MoDOT: Major Traffic Impacts Expected on I-49 Near Rich Hill Beginning Week of March 16 for Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Bates County – Drivers can expect lane closings and traffic shifts on I-44 near Rich Hill when a project to rehabilitate four bridges begins the week of March 16, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will replace the bridge decks or driving surfaces of the bridges over the Bates County Drainage Ditch (Mile Marker 122) and the Marais des Cygnes River (Mile Marker 123).

Crews also will make repairs to other components underneath the bridge decks. New guardrail will be installed at each bridge.

Traffic impacts:

• Week of March 16, one northbound lane closed at Bates County Drainage Ditch
• for prep work
• In md-April, I-49 reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted to the northbound bridges
• Once all southbound bridge work is complete, I-49 traffic will be shifted to the southbound side to rehabilitate the northbound bridges
• I-49 speed limit reduced to 60 mph in the work zone

Weather and/or unforeseen delays will alter the work schedule.

All four bridges in this project were built in 1966 and carry approximately 12,500 vehicles per day. The driving surfaces are deteriorating and in need of rehabilitation.

Capital Paving & Construction of Columbia is the prime contractor.

The estimated total project cost is $5.8 million.

The project is scheduled for completion by Dec. 1, 2020.

Obituary - Larry Bogan

Larry Gene Bogan, age 75, Prescott, Kansas passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020 at his home.

Funeral service will be held 10 am Thursday, March 12, 2020 at the Hume Christian Church. Burial will be in the Hume Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. 

Contributions are suggested to Hume Cemetery or Hume School. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - Bobby Gene Arnold

Bob Arnold -- a boy from Sheldon, Mo., a military policeman in the U.S. Air Force, an educator and coach in Missouri public schools, a golfer and a proud husband, father and grandfather -- died on Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Nevada, Mo. He was 87 years old.

Bob was born on Nov. 26, 1932, to Hugh and Helen Arnold at a hospital in Lamar, Mo., just a few minutes after his twin brother, Jack. The two were raised in Sheldon, where they both graduated high school in 1950.

Bob and Jack joined the United States Air Force two years later. The two were a package deal for the military, serving together with stents in Texas, California, Florida and Alaska.

From Alaska, Bob began his courtship of a young Joann Lightner with a series of letters. Bob and Joann got married in Sheldon on July 31, 1955, at the Sheldon United Methodist Church.

Bob went off to college and earned a bachelor of science in education degree from Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield in 1959. He began a 37-year career in public schools that same year.

In Sheldon and Hume, Mo., he coached basketball and other sports, and taught social studies and biology. He became a school administrator in Hughesville, Mo., where he also coached basketball teams as they went to state championships. And in Belton, Mo., he worked as a principal while collecting a master of science degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in 1967 and a specialist degree from Central Missouri State University in 1973.

In 1975, Bob took his first job as a superintendent in De Kalb, Mo. Five years later, he became superintendent in Jasper, Mo., where he led the school district for 13 years before he retired in 1993.

Throughout all of this, Bob and Joann raised three daughters, building a family that -- along with the families they would raise -- became the focus of his life in retirement while he enjoyed on golf, took up real estate and embarked on roadtrips, including annual winter visits to Florida with Jack and later Texas.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Joann; his daughters Bobette Messick (Dan), Lori Pearce (Dan) and Deanna Yokley (Mike); and his seven grandchildren, Eli Yokley, Mandy Messick, Tanner Yokley, Abbey Messick, Gabe Yokley, Jaimie Pearce and Blake Messick.

Funeral services are planned for Thursday, March 12, at 11 a.m., at Ferry Funeral Home at 301 South Washington in Nevada following a 10 a.m. visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nevada United Methodist Church and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Update: Arrest made after incident in Adrian

On 3/9/2020 Deputies were dispatched to Adrian in reference to a subject that had ran from the Adrian Officer. The subject was wanted on a parole violation warrant for 1st Degree Sexual Assault. On arrival Deputies conducted an area canvass of the last known location of the suspect. Deputies canvassing the Deer Creek Subdivision observed the subject and gave chase. The subject was able to cross a waterway where Deputies lost sight of him. Another Deputy in the area observed damage to the back door of a residence in the area. Both K9 units were deployed to the residence.

While clearing the residence one K9 unit located the subject on a lower level of the house where the subject had locked himself inside a room. The deputy was able to get the door open and the K9 was deployed in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. The suspect was able to get the door closed between the handler and the K9. Deputies forced entry into the room through the door and observed the suspect assaulting the K9. The handler then deployed his taser which had no effect on the suspect. A second K9 was deployed to apprehend the suspect who had retreated into a closet. With the second K9's assistance the subject was taken into custody.

The suspect, Rodney B White JR. W/M 8/30/86, had been released from prison in Nebraska on or about 1/21/20 and ten days later they issued a warrant for him being a Parole Absconder. White was convicted in 2012 for 1st Degree Sexual Assault and given a 15 to 20 year sentence. White had been living in a halfway house and cut off his court mandated ankle bracelet. White also had a warrant in Missouri for violating an adult protection order. White was transported to the Bates County Memorial Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries during the incident. He was released and is in custody at the Bates County Sheriff's Office.

"I want to recognize the actions of the deputies and law enforcement that responded. This subject forced entry into a house that normally would have had residents inside turning this into a much more serious situation. Deputies took that into consideration when they acted to rapidly enter the residence to apprehend a violent subject who was willing to do what ever he had to do to get free." Says Sheriff Anderson. "We appreciate the support of our community and recognize the importance of having a great K9 division to help apprehend these known violent subjects that wreak havoc in our communities"

Strong Storms Possible In Central Missouri

If you are in Central Missouri keep an eye out for some isolated strong storms (green area) later this afternoon.

Overall, the threat for severe weather is very low, but a storm or two may produce some 1 inch hail or 40+ mph wind gusts.

Two in custody after fleeing from police in Adrian

The Bates County Sheriffs Office and Adrian Police Department received a call for service around noon that led to a subject running from the Adrian Officer.

 Deputies took two subjects into custody a short time ago. There is no additional outstanding subjects and no ongoing threat to the Adrian community. 

A full press release will be issued later this evening.

Update:
https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2020/03/update-arrest-made-after-incident-in.html

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