From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

I have been in Columbia, Missouri for the last few days for some of the best continuing education I have ever received. This training qualified for both POST and ABMDI credit and was expertly facilitated by Vista Law Enforcement Training & Consulting, LLC.

Monday:
- Crime Scene Investigation with a focus on scene processing, scene photography
- Collection and processing of evidence
- Mock scenes for processing of evidence
- Coroner’s role in seizing evidence

Tuesday:
- Interviewing techniques: Cognitive Interviewing & SCAN methodology
- De-escalation techniques and application of Cognitive Interviewing to obtain truthful and accurate information from witnesses and those exposed to traumatic/stressful events
- Practical mock interviews
- Forensic anthropology - human osteology application for differentiation of human versus non-human remains
- Case studies and taphonomy (study of remains after death including exposure to the elements)

Wednesday:
- Child & Infant death investigations
- Tactical interviewing of first interviews with primary caregivers
- Methodology for re-enactments
- Practical hands-on reenactment training

 
This was an intense few days, but this training is valuable. I am pleased to apply updated protocols and techniques immediately.

 
It is my priority to serve you to the fullest extent of my professional ability. My thanks to Deputy Coroner Dustin Miller for handling cases these last few days in my absence. Deputy Miller will complete this training in the future as well.

 
Most respectfully,
Greg D. Mullinax
Bates County Coroner

Obituary - Daniel “Danny” Warden

Daniel “Danny” Warden, 60 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be 11:00 am Monday, May 1, 2023 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. There will be no visitation. 

Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to Kamp Keirsey Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Daniel (Danny) Dee Warden was born on May 11, 1962 in Independence, MO, the son of Carol Irvin (Woods).His childhood was spent in Greenwood and Noel prior to moving to Adrian at age 16 where he graduated in 1981. After high school, he served 2 years in the Marine Corps. He married Gayle in 1983 and worked at Hardees where he earned the nickname “Big Roast Beef”. After 17 years, he changed professions and started his own construction company with the help of his brothers and sons. 

He was very proud of his special projects that helped others enjoy their houses for many years to come. He was a proud member of Butler Lodge #254. 

Danny was quite proud of his breakfast making abilities. Short order cook of biscuits or the famous “Mickey Mouse” waffles. He has made a lot of kids and their friends happy, especially the grandkids.

Danny and Gayle loved a good road trip. Whether a few miles away to look at dogwoods and redbud trees, a trip to New England to see the sunrise in Maine, or the countryside of Europe, he was ready to go. May have taken a wrong turn or two, but he was “not lost, just wandering”.

His most recent project was his lake “Shabin”. Lots of hours playing in the water and relaxing on the pontoon. Danny enjoyed all things outdoors; canoeing, hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, and sunsets. Most of all, he loved his kids and grandkids. They made him proud every day and those grandkids made him so, so happy.

Danny was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Rogers & Goldie Saathoff, and uncle Robert Woods.

He is survived by his wife Gayle, sons Dwayne (Megan) of Lee’s Summit and Bryan (Raychel) of Springfield; daughter Annette (Devan) Taylor of Alconbury Air Force Base, United Kingdom; grandchildren Gavin Taylor, Everly Warden, Oliver Warden, Laken Warden, Emily Taylor, and Owen Taylor; mother and step-father Carol and Roger Irvin; siblings Dennis Warden, Andrea (Bruce) Thompson, Donny Warden, Cricket Irvin, Garry Saathoff, Randy Saathoff, and Ronda (Mike) Horner, along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office News Release April 11, 2023 through April 17, 2023

St. Clair County Sheriff Lee Hilty reported deputies made arrests and took multiple reports during the week of April 11, 2023 through April 17, 2023

On April 11, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies were dispatched to NW 100 Road in Osceola in regards to a domestic disturbance. Nellie Garrett was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Charges pending.

On April 11, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies were dispatched to E 4th Street in Appleton City in regards to a domestic disturbance. Parties had separated before deputies arrived.

On April 12, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies were dispatched to the Food Fair in Appleton City for theft. Items totaled to be approx. $40. Subjects were unable to be located at the time. Investigation ongoing.

On April 13, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies took a call for service at the Sheriff's Office in regards to a lost bull. Bull is black with a yellow tag. Report was taken as requested by the individual.

On April 13, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies took a call in regards to an ex-parte violation. Investigation is ongoing.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies took a medical call on SE 25 Road in Osceola. Deputies arrived to find Kenneth Hazelrigg on his riding lawn mower deceased.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies arrested Amber Black at Chillicothe Department of Corrections on a St. Clair County warrant for Passing Bad Check. Her bond is set at $7,500 cash surety.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies responded to a structure fire on SW Hwy K in Osceola. Investigation turned over to the fire marshall.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies responded to a child custody dispute on Goodrich Drive in Osceola. Parties advised to contact their legal advisors for legal advice.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies dispatched to Libby Street in Osceola in regards to an assault. Subjects left, possibly heading to Henry County, before Deputies arrived on scene.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies dispatched to NW 600 Road in Osceola in regards to a burglary. Items stolen were Gorilla cart, Coleman 2 burner camping stove, a wood burning stove, pop-up shower house, pots and pans, camping lantern, and several misc hand tools.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies dispatched to a domestic assault on SE 900 Road in Collins. John Sharp was arrested for his Hickory County warrant for Fail To Register As A Sex Offender Pursuant To Secs 589.400-.425. He is being charged with Domestic Assault- 2nd Degree in St. Clair County.

On April 14, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies dispatched to E Concord in Appleton City for a report of stealing. Item stolen was a blue bike valued at $120.

On April 15, 2023- St. Clair County Deputies took a medical call on Truman Road in Osceola. Deputies arrived to find Lillyane Neal face down. Medical procedures were attempted and were unsuccessful. Lillyane Neal was pronounced deceased.

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.

MDC and partners broke ground on April 24th for new pump station at Schell-Osage Conservation Area

Nevada, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) held a groundbreaking ceremony April 24 for a $6.4 million pump station project at the Schell-Osage Conservation Area in northeastern Vernon County.

This is the first phase of three in a long-planned wetland and lake renovation. The project will improve the area’s wetlands for a wide variety of waterfowl, shore birds, and wading birds, and it will improve Schell Lake for fishing.

These changes will enhance opportunities for waterfowl hunters, birders, wildlife watchers, and anglers. Key conservation partners such as Ducks Unlimited and local officials joined Missouri Conservation Commissioner Mark McHenry and MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley in turning the first shovels of dirt.

“Schell-Osage has been a great resource for many people,” Pauley said. “This first phase involving the pump station in combination with the wetland and lake phases, will help ensure that it continues to be a treasured resource into the future.”

Director Pauley noted that Schell-Osage was developed along the Osage River and is one of MDC’s oldest wetland and upland conservation areas. But much has changed since wetland development began in 1962 and wetland pools were opened to managed waterfowl hunting in 1964. Schell-Osage lowlands are now in the upper end of Truman Lake. Extreme weather events and highwater levels within Truman Lake have caused repetitive, and therefore expensive, flood damage to area levees.

Not all the change has been negative, though, because being adjacent to Truman Lake provides access to a much larger water source than when the area was first developed.

“Schell-Osage holds a special place in the hearts of many,” McHenry said. But he added, “in every infrastructure project, over time, repairs are required.”

Ducks Unlimited has been a vital partner in planning and implementing the renovation, he said. Other key partners include the Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, and Missouri Birding Society.

“It’s not easy to do a project on a dynamic ecosystem like this,” said Mark Flaspohler, DU conservation program director. “Thanks to all the partners, it wouldn’t have happened without you.”

The permanent concrete pump station will draw water from the Osage River arm of Truman Lake. This source replaces water from Schell Lake and Atkinson Lake as well as portable pumps into Truman Lake, which were less efficient, safe, and reliable. The pump station will give area managers better control to fill wetland pools during autumn and spring waterfowl migrations, and it will reduce water level fluctuations in Schell and Atkinson lakes.

Garney Construction of North Kansas City will begin work on the pump station May 1. Project managers plan to have the pump station phase completed by the winter of 2025.

Construction will prompt closure of public access to wetland pools C, D, E, and F. The A-pool will likely remain open for self-registration and walk-in hunting this autumn. As the construction footprint expands for all three phases of the renovation, there may be closures of other areas.

In coming phases, a redesign and rebuild of wetland levees will be at angles more in line with natural hydrology. They will use natural high points as anchors and be built with natural contours less prone to damage from flowing floodwater. The number of waterfowl hunting positions will be retained, and the new concrete hunting blinds will be built into mounds that will blend better into the landscape and can also function as habitat for wildlife.

Schell Lake will be renovated. The project will create more water depth diversity to enhance fishery habitat. An improved boat ramp and new jetties around the perimeter will increase access for anglers.

“I’m proud to say development like this is going to benefit people here long into the future,” said Missouri State Rep. Dane Diehl.

The Schell-Osage project is the final one in MDC’s Golden Anniversary Wetlands Initiative to improve the state’s five oldest wetland management areas. Other conservation areas improved include Fountain Grove, Duck Creek, Montrose, and Ted Shanks. Renovations at Schell-Osage are moving forward with help from a $1 million match grant from the federal North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

MDC and DU are using the grant to match the $3.5 million that has been dedicated from a diverse group of conservation partners to make the area better for waterfowl, wildlife watchers, hunters, and anglers.

“The Missouri Department of Conservation and our conservation partners are deeply committed to protecting and enhancing the state’s intensely managed wetlands,” Pauley said. “They’re incredibly valuable to wildlife and to people who enjoy the outdoors.”

For more information about the Schell-Osage Conservation Area, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Aw.

Updates on renovation progress, and maps of the project, are available at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Gm.

2023 Pleasanton High School Prom Royalty Crowned

We would like to congratulate the 2023 Pleasanton Kansas High School Prom King and Queen Jaci Morris and Cordell Self! Way to go! 

Obituary - John William Graham

John William Graham was born Mother’s Day, May 12, 1940, to Burnice Irene (Huey) and William “Bill” Frederick Graham at home in Clinton, Missouri. 

He passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, February 17, 2023, at the age of 82 with family by his side. 

He is survived by his wife Jean Louise Kelsey. They were wed on May 27, 1962, at Clinton United Methodist Church in Clinton, MO.

He attended school at Appleton City, MO, for one year. Upon moving back to Clinton, MO he attended Jefferson Elementary then Clinton High School, graduating in 1958. He worked at his parent’s jewelry store after school but was able to make time for other activities and was Master Counselor of Demolay in Clinton, MO.

John was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and Order of the Arrow (while a Troop leader in the 1980’s). He was very proud that his family and extended family is made up of 9 Eagle Scouts. He enjoyed assisting with Troop 311 in Jackson as his son, Jeff, also earned this honor.

John was employed with Missouri Public Service Company in Warrensburg, MO from 1959 to 1963 as a lineman. He attended the University of Central Missouri and Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in Industrial Arts. His training enabled him to become a journeyman electrician, draftsman and general foreman for Electric Supply Company in Cape Girardeau, MO, and the last few years of his career a general foreman for Aschinger Electric Company in St. Louis, MO. He retired in 2002 and was a member of the International Brothers of Electrical Workers for 46 years.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Cape Girardeau, MO. He served as President of Men’s Club, Chairman of Trustees, Sunday school teacher and youth leader with Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, MO. Upon moving to Jackson, MO, he joined New McKendree United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader. John and Jean spent 50 of their 60 years of marriage in Southeast Missouri working, playing, raising their children and giving back to the community.

They returned to their hometown, Clinton, in 2013 where John joined Clinton United Methodist Church, the Meadowlake Country Club and the Elks Lodge. He looked forward to Sunday School, Monday breakfast with the guys and Thursday Tacos with friends at the Elks.

He loved to fish, camp, float, and travel, spending many good times with friends and family on Missouri’s rivers and in many places in the US and abroad. He was known for his sense of humor and enjoyed playing pranks on family and friends and designing gag gifts for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at Christmas. He was delighted with these children and anytime there was a gathering he left the adults and went outside to play with them. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember him as Mr. Fix It, the founder of the definition of Class Clown, Santa Claus, and the voice of Donald Duck. He was not someone you wanted to make a bet with, but instead make a deal. He would carry on jokes for YEARS. Teasing was a skill set. Nothing was too small a deal to celebrate with ice cream. Basketball or westerns were always on the tv. Most things were tools, not toys, although there wasn’t much he wouldn’t let us do. If you were in trouble though, a thump on the head with his fat thumb would set you straight. He would always ask his girls, “What makes you beautiful?” and on cue, even as toddlers, they would SMILE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Frederick and Burnice Irene (Huey) Graham, one sister, Judy Carolyn Graham, and one brother, Thomas “Tom” Lee Graham.

In addition to his wife Jean, surviving are one daughter, Janelle “Jan” Lynne (Graham) (Nick) Sachse, Gurley, AL; one son, Jeffrey “Jeff” William (Rhonda Farver) Graham, Dardenne Prairie, MO; four grandchildren, Danielle Graham, Kelsey (Sachse) (Jonathan) Friend, Shanen (Dylin) Graham-Deline and Caleb Graham Sachse; five great-grandchildren, Addy McCarthy, Peyton Curry, Leo Deline and Liam and Madelynne Friend; one sister, Mary Alice (Graham) (Harding) Braun; and one sister-in-law, Virginia Lee (Newman) Graham and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Celebration of Life are scheduled for Friday, May 12, 2023, at 3 and 4 pm respectively at Clinton United Methodist Church, Clinton, Missouri under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following:
Henry County Memory Fund, PO Box 741, Clinton, MO 64735
Boy Scout Troop #311, 3113 Mimosa Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Boy Scout Troop #430, PO Box 430, Clinton, MO 64735
Boy Scout Troop #225, Payable to Scouting Unlimited, Inc., 331 N. Washington, Clinton, MO 64735

Condolences may be left online at http://www.bradleyhadley.com

Obituary - Linda Lou James

The FUNERAL for Linda will be Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, MO. VISITATION will precede the service from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. The OFFICIANT will be Pastor David Hill. MEMORIAL donations may be made to Heartland Hospice and left at the funeral home.

Linda Lou James was born on June 3, 1943, the daughter of Richard Marsh and Ruby Irene (Wetzel) Romdall. She passed away peacefully at her home on April 23, 2023, age 79. She grew up in the Montrose area, where she attended Montrose High School.

After completing her education, Linda worked as a waitress and secretary most of her life. She enjoyed watching her children compete in rodeo and loved the horse shows. Her favorite hobbies were gardening and raising flowers. Linda was known for her many beautiful flower beds and lush gardens. Linda was always an avid NASCAR fan, who cherished spending many white-knuckled afternoons watching her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Marsh and Ruby Irene (Wetzel) Romdall; a Son-in-law, Jim Hilte; four siblings: Harold Park, Roger Romdall, Russell Romdall, Betty Cooper; and one still born son, Dwayne Allen Lewellen.

She is survived by her two children: Tammy Hilte and Tony (Paula) Lewellen; one sister, Mary Jane Locke; grandchildren: Cody Hilte (Lacy), Corey (Cisely) Hilte, Caitlin (Jake) Blakely, and Casey (Carter) Mitchell; great-grandchildren: Ellis and Asa Hilte, Flint and Silas Blakely, and Wyatt Jobe; along with many extended family and good friends.

Drug bust in Kingsville

Attention all Johnson County residents! The Johnson County Crime Resolution Team and the Missouri State Highway Patrol have made a major breakthrough in combating narcotics in our community.

Yesterday, they executed a search warrant in the 1600 block of NW 35 Road, Kingsville, resulting in the seizure of approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine, stolen vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and one ATV. 

They have arrested two suspects related to the search warrant, and we hope this sends a clear message that illegal activity will not be tolerated in our community.

We urge our community members to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. 

Together, let’s keep Johnson County safe!