Friday, March 13, 2026
City of Rich Hill Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation
Rich Hill – The City of Rich Hill has received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community. The City of Rich Hill was also recognized with a Blue Shield designation in 2025.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengthen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.
“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”
“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like the City of Rich Hill, that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”
“ We are excited once again to work with the Department of Public Safety as well as the Governor’s Office. For a second straight year, this designation continues to show the commitment that both the City and the Police Department have in public safety. This is another great opportunity for the department to continue to update outdated equipment as well as potentially add new equipment to the department to better serve the citizens of Rich Hill.” Chief Hutchinson stated.
Eligibility and Program Details
Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.
Participation Incentives
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available here.
About the City of Rich Hill
The City of Rich Hill earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. From hiring additional officer’s, to additional law enforcement funding, and continuing the growing relationships with the community stakeholders, the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms the City of Rich Hill’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.
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Obituary - John Stephen Dudzik
John Stephen Dudzik, 90, of Louisburg, Kansas, formerly of East Moline, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. Prior to moving to Louisburg in 2018, John lived in East Moline and Moline, Illinois, for 82 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
John was born on December 5, 1935, in Moline, Illinois, to Andrew and Anna (Visvarda) Dudzik. He was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Moline High School in 1953. After graduation, he worked at Tisher Motors as a mechanic, where his lifelong love of Mopar vehicles began.
He later moved to Chicago to work as a telephone line installer for Western Electric. Seeking greater adventure, John followed his brother’s path and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1954 to 1957. He completed boot camp in San Diego, California, and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, among other locations.
Upon returning to civilian life, John began a 36-year career at John Deere’s Plow Planter Works in Moline, Illinois, where he proudly worked as a second-generation toolmaker until his retirement.
In 1967, John met his future wife, Helen Olender. They were married in September 1969 at St. James Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. Together they raised two sons and were blessed to see their family grow to include two daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
John enjoyed working on cars, driving his R/T Charger, fixing anything and everything, cheering on the Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini basketball, and most of all, spending time visiting his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons, David (Denna) Dudzik of Louisburg, Kansas, and James (Kris) Dudzik of Dyersville, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen; his brother, Frank Dudzik; his sisters, Ann Jablon, Mary Bishop, and Carolyn Zelnio; and his two infant sisters.
Visitation will be held in Kansas on March 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas. Visitation in Illinois will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Esterdahl Mortuary, 6601 38th Avenue, Moline, Illinois.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Divine Mercy Parish at Our Lady of Guadalupe Campus, 800 17th Street, Silvis, Illinois 61282, on March 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Rock Island National Cemetery at Rock Island Arsenal.
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Obituary -JoAnn Falk Allison Buterbaugh
JoAnn leaves behind a stepdaughter, Shirley Bird, three daughters, Phyllis Boren, Becky Clift, and Barb Brooks (Frank), two sons, Mark Allison (Angela) and Matt Allison (Red) 21 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and oldest son, Paul Allison.
On March 14, 2026 a Celebration of Life will be held at the Rich Hill Christian Church, which she loved and was an active member of for many many years. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM and services following at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Carpenter’s Cup.
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Obituary - Rick Zellmer
Richard Scott (“Rick”) Zellmer passed away on December 26, 2025, at his home in Hondo, Texas.
Rick was born on October 16, 1962, at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri, to Jack and Patsy Zellmer. He graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1981 and went on to attend the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1984. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. While at Mizzou, Rick was a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships.
Rick worked for several years in New York and Connecticut. During that time, he met and married Jill Rosenbluth, and together they had a son, Jacob Cameron (“Jake”) Zellmer. Following their divorce, Rick returned to Missouri and later settled in Texas, where he purchased land, raised crops, and fully embraced the Texas life he loved.
In December of 2023, Rick was diagnosed with cancer. He faced his illness with strength and determination and received a clear PET scan in November of 2025. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Rick during this time—those who stayed in touch, offered prayers, accompanied him to medical appointments, and provided care during his chemotherapy and radiation treatments, while also supporting his family.
Rick is survived by his son, Jake Zellmer; his mother, Patsy Zellmer; his sister, Pam Scott and her husband, Rex; his brother, Mike Zellmer; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Zellmer.
A memorial service will be held in Butler, Missouri, in the spring. The date will be announced at a later time.
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Obituary - Leonard Lyman Ayres
Leonard was a member of the High Prairie Church where he served as an elder. He was President of Leavenworth Gideons International, President of the Kansas City FBI Alumni Association and President of Neighborhood House. He was a member of the Salvation Army Board and many committees of the First United Methodist Church. He was Scout Master for Troop 173 for 10 years; during which time all three of his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
At 19 years of age, Leonard bought his first car—a black and white 1957 Chevy--and has been a passionate lover of 1950’s cars since that time. He owned a completely restored 1956 Chevy and a 1951 Chevy truck and was a member of the Kansas City Veteran Car Club. After retirement, he was a member of the early morning Corner Pharmacy Coffee Group and he served as a courier for Zeck Ford.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, his three sons, Michael Leonard (Suzy) Jack, Joseph, Caroline and Natalie; David Victor (Traci) Lily, Lexi and Lydia; Matthew Lynn (Sylvia) Abel and Cecilia; sisters-in-law Rosalee Dark Myers Craig and Donna Dark; nieces and nephews Clancy Myers, Beth Ann Devrow, Darby
Smiley, Jayme Buresh, Lance Murray, Kevin Murray, Kelly Werkowitch; and cousins Rosemary Smith,
Nancy Lee and Peggy Jo Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Mary Murray
and brothers-in-law James Dark, Jim Murray, Bob Myers and Bob Craig.
The burial service will be at Salem Cemetery, Foster, Missouri, at 10:30 pm Friday, April 3rd. Visitation is at High Prairie Church, Leavenworth, Kansas, on Saturday, April 4th 9-10:00, and a celebration of life at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Gideons or High Prairie Church.
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Thursday, March 12, 2026
Flip through this week's News-Review and Shopper!
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Little Apple news
The Appleton City FBLA chapter is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until sold out in the circle drive at the school featuring Sherlene's Reuben Sandwiches. Come kick off your St. Patrick's Day weekend with Sherlene's Famous Reuben Sandwich for $10 and support our FBLA chapter. Thank you in advance for your support.
The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday March 14. All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. Mark Avery will have a short devotional.
Grace Christian Academy will have their 6th annual hog roast dinner with silent and live auctions fundraiser 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in the Lowry City Civic Center, 4th & Cleveland. The hog roast dinner for $10 includes meat, sides, dessert and drink. Children 4-12 years eat for $6, 3 and under are free. Carry out is available. Silent auction from 4:00–6:30 and live auction at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the school or at the door.
Drivers can expect lane closures and occasional traffic delays on Missouri Route 52 and Route J in Bates County and Vernon County Route AA for a resurfacing project beginning the week of March 16. This is the work being done on this project: Missouri Route 52 from Missouri/Kansas state line east approximately 27 miles to Route BB. The contractor will add a new surface, structural work to bridge over northbound I-49 lanes (Exit 131) and add guardrail in areas and rumble strips. Bates County Route J from Route F south approximately four (4) miles to Route 52 will add a new surface. Vernon County Route AA from Route M west of Schell City south nearly 13 miles to Route 52, Contractor will add a new surface and permanent striping. Traffic impacts include: traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are working. Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road. Route 52 over I-49 will be CLOSED for up to 166 days while contractor works on bridge. I-49 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Westbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour north on I-49 to Bates County Route F (Exit 136) at Passaic and back south on I-49. Eastbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour south on I-49 to Route 52 (Exit 130) south of Butler. There will be no signed detour for work on Bates County Route J and Vernon County Route AA. Drivers should find alternate routes to avoid work zones.
Contractor crews have closed the St. Clair County Route H bridge over Monegaw Creek southeast of Appleton City until early May to replace the bridge. Crews will demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new structure. In addition, the contractor will add new barrier walls, object markers at either end of the bridge and new permanent striping. The new bridge also will be six (6) feet wider than the current structure. Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the work zone, but will not be able to drive through the work zone. There is no signed detour Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone. Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project.
Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner will be served March 20 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. Dine-in and carry will be served. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole slaw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $8.
The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for April 24 and 25. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date.
The Appleton City Museum would like to borrow 40 Christmas tree stands or tripods, May-August to help Celebrate 40 years of the Appleton City Landmarks Restoration organization. Be a part of the celebration. Contact 660-492-0131 or acmolampkin@yahoo.com
Ohio Christian Church invites area women to be guests at their Annual Ladies Retreat on March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This spring they’ll be putting down roots and experiencing a mountain-top moment with guest speaker Whitney Kinne of Clinton leading through Jeremiah 17:7-8. Whitney is a vivacious, kind, faith-walking mom and career woman, raised in church and agriculture. They have all kinds of wonderful surprises waiting for you, including a lovely, complimentary lunch. Every detail of the day has been planned and they’ve been praying for you. They can't wait to lift voices in praise, and to love on and learn with you. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. at Ohio Christian Church - located 7 miles west of Lowry City or 10 miles east of Appleton City on Hwy. A. For more information, call 417-321-4177. Be sure to like and follow at Ohio Christian Church on Facebook for more details and coming announcements.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for March, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Friday, Mar. 13 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday; March 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday; March 19 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace; Tuesday, Mar. 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John; Wednesday, March 25 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray; Wednesday, March 25 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni; Thursday, March 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib; Friday, March 27 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA; Tuesday, March 31 - Rheumatology-Dr. John.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mar 14 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.
Mar 14 ACHS FBLA Reuben Sandwich fundraiser 11:00-2:00 at the circle drive of the school
Mar 14 Grace Christian Academy annual hog roast dinner and silent and live auctions 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lowry City Civic Center,
Mar 17 St Patrick’s Day
Mar 20 Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose
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