Obituary - Rocky W. Lucas

Rocky Wayne Lucas, 58, of rural Clinton, Missouri passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at his home. He was born February 19, 1966 in Seattle, Washington, the son of Robert G. Lucas and Grace Florence (Pruett) Lucas.

Rocky was employed as a field supervisor with Pilot Drilling. He was passionate about turkey hunting, deer hunting and fishing. He loved being outdoors and in the woods. He also enjoyed rodeos, especially the bull riding.

Surviving are his life partner, Lori Neider of the home; one son, Derek Lucas, Mountain View, MO; one daughter, Grace Lucas, St. Louis, MO; cousins and best friends, Bill and Dayle Borgman, Tightwad, MO, and cousins Buck and Dana Tranbarger, Holden, MO; special uncle and aunt, Larry and Jodi Borgman, Warsaw, MO; and numerous additional uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and his co-workers and friends at Pilot Drilling.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert G. Lucas; his mother, Grace Florence Webster; one brother, Shannon Lucas; and one sister, Bobbi Jo Lucas.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to Missouri Disabled Sportsmen (www.missouridisabledsportsmen.org), or these donations may be left in care of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.

MSHP Captain Roger Phillips Retires

Captain Roger L. Phillips Jr., director of the Division of Drug & Crime Control, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO, will retire effective January 1, 2025, after 26 years and 11 months of dedicated service.

Phillips was appointed to the Patrol on February 1, 1998, as a member of the 75th Recruit Class. After completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop H, Zone 6, Buchanan and Andrew counties. In November 2002, he transferred to the Division of Drug & Crime Control, Troop H Unit, as a polygraph examiner and criminal investigator. In February 2006, he was promoted to corporal, and in July 2009, he was promoted to sergeant while serving in that assignment. In November 2012, he transferred within DDCC to the Organized Crime/Anti-Terrorism Unit. He was named supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Unit serving the Troop H area in 2015. 

Phillips served in the Gaming Division from May to July 2018, and was assigned to the Argosy Casino. He returned to DDCC as the supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Unit (Troop H) in July 2018. Phillips was promoted to lieutenant in August 2018 and remained in DDCC. On February 1, 2023, he was promoted to captain and designated the director of DDCC.

Captain Phillips was born in St. Joseph, MO, and graduated from Benton High School in St. Joseph, MO, in 1989. He graduated from Leadership in Police Organizations training in 2016. Captain Phillips and his wife have two children.

Obituary - Jalen Bruce

In Loving Memory of Jalen Bruce

Jalen Bruce, 22, passed away on Monday, December 23rd, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and love.

Jalen was a graduate of Belton High School, Class of 2021. He dedicated three years of hard work at Miller Plumbing, demonstrating an unmatched work ethic and passion for his craft.

Jalen’s life was full of joy and adventure. He loved spending time with his beloved dog, Drako, and had a deep passion for fast cars and street racing. Artistic and detail-oriented, Jalen expressed his creativity through drawing and delighted in bringing laughter to those around him with his humor and lively personality.

He was the kind of person you could always count on—dependable, loyal, and selfless. Whether family or friend, Jalen valued relationships above all and gave his all to make others happy. His manners, big heart, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Jalen was preceded in death by his baby sister, Wylie LouAnn; his maternal grandparents, Leon Andula and Nancy Kittell Andula; and his uncle, Aaron Andula.

He is survived by his loving parents, Lanie Andula and Troy Smith, and Robert Bruce and Alexis Messick; his siblings, Lana Andula Breit and Sydney Messick; grandparents, Robert and Carol Bruce; uncle, Allen Andula; aunt, Rose Mary Bruce; Carolyn Page; his “bro” Jacob Tragser; and a wide circle of family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 31st, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, located off of Highway 58. Following the visitation, Jalen will be laid to rest at Longview Cemetery. Those wishing to join the funeral procession should gather at Cullen Funeral Home by 12:30 PM.

Jalen’s light touched countless lives, and his memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but his love, laughter, and compassion will remain with us always.

Great time to be a Drexel Bobcat

We would like to congratulate the Drexel Lady Cats as they upset the #1 seed Chilhowee Indians 40-33 to win the 2024 William D. Gordon Holiday Classic Tournament.

The Drexel Bobcats had a great battle with the #1 seed Kingsville Tigers but lost 64-56 in the championship game and took second place in the tournament.

Kolbi Nichols was named to the Boys All-Tournament Team. Izzy Richardson and Mikah Mayfield were named to the Girls All-Tournament Team. Congratulations! Will post a picture of the boys team when it becomes available.

Photo Credit: Chrystal Mayfield

Arrest made after pursuit in Cass County

Yesterday just before noon, a Cass County deputy arrested a juvenile in Grandview after a pursuit that started in Belton.

The deputy noticed the driver was speeding as he headed southbound on Interstate 49 just south of E. 155th St. At this time, the deputy noticed the car had expired temporary tags. The driver continued driving recklessly as he changed directions, and eventually headed northbound on I-49.

The driver sped at excessive levels as he approached the Main St. overpass in Grandview. He slowed down and swerved to the right side of the roadway. He then got out of the car and began to flee on foot.

A Cass County deputy followed the juvenile suspect on foot as he entered a nearby apartment complex.

The deputy eventually arrested the juvenile suspect outside of a home in the area just moments later.

The Grandview, MO Police Department and Kansas City Missouri Police Department responded to this scene and assisted.

The juvenile suspect was released to the Cass County Juvenile Office with charges pending.

Obituary - Joel David Smith

Joel “Jay” Smith, 60, born in Nevada, Missouri on January 14, 1964, passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and family on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Jay was a 1982 graduate of Nevada High School. He then attended Missouri Southern and graduated in 1986 with an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.

He married Sammie Peters on December 23, 1989. To this marriage two children were born: Sable in 1992 and Colby in 1994.

Jay began his employment at Heartland Behavioral Hospital, then the Nevada State Hospital, before beginning his 25-year career as a State Juvenile Officer in the 28th Judicial Circuit.

He dedicated his life to advocating for at-risk kids and families. In his free time, he was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting (especially turkey), fishing, and raising Black Angus Cattle.

Though his demeanor appeared gruff, it only hid a heart of gold. His proudest achievements were his children. Jay was dedicated to his family and numerous close friends. Those closest to him knew this and knew his true character.

Survivors include Sammie, his wife of 35 years, his children, Sable (fiancé Patrick Hope) of Nevada, Dr. Colby Smith, DO also of Nevada. Surviving siblings include Barbara Heidmann (Mike) of Washington, MO, Dan (Joy) Smith of Raymore, MO, Donna Sellars, Rich Hill MO, and Dwayne (Suzanne) Smith of Nevada and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John “Jake” and Leona, Nevada, and sister, Mary Katherine.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Roger Beach officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the funeral home.

He will be greatly missed by his loved ones. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family in the care of Ferry Funeral Home to establish a scholarship in Jay’s name for students interested in Criminal Justice careers.

Bates County Newly elected and re-elected Officials sworn in today

Bates County Newly elected and re-elected Officials were sworn into office today. This was the first swearing in ceremony that Jami Page, Bates County Clerk conducted for Elected Officials.

Taking their oath of office was Kacie Robey Collector/Treasurer, Chad Anderson Sheriff, Jerret Reno Coroner, Trent Nelson Southern Commissioner, Bill Lethcho Surveyor, Carl Bettels Assessor, Brenda Doody Public Administrator and Jon Gray Northern Commissioner.

The ceremony was witnessed by many family members and friends of those sworn in. Please help us to congratulate them and wish them the best in their term. There is no greater honor than to be in public service.

Report from the Bates County Commission

Monday, December 16, 2024.

The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Daniel Roberson came in for his scheduled meeting. He is requesting to have the late penalty fees removed from his personal property taxes. He has property in Hume that he is building a house on and had been living in a camper till it was damaged. It was in 2023 that he moved into Bates County and has not received an assessment for any personal property for 2023 or 2024. Nor did he know to come let the Assessor know what he had. He is only requesting the late fee for 2023 be waived. Jim stated that this is like the other one where he moved in and did not know how to report his personal property to the local Assessor.

Ken made the motion to waive the late penalty on the Trailer for 2023 because he never received an assessment sheet. Trent seconded. All voted yes. No opposition. Motion carried.

Jim went on telling him when moving how the counties or states do not talk to one another. It is the person’s responsibility to report what they own to the new county they reside in. Daniel asked how to get his title changed to the new residence. Jim explained you don’t have to necessarily, but you do the driver’s license. However, the license bureau should be able to help you. Jim went on to explain how to do a Transfer On Time of Death title and the benefits of that.

Lindsey Chaffin with Great River came in for the scheduled meeting. She brought an Engineering Services Contract for BRO-23 Bridge # 1260012 over Elk Creek to go over and be signed. The Construction Bid request should be posted in January with closing in late January or early February. Completion date is looking at December 2025. Currently the Contractors that bid these types of projects are back logged to a year out. Jim asked about soft-match money to purchase. Lindsey replied there is some out there. In January they will know how much will be available. Lindsey also gave a status report of the TAP-9901456, Courthouse sidewalk replacement shows all planning and permitting to be completed by May of 2025 and Construction to start in Late fall of 2025. 

This project is funded by 80% MoDOT and 20% County. Estimated cost of $322,000.00. The conversation went to discuss the next bridge to repair with county funds which will be allowed to soft-match money for future bridge projects. After looking over the bridges one was settled on.

Trent made the motion to sign a contract with Great River Engineering to repair/replace the bridge on County Road 11253 over Soap Creek with county funds for soft-match money for MoDOT. Ken seconded the motion. All vote yes. No Opposition. Motion Carried.

The contract was signed by Jim and attested to by Cara Keller, Deputy Clerk in absence of Jami Page, County Clerk with her stamp.
Lindsay added that she has not found any funding for the railroad approaches that the Commission requested her to investigate last visit. She will check in the spring again. 

Rick and Edie Brattin walked in to discuss their property assessment. The Assessor had changed this property over to residential property and they feel it should remain agricultural property. Rick and his siblings gained this property after his dad’s passing in 2019. They share the responsibility of the taxes yearly. They did not know the building had not been reported or assessed. The building on the property is a barn that is used for most of the year as equipment storage. The family will use it for gatherings a few times a year. There is a wood stove for heat. 

A few times it is used for an overnight or stopping point during hunting season. The barn, strip pit and 88 acres were all changed to residential. There is a room in there but there is no water or electricity running to the building nor does anyone live there. Rick stated the girl at the Assessor’s Office stated a pole barn is residential. They looked up the definition of residential property and found it to state defined as “human occupancy”. Rick offered to show the Commission pictures of the barn a few times which were not responded to by the Commission. The taxes on this part went up to nearly double with reclassifying it. 

Looking at the file, Jim stated that they were being assessed for the dock in the pit and the single-story building which increased the value. Jim stated, “the only thing we can do is look into this and get back with them on why the change” The Brattin’s information was taken and will be contacted when the commission has the information for them.

The scheduled Bid Opening for ADS Tubes began at 2 pm. Jim Hargrave with West Pipe, and Thayne Bush with Welborn Sales were present. The bids were West Pipe $24,527.00, Welborn Sales Inc., $25,499.58 and Viebrock Sales & Services, LLC at $24,862.00. All bids being the same. Bids good for one year.

Ken made the motion to go with the lowest bid to West Pipe at $24,527.00. Trent seconded the motion. All voted yes. No opposition. Motion carried.