Amsterdam thrift store to permanently close later this month

Per a recent Facebook post, it was announced the House of Joy thrift store in Amsterdam will be closing their doors later this month

In their own words:

"We regret to inform everyone that the House of Joy will be officially closing their doors Saturday, October 24th 2026 at Noon. It has been a real joy serving all these years in Amsterdam. We will really miss seeing everyone that has supported our mission since 2013 helping Kamp Keirsey."


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Nevada: Stolen vehicle report ends in arrest

On October 13, Nevada Police were on the lookout for a stolen vehicle that had been reported stolen during the overnight hours in rural Vernon County.

While responding to a call for service, an officer observed the stolen vehicle in the 1300 block of Nicholson Street. When the officer attempted to turn around to get behind the vehicle, the driver attempted to leave the area. Thanks to the quick response and coordination of a second responding officer, the vehicle was successfully blocked in, and both occupants were taken into custody without further incident.

Both occupants and the stolen vehicle were turned over to deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, who will continue their investigation.

Great work by both officers for remaining alert, recognizing the stolen vehicle, and acting quickly to bring this incident to a safe conclusion! Nevada Police officers continually strive to remain proactive and vigilant while patrolling our community. This incident is another example of the importance of proactive policing and effective teamwork.

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Blackhawk Jayden Murray sworn into US Army National Guard

One of our Blackhawks has joined the Army National Guard!

Congratulations to Junior Jayden Murray, who has sworn into the US Army National Guard. She will serve one weekend a month until she graduates then head to basic training this summer in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. We wish you the very best, Jayden!

Thank you for serving

Courtesy Adrian News Leader

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Power outage in Harrisonville

OUTAGE: Due to a limb that has fallen out of a tree and damaged power lines, crews will be cutting power to lines servicing Brookridge Dr, Ridgewood Rd and Horizon Dr, as they work to make repairs.

We understand that this will impact those living in the area and appreciate your patience, as crews resolve the issue.

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Tuesday volleyball scores

Liberal 0

Midway 3

Monett 0

Nevada 3

Drexel 3

Rich Hill 1

Warsaw 3

Sherwood 0

Sheldon n/a

Ballard n/a

Appleton City n/a

Jasper n/a

Archie n/a

Lakeland n/a

Miami n/a

Leeton n/a

Hume n/a

NE Vernon County n/a

Harrisonville n/a

Oak Grove n/a

Adrian n/a

Versailles n/a

Scores to be updated as they become available

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Obituary - Laurel Lee Elliott

Laurel Lee Elliott, age 83, Parker, Kansas passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026.  

Funeral service will be 10 am Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Centerville Community Church.  Burial will be in the Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

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Obituary - Florine O'Rourke

Florine O'Rourke

Sep 2, 1924 — Oct 11, 2026

Lawrence, Kansas

Florine was born September 9, 1924 on a small farm outside Prescott, Kansas, the youngest of six children, to A.E and Florence Holmes. As spoiled as one could possibly be during the Great Depression, she still managed to keep a fairly level head as she made her way to adulthood. During a brief stint as clerk at the Linn County courthouse, she met and married Harold O’Rourke and the couple began life together in the home of her Aunt in Mound City, Kansas. After the birth of their first son, Dennis, the couple relocated to Pleasanton, Kansas where Harold worked several jobs and Florine took in sewing. Since Dennis seemed to be turning out reasonably well, the couple decided to toss the dice and have another child, Randal. Results are still pending on the outcome of this particular gamble. While attempting to civilize the couple’s two sons, Florine continued to make clothes for people around town and began babysitting for friends and extended family. Somehow, this still left time for coffee and phone conversations with close friends. Listening in on the rare occasions work didn’t keep him out of the house, Harold was astonished that there were enough words in the language to keep the chats going. Both before and after Harold’s death she worked at the Prescott Nursing Home, then at the Labette Bank. On retirement from the bank, Florine found a second home, and countless new friends, working as a seasonal employee behind the front desk of Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone National Park for the next 25 years. She became known as the Yellowstone Grandma, annually “adopting” several new “children” and “grand children” from among her new, younger colleagues who came to work summers in thepark. Many of these stayed in close contact with Florine for decades. Following her second career in Yellowstone, conversation almost always, eventually, returned to her time and friends in Wyoming, Montana, and beyond. Moving to Meadowlark Estates in Lawrence, Kansas in her mid-90’s came easier to her than she, or any of us, had anticipated. At Meadowlark she found more dear friends than she thought were possibly left in the world that could be hers to enjoy. She also became known as the Bear Lady in honor of the hundreds of Teddy Bears she made for donation to agencies aiding children in need. Always reluctant to leave a party that was still going strong, Florine finally departed on October 11, 2026 at age 102. Florine was preceded in death by her parents, all five siblings and her husband, Harold O'Rourke. She is survived by sons, Dennis (Tamia) and Randal (Iris), 5 grandchildren; Andrew (Michelle) O’Rourke, Sean (Stacy) O’Rourke, Jamie O’Rourke, Kelly (Mark) Grabendike, Darcy (Tyler) Huismann, 9 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews whom she thoroughly enjoyed.

Visitation will be at 10am on Saturday, October17 at Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton, followed by services in the Schneider Chapel at 11:00am.  Interment will follow in Pleasanton Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to The United Methodist Church of Pleasanton, The American Heart Association, Harvesters, or your favorite charity.

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Looking for a lower-sugar Halloween? Start here.

Did you know some studies suggest children may consume the equivalent of about 3 cups of sugar on Halloween? While enjoying a few favorite treats is part of the celebration, many families are looking for ways to reduce the post-Halloween sugar overload.

One fun option is the Switch Witch, a tradition where children leave some of their candy out overnight and "trade" it for a small surprise such as a book, craft kit or coloring activity. It helps reduce the amount of candy hanging around for weeks while keeping the excitement of Halloween intact.

Courtesy Bates County MU Extension

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