Obituary - Jennie Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jennie Lee Johnson, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 94. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.

Obituary - Michael Allen Berger Jr

Michael Allen Berger Jr.'s wishes were to be cremated and there are no services planned at this time.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  A memorial celebration of his life will be held in the spring at Butler Lake, a place he loved and where he spent many peaceful hours fishing.

Michael “Mike” Allen Berger Jr. age 48 of Butler, Missouri passed away on January 12, 2026, at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri.  He was born on November 7, 1977 to Michael Allen Berger Sr. and Jeannie Marie Johnson Berger  in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Mike, affectionately known to all as “Boo,” was a funny, warm, gentle and deeply protective soul.  He was kind to everyone he met, always willing to help and never hesitated to show up when someone needed him.  His quiet humor, steady presence and generous heart made people feel safe, welcomed and cared for.  He was the kind of man everyone loved–not because he demanded attention, but because his goodness spoke for itself.

Mike was an avid fisherman who loved being on the water, especially at Butler Lake and he loved fishing almost as much as he loved his family.  He also loved wrenching on cars, working on anything with a motor and tinkering with anything that could be fixed, built, or made better.  Mike’s hands were always busy, his heart was always open and his presence brought comfort and calm to those around him.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, his greatest joy was his family.  Mike was deeply loving and unfailingly devoted and Beth felt his love every single day.  She never doubted his love for her for a moment–not even on the hardest days.  Mike was her safe place, her steady partner, her home and the love of her life.  He will be remembered for his kindness, his steady heart and the love he gave so freely.

Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, Beth Kirkwood-Berger; two sons, Trevor Berger and wife Auna and Adam Kirkwood and wife Catherine; three grandchildren, Adam Jr., Kaiden and Claire; parents, Mike and Jeannie Berger; three siblings, Chris, Jamie and Amy; and many nieces and nephews.

Old School Police Work and Technology Lead to Major Drug Trafficking Arrests

On January 15, 2026, a Bates County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Business Loop 49 and F Highway in Passaic. The driver was identified as Brian A. Clapp of Butler, MO. The passenger was identified as April S. Aldean of Butler, MO. Clapp is known by law enforcement as a user of methamphetamine.

While on the stop, a Deputy deployed K9 Griff for a free air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Griff immediately indicated the presence of the odor of narcotics, specifically near the driver's side rear fenderwell area.

As Mr. Clapp was stepping out of the vehicle, the Deputy observed a crystal substance, believed to be methamphetamine, scattered across the driver’s seat. During a probable cause search of the trunk, guided by the K9 indication, a Deputy located a gallon-sized bag of a crystal substance concealed in a natural void within the internal fender.

While the search was ongoing, a second Deputy deployed a handheld X-ray machine to check the vehicle's remaining fenders for structural anomalies. The X-ray located what appeared to be a second bag of methamphetamine concealed within the passenger side rear fender. Deputies then removed the inner lining of the trunk to access the inner fender and recover the second bag. The total weight of both bags total 2.2 lbs or often known as a kilo of Methamphetamines.

Both Clapp and Aldean were arrested and charged with Trafficking Drugs in the 2nd Degree. Clapp’s bond was set at $1,000,000 cash or surety, and Aldean’s bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety. Both remain in the custody of the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.

Task Force Information

Midwest Missouri Career Criminal & Drug Taskforce (MMCCDTF): A cooperative effort between the Sheriff’s Offices of Bates, Barton, Cedar, Dade, Henry, St. Clair, and Vernon Counties, dedicated to combating career criminals and drug activity across west-central Missouri.

Harrisonville High School Students of the Month

 

Congrats to Harrisonville High School students Paige Cribbs and Corbin Ryberg for being chosen as Students of the Month!

Fight to the Finish: Bears Rally Late, Come Up Short

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

After the Lady Bears’ victory, the boys took the floor with intentions of sweeping the Tigers on court-warming night.

The Bears controlled the opening tip-off but couldn’t convert the possession into points, allowing the Tigers to strike first. Versailles quickly jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Lucas Davidson drove to the rack to get Butler on the board. Davidson’s bucket was followed by a Bears fast-break score that knotted the game at 4 apiece.

Following two technical free throws, the Tigers regained possession, added a post basket, and reclaimed a four-point advantage. Jesse Carter euro-stepped his way to a score, after which both teams traded buckets until Versailles found a rhythm and built an 18-10 lead, forcing Butler to take a timeout.

Out of the break, the Bears forced a turnover but were unable to convert on the other end. At the close of the first quarter, Butler trailed 19-11.

Versailles opened the second quarter with a reverse layup and quickly poured in a flurry of buckets to extend the lead to 26-11. Jake Chandler, trying to spark the offense, found himself at the free-throw line, where he went 1-for-2. Chandler’s free throw ignited a 7-2 Butler run that pulled the Bears within 10.

However, with the whistles favoring the Tigers, Versailles was able to stretch the lead back out before halftime and take a 37-23 advantage into the locker room.

The Bears opened the second half with a basket, followed quickly by a Tigers response. After some back-and-forth action, Versailles went on a 7-0 run. Trey Green knocked down a massive three-pointer to stop the bleeding. Trailing 48-32, Butler called a timeout.

Following the break, Jake Chandler forced a Tigers turnover by staying set and taking a charge. After three quarters of play, the Bears trailed 48-33.

Versailles opened the final period with a post basket. After a quick 4-0 spurt by the Tigers, Jake Chandler converted an and-one, which sparked a 6-2 Butler run. After a few more Versailles scores, the Bears surged back with another run, this time outscoring the Tigers 13-4 to cut the deficit to eight.

With just two minutes remaining, Carter sank a floater to trim the Versailles lead to 61-54. The Tigers responded immediately with a deep three to push the lead back to 10 with 1:51 remaining. Jesse Carter answered with a three of his own, and the ramped-up Bears pressure forced a Tigers timeout with 1:14 left.

While Butler battled hard in the fourth quarter, it was too little, too late, as Versailles had built enough of a cushion to hold on for a 70-57 victory. Though the Bears showed tremendous fight in a game where the odds seemed stacked against them, they ultimately came up short.

Walters led all scorers for the Tigers with 24 points.

For Butler, Carter finished with 20 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, followed by Chandler with 13 and DeLozier with 10.

Photo by Erin Dubray

Thursday basketball scores

Boys

Rich Hill 21
Appleton City 64

Archie 52
Clinton 94

Liberal 46
Golden City 78

Bronaugh 21
Lockwood 52

Osceola 62
Miami 48

Drexel 51
Sheldon 29

Girls 

Archie 66
Clinton 32

Osceola 53
Hume 48

Holden 47
Knob Noster 51

El Dorado Springs 36
Miller 64

Drexel 36
Sheldon 32

Nevada 58
Webb City 62

Obituary - Truitt Daniel Hendrix

Truitt Daniel Hendrix, age 19, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on December 25, 2025. He was born on January 2, 2006, to Troy and Amanda Hendrix in Overland Park, Kansas, and spent his life in Raymore, Rich Hill and Lee’s Summit.

Truitt had a deep love for playing the drums, which he did with both talent and energy. He was drawn to sports cars, local racing events, hunting, and fishing. He was baptized in Rich Hill, MO. He attended classes at Crowder College while exploring the next steps in his journey.

Truitt was the son of Troy Daniel and Amanda Rose (Mapes) Hendrix. He is survived by his six siblings: Triston (Lydia Fry), Aubrey (Carter Hunzeker), Aliya, Tayton, Titus, and Ava. He came from a big family where he carved out his own path and was known for his independent spirit.

He is survived by his grandparents: Grandmother Kathy and Grandfather Dennis Hendrix, and Grandfather Dale Mapes. He was preceded in death by his Grandmother Dorothy Mapes.

Truitt is also survived by his Aunt Tonya and Uncle Scott O’Brien of Lee’s Summit, MO; Aunt Tacy and Uncle Clayson Lyons of Rich Hill, MO; and Aunt Jo and Uncle Dale Drake of Worthing, SD—along with 15 cousins who loved him and will carry his memory forward.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Truitt’s honor on Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 PM at Adrian Christian Church, 510 E. 12th Street, Adrian, MO 64720. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember the life of a young man who made a lasting impression with his actions, his skills, and the way he showed up for others.

Obituary - Glenn Taylor

Glenn “Sonny” Taylor, age 78, of Creighton, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at his home in Creighton, Missouri. Glenn was born July 20, 1947 in Harrisonville, Missouri to Glenn Taylor and Maxine (Conrad) Taylor.

He is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Maxine Taylor. He is survived by his sons, Ryan Taylor and Matthew Taylor; his nephew, Brian Akins; his granddaughters Carly Griffin, and Chloe Taylor: and his siblings: Gary Taylor, George Taylor, Ruth Akins, Glenda Sims, Freda Blair, and Judy Felton other relatives and many friends.

Cremation with a memorial graveside service will be held at later date, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.