Sunday, January 14, 2024

House fire in Cass County

On Saturday January 13th the Central Cass Fire Protection District along with mutual aide from the Harrisonville, West Peculiar, and South Metro fire departments responded to a house fire in rural Cass County.

No one was injured in this fire and the house was a total loss. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No further information is available at this time.




Saturday, January 13, 2024

Obituary - Jeffrey L. Cox

Jeffrey L. Cox, age 48, of Raymore, Missouri passed away on January 5, 2024.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at South Haven Baptist Church 16800 Bel- Ray Blvd, Belton, MO 64012. Followed by a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at the church. A private family Inurnment will take place at a late date at Newcomer's Floral Hills Cemetery.

Jeff was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Gary V. Cox and Gayle M. Jackson. Jeff was an only child and grew up in the Raymore-Peculiar area. Jeff was a 1993 graduate of Raymore-Peculiar High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy from the University of Missouri. Jeff went on to earn his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Jeff has served in many state, city and county positions including Raymore City Council, Cass County Presiding Commissioner and currently serving as Cass County Associate Circuit Judge District 5.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle M. Jackson; two uncles, Darrell Jackson and Rodney Jackson.

He is survived by his father, Gary V. Cox; aunt, Donna Jackson Barnes; three cousins, Richard Jackson (Stacy), Christopher Jackson (Anissa), and Dawn Jackson Depew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ray-Pec Public School Foundation 21005 S School Rd, Peculiar, MO 64078 or online at https://raypecfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/66286-annual-giving-campaign

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Friday, January 12, 2024

Search warrant served in Warsaw

On January 4th, 2024, the Missouri State Highways Patrol’s Swat Team made entry into a residence on Highline Drive in the White Branch Community of Warsaw. We were there to serve a search warrant on the residence of Adan Rivas, age 50. 

Rivas has been a suspect of multiple thefts and burglaries in and around Benton County, including a healthy portion of the phone line copper thefts.

Rivas and three other people were taken into custody without incident. A weapon used in an assault and other stolen items were recovered from Rivas’s residents. Evidence discovered in the residence met probable cause to obtain a second search warrant we later carried out on the residence of Patrick Peterson, 60 of Warsaw. There, a stolen vehicle was recovered, and additional evidence met probable cause to obtain yet another search warrant, resulting in the seizure of illegal drugs.

Rivas and Peterson are just two of the many predators that prey on the unsuspecting here in Benton County, but we know the names of others! We know who you are, it’s just a matter of time.
 
It is frustrating for law enforcement to try and piece together the crimes that these criminals perpetrate on the innocent and unsuspecting. Fortunately, in our American Society, law enforcement and our justice system are taxed with the burden of proof. People are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

The frustrating part comes to play when you know the suspect you're tracking is guilty, but you do not have the ability to prove it in a court of law.

Reasonable Suspicion versus Probable Cause. A simple way to explain this is: “Reasonable Suspicion" is a standard used in law enforcement, particularly in the United States, to determine if law enforcement officials can further their investigation. This suspicion must be based on specific details that any, “reasonable person” would agree with.

Although experienced law enforcement deputies can easily establish a hunch, or a gut feeling, or maybe even knows the history of a person or place; without justifying “reasonable suspicion”, the law enforcement officer has no lawful authority. This is where the 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects persons and places from “unreasonable” search and seizures.

"Probable cause", is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion and when this level is reached, it will lawfully justify a law enforcement officer's actions in making an arrest, conducting a person, or property search, or obtaining a warrant. Probable Cause exists when there are “reasonable” grounds, based on factual evidence, to believe that a person has committed a crime, or the fruit of criminal activity is present.

Therefore, from the start of Reasonable Suspicion, leading to Probable Cause, resulting in a person’s Arrest, all of the details and evidence are presented in a court of law to meet the burdens of proof “Beyond Reasonable Doubt”, which is necessary to achieve a conviction.

Rivas is charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Disqualified Felon x2). Further charges for stealing a motor vehicle, theft and burglary are pending. Rivas is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.

Peterson is charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia. Peterson is being held on a $100,000 bond.

- Courtesy of Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox 

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.

Rhyno Tire closed Saturday due to cold weather

Due to the extreme temperatures and wind chill Rhyno Tire in Butler will not be open tomorrow (Saturday 13th). We understand this may be inconvenient, but the safety of our guys is our priority.

We have not made a decision about the beginning of the week yet. We are aware some of our distributors will not be delivering the first of the week.

Thank you


Snow ending this evening as brutal cold arrives

Light snow will come to an end this evening with areas across northern Missouri receiving an additional dusting to an inch. Strong wind may lead to blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/2 mile or less at times.

Cold air has moved into the area and a Wind Chill Warning is in effect from tonight through Tuesday morning for wind chills 15 to 35 below zero. Even during the daytime wind chills will not get above zero during this stretch!


Obituary - David Alan Hines

Funeral services for David Alan Hines, age 63 of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. 

Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Saturday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Military Honors and burial in Salem Cemetery, Foster, Missouri. Contributions to the Marines' Memorial Foundation. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

David Alan Hines, age 63 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, January 8, 2024 at the Medicalodge of Butler. He was born November 12, 1960 to David Leon and Vonda Lee Gordon Hines in Kansas City, Missouri.

David is survived by a daughter, Tess Hines of Kansas City, Missouri; his mother, Vonda Sager of Butler, Missouri; two brothers, Troy Hines of Butler, Missouri and Cody Hines and wife Krystal of Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters, Susan Hearting of Appleton City, Missouri and Christine Johnson and husband Billy of Adrian, Missouri; and nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, David Leon Hines; three uncles, Wayne Hines and his wife Cindy, Jerry Hines and Bobby Lowe; and a brother-in-law, Darrell Hearting.






Obituary - Bruce Jessup

Funeral services for Bruce Jessup, age 64 of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. 

Visitation 4 - 7 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to Double Branch Christian Church, Show-Me Christian Youth Home or the Shriners Children’s. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Bruce Jessup, age 64 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born April 14, 1959 to Alfred Lee and Barbara Lea Venable Jessup in Butler, Missouri.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Terrie Jessup of the home; a daughter, Christa Dunn and husband Greg of Prairie Village, Kansas; a son, Tyler Jessup and wife Shelby of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, Nikoli Vaughan-Jessup, Jackson Dunn and Madison Dunn; a brother, Doug Jessup and wife Lisa of Butler, Missouri; a sister, Diana Messens and husband Jeffrey of Neosho, Missouri; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Michael Messens.

Obituary - Roger A. Trussell

Roger graduated from Ray-Pec High school in 2006. Roger excelled in sports. He enjoyed Baseball, Karate, Fishing & Cooking. Roger had a caring, giving, kind & loving heart. He made friends everywhere he went. He did not know a stranger. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew & loved him. 

He was preceded in death by his Maternal grandfather (Frederick Joseph Trussell Jr.) He is survived in death by his parents (Wayne & Marcia Major). Siblings, (Samantha Major), (T.J. Ruch), (Jason & April Barnes), (Chase & Anessa Cannon). Grandparents (Steve & Barbara Clark). Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews & Cousins.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with internment at Raymore Cemetery, Raymore, Missouri.

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