Two Pittsburg Kansas Women Charged for Endangering a Child

On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 12:20 PM first responders with Pittsburg Fire Department, Crawford EMS, and officers with the Pittsburg Police Department responded to 407 Thomas Street in Pittsburg in reference to an infant not breathing. Upon first responders’ arrival, the child was still unresponsive, and aid was provided on scene to the infant. 

The infant was transported to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for continued medical treatment. The infant was stabilized at the hospital in Pittsburg and later transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for more specialized treatment. The Pittsburg Police Department began an investigation into the events leading up to the discovery of the unresponsive child.

On July 26, 2024, two arrest warrants were issued out of Crawford County District Court for the two adults running the daycare facility. At approximately 1630 hours 27-year-old Madison Ann Thompson, and 24-year-old Whitney Jo Henderson, both of Pittsburg, were taken into custody at the Pittsburg Police Department.

Ms. Thompson was arrested for felony abuse of a child, felony aggravated endangering a child, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Ms. Henderson was arrested for felony aggravated endangering a child, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor criminal use of weapons. Ms. Thompson and Ms. Henderson were transported to the Crawford County Jail for booking.

Ms. Thompson is currently being held on a $500,000 cash or surety bond. Ms. Henderson is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond.

Ms. Thompson and Ms. Henderson are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Whitney Jo Henderson

Madison Ann Thompson

Fatality motorcycle crash in Cass County

On Sunday July 28th around 11:30 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Cass County along with the Cass County Sheriff's Department responded to a motorcycle accident in MO 2 at 217st St. in rural Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occured when the east bound 1999 Harley Davidson driven by a 33 year old Joshua T. Riley of Overland Park, KS travelled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. The vehicle then struck the ground and continued on the grass. The driver was ejected and struck a metal sign.

Mr. Riley was pronounced dead at the accident by Kansas Forensic Medical Death Investigators. The next of kin has been notified.

View Crash Report here:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240385192

Obituary - Loren R. Roberts

Loren Ray Roberts, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024. He went to his heavenly home to be with his family who went before him. Loren was born August 15, 1956, the son of Dorn C. Roberts and Mary Virginia Edwards Roberts. During Loren’s lifetime, he worked at multiple jobs to provide for his family. He had been employed by National Harvest Brand, John Deere and multiple other jobs where he worked as supervisor. His most important job of all was being a father and grandfather. He did everything in his life the way he wanted.

Loren had five children, Harvey Roberts, who is now deceased, Melissa Jewett of Oswego, Kansas, Christy and Michael Montgomery, of Arma, Kansas, Gary Roberts of Pittsburg, Kansas and Misti Spiegelmeyer of Florida and multiple grandchildren, Shelby Montgomery, Shawna, Danielle and Kari Ridley, Michelle and Oden Jewett, Levi and Jackie Roberts. Also surviving are three sisters, Joyce and Danny Henderson, Mindy Roberts and Sherry Neff. He also had several nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud. Loren was preceded in death by a son, Harvey, two granddaughters, Sandra and Ashley, his parents, Dorn and Mary Roberts, and a brother, Gary. His family would like to thank Stacy Messinger for helping Loren remain in his home during his final illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Holly Gault and Gentiva Hospice for their care. In Loren’s lifetime, all the way to the end, he did everything his way!

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 2 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Loren Roberts Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary - Florence M. Karnes

Florence Marie Karnes, age 95, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, July 26, 2024, at her home. She was born October 30, 1928, in Fulton, KS the daughter of Howard and Lola White Taylor. She married Harrison Edward Cox in 1945, in Erie, KS. He preceded her in death in March 1974.

 She later married Warren Eugene Karnes on October 30, 1977, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death in February 1998. Florence worked for Walder’s Bakery, Key Work Clothes, and was the manager of the Salvation Army store. She was a member of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary. Florence was a generous person, always helping someone. She enjoyed making quilts and baking, especially peanut butter cookies.

Survivors include 5 sisters, Betty Payne, Arcadia, KS, Shirley Driscoll, Denver, CO, Donna Thomas, Wagner, OK, Edna Page, Fort Scott, and Barbara Underwood, Fort Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews, including her caregiver, Cheryl Hawkins. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Joe, Bill, and Howard; and 3 sisters, Marita, Ethel, and Mary; and her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS. A visitation time will be held from 9:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com

Happy Birthday Officer Kauffman

Osceola Police Department wants to wish Officer Kauffman a happy birthday! Keep up the great work!

Obituary - Charles E. Spangler

Charles Edward Spangler, was born April 13, 1948 in the family home in Garden City, Missouri to parents Paul and June Spangler (Barnard). He departed this life Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Delmar Gardens, Lenexa, KS at the age of 76. Charles graduated from Harrisonville High School and lived most of his life in Harrisonville. Charles made his living in concrete construction, working with his father and eventually taking over as owner and operator of Spangler Concrete.

Charles was an avid sand greens golfer and was a long-time member, officer and volunteer for Harrisonville Golf Club. He also enjoyed playing shuffleboard and rarely missed his weekly game with friends until this past year.

Besides his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Spangler and grandson Brennan Coleman. Charles is survived by his son Ryan Spangler (Jill), daughters Amy Moritz (Andy) and Gayla Daragona, five grand children (Reese and Tyler Spangler, Enzo Moritz, Kealee and Olivia Daragona), and one great grandson (Malakai Harris).

Cremation with a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this fall with interment at Will’s Cemetery in Peculiar, Missouri.

Cedar County Sheriff's Office receives grant to Facilitate better social distancing

The Cedar County Sheriff's Office has recently applied for and received a grant to facilitate better social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The grant was for a total of $200,000. Our Office Manager, Carla Lowe, did an amazing job applying for this grant and using the funds appropriately. With the grant funds we were able to add a separate room / addition for dispatch to be relocated to the front entry. With the new dispatch room, there will be a staff member at the front window 24 / 7 to assist anyone who stops by the Sheriff's Office where you will see upgraded desks and equipment (pictured below).

Other items and equipment we purchased through the grant include laptops for our Deputies so they will be able to work more from their vehicles. New Hepa filters throughout the facility, new dishwasher, washer and dryer, new pressure washer, respirators and hazmat suits for Deputies and jail staff, complete cleaning and service for our vent system at the jail, a new completely self contained portable restroom with showers, this can be used at the scene of any critical incident, or in the event that our water system is down at the jail. This grant will help the Sheriff's Office to better serve the citizens and will make our jobs here safer and easier.

Courtesy of Sheriff James Mccrary.

3rd Annual Vernon County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

3rd Annual Vernon County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

Vernon County Sheriff Blood Drive and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive.

Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!

Drive Details:
Site: Vernon County Fairgrounds
Address: 1488 E. Ashland, Nevada, MO 64772
Room name: Activity Center
Date: Friday, August 2nd, 2024
Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

3RD ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE!! COME DONATE AND GET BOTH A SPECIAL BATTLE OF THE BADGES T-SHIRT AND A $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD! OUR BLOOD INVENTORY IS VERY VERY LOW. PLEASE BRING A FRIEND, FAMILY NEIGHBOR, CO-WORKER OR NEIGHBOR TO DONATE AS WELL! WALK-INS WELCOMED, APPOINTMENTS ENCOURAGED!!

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your mini-physical, and track your donations.