Freeman man arrested on sex charges against a minor

On Sunday December 10th the Cass County Sheriff's Deputies  were asked to assist the Department of Family Services regarding a child victim in Freeman, Missouri.

While there, deputies were informed the juvenile had been sexually assaulted. Deputies then arrested 23-year-old Bryce Caster of Freeman, Missouri and transported him to the Cass County Jail.

On Monday December 11, Cass County Prosecutors charged Caster with sexual exploitation of a minor child, which is a Class A Felony. 

He is also charged with two counts of 2nd degree child molestation — of a child who is 12 years or younger, which are Class B Felonies.

Mr. Caster is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond and is currently at the Cass County Jail.

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.

Peer support training a great success

Last week, the Belton Missouri Police Department hosted a 40 hour peer support training class with FRST Midwest.

Over the past week, these 23 first responders from around the Kansas City metro, including Miami County Kansas Sheriff's Office Master Deputy Terry Burgoon are certified to provide peer support training within their agencies and for other agencies.

Courtesy of the Miami County Kansas Sheriff's Office 

Public service announcement from the Butler Senior Center

Dirty Bingo tomorrow night at the Butler Senior Center is cancelled.

At last week’s board meeting, the Friends of the Butler Senior Center Board voted to suspend Dirty Bingo until March 2024.

Obituary - Donald C. Peters

Donald C. Peters, born August 11th, 1956, joined our Father in Heaven on December 10th 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Lonnie Sue (Green), son Jason Tyler Peters, daughters Lisa Marie Peters, Kelsey Lynne (Alex) Heath and grandson Grayson James Heath, a sister Ellen Peters Clemens and brothers Dale (Pam) Peters and John Peters. He was preceded in death by his parents Kathryn and Ed Peters, nephew Matthew Clemens, and brother-in-law Gary Clemens.

Born in Kankakee, IL with his childhood being spent in Deerfield, IL, he attended college at Northwest Missouri State University. He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Nutrition. After graduation he took his first job in Fort Wayne, IN with Alied Mills selling animal feed.

Don met his wife Lonnie in the spring of 1979 and they married May 1st 1982.

From the moment they were married, whether it be coaching baseball, tearing down log cabins, raising their children, or doing civil war reenacting, they were a team, not always by Lonnie’s choice. After starting a family, Don decided on a career move. He took a job with Bristol-Myers selling animal pharmaceuticals. Throughout 30 years and numerous company buyouts the family settled in Peculiar, MO where he retired.

Don coached little league baseball in Ft. Wayne after college and would continue coaching his own kids as they got into sports. He was always the voice of encouragement they could hear. When his youngest daughter decided to join the cross-country team in school he thought why not start running. He continued even after she had graduated.

Still having so much to give, after retiring he took a position as Executive Director at the Cass County Historical Society. His love of history and his incredible ability to tell stories never failed him. From mock trials with middle schoolers, research, or talks given to any group who asked, he always had a captive audience. He had an amazing talent for getting people involved and having fun before they even knew what was happening.

Don had a great love for history, sports, fishing, gardening, and family. An avid baseball fan, he was a lifelong member of the Chicago Cubs fan club. He always planned things larger than life, whether it be work related, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties on the farm, or just being one of the kids. His wit was unsurpassed, his heart large, and he will be missed greatly.

A visitation will be held at Cullen Funeral Home Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083 on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For the visitation we would like to celebrate Don’s life and love for his almamater. We invite everyone to please wear white and green or any Northwest apparel to honor him. A memorial service will be held at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

Butler Lions make donations for the holidays

 THE BUTLER LIONS CLUB made several donations last week just in time for the holidays. Top, Lion Wayne Vermillion presented a check to the Coats for Kids program accepted by Carol Ann Winburn and Jamie Pippin-Loe. Center, a check was presented to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office for the Shop With A Cop program and at bottom, Vermillion presented a donation to the Bates County community food pantry which was graciously accepted by Director Renee Bannerman.

Senior Center menu

 

Recipe of the Week

 

Butler annexes key piece of property

 It was another short session for the Butler city council on Tuesday. All members present with the exception of Jeff Hall.

City Clerk Corey Snead reminded everyone that business licenses need to be renewed and reminders have been sent. However, if anyone does not receive the notice please contact city hall.

Response from the questionnaire for the comprehensive plan has been better than expected. The next step is to further review plans from 1968 and 1982 to see if goals were met; however it appears most were not, as both included a large increase in housing among other things- many of the items will be reviewed to see if they would still pertain today to determine if they will be added to the current plan.

Bringing more commerce to Butler is a hot topic as the city is working with several firms who specialize in rural economic development for smaller towns such as ours. It seems that it may be easier than previously thought to lure a big box retailer to our city and another firm will be here to discuss options on January 16th, 6 pm at city hall and the public is invited to join. One big plus would be for a retailer to make use of the old Walmart or Country Mart buildings if at all possible.

The council voted to annex a small parcel of land just west of the old Super 8 motel which is a prime retail spot that would nicely generate tax monies as well as utility hookups and more. Rumor has it that Casey’s stores may be considering the location but information is slow in coming.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall and the public is highly encouraged to attend.