Stay home if you can

The Bates County Sheriff's Office along with Bates County EMS and the Amoret Fire Department are on scene at a one vehicle accident at MO 52 West and V Highway near Virginia, MO at the time.

One male is said to have injuries due to this accident. Please avoid traveling as weather conditions deteriorate.

Mid America Live will continue to follow and update you on the weather alerts and news.

Bomb Squad called in this morning in Raymore

RAYMORE, MO – At 8:54 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, Raymore Police responded to a call for service regarding a possible fireworks violation in an open area west of West Heritage Drive and Buffalo Drive.

Upon arrival, police discovered two cardboard boxes covered in duct tape and accelerant; one had been ignited. Police secured the scene and requested the response of South Metro Fire and the Lee’s Summit Police Department Bomb Squad.

The bomb squad followed standard protocols and safely detonated each package early Saturday afternoon. The scene is now clear and there is no danger to the community at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the Raymore Police Department at 816-331-0530.

Weekend Winter Storm

Here are the latest Winter Storm, Ice Storm and Winter Weather Advisories for the area. The highest amounts of snow and sleet will occur north of Springfield. 

Highest ice amounts of ice will occur east of Springfield with scattered power outages and tree damage. 

A band of snow will move through the rest of southern Missouri Sunday afternoon and evening. Use extreme caution if traveling this weekend.

Peculiar Police seeking public assistance

This truck was used to steal a trailer from a Peculiar resident on the morning of December 26th. It's a 2015 or newer Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Crew Cab with the following features: chrome wheels, chrome bumper, chrome window trim, chrome door handles, and chrome side mirrors; Rolled up Tonneau cover, black Chevy emblems on front and back, tinted back windows, and a light colored sticker on the lower-left corner of the back window. 

If you have any information about this truck, or know where this trailer might be, please call the Peculiar Police Department at 816-779-5102.

Butler Youth Wrestling Team competes in Willard Today

Today our experienced kids went to the White Tiger Classic in Willard, MO, and they wrestled hard. As always, we are very proud of everyone’s efforts. 

Unfortunately, a lot of our wrestlers had to scratch due to the weather coming in, so a lot of our older kids didn’t get their matches in today. Here are the results:

Easton Adams- 1st
Levi Wiese-1st
Covy Riley-1st
Nathan Wiley-2nd
Julius Varns-2nd
Melanie Varns-2nd
Nolan Varns-3rd
Rylan Morris-3rd
Garren McGuire-3rd
Michael Blomquist-4th

Tomorrow a few of our wrestlers are braving the weather, or staying down in Willard for the 6U/Novice/Girls tournament. BEST OF LUCK AND BE CAREFUL!!  I will let everyone know how they did when I know!! ITS ALWAYS A GREAT DAY TO BE A BUTLER BEAR!

Be Extra Vigilant When Driving In Inclement Weather

Missouri’s weather forecast indicates freezing rain and snow is expected. For some of the state, this could be the first snow of the season. Whether it’s a dusting or several inches, it can affect travel. Be sure to increase your following distance as you drive; stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible. 

Be aware that elevated roadways such as bridges and ramps may freeze faster, and a roadway that appears wet could be icy. Leaving at least five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you is always a smart idea, especially in inclement weather.

Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol urge everyone to pay attention to weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roadways. When you travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet or snow is present. Lower overnight temperatures may cause wet roadways to freeze and become slick. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.

Please adjust your speed to the weather. Increase your following distance and do not use cruise control. Allow extra driving time, enabling you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed.

Troopers suggest keeping your fuel tank at least half full. In preparation for winter weather, place battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, ice scraper, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk now, before an emergency occurs.

Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and keep it with you. Do not use your cell phone when you are driving; park your vehicle well off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call. The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is *55 on a cellular phone. This number rings at the nearest troop headquarters. Troopers are available to assist you.

Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. MoDOT’s Road Condition Map can be viewed at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be downloaded free of charge to your smart devices. The Traveler Information Map reflects the most current road conditions and is utilized by communication officers to provide road conditions. Motorists are encouraged to download the Traveler Information Map or view the map online instead of contacting law enforcement to inquire about road conditions. Missouri State Highway Patrol communication officers are very busy during winter weather events.

Please remember to buckle up, pay attention, be courteous, and obey all traffic laws. When weather conditions make driving hazardous, drive only when absolutely necessary.

Incident Involving Possibly Armed and Dangerous Subject Successfully Resolved by Cedar County Sheriff's Office

Incident Involving Possibly Armed and Dangerous Subject Successfully Resolved by Cedar County Sheriff's Office.

On January 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Cedar County deputies responded to a report of a possibly armed and dangerous individual threatening to kill others. The reporting party (RP) advised that the subject, who had recently been released from prison and was reportedly under the influence of a controlled substance, was experiencing homicidal thoughts and making threatening statements. 

The RP also reported a firearm missing from the residence, heightening the seriousness of the situation.

Sgt. Elder, accompanied by trainee Deputy Bryant, was the first to arrive on the scene, followed closely by Chief Deputy Clay Jeffries and Sheriff James McCrary. Upon their arrival, the subject fled on foot after spotting the marked patrol vehicle. Deputies immediately began searching the property, including over 12 outbuildings, but were initially unable to locate the individual.

Recognizing the need for advanced resources, Chief Deputy Jeffries deployed the Office's thermal-equipped drone to assist in the search. Undersheriff Lowe arrived to provide additional assistance. Using thermal imaging technology, the drone scanned the area for heat signatures, significantly enhancing the search's effectiveness. Shortly thereafter, Sheriff McCrary visually located the subject in a field south of the property.

Despite multiple verbal commands to surrender, the individual refused to comply and attempted to flee once more. Utilizing the drone to maintain visual contact, deputies tracked the subject until Sheriff McCrary and Sgt. Elder successfully apprehended him with the assistance of a Taser deployment.

Following the subject's apprehension, the Cedar County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Missouri Department of Conservation to utilize their tracking K9 in the search for the missing firearm. Despite an extensive search, no firearm was located in the areas the subject fled through.

The subject was transported to a nearby hospital for a injury to the wrist and was later transferred to a separate facility for a mental health evaluation. No injuries to law enforcement personnel were reported during the incident.

This incident underscores the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, and rigorous training to ensure community safety.

Sheriff McCrary commended all personnel and agencies involved for their swift and coordinated response.

Chief Deputy Clay Jeffries
Cedar County Sheriff’s Office

Fatal stabbing and shooting under investigation in Benton County

On January 3, 2024, Deputies of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, alongside officers from the Warsaw Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, responded to reports of a stabbing and shots fired at the Lake Hills Motel, located at 31535 Highway 83.

Preliminary investigations reveal that a verbal conflict escalated into a physical altercation between Shawn Murphy, 55, of Illinois, and Kevin Noland, 55, of Warsaw. Tragically, Kevin Noland sustained a fatal stab wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene. It is believed that the fatal injury was inflicted by Shawn Murphy.

During the altercation, Robert Hurr, 61, also of Warsaw, intervened, shooting Murphy in the leg. Murphy was treated on the scene by emergency medical personnel before being airlifted to a regional trauma center for further treatment. Murphy will be taken into custody upon his release from medical care.

Robert Hurr was Taken to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for questioning and has since been released as the investigation continues.

This is an ongoing investigation and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about this incident to come forward or contact Detective Johns.