Arrests made in Pittsburg Kansas Kidnapping Investigation

On Saturday, August 13, 2022, the Pittsburg Police Department received information that two subjects had reportedly been held against their will at 1011 Amber Drive in Pittsburg. 

Information received by law enforcement indicated both subjects had managed to escape from the residence. The identity of only one of these subjects was known at the time of the initial report.

On Monday, August 15, 2022, the Pittsburg Police Department encountered a subject who confirmed being held against their will at 1011 Amber Drive. Information gathered by detectives supported the initial report from Saturday, August 13, 2022; further investigation into this incident led to the issuance of a search warrant for the residence on Amber Drive.

On Tuesday morning, August 16, 2022, at approximately 12:45 a.m., the Pittsburg Police Department’s Special Response Team, with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 1011 Amber Drive. Several individuals were found inside the residence and were arrested, without incident, and charged with the following offenses:

• 55-year-old Elizabeth Winters: Charged with kidnapping and possession of narcotics

• 22-year-old Tanner Leon: Charged with felony obstruction, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia

• 58-year-old Carl Powell Sr.: Charged with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia

• 20-year-old Rayden Stone: Charged with felony obstruction, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Obituary - William Earl Elliott

William Earl Elliott (Red Electric), 64 of Osceola, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Missouri. Earl’s wish was to not have a funeral service; he asked that his family and friends have one more family dinner in celebration of his life.

Earl was born January 22, 1958 in Clinton, Missouri to the late Albert and Violet Elliott. Earl attended school at Deepwater Elementary and High School. Earl enjoyed hands-on work and over the course of his life he was a tree trimmer, built fences for McClure Fencing Company as well as remodeled houses. He had so much talent with wood work and enjoyed building cabinets and staining them for his customers.

Earl met his true love later in life. He married Tammy on June 20, 2003 surrounded by family and friends. Together they blended their families and built a loving home for their children and grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting for arrowheads, walking his dogs and spending time with his family and friends. Earl loved spending time with family and would use any excuse to get together and have a great meal. He frequently said “The times I feel most loved are the times I am near family”. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, big heart, willingness to help anyone in need and the orneriness that got him the nickname Red Electric.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Violet Elliott, brothers Roy and Ross Elliott, sister Rosa Eli (Elliott), son Gary Danner, brother-in-law Lester Pennell, mother-in-law Pat Pennell and father-in-law Nick Pennell.

Earl is survived by his wife Tammy Elliott of Osceola, Missouri, sister Diane McClure and brother-in-law Jim McClure of Deepwater, sister Ruby Bailey of Clinton, Missouri, niece Jamie Holt of Lander, Wyoming, nephew Justin McClure of Deepwater, Missouri, daughters Tabatha Elliott of Deepwater, Missouri, Ashely Byram and her husband Tracy of Nevada, Missouri, Robyn Sanning of Osceola, Missouri, great niece Emaily Hintenach of Lander, Wyoming, great nephews Justin Mantonya, Gage Mantonya of Clinton, Missouri, granddaughters Leah, Donna, and Tracy Lynn of Nevada, Missouri, granddaughters Cheryl and Gabrielle Hardy of Lockwood, Missouri, and sister-in-law Lisa Pennel of Tiffin, Missouri.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Back to school forecast

If it hasn't happened already, chances are the kiddos will be heading off to the bus stop this week. 

We know it can be chaotic getting them out the door the first week of school, fortunately, the weather will make life a little easier as neither jackets or rain gear will be necessary until at least Friday.

Expect morning bus stop temperatures in the 60s and highs in the mid to upper 80s. And, most importantly, have a great year!

Nevada man arrested after assaulting police

On August 18, 2022 at approximately 3:49 p.m., Nevada Police were dispatched to the area of the 100 block of W. Highland Avenue for a report of a disturbance involving a child custody situation.

The first officer arrived in the area and located the subject in question. The officer attempted to engage the individual but subject refused to comply with the officer’s instructions.

When the officer attempted to stop the suspect, the suspect attacked the officer, striking the officer repeatedly and attempting to take the officer’s duty weapon. The suspect continued to assault the officer and resist arrest until a nearby citizen stepped in and helped the officer get the suspect under control.

Additional officers from the Nevada Police Department and Vernon County Sheriff’s Office responded and provided additional assistance at the scene.

The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Vernon County Jail for holding by Nevada Police. The suspect has been identified as follows:

Stephen P. Skocy, age 35 of Nevada, MO.

On August 19, the following charges were filed against Stephen Skocy through the Vernon County Associate Court:

1.) One (1) Count of Assault 3rd Degree / Special Victim - Class D Felony

2.) One (1) Count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree - Class D Felony

3.) One (1) Count of Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony - Class E Felony

Mr. Skocy is being held in the Vernon County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 cash only bond.

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.

Obituary - Elizabeth Mason

Where to start? Elizabeth was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, an aunt, grandmother (Mamaw) and great grandmother (Gma). She was a farm girl with a strong work ethic that drove her energized into everything she worked at. She was a help-mate, a dairy-man, a mother, a homemaker, a seamstress, a bus driver, a Sunday school teacher, an apparel line worker, a caregiver for both parents and her spouse and finally her daughter, Denise, again until she passed. She taught by example – the pure love of Christ in her serving heart. She worked tirelessly – day and night without complaint. She fed and clothed 6 babies (one left too soon at 14 months) and survived falls, cuts, breaks, cancer, pneumonias, more breaks and lived with CLL for 17 years.

Every time she was hospitalized, she became a favorite because she was so gracious and undemanding. Her last battle tried to end in the hospital but God graciously allowed her to get home to see her place one last time, hold her newest great granddaughter, surrounded by her loving family and her fur babies.

She slipped peacefully into her saviors arms in the early morning hours of her 87th year of life. She began her eternal life on August 17th and we can only imagine the reunion she had breathing without restraint and rejoicing in her new home for eternity.

She was preceded in death by her parents – Orville and Frances Foger – her husband Kenneth – her infant daughter Oleta – and daughter Denise Roberts.

She leaves behind 3 sons – Larry (Roberta) Mason of Independence, MO – Dennis Mason of home – Garry (Debbie) Mason of Harrisonville, MO and daughter Cathy (Craig) Freeman of Drexel, MO – 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, 1 sister, Jewel (David) Miller – 1 brother, Carl ( Fran) Foger and a sister-in-law, Reba Davis.

She is already so greatly missed but cherished daily until we see her again. Rest weary traveler we know you heard him say, “Well done good and faithful servant – Welcome Home.”

Funeral Service

Friday August 26th
Visitation at 10am with Funeral to follow at 11:00 am
NEWCOMER'S NOLAND ROAD CHAPEL
509 S NOLAND RD
INDEPENDENCE, MO 64050

Obituary - Sharlyn Kyne Stocklaufer

The funeral service for Sharlyn will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton City, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. preceding the service.

Officiating at the service will be Pastor Jerry Smith. Interment will be at Rockville Cemetery, Rockville, Missouri. Memorial donations for Sharlyn be made to Rockville Cemetery.

Sharlyn Kyne (Poulter) Stocklaufer, 73, was born February 22, 1949 in Rich Hill, Missouri the daughter of James Isham and Carol Christine (Christy) Poulter. She departed this life on August 20, 2022 at her home in Deepwater, Missouri surrounded by her loving family.

Sharlyn grew up in Rich Hill, graduating from Rich Hill High School in 1967. During her high school years she was a member of the band playing the horn. She received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Crowder College in Nevada, Missouri in 1985, and soon after began her battle to overcome scleroderma. 

She continued with her life’s desire of helping people, receiving her degree as a Registered Nurse from St. Fair Community College in 1994. During her career she was employed by Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City, Royal Oaks Hospital in Windsor and also touched many lives through Hospice.

Sharlyn was united in marriage to Gerald Stocklaufer August 18, 1977 at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. She was a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton City where she attended as long as her health permitted. She chose a life of service to others in her nursing career, and she especially cherished her children and grandchildren. 

She always put others first. Sharlyn loved animals, caring for any strays that might show up in her yard. She enjoyed collecting antiques and had many in her home. She loved music and art, she had given piano lessons and had won ribbons on several paintings she had entered in competitions. She loved flowers, plants, and nature in general, having green thumb for making things grow. Sharlyn will be greatly missed by her family. Her love and fierce determination to be part of their lives will be remembered and cherished in their hearts.

Preceding Sharlyn in death were her parents and a step-grandson, Austin Schwartz. Survivors include her husband Jerry Stocklaufer; sons, Clint (Carlene) Klinksick and Lance (Jane) Klinksick; grandchildren, Katie Klinksick, Grant Klinksick, Zach (Constance) Klinksick and Matthew Klinksick; her brother, Steve (Debbie) Poulter; nephew, Mason (Amanda) Poulter; niece, Amber (Shane) Erickson; step-grandchildren, Jordan Schwartz and Jacqueline Schwartz; great-grandchildren, Oliver Klinksick and Jaxxon Schwartz; great-nephews and great-nieces, Chance Poulter, Katelynne Woolsey, Allie Erickson, Carson Erickson, Josey Erickson and Rhett Erickson.

Drowning at Hillsdale Lake in Miami County Kansas

Today Deputies responded to the Hillsdale Lake Marina along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Miami County EMS for an unresponsive subject.

During the investigation, Deputies learned a jet ski rider was found unresponsive in the lake waters by the marina. 

The rider was pulled onto the marina and bystanders attempted life saving measures until medical personnel responded. The rider was transported to a local area hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The cause of the death is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. A full release will be available tomorrow.

Nevada Speedway Feature Results 8/21

POWRi Super Stocks:

1.) Devin Irvin 67
2.) James Nighswonger 44
3.) Craig Spencer 30

4.) Chris Kircher 29K

5.) Scott Johnson 7J

6.) Denny Fitzpatrick 83K

B-Mods:

1.) Jon Sheets 8S

2.) Logan Smith 11L

3.) Shawn Hendren 64M

4.) Clint Drake 25

5.) Derek Caudell 9R

6.) Ryan Smith 30

7.) Justin Boots 15

8.) John Pilcher 1Xjr.

Pure Stocks:

1.) Brandon Rice 399

2.) Tyler Knutson 8K

3.) Jerry Wheeler 3

4.) Jordan Blevins 48B

5.) Thomas Dunham 92

6.) James Barker 79

7.) Chris Diamond 5D

8.) Shawn Hendren M64

4-Cylinder Outlaws:

1.) Rocky Stone 8H

2.) Brian Moyer 1/2

3.) Mike Baxter 96

4.) Brandon Stone 3

Midwest Modz:

1.) Broc Rose 101jr.

2.) Jordan Beard 2J

3.) Timmy Carter 22x

4.) Joe Beard 18

5.) Brady Folk 7

6.) Trevor Holman 1

7.) Blake Sutton 99b

8.) Daryl Drake 25

9.) Darryl Aiello 8

10.) Dereck Caudell 9R

11.) Joseph Bennett 13R

12.) Colby Carter XL7

13.) Jeff Lockard 99L

14.) Caleb Rhoads 4