Obituary - Shirley Irene Winter

Shirley Irene (Goddard) Winter, 84, Nevada, MO, passed away on June 19, 2025 at Medicalodges of Fort Scott.  She was born on September 17, 1940, near Eve, MO to Leslie and Maud (Brouhard) Goddard.  She married her childhood sweetheart, Joe Winter, in 1960 and he preceded her in death on July 4, 2023.

        As a young girl, her family moved a lot due to her dad working for farmers.  They moved to where the work was.  Her family finally settled in Richards, MO where she attended school and played on the basketball team.  She graduated from Richards High School Class of 1958.

        As a teen, Shirley stayed with her grandmother, Amanda, and worked at Galvin’s Drug Store in Ft. Scott at the soda/ice cream counter.   Shirley told of being one of the telephone switchboard operators in Richards.  She later worked at Key’s Work Clothes in Nevada in the pressing department.  Then when Walmart first came to town, Shirley was hired and worked there until her retirement.  She loved to travel,  attending many Gas Engine and Antique Tractor Shows all over the United States with Joe.

      Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; a son, Jack; her siblings; and a son-in-law, Ron Wolf.  Survivors include her son,  Joe Lee,  of the home; her daughter, Glenda Wolf,  Deerfield, MO; grandchildren, Casey Fogle (John), Amanda Ast (Kerry), and Natalie Kitsmiller (J.T.); great-grandchildren, Michael Fogle, Keeton Ast, Annabelle Ast, Lucas Kitsmiller, and Colt Kitsmiller.

       The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Monday June 23, 2025, at Ferry Funereal Home in Nevada.  Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Stevens Cemetery, west of  Bronaugh, MO.

    Those who wish may contribute to the family in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Shooting – Suspect in Custody

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the Finey area, resulting in the death of a local resident.

At approximately 11:33 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of SE 1251 Private Road after receiving a report that Jody James, age 54, of Deepwater, had been fatally shot by her significant other, Harold D. James, age 75, also of Deepwater. James fled the scene in a silver Ford pickup. Immediate coordination was made with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Thanks to excellent interagency cooperation, Benton County Deputies located and safely apprehended James in the Berry Bend area at approximately 11:57 a.m. A firearm, believed to have been used in the shooting, was later recovered from an associate of James.

Upon arrival at the Finey residence, Henry County deputies secured the scene and located Jody James deceased inside the home. A comprehensive investigation followed, including the execution of search warrants, detailed forensic documentation, and interviews with multiple witnesses.

“This was a tragic situation, but our deputies responded swiftly, worked calmly under pressure, and ensured that a suspect was taken into custody without further harm,” said Sheriff Aaron Brown. “The teamwork between Henry and Benton County deputies was outstanding. I am proud of everyone involved and grateful for their professionalism. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Harold D. James was initially held on a 24-hour investigative hold. Today, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Gray, formally charged James with Murder in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action. He is currently being held with no bond.

Couple pleads guilty in child sex abuse case

The most heinous case of child sex abuse ever investigated by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office has come to an end.  The trial for Melodie Thexton 41 and 38 year-old Kenneth Thexton was set to begin next week here in Bates County, but yesterday, the Thexton’s shackled and dressed in orange appeared before Circuit Judge Brandon Baker and agreed to plead guilty as their now 20 year old victim looked on, effectively ending an odyssey of child sexual abuse and neglect.  Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson and Detective Amy Fishbaugh also attended the plea hearing. 

In 2019, reports were received at the Bates County Sheriff’s Office regarding the crime from the Camden County Children’s Center in Osage Beach, Missouri.   A 14 year old girl had disclosed she had been abused at a mobile home in rural Drexel, Missouri.  The investigation led by Detective Amy Fishbaugh,  revealed that Kenneth and Melodie Thexton had been abusing Melodie Thexton’s 3 children for years.   Upon completion of the investigation, Bates County Prosecutor Hugh C. Jenkins charged the pair with 25 counts of child sexual abuse and child endangerment.  The Thexton’s have been in custody since the charges were filed in August of 2019.  The State was represented by Bates County Prosecutor Hugh C. Jenkins and Cody Johnson, Bates County Assistant Prosecutor.

Initial reports of abuse were investigated by the Kansas City Police Department and the Jackson County Children’s Division in November of 2018.  The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has said they were holding their charges in abeyance until the Bates County Case is disposed of.

Just how long Kenneth and Melodie Thexton will be imprisoned will be decided by Circuit Judge Brandon Baker.  Date for sentencing has been set for 2:00 pm,  August 15, 2025 at the Bates County Courthouse.  

See original Mid America Live story here https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2025/05/couple-set-to-face-trial-on-48-counts.html

BCSO nabs suspect following high speed chase

Adrian, MO – June 18, 2025 – The Bates County Sheriff's Office successfully apprehended a suspect on June 16, 2025, following a high-speed pursuit and an act of vandalism at a local business.

At approximately 1700hrs, A Detective with the Bates County Sheriff's Office was approached by a witness at Casey’s General Store in Adrian, Missouri. The witness reported observing an individual, later identified as Bradley Jones, operating a motorcycle at excessive speeds and in a dangerous manner on I-49, including passing vehicles on the shoulder and between lanes.

The Detective then observed Mr. Jones strike a gas pump screen at the store with his fist. When verbally ordered to stop and approach, Mr. Jones refused to comply and instead fled the scene on his motorcycle.

A pursuit ensued, during which Mr. Jones displayed extreme disregard for public safety. He failed to stop at multiple stop signs, reached speeds of approximately 85 to 100 miles per hour, weaved dangerously through traffic, and exited and re-entered I-49 multiple times. He continued to operate his motorcycle at speeds well over 100 miles per hour and passed vehicles unsafely.

Deputies later located Mr. Jones on County Road 2763. Despite deputies activating emergency lights and sirens, Mr. Jones again failed to yield, instead turning around, driving through a residential driveway, and continuing westbound on E Highway at approximately 100 miles per hour, once again passing dangerously between vehicles.

The pursuit concluded when Mr. Jones's motorcycle either ran out of fuel or became inoperable, at which point he was taken into custody.

Upon returning to Casey’s General Store, the Detective confirmed that the gas pump screen had been broken, rendering the pump inoperable. The store manager estimated the replacement cost for the screen alone to be between $1,000.00 and $1,200.00, not including labor or other expenses.

Sheriff Anderson commends the vigilance of the witness and the swift, professional actions of all deputies involved in apprehending the suspect and ensuring public safety. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Adrian Police Department.

Jones was Charged with Felony Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding and Felony Property Damage. Bond was set at $14,500 Cash Only. Jones remains in custody of the Bates County Jail.

Felony assault on Father's Day results in arrest

BUTLER, MO – June 18, 2025 – On Fathers Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 1920hrs, Deputies with the Bates County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a residence on North East County Road 10003 in Butler, Missouri, following a report of a physical domestic disturbance involving a barricaded subject with firearms. Additional command staff and tactical teams member were notified from home and began to respond to the residence.

Upon arrival, deputies were advised by the reporting party that her husband had allegedly choked her and threatened her with a firearm. She managed to escape the residence and sought help from a neighbor. The suspect, identified as Jeremy D. Borland, was reported to be intoxicated and had initially barricaded himself inside a detached shop on the property, where multiple firearms were present.

Deputies located Mr. Borland in the driveway with his father, who had successfully de-escalated the situation and encouraged him to exit the shop. Upon contact, Mr. Borland was detained for officer safety.

Further investigation revealed that during an argument, Mr. Borland allegedly assaulted the victim, including choking her, and threatened her life and the lives of the four juvenile children (ages 5, 8, 14, and 16) who were present in the home at the time. The victim was able to disarm Mr. Borland of a loaded 9mm pistol and flee the scene with the children. A visible injury was observed on the victim's neck. The firearm was secured and taken into evidence by deputies.

Jeremy D. Borland was arrested and transported to the Bates County Detention Center. Borland was charged with;

Felony Domestic Assault

Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Additional charges of Child Endangerment are expected to be charged by the Bates County Prosecutor’s Office. Bond on his curent charges was set at $25,000 Cash Only. Borland remains in custody of the Bates County Jail.

The Bates County Sheriff's Office is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. We remind the public that domestic violence is a serious crime, and resources are available for victims and families. If you or someone you knows needs assistance with finding help or support for domestic violance or addition please contact our Commuity Resourse Office at 660-464-4523. Our Community Resource Liaison Sarah Eager is available to help.

Mostly sunny today, more heat on the way

Obituary - Geraldine Lee Aguilar

Geraldine Lee Aguilar, 65, of Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Moore-Few Care Center. Geraldine was born on December 20, 1959, in Kansas City, MO to Jerry Lee and Wilma Marie (Haynes) Deeser.

No services are planned at this time, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Danny Gene Austin

Danny Gene Austin age 61 of Foster, MO passed away November 13, 2024. He was born September 12, 1963 to Earl and Sharon (Rees) Austin. Danny married Virginia Lee Herod on March 21, 2021. Danny is survived by his brother, David Austin and wife Sheryl of Hume, MO. Nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded his death by his parents, Earl Austin and Sharon Scifers, sister Kelly Austin, brother, John Robert Scifers and his grandparents, Tom & Ruby Sullivan Rees.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 22 at 2:00 pm. At the Hume Legion Hall in Hume, MO. A memorial fund has been set up at the Citizens Bank in Hume in care of Karen Irwin to help cover funeral expenses. You may also send it to Heuser Funeral Home of Rich Hill, MO for the Danny Austin Memorial Fund.

BCMH Employee of the Month, Rich Glossip

Bates County Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce Rich Glossip, Paramedic, as our June Employee of the Month. Rich has been a vital part of the BCMH Ambulance Department since 2011, initially serving PRN before joining the team full time in 2019.

With more than a decade of dedication to patient care, Rich brings deep experience and a passion for pre-hospital treatment. He was recently recognized, alongside EMT-B Stephen Stark, for BCMH’s 2024 Call of the Year, reflecting his calm leadership and clinical skill in high-pressure situations.

“Rich has dedicated many years to patient care, and he continues to enjoy treating patients,” a colleague shared. “If he can utilize his knowledge and skills to better the patient before arriving at the hospital, he will. He wants to do right by his patients and is always working on continuing education to stay on top of it, and it shows in his treatment plans.”

Rich’s commitment to excellence, ongoing learning, and compassion in the field make him a standout member of the BCMH team. We are proud to recognize him for his outstanding service.

Stay connected with what’s going on at BCMH! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

Little Apple News

 June 18, 2025

 

Appleton City will have a carnival June 20-21 at the Fair.  Advance tickets will be on sale through June 19 at Food Fair, Powell’s and City Hall for $20 per session. After June 19, tickets will be $25 per session.  Sessions are 7:00-10:00 Friday, 3:00-6:00 Saturday and 7:00-10:00 Saturday.

Appleton City Fair is June 20-21:  The parade will be 6:00 p.m. June 20. Lineup will begin at 5:15. Floats will be judged for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places with prizes. This year’s theme is “Splash into Summer.”  Lineup will be as in the past, check the map on facebook.   

The Appleton City Manor will be hosting a soft opening of the Manor and Countryside Estates on Saturday, June 21 from 11:00 to 2:00.  Feel free to come and do a sneak peak of all the great changes that have been made to both the residential care and to the nursing home.  Then proceed to their courtyard where will have a petting zoo, face painting/temporary tattoos, a magician, along with a lemonade truck making fresh lemonade. Come one, come all and enjoy the fun along with the fun of the Appleton City Fair.

Ellett Memorial Hospital and AC Clinic are offering free sports physicals to 7th -12th grade students (2025-2026) on Wednesdays: June 18, 2025 and June 25, 2025. Appointments are REQUIRED. Call AC Clinic (660) 476-2121 to schedule

First Baptist Church of AC invites children to True North VBS 2025: June 24-27. Trusting Jesus in a wild world, a summer kids' event at True North, kids discover what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world! Kids participate in memorable Bible learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork building games and are served a meal nightly. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God sightings. True North is for kids grades K thru 6th and will be from 5:30-8:30 each evening. To register early, call the FBC office at (660) 476-5512

MS/HS Summer Camp: All MS/HS students (in 6th-12th grades) are invited to join us for a NEW event this summer from 6-8 PM on July 16-18th at Holy Trinity Church in AC. We will learn to "LEGO and Let God" through worship, games, and crafts! Supper will be provided each night. Pre-register online @ https://forms.gle/TketShyZuhbpQGdC9 to receive a free t-shirt. 

All kids ages PK through 5th grade are invited to "LEGO and Let God!"  Rockville UMC will co-host VBS 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 with River of Life. Church of God will host VBS on 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. The kids will learn about how to build a strong foundation and trust in God at all times! There will be games, food, crafts, and lots of fun! Pre-register online at https://forms.gle/GDeJKTcHmSgPWUWU9 to receive a free t-shirt.

The 21st Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 12 in the City Park, right off 52 Hwy across the street from Zink Motor Company. Check in 8:00 a.m.-noon.  Car Show noon-3:00 p.m. This is a judged event. There is a $10 entry fee, with proceeds going to two scholarships for local high school students. Top 85 cars and trucks combined, top 3 motorcycles, and top 3 rat rods. There will be food concessions, music, goody bags, live auction, door prizes, 50-50 drawing and dash plaques for all entries. Along with the AC Car Show, Zink Motor Co (across from the Car Show) is hosting the KC Antique Car Club at their dealership. Model A’s and T’s will be on display. This event is free.

The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation is selling raffle tickets for its annual Raffle. Buy a ticket for $10 or 4 for $20 for a chance to win one of four great prizes. Tickets can be purchased from Foundation members (Leroy Swopes, Robbie Rotert, Bill Brownsberger, Denice Nitchals, Chris Green, Paul Noble, Laura Smith, April Loney or Julee Snyder) or at the EMH Front Desk. Raffle drawing will take place at the AC Car Show.

Appleton City Carousel is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 4:00-7:00 p.m. until Labor Days weekend. 31 states and 5 countries have visited. Check to see if your summer visitors should stop in to get their state listed.

The Montrose FBLA is hosting a Shoe Drive from June 1 through August 15. If you need to dispose of some new or gently used shoes (no holes or missing soles), please contribute them to our drive. Drop off points are at Montrose R-XIV School, Montrose Savings Bank, and Ellett Memorial Hospital. For more information, please contact Robyn Eckhoff, FBLA Adviser, at reckhoff@montrose.k12.mo.us.

Ellett Memorial Hospital will sponsor a Blood Drive 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 25 in the Outpatient Clinic at 610 N. Ohio St.

Appleton City, MO 64724. Sign up at savealifenow.org/group and use group code EG2B.For additional details, contact Kayla Orear at (660) 476-5214 or kayla.orear@ellettmemorial.com or Julie Grubb (660) 476-5242 or julie.grubb@ellettmemorial.com

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for June and July, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. June 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, June 19– Podiatry- Dr. Pace, June 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John,  June 25 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, June 25– Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, June 26-Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, July 2 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  July 11 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, July 16 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, July 17– Podiatry- Dr. Pace, July 18 – Ortho- Laura Noble, FNP,  July 23 - Ortho-Dr. Gray,  July 25 – Dermatology – Dylan Timmerman, PA,   July 29– Rheumatology-Dr. John,  July 31-Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 19     Juneteenth Federal Holiday (Banks and government offices closed)

June 20-21     AC FAIR

June 21     Appleton City Manor and Countryside Estates soft opening 11:00 to 2:00

June 24-27     First Baptist Church Vacation Bible School 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Appleton City Public Library Story Hour will happen 11:00 a.m. Mondays. Join them for stories, activities and snacks. They are also sponsoring the summer reading program, “Color Your World”, June 23 - July16.  Ages 4+ are invited to meet Monday – Wednesday at the Library.

Where is Charlie?  Do you remember Charlie the Skeleton who lived in the ACHS Science room from 1950’s to 1990’s?    He appeared in the 1965 Bulldog Yearbook with Coach Jerry Hedger and he lived in a small closet in the Science room where he was used to teach students about the skeleton.  When did he arrive at the school and when did he leave ACHS?   The Museum would like to know more about him and if you have information, please stop by the museum or call Susan at 660-464-0288. Let’s learn the rest of the story

If you enjoy playing chess, would you are willing to give up an hour or so one day a week to play with residents at Appleton City Manor? If you are interested, contact Tracey Sampson, Activity Director at 660-476-2128. They are very flexible with your schedule.

Kaysinger Basin RPC Paul Bruhn Grant Program online application is due 4:00 p.m. June 23, 2025. Please refer to link below for all documents related to this program.  The required boundary map is now listed on the Kaysinger website but also please include in your application any property boundary maps as they relate to the National Register of Historic Places designation. https://kaysinger.com/development/funding/pbhrgrant/

MU Extension is partnering with MU Healthcare to provide an opportunity for residents to learn strategies to promote the safety of older adults behind the wheel and reframe their mindset around retiring from driving. “Keep Your Keys” is a one-time 2-hour program dedicated to offering comprehensive insights and practical advice on prioritizing safety and planning for driving retirement on a temporary or permanent basis. Participants will conduct a self-assessment regarding their ability to drive. Participants receive a booklet to keep with resources and information including a transportation plan. Join them at the St. Clair County Library located at 115 Chestnut Osceola, MO 64776 at 10:00 a.m. June 30 for this free educational event. For more information or to RSVP for the program, please contact the St. Clair County Extension Office at 417-646-2419.

AC Fair Royalty contestant registration is now open and needs to be completed and turned in as soon as possible. Once you turn in your registration, you will be given your raffle tickets, which are due to be turned in by June 19 to be counted toward the winning totals. Hurry in to get registered.

The Appleton City Museum is missing the 2013 Appleton City High School edition of the yearbook. If you know of anyone who might have an extra copy please let Linda Lampkin know 660-476-5857.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the date of the next diabetic class will be 4:00 p.m. July 15, 2025 in the conference room at Ellett Memorial Hospital.

The AC Ministerial Alliance meets throughout the year providing community services and opportunities for the area churches to gather together for worship.  Additionally, the ACMA helps people through the region in a variety of ways.  In 2023, the ACMA founded the Tony Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, a $1000 scholarship awarded locally to an area student pursuing continuing education post-high school. Some in the community have asked about the ability to make donations directly towards the scholarship fund that are not used in other ACMA endeavors.  At any time, you may make donations towards the ACMA and they encourage you to do so.  You may make donations at any of their community meetings, or feel free to contact one of the ministers serving in the ACMA for more information. 

The 2025 Appleton City Fair

Friday & Saturday

June 20-21

        Friday, June 20, 2025

6 pm               Parade (Lineup 5:30 pm)

7-10 pm          Live music from “Overload”

7-10 pm          Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements

5-9 pm            Food vendors

        Saturday, June 21, 2025

8-11 am          Biscuits and Gravy provided by The Masonic Lodge  **please note updated time**

10-11:30 am   Baby & Toddler Show (Registration 9:30 am)

10:00 am        7 point Pitch Tournament (Registration 9:00 am)

11-11:30         Bake Off items to park building

11:30 am        Little AC Prince/Princess Crowning

                       Senior Royalty Crowning

                       Bake Off Contest Winner announced at noon

12-1 pm          Kids Games

1-3 pm            Horseback Rides: Bates County Posse

1-4 pm            Live music from the "County Liners"

2:00 pm          St. Clair County Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstration

3-6 pm            Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements

4:30 pm          Bake Off Auction and Raffle Winners announced

5-10 pm          VFW Beer Garden

6:00 pm          Cornhole Tournament

7-10 pm          Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements

7-11 pm          Live Music by "Sparrowfoot"

AC Optimist Dunk Tank-Friday 7-10 pm & Saturday 6-10 pm

Craft Vendors- Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Food Vendors- Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday 11-9 pm

Carnival sessions are 7:00-10:00 Friday, 3:00-6:00 Saturday and 7:00-10:00 Saturday.

Montrose Wall of Honor update

 

Under the pavilion next to city hall in Montrose, visitors will find a wonderful tribute to local veterans as seen here. As the project was started a few years back, the scribed bricks are beginning to fill spaces and if anyone would like to purchase a brick please contact Hank Swaters at 660-492-2852 or Dave Koch. 

Cost is $100 per brick and the public openly invited to stop by any time to browse the names.

Sneak preview in Appleton City

 

The carnival rides have arrived in preparation for a big weekend ahead in Appleton City for the annual fair. Here's the schedule:

Friday, June 20th 2025
6pm Parade (Lineup 5:30pm)
7-10pm Live music from "Overload"
7-10pm Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements
5-9pm Food vendors

Saturday, June 21st 2025
7-10am Biscuits and Gravy provided by The Masonic Lodge
10-11:30am Baby & Toddler Show (Registration 9:30am)
10:00am 7 point Pitch Tournament (Registration 9:00am)
11-11:30 Bake Off items to park building
11:30am Little AC Prince/Princess Crowning
Senior Royalty Crowning
Bake Off Contest Winner announced at noon
12-1pm Kids Games
1-3pm Horseback Rides: Bates County Posse
1-4pm Live music from the "County Liners"
2:00pm St. Clair County Sherrif's K-9 Demonstration
3-6pm Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements
4:30pm Bake Off Auction and Raffle Winners announced
5-10pm VFW Beer Garden
6:00pm Cornhole Tournament
7-10pm Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements
7-11pm Live Music by "Sparrowfoot"

AC Optimist Dunk Tank-Friday 7-10pm & Saturday 6-10pm
Craft Vendors- Saturday 10am-5pm
Food Vendors- Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 11-9pm

Obituary - Geraldine Lee Aguilar

Geraldine Lee Aguilar, 65, of Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Moore-Few Care Center. Geraldine was born on December 20, 1959, in Kansas City, MO to Jerry Lee and Wilma Marie (Haynes) Deeser.

No services are planned at this time.

Routine traffic stop takes nearly 2 lbs of meth off the streets

 During the early evening hours of Saturday June 14th, Deputy Stokes of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a community patrol in the area between Mound City and Sugar Valley Lakes. Deputy Stokes made a proactive stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation which he observed on Pain Road. Upon contact with the driver, Deputy Stokes became suspicious that there were drugs concealed in the vehicle and called for a K9 unit. Due to Linn County’s K9 handler being out due to an injury, a request was sent to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office who responded by sending their K9 and handler, Deputy Austin Jones.

When Deputy Jones arrived on scene his K9 alerted that drugs were concealed in the vehicle resulting in a search of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle the deputies discovered 1lb, 12 oz. of methamphetamine that was destined to poison our community.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident. This is a great example of proactive community patrolling by our deputies and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

From Bates County Clerk, Jami Page

Bates County implemented the Senior Tax Credit in January of this year. Applications were accepted from the first Monday in February until the last Monday in April. If you did not apply by the last Monday in April, you will have to wait and apply next year.

In 2026, applications will be accepted between February 2nd and April 27th.

Obituary - Randy Pitts

Randy Pitts age 67 of Butler. Passed away on Sunday, June 15th at his home.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, the late Romulus and Fran Pitts of Butler, Randy is survived by one brother Steve Pitts, and significant other Lynn Baker both of Butler. One niece, Cassie Pitts of Nevada, a nephew, Cody Pitts and wife of Bentonville Arkansas, and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of Life will be held in the near future and details will be announced at that time. Cremation to be held at Stonegate Crematorium of Harrisonville.

Courtesy 921 News Now

Aircraft from Butler involved in Johnson County incident

 

As the Kansas Highway patrol investigation continues, it has been revealed that the Beechcraft King Air that ended up on top of a hanger at the New Century airport in Johnson county, Kansas yesterday was indeed from Butler, Mo.

According to the preliminary report, the aircraft was piloted by 73 year old Leslie Gorden with passenger Delaney Rindal, 30. While the exact circumstances are unknown at this time, investigators say that the aircraft was flying southbound when the left engine became inoperable causing it to veer off course and strike a hangar.

Fortunately both pilot and passenger sustained only minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft safely.

It has also been confirmed that it is the same King Air used for parachute jump operations out of the Butler airport; the official NTSB report may not be available for some time.

The 80th Annual Diehl Reunion

The 80th Annual Diehl Reunion will be held Sunday, August 3, 2025 @ 1pm in the Community First Bank 915 W Ft Scott St.  Butler, Mo.  call 816-714-4649 for more information.      

***UPDATE*** New date Sunday, July 27th - Archie High School to host slow-pitch softball tournament

 The Archie High School softball team is hosting a slow-pitch tournament on Sunday, July 27th at the Archie baseball and softball fields!

This will be a coed tournament with a minimum of 3 girls per team.

Winner takes home their entry fee plus $15 per player on the roster.

Please email Coach Mooney and/or Coach Lewis to sign your team up! Please include captain's name, a team name, and a roster when signing up. We will send out a rule sheet to the team captains with further details.

tmooney@archie.k12.mo.us

qlewis@archie.k12.mo.us

Thank you for supporting our program!

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