Bates County Sheriff's Office: Merwin man arrested on burglary charges

Melvin Ray Foley

On January 31st, detectives from the Bates County Sheriff’s Office arrested Melvin Ray Foley, 44. Detectives were following leads from a burglary in rural Adrian in July of 2012. Shortly after the burglary, Foley was arrested in another county on unrelated charges and sent to the Department of Corrections. Foley was released from DOC and returned to Vernon County to face burglary charges.

He was then transferred to Bates County where he was charged with 2 counts of burglary as well.

Foley had burglarized a home in rural Adrian and stole multiple checks that belong to Elkhart Township. Foley then cashed two checks in Adrian and Butler totaling $1263.25.

Bond was set at $20,000.00 surety or 10% cash.

Butler Police Department: Wanted For Evading

Anthony Scott Alexander

Fleeing and Escape...

On 01/31/14 at around 2230 hours Butler Officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at the Bear Stop in Butler. After the suspect gave false information to the officers the suspect fled on foot evading police and escaping. The subject, a 27 year old white male, named Anthony Scott Alexander is wanted by police and the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The subject is believed to have left the Butler area but may return.

Weather update: Snowmaggedin 2014?

The National Weather Service has relabeled the approaching storm from  a watch to a WARNING. The Winter Storm Warning is for a 27 hour period beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday running through 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Bates County Live will provide updates as they become available- including school closings and event postponements on our home page and Facebook.

As of this posting, forecasters are calling for 4 to 8 inches of snow over the next couple of days with temps in the mid 20's. Be safe!

MSHP: Winter Weather Calls For Caution When Driving‏

Missouri’s weather is ever-changing this time of year. Within the same week, drivers might encounter anything from dry roads to sheets of ice. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to plan ahead and drive safely or not at all during inclement weather. Be sure to check weather forecasts often and adjust your driving style to ensure you arrive at your destination safe and sound.

Before you travel, make certain your vehicle is in good working condition. That includes all fluid levels, brakes, hoses, etc. The Missouri State Highway Patrol suggests keeping your fuel tank at least half full. Place an ice scraper, tire chains, battery booster cables, blankets, flashlight, and a bag of sand or kitty litter in your trunk. Emergencies cannot be predicted, but planning ahead can help you if one should arise. Missouri’s Road Condition Report (1-888-275-6636) can help you plan your route--before you leave. You may also view MoDOT’s Road Condition Map by going to the Patrol’s web site www.mshp.dps.mo.gov and clicking on the Road Condition icon. When roads become slick from ice and snow the Patrol encourages motorists to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary.

Butler officer takes swift action in after school incident

Butler Police Officer Andy Schmick tends to a few
scrapes and possibly a bruised ego

When the call comes, any officer of the law will tell you to expect that anything could happen-there's really no such thing as a routine call.

However, while on patrol last week, a Butler police officer witnessed something that caused him to jump into action. No, it wasn't a burglary-in-progress or a speeder. In fact, it didn't have anything to do with the law.

The officer saw a person in need and with true compassion, went to help.

It was just after school- a small boy, possibly not having the best of days, found himself on the sidewalk with scrapes and bruises after a hard fall.

While the nature of injuries didn't warrant the need for an ambulance, the child's discontent with the situation was beginning to show through the tears.

Andy Schmick

Enter officer Andy Schmick with first aid supplies in hand- who calmed the boy down before applying the necessary treatments, talking and reassuring the lad that he was going to make it through this just fine.

During the situation, officer Schmick told the boy he wished he'd had a better day. The boy wholeheartedly agreed.

In short order, it was 10-8 (back in service) for officer Schmick as he returned to his regular duties.

As for the young boy, he was patched up, feeling better and headed home- surely feeling the utmost respect for the officer who took a few minutes to make his day a little better.

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Arrest Warrant Issued

On Friday, Jan. 31, a St. Clair County Sheriff's Department issued a arrest warrant for Christian D. Kendrix , 29, Nixa,Missouri. The warrant was for a class C felony of unlawful possession of a firearm. Bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety. Those with information on Kendrix are urged to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, 417-646-5832 or email to info@scsomo.org.

Suspect sought for theft and burglaries in Appleton City

On Sunday, Feb. 2, at 5:20 a.m. a deputy was dispatched to the Linda Buckley residence on South Beech Street, Appleton City, in reference to a theft. Buckley reported two bottles of prescription drugs were missing from her purse. Buckley said the bottles contained a month’s supply of Oxycontin and Xanax. A suspect was identified and a request for prosecution was signed.

At 1:30 p.m. the same day, a deputy responded to Brittany Turner’s residence on East Third Street, Appleton City, in reference to a burglary. Turner advised she received a phone call stating a female was seen in her shed going through items and stacking them by the door. Turner stated when she arrived at her the residence the female was gone and the shed doors were open.

Winter Storm Check List