From the desk of Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox

I want to start this out with a shout out to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Moore and his partner K-9 Cav! We appreciate your willingness to help us bring justice to our community when it comes to fleeing felons.

On January 14, 2022, the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, served a narcotics search warrant at 24721 Hi Lonesome Road, a rural Cole Camp residence. This warrant was a culmination of weeks of excellent investigation and perseverance from our drug task force.

Four suspects were arrested upon entry to the residence. Kimberly A. Dickinson, 33, of the residence and Bobby D. Johnson, 42, of Sedalia were both charged with possessing approximately 73 grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug trafficking in the 2nd degree and tampering with physical evidence. Both suspects are on probation for previous drug offenses, bonds for both were set at $10,000 cash/surety.

James R. Schull Jr., 36, of Marshall and Betty A. Hern, 30, of Malta Bend were charged with possessing approximately 103 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Schull was also on probation for previous drug charges and a charge for a felon possessing a firearm. In addition, Schull had a warrant for unlawful use of a weapon from Pettis County with a bond of $8,000. Both were charged with trafficking in the 2nd degree with a $20,000 cash/surety bond. Deputies discovered there was a fifth suspect that fled upon the arrival of law enforcement. 

Randall A. Wilson, 32, of Marshall fled on foot. Pettis County Deputy Moore and his K-9 partner responded to the scene on Hi Lonesome and immediately picked up the scent of Wilson. K-9 Cav led law enforcement to discarded clothing and a measurable amount of suspected methamphetamine. Wilson was later recovered three miles away and taken into custody without incident. Wilson was transported to the Benton County Jail where additional narcotics were discovered, secreted on his person, inside the facility. 

Wilson was also on probation for previous drug offenses and charged with multiple offenses relating to his involvement as well as possessing approximately 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Wilson was given a bond of $10,000 cash/surety.

On Monday, January 24th Deputy Moore and his partner were once again instrumental in the apprehension of Lawrence A. Cole, 44, of Warsaw. While patrolling in the area of Brushy Chapel and AC Highway, Benton County Deputies encountered a stolen pickup truck which fled when a traffic stop was initiated. Cole led deputies on a chase all over central Benton County, ending on McDaniel Road after a successful deployment of spike strips on BB highway. Cole fled on foot after abandoning his stolen vehicle. Deputy Moore and K-9 Cav once again deployed and tracked Cole into a heavily wooded area where he was discovered over 30 feet up in a tree. 

Cole was taken into custody without further incident. Cole, a persistent offender had multiple arrest warrants from Benton County and was also charged with the stolen vehicle, drug charges and fleeing from law enforcement. Cole is being held in the Benton County Jail on no bond warrants.

Obituary - Bill J. Enloe

Billy John Enloe, 83, Kansas City, MO, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Blue Springs Cemetery in Blue Springs, MO. The family will receive family and friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO.

Bill was born August 19, 1938 in Kansas City, MO, a son of Charles “Ray” and Ethel (Dawson) Enloe. He married Ginger Elizabeth Smith on December 8, 1955.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO. He was in the cemetery care business since the age of 13 when he dug his first grave. He owned and operated a cemetery, burial vault and mowing business for many years. He still operated his grave opening and closing business that he started way back at the age of 13 until his last day, going over schedules the morning of his passing.

Bill loved his wife Ginger and family with all his heart. His family and friends know what a kind heart and giving spirit he had. Bill always had a cigar in his mouth and a smile on his face.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ginger Elizabeth in 2015, one brother, Vernon, and one grandson, Billy Ray Enloe. He is survived by two sons, Billy Enloe, Jr. and David Enloe, both of Kansas City, MO; two daughters, Mary Cerda (Jon) Centerview, MO and Penny Enloe, Kearney, MO; one brother, Carl W. Enloe (Donna), Overland Park, KS; one sister, Shirley Flood, Independence, MO; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

House fire in Adrian

Shortly before 5pm this afternoon the Adrian Fire Department along with mutual aide assistance of the Butler Fire Department responded to a house fire at 104 N. Houston Street in Adrian.

Everyone was able to make it out without injury and the house and garage was a total loss.

Mid America Live will update when more information is made available to us at a later time. 

Obituary - Farrell Adkins

Earl Farrell Adkins, 85, of Lee’s Summit, MO., passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Lee’s Summit Hospital.

He was born on August 24, 1936 to Mary Ruth and Earl Van at Elmo, Mo. They moved to St. Joseph, Mo. in 1940. Farrell graduated from Mo. Western Junior College, then he finished his degree at Northwest Mo. State University at Maryville, Mo. in 1959. 

He married Nancy Carol Waegele, from Fillmore, MO. on August 17, 1957. He and his wife moved to Butler, Mo. in 1959, where he taught Industrial Arts, Jr. and Sr. High for 34 years. To this union two children were born, Kathy Lenor Eckert and Kyle Farrell Adkins.

He was very active in the Methodist Church, community clubs, the Gospel Quartet “The Overtones” and at many weddings and funerals.

He was affectionally called “Mr. A” as a teacher and was loved by all. He went back to school at Warrensburg, Mo. and received his Masters Degree on August 12, 1977 from Central Mo. State University. He was past Mater of Butler Masonic Lodge. He served on Butler City Counsel.

In 1999 he and his wife moved to Harrisonville, MO. to be closer to their two grandchildren, Ethan Tyler Eckert and Brenne Ann Adkins.

After retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling and hosted Elderhostels, where they continued to learn and enjoyed music in many States.

He loved God, his wife, playing with his children and grandchildren, his guitar, singing, bicycling, motorcycling and traveling, later with trailers when they hosted State Parks.

He could fix anything, (get me the glue), loved working on his vehicles and his pride and joy was his restored 79 jeep. He loved movies, old and silent movies. He had a great sense of humor (don’t get serious on me) and was a friend to everyone.

In 2010 they bought a camper in Deming, NM, “The Land of Enchantment” where he found his, next to best friend,(after Nancy), Cecelia Carlsbad Rider (or CiCi), the sweetest chihuahua you have ever met. They purchased her in Carlsbad NM on a trip.

They moved to JKV in Lee’s Summit, Mo. in 20214, where they again shared their music and acting talent with the Fun Band, BD’s at Care Center, the theater group, Gospelaires, and music groups. Farrell and Nancy performed on the Pavilion stage, “Me and My Guitars with the help of Ethan Eckert and his recording talent and 200 some JKV friends attended.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ruth; father, Earl; brother, Charles Adkins and brother-in-law, Wes Lile.

He will be missed so much by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Kathy and son-in-law, David of Harrisonville; Son Kyle and daughter-in-law Sheila of Harrisonville; grandson, Ethan Eckert and friend Abbie; granddaughter, Brenna Adkins and friend Gage: of Harrisonville. His sister Pat Lile of Florida and her wonderful family; his brother-in -laws; Terry Waegele and Donald Waegele of Savannah and Bolckow, Mo.

His prid and joy was his family, they became good parents, good citizens, good people who also shared their talents with Joy.

He and his beautiful voice and guitar playing will be missed by many.

A Celebration of his life will be held in the Spring.

Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

Garage fire in Adrian

The Adrian Fire Department along with assistance of the Butler Fire Department is on scene of a garage fire at a address of 104 North Houston.

Please avoid this area and always move over for emergency vehicles.

Any help is appreciated

We have a donation jar set up at Smoker Friendly in Butler for the family of Levi Partridge! Please help donate any donations will be greatly appreciated.

All money is going directly to the mother for funeral expenses or anything else she may need during this time.

She works here and we want to help her anyway we can. Say a prayer for them please.

Seeking some help…

From Peggy Buhr, Curator, Bates County Museum 

Help solve a mystery?

The Bates County Historical Society & Museum has a flag of unknown origin. Size is 29” x 56”.  Donor information was lost over the years. Any information or suggestions about what this flag represents will be greatly appreciated. 

It’s never dull at the Museum. There’s always something new to learn.  Thanks everyone!

Obituary - Calvin Lee Miller

Calvin Lee Miller, 78, went home to Glory the morning of January 24 at his farm in Iantha, MO.

Calvin was born in Prior, Oklahoma on October 7,1943 to Theodore and Genetta (Tuell) Miller. The Miller family moved from Oklahoma to their dairy farm north of Iantha, MO in 1946. He more than likely began driving a tractor soon after the age of five. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and later attended and graduated from Liberal schools in Liberal, MO in 1961. Stories are told of how he and his siblings walked to school in the rain, sleet, snow, and sunshine. Calvin married Janet Rives on August 4, 1963 in the Iantha Baptist Church. Calvin and Janet remained residents of the Iantha community. First and foremost, Calvin was a farmer. He was well versed in the art of farming and was called on by many neighbors for help with such things as artificial insemination and fixing tractors. He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about the outdoors. While farming, he worked in a variety of places including McNally Pittsburgh Foundry, Robertson’s Dairy, Iantha MFA Coop, and he was the night manager at Walmart for 15 years, but working on the farm was his life’s calling. He loved to yodel, whistle, and sing bass. He loved to make people laugh. Calvin will be remembered by his neighbors as always willing to lend a helping hand. Calvin is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Janet, of the home; children, LeAnna and husband David Judd of Middletown, VA; Lorie and husband Rob Harris of Bolivar, MO; Lisa and husband Ken Diehl of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Calvin James and Bradley Sumpter; Kellie and Aaron Larson, Steven and Jordan Harris, and Caleb and Jamie Harris; Shelby and Mike Knockenhauer and Adam and Mackenzie Diehl; step-grandchildren Brad Judd and Jacqueline and David Flack; great-grandchildren Eden and Darby Harris; Jack and Chloe Larson; Moxie Knockenhauer; step-great-grandchildren Mychala Riley; Keagan and Braden Judd; Olivia, Alex, Isaac, and Evan Flack; Michael and Jack Knockenhauer; siblings Lorene and Roy Sprenkle; Doyle and Judy Miller; Keith and Kathy Miller; Sharon and Henry Stout; Larry Miller; sister-in-law Joan Miller and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; sister and husband LaVerne and Marion Sprouls; brother and wife Kenneth and Jean Miller; brother Lloyd Miller; and sister-in-law Bell Miller. A funeral service will be held on Saturday January 29, 2022 at 10 AM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home.