Drexel has strong showing at State FCCLA conference

This week the Drexel FCCLA scored big at the State Conference- Job Interview contestant Sara Gammon took gold, Entrepreneurship team Paul and Ellie Orton also took gold, and Sports Nutrition project by Maycie Mayfield took silver. Congrats to all! - courtesy Drexel Bobcats Facebook

Updated on Kameron Williams 3.22.17

Kameron Williams

Kameron is doing well in his therapies and we continue to pray each day for strength 🙏 this journey is an obvious physical struggle for Kameron but it is also an extremely emotional one as well. It is close to being 2 months since his accident. 

I wanted to say thank you for not giving up on him and us and for all the continued support, prayers and messages with kindness and love! It is a hard reality at 19 years old to accept all the challenges but Kam is doing his best. 

Everyday tasks that we all take for granted and things that your body normally regulate on it's own are things he now has to learn to think about and regulate for his body because his body is no longer able to do without assistance. It is alot to take in and to learn how to do and to still push forward and find the joy. 

He is always grateful to be alive and willing to learn it all but it is a grieving process in saying goodbye to the effortless way of life and finding the new joys in a more difficult life. #kamsfam.

Obituary - Virginia "Jenny" Saltzman

Virginia "Jenny" Saltzman

Virginia "Jenny" Saltzman, 65, of Leeton, Missouri died early Monday morning March 20, 2017 at St. Luke's Medical Center East in Lee's Summit, Mo.

She was born May 16, 1951 in Fort Hood, Texas, the daughter of George Elwin Holyfield and Eunice Virginia (Williams) Holyfield.

She was a caregiver, advocate and nanny for many years. Jenny attended the Northside Christian Church in Warrensburg, Mo., where she was part of the Precept Bible Study. She enjoyed reading, quilting, baking, gardening, going to movies, listening to music, collecting antiques, and most of all, she enjoyed following her grandchildren's activities.

Surviving are three daughters, Tammy Jo Saltzman, Leeton, Mo., Melissa Kaye Frey and husband Keaton, Warrensburg, Mo., and Rebecca Sue Monroe and husband Ryan, Leeton, Mo.; three grandchildren, Keaton Frey, II, Kellen Frey, and Lili Monroe; her mother, Eunice Virginia Holyfield, Waynesville, Mo.; two brothers, Clarence Holyfield, Richland, Mo.; and Timothy Holyfield, Waynesville, Mo.; two nephews; one niece; and great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, one son, Corey Deane Saltzman, one brother, Randall Holyfield, one niece, Elizabeth Pearl Manley, and one nephew, Timothy Holyfield, Jr.

Memorial services will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, just prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Virginia Saltzman Memorial Fund, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.

Obituary - Betty Jo (Talbot) Benton

Betty Jo (Talbot) Benton

Betty Jo (Talbot) Benton, 94, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away March 19, 2017. Betty was born in Garden City, Missouri on August 15, 1922 to T. F. and Florence Talbot. Betty attended North Kansas City High School where she met her future husband, Parker Benton. They were married on February 28, 1942 and celebrated their 65th Anniversary shortly before he passed in 2007. They have two daughters, Sandra Kay and Joyce Linda. Their daughters were both born on August 31st, 3 years apart. Sandra Kay married Mickey Carpenter and Joyce Linda married Arthur Macdonald. Betty and Parker have 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Betty was part of 5 generations at 2 separate times in her life. The first when Sandra Kay had her first-born child, James and the second when Sandy Rose, James’ daughter, had her first-born child, Jackson. Betty also had two sisters and one brother, which between them have 4 children.

Betty was a secretary for two different companies as was well respected for her work. She earned the position as the first female officer at First National Bank. She was an amazing typist at 120 words a minute on a manual typewriter. She took all her dictation in short hand and even her grocery lists were in shorthand. We would all call her for the correct spelling of words and she would proof everyone’s papers or reports. She could spell any word that anybody could pronounce, even at 94 years old! She retired from the bank in 1980. Parker wanted her to retire early so she could learn to cook. She was already an amazing cook, but Parker was very picky. Everything she made was delicious and gourmet! One of her signature items was her Angel Food Cake, which was the highlight of every occasion. Her recipes have been passed down and are still our favorites.

Betty and Parker worked on many home projects, built furniture and so many other specialties. They were a great team together. Betty loved to decorate; not only inside, but also for every holiday. They had lights all around the house, inside and out, and they won Best Decorated Christmas Home in the Coves neighborhood.

Both Betty and Parker had very complete and full lives. They had a positive impact on so many friends and family. They lived through very challenging times and always prospered. Their impact will continue to live in the hearts of so many who were blessed to know them.

She is survived by the following Grandchildren: James Carpenter and wife Dana, Jeff Carpenter and wife Ann, Brenda (Carpenter) Shores and husband Craig, Scott Macdonald (went to heaven in 1992) and Stacy (Macdonald) Bales; Great-Grandchildren: Sandy Rose Sola and husband Michael, Christopher Carpenter, Karissa Shores, Scott Shores, Kayla Devoulder, Jimmy Carpenter, Mary Carpenter, Courtney Bales, Sydney Bales; Great-Great Grandchildren: Jackson Sola, Olivia Sola, Dylan Carpenter.

A private family burial will be held in the Garden City Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

A chance of rain in the next couple days!

Rain returns late tonight through tomorrow evening. The best chance is in areas east of I-29 and along/north of I-70. Widespread thunderstorms are expected back in the area Friday morning through Saturday evening. A few storms could be strong to severe. If stronger storms develop, the primary threats at this time will be gusty winds and hail.

Job Opening In Belton

The Belton MO Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer with the City of Belton, MO. Qualified individuals must be 21 years of age, have a current Missouri POST class A or B certification, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, have 60 hours or college, be a valid U.S. citizen, and possess a valid driver’s license. Prior military service may be considered as a substitute for applicants who do not have 60 hours of college. Those applicants who have some college but fall short of the 60 hours are still encouraged to apply.
Screening and processing criteria requires the applicant successfully pass a written examination, oral interview, psychological and/or personality inventory, extensive background, CVSA, and physical examination/drug screen.

The City of Belton, MO provides a competitive benefits package which includes health, life, vision, cafeteria plan, and dental insurance for the employee and their families. The city also offers an attractive pension plan, along with a 457K government investment plan.

The City of Belton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional information about the position, the department, or any salary and benefit information will be provided at the request of any interested parties. 

Completed applications may be mailed or hand delivered to the following address with attention to Lt. Travis George:
Belton MO Police Department
7001 E 163rd St.
Belton, MO 64012

Interested parties may also scan and email their application packet; however contact should first be made with Lt. George.
*For additional questions, interested parties should contact Lt. Travis George at (816) 348-4405, or by email at tgeorge@beltonpd.org.

Clinton man seriously injured in Johnson County crash

One person was injured in a one-vehicle accident on March 21 in Johnson County on Highway 23, around three-tenths of a mile south of Route Y.

William K. Courtois, 28, Clinton, wearing a seat belt, northbound in a 2012 Buick Regal, was attempting to pass an unknown vehicle. The unknown vehicle swerved into the path of the Courtois vehicle to avoid striking a deer. Subsequently, the Courtois vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.

William K. Courtois experienced serious injuries and was transported by the Johnson County Ambulance District to Research Hospital. His vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene by B & L Towing.

Nevada Speedway Test & Tune Play Day

It's time to get the season started at Nevada Speedway! Test & Tune this Saturday March 25th from 1:30pm until dark. Pit passes are just $10! Any drivers are welcome to attend!