Rhonda Woollums 1962-2025

Rhonda Lynn Woollums passed away at 11:46 a.m. March 3rd, 2025, at the age of 62.

Rhonda was born November 5th, 1962, in Bethany, Missouri to parents Ronnie Eugene Johnston and Evelyn Kay (Inks) Johnston. Rhonda welcomed two sisters into the family: Lisa Ann in 1965 and Shiela Renea in 1973.

Growing up Rhonda spent her childhood in Hatfield, Missouri. She loved riding her bike, playing and loved spending time with her grandma Thelma Johnston and attending church in Hatfield. Rhonda always enjoyed family get togethers and especially her cousin Kathy (Smith) Graham.

Rhonda attended North Harrison School in Eagleville, Missouri where she made many lifelong friends.

Rhonda met and married the love of her life, Garey Lynn Woollums, in 1993. Rhonda brought two sons to this marriage Wesley Allan Gregg and Christopher Lynn Woollums. Garey brought three children to this marriage Shea Lynn, Travis Lee, and Kelly Jo.

Rhonda and Garey moved their family from Hatfield to Creston, Iowa, where Rhonda worked for Bunn-0-Matic until her retirement.

Quilting became a passion of Rhonda’s. She made quilts for family and friends. Nothing pleased her more than to see the faces of the recipients light up with a smile. Rhonda had a huge heart. She also liked watching the birds and butterflies.

Rhonda and Garey also liked to spend every weekend they possibly could camping with family and friends.

Rhonda was preceded in death by son Shea Lynn Woollums; grandfather Oran Johnston, grandmother Thelma Johnston; grandfather Don Inks, grandmother Bertha Inks; and father-in-law Perry Woollums.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 32 years Garey Woollums of the home; three sons Wesley Gregg, Christopher Woollums and Travis Woollums; 1 daughter Kelly Jo; parents Ronnie and Evelyn Johnston; sisters Lisa (Randy) Miles, Shiela (Bill) Fisch; grandchildren Hailley (Keegan) Brown, Daysen Gregg, Keegan Aschan, Brylea, Aryana, Cayleigh, Charlee, Hadlee, Hayzlee, Hoffman and Halden Woollums; mother-in-law Sally Pauline Woollums; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials are to the family to be decided. 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for March 5th, 2025

On February 6th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Ronny Sobotka (16) of Mount Ayr was eastbound on J23 when it experienced steering issues and struck a guardrail, causing substantial damage. Sobotka was charged with Violation of Minor’s License, Defective Tires, No Plates, Insufficient Headlights, and Improper Rear Lamps.

On February 7th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Tyler Reis (23) of Mount Ayr was eastbound on J20 near Tingley when he experienced a medical emergency. The vehicle left the road, drove through a shed, and struck an unoccupied house. He received minor injuries.

On February 18th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Ethan Wambold (34) of Kellerton on an Iowa Department of Corrections Warrant (Parole Violation).

On February 22nd, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by David Pearce (63) of Mount Ayr was southbound on Highway 169, failed to yield the right of way at the Route 2 intersection near Casey’s, and struck a vehicle driven by Ryan Morris (46) of Lenox. Pearce was cited for Failure to Stop and Failure to Yield the Right of Way.

On February 24th, Brian Clapp (41) of Butler (MO) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron and ordered to pay $2,033.98 in restitution to Wal-Mart.

On February 24th, Mathew Black (42) of Union Star pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On February 24th, Dennis Proctor (67) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). He was sentenced to 112 days in jail by Judge Corey Herron.

On February 24th, Robert Lowe (50) of Monticello (KY) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On February 25th, the Warren County (IA) Sheriff’s Department arrested Michael Wayne Johnson (52) of Des Moines on a Ringgold County Warrant (Violation of No Contact Order). He was transported to the Ringgold County Jail. Bond was set at $300.

On February 25th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Moriah Strein (46) of Altamont alleging DWI (5th, Felony) and No Valid License (4th, Felony). Bond was denied.

On February 25th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported the guilty plea of August Gildehaus (28) of Blue Springs to charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Production of Child Pornography. Sentencing will take place at a later date. The defendant had served as a Grain Valley police officer.

On February 26th, the Southern Iowa US Attorney’s Office announced that 17 defendants who were allegedly members of the Only My Brothers street gang in Des Moines were sentenced to a combined total of 2,538 months in prison after they had pleaded guilty or had been found guilty by a jury of crimes such as RICO Conspiracy, Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Machine Guns, Making Illegal Straw Purchases of Firearms, Firearms Trafficking, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

On February 26th, the Southern Iowa US Attorney’s Office reported that Francisco Martinez (35) of Honduras was sentenced to six months in prison for illegally returning to the US after having been deported. The defendant had previously been deported from the US on three different occasions. The defendant will be surrendered to the ICE for removal proceedings and serve a one year term of supervised release.

On February 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Tyler Marriott (23) of Maryville alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000 cash or corporate surety.

On February 26th, Special Prosecutor Tara Cluck filed charges against Joshua Prokop (37) of Kansas City in Nodaway County alleging Non-Support (Felony). The amount alleged owed as of December 1st was $36,294.07.

On February 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Jeremy Laun (44) of Maryville alleging Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On February 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Justin Aley (44) of Maryville alleging Distribution of Controlled Substance Near a Park (Felony) and Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash or corporate surety.

On February 26th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Scott Barker (33) of Ashland (MO) was sentenced to 15 years in prison by US District Judge Brian Wimes for Sexual Exploitation of a Child. The defendant must serve 15 years supervised release following incarceration and register as a sex offender.

On February 26th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Charles Jackson (31) of Kansas City was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in prison by US District Judge Beth Phillips after pleading guilty to charges of Assault (Law Enforcement Officer) and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

On February 27th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Christopher Wright (41) of Ridgeway in Daviess County on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), No Valid License, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied. The Missouri State Highway Patrol also arrested Talia Nupp (36) of Bethany in Daviess County on a Harrison County Warrant (No Valid License, Felony). Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed additional charges against Nupp alleging two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Making a False Report, and No Seat Belt. Bond was denied.

On February 28th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Renee Clouse (56) was sentenced to 10 years in prison without parole by US District Judge Roseann Ketchmark after she pleaded guilty to charges of Loan Fraud and IRS Fraud. The defendant allegedly used the personal identity information of fellow inmates to obtain over $850,000 in fraudulent student loans and tax refunds. The defendant must make restitution of $857,618 and forfeit $857,618 to the government.

On February 28th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Michael Hall (46) of Mount Ayr alleging Driving While Suspended and Possession of Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $1,300, cash only.

On February 28th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported the indictments of William Jackson (67) of Stark City (MO) and Stephen Jackson (66) of Pierce City (MO) on charges that they conspired to prevent the sale of property seized by the IRS for unpaid taxes. The amount alleged owed to the IRS totaled $2,396,800 as of 2018.

On March 2nd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Julie McDowell (47) of St. Joseph in Harrison County on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), No Insurance, Failure to Register, and Speeding (75 mph). Charges were filed on March 4th by Prosecutor Michael Wulff. Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On March 2nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Chad King (42) of Kansas City alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Burglary (Felony), Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony), and Stealing. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant broke into two storage units and was living in them without permission.

On March 2nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Michael Coffelt (43) of Maryville alleging Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $20,000, cash or corporate surety.

On March 3rd, Jennifer Otis (41) of Norwood (MO) failed to appear in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court on a charge of Non-Support (Felony). A warrant was issued and bond set at $600, cash only.

On March 3rd, Ashley Cady (40) of Conception Junction pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Domestic Assault. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On March 3rd, Daniel Fitzmier (33) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On March 3rd, Judge Jay Hemenway revoked the bond of Cindy Flowers (60) of Bethany in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court following a violation report alleging the defendant failed to report, failed to download alcohol monitoring, and failed to pay supervision fees. A warrant was issued and bond set at $5,000, cash only.

On March 3rd, Clinton County Prosecutor Brandi McClain filed charges against Nicholas Taylor (38) of Cameron alleging Assault (Law Enforcement Officer), Fleeing (Felony), Resisting Arrest (Felony), and Speeding (107 mph). Bond was set at $250,000, cash only. Defendant must be supervised by Supervision Services, possess no controlled substances without a valid prescription, possess no alcohol, and wear a SCRAM device. The charges arose following a police chase that started on I-35 in Clinton County and ended at a residence in Caldwell County.

On March 3rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested John Currie (44) of Tarkio in Nodaway County on a charge of DWI.

On March 4th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Zebulon Searcy (44) of Pattonsburg alleging Domestic Assault (Felony), Harassment (Felony), and two counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Bond was denied.

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.

Alois Johnson 1934-2025

Alois Mae "Snooks" Johnson, 90, Gilman City, MO passed away at 1:28 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Sunnyview Nursing Home, Trenton, MO.

She was born on November 22, 1934, the daughter of Earl Vernon and Lola Leona (Coleman) Findley.

On January 3, 1953, she married Bobby Lee Johnson. To this union three children were born.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gilman City, MO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Johnson; parents, Earl and Lola Findley; infant sister, Leona Fay Findley; brothers, Herbert Lee Findley, Vernon Leroy Findley, Royce Dean Findley, and Billie Joe Findley.

Alois is survived by her daughter, Lynda (Bert) Swopes and two sons, Harold Johnson and Earl (Pat) Johnson, all of Gilman City, MO; seven grandchildren, Tammy Taylor, Jeremy Chad Johnson, Kelly Burke, Bobbie Roy, Rachel Johnson, Zachary Johnson, and Saige Burrows; 17 great grandchildren, Shelby Carlson, Shania McAtee, Maddison Kadence, Kinsley Johnson, Presley Burke, Kendra Gutshall, Bobby Aakhus, Kaleb Fehring, Kammie Fehring, Nash Roy, Jacob Roy, Colton Roy, Jessica Roy, Maverick Roberts, Emberly Johnson, and Lincoln Burrows; seven great-great grandchildren, Kaya and Kemper Carlson, Alexis and Amelia McAtee, Colden Gutshall, Abigayle Gutshall, and Vada Thorne; sister-in-law, Wanda Findley; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Alois has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.  

Northwest Bringing Musical Guests, Recitals During March

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Northwest Missouri State University will host multiple guest musicians during a series of lectures and recitals in March.

“When we bring in guest artists for recitals, we are looking to expand opportunities for our students and the community to experience high-quality performances by performers who may not usually visit Maryville,” said Dr. Rachel Day, the chair of Northwest’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, who specializes in vocal performance and will present a faculty recital on March 28.

“By bringing these artists to campus, we make available performances that otherwise would require travel to attend. By doing this, we enrich both the community and demonstrate to our students what professional careers and performances look like.”

The guest performances are supported by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council. Each event is free and open to the public.

Details about the upcoming recitals are provided below. For more information, contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 660.562.1326 or fparts@nwmissouri.edu.

David Vining, March 5

Vining, a trombonist will give lectures at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, titled “Introduction to Body Mapping,” and at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, titled “The Truth About Breathing,” in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.  

Coming from Northern Arizona University and founder of Mountain Peak music publishing company, Vining is devoted to offering innovative, healthy teaching methods for all musicians. He has served on the faculties of the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music and the University of Kansas. Currently a member of the Flagstaff Symphony, Vining has performed with the Cincinnati Symphony, Kansas City Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra. 

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and many years of not only trombone pedagogy but music pedagogy to campus, so we’re very excited about that,” Dr. William Sutton, a Northwest assistant professor of music, said. “His experiences, because they’re so diverse and well rounded, will positively impact the music area as a whole.”

Duo LoW, March 17

Duo LoW, formed by Northwest Assistant Professor of Music Dr. William Sutton and Dr. Ling Lo, a music faculty member at the University of North Dakota, will perform works for euphonium, trombone, tuba and piano.

Their program will include Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” with narration throughout.  

“Broadway Classics with Rion,” March 29

Northwest will host an evening of musical theater magic at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in the Charles Johnson Theater with Rion Towery taking his audience on an unforgettable journey from the golden age of show tunes to today’s hits.

The performance will feature beloved favorites from legendary composers, such as George Gershwin, Lerner and Loewe, and Stephen Sondheim, seamlessly blended with show-stopping numbers from contemporary sensations like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eric Idle and more.

Rion, celebrated for his contributions to theatre as a performer, director, choreographer and theatre educator, brings a dynamic stage presence, promising delight for musical theater enthusiasts of all ages. Highlights will include iconic songs from “Crazy For You,” “My Fair Lady” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as well as hits from modern favorites like “Hamilton,” “Rent” and Disney’s “Tarzan.”

“A Baroque Celebration: The Genius of Georg Philipp Telemann,” March 30

At 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, in the Charles Johnson Theater, Northwest Professor of Music Dr. Anthony Olson will play the harpsichord during “A Baroque Celebration: The Genius of Georg Philipp Telemann.”

He will be joined by soprano Eva Peng, flutist Rebecca Dunnell, oboist Joseph Tomasso and cellist Brenda Allen. 

“The program will be all music by Georg Telemann, who is one of the most prolific composers of the first half of the 1700s,” Olson said. 

Telemann’s output includes more than 3,000 compositions, ranging from operas and cantatas to concertos and chamber music. Telemann was known for his ability to blend different national styles — German, French and Italian — into his music, making it both innovative and accessible. His works were published and admired throughout Europe, and his influence extended to future generations of composers, including his friend J.S. Bach.

Nation, March 31 and April 1

Northwest will host multi-instrumentalist composers Nation in conjunction with the Four-State Honor Choir Invitational on Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in the Charles Johnson Theater, Nation will give lectures and perform some of its original music with cover songs. 

Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy Takach comprise Nation as married, Minnesota-based composers who have written for bands, orchestras, choirs and solo acts. Takach and Hagen are pioneers in composing, entrepreneurship, coaching youth and adults, and leading ensembles in the spirit of collaboration. They bring a uniquely special partnership of lifelong learning while guiding participants through a collective and creative journey, modeling healthy, accessible and honest pedagogy for developing singers. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for schools in this pocket of the country and our students to be able to get to work with two of America’s premier composers – two premier living composers who are just knocking it out of the park,” Adam Zrust, an assistant professor of music, said.

Persistent Drought Costs Missouri Ag

Drought is costing Missouri agriculture significant amounts of money.

Since the 1980s, Missourians have had 16 drought disasters costing $1 billion or more, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the total cost of these disasters is between $10 billion and $20 billion.

Leasor refers to it as “persistent drought,” the kind that doesn’t go away with a couple of good gully washers. It’s the kind of drought that digs down deep in the soil.

That is part of why he and other members of the Missouri Climate Center team are installing in-ground moisture sensors at some stations in the Missouri Mesonet, a statewide network of 45 weather stations. The sensors will record soil moisture at different depths to understand how soil responds to drought or excess moisture.

The additions are part of a partnership with Missouri Hydrology Information Center and Missouri Department of Natural Resources to develop a statewide soil and atmospheric monitoring plan and produce daily soil moisture maps.

Soil moisture data helps in understanding the storage and movement of water within the soil profile, Leasor says. Soil moisture also influences critical exchanges of water between the atmosphere and land surface.

Missouri has been hit hard by drought during the past three consecutive years, he says. In 2024, the state recorded its 11th-driest August-to-October period ever, based on data going back to 1895. That followed 2023, when the state had its 7th-driest May-November on record, and 2022, when Missouri had its 15th-driest June-September on record.

By the end of October 2024, most of southwestern Missouri was in drought condition D3, indicating extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Stone, Barry, Hickory and Lawrence counties in southwestern Missouri’s forage and cattle stronghold all had rainfall deficits of 6 inches or more from August to October.

By the end of November, the waterspouts had turned back on, and most of the state received an abundance of rainfall. St. Louis had 9.68 inches of rainfall, giving the city its second-wettest November on record. Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia also had above-normal precipitation. Several longstanding one- and two-day November rainfall records were broken on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, with Mountain Grove in Wright County getting 12.50 inches of rain during the two-day period.

In addition to rainfall shortages, producers of row crops, forages and livestock saw higher temperatures in 2024, with the preliminary annual temperature 3.5 degrees above normal. The year was Missouri’s second-warmest in 130 years of records, says Leasor.

Looking to 2025, Leasor says La Nina may or may not bring relief. While January and February were colder and snowier for many, most of the state is slightly below average for wintertime precipitation, and springtime moisture will be critical. Typically, La Nina can bring wetter conditions mainly to eastern Missouri, but most of Missouri’s current drought areas are to the west. This is also a weak La Nina that is not expected to last long, so there is uncertainty over how much impact La Nina will have on spring weather.

Leasor notes that the U.S. Drought Monitoring Network has improved communications about drought. The network includes more than 400 scientists from across the U.S. who provide input on local conditions. Through their observations, the network works to understand the science of drought and improve awareness and decision-making about drought, he says.

Trump Suspends Enforcement of Transparency Act

Recently, the courts ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act was enforceable following further litigation between affected parties and the government. However, on Sunday, President Donald Trump and the US Department of Treasury announced the suspension of enforcement.

Previously, the 5th Circuit granted an injunction against it. But on January 23rd, the Supreme Court reversed the injunction pending the 5th Circuit’s review of the CTA’s constitutionality.

Meanwhile, on January 7th, the US District Court of Eastern Texas granted another injunction in a separate case. However, on February 18th, that district court lifted its injunction, citing the US Supreme Court ruling of January 23rd.

On Sunday, the Treasury Department announced that it would not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the rule against US citizens or domestic reporting companies. The Treasury Department will be issuing a rulemaking that will narrow the scope to foreign reporting companies only.

James Gardner 1946-2025

James "Bob" Robert Gardner, 78, of Denver, Missouri died Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Mosaic Life Center, Albany, Missouri.

James was born September 3, 1946 to James and Joanna (Samborski) Gardner in Kansas City, Missouri.

He worked in construction running a bulldozer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Brother: John Louis Gardner. Bob is survived by 3 sisters: Carole Gardner, Camden, MO; Mary Harrison, Claremore, OK, Virginia Kincaid, Richmond, MO; Niece, Carly Miller, Albany, MO; Nephews: Aaron Kincaid, Richmond, MO., Allen Kincaid, Richmond, MO. Great-Great Niece: Remington Miller; 2 great nephews: Logan Miller, Albany, Kaleb Miller, Albany.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Bethany Memorial Chapel, Bethany, MO. Family visitation 12:30 p.m. until service time.  Burial will be in the Miriam Cemetery, Bethany. Memorial gifts suggested to Remington's Education Fund.