Weekly report from the Bates County Commission

April 28, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

No Scheduled appointments.

The commission worked on phone calls, Senior Tax Credit application approvals and on going road issues.

April 30, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Casey Chastain and Alan Fay with Higgenbotham Insurance came in on their scheduled appointment to touch base with the Commission on the insurance needs for the county. They discussed the challenges of securing insurance for law enforcement and road crews, noting a reduction from 12 to 3-4 carriers. Strategies for managing health insurance costs, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and leveraging relationships with insurance providers were also brought up. Casey extended any help he or Alan could provide with questions or concerns on the subjects.

The rest of the day was completion of the Senior Tax Credit applications. The first year brought 393 people to sign up for the credit. The applicants will need to remember to sign up every year to keep the valuation of the home they own and resided in at the 2024 rate. The fall implementation is to come next.

John reached out to the Solar companies looking to build in our county to learn more about how they work and what it can mean to our county and citizens.

Work in progress

Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 updates current

Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 updates current

Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given 2/14/2024

Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024 updates current

Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley)

EEZ Board 3/26/2025

Obituary - Aubrey Lee Westmoreland

 Funeral services for Aubrey Lee Westmoreland of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation will be Friday, May 9, 4 - 7 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri.  Contributions to Bates County Elks Children’s Fund or American Cancer Society.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Aubrey Lee Westmoreland, age 88 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Butler Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Butler.  He was born September 21, 1936 to Aubrey Lee Westmoreland Sr. and Clarice Pauline Estes Westmoreland in Amsterdam, Missouri.

Aubrey is survived by his wife, Ruby Westmoreland of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Brenda Sigmon of Butler, Missouri; one son, Charles Westmoreland and wife Beth of Adrian, Missouri; three grandchildren, Heather Steele of Leesburg, Florida, Charles Westmoreland Jr. of Saint Louis, Missouri and Cody Westmoreland of Adrian, Missouri;  three great-grandchildren with one on the way; and two great-great-grandchildren.  Aubrey was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister.

Traffic stop comes with 'strings attached'

 On May 1st, a Bates County Deputy was on routine patrol in the area of AA Highway and County Road 2001 when he observed a vehicle with defective equipment. As the Deputy pulled in behind the vehicle the driver slowed down to almost a stop and then sped up again. The vehicle then slowed down again almost to a stop a second time. The deputy then made a traffic stop on the vehicle.

The Deputy made contact with the driver identified as Joseph Wyssbrod. Wyssbrod behavior indicated that the driver may have illegal substances in the vehicle. A K9 was requested and arrived on scene. The K9 had a positive alert on the vehicle and a search of the vehicle was conducted. In the back seat of the vehicle in a guitar case the deputies located a clear plastic baggie that contained a white crystal-like substance. A glass pipe was also taped to the baggie.

The crystal substance was tested using a drug testing machine called TruNarc and it tested positive as Methamphetamine.

Wyssbrod was Charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $25,000 Cash only

Brothers conspire to introduce controlled substance into the Bates County Jail

On April 18th Investigators were notified by the Courthouse Security of a small bag of a green leafy substance located in the elevator of the courthouse. The bag was wrapped in tape and it appeared that it was taped to the inside of the handrail. The tape failed, and the small baggie fell to the floor. The courthouse security had watched the video from the morning and observed a subject that appeared to have no legitimate reason to be in the courthouse. The courthouse security team knew this subject had a family member in custody of the Sheriff’s Office, and that family member was due in court later that afternoon. The subject had told the security that he was there to talk with the court clerk but when they watched the video of his actions that day, he never made contact or attempted to make contact with the court clerk. The small bag of green leafy substance was tested and tested positive for marijuana.

During the investigation, a jail phone call was intercepted made on the morning of the incident between Ryan Gabriel and Cole Gabriel in reference to Cole having court in the afternoon. The conversation between the two was about Ryan getting Cole marijuana while in custody of the Bates County Jail. During the conversation Ryan told Cole what corner in the elevator Cole could find the “green” and even bragged “I got some green that is killer”.

Ironically, Cole Gabriel was due in court asking for a furlough from jail to seek drug treatment. After the conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to the jail between the two brothers was brought to light, the Judge denied the request for the furlough and revoked the bonds on other pending charges for Cole. Cole remained in custody of the jail. Prosecutor Jenkins filed additional felony charges on Cole for Attempting to deliver a controlled substance to a Jail. The Prosecutor requested a bond of $100,000. Cole's bond was set at $4500.00 and was later given a furlough from the jail to seek drug treatment.

Prosecutor Jenkins also filed felony charges against Ryan Gabriel for his role in the conspiracy. A warrant was issued for Ryan Gabriel for Attempting to deliver a controlled substance to a Jail and also Deliver 35 grams or less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid. His bond was set at $100,000.

Ryan Gabriel, who is currently on Parole from prison for Stealing and Unlawful use of a Firearm, is currently wanted by the Sheriff’s Office for the above charges. We will be asking for the Governor's fugitive taskforce for help in locating and arresting Gabriel.

“The County has invested heavily in technology to combat the smuggling of drugs in our Jail. Last year, the Sheriff’s Office purchased a $120,000 full body scanner to scan those who leave for court or are newly booked in. This year we purchased a $60,000 handheld x-ray to assist in cell searches. The Sheriff’s Office has a K9 unit for the purpose of jail cell searches and is also utilized in the schools because it can detect marijuna where, due to legalization of marijuana, the patrol dogs are not trained in that scent.” Says Sheriff Anderson. “I am the first person to try and understand the need for a balance between putting someone in jail for addiction and facilitating them getting treatment. We are one of the first Sheriff’s Offices in Missouri who employs a person whose sole purpose is to help people and their families find resources. But I do think there has to be a hard line from our community, our judicial system and law enforcement when it comes to second, third and fourth chances to change. Without that team work, Law Enforcement will continue to lose this battle. We look forward to working with the courts when it comes to furloughs and treatments to seek successful outcomes”

Rich Hill fares well at State music contest

 

ALL SMILES as these Rich Hill Tigers had a great day at the State music contest last week:

Oscar Green, Junior-Vocal Solo-Gold
Leeanna Bell, Sophomore-Vocal Solo-Gold
Wyatt Feuerborn, Senior-Trumpet Solo-Silver
SAB Vocal Ensemble-Silver (Julianna Abend, Leeanna Bell, Mykenzie Burris, Oscar Green, Mia Gwinn)

BCSO arrests DWI suspect, makes cocaine bust

On May 5, 2025, A Bates County Sheriff's Office Deputy was in the area of Fran Avenue and Ft. Scott Street in Butler. The Deputy observed a truck turn south onto Fran Avenue from Ft Scott Street and travel southbound in the northbound lane. The truck had to take evasive action to avoid striking the marked patrol vehicle in the north bound lane of Fran Ave. The Deputy activated his lights and pulled the vehicle over in the Days Inn parking lot. The driver of the vehicle exited the truck and began to run around the building. The driver ran to a table with other individuals that were playing a card game as the Deputy caught up to the driver. The driver was taken into custody at that time.

During an inventory search of the vehicle the deputies located multiple open containers of alcohol, two rolled up dollar bill with a white powdery substance in the end that field tested positive for cocaine.

The driver, identified as Mauricio C Caal was transported to the jail where it was determined that his blood alcohol level was almost two times the legal limit.

Mauricio was charged with Possession of a Controlled substance. DWI, and Resisting Arrest. His bond was set at $8500.00. Immigration and Custom has placed a detainer on Caal and he is still in custody.

Bates County Sheriff's Office update regarding Ballard school burglary

On March 16, 2025 the Bates County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a burglary at the Ballard School in Ballard Missouri. From security footage of the incident it appeared to have been a single person committing the burglary. The Sheriff’s Office made a social media post about the burglary in our rural community and a short time later was contacted by a Sheriff’s Office in Southern Iowa. The Detective informed our investigator that they had been working a joint investigation into school burglaries in Northern Missouri and Southern Iowa. The Subject was identified as Curtis Lee Barton age 40 of Jacksonville and Sherwood, Arkansas. Digital evidence collected through this case has tied Barton to the Ballard School burglary. The Bates County Sheriff’s Office has enjoined the investigation and will work with the Federal Agencies who are working to charge this subject in Federal Court.

Barton has a lengthy criminal history for rural school burglaries and is known for researching rural schools, the area around, security systems in place and response times for the area law enforcement.

Wapello County Leads Multi-State Investigation, Arrest Made in Widespread School Burglary Case

Ottumwa, Iowa — A months-long, multi-state investigation led by the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a suspect believed responsible for burglarizing at least sixteen school districts across Iowa and Missouri. The operation highlights the power of proactive investigative work, interagency collaboration, and strategic use of technology.

The case began on February 2, 2025, when the Cardinal Community School District in Wapello County reported break-ins at its Elementary, Middle, and High School buildings. The burglar caused extensive property damage and stole over $4,000 in cash. Despite early efforts, initial leads were scarce.

Rather than allowing the case to go cold, Wapello County investigators escalated their approach. Investigators applied for and executed advanced technical search warrants not typically used in standard property crime cases. Working closely with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Intelligence & Fusion Center, Wapello County began analyzing key digital evidence that would ultimately crack the case wide open.

As the investigation progressed, reports of similar burglaries at schools across Missouri and southwest Iowa began to surface. Recognizing the broader pattern, Wapello County investigators took the lead in coordinating with multiple jurisdictions to pool data and track the suspect's movements. Their analysis led to the development of a detailed suspect profile, which pointed to an individual living in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

While conducting a thorough background investigation of the suspect it was discovered that he is currently on parole stemming from a previous conviction for burglarizing numerous schools and small businesses across central Missouri in 2018.

Wapello County investigators prepared search warrant applications for the suspect’s known residences in Jacksonville and Sherwood, Arkansas, and worked with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to secure search warrants through the Arkansas courts. On Tuesday, April 29, a joint operation involving Wapello County Deputies, Arkansas State Police, and the Lewis County (MO) Sheriff’s Office executed the warrants.

The suspect, identified as Curtis Lee Barton age 40, was taken into custody without incident. Evidence recovered at the scene directly links Barton to the burglaries. He is currently being held at the South Pulaski County Jail in Little Rock, Arkansas, on a $100,000 cash-only bond, pending extradition and further legal proceedings.

To date, Barton is suspected in the burglary of approximately 14 school districts in Missouri and 2 in Iowa, including Cardinal Community Schools. Multiple Additional burglaries involving small businesses are also being reviewed in connection to this case and our office is providing pertinent information to the agencies investigating cases within their jurisdiction.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges are expected as both local and federal law enforcement continues to review new reports connected to the case. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office.

Missouri Municipal League Announces Butler as Innovation Award Winner two years in a row

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Municipal League is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 MML Innovation Awards. These awards honor outstanding projects happening in communities across Missouri that enhance the quality of life for Missouri cities.

The projects illustrate the creativity of Missouri’s local officials and municipal employees as they serve their communities and keep Missouri cities vibrant.

Cities across the state also celebrate Missouri Local Government Week this week (May 4-10). It is the perfect time to highlight the MML Innovation Award winners, as these projects demonstrate the dedication of those serving in local government. They also emphasize the valuable partnerships city officials develop with other cities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and citizens.

Awards are based on city population size. This year, MML received 18 submissions from municipalities statewide, demonstrating creativity and ingenuity within local government.

Learn more about Local Government Week at www.mocities.com and find more information regarding the MML Innovation Awards at www.mocities.com/InnovationAwards.

This year’s winners are:

City of Butler (Small City, with population under 5,000)
Mock City Council

Last March the city of Butler and the Butler High School Student Council joined forces and held a Mock City Council meeting. The objective was to teach students involved in high school student government about local city government and build a bridge with the city council and younger citizens in the community. The high school students were given several different scenarios about current topics that the city council is facing. The students were assigned roles from the Mayor, council members, police chief, fire chief, public works, city clerk, and city administrator. They met with the actual people who hold those roles on staff and discussed the situations that they face in the scenarios and what would be the best possible outcomes.

The staff also explained their roles to the students and what they do daily. The council members and staff assumed the roles as citizens that voice concerns about the different situations presented to the students. Students walked through the start to finish of on actual city council agenda with passing resolutions, ordinances and having a public forum time for questions to the mock council.

The second part of this program is a service project with the students. This year’s project was to clean up Butler’s historic square and pocket park. Another major accomplishment from this project was forming a Student Advisory Committee. This committee was formed to hear the voice of our younger population. The committee meets once a month and is comprised of six student leaders. The project is something other cities can truly invest in very easily and an even deeper investment for the future of our young people.

City of Columbia (Metro City, with population more than 30,000)
Home Weatherization Grant Program

City of Ozark (Large City, with population 15,000 -30,000)
Garrison Springs Community Forest

City of Dardenne Prairie (Medium City, with population 5,000 – 15,000)
Inclusive Easter Egg Hunt

About MML
The Missouri Municipal League provides a united voice for municipalities across Missouri. Founded in 1934, MML now serves more than 650 municipalities with training, resources and legislative advocacy for local government success. Learn more at www.mocities.com.