Missouri State Highway Patrol announces the following retirement: Captain John J. Hotz

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announces the following retirement:

Captain John J. Hotz, director of the Public Information and Education Division, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO, will retire effective February 1, 2024, after more than 34 years of dedicated service.

Hotz was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1989. After graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 7, Bates County. On November 1, 1994, Hotz was promoted to corporal and designated assistant zone supervisor of Zone 5, Ray and Carroll counties. On January 1, 1997, Hotz transferred to Troop A Headquarters and was assigned as one of the public information and education officers. He was promoted to sergeant on August 1, 1998. 

On August 1, 2006, he was promoted to lieutenant and designated assistant director of the Public Information and Education Division, General Headquarters. On March 1, 2015, Hotz was promoted to Captain and designated the director of the Public Information and Education Division, General Headquarters.

Captain Hotz was born in Camden, New Jersey. He graduated from Lowndes County High School, Valdosta, GA, in 1985. In 1989, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, MS. Capt. Hotz and his wife, Paula, have two children: James and Emily.

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative First Year Apprentice Lineman job opening

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative currently has a job opening for a First Year Apprentice Lineman at our Butler Office location. 

The selected candidate will be required to reside within 20 minutes of the Butler office location. 

A class A CDL driver’s license is preferred, but not required. Applicant must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. 

To apply, please submit a resume to: Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Attn: Human Resources PO Box 470 Butler, MO 64730 or email to humanresources@osagevalley.com by Friday, February 16, 2023 at 4:30pm.

Obituary - Michael Craig Gaddy

Craig Gaddy, 54, of Clinton, Missouri, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 19, 2024 at his home.

Craig found immense joy and fulfillment in the open road, having dedicated nearly 9 years of his life to driving trucks at Yellow Roadway Corporation, (YRC). The hum of the engine and the endless highways were more than a job to him; it was pure passion. Another passion of Craig’s were his projects he would start and finish with his son, Spencer.

Both Craig and Spencer had a recent endeavor, Craig’s dad’s Chevy truck. Countless hours were spent in the garage, working side by side, making Craig’s vision for this truck into a reality. Craig would brag time after time about this project. It meant the world to him, and he loved being able to share those countless days and nights putting this truck together with his son.

Family was the greatest accomplishment of Craig’s life, and he leave behind so much love in his wife, Alisa Gaddy; his sister, Lorri Gaddy; his two children, Spencer Gaddy and Michaela Hugill. His pride and joy extended to his three grandsons, Presten Hugill, Liam Hugill and Carter Hugill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Janice Gaddy.

Craig had many people who loved him and thought very highly of him. He would walk into a room and instantly brighten it with his smile. You could always count on him saying “Kickass!” in almost every conversation.

Dad, you will be missed beyond words. You left all of us with memories that we will never forget. We all love you so very much.

Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the Turning Point Church, 9150 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64138. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.

Obituary - John Leroy Wright

John Leroy Wright of Rich Hill, MO, formerly of Liberty, MO, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on January 30, 2024. John was born in Nevada, Missouri, on November 26, 1943, to John William and Frances Jewell (Henley) Wright. He was the youngest of three children. 

John grew up in Rich Hill, Missouri, learning foundry and mechanic skills in his father's machinery and blacksmith shop. He graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1961. John became a journeyman machinist and worked for Peabody Coal Company while supporting his family and earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Missouri State University. 

Upon graduation, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture until retirement in 2009. John was a car enthusiast and enjoyed working on cars, restoring antique cars, and attending car shows. John was very caring and often thought of the well-being of others rather than himself. His family adored him and will miss him greatly.

To mourn his passing, John leaves his wife of 31 years, Kay Wright; his daughters, Joneila (Miles) Henselman and Kristine (Michelle Brunell) Wright; his grandchildren, Anne Marie, John, and Natalia Henselman and Alaina, Ethan, and William Brunell-Wright. He also leaves his stepchildren Robert (Debra) Black and Joy (Mark) Ervin, and his step-grandchildren Dana Craig, Major (Amanda) Black, Jess (Ginger) Ervin, Aimee (Richie) Allen, and nine step-great-grandchildren, his sister, Velma Goforth, his niece Leta (Barry) Hogge, and many cousins and friends. 

John was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother. The family would like to thank John's caregivers, Colleen Keller and Renee Mitchell, for their compassionate care and kindness. 

They would also like to thank Jerry and Pat Mellenbruch for their decades-long support and friendship. Services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 2 pm at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri, with burial following at the Rich Hill Cemetery. Friends wishing to make memorial gifts may donate to the Kansas City Hospice House or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Obituary - Kent Powell

Graveside services and interment for Kent Powell, age 89 of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. No visitation. 

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Medicalodge of Butler or The Children’s Center in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Richard Kent Powell, age 89 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Medicalodge of Butler. He was born September 6, 1934 to Kenneth Newton and Emily Mae Dewey “Hilliard” Powell in Butler, Missouri.

Kent, one of two children, was born and raised in Butler, Missouri. He attended Wemot Rural Country School and was a 1952 graduate of Butler High School. Kent was a farmer until his retirement in 1998. He was the first farmer in Bates County to bring irrigation to farming in the mid 70s. On December 2, 1956 he married Bettelue Bradley and to this union, two children were born.

Kent was known to be driven, determined, loving, stubborn and passionate. He enjoyed farming, flying–was a licensed pilot and member of the Flying Farmers–traveling and tractor pulling.

Kent is survived by his wife, Bettelue Powell of the home; a son, Bradley Ray Powell and wife Debbie of Butler, Missouri; a daughter, Kenette Rae Lindsay and husband Dennis of Apollo Beach, Florida; and a granddaughter, Stormy Mikala Lindsay of Watertown, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kay Wright.

Obituary - Ralph D. Fitzpatrick

Funeral services for Ralph D. Fitzpatrick, age 75 of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. 

Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to The Frog Foundation or The Butler Food Pantry. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Ralph Dean Fitzpatrick, age 75 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Medicalodge of Butler. He was born November 9, 1948 to Alvin Fred and Naderia Gerane Huff Fitzpatrick in Jamesport, Missouri.

Ralph is survived by wife, Joyce Fitzpatrick of the home; three children, Tena Rusher of Butler, Missouri, Alvin Dwayne Fitzpatrick and wife Sylva of Pocatella, Idaho and Laura Piland and husband Berry of Butler, Missouri; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Cathy Neely and husband Eldon and Judy Kisner and husband Doug all of Butler, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings, Donald Fitzpatrick, Betty Wallis, Cheryl Sims, Mary Ray, Orville Fitzpatrick, Morris Fitzpatrick, Jack Stockdale, Lloyd Fitzpatrick, Gary Fitzpatrick and Rosa Austin.

Update: Charges filed after wild police chase in Cass County

45-year-old Jacob Rullman of St. Joseph, MO has been charged with Resisting Arrest, which is a Class E Felony. Rullman also faces a first-degree charge for Endangering the Welfare of a Child --- which is a Class D Felony. He is being held at the Cass County Jail on a $200,000 cash only bond.

Original Post:

On 01-29-24, at approximately 4:30pm, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle traveling Southbound on 7 Highway near Creighton. 

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The driver continued throughout the county until a tire deflation device was used near the area of 2 Highway and Kauffman. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby field. 

As deputies were taking him into custody, they overheard the sounds of a small child from the backseat. Deputies were able to quickly extract the child from the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to an undisclosed hospital for evaluation. The Child, who stated she was unharmed, was checked by EMS on scene and safely returned to her mother upon her arrival.

Way to go Mason!

We would like to congratulate Harrisonville High School Senior Mason Mitchell on hitting a milestone 1000 career points in last night’s double-overtime win.