Obituary - Barbara Ann Kozma

Barbara Ann Kozma's wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.  There are no public services scheduled at this time.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.

Barbara Ann Kozma, age 80 of Appleton City, Missouri died Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Appleton City Manor.  She was born October 29, 1945 to Arnie and Eleanor Mihle Thilesen in Brooklyn, New York.

Barbara is survived by one son, Wayne Kozma and wife Rhonda of Appleton City, Missouri.

Former school employee accused of inappropriate sexual contact with student

According to documents on file with the Bates County Circuit Court, former Rich Hill Schools employee Paula Rayanne McCoy of Rockville, MO was taken into custody and released on bond following an accusation that she had inappropriate sexual contact with a student on or about August 29th, 2025.

McCoy, who is represented by attorney J Lindsey Ikram of Kansas City, faces charges of Sexual Contact W/ Student {Felony E RSMo: 566.086} and initial arraignment is scheduled for February 4, 2026 at 9 am in the Bates County Circuit Court.

The charge listed carries a penalty of up to 4 years in prison; fines of up to $10,000; the defendant may be required to register as a sex offender; and any teaching licenses may be revoked according to Missouri Statutes.

Note that accused parties are considered innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law.

Obituary - Jennifer Crews

Jennifer Lynn Crews, 47, Nevada, MO passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Jennifer was born August 12, 1978 in Nevada, MO to Nicky Ray and Trudy Lynn (Johnson) Crews.

     Jennifer grew up in Nevada. She attended Nevada schools and later earned her GED. Jennifer lived all of her adult life in Nevada. Throughout her life she overcame many struggles due to her strong faith. Family was very important to her; she was known to be a very giving person and loved being with her family. Jennifer attended Bronaugh Baptist Church.

     Survivors include her five children; three grandchildren; two brothers, including Jerod Johnson of Milo, MO; one sister, Nikki Willey (Jeremy), Deerfield, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

     No services are planned, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home

Obituary - Brian Wilde

Brian Ray Wilde, 60, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. Brian was born July 30, 1965 in West Covina, CA to Charles and Beverly Jean (Pranz) Wilde.

Brian was raised in California and attended school there. He spent nearly all of his life in California before coming to Nevada in 2022. Brian had a love of nature and animals.

Survivors include a daughter, Crystal Rose Wilde, California; stepfather, Charles Monda, San Diego, CA; and a half-sister, Kimberly Monda, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services are planned, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home

Obituary - Jamie Taylor

Jamie Taylor, 48 of Butler, Missouri passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at St. Luke's Plaza Hospital. Cremation, with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A full obituary is pending at this time.

Obituary - Kimberly Benson

Kimberly Benson’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.  There are no public services scheduled at this time. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kimberly Benson, age 62 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, January 26, 2026 at her home.  She was born March 12, 1963 to Lemuel Jackson Long Jr. and Joann Capps Long in Camdenton, Missouri.

Kimberly made her home in Butler, Missouri in 2008.  She enjoyed reading, making diamond paintings, playing Animal Crossing and challenging her family to card games–her favorite being the game Rummy.  As her health declined, Kimberly spent many hours as a patient at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri.  She considered the staff part of her family and was very appreciative of the care they provided.   

Kimberly is survived by her significant other of 23 years, Joseph Kronk of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, Jacquelynn “Max” Brooks of Butler, Missouri and Maryann Brooks of Castle Rock, Colorado; and sister, Jolyn Arndt of Republic, Missouri.  Kimberly was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law, Beverly Rowell.

Wednesday basketball scores

Archie tournament heats up

Boys

Osceola 36
Appleton City 51

Hume 20
Harrisonville 86 (Plays Adrian tonight 5 pm)

Clinton 40
Nevada 55

Girls 

Butler 40
Harrisonville 24

Lone Jack 64
Hume 42

Sherwood 42
Knob Noster 70

Lakeland 36
Montrose/Ballard 45

BCMH makes donation to The Wall That Heals

Greg Weaver from Bates County Memorial Hospital presented a check to Jami Page for The Wall That Heals. Thank you for being a Gold Sponsor and supporting our community!

Find out more about The Wall That Heals here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584036959317