Want to become a Certified Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer?

Now’s the time to register!

Two upcoming Leader Certification Workshops:

Western Heritage & Hunter Skills

April 17–19 | Dysart Shooting Complex (Marshall, MO)

$60 (includes curriculum, lunches, materials & ammo)

Register Feb 1–Mar 31 (or until full)

Shooting Sports Leader Certification

March 27–29 | Camp Galilee (El Dorado Springs, MO)

Part 1: Online training (required, one-time $20)Part 2: In-person workshop | $150

Register Jan 1–Mar 15 (or until full) via 4-H Online

Full details & registration info:

https://extension.missouri.edu/.../shooting.../volunteers

Nevada PD confiscates meth, handgun during traffic stop

On Wednesday, Nevada Police conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the recovery of suspected methamphetamine and a handgun.

As a result, a Kansas City, Missouri resident is now facing multiple felony charges. Once the investigation is completed, it will be sent to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney for review of formal charges.

Great work to these officers for taking a proactive approach in removing these items from our community!

Obituary - Larry Lee Smith

Larry Lee Smith, of Garden City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Glendale Gardens in Clinton, Missouri.

Larry was born on April 3, 1940, to Merlin Lee Smith and Neva Lorine (Warren) Smith. He was a graduate of Harrisonville High School, where he was active in Future Farmers of America and proudly showed livestock, early signs of his lifelong love for agriculture and the outdoors.

On December 6, 1964, Larry was united in marriage to Wanda Gilkeson at the Garden City United Methodist Church. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership filled with love, dedication, and shared memories that spanned more than six decades.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1964. Following his military service, he worked as a postal carrier before ultimately returning to his roots as a farmer, a role he cherished deeply. He was also a devoted 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and faithfully served on the Sherwood School Board, always giving back to his community.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry found peace and joy in nature. Whether working the land or enjoying time outside, he was happiest under open skies. Above all, he treasured time with his family and took great pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Wanda Smith, of the home; his children, Tracy Smith and wife Kim of Garden City, Missouri, Trent Smith of Garden City, Missouri, and Lori Naber and husband Jimmy of Clinton, Missouri; his grandchildren, Erin Feeney and husband Derek of Belton, Travis Smith and wife Melanie of St. Joseph, Danny Naber of Clinton, Joey Naber of Clinton, and Kaylee Naber of Clinton; and his great-grandchildren, Neva Anne Feeney and Calvin James Feeney.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Neva Smith, and his beloved daughter, Gina Smith.

Larry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, strength, dedication to family, and deep love for his community and country. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Garden City United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

Obituary - Carolyn Marie Hill

Carolyn Marie Hill, 76, of Butler, MO, formerly of Thornton, CO, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at her home. Service information will be posted when they are available.
Carolyn Marie Hill was born on November 15, 1949, to Clark Amerius Steel and Frances Marie (Lindic) Steel in Spokane, WA. She grew up there on the family farm and graduated from Reardon High School in 1968. After school, she worked at Yellowstone National Park before she joined the United States Air Force and served for 4 years. Later, she moved to the Thorton, CO, area, and she raised her two children, Michael and Megan. Carolyn worked a long career at Kraft Cheese doing procurement until her retirement. She loved spending time doing activities like riding her motorcycle through the mountains of Colorado, shopping, traveling, selling Mary Kay, and loving on her animals.

Carolyn Marie Hill is preceded in death by her father, Clark Amerius Steel; son, Michael Ryan Hill; and sister, Colleen Lindberg. She is survived by her mother, Frances Marie Steel of Reardon, WA; daughter, Megan Bolin of Butler, MO; granddaughter, Marissa Bolin; great-grandson, Kashton Bolin; brother, Craig Steel; and nephews and nieces.

Obituary - Pearl Elaine Barnes

Pearl Elaine Barnes, 84, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. Funeral Service will be on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, Missouri, with an interment to follow at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian MO. There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Atkinson Funeral Home.

Pearl was born on September 19, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Frank Joseph Dogle and Alice Leona (Cooper) Dogle. She attended Southwest High School in Kansas City. On January 1, 1961, she met the love of her life, John Woodrow Barnes, and just nineteen days later, they were married, beginning a devoted and joyful marriage that lasted 52 years. In her early years, Pearl dedicated herself fully to being a wife and mother, raising five children with patience, strength, and unconditional love. As her family grew, she entered the workforce, holding positions at an egg plant, the IRS, and later as an insurance adjuster for Federal Crop Insurance until her retirement. Retirement never slowed Pearl’s servant heart; she went on to provide in-home care for the elderly, offering dignity, compassion, and comfort to those in need.

Pearl found deep joy in life’s seasons, especially the time she spent with her children. September held a special place in her heart, as it was the month she spent with her daughter Monett “Moe,” canning, thrifting, gardening, and savoring the simple rhythms of life together. In the spring, Pearl cherished time with her daughter Christine “Chris,” traveling, sewing, reading, and enjoying life’s quieter moments. Pearl also shared a special bond with her daughter, Nicole “Nikki.” She loved going out with Nikki and often spoke of how much fun they had together, saying Nikki “did it right.” At the same time, Pearl deeply appreciated the care, tenderness, and devotion Nikki gave her when she needed it most. Pearl lived with her daughter, Elaine, where she found comfort, companionship, and joy, especially in their shared love of traveling and being together day to day. Pearl also treasured the many phone conversations she shared with her son, Joseph “Jay.” Those calls were a meaningful part of her days, filled with laughter, connection, and the comfort of hearing his voice.

Pearl enjoyed traveling, quilting, reading, fishing, and cooking, always happiest when surrounded by family. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. A devoted member of the Assembly of God Church, she especially loved Friday night gospel singings, whether at her home church or throughout the community. Later in life, she joined the TOPS group, where she formed close friendships while pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. One of her biggest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pearl was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, John. She is survived by her children: Elaine and husband Mark Rasmussen, Joseph “Jay” and wife Chris Barnes, Monett “Moe” and husband Dale Jackson, Christine and husband Calvin Collins, and Nicole and husband Carl Walquist; sixteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

Pearl’s life was defined by love, faith, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to walk beside her through life’s seasons.

Wednesday basketball scores

Boys

Leeton 60
Archie 63

Chadwick 56
Lamar 52

Girls

Leeton 0 (forfeit)
Archie 1

Pleasant Hill 48
Crest Ridge 38

Lockwood 42
Lamar 39

Warm up, rain, and another warm up

Scam alert from the Bates County Sheriff's Office

It seem that the scammers are continuing to make their rounds in our county. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving calls regarding someone impersonating a law enforcement official in attempt to get money, prepaid cards or personal information. This is our reminder to you that we will never call you to tell you that you have a warrant and ask for payment over the phone, we will not ask you for prepaid cards for ANYTHING that requires payment, and we will not ask for your personal information over the phone.

Please do not give out banking information, debit or credit card information, personal information such as your address or social security number to anyone over the phone. The Sheriff’s Office is also NOT calling over the phone to ask for any type of monetary donations for anything. Scammers may give a “Deputy’s name” when they call to make themselves seem more legit. They often pray on elderly unassuming people, so please, if you have loved ones who may not have social media- reach out to them and let them know this information. Stay vigilant Bates County!