In the spotlight...

Adrian FFA Officer Spotlight this week

Kyler Six will be serving as this year’s Adrian FFA Chapter Vice President. His SAE project is forage production placement. I recently asked Kyler what his favorite FFA memory was. Kyler’s favorite memory would be the experience of going to FFA state and competing against the best competitors in the state of Missouri. Kyler’s goals for the FFA are to have more competitive contest teams. He believes this year we will have the most state competitors. Also with the group of members we have this will be a very active group that will help grow this chapter even more. Kyler is looking forward to serving as your chapter Vice President.

-Courtesy Article by Reporter Kameran Collier

Stealing reported in Nevada

Obituary - John Kenneth Huffman

John Kenneth Huffman, 75, Urich, Missouri passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 at St. Luke's Hospital, Lee's Summit, Missouri. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Funeral service will be on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 1:00pm at Christ's Christian Church, Urich, Missouri. Interment will follow at White Oak Cemetery, Urich, Missouri. Please join the family for fellowship at the Christ's Christian Church following interment. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to Breast Cancer Awareness and may be left in care of the funeral home.

John was born on November 14, 1943 in Kansas City, Kansas to Lewis and Goldie (Barnet) Huffman. He was one of eleven children. John was married to Carma (Bennett) Huffman. John loved his family with all of his heart, they were all so very important to him. He delighted in getting to play with the little ones. John loved having everyone around and playing games. He also enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. John and Carma really enjoyed going to Arkansas for quick getaways. John liked to go to car shows and appreciated all of the old cars and trucks. He enjoyed working with wood and making special pieces for special people. John also enjoyed hunting and looking up family history and sharing it with family. He believed everyone had a right to make mistakes and was always good to help you straighten them out without making them feel bad.

John was preceded in death by his brothers, James Huffman, Floyd Huffman, George Huffman, Lewis Huffman, Troy Huffman and Lloyd Huffman, and sister, Eleanor Huffman.

John is survived by his wife, Carma of the home, four daughters, Natalie (Kenny) Roberts, Renee (Larry) Phillippe, both of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, Charlotte Hendricks, El Dorado, Kansas, and Adrienne (Russ) Bettendorf, Overland Park, Kansas, brothers, Levi Huffman, Kansas City, Kansas, and Claude (Martha) Huffman, Spring Hill, Kansas, sister, Audrey Huffman, Urich, Missouri, eleven grandchildren, Dustin, Dylan, Kaitlynn, Josh, Franki, Dakota, Alora, Darrien, Padyn, Samantha and Drayven as well as twelve great-grandchildren.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri.

News from H3 Grafix

ATTENTION: For all my Rich Hill and surrounding area customers. The deadline for anything you need for the 4th of July, banners, magnets, etc. for floats, parades, booths, is next Wednesday, June 26th. 

Anything after that I can't guarantee to have here before the celebration get started.

Obituary - Linda Kay Fisher

Linda Kay Fisher, 69, Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

She is survived by her husband, Carl F. Fisher; a daughter, Julie Porter and husband Louis, Lee's Summit, Missouri; two grandchildren, Zachery Porter and Kelsey Porter; a great-granddaughter, Ember Porter; a brother, Loren Richardson, Independence, Missouri; 6 sisters, Judy Abbott, Stover, Missouri, Loretta Thompson, Afton Iowa, Gale Dean Hummel, Grain Valley, Missouri, Barbara Hagston, Lincoln, Missouri, Patty Nerad, Cole Camp, Missouri, Kenda Robertson, Orlando, Florida; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri with burial in the Garden City Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the funeral home.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Sad news from Henry County

It is with deep sadness and heartfelt regret that we announce the passing of K-9 Gunner this morning, June 19th, 2019, at 12:22 a.m. K-9 Gunner sustained a spinal injury while off-duty, the extent of which he was unable to recover.

Gunner was a 3-year-old male German Shepherd / Belgian Malinois-mix that was trained in drug detection, as well as human scent tracking and had been in service with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office since October, 2017. His handler was Deputy Bobby Osman.

Gunner’s love for his work could be seen in his eyes every day and that love will not only by missed by Deputy Osman and his family, but also by his fellow deputies, as well as the community for which he graciously served.

Obituary - Gerald “Dean” Pilcher

Gerald “Dean” Pilcher, 78, Richards, MO passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, MO following a brief illness. Dean was born July 30, 1940 in Montevallo, MO to Clarence Monroe and Clara Viola (Glover) Pilcher. He was married to Onie LaVena Moser on November 15, 1962 in Gosnell, AR and she preceded him in death on March 19, 2018.

Dean was raised in Vernon County and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1958. Following high school he served for seven years in the United States Airforce. Upon his return to Nevada Dean worked at the Nevada State Hospital for 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Osage Masonic Lodge #303 in Nevada, American Legion, and the NRA. Dean was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a craftsman, known for his bow and knife making, the art of flint-knapping, and for making and repairing guns.

Dean is survived by three children, Evanda Hogan and her husband Ken, Nevada, Talena Basham, Nevada, John Pilcher, Horton; four grandchildren, Jeremy Hogan and his wife Marlene, Nevada, Brandi Basham, Springfield, Amanda Carter and her husband Luther, Kansas City, Christa Basham and Taylor, Springfield; three great-grandchildren, Hanna and Kyle, Carter, Maleah; a great-great-granddaughter, Kinsley; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Onie LaVena, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Edna Mae Olson; five brothers, Elmo Pilcher, Albert “Duck” Pilcher, Lenny Monroe Pilcher, Danny Pilcher, and Donny Pilcher.

Military Funeral Honors will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 with visitation following until 4:00 p.m. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Memorials are suggested to Freedom Defender “Outdoors” for Disabled Veterans in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

MSHP: Celebrate Safely July Fourth Weekend!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is encouraging Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe July Fourth holiday. 

Many people will travel somewhere to enjoy the wide variety of recreational opportunities in our state. No matter what you plan for the long weekend, you can choose to follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws.

During the 30-hour counting period in 2018, four people were killed and 220 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 437 traffic crashes. Over the 2018 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 40 people for driving while intoxicated.

The 2019 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2019.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the July Fourth holiday weekend. In addition, a 2019 Independence Day DWI Enforcement operation will be in effect during the long weekend. Troopers will strictly enforce Missouri statutes addressing driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, possession of intoxicating liquor by a minor, and intoxication by a minor.

Over the long holiday weekend, all available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists. Remember: Statutes direct motorists to drive with the highest degree of care. There is never a good reason to drive over the speed limit. Please be a courteous driver and follow all traffic laws. Never drink and drive, and always use a seat belt!

Motorists who need assistance or who witness criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways or waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road construction along their travel route.

The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

Col. Olson also reminds the public that the Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays of the year. Many waterways in Missouri are experiencing high water conditions, so boaters need to remain aware of that.

“Boat wakes may cause additional damage or unnecessary erosion to flood affected properties,” said Col. Olson. “High water often creates additional debris in the water, so boaters should maintain a proper lookout for potential hazards.”

In 2018, there were four boating crashes, which included two injuries and zero fatalities. Three people drowned during last year's July Fourth holiday. Troopers made five boating while intoxicated arrests in 2018.

Troopers will be working on the state’s waterways to enforce Missouri’s boating laws and assist where needed. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe place on shore.

While enjoying your time on the water, remember:· Distractions and alcohol consumption slow reaction time.
· Pay attention to other boats and watercraft.
· Make boating maneuvers early and deliberately when encountering other vessels.
· Be responsible with your wake.


The many firework displays after dark attract many more boaters at night. At night, remember to:· Check your vessel’s navigation lights before heading out, and be sure to have spare bulbs on board.
· Avoid overloading your boat with too many passengers. This can cause the boat to become swamped and affect the handling of the boat.
· Observe Missouri’s nighttime speed limit of 30 miles per hour on the water.
· Slow down and take your time. Nighttime crashes tend to involve more serious injuries and damage, due to the lack of visibility.


Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!


"July Fourth weekend is a time to appreciate the opportunities and freedom we enjoy in this country,” said Col. Olson. “As you gather with friends and family, be safe. Use a seat belt or a life jacket when you’re on the road or water. Please stay alert and obey the law, and should you include alcohol in your July Fourth celebration, designate a sober operator."