Fatality Accident in Miami County Kansas

Short meeting for planning commission

The Butler Planning Commission held a brief meeting online this evening to announce that there will be a public hearing regarding the Kansas City Beef Company on January 12th. In the meantime, the company has applied for a zoning change from I-1 to I-2.

Yep. That’s all folks! 

Obituary - Louis Gene Lewellen

Masks are REQUIRED when entering Hill & Son Funeral Home. Please wear your mask when attending the visitation and service. A limited number are available, please bring your own if possible. 

If you do not wish to wear a mask you will be asked to remain outside of the building. We appreciate your compliance. The online guestbook is available for those who are uncomfortable with being in public or wearing masks.

The funeral service for Louis will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Tony Reynolds.

Visitation will precede the service from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Harmony Cemetery, rural Appleton City, Missouri.

The family suggests memorials be made to Harmony Cemetery or Bates County Fair.

Louis Gene Lewellen was born on August 26, 1940 the son of Warren Samuel and Edith Irene (Stephan) Lewellen. He passed away peacefully at Ellett Memorial Hospital on December 5, 2020, age 80. He grew up in the Appleton City area, where he graduated from Appleton City High School in 1958.

After completing his education, Louis began a career of 20 years at Peabody Coal Company, where he drove a truck. After this, he became an over-the-road trucker and delighted in his job. Louis loved everything to do with horses, especially horse racing. He enjoyed watching rodeos and the times he spent with his children during their rodeo years. Louis always attended livestock shows, watching his grandchildren show their animals. He cherished his family and his grandkids most of all. 

Apart from this, Louis’s favorite activity was visiting, whether it was with his friends at the Appleton City Senior Housing or at the “Liar’s Club” at Zink Motor Company. He was baptized at and was a member of Harmony Baptist Church for many years. Louis will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Samuel and Edith Irene (Stephan) Lewellen; one brother, Ron Lewellen; and one still born son, Dwayne Allen Lewellen.

He is survived by his two children: Tammy Hilte (Jim) and Tony Lewellen (Paula); one brother, Steve Lewellen and one sister, Joyce Brown (Eddie); grandchildren: Cody Hilte (Lacy), Corey Hilte (Cisely), Caitlin Blakely (Jake), and Casey Hilte (fiancé Carter Mitchell); great-grandchildren: Ellis Hilte, Flint Blakely, Wyatt Jobe; along with many extended family and good friends.

Henry County Health Center confirms 19 new positive cases of COVID-19

The Henry County Health Center (HCHC) has received confirmation of 19 more positive cases of COVID-19. Clinton-14, Windsor-2, Urich-1, and Deepwater-2. This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Henry County to 1364.

All contact tracing has commenced and all parties that have had close contact are being notified. HCHC continues to encourage residents to practice social distancing, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, and to remain home if you are sick.

The CDC continues to recommend that individuals to wear a face covering when you are in public, and are unable to social distance, to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Miami County Kansas Sheriff's Office looking for missing juvenile

The Miami County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance locating a juvenile male.

We are looking for Jake Spencer, 13 year old white male, who is 4’11”, has brown hair and weighs 108 pounds.

Jake was last seen tonight at 5:08 pm at his residence in rural Hillsdale. Jake was last seen wearing a camo jacket, black jeans and black shoes.

If you have seen Jake, or know of his whereabouts you are asked to call the Miami County Sheriff’s Office at 913-294-3232 or anonymous at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

This Story Has Been Update:

Jake was found safe! Thanks for all the shares! 

Obituary - Kenneth Lee Braden

Kenneth Lee Braden of Lowry City, Missouri passed away Saturday morning, December 5, 2020, at the age of 51 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri after suffering from a massive stroke on Monday, November 30th. Kenny, as he was known to family and friends, was born on February 14, 1969 in El Dorado Springs, Missouri to Dennis and Janice Mitchell Braden.

He lived most of his life in the Collins, Missouri area. He was saved at a young age at Bible School at the First Baptist Church in Collins. Kenny graduated from Weaubleau High School in 1987. He was a member of the Vo-Tech School in Buffalo, Missouri. After graduating, Kenny used his knowledge and skills from Vo-Tech to work a short time in the field of Diesel Mechanics. He then worked for Tracker Marine in Bolivar, Vance Brothers out of Kansas City, held several miscellaneous construction jobs, worked at the Sawmill, and was employed the last four years by MFA Farmers Exchange in Lowry City, Missouri.

Kenny enjoyed spending time across the creek at his Dad’s place, loved his Mom’s homemade chicken and noodles, liked fishing and hunting with his brother Kevin, and teasing his sister Karen. Kenny loved being outdoors snagging and deer hunting. He enjoyed arrowhead hunting with his buddy LeVonne and enjoyed the Davis Outdoor Flea Market with his friend Stephanie. Kenny was interested in guns and liked watching football on T.V.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Ermidine Braden; maternal grandparents, Lee and Madeline Mitchell; uncle Bill Mitchell and his best friend, Bart Williams.

Kenny is survived by his father, Dennis Braden of Collins, MO; mother, Janice Davis of Lowry City, MO; sister, Karen Warmbrodt (Mitch) of Appleton City, MO; brother, Kevin Braden (Tanisha) of Osceola, MO; daughter, Faith (George) of Flemington, MO; three grandchildren, Lane, Draycee, and Colsen Johnson; two boys he helped raise, Bub and Luke Jones; nephew, Jade Warmbrodt; nieces, Braden Warmbrodt and Micahyla (Jake) Cone and their children Brylee and Greyson; many aunts, uncles,
cousins and friends who will miss him. The family is shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Kenny.

Obituary - Elma Jean Holmes Casida

Elma Jean Holmes Casida, age 87, Platte City, Missouri formerly of Prescott, Kansas passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020. She was born on June 15, 1933 in Prescott, Kansas the daughter of Harold and Marguerite Coon Holmes. 

She graduated from Prescott High School. She was united in marriage to Donald Casida on December 24, 1950. To this union, five children were born. Donald preceded her in death on December 4, 1980. 

She then married William Pierce. He also preceded her in death. She later married Earl Avery who also preceded her in death. A son, Jay Casida and two brothers, Milton and Jay Holmes preceded her in death as well. Elma was a hard worker who held many different jobs. She worked at Braemoor's Sewing Factory, as Prescott City Clerk, at Bakers and Whiteside Grocery Stores, Westlake Hardware and in Real Estate. 

She was a member of the Prescott Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, spending time with her family and traveling. Elma is survived by her children, Donald Casida, Diane Gover, Alan Casida, and Janet Casida, a brother, Leon Holmes, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service will be 2 pm Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Prescott Cemetery. Individual respects and guest registry are from 8:30 am to 1 pm Thursday at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. 

Contributions are suggested to the Heritage Village Activity Fund, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075. Online condolences can be made at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Thank you for the donation

Today Bates County Toys for Tykes was blessed with a $500 donation from Butler Lions Club! 

One great community organization helping another to bring a smile to children’s faces this holiday!