Latest news with #OzarksFirstInvestigates
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Thayer PD denies releasing body cam footage of officers killing dog
THAYER, Mo. – A Sunshine Law request for body camera footage related to a controversial recent police killing of a dog in Thayer has been denied. However, based on the police department's response, it's unclear if the attorney for Thayer Police actually reviewed the body camera footage prior to denying Ozarks First Investigates' Sunshine Law request. The response reads, 'Pursuant to 610.100.2(4), the requested record would be closed. I am basing that on the assumption that the video was recorded on private property (non-public location) and would contain images of a juvenile.' Small town demands body cam footage after Thayer police officers kill dog Ozarks First Investigates is working to learn if the department can confirm the video was filmed on private property and/or contains video footage of a minor. If so, the video would only be releasable to the person depicted in the video, or their guardian or attorney: 610.100.2.(4) Except as provided in subsections 3 and 5 of this section, a mobile video recording that is recorded in a nonpublic location is authorized to be closed, except that any person who is depicted in the recording or whose voice is in the recording, a legal guardian or parent of such person if he or she is a minor, a family member of such person within the first degree of consanguinity if he or she is deceased or incompetent, an attorney for such person, or insurer of such person, upon written request, may obtain a complete, unaltered, and unedited copy of a recording under and pursuant to this section. The denial comes as a growing number of people demand answers following the fatal shooting, which occurred on April 18 in response to an alleged dog attack on a child. According to a press release from the Thayer Police Department, officers responded to a report of a dog bite involving a 5-year-old child around 3:23 p.m. that Friday. The child sustained injuries to the neck, prompting officers to call for an Oregon County Ambulance. Police say the dog remained at large when officers arrived and later 'aggressively charged' them during the investigation. One officer was reportedly bitten before police opened fire, killing the animal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Small town demands body cam footage after Thayer police officers kill dog
Thayer, Mo. – A growing number of people are demanding answers after Thayer police fatally shot a dog last Friday in response to an alleged attack on a child. The incident has sparked widespread concern online, with dozens of social media users calling for the release of body camera footage. According to a press release from the Thayer Police Department, officers responded to a report of a dog bite involving a 5-year-old child around 3:23 p.m. on April 18 near Brewer Street. The child sustained injuries to the neck, prompting officers to call for an Oregon County Ambulance. Police say the dog remained at large when officers arrived and later 'aggressively charged' them during the investigation. One officer was reportedly bitten before police opened fire, killing the animal. The department emphasized in the statement that Thayer city ordinances prohibit dogs from running loose and regulate the presence of 'vicious dogs.' Officials also noted ongoing strain on city animal control resources, citing frequent calls about loose dogs and limited capacity at the local pound. 'Clearly the outcome of this incident is not what anybody wants to see,' the department said. 'However, our officers will do whatever is necessary to protect the public and themselves.' The press release shared on Facebook the morning after the incident has hundreds of reactions and comments. Still, the department's account has been met with skepticism by some residents. In online posts and comments, several individuals claim the dog may have been on its own property and in labor at the time of the shooting. As public pressure mounts, Ozarks First Investigates has submitted a Sunshine Law request seeking the release of the body camera footage from the incident. The footage could provide crucial insight into the moments leading up to the shooting and potentially address conflicting accounts. The incident continues to stir debate in Thayer and beyond, raising questions not only about animal control enforcement but also about transparency and accountability in law enforcement responses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Does the City of Springfield lose money on the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival?
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Data obtained by Ozarks First Investigates reveals that the City of Springfield has spent over $100,000 on its signature event, the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, since 2019. Launched in 2010, the festival has become a major local tradition. However, it's set to expand beyond Springfield next year, as Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced a new statewide initiative and significant investment to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Tourism revenue remains a key motivation for festival organizers. Officials tout the event's ability to draw crowds and boost local businesses. However, not everyone agrees. Last year, several downtown Springfield businesses came together to voice concerns, claiming the festival has negatively impacted them for years. A six-year review provided by the city shows the festival's expenses have outweighed its income. According to the data, expenses exceeded revenue in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The festival was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to offset costs, the city spent a total of $110,104.40 on the event over the six-year period — even after receiving additional support from the State of Missouri. City spokesperson Cora Scott told Ozarks First Investigates that Springfield aims to break even each year. But in 2024, the largest share of spending went toward production and entertainment costs, according to city estimates. Revenue for the festival typically comes from merchandise sales and sponsorships. For example, the West Central Neighborhood Alliance received a $50,000 grant to support the event. In addition, the city was awarded $250,000 in 2022 from the Missouri Department of Tourism, which Scott said was used to fund festivals between 2022 and 2024. 'The goal of the City is to bring people to town to stay in our hotels, frequent our restaurants and spend money on all the great things Springfield has to offer,' said Scott, who will also serve as chair of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission, The Road Ahead Partnership, formed to honor the historic highway's 100-year milestone. City leaders estimate the 2023 festival attracted about 65,000 visitors, consistent with previous years. However, quantifying the financial impact — such as sales tax revenue from tourism — remains difficult. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Charge dropped against Humansville city employee accused of rigging election
HUMANSVILLE, Mo. – Just weeks before the case was set to go to trial, the felony election offense charge filed against Humansville Utility Clerk Sophia Piper have been dropped. Humansville clerk accused of preventing candidates from running in April election According to an official complaint obtained by Ozarks First Investigates from the Secretary of State, Piper was accused of blocking certain candidates from submitting paperwork to run in the April 2024 election. According to a statement from Polk County Prosecutor Keaton Ashlock the person who filed that official complaint, along with other witnesses, failed to cooperate in the case which led to its dismissal: 'The Polk County Prosecutor has dismissed case 24WE-CR01059-01 which was initiatedthrough grand jury indictment on the charge of felony Election Interference under RSMo115.631 on July 10, 2024. This decision was made after two of the State's main witnesses failed to appear onsubpoenas for depositions leading up to the scheduled trial date of April 30, 2025. This includedthe sole witness named in the probable cause statement submitted by the Secretary of State'sOffice, whose account was the basis for the charge. The Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States guarantees the right of acriminal defendant to confront and cross-examine witnesses at a trial. Furthermore, the rules ofthe Missouri Supreme Court Rule of Criminal Procedure 25 gives defendants the ability todepose witnesses prior to trial. Without the cooperation of witnesses at depositions, and with no assurance that theProsecution would be able to provide necessary testimony at a forthcoming trial, the Prosecutor's Office deemed a dismissal necessary.' Ozarks First Investigates asked Piper about the allegations at a city council meeting and she denied any wrongdoing. Her case was moved to Webster County where a jury trial was scheduled for April 30, 2025, but it's now cancelled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Stockton woman ignored animal care violations, State says
STOCKTON, Mo. – Ozarks First Investigates is uncovering additional information about the woman at the center of an animal cruelty investigation and rescue operation in Cedar County, where multiple dead animals, including skeletal remains of dogs, were found. On April 3, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 42 dogs and nine cats in dire condition from Sarah Walborn's Stockton-based business, Wynter Knights Kennel and Grooming. Ozarks First Investigates dug through court documents revealing the State of Missouri took legal action against Walborn the month prior, in March 2025. Filings allege that since becoming a licensed breeder in February 2024, Walborn violated multiple provisions of the Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. Records show violations include, but are not limited to: (1) Failed to provide adequate veterinarian care for several animals under her care (2) Failed to provide adequate shade for animals (3) Failed to provide adequate, clean, dry bedding material (4) Failed to remove excreta or food waste from enclosures daily (5) Failed to properly identify animals being held at the Facility, purchased, boarded, sheltered, or otherwise acquired, sold, released, given away or otherwise disposed of, or removed from the Facility for any reason (6) Failed to maintain required medical records on all animals brought (7) Failed to conduct daily observations of all animals to assess their health and well-being (8) Failed to provide adequate shelter structure for outdoor facilities housing animals USPS updates service standards, impacting mail delivery times The state claims that despite numerous inspections and citations from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, including four visits from June 2024 to February 2025, Walborn did not address the violations and continued to operate under substandard conditions. The April 3 discovery prompted action from the Animal Cruelty Task Force, which was supported by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Corgis, Alaskan Malamutes, and Doodle mixes were among the breeds rescued. 'The severe neglect these poor animals suffered is abhorrent and inexcusable,' said Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure the rescued dogs and cats are rehabilitated and given a second chance at a happier life.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
