Thursday, October 5, 2023
Former Benton County Jail Administrator sentenced to 20 years in prison
10-4-23- I have an update for you on a very sad, disturbing case you might be tracking.
Nichols Murphy, former Benton County Jail Administrator, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for one count of Statutory Rape, one count of Statutory Sodomy and two counts of incest.
Murphy was working at the Benton County Jail when the young victim came forward with her allegations. This one hit close to home for me because this tragedy was going on while this predator worked right alongside many of us. We thought we knew this man, and I gave him the benefit of innocence until proven guilty, well he was guilty!
Nichols Murphy, former Benton County Jail Administrator, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for one count of Statutory Rape, one count of Statutory Sodomy and two counts of incest.
Murphy was working at the Benton County Jail when the young victim came forward with her allegations. This one hit close to home for me because this tragedy was going on while this predator worked right alongside many of us. We thought we knew this man, and I gave him the benefit of innocence until proven guilty, well he was guilty!
I am unable to truly voice in this update my personal feelings and opinions about this kind of crime, nor is it proper. I will say, although our justice system is slow and flawed, there is still justice to be found. No amount of prison time will rectify the damage done to an innocent victim, but it is some justice.
As a law enforcement officer I have seen this kind of assault on a young person's body and mind far too many times. In my own life I have known many adult survivors of this destructive abuse whose entire lives have been affected.
I commend this young lady and many others like her who are brave enough and have the courage to step forward and bring their tormentors to justice! If you are being touched unwantedly or know anyone who is, please tell someone. Parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, the list goes on. I urge you, we must protect the children.
Please call the National Sexual assault Hotline’s 24-hour emergency phone number at 800-656-4673, the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-3738 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-787-7233, or simply dial 911 if you suspect the abuse of a child. There is help and safety for you, justice will be done.
As a law enforcement officer I have seen this kind of assault on a young person's body and mind far too many times. In my own life I have known many adult survivors of this destructive abuse whose entire lives have been affected.
I commend this young lady and many others like her who are brave enough and have the courage to step forward and bring their tormentors to justice! If you are being touched unwantedly or know anyone who is, please tell someone. Parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, the list goes on. I urge you, we must protect the children.
Please call the National Sexual assault Hotline’s 24-hour emergency phone number at 800-656-4673, the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-3738 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-787-7233, or simply dial 911 if you suspect the abuse of a child. There is help and safety for you, justice will be done.
-Courtesy of the Benton County Sheriff's Office
Obituary - LaVaun Law
Memorial graveside service and inurnment for LaVaun Law of Belton, Missouri formerly of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.
Visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 10 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
LaVaun Law, age 93 of Belton, Missouri died Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Brookdale Senior Living in Leawood, Kansas. She was born October 25, 1929 to Waldon LeRoy and Norma Fern Spencer Brant in Terril, Iowa.
LaVaun is survived by three sons, Larry Law and wife Lisa of Butler, Missouri, Gary Law and wife Lila of Montrose, Missouri and Kent Law and wife Nancy of Blue Springs, Missouri; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane Law on July 18, 1990; a grandson, Bobby Law; and a brother, David Brant.
LaVaun Law, age 93 of Belton, Missouri died Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Brookdale Senior Living in Leawood, Kansas. She was born October 25, 1929 to Waldon LeRoy and Norma Fern Spencer Brant in Terril, Iowa.
LaVaun is survived by three sons, Larry Law and wife Lisa of Butler, Missouri, Gary Law and wife Lila of Montrose, Missouri and Kent Law and wife Nancy of Blue Springs, Missouri; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane Law on July 18, 1990; a grandson, Bobby Law; and a brother, David Brant.
Hume man seriously injured in Vernon County crash
On Wednesday October 4th around 4:25 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with Sheriff's Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on V Highway around 3 miles south of Hume, Missouri.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when a northbound 2000 Ford Mustang driven by 24 year old Dalen M. Lewis of Hume crossed the center line and struck a 2021 Toyota Tundra driven by 52 year old Christi L. Allmond of Richards.
Mr. Lewis sustained serious injuries and he was transported by Life Flight Eagle to Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri for treatment.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when a northbound 2000 Ford Mustang driven by 24 year old Dalen M. Lewis of Hume crossed the center line and struck a 2021 Toyota Tundra driven by 52 year old Christi L. Allmond of Richards.
Mr. Lewis sustained serious injuries and he was transported by Life Flight Eagle to Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri for treatment.
View crash report below:
Woman arrested after stealing fire truck in Henry County
Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Henry County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a fire truck driving recklessly on Florence Street in Windsor.
As no fire calls had been dispatched, it was suspect that the fire truck had been taken without permission from the fire station in Windsor. Arriving on the scene deputies located a female subject who had been driving the truck.
The female attempted to escape by fleeing from the deputies, but was quickly apprehended. Upon examination of the fire station, deputies found that the stolen fire truck had apparently been driven through the overhead garage door, causing extensive damage.
Charged with burglary, felony stealing, property damage and resisting arrest was Jade Raygan Gibbs, age 20 who lists her address as homeless. Bond has been set at 100,000.00 and she remains in custody as of Thursday morning.
The female attempted to escape by fleeing from the deputies, but was quickly apprehended. Upon examination of the fire station, deputies found that the stolen fire truck had apparently been driven through the overhead garage door, causing extensive damage.
Charged with burglary, felony stealing, property damage and resisting arrest was Jade Raygan Gibbs, age 20 who lists her address as homeless. Bond has been set at 100,000.00 and she remains in custody as of Thursday morning.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Bates County Posse Rodeo a huge success
Obituary - Diane Louise Hopkins
Diane Louise Hopkins, 82, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Medicalodge of Butler in Butler, MO. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Hume Cemetery in Hume, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Hume Cemetery or Promedica Hospice of Butler, MO.
Diane was born May 20, 1941 to Jesse Evans and Alberta Felch in Kansas City, MO. She attended El Dorado Springs High School, where she was in the graduating class of 1959. She started working at Citizens Bank in Nevada, but she ended up with the primary job as homemaker. She married Larry White in 1960 and to this union two children were born, Doug and LeAnna. She later married Walter Hopkins in 1977, where she gained three step-daughters: Karen, Karla and Kelley. She always loved spending time with family and friends. Diane loved being outside, whether it be gardening or fishing. She also loved her cats, who were her companions and comfort.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her grandson, Wyatt Fisher. She is survived by her son, Doug (Shelli) White, of Adrian, MO; her daughter, LeAnna (Jeff) Fisher, of Adrian, MO; step-daughters: Karen (Tim) Mckinley, Karla (Jeff) Davidson, and Kelley Hopkins all of Hume, MO; her grandchildren: Kevin (Amber) Fisher, Jeffery (Katie) Fisher, Erik (Jacey) White, Brendin (fiancé, Samantha Ozburn) White, Kenny (Debi) McKinley, Stephanie (Chris) Chaplin, Cheyenne (Blake) Lewis, and Samantha Davidson; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Danny (Laura) Evans; and three nieces.
Diane was born May 20, 1941 to Jesse Evans and Alberta Felch in Kansas City, MO. She attended El Dorado Springs High School, where she was in the graduating class of 1959. She started working at Citizens Bank in Nevada, but she ended up with the primary job as homemaker. She married Larry White in 1960 and to this union two children were born, Doug and LeAnna. She later married Walter Hopkins in 1977, where she gained three step-daughters: Karen, Karla and Kelley. She always loved spending time with family and friends. Diane loved being outside, whether it be gardening or fishing. She also loved her cats, who were her companions and comfort.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her grandson, Wyatt Fisher. She is survived by her son, Doug (Shelli) White, of Adrian, MO; her daughter, LeAnna (Jeff) Fisher, of Adrian, MO; step-daughters: Karen (Tim) Mckinley, Karla (Jeff) Davidson, and Kelley Hopkins all of Hume, MO; her grandchildren: Kevin (Amber) Fisher, Jeffery (Katie) Fisher, Erik (Jacey) White, Brendin (fiancé, Samantha Ozburn) White, Kenny (Debi) McKinley, Stephanie (Chris) Chaplin, Cheyenne (Blake) Lewis, and Samantha Davidson; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Danny (Laura) Evans; and three nieces.
NRTC Director Eric Schneider named Missouri CTE Administrator of the Year.
(Nevada, Missouri) On Monday October 2nd, Eric Schneider was recognized as the Administrator the Year by the Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators. In his capacity as NRTC Director, Mr. Schneider has had the opportunity to assist instructors as they continue to reshape and enhance the career and technical education opportunities for students at NRTC.
According to Dr. Gage Tiller, Director at Carthage Technical Center, “Eric has played an integral role in the Southwest Missouri Career Pathways Coalition (SMCPC) that paired CTE instructors together to develop a common curriculum aligned to industry and postsecondary standards. (He) has become a well-known voice for Missouri CTE. Any time you have a conversation with Eric, it's easy to see his passion for high-quality CTE and ensuring students are prepared for life after high school… (He) has been a great asset to both NRTC and MCCTA. His willingness to get involved and be an advocate for CTE are unmatched. He has the charisma and personality to draw people in and follow his great leadership.”
Mr. Schneider had the following to say. “I love what I get to do with and for the students and staff at NRTC. The instructors and support staff at our school are truly outstanding. Dr. Beshore and Mrs. McNeley, our Nevada Central Office Administrators, are always supportive of our CTE efforts. I have had the privilege of working closely with the other outstanding CTE Directors in SW Missouri and have leaned on them heavily at times. I have experienced the advantage of working closely with my predecessor Dr. Phillip Witt who made great strides to improve curriculum alignment and improve the hands-on learning opportunities for NRTC students during his tenure. Because of the amazing foundation formed by all of these amazing people, I have had the opportunity to help with the great work being done by the Southwest Missouri Career Pathways Coalition as we continue to improve CTE instruction across the region. They have also blessed me with the opportunity to serve in multiple leadership roles within the Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators. The foremost being the planning and facilitating of professional development as a member of the MCCTA Conference Planning Committee. None of these things would be possible without the support and professionalism of all of the exceptional people with whom I work.”
Mr Schneider is excited about the things being accomplished at NRTC and is very excited for all of the new opportunities they plan to provide students in the future. New construction is being planned. New CTE programs are being considered. These enhancements will continue to serve students as they prepare for bigger and brighter futures.
According to Dr. Gage Tiller, Director at Carthage Technical Center, “Eric has played an integral role in the Southwest Missouri Career Pathways Coalition (SMCPC) that paired CTE instructors together to develop a common curriculum aligned to industry and postsecondary standards. (He) has become a well-known voice for Missouri CTE. Any time you have a conversation with Eric, it's easy to see his passion for high-quality CTE and ensuring students are prepared for life after high school… (He) has been a great asset to both NRTC and MCCTA. His willingness to get involved and be an advocate for CTE are unmatched. He has the charisma and personality to draw people in and follow his great leadership.”
Mr. Schneider had the following to say. “I love what I get to do with and for the students and staff at NRTC. The instructors and support staff at our school are truly outstanding. Dr. Beshore and Mrs. McNeley, our Nevada Central Office Administrators, are always supportive of our CTE efforts. I have had the privilege of working closely with the other outstanding CTE Directors in SW Missouri and have leaned on them heavily at times. I have experienced the advantage of working closely with my predecessor Dr. Phillip Witt who made great strides to improve curriculum alignment and improve the hands-on learning opportunities for NRTC students during his tenure. Because of the amazing foundation formed by all of these amazing people, I have had the opportunity to help with the great work being done by the Southwest Missouri Career Pathways Coalition as we continue to improve CTE instruction across the region. They have also blessed me with the opportunity to serve in multiple leadership roles within the Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators. The foremost being the planning and facilitating of professional development as a member of the MCCTA Conference Planning Committee. None of these things would be possible without the support and professionalism of all of the exceptional people with whom I work.”
Mr Schneider is excited about the things being accomplished at NRTC and is very excited for all of the new opportunities they plan to provide students in the future. New construction is being planned. New CTE programs are being considered. These enhancements will continue to serve students as they prepare for bigger and brighter futures.
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