The St. Joseph Police Department is asking for help from the public in identifying two people in connection with a stealing investigation.
According to a post on social media the police department said the individuals in the photo provided are believed to have information that may help the department solve the case.
Anyone with information on either of the individuals is asked to contact Detective Terry
Adams at (816) 271-5339.
In less than 11 months former Caldwell County Deputy Brett O’Dell faced, charges and a conviction now he’s speaking out about his addiction.
“To go from somebody, not to sound arrogant but somebody who had a really good reputation to somebody who is on the front page, out there the front page of the paper I think three straight weeks was my record. It was really, honestly pretty humiliating,” said O’Dell.
In March of 2014 O’Dell was charged with Stealing prescription drugs and then around $5,000 in cash from the Caldwell County Evidence vault. He pleaded guilty less than 8 months later and received his sentencing of 5 years supervised probation Jan., 29, 2015.
“Had I not been addicted to drugs or alcohol I mean there’s really no doubt in my mind that none of this would have happened,” said O’Dell during Part 1 of this 5 part series.
After being charged O’Dell found himself on the other side of the jail cell.
“They put me up in Daviess/Dekalb because for obvious reason they couldn’t put me in the Caldwell County Jail,” he said. “I go to jail, I get put in a suicide suite, I wasn’t suicidal but I get put in a suicide suit so I got to spend the night like that.”
He said he was bonded out after spending a week behind bars.
“I was on bond for about 8 months, no 9 months,” he said. “Of course they did drug tests and all that stuff. As far as the process goes with the case I told myself it was going to be okay and of course I told my wife it was going to be okay but I really didn’t know it was going to be okay.”
O’Dell said he didn’t realize he was an addict at the beginning.
“My addiction told me that I was different,” said O’Dell during Part 2. “Because I wasn’t like them. I wasn’t like the people that were addicted to whatever the drug might be, meth, whatever when in all actuality there was no difference between the two of us other than drug of choice.”
He said his charges came as a shock to many, “If you would have asked the people that know me or my family I think they’d probably tell you I was about the last person they though this would happen to.”
O’Dell claims to not remember how the money got into his hands but he did make plans to use it.
“I had a pretty good idea, but I wasn’t entirely sure how it had gotten there, ” he said during part 3. “My intention with the cash was to pay off some debt. I had a judgement entered against me in civil court so really it was to pay that off. To pay off some other things that had come up and stuff like that.”
O’Dell’s case came to a close with him being placed on supervised probation, something many readers have referred to as “getting off easy.”
We asked O’Dell what his thoughts were on his sentencing.
“I can see why people would say that as far as my sentence goes and I can understand it,” he said. “I mean, for what I did five years probation probably doesn’t seem like a lot but at the same time I’m one slip-up away from going away for 14.”
On top of everything else he also has to find a new career after giving up his Peace Officer’s License and paying restitution.
“That’s the only thing I ever wanted to do was to be a police officer and I got to do it and do it well and for it to be gone…”
O’Dell says he hopes to be able to help others with his story of addiction.
Check back with the St. Joseph Post Friday night for the final of this 5 part series or listen to 680 AM KFEQ Friday during the 5 p.m. hour.
With a new round of winter storms set to enter the state late Thursday, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is again urging Kansans to make sure they are prepared.
“The National Weather Service is forecasting, widespread accumulating snow likely by late Sunday,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of KDEM.
Morgan said snowfall accumulation will vary from 1-3 inches in some areas to about 4-6 inches in other areas. She added there is even a potential for higher amounts if a heavy snow band develops early Sunday, but development of this band is uncertain.
“If you plan to travel, use caution and make sure your car emergency kit is stocked,” said Morgan. Morgan said KDEM will be monitoring the weather and will activate the State Emergency Operations center in Topeka, if needed, to coordinate any state emergency response operations that might be requested.
A car emergency kit should include bottled water for everyone; nonperishable, high-energy snack items; flashlights and batteries; a battery-operated radio; blankets; a compact snow shovel; extra medications; signal flares and other emergency supplies to allow you to survive until help can arrive. Morgan said it is also advisable to fill your gas tank before you start, check engine fluid levels and tire pressure, and to make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
The entire state will see accumulating snow with the greatest amounts expected to fall generally along the I-70 corridor, beginning with light snow in the Northwest region late Thursday afternoon and moving slowly east across the state. Some areas may see a wintry mix or rain and freezing rain with minor ice glazing. Most regions will see the snow end by Sunday, although some areas may have precipitation lingering into early next week.
In the Northeast region of the state, including Topeka, the first wave of moderate snow should begin between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday. There may be a brief lull around midnight before snow redevelops early Sunday morning. Snow should come to an end by Sunday evening, but could end by noon if the Sunday snow band is weaker than expected.
Morgan said that even if you plan to stay home, it is a good idea to make sure your home emergency kit is well-stocked, too. Although the storms are not expected to affect power lines, the possibility of power failures always exists.
“Keep your family safe by making sure you have your emergency supplies up-to-date, including a safe alternative heat source,” said Morgan.
Morgan said kerosene heaters are generally safe when used properly and a fireplace can provide some warmth, provided it is drawing properly. She said never attempt to use a charcoal grill as a heat source.
“Charcoal generates carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in enclosed spaces,” said Morgan. “Outdoors, in a barbecue, charcoal is fine, but never use it indoors.”
In the event of power outages, Morgan suggested checking on neighbors to make sure they are all right, particularly older neighbors.
After the storm, when shoveling snow, Morgan urged continued caution.
“Bundle up with a heavy coat, hat and gloves,” she said. “Be smart as you work. Don’t over-exert yourself and take frequent warming breaks. Work as a team or at least have someone inside to keep an eye on you as you work.”
Outdoor pets are especially vulnerable to bitter cold and extreme wind chills. Bring outdoor pets inside if possible or ensure that they have a draft-free enclosure with straw type bedding that is large enough to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold their body heat if they must remain outside. Always make sure that your pets have access to food and non-frozen water.
State road and travel conditions may be accessed at the Kansas Department of Transportation KanDrive website www.kandrive.org or on a mobile device, go to 511mm.ksdot.org. You may also call 5-1-1 from any phone.
(Missourinet) – Missouri auditor and gubernatorial candidate Tom Schweich has died after suffering what sources say has been called a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Clayton. His office confirmed the auditor’s passing in an e-mail.
Schweich, 54, was sworn in for his second term as state auditor in January and later that month announced his candidacy for governor in the 2016 campaign cycle. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children.
The state House, which had adjourned for the week, re-opened to host a prayer service for Schweich and his family. Legislators from both chambers, other elected officials, staff and members of the media were visibly shaken and saddened during the somber gathering.
Reaction to Schweich’s death began coming in from across the world of Missouri public service. In a statement, Governor Jay Nixon (D) called Schweich, “A brilliant, devoted, and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place.” Nixon continued, “From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich’s exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. The First Lady and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife Kathy and two children, Emilie and Thomas, Jr.”
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder (R) wrote,”It is with great sadness that I heard today of the tragic passing of Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich. Tom had a long and unblemished record as a great public servant. As the state’s auditor for the past four years he has served Missouri taxpayers with quiet competence and unswerving dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this extremely difficult time.”
Senator Claire McCaskill (D) tweeted, “I am very sad and hurt so much for Tom Schweich’s Family. Good man. Dedicated public servant. Hug those you love.”
Senator Roy Blunt tweeted, “Tom Schweich was very smart, very capable, outstanding at his job, and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, their children, and the rest of Tom’s friends and family as they deal with this tragic loss.”
Attorney General Chris Koster (D) said in a statement, “Tom Schweich was a lifelong public servant for our state and country. I am deeply saddened by his sudden loss, and extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family. I ask all Missourians to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander said, “Tom Schweich was a devoted public servant that I feel fortunate to have gotten to know as a friend and colleague over the past few years. Whether he was serving as our State Auditor, the U.S. Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan, or working at the State Department, Tom always fought tirelessly for the people he was serving. Anyone who had a conversation with Tom knew how dedicated he was to his service. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kathy and his children Emilie and Thomas, Jr.”
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel wrote, “”It is with a heavy heart that I send my thoughts and prayers to the Schweich family during this difficult time. Tom served his state and country admirably, and fought strongly for his values. With his passing, Missouri has lost a devoted public servant. He will be missed.”
State Democratic Party Chairman Roy Temple said, “The death of Auditor Tom Schweich is devastating news for his family and all Missourians,” said Roy Temple, Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schweich family during this tragic time.”
Missouri Republican Party Chairman John Hancock said he is in, “utter shock,” at the news of Schweich’s passing. “Tom will be remembered as a tenacious, energetic, effective elected official who worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of this state and this nation. I ask all Missourians to join me in praying for Tom’s family,” wrote Hancock.
(Missourinet)- Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich has died from a gunshot wound. His spokesman, Spence sent out a statement about 1:30 p.m. today:
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich today. Please keep in mind his wife Kathy and two children.”
Earlier, the St. Louis Post Dispatch cited a police source as saying Schweich suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There has been no official confirmation of that at this time. The incident reportedly happened at his home near St. Louis this morning.
Schweich was treated at Barnes Jewish hospital. Schweich was seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Missouri.
The Missouri House of Representives scheduled an impromptu prayer service for 1:45 this afternoon.
Gov. Jay Nixon issued statement: “I join all Missourians in mourning the passing of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a brilliant, devoted and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place,” Gov. Nixon said. “From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich’s exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. The First Lady and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife Kathy and two children, Emilie and Thomas, Jr.”
Nixon ordered flags at all Missouri state facilities to be lowered to half-staff.
Schweich was in St. Joseph nine days ago to release the findings of the St. Joseph School District Audit Report which found poor ratings of the district. He spoke at Oak Grove Elementary School, Tuesday Feb. 17th.
(Missourinet with additional information provided by St. Joseph Post Staff)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A dog owner has filed a lawsuit against a pet food company alleging that thousands of dogs have been sickened or died from eating the company’s dry dog food.
Pet owner Frank Lucid filed the suit in federal court on Feb. 5 against Nestle Purina PetCare Company.
Lucido is just one of 3,000 people who complained online about the dog food. He claims he fed his three dogs Beneful, and in a month, two were sick and one was dead.
The suit alleges the food contains an animal toxin used in antifreeze. Purina says on its website it uses “an FDA-approved food additive.” Purina issued a statement saying “there are no quality issues with Beneful.”
The suit asks that Purina pay Lucido and others unspecified damages and restitution.
Stealing cash and prescription drugs from the Caldwell County evidence vault is where former Caldwell County Sheriff Brett O’Dell said he found himself in trouble with the law.
“I stole numerous, like I can’t even tell you, I think in some of the articles that have been written about me I think there has been a number, numerous prescription pills from evidence,” said O’Dell. “I also stole a large sum of money from evidence. That’s, that’s actually what got me in trouble.”
In 2014 he pleaded guilty to stealing $5,000 cash and prescription drugs.
“Had I not been addicted to drugs or alcohol I mean there’s really no doubt in my mind that none of this would have happened,” said O’Dell during Part 1 of this 5 part series.
O’Dell said he took the pills.
“There wasn’t any intent to sell or do anything else with them,” he said. “All the pills that I took out of evidence I consumed.”
He said the money was “kind of a weird story.”
“Like I told the investigator that interviewed me. I don’t remember taking the cash out of evidence,” O’Dell said. “The first thing I remember about the cash is pulling into my driveway and reaching in-between my seats to grab something that had fallen in-between the seats and there being a bag of cash in-between my seats.”
O’Dell claims to not remember how the money got there, but he said he did make plans to use it.
“I had a pretty good idea, but I wasn’t entirely sure how it had gotten there, ” he said. “My intention with the cash was to pay off some debt. I had a judgement entered against me in civil court so really it was to pay that off. To pay off some other things that had come up and stuff like that.”
His actions caught up with him in March of 2014.
“The last thing I remember is taking something and I can’t remember what it was,” he said. “I took something that presumably I had gotten out of evidence.”
O’Dell said the day it all caught up to him was the day he blacked out while driving his patrol car.
“I was 50 yards from a T-Intersection which I would have driven right through the intersection I pulled off the road and stopped, car still in gear,” he said during part 2 of this 5 part series. “I didn’t hurt anybody, I didn’t hurt myself, physically. And then like I said I woke up to the man knocking on the window and then I remember seeing the sheriff’s truck pulling up. I was put in an ambulance and taken to the hospital. They searched my patrol car and found…I don’t know what they found I know they found prescription pills in my car without bottles.”
An investigation into O’Dell’s actions quickly followed after his release from the hospital.
“I went to jail that night, which was very, I don’t know if humbling or humiliating is the word for it but really probably both fit,” he said.
Check back with the St. Joseph Post Thursday night for part 4 of this 5-part series to find out about O’Dell’s time behind bars.
28-year-old Adam J. Baker of Cameron Missouri is facing multiple charges after a woman was found dead Wednesday morning.
Baker has been charged with second-degree murder and felony armed criminal action.
According to a release from the Cameron Police Department, Clinton County deputies and officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the 900 block of West Prairie St. Wednesday morning
When officers arrived they found a woman dead in the home and took a man into custody.
According to online court documents Baker lived at 905 W. Praire Street in Cameron.
“The investigation is in the early stages,”Cameron Police Chief Rick Bashor said in a news release. “Information is limited at this time but more will be released as soon as it becomes available.”
An investigating is underway after a woman was found dead at a home in Cameron Wednesday morning.
According to a release from the Cameron Police Department, Clinton County deputies and officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the 900 block of West Prairie St.
When officers arrived they found a woman dead in the home.
A man has been taken into custody.
“The investigation is in the early stages,”Cameron Police Chief Rick Bashor said in the release. “Information is limited at this time but more will be released as soon as it becomes available.”
The Missouri Lottery’s “7” Scratchers game features a top prize of $77,777. A St. Joseph woman won that top prize on a ticket she purchased at Imperial Super Gas, 811 S. Sixth Street, in St. Joseph. Latisha Byrd, 28, said she wasn’t expecting to see that kind of prize on her ticket.
“I always scratch the numbers first, and then the prize,” began Byrd. “I scratched the top row and saw it was all sevens, but I was like, ‘It’s only going to be $5 (prizes) under every one.’ I scratched the next row, and it was all sevens. So, I scratched the first prize, and it was $5,000. I was like, ‘Oh, wow!’”
As she uncovered the $77,777 prize, Byrd said she remained calm.
“Everyone said I should be more excited, but I was just calm,” she recalled. “I mean, I was happy, but I was calm.”
The in-home health assistant said the money would come in handy with her three children.
“The only thing I know for sure is that I’m getting a new car,” she offered.
Beyond that, Byrd said she would keep playing the Lottery.
“Never give up. Keep buying them. One day you’ll win,” she suggested.
“7” is a $5 game that officially began Feb. 2. More than $11 million in prizes, including four top prizes, remain in the game. Track prizes remaining for any Missouri Lottery Scratchers game here at MOLottery.com.
