Attention Butler Residents:

The Butler Police Department has taken numerous theft reports this last week around town. Storage sheds and vehicles seem to be the popular places to break into for local thieves.

Please lock your vehicle and take all valuables out of them also check your storage sheds frequently.

If you see anything suspicious or looks to be out of place contact the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131.

Law office closing in Nevada

Obituary - Vernille Lois (Balk) Cubbage

Vernille Lois (Balk) Cubbage departed this life and entered her eternal heavenly home on December 28, 2021 following an illness of several months. She was born February 26, 1944 to Walter & Evelyn (Wallace) Balk at Ketterman, MO. She was the middle child of the 7 Balk children. Her childhood was spent on the farm working alongside her dad, in the pecan timber and along the river at her family home near Ketterman. She attended the Green Valley one room school until 6th grade when the school consolidated with Walker School, where she graduated Valedictorian from the class of 1962. She worked at First Finance Company in Nevada from graduation until spring of 1963.

On March 3, 1963, she married Donald Cubbage and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. They were blessed with four daughters, and she loved being a farm wife and a stay at home mom totally devoted to her family. In, 1993 Donald & Vernille along with daughter Sheila opened Cubbage Country Market. Vernille worked in the store many years enjoying every customer she waited on. Today the store is Cubbage Feeds and is operated by daughter Davola.

Vernille was a wonderful cook and always had lunch on the table at noon for however many showed up. Many meals were served around the kitchen table which she made the heart of the home. She hosted many birthday parties and family gatherings and always served her Italian Cream cake, chocolate sheet cake or homemade pies.

She was baptized at 8 years old and began her walk with the Lord and her lifelong devotion to Him. One of her greatest joys was teaching Sunday school, VBS, and being in the choir. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Nevada and faithfully attended until her health prevented her to, then she was sure to listen to the church service on the radio weekly. She and Donald hosted many preachers and missionaries in their home over the years. She was a witness to many and a TRUE prayer warrior. Her greatest desire was that everyone know Jesus, be saved, and go to heaven.

Her favorite title was Nana to her grandsons, great grandchildren and to many others. Wonderful memories were made with Nana, and you knew you were always unconditionally loved by her forever.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Donald, daughters, Sheila & Eric Bryson Ft. Worth, TX, Donis & Andre Dasent Nevada, MO, Davola & Tony Garrett, Nevada, MO, grandsons, Jacob & Ashlee Duncan Nevada. MO, Nathan Bryson, Ft. Worth TX, great-grandchildren, Leroy Fast, Barrett Duncan, Millie Kate Duncan, sisters, Annette Balk, Loveland, CO, Roenna Balk, Gainesville, TX, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter & Evelyn Balk, daughter, Sherri Cubbage Prewitt, grandson, Tanner Duncan, sisters, Jeanette Bartholomei, Francille Pettibon, Arlene Hutchison and brother Terry Balk.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the First Christian Church in Nevada with Pastor Michael Georinger officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Memorials are suggested to the Show-Me Christian Youth Home c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Denise Wood

Tuesday Denise Wood was born October 15, 1962, to Sonny Amos Snell and Nancy Carol Snell in Clinton, Missouri. She passed away December 28, 2021, in Butler, Missouri at the age of 59.

Denise was a loving wife and mother. When God blessed her with the birth of her daughter Ashley, Denise’s life was complete. Being a mother was the biggest joy in her life.

Denise also enjoyed spending time with family, shopping and Crafting with Aunt Donna and teaching her Red healers new tricks.

Denise worked for Walmart for 20 years, making trouble with her Walmart crew along the way.

Denise was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather Nancy and Carl Lillard, and her father Sonny Amos Snell.

Denise leaves behind her husband Jim Wood of the home, daughter Ashley Reynolds (Mark), brothers Bret Snell (Janet), and Tad Snell (fiancé Diane), and aunt Donna Burton.

Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date at the Antioch Southern Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Shiloh Center, Harrisonville, Missouri.

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

Sad news in the racing world

Race fans and drivers, I'm saddened to pass along that Dave Nickerson passed away yesterday.

Dave raced in the area for years and helped on the infield this past year.

Let's all keep his family in our thoughts and prayers. - Courtesy of Nevada Speedway

Obituary - William "Stan" Johnson

William "Stan" Johnson, age 88, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Missouri. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Inurnment to follow in Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and can be left in care of the funeral home.

William Stanley Johnson, the son of William S. Johnson, Sr. and Madeline Ford Johnson was born on November 19, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri.

As a young man, Stan was extremely active in Boy Scouts obtaining some of the highest awards available to a Boy Scout at that time. He was an Eagle Scout with 3 palms. He earned his God and Country Award, merit badges too numerous to mention. In 1947 Stan was called by H. Roe Bartle to the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He also worked on the permanent staff at Camp Osceola.

In February of 1954 Stan married Norma Black. To this union were born four children, Mark Russell, Rex Allen, Star Rena and Kimberly Ruth.

Stan was always an avid car buff. From great street vehicles to being involved with super modified stock cars. Because of his love for automotive challenges, he decided he would like to put his knowledge and skill into something profitable. In 1958 he bought his own service station and garage and at that time he became Stan’s Skelly Service at 85th & Holmes, KC, MO. And there took up his second residency for the next 28 years. He became very successful and ultimately took a partner. A longtime friend John Barthol became that partner and the business then became a south Kansas City household name, Stan & John’s Service.

Stan and Norma retired in 1984 and moved to Clinton, Missouri. Where Stan became heavily involved in fishing and ultimately became a Truman Lake fishing guide. He spent an additional 12 years doing something he absolutely loved. Spending time in the great outdoors with other anglers. Competitive tournament fishing was just an added bonus.

Stan, with wife Norma, organized, promoted and made possible one of the largest charity tournaments on the lake all in the name of Ozanam Home for Boys. The amount of money raised for the boy’s home was Stan and Norma’s thank you to the participating anglers.

Traveling was high on the list of Stan’s joys. Seven years spent in Baja, Mexico with son, Mark. Those many days and hours spent in a barren desert together created a relationship and bond for life.

Traveling some 4000 miles to and from California three times in six months was “no big deal” because it was to be part of daughter, Star and granddaughter, Shawn’s Charity League. Distance was never an issue when it came to spending time with children and grandchildren. Driving to Colorado for one of daughter, Kim’s horse show again was “no big deal”.

Then, on a whim driving to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take grandson Michael to dinner. It sounds ridiculous, but it happened.

Not to forget two more granddaughters, Jessice and Shea. Driving to California to make sure the girls attended a dance competition while Mom and Dad are out of the country on business. This is just what he did for family.

Stan is preceded in death by his son, Rex Allen and his parents, Bill and Madeline Johnson.

Survivors include his wife Norma of the home, three children; Mark and Becky Johnson of Ladera Ranch, California, Star and Ted Dodd of Palos Verdes Estates, California, Kim and George Dixon of Carbondale, California, four grandchildren; Michael Anderson of Torrance, California, Shawnie Anderson of Palos Verdes Estates, California, Jessica and Chris Ferrero of Ladera Ranch, California, Shea and Ryan Allen of San Juan Capistrano, California, four great grandchildren; Charlotte and Emerson Ferraro, Lux Olivia and Quinn Allen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Be Extra Vigilant When Driving In Inclement Weather

Missourians expect the weather to change and it appears they won’t be disappointed this week. As New Year’s approaches, the forecast shows colder temperatures, rain, and wet snow showers on the horizon. 

Weather affects traffic patterns and can make driving hazardous. Lower overnight temperatures may cause wet roadways to freeze and become slick.

Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol urge everyone to pay attention to weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roadways. When you travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet or snow is present. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.

During inclement weather, driving the speed limit is not "exercising the highest degree of care." Missouri law (Section 304.012 RSMo) states the responsibility of exercising the highest degree of care while driving rests on the driver's shoulders. Please adjust your speed to the weather. Do not use cruise control and increase your following distance. It is next to impossible to stop quickly on snow-covered or slick roads. Allow extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed.

Troopers suggest keeping your fuel tank at least half full. In preparation for winter weather, place an ice scraper, battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk now, before an emergency occurs.

Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and keep it with you. Do not use your cell phone when you are driving; park your vehicle well off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call. The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). These numbers ring at the nearest troop headquarters. Troopers are available to assist you.

Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. Missouri’s Road Condition Report is available at 1-888-275-6636 or MoDOT’s Road Condition Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be downloaded free of charge to your smart devices.

Please remember to buckle up, pay attention, be courteous, and obey all traffic laws. When weather conditions make driving hazardous, drive only when absolutely necessary.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”

Obituary - Ruby Marie Cummings

Ruby Marie Cummings, age 93 of Butler, Missouri passed away December 24, 2021 at Medicalodge of Butler. Graveside services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, January 5, 2022 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. There will be no visitation. 

Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Ruby was born on March 6, 1928 in Virginia, Missouri, the youngest child of Warnie McQuinn and Lora Hayes McQuinn Hartiq. Throughout her life she worked as a LPN Nurse, a secretary, a bookkeeper, and a clerk for the city of Butler. Ruby was married to her husband of 68 years, Cecil Glenn Cummings on June 23, 1943. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Butler. Ruby had a passion for cooking and did not need a cookbook. She made the best yeast rolls, and no one could out do her cinnamon rolls. She could do anything that she set her mind to, and could even help out driving her husband’s fertilizer truck.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, husband C. Glenn Cummings, sisters Reva McQuinn Shelts, Eula McQuinn Ghere, brothers Verdun McQuinn, Vernon McQuinn, Elmer McQuinn, infant grandson Craig Lynn Lord, great grandson Cameron Widhalm, and son in law Bill Gepford. She is survived by her daughters Cheryl Gepford of Marco Island, Florida, and Carol Cummings of Butler, Missouri. 

She also leaves behind grandchildren Shannon (Misti) Gepford, Karmin (Scott) Ricker, Cherilyn (Aaron) Widhalm, Brett Lord, and Stacy (Doug) Fields, great-grandchildren Alyxandra Gepford, Madalyn Gepford, Ryenne Gepford, Taylor Riker, Hailee Ricker, Trey Widhalm, Abygail Widhalm, Kassity Mclay, Kylie Mclay, Sara Lord, Ryan Lord, great-great-grandchildren Taiten Brattin, Kash Brattin, Kane Mclay, Kenzie Mellenbruch, and Oaklynn Mellenbruch.