Visitation will be held from 10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.
A full obituary will be available shortly.
Monday, August 4, 2025
Obituary - Bret Clark
What’s Up by LeRoy Cook
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Last weekend’s flying weather was plagued by a Canadian export; forest fire smoke drifting south from the burning taking place in our Northern Neighbor. Ground visibility wasn’t reported as too bad, 5 to 7 miles, but in flight, looking into the sun, one was lucky to see a mile. Without GPS, the only navigation we had were landmarks directly under the aircraft.
The in-and-outs observed last week were limited to a Piper Cherokee taking off downwind on Friday, a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter in later that day, along with a Beech V35 Bonanza, and a Cessna 182 that pulled up to the fuel pump, vainly seeking sustenance. Locally, activity was student learners in Sky4’s Cessna 150s, spraying in BCS’s AirTractor and skydivers descending from SkyDive KC’s Cessna Caravan.
Some 40 years ago, Cessna Aircraft Company (before the Textron merger) decided to scale up the six-seat piston powered Model 206 and create a utility airplane with twice the horsepower and triple the payload. The result was the Model 208 Caravan, a stroke of genius that kept the company afloat in the hard times of the 80s, when all of its other single-engine planes were out of production due to limited sales and unlimited liability lawsuits. Federal Express adopted the Caravan as a feeder package mover, taking over half the production, soon requiring a stretched 208B version, which continues to this day.
Cessna/Textron’s latest package hauler is the 408 SkyCourier twin-engine airplane that can swallow standard air cargo container through its big side door, still retaining the fixed-gear strut-braced high-wing concept. As with the Caravan, it’ll fill other roles besides cargo carriage, like charter passenger work, bush flying and parachuting. Sometimes, simpler is best.
Once again, last month’s AirVenture EAA convention at Oshkosh, Wisconsin set an attendance record. This time, the organization claims 704,000 people were there, up from 686,000 recorded last year. All we can say is, there were lots of bodies on the grounds, even if one person counts as another attendee if returning the next day. The usual total of 10,000 airplanes flown in was reported, over a quarter of them showplanes; 1000 were vintage aircraft, 910 were homebuilts and 361 were warbirds. Weather aside, it was a safe, enjoyable week without major problems.
In the aftermath of January’s aerial disaster at Washington, D.C. involving a regional airliner and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, Senator Ted Cruz has introduced legislation requiring the military to install and use ADS-B surveillance equipment, just like civilian flights. Military aircraft typically have transponders and are on flight plans, but it’s understandable that they might not want ADS-B putting out information that everyone can see on FlightAware apps. If the bill goes through, there’ll have to exceptions.
Last time, our question of the week asked why skydive drop zones mostly use turbine-powered jump planes rather than piston-engine ones. It’s because big loads of parachutists need lots of horsepower, and the biggest piston engines can only put out 350 to 400 horses. Turbines scale up more easily, so the typical turboprop puts out 600 horses, or perhaps near 1000. For next week, tell us what event caused Muroc research air base in California to be renamed Edwards AFB. You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.
2025 Hume Fair & Rodeo wrap up
1st place - McCrae Rogers and Keegan Yarick
2nd place - Lane Harden and Brecklen Morrison
3rd place - Mason Irwin and Denna Bogan
Parade Winners
Mounted Entries
1st place - Lila Banes
2nd place - Lorinda Pruitt
3rd place - Tenley Hemphill
Horse Drawn Entries
1st place - Keeler Clark
Floats
1st place - Citizens Bank
2nd place - Hume Alliance Ministry
3rd place - In Memory of Tom & Rosemary Whitten
Kid's Entries
1st place Dirt Life - Holtin & Craytin Gander
2nd place - Blakely Stigall & Haygen Austin
3rd place - Liam Best
Tractors:
1st place - Tim McKinley
Miscellaneous
1st place - Fairbanks Grandkids sponsored by Myrick Mechanical
2nd place - In Memory of Jerry Davis
3rd place - Guardians of the Children
Honorable Mention - Hume Garden Club
Most Unusual - Lori Norbury - Garden Depot
Adult Division Talent Show
1st place Shonesa Cox
2nd place Kaden Carter and Lars Buck; 3rd place Kassie Austin.
Kids Division Talent Show
1st place - Hannah Lyons; 2nd place Lydia Lyons; 3rd place Lynnlee Holladay and Kylie Sawyer
Washer tournament
1st place - Sumo Austin and Eric Pruitt
2nd place - Ronnie & Dean Cannon
3rd place - Cameron Hinton & Ryan Austin
Cornhole tournament
1st place Lucas Harryman & Colton Rogers
2nd place - David Troth
3rd place - Bryant & Natalie Courter
Horseshoe contest
1st place - Dakota Stigall
2nd place - Colt McCoy
3rd place - Clark Burch
I Tried Trophy - Lucas Harry
Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses
Sargent, Lance to Deihl, Andrew Lt 1 Bl 13 West Side Addn+
Wilkes, John E to Burns, Tracy Str 4-38-33 //Nw
Hurshman, John E to Hurshman, Naomi F Trust 03-05-1999 Str 23-40-31 //Sw
Jc Homes LLC to Patton, Robert Jr Lt 1 Bl 6 Walley's Addn+
Perryman, Lacy to Tippie Properties, LLC Lt 1 Bl 1 Schwenk Addn
Chenault, Mildred L. to Woods, Cynthia Gail Lt 14 William's First, Ext. Of Addn
Whiteside, Christina to Perkins, Christopher D Lt 174 Town Company's First Addn
Remer, Andrew Dallas to Remer, Andrew Dallas Lt 1 Bl 12 William's First, Ext. Of Addn
Warren, Ron to Public Water Supply District #4 Lt 6 Bl 38 Rich Hill, Original Town Of
Mclain, Richard N. (Trustee) to Hubbard, Stephen T. Lt 36 Lynwood Estate
Fischbach Trust 03-01-2017 to Spinner, Clinton Lt 14 Wemola Acres+
Schenker, Lyle J (Trustee) to Schenker, Scott Lewis Str 12-38-30 //Nw
Marriage license
Webb, Layne Allen and Smith, Sabrina Elisabeth
Jackson, Willie Lee Jr and Anderson, Justice Sierra
Curtin, Bobby Michael and Thomas, Megan Renae
Switzer, Jordan Tyler and Lovell, Megan Nicole
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:
Sergeant Logan and Deputy Clenin conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area, resulting in the arrest of Wayne Lilley, age 49, of Windsor, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Harassment. On the same day, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and the court issued a warrant for the Class E Felony of Stalking – 2nd Degree – 1st Offense the Class A Misdemeanor of Harassment – 2nd Degree, with a $25,000.00 cash only bond.
• July 25, 2025 – Warrant:
Deputy Stevens conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor, resulting in the arrest of Zelda Dodson, age 42, of Windsor, for a Pettis County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.
• July 26, 2025 – Burglary 1st Degree:
Deputy Murphy conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area, resulting in the arrest of Gabrielle Stinson, age 29, of Windsor, on a 24-hour hold for Burglary 1st Degree and Possession of a Controlled Substance. On the same day, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and the court issued a warrant for the Class B Felony of Burglary 1st Degree and the Class D Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, with a $50,000.00 cash-only bond.
• July 26, 2025 – Domestic Assault 3rd Degree:
Deputy Hinkle and Deputy Douglas conducted a follow-up investigation in the rural Deepwater area, resulting in the arrest of Craig Hugunin, age 33, of Deepwater, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Domestic Assault 3rd Degree. The investigation remains ongoing.
• July 28, 2025 – Violation of a Protection Order:
Sergeant Baker and Deputy Moree conducted a follow-up investigation in the rural Deepwater area, resulting in the arrest of Mayson Willis, age 19, of Clinton, on a 24-hour hold for violation of a protection order. The investigation remains ongoing.
• July 29, 2025 – Domestic Assault 3rd Degree:
Deputy McQueen conducted a follow-up investigation in the rural Clinton area, resulting in the arrest of Johnathon Snyder, age 39, of Clinton, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Domestic Assault 3rd Degree. On July 30, 2025, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and the court issued conditions to bond.
• July 30, 2025 – Stealing Motor Vehicle:
Sergeant Logan and Deputy Clenin conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area, resulting in the arrest of Jason Johnston, age 51, of Windsor, on a 24-hour investigative hold for stealing a motor vehicle. On July 31, 2025, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and the court issued a warrant for the Class D Felony of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle – 1st Degree, with a $10,000.00 cash-only bond.
• July 31, 2025 – Possession of a Controlled Substance:
Deputy England conducted a traffic stop in rural Clinton area, resulting in the arrest of Chelsey Bloom, age 32, of Osceola, on two felony St. Clair County warrants for probation violations, as well as for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
• July 31, 2025 – Warrant:
Sergeant Logan, Detective Landes, and Deputy Murphy conducted a follow-up investigation in the rural Clinton area, resulting in the arrest of Bradley Toole, age 43, of Holden, on a Clay County warrant for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.
• July 31, 2025 – Warrant:
Sergeant Logan, Detective Landes, and Deputy Murphy conducted a follow-up investigation in the Calhoun area, resulting in the arrest of Katelynn Kilgore, age 28, of Calhoun, on a Henry County Failure to Appear warrant.
All individuals arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.
For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.
Butler Volleyball Impresses at Branson Camp, Hiser Earns MVP Honors
By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV
The Butler Bears volleyball team turned heads at the Branson Team Camp, held July 28–30, finishing with a dominant 20–3 record and capturing the championship in their tournament bracket.
Over the three-day event, the Bears faced a deep field of competition, dropping just one set each day. On Day 1, Butler notched wins over Eminence, Ava, Rolla, and Hickman (Columbia), with their only loss coming against Hickman. Day 2 featured matchups with Siloam Springs (Arkansas), Eldon, and Southern Boone County, with a single set dropped to Siloam Springs. The Bears closed out camp in convincing fashion, sweeping through bracket play with victories over St. Clair, Adrian, Meadow Heights, and Fairfield (Illinois) to claim the title.
Junior Tandee Hiser earned individual recognition, being named one of just three MVPs out of the 122 teams in attendance — a testament to her standout performance throughout the weekend.
“I’m so proud of both of these groups and the growth they’ve shown,” said head coach Heather Goldhammer. The Bears competed hard, adjusted well, and represented Butler with pride!
The Bears return home with momentum and confidence as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Local Players Shine in USSSA MO/KAN All-State Softball Games
By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV
Five standout softball players from our area were selected to participate in the recent USSSA Missouri/Kansas All-State Softball Games—an event honoring athletes for exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude, and skill throughout the season.
Representing our communities were Kallie Ann Knowles (Butler), Ella Bauer (Montrose), Briley Warner (Nevada), Braelynn Isaacson (Butler), and Lilly Ford (Fort Scott). Each athlete earned a coveted nomination during USSSA Qualifying Events because of their all‑around efforts and positive conduct.
The participants teamed up with players from across Missouri and Kansas in two exciting showcase games, grouped by age and class. Every player received a commemorative All‑State Games ring at the conclusion of the event—an earned reward for their dedication.
Congratulations to these young women for standing out on the field and being recognized among the best in the region!
photos by Ashley Isaacson
Obituary - Dale Walter Piepmeier
Dale grew up on north Poplar Street in Appleton City, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Don Donnohue, who lived across the street. Their birthdays were just 10 days apart, and they remained best friends throughout their lives.
A nearly lifelong resident of Appleton City, Dale graduated from Appleton City High School in 1958. He went on to attend Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar before returning home to work for P&M Coal Mining. He began there by planting trees on the coal dumps and then became a regular employee. When the operation closed in Appleton City, Dale went with the company to Paducah, Kentucky, and Clovis, New Mexico. Upon returning to Appleton City, Dale worked for the railroad for a year before spending 32 years at the Montrose Power Plant, later known as KCP&L and then Evergy. He retired in 1999.
On September 7, 1963, Dale married Marylyn Rapp, daughter of Carl and Paula (Leimer) Rapp. The couple would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this September. Soon after their marriage, they purchased the Bill Hearting Farm (Lonesome Pine) northeast of town, where Dale raised cattle in his spare time. Later, he acquired another property north of town, where his hunting buddy Robert Perrymann and his wife Gail helped him with the cattle
Marylyn and Dale lived in the Lindale Depot/Duplex on 5th Street for ten years, before building a new house in the West Meadows addition in 1973.
Dale was passionate about hunting and fishing. He raised and trained many hunting dogs over the years and enjoyed hunting trips to Western Kansas and South Dakota, as well as fishing trips to Canada.
Throughout these adventures, he formed lifelong friendships with fellow hunters and anglers. His favorite game to hunt was quail and pheasant.
Gardening was another hobby of Dale's. He loved to plant it and watch it grow. Tomatoes and okra were his favorite things to eat out of the garden.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Darwin (Dob) Piepmeier; his grandparents, Walter and Maude Ouderkirk and Jessie Evans; and his Uncle Edward Kupka and his wife Kathleen (Piepmeier).
He is survived by his wife, Marylyn Piepmeier; Nicholas Yoss; his first cousins, Jim Evans, David Evans, and Helen Ford; as well as numerous other cousins.
Dale's wishes were for any memorial donations to be given to the AC Athletic Booster Club. Any donations may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Generosity goes full tilt during Hume fundraiser auctions today
SUCCESSFUL fundraiser auction today at the Hume park for the Food Pantry, the Hume Fair and Rodeo, and the Hume Fire Department.
For the Pantry, the hat auction for “the Henry” raised just under $10,000 and the Chiefs tickets $300. Fire Depart hat auction around $6,000.
And for the Fair, the 30 minute powered chute plane ride around a $1,000, and the octagon picnic table brought $2,000.
Great support for worthy efforts!
(Hume Alliance Ministry Food Pantry)
Courtesy Larry Hacker
Osage Valley annual meeting set for August 21st
The 87th Annual Meeting of the members of Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Association will be held in a new format this year. The meeting will be held in a “drive-thru” format on August 21, 2025, with members registering from 4:00-6:00pm at either the Butler or Clinton office. Signage and employees will direct member traffic through the pole yards at both locations for registration, voting, and receiving a gift. We ask those attending the drive-thru format to bring your registration slip from the August Rural Missouri magazine. A $20 electric credit will be given to all members participating in the drive-thru meeting.
Online participation for the OVEC Annual Meeting will also be available again this year from August 9-19, 2025, for those unable to attend the drive-thru format, or for those choosing the convenience of online voting. Online voters will receive a $20.00 bill credit on their electric account also. Check our website or Facebook page for a link to the online voting portal during August 9-19, 2025.
All drive-thru and online members registering will also be eligible for additional prizes and electric credit certificates through a drawing. All electric credits for members registering, and for prize winners, will be applied to the members’ September 1, 2025, electric bill.
No injuries as vehicle slips into lake near Harrisonville
The City of Harrisonville and the Harrisonville Police Department would like to give a shoutout to Underwater Rescue & Recovery of Lee’s Summit and GT Tow Service for their assistance in removing a vehicle from Harrisonville City Lake Friday afternoon.
Divers were able to locate the vehicle, a Chevy pick-up truck, and attach a tow cable to it, before it was safely removed from the lake. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Harrisonville City Lake, located in between Harrisonville and Pleasant Hill, is the source of the City’s drinking water and it is important to remove any potential contaminants in a timely manner. We are grateful for the services of Underwater Rescue & Recovery and GT Tow, as we continue our efforts to provide quality drinking water to our community.
Obituary - Shaun Matherly
Shaun Anthony Matherly, 61, of Paola, passed away on July 29, 2025, at his home after a battle with lung cancer.
He was born on March 4, 1964, to Marvin and Patricia (Kehl) Matherly in Paola, KS. He graduated from Paola High School in 1982.
He enjoyed spending his time traveling in his RV, visiting many museums on his journeys. Shaun was able to see NASA, which was one of his top bucket list items.
Shaun was enlisted in the US Navy right out of high school, from there he would work in injection molding in California for 20 years before moving back to Kansas, then he would work as a Mental Health Tech for Osawatomie State Hospital.
In July of 2010, he began his life with Susan Jane Lynch. They would then be united in marriage on February 28, 2022. Shaun and Susan lived in Paola, Kansas.
Shaun is survived by his loving wife, Susan, step-son, Daniel Doudna, father, Marvin "Larry" Matherly, sisters, Megan Norris, Brooke (Bill) Haselrick, and Bronwyn Matherly, brother, Michael Buttram, father-in-law, Billy Lynch. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Anne (Kehl) Shulista, and brother, Ronald Ray Jeffreys.
At Shaun's request, there are no services scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Miami County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.
Obituary - Virgil R. Butler
Virgil R. Butler, 82, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at his home in Harrisonville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with a visitation starting at 12:00pm, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to Harrisonville Youth Football or the Good Shepard Food Pantry.
A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.
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