Cass County: Four People Arrested in Burglary and Stealing Case

Four People Arrested in Burglary and Stealing Case

“While most of us are trying to adjust to this new normal, brought on by the COVID 19 virus, there is still a segment in our society that continues to victimize the rest. It is my commitment to you that we will continue to take an aggressive stand against these criminals in our mission to Keep Cass County Safe.” Sheriff Jeff Weber.

Cass Co – On Monday afternoon deputies responded to the area of S. St. Rt. 7 and S. Walker Road when a witness saw a man stealing parts from a vehicle and a second subject driving a truck and trailer stopped in the area.

Deputies arrived on scene and stopped a truck pulling a box trailer occupied by one person.  A computer check revealed that the trailer was reported stolen from rural Cass County last month.  The driver Joshua C. Smith, 41, Creighton, MO. was taken into custody.  During a search deputies located a stolen Stihl concrete saw that had been reported stolen from Greenwood, Indiana. 

Joshua Smith was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and issued a Signature Bond.

Deputies returned to the area and searched for the second subject who a witness reported running from the area.  Deputies were unable to locate the subject.

Around 5:30 deputies were called back to the same area after receiving information about a suspicious van and people at a residence in the 27500 block of S. Walker Rd.

Multiple deputies arriving on the scene located three suspects inside the residence.  All three were taken into custody.  An investigation found that the van driven by the suspects was reported stolen from Kansas City, Missouri. 

The three subjects arrested at the scene are:

Charles W. Chastain, 36, Kansas City, MO.  Chastain has six misdemeanor warrants from North Kansas City, Raymore, and Kansas City.

Matthew S. Peterson, 36, Kansas City, MO.  Peterson is being held on a Probation Violation 2nd degree Burglary $10,000 bond and No Bond Probation Violation.

Brent A. Baker, 35, Oak Grove, MO.  Baker is held on a No Bond Federal warrant for US Marshals, 9 misdemeanor warrants.

Chastain, Peterson and Baker all remain in custody at the Cass County Jail. Charges related to this incident are still pending at this time.

Second individual tests positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bates County, Missouri

Second individual tests positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bates County, Missouri

March 31, 2020

The Bates County Health Center has confirmed one new positive case of COVID-19 in Bates County. 

 The individual, a male in his 60’s, resides in Butler.  There is no travel related to this individual. 

This new case brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Bate County to two.

Bates County Health Center is working to identify and contact any individuals who may have come in contact with this individual while they were infectious and will monitor them for any signs and symptoms of illness.

Individuals should continue to stay home, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available, don’t touch your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth) and adhere to 6- foot social distancing when you must be out.  It is up to each and everyone of us to stop the spread of this disease

Butler: Rural Fire Protection Dues 2020

The City of Butler’s Rural Fire Protection Service is due on April 1st. The rural fire protection dues expire on March 31st of each year. Membership fees shall be payable on or after April 1st of each year.

Rural Fire Protection Services are available for persons in Bates County residing or owning real property in the Butler Fire Department response area, which is roughly West of County Road 6001, East to BB Highway, North to Passaic, and South to Miami Creek. An exact map is available at the Butler City Hall. In addition, the residence or property must be easily accessible by roads.

Membership fees range from $50.00 to $165.00 depending on property improvements. The average membership fee is $85.00 yearly.

Contact the Butler City Hall at 660-679-4182.

Missouri State Parks modifies operations to address overcrowding

Missouri State Parks modifies operations to address overcrowding
Effective April 2, new measures will further implement CDC health guidance

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAR. 31, 2020 – Out of an abundance of caution and in response to recent events, Missouri State Parks will modify operations at five state parks to address overcrowding and concerns regarding public safety. The modifications, including the temporary closure of four of Missouri’s state parks and partial closure of one additional park, go into effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2, and are scheduled to continue until April 30.

The new measures will further implement the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We’re continuing to evaluate the situation and make adjustments to operations as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves,” said Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “As conditions and recommendations change, we will make additional closures as needed. Before heading out to a state park, we encourage our citizens to check mostateparks.com for advisory updates and the latest actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

The operation modifications, effective at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, include the following:

  • Castlewood State Park will close.
  • Elephant Rocks State Park will close.
  • Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and Park will close.
  • Weston Bend State Park will close.
  • St. Joe State Park will close the off-road vehicle riding area.
  • Gates to individual parking lots may close at all state parks when the lot reaches capacity.

 “We understand the importance of physical activity and getting outside during this unprecedented time,” said Mike Sutherland, director of DNR’s Division of State Parks. “However, we have to make changes to operations at some facilities, due to overcrowding, to ensure public safety.”

If you want to head outside, you can still enjoy the many open spaces in your local community while limiting travel. Please make sure you are following the physical distancing and safe hygiene recommendations.

“If a park looks full, then it is,” said Sutherland. “Whether you’re inside or outside, you must follow the guidance provided by the CDC and Governor Parson: Keep 6 feet between you and others, avoid crowded areas, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and, most importantly, stay home if you are sick.”

Missouri State Parks encourages those who visit a park to carry hand sanitizer, soap, wipes and drinking water as services may be limited. In addition, please be considerate of others and the Missouri State Parks staff who continue to serve the public.

MoDNR and the Missouri State Parks team are closely monitoring the progression of COVID-19 and its effects in Missouri. While safety, stewardship and service are all very important to Missouri State Parks, safety is our top priority.

Missourians and park visitors are encouraged to review information provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as it relates to COVID-19.

For the latest updates on Missouri State Parks’ response to COVID-19, visit mostateparks.com/response.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

If you have any questions, please contact Missouri State Parks at moparks@dnr.mo.gov