Obituary - John D. Montemayor

John D. Montemayor, age 58, of Edwards, Missouri passed away Friday, March 29, 2024 at his home. He was born on November 11, 1965 in Kansas City, Kansas the son of Frank Montemayor, Jr. and Marilyn Louise Drennon.

John grew up in Mission, Kansas and graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1984. He went on to further his education and received his bachelor’s degree in railroad engineering and was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad.

John was a firefighter and first responder for thirty years. He started with the Mission Kansas Department and ended it with the Northwest Fire Protection District in Edwards.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #217 of Warsaw, the Guardians of the Children in Warsaw and was active in his community all his life. He enjoyed fishing and loved to find time to be on the water any chance he had.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Montemayor.

John is survived by his wife, Cynthia Montemayor, eight children; Stephanie Penn (Jake), Jake Montemayor (Amanda), Wayne Price Jr. (Brittany), Nicole Montemayor, Kyle Montemayor, Daniel Boucher, Aniyah Boucher and Stacey Parker (Shelley), thirteen grandchildren, his father, Frank Montemayor Jr., his siblings; Frank Montemayor III (Modesty), Scott Clampitt (Bonnie) Melissa Clampitt, Monica Roy (Steve), and his father-in-law, Steve Clampitt.

Memorial Services will be held by the family at a later date.

Obituary - Johnny Lee Brown

Johnny Lee Brown, age 72, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Johnny Brown Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Johnny Lee Brown has returned on to (happier hunting grounds) this is what the Native Americans referred to as heaven. He is reunited in spirit with his father, Tommy Lee Brown and 2 sisters Juely and Dixie and his little buddy Little Bit.

He was born on June16, 1951 in Osceola, Missouri, the son of Tommy Lee Brown and Lois Ann (Lemley) Brown.

He was employed for many years as a heavy equipment operator for local rock quarries. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hunting arrowheads and riding motorcycles.

He is survived by his soulmate, caregiver and best friend Shelby Scheib, and by his three daughters, Jodie Michelle Brown, Angela Brown and Katelynn Troxel; one son, Butchy Floyd; his mother, Lois Cox; two brothers, Nick Brown and Billy Ray Cox; two sisters, Sandra Brown and Kitty Brown; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; one son, Jason Lee Brown; and two sisters, Dixie June Brown and Judy Ann Brown.

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

Update: Suspect in Rich Hill Shooting taken into custody

On 3/30/2024 at approximately 0615 hrs dispatch received a call in reference to a male subject who was shot while at his residence in Rich Hill Missouri. The victim was being transported to the Bates County Memorial Hospital by a family member. 

The victim and the on scene witnesses identified the shooter as Leon Berry of Rich Hill. The witness information stated that after the shooting, Berry, still armed with a pistol, fled the house on foot. The victim was flown to a trauma hospital in Kansas City with non-life threatening injuries.

A search of the area began immediately by deputies. Leads began to be developed as information was put out to the public. Every deputy of the Sheriff’s Office and Rich Hill Police Department were called out from home to help in the search and to follow up on leads. Empty houses, garages and sheds were searched in an attempt to locate Berry. Known associates, previous vehicles, and previous residences were identified and located. 

Assistance was requested from Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol when a lead came in that Berry may have been seen in Richard’s Missouri. A team of Bates County Deputies responded to assist Vernon County and MSHP in Richard’s Mo.

At approximately 10:15am incident command had a citizen inform them that they had information of a potential sighting of Berry just west of Rich Hill City limits. A small team of Deputies arrived and observed Berry jump a fence with a handgun in his hand. Deputies confronted him at gun point at which point Berry turned the gun on himself holding it to his head. Berry had reportedly told people that he was going to commit “suicide by cop”, to prevent returning to jail.

A team of Bates County Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiators arrived on scene and began talking with Berry. After approximately 10 minutes, Berry dropped his gun and was taken into custody without incident. Berry was transported to the Bates County Jail pending a finalized investigation.

A search warrant for the residence of the shooting was applied for and received to process the crime scene. Detectives are currently on scene processing that scene for evidence.

Berry currently has an active warrant for unlawful use of a weapon and possession of narcotics with a bond of $30,000.

Once the investigation is complete charges will the forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for review. “Today I observed multiple agencies come together with citizens for a single purpose, To Protect and Serve our Community.

I want to say Thank You to Rich Hill Police Department, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Highway Patrol and all the deputies who came from home to help.” Says Sheriff Anderson.

Chances for severe storms Sunday and Monday

Non-severe showers and thunderstorms possible Sunday morning. Strong to severe storms are possible Sunday and Monday. The main threat for Sunday evening/night is large hail and for Monday damaging winds and large hail.

Police searching for shooting suspect in Rich Hill

The Bates County Sheriff is searching Rich Hill area for suspect involved in shooting of one person on east side of rich hill. Suspect fled on foot wearing red and black shirt and blue jeans. Subject is white male, 5’10 190lb. Subject in his 50s

Suspect has brown hair and a goatee. Suspect has been identified as Leon Berry and has recently made threats toward law enforcement in regards to not returning to jail. 

Please remain indoors and if seen call 911. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH.

Update on the shooting suspect potential vehicle description. This is the color and style of the vehicle with 20” chrome wheels.

Obituary - Billy Joe Cumpton

Billy Joe Cumpton, 67 of Adrian, Missouri passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 24, 2024 at his home in Adrian. A Celebration of Life service will be held 5:00 pm Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Adrian Optimist Building in Adrian, Missouri. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to the Adrian Optimist Club or the Altona Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Billy Joe Cumpton, 67 of Adrian, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2024, at his home. Billy was born July 24, 1956, in Butler, Missouri, to Harold Kenneth and Martha June (Vogeler) Cumpton.

Billy spent his school years at Ballard graduating in 1974. He formed lifelong friendships during these years. Billy and his family attended 4-H horse shows and won several trophies. Buddy the horse was instrumental in helping Billy and his family win those awards. Billy worked on the family farm in the Ballard community. His family went hunting for deer, coons, squirrels and enjoyed fishing and hunting for mushrooms.

As a young adult Billy accepted Jesus as his Savior, was baptized in a neighbor’s pond and became a member of Altona Baptist Church in rural Adrian.

After high school graduation Billy made two trips to California. One to visit his brother, Harold who was stationed in Santa Ana, California, in the U.S. Marine Corp and one included a friend. Billy often talked about these trips as one of the highlights of his life. He made a return trip to California after his retirement to visit someone he met in those early days. Over the years, Billy worked at various jobs, including construction, Yellow Freight and as a real estate agent in Texas.

During a deer hunting trip in November, 1982, Billy fell from his tree stand and broke his back. Although that accident confined him to a wheelchair, Billy led a full life. He participated in wheel chair racing, basketball and baseball. One of his favorite experiences was traveling to Japan with the Kansas City Pioneers to play basketball.

While participating in wheelchair sports he met his future boss. Billy was hired to work in the management systems division and had several job titles in the 29+ years he worked for the federal government. He received multiple promotions and retired as IT Regional Director of Region 7 for HUD. Once again Billy formed lasting friendships during these years that remained after he retired.

On June 29, 1996, Billy was united in marriage to Cheryl (Wix) Morrow. Billy and Cheryl went on many trips scuba diving and attending wheelchair sports activities. They built a new home in 2005 on family land in rural Adrian in the Ballard community where they liked to feed and watch the wildlife and fish. Billy and Cheryl spent time gardening, watching grandchildren in sports activities, as well as cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and playing cards with family and friends. He enjoyed planning and attending reunions for the Cumpton cousins and the Vogeler family. Billy’s family was very important to him, and he also had a countless number of friends all across the nation. He helped to plan the reunions for the Ballard High School Class of 1974 and was looking forward to the 50 year reunion. One friend, who has only known Billy for a few years, made this comment about him: “Believe me when I tell you this man was the definition of if there is a will, there is a way. Billy was a true inspiration to me. There was no quit in him! He never let his disability slow him down. He always found a way to enjoy life to the fullest.”

Billy never let the wheelchair keep him from adventure; he continued to hunt wildlife and mushrooms, fish and go camping with family and friends, target shooting, flying his drone and looking for wildlife with his thermal imaging scope. The week before his passing he went on a spoonbill fishing trip with friends. His latest passion was metal detecting, which was a hobby he’s dabbled in before his accident but had recently picked back up. Billy was so excited when he found his first silver quarter.

Billy joined the Adrian Optimists, served as an officer and received several awards including New Member of the Year and Optimist of the Year. He could often be seen helping with the gun shows and bingo. Billy studied the Masonic degrees and passed to become a Master Mason in the Crescent Hill Lodge No. 368 AF & AM in Adrian, Missouri.

Billy was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Kenneth, aunts, uncles, cousins and father-in-law. Surviving are his wife Cheryl; mother June Cumpton; sister Martha (Jim) Stocklaufer; brothers Harold (Sharon), Roger, Mikel (Patsy) and Dale (Leann); stepmother-in-law Linda Wix; stepdaughters, Kristen (Justin) Feola, Jill (Rod) Berry and stepson Bryan (Sheila) Morrow; grandchildren Tyler (Mikaela), Sydney, Collin, Chelsi and Josi Berry, Isabelle and Jocelyn Feola and great grandson Beckham; nephews and nieces, Steven (Brenda) Doody, Melissa (Anthony) Heider, Holly Ruth, Kyla (Tommy) Hackler, Jessica (Rusty) Campbell, Travis (Dana) Cumpton, Jamie (Zach) Skaggs, Melanie (Kevin) Branson, Ethan, Wyatt (Carly) and Wade (Katrina) Cumpton, numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins, aunt Bonnie Wilson and best friend Robert Hogue.

Update: Three injured in Bates County rollover accident

On Friday March 29th around 5:35 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County, Butler Fire Department, Bates County EMS and Bates County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a two vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of I-49 at mile marker 134.4 north of Butler.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the northbound 2019 Honda HRV driven by a 26 year old Fernando Royal of Covington, Georgia struck the rear of a northbound 2017 Ford F-150 driven by a 22 year old Owen C. Lawson of Kansas City, Missouri after impact both vehicles traveled off the side of the roadway, and overturned.

Three people in two cars all sustained minor injuries in this accident and two were transported by ambulance to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240154250

Obituary - Buck Edward Smith

Baby Buck Edward Smith was born on February 19, 2024 at 11:53 A.M. at 27 weeks at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton Missouri. He passed away on February 21, 2024. There will be a Memorial gathering for everyone that knew about him and loved him and his family on April 2, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Precious Baby Buck Edward Smith was the son of Susie Marie Brown and Devan Kyle Smith and brother of Hunter Eugene Bailey, Azlyn Marie Fannon, Teagan Jade Bailey, and Lea Grace Bailey, grandparents Sharon Kay Crenshaw and Otis Howard Crenshaw, Becky Lynn Karo and Robert Karo; Stepdad Keith Allen Bailey; great grandma Gertrude Ann Germaine Rose Vinneman-Smith and many aunts and uncles and cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Walter Louis Brown, and Patricia Marie Brown, great grandpa Buck Edward Smith which he is named after, and his uncle Albert Eugene Brown.

Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we come to terms with living life without you in it. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri

Obituary - Trevor John Spurgeon

Trevor John Spurgeon, age 42, of Nevada, MO passed away suddenly Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO due to complication of pneumonia and diabetes.

Trevor was born March 29, 1981, in El Dorado Springs, MO to Michael Charles and Janis Kay (Coulter) Spurgeon. He was the youngest of the Spurgeon kids (and by far the most spoiled) but was also, in many ways the most selfless. He was the one helping our mother with daily tasks for the last several years and she will miss him dearly. The funny thing about siblings is that you may fight like cats and dogs growing up, but they KNOW you, your relationships and alliances with one another constantly evolve over time and you wouldn’t trade any of them for anyone. In the end, they are your family. Some coming into our family say we have a droll sense of humor; you cannot argue with that, and it borders on inappropriate at times, but that is how we’ve always coped. The regular chats discussing, sometimes sparring, over current events (he missed his calling as a debater!) and receiving his daily Wordle score, will be missed.

Trevor leaves behind his mother, Janis Spurgeon (Jerry Willis), Nevada, MO; a brother, Troy Spurgeon (Krystal Everhart) Lamar, MO and their son, Maverick; sisters, Dayna Richards and her husband Jimmy, St. Louis, MO and their children Kalob and Brook; Theresa McIntosh and her husband Bob Montrose, MO, and their son Nathan; Tammy Frost and her husband Winter, Frisco, TX and their children Ethan and Bryn. Additional survivors include his uncle, Larry Coulter of Rockville, MO and his children Lonnie & Chad; his aunt, Susan Knipp and her husband Dave, Kansas, City, MO and their children Ryan & Jennifer; as well as an extended family. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

We will be Celebrating all the Wonderful Memories he created from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Community Center, 200 N. Ash, Nevada, MO. Light finger foods are welcomed.

Severe chances return Sunday and Monday

Breezy conditions with SW wind gusts 30-40 MPH expected today. Non-severe thunderstorms possible (20%-30%) this evening. Scattered thunderstorms return Sunday through Tuesday. Strong to severe storms are possible Sunday and Monday.

Appleton City High School Bright Future Friday

ACHS Senior Alli Nelson has been accepted to a handful of schools, including The University of Central Missouri. 

Alli is not certain what she wants to do after her high school graduation, but she plans to continue her employment at Walmart for the time being. Alli ultimately would like to pursue her passion for baking and we've had the great pleasure of sampling many of her treats here at ACHS. 

We're proud to have you as a bulldog, Alli, and we know your future will be sweet.

Butler Varsity Bears baseball team rally to defeat the Hermitage Hornets 12-6

Butler Varsity Bears baseball team rally's to defeat The Hermitage Hornets, Despite trailing by as many as four runs, the Butler Bears rallied to beat the Hermitage Hornets 12-6 on Thursday night in a crazy game.

A single by Cash Turner put the Hermitage Hornets on the board in the bottom of the first. The Hornets added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Turner singled, and Ashton Sawyer singled, each scoring one run.

Butler tied the game in the top of the sixth, thanks to a singled by Junior Brayden Jackson, an error, and a single by Sophomore Brandon Hammett.

The Butler Bears captured the lead, 6-4, in the top of the seventh after Sophomore Cohen Wilson tripled, and Freshman Rhett Newsome singled, each scoring one run.

The Hornets tied the game in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a fielder’s choice by Sawyer, and a singled by Bennett Mantooth.

Butler flipped the game on its head in the top of the ninth, scoring six runs on five hits to take a 12-6 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was an error that drove in two.

Sophomore Brock Lines earned the win for the Bears. The reliever allowed zero hits and zero runs over two and one-third innings, striking out one and walking none. Junior Eli Cox stepped in the mound first for the Bears. 

The right-handed pitcher surrendered 10 hits and six runs over six and two-thirds innings, striking out five and walking two. Joel Eastwood stepped on the bump first for the Hornets. The right-handed pitcher surrendered four hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out four and walking none.

The Butler Bears piled up 16 hits in the game. Sophomore Bryson Kash and Wilson were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for the Bears while hitting back-to-back. 

Hammett led the Bears with two runs batted in. The outfielder went 2-for-5 on the day. Senior Maddox Fennewald, Cox, and Newsome each collected multiple hits for the Butler Bears. 

Kash paced the Bears with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, collecting six walks for the game. Fennewald and Hammett each stole multiple bases for the Bears. The Butler Bears stole six bases in the game.

The Hermitage Hornets amassed 10 hits in the game. Sawyer led the Hornets with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-5 in the day. Turner went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead the Hornets in hits. Earwood and Sawyer each stole multiple bases. The Hornets ran wild on the base paths, piling up four stole bases for the game.

Next up for the Butler Bears is a game at Midway with the Vikings on Monday.

2023 Butler Chamber of Commerce business of the year

Last week Steiner's Restaurant & Bar had the opportunity to attend and cater the Butler Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet and were honored to have been awarded the 2023 Business of the Year Award!

This award is such an honor for us to receive considering our doors have only been open for 8 months!

We would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce, all those who voted, our guests who choose to dine with us over and over again, businesses, individuals & organizations that give us the opportunity to cater their events, our special entertainment personnel, our suppliers and most importantly our TEAM.

It takes hard work & commitment from our entire team to show up each & every day to make Steiner’s a special place to be for our community. From the dishes that are washed, the food that is prepared & cooked to the servers taking care of our guests; the talented Chef Cory bringing scrumptious options to our tables & our great leaders that take pride in their work & love what they do. This award is just as much our teams award as it is ours. We could not do it without them.

We hope you feel “at home” when you walk in our doors. From the bottom of our hearts- THANK YOU for supporting our business.

-Jeff & Amy Steiner

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Essay Contest Winners

We would like to congratulate the Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Essay Contest Winners!

Chloe Lawson, Clinton High School and Ryland Oakes, Butler High School will be attending the Washington DC Youth Tour this June. Ronen Hilgenberg, Butler High School and Madison Kennedy, Butler High School (not pictured) will be attending the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City in July. We are excited to have these four amazing students represent OVEC in these leadership opportunities.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour annually brings together around 1800 high school juniors from across the US in an all expenses paid trip to Washington DC to tour museums, visit America's most cherished monuments and meet elected officials all while learning more about electric cooperatives.

The Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience brings together some of the best and brightest young leaders from across Missouri. The focus is to show students more about electric cooperatives, teach leadership skills and experience Missouri state government.

 

Senior Haven Humphrey hit two home runs and drove in four as the Butler Lady Bears softball team defeated Windsor

Senior Haven Humphrey hit two home runs and drove in four as the Butler Lady Bears softball team defeated Windsor 25-7 on Thursday. Humphrey homered in the second and third innings.

The Bears won thanks in part to 14 runs in the third inning. Senior Cloey Fritts doubled, scoring one run, sophomore Taylor Hudson singled, scoring one run, Humphrey homered to center field, scoring two runs, sophomore Sydney Davis singled, scoring one run, senior Miranda Foster singled, scoring two runs, Fritts hit a grand slam to left field, Humphrey doubled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and another error scored one run.

The Lady Bears got on the board in the top of the first inning after freshman Gabbie Carmichael walked, Windsor committed an error, and freshman Kadyn Cook doubled, each scoring one run.

Windsor tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a double by Alexis, and an error.

The Bears flipped the game on its head in the top of the second, scoring eight runs on four hits to take a 11-3 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a home run to center field by Humphrey that drove in two.

Junior Avery Eldridge opened the game for the Lady Bears. The starting pitcher gave up seven hits and seven runs (four earned) over three innings, striking out five and walking two. Olysn led things off in the circle for Windsor. The starting pitcher surrendered 11 hits and 21 runs (11 earned) over two innings, striking out one and walking seven.

The Butler Bears accumulated 14 hits in the game. Fritts drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Bears with six runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-4 on the day.

Humphrey and Foster each collected three hits for the Bears. Davis, Cook, and Hudson each collected multiple hits for the Lady Bears. The Hears had patience at the plate, tallying seven walks for the game. Eldred and senior Ella Buckner led the team with two bases on balls each. Davis stole three bases. The Bears ran wild on the base paths, piling up seven stolen bases for the game.

Dani and Alexis each collected two hits for Windsor. Alexis and Charlotte each drove in two runs for the Greyhounds.

The Lady Butler Bears welcome Stockton on Monday for their next game.

Arrest made after stolen tractor incident near Amsterdam

On 3/27/24 at approximately 1930 hours, dispatch received a call from a subject that advised they had a tractor stolen about 6 months ago. The calling party stated that they were following a truck that had the tractor on a trailer pulling it south from Amsterdam Missouri on Y Highway. 

They then advised that the driver of the truck had attempted to run them off the roadway. They were able to identify the driver as Justin Blake Kimbrough of Amoret. They advised that Kimbrough had pulled over and was attempting to off load the tractor in the middle of the road and then shot a gun toward the victims.

Kimbrough reportedly unstrapped the tractor and drove his truck out from underneath the tractor leaving the tractor in the middle of Y Highway. Deputies and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded and located Kimbrough at his residence in Amoret. 

Kimbrough was taken into custody and interviewed where he admitted to shooting in the direction of the victims but claimed it was in self defense. Kimbrough advised Detectives that approximately a quarter of a mile down the road he threw the gun out along the road. Multiple deputies responded to the area to search the roadside for the gun. Assistance was requested from Cass County Sheriffs Office canine unit for an article search for the gun.

A canine from the Bates County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly after and also assisted in the search. After several hours of searching for the gun in the dark, Deputies terminated the search.

On March 28, deputies resumed searching for the gun along the roadway for approximately 4 miles. A third canine from the Missouri Department of Conservation, is responding to assist in the attempt to find the gun.

Kimbrough has been charged by the Bates County Prosecutor with 1 count of unlawful use of a weapon and 2 counts of assault 2nd degree. Bond was set at $50,000 cash only.

He Ye! Compare our prices!

 

Nevada woman seriously injured in Vernon County rollover accident

On Thursday morning March 28th around 6:20 a.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Vernon County along with Vernon County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a one vehicle rollover accident on Route K around one south of Nevada.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the southbound 2014 Hyundai Elantra driven by 33 year old Brianna M. Niver of Nevada, Missouri traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.

Brianna M. Niver sustained serious injuries and she was airlifted to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin for treatment. A passenger in the vehicle 24 year old Kiarra M. Baird sustained minor injuries in this accident and she was transported by ambulance to Nevada Regional Medical Center for treatment.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240150922

Obituary - David Douglas Marti

David Douglas Marti, 81, of Clinton, Missouri passed away Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024 at Adair Village in Clinton. He was born April 9, 1942 in Windsor, Mo., the son of Everette William Marti and Mary Frances (Poage) Marti.

The family moved to Clinton in 1950. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America as a young man. Following graduation from Clinton High School in 1960, David went to Drury College for a short while. He joined the United States Air Force and served proudly for 20 years. While in the service he married Mary Lou Schmidt of Holden, Mo., in 1964, and his military service took him and Mary Lou to Italy, Japan and several places in the United States. He also spent a year in Vietnam. Following his retirement from the service he and Mary Lou purchased the M & M Book Store from his parents. David also worked for the United States Postal Service in Kansas City and managed the Super 8 and Parkfield Inn motels in Clinton.

He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and a Deacon, as well as singing in the church choir. He was also a past president of the Clinton Rotary Club. David and Mary Lou were avid square dancers and traveled to other clubs and danced with the Golden Valley Squares for 30 years. His other hobbies were skeet shooting, golf, fishing, Barber Shop singing, RVing, following blue grass music, and we can’t forget watching anything sports on television.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Marti of the home; and several cousins and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents; and uncle and aunt, Jess and Helen Scrogham.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in the Englewood Cemetery. Military services will be at the grave under the direction of the Missouri Honors Team and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton. Mr. Marti will lie in state Thursday from noon to 8:00 p.m., at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Obituary - Delores Belle (Nichols) Bracher

Delores Belle (Nichols) Bracher, age 86 of Rockville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Daris and Ranae Magoffin, who lovingly cared for her throughout an extended illness.

Delores was born December 19, 1937, the fifth child of Orville and Bertha (Barker) Nichols of Appleton City, Missouri. She grew up in a large family consisting of her father, mother, three brothers, and six sisters. She graduated from Appleton City High School as a member of the class of 1956.

Delores worked for a time, at the old Ellett Hospital while she anxiously awaited the love of her life to return home from Italy, where he was serving in the United States Air Force. On December 28, 1957, Delores and Wilfred K. “Bill” Bracher were married at the home of the bride’s parents by the Reverend George Jagels. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage prior to his death on May 20, 2010. They were the parents of three children: Russell Alan, Roxanne Audrey, and Ranae Adele.

Delores worked alongside Bill on their farm northwest of Rockville, Missouri where they raised crops and polled Hereford cattle. They kept an immaculate yard and a large garden. The cellar and freezers were always stocked with the fruits of their labor. After the children were older and in school, Delores worked for Mott’s Meat Locker in Rockville, Missouri and later Thorco Industries in Butler, Missouri. In retirement she and Bill enjoyed many happy times camping at Truman Lake with family and friends. Delores was a wonderful cook, her fried chicken and meatloaf were beyond compare. Delores had a love of music which she passed along to her children. From their youth she would gather them around her as she taught them old-time country, gospel favorites, and harmonies. She would accompany them on the guitar, mandolin, or autoharp, mostly playing by ear.

Delores had a steadfast faith in her Savior, Jesus, and was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. In past years, she taught Sunday school, was a Zion Ladies Aid member, served on the altar committee and sang in Zion’s choir.

Preceding Delores in death were her parents; her husband Bill; sisters, Doris Ann Nichols, and Marie Brown; brothers, Glen Nichols and Wilbur Nichols.

Surviving Delores are her children, Russell (Janet) Bracher, Roxanne (Edward) Jurgensmeyer, Ranae (Daris) Magoffin; grandchildren: Travis (Rachel) Bracher, Trevor (Christy) Bracher, Katelyn (Cameron) Bock, Tyler (Stacey) Jurgensmeyer, Noah Jurgensmeyer, Bruce (Scarlett) Watson, Anna (Noah) Graville; great-grandchildren: Jonah Bracher, Oliva and Owen Bracher, Cayden and Kylan Jurgensmeyer, Charlene (fiancé Caleb), Roy, Sahara and Sibylla Watson; brother, Eugene (Nancy) Nichols; sisters, Ellen (Kent) Higgins, Beulah Connor, Geraldine (Bill) Brownsberger, Connie Mott and many nephews and nieces.

Delores received great joy in spending time with family and friends. To her there was nothing better than a nice visit around the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee and maybe a game or two of pinochle, pitch, or marbles. Delores was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family suggests any memorial donations be given to Zion Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be held Sunday March 31st from 6pm-7pm at the Hill & Sons Funeral Home in Appleton City. Funeral services will be held Monday April 1st at 10am at the Zion Lutheran Church. 

Butler man arrested on warrants

On Wednesday March 27th around 7:12 p,m, the Butler Police Department arrested 36 year old Johnny Dean Dickinson on Butler, Missouri.

Mr. Dickinson was arrested on the following failure to appear in court warrants for the following charges 1.) Stealing -$750 or more 2.) Operation a motor vehicle without a valid license -1st offense 3.) Failure to affix a license plate 4.) Failure to signal.

Johnny D. Dickinson was booked into the Bates County Jail in Butler and he is currently listed as bondable.

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.

Warm through the weekend

A warm weekend is on deck. Winds will be a bit breezy gusting to around 20 MPH this afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms look to return Sunday and Monday.

Butler woman escapes serious injury in Bates County crash

On Wednesday March 27th around 5:10 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County along with Bates County Sheriff's Deputies and Bates County EMS responded to a one vehicle accident on Missouri 52 Highway just east of V Highway in Virginia.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2019 Jeep Compass driven by 22 year old Delsa M. Burgess of Butler, Missouri traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a culvert and a fence.

Delsa M. Burgess sustained minor injuries and she refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident. The Jeep received extensive damages and it was towed by Douty's Tow of Butler.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240150318

Archie PTO has great success during Culver's Fundraiser last night

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANOTHER AMAZING TURN-OUT!!! The Archie PTO made a little over $800 towards our playground improvements at our Culver's fundraiser last night!! A huge shout out to Culver's for allowing organizations to come in for these opportunities!!!

Pittsburg Kansas man arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle

 According to the Pittsburg Kansas Police Department, at approximately 4:00 p.m Friday, Pittsburg Police were dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of E. 10th St., in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The victim reported their 2018 Jeep Compass had been stolen from their residence sometime between 11:00 and 11:30 p.m. the previous night.

Early Tuesday morning at approximately 1:50 a.m. an officer was near the intersection of US 69 Hwy. and E. 520th Ave. conducting checks on business properties when they observed the stolen Jeep Compass traveling westbound on E. 520th Ave. from that intersection. The officer recognized the vehicle as having been reported stolen, turned around, and began to follow the Jeep, calling in their location to Dispatch.

The Jeep pulled into the driveway of a residence, located in the 700 block of E. 520th Ave., and three occupants exited the vehicle: two female passengers and one male driver, who was later identified as 29-year-old Matthew N. Grassi, of Pittsburg. All three occupants were detained until Deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office arrived on scene to assume control of the investigation.

Grassi was subsequently arrested for felony possession of stolen property, and was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, where he is being held without bond.

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.

Rich Hill Fire Department invites you

 

Obituary - Donald "Don" Lynn Dean

Donald "Don" Lynn Dean, age 77, of Nevada, Missouri passed away March 26, 2024.

Don was born October 26, 1946 in Nevada, MO., to Harry Lynn Dean and Helen (Rutledge) Dean. Don graduated from Metz High School in the class of 1964. On January 1, 2004, Don married Sherri Ann Keirsey in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Don owned and operated Jasper Grain in Jasper, Missouri.

Survivors include his wife, Sherri; two sons, Jeff Dean of Frankfort, Michigan and Jeffery Fisher of Jasper, MO; one daughter Ashley (Matt) Sisseck of Jasper, MO; two grandchildren, Willow Sisseck and James Sisseck, both of Jasper; one brother, Steve (Ellen) Dean and one sister, Marsha (Larry) Forkner, all of Richards, Missouri.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, James Fisher.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Daniel Funeral Home with burial to follow in Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024 at the funeral home.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to Camp Barnabas in care of Daniel Funeral Home. 

Awesome job ladies!

We would to congratulate the Butler Junior High School girls 4x800 team that broke the 23 year old record at today’s meet!

Addison Kuda, Brooklyn Conger, Catherine Cook, and Erica Wilbers with a time of 11:45! Awesome job ladies!

Better check those lottery tickets

Thanks to a 2X Megaplier, someone won $20,000 in last night's drawing! The winning ticket was sold at Casey's in Montrose.