Arrest made after stolen ATV in Rich Hill

On 8/21/2023 Bates County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a residence in rural Rich Hill for a stolen ATV. Upon arrival the victim was able to show Deputy a photo of the truck leaving the property with the stolen ATV and tables.

After the Deputy cleared from taking the report a MSHP Trooper advised him that he was familiar with the vehicle description from the Hume area. The trooper located the vehicle at an address on South West Hume Street in Hume and made contact with the occupants.

The Deputy arrived on scene and took the male driver in custody. While interviewing subjects the deputy was advised the female had taken off on foot from the area. After a short foot pursuit the female subject was taken into custody.

The male, Anthony Christopher Becerra of Hume Mo was charged with 2nd Degree Burglary and Stealing a motor vehicle. Bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety.

The female, Ashely Renee Mays of Rich Hill was charged with 2nd degree Burglary and Stealing a motor vehicle. Bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety.

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.

Thank you from the Bates County Sheriff's Office

The Bates County Sheriff's Office would like to give a big Thank You to Ryan Hooper with HCS and the Steiner Brothers Restaurant for serving all the Sheriff’s Office employees and volunteers lunch today. Those employees who could not make the lunch are being served this evening.

Ryan reached out and wanted to do something for all the Sheriffs Office to make sure they knew that the community appreciates them and the sacrifices they make.

“The food that was provided was absolutely some of the best we’ve been served.” Says Sheriff Anderson. “Over the last few weeks the community has donated flavored water, coffee, creamer , cups and snacks. We appreciate everyone of them and it’s great to see the smiles on the men and women who serve our community.”

Obituary - James Franklin "Jim" Brooks

James(Jim) Franklin Brooks Jr. of Hume Mo. Born March 3rd of 55.

Jim attended the Hume school and graduated in 1974. After high school Jim joined the Missouri National Guards for 4 years.  Jim also spent many years driving grain trucks and then joined the Boilermakers local 83 for a short while before trucking called him back.  

He spent many years driving truck coast to coast up to Canada and down to Mexico a few times.  He loved taking his sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews with him during their summer breaks.  Unfortunately he had to give up trucking due to getting hit with diabetes.   He rejoined the Boilermakers local 83  in 2000 where he was able to retire.  

Jim married Rebecca Jo Allison- Clift 1976 from this marriage a son, Vernon, a daughter, Rachael, and a son, Shannon were born. Jim and  Becky went their separate ways in 1983.

Jim met Kathy Benedek-Brooks in NJ towards the end of May 1984 and married July 23 1984 they just celebrated their 39th anniversary Jim always said they we a match made in heaven.  To this marriage a son Jerall and daughter Ashley were born.   Jim loved his family very much. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He made sure each one of them got a tractor ride at least once in their life and he taught them how to give big bear hugs growls included.  Jim was a loving son, brother, uncle, Dad, Pop and husband.

Jim knew no strangers he would always say he was making new friends. Jim was a talker he talked to everyone and always welcomed people with open arms and a smile.  Jim enjoyed sitting outside, guns, tractors, horses, mowing, talk radio, being with family and friends, attending church and bible study.  He loved God more then anything and would tell you he wasn't afraid to die because he knew where he was going and would tell us if he got to come home to us or home to God he was a winner either way!

As the years passed his health declined and the Lord called him home on August 21,2023.  His surviving family members include his wife Kathy, sons Vernon, Shannon, and Jerall, his daughters Rachael and Ashley, his son-in-law Rece ten grandchildren Avery, Wyatt, Ben, Dominique, Kuhli, Mariah,Logan, Schuyler, Lyric, and Tristin and great grandson Jackson 2 sisters Kathy(Gary) and Carreen(Ralph) 3 Brothers David(Lisa) Mitch(Laura) and Matt(Kristy) 3 sister-in-laws Julie(John) Rosie(Gary) and Melinda and 3 brother in laws John(Naomi) Tom(Lynn) and Dan(Robin) many nieces, nephews and cousins Aunt Marie and Uncle Norval. Jim was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Jim and Gussie, maternal grandparents Joe and Mae, father Bud Brooks, mother Shirley Brooks-King,, and little brother John.  Jim touched so many lives in a positive way more then he knew and will be missed very much!

Graveside funeral service will be 10 am Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Woodfin Cemetery, Foster, Missouri.  A memorial service will be held 11:30 AM Friday August 25, 2023 at the Hume United Methodist Church.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St Jude Children's Hospital or American Diabetes Association.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

Obituary - Myrna Louise Thorp

Myrna Louise Thorp, 77, of Rich Hill, Missouri, unexpectedly entered the Kingdom of Heaven during the early morning hours of August 21, 2023. Myrna was born in Jackson County Missouri on November 18, 1945, to Harvey Clay Swope and Dorothy Lureen (Lacy) Swope. Myrna was the youngest of three Swope sisters and was preceded in death by her sisters Lana Tucker and Dana Ringberg. On January 29, 1966, she was married to the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Raymond Thorp.

Myrna and Tom had four children: Tim Thorp (Kari) of Rich Hill, MO; Kendra Bovard (Shaun) of Ava, MO; Toby Thorp (Lori) of Nevada, MO; and Kori Steuck (Jeff) of Rich Hill, MO. The Thorp household also included cousins John and Joni Thorp and “adopted” brother Rick Mayer (Duber) of Montrose, Colorado.

Myrna and Tom made their home in Endicott, Nebraska after marriage and later moved to Montrose, Colorado where they raised their children. They returned to Myrna’s childhood home of Rich Hill in 1990 where they took over as caretakers of Goose Lake Lodge, a position previously held by Myrna’s parents. Myrna worked numerous jobs in a variety of settings throughout her life; she was a school secretary and cook, as well as a chocolate factory worker and travel agent. First and foremost, however, Myrna was a mother. In addition to raising the seven children in her household, she and Tom made their home open to numerous foster children and others. She was a master at making bricks without straw, often conjuring up a meal to feed fifteen children when she had only planned on seven. Myrna always made sure anyone who needed a bed or place to stay had just that. She had a momma’s temper but loved her kids with all her heart. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought great joy to her life, and she spent her last day on earth surrounded by family for a meal and fellowship, the things she loved most.

Myrna loved garage sales, romance novels, picking pecans, and the Hallmark channel. She often claimed that her vehicle of the moment had a mind of its own and would turn down streets with garage sale signs of its own volition. Myrna had a dynamic personality and was beloved by all that had the joy of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and her two sisters. She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Tom Thorp; her seven children; twenty-two grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be held at Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill Missouri on August 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Myrna will be interred at the Carbon Center Cemetery southwest of Rich Hill in a private family ceremony.

Back to school ready in Harrisonville

School is back in session..

During the weeks leading up to the start of the new school year, our City of Harrisonville Streets Department staff were busy repainting the crosswalks near each @Harrisonville Schools building.

These crosswalks play a huge role in the safety of students in our community. 

Please slow down when approaching crosswalks and keep a sharp eye out for kiddos entering or exiting a crosswalk.

Obituary - David Lee Cheek

David Lee Cheek, 48, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the Four Seasons Living Center in Sedalia, Missouri. Cremation with no services planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

David had multiple jobs over the course of his life, but became permanently disabled 17 years ago, when he sustained a traumatic brain injury from a gunshot he suffered as a victim of a crime. Ultimately, this injury led to his premature death. David was a man with strong opinions, and convictions. He was larger than life on the outside and inside. 

But he also had a deep love for his family, and those who knew him well knew that he had a tender heart. His biggest and best accomplishment in his life was that he fathered seven incredible children. He loved them very much and remained proud of them throughout his life.

David was preceded in death by his mother Mary Coleman Cheek, his father Dave E. Cheek, and his sister Tammy Cheek Herrera. He leaves behind his children, David A. Ross, Hunter J. Ross, Shianne E. Ross, Katherine G. Ross, Molly D. Ross, Brianna C. Ross, and Lauren M. Ross of Blue Springs, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

There will be no service at this time for David, but his children invite you to share any memories that you might have of your time with him as a way to help them memorialize their father on this page.

Happy Birthday Annie!

The Bates County Memorial Hospital would to Wishes to Anne (Annie) Wehage-Zickwolf, RN BSN JD CHOP-B a very happy retirement!

Annie served as the hospital's Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer beginning September 18, 2019 and retired from the hospital on August 1, 2023. 

She and her husband Fred have a son and a grandson, and reside in rural Adrian. Best wishes, Annie!

Expect Lane Closures, Traffic Delays During Resurfacing Project on I-49 in Bates & Vernon Counties

MoDOT: Expect Lane Closures, Traffic Delays During Resurfacing Project on I-49 in Bates & Vernon Counties Beginning Aug. 28th.

Southwest District – Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays when a project to resurface a section of I-49 in Bates and Vernon counties begins the week of August 28, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The contractor will remove the current asphalt driving surface and replace it with a new one along a 37-mile stretch of I-49 between Bates County Routes A&B at Rich Hill south to U.S. Route 54 in Nevada.

The project also includes rumble strips and permanent striping along the full length of the project. In addition, drivers will encounter periodic ramp closures where contractor crews are working.

Traffic Impacts:
Expect lane closures where contractor crews are working
Contractor crews will be working during daytime hours, 5 a.m.-8 p.m.

At least one lane of traffic will be OPEN in each direction at all times

Speed limit reduced to 60 mph where crews are working
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should find alternate routes around the work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Project Information
Prime contractor: APAC-Central, Springfield
Total project cost: $11.1 million
Completion date: November 1, 2023

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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