Armed carjacking in Belton

Just before 6:00 PM this evening, an armed carjacking occurred on southbound I-49, south at the 163rd Street exit. The victim, who was the sole occupant, driving a 2022 blue Dodge Charger was struck from behind by a smaller, dark blue Kia Optima occupied by three suspects (see photo).

Both drivers pulled over. While checking the rear of the Charger, one of the occupants from the Kia entered the victim’s Dodge Charger and fled the scene. A check of the Kia Optima license plate revealed it was a stolen vehicle. 

Police are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact the Belton Police Department at (816) 331-1500. Do not attempt to make contact or approach the vehicle or occupants.

Butler Lady Bears Volleyball shines tonight against Liberal

The Butler Lady Bears hosted the Liberal Lady Bulldogs this evening in Freshman, JV and Varsity volleyball action on Tuesday evening.

The Freshmen lady bears was up first and they lost both games to the lady bulldogs with a result of 25-12 first set and 25-14 second set.

The Junior Varsity lady bears was able to come out and sweep the lady bulldogs in two sets 25-21 and 25-20.

Butler Varsity lady bears won all three of their sets tonight over Liberal 25-23, 25-14 and 25-20 to move to 11-3-1 on the season.

Enjoy some photos from the game tonight below:

Adrian Lions Club News

Last night The Adrian Lions Club awarded Cindy Kendrick with the Lion of the Year Award. Every year fellow Lions select a member who they think have gone above and beyond in helping with Lions Club activities and various community activities. 

Cindy works her Lion Tail off at concession stands, selling popcorn, selling fireworks and many other things. Cindy is currently the Tail Twister for our club. 

Thank you Cindy Pruden Kendrick for everything you do! Pictured below is Lions Club President, Susan Yoss, presenting Cindy with her award.

Obituary - Steven Bradley Hoots

Brad was born July 17, 1973 in Carrollton, Illinois to Steve and Patrice Hoots..

Brad passed away unexpectedly on Sept 19, 2024 at his home in Belton, MO.

Brad was a dog whisper, dogs just loved him. He was also a collector of various memorabilia including match box cars, comic books and knives. He was always on the hunt for pottery made at the White Hall pottery plant, he never found a piece. He spent several years in the southern states assisting with hurricane relief and enjoyed the work and visiting historical sights in those areas.

Brad is survived by his 3 children, Samantha Hoots (partner Derek Baldes), Whitehall, IL, Trevor (Kasey) Hoots, Belton, MO, and Nevaeh (Joey) Cox of Jerseyville, Il. Brad has four grandchildren, Zelda, Zane, Amelia and Aaralyn. His mother, Patrice Wilkinson, Belton, MO, father Steve Hoots, Lee’s Summit, MO and his brother Nathan (Jessie) Hoots, and nephews Tristen and Trey Hoots of Lee’s Summit MO.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Lindell and Wanda Wilkinson and Jimmy and Betty Hoots, two uncles Kenny Hoots and Mike Hoots.

A private graveside service is scheduled for October 5 at Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville,IL.

Obituary - Owen Thomas Ragsdale

Owen Thomas Ragsdale, 6, passed away after a courageous battle with CNS Sarcoma Brain Cancer on Sunday September 22, 2024 at home surrounded by family in Harrisonville, MO.

Owen was born April 16, 2018, in Lee’s Summit, MO alongside his best friend and identical twin Rhett. Owen was the son of Megan (Sevart) and Joshua Ragsdale. 

Owen was a bundle of joy whose love knew no bounds. He was always laughing and smiling, playing outside, driving his cars, playing with his brother Rhett and living life to the fullest. Owen was always most proud to let people know about his twin Rhett and his new baby sister Collins. Owen enjoyed being outdoors watching wildlife, swinging, fishing, playing in the rain and never missing an opportunity to play in the mud or water, gathering sticks and stacking firewood or driving Collins around in his RZR. Some of Owen’s favorite things to do in life were to ride his bike, go on Ranger rides, visit Table Rock Lake and ride on the boat. Owen was known to always have a smile on his face. 

Owen loved to be active, even when confined to the hospital. His days were never dull, but filled with laps in the halls, exploring the gardens, arts and crafts, his favorite therapy dogs Dusty and Jelly Bean, nonstop Spongebob and swindling Mom and Dad into just one more stuffy at the giftshop. Owen was an enthusiastic fan of the Jayhawks, having the privilege to be a Rock Chalk Roundball Classic Magnificent 7 member, Chiefs and Royals. During his final weeks, Owen took solace and comfort being surrounded by family, swinging and attending Kansas City Chiefs and Royals games, amongst other experiences. 

Owen was a fan of anything that moved, cars, trucks, planes, trains, boats and helicopters. Big trucks and heavy equipment were no exception. Owen’s love for his family was unparallel, he was constantly affectionate and the first to say I love you, to the moon and back of course, and always had a multiplier better than yours locked and loaded to make sure you knew he won.

Throughout his battle, Owen was a shining light for those around him. He showed a tremendous level of wisdom and strength, never complaining and never backing down during his fight. Owen had a way of touching those around him with his infectious smile and even more so, a giggle that would tickle your soul. No matter the situation, Owen would rather see a smile than anything else.

Owen was preceded in death by his maternal Great Grandparents George and Loretta Sevart, his paternal Great Grandparents Jerry Hinton and Kenneth Ragsdale, and his first pet, Phog Dog. Owen is survived by his loving parents Joshua and Megan (Sevart) Ragsdale, his twin brother Rhett Ragsdale and sister Collins Ragsdale. His Grandparents Ron and Diane (Wadkins) Sevart, Scott and Kerri (Hinton) Ragsdale, Great Grandparents Steve and Julia Wadkins, Carol Hinton, and Betty Ragsdale along with numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Owen, Mom and Dad love you, and you will always be close to us, in our hearts wherever life may take us, you will always be our O-Bear.

Visitation will be held at Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, MO on September 27th, 2024 from 5-8pm. Funeral service will be held at Harrisonville High School Performing Arts Center in Harrisonville, MO on September 28, 2024 at 10am. Graveside service for Owen will be at Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, MO following services.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Supporting Kids Foundation in Owen’s name. www.supportingkids.org or Supporting Kids Foundation PO Box 15171 Lenexa, KS 66285.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

St, Clair County Sheriff's Office Arrest Report: September 17th, 2024 through September 23rd, 2024

September 17th – Felony Arrest (Dangerous Drugs) – On September 17th, a St. Clair County Deputy performed a well-being check on a vehicle parked off the side of the road. Upon making contact, the driver was identified as Carmen Cameron. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple baggies and a container all containing a crystal substance field testing positive for methamphetamine. Carmen was arrested for Possession of a Controlled substance Except Thirty-Five Grams or Less of Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoid (a class D Felony), and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (A class D Misdemeanor). Carmen was transported to the St. Clair County Jail to be booked and released, pending formal charges.

September 17th – Property Damage/Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Collins – On September 18th, a St. Clair County Deputy responded to a call for service on Delaporte Street in Collins. Upon arrival, the Deputy made contact with the property owner who stated around 11:00 p.m. on September 17th, someone drove a vehicle into their mailbox, and drove off. The Deputy took a report and photographs of the tire tracks, the damaged mailbox, and canvassed the neighborhood.

September 19th – Warrant Arrest (Probation Violation) – On September 19th, a St. Clair County Deputy arrested Dakota Wittmeyer at the Johnson County Jail for a St. Clair County Warrant for a Probation Violation. The original charge on the warrant is Possession of a Controlled substance Except Thirty-Five Grams or Less of Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoid (a class D Felony). Dakota was transported to the St. Clair County Jail and the bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety.

September 20th – Stolen Property in Lowry City – On September 20th, a St. Clair County Deputy responded to a call for service on South Tower Street in Lowry City, in regards to a stolen firearm. Upon arrival, the Deputy made contact with the property owner who stated that his 1911 .22 Caliber pistol had been missing since September 7th. The Deputy took a report, which included the property owner giving a description of a suspect and of the firearm.

September 21st – Felony Arrest (Dangerous Drugs) – On September 20th, a St. Clair County Deputy performed a traffic stop on a vehicle that Kelly Trester was the driver of, for speeding. During a search of the vehicle a glass pipe was found that field tested positive for methamphetamine. A search of her person and of her purse concluded in another glass smoking device and two ziploc bags of a crystalline substance that all field tested positive for methamphetamine. Kelly was arrested for Possession of a Controlled substance Except Thirty-Five Grams or Less of Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoid (a class D Felony) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Amphetamine or Methamphetamine (A class E Felony). Kelly Trester was booked and released pending formal charges.

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.

Obituary - Barbara D. Page

Barbara Page, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 22nd 2024. She was born December 31, 1936. She was the daughter of Orval and Mollie Ethlyn Simpson Argent. Her life was a testament to love, family, and dedication, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was 87.

Barbara was married to the love of her life, Lee Page, for 70 beautiful years. Together they built a life filled with family, laughter, and cherished memories. She is survived by her devoted husband Lee, her son Butch Page and his wife Susan of Harrisonville, MO, and her six grandchildren, along with 15 great-grandchildren. Barbara is preceded in death by her daughter, Renee Page, and her grandson, Cory Allin.

Barbara’s home was the heart of countless family gatherings, where she was known for her famous BBQ brisket, baked beans, and her homemade German chocolate cake. She took great joy in bringing her family together, creating moments of warmth and togetherness.

When she wasn’t traveling with Lee, Barbara enjoyed spending her time cross-stitching, crocheting baby blankets for her great-grandchildren, and getting lost in fictional novels. She had a deep love for gardening, often sharing her home-canned goods with family and close friends.

Barbara was baptized in Winfield, MO, and was a long-time member of the Eastern Star in Cleveland, MO, where she lived for many years.

Her faith and community involvement were important aspects of her life.

In honor of Barbara's memory, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.

A Butler Bear Homecoming

We are inviting and encouraging businesses and alumni to participate in this year's homecoming parade. The parade will take place Friday, October 11th.

The parade line up time will be at 1:30 pm. The businesses and alumni will enter in the middle entrance of the fairgrounds and will follow the alumni. The parade is scheduled to start at 2:00 pm.

If you have any questions or would like to have a float in the parade then please contact Jalyn Watson or Kyren Fischer.

NO POLITICAL FLOATS WILL BE ALLOWED!

● jalyn.watson@butler.k12.mo.us or 660-679-6121 ext 253

● kyren.fischer@students.butler.k12.mo.us