Obituary - Ronald Eugene Love

Ronald Eugene Love, age 53, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born December 6, 1968, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Robert Sherman Love and Patricia Ann Johnson Love. Ron graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. He married Jelene Bower on June 30, 2001, in Ft. Scott. 

In earlier years, Ron had worked for his family’s business, Love’s Trash Service. He later worked for Superior Wheels in Pittsburg, Kansas. Ron was a devoted husband and father. He will be remembered for his patient attitude toward his children. He enjoyed racing and for a time owned his own racecar. He was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks.

Survivors include his wife, Jill, of the home; and his four children, Alyson Love of Ft. Scott, Quentin Love of Nevada, Missouri and Gavin Love and Evan Love both of the home; his mother, Pat Love of Ft. Scott, a brother, Bob Love (Patty) of Ft. Scott, a niece, Maggie Love and a nephew, Rob Love (Jennifer). Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Amelia Bower of Deerfield, three brothers-in-law, Rick Jones of Ft. Scott and Tony Bower and Jason Bower (Thabena) all of Deerfield and several nieces and nephews on the Bower side of the family as well as a good friend, Paul Scrivener (Bridget) of Ft. Scott. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Love, Sr., father-in-law, John Bower and his brother-in-law, Doug Bower.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends on Friday from 9 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Traffic Alert: Route 18/ Fields Creek Bridge in Henry County Open to Through Traffic

 

Obituary - Douglas "Doug" L. Walton

Douglas "Doug" L. Walton, 69, Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his home surrounded by love and family.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Walton of the home; his daughter, Tonya, State of Washington; three sons, Craig Walton, State of Missouri, Doug Walton Jr., Chicago, Illinois, Shaun Walton, Harrisonville, Missouri; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; his mother, Nadine Walton, a brother, Jeff Walton both of Harrisonville, Missouri; a sister, Lynne Moore, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; other relatives and many friends.

Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Vernon County Jail fully staffed for first time in two years

The Vernon County Jail has filled its last openings for the detention and transport divisions after being short staffed for more than two years. According to officials with the Sheriff’s Office, new trainees in the Vernon County Jail In-House Academy will complete their training this week and begin their hands-on training in the jail.

Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher said a combination of increased pay and programs like the “become a deputy” intuitive have made all the difference. “We started a program where people can start in the jail and then apply to attend the police academy with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office.” Mosher said one of the other biggest factors that has increased the application pool is the change in pay. “Our jail staff were making less than some of our local fast-food restaurants,” said Mosher.

The pay for jail staff was increased in July from $13 per hour to more than $16 per hour. The Sheriff said there have been other jails in the area close down because of staffing issues so he is very grateful to be able to announce the Vernon County Jail is at full staffing capacity.

Mosher said they are still receiving applications and have had to notify people that they are on a waiting list for any future openings. The current academy class will end on Tuesday and the new employees will start what is called FTO or Field Training Officer portion of their training.

Obituary - Samantha Nicole Barnard

Samantha Nicole Barnard, 31, Nevada, MO passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO surrounded by her family and friends. 

Samantha, the second of three children, was born June 23, 1991 in El Dorado Springs, MO to Kelly Tally (Forrester) and Roy Baldwin. 

She grew up in Nevada, MO where she graduated from Nevada High School in 2009. Following graduation, she wanted to help people, so she attended Crowder College and received her LPN nursing degree.

On June 6th, 2020 Samantha and Robert Barnard were united in marriage at the chapel in the woods in Nevada, MO. Samantha loved with her whole heart, and could light up a room with her smile and contagious laugh. She loved being a mom and a wife. 

Her husband, children, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters and her whole family were her passion, and she loved them all deeply. One of Samantha’s favorite things to do was to hang out with her niece Natalie. 

Those two were almost inseparable at times along with her baby sister Anica. They were always acting silly together, taking pictures and videos and just having fun. Samantha was always taking pictures and videos.

She enjoyed the outdoors and would go fishing in a second when she could. She would sit on the fishing bank for hours if they were biting. Samantha always had a recipe to share, and when she made it you could guarantee it was going to be tasty. Watching “The Office” with her loving husband was another joy of hers. They would laugh hysterically when they had the time to watch it making memories together. 

Sam was an avid KC Chiefs fan. Guaranteed that’s where you would find her on a Sunday afternoon with a few drinks and dressed in Chiefs attire from head to toe….yes even her socks. You could hear her, Robert, family, and friends whoopin’ and hollerin’ from outside, especially if they were winning.

If you knew her personally you knew she was full of life and could handle virtually anything that came her way. Smiling through the tears, tackling any obstacle that was in front of her. She was always wanting to help anybody that needed her. Whether it be to bandage somebody up or give her opinion on why they were sick. She was truly a kind soul.

Samantha leaves behind her husband Robert. Her children, Tatum, Scarlet, and Little Robert. Step children, Denise, Kain, Caydee, and Bash all of the home, Nevada, MO. Her parents, Roy Baldwin (Shanna) Nevada, MO; Kelly Tally (Brian) Nevada, MO. Paternal grandparents, Carol Holt, Fort Scott, KS; maternal grandparents, Gary and Willie Forrester, Nevada, MO, and Lawrence Tally, Nevada, MO.

Brothers/Sisters, Step Brothers/Sisters: Brett Tally, Fort Scott, KS, Susanna Holt (Jason) Fayetteville, AR, Kylee Baldwin, Nevada, MO, Christopher Lamb (Kalia) Fort Scott, KS, Brandon Baldwin (Jordan) Nevada, MO, Chloe Baldwin (Zac) Lamar, MO, Megan Hallam (Shane) Nevada, MO, Austin Tally (Shayla) Lamar, MO, Dalton Baldwin (Makayla) Deerfield, MO, and Anica Urquidez (Gavin) Silverdale, WA.

Nieces and nephews: Natalie Baldwin, Wade and Blane Cooper, Conner, Braylinn, Aubrey, Taylie, and Ryatt Baldwin, Lynleigh and Camden Baldwin, Korynn and Raeylynn Lamb, Hunter and Ryker Hallam, Karter and Kaselynn Tally, Casen and Paisley Baldwin, Owen and Ryan Urquidez. And a multitude of friends.

She was proceeded in death by two sons, Brayden and Bishop, a nephew Teagen, mother-in-law, Janet Dice. Granny Gert, and Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin.

Samantha, we know you are smiling down on us all. We will forever love and miss you! May you Rest In Peace baby girl.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Roger Beach officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. The family will receive friend from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the family c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Updated Obituary - Thomas William Travis Denney

Thomas William Travis Denney, age 44, passed away in his hometown of Sheldon, MO on July 30, 2022 following a long illness. He was born June 26, 1978 in Lamar, MO to John and Linda Denney.

Travis attended school in Sheldon and was part of the graduating class of 1996 of Sheldon High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University. He married Gretchen Simpson in October of 2004 and Travis and Gretchen became parents to a daughter and son. For many years Travis worked as a Special Education teacher and also coached many teams, both within the school districts he worked and for his own children. It suited his heart.

Travis loved baseball, the Royals, the Chiefs, succulents, music and people. Most friends have fond memories of him with a guitar in his hands or of him sharing the latest song he enjoyed. He was an exceptional athlete and continued playing softball for many years. He loved attending area youth sporting events, particularly those of his 3 nephews and his children. He was especially good at talking to everyone and proud of his stint as mayor of Sheldon. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the lake with his family and camping buddies. He was a member of Sheldon Masonic Lodge and Nevada Elks.

Travis leaves behind his wife and his children, Linleigh and Max; his mother, Linda Elderton; his brother, Troy Denney, step-brother Roy (Rhonda) Harper, step-sisters Sheila Harper Jones and Kimberley (Chris) Gibson; aunts and uncles; many cousins and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, his step-father Ken Harper, his grandparents, Bud and Susie Denney and Boyd and Lela Hornecker; his Aunt Sue Denney; and his cousin, Jason Hornecker.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, August 4th, 2022 at Sheldon Christian Church in Sheldon, MO. Interment will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery. The family will receive friends during visiting hours from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3rd at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO.

Memorials are suggested to his children’s scholarship fund in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

From the desk of Sheriff Chad Anderson

On Friday July 29th Deputies were patrolling the Rich Hill area. A deputy observed a 2020 F150 vehicle driven by William Swarnes.

Before the Deputy was able to turn around on the vehicle he lost sight of him in the Rich Hill area. Shortly after that encounter deputies were advised by Cedar County Sheriff's Office that they had released William Swarnes from jail and a white 2020 F150 was stolen within 10 minutes of his release. 

A deputy from Cedar County had responded to the Rich Hill area knowing that Swarnes would be traveling in that area. The Cedar County Sergeant located the stolen truck abandoned on 4th and Cherry Street in Rich Hill.

 
Cedar County began working with Bates County Deputies to identify locations that Swarnes would be hiding. Deputies went 401 E Spruce to the Derr Camper and heard him talking with Mrs. Derr. When they knocked on the door Derr stated that no one else was in the camper.

When confronted about the voices she insisted that she was talking on the phone. Deputies were given consent to search the camper where they located William Swarnes under a blanket. Swarnes was taken into custody and released to the Cedar County Sergeant where he was transported to Cedar County Jail.

 
Mrs. Derr was taken into custody and placed on a 24 hour hold where charges were applied to the Prosecutor for hindering Prosecution.

 
While in Cedar County William Swarnes was arrested while in possession of a stolen vehicle. The agency that arrested him arrested and released him pending formal charges.

 
Cedar County has issued a warrant for these current charges of stealing a motor vehicle with a bond of $25,000 cash only.

 
On 3/24/22 Swarnes was charged with one count of knowingly burning and two counts of receiving stolen property. Swarnes was released on a $10,000 signature bond

On 04/25/2022 Swarnes pled guilty to stealing a motor vehicle un related to the above pending charges and received the following: 7 YEARS DOC, SES, 5 YEARS PROBATION, 40 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE BY 11/1/2022, $8575 RESTITUTION AS ORDERED

 
Sheriff Anderson say, "We are very acquainted with Swarnes and have recovered many stolen items to include vehicles, trailers and equipment from him or his residence. Swarnes is a persistent offender and has a long and lengthy arrest records streaming from Bates County to Springfield. 

It's past time for our legislators to repeal catch and release and start putting career criminals, like Swarnes, behind bars and start protecting our citizens who work hard every day for their livelihoods. We are in a very volatile time in our country, people are struggling and people are going to start taking things in their own hands if our legislators don't start protecting Missourians."

Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

One arrested in Bates County

On Friday July 29th Bates County Deputies working with Cedar County Deputies on a stolen car went to 401 East Spruce in an attempt to arrest William Swarnes for stealing a motor vehicle. 

During the investigation Sandy Derr obstructed and hindered the investigation and the arrest of Swarnes. Sandy Derr was arrested and placed on a 24 hour hold.

The Bates County Prosecutor charged Derr with hindering prosecution of a felony. Bond was set at $4500 cash or surety. Derr remains in the custody of the Bates County Jail.

Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.