Wednesday, March 30, 2022

From the Bates County Sheriff's Office

If you are signed up to receive the Textcaster weather alerts from the Bates County Sheriff's Office and did not receive a text last night regarding the tornado warning please email Jami Page with your name and phone number.

Her email is jpage@batescountysheriff.com. We need this information to send to Textcaster so they can find out why everyone did not receive the warning text last night.

Obituary - Charles Ernest Wells

Charles Ernest Wells, age 83, went to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Charles was born on November 23, 1938 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the son of Leland and Lauretta Wells.

He married Gwendolyn Wells in Lake Mills, Iowa on September 12, 1959. He graduated from the University of Iowa. He worked for AT&T and later worked for Sprint.

He loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He is survived by his wife, Gwen and his three children: Tony Wells (Beth), Diane Adelsperger (Bob) and David Wells (Marcia), six grandsons: Andrew Adelsperger (Amelia), Daniel Wells, Seth Adelsperger (Arielle), Reagan Wells, Jonathan Wells and Brian Wells, two sisters: Marilee Adams and Jacqui Smith (Larry). He also had many loving nieces and nephews.

Chuck was an avid reader and loved learning about God’s creation. He enjoyed fishing, rock hunting, genealogy, walking, picking up pecans, and spending time with his family.

Charles was a life-long Christian, baptized as a teenager. His Christian faith was very important in his life and he instilled it in his family. He taught Sunday school for over 25 years. He was a member of several churches, most recently First Baptist Church in Clinton, MO.

The family is planning a service at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church (Clinton, MO) in support of the missions fund: “Acts one 8” and can be left in care of the funeral home.

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


Miami County Kansas Sheriff's Office Wanted Wednesday



Happy Retirement Paul



Harrisonville School District Superintendent Paul Mensching has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year. He has served as the district’s superintendent since 2018.

“I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as the Superintendent of the Harrisonville School District and as an educator for 29 years in the state of Missouri. As I reflect on my career, one of my proudest moments was the community coming together to pass the levy to increase salaries for our exceptional staff and a bond issue to improve the safety and maintenance of our facilities,” said Mr. Mensching. “Throughout my career, the greatest memories that I have involve students. From the simple joy of high school students enjoying a pep assembly after a two-year hiatus, to the chance to hear about the exciting kindergarten field trips, or the celebrated success of a national proficiency award winner, I am constantly amazed at what our students can and will do. The best that we are, or hope to be, are found in our children. Thank you for the opportunity to serve them.”

During his past four years as Superintendent of the Harrisonville School District, Mr. Mensching spearheaded efforts which led to the following:

*Development and implementation of the district’s strategic plan (Blueprint)
*Passage of Props I+N, a 50 cent levy increase to provide staff salary increases, and a $22.7 million bond issue
*Bond construction including major renovations and additions at Cass Career Center, improved safety and security at multiple buildings, much-needed updates to HVAC and roofs across the district, and new elementary playgrounds
*Improved collaboration and communication with our community partners including the City of Harrisonville and the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce
*Strong financial stewardship through declining enrollment, uncertain economic conditions, and state budget cuts
*Ensuring educational stability and student and staff safety throughout a pandemic

He was recognized by the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce as the Individual of the Year in 2020 and by the Missouri School Public Relations Association as the Administrator of the Year in 2021.
He has served as a member of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; President of the Harrisonville Kiwanis Club; a member of the city’s Economic Development Board, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Mayor’s Advisory Council, and Enhanced Enterprise Zone Committee, a member of the Cass County Superintendents’ Association; a member of the Greater Kansas City Superintendents’ Association, the Missouri Association of School Administrators, and the American Association of School Administrators; and a member of the Missouri School Business Officials.
 
Board President Tina Graef said, “Paul Mensching is a man of integrity and honesty, and the Harrisonville School District was lucky to have a person of his caliber leading our district for the last four years. He has provided much needed consistency and transparency and was able to bring our district together in a way we hadn’t experienced in many years as a direct result of his exemplary leadership. His vision from the very beginning was to improve the culture in our buildings, increase pay to attract and retain quality, dedicated educators, and most importantly, to ensure our children receive the best education possible in an environment that is safe and allows all of them to grow and flourish. Paul has accomplished these things and so many more, effectively getting buy-in and support of the staff and the community and truly setting this district and our kids up for success. To say these have been challenging times is an understatement, yet through it all, he never lost sight of the fact that our kids come first. Always. I am privileged and honored to have worked beside him and am proud of everything he has accomplished. From his first day to his last, he is the example of making it a great day to be a Wildcat.”

Mr. Mensching has had 29 years in education. Prior to Harrisonville, he served as the superintendent in the East Buchanan C-1 School District for 10 years. He also served as the high school principal at Ralls County R-2, a social studies teacher, basketball coach, and athletic director at Monroe City R-2, and a social studies teacher and assistant football and basketball coach at Mexico.

At the Board of Education meeting last night, the Board approved a transition plan which includes hiring EGL Association to lead the search for a new superintendent which will begin in the fall.

Graef said, “The Board of Education will be using the services of EGL Association to conduct the search for superintendent over the course of several months. Dr. Todd White, a former superintendent for the Harrisonville School District, will lead the search process for EGL Association, beginning in September of 2022. He will conduct surveys in the community and with staff to determine what the expectations are for the superintendent along with direction from the board. After this information is gathered, he will advertise for the position locally and nationally. After a period of open advertisement, he will bring all qualified applications to the board and assist in the process of selection. The board will then interview the chosen candidates. Once the new superintendent has been hired, Dr. White will work with the board and Mr. Mensching to ensure the comprehensive entry plan of the new superintendent, the staff, and the community is successful.”

Mensching said, “The backbone of a great educational system are our teachers and support staff working in conjunction with supportive parents and community members. While this harmony is sometimes difficult to achieve in today’s climate, we have been able to capture that experience in Harrisonville. In order to keep that collective spirit strong, we have to strategically move forward together. I believe the succession plan approved by the Board of Education will pave the way for continued growth and improvement of our district.”


Miami High School Track News March 30th



Archie Track results:
Boys 4x800 relay 2nd place pictured
Kaleb Nelson, Nick Dusenberry , Kollin Tidman, Micah Link (not pictured)

Girls hurdles 6th place Sam Cook
Boys hurdles 8th place Kollin Tidman

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Obituary - Amelia Sue Cain

Amelia Sue Cain, 80, of Jefferson City, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022 at Capital Region Medical Center. Sue was born on a small farm near Rich Hill, MO on October 31, 1941, the daughter of the late Floyd LaVern Littlefield and Mary Evelyn (Tinsley) Littlefield. She graduated from Rich Hill High School, Rich Hill, MO in 1959.

Sue went on to complete her Bachelors’ and Master of Economics degrees from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg MO where she taught economics for a few years. Warrensburg is also where she met her husband, James Edward Cain. They were united in marriage on December 29th, 1965. Together they moved to Norman, Oklahoma where they were accepted into the Doctorate program at Oklahoma University. There she earned a Doctorate in Economics, as well as becoming a life-long fan of Sooners football.

Sue loved Economics and teaching. In 1979 she moved to Richmond Kentucky where she taught Economics at Eastern Kentucky University. In 1995, she retired from teaching and worked in Marketing Research. Following the death of her husband, Sue moved back to the Littlefield family farm in Rich Hill, MO where she cared for her elderly mother until she passed. She enjoyed the tranquility of country living, but would eventually move to Jefferson City, MO.

Sue loved traveling and took summer trips with her sisters-in-law to many interesting destinations. Over the years she visited all fifty states. While on these trips, she would find interesting looking rocks which she generously collected and brought back to decorate her lawn and garden areas. She enjoyed reading interesting materials of all kinds and discussing her political views with those that would engage with her in the discussion. Sue had an engaging smile and witty sense of humor which was on display in most conversations. She enjoyed being with family and friends

Sue is survived by two children, Brenda Anne Cain of Nevada, MO and James Edward Cain, III of Jefferson City, MO and two granddaughters, Christina and Aubrey. She is also survived by one brother, Kenneth Warren Littlefield of Jefferson City, MO

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Edward Cain, her parents, Floyd and Mary (Tinsley) Littlefield, and one brother, Stephen Harry Littlefield.

Graveside funeral service will be held 12 noon Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the Green Lawn Cemetery, Rich Hill. Visitation will be held from 11 am to service time at the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill. Online condolences can be left at www.heuserfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Rich Hill High School Future Business Leaders of America or the Nevada Animal Shelter.

Obituary - Carla Sue Gifford

Carla Sue Gifford passed away on March 25, 2022, at her home in Lowry City, Missouri, at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving mother Mary Atchison was at her side.

Born February 20, 1957 to Mary “Cleveland” and Perry “Dale” Atchison in Kansas City, Missouri. Carla graduated from Lowry City High School in 1975. Carla found the love of her life John Gifford in 1975, while working at “The Patio” Ice Cream Parlor in Lowry, City, Missouri. They joined hands in marriage on November 28, 1975. John and Carla were happily married for 40 years. Carla and John were blessed with two children, Michael Gifford in 1987, and Nathan Gifford in 1990.

Carla spent most of her career as a bookkeeper. She retired in 2022 from the county clerk’s office in the St. Clair County Courthouse.

Carla was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother. She loved her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Carla enjoyed gardening, reading, and going to flea markets, auctions, and garage sales on the weekends.

Survivors include her mother, Mary Atchison of Lowry City, Missouri, a brother Jim Atchison, ( Kellie) of Lowry City, Missouri, two sons, Michael ( Kelsey ) Gifford of Deepwater, Missouri; Nathan (Katrina) Gifford of Lincoln, Missouri; and seven grandchildren; Wyatt, William, Whitlea, Waylon, Junior, Zachariah, and Harlie. She is also survived by her uncle Gerald (Dixie) Atchison of Clinton, Missouri; aunts Mary Jane Lightle of Springfield, Missouri, Oleta ( Charles) Atchison of Kansas City, Missouri, Pat ( Mark ) Cleveland of Osceola, Missouri. Sister-in-law Ginnie (Ralph) Schuck of Auburn, Washington; Linda (Charles W.) Gifford of Sumner, Washington; and nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years John Gifford and her loving father Perry “Dale” Atchison; father and mother in-law Major and Viola Gifford of Washington State; grandparents Perry and Mary Atchison of Lowry City, Missouri, Vernon and Amy Cleveland of Osceola, Missouri; brother in-law Charles W. Gifford of Sumner, Washington; sister-in-law Alice Gifford Wellieder of New Mexico, Juanita Gifford Fouke of Auburn, Washington; uncle and aunt Bill and Penny Atchison; uncles Charles Atchison of Kansas City, Missouri, Mark Cleveland of Osceola, Missouri; special great-aunt Carrie Lacy of Lowry City, Missouri. Carla will be greatly missed by her family & friends.

Visitation:
Monday, March 28, 2022
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel

Service:
Monday, March 28, 2022
11:00 AM
Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel

Interment:
Lowry City Cemetery

Drexel Prom Information

Drexel Prom Information

Date: Saturday, April 2nd
Promenade in North Gym starting at 6 pm (Students, please arrive by 5:45pm)

Prom in Paola at Town Square Event Center: 7-11 pm: After Prom at Drexel School: 11:30 pm - 5 am

*Reminder to students- You must sign up in the office. Also, there is a $25 admission fee for underclassmen and out-of-district guests that must be paid by Friday



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