From Bates County Tax Collector Jim Platt

Please note the last day personal property taxes can be paid in person will be December 30. You may also mail or put in the drop box as usual.

Cass County Senator Rick Brattin announces candidacy for Fourth Congressional District

Thank you to everyone who turned out for today's press conference announcing my candidacy for U.S. Congress in the Fourth Congressional District.

Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi are trying to adopt socialist policies that would lead to the decline of America. In less than a year, they have done so much that has weakened our country, and I truly fear that if they are not stopped our children and grandchildren will not have the same freedom to pursue the American Dream that we have enjoyed.

I am running for Congress because I believe we need to elect conservatives who will stand up and put America First. We need to secure our border, hold China accountable for dishonest trade practices – including outright theft of American intellectual property – and for their cyber warfare against our nation, and stop liberals from using CRT and other ‘woke’ policies to brainwash our children into hating America. This is the greatest country in the world, and it is worth fighting like heck to save.

Courtesy of Rick Brattin's Facebook Page

Obituary - Larry Ray McCoy Sr.

Larry Ray McCoy Sr. was born January 21, 1942 to Ray and Betty McCoy. Larry graduated from Nevada High School in 1960. Larry faithfully served his country in the United State Army. Larry was united in marriage to Lois Kenney on July 12, 1964. To this union, three children were born.

Larry was many things: Dad, husband, son, companion, Grandpa, uncle, PopPop, brother-in-law, proud veteran, fisherman, hunter, brother, gardener, trapper, cook. He was a man who could put words together to make a point: “GDF,” “Truth,” “Been from Maine to Spain,” “White lightning,” “Homemade wine,” “Dancing Partner,” “Sarge,” “Alarm clock,” “Caveman,” “Sharp-shooter,” “Those blue eyes,” “Luther,” “River rat,” “Outlaw,” “Friend,” “Colorful.”

Larry loved the outdoors. He often told people his occupation was fisherman, the original flathead slayer from Metz. Larry’s partner and sweetheart was Sue Kennedy. They shared a love and life for all things outdoorsy for almost 30 years.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Sue of the home; two sons, Larry (Mandie) McCoy, and Floyd Kennedy; four daughters, Lori (Scott) Riddell, Lynn Gronniger, Jodi (Travis) Bond, and Dena Baker; brother, Dennis (Connie) McCoy; honorable brother and sisters, Terry and Dixie Hoeper and Georgia (Joe) Charles; a special niece, Natalea (Jeremie) Platt; nephew, Chris Beshore; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; lots of loved ones and special friends.

His fishing and hunting legacy will live in the hearts and stories of everyone he interacted with.

The family would like to send out a special “thank you” to Barone Alzheimer Center; the kindness and compassion they shared and showed Larry will be forever in our hearts. Online condolences can be left at www.heuserfunerals.com.

Obituary - Leon Ray Osborn

Leon Ray Osborn, age 59, passed away on the evening of November 12th, 2021 at Centerpoint Hospital, Independence MO.

Leon the son of Betty Mae Osborn (Thomas), was born on the 10th of January, 1962 in, Butler, Bates County, Missouri. He was a High School graduate from Archie High School, Archie, Missouri in 1980. Leon joined with Martin Marietta Materials right after High School as an operator with the company in Peculiar MO and Greenwood MO.

Leon enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching sporting events. As a sports enthusiast, he shared his love of competitive sports with his children, often coaching them in the ways of basketball, pole vaulting, volleyball, soccer, and softball.

More than anything, Leon cherished family time. Often coordinating get togethers for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. He never needed a reason. He was the family’s go to Mr. Fixit, from building playsets and replacing appliances, to remodeling homes. Leon found it important to pass on practical skills to the next generation.

Leon was a kind-hearted man whose goal was to make others happy. He was dependable, compassionate, and always found the good in everyone.

Leon was preceded in death by his Mother, Betty Mae Osborn.

He is survived by his wife, Shari Osborn, his four children Cari and Randy Highley of Peculiar MO. Kyle Osborn of Archie, MO., Quinten and Lacey Osborn of Raymore, MO. and Reagan and Brian Wade of Belton, MO. As well as his three Grandchildren Gracilyn, Gabrielle, and Gavyn Highley. He is also survived by his twin sister Evon and Terry Hall of Adrian, MO and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with burial in the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Phone scam reported in Cass County

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of another phone scam.

We would like to remind everyone that the Cass County Sheriff's Office will never call you and ask for money over the phone. 

If you receive a suspicious call contact your local law enforcement.

Obituary - Vivian Corrine Moore

Vivian Corrine Moore, age 76, a resident of Ft Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021, at the home of her brother in rural Arcadia, Kansas. She was born October 10, 1945, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer Leon Allen and Enid Corrine Shinn Allen. She married Paul L. Moore on April 2, 1977, in Emporia, Kansas. Vivian worked as a paralegal for the law firm of Nuss & Farmer for many years. 

Following her retirement from legal work, Vivian worked as a substitute teacher for the USD #234 School District. Vivian loved spending time with her extended family. She was a member of the Diamond Community Church.

Survivors include her mother, Enid Large, of Ft. Scott; four brothers, Dwayne Allen (Pat), Arcadia, Kansas, Dennis Allen (Teresa), Ft. Scott and Tim Allen (Deborah) Ft. Scott and David Large (Kristen) of Branson, Missouri and a sister, Connie Snow also of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, on October 23, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Retha Ross, her father, Elmer Leon Allen and her step-father, Charles Large.

Joan Koller will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, November 18th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Turkey Creek Cemetery north of Uniontown, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. 

Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to The Beacon and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

MDC Reports 89,861 deer harvested during opening firearms weekend

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 89,861 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 13 and 14. Of the 89,861 deer harvested, 54,415 were antlered bucks, 7,187 were button bucks, and 28,259 were does.

Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 1,968 deer harvested, Texas with 1,814, and Benton with 1,654.

Last year, hunters checked 80,744 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season.

For current, ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

For harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

“Thankfully, the weather cooperated this weekend and hunters were treated to some good conditions,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor, Jason Isabelle. “Given the rain and gusty winds across much of the state during opening weekend last year, it isn’t surprising that we saw an increase in harvest this year.”

The November portion of firearms deer season continues through Nov. 23. Missouri’s archery deer and turkey season resumes Nov. 24 through Jan. 15, 2022. The late youth portion of firearms season runs Nov. 26-28. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Dec. 4-12 followed by the alternative methods portion Dec. 25 through Jan. 4, 2022.

Learn more about deer hunting in Missouri online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

Get more information about deer season and hunting regulations from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/fall-deer-turkey-hunting-regulations-information.

Henry County Health Center Confirms 30 new positive cases of COVID-19

The Henry County Health Center (HCHC) has received confirmation there are 30 new positive cases of COVID-19.

--Clinton-27
--Windsor-3
--Deepwater-0
--Montrose-0
--Urich-0
--Blairstown-0
--Calhoun-0
--Creighton-0
--Chilhowee (Henry County)-0
--Leeton-0

This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Henry County to 3,132.

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.