An opportunity to help as our community mourns

I have talked to other business owners that are also asking “What can I do”. Bates County is made up of mainly small businesses so I want to reach out a request… First responders have carried a HUGE amount of this weight the past few days in our community. I want to put out there that we will offer free food, comfort food, drinks, whatever is needed to first responders, family members, or anyone directly carrying the weight of this tragedy. I also want to invite any other business that would like to share on here (I don’t care if you are considered a competitor or not, that does not matter right now) anything you are offering as well.

If you need a coffee, sandwich, or some ice cream then we want to invite you in Tuesday & Wednesday for a free meal.

The last few days have been extra heavy for Bates County, Mo. Butler in particular. As I filter through the news feeds with a heavy heart for everyone involved, I also realize how beautiful our community is. We are Bates County. When tragedy strikes, someone needs something or if there is a super heavy burden, the citizens around tend to have the initial response of “what can I do to help?”

If you are like me and have been asking this exact question that I know most around here are asking themselves, I also want to point out that we are a praying community. You don’t have to like it or even agree with it but it’s what we do. We are the type to show up as a stranger to a stranger and offer a hug, handshake, and prayer all in one single movement. There is nothing you can say to a victim or first responder to change what is in motion but there is something powerful about praying for them. Pray for peace. Pray for comfort. Pray for honest and truthful answers in the investigations. Pray for first responders that can never unsee what they see on the daily and keep stored in their minds while continuing to do their jobs serving our community.

While I can only imagine but not truly fathom the weight of this emotional rollercoaster, I can say that one of the things I see (and makes me proud to be a Bates County citizen) is the way the people show up. We have our differences, strong political viewpoints, and complaints about each other because we are such a tight knit community. But when there is a need, Bates County SHOWS. UP.

It's a place where we will

- pray for you even if you are a stranger (we don’t care)

- we will offer you a place to stay

- you will give you a hug even if you aren’t a hugger

- we reach out asking how you are doing – prepare for 4,243,478 social media messages because it will happen!

- we will bring you food and encourage self-care at a time of loss and high emotions

- we ask “how can I help?” so many times it practically enters a number into infinity

- community groups will start to pour in at overwhelming numbers asking the previous question and doing the previous items listed

- Bates County citizens have a true desire to carry some of that burden in heavy moments. We look for ways to pick someone up when they don’t have the strength to stand.

- barriers and disagreements are set aside in an instant and everyone is suddenly on the same team regardless of what township they live in, what school they went to, or who they voted for. None of that will matters anymore.

The thing is, unless you have experienced living somewhere else, you think this is normal. This is rare!!! Bates County is very special. So, if you are scrolling Facebook or any other media outlet wondering the same thing most are in this moment…. “What can I do?” please remember that the biggest and best thing you can do is pray.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

Byrds Pecan Delights, Adrian MO

Find more on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/byrdspecansdelights

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Obituary - Steven Edwin Lindsey

Steven Edwin Lindsey, 82, entered his heavenly home after a life filled with faith, family, friendship, service, and adventure.  Born August 10, 1943, to Elson L. “Jack” and Sarah Ella Lindsey, Steve grew up on the family farm in eastern Kansas, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, hard work, horses, and the simple joys of country living. He often fondly recalled riding horses across the countryside, swimming in creeks and ponds, harvesting honey, trapping critters, raising livestock, and exploring the world around him with boundless curiosity.  Steve often said he had lived a wonderful life, and those who knew him would agree. Whether canoeing Missouri streams, conducting auctions, building businesses, serving his community, or riding horseback on trails throughout the country, he embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. His career included service as a forester, educator, businessman, insurance agency owner, auctioneer, and entrepreneur. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Forestry from the University of Missouri and remained a lifelong advocate for conservation, outdoor recreation, and responsible stewardship of God's creation.  Steve carried forward a family auction tradition that began with his grandfather in 1916. He spent decades in the auction and real estate business, working alongside his father and later his son, Todd. Throughout his life he built businesses, mentored others, and developed friendships that spanned generations and communities across Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and beyond.  He described his wife, Priscilla Kaufmann Lindsey, as “a gift from God.” Married on December 12, 1981, they shared nearly 45 years of love, partnership, ministry, travel, and countless miles together in the saddle. Horses became a defining part of their life together as they raised, trained, competed, and judged trail horses across the United States. Together they helped establish and maintain more than 150 miles of horse trails in Kansas and dedicated countless volunteer hours promoting responsible trail riding and public access to the outdoors.  Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who made it his mission to ensure everyone around him was well cared for. He is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; sons Todd, Troy, Dustin, and Jared; ten grandchildren, Taylor, Bailey, Henry, Oliver, Max, Grace, Nathalie, Allabelle, Claire, and Eleanor; two great-grandchildren, Levi and Willow; brother, Marvin; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  Most importantly, Steve's life was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ. Alongside Priscilla, he devoted himself to serving the church through leadership, teaching, ministry, and church planting. He loved studying God's Word, encouraging others in their faith, and helping people move beyond simply knowing Scripture to living it. His church family at Mt. Zion Community Church became a cherished source of fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.  As he approached the end of his earthly journey, Steve did so with peace, gratitude, and unwavering confidence in God's promises. Reflecting on a life he considered richly blessed, he wrote that he looked forward to Heaven much as one looks forward to a vacation or a new trail to explore. "This is going to be a real experience, like none I have ever had," he said.  He left his family and friends with a final message filled with love, faith, and hope:  "Open your Bibles and study hard so we can be together in Heaven and worship our Lord and Savior in the presence of God. Love you. — Steve"

Memorial services will be held at Mt. Zion Community Church in Cherryvale, KS on Saturday July4 (supper at 6:00PM and service at 7:00PM with fireworks to follow) and Schneider Funeral Home in La Cygne, KS on Monday September 7 (visitation at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alpha Christian Children’s Home and School in Perry, KS or Back Country Horsemen of America.

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Obituary - Adam Lee Johnston

Adam Lee Johnston, 57, passed away in his residence in Linn Valley, Kansas on June 9th, 2026. Linn Valley had been Adam’s home for several years; he built a cabin by Linn Valley Lake and spent his days building, playing music, and working on various projects around the property alongside his son, Eli, with whom he shared the residence.

Adam was born on April 9th, 1969 in Tokyo, Japan to Gerald Johnston and Judy Tarwater. He grew up in Eudora, Kansas with his mother and five brothers before eventually relocating to Lawrence, Kansas to start a family. Anyone who knew Adam would describe him as a hard working, music loving, coffee drinking country boy. He felt most at home in the calm of a small town, playing guitar on the porch with the song of cicadas and the horn of a train blowing in the distance.

Adam maintained an unwavering curiosity in the way things worked. As a child, he enjoyed tinkering with household objects and taking them apart to understand their mechanisms. This curiosity led Adam to his love of repairing things, big and small. In his adulthood, Adam worked as the primary HVAC and maintenance engineer for the Holiday Inn and Springhill Suites Marriott in Lawrence, and eventually the Courtyard Marriott in Shawnee, Kansas. In his free time, he spent as much time as possible working with his hands on a number of his own vehicles over the years. His handy nature extended beyond car repair to carpentry, electricity, home improvement, and landscaping.

Music fed Adam’s spirit; The dial on his stereo was fixed on the classic rock station, filling his home, garage, and office with Eagles, AC/DC, The Yardbirds, and Eric Clapton. Nothing compared, however, to Led Zeppelin. He dedicated himself to learning to play their music, amassing an impressive collection of band memorabilia, and imparting the sanctity of Zeppelin upon his children. His interests in music and building easily intersected; he spent a few years learning how to build guitars, which he spent hours on end strumming.

Adam is survived by his three children: Eli, Ian, and Holly Johnston; his brothers Krystopher Hylton, John Hylton, and Eric Johnston; and his stepfather, Bob Degenstein. He is preceded in death by his mother, Judy Degenstein, and his brothers Thad and Scot Johnston. He will be greatly missed.

“And as we wind on down the road

Our shadows taller than our soul

There walks a lady we all know

Who shines white light and wants to show

How everything still turns to gold

And if you listen very hard

The tune will come to you at last

When all are one, and one is all

To be a rock and not to roll”

• Led Zeppelin, “Stairway to Heaven”

Courtesy Schneider Funeral Home

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Obituary - Elaine Briden

Elaine Briden age 82 of Deepwater, Missouri departed this life Friday, June 12, 2026 at Beautiful Savior Home, Belton, Missouri surrounded by love and family. 

Cremation with no services scheduled. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Jo Ann Weddington Bonner

Jo Ann Weddington Bonner departed this life at the age of 89 Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Parkway Senior Living Retirement Community—Memory Care, Blue Springs, Mo. Jo Ann was born April 3, 1937, to David Leon and Ruby Lee McClendon Weddington near Harrisonville, Mo., in the Lone Tree community.

The family Jo Ann grew up in was large, and times were tough, especially after her mother passed away in 1942. She and her siblings were raised by their aunt, Daisy Hammontree. Jo Ann’s strong work ethic was forged early on when she began working to help support the family. After completing the 8th grade, her first job was washing dishes in a restaurant. She was so small she had to stand on a chair to reach the sink!

Though Jo Ann lacked a secondary education, she spent most of her adult life working in physicians’ and dentists' offices in the Kansas City metro area. When she worked for a successful dentist’s practice on the Plaza, she was the lead assistant, advancing to the position of office manager.

Jo Ann met her husband, Benjamin J. Bonner Jr., in Kansas City, and they were married soon after. In the early years, they lived in Wichita, Kan., but returned and settled in the Kansas City area. They had one son, Eric, who was born in 1959. For a number of years, the family lived on the east side of Kansas City but moved to South Kansas City in 1972 near Longview Lake.

Before Ben passed away in 1988, the couple decided to build a new home in Raymore, Mo. Interestingly, Jo Ann served as the general contractor for the project, hiring the sub-contractors and supervising the entire construction process. Even more interesting, the house was an earth contact structure, which garnered attention as a new type of home being built at the time. When completed, the home was surrounded by Jo Ann’s beloved flower gardens.

Following Ben’s death, Jo Ann met Berry Garrison and they formed a close bond, enjoying each other’s company at their place on Pomme de Terre Lake, where they fished for white bass and crappie. They also loved traveling, taking their RV to various places throughout the country. They spent several winters in Florida and Texas where they made many friends and square danced away!

Known for her quick wit and engaging personality, Jo Ann had a smile for everyone she met, especially her family. She loved family dinners, reunions, and spent countless hours chronicling the family’s genealogy. She also was deeply loved by her extended family, which included Fluff the Persian cat, who lived to be 20 years old, and Baron the German shepherd.

One of Jo Ann’s other lifelong passions was gardening. She had a greener thumb than most and won numerous awards for her efforts, including being named a master gardener in the state of Missouri. She also served as president of the Raymore Garden Club, and throughout the city she was known as the “flower lady.”

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Scott Leon Weddington, Kenneth Weddington, Ollie Elizabeth Osburn, Barbara Jean Hill; and half-brother John Weddington.

She is survived by her son, Eric Bonner and his wife, Diann, of Blue Springs, Mo.; two granddaughters, Beth Ann Cook and her husband, Gabe, and their children, Charles and Dean of Blue Springs, Mo.; and Sara Bonner and her husband, Stuart Washington, and their son, Sylvan, of Kansas City, Mo. She is also survived by three half siblings, Lyle Dean Weddington, Sandra Asher and Holly Weddington, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

The family hopes that when you think of Jo Ann, you’ll lovingly remember her warm smile, quick wit and the beautiful flowers she shared with so many of us.

The family suggests contributions be made to Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care (Shawnee Mission, Ks.), Catholic Charities, Wayside Waifs or Powell Gardens.

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Former Director accused of stealing $200k from Bates County Industries

A former employee of Bates County Industries located in Butler, MO has been accused of stealing $200,972.42 during her time serving as director beginning in 2021.

Documents indicate that Donna Maciel, 57, sold back vacation and sick time which was prohibited, as well as giving herself cash advances without paying it back, charging for mileage while driving a company vehicle, as well as abuse of company credit cards among other allegations all totaling over $200,000.00 during approximately a three year period.

Charges filed in the Bates County Circuit Court as as follows:

Count 1 - Stealing - $25,000 Or More { Felony C RSMo: 570.030 }

Count 2 - Stealing - $25,000 Or More/Teller Machine Or Contents { Felony C RSMo: 570.030 }

Count 3 - Stealing - $750 Or More { Felony D RSMo: 570.030 }

A warrant for Maciel's arrest was issued on June 12, 2026 indicating a $100,000 cash only bond.

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Commission adds clarification to senior tax credit questions

Minutes from the June 1, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting

The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Layne Anderson came in and spoke with the Commission about the recent passing of his dad and the position that he held. Layne shared his story of the background his family had with the Cornland Special Road District and his passion for filling the role his mother and father played on the Road Districts Board, as well as his grandfather before them.

Layne had reviewed a lot of paperwork and information about the Road District Board and asked the Commission about a few individuals on the board and asked if there was a way that he could be appointed. Jim asked if he was living in the township to which he assured the Commission he was. Jim then grabbed the township chart and checked out the positions available, spoke over what the positions required and told him to go back and speak with the other members of the board to see what they felt he should do. In doing so, they could have an official meeting, so everything is documented and backed up by the entire township board on paper.

He also asked about past minutes that were turned into the Commission, but they quickly informed them that every township fails to turn anything into the Commission. He then asked if that was supposed to be happening to which the Commission informed him that was correct, but as mentioned before, townships just don’t. Lastly, he asked about the Audit that was done and wondered what they thought. After conversation over that, they reminded him that Townships are their own governing body.

Jami Page, the Bates County Clerk, came in to discuss Resolution No. 26-001 involving Senate Bill 3. She revised the property tax section of the resolution and added a date.

John made a motion to add the date to the resolution. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jami then asked that the Commission consider ceasing the application process for the Seniors that had already applied the previous year. She informed them the Cass County has it that way and encouraged them to reach out and ask them questions on how things would work moving forward. She expressed that this was just something she wanted them to consider and did not expect an answer yet.

She also clarified that her office will not be the one to take the applications for Senate Bill 3.

Jim found a statute that stated individuals cannot apply for Senate Bill 190 and Senate Bill 3, they can only do one or the other. The Commissioners and Jami then discussed the better choice being Senate Bill 190 for anyone 62 or older to completely freeze their property tax instead of applying for Senate Bill 3 and having a 5% cap instead of 0%. While Senate Bill 3 is for all ages, they feel as though the office that is distributing the applications needs to encourage anyone 62 years of age or older to apply or reapply for Senate Bill 190 and educate them on why that’s best for them.

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