2 from Vernon county held on charges of deviant crimes against children

The Vernon County Sheriffs Office Conducted a search warrant at 16562 S.1713 Rd lot 19 Nevada Mo. Friday evening after receiving information that was disclosed from a forensic interview From the Children’s Center. After conducting multiple interviews and collecting evidence from the search warrant, 2 individuals were placed in custody regarding sexual deviant crimes against children. Both individuals were placed on 24hr investigative holds and charges were sent to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.

Vernon County prosecutor filed charges on both suspects, and warrants were issued for the following charges:

Fritts, Adam

26VE-CR00171

$500,000 cash only bond

Abuse or Neglect of a child under section 568.060

Child Molestation- 1st degree

Statutory Sodomy or Attempted Statutory Sodomy

Statutory Rape or Attempted Statutory Rape- 1st Degree

Fritts, Alicia

26VE-CR00170

$25,000 cash only bond

Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating Substantial Risk—First Degree—No Sexual Contact

This is still an ongoing case and still under investigation. The children have been placed in state custody.

Sheriff Buehler says, "THESE ARE OUR CHILDREN!! Parents are supposed to protect their children and this makes me sick to think that both parents were involved. No child should feel unsafe with their parents. However, this is the stuff we encounter every day in our line of work. I will do my best to make sure the children in this county are safe.”

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

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America 250 Resolution signed and done

This morning several women from Bates County met with the Bates County Commission to get the Commissioner's approval of the America 250 Resolution

The goal of the resolution is to inspire fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strenthen our love of country and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage and unite us as a nation. The resolution is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country.

Trent Nelson made the motion to adopt the America 250 Resolution. John Gray seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Jim Wheatley signed the resolution stating that the Bates County Commission now supports the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation.

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Butler track results from Thursday

The Bears’ high school track team held their annual home meet on Thursday, March 26. This meet has grown into one of the largest meets in the area during the early season with 20 schools entered to compete. Despite the large number of schools, the boys’ team finished fourth, just 1.5 points behind the second place team with the girls team finishing in fifth place. Individually, 14 new personal records were also set.

Below are those who finished in the top 8 of their events or set a personal record.

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Amsterdam Cafe announces closure

Per a Facebook announcement over the weekend, the Amsterdam Cafe is now closed

Thank you to all of you for your love and support through this last year and half! My staff and I appreciate each and every one of you. Friends, family, and those that have become friends/family through this short period of time here at the cafe.

Hope to see all of you soon!

Much love, Kristina

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566361522831

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Improvements ongoing at Miami R-1

We are excited to share that our new discus and shot put throwing pads have been poured for our track and field program!

Thank you to Fischer Concrete for the quick turnaround on getting the concrete delivered. We also want to give a big thank you to Adrian Optimist Club members Alan Chancellor, Courtney Shriver, and Josh Nieder for donating your time and labor to help make this project happen.

We would also like to recognize students Dylon and Alden for helping with the labor. We are very proud of students who step up and help improve our school facilities.

We are very thankful for the support from our community and everyone who helped with this project.

Courtesy Miami R1 Schools

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Hodges Park Memorial Wall deadline tomorrow

ARCHIE COMMUNITY — HELP US HONOR OUR HEROES

The Hodges Park Memorial Wall is more than just a monument—it’s a lasting tribute to the brave men and women from our community who have served our country.

The City of Archie is currently accepting names of military family members to be added to the wall… but time is running out.

DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2026

If you have a loved one who has served—past or present—this is your opportunity to ensure their service is recognized, remembered, and honored for generations to come.

Why this matters:

• It creates a permanent legacy for your family

• It ensures your loved one’s service is never forgotten

• It allows our entire community to come together in gratitude and respect

• It gives future generations a place to reflect on sacrifice and service

How to get started:

Forms can be picked up at Archie City Hall

204 S Main St, Archie, MO

You’ll need:

• Your family member’s name

• Branch of service

This will allow enough time for names to be added in honor of Memorial Day 2026

From all of us at the Archie Missouri Police Department, we strongly encourage every family to take a moment and be part of something meaningful. These names tell the story of our town—of courage, sacrifice, and service.

Don’t wait. March 31 will be here before you know it.

Let’s come together as a community and make sure every hero is honored

Courtesy city of Archie, MO

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A friendly reminder from the La Cygne police department

Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road including other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

According to KDOT, there were 11,857 distraction-affected crashes from 2019 to 2024 in Kansas.

In 2024 alone in our state, there were 20 people killed in traffic crashes and an additional 1,050 people were injured.

Reduce distractions, Reduce wrecks.

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Cass County to assemble Underwater Search and Rescue Team

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has approved the creation of the Underwater Search and Rescue Team (USAR), which will enhance community safety.

The idea came after years of seeing a need for underwater search, rescue and evidence recovery within the county.

In a collaborative effort, USAR will bring in members from several local agencies. Fire and EMS partners will join deputies from the sheriff’s office. Some members will already have experience in rescue and recovery situations. This gives them an advantage as they undergo instructor certification so they can teach new members. Local law enforcement officers will also join the team, with a concentrated focus on evidence recovery and investigations.

“Creating an underwater search and rescue team is one of those situations where collaboration between the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Each agency brings different strengths, and without collaboration, there can be gaps in response, effectiveness and safety concerns which can lead to serious problems,” said Captain/Paramedic Eric Perilla of the South Metropolitan Fire Protection District.

Perilla is a SSI Master Instructor and Rescue Diver who will be an integral part of the USAR team.

Preparing for dive team operations is a rigorous process. Members will train monthly, focusing on several high-stakes skills. These full-scale exercises are designed to validate their abilities and ensure the team is mission-ready for any environment.

During both training and callouts, they will use advanced technology to maintain constant communication.

The Cass County Commission played an integral role in the creation of the USAR team.

“The Cass County Commission remains committed to quality public safety in Cass County and we support our public safety officials' collaborative efforts to provide these essential services,” said Cass County Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston.

The top priority for this team is to be prepared when they are called upon by the community.

“Collaborating with our Public Safety partners to provide critical life safety services to the citizens of Cass County is core to our mission of Keeping Cass County Safe. Having the staff, training and equipment is essential to that mission, and I am grateful for the support we have from our elected officials and Public Safety Leaders,” said Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber.

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