It's Bates County Fair week!

 

Another record breaking year for Rich Hill pie prices

"Boy, that will probably never happen again!" said Randy Bell and Larry Hacker following a top bid of $400 for a pie in 2007 during the Rich Hill 4th of July annual fundraiser.

But it did happen again. In 2011, then 17 year old Jara Mumma watched in disbelief when bids on her strawberry-rhubarb pie inched closer and closer $1,000 but it didn't stop there. 

$1,100...$1,200...$1,300. Comments from the crowd included "Are we bidding on a pie or a cow?"

It was a pie indeed and her grandfather Jerry Mumma was behind it all, along with wife/accomplice Linda, who held the checkbook in anticipation. It turned out that Jerry had purchased the same pie earlier for $700, re-donated it, and began bidding on it again. This time it cost him $2,600 making the grand total paid out at $3,300.

Oh, and it was the first time Jara had ever made that type of pie.

Some might have thought this case of (albeit loving) nepotism would have been an isolated incident, it was not. In fact, the amounts forked over for pies in Rich Hill have gone up every year- even bringing national attention to Rich Hill for what must be the very best pies on earth. 

Yes, they are delicious but it appears the Mumma's set the precedence for auctions to follow which has not only drawn plenty of enthusiasm, but greatly adds to the coffers when it comes to financing future 4th of July celebrations in the town that coal built.

But there's more. On Thursday evening, auctioneer Larry Hacker took the stage calling out numbers as Randy Bell and Greg Weaver helped confirm bids for the pies destined to find new homes which in the end, revealed some staggering totals.

"After conducting the Rich Hill pie auction for over 20 years" later said Hacker "I had the privilege to auction about 53 pies tonight that added up to the largest dollar total to date, $40,025!"

This year, one pie in particular brought $4,000- which also broke previous records.

"Over the years we have had some unbelievable supporters, year after year, after year. They are being joined by new supporters each year, and this year’s success is proof of a small community banding together rather than being divided, and what that unity can do!"

Closing a proud moment, Hacker added "Thank you to all who bake, bid, and buy pies, and help keep Rich Hill Famous for the 4th!"

Can it get any better? The answer is quite likely yes, thanks to you, who keep hometown pride alive and well.

Residential structure fire east of Adrian

Multiple agencies including Adrian and Butler fire departments are responding to a residential structure fire located at 11310 NE county road 14004 which is reported to be fully involved in fire.

Use caution if traveling through the area and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Obituary - Sue D. Smith

Sue D. Smith, 81, of Butler, Missouri, was born April 11, 1944, in Gainesville, Missouri, the daughter of Edgar A. and Margaret H. (Herndon) Hinote. She departed this life Monday, June 30, 2025, at the St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit with family by her side.

Sue was a 1962 Hale, Missouri high school graduate.

On December 7, 1963, she was united in marriage to Ronald L. Smith at Mt. Zion Church in Lee’s Summit, and to this union one son, Nelson Lindsey Smith, was born.

Sue was a Vet Tec with the H&E West Missouri Veterinary Clinic in Appleton City for 27 years. She and Ron also owned and operated the RLS cattle ranch near Butler. She enjoyed playing the piano and was longtime pianist for both the Montrose Catholic Church and the Deepwater Christian Church for many years. Above all she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; and one grandson, Lance Corporal Gabriel Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Ron of Butler; her son and daughter-in-law, Lin and Traci Smith of Strasburg; two grandsons, Jacob Daniel Smith and Levi Allen Smith; one great grandson, Julien Lindsey Smith; Gabriel’s fiancé (at the time of his death) Brooke Young; one sister, Jimmy Early of St. Louis; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held July 3, 2025 with interment in the Strasburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550

Obituary - Esther Irene Thurman

Esther Irene Thurman age 73 of Rich Hill, Mo passed away peacefully at Research Hospital in Kansas City, Mo

Esther Was Born at home in Hume, Mo on April 24, 1952 to Ephraim (E.W.) Wonnel Hess and Hallie Maxine Marksberry.

Esther grew up on the family farm north of Hume where she spent her days making memories and riding horses with her two sisters. Esther's hobbies included painting, sewing, quilting, being a part of the “Sew Sisters,” Gardening and sitting on her porch with her husband of 32 years Kenneth Thurman while watching hummingbirds. Her favorite things in life were her children Christina, Richard, Melissa, Dave, Jessica and her grandchildren Van, Ali, Damian, Eli, Jeremiah, Drãgon, Gavin, Keera and Mattie.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, two bother-in-laws Jerry Cheek and William (Bill) Baldwin. She is survived by husband Kenneth, children; Christina Baldwin Gaston, Richard Brockman, Melissa (Joe) Coke, Dave (Mandy) Brockman, Jessica (Denise) Stumpff. 9 grand children, 3 great grandchildren and sisters Harriett Cheek and Dixie Baldwin, 4 nephews. Stepchildren; Randy (Jennifer) Thurman, Donna (Jeff) Arnold, Kimberly (Randy) James., 8 Step Grandchildren, 8 Step Great Grandchildren. And a host of cousins and friends.

Courtesy Heuser Funeral Home

Obituary - John Kutchback

John Kutchback age 75 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Friday, July 4, 2025 at his home in Harrisonville, Missouri surrounded by loved ones.

Born November 15, 1949 in Phoenix, Arizona to John Kutchback Sr. and Mary Chambers. He was baptized at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Cathedral, Springfield, Missouri.

He attended Southwest Missouri State University and in 1996 established Heritage Residential Services. With his hard work he grew to serve 25 individuals with disabilities before retiring in 2015. John also made donations to install a “baby box” at the Central Cass Fire Department as a resource for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for newborns.

John was an avid reader, always with a book nearby, and had a deep intellectual curiosity that fueled his love for learning. His adventures took him far and wide, as he enjoyed traveling and discovering new places, cultures, and cuisines. John also had a thoughtful, strategic mind and took interest in investing, always staying informed and engaged in the financial world.

He appreciated the finer things in life, especially when it came to food—good conversation and great meals at nice restaurants were among his favorite pleasures.

The most important thing to John was his family, and nothing brought him more pride than seeing his children and grandchildren thrive.

John is survived by his loving wife Peggy Kutchback; Daughter Kristen Wening and Brian Wening (Son-in-Law), Park Ridge, Il; Siblings Jim Kutchback, TX, Joanne Kutchback-Percely, TX; Grandchildren Lily, Eden, Blaze, Fisher and Griffin Wening.

John is preceded in death by his parents John Kutchback Sr. and Mary Chambers; Sibling Bill Tordt; and parents-in-law John and Bernita Rayn.

Funeral Services are pending and will be posted once that information becomes available.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Casco Area Workshop and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

Rich Hill parade highlights

 

GRAND MARSHAL HONORS went to Boone and Vickie Ross who led the parade through downtown Rich Hill this afternoon. More highlights below: