Obituary - Samuel “Sam” Hardy Davis

Samuel “Sam” Hardy Davis, 19, passed away unexpectedly on September 23rd, 2021 in Maryville, Missouri. Our hearts are broken by this loss.

Sam was born September 5th, 2002 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a 2021 graduate of Lee’s Summit West High School where he was an honor roll student and participated in cross country and theatre. He was extremely proud to have lettered in both theatre and academics.

Sam was attending Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO where he was pursuing a degree in radiological science and was employed by the University Police Department. After college, he dreamed of serving in the armed forces. Sam is survived by his parents, Shane & Amy Brookshire, his triplet brothers, Jeffry and Nathan, and his stepbrothers, Sam and Ben. He was preceded in death by his father, Captain Jeffry B. Davis Sr. A celebration of Sam’s life will be held on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home in Clinton, MO. The celebration will begin with visitation and end with a brief service at 3:15 pm.

The family suggests donations be made in Sam’s memory to Kanakuk Kamps. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.

Share the Road This Harvest Season

Share the Road This Harvest Season:
Watch for slow-moving farm vehicles on Missouri’s roadways.

JEFFERSON CITY – It’s harvest season in Missouri, and with the crisp temperatures come a larger number of farm vehicles and equipment on rural roadways. This autumn, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists to be on the lookout for slow-moving farm vehicles.

“Please remember that farmers are just doing their jobs when moving equipment from field to field,” said Jon Nelson, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, “It’s important that we be patient and drive carefully around farm vehicles.”

Motorists may not immediately recognize farm equipment on roadways or be aware of the special hazards they present. Lighting and reflector locations on tractors, combines and other farm equipment are different from other motor vehicles and loads may be wider. These may present special challenges to travelers who lack experience driving around farm equipment.

The most common collisions occur when the approaching motorist hits a farm vehicle from behind (rear-end collision), or when a passing motorist hits a farm vehicle that is attempting to make a wide left turn (left sideswipe).

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety recommends these simple tips when driving around slow-moving farm machinery:

• Be mindful that it’s harvest season and keep an eye out for machinery.

• Be patient and remember that farmers are just doing their jobs.

• Always pass on the left and only when you have clear sight distance.

• Always wear your seat belt and pay attention to the road. Buckle Up Phone Down.

Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, identifies four key focus areas, distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and occupant protection, to help eliminate traffic deaths. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan and to learn how all Missourians can help make the roadways safer, visit www.savemolives.com

Update: Worker found dead under a bridge in Bates County

On 7/22/2021 at approximately 10:25PM my office responded to a bridge on St. Rt. M in Southeastern Bates County. Coon hunters in the vicinity had located a deceased individual underneath the bridge.

Initial investigation indicated the decedent, identified as 39 year-old Ryan H. McDaniel of West Plains, Missouri had been working alone on the bridge which was closed for construction. It appeared Mr. McDaniel had suffered a fall from a scaffold adjacent to the bridge deck. Investigation at the scene indicated no sign of foul play.

An autopsy was conducted, and the final results were consistent with the initial findings of an accidental event. This concludes my investigation with the manner of death ruled accidental in nature.

My thanks to the Bates County Sheriff's Office, Missouri Department of Conservation and Butler Fire and area first responders for their assistance.

Greg D. Mullinax

Bates County Coroner

Obituary - Nikole Elizabeth West Adams

Nikole (Niki) Elizabeth West Adams, age 41, of Grandview, Missouri passed away in her home September 24th 2021.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Niki was born on March 19th 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri to Jerry West and Sandi Kelley. She grew up in Grandview, Missouri and was a member of the Grandview High School class of 1998. Very early she entered the work force and later on obtained her General Equivalence Degree before furthering her education to become a CMA. Niki was a CMA for the elderly for twenty years. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry, social media (especially TikTok), drinking her Pepsi and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was raising and spending time with her four sons.

Niki was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lily Midge Kelley; uncle Brian Kelley; and grandfather, Raymond Kelley.

She is survived by the love of her life Eric Jones of Grandview; four sons, Eric Jones Jr. (22), Terrell Jones (20), Trenton Jones (19), and Aiden Jones (14) all of Grandview; father, Jerry West of Grandview; mother, Sandi Kelley and husband Bill of Cleveland; sister Jessi Carroll and husband RJ Carroll; nieces Lilly and Audrey Carroll all of Peculiar; and many loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, any contributions will go to Niki’s four surviving sons to assist in their needs and expenses.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Vernon County Sheriff's Office warns of scam

ATTENTION!!! The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of citizens receiving phone calls from someone claiming to have kidnapped a child or loved one and demanding money for their return. They will use a loved one’s name and have disturbing noises in the background, this is a scam.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to not give any information over the phone or agree to meet them, even in a public space. If you receive this type of call, please contact the Dispatch Center at (417) 667-6042 and report it.

Butler High School is hosting its annual College/Technical/Military Browsing Fair

Butler High School is hosting its annual College/Technical/Military Browsing Fair Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the high school gymnasium. Juniors and seniors from Adrian, Appleton City, Archie, Ballard, Drexel, Hume, Miami, Nevada, Northeast Vernon County, and Rich Hill along with Butler juniors and seniors have been invited and are encouraged to attend.

The college fair offers students the opportunity to gather relevant information in reference to their post-secondary planning, education and training. Representatives from approximately thirty colleges, universities, technical schools, and the military will provide information regarding admission procedures and deadlines, scholarships and financial aid, specifics regarding programs of study, and various post-secondary training opportunities.

This event provides area students with excellent opportunities to investigate career, training, and educational options, as well as talk one-on-one to recruiters and representatives regarding admission, cost, financial aid, programs offered and career opportunities.

If additional information is needed, please contact Grace Anderson at 660-679-6121, extension 254.

Obituary - April Ann Warden

April Ann Warden age 50 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at her home surrounded with family and love.

April is survived by a son, Zachary Warden (Brina Gilbert) of Kansas City, Missouri; a daughter, Crystal Warden (Baylor Mead) of Butler, Missouri; a brother, Samuel Warden of Florida; two sisters, Robin Jones of Florida, and Kimberly Simpson of Kansas City, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.

Cremation. Services will be scheduled at a later date under the direction of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

A complete obituary and services times will be posted here as soon as that information becomes available.

Cass County Hires Sarah Czech as Health Department Director

Cass County Hires Sarah Czech as Health Department Director

Current Assistant Health Director Begins New Post October 15 Harrisonville, MO (September 28, 2021) –

Cass County has hired Sarah Czech as the new Health Department Director beginning October 15. Czech is currently the Assistant Health Director and Health Educator for the department. She replaces Andrew Warlen who is leaving for a similar post at Platte County.

“Andrew Warlen, with the help of Sarah Czech and the rest of the team, has done a tremendous job guiding Cass County through the COVID-19 pandemic and building a stronger Health Department,” said Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston. “We wish Andrew well on his new role, and we look forward to working with Sarah in hers.”

Czech has dedicated her career to public health earning her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University from Missouri and completing Masters degrees in both Sociology (University of Missouri – Kansas City) and Public Health (University of Missouri). She has worked at the Cass County Health Department since 2014, becoming Assistant Health Director and Health Educator in 2020.

Czech grew up in Cass County where her mother was a volunteer firefighter for the Central Cass County Fire District. Her time spent at the fire station led to her interest in public service. After graduating from Harrisonville High School, she completed her undergraduate and Masters degrees, and then returned home to work in Cass County government.

"I am honored to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to continuing to serve the community that raised me in this new capacity, said Czech."