Obituary - David Black

David Black, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away on April 28th, 2024 in Kingsville, Missouri. He was born on September 7th, 1974 in Arkansas to his loving parents Vonda and Paul Black.

David's life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family and the pursuit of excellence in all that he did. His passion for heavy hauling at Dehn Demolition was evident to all who knew him; he poured himself into his work with an unmatched fervor. David found joy in tinkering with vehicles and immersing himself in nature's beauty. These passions were not just hobbies but integral parts of who he was—a man deeply connected to the world around him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever be cherished by those closest to him. David is survived by his mother Vonda Black; sister Jennifer Black; wife Amanda Black; daughter Sumar and her husband Bryant; son Tylere and daughter-in-law Lexsi; nieces Alyssa, Lizzy, Brandy; nephew Kevin; grandchildren Celeste, Braylon, Sawyer; great-nephews Maysen and Zane as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

The loss of David has left an indelible void within the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His absence will be felt keenly by all whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

In this time of mourning we take solace in knowing that David is now reunited with his father Paul Black—may they find peace together beyond this earthly realm.

A memorial service will be held at White Church Cemetery in Gaither Arkansas on May 6, 2024.

David’s presence graced our lives with warmth and light—he will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Rich Hill City Wide Garage Sale

City Wide Garage Sale for Rich Hill will be May 17th & 18th. If you would like to be listed on the map, please stop by City Hall before May 10th @ 5:00 pm. Garage sale permits are $3. If you have any questions, please feel free to call City Hall at 417-395-2223.

Search warrant served in Clinton

On 04/30/24 Officers from the Clinton Police Department, through extensive investigations, gained information related to drug activity. A search warrant was applied for and granted for the residence located at 326 West Green Street.

Officers from the Clinton Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Department executed the search warrant. During the search a large amount of suspected methamphetamine was located on the property.

Arrested for Trafficking Drugs in the 1st Degree was Arizona Booher of Clinton Missouri. Booher is currently being held in Henry County Jail as a warrant for his arrest is being sought.

Hume High School Senior Spotlight!

Hume High School Senior Spotlight! Beriah Morrison plans to attend Avila University to study physical education and become a teacher. He earned an athletic scholarship and has signed a letter of commitment to play collegiate basketball. 

Beriah’s goals are to eventually return to the area and help support and educate the younger generation and coach. 

At this time he is the recipient of two education scholarships. Congratulations, Beriah!

Need basketball lessons?

I’m considering giving basketball lessons this summer to anyone interested. Message me if you or anyone you know would be interested. Approximate price would be $25 a hour with potentially a pick up and drop off fee if needed to the workouts.

- Carter Trumbore

Cook wins 4 events for Butler Junior High Track team today

We would like to congratulate 6th Grade Butler Junior High Track team member Catherine Cook who won first place in the 1600m run, 400m dash, Pole vault and 4x400 Relay today at the conference track meet that was held today. Way to go Catherine! 
 

Davidson sweeps at conference track meet

We would like to congratulate Butler High School Senior Dylan Davidson who finished first today in shot put, 300m Hurdles and 100m Hurdles today at the Conference Track Meet! Way to go Dylan!

 

Yet Another Butler Junior High Track Record Falls

YET ANOTHER BUTLER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL RECORD FALLS! It’s 8th Grader Josh Roberts again, running the 800 alone in a time of 2:23.40! This breaks the previous school record once held by Dylan Grubb in 2022. This is Josh’s second record of the day, having been part of the 4x800 relay earlier today

 

Obituary - Sterling F. Albin

Sterling “Frank” Albin 87, went to be with the Lord on April 26, 2024 at Adair Village Nursing Home in Clinton, Missouri with his family by his side. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childre's Hospital and may be left in care of the funeral home.

He was born on October 17, 1936 in rural Clinton Missouri to William Franklin Albin and Dorothy Garnett Smith Albin.

Frank moved to Kansas City Missouri where he worked as an automotive mechanic at a Chevrolet dealership and later owned his own shop. He also drove a truck hauling steel. It was while working for Chevrolet he met his wife of 63 years, Susan Shenkner. Frank returned to Clinton in the early 1980's where he worked as a mechanic in his shop at his home.

Frank was a member of Mt Zion Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed cooking a breakfast of biscuits and gravy on Sunday mornings at the church. Frank was always ready and willing to help others in need.

Frank is survived by his wife Susan of the home, son Steve of Clinton, Missouri, son John (Kim) of Big Cabin Oklahoma, his sister Shirley Stratton of Greenridge, Missouri, brother Donald (Diane) of Windsor, Missouri, brother Forrest (Kathy) of Clinton, Missouri. He is also survived by grandchildren Tyler (Jenny) Albin, Tanner Albin, Lanie (CJ) Skiles, Alicia Robison, Dalton Camp, Dylan Camp, great-grandchildren, Lyric, Aurora, Juniper, Harper, Quinn, and many nephews and nieces.

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

Hiser breaks school and conference vault record

NEW BUTLER HIGH SCHOOL AND CONFERENCE RECORD! Congratulations, Freshman Tandee Hiser, breaking both school and Ozark Highlands Conference records with a vault of 3.75 meters (12’3.75”)! Both the previous records were set by Annalee Gardner just last year.

Attention to the city of Drexel

The City of Drexel would like to inform their patrons that they will be starting their Main Street Project between April 29th and May 10th. 

The Main Street Project will include replacing sidewalks from 1st street to Food Fair parking lot, replacing curbs from 1st street to 3rd Street. (which have not been replaced since the early 1970’s).

They will also be having the street milled down with a hot asphalt replacement. We asked that patrons please use the alleys to park and use the back doors to the businesses, if available. We appreciate your patience while this work is being done

In Walk-Off, Butler Lady Bears Softball Lose To Buffalo Bison

The Butler Lady Bears Softball Team fell to Buffalo Lady Bison 6-5 on Monday at Versailles MO on the final play of the game. 

The game was tied at five in the bottom of the sixth when Chloe Chyka doubled, scoring one run. 

The Lady Bears fell behind by four runs in the fourth inning, but then tried to fight back. Butler closed the gap by scoring on a ground out, a walk, a ground out, and a single.

The Lady Bison got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after J Righter homered to right field, scoring two runs, and M Sapp tripled, scoring one run. Butler tied the game in the top of the sixth thanks to a ground out by Alex Trudell, and a single by Cloey Fritts.

Junior Avery Eldred stepped in the circle first for Butler Bears. They surrendered six hits and six runs (four earned) over five and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking six. 

L White started the game for Lady Bison. The starting pitcher allowed five hits and five runs over six innings, striking out eight and walking seven.

Fritts went 1-for-3 at the plate as the infielder led the team with two runs batted in. Gabbie Carmichael, Kadyn Cook, Fritts, Trudell, and Haven Humphrey each collected one hit for Butler. 

The Lady Bears had patience at the plate, accumulating seven walks for the game. Sydney Davis, Taylor Hudson, and Miranda Foster led the team with two walks each. Butler Bears turned two double plays in the game.

Dubray breaks conference shot put record

NEW CONFERENCE MEET RECORD! Congrats to Butler High School Freshman Kylee Dubray for breaking the Ozark Highlands Conference shot put record with a toss of 10.55 meters (34’7.5”)!

 

Butler Junior High Track Record Broken

NEW BUTLER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL RECORD! Congrats, Josh Roberts, Hayden Dickens, Bronson Hannah, and Renner Martin for breaking the 4x800m record!

Their time of 10:05 breaks the record set just two years ago by Hayden Phillips, CJ Fuller, Damian Alkire, and Dylan Grubb.

NWS confirms EF-1 Tornado in Vernon County

A National Weather Service survey concluded that an EF-1 tornado occurred 3 miles ENE of Stotesbury in Vernon County, MO. The path length was 3.4 miles with a width of 95 yards. 

Maximum wind speeds of 95 mph destroyed two outbuildings and caused a number of trees to be either uprooted or have large limbs snapped.

Butler High School Band & Choir students participated at State Solo & Ensemble

We would like to congratulate the Butler High School Band & Choir students who participated at State Solo & Ensemble this weekend! 

Students can receive a gold, silver, or bronze rating with gold being the highest. Here are the results:

Gold Rating -
Zion Plotner Flute Solo
SAB Trio - Madison Kennedy, Skilyn Roberts, Zion Plotner

Silver Rating -
Skilyn Roberts Vocal Solo
Zion Plotner Vocal Solo
Peyton Hudson Bari Sax
Abby Catron Piano

SSA Sextet 1 - Makenzie Algiere, Lola Blaser, Windsday Grissom, Kensley Schowengerdt, Morgan Stump, Bethany Swarnes
SSA Sextet 2 - Mollie Eslinger, Summer Lewis, Bonnie Roberts, Skilyn Roberts, Chastity Turney

Bronze Rating -
SATB Double Quartet - Olivia Blaser, Ayden Broege, Zedrick Hamersley, Summer Lewis, Zion Plotner, Bethany Swarnes, Lillian Teaney, Dylan Triebel

Severe weather possible late Tuesday

A quiet day expected for today. A chance for severe storms returns tomorrow evening into tomorrow night. Main threats with these storms will be for damaging winds and large hail. Additional rainfall may aggravate ongoing river flooding or cause additional flooding.

Cass County Sheriff's Office Leads Operation Guardian

Cass County Sheriff’s Office Leads Operation Guardian

On Friday, April 26th, the Cass County Sheriff's Office led Operation Guardian. During this operation, Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement set out to check on 31 registered sex offenders residing in Cass County who are under the supervision of Missouri Probation & Parole or U.S. Federal Probation.

Operation Guardian resulted in two arrests, one pending new felony charge, one misdemeanor warrant arrest, multiple state probation violations and one federal violation.

One of these apprehensions was the felony arrest of 49-year-old Robert Depue of Garden City, Mo. for 10 counts of Child Pornography. Depue sits in the Cass County Jail on a no bond warrant. “Through the diligent efforts of our dedicated law enforcement teams, we have successfully apprehended individuals who posed a serious threat to the well-being of our citizens.

I commend the collaboration exhibited by the numerous agencies in bringing these subjects to justice. Our community can rest assured that we will continue to prioritize the protection of our residents and the swift apprehension of those who seek to harm them," Sheriff Jeff Weber. Missouri Probation and Parole, Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United States Secret Service - Kansas City Cyber Fraud Task Force, Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Unit, U.S. Marshals and Missouri State Technical Assistance K9 Team made this operation a success.

The operation checked offenders in Archie, Belton, Drexel, Freeman, Garden City, Harrisonville, Peculiar, Pleasant Hill and Raymore. If you have any information about a non-compliant sex offender please call the Cass County Sheriff's Office at (816) 380-5200.

From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

Today (4/29/2024) just after 10am I was called to the Show-Me Rest RV Park in Passaic. Park personnel had located a 62 year-old male known to reside at the park deceased in his RV.

As next of kin has been appropriately notified, the deceased is identified as Randy Dopps. 

An autopsy examination has been scheduled at this time and a death investigation is underway; however, there is no immediate indication of foul play.

Most respectfully,
Greg D. Mullinax
Bates County Coroner

Flip through this week's News-Shopper!

 Follow this link to flip through the pages https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/aach/

Raymore man injured in Vernon County crash

On Sunday April 28th around 8:50 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Vernon County along with Vernon County Sheriff's Office responded to a one vehicle accident on Missouri 54 Highway around 1 miles west of Deerfield.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the eastbound 2017 Ford Expedition driven by 71 year old Richard N. Bryant of Raymore, Missouri hydroplaned into the ditch on water that was over the roadway.

Mr. Bryant sustained minor injuries and he 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=240208439

Warsaw man killed in Benton County Crash

A Warsaw man died in a one-vehicle accident that occurred Saturday night in Benton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that a southbound 2005 Ford F-250, driven by 52-year-old Craig A. Ralston of Matteson, Illinois, was on Missouri 7, west of the Dam Access Road around 7:50 p.m., when the truck traveled off the right side of the roadway. 

The driver overcorrected, causing the vehicle to overturn. The truck then traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.

The passenger in the Ford, 64-year-old Walter R. Spooner of Warsaw, was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:45 p.m., by Benton County Coroner Weston Miller. The body was taken to Reser Funeral home in Warsaw.

Ralston suffered serious injuries and was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital by Warsaw-Lincoln Ambulance.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240206867

Obituary - Bob Clemons

Bob Clemons, 75, a veteran of the Vietnam War and resident of Clinton, Missouri, passed away on April 24, 2024. Bob was born March 25, 1949 to Loyd and Faye (Medley) Clemons and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School before being drafted by the U.S. Army in 1969. 

As a private, first class for the Army, Bob saw action in Vietnam as a gunner, and was recognized for his honorable service with National Defense and Vietnam service medals. Bob didn't speak much about his time in Vietnam or the Army, but was proud to have served and was a member of the Patriot Guard.

After serving, Bob began his 40 year career with Bull Moose Tube Company as a truck driver, retiring in 2011. On March 2, 1974 he married Sharon Reid and settled in Gerald, Missouri where they lived for 27 years. A lifelong Harley Davidson motorcycle lover, Bob rode his many bikes, any chance he could. 

He also enjoyed riding side by sides, tinkering in his shed, rebuilding cars, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Bob loved to tease and crack jokes, and had a tremendous sense of humor. His witty personality and laughter will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sibling, Betty Docksteiner and her husband Alan. In addition to his wife Sharon, he is survived by his sons Nathan Clemons and wife Jo Ellen of Marshfield, Missouri, Grant Clemons and wife Cheryl of Marshfield, Missouri, and daughter Bobbi Jo Striegel and husband Mark of Blue Springs, Missouri as well as seven grandchildren, Rileigh Clemons, Caleb Clemons, Amber Clemons, Calli Clemons, Ty Clemons, Brody Striegel and Ethan Striegel; one sister, Sue Johnson and husband Richard of Gerald, Missouri; two brothers, Tom Clemons and wife Pauline of Ellington, Missouri and Darryl Clemons and wife Stella of Owensville, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday May 1st from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, in Clinton Missouri with funeral services beginning at 11:30 a.m. A military honors and committal service will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri, with Patriot Guard provided by Patriot Guard Riders of Mid-Missouri at 2 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, which may be left in care of the funeral home.

Stockton man killed in UTV accident

On Saturday April 27th around 5:45 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Cedar County along with Cedar County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a fatality crash seven miles south of Stockton on County Road 1801 in rural Cedar County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when a northbound John Deere Gator driven by 50 year old Joey E. Gray of Stockton, Missouri struck a 2011 GMC Sierra driving southbound head-on as they tried to avoid the crash in the same direction.

Mr. Gray was transferred by an ambulance to the Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, where he later died from his injuries at 7:49 p.m. The next of kin have been notified of Gray’s passing.

The driver of the GMC Sierra was not injured in the crash and his truck suffered moderate damage. This is the 26th fatality for Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D in 2024.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240206675

.

Trumbore commits to Baker University

Butler High School Senior and one of the best basketball players to come out of BHS has announced his future plans: 

"I would like to thank God for the ability to play this sport. I also want to thank my family and friends for all the support through my journey. 

With that being said I am excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Baker University!"

- Butler High School Senior Carter Trumbore 

Sign-Up for the Bates County Sheriff's Office text notification system

The Bates County Sheriff's Office has received a lot of request in regards to signing up for our text notification system. We want to let you know how the system is set up to work. The system has two functions.

 
One is automated texting when the national weather service issues a storm warning. A text is automatically sent for tornado or severe storm WARNING. This means a severe storm or tornado is imminent and you should seek shelter.

 
We do not have the parameters set up for watches because people get numb to the constant text for watches. (Plus people don’t appreciate the constant late night texts…..like Kacey….at 3am)

We also have the ability to sent a text manually. Over the last couple days, we have been fortunate enough that we had the available personnel to share more specific storm information as it comes out in real time. Some of this information is raw and is subject to change in a minutes notice.

 
Our staff does their best to try to get the information out as fast as we can. We have multiple social media platforms that we try to update also but may not be as fast as we would like.

 
We encourage you to have multiple sources for severe weather information. If you would like to sign up for our textcaster please visit our website at www.batescountysheriff.com. Scroll down to the bottom and there is a link you can follow. You should input your information the receive a confirmation code. You will then need to enter the confirmation code and you should be signed up.

 
****remember this is not a guarantee and you should always have more than one source for emergency information***

Update this morning from Osage Valley Electric Cooperative

Update 04/28/24 - Osage Valley Electric Crews continue to work through the night to restore service. Damage from last night’s storm has been extensive and spread throughout or service territory.

The majority of members still affected by outages primarily reside Southeast of Butler, East and West of Rich Hill, North of Hume and Northwest of Clinton.

As the rain continues to fall the linemen will continue to work to restore service as quickly and as safely as possible.

Some flood photos from around Bates County

Several inches of rain have caused some major flooding issues Sunday morning around the area. 

If you have some photos you would like to share with us please email them to bateswire@Hotmail.com and we will add them to this album. 

F Highway between 9001 and CC Highway

AA Highway at the corners north of Adrian

Miami Creek Bridge on 52 West of Butler 

CR NE 7003 near Michael G's Greenhouses

52 East Highway just east of 3 miles corner south of Butler 

Big Rock out on Nursery Street in Butler 

Drexel teen injured in Bates County crash

On Saturday April 27th around 6:08 a.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 CR 14001 in rural Drexel.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the northbound 2007 Toyota Camry driven by a 16 year old juvenile female from Drexel struck tree debris in the roadway, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence.

The female sustained moderate injuries and she was transported by Bates County EMS to Children's Mercy Hospital for treatment.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240205653

Water rescue this morning in rural Butler

Shorty after 5:00 a.m. this morning the Butler Fire Department responded to the area of TT Highway and CR 1001 on a person stuck in a vehicle in flood water.

Fire crews were on scene less then a hour and they were able to get the man out of the vehicle safely.

Always pay attention to creeks, bridges and road conditions after a hard rain. Please turn around and don't drown! 

Butler Bears Baseball Team 2024 Ozark Highland Conference Tournament Champions

Butler Bears Baseball Team 2024 Ozark Highland Conference Tournament Champions...

The Butler Varsity Bears Baseball Team took down the Versailles Tigers Varsity 4-2 on Saturday to win the 2024 Ozark Highland Conference Baseball Tournament Championship.

Versailles Tigers got on the board in the top of the first inning after Butler Varsity Bears dropped a third strike, and Garrett Belt singled, each scoring one run. 

The Bears tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a double by Senior Maddox Fennewald, and a single by Junior Eli Cox. took the lead, 4-2, in the bottom of the fourth thanks to two hit by pitches.

Eli Cox earned the win for Butler. He surrendered seven hits and two runs (zero earned) over six innings, striking out four and walking three. 

Ben Peck started on the mound for Versailles. He surrendered four hits and four runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out none and walking two. 

Fennewald collected the save. Fennewald drove the middle of the lineup, leading Butler Varsity Bears with two runs batted in.

The right-handed hitter went 1-for-2 on the day. Cox led the Butler Bears with two hits in three at bats. The Bears turned two double plays in the game. Belt led Versailles with three hits in four at bats. The Tigers turned one double play in the game.