Obituary - Twilia Moore

 Twilia Rose Moore, 94, Nevada, MO. passed away early Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born Dec. 29, 1930 on Commercial Street in Nevada, MO. to Edward and Fern (Arnold) Hendrix. On Sept. 21, 1946 Twilia and her beloved cousin Joy shared a double wedding, in Fort Scott, KS. to which Twilia married the love of her life, Gerald P. Moore, who preceded her in death on Jan. 5, 2008.

Twilia went back to school to get her G.E.D. and later became a supervisor at the Nevada State Hospital, where she worked on and off for 33 ½ years, retiring in 1992. During the course of her employment, she would take time off to care for her 4 children, which was her true calling. While retired, Twilia & Gerald spent many years traveling to different Navy ports to see their eldest son, Jerry. Twilia was a member of the Church of Christ for the majority of her life, where she volunteered at “We Care” for numerous years.

Twilia enjoyed her time caring for others. She was the definition of selfless, and her love was unconditional. Over the years Twilia spent time doing things she loved; attending plays at the local Fox Theater, watching RFD TV, spending time with her family, and going to see live music. She was a prominent coffee drinker, enjoyed strawberry sundaes, root beer floats, and Emery’s Diner.

Survivors include two children, Vicki Hensley (Roger), Nevada, and Carl Moore, Nevada; eight grandchildren, Eric Moore (Gloria), Nicole Moore, Jeremy Hensley, Jered Moore (Tracy), Kizzi Hostetter (Joshua), Katie Yockey, Bradley Moore, and Caryl “C.J” Brasher; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous cousins in the area. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Bud Hendrix; two children: a son Jerry Moore and a daughter, Joy Moore; one granddaughter, Kristy Hensley; two daughters-in-law, Judy Moore and Rayna Moore; and an infant great-grandson, Jered Moore, Jr.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Bro. Dick Harris officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Fair Haven Children’s Home in Springfield, MO, c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Jo Ann Wilson

Jo Ann Wilson, 91 of Butler, Missouri passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Friday, August 1, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow on Friday at 2:00 pm, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Newton Burial Park Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Butler Public Library or Adrian Optimist. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Jo Ann Underwood Wilson was born May 1, 1934 in Nevada, Missouri. The daughter of Ernest and Violet Raines Underwood. She grew up in the Nevada area and graduated from Nevada High School. Jo Ann was united in marriage to H. De. Wilson in 1951. Together they moved to Harrisonville, Missouri, then to Butler, Missouri in 1966 for H. De’s work.

During Jo Ann’s years in Butler, she worked in the Butler school cafeteria, Montgomery Wards, and became the manager of Bowen’s Hallmark when it opened in 1979 until 1994. Many people that couldn’t remember her name affectionately referred to her as one of the “Hallmark ladies”.

H. De. and Jo Ann retired in 1994 and were able to fulfill their life-long wish to travel. They took numerous trips to Las Vegas and visited many of the states, but Jo Ann said she would never go to Hawaii because she was afraid to fly over water. Over the last 15 years or so, they stayed in Gulf Shores as “Snow Birds”. That way they were able to be close to their youngest daughter and grandchildren who all lived nearby. Many happy memories were made over the years. Jo Ann and H. De. both enjoyed taking bus trips to casinos and hardly ever missed a Monday night Bingo in Adrian.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband H. De. Wilson and daughter Tonia Wilson Miller. She is survived by daughters Teresa Wilson of Butler, MO., and Tamara Deardorff and husband Rich of Gulf Shores, AL. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Mike Miller and wife Emily, Jennifer Hays and husband Steve, Samantha Dixon, Lauren Zarate and husband Donnie, along with seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Obituary - Donna Marie Wheeler

Donna Marie Wheeler, the only child of Dolphus and Dorcus (nee Fancher) Wheeler was born on December 11, 1937, in Berryville, Arkansas. Of humble roots and an ill mother, she became a caretaker early in her life, and continued to share her warmth by taking care of and relishing in feeding emotionally and with food everyone in her life.

She began working as a soda jerk at 16 and held various service and administrative positions before retiring as an administrative assistant from the Paola Middle School after 26 years in 1998. She probably applied bandages to half the students matriculating to PMS between 1972 and 1998.

She loved reading books, magazines, and anything she could get her hands on, including cookbooks and recipes found in the Miami County Republic. Those around her benefitted from her interest in trying new recipes. She filled the deck with flowers every spring and spent the summers watering and talking to the flowers. She had a soft spot for dogs and cats, who quickly identified her as their source for extra treats. With her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all playing various sports, her beautiful white hair could often be seen in the stands or on the sidelines.

She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, in 1961, and has been an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Paola, Kansas, since the mid-1960s. She continued to believe and find comfort in the church through the Sunday before she died.

She was loved by John H. Brandt of Paola for 70 years. They began dating at 16 and were then married for 66 years. Together they traveled and worked in several states before settling in Paola and eventually moving to the family farm.

She was also loved by her children, Kerry and Carole Brandt of Paola, Jerry and Marsha Brandt of Paola, and Randy and Catherine Brandt of Nixa, Missouri.

She developed a special bond with each of her grandchildren, Alicia (nee Brandt) Martin, Shawn Brandt, Hank Brandt, Katie Brandt, Caleb Brandt, Daniel Brandt, and Abbie (nee Brandt) Roesler.

And the great grand children (Jeremy Brandt, Alex Brandt, Gunnar Martin, Silas Martin, and Hadley Brandt) always brought new smiles and laughter to her.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, beginning at 10 am and a memorial service to follow beginning at 11 am and the First Lutheran Church of Paola.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Paola or to the Miami County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

MU Extension offering family centered online workshop

 

Join the Building Strong Families virtual program running Aug. 7 – Sept. 11 for valuable info to help you strengthen communication, manage stress, boost your child’s self-esteem and more!

Learn practical skills

Improve family communication

Build resilience

Just $40 per person or $60 per couple

Wednesdays & Thursdays | 6 – 8 p.m.

Virtual – Join from anywhere!

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21wUtMg

Obituary - Timothy Dale Payne

Tim D. Payne, 68, of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025 at his home in Harrisonville. A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM, with family remarks at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. A full obituary will be added when it becomes available.

Obituary - Barbara Crawford

Funeral services for Barbara Crawford of Amsterdam, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Mulberry Cemetery, Amoret, MO. Contributions to Mulberry Cemetery or Heartland Hospice.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Barbara Crawford, age 77 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Friday July 25, 2025 at her home.  She was born April 20, 1948 to George Albert and Ada Shaw Miller in Butler, Missouri.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Dennis Crawford of Amsterdam, Missouri; three sons, Brian Crawford and wife Shannon of Amsterdam, Missouri, Kevin Crawford and wife Crystal of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Dustin Crawford and wife Ruth of Amoret, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jaclyn Wingate and husband Adam, Luke Crawford, Devin Byrd and wife Cassie, Amber Crawford, Zachary Crawford, John Crawford and wife Angeleea and Tyler Crawford; and two great-grandchildren, Blair Wingate and Brynlea Rose Crawford.  Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; George and Ada Miller; one sister, Carol Sue; one half brother; and one half sister.

Hey kids!

 

Harrisonville's Jason Dieckhoff earns Distinguished Service award

 

Congratulations to Cass Career Center’s own Mr. Jason Dieckhoff!

Over the weekend Mr. Dieckhoff was honored as one of only nine recipients of the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. His dedication to agriculture education, his students, and the Harrisonville community is truly inspiring. We’re so proud to see his hard work and service recognized at the state level

Courtesy Cass Career Center

Miami County Fair Royalty

 

Thank you to all contestants!

Congratulations to Queen Shelby Hatcher, Princess Aliyah Lester and Sweetheart Adaline Weir

Bates County Stars Shine Bright at MO-KAN All-State Showcase

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Bates County was well represented this year at the prestigious MO-KAN All-State Showcase games held recently in Liberty, Missouri. Several talented local athletes took part in the event, showcasing their skills alongside some of the best young players from across Missouri and Kansas.

Among those representing the area was Karson Taylor from Adrian, who plays ball with Belton’s Velocity Academy team. Joining Karson was his Velocity Teammate Kyson King from Butler, who was also selected to compete in the showcase, further highlighting the depth of local talent.

Gunner McSperrit, another standout athlete from the region, was selected to participate in the USSSA MO-KAN All-State Showcase as well. Gunner got the opportunity to play in two games, sharing the field with a Butler teammate and other top players from around the state. The event brought together several players from the Butler Bears 13U team, demonstrating the strength and depth of local youth baseball programs.

Carson Lucas was another local athlete who made an impact, in the MO-KAN showcase. After finishing his baseball season strong, Carson now looks forward to the upcoming basketball season, eager to see how he performs after a two-year break from the sport.

Adding to the list of local achievers, Gabe Struass played in the MO-KAN All-Star game and earned a memorable championship ring. His camaraderie with teammate Gunner McSperrit highlighted the tight-knit nature of the Bates County baseball community.

Other Butler standouts that were honored with All-Star selections include Grayson Ward and Easton Newsome.

The MO-KAN All-State Showcase continues to serve as a valuable platform for local athletes to compete at a high level, gain exposure, and build lasting memories. Bates County’s strong presence this year speaks volumes about the dedication and talent flourishing in the area’s youth sports programs.

As the seasons change, the community eagerly anticipates watching these young stars continue to grow and succeed in their athletic journeys.

What's Up by LeRoy Cook

 Tough Traveling

In my 50-odd years of trekking to Wisconsin in July for the Oshkosh airshow festival, I don’t think we ever had as tough a time as this yearfinding a slot of good flying weather for the trip. A low center with trailing warm fronts sat over Iowa all week, blocking the Mississippi river valley with thunderstorms, fog, low ceilings and even wildfire smoke to restrict visibility. Only the hardy and half-witted prevailing in making the journey. Much welcome rain in July favored Bates County, of course.

There were many and varied airport visitors last week. A big King Air 300 corporate turboprop dodged thunderstorm cells to drop off a  passenger, a Cessna Skylane was in from Temple, Texas, a 1967 Cessna 182 stopped by en route from Oshkosh to Coffeyville, KS and a Piper Archer came in. Out of the local hangars, I loaded up the Cessna Skyhawk, Roy Conley flew his experimental gyrocopter, Jon Laughlin made a parts run in his Piper Cherokee 180C and Instructor Delaney Rindal had her Cessna 150 out on teaching runs. The SkyDive KC Cessna Caravan lofted several parachute runs and BCS’s AirTractor did battle with crop pests.

The biggest announcement coming out the AirVenture convention last week was the long-awaited final rule for FAA abandonment of lightplane certification, in favor a simpler industry-led consensus design approval, replacing the Light Sport category with more-capable aircraft. Supposedly, we’ll see many more new airplane models brought to market under the ASTM certification, more quickly and cheaper. Probably foreign manufacturers will dominate, given the U.S. general aviation companies’ lack of interest in making light airplanes. The new rules specify a maximum clean stall speed of 59 knots, with no limitation on gross weight or top speed. Sport pilots will now be able to fly four-seat planes, but with only one passenger aboard. 

During Oshkosh presentations about developing a 100-octane replacement fuel with no tetraethyl lead content, expected by 2030, one of the company CEOs pursuing the approval of a new fuel finally said what we’ve always suspected. A true 100-octane no-lead gas can’t be done, he said, so engines will have to be de-rated and less horsepower means rewriting performance tables for some airplanes. And only one company’s product will be approved, because none of the contenders wants to be responsible for the performance of its fuel when mixed with other, unknown competitor’s, formulations. It isn’t going to be pretty.

Kudos to City Administrator Cory Snead and his crew for getting the vending machines at the airport restocked, after a months-long drought. Having chips, candy and soda available to travelers is not just a courtesy. When someone pulls into a town and climbs out of an airplane, there may be health reasons why a revitalizing snack is immediately required. When we stopped at Kirksville for refueling last week, the city offered free hamburgers and hot dogs, chips and drink, and knocked off 25-cents a gallon as well. There was a steady string of Oshkosh pilgrims coming and going. 

Last week, we asked you to tell us why the twin-engine Lockheed P-38 fighter of WW-II used a control wheel in the cockpit instead of a joystick? It turns out that the narrow pilot compartment didn’t have enough room for a stick, much like a de Havilland Mosquito. For next week, why are most of the skydive drop zones using turbine-powered airplanes instead of piston-engine aircraft: You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com. 

Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

 Liggins, Doncella Wright to Agnew, Nathan Lt 1 Bl 7 Cogswells Addn

Tetz, Heidi to Stump, Charles G Bl 5 Stephens Subd

M & D Mcdonald LLC to Town & Country Estates Str 30-42-33+

Bates Country Bible Church Inc to Good, Gavin Lt 1 Bl 1 Merwin, Original Town Of+

Moore, Robert W to Mcelwain Family Trust 12-29-2021 Str 24-41-30 //Ne

Davis, Brenton to A&F Ag LLC Str 28-42-30

Laning, Bradley to Jones, Samuel Lt 9 Bl 62 Rich Hill, Original Town Of

Coffelt, Jason M to Coffelt, John M Str 20-41-33 //Se

Greenwood, William I to Wackerman, James A Lt 15 Bl 1 Page, Louis F. Addn+

Mcmurphy, Rebekah Michelle to Hunt, Howard E Trust 05-31-2016 Lt 6 Quail Run Estates

Davis, Brenton to Marten, Jason Alden Str 28-42-30 //Sw

Blancett, Edwin Lee to Blancett, Edwin Lee Str 28-40-31 //Sw

Hellie, Stephen Shae & Janice Sue Trust to Hellie, Stephen Str 29-42-31 //Sw

Marriage License

Williams, Robert Eugene and Robinson, Stacy Lynn

Harrill, Cody Rae and Cunningham, Kaleigh Ann

Swarens, Tyler Austin and Oman, Savanah Bailey Sue

Dyck, Thomas Drew and Koehn, Kaci Lei

Wirsig, Hyden Parker and Russell, Kayla Elizabeth

Webb, Layne Allen and Smith, Sabrina Elisabeth

CCSO safely removes barricaded subject

 

Around 8 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 100 Block of E Loch Lloyd Pkwy in the Village of Loch Lloyd regarding a barricaded subject who was armed and making threats toward a family member.

Deputies worked to get the subject out of the home.

Eventually, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team (TRT) was also called to assist.

At around 10:35 p.m., deputies with the TRT made entry inside the home and able to safely get the sister of the subject out of the home and his mother.

The subject is currently in the Cass County Jail with charges pending. The Belton Missouri Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted with this incident.

Weather change coming Wednesday

Bears Volleyball Looks to Make Waves this Season

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

BUTLER, Mo. – The Butler Bears volleyball squad took to the court for a preseason fundraiser scrimmage against Rich Hill and came away with a clean sweep — and a strong early message that this year’s team means business.

Led by a core of returning varsity talent, the Bears looked confident and cohesive. Senior setter Kamden Fennewald helped guide the offense, while Georgia McCoun, the team’s libero and fellow senior, anchored the defense. The Hiser sisters and Kylee Dubray also made their presence known, rounding out a group that’s shaping up to be both experienced and exciting.

Coach Heather Goldhammer praised the team’s summer work and upward trajectory.

“I am so proud of this group and the dedication they’ve shown this summer. With every summer game and workout, they’ve grown individually and as a team, and I am so excited for this upcoming season,” she told Tailgate TV.

With the regular season fast approaching, the Bears are putting the pieces together — and if the scrimmage was any indication, they may be poised to make a statement.

Heat advisory in effect today

 

A heat advisory goes into effect region-wide at 11 am today, and continues through 7 pm Tuesday. With hot temperatures and very humid conditions, heat indices should reach the 105-110° range each afternoon. Nighttime temperatures will remain elevated, offering limited relief.

Are you a nighttime person?

 

Powell Observatory, north of Louisburg, Kansas was built in 1984 and expanded in 2002 by members of the Kansas City Astronomical Society. Every Saturday night from May through October, the Powell Observatory has a program for the public. More info: http://www.kansastravel.org/powellobservatory.htm Courtesy KansasTravel.org

Obituary - Tena "Mechelle" Beasley

Tena "Mechelle" Beasley age 63 of Creighton, Missouri departed this life Friday, July 25, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Missouri.

Tena went by her middle name Mechelle, and she had worked for many years as a supervisor, most recently at US Toy in Grandview, MO. She retired early at 59 to pursue her passion of making quilts and all kinds of crafts. She was very talented at everything that she made. She was also a very talented cook. She was considered the backbone of family get togethers.

Mechelle made hundreds of quilts, but she never sold one for money. She enjoyed it so much that she would give them away. She really enjoyed making small quilts of honor for veterans and always had one in her car. If she ran across a veteran, she would give them one.

Mechelle is preceded in death by her mother Lillie (weeks) Schrader and father Buford Jerry Schrader; and brother Steve Schrader.

Mechelle is survived by her husband David Beasley; son Dustin (Marissa) Beasley and; sister Regina (Donnie) Craig of Otterville, MO; aunt Cathey Schrader of Lincoln, MO and many other family members.

She will be missed by many.

Cremation with a celebration of life service will be held at a later date, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Obituary - Lucian "Ray" Bates

Lucian "Ray" Bates age 85 formerly of Creighton, Missouri departed this life Thursday, July 24, 2025 at his home in Springfield, Missouri. 

Cremation with a celebration of life service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

FLASHBACK: Montrose flour mill

 

MONTROSE, MO -- the grinding stones from the mill consist of a pair, one stationary and one rotating. The grain is fed between the stones, and the grinding action breaks the grain down into flour. The stones' grooved surfaces help guide the grain and flour as they are ground. The mill was constructed in 1872 in Montrose's northwest part. The mill burned on November 20, 1908, producing 100 barrels of flour daily at its peak. The display is at the city park. Courtesy Susan Lawson Cummings