Appleton City hospital receives major telecommunications upgrade‏

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Jan. 7, 2014)— Ellett Memorial Hospital and Clinic, based in Appleton City, MO, has reached an agreement with Rural Health Telecom to upgrade broadband speeds due to funding expected in the amount of $96,336 provided by the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).

“As the sole hospital in our community, Ellett Memorial continually seeks innovative and creative ways to provide the highest level of quality care and services to our patients,” Ellett Memorial CEO Ray Magers said.

Ellett Memorial was experiencing a common issue faced by many rural hospitals across the country: the expense of bandwidth necessary for efficient transmission of radiology images and data.

“As a key component of primary care, radiology departments depend on fast and reliable transmission of large medical data and imaging files,” said John Stomp, director of information services at Ellett Memorial. “The additional bandwidth and circuit to our network infrastructure will ensure faster delivery of radiology department imagery without disrupting access speeds to our other critical hospital information systems, such as email and electronic health records (EHR).”

Obituary - McKala Loraine Stipancich

McKala Stipancich

McKala Loraine Stipancich, 22 of Harrisonville, MO died January 3, 2015. The Funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm Sunday January 11, 2015 at McGilley & George Funeral Home in Belton, Missouri. 

The Burial in Belton Cemetery. McGilley and George Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 611 Chestnut, Belton, MO 64012, 816-322-2995 

www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com

Weather Update: Bundle up

Very cold air to settle south across our region early Wednesday morning. The Wind chill advisories and warnings in effect through Thursday. Remember to bundle up if heading outside and also bring in any pets that normally stay outdoors. 

Be sure to check your school district for notifications regarding closures and late starts.

Obituary - Kenneth Leon Hooper

Kenneth L. Hooper

Ken died with, and because of, Alzheimer’s Disease on January 5, 2015. He was born in Kansas City, MO on January 24, 1929, grew up in Adrian, MO and moved to Kansas City in 1947. He married Bonnie Smith in 1948 and moved to Raytown in 1951 where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

Ken served as President of the Credit Bureau of Greater Kansas City for over 30 years, retiring in 1992. During his time at the Credit Bureau, he held the honorary position of Chairman of the Board of Associated Credit Bureaus, Inc., the credit reporting industry’s national trade association. He was an active member of the Hillcrest Country Club and Countryside United Methodist (now One Spirit) Church. More recently he loved being a volunteer at Research Medical Center. 

Ken was preceded in death by wife Bonnie and son Tim. Surviving Ken are Life Partner Wilma Graham, son Jerry (Lisa), grandsons Chris (Anna), Nick (Kristy) and Ryan, granddaughter Lauren, great grandchildren Seth and Macy and several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the John Knox Village and Village Hospice, Adrian Manor Nursing Home, Grace Hospice, Dr Ted Whitaker, Dr. Shawn Sabin. We also want to thank Laura Cassidy for her ongoing and caring support and guidance during both Ken and Bonnie’s illnesses.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 9 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, 1301 N. Orange, Butler, MO. Cremation there is no visitation. The family suggests that contributions be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or Grace Hospice.

Several schools in the area starting 2 hours later tomorrow Wednesday January 7th

The following schools will start 2 hours later tomorrow:

• Archie
• Adrian
• Appleton City
• Hume
• Miami
• Montrose
• Rich Hill

Montrose R-XIV School Delayed

On Wednesday January 7th and Thursday January 8th, Montrose R-XIV will observe a 2-hour delay for each day.

10:00 a.m. start for Rich Hill School‏ tomorrow

Due to extreme windchill, the Rich Hill R-IV School District will have a 10:00 a.m. start on Wednesday, January 7th. Buses will operate two hours later than regular schedule. Breakfast will be served.

Obituary - Sharon Cramer

Sharon Kay Cramer

Funeral services for Sharon Cramer will be 2 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Pastor John Prichard officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 1-2 p.m. Thursday at the chapel. Burial in Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri.

Sharon Kay Cramer, age 60 of Butler, Missouri died Monday January 5, 2015 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri. She was born Febuary 28, 1954 to Thomas and Shirley Page Hutchinson.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Keith Cramer of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, Terri Castro of Butler, Missouri and Penny Smith and husband Kyle of Butler, Missouri; two brothers, Tom Hutchinson and wife Julie of Amoret, Missouri and Robert "Bobby" Hutchinson of Amoret, Missouri; and three grandchildren, Gaven Burgess, Brody Smith and Mason Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ava Bise.