JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – What do possum on a half-shell, Texas speedbump, and pocket dinosaur all have in common? They’re all the same animal – the nine-banded armadillo. These mammals, known for being common roadkill and a property pest, are one of the oddest-looking species in Missouri with some of the oddest behaviors.
The armadillo, Spanish for “little armored one,” has plates of hardened skin that nearly cover the entire body, including the head, legs, and tail. The nine-banded armadillo gets its name from the moveable “bands” in its midsection. Despite popular belief, this species cannot roll itself into a ball. Only its three-banded relative, which resides in South America, can roll up.
Armadillos primarily live in the southern half of the state, but are expanding north as far as the Iowa-state-line. Because these animals don’t hibernate and primarily eat insects, their range is limited by extreme cold.

On July 14, 2019 the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a resident near Beaufort Mo. reporting her recreational vehicle (RV) stolen.  A photo began circulating on the social media app Facebook of the RV and was shared through several neighborhood watch groups throughout Franklin County.
On July 15, 2019, Franklin County Detectives were assisting the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office with an investigation near the 100 block of Hill-Kline Road, Leslie Mo.  Investigators located a John Deere zero turn riding lawn stolen from Gasconade County from earlier this month.  While at the residence, investigators received information the RV was at the residence the night before and received a description and identification of the suspect.
As detectives were at the residence in Leslie Mo, the Sheriff’s Office received a separate call from the victim stating she knew where the RV was located.  The victim received a photo and a phone call from a citizen who seen the photo circulating on Facebook and asked the victim if this was her RV.  The victim confirmed the RV was hers and contacted the Sheriff’s Office providing them of the location.  Deputies responded to Pacific Summit Estates Mobile Home Park near Gray Summit Mo. and located the RV.
On July16, 2019 a warrant was obtained for Mary E. Limberg of Owensville Mo.  for stealing motor vehicle with  a bond set at $4,500.  Ms. Limberg is currently on parole for possession of a controlled substance and is being supervised by the Missouri Probation and Parole Board.   All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 
Sheriff Pelton would like to thank the members of the neighborhood watch groups who shared the information pertaining to the RV and the citizens that were keeping a look out for the RV.  The sharing of this information assisted the Sheriff’s Office in locating and recovering the vehicle. If anyone is interested in the creating a neighborhood watch group in their area, they urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 636-583-2560.   
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

​On July 13, 2019 at approximately 5:30 p.m, Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to Interstate 44 around the 234 mile marker for what was reported as a motor vehicle accident involving two cars and a fight in progress. Upon the deputies' arrival, it was learned there was no accident between the vehicles however, the two vehicles were traveling together from the Sullivan area back to each of their places of residence. It was learned during the investigation one vehicle had been driven by a 30 year old male with his 31 year old girlfriend and her 9 year old daughter. All subjects had been floating on the river in the Sullivan area and the female was highly intoxicated. An argument took place during the trip home between the male and female. During the argument the female shifted the vehicle into park as it traveled down the interstate. This action caused the vehicle to skid out of control into the median between the east and west bound lanes. The female subject was taken into custody during which time she actively resisted the deputies' efforts to escort her to a patrol vehicle. During transport, the female kicked the interior of the patrol vehicle causing damage to county owned electronics equipment. An application for charges was forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. A warrant was issued on Amanda H. Hagar, age 31 of Mexico, MO who is charged with Domestic Assault 2nd degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Resisting Arrest, and Property Damage. Bond was set at $25,000 cash only.
 
All persons are assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

New fine amounts include $10,000-$15,000 for each elk or black bear killed illegally, $1,000-$5,000 for each whitetailed buck.
Governor signs bill that increases fines on poachers and MDC increases penalty points.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri legislature and governor have taken actions to increase penalties for those caught poaching Missouri game animals and other native wildlife species. 

Ray A. Gerdes, 72, of New Haven, MO, passed away Monday, July 1, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Washington, Missouri. 
Ray was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 24, 1947, a son of the late Adolph & Nelda (Althage) Gerdes.
He was the husband of Connie (Meyer) Gerdes.  They were united in marriage on October 11, 1969, at Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, MO. 
Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968.  He was a member of Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, where he served as Board President and was also on the board for the church cemetery.  He was also a member of the Local 513 Operating Engineers for 30 years, the New Haven American Legion, New Haven German American Club, New Haven Cemetery advisory member, and he was on the M.F.A. Board of Directors.
He worked for many years for Arrow Drilling, of Pacific, Missouri.  After retirement Ray had a gravel hauling business and was happy delivering gravel to many in the area.   
Ray was a proud father and grandfather and was happiest spending time with his family.  He loved going on trips to Germany, cruising with friends, fishing, deer hunting, and he made some of the best deer sausage around.
Ray is survived by his wife Connie Gerdes, of the home, a son, Eric Gerdes & special friend Sherry Byram, of Gerald, Missouri; a daughter, Julie Westermeyer & husband Todd, of New Haven, Missouri; a son, Doug Gerdes & wife Michelle, of New Haven, Missouri; by five grandchildren, Dalton Gerdes, Emma & Jacob Gerdes, and Ellie and Ryan Westermeyer, by his twin brother, Roy Gerdes & wife Janeial, of New Haven; three sisters-in-law, Diane Gerdes, of New Haven; Carol Meyer & husband Jim, of Rosebud, Missouri; and Peggy Borcherding & husband Bob, of Gerald; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 5th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, Missouri, with Pastor Glen Hollander officiating.
Burial will be in Ebenezer Stone Church Cemetery.   Memorials may be given to Ebenezer Stone Church.  C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

      On April 23, 2019, the New Haven School District's Preschool Program (NHMPP) achieved recognition of excellence through Missouri Accreditation.  This distinguishes it as an exemplary program offering high quality programming to the children of Missouri.  

       The Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children and Youth has awarded a Certificate of Accreditation to NHMPP.  This certificate is granted to quality programs that offer developmentally appropriate experiences in an environment conducive to children flourishing intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.  

      NHMPP will be included in the "Directory of Accredited Programs" located on the Missouri Accreditation website if the program selected that option.  This directory, which serves as a useful guide to parents seeking a high quality program for their children, may be reached at www.moaccreditation.org.

      The community of New Haven, Missouri is fortunate to have a program such as NHMPP available to serve its families.