OFFICIALS ENCOURAGING MOTORISTS TO BE SAFE WHILE CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR
The New Year is almost here and officials are reminding everyone who is planning to get out and celebrate tonight to drive safely.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, during the 2024 New Year’s counting period, nine people were killed and 293 were injured in 821 traffic crashes in Missouri.
If you are driving to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, remember to designate a sober driver or take a ride service to get home safely.
The 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. tonight and ends at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.
LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BEGIN ISSUING CITATIONS FOR CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING
Missouri police officers will begin issuing citations tomorrow for using a cell phone while driving.
In Missouri, it is illegal to hold or support a cell phone, or an electronic communication device, in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Missouri roads.
Drivers can still make or receive calls via hands free devices, such as speakerphones, connecting their phone to their vehicle, or using aftermarket bluetooth devices.
Law enforcement officers will begin issuing citations for violations of the hands-free law beginning on January 1st.
DEADLINE APPROACHING TO PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAX
The new year is approaching fast, which means that it is time to pay your personal property tax.
Butler County Collector Emily Parks tells KWOC News that the Collector’s office will be open today from 8 am to 4 pm and the office will remain open through the lunch hour. After hours, residents can also pay at the drop box on the east side of the Butler County Courthouse.
You can also pay your property tax online at ButlerCountyMO.com.
Parks says that interest and penalties are added to the amount due at the beginning of each month for anyone who misses the deadline.
If you are paying by mail, it must be postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalties. Parks says that the best way to ensure that is the case is to take your mail inside the post office to drop it off.
PERSON AIRLIFTED TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING SIDE BY SIDE CRASH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
One person was airlifted to an area hospital Sunday night following a side by side crash.
According to Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder, at around 6:30 pm, deputies were dispatched to a single vehicle crash in the area of County Road 320.
The two occupants of the vehicle were found to have injuries, with one being in critical condition. Snyder says that the critical patient was flown to a Memphis hospital, while the other was transported via ambulance to an area hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve which resulted in the crash.
SEMO RISEN RIDERS POLAR BEAR RUN SCHEDULED FOR NEW YEARS DAY
The SEMO Risen Riders will be hosting their annual Polar Bear Run on New Year’s Day.
Officials say the motorcycle ride will start at 1 pm Wednesday at Light House Church in Dexter. The ride will be preceded by a hot dog and chili lunch.
All vehicles are welcome and the length of the ride will be determined by the temperature outside.
CULVERT REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF PEMISCOT COUNTY ROAD
Route P in Pemiscot County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace several culverts under the roadway.
The section of roadway being closed is located from County Road 266 to East Cleveland Street in Hayti.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
