Statutory Sodomy charges filed

Gregory D. Arnold, 56 years of age and a resident of Chilhowee, Missouri, has been charged with the following: 3 COUNTS- Statutory Sodomy 1st Degree.

Yvonne P. Arnold, 55 years of age and a resident of Chilhowee, Missouri, has been charged with the following: 1 COUNT- Statutory Sodomy 1st Degree.

These disclosures mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be a comprehensive and detailed investigation. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is actively looking into additional potential crimes that may have been committed as early as 2005.

This is an active investigation. We are diligently working to uncover all facts and ensure justice is served. Any additional crimes related to these allegations will be thoroughly investigated. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is committed to ensuring justice and support for the victims in this case.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

RV fire in rural Butler

Around 3:15pm this afternoon the Butler Fire Department responded to a report of a RV that was on fire at a address of 1407 SW CR 4647 in rural Butler. 

When crews arrived on scene they found the RV fully engulfed in flames. 

No one was occupying this RV at the time of the fire and the cause is still under investigation.

Explosive device found after traffic stop in Barton County

On 09-24-2024 Deputies with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a vehicle stop at the corner of Hicks and Main. 

During the stop a suspicious device was located in the vehicle. Springfield Fire Department Bomb Squad was contacted and responded to the scene to inspect the device. 

They determined the device was in fact an explosive device. They rendered the device safe and transported it to their facility.

Suspect information and charges will be submitted to the Barton County Prosecutor’s office and will be released when formal charges are filed.

We would like to thank Springfield Fire Department for their response to the incident. We would also like to thank Golden City Fire Department for assisting with setting a perimeter around the scene. We would also like to thank the citizens of Golden City for their patience and cooperation during the incident.

Sheriff,
John Simpson

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