Obituary - Margaret Engle

Margaret Engle, 80 of Kanas City, Kansas passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019 at River Bend Care Center. Graveside services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri. No visitation. 

Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Margaret was born June 8, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri to Henry and Margaret Campbell Stevenin. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Willard Stevenin, and brother-in-law DJ Rash. Margaret is survived by her son Gene Engle, sisters, Norma Rash and Linda VanHoecke, her brother Ronald Stevenin, along with nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Student brings gun to Belton Middle School

On 9-30-19 at about 12:20 PM, Belton Police school resource officers were notified that a student had brought a gun to the Belton Middle School (107 Pirate Pkwy) and hid it in the gym area.

A 14 year old was referred to the Cass County Juvenile Office. The gun was recovered and no one was injured in any way.

The Belton Police Department and the Belton School District are continuing to investigate the incident.

Obituary - Charles "Chuck" Foxworth

Charles “Chuck” Alvin Foxworth, age 82, of Butler, Missouri passed away September 29, 2019 at his home in Butler. Cremation, with memorial services scheduled for 6:00 pm Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Double Branch Christian Church. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Fuenral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

He was born on April 23, 1937 in Chipley, Florida the son of Alrie “Red” Jackson Foxworth and Emma Lee Skinner. He was an electrician with his dad before enlisting in the Army in 1955. After being honorably discharged from the army, he married Alice LeWallen in 1957 after 36 years of marriage Alice passed away. Chuck was a man of many talents including putting together bicycles and wagons from the dumpsters for his kids. Chuck worked in the orange groves of Florida then later moved to Kansas to work road construction as a roller operator where he earned the nickname Smooth. He worked as a roller operator until he retired in 1999 from the Operators Union. He was united in marriage in 1995 to Joyce Clark and was married for 23 years until his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Alice, and 3 brothers Johnny, J.R. and Paul Foxworth. His survivors include his wife Joyce of the home. Two brothers Roy Gene Foxworth and wife Betty, Jerry Foxworth and wife Hazel. One Sister, Agnes Scurlock and husband Tom, all of Chipley, Florida. Two Sons Richard Glen Foxworth and wife Cora of Bremerton Washington and Tim Foxworth and wife Pam of Mound City, Kansas. Two Stepsons Tony Clark and wife Sherry of Nevada, Missouri and Perry Clark and wife Lisa of Butler, Missouri. One Stepdaughter Kristi Gaylord and husband Richard of Butler, Missouri. Eight Grandchildren: Aaron Foxworth and wife Ricque, Kristin Burris and husband Tommy, Alicia Meadors, Rudy Abala and wife DeAnn, Renae Duncan and husband Skylar, Duane Gaylord and fiancé Ashley, Kadan Jackson, and Alan Clark. 15 Great-Grandchildren: Kayla Abala, Hunter, Hayden, Houston, Holden, Jaidynn, and Jilliann Foxworth, Corbin Dozier, Alex Foxworth, Dominic and Isabella Howells, Michael, Charlotte (Charley), and Noah Meador, Addisynn Marrone and 1 on the way Brendan Gaylord. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Updated Obituary - Barbara Joan Burch

Barbara Joan Burch, 89 of Butler, Missouri passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Research Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Mullinax Funeral Home (660-679-0009) in Butler. 

Visitation will be Monday evening from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow services in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler. Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Butler Senior Center, or Giving Fore Living. Messages and memories for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Barbara was born on December 15, 1929 in Butler, Missouri at the old hospital on South Havana Street, the daughter of Otis Harrison Ehart and Edna Alberta Boling Ehart. She was an avid lifelong farm girl, she was knowledgeable in the operation of a farm, and she often remarked her familiarity with the farm was because she was her dad’s “son” for farm work.

Barbara was a graduate of Butler High School and proud to be drum majorette and baton twirler for the marching band. She married Bill Burch on September 30, 1950 at the Christian Church. Leroy Beckham performed the ceremony. She then continued her life as housewife, farmwife, mother, cub scout den mother, 4-H leader, secretary and receptionist for Dr. Curtis Long for 31 years.

Kids and grandkids were everything to Barbara and Bill. As their family grew, they were always available for babysitting, or watching the kids in sports, or whatever was needed. They made it their priority. Only Barbara lived long enough to experience great grandchildren, and she has now been seen in 5 four-generation pictures.

Throughout her life, Barbara was a mover and a shaker. She wanted to participate and excel at just about everything and she scheduled her activities down to the minute. During high school Barbara worked at Wheeler Baker, Ray’s Tin Shop, JB Walton, Vance Clothing, Charley Wynes Grocery, and Bates County Farm Bureau. She was a member of DAR, president of Butler High Alumni, Old Settlers, and Progressive Ladies Extension Club. She was always active in the Bates County Republicans.

In her “retirement” years Barbara enjoyed organizing tours and bus trips for her own “Lots-O-Fun Tours.” She was a devout worker and supporter at the RLDS (now the Community of Christ) Church, a key volunteer at the local thrift shop, and both a participant and organizer at the Butler Senior Center. She was Bates County’s hummingbird lady and authority. She wrote articles and weekly factoids for the local papers and did presentations on her little feathered friends for clubs and organizations. She would reserve calendar dates and drive miles for card games. And she liked to win.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her husband William A. (Bill) Burch, who died December 2012, and was also preceded by her father and mother-in-law, Jerry and Mary Burch, whom she called Mom and Dad as if they were her own.

Survivors include Dr. Doug Burch and wife Danel, Neosho, MO, Larry Burch and wife Denise, Butler, MO, Brett Burch of the home. Grandchildren Danica Mooney and Michael, Devon Figge and Matt, Jessica Burch, Darci Cohorst and Josh, Jamie Liles and Jared, and Will Burch. Five great-grandchildren and one scheduled to arrive in October. Barbara will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Obituary - Glenn William Mullen

Glenn William Mullen, 83, Peculiar, MO, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019 at John Knox Village Hospice House in Lee’s Summit, MO. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO with burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2 at the Atkinson Funeral Home.

(A complete obituary will be posted when information is available).

Obituary - Larry Ridgway

Larry Ridgway, 74, Calhoun, passed away Friday, September 27, 2019 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. Condolences and fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 5-7pm at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 2pm also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Calhoun Cemetery, Calhoun, Mo. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the Larry Ridgway Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Larry Eugene Ridgway was born August 30, 1945 to Johnnie and Jenneva Ridgway. Larry attended high school in Calhoun, Mo, graduating in 1963. He later married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Linda Redding Ridgway, on June, 12, 1964; they remained married until his passing. Their marriage produced two children, Bret Ridgway and Krista Lutjen, of whom Larry was very proud of.

Larry lived a very full and busy life. He enjoyed his work life, working for White Sheet Metal Roofing as a union roofer until 1984. He then became a union crane operator (Local 101) in Kansas City, Ks, for Harrington Roofing Company, where he retired in 2007. He worked at many construction sites in the Kansas City area, all the while wearing his "cowboy hat" hard hat and making several close friends along the way. Although he grew up in a small town, Larry could confidently tell you how to get anywhere in and around Kansas City, and was always proud to point out the projects that he worked on as he passed by.

Larry also enjoyed his farm life. He grew up on a farm working with his dad and mom, and later continued farming with his son, Bret, and grandsons, Cole, Austin and Chet. He loved being out on a tractor, working fields and bailing hay. Larry loved his cattle work as well. In 1999, Larry went into a cattle partnership with Henry Adkins, of Henry Adkins Printing. Larry and Henry were great friends and met every Sunday to discuss cows and business. When Larry was not working or tending to his farm, he was competing in horse shows. He and his family participated in shows all over the state of Missouri, alongside longtime friend Russel Hudson, winning the State Fair numerous times, as well as The American Royal. Larry enjoyed taking his family to Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming, where he loved watching the Chuck Wagon races and visiting the horse sale. In his down time, Larry also enjoyed playing card games with his friends and family - which usually ended up being a learning experience for everyone else.

Larry was known as a hardworking and humble man with hundreds of friends. He was a man of faith and would have done anything asked of him, regardless of personal gain and without complaint. He took great pride in everything that he did, whether it be working, farming, or spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He lived a very fulfilled and happy life and will be greatly missed by all.

Larry is survived by his 95 year-old mother, Jenneva; the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Linda; his son, Bret Ridgway (Cathy Ridgway); his daughter, Krista Lutjen (Cody Lutjen); 6 grandchildren; Cole Ridgway (Carolina Gahn); Austin Ridgway (Kayla Ridgway); Chet Ridgway (Katerina Schroeder); Cody Escalante; Courtney Rotramel (Jessica Symmonds); Shaylee Lutjen (Spencer Ferrebee); his nephew, Kevin Redding and family; his niece, Ann Bilbruk and family; his sister-in-law, Mildred Redding; his great friends, Russel Hudson and Judy; Jessica Hostle and family; and lastly his beloved dog, Jack Russell Eugene Ridgway, whom he grew to love more than he ever thought he would.

Larry is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Ridgway; brother-in-law, Kenny Redding; sister-in-law, Doris Bonner; nephews, Larry Keith Chastain and Cody Bennefeld; and foster son, Daryl Fallin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.

Obituary - Timothy " Tim" Silver

Funeral services for Timothy "Tim" Silver age 50 formerly of Adrian will be held on Friday October 4, 2019 at 1:30pm at the Schowegerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.

Tim is survived by his parents Kenny and Thelma Silver of Nevada,Missouri, 1 daughter Faith Silver of Archie, Missouri, 1 stepson Matt Keek and 2 stepdaughters Ashley and Sarah.

Funeral is under the direction of the Schowegerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.

Clinton man arrested in Henry County

On 9/29/19 around 10:13am the Missouri State Highway in Henry County arrested 24 year old Steven M. Cope of Clinton, Missouri.

Mr. Cope was arrested for 1.) Possession of Stolen Property - Warrant 2.) Exceeding the posted speed limit 3.) No Valid Plates.

He was booked into the Henry County Sheriff's Office in Clinton and is currently listed as bondable.

Copyright Mid America Live News 

Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Obituary - Barbara Jo Burch

Barbara Jo Burch, 89 of Butler, Missouri passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Mullinax Funeral Home (660-679-0009) in Butler. 

Visitation will be Monday evening from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow services in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Butler Senior Center, or Giving Fore Living. Messages and memories for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Complete obituary information will be published as it becomes available.

Manhunt Underway In Miami County Kansas

**UPDATE**

A vehicle was stolen out of LaCygne and a pursuit began with the vehicle in Linn County. After the vehicle crashed in the area of 399th and Rockville Rd, a KDWP Officer began a foot pursuit with the suspect in a heavily wooded area. A perimeter was set up and agencies were called to assist with the track of the suspect, including two K-9s and a helicopter. After exhausting all efforts the manhunt was called off. Deputies will remain in the area and citizens are still urged to call 911 if you see someone matching the description in the area.

Deputies are assisting the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Linn County Kansas Sheriff's Office search for a suspect who fled on foot from them in the area of 399th Street and Rockville Rd. The suspect is a Hispanic male wearing black shorts and possibly no shirt. If you see the suspect please call 911.

Heavy Rains in Cass County

7:20 PM Update: The heaviest rain has fallen across portions of Cass county, with 3.86 inches reported at Harrisonville between 5 and 7 PM CDT. Dangerous flash flooding is ongoing in Cass County. 

Please, do not drive into flooded roadways! Rain will continue to fall across the region for the next couple hours, with lingering showers and thunderstorms overnight.

Flash Flood Warning in Cass County

6:10 PM Whoa!!! 2.20 inches have fallen in Harrisonville over the past hour and heavy rain will continue over the next hour or so. Please! Do not drive through flood waters!!

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative power outage east of Harrisonville

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Crews are headed east of Harrisonville to make repairs to an issue causing an outage for approximately 150 members on the East Lynne substation. 

Power will be restored as quickly as possible. Stay safe everyone as the rain passes through the area!

Obituary - Steve Dale Hawkins

Funeral services for Steve Dale Hawkins will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Visitation will be immediately prior to services from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Steve Dale Hawkins, 62, of Springfield, MO formerly of Butler was born March 2, 1957 in Butler, Missouri the son of Ervin Shobe and Betty Hawkins Cooper.

Steve is survived by son Joshua Hawkins of Butler and daughter Tatum Hawkins-Hays and husband Keith of Springfield, Missouri; brothers Melvin Shobe and wife Teresa and Kenny Cooper all of Butler; and Gerald Shobe and wife Debra of Rich Hill, Missouri; sisters Etta Williams-Jack and husband Jammie of Kansas City, Missouri; Karen Mallatt and husband John and Carla Besendorfer and husband Dan all of Butler. Also four grandchildren Bryson, Erica, Corbin and Tye

Week 5 Missouri State High School Football Scores 9/26-9/27-2019

Adrian 27, Cass Midway 12

Appleton City 70, Chilowee 28

Archie 36, Jasper 0

Ava 44, Salem 16

Blair Oaks 56, Eldon 6

Blue Springs 35, Blue Springs South 17

Blue Valley KS 21, Rockhurst 14

Bolivar 28, Central 12

Boonville 35, Osage 14

Bowling Green 20, South Callaway 10

Buffalo 42, Warsaw 6

California 33, Versailles 30

Camdenton 57, Hillcrest 7

Carl Junction 56, Ozark 20

Cassville 21, East Newton 7

CBC 45, St. Louis U High 14

Central (Cape Girardeau) 33, Sikeston 0

Central (Park Hills) 31, Ste. Genevieve 14

Centralia 34, Brookfield 0

Chaminade 50, Jefferson City 21

Charleston 24, Kelly 10

Christian (O’Fallon) 43, Bishop DuBourg 14

Cole Camp 46, Sherwood 12

Crest Ridge 26, Wellington Napoleon 21

Cuba 30, St. James 13

DeSmet 52, Vianney 14

DeSoto 38, Festus 20

Dexter 32, Doniphan 0

Drexel 51, Osceola 6

East (KC) 50, Central Academy 20

East Newton 35, Malden 30

El Dorado Springs 46, Butler 14

Eureka 55, Parkway South 7

Fair Grove 56, Stockton 12

Farmington 49, Poplar Bluff 20

Fort Osage 24, Oak Park 14

Fox 49, Oakville 21

Francis Howell 42, Troy 24

Glendale 52, Parkview 8

Grain Valley 41, Winnetonka 20

Hallsville 33, Southern Boone 21

Hannibal 41, Kirksville 27

Harrisonville 21, Excelsior Springs 14

Hayti 34, Central (New Madrid) 30

Helias 47, Borgia 7

Hermann 46, Owensville 38 2 OT

Hillsboro 25, Windsor (Imperial) 13

Holt 45, Francis Howell Central 7

Jackson 56, Battle 12

Jefferson (Festus) 30, Crystal City 0

Jennings 30, University City 0

Joplin 48, Branson 7

Kennett 45, North County 6

Kickapoo 33, Rolla 7

Kirkwood 38, Pattonville 17

Knob Noster 65, Carrollton 7

Ladue 43, Clayton 0

Lafayette (Wildwood) 35, Northwest (Cedar Hill) 7

Lathrop 47, West Platte 0

Lawson 41, North Platte 6

Lee’s Summit 45, Park Hill South 35

Lee’s Summit North 27, Liberty 14

Lee’s Summit West 40, Staley 0

Lexington 46, Holden 16

Liberal 66, Rich Hill 42

Liberty (Mtn View) 35, Willow Springs 12

Liberty North 42, Central (St. Joe) 7

Lincoln 49, Sweet Springs 12

Lincoln College Prep 30, Pembroke Hill 7

Lockwood 46, Pleasant Hope 8

Lone Jack 35, St. Paul Lutheran 14

Lutheran North 90, Lutheran South 8

Lutheran St. Charles 54, St. Charles 0

Nixa 20, Neosho 6

Marionville 42, Diamond 13

Marquette 37, Lindbergh 14

Marshall 48, Fulton 8

Marshfield 42, Hollister 21

Maryville 61, Cameron 0

McDonald County 25, Nevada 0

Mexico 62, Clinton 6

Mid Buchanan 35, Penney 0

Miller 55, Ash Grove 0

Moberly 42, Macon 32

Monett 46, Rogersville 14

Monroe City 22, West Hancock ILL 0

Montgomery County 44, Mark Twain 16

Mound City 48, North Nodaway 0

Mount Vernon 46, Aurora 0

Nixa 20, Neosho 6

North Callaway 60, Van Far 20

North Shelby 46, North Andrew 36

Odessa 42, Oak Grove 10

Orchard Farm 47, Winfield 26

Park Hill 13, Raymore Peculiar 10

Pierce City 56, Forsyth 0

Platte County 35, Raytown South 6

Potosi 24, Fredericktown 21

Raytown 48, Ruskin 6

Rock Bridge 39, Hickman 8

Reeds Spring 28, Springfield Catholic 15

Republic 48, Willard 43

Seneca 15, Lamar 11 

St. Charles West 49, Warrenton 21

St. Clair 32, Union 12

St. Michael 38, Southeast 14

St. Pius X (Festus) 41, Herculaneum 0

St. Vincent 40, Perryville 21

Savannah 58, Benton (St. Joe) 14

Scotland County 46, Salisbury 6

Smithville 48, Smith Cotton 0

Sullivan 28, Pacific 12

Thayer 47, Houston 0

Timberland 56, Ft. Zumwalt East 14

Trinity 48, Duchesne 0

Valle Catholic 55, Grandview (Hillsboro) 18

Van Horn 67, Northeast 0

Warrensburg 28, Pleasant Hill 24

Washington 22, Liberty (Wentzville) 15

Waynesville 77, Springfield Central 0

Webb City 32, Carthage 7

Webster Groves 48, Ritenour 7

West Plains 36, Lebanon 35

William Chrisman 15, Truman 13

Windsor 45, Strafford 20

Worth County 42, King City 6

Wright City 20, Clopton 14

Obituary - Milli Dahn Hughes

A visitation will be held for Milli from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, MO.

A private immediate family committal will be held following the visitation at Valley Center Cemetery near Deepwater, Missouri, with Pastor Tony Reynolds officiating.

The family suggests any memorial donations be made to The Ronald McDonald House. These donations may be left at the funeral home.

Milli Dahn Hughes, age 9 weeks, departed this earthly life September 22, 2019. Milli was born July 22, 2019 in Nevada, Missouri the daughter of Shawn Michael Hughes and Kenda Dahn Meredith.

Those who preceded Milli in death were her maternal grandfather, Donald Martin, her paternal grandfather, Donald Hughes and paternal great-grandparents, Dennis and Shirley Hughes.

Family members left to mourn her passing are Milli’s parents, Shawn and Kenda; her sister, Lexi Vansell and brothers, Mack Hughes and Hayden Hughes; her maternal grandparents, James and Karla Meredith; her paternal grandparents, Kim Schussler (Chris); her uncle, Ryan Meredith (Kim) and cousins, Tristan and Emily Meredith; her aunt, Kalen Meredith and cousin, Kloe Meredith; her uncle, William “Chris” Hughes and cousins Katelyn Jewel Hughes, Mickenzy Hughes and Krista Hughes; her maternal great-grandmother, Berniece Martin; maternal great-grandparents, Leroy and Jane Meredith; and her paternal great-grandparents, J.C. and Helen Jones.

Milli was so new to her family, but much loved and cherished. She will be sadly missed and always remembered.

Obituary - Sharon Lewis-Ellis

Sharon Lewis-Ellis, Springfield, Died September 22, 2019, in her home under the care of hospice. Sharon was born on April 15, 1952 in Pendleton, Oregon to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lewis. She graduated for Pendleton High in 1970 and attended Portland State University. 

She relocated to Springfield to care for her grandmother. Sharon's career included women's retail with Neff's on the square. Her career with Joe Maxon of Maxon's Jewelers included national advertising awards, design, sales, and diamond buying trips to New York. Sharon was a financial advisor, working alongside her husband with Waddell & Reed for over 20 years until her health forced early retirement.

She is survived by her husband, Don; son Rich (Amanda) Lewis, Logan & Eden of Nixa; Don's children, Darren (Lashonda) Ellis of Springfield; Debra (Mike) Salmans, Hope, Luke, and Levi of Willard, MO; brother and sister in law Robbie and Susan Rotert of Appleton City, MO; her special cousins, Melody (Marty) Bare of Sparta MO; and Rick Miller of Exeter, CA; a very special classmate, Cheri Aubert of Suison City, CA; and her special clients, friends, and coworkers. Her special coworkers always called her "grandma."

Sharon loved day trips, long road trips through the West and South, mountains, animals, Indian history, coastlines, and beaches. She loved visiting old churches from various cultures. She loved antique shopping and during the past few years became interested in preserving her father's history in Pendleton, OR. Sharon, or "Sarge," as she was known lovingly, became very involved with the Yellow Rosebud Cemetery Project, and the many new friends in Appleton City, MO who 'adopted' her.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Russ Detten and staff, Dr. Charles Woodall and staff, Dr. Craig Boswell and staff, all the angels at second floor Hulston Infusion Center, and finally Paula, Alice, Vanessa, and Suzi at Hospice Compassus. You provided Sharon with love, dignity, and respect at the end of her two year journey.

Sharon could pinch a penny and make it three. As a result she asked not to be remembered by flowers but with a donation to:

Appleton City Landmarks Resoration, Inc. (ALCR)
a 501(C)3 non-profit
503 N. Maple Street
Appleton City, Missouri 64724
A Celebration of Sharon's life will be Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Ltd., DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory
.Don will spread Sharon's ashes in Oregon next Spring.

Kansas City man seriously injured after attempting to flee from police in Vernon County

On 9/27/19 around 3:40am the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Vernon County responded to a one vehicle accident on Missouri 54 Highway around 12 miles west of Nevada at Route T.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accidnent occurred when the 2002 Lexus driven by 18 year old Joseph Laster of Kansas City, Missouri was attempting to flee from police when he veered off the roadway and struck a utility pole.

Mr. Laster sustained serious injuries in this accident and he was transported by life flight to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri for treatment.

The vehicle was totaled and towed from the scene by Phillips Wrecker of Nevada, Missouri.

Charges are pending an investigation at this time.


Copyright Mid America Live

Obituary - James R. Smitka

James R. Smitka, 60, Clinton, Missouri passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 in Kansas City, MO. Condolences and fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com. Visitation will be held this Friday, September 27 at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home from 4 to 6 pm, with a short service from 6 to 6:30 pm and full military honors immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the VA Hospital in Kansas City.

James Robert Smitka, 60, died Sunday, September 22, 2019 surrounded by loved ones at the VA Hospital in Kansas City after a long battle with cancer.

Jim, as he was known by friends and family, spent his entire career in the military. Jim joined the United States Air Force right out of high school and served his country proudly for 32 years, the first 8 in active duty as an aircraft weapons systems technician in the South Pacific. He spent the next 25 years in the ART program with the 442nd Fighter Wing at Richards-Gebaur and Whiteman Air Bases, where he participated in many stateside and overseas assignments and training exercises. Jim officially retired from the Air Force in 2009.

Jim loved life, nature, family and friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and would take anyone with him who wanted to go. He loved sharing his excitement for life and freedom with others, and especially the love of his life Penny, his children and grandchildren. Jim had a passion for helping his community and enjoyed writing stories highlighting local heroes and their lives for the Daily Democrat in a weekly column called “What’s your Story?”

Jim is preceded in death by his father William Smitka and sister, Susan Thurman. He is survived by his wife Penny Smitka; mother Carol Smitka; brothers William Smitka, Jr. and wife Eileen, and John Smitka and wife Crissy; sons Jason Smitka, wife Linzi and granddaughter Bodhi, and Mr. Tyler Smitka MO-1; daughter Ashley Smitka and grandchildren Violet and Gabriel; step sons Eric Burton and wife Heather (H1) and Aaron Burton and wife Heather (H2); nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.

Obituary - Erma Lea Herndon

Erma Lea Herndon, 78, Cleveland, MO, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, MO.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, September 30 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.

2019 Archie Homecoming Royalty

Congratulations to Claire Barber and Larry Knibb on being crowned 2019 Archie Homecoming King and Queen.- Photo Submitted to us

Prayers for the Drexel Fire Department

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 2am

State Farm student athlete of the week Jacob Coffey from Drexel High School

State Farm of Butler would love to congratulate the State Farm student athlete of the week Jacob Coffey from Drexel High School. Jacob is a freshman on the Drexel football team. His coach Phillip Dean nominated Jacob. Coach Dean stated "Jacob is one of the humblest kids you will ever meet. Although he is in the top 6 of rushing in 8-Man football, he goes out of his way to be a kind and caring individual who leads by example. You will never find him disparaging another student.

And although he is athletically gifted, he is always working to improve his craft, never missing a single day in the weight room and being extremely coachable.”. When Jacob was asked to describe what it takes to become an elite athlete he stated "to always work hard and continue to improve." In his most recent game, Jacob rushed for a total of 185 yards on 12 attempts for 3 TD's and had a total of 21 tackles on defense, with one fumble recovery and one defensive TD. We were proud to present Jacob with this award.-Courtesy of Kellie Davidson State Farm

36 years of service for Sharon Scrogham

Thank you for 36 years of service to Sharon Scrogham. You will be greatly missed by residents and staff of Butler Center! Good luck on your next adventure.

Obituary - Elias Anthony Thom

Elias Anthony Thom infant son of Elijah and Clara Thom of Belton, Missouri departed this life Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Truman Medical Center - Lakewood, Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Elias is survived by his parents Elijah and Clara Thom of the home; his paternal grandparents, Kenny and Kelly King of Harrisonville, Missouri; his maternal grandparents, Paul Myler of Peculiar, Missouri and Traci Volener of Belton, Missouri; and his sister, Stella Nova Myler of the home.

Cremation. No services are scheduled.

Arrangements are under the care of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Obituary - Richard Eugene “Dick” Burhart

Richard Eugene “Dick” Burhart, 87, Adrian, MO, passed on to his eternal reward Friday, September 27, 2019 at the farm in Adrian. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian. Contributions may be made to charity of choice.

Dick was born May 15, 1932 to Clarence James and Gladys Lorene (Nicholas) Burhart. He was a graduate of Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO. Afterwards, he joined the Army for three years and was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Quartermaster Parachute Maintenance Company with a group known as the Hell's Angels.

Miriam Elizabeth Fuller became his wife on September 18, 1953 and they recently commemorated 66 years of marriage. In 1955, he proudly joined his father in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #124, retiring in 1994. Dick accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1997. Serving in the community was important to him and he was a member of the Optimist Club. Dick bowled in a league at Nichols Lanes, as well.

Dick enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, ping pong, tennis; really all sports. Spending time with his wife and their children (with families) was a great pleasure to him, especially during Thanksgiving where he would show off his barbecue and baking skills and Christmas when he decorated an elaborate tree.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Survivors include his wife, Miriam; his daughters, Carol Goodrum (Jim), Karen Moore (Drew), Diana Adell (Mark); his son, Paul Burhart (Dawn); 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Coy Oakley; a sister-in-law, Ann Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews.