FROM DEXTER POLICE DEPARTMENT!

UPDATE: 08/25/2015 3:35PM

Thanks to your tips, the subject has been identified as Edward Lusk. It was then determined that Lusk already had an active parole absconder warrant issued for his arrest.

After a manhunt that lasted most of the early afternoon, Lusk was apprehended at a residence in Dexter. Again, it was tips from citizens that allowed us to locate and arrest Lusk.

Missouri - The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to pay attention every time they are behind the wheel, but especially before and after school when children are walking, biking, or driving to school.

Many schools throughout the state have started their 2016-2017 school year. This brings a change in traffic patterns. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. School buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.

Afternoons can be especially dangerous. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2015 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Drivers need to be aware of the increased traffic during this time—not just in areas around school, but all around town.

Remember: Many of these drivers are inexperienced. It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22.

When you see a school bus, follow the law. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.

In 2015, one person was killed and 376 people were injured in school bus crashes. Missouri experienced 960 traffic crashes involving school buses last year. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws. Let’s help Missouri students return to school safely.

The only 100 percent survivable crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

Stoddard County, Missouri - A recent phone scam has been reported in the area.  Please stay vigilant when answer the phone and not give out any personal or banking information.

Here is how the scam works:  A person calls and either impersonates a loved one or says a relative has had a wreck and needs help.  They seem to know the persons name (they can get that from social media) and asks you to wire money to them.

They may ask that the money be wired to a foreign country such as Columbia.  This has been going for some time, but just a reminder to please check the phone number, even ask if you can call them back, ask what hospital the relative is being treated or the name of the local police department that worked the scene of the accident.  At this point more than likely they will hang up and not give you any information.  You can then contact your relative and make sure they are ok. 

A police officer will never ask you to wire money. A hospital will never ask for payment up front when taken by ambulance or even if you enter the emergency room.  There is no need to immediately wire money to an unknown source.

Parents make sure the grandparents know about this scam as sometimes the call is about their grandson or granddaughter and they will be quick to respond to help.

United States of America - As a mark of respect for the victims of the attack on police officers perpetrated on Sunday, July 17, 2016, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, July 22, 2016.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
 
BARACK OBAMA

Dexter, Missouri - The new Pokemon Go is the latest craze to hit the streets of America.  These three youngsters were playing the game at Harps Grocery Store and Family Dollar in Dexter this week and explained to this reporter how the game was played.  I asked them if they were being safe and they said yes and that they had a parent supervising them throughout their trek.

All three students will enter 7th grade at T.S. Hill Middle School.  They are from left to right Nick March, Kaden Ritter, and Drace Wells.  

They said they knew the dangers and heard others who had been injured, but they were being careful and only out during the day.  Each also said they never go into other people's yards or trespass onto private property.  They are mainly going to stores and places of business to capture, train or battle the little creatures.

We have already heard horror stories of robbery and death related to the game, but with any new fad there is a cost if one is not safe.  As always when out and about the streets be aware of your surroundings, wear brightly colored clothing or even reflecting material, don't meet up with strangers, and don't go into areas that would be considered trespassing.  Always be respectful of cemeteries, museums, libraries, churches and other areas that would be considered a sanctuary.

The Dexter Police Department would like to express some safety concerns as well regarding the new game being played by so many known as Pokemon Go. 

Our department has received complaints from numerous citizens regarding the Pokemon Go players with safety concerns.  Complaints have stemmed from players trespassing on private property during game play, players walking out in front of moving motor vehicles not paying attention to their surroundings while playing the game along with other complaints. 

The Dexter Police Department worked a motor vehicle accident on 07/14/2016 involving a Pokemon Go player being dragged by a motor vehicle subsequently being transported by EMS to a local hospital for their injuries.

If you do choose to play this game, please be aware of your surroundings.   Don't play the game in the roadway, cars aren't forgiving when hit by one.

Do not try to play the game and operate a motor vehicle at the same time.

Obey all laws applicable by not trespassing on private property trying to play the game. 

The Dexter City Park ordinance is as follows:

Section 230.050. City Park Hours.

[CC 1974 §29.340]

The City parks shall be open to the public only from sunrise to 10:00 P.M. and no person shall be within any City park between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and sunrise the following day without the permission of the Park Board.  

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Dexter Police Department 573-624-5512 or Chief Sammy Stone.