Monday, August 16, 2021

Cottey College President Dr. Jann Weitzel announces retirement

Cottey College President Dr. Jann Weitzel announced on August 16, 2021, that she would be retiring effective June 30, 2022.\

“After thoughtful consideration and consultation with my family, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to retire,” said Dr. Weitzel. “My goal is to finish this academic and fiscal year strong, set and accomplish objectives for this year and the years to come, celebrate all that we have accomplished together and turn over the leadership of Cottey to the next President.”

Dr. Weitzel became the 12th president of Cottey College in 2015. As President, she passionately believes in the value of a women’s institution that is founded on a strong liberal arts and sciences program coupled with excellent instruction, and she has worked to ensure that a high level of excellence is reflected in the Cottey curriculum. She has fostered an academic and student life environment that helps prepare each student to be a globally aware and socially responsible leader in her career and in her life. Her commitment to the students personifies Cottey’s goal of being “Creators of Incredible Futures.”

The list of Dr. Weitzel’s accomplishments during her tenure as president of Cottey College is long and varied. Members of the Cottey College Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude for the exceptionally generous manner in which she shared her time and energy.

“Dr. Weitzel’s tenure as President of Cottey College has been defined by her passion for providing women a high quality education that sets them on a path of achieving their dreams,” said Kathryn Bayne, Chair, on behalf of the Cottey College Board of Trustees. “Her commitment to empowering each student with her own ‘voice’ has resulted in a new benchmark for fostering leadership and global awareness in each Cottey graduate. On behalf of the Cottey College Board of Trustees we are grateful for Dr. Weitzel’s commitment to our College; we wish her joy and fulfillment in her next chapter in life.”

Dr. Weitzel has overseen growth in the academic degree program offerings and the athletic programs, the move of the athletic program to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the expansion of the campus. In her six years, the College has renovated the first floor of the Blanche Skiff Ross Memorial Library and the parlor of P.E.O. Hall and has added a cadaver lab, a psychology lab, an Apple Mac computer lab, the Wellness Center, and the Stock Trading Lab/Esports Arena. The most noteworthy capital improvement project was the Chapel renovation and the addition of the Susan Bulkeley Butler Center for Campus Life, which was dedicated in March of 2021. The College has also been recognized on the national level as a Best Regional College and Best Value School, among others.

Dr. Weitzel is a 31-year member of P.E.O., the philanthropic organization that owns the College and focuses on supporting the education of women. “The International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood thanks President Weitzel for her service to our college, Sisterhood and helping women reach for the stars,” said Brenda J. Atchison, President, P.E.O. International Chapter. “We wish her the best in retirement.”

When asked about the most fulfilling part of the job, Dr. Weitzel stated, “Truly, the students have made my time at Cottey incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable. Watching first year students walk across the stage at Opening Convocation to sign the Cottey Book and then witnessing them walk across the stage at Graduation as confident, strong, and determined individuals has been extremely gratifying. My fondest moments will be those spent with students on campus, during Hanging of the Greens, Capping, and Commencement; traveling to France, Italy, and Hawaii; and just getting to know the students on a personal level.”

A native of Iowa, Dr. Weitzel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Gifted Education from the University of Northern Iowa, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Iowa. Dr. Weitzel began her education career in the Allamakee School District in Iowa, where she worked as a middle school teacher for 17 years. She then worked for four years as a graduate student at the University of Iowa, teaching education coursework. She served for 20 years at Lindenwood University, first as a professor of English and Education, then as Dean of the School of Humanities, and ultimately, as Provost.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue my leadership of Cottey throughout the 2021-2022 academic year and to be an active member of our College team, which is comprised of many talented and amazing faculty and staff members who are dedicated to educating the next generation of learners, leaders, and citizens,” said Dr. Weitzel.


Clinton man sentenced to 25 years for sex crimes

The Henry County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that on August 12, 2021, Ahmad-Jamal Josiah Pelzer, age 26 of Clinton, was sentenced to serve a term of twenty-five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for his conviction of one count of statutory sodomy in the first degree of a child less than twelve, 23 counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of the class A felony of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, LaChrisha Gray, prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Missouri. Pelzer was represented by counsel.

The case began on February 13, 2020 when Pelzer was arrested by the Clinton Police Department after it was reported that Pelzer had images on his phone of himself having deviate sexual intercourse with the 4 year old daughter of his girlfriend. Clinton Police later found multiple files containing what appeared to be photographs and videos of other graphic child pornography. Pelzer ultimately pled guilty to all counts on February 25, 2021.

An extensive sentencing hearing was held on August 12, 2021. Assistant Prosecutor LaChrisha Gray presented evidence from multiple witnesses, as did counsel for the defendant.

Assistant Prosecutor LaChrisha Gray urged the court to sentence the defendant to life in prison. The defense asked the court to sentence Pelzer to ten years, the minimum term allowed by law. After careful consideration, Henry County Circuit Judge M. Brandon Baker sentenced Pelzer to twenty-five years on the statutory sodomy, fifteen years on the sexual exploitation, and ten years on each count of possession of child pornography, all sentences to run concurrent to each other.

According to Assistant Prosecutor LaChrisha Gray, the defendant will be required, by law, to serve eighty-five percent of the twenty-five year sentence. Additionally, after serving his sentence, Pelzer will not only be required to register as a sex offender, but will also be supervised for the remainder of his life. 

Lifetime supervision of a sex offender includes more heightened requirements and monitoring of the offender, and any violations thereof could result in new criminal charges.

Dog Days of Summer Event at the Butler Aquatic Center



Obituary - John Arvil Crist

John Arvil Crist, age 74, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. 

A celebration of John’s life will begin at 7:00 p.m. with family and friends sharing. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1111 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083.

John was born in Abilene, Kansas on September 24, 1946 to William A. Crist and Lois I. (Underhill) Crist. In the fall of 1969 John was joined in marriage with his wife Kathleen M. (Carmichael) Crist on September 6th in Harlan, Iowa. Together they were blessed with two sons. John worked for many years as a sales representative for medical supplies. John always enjoyed spending time with his family and playing golf.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lois Crist.

He is survived by his loving wife of over fifty one years, Kathleen Crist; two sons, Bradley John Crist (Kathy) and Michael Douglas Crist (Laura); grandchildren Madison, Mason, Makayla, Maddox, Mackenzie, Major, Jack and Cody; siblings, Jan Newsham (Jerry), Judy Retter (Denny), Jolene Cate (Denny), Janeen Sherman (Dan Smutz), Jim Crist (Tina), and Jackie Lammert (Brad Poulsen); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1111 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278



Adrian Lions Club donates $15,000 to Lily's House.

Lily's House is now and always will be a part of our life. The City of Adrian is as well. We live in an amazing community. Monday I was reminded (and blown away) by just how gracious our people really are. I am honored to be a Lions Club Member.

I don’t get to make many of the meetings because of my City Council commitments. It has always been a dream to refurbish the kitchen. It will be a large undertaking. Monday we took a huge step forward.

Our Lions Club graciously donated $15,000!!! Thank you for every bag of popcorn you bought at a ball game and every box of fireworks your family enjoyed this year. It is going right back into our community.

Please share this. Facebook needs to know what a great community we live in and how amazing our little Lions Club is. Thank you! Thank you! Thanks you! - Courtesy of Jeff Vick


Obituary - Lee Pyzer

Lee Pyzer, 59 of Butler, Missouri passed away Friday, August 13, 2021 at his home in Butler. Cremation with private family inurnment. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Lee Caray Pyzer was born July 29, 1962 in Lake Port, California to Larry and Wanda Caray Pyzer. He worked most of his life as a roofer until retirement. Lee loved to listen to music, especially the Blues. He also enjoyed watching a good football game.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister. He is survived by his son Travis Pyzer, girlfriend Joani Peel, grandchildren, and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.


Obituary - Juanita Gail Neilsen

Juanita Gail Nielsen, 84, of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Crown Care in Harrisonville. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. 

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Chariton Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available.


Sunday, August 15, 2021

Missing Juvenile in Cass County

Attention! MISSING JUVENILE:

Emily Cox was last seen at her father’s residence in Raymore last night (8/14) at approximately 11:40 p.m. Emily may have been near the Raymore Walmart around midnight.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Raymore Police at 816-331-0530.

*****Update: Emily Cox has been located and is safe. Thank you for sharing her information.


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