PRESS RELEASE
To: Local Press
From: Chris Heitman, Chief of Police
Belle, Missouri
On October 18, 2007 members of the Belle Police Department received information that an unnamed white male was driving around Belle and that he was suicidal. The suspect had reported to the Belle Police that he was going to kill himself and that he had a gun in the car. The suspect was later located on Highway 28 near White's Motors and taken into protective custody. The suspect was then taken to Rolla Stress Unit for further evaluation.
Shortly after being released from the stress unit on October 20 the suspect again reported to the Belle Police that he was suicidal and he had taken two bottles of pills. Officers were attempting to locate the suspect that evening. Officers spotted the suspect traveling on Third Street, and they attempted to stop him. The suspect failed to stop for Officers and the suspect led Officers on a high-speed pursuit. After pursuing for several miles, into Osage and Maries Counties, Officers discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons. The suspect was taken into custody later that morning. The suspect is currently being held for 96-hours for evaluation.
I would like to thank the Gasconade, Osage, and Maries County Sheriff's Department for their assistance with this matter.
PRESS RELEASE
To: Local Press
From: Chris Heitman, Chief of Police
Belle, Missouri
The Belle Police Department has taken custody of the suspect identified as: Damien L. Morgan age 28 of Park Hills, Missouri. The Belle Police Department made application for an arrest warrant with the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartz. The warrant was issued by Judge John Clayton for felony-Burglary 2nd Degree, felony-PropertyDamage 1st Degree, with a bond of $10,000.00.
Additional charges may be pending.
I would like to thank everyone for their assistance with this investigation.
-Chris Heitman
PRESS RELEASE
To: Local Press
From: Chris Heitman, Chief of Police
Belle, Missouri
America's Favorite Old-Fashioned
Big Top Circus is Coming to Town!
Thanks to the sponsorship of Belle Police & Fire Departments, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, America's Favorite Big Top Circus is coming to Belle, Missouri on Friday, September 7, 2007 at Belle City Park with two scheduled performances at 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. In its 21st season, C&M Circus has become internationally known for quality family entertainment. This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus has been featured on National Geographic's Explorer TV series, Entertainment Tonight, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Arizona Highways Magazine. It has also been featured on the A&E Special: Under the Big Top and most recently, On the Road with Circus Kids, a Nickelodeon special featured on the Nick News Program.
This year the circus is proud to present Skeeter as the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus Advance Clown. Skeeter will be in town about two weeks before Circus Day to visit schools, day cares, libraries, and senior centers. She might be seen in stores, walking down Main Street or handing out the official 2007 Culpepper & Merriweather Circus Coloring Contest sheets.
Skeeter got her clown start at the early age of 9 years old in Columbus, Ohio. She is a graduate of the Ringling Clown College and has spent much of the last 19 years traveling around the country – clowning around.
Skeeter's clown program educates students and community members about what a day in the life of a clown is really all about. She spends time talking about the different types of clowns and the history of the circus. Skeeter will delight audiences with her unique style of clowning, comedy and true love for the circus.
Bring your friends and family out circus morning to watch as a familiar place in your town is transformed into a bustling Circus City. Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the Big Top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day. Enjoy the magic and tradition of the American Circus with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. watch the raising of the Big Top, then stay for the FREE Tour. This presentation offers a unique face-to-face opportunity for families, schools, and interested community members to meet and learn all about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus family and includes a walking tour of the circus grounds. Learn interesting facts about our performers, the history of our show and the different species of animals in our Circus Family. In this presentation we will also address topics such as hygiene, grooming and the veterinary care all of our animals receive.
In recent years the Tent Raising and Morning Tour has become a popular program for families and interested community members. It is presented in a way everyone, young and old can learn many interesting facts about the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus Family. This is a special part of Circus Day that should not be missed.
On circus day, our performers bring the magic of the circus to life in each 90-minute show. This year's lineup includes an All-Star group of performers and entertainers. Our performers are sure to amaze and delight audience members of all ages.
SAVE MONEY by purchasing your tickets in advance. Advance tickets are available at: City Hall, MACE's Supermarket, Cheryl's Café, and Depot. Prices for advance tickets are $6.00 for children ages 2 to 12, children under 2 are always free, and $8.00 for adults. On show day tickets will be $1.50 more. Buy your tickets early and save.
For more information, please contact Marshal Chris Heitman or Donna Stough at 573-859-3535 or call 866 BIG TOP 6.
Circus Day Schedule (times may vary) (Friday, Sept. 7, 2007)
Between 9:30 & 10:00 a.m. - Tent Raising & FREE Tour
4:00 p.m. Midway & Box Office Open (rides, moonbounce, concessions and more)
5:00-6:30 p.m. - First Show 7:30-9:00 p.m. - Second Show
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus P.O. Box 813, Hugo, OK 74743 (580) 326-8833 Fax (580) 326-8866 E-mail info@cmcircus.com
PRESS RELEASE
To: Local Press
From: Chris Heitman, Chief of Police
Belle, Missouri
The following incidents took place during the Belle Fair:
During the Belle Fair Sgt. Brian Brennan arrested one male subject for minor in possession of alcohol. Officer Lloyd Rathgeber and Marshal Chris Heitman arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile for possession of a controlled substance.
Officer Chris Pyle arrested Seth A. Barger age 24 of Belle for a warrant out of Byrnes Mill for possession of marijuana, traffic offenses, and dangerous drugs. Two other minor disturbances were reported to Officers however no charges were filed. It is nice to have a family oriented fair with very few disturbances.
On July 14, 2007 Officer John Romanus and Marshal Chris Heitman conducted a traffic stop on Alvarado Avenue. During the course of the stop officers located a loaded firearm inside the vehicle. Officers removed the three occupants of the vehicle. During the course of their investigation Officers located controlled substances, and items of drug paraphernalia. Officers arrested Eric N. Street age 24 of Vienna for the violations. Street was issued citations for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Street posted bond and was released later that morning.
On July 9, 2007 Officers investigated an assault that took place at 605 East Fifth Street. Subjects had fled the scene prior to Officers arrival. After further investigation and witness statements it was reported that Michael J. Tipton age 27
of Belle had assaulted another male subject. The victim had apparent injuries from the altercation. After further investigation Officers arrested Michael J. Tipton at a residence on Johnson Street. While making the arrest Officers noticed evidence of illegal drug activity. Officers conducted a search of the residence, locating a suspected illegal controlled substance, along with several items of drug paraphernalia. Officers also arrested Brittnay R. Herron age 17 of Belle. Both Tipton and Herron were issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges are pending on Tipton.
