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Son of popular Missouri restaurant founder accused of child sex crimes

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Son of popular Missouri restaurant founder accused of child sex crimes

The son of the founder of popular restaurant Lambert’s Café in southwest Missouri’s Ozark has been indicted on several sex crimes, including two counts of sex trafficking of a child. The Springfield News-Leader reports 50-year-old Benjamin Lambert, who was previously involved in running the restaurant known for throwing bread rolls, has been indicted on five charges by a grand jury.

Court documents say Lambert enticed two children to participate in a sex act for money and filmed sexual contact involving the two children. Prosecutors say Lambert also had a photo of one of the children posing nude in front of a mirror and used his home address in Ozark for prostitution purposes. The alleged sex crimes took place between April and August of 2015.

Last week, Lambert was arrested and was being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.

Lambert’s Cafe says Ben Lambert has not been active in managing the store in recent years. The business said it would cooperate with authorities and doesn’t condone the behavior Lambert is accused of.

Missourinet television partner station KOLR in Springfield contributed to this story

Missouri emergency responders urge hunters to use boating app

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As boats quickly turn to bows for hunting season, Missouri 911 dispatchers want outdoorsman to keep a summertime mobile app installed on their smartphone. Fire Chief Jeff Dorhauer of mid-Missouri’s Osage Beach tells Springfield television KOLR the software called “Raft Up” will help emergency responders find people on land and water.

Missouri emergency responders urge hunters to use boating app (photo/Mo. Dept. of Conservation)

“We expect our Uber to be able to find us quickly and efficiently, we expect pizza delivery to find us quickly and efficiently, but nobody stepped up and said we want our emergency services to find us quickly and efficiently,” he says.

RaftUp was an app originally developed in Arkansas but has already seen widespread use around Lake of the Ozarks.

“It has been a long time coming,” says Linda Clemons, who adopted the tech this past summer in Camden county.

“We have elderly, we have the tourists, and they are used to dealing with their large cities but this is a totally different area,” says Clemons, Assistant 911 Director for Camden County. You can’t just tell us that you are at the Lake of the Ozarks because that doesn’t tell us where you are at.”

The large ring buoy in the program would indicate the app is only for use on the water, but that’s not the case. Camden County Dispatch is urging hunters to keep it installed on their phones year round.

“It can be used if you are traveling and especially on the highways that don’t have intersecting roads or when you are way between mile markers. You can use it anywhere,” explains Clemons.

Camden, Morgan, Miller Counties, and Osage Beach all currently have the technology up and running.

Clemons also says that Camden County now has the ability for text-to-911. While text-to-911 might be great for certain situations, they always prefer voice communications like a phone call.

By Missourinet television partner station KOLR in Springfield

U.S. Health official: Missouri particularly impacted by opioid crisis

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U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan says the Midwest, including Missouri, has been especially affected by the opioid crisis. Top HHS officials have made several stops in the St. Louis area this week to discuss the issue.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams

“It’s one of the places where the problems are gravest,” he says. “That’s why we’re here – to make sure we hear from you all.”

Missouri is getting $31.5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help communities address the addictive prescription drug outbreak.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams says opioid addiction has led to troubles within his own family.

“My uncle drank himself into a nursing home. My own brother is in state prison in Maryland right now because he stole $200 to support his habit and got a 10-year prison sentence,” Adams says. “As a family, we hid that for far too long and too many families out there are scared to admit we have a problem. We can help our loved ones become productive members of society, if we do admit that we have a problem.”

The officials also visited Great Circle, a Webster Groves non-profit for behavioral health services, and have participated in an opioid roundtable at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

The events coincide with President Trump designating this week as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.

By Missourinet contributing reporter Jill Enders

Copyright © 2018 · Missourinet

Parson says Microsoft’s new St. Louis technology center will help retain more Missourians

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(This story is written by Missourinet St. Louis contributor Jill Enders)

St. Louis is home to the newest Microsoft Technology Center, which means about 150 new jobs for the Gateway City.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson speaks at a ribbon-cutting for the new Microsoft Technology Center in St. Louis on September 19, 2018 (Jill Enders photo)

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday morning for the 29,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility, which is located in the Cortex innovation district in the Central West End.

Governor Mike Parson (R) spoke at the ceremony.

“It’s a big important reason we had that special session (in Jefferson City) was for STEM, on the computer science, the engineering, the math, all the things that we got to do for the future of Missouri,” Parson says. “And as I sit here today and listen to people talk, I understand how important that is that we get it right.”

Missouri lawmakers approved the STEM legislation last week.

State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, and State Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, sponsored the bill, which establishes a statewide STEM career awareness program.

It allows the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to create a “STEM career awareness program” to increase STEM career awareness among students in grades six through eight.

Microsoft, which is based in Washington State, in investing about $50 million into the new facility.

Governor Parson tells reporters he believes the new center will keep and attract more people to the Show-Me State.

“We don’t want Missourians to be leaving our state,” says Parson. “But if we have those good jobs that pay good money and they’re tech jobs and what the demands are going to be, people have more of an opportunity to stay here in Missouri and I believe they’ll take advantage of that and stay here and we’ll become a better state for it.”

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson (D) and several Microsoft executives joined Governor Parson for the ceremony.

Mayor Krewson describes Parson as a governor “who understands that we have to work together.”

This is the 15th Microsoft Technology Center in the nation.

Copyright © 2018 · Missourinet

Catholic Schools Superintendent in southern Missouri resigns over conduct

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The Diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, Leon Witt, has retired after allegations concerning conduct and comments. According to the Diocese, two former students came forward this summer reporting incidents involving Witt 20 years ago.

Former Diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese Leon Witt (Image courtesy of KOLR-TV)

Witt has been the diocesan superintendent for 15 years, but he was hired back in 1976 as a teacher according to the Diocese. His long career with the Catholic schools came to an end last week not long after those allegations surfaced.

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau says over the summer, it received two reports from two former students alleging “concerning conduct and comments made” by Witt 20 and 25 years ago. The Diocese would not explain exactly what type of conduct or comments. Back then, Witt was a teacher and principal at the former St. Joseph Catholic in Springfield.

The Diocese says consistent with its policies involving minors and vulnerable adults both reports were sent over to child abuse and neglect and one to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Neither of the reports, according to the Diocese, were determined to involve child abuse, child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.

On Sept. 13, the Diocese says Witt submitted his request to retire, which was accepted immediately.

Consistent with diocesan policy, Witt was notified of the allegations and placed on paid administrative leave while the reports were reviewed. The Diocesan Safe Environment Review Board convened and after its review of each of the allegations, the board made its recommendation to Bishop Rice.

Dr. Gene Aug, who is currently director of development and properties will serve as interim superintendent of Catholic schools and the diocese will launch its search for a permanent replacement soon.

The Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese declined to comment further and Bishop Edward Rice was out of the office Tuesday.

Witt’s exit comes at a time where the Missouri Attorney General’s Office has launched a statewide investigation of sex abuse within the Catholic Church, specifically involving priests.

Missourinet media partner KOLR-TV contributed this report

World War II air tour making stops in southwest Missouri

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A World War II aircraft tour is coming to southwest Missouri’s Branson. KOLR-TV reports the display’s centerpiece is the large B29 Superfortress four-engine prop plane that’s now known as FIFI.

World War II Aircraft Display (Image courtesy of KOLR-TV) Feature

Former corporate pilot Alan Benzing, who has been flying the aircraft for five years, says the experience today is much different than during war times.

“Flying nicely maintained aircraft on beautiful days for 30 minutes isn’t quite the same as knowing you’re going on a 15-hour mission where somebody is really trying to bring your airplane down,” says Benzing.

FIFI was acquired in the 1970’s when a group of Commemorative Air Force members found the plane at the U.S. Navy proving ground at China Lake, California. It was intended for use as a missile target.

Benzing says he loves doing this job but when he gets to meet the men who actually flew these planes during the war that’s the most rewarding.

“We’re aware of the people in the missions and all but it isn’t until a vet comes out and sits down and I get the goosebumps on my arm come up,” Benzing says. “It really reinforces our love for doing this and for educating other people they did so much during the war.”

Also featured at the show will be a special T-17 aircraft used to train pilots before they moved onto the more difficult airplanes.

The CAF Air Power History Tour is in Branson Wednesday through Sunday and in Joplin next Monday through Wednesday.

Missourinet media partner KOLR-TV contributed this story

SW Missouri law enforcement agencies launch t-shirt drive to help fallen deputy’s family

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Two law enforcement groups in southwest Missouri are launching a t-shirt fundraiser to honor the late Deputy Aaron Roberts.

Fallen Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Roberts (Image courtesy of KOLR-TV)

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Battlefield Fire Protection District are organizing the memorial t-shirt fundraiser to help support Roberts’ family.

According to the press release, the shirt will commemorate Roberts for giving his life in the line of duty. Deputy Roberts was killed September 7th after his patrol car was swept away in high floodwaters.

Anyone may purchase a shirt starting Sept. 17 until Oct. 8. The shirts will be distributed Oct. 15-16.

All proceed from the sale will go to Robert’s family to help them through this difficult time.

You can order a t-shirt here.

Missourinet media partner KOLR-TV contributed this story

McCaskill and Hawley square off in Missouri Press Association forum

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(This story is written by Missourinet St. Louis contributor Jill Enders)

Green Party U.S. Senate nominee Jo Crain (left), GOP Senate nominee Josh Hawley, independent candidate Craig O’Dear and Senator Claire McCaskill (D) participated in the Missouri Press Association forum in Maryland Heights on September 14, 2018 (Jill Enders photo)

The candidates vying for Missouri U.S. Senate took center stage during their first debate Friday in eastern Missouri’s Maryland Heights. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D), GOP Senate nominee Josh Hawley and two third-party candidates participated.

Health care was one of the major topics discussed on Friday. Attorney General Hawley, who joined a lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act, says he supports maintaining requirements of insurance companies covering pre-existing conditions.

“I will never support taking health coverage away from those with pre-existing conditions,” Hawley says, adding that one of his young sons has recently been diagnosed with a rare bone disease.

McCaskill responded by saying that Attorney General Hawley should have filed an amendment to the lawsuit, excluding pre-existing conditions.

The Missouri Press Association logo (courtesy of Missouri Press Association in Columbia)

“He wants the whole thing (Affordable Care Act) thrown out and he knows there’s nothing there to back it up,” says McCaskill.

Tariffs, Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, tax returns and Senator McCaskill’s husband were other topics that were discussed.

Green Party nominee Jo Crain and independent candidate Craig O’Dear also participated in the forum.

McCaskill and Hawley focused their comments on each other, and did not mention the other two candidates.

There were about 200 to 250 people in the audience, primarily newspaper editors and newspaper reporters.

MPA held its 152nd annual convention at the Sheraton Westport Chalet.

Copyright © 2018 · Missourinet

A Missouri based tactical rescue team still ready to assist with Florence

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A tactical rescue team from Missouri that helped with Hurricane Harvey, is still ready to go in the aftermath of Florence.

Brad Dillow with Southeast Missouri’s Homeland Security Response Team, says his group has everything packed and ready to go east to help with disaster relief from the hurricane.

That includes several support vehicles, a trailer packed with equipment, and three inflatable boats.

Dillow says the lightweight boats are durable, can carry a lot of people and are great for navigating swift water.

“They have different tubes so if we get a puncture into one side of the boat we don’t lose the entire boat,” Dillow said. “If we do get into rough water and turn the boat over, it does not sink. It stays afloat. Jon (aluminum, fiberglass, or wood) boats don’t have any secondary flotation so if you take on a lot of water or hit something, the boat can just basically sink and there is no recovering that.”

Dillow said that hurricane rescue teams can not force anybody to evacuate, but says not leaving puts responders in more danger.

“What is going to happen because this is what we’ve seen in Harvey is the people that did not want to go at the beginning after about three, five, six days of no power, food starts running out, water starts running out – that changes people’s attitude very quickly,” Dillow said. “I remember vividly people saying we’d pick them up and they said ‘I’ve had enough. I want out of here.’”

Dillow says rescue teams have to avoid many hazards when helping people get to safety, but one that is often overlooked is how contaminated flood water can be.

“You’ve got oil, gasoline, sewage, and diseases,” Dillow said. “All of our personnel have wetsuits and are covered pretty much from the bottom of our feet all the way up to our heads with the proper equipment. You see people just wading through the water and it might not hurt you right now. But later down in your life, you might contract something because of that water you were in.”

Dillow says their tactical rescue team was not called down to help with Hurricane Harvey in Texas last year until the back end of the storm.

He thinks there is still a good chance they could be heading to Florence this week, especially if first responders on the East coast need more reinforcements.

Missourinet media partner KFVS-TV contributed this story

Top state auditor’s candidates squabble during eastern Missouri forum

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Candidates running for Missouri auditor participated Friday in a debate-style forum hosted by the Missouri Press Association. The event was held in the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights. It featured Democratic State Auditor Nicole Galloway, Republican Saundra McDowell, Constitution Party candidate Jacob Luetkemeyer, Libertarian Sean O’Toole and Green Party candidate Don Fitz.

Top state auditor’s candidates squabble during eastern Missouri forum

Galloway wasted no time going after McDowell’s financial problems.

“She’s so financially compromised, she might be willing to accept dark money in exchange for looking the other way in audits. She’s not qualified to be state auditor, and I would be hesitant to hire her as an entry-level auditor in my office given her issues,” said Galloway.

McDowell fired right back at Galloway.

“She claims to be a watchdog over our state, but there’s been fraud going on in several counties where she was supposed to be doing an audit there,” said McDowell. “It went four to five years without an audit and then fraud occurred. If she’s not a watchdog then she’s just a dog, and I will be a bulldog for this state.”

McDowell focused on her military background and her time as an investigator in the Missouri attorney general’s office.

Galloway was appointed to her position in 2015 by former Governor Jay Nixon, a fellow Democrat. She previously served as the Boone County Treasurer.

Missouri’s general election is on November 6.

By Missourinet contributor Todd Sauter