From KDKD Radio: Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest at Clinton Business on Prostitution

 This Information Was Gathered and Reported by KDKD Radio in Clinton, MO

Two women have been arrested following an undercover investigation into alleged prostitution and human trafficking at a Clinton massage business. Probable cause statements filed in Henry County Circuit Court detail an operation that revealed troubling signs of potential exploitation and illegal activity.

On June 2, Clinton Police Captain John Scott entered the business under the pretense of seeking a massage. Once inside, he was allegedly offered sexual services by Jinmei Yan in exchange for $150, following a $50 fee to the house. During the sting operation, Yan demonstrated and described the explicit service before placing a pillow over a massage table and signaling Scott to remove his pants. At that point, officers moved in and arrested Yan.

Further investigation at the scene led to the discovery of Meixi Chen, who was also taken into custody. A search warrant uncovered condoms, significant amounts of U.S. currency, and evidence suggesting that individuals were living inside the business.

According to interviews conducted by Detective Derek Foreman, Chen stated she had arrived only a day earlier after answering an online ad. She reportedly traveled alone by taxi from Kansas City and used her own money, believing she would be working as a cook and cleaner. Investigators believe she may have been unknowingly trafficked.

Officers also learned from a witness that three Asian individuals (two male, one female) regularly deliver different workers to the business each month, and the same individuals do not return.

When Yan was booked into the Henry County Detention Center, detention staff found large sums of cash hidden in her shoe. Some of the serial numbers on the bills matched the controlled buy money used by Captain Scott earlier in the operation.

Both women face charges in connection to the alleged operation. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and further charges or arrests may be possible.

The Clinton Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this case or similar activity to contact law enforcement immediately.

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Adrian Lion's Club's Family Fishing Day

Marten's Pond one mile east of Adrian is the place to be this Saturday, June 7th! 

The Adrian Lion's Club is hosting a Family Fishing Day Saturday - they'll even supply the fishing worms...as long as the supply lasts, that is 😄

If you've been waiting for the perfect day to go fishing, head one mile east of Adrian on 18hwy June 7th when the Adrian Lion's Club hosts Family Fishing Day from 10am to 1pm and lunch will be provided!
 

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The Bates County Fair Board is now looking for Fair Queen and Princess Candidates

 

The Bates County Fair Board is now looking for Fair Queen and Princess candidates for this year’s County Fair.

Queen Candidate Qualifications are:

Must live in Bates County
Must be between 16 and 21 years old by July 4^th , 2025

Candidates will be judged on the point system:

Appearance

Personality

Ticket Sales

Princess Candidates

 

Princess Candidate Qualifications are:

Must live in Bates County

Must be between 8 and 15 years old by July 4^th, 2025

Judging will be based on the point system:

Appearance

Personality

Ticket Sales

 

The candidates will have the chance to win the Fair Queen or Fair Princess title, crown and money. All candidates will have the chance to earn 10% of the total of ticket sales. All candidates must pre-register with Lacey Lee at 660-464-4732. There is an informative meeting on June 10, 2025, 6:00pm at the Bates County Fair Grounds.

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Just in time for Father's Day at Bates County Memorial

 

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Follow your nose to Bates County Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, June 10, for the Nutty Bavarian Fundraiser!

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thrasher’s Nutty Bavarian will be roasting their famous cashews, almonds, pecans, and more, right in the hospital lobby! The sweet aroma is irresistible, and the treats make a great gift for Dad... or yourself.

Proceeds benefit the BCMH Auxiliary, supporting local hospital projects.

📍 That’s Tuesday, June 10, at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Expert Care, Hometown Heart.

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Press Release from Bates County Administration and Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley

 I wanted to share with you an email from the Treasury Department in reference to the status of Bates County's compliance with the SLFRF allocations report.

As you can see in the email, it states that the noncompliance has been resolved. This email was sent from the U.S. Department of the Treasury today, 03/11/2025, to the shared Commissioners email address as well as copied to Commissioner Gray'email address.

I would like to address the accusations that I have been "MIA" on this matter. I have spent almost every weekday on this in some capacity since last Monday, whether it being the evenings inputting data or during the daytime conversing with the Treasury Department by phone and shared Commissioner email, which Commissioner Gray and Commissioner Nelson were able to read as well. I am not sure where the misinformation is coming from that "only two Commissioners" have been working on this. As I have said before, I am the only one who is able to log in and input the information because of how it was set up initially and work with the Treasury Department on this. I am not sure exactly what my fellow Commissioners were able to do on this matter other than go around and collect receipts for the money that was spent. The receipts showing how each organization spent the money are not due until December 31st, 2026. To clarify to the Citizens since there is a lot of false information going around, this was only a report showing the "allocation" of the money we received and not how Organizations spent the money yet, they still have time to spend the rest of the money they received.

Again, with no "ego" involved, I would like to sincerely apologize to the Citizens of Bates County and would like to thank all of the people that have reached out to me in support.

Sincerely,

Jim Wheatley

Presiding Commissioner

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Bingo Jackpots for Monday, June 9th

 

Enjoy Monday Night Bingo weekly from the Optimist Building in Adrian. The doors open at 5pm with food and concession selections from the kitchen.

Bingo starts promptly at 7pm, so grab your friends and family 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:  6-9-2025

Hot ball:  950.00

Blackout:  950.00

King of Diamonds will pay:  5650.00

 

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John David "Dave" Miller, age 72 of Butler

 John David "Dave" Miller, age 72 of Butler, MO passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. A Celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. A Visitation will be prior to the service from 2-3 p.m., also at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Wear your favorite flannel or Chief's attire. Contributions are suggested to Giving for Living or the Butler Food Pantry. Online condolences may be left at www.schowenerdtchapel.com

Dave is survived by four daughters, Renee Sargent and husband Lance of Butler, MO, Mandi Miller of Harrisonville, MO, Jessica Kirk and husband Cory of Butler, MO, and Andrea Miller of Amoret, MO; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

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Bates Co. Route TT Bridge Over Bones Branch CLOSED for Bridge Repair

 

Where: Bates County Route TT bridge over Bones Branch between County Road 3701 and County Road 2001 west of Butler

When: Now until further notice

What: MoDOT crews working to repair bridge deck/driving surface

Traffic Impacts:

All Route TT lanes CLOSED at either end of the bridge until further notice

Drivers will have access to entrances at either end of the work zone, but will not be able to travel across the bridge

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should find alternate route

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

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Officer Involved Shooting Suspect Now in Custody

 

On Sunday evening, June 1^st, at 11pm., a Lee’s Summit police officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at 3560 Hollywood Drive in Lee’s Summit. After a short foot pursuit the suspect, Thomas Eugene Tolbert a 27 year old black male, shot at officer Tolbert, striking him several times. Tolbert then left the scene in a vehicle that was later recovered in Grandview, MO. Tolbert has a history of aggravated assault and shooting at law enfocement.  

 In an update to this story:

 The suspect Thomas Eugene Tolbert, who reportedly shot a Lee's Summit police officer Sunday night has been captured.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reports that Thomas Eugene Tolber,t 27, was located at a hotel in Ellis, Kansas, early Tuesday and taken into custody.

Officers from the KBI, Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff's office arrived at the hotel and safely took him into custody at 4:50 a.m.

He was arrested on a Missouri warrant for assault first-degree or attempted serious physical injury, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest or detention by fleeing, and second-degree assault.

Tolbert was booked into the Ellis County Office Jail.

The Lee’s Summit police officer survived the incident thanks to the bulletproof vest he was wearing.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

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Burglary Suspect in Custody Following Vehicle Pursuit

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has taken Joseph Christopher Roberts, age 60, of Sedalia, into custody following a coordinated investigation into a recent burglary and a subsequent vehicle pursuit that posed a serious threat to public safety.

Deputies first began investigating Roberts after a residential burglary was reported on May 7, 2025, in the 1000 block of North East 52 Highway in Windsor. Through investigative leads and community collaboration, Roberts was identified as the primary suspect responsible for the theft of tools and significant property damage exceeding $12,000.

On June 1, 2025, at approximately 2:14 PM, Deputy Ian Murphy observed Roberts near the 500 block of West Benton in Windsor. Roberts, who had multiple outstanding felony warrants, refused lawful commands and entered a vehicle in an attempt to flee. As Deputy Murphy attempted to remove him from the vehicle, Roberts accelerated, forcing the deputy to disengage to avoid being dragged. Roberts fled the scene in a vehicle, initiating a pursuit that extended into Johnson County.

During the pursuit, Roberts reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, drove recklessly through traffic, and narrowly avoided a collision with an occupied Amish buggy. He ultimately abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby cornfield where he was apprehended without further incident by Deputy Murphy.

Roberts was found to have four active felony warrants, including charges of forgery, larceny, and obstruction of law enforcement. His actions throughout the incident demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety of the public and law enforcement officers.

Following the investigation, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Gray, filed formal charges against Roberts, including:

• Assault – 2nd Degree – Special Victim (Class B Felony)

• Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention (Class D Felony)

• Driving While Revoked/Suspended (Class E Felony)

The court has ordered that Roberts be detained pending trial with no bond allowed.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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"Jill" Tiona, 68, with No Public Services

 

Diana "Jill" Tiona's wishes were to be cremated.  There are no public services.  Contributions to Butler Rehab and Healthcare Center in Butler, Missouri.  Arrangements under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555), Butler.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Diana "Jill" Tiona, age 68 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Butler Center in Butler.  She was born November 1, 1956 to Jim Tiona Jr. and Florilla Frieze Tiona in Butler.

Jill is survived by one son, Nick; one daughter, Joni; mother, Frosti; one brother, Jimmy and his Texas family; and one sister, Crissi.  Jill was preceded in death by her father, Jim Tiona Jr.

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook

 

Big Blades, Big Planes

Flying weather was impacted by Canadian wildfire smoke over the weekend, with beige haze restricting visibility somewhat. Once in a while, rain is welcome to wash the skies clean. But, for the most part, pilots enjoyed great spring flying weather.

 Transient traffic included a Cessna Skylane, a Piper Cherokee 140, a Tecnam P-Mentor and a Cessna Skyhawk trainer. I heard an Air Force C-130 Hercules call in on Thursday, announcing its intention to overfly us at 500 feet, presumably on a low-level training mission out of St. Joseph.

 Local trip-takers were Jeremie Platt in his Grumman Tiger, Randy and Bettie Miller in the Cessna Skyhawk, Dan Ferguson in the family Cessna Skylane, and Delaney Rindal on a night training mission in Sky4’s Cessna 150. The BCS turbine AirTractor applied some crop spray and the SkyDive KC Beech King Air lofted some parachutists.

 Jeremie Platt reported running across some historic material on Drexel-area wartime pilot Arthur Linquist, who racked up 99 missions in P-47 Thunderbolt fighters. I knew him when he flew from Bishops Landing residential airpark on Holmes Road, where he was attempting to build Rose Parakeet biplanes from 1930’s tooling he had acquired.

 Cass County landowners continue to protest against development of a fly-in subdivision in the northwestern portion of the county. Reportedly it would encompass 95 lots with access to a runway; houses with hangars would allow owners to live with their airplane, taxi down to the strip and take off from their own home base.  However, a lot of hurdles have to be cleared before it can happen, as neighbors express concern on the noise and activity’s impact on their property value.

 A huge aircraft is being put forth for consideration by a Radia Corporation, specifically to carry 330-foot long wind turbine blades, as well as other outsize cargo. The WindRunner, as it’s called, would be 356 feet in length and 261 feet in wingspan, with an 80-ton payload capacity loaded through a tip-up nose. The monster wind turbines being erected today are beyond rail and roadway capacity, so the only answer is to fly the blades in. The U.S. Air Force is considering making a partnership with Radia. At this point, all is speculation.

 The State of Washington has passed legislation that imposes a 10% tax on buyers of “luxury aircraft” in the state, defined as any aircraft costing over $500,000, which is about the price of a good used Cirrus four-seater. Excise taxes like this sound tempting, until it drives business away into other jurisdictions. Odd that the lawmakers would pass such a bill in a state where Boeing Business Jets are built, in addition to the airliners.

The week’s question wanted to know where Jumbolair airport in Florida got its name. The 8000-foot private landng field was built decades ago by the inventor of Nautilus exercise equipment, for his pair of Boeing airliner private jets. He also collected elephants that roamed the estate, hence the name. In more recent times, actor John Travolta owned the property. For next week, tell us the name of the place Space X’s big rockets are launched from. You can send your answers to [email protected].

 

-END-

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John Wesley (Wes) Strange, 87

 

John Wesley (Wes) Strange, 87 passed away on May 24^th at Forsyth Nursing & Rehab, where he had been a resident, after a long and challenging health journey.  Cremation, with a Celebration of Life Service to be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Inurnment will follow services in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

John Wesley Strange was born September 30, 1937 the youngest of three boys to John Wilbur and Mary Frances (Miller) Strange in Bates County, Missouri. 

He spent his early days growing up in Butler, Missouri where he graduated from Butler High School as part of the class of 1955.  He went on to graduate from Graceland College with an Associate of Arts Degree and from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Education.  Wes went into banking directly after graduating from the University.  His career began with Hannibal Production Credit Association and finally retiring from Branson Bank some 60 years later.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, both brothers, two sisters-in-law, two grandsons, a daughter-in-law, and four nieces.

 

Wes was the father of two sons, Michael (Paula) and Martin by his first wife Jo.  Both sons survive him.  He is also survived by his present wife of 40 years – Saundra.  Two grandchildren – Nick and Jade (Will).  Sister-in-law – Suzi and husband John, Sister-in-law – Sharon and husband Scott, Sister-in-law – Cindy and husband Dave, Brother-in-law – Steve and wife Carolyn.  Five nephews - Allen, Gene, Lee, Taylor and Symon.  Eight nieces – Ruthie, Judy, Diana, Gracie, Vickie, Rachael, Erin and Erica.  Along with many special friends. 

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Betty Janelle Clark Schultz, 76

 

Betty Janelle Clark Schultz, 76, of Frisco, Texas, passed away on December 18, 2024, after a long hospitalization at Presbyterian Hospital, Plano, Texas, and Carrollton Regional Medical Center.  Graveside memorial services will be held 11:30 am Saturday, June 7th, 2025 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Janelle’s Memory. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Born on June 20, 1948, at Butler Memorial Hospital, Janelle was the daughter of James F. “Hap” Clark and Ruby Helen Dalgetty. At a young age, Janelle accepted Christ at the First Baptist Church in Butler and shared her musical talent by playing the piano for services.

 

She graduated from Butler High School in 1966 and went on to attend Central Missouri State University, majoring in Education, following in her mother's footsteps. At CMSU, she joined the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and met the love of her life, Francis (Frank) K. Schultz. They married on March 6, 1971, at Butler First Baptist Church, following her graduation in 1970.

 

Janelle began her teaching career in the North Kansas City, Missouri area and later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where their son Neal was born. Her teaching journey continued across several school districts in Missouri and Florida before the family settled in Frisco, Texas. The greatest joy of her life was the arrival of her grandson Austin. She cherished working as an assistant in Austin’s classroom and eventually enjoyed her retirement.

 

Janelle was known for her warm and welcoming nature. She always had a kind word for everyone. She often kept the mailman and trash collectors refreshed with cold water during hot weather, and delighted neighbors with cookies and cakes. Her special bond with her sister Gayle brought daily phone calls and deepened their relationship over the past few years.

 

Janelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francis (Frank) Schultz; her parents, Hap and Helen Clark; parents-in-law, Genny and Orlan Schultz; brother-in-law, Jerry Cook; and nephew, Brent Cook.

 

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Neal and Johanne Schultz, and grandson, Austin, of Frisco, Texas; sister, Gayle Cook, of Martin City, Missouri; nephew, Brian (Dana) Cook, of Leawood, Kansas, and their daughters, Brenna, husband (Austen) and son, Casen, Charleston, South Carolina; Bailey Cook of Dallas, TX; niece, Gena Cook, and her daughter, Tess, of Lee's Summit, Missouri; along with a host of loving cousins and special friends. 

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Leave your Veterans Message on Quilt Squares

 Rocking Chair Quilts of Butler will have quilt squares available for Veterans messages, during the Saturday, Brick Street Bash on June 7^th.

Stop by the outdoor display in front of the store from 4 until 8 pm June 7^th. Write your own personal message to a Veteran or Veterans …  These quilt squares will soon be used on the next quilt creation.

Did you know that every month of the year, the Rocking Chair Quilt Store designs a quilt to be given to a Veteran. 

Stop by to place your Veterans name in the drawing box to win a handmade quilt in the future and to place a Veterans message on a quilt square.

Hope to see you at the Rocking Chair Quilt Store, 21 North Main, located on the East side of the Butler Square. Stop by between 4:00 and 8:00 . See you at the Electric City Brick Street Bash June 7^th.

 

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