Opinion -- Missouri Economic Growth Triggers State Income Tax Cut

By the Missouri Governor’s Office

On Tuesday, during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the State, Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri's robust economy and continued revenue strength has triggered an additional income tax cut under Senate Bills (SB) 3 & 5, approved by Governor Parson in 2022. This income tax cut lowers Missouri's top income tax rate to 4.7 percent and marks a more than 20 percent decrease in Missourians' income tax burdens during the Parson Administration. 

"As a lifelong conservative, I'm exceptionally proud to announce the fifth income tax cut of our administration," Governor Parson said. "We know there is a lot of noise and nonsense from candidates running for political office wanting Missourians to ignore our wins an focus on their fears, but the reality is Missouri's economy is strong. This year alone, we've nearly added 70,000 jobs to our economy, rank first in the nation for job growth, and businesses continue to grow and invest in our communities at a record pace. The simple fact remains: Missouri is on a solid foundation and Missourians are reaping the rewards by keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, and we offer a special thanks to Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Senator Lincoln Hough, and all legislators in support for helping deliver these historic tax cuts to all Missourians."

Even before this income tax cut, Missouri was ranked 11th for the lowest tax burden in the nation, including both state and local taxes, by U.S. News. 

“Throughout his time in office, Governor Parson has been consistent in cutting the state’s income tax, this being the fifth cut over the last six years,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “I was pleased to support the legislation enabling these tax cuts and am glad to see another cut triggered. This ensures Missourians’ hard-earned dollars remain where they belong – in their own pockets, where they can spend it far better and more wisely than the government. As a state, we must continue to work together to encourage economic growth by ensuring Missourians can spend more of their own money in the state’s economy.”

SBs 3 & 5, passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Parson after his special session call in 2022, included additional 0.1 percentage point income tax cut triggers when general revenue increased by $200 million, adjusted for inflation, in a given fiscal year (FY). Net general revenue collections grew by $322.6 million from FY 23 to FY 24. As a result, Missouri's top income tax rate will be cut from 4.8 percent to 4.7 percent, effective January 1, 2025. 

This action marks the fifth income tax cut Governor Parson has implemented during his time in office and a 1.2 percentage point total reduction: 0.5 in 2019, 0.1 in 2022, 0.35 in 2023, 0.15 in 2024, and 0.1 in 2025. 

Missourians income tax burdens have now been reduced by more than 20 percent since Governor Parson took office. This was achieved at the same time Missouri's economy earned record wins during the Parson Administration: 

–1st in the nation for job growth in 2024. 

–More than 175,000 jobs added to Missouri's economy (since June 2018).

–Outpacing all neighboring states in manufacturing job growth. 

–Lowest unemployment rate ever recorded at 2.1 percent (April 2022).

–Six consecutive years of Missouri's unemployment rate below the national average.

–61 months of positive job growth – despite a global pandemic. 

–$1.9 billion left on the bottom line thanks to conservative and balanced budgets year after year.

–AAA credit rating maintained all six years.

–40 percent general revenue growth driven by sales tax collections (i.e. Missourians spending their own money). 

“This is good news for hard-working Missouri families, and proves our historic tax cut legislation is working exactly as we knew it would," Senator Lincoln Hough said. "More money in Missourians' pockets means more money in the economy and in turn more state revenue, and thanks to our efforts, that revenue is leading to more tax cuts. Every day, I’ll fight for Missourians to keep more of their hard-earned money.” 

Note: Section 143.011, RSMo defines net general revenue collected as all revenue deposited into the general revenue fund, less refunds and revenues originally deposited into the general revenue fund but designated by law for a specific distribution or transfer to another state fund.

Elam Bend Conservation Area

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent

The Elam Bend Conservation Area in Southeast Gentry County South of McFall offers many outdoor opportunities including a firearms range. The firearms range is an unstaffed Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) range that has a 25, 50, and 100 yard rifle and handgun range, and a shotgun trap range.  There are range regulations that are posted at the range and at the MDC website at www.missouriconservation.org.  The website has other information about Elam Bend like driving directions, other regulations and area information, map of the area, etc.  

The Elam Bend Conservation Area is a mixture of forest, old field, prairie, and cropland habitat. Other area features are a boat ramp with access to the Grand River, camping, hunting, fishing, and a disabled accessible privy. 

MDC initially purchased property for the Elam Bend Conservation Area in 1979 to provide a river-oriented, multiple-use area on an un-channelized portion of the upper Grand River. Subsequent additions to the area have increased its size to 1,483 acres. In addition to providing river access and river-oriented recreation, the area is managed for both game and non-game species of upland and forest wildlife.

Goldie Troutwine 1921-2024

Goldie Steinman Troutwine departed this life on July 24, 2024.  Her parents were Luke and Eva Melinda Steinman.  She was raised in Parnell, MO.  Her family consisted of the parents and 16 children.

 Goldie married Virgil Troutwine in 1941 and soon after they moved to Independence.  She always referred to both places as her hometown.  They had been married for 61 years.

Virgil and Goldie had four children: Virgil Jr, Cecil (wife Carol), Twila (husband Richard) and Stephen.  Three grandchildren; Cecil Alan Jr, Chad and Chris; eight great grandchildren; Nick, Nathan, Libby, Lexi, Penny, Charley, Emmanuelle and August and one great, great grandchild, Skylar.

Goldie worked for Milgram Grocery Store for 50 years and was named “Checker of the Year” several times.  She was an active member of Beaumont Baptist Church for over 50 years.

Goldie was active in the Democratic Party and was elected committeewoman several times; she also was the recipient of the Truman Award.

Goldie is the last of the brothers and sisters and is also preceded in death by her husband and son, Virgil.

She lived a happy life, enjoyed her family, and was always ready to go somewhere.

There was a family and close friends service on July 28, 2024. 

Mike Kehoe, Lincoln Hough Rally in Sheridan

Two candidates for statewide office, Mike Kehoe and Lincoln Hough, came to Sheridan Wednesday to rally at the Jeff & Debbie Thummel farm. Kehoe, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor, is running for Governor. He is locked in a tight three way race with State Senator Bill Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has visited Worth County frequently during his tenure. Hough, another state senator, is running for Lieutenant Governor and is running as a team with Kehoe. They both have similar backgrounds as both are first generation farmers who have built up successful farming operations from scratch. The primary election is Tuesday, August 6th; polls open from 6 am to 7 pm.

Reflecting the tight nature of the race, former President Donald Trump, whose endorsement is coveted by Republican candidates, has stayed neutral in the race. “All have had excellent careers, and have been with me from the beginning. They are MAGA and America First all the way!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “I can’t hurt two of them by Endorsing one so, therefore, I’m going to Endorse, for Governor of the Great State of Missouri, Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Bill Eigel. Choose any one of them – You can’t go wrong!”

State Representative Jeff Farnan started off by saying that in looking for a governor, he looked for someone who is pro-life, pro-guns, pro-agriculture, and pro-business and that he wanted someone who was a fellow Christian. Kehoe, said Farnan, fit all of those categories. 

State Senator Lincoln Hough, who represents Springfield, said there would be no better person to vote for than Kehoe. “He brings people together,” said Hough. “He was the man who inspired me to run.” Hough started off as a first generation cattleman and came to learn that politics directly affects our way of life and that elections matter. 

Mike Deering of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, who emceed the event, said that Kehoe provides real conservative leadership and that governing takes more than a last name and more than just yelling and screaming, taking a couple of shots at Kehoe’s two main opponents. “Together, we can elect people with country common sense,” said Deering.

Deering noted that Kehoe had the endorsements of nearly all the major farm organizations in the state, that Jay Ashcroft and Bill Eigel had no ground to stand on, and so they were attacking Kehoe. “Not one time did Mike Kehoe ever sell us out to China,” said Deering. In fact, said Deering, Kehoe and others in the legislature, including Brad Lager, worked to fix a broken system in which there was no tracking or reporting of foreign land ownership. “Mike Kehoe is being attacked because he would rather be with you guys,” said Deering. 

This includes Jay Ashcroft derisively calling Kehoe “Tax Hike Mike” in fundraising emails throughout his campaign and claiming that Kehoe never met a tax increase he didn’t like. That very morning, at Kehoe rallies in Kansas City and Blue Springs, the Eigel campaign fired off a news release claiming responsibility for a person who donned a chicken suit to take Kehoe to task for not attending a gubernatorial debate that night. In that news release, Eigel’s campaign manager, Sophie Shore, referred to Kehoe as, “Kung-Pao Kehoe.” 

On July 21st, the Missouri Independent reported that Eigel was attacking Kehoe over what he called, “the China Bus.” The Missouri Independent says the bus is owned by former legislator Jewell Patek, who now lobbies for Smithfield and 44 other firms, including Evergy. Smithfield operates what was once known as Premium Standard Farms, which operates on more than 40,000 acres near Princeton. In 2013, Smithfield was acquired by Shuanghui International, which is based in China. 

The Missouri Independent says that Kehoe leased the bus in question out of his own pocketbook. The campaign paid for the wrapping, which includes a photo of Kehoe and his wife. Supporters of Kehoe can sign the side of the bus. The campaign pays for the fuel and other expenses as well.

The Independent says that before 2013, Missouri law banned foreign ownership of agricultural land. To accommodate the sale of Smithfield, lawmakers made it legal for up to 1% of Missouri farmland to be foreign owned. Kehoe voted for that bill. Jay Nixon, the governor at the time, vetoed the bill, but it was overridden. Nixon said that the 1% provision was inserted at the last minute without benefit of a hearing and over the objections of agricultural groups. The 1% provision still stands despite multiple efforts by legislators of both parties to repeal it.

According to the Independent, Kehoe defends his vote, saying that the relationship with China in 2013 was very different than it is today. As quoted by the Independent, he said, “Times have changed, and so we would move forward with the position I have very clearly stated that I do not want any enemy of this country owning anything.”

Since 2013, relations between the US and China have deteriorated. In 2017, President Donald Trump began a series of massive new tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing China of dumping them on America and accusing previous administrations of negotiating terrible trade deals which drove American manufacturers out of business. In 2020, Trump blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the worldwide economy, quit speaking with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and called COVID-19 the “China Virus.” In recent years, China has ramped up military exercises against Taiwan, which it says belongs to China. China has also forged closer ties with Russia and has supported its “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. 

In his speech Wednesday, Kehoe gave a shoutout to Rep. Farnan, Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, who represents Andrew, DeKalb, and part of Clinton Counties, State Senator Rusty Black, who represents this area, and Rep. Donnie Brown, who represents Mississippi, New Madrid, and Pemiscot counties in the southeast corner of the state. Van Schoiack, with his trademark cowboy hat, was in attendance. “You send some good people to the Capitol,” said Kehoe. He also mentioned former Sen. Dan Hegeman, saying he was one of his best friends. In addition to most of the farm groups in the state, Kehoe has been endorsed by Governor Mike Parson and most of Missouri’s law enforcement and public safety groups. 

Kehoe said that he would defend the Second Amendment. He said that as someone who had a difficult childhood growing up in the St. Louis area, he once witnessed a gang fight and that they steal guns. He wanted out and became a first generation farmer, now running a cow/calf operation for the last 40 years. “Agriculture has taught me more than anything about life,” said Kehoe. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a first generation farmer.” He was able to start his operation and work his way up despite 1984 being the height of the farm crisis, which drove thousands of farms across the country into foreclosure.

Kehoe credits his single mother for his development growing up and said that it was never his dream to be in government. “My goal was to own my own bicycle,” he said. Now, he said, he wanted to give back. To that end, Kehoe has been all over the state campaigning on a platform of less regulations and strong public safety, infrastructure, and education. “I’m here to bring people together,” he said. “Our country was founded because 56 key people came together. Not everyone got what they wanted, but I’m always willing to talk with people with different views.” As to his style, Kehoe pledged, “I won’t be a flamethrower and burn the state down.” 

He has been to 185 events all over the state, including every county now. It has gotten to the point where he says he won’t tell his wife, Claudia, how many stops there are left in the day. His campaign Facebook page is full of pictures from campaign events at various numerous small towns in the state. “I’m going to keep going hard,” said Kehoe. “This is a watershed moment. As a state, we feed and clothe the world, and I want to keep Missouri going.”

Hunting Seasons and Safety

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent

September is the month in Missouri when several hunting seasons open. The dove hunting season opens Sept. 1 and closes Nov. 29. The teal duck season opens Sept. 7 and closes Sept. 22. The deer and turkey archery season opens Sept. 15 and closes Nov. 15 for the Nov. firearms portion of the deer season. Hunting regulation booklets can be found online at www.mdc.mo.gov, at permit vendors, and at MDC offices. 

To continue to keep hunting one of the safest outdoor activities, remember the top four safety rules. 1. Always point the firearm muzzle in a safe direction. 2. 100% identify your target and what is beyond it. 3. Keep your safety on until you are ready for a safe shot. 4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. 

According to the International Hunter Education Association, out of the 11.5 million hunters in the U.S., in an average year fewer than 1,000 hunting related shooting incidents occur. Due to the mandatory hunter education programs and safety regulations like blaze orange, hunting incidents have declined significantly over the last 50 years. 

To report conservation violations, you can contact Conservation Law Enforcement Agents directly (numbers on MDC website and in the fall/spring deer/turkey regulation booklets) or by calling the county or state dispatch center. You can also call the OGT (Operation Game Thief) 24-hour hotline at 1-800-392-1111, you can remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.

State Sales Tax Holiday August 2nd to 4th

Missouri’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, and runs through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 4. During this time, certain back-to-school purchases such as school supplies, computers, clothing, and other qualifying items as defined by statute are exempt from all state and local sales tax.

During the sales tax holiday, state and local sales tax will not be charged on the following items:

Clothing that does not have a taxable value of more than $100. Eligible clothing items include any article of apparel intended to be worn on or about the body, including footwear and disposable diapers for infants or adults. Cloth and other material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing are also included. Not included are watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles;

School supplies, not exceeding $50 per purchase, that are used in a standard classroom for educational purposes. School supplies include, but are not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, chalk, maps, globes, handheld calculators, graphing calculators that do not have a taxable value of more than $150, and computer software that does not have a taxable value of more than $350. Not included are watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures; and

Personal computers that do not cost more than $1,500 and computer peripheral devices that do not cost more than $1,500. A personal computer can be a laptop, desktop, or tower computer system which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, and a keyboard. Peripheral devices include items such as a disk drive, memory module, compact disk drive, daughterboard, digitizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, printer, scanner, single-user hardware, single-user operating system, soundcard, or video card.

Anyone who makes a qualified purchase may participate in the holiday. You do not have to be a Missouri resident or student to participate and save.

 

Grant City Council Appoints Building Inspectors, Commissioner for Abandoned Homes

The City of Grant City is moving forward with plans to get rid of abandoned homes and clean up the town. The city learned that in order to move forward on condemning unlivable properties, the city needs to have building inspectors and a building commissioner. Mayor Debbie Roach appointed Carl Staton, Tyson Troutwine, Ryan Fletchall, and Riley Jones as building inspectors, with the understanding that if a property is questionable, an engineer will be hired to do an inspection. Roach appointed Lizzie Jeanes as Building Commissioner.

The Grant City Council held their regular council meeting on July 23rd. City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported that there were changes to laws that could possibly affect vacant properties and the cleanup process. She found out about two different funding programs. The EPA could possibly complete phase two on the Masonic Lodge on the east side of the Square, since the DNR has run out of funding to complete that. There is also FEMA grant money available for a community storm shelter.

Worth County Collector Jessica Davidson sent the city a proposed contract to collect city taxes through the county. The County commission would be 2% and the Collector’s commission would be 3%. The city will review the contract with the attorney before approval.

Rachel Brown of the Worth County Prevention Coalition spoke about an upcoming event at the City Park on August 13th. The city waived the $25 permit fee, since they are just getting started. She informed the council that the Prevention Coalition would put the community garden at the Doc Swift Park next year; for this year, they are keeping up the garden at Head Start. They will apply for an Extension Grant next year.

The council approved a request from Gwanda Harker to hold a second anniversary celebration for the Dusty Cowgirl for September 21st. 

The city found more information about the sewer lines on Lover’s Lane. None of the houses whose service lines run through Gary Owens’ property have easements; they cover the mains only, not the service lines. The city is looking into using remaining ARPA funds for a sewer main to eliminate the service lines crossing Gary Owens’ property.

The city found out that the cost of a digital welcome sign to replace the one on the east end of Grant City would cost between $26,000 and $54,000. The city got estimates for a metal sign similar to the one on the west side of town. Nathan Creveling bid $3,700 and M&M Design bid $4,479. The city council voted 3-1 to approve Creveling’s bid.

Ryan Fletchall reported that the city had done a sewer tap for Dave and Kathy Cavanaugh and worked on a water line. He reported that the duck weed at the lagoon was dead.

Carl Staton reported that the city took out two gas lines for houses that are going to be coming down soon and they have two more to take out soon.

Tyson Troutwine requested a load of cold mix for chip and seal; the council approved. He reported that city brush cleanup went well, and that they fixed a spot in front of the title company building, and replaced a tube at the school.

The council voted to donate $100 to the Tri-County Health Department for educational materials. 

DOT to Conduct Public Hearing Concerning Future of I-229 Bridge

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held at the Remington Nature Center – 1502 MacArthur Drive St. Joseph, MO 64505, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Daylight Savings Time. All interested persons will be allowed to be heard concerning their views on the design and construction of the Interstate 229 Double-Decker Bridge, St. Joseph, concerning the economic and social effects of such design, its impact on the environment, and its consistency with the goals and objectives of the community. An open-house format will be used, and people may discuss the project.

The presently contemplated improvement is as follows:

With the preferred alternative, the double-decker bridge is removed and replaced with a new four-lane arterial road constructed at-grade (elevated as necessary for compliance with floodplain and stormwater requirements) in generally the same location as the existing double-decker bridge between the railroad tracks and the Missouri River. Access to downtown would only be provided at 4th Street and a new interchange at US Route 59 (St. Joseph Avenue). This alternative would require the de-designation of I-229 as an interstate.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment document, can be found on the project website at: https://www.modot.org/stjoe229 or by visiting MoDOT’s Northwest District Office at 3602 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO, 64506. Written comments will be accepted until ten days after the hearing (Attn: I-229 Environmental Assessment, 3602 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO, 64506).

We are committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. Access for people with disabilities is available. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Northwest District Communications Manager Jenna Keyes at Jenna.Keyes@modot.mo.gov by Aug. 8, 2024.

Donald Parker 1937-2024

Donald Lee Parker, 86, of Conception Junction, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Worth County Convalescent Center, Grant City, Missouri.

Donald was born on November 20, 1937, in Emporia, Kansas, to Roy and Margaret (Heaney) Parker.  They preceded him in death.  He was also preceded by his sister, Helen Dickey.

He graduated from the Wentworth Military Academy, in Lexington, Missouri.  He then attended college in Ft. Collins, Colorado, before joining the United States Marine Corps.  

He retired as a Major from the Marines after 14 years of service.  Later he earned his BS degree in Geology from the University of Missouri/Kansas City.    

He lived several years in California before moving to Kansas City, and later settled in Conception Junction, Missouri.

On September 20, 1997, Donald was united in marriage to Geraldine (Gerry) Hilsenbeck, and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children, Adam Lee (Jennifer) Parker, Overland Park, Kansas, Laura (Doug) Floersch, Olathe, Kansas, Melissa Parker, Hilo, Hawaii, and his stepchildren, Terri (Tom) McBrien, Conception, Missouri, JR (Paula) Bradshaw, Maryville, Missouri, Lisa Nielson, Maryville, Missouri, Christi Bradshaw, Maryville, Missouri, and Melissa (Mike) Wilmes, Conception Junction, Missouri, 18 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.

Mr. Parker has been cremated under the care of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.  Services will be at a later date.  

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 464, Conception Junction, Missouri, or a charity of the donors choice.  

Obituary -- Frederick Holtman

Frederick Gene Holtman, Stanberry, MO, passed away on July 22, 2024, at Mosaic Hospital in Saint Joseph, MO. 

He was the son of Colton and Jenice (Bartlett) Holtman.       

Frederick was preceded in death by his grandfather Frederick Holtman, great grandparents Bill and Marie Schwebach, great grandparents Lawrence and Pauline Holtman, great grandfather Ray Bartlett, and great grandfather Carl Ellis.   

Frederick will be mourned by his parents and two brothers Grayson and Barrett Holtman of the home. Grandmother Nancy Holtman, Conception Jct., grandparents Mike and Tonya Bartlett, Bethany, MO, great grandmother Sharon Bartlett, Bethany MO, and great grandmother Emily Ellis, Stanberry MO.

Frederick will also be mourned by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.   

There will be a private family service for Frederick at a later date.     

Arrangements are under the direction of Bram Funeral Home.

North Nodaway Approves Lori Baldwin as Substitute Teacher

The North Nodaway School Board, at their regular meeting Wednesday, voted to name Lori Baldwin as a substitute teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.

The board voted to declare the old elementary playground equipment as surplus property.

The board set the out of district tuition rate for the upcoming school year at $13,478.30.

The board set the tax rate hearing for August 21st, 2024 at 5:45 pm.

The board voted to sign an agreement with Courtney Koch to provide mental health services to the district at least one day per week during the upcoming school year, including participating in IEP and Section 504 meetings as appropriate. The funding will be paid for by a grant. 

Principal Heather Townsend reported on the progress in the projects for summer. Painting is completed, gym floors have been refinished, cafeteria floors and the wood floors to the old main entrance have been refinished, and landscaping changes on the exterior have started.

Teachers have been enrolled in the LETRS program and will be starting either Volume I or II. Teacher schedules have been finalized. New teachers will attend Character Strong training at the Mozingo Conference Center.

High School Principal Roger Johnson reported that there was a busy summer of students attending summer athletic programs. Preparations have been made for registration, Back to School night, and 6th grade orientation. 

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that the annual audit for the school is scheduled for July 31st. 

Projects that need to be completed before the school starts:

–Lockers will arrive the beginning of August.

–Fencing at the elementary will start the week of July 22nd.

–Carpeting at the high school is in progress.

–Dirt work will start on the new playground equipment in the next few weeks.

–Installation of the high school bathroom partitions is in progress.

Bo Hansen, Troy Nally, Teresa Thompson, Corey Everhart, and summer student helpers Blaine Clements, Ridge Clements, and Ty Moyer have been doing a lot of work on the summer projects.

Buses are being taken to be inspected.

Platte Valley football camp will be taking place the end of this month, and it will be at the Hopkins field due to renovations at the South Nodaway field. They will attend team camps at Tarkio and Albany. The North Nodaway school is still looking for a coach to help with the program.

Bus training is scheduled for August 12th. All bus drivers must have eight hours of training annually.

The school is seeking a staff development grant that would help any non-certified staff or project coordinators with tuition to become a teacher.

Registration will be August 8th at the school. New staff orientation will be August 9th.

The school got a letter from the Missouri Department of Education stating that the school meets the requirements and purposes of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The US Department of Education had previously notified the state that it met the requirements and purposes of the IDEA. The state scored the district a 4, which is the highest score the school can receive.

Worth County Hires Kyle Dignan as Ag Teacher, Anna Gladstone as Counselor

The Worth County School Board, at their regular meeting Wednesday, filled two vacancies and hired a junior high softball coach. The board hired Kyle Dignan as the new Ag teacher for Worth County. The board hired Anna Gladstone as 7th through 12th grade counselor. The board named Josh Fletchall as the junior high softball coach on a volunteer basis. The school is still looking for a varsity girls basketball coach for the 2024-25 season.

The board authorized Superintendent Chris Healy to apply for a $3,050 program improvement grant for the Ag program. The school is seeking to purchase new curriculum, 10 welding helmets, and new tools.

The board made committee assignments for the upcoming school year:

Career Tech Education Advisory Committee– Amber Monticue, Josh Fletchall.

District Facilities Committee – Josh Fletchall, Michael Mullock, Patricia Warner.

District Policy Committee – Patricia Warner, Brad Maudlin.

Partnership Library Board – Amber Monticue, Patricia Warner.

Worth County Educational Foundation Board – Michael Mullock.

District Wellness Committee / Food Safety– Brad Maudlin, Adam Downing.

District Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) – Amanda Gilland.

District Finance Committee – Amanda Gilland, Amber Monticue, Patricia Warner, Chris Healy.

Board Legislative Committee – Patricia Warner, Chris Healy.

The board voted to declare some items as surplus property. The public is invited to bid on surplus property. Bids must be turned in by 3 pm on August 9th. The following items were declared surplus property: 5 HP Windows 10 Desktop Computers, 3 overhead projectors, two Magnavox DVD/VCR players, one Brother Laser Printer with wireless and wired network interfaces, an iPad, and 7 Lenovo T530 Windows 10 Laptops. 

The board renewed the transportation agreement with NEN in which Worth County will transport NEN vo-tech students to Maryville for $3.78 per mile. 

The board approved participation in the State Minimum Salary Grant, which will raise starting pay for new teachers to $40,000 a year from $38,000. 

The board received three bids for a 10 passenger van. Currently, the school has two minivans and two school cards. Missouri law now allows 10 passenger vans to be driven by anyone with a valid driver’s license. Anything over 10 passengers must be a yellow school bus and driven by a licensed bus driver. Purchasing a 10 passenger van will allow the school to use a van instead of a bus in some situations. The gray van is in need of some repairs. The school has $717,000 in the Capital Projects Fund. The van will be paid for out of it.

National Van Builders bid $67,926.98 for a 2024 Transit Van. National Bus Sales bid $87,500 for a 2024 RAM. Pettijohn Auto Center bid $49,327 for a 2020 Transit with 14,000 miles. The board voted to accept the Pettijohn bid. The van will be available now, as opposed to the other two bidders, which estimated 6-8 months for delivery time.

The board unanimously voted to host a Girls Golf coop with NEN. Worth County and NEN have coop agreements in baseball and football. This will be the third agreement. 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for July 17th, 2024

On July 7th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office arrested Thomas Shaw (27) of Mount Ayr on two counts Child Endangerment, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $14,300, cash only. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office also arrested Kenley Shaw (24) of Mount Ayr on two counts Child Endangerment, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $5,300, cash only.

On July 8th, the Department of Homeland Security reported that since President Joe Biden’s June 5th proclamation tightening border security controls, 24,000 noncitizens who the government says do not have a legal basis to be in the US have been removed or returned to more than 20 countries.

On July 8th, the FBI reported that Benjamin Cohen (22) of Westport (CT) and Dana Bell (65) of Princeton (TX) pleaded guilty in US District Court to Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer in conjunction with the events of January 6th, 2021. The FBI reports that more than 1,470 individuals have been charged in almost all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the US Capitol on January 6th. 

On July 8th, Sudeana Reno (34) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to an amended charge of Domestic Assault. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On July 9th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that the Rev. Ignazio Medina (72) of Jefferson City, a retired Catholic priest, pleaded guilty to charges that he embezzled $358,000 from St. Stanislaus (MO) parish, which he had served as pastor from 2013 to 2021. He also allegedly transported stolen property across state lines by writing his sister, who lives in Arizona, a check for $100,000. 

On July 9th, the US Department of Justice reported that Andrew Nichols (38) of Carmel (IN) was sentenced to 14 months in prison for making a death threat against a Michigan election worker following the 2020 elections. 

On July 9th, the US Department of Justice reported that Nikolay Goltsev (38) of Montreal and Salimdzhon Nasriddinov (53) of Brooklyn pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Export Control Violations. The defendants allegedly procured electronic components on behalf of sanctioned Russian companies. Some of these components were later found in seized Russian weapons in Ukraine. The government has seized $1.68 million in connection with this scheme.

On July 9th, three defendants were sentenced for their actions during the events of January 6th, 2021. Alan Michael St. Onge (36) of Brevard (NC) was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Kyle Kumer (43) of Kansas City was sentenced to 10 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. William Stover (46) of Elizabethtown (KY) was sentenced to six months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. US District Judge Carl Nichols sentenced the men.

On July 9th, the US Department of Justice announced the indictment of two former Northwoods (MO) police officers for violating a man’s civil rights in 2023. Samuel Davis and Michael Hill were charged with conspiracy to intimidate a victim in the free exercise of their rights. Davis was also charged with obstruction of an investigation and altering records. Hill was charged with lying to the FBI. The Department of Justice alleges that Davis, with the approval of Hill, who was Davis’ supervisor, allegedly took the victim, who he arrested, to a field where Davis allegedly struck the man with his police baton. Davis then allegedly told a dispatcher that the victim was gone and also allegedly turned his body camera off.

On July 9th, the US Border Patrol reported that they discovered 23 undocumented migrants stowed away in a locked train car near Laredo (TX). They were trapped in 100 degree heat with no way out. 

On July 9th, the Associated Press reported that Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson filed charges against Timothy Haslett of Excelsior Springs alleging that he kept a woman hidden in his basement while sexually assaulting her. He was charged with one count Rape, four counts Sodomy, two counts Assault, Kidnapping, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She eventually escaped to a neighbor’s house wearing a trash bad, a padlocked collar, and duct tape. In addition, he was charged with Murder in connection with Jaynie Crosdale’s death. Crosdale’s body was discovered in June 2023 after an extensive search. Bond was set at $5 million.

On July 10th, Pablo Navarez (29) of Albany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving and No Valid License. He was assessed $415.50 in fines and court costs and sentenced to two days in jail by Judge Rebecca McGinley. 

On July 10th, the US Department of Justice reported that Irina Sadovsky (54) of Calabasas (CA) was sentenced to two years and three months in prison and Shahriar Kalantari (56) of Los Angeles was sentenced to one year and 11 months. The defendants allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and California’s Medi-Cal for fake prescriptions that were then sold on the black market.

On July 10th, the US Department of Justice and Strauss Ventures LLC, based in Michigan, which owns a chain of 12 skilled nursing home facilities, settled allegations that the defendants billed federal healthcare programs such as Medicare A and Tricare for therapy services that were unreasonable, unnecessary, or that did not occur. The defendants must pay $21.3 million in damages. Management at these facilities allegedly implemented quotas that each of the 12 facilities was expected to reach. To meet these quotas, facilities scheduled patients to receive therapy without consideration of what was reasonable and necessary. In addition, the defendant allegedly directed that no more than three patients be discharged from the facility per week and that no Part A patients should be discharged without clearance from management. In addition, management would allegedly falsify the number of minutes that Medicare patients had received.

On July 10th, Jess Adams of Houston (AK) was sentenced to 30 months in prison for Embezzlement and Tax Evasion. The defendant was the Treasurer for the City of Houston, where he embezzled money from the city’s bank account to a personal account and created false records to make it look like legitimate business expenses. After his resignation in November 2018, the defendant then became employed as a bookkeeper at an equipment company, where he allegedly embezzled funds to other personal accounts and allegedly falsified records to conceal these transactions. The defendant also allegedly laundered the money by making several wire transfers from one bank account to another and filed false tax returns, failing to report the income.

On July 10th, the US Border Patrol reported that it had seized nearly $1 million in Methamphetamine at a Calexico (CA) commercial facility.

On July 10th, the Bedford Times-Press and the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation reported that the identity of the Clearfield shooting victim from July 4th was Colby Nelson (19) of Lenox. They also reported that Alan Schultz (37) of Bedford was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. They reported that the shooting happened following a disagreement between the two. 

On July 10th, the Bethany Republican-Clipper reported that two people were killed in a wreck and two Gallatin students were injured when on July 3rd, one vehicle stopped on Highway 92 between Kearney and Smithville to make a turn. A second vehicle swerved to avoid the first vehicle and went into the path of the Gallatin school bus. The second vehicle then struck a fourth car. Two people, Rodriquez Aplinar (32) and Iris Barhona (35) of Kansas City, were killed in the wreck. The Gallatin students had been coming home from FBLA nationals.

On July 10th, the Bethany Republican-Clipper reported that Dr. Bill Graham was eastbound on Highway 136 on Saturday, July 6th when he had a seizure and his vehicle struck a curb, went airborne, and plunged down an embankment. Graham received serious injuries and was lifeflighted from Harrison County Hospital to a regional hospital.

On July 10th, the US Department of Justice reported that Phillip Shurtliff (34) of St. Charles pleaded guilty to two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography. He was sentenced to 97 months in prison by Judge Robbie White. The defendant will also have to register as a sex offender.

On July 10th, Leslie Potts (36) of Rosendale pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and DWI. They were sentenced to two years probation and assessed $646.50 in fines and costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley. Defendant must complete the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender’s Program within 90 days. 

On July 10th, Tyler O’Neal (31) of King City pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Speeding (26+ mph over) and Resisting Arrest. He was sentenced to two years probation and assessed $346 in fines and costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley. 

On July 11th, Allen Thomsen (56) of Eagleville pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony). He was given five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. The case was transferred from Harrison County on a change of venue. 

On July 11th, the Associated Press reported that a four year old boy’s body was pulled from a Louisiana lake and subsequently, a one year old boy was rescued while crawling beside an interstate highway. Subsequently, Mississippi authorities arrested Aaliyah Jack (25), the mother, on charges of Failure to Report a Missing Child, Cruelty to a Juvenile, and Second Degree Murder. A judge set the bond at $9.1 million.

On July 11th, the US Department of Justice announced charges against Andrew Takhistov (18) of East Brunswick (NJ) alleging that the defendant solicited an individual to destroy an electrical substation in the US. The defendant was allegedly on his way to Ukraine to join the Russian Volunteer Corps to support the Russian “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. 

On July 11th, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office failed charges against Andrew Hall (42) alleging two counts of Deceptive Business Practices. The defendant allegedly promised to engage in home renovations in St. Louis in exchange for upfront payments. The defendant would perform token demolition work, then cease further work or communication and refuse to refund customers. Consumers who believe they have been scammed should file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection hotline at (800) 392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.

On July 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Craig Roberts (53) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of Possession of Child Pornography (Felony), Promotion of Child Pornography (Felony), and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Subsequently, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges. Bond was set at $75,000, cash or corporate surety.  

On July 11th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Kody Bradley (31) of Eagleville alleging DWI (Prior), No Valid License (5th Offense, Felony), and Unlawfully Operating ATV on Highway.

On July 11th, US District Judge Amit Mehta convicted Terry Allen (65) of Spring Mills (PA) of charges related to the events of January 6th, 2021 following a bench trial. Allen was convicted of Civil Disorder, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Entering & Remaining in a Restricted Building, Disorderly Conduct, and Engaging in Physical Violence. These were felonies. He was also convicted of two misdemeanors.

On July 11th, US District Judge Christopher Cooper sentenced John Schubert III (47) of Bradenton (FL) to 18 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to a charge of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in conjunction with the events of January 6th, 2021.

On July 11th, Dustin Williams (33) of Brady (TX) pleaded guilty in US District Court to two felony charges of Civil Disorder and Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer as well as five misdemeanors in conjunction with the events of January 6th, 2021. Williams pleaded guilty to knowingly entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.

atrol arrested Cody Scopel (37) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and No Seat Belt. The Patrol reported that Scopel was westbound on Route 46 two miles west of Maryville at around 6 pm that evening when he ran off the south side of the roadway and overturned. He was seriously injured and taken to Mosaic in Maryville. 

On July 12th, the US Department of Justice reported that a federal jury convicted US Navy Reserve commander Jeromy Pittman (53) of Pensacola (FL) of Bribery. The defendant allegedly received bribe money from Afghan nationals in exchange for drafting, submitting, and verifying false letters of recommendation for Afghan citizens who applied for SIV’s with the US Department of State. The SIV program is for Afghan nationals who were employed as translators for US military personnel. In fact, Pittman did not know any of the nationals and had no basis for recommending them. 

On July 12th, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit against the IRS in an effort to obtain answers about the suspension of the Employee Retention Credit, which was enacted by Congress as part of the CARES Act during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bailey alleges this decision has inflicted significant financial harm on Missouri businesses. The suit seeks a declaration that the IRS failed in its legal obligation to satisfy Bailey’s Freedom of Information Act request and an order to turn over documents related to this decision. On September 14th, 2023, the IRS suspended ERC processing amid what it said was a surge of questionable claims. On February 13th, the IRS released a document saying that many ERC claims filed by businesses may be incorrect.

On July 12th, the US Department of Justice reported that Braulio Reyes (27) of Agujita (Mexico) was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for smuggling 3.45 kilograms of Methamphetamine into the US with a purity level of 100%. He had pleaded guilty in 2021.

On July 12th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Raymond Breer (32) of Ridgeway alleging Violation of Protection Order. Bond was set at $3,000, cash only.

On July 12th, a New Mexico judge dismissed a case against actor Alec Baldwin, saying that the prosecution had withheld key evidence from the defense. Baldwin had been charged with firing what turned out to be a live round of ammunition during filming of the movie “Rust,” killing Halyna Hutchins, the movie’s cinematographer. He still faces a wrongful death suit.

On July 12th, the New York Times reported that a judge dismissed former New York City and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing, finding that he had ignored court filing deadlines and evaded questions about his finances. He owes money to 20 different creditors, including election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who a court found he had defamed following the 2020 election. 

On July 12th, a white lab mix dog was found shot dead in someone’s yard in Hopkins.

On July 12th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2014 Nissan Versa driven by Jacole Hunzinger (21) of Maryville, a 2013 Volkswagen Passat driven by Cody Runde (33) of Ravenwood, and a 2009 Kia driven by Rose Miller (57) of Maryville were all eastbound on Route 136 eight miles east of Maryville at around 7:20 pm. The Passat slowed to make a left turn into a private driveway. The Kia slowed and stopped. The Nissan struck the Kia in the rear, crossed the center line, and struck the rear of the Volkswagen. Hunzinger and a passenger in her vehicle, Jonathan Bliley (53) of Stanberry were injured with Bliley receiving serious injuries. Both were taken to Mosaic in Maryville. 

On July 13th, Thomas Crooks (20) of Bethel (PA) made an attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life during a rally in Pennsylvania by shooting at him from a nearby building. One person was killed, two were wounded, and a bullet grazed the former President. Secret Service agents shot and killed Crooks. 

On July 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Caleb Horn (30) of Sioux Falls (SD) in Worth County on charges of DWI, Speeding, and No Insurance. 

On July 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Clinton Harding (37) of Pickering alleging Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), two counts Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony), and Resisting Arrest. Bond was denied.

On July 15th, Nishna Valley (IA) Cycle reported that at 3:30 am, six bikes were stolen by someone who broke in to the store. 

On July 15th, the US Customs & Border Protection reported that Border Patrol encounters with unauthorized immigrants had dropped 29% since May 2024. The number of encounters at the Southwest Border have dropped by more than 50% in the last six weeks. The level is at its lowest since January 2021 and is lower than June 2019, the last comparable year prior to the pandemic. Since President Joe Biden’s proclamation of June 5th suspending the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border, the Department of Homeland Security has removed or returned 70,000 individuals to more than 170 countries. Total removals and returns over the past year have exceeded removals and returns in any fiscal year since 2010.

On July 15th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Trevor Adams (19) alleging three counts Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $150,000, cash only.

On July 15th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Dawn Bloss (39) of Bethany alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Missouri State Highway Patrol alleges the defendant, on five different occasions between October and December 2023, stole merchandise from the Bethany Wal-Mart. 

On July 16th, the Maryville Forum reported that county officials are cracking down on a property tax scheme in which international students purchase cars in the US, but don’t pay property taxes. Subsequently, they give the car away or sell it without ever paying the delinquent taxes. The Nodaway County Collector has begun turning in delinquent taxpayers to the Missouri Department of Revenue for the suspension of their driver’s license. 

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for July 10th, 2024

On June 25th, Iowa Capital Dispatch and multiple other news outlets reported that Kathryn Zimmerman, the former Ringgold County Director of Conservation, is suing Ringgold County, the Board of Supervisors, the County Auditor, a county deputy, and an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation employee in federal district court alleging they engaged in a pattern of gender discrimination, sexual discrimination, retaliation, harassment, slander, defamation, and malicious prosecution. As of June 25th, according to Iowa Capital Dispatch, the county and the Iowa DCI had not filed an answer.

On July 2nd, Charles Hunter failed to appear in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Driving While Revoked, No Valid License, and Tampering with Property of Another. A warrant was issued and bond set at $500, cash only.

On July 2nd, Brandon Brown (37) of Burlington Junction pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was fined $150 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On July 2nd, Seema Kumari (38) failed to appear in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court on a charge of Domestic Assault (Felony). A warrant was issued and bond set at $500, cash only.

On July 2nd, Avery Rothwell (19) of Weston (MO) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing. He was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to make restitution of $61.41 to the Maryville Wal-Mart by Judge Robert Rice.

On July 2nd, Anthony Bodle (35) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Assault. He was given two years probation and ordered not to have contact with the victim by Judge Robert Rice.

On July 2nd, Charles Macias (35) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI and was sentenced to two years probation and 10 days shock time in jail with credit for time served by Judge Robert Rice.

On July 2nd, the US Department of Justice announced the indictment of Kirill Gordei (34) of Hallandale (FL) alleging he smuggled advanced scientific technology to Russian customers in violation of US sanctions against that country. 

On July 2nd, Douglas Robertson (56) of Olathe (KS), the former vice president of KanRus Trading Company, pleaded guilty to filing false export forms with the US government and sold sophisticated and controlled avionics equipment to customers in Russia without the required licenses from the US Department of Commerce. The defendant continued to sell this equipment to Russia after the “Special Military Operation” began in Ukraine in February 2022. The US Department of Justice, in their news release, wrote as follows: “According to court documents, as part of his guilty plea, Robertson admitted that between 2020 and when he was arrested in March 2023, he conspired with others – including co-defendants Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky of Lawrence, Kansas, and Oleg Chistyakov, aka Olegs Čitsjakovs, of Riga, Latvia, – to smuggle U.S.-origin avionics equipment to end users in Russia, as well as Russian end users in other foreign countries by, among other actions, knowingly filing false export forms and failing to file required export forms with the U.S. government. In these forms, Robertson and his conspirators lied about the exports’ value, end users, and end destinations.”

On July 2nd, the US Department of Justice announced the indictment of Megan Shine (47) of Warwick (RI) on charges that she duped elderly people into sending payments between $20 to $30 using mailings that falsely led recipients to believe they were entitled to cash prizes or other valuable benefits. Many victims had allegedly been contacted multiple times. Legitimate sweepstakes companies like Publishers Clearinghouse do not charge for entering their sweepstakes, and Powerball and Mega Millions tickets cost $2 each. 

On July 2nd, the US Department of Justice reported that Jesus Ernesto Dessens-Romero (28) of Agua Prieta (Mexico) was found guilty by a jury in Arizona Federal District Court of multiple alien smuggling counts, such as Conspiracy to Transport, Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit, and Bringing in Illegal Aliens to the US for Profit. The jury found the defendant placed human life in jeopardy during these offenses. He was sentenced to 120 months in prison by Judge John Hinderaker.

On July 2nd, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Lucas Coltran (24) of Newtown (MO) was sentenced to 9 years in prison without parole and ordered to forfeit $10,000 to the Federal Government by Judge Roseann Ketchmark. The defendant allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to Northwest Missouri from October 2020 to January 2023, distributing at least 5,662 pills, making $40 per pill, and wiring proceeds to Mexico. The defendant allegedly continued to do it even after the death of an acquaintance.

On July 3rd, the US Department of Justice reported that Kevin Brandes (60) and William Graham (56), both of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to charges that they conspired with bankers to circumvent money laundering controls at a Missouri bank as required by the Bank Secrecy Act. Between 2013 and 2019, the defendants allegedly signed forms for their sweepstakes company allowing them to circumvent money laundering regulations. In addition, the defendants allegedly signed a statement containing false information stating they had not received negative or unwanted legal action when they had.

On July 3rd, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit against New York alleging that state violated Missourians’ First Amendment right to hear from GOP nominee Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. On May 30th, Trump was convicted by a jury in New York on 34 counts related to hush money payments he allegedly made to Stormy Daniels through his then-attorney, Michael Cohen. During the course of that case, the Judge, Manuel Merchan, imposed a gag order on Trump. Bailey argues this gag order interferes with Trump’s ability to campaign, interferes with the Presidential election, and denies the people the right to cast a fully informed vote for President. The suit requests that the US Supreme Court declare that New York’s restrictions on Trump’s ability to campaign unlawfully interferes with the presidential election, remove any gag orders against the former President, and halt the impending sentencing until after the presidential election.

On July 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Sara Service (31) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of DWI, No Valid License, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On July 3rd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against David Chandler (43) of King City alleging Trespassing.

On July 3rd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Donald Hume (43) of Maryville alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving and Resisting Arrest.

On July 3rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Cindy Flowers (59) of Bethany alleging DWI (4th Offense, Felony). 

On July 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against James Gabbert (48) of Maryville alleging Possession of Marijuana in Public Area, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Evidence (Felony). 

On July 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Sherry Young (47) of Maryville alleging No Valid License (Felony) and Trespassing. 

On July 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tyler Marriott (22) of Maryville alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant stole $180 from someone.

On July 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Raymond Groce (38) of St. Joseph alleging Stealing (Felony). An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant and two other people stole over $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Maryville Wal-Mart. Bond was set at $30,000 with defendant given leave to post 10% cash.

On July 3rd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against David Valenzuela (25) of Lenox alleging DWI (Prior) and Driving While Revoked.

On July 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Pablo Tristan (28) of Bethany in Harrison County on charges of DWI, No Valid License, and No Plates. 

On July 4th, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department reported that shortly after 3 am, there was a shooting on Broadway in Clearfield. Authorities discovered a deceased male victim. A person of interest was taken into custody. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department, Taylor County Ambulance, Iowa State Highway Patrol, Taylor County Attorney, and the Adams/Taylor County Medical Examiner are all involved.

On July 6th, St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish of Maryville reported in an email that a scam email was received by some parishoners from someone claiming to be the priest. 

On July 7th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Gabriel Schuetz (23) of Maryville alleging Harassment (Felony) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). Bond was set at $30,000 with the defendant to be released on his own recognizance.

On July 8th, Pamela Wissler (39) of Graham pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to charges of Stealing and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). She was sentenced to 5 years probation and ordered to pay restitution of $542.73 by Judge Corey Herron.

On July 8th, the Maryville Forum reported that the DOT is ending its Adopt-a-Highway program that had been in place for over 20 years. Recently, a section of Interstate 44 was adopted in memory of Kevin “Rockhead” Johnson. The sign was taken down and a program review initiated after it turned out that Johnson had been executed by the state for the killing of a police officer. The review subsequently found that the costs and safety risks outweighed the benefits.

On July 8th, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote a letter challenging a proposed rule from the Missouri Department of Commerce that limits American firearm exportation, gives semi-automatic guns new classifications, makes it harder to get exceptions, and increases paperwork. Bailey argues that the rule threatens firearms manufacturers by restricting their ability to sell firearms internationally, creating lost sales, reduced earnings, lost jobs, decreased investments, and a weakening of the industry. Bailey argues the Biden Administration overstepped its legal authority.

On July 8th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Paul Murphy (39) of Albany alleging DWI and Driving While Revoked (Felony, 6th Offense). Bond was set at $2,500 cash or corporate surety, posted by the defendant. 

On July 8th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Hayley Tuggle (35) of Ridgeway alleging Possession of Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $7,000, cash only.

On July 9th, the Associated Press an appellate court ruled that Sandra Hemme was wrongfully convicted of murder after she had served 43 years in prison for the murder of Patricia Jeschke in St. Joseph. The defendant had been interrogated while being treated with antipsychotic drugs that had triggered involuntary muscle spasms. Evidence pointing to Michael Holman, a St. Joseph police officer, had been disregarded. Police had failed to share key evidence pointing to their fellow officer. It turned out that the defendant was 100 miles away, at her parents’ home. She must now be released in 30 days unless prosecutors decide to try her. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office under Andrew Bailey is fighting her release.

On July 9th, the US Department of Justice seized 968 social media accounts and two domain names it said was used by Russia Today, a Russian government news network, to spread disinformation in the US and abroad. Twitter suspended other bot accounts for violations of terms of service. The bot accounts allegedly spread propaganda to further the aims of the Russian government.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Brave Woman Baked Bread, Nursed Soldiers During Gettysburg

The October 3rd, 1886 issue of the Boston Globe told the story of a brave woman, Josie Miller, who baked bread and nursed wounded soldiers during the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Subsequently, Miller and some of the soldiers she tended to reunited in 1886.

On July 1st, 1863, Major General Daniel Sickles and his Third Corps marched to relieve the First Corps, who was engaged with the Confederate Army. Following a forced march to engage in the battle, some of the soldiers discovered Miller, her disabled mother, and her grandmother baking bread. The mother forgot her partially forgot her infirmities and was helping. They fed the Union soldiers. They had refused to leave when evacuation orders came down.

From the Globe:

“Twenty four hours before Josie Miller and her mother, for the first time, saw the men of war, and it was the first intimation to them that the armies were approaching her house, Josie Miller, in her childish way, thought it was grand to have the soldiers come, for it brought something to break the monotony of her quiet life, but she little thought that right there, on soil her youthful feet had trod, was to be fought a battle which was to decide whether the republican form of government was to survive, or the people be ruled from thrones. In 1861, Josie Miller and her mothers had seen their neighbors leave their homes to defend the country, they had heard of their sufferings and mourned when some neighbor’s husband or son was reported “killed in action;” and in these July days of 1863, they saw the boys and grown men of their acquaintance when they came back to drive the invader from the soil of the Keystone State.”

“These were the women whom the “First Massachusetts” soldiers saw that morning in their humble home. “I think some of the bread must be done now,” said Josie, as she scraped the dough from one of her hands, and taking a candle which had little life left, she led the way to the room or shed where the stove was. This place was very small and was used partly for storage and for cooking purposes. The boys followed her and found the stove to be what looked like an old-fashioned “air-tight,” which is now out of date in the north, but considerable used in the Southern and Middle States where wood is plenty. It had long, lanky legs, an iron hearth, and the smoke passed up in the front part of the stove and into a pipe and thence out through a hole in the roof.”

Scores of other soldiers came to get bread and water in between the fighting at Gettysburg, including Colonel Baldwin, who commanded the First Massachusetts Regiment in question. When he suggested they should evacuate, Josie, her mother, and her grandmother refused, saying, “Where should we go?”

Throughout the fighting, Miller and her family tended to the wounded soldiers. When a high ranking officer came by and attempted to order then to leave, Josie refused, saying, as she was staunching the bleeding of a soldier wounded in action, that if she could help one wounded man, it would be worth it. 

More than once, the fighting came close to the house and the Millers took cover in the cellar. Men died there, but not for lack of care on the Millers’ part. The bullet and shell marks were still in the house 23 years after the fact.

Miller survived the conflict, married, and moved out west. In 1886, many of the surviving soldiers of the Third Army Corps had a reunion to dedicate monuments of several regiments who had fought. She came back and the following poem was read in her honor:

Above the din of the conflict,

A voice, like a melody ran,

The cheering words of a woman,

Best friend and supporter of man.

As the last at the cross upon Calvary,

The first at the tomb of her Lord,

We hail thee a sister, sweet maiden,

We men of the gun and the sword.

You fought not, like her of Orleans,

But you succored us, tender and true;

And we sing in your praise this faint paean,

O, maid of the red, white, and blue.

For, though fiercely the storm raged around you,

Of missile and bullet and shell,

You stood by the flag of your country,

And whispered that all would be well.

And the name of staunch Josephine Miller,

Adorn the far ages shall ring,

As long as this stone tells its story,

And as long as the poet shall sing.

FBI Seeking Identity of Child Sexual Assault Victim

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 48, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap. Initial video of the unidentified male, John Doe 48, was first recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in December of 2023. The EXIF data embedded within the video file indicated that the file was produced in October of 2023. There is no specific information to believe this individual may be residing within this area. This information is being sent out through all FBI's field division across the nation. 

 John Doe 48 is described as a White male between the ages of 45 and 65 years old, with dark hair, and a gray beard. He a tattoo on each of his forearms. He is seen in the back of a 2018-2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van wearing a blue t-shirt and a dark-colored hat. He is heard speaking English in the video. 

Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/, or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives. Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images.

Operation Rescue Me

Overview:

Operation Rescue Me (ORM) represents the FBI’s victim identification program. ORM is described as an aggressive initiative focusing on determining the identity of child victim(s) depicted in child exploitation material and capturing the perpetrator. ORM works with field offices, other government agencies (including international partners), and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to locate and identify victims of crimes against children. 

How it works:

Image analysis methods used by Operation Rescue Me concentrate on items seen in the backgrounds of child pornography videos or images.  Analysts attempt to answer four basic questions that will hopefully lead to the identification and rescue of child victims:

1) What useful clues are there in the background? (What’s visible on the walls, are there distinct clothes or commercial labels visible?)

2) Can a time frame for when the pictures were taken be determined?

3) What is the physical location of the children in the photos? (Country, state, hotel room, etc.)

4) Who are the children in the photos?

No clue is too small.

The FBI utilizes many clues to identify where a child may be held.  The identification of items sold exclusively in certain areas, or at certain stores which can be seen in the background of various images has led to the successful rescue of numerous child victims.  Additional techniques, such as isolating audio clips from videos to identify any names which can be heard, or even the dialect of language which is being spoken, have also led to the eventual rescue of abused children.  Through the careful scrutiny of child pornography images, the FBI has been able to use clues as small as a glimpse of a vehicle’s color seen in a reflection of one of its mirrors to rescue children from dangerous child predators.

Overall success:

Since inception, Operation Rescue Me has led to the identification of over 1,300 child victims.  The program continues to attempt to rescue those still in need.

Endangered Child Alert Program

Overview:

The FBI began its Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) on February 21, 2004, as a new proactive approach to identifying unknown individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child pornography. 

How it works:

As a collaborative effort between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ECAP seeks national and international exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) whose faces and/or distinguishing characteristics are visible in child pornography images. These faces and/or distinguishing marks (i.e. scars, moles, tattoos, etc.) are displayed on the Seeking Information section of the FBI website as well as in various other media outlets, in hopes that someone from the public is able to provide information that can identify them.

As a result of ECAP, the faces of many Jane/John Does have been broadcast on television shows such as America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and the O’Reilly Factor. Of particular significance in these cases is the fact that for the first time, the Innocent Images program was able to obtain “John Doe” arrest warrants for several of its early John/Jane Does based solely on images acquired through undercover investigations.

Overall Success:

Since the inception of ECAP, 48 John/Jane Does have been investigated, 35 of which have been successfully identified. These investigations have led to the identification of over 50 child victims. To help locate current suspects, see the Endangered Child Alert Program Most Wanted webpage.

Worth County Land Transfers for June 2024

June 3rd – Book 208, Page 153; Lisa Eichhorn to Jeremy Eichhorn; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

June 3rd – Book 208, Page 154; Barrett & Blair Baker to BTC Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 3rd – Book 208, Page 155; USDA to Crestwood Apartments; Deed of Release; Book 123, Page 220.

June 10th – Book 208, Page 157; Nodaway Valley Bank to Judy Hayes and Wayne Hayes; Deed of Release; Book 203, Page 114.

June 10th – Book 208, Page 158; Sheridan Christian Church to Cline & Denise Rowen Revocable Living Trust; Warranty Deed; See Record.

June 10th – Book 208, Page 159; Bank Midwest to Michael and Eldon Thomas; Deed of Release; Book 190, Page 147.

June 11th – Book 208, Page 160; Nodaway Valley Bank to McKenzie Benson; Deed of Release; Book 203, Page 203.

June 11th – Book 208, Page 161; McKenzie & Trevon Hale to Harley Charles; Warranty Deed; See Record.

June 11th – Book 208, Page 162; Harley Charles to Mortgage Research Center; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 12th – Book 208, Page 163; 110 Services to Tarkio Real Estate; Warranty Deed; See Record.

June 12th – Book 208, Page 164; First Interstate Bank to Bradie and Valerie DeMott; Deed of Release; Book 191, Page 88.

June 17th – Book 208, Page 165; Benjamin & Camille Siegrist to Peter & Jenna Lovan; Warranty Deed; See Record.

June 17th – Book 208, Page 166; Peter & Jenna Lovan to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 18th – Book 208, Page 167; Benjamin & Camille Siegrist to FCS Financial; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 20th – Book 208, Page 168; First Interstate Bank to Opal Costin; Deed of Release; Book 190, Page 117.

June 20th – Book 208, Page 169; Cecilia & Randy Fletchall to Halee & Todd Corbett; Warranty Deed; See Record. 

June 20th – Book 208, Page 170; Halee & Todd Corbett to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 20th – Book 208, Page 171; Jeanette & Scott Eichhorn to Riley & Samantha Eichhorn; Warranty Deed; See Record.

June 20th – Book 208, Page 172; Riley & Samantha Eichhorn to BTC Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 20th – Book 208, Page 173; Benny Aragon to Duwayne Aragon, Frances Largent, Melinda Froisland, MITB Holdings; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

June 20th – Book 208, Pages 174-176; Melinda Froisland, Duwayne Aragon, and Frances Largent to MITB Holdings; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

June 20th – Book 208, Page 177; Ben & Amanda Fletcher to Aaron Benson; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

June 24th – Book 208, Page 179; First Interstate Bank to David & Laurie McGhee and Steve & Lisa McGhee; Deed of Release; Book 162, Page 144.

June 24th – Book 208, Page 180; David & Laurie McGhee and Steve & Lisa McGhee to Mary & Scott Anderson; Warranty Deed; See Record.

June 24th – Book 208, Page 181; Mary & Scott Anderson to FCS Financial; Deed of Trust; See Record.

June 24th – Book 208, Page 182-183; BTC Bank to Jeanette & Scott Eichhorn; Deed of Release; Book 208, Page 20; Book 207, Page 78.

June 26th – Book 208, Page 185; Justin & Hollie Bagladi to JHB Farms LLC; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

June 26th – Book 208, Page 186; Diane & Rodney Runde to Heather Hilsabeck and Jackie Runde; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

Marriage License:

Cleo Olney and Shirley Lager, June 1st, 2024.

Courthouse News for July 3rd, 2024

 On June 17th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department reported that scammers were calling individuals on the Sex Offender Registry demanding money in order not to get arrested for a warrant. The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office will never demand money from people to avoid arrest, and courts do not issue such warrants. If you have questions, contact their office at (660) 582-7451.

On June 24th, Joseph Dixon (44) of Independence pleaded guilty to a charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony) in Nodaway County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to four years probation by Judge Corey Herron. The case was transferred from Gentry County on a change of venue.

On June 24th, the US Eastern District Court granted in part and denied in part an injunction request by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and other state attorney generals seeking to end the SAVE plan, President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness and income based repayment plan. Bailey alleged that the US Department of Education exceeded its statutory authority. Judge John Ross issued an injunction against the loan forgiveness portion, but left the rest of the SAVE plan intact. Subsequently, on July 2nd, the 10th Circuit overturned this decision, allowing the entire SAVE plan to proceed.

On June 24th, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey assisted Warren County authorities in obtaining a 150 year prison sentence against Michael Moll, who was convicted of five counts Failure to Register as Sex Offender.

On June 24th, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department published the following news release about a bank robbery in Lenox:

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 24th, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office responded to a bank robbery call at the Iowa State Savings Bank in Lenox, Iowa. 

Reports indicated that a male subject entered the bank demanding money and then left on a motorcycle. The subject was pursued into Adams County, but fled at a high rate of speed. The subject lost control and crashed into a farm field. The subject then fled on foot. 

Several law enforcement agencies, including the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol, converged on the area and attempted to locate the subject. 

As law enforcement narrowed in on the subject’s location, the male fired one round, causing a fatal self-inflicted wound. The body will be transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner’s Office where a forensic autopsy will be performed later this week.

At this time, the name of the subject is not being released, and no additional information is available.

Subsequently, KMA reported Wednesday that the subject was identified as Steven Trent Sapp (45) of Hooper (NE).

On June 25th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Jackie Hill (39) of Kansas City pleaded guilty to Producing Child Pornography in Federal Court. He was sentenced by Judge Howard Sachs to 16 years and 8 months without parole and must register as a sex offender on his release at both the federal and state levels for the rest of his life.

On the night of June 25th and the morning of June 26th, severe weather hit the area. The power flickered off and on in Sheridan late in the evening and high winds came up around 4:30 am and then suddenly stopped. In Hopkins, a transformer caught fire and electric crews were in town restoring service. There were many branches and a tree down. Hopkins reported 2¼ inches of rain. West Fork was extremely high. A tornado warning was issued for Winterset (IA).

On June 26th, KMA reported that a non-local subject of interest has been identified in the case of a dead baby being found at Mozingo Lake. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made as DNA testing is ongoing. Anyone with additional information should contact Maryville Police at 660-562-3209.

On June 26th, the Western District US Attorney’s Office reported that Craig Reynolds (62) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in conjunction with an $8 million wire fraud conspiracy that cheated hundreds of members and for making false statements on a personal tax return. He was sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole by Judge Greg Kays. He was ordered to pay $7,758,908 in restitution to victims, $253,474 to the IRS, and $46,550 to the Missouri Department of Revenue. He was also ordered to forfeit to the government $462,771 from the proceeds of the sale of a house, cash representing his interest in another St. Joseph residence, the values of a Lincoln Navigator and a Harley-Davidson, and the contents of several bank accounts. The defendant allegedly ran Medical Cost Sharing, a tax exempt organization from 2014 to 2022. They allegedly billed themselves as a “Christian Health Care Sharing Ministry,” yet pocketed most of the proceeds for themselves and rarely paid healthcare claims.

On June 26th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Mirza Reazuddin (66) of Lawrenceville (GA) pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering. They were sentenced by Judge Beth Phillips to one year and six months without parole and ordered to forfeit $804,100 to the Small Business Administration, $804,100 to the government, and forfeit their residential property in Lawrenceville. According to the indictment, the defendant allegedly applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan through the Small Business Administration and made false statements and submitted false documents on behalf of a business that had closed in 2018. 

On June 26th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Judge Greg Kays had sentenced Kippie House (54) and son Darryel Pennington (32) of Kansas City to prison after they pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm. House was sentenced to 10 years and one month without parole, and Pennington was sentenced to 10 years without parole. They were sentenced in conjunction with two shootings at Swope Park last year. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Both had been convicted of previous felonies.

On June 26th, the US Department of Justice announced the indictment of Amin Stigal (22), a Russian citizen, alleging conspiracy to hack into and destroy computer systems and data in advance of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Targets allegedly included numerous Ukrainian government computer systems and the theft of personal private information. The US State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his location or cyberactivity. For information, visit www.rewardsforjustice.net.

On June 26th, the Supreme Court reversed a lawsuit brought by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Louisiana, and multiple plaintiffs against the US Surgeon General and other government officials alleging they had coerced Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms to suppress what they saw as COVID-19 misinformation and election misinformation, remanded it for further proceedings, but allowed for more discovery. The vote was 6-3. Justice Amy Comey Barrett, speaking for the majority, argued that the plaintiffs lack standing to sue because they had not linked a specific decision to remove a piece of content with a specific communication by a government official to the platforms in question. She noted that the platforms had begun the content moderation in question before the government communications in question started. Justice Samuel Alito, dissenting, noted that large platforms like Facebook and Twitter are vulnerable to government pressure because they have substantial overseas presence, much stricter regulations overseas, and are thus dependent on the government to protect their interests.

On June 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Nekoma Hendrix (46) of Clearmont alleging Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 with the defendant to be released on his own recognizance.

On June 26th, Jack Buckman (23) of Albany failed to appear in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and No Insurance. A warrant was issued and bond was set at $500, cash only. 

On June 26th, Angela Herman (55) of St. Joseph failed to appear on a charge of Driving While Revoked (Felony). A warrant was issued and bond was denied.

On June 26th, Wyatt Starmer (26) of Martinsville pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI and Speeding. He was sentenced to two years probation and 25 hours community service by Judge Jay Hemenway.

On June 26th, Levi Rogers (27) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Speeding. He was sentenced to two days in jail and fined $250 plus court costs by Judge Jay Hemenway. A second count was dismissed by Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt.

On June 26th, Tyrone Rinner (26) of Ridgeway pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Domestic Assault. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail by Judge Jay Hemenway with credit for time served.

On June 26th, Amanda Thomas (46) of Bethany failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Harassment (Felony) and Peace Disturbance. A warrant was issued and bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On June 27th, Sherry Young (47) of Polo was arrested in Nodaway County and extradited to Fremont County (IA) on a warrant for Burglary (Felony). 

On June 27th, the US Department of Justice announced a health care fraud enforcement action in which 193 defendants were charged for making over $2.75 billion in false healthcare claims. The defendants included 76 doctors, nurse practitioners, and other licensed medical professionals across the US. Over $231 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets were seized. The charges alleged include over $900 million fraud scheme committed in connection with amniotic wound grafts; the unlawful distribution of millions of pills of Adderall and other stimulants by five defendants associated with a digital technology company; an over $90 million fraud committed by corporate executives distributing adulterated and misbranded HIV medication; over $146 million in fraudulent addiction treatment schemes; over $1.1 billion in telemedicine and laboratory fraud; and over $450 million in other health care fraud and opioid schemes.  

On June 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Victoria Vaughn (22) of Bethany in Harrison County on a Probation Violation Warrant and Failure to Register.

On June 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Robert Pittman (28) of Shawnee (KS) in Harrison County on a Clay County Warrant (Probation Violation). 

On June 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Daniel King (35) of Grant City and a 2007 Ford Taurus driven by Michelle Teater (46) of Albany were westbound on 136 in Albany at around 3:10 pm. The Taurus was stopped and waiting to make a left turn when it was struck in the rear by the Fusion. Teater received minor injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Albany.

On June 28th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Tiffany Eaton (38) of King City alleging two counts Domestic Assault (1 Felony). 

On June 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Kevin Cox (62) of Independence in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Register, and No Seat Belt. Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges the next day. Bond was set at $20,000, cash only.

On June 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Eric Clark (41) of Maryville alleging Driving While Revoked (Felony).

On June 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tyler Marriott (22) of Maryville alleging Burglary (Felony), Property Damage, and Stealing. Bond was set at $30,000, cash or corporate surety. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant pried open the victim’s apartment while the victim was away for a week and gained entry. The victim allegedly found the defendant sleeping in their apartment. The defendant allegedly stole an Alexa Echo Dot and a living room lamp.

On June 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tucker Herndon (44) of Graham alleging a Sex Offender Violation (Loitering Within 500 Feet of School). Bond was set at $1,000 with the defendant released on his own recognizance.

On June 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Kathleen Asher (31) of St. Joseph and Deborah Filley (60) of St. Joseph alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Trespassing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendants stole over $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Maryville Wal-Mart. The defendants had been barred from Wal-Mart stores. Bond was set at $30,000 with the defendants allowed to post 10% cash.

On June 29th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by Richard Culp (55) of Skidmore was westbound on Route V two miles east of Skidmore at around 12:55 am when he traveled off the north side of the roadway, struck a field entrance, and overturned. Culp received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Culp on charges of DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving, and No Seat Belt.

On June 30th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Eduardo Morales (19) of Bethany alleging Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 cash only, posted by the defendant.

On June 30th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a Honda Talon driven by Joseph Dilley (24) of Cameron was southbound on Route W five miles north of Bethany at around 4:15 am when it traveled off the west side and overturned. Dilley was ejected from the vehicle. A passenger, Natalya Selby (22) of Cameron, was partially ejected and pinned underneath the vehicle. Both were taken to Harrison County Hospital with serious injuries. Subsequently, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Joseph Dilley (24) of Cameron in Harrison County on a charge of DWI (Felony, Causing Serious Injury).

On July 1st, the US Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump was entitled to immunity from criminal prosecution for “official acts” for exercising his “core constitutional powers.” However, they ruled that he was not subject to immunity for “unofficial acts.” The Supreme Court sent the case down to lower courts to determine what acts constitute official duties that could be protected from liability and which are not.

On July 1st, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced that Ana Lilia Leal-Martinez (48), a citizen of Mexico residing in Overland Park (KS), pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering from May 23rd, 2020 to September 20th, 2022. The defendant allegedly accepted drug proceeds from two dealers and sent by wire transfer to individuals in Michoacan (Mexico). The defendant allegedly send wires totaling $83,850 to Mexico from her business under assumed names to avoid detection. Also on July 1st, co-defendant Flor Gonzalez-Celestine (54) of Kansas City pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute $4.7 million worth of Methamphetamine from February 28th, 2020 to September 20th, 2022. In 2022, the US Department of Homeland Security initiated an investigation of a drug trafficking organization that allegedly distributed 335 kilograms of Methamphetamine, 22 kilograms of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexico to the Kansas City area. There were 44 defendants indicted in this case.

On July 2nd, the Appellate Division First Department in New York disbarred former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani,  one of former President Donald Trump’s chief attorneys, alleging that he made demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers, and the public at large in his capacity as lawyer for former President Trump and the Trump campaign in connection with the former president’s reelection bid in 2020.

On July 2nd, the Missouri House announced the formation of a special interim committee to look into crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants in Missouri. They cited three specific cases in Missouri that were filed in 2024. On June 18th, Arturo Eustaquo, Noe Guzman Hernandez, and Daniel Ruiz Lopez of Mexico and Carlos Funez and Marlon Aguilar were arrested on charges of kidnapping a 14 year old girl in Indiana. They were found with the girl unharmed in Missouri and are held without bail. On March 19th, Jose Barrera was charged with stabbing two people at a laundromat in O’Fallon, near St. Louis, following an altercation. Both victims sustained life threatening injuries. On March 12th, Endrina Bracho was charged with First Degree Manslaughter and Second Degree Assault after a car crash in Hazelwood, near St. Louis, resulted in the death of a 12 year old boy and serious injuries to her own children. According to the ICE, the number of arrests of criminal noncitizens was 103,603 in 2020, 74,082 in 2021, 142,750 in 2022, and 170,590 in 2023. 

On July 2nd, the US Department of Justice announced a settlement agreement with the Wichita (KS) Public Schools resolving allegations of race and disability discrimination. A news release posted that day by the DOJ alleged the school district had disciplined Black students more frequently and severely than White students who had engaged in similar conduct and had similar backgrounds and disciplinary histories. The DOJ also alleged that the district inappropriately and repeatedly secluded and restrained students with disabilities and relegated those with the greatest behavioral needs to inferior facilities with inadequate services and support. The district agreed to revise practices to prevent discrimination in discipline and referrals to law enforcement, end the use of seclusion, reform its restraint practices, and improve services to students with disabilities in certain schools and classrooms.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.