To the La Cygne Kansas community,

Now that I have had a little while to get settled in, I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself as the new Chief of Police.

My law enforcement career began in 2015 with the Wamego Police Department where I was a Part-Time Police Officer and Records Clerk. I then was hired by the Paola Police Department in 2017 where I served as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and lastly as Detective, amongst numerous internal roles such as: less-than-lethal instructors, ethics instructor, and training officer.

My journey has led me here to La Cygne with aspirations of building a transparent, ethical, and professional department, through community policing and emphasizing outward mindset principles. Establishing these principles and equipping our officers with the proper training, tools, and resources we can all work together to prosper and grow.

You may have noticed an increase in traffic stops or police presence in general. My philosophy in community policing is to not reduce enforcement action but rather to increase it, with efforts to change behavior through education and communication, versus monetary penalties. Changing driving behavior will reduce wrecks, insurance costs, and make our streets safer for all.

I want to extend an open-door invitation for any complaints or concerns you may have, so we can work together to solve them. If you are unable to come in, our Facebook messenger can also be utilized to address these matters.

Lastly, thank you for welcoming me into your community!
Zachary Mathies
Chief of Police

Obituary - Roger Gene Pogue

Roger Gene Pogue, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024 at his home in Clinton, Missouri. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton, Missouri with visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the service. 

A private family inurnment will take place in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to the Pediatric Palace or the Clinton School District Lunch Program and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Roger Gene Pogue was born July 23, 1943 at General Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. He was the son of Loyd and Maggie (McMillian) Pogue. Gene was a graduate of the Clinton High School Class of 1961. On April 7, 1963 Gene married his wife of 61 years, Linda Kay (Stewart) Pogue. He farmed the family farm after high school until he was elected County Clerk in 1986. He was a member of the Missouri National Guard, served as County President for the Henry County Farm Bureau, was a member of and actively involved in the Agricultural Appreciation Program. He also collaborated with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce to establish the first Farmers Appreciation Dinner.

In 1986, Gene was elected as the Henry County Clerk and served 6 terms until 2010. During his 6 terms Gene had a significant impact on the community and county. He established a Youth Election Authority program and outreach to the local High Schools for youth involvement in the election process and voter registration. He also founded the Henry County Economic Development Council and was instrumental in establishing the rural water districts in Henry County. Gene lobbied state legislatures for the county employee retirement fund. He was instrumental in the establishment of the 911 system in rural counties. 

Gene was also responsible for securing funding for the Benson Center, Courthouse sidewalks and streetlamps. In addition, he applied for and was awarded millions of dollars in federal and state private grants to improve the lives of the people of Henry County. Working along with federal and state legislators and the MO Department of Transportation, he contributed to the extension of U HWY. 

Gene was a member of several associations including: Missouri Associate of County Clerks and Election Authorities, MO Community Betterment and MO Arts Council, served on the board and was President of the Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), a board member and President of the National Association of Counties, member of the Clinton Elks Lodge #1034 and Sunrise Optimist Club.

Gene played little league through Legion and Ban Johnson leagues in his youth, then transitioned to baseball/fast pitch softball until he was too old to keep swinging and running. He coached his son's Little Legue-Babe Ruth baseball teams until Todd went to High School. Family was very important to Gene. He loved to hear about what his kids and grandkids were doing and all their adventures. He loved learning about their lives, following their sports activities, and hearing about their school or careers. He was proud of all his kids and grandkids. He cherished family gatherings when everyone was together.

Proceeding Gene in death are his parents, Loyd and Maggie Pogue, and a brother, Ray Pogue.

Survivors include his wife Linda Pogue of the home, children; Todd Pogue (Janette) grandchildren, Andy Pogue and Alaina Lankford (Jack); daughter Terri Robinson (Rann) grandchildren, Haley Robinson Staggs (Jordan), great-grandson Kolsen, and Hannah, Zach & Kara, as well as his brother, Dale Pogue (Carol).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Lily's House in Adrian progressing forward

Transitional housing is a huge need for the residents of Lily’s House. Rental property availability is scarce and what is available is very expensive and hard for single mothers to afford. 

Many of them have felony records which makes them ineligible for some rental properties and also ineligible for some rental assistance programs. In 2022, we took our first step toward transitional housing by purchasing a property that is one block away from our Shelter. This property is six city lots which affords the opportunity to build additional houses as the resources become available!

Lily's House recently had a house donated by Ian and Erin Wise, that was moved from 10 miles away. This spring, we broke ground on our second transitional house. Midwest Lumber partnered with us by donating $20,000 worth of materials. 

We were able to secure a $75,000 grant towards this project, as well, from The Sunderland Foundation. The total cost of building this house is $225,000. We are still seeking the remaining funding for it. We currently have a resident needing a home for herself and her two children.

 
Being able to provide transitional housing will add one more phase of accountability for our graduates and it will set them up for further success. It will give them the opportunity to save more money, work on their credit history and develop more positive and beneficial relationships in the community. 

Our mission is to provide a safe family environment along with the tools, the time, the training and the support team to help them heal and thrive once they graduate from our program.

Mid America Live News will return to this home when its finish and we will update with a further story!

Ackerson sentenced to 20 years MDC

July 18, 2024,

Tre Robert Ackerson entered a guilty plea on July 18, 2024, in the Circuit Court of Barton County, Missouri. Mr. Ackerson pleaded guilty to the felony of murder in the 2nd degree for causing the death of Terry G. Harless. 

Mr. Harless was shot and killed on July 13, 2020, at his residence in Lamar, Missouri. The investigation was conducted by the Lamar Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Judge David Munton sentenced Ackerson to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, concurrent with his sentence imposed by the United States District Court on a separate criminal matter.

Barton County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Smalley

Horse rescue this morning in Harrisonville

This morning, The City of Harrisonville Electric Department was called to assist a horse that was tangled in two guy wires, in a field at the south end of Oakland Street.

Staff were able to cut one of the wires and free the horse’s leg. An equine veterinarian was called to evaluate the horse, who was able to walk away with some support.

Pleasant Hill Police Department seeking public assistance

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is in need of  help, to try and identify the female suspect or the truck in the pictures below. If you have any information please contact the department at 816-540-9109. Thank you!

Obituary - Karen Anglin

Karen Anglin, 55, Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. Karen was born to US Citizens in Africa on August 20, 1968. They lived for thirteen years in Nigeria before coming to the States, first living briefly in Lisle, Illinois, and then in Texas.

She graduated from Travis High School in Austin, Texas, and earned a degree in Psychology from Sam Houston State University. Karen was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Afterward, she began her lifelong connection to healthcare by working in Medical Records at Southwest Memorial in Houston. From there, she wanted to be close to family and moved to Tulia, Texas, in 1995. Karen met her husband in 1995 in Tulia, Texas, at Swisher Memorial Hospital. Karen and Jason married on September 14, 1996, in Canyon, Texas.

Karen was also the best dog mom ever, from Schnauzers Jake, Otto, and Max to current German Shepherd Blitz and rescue Bay. Karen loved the Lord. She was driven to be in church every Sunday. Karen loved volunteering and acts of service, such as delivering meals on wheels. Karen followed Jason in his career development in moves from Tulia, TX, to Guymon, OK, and Guthrie, OK. While in Guthrie, OK, Karen’s greatest job and her God-felt gift and mission in life, son Blake and daughter Emma were born, then on to Atoka, OK, Sayre, OK, Muleshoe, TX, Port Lavaca & Victoria, TX, and Nevada, MO. For Karen, a new move was a new adventure. Another place to upgrade. Karen was a dedicated, loving wife to Jason and mother to Blake and Emma. Blake and Emma were her greatest job in life for many years. She loved working with kids, teaching at Vacation Bible Schools, and participating in a church after-school program.

Karen was adventurous and loved the outdoors, biking, hiking, and walking her dogs. Her newest adventure was Kayaking. Karen meant everything to her family.

In addition to her husband, Jason, son Blake, and daughter Emma, Karen is survived by her mother, Linda Clarke, Lubbock, TX; a sister, Felicia Hill (Brian), Nazareth, TX, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Peter I. Clarke.

Memorial services will be at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the First Christian Church, Nevada, with Pastor Clayton Lopez of Fellowship Bible Church, Victoria, TX, officiating. Memorial contributions to the Nevada Animal Shelter are suggested and may be made in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Drug arrest after traffic stop in Benton County

A shout out to our drug task force interdiction unit who operates within our county. The interdiction unit is equipped with a K9 and is attached to the MID Missouri Drug Task Force who we have been partnered with since I have been in office. Thank you for another job well done!

On July 12th at approximately 6:58 PM, a traffic stop was conducted near the junction of 52 Highway and Centerline Ave, Cole Camp. The driver, Carlos M. Hernandez 32, of Olathe Kansas, had an active warrant related to narcotics from Platte County Missouri.

While waiting for the confirmation of the warrant, a K9 sniff was conducted resulting in a search of the vehicle where a plethora of narcotics and drug related equipment was discovered. Approximately 41 grams of methamphetamine, 1.2 grams of cocaine, 4 hits of LSD, 7 grams of shrooms and a smorgasbord of mind-altering hallucinogens, 85 pills were counted, and were recovered.

Angela F. Barr 49, also of Olathe Kansas was arrested for being involved as well. This is also one of the cases that I have mentioned in the past about needing an animal shelter. Both suspects were arrested, the vehicle was towed and there was a small dog that had no place to go with the temperature being above 90 degrees. These people are from Kansas with no one to call the get the animal. Fortunately, someone was able to pick it up and keep it safe.

Both suspects were charged with Trafficking Drugs 2nd Degree, a class C Felony, Possession of a Controlled Substance, a class D Felony and Unlawful use of Drug Paraphernalia. They are currently being held in the Benton County Jail with $100,000 surety bonds.