Jefferson Highway travelers pay visit to Butler as part of Centennial Celebration

This group, including visitors from Winnipeg all the way to Louisiana, spent some time in Butler today as our city has historic ties to the famous Jefferson Highway. 

Following lunch at the Bates County Museum, all assembled for this photo op on the square before continuing south to where the Jefferson Highway converged briefly with Route 66.

Jefferson Highway enthusiasts, including this group, regularly visit corridors of the famous highway and there is a strong possibility we'll see more travelers as the Jefferson Highway Crossroads of America 2026 Centennial Celebration is held this week, September 19th through 22nd.

Visit the Jefferson Highway website for more info here https://jeffersonhighway.org

  

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Steiner's to be featured on America's Best Restaurants

Filming took place for an upcoming episode of America's Best Restaurants Roadshow at Steiner's Restaurant this morning and as seen here, Chef Corey is interviewed about the great dishes prepared behind the scenes.

The segment will aired in mid November with date and time to be announced.

Congratulations, Jeff and Amy!

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School nurse receives 2 years probation related to sexual contact with minor

Former school nurse Rayanne McCoy of Rockville, MO has been charged with Endangering The Welfare Of A Child, 2nd Degree and received a Suspended Execution of Sentence of 12 months, with two years supervised probation.

According to a complaint filed in the Bates County Circuit Court, McCoy was accused of having sexual contact with a student on or about August 29, 2025. 

She was represented by attorney Lindsey Ikram of Kansas City, MO.


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Obituary - Mary Elizabeth Spall

Mary Elizabeth Spall (Ward), born February 13, 1949, passed away peacefully in her home on September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her family.

Mary was born to Dorothy and James Ward and grew up in Howell, Michigan, alongside her siblings, Judy, Harold, Raymond, Keith, and Alan. She graduated from Howell High School and carried many cherished memories of growing up with her family and siblings.

After graduating, Mary moved to Sheldon, where she began the next chapter of her life. There, she married her husband, Rex Spall, and together they raised their two daughters, Tracey Hanson and Candi Belew.

Mary dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to Walmart before retiring. She was known for her hardworking nature and devotion to her family.

Mary found joy in growing flowers and gardening. She especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished by her family for generations to come.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Tracey Hanson, married to Larry Hanson, and Candi Belew (Jimmie, who preceded her in death), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tracey and Larry's family includes Shane Hanson and Kim, and their children Logan, Landon, and Kristen; Kylei Hanson and her husband, Landon Wilson, and their children Kaelynn and Lane Wilson; and Colten Hanson and Nicole, and their children Bentlyee, Taylen, and Clay Hanson.

Candi's family includes Briana Kalleck and Casey, and their children Alyson and Emma Kalleck; Taylor Belew and Tierra, and their son Dayton Belew; and Tyler Belew and Jaycee, and their sons Holden and Jimmie Belew.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and James Ward; her beloved husband, Rex Spall; her brother, Harold Ward; and her sisters-in-law, Sue Ward and Kay Ward.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with all of her family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

Mary’s memory will live on through the family she loved so dearly, the gardens she lovingly tended, and the many lives she touched throughout her years.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, MO with Elvin Winans officiating.

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Obituary - Tamie Person

Tamie Person, age 69, of Harrisonville, Missouri, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by love and family.

Her Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Dickey Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Tamie is survived by her husband, Jerry Person, with whom she recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised six children: Allison Person of Havertown, Pennsylvania; Emily Rhodes (Tucker Harper) of Lee’s Summit; Stephen Person (Caly) of Lee’s Summit; Bethany Wears (Daniel) of Belton; Anna Chambers (Justin) of North Kansas City; and Luke Person (Marlei) of Blue Springs.

Tamie and Jerry were blessed with 19 grandchildren: Shane, Adrienne, Nathan, Noah, Evan, Emma, Sophie, Anthony, Liam, Willow, Faye, Lyla, Gordon, Vayda, Etta, Clark, Archie, Rogue, and Heidi. They also had the joy of welcoming one great-grandchild, Violet.

Tamie and Jerry’s love for children extended beyond their own family. They opened their home and hearts to others, becoming foster parents to four children, while also welcoming other children into their home at various times throughout the years. Her home was a place where children could find love, acceptance, and a family.

At the age of 48, Tamie decided to pursue a new calling and become a social worker. She attended college for six consecutive years, ultimately earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she worked in many different settings and eventually had an office of her own. She especially loved working with troubled teenagers, and her compassion and determination allowed her to make a lasting difference in the lives of many young people.

Tamie was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and loved playing the guitar. She was frequently asked to sing at weddings and sang numerous solos at her church. Music was one of the many ways she shared her heart with others.

She also had a lifelong passion for quilting and crafts. Tamie made clothes for her children, wedding dresses, and countless bridesmaid dresses. She was rarely working on just one project at a time. Even when sitting down to watch television, she would almost always have a knitting, crochet, or cross-stitch project in her hands. Creating things for the people she loved was one of the ways she expressed her care and creativity.

Tamie was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and was adopted at six months of age. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Carolus; her mother, Mildred Faye (Phillippe) Carolus; and her adopted brother, Stephen Carolus, who died as an infant.

Tamie will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her work, music, creativity, and generous heart. Her love for her family and her willingness to open her home and heart to others will remain part of her legacy for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

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Obituary - Robert Leroy Stolte, Jr.

Robert Leroy Stolte, Jr., 74, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on September 14, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held in October, date and time will be announced when finalized.

Robert was born on May 19, 1952, in Kansas City, MO, to Robert Stolte Sr. and Virginia Stolte. He grew up with his siblings: Beverly, Diane, Kathy, Leon, Robin, and Melinda. He lived much of his life in Harrisonville and spent his working years in a variety of roles. He worked installing C-Band satellite dishes and also spent time as a taxi driver. Later, he worked for the Cass County Public Library, where he drove the bookmobile before retiring.

During the Vietnam conflict, Robert was stationed in Thailand, where he served as a message relay technician. His interest in radio and communications continued throughout his life. He enjoyed tinkering with electronics and remained fascinated by radios, communications, and the technology behind them.

Robert was a loving father to his three children: Amanda, Ryan, and Christopher Stolte. He was a beloved father-in-law to Ryan's wife, Liz. He was also a proud grandfather to Ben Gerke and his wife, Emma, and to the apple of his eye, Reece Stolte. Robert dearly loved being a great-grandfather to Eleanor and Brynley Gerke.

Robert was always his grandchildren's biggest fan. He took great pride in watching them grow and was always there to support and encourage them. He was also someone his children and their spouses could count on whenever they needed advice, a helping hand, or assistance with a home project. Whether it was offering his knowledge or simply showing up when he was needed, he was always willing to help.

Robert had a playful side that came out every Fourth of July. He was always the biggest kid when it came to fireworks, making sure there were plenty for everyone to enjoy. Those celebrations were another way he brought his family together and created memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Robert was also a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to help, his curiosity about electronics and communications, his love of family, and the many memories he created with those he loved.

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The Timeline continues of Papinville from 1951-2003

This will be the last time line story. The history walk way ends in 1997, but there has been a lot of history that has happened since . Some more stones need to be added and if you would like to sponsor a new stone let us know at the picnic.

Next year Papinville will be 180 years old and we are already planning for the big celebration. Some of the new stones will be: Museum, band stand, renovation of inside of school, bridge book printed, and Papinville sign. There will probably be more added.

July of 1951 was a year of the biggest flood in this area. If you lived in the area at this time you remember that 71 Highway, B Highway and N Highway were all flooded for a few weeks. Groceries had to be brought to people in boats. This happened again in 1886. This flood was four feet higher than 1951. Papinville was like an island both years. People out in Papinville know what to do in flood time. We all know about the flood stage and they prepare for what they need to do. People who live here love Papinville and they all help each other out. They wouldn’t live any place else. We need to keep the history going so the next generations will remember the history. If you are interested in the history and would like to keep the history going join our Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association. You are always welcome.

The beginning of the the time line will start:

1951- Big flood

1952 – Papinville school closes. Students go to Prairie City

1955- Telephone Office sold to KLM Telephone Company

1957-Rich Hill R-IV School District approved by voters

1960-Steeple removed from Methodist Church

1961- Aug. dial telephones came into use in Papinville

1970-“Three Mile Square” written by Mildred Marquardt was

published.

1971-Methodist Church was sold

1986 Biggest flood, four feet higher than 1951

1989-April- Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association

was organized

1990-April Methodist Church was burnt

1991 Sept.-Street signs were erected in Papinville Oct. Tour of Papinville and surrounding area for Bates County 150^th celebration.

1991- Museum dedicated

1992-April 7- Prairie Township votes to deed the school over to the Papinville Historical Assoc.

1992- July First Papinville Picnic Fish fry at school

1993-School has new foundation, roof and flag pole

second annual picnic

1994- School has new paint job, bell and bell tower

Third annual picnic including the 3 other schools that were in the district seven: Prairie City, Mission Branch and Sillinger.

1995- Papinville one room school 100 years old. Education Through The Years” book was printed and sold at the fourth annual picnic. Picnic was a hog roast. Drainage Ditch Bridge floats away.

1996-May- Shelter house built. Dedicated at fifth annual picnic. New Bridge built at Papinville so a new bridge could be built on the Drainage Ditch that floated away. Old bridge deeded to the Historical Assoc. by Bates county court.

1997 April -Papinville 150 years old. Association prints book on the history of Papinville.

2000- Band stand built

2001- Stepping stones (set by Downy Fuouy)

MEMORY STONES: Paul Stangel (president from 1989-2002), Jim Coonce (Music director from 1991 to2002), Wilbur Zink ( Arthur and historian) and Mary and Ada Griffin (teachers).

The following is the schedule for the 34^th annual Papinville Picnic on Sat. September 26 starting at 1:30. The music will begin at 1:30 with children’s games, (nice prizes given), wagon rides, silent auction (1:30 to 4:00), ,coloring contest(3 ages divisions (1^st and 2^nd prizes)and cake walk until all cakes are gone. Pie auction will begin at 4:00. All pies have to be at the registration table by 2:30. If you want a pie to be auction off and not judged tell the person in charge. There will be a 1st and 2^nd place winner for Juniors (ages 15 and younger and adults 16 and older). No categories this year. All pies items for cake walk and dessert table please put in disposable pans.

The honor ceremony, 50/50 drawing and the quilt drawing will be after the pie and live auction. Tom Altenburg has donated a beautiful painting of the historical bridge for the live auction. The silent and live auction has many nice items. The meal of fish, chicken and brisket will be served at 5:30. There will be a number of side dishes. Free will donation. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon visiting with people and learning about the history of Papinville. Tickets for the quilt, T-shirts, hat’s and history books plus other items will be on sale at the information tent. Children’s games, cakewalk and wagon rides are free.

Directions to Papinville: from Rich Hill go east on B Highway to N South 2 miles to Papinville and follow the signs. Hope to see you at the picnic.

Activities directors can answer any questions you have at these phone numbers. Alisa Swarnes 816-602-3175 and Angela Stangel 417-296-5203

Submitted by Phyllis Stewart #MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Sherry Bishop

A celebration of life for Sherry Bishop will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Tryst Falls Park, shelter 13 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Address is 25601 MO 92, Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Sherry Ann Roberts Bishop, 75 passed away at home on August 28, 2026. She was born June 24, 1951 in Atlantic, Iowa to Marion Leroy Roberts and Frankie Irene (Snow) Roberts.

Sherry married Michael Dean Bishop on December 30, 1989 and enjoyed many years together. Her life was marked by her love for her family, her determination and her strong work ethic–from her years working for aerospace, to more than two decades as an over the road truck driver alongside her beloved husband. Together, they traveled many miles across the country–sharing a life filled with memories, adventures and stories that became a treasured part of their family history.

Sherry is survived by three daughters, Tracy Ann Popejoy, Stacie Joe Stuart and Shelly Leann Popejoy: grandchildren, Nicole Vick, Dakota Harth, Shelby Harth, Clorrissa Holt, Paul Stuart IV and Destin Stuart; many great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Toni Dallas, Teresa Manns, Terry Roberts and Micheal Roberts. Sherry was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Dean Bishop; infant son, Shance Alan Popejoy; grandson, Shance Alan Spor; and four siblings, Lynn Robinson, Jackie Davis, Monte Roberts and Frankie (Lil) Roberts.

She leaves behind a family who will continue to carry her memory forward. The love, strength, stories and the life she shared with those around her will live on through generations. “Rest peacefully Sherry. May you be reunited with those you loved and lost. May your memory live forever in the hearts of those who love you.”

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