Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for January 8th, 2024

On December 26th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Tyson Stevens (20) of Bethany alleging Attempted Burglary (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On December 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Ashley Swinney (32) of Maryville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Delivery of Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $50,000 with the defendant released on her own recognizance.

On December 29th, the Trenton Police Department reported the disappearance of Steven Johnson (34) of Trenton. He was last seen on November 29th, 2024 near Trenton. He is a white male, 5’8” tall, and weighing 220 pounds. He has blue eyes, brown hair that is short or shaggy, and may have a beard. He has a tattoo of a coffin on the top of his left arm. At the time of his last sighting, he was wearing a brown Carhartt-style coat, blue jeans, and possibly black tennis shoes. If seen, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol Missing Person’s Clearinghouse at (573) 526-6178.

On December 31st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Austin Bird (22) of Maryville alleging DWI.

On December 31st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Timothy Hoepker (19) of Hopkins alleging DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On December 31st, an extradition hearing was scheduled for Vernon Carter (62) of Maryville on a Payne County (OK) warrant for Making a Terroristic Threat. Bond was denied. On January 3rd, extradition to Oklahoma was ordered by Judge Robert Rice.

On January 1st, Callaway County Assistant Prosecutor Harrison McIntosh filed charges against John Wallace (56) of Fulton alleging Impersonation of a Law Enforcement Officer, Assault, Attempted Stealing (Felony, Controlled Substance), and Resisting Arrest (Felony). Bond was denied. An affidavit from the Fulton Police Department alleges that the victim received contact from a person who was a friend of both the victim and the defendant, asking the victim to meet the defendant to grab some things   from the defendant because they were unable to meet with the defendant. The defendant allegedly flashed a badge that stated they were a US Marshal, forced his way into the victim’s vehicle, and demanded marijuana. The defendant allegedly proceeded to assault the victim, who was able to get away. The defendant then allegedly pulled into a private drive, where he was located by officers. He then allegedly ignored commands to exit the vehicle for the next 45 minutes, and allegedly refused to comply with commands to keep his hands where officers could see them.

On January 1st, a Texas man drove a truck with an ISIS flag through a crowd that was celebrating New Year’s Day in New Orleans on Bourbon Street, killing 15. He then died in a shootout with police.

On January 1st, a man driving a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with explosives attempted unsuccessfully to blow up President-Elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel. He shot himself before the explosion. Seven bystanders were injured.

On January 1st, Matthew Krohn began his duties as 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge, consisting of Harrison, Mercer, Grundy, and Putnam Counties. He was elected in the August 2024 Primary.

On January 1st, Alex Van Zandt stepped down as Harrison County Prosecutor and began serving as Associate Circuit Judge for Mercer County. He was appointed to the position by Governor Mike Parson.

On January 1st, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Melody Watkins (46) of Jamesport alleging two counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) and Domestic Assault. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only with no contact with victims or co-defendant. Bond was later reduced to $5,000 with defendant allowed to post 10%. Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson also filed charges against Bobby Watkins (40) of Jamesport alleging four counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). Bond was denied. Bond was later set at $15,000 with defendant allowed to post 10%.

On January 1st, Michael Wulff was appointed Prosecutor of Harrison County, replacing Alex Van Zandt, who became Associate Circuit Judge in Mercer County.

On January 2nd, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Benjamin Anderson (42) of Clinton (MO) alleging Possession of Methamphetamine at Jail Facility (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On January 2nd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Christopher Holloway (32) of Peculiar (MO) alleging two counts Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Property Damage (Critical Infrastructure Facility, Felony). An affidavit from the Gentry County Sheriff’s Department alleges that the defendant broke into two electrical substations in Darlington and stole various electrical equipment.

On January 3rd, Tabatha Hatfield (44) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving and No Insurance. She was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for time served and assessed $215.50 in fines and court costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On January 4th at around 12:40 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 1999 Peterbilt was parked on the east shoulder of northbound I-29 when it came out of gear, rolled down a hill, struck and killed a pedestrian, and collided with a light pole.

On January 4th at around 11:40 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 53 year old man was driving a 2020 Toyota Tacoma on NE 37th Street near Trenton when he failed to negotiate a curve, went into a ditch, and overturned. The driver received minor damage.

On January 4th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Katie Corum (30) alleging Trafficking Drugs (Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony), Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony), No Valid License, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Insurance. Bond was denied. Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson also filed charges against Coty Mewes (35) of Galt (MO) alleging Trafficking Drugs (Felony). Bond was denied.

On January 5th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two tractor trailers were southbound on I-35 at the 80 mile marker near Pattonsburg. A 2024 Volkswagen Tractor Trailer struck a 2025 Kenworth Tractor Trailer, which jackknifed off the roadway. The driver of the Kenworth received moderate injuries.

On January 5th, the Harrison County Commissioners ordered people to stay off the roads there. People were ordered to refrain from non-emergency travel on all roads due to snow and ice.

On January 5th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that I-29 was closed from the 110 marker to the 56 mile marker, between Rock Port and Route 71 due to treacherous conditions. The Patrol was conducting a sweep in search of stranded motorists. Since the onset of the storm, the Patrol reported 1,374 calls for service, 597 stranded motorists, 285 crashes, 27 injuries, and 0 fatalities as of 4 pm that day. The Interstate was reopened on the morning of January 6th.

On January 6th, a federal judge ruled former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani was in contempt for failing to respond to requests for information regarding assets to be turned over to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgement granted to two Georgia election workers.

On January 6th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Billy Joe Baldwin (50) of Altamont alleging No Valid License (Felony), Failure to Register, and No Plates. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On January 7th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Sherry Young (48) of Maryville alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing, and Trespassing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendant attempted to steal clothing items, a watch and bracelet set, and a dog bone from the Maryville Wal-Mart after she had been trespassed from all Wal-Mart stores.

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.

Kinsley Johnson, Annabelle Gardner Lock Down Lions as Lady Panthers Win

Pattonsburg's Panthers are still adjusting to life without Katelyn Jones, but they are getting closer to finding an identity following their 34-13 win over St. Joseph Christian Tuesday, January 7th. The Panthers played box and one with Annabelle Gardner faceguarding their best player, Maddie Glise and shutting her out for the night. Kinsley Johnson patrolled the paint and shut out their best post player, Annie Herschberger and held her scoreless; Johnson had 9 blocks, 12 boards, and 9 points, nearly getting a triple double. Addie Iddings played her best game yet as a Panther getting a career high of 13 points offensively and everybody else chipped in.

Iddings opened the scoring for the Panthers by getting a steal and feeding Gardner for the finish. Cheyenne Miller then fed Iddings for three and then added a steal to make it 7-0. Harper Sowers cut it to 7-2 for the Lions after Jayden Goble was shaken up and came out briefly. But Goble's replacement, Carlie Pittsenbarger, launched a 3-pointer from the top of the key and Iddings added her second triple of the quarter to make it 13-2 after one.

Addie Iddings hit her third triple of the quarter to make it 17-4, but then Joy Wallick beat the halftime buzzer to make it 17-7. The Lions were able to stay in the game thanks to a massive rebounding advantage in the first half.

But Pattonsburg rebounded much better in the second half and was able to put it away. Jayden Goble drove and scored to start the scoring and then Cheyenne Miller hit Iddings at the top of the key to make it 22-7. At that point, Glise tweaked her ankle and didn't return for the Lions.

Sowers tried to carry the Panthers, connecting on a couple of free throws, but then Kinsley Johnson converted a traditional 3-point play to make it 25-9. Sowers drove and somehow got one over Johnson to make it 25-11, but then Johnson drove and drew another foul, scoring two free throws, and then Pittsenbarger hit Miller for three at the buzzer for the dagger to make it 30-11.

Kinsley Johnson grabbed a long rebound and knocked down a 3-pointer and Gardner added a free throw as the Panthers led by as much as 34-11 in the fourth.

Addie Iddings had 12, Kinsley Johnson 9, Cheyenne Miller 5, Annabelle Gardner and Carlie Pittsenbarger 3, and Jayden Goble had 2.

Kinsley Johnson had 9 blocks. 

Kinsley Johnson had 12 boards. Jayden Goble had 8, Cheyenne Miller 6, Annabelle Gardner 5, and Addie Iddings 3.

Jayden Goble had 4 assists. Addie Iddings and Cheyenne Miller had 2, and Carlie Pittsenbarger and Kinsley Johnson 1.

Annabelle Gardner had 3 tips. Cheyenne Miller, Addie Iddings, and Jayden Goble had 2, and Carlie Pittsenbarger 1.

Addie Iddings, Cheyenne Miller, and Annabelle Gardner had 3 steals. Jayden Goble had 2 and Kinsley Johnson 1.

Grant City Obligates Last of COVID-19 Relief Funds

The Grant City Council, at its regular meeting December 18th, obligated the last of its COVID-19 relief funds. Initially, they discussed obligating $60,000 to the Lover’s Lane sewer project and giving the remainder as raises to comply with the voter-approved minimum wage increase. The council denied the raise and discussed other ways to obligate the funds. They decided to give each full time employee a one-time $1,500 bonus and rebate the remaining funds to property owners. However, subsequently, the council learned they could not use COVID-19 funds to rebate property owners. Subsequently, they voted 3-1 to rescind that motion and to give each full-time employee, six in total, a bonus in the amount of $1,500 each for a total of $9,000, to be pulled equally from each department. The employee bonus was approved 4-0. The council then voted 3-1 to use remaining ARPA funds, after sewer project fund needs are met, for assistance to households and disproportionately impacted households and communities per eligible fund uses.

Alderman Kevin Kobbe reported that there had been several breaks in the Lover’s Lane water line, including one last weekend. The city will get estimates to repair.

The city voted 3-1 to give full-time employees a $250 Christmas bonus. This is in addition to the $1,500 bonus.

City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported the city has been fully awarded the DNR grant for the sewer project and that the city has gotten the construction permit. The lead line inventory is done. The demolition grant has been held up on the state level; they have pushed back the announcement of recipients twice.

A new proposal to raise the dog fees is on the table, since the city is still dealing with dog issues. The first offense would be $100, the second would be $150, and the third would be $250. The ordinance would need to be amended.

Ryan Fletchall reported that lagoon levels had been stable. There was a water main break at the Pool Park.

The council voted to purchase 20 more loads of gravel before rock prices went up again in January.

The council voted to purchase a new trash pump. The one they have is getting older, and they have to work on it to get it to run, which delays fixing water main breaks.

Trevin Wyllie’s 24 Points Not Enough Against Wildcards

Trevin Wyllie played the game of his life and carried North Nodaway’s boys on his shoulders all night Friday, but 25 turnovers and the defense giving up a season high 69 points was too much for him to overcome as the OSHS Wildcards beat North Nodaway 69-52.

The Mustangs had every right to expect a close game as the two teams came in with similar records, with North Nodaway at 3-4 and OSHS at 4-3. But nobody wanted anything to do with Ian Saunders, who stole the ball from the Mustangs right and left and hung 32 points and 11 steals on them. And nobody wanted anything to do with Cooper Langley, who added 19 points.

The game started off as a defensive struggle, with the Wildcards leading 4-2 after the first six minutes of play. But then Saunders hit two free throws and then added an NBA 3-pointer, which sent the Wildcard faithful into a frenzy the rest of the game. Langley added another triple and Saunders converted a steal at the buzzer, and by the time the dust had settled, the Wildcards were up 14-3 after one quarter, a lead they would not relinquish. They live and die by the 3-pointer, and got their way with the Mustangs, getting nine for the night. And they seek to force turnovers on defense; they forced the Mustangs into 25 turnovers while surrendering the ball only 12 times. The 13 extra possessions were plenty for an explosive team like OSHS to control the game.

The Mustangs played three good quarters of ball against the Wildcards, but the damage was done as they never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.

At first, it looked like nothing would change in the second quarter as Langley got hot and scored eight of his team’s first ten points as they built up a 24-7 lead. But all of a sudden, Trevin Wyllie started carrying the Mustangs on his back, slashing and scoring and converting a 3-point play. He added a 3-pointer and then found Blaine Clements inside to slash the lead to 24-15. Trevun Martens hit a 3-pointer and Saunders converted a conventional three point play to make it 30-15, but Trevin Wyllie hit a 3-pointer and then went coast to coast to cut it to 30-20 at the half. Wyllie was keeping the Mustangs in the game along with Owen Martin; Wyllie had 13 in the quarter and Martin had four assists.

The Mustangs twice cut it to nine points in the third quarter as Wylie went 6 for 6 from the line in the period and Jordan DeLeon, Blaine Clements, Owen Martin, and Mason Casner chipped in. But then a late push by Saunders got the Wildcard lead back up to 46-32 again. Saunders beat the third quarter buzzer to put OSHS up 49-36 after three.

Kaeden Nave got on the board with a 3-pointer to start the fourth, but then the long range shots started falling again for the Wildcards, with Saunders, Langley, and Martens all connecting in the first few minutes of the fourth quarter. Wyllie kept hitting, but the Wildcard lead got as big as 65-46 before Jordan DeLeon got loose and Owen Martin scored off a steal to make it closer at the end.

For North Nodaway, Trevin Wyllie had 24, Jordan DeLeon 12, Blaine Clements 5, Owen Martin 4, Mason Casner 4, and Kaeden Nave 3.

Blaine Clements had 2 blocks.

Trevin Wyllie had 8 boards. Jordan DeLeon had 7, Mason Casner 6, Blaine Clements and Owen Martin 2, and Kaeden Nave 1.

Owen Martin had 8 assists. Mason Casner and Trevin Wyllie had 3 each and Kaeden Nave 2.

Kaeden Nave had 1 tip. Kaeden Nave, Owen Martin, Trevin Wyllie, and Mason Casner had 1 steal each.

When the Mail Came to Sheridan Only Once a Week

      While people are wondering when, if ever, a new Post Office will be built again in Sheridan, at least the mail is coming six days a week. And a new box was put up that now allows Sheridan Rural Housing customers to mail letters without having to go to the box on 246. The January 12th, 1900 Sheridan Advance reported on plans to deliver the mail six times a week from Grant City to Isadora, but only once a week — Sunday — to Sheridan.

By a posted notice for bids to carry the mail between Grant City, Isadora, and Sheridan, beginning March 1st, we see that the route is to be changed. After March 1st, the mail hack will make regular daily trips between Grant City and Isadora, only coming to Sheridan once a week — on Sunday. This date is given us, we suppose, only because the stub road at Grant City does not carry through Sunday mail and is brought over here to catch our flyer.

 

In 1900, Sheridan Clerks Demanded Day of Sunday Rest

      While Sheridan was a bustling town with businesses and other buildings going up in 1900, not everybody was happy. The January 12th, 1900 Sheridan Advance reported on a group of retail clerks who held a secret meeting to address the problem of no Sunday rest. They put together the following piece:

Why we want Sunday rest:

1. Because we firmly believe the public can be accommodated without inconvenience by buying on Saturday enough goods to last over Sunday.

2. Because we desire to spend one day each week with our families.

3. Because we want to respect the Sabbath as a day of rest.

How can you help us?

1. By doing your shopping on Saturday instead of Sunday.

2. By patronizing only those who observe Sunday.

3. By inducing others to observe Sunday as a day of rest. Labor organizations, union men, we ask your support.

 

January 1900 Saw Hope for a Progressive Sheridan

      The January 12th, 1900 Sheridan Advance saw hope for a progressive Sheridan, citing the building boom that was taking place in town following the rail line being built through town.

That Sheridan will enjoy another building boom the coming season is an evident fact. To begin with, two two-story and one one-story brick business buildings will go up, followed by a number of smaller and less pretentious business buildings and dwelling houses.

No small town on the Great Western Railway has enjoyed as great a wave of prosperity in the past two years as Sheridan. This fact has been heralded far and near, with the result that businessmen and capital are seeking location and investment within her borders.

The year 1900 gives promise of being the banner year of Sheridan’s existence and ere the dawn of the 20th century, she will have grown to most promising and prominent proportions. Among these lines, it is of the utmost importance that our businessmen stand together as a unit, and time will show the fruits of action, harmony, and persistent effort.