Joshua Adam Westfall
July 9, 1988— April 11, 2018

Joshua Adam Westfall, 29, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Joshua was a 2006 graduate of Excelsior Springs High School and studied Communication Arts and Business Management at Missouri Western State College and University of Missouri Kansas City.

Joshua served proudly in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of sergeant as part of the infantry division with a tour of duty in Iraq with Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Afghanistan.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Mark and Katherine Westfall of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; brother, Jason Westfall of Suffolk, Va.; sister, Julie McCartney, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; and five nieces and nephews whom he adored.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joshua’s name to Mission 22, 1800 Blankenship Rd., Suite 200, West Linn, OR 97068.

Arrangements provided by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.

The Excelsior Springs EMS responded to the following calls April 3 – April 9

Tuesday, April 3

6:06 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Diabetic.

5:07 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Diabetic.

9:02 p.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Transfer.

Wednesday, April 4

2:31 a.m., 100 block of Berton Rd.: Sick person.

8:44 a.m., 1400 block of Hospital Dr.: Altered mental status.

11:59 a.m., 400 block of Victoria Ave.: Altered mental status.

Thursday, April 5

7:46 a.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Cardiac.

10:06 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Chest pain.

12:33 p.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Chest pain.

2:39 p.m., Wornall Rd. and N. Jesse James Rd.: Motor vehicle crash.

5:45 p.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Transfer.

6:07 p.m., 300 block of S. Kansas City Ave.: Sick person.

6:55 p.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Transfer.

Friday, April 6

12:06 a.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Transfer.

1:27 a.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Transfer.

4:30 a.m., 1200 block of 92 Hwy.: Diabetic.

9:50 a.m., 100 block of Corum Rd.: Convulsions/seizure.

9:53 a.m., 1100 block of St. Louis Ave.: Respiratory distress.

2:16 p.m., 100 block of S. Maple Ave.: Sick person.

Sunday, April 8

1:00 a.m., 400 block of St. Louis Ave.: Abdominal pain.

5:02 a.m., 300 block of N. Titus Ave.: Abdominal pain.

12:01 p.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Sick person.

7:28 p.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Cardiac.

7:45 p.m., 500 block of Adams St.: Convulsions/Seizure.

9:31 p.m., 1000 block of Rose Ave.: Assault.

Monday, April 9

12:04 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Convulsions/seizure.

10:19 a.m., 100 block of Faulkner Dr.: Fall.

11:41 a.m., 400 block of St. Louis Ave.: Sick person.

1:24 p.m., 200 block of N. Kimball Ave.: Convulsions/seizure.

7:34 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Diabetic.

10:03 p.m., 500 block of Caldwell Ave.: Respiratory distress.

11:56 p.m., 200 block of Lodwick Ln.: Psychiatric.

The Excelsior Springs Fire Department responded to the following calls April 3 – April 9

Tuesday, April 3, 1:35 p.m., 300 block of Deep Hollow: Unauthorized burning.

Wednesday, April 4, 6:10 p.m., D Hwy. and C Hwy.: Dispatched and cancelled en route.

Thursday, April 5, 2:39 p.m., Wornall Rd. and N. Jesse James Rd.: Motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Thursday, April 5, 7:19 p.m., 400 block of St. Louis Ave.: Smoke detector activation, no fire

Thursday, April 5, 9:24 p.m., 200 block of E. 6th St., Kearney: Cover assignment.

Friday, April 6, 6:21 p.m., 100 block of Delores St.: HazMat release investigation with no HazMat.

Saturday, April 7, 5:18 p.m., 500 block of Elms Blvd.: Building fire.

Sunday, April 8, 1:18 p.m., 300 block of W. Excelsior St.: Alarm system activation, no fire.

Monday, April 9, 8:28 a.m., 200 block of E. 6th St., Kearney: Rescue or EMS standby.

If you ask Shriti Plimpton, owner and founder of Fence Stile Wineries, what her greatest accomplishment over the past nine years has been, she will tell you that it’s the friendships that have taken deep root and flourished as beautifully as the grapes in her vineyard.

Fence Stile owner Shriti Hallberg Plimpton and her son Amrish Hallberg.

“Creating the friends we have here, who help us for harvest, or, on a rainy day, sit here and play cards, that has been the most amazing,” she said. “Being part of this community and watching it embrace us, it’s been a wonderful experience.”

Those friends once began as first-time guests, Plimpton explained, which is why she chose WineXenos as the theme for her winery as it enters its tenth year.

“Xenos is a Greek word that refers to a stranger or guest,” said Plimpton. “When a stranger arrives, we treat them as a guest and extend hospitality. We welcome our long-time guests as friends as well.”

To usher in the new theme for the year, Fence Stile winery has created a new logo, which can be found on shirts and wine glasses.

“We also have a Wine Xenos photo display, where guests can pose for a photo,” Plimpton said. “The Wine Xenos logo has nine squares for our nine years of being in business. The X is in the middle, signifying the start of our tenth year. We’re excited about the year ahead.”

Kevin and Christine Snedden pose at Fence Stile’s Wine Xenos photo stand.

The spirit of xenos matches the motto of Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery, Plimpton explained.

“We like to say, ‘Good fences make good neighbors, a fence stile makes neighbors, good friends,’” she said.

A fence stile is a special name for a set of stairs that allow a person to climb a fence, without needing a gate. In a very literal manner, it overcomes boundaries to bring people together. Plimpton has taken that philosophy to heart.

“Karen Joiner is a Ray County native who has been coming to the winery since it opened in 2009,” Plimpton said. “She helped to plant our grapevines in spring of 2007 and in 2008. She has also volunteered for harvest every year. Tim and Janet Sabin represent the winery at various festivals throughout the year. Tim is a winery ambassador who greets guests from the Excelsior Springs Trolley and Barley Bus tour groups and guides them through wine tastings.”

“Kevin and Christine Snedden are two other guests who have become dear friends,” Plimpton added. “Kevin is a winery ambassador for Fence Stile and leads our winery and wine cave tours. They discovered Fence Stile before the original tasting room had opened. We welcomed them in to sample our wine and learn about the winery. They continue to support the winery as Wine Club members, harvest volunteers, and, most importantly, as good friends year after year.”

Even after nine years, Plimpton continues to look for ways to grow the winery.

“Going into the next year, we are hoping to solidify our growth,” Plimpton said. “We’re bringing in a food element, so starting in May, we will have dinner and a movie once a month. We are hoping to attract guest chefs, to pair food with wine for this.”

The winery celebrated its ninth year anniversary on April 7 and 8 with stories, songs, a fire spinner, and, of course, plenty of good wine.

Fence Stile Winery, located at 31010 W. 124th St., has commanding views of its own beautiful vineyard, and offers a full range of wines, from dry to sweet. The large and airy tasting room, with its welcoming fire place, makes for a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. The winery also offers several places for its guests to enjoy the beautiful views outdoors, as well, including an intimate wine garden.

The winery also offers a variety of activities, including on-site cave tours, coloring parties, harvest parties, FirePit Fridays, Wine-In movies on the patio, live music and concerts, including special acoustic concerts in the caves, and more. Fence Stile also hosts a Wine Club, whose members enjoy numerous privileges and benefits.

And in case anyone is worried about the impact this year’s extremely cold spring may have on the grapes, Plimpton says the grapes will be fine. She grows grapes that are cold-weather hardy and handle the temperature shifts Missouri is known for well.

Karen Joiner has been a guest, friend and volunteer at the winery since it opened.

Featured image: Shawna Mull performs a fire spinning act for Fence Stile 9th anniversary. (Submitted photo.)

April 13, 2018 – If you know one person with autism, then you know one person with autism. No one knows that better than Stacey Pfannenstiel, who has two sons on the spectrum.

Paul is 13 and has an additional diagnosis of ADHD. He attends Excelsior Springs Middle School.

“He is very talkative, but also very repetitive; he often asks the same question repeatedly. He started out with echolalia around age two but began to be able to hold conversations with you around the time he was in the middle of kindergarten,” Pfannenstiel said.

“Echolalia” refers to the meaningless repetition of another person’s spoken words as a symptom.

Paul displays many traits that are admirable and endearing.

“Paul’s strengths are his friendliness and his affection for small children and animals, although he does have some boundary issues regarding those,” Pfannenstiel said. “He is also very clever with building things like Lego and Lincoln Logs.”

Her other son Austin is nine, and he attends the Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders in Blue Springs.

“Austin is more severely autistic than Paul and is low verbal. He did not begin speaking until almost two years ago,” his mother explained. “He also has issues with hyperactivity and will have nights where he either stays up all night or wakes up in the middle of the night.”

Like his brother, Austin is very friendly and affectionate.

“He often asks for hugs and kisses and likes to sit on your lap. He loves trains and building things with his train sets,” Pfannenstiel said.

Pfannenstiel has yet to start making long-term plans regarding the care of her children, although she knows that at some point, there are serious matters she will need to consider.

“At this point I feel bad because I have not made any concrete plans regarding their care. Paul will be 18 in five years and I know there will be issues regarding guardianship that will come up,” Pfannenstiel stated. “My aunt has an adult daughter with autism, so I plan on discussing some of these things with her.”

For Pfannenstiel, her own vision of what life would look like has certainly changed since her sons’ diagnoses. There are plans of her own that have changed, and there is a certain amount of sorrow that comes with that.

“It’s sad knowing that we will probably never have grandchildren,” Pfannenstiel explained. “We also decided to not have any more children after Austin was diagnosed. I always wanted three children, but the stress and worries we already have to deal with are too much to add another child into the mix. There is also the possibility that another child would also be on the spectrum.”

And, like many parents whose children are disabled, Pfannenstiel knows that her children will be with her forever.

“There is never the feeling of ‘When the kids will be out of the house,’ that most parents have,” she said.

For her, a “good life” for her sons looks different than the life pictured by other parents of neurotypical children.

“I’m hoping for both of them to be able to possibly be partially independent and earning,” she said. “I want them to be happy and successful, learning more every day and as they get older.”

For Pfannenstiel, autism awareness is a daily matter, not an annual month-long proclamation.

“You are almost always stressed and worried” as the parent of a child or children with special needs, Pfannenstiel said. “You worry about things such as bullying and their perception of the world around them. You are worried about what will happen when you are no longer around to ‘protect’ them.”

Despite the challenges her children face, Pfannenstiel doesn’t like to hear apologies. Instead, she encourages others to simply ask questions.

“When I disclose that my children have autism, I don’t like to hear ‘I’m sorry,’ but I welcome any questions anyone has. I realize that sometimes people don’t know what to say so ‘I’m sorry,’ is their go-to. But my children are more than their autism. They are human beings with feelings and not objects of pity.”

For other parents of children with special needs, Pfannenstiel offers the following advice.

“Find some local groups and people on Facebook or other social media. There are several out there where you can just vent and they will listen. I met my two best friends on Facebook groups.

“You are not alone,” she finished.

April 18, 2018 – The Excelsior Springs Hospital is currently on a precautionary lock-down, following threats made by what CEO Kristen DeHart referred to as a disgruntled family member of a current patient.

“Everyone is fine,” DeHart stressed. “We just have a situation, and we are simply rerouting traffic for the safety of the patient.”

ESH CEO Kristen DeHart

Currently, people needing to access hospital services can utilize the emergency room.

“Tomorrow, the front entrance to the hospital will be closed for four days anyhow,” DeHart stated. “So we’re just getting a pretrial of that.” She stressed again that services are available, but for incoming patients to utilize the entrance at the emergency room, in order to maintain the safety of the patient.

Travis William “Jethro” Claussen
September 28, 1977 — April 11, 2018

Travis William “Jethro” Claussen, 40, of Lawson Mo., died Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in the ER at St. Luke’s South, Overland Park, Kan., after severe complications following long-awaited surgery for an injured hip.

Trav was born September 28, 1977 in Kansas City, Mo., to Herm P. and Debra Lee (Fox) Claussen. He accepted Jesus and was saved at a young age. He attended kindergarten in Platte County, then the family moved to Lawson where he completed the next 12 years.

As a young boy, he loved racing his 4-wheeler at Vester Cates’ old race track east of Lawson, and later he enjoyed many Saturdays at the Holt Hill Climbs and weekends at Chadwick. He loved playing four years of football at Lawson High School.

Travis William “Jethro” Claussen

During high school, he worked for Swearingin Concrete. After graduation, Travis went off for a year at SMSU, but came home to fearlessly pursue his real passion, motocross racing, while working in the motocross industry at shops like Honda Yamaha North, Cameron Honda, and Ball Z Motors in Plattsburg, Mo., and starting his own motocross business GUSTO MOTO INC.

Sadly, injuries in a big race at Kemper Arena ended that pursuit. He continued to ride and his final national ranking number “963” decorated his bikes, helmets and apparel for the rest of his life. He turned his energy to helping young aspiring riders join the motocross sport for competition or just fun in the safest way possible, teaching them how to avoid serious injuries. He designed and built his own track at the farm, and assisted others in track design. He also used his creative mind to invent and patent a safer foot peg the “PAW CLAW” that would help the kids keep their feet ON the foot pegs instead of sliding off and causing them to lose their balance.

Travis was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Wilhelm Cristoff/Christian and Thelma (Petersen) Claussen; maternal grandparents Kenneth Lee and Jo Ann (Crawford) Fox Sr; uncle Benny Lee Fox; aunt and uncle Frank James and Martha “Skeeter” (Roberts) Claussen; honorary uncle Joseph Dee Harrison; and cousin Melissa Dawn Claussen.

Those left behind to mourn Trav’s passing include his parents, Herm and Deb, and his best friend and brother Trent Claussen, all of the farm west of Lawson; aunts and uncles Kenneth Lee and Donna Kay (Cox) Fox Jr. of the Osceola, Mo. area; Stephanie (Fox) Sawyer and Cindy (Hook) Fox, both of the KC Northland; Iowa aunts and uncles Jim and Olinda Claussen Kraus, Bill and Kathy (Wilson) Claussen, and Sherm and Thelma (Stoner) Claussen; Donovan Sawyer of Colorado;  and honorary aunt Connie (Green) Harrison Langdon of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; cousins Kenneth Lee Fox III of Polo, Mo., Jason Fox and Cortni Sawyer both of the KC Northland, Troy Sawyer of Colorado, Joseph Sawyer of Kansas; Iowa cousins Chuck Kraus, Ed, Luke, Roger and Chris Claussen; Bud Claussen of St. Louis, Clint and Cody Claussen of New York, and honorary cousin Michelle (Harrison) Shumate of Kearney, Mo. Based on Facebook comments and visitors to the Claussen “warehouse,” he also leaves many, many good friends.

Trav’s advice to all would be to stay close to your family, no matter how much they might aggravate you, invest time in what you love, never stop dreaming, try to help people every chance you get, have fun, and SMILE!!!, because you only live once and nobody knows when that last day will come.

A short service will be held Saturday, May 12 at noon at Old Union Church, 17990 N. Union Rd., Lawson, MO 64062, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at North Country Community Center at 18769 Hwy. 69, Lawson, MO. 64062. Please bring any great photos you may have of Travis to put on the wall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to a memorial fund that will be used to support one or more of Trav’s favorite efforts, probably Veterans, pet rescue and/or Lawson Police.

Janet Kay O’Dell
June 30, 1946 — April 18, 2018

Janet Kay O’Dell, 71, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 with her children by her side.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Glenn Keesee, and her loving husband Michael O’Dell.

She is survived by her two sons, Troy O’Dell and Diane O’Dell of Kearney, Mo.; Terry O’Dell of Kansas City, Mo. and her daughter Wendy Stapleton of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, April 20 at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, April 21 at Mosby Baptist Church, followed by burial at Enon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions to Mosby Baptist Church.

Arrangements provided by Bross and Spidle Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.

April 20, 2018 – The Excelsior Springs City Council voted unanimously to increase sewer rates for Excelsior Springs residents. It was requested that the base charge be increased for customers within city limits from the current rate of $21.96 to $25, with the usage charge, per 1,000 gallons, increasing from $7.90 to $10.96. The increase for customers outside of the city limits are from a base charge of $33.07 to $37.50, with a usage charge increase from $11.80 to $16.04 per 1,000 gallons. The rate increase will go into effect on May 1, 2018.

Previous rate increases have been found insufficient to cover the increase in maintenance, operating and interest expenses needed, even as rates have increased steadily over the past decade. Base charges have increased by 514 percent, and consumption charges for city sewer services have increased by 296 percent in the past ten years.

Sewer Fund revenues have increased by approximately 19 percent per year, or a total of 191 percent over the past decade, driven by two factors. One, consumers reduce usage as bills increase to save costs, and secondly, some facilities have installed extra water meters to reduce the amount of sewer charges paid on water that is used in manufacturing, or by cooling towers, in an effort that is referred to as “extreme.” Furthermore, fixtures and appliances are increasingly efficient. And so, although sewer rates have continued to increase, those increases fall short of the funds needed to keep facilities maintained.

And while the rates have increased by an average of about 19 percent per year, the cash outlays have increased by an average of 32.2 percent per year.

Most of the increase in cash outlays can be attributed to interest expense, principal payments, maintenance and repairs, and utility expenses. According to a detailed report put forth to the City Council by Director of Administrative Services Steve Marriott, with the exception of maintenance and repairs, all of these increases can be directly attributed to issuance of bonds to construct the new mechanical sewer plant, as well as increases related to operating that plant.

“The increased maintenance and repairs expenses are driven by the fact that maintenance has been deferred for several years, meaning that we have to spend more now to try to keep pace with items that are breaking,” the report stated.

The rate increase needed to support the Sewer Fund was determined by running the 2018 budget numbers through a spreadsheet provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Including all of the fixed costs, such as debt service, to the base rate does push a larger portion of those charges onto the residential customers, while simultaneously benefitting commercial and manufacturing customers. Because of that, the City split some of the fixed costs between the base charge and the consumption charge in an effort to balance out the new rates.

Increased sewer costs may prove to be a financial hardship to some local residents.

“City staff is cognizant of the need for establishment of a program to aid lower income persons with their utility bill. We have been discussing this fact internally and with staff at the Good Samaritan Center,” the report read.

A vote to approve was made by Brent McElwee, seconded by Ambrose Buckman, and passed the City Council in a unanimous 5-0 vote on Monday, April 16.

April 20, 2018 – Weighted blankets have a lot of benefits to people with autism, ADHD, anxiety and more. They provide pressure and sensory input and can be used as a calming tool for sleep. The pressure of the weighted blanket provides what is called “proprioceptive input” to the user’s brain.

Proprioceptive input is sensations form joints, muscles, and connective tissues, and is the underlying force beneath body awareness, and it’s something that individuals with autism often utilize to self-regulate. Doing so releases serotonin, which is the body’s calming chemical.

They are also very expensive, sometimes costing upwards of $250. And, since the weight of the blanket is calculated using the user’s weight, a child outgrows the blankets, making it necessary to replace it. All in all, it’s very costly.

That’s where Clever Clovers, the Ray County 4H Club, stepped in. The group started making weighted blankets for children on the spectrum more than a decade ago.

The mission is “adopted,” Kim Zimmerman explained, and she can’t remember where it started.

Zimmerman, who once served as the president for Ray County 4H extension council, is currently the Club Leader for the Clever Clovers 4H Club.

But she decided to continue the program when she learned how much money individuals had to pay to get the therapeutic blankets. Zimmerman knew her club could continue to make and donate the blankets at a lower cost.

“Many people, because of restricted income, couldn’t afford that. We are a service organization, and we are here to help people,” she explained.

The mission has been a continued success. She related several stories.

One child, after receiving his weighted blanket, could play calmly when the blanket lay on his lap. Furthermore, his eating habits improved. Many children on the spectrum have a limited diet because of sensory issues, but when allowed to eat with his blanket on his lap, this child added vegetables to his diet.

There was another young boy who, like many people on the spectrum, suffered extreme sleep difficulties. His mother was exhausted due to a lack of sleep, as well. Within a month of receiving his weighted blanket from the 4H club, his great aunt, who had made the request for him, reported a marked improvement.

In other words, Zimmerman explained, these blankets really work.

Each year, Zimmerman thinks that perhaps the mission has come to an end — but when she reaches out to the community to gauge need, she is reminded what a need there is for these blankets.

This year, the club is working on over 75 requests for children in Excelsior Springs and Richmond, with additional requests being made constantly. It’s why there are in such need of additional material, Zimmerman explained.

“We are looking for sheets, pillowcases, scraps of material pieces of fabric, fleece, knit, clothing,” said Zimmerman.  “However, we do not use sweater material.”

The material is cut into strips and used as the stuffing material in the weighted blankets.

Furthermore, one particularly beneficial aspect to the design of the weighted blanket the club produces is that the blanket can be refilled and adjusted to meet the child’s growing weight requirement. This also means they can be easily laundered.

If anyone has non-sweater material they would like to donate, please contact Kim Zimmerman at kkzman@hotmail.com.

April 20, 2018 – According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Report, a crash occurred on northbound 69 Highway, a half mile south of 174th Street at 2:27 p.m. on Friday, April 20. There were two vehicles involved. Vehicle one was driven by Christian D. Clark, 25, of Lawson. Vehicle two was driven by Jerricho D. Richardson, 19, also of Lawson.

The report from the MSHP reads:

Vehicle one was passing northbound in traffic in the southbound lanes. Driver one lost control when he passed northbound traffic in the southbound lane and struck the driver’s side of vehicle two, causing vehicle two to overturn over the guard rail. Vehicle two continued to overturn multiple times, and driver two was ejected out of the vehicle prior to coming to rest.

Clark, driver of vehicle one, sustained no injuries and refused treatment. Richardson, the driver of vehicle two, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Liberty Hospital.

April 21, 2018 — The Orrick father accused of the murder of his two sons pleaded guilty to two of the five charges against him in Clay County Court on Friday, April 20.

Randy Garrison

Randy M. Garrison, 35, appeared with counsel in the Clay County Division 4 courtroom of Larry Dale Harman.

The court record reads: “The Court now finds that the defendant’s plea of guilty is offered freely, knowingly, and voluntarily, with a full understanding of the effect of a plea of guilty on his constitutional rights, including his right to a jury trial. I find there is a factual basis for the plea and the plea is accepted. The court finds beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant is guilty of TWO counts of the Class B felonies of Abandonment of a Child-1st Degree.”

3-year-old Roger Wayne Garrison, left, and 20-month-old Ashton Michael Garrison, right, died in a fire Dec. 10, 2013 at their home in Orrick.

Garrison was facing five charges, including arson, relating to the death of his two sons, Roger Wayne, 3, and Ashton Michael, 1, when their Orrick home went up in flames Dec. 10, 2013. Garrison’s case proceeded to a jury trial in March, which resulted in a deadlocked jury.

Also during court proceedings Friday, Garrison was granted a four-day furlough from Clay County Detention Center in order to be with a relative during a surgical procedure. Garrison will be required to post $100,000 bond, but is “released on recognizance for the furlough period.” Garrison must stay within the state of Missouri and has limited privileges during his furlough. He must report back to Clay County Sheriff when the furlough expires.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. to determine judgment in the two Class B felonies of first degree child abandonment Garrison has plead guilty to.

The remaining three Class A felony charges, two counts of murder in the second degree, and one count of arson in the first degree, were not addressed.

Tuesday, April 10

1:38 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Jason Clark, WM, 43, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for fail to appear warrant with a bond of $350 cash. He was incarcerated pending payment of bond.

3:50 a.m., Wornall and Crown Hill: Shere Coleman, WF, 27, was arrested for driving while suspended and no insurance. She was released after the booking process.

4:48 a.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officer responded on a report of someone hanging around the business and they wanted him to leave. The subject was contacted and advised to leave the area and agreed.

7:06 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Jason Clark, WM, 43, was arrested on two Clay County warrants for fail to appear for possession of marijuana and failure to appear for fail to register. His bond was set at $750. He was later released to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.

7:15 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Shannon Rogers, WF, 41, was arrested for a Clay County probation violation warrant for drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $5000. She was later released to the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.

8:55 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An officer provided an escort for the finance department.

10:17 a.m., 1500 block of Tracy Ave.: Officers responded on a suicidal party. The party was transported for an evaluation.

11:03 a.m., 100 block of E. Forest Ln.: An officer responded to speak with a party about threatening phone calls. The party was advised of their options.

11:08 a.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded on a report of a suspicious odor. Nothing illegal was found.

11:44 a.m., 1800 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to check the welfare of a party. The party stated he was fine and that no assistance was needed.

2:28 p.m., 500 block of Elms Blvd.: Angela Dover, WF, 31, and Alicia Paige, 20, were involved in a minor accident.

3:39 p.m., 600 block of Tiger Dr.: Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity involving teenagers. It was determined they were not involved in any illegal activity.

4:25 p.m., 2000 block of Wornall Rd.: Officers responded to a report of a runaway juvenile. The juvenile was located and returned to his parents.

4:32 p.m., 800 block of Apple Blossom: An officer responded on a request for a welfare check. The party was not at the residence and was not able to be contacted.

5:12 p.m., 1200 block of N. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to a report of possible child abuse. It was determined there was no abuse to the juvenile.

7:16 p.m., 200 block of S. Kent St.: Officer responded to speak with juvenile regarding going on to a residence without permission. The juveniles apologized to the home owner.

9:06 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Andrew J. Wood, WM, 35, was arrested on a local warrant for failure to appear for driving while suspended, no proof of insurance and turn signal. He was booked and has a bond of $500 cash only.

9:33 p.m., 400 block of Dunbar Ave.: Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver. The vehicle was gone prior to the officer’s arrival.

10:40 p.m., Y Hwy. and Isley Blvd.: Officers responded on a request from Ray County to locate and stop a vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and given over to Ray County.

11:05 p.m., 100 block of Persimmon Dr.: Officers responded to a 911 hang up call. It was determined to be a verbal domestic disturbance. A 12-hour rule was invoked. Nothing further was requested.

11:38 p.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to a report of a noise complaint. No noise was heard by officers.

Wednesday, April 11

4:43 a.m., 69 Hwy. and 92 Hwy.: Officer attempted to stop a vehicle and it failed to stop and left the city limits on 69 Hwy. Officer terminated the pursuit at the city limits. Investigation Continues.

7:36 a.m., 69 Hwy. and McCleary Rd.: Officer responded to the area to check for a careless driver. The area was checked and the vehicle was not located.

9:42 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Edwin Virola, WM, 29, was arrested on a probation violation warrant. He was later transported to Clay County Detention for extradition.

10:30 a.m., 400 block of Superior St.: Animal Control Officer responded on a failure to restrain complaint. Two canines were captured and impounded.

10:35 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An officer provided an escort for the finance department.

10:45 a.m., 600 block of Pierson St.: Officers responded on a panic alarm. Contact was made with the homeowner who advised it was accidental.

10:57 a.m., 100 block of S. Myrtle Ave.: An officer stood by with Clay County Children’s Division while they conducted an investigation.

12:33 p.m., 90 block of Stratton St.: Officers responded on a possible disturbance. Contact was made with the reporting party regarding her daughter refusing to give her vehicle back. She was advised of her options.

1:02 p.m., S. Kansas City Ave. and Leavenworth: Kelli Server, WF, 28, was arrested for driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, illegal plates and no insurance. She was booked in and placed on a $350 bond.

1:24 p.m., 1700 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded on a report a customer was getting irate with employees. Contact was made with employees who advised the party had left the area prior to officers’ arrival. The area was checked and the party was not located.

1:58 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Officers responded to check the area for a party acting suspicious. Contact was made with a WM, 44, and he advised he was just walking through the area. Nothing further was requested.

2:28 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: A detective requested a report for sex offenses. Investigation continues.

2:31 p.m., 100 block of Collette St.: Officers and med units responded to a party threatening suicide. Officers secured the scene and stood by until they were no longer needed.

3:10 p.m., 100 block of Linda Ln.: An officer spoke with a party regarding a vehicle which was parked in his yard. The party was advised of his options and put in a request for extra patrol.

3:26 p.m., block of E. Broadway Ave.: Tommy Hall, WM, 45, was arrested on a local failure to appear warrant with a cash only bond of $500.

3:28 p.m., 700 block of Northwind Dr.: Officer responded to check on a bicycle which was previously reported stolen. It was determined the bicycle was stolen. It was returned to the owner and information was taken for a supplement.

4:49 p.m., 200 block of Southside Ct.: Officers and med units responded on a possible suicide. The officers secured the scene and took a report.

6:29 p.m., 900 block of Dorothy St.: Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. It was determined to be verbal only. The parties were advised of their options.

6:30 p.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: An officer responded to a report of marijuana smell. There was no odor detected.

6:44 p.m., 500 block of S. Kansas City Ave.: Officer responded to a report of suspicious parties outside of a building. The parties agreed to leave.

7:01 p.m., 700 block of Tiger Dr.: An officer responded to a report of marijuana smell. There was no odor detected.

7:17 p.m., Madison Ave. and Greenspire: Officer responded to a report of teenagers riding dirt bikes on private property. The teenagers were counseled.

7:21 p.m., 100 block of Fine St.: Officers responded to a report of male parties exposing themselves on their porch. The parties were counseled on their actions.

7:47 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Destiny A. Hanson, WF, 23, was arrested for failure to appear and stealing. She was booked and has a bond of $500 cash only.

9:45 p.m., 69 Hwy. and McCleary Rd.: Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver. The vehicle was not located.

9:49 p.m., 300 block of W. Excelsior St.: Officers responded on a request for a welfare check. The party was contacted and is fine.

10:16 p.m., 2200 block of Vintage Ct.: A vehicle was towed after a 72-hour tow sticker had been placed.

10:35 p.m., 400 block of Benton Ave.: Officers checked a building which appeared to have been broken into. It was determined to be old damage.

10:45 p.m., 700 block of Crown Hill Rd.: Officer checked the area for a WM juvenile who had not returned home from church. The area was checked and no one was located at that time. The parent did not want a missing person report.

Thursday, April 12

1:11 a.m., Kansas City Ave. and St. Louis Ave.: Officer responded to the area in reference to someone walking with a stick and hitting things. Officer did not locate anything in the area and no damage was located at this time.

6:21 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Officer stood by while the ambulance crew checked out a prisoner’s medical problems. She refused to go to the hospital and remained in custody.

8:11 a.m., Salem Rd. and N. Main St.: Officer responded to watch for a vehicle and driver reported to have been acting suspiciously in Excelsior Estates. The vehicle was not located.

8:57 a.m., 69 Hwy. and Vintage: Officer responded to the area to assist with traffic while MODOT worked on the traffic signals.

10:15 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An escort was conducted for the Finance Department.

10:19 a.m., 100 block of S. McCleary Rd.: An officer assisted a party who was locked out of his vehicle.

10:33 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Sarah Downs, WF, 35, was arrested by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department on a local warrant for failure to appear for C and I and driving while revoked. She posted $500 cash bond at Clay County and was released with a court date.

10:52 a.m., Salem Rd. and Grand Ave.: Officer responded on a report of a semi trying to get turned around and blocking the roadway.

11:33 a.m., Bellmere St. and Myrtle Ave.: Officer responded on a complaint of low hanging wires impeding traffic. Ameren and Mediacom responded to take care of the downed lines.

3:06 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Marlissa J. Harvey, WF, 41, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for failure to appear for no helmet, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, failure to appear, possession of a controlled substance, and false information with total bond of $1000.

3:45 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officer responded to Walmart on a report that a solicitor was approaching customers and refusing to leave. The party was contacted and agreed to leave the area.

4:49 p.m., Roosevelt Ave. and Superior St.: Officers responded to the area to assist in locating a runaway juvenile. The juvenile was located and nothing further was requested.

5:57 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Nathan M. Emery, WM, 20, was arrested on a felony Clay County warrant for failure to appear for possession of amphetamines with bond of $2500.

7:49 p.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officer responded to the residence in regard to two small children playing outside with no adult supervision. The parent was contacted and advised to keep a closer watch on the children. Nothing further was requested.

8:20 p.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officer responded to the area to speak with a party regarding an issue with her cell phone. The party was advised it was a civil matter and nothing further was requested.

9:00 p.m., 1000 block of Rose Ave.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a possibly intoxicated driver. The suspect vehicle was not located.

9:07 p.m., 2100 block of Lynn Rd.: Officers responded to the residence with EMS on a medical call. Officers stood by until no longer needed.

10:03 p.m., 100 block of Ash St.: Officers located an open door. The building was cleared and nothing was found. Nothing further was requested.

10:25 p.m., 152nd St. and Salem Rd.: Officer assisted a Clay County Deputy on a car stop.

10:43 p.m., 1100 block of Tracy Ave.: Officers responded to the residence on a report of a disturbance between neighbors. The parties involved were counseled and advised to separate for the night.

10:51 p.m., 1100 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officer checked the area for a vehicle for Missouri State Highway Patrol. The vehicle was not located and nothing further was requested.

11:45 p.m., 1200 block of S. Marietta St.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was located and everything was fine.

Friday, April 13

2:56 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Officer contacted a subject in the lobby who had questions about being threatened earlier in the evening. She was provided the information requested and nothing else was requested.

6:43 a.m., Crescent and St. Louis Ave.: Officer assisted a subject with a disabled vehicle. The subject was escorted to another location to get help for the vehicle.

6:55 a.m., 500 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded on a report of someone passed out in a vehicle. A WM, 33, was placed on a 24-hour investigative hold for possession of controlled substance.

7:52 a.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: An officer responded to take a report on a previous shoplifting.

9:06 a.m., 1100 block of Cordell St.: An officer responded to speak with a party regarding a problem with her neighbor. She was advised of her options.

9:30 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Jeffrey L. Estes, WM, 46, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for failure to appear for driving while suspended and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond of $500 cash only.

9:55 a.m., 1700 block of Rainbow Blvd.: Officers responded to a minor traffic accident. The parties exchanged information, no report needed.

10:03 a.m., 1000 block of Oldtime Dr.: An officer responded to speak with a party who had thought her purse was stolen. The purse was found.

10:32 a.m., 900 block of Dorothy St.: Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. A report was taken and nothing further was requested.

11:40 a.m., Tracy Ave. and Tiger Dr.: An officer responded on a request for a funeral escort.

11:49 a.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: An officer responded on a request to unlock a vehicle.

12:23 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: An officer responded on a request for a welfare check of two parties in a parking lot. The parties were gone prior to the officer’s arrival.

1:28 p.m., 700 block of Ruby St.: Officers responded to a report of an unwanted party. The party was served an exparte and left the residence.

2:45 p.m., 500 block of Summit St.: An Animal Control Officer responded to pick up a surrendered canine.

3:22 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: An officer stood by while a prisoner was evaluated for a medical need.

3:36 p.m., 300 block of W. Excelsior St.: Officers responded with EMS to a report of a party threatening suicide. The party was voluntarily transported for a medical evaluation. Information was obtained for a report.

4:14 p.m., 100 block of N. Francis St.: An Animal Control Officer contacted a party regarding an unrestrained canine. A citation was issued and the canine was restrained.

4:45 p.m., US 69 and Cameron Rd.: An officer responded to the area on a report of a driver using an illegal method to tow a vehicle. The vehicle was not located.

5:34 p.m., N. Titus Ave. and Williams St.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a careless driver. The vehicle was located parked. The driver was counseled on the reported driving.

5:49 p.m., 90 block of N. Francis St.: Officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress. A suspect was identified and was released at the scene pending further investigation.

5:43 p.m., 1900 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Shawn P. Conyers, WM, 40, reported his storage unit burglarized and items stolen. The investigation continues.

9:34 p.m., 24000 block of NE 69 Hwy.: Officers provided traffic control for an over-length towed vehicle.

10:06 p.m., 1200 block of Milwaukee St.: Officers cleared a vacant residence found with a door open. No one was found inside. The property owners were notified.

11:11 p.m., 100 block of Crest Dr.: Officers responded to a 911 hang-up call. The resident was contacted and advised it was an accidental dial. There were no problems.

Saturday, April 14

12:23 a.m., 500 block of Caldwell Ave.: Officers located an open door. The residence was cleared and nothing further was requested.

1:12 a.m., 400 block of Regent Ave.: Officers responded to the area on a report that a party left the hotel injured and intoxicated. The party was not located.

1:15 a.m., 1600 block of Kearney Rd.: James D. Davis, WM, 47, was arrested for stoplight and driving while intoxicated. He was booked and released on his own recognizance with a court date. He was held on a 12-hour detox.

1:44 a.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officer checked the area on a report of a suspicious party. The party was not located.

5:47 a.m., 400 block of South St.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a light flashing on and off. The area was checked and everything was fine. It was determined to be a motion sensor light that had a short.

7:30 a.m., Kansas City and South St.: An officer tow stickered a vehicle with expired plates.

9:23 a.m., 200 block of N. Titus Ave.: An officer was dispatched on a complaint of an unrestrained and aggressive canine. The canine was not located.

11:16 a.m., W. Broadway and Marietta St.: Skyler Brown, WF, 20 and Manuel Calderon, WM, 49 were involved in a non-injury accident.

1:01 p.m., Salem Rd. and N. Main St.: A party contacted on a car stop advised he had left the scene of an accident in KCMO two days prior. Information on the vehicle and the party was forwarded to KCPD.

1:09 p.m., 700 block of Tiger Dr.: An officer assisted a party who was locked out of his vehicle.

1:11 p.m., 1700 block of N. Jesse James Rd.: An officer served paperwork for a Ray County Deputy.

1:35 p.m., 1900 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded with the ambulance on a report of a nonresponsive party in the back seat of a car. The party was evaluated by medical personnel and refused treatment at the scene.

2:33 p.m., 200 block of Fine St.: An officer spoke with neighbors about a noise issue. They were advised of their options.

2:44 p.m., 900 block of N. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded on a domestic disturbance. Both parties advised it had been verbal only and no one wanted any action taken.

3:35 p.m., 100 block of S. Myrtle Ave.: Officers contacted parties at a residence regarding reported drug activity.

5:42 p.m., Old Orchard Ave. and Don Shelton: Anthony Williams, BM, 46, was arrested on a Kansas City PD warrant for trespass with a bond of $1000. He was later released to KC PD. Gregory Dillard, BM, 57, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $250. Rochelle D. Gray, BF, 41, was arrested for false info, resisting detention and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $800.

7:11 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: James D. Davis, WM, 47, was arrested on a probation violation warrant. He was booked in to await extradition.

8:11 p.m., 800 block of Meservey Ave.: An officer responded to a complaint that a party had placed barricades blocking an alleyway. It was determined to be private property.

8:52 p.m., 300 block of E. Kansas Ave.: Officers responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress. The residence was checked and no problems were found.

10:44 p.m., Isley Blvd. and N. Y Hwy.: Officers responded to the area to check for a vehicle at the request of Ray County. The vehicle was not located.

Sunday, April 15

12:21 a.m., 25000 block of NE 140th St.: Officer responded to the residence at Clay County’s request to contact parties regarding a vehicle located unoccupied under suspicious circumstances. The parties were contacted and information was obtained.

1:50 a.m., 500 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officer responded to the area on a report of a suspicious party. The party was not located.

4:20 a.m., 100 block of N. Thompson Ave.: Officers responded to the residence on a report of a verbal disturbance. The parties were counseled.

5:03 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Jacob M. Coleman, WM, 22, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for failure to appear for false report, stop sign, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, driving while revoked, littering, failure to appear, and fail to answer to an order for a revocation hearing with bond of $500 cash only.

5:12 a.m., 100 block of Corum Rd.: Officers responded to the business on a burglary alarm. The business was found unsecured and the responsible party was contacted to reset the alarm and secure the business.

7:51 a.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Nathan Cook, WM, 30, was arrested for no insurance, illegal plates, no valid driver’s license, and possession of controlled substance. He was booked and released with a court date.

9:01 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Rochelle D. Gray, BF, 41, was arrested on a Blue Springs PD for three failures to appear with a total bond $6000. She was later released to Blue Springs PD.

9:31 a.m., 100 block of Vaughn St.: A 72-hour sicker was placed on a vehicle.

10:21 a.m., 200 block of N. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to a report of a commercial burglary alarm. It was determined to be the cleaning crew who had permission to be on the property.

11:31 a.m., 100 block of Crown Hill Rd.: An officer responded to speak with a party regarding a civil issue. The party was advised of her options.

1:02 p.m., 1100 block of Tracy Ave.: An officer spoke with a party regarding a juvenile that would not come home. She was advised of her options.

2:05 p.m., 600 block of Tiger Dr.: Officers responded with fire units on a small grass fire. Officers stood by until they were no longer needed.

2:32 p.m., 1400 block of Neil Ln.: Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. One party was transported by ambulance. A WM, 60, was arrested and released on his own recognizance.

4:41 p.m., S. Kimball Ave. and Sycamore St.: Officers responded to a report of a party passed out in a running vehicle. The party was transported by ambulance. Michael E. Forrester, WM, 37, was arrested for assault on a law enforcement officer and assault on medical personnel and released on his own recognizance with a court date. He was held on a 12-hour detox.

4:46 p.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded to a report of a party causing a disturbance outside Job Corp. The party was contacted and agreed to move on.

5:21 p.m., 400 block of Superior St.: Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. The parties advised it was verbal only. They were advised of the 12-hour rule.

7:41 p.m., 2200 block of Chanticleer: An officer spoke with a party regarding a civil matter. The party was advised of his options.

8:26 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Michael E. Cline, WM, 19, was arrested on two local warrants for possession of marijuana, speeding, and expired plates. His bond was set at $850 cash only.

8:42 p.m., 1700 block of Rainbow Blvd.: Officers responded to assist the emergency room staff with an unruly patient.

10:11 p.m., 700 block of Tiger Dr.: Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. The parties advised it was verbal only and nothing further was requested.

11:13 p.m., 600 block of Tiger Dr.: Officers responded with the Fire Department to a report of brush fire near the high school. The officers stood by until no longer needed.

Monday, April 16

2:37 a.m., 1000 block of S. Marietta St.: Officer responded to Apple Bus Barn on a report a school bus was left with its hazard lights on. The lights were turned off and the door was secured.

9:23 a.m., 300 block of W. Broadway Ave.: An officer recovered an abandoned bicycle.

9:33 a.m., Kearney Rd. and Titus Ave.: Officer stopped and assisted a dump truck driver who had lost his tarp in the roadway.

9:51 a.m., 400 block of N. Titus Ave.: Officer took a report of an assault. One party was transported for treatment.

9:51 a.m., 700 block of Northwind Dr.: Christopher Burns, WM, 50 reported his vehicle had been vandalized.

10:12 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An escort was conducted for the Finance Department.

10:54 a.m., 100 block of Crown Hill Rd.: Officer responded on a report of a business alarm. The alarm had been set off accidentally.

11:21 a.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officer recovered a wallet which had been found in a shopping cart at Walmart. The wallet was returned to its owner.

1:27 p.m., 100 block of Juniper St.: Officer responded to check on a report of a tree limb hanging to low in the street. The limb was not causing any hazard for traffic.

2:24 p.m., 500 block of Summit St.: An officer responded to take a report for vandalism to a residence.

2:44 p.m., 700 block of Northwind Dr.: Officers responded on a third-party report of a known male causing an issue. Contact was made and property was exchanged.

3:02 p.m., 700 block of Northwind Dr.: An officer took information for vandalism to a vehicle.

3:19 p.m., 2000 block of Wornall Rd.: The Animal Control Officer responded on a complaint of nuisance felines. The owner was advised of the complaint.

3:33 p.m., 200 block of Lynn Rd.: Animal Control Officer responded on a failure to restrain complaint. There was no contact at the residence and a notice was left.

3:42 p.m., 700 block of Ruby St.: Officers responded on a complaint from a party that she had been locked out of her house. The subjects were counseled and advised of their options.

3:51 p.m., 100 block of Waller Ave.: Animal Control responded on a canine complaint.

3:54 p.m., 200 block of Waller Ave.: Officers responded with EMS on a report of an injury accident. Parties were transported to the hospital for medical attention and information was taken for a report.

7:35 p.m., 400 block of Birch St.: Officers responded on a report of a juvenile who was out of control. All parties were contacted and advised of their options. Information was taken for a report.

8:30 p.m., 500 block of Bates St.: An officer responded to the area to investigate the source of heavy smoke. It was determined to be a fire pit. Nothing further was requested.

9:47 p.m., 700 block of Northwind Dr.: Officers responded with EMS on a report of an unwanted party who would not wake up. It was unclear whether the party had a medical condition. The party was contacted and agreed to leave the residence. Nothing further was requested.

10:16 p.m., 500 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded on an alarm at the business. The building was checked and secure

April 19, 2018 – A literal yellow brick road leads visitors into the Hamill home, but to anyone who knows owner Michelle Hamill, this only makes sense. She’s been collecting all things Wizard of Oz for years, after all and her home, built in 1860s, is a spot of Kansas in Missouri City.

Her foyer is painted a deep, jewel blue, which serves as a backdrop for her extensive collection. The eye hardly knows where to stop in the room full of Wizard whimsy. A full-size witch, face frozen in a familiar, silent cackle looms in one corner. Two dresses, one of blue gingham and the other of pink satin, frame a door. Curio cabinets are crammed with memorabilia, the walls hung with movie posters, and there’s even an apple tree in one corner – a nod to the scene where Dorothy plucks an apple from a tree, not realizing the tree was a sentient being.

Michelle Hamill collects all things Wizard of Oz.

“The greatest thing about being a collector is that you still get toys for Christmas,” Hamill laughed.

In one of her several cabinets is an old snow-globe, encapsulating Dorothy and her friends. It’s a bit dimmed but obviously beloved. It is the object that ignited Hamill’s passion for collecting all things Wizard of Oz.

“My mom started it all when she gave me that first piece,” Hamill said.

She doesn’t necessarily have a favorite — it seems as though she views her entire collection as one piece. And as for her favorite part of the movie, for Hamill, it’s all about the witch. The wicked one, that is.

“I just love her,” she said, and it’s a love she shares with her granddaughter, Rayne. “She never wants to dress up as Dorothy or the Good Witch. It’s always the Wicked Witch.”

But her foyer may contain more than just a spirit of whimsey — it may include an actual spirit or two, as well.

“I see a female spirit,” Hamill said. “She wears all black, with a high collar, like a Victorian dress.” Hamill says she often catches a glimpse of her, out of the corner of her eye.

In addition, there have been multiple reports of different people hearing boots on the steps in the foyer.

Hamill has the history of the house, which is known as the Nowlin House. It was built in 1853 by a storekeeper names James Reed, who sold it to Bryan Nowlin. In 1859, the house was given to Nowlin’s son Sam, as he turned 21. Just a few years later, in 1861, Sam married a young lady named Sarah Peery, of Howard County. They had two children in quick succession.

“I’ll get you, my pretty!”

Boots would have been a common choice in footwear throughout history in a rural Missouri setting, but Sam, who served as a Southern Cavalryman in the Civil War, and fought in the Battles of Lexington, Missouri and Pea Ridge, Arkansas, would have most certainly wore them. In April of 1862, after he returned home from war, he was arrested, along with Frank James, for his “southern leanings.” He posted a $5,000 bond and took a loyalty oath. His wife Sarah died the following year, after just three years of marriage, in 1864.

Hamill believes that one of the spirits — the one whom she catches glimpses of, wearing a high-collared dress — may be Sarah.

The fashion of the day often involved a higher collar, just in case you were wondering — and 1864 is the height of the Victorian Era, which ran from 1837 to 1901.

On Sunday, Hamill reached out to say that the activity in the foyer has increased. Suddenly, the hat that once sat perched atop the Wicked Witch is now clutched in her hand — and Hamill says she’s not moving it. Her animals also seem to be more sensitive to happenings in the foyer.

“I haven’t moved it back yet,” Hamill said of the hat. “I don’t know if there’s an increase in activity because we talked about it Friday, or maybe because I realized a previous homeowner, Sam Nowlin, married Sarah Peery in 1861 and she died in 1863, and most likely died at home like people did back then, and I have been saying her name a lot. Who knows? But it’s creepy.”

RELATED: For more on Haunted Excelsior, click here.

The Standard’s own pictures seem to show something, as well. As a newspaper, we will remain objective, and let the photographs stand on their own.

(And by that, we mean we are pretty sure they are ghosts.)

April 18, 2018 – Kaylee Halfhill, a third grader at Westview Elementary, has deep sympathy for the homeless, and a need to help. Those two factions of her heart led her to create what she calls “homeless bags” — kits she has pulled together with care and thought.

It happened when she and her mother were coming home from a car dealership one night. It was dark, and Kaylee saw someone in need on the side of the road. She and her mother often buy food for homeless people, but that evening, they were lost, and it was too late for them to purchase him food and water.

“Kaylee was devastated,” mom Kim Halfhill said.

When they went home, they donated to the Good Samaritan Center with the homeless man in their thoughts, and Kylee, whose mom describes as “action-oriented,” got the idea to make kits for the homeless — portable bags that could be handed out quickly to those in need.

“There are different things in different bags,” Kaylee explained, opening one. “There’s a toothbrush, and a lot of food, and a spoon and a fork, some warm socks, some cough drops in case they have a sore throat, tissues, and some Tylenol.”

Kaylee’s bags focus on hunger, health, and hygiene, with hand sanitizer, and other items that someone in need could utilize, such as handy wipes and chap stick.

“And,” she added, pointing to some sweets, “some candy to make them happy.”

Kaylee has put a lot of thought into the items she places in her bags. Pinterest has been a great tool, Kim’s mom added. The bags are kept in both her parents’ vehicles.

“We keep them in Dad’s car and Mom’s car, so whenever we go somewhere, if we see someone, we can give them a bag,” Kaylee explained. “We don’t give them to people who we think are homeless, because they may not want a bag. We usually give them to people who have signs or are asking for help.”

Kaylee received help from her teachers at Westview, and her friends, who threw themselves behind the idea of making homeless kits. Her teachers and others collected toiletries from hotels and brought in other items for Kaylee to include.

Her parents are proud of the young person their daughter is becoming.

“She’s passionate about social justice on many fronts, and it’s been fun to see how she grows,” Kim said. “She’s a pretty amazing kiddo, and sometimes we’re not sure how we got so lucky. She often thinks of others.”

“She’s something else. She teaches us sometimes,” dad Patrick Halfhill said. “We get too caught up. It can be a little scary, though, going down the road and she yells, ‘Dad, stop!’ She’s got a big heart.”

Kaylee enjoys her mission, though, and hopes others may be inspired to do something similar.

“It makes me feel really  happy, and I know I did a really good job, because I know I made a difference,” Kaylee said.

When asked what she would say to another kid who would like to make a difference, her answer was succinct, but wise.

“Anything counts.”

Dorothy E. Eft
January 21, 1930 — April 21, 2018

Dorothy Edith (Pahlman) Eft, 88, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018, in her home.

Dorothy was born January 21, 1930 in Amoret, Mo. She was the daughter of the late Holly F. Pahlman and Zula E. Collins. She married the late Robert E. Eft on April 4, 1952, in Kansas City, Mo.

Dorothy Eft

She worked for AT&T as a switchboard operator and later as a contract clerk for the company for 30 years. Dorothy was talented in making quilts and sewing and loved animals of all kinds.

Dorothy is survived by her granddaughters: Brandi Eft Johnson and husband, Robert Johnson, of Independence, Mo. and Melissa Johnson of St. Louis; one great-grandchild: Jessica Johnson of Independence, Mo.; and daughter-in-law: Laura Prosser Eft of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Carl Eft, her daughter Mary Johnson, son-in-law Randy Johnson and two sisters.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 30 at Green Lawn Cemetery at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, MO 64138.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kansas City Firefighters Widows Fund, P.O. Box 9866, Kansas City, MO 64134 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Arrangements provided by Park Lawn Funeral Home.

Nan “Evelyn” Parker

Nan Evelyn Parker, 74, of Lawson, Mo., passed away April 20, 2018.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 27, at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 28, at First United Methodist Church of Kearney at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Elmira Cemetery.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Elmira Cemetery with memo, Monument Renovation. Plans are to replace the Elmira Cemetery monument and flag pole in remembrance of John and Evelyn Parker.

Arrangements provided by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney.

A power pole and transformer were damaged when a Republic Services trash truck was completing its route on Tuesday, April 24. (Photo by Brittany Zegers)

April 24, 2018 — 5:15 p.m. Ameren has updated the anticipated outage restoration time to 8 p.m.

April 24, 2018 — 4:15 p.m. The outage status has been updated by Ameren Missouri. According to the power company’s website, the outage has been assigned to servicemen or crew and power is anticipated to be restored by 6 p.m.

April 24, 2018 — 2:15 p.m. Excelsior Springs Police and Fire Departments are on the scene near Bell and N. Kent Streets where shortly after 2 p.m., a Republic Services trash truck caught power lines, bringing down at least one pole and the transformer that was attached to it.

It is unknown how long before power may be restored to the area that is experiencing the outage, but estimated at a minimum of a few hours.

The Standard will post updates as they become available.

April 20, 2018 – Missouri State Highway Patrol reported one crash and an arrest during the past week.

A 20-year-old Lawson man was transported to Liberty Hospital by Lawson Fire and Rescue after he sustained serious injuries in a vehicle crash in Ray County.

Around 2:10 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, Brett J. Yager, 20, was traveling northbound on Route C, north of W. 122nd St. when his 2007 Chevrolet crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway. According to the traffic crash report by Missouri State Highway Patrol, the vehicle returned to the roadway and traveled off the right side of the roadway where it struck an embankment. The vehicle overturned, coming to rest on its top, ejecting Yager, who was not wearing a seat belt.

The crash was investigated by Tpr. Cunningham. Ray County Sheriff’s Department and Lawson Police Department assisted in the crash.

On Monday, April 16, Larry D. Happy, 36, of Excelsior Springs, was arrested at 9:53 p.m. in Ray County by Missouri State Highway Patrol on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

According to the MSHP arrest report, Happy was held in Ray County Jail on a 12-hour hold.

April 20, 2018 – The Excelsior Springs Mid-Continent Public Library building will be closed this spring for renovations, as part of their plans for capital improvements.

“We are still waiting on board approval for final design and start date, but we are thinking June-ish for construction to start,” said Mid-Continent Public Library’s Capital Improvement Project Manager Jacob Wimmer. “There’s going to be 24 renovations, six new libraries, and four major gut remodels of existing libraries. Excelsior Springs gets to welcome in the first phase, moving forward.”

“I don’t have an exact date for you,” he added, “but I can say late spring, early summer, for approximately 120 days.”

The Excelsior Springs branch will be receiving a major overhaul.

“With that, we are going to bring to you a fabulous renovation,” Wimmer stated. “We are really excited about it. You are going to get a 65-person meeting room, new HVAC, ADA-accessible restrooms, and some other things as we move forward. We are basically adding to the front of the library.” The meeting room will be used for library programs, as well as be open for reservations from the public. There will also be a small study room added.

“I am going to ask for your patience, and I am going to ask for your support. We are very excited about this first phase. And we are going to make sure the taxpayer gets the most bang for their buck, going forward with these renovations,” he finished.

The library improvements are made possible by the passage of Proposition L in November of 2016, which also expanded library hours.

Although the building will be closed, library services will still be available in the fullest capacity possible.

“Our building is going to be closed, but we are going to be offering some library services,” Excelsior Springs MCPL Branch Manager Stephen Chalmers said. “We’ll be doing some programs at the community center. And we will continue to do all of our outreach that we do, as well. And we are working with the city on where we can possibly have some reading rooms, and a summer reading program site. Obviously, we can’t offer everything we normally would without a 10,000 square foot building at our disposal, but we are going to continue to have as many library services as we can here in town.”

April 20, 2018 – Rick Strack has a need to serve his community.

He did it as both a police officer for over 25 years in Raytown, and in service to his country, in the Air National Guard and active duty as a former Master Sergeant for the U.S. Air Force for 27 years.

Now he will continue that service through his place on the Excelsior Springs Board of Education.

Strack, who has been married to his wife, Diane, for over 20 years, is the father of four with two of his children still in school in the Excelsior Springs School District. His son, who is 10, attends Elkhorn. His daughter, 13, is in middle school.

“I don’t think my son really understands, but my daughter is a little worried that I’ll find out everything she does,” Strack laughed. His wife, he added, has been very supportive.

Strack is committed to students, education, and Excelsior Springs.

“You’ve got to develop kids. They are our next generation,” Strack explained.

He also brings the perspective of special needs parenting to the school board. His son was born with cerebral palsy and has epilepsy, so Strack is familiar with the struggles parents of children with special needs face, and the complexities of navigating Individual Education Plans (IEPs). To that end, he believes Excelsior Springs School District provides excellent resources to their students with different needs and their families.

“I want to continue all the great things the school district is doing with special needs. I want those parents to know that Excelsior is doing everything they can do to help them,” he said.

Strack’s excited about the direction the Excelsior Springs School District is taking. He’s particularly enthusiastic about the cooperation between the schools and the city, as well as the district’s ability to move with the changing times.

“I’d like to see us keep working as a team,” Strack said. “To develop as things change, because we have to be able to change as times change. I want to keep expanding and adjusting as education expands and changes.”

He believes Excelsior Springs is ahead of the curve on this.

“I think we need to get back to the basics of education, and make sure the kids are getting those basics before they move on,” Strack explained. He believes a lot of education has been geared towards testing, but he believes that Excelsior schools have made quite of few changes, and is geared more towards critical thinking skills, which he appreciates. “I want to continue that.”

Strack is excited, too, about the kids coming up through Excelsior school systems.

“I think it’s exciting. I think if we keep teaching the kids to learn to take responsibility for themselves, to learn to make their own way in our country, instead of being given everything, our country will be a lot better. We need to get them as much education as we can, to improve things, make sure they understand the history of this country, so we don’t repeat it. They need to think for themselves,” Strack said.

Strack recently retired from the Raytown Police Department as a sergeant, and volunteers in a number of different ways. Of particular importance to Strack is Warrior’s Ascent, a non-profit ran by veterans and their family members that focuses on healing for veterans and first responders dealing with the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress. The program started three years ago. The group has served over 260 veterans and first responders since its inception.

For Strack, serving on the school board already compliments much of what he has done and what he is doing with his life. He wants to have an active role in shaping today’s youth, and feels he can best do that through his new role as member of the Excelsior Springs Board of Education.

“Education should be important to everybody,” Strack stated. “That’s our future.”