Thanks to the generous spirit of Eugene “Baldy” Murray, a resident of the Platte City Caring Center, Christmas came early for the Platte City kindergarten classes this year. The 84-year-old Murray, who has no family, donated $450 to “buy something for the kids.” He presented a check to the afternoon classes last Tuesday and celebrated Thanksgiving early by sampling pumpkin pie, cornbread and homemade butter. Kindergartner Casey Stegall, is shown giving “Baldy” a thank you hug on behalf of the children and school personnel. The donation will be used to purchase toys to practice large motor skills including a big wooden barn and animals.
An Atchison, Kan. man was struck in the face by a bullet from a gun of a Platte County Sheriff’s Department deputy when the man lunged at the officer’s weapon following a high speed chase last week. The shooting occurred early Wednesday, shortly after midnight. Following a chase that lasted 45 minutes, covered 75 miles and reached speeds of up to 115 miles per hour, Platte County Deputy Mark Owen and two Missouri Highway Patrol officers approached the suspect’s pickup. Captain Greg Crader of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department said Owen had his gun drawn as he and the other officers approached the vehicle after getting it stopped just south of Platte City. The suspect got out of his vehicle and lunged at Owen’s weapon, authorities said. The gun discharged and a bullet struck the man in the face.
