Cedar County Sheriff’s Office Executes Search Warrants Leading to the Arrest of Two Suspects

Jerico Springs, MO — On October 9th, 2024, the Cedar County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from its Special Response Team, along with Bates County with assistance from its Special Response Team, and Barton County, successfully executed three simultaneous search warrants in Jerico Springs, resulting in the arrests of two individuals.

Teddy Blevins was arrested on a warrant for two counts of domestic assault in the second degree, with a $50,000 cash bond. Vickie Spurgeon was also taken into custody.

During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement also located stolen property, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Additional charges for both suspects are pending as the investigation continues.

The search warrants were part of an ongoing investigation into illegal activities in the area. The operations were carried out without incident, and the teamwork between the Cedar County, Bates County, and Barton County deputies played a crucial role in the success of the operation.

Sheriff James McCrary expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between the departments, stating, "This operation helps in ensuring the safety and security of our community. The joint effort of Cedar, Bates, and Barton Counties demonstrates our shared commitment to upholding the law and protecting our citizens."

Both Blevins and Spurgeon are currently being held at the Cedar County Jail, awaiting formal charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details can be provided at this time. It is important to note that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Cedar County Sheriff's Office would like to thank all law enforcement personnel involved for their professionalism and dedication.

For further information, please contact the Cedar County Sheriff's Office at 417-276-5133.
Sergeant Clay Jeffries

Obituary - William "Bill" Louis Shoopman

William "Bill" Louis Shoopman, 67, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with the visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Spring Garden Cemetery in Eugene, MO.

Bill was born in Kansas City, MO, on March 28, 1957, to William Leroy and Marjorie (Bliss) Shoopman. He attended St. Elizabeth Grade School, then Southwest High School in Kansas City, MO, then moved to Harrisonville, MO, graduating from Harrisonville High School. After high school, he attended Longview Community College and University of MO - Kansas City. In marriage, Bill found his true companion in Janelle Verburgt, whom he married on October 1, 1977, in Peculiar, MO. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories that will continue to inspire all who knew them. Bill's bright and genuine smile was always ready at a moment's notice, and his warm personality put all who knew him at ease.

Bill dedicated 38 years of his life to the United States Postal Service, where his hard work and commitment as a postal clerk, officer-in-charge, and Postmaster inspired many. Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a pillar in his community, serving on numerous boards and associations that aimed to improve the lives of those around him. His commitment to public service extended to board member roles on the Parks and Recreation Board in Archie, MO; Cass County Board of Services, the Here's Waldo Neighborhood Association, 1st Credit Union, and Kansas City Board of Elections, as well as, serving as Election Day judge and judge supervisor. In his free time, Bill was an avid bass fisherman and loved to be on the water catching fish. He enjoyed monthly dinners with his siblings and getting together with friends and family.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marjorie Shoopman; and his father-in-law, Douglas Verburgt. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jan Shoopman, of the home; daughters: Adrienne (Chris) Green of Lee's Summit, MO; and Margo (Carlos) Lang of Kansas City, MO; siblings: Don (June) Shoopman of New Iberia, LA; Patricia Rendina of Overland Park, KS; Barbara (Robert) Henry of Leavenworth, KS; Keith (Valerie) Shoopman of Warsaw, MO; mother-in-law Sandra (Marvin) Keller of Bellvue, CO; sisters-in-law, Leesa (Charles) Kaufmann of Belton, MO; and Elizabeth (Jason) Mauk of Kansas City, KS; and a host of family and friends.

Obituary - Mary Werst

Mary Louise Werst, aged 83, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, in Nevada, Missouri. Born on May 22, 1941, in the home where she lived and later passed away, Mary was generous, brave, and full of spirit.

Mary graduated from Nevada High School and continued her education at Cottey College. She was a talented artist and a hard worker. She worked as a buyer and retail clerk at Edmiston's on the Nevada Square, served as an ad setter for the Nevada Daily Mail, and designed the courthouse logo for the newspaper. Additionally, she owned and operated her own business, The Water Garden, from her home, where she sold fish, concrete statuary, and water plants.

Mary was a loving mother, wife, sister and caretaker who selflessly cared for her grandfather, mother, father, brother, and sister-in-law in her home. She looked out for her neighbors and considered them as family, always ready to lend a helping hand. She is survived by her son, Shawn Werst of Springfield, MO; daughter, Lisa Nicewaner and son-in-law Sean Nicewaner of Liberty, MO; grandchildren, Gavon Werst and Paige Nicewaner of Springfield, MO; and her brother, Thomas Sherrick of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd August Werst; her father, Frank Sherrick; her mother, Daisy Sherrick; and her brother, Frank "Bubby" Sherrick.

Mary loved her community, and served as the PTA President at her children's grade school for several years. She designed and painted sets for school plays and created backdrops and costumes for CCPA children's shows. She was a dedicated genealogist and spent many years tracing her family's lineage. She took great pride in her home and enjoyed decorating and planting flowers around her property.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public memorial service. A private ceremony with family will be held to honor Mary's life and legacy. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Subject flees court proceedings at Henry County Courthouse

Press Release: Subject Flees Court Proceeding at Henry County Courthouse

For Immediate Release

October 10, 2024

At approximately 10:38 a.m. today, Christian Hunter Thompson, age 23, of Osceola, fled from a scheduled court hearing held in Circuit Court Judge Baker's courtroom at the Henry County Courthouse. Mr. Thompson, who was not in custody at the time and appearing as part of an ongoing criminal case filed by the State, fled the courtroom after being given a request by Judge Baker.

During the proceedings, Mr. Thompson turned to run, at which point Sgt. Richardson, who was present in the courtroom, gave him a command to stop. Despite this, Mr. Thompson disregarded the order and fled. Sgt. Richardson and Deputy Wyatt immediately gave chase, but Mr. Thompson was able to evade arrest.

In response to the situation, additional personnel from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Clinton Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, were called in to assist with the search. A short time later, Sheriff Brown located Mr. Thompson traveling as a passenger in a vehicle near the courthouse. Mr. Thompson fled on foot once again and was not able to be apprehended.

Following the incident, the court issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Thompson on the original felony charge of stealing – motor vehicle/watercraft/aircraft. The warrant has been issued with no bond.

We are asking Mr. Thompson to cooperate with law enforcement and turn himself in to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office to resolve this matter peacefully. Anyone with information regarding Mr. Thompson’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office. 

Contact:

Henry County 911 Emergency Communications

Phone: (660) 885-5587

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown

Henry County Sheriff's Office

Well done Captain Hiatt!!!

During Monday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, Fire Captain Hiatt was recognized for his 15 years of service to the City of Harrisonville!

Captain Hiatt is a leader in our department and our community and we are so grateful for his dedication to our mission. Well done Captain Hiatt!

Obituary - Elijah J. Albers-Hurt

Elijah J. Albers-Hurt, 23, of Clinton, Missouri passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital. He was born August 13, 2001 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Donald Joseph (Joe) Hurt and Patricia Catherine (Albers) Hurt.

Elijah was employed as a machine operator with TC Transcontinental Packaging. He was a member of the Clinton Elks Lodge, #1034, where he loved playing, and winning, Show Me The Bucks game; and a member of Meadow Lake Country Club. In school he was active in sports, playing golf, basketball and baseball. And football early on. His favorite thing to do was hanging out with his many friends. He loved to fish, and had a soft spot for all animals.

Surviving are his parents, Joe and Tricia Hurt, of the home; two brothers, Jonah Hurt, of the home, and Logan Hurt (Britany), Clinton, Mo.; one sister, Brittany Fonke (Coley), Florence, South Carolina; one nephew and one niece; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald Hurt and Vita Hurt; Maternal grandparents, Leo and Pat Albers.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., just prior to the funeral service. Cremation will follow the service.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Clinton Animal Shelter or to assist with funeral expenses. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home. They also request you wear your favorite Chiefs or Royals shirt or jersey, or whatever you are comfortable wearing.

Attention Butler Residents:

Just a friendly reminder...

The Butler Police Department has taken numerous theft reports this last week around town.

Storage sheds, vehicles and bicycles seem to be the popular things to break into or try and steal for local thieves.

Please lock your vehicle and take all valuables out of them also check your storage sheds frequently. Proper locks on bicycles can help prevent them from being stolen as well. 

If you see anything suspicious or looks to be out of place contact the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131.

Clean up your trash!

This morning the Butler Police Department was called to South Park on a trash nuisance call. When officers arrived on scene they found shelter house 4 completely wrecked with trash!

Butler Police say two females and two males possibly Hispanic descent was said to be in the area! This is disgusting and not how we should treat our community or park. CLEAN YOUR TRASH UP!

If anyone has any information on this please contact the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131.