Obituary - Bill Thornton

Funeral services for Bill Thornton of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  There is no visitation.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Billy “Bill” DeWitt Thornton, age 92 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  He was born February 24, 1929 to Felix and Nell Eugene Moody Thornton in Hoxie, Arkansas.

Bill is survived by three daughters, Melody Thornton of Butler, Missouri, Starlett Biehl and husband Terry of Jenks, Oklahoma and Laura Rank and husband Steve of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Pat McManners and husband Glen of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Rosemary Pearce of Bradford, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law, Juanita Thornton Hall and Roberta Mosley both of Jonesboro, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Dillon Deems, Valeri McCracken, Colt Greenwood, Jonathan Rank and Steven Rank; and twelve great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Louise in 2018; one brother, Jerry Thornton; and brothers-in-law, Joe Peace and Gene Mosley.

Broadband internet to be available to Osage Valley customers

In a formal announcement this morning, it was revealed that Osage Valley Electric Cooperative has officially partnered with Conexon Connect to make broadband internet available to all 16,300 member homes and businesses in Bates, Cass, Henry, St. Clair, Johnson, Benton and Vernon counties in Missouri.

The 75 million dollar investment will make the service available to all within a 5 year timeline with work to be completed in phases- the first of which will be done by the end of this year. In all, some 3,500 miles of fiber optic cable will be installed.

The addition of internet service will not affect electric rates and will be billed as a separate service. Packages will offer a minimum of 100 Mbps per second upload and download speeds starting at $49.95 per month with no data caps. 

More info available here https://www.facebook.com/osagevalley/

Learn more about Conexon http://conexonconnect.com/

More information coming soon. This is certainly exciting news for local rural America!

Obituary - James Lee Sloan

James Lee Sloan, 87, of Lee’s Summit, was born, June 27, 1933, in Pleasant Hill, the son of Davis A. and Mary A. (Mitchell) Sloan. He departed this life, Monday, May 24, 2021, at the Crown Care Center in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Jim was a 1951 Pleasant Hill High School graduate. He was a United States Coast Guard Korean War Veteran.

On June 1, 1952, he was united in marriage to Delores Maxine Holton in Pleasant Hill.

Jim started his working career as a funeral assistant for the Stanley-Brownfield Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill. He went on to become a Supervisor for the Lake City Ammunition Plant. Following retirement he worked as a Realtor and part time with Radmacher Construction Co. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill First Christian Church and the Jewel Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M, Pleasant Hill. He enjoyed working on his rental properties and around his yard. He was most fond of spending time with the love of his life Delores.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Jeff Dinges.

He is survived by his wife Delores of the home; two daughters, Gayle (and Kevin) Carlile and Lorie (and Tom) Radmacher, both of Pleasant Hill; seven grandchildren, Chris (and Tera) Dinges, Jessica (and Scott) George, Vanna (and Justin) Lewis, Joseph Radmacher, Ryan (and Katie) Radmacher, and Jeremy Fenton; nine great grandchildren, Austin, Payton, Alyssa, Kordell, Parker, Jake, Sophia, Layne, and Tommy; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home. Reverend D. Kent Deubner will officiate. Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Coast Guard and the V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard. Casket bearers are Austin Dinges, Chris Dinges, Scott George, Jake Radmacher, Joseph Radmacher, and Ryan Radmacher,

Visitation will be held from 10:30 until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the KU Cancer Center and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com

Showers and T-Storms Continue Thursday

Strong thunderstorms continue this morning. Heavy rain, gusty winds, and small hail remain the primary hazards. Some areas may see a brief break in the rain late this morning.

Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms is possible this afternoon

Obituary - Trevor Ross

Trevor Ross, 22, of Pleasant Hill, departed this life, Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trevor Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550

A complete obituary will be published here as that information becomes available.

Obituary - Claib Edwin Weno

The FUNERAL SERVICE for Claib will be held at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on Thursday, May 27, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The MINISTERS officiating at the service will be Brother Ryan Campos and Brother Brian Jump.

VISITATION will be at Hill and Son Funeral Home, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

A MILITARY PRESENTATION will be by Montrose VFW Post #8820 and the Army Missouri Honor Guard.

The family requests any MEMORIAL donations be made to the Montrose VFW Post #8820.

Claib Edwin Weno was born on September 29, 1948 the son of Ralph Edward and Kathleen Virginia (Harlan) Weno. He passed away peacefully at his home on May 22, 2021, age 72. He grew up in the Windsor, Missouri area, where he graduated from Windsor High School in 1966. Shortly after completing his education, Claib was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country proudly.

Upon returning home, Claib met and married Debra Ann Smith on August 13, 1971, his wife of 49 years. To this union five children were born: Becky, Bobby, Bridget, Colby, and Courtney.

During this time, Claib also began a long career with many companies as cable splicer, including being co-owner of Weno Splicing Company. He was a tremendously hard-working man, who sacrificed greatly for the welfare of his family. Claib was deeply devoted to his family and his country, especially enjoying time with his grandchildren. He regularly found new hobbies that he took pleasure in, including restoring classic cars, bee keeping, and woodworking. Along with this, many sought out his expertise in firearms. Claib could often be found in the Taberville area, where he did much hunting and fishing. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Claib was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Edward and Kathleen Virginia (Harlan) Weno; two sisters: Elaine Weno and Jeannette Womble; one brother, Sonny McCown.

He is survived by his wife Debbie; his children: Becky (Scott) Allis, Bobby (Gary) Wright, Bridget (Tim) Mount, Colby Weno, Courtney (Brian) Montgomery, and Erin (Shannon) Teeter; 8 siblings; 12 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren; along with many extended family and dear friends.

Adrian Optimist Club Students of the Month from the Miami, Ballard, and Adrian schools

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Miami, Ballard, and Adrian schools. Criteria for this honor center on outstanding academic and civic achievement and school spirit. Staff at each of the schools make the selection, and their decision is based on expansion of these criteria. Selection is based on the criteria, but a student stepping up to a particular task will come to play in it. Each student is honored with a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks”.

The Miami Student of the Month for April is Charlee Chambers, a Senior. Charlee is the daughter of Dea Erickson and Tom Chambers. In school Charlee is in Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, FCCLA, FBLA, and Art. She likes reading, doing caricatures, drawing, and spending time with friends and family. Miami staff say, “Charlee is helpful to others. She is very talented and willing to do everything she sets her mind to do. Charlee will go far in life.” Charlee plans to go to Fort Scott Community College then head east to NC University at Wilmington to major in Marine Biology.

Pictured: Miami Principal Angela Wiley and Charlee Chambers

The Ballard Student of the Month is sophomore, Alexis Hastings, daughter of Joshua and Rene’e Hatings and Lindsey Kates. Alexis was a player on the Volleyball team and outside of school, she plays soccer. Alexis’s plan for the future is to go to college and work in the medical field. Ballard staff has said, “Alexis has been taking Geometry/Algebra 2 this semester, and even when she is struggling with it, she pushes through. It takes a lot of perseverance to take on Algebra 2 in one semester, and she has handled it very well (though frazzled at times) Alexis’s inspirational quote is, “Always do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better.”

Pictured: Alexis Hastings and Ballard Principal Stephanie Nold

The Adrian Student of the Month is Anna Glynn, a Freshman. Anna is the daughter of Chancy and Thad Glynn. Her activities in school are Band, Choir, Volleyball, Student Council, and Theatre. Outside of school, she is active in her church and volunteers in Rich Hill Fourth of July Committee. Anna states, “All of my teachers are my inspiration, but especially Mr. Davis, Mrs. Ford, and Mr. Sears. Also my friends, they are a huge part of what I am. Everything is easier with friend, just make sure they are good ones.” Anna feels like MIZZOU or Evangel University would be great options for to pursue a degree.

Pictured: Anna Glynn and Adrian Principal Dustin Bridges

MoDOT News Release: Work zones will take a break for holiday weekend

Work zones will take a break for holiday weekend:

JEFFERSON CITY – As pandemic restrictions loosen around the state, Memorial Day highway traffic on Missouri roadways is expected to be heavier this year than last.

With the heavy holiday weekend traffic, the Missouri Department of Transportation will not have work zones with routine lane closures beginning at noon on Friday, May 28, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1.

“Memorial Day is typically the start of the summer travel season and with more people taking to the roads the need to remain alert when behind the wheel is even more essential,” said MoDOT’s Deputy Director/Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger. “Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Buckle up. Put your phone down. Every trip. Every time.”

Some of the major work zones with permanent lane closures will remain in place for the holiday weekend. These are some of the major projects throughout the state for which drivers should be on the lookout:

Northwest area: Interstate 29: Traffic is currently reduced to one lane in each direction using the southbound lanes over the I-29 Hopkins Creek Bridge. Motorists traveling on I-29, just north of St. Joseph, can expect to face delays both directions.

Kansas City area: I-435 Bridge over the Missouri River: MoDOT is replacing the bridge deck, reinforcing structural steel girders and doing substructure repairs. Work also includes the extension of the acceleration lane from the Route 210 Interchange to I-435 south. Only one lane remains open on the southbound bridge and one lane crosses over to the inside lane of the northbound bridge.

St. Louis area: I-270 North, St. Louis County: Various bridge and roadway improvements between I-70 and the Chain of Rocks Mississippi River Bridge. Drivers can expect bridges over the interstate to be closed, as well as various lanes and ramps through the year.

Southwest area: U.S. Route 60: U.S. Route 60 is being widened to six lanes, with ramp improvements from National Avenue to U.S. Route 65 and construction of a roundabout on Glenstone Avenue at Nature Center Way/Republic Road in Springfield. Drivers can expect narrowed lanes of traffic and nighttime lane closures. The project is to be completed Summer 2022.

Southeast area: Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 61 (MM 99): Construction of the diverging diamond interchange between Cape Girardeau and Jackson, is underway. During this phase of construction, crews are replacing the northbound I-55 bridge. All I-55 traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction using the southbound lanes of I-55. Route 61 is also reduced to one lane in each direction.

MoDOT advises motorists to plan before traveling by checking out the department’s online Traveler Information Map, which provides the latest road conditions, including closures, work zones and incidents. The map can be found at www.modot.org. A mobile map app is also available for smartphone users. Motorists can also call MoDOT’s 24/7 customer service toll free at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).