMAN INJURED
A Bonne Terre woman, 57 year old Christina M. Heath, is suffering moderate injuries after her car ran off northbound Highway 67, just south of Route CC, in Jefferson County Monday morning just after 6 o'clock. Highway Patrol reports show Heath was driving north on 67 when she lost control of the automobile and it ran off the west side of the road and crashed into the median wall. Troopers say Heath was wearing her seat belt during the accident. She was taken to Mercy Hospital Jefferson.


ROAD WORK
County roadwork in St. Francois County can begin fort a few areas but there are certain preparations that have to be finished before others can be worked on. St. Francois County Presiding Commissioner, Harold Gallaher, says things like tree trimming even come into play.

RoadworkGallaher         :15

Gallaher adds crews are also out mowing the roads of St. Francois County and he asks drivers to be cautious when you see work crews whether it's paving or mowing.


TIME TO BE A COP
Men and women signing up to be a police officer has taken a bit of a lull in the past few years. This has left many police departments in the Parkland and beyond having the help wanted signs on display. Police Academy Instructor at Mineral Area College Brad Tinker says if you want a job and you would make a good cop, now is the perfect time to go through the academy.

BradTinkerBeACopNow    :14

Tinker says enrollment is also down at the academy, but there are enough recruits each year over the past few years to keep classes going. He says if you are interested in being a police officer or working in law enforcement, call the Police Academy on the campus of Mineral Area College.


EMAA HEADSTART RECRUITING SOON
Officials with the Headstart program are recruiting students. Local Headstart Director, Renee Killian, says you will need to bring some information with you in order to qualify to expedite the process along.

EMAAHeadstartRegistration    :20

EMAA serves an 8 county area across the region, 4 of those locations are in St Francois County. Killian says they are required to serve the oldest children first, and also ones with the lowest income first. She says they served almost 550 children this year. For more information on registration, you can call 573-431-5191.


PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER MOMS NIGHT
The Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center has a Summer program for moms-to-be called Mom's Night. The Director of Development at the center is Amanda Little. She says she is pleased churches have stepped up to fill the slots needed to make Mom's Night a success all Summer long.

AmandaLittleOneNightLeft    :21

Little explains this program has been successful for years. She also says if your church can take care of the June 17th timeslot for a Mom's Night event, call 573-431-6001 for more information.


]]> Tue, 14 May 2019 06:31:54 CDT 9daa78b1-6cc6-4b3e-bcc9-799ddfbf39ce RIVER FLOODING CONTINUES
The Missouri River is causing new problems in a flood-battered part of northwest Missouri where the river broke through levees in March, and that water is moving toward our area, but will the river levels rise again? Matt McClain reports.

MONDAYFLOODSTORYVCRMATT    :49


HEARNE HAS ARRAIGNMENT
A Farmington youth, 16 year old Jacob Hearne, will have his initial arraignment soon on charges of murder in the second degree, and armed criminal action, in the stabbing death of 35 year old Alicia Morris. The incident took place in May of 2017. Hearne has been certified as an adult for allegedly stabbing Morris with a steak knife he said he was carrying for protection. Records show Morris and Hearne's mother were allegedly in a fight when he came up behind Morris and, police say, stabbed her once in the back puncturing her lung and severing a major artery. Hearne's arraignment will be held this Friday, May 17th, in St. Francois County court.


ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY MODERATE
A Bonne Terre man, 39 year old Charles W. Allender, is suffering moderate injuries after he was injured during during a one vehicle traffic accident that occurred Sunday night about 9:45 in St. Francois County. Highway Patrol reports show Allender was driving north on Primrose Road, north of Berry Road, when he lost control of his S.U.V. and it ran off the left side of the road and smashed into a tree. Troopers say Allender was not wearing his seat belt during the accident. He was taken to Parkland Health Center at Bonne Terre.


FARMINGTON MAN SERIOUSLY HURT
A 29 year old Farmington man, Nicholas J. Million, is seriously injured after his S.U.V. ran off Old Highway 21 in Jefferson County Sunday evening just after 6 o'clock. According to Highway Patrol records Million was driving north on Old Highway 21, at Shady Valley, when he lost control of his S.U.V. and it ran off the right side of the highway, crashed into a rock bluff, rolled over. Million was thrown from the vehicle ass he was not wearing his seat belt during the crash. He was taken to Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis.


CENTRAL R3 GRADUATION
Officials with the Central School District will be holding their graduation ceremony Thursday. The Superintendent of the District, Desi Mayberry, says he's moved by graduation this year because it's his last at the school as superintendent.

DesiMayberryGradsThursday    :18

Mayberry says the Field House is more enjoyable for graduation after air conditioning was added several years ago.


FIRECRACKER RUN COMING UP
The Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce 16th Annual Firecracker Run is coming up soon at Park Hills. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Tammi Coleman, says now is the time to sign up for lower registration prices.

TammiColemanFirecracker    :24

The run is on Saturday June 29th, from 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Registration begins at 7:00 am, 1 Mile Run begins at 8:00 am, 1 Mile & 5K Walk begins at 8:05 am, and the 5K Run & Business Team 5K Challenge begins at 8:30 am. The run will once again be held at Central High School. For more information, you can go to the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce website.


PARKLAND HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Parkland Health Center Foundation says things are changing in the medical industry and with all the money Parkland gives away each month in donations and writing off patient bills, Foundation Director Carla Crocker says they are now more important to the hospital than ever before.

CarlaCrockerDonations    :32

Crocker says many people may not realize how much money Parkland gives away in free care each month. She says the foundation plays a critical role in making sure the hospital is adequately supplied with what they need.


COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT
A Mineral Area College Community Band Concert is coming up tomorrow. The Director of the band, Dan Schunks says they have some very challenging musical selections.

DanSchunksCommunityBand    :35

Schunks explains the concert will be held in the college's Fine Arts Theater at 7 pm and it's free.


]]> Mon, 13 May 2019 08:21:40 CDT 19671b8a-f261-4cf7-a569-31a63e796511 Missouri Legislators are sending the state budget on to Governor Mike Parson for his signature after a late Thursday night session in Jefferson City. State Representative, Dale Wright, says even though members of the House and Senate have agreed on the budget, they still need to address the bonding issue for just over $300 Million dollars to build bridges in the state. Wright explains improving our state's roads and bridges is a major infrastructure concern for legislators.

BudgetOnToGovernorWright         :21

Wright explains the budget is the largest in Missouri history at 29-point-7 billion dollars.


BONNE TERRE AIRPORT CANCELS EVENT
Officials with the Bonne Terre Airport say they are canceling tomorrow's 50th anniversary celebration because of the threat of rain. The Proprietor of the airport, Steve Vogt, says they've been able to make some needed improvements since taking over in April of 2013.

BonneTerreAiroortCancelsEventVogt         :24

Vogt adds he will not reschedule the 50th Anniversary program. The next program at the Bonne Terre Airport will be the Radio Controlled Airplane Weekend in September. Again,...tomorrow's Saturday, May 11th 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Bonne Terre Airport, has been canceled due to the weather. There is a 90% chance of rain in the forecast yet no severe weather is expected.


SISK NOW DIRECTOR
Officials with Serenity Hospice Care want to announce the appointment of their Interim Director, Gayla Sisk, to the permanent position of Director of the group. Sisk says when she began working at Serenity she discovered this job could help her make a difference in people's lives.

SiskNowDirectorSisk         :12

Sisk explains she started working for Serenity 13 years ago.

SiskNowDirectorSisk1       :27

Serenity Hospice Care was established in 1989 and is the area's only not for profit hospice organization.


]]> Fri, 10 May 2019 15:26:00 CDT 0ea88887-fc36-4e65-ac6c-c404bf578fee Missouri Legislators are sending the state budget on to Governor Mike Parson for his signature after a late Thursday night session in Jefferson City. State Representative, Dale Wright, says even though members of the House and Senate have agreed on the budget, they still need to address the bonding issue for just over $300 Million dollars to build bridges in the state. Wright explains improving our state's roads and bridges is a major infrastructure concern for legislators.

BudgetOnToGovernorWright         :21

Wright explains the budget is the largest in Missouri history at 29-point-7 billion dollars.


BONNE TERRE AIRPORT CANCELS EVENT
Officials with the Bonne Terre Airport say they are canceling tomorrow's 50th anniversary celebration because of the threat of rain. The Proprietor of the airport, Steve Vogt, says they've been able to make some needed improvements since taking over in April of 2013.

BonneTerreAiroortCancelsEventVogt         :24

Vogt adds he will not reschedule the 50th Anniversary program. The next program at the Bonne Terre Airport will be the Radio Controlled Airplane Weekend in September. Again,...tomorrow's Saturday, May 11th 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Bonne Terre Airport, has been canceled due to the weather. There is a 90% chance of rain in the forecast yet no severe weather is expected.


SISK NOW DIRECTOR
Officials with Serenity Hospice Care want to announce the appointment of their Interim Director, Gayla Sisk, to the permanent position of Director of the group. Sisk says when she began working at Serenity she discovered this job could help her make a difference in people's lives.

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Sisk explains she started working for Serenity 13 years ago.

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Serenity Hospice Care was established in 1989 and is the area's only not for profit hospice organization.


]]> Fri, 10 May 2019 15:25:35 CDT 0145c0f0-457f-430c-bc97-40de00ec4f86 Officials with the Bonne Terre Airport say they are canceling tomorrow's 50th anniversary celebration because of the threat of rain. The Proprietor of the airport, Steve Vogt, says they've been able to make some needed improvements since taking over in April of 2013.

BonneTerreAiroortCancelsEventVogt         :24

Vogt adds he will not reschedule the 50th Anniversary program. The next program at the Bonne Terre Airport will be the Radio Controlled Airplane Weekend in September. Again,...tomorrow's Saturday, May 11th 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Bonne Terre Airport, has been canceled due to the weather. There is a 90% chance of rain in the forecast yet no severe weather is expected.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2019 15:10:03 CDT b4c805ee-8480-4b92-8f5e-cc9068a5ac5f MAC GRADUATION
Students at Mineral Area College will graduate Saturday. The President of the Mineral Area College Board of Trustees, Alan Wells, says State Representative Mike Henderson will be their guest speaker.

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Wells adds students have worked hard and deserve congratulations on their graduation.

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The Commencement exercises will be held at 10:30 Saturday morning at the Bob Sechrest Fieldhouse on the main campus at Perk Hills.


BONNE TERRE AIRPORT TURNS 50
The Bonne Terre Airport turns 50 years old this weekend, and a celebration is in order. Airport Operator Steve Vogt says they've actually got an event that is going to showcase a lot of different types of aircraft.


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Vogt says multiple other types of aircraft will be there as well. The event will start at 10 am on Saturday and run for the rest of the day until question mark. It is a free event for the entire family, according to Vogt. Hot dogs and drinks will be available for purchase on site as well. The airport is located at 7444 Williams Lane in Bonne Terre.


ENTERPRISE TRAINING
A special training session for those interested in working in factory situations is coming up Monday May 20th, through Thursday the 23rd, at the Missouri Jobs Center of Park Hills. The Center's Mike Campbell, says the Missouri Enterprise Training Group is a non profit organization that helps ready workers for factory work.

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Campbell stresses in order to take advantage of the program you must sign up for the free training as soon as possible. The deadline for registering is this coming Monday, the 13th.

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The Enterprise classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Campbell says to remember, you must register fro the free class by Monday, May 13th. To register, or get more information, call Mike Campbell at the Missouri Job Center in Park Hills at 518-2638 or stop by the offices at 403 Parkway Drive in Park Hills.


PACKING FOOD TOMORROW
The Faith Cowboy Church of Desloge is holding a special event Saturday to pack food for back pack programs in area schools. The Pastor of the Church, Ron Rothlisberger, says they've partnered with the group Meals for a Million to help make sure each child in the area has enough food for the summer while they're out of school.

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According to Rothlisberger children in one area school district are given bottled water to take home because they don't even have running water in their home.

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Rothlisberger is sure to stress financial donations are needed, as well as volunteers. 100% of every single dollar goes entirely toward food for the children in our area. Visit the website faithcowboychurch.faith and look for the Packin for Packs link. According to Rothlisberger their goal is $100,000.


PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER MOMS NIGHT
The Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center has a Summer program for moms-to-be called Mom's Night. Center Director Amanda Little says she is so happy that churches have stepped up to fill the slots needed to make Mom's Night a success all Summer long.

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Little says this program has been successful for years. She says if you can take care of the June 17th timeslot for a Mom's Night to call 573-431-6001 and you can get more information.


MACOTA NEXT YEAR LINEUP
Next year's lineup for shows with the Mineral Area Council on the Arts is starting to be booked. Executive Director Danielle Basler says she's very excited to be able to already announce one show coming up in October.

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Basler says contract negotiations are well underway on multiple different shows and they can't release any additional information about potential shows until they are under contract.


]]> Fri, 10 May 2019 07:28:12 CDT a695dc3d-6a03-42b4-9266-885d68a61c02 DOWNS IS CHARGED
A man from Potosi, 36 year old Brandon Downs, is facing felony charges of assault in the first degree kidnapping, two counts of armed criminal action, and two counts of sodomy in the first degree in connection to an assault that is said to have happened in Park Hills in April. Downs was apprehended after police received a tip that he was staying at a house at Lake Hanna. St. Francois County Sheriff's Deputies went to the home and Downs escaped, fled on foot, and was captured. Downs is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Park Hills and beating her breaking five ribs, fracturing her skull, and causing her brain to bleed. Downs is currently being held at the St. Francois County Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond. He has previous convictions including a charge of felony C domestic assault in St. Francois County in 2015, possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less or marijuana in Washington County in 2012, and Downs also entered an Alford plea to a misdemeanor domestic assault charge in Washington County in February of 2018.


DESLOGE CHAMBER DIRECTOR HUNT
The hunt is still on for the next Desloge Chamber of Commerce Director after their previous one took a position at a printing company. Dave Shaw is with the Chamber and says it's early in the process, but they are actively looking.

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Shaw says if you would like to throw your hat into the ring for consideration, there are some things you need to be good at.

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Shaw says you can contact the chamber for more information about applying.


10 MORE YEARS JEFFCO
After years of inept preparation and a thorough onside visit, the Higher Learning Commission has reaffirmed Jefferson College's accreditation for another 10-year period with no focused visits or additional monitoring reports. Matt McClain reports.

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In the news release, the college says sanction free accreditation is important because it is an indication of academic and institutional strength. This is the sixth consecutive period in the 56-year history of Jefferson College that the institution has received the highest possible length of accreditation. The Commission's reaffirmation recommendation of 10 years is the best possible outcome Jefferson College could receive.


HABITAT WINE TASTING
The Annual St Francois County Habitat for Humanity Wine Tasting registration is well underway. Habitat Director Linda Dickerson-Bell says people actually start registering for the upcoming year as soon as the previous year's tasting has ended.

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Dickerson-Bell says Heritage Hall in Leadington is always packed each year, and you can contact the St Francois County Habitat for Humanity for more information. She recommends registering now, otherwise as it gets closer there may not be any open seats left.


COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT
A Mineral Area College Community Band Concert is coming up next Tuesday, May 14th. The Director of the band, Dan Schunks says they have some very challenging musical selections.

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Schunks explains the concert will be held in the college's Fine Arts Theater at 7 pm and it's free.


MILITARY ACADEMY NOMINATIONS
United States Congressman, Jason Smith, is looking for more young men and women from Parkland as potential nominees to our nations various military academies. Smith says there are several he's nominated, and some are currently attending, the academies.

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Smith adds Garrett Marshall and Alexander Gibbs, of Steelville High School, will be attending West Point. Smith says if you know someone who is interested in the Academies contact Smith's office at 573-756-9755. To apply you must be a U.S. Citizen residing in the 8th Congressional District, be between 17 and 23 years old, and prepared to meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academies. Applications will be accepted through October 31st, 2019.


]]> Thu, 09 May 2019 06:32:08 CDT 333e7c83-551f-4564-a815-d815b00fd876 JINKERSON VERDICT
26 year old Paul Jinkerson Junior will be sentenced for his role in the death of his stepfather Frank Ancona after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, abandonment of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. Jinkerson's trial, which began Monday, ended late last night with the guilty verdicts handed down by jurors. Jinkerson's mother, and Frank Ancona's wife, Malissa Ancona, has already been given life in prison after pleading guilty last month to murder charges in the case. Frank Ancona, also a local Ku Klux Klan leader, was shot and killed inside his home Feb. 9th of 2017. Ancona"s body was discovered days later in the Belgrade area on the banks of the Big River off Route C. Jinkerson's sentencing is set for July 19th in St. Francois County Circuit Court.


DESLOGE RESIDENTS INJURED
Two Desloge residents, 63 year old Connie and 54 year old William Ledbetter, are suffering serious injuries after they were involved in a two vehicle accident in Jefferson County Tuesday morning just after 11 o'clock. Highway Patrol reports show a van driven north on Highway 67 by 67 year old Alexa C. Selsor of Desoto was attempting to make a left turn onto Meyer Road, through a steady green light in the intersection, when a car driven south by Connie Ledbetter came into the intersection. The two vehicles collided and Ledbetter's car rolled over and off the right side of the road. Everyone except William Ledbetter was wearing their seat belts at the time of the wreck. The Ledbetter's were taken to mercy Hospital South. Selsor was not injured.


FLOODING UPDATE
Flooding along the Mississippi River and it's tributaries continues today, but for now it looks like the worst may be over. KFMO B104 News Reporter, Matt McClain, has more,...

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VIOLENCE BILL PASSES HOUSE
State Representative Chris Dinkins bill, that would allow victims of domestic violence across Missouri to receive a birth certificate at no cost, is moving on for consideration in the Senate after being approved buy House members. Dinkins says now those citizens have to pay 15 dollars for each birth certificate they may need after leaving a domestic violence situation. Dinkins adds the Executive Director of the SEMO Family Violence Council, Stephanie Bennett, told her of the problem so they decided to introduce a bill to fix it.

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Dinkins explains she was able to get the bill in just before the filing deadline and it is receiving wide support amongst legislators.


WOMENS HEALTH DAY
Women's Health Day is coming up this Friday, May 10th. A Registered Nurse at the St Francois County Health Center, Linda Ragsdale, says there are many tests that can be run at the event with results available before you leave.

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Ragsdale says the event runs from 8 am until noon at the health department, located at 1025 W Main Street in Park Hills. For more information contact the St Francois County Health Department. Ragsdale says they plan the event the Friday before Mother's Day as a good reminder for mom to take care of herself.


LUNCH FOR LIFE THURSDAY
The Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center of Park Hills will have another of its Lunch for Life fundraisers Thursday. The events run once a month through September. Linda May is with the Center and she says it's a wholesome, fun way to help the them gain resources to assist it in the mission to help families.

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May says you can also purchase an extra pulled pork sandwich for an additional 3 dollars. The center is located at 815 East Main Street in Park Hills. To order your Lunch for Life from the Parkland Pregnancy P.R.C., call 573-431-6001 or send an email to parklandprc@gmail.com by 3:00 p.m. today.


RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT
A special fund raising event for the St. Francois County Relay for Life will be held this Saturday, May 11th at Health Direct Pharmacy Services in Farmington. A Pharmacy Tech at Health Direct, Jamie Launius, says the Relay for Life effort is important to her because they're raising funds to fight all cancers, not just one form of the disease.

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Launius explains the event features a company yard sale, bake sale, kiddie carnival, contests, and a barbecue cook out. Barbecued burgers, hot dogs, and brats will all be available along with side dishes and drinks. The Relay for Life fundraiser at Health Direct Pharmacy of Farmington will be held from Saturday at the company facilities in the Farmington Industrial Park off Airpark Drive. The event begins at 7 a.m. and continues throughout the day until late afternoon.


MAC SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
Members of the Mineral Area College Vocal Department will hold their Spring Choral Concert this Friday. The Director of Vocal Music at Mineral Area College, Harry Cecil, says the concert will be held at a church in Farmington and you won't want to miss it.

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Cecil say to remember, the event is free to attend and he invites everyone out for a great evening of vocal music.


]]> Wed, 08 May 2019 16:15:51 CDT 54d35415-0824-4e64-aa27-5821c3fd4ffa FAST RACK ED PROBLEMS
The Fast Track Education effort in the State Capitol has been mired down by a direct effort to stall the measure. State Senator Gary Romine says it's a direct attempt by other Senators to get him to change his view on Charter School Voucher programs. Romine adds he feels a policy choice should be made based on the merits of the policy.

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Romine explains this is not the form of the Senate to normally operate in this manner and hopefully they can do something to make sure the Fast Track Education measure passes. The Fast Track Education Measure would allow grant funds to be available for high demand job education. The bill is being carried by Romine and is a favorite of Governor Mike Parson as he pushes for a better job force for the state.


NEW SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Jeff Levy, of the Lexington Missouri Schools, is the new Superintendent for the North County School District. Current Superintendent, Dr. Yancy Poorman, says Dr. Levy should be a good fit for the district.

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Poorman says Levy completed the doctoral program in Educational Leadership for Superintendent Endorsement and Licensure from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to that, he earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from William Woods University as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Child Education from Central Methodist University. Poorman's officials retirement date, after 13 years with the district, is June 30th. Levy takes over July 1st.


ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Potosi man, 20 year old Tristen G. Skaggs, is suffering moderate injuries after he was involved in a one vehicle accident Monday morning at 8:40 in St. Francois County. Reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicate Skaggs was driving west on Route B, east of Loughboro Road when he lost control of his truck. It ran off the left side of the road and smashed into a tree. Skaggs was not wearing his seat belt when the wreck took place. He was taken to Mercy Hospital South at St. Louis.


FLOOD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN ST GEN
Ste Genevieve County officials are asking for volunteers to help monitor flooding and also fill sandbags. Sandbagging will help protect the farmer's levee. A separate wall from the levee which around the eastern edge of Ste. Genevieve. Volunteers would help with levee patrol from 8 a.m. to noon, and noon to 4 p.m. If you plan on volunteering it's suggested you dress in long pants and boots. Radio experience is helpful. Call 573-535-9577 or go to the park building at Pere Marquette park. Volunteers are needed to fill sandbags and help stock the flood water barricade. Officials ask if you decide to volunteer for an hour or two it will help. Loida's Ag Supply is a meeting place for volunteers and you're asked to bring your own gloves.


LITTLE CAESAR'S SUSPECT CAUGHT
A Fenton man, 33 year old Dustin A. Seals, who is a suspect in the robbery of the High Ridge Little Caesar's Pizza Restaurant that took place April 17th is in custody. In a press release from his department Jefferson County Sheriff, Dave Marshak, says Seals was discovered at a residence in Franklin County. He had been on the run since the robbery. Seals is charged with Robbery in the 1st degree,armed criminal action, and stealing $750 or more. The stealing charge comes on the heels of the theft of a tow behind camper Seals is said to have stolen. Investigators worked with Franklin County authorities to track Seals to the home and the Franklin County Swat Team captured Seals without incident. Seals is being held on $100,000 dollars bond.


MAC SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
Mineral Area College will be holding their Spring Choral Concert this Friday. Choral Director Harry Cecil says they will be holding the concert in Farmington and you won't want to miss it.

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Cecil explains the concert is free to attend and everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the Mineral Area College Vocal Music Department's Spring Concert.


COUNTRY DAYS BLUEGRASS
Country Days is just a few weeks away, and there's a new style of music that's going to be held on the third and final day of the festival. Farmington Regional Chamber Co-Director Laura Raymer says they have added a genre of music by popular demand.

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Raymer says they are looking forward to the weekend of May 31st, June 1st and 2nd. She says you can also expect all the other annual events this year as well. For more information, you can go to farmingtoncountrydays.com and get the entire schedule.


SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
Your local Social Security Office isn't just for when you're getting ready to retire. Park Hills Social Security Office Representative Grant Becker says a disability claim can happen at any moment in your life.

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Becker says you can contact the local Park Hills Office and schedule an appointment regarding disability. He says you can also go to SSA.gov for more information.


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