Harrisonville Police Chief John Hofer retiring after 19 years

The City of Harrisonville would like to announce that after 19 years of dedicated law enforcement service to our community, Police Chief John Hofer will be retiring on March 1, 2024.

During his tenure, Chief Hofer has valued engagement with the community and worked to facilitate new opportunities for the community to band together and strive for a better tomorrow; spearheading programs such as the Harrisonville CARES Coalition, Shop With a Cop, the Harrisonville Police Explorers Program, the refurbishing and rededication of Marler-Wirt-Allen Park, partnering with the Cass Career Center to grow their Criminal Justice program, and many others.

Before coming to Harrisonville in January of 2005, Hofer spent four years working as the Chief of Police in Carl Junction, MO, and over eight years as an Officer, Sergeant and Captain for the Huron Police Department in Huron, SD.

Following Chief Hofer’s retirement, the City Administrator will name an interim Chief to lead the Harrisonville Police Department as the City conducts an extensive search for a new Police Chief.

We thank Chief Hofer for his nearly two decades of service to the Harrisonville community. We are confident that the next individual hired to lead the Harrisonville Police Department will ensure the HPD continues to provide reliable, secure, community-minded policing for our community.

Obituary - Adam Allen Abney

Adam Allen Abney, also known as Tough, passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 31. Adam was born on January 26, 1993.

He was a loving father, a devoted son, and a cherished brother.

Adam had a vibrant personality and was always seen with a smile on his face. He had a carefree spirit and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially hunting and fishing. Anytime Adam was around a good time was had!

His three sons, Elijah, Manny, and Isaac meant the world to him. He was an extremely proud father. Adam had a great sense of humor and was known for his jokes and playful nature. He is survived by his mother, Kimberly Abney, and Kenny Mammon. His sons Elijah, Emanuel, and Isaac Abney and their mother Olivia Strick

Sister Rachelle Mallatt and husband Kyle, brother Aaron Abney and had a very special bond with his Uncle Lathe Mayfield. Adam was preceded in death by his father, Randy Abney, and his grandmothers, Sue Healey and Connie Farrell.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mullinax Funeral Home in Butler, Missouri, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

Semi truck rollover near Rich Hill today

On Wednesday February 7th shortly after 2:00 p.m. the Rich Hill Fire Department along with Bates County EMS, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a semi truck rollover accident on I-49 at mile marker 119 south of Rich Hill.

The driver of the semi truck sustained minor injuries. RHFD had 6 firefighters respond and 3 trucks.

Mid America Live News will update if more information is made available to us. 

Obituary - Marylou Lorene Bell

Marylou Lorene Bell, age 74, Prescott, Kansas passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024. She was born on December 20, 1949 in Coffeyville, Kansas the daughter of Clyde and Lula Bell Ellison Ball. She was united in marriage to Robert Bell on August 10, 1968. She was a talented artist that enjoyed painting, crocheting, knitting, and arts and crafts. Marylou loved trips to and spending time at the beach. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Mary Ann Bennett. 

Marylou is survived by her husband Robert, a son, Robert James Bell and wife Lori, a daughter, Brenda Sue Winey, a brother, Clyde Lee Ball, four grandchildren, Joshua McDermed, Shyleen Gutierrez, Selena Jean Hernandez, and Jacob Dean Hernandez, and five great grandchildren with another on the way.

Graveside service will be held 2 pm Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the Curry Cemetery near Mound City, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 pm Monday, February 12 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Olathe Hospice House. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com

Obituary - Danny Butler

George Daniel "Danny" Butler Jr. age 52 of Fort Scott, Kansas formerly of Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Friday, February 2, 2024. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on October 25, 1971 the son of George and Carolyn Jackson Butler. He graduated from Pleasanton High School in the Class of 1990. Danny enjoyed laughing and joking around with people. He was even working on publishing a book of jokes.

He lived mostly in Missouri working as a clerk in convenience stores until the death of his father. He then moved to Fort Scott. Danny is survived by his mother, Carolyn and her companion, Gary Rhodes, a brother, Steve Butler, maternal grandmother, Lillie Jackson, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, February 8, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bourbon County Care to Share, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Black signs letter of commitment to Missouri Southern State University

Daylan Black, a Senior at Rich Hill High School recently signed a letter of commitment to pole vault at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri.

Daylan has soared to new heights over the past few years. He started
pole vaulting in seventh grade. 

Daylan has added at least a foot in height to his jump every year since. He has worked hard and made his way to the MSHSAA State Competition in his sophomore and junior years with hopes o fgoing again this year for his senior year. Daylan placed third at the state competition in 2023 with a jump of 12’ 11.75”.

Daylan is also a part of multiple All-State relay teams and an Academic All-State recipient. Daylan says he is ready for this track season and excited about competing in college as well.

– release written by Damon Green –

Three Missouri residents have been indicted for an armed robbery spree which included the robbery of a Barton County business

Three Missouri residents have been indicted for an armed robbery spree which included the robbery of a Barton County business.

According to the United States Department of Justice, 25 year old Kahvaseon Z. Smith, and 26 year old Janaia R. Cason, 26, both of Columbia, Missouri, and 26 year old Kentrail M. Collins, of Kansas City, Missouri were charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri on Tuesday, February 6th.

The federal indictment alleges that Smith, Cason, and Collins participated in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies from January 5th, 2023, to January 8th, 2023. In addition to the conspiracy, they are each charged together in five counts of robbery and five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The indictment alleges that Smith, Cason, and Collins committed armed robberies at convenience stores in Columbia, Boonville, and Oak Grove on January 5th, 2023, and at the Casey’s at 5869 N. Main in Joplin, and Lamarti's Truck Stop in Lamar, on January 8th, 2023.

Collins is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Collins allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol on January 9th, 2023. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Collins has felony convictions for burglary, robbery and resisting arrest.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boonville, Mo., Police Department, the Oak Grove, Mo., Police Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Barton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

80th birthday card shower

"It's crazy he'll be 80! The family of Cameron Herrell want to wish him a Happy 80th Birthday on February 20th with a card shower. Please send cards to PO Box 14, Butler, MO 64730."