Dry today, rain chances increase tomorrow

Horse in custody, owner sought

Earlier today, the Bates County Sheriff's Office took custody of a lost horse near Drexel as the owner is sought. If you know anyone in the northwest part of Bates County please have them check to see if they are missing a horse. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 670-679-3232.

Someone is definitely going to be looking for this horse. It was located off 10001 just south of AA Highway.

UPDATE the owner has been reunited with the horse.

Brief friendship comes with storybook ending

Piper Yunger of Lee's Summit, Mo (formerly of Butler) was working with husband Bobby on new construction at the Lake of the Ozarks when this (albeit very tired) hummingbird found its way into the structure but wasn't able to find a way out.

"My heart was breaking watching her not able to get out. Somehow I reached up for her to direct her out of the doorways and she just landed in my hands."

She went on to say "She knew I was there to help her. She rested for really quite sometime. And then she just flew off."

A positive human-animal interaction that again proves we may be more alike than we know. -Editor

Obituary - Star Oliver

Funeral services for Star Oliver of Butler, Missouri are 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 9 - 10 a.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Cremation to follow service.  Contributions to Wayside Waifs.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Starlene “Star” Ann Oliver, age 73 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  She was born November 1, 1951 to LaVern Beers Jr. and Roberta Ruth Williams Beers in Warren, Pennsylvania.

Star is survived by one son, Michael Oliver and wife Rachel of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Monica Oliver of Butler, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Mathew Oliver and wife Dayna of St. Joseph, Missouri, Jacob Oliver and partner Monica, Nicholas Campbell of Amsterdam, Missouri, Zachary Webb and fiancé Taylor of Butler, Missouri, Alexander Webb and partner Ashlyn of Butler, Missouri, Brendan Ephland and partner Shelbi of Montrose, Missouri, Alexandrea Ephland of Kentucky and Madylann Ephland of Butler, Missouri; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers.  Star was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Oliver on November 21, 2013; her parents; granddaughter, Sidney Marie Oliver; and one sister.

Obituary - Brenda Shirlene Douty

Funeral services for Brenda Shirlene Douty of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 9 a.m. - 10 at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Contributions to Kansas City Hospice House.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Brenda Shirlene Douty, age 70 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  She was born June 19, 1955 to Evelyn Louise Muncy in Lockwood, Missouri.

Brenda is survived by five children, Christal George and husband Christoper of Rich Hill, Missouri, Robert Douty and spouse Mike Sego of Brookfield, Missouri, Louise Hecox and significant other Brandon of Butler, Missouri, Rebecca Douty of Butler, Missouri and Danny Garcia and spouse Raul of Port Orchard, Washington; one sister, Evelyn Muncy of Nevada, Missouri; one brother, David Muncy and wife Lesha of Lockwood, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Muncy; son, Jesse Douty; husband, Bob Douty; two brothers, Jason Muncy and Mike Berry; and one grandson, Keith Cooper.

Obituary - Jack Sanz

Jack Sanz also lovingly referred to as "Frenchie", age 88 of Amoret. Missouri passed away in his home on Thursday June 19th 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to the Hearing Charities of America. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Jack was born in France on January 17, 1937. He came to the United States in 1968 and settled in Amoret, MO. Prior to coming to America Jack served his home country in the war fighting in both the Algeria and Morocco wars. Once his life began in Amoret, he became a farmer, growing beans and caring for cattle. In 1985 Jack became a father to Marc and Stephanie. Who he also taught the farming trade. Jack was blessed with multiple grandchildren who he loved more than anything and loved to spoil each one of them.

Jack got to live out his wish of dying in his home where he knew he was loved and comfortable and able to pass peacefully onto his next life and although he is gone, he will not be forgotten and his memory will continue to carry on through his children and grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his sister Gisele, his children Stephanie Gregory, and Marc Sanz (Taylor), his nephew Justin (Charlene) great-nephews Wyatt, Aiden and Justin Jr. and grandchildren Scottie, Denise, Jax, Chase, Elyse.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

Expect overpass closure at Archie next week

 

City of Pleasanton to receive needed financial boost

 

As seen here, the City of Pleasanton will receive $617,100.00 for street projects per this letter dated today. More information on what the projects entail will be posted soon.

Missing person may be in Miami County area

 

Adrian grad joins vet clinic in Harrisonville

 

Koch-Stigge Veterinary Clinic in Harrisonville welcomes our new doctor to the team- Dr. Samantha Rushly is a graduate of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She grew up in Adrian and worked with us during high school.

Samantha is interested in mixed animal medicine and we are thrilled to have her join our clinic. Dr. Rushly joins Dr. Koch, Dr. Stigge, and Dr. Betsy as our fourth doctor.

LaCygne promotes Officer Marino to full time

It is our pleasure to announce the appointment of Officer John Marino to a full-time position with the La Cygne Police Department.

Officer Marino has been a part-time member of the department since September 2024 and has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the community. With his invaluable experience in law enforcement, including eight years of service in the Wyandotte County area and his tenure in the Army Reserves, Officer Marino is well-equipped to excel in his new role.

City Hall in Rich Hill currently without power, phones

 City Hall in Rich Hill is currently without electrical power and is not able to process payments or accept phone calls. Hopefully the situation will be corrected in short order; a post will be made when all is back on line.

Update 1:30 pm power and phones have been restored.

Obituary - Edith Pearl Cutburth Kohler

Edith Pearl Cutburth Kohler, 94 of Paola, KS passed away Friday June 20, 2025 at Rock Creek Care Home in Ottawa. A visitation will be 6-8PM Wednesday June 25th at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Paola, followed by a graveside service 10am Thursday at Paola Cemetery.

Edith was born September 27th, 1930 to Martha Mildred (Hughes) Jackson and Everett Jackson of Amsterdam, Missouri. Her family was baptized in 1939 in a creek near the Virgina church. She graduated from the Amoret High School in 1949. She had many fond memories of growing up attending the Virginia Methodist Church (Children’s Day Programs, Ice Cream Socials and Christmas Programs). Edith married William A. Cutburth October 22, 1950 at the Amsterdam Methodist Church. They had three children; Patricia Wells, James R. Cutburth, and William E. Cutburth. Edith and William owned and operated B&E Cleaners in Paola, Kansas from 1970-1993. After Williams passing on July 17, 1998, Edith married Dean Dale Kohler on November 12, 2002. Edith's biggest joys were sewing, quilting, gardening and most of all taking care of her family.

She was preceded in death by her first husband William A. Cutburth and her parents Martha Mildred (Hughes) Jackson Stilwell, Everett Jackson and William Stilwell; baby brother Darrell Jackson; and sister Evelyn (Jackson) Stanfill.

She is survived by her husband Dale Dean Kohler, three children Patricia Ann Wells, James Robert Cutburth and William E. Cutburth, 8 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ascend Hospice Care .

Obituary - Richard “Dick” Smith

Richard “Dick” Smith, age 83 formerly of Pleasanton, Kansas passed away in Olathe, Kansas on Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was born the son of Charles Dixon and Gertrude (Bristow) Smith on April 18, 1942 in Butler, Missouri. He graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1960 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in auto tech from Pittsburg State University. Dick was a car dealer and salesman, starting his career with Cox Motors in Pleasanton. He went on to own his own dealership, Dick Smith Ford in Paola, Kansas. Throughout the years he was very astute at buying and selling cars. Fords were his favorite make of cars. He also tested the waters in drag racing, driving in the alcohol funny car class. Dick was an avid sports fan and loved watching Nascar, drag racing and the Indy car racing, the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He was a jokester, and a huge storyteller, some would even say that they would reach the “fishtale” status. But he absolutely loved the family get togethers and barbeques. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dick is survived by his wife of twenty-four years, Rosemary, a son, Richard Patrick Smith, a daughter, Abbie Smith-Perina, a stepson, Keith Estle (Robyn) and a stepdaughter, Kimberly Kring (Jon), ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Graveside Service will be held at 10 am, Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the United Methodist Church of Louisburg or the KU Hospice House. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com

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.