Weather Update: Cloudy Today- T-Storms Possible Tonight

Cloudy skies will remain in place today, with periods of drizzle this morning. Temperatures should warm into the 60s and lower 70s for any afternoon activities you may have planned. By tonight, a few thunderstorms may develop. A couple of these storms could be strong, but the overall severe weather threat remains low tonight. 

A better chance for t-storms is expected Wednesday evening into the overnight, when severe weather is possible for much of the area.
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Stuck in Egypt for six years, Cass County man seeks help to return home

John E. Forsythe

At the start of the 21st century, Pleasant Hill native John E. Forsythe saw the world as his to lift into the information age.

Business deals overseas and a few Arab uprisings later, Forsythe says he is broke and barred from leaving Egypt.

For six years, the information technologist has been fighting the Egyptian legal system, with little help from the U.S. government, after authorities in Cairo grew suspicious of the high-tech gear in and around Forsythe’s home.

He said in phone interviews with The Star that he did nothing wrong and his own ignorance led to his troubles.

“One of the lessons is if you’re overseas and ever think you may be in trouble, leave,” he said. “Run out of town as fast as you can.”

Cleared of allegations of spying by Egyptian courts, Forsythe was fined the equivalent of about $35,000 for “misdemeanors” stemming from his work with companies seeking wireless access to the Internet, according to court records.

In January, a court ruled it lacked authority to rescind Forsythe’s fines or allow him to leave Egypt for good. With his case now bumped to a higher court, the country still has not issued a work permit to Forsythe so he might begin paying off the fines, the records show.

“Instead of throwing me in prison, they fined me for being stupid,” said Forsythe, who lives in the tourist city of Hurghada. “They think I have $50,000 stuffed in a mattress.”

Forsythe, a 1982 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, said he wants to reunite with his 6-year-old daughter in Russia and return with her to the United States.

Obituary - Bruce Shirky

Bruce Edgar Shirky, 63, completed his journey here on earth on March 30, 2015. He was born in Columbia, Missouri, the eldest child of Max Shirky and Lois Edgar Shirky Horn. He grew up in Sedalia, Missouri, and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre from Central Missouri State University. He married Sherrie Diehl Shirky, the love of his life, in 1976, and shortly after, they moved to San Antonio, Texas.

Bruce had a 34 year career working for the US Army's Entertainment Branch, most of that time spent as the Artistic Director for the Harlequin Dinner Theatre at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was an accomplished theatrical designer and director for live stage productions, and was selected as the Technical Director for the Army Soldiers Touring Show, in 1985, to coincide with President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration. He was honored with numerous US Army FORSCOM and ATAC Globe awards.

In addition, he and his wife Sherrie enjoyed training and exhibiting AKC Chihuahuas, and were the proud breeders/owners/handlers of many champions, including CH. Kachina Hot Ticket, the #2 Smoothcoat Chihuahua female in the country in 1989. Bruce was an officer and member of the Texas Chihuahua Club and the Chihuahua Club of America, and served as President for both clubs. In later years, he became a licensed AKC Chihuahua judge, and was honored to judge for the Chihuahua Club of Greater New York, held in conjunction with the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in 2007.

Bruce was blessed with a wonderfully twisted sense of humor, laughed often and easily, and lived life to the fullest. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many, approaching every task and responsibility assigned to him with a passion and a drive to excel. His happiest moments were spending quality time with family and friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, niece Melinda Shirky, and sister-in-law Vickie Diehl Bangs. He is survived by his beloved wife Sherrie; sister Diane (D.) Bockelman; brothers Brett "Pete" (Monica) Shirky and Gary (Teresa) Shirky; brothers-in-law J.C. (Billie) Diehl, Jim (Debbie) Diehl, and John Bangs; sisters-in-law Shirlie (Larry) West, Julie (John) Peterson, and Jackie (Alan) Nieder; nephews John (Meghan) Shirky, Shad (Jordyn) Shirky, Stetson Shirky, Grant (Marcie) West, Miles Nieder, and Jacob Diehl; nieces Christina (Nathan) Arbuckle, Andrea (M.C.) Thierfelder, Kallie (Derek) Castle, Kathy (Casey) Hill, Vanessa West, Ashley Bangs, Allison Nieder, Amy Bangs, Amanda Peterson, Kristina Diehl, Elizabeth Peterson, and Emily Nieder; grand nephews Nathan Bergstrom, Colin and Ethan West, and Brady Hill; grand nieces Elizabet, Lauren, Madalynn, and Gwyneth Bergstrom, Lillian and Josie Arbuckle, Peighton Hill, Khloe West, and Annabelle Peterson; and close friends Allynid "Lynnie" Bunten, Florence Bunten, and Chris Champlin.

Grateful appreciation is extended to the medical teams at Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, especially his ICU nurses Jenna Zamora and Steve Deleon for the loving kindness and comfort they bestowed on Bruce during his final days.

Celebrations of Bruce's life will be held later in San Antonio, TX and Sedalia, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce's name to the AKC Canine Health Foundation or Chihuahua Rescue & Transport.

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Butler Police Department Activity Report 3/30 - 4/5 - 2015

03/30/2015 
Keep the peace W Mill
Walk in Harassment report
Warrant service
Noise complaint S High

03/31/2015
Disturbance 200 block of Atkinson
Disturbance S Park
Animal complaint Fawn Dr
Warrant service 200 block of S Mechanic Assist at Track meet
Report of Fight E Pine
Traffic assist Schowengert
Medical assist Hillcrest
Walk in theft report

Henry County Sheriffs Office: Drug Search Warrant Executed in Windsor

According to Sheriff Kent Oberkrom, one person was arrested for a felony arrest warrant, in connection with a search warrant which was served on Wednesday afternoon at around 2:00 p.m., in the 400 block of South Smith Street, Windsor.

Shortly after 9:00 a.m., Deputy Lenny Kubilus was dispatched to the address and requested to conduct a well-being check of the resident living there, due to health concerns. While on-scene conducting the well-being check, Deputy Kubilus observed several items of drug paraphernalia laying around the residence, in plain view.

Deputy Kubilus requested an ambulance respond to the address to transport the resident, who was in need of immediate medical assistance and treatment. After the departure of the resident by ambulance, Deputy Kubilus, with the assistance of Sgt. Aaron Brown, applied for a search warrant for the address.

A search warrant was obtained later that afternoon, which authorized deputies to search the residence for marijuana, as well as items associated with its distribution and consumption. During the search warrant’s execution, a small quantity of marijuana, as well as numerous paraphernalia items, was discovered and seized.

Arrested was Allen Redick, age 43, of Kansas City, for a felony arrest warrant out of Polk County for Non-Support of a Child, who was at the address upon Deputy Kubilus’ arrival.

“Additional drug charges are pending against the resident at this time, in connection with the items observed in plain view, as well as the additional items discovered during this search warrant”, Sheriff Oberkrom stated.

Deputies which participated in the execution of the search warrant along with Sgt. Brown and Deputy Kubilus were Deputies Sheri Dody and Lonnie Barton. 
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Obituary - Wyatt Bedford and Brycen Bedford

Wyatt Bedford and Brycen Bedford, infant twin sons of James Bedford and Stephany Hendren passed away April 3, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Graveside services will be held 2:00pm Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.

Obituary - Larry Ewing

Larry Ewing

Larry Gordon Ewing, age 72 of Branson, formerly of Nevada, MO passed from this life April 2, 2015 at his home. He was born September 5, 1942 in Nevada, the son of C. Gordon and Glessie Lorene (Peak) Ewing. Both parents preceded him in death. On July 1, 1967 he was united in marriage to Judy Lorraine Flynn and together they became the parents of two daughters.

Larry attended school in Nevada, graduating with the Class of 1960. Somewhat later he earned an Associate's Degree from Crowder College. He also served our country with a military commitment with the United States Navy where he was recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. Upon completion of his military duties he returned to this area working at various jobs until beginning employment with 3-M Company where he worked for nearly thirty years until his retirement. Shortly after that, he moved to Branson and made that area his home. Throughout his life Larry was actively involved in fire safety and firefighting and was a longtime member of the Compton Junction Volunteer Fire Department. For many years he taught Fire Safety Instruction at both Crowder College and the University of Missouri in Columbia. When time allowed he enjoyed trout fishing and spent as much time outdoors as possible. He loved studying the history of mining also. He was a great cook and loved to share recipes but most of all loved making holiday snacks to share with friends and neighbors - - - always personally delivered. He was the master of making “hot peanuts”

Survivors include his daughters, Kimberly D. Redlich and husband Mike of Ellington; and Abigail L. Brown and husband Mike of Nevada; brother, David Ewing and wife Julie of Nevada; sister, Nancy Becker of Lenexa, KS; grandchildren, Caroline Olson, Cooper Redlich, Bryce Applegate, Hadley Fletchall, and Sam Brown; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Aside from his parents, Larry was preceded in death by an infant sister, Jo Ann.

A memorial service for Larry Gordon Ewing is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2015 at Ferry Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Ferree officiating. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. just prior to the service also at the funeral home. Private interment will follow at Newton Burial Park in Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute in Mr. Ewing’s memory to the Compton Junction Volunteer Fire Department in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Report: Excelsior Springs man arrested

On 4/3/15 around 2:50 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County arrested 45 year old Jospeh L. Adams of Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

He was arrested on 1.) Clay County warrant for contempt of court - Non support. Mr. Adams was booked into the Bates County Jail and he is bond able.