Sterling Leon Brown Sr., 63, of Joplin, Missouri, formerly of Clinton, Missouri departed his life Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Mercy Hospital surrounded by family. He was born December 10, 1954 in Clinton, Missouri to Charles Phillip Brown and Evelyn Elnora Brown. Condolences and fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Sterling greatly enjoyed the outdoors but most importantly fishing. Nothing put a bigger smile on his face than talking and seeing family and friends. The many memories he held dear to him were priceless. The one thing you could always count on was his contagious smile and his chuckles of laughter.
Sterling is survived by three siblings, Charles Brown (Linda), Julia Frazier and Rebecca Brown (Phyllis); children, Sterling Brown Jr. (Tina), Eva "Nicole" Brown and Aaron Brown; significant other, Cheryl Stevens of the home; one grandson, Rye'Lee Good Brown whom he loved and spoiled dearly; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by sister's Evelyn "Lillie" Avery, Shirley Mae "Mac" Brown; brothers Glen Brown (Braetta) and Theodore "Teddy" Sweets (Joan); and his loving parents Charles and Eva Brown.
We will ALWAYS carry your memory in our hearts! We love you Grandpa and Dad.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri.

David Christopher Moorman, 51, of Raytown, Missouri, was born, July 18, 1966, in Kansas City, Missouri. He departed this life, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at the Kansas City VA Medical Center.
In 1995 he was united in marriage to Tracy Hilty; they later divorced.
David was a 1984 Southwest High School graduate. He proudly served as a Linguist in the United States Army from 1988 to 1992. He was later employed as a Car Salesman for several area dealerships. He was an avid mushroom hunter.
He is survived by his father and stepmother Brent and Connie Moorman of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; his mother and stepfather, Janet and Olen Montgomery of Raytown; one daughter, Caelyn Hilty of Deepwater, Missouri; one sister, Jody Moorman of Overland Park, Kansas; one half-brother, Craig Welch of New London, Connecticut, three step-brothers, Steve Montgomery of Ft. Myers, Florida, Scott Montgomery of Kansas City, and Charlie Gallipeau of Portland, Oregon; four step-sisters, Valerie Montgomery and Renee Montgomery both of McKinney, Texas, Michele (and Jim) Markey of Lee’s Summit, and Carole (and Bill) Markey of Pleasant Hill; other relatives and friends.
Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Service times will be published here as soon as that information becomes available.
Memorial contributions are suggested to a veteran’s charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550

Wrapping up the 2018 Legislative Session
“I had no idea how critical religion is to the functioning of democracy. The reason why democracy works is not because the government was designed to oversee what everybody does … democracy works because most people, most of the time, voluntarily choose to obey the law. And in your past, most Americans attended a church or synagogue every week. And they were taught there by people who they respected. Americans followed these rules because they had come to believe that they weren't just accountable to society, they were accountable to God.” Chinese Marxist economist response at end of Fulbright Fellowship to Prof. Clay Christensen when asked what he had learned that was surprising or unexpected.
Many are saying that this was an historic year in Missouri, even in the midst of significant political distractions in the executive branch. Despite those distractions, the legislature had a very productive and effective year. The Show-Me Institute, Missouri’s qualified and highly respected think-tank, called it an “outstanding session for Missouri.” In addition to the accomplishments, some of which will be listed below, 2018 profoundly illustrated the value of our system of separate, co-sovereign branches of government. You will sometimes hear the branches described as co-equal, but that is inaccurate (a pet peeve of mine). Any reading of history reveals they are co-sovereign rather than co-equal.
Prosperity is critical to strengthening Missouri families and our communities. Most agree that a good job is the most reliable path to prosperity. This year’s corporate income tax reform will encourage small and large companies to invest, compete and grow – translating into jobs. Senate Bill 884 reduces the corporate tax rate significantly, and the marketplace will soon convert that into increased prosperity for working Missourians.
Growing job opportunities will demand qualified employees, and House Bill 1415 as well as Senate Bills 894 & 921 will provide job training and facilitate more STEM learning opportunities for high school students. Another education advancement is Senate Bill 603, which provides Missouri students with free access to approved, virtual courses, including those students who choose to be full-time virtual students.
House Bill 1413 gives public-sector workers more power in the workplace over when union fees may be deducted from their salaries. It also includes reforms advancing transparency and accountability within public-sector unions. Additional reforms are needed, but this bill is an important step in the right direction. Prevailing wage reforms, House Bill 1729, will reduce the cost to tax payers for certain public works projects.
Opioid addiction has become an epidemic. Senate Bill 826 addresses the crisis with modifications to pharmacy regulations relating to drug disposal, prescription limitation for controlled substances and vaccine protocols. An additional health advancement is House Bill 1516, which allows licensed chiropractic physicians to treat and be reimbursed for conditions currently reimbursed under MO HealthNet.
A major victory for protecting innocent life included language inserted into the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. This budget defunds abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.
All the legislation passed this session can be viewed on the Missouri Senate’s website atwww.senate.mo.gov. The former governor signed 77 bills before he left office, and our current governor has many to review for his consideration. I am sure he would appreciate your prayers as he undertakes such a huge task.
Thank you for reading this legislative report. You can contact my office at (573) 751-2108 if you have any questions. Thank you and we welcome your prayers for the proper application of state government.
Lots of folks have inquired about admission to the Butler Saddle Club Rodeo this weekend. Here ya go:
Adults are $8 for advanced tickets, ($10 at the gate)
Children (6-12 yrs old) are $5 for advanced tickets, ($8 at the gate)
Dress appropriately, it's gonna be toasty this weekend...
The 2018 Bates County Fair theme is "One Great County, One Great Fair" and will happen July 10 - 14, 2018 at the Bates County Fairgrounds in Butler, MO.
Download everything you need here: http://extension.missouri.edu/bates/fair.aspx
And we'll see YOU at the FAIR!
Activity Report for the period May 1 – June 14, 2018:
· 13 Nursing Home/Hospice type deaths were reported for the period. None required further investigation.
· On May 6, 2018 at 6:15 AM the Coroner was called to a residence in Butler. Mr. Willis Wainwright was pronounced by Coroner Greg Mullinax with death due to natural causes.
· On May 23, 2018 at 8:04 AM the Coroner was called to a motor vehicle accident on Missouri Route F near CO RD 8241. Mr. Carl R. Wisdom, Jr. was pronounced at the scene by Coroner Greg Mullinax with death being accidental in nature.
· On May 29, 2018 the Corner was called to a residence in Butler. A person was found deceased in a home. Forensic identification confirmed that Mr. John T. Borel of Butler had passed away due to natural causes.
· A death was referred to the Coroner from the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office due to an originating incident in Bates County. Investigation continues at this time.

Cass Co. – Early Wednesday morning deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kaleb A. Martin, 20, Leavenworth, KS following a vehicle pursuit that went from Harrisonville to Creighton.
A Cass County Deputy attempted to stop a black 2005 Cadillac in the area of South 7 Highway and I-49 for speeding when the driver sped away at a high rate of speed. At times Martin’s vehicle reached 130 mph during the 18-mile pursuit. Deputies followed Martin to Creighton, MO where he attempted to escape by driving through residential lawns and striking a Cass County patrol car.
Martin eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed near the Cass and Henry County Line on NW 900 Road. Martin was taken into custody without incident.
A check of Mr. Martin and the vehicle revealed that the 2005 Cadillac was stolen from Tonganoxie, Kansas and numerous active warrants for his arrest. Deputies also discovered numerous stolen identifications and financial documents related to several stealing from vehicle cases in Cameron and Joplin Missouri.
Martin is currently being held in the Cass County Jail on warrants from Jasper and Newton County Missouri. Martin was charged by Cass County Prosecutor’s Office with Tampering with a Motor Vehicle First Degree and Resisting Arrest, bond $5000 or 10% cash. Martin is scheduled to appear in court on July 26th.