Three injured in Barton County UTV accident

On Sunday July 28th around 9:15 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Barton County along with the Barton County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a three person UTV accident on NW 60th Lane about 15 miles Northwest of Lamar, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol say the accident occurred when a southbound 2019 Can Am Defender UTV driven by a 48 year old Robert D. Kirby of Quitman Wood, Texas tried to cross an impassable wooden bridge and traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.

Two occupants of the UTV  MarryEllen V. Kirbey of Sheldon, Missouri and Danielle D. Kirby of Quitman Wood, Texas suffered minor injuries and were transported to Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar for treatment. 

A third occupant of the UTV John L. Kirbey suffered serious injuries and was Medflighted to Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri for treatment.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240385021

Nevada woman injured in Cedar County Crash

On July 28th around 4:25 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Cedar County along with the Cedar County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident on Route HH three miles Southwest of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occured when the northbound 2001 Ford F-250 driven by 47 year old Rebekah Werkmeister of El Dorado Springs Missouri was turning at an intersection and was struck by a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 31 year old Tanya M. Thron of Nevada, Missouri as she was topping the hill.

Tanya Thron suffered moderate injuries and were transported to Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240384598

Tractor Accident in Cass County

On Monday July 29th around 3:41 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Cass County along with the Cass County Sheriff's Department responded to a one-vehicle accident at MO-7 at East 232nd St. in rural Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occured when the Northbound 2021 International Tractor driven by a 27 year old Garret M. Sebben of Lee Summit, Missouri traveled off the opposite side of the roadway, struck a ditch, struck a fence, and overturned.

Two occupants were injured in this crash. A 22 year old Braeden T. Campbell of Lee Summit, Missouri sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Central Cass EMS to Cass County Regional Medical Center. The other occupant a 30 year old Kennith M. Mcallister of Blue Springs, Missouri also sustained moderate injuries and was also transported by Central Cass EMS to Cass County Regional Medical Center.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240386146

Obituary - Mary F. Bradley

Mary Frances Bradley was born in Bates County Missouri on September 30, 1944. She died on July 27, 2024, at Riverdell Care Center, Boonville, Missouri where she had lived for the past sixteen years. She was in the presence of her family at the time of her death. 

 Frances' parents were James N. and Virginia (Bell) Bradley. She was raised on the family farm just east of Rich Hill, Missouri. She had two older brothers, James N. Bradley and David D. Bradley. Both survive her.

Her early years revolved around farm life, 4H and the fun of all the Bell and Bradley first cousins.

Frances graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1962. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, where she made friends that lasted her lifetime. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri, Columbia. After college, she worked for the Mental Health Association in New York City. In 1981, she returned to Missouri doing similar work at the state level in Jefferson City.

It was her association with the Methodist Church in Jefferson City that inspired her to attend St. Paul's Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. While attending seminary she pastored at Methodist churches in Rockville and Schell City.

Frances' first charge was a group of rural churches in the Kirksville area. On April 27, 1997, she suffered a brain aneurysm while in a church meeting. This ended her career as a Methodist pastor. But she still had many lessons to teach.

Frances was a social person. She had to know everybody in the room. She loved a spirited political debate. She was a Democrat. Bet she was respectful of others with different viewpoints.

Frances had a quick wit. She described Coors Light beer as "the best well water I ever tasted." After her aneurysm, while on a car ride and passing a cemetery, Frances was asked what inscription she would like on her tombstone. A short pause and she said, "Up to now, everything was going pretty good."

Frances' last words were to tease her brother about his bald head. She died minutes later.

Frances Bradley was a piece of work, God's work. Sometimes, we learn from a person who is not trying to teach us.

Frances will be remembered by her brothers, sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews for her love, wit and unstinting support. The world was a better place with her in it. It is a better place for her having been in it.

A Celebration of Life Service will b held Saturday, August 24th at 11:00 am at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill with burial at a later date in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. The family suggest memorial contributions to the Rich Hill Methodist Church in care of Heuser Funeral Home, 320 E. Walnut, Rich Hill, Missouri 64779.

Two Pittsburg Kansas Women Charged for Endangering a Child

On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 12:20 PM first responders with Pittsburg Fire Department, Crawford EMS, and officers with the Pittsburg Police Department responded to 407 Thomas Street in Pittsburg in reference to an infant not breathing. Upon first responders’ arrival, the child was still unresponsive, and aid was provided on scene to the infant. 

The infant was transported to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for continued medical treatment. The infant was stabilized at the hospital in Pittsburg and later transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for more specialized treatment. The Pittsburg Police Department began an investigation into the events leading up to the discovery of the unresponsive child.

On July 26, 2024, two arrest warrants were issued out of Crawford County District Court for the two adults running the daycare facility. At approximately 1630 hours 27-year-old Madison Ann Thompson, and 24-year-old Whitney Jo Henderson, both of Pittsburg, were taken into custody at the Pittsburg Police Department.

Ms. Thompson was arrested for felony abuse of a child, felony aggravated endangering a child, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Ms. Henderson was arrested for felony aggravated endangering a child, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor criminal use of weapons. Ms. Thompson and Ms. Henderson were transported to the Crawford County Jail for booking.

Ms. Thompson is currently being held on a $500,000 cash or surety bond. Ms. Henderson is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond.

Ms. Thompson and Ms. Henderson are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Whitney Jo Henderson

Madison Ann Thompson

Fatality motorcycle crash in Cass County

On Sunday July 28th around 11:30 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Cass County along with the Cass County Sheriff's Department responded to a motorcycle accident in MO 2 at 217st St. in rural Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occured when the east bound 1999 Harley Davidson driven by a 33 year old Joshua T. Riley of Overland Park, KS travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. The vehicle then struck the ground and continued on the grass. The driver was ejected and struck a metal sign.

Mr. Riley was pronounced dead at the accident by Kansas Forensic Medical Death Investigators. The next of kin has been notified.

View Crash Report here:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240385192

Obituary - Loren R. Roberts

Loren Ray Roberts, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024. He went to his heavenly home to be with his family who went before him. Loren was born August 15, 1956, the son of Dorn C. Roberts and Mary Virginia Edwards Roberts. During Loren’s lifetime, he worked at multiple jobs to provide for his family. He had been employed by National Harvest Brand, John Deere and multiple other jobs where he worked as supervisor. His most important job of all was being a father and grandfather. He did everything in his life the way he wanted.

Loren had five children, Harvey Roberts, who is now deceased, Melissa Jewett of Oswego, Kansas, Christy and Michael Montgomery, of Arma, Kansas, Gary Roberts of Pittsburg, Kansas and Misti Spiegelmeyer of Florida and multiple grandchildren, Shelby Montgomery, Shawna, Danielle and Kari Ridley, Michelle and Oden Jewett, Levi and Jackie Roberts. Also surviving are three sisters, Joyce and Danny Henderson, Mindy Roberts and Sherry Neff. He also had several nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud. Loren was preceded in death by a son, Harvey, two granddaughters, Sandra and Ashley, his parents, Dorn and Mary Roberts, and a brother, Gary. His family would like to thank Stacy Messinger for helping Loren remain in his home during his final illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Holly Gault and Gentiva Hospice for their care. In Loren’s lifetime, all the way to the end, he did everything his way!

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 2 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Loren Roberts Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary - Florence M. Karnes

Florence Marie Karnes, age 95, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home. She was born October 30, 1928, in Fulton, KS the daughter of Howard and Lola White Taylor. She married Harrison Edward Cox in 1945, in Erie, KS. He preceded her in death in March 1974.

 She later married Warren Eugene Karnes on October 30, 1977, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death in February 1998. Florence worked for Walder’s Bakery, Key Work Clothes, and was the manager of the Salvation Army store. She was a member of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary. Florence was a generous person, always helping someone. She enjoyed making quilts and baking, especially peanut butter cookies.

Survivors include 5 sisters, Betty Payne, Arcadia, KS, Shirley Driscoll, Denver, CO, Donna Thomas, Wagner, OK, Edna Page, Fort Scott, and Barbara Underwood, Fort Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews, including her caregiver, Cheryl Hawkins. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Joe, Bill, and Howard; and 3 sisters, Marita, Ethel, and Mary; and her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS. A visitation time will be held from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com