Archie Whirlwinds 2023 8-Man High School Football Champions

Archie Whirlwinds 2023 8-Man High School Football Champions..

The #1 Archie Whirlwinds (14-0) won the 2023 Missouri State High School Football 8-Man Championship tonight in Columbia with a 40-26 win over the #3 Worth County Tigers.

Archie will win its first championship in school history! Archie was led on offense by Senior Quarterback Briar McIntire who had 26 carries 225 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns.

Archie was led on defense by Senior Defensive back Caden Sutton who had 3 interceptions on the game. Way to go Whirlwinds!!! So proud of you!

Butler junior high girls wrestlers traveled to Belton for a meet tonight

The Butler junior high girls wrestlers traveled to Belton for a meet tonight.

Results
Alayna Alkire-3-0.
Elizabeth Bedwell-2-1.
Riley Bordelon-1-1.
Raylynn Bowers-1-2.
Addy Cochran-1-2.
Mikayla Combs-Gibson-2-1.
Catherine Cook-2-0.
Emma Dixon-2-1.
Addy Kuda-2-1.
Breanne Mallatt-2-1.
Brittany Mallatt-1-2.

Brooklyn Conger and Ariel O’Connell fought hard tonight but didn’t get a win.

The girls wrestled well tonight. We lost some close matches that with minor adjustments we will win.

Next up the boys and girls travel to Mid-Buchanan on Saturday for a tournament.

- Coach Dixon

Happy retirement Dawn Wix

Adrian's Dawn Wix of Willow Creek retires after a 37-year career! Congrats, Dawn, we are so happy for you!!!

From Willow Creek Owner Christian Dennison and Dawn's sister Gayla (Wix) Boyd: 

Today, Dawn Wix retired from Bates County Industries (BCI) after 37 years of employment at shelter workshops. Dawn graduated from Green Valley State School in Springfield at the age of 21. 

She was then employed at the Tri-County Workshop in Butler, when it was across from the old jail. Dawn has been employed ever since. She worked a short time at Casco in Harrisonville, before returning to BCI to finish out her employment.

Dawn loved her job at the workshops and always had a smile on her face. BCI hosted a retirement party for her today. She will definitely be missed.

Obituary - Dr. Raphael John Torontow

Dr. Raphael John Torontow, 85, Nevada, MO passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Nevada Regional Medical Center. John was born July 5, 1938 in London, England to Jack and Sheila (Lee) Torontow. He was united in marriage to Vilia Jane Hartley and she survives of the home.

Born in London, England. John grew up during World War II. He was evacuated during The Blitz to the English countryside with his mother, brother, cousins, and other British children. John was educated at Sherborne school and received his medical degree from Trinity college Dublin. In his youth he enjoyed competitive sailing and he loved to fish. John married Jane Hartley in 1961, and they emigrated to the United States in 1962. He completed his internship at Griffin Hospital Derby, CT. John served as a flight surgeon in the US Air Force from 1962-1965. He completed post graduate training in internal medicine at the University of Missouri, Columbia. In 1969, John moved his young wife and 4 children to Nevada MO to join the Nevada Medical Clinic where he practiced medicine for over 20 years. Next, John worked in emergency room medicine where he received the McCune Brooks Humanitarian Award 2006. He then worked for NRMC rural health care, then Cedar County Memorial Hospital Clinic until his “retirement”. John went on to become the medical director of Nevada Community Health, currently Fast Comprehensive Health and worked for Signify Health Care until his death. John was actively involved in the community, a former board member of On My Own, and made several medical mission trips to Haiti. One of those trips he brought back his newly adopted grandsons, Gueslan and Muller to his son John and wife, Rosemary. John was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, serving in various roles. It was not uncommon to hear his booming voice above others. He had a unique zest for life, filled with compassion and humor. John lived his life in service to others and was most proud his children are endeavoring to do the same.

In addition to his wife Jane, he is survived by four children: Sarah Torontow, Nevada, Louise Lunkenheimer (Gary), Nevada, John Torontow (Rosemary McCloskey), Silver Spring, MD, and James Torontow, Nevada; four grandchildren, Aly Lunkenheimer, Noelle Lunkenheimer, Gueslan Torontow, and Muller Torontow; a cousin, Patty Young, England; his brother-in-law, Tim Hartley, England. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Harry Torontow, and his cousin Sally Moir.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Those who wish may contribute in John’s memory to the All Saints Episcopal Church, or Honey’s Hope for Equine Rescue c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Butler High School Bears Boys Basketball advances to Championship game in the Warsaw Tournament

The Butler High School Boys Basketball team got the win tonight over the Cole Camp Blue Birds 60-29 in the 2nd round of the Warsaw Tournament.

Butler was led again by seniors Carter Trumbore who had 32 points and Dylan Davidson added 18!

Butler will play the winner of Knob Noster vs Weaubleau on Saturday in the championship game at 6pm.

Obituary - Jamie Jay Jepsen

Jamie Jay Jepsen, age 67, of Peculiar, Missouri passed away November 24, 2023 at St. Joseph Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on December 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, Missouri 64083.

Jamie was born in Kankakee, Illinois on May 3, 1956 the son of Clarence E. Jepsen and Naomi M. Gaffney. Jamie and his brother Barry had a hard childhood and spent a lot of time growing up on the Momence River. After graduating from high school Jamie enlisted into the United States Navy to serve his country. In life, Jamie provided for his family as an electrician for IBEW Local Union #124 in Kansas City and retired after 30 plus years. 

He earned his Master's degree at UMKC simply for his love of learning. A history buff, lover of good music, and a walking wealth of knowledge who could talk to you about anything and everything. He devoted his life to his children and in them his love and legacy live on. Jamie is loved by so many. 

Always there to help anyone in his life who needed a hand. Known by everyone as one of the good ones; a great man, a great father, a great friend, and the best grandpa. A lover of all animals and in nature was his favorite place to be. 

In his spare time he was out in the yard, reading, volunteering, or spending time with his family including his cherished dogs Kona and Nikita and the cat that wandered into his life that he named Cat. He was a member of the Sierra Club, Missouri Prairie Foundation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and volunteered at Lakeside Nature Center.

Jamie was preceded in death by his parents, Naomi and Clarence Jepsen; daughter, Montana Lewison; father in-law, James W. Stewart; and grandparents including his beloved Grandma Jepsen.

He is survived by his loving children, Jesten Jepsen (Kayla), Sara Jepsen (Cory Hawkins), and Robert Ellis; brother, Barry Jepsen (Vicki); two grandchildren, Ezra and Sophi; the mother to his children and his best friend, ReVae Jepsen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, his Uncle Paul and many other family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Prairie Foundation.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Wintry precipitation possible Friday

Above normal temperatures are expected again this afternoon with highs in the 50s for most locations. Rain moves in later this evening, with some wintry precipitation possible Friday morning & afternoon as temperatures drop. Minor accumulations will be possible, especially over NE Kansas & NW Missouri.

Archie Whirlwinds playing for 8-Man State Football Championship tonight

The Archie Whirlwinds (14-0) will play for a Missouri 8-Man Football State Championship tonight at 7pm at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia. 

The whirlwinds will take on the #3 ranked Worth County Tigers (11-1) in the 8-Man Missouri State High School Championship

Archie will be making its first trip to the championship game and Worth County will be looking for their 5th Championship in school history. 

Mid America Live would like to wish Archie the best of luck! Leave it all on the field boys! 

Obituary - Reva W. Butters, Jr.

Reva W. Butters, Jr., age 29, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

A celebration of Reva’s life will be held with a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083.

Reva was born in Kansas City, Kansas on March 23, 1994 to Reva W. Butters and Tabetha M. Abbott. Reva graduated from Belton High School and worked many years as a cook at 54th Street Grill. In life Reva was blessed with one son, Matthew W. Butters. He loved riding motorcycles, gaming, and spending time at the lake, boating and tubing with his family and friends. Reva absolutely loved blowing things up on the 4th of July. Reva loved his cat (Snoop) who would steal his beef jerky.

Reva was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Patricia Abbott; and paternal grandparents, Ronald Butters and Ellen Smith.

Reva is survived by his parents, Reva W. Butters and Tabetha M. Anderson (Step Father Joseph Anderson); son, Matthew W. Butters; siblings, Christopher McLaughlin, Loryn Villegas (Husband Julian Villegas) , Nikolas Butters, Joey Anderson(Fiancé Katelin Cranmer ) Tanner Butters, and McKenna Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the family c/o Tabetha Anderson.

Miami County Kansas Sheriff's Office Wanted Wednesday

 

Nevada man injured in Vernon County motorcycle accident

On Tuesday, November 28th around 2:15 p.m. the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Vernon County Sheriff's Department responded to a motorcycle accident on 1596 Pass Road about three miles north of Nevada.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the southbound 2008 Kawasaki Motorcycle driven by a Joshua C. Partee lost control, slid off the side of the roadway, and struck a mailbox.

Joshua C. Partee was taken to Nevada Regional Medical Center and sustained moderate injuries.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=230633876

Obituary - Daniel Everett Lemka

On August 23, 1993, in Kansas City, Missouri, Daniel Everett Lemka entered this world, bringing with him a spirit that would touch the lives of many. On November 24, 2023, we said goodbye.

Daniel found joy in various pursuits, from fishing and hunting to taking his children on the side-by-side. His love for baseball was clear, reflecting his passion for sports. Above all, his greatest joy was found in the laughter and love shared with his cherished children, Chloe, Charlie, and Brantley, who meant the world to him.

Daniel was a skilled plumber who harbored dreams of establishing his own company, a testament to his ambition and determination. His talent in this field was matched only by his love for his family. Daniel's unwavering belief and trust in God were the cornerstones of his life, providing him strength and comfort.

In addition to his human loved ones, Daniel shared a special bond with his beloved dog, George, who was a constant companion in his outdoor pursuits and family adventures.

Daniel's journey is preceded by his grandfather, Charlie Lemka of La Tour, Missouri, grandfather, Ken McCoy of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and great-grandparents Emerson and Wilma Sayer of Archie, Missouri. He is survived by his lifelong partner, Jessica Mulkey of Gunn City, Missouri, and his legacy lives on through the bonds he created with his three children, Chloe, Charlie, and Brantley Lemka.

Remembering him are his father, Emerson Michael Lemka, and partner, Christy Morgan, grandmother, Wilma Arlene Sayre, and grandmother, Margaret McCoy, all of La Tour and Lee's Summit, MO. Additionally, his mother, Pam Lemka, of Kansas City, MO, and stepmother, Tammy Lemka, of Harrisonville, MO, brothers Michael Moore and David VanZandt, stepbrothers and sisters Derick Carter of Butler, MO, Lindsay Carter of Garden City, MO, Leah McCammon and Keeli and Kalli Morgan all of Harrisonville, MO, cherish his memory. His aunts and uncles, Lisa and Jim Beeman, Jacque Hammond and Kyle Alvis, Kristy Lemka of all La Tour, MO, Lauree and Gary Little of Texas, as well as Anita and Shawn Bohan of Kansas City, MO, also fondly remember him. Additionally, Daniel is remembered by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were touched by his presence.

Daniel's impact is not only evident in his immediate family but also in the extended network of loved ones who carry his memory forward. In honoring Daniel's memory, we celebrate a life marked by love, passion, faith, and the pursuit of happiness.

May he rest in peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire those fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 at The Cider House at The Farm, Garden City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 at The Cider House at The Farm, Garden City, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to Daniel Lemka Children's Educational Fund and make checks to Jessica Mulkey and send in care of Dickey Funeral Home, PO Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

Obituary - Linda Sue Barker

Linda Sue Barker, age 72, of Nevada, MO, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Medicalodge in Nevada, MO.

Linda was born November 20, 1951, in Springfield, MO to James Daniel and Edna June (Keech) Hutchison. After high school, she married and gave birth to one son. She previously lived in Springfield, MO before living in Germany, and had recently moved to Nevada, MO. She enjoyed bowling and going on cruises.

Linda is survived by one son, James Barker and his wife Amber, of Nevada, MO; three sisters, Elizabeth Compton, Melissa Crawford, and Becky Hutchison; four grandchildren, Braxton Barker, Clayton Gyles, Trenton Gyles and Emily Gavisk. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Danny Hutchison, and a stepson Vince Barker, in 2007.

A private family service is scheduled.

Obituary - Justin Kody Hardy

Justin Kody Hardy, age 38, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Services will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. 

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by a time of sharing at 5:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. there will be a gathering at the Yellow Rock Barn, 8307 Westridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138. The gathering will be a time for reminiscing and remembering Justin with food, family, and friends.

Justin was born in Kansas City, Missouri on October 19, 1985 to Kent Hardy and Leslie (Haas) Hardy. After graduating high school, Justin started iron working, or as he would tell you, “Building America.” In life, Justin was blessed with three girls and a niece whom he loved dearly, his girls were his entire world. He found passion in hunting, fishing, woodworking, cooking, barbecuing, and had a love for music from heavy metal to classical. Justin never met anyone he did not make laugh with his shenanigans or jokes.

Justin was preceded in death by his father, Kent Hardy.

Here cherishing his memories are his mother, Leslie Hardy; stepmother, Angie Hardy; girlfriend, Paige Brown; three daughters, Shelby, Ellie, and Presley Hardy; sister, Jessica Hardy (Doug Lagemann); niece, Kylie Hardy; grandparents, Phil and Janice Haas; as well as aunt and uncle, Tracy and Scott Haas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Justin’s daughters’ college fund c/o Jessica Hardy.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Butler Bears host a 10 team all girls wrestling scramble

The Butler Junior High Wrestling Team hosted 10 teams for an all girls scramble tonight.

Results
Alayna Alkire-0-2.
Elizabeth Bedwell-0-2.
Riley Bordelon-1-1.
Raylynn Bowers-1-1.
Addy Cochran-2-0.
Mikayla Combs-Gipson-0-2.
Brooklyn Conger-2-0.
Catherine Cook-2-0.
Emma Dixon-1-1.
Addy Kuda-1-1.
Breanne Mallatt-2-0.
Brittany Mallatt-1-1.
Ariel O’Connell-1-1.

We lost some close ones that we will win with more experience. I am super proud of every wrestler.

Next up is an all girls scramble at Belton on Thursday. Start time is 3:30PM

Location: Belton High School.

Courtesy of Coach Dixon

Butler Bears Boys Basketball gets the win tonight in the first round of the Warsaw Tournament

The Butler Bears Boys Basketball team moved to 2-0 tonight with a 65-53 victory tonight over Clinton in the first round of the Warsaw Tournament.

Butler was led by seniors Carter Trumbore who had 34 points while Dylan Davidson out in 18 points.

The bears will now take on Cole Camp on Thursday.

Way to go Bears!!!

Obituary - Donna Jean Schmidt

Donna Jean (Martin) Schmidt, 76 of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023 at home in Harrisonville, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville, Missouri. Burial in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, November 30, 2023, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Donna was born January 12, 1947 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, a daughter of Roy James and Ruth Evelyn (Oliphant) Martin. Donna grew up in Cleveland, MO, and was a 1964 graduate of Cass Midway High School, also in Cleveland, MO. She lived in Archie, MO, for 30 years before moving to Harrisonville. Donna was united in marriage to Robert Lewis Schmidt on January 23, 1965 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville. To this union, two children were born: Sandy (Schmidt) Wurst and Jennifer Lynn Schmidt.

Donna’s first job out of high school was with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance Company. She later entered the banking business where was the worked for Citizens National Bank, Commerce Bank and finally the Archie State Bank. She took some time off to care for her family and drove a school bus part-time to keep herself busy. Donna’s last post was becoming the Deputy Collector for the Cass County Missouri Collectors Office in Harrisonville for 23 years. Over the years, Donna developed numerous relationships and enjoyed working with the public. She enjoyed being involved with her community as much as possible.

Upon retirement in 2012, Donna gave of her time to various volunteer opportunities. She served as a volunteer for the gift shop at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville and was a member of the VFW Post 4409 Ladies Auxiliary. Donna also volunteered at a local Bar-B-Que contest as a judge and became hooked. She went on to earn her KC Master level Bar-B-Que judge status and traveled frequently to contests around the state. Donna was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville.

Donna was the matriarch of the family; spending time with family was important, and she strived to get together as often as possible. Weekend trips to the lake, family vacations or just an informal meeting for eating and social gathering. She loved her grandchildren and made every effort to attend as many of their activities as possible. Her passion and joy for her family was evident when she had the chance to share with others how proud she was of their accomplishments.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Roy James and Ruth Evelyn (Oliphant) Martin. She is survived by her husband, Robert Schmidt, Harrisonville, MO; two daughters: Sandy and her husband, Jon Wurst, Aurora, Colorado; and Jennifer Schmidt, Harrisonville, MO; a sister, Shirley Ray, Harrisonville, MO; and three grandchildren: Christian Sipple, Harley Sipple, and Brandan Wurst.

Obituary - Jessie Bailey

On November 20, 2023 Jessie Bailey passed away peacefully at her home from a short term illness. She was 88 years old.

She was born in Butler, Missouri, to Wes and Juanita Miller. Her childhood was spent not only as a town kid, but a country kid as well. She loved her time in the country with her Uncle Myrle and Aunt Philena Kennedy. 

She graduated from Butler High School in 1953 where she was a star basketball player. She remained a lifelong member of the Butler High School Alumna Association and continued her friendships with her school mates throughout her lifetime. After graduating she attended college at what is now UCM at Warrensburg, MO.

In 1969 she married Les Bailey and moved to Harrisonville, MO. where she became an active part of the community. She worked alongside him at their business as well as served as alderman for her district, was a member of the local chapter of BPW (Business Professional Women Foundation), a member of the Youth Building Committee, and active through her work with the Chamber of Commerce.

Jessie had a very outgoing personality and didn't know a stranger. She will be greatly missed by not only family but many, many friends from both communities in which she was active.

Jessie is preceded in death by her husband Les, daughter Julianna Callahan, parents Wes and Juanita Miller, brother Bud Miller, and sister Norma Miller and many close friends. She is survived by her daughter Melissa (Morris) Jeffries, son Miller (Alicia) Callahan, 16 grandchildren,13 great grandchildren, 1 niece and 1 nephew.

Cremation was done by Complete Cremation. A private family service will be held in the summer.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Harrisonville Animal Shelter in respect for her love of her pets.

Fire this morning at Harrisonville Applebee's Restaurant

This morning the Harrisonville Fire Department Crews responded to a structure fire in the 2400 block of Rock Haven Road (Applebee’s).

Crews say the fire originated in the kitchen. No injuries were reported.

The restaurant will be closed until further notice.

Teaming up to help out with letter jackets

The Clinton Police Officers Association has teamed up with the local OakStar Bank to purchase some letter jackets for the Clinton High School.

High Schoolers putting forth the extra effort to obtain a letter, whether it be in sports, academics, or other, and not being able to obtain the funds to purchase the jacket, now might be able to receive one. The jackets will not be available for a few months due to shipping.

The Clinton High School will be the eyes and ears and distribute the jackets accordingly. We hope to continue this donation on an annual basis to help as many deserving Clinton youth as possible. Go Cardinals!!!

Breezy & Brisk, Gradual Warmth

A wide range of temperatures expected across the region the next couple of days. Today, areas north of I-70 remain in the mid to upper 30s while south of I-70 reaches the mid 40s. 

Winds become gusty this afternoon ~20-25 MPH. Rain returns THU afternoon through early FRI morning.

Duck hunter rescued in Kansas

Kansas State Game Warden Falls responded Sunday evening to the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area to locate and rescue a duck hunter, who was suffering from hypothermia and going into shock. 

After being recovered, the hunter was transported by EMS to the hospital for further treatment.

BHS Winter Band Concert set for December 8th

Please join us for the BHS Winter Band Concert on Friday, December 8, 2023 @ 7:00 PM in the Auditorium

Hudson Hustlers 4H Club Baked Potato Bar

Come out THIS Saturday, December 2nd, and support your Hudson Hustlers 4H Club!

Please note our location change this year—- we will be serving Dine In, Carry Out’s & Deliveries at Trinity United Methodist Church in Appleton City.

Thank you for all of your support!!

Bates County Toys for Tykes needing help...

 

Highlights from this week's News-Shopper