Shelbina, Mo. — A civil petition filed against former president Kathleen Wilham has thrust the Shelby County Historical Society museum dispute into the spotlight, exposing a troubling ethical breakdown by Senator Cindy O’Laughlin. Filed on April 1, 2025, in Shelby County Circuit Court (25SB-CC00003), the case has raised serious questions about O’Laughlin’s involvement in a museum break-in, where she appears to have abused her position as Senate President Pro Tem to assist her friend Wilham. With Sheriff Arron Fredrickson ignoring repeated requests for comment, the Shelbina community is left wondering: will legal action be taken against O’Laughlin for her role in this escalating conflict?
The petitioners—Dr. Jim Foster (President), Lea Ann Oliver Robertson (Vice President), and Carol Hubbard (Treasurer, listed as Carol Dieker Hubbard on the Society’s website)—accuse Wilham of mismanagement and misconduct during her tenure. According to The Shelby County Herald, Wilham, who resigned as president on July 1, 2024, but remained on the board, allegedly removed multiple boxes of historic materials from the museum, gave away Society property without board approval, misused staff for personal errands and highway cleanup for the Shelby County Republican Club, and spent over $10,000 on the demolition of a private building without consent. She is also accused of disabling security cameras, replacing building locks to block other officers’ access, and operating the museum without functioning security systems. The petition notes Wilham was seen removing materials as recently as March 31, 2025.
The Shelby County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving local history, has faced internal strife since concerns emerged about the construction of a new facility in Shelbina. The plaintiffs allege Wilham failed to provide insurance coverage during ten months of construction and withheld key organizational documents until October 2024, despite years of requests. This lack of transparency has undermined the Society’s operations and public trust, according to the petitioners.
Seeking injunctive relief, the plaintiffs ask the court to bar Wilham from accessing Society property, require the return of removed materials and keys, restore security systems, and prohibit her from representing the organization. They also request a court-overseen election of officers, citing alleged manipulation of the Society’s Constitution and Bylaws that has created leadership ambiguity. Represented by Attorney Neil F. Maune of Wasinger Parham L.C., the plaintiffs argue that Wilham’s actions threaten the nonprofit’s status under Missouri Revised Statute 352.040. Wilham is represented by John Russell of Monroe City, and no court dates have been set as of April 3, 2025.
A March 22 email from Wilham to Society members claimed assistance from O’Laughlin, Sheriff Perrigo, Prosecutor Jordan Force, and attorney John Russell in reopening the museum after a three-week lockdown. However, the plaintiffs assert that neither the sheriff nor the prosecutor was involved. This aligns with reports of a museum break-in on March 22, 2025, after which Wilham changed the locks, barring other board members from entry. The Chariton Beacon has sought comment from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, but Sheriff Perrigo has consistently ignored all inquiries, leaving the public without clarity on his role.
O’Laughlin’s involvement in the break-in has sparked outrage, as her actions appear to be a significant ethical lapse for a state official. As Senate President Pro Tem, a role she assumed in January 2025, O’Laughlin is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Yet, she seems to have used her influence to help Wilham break into the museum, an act that may constitute illegal entry. The plaintiffs’ filing suggests O’Laughlin misrepresented Sheriff Perrigo’s role to deflect scrutiny, as her inclusion of his name in Wilham’s email—despite his apparent non-involvement—implies an attempt to legitimize her actions. This raises the possibility that O’Laughlin was the only person, other than Wilham, directly involved in the break-in, potentially exposing her to legal consequences.
The ethical implications of O’Laughlin’s conduct are profound. By assisting her friend in what appears to be a break-in, O’Laughlin prioritized personal loyalty over her duty to uphold the law, betraying the trust of her constituents in Missouri’s 18th District, which includes Shelby County. Her actions undermine the integrity expected of a Senate leader, particularly one who wields influence over policies affecting historical preservation and rural governance. In a statement to The Chariton Beacon on March 28, 2025, O’Laughlin claimed her role was to mediate and ensure the museum’s operations continued, not to take sides. She also asserted that Wilham had the authority to change the locks as a board member and curator—a role not listed on the Society’s website. However, this defense does little to justify her participation in an act that has drawn widespread criticism in Shelbina.
O’Laughlin’s misrepresentation of Sheriff Perrigo’s involvement further erodes her credibility. If the sheriff was not involved, as the plaintiffs claim, her claim of his support suggests a deliberate attempt to shift blame. This ethical breakdown raises serious questions about her fitness to lead. Will legal action be taken against O’Laughlin for her role in the Shelby County Historical Society museum dispute, or will her position shield her from accountability? Her actions could have far-reaching consequences for her political career and public trust in Missouri’s state leadership.
The museum break-in has its roots in a broader conflict over governance within the Society. A now-deleted Facebook post by the organization alleged that Wilham, with O’Laughlin’s assistance, “busted locks” and “dismantled the security system” to gain access after the board had barred her entry. The post also claimed Wilham had removed a trailer load of holdings and ten boxes of valuable artifacts prior to the incident, actions the plaintiffs now seek to address through their petition. The Society’s role as a steward of Shelby County’s history places it under heightened scrutiny, and these allegations of mismanagement could impact public trust in similar organizations across Missouri.
The lack of transparency from Sheriff Perrigo has fueled speculation about the break-in. His refusal to engage with the public underscores the challenges of ensuring accountability in rural Missouri, where local law enforcement often operates with significant autonomy. This silence leaves the Shelbina community without critical information about the incident, further complicating efforts to understand the roles of those involved.
The Shelby County Historical Society museum dispute highlights broader issues of accountability in rural Missouri. Historical societies often operate with limited resources and oversight, making them vulnerable to internal conflicts that can erode their mission. The allegations against Wilham, if proven, could set a precedent for how such organizations address misconduct. Meanwhile, O’Laughlin’s involvement has statewide significance. As Senate President Pro Tem, she influences legislation that could affect historical preservation and rural governance. Her ethical lapse in the museum break-in could undermine public trust in the Missouri Senate, particularly in rural districts where constituents rely on officials to model integrity.
In small towns like Shelbina, local newspapers may face pressure to avoid reporting on powerful figures like O’Laughlin, and the 24-hour news cycle often overlooks rural communities, allowing issues like this to go unaddressed. The lack of oversight in rural Missouri exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult to ensure transparency in disputes involving high-ranking officials. The museum’s closure since the dispute escalated has left residents without access to their shared history, and the plaintiffs’ request for a court-overseen election of officers could provide a path forward. However, the ethical questions surrounding O’Laughlin’s involvement may have lasting impacts on the Society’s reputation.
The Chariton Beacon will continue to monitor developments in the Shelby County Historical Society museum dispute, including any responses from Sheriff Perrigo, Prosecutor Force, or Senator O’Laughlin. As of April 3, 2025, the case remains under review in Shelbina, with the potential to reshape how accountability and ethics are addressed in rural Missouri.
Correction (April 4, 2025): This article previously identified the sheriff as Dennis Perrigo. The correct name is Sheriff Arron Fredrickson.
