In an appearance in Platte County Circuit Court last week, murder suspect Jacob E. McGinnis waived his right to trial by jury. His fate will be determined by Judge Abe Shafer, who will preside over the bench trial. McGinnis has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the murder of Steven J. Sandoval, 32, of Platte City in September of 2005. He is also charged with the forcible rape of Sandoval’s wife, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of burglary in the first degree.
The city’s annual Christmas on the River celebration my not be scheduled until Nov. 30, but Christmas lights and their maintenance were bright topics at a meeting of the Parkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday night. Mayor Kathy Dusenbery said she has no problem with the downtown Christmas lights staying lit year round like many merchants requested, but the confusion is who is responsible for maintaining the bulbs and whether they are up to code or a fire hazard.
Platte County is in the process of updating its plans for the future of the county thanks to the work on the Platte Profile 2020. Currently a citizens group has been meeting to provide direction for the county to proceed with growth and prosperity. The Platte Profile will hold an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Platte County Administration Building in Platte City.