Obituary - John J. Kauffman

John J. Kauffman, 92, passed away on December 10, 2018 in his home in Grand Junction, Colorado. 

Born August 12, 1926, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, he was the son of John and Ellen L. (Jennings) Kauffman. He attended school through 8th grade in Pleasanton, KS before leaving home at the age of 16 to pursue work in agriculture. 

John spent many years driving truck and custom combining across the western United States. John settled in Hillsdale, WY in the 1950s where he achieved great success seeing countless harvests up until the age of 87 when he retired.

Family was very important to John, there were many summers when relatives would assist with harvest, many coming to stay for the summer. John shared his love for farming with his brother Don and nephew Dennis Curry. When John wasn''t working hard in the field he enjoyed snowmobiling, traveling and spending time with family. John was especially close with great-nephew Matthew Curry (wife Rachel), great-niece Jami Curry (husband Ryan), and great-niece Jill Strenger (husband Jacob). In his later years, John enjoyed watching his great-grandnieces and nephew play in his yard, spending time with friends and family, and reading the adventures of Louis L''Amour.

John is preceded in death by his parents, brother Don Kauffman and sister Ida Crail. John is survived by his siblings Marjorie Curry of Liberal, Kansas and Virginia Schmid (husband Dudley) of Houston, Texas. John is also survived by his 11 nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasanton Cemetery in Pleasanton, KS. The family suggests donations may be made to HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction, Colorado, and they may be mailed in care of Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory P.O. Box 525 Pleasanton, Kansas 66075. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Search Warrant Served in Nevada

In the morning hours of Thursday December 13, 2018 Nevada Police executed a search warrant in the 700 block of South Clay Street in connection to a felony wanted subject hiding inside.

Officers had developed information from the local probation & parole office that a known female subject who had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for probation violation was living at that location.

Officers went by the address in an attempt to serve the arrest warrant. Upon arriving at the residence officers could hear someone inside the residence, but they refused to cooperate with law enforcement.

Officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence. During the execution of the warrant officers located the wanted female suspect inside the residence.

While attempting to take the female subject into custody, a male subject inside the residence interfered with officers while they were making the arrest and was also taken into custody.

Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Vernon County Jail for holding. The two subjects were identified as follows:

Tiffany Johnson, age 34 of Nevada

Baldemar Martinez Jr, age 53 of Nevada

On December 13, 2018, the following charges were filed against Tiffany Johnson through the Vernon County Associate Court:

Resisting Arrest for a Felony – Felony E

Johnson is being held in the Vernon County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 cash only bond for the resisting arrest charge. Johnson is also being held on a felony probation violation warrant with no bond.

On December 13, 2018 the following charges were filed against Baldemar Martinez Jr through the Vernon County Associate Court:

Interfering with an Arrest for a Felony – Felony E

Martinez is being held in the Vernon County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 cash only bond.

Citizens are encouraged to contact the police if they have any information that would be helpful to combat crime.

For questions regarding crime prevention techniques or to start a Neighborhood Watch Program, contact the Nevada Police Department at (417) 448-5100.

To report criminal activities call 911 or us the Tip Hotline (417) 667-8477

Two arrests made for attempting to smuggle contraband to inmates at the Vernon County Courthouse

Investigators made two separate arrests in the Vernon County Courthouse Thursday morning in what officials say was an attempt to smuggle items considered contraband to inmates who were being taken to court by Detention Officers. 

Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher says investigators were monitoring the courthouse from a remote location after receiving information about a person who may try to smuggle contraband to an inmate. Mosher said a second person was also spotted during the surveillance and taken into custody by personnel who were on site to make the arrests. 

Mosher said improvements were made to the camera system at the courthouse this year and that Sheriff’s Office personnel are now able to monitor the courthouse from the Sheriff’s Office while court is in session.

Charges were issued Thursday afternoon charging Amber Goodwin, 29 of Nevada with Delivery or Possession of Items at a County/Private Jail/Corrections Center. Goodwin was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and is being held in the Vernon County Jail on a $11,500 cash only bond.

Colleen Smith, 61, of Nevada has also been charged with Delivery or Possession of Items at a County/Private Jail/Corrections Center and is being held in the Vernon County Jail on a $1,500 cash only bond.

Harrisonville Police searching for subject who fired at officers

The Harrisonville Police Department is attempting to locate Jacob Long. a 25-year-old white male, in reference to an incident earlier today in which shots were fired while officers were investigating a trespassing in progress.

Jacob has active warrants for his arrest and is to be considered armed and dangerous. He is possibly armed with a .22 or similar caliber firearm.

He was last seen in the wooded area north of Commercial (behind the VFW). He is reportedly wearing all dark clothing.

Job Opening In Butler

Part-Time Dispatch with Potential of Full Time

Position Summary

The City of Butler is now accepting applications for an immediate opening for Part-Time Dispatcher for Police and Fire Services. 

Duties 911 Emergency dispatch includes receiving requests for service from citizens, dispatching emergency calls for police and fire, data entry, detail oriented, and records maintenance. This position requires 12-hour shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Requirements

Proficient keyboard data entry, along with the ability to deal effectively and positively with the public. 

Police/Emergency Services dispatch experience is highly preferred but will train motivated candidate with excellent oral communication skills to work in fast paced, multi-task environment. 

Must pass a Background check and drug test.
Applications can be picked up at Butler Police Department 309 N Fulton Butler, Mo. Also, available online at the Butler City Hall website. 

Any questions please call Butler Police Department 660-679-6131. The City of Butler is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

School Lock Down in Louisburg Kansas

At approximately 7:00 am this morning an Officer responded to the Harvest Glen Subdivision to check on a report of a subject in the area acting suspiciously. 

The Officer arrived and located the subject in question, observed the subject acting suspiciously and attempted to contact him. The suspect fled from the Officer and area and from subsequent Officers who responded to assist. 

The subject fled to the proximity of the Rockville Elementary School and the school was placed on lockdown. The suspect then fled into the wooded area a short distance from the school. The search continued and moved away from the area. 

The school’s lockdown was lifted when the School Administration, Police Department and Sheriff’s Office personnel concurred it was safe to do so. The search for the suspect was discontinued at approximately 11:30 am.

A suspect has been identified through investigative means and charges are pending.

The Louisburg Police Department was assisted by the Miami County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Obituary - Mark James Rapp

Mark James Rapp, 62, Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at his home in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Mark was born September 25, 1956 in Appleton City, MO to James Melvin and Vanita Ann (Holsten) Rapp. He was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Garwood on March 27, 1993 in Prairie City, MO and she survives of the home.

Mark was raised in Prairie City. He attended Rich Hill High School and graduated Class of 1974. Mark was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City. He farmed all of his life in the Prairie City area. For the past four years he has resided in Nevada.

In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by three children, James Rapp and his wife Christina, Rich Hill, Dustine Garwood, Cameron, MO, Bill Garwood, St. Joseph, MO; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; parents, James and Vanita Rapp, Rockville, MO; siblings, Veronica Feilner and her husband Ron, Prairie City, Jeanette Lisenby, Billings, MO, Loretta Percy and her husband Rod, Springfield, MO, Michael Rapp and his wife Tammy, Rockville, MO, Brenda Strope and her husband Terry, Deepwater, MO, Marcella Peck and her husband Bill, Springfield, MO; numerous nieces and nephews; and his many friends. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Misty Lynn Woods; and brother-in-law, Bob Lisenby.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Rev. Joel Meyer officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the family in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Teddy Joe (Ted) Zellmer

Teddy Joe (Ted) Zellmer, 83, Harrisonville, MO, died Monday, December 10, 2018 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Cornerstone Community Church in Harrisonville with visitation from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, December 14, at the church. Burial will be in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cornerstone Community Church Memorial Fund.

Ted was born June 30, 1935 near Amsterdam, MO, the son of Carl Henry “Hank” and Izola Fay (Conard) Zellmer. When Ted was young, the family relocated to the Hickory Grove Community south of Freeman. Ted attended Hickory Grove Rural School before graduating from Harrisonville High School in 1952. Ted continued with his education and received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO in 1956. He served in the Army Reserves from 1959 -1964. He married Virginia “Ginny” Louise Purdy on June 30, 1957 at the Adrian Methodist Church in Adrian, MO. Together they owned and operated a farm near Harrisonville. Ginny preceded him in death on January 14, 2015. He married Patricia Ann (Slocum) Sweet on July 8, 2017 and they enjoyed country life together on Ted’s cattle farm.

Ted was a farmer by profession and he was a nurturer in all that he touched. In addition to building a successful farm in both crops and livestock where he was known as a progressive innovator. Ted was active in nurturing his family, his agriculture industry, and his faith. Ted offered his time and expertise to serve in many agricultural organizations. He served the Mizzou Agriculture Alumni Association as a member and then president, Cass County Farm Bureau in many capacities and offices, including president. He took his turn leading the Cass County Pork Producers and especially enjoyed working with the crew serving pork-burgers in the “Pork Shack” as a promotion for their commodity. Other agriculture related organizations in which he served in many capacities included the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation Board, The Missouri Pork Producers, the Farm Credit Services Board, and the Cass County Roads and Bridges Advisory Committee. Ted was recognized with many service awards, received the Cass County Farm Management Award (Balanced Farming) along with his late wife Virginia, and Master Pork Producer from the Missouri Pork Producers. He was in The United States Army Reserves for six years and served as a Staff Sergeant. In all these service opportunities, he sought to improve the group and the circumstances of the members.

Ted was deeply committed in his Christian faith and enjoyed serving in several churches in various capacities. He invested in the Archie Methodist Church as lay leader, Sunday School teacher, worship leader, and, together with Ginny, led the youth group for several years. Throughout his life, he served in many key leadership roles in whatever church he attended. He was a charter member of Cornerstone Community Church in Harrisonville and managed the construction of the church’s building. He served as an Elder but especially enjoyed teaching adult Sunday school classes and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord. He was always available to fill the pulpit and was known for teaching “object lessons” involving toy wagons, tools, and agriculture parables. His energy and stamina were evident as he served at Cornerstone and he was once described as “a twenty-year-old trapped in a sixty-five-year-old body.”

Ted took great delight and responsibility in nurturing his family and was influential on each generation. His generosity and helping hands were available to all. He believed in the importance of education and influenced his children to excel. He believed in service and strongly influenced his family to be generous in giving their time to serve other people through organizations and in their careers. His high energy and enjoyment of any new project made him a valuable asset in assisting his family and friends with their own ventures. Ted was a great mentor to many in fathering, farming, faith matters, and serving others. Even in the last few years, along with his wife, Patt, he was always seeking to encourage others with a helping hand, a good visit, and a good laugh as they both enjoyed each other, their families, and whatever the next project was at hand.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ginny and one grandson, Brice Heid. He is survived by his wife, Patt, of the home; two daughters, Peggy Heid and husband, Brent, and Vicky Hartzler and husband, Lowell, all of Harrisonville, MO; one brother, Fred Zellmer and wife, Linda, Freeman, MO; 5 grandchildren, Jared, Devin, Landon, Caleb Heid and Tiffany Hartzler, and 4 great-grandchildren; Elaena, Avery, Arely, and Evana Heid; Patt’s children, Keith Sweet and wife, Janet, and Blake Sweet and wife, Patty; Patt’s 11 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Obituary - Karen Ruth Bright

Funeral services for Karen Ruth Bright of Lee's Summit, Missouri will be 11:00 am, Monday, December 17, 2018 at the Abundant Life Church, 304 SW Persels Road, Lee's Summit, Missouri with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri at 2:30 pm, Monday, December 17. Visitation is from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, Monday, December 17 at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Karen Ruth Bright, age 63 of Lee's Summit, Missouri died Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at her home in Lee's Summit, Missouri. She was born February 28, 1955 to Walter Leighton and Mary Patricia Walsh Clark in Kansas City, Missouri.

Karen is survived by husband Gregory Bright of the home; two sons Mark Nicholas Oglesby and wife Nadine and David Patrick Oglesby and wife Sarah both of Nashville, Tennessee; two daughters Ashley Nicole Hoffman and husband Dillon and Andrea Kathleen Bright both of Lee's Summit, Missouri also seven grandchildren. Also surviving are two nephews Jacob Galloway and Caleb Galloway and niece Rachel Galloway-Mott and their families.

From the Miami County Kansas Sheriffs Office

Update: Person of interest is a black male with a mustache, short black hair, black coat, red shirt and black jeans. Subject is wanted for Interference with Law Enforcement Rockville Elementary is on lockdown.

Deputies are assisting the Louisburg Police Department on a Report or a suspicious person. The person fled on foot from their officers and was last seen behind Rockville Elementary. We are working to get a description of the individual and will get that out.


UPDATE 9:30 - Subject was last seen by Kansas State Troopers running east from the area of 271st and Mission Belleview. Rockville Elementary has been released from lockdown.