Propane leak causes explosion, killing four in a Douglas County house

VIDEO: Four people died after a house explosion late Saturday evening in Douglas County. The Douglas County Sheriff says it happened around 9 p.m. on Saturday near Goodhope. Investigators say a house on State Highway 442-B was undergoing renovations when it appeared a propane tank caused the house to explode. “It was something like I had never ever seen before. A month or two ago, we had a house explosion that was propane-related, and that house caught on fire, but there was no fire on this one. It had me a little bit baffled, so we decided to err on the side of caution and contact Sheriff Arnott and Sheriff Brad Cole. They sent a bomb squad down, and actually, Sheriff Cole responded as well. We wanted to clear the residence and make sure that there was no device in the residence before we started searching,” said Sheriff Degase.
KYTV NBC 3 Springfield

Hamilton grain bin entrapment kills 1 worker, sends another to hospital

One person is dead while another recovers from injuries sustained during a grain bin entrapment in a Kansas City hospital. The Caldwell County, Missouri, Sheriff says that on Friday morning, May 17, emergency crews were called to the M.F.A. Rail Facility in Hamilton - on Highway 36 - with reports of workers trapped inside a grain bin. When they arrived, they found one individual who was pronounced deceased at the scene and another who was taken to a Kanas City hospital with injuries. “The sorrow we feel over this loss can’t be expressed by words,” said Ernie Verslues, President & CEO of MFA. “This young man was an extraordinary team member who embodied our company values every day. Our hearts go out to his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The entire family is in our prayers.”
KCTV CBS 5 Kansas City

West Plains Fire Department Chief Announces His Retirement

West Plains Fire Department Chief Kurt Wilbanks announced his retirement from active duty with the City of West Plains. On June 5, 2024, there will be a reception held at 3:00 p.m. at the West Plains Fire Station 1. Willbanks started his work for the City of West Plains in 1988, serving in the utilities department. He moved to the fire department on a full-time basis in 1999, steadily progressing through the ranks until he became fire chief in 2022. Chief Wilbanks has earned recognition as Instructor of the Year from the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute. In 2018, he was honored with the Governor’s Medal for his contributions to the city’s emergency response efforts following the 2017 floods. Following his retirement, Wilbanks wants to continue his dedication to firefighter training across Missouri through the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute.
Ozark Radio News

Jasper County first responders join for communication tower groundbreaking

Members of public service departments including the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Joplin Police, and others, gather for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new communication tower. This project encompasses the revitalization of four existing tower locations and the construction of two new tower sites, as well as radio equipment for vehicles and responders. The collaboration and cooperation between all of the Public Safety Agencies in Jasper County, State of Missouri Public Safety Agencies, and Springfield/Greene County for connectivity, has been necessary for the implementation and development of the project.
KOAM-TV CBS 7 Joplin/Pittsburg