Harrisonville police seeking public assistance in shoplifting case

On 06/30/2024, at approximately 1735 hours Harrisonville officers responded to Dollar General located on S. Commercial in reference to a shoplifting no longer in progress. 

Employees advised that a white male subject (photographs below) left the store with a shopping cart full of miscellaneous items that were not paid for. 

The male subject left in an older grey sedan. If you know this individual please contact Sgt. Jacobs at 816-380-8940.

Free kids fishing tournament July 27th

Join the Butler Fire Department, Butler Police Department and the Bates County Elks for a kids fishing tournament at Butler City Lake. This is a FREE event in conjunction with the Missouri Conservation Agency. Lunch will be provide and awards and medals will be handed out.

Obituary - Darlene Elizabeth Sanders

Darlene Elizabeth Sanders, of Liberty and Raymore, MO, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the age of 16. In honor of her memory, a celebration of Darlene's life will be scheduled at a later date, featuring stories and memories that highlight the joy she brought to those around her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City.

Darly was born in Peoria, IL, on July 16, 2007, to Derek Sanders and Teresa Elmore. Darly brought light and love to all who knew her. She was a student at Liberty North High School, where she was a cherished member of the Special Needs classroom, sparking joy wherever she went.

Darlene's infectious spirit touched the hearts of many, and she had a deep affection for the Grinch, which always brought a smile to her face. Despite her challenges, Darly found happiness in the simple things in life, joyfully embracing car rides with bumps, movies with loud noises, and even the sound of people screaming or babies crying could evoke laughter from her.

Darlene's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support provided by her caregivers, nurses, and doctors over the years. In her short time with us, Darly taught us the power of resilience, love, and laughter in the face of adversity. She will forever be remembered for her unwavering spirit and the light she brought to the world. May she rest in peace, forever cherished in our hearts.

Throughout her life, Darly was surrounded by a loving family, including her father, Derek (Tracy) Sanders; her mother, Teresa Elmore; her paternal grandparents, Jack (Barbara) Sanders; her sister, Emily (John Mancuso) Sanders; her brother, Ryan (MaKayla) Sanders; her step-brother, Trevor Kudzinski; her step-sister, Jodi Kudzinski; her niece, Paisley Sanders; and her nephew, Preston Sanders. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Darlene and James Elmore.

Obituary - Billy Sherwin Hardesty

Billy Sherwin Hardesty, of Linn Valley, KS died on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Shawnee Gardens, in Shawnee Mission, KS. Billy was born April 7, 1942 in Platte City, Missouri to Lowell S. and Delvina (Anderson) Hardesty, Sr. Billy graduated from Park Hill High School in the class of 1960.

He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1964. Billy was the 1st Mayor of Linn Valley. He held a variety of jobs throughout the years, most notably as an office manager for his brother Lowell's State Farm Insurance office in Overland Park, KS for 21 years.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Jill Hardesty in 2015; one step-son, Jarrod W. Manford in 2016.

Survivors include his wife of 31 and 1/2 years, Sandra (Skare) Hardesty; one son William Teague Hardesty; one daughter Angela Kuehn (Kevin); one step-son, Daniel Manford (Mary); two stepdaughters, Teresa Mayer and Cynthia Rowlands; one brother, Lowell S. Hardesty, Jr. (Kaye); one sister Sherry Hinebaugh (Nick); two granddaughters, Emily and Anna Cormack; six step-grandchildren, Sydney Olea (Alex), Scotty Rowlands (Laura), Nicky Rowlands (Renee), Jefferson Manford, Jewel Manford (Jake), and Cooper Mayer; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life this fall at the Hardesty Farm. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Golden Valley Memorial Hospital July Employee of the Month

We are excited to announce that Marlene Simmons is the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital July Employee of the Month. She has been an employee of GVMH for 12 years and works as a House Supervisor. 

In her nomination, it stated that she takes pride in being a resource to all units and is frequently mentioned by Directors for her reliability and prompt response to critical events. 

Staff also rely on her expertise in critical care, decompensating patients and ability to handle difficult situations. Congratulations, Marlene!

2024 Rich Hill parade marshals announced

We would like to congratulate the 2024 Rich Hill parade marshals Dean Keiser and Frank Droz. 

Dean owned Western Auto, The Feed Store and later delivered Meals on Wheels with his friend Frank for years. Dean is an avid story teller and has a great sense of humor. Frank, also born and raised in Rich Hill, was a communications mechanic in the Korean War and later was the metal working/welding teacher at Raytown HS. 

Frank was a true gentleman and known for his love of all animals who joined him on his pecan farm west of town not far from Dean. Unfortunately Frank passed away this past Friday. Please join us in celebrating their contributions to our community.

Lighting Strike kills one at the Holden Chamber of Commerce Rodeo

On June 28, 2024 at 11:09 PM, Emergency Services responded to the Holden Chamber of Commerce Rodeo at the City of Holden Park in regard to a person struck by lighting in the parking area. 

The person struck was identified as 53 year old male. Emergency personnel responded and life saving assistance was rendered. 

The person was transported from the scene and later succumbed to his injuries. The Holden Police Department sends our condolences to the family.

Multiple sheriff's agency work together to take down fugitive

On 7/01/24, at approximately 300am, Bates County Deputies were advised of a domestic assault that occurred in Vernon County where the suspect was gone on arrival of law enforcement. A description was broadcasted of the vehicle involved to the deputies and that the suspect may be armed. 

At approximately 330am a Bates County Deputy observed the vehicle in the Passaic area. The Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle and it failed to stop. The Deputy began to chase the vehicle where it eventually made its way back to I49. The pursuit continued northbound from Passaic into Cass County. Additional deputies responded from home to assist in the pursuit.

At approximately mile marker 156 the Cass County Sheriff's Office successfully deployed spike strips deflating at least one tire. Shortly after the spike strips were deployed a Bates County K9 Unit deployed the Grappler bringing the pursuit to a safe stop. The suspect then exited the vehicle and ran on foot. The Bates County Deputy deployed K9 Falco who apprehended the suspect until deputies were able to place him into handcuffs.

The suspect was then transported to the Bates County Memorial Hospital to receive treatment for a laceration he received during the original domestic in Vernon County and minor inquiries received from the dog apprehension. 

While at the hospital the subject became combative with the deputy who had to physically restrain him on the floor until additional officer could arrive to assist.

The driver is identified as Joseph A Henderson 11/1/1982 of Kansas City Mo. Henderson was wanted by the US Marshals on a Federal Probation and Parole warrant for Resisting Arrest and an Unlawful Use of a Weapons charge. Henderson was booked into Bates County Jail on his no bond federal warrant. Henderson will be turned over to the US Marshals and his Bates County Charges are being forwarded to the Bates County Prosecutor.

Sheriff Anderson say, "This is a fine example of law enforcement working together across imaginary lines to take career criminals off the streets. We are proud of the great working relationship we have with the men and women of the Cass County Sheriff's Office."

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.