Two arrested after search warrant served in Harrisonville

Yesterday around 11 a.m., deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in Harrisonville. This resulted in the arrest of two subjects.

 
42-year-old Jessica Brown of Harrisonville faces three charges, Distribution of a Controlled Substance In A Protected Location (A Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child Involving Drugs (D Felony), and Keeping or Maintaining a Public Nuisance (E Felony).

Brown’s bond is set at $150,000, cash only. 42-year-old Amanda Blair of Peculiar, faces two charges: Possession of a Controlled Substance (D Felony) and Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor). Blair’s bond is set at $15,000, cash only. Both subjects are being held at the Cass County Jail.

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.

Appleton City High School Senior Spotlight

We would like to congratulate ACHS Senior Chase Mott. Chase has been accepted into multiple schools and has decided to utilize the A+ Scholarship Program to attend Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, MO. Congratulations, Chase!

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.