News
Christopher Swatosh is all smiles during a ribbon cutting ceremony, held alongside members of the Mountain Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday, March 29. The event came after it took one full year to completely remodel The Studios apartment complex located at 201 E. 2nd St. in Mountain Grove.
Back in October 2022, an electrical fire featuring a lot of smoke led to The Studios apartment complex being vacated.With other factors leading to a complete remodel mostly during the past year, a celebration of the work done on the complex was held with an Open House on Saturday, March 29. This...
Voters took to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, April 8 and several incumbents were voted out of their current positions in races held throughout the Wright County area.In the City of Mountain Grove, there is a new mayor as incumbent Fred VanBibber lost his reelection bid.David Todd won the...
Randy Lee Liles, Jr.
A Hartville man has received a four year sentence to the Department of Corrections.According to a Wright County Sheriff’s Office report, Randy Lee Liltes, Jr., of Hartville plead guilty to child molestation in the fourth degree back on Monday, March 18.Wright County Judge Craig Carter, of the 44th...
Cevin Briley
Mansfield man has been arrested after the Wright County Special Operations Group executed a narcotics search warrant on Tuesday, March 19 in Mansfield.According to a Wright County Sheriff’s Office report, Cevin Briley, of Mansfield, was arrested and charged with distribution of a controlled...
There are a number of rail cars scattered throughout Wright County, but only one will allow local residents and visitors alike inside for a nice, warm meal.The Frisco Diner is a new destination eatery in Mansfield set to open early next month, offering a unique setting while also paying tribute to...
A Phelps County jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the Wright County murder case from back on June 1, 2022.
According to a Wright County Sheriff’s Report, the Phelps County jury delivered the guilty verdict on March 12 in the case of Nick Owens, 60, of Sparta.
He was convicted of second degree murder with the jury declaring a 25-year sentence in the Department of Corrections.
They also declared a 15-year sentence for an armed criminal action charge.
The murder of his nephew, Zachery Owens, a Mansfield barber, occurred south of Mansfield back in 2022. Nick Owens reportedly was attempting to steal a trailer from Zachery’s property, and when he was approached, he reportedly shot his nephew in the chest.
Due to the change of venue request, the trial was moved from Wright to Phelps County.
A sentencing ruling from the 25th Judicial Circuit will take place on April 24, pending the completion of a sentencing assessment report by Probation and Parole.
The case was thoroughly investigated by Wright County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kristi Akers.
Wright County Sheriff Sonny Byerley extends his deepest sympathies to the family of Zachery Owens, acknowledging the pain and loss they have endured as a result of this tragic and senseless crime.
A Phelps County jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the Wright County murder case from back on June 1, 2022.According to a Wright County Sheriff’s Report, the Phelps County jury delivered the guilty verdict on March 12 in the case of Nick Owens, 60, of Sparta.He was convicted of second degree...
Hartville’s City Council held their monthly meeting back on March 10 at City Hall.According to drafted meeting minutes, it was noted that during the meeting, Chris Dashley informed City Council that he had attended the Missouri Rural Water Association Conference in Branson. He stated that Hartville...
A tornado featuring winds around 60-70 m.p.h. touched down on Friday, March 14 in Wright County, resulting in damage to properties in rural Hartville.At 7:22 p.m., Lt. Kristi Akers, of the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, took a photo from her vehicle that showed a tornado making contact.Wright...
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced several arrests in relation to burglary.According to a report, back on Feb. 16, Detective Long, Deputy Martin and Deputy Wilson responded to a burglary in progress on Highway EE. Upon arrival, the suspects had fled in a black vehicle.Detective Long was...
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced movement on several fronts affecting the Wright County area.Contracts AwardedThe Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded contracts for the Southeast District during its regular meeting on March 5. Contracts included...