Press Release Bates County Memorial Hospital: Wendell Harris Retires as Chief Executive Officer

Vernon County Sheriff's Department Press Release: Fugitive Arrested After Traffic Stop

Drugs Found

Stormy Miller

Items Recovered 

A fugitive from justice is behind bars after a traffic stop was conducted by Sheriff’s Deputies Tuesday. The Sheriff’s Office said in a press release Tuesday that Stormy Miller, 22 of Nevada will face multiple felony charges after being arrested Tuesday evening during a traffic stop. 

According to the press release, Chief Deputy Shayne Simmons, and Sheriff Jason Mosher were following up on leads they had received about a suspicious vehicle at Elmwood Apartments. The vehicle matched the description of a truck that had ran from Sheriff’s Deputies late Tuesday night last week. Miller was wanted for outstanding warrants and was also a person of interest in several burglaries in the county. The Sheriff said they searched the area for several hours and found Miller getting into a grey Pontiac. They attempted a traffic stop at Atlantic and Oak in Nevada but the Pontiac did not stop. 

The car continued to Commercial Street where it finely stopped. Miller and the driver were ordered out of the car at gun point and detained. After both subjects were taken into custody, a loaded 9mm semi auto pistol was found on Miller as well as an “explosive device” in a bag Miller had on him along with approximately 10 grams of a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamines along with neuromas small baggies packaged for distribution. Scales, several meth pipes and other drug paraphernalia and extra ammunition, and magazines for the handgun were also found on Miller. 

Miller is being held in the Vernon County Jail on outstanding warrants and faces charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession/manufacturing of an explosive device.

Weather Update: Warming Up Today And Thursday

We have a couple of warm days in store, with highs today and tomorrow in the upper 80s to near 90.

Wanting some more rain? Thursday night looks to bring widespread rainfall with a cold front. Several areas could see over an inch of rain!

UPDATED: Obituary - Jo Ellen Hawks

Jo Ellen Hawks, age 51, Hume, Missouri passed away on Saturday September 14, 2013. She was born on March 12,1962 at Butler, Missouri the daughter of Floyd and Sally Berry Olive. She graduated from Butler High School and attended Longview Community College. She married Mark Hawks on June 14, 1980 at Butler, Missouri. She worked as an accountant and was an Enrolled Agent with the IRS. She worked for ten years as an accountant at Johnson and Powell, and most recently as Sr. Manager for DSWA CPA's. Jo Ellen was a member of the Hume United Methodist Church where she was involved in choir and the youth group. She enjoyed planning parties for special occasions, and growing flowers. She had a passion for helping the youth of the Hume Community. She is survived by her husband Mark, parents, Floyd and Sally Olive, son, Nathan Hawks, two brothers, Mike and Mitch Olive, two sisters, Joyce Brewer and Mary Burrous, and many extended family and friends. 

Funeral service will be held 11 AM Wednesday September 18, 2013 at the Hume United Methodist Church. Burial in the Hume Cemetery. Visitation will be held form 10 AM to service at the Church. Contributions are suggested to the Jo Ellen Hawks Scholarship Fund. On line condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Hume Chapel.

Informational meeting scheduled at Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site Sept. 21

 The public is invited to an informational meeting Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site near Butler. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the historic site’s covered shelter.

Recent accomplishments at the historic site and future plans will be highlighted during this informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the site’s services and operations. This public meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

 A visit to Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is located west of Butler off of Highway 52 west in Bates County. Persons requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at (417) 276-4259. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

Rich Hill 4th Of July Committee Serving Food

The 4th of July Committee will be serving the food at the Lions Club Bingo the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We start serving food tonight at 5:30. On tonight's menu are tacos, nachos, hamburgers, hot dogs and pie. Come join us and play Bingo at the Lions Club!

Obituary - Vivian I. Llewellyn

Vivian I. Llewellyn, formerly of Appleton City, MO, passed away in Marlow, OK Sept. 17, 2013 at the home of her daughter, Janet Dalton. Through her life she lived in Colorado, Kansas City, KS, Lake of the Ozarks, Osceola and Appleton City.

Vivian was the daughter of Jess and Hilda Shrock. She chose a life of service, working as a nurse's aide. She enjoyed helping others and caring for their needs. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donnie Gannon in 1979 and husband Francis "Loo" Llewellyn in 2005.

Memorial Service plans are incomplete at this time.

Obituary - Teddy Richard Harper

Teddy Richard Harper, 81, Freeman, Missouri, died Monday, September 16, 2013 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri with visitation from 1:00-2:00. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery.

Teddy was born August 7, 1932 in Freeman, Missouri, the son of Oscar Raymond and Fay Elizabeth (Duncan) Harper. He was a graduate of Freeman High School and had been a lifelong resident of Freeman. He was married to Barbara Ilene Korneman and to this union three children were born. He later married Joan Wilkinson.

Teddy was a U. S. Air Force veteran during the Korean war. He worked for Fairmont Foods as an over-the-road truck driver for over 39 years. Teddy was a member and past Master of Grand River Masonic Lodge No. 276, Freeman. He was also a member of Eastern Star and Freeman Baptist Church.

Teddy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan on April 6, 1996, one brother, John E. Harper and one sister, Joan McNally. He is survived by one son, Brent Harper (Melissa), Freeman, Missouri; two daughters, Elizabeth McCreery, Merriam, Kansas and Lesley Canady, Freeman; one brother, Bill J. Harper, Freeman; 6 grandchildren, LeeAnne Cregan, Teddy Harper, II, Christopher Harper, Jacob Mossman, Crystal Haase and Daniel Canady and 10 great-grandchildren.