Weather Update: Strong Storms Possible Today

Best to keep checking for the latest forecast throughout today as the forecast is not the most clear-cut. Looks like the morning hours will be relatively quiet with lots of clouds, scattered light showers and maybe a few non-severe thunderstorms.

The current thinking is storms may form mid afternoon over eastern KS (see upper left image below). A few of these could become severe. The storms should become more organized by late afternoon and early evening. This would be the most favored time for severe weather (upper right image below). The severe weather threat could linger into the mid/late evening hours (lower left image). Please keep in mind the images below are where storms are most likely to be based on several models. As the day goes on the forecast locations and timing for potential severe weather WILL CHANGE.

Large hail is the most likely severe threat with damaging straight line winds possible with the strongest storms. While we can't totally rule out an isolated tornado, the threat is very low. The tornado risk area is further north within the "Moderate Risk" area in Iowa.

Obituary - Donald “Don” Dean Johnson

Donald “Don” Dean Johnson, 83, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, died Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2014 at the Adrian Christian Church in Adrian with visitation from 10:00-11:00 at the church. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to: Adrian Athletic Dept., c/o Adrian High School, in honor of Don Johnson, Class of 1949. (A complete obituary will be posted when available).

NEWS RELEASE: Governor proclaims May 17 National Kids to Parks Day‏

Missourians encouraged to visit a park and participate in the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Jay Nixon proclaimed May 17 as National Kids to Parks Day in the state and encouraged Missourians of all ages to get outside, enjoy state and local parks and participate in the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. This national event is sponsored by the National Park Trust and endorsed by Missouri State Parks.

In March, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the second year of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The challenge encourages Missourians to complete “100 Missouri Miles” of physical activity by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout Missouri, including Missouri’s state parks.

“This year, we’re again inviting Missourians to get out and get active with their families and friends to make the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge part of a healthy, active lifestyle in 2014,” said Gov. Nixon. “National Kids to Parks Day is a great opportunity to explore our award-winning trails and enjoy all the outdoor opportunities the Show-Me State has to offer.”

In 2013, Missourians taking the Governor’s 100 Missouri Mile Challenge walked, hiked, rode and rolled more than 1,162,000 miles, enough miles to circle the Earth 46 times. To sign up for the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and begin logging miles, or to continue an existing account, please visit 100MissouriMiles.com.

Missouri is home to award-winning state and local parks that provide an opportunity for children to engage in active lifestyles, while experiencing all that nature has to offer. Events at state parks throughout the state are sponsored by Missouri State Parks on May 17 to encourage families to take an outdoor adventure at a state park or historic site.

“With nearly 1,000 miles of trails and some of the state’s most outstanding natural and cultural resources, Missouri State Parks presents a variety of options for families to explore nature and discover the past,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Kids to Parks Day is one way we work to connect children to nature and create a life-long appreciation for the outdoors.”

For more information on the National Kids to Parks Day, visit kidstoparks.org. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites or to find events planned on May 17, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Vernon County Sheriffs Office Press Release: Manhunt, most wanted still at large‏

Dillon Reed

Pursuit leads to multiple agency manhunt, most wanted still at large

Vernon County authorities say a wanted felon remains at large after a lengthy pursuit Tuesday evening. According to a press release from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Reed, who has been listed as one of Vernon County’s Most Wanted was spotted in Nevada driving a red Camero Tuesday afternoon. Deputies spotted the red Camero a short time later but the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. The pursuit lead deputies near the Harwood area where Reed abandoned his car behind a building on 2500 road where Reed and a passenger fled from the car. Lucy, Vernon County’s new K-9 lead deputies to the passenger who was hiding in a barn. A short time after the passenger was taken into custody, deputies were notified that a state trooper, who had responded to assist, was in a foot pursuit of Reed.

Multiple units from Vernon County, members of the highway patrol, conservation department, and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office responded and assisted in the search for Reed. “The search became difficult because it had become dark and there was a lot of places to hide” said Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher. The search lasted until early Wednesday morning before it was called off. The Sheriff’s office has been actively seeking Reed who is wanted for parole violations and other charges. “We arrested Reed last year on drug charges but he has already been paroled and now we’re back to chasing him again” said Mosher. The name of the passenger has not been released pending the completion of the investigation. The Sheriff is asking for anyone with information about Dillon Reed contact the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office at 417-667-6042.

Butler Summer School Food Program‏

During the school year, kids get nutritious meals at school.  But kids are just as busy, and just as hungry, during the summer break.  Books and teachers may be replaced by playgrounds and games, but kids’ stomachs don’t take a vacation!  The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps kids get the vital nutrition they need when school is out.  This summer, a nutritious lunch will be served to kids every day, free!  Lunch is open to all the kids, up to age 18, in our area. 

Where: Butler Elementary Cafeteria, 4 North High, Butler MO

Dates and Days of Week:May 27-June 13, Monday thru Friday

Time:Breakfast begins at 7:40/Lunch open at 12:00

Who:Kids up to age 18 and *And eligible disabled adults over 18.Eligible disabled adults are those who are determined by a State educational agency or a local public educational agency of a State to be mentally or physically handicapped and who participate in a public or non-profit private school program established for the mentally or physically handicapped.

Cost:Free! 

Kids need nutritious meals all summer to play hard, grow, and be ready for the next school year.  The SFSP is food that’s in when school is out!

St.Clair County Sheriffs Office: Felony Warrant Issued

Christian Stoneking

On Monday, May 5, a St. Clair County felony arrest warrant was issued for Christian Stoneking, 21, Weaubleau, for failing to appear in court on a class C felony of burglary-second degree. The charge stemmed from an incident in September 2010.

Stoneking pled guilty to the charge in December 2010. The imposition of sentence was suspended and she was placed on five-years probation. In March, Stoneking admitted violation to her probation and a disposition hearing was set for May 5. Bond is set at $5,000 cash only.

Sheriff Scott Keeler urges those with any information concerning Stoneking to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email totips@scsomo.org.

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office: ATV and Firearms reported stolen‏

On Tuesday, May 6, a deputy took a burglary report on SE 700 Road near Collins. Michael Young reported an ATV was stolen from a metal building and two firearms were stolen from a camping trailer. The ATV was described as a green 2006 Polaris 500cc and the firearms were described as a Sears 12-gauge single shot shotgun with a two cell flashlight attached to the barrel and a Howe .22 bolt action rifle with peep sights. Young also reported damage to a door of a house located on the property. A request for prosecution was signed and the investigation is ongoing.

    Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information concerning this case to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

Massey’s Country Mart Grand Re-Opening

Massey’s Country Mart Grand Re-opening will be held on Saturday, May 10^th.  Come out and have lunch as the Bates County Cattlemen will be on location selling steak sandwiches and hamburgers from 10 until 2.

Register to win free gift card and come and see their 20-foot shortcake.  Shop drastically discounted sale items during Massey’s County Mart Grand Re-opening Saturday, May 10^th.