Happy Retirement Tammy Bond

The Vernon County Commission would like to thank Tammy Bond for her dedication and service to the citizens of Vernon county as the Public Administrator. Happy Retirement Tammy you will be missed.

Winter Storm Expected Late Tonight Into Friday

A winter storm is still on track to impact the region beginning late tonight and continuing through Friday. Hazardous driving conditions will exist for much of the day Friday and travel is not advised. If you must travel, be prepared for road closures and hazardous travel conditions.

Obituary - Jesse Frank Smith

Graveside services for Jesse F. Smith of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler under direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.

Visitation will be prior to graveside services from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel in Butler. Contributions to Heartland Hospice or The Carpenter's Cup. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com. 

Jesse Frank Smith, age 97 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at his home in Butler. He was born November 6, 1923 to Franklin Reason and Bessie Pritchett Smith in Richards, Missouri.

Jesse is survived by a son, Danny Smith and wife Marcia of Adrian, Missouri; two daughters, Diana Bennett and husband Jason and Tina Hansen and husband Mike all of Butler, Missouri; a stepson, Dale Douty and wife Retta of Butler, Missouri; a stepdaughter-in-law, Brenda Douty of Butler, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Smith; stepson, Robert Douty; a brother, Kenneth Smith; two sisters, Marjorie Smith and Grace Poyner; a grandson, Jesse Paul Douty; and a great-grandson Keith Cooper.

Greg Mullinax sworn in for second term as Bates County Coroner

I was sworn in this morning for my second term as Bates County Coroner by Bates County Clerk Marlene Wainscott. 

I am very proud of the work I have begun and the service I have provided to my County. Every day, this privilege has been my highest priority and I have not lost sight of the trust you’ve given me. This pandemic has challenged my ability to provide competent resources when they’re needed, and I’ve done that. 

I am more confident than ever that I’m prepared to serve you every day of the next four years, come what may. I’ve not let you down thus far and I don’t intend to now. 

Very truly,

Greg D. Mullinax
Coroner of Bates County

Obituary - Donna Sue Mathes

Donna Sue Mathes, 78, Harrisonville, MO, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with visitation from 10:00-11:00. Burial to follow in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association, 2009 Plaza Drive, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted when information is available.

Update: One person injured in grain elevator explosion in Adrian

Courtesy of Mike Burris 

On 12/31/2020 at approximately 1045 am there were reports of an unknown type of explosion in the Adrian area. Dispatch began receiving calls that the explosion was at the Adrian Coop located just south of the Adrian City Limits. 

The explosion was in the area of the grain storage bins. One male subject was life flighted with injuries to a Kansas City area hospital. 

No other injuries have been reported at this time. At this point there does not appear to be any danger of a secondary explosion. There is no sign of any foul play connected to this explosion. 

Fire and Law Enforcement will remain on scene until further notice. All media request will be handled through the Sheriff’s Office.

BREAKING: Large explosion in Adrian

Emergency Personnel are on scene of a large explosion that has occurred just south of Adrian at the West Central Agri Services Grain Elevator behind the Optimist Building.

One person is said to have serious injuries and is being transported by life flight to a hospital in Kansas City.

All of the employees have been accounted for at this time but we need you to Please avoid this area!!! 

Henry County Announces Another COVID-19 Related Death 12/31/20

The Henry County Health Center has received notification from the St. Luke’s Health System of a death due to complications related to COVID-19. This resident was a 75-year-old male that resided in the town of Urich. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Henry County to 22.

“The most difficult part of the COVID-19 pandemic is losing our residents to the virus. To each of you who have lost loved ones to this virus, we are deeply sorry,” said the Henry County Health Center Administrator, Peggy Bowles. “This is a time when families and friends usually gather together, but this year, I am pleading with each of you to stay home if possible. But, if you must get out, please wear a face covering, remain six feet apart, and wash your hands. It is the simple things that will help reduce the spread of this disease, and could potentially save the lives or your family members.”

Henry County Health Center continuously updates the COVID-19 information on the HCHC Facebook page, Twitter, and on henrycohealth.org. 

Beginning January 1, 2021 there will be weekly updates on the status of the COVID-19 vaccine for our county. For further updates and information please review these social media platforms.