From Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson

Storm Disaster response for the Bates County Sheriff’s Office

I want to share with you the response and actions of the Bates County Sheriff’s Office during a severe storm like we experienced last night. There are many tasks the Sheriff’s Office performs during a severe storm, severe storm with damage and/ or a declared disaster response. My intent is to use last night's storm response as an example to share what it looks like from the inside and how much manpower is activated in anticipation of these types of events. I want to remind you that we cover the 6th largest county in the State of Missouri with limited resources.

 
Patrol: Last night we placed every deputy that works for Bates County on standby ready to respond when we were notified that there was a confirmed tornado on the ground just west of Bates County. Our dispatch immediately began to notify other agencies including fire departments along the west side of the county. We began to deploy the on-duty deputies to the outlying areas of the path of the storm so they could immediately provide information about visual confirmation and storm damage as it moves through the area. Once we confirmed the tornado was in Bates County and still a formed tornado we activated every off duty deputy to respond and in preparation for recovery and rescue efforts. Within minutes there were 16 uniformed deputies who responded to the area. Deputies were split. Half the deputies attempted to get in front of the tornado to warn residents and the other half were behind the tornado to relay damage information in preparations for rescue and recovery efforts. Deputies were deployed with equipment, like chainsaws and tools to help shut roads down or clear roads for traffic and other emergency equipment if needed.

 
Dispatch: Our dispatch center officially dispatches for the Sheriff’s Office, Adrian Police and Fire, Rich Hill Police and Fire, Hume Fire and Rockville Fire. We are also the 911 call center for the whole county except the City of Butler but coordinate with the City of Butler Dispatch and the Hospital Dispatch. This means that the Communications Officers had to notify all Sheriff’s Office employees, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Road and Bridge, Townships and Modot of incoming potential damaging weather conditions and then organize and orchestrate a disaster response for the County. In last night’s storm, Communication Officers deployed additional staff to our center expecting a huge increase in call volume and Communications Center needs. They were ready to deploy with the mobile command center if needed.

 
Jail: Most people do not think of the Jail having additional duties during a storm. Last night’s particular storm was reportedly a super cell or had the potential to be a super cell and had its path projected to impact Butler directly. In the heart of Butler sits our jail. While our building is solid block and brick, we still have an obligation to ensure the safety and security of those that are in our custody. We activated our storm procedure and additional jail staff were called to assist in that process.

 
While we are blessed that there was minimal damage in Bates County, I wanted to give you a little bit of insight on the preparedness on your behalf by the men and women of the Bates County Sheriff’s Office. This does not include the coordination and efforts by the men and women of all the fire departments who left their families in preparation to help their neighbors and strangers in a potential time of need in this community.

 
This storm response is what  I see with almost each of these violent storms that move through our area. The men and women of this Sheriff’s Office are proud to serve your community and your family. They leave their families to fulfill the mission of the Sheriff’s Office and our responsibilities to our community. They do it Professionally and Honorably without expectation of recognition each and every day. They do it on every level from Communications, Patrol and Jail. In a community our size they are often tasked with performing jobs that are not the responsibility of law enforcement but do it for the betterment of our community.

As Sheriff, I am extremely proud and honored to work alongside the men and women of the Bates County Sheriff’s Office and all first responders in Bates County.

 
Sheriff Chad Anderson

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Obituary - Vernon Ross

Vernon Lee Ross, age 70, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on December 1, 1955 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Verne and Ruth Bernice Gilmore Ross. Vern was in the last class to graduate from Blue Mound High School. He was a carpenter by trade and was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #714. He was united in marriage to Penny Spickler. Vern liked to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed riding his motor cycle. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Ala. Vern is survived by his wife, Penny, six children, Charity Ross, Joshua Ross and spouse Carla, Amber Ross, Michael Morris and spouse Cheyanne, Cheyenne Boswell and spouse Katie, and Cody Ross, two brothers, Gary Ross, and Jerry Ross, and thirteen grandchildren, Brylee, Bailee, Breana, Zachary, DeLaynee, Ryder, Carter, Corbin, Jonathan, Keaton, Ezekiel, Bentley, and Rowan.

A memorial service will be held 4 pm Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation will follow the service until 6 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to Linn County Care to Share. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Barney Fisher

LtCol Barney J. Fisher, USMC (ret), passed away into eternal reward on Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born in Nevada, Missouri, on December 17, 1947, to George and Fay (Hinds) Fisher. He married Mary Burroughs on June 7, 1967. They met around 1962 and have been together ever since.

Barney graduated from Nevada High School with the class of 1965. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Missouri in Physical Education in 1969. He earned a lifetime teaching certificate and began teaching History and Physical Education and coaching high school basketball at Wellsville, Missouri. In 1972 he entered basic training with the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of basic training, he began pilot training to become a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) in the backseat of the F-4 Phantom. After serving as a RIO in the Phantom for a few years, he went to additional pilot training in Beeville, Texas to upgrade to the front seat of the Phantom as the pilot. Around 1986, Barney moved from the F-4 Phantom to the F/A-18 Hornet, and flew that airframe until 1989 when he was assigned to the Pentagon. Barney retired from the Marine Corps in 1993 as a Lt. Colonel.

After retirement from the Marine Corps, Barney began service to his new boss, Mary, in their dog grooming/boarding business known as Kritter Kleaners/Kamp Kritter. He could be found driving around town in the short yellow bus with dogs painted on it, picking up that day’s dogs to be groomed. For about a decade they cared for and loved on the dogs of the families in this community.

After closing Kritter Kleaners, Barney was approached to run for State Representative for the 125th District. Barney was elected to the maximum of four two-year terms. It was one of his greatest pleasures serving the people of his district. Many people still have the laminated newspaper articles he would send congratulating them for noted accomplishments. This tradition was carried on by the Representatives that followed after him.

By the time Barney and Mary had been married 23 years they had moved 22 times. Mary was always the constant in Barney’s life, and, in the words of his sister, Ellen Balk, “Barney was smitten from the first time he met her.” Throughout the chaos, changes and long deployments within a military career, Barney and Mary created an amazing home for their three children: Melissa Franks (Alex), Brandon Fisher (Amanda) and Justin Fisher (Amy).

Barney could often be found at the White Grill and truly treasured the staff, particularly Sam. Barney loved to hunt quail over his English Setters, and dreamed of having a miniature dachshund named Gracie. Much to the chagrin of his children, he achieved this dream, and he and Gracie were buddies for about 14 years.

Whether it was in the Marine Corps, as a small business owner in Nevada, or as a State Representative, Barney was the epitome of service above self. He always made sure his family was cared for on his long deployments, many of which had him missing birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries. He loved being a fighter pilot, loved his Marine Corps brothers, treasured his wife, and adored being a father to his kids and DD to his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary, and his three children; grandchildren, Emily Franks, Charlotte Smithson (John), Colson Fisher (Kennadi), Eden Fisher (fiancé Justin), Hayleigh Fay Fisher, Blaine Witte (Holten), Junie Fisher and Jozie Fisher; great-grandchildren, Derek Busch, Violet Smithson, Dom Smithson, Rowen Witte, Stevie Witte and Reeve Witte; sister Ellen Balk and Brother-in-law Gary Balk; nephews Chip Balk (Jenny), Jason Brown (Cheryl), J. Grant Kennedy and Dean Green. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fay Fisher, his father-in-law William Burroughs, sister-in-law Billie Arnold, sister-in-law Ruth Rogers, brother-in-law Kenny Rogers, and niece Loni Green.

The family would like to thank Linsey Klinksick and her staff at the Bungalows and Whitney Shupe and her staff of Gentiva Hospice. Words cannot express the how much we appreciate the love and care our father received over these past few months. These staffs treat your loved one like family. We could never repay the debt owed to these amazing people.

The family would like for any active-duty, veterans, firefighters, police or other first responders, if they wish, to feel free to wear clothing representing their service. We ask all others to dress as formally or informally as you wish, as we desire this to be a celebration of a life well lived. While there will be tears, we also know Dad would have wanted us to celebrate his life as a family and community.

Service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, with Pastor Steve Russ officiating. Internment with military honors will follow at Rinehart Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Ferry Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through Ferry Funeral Home to the Bungalows of Nevada or Gentiva Hospice.

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Obituary - Donna Wise

Donna Jean Wise, 62, Nevada, MO, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Nevada Regional Medical Center.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada.

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Obituary - Dennis Ray Williamson

Dennis Ray Williamson, 74, Rockville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri. He was born on December 8, 1951, the son of Harvey Townsend and Sylvia Hester (Bean) Williamson. Dennis spent his entire life in Rockville, Missouri, where he loved to hunt, fish, ride horses, raise coon dogs and enjoy time with his friends, family and especially grandkids.

Throughout his years, Dennis worked as a pressman at Rival in Clinton and Ward Paper Box in Butler, Missouri where he later retired.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents: Harvey and Sylvia Williamson; his brothers Bill Williamson and James Williamson; his son Eric Williamson. He is survived by his siblings: Norman Williamson, Mike (Debbie) Williamson, Cheryl Farrell, Cindy Sargent and John (Kayla) Williamson; one daughter Charlotte Presley; two grandchildren, Vanessa Stafford and Colin Presley; two great-grandchildren, Cole Harris and Penelope Stafford; many nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved dearly.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Solace House of the Ozarks, and may be left at the funeral home.

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Obituary - Betty Gay (Waite) Stephan

Betty Gay (Waite) Stephan, 72, Montrose, MO passed away at KU Medical Center in Kansas City on April 9th, 2026, with her husband and children holding her hands. Betty was born November 1st, 1953, in Osceola, MO to Van and Ruth (Tandy) Waite. She married her best friend and love of her life, Gerald, on April 18, 1975. To this union two children were born, Matt and Erin.

Betty grew up on a small dairy farm east of Rockville, MO. She was the third of four daughters blessed to loving parents. She was a hard worker from an early age and would rather be outside helping her dad bale hay and doing chores. She loved playing softball in the summer on teams coached by her dad. They lived in a small four-room house and attended Mt. Zion Church just up the gravel road. She always cherished the memories of those times that influenced her grounded nature the rest of her life.

Betty attended school in Appleton City, graduating in 1972. She was voted Homecoming queen her freshman year, she was a class officer and was voted best athlete her senior year. After graduation, Betty attended college in Springfield, MO for a short time before returning home to work for local doctors at the Appleton City Clinic. It was at this time that she began dating her future husband and lifelong friend and love of her life, Gerald Stephan. After about a year Gerald and Betty were married in a small ceremony at the Methodist Church in Appleton City. Their marriage would become over 50 years of mutual love and respect for each other. They complimented each other perfectly and were never apart over the years. When she knew she was near the end of her life, she said to her children, “take care of your Dad for me!” It would be impossible for anyone to love their family more than her.

Betty was a very hard worker. For the first years of their marriage, she worked side by side with Gerald on the farm. After their children were born, she went back to work at Ellett Memorial Hospital, Appleton City Clinic as a doctors’ assistant, and later for West Central Community Action Agency. She worked for Head Start and Housing, and cherished the friendships she made, retiring in 2018. Her favorite work of her life though was being with Gerald on the farm working ground, driving trucks, and helping with their cattle.

Betty was saved and baptized at a young age. In recent years, she attended church at the First Christian Church of Appleton City. Her faith was always strong and set an example for her family. Her faith never wavered as she began to have health issues in recent years. She was a selfless servant of the Lord, always giving 100 percent of herself to not only her family but everyone she knew.

The pride and joy of her life were her children Matt and Erin and their families. Throughout the years, Betty never wanted to miss their activities, no matter how big or small. The family lived close and grandkids were usually there every day just to talk and see each other. Betty became an excellent cook over the years and loved preparing meals for the family or anyone who came by. She learned to make her own clothes from her mother when she was young and would still patch the family clothes. She would always say that her favorite hobby was her grandkids.

Betty is survived by her husband Gerald of the home, son Matt (Jessica) Stephan of Appleton City, MO and daughter Erin (Chad) Vogel of Montrose, MO. She has six grandchildren: Coy Stephan, Lila Stephan, Reid Stephan, Abby (Tanner) White, Mason Vogel, Case Vogel, and one great-grandchild Rhett White. She has two sisters, Sandra Long of Appleton City, MO and Skip (Jack) Mead of Nevada, MO and brother-in-law Dean Walker of Nevada, MO. She has a very special mother-in-law, Wilma Stephan of Appleton City, MO. She also has sisters and brothers-in-law and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many wonderful friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Van and Ruth Waite, father-in-law Warren Stephan, brother-in-law Bill Long, and little sister and best friend Debbie Walker.

Memorials suggested to the Betty Stephan Love Fund.

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Obituary - Sharon Sue Connely

Sharon Sue Connely age 79 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Beautiful Savior Nursing Home, Belton, Missouri surrounded by love and family.

Rosary will be held 4:45 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with funeral service to follow at 5:00 p.m.

Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harrisonville Animal Shelter and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

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Obituary - June Eileen (Zimmerman) Buerge

June Eileen (Zimmerman) Buerge, 94 years and 10 months old, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 10, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. She was born June 11, 1931, in Eureka, Illinois. She was the second child of Theo and Clara May (Meekins) Zimmerman.

June graduated from Eureka High School in 1949. She worked in a bakery and did housework, helping take care of her grandmother who had a stroke and helping mothers with new babies. She attended Goshen College in 1952 for one year and then graduated in 1954 from the School of Practical Nursing in Indianapolis, Indiana. She worked in Indianapolis at the James Whitcomb Hospital for Children for three years. In 1957 June served in Puerto Rico for two years in voluntary service under the Mennonite Church.

On March 31, 1961, June was united in marriage to Frank Eugene Buerge of Garden City, Missouri, at the Roanoke Mennonite Church in Roanoke, Illinois. They made their home on the farm in Garden City.

The home was blessed with three sons Kevin, Gregory, and Michael. She was a busy farm wife raising a big garden, canning, sewing, and quilting. June loved spending time with friends and family sharing a freezer of homemade ice cream. Her home was always open for grandchildren who needed a second home while mothers and fathers worked. June loved to travel with friends and tour groups. She traveled from coast to coast and two trips abroad visiting the Holy Land and a European tour.

June accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in her late teens and was baptized in the Roanoke Mennonite Church. She was active in the Harrisonville Mennonite Church as a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher, and was active for several years in the WMSC (women’s group). She served two years on the South Central Executive Committee as Vice President and President of the WMSC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Lewis Lee, Merrell, Eugene, Richard, and Daniel, a son Michael, and a granddaughter Michaela.

June is survived by her husband, Frank; two sons Kevin and wife Diane of Garden City, MO, Gregory and wife Amy of Garden City, MO; eight grandchildren Emily (Adam Shoulders), Michael, Christian (Abbie), Mattea, Randi (Jarrod Elliott), Jonathan (Brook), Jacob, and Jessi (Matthew Masek); six great-grandchildren Oakleigh, Oliver, Austin, Emerson, Ollie, and Zion; two sisters Geraldine Zoss of Roanoke, Illinois, Gladys Ulrich of Edmond, Oklahoma; one brother Raymond Zimmerman and wife Ruth of Eureka, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Cremation with a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Inurnment at Clearfork Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice or Harrisonville Christian School and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

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