Community Food Pantry Volunteer Spotlight: Carolyn Jett

Today we’re shining a light on someone whose creativity, compassion, and steady dedication make a real difference at the Community Food Pantry of Butler — Carolyn Jett.

Many in Bates County know Carolyn from her years as an art teacher at Butler High School, where she inspired students to explore their creativity and see the world with curiosity and heart. Now, she brings that same spirit to the pantry, where she has been volunteering with us.

When we asked Carolyn what surprised her most about volunteering at a food pantry, she shared something that stays with you:

“A surprising thing I learned while volunteering at the food pantry is that many people we serve have jobs or receive government benefits, but their income is not enough to support them, especially when they have children. The pantry bridges the difference.”

Her insight reflects what so many in our community experience — and why the pantry’s mission matters.

We also asked what keeps her coming back, and her answer captures the heart of our volunteer family:

“The camaraderie of fellow volunteers and workers and a feeling that is good being done is what keeps me coming back.”

Carolyn added a sentiment that beautifully sums up who we strive to be every day:

“The pantry is a caring group of people who are sharing hope with the people of Bates County who struggle with food insecurity.”

Carolyn, thank you for the kindness you bring, the perspective you share, and the hope you help spread. Our community is stronger because of you.

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Harrisonville schools honor Jake Kohl

JAKE KOHL DAY!

We are celebrating our #WildcatFamily retirees. Each retiree will enjoy a special “day” in his/her honor that includes surprises, fun, and the chance for us to express our appreciation for all they have given our students and schools.

Today – April 8 – is officially Jake Kohl Day in our district. This morning, we surprised him to kick off the day’s festivities. Check back here throughout the day for special posts in Jake’s honor.

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Nevada PD brings runner to stop in short order

Last night, Nevada Officer Palmer attempted to stop a vehicle. When he activated his emergency equipment, the vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, a Vernon County Deputy Sheriff successfully deployed stop sticks, which helped disable the vehicle.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and Nevada Police Officers and Vernon County Deputies were able to safely take the subject into custody. The subject was taken to the Vernon County Jail, and the case will be submitted to the Vernon County Prosecutor for review and filing of formal charges.

Officer Palmer continues to be proactive in his patrol efforts and remains committed to helping keep this community safer.

Courtesy Nevada Police Department

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Loaded up and truckin'

THE METZ DEPOT WILL BE ON THE MOVE TOMMOROW (Thursday)

The estimated time it will arrive at Frontier Village is 12 noon. Maybe a little early, maybe a little late. PLEASE REFRAIN from trying to follow us from Metz, too much going on to have a parade! The Bates County Sheriff's Office will be escorting us in which we are VERY THANKFUL! Also Osage Valley will be lifting all the power lines needed to clear the needed height, that's another reason its best to meet in Adrian.

We are VERY thankful for their willingness to help also!

Courtesy Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association


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Miami JH track results from Tuesday

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Butler High school track results from Monday

Monday night Butler high school track teams took their first ever trip to Appleton City for a meet on their new track. Being a new track, it was particularly fast, and the Bear took full advantage of it by setting 14 new personal records! They also brought home a large share of the hardware by winning 10 medals, 3 being gold.

Below are those who finished in the top 8 of their events or set a personal record:

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Obituary - Miller Joseph Callahan

Miller Joseph Callahan left this world April 2, 2026 to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he loved.

Miller was born July 19, 1967 in Butler, MO.
He relocated to Harrisonville, MO in 1969 and remained there until his death. He was 58.
Miller’s first job was at age 11 (he was already 6 ft tall). He was the dishwasher at The Hotel Harrisonville on the square before it was lost to fire in 1983.

He was the manager of the Harrisonville Dairy Queen for a number of years before finding his true calling. He found great fulfillment in the role of support staff/care giver for the local care providers of disabled adult men. He loved his “boys,” as he called them. He took care of his boys even while dealing with his own disabilities! Due to ongoing challenges with his own health, he chose to retire in 2019.
Miller loved music. He was a DJ (Miller Man in the Morning), a talented guitarist, and could remember every song, artist, and band he’d ever heard. He even made up his own songs. 

After Primary Progressive MS and Hydrocephalus took his ability to play the strings, he would air-drum, air-guitar, and sing along – even when he did not know the song or all the lyrics, both of which occurred rarely.

Miller never blamed God for the MS or Hydrocephalus. Rather, he made them an integral part of his ever-deepening love of Jesus. He never let an opportunity to praise God in word or song pass him by without deliberate and mindful words of gratitude. His faith in Jesus was unshakable and lead him boldy into heaven.

Miller was preceeded in death by his parents, Les and Jessie Bailey, his 1st wife of 25 years, Debbie (Huntsucker) Callahan.
Miller is survived by Alicia Callahan, his wife of 13 years, his 5 children: Kyrie, Ian, Julianna, Bobbi Jo, step-son Bradley (Alicia), and his sister Melissa. He is also survived by his 7 awesome grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his extended in-law families.

We praise God for the gift he gave us of Miller Joseph Callahan. “Precious In the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saint” Psalm 116:15

Soli Deo Gloria 

In lieu of flowers Donate in Miller’s name to the local food pan Where you may live.  

Graveside service date and time is pending for more information contact a family member for information.

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Obituary - Eva “Sharon” (Thompson) Wirsig

Eva “Sharon” Wirsig, 81, of Cleveland, MO, who was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, peacefully left this world to begin her eternal life in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on March 31, 2026.

Sharon was a devout Christian who loved singing with all her heart and might for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of the Drexel Nazarene Church, she later found a loving church home at South Fork Baptist Church. During the 1980s, she enjoyed serving as a camp counselor at both the Nazarene Church Camp and the KC Youth for Christ L-Bar-C Ranch.

She was a sweet, caring, and compassionate person who would do anything to help anyone in need because she loved people. Although she was blessed with an only son through her brief marriage to Kenneth Wirsig, she loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own.

Family was the cornerstone of Sharon’s life. She was especially proud of her son, John, and his wife, Jamie, but it was her role as ‘Grandma’ that truly made her heart sing. She was the devoted grandmother of Robenton (“Ben”), Hyden, and Reagan, and she could almost always be found in the front row of their lives. Whether she was beaming during their musical performances at the Drexel Fall Festival or cheering them on at college and high school concerts, Sharon was their most loyal fan. She cherished every moment of their acting performances, finding immense joy in seeing all three of her grandsons shine on stage.

Eva “Sharon” (Thompson) Wirsig was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 15, 1944, to Hugh Rolland Thompson and Bertha Mamie (Thompson) Slager. Hugh Rolland’s parents were Hugh McKinley Thompson and Ola Mae (Hunt) Thompson. Bertha Mamie’s parents were Alfred and Mamie H. (Anderson) Johnson.

A resident of Independence, MO, she moved to rural Freeman in 1955. Her early career included positions with Sears, Roebuck & Co. at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO, and at the Railway Express Agency (REA) in Chattanooga, TN. Following her interest in the beauty industry, she attended cosmetology school and worked as a beautician until her retirement.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, John Slager; her brothers, Burman Delon Thompson and Kenneth Raymond Thompson; and her sister, Connie Jean Thurman. She is survived by her only son, John Paul Wirsig, and daughter-in-law, Jamie Michelle Wirsig; her grandsons, Robenton “Ben” Armand Wirsig (fiancée Paityn), Hyden Parker Wirsig (wife Kayla), and Reagan Delon Wirsig; her sister-in-law, Mary Rose Thompson; and her good friends, Mary Shelton and Michael Bennett. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Bryan Thompson, Denise Cox, Jarrette Thompson, Kenneth Thompson, Rebecca Thompson, Jonathan Thompson, and Kimberly James, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Sharon’s wish was for all of her loved ones to accept the salvation that Jesus offers to everyone on earth. Her favorite verse was John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Services will be held at South Fork Baptist Church, 31903 State Hwy O, Drexel, MO 64742, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

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