Saturday, August 16, 2025

Hearing date set for Corey Snead

Butler man Corey Snead, accused of sexual abuse at a Butler bar earlier this year will appear before the Bates County Circuit Court on September 14th at 9 am before Judge M. Blane Baker.

Snead is facing a charge of Sexual Abuse, 2nd Degree Misdemeanor A and is represented by attorney Scott Friedrich of Butler.

Butler man injured in accident near Ballard

Shortly before 10 pm on August 14, first responders were called to the scene of a motorcycle accident on route BB at CR 9004 near Ballard to find a 53 year old male from Butler, Mo suffering from serious injuries after the bike left the roadway, ejecting the rider.

The rider was airlifted to Research Hospital in Kansas City for treatment. The Adrian Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Bates County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of victims in publicly available accident reports. Hardcopy detailed reports are available from the MSHP at a cost of $6 with an unknown delivery time due to a severe backlog, according to the MSHP website.

Obituary - Diana Briggs

Diana Lynn Briggs, 63, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 14, 2025. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. The family suggests contributions to the Freeman, Missouri First Baptist Church.

Diana was born November 28, 1961 in Harrisonville, a daughter of Delbert Dewayne and Edna Mae (McBride) Roller. She lived in the LaTour, MO, area growing up and was a 1980 graduate of Holden, MO, High School. She was a member of the Rosehill Baptist Church in LaTour. Diana met John Briggs in Harrisonville, and after becoming good friends, they were united in marriage September 5, 1980 by Rev. Joe Brewster at the Freeman First Baptist Church. Together, they made a home in the Freeman, MO, area, where they raised 3 children, before settling in Peculiar, MO.

Diana was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Ron Roller. She is survived by her husband, John Briggs, Peculiar, MO; three daughters: Kimberly Blevins and husband, Steven, of Butler, MO; Jamie Chapman of Harrisonville, MO; and Stacy Roller of Buckner, MO; a son, John “John-John” Briggs and wife, Crystal, Harrisonville, MO; her mother, Edna Roller, of LaTour, MO; two brothers: Delbert “Tim” Roller and wife, Jerre, of Latour, MO; and Randy Roller and wife, Rita, of Blue Springs, MO; two sisters: Debbie Kircher and husband, Gary, of Harrisonville, MO; and Donna Kagarice and husband, Jack, of LaTour, MO; five grandchildren: Jordan, Jenna, Hailey, Jaylin, and Braydon; and two great-grandchildren, Jetsynn and Emberlyn

Friday, August 15, 2025

Thexton's each to serve 32 years following sentencing today

 Kenneth and Melody Thexton exit the Bates County Courthouse with attorneys Friedrich and Truesdale following sentencing Friday afternoon

Kenneth and Melody Thexton were ushered into the the Bates County Circuit Court this afternoon following a brief consult with attorneys Jonathan Truesdale and Scott Friedrich, then were greeted by an opening statement by Prosecutor Hugh C. Jenkins.

"In all my years of service have I ever seen such a case of cruelty and depravity" said Jenkins "This went on years and years and it all can't be blamed on drug use. There's a serious element here. And ends up being a life sentence for the children involved, they never get over it. And they (the defendants) never showed remorse."

Scott Friedrich, attorney for Kenneth Thexton took the floor and argued that "yes, drug use can certainly be a factor but mostly mental health issues related to abuse that Thexton was subjected to at a very young age" likely played a role in his mental well being. Friedrich went on to say that Thexton scored low on several mental evaluations and was not considered a threat to the public. He concluded his arguments by asking judge M. Brandon Baker to show leniency for those reasons.

Jonathan Truesdale followed by saying that his client, Melody Thexton did indeed show remorse and admitted bad behavior. He noted that Thexton was also a victim of child abuse and asked for leniency as well.

All three attorneys spoke before a courtroom full of guests, including over 20 members of the Guardians of the Children motorcycle club who looked on and listened intently as the victims impact statement was read aloud.

The young woman began "I've never known what loving parents would be like. But I'm not scared any more. Once I knew I was safe, I'd never go back again. This is sick and disgusting." The tearful statement included being forced at a young age to watch (her parents) perform sex acts and participate on multiple occasions throughout her young life. 

"They should be euthanized" she added before concluding her 5 minute or so affirmation which when completed, left the courtroom eerily silent.

Judge Baker then took a few moments before announcing the sentence which will result in a total of 32 years in the Missouri DOC for each of the Thexton's as follows:

Count 1 - 20 years
Count 2 - 12 years 
Count 3 - 12 years
Count 4 - 7 years
Count 5 - 7 years
Count 6 - 7 years
Count 7 - 7 years

Counts 2 through 7 are to run concurrent to each other but consecutive with Count 1 for a total of 32 years total. Also a time credit was issued for days already served.



Naked ladies gather at Rich Hill Catholic park, passersby take notice

 


Amaryllis belladonna, better known as the naked lady lily, has been making its late Summer appearance all round the area including Rich Hill Catholic park as seen here. 

And yes, the late season bloomers can certainly be a head turner as they bring contrast to the landscape.



MDC offers free webinar for managing deer

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) invite landowners, land managers, and others interested in managing deer on their properties to join them online for a free webinar on open-land management practices to enhance white-tailed deer habitat on their properties.

This live Zoom webinar on “Wildflowers and Whitetails” will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. It will begin with a presentation by the MDC private lands deer biologist followed by MDC and NDA staff answering participants’ questions.  

Save this link for the free Zoom webinar on “Wildflowers and Whitetails” and click on it on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.: short.mdc.mo.gov/4tY 

LONG LINK: us06web.zoom.us/j/87901384930?pwd=cQpnUMDuLWGWscUS4AL4D0OArDG5uI.1#success 

For those who have not previously used Zoom on their selected device, click the link ahead of time and follow the prompts to install the free Zoom software.

This webinar is the third presentation within MDC’s and NDA’s free 2025 Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series via Zoom. The final upcoming webinar within the series will be Utilizing Prescribed Fire for Deer Management and will be held on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. 

Watch the previous webinar on Forests, Woodlands, and Whitetails at youtube.com/watch?v=3lsLhavOJac

Learn more about deer management at mdc.mo.gov/your-property/improve-your-property/wildlife-management/deer-management

BCMH welcomes new paramedic


Congratulations to Cody Moore – BCMH’s Newest Paramedic!


Cody Moore has officially earned his EMT-P certification — or in everyday terms, he’s now a Paramedic! He’s pictured here with his family at his July 17 graduation ceremony from the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Paramedic program.
Today marks Cody’s first shift as a paramedic-in-orientation. For the rest of the month, he’ll be paired with another paramedic to complete his orientation hours before joining our ambulance crews as the lead provider with an EMT partner.
At BCMH, each ambulance is staffed with a two-person crew — one Paramedic and one EMT-B — to respond to emergency calls across Bates County. Like many rural hospitals, we face a highly competitive job market for trained paramedics. In 2025, BCMH invested in our own by awarding scholarships to four of our EMTs to attend paramedic school; two funded by a grant. Cody, who joined BCMH in May 2024 as a full-time EMT-B, is the first of these scholarship recipients to graduate.
We’re proud of Cody’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our community in this critical role. Please join us in congratulating him on this achievement!
Did you know? Paramedic school typically takes 1–2 years to complete, with hundreds of classroom hours plus hands-on clinical and field experience.

Heat sets in until midweek

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Friedrich Law set to defend Butler man accused of groping incident


Information released today indicates that Corey Snead 48, accused of a groping incident at a Butler bar earlier this year, will be represented in proceedings by Friedrich Law of Butler Mo.

Snead faces a charge of Sexual Abuse, 2nd Degree- Misdemeanor A as filed in the Bates County Circuit Court yesterday. 

As of today there are no further entries on the court docket however, a motion for discovery request is expected to made by Friedrich in the near future.


Thank you, Cook Insurance

 


A HUGE thank you to Cook Insurance Agency for their generous donation to Butler Junior High/High School to help support student needs. We greatly appreciate your generosity in supporting the Bears this year! Pictured are Cook Insurance Agent Bryant Rush and BHS Assistant Principal Gwen Ford.

Amsterdam ramps up preparation for 2025 Jubilee


The day starts with Drexel's own, we claim her as well, Harley Bridges. Her modern musical take on today's best music is refreshing- She hits the main stage right after the parade. 

Queen Candidate
Harper Powell, daughter of Craig and Kayla Powell. Harper is 11 years old going into the 6th grade. Harper likes to paint and draw. She loves playing basketball and volleyball. She also likes to swim and sing at church. Harper wants to be an aesthetician when she grows up.

Queen candidate
Abigail Bailey is the great-granddaughter of GW Morris & Carole Collins, the granddaughter of Carl & Sara Morris, and the daughter of Noel Carr and Joe Bailey. She is starting her sophomore year with aspirations of becoming an anesthesiologist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, rewatching The Walking Dead, and visiting her family in Amsterdam, Missouri. Words she lives by, "Everything is beautiful when you look at it with love."


2025 Jubilee parade Grand Marshal, Cathy Slattery


Keep up with the Jubilee on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064935120087


Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says Ozarks water infection is rare

 NEWS: We have confirmed a rare brain infection in a Missourian caused by an ameba (also spelled amoeba) called Naegleria fowleri. The infection is known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) - it is not contagious, but it is deadly. The patient is being treated in the ICU.

The source of the patient’s exposure is currently being investigated by public health officials. While not confirmed, preliminary information implies the patient may have been participating in water activities at the Lake of the Ozarks days before becoming ill. Recreational water users should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present in any warm freshwater across the U.S.; however, infection remains extremely rare.
The ameba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds; however, PAM is extremely rare. Between 1962 and 2024, there were 167 reported cases of PAM in the United States. The only other cases among Missouri residents were in 1987 and 2022.
Although rare, infection can occur when water containing Naegleria fowleri enters through the nose from freshwater. The ameba travels up the nose to the brain where it destroys brain tissue. It is important to remember that this infection isn't contagious and can't be contracted by swallowing water.

Obituary - Ilene Wallace

 Ilene Sharon Riggs Wallace, age 78, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Freeman Hospital West, in Joplin, MO.

     Sharon was born on March 26, 1947, in Menden, NE to Ruben Earl and Doris Evelyn (Dixon) Neely.  She was a homemaker and had also worked at Thompson Floral, in Real Estate, and at Woods Pharmacy.

     Sharon leaves behind two sons, Dale Lipe, Nevada, MO and Travis Riggs and his wife, Joan, Nevada, MO; a grandson Scott Riggs; two granddaughters, Brittany Riggs and Ariel Poe; brother-in-law, David L. Wood, Ft. Scott, KS; and a sister-in-law, Jane Frankmore, La Junta, CO.   Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Donnajo Wood; an infant brother, Jimmy Neely; and two husbands, Ed Riggs and Jack Wallace.

     A celebration of life will be announced, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home.

Thexton's set for sentencing on Friday

Tomorrow, one of the most heinous cases of child abuse ever investigated in Bates County will officially come to an end. Kenneth Thexton and Melodie Thexton both are set to be sentenced tomorrow (Friday) at 2 pm in the Bates County Circuit Court under the direction of Judge M. Brandon Baker.

The couple is accused of some 25 counts of child sexual abuse spanning back to November of 2018. The underage victims stated that the abuse had occurred in other parts of state, including at a mobile home just outside of Drexel, Mo.

Even though both Thexton's entered into a plea agreement earlier this Summer, maximum sentences are expected.

Rain guestimate for the next week

 


HERE IS THE 7-DAY precipitation outlook from the Weather Prediction Center.

You can see NW Missouri picking up over 1" between now and NEXT Thursday, and I think that may happen Monday night or Tuesday.
The rest of us only have hopes of well under 1" over the next week.
-Greg@660weather

Ellett Memorial Hospital wants your input!

 


Our Community Health Needs Assessment Survey closes tomorrow. If you haven't already, please scan the QR code or go to ellettmemorial.com/CHNA to take the survey. We need your input!

For more information on the Community Health Needs Assessment please go to ellettmemorial.com/CHNA and click on "More Information of the Community Health Needs Assessment"

Obituary - Robert "Bob" Withrow

Funeral services for Robert Lee "Bob" Withrow of Foster, Missouri will be 10 a.m. August 21, 2025 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation will be prior to services from 9 - 10 a.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Salem Cemetery, Foster.  Contributions to American Legion Post #67, Rich Hill, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Robert Lee “Bob” Withrow, age 92 of Foster, Missouri died Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Butler Center in Butler, Missouri.  He was born February 19, 1933 to Lee Roy and Nadine Cecil Withrow in New Home Township, Missouri.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cynthia Reisz of the home; two sons, James Withrow of Papillion, Nebraska and John Withrow of Kansas City, Missouri; one daughter, Ellen Withrow of Bucklin, Missouri; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one stepson, Russell Reisz and wife Christine of Ironton, Minnesota; two stepdaughters, Kristine Dooley and husband Timothy of Missouri Valley, Iowa and Korena Reisz of La Vista, Nebraska; five step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Nadine Withrow; and two sisters, Betty Jean Ferguson and Melba Williams.  

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Butler city official placed on administrative leave, facing charges


According to court documents made available today, Butler City Administrator Corey N. Snead 48, is facing charges related to a incident that allegedly occurred at the Alley Tavern in Butler on April 18, 2025. The victim made a report to the Butler Police Department on April 22nd, however to avoid any conflicts of interest, BPD handed the investigation over to the Missouri Highway Patrol on April 29, 2025.

On May 19, MSHP officers interviewed Snead and provided his statement, along with the witness statement and other evidence to the Bates County Prosecutors Office. In his statement, Snead acknowledged a groping incident occurred.

Snead is facing a Sexual Abuse, 2nd Degree Misdemeanor 'A' charge as filed under the direction of Prosecutor Lynn M. Ewing. Presiding Judge Julie A. Highley-Keutzer has been recused in the case as she cited having a relationship with both the plaintiff and the defendant. Judge M. Brandon Baker will be assuming that duty.

At this time the docket shows no further activity however, a court date is expected to be revealed in coming days.

As no arrest warrant was issued, Snead awaits further proceedings and has been placed on administrative leave regarding his position with the city of Butler.




CCSO makes arrest following shooting

 On 8/11/25 just after 1 a.m., Cass County deputies were dispatched to the area of E 164th Terr in Belton in reference to a shooting.

Deputies met with Belton Police where the incident happened but were unable to locate the shooter.
The victim was taken to an area hospital where she was treated.
During the investigation, on 08/12/25 at around 10:45 p.m., Deputies with the Criminal Apprehension Unit along with the assistance of the Kansas City Police Department located the suspect in Grandview.
They were able to successfully apprehend the suspect.
41-year-old Jeffrey Arzola of Grandview was transferred to Cass County custody.
Arzola is charged with Unlawful Use of A Weapon (A Felony) and Armed Criminal Action (U Felony).
He’s currently at the Cass County Jail held with no bond allowed.
The Belton Police Department, Grandview Police Department and Kansas City Police Department assisted with this incident.

Bates County Clerks Office trying to locate missing package

 We are trying to locate a package for our office that was delivered by FedEx today to the wrong address. It was delivered to an address in Butler and signed for by an S Miller. The delivery confirmation does not give us the exact address. If you received this delivery, please contact our office ASAP at 660-679-3371.


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