The Bombers have been on a roll as of late, scoring 87 runs over their last seven games, and Monday night’s game against the Chillicothe Mudcats at Liberty Park Stadium was no exception.

The Bombers offense got off to a quick start with Tyson Cusmon and Trey Harris each doubling in a 3-run first inning. Harris looked at ease at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and triple. He led a Bombers offense that totaled 14 hits.

High-scoring games have been a trend of the Bomber recently and Coach Craig McAndrews said the key to this explosive offense is simply each batter sticking to his game plan.

“(It’s) sticking to who you are,” McAndrews said. “If you’re a bunt guy, if you’re a speed guy, you’re staying on the ground. If you’re a guy that hits home runs and doubles, then stick to your plan.”

The offense reached double-digit runs for the seventh straight game, but Justin Murphy needed just two runs from his offense.

Murphy allowed just one run over seven innings. The right-hander out of Southeast Missouri State didn’t allow a hit until the fourth inning and only surrendered four total hits to the Mudcats.

It was not all easy sailing for Murphy, though. He was forced to operate with runners in scoring position in both the second and sixth innings. Murphy performed a flawless escape act on both occasions, and only faltered in the fourth after giving up a pair of doubles and a run.

Murphy had the support of a Bombers defense that played an essential role in his six scoreless frames. The defense turned a pair of double plays during that time and Ethen Owens dazzled the crowd at Liberty Park with a catch on his knees in the third.

The Bombers look to extend their winning streak to nine as they host the South Division Leaders, the Ozarks Generals, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Liberty Park.

Trey Harris dodges the Mudcats third baseman as he rounds third base Monday night at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers12017717221240964.jpgTrey Harris dodges the Mudcats third baseman as he rounds third base Monday night at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

Tyson Cushmon sprints from second to third base during Monday’s 11-4 victory at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers22017717221252669.jpgTyson Cushmon sprints from second to third base during Monday’s 11-4 victory at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

Justin Murphy throws a pitch against the Mudcats Monday night at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers32017717221258882.jpgJustin Murphy throws a pitch against the Mudcats Monday night at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

Matt Jones falls to his knees as he catches a fly ball Monday night at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers4201771722134977.jpgMatt Jones falls to his knees as he catches a fly ball Monday night at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

This list is a sampling of crime in Sedalia and the surrounding area. Information is taken from official police reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved in each case.

Sedalia Police Department

Arrests

July 15

11:54 a.m.: Dylan M. Keele, 20, of the 1200 block of South Harrison Avenue, was arrested near the intersection of West Avenue and Second Street Terrace on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license. A traffic stop was conducted for a minor traffic violation. A search through communications showed the driver had a suspended license. A search found a bag of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

7:15 p.m.: Crystal D. Reynolds, 19, of the 200 block of South Grand Avenue, was arrested at her residence on a charge of third degree domestic assault. Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. A male was bitten, scratched and hit by the suspect. The victim had minor injuries but was not treated.

July 16

4:21 a.m.: Jose A. Villafana, 30, of the 1500 block of South Osage Avenue, was arrested near the intersection of East 16th Street and South Ohio Avenue on a charge of driving with a revoked license.

4:48 p.m.: Cynthia Lou Harding, 18, of the 1300 block of East 10th Street, was arrested in the 900 block of East 10th Street on a charge of third degree domestic assault. The suspect allegedly cut a man known to her with a knife.

5:34 p.m.: Marc L. Head, 47, of Sedalia, was arrested in the 3100 block of West Broadway Boulevard on a charge of stealing. A suspect allegedly stole a bottle of alcohol from a business in the 3200 block of West Broadway Boulevard. The officer made contact with the suspect in the 3100 block of West Broadway Boulevard and saw what appeared to be a bottle sticking out of his pants.

Incidents

July 14

7:03 a.m.: A hit-and-run vehicle accident was reported in a business parking lot in the 3600 block of West Broadway Boulevard. The victim’s vehicle had white paint transfer from the suspect vehicle.

July 16

5:18 p.m.: Officers responded to a medical call for a man in the 400 block of North Grand Avenue, but further investigation revealed an assault had occurred. One subject was taken to Bothwell Regional Health Center for a head injury.

Pettis County Sheriff’s Office

Arrests

July 16

2:41 a.m.: Brittany Michelle Hall, of Smithton, was arrested in the 28000 block of Carpenter Road in Smithton on charges of driving while intoxicated, no seat belt and failure to drive on the right half of the road.

6:54 a.m.: Pedro A. Martinez-Vazequez was arrested in the 4200 block of West Main Street in Sedalia on charges of two counts of fourth degree domestic assault and one count of property damage.

Incidents

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Arrests

July 16

5:44 p.m.: Steven J. Powell, 60, of Lenexa, Kansas, was arrested in Morgan County on charges of careless and imprudent operation of a vessel and boating while intoxicated.

11:44 p.m.: James D. Sheets, 20, of Concordia, was arrested in Saline County on charges of driving while intoxicated and minor in possession of alcohol.

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WARRENSBURG — Western Missouri Medical Center announced Dr. Ashiq Masood, MD, is joining the Cancer Center at WMMC team beginning July 17.

Masood comes to the Cancer Center at WMMC through WMMC’s clinical affiliation with Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (subspeciality in Oncology) and has a special interest in solid tumors, genitourinary oncology, gastrointestinal cancers, thoracic oncology, cancer genomics and immunotherapy.

Masood has served as Assistant Professor of Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, specializing in gastrointestinal cancers. He received his medical degree from Sher-I-Kashir Institute of Medical Sciences in Kashmir, India, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine/Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan.

He completed his clinical fellowship in Oncology/Hematology at the Institute for Genomic Sciences at the University of Maryland, where he was involved in research that led to the discovery of “jumping genes” (called transposons) that can initiate colon cancer.

“Our organization knows the importance of providing our community with advanced cancer care,” said Darinda J. Reberry, WMMC President/CEO. “We feel very fortunate to have Dr. Masood join our oncology team and know that our patients will greatly benefit from his expertise.”

For more information, call the Cancer Center at 660-262-7321 or visit WMMC.com.

Ashiq Masood

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Masood.jpgAshiq Masood

Alliance Water Resources has selected 11 professionals to participate in the 2017 Leadership Alliance program. Participants were nominated by peers, supervisors and other company leaders, and narrowed after a thorough interview process.

The Leadership Alliance program was developed for the purpose of identifying potential leaders early on in their Alliance career, is modeled after similarly named community and state leadership programs and fosters advancement of individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership and interpersonal skills.

Since the charter class of 2006, Leadership Alliance has produced excellent alumni, many of which have risen to management positions within the company. One Executive Director, three local managers, a superintendent and the current HR Director all completed Leadership Alliance in 2006, and since then, 13 other graduates have risen to leadership positions within the company.

This year’s class includes Tyler Stuhlman, Supervisor for Ralls County; Sara Olson, Utility Worker I for Lincoln County; Lary Lehman, Utility Worker II for Howard County Water Company; Patrick McMahill, Supervisor for St. Charles County, Todd Baslee, Superintendent for Boonville; Bob Summers, Superintendent for the city of Sedalia; Daniel Brown, Supervisor for Clay County; Joe Carter, Utility Worker II for the city of Nevada; Jonathan Ridings, Operator I for the city of Cape Girardeau, Kevin Grass, Utility Worker II for the city of St. Genevieve and LaDon Atkinson, Superintendent for the city of Bowling Green. The span of employment time for these associates ranges from a few months up to five years.

Tim Geraghty, Vice President of Operations for Alliance, said the program has become an integral part of fulfilling the company’s mission to partner with communities and deliver the finest water and wastewater services available.

“We are highly committed to keeping the water safe and clean for the communities we serve, and that means having many talented professionals,” he said. “Strong managers strengthen our clients’ operations. Not only does the Leadership Alliance program help us to produce the managers we need, but it also fits with one of our guiding principles of continually providing educational, development and growth opportunities for our employees.”

The 2017 program will be hosted in Columbia in October and November. Classes are structured to connect employees’ technical proficiency with the increasing need for governmental, professional and communications expertise. Participants will complete intensive training sessions on industry topics.

Instruction is designed to provide management insight and skill development to key staff, improve management bench strength and support the Alliance goal of promoting from within current employee groups. In addition, participants complete self-study homework assignments and are required to give a presentation to the group.

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All across the internet there are people who choose to spend their time running various forums, wikis, servers and other groups. Most of them work without pay as they put out the fires of conflict, ban trolls and make decisions to improve their communities. There’s not much glory in it, but they do it for the people they’ve come to know and the people they want to know. They do it so they can have a community that cares about the same things that they do.

So first of all this column is a tribute to them: this is for all the administrators and moderators and guild leaders out there who put in their free labor for the sake of others. I have enjoyed being a part of many internet communities throughout the years and a good online space requires a good online caretaker. Sometimes they have to ban people, sometimes they have to punish people, sometimes people take their internet talk spaces much too seriously! How dare you ban me, I’m speaking the truth!

The point is this — there is at least one person out there who is grateful for the things you do, even though it can seem like appreciation is in short supply.

Not so long ago former Sedalia City Councilwoman Vicky Collins started a Facebook page called “Sedalia’s Voices.” It seemed to catch on relatively quickly, both as a way to communicate directly with an elected official and a place to find other locals to discuss the issues of the day with.

“Mr. McMullen,” Collins asked one day, “Would you be interested in being an admin for the Sedalia Voices page?” It was my privilege to say yes.

And it was good, full of interesting thoughts and bad jokes. But some of the best moments were when someone got the help, advice or guidance they were looking for from another member of the group. They were quick to help each other, but they also weren’t afraid to exchange some heated words from time to time.

And that’s where Collins started having some trouble. She started a great discussion group, and did a good job running it. But sometimes the discussion threads got very heated, very nasty and very long. It can be difficult to strike a balance between “taking down things that are getting to be downright offensive and stupid” and “letting it all stay up in the pursuit of ultimate free speech.”

She usually took things down when they had degenerated into name-calling and other nastiness, or when they were no longer inspiring reasonable discussion. The complaints seemed to be endless, and the drama was thick. After a while I imagine she got tired of being told how she should run her Facebook page.

So she announced that in one month she would delete Sedalia’s Voices. Some of the people took the opportunity to make their own Sedalia discussion pages so that maybe they could get themselves a share of the impending Facebook refugee crisis. Others made it clear they did not want to see the group die, and begged her to let someone else take over.

Collins could have deleted the group, and I would not have faulted her for it. I like Sedalia’s Voices, but it was her group and she could take it out of the digital world just as easily as she brought it in. Her group, her decisions, that’s it.

But she graciously agreed to hand the Facebook keys to me. She didn’t have to, but I am happy she did and that Sedalia’s Voices can continue under new management. We just hit 2,000 members the other day!

So if you’re from Sedalia and you’ve got a Voice, then go ahead and submit yourself for membership at www.facebook.com/groups/616532405121942 or search for “Sedalia’s Voices” on Facebook.

I want to hear from you!

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Pan American Group LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group LP, announced last week it has acquired 34 Panera Bread Bakery-Café locations in Kansas and Missouri from Wichita, Kansas-based Original Bread Inc.

This acquisition cements Pan American Group’s position as the second largest Panera Bread franchisee, increasing its unit count from 96 to 130 locations. The newly acquired locations include Panera Breads in Metro Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita, Kansas, as well as St. Joseph and Sedalia.

Original Bread Inc. was co-founded in 1993 by Randy Simon, Howard Wilkins, Art Anast and Mark Babich, and was the first franchisee of St. Louis Bread, Panera Bread’s predecessor. The company became one of the largest franchisees in the Panera Bread system and ranked No. 128 in Restaurant Finance Monitor’s 2016 Top 200 report.

“Growing with Panera over the last 24 years has been an experience for which I will always be grateful. As I look back, I’m truly awed to have been involved in the growth of this dynamic concept. It has been our pleasure to share Panera Warmth with our many guests over the years,” said Randy Simon, Original Bread co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our team is confident that Flynn Restaurant Group will carry on our standards of excellence in service and our preeminence in community involvement. Their leadership role in the restaurant industry will allow them to fully implement all the new initiatives which Panera has slated for national roll-out.”

Flynn Restaurant Group LP is the largest restaurant franchise operator, and one of the 50 largest foodservice companies of any kind, in the United States. Its subsidiary Apple American Group LLC is the largest Applebee’s franchisee, and its subsidiary Bell American Group is the third largest Taco Bell franchisee. Overall Flynn Restaurant Group owns and operates 881 restaurants in 30 states, generating $1.9 billion in sales and directly employing approximately 42,000 people.

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The Sedalia Capital of Wednesday morning, Nov. 23, 1927, described events in Sedalia that focused on the Thanksgiving holiday and on several crimes committed in the area. Thanksgiving news included the announcement that Smith-Cotton High School’s weekly assembly would feature the Junior Class, sponsored by Miss Cluney, in a program about Thanksgiving. The public was invited to attend.

Other Thanksgiving news mentioned that three rural schools — Dresden, under the leadership of Miss Thelma Rodenbach, Lookout, under the direction of Roy Potter, and Sunnyside, under the leadership of Miss Leota Alexander — had delivered Thanksgiving donations of fruit and vegetables to be distributed to the poor. County School Superintendent C.F. Scotten said he fully expected that all the rural schools would participate in the food drive.

Turkeys were plentiful in the Sedalia groceries at prices ranging from 40 to 50 cents per pound. Geese were available for 20 to 30 cents per pound.

Sedalia appeared to be in the midst of a minor crime wave. Cappie Foster was arrested and spent the night in the city jail on charges of public intoxication, an offense that was serious because prohibition made mere possession of alcoholic beverages a crime.

A more serious incident involving intoxication happened when E.M. Ainsworth, of Franklin, Missouri, took the wheel when drunk and crashed his Dodge coupe into a Ford Coupe driven by C.O. Taylor, of Hermitage, Missouri. The wreck happened on U.S. Highway 65 nine miles north of Sedalia. Sheriff’s deputies C.C. Schmidt and Will Rector responded.

Taylor and passenger C.W. Nelson suffered minor injuries and were treated by Sedalia physicians. Taylor’s car was a total wreck and Ainsworth’s car was badly damaged. Ainsworth, after being “unruly,” was finally subdued, handcuffed, and taken to the Pettis County Jail where he was awaiting a hearing before Justice W.H. Leslie.

Two earlier thefts made their way to the courts. Jack Birch, accused of stealing a car, was to face Judge J.M. Glen. The witness against Birch was a brown-and-white spotted dog that was left in the car when it was abandoned. Birch admitted he owned the dog, which was staying at the police station and had become something of a pet to the officers, who said the dog liked to listen to the police radio.

The other theft involved a pair of stolen tires taken in October from a car in a garage owned by William Howell, of 2220 W. Broadway Blvd. Howell “kept a lookout” for his tires, and discovered them on a Ford sedan parked in front of Archias Seed Store on East Main Street. Howell called the police. Officer Dan Byard came and arrested J.J. Sullivan, of 309 E. Third St. Sullivan claimed he had “bought or traded” the tires from an individual and did not know they were stolen. He was to appear in the afternoon before Police Judge J.M. Glenn.

The other crime was a shooting that began in a quarrel between two men who “both wanted the same wife.” Next week’s column provides the details of an event that enlivened West Main Street as well as the front page of the Capital.

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The City of Sedalia began the annual chip and seal program for the 2017 construction season Tuesday morning.

Chip and seal is a process that places a coating of road oil on the existing city street followed by a layer of fine crushed rock or “chips.” A roller is then run over the chips to embed some of them into the asphalt and hold the road oil in place. The layer of crushed chips, including some loose chips, remain on the street to prevent “bleeding” through of the oil to other surfaces, such as vehicles.

The remaining loose chips are later swept up within seven to 10 days, dependent on weather conditions and equipment availability. The chip and seal process “seals” an asphalt roadway and reduces impacts from freezing and thawing during winter months which result in potholes forming and roadway surfaces failing.

The following list provides the streets and dates the maintenance work is scheduled. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes on the day work is scheduled for a specific street or plan additional time to arrive at their destination as period lane closures will occur as equipment and men are working on the streets.

Tuesday

West Main St. between South Prospect Avenue and South Osage Avenue.

South Moniteau Avenue between West Main Street and West Broadway Boulevard.

South Moniteau Avenue between West Main Street and North Henry Street.

West Morgan Street between North Moniteau Avenue and North Missouri Avenue.

West Morgan Street between North Moniteau Avenue and North Ohio Avenue.

Wednesday

West Cooper Street between North Park Avenue and North Ohio Avenue.

ProEnergy Boulevard between North State Fair Boulevard and Eagle View Drive.

East Henry Street between North Lamine Avenue to end of roadway.

Thursday

South Park Avenue between West Broadway Boulevard to 16th Street.

South Warren Avenue between West Broadway Boulevard to 16th Street.

West 16th Street between South Park Avenue and South Grand Avenue.

West 16th Street between South Grand Avenue and South Ohio Avenue.

Monday

West 18th Street between South Limit Avenue and South Grand Avenue.

West 18th Street between South Harrison Avenue and South Missouri Avenue.

West 18th Street between South Grand Avenue and South Moniteau Avenue.

West 20th Street between South Grand Avenue and South Ohio Avenue.

East 20th Street between South Ohio Avenue and South Lamine Avenue.

South Lamine Avenue between East 16th Street and East 20th Street.

The work is weather and equipment dependent, so changes may occur. For questions about streets or to report a pothole or other roadway problem, contact the Public Works Department at 660-827-3000.

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The following is a sampling of cases resolved July 14 through 17 in the Pettis County Circuit Court, according to information from Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney Phillip Sawyer.

Monica Snider, 45, of Sedalia, was sentenced to two seven-year consecutive sentences in the Missouri Department of Corrections under 559.115 on two counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Hayden Rhorer, 22, of Sedalia, was sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and four years after his probation was revoked.

Spencer A. Watson, 18, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections under 559.115 for sexual misconduct involving a child by coercion or inducement.

Artemio Pacheco, 23, of Sedalia, was sentenced to 120 days in the Pettis County Jail for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Candace Yingling, 37, of Sedalia, was sentenced to two 180-day sentences in the Pettis County Jail on two separate matters — stealing and abuse of an elderly person.

John R. Hicks, 33, of Sedalia, was sentenced to 180 days in the Pettis County Jail for first degree property damage.

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In the spirit of unity, people from several churches and faiths came together Friday evening to work on a local minister’s home on East Seventh Street.

The Rev. Jerry Jones, 67, who has been involved with ministry at the Pettis County Jail for 10 years, is a boots-on-the-ground, in-the-trenches type of minister. He has no elaborate church to work from, only his modest home and garage, which were falling into disrepair. Several in the community saw a need to help Jones, including the Rev. Jason McClain pastor of Olive Branch Baptist Church and members of the youth ministry of Olive Hill Mennonite Church.

McClain said Tuesday besides receiving help from Olive Branch and Olive Hill, people from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, First Christian Church and Antioch Fellowship reached out to help Jones.

McClain added that Jones’s “overwhelming service to the kingdom” was why his yard and home had “suffered such loss.”

“Jerry’s focus has completely shifted from self to selfless,” he noted. “The thing that breaks my heart is that people like Jerry are full-time ministers. Jerry eats, sleeps and breathes jail ministry. That is his 100 percent focus in life, and about anytime you see him, he’s either with it, towards it or thinking about it.”

McClain talked over the project with Olive Hill youth minister Jesse Eigsti. The project morphed into not only receiving help from youth at Olive Hill, but from area men Bill Curry, a local barber, Steve Crane, Brandon Durill, Kevin Goss and Tim Erganian.

“I looked at the back of the house and I was like, there’s no way that I’m going to face my G0d on judgment day knowing that I saw that walked away from it,” McClain said. “I saw that he needed a hand. Most importantly, he’s focused on the treasure, he’s focused on what matters and that’s the human heart. And, like Christ he has went to the ‘least of these’ and serves them above all else including himself.”

With temperatures hovering around 100 degrees Friday, almost 30 men and women came to work on the outside of Jones’s home and on his backyard flower gardens. When Jones saw the long line of workers, tears filled his eyes and he was at a loss for words.

“I would say for the first time (I was) speechless,” Jones said from his home Tuesday afternoon. “When I looked out here and seen this work crew a coming, I thought well this is going to be something. And, they kept coming, and kept coming, and kept coming. Pretty soon there was 27 people in my backyard here doing everything.”

He said he tried to help, but the crew told him to sit down and relax and let others do the work this time.

“I felt helpless a little bit, but I was completely blown away,” he said in his quiet voice. “Instead of putting money back into my house I’ve spent it on jail (ministry).”

Jones goes to the Pettis County Jail on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Monday he ministers to the women and Tuesday to the men. He always brings cookies and was concerned Tuesday he wouldn’t have any for the evening service. He added that the “good Lord was looking over” him and a man from Warsaw showed up with cookies.

“We’ve got cookies,” he said smiling. “To be a fisherman of men you have to have good bait.”

Jones, who in the past was part of an outlaw biker group and was incarcerated many times, added that there were three things he swore he’d never do.

“One, I’d never wear motorcycle colors, and two I’d never speak in front of a group, whether it’s two or 200, and three I’d never never set foot back in jail,” he noted. “So, I imagine God said ‘we’ll see about that mister.’”

Jones noted that he gave his life to God at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 3, 2005.

“My life was getting ready to go down the tubes for the third time,” he said. “And, out here in my garage as I was about to see everything disappear … I said my first sincere prayer ‘God help me.’ Then a few minutes later I started my second prayer that lasted for the next five days. God was listening, I’m like everybody else, He was the last name on my lips when you need help, you know.”

Jones is now a member of Brothers of the Son, a Christian motorcycle group. He was led into jail ministry years ago when the Rev. Donnie Hayworth, president of Brothers of the Son, walked into his garage and wanted Jones to pray about becoming part of their ministry.

“I decided this was a group that I was related to, because I’d walked in their shoes,” he said. “I can’t say that I’ve run across anything so far as being so rewarding as being a member of the Brothers of the Son and the jail ministry.”

Since starting Brothers of the Sun Jail Ministry at Pettis County, he has witnessed 442 men baptized and 40 men and women at the facility who have changed and are leading better lives.

He added that he often asks himself “how can it get better than this, but it does.”

“Friday was … that’s how it’s going to get better,” he said of all the help at his home. “I’ve been blessed in so many different ways that have never happened before.

“This whole thing just humbles you,” he added.

Jones is available to give his testimony and to speak about jail ministry to organizations and churches. He can be reached at 660-221-3475. Those who wish to help with additional work on Jones’s home may donate at Yeagers’ Cycle Sales Inc., 3001 S. Limit Ave., or at Bob Taylor’s Barbershop, 1421 S. Limit Ave.

The Rev. Jerry Jones talks about Brothers of the Sun Jail Ministry from his East Seventh Street backyard Tuesday afternoon. Jones has been ministering to inmates at Pettis County Jail for more than 10 years, investing his own time and funds. On Friday, members of several churches came together to work on Jones’s house and yard. He was brought to tears by their kindness.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_TSD071917LocalMinister-1-.jpgThe Rev. Jerry Jones talks about Brothers of the Sun Jail Ministry from his East Seventh Street backyard Tuesday afternoon. Jones has been ministering to inmates at Pettis County Jail for more than 10 years, investing his own time and funds. On Friday, members of several churches came together to work on Jones’s house and yard. He was brought to tears by their kindness. Photo by Faith Bemiss | Democrat

Friday evening, youth from Olive Hill Mennonite Church prepare to work on the siding on the back of Rev. Jerry Jones’s home.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_TSD071917LocalMinister-2.jpgFriday evening, youth from Olive Hill Mennonite Church prepare to work on the siding on the back of Rev. Jerry Jones’s home. Photos courtesy of the Rev. Jason McClain

Women and youth from Olive Hill Mennonite Church work on the Rev. Jerry Jones’s gardens. The women and girls cleaned out the beds and planted fresh flowers in each.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_TSD071917LocalMinister-3.jpgWomen and youth from Olive Hill Mennonite Church work on the Rev. Jerry Jones’s gardens. The women and girls cleaned out the beds and planted fresh flowers in each. Photos courtesy of the Rev. Jason McClain

Two Sedalia men were sentenced to prison Monday for separate crimes committed several years ago.

Gold Buyer armed robbery

Timothy L. Peck, 27, of Sedalia, was sentenced to five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for second degree robbery in connection to an armed robbery at Gold Buyer in 2014. A jury trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday, but it was canceled and replaced with Monday afternoon’s hearing at the Pettis County Courthouse where Peck entered a guilty plea.

“The trial was called off because there were discussions related to Mr. Peck maybe entering a guilty plea,” Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney Phillip Sawyer told the Democrat on Tuesday. “We also had some problems knowing a witness was secured by subpoena to be here. It was continued to (Monday) for a plea or to reset it (the trial date).”

Peck was indicted by a grand jury in January on charges of first degree robbery and hindering prosecution of a felony.

Henry L. Ward, 19, was also indicted in January for the robbery on charges of first degree robbery, first degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and receiving stolen property. Ward was only 17 at the time of the robbery, but has been certified to be tried as an adult. A hearing for Ward is scheduled for Sept. 5.

Peck and Ward were both charged in late December 2016 in connection with the armed robbery.

According to previous Sedalia Police Department reports of the incident, at 1:32 p.m. Dec. 18, 2014, a black male entered Gold Buyer, 108 S. Ohio Ave., which is no longer at that address, and shot owner/operator Wesley Brown twice in the chest with a handgun. Brown was taken to Bothwell Regional Health Center for his injuries. Cash, jewelry and a 9mm handgun were stolen from the business.

SPD Detective Travis St.Cyr previously told the Democrat detectives believe Ward was the shooter who actually entered the store, while they believe Peck orchestrated the robbery, as well as served as the driver and lookout.

“Mr. Peck served as the lookout for what was supposed to be a snatch-and-grab or strong-armed robbery,” Sawyer said. “Unfortunately guns became involved once the co-defendant entered. It doesn’t appear Mr. Peck ever entered the business.”

Teen murdered during drug deal

Brian J. Young, 36, of Sedalia, was also sentenced Monday to five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for first degree involuntary manslaughter.

Young was charged with second degree murder and attempt to possess a controlled substance. He was arrested days after the 2015 murder of 16-year-old Andrew Meyers, but was released when charges weren’t filed in the 24-hour time-frame. Both Kenneth S. McGee Jr. and Young were arrested and charged for the crime in February 2016, then indicted by a grand jury in March 2016.

Sawyer said Monday’s hearing came down to the legal question of whether self-defense or justification applies in a homicide where illegal activity was already taking place, this time in the form of a drug deal.

“Mr. Young’s attorney and I were involved in a number of negotiations and discussions regarding that particular instruction if the case was ever tried to a jury,” Sawyer said Tuesday. “Ultimately this resolution was agreed upon by both parties. It allowed Mr. Young to avoid the risk of trial on a much more serious offense and at the same time hold him accountable for what we believe was the illegal activity he was there committing.”

According to a SPD report, officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim outside a residence in the 400 block of North Missouri Avenue the night of July 24, 2015.

Officers found Meyers with a gunshot wound lying near a car. He was taken by the Pettis County Ambulance District to Bothwell Regional Health Center, where he later died.

According to court documents, Young contacted a friend about purchasing marijuana. The friend contacted two different people, the second being McGee. Later McGee contacted Young’s friend to conduct another transaction at the residence, which was entered by both Young and his friend.

Young told detectives a subject asked for his money and pointed what Young believed to be a .22 caliber rifle. Young then drew his own pistol from its holster and “because he believed the subject was going to shoot him, he fired his pistol at the subject one time,” then immediately left the house, documents state.

“I agree that an individual who finds themselves in that position is justified to defend themselves, but I dispute that that justification extends to an expected drug deal,” Sawyer said. “Drug deals are inherently dangerous and robberies during drug deals are completely foreseeable.”

McGee, 22, of Sedalia, entered a guilty plea in May to first degree attempted robbery and involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to five years and seven years, respectively, to be served consecutively in the Department of Corrections. McGee was originally charged with second degree murder, first degree attempted robbery and armed criminal action.

Brian Young

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Brian-Young-new.jpgBrian Young

Timothy Peck

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Timothy-Peck.jpgTimothy Peck

Huff

Opal Huff observed her 96th birthday July 14.

Opal was born on July 14, 1921, between La Monte and Knob Noster.

She was married to the late Arthur Eugene Huff.

She has one grandchild and three great-grandchildren.

Opal is a retired factory worker. She likes to go out to eat and visit with other residents.

Cards may be sent to Opal at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center, 3333 W. 10th St. Sedalia, Mo. 65301.

Lewis

Lois Lewis observed her 92 birthday July 12.

She was born July 12, 1925, in Syracuse.

Lois was married to the late Bob Lewis.

She owned a dress shop in Colorado. Lois enjoys reading, word puzzles, playing cards, and traveling. She is a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Cards may be sent to Lois at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center, 3333 W. 10th St. Sedalia, Mo. 65301.

Williams

James “Earl” Williams will observe his 88th birthday July 15.

Earl was born July 15 in Fairfield.

He is married to Nita Jean Williams.

Earl was a electronics inspector. He enjoys hunting, fishing and nut trees.

Cards may be sent to Earl at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center, 3333 W. 10th St. Sedalia, Mo. 65301.

Scotten

Barbara Scotten will observe her 79th birthday on July 17.

She was born July 17, 1938, in Sedalia.

Barbara was married to the late Roy Neal Scotten.

She has two children, Randy Scotten, of Green Ridge, and Tammy Knaus, of Sedalia, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara was a insurance sales agent. She enjoys antiques, flowers, gardening, watching her grandchildren and ballgames.

Cards may be sent to Barbara at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center, 3333 W. 10th St. Sedalia, Mo. 65301.

Friedly

Melinda “Sue” Friedly will observe her 75th birthday July 17.

She was born July 17, 1942, in St. Louis.

Melinda is married to Ed Friedly.

She has two children, Ginger Miller and Mitchell Friedly.

Melinda is a retired school teacher and an elementary counselor. She enjoys reading, writing groups, traveling, listening to music and dancing.

Cards may be sent to Melinda at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center at 3333 W. 10th St., Sedalia, Mo. 65301.

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The Bombers’ game against the Ozark Generals felt familiar to Zach Maskill not because it was their second game in a week’s time, but because of the batters he faced.

Maskill played for the Generals just one year ago and beamed at the idea of facing his former teammates.

“It’s always cool to play against your friends that you basically lived with,” Maskill said.

Although Maskill was excited to pitch against his close friends, he was unsure whether their extensive knowledge of each other benefitted him or not.

“It helps, but they definitely know (my tendencies),” he said.

The Bombers lineup supported Maskilll with nine runs entering the sixth. Dalton Horstmeier sent a ball soaring over the left field wall in second and tripled in the third. Trey Harris also tripled in the third and contributed to a four-run inning.

The Bombers led 9-1 entering the sixth inning, but it proved to be a costly inning. Maskill was pulled from the game after allowing three runs and leaving two runners on base for his replacement. Jake Tolbert took over for Maskill, but allowed each of the runners to score before wrapping up the inning.

The Generals powered their way back into the game in the following inning, scoring three runs and tying the game 9-9.

The Ozarks capitalized off of a pair of passed balls in the ninth and led 11-9 with just three out in the game. The Bombers responded with a run in the bottom of the inning, but were unable to fight their way back into the game.

The following their loss, the Bombers will travel Wednesday to Clarinda and will face off against the A’s at 7 p.m.

Matthew Jones slides into third in Tuesday night’s game against The Ozark Generals at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers1-1.jpgMatthew Jones slides into third in Tuesday night’s game against The Ozark Generals at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

Dalton Horstmeier celebrates at home plate after homering against the Ozark Generals in Tuesday night’s game at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers2-1.jpgDalton Horstmeier celebrates at home plate after homering against the Ozark Generals in Tuesday night’s game at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

Zach Maskill pitches against his former team, the Ozark Generals, Tuesday night at Liberty Park.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Bombers3-1.jpgZach Maskill pitches against his former team, the Ozark Generals, Tuesday night at Liberty Park. Photos by Jake Woerther | For the Democrat

This list is a sampling of crime in Sedalia and the surrounding area. Information is taken from official police reports, which do not necessarily contain statements from all parties involved in each case.

Sedalia Police Department

Arrests

July 17

7:36 p.m.: Michael Lee Stewart, 55, of the 700 block of East 13th Street, was arrested near the intersection of East 14th Street and South Ingram Avenue on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. A traffic stop was conducted for a driver an officer recognized as having an active warrant. Investigation revealed the driver tossed methamphetamine and related paraphernalia from the vehicle during the stop. Officers recovered the drugs from the roadway.

July 18

1:01 a.m.: Jeffrey Tyler Lindenmeyer, 28, of the 120 block of East 18th Street, was arrested near the intersection West Fourth Street and South Vermont Avenue on charges of receiving stolen property, distributing/delivering/manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. A traffic stop was conducted for a vehicle with license plates that were reported stolen July 9. The suspect said the plates were found in a dumpster. A search of the vehicle found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

12:10 p.m.: Sandy Kay Thomas, 58, of the 1500 block of East Seventh Street, was arrested at her residence on charges of first degree burglary, stealing and second degree property damage. A male victim reported the suspect came into his residence through a side window while he was asleep. He said his phone, valued at $90, was stolen, but a case of prescription medication and a pair of sandals were left behind. An officer made contact with the suspect, who admitted to entering the home and taking the phone, which was recovered at the suspect’s residence.

Incidents

July 18

11:33 a.m.: A wedding ring set was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 1400 block of South Harrison Avenue.

2:05 p.m.: A 1994 Chevrolet C3500 was reported stolen from a business parking lot in the 600 block of West Main Street.

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MORGAN COUNTY — The search for a missing Smithton teenager has been called off after she was found safe Wednesday afternoon.

According to a Morgan County Sheriff’s Office news release, 14-year-old Mersadiez Shiann Rohr and the missing family vehicle were found at 12:15 p.m. in Hardy, Arkansas.

According to the release, it was discovered Rohr had run away from her grandparents’ residence in northwest Morgan County and taken the family vehicle Tuesday night.

Morgan County deputies established Rohr had been in contact with a 28-year-old Sedalia man, identified as Matthew Fischer. Rohr was believed to be with Fischer, but he was taken into custody Wednesday morning by the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office. Pettis County Capt. Dave Keller said Fischer is now in Morgan County custody.

The initial Endangered Person Advisory issued at 5 a.m. Wednesday stated Fischer was a registered sex offender from the State of New York, but later information stated Fischer is not a sex offender and lives in Sedalia.

Fischer admitted to having contact with Rohr at a truck stop in or near Sedalia after she ran away, the release states. He told law enforcement Rohr was enroute to the Kansas City area.

According to the release, around 6:30 a.m. the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office advised they had received a report of a gas drive off from a business around 5:30 a.m. The vehicle was identified as the missing Morgan County vehicle and Dallas County officials said Rohr and the vehicle were verified by surveillance cameras at that location.

Mersadiez Shiann Rohr

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Mersadiez-Rohr.jpgMersadiez Shiann Rohr

Sedalia-Pettis County Emergency Management Agency has a new director set to start in August.

Sedalia Mayor Stephen Galliher and Pettis County Presiding Commissioner David Dick announced Trisha Rooda, of Iowa, will be the new director during Monday night’s Sedalia City Council meeting. Rooda comes in as the successor for Dave Clippert, who retired, ironically to Iowa, earlier this year from the director’s position.

Rooda is the Poweshiek County, Iowa EMA director. She previously worked as the safety and security coordinator at Grinnell College, creating emergency preparedness plans for the school.

“Pettis County is a bigger population than mine so it’s a career growth for me, but I’m very community-oriented in Poweshiek County,” Rooda said. “I work with seven fire departments, the police department. I do a lot of emergency operation center training, I brought that into our county and worked with the state a lot on those trainings. We’ve had declarations due to flooding and a big ice storm, so I’ve dealt with those before.”

Sedalia and Pettis County became accustomed to Clippert’s social media updates, his presence in the community and his working relationship with local media to help keep citizens informed. Rooda said she plans to continue that philosophy.

“I love getting out in the community,” she said. “If your community’s not prepared, you’re already set up to fail. You need a plan, you need a to-go bag. During a disaster, my plans and procedures will go better if citizens know how to handle stuff.”

While there are similarities between the two counties, Rooda said she’s always up for a new challenge.

Rooda said she’s familiar with the Sedalia area, as she travels through the city to visit family. She said the nice community and opportunity for career advancement drew her to the Sedalia-Pettis County EMA position.

Galliher and Dick brought their governments together to hire a new director, both noting they believe this is the first time a joint council/commission meeting has occurred. The hiring committee was comprised of Sedalia Police Chief John DeGonia, Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond, Sedalia Fire Chief Mike Ditzfeld, Pettis County Fire Chief Mike Harding and Pettis County 911 Coordinator James Theisen. Rooda was selected out of almost 50 applicants from across the country.

“There were a lot of people who were qualified, so we were lucky to get Trisha and that she accepted the position. I think you’re going to be a good fit,” Dick said during the meeting. “This is a position of public trust and we were looking for someone to embrace that.”

Rooda is working to sell her Iowa home, which includes some farm animals on acreage, and move to the Show-Me State with a start date of Aug. 7 at SPCEMA — just in time for the Missouri State Fair.

“I’m excited, so far Pettis County has welcomed me with open arms,” Rooda said. “You have a strong EMA program — I think I’ll be able to continue that and I’ll be a great asset to your community. If anyone ever has questions or concerns, they should definitely contact me once I’m in office.”

Sedalia Mayor Stephen Galliher, left, and Pettis County Presiding Commissioner David Dick introduce Trisha Rooda, of Iowa, as the new Sedalia-Pettis County Emergency Management Agency director during Monday night’s Sedalia City Council meeting. Rooda will begin her new job Aug. 7.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_TSD071917NewEMAdirector-2.jpgSedalia Mayor Stephen Galliher, left, and Pettis County Presiding Commissioner David Dick introduce Trisha Rooda, of Iowa, as the new Sedalia-Pettis County Emergency Management Agency director during Monday night’s Sedalia City Council meeting. Rooda will begin her new job Aug. 7.

With the Aug. 8 special election just weeks away, Sedalia citizens had the opportunity to ask Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft questions Tuesday morning about the newly-implemented photo voter ID law.

Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment during the November general election to require photo IDs for voting, although there are options for voters without one. The law went into effect June 1.

“There are a lot of people who are passionate about the right to vote and we need more people who are passionate about the right to vote,” Ashcroft said of his tour across the state helping inform citizens about the new law. “We really don’t have the voter turnout I think we all can agree would be better because the more people that get involved, the more people that have different points of view that look at problems differently, I think the better off we are in finding the best solution and not running into unintended consequences.”

Ashcroft met with citizens at the Sedalia Senior Center, explaining the new law and answering questions. With the phrase “If you’re a registered voter, you can vote!” on every poster and flyer used in the presentation, Ashcroft wanted to make it clear that any registered Missouri voter is still eligible to vote in elections even if they don’t have a photo ID.

“The most important thing people need to know is if they’re registered, they can vote,” Ashcroft told the Democrat. “Don’t be fooled, don’t be dismayed, go to your polling place on Election Day. You’ll be able to vote as long as you’re registered. The process has not changed for people who use absentee ballots, we haven’t changed how you register.”

While Missourians are encouraged to utilize a photo ID when voting, voters have three options when they go to the polls:

• Present one of the following forms of valid photo ID — Missouri driver license, Missouri non-driver license, passport or military ID.

• Present one of the following forms of acceptable identification and sign the provided statement — voter registration card, ID from a Missouri university, college, vocational or technical school, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing your name and address.

• Present no ID and vote using a provisional ballot. The ballot will be counted if the voter comes back to the polling place later with a valid ID, or if the signature on the ballot matches the signature in the voter registry.

“So all I have to do is show up with my driver’s license?” citizen Mary Merritt asked.

“Yes, that’s all you have to do,” Ashcroft replied.

Pettis County Clerk Nick La Strada said his office is encouraging voters to also bring their voter registration cards, but that is not required under the new photo voter ID law.

Ashcroft said some citizens may not have a photo ID, but the secretary of state’s office has been allocated funds to provide free assistance in tracking down needed documents such as a birth certificate, marriage license or divorce decree, which will be provided to the citizen at no cost, and provide a photo ID at no cost to the citizen.

“If you don’t have that government-issued photo voter ID, we’ll help you get one free of charge,” Ashcroft told the Democrat. “The secretary of state’s office is there for anyone who has questions.”

One man asked about what elderly citizens should do if they no longer have a valid driver’s license due to no longer driving. Ashcroft suggested they obtain a non-driver license.

Citizens can either contact Ashcroft’s office for assistance in obtaining a photo ID to vote, or bring the necessary documents to their local license office and request a non-driver license for voting purposes.

The deadline has passed to register to vote in the Aug. 8 election, but voters can register for future elections.

For more information, contact the ShowIt2Vote hotline at 866-868-3245, email ShowIt2Vote@sos.mo.gov or visit ShowIt2Vote.com.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft talks with visitors at the Sedalia Senior Center about the newly-implemented photo voter ID law Tuesday morning. Ashcroft explained the new law, which went into effect June 1, and answered citizens’ questions.

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_TSD071917PhotoID-1.jpgMissouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft talks with visitors at the Sedalia Senior Center about the newly-implemented photo voter ID law Tuesday morning. Ashcroft explained the new law, which went into effect June 1, and answered citizens’ questions. Photo by Nicole Cooke | Democrat

It’s been proven time and time again that one way to improve student success is through involvement in some form of extra-curricular activity, whether that be art, music, theater, academics or athletic participation.

To help coaches, parents and athletes understand their roles in building that success, Bothwell Regional Health Center and University of Central Missouri Athletic Training will host a free sports medicine clinic next week at Smith-Cotton High School.

The event, co-sponsored by Sedalia Laser Pain Center, Elite Orthopedics/Antrex and Styker, will emphasize the importance of health and nutrition in the lives of student-athletes and how that can in turn be used to optimize performance.

“We all have a few very special teachers and coaches in our past that we still look up to that have been significant influences in our lives and our philosophy of living,” said Dr. Douglas Kiburz, moderator and one of the organizers of the event. “We wanted to make this opportunity available to everyone because the sports team is not just the athlete and coach and trainers and doctors.

“It includes the parents, often grandparents, assistant coaches and strength trainers, equipment managers, teachers, administrators, sports psychologists, really every specialist in the medical field can play a role depending on the needs of the athletes,” Kiburz added. “Much of the focus of the clinic will be on prevention because we know it is much easier to stay out of trouble than it is to get out of trouble once injured.”

One key to prevention of injury and one of the main topics at the conference will be nutrition.

“Thomas Edison, who was born in 1847, once said, ‘The doctor of the future will cure and treat disease with nutrition,’” Kiburz said. “The focus on nutrition isn’t a new idea but putting that philospphy of ‘don’t live to eat but eat to live’ should be.

“We’re not focusing on the latest diet trends but rather focusing on the individual’s whole life and the role nutrition plays in that,” Kiburz added. “I was speaking with a champion state wrestler the other day who told me that the secret to success in any sport is nutrition, adding that once he began to focus on that it put him over the top in his sport.”

Other topics at the clinic will include:

• Trends and issues in health screenings for student-athletes including updates from the 2016 Berlin Conference on Concussions.

• Strength training and muscle plasticity do’s and don’ts.

• ACL prevention techniques.

• Return to play considerations for student-athletes.

• The influence of positive coaching in athletic success.

“Coaching is not just a job but it’s a calling in providing a positive role model and guide through the game of sport and the game of life,” Kiburz reflected. “Our keynote speaker is Rick McGuire, who will bring a lot of good things to the table.”

McGuire, a legendary track and field coach at the University of Missouri-Columbia, devoted 30 years to the sport coaching conference champion athletes in addition to All-Americans and Olympic athletes.

“He (McGuire) has won a number of national awards in both coaching and his work as a sports psychologist,” Kiburz said. “I think everyone will be interested in his presentation and discussion.”

Kiburz added that sports and coaching teach kids a number of life lessons that are beneficial to all, including how to be a team leader as well as a team player, self-discipline and how to deal with pressure, time management, respect for self and others, and that life is not always fair.

“There will be a special appearance from the four-legged comeback athlete of the decade,” Kiburz hinted without revealing more details. “They will be there to illustrate the point that it isn’t where you start it’s where you finish.

“Ultimately we are responsible for ourselves and success requires sacrifice and discipline,” he added. “We’re going to pack a lot of useful material in a short time span and it’s my hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to learn from our experts.”

The clinic will be hosted from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 20 at the Smith-Cotton High School Auditorium in Sedalia.

The event is free and open to the public but advance registration is requested. To register, visit brhc.org/sportsmedicineclinic or call 660-829-8855.

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There are always choices one makes in their education, especially when a family chooses to send their child to a private school. For Sacred Heart School graduate Rachel Ulbrich that choice is one she is forever grateful for, despite the challenges it may have presented.

“I’ve tried not to have any regrets through high school but a few do stick out,” Ulbrich said. “I wish I had focused more on developing friendships with lots of people in high school.

“Just this year, I‘ve started to feel comfortable enough around my peers to reach outside of my usual social circle and talk to everyone,” she added. “If I had the courage to do that as a freshman in high school I think it would have made my transition to a new school much easier.”

Prior to attending Sacred Heart, Ulbrich was a student at St. Peter Catholic School in Marshall where she lives with her family.

Each day she spends an hour in her commute to Sacred Heart.

“I also regret the effect that my daily commute has had on my high school career,” Ulbrich reflected. “It has made it very difficult for my parents and family to attend school functions and makes it a continual challenge to maintain normal relationships with my friends in Sedalia.”

Her friends and family Ulbrich feels have been very supportive of her throughout her education and life.

“There have been so many wonderful people who have supported me during my life that it’s hard to select even a few as role models,” Ulbrich said thoughtfully. “My parents are definitely at the top of my list though.

“They have worked so hard for everything they have and have worked to instill the same values in me,” she added. “Their faith has played a leading role in raising their three kids and if I am ever anything good, it’s because of them.”

In general, private school tend to have lower numbers of students who attend than their public counterparts, which is something Ulbrich feels has led to some of her success.

“In Sacred Heart, because the student body is so small, everyone is involved in a lot of clubs and activities,” she commented. “During my time at SHS I was on the volleyball team for four years, soccer for two years, and dance for three years, speech for four years, National Honor Society for three years, and Environthon for two years and student choir for two years.

“Outside of my school activities I am very involved with in my local 4-H club and have been a member since 2007 and I am currently the president,” Ulbrich commented. “Through 4-H I was able to travel to Japan in 2016 for a month as an international delegate.”

Downtime is a rare commodity but when she has it Ulbrich said she spends her time running, reading and cooking and baking, adding she was hoping to perfect some basic cooking skills before the start of her college education. Ulbrich plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis where she plans to major in biology.

Former Sacred Heart Assistant Principal Holly Wilson commended Ulbrich and her success at SHS.

“Rachel is a student who faithfully performs inside and outside the classroom,” Wilson said. “She is an extremely intelligent learner who exhibits a positive outlook and attitude.”

That positive outlook will help Ulbrich in her future plans.

“As of now, I’d like to enroll in the pre-med program and attend medical school after receiving my undergraduate degree,” Ulbrich said. “My dream career is to become a surgeon and as of now, I believe I’m on a great path to get there.”

When asked if she had any advice for incoming students, her words were simple and profound: “Don’t lose you.”

“When you come to high school you’re going to want to fit in and to be ‘normal’ so people like you and want to be your friend,” she explained. “I promise you, any friends you make when you aren’t being yourself will suddenly disappear whenever you decide that you’re tired of acting like someone you’re not.

“It’s so easy to completely lose yourself and your dreams in the newness of high school, but if you allow that to happen, you will spend the next four years trying to get back to your starting point,” she added.

Rachel Ulbrich

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Neighbors.jpgRachel Ulbrich

The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office has put new procedures in place in hopes of preventing future theft from the department.

The changes were prompted by the arrest of a former sheriff’s office employee last week. Ben E. Banner, 54, of Green Ridge, has been charged with forgery and receiving stolen property after he was arrested Thursday by Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Banner previously served as the Pettis County Deputy Coroner and for the sheriff’s office handling concealed carry weapon permits, considered a combined full-time job with the county. He was terminated in August 2016 by Pettis County Coroner Skip Smith. A previous article stated Bond terminated Banner, which was incorrect.

According to court documents, both office reports and an independent audit of the sheriff’s office account showed $22,925 in cash was missing between January and August 2016, which had been taken in as payments for CCW permits issued by the office. Banner told the Johnson County detective he had no knowledge of any missing money.

On Wednesday, Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond provided some insight into the timeline of events.

“We noticed some irregularities in mid-September, but we really didn’t know the full extent of it until we did the end-of-year audit (for 2016),” Bond explained. “We wanted to make sure the irregularities were actually there and we weren’t missing something in the process.”

Bond said the office administrator, who receives money that is processed through the department, first noticed the irregularities in the account, then notified the deputy now in charge of Pettis County’s CCW program. After looking into the issue, Bond was notified there was a problem.

Over the last seven months, law enforcement has been working to obtain records from the CCW system, which are not publicly available but are available to law enforcement. Bond enlisted the help of a reserve deputy who is also a lawyer and certified public accountant to help with compiling the initial financial data.

The electronic records for Pettis County’s CCW processing is contracted through the Missouri Sheriff’s Association, according to Bond. The association has a record of all transactions and numbers for each permit issued.

“There are two types of permits, new permits and renewals. We had to differentiate how many permits there were, then how many were new and how many were renewal,” Bond said. “Then we had to cross-check them with the number of receipts and the amount of money that came in. There was a significant delay in receiving the information, we had two separate requests to get that information from the association. That is primarily the delay (from the audit results to last week’s arrest).”

Bond noted he enlisted the help of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the bulk of the investigation. Bond’s office first compiled the financial data to make sure the missing amounts were adding up, then contacted Johnson County Sheriff Scott Munsterman last week to assign a detective. The compiled data was turned over to the Johnson County detective.

“I did that so there is no appearance of improprieties, and to make sure there was an outside entity looking at it,” Bond added.

Once the missing funds were discovered, Bond said his office immediately changed its operations to ensure there are more checks and balances when it comes to finances.

For example, the detective discovered that of the 182 permits issued or renewed in March 2016, Banner only issued written receipts for a handful of them.

“There were not sufficient receipts to match the number of permits that were issued. The person receiving the funds was issuing the receipts, and we have changed that operation to ensure there is checks and balances there,” Bond said. “It’s separation of duties, making sure the fox isn’t watching the hen house. We’ve instituted some procedures to diversify that process to ensure the number of permits that come in matches the amount of money that’s taken in as well.”

Banner has also been accused of forging the new CCW program deputy’s signature on his 2016 CCW permit renewal application.

Smith told the Democrat on Wednesday they have not found any financial irregularities regarding his office, as he doesn’t deal with payments or collecting funds.

During a hearing Wednesday, Banner’s bond was reduced from $23,000 cash-only to $25,000 surety or $5,000 cash-only. Banner’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 29.

Online court documents show Banner’s criminal history only includes minor offenses, including passing a bad check in 1996 and various traffic violations.

Ben Banner

http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Ben-Banner-1.jpgBen Banner