Missouri to Implement Medicaid Expansion

In accordance with the Cole County Circuit Court's August 10 ruling, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) will begin allowing individuals to apply for the MO HealthNet program under Article IV, Section 36(c) of the Missouri Constitution.

"My administration is always going to follow the law and yesterday's court order is no exception," Governor Mike Parson said. "The necessary funding to cover the health care costs of the expanded population remains the issue. We will continue to work with the General Assembly and DSS to chart a path forward to comply with the court order and keep the MO HealthNet program solvent." 

Missouri voters approved Medicaid expansion, the Supreme Court of Missouri held the expansion amendment to be constitutional, and the trial court has ordered the state not to prohibit enrollment. The expansion amendment also legally requires the state to maximize federal funding. DSS will continue to work towards fulfilling the state's legal obligations under the Constitution and court order. 

The state is currently working through administrative hurdles, including adequate appropriations, staffing capacity, and computer software changes in order to begin enrolling the expanded population. Governor Parson included funding in his FY 22-23 budget proposal to the General Assembly to cover both the health care costs of the expanded population and for 75 additional employees to administer the expanded program.

The proposed funds were not included in the final FY 21-22 budget. As a result, DSS is limited to administering the expanded MO HealthNet program without sufficient staffing or appropriations. 

Missourians who believe they are eligible for MO HealthNet benefits under the expanded Medicaid eligibility may go to MyDSS.MO.Gov to apply. DSS will begin making eligibility determinations once MO HealthNet's software is updated to reflect the court order. In order to comply with the court order and until the necessary funds can be appropriated, DSS will reassign existing employees from their current assignments and responsibilities in order to receive and evaluate MO HealthNet applications.

Due to current staffing capacity and funding restraints, the required system update is anticipated to take up to 60 days. Qualifying health care costs that are incurred by eligible Missourians between the time they apply and when DSS is able to verify their eligibility may be reimbursed at a later date. 

Third COVID Death Reported for Worth County

On Wednesday, the Tri-County Health Department reported that Worth County had its third death due to the Coronavirus. There was one active case and 266 total cases in the county. 34.6% of the county has gotten their first dose, and 31.2% have completed their vaccinations.

In Gentry County, there were 987 total cases as of August 12th. There were 40 active cases and 21 deaths.

Courthouse News for August 11th, 2021

On August 2nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Dakota Wray (18) of Hopkins alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and No Insurance.

On the night of August 3rd, multiple thefts were reported in Eagleville. At around midnight that night, someone shot off fireworks near Firehouse 54. One person reported the theft of a gun, a knife, and their truck keys, and that thieves went through the vehicles of their neighbors. A vehicle near Routes 46 and 69 was stolen. One teen reported that thieves had taken her purse, but left all the change in her seat. Another person reported the theft of her wallet. One woman reported that someone was snooping around her house. One or two nights before, there was a wave of thefts in Gilman City. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department has reported multiple thefts of items from vehicles in Harrison County.

On August 4th, the Missouri Secretary of State issued a news release about an operation which they said was a Ponzi scheme:

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Securities Division issued a final cease and desist order against Monarch Capital Investment Fund, LLC, and top executive Timothy Patrick Peabody after several investors in Missouri were defrauded.

Missouri Commissioner of Securities David Minnick found that between April 2015 and October 2016, Peabody, “engaged in fraudulent or deceitful acts and practices through his company Monarch Capital Investment Fund.”

Minnick concluded that Peabody and Monarch Capital employed a third party, Retire Happy, LLC, for compensation, to raise funds through the sale of unregistered, non-exempt promissory notes. The nationwide fundraising effort successfully raised more than $7 million and targeted at least four Missouri investors who purchased notes totaling $210,500. 

Investors were provided a brochure and told their investments were to fund real estate investment ventures in Florida, but only $100,000 of the more than $7 million raised was used for that purpose. With the remaining funds, respondents engaged in a Ponzi-style scheme, circulating new investors’ funds back to other investors in the form of interest payments. Ultimately a majority of the funds were used for Peabody’s personal benefit.

Peabody and Monarch were ordered to pay restitution, civil penalties and investigation costs totaling just over $760,000.

On August 4th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Chloe Jones (21) of St. Joseph in Nodaway County on charges of Driving While Suspended, Speeding, and a St. Joseph Warrant (Driving While Suspended).

On August 4th, the Montgomery County (IA) Sheriff’s Department posted that James “Jimmie” Castillo (29) led authorities on a three hour chase and was last seen in the Stanton and Viking Lake area. He is white, 5’6” and 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Department says he has known ties to Taylor County. If seen, call 911. 

On August 4th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Gregory Goode (28) of Marshall alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash only.

On August 4th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Lane Ferris (27) of Bethany alleging Assault (Felony) and Escape from Custody (Felony). Bond was set at $50,000, cash only.

On August 6th, the City of Bedford issued a Boil Advisory until further notice due to a break in a large water line impacting water supply.

On August 6th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Ron Randle (56) of Bedford in Worth County on charges of No Plates, No Insurance, No Seat Belt, Driving While Revoked, and a Worth County Warrant (Driving While Revoked). 

On August 6th, a John Doe warrant was issued in Nodaway County alleging Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. Bond was denied.

On August 6th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Caleb Phillips filed charges against Kenneth Beams (36) of Maryville alleging Furnishing Pornographic Material to a Minor. Bond was denied.

On August 6th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Jeffrey O’Neal (47) of Bethany alleging Rape (Felony) and two counts Sodomy (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash only.

On August 6th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Larry Trower of Mount Ayr on a charge of Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. Bond was set at $2,000 cash.

On August 7th, someone took down the flag at the Sheridan Park Flagpole, unhooked the roller, and left the flag on the ground in the Shelter House. This is in addition to the incident from the week before.

On August 8th, someone overturned one of the picnic tables at the Sheridan Park Shelter House.

On August 8th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Christopher Mace (30) of Arkoe in Nodaway County on charges of Speeding, No Insurance, No Seat Belt, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a Nodaway County Warrant for Failure to Appear (Speeding).

Sunday evening August 8, 2021, at 10:12 p.m., the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call indicating that Chance Newton had been in Kellerton, Iowa, had displayed a gun in a threatening manner, and left the area in a vehicle.  Ringgold County deputies and other area law enforcement officers located and pursued the vehicle driven by Chance Newton, who returned to Kellerton.  During the pursuit, Chance Newton fired shots at a pursuing deputy, striking the deputy’s vehicle.  The pursuit ended when Chance Newton was shot by a self-inflicted gunshot wound while driving through the town.   His vehicle then left the roadway and struck a tree.  Chance Newton was pronounced dead at the scene.  No law enforcement officers fired their weapons, and no officers were injured. Assistance was provided to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office by the Iowa State Patrol, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, the Leon Police Department, Lamoni Police Department, and the Ringgold County Hospital.  The Iowa Division of Criminal of Investigation is investigating this incident.

On August 9th, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department posted the following about a man arrested for sexual assault:

This office received a report of sexual assault.  A 23-year-old Nodaway County man was listed as the suspect.  A 17-year-old Nodaway County female was involved in the first report.  During the investigation a second 19-year-old Nodaway County female reported she too was the victim of sexual assault by the same suspect.  The assaults were several months apart.   The suspect was questioned and a probable cause statement was submitted to Prosecuting Attorney Caleb Phillips.  On Friday, August 6, 2021, a Nodaway County Grand Jury indicted the suspect.  

Joshua Bilecki, age 23, of Maryville, was charged with Rape in the 1st Degree.  He was taken into custody this weekend and he is being held in the Nodaway County Jail.

If you have been sexually assaulted and you want to talk to a victim’s advocate for help, you can call North Star Advocacy Center.  In Maryville call 660-562-2320 or toll free 1-866-382-7867.  If you would like to make a law enforcement report, our office is 660-582-7451.

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.

LaRue Burns Reflects on 42 Years of Service to Housing Board

Recently, we went with LaRue Burns to go through the old Sheridan CBC files and reflected on the history of the Sheridan Rural Housing Project. Burns was involved with the Rural Housing Board from 1978, when she was named the Board Secretary, until November 2020, when she stepped down from the board. She didn't have a whole lot to say, but simply let the scrapbooks that the CBC had built over the years speak for themselves.

The planning committee for the Sheridan Rural Housing project began in 1976. Around 132 donors donated approximately $3,000 worth of donations. Bud Allee was steering committee chair, and other members of the committee were Kendall Roberts, Madolyn Streeter, Eldon Hart, Bob Holland, and Jean Brantley. The housing purchased land owned by Mr. & Mrs. Leland Brown, in what was known as the Boyles Addition of Sheridan, and took out an FHA loan for the project. There used to be a house there, which has been torn down. Vern Nelson (no relation to the Nelsons of Sheridan) drew up the plans, and E.L. Crawford Construction was awarded the bid in 1977.

The Lions Club, the American Legion, and numerous other organizations contributed funds to the project. Other organizations included the Sheridan Community Club (now the CBC), Defiance Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, 20th Century Club, the Town and Country Club, the Sheridan Shamrocks 4-H, the Stitch and Chatter Club, and the Sunshine Club helped contribute to the project. The City of Sheridan, with Gary Constant as mayor, donated $300 to the project. An initial organizational meeting was held on September 20th, 1976. 

On October 27th, 1976, around 300 people attended a Lions fundraiser for the project, raising $400. Involved in the event were Lucille Aldrich, Lynna Hoover, Clyde Parman, Marion Scott, Flora Thornburg, Mary Steinhauser, Kathryn Kennedy, Delbert Biehle, Jack Thummel, and Dorothy Nelson, along others. A contest was held for the naming of the project, and Kate Kennedy had the winning name for the project, the Sheridan Villa. 

Initially, the housing project was only open to people 62 and older. The goal was to help people to stay in their own homes longer. Later, the housing project was opened to everybody after tenancy dropped; it was turned into a family project. The Sheridan Community Club did landscaping for the project, while the 4-H mulched and seeded the grounds.

Groundbreaking was held on August 10th, 1977. The estimated cost for the first three units and the wash house was $149,000, with the community paying 2% down using the donations they had collected over the previous months. The housing project was completed in early 1978, and an open house was held on April 23rd, 1978. Ten out of the initial 12 one bedroom units were filled, and there was a waiting list for people who wanted to live there. F.C Grace brought furniture to stage the open house. 

On December 17th, 1978, the tenants were recognized with a Christmas dinner by the Sheridan Community Club. Turkey and all the trimmings were served at the Lions Hall, and Howard McPeak said the prayer. On the 20th, a caroling party consisting of children singing at the Villa was held. Cake and cookies were served to the participants.

On September 1st, 1982, the FHA approved a new loan for a fourth unit consisting of four one bedroom apartments. The rural housing board applied to build two units, but only got approved for one. Jack Spainhower was awarded the bid, and construction began on November 15th, 1982, with a price tag of $84,000. They also built an addition to the wash house. On October 12th, 1983, the project was completed. 

In 2019, the Sheridan Housing renovated the units. They consolidated their loans and did siding, replaced the flooring, cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and the appliances. 

Burns said she was proud to be involved with the Villa over the years. “We’ve always come together as a community to get things done,” she said. “I’ve had people all the time say this was the nicest place they’ve live.”

The information was collected from the Sheridan CBC scrapbooks from 1977 to 1995. The city won numerous awards at the state level over that period of time for events such as Old Defiance Days, the Little Dinner Theater, movies, a country music show, and other community events. There was a rodeo grounds on the east end of town where MFA Oil is now located and there were rodeos held from the late 1970’s until 1984. The schoolhouse was open to any community event.

Two Injured in Wreck Near King City

Two people were injured Sunday in a wreck near King City at around 11:42 am. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2018 GMC driven by Paula Grant (78) of Waverly (IA) was westbound on 48 in King City and a 1986 Peterbilt truck driven by Christopher Allenbrand (48) of Stanberry was northbound on 169. The Patrol says that the GMC stopped at the stop sign but failed to yield to the Peterbilt. The Peterbilt struck the rear driver’s side of the GMC, which slid off the north side and struck a fire hydrant. Grant received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger in the GMC, Richard Grant (75) of Waverly (IA), received serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Allenbrand was not injured.

Obituary -- Carlene Crawford 1931-2021

Carlene Crawford, 89, of McFall, Missouri, passed away August 6, 2021 at Pine View Manor in Stanberry, MO.  Carlene was born November 1, 1931 in Taylor County, Iowa, and raised on a farm near Isadora, Missouri, she was the daughter of Floyd Lyman and Myra Ruth (Cortner) Ames.

On December 24, 1948, Carlene was united in marriage to J.C. Crawford.  They were actively engaged in farming.  They lived on the same farm all their married life.  J.C. preceded her in death May 1, 2009.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, step father Clarence Childers, son Mark, grandson Lucas Crawford and granddaughter Lacey Crawford, brothers Floyd Ray Ames (who went down on the USS Franklin during World War II), E.N. Ames and Bob Wilson, sister Norma Hibbs.

Carlene was a member of the Albany Presbyterian Church, Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of various other clubs. She was a national democratic delegate two times, where she went to New York and Washington, DC.

Survivors: son, Bryon Crawford (Norma), McFall; grandchildren, Levi (Maureen) Crawford, Shawnee, KS; Landon (Kathy) Crawford, McFall; Julie Crawford (Andrew), Albany; Jackie Crawford, Albany; great-grandchildren, Colt and Macklin Crawford, Zoey and Mariah Crawford, Alena and Elsie Crawford; sisters-in-law, Shirley Wilson, Kansas City, MO; Ruby Crawford, Albany; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 10 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany.  Friends may call anytime after 2:00 PM Tuesday at the chapel.  A private family graveside service and burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, McFall. Memorial Contributions: Gentry County Library in Stanberry or Fairview Cemetery in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO  64402.

www.robersonpolleychapel.com

Hopkins Gramps & Granny Show Results

Four Year Olds:

Corah White, shown by grandmother Linda McKee, sweetest girl.

Abygail Brittain, shown by great aunt Marcia Beason, most compassionate.

Three Year Olds:

Davis White, shown by grandmother Linda McKee, handsome devil.

Remington King, shown by grandfather Chad King, best smile.

Two Year Olds:

Sager Wallace, shown by grandmother Dee Wallace, handsome heartbreaker.

Kamryn Fisher, shown by grandfather Kelly Fisher, dancing queen.

Micah Davison, shown by grandfather Tom Brand, grandpa’s boy.

Londyn Losee, shown by mother Cassi Losee, most talkative.

13 to 23 Months:

Brayzlie Baldwin, shown by grandmothers Shella Baldwin and Jessica Lewis, Miss Personality.

Ashlynn White, shown by mother Bobbi White, shyest.

Ryker Losee, shown by mother Cassi Losee, momma’s boy.

Charlotte King, shown by grandmother Terra King, most bashful.

Gracie Gladman, shown by grandfather Rick Gladman, curlie girlie.

7 to 12 Months:

Coralyn Hansen, shown by grandmother Rhonda Hansen, best dressed.

Paetyn Brittain, shown by great aunt Marcia Beason, miss personality.

Cherokee Snyder, shown by grandmother Jenny Snyder, cutest curls.

Birth to 6 Months:

Dakotah White shown by mother Bobbi White, smallest sweetie.

Shiloh Davison, shown by great-grandmother Lois Brand, playful prince.

Taylynn Baker, shown by grandmother Wendy Ridenour and grandfather Eric Damgar, sweetest smile.