Reminder: Health Fair coming October 6

Mark your calendar! Our annual Health Fair is coming Tuesday, October 6, from 3–7 p.m.

This year, we're offering five lab tests for just $20: A1C, cholesterol, Vitamin D, TSH and glucose. Men over 50 can add PSA for $2.50. One new add-on for this year is testosterone for $10.

Carotid artery ultrasound will also be available, along with free health screenings.

Location: BCMH Education Center, 615 W. Nursery Street, Butler

More details, including a full list of screenings and participating health care partners, will be shared soon. Follow us here for updates!

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Obituary - Dennis Russell

A celebration of life service for Dennis Russell of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler. Visitation prior to service from 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Inurnment at a later date. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Dennis Leroy Russell, age 70 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at his home. He was born April 24, 1956 to Gaylord Eugene and Patty Lou Quick Russell in Butler, Missouri.

Dennis, one of two children, grew up in Butler, Missouri. He graduated from Butler High School and after graduation began work in artificial insemination. Dennis moved to Dallas, Texas and continued his work on a farm. He returned to Butler where many years later, on January 17, 1991 met Mary Fuller. They enjoyed 35 years together while raising two girls. Dennis had many different jobs in Butler, including a career with Printmaster in Butler building and repairing computers. He built his first computer from parts of four different ones, which led him to a teaching job at Vatterott College in Kansas City, Missouri. During this time he also worked at AT&T in Kansas City–all while continuing his work with artificial insemination. Dennis started Mid-West Genetics, a job he did until his passing.

Dennis is described by his family as an honest and loyal man. They knew his word was as true as his character and did not need to be worried with being led astray by false statements. Dennis also had a good sense of humor–bringing a laugh or a smile to the face of someone when it was most needed. Most of all though, he had a deep love for his family. Dennis spent every possible moment with them. From something as simple as listening to their problems, to supporting them at the state fairs where they showed animals . . . something that Dennis also did in his younger years. Dennis will be missed by all who knew him and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Dennis is survived by his significant other, Mary Fuller of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, Lisa Kirk of Butler, Missouri and Angela Fuller-Stewart and husband Jason of Harrisonville, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Shane Kirk, Jessie Kirk (Melody), Kaina Stewart, Kaiya Stewart, Kaloni Stewart, Jagger Stewart and Kalea Stewart; two great-grandchildren, Alayna and Jax; one uncle, Dwain Russell of Butler, Missouri; and numerous cousins including David Berry and wife Chris of Adrian, Missouri and Greg Berry and wife Karen of Butler, Missouri. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Linda Gail Russell; and one aunt, Karen Russell.

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply check in

A phone call. A text. Sitting down and listening. Reminding someone that they matter. Small moments of connection can make a difference for someone who may be struggling.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent.”, reminds us that suicide prevention is a responsibility we all share. We can help by looking out for one another, recognizing when someone may be struggling, listening without judgment and helping connect them with support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen, provide support and help connect you with resources.

If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

At the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, we encourage everyone to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Check on your family. Check on your friends. Check on your coworkers. Sometimes simply letting someone know “I’m here, and I’m listening” can be more powerful than we realize.

Connect. Support. Prevent. Together, we can help save lives.

Courtesy Miami County Sheriff's Office

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Lady Bears make strong start to season

The Varsity Lady Bears moved to 3-0 in the season with a win over Midway on Thursday with scores of 18-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-14.

The JV Lady Bears remain strong and moved to 2-1 on the season with a win Thursday over Midway as well with scores of 22-25, 25-22, 16-14.

Keep up the good work!

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Henry County Sheriff's Office nabs wanted subject

For the past several weeks, Henry County Sheriff’s Office detectives have been actively working to locate Bryan Keith Sharp, 27, on multiple no-bond warrants.

Last week, during a traffic stop conducted by the Clinton Police Department, Sharp allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Following that incident, our detectives continued developing information regarding his whereabouts.

That investigation ultimately led deputies to a residence in the 500 block of E. Grand River Street in Clinton.

On Thursday, shortly before 4:30 p.m., Sheriff Aaron Brown, Captain Bilbruck, Master Sergeant Logan, Detective Kubilus, Detective Stutzman, Deputy Saulters and Deputy Harms, along with members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Clinton Police Department, responded to and surrounded the residence.

As deputies approached, a subject began to open the back door before quickly retreating inside. During negotiations, Sharp agreed to surrender, voluntarily exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

Sharp was booked into the Henry County Detention Center on no-bond warrants for:

— Receiving Stolen Property

— Possession of a Controlled Substance

— Assault – 1st Degree or Attempt

— Domestic Assault – 2nd Degree

We are thankful for the due diligence and persistence of our detectives and staff, as well as the assistance of MSHP and Clinton PD. Their coordinated efforts brought this investigation to a safe conclusion without further incident.

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Louisburg man dead following motorcycle accident in Cass county

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a 57 year old Louisburg, Kansas man succumbed to injuries when his Harley Davidson left the roadway on route D near 289th street in rural Cass county, MO just before 10:30 pm last night.

The rider was pronounced dead just before 11 pm, as investigators continue to determine  exactly why the motorcycle left the roadway and went down an embankment.

This is the 41st fatality reported by the MSHP in 2026.

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Overnight fire destroys RV in Butler

 The Butler fire department and first responders were called to an RV fire on Lyon street just north and east of the Butler square overnight.

 Fortunately no injuries were reported but the unit was a total loss; the exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. -Photo by Chad Anderson


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Obituary - Willa Lee

Willa Mae Lee went to be with the Lord, at age 92, in Nevada, MO on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. She was born May 9, 1934, in Boicourt, Kansas. She was the daughter of Olley and Bertha (Johnson) Lee.

  She went to grade school in Boicourt, Kansas and graduated from Pleasanton, Kansas High School in 1952. After Graduation she went to work at Bruce Marble Works in Fort Scott, Kansas and worked at The Western Insurance in Fort Scott. Later she took the Civil Service Test and was employed by Farmers Home Administration in Nevada, Missouri. She retired from there after many years of service. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Nevada Missouri and served in many ways including Board Member, Sunday School Teacher, playing the piano and the organ.

   Willa is survived by one sister, Shirley Harden (Donald); one niece, Julie Ellis (Kevin); great-nephews, Marcus Ellis (Katie), Jeroen, David Ellis; one great-niece, Mave Ellis; one great-great nephew, Noah Ellis, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and one great-great niece.

    Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 am, at the Church of the Nazarene in Nevada, Missouri with Reverand Kevin Ellis and Linda Claypool officiating. Interment to follow at the Trading Post Cemetery in Trading Post, Kansas.

    Memorials are suggested in her name to the Church of the Nazarene c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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