Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:

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• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

Detective Baker and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics-related search warrant in the 200 block of Phelps Street in Windsor following an ongoing investigation. As a result, Eric Barnes, age 41, of Windsor, was arrested on a 24-hour investigative hold for alleged Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional evidence was recovered, and the investigation remains ongoing.

• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

Deputies Stevens, England, and Murphy conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of William Cain, age 29, of Windsor, on two Cass County warrants for traffic violations. During the investigation, Cain was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance. When deputies attempted to place Cain under arrest, he allegedly resisted by failing to comply with verbal commands and physically pulling away from deputies. Cain was subsequently arrested on a 24-hour investigative hold for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, Detention, or Stop.

The suspected controlled substance was analyzed using Henry County Sheriff's Office drug analysis equipment and yielded a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

Within the 24-hour hold period, Henry County Prosecuting Attorney Gray filed formal charges, and a Henry County warrant was issued and served for the above offenses.

• 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:

Deputy England conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Marvin Blurton, age 52, of Butler, for driving while suspended/revoked.

• 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲:

Deputy Hysom conducted a follow-up investigation in the Clinton area that led to the arrest of Thomas Winston, age 56, of Calhoun, for burglary in the 2nd degree. Winston allegedly stole items from a building.

• 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞:

Deputy Hysom conducted a follow-up investigation in the Clinton area. The investigation led to the arrest of Kenneth Collins, age 31, of Warrensburg, for domestic assault in the 2nd degree. Collins allegedly struck the victim multiple times.

Within the 24-hour hold period, Henry County Prosecuting Attorney Gray filed formal charges, and a Henry County warrant was issued and served for the above offenses.

• 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Deputy Saulters arrested Sean Cretel, age 53, of Osceola, at the courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

• 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

Sheriff Brown conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of James Taylor, age 51, of Clinton, for the alleged Possession of a Controlled Substance. The suspected controlled substance was analyzed using Henry County Sheriff's Office drug analysis equipment and yielded a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

• 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭:

Deputy Stevens conducted a follow-up investigation in the Deepwater area. The investigation led to the arrest of Tammy Appleberry, age 63, of Deepwater, for assault. Appleberry allegedly struck the victim.

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All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.

For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.

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Mark Mathies named new Butler City Administrator

During this week's Butler city council meeting, a formal introduction was made welcoming Mark Mathies as the new City Administrator. Mark hails from Edwardsville, Kansas and enthusiastically introduced himself stating he's "ready to get to work and meet the citizens of Butler." 

Seen here is Mark with wife Rhonda and the couple are making their new home on the south edge of Butler. Mid America Live will be releasing more information soon as he officially begins employment on July 1st.

In other news, Butler resident Lindsay Henderson approached the council asking for a waiver for the June mowing of 8 acres she owns between Country Club and the soccer fields. Henderson wishes to continue preserving wildlife including birds, Monarch butterflies and others that inhabit the area. She went on to say that the easement is regularly mowed and maintained per her previous agreement with the city. She was granted the waiver on the condition that if a burn ban is in place, mowing will need to be done as soon as possible.

Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that the Butler police department is now eligible for a Blue Shield grant that will be in the neighborhood of $50,000 to $75,000 and he is moving forward with all the necessary paperwork. He, along with code enforcement officer Brenda Cecil asked the council for permission to buy a used lawnmower to use for abatements. The price was below book value and the council approved the purchase.

It was reported that work has been done that should alleviate future problems related to sludge getting into the filter system at the water plant. It was also said that some galvanized baffling in a clarifier has rusted and fallen to the bottom. Approval was given to begin replacement procedures and something other than galvanized material will be used to help insure it will last longer.

Decorations at Oak Hill Cemetery were the topic of a long discussion as following holidays, the materials can hamper mowing and weed eating around headstones. An update regarding protocol for decorations will be coming soon. On a related note, recent storms left large trees on the ground at the cemetery and cleanup will be done as soon as the ground is solid enough to not cause further damage.

Problems at the pool in relation to children left unattended or otherwise being unruly were also discussed as there have been calls for police to respond to the Aquatic Center. Enforcement of rules will remain a top priority and further action will be taken if needed.

In closing, it was duly noted that NO Butler parks are for sale nor will they be. Your Mid America Live news reporter jumbled a headline, resulting in a correction and damage control by councilman John Dudley. All is well now and I have to admit my plate of crow really wasn't that bad.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend and be involved. 

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Lesser chance of severe weather this weekend

Just in a big picture kind of way, not really expecting widespread severe storms for any of our forecast area this weekend. There could be some isolated thunderstorms which could be strong with heavy downpours and some small hail. But overall, the threat trends low. Here's the severe weather outlooks for today, Saturday (image 2) and Sunday (image 3).

-Greg@660weather

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Adrian man pleads guilty to murder of stepfather

A jury trial was averted in the Bates County Circuit Court as Carter Joshua Curtis 19, of Adrian MO pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Murder on June 5th related to the shooting of his stepfather during the late night hours on September 28, 2024.

According to information on file, Curtis allegedly shot the victim at his home and told the victim's wife "I already called 911 and had to do it." Police arrived to find the victim in the dining room with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head.

Following the plea, Curtis was sentenced to 20 years Missouri DOC with credit of 613 days for time served under the direction of Judge M. Brandon Baker.

The defendant was represented by Public Defender Jeffrey Martin of Harrisonville, MO.

#MidAmericaLive

Hume City-Wide garage sales this SATURDAY!

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It's official: Deal signed for Swan Solar project in Bates County

In a rather lengthy session held in the chambers of the Bates County Commission on Wednesday, a contract was inked to finalize the Swan Solar farm project to be located on the western edge of the county

The Bates County Commissioners along with attorneys and representatives of parent company Clearway Energy went over the final details outlining the terms of the Chapter 100 agreement that will insure that a portion of monies will stay local as opposed to being directed to and by the State.

"Without a Chapter 100 agreement, there's no guarantee that local schools, townships or anyone else would receive a substantial benefit whatsoever" said Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley in a recent interview.

With that, Clearway Energy affirmed that the deal made with Bates County is "unprecedented" and will "set the bar" for future negotiations as Clearway will be providing about $3 million annually to local entities as part of the the agreement as they will pay $3,200 per megawatt based on the plant's maximum 650 megawatt capacity "whether the sun shines or not".

The agreement includes a 30 year guarantee against unforeseen circumstances such as bankruptcy, sale or other major issues on behalf of Clearway. Likewise, the contract covers road use agreements and other necessary infrastructure related matter. 

The Swan Solar project is a 4,000 acre, 650 megawatt power station that will connect to the grid via a substation to be located near the La Cygne power plant with construction slated to begin next month and while the project has been at the heart of much debate, we can be certain the infusion of windfall money will be quite welcomed.

First, the Miami R-1 school district will be receiving approximately $1.5 million annually for 30 years per the contract to which Superintendent Daniel Johnson stated he was "quite grateful" during the meeting.

Not to mention, Miami R-1 will get a 1.75% increase each year over the next 30 years as will all other entities listed below:

Note that numbers are closely approximate as estimates are based on last year's tax data

State of Missouri - $12,019

Bates County General Revenue - $105,122

Bates County Health Department - $32,330

Bates County Developmental Disabilities Board (BCI) - $53,683

Bates County Senior Services - $19,190

West Point Township - $142,075

Homer Township - $71,768

Miami R-1 Schools - $1,643,814

The other 22 townships plus the 2 special road districts in Bates County will each receive $12,000 a year for a period of 10 years. There will also be two payments of $500,000 to the county specifically earmarked for the purchase of two ambulances and other emergency services related needs.

Final contracts will be signed between Clearway and the Commission in early July. Payments will begin in 2028.

To note, the disbursements originally included an administrative fee of $208,000 to be paid to the County Clerk's office however, clerk Jami Page said she didn't need the money to "do what the office does normally anyway" and that amount will be divided amongst the recipients listed above.

During the meeting, Homer Township Trustee Brent Bettels made a plea to all present to set aside additional monies specifically for the cities of Amsterdam and Amoret. Barry Matchett with Clearway responded that they are working with both cities in terms of grants and other supplemental funding. More details regarding this conversation are expected in the upcoming June 3 commission report. 

In coming days more information will be made available that will include details of the bond program as well as an explanation about tax levies- a crucial reason some of the above listed entities will receive monies from the project.

#MidAmericaLive

Harrisonville schools welcomes Tara Drabant as new assistant principal

Harrisonville Schools has named Tara Drabant as the new assistant principal at McEowen Elementary Wildcats for the 2026-27 school year.

Drabant's appointment follows the selection of Dr. Jason Farnsworth as principal of McEowen. Drabant currently serves as an instructional coach at McEowen, a position she has held for the past two years. Prior to this, she spent six years at Harrisonville Elementary School, including three years as a third-grade teacher and three years as a Title reading teacher. She began her career as a classroom teacher in El Dorado Springs, where she taught for five years.

Drabant earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Missouri State University and a master's degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University.

Drabant has been married to her husband, William, for 10 years. They have two daughters, Mary, who will be a junior at Harrisonville High School, and Jordyn, who graduated in 2024.

Drabant will begin her new role at the start of the 2026-27 school year. Congrats Tara!

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Annual Fishing Derby This Sunday, June 7th

A fishing derby, co-sponsored by the Fourth of July Committee and McGennis Youth Center, is set for Sunday, June 7th at the Center. Registration will begin at 5:15 p.m. at the east shelter house near the tennis courts. The derby will run from 6 to 7.

A parent or guardian must accompany each child. The event is open to children ages 3 through 15. The fishing contest will be held in four age groups and prizes will be awarded in each age category. A hot dog roast will follow. The hot dogs are donated by the Rich Hill Café.

McGennis Youth Center is located five miles west of Rich Hill on A Highway then four miles south on Route WW. Watch for signs.

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