Feb. 3, 1959: Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie

I hope your ol' plane crashes!

Although said in jest, those words would haunt Waylon Jennings for the rest of his life.

Jennings, along with Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson and Richie Valens had just finished a concert in Clear Lake, Iowa and were discussing travel arrangements to their next venue in Minnesota the following day, February 3, 1959.

The entourage had been traveling in the 'Winter Dance Tour' by bus previously, but ongoing issues with breakdowns in the extreme cold prompted Holly to charter a plane instead to help insure that at least part of the group would get to the next concert on time.

Late in the evening February 2nd, Jennings and Holly joked about travel arrangements, making the decision to swap spots- instead of riding the bus, Holly would take Jenning's place on the airplane. Jokingly, Holly told him "I hope your old bus breaks down!". Jennings shot back "I hope your ol' airplane crashes!".

That would be the last exchange the two would ever have. 

Buddy Holly, Richardson, Valens and pilot Roger Peterson climbed aboard a single engine Beechcraft Bonanza and took off in less-than-favorable conditions. Ironically, Peterson was not instrument qualified, meaning flying in low visibility conditions is prohibited.

Around 1:00 am, only minutes after take off, the four seater aircraft lay mangled in a field with all aboard dead. The wreckage wasn't found until almost 8 hours later.

Sadly, Holly's wife learned of his death as it was announced on television and consequently miscarried a child she was carrying. His mother heard it on the radio.

In the days to follow, the world mourned as three young musicians with bright futures were gone in a heartbeat.

Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, J.P. Richardson

Ironically, the popularity of Buddy Holly soared after his death, which included a film tribute The Buddy Holly Story starring Gary Busey. As you may well know, Waylon Jennings went on to have a long, successful career in country music.

American Pie, a song penned by Don McLean pays tribute to the musicians killed when he was 13 years old. He learned of the news as he was folding newspapers for his paper route on the morning of February 4, 1959- hence the line "February made me shiver/with every paper I'd deliver".

Job Opening In Belton

The Belton Missouri Police Department is currently accepting applications for full time Police / Fire / EMS Dispatcher.

The Communications Unit focuses on customer service, citizen and officer safety and the identification and apprehension of criminal suspects through the use of a variety of highly advanced technology systems. The Police / Fire / EMS Dispatcher acts as a liaison between citizens and police officers during a call for service and/or emergency situation to help ensure the safety of everyone involved by accurately accumulating and relaying important information. They elicit necessary information from callers, via emergency and non-emergency lines, and make decisions regarding the nature of the call and what course of action is required. The dispatcher is also responsible for inputting this information into our Computer Aided Dispatching system via keyboard while at the same time communicating with first responders in the field utilizing a complex two-way radio system. They are also responsible for recording and monitoring all activities and locations throughout the shift while maintaining proper records.

Qualifications:
You must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to apply:

• You must be at least 18 years of age

• You must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent

• You must be a US citizen or able to legally work in the United States

• You must be able to accurately type a minimum of 40 words per minute

• You must be able and willing to work various shifts and weekends and holidays.

• You must pass written tests, a background check, physical and drug screens, personality inventory, and CVSA (voice stress analyzer)

Personal Attributes:
 
Personal attributes that would assist in becoming an effective police dispatcher include the following:

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to make quick decisions

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to multi-task under pressure

Applications may either be picked up at the Belton Police Dept- located at 7001 E. 163rd St Belton MO 64012, or downloaded from the related documents attached to this posting.
 
All required paperwork along with the application must be completely filled out and received no later than 5 PM March 3rd 2017

Paperwork must be either mailed to the police department or hand delivered. No online resumes, applications, faxed or emailed documents will be accepted. For additional information, contact Dispatch Supervisor Carla Wills at 816.331.1500 ext. 228

Belton Missouri Police Department
7001 E. 163rd St
Belton, MO 64012
Attn: C Wills

The City of Belton and the Belton Police Department are equal opportunity employers.

Eldorado Springs woman arrested in St. Clair County

Teri Olson

On February 2, Teri Olson, 45, El Dorado Springs, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging her with class D felony possession of a controlled substance and class D misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety.

The charges stem from an investigation the previous day when St. Clair County deputies and members of the Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Force received information in reference to illegal drugs in a vehicle parked on public property on the Osceola square. 

During the investigation digital scales with a white powdery substance were located. The substance field tested positive for methamphetamine. Other items of drug paraphernalia were also located during the

St. Clair County Warrant Arrests

On Feb. 2, Brandi Walker, 37, Springfield, was arrested in St. Clair County on a no bond Green County warrant for probation violation on two original class C felony counts of forgery. The arrest came after a St. Clair County deputy was informed of a vehicle that was driving in a careless manner traveling south on Highway 13 approaching Osceola. The vehicle was located and it was swerving from side to side in its own lane. A vehicle stop was conducted and contact was made with Walker, the driver. She gave the deputy false information regarding her identity.
During the investigation Walker’s true identity was discovered. She had a revoked Missouri driver’s license and the warrant. Information was also learned she was allegedly involved in a robbery in Iowa earlier in the day and wanted for questioning.
Further investigation discovered drug paraphernalia and a metal spoon inside the vehicle that field tested positive for methamphetamine. Walker was taken into custody on the warrant and other formal charges from the incident are pending.

On Feb. 1, Shane Stewart, 37, Jerico Springs, on a St. Clair County warrant revoking his $30,000 cash or surety bond. His new bond is set at $75,000 cash only. He is charged with class B felony distribution/ delivery/ manufacture/ produce a controlled substance, class C felony possession of a controlled substance, class C felony unlawful possession of a firearm, class D felony unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, and class A misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
The original charges stem from a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigation on Oct. 27 when a narcotics search warrant was executed at a camper located in Twin Oaks Harbor, Lowry City. During a search of the residence several items of contraband were located throughout the camper. Items included a crystalline substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, several new plastic

On Feb. 1, Andrew Collins, 27, Springfield, was arrested at a residence on B Highway, Osceola, on a no bond probation violation warrant from Greene County. The warrant was issued on Jan. 27. Collins is on probation for class D felony unlawful use of a weapon and class A misdemeanor resisting arrest stemming from a Springfield Police Department investigation in December 2011.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office still searching for truck stolen at Lakeland School

Photo Submitted

On Jan. 31, a St. Clair County deputy took a report at Lakeland High School in reference to a stolen vehicle. Chyann Maples reported her pickup truck was stolen while she was attending a basketball game at the school. The truck was described as a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel Quad Cab 4x4. It was metallic gold with a black flat bed and black front push bar. 

The truck had after market wheels that were black with aluminum colored spokes. 

The investigation discovered the truck drove over parking barriers and across the grass while leaving the school property.

If you know the whereabouts of this vehicle please contact the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

Obituary - Mary Jo Hutchins

Mary Jo Hutchins, 71, Harrisonville, Missouri, died Thursday, February 2, 2017 at her home. No services are scheduled at this time.

Mary Jo was born March 26, 1945 in Warsaw, Missouri, the daughter of Joe and Mary (Rapp) Crouch. She is survived by her husband, Roger, of the home.

Trailer stolen in Appleton City located in Kansas City

On Jan. 31, a St. Clair County deputy received information a trailer reported stolen in Appleton City was recovered by the Kansas City Police Department. On Jan. 24, a St. Clair County deputy took a report from Terry Powell in reference to a 2016 Rice brand 18-foot flatbed trailer stolen from a lot west of his True Value store on West Fourth Street, Appleton City. 

It was learned the trailer was recovered after an individual called to check a vehicle identification number on a trailer they were about to purchase. There are no suspects at this time, but the investigation is ongoing in Kansas City.

Clinton man arrested for stealing from Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City

Richard Foster

On Jan. 31, Richard Foster, 31, Clinton, Missouri was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging him with class A misdemeanor theft/stealing. Bond is set at $5,000 cash or surety.

The charge stems from a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigation on July 27, 2016 when a deputy took a stealing report at Ellett Memorial Hospital, Appleton City. 

An employee, Bruce Goddard, reported a Samsung Galaxy Tab-4, 10.1 with black case stolen from a desk he had been sitting at. The tablet was estimated at $500.