Obituary - Evelyn Ruth Lancaster

Evelyn Ruth Lancaster, age 99, passed away on August 20, 2021 peacefully in her sleep at her Peculiar, Missouri home. Funeral services were held at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Missouri with burial in Wills Cemetery in Peculiar. Evelyn loved her family and supported them in any way she could, especially her great grandson when he was at Children’s Mercy Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to Children's Mercy Hospital.

Evelyn was born in Maysville, Missouri. She was the eldest daughter of John Leroy Scott and Ruth (Brown) Scott. She graduated from Clarksdale High School and received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. She also received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri.

During World War II, Evelyn worked as an artist at Curtis-Wright (McDonell-Douglas). She drew intricate 360° views of airplane parts. She then taught a year at Ritenour High School in the St. Louis area and afterwards taught art for 28 years at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis County. Despite being an introvert (her sister, Margie, was the extrovert), Evelyn found the courage to teach high school art for a total of 29 years. Wow!

After retirement, Evelyn moved to Peculiar, Missouri and joined the Peculiar United Methodist Church. She was active in the church, including leading tour groups that would visit various Kansas City area attractions each month. She loved to travel. Her favorite trip was along Route 66 with her husband and children. She also took a memorable trip to San Antonio, Texas with Margie. The pair also traveled together on a Mississippi River boat cruise and a few class reunions in Cameron, Missouri. Even at the age of 92, she took a trip to Colorado with Les and Sylvia.

Evelyn also loved to sew. It sowed happiness in her heart to go to the fabric store and formulate in her sharp mind what the garment would look like when completed. Daisy Kingdom was her favorite place for children's dresses and shirts. She must have sewn at least 100 outfits. Evelyn could sit happily for hours at her whirling sewing machine performing material magic.

Gardening was also one of Evelyn’s favorite hobbies. Even in her late 80's, some days she would garden for 6-7 hours in the hot Missouri summer heat. Her garden truly misses her loving touch, care, and plant knowledge, but not as much as we will all miss her.

Evelyn always had one of the sharpest minds and always stayed up to date with politics and current affairs. She also enjoyed sending out birthday and Christmas cards to all her friends and relatives. It was amazing how many birthdays she knew by heart. Most of the time she even knew the year they were born and their exact age.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, brother, John, sister, Marjorie Croy, and her husband, Elroy Lancaster, who she met in an art class at the University of Missouri. She is survived by her son, Art Lancaster, and his wife, Emmy Lancaster of Austin, Texas; her daughter, Sylvia Mosberger, and her husband, Lester Mosberger of Peculiar; her grandchildren, Stephanie Lancaster of Austin, Kim Mosberger of Denver, Colorado, and Doug Mosberger of Kansas City. She also has great-grandchildren, Aloe and Anakin Mosberger.

Young church piano player. War factory worker. Art teacher. Seamstress. Gardener. Traveler. Wife. Mother. Mother-in-law. Grandma. Great grandmother. Friend to many. She loved and cherished everyone in her life. She will be missed by all.

Update: Adrian man killed in Bates County plane crash

On August 23, 2021 shortly after 11am I was advised by Sheriff Anderson deputies were searching for a downed aircraft. Shortly afterward I was advised the craft had been located and a decedent was located and I responded to a location northwest of Adrian.

 
At this time I have spoken with family members and made certain they’ve been allowed enough time to speak to family and close friends. I appreciate everyone’s respectful cooperation during that time.

The decedent was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft, and is identified as Daniel L. Smith of Adrian, Missouri.

 
An autopsy has been scheduled in cooperation with the multiple agencies investigating. I will not have further details until the investigation is complete.

 
Greg Mullinax
Bates County Coroner

New Missouri ‘to-go’ alcohol sales law takes effect Aug. 28th

Senate Bill 126 also extends hours for alcohol sales on Sundays to between 6 a.m. Sunday and 1:30 a.m. Monday

JEFFERSON CITY – The waiver that allowed Missouri restaurants to sell “to-go” alcoholic drinks beginning on April 14, 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, will become permanent when Senate Bill 126 takes effect on Aug. 28. 

The administrative waiver was granted because many restaurants were severely strained as business dropped off or shifted to take out during 2020. In Missouri, unless they contain an emergency provision, most new laws take effect on Aug. 28.

 

Before the waiver, to-go alcohol had to be sold in its original package. The new law means that mixed drinks can be sold for off-premises consumption provided:

 

·         The alcohol container is durable, leak-proof, and sealable, and does not exceed 128 ounces;

·         The customer must have ordered and purchased a meal simultaneous with the liquor purchase;

·         No more than two alcohol drinks may be sold per meal serving;

·         The licensee must provide a dated receipt for the meal and alcohol beverage(s); and

·         The sealed alcohol container must either be:

o   Placed in a one-time-use, tamperproof, transparent bag which must be securely sealed, or;

o   The container opening must be sealed with tamperproof tape.

 

The law does not allow liquor licensees to sell mixed drinks in typical “to-go” cups or other containers having a lid with a sipping hole or an opening for straws.

 

Senate Bill 126 also extends the hours during which alcohol can be sold by the drink and at package stores on Sundays. Liquor licensees permitted to make Sunday sales will legally be able to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. Sunday until 1:30 a.m. Monday, the same hours that apply during the rest of the week.

Obituary - Deborah Jean Phillips

Deborah Jean Phillips, age 67, of Lamar, Missouri passed away August 17, 2021, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri.

Deborah was born December 15, 1953 in Lamar, MO to Calvin Lee Davis and Shirley Jean Heerman. Deborah graduated from Lamar High School in the class of 1972 and received her BSN from Pittsburg State University in 1983.

Deborah worked as a registered nurse at Freeman Hospital and most recently at Nevada Regional Hospital.

Survivors include two daughters; Heather (Troy) Dunlap of Joplin, and Kelli Kluhsman of Lamar, six grandchildren; Ben (Regan) Kluhsman, Grace Dunlap, Andrew Dunlap, Abigal Kluhsman, Adam Kluhsman and Ava Kluhsman, one great-grandchild; Dawson Kluhsman, three sisters; LeAnn Smith of Lamar, Penny (John) Harmsen of Carthage and Crystal McGinnes of Nevada, Missouri.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and one son, William Lucas Phillips.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 20, 2021, at Iantha Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Daniel Funeral Home.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to Midwest Transplant in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Local Historic Site Receiving Near Record Number of Visitors

Site administrator Kenny Neal and Bates County Museum curator Peggy Buhr discuss upcoming events at the Battle of Island Mound Historic Site

The Missouri Parks Department held an informational meeting at the Battle of Island Mound site last Saturday and revealed some surprising statistics along with word about upcoming events. Missouri State Parks site administrator for the Island Mound park Kenny Neal advised that attendance at the 40 acre park is way up- and is drawing folks from as far away as Cape Girardeau, St. Louis and beyond. And, as part of an initiative with MoDot, the number may well continue to go up, as in the near future signs will be placed along the interstate pointing to our local park as well.

Neal did point out that upkeep is an ongoing effort that includes replanting trees, mowing and haying/burning off the property on alternating years, and much more. The ultimate goal however, is to return the property to look as it did in 1862 complete with plants and grasses that were prevalent at the time, and that work is expected to be completed over the next few years.

Most importantly, it was announced that there will be a commemoration event on September 18th, 10 am to 4 pm that will include a tent, stage, guest speakers and a full day of family oriented fun with more details coming soon.

For those wishing to learn more, we suggest going to mostateparks.com and searching Battle of Island Mound. In the meantime, the public is invited to the site any time and enjoy walking the ½ mile paved trail while learning the history via kiosks along the way. To visit the site, take 52 west of Butler to K highway south, follow the signs.

Cars, Guitars and Good Times

When the date was set, there was a question how many folks would turn out for a late August event but the Adrian Optimists were pleasantly surprised when about 30 vintage cars and trucks pulled into the Adrian City Park last Saturday. Along with the show, those attending were treated to great food and live music, all contrasting aside the Adrian city lake with a light breeze, making for a perfect August day.

Butler Financial Audit: “A Very Clean Report”

Photo by Prolook Studios

In the regular session of the Butler city council meeting last week, guest Kim Pearson representing Dana Cole & Company, gave Butler a glowing report regarding the recent financial audit. As he addressed the council, Pearson pointed out the audit was “fairly presented” and showed no signs of non compliance, giving the city a very clean assessment of record keeping.

Councilman Alan Mundey reported the finance committee met just prior to the council meeting and some topics discussed were the report from Pearson along with some basic discussion about how to spend the approximately 800k the city is set to receive under the CARES Act. However, it’s a bit in limbo since no one can be certain when the money is coming or other pertinent information such as how it must be used.

The airport commission reported that there are currently two projects in the works, with funding by way of MoDot and the CARES act. The work entails pavement sealing for the tarmac and other areas, along with a new beacon light. It appears the final documentation will be signed at the next airport commission meeting that could allow work to begin right away. However, there is a glitch- as of yet, no contractors have bid the work. The city plans to heavily advertise, feel free to help spread the word.

The major discussion at the airport meeting was crop dusters flying low, over homes and highways. There are concerns about the chemicals used and damage to the paved areas near the ramp by heavy trucks. With that, there will be upcoming discussions with the public works department to see if a section can be cordoned off to avoid widespread damage.

There was discussion about what to do with the old swimming pool building on south High street. During the next parks and rec meeting, members plan to tour the facility to check the condition of the building to determine if it can be used for something, or should it be torn down. The next meeting will be September 9th at noon, the board will meet at the north end of the park to discuss and the public is invited to tag along.

A hearing was held regarding property taxes and a discussion followed reaffirming that the tax rate will not increase this year; however the assessed property values will naturally increase. It was made clear the council does not have control of property value assessments and the tax levy ordinance for 2021 was passed by unanimous vote.

City Clerk Corey Snead reported that improvements to the city’s computers/network are ongoing and necessary security upgrades are expected to be completed soon. Butler was lagging in this area, the city of Joplin recently got hacked costing them a substantial amount of time and money.

The Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. Whether you attend or view online, the public is always highly encouraged to get involved.

Appleton City Celebrates 150th, plus one

By LeRoy Cook

Appleton City has always been an adopted Bates County town, even though it sits a half-mile inside St. Clair County’s territorial limits. Originally platted in 1870, this city of 1163 souls was all set to celebrate its Sesquicentennial last year, but had to put it off due to the coronavirus threat. Last week, it finally got its chance to strut its stuff.

And the three-day celebration went off in fine style, despite some early heat and rain threats. By the weekend, relatively cool temperatures prevailed, promoting outdoor activities like a threshing demonstration using a Case separator and a steam engine formerly owned by a late Mayor, Paul Eye. A huge lineup of historic farm tractors lined the railroad tracks. Other attractions were a bus tour, plus open houses at the Appleton City Museum, the restored Katy Depot, the 100-year-old Zink Motors Ford dealership and the Durley Hotel (formerly the Ellett Memorial Hospital), which is now a private residence. Saturday’s main event was a parade of vehicles, floats and horseback and marching units.

Appleton City was originally to be called “Arlington” but that name was already in use elsewhere in Missouri. A chance meeting with New York publisher W.H. Appleton brought an offer of a free library if the town would be named for him. Because a Bootheel town of “Appleton” already existed, Appleton City was chosen. The restored library is located near the Railroad Park.

A stipulation of a 100-wide main street in the founding paperwork has kept the 11-block long downtown open and inviting over the years; Missouri Highway 52 runs its length, with business houses proliferating along it. Paving of the street came about in 1921. Another original feature, Forest Park, is a block square green space anchoring the east end of the main drag.

Over the years, the fortunes of Appleton City have been tied to the MK&T Railroad tracks that fostered the town’s beginning; before passenger service ended in 1958, it guaranteed a steady influx of travelers. The Pittsburg and Midway coal mining company and the construction of Minuteman missile systems also boosted the economy in the mid-1900s. Today, the lively town once known as the “Queen of the Prairie” is justifiably proud of its history and looks forward to a bright future.