Be weather aware this evening

Widely scattered to isolated storms may develop after sunset across portions of western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

A few may become strong to severe. Not all of us will get a storm this evening. A second round of rain and thunder will arrive early Wednesday morning.

El Dorado Springs Woman, New Jersey Man Indicted for Producing Child Pornography

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An El Dorado Springs, Mo., woman and a North Plainfield, New Jersey, man were indicted by a federal grand jury today for producing child pornography.

Amanda Errin Hunt, 39, and Daniel Thomas Baggott, 36, were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed on April 11, 2019. Hunt and Baggott remain in federal custody.

The federal indictment charges Hunt and Baggott with one count each of using a child victim to produce child pornography from Aug. 5, 2017, to April 9, 2019. The indictment also charges each of the defendants with one count of using a cell phone to induce the child victim to engage in illegal sexual activity.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the investigation began when Facebook initiated a CyberTip with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 7, 2019. Facebook reported that Hunt and Baggott exchanged images of child pornography through Facebook Messenger. Investigators also discovered sexually explicit messages, along with shared images of child pornography, between Hunt, Baggott, and the 15-year-old victim. Hunt told investigators that Baggott was her boyfriend.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cybercrime Task Force, and the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Courtesy of Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Missouri

Make Safety A Top Priority This Memorial Day Weekend!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like the public to make safety a top priority this Memorial Day weekend. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Whether you decide to travel or stay local, choose to be a safe, courteous driver. Use a seat belt when you drive and wear a life jacket when you're on or near the water. Always pay attention, whether you're operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water.

Bates County Route W CLOSED May 13 & 14 for Pipe Replacement Work

Bates County Route W CLOSED May 13 & 14 for Pipe Replacement Work

What: Bates County Route W CLOSED for pipe replacement work approximately two miles south of Missouri Route 52 southwest of Appleton City When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday & Tuesday, May 13 & 14. Route W open during overnight hours. Why: MoDOT crews replacing deteriorating drain pipes underneath Route W to keep water from pooling underneath and next to the road which could cause deterioration of the road bed Traffic Impacts: Both lanes of Route W CLOSED where crews are set up working Drivers will be able to get to driveways and entrances on either side of the work zone, but will not be able to travel through the work zone Drivers urged to find alternate routes. No signed detours are planned. (Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule)

From the Nevada Police Department

Obituary - Bobby Gene Nergee

Bobby Gene Nergee, 78, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019 at his home in Nevada. Bobby was born July 29, 1940 in Iowa to Edwin and Juanita I. (Taylor) Nergee.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Rick Thompson officiating.

Obituary - Taylor L. Eicholz

Taylor L. Eicholz, 23 of Drexel, Missouri passed away May 5, 2019. Cremation, with Celebration of Life Services to be announced at a later time. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (660-679-0009) and messages and memories may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Complete obituary information will be published as it becomes available.

Job Fair underway

The Bates County Job Fair is happening now through 2 pm at the old Butler high school. Need a job? Maybe you just need a change. Shown below are a few of the employers on hand, ready to talk to you now!