Thursday, January 16, 2025
Update from the Henry County Sheriff's Office
We are thrilled to announce a historic moment for our team and the community as Deputy Caldwell takes on the role of the first-ever School Resource Officer (SRO) at Davis R-XII School!
Deputy Caldwell, a proud Davis School graduate, is back where it all began—this time to help guide and protect the next generation. Talk about full circle! Stay tuned for some great photos from his first day at school.
But that’s not all—we’re growing in all the right ways! Please join us in welcoming our new deputies to the Road Patrol: Briley Douglas & Justin McQueen (pictured).
In just the last six months, we've seen teamwork make all the difference. Thanks to our partnership with Judge Baker and the Henry County Circuit Court team, we’ve added Deputy Saulters to enhance courthouse security. Our collaboration with Prosecutor Gray and the Prosecutor’s Office has led to the appointment of Detective Landes as a dedicated law enforcement liaison, helping streamline communication and case management. We want to express our gratitude to our County Commissioners and County Clerk Watson and their dedicated team, who have worked alongside us to help make these important initiatives a reality.
And we’re not stopping there! Plans are already underway to place an SRO in partnership with the City of Windsor and the Windsor Henry County R-1 School District in the coming month.
We’re proud of these partnerships, our team, and the community that makes it all possible. -Courtesy HCSO
Obituary - Roy I. Courtney
Roy I. Courtney passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 11, 2025 at Vintage Park of Ottawa, his home for the past few years.
The fourth of five boys, Roy was born to John R. and Ethel Kern Courtney on April 15, 1933 in Louisburg, Kansas. The boys grew up on an oil lease just north of Somerset and attended grade school in Somerset before moving to Paola in the 1940’s.
Roy enlisted in the US Army May 19, 1953 (during the Korean Conflict) and was honorably discharged May 18,1955. He received the National Service Defense Award. Roy remained stateside during his service, stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He received training that would serve him well in his future endeavors. He said that he got his best education in the army.
A jack of all trades, Roy first worked for Homer Shineman at his service station in Paola. He became a truck driver for Union Gas and later Groendyke Transport, before operating his own plumbing business. He also worked for Rural Water District. In retirement he worked for the Ottawa Car Wash and found fulfillment as a driver for the Franklin County Transportation Service.
Roy married Cleo Nadine Wishart in November 1956. The marriage ended in divorce. He then married Alice Spring Kistler in May 1973. His third marriage was to Rosemary Blanchard Morgan in August 1991. Both Alice and Rosemary preceded Roy in death. His marriage to Irma Sassaman was brief, but they remained friends and companions following divorce.
Although he had no children of his own, Roy passed on knowledge and love for life to the next generation of family and friends. A jokester at heart, Roy was quick-witted and could regale family and friends with stories, which sounded like tall tales but were based on his experiences. Dubbed the “Royster” by coworkers at Franklin County Transportation, his self-proclaimed moniker was Hemor’Roy’d.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents John and Ethel, brothers Charles, Bob, John Jr., and Wayne; and wives Alice and Rosemary. He is survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Frye Courtney, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Per his wishes, Roy will be cremated with an inurnment next to his beloved wife Alice in the Osawatomie Cemetery in the spring. A celebration of life is also planned for the spring.
Should you wish to honor Roy’s memory, donations may be made to American Legion Post 250 in Louisburg, where he was a 52-year member; your local American Legion Post; or the Kansas Honor Flight, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N Pearl Street, Paola, Kansas 66071.
While we mourn his passing, we take delight in knowing Hemor’Roy’d is kicking up his heels once again, dancing and listening to some good old country music. Royster, we appreciate you!
Courtesy Dengle & Son Mortuary, Louisburg Ks
Obituary - Sandra Lee Snethen
November 8, 2024, Sandra Lee Snethen ‘took the bus’. She began life’s journey on November 17, 1946, in Angola, IN born to Alfred and Naomi Poe. The family moved to Whitehall, MI when she was very young. Sandy enjoyed riding her bike to the beach and hanging out with the family dog Nana, a giant St Bernard. A new opportunity led the family to Hazlet, NJ in the early ‘50’s. She was always self-assured and adventurous. As a teenager, Sandy would ride her bike to the station in NJ and board a train to New York City. Her father approved of her skipping school for these trips and would buy her tickets to museums and the Broadway shows. Later the family settled in Northville, MI.
Being the independent lady she was; after graduating high school she departed Michigan on another train headed for Ottawa University. She told her girlfriend she was going to find herself a bow-legged cowboy. Wasn’t long after she met the love of her life, Paul Snethen. He was not a cowboy but definitely bow-legged. They married June 19, 1965. They began their life together and started a family in Ottawa.
In 1972, they moved to Pomona. As per the times, the boys grew up free range with a pack of local kids. The empty lot next to the family home had more baseball games played on it than the school’s field. There was a revolving door for kids in and out of the house.
Sandy had a long career at HD Lee, Designer Products, and Carousel Trading. Eventually she owned and operated her own business Xanthos Graphics where her creative talents and designs shined.
Sandy had many hobbies and past times over the years. She enjoyed crafting and making jewelry. Loved to plant flowers, begonias being her favorite. She and Paul enjoyed sipping wine under the gazebo in the backyard. This summer she spent countless hours on the deck watching Paul tend the flower and vegetable gardens. The couple shared a love of cars. Being avid enthusiasts, they are long time members of Over the Road Gang where Sandy held different roles in the organization. Sandy was a longstanding conservative Republican. She volunteered with the local candidates and worked polling booths at election time. They enjoyed traveling with friends to car shows and time spent glamping at the lake in their motor coach. Sandy was a strong supporter of FedEx and UPS with her on-line shopping. She loved to give gifts with Christmas being her favorite time of year. Sandy had a strong faith and was active in their church until her health no longer made it possible to attend in person.
Another passion they shared was the love of strays – cats and dogs. The revolving door once used by the neighborhood kids, now let the animals in and out. Sandy was partial to the Whippet dog breed. They rescued 3 over the years. Countless stray cats were lucky enough to find their way to the back door, too.
When Sandy boarded the bus early Friday morning, she left behind her husband of 59 years – Paul Sr; her two sons and their wives – Paul Jr & Johna, Sean & Shelli; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; her three younger brothers and their wives – Chuck, Bill & Kim, Al & Chris. Those who proceeded her on the ride home were her parents, beloved sister-in-law Carol (Chuck) and numerous close friends.
Sandy lived her life on her terms. She had unconditional love for her family and friends. She had strong opinions and a tender heart. Instead of flowers, the family would prefer a tribute contribution to Kansans for Life. To honor her memory, donate at: kfl.org. Select the ‘Donate’ drop down menu – Tribute or Memorial Giving option. Select ‘Dedicate this donation’ to leave the family a note: kssnethenfamily@gmail.com
A memorial service will be held at 10am January 25 at Ottawa Community Church.
Courtesy Dengle & Son Mortuary, Louisburg Ks.
Obituary - Ginger Orlene Freeman
Courtesy of Atkinson Funeral Home of Harrisonville, Mo.
Obituary - Carolyn Diane Jobe
Carolyn Diane Jobe, was born May 20, 1942, to Shirley Belle Morgan and Kern Luvene Griffis in Kansas City, Missouri, and left us on January 14, 2025, to take her place dancing with the angels.
Circumstances surrounding her parent’s union left her without a father. At the age of 6, her mother met and married Buell C. Clemons, who became “Daddy” immediately and remained so for the rest of her life. Carolyn attended elementary schools in Bogard, Carrollton and Sedalia, Missouri before the family settled in Smithton, Missouri, where Carolyn graduated high school.
After graduation, Carolyn met Leslie E. Hansen and they were married on April 28, 1962. The couple started their life in Sedalia, Missouri before moving to Salisbury, Missouri, where, for the biggest part of her life, she spent as a homemaker raising their five children.
Carolyn was an artist. She began painting in oils, entering several of her paintings at the State Fair and winning ribbons. Several times she was asked to paint multiple copies of her most popular paintings for those who loved them and wanted to exhibit a piece of her talent. She continued expanding her talents into charcoal drawings and watercolors, eventually rounding out her talent into many different media areas, which included outstanding paper maches, wood and metal and a whole host of other odds and ends that were extremely unique, all showing her amazing unique personality. The last 20 years of her life, she turned her talent into creating handmade, totally one-of-a-kind quilts, spending these years of her life creating amazing works of art in the form of her quilts. She was asked to appear, and did, at several quilt clubs to demonstrate her unusual techniques. In March 2024, she entered what would come to be her last art show, winning several ribbons for both her charcoal drawings and quilts.
Carolyn had a huge sense of adventure, skydiving at age 75, hot air balloon rides, visiting haunted hotels, many many float trips and road trips. She was enthusiastic about anything she believed would be fun to do or try. She loved to dance and was never still.
Carolyn possessed a unique sense of humor. She loved to laugh with others and at herself. She was so full of life and creating art that sometimes ended in only the most comical of situations which could and did occur. In later years, she was fiercely loyal to anyone she considered her friend and dearly loved her church and her Sunday School class. She volunteered for many projects, including the Community Café in Sedalia. Carolyn donated her time and funds to any in need, including the Missouri Children’s Home.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her half-sister Barbara Denhart and her first great-grandson, Gavon Xander Smith.
Carolyn is survived by her children: Rhonda Hazell (husband Vernon Lesmeister); Jeffery A. Hansen, (wife Lori); Lesley D. Pollack, (husband John); Stephanie A. Crisler, (husband Todd); and, Michelle K. Franklin, (husband Joe); 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; her sister, Kaye McMullin (and husband Ken); an aunt; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, her church and Sunday School families, and numerous other very good friends.
Per Carolyn’s request, there will be no funeral or burial services, but a Celebration of Life service which will be held at her church, Parkview Christian Church, Sedalia, Missouri, on a date and time not yet determined.
The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to Parkview Christian Church or the Missouri Children’s Home.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
Courtesy Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City Mo.
Thursday local sports roundup
Courtesy Cody Morris, Tailgate TV
The Butler Bears hosted the Archie Whirlwinds on Wednesday (1.15.25). Both teams came into the contest searching for their second win of the season as the Whirlwinds sat at 1-2 while the Bears came in with a record of 1-7.
The Bears jumped out to a quick start, led by Jake Chandler who had 10 pts in the opening period for Butler. After the first 8 minutes, the Whirlwinds found themselves in a 14-8 hole. By intermission, the Bears would continue to hold a 6 point advantage, with a halftime score of 23-17.
In the second half of action, the Bears offense would continue explode, scoring 16 in the third, and 18 in the fourth, while the Whirlwinds struggled, scoring only 11 points in the entirety of the second half.
By the end of the game, Butler would claim a 57-28 victory and secure their 2nd win of the season.
The Bears had an impressive 9 different players score in the game, led by Jake Chandler with 16pts (all in the first half). Delozier contributed 10pts for Butler, while Grubb, Doll, Payne, Davidson, Phillips, Triebel, and Carter all got in on the action as well for the Bears.
Archie was led by in scoring by Thompson who ended his night with 9pts (all in the first half).
The second round of the Appleton City Basketball Tournament tipped off last night (1.15.2025). The Rich Hill Lady Tigers were slated to face the Miami Lady Eagles. Rich Hill would be looking to get back into the win column after dropping 4 consecutive games, coming after a 5 game win streak to open the season (5-4). The Lady Eagles came into the night with a 3-8 win-loss ledger. Final score was Rich Hill 63, Miami 48.
More from the 43rd Appleton City tournament:
Ladies- Lakeland 28, Montrose/Ballard 57
This page to be updated as more information becomes available.
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