Stone County's clerk was seriously injured Jan. 6 in a traffic accident while she was on the way to work. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Stone County Clerk Judy Berkstresser, 59, Crane, was a mile north of Crane at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 6. Crane was reportedly westbound on Billy Joe Road and turning left on Marble Road in a 2008 Toyota. A Highway Patrol report said Berkstresser was making a left turn into the path of a 1999 Ford Ranger driven by Samuel Medlin, 31, Crane, when the Ford hit Berkstresser's Toyota. The crash may have had at least two contributing factors. One report said the view at the intersection was obstructed by a nearby hill. A possible second factor: Stop signs at the intersection were reportedly missing at the time of the crash. Stone County officials said stop signs at the intersection have been repeatedly stolen and added that county employees have replaced stolen stop signs at the intersection approximately a dozen times. Berkstresser sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Cox Medical Center-South, Springfield. To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Stone County Gazette at a local newsstand or call 739-3237 for subscription information.