Monday, February 6, 2023

Bates County Fair Board Presents: Tail-adega Nights Mouse Races

 


Orrick man arrested in Bates County

On February 6th around 11:06 a.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County arrested 63 year old Michael D. Bishop of Orrick, Missouri.

Mr. Bishop was arrested on the following charges 1.) Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance 2.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3.) Improper Lane Usage 4.) Failure to provide proof of Insurance 5.) No seatbelt.

Michael D. Bishop was booked into the Bates County Jail in Butler and was later cited with tickets and released. 

View arrest report below:

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.

Armed robbery suspect now in custody

A coordinated team effort by Belton and Kansas City Police Departments resulted in the arrest of Thyon L. Williams. The Belton Criminal Investigations Unit and the Kansas City Robbery Unit were able to charge the defendant with multiple crimes in Jackson and Cass Counties.

On 02/02/2023, around 2:03 p.m., Belton officers responded to an Armed Robbery that just occurred at a commercial business in the 1300 block of E. North Ave. Dispatch advised that the robbery suspect left on foot westbound through the parking lot wearing black pants, a black jacket with a red logo, black gloves, and a black beanie.

Officers quickly arrived on scene and spoke to the employee, who provided a detailed statement. The employee mentioned that the defendant entered the store saying he was there for a pick-up order under the name 'Jay.' The employee directed him to the rack of mobile orders near the door. The defendant walked over, then walked back to the checkout counter to say his order wasn't there. When the employee walked to the register to look it up, the defendant pulled out a silver handgun from his pocket. The defendant pointed the gun directly at the employee, demanding money from the cash register. After complying with the demands, the employee was ordered to the back of the store. The defendant exited the store, then the employee called 911.

During our immediate investigation, security camera footage from the commercial business and surrounding businesses provided additional details, including suspect vehicle information. At around 2:28 p.m., this same vehicle, occupied by two suspects, was located at a commercial business in Kansas City. Both occupants were arrested by KCPD and placed on an investigative hold. Multiple handguns and a shotgun were recovered from the vehicle, including the gun described in our Armed Robbery.

Defendant Thyon L. Williams was charged with the following in Cass County: Robbery - 1st Degree, Class A Felony, $50,000 cash-only bond. He was also charged with the following in Jackson County: Two counts of Robbery - 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, one count of Attempted Robbery - 1st Degree, and three counts of Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm.

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.

Is proposed wind farm just hot air?

 

The Federal Aviation Administration recently asked for local comments regarding a proposed wind farm that would be located in an area centered about 5 miles northeast of the Butler airport that would be home to some 53 big white propellers (pun intended) to generate electricity.

“Navigating around them would be like suddenly having a mountain range by the airport” said local pilot and instructor LeRoy Cook “The FAA would have to raise minimums, we would work around it, but it would complicate matters a bit” said Cook who went on to explain that among minimum ceiling concerns, there would be added training for new pilots as well as complications for crop dusters and others. Cook indicated that wind farms located near Lamar Mo. and Burlington Ks lie close to local airports and so far everyone has been able to safely navigate accordingly- and obviously Butler would do the same.

However, it appears chances of the wind farm happening may be slim to none as local farmers don’t seem interested in giving up some 40,000 acres needed for the project even though they may be offered as much as $8,000 a year for each turbine OR a percentage of gross revenue which could make it enticing.

The Company in question is said to be Harvest Ridge Wind Farm, however a deeper bit of Googling indicates the parent company may indeed be EDP Renewables located in Houston, Texas. More thoughts from Cook in his What's Up column this week.


You're invited...

 

The Chosen Twenty-23 Men's conference, Men of Integrity is being held February 17th and 18th a the Benson Center in Clinton Mo. Hosted by Life Ministries Church in Clinton this gathering of men will be a catalyst that will impact homes, communities and our nation. Come expecting to receive and bring your friends and your young men for fellowship and a life changing experience. For more information go to www.lifeministries.church for registration. There is a modest charge to cover the event costs but there are scholarships available, if you know you are called to be there and need help to cover the cost, use the contact email on the website for further information before registering.

Obituary - Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Wolfenbarger

Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Wolfenbarger, age 77, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at Manna Fellowship Church, 17617 Rte 291, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 on February 18 at 1pm.

Beth was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 19, 1945 to Harry L. Eager and Lorene F. (Henze) Eager. After graduating from high school, Beth continued her education and worked for twenty-seven years as a school nurse for Red Bridge Elementary. She also spent many summers working at Starlight Theater in Kansas City. In the fall of 1965, she was joined in marriage with her husband Charles on October 8th in Kansas City, Missouri. Their union was blessed with two children in their over 57 years together. In life, Beth was a proud member of the Belton Red Hat Society and was active with the food pantry at Manna Fellowship Church. She showed her love through cooking and baking for anyone and everyone and was an important part of the family business, Smokin’ Charlie’s Custom Catering. Beth was also a member and a former president of the Lee’s Summit High School Booster Club. Beth was widely known as “Mama Wolf” to many and was an “adopted” grandma to countless people. She was a beautiful and positive soul and was generous with compliments and words of appreciation. She lived by the motto that “Strangers are just friends I haven’t met yet.” She will be missed by many.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lorene Eager; brother, Donald D. Eager; stepfather, Fred Schieszer; and grandson, Anthony Floyd.

She is survived by her loving husband Charlie Wolfenbarger;daughter, Julie Floyd (Daniel); son, Christopher Wolfenbarger(Tracy Lacy); eight grandchildren, Tyler Molendorp, Blake Molendorp, Dante Hall-Lyons, Janessa Floyd, Devon Floyd, Madison Wolfenbarger, Christian Sword and Morgan Sword; and brother-in-law John Bankus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the food pantry c/o Manna Fellowship Church as addressed above.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Bates County Commission Minutes January 2023

Monday, January 9, 2023
The 3rd day of January Term

The Bates County Commission met with the Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson Present in the AM session. Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley had other appointments in the afternoon to attend.

9:30 Wendy McCulley brought in her tax assessment. They had purchased 80 acres from her Father-in-law 3 years ago. On paying her real property tax it was discovered they had never received or paid the taxes on this property. They have several properties and checked to make sure the deed was correct. It was discovered the Assessor and Collector had this one property listed incorrectly. They had their name and the address wrong. So, they would have never received the notice nor would anyone know who to deliver it to as the name was wrong. They have always paid their taxes on time on their other properties. All they were asking is that the $76.00 in penalty be removed as this was not their error.

Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney made the motion to remove the penalty of 3 years for The McCulley's due to a clerical error in name and address. Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed. No opposition.

9:45 County Assessor Carl Bettels in to discuss the McCulley's tax issue and the Hospital tax resolution voted on last meeting.

10:00 County Clerk Jami Page brought in the Marijuana County Tax proposal to go over with the Commission to be put on the ballot in April. They also discussed proposing the County have a Dispensary license. Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney made the motion to present the 3% Marijuana Sales tax proposal with the proceeds to go to general revenue, to the vote in April. Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed. No Opposition. 

Jami had also reminded the Commission that all office holders were to have their budget turned in by January 6th. She has everyone's but the Road and Bridge budget which the commission is responsible for. She asked for it to be done today.

Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley took a call from Kent Page with Mingo Township. One board member is not wanting to run again. Without someone to replace their spot they cannot resign.

The Order #2022-01A of the County Commission of Bates County, Missouri was updated. This clarifies the clerical and custodial duties of each elected office holder and sets the guidelines for Sunshine request. 

Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney made the motion to accept the Order #2022-01A as updated on the custodial and clerical duties. Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson seconded. All vote yes. Motion passed. No opposition.

Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney took a call from Reno-dry about the yearly maintenance on the courthouse system.

Obituary - Claude W. (Bill) Gowing

Claude W. (Bill) Gowing, age 91, of Belton, Missouri passed away February 1, 2023 at the home.

Bill was born in Linn County, Kansas on March 26, 1931, the middle son of Bert and Pauline Gowing. 

Following graduation from LaCygne rural High School Bill went to work at Owens Corning Fiberglass. In 1951 he entered the U.S. Army where he served as Lead Scout in Korea. 

He was a member of the Red Bridge United Methodist Church where he was active in the Genesis Sunday School Class, LAFF, Men’s Club and as a Trustee helped with church maintenance. He was a charter member of the Longview Twisters Square Dance Club and a supporter of square dancing in the area. 

Bill served as Scout Master for Troop 280 in Martin City and attended Scout Camp. In 1957 Bill went to work for the Bendix Corporation, He retired as a supervisor in 1989. He enjoyed playing bass guitar with various area country and gospel groups.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Bert and Pauline Gowing; his wife, June Gowing; and brothers, Bertis and Bob.

He is survived by his sons, Rick Gowing of Phoenix, AZ and Bill Gowing of Raymore, MO; four grandchildren, Christen, Jessica, Amanda and Stephen; and six great grandchildren.

Memorial services are pending at this time.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Red Bridge United Methodist Church 636 E 117th St, Kansas City, MO 64131 or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 1111 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, MO 64083.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

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