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Thursday, October 29, 2026
Obituary - Stacy Horn
Stacy Horn, 56 of Amoret, Missouri passed away October 25, 2026 at her home in Amoret. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers to the Horn family c/o Mullinax Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Stacy Rene Horn was born February 1, 1970 in Paola, Kansas, the daughter of Ronnie and Trudie Harris Davis. Stacy grew up in the Butler, Missouri area and attended Butler High School until her Junior year. After which she earned her GED and immediately went to work at a daycare in Louisburg, Kansas pursuing her passion and love for children. Stacy eventually acquired her own daycare license in Kansas to begin her own daycare out of her home.
Over the years she also worked at Price Chopper and Casey’s but ultimately ended up back in her true passion of caring for children at Prairie View School in LaCygne, Kansas.
In 1990 Stacy began dating and eventually marrying her best friend and soul mate, Bill Horn, with whom she spent the next 36 years of her life building a family full of laughter and memories.
Stacy was preceded in death by her father Ronnie Davis and maternal grandparents, Olen and Doris Harris. She is survived by her loving husband Bill Horn of the home in Amoret, her children, Dallas Horn of Amoret, MO, Chyenne (Jordan) Pruett of Leawood, KS., Alexis Horn of LaCygne, KS., Brooklyn Horn of LaCygne, KS., her grandchildren, Arthur, Eleanor, and Otis Pruett, as well as Evelyn Wisdom. She also leaves behind her mother Trudie Harris of Linn Valley, KS., three brothers, Ronnie (Chrissy) Davis, Randy Davis, and Richie Davis all of Linn Valley, KS., 14 nieces and nephews, along with many cousins, extended family members and friends.
Stacy lived well, laughed often, and loved deeply. She will be greatly missed.
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Obituary - Arthur Loeffler
Arthur Loeffler, 64 of Amsterdam, Missouri passed away October 27, 2026 at Carnegie Village Long Term Care & Rehab in Belton, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Wednesday, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place, with military honors at West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society or the Disabled American Veterans. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Art was born February 5, 1962 in St. Charles, MO. He was the son of Charles Frederick Loeffler and Patricia Galbraith Loeffler
He joined the United States Marine Corp after his high school graduation. Art proudly served his country for 6 years and received an honorable discharge when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He was married to Terri Louise (nee Stanton) Loeffler.
Art is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Terri; his son, Anthony Loeffler; and 4 daughters, Christina Goodman, Stacy Steward, Susan Curry, and Sharon Wallace. Art had 15 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by 5 siblings: Loraine Beasley, Barbara Henry, Donna Cook, Kris Peerman, and Rob Peerman.
Art lived by the motto “improvise, overcome, and adapt. He will be missed by all you knew him.
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Obituary - Leslie Norman Ward
A graveside service and inurnment will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2026 at Benjamin Cemetery in Amoret, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. No visitation. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Leslie Norman Ward, age 81 of Bolingbrook, Illinois passed away on August 2, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1945, in Bates County, Missouri, to Laurnell and Everett Ward. He was the oldest of five children and grew up in Grandview, Missouri, where he attended and graduated from Grandview High School. After graduating, Leslie moved to Chicago, where he began working for the railroad. He dedicated many years to his work before eventually retiring.
He enjoyed playing cribbage and other card games, collecting coins, and watching movies and television shows. He had a real passion for recording movies and shows, and he took great pride in his video collections. He was very particular and detailed about how he organized everything, and anyone who knew him knew just how much time and care he put into his collections.
Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, Laurnell and Everett Ward, and his brother, Delbert Ward. He leaves behind his sisters, Minerva DePriest, Sharon Davidson, and Charleane Huie; his close friends, Stefanie and Maggie Synal and Patrick Jackson, who held a special place in his life; and countless nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
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Obituary - David Alan Jennings
A funeral service will be 11 a.m., November 7, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. There will be a celebration of David's life on June 26, 2027 at Harmon Lake in Tiskilwa, Illinois. Family and friends will gather to honor his life and share memories of a man who meant so much to so many. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
David Alan Jennings passed away on October 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and love that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Born and raised in Butler, Missouri, David graduated from Butler High School Class of 1979. David carried his Midwestern roots with him throughout a life filled with adventure, meaningful relationships, and a love for the people around him. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1980 to 1984 as an aircraft maintenance specialist. In 1992, he began his career as a pilot for American Airlines, where he spent more than 30 years doing what he loved before retiring in 2023.
Throughout his life and career, David and his wife, Cindy, made homes in Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Ohio, and Kentucky before settling in Bandera, Texas. Wherever life took him, David had a special gift for making connections. He never met a stranger, and his kindness, quick wit, and great sense of humor made people feel welcome wherever he went. David had a way of turning acquaintances into friends and ordinary moments into lasting memories.
David was also the ultimate handyman. Whether he was working on cars, motorcycles, or houses, there wasn't much he couldn't fix. He had a natural talent for figuring things out and the skills to turn just about any problem into a solution.
David found joy in life's simple pleasures and in sharing them with others. Whether he was cooking up a batch of hot wings, firing up the barbecue, hiking a new trail, traveling somewhere new, playing guitar or fiddle, or enjoying live music, he was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. David especially loved riding his motorcycle through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. His love for music, good food, laughter, and adventure was matched only by his love for the people who filled his life.
In retirement, David continued to build friendships and stay connected to his community. He especially enjoyed volunteering at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, helping prepare for parties and events. Through his time there, he met many new friends and found another place to share his generous spirit, humor, and love of being around people.
Above all, David was a devoted husband and father. He was a kind and loving man whose presence brought laughter, warmth, and joy to those around him. David was loved by so many, and his legacy will live on in the stories shared, the friendships built, the things he fixed, the music he played, the meals he prepared, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Jennings; daughter, Megan Laughlin and husband David; parents, Wilbur and JoAnn Jennings; sister, Dana Arnold and husband Jim; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His family takes comfort in knowing that the love and laughter he shared will remain with them always.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either of the following organizations in David's memory:
To honor David's lifelong connection to aviation, contributions may be made to the AOPA Foundation – Aviation Scholarship Program to support its aviation scholarship program.
Checks should be made payable to the AOPA Foundation and mailed to:
AOPA Foundation
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701
Please write “In memory of David Jennings – scholarship” in the memo line of your check.
Online contributions may be made at webforms.aopa.org/scholarships2024. Please check the box to dedicate your gift in memory of David
Those wishing to honor David's love of the outdoors and the Texas Hill Country may make a memorial contribution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
Donations may be made online at Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation – Memorial Contributions.
Please indicate “This is an honor or memorial gift- in memory of” when making your contribution.
To benefit the Butler Memorial Airport's new terminal project, contributions may be made by check payable to the City of Butler. Please write “airport terminal project” on the check line to designate your contribution for the project.
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Applications Now Open for Missouri Value-Added Agriculture and Farm to Table Grant Programs
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Today, the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced the opening of two grant programs that add value to Missouri agricultural products and aid rural economies.
The Value-Added Agriculture Grant can be used for business planning purposes such as feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans and legal assistance. The Missouri Value-Added Agriculture “Farm to Table” Grant Program provides funding to Missouri small businesses and agricultural producers for purchasing resources to process locally grown agricultural products to be used in schools and institutions within the state.
“Opportunities to add value to Missouri agriculture products is a great way to expand our already diverse and vibrant agriculture industry,” said Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn. “We are excited to offer these opportunities for Missouri farms and agribusinesses to help take their operation to the next level and create an additional revenue stream.”
Both grants offer maximum individual awards of $200,000 and will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be scored based on their economic development potential for the agriculture industry, credibility, merit, probability of near-term commercialization, practical application of project results, source and level of matching funds, as well as the geographic location of the project’s economic impact. These grants are funded by contributions made to MASBDA through the purchase of tax credits.
Past awarded Value-Added projects have included feasibility studies, marketing plans and business plans for elderberry products, soybean processing, biofuel, wood pellets, dairy products and more. Past awarded Farm to Table projects have included the purchase of equipment for meat processing for institutional sales, as well as professional services to assist in processing produce for school and institutional sales.
Applications must be received by MASBDA no later than 3 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit the MASBDA website, email or call (573) 751-2129.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Minutes from the October 21, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting
Chris Gach was present for all meetings.
Mary DuBray came in and met with the Commission and spoke over a situation that occurred on October 19th, 2026. Mary explained that John Gray went into the USPS Building, where she works, to retrieve his personal mail and continued to claim that he asked her if he could ask her a question, wondering if accountability was for everyone or just for him and asked her why she had not filed with the Missouri Ethics Committee due to them not having her on their list. Mary claimed that she said she had not made a certain dollar amount of donations at that time, so she had not filed, and John went on to tell her about the fines at stake for her signs. Mary stated that her and her supervisor felt it was unprofessional for John to come into her place of work and ask her these things.
Mary then went on to explain that she feels like this is harassment because she believes the report on John needs to be released. She also stated that she is aware that some of her signs were placed in locations they should not have been, as well as some her opponent put out.
She expressed her opinion of the Commission keeping the report on John closed and stated that she wants the Commission and the Community to know that it is inappropriate behavior that is continuing to happen and informed the Commission it needs to stop.
John made a motion to pay Kaysinger Quad Lakes bill of $1,240 for year 2027. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. No opposition.
Jim asked the Commission if they wanted to discuss putting out a bid for the New Generation 911 Addresses or wait until Monday to discuss it. Trent mentioned they could speak over it later in the day, even. John mentioned he was not ready to make that decision yet, that he would like to wait until Monday.
John asked the Commission if they were set on keeping Ivan Schraeder as their Attorney. Jim stated that he was set on Ivan. John pointed out that the Commission pays Ivan every three months. Jim claimed that was for County Issues. Trent asked how long they were contracted with Ivan, Jim was unsure and asked Jami, who informed them it was a year. Trent thought that was.
John made a motion to send Ivan Schraeder, per their term and contract, a committal dismissal as of January 5th, 2026, for the County of Bates regarding legal services and will be reviewing different options. Trent seconded the motion. Trent and John were in favor, but Jim was opposed. Jim explained that he isn’t necessarily disagreeing with Trent and John but claimed he has always had a good relationship with Ivan. Motion was carried. One opposed.
The Elected Officials gathered in the Commission office to retain further information about Axion Supplemental Insurance that is being considered. Jim explained what was happening currently and the confusion that was taking place. Jami, Bates County Clerk, explained a recent situation of an insurance representative that came in and misled employees on certain plans that the representative claimed he could cancel. She continued to explain Axios and how this will clear up a lot of confusion and benefit the employees. Kacie Robey, with the Treasure/Collectors Office, asked about individual plans and Brenda Doody, Public Administrator, asked about the pre-tax. Jennifer confirmed that they could potentially keep whatever individual plan they want and assumed that it might go up just a few dollars if they switched to their own bank draft. Chad Anderson, Bates County Sheriff, mentioned that this seemed like a wonderful idea and felt that for now, new hires should be offered one supplement until next year when they can sit down with Axios and make whatever decisions they choose. Jami and Jennifer agreed and felt that maintaining what they have now is fair, but nothing new. The Elected Officials felt like this was a good idea, especially with it not being of any charge to the county.
Nine students from Butler High School AP US Government and Politics Class came in and asked the Commission about their responsibilities, skills they need, a typical work week, their biggest challenges, their number one priority for the county, the differences between all three Commissioners, the reason they ran for Commissioner and their salary.
John stated their responsibilities are approving the budget, checking roads and bridges throughout the county, working alongside Bates County Road and Bridge, working alongside the Bates County Clerk’s Office, speaking with State Representatives, speaking with State Senate as well as working with Townships. Jim piggybacked off John, explaining in more detail, the townships and the tax rates, explained the county budget and financials. Trent continued to explain the details of the boards within a township and detail on how Bates County Road and Bridge work to keep the roads and bridges maintained. John went on to explain the companies that they work with, like Kaysinger Basin, MoDot and Great River Engineering. Jim pulled up Bates County GIS and showed the students the different townships that the county has.
Jim stated that the skills needed to be a Commissioner is communication, to which John agreed and added being able to learn state statutes.
John explained that the Commissions typical work week is an everyday job, despite them being office two days a week. Jim brought entities that they work with.
John, Trent and Jim all agreed that the public was the biggest challenge, due to never being able to please everyone.
They, all three, stated that the number one priority for the county was service and safety for the county.
All three, again, explained the differences between the duties of each Commissioner.
Jim explained his military reserve and police reserve background and felt he could help the county to a good stance. Trent stated he wanted to help his community and serve his area. He does this for the people and enjoys doing it this job. John explained that he found himself complaining and wanted to make changes and a difference. He explained that he was first inspired by a young man who had been through trials and faced much adversity in life and that started the encouragement of running to be the change. John stated that him and his wife prayed over the choice to run for his position and felt that God was leading him to take the leap of faith. He then followed up, stating he enjoyed it and knows he’s supposed to be here.
John told the students that their Salary is public knowledge and told them where they could find that information and informed them that the Southern and Northern Commissioners make $50,000 a year, while the presiding makes $52,000.
John made a motion to accept Axios after discussing it with the Elected Officials. Trent seconded the motion. Motion carried. No opposition.
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