Missouri Traffic Fatalities Drop Five Percent

JEFFERSON CITY – Preliminary reporting for 2019 indicates Missouri traffic fatalities have dropped for the third year in a row. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 876 lives were lost in Missouri traffic crashes in 2019 down from 921 in 2018, a five percent reduction.

While the modest gains are encouraging, the state still has a long way to go in achieving the ultimate goal – zero traffic fatalities in Missouri.

“Another year of reductions in traffic fatalities is encouraging, but it’s difficult to celebrate considering we still had nearly 900 people killed in Missouri traffic crashes,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “The frequency with which we’re losing people simply traveling from one place to another is unacceptable. We owe it to each other to make better choices behind the wheel and create a safer transportation system for everyone.”

Although there was an overall reduction in traffic fatalities, there were increases in motorcycle fatalities and pedestrian fatalities. In 2019, there were 118 motorcyclists killed, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Likewise, there were 108 pedestrians killed in 2019 –the largest number of pedestrian fatalities in Missouri the past 10 years.

While weather and road conditions can come into play, traffic crashes are largely the result of someone simply making a poor decision, even if only for a moment. The top contributing factors of Missouri traffic fatalities continue to be lack of seat belt use, driving too fast, impairment, and distraction.

“Drivers carry a huge responsibility in driving a vehicle, and other road users like pedestrians carry a huge responsibility in using the roadways,” said MoDOT Assistant to the state Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “Nearly all of these fatalities are preventable when we make good choices and resolve to use the transportation system in an appropriate manner. Make the right choice every trip. It may save your life and the lives of others.”

MoDOT recommends the following actions to help prevent fatal crashes:
Always wear a seat belt and use appropriate child safety seats.
If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
Never drive distracted. Put your cell phone down.
Obey the speed limit and other traffic laws.
Never drive impaired. Always arrange for a sober ride.

Semi truck rollover north of Rich Hill

A semi truck has rolled over on I-49 just north of Rich Hill.

Please use caution if you must travel in this area.

Mid America Live News will update when more information on this accident is made available.

Butler man arrested on warrants

Christopher L. Forbes

On 1/30/20 the Butler Police Department arrested 44 year old Christopher L. Forbes of Butler, Missouri.

Mr. Forbes was arrested at a residence on East Dakota Street in Butler.

He was arrested for 1.) Felony Warrant Possession of Methamphetamine Precursors 2.) Possession of a controlled substance. 

Mr. Forbes was booked into the Bates County Jail in Butler and placed on no bond.

Adrian edges Nevada for the win

On Tuesday the Blackhawk Wrestling team hosted an afternoon dual with Nevada. Adrian won by 1 pt 34 - 33

Photo Credit: Adrian News Leader 

Obituary - Morris Dee Schmoll

Morris Dee Schmoll, 84, Harrisonville, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Crown Care Center in Harrisonville. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with visitation from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Morris was born October 28, 1935 in Lisle, MO, a son of Dacy H. and Edith (Morrison) Schmoll. He attended grade school at the Culvert Rural School #109 and was a graduate of Drexel, Missouri High School. Morris was a railroad engineer for Union Pacific Railroad for 37 years. He was a lifelong Cass County, Missouri resident, having lived in Peculiar before moving to Harrisonville. He married Mary (McMillen) Wills on November 23, 2014.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wills, of the home; one son, Don Schmoll, Liberty, MO; four stepsons, Terry Smith, Belton, MO, Gene Smith, Creighton, MO, Shawn Smith, Raymore, MO, and Don Lyn Smith, Archie, MO; two sisters, Evelyn Livingston, Peculiar, MO and Marilyn Walters, Dennison, TX; 7 step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other family and friends.

Larry Hacker to run for re election as Bates County Southern Commissioner

Several inquiries as to whether I will run for re-election as Southern Commissioner.

ABSOLUTELY WILL.

I have worked hard representing Bates County, and am honored to have that responsibility.

Officer involved shooting in Belton

On 1-29-2020 at approximately 2328hrs, Belton officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Toulouse on a report of an agitated 22 year old male party armed with a hatchet.

Officers located the man walking in the street and attempted to speak with him to no avail. As there were no other civilians present, officers decided to follow the subject and continued trying to speak with him and resolve the situation.

While the man would not engage in any conversation with Officers, they did hear him threatening to harm someone he was on the phone with or the Officers if they approached.

At that time, a Belton Officer fired several rounds of less lethal ammunition at the subject which were effective. The subject was taken into custody near the intersection of 58 hwy & BelRay Blvd and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The subject’s injuries are not considered life threatening. The identity of the subject is not being released as formal charges have not yet been filed.

Bates County Republican News

It was a good night at Bates County Republicans meeting last night! In local elections, Carl Bettels will run for Bates County Assessor; Kenny Mooney will run for Northern Commissioner; 

Trent Nelson will run for Southern Commissioner; and Greg Mullinax will seek re-election as Coroner.

And finally, we welcomed to Bates County Republicans, Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson and his son, Chase. Sheriff Anderson will also be seeking re-election this year.