Courthouse News for July 7th, 2021

On March 10th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department was notified of cattle neglect. After investigation, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Earl Pettit (74) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Cattle Neglect and the livestock were seized.

On May 25th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Mary Saville (43) of Mount Ayr alleging Operating While Intoxicated. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department says the charges arose after the defendant was allegedly involved in a wreck; officers detected an odor of marijuana and issued her a summons.

Douglas A. Richardson was sentenced in a Springfield federal court on June 10 to more than 15 years in prison and ordered to pay millions in restitution to his victims. In March 2017, Ashcroft announced that an investigation by the Securities Division found that Richardson had personally solicited at least 21 investors, most from Lebanon, Mo. Richardson had promised investors a short turnaround and good return with an interest rate as high as 12 percent. Many investors did not receive any of the promised returns--Richardson used them to pay back other investors or for personal use. Richardson was ordered by the division in August 2017 to show cause why restitution of more than $4 million, civil penalties and costs should be imposed.

From June 17th to 26th, the US Department of Homeland Security arrested 82 people in a human trafficking operation in Kansas City, Independence, and Wichita, Fox 4 Kansas City reports. They will be charged with various crimes, including Soliciting Prostitution, Sodomy, Narcotics, Commercial Sex Trafficking,  Sex Offender Registry Violations, and other charges.  31 people were rescued, including 17 adults and 14 missing children.

On June 28th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Juan Sequivel (26) of Leon on a Decatur County Warrant for Probation Violation.

On June 29th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Jeffrey Parham (40) of Eagleville alleging Burglary (Felony) and Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash only. Northwest Mo Info reports that the charges arose after the defendant allegedly broke into Tools Plus of Bethany and that security cameras captured pictures of the defendant. Officers then obtained a search warrant for his home.

On June 29th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Mathew Vollintine (25) of Clearmont alleging Possession of Child Pornography (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash or corporate surety.

On 06-30-2021 the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department in cooperation with the Bethany Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol, executed a search warrant in New Hampton, Missouri.  The search warrant resulted in the arrest of 4 persons on various charges ranging from possession of controlled substance to unlawful possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property.  During the search various illegal items were discovered including a large quantity of illegal narcotics, cash, and stolen items.  

On June 30th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Ryan Evans (62) of Stanberry alleging Stealing (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 30th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Forest Buckman (30) of Gentry alleging Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $2,000, cash or corporate surety.

On June 30th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Asam Lachica (52) of El Paso (TX) in Harrison County on a Franklin County Warrant for Failure to Appear (No CMV License). 

On June 30th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jeremy Miller (30) of Maryville in Nodaway County on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Prior), Possession of Marijuana, Display Plates Belonging to Another, and No Insurance.

On June 30th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Stephen Lomeli (38) of Maryville alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and No Insurance.

On July 1st, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Meagann Aberthany (37) of Kansas City alleging Non-Support (Felony).

On July 1st, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Matthew Bacon (47) of New Hampton alleging Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony). Bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

On July 1st, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Travis Taranto (45) of New Hampton alleging two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

On July 1st, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Francis Gray (44) of New Hampton alleging two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

 On July 1st, an abandoned trailer was located in rural Ringgold County.  The VIN had been removed, but after reaching out to the manufacturer and tracking the axels’ serial numbers the original owner was able to be identified through their computer system as KC Nielsen LTD.  Contact was made to the owner and they had filled out a report on June 21st that the trailer had been stolen off their dealership lot in Laurens, Iowa along with two new John Deere zero turn mowers and the pickup that was hooked onto the trailer.  A description of the vehicle was given to law enforcement..  KC Nielsen LTD also reported at their Harcourt, IA store on June 29th that they had a missing 2011 Bobcat S750 skid loader.  A few miles from the abandoned trailer near Redding, IA a skid loader that matched the description was located in the yard.  After, a visit with homeowner to look at the skid loader the serial numbers matched the stolen skid loader from Harcourt, IA. The Ringgold County  Sheriff’s Department arrested Scott Thurman (44) of Delphos for the possession of stolen property. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On July 1st, a Grant City woman reported that a dog has been running High Street for the previous two days. It has a collar, but has not let people catch it. It was also seen near the Worth County Care & Rehab as well. 

On July 2nd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Craven Martin (22) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Sexual Abuse. Bond was set at $25,000.

On July 2nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Lucas Whitmire (34) of Bethany alleging two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only.

On July 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Samisha Powell (29) of West Des Moines (IA) in Harrison County on a charge of Speeding (110 mph). 

On July 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Trenton Summers (20) of Luray (MO) in Nodaway County on charges of DWI, Minor in Possession, and Speeding. 

On July 3rd, a Redding woman reported on Facebook that someone was driving around putting fliers in peoples’ driveways claiming that Chlorine Dioxide cured cancer, COVID, Lyme Disease, Hepatitis, and other diseases, and that the FDA had been suppressing it since 2010. 

On July 4th, someone littered a napkin along Route 46 across the street from Country Corners in Grant City.

On July 4th, someone littered trash along Nodaway Lake.

On July 4th, a Maryville woman reported on Facebook that someone had stolen one of her beds that she had set out while her family was moving.

On July 4th, a Grant City woman reported that someone drove through her fence and left the scene. Leaving the scene after causing more than $1,000 of property damage is a felony in Missouri.

On July 5th, the Sheridan Ambulance received a call to go to a place near Allendale.

On July 5th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Joseph De La Paz (40) of Maryville alleging Property Damage (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash or corporate surety.

On July 6th, the Missouri Secretary of State’s office published the following news release about a Ponzi scheme that was busted:

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Securities Division ordered a Nevada-based company and two executives to pay $1.6 million after defrauding seven Missouri investors.

Golden Genesis, Inc., along with the company’s founder and CEO Thomas F. Casey, and its co-owner and de facto chief financial officer, Dennis R. Di Ricco, were found to have defrauded investors, many of them retired senior citizens, by selling unregistered, non-exempt, promissory notes. They were found to have utilized an unregistered Las Vegas-based broker-dealer, Retire Happy, LLC, to sell more than $9 million of the notes.

Investors were promised high returns and were given sales materials containing false and misleading information. New investment monies were used to pay prior investors their purported returns. Additionally, Di Ricco, with the knowledge and approval of Casey, used funds to purchase stock in an unrelated company, Adomani, Inc., that had once been controlled by Di Ricco. Despite the promises of high returns, Casey ceased paying investors interest and returned only a portion of their original investment.

Missouri Securities Commissioner David M. Minnick ordered Golden Genesis, Casey and Di Ricco to pay more than $1.1 million in civil penalties, over $400,000 in restitution, interest and approximately $32,000 for the yearlong investigation.   

Charges listed are mere 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.

Teen Wreck Seriously Injures Four; One Lifeflighted

A teen wreck near Gower seriously injured four, and one person was lifeflighted Sunday afternoon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2021 Chevy Equinox driven by a 17 year old male was southbound on Route 169 four miles north of Gower, while a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Curtis Faulconer (40) of Smithville was northbound at around 12:11 pm. The Equinox crossed the center of the roadway into the path of the Sierra, striking its front bumper. The Sierra skidded and went off the east side before returning and crossing both lanes, coming to rest on the west side. The Equinox went off the west side, coming to rest facing northeast. 

The 17 year old boy was seriously injured and life flighted to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. An 11 year old passenger in the Equinox was seriously injured and taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Faulconer was seriously injured, while a passenger in the Sierra, Jeremy McAlister (39) of Milan, was also seriously injured. Both were taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Two Gilman City Teens Injured in Wreck

Two Gilman City teens were injured in a wreck Saturday afternoon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by Jacob Zerbe (18) of Gilman City was southbound on Route CC five miles north of Melbourne in Harrison County at around 2:46 pm. A 2015 Dodge Dart was northbound. The Dart was attempting to turn around in the roadway at the bottom of the hill when the Dakota traveled over the hill and swerved to avoid the Dart. The Dakota overcorrected, reentered the roadway, overturned, and went off the east side. Zerbe was ejected from the vehicle and received moderate injuries. A 15 year old passenger in the Zerbe vehicle received minor injuries. Robinson was not injured in the wreck.

Obituary -- Elizabeth Wilson 1932-2021

Elizabeth Jeane (Craven) Stagner Wilson, 88, walked through Heaven’s gates and received her crown on June 28, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.

Born October 2, 1932, in Worth County, Missouri, to Clifford Franklin and Neva Maude (Wilkinson) Craven. She was the fourth child of twelve children born to this union. 

Jeane attended country schools in Worth County and Gentry County.

January 16, 1949, she married Dale Francis Stagner at Martinsville, Missouri.  To this union four daughters were born, Billie Dale, Bonnie Jeane, Bettie Lynn and Barbara Ann.  Dale passed away on November 15, 1969.

May 8, 1971, Jeane married Bobby Gale Wilson and was blessed with 2 more daughters Sandra Lee and Barbara Louise. Bob passed away on December 13, 2016.

She accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized on April 25, 1945, at the Union Baptist Church, by Reverend V.F. Walker. Jeane loved Jesus and walked with him through her life sharing his word. Her most significant title was teacher of children.  For over fifty years, Jeane taught bible school, was a secretary, treasurer, prayer coordinator, Sunday School teacher, food ministry, card ministry, nursing home ministry, children’s church, the Girl’s Auxiliary (G.A.’s) and Royal Ambassadors (R.A.) coordinator and finally Vacation Bible School organizer and driver. Jeane drove countless kids to Vacation Bible School in a green Ford Econoline van (illegally - before the days of seatbelts) just so they could go hear about Jesus.  

Jeane started her work outside the home at the Stanberry Cap Factory and for the veterinarian, Dr. Charles Netherton.  She was the secretary and treasurer for Brack’s Phillip 66 Service Station and the Lone Star County Fun Saddle Club and worked at the Albany Pepsi Cola Bottling Company.  One of her most memorable titles was when she owned and operated the Albany Bakery from 1965 to 1967 with the help of her Husband Dale and Mother Neva. Jeane was an AMAZING cook. She was known to hundreds if not a thousand kids as “Grandma Jeane”.  She opened her house for meals to all her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and any of their friends and church friends.  Jeane’s life mission was feeding her family, friends and talking about Jesus.  Anytime her family needed prayers that she did not already know about, she was the go-to person because everyone thought she had a direct line to God.

Jeane was proceeded in death by her parents, her husbands, her daughters, Billie Dale Stagner Wingfield and Bonnie Jeane Stagner Dietz along with her brothers, Benny Roll Craven, Charles Wesley Craven, Clifford Mac Craven, Gary Burton Craven, David Paul Craven and one sister, Kathryn June Craven Want.

Jeane is survived by Bettie (Jim) Lee, Bethany, Missouri; Barbara (Jerry) Popplewell, Barbara (David) Murray, Tonya (Lonny) McCampbell of Albany, Missouri, Sandra Mathews, Ash Grove, Missouri; Todd Stagner, Maryville, Missouri; sisters, Karen Szumiesz of Panama City, Florida; Connie Jennings, Bethany, Missouri; brothers, Ron (Patsy) Craven, Cleveland, Tennessee; Neil (Luise) Craven, Denver, Missouri; Dee (Renate) Craven, Overland Park, Kansas; ten other grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren and countless other step-grand and great kids.

Funeral Service:  11:00 AM Friday, July 2 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany, with burial in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. The family received friends 6:00 - 8:00 PM Thursday evening at the chapel. Memorial Contributions:  Albany High School Alumni Association in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO  64402.  

www.robersonpolleychapel.com

Obituary -- Royce Smith 1937-2021

Pastor Royce Edgar Smith, 83, Eagleville, MO passed away Monday, June 28, 2021 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.

He was born on August 21, 1937 in Harrison County, Missouri the son of Hanford and Beulah (Spaulding) Smith.

Royce was a graduate of North Harrison High School and went on to graduate from Northwest Missouri Teachers College. He spent 35 years as a school teacher as well as a coach and athletic official. After teaching, he went on to enjoy several years as a pastor of small churches. He cherished his time with family members and their children. Royce enjoyed ball games of any kind and was seen at many sporting events, cheering on local teams. He enjoyed going to the movies, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and a member of the First Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold Smith.

Royce is survived by his brother, Garold (Velda) Smith, Eagleville, MO; sister-in-law, Joyce Smith, Maryville, MO; eight nieces and nephews, Linda Gilpatrick, Eagleville, MO, Laura Squires, Bethany, MO, Wayne Smith, Cameron, MO, Brian Smith, Kansas City, MO, Jeff (Gina) Smith, Maryville, MO, Ron (Michele) Smith, Louisville, KY, Julie (Gary) Lupfer, McFall, MO, and Robert (Alesha) Smith, Maysville, MO; 19 great nieces and nephews; 20 great-great nieces and nephews and a cousin, Roger Smith, DeSoto, KS.

Royce has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 3 at Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. Inurnment will follow in Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Masonic Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com

Obituary -- Kenneth Quick 1931-2021

Kenneth James Quick was born the 17th of February 1931 to Carl and Fern (Jarvis) Quick at their home in Redding, Iowa. He was welcomed to the family by his 3-year older brother Harold Montgomery. His parents’ big hearts and loving ways created a hard worker and a passionate soul. His faith as a Seventh Day Adventist set his values and relationship with our Savior. He had a deep appreciation for farming and sports and enjoyed playing Junior Legion basketball and baseball before and after graduating from Redding High School in 1949.

On August 21, 1950, he was united in marriage to the “pretty lady” as he called her, Berta G. Morin, in Bethany, Missouri. From that first encounter at the Grant City skating rink to his death on June 29, 2021; they celebrated over 70 years of marriage. To this union, they were blessed with 4 sons, Danny Dayle (1951), William Paul (1955), Jeffrey Carl (1961), and Marvin Bruce (1965). Family was Kenneth’s greatest treasure and he instilled countless life lessons to his boys, who passed that grace, love and understanding to their families; creating an honored grateful, robust, tightly knit family that made him proud.  Kenny and Berta had a very special passionate, unwavering love. That special comforting feeling trickled to everyone they encountered, and their home was always open and welcoming to visitors and family at their farm in Redding, Iowa.

 He was a proud generational farmer, working the land, raising livestock and passing the love of the land down to generations.  In the 90’s, Kenneth was elected as Republican Ringgold County Supervisor. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Faith Lodge #179 and proudly served on Ringgold County Conservation Board, Redding Cemetery Board and would enrich his community so that his children and future generations would have a place to call home. After retirement, Kenneth loved gardening and honed his skills as a woodworker. This resulted in several creations that were made with love. He was proud of his skill and enjoyed teaching the art of woodworking and giving numerous gifts to friends and family.

Kenneth was creative and eloquent in telling stories and having conversation. A captivated young audience could often be found on his lap as he weaved tales of adventures and capers. You could count on a history lesson about all the changes during his 90 years; from the first gravel roads in the county, electricity in the home, railway travel and commerce, horse and carriage mail delivery, neighborhood legends, weather events, struggles, celebrations and so much more. Through his joys of traveling, hunting, fishing, sharing the best home cooked meals around their kitchen table, or “loafing” at the station this brought many more opportunities to visit. He never met a stranger, if he did, they were not one for long as he truly possessed the gift of friendship and fellowship.

He is reunited with family and friends preceding him in death; parents Carl and Fern; brother Harold (June); son Bill; parents-in-law Paul and Sybil (Carroll) Morin; in-laws Billy Morin, Ed (Mary) Morin, Tom (Shirley) Morin, Ronnie (Dorothy) Morin, Don Morin, Bess (Calvin) Pickering, Jean Tandy, and Freddy Kingdon.

 Left to cherish his memory are his wife Berta; sons Dan (Kathy), Jeff (Rhonda), Bruce (Kris); daughter-in-law Ginny Quick; in-laws Karen Quick, Charles (Bonnie) Morin, Bev Morin, Helen Kingdon, James (Chon) Morin; grandchildren Rebecca (Cliff) Smith and sons Kaden and Bryson, Brian (Abby) Quick and son Josh, Carrie (Wiley) Main and sons Louden and Calvin, Alison (Berkley) Davidson and son Hayden, Colton (Amelia) Quick and sons Jaxon and Cooper, Morgan Quick, Austin (Cacey) Quick and daughters Elena and Aislee, and Ashton Quick; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Obituary -- F.C. Grace Jr. 1943-2021

F.C. Grace, Jr., 77, Denver, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at home surrounded by loving family.

He was born October 3, 1943, in Denver to Findley and Marcella Grace.  He graduated from Worth County High School in 1961.

On September 9, 1964, he married the love of his life, Karen Mikkelsen, of Afton, Iowa, and to this union two children were born, Annisa and Tre’.

F.C. enjoyed working on the farm as a young man but spent the majority of his working years in the furniture business, operating his own stores until his retirement in 2011.  He had a profound love of the Lord and witnessed to many of his customers.

He loved nothing more than his wife, family, horses, home, and “Big D.”  He professed his love to his family often.  Driving and riding his horses in and around Denver brought him great joy throughout his lifetime.

F.C. was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marcia Hickman, and brother-in-law Robert Hickman.  He is survived by his wife, Karen, of the home; daughter Annisa Justice (Todd), Kansas City, Missouri; son Tre’ Grace (Maryann), Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren Dane Justice, Cole Justice, Caroline Justice, Caden Grace, and Cameron Grace; sister Dorrilla Hawk (Jack), Grant City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, with funeral service following at 2:00, Denver Community Church, Lafayette Street, Denver, Missouri.

Memorials:  American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Association

Arrangements:  Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri