Highlights from Butler Cruise Night at Sonic

About 35 vehicles made a showing during the first Sonic Cruise Night of 2026 sponsored by the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce. Don't forget the Show of Wheels is set for May 16th at RJay's Speed Shop in north Butler; also the Chamber car show on the Butler square is June 13th. See you there!

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Obituary - Danny Paul Abraham

Danny Paul Abraham, age 73, Blue Mound, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1952 in Clinton, Missouri the son of Leo and Etta Lou Wisdom Abraham. He graduated from Ballard High School and then graduated from Pittsburg State University Vocational Technical School. Danny was united in marriage to Mary Hyson on January 3, 1974. He owned and operated Linn County Machine Shop for thirty years. He worked for Linn County and finished his career as maintenance supervisor for USD #346. D.A. enjoyed all things mechanical. Restoring and fixing old tractors and heavy equipment was one of D.A,'s forte. He could build or fix just about anything. He very much enjoyed lending a helping hand to others. He loved spending time with his family, especially his two granddaughters, Emily and Caroline. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Abraham, and a sister, Patty Plunkett. D.A. is survived by his wife, Mary, a son, Michael Abraham and wife Jennifer, a brother, Steve Abraham, and his two granddaughters, Emily and Caroline Abraham. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Schneider Funeral Home & Cremations, Mound City Chapel. Visitation will take place from 3:00 pm until service time. The family suggests contributions to Ronald McDonald House in care of Schneider Funeral Home, 319 Chestnut, Mound City, KS 66056.

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Obituary - Evelyn Miller

Evelyn Lenore Briscoe Miller was born to Edward Lee Briscoe and Nettie May Wetzel Briscoe on January 20, 1935. Known as Lenore, she was born and raised poor in the middle of The Depression here in rural Bates County Missouri – in the New Home, Hume, Foster and Rich Hill areas. Her first grade in school in1940 at the age of 5 was in the New Home school. She earned her high school diploma in 1952 fromRich Hill High School.

After high school, she moved to Kansas City and soon married George Edward Miller who had also graduated from Rich Hill High. At the end of 1954, at the age of 19, she became a mother to her son Steven. She was married to George for almost 20 years.

By spring of 1958, she was a mother of 2 with the birth of my sister Leisa Karen. Mother was a housewife into the mid 1960s and then began a career in real estate sales. She was very proud of her participation in the American Businesswomen’s Association and various real estate boards. She ended her working career with the Social Security Administration.

Lenore was always a devout follower of Jesus Christ. Many periods in her life you would find her at church on Sundays and Wednesdays. She had a strict interpretation of the books of the New Testament. She never once allowed the “poison” of alcohol to touch her lips. Yes, never. She did not drink coffee, but she loved Dr. Pepper! Her leanings were toward the teachings of the Baptist church. She admired the Amish/Mennonite church/communities. She never, ever used the Lord’s name in vain. She never swore or cussed at all. Yes, never.

Her faith never faltered. In her last weeks, when awakened from a sleep by Sue and I or a hospice caregiver, she would awake by humming a hymn as words would escape her. In The Garden and It Is Well With My Soul are a couple of her favorites. Without a doubt, I can say that she is in Heaven; or there isn’t one. I choose to believe she is in Heaven with my sister Karen.

Mother passed away at the age of 91 on the evening April 21, 2026. She seemed unbelievably happy, under the circumstances, to the end of last year. Lenore lived independently 2010 – 2017, with Karen’s assistance, in Columbia MO. By 2020, she began needing assisted care. In 2023, she required skilled nursing and entered a hospice phase. She died, in comfort, of natural causes, at the end of a 3 yr stay in and out of hospice care.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Hazel Briscoe Weber and by her daughter Leisa Karen Miller Bonk, (who died in July of 2017 at the age of 59). She is survived by: Her son Steven (& Marilyn Sue) Miller of Columbia MO. Her Grandson Samuel (& Jordyn) Miller of Kansas City, MO. Her Grandson Evan Bonk of Colorado Springs, CO. Grandchildren Aurora, Tobias and Gaia. Her sister Hazel’s girls: Sandra (&Thomas) Balfour and Lorrissa all of Florida.

Lenore is being buried alongside the graves of her mother and father in the Independence Cemetery near Stotesbury (and Hume) MO as were her written instructions from many years ago. Terry Heuser of the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, MO will handle the proceedings. We understand that her Aunt Flossie Wetzel was the most recent burial there in 2009. May mother rest in well-deserved peace!

I am so happy to return Mother to her home as she requested. Thank you for helping us to say Good-Bye to Lenore with a smile./

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Park Day at Mine Creek Battlefield site this weekend

PLEASANTON, Kan. – April 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Community members and history enthusiasts are invited to participate in Park Day at Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site on Saturday, April 25th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to help preserve one of the most significant Civil War battlefields west of the Mississippi. Volunteers will assist in a variety of projects including clean up from tornado damage, landscaping, painting, and maintenance of the historic Mine Creek Battlefield.

Hosted in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust, Park Day is a nationwide event dedicated to preserving and maintaining historic battlefields and public lands. American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states.

The Battle of Mine Creek was fought on October, 25, 1864. Two Union brigades of about 2,500 troops defeated a Confederate Army of about 7,000 from General Sterling Price’s Army of Missouri. It was one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War, and the only major battle fought in Kansas.

Supplies will be provided, and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, and to bring any extra tools or gloves they might need. No prior experience is necessary, and volunteers of all skill levels and ages are welcome. The event is free to attend.


Event Details:

Date: April 25, 2026

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, Pleasanton, Kansas

To learn more about the Mine Creek Battlefield, checkout our website kansashistory.gov, or call 913-270-4217.




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Obituary - Roberta Charlene Benbow

Roberta Charlene Benbow, age 90, of Appleton City, Missouri, died April 23, 2026 at Appleton City Manor Nursing Home. Charlene, as she was called by everyone, was born May 13, 1935 to Charles and Goldie (Jones) Myers in Ohio, Missouri.

Charlene was one of three children who were raised in St. Clair County, Missouri. Charlene graduated in 1953 from Appleton City High School. On September 29, 1957 in Appleton City, she married JD Benbow and to this union two children were born. While JD was in the Army, Charlene lived at her childhood home helping her mother, Goldie.

She attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg graduating with a Bachelors in Education. She started her career at Citizen’s Bank in Appleton City. Soon she began working at Head Start then transitioning to Appleton City School District where she retired after many years of teaching. She served the elementary students faithfully instilling values, dedication along with the three R’s.

She was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Appleton City, where she was an active member. She would meet up with friends to play cards on a regular basis. Every year she would make candy and cookies at Christmas time to help spread the Christmas spirit. Every year Charlene and JD would take their family to travel throughout the U.S.

Charlene is survived by her husband JD; daughter Donna Frasher and husband Thomas Frasher; grandchildren, Joshua Frasher and fiancée Payton Lawhead, and Laura Frasher and husband Brian Brim; and great-grandchild Autumn Brim. Charlene was preceded in death by her son John Benbow; her parents Charles and Goldie Myers; sister Ruby Myers; brother Nelson Myers and sister-in-law Lois Myers.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Appleton City Cemetery Association and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Ruth Ann Roberts

Ruth Ann Roberts, 86 of Butler, Missouri passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at her home in Butler, surrounded by the love of her family. Graveside services will be held 3:00 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Ruth Ann grew up in the small, close-knit community of Freeman, Missouri, on a modest country farm alongside her two sisters, Mary Alice and Frances. She attended the Bybee country school, where her early years were shaped by simple joys and strong family values. She was especially close to her father, a true daddy's girl, and cherished the time she spent riding on the tractor with him.

At the age of 29, Ruth Ann found the love of her life, Chester Roberts. They were united in marriage and shared 30 years together, building a life centered on love and family. During that time, they were blessed with four children. Ruth Ann was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in raising her children and creating a warm and loving home.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Ruth Ann was a faithful church goer who found strength and comfort in her beliefs. She had a deep love for music, especially gospel and classic country, and enjoyed listening to artist such as Hank Williams, Dolly Pardon, Loretta Lynn, and George Jones.

Ruth Ann also found joy in collecting wind chimes, dream catchers, and porcelain dolls, surrounding herself with items that reflected her gentle and thoughtful spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Anderson and Dora Bearce; her sister, Frances Hannah; her husband, Chester Roberts; two sons, Billy Roberts and John Anderson; and one daughter, Julie Roberts.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Wilbanks; her daughter, Judy Horn and husband Wade Horn; her daughters, Rosemary Roberts and Jolene Roberts; her granddaughter, Summer Harbaugh and husband Jim; her grandson, Lane Masters; and great-grandson, Tucker Harbaugh.

Ruth Ann will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to her family, and the simple, meaningful life she lived. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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Obituary - Roger Giddens

Roger Giddens, 69 of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away April 15, 2026. Cremation, with private family services to be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.\

A complete obituary is pending at this time.

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It's official: Hertzog Meat Company open for business in Butler

Grand Opening along with an official ribbon cutting by the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce was held this morning at the Hertzog Meat Company's new location at 1005 W. Fort Scott st in Butler. Above, Jim Hertzog does the honors as below, Todd Hertzog spoke of the monumental task of bringing the new location to fruition and paid many thanks to everyone involved

Seen below, sales manager Mike Quick provided a guided tour of the facility which includes a special test kitchen where commercial customers can cook-to-order their meats to insure consistency, value and overall taste

The tour included a sneak peek of the cold storage area above, as well as the processing area below. Hertzog Meat Company currently employs about 60 with more to be added in coming months. At present, 1-2 truckloads of meat leave the facility each day.

Butler Mayor Jim Henry (above) praised the Hertzog family for choosing Butler for their new location and paid thanks for the many benefits it will bring. Below, an excited crowd enjoyed a tour, free food and giveaways that will continue throughout the day.

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