Serving The City of Wentzville, Missouri Since 2011
Wentzville Hometown News
“The Week In Review & Upcoming Events”
Sunday Published by Zamco LLC
Number 1 Volume 1
May 5, 2013
Wentzville Mother Shoots Her Son, Then Kills Herself Wentzville, MO.-Police investigating a shooting in Wentzville said today a mother shot her son then turned the gun on herself. Police identified the woman as Laurie L. Anderson, 44. The shooting was reported around 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Niagra by a 911 call made by Anderson's son, just north of Wentzville Parkway. He told police that his mother shot him then shot herself. Wentzville Police spokesman Maj. Paul West said officers arrived at the scene to find Anderson's son, who had been shot, lying on a driveway. They pulled the child from the residence, and an officer picked up the child and carried him to an ambulance about a block away, while a SWAT team was summoned to the house. Further investigation revealed that Anderson was inside the home and was dead from an apparent gunshot wound, West said. A 45-caliber hand gun was used in the shooting. Her son was transported to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and then transferred to St. Louis University Hospital. He was listed in stable condition. Police declined to release his name because he is a juvenile. No other details were provided. "We are still piecing everything together," West said. Anderson's husband, Roy, was not home at the time of the shooting, West said.
Wentzville man pointed gun at motorist on Interstate 70, police say Wentzville-A Wentzville man has been charged after he allegedly pointed a handgun at his girlfriend's estranged husband while the two were driving down Interstate 70. Nathaniel Anthony Gathing, 35, of the 500 block of Great Oaks Meadow Drive, has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon. According to police, shortly after midnight Wednesday, Gathing pulled up next to the man's car and began yelling at him as the two traveled at 60 mph down westbound I-70. When they got near the Cave Springs exit, the man rolled down his window to listen to what Gathing was saying. Gathing picked up a semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the man, police say, before accelerating away in the fast. lane. The man spotted a St. Peters policeman and told him what happened. The officer gave pursuit as Gathing turned onto eastbound interstate 370. At one point Gathing drove on the shoulder of the highway at a slower speed, and eventually he stopped. Gathing admitted that he threw his handgun out the window. Bail has been set at $25,000 in the case
A Missouri bill would make it harder to get unemployment JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Employees fired for missing work and for disobeying company rules could have a harder time claiming unemployment benefits under a bill passed by the Missouri Legislature Wednesday. The House voted 98-57 Wednesday to send the measure to Gov. Jay Nixon. The Senate passed the same bill in February. Current law denies unemployment benefits to workers who were fired because they engaged in “misconduct” at the workplace. But the legislation would expand the definition of “misconduct” to include things like chronic absenteeism and “knowing” violations of an employer’s rules. The bill’s supporters said during the House debate that many workers fired for sleeping on the job are currently allowed to collect benefits. The current standard of misconduct requires “willful disregard” of an employer’s interests and a “deliberate” violation of rules. Opponents argued the measure would deny unemployment benefits to people fired for unjust reasons, such as forgetting to wear a nametag. “Let’s not again kick the worker while they’re down,” said Rep. Courtney Curtis, D-St. Louis.
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Wentzville tax money designed for new parks diverted, parks still not constructed Wentzville-Three years after a half cent sales tax passed in Wentzville to fund three new parks, the city still has nothing to show for it. Construction has started on only one of the parks, and News 4 has learned that not only are the parks not being built, the sales tax money promised is being used for other projects. Mayor Nick Guccione promises the parks will come, and says it’s just a matter of when. “We are going to make sure the voters get what they voted for,” he said. “One way or the other it’s going to happen.” The measure passed in 2010, and areas marked to be ball fields are still more field than anything. “At the end of the day when you see these parks and what was presented to the public I think they’ll be very happy,” Guccione said. “We’d like to get the ball fields started soon but that’s probably not going to happen until next year.” Even though the tax increase was pitched to fund new parks, Guccione says it isn’t misleading that the funds aren’t being used for the projects. Officials say they’ve done nothing wrong. “It’s still their tax dollars to go to fund the parks we do have now,” he said. Each Wentzville resident will continue paying about $50 per year more under the new tax.
Wentzville man charged with first degree domestic assault armed criminal action and burglary The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued charges of first degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, and burglary 1st, with a $350,000 bond on Jerry Beatty, a 52-year-old Wentzville man. O’Fallon police said Beatty forcibly entered a home in the 100 block of Stage Coach Landing on April 26. Police said the suspect, who was an ex-boyfriend of the victim, forcibly entered the victim’s home with a loaded handgun. At the time of the forcible entry the victim had an active ex parte order of protection against Beatty, police said. The suspect allegedly grabbed the victim by her hair and shoved her to the floor, pulling the trigger on the weapon repeatedly. The handgun did not fire. Police said the victim tried to run away but the suspect caught her, shoved her down to the floor and again attempted to shoot her, but still the weapon did not fire.The suspect then fled the scene. Police located the Beatty leaving the scene and attempted to stop him but he fled and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into the center median of I-70 near the Jennings Station road exit. The suspect was transported to an area hospital for serious injuries. Employees fired for a rule they did not know or that was unlawful would still be able to receive unemployment compensation. Senator Will Kraus from the Kansas City area says the proposed measure will cut costs to businesses who are the ones who pay the unemployment benefits by cracking down on workers who are guilty of outrageous misconduct and still get benefits. "I think there are people getting benefits that should not get them," he said. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce said in a statement released after the bill passed Wednesday that the measure would help pay down the state’s $500 million debt on unemployment insurance by reducing abuses to the system. “It’s a bill designed to protect the system for those who need it, employees that are terminated at no fault of their own,” the statement said.
Wentzville Police Department launches Xist Fitness Center and Strip Mall at 'Arrive Alive' campaign Wentzville Bluffs Gets P&Z Nod
By Tamara Duncan
Patch Reporter
WENTZVILLE, Mo.- It's prom and graduation season and Wentzville police are using social media to warn teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving. The department announced the state-wide "Arrive Alive" campaign on Facebook Wednesday. The message is simple, drinking and driving don't mix. Police are also visiting schools and stepping up weekend patrols. "We try to use every outlet of media that we can so get the message out there that we would rather call your parents to come get you at the police department than come get you at the morgue," said Maj. Paul West. Wentzville and law enforcement agencies across the state will crack down on drunk driving during a special campaign that runs May 2 through May 13.
Wentzville Girl Scouts reach top honor Wentzville-Holt High School students Kelsey Buford and Maddie Berviller recently received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization's highest honor. The gold award requires that Girl Scouts complete 80 hours of work on a project that fulfills a community need, creates change and is sustainable. Kelsey, a junior at Holt, coordinated a project to teach elementary-age girls the importance of nutrition and fitness. She enlisted the help of 15 Holt varsity female athletes, a health teacher, an athletic trainer from Pro-Rehab and Holt's National Honors Society to organize a morning fitness program. The event featured health stations with nutritional information and stations where athletes taught girls sports skills. Kelsey is a member of Troop 2601 and the daughter of Jennifer and John Buford of Wentzville. Maddie, a senior, created a therapeutic Fairy Garden at Wentzville Crisis Nursery. Fellow Scouts helped her fill the garden with different colors, textures and scents meant to ignite the senses of visitors. Children staying in the nursery helped Maddie make stepping stones for the garden. Her garden will help serve as a respite from stresses in the lives of children at the nursery. Maddie is the daughter of Jeff and Kathy Berviller of Wentzville and a member of Troop 1166.
Wentzville-The once-stalled business development is well on the road to reality. Development at Wentzville Bluffs, a new business development in the southwest corner of the I-70/Highway Z intersection, is moving along. On Wednesday night, the Wentzville Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan for a strip mall at the development that will include a new fitness center, Xist Fitness. City staff recommended approval of the 25,900 square foot fitness center and 14,835 square feet of small retail shops at the location. The commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan, which will now go on to the Wentzville Board of Aldermen. The Board of Aldermen has already approved the site plan for a Hotshots sports bar in the Bluffs development.
Hotshots, the popular sports bar and grill, is looking to open a new location in Wentzville. By Tamara Duncan Patch Reporter
Teen's reason for police chase: Had to go to prom WENTZVILLE, MO - Police say a St. Louis-area teenager had a simple answer for leading police on a lengthy, dangerous chase: He didn't want to miss prom. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the chase happened Friday in Wentzville. The suspect, 19-year-old Daniel Buck of O'Fallon, is charged with felony resisting arrest and several traffic citations. An officer sought to pull over an SUV for numerous active warrants. Police say Buck saw police and sped away. Stop sticks eventually disabled the SUV. Buck allegedly told police he fled because he was driving with a revoked license and had nine warrants for failure to appear on various charges. He reportedly said he didn't want to go to jail because he was supposed to take his girlfriend to prom the next night.
New Fairfield Inn & Suites Rising in Wentzville Wentzville-Fairfield Inn & Suites, a new hotel in Wentzville located behind Bob Evans Restaurant, will have 90 guest rooms and is slated to open as soon as October. Construction on Wentzville's new upscale, four-story hotel is moving along, creating a new skyline in the West Pearce/Wentzville Boulevard business district. Three floors have already been framed in, with work starting on the fourth.
Wentzville-Representatives for the sports bar were in front of the Wentzville Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday night. If approved—Hotshots would have to get final approval from the city's board of aldermen—it would move into a location on the west side of Highway Z, just north of Wentzville Bluffs Drive. On Thursday, Hotshots was requesting a conditional use permit for the sale of liquor by the drink and indoor gaming. The sports bar, which would provide indoor and outdoor dining, would help anchor a 26-acre development in the area. Now, the closest Hotshots to Wentzville is in O'Fallon. Officials for Hotshots anticipate the Wentzville location to do in excess of $2 million in sales annually. The restaurant would also likely bring in more than a dozen jobs.
Teacher Sexually Touched Home Schooled Student By Joe Scott of Patch
Wentzville-A teacher is being accused of sexually touching a 10-year-old student during a home school session in Lake Saint Louis. Joseph T. Maddock, charged Monday in St. Charles County with first-degree statutory sodomy, taught at several private and public schools in the St. Louis County and St. Charles County since 2001. Lake Saint Louis Police said Maddock, 34, of the first block of Cedar Bluff in Lake Saint Louis, met the boy and his parents while he was teaching at another school. Police reported he convinced the boy’s parents to teach the boy in a home-school environment. Maddock had been teaching at the boy’s Lake Saint Louis home five days a week during the school year. Police said he would rub the boy’s back and stomach as he read stories. During a reading session in January, Maddock put his hand down the front of the boy’s pants and touched his penis and pulled his hand out, according to a court document. Maddock has been teaching at Dynamic Pathways in O’Fallon this year, police said. According to a court document, he previously taught at the following schools during the dates indicated: Andrews Academy in Creve Coeur in 2012 Epworth School in Webster Groves, 20011 The St. Michael School of Clayton, 2008-2010 The Wilson School in Clayton, 2007-2008 Rockwood School District, 2006-2008 Rock Springs Elementary in Florida, 2003-2005 YMCA – Parkway after-school care, 2002-2003 Lindbergh School District Early Child Development, 2001-2002 Capt. Chris Digiuseppi of Lake Saint Louis Police said they are aware of one victim. He said if other victims are discovered, they will be added to the case against Maddock. Maddock is being held by St. Charles County Corrections. Bail was set at $50,000, cash only.
Illinois, Missouri dispute naming bridge after Stan Musial
Missouri State Wide News MoDOT urges drivers to share the road for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month The Department of Transportation is urging motorists and motorcyclists to share the road this month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Spokesman Chris Lubbert is reminding motorists to be extra attentive as the weather gets warmer and asks them to watch out for motorcyclists. Drivers of cars and trucks are also encouraged to give motorcyclists several car lengths of space and make sure they’re visible in blind spots to avoid accidents. Lubbert says motorcycle crashes typically increase between the months of April through October. “You will start to see a larger amount of motorcyclists on Missouri’s roadways,” Lubbert said. “You’ll see them riding as individuals or you may even see them riding in groups, and remember to just be cautious and mindful of them and give them plenty of room; whether you’re behind them, passing them or they’re passing you.” Lubbert says the May campaign is is also a way to raise awareness for motorcyclists. Riders are reminded to stay visible to drivers and wear protective gear when they ride. “It’s important to wear a helmet, but also full length pants, full armed jackets, gloves and boots, just to protect them in the event of a crash,” Lubbert said. “And to make sure that people riding are fully trained. He says many motorcyclists out there don’t have a motorcycle license, so the department wants to make sure riders have the skills they need to ride on Missouri roadways. Lubbert says last year, 19 of 102 motorcycle fatalities happened in the month of May.
Missouri and Kansas rank high as places to retire Missouri and Kansas are two of the best states to retire in, based on a new study released by Bankrate.com. Missouri ranked 11th on the list while Kansas ranked 13th. The study looked at medical care, crime, tax burden, average temperature and cost of living. Missouri has an average temperature of 54.8 degrees, the 12th lowest cost of living, 3.1 hospital beds per 1,000 people, a property and violent crime rate of 3,756 per 100,000 people, and a state and local tax burden of about 9 percent. Kansas has average temperatures of 54.57 degrees, the 4th lowest cost of living, 3.5 doctors per 1,000 people, a property and violent crime rate of 3,434 per 100,000 people and a state and local tax burden of about 9.7 percent. Tennessee was ranked as the best state to retire, followed by Louisiana, South Dakota, Kentucky and Mississippi. Oregon was listed as the worst state to retire, followed by Alaska, Washington, California and Wisconsin.
Missouri man to be sentenced for raping woman, leaving her in freezer
ST. LOUIS -- Bickering between Missouri and Illinois over how to fund the sorely needed Mississippi River bridge at St. Louis stalled the $670 million project for years. Now that construction is in full swing, the two states are at it again, debating what the span should be named - and who has the prevailing authority to do it. The spat deepened this week, when the Illinois House voted 109-0 on a resolution for the Interstate 70 crossing to be dubbed the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Never mind that Missouri lawmakers and key members of Congress from both states insist it should bear the name of late St. Louis Cardinals icon Stan "The Man" Musial -"the Stan Span," for short. The two ideas have at least one commonality, albeit slight: Musial, the Hall of Famer and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient who died in January at age 92, was a veteran, having served in the Navy during World War II Beyond that, there's little to bridge the states' divide over what to call the region's first span across the Mississippi in more than four decades. Leading the charge on the Veterans Memorial Bridge moniker, Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman - a Democrat from Belleville, 20 miles east of St. Louis and a towering Musial statue gracing Busch Stadium - insisted that "by naming this bridge in memory of the men and women who have served our nation, we are honoring them on a daily basis." Hoffman said making veterans the namesake of the crossing - scheduled to open next year - would become official if the Illinois Senate and Missouri lawmakers agree to it.
MOBERLY, Mo.—A Moberly man convicted of raping a woman and leaving her in a freezer to die will be sentenced in June. Thirty-six-year-old Sean Williams was to be sentenced Friday for four felony convictions but the sentencing was delayed until June 7. Williams was convicted in February of being one of four men who assaulted the woman after partying with her at a Moberly motel in February 2012. The victim told police the four men took her to an abandoned basement, where they tied her hands and sexually and physically assaulted her. They placed her in the freezer, with cinder blocks on top. It had no air holes. The Moberly Monitor-Index reports the woman was able to escape after the men left the home.
Wentzville Upcoming Events A DAY AT THE BAYOU Presented by the Wentzville Firefighters Community Outreach
Let the good times roll. Come on out and join the Wentzville Firefighters for their 2nd annual “Day at the Bayou’ Crawfish and Shrimp boil! Enjoy some good food, good drink and get to know some great Wentzville neighbors. There’ll be plenty of live mud bugs and brew, so be ready to let your hair down. Come one come all and show your support for our local men and women firefighters!
Location: Rookies Bar & Grill Time: Beer pour at 5:00pm, boiling at 5:30pm Menu: Crawfish, shrimp, sausage, potatoes. corn Soda & Hot Dogs for the kiddies Price: $25.00 per ticket or $60.00 for family of 4, Kids $5.00
Free Bar Bingo Every Wednesday Night At The Pub
Wentzville-The Olde Towne Pub is just one block South of Pearce Boulevard and across the railroad tracks. It is situated in an historic brick building that has been restored to its former grandeur. Weather permitting, outside seating is available. Wi-Fi is available free of charge and patrons are encouraged to play darts and bar-top video games, as well as watch the large-screen televisions. Patrons are invited to join the VIP club for drink discounts and also to have their name gold-plated on a single brick within the walls of the pub. Old Town Pub is located at 107 S Linn Ave. in Wentzville. For more information call 636639-2337.
“All You Can Eat!”
Great deals at the Wentzville flea market every Sunday ay 6:30am!
*NO ANIMALS will be allowed to be bought, sold, given away or be in the company of anyone on the flea market grounds; due to state laws and requirements. Spaces -$25 rent - due upon request (Coordinators, with ID badges, will come to each space to collect rent). Indoor and Outdoor spaces available. Spaces are first come/first taken prior to 7am; unless marked 'RESERVED'. Reserved spaces are paid in advance each month all year long. A waitlist is available, if you wish to sign up. Restrooms, ample parking, heating and airconditioning in Community Club Builiding.
Dining Out for Hope Wentzville, MO – Crider Health Center and Ruby Tuesday are partnering to provide hope for healthier lives to those in our community who need it most. On May 9th and 10th, diners who visit Ruby Tuesday in Wentzville will have 20% of their purchase donated to Crider Health Center simply by presenting a flyer to their server. Flyers can be found on the event page of Crider’s website at www.cridercenter.org. All donations will fund the various programs and services Crider provides for underserved individuals living in St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Franklin Counties. “We are so very grateful to Ruby Tuesday for helping us provide hope for healthier lives to those in our community who are uninsured, underinsured, receiving Medicaid/Medicare or living at or below poverty,” said Pam Imboden, marketing and development manager at Crider Health Center. For those in our community who are living in poverty or do not have access to health insurance, choosing between taking their child to the doctor or purchasing groceries for their family is a decision that can weigh heavily on the minds of parents and place a great deal of strain on an already tight budget. For those who are dependent on Medicaid or Medicare, the process of finding a provider can often prove to be time consuming and difficult. “Crider Health Center provides top-notch, quality healthcare to those in the community who need it most,” said Imboden. “Without our services, many in our community would not have the opportunity to have their healthcare needs addressed causing them to give up all hope of living fuller, more productive, and healthier lives. We are happy to joining forces with Ruby Tuesday to provide hope.” Making a difference in the lives of others is as easy as 1-2-3! Visit a participating Ruby Tuesday on May 9 or May 10. Present a flyer (found at www.cridercenter.org) to your server when ordering. 20% of your purchase will be donated to Crider Health Center. Sit back and let the staff at Ruby Tuesday take care of you! Thursday, May 9, 2013, 11:00 am, Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, 1218 W Pearce Blvd, Wentzville, MO