Friday, July 4, 2025

Rich Hill parade highlights

 


GRAND MARSHAL HONORS went to Boone and Vickie Ross who led the parade through downtown Rich Hill this afternoon. More highlights below:



























































Bates County Fair coming next week!

 Click image to enlarge, save or print


Scattered showers, warm and humid weekend ahead

Obituary - Dawn L. Chandler

 Dawn L. Chandler was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was born on February 5, 1962, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, the second eldest of the Mulvihill children. Due to her father’s service in the Navy, Dawn spent much of her childhood traveling across the country.

As a young woman living in California, Dawn met Victor A. Mason. Their love quickly grew, and they were later married. Together, they raised three wonderful sons. In time, the family relocated to Nebraska, where they built a new life. Sadly, Victor passed away after many years of marriage. 

Driven by a desire to help others, Dawn later returned to school and earned her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Her dedication, compassion, and perseverance made her a natural caregiver. 

Dawn also had a deep love for animals, especially those in need. She spent countless hours rescuing dogs from kill shelters, hoarding situations, and advocating for animal adoption. It was through this passion that she met a kindred spirit, Ernie Chandler. Their bond grew, and Dawn honored his final wish by becoming his wife—though tragically, she lost him to cancer just one week later. 

Even through personal loss, Dawn continued to live with selflessness and strength. She retired early to care full-time for her aging parents, lovingly supporting them through their final years. After their passing, Dawn’s own health began to decline. During this difficult time, she was surrounded by love and care from her sons, Jeremy and Josh, and their families, who supported her with unwavering devotion until her passing. 

Dawn is preceded in death by her first husband Victor Mason, her second husband Ernie Chandler, her parents Harold and Patricia Mulvihill, and her brother Scott Mulvihill. She is survived by her brother Michael (Wailani) Mulvihill and kids Haley and Colin, sister Holli Mulvihill, and her beloved sons: Jeremy (Kristin) Mason and their children Valerie and Victor; Josh (Dwan) Mason and their children Hunter, Desarae, Brayden, and Nathan; and Aaron Mason. And niece Staci, Alli and their son Beckett Drescher.

Dawn’s life was a testament to love, compassion, and resilience. She leaves behind a legacy of care—for both people and animals—that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Scattered Joy Acres, Murray, Nebraska.

Memorial Graveside will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 28, 2025 at Calvery Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska.

Obituary - Chuck Lawrence

Chuck Lawrence, 82 of Cleveland, Missouri passed away July 2, 2025 at Overland Park Regional Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, 19950 Broadmoor Ln, Stilwell, KS 66085. Memorial services will follow at 12:30 pm Saturday, July 12th, also at the church. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the USD 368 Endowment. Checks can be made out to USD #368 Endowment Association or by clicking on the following link: http://bit.ly/Endowment-Donations. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.


Charles (Chuck) LeRoy Lawrence was born Oct. 2. 1942 in Kansas City, MO. He was the fifth child and only son born to Ethel and Otis Lawrence. This meant he was spoiled rotten and constantly fussed over by his ever-adoring sisters.

He and his family moved to Stilwell, Kansas in 1955. Here his love for country life and athletics emerged, and he spent time riding horses and playing football, basketball, and baseball. Chuck graduated from Stilwell High School in 1960. A scholarship took him to Ft. Scott Community College for football and basketball, but homesickness brought him back home. His cure for that was to join the US Army. He was shipped to Germany after basic training where he spent his days as a clerk typist in the 79th HQ company.


Upon discharge, he married Rita Boehm, and with her established a home in Hillsdale with their sons Greg and Keith. He and his second wife, Marilyn Slawson, and their daughters, Heather and Lacy, lived in Stilwell. His cowboy lifestyle is probably part of the reason he was too independent for marriage. He never enjoyed sitting still and staying in, and even in the last weeks of his life, he could be found golfing with friends and attending softball games of his youngest grandchild.


Chuck worked as a carpenter, a car salesman, a courier, and found his greatest success in collections. His true calling was in managing people, and he loved his employees like family. After he retired, he even did a stint as an Uber driver.

He loved going to Arizona during the winters, but eventually moved back to Stilwell to live with his sister Barb and her husband, Chuck. This put him in closer proximity to the grandkids and their sporting activities. He spent a lot of his time coaching and critiquing from a bleacher seat or folding chair.


Chuck lived life big. He loved life, and he loved people. He couldn’t resist a deal, even if that deal was slightly questionable, and he loved a good bet. He’d give the shirt right off his back and the $100 bills in his wallet to anyone who needed them, including his mom when aunt Bobby wasn’t looking.


Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Shirley, Maxine and Geraldine (Tutty) and son Keith. He is survived by his sisters Barbara and Sue, son Greg Lawrence, daughter Heather Lawrence-Kauk (Mike), daughter Lacy Ohlmeier (Curt), grandchildren Chaz and Casin Lawrence, Maggie, Carter, Stella, and Delaney Kauk, Josie (Cody Gabriel) and Lucas Cummings, Rebecka Jensen (Michael) and Blake Ohlmeier, great-grandsons Bridger and Lawson Jensen, and many nieces and nephews.


Minor injuries in rollover near Butler

 


IN THE WEEDS Fortunately the driver of this vehicle sustained only minor injuries in an accident that occurred this morning on Business I-49 just north of TT highway. 

With an uptick in holiday traffic, everyone is encouraged to use extra caution while traveling over this busy weekend.


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