The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 16

"I 2B Friday, October 21, 1988 OZARKS The News-Leader Ex-Newton County worker pleads guilty in theft ProbeState to investigate murder of Aurora woman Barry County Prosecutor John Lewright, who is handling the case on special assignment, said earlier this week he would recommend a prison sentence for Mullin. Susan Werries, 35, of Neosho faces one count of felony stealing. She is scheduled to stand trial Nov. 2 before Judge Yocum In McDonald County Circuit Court. Each woman remains free on $5,000 bond.

The missing funds totaling $276,447 were discovered during a routine audit started in February that covered a two-year period beginning Jan. 1, 1986. Further investigation showed money also had been taken during previous years, but had not been detected in previous audits. FROM PAGE 1B case, Finnical said, but will go into the review without any preconceptions. However, he added that he is skeptical of Brownfield's confession.

"When somebody's got as many prior convictions as this guy in Kansas has and wants to take the heat on another case that potentially could involve the death penalty we're a little skeptical," he said. Finnical also said the attorney general's office has conducted similar reviews of other cases. "We've done this before on other cases," he said. "It's not like a bolt of lightning." Meanwhile, Wilson has a motion for a new trial pending in Jasper County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to life in prison without probation or parole after pleading The state auditor's office turned over information about the missing funds May 10 to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Newton County authorities.

Prosecutor Tim Per-igo subsequently requested a special prosecutor be assigned to prevent any appearance of conflict of interest. In July, State Auditor Margaret Kelly held a news conference to release complete results of the audit. She said the employees apparently falsified some records and destroyed other records to conceal the shortage in property tax revenues over a five-year period. Kelly criticized Collector Bill Branick for not ensuring adequate controls were in place to prevent or detect the missing public funds. ACLU forces change in Christmas ceremony The Associated Press LEE'S SUMMIT A Christmas candlelighting ceremony with religious overtones is being changed by officials of Lee's Summit High School after complaints from the American Civil Liberties Union.

The ceremony, sponsored by the National Honor Society at the school, has been held the day before the start of Christmas vacation. Dick Kurtenbach, executive director of the Kansas City chapter of the ACLU, said the ceremony violated the constitutional separation of church and state and "the religious freedom of some students." Forum 7th district candidates meet at but died in the fire that destroyed her home. Forty-five minutes after the fire was reported, Martz's body bound and gagged with duct tape was pulled from the remains of her home. Five days later, authorities charged Wilson with the killing. Both the murder and the arrest stunned the community of 6,500.

Many residents say they have often wondered whether Wilson was capable, of committing the brutal crime to which he confessed. Wilson now says he didn't. In February, Brownfield and another Kansas inmate began writing letters to Missouri authorities claiming Brownfield was responsible for the killing. The letters brought the situation to the attention of Lawrence County and other law officers. chamber forum innuendoes" coming from Bacon.

Lurvey said he does not believe in abortion and is against having the government pay for abortions. In his opening remarks, Lurvey spent considerable time making his case for legalizing drugs such as marijuana and taxing their sale. He said society is hypocritical by trying to stop drug use when tobacco and alcohol are legal. And, he said, it won't be many years until the drug gangs that are infiltrating Kansas City and St. Louis will reach into places like Anderson.

GETTING IT CORRECT The News-Leader strives tor accuracy and fairness. We will correct any errors or misunderstandings created by stories, headlines and photographs. Readers may request a correction by calling the metro editor at 836-1126, day or night. guilty to first-degree murder on Aprii 30, 1 987 a month before his trial was to begin. Under Missouri law, the only other sentencing alternative would have been the death penalty.

Because none of Jasper County's three circuit judges could hear the new trial motion, the state supreme court appointed Vernon County Circuit Judge C. David Darnold to the case. Darnold said Thursday he expects it will be late December at the earliest before a hearing on the matter can be held. In Lawrence County, the investigation into Brownfield's confession is continuing, Sifferman said. Martz was killed 2'2 years ago when someone broke into her Aurora home.

Autopsy results showed she was struck in the chest and forehead with a blunt instrument, abortion as an intrusion of government. But he studied the issue and changed his mind in favor of such on amendment, with some extreme exceptions, as a way to protect the innocent unborn. Missouri Citizens for Life has endorsed both Bacon and Hancock. Bacon continued to stress Hancock's switch in what he calls' discussing the differences between the candidates. Hancock, agitated by the comments, asked for rebuttal time.

But then he changed his mind, saying people in the audience could figure out what was going on. He later said he was "tired of the lies and trespass at missile silo guilty at the conclusion of a three-day trial. They face up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine on each trespass count, but Hamilton delayed sentencing. The protesters were among about a dozen people arrested at missile silos around Whiteman Air Force Base late in August. Paid announcements are arranged through southwest Missouri funeral home directors.

made to the Dale Street United Methodist Church. By Jane Fullerton The News-Leader NEOSHO One of two former employees of the Newton County collector's office pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of stealing county funds, Barbara Mullin, 48, of Seneca entered her plea before Judge Robert Yocum in Newton County Circuit Court. She is one of two longtime county employees charged with stealing more than $250,000 from the collector's office over a five-year period. Yocum ordered a pre-sentence investigation, said a spokeswoman for the circuit clerk's office. He will sentence Mullin Dec.

22. The maximum punishment is seven years in jail or a $5,000 fine on each count. BudgetCounty FROM PAG61B "I would certainly like to wait and see if funding is adequate before we let bids for the project," he said. Kowalewich, who like her Democratic colleague lingered after the hearing, said she has questions about budget priorities, such as the new building. Cost overruns on the new building could be a major concern, Frisch said.

"If there are overruns on that building, it means we're going to have to cut. expenditures somewhere else," he said. At present, there are no provi- DAILY RECORD BIRTHS BEDELL, Gary and Linda (Anson), 3367 E. Seminole, a boy, 12:27 a.m. Oct.

20, St. John's. BIRD, Tony and Cynthia (Thomas), Rogersville, a boy, 7:42 p.m. Oct. 19, Cox South.

BR1DGEVVATER, Paul and Patricia (Hilton), 917 S. Oak Grove, a boy, 1 Oct. 19, Springfield General. BROWN, Dean and Natalie (Mar-lin), 3449 S. Main, a boy, 2:27 p.m.

DEATH NOTICES Ernestine V. Ball, 66 Services for Ernestine V. Ball, Springfield, will be at 10 a.m. today in Ayre-Goodwin Funeral Home. Burial will be in Danforth Cemetery, Mrs.

Ball died at 5:05 a.m. Wednesday in St. John's Regional Health Center after a short illness. Jerald Hall, 35 BRANSON Graveside services for Jerald Hall, Branson, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Gobbler's Knob Cemetery, Hollister, under direction of Snapp's Funeral Home.

Mr. Hall, a construction worker, died Saturday from injuries received in an auto accident in Cuba. The casket will be closed at all times. Friends may call from 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

Bessye Hlllin, 84 Graveside services for Bessye Hi)-lin, Springfield, will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in Camp Ruby Cemetery, Livingston, Texas. Mrs. Hillin died at 2:40 a.m. Thursday in St.

John's Regional Health Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today in Ragan-Thieme Funeral Home North. An additional visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Pace Funeral Home, Livingston, Texas.

Clifford R. Hodges, 61 Services for Clifford R. Hodges, Springfield, will be at 1 p.m. today In Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Burial will be in Springfield National Cemetery.

Mr. Hodges, retired from the U.S. Navy, died at 12:40 a.m. Wednesday in Cox Medical Center South. Roger Holman, 37 KIRBYVILLE Graveside services for Roger Holman, Kirbyville, will be at 4 p.m.

Sunday in Snapp Cemetery, Forsyth, under direction of Snapp's Funeral Home, Branson. Mr. Holman died at 10 a.m. Thursday in his home after a long illness. The casket will he closed at all times.

Friends may call from 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Paul G. Kldd, 47 AURORA Memorial services for Paul G. Kidd, Aurora, will be at 7 p.m.

today in Aurora Assembly of God Church. The body has been cremated under direction of Williams Funeral Home, Marionville. Mr. Kidd, a retired truck driver, Section credits Page Design by: Terrl Barnes Headlines by: Terrl Barnes, Chris Bentley. Arianne Haley, Dick Shelton, Ronnie Roy Editing by: John Hoogesteger, Rob Schorman, Terri Barnes, Chris Bentley, Arianne Haley, Dick Shelton, Ronnie Roy Obituaries, Death Notices: Cricket Fries budget to be tight sions on furnishing the new building, he said.

"Far as I know, there's no provision for furnishing," he said. "If we build a building, we'll be doing good." In addition, the prosecuting attorney and sheriff have requested more employees, and there have been requests for new computer systems, Frisch said. Those requests haven't been figured into the proposed budget, however, the auditor said. Including 2-percent increases in pension and insurance benefits, he has figured a 6 percent increase in personnel costs, Frisch said. Oct.

18, St. John's. CORNELISON. Randy and Teresa (Labbee), 2830 E. Portland, a boy, 3:49 a.m.

Oct. 19, Cox South. DAVIS, Anthony and Ali.sa (McMurrey), Rogersville, a girl, 4:59 p.m. Oct. 14, Springfield General.

DO WELL, Charles and Regina (Mitchell), Willard, a boy, 10:34 a.m. Oct. 19, St. John's. ENLOW, Paul and Bonnie (Wii-hite), 1040 W.

Hamilton, a girl, 6:26 a.m. Oct. 13, Springfield General. EVANS, Johnny and Thresa (Wright), Elkland, a boy, 7:59 p.m. Oct.

15, Springfield General. GRAS, Doug and Bonnie (Walrath), Crane, a boy, 9:16 a.m. Oct. 16, St. John's.

HINES, Jerry and D. Renee (Staf died at 8:06 a.m. Wednesday in the Missouri Rehabilitation Center, Mount Vernon, after a long illness. Josephine Mary Lea, 75 FORDLAND Services for Josephine Mary Lea, Fordland, will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Fordland First Baptist Church.

Burial will be in Fordland Cemetery. Mrs. Lea died Wednesday in Fort Smith, Hospital after a long illness. Harvey Junior Parker, 60 URBANA Services for Harvey Junior Parker, Urbana, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Caution Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be in Bower Chapel Cemetery. A retired heavy construction worker, Mr. Parker died at 7:52 a.m. Thursday in Hickory Lane Care Center, Buffalo. Clement A.

Reed, 69 WARSAW Services for Clement A. Reed, Warsaw, will he at 7 p.m. today in St. Agnes Catholic Church, Springfield. Graveside services will be at 9 a.m.

Saturday in Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield. Arrangements are under direction of Ayre-Goodwin Funeral Home, Springfield. Mr. Reed died Wednesday morning in his home after a long illness. The casket will be closed at all times.

Nellie Relmer, 82 HERMITAGE Graveside services for Nellie Reimer, Hermitage, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Dooly Bend Cemetery under direction of Hathaway-Peterman Chapel, Wheatland. Mrs. Reimer, a retired seamstress, died at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in Citizen's Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, after a long illness.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today in the funeral home. Lucetta Rose, 79 Services for Lucetta Rose, Springfield, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton, Ohio. Burial will be in Monroe Township Cemetery, Eaton.

Arrangements are under direction of Ragnn-Thieme Funeral Home North. Mrs. Rose died Tuesday in Heritage Manor Nursing Home following a long illness. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today in Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton.

Sandra (Hawkins) Scrogglns, 38 Graveside services for Sandra (Hawkins) Scroggins, Springfield, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday In Hazel-wood Cemetery under direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home. Mrs. Scroggins died at 12:40 a.m. Thursday in Arlington, Hospital after a long illness.

Samuel Sied, 80 BUFFALO Services for Samuel Seed, Buffalo, will be at 2 p.m. today in Montgomcry-Vieta Chapel. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery. Mr. Seed, a retired farmer, died at 8:10 p.m.

Tuesday in Primrose Place, Springfield. FROM PAGE 1B from a copy of the Constitution he unfolded from his wallet. He concluded that giving the president the line-item veto would go against the Constitution, and he wouldn't be for that. Then Bacon, as he has done elsewhere, criticized Hancock for changing his position on abortion. Bacon repeated that he has always supported a human life amendment to the constitution and opposes the government financing abortions.

Hancock said he always has opposed government-financed abortions. He said he once opposed a constitutional amendment banning Protesters convicted of The Associated Press KANSAS CITY Three antinu-clear protesters were convicted of misdemeanor trespass charges Wednesday for staging demonstrations at Minuteman 2 missile silos in western Missouri last summer. U.S. Magistrate Calvin K. Hamilton found the three protesters Obituaries Hazel A.

Altis CABOOL Hazel A. Altis, 74, was born March 27, 1914, in Texas County, the daughter of the late John and Daisev Rust. She died in her home at Route 2, Cabool, Wednesday evening at 6:40 p.m. following a long illness. 1 A lifelong resident of this area, she married Vern Altis, July 15, 1932.

They raised two children, Ethel Lou Cole, Houston, and Eddie Altis, who died in 1 986. She was a longtime member of the Providence Freewill Baptist Church serving as church clerk since 1932, and was an active member of the Houston Garden Club, a good neighbor and friend always helping others. Besides her parents and son, she has been preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Surviving are her husband, Vern; a daughter, Ethel Lou Cole, Houston; two sisters, Georgia Wilson, Paso Robles, Calif. and Edna Coats, Cabool; a brother, Doyle Rust, Mountain Grove; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Providence Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery under direction of Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today in the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Care, Houston, Mo. A 7 ft ft. I' Pearl Bass Pearl E. Bass, 92, Springfield, died at 10:45 P.m. Wednesday In Maranatha Manor after a long illness.

She was a member High Street Baptist Church, Ozarks and Ladies daughter Stoops, two Kim Kevin a all of Services a.m. Greenlawn Home Rev. in Bass Strafford. Josephine died Fort Fort a Born Oologah, Walter Sheer a member First She Floyd preceded Surviving Rose Smith, nephews. Services 2:30 Fordland Rev.

in from 7 In Home. Arthur Arthur Wednesday John's long Mr. a and member Street Greene Hazel; a niece, Services tlst of under Pearl Alpha Peters CASSVILLE Pearl Alpha Peters, 80, Route 1, Cassville, died at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday in her home after a long illness. Born Dec.

6, 1907, near Exeter, she was a member of the Church of God of the Seventh Day. She retired in 1986 after many years as a farm wife and upholsterer. She was married on Dec. 6, 1926, in Huntsville, to Daniel Isaiah Peters, who died July 22, 1987. Surviving are two daughters, Ramo-na Robbins, Springfield, and Twilla Duron, Cassville; two sisters, Jewel Ghan, Stockton, and Jean Tourville, Sacramento, Calif; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Axley's Culver Chapel with Pastor Harold D. Carlson officiating. Burial will be in Ma-plewood Cemetery, Exeter. Serving as paul bearers will be grandsons, Ken Bogle, Danny Riza, Gary Gibson, Dan Robbins, Kevin Robbins, and Roy Walker.

The family will receive friends after 7 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. ford), 2464 S. Meadow, a boy, 9:22 p.m. 19, Cox South.

HOERNING, Steve and Roy Ann (Caswell), Nixa, a boy, 7:59 p.m. Oct. 19, Cox South. KRASSER, William and Kerrie (Kerr), 2173 N. Pierce, a boy, 6:59 p.m.

Oct. 15, Springfield General. MOORE, Michael and Brenda (Wilson), Cassville, a boy, 7:42 a.m. Oct. 19, St.

John's. SZCZCECHOWSKI, Mike and Melissa (Hill), Strafford, a girl, 6:46 p.m. Oct. 19, Cox South. USSERY, Clinton and Crelia (Gibbons), Rogersville, a boy, 4:34 p.m.

Oct. 15, St. John's. YOCOM. Howard and Kimberly (Melton), Walnut Grove, a girl, 5:02 p.m.

Oct. 19, Cox South. Thomas H. Sims 72 Services for Thomas H. Sims Springfield, will be at 1 p.m.

today in Ayre-Goodwin Funeral Home. Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Sims, a retired master plumber, died at 3:39 p.m. Tuesday in Cox Medical Center South after a short illness.

Dr. Robert Walter Stapleton, 82 CASSVILLE Services for Dr. Robert Walter Stapleton, Cassville, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in William-son-Cassville Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m.

Mon-, day in Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont, Texas. Dr. Stapleton, a retired podiatrist, died at 8:08 p.m. Wednesday in South Barry County Hospital after a long illness. Friends may call after 12 p.m.

today at the funeral home where visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. The casket will be closed following visitation. Arthur R. Sukif, 55 ROCKAWAY BEACH Services for Arthur R. Sukif, Rockaway Beach, will be at 10 a.m.

Saturday in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson. Burial will be in Snapp Cemetery, Forsyth, under direction of Whelchel Funeral Chapel, Branson. Mr. Sukif died at 1:15 a.m. Thursday in Barnes Hospital, St.

Louis. Prayer services will be at 7 p.m. today in the chapel. William A. 'Cookie Bill' West, 70 ASH GROVE Services for William A.

"Cookie Bill" West, Ash Grove, will be at 1:30 p.m. today in Ash Grove Assembly of God Church. Burial will be in Ash Grove Cemetery under direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home. Mr. West, a retired truck driver, died at 9:42 a.m.

Tuesday in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, after a short illness. Flossie M. Wldner, 84 Services for Flossie M. Widner, Springfield, will be at 1 p.m, Saturday in Greenlawn Funeral Home South.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Widner died at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Springfield Community Hospital. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m.

today in the funeral home. Margaret C. Wilcox, 81 FORSYTH Services for Margaret C. Wilcox, Forsyth, will be at 10 a.m, today in Forsyth-Whelchel Chapel. Burial will be in Snapps Cemetery.

Mrs. Wilcox, a retired tavern owner, died at 6 a.m. Wednesday in Point Lookout Nursing Home. Zelma Wilson, 75 Services for Zelma Wilson, Springfield, will be at 1 1 a.m. Saturday in Ayre-Goodwin Funeral Home, Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery.

A retired garment company worker, Mrs, Wilson died at 1:05 p.m. Tliurs-day in St, John's Regional Health Center after a long illness. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m, today in the chapel. Grandmother's Club, the World War I Auxiliary. Survivors include a and son-in-law, Evelyn and Oren Springfield; grandchildren, L.

Stoops, and R. Stoops; and granddaughter-in-law, Theresa Stoops, Springfield. will beat 10 Saturday in Funeral North with the Bill Rogers officiating. Burial will be Chapel Cemetery, north of Mary Lea FORDLAND Josephine Mary Lea, 75, Wednesday in Smith Hospital, Smith, after long illness. Oct.

22, 1912, in to and Clara Cooper, she was of Fordland Baptist Church. was married to Lea in 1951, who her in death. are a sister, Gregory, Fort and four will be at p.m Saturday in First Baptist Church with the Joe Bohrer officiating. Burial will be Fordland Cemetery. Visitation will be to 9 p.m.

today Marsh Funeral A. Nordstrand A. Nordstrand, 79, Springfield, died at 4:50 P.m. in St. Hospital after a Illness.

Nordstrand was retired contractor builder, and was a of the Dale United Methodist Church, and the County Congress on Aging. Surviving are his wife, three nephews, and other relatives In Wisconsin. will be Saturday In the First Bop Church, Elsworth, under direction Winberg-McLaugh-lin Funeral Home. Local arrangements are direction of Ragan-Thieme North. Memorials may be Rev.

Dr. Thomas Cecil Swackhamer Rev. Dr. Thomas Cecil Swackhamer, 80, Springfield, died at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Cox Medical Center South after a month- long illness.

Born on a farm south of Urich, he was ordained a minister in the Methodist Church and was pastor of the following churches during his long service to the church: Troost Avenue Methodist Church, Kansas City; Warrensburg Methodist Church; Marshall Methodist Church; Webster Hills Methodist Church, Webster Groves; and First Methodist Church, Stanford, Conn. He retired as the associate paster from the Pound Ridge Community Church, Pound Ridge, N.Y. He retired and move to Springfield in 1979. A graduate of Central Methodist College, Fayette, and Duke University in he was awarded a doctorate of Divinity Degree from the Central Methodist College in 1959. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Bass Moore who pre-' ceded him in death in 1971.

Surviviors include a daughter, Elizabeth Hall, Waldorf, three grandchildren, Hugh Hall, Betsy Graves, and Sally Redifer; two great-granddaughters, Sara and Amy Graves; two sisters, Naomi Hupp, Clinton, and Mary Feme McDonald, St. Paul, and a brother, Robert Springfield. Services and burial will be held in the White Oak Church, south of Urich, Saturday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Richard Monkman, Pound Ridge, N.Y., officiating with the Rev.

Wes Arlngton osslsting. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ward Funeral Home, Urich. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 P.m. today in Greenlawn Funeral Home South. In lieu of flowers tho family requests memorials to bo made ol-ther to Central Methodist College, Fayette, or to a Methodist church of the donor's choice, Loretta Shields WILLARD Loretta Shields, 83, Willard, died at 6:10 a.m.

Thursday in Cox Medical Center North, Springfield, after a 5-year illness. She was a Commercial Street businesswoman for 35 years, and a member of the Methodist Church. Surviving are a sister, Eugenia Miles, Willard; a first cousin, Edwlna Shields, Lebanon; and several cousins. Services will be 2 P.m. Saturday In Klingner Chapel with the Rev.

Harold Ber gen officiating. Burial will be In Wesley Chapel Cemetery, near Willard. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the chapel..