Progress made on pump station at Schell Osage Conservation Area

The relatively dry conditions through this fall and winter, until the recent wet patch, has helped progress the construction of the pump station at Schell Osage Conservation Area. 

A good amount of this work is located underground as it connects the river intake to the pumps. 

The most recent accomplishment was the finalization of the intake structure and a large 48-inch pipe. This completion allowed contractors to remove the temporary cofferdam on the side of the Osage River.

Crews have now turned to their attention to the concrete work that involves the two chambers of the pump station itself. After this, the pump installation, electrical, and surfacing work around the pump station will follow.

Missouri State Highway Patrol announces the following retirement: Captain John J. Hotz

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announces the following retirement:

Captain John J. Hotz, director of the Public Information and Education Division, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO, will retire effective February 1, 2024, after more than 34 years of dedicated service.

Hotz was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1989. After graduating from the Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 7, Bates County. On November 1, 1994, Hotz was promoted to corporal and designated assistant zone supervisor of Zone 5, Ray and Carroll counties. On January 1, 1997, Hotz transferred to Troop A Headquarters and was assigned as one of the public information and education officers. He was promoted to sergeant on August 1, 1998. 

On August 1, 2006, he was promoted to lieutenant and designated assistant director of the Public Information and Education Division, General Headquarters. On March 1, 2015, Hotz was promoted to Captain and designated the director of the Public Information and Education Division, General Headquarters.

Captain Hotz was born in Camden, New Jersey. He graduated from Lowndes County High School, Valdosta, GA, in 1985. In 1989, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, MS. Capt. Hotz and his wife, Paula, have two children: James and Emily.

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative First Year Apprentice Lineman job opening

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative currently has a job opening for a First Year Apprentice Lineman at our Butler Office location. 

The selected candidate will be required to reside within 20 minutes of the Butler office location. 

A class A CDL driver’s license is preferred, but not required. Applicant must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. 

To apply, please submit a resume to: Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Attn: Human Resources PO Box 470 Butler, MO 64730 or email to humanresources@osagevalley.com by Friday, February 16, 2023 at 4:30pm.

Obituary - Michael Craig Gaddy

Craig Gaddy, 54, of Clinton, Missouri, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 19, 2024 at his home.

Craig found immense joy and fulfillment in the open road, having dedicated nearly 9 years of his life to driving trucks at Yellow Roadway Corporation, (YRC). The hum of the engine and the endless highways were more than a job to him; it was pure passion. Another passion of Craig’s were his projects he would start and finish with his son, Spencer.

Both Craig and Spencer had a recent endeavor, Craig’s dad’s Chevy truck. Countless hours were spent in the garage, working side by side, making Craig’s vision for this truck into a reality. Craig would brag time after time about this project. It meant the world to him, and he loved being able to share those countless days and nights putting this truck together with his son.

Family was the greatest accomplishment of Craig’s life, and he leave behind so much love in his wife, Alisa Gaddy; his sister, Lorri Gaddy; his two children, Spencer Gaddy and Michaela Hugill. His pride and joy extended to his three grandsons, Presten Hugill, Liam Hugill and Carter Hugill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Janice Gaddy.

Craig had many people who loved him and thought very highly of him. He would walk into a room and instantly brighten it with his smile. You could always count on him saying “Kickass!” in almost every conversation.

Dad, you will be missed beyond words. You left all of us with memories that we will never forget. We all love you so very much.

Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the Turning Point Church, 9150 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64138. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.

Obituary - John Leroy Wright

John Leroy Wright of Rich Hill, MO, formerly of Liberty, MO, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on January 30, 2024. John was born in Nevada, Missouri, on November 26, 1943, to John William and Frances Jewell (Henley) Wright. He was the youngest of three children. 

John grew up in Rich Hill, Missouri, learning foundry and mechanic skills in his father's machinery and blacksmith shop. He graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1961. John became a journeyman machinist and worked for Peabody Coal Company while supporting his family and earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Missouri State University. 

Upon graduation, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture until retirement in 2009. John was a car enthusiast and enjoyed working on cars, restoring antique cars, and attending car shows. John was very caring and often thought of the well-being of others rather than himself. His family adored him and will miss him greatly.

To mourn his passing, John leaves his wife of 31 years, Kay Wright; his daughters, Joneila (Miles) Henselman and Kristine (Michelle Brunell) Wright; his grandchildren, Anne Marie, John, and Natalia Henselman and Alaina, Ethan, and William Brunell-Wright. He also leaves his stepchildren Robert (Debra) Black and Joy (Mark) Ervin, and his step-grandchildren Dana Craig, Major (Amanda) Black, Jess (Ginger) Ervin, Aimee (Richie) Allen, and nine step-great-grandchildren, his sister, Velma Goforth, his niece Leta (Barry) Hogge, and many cousins and friends. 

John was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother. The family would like to thank John's caregivers, Colleen Keller and Renee Mitchell, for their compassionate care and kindness. 

They would also like to thank Jerry and Pat Mellenbruch for their decades-long support and friendship. Services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 2 pm at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri, with burial following at the Rich Hill Cemetery. Friends wishing to make memorial gifts may donate to the Kansas City Hospice House or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Obituary - Kent Powell

Graveside services and interment for Kent Powell, age 89 of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. No visitation. 

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Medicalodge of Butler or The Children’s Center in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Richard Kent Powell, age 89 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Medicalodge of Butler. He was born September 6, 1934 to Kenneth Newton and Emily Mae Dewey “Hilliard” Powell in Butler, Missouri.

Kent, one of two children, was born and raised in Butler, Missouri. He attended Wemot Rural Country School and was a 1952 graduate of Butler High School. Kent was a farmer until his retirement in 1998. He was the first farmer in Bates County to bring irrigation to farming in the mid 70s. On December 2, 1956 he married Bettelue Bradley and to this union, two children were born.

Kent was known to be driven, determined, loving, stubborn and passionate. He enjoyed farming, flying–was a licensed pilot and member of the Flying Farmers–traveling and tractor pulling.

Kent is survived by his wife, Bettelue Powell of the home; a son, Bradley Ray Powell and wife Debbie of Butler, Missouri; a daughter, Kenette Rae Lindsay and husband Dennis of Apollo Beach, Florida; and a granddaughter, Stormy Mikala Lindsay of Watertown, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kay Wright.

Obituary - Ralph D. Fitzpatrick

Funeral services for Ralph D. Fitzpatrick, age 75 of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. 

Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to The Frog Foundation or The Butler Food Pantry. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Ralph Dean Fitzpatrick, age 75 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Medicalodge of Butler. He was born November 9, 1948 to Alvin Fred and Naderia Gerane Huff Fitzpatrick in Jamesport, Missouri.

Ralph is survived by wife, Joyce Fitzpatrick of the home; three children, Tena Rusher of Butler, Missouri, Alvin Dwayne Fitzpatrick and wife Sylva of Pocatella, Idaho and Laura Piland and husband Berry of Butler, Missouri; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Cathy Neely and husband Eldon and Judy Kisner and husband Doug all of Butler, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings, Donald Fitzpatrick, Betty Wallis, Cheryl Sims, Mary Ray, Orville Fitzpatrick, Morris Fitzpatrick, Jack Stockdale, Lloyd Fitzpatrick, Gary Fitzpatrick and Rosa Austin.

Update: Charges filed after wild police chase in Cass County

45-year-old Jacob Rullman of St. Joseph, MO has been charged with Resisting Arrest, which is a Class E Felony. Rullman also faces a first-degree charge for Endangering the Welfare of a Child --- which is a Class D Felony. He is being held at the Cass County Jail on a $200,000 cash only bond.

Original Post:

On 01-29-24, at approximately 4:30pm, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle traveling Southbound on 7 Highway near Creighton. 

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The driver continued throughout the county until a tire deflation device was used near the area of 2 Highway and Kauffman. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby field. 

As deputies were taking him into custody, they overheard the sounds of a small child from the backseat. Deputies were able to quickly extract the child from the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to an undisclosed hospital for evaluation. The Child, who stated she was unharmed, was checked by EMS on scene and safely returned to her mother upon her arrival.

Way to go Mason!

We would like to congratulate Harrisonville High School Senior Mason Mitchell on hitting a milestone 1000 career points in last night’s double-overtime win.

Obituary - Johnny Lee Spears, Sr.

Johnny Lee Spears, Sr., age 65, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Freeman West Health Center in Joplin, Missouri. He was born September 30, 1958, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Marion Lee “John” Spears and Esie Shaffer Spears. Johnny grew up in Kansas City and later moved to Ft. Scott where he graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1976. Following graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy. He served with the Navy for nine and a half years and was stationed in Connecticut and Virginia.

He served as a missal technician on submarine crews. Johnny married Kathy Seal in June 1983. Following his discharge from military service, the family relocated to Texas for several years prior to returning to the Ft. Scott area. Johnny completed the Harley Davidson program at Ft. Scott Community College. He worked for a year at a Harley Davidson dealership in Louisiana. Johnny loved listening to music and reading. In earlier years he enjoyed fishing and recently had taken up the hobby of grilling and smoking meat. He was a great fan of the Las Vegas Raiders and of NASCAR. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy, of the home; three children, April Sloan (Robert) of Pittsburg, Kansas, Jennifer Spears of Covington, Kentucky and Johnny L. Spears, Jr., of Ft. Scott; eight grandchildren, Michael Woodward, Michelle Robinson, Kyle, Brady and Scott Sloan, and Aliziegh, Marley and Astonia Spears and three great-grandchildren, Anthony, Avery and Alexander Robinson. Also surviving are four brothers, Danny Spears, Warsaw, Missouri, Kenny Spears Fulton, Kansas, Jessee Spears, Pleasanton, Kansas and John Jenkins, of Nevada, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Crystal White and a sister, Lillian Vanderford.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, February 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Johnny Spears Memorial Fund 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.

Clinton School District Teachers Receive Recognition

We would like to congratulate a couple Clinton Intermediate School teacher, Hallie Fairchild and Clinton High School teacher, 1SG Tom Collison who recently received awards and recognition from VFW Post 1894.

These awards are given to teachers who help instill a sense of national pride and patriotism in students.

#CardinalPride

Animal Cruelty Investigation in Miami County Kansas

 

Obituary - Connie Rae Quick

Connie Rae Quick 79 of Springfield MO formerly of Butler and Kansas City, MO passed away January 29, 2024 at The Montclair Senior Living in Springfield MO. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 10:30 am Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). 

Memorial services will follow at 10:30 am Saturday, also at the funeral home. Messages, and memories for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Connie was the oldest daughter of Hershell L. and Ruby M. (Adams) Barnett born April 27, 1944 in Butler MO. Connie had four children; Carol, Calvin, Judd and Sally Jo.

Connie lived a full life and was a pioneer for women and minorities as a member of Teamsters Union Local 541 Road Construction. She worked for companies such as J. A. Tobin and Clarkson. She retired with a 20-year pension, then she took up her love of sewing. She loved to make scrappy quilts and crafting.

Connie was preceded in death her parents, her 30-year companion Gene Reiss, her son Calvin Embry, and her sister Lora Lee Busherd.

Connie is survived by her children Carol Criswell, husband Roy of Springfield MO, Kenny Justin “Judd” Quick, significant other Nannette New Kirk of Butler MO, Sally Jo Ratzburg, husband Scott of Raytown, MO, grandkids and great grandkids. She is also survived by brother-in-law Jerry Busherd of Moses Lake Washington.

Obituary - Ellery Benjamin Calkins

Ellery Benjamin Calkins, age 76, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Monday, January 29, 2024. He was born on June 7, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Virgil and Alvalean Henson Calkins. He graduated from Pleasanton High School. He served his country in the United States Navy doing three tours in Vietnam. Most of his working career was spent as a parts manager for Ford Motor Company. 

Ellery was united in marriage to Willa Appleberry in 1982. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ellery is survived by his wife, Willa, three sons, Dallas Calkins, Tim Kenney, Christopher Calkins, a daughter, Kimberly Gutierez, two sisters, Molly Richards and Carol DeAngelo, and two grandchildren, Jaylin and Mckenna.

Funeral service will be 11 am Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time a the Pleasanton Chapel. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warriors, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - Janet Lynn Lee

Janet Lynn Lee passed away peacefully at Centerpoint Medical Center on 1/27/2024.

Janet was born at home in Belton, Missouri to Gene and Evelyn Higgins on May 4, 1952. She was a lifelong resident of Belton. Janet attended school in Belton and graduated in 1970.

She was a lover of all things involving gardening and flowers. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and baking. She also loved her dog, Puddles, and could be seen taking her for walks through downtown Belton or out to the park. Janet always had a smile on her face, a wicked sense of humor, and willingness to help anyone who she saw needed her help.

Janet also was involved in and attended church, most recently going to Vox Dei Community Church. She continued bible study and prayer groups during her time at Carnegie Village. As her family knows, she was a big fan of God and he was a big fan of hers.

Janet is survived by her sister Sheila Strong, nieces and nephews and many friends. Janet was proceeded in death by her parents, brother Terry Higgins and sister Lori Higgins.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6-7:00 p.m. on May 9, 2024 at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, MO 64083 with family condolences shared at 7:00 p.m. Private family inurnment at the Belton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter at 8001 Conser, Suite 240, Overland Park, KS 66204 or alz.org or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, MO 816-322-5278

Structure fire Tuesday night in Butler

Structure fire Tuesday night in Butler...

Around 8:15 p.m. this evening the Butler Fire Department along with mutual aide from the Adrian Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 309 S. Main Street.

Crews remained several hours on scene of this fire and the cause is still under investigation. No one was reported injured.

Mid America Live News will update when more information is made available to us.

Obituary - Lawrence Eugene Daniels

Lawrence Eugene Daniels, 74, Nevada, MO, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home following a lengthy illness. Lawrence was born on March 8, 1949, in Deerfield, MO to Ninian Barnsback “N.B.” and Wanda Lee (Wyckoff) Daniels. He married Connie Jean Compton on November 30, 1968, in Nevada and she survives of the home.

Lawrence was raised in Moundville, MO and graduated from Nevada High School in 1967. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed in Vietnam from December 1968 thru December 1969. Following his time in the service Lawrence returned to Moundville where he farmed and raised cattle and worked at Crane Plumbing for a time. He also worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator and as a concrete worker. Lawrence was a member of the VFW and Past Commander of Post #2175.

In addition to his wife Connie survivors include his two daughters, Staci Daniels, daughter, Marionville, Marci Daniels (William Walker), Nevada; three grandchildren, Austin Strickland (Fawn) and their daughter, Persie, DeSoto, KS, Dallas Strickland (Kamryn), Carthage, MO, and Kourtney Workman, Stow Ohio; his mother Wanda Haley, Ft. Scott, KS; three sisters, Janice Williams, Nevada, Janet Murphy (Pat), Ft. Scott, and Liz Lechman, Nevada; one brother, Paul Daniels (Sherry), Moundville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Charles Daniels.

Military Honors will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested in his name to Hospice Compassus c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Lady bears too strong for Lady marksmen

The Bears Den was near capacity for the conference matchup against the Sherwood Marksmen and your Butler Bears.

The night began with some boys Junior Varsity action which saw the JV Butler Boys defeat the Marksmen.

The ladies would kick-off the Varsity play, seeking to rebound off of a tough home loss against the Harrisonville Lady Wildcats last night.

Lady Marksmen won the opening tip and instantly converted the possesion into a bucket. The Bears would then go to work, rattling of an 8-0 run, forcing the Sherwood coach to take a time-out with 4:48 left in the beginning period. Following the time-out the Lady Marksmen would finally break the Bears run with a corner three drilled by Hill. After the first 8 minutes, the Bears led 13-8.

To open the 2nd, the Lady Marksmen again struck first, and played their way right back into the game. With 3 minutes left in the half, a pair of free throws from McCulloh would knot the score up at 17 a piece. After one half, the Bears clung to a 1 point lead with a score of 22-21.

After a turnover riddled start to the second half, the Bears would stat to settle in and force Sherwood Marksmen to burn another time-out as they were staring at a 6 point deficit with just over 3 minutes remaining in the 3rd. 

A pair of 3 pointers knocked down by Hill out of the time-out would jumpstart 6-0 Marksmen run before Carmichael would hit a jumper to regain the Bears 33-31 lead. Carmicheal would end the quarter for the Bears hitting 4-5 free throws and helping the bears take a 37-31 lead into the 4th.

Clover would flush a 3 from the corner to trigger the scoring in the final quarter, but the Lady Marksmen would refuse to go away. In the closing 4 minutes the Bears start to slowly stretch the lead, and close out the night with a 49-41 win.

The Butler Lady Bears were led in scoring by freshman Kylee Dubray who had 20 points and 18 rebounds in the win. Carmichael pitched in 15 as well. The Lady Marksmen were led by Sadie McCullow with 19 points and 15 rebounds to go along with 6 steals.

See more Tailgate TV here https://linktr.ee/tailgate_tv

-Courtesy of Cody Morris

Butler Bears Varsity Boys too much for Sherwood

For the main event of Tuesday night, the Bears men were set to face off against the Sherwood Marksmen in a Ozark Highlands Conference showdown. The Bears come in 11-6 on the night. Over the last 10 meetings between these two teams the Bears are 9-1. The Marksmen surely were looking to make that 8-2 at the conclusion of the evening.

Much like in the women’s match-up, the Marksmen win the tip and draw first blood on the night. The Marksmen would jump to a 4-0 advantage before Trumbore would go to the line to try and get the Bears to come alive. However, the Bears sluggish start would continue, as the Bears would find themselves trailing 15-10 at the end of the first 8 minutes. The Bears would be out rebounded and struggle to find the bottom of the basket in the first of 4 rounds.

To close out the 1st, and begin the 2nd, the Bears found themselves in the middle of a 10-3 run that would tie the score at 18-18 with 3 minutes until the half. Butler would close out the half with with an 11-4 run. Seniors Dylan Davidson and Carter Trumbore accounted for all of Butler’s 11 points during the ending run. Despite the cold start, the Bear’s headed into the locker room with a 5 point 28-24 lead.

Trumbore hammered home a three pointer to spark the scoring in the 2n half. The intensity began to pick up in a chippy 2nd half, but the Bears able to silence the noise with a 12-2 run to open the half, led by Trumbore who contributed 9 of those 12. After a 20 point 3rd quarter, the Bears took a 49-32 lead into the final quarter.

Bears had possession to initiate the quarter and Mallatt scored off of a floater to kick off a 8-2 run for Butler. With a 20+ point lead, the Bears continued to coast to a 63-37 victory.

The Bears got off to a sluggish start shooting the basketball, but did a great job getting to the charity stripe 27 times to see the ball get into the basket and lead to some offense.

Carter Trumbore led the Bears in scoring AND rebounding with 31 points and 9 rebounds. Dylan Davidson tallied 18 points on the night as well.

Sherwood was led by Jacob Kanzler with 11 points, while mainland and Black each had 10 for the Marksmen.

See more Tailgate TV here https://linktr.ee/tailgate_tv

-Courtesy of Cody Morris

Highlights from this week's News-Shopper

 See all the News-Shopper here:

https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/rlbh/#p=1

Obituary - John Crowder

John Crowder, 72 of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away January 25, 2024 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday, also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crowder family. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

John Lee Crowder was born September 21, 1951 in Morralton, Arkansas to Hubert and Ruby Mae Hasten Crowder. He attended East Platte School and grew up in Arkansas before moving to Missouri.

John worked most of his life as a mechanic, working for Trailways Bus Line for many years. He also worked 10 years in sheetrock construction.

In 1968 John met the love of his life, Nellie. They spent many years together raising a family until her passing.

When John wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting and could often be found at the local fishing hole doing what he loved most. He also enjoyed the companionship of his many dogs over the years, especially the pugs. If you knew John, then you know he had a passion for mowing lawns and was perfectly happy to spend hours on a lawnmower.

John was preceded in death by his parents, partner Nellie, brother Joe Crowder, sisters, Hazel Silvers, and Margie Wetzel. He is survived by his children, son Stacey Manos and wife Tina and their children, Mathew, Adi, Madi, and Emmi, daughter Misty Manos and her daughter Hannah, son Jonny Crowder, daughter Karen Crowder and her son Jesse. He also leaves behind siblings, Christine Wright, Rob Crowder, Marilyn Wright, and Alene Carsten, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Structure fire in El Dorado Springs

On Thursday January 26th around 8:00 p.m. the El Dorado Springs Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 700 Block of Park Street. 

Four trucks and 18 firefighters responded to the apartment building and were on scene for approximately two hours. No injuries were reported; the cause of the fire is undetermined.

Obituary - Forrest Lawrence “Bub” Salters

Forrest Lawrence “Bub” Salters, the son of Forrest Oren and Mildred May (Ellegood) Salters was born on December 12, 1938. He grew up in the Foster, Missouri, area, and he graduated from Hume High School. After completing his education, he went to work at General Motors in Kansas City until he went blind.

Apart from this, he loved hunting, fishing, and baseball. He enjoyed being outside. Forrest dearly loved hugs and playing with all his grandkids. Forrest always attended his grandchildren’s sporting games, which he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who loved him very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Oren and Mildred May (Ellegood) Salters, his wife Beatrice Salters; a brother, Galen Salters; two grandchildren: Kevin Lewis and Lance Haley; four stepsons: Johnny, Richard, Buckeye, and Raymond Younce.

Forrest is survived by his sons: Lawrence Joe, Lloyd Jon, Bill, Bruce, Sean, and James; one daughter, Shelly and one stepdaughter, Debbie Younce; one stepson, Stephen Younce; two brothers: Leo and Loren Salters; two sisters: Norma Ford and Jeanette (Stephen) Zinn; 17 grandchildren; and 82 great and great-great grandchildren with two more on the way; along with many more family and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 31st from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the funeral to follow at the Hill & Sons Funeral Home in Appleton City. 

Obituary - Tyler Owen Sheppard

Tyler Owen Sheppard, 28 years old, passed away unexpectedly January 26, 2024. He was born February 7, 1995 in Denver, Colorado. He resided in Harrisonville, Missouri for four years. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. 

He is survived by his mother, Jean Edwards, his father Bruce Sheppard and wife Kim Sheppard, his sister Brianne Radford, Aunt Jane Whitney and cousins; Jess, Kristen, Megan of Ct., Justin and Bryan of Colorado. He is also remembered by his childhood friend, Kavish Heidary of Olathe, Kansas.

Tyler struggled with mental illness for most of his life. Over this past year Tyler found joy in life through exercising and eating a healthy diet. He often ride his bike during the warmer months.

He found enjoyment in teaching himself different languages. He mastered Spanish and Russian. He loved Indian food, especially Tikka Masala. He had a great sense of humor and intellect.

In high school he became an "Honor Grad" in the Young Marines. It was a dream of his to join the Marines.

Dickey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A private Celebration of Life Service will be held. There will be no visitation. The family is requesting donations to NAMI.org in lieu of flowers.

Child safe after wild police chase in Cass County

On 01-29-24, at approximately 4:30pm, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle traveling Southbound on 7 Highway near Creighton. 

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The driver continued throughout the county until a tire deflation device was used near the area of 2 Highway and Kauffman. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby field. 

As deputies were taking him into custody, they overheard the sounds of a small child from the backseat. Deputies were able to quickly extract the child from the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to an undisclosed hospital for evaluation. The Child, who stated she was unharmed, was checked by EMS on scene and safely returned to her mother upon her arrival.

The driver of the vehicle, Jacob J Rullman (45) was arrested on a Parole Violation warrant, and is currently pending additional charges from the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Additional information will be released once obtained.