Obituary - Mary Beth (Wilt) Carlill

Mary Beth (Wilt) Carlill

Mary Beth (Wilt) Carlill was born October 6, 1964 in Kansas City, Missouri and departed this life on December 6, 2014 in Forks, Washington, in a tragic accident, at the age of 50 years and 2 months. She was the daughter of Nelda “Sue” (Saunsaucie) and Lawrence Kenneth “Larry” Wilt.

Mary Beth spent most of her lifetime in the Cass County area, graduating from Sherwood High School in 1982, where she had been very active in music and drama. She went on to obtain a marketing degree from C.T.U., and later obtained her certification to teach pre-school.

In her younger years, Mary Beth had been a 10 year member of Pleasant Hill Hillbillies 4-H Club and served as a county and state officer. She also was an active member of the Pleasant Hill Community Theater.Mary Beth was member of the First Christian Church of Pleasant Hill.

About 3 months ago, Mary Beth moved to Forks, Washington where she had accepted a teaching position in an area Head Start program. She dearly loved her new job and the Washington area.

Mary Beth is survived by her beloved children, Vyktoria Marie Harris and Jacob Tyler Harris, both of Pleasant Hill, MO; her parents, Sue and Larry Wilt of Archie, MO; one brother Larry Edward Wilt of Cheyenne, Wyoming; one sister, Susan Jo-Lyn Wilt of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; the 6 Chicken Necks as she lovingly called her cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2015 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill with Rev. Kent Deubner and Rev. J.P. Williams, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Family suggests contributions to: Mary Beth Wilt Scholarship Fund.

State Rep. Elect Patricia Pike to Continue Legacy of Service Started by Her Husband‏

Patricia Pike

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When the members of the 98th General Assembly take the oath of office on Wednesday, Jan. 7, state Rep. Elect Patricia Pike will continue the legacy of public service created by her husband, Randy, who tragically passed away in September of 2014. After being appointed by the Republican Committee to run in Randy’s place, Pike won the November general election to serve as the state representative for District 126, which includes Vernon and Bates counties.

Pike said her husband’s dedication to public service and desire to help people inspired her to follow in his footsteps as a state representative.

“Randy's passion for service certainly inspired me and will be forever in my heart. It was always an honor to accompany him to district and state events,” said Pike, who noted that she often read and discussed legislation with her husband as he decided how best to represent the interests of the people of the district.

She added, “Randy served as an elected official for a total of fourteen years, as county commissioner and then state representative, so I have many fond memories of visiting with constituents and attending events with him. It was a wonderful way to become acquainted with our District, and a great experience that has better prepared me to take over his responsibilities.”

Now, as Pike looks to her future as a state representative, she also takes time to reflect on the man who shared her life and put her on this path to public service.

"We had a wonderful love story. We met through a blind date our senior year of high school. It really was a blind date, because right before I opened the front door to meet him, I decided to take off my black, winged 70's glasses. We had a great time, but I am not sure I would have recognized him the next day if I would have met him on the street! I talked my mom into contacts and the rest was history,” Pike said. She added, “We went on to be college sweethearts and were married forty years. We had two great children, interesting careers and a happy life together."

Pike said she knows she has big shoes to fill as she steps into the role her husband occupied for the last two years. He was well-regarded by his colleagues as a conscientious and compassionate individual who worked hard to represent the people of his district. Pike said she hopes to emulate his approach to service, and to use the many lessons he taught her about the legislative process to benefit the people of the 126th district.

"It will be an honor to follow the many fine Representatives who have been elected before me in this position,” Pike said. “I look forward to serving the great citizens of District 126 and representing our western part of Missouri."

Pike and the other members of the 98th General Assembly will take the oath of office in the House Chamber of the Missouri State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at noon.

Obituary - Frances Beisly

Frances Beisly, formerly of Sheldon and Nevada, passed away on Saturday, December 27th at Heartland of Willow Lane Nursing Home in Butler. She was 90. Arrangements are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, January 2nd at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nevada with Father Matthew Benjamin officiating. Interment will be held in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Nevada. A rosary service will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 1st, with visitation following until 7:00 P.M. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Those who wish may contribute in her memory to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund, in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Lowry City man arrested

Brent Thomas

On Dec. 30, Brent Thomas, 41, Lowry City, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging him with class C felony of possessing a controlled substance. The warrant was issued on Dec. 29. The charge stems from an incident on Oct. 3 when a search warrant was served at Thomas’ residence on North Lucas Street, Lowry City, in reference to stolen property out of Hickory County.  

During the investigation a chain saw, pole saw, leaf blower, a back pack leaf blower, and weed eater were located and turned over to Hickory County deputies. Methamphetamine and several items of paraphernalia were also located in the residence. Bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Cape Girardeau man arrested

Charles Shipman

On Dec. 30, Charles Shipman, 43, Cape Girardeau, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant for failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of non support. The warrant was issued in June 2009. Shipman is also being held on warrants from Scott County and New Madrid County. Total bond is set at $4,000 cash only.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Warrant Arrest

David Michaels

On Dec. 30, David Michaels, 56, Lowry City, was arrested on a St. Clair County and a Stone County warrant for failing to appear in court on misdemeanor charges of passing bad checks. The St. Clair County warrant was issued on Oct. 21 and stems from an incident on July 14. The Stone County warrant was issued on Dec. 10 and stems from an incident on Feb. 3. Total bond is set at $303.28 cash only.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Felony arrest warrant issued

Ronald Park

On Dec. 30, an arrest warrant was issued for Ronald Park, 57, Osceola, for failing to appear in court for sentencing on two felony drug charges. A jury found Park guilty of a class B felony of distribution, delivery, manufacture or production of a controlled substance or attempt to or possess with intent to and a class C felony of possessing a controlled substance. Bond is set at $50,000 cash or surety.

The charges stem from an incident on July 24, 2013 when an investigation by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and the Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdiction Drug Task Force led to service of a search warrant at Park’s residence on SW 50 Road, Osceola. Methamphetamine and marijuana were located and seized. Upon further investigation, Marijuana was also located growing on property owned by Park.

Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information related to the location of Ron Park to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

Low wind chill value tonight

Wind chill values are already ranging from 5 to -5 out there. We're expecting values to dip as low as -14 in far northwestern Missouri and extreme northeastern Kansas late tonight. Even colder values will be found across Nebraska. If you're out tonight, bundle up. And remember, pets and animals need protection from the cold as well.

Obituary - Jack Albert Knight

Funeral services for Jack Albert Knight, 73 of Appleton City, MO will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st at the Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Mo. The Visitation will be held from 12 – 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Survivors include wife Ann Knight, daughters Cathy Thompson and Karen Green, sister Nathalie Schooley, all of Appleton City as well as 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.Contributions are suggested to the Ellett Memorial Hospital or the Appleton City Cemetery.

Obituary - Oct-Tee-Yah Isabella Ummerteskee

Oct-Tee-Yah

Oct-Tee-Yah Isabella Ummerteskee four year old infant daughter of Charity Besendorfer Day and Ryan Buchanan died Wednesday, December 24 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be 11 am, Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with burial in the Adam Howell Cemetery near Amoret. Contributions may be given to the family. 

Oct-Tee-Yah is survived by her parents Charity Day and Ryan Buchanan of Joplin, MO; sisters Abraya Hope Ummerteskee , Emily Davis and Kathryn Davis also of Joplin; Maternal grandmother Ellen Zellmer of Lamar, MO and Paternal Grandmother Vickie Deems and husband Jerry of Joplin.

Springfield woman injured in St. Clair County crash

A Springfield woman suffered moderate injuries in a two vehicle accident Sunday afternoon in St. Clair County. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at about 1:20 P.M. Sunday afternoon on MO 13, 2 miles North of Collins, in St. Clair County.

The accident was involving a 2002 Buick driven by 57 year old Rhonda Wilcox, The accident occurred when Wilcox was traveling Southbound when she lost control of her vehicle, traveled through the median, and into the path of a 2005 Scion XA driven by 21 year old Eric Lanza. 

Wilcox was listed with moderate injuries and flown by Med Flight to Mercy Springfield. Lanza was listed with no injuries.

Reminder: Butler Police still looking for stolen truck

The Butler Police Department is attempting to locate a truck that was stolen on Christmas day. According to Butler Police Department Officials, the stolen truck is a 1992 extended cab Ford truck that is maroon in color. 

The vehicle was stolen from Kenny's Small engine repair on the Southwest side of the Butler Square Christmas morning. If you have any information on the location of this vehicle please call the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131.

Numerous Out Building Break-ins in Clinton

The Clinton Police Department would like all area residents to be on the lookout for suspicious activity in regards to several sheds and out buildings that have been broken into recently in Clinton. In some cases, locks are being cut to gain access to the buildings. Due to the size of some of the items stolen, it is believed that the criminals are arriving, and leaving the area of the thefts, in a vehicle. 

If you have been a victim of one of these thefts or if you have any information as to the identity of these criminals, please contact the Clinton Police Department immediately at 660-885-2679. Make a call and make a difference!

Obituary - Kenneth Berry

Kenneth Berry, of Rich Hill, MO, passed away on Saturday, December 27th, at his home. He was 70. Arrangements are under the direction of Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, MO. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 30th, at 2:00 P.M. at Heuser Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Kenneth Berry Memorial Fund, in care of Heuser Funeral Home. Interment in the Green Lawn Cemetery, in Rich Hill.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Clinton woman arrested

Cassandra King

On Dec. 28, Cassandra King, 24, Clinton, was arrested in St. Clair County on two active warrants from Henry and Vernon counties. King was arrested on a warrant from Clinton Police Department charging her with misdemeanor larceny, and a Vernon County warrant charging her with possession of marijuana. Total bond is set at $1,500 cash only.

Butler Police Department Activity Report 12/22 - 12/28 - 2014

• 12/22/2014 

Disturbance Super 8
Disturbance Fran Apts
Walk in theft report
Theft report
Vandalism report Dakota and Prospect
C and I driver report E Atkinson
Keep the peace 400 block of N Fulton
Traffic assist Schowengert

• 12/23/2014 

Trespass call 300 block of S Mechanic
Disturbance Super 8
Theft report 800 block N Havanna
Animal complaint 300 block of S Main

• 12/24/2014 

Alarm 200 block of S Sunset
911 call Willow Lane
Shoplifter call Wal-Mart
C and I Driver report N Bus 49
Animal complaint 500 block of N Water
Shop Lifter call Family Center
Stalled vehicle Ft Scott and Orange

• 12/25/2014 

Open door North side of Square
Keep the peace Fran Apts
Report of possible gun shots
Warrant service

• 12/26/2014 

Theft report 600 block of S Delaware
Disturbance Super 8
Well being check Fran Apts
Disturbance 200 block of N Maple
Warrant service Pine and Delaware
Disturbance Dakota and Prospect
Noise complaint 300 block of W College

• 12/27/2014 

Animal complaint 700 block of N Fulton
Leave without pay Casey’s on Orange St
Medical assist 400 block of S Delaware
Traffic escort Schowengert
Theft report 700 block of W Mill
Traffic escort Mullinax

• 12/28/2014

Noise complaint Fran Apts
Assist MSHP
Open Door Prospect
Traffic escort Schowengert
911 hang up

Obituary - Donovan “Don” Arthur Eberle

Donovan “Don” Arthur Eberle, 87, Freeman, Missouri, died Thursday, December 25, 2014 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri with visitation from 10:00-11:00. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Salvation Army. (A complete obituary will be posted when available).

Obituary - Jesse W. Teel

Jesse W. Teel

Jesse W. Teel, age 86, Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at his home.

Jesse was born November 13, 1928 in Harper, Kansas, son of the late George Franklin Teel and Ruby Fern Williams Teel. He grew up in Tiff City, Missouri, and graduated from Wyandotte High School. He then attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma before joining the United States Air Force where he served for four years.

After his service to his country, he moved to Pittsburg, Kansas, and attended Pittsburg State University where he finished his bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s Degree, among other graduate degrees from Pitt State.

He worked in education, mainly in administration, at several school districts, and retired from Rich Hill School District in 1989 after 23 years there. He was a member of the Rich Hill Masonic Lodge, the Rich Hill Lion’s Club, and worked with the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Joplin.

In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Elma L. Teel who died May 9, 2013, and a sister, Billie Ruth Divine.

Survivors include his children, David Earl Teel of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Norville Paul Teel and Mary Woodhouse of Golden City, Missouri, Nancy Patricia Stanley and husband Randy of Parkville, Missouri, and Kathleen Erin Pinon-Hukriede of Independence, Missouri; grandchildren, Billy Gilkey and wife Alma, Manessa Mercer and husband Jason, Sarah Martinez and husband Bobby, Saline Crouch and husband Jeremy, Erin Battagler and husband Travis, Alex Pinon, Cris Pinon, and Kalea Teel; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Thaddeus, Ethan, Emma, Elliot, Evan, Taylor, Connor, Oliver, Luke, Olivia; one great-great-grandchild, Zaryn.

Memorial services will be Monday, December 29, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Private inurnment of his ashes will be in Osborne Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Rich Hill School District care of Parker Mortuary, to help in getting the new storm shelter built.

Obituary - Dorothy Jewel Bitner

Dorothy Bitner

Funeral services for Dorothy Bitner will be 2 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to services from 1-2 p.m. Sunday at chapel. Burial in Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri. Contributions to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

Dorothy Jewel Bitner, age 86 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at Medicalodge of Butler. She was born July 30, 1928 to Harvey Newton and Elsie White West.

Dorothy is survived by two sons, Dennis Bitner and wife Fran of Sargent, Texas and Scott Bitner and wife Julie of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, Marilyn Hammett and husband Raymond of Foster, Missouri and Janet Fahnestock of Butler, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Denise Norbury and husband Doug, Mike Hammett, John Hammett and wife Pam, Tad Bitner, Kristin Schaadt, Jeff Borum and wife Anya, Marsha Terry, Jimmy Fahnestock, Amie Plunket and Mandy Brockman and husband Dave; 23 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Truman; five brothers, Percy, Orville, Harley, Ernest and Virgil; and four grandchildren, Brad, Matt, Jacob and Joseph.

Obituary - Edna Van Vlack

Edna Van Vlack

Edna Van Vlack, 89 of Drexel, Missouri passed away December 24, 2014 at Adrian Manor, Adrian, Missouri. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Mullinax Funeral Home’s Drexel Chapel in Drexel, Missouri (660-679-0009). Visitation will be from 1-2 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri. Contributions are suggested to the Drexel Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Edna Mae (Fink) Glaze Van Vlack was born November 1, 1925 in Bates County, Missouri, daughter of Bert Edward and Cecil Delia (Stitt) Fink.

She attended school in Drexel and graduated from Drexel High School. She worked for a time for Drexel veterinarian Dr. Lawrence Davidson, and was also an operator at the telephone company before telephones went to dial. Edna worked many years on the election board in Miami County, and had also worked for the Miami County collector/treasurer and the Miami County Historical Society’s museum. Later she very much enjoyed working on the Drexel Centennial publication as she loved genealogy and spent much time working on it alongside her friends.

Among her hobbies was quilting, and each grandchild received one of her quilts. Edna accepted the Lord and was baptized in Liberal, Missouri, and a longtime member of the Drexel Baptist Church. Her children remember and describe her as a dedicated, hardworking mother.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Willard Glaze; and a daughter, Delva Kaye Champlin. She is survived by a daughter, Delia Russell and husband Gary of Drexel; son Lee Glaze and wife Ellen of Drexel; and daughter Joyce Payne and Vernon Hayley of Florida; grandchildren Shannon, Carrie, Candice, Susan, Shayla, Sara, David, and Ryan; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Second proposal to legalize marijuana filed in Missouri

A second initiative petition to legalize marijuana in Missouri has been filed. Secretary of State Jason Kander this week announced the petition is open for public comment.

The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow residents to use the drug for medical or recreational use. Missourians also could legally grow the plant if the initiative passes.

Initiative petitions need approval from Kander's office before they can be circulated to the public. Residents vote on the measures if they receive enough signatures to make it on the ballot.

Another initiative that would allow those 21 years or older to use or grow marijuana also is open for public comment.

Missouri motorcycle helmet legislation returns

A Missouri lawmaker wants to lift a state law requiring all motorcyclists wear a helmet.Newly elected state Rep. Shane Roden of Cedar Hill recently filed legislation that would require only minors to wear helmets.Those with learner's permits also would need to wear a helmet while driving.

Anyone driving or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle now must to wear a helmet or face a maximum $25 fine.

A similar bill that would lift the helmet requirement for those 21 and older failed last session.The measure passed the House but never made it to the Senate floor.

St. Clair County: Help needed finding owner of dog

On Sunday, Dec. 21, a female Rottweiler was found near SW 1021 and 300 Road, Osceola. The dog weighs 71-pounds and is estimated to be one-and-a-half to two-years-old. She was taken to H & E West Missouri Veterinary Clinic, Appleton City, 660-476-2168.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Montrose man arrested on Felony warrant

Zachariah Bishop

On Dec. 24, Zachariah Bishop, 31, Montrose, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant for failing to appear in court on a class C felony charge of possessing a controlled substance. 

The warrant was issued on Dec. 5. The charge stems from an incident on Sept. 24 when a St. Clair County deputy was dispatched to Concord Street, Appleton City, in reference to a violation of an ex-parte. 

During the investigation, Bishop was taken into custody. A search of his person located a bag that contained a white powdery substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety.

Bishop was also arrested on a Henry County probation and parole warrant on three class C felony charges, domestic assault - second degree, unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with a victim/witness or attempt tampering w/victim in a felony prosecution. 

The warrant was issued on Nov. 25 and stems from an incident in February 2013. Bond on these charges is set at $5,000 cash only.

Osceola woman injured in accident

One person was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Dec. 25 in St. Clair County on Highway 82, around 2 miles west of Roscoe.

Karen M. Patterson, 58, Osceola, not wearing a seat belt, westbound in a 2007 Chevrolet Impala, traveled off the right side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected to the left. Subsequently, the vehicle crossed back over the roadway, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned into a plowed field.

Karen M. Patterson experienced serious injuries and was airlifted by LifeFlight to Research Hospital. Her vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene by Mike’s Towing.

Missouri Highway Patrol Sergeant Riggs investigated the accident.

Obituary - Grover Cleveland “G. C.” Shores

Grover Cleveland “G. C.” Shores, 80, Peculiar, Missouri, died Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 27 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in West Union Cemetery. (A complete obituary will be posted when available).

Obituary - Ronnie Wayne Baskin

Ronnie Wayne Baskin, 50, Peculiar, Missouri, died Monday, December 22, 2014 at his home. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 29 at the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, with visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (A complete obituary will be posted when available).

Vernon County Sheriffs Office Press Release: Man sets camper on fire while still inside

Camper on fire in Horton

A call of a suicidal subject making threats to family members escalated late Wednesday night when the subject refused to come out of a camper that was next to a residence in the Horton area. According to a press release form the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the call around 8:30 Tuesday evening to deal with a subject that was reportedly making threats to family members who were close by. The subject had locked himself in a camper and refused to come out and was reported to have knives and a firearm with him. The subject also told deputies that “the shooting would start” if they tried to come in. Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher said a certified hostage negotiator was called out to the scene as well as a Crises Intervention Officer to try and talk to the subject in the camper. The Sheriff said after a couple of hours of attempting to get the subject to come out, the subject yelled that he was going to end it now. The Sheriff said the subject then grew quiet and they could not make contact with him after that. “At that point we could not wait any longer. We didn’t want anyone else getting hurt but we also didn’t want the subject to hurt himself.” The Sheriff said the team then deployed some pepper spray through a window in an attempt to get the subject to come out. It did get him to unlock and open the door but he still refused to come out. The Sheriff said at that point they knew he had not harmed himself yet so they could go back to waiting and talking. Mosher said while deputies again started trying to talk the man into coming out of the camper he yelled he was not going to and then started a fire inside the camper. 

“When we saw the flames we started yelling for him to come out and he refused so we then had to try and go in after him. The Sheriff said during the altercation the subject who was armed with two large knives, threw a knife at deputies when they tried to enter the burning camper, and then started swinging a knife at them after that. The Sheriff did confirm that less lethal ammunition was then used on the subject and the subject was removed from the burning camper.

“This was a critical case where we nearly lost a life, but the training and the use of less lethal ammunition we have made available to the deputies gave them the ability do their job and keep everyone alive.” The Sheriff said the subject was taken to the hospital out of routine for a follow-up but said there was no major injuries to the subject. “We lost a camper to a fire, but they saved a life and that’s what counts” said Mosher.

Vernon County Sheriffs Office Press Release: Christmas for kids with Angel Tree and Sheriff‏

Sheriff calls Angel Tree a “very successful” event:

 Deputy Greg Prough, Sheriff Jason Mosher, Deputy Tycher Blakely just getting ready to feed the children

Christmas for children from the Vernon, Cedar, and Barton County areas was made just a little bit brighter when they received presents, food, and some goodies at the Angel Tree event held at the Church of the Nazarene on Saturday. Angel tree, a prison fellowship ministry, provided Christmas presents with help from the community to children who have a parent in a county jail or prison. But providing them with a gift was not all that was accomplished. When the children arrived, they were greeted by uniformed deputies who each took a child through the line of food that had been cooked by the Sheriff’s Office and helped them fix a plate. The deputies then sat and ate with the children before they received their presents. According to Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher, his office decided to combine their Christmas Dinner for Families event with the Angel Tree program after his office was contacted by Angel Tree early in December. “This was a great way to show the children in our community that we are not the bad guys and that we really do care,” said Mosher. 

A deputy giving one of the children a Christmas present during the event

The Sheriff said people from all over the county donated food and money for the event including 54 Café who donated $250 for the purchase of food items and Buzzes BBQ who donated containers for take home meals. “Not only did we have plenty of food for the children and their families who brought them in, but we had lots of food that we were able to send home with them,” said the Sheriff.  Mosher said deputies and their families helped cook the food Saturday morning and they even brought their own children down to eat and play with the other children during the event. The Sheriff is calling this a “very successful” event and hopes to be able to participate again next year. Not only is it an extremely valuable program for these children, but it is a great event that deputies and their families can participate in. Mosher said these kids have all had some type of hardship in their lives, but on that day, each child left with a smile on his or her face.

Obituary - Chad Donaldson

Chad Donaldson

Chad Donaldson, beloved son, brother and friend of Belton, MO, passed away Monday, December 22, 2014 at the age of 36. Chad was born January 7, 1978 in Kansas City, MO. Survivors include his parents; Craig Donaldson (Laura); Jenny Donaldson (Eddie Hite); brother, John Donaldson; uncle, Jerry Muncy (Mary); aunt, Joni Seiffert, many friends and extended family. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 from 11-12 PM followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM at Bristol Hill United Methodist Church; 4826 County Line Rd, K.C., KS 66106. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lakeside Nature Center; 4701 East Gregory Blvd; K.C., MO 64132 in Chad's memory. To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.maplehillfuneralhome.com.

Obituary- Bettie Sue Dines

Funeral Services for Bettie Sue Dines will be held at the First Baptist Church in Appleton City, Missouri on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The minster will be Reverend Mark Wilkerson.

Visitation will be held at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on Friday, December 26, 2014 between 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Appleton City Cemetery. The family suggest memorial gifts be made to the Appleton City Golden Apples.

Bettie Sue Dines, daughter of Cecil Theodore and Alta Dessie (Miller) Dines was born June 18, 1937 She passed away Monday, December 22, 2014 at Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City, Missouri at the age of 77.

Bettie Sue was born on her grandparents’ farm southeast of Johnson City, Missouri. She remained in the area until she graduated from Appleton City High School in 1955 and went to college at Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, later going to Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar.

Bettie moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1959 where she worked at Katz Drug, ABC Plumbing and Heating, and Midwestern Builders. After retiring from AMC Theaters in 2004, she moved back to Appleton City, Missouri.

Bettie was a member of First Baptist Church in Appleton City and also a member of Golden Apples, she enjoyed many trips on the OATS bus.

For a number of years, Bettie and her mom liked to create and make all kinds of jellies and breads together for craft shows. They made hundreds of jars of jellies and loaves of breads for these events. Dressed in her long red and white gingham dress, she became known as the “Jelly Lady”. Any of her recipes had something “special”, nothing plain. She also made Barbie and American Girl doll clothes.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include siblings: Bill Dines, Jerry Dines (Debbie), Sally McSlarrow (Dan), Linda Roush (Charlie), Mike Dines, Andy Dines, Tom Dines (Kathy); numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Larry Garrett and Dan Bost. She was very fond of her niece and nephew, Tim and Christina. She spent most holidays with them and their three children and also went on many trips with them.

Obituary - Joela N. Dains

Funeral Services for Joela N. Dains 84, of Rockville, Missouri will be held at 2pm on Friday, December 26th at the Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Mo.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 12 – 2pm prior to the service at the chapel. Burial will be in the Rockville Cemetery in Rockville. The family suggests contributions to the Rockville Cemetery Association.

Have a happy and safe holiday season

Area residents are reminded of the steps they can take to be proactive against theft this holiday season. Local law enforcement officials remind everyone that taking a few precautions could keep your purchases safe. Officials say never leave packages in plain view in your vehicle. Instead, put packages in the trunk, or simply cover them with a blanket. Law enforcement officials also remind area residents not to leave empty boxes from items outside, where everyone can see them. If possible, break the boxes down, or dispose of them in another manner. 

Officials also say not to post holiday travel plans on social media sites, as this allows criminals to know when the residence will be left unattended. 

If you see anything suspicious this holiday season, call your local law enforcement to report the activity.

Bates County Route OO CLOSED Near Ballard For Pipe Work on December 30 - Rescheduled Work‏

• Where: Bates County Route OO CLOSED between Route D and a point north of NE 7804 Road near Ballard

• When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30 (Work rescheduled from Wed., Dec. 17)

• What: MoDOT crews replacing a deteriorating drain pipe underneath the road

• Traffic Impacts: Drivers will have to find an alternate route around the closing.  Drivers will be able to get to driveways and other entrances on either side of the closing.  However, they will NOT be able to travel through the work zone.

Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts could postpone the project.

Bates County Route T CLOSED East of Adrian on December 30 - Work Rescheduled‏

Where: Bates County Route T CLOSED between NE 13004 and NE 14304 Roads east of Adrian When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30 (Work rescheduled from Mon., Dec. 15) What: Route T CLOSED to allow MoDOT crews to replace a drain pipe underneath the road Traffic Impacts: Drivers will have to find an alternate route around the closing. Drivers will be able to get to driveways and other entrances on either side of the closing. However, they will NOT be able to travel through the work zone.  Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts could postpone the project.

Community Food Pantry Closed for Holidays

The Community Food Pantry of Butler will be closed December 24 and will re-open January 5 for the Christmas holiday.

Obituary - Updated: Service Times: Letha F. Clark‏

Letha F. Clark, 96 of Butler, Missouri passed away December 21, 2014 in Haven, Kansas. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 1-2 PM at the church. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church or Heartland Hospice. Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary will be published as the information becomes available.

Public Service Reminder from The Bates County Collector/Treasurer's Office

Just a reminder from the Bates County Collector/Treasurer's office. The court house will be closed on Friday December 26th. We will be open Monday thru Wednesday of New Years week then again on Friday the 2nd. There is a drop box in the courthouse parking lot for tax payments that is checked Daily. 

We will accept payments postmarked by December 31st. but the post office informs us that if you mail on the 31st your mail may not be post marked that day. Have a safe and Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. 

Jim Platt
Bates County
Collector/Treasurer

Obituary - Leon James

Funeral services for Leon Smith will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Evangelist Jerry Weller officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 1 - 2 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Johnstown Cemetery, Johnstown, Missouri. 

Leon James, age 84 of Topeka, Kansas died Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor in Topeka, Kansas. He was born July 17, 1930 to Milton Perry and Beuna Sage James in Corning, Iowa.

Leon is survived by his wife, Karen of Topeka, Kansas; five sons, Randy James and wife Kay of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Darwin James and wife Becky of Amsterdam, Missouri, Donald James and wife Santana of Flagstaff, Arizona, Rusty James and wife Marie of Flagstaff, Arizona and David Mason and wife Jenny of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two daughters, Connie Brown and husband Eric of Mt. Ayr, Iowa and Cindy Dreiling and husband Anthony of Topeka, Kansas; two brothers, Milton James and Robert James; two sisters, Ora Rex and Lois Meyers; twelve grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Sharon in 1987.

50 Year Winning Streak

Deans Trophies celebrates their 50th anniversary of family business. Co-owners (daughter/ grandson) Debbie Crawford Scott and James Dean (Jamey) Suddarth, wish to express their gratitude to loyal customers of Dean’s Trophies. Debbie, Jamey and Nick Scott form the Board of Directors, guiding the Dean’s Team into the future as they continue to serve the Kansas City area.

Debbie fondly recalls when her parents started the trophy business in 1964. Dean and Lou Crawford were bowlers in area leagues. Through their passion for the sport, they recognized a business potential. A mail carrier by day, Dean spent many evenings gathering orders and assembling trophies. They soon relocated to Hickman Mills Drive where the Deans Trophies sign was an Icon in the community for 37 years. The highway project overtook the main facility and they moved to their current location in Belton on BelRay Place. Debbie manages this store and show room with a full line of products. The downtown Lee’s Summit Store located at 334 SW Main St is where Jamey Suddarth offers the same full line of Trophies, Awards, T-Shirts, Banners, Acrylics and laser engraving.

Stop in Belton or Lee’s Summit, where the Dean’s Team continues the tradition of Quality Products, Excellent Service, and Affordable Prices. We look forward to serving the needs of our customers and the community for years to come.

Contact us 816-331-0996 or 816-524-2782 Visit our website www.deanskc.com https://www.facebook.com/deanstrophies

Over 1,600 people lose power yesterday in Nevada

Over 1,600 residents in Nevada were without power Monday afternoon. KCP&L Officials say, an interruption in power happened just after 3:45 P.M. Monday afternoon. 

KCP&L Crews were immediately dispatched and sent on site, working to restore power to those residents. Officials say service has been restored to those that experienced the interruption. 

The cause of the outage has not been released at this time. To view the outage area, visit the KCP&L Outage Map at www.kcpl.com, and click on the Outages and Weather link.

Weather Update: Snow Tuesday Night?

Not going to get anyone's hopes up for a white Christmas but there is a glimmer of hope for those living in far northwest Missouri who could, just maybe, keep your fingers crossed, get enough snow to stick around till Christmas morning.

Snow is expected to spread into northwest Missouri by early Tuesday evening. The area of snow should gradually diminish as it continues southward overnight with only trace to a few tenths of an inch possible by the time it reaches the Missouri River.

If you have Christmas travel plans which send you east we are keeping an eye on a system which could bring accumulating snow from south central and southeast Missouri through central Illinois on Wednesday. Stay tuned.

Obituary - Winifred Robertson

Winifred Robertson, 96 of Butler, Missouri passed away December 18, 2014 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Mullinax Funeral Home in Butler. Visitation will be prior to services from 10 -11 AM at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, MO. Contributions are suggested to the Frank Robertson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Butler Presbyterian Church or Chapter HV, P.E.O. Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Winifred “Winnie” Robertson was born April 12, 1918 in Perry, Iowa to Fred Werner and Ruth Phillips Werner. She graduated from Perry High School and Des Moines School of Cosmetology. Winnie met and married Frank Robertson in Butler, MO in 1937 and to this union two children were born. Through the years Frank was a coach and principal in Butler and Raytown, MO. with Winifred also working in the Raytown school system. Winnie’s greatest love was her family. She felt blessed by family and friends. She loved life, like to sew, particularly for Judith, doing ceramics, painting and cooking. She appreciated concern from family, friends, and neighbors. Winifred was a member of the Butler Presbyterian Church and Chapter HV, P.E.O., and Get Togethers. Winifred was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Elmer Niederfrank, her husband of 64 ½ years, Frank, and daughter Judith; half sisters Alice Mills, Hazel Nath, Helen Woolley and Mary Deppensmith and brother Russell Werner. She is survived by her son Jim of Gulfport, Oregon, granddaugthers, Kelly Kenett, Sarah Robertson, and Amanda Robertson, and great-grandson Korey Kivett all of Springfield, MO.; sister-in-law Jo AgnesWerner of Friendswood, Texas, nieces and nephews and very special friend Chris Graven of Branson, MO.

Account now set up to help Doll Family

BUTLER, Mo – Fire destroyed the home of Josh and Sheila Doll and their five children.

Donation jars to help the family have been set up at both Casey’s in Butler, Chicken Larry’s Restaurant, Midwest Lumber and Subway Restaurants, O’Reilly’s and Outback Hair Salon all in Butler.

The following clothes sizes are needed: Boys clothes size 10 jeans and 10-12 shirts, Boys clothes 7 jeans and 8 shirts, Boys clothes 6 jeans and 7 shirts, Boys clothes 2T pants and 4 shirts, Girls clothes newborn and 0-3 months. Also toys for the children needed (4 boys 1 newborn girl). Clothing may be dropped off at Midwest Lumber Yard in Butler.

An account has been set up at Community First Bank in Butler under “Doll Family” feel free to drop by with your donations to help this family who lost their home to a fire.

Courtesy of Marla Kash Fm. 92 news

Butler Police Department Activity Report 12/15 - 12/22 - 2014

• 12/15//2014 

Animal complaint 800 block of W Dakota
Disturbance 300 block of N Prospect
Disturbance Fran Apts
Medical assist 200 block of W Atkinson
Animal complaint 200 block of E pine
Traffic control Schowengert
C and I vehicle Ft Scott and High

• 12/16/2014 

Keep the peace Super 8
Warrant service 300 block of E Pine
Trespassing call Conoco
C and I driver report Atkinson and Fulton
Disturbance 600 block of W Adams
Disturbance call 600 block of W Dakota

• 12/17/2014 

Medical assist Dove Lane
Disturbance call 300 block of W Harrison
Vandalism report
Assist BCSO Patty Ford Rd
Medical assist Fulton and Dakota
Well being check Butler Airport
Disturbance 400 block of S Fulton
Warrant service
Attempt to locate

• 12/18/2014 

Assist BCMH
911 hang up Super 8
Well being check 400 block of E Ft Scott
Well being check Fair Grounds
911 hang up Dove Ln
Alarm 1100 block of W Ft Scott
Vehicle in ditch Nursery and Bus 49

• 12/19/2014 

Noise complaint N Water
Warrant service
Warrant service N Main
Keep the peace
Warrant service 300 block of N Water
Harassment report W Ft Scott
Alarm E Jefferson
Fight Atkinson and Delaware
Keep the peace 400 block of N Main
Shoplifter Wal-Mart

• 12/20/2014 

Theft report 1100 block of W Ft Scott
Shoplifter Wal-Mart
Traffic control Mullinex Funeral
Medical assist Dive Lane

• 12/22/2014 

Assault report BCMH
Keep the peace E Ft Scott
Disturbance 400 block of S Mechanic
Speak to Officer BCSO
Well being check

Obituary - Linda Kay Williams

Linda Kay Williams

Linda Kay Williams, age 69, La Cygne, Kansas formerly of Allen, County, Kansas passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014. She was born on July 1, 1945 the daughter of, and youngest child of fourteen of Bertlum and Lois Ryan Stokes. She married Alvin Grizzle on May 23, 1962. To this union three children were born. The marriage ended in divorce in 1977. She later married George Williams on April 2, 1979 in Miami, Oklahoma. She loved caring for her family. She enjoyed reading, soap operas, quilting and cross stitching. Linda was preceded in death by eight brothers: William, Allen, Harlen, Robert, Donald, Darrell, Sam and James, two sisters, Virginia Andres and Mary Ann Stokes and two grandbabies she now holds in her eternal home. She is survived by her husband George, son Gale Allen Grizzle and wife Jennifer, two daughters, Connie Sue Curnutte and husband Gary, and Bonnie Kay LaFoe and husband Michael, three brothers: John, Bertlum Jr. and Charlie Stokes, two step sons, John and David Williams, a step daughter, Sharon Phillips and four grandchildren: Amanda, Kayla, Kyle and Adam. 

Funeral service will be held 11 AM Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, La Cygne Chapel. Burial will be in the La Harpe, Kansas Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Tuesday at the Chapel. The family suggests contributions to Mercy Hospice or University of Kansas Cancer Institute. On line condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, La Cygne Chapel.