From the Harrisonville Police Department

Stock Photo - not actual Harrisonville incident...

Our holiday season here in Harrisonville has recently been disrupted by thieves. Just last evening we had a series of thefts from unlocked vehicles as shoppers and beauty salon patrons were victimized. 

While we were lucky enough to obtain video in this particular matter and have a suspect identified, it is not always the case and so as a friendly reminder here are 5 tips to help keep the rest of your holiday season safe.

Watch Out for Gift Thieves
Theft of packages from front porches and stoops increase as online shopping drives more home deliveries during the holidays. Take advantage of electronic delivery alerts and other protections to make sure your gifts are safely delivered — and received. Have packages held at the post office or sent to your office to ensure they are kept secure.

Beware of Parking Lot Pilfering
While you are in the mall purchasing gifts for your friends and family, thieves may be roaming through the parking lot looking to steal valuable items in unlocked cars. Shoppers should remember to always lock their doors, park in well-lit areas and hide valuables from plain view.

Protect Your Identity, Both Online and in Stores
Before you go shopping, think about how much information a thief would get his hands on if your wallet or purse was stolen. Avoid carrying Social Security cards, birth certificates or passports unless absolutely necessary. When shopping online, be sure to only use a secure website, log off from that site after you have completed your purchase, and monitor your bank accounts and credit card activity regularly throughout the holidays.

Travel Safely
The holiday season brings a number of unique driving risks. During this time of year, we have difficult weather conditions, limited daylight and drivers in unfamiliar areas. By planning extra travel time and eliminating distractions, you can help ensure safe travels during the holidays.

Prevent a Home Fire – Use Candles Wisely
Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and Dec. 23. are three of the top five days for home fires caused by candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and do not put any candles or open flames near Christmas trees or other holiday decorations that could quickly spark a fire in your home.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

Obituary - Deborah Ann Stark

Deborah Ann Stark, 65, Kansas City, MO, died Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 30 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO.

Debbie was born October 3, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of Orville Lee and Mary-Louise (Wagner) Clark. She married Billie Wayne Stark on September 9, 1978. She retired from the IRS as a tax examiner. She was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Hermitage, Missouri. She liked to travel, go to concerts, and listen to music.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Billie on December 19, 2004, and two step-sons, Mike Stark and Bobby Stark She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Wallace, Raytown, Missouri; 6 grandchildren, Ashley Stark, Kenneth Cranon, Tony Fresia, Michelle Stark-Nebocat, Chandra Stark, and Mikey Stark, and 6 great-grandchildren, Colton, Shellby, Addyson, Libby, Hayden, and Kade.

Nevada man arrested after Tuesday night pursuit

Cody M. Bowles

A Nevada man is in custody following a vehicle pursuit when a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on East Austin in Nevada. 

The vehicle failed to yield and additional deputies were called to help. 

The vehicle drove into a field off 1900 Road when he lost control and flipped the vehicle onto its side. 

The driver was then taken into custody by the deputies. Charges were filed by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office and warrants were issued Wednesday afternoon. 

Sheriff Jason Mosher said suspected drugs were located in the vehicle and have been sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime laboratory for analysis. 

The driver has been identified as Cody M Bowles, 24 of Nevada. Charges include Driving While Revoked, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Provide Financial Responsibility.

Mr. Bowles is being held in the Vernon County Jail with bonds totaling $16,000 cash only.

Updated Obituary - Jimmie Dale Mitchell

Jimmie Dale Mitchell

Jimmie Dale Mitchell, 71, Weslaco, Texas, formerly of Harrisonville, Missouri, died Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Gentiva Hospice House in San Antonio, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2016 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, at the Atkinson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonville American Legion.

Jim was born July 24, 1945 in East Prairie, Missouri, the son of John and Mary (Whitlock) Mitchell. He was a 1963 graduate of East Prairie High School. He married Linda Lee on August 14, 1965 in East Prairie, Missouri. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Jim had attended Keegan Technical School in Memphis, Tennessee. They moved to Clinton in 1964 where he was a radio announcer for KDKD Radio, and in 1976, they moved to Harrisonville where Jim was the radio announcer for the Harrisonville radio station, KIEE from 1976-1979. He was a full time dispatcher for the Harrisonville Police Department for eight years. He was also on the Harrisonville volunteer fire department and was an EMT. He retired from Unity Village in 2007 as a security dispatcher. Jim and Linda moved to Weslaco, Texas in 2015.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, and one daughter, Pamela Vandervort. He is survived by his wife, Linda of the home; one daughter, Pat Isbell (Tom), Duluth, Minnesota; one brother, Everett Mitchell (Nancy), Mountain Grove, Missouri; 3 grandchildren, Kayla Vandervort, Kelsey Youngblood, and Dustin Vandervort.

Motor Vehicle accident in Butler

The Butler Police Department is on scene of a motor vehicle accident at the stoplight located at Ft. Scott Street and Orange Street.

We are unsure at this time of any injuries in this accident but Bates County EMS is in route.

Please avoid this area if all possible as emergency personnel is on scene. Mid America Live will update this when more information is made available to us.


Copyright Mid America Live News 

Anyone seen this missing dog?

Photo #1

PLEASE SHARE and be on the look out!!!

Lost in Butler MO. If you have seen this dog please contact House of Hound at 660-200-6639.

THANK YOU!!!

Two Very Different Holiday Weekend Concerns

The weather today looks quiet with highs in the low to mid 40s. However, this holiday weekend there will be a couple, possible weather threats. The first will come on Friday morning when there will be the chance for a light wintry mix in the form of freezing drizzle and/or light snow north of Interstate 70. This may lead to slick roads. However, by Friday afternoon, temperatures will warm above freezing with just drizzle or light rain possible.

On Christmas, a very strong storm system will move through the area. Storms may be capable of damaging winds across eastern Kansas and extreme western Missouri.

Lastly, tonight is the last of 7 consecutive midnight shifts for my co-worker and myself and we are the fortunate beneficiaries of getting the holiday weekend off (weather permitting). So, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone out there a Happy Holiday!

MSHP: Drive Safely This Christmas Season!

There's no place like home for the holidays. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to include safe, crash free travel as part of their holiday plans. Check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. 

Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Above all, please, please obey all traffic laws, be a courteous driver, and drive sober. 

Last year, there were 1,070 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 363 were injured. During the 2015 Christmas holiday, one person was killed or injured every 12.7 minutes. 

The 2016 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2016. 

Remember: Holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies. 

“On behalf of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I want to wish everyone a very, merry Christmas, " said Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "As you make your way from one gathering to the next, please drive safely. If you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive. A sober chauffer or other alternative transportation are always the best choices. Remember to buckle up, and let's all make safety an integral part of our holiday plans.”

The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri's roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. "Don't Violate The Trust."