​On October 3, 2019, The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary at a residence in the 700 block of Bourbeuse Crossing, Leslie Mo.   The home was under construction and there were construction tools missing from the residence. Detectives were able to identify possible suspect information during the course of the investigation.
On October 8, 2019, The Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary from a residence located on the 2200 block of Mueller Lane, Leslie Mo.  The homeowner came to check on the property that was vacant and found signs that someone had been inside the residence.  Detectives responded to the residence and found evidence linking the same suspects to this residence as well as several pieces of mail stolen from the Franklin County area.  It appeared the suspects had been using the residence as a “safe house” to hide from law enforcement.
On October 10, 2019, Investigators were able to located the suspects at a residence in the 100 block of Persimmon Lane, Sullivan Mo.  Both subjects were taken into custody without incident. Deputies did recover stolen items from the burglaries along with stolen mail.
On October 11, 2019 charges were issued against David L. Bell of St. Clair and Rachelle A. Bell of St. Clair for 2 counts of Burglary in the 2nd Degree and two counts of Stealing. Bond was set at $75,000 cash only on David Bell and bond was set at $75,000 on Rachelle Bell.   
The Sheriff’s office is working with the United States Postal Inspectors in regards to the mail theft and encourages anyone who believes their mail has been stolen to file a report with the Sheriff’s Office.  The Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the members of the neighborhood watch groups in Franklin County for their assistance with the information forwarded to the Office.  The information obtained aided law enforcement in the investigation and apprehension of the suspects. 
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff
 

Join MDC naturalists on a hike to discover the amazing autumn colors on one of Rockwoods Reservation’s most popular trails.
WILDWOOD, Mo.--Autumn’s brilliant colors are usually at their finest in the St. Louis area by late October. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to join MDC naturalists in exploring the season’s splendor at one of the St. Louis area’s premier hiking destinations.
Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood will host a Fall Colors on the Lime Kiln Trail hike Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m.—Noon. Come along with Rockwoods’ naturalists for a guided hike on this popular 3-mile loop trail and learn about how and why leaves change colors in autumn. What factors trigger the incredible transformation? What hidden magic is responsible for the fantastic colors? What hues do different trees display? These are some of the mysteries hikers will discover the answers to on this hike.
Rockwoods Reservation features 1,880 acres of deciduous forest which includes stands of colorful sugar maple trees. The Lime Kiln Trail contains some moderate climbs to overlook spots that should offer an excellent view of the area’s fall foliage. Hiker’s will also see the remains of the area’s historic lime kiln for which the trail is named.
Participants should dress for the weather, wear suitable footwear for hiking on rugged ground, plus bring water and any other hiking essentials they may need. The trail is rated moderate to difficult and may include wet stream crossings.
The Fall Colors on the Lime Kiln Trail hike is free and open to all ages, however advanced online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZAH.
Rockwoods Reservation is located at 2751 Glencoe Road, off Highway 109 between I-44 and Highway 100.

Morgan Guehne is the daughter of Scott and Erica Guehne and Luke and Michelle Otten.  Morgan is a Student Council Representative and a member of the 7th and 8th grade girls basketball team. She plays the clarinet and is in the New Haven Middle School Choir.  She enjoys playing volleyball and is looking forward to joining the track team in the spring.  Morgan is very active in her church and youth group.  She enjoys spending time with friends and cheering on the Shamrock athletic teams.  

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Austin Tegeler is the son of Duane and Holly Tegeler.  He is a member of the New Haven High School Cross Country and Track teams, National Honor Society, and FBLA.  Austin enjoys running, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and umpiring for the New Haven Youth League in the summer.  After high school, Austins plans to attend ECC and then transfer to a four-year university. ​

​Congratulations Austin!

​The safety of our citizens is the priority, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to taking a proactive approach to ensure registered sex offenders are in compliance. Currently, we are focusing on the location of Anthony L. Cooper date of birth 12-17-87. We are asking for our citizens assistance in sharing this information and if you have any knowledge of the whereabouts of Anthony Cooper you are asked to contact the detective division at Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 636-583-2560. Anthony Cooper has an active felony warrant for Fail to Register as a Sex Offender with a $20,000 bond. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish.
 

​On 10-7-19 at approximately 3:10 A.M., Deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Market Street, Berger, for a report of a physical domestic disturbance between husband and wife. Upon arrival, Deputies spoke with the 35 year old female victim who stated she had been slapped by her husband which caused an injury to her eye. Deputies observed the victim had sustained a contusion to her face which was consistent with her statement. Upon speaking with the suspect, he admitted to slapping the victim. The suspect was taken into custody for domestic assault and transported to the Franklin County Detention Center.  Charges were sent to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office for Domestic Assault and a warrant was issued, charging Robert W. Hudson, a  42 year old male from Berger, with Domestic Assault 3rd Degree.  Mr. Hudson’s bond was set at $2500.00 cash only. All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

Mary Jane Smith, 73, of New Haven, MO, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019 at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, Fenton, Missouri.
Mary was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 9, 1945, a daughter of the late Dominic & Geneva (Jaeger) Ross.
She was the wife of Lawrence A. Smith, Jr..   They were united in marriage on June 13, 1964, in Pond, Missouri. Lawrence survives at the home. 
Mary is also survived by a son, Robert Smith & wife Ellen Dettman, of Tebbetts, Missouri; two brothers, David Ross & wife Barbara, of Washington, Missouri; and Dennis Ross & wife Sue, of St. Albans, Missouri; by two grandsons, Robert Jr. & Michael Smith, both of Kansas City, Missouri; by six brothers-in-law, Ronald Smith & wife Sheila, of Wentzville, Missouri; Samuel Smith & wife Jane, of O'Fallon, Missouri; Kenneth Smith, of Louisiana; David Smith & wife Crystal, of New Haven, Missouri; Daniel Smith & wife Sue, of St. Louis County, Missouri; and Randall Smith & wife Marsha, of New Haven, Missouri; and by a sister-in-law, Laura Karmi & husband Bob, of West Melbourne, Florida. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother Donnie Ross.
Mary was a teacher and administrator in the New Haven, Sullivan, Washington, and Hermann schools.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 9th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. David Poe officiating.
Burial will be at New Haven Cemetery. Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society.  C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

By: Addison Tolar

As seniors, senior pictures are a big deal and an exciting rite of passage. It is one of the many things on every senior’s checklist and is luckily one of the more fun activities seniors get to do.

The seniors were asked their thoughts and feelings on senior pictures in a Google form. When questioned, 89% said they planned on getting professional pictures, and 11% said they might get professional pictures.

They were also asked if they planned on taking two sets of pictures (one in the fall and one in the spring). 56% said yes, 11% said maybe, and 33% said no. 

Furthermore, they were asked, “If you have already gotten senior pictures professionally, how would you describe the experience (awkward, fun, etc.)? Did you like the way the photos turned out?”

McKenzie Overschmidt, senior, said, “It was super fun, and it was awesome that I got to spend time with my cousin, and the place we took my pictures was very scenic! I also love every single one of my pictures-- they are amazing!”

Natalie Pecaut, senior, said, “[My experience was] so awkward. She had me laugh and make the serious face. Another weird part was changing behind the lady’s mini-van and tripping over my jeans and falling in the weeds. My photos looked awesome though!”

The last question they were asked was, “How would you describe senior pictures in general?”

Matthew Laune said, “It was a waste of time and money.”

On the contrary, McKenzie Overschmidt added, “I would describe them as fun and exciting. It is also cool that for a little bit, it is about you with the camera on you and doing different poses with cute outfits.” 

Senior year is full of stresses and big thoughts of the future, but senior pictures give us seniors a chance to get excited for something on our senior checklist. Good luck to all our seniors and I hope all the pictures you take turn out amazingly!​

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