State briefs 11/27/2015

Deer harvest is up during first phase

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri hunters are killing more deer after restrictions were lifted in some areas to prevent the spread of chronic-wasting disease. Nearly 190,000 deer were killed during the first phase of the Missouri firearms season, which ended Tuesday. Missouri officials said that's up 14.1 percent from last year. The Conservation Department has been fighting the spread of chronic-wasting disease. It produces holes in animals' brain tissue, causing weight loss, tremors and, eventually, death. One strategy this year was to remove antler-point restrictions in 19 north and central Missouri counties that are part of two chronic wasting containment zones. That meant young bucks no longer were protected from hunters.

Joplin victim's mom seeks graduation rite

JOPLIN, Mo. -- A woman whose son was killed in the 2011 Joplin tornado wants him recognized with an empty seat at this spring's high-school graduation. Tammy Niederhelman told the school board Tuesday she also wants to hear her son's name read. Her child, Zachary Williams, was 12 when he died and would have graduated this spring. She said deceased students should have the "honor," and their "memory deserves it." Joplin High School Principal Kerry Sachetta said the challenge of planning the 2016 ceremony is balancing the focus on the graduating students with honoring the five-year anniversary of the tornado. Plans call for a moment of silence for all 161 tornado victims, including the seven Joplin students and one staff member who died.

Death investigated at building site

CARTHAGE, Mo. -- Federal officials are investigating the death of a Texas construction worker. Luis R. Estrada, 29, of El Paso, Texas, died Saturday in Carthage at the construction site for a new senior residential-care center. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration stated initial reports indicate the worker tumbled out of a three-sided box sitting on the forks of a tractor. After Estrada fell about 11 feet, the box hit him on the head. OSHA is investigating the construction company that employed Estrada and the general contractor.

Five tons of turkey served at base

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Fort Leonard Wood dished out more than 5 tons of turkey for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. The south-central Missouri installation said in a news release it celebrated the holiday with a traditional meal served in 10 on-post dining facilities. Besides the turkey, the fort served 1,000 pounds of shrimp, 3,000 pounds of rib eye and 2,000 pies.

-- From wire reports