Arrest made in Polk County

On Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received information stating Jess Rush, a felon on parole, possessed a black, semi-automatic, 9mm pistol in Polk County, Missouri. 

Jess Rush is on parole after receiving a life sentence for the kidnapping and murder of Trudy Darby in Camden County in 1991.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently to apply for a search warrant for Jess Rush’s residence and contacted Probation and Parole with the new violation. The search warrant was granted by the court. An arrest warrant was also issued.

Lt. Billy Simpson and Sheriff Danny Morrison were conducting surveillance on the residence on Friday, Oct. 6, when Sheriff Morrison observed Jess Rush drive past his location, southbound on Mo. 83 north of Bolivar. Sheriff Morrison conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Mo. 83 and East 380th Road. Lt. Simpson and Sheriff Morrison were able to take Jess Rush into custody without incident.

A handgun and rifle were recovered from his residence and vehicle during the execution of the search warrant.

Jess Rush was booked into the Polk County Jail then transported back to the Department of Corrections.

“The citizens of Polk County are safer today because Jess Rush is again behind bars where he belongs,” Sheriff Morrison said. “A monster like him should never be granted the freedom to live among us. We hope his arrest gives some comfort and relief to the Darby family.”

Obituary - Anita Vivian Westover

Anita Vivian Westover, beloved daughter, sister, friend, and avid adventurer, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023. Born on December 08, 1963, to Neva Thomas and Ivan Westover, Anita lived a remarkable life filled with travel and a deep love for the world around her. 

Anita’s travel journey began with her service in the United States Navy, where she embarked on a path that would take her to far-flung corners of the world. Her military career ignited her passion for travel, leading her to live in diverse and captivating places, including Scotland, Japan, and Hawaii before finally settling in Florida. 

Anita found solace and joy in kayaking along serene waterways, camping, and exploring the intricacies of different cultures during her travels. Her adventurous spirit was boundless and her travels were awe-inspiring. She ziplined across waterfalls in Costa Rica, swam with seals in the Galapagos Islands, sailed the Amazon River, hiked the glaciers in Iceland, and snorkeled the Continental Divide. Each adventure was a testament to her courage, curiosity, and love for the natural world. 

Anita worked at Progressive Insurance for 21 years as a customer service representative agent. In her free time, she enjoyed music festivals, gardening, scrapbooking, crafting, swap meets, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Anita is survived by her beloved dog, Phebe; her angel and companion, Donnie Green; her parents Neva Milliron and Ivan Westover; two half-sisters Tina Burns and Tiffany Richmond; and five nephews Brandon, Jonathan (Lanianela), and Kyle Westover and Rylee and Eli Richmond. She was preceded in death by her half-brother, Quincy Westover and step-father, Les Milliron. 

A celebration of Anita’s life will be held in her honor at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Howell Cemetery in Amoret, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Howell Cemetery or American Cancer Society. 

Anita Westover’s adventurous spirit and love for life will forever be an inspiration to us all. May she rest in eternal peace.

Obituary - Karen Kay Keen

Karen K. Keen, age 81, a resident of Overland Park, KS, passed away at the St. Luke’s Hospice House, Kansas City, October 3, 2023, comforted by her son Jeff and daughter-in-law Lilie Hall. Karen was born in Calhoun, MO, April 26, 1942, to Dorthy Beryl Rushing and Paul Leaford Savage. The family later moved to Fort Scott where she met her husband, Gary Hall. 

Gary’s service in the Navy took them to various duty stations and travel overseas where she developed her love of traveling. She later owned her own travel agency, International Tours, in Tahlequah, OK. After moving back to Overland Park, she continued organizing cruises for friends and family.

Karen is survived by son’s Jeff Hall (wife Lilie), Mitch Hall (wife Kella), stepchildren Heather Aaron (husband Greg), Ralph Keen (wife Teresa), Taylor Keen (wife Jennifer), Emerald Sheridan (husband Louie), 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of which she loved dearly. She was proceeded in death by 3 husbands, her sister, parents and stepson’s Gary Aaron and John Keen.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:30 AM Thursday, October 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Thursday morning at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the St. Luke’s Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Update: One dead, One seriously injured in Louisburg Kansas Shooting

Statement from the Louisburg Police Department

Louisburg Police Department along with Miami County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residential address within the city limits for a possible shooting late Friday afternoon, Oct. 6.

Louisburg Police along with Miami County Sheriff’s Deputies made entry into a residence and found an adult female Louisburg resident deceased. Officers located a juvenile male with life-threating injuries.

The youth was transferred to an area hospital for additional care. The Department is not currently looking for any suspects and there is no elevated level of threat to the public. The name of the deceased will not be released until next of kin are notified.

No additional information will be provided on the juvenile. Police Chief Josh Weber said the incident remains under investigation.

Obituary - Fred Lee Young

Fred L. Young, 78, Harrisonville, MO, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the family farm in rural Howard County, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with visitation from 1:00-2:00. Burial will follow in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Fred was born August 19, 1945 in Boonville, MO, to Ira Roscoe and Josephine (Yung) Young. After living briefly in California, MO and Sedalia, MO, he moved with his family to Harrisonville in 1948. Fred attended Harrisonville Elementary School and Harrisonville High School. On March 1, 1964, Fred married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Wormsley, in Harrisonville. They have one son, Garet.

At an early age, Fred joined the family business, Midwest Auto, later known as Young’s Firestone until 2006. From then until his retirement in 2015, Fred owned and operated Young’s Lawn and Garden with his son in Harrisonville. He also taught Adult Education classes regarding small engine service and repair through the Cass Career Center.

Fred served multiple terms as a member of the Harrisonville Board of Aldermen and Director of the City’s Civil Defense (later known as Emergency Management), as well as Cass County’s similar agency for many years, dealing with severe weather and man-made and natural disaster issues. In 1995, Fred experienced a life-changing medical condition that prevented him continuing this service. He also served as chair of the planning committee for the original Cass County Log Cabin Festival.

In his retirement years, Fred enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the family farm overlooking the Missouri River and watching the wildlife in the area.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Young, and son, Garet, both of the home; one brother, Wayne Young (Sandra); two sisters-in-law, Sharon Bell (Eugene) and Joyce Brigham, all of Harrisonville; and brother-in-law, Richard Wormsley (Chang Su), Warrensburg, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

Harrisonville man arrested in Bates County

On Friday October 6th around 8:29 a.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County arrested 42 year old Christopher A. Bergfalk of Harrisonville, Missouri after a traffic stop.

Mr. Bergfalk was arrested on the following charges 1.) Felony Johnson County Kansas Sheriff's Office Warrant - Burglary 2.) No Seatbelt 3.) Exceeding the posted speed limit 4.) No Insurance.

Christopher A. Bergfalk was booked into the Bates County Jail in Butler and he is currently being held on no bond.

View arrest report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP71/ArrestDetailsAction?TW01REPORTNUMBER=I476717A

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 - Chipper Myers

Memorial graveside service and inurnment for Chipper Myers of Belton, Missouri formerly of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 11th at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler. Contributions to the American Heart Association. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com

Chestkeith “Chipper” Layton Myers of Belton, Missouri formerly of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, October 1, 2023 at his home. He was born June 18, 1961 to Duard Arthur Myers Jr. and Joyce Marie Mead Myers in Monrovia, California.

Chipper is survived by a stepson, Shane Rabourn and wife Lori and their kids all of Springfield, Missouri; a sister, Kathielane Myers of Warsaw, Missouri; a devoted friend, Mindy Myers of Raymore, Missouri; nephews and nieces, Chelsey, Suzzie, Dude, Chance, Kevin, Jasmine, Troy, Trish and Walley; and several great-nephews and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Duard “Bink” Arthur Myers III.

2023 Rich Hill High School Homecoming Royalty Crowned

We would like congratulate the 2023 Rich Hill High School Homecoming King and Queen Junior Carter Bell and Senior Sydney Rice! Way to go!

Pictured below: Kaylee Couzens escorted by Landon Stangel. Queen Sydney Rice escorted by Isaac Brooks. Maysi Miller escorted by King Carter Bell, Abi Reed escorted by Gavyn DeTienne. Corbin Droz and Emberlynn Brison were the crown bearers.