Lamar teens involved in fatal crash, Missouri State Highway Patrol investigate

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. — Just before 2 a.m. Sunday morning reports of a crash along State Route V near NE 40th alerted Barton County E-911.

A Barton County Deputy arrived first, locating the crash about 10 miles northwest of Lamar. Missouri State Highway Patrol were notified.

On scene we learn it was a single vehicle crash with three occupants, the driver, Benjamin Harrington, 18, of Lamar was killed.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Major Crash Investigation Unit (MCIU), incl. Cpl K.R. Waters, was summoned to assist the investigation.

The two passengers were teens from Lamar. Female, 16, suffered serious injuries. She was transported AIR EVAC to Mercy Springfield.

Male, 16, suffered minor injuries and was picked up by family. He was the only occupant wearing a seat belt.

Crash occurred as [Chevy Impala] ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a bluff and overturned.” — Tpr A.G. Torbeck of Troop D

Next of kin are notified. Barton County Coroner Sarah Rutledge pronounced the deceased at time of crash. The body was transported to Daniels Funeral Home of Lamar.

Parks Towing removed the crashed vehicle and debris. The roadway was reopened to traffic about 6 a.m.

This is a breaking news story, stay with KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below and sign up for our news alerts so you don’t miss an article.

 

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MFA tanker truck overturns near Golden City, Mo.

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. — Friday morning just before 7:30 a.m. reports of an MFA truck overturned on the SW corner of State Hwy T and MO-126 alerted Barton County E-911.

Golden City Fire, Barton County Ambulance and Barton County Deputies responded. Missouri State Highway Patrol were notified.

On scene we learn from Tpr A. Torbeck it was a single vehicle crash. He noted the skid marks on MO-126, saying the MFA driver slammed on his brakes as a vehicle ran the stop sign traveling south on State Hwy T. The vehicles did not collide.

The westbound MFA truck swerved and laid over in the ditch. The vehicle that ran the stop sign, continued driving south.

The MFA driver refused medical transport to a hospital.

Schrader’s Towing were summoned to upright and remove the crashed truck.

Tpr Torbeck tells us although the outer sheet metal of the truck tank was damaged, the contents remained intact.

The crash scene was cleared and all traffic resumed about 10 a.m.

Thanks to our tipsters who let us know what was happening in Barton County. Message us on FB messenger or you can text or call our tipline. Find the number in the about section on FB.

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Prairie State Park in Barton County introduce their new pumpkin colored Bison calf

BARTON COUNTY, Mo.Prairie State Park, 45 minutes north of Joplin, boasts a herd of about 100 American Bison.

Although American Bison once roamed the entire state they were driven out 100 years ago.  However Prairie State Park have been successful reintroducing them to the state.

Saturday Prairie State Park staff released a video of their newest addition.

“This little one is only days old and is staying very close to mom for protection and meals. Being the littlest, he sometimes needs to lay down and rest with mom right there when the herd moves around, but they catch up quickly,” park staff state online.

prairie_datasheet_01_2018

American Bison are the largest animals in Missouri.  One can weigh 2,500 pounds. Obviously this little guy has some growing to do.

Park staff welcome the public, “Come on out and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see our new pumpkin colored calf!”

It’s an easy drive north on MO-43 from the Joplin area.  Click here for directions or see map below.

GUIDED BISON SAUNTER EVENT

Prairie State Park will have a Guided Bison Saunter on Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 10 a.m.

“What is a ‘saunter’?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means “to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL” (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.

Fall is upon us, and cooler temperatures are soon to come. Grasses are reaching their peak height, and bison are ready for the cooler days. It is a great time to visit the prairie and observe bison.

| THEY ASK YOU TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THE BISON SAUNTER, CLICK HERE

Visitors should be prepared for at least a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Since we won’t know the location of the bison until the morning of the event, bringing water and snacks and wearing sturdy footwear is recommended. Please prepare for the weather. (source: media release)

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to follow news and stories where you live.  Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email list so you don’t miss an article.

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Lamar, Mo. death investigation, crime scene tape wraps a residence on Allen Street

LAMAR, Mo. — Thursday morning just before 3 a.m. officers of the Lamar Police Dept and Barton County Ambulance responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Allen St. regarding woman possibly not breathing.

Chief Joseph Moore tells KOAM’s Shannon Becker EMS began life-saving measures immediately.

The 36-year-old female was rushed to Cox Barton County by BCA, however later was pronounced deceased.

Chief Moore says they have scheduled an autopsy for tomorrow in Springfield.

For now Lamar Police Detectives are gathering evidence and the residence on the east side of town is surrounded in crime scene tape.

The deceased’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

In a release of information they ask if anyone has information regarding this incident to please contact the Lamar Police Department at 417-682-3546.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email alerts so you don’t miss an article.

Barton County Mo. Burn Ban set by county Commissioners

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. — Monday Barton County Commissioners issued a burn ban in the county.

County wide burn ban is now in effect for Barton county, please share to let people know. Per Barton County Commissioners starting today [7.18] until further notice there will be a burn ban in effect for all of Barton County.” – Lamar Fire Dept

Lamar City Hall state in a release to citizens, “Our county Commissioners have issued a burn ban. Please do not burn anything until further notice.

Tuesday evening Liberal Fire Protection District acknowledged the burn ban on social media, “Just want to let everyone know that Barton County is under a Burn Ban until further notice, Thanks have a great day!”

According to the Missouri Drought Monitor the county is at a moderate drought level. Click for active map showing all Missouri counties and current status.

Conditions historically experienced during moderate drought conditions:

Topsoil is dry; corn yield is small; pastures are not growing; crops are stressed
Urban watering is extensive
Fire threat increases; burn bans begin
Pond and river levels decline

Look for Golden City on Friday to give kids a chance to cool off in a hydrant!

Memories for a new generation were made Monday as Golden City Fire opened a fire hydrant at B and Vine. The city states on social media, “Hey Guys…. Let’s do it again!!!!!! This Friday, July 22, at 2pm!!!”

RELATED:

> Hot, dry forecast leads to concerns for grass fires

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Grass fire started by hay baler at Wildwood Ranch, 100 acres burn

El Dorado Springs, Mo. Fire respond to baler fire

Grass fire at former 66 Speedway property

 

Arcadia State Line Store and residence burn, fire under investigation

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. – In the extreme northwest corner of Barton County the Liberal Rural Fire Dept fought a fire at the Arcadia State Line Store and residence on Monday.  The location was on the Missouri side of State Line Road where East Race Street ends.

Upon arrival crews found heavy fire extending from the home to the store next door. Crews were able to stop the fire from completely spreading into the old store next door, but it did suffer some damage on the side closest to the home. There were no injuries to report thankfully as all occupants and pets had made it out safely,”Arcadia Fire state in a release of information.

Arma Fire Department/Crawford County Fire District #2 responded with manpower to help relieve firefighters battling over two hours. Arcadia Fire expressed gratitude stating, “A huge thank you to them for that!

The cause of fire is still under investigation.” – Liberal Fire Protection District

Arma Fire stated online late Monday evening, “Engine 2, Rescue 1, and Chief 2 responded to the mutual aid alarm along with Arcadia, Kansas – Volunteer Fire Department for a residential structure fire just across the state line in Missouri. Mutual aid partnerships are vital to the success of our departments and we are always ready and willing to help our neighbors.”

This is a developing story, stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below to sign up for JLNews1st email alerts so you don’t miss an article.

Liberal Fire Protection District is lead by Chief Brent Hanshaw, a.k.a. Liberal Rural Fire Department (LRFD) proudly serves the citizens of Liberal, Mindenmines, Oskaloosa, Hannon, Burgess, Verdella, Missouri, and the surrounding rural area. Click here to follow them on social media and keep up with their work.

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