Obituary - William John Trager, III

William John Trager III, age 53 of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at his home. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

William John Trager, III, was born March 26 th , 1967 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the fifth child of William and Patricia Trager. Bill passed away at home in Clinton, MO, on September 1st , 2020.

Bill lived most of his life in Clinton, MO, moving with his family in 1974. Bill completed all of his schooling in the Clinton school system and shortly after graduating high school, joined the Missouri National Guard.

Bill served honorably for over 20 years in the National Guard, serving in Combat Engineering units in both Kansas City and Clinton, MO, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class, a senior NCO. While in the service he completed two overseas tours on active duty, including a 15-month combat tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as a 12-month tour on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

Bill earned multiple awards and medals during his service and tours of duty,including Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal,and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He was honorably discharged for retirement on May 30th , 2016.

Shortly after his retirement from the National Guard, Bill began taking care of his mother as her full-time caretaker due to her declining health. He made sure she was able to reside in the home she loved, caring for her needs, until she passed a few short weeks ago.

Bill is survived by his sisters Annette McCune of Crystal River, Florida; Debbie (Tom) Dennis, Sioux City, Iowa; Cindy (Doug) Zach, Norfolk, Nebraska; and Tracy Trager of Florida. He is also survived by his brother, DJ (Renee) Trager of Houston, Texas. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceding Bill in death are his father and mother William J. Trager Jr., and Patricia Ann Nuhn. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton. Services are pending.

Henry County Health Center confirms 4 new positive cases of COVID-19

The Henry County Health Center has received confirmation of four more positive cases of COVID-19. Two individuals reside in the town of Clinton, one from Windsor and one from Chilhowee. This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Henry County to 125.

With the holiday weekend HCHC cautions everyone to be ever diligent in maintaining social distancing. But if you are not able to distance, please wear a mask or face covering. Be safe out there.

Meet The Republican Candidates of Bates County

Meet The Republican Candidates

Old Fashioned Fish Fry prepared by The Redneck Fishin Club.

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 at Trent's BBQ, Rich Hill, Mo. Starts at 6 p.m.

Carry out will be available and everyone is welcome!

*Patricia Pike for State Rep. District 126
*Rick Brattin for Senate District 31
*Ken Mooney for Northern Commissioner
*Trent Nelson for Southern Commissioner
*Carl Bettels for Assessor
*Greg Mullinax for Coroner
*Chad Anderson for Sheriff

Much Cooler Temperatures On The Way

A strong cold front will pass through the area around the middle of next week. Confidence is increasing that well below normal temperatures will occur for the last half of next week. That may include low temperatures in the upper 40s and lower 50s.

Obituary - Charles Irvin Key

Charles Irvin Key, 88, passed away Sept. 3, 2020 to enter those pearly gates that awaited this faith-filled, educated, gentle man. His journey toward those gates began on March 8, 1932 in Fort Scott, KS. Charles was the baby of Logan and Ruth Key's family as he joined his older siblings: Chester, Fred, Marie, and Lorna. His childhood and school years were spent in Hume, MO. Upon high school graduation, he attended two years of college at Fort Scott Junior College before serving 2 years with the United States Army.

On his return to civilian life, he attended college and graduated from Pittsburg State University. At this time, he began his 35-year love affair with education as a teacher in Walnut, KS. After earning his Masters Degree, Charles taught or was a school administrator in Fort Scott, Blue Mound, and Mound City in KS; and in Butler, Harrisonville, and Lee's Summit in MO. For 17 of those years, he served as the Elementary Principal in Greenwood, MO.

Even though much of his life was devoted to education, his relationship with God and church remained an integral part of his Baptist upbringing. He served many years in the First Baptist Church of Greenwood as Sunday School teacher, Director of Sunday School, and as Church Treasurer.

His life was filled with friends and colleagues who would often accompany him on travel adventures. Mexico vacations were among his favorite. He also enjoyed attending musicals and performances at Quality Hill with friends. Charles enjoyed cooking for company and eating. A good lemon pie brought a smile to his face. Fortunately, his bridge-playing group could squeeze eating and cards into the same evening.

In 2004, Charles moved to Pickering Place south of Belton to live a quiet life with friends and with coffee buddies at McDonald's. This generous and kind man will be missed by many nieces, nephews, former students, colleagues, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and all four siblings, as well as many good friends.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, September 7, 2020 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Hume Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the Pleasanton Chapel. Contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Poker Run officially underway

Update: Missing silver alert canceled in Belton

UPDATE 8:38AM 9-5-20
BETTY ST PIERRE HAS BEEN LOCATED AND IS SAFE.

A Silver Alert has been issued for 78 year old Betty St Pierre. She was last seen approx 9:30am on 9-4-20 leaving the Lakewood Terrace Apartments.

Her destination is unknown and she was driving a red 2007 Nissan Versa. No license plates were on the vehicle.

If you have information on her whereabouts, please call Belton Police Department 816-331-1500 or 9-1-1.

2020 Missouri State High School Football Week 2 Scores:

2020 Missouri State High School Football Week 2 Scores: 

Archie 56, Rich Hill 34

Adrian 26, Lighthouse Christian 20
Aurora 22, Monett 7
Ava 20, Strafford 14
Battle 52, Capital City High 12
Butler 61, Sherwood 0

Blair Oaks 49, Knob Noster 0
Bolivar 42, Parkview 7
Booneville 74, Holden 2
Buffalo 49, Forsyth 0
Carthage 21, Carl Junction 20
California 49, Fulton 0
Cassville 22, Marshfield 20
Center 40, Marshall 6
Crest Ridge 44, Wellington-Napoleon 6
Cole Camp 40, Lone Jack 0
Drexel 34, Appleton City 6

Fair Grove 58, Liberty 38

Farmington 10, Potosi 6
Grain Valley 36, Oak Park 6
Hannibal 32, Jefferson City 21
Hogan Prep 16, Ash Grove 8

Jasper 66, Osceola 14

Lamar 27, Reed Springs 23

Lees Summit North 34, Lees Summit 28
Lees Summit West 28, Blue Springs South 21
Liberal 62, Concordia 42
Liberty 32, Liberty North 21
Lockwood 55, Sarcoxie 32

Maryville 42, Harrisonville 40

Mt. Vernon 42, East Newton 28

Nevada 31, Hollister 6

North KC 47, Central (St.Joe) 6
Nixa 35, Joplin 34
Park Hill South 42, Grandview 0
Pembroke Hill 42, East (KansasCity) 14
Pleasant Hill 42, St. Joe Benton 6

Pierce City 47, Diamond 0

Princeton 38, Cass Midway 19 

Oak Grove 24, Warrensburg 14

Odessa 55, Clinton 0
Orrick 35, Norborne 26
Ozark 26, Branson 16
Ray-Pec 47, Blue Springs 20
Raytown 52, Raytown South 8
Republic 27, Willard 8
Rock Bridge 42, Smith Cotton (Sedalia) 0
Rockhurst 24, Park Hill 3
Skyline 84, Stockton 62
Slater 15, Polo 14
Stanberry 38, Albany 34
Staley 42, Ft. Osage 18
St. Clair 45, Salem 14
Sweet Springs 14, Carrollton 13
Warsaw 42, Versailles 14
Washington 35, Pacific 0
Windsor 41, Lincoln 0
Webb City 45, Neosho 0
West Plains 27, Hillcrest 26

Two vehicle accident in Vernon County

On 9/4/20 around 3:59pm the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Vernon County along with Vernon County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a two vehicle accident on Fairview Road around 3 miles west of Harwood.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2008 Chevrolet 1500 driven by 53 year old Anthony R. Penington of Eldorado Springs, Missouri failed to yield and was struck by the 2004 Toyota Tacoma driven by a unknown 16 year old male from Schell City, Missouri before overturning.

Mr. Penington sustained minor injuries in this accident and he was transported by ambulance to Nevada Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Been to Amsterdam lately? Watch this!

Harrisonville Water Department Crews on scene of water main break

NOW: The Harrisonville Water Department is currently repairing a water main break on Marler Lane, Between Wall and Pearl Streets. 

Areas affected will be mostly isolated to the square, but other nearby neighborhoods may also be affected. 

We appreciate your patience during this time. We will update this post when the issue is resolved.

Pittsburg Kansas man charged with sex crimes in Barton County

An investigation conducted by the Barton County Sheriff's Office has ended with one subject in Custody on Forcible Rape and Forcible Sodomy charges. On 07-30-2020 a subject that deputies had been looking for was reported to be in the Golden City area.

Deputy Sheriff A. J. Eaves was able to located the subject and detain him at an address in Golden City. He was transported back to the Barton County Sheriff's Office for further investigation. 

At the conclusion of the investigation reports have been sent to the Barton County Prosecutor Mike Smalley and he has filed formal Criminal Charges. 

Arrested is Jason R. Wilson, age 36, of Pittsburg Kansas. He is incarcerated on a no bond warrant and in the Barton County Jail awaiting his first court appearance.

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.

Subject wanted on warrants in Barton County

On 09/02/2020 Barton County Deputies went to Golden City to try and locate a subject that had two active warrants for his arrest. 

Cody G. Roller, age 27, of Golden City has two active warrants out of Barton County. The criminal charges listed on the warrants are Domestic Assault 3rd degree, Burglary 2nd degree, and Stealing a motor vehicle.

Roller was located at a residence in the area of Church street and A street by Deputy Matt Griffitt and Deputy Brandon Carbone. Once he had been told about him having active warrants and the deputies telling him that he was under arrest Roller ran from deputies on foot. 

Deputies believed they had observed him go inside a residence in the area of B street and Church. The residence was searched however Roller was not located inside.

At this time Cody Roller still has the active warrants for his arrest. If anybody has information of his location you can call the Sheriff's Office at 417-682-5541. You can also call in anonymously.

The best case scenario would be that Roller would see this post and just decide to turn himself into the Jail.

Obituary - Margaret Sue Everley

Margaret Sue Everley, 78, of Rich Hill, Missouri passed away Thursday, August 27, 2020.

She was born February 24, 1942 in Lone Jack, Missouri, to Morris and Dorothy Snow. She married Charles F. Everley on August 22, 1958.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Everley; four daughters, Karen Smith (Topeka, Kansas), Sharrol & Steve Stover (Elkins, Arkansas), JoAnn Gaston (Wichita, Kansas), Rebecca & Jason Milton (Apache Junction, Arizona); one brother, Leonard Snow (Independence, Missouri); grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. No Services are planned at this time! 

Update: Fire at Village Laundry & Dry Cleaning in Nevada caused by faulty wiring

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office News Release August 18 through September 1, 2020

St. Clair County Sheriff Scott Keeler reported deputies made 17 arrests and took multiple reports during the weeks of August 18 through September 1, 2020.    

View the full press release by using the link that we have provided for you below:

 https://www.scsomo.org/press_view.php?id=953

Barton County Sheriff's Office looking for wanted Sex Offender

The Barton County Sheriff's Office is asking for the communities assistance in locating a subject with an outstanding warrant. 

Jason W. Cobb, age 38, of Lamar has an active class E felony warrant for failure to register as a sexual offender out of Barton County. 

If anybody has any information on his location you can call the Barton County Sheriff's Office at 417-682-5541. You can also call in anonymously. 

The best case scenario would be that Cobb would see this post and just decide to turn himself into the Barton County Jail.

Update: Fatality Fire ruled accidental in Clinton

At 4:41pm yesterday, the Clinton Fire Department received an alarm for a structure fire at 102 West Fairview Street in Clinton. The on-duty crew of 4 personnel and Fire Chief Mark Manuel responded to the address, finding light smoke showing from the residence upon their arrival.

While en route to the address, fire crews were notified by Central Dispatch that Clinton Police officers on scene had obtained information that a resident of the home was possibly still inside. Fire crews immediately formed a search crew and entered the home to search for possible occupants still inside. Two search crews entered the home and located an occupant, unresponsive, in a bedroom of the residence. 

The occupant was removed from the home by the search crews into EMS care. Fire and EMS personnel immediately began resuscitation efforts on the occupant who was pulseless. After approximately 45 minutes of resuscitation efforts, the occupant was pronounced deceased.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was initiated by Fire Chief Mark Manuel with the assistance of Clinton Fire Department Fire Investigator Lieutenant Mitch Grimes. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist in the investigation and upon their arrival, a joint investigation team was initiated to determine the cause of the fire. 

After the investigation was concluded, the fire was ruled accidental in nature with a probable cause of misuse of candles. It is believed that the victim of this fire was asleep when the fire started and did not awake to the fire, succumbing to smoke inhalation while sleeping. The home did have smoke detectors, however, none were sounding upon the arrival of fire crews.

A total of 14 firefighters were on scene for approximately 4 hours. Assisting agencies included the Clinton Police Department, Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Ambulance, and Henry County Coroner Dain Sisk.

Happy 100th Marian Eikenbary

Marian Wheatley Eikenbary, formerly of Rich Hill,  will be celebrating her 100^th birthday on September 11^th. 

Family and friends are invited to send cards and well wishes to Marian as she celebrates her centennial birthday!

 

Marian Eikenbary
c/o Medicalodge  Room 132

103 E. Nursery St.

Butler, MO 64730

Memories Of Sixty Years In Butler: Churches and Preachers

ON THE SQUARE

Memories Of Sixty Years In Butler

by James Ring

 

CHURCHES AND PREACHERS

            

Butler has always had a truly great assortment of religious groups, and there was always room for one more, it seems. When I showed up around 1960, I soon became acquainted with people of faith from all the local persuasions. I had already been pretty thoroughly indoctrinated with ecumenism, growing up in family populated with a variety of stripes and scriptures. Arguing religion and politics was normal, but never to the point of division.

 

From its early days, Butler’s Square was surrounded by churches within easy walking distance. Some, like the Methodists and Catholics, were served by clergy assigned to the task by organizational hierarchy, while others, like the Baptist, Christian and Church of Christ, “called” their preacher with their own governing board. In any case, these church leaders came and went regularly, new ones taking the place of those “called elsewhere.” I tried to make the acquaintance of them all, but time has erased most names.

 

Despite having several Jewish families residing in Butler, a local synagogue was never established with its own Rabbi, the Butler Jews preferring to attend Temple B’nai Jehudah in Kansas City. Martin Levy’s family cared for a historic Torah scroll brought from Germany before the rise of Hitler. The area’s Christian Science followers went to Clinton’s church, and the Seventh Day Adventists worshiped in Nevada. Latter Day Saints devotees went into Kansas City or Clinton for services, there was an active RLDS (Reorganized LDS) congregation here, now renamed the Community we of Christ. 

 

In 1960, the St. Patrick’s Catholic church and rectory was at High and Ohio streets, a too-small brick building just north of the Grade school that was eventually replaced in 1962 by the current building on Nursery street. The oldest Butler church is probably the Presbyterian building on Pine street, built in 1884, just west of the old High school. The Mt. Zion Methodist church building at 504 East Pine is probably next in age, constructed in 1897. The original First Baptist church was located on the site of the Post Office, before being relocated in 1915 to Pine and Delaware, across from the First Christian church. Immanuel Baptist was established just off west 52 at Prospect Street in 1959, just before I came to town.

 

Over the years, we saw the Butler Assembly of God and Church of the Nazarene congregations established, along with the Calvary Baptist, Fulton St. Church of Christ and Berean Baptist houses of worship. 

 

Ministers, as we said, came and went, some staying longer than others. Rev. Orville Woolery was at First Baptist when I came, and Rev. Roy Blalock moved into town shortly after, over at First Christian. Word had it that Bro. Blalock went into Levy’s store on his first week here and Uncle Paul Levy told him that, as a minister, he could purchase anything at an ecclesiastical discount, upon which he responded “No, I’m nobody special just because I work for the Lord; I pay whatever anyone else pays.”

 

In the 1990s, the Clyde Dupin Crusade, billed as the “Billy Graham of small towns” organized a week-long community-wide revival, centered on bringing more people into the pews and uniting as many of the local churches as possible in a common effort. With preaching by Bro. Dupin every night, the Assembly of God sanctuary was filled to capacity and a lot of souls were drawn to salvation. We have to believe that some of the good done in that week is still working here today.

 

A community needs spiritual guidance, in addition to stores, schools and streetlights. If our churches are allowed to decay and fall away, the foundation of the our nation is sure to crumble as well. Know God, or No God—that’s our choice.

Obituary - Dwight Hedger

A Celebration of Life for Dwight Hedger will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  There is no visitation. Hopefully by social distancing and wearing masks the spread of the virus can be slowed.   We urge everyone to maintain social distance and preferably wear a mask, refrain from hugging or hand shaking.  Dwight’s wishes were to be cremated.  Arrangements, Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Dwight Lee Hedger, age 70 of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Butler, Missouri died Monday, May 11, 2020 at West Florida Hospital in Pensacola.  He was born December 6, 1949 to Frank Reuben and Hannah Louella Sims Hedger in Butler.

Dwight is survived by his son, Junior Munsterman and wife Rena of Odessa, Missouri; one brother, Jack Hedger and wife Pam of Butler, Missouri; an aunt, Betty Robey of Butler, Missouri; his girlfriend, Nancy Hughes of Pensacola, Florida; and 7 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank and Jerry; and one sister, Connie Schaffer.

Obituary - Donald Johnston

Donald "Don" Ray Johnston, age 81 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at St. Lukes Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born November 22, 1938 to Robert Newton and Ruth Shirley Robertson Johnston in Deerfield, Missouri.

Don's wishes were to be cremated.  A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date in Hillsdale, Kansas.  Arrangements, Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Don is survived by his life-long partner, Janet Chambers of Amsterdam, Missouri; two sisters, Wanda Johnston of Lake Port, California and Edna Tivis of Warrensburg, Missouri. 

Results of sinkhole testing expected soon

A Missouri Geological Survey geologist team wrapped up their data collection today about 2 pm. at the sinkhole just south of Rich Hill.

Assorted ERT readings were recorded at various depths and resolutions.  The data collected will be reviewed, once they return to Rolla, by other staff experts to try to determine how big and how deep the cavity under the sinkhole may be, and then formulate a recommended mediation plan.That report is expected sometime next week.

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is an electrical testing method where current is induced in the ground using two current electrodes. 

Dear Butler Center Residents and Family Members,

Dear Butler Center Residents and Family Members,

New testing requirements were just released that will help us continue to track and control COVID-19. As a result, all employees will be tested, with the frequency based on our county’s specific COVID-19 prevalence. Residents will have the option to be tested unless they have symptoms or there is a positive case in the center.

​Our county’s prevalence currently means that we are required to test ONCE A MONTH. Tests will be provided at the community and we will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

A few things to keep in mind (this list is not all inclusive):
-Asymptomatic residents will not need to be tested.

-Residents who previously tested positive for COVID-19 will not need to be retested for 90 days. We will be tracking this on any resident’s behalf.

-Should there be a new infection of either an employee or resident in the building, all employees and residents will be tested again at that time to ensure proper precautions.

As we continue to manage this novel coronavirus, pivoting and adapting to change is essential, and we are confident that this increased testing will be beneficial in keeping our residents safe and healthy. 

We appreciate your cooperation on this. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. We will be happy to assist you in any way.

Sincerely,
April Feris RN, Administrator
aferis@bc-rh.com
660-679-6158

Time change for Butler Football game against Sherwood tomorrow

Butler Bears Football game this Friday at Sherwood will start at 6 p.m. This is a time change requested by Sherwood.

You can watch this game on Prepcast! We will post a link closer to the time of the game :-)

Chili Cook-Off at the Hucksters Day Festival in Butler

Chili Cook-Off with Hucksters Day Festival!! October 3rd. NO ENRTY FEE....winner chosen by popular vote. Best Chili, Best Spicy Chili & Best Decorated Booth. CASH PRIZES. 

The Butler Chamber will sell the chili entries. Contact the Chamber office for more details...660-464-1339

Cinnamon Roll contest at Hucksters Day in Butler

Cinnamon Roll contest at Hucksters Day October 3rd. NO ENTRY FEE! Bring 13 of your best goodies! This is a judged event. Cash prize awarded. 

The Butler Chamber will auction the 12 remaining rolls after judging. Contact the office for details and entry form. 660-464-1339

Obituary - Camille Lynn Parnell

Camille Lynn Parnell, age 58, a resident of Fort Scott, died Sunday, August 23, 2020 at her home. She was born July 11, 1962 in Ida Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Ronald Zimmer and Cherrie Clark Zimmer. Camille worked for Mid-Continental Restoration Company. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and gardening. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandkids.

Camille is survived by her two children, Jimi Huntsman and husband, Garrett, of Peculiar, MO., Zach Parnell and, Cassidy Riley, of Harrisonville, MO.; three grandchildren, Athena Parnell, Collin Huntsman, and Riley Parnell; dad, Wayne Stehr, and wife Nell, of Newcastle, Ok.,; three brothers, Chris Zimmer, of South Carolina, Andy Stehr, of Midwest City, OK., Adam Stehr, of Norman, OK., two sisters, Patti Sangster, of Norman, OK., and Karla Brinkley, of Blanchard, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

There was cremation. Pastor Michael Apfel will conduct a Memorial Service at 2:30 P.M. Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Man arrested on Vernon County Warrant

Eldorado Springs, Missouri Police Officers arrested Christian M. Myers for an active Vernon County Warrant charging him with Failure to Appear on the original charge of Stealing $750 or more with a CAPIAS bond. More charges are expected to be filed on Myers.

Obituary - Walter Joe Steward

Walter Joe (W. J.) Steward, 82, of Nevada, Mo, passed away on September 2, 2020, at his home. W. J. was born in southeast Vernon County, MO, on April 23, 1938 to Walter Lavere and Mary Josephine (Bradin) Steward. W. J. and Avril Ann Levi were united in marriage on August 7, 1965 in Stockton, MO.

W. J. accepted the Lord at the age of ten years old at Montevallo Baptist Church. Throughout his life, his faith in Christ was evident and was the foundation for how he lived. He was ordained as a deacon at Montevallo Baptist Church in February of 1974. In addition to serving as a deacon, he also served as Sunday School Superintendent at Montevallo Baptist Church and as Sunday School Director with the Vernon County Baptist Association. At the time of his passing, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Nevada.

W. J. attended school at Barnes and Montevallo and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1955. Following graduation, he attended Southwest Missouri State University for a brief time until his father’s death in late 1956. He was drafted into the Army in 1961 and served until 1963. He was stationed in both Hawaii and Thailand and achieved the status of sharpshooter prior to his honorable discharge. Upon returning home, he took over the family farm in southeast Vernon County and managed a diversified operation into the 1990s. W. J. was proud that his farm was declared a Missouri Century Farm in 2003. In addition to farming, W. J. was involved with Vernon County Pork Producers, as both a member and serving a term as president. He also worked briefly for MoorMan’s Feed and drove a school bus for El Dorado Springs. He finished his work career at O’Sullivan Industries in Lamar, MO, retiring in January 2004.

W. J. and Avril Ann were blessed with four children: Darin Jay, Devin Lee, David William, and Dana Lynn. W. J. enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletic, artistic, and agricultural activities. One of W. J.’s greatest joys was his family and spending time with them. He was an avid collector of coins, pocketknives, arrowheads, belt buckles, and especially marbles. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting quail and pheasant.

W. J. was preceded in death by both his parents and one infant son, Devin Lee. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Avril Ann, of the home; his children: Darin (Tulsa, Ok), David and his wife, Shelley, (Marshfield, Mo), and Dana (Bolivar, Mo). Along with his grandchildren: Devin and wife, Kaila, Emily, Sean, and, Anna; and, his great-grandchildren: Kamden and Kolten. W. J. is also survived by two brothers, Harold Dean and Leon and his wife Debee, and one sister, Geraldine Marcum, along with a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO. Interment will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery in rural Vernon County. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening, September 4, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, in honor of his grandson, c/o Ferry Funeral Home or mail to MDA-Springfield, Missouri, 425 S Union Avenue, Springfield, Mo, 65802.

Breaking News: Clinton Fire Department on scene of fatal fire

Clinton Fire Department Crews are currently on scene of a fatality structure fire in Clinton. An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire. More information will be released at a later time.

Obituary - John Edward Beckerdite

John Edward Beckerdite of Raymore, Missouri was born December 2, 1930, the son of John Quincy and Naomi Beckerdite, in Main City, MO. As he was surrounded by family members on September 1, 2020, God called him home and he went to be with his Lord and Savior.

On July 5, 1952, John married his sweetheart, Mary Alice Welborn, at First Baptist Church of Harrisonville, MO. They shared a love of music and the Lord. John sang in the choir, a men’s quartet, and led the singing in many revival services while Mary Alice accompanied on the piano.

John served in the Air Force and was based at McConnell Air Force Base during their early marriage. After leaving the Air Force, he and his father farmed 500 acres of land. After farming for years, John and his wife took a step of faith and started a new business, Mary-Ed Eggs, beginning with 3,000 laying hens and expanding to 21,000 hens. They processed and delivered eggs for more than 20 years alongside their four children. After retiring, they moved to western Colorado for 11 ½ years, before returning to Missouri in 2000 to be near their children.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Robert J. Beckerdite and his sister, Norma Short.

John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Alice Beckerdite and their four children - Ron Beckerdite and wife, Marvina; Rhonda Bennett and husband, Cliff; Brenda Ellis and husband, Michael; and Don Beckerdite and wife, Joeva, as well as 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation. A Memorial Graveside with Military Honors will be held at the Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, Missouri at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Log Cabin Festival in Harrisonville canceled

The Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the Log Cabin Festival on October 2 & 3, 2020.

It was determined that the Chamber and its volunteers would not be able to adequately manage the protocols outlined by the Cass County Health Department and Center for Disease Control and Prevention required to ensure a safe and fun event.

Additionally, as a champion of our community, our schools and businesses we felt that there was too high a risk of transmitting COVID-19 and negatively impacting our citizens and those from surrounding areas.

We look forward to continuing this long-standing Harrisonville tradition in future years and to continuing to encourage sustainable economic growth, supporting our members, and partnering with local governments and promoting productive community relationships.

News from the city of Rich Hill

We have received several calls that bills have not been received. Bills were mailed from City Hall on Friday August 28th and should have been received by Tuesday September 1.

If you or someone you know hasn't received their bill, please have them call City Hall at 417-395-2223 to receive a copy of their bill or their balance.

Thank you,
Amber
Rich Hill Assistant City Clerk

Obituary - Angela Kristin (Madison) Handke

Angela Kristin (Madison) Handke, 49, of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 16, 2020, as the result of an automobile accident near Lansing in Leavenworth County. Angela was born August 30, 1970, the daughter of William “Bill” Madison and Margie (Peterson) Madison in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Angela’s family lived in Adrian, Missouri, during her early childhood, prior to moving to Columbus, Kansas, before moving to Fort Scott in 1980. She then attended Fort Scott schools and was in the FSHS graduating class of 1988. In high school, Angela was active in various sports and clubs. She earned her Associate of Science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1990. She married Robert James Handke of Atchison on June 10, 2000. She met Robert on a blind date in Wichita, which was setup through their mutual friend Denise.

While living in Atchison, Angela worked for Blish Mize, Independent Living Center of Atchison, and K&L Greenhouse, she loved working at the greenhouse. Angela went back to college in 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from the University of Kansas in 2006. After graduation she worked for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center in Kansas City as their Medical Records Manager until they moved to Lawrence in 2009.

Angela worked as a Practice Consultant for the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, while Robert was attending the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. Robert and Angela purchased a home in rural Leavenworth in 2016 and began their present careers with the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, he as a Staff Pharmacist and her as a Voucher Examiner. Angela loved to travel and explore and lived in India for several months prior to marriage. Her favorite place was Hawaii where she and Robert took several long vacations during their years together. She was a fantastic cook and could grow anything, just ask Robert’s classmates and co-workers. She was known to have a contagious smile, funny personality, huge heart, and kind soul. She will be missed so much!

Angela is survived by her husband of twenty years come June, Robert Handke; her mother Margie Madison; brother Tom (Tally) Madison; two nieces she adored, Kendall and Lauren Madison, and their mother Lindsay; and, several pets special to her. In addition, she is survived by in-laws Robert and Frances Handke, brother-in-law’s Gary (Kathy) Handke, Wayne (Terri) Handke, Glen (Jennifer) Handke, Phillip (Robin) Handke; sister-in-law’s Peggy (Ron) Lutz, and Karen (Nelson) Birkinsha. Also surviving are aunts and uncles of the Madison family, Nora Karleskint, Norma Kramer, Warren Madison, Cathy (Pat) Thomas, Frank (Deb) Madison, Claude Madison; aunts and uncles of the Peterson Family Harry “Sonny” (Edith) Peterson, Mary Lou Schafer, Frank Peterson, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna May “Sissy” (Jay) Mall and many cousins and extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Madison, aunts Carol (Madison) Lefever, Joyce Peterson and Uncles Pat Peterson, Bill Peterson, Ben Karleskint and Bill Kramer.

Following cremation, memorial services will be announced for a later date by the Cheney Witt Chapel. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to Fort Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter or the Bill Madison Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Dr. Bustle Resigns as CEO of Bates County Memorial Hospital

The Bates County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors announces Dr. John Bustle’s resignation as CEO effective September 25, 2020.

The Board has named BCMH Chief Operating Officer Greg Weaver as Interim Chief Executive Officer as of September 1, 2020. Dr. Bustle will remain in an advisory role at BCMH until September 25.

Greg Weaver was hired as the Family Care Clinic Director/Chief Operating Officer for Bates County Memorial Hospital in September, 2019.

Dr. Bustle came to BCMH as a family practice physician in 2010 at the Adrian Family Care Clinic, and transitioned to his role as CEO in May of 2017.

During his service as CEO, Dr. Bustle focused on patient safety and quality. In 2019, he brought on DNV-GL, a global company that provides quality driven accreditation and clinical excellence certification to America’s hospitals. In 2020, the hospital achieved four-star HCAHPS status for overall quality, putting BCMH in the top 30% of hospitals nationwide.

The Bates County Memorial Hospital board and staff wish Dr. Bustle and his family well in their future endeavors.

Highlights from Butler City Council meeting this week

Cody Wainscott from the fair board let the council know the tractor pull has been rescheduled for Sept 13th gates will open at 11am.

Huckster day is set for Saturday October 3rd. There will be crafts, vendors and a chilli cook off. There may even be a cinnamon roll contest!

Next day, October 4th will be the annual car show sponsored by the Bates County Health Foundation. This is always a great show with lots of quality cars. I hope everyone will come out and support these events. 

Report from the personnel committee generated a lot of discussion in regards to their plan to try to start preparing now to be able to meet the minimum wage requirement that will be 15.00 per hour in 2025. No one was ready to vote on this, at this time, as we all felt it needed additional adjustments. - our thanks to Dale Newkirk

You can watch the meeting here https://www.facebook.com/midamericalive/videos/306270470459293/ we apologize for low volume, we are working on that for future meetings!


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Patrol vehicle vs horse on 52 highway

On Tuesday, at approximately 1 am, a deputy was traveling eastbound on west 52 highway approximately 1 mile from Butler

when he struck a horse standing in the middle of the highway. The Deputy received minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. The vehicle is most likely totaled and was towed from the scene by Douty’s Tow.

From the city of Archie

The work on the water line is complete and the water tower is filling now. Be sure to bleed off the air in your home's water lines!

Due to the water outage today, September 2, 2020, the City of Archie is issuing a water boil advisory until the necessary tests and results have been returned. The results are expected within two days.

What precautions should I take if under a boil water order or advisory?

The following steps need to be taken:

Boil water vigorously for three minutes prior to use. Use only water that has been boiled for drinking, diluting fruit juices, all other food preparation and brushing teeth.

Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker. Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled.

Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Note: Let water cool sufficiently before drinking (approximately 110 degrees F).

Come tailgate with the Adrian Athletic Boosters

Ready to get lost this fall?

Ready to get lost this fall? Two mazes for DOUBLE the FUN!
Our daytime maze is themed after our lovely highland cow, Starla.

Our "haunt" maze will be open after dark Friday & Saturday October 23/24 and 30/31!

Special thanks to Christian Evans for the spectacular photos!

Autumn Acres Family Farm is located at 1300 S. Main Street in Butler! Phone number 660-200-5394.

Follow them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/AutumnAcresFamilyFarm

The Museum Minute: Butler man present when Lincoln was shot

O. D. Austin

O. D. Austin was born in Ohio and served in the Union Army.  He was at Ford’s Theater the night President Lincoln was shot.  

In October 1867 Austin came to Butler and established the Bates County Record newspaper.  In 1876, America celebrated her Centennial with a grand exhibition in Philadelphia.  Missouri Governor Hardin appointed O. D. Austin to represent the state at the exhibition.  Although we don’t know if they traveled together or separately, this is also the same exhibition that Dr. Elliott Pyle attended and viewed the premiere of William Steinway’s newest piano, which is the same model piano as the Museum’s Steinway.  These two Butler businessmen, Austin and Pyle, would have both participated in the festivities commemorating America’s founding.

A peculiar point of interest is that while O. D. Austin was at Ford’s Theater the night Lincoln was shot, his cousin, Everton Conger, also a Federal officer led the troops that tracked down the President’s assassin.  Conger set fire to the barn that John Wilkes Booth and his accomplice were hiding in.  Booth was mortally wounded by another soldier.  Conger was given a $15,000 reward for leading the operation.  Everton Conger visited his cousin in Butler on at least one occasion.  

O. D. Austin devoted his life to the reconstruction and reconciliation of Bates County following the War.  In 1871 O. D. and Florence May Stobie were united in marriage.  Two children were born to this union; Edwin Austin and Nell Austin Henry.  At the time of O. D.’s death in 1915, newspapers across the state carried the news stating he was ‘the oldest newspaper man in the state.’  He had been a member of the Masonic Lodge for forty-seven years and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. - our thanks to Peggy Buhr