Cass County Sex Offender Sweep

  

Four Arrested in Cass County Sex Offender Sweep

 

On Thursday, April 17th, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (WMICAC), conducted Operation 2 Highway.

 

Operation 2 Highway was a multi-jurisdictional effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided by registered sex offenders in Cass County and to ensure they’re in full compliance as stated by State and Federal law, as well as following their

conditions of Probation Parole and Federal Probation.

 

During this operation, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies set out to check on 56 registered sex offenders.

 

Operation 2 Highway resulted in four arrests.

 

This included the arrest of a sex offender for felony possession of firearms, including one that was stolen. A second sex offender was arrested for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). A third offender was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender. And, a fourth sex offender was arrested for having active warrants in Cass County and other jurisdictions.

 

Aside from the arrests, a fifth sex offender is now under federal investigation for possibly violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

 

“We have successfully apprehended individuals who posed a serious threat to the well-being of our citizens. I commend the collaboration from numerous agencies in bringing these subjects to justice. We will continue to prioritize operations that Keep Cass County Safe," said Sheriff Jeff Weber.

 

The operation checked offenders in Creighton, Freeman, Garden City, East Lynne, Harrisonville, Lake Annette, Latour and West Line.

 

The Belton Police Department, Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, Harrisonville Police Department, Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (MOICAC) Missouri Probation and Parole, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Sedalia Police Department, U.S. Secret Service - Kansas City Cyber Fraud Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Probation - Western District Missouri made this operation a success.

The WMICAC Task Force is spearheaded by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and consists of personnel from agencies within Cass, Johnson, Bates, Henry, Saline, Lafayette, and Pettis counties. WMICAC is an affiliate of MOICAC.

 

If you have any information about a non-compliant sex offender please call the Cass County Sheriff's Office at (816) 380-5200.

 

You can also go to our website and leave a tip: https://cassmosheriff.org/online-tip-reporting/

 

Citizens may also report information on non-compliant offenders at: [email protected]

 

Information about sex offenders required to report in Missouri can be found via our website: https://cassmosheriff.org/sex-offender-registration-unit/

 

*Please note: The identities of the subjects who are charged for these crimes will be released as soon as they’re made available.

 

 

 

 

 

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Flood Watch Issued For Bates And Surrounding Counties Over Easter Weekend

A Flood Watch has been issued for Friday night through Sunday as several rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through the area. This could lead to flash flooding of low water crossings. Use caution if outdoors and near area waterways this weekend.

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Harrisonville Awards

 Harrisonville Teachers and students in the Harrisonville School District recently received approximately $4,000 in grants from the Harrisonville Public School Foundation.

 

Throughout the 20 years of the teacher grant program, nearly $149,000 has been presented to teachers. The goal of the program is to enhance the education of Harrisonville students by encouraging and recognizing new educational approaches and concepts that are not currently funded by the district.

 

Harrisonville Teacher grants were awarded to the following:

 

• Jennifer Hawkins, HATS (Harrisonville Academically Talented Students) teacher for the purchase of a 3D printer and supplies to allow students to design, prototype, and create real-world solutions while enhancing their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), creativity, and problem-solving skills. Applications could include engineering challenges to criminal investigations, creating art and designing solutions for medical prosthetics.

 

• Brianna Dooley, 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher at Harrisonville Middle School for the purchase of a poster machine to provide students with the opportunity to engage in project-based learning, allowing them to create high-quality visual presentations across various subjects. By working on projects that require research and synthesis, students will develop critical thinking skills and gain hands-on experience in visual communication.

 

• Annie Cecil, Alyssa Holsten, McKenzie Quinn, and Molly Witherspoon, 2025-26 Harrisonville Early Childhood Center preschool teachers for the purchase of four sensory and dramatic play centers to foster creativity, social skills, language skills, emotional development, and cognitive growth in young learners. Through hands-on learning, children in preschool will engage in sensory-rich environments that stimulate their senses and develop fine motor skills. Dramatic play areas will allow students to role-play real-world scenarios, helping them build essential language, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

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Bates County Memorial Hospital

 Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is excited to welcome Lauren Miller, FNP-BC, as the newest provider at Nursery Street Family Care Clinic, beginning May 21.

A Butler native, Lauren graduated from Butler High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Central Missouri. She is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Lauren brings four years of experience in family medicine, having previously cared for patients of all ages at Ellett Memorial Hospital's Appleton City Rural Health Clinic. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a NICU registered nurse at Saint Luke’s on the Plaza, an experience that shaped her passion for family care.

"The NICU is where I fell in love with taking care of families, and it gave me a great foundation in caring for the youngest and the smallest," Lauren shared. "I have a special place in my heart for kids, but my education and experience have given me a deep appreciation for caring for adults as well. My passion is helping people of all ages become the healthiest version of themselves."

 Greg Weaver, CEO of BCMH, expressed enthusiasm for Lauren's arrival:
"We are excited to welcome Lauren Miller to our team at Nursery Street Family Care Clinic. Her experience and dedication to family wellness will be a great asset to our community. We are confident that she will be an excellent addition to our team."

Lauren and her husband, Brett, are thrilled to be raising their young son, Morgan James, in their hometown of Butler. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, golfing, and spending time with family—especially as they embark on new adventures as parents.

 BCMH is proud to have Lauren join our team, bringing her expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to wellness to the community.

 

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Bates County Industries Now Hiring a Team Leader

 NOW HIRING: TEAM LEADER

Make a Difference While Leading a Great Team!

Location: Bates County Industries

Butler, MO

Starting Pay: $15 per hour

Are you ready to take the lead and make an impact?

We’re looking for a Team Leader to oversee our production floor, working directly with and supporting our employees with disabilities. In this role, you’ll:

• Supervise day-to-day operations

• Ensure employees have the tools they need

• Promote a supportive, productive environment

Join a meaningful mission and grow with us!

For more info, including hours and details:

Contact: Devyn Hair

Phone: 660-679-3667

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Hiring: Hudson School District

 The following information is a courtesy of Dirks Heavy Equipment of Butler. The  Hudson R-IX school district is looking for a Kindergarten/1st grade teacher and paraprofessional for the 2025-2026 school year. Those interested is asked to  contact Karen Warmbrodt at [email protected] or call 660-476-5467

for more information.  Hudson R-IX School now hiring for a Kindergarten/1^st grade teacher. 

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Vernon County Sheriff's Officers Respond To Medical Emergency on I-49

 On Tuesday, April15th, 2025, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a careless and imprudent driver operating a red commercial vehicle swerving on I-49, eventually driving in the median where several signs were damaged.  Deputies responded quickly to area which an on-duty Detective identified the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. 

 The driver of the vehicle continued northbound on I-49 swerving in the roadway and eventually taking the Nevada exit continuing off the roadway and across Austin Blvd and coming to a stop in the field.  Deputies quickly identified the driver to have been experiencing a medical emergency and started evaluating his condition.  Due to a quick check on the driver by deputies,  medical personnel were requested to respond to the scene.  The subject was then transported to Cox Barton County in Lamar, Missouri for treatment and was flown to Springfield for treatment.

 The Vernon County Sheriff would like to thank the quick actions of Deputies identifying the medical issue, and the quick response of both Vernon County Ambulance District and the Nevada Fire Department, and the Nevada Police Department.   The actions of all the involved agencies saved lives of both those on the roadways and the driver of the vehicle.

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Medicalodges Easter Egg Hunt

 The Annual Medicalodges Easter Egg Hunt is set for Saturday afternoon April 19^th. Age Categories go at separate times so parents can be with each child. Ages birth to 3 years old, 4-6 and 7-10. There will be cotton candy courtesy of Citizen’s Bank of Butler, Prizes and Pictures with the Easter Bunny . It all starts at 1 pm on Saturday, April 19^th.

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Benefit for 2 year old Victoria

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Eugene “Outlaw” Jones, 85 of Butler

 

Eugene “Outlaw” Jones, 85 of Butler, Missouri passed away April 12, 2025 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  No visitation will be held.  Inurnment will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Jones family.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 Eugene Richard Jones was born March 11, 1940 in Bates County, Missouri.  The son of Charley and Josephine Smith Jones. 

Outlaw grew up in the Butler area and married Viola Snethen on June 23, 1971.  He worked most of his life on small engine repair for lawn equipment, mowed lawns, and worked for Cox’s Hide and Welston Trash Service over the years.

 Outlaw was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Patricia Ann Jones, Judy Darlene Jones Moreland, Pegg Ann Styron, and Margaret Kay Davis.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years Viola Jones, brother Larry Jones, sister Carolyn Ralston and husband Rick, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.  Which include some long-time friends, Larry Welston, Dale and Jeff Douty, Jay Underwood, and Ron Warren. 

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Conexon Down tonight for repairs

 Conexon will be making repairs tonight to a damaged fiber line within the City of Butler. This will cause a loss of service to Conexon internet customers from midnight tonight to approximately 6:00 AM tomorrow for customers in an area east of West Street and North of Fort Scott Street

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Richard “Tugger” Pittman, 34 of Raymore

 

Richard “Tugger” Pittman, 34 of Raymore, Missouri passed away April 13, 2025 at North Kansas City Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.  Memorial services are pending at this time.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400).  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 Richard Lewis Pittman, III. was born March 30, 1991 in Kansas City, Missouri.  The son of Richard and Vickie Blanton Pittman.  Richard enjoyed gaming, and dirt track racing.  Tugger followed in his father’s footsteps working on cars.  His most enjoyable time was spent making memories with his fiancé Alicia and his beloved “Momma”.

 Tugger was preceded in death by his father Richard Pittman, Jr., sister Christy Pittman, grandparents, Richard and Imogene Costello Pittman, and Ivan and Frances Wade Showalter.  He is survived by the love of his life, Alicia Skinner of the home, mother Vickie Pittman of Osawatomie, KS, son Corlayn Patrick, sisters, Allisha Stidham (Shannon) or Buffalo, MO, and Rachel Klaiss (Jeffrey) of Gloucester, VA., along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 Tugger was dearly loved and will be extremely missed.

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Cosmic Bingo April 26th

 It’s Cosmic Bingo at the Adrian Optimist Club April 26^th. Doors open at 5:00 pm Bingo starts at 7:00 pm. Large payouts! 10 games at $150.00 per with 0-150 players, payout increases to $200.00 per with 150 plus players, (4) side games with cash payout as well. Black lights, music by DJ Kut, side games, horse races, quick pace, party favors, fun for all ages ( 16 and older) raffle, dancing, bingo games and more. $30 dollar tickets includes 10 pack or six on’s, cosmic dobber, raffle ticket, and catered dinner ( smoked beef sandwich with Susie Q’s, cole slaw and cake) additional papers will be available at will. Must be 16 years and older to play. That’s Cosmic Bingo Saturday night April 26^th in Adrian.

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Butler: Local Owner Truck for Sale

 2006 Ford Escape for sale. 214k miles. It has a brand new battery and alternator installed November of last year, will start and run fine, but needs some repairs to be reliable for driving. Has received routine maintenance and has been an excellent vehicle for over 10 years. Tires are roughly 50% tread. It is overall great condition, with some rust spots and general wear and tear visible. Would be an awesome vehicle for someone to invest a little into for daily driving. Priced at $2500 and available for viewing at 1402 NW County Road 2001 outside Butler, Serious inquiries can text or call 660-200-6327 and leave a message. 

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Jackpot Numbers for Monday Night Bingo at Adrian Optimist Building

 

The Adrian Optimists host Monday Night Bingo weekly from the Optimist Building in Adrian. The doors open at 5pm and offer food and concession selections from the kitchen for you to enjoy.

Bingo starts promptly at 7pm, so grab a friend and head to Adrian every Monday night for an evening of fun and excitement

You must be 16 years old or older to play bingo.

This week’s jackpots for Monday night:  04-21-2025

Hot ball:  1700.00

Blackout: 2550.00

King of Diamonds will pay:  4802.00

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