Obituary - Perla “Sue” Lutes

Perla “Sue” Lutes, 80, Nevada, MO, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Medicalodges in Nevada. Sue was born June 26, 1944, the daughter of Emmons and Theda (Starr) Philbrick.

     Sue was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1962. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg and a Master’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Sue taught in the Nevada R-5 school district for over 30 years teaching at Jefferson, Franklin, Bryan, and Nevada Middle School. In addition, she was a member the First Presbyterian Church in Nevada where she worked as secretary at for a number of years. Her memberships included ATHENS, Alpha Delta KAPPA, MSTA, MRTA, VCRT, NEA, and MONEA. Sue enjoyed being with her retired teacher friends and many others at their Friday evening dinners together.

     Sue is survived locally by several cousins including: Andrea Miller (Sim) Nevada, Ryan Wooldridge (Cathie), Bronaugh, Dan Philbrick (Anita), Cassville, Mary Kammerer (Earl), Butler, and Debbie Wintjen (Tim), Moundville. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Sherry Lutes Fox who passed away in 2001.

     Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Rev. Laura Agee officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery in Nevada.

     Memorials are suggested in her name to the First Presbyterian Church c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Updated obituary - Michael Shane Cole

 Celebration of Life Service for Michael Shane Cole of Passaic, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Passaic Community Church in Passaic, Missouri.  There will be no visitation.  Inurnment at a later date.  Arrangements under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri (660-679-6555).  Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Michael Shane Cole, age 55 of Passaic, Missouri died Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at his home.  He was born April 15, 1970 to Charles Andrew and Linda Marlene McKee Cole in Clinton, Missouri.

Michael is survived by two daughters, Cori Cole (Dusty Miller) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jami Cole (Mitch Seward) of Butler, Missouri; mother, Linda Cole of Passaic, Missouri; girlfriend, Beth Chandler; brother, Ashley Cole (Nellie) of Passaic, Missouri; sister, Angelia Cumpton of Passaic, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren, Grady and Archer Armstrong, Charlie and Cole Seward, Kyleigh (JD), Jerrun (Allie), Madison and Natalee Kennedy, Shannasie Vowels, Jonathon Coatney, Dylan and Hayden Wiltshire, Kayleigh Rich, Zoe Rich and Quinton Mann; three stepsons, Arron Rich, Jeremy Kennedy (Nataushua) and Wyatt Chandler; stepdaughter, Skylar Mann (Dylan); many nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and friends; and his beloved canine companion, Lucy.  Michael was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Chuck” Cole; paternal grandparents, Chub and Geneva Cole; maternal grandparents, Bill and Letha McKee; one stepson, Shaun Rich; two uncles Butch Cole and Robert Cole; and two aunts, Sheryl McKee and Faye McKee

Obituary - Jack Anthony Robinson

 Jack Anthony Robinson passed away on June 22, 2025, at home with his wife & son by his side. Jack was born in Carter, Oklahoma, September 9, 1940. He was raised on a farm in Retrop, Oklahoma, always picking cotton.

After serving in the Army, Jack went back to farming, and realized this was not what he wanted in life. He then graduated from Southwestern State College, Oklahoma, and soon got a job with John Deere. From there, he served as a territory manager & lived in Kansas and Texas, before settling in Overland Park, Kansas, at the John Deere Kansas City Branch. After several positions, he retired after 30 plus years as Credit Manager.

Jack was very athletic, playing baseball & basketball throughout high school. His horse riding skills allowed him to win the Kansas City Celebrity Cutting Horse Championship in 1991, representing John Deere. As an adult, he loved riding his motorcycle, was an avid tennis player for 30 years, golfer, snow skier, and most important to him....a runner. He ran in marathons & continued running until he was 80 years old.

After 10 years of dating, he married (finally) Peggy Jones in 1998. They lived in Overland Park, KS, until they both retired in 2000. They then moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, which he said were the best 10 years of his life. Living right on the lake, boating, & fishing was much fun, especially with the kids & granddaughter.

They moved to Pleasant Hill, MO, in 2011, and enjoyed the small town life.

Jack was raised in the Church of Christ, and continued his devotion as a member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church & always had faith in our God.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Nora, his brother Charles, and his daughter, Shelly. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, Son Terry and wife, Karen, grandkids, Erica & Mike Jensen, great-granddaughter, Sage, and his fur-babies, Barney & Thelma Lou.

In accordance with Jack's wishes, there will be cremation with a private family celebration to be held in the future.

Memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be made to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, MO 64701

Steamy with spotty rain chances the next few days

Saddle Club Rodeo wrap-up

2025 Mutton Busting Champion Kash Brattin, son of Miles and Kylie Brattin of Butler, MO. Kash received $90 for his performance. He poses here with Kenny Gabriel and Bree Baney, 2024 Rodeo Queen.

2025 Princess honors go to Zita Baney, granddaughter of Jolene Danforth. She was crowned by her older sister, 2024 Queen Bree Baney on Sunday evening. See more HERE

Back-to-back Wild Horse Race Champions were Braden Sleeper, Dalton Akin, and Dalton Bogan.

Raffle winners:

Gun or $500- Henry Wendleton
4 pack to State Fair or $200- Ronda Thomas

Obituary - Russell Eugene Walker Jr

Russell Eugene Walker Jr., 59, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at his home. Services are pending arrangements and will be posted once available.

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

The Museum Minute: Affections overwhelming

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730 (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of June 25

1870 Bates Co Sheriff Smith arrests Daniel Mann for horse stealing & dallying with the affections of several young Bates Co ladies.

1880 A petition of given to the Butler City Council to prevent hogs from roaming in the streets and making wallows in them.

1917 The Winans Restaurant, on North Main st, changes their name to The Jefferson Highway Restaurant, Butler.

1932 The new Butler Hospital at Maple & College streets is dedicated. It is a two story and daylight basement hospital.

1946 Ralph O. Fritts sells his interest in the Bates Co Democrat newspaper to partners Dick and Mary Ellis, Butler.

1953 $399 down and $49 a month buys a new Plymouth or Dodge pickup at the Richardson Motor Co., Butler.

1960 Janice Gail Neil of Adrian, is crowned Bates Co Dairy Festival Queen.

1999 Doug Thompson of Butler, is inducted into the National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame, in Afton, Oklahoma. He is also in the Automotive Hall of Fame.

What’s Up by LeRoy Cook

Changing A Taxiway, Just Because

Despite the heat at ground level, aviators enjoyed nice summer skies last week, with flat-bottomed cumulus clouds

floating in clear blue vistas. Even the thermal activity was fairly light, so no gliders were reported in the air this week.

A Cessna 182 dropped in at mid-week, along with a Piper Warrior and Sam Styron’s turbine Air Tractor from Harrisonville. An Army Reserve Chinook CH-47 helicopter from New Century was seen muttering along through the traffic pattern on Thursday. Locally, dawn to dusk activity was logged by BCS aerial application, Jim Ferguson’s Cessna Skylane was out and Jon Laughlin’s Piper Cherokee evaded bird bombing outside. A new student pilot was created on Friday with a first solo flight being logged.

As was reported elsewhere, the SkyDive KC operation was without its jump plane last weekend, as the King Air was involved in an non-fatal accident while landing at New Century airport at Gardner, KS on the previous Monday. After losing power on the left engine, veteran pilot Les Gorden managed to bring the out-of-control aircraft to rest on a hangar roof. It’ll be some time before the accident investigators release their findings of the probable cause. Meanwhile, SkyDive KC is looking for a replacement airplane.

This coming Saturday is the Fliar’s Club’s monthly breakfast fly-out, so there is a call for assembly on the Butler airport ramp at 0730 hours, whereupon the possibilities will be discussed. Some lessening of the heat is on the long-range outlook.

There’s a small unique airport in North Dakota, located at International Peace Gardens exactly on the U.S./Canada border, where pilots from either country can land and park on their respective sides of the border. Now, this long-standing convenient arrangement is threatened by the imposition of bureaucratic standards, with no regard for “grandfathering” established practice. The problem is, the taxiway to the Canada ramp exits the runway at a 45-degree angle, the shortest path, and new FAA airport rules say it has to be changed to a 90-degree turnoff, making the Canadian government have to build a new ramp, all for no reason except “it’s a rule.” Canada is naturally resistant to the expenditure. Logic and common sense would dictate leaving it alone, saving needless expense.

It was announced last week that Boeing may be restarting production of the C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane, which was actually a Douglas Aircraft design before the two companies merged. Ten years ago, the 289th C-17 was built, the last one ordered, but now Boeing may have a customer again. Capable of lifting 50 tons of cargo, the C-17 is only slightly smaller than the Lockheed C-5B. 

 From last week, our question about “which U.S. state has the highest number of winter thunderstorms” attracted no response. The answer was Louisiana. So, for next week, can anyone tell me what designation was given the Air Force’s Globemaster II? Richard-Gebaur AFB veterans probably know.  You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com. 

EMT'S Begin Paramedic Training with grant and hospital Support

 Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is proud to announce that four of its EMTs have begun paramedic training through a mix of federal grant funding and hospital support. This investment in emergency services strengthens BCMH’s ability to meet local needs with advanced, highly trained personnel.

In early 2024, BCMH received $98,598.57 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The one-time grant included $16,800 for paramedic education, which covered nearly the full cost of training for EMTs Stephen Stark and Jesse Cowley.

Hospital leadership, with full board support, also chose to fund two additional scholarships using hospital resources, awarded to EMTs Joelene Smith and Cody Moore. Moore began training prior to the scholarship program and received full reimbursement from BCMH, along with support to complete his education.

Paramedic programs typically span 14 to 16 months and include classroom training, clinical hours, and field experience. Each scholarship recipient continues working shifts at BCMH and has committed to continued service after graduation.

“Paramedic training was always my plan, but life got in the way,” said Stark. “This is an opportunity to grow and pursue more advanced work, including disaster response.”

Smith added, “I’m grateful to BCMH for helping me further my education, not just for myself, but for my family and for the community I’ve come to love.”

“This is a smart investment in people,” said Kristina Anderson, BCMH HR Director. “We’re addressing staffing challenges and helping our EMTs grow their careers—all while reducing the cost and reliance on agency staffing.”

BCMH continues to invest in hard-to-fill clinical roles, including tuition reimbursement for newly licensed nurses. These efforts are part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care close to home.

Read the full story on our website: https://bcmhospital.com/bcmh-invests-in-paramedic-training/

Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

 Kauffman, Jesse David to Clover, Robert Lt 47 Swaidner's Addn

Burge, Troy E to Us Solutions Str 20-40-31 //Nw

Mcelwain, Marcia Lea to Cox, Mark Trust 01-24-2018 Str 14-40-31

Tucker, Ben K  to Hendrix, Ragan Lynn Lt 31 Mills, C. L. Addn

Hertzog, Jerry L. to Wainscott, Kody Str 13-40-32 //Sw

Nelson, Trent to Papinville Historical & Cemtery Assn Lt 62 Bl 17 Papinville, Original Town Of

Morse, Brian S (Trustee) to Making Disciples Inc Str 8-39-32 //Sw

Wainscott, John M (Co-Trustee) to Dickinson, Robert Ross Lt 1 Deer's Crossing

Miles, Katesa to Miles, Martin D Str 9-42-33 //Se

Stewart, Leland to Stewart, Amanda Str 35-42-33 //Se

Lowe, Sandra K. to Lowe Family Rental Proteries Str 32-42-33 //Se

Marriage License

Kauffman, Kaleb Reese ans Ford, Ceceily Drew

Honeychurch, Robert Karl and Schoor, Sandra Michelle

Tallman, Quade Riley and Whitworth, Madison Kate

Spangler, Danniel Jay and Healey, Ashley Marie

Montrose Wall of Honor is growing

 

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.

Heat continues, spotty showers later in the week

Rodeo Royalty

MISS ZITA BANEY was crowned 2025 Butler Saddle Club Rodeo Princess this evening with other winners from the evening to be posted soon. More highlights from the 72nd annual rodeo here:

BHS Names Week 3 Strength & Conditioning Athletes of the Week

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

The Butler Bears wrapped up Week 3 of summer Strength and Conditioning, with student-athletes continuing to show up early, work hard, and build momentum heading into the upcoming sports seasons.

Each week, the coaching staff selects two standout participants who demonstrate exceptional effort, consistency, and attitude in both the weight room and the gym. For Week 3, the honor of Athletes of the Week goes to siblings Ryan Peeland Ava Peel.

Both athletes have shown impressive dedication by attending workouts daily and pushing themselves to improve.

The Butler Strength & Conditioning program runs Monday through Thursday at 6:00 AM, and is open to all students entering grades 6–12. Coaches encourage all student-athletes to keep showing up and putting in the work as summer rolls on.

We're here to help

 These fine members of the Ballard FFA have shown up and braved the heat the last two mornings at 7:30 am to make sure the Bates County Fairgrounds were clean and ready for the Butler Saddle Club Rodeo.

Your dedication to the community is greatly appreciated!

BHS Sideline Cheerleaders take top honors

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

The Butler High School 2025–2026 Sideline Cheerleaders recently attended UCA Cheer Camp, where they demonstrated the roaring Bear spirit, skill, and dedication—earning a ‘Superior’ rating in the Spirit Showcase, which is the highest team honor possible.

In addition to the team’s success, three Bears were named UCA All-Americans: Kalie Korkmaz, Jena Tourtillott, and Kadyn Cook. These young ladies were selected for showcasing exceptional cheerleading and dance ability and are now recognized among the top cheerleaders in the country! Several other Butler cheerleaders also received individual awards throughout the camp for their performance and leadership.

Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) was founded in 1974 by Jeff Webb, with a mission to combine advanced cheerleading techniques with traditional crowd leadership. Over the past 50 years, UCA has grown into the largest cheerleading camp company in the world, training over 180,000 athletes annually at more than 3,200 sessions nationwide.The Lady Bears feel privileged to have grown and studied at this event and they are ready to bring back to Butler what they have learned!

UCA is also widely known for hosting over 50 regional competitions and its national championship events at Walt Disney World Resort—many of which are televised on ESPN networks and CBS Sports, reaching over 100 million homes in 32 countries each year.

With a Superior rating under their belts and All-American athletes among their ranks, the Butler Sideline Cheerleaders are eager to bring their energy to the sidelines this fall. The team looks forward to leading the crowd and showing off the spirit of Butler High School throughout the 2025–2026 season.

Some thank you's and now let's Rodeo Up!

To our America-loving President, Kenny Gabriel: Thank you for all of your passion, dedication & hard work over the years to guide our saddle club into one that is blessed and active- allowing us put on an amazing rodeo & then pay it forward within our own community! Your vision is truly inspiring!

To the Bullfighter you see in that arena & BSC Member, Michael Coy! Thank you for all of your continuous hard work- both behind the scenes & out in that arena!

Last, but certainly not least:

The Butler Saddle Club is proud to be "Partners in Education". During the Saturday night performance, we presented our local Butler Elementary Teachers with a $750 donation. Representing BES is kindergarten teachers Amanda Lawson and Ashley Fennewald. Presenting the donation is Butler Saddle Club President Kenny Gabriel and BSC Secretary and Butler Schools Speech-Language Pathologist Pam Craft. This August elementary students will return with the donated school supplies ready for use. Thank you teachers for your determination and dedication to our students!

BES teachers will be set up for the last performance by the food vendors collecting donations for their school supply drive! Your support is greatly appreciated!

Join us TONIGHT for the final night of our 72nd Annual Butler Saddle Club Rodeo!

Mutton Busting: 7pm

Rodeo: 8 pm

See you at the Rodeo!

Amsterdam Jubilee announces Grand Marshal

 

Jubilee never takes the duty of picking a Grand Marshal lightly.

It's a mixture of duty, history, loyalty, community and family.

The pick for the 49th Amsterdam Jubilee embodies all of the above.

Her parents set a great example of community and family. Through their example. This year's Grand Marshal was raised and continues to leave her mark.

She has touched and shaped generations of our community.

We are proud that she is ours.

The following tribute was written by her oldest daughter and we could not of said it better ourselves.

Please help us welcome and honor our 2025 Amsterdam Jubilee Grand Marshal

Cathy Slattery

We couldn't be more happy that she is ours.

Cathy Slattery, formerly Cathy Lewis, was born and raised in Amsterdam. Her parents, Bill and Marjorie Lewis, were strong supporters of the Amsterdam community. Cathy attended Miami R-1 school, graduating as valedictorian in 1976. She was active in basketball, choir, and was regional vice president and then president of FHA. Cathy was the editor of the yearbook her senior year and had a hand in restoring items from the Bates County Museum.

After graduating from Miami, she attended CMSU in Warrensburg and earned her associates degree. She came back and worked at Miami as an aide in Kindergarten for two years before returning to CMSU to earn her Bachelor’s and then her Master’s. She was hired at Miami as a second grade teacher which she taught for two years before moving to her true calling as a Kindergarten teacher. She touched so many lives in her 29 years teaching Kindergarten. From yearly Zoo Trips, cooking every Friday, decorating the bank windows for Jubilee each year, to planning and hosting the best Kindergarten graduations, she devoted so much time and love to the youth in the Amsterdam community. Being a Kindergarten teacher was apart of her identity and her love of kids and doing what was best for them was always evident. Cathy was also the junior class sponsor many years planning prom and helping with project prom and was also apart of the PDC. She was moved to fifth grade and taught there for a year before retiring in 2015 leaving behind a legacy of true Eagle Pride. She worked as a sub at the Archie school district from her retirement until the premature birth of her grandson where she took on the role of Gigi full time.

Aside from devoting her life to educating generations, she was a constant supporter of the community. Cathy and her husband Dennis served on the Jubilee Committee for a few years before starting their family. She was the Amsterdam 4-H leader for 15 years. She was also a cooking leader and Clover kids leader. She worked for Barb and Nason Corwine at the Amsterdam Cafe and was an aide at Lake Mary’s School for Exceptional Children just over the state line.

Cathy married her husband Dennis June 1st, 1985. Together they have five children. Sons Jared, living on this earth an hour, Clay, and Ryan, and daughters Jenna and Caitlin. They raised their family in Amsterdam and instilled a sense of community pride in each of them. They loved living in this small town and continued to support the school and community with three of their children attending Miami from Kindergarten with their Mom as their teacher to graduation.

Growing up in Amsterdam gives you a different perspective than many have. Many people see Amsterdam as a tiny town with not a lot going on, but Cathy never even considered raising her family anywhere else. Her parents were staples of the community and raised her to know that family is what matters most, and that family doesn’t always mean those who share your blood or last name, but those who love and care for you. Bill and Marjorie served the Amsterdam community well over the years and are missed greatly.

Today, their children still live nearby. They have been blessed with 11 grandchildren: Zoe, Charlotte, Olivia, Bexon, Evelyn, Annalise, Ellasyn, Gibson, Anderson, Amelia and Langston.

Today, Cathy enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, trips to the lake, and attending all their activities. She still lives in and supports the Amsterdam community. She has been apart of many Jubilee parades from the time she was a teenager into adulthood with her own children participating and is honored to be apart of the parade again this year with her family by her side.

Mark your calendar, the Amsterdam Jubilee happens on September 27th.

Heat Advisory continues through tomorrow

 

THE HEAT ADVISORY continues through our Monday, and could conceivably be extended to Tuesday.

Some uncertainty toward Tuesday's forecast centers on a weak front arriving Monday afternoon and its associated showers & storms, although those look to stay primarily north and east of KC.

Upper-level ridging could dominate the forecast -- and keep things hot -- well into midweek.

-Greg@660weather

Horseback rider receives urgent medical attention

Yesterday afternoon, Rich Hill Fire, the Bates County Sheriff's Office, and Bates County EMS responded to a call southeast of Rich Hill. A horseback rider was dehydrated and disoriented.

Bates County Sheriff's dispatchers quickly pinpointed the area, enabling first responders to locate the individual.

Upon arrival, the individual expressed concern about the horse's ability to return. Rich Hill Fire then contacted the Sheriff's Office, who promptly arranged a truck and trailer for the horse's transport.

Below, Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson personally got involved and according to his Facebook post, both horse and rider should fully recover.