Missouri Traffic Fatalities Up 12% in 2020

Preliminary reporting for 2020 indicates Missouri traffic fatalities increased by 12% compared to the previous year. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 989 lives were lost in Missouri traffic crashes in 2020, up from 881 in 2019.

“Nearly every fatal crash that occurs is preventable,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Information and Education Director, Cpt. John Hotz. “Over 90% of these crashes were the result of someone simply making a poor decision, primarily: driving too fast, driving distracted or driving impaired. Many of those killed were not wearing a seat belt."

Despite traffic volumes in the state being significantly down for much of the year, Missouri experienced its largest number of traffic fatalities since 2007. In particular, there were notable increases in unbuckled and speed related fatalities, with both experiencing approximately a 25% increase from the previous year. In 2020, 67% of drivers and passengers killed in car crashes were unbuckled and preliminary numbers indicate 389 people were killed in crashes involving excessive speed or driving too fast for conditions. In addition, there were 126 pedestrians killed in 2020 –the largest number of pedestrian fatalities in Missouri ever recorded.

“The pandemic reminded us even if a large portion of vehicles are removed from the roadways, poor driving behaviors still have significant and often deadly consequences.” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “We continue to work diligently in achieving the ultimate goal – zero traffic fatalities in Missouri. This year, we’re excited to introduce Missouri’s new strategic plan, a tool we hope will help us eventually reach that goal.”

Missouri’s new strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, Driving Missouri Toward Safer Roads, identifies four key focus areas to help turn the tide: occupant protection (seat belts, car seats and helmets), distracted driving, speed and aggressive driving, and impaired driving. More than that, the plan identifies ways all Missourians can help reduce the number of fatalities on Missouri roadways. Show-Me Zero includes strategies for families and individuals as well as groups such as schools, businesses, local public agencies, law enforcement, health organizations, and statewide officials.

“So, how can you help? Ultimately, our success will be dependent upon everyone’s willingness to take personal responsibility for safely using the transportation system and demanding others do the same,” Hood said.

Drivers carry a huge responsibility in operating a vehicle, and other road users like pedestrians also share responsibility when using the roadways. Nearly all these fatalities are preventable when roadway users resolve to use the transportation system in an appropriate manner. When we make good decisions, lives are saved.

Show-Me Zero highlights four simple actions we can all take to improve safety on Missouri’s roads: Buckle up. Put the phone down. Slow down. Drive sober. Take a look at the new plan and do your part to create a safer Missouri. The plan can be viewed in its entirety at www.savemolives.com. 

Courthouse News for February 17th, 2021

On February 8th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested George Kevin Kilgore (70) of Diagonal on a charge of Contempt of Court and transported to the Ringgold County Jail to serve a mandatory 10 day sentence.

On February 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Franklin Garcia (32) of Kansas City alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and No Valid License.

On February 9th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Ralph Schmidt (68) of Golden City (MO) alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On February 9th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Phillip Doolittle (40) of Pattonsburg alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On February 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Jace Steenhoek (22) of Bagley (IA) alleging Leaving the Scene, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and DWI.

On February 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Hayli Nagiewicz (20) of Kansas City alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On February 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Dominic Grout (28) of Burlington Junction alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On February 9th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Scott Thurman (44) of Delphos on a Controlled Substance Violation (Selling Methamphetamine). He is being held on no bond until seen by a magistrate.

On February 9th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Dillon Bennett (23) of Eagleville alleging Speeding (26+ mph over), Displaying Plates Belonging to Another, and No Insurance. Bond was set at $360, posted by the defendant.

On February 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Jeffrey Olivas (55) of Spring Hill (KS) alleging Harassment.

On February 10th, Mary Lou Browning, the clerk accused of stealing over $60,000 from the City of Coffey (MO), was sentenced to 15 years in prison. An audit by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office found that Browning failed to make deposits, received improper payroll payments, and falsified board minutes and financial reports in order to steal the money, including almost $34,000 in utility payments. She had allegedly forged signatures of the Mayor and four city council members in order to transfer the funds.

On February 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested William Enk (54) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of Failure to Register and a City of Maryville Warrant (Supplying Alcohol to a Minor).

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Nicholas Wolf (29) of Guilford in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kimber Schieber (33) of Clyde in Nodaway County on charges of DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway (Accident).

On February 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested David Swartzentruber (17) of Trenton in Harrison County on charges of DWI and No Valid License. 

On February 16th, the Life Flight helicopter, the Worth County Ambulance and Worth County Fire Department were in Grant City during the afternoon.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Tiger Boys Hold Off Maysville For 55-46 Win

Worth County's boys built up a big lead, and then held off Maysville's frantic efforts to get back in the game late, coming away with a 55-46 win Thursday night. 

The focus of the game for Maysville was to slow the game down, work the ball around as much as possible, and get the ball into Ethan Shirk, their post player. Defensively, they pressed most of the game to wear down the legs of the Tiger shooters so they couldn't make as many three point shots. 

A lob to Shirk gave Maysville an early 4-3 lead, but then Worth County got going with a drive and spin move from Alex Rinehart. Rinehart added a free throw, Aydan Gladstone hit Grant Cameron in transition, Jackson Runde aired one out to Tyler New, and Alex Rinehart scored off a drive to put Worth County up 12-4. But Maysville stuck with their game plan and had a long possession, working the ball around a lot, before Kobyn Metzger found a driving lane open to cut it to 12-6.

Despite Maysville trying to slow the game down, it broke down when they started getting one turnover after another in the second quarter. Alex Rinehart hit two free throws, and then Grant Cameron hit a 3-pointer and added a steal to make it 19-6. Alexavier Clark countered with a drive, but Aydan Gladstone scored a drive and added a 3-pointer and Alex Rinehart added a free throw to make it 25-8. 

Maysville chipped away and got it down to 12 again as Braden Covey hit a 3-pointer, Shirk got loose inside, Connor Flinn scored off a drive, and Blayne Kolb hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 30-18. But Worth County scored the last five points of the half as Alex Rinehart scored off a drive, Aydan Gladstone got a steal, got a drive, and crossed over to score, and then Alex Rinehart as a ball got knocked into the backcourt, Tyler New got the save, and fed Alex to make it 35-18 at the half.

The Tiger lead continued to grow at the start of the third quarter as Alex Rinehart got a putback and then Grant Cameron lobbed one into him to make it 39-18. But then Maysville, a team that does not give up easily when behind, started to come back behind the efforts of Logan Kimbrell, who scored all of Maysville's 13 points in the quarter. Jackson Runde tripped and fell hard and came out briefly while attempting a drive, which shook up the Tiger players. And Worth County was settling for jump shots instead of attacking the rim like they were when they built their lead up.

Kimbrell and the Wolverines came as close as 41-31, but then Grant Cameron pushed the Tigers back in front for the time behind as he hit a 3-pointer, stole the ball and fed Tyler New, and then hit a 3-pointer at the third quarter buzzer to make it 49-31 after three.

But then Alex Rinehart picked up his fourth foul, and without one of their playmakers on the floor, Worth County saw their lead shrink again as Maysville, like they did against North Harrison earlier this year, started coming back again behind a balanced attack. Worth County was ice cold from the floor and Maysville got as close as 49-42 before Aydan Gladstone drove the left baseline and found Jackson Runde, whose first points of the game broke the run to make it 51-42. 

Kimbrell cut it to 51-44, and then Worth County threw the ensuing inbounds pass out of bounds, but Braden Covey missed a 3-pointer that would have cut it to four and Jackson Runde hit two free throws with 26 seconds left as Maysville had to start fouling. Kimbrell scored again for Maysville and Worth County missed a 1-1, but Aydan Gladstone secured the ensuing offensive board and hit both free throws to seal the win for the Tigers.

Alex Rinehart scored 17 for the Tigers. Aydan Gladstone had 15, Grant Cameron had 13, Tyler New and Jackson Runde had 4 each, and Jackson Smith had 2.

Dylan McIntyre Returns to Hang 26 on Trojans; Ben Boswell Adds 21

Dylan McIntyre returned from an ankle injury Wednesday to hang 26 on the Nodaway-Holt Trojans and Ben Boswell added 21 as the Northeast Nodaway Bluejays took a 20 point halftime lead and then thwarted Nodaway-Holt's efforts to get back in the game as they won 74-55. 

The Bluejays were a completely different team with McIntyre on the court. Against South Holt, they had to grind out a hard fought 48-38 win over the Knights. But against Nodaway-Holt, Dylan was able to get behind the defense time and time again for easy transition baskets.

The fireworks started early; with the game tied 2-2, Zach Pride hit Dylan McIntyre backdoor and then Pride got a defensive board, walked the tightrope on the baseline, and then aired one out to McIntyre to make it 6-2. Brilyn DeVers cut it to 6-4, but Lane Dack hit Auston Pride inside, then Dack hit Ben Boswell for a three point play in transition, and then Colton Swalley hit Lane Dack in transition yet again to make it 13-4. 

After the teams traded three pointers, Lane Dack hit Dylan McIntyre for a reverse layup, then Colton Swalley got a quick outlet to Zach Pride, who fed Ben Boswell for the finish; then, Auston Pride got a steal and aired it out to Boswell to make it 22-9. Nodaway-Holt countered as Wyatt Wakely hit from inside and Blake Bohannon scored off a drive, but Ben Boswell cleaned up on a miss in transition to put Northeast Nodaway up 24-13 after one.

The lead continued to grow in the second as Colton Swalley hit Dylan McIntyre on a give and go, Dylan hit a free throw, Lane Dack, Zach Pride, and Dylan McIntyre all got loose in transition, and Ben Boswell scored off a steal to make it 35-15. The Bluejays led 42-22 at the half.

The Trojans switched to a half court trap at the start of the second half; they were able to keep the Bluejay lead from getting any bigger, but they could not make a big dent in the lead. Brilyn DeVers, Blake Bohannon, and Gavin Leeper were all slashing to the basket at will, but Northeast was able to score enough in the second half to keep pace. McIntyre had 7 points to lead six Bluejay scorers as they maintained a 60-41 lead after three.

DeVers continued to slash to the basket at will and the Trojans got as close as 66-50, but then Auston Pride got a steal and aired it out to Ben Boswell, Dylan McIntyre jumped a pass and converted, Ben Boswell got a steal and fed Dylan McIntyre for a finish, and Colton Swalley hit Lane Dack for a layup to make it 74-50.

Dylan McIntyre had 26 for the Bluejays. Ben Boswell had 21, Auston Pride and Lane Dack had 8 each, Zach Pride had 7, and Colton Swalley 4.

Auston Pride had 7 boards. Colton Swalley had 6, Ben Boswell and Lane Dack 4, Dylan McIntyre 3, Zach Pride and Brayden Munns 2 each, and Boston Adwell 1.

Lane Dack had 8 assists. Colton Swalley had 7, Zach Pride 6, Auston Pride 3, Ben Boswell 2, and Dylan McIntyre 1.

Zach Pride had 5 tips. Colton Swalley had 4, Lane Dack 3, Dylan McIntyre and Ben Boswell had 2, and Auston Pride and Boston Adwell 1 each.

Zach Pride, Dylan McIntyre, and Colton Swalley all had 4 steals. Ben Boswell had 3, and Auston Pride had 2.

Five Tigers Score Double Figures in Win Over Shamrocks; Brett Emig's 33 Not Enough

Five Tigers hit double figures as they got a solid 74-58 win over North Harrison Wednesday. For North Harrison, Brett Emig's 33 points were not enough; like the girls game, North Harrison turned the ball over too many times. They turned it over 20 times against Worth County, while the Tigers only surrendered the ball 9 times. For Worth County, which has struggled defensively at times this year, it was a good accomplishment to hold North Harrison under 60. The Shamrocks are 10-3 when scoring over 60 points as of the end of Wednesday's game, while they are 1-8 when held under 60.

At first, the Shamrocks picked up where they had left off in previous games; they had won 8 out of their last 10 after a bad start to the year. Brandon Hamilton scored inside, Brett Emig went coast to coast and converted a three point play, Hamilton added two free throws, and Brett Emig got loose in transition to make it 9-2 at the 5:58 mark.

But then Worth County came roaring back as four different players scored in the effort. Grant Cameron scored off an Alex Rinehart and Tyler New steal. Alex Rinehart scored off a steal, Tyler New hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key, and Jackson Smith hit a shot from the right baseline to make it 12-9. 

North Harrison hung around for the remainder of the first quarter, even taking the lead at the start of the second when Wade Briggs hit Brett Emig cutting inside to put then up 18-17. But then Aydan Gladstone went off in the second quarter and had plenty of help as three other Tigers chipped in. First, Aydan got loose for a basket; then, Grant Cameron hit a 3-pointer to make it 22-18. Brett Emig's guarded three cut it to 22-21, but then Jackson Runde scored seven straight to give Worth County some separation at 29-21. Aydan Gladstone was feeling it as he hit a 3-pointer from the right wing and added a steal to make it 34-21. 

Nick Babinski's putback and Brett Emig's free throw stopped the bleeding, but then Aydan Gladstone hit a 3-pointer, Tyler New hit another, and then Aydan Gladstone hit a 3-pointer with a Shamrock defender hanging all over him at the buzzer to put Worth County up 43-28 at the break.

Babinski had the hot hand for North Harrison early in the third as the Shamrocks tried to keep up with Worth County. But then Jackson Runde hit a 3-pointer and Tyler New cleaned up on a fast break after Alex Rinehart aired one out to make it 54-34.

North Harrison finally got going late in the third as Kamden Robertson scored from inside, Nick Babinski hit a free throw, Brandon Hamilton got a putback, and Brett Emig had a steal to make it 56-44 after three. Grant Claycomb hit from the high post to make it 56-46, but then Reid Gabriel hit a 3-pointer to stop the bleeding to make it 59-46. Worth County has had trouble finishing off opponents this year, but after Reid's triple, they had no trouble keeping the game in double digit territory. Brett Emig hit a free throw, but despite Aydan Gladstone and Grant Cameron picking up their fourth foul, Worth County kept the game in double digits as Alex Rinehart went off in the period with 10 points; the Tigers figured out they could lob it into him at will. Grant Cameron added a 3-pointer and Aydan Gladstone added a steal for the Tigers to help seal the win.

For Worth County, Alex Rinehart had 22, Aydan Gladstone 15, Grant Cameron 12, and Tyler New and Jackson Runde 10 each. Reid Gabriel had 3 and Jackson Smith had 2.

Jackson Runde had 5 boards. Alex Rinehart and Aydan Gladstone had 4 each, Tyler New 3, Grant Cameron 2, and Reid Gabriel and Jackson Smith had 1 each.

Tyler New and Aydan Gladstone had 6 assists. Grant Cameron and Jackson Runde had 3 each, and Jackson Smith and Reid Gabriel had 1 each.

Alex Rinehart had 8 tips. Aydan Gladstone, Jackson Runde, and Tyler New had 3 each, and Grant Cameron and Brent Harris had 1.

Tyler New, Alex Rinehart, and Aydan Gladstone had 3 steals each. Grant Cameron had 2, and Jackson Runde 1.

For North Harrison, Brett Emig had 33. Nick Babinski had 9, Brandon Hamilton 8, Kamden Robertson 4, and Wade Briggs and Grant Claycomb 2 each.

Brett Emig had 10 boards. Brandon Hamilton had 9, Nick Babinski 4, Grant Claycomb and Wade Briggs 3 each, Kamden Robertson and Cooper Cracraft 2 each, and Tyson Gibson 1.

Brett Emig had 6 assists. Wade Briggs had 5, Brandon Hamilton 3, and Tyson Gibson, Nick Babinski, Cole Kampman, and Grant Claycomb had 1 each. 

Brandon Hamilton and Grant Claycomb had 2 tips each. Wade Briggs and Nick Babinski had 1 each. Brett Emig and Grant Claycomb had 2 steals each. Tyson Gibson had 1.

Jill Hardy Sparks Worth County Past Shamrocks

Jill Hardy sparked the Tigers into a lead they would not relinquish, and the Tigers snapped a two game losing skid with a 40-28 win over North Harrison Wednesday night. Worth County got back to what worked for them during their win at the Northwest Missouri Tournament; they took care of the ball on offense and held the Shamrocks under 30 points. As of the conclusion of Wednesday's game, the Tigers were 10-2 when holding an opponent under 40 points and 1-9 when they didn't.

For North Harrison, turnovers were costly, as well as the inability to get to the free throw line. They turned the ball over 24 times Wednesday night, while Worth County only surrendered the ball 10 times. They only got to the free throw line seven times in Wednesday's loss; they made a living on the line while avenging their Winston loss in their previous game.

Hardy started off the Tigers with back to back threes and EmiLee Brown added two free throws to put Worth County in front 8-2. The Tigers overcame four missed free throws in the quarter as Morgan Beagle added a 3-pointer late in the period to make it 11-2. The tale of the turnovers told the story; North Harrison turned it over seven times in the first period, while Worth County turned it over only once.

And yet, after Camden Castleberry's triple at the 4:35 mark of the second, North Harrison still had a chance despite being totally outplayed. Kami Gibson then cut inside and got a pass from Camden, and then scored off an Emma Craig tip and Halle Morgan steal to cut it to 11-9. Hardy countered with a 3-point play to make it 14-9, but then Emma Craig cut inside and scored to make it 14-11 at the half. Despite the turnover differential in Worth County's favor, North Harrison was still very much a part of the game.

Jill Hardy scored off a Megan Cassavaugh steal, but somehow, North Harrison kept hanging around, cutting inside to the basket twice to make it 16-15. They cut it to two at 19-17, and then later down to one again at 22-21 late in the third before EmiLee Brown's free throws made it 24-21.

But then a costly Shamrock foul swung the momentum in Worth County's favor as Emma Craig was taking it up the sideline against Worth County and collided with Braidy Hunt. Hunt took a perfect charge on defense and Craig was called for her third foul, sending her to the bench. After the turnover, EmiLee Brown converted a three point play to make it 27-21. 

Jayliegh Robins got loose in transition for North Harrison to cut it to 27-23 after three, and Emma Craig came back to start the fourth, but the momentum was all in Worth County's favor. The lopsided turnover differential in Worth County's favor took its toll in the fourth as EmiLee Brown scored on a pair of lob passes and Braidy Hunt scored off a Megan Cassavaugh steal and a drive to make it 35-23 at the five minute mark.

Emma Craig did all she could to get the Shamrocks back in the game, breaking the run with a putback to make it 35-25, but then Morgan Beagle hit a long shot from the left side and a 3-pointer from the right side for a dagger.

For Worth County, Jill Hardy and EmiLee Brown had 11 each. Morgan Beagle had 8, Braidy Hunt 4, and Taylor Sanders and Megan Cassavaugh 3 each.

Megan Cassavaugh had 6 rebounds. Morgan Beagle had 5, EmiLee Brown, Braidy Hunt, Jill Hardy, and Kynah Steele all had 3, and Kara Staton and Autumn Cousatte each had 1.

Megan Cassavaugh had 6 assists. Morgan Beagle and Jill Hardy had 3, and Braidy Hunt had 2.

Morgan Beagle had 6 tips. Megan Cassavaugh and Jill Hardy had 5 each, Braidy Hunt 4, and Taylor Sanders and EmiLee Brown 1.

Megan Cassavaugh had 5 steals. Braidy Hunt had 4, Jill Hardy 2, and Kara Staton and Morgan Beagle had 1 each.

For North Harrison, Emma Craig had 15. Camden Castleberry had 5, Kami Gibson 4, and Trendi Johnson and Jayliegh Robins 2 each.

Emma Craig had 13 boards. Jayliegh Robins had 6, Kami Gibson and Erin Virtue 4 each, and Camden Castleberry, Halle Morgan, and Trendi Johnson 3 each.

Jayliegh Robins had 4 assists. Camden Castleberry had 3, Kami Gibson 2, and Erin Virtue and Halle Morgan 1 each.

Camden Castleberry, Emma Craig, and Jayliegh Robins had 5 tips. Trendi Johnson had 4, and Halle Morgan and Kami Gibson had 1 each.

Jayliegh Robins and Trendi Johnson had 2 steals each. Emma Craig and Halle Morgan had 1 each.

Over 300 Worth County Residents Get At Least One COVID Vaccination

Over 300 Worth County residents have gotten at least one dose of the Coronavirus vaccine, the Tri-County Health Department reported Tuesday. There have been 353 residents who have gotten their first dose for a total of 17.5% of the population. That is ahead of the state population, which is around 10%. There have been 74 people in Worth County who have received their second dose. 

In Gentry County, 975 people have gotten their first dose and 280 have received their second dose. That is 14.8% of the population.

Statewide, 634,393 people have gotten at least one dose and 239,293 have gotten their second dose.

There are four active cases in Worth County. The positive test rate is around 2%. There are 11 active cases in Gentry County, with a positive test rate of 3.64%. Positive test rates throughout the state and country have dropped sharply in recent weeks.