Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Obituary - John Gregory Gray
He was born August 21, 1962, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the son of Thirle Gray and Luella Green Gray. John graduated from high school in Jonesboro and went to college at Ft. Scott Community College on a baseball scholarship.
While in Ft. Scott, he met his future wife, Jill Reinecker. John and Jill were married on August 6, 1983, and together they had three daughters, Bailey, Afton and Delane.
John worked as a territory manager for Lifetouch National School Studios for many years. Among a number of recognitions during his career in the school photo industry, John was awarded territory manager of the year in 2002 and again in 2005, a distinguished honor that he was proud of.
John was good hearted, engaging, and charismatic. He will be remembered for his outgoing and likeable personality and his ability to make friends with anyone - he didn’t know a stranger. John was an avid sportsman, both as a competitor and a spectator, and he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, shooting pool, hunting, boating, and camping.
John was good hearted, engaging, and charismatic. He will be remembered for his outgoing and likeable personality and his ability to make friends with anyone - he didn’t know a stranger. John was an avid sportsman, both as a competitor and a spectator, and he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, shooting pool, hunting, boating, and camping.
He was an enthusiastic fan of the KU Jayhawks, the Kansas City Chiefs, and any team his daughters or grandkids were playing on. John had recently retired to Stockton, Missouri to enjoy life on the lake. He treasured his relationships with his Lifetouch friends and golfing buddies, and above all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his daughters, Bailey Lyons (Nate), Afton Hyer (Coy) and Delane Godden (Brady) and six grandchildren, Addison, Jhett, Jaxon, Blaise, Lute and True all of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are his former wife, Jill Ruby of Ft. Scott; a sister, Karletta Burrows (Steve) of Jonesboro, Arkansas and numerous, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thirle and Luella Gray.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Swifton Cemetery in Swifton, Arkansas.
Survivors include his daughters, Bailey Lyons (Nate), Afton Hyer (Coy) and Delane Godden (Brady) and six grandchildren, Addison, Jhett, Jaxon, Blaise, Lute and True all of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are his former wife, Jill Ruby of Ft. Scott; a sister, Karletta Burrows (Steve) of Jonesboro, Arkansas and numerous, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thirle and Luella Gray.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Swifton Cemetery in Swifton, Arkansas.
Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School, where all of his girls went to school, and his grandchildren currently attend. They 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 then online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
From the Bates County Assessor’s Office
From the Bates County Assessor’s Office. We are accepting applications for a part time position in our office. Come by office for application. Will be 3 days a week 8:30-4:30..jpg)
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Obituary - Devin Charles Darby
Devin was a 2016 graduate of Adrian High School and a proud member of Local 533 Pipefitters Union. Devin worked alongside his dad, Tim, and many friends at US Engineering.
He was in his fourth year of his apprenticeship. Devin was united in marriage to the love of his life, Brittany (DeCavele), just a short year and three months ago, on May 1, 2021. They found their happy place and made their home in Peculiar with their two dogs Juliet and Willow Jane.
To be in Devin’s presence, you were smiling and laughing. His contagious smile and hilarious sense of humor lit up every room he entered. Anytime Devin held a baby his eyes lit up. He loved his nieces, nephews and cousins with a passion. He was a big kid himself, always cracking jokes and “picking” at almost everyone he came in contact with. He had the biggest heart and could relate to anyone and whatever situation they found themselves in.
Devin had a zest for life and he and Brittany wasted no time. You could find them at Chiefs games, Royals games, bbq events, traveling, just chilling with friends in the backyard. Devin loved to smoke bbq and cook, much like his mom. He had a full lineup on his back patio: a grill, a Blackstone, and a Traeger. He even had aspirations at opening his own bbq shack, so he had been experimenting with creating his own sauces and spices. Devin was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved his hunting trips with his dad and best friend, Jake, and his dad’s best friend, Mark. Two dads and two sons, all lifelong friends. He loved fishing, hiking, relaxing on the beach, just being with nature. To know Devin was to love Devin.
Devin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lynn Scoles; his grandmother, Linda Hightower; his grandfather, Larry Hightower; grandfather Richard Eugene Cowan; cousin Samuel Scoles; niece Kinsley Cowan; Godson Malcolm West.
Devin is survived by his wife Brittany, and their two dogs Juliet and Willow Jane. Despite Devin’s wishes, they will probably sleep in our bed for years to come. Devin is also survived by his father Tim (Shelby) Darby; mother Kelly (Larry) Cowan; mother-in-law Cynthia Creek; father-in-law Brian (Kimberly) DeCavele; siblings: Brittany Darby (Travis); Shealey Mead (Jarome); Cooper Mead (Katie); Dustin (Lindsey) Cowan; Elizabeth (Joseph) Ortiz; brothers-in-law Tyler and Trey DeCavele; sisters-in-law Tori and Trista DeCavele; nieces and nephews: Easton, Gracie, Marlee, Westen, Laiklyn, Kade Mossy, Sophia and Joseph; goddaughter Olivia West; Grandparents: Coleman (Trudy) Darby, Joyce Darby, Evart and Becky Cage, Connie Scoles, Francis Cowan; grandmother-in-law Vicki (Burly) Fennel; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
A celebration of Devin’s life will be held on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.
Service: 1-2pm
Celebration of life (visitation): 2-4pm
The City House (Church of the Four Corners) 14300 E. US Hwy 40, Kansas City, MO 64136.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Missouri Disabled Sportsmen www.missouridisabledsportsmen.org or checks may be mailed to Randy Walker: 47701 Maverick Pl. Leonard, MO 63451
To be in Devin’s presence, you were smiling and laughing. His contagious smile and hilarious sense of humor lit up every room he entered. Anytime Devin held a baby his eyes lit up. He loved his nieces, nephews and cousins with a passion. He was a big kid himself, always cracking jokes and “picking” at almost everyone he came in contact with. He had the biggest heart and could relate to anyone and whatever situation they found themselves in.
Devin had a zest for life and he and Brittany wasted no time. You could find them at Chiefs games, Royals games, bbq events, traveling, just chilling with friends in the backyard. Devin loved to smoke bbq and cook, much like his mom. He had a full lineup on his back patio: a grill, a Blackstone, and a Traeger. He even had aspirations at opening his own bbq shack, so he had been experimenting with creating his own sauces and spices. Devin was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved his hunting trips with his dad and best friend, Jake, and his dad’s best friend, Mark. Two dads and two sons, all lifelong friends. He loved fishing, hiking, relaxing on the beach, just being with nature. To know Devin was to love Devin.
Devin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lynn Scoles; his grandmother, Linda Hightower; his grandfather, Larry Hightower; grandfather Richard Eugene Cowan; cousin Samuel Scoles; niece Kinsley Cowan; Godson Malcolm West.
Devin is survived by his wife Brittany, and their two dogs Juliet and Willow Jane. Despite Devin’s wishes, they will probably sleep in our bed for years to come. Devin is also survived by his father Tim (Shelby) Darby; mother Kelly (Larry) Cowan; mother-in-law Cynthia Creek; father-in-law Brian (Kimberly) DeCavele; siblings: Brittany Darby (Travis); Shealey Mead (Jarome); Cooper Mead (Katie); Dustin (Lindsey) Cowan; Elizabeth (Joseph) Ortiz; brothers-in-law Tyler and Trey DeCavele; sisters-in-law Tori and Trista DeCavele; nieces and nephews: Easton, Gracie, Marlee, Westen, Laiklyn, Kade Mossy, Sophia and Joseph; goddaughter Olivia West; Grandparents: Coleman (Trudy) Darby, Joyce Darby, Evart and Becky Cage, Connie Scoles, Francis Cowan; grandmother-in-law Vicki (Burly) Fennel; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
A celebration of Devin’s life will be held on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.
Service: 1-2pm
Celebration of life (visitation): 2-4pm
The City House (Church of the Four Corners) 14300 E. US Hwy 40, Kansas City, MO 64136.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Missouri Disabled Sportsmen www.missouridisabledsportsmen.org or checks may be mailed to Randy Walker: 47701 Maverick Pl. Leonard, MO 63451
Subject flees from police on foot in Warsaw
A search was conducted and the School Resource Officer was contacted due to the proximity to Warsaw North School.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charges are pending for Hindering Prosecution. The vehicle was towed by Law Enforcement. The subject is not believed to pose a threat to society at this time.
The subject who fled from Officers earlier today is Gary Shafton. He has a no bond felony warrant for Burglary.
If you see him, please contact Benton County Central Dispatch at (660)438-9555.
Defending 8-man football champions the Drexel Bobcats home opener this week against Lockwood
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The champs traveled to Liberal last week and beat the bulldogs by a final score of 62-8 in a pretty one sided game.
Drexel Senior Quarterback Jacob Coffey was dominate on the ground and Ethan Dayringer added 3 touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 rushing and a pick 6 on Defense). 
Lockwood will be looking to get into the win column and knock the champs off at home as the Tigers from Lockwood lost last week to Archie with a 68-24.
If you can't make it to Drexel and you still wanna watch this game you can catch it using the link below:
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1207763306456250?ref=newsfeed
Story wrote by Curtis Vail II
Two Bates County Route B Bridges CLOSED East of Rich Hill for Replacement Beginning Week of Sept. 12th
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Contractor crews will replace the old bridges with new structures as well as installing new barrier wall and guardrail at the ends of the bridges. Both new bridges will be four feet wider than the current structures. In addition, the new Drainage Ditch bridge will be 40 feet longer than the current one.
Work will be done on only one bridge at a time beginning with the bridge over the Drainage Ditch.
Traffic impacts:
- All lanes of Route B CLOSED where crews are working
- Drivers will be able to access entrances on either end of the bridge, but will not be able to travel through the work zone
- Drivers will be directed along a signed detour using Bates County Route N, Missouri Route 52, I-49 and Route B
- Drivers urged to find alternate routes around work zone
- Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
- Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or scheduling delays will alter the work schedule.
The bridge over the Marais des Cygnes River was built in 1937 and the bridge over the Bates County Drainage Ditch was built in 1952. Both bridges carry nearly 580 vehicles per day.
This contract also includes rehabilitation of the Bates County Route BB bridge over the South Deepwater Branch east of Butler. That work began in early August and is currently underway.
Project background:
· Prime Contractor: Phillips Hardy Inc., Columbia
· Completion Date: December 1, 2023
· Total project cost: $6.4 million
I-49 Connector Project Among Regional Winners in National Competition
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I-49 Connector Project Among Regional Winners in National Competition
WASHINGTON—Seven state department of transportation projects in Arkansas (along with Missouri), Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia won regional awards in the 2022 America's Transportation Awards competition. The contest honored projects that benefit their communities in several ways, such as providing new pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to connect to a widely used trail in Northern Virginia and improving safety and efficiency for drivers in Arkansas and Missouri along a busy interstate corridor, among many others.
Missouri Department of Transportation’s project in McDonald County was among the winners: the I-49 Missouri-Arkansas Connector completed the final five miles of Interstate 49 from Pineville to the Arkansas border on the Missouri side of the project. This included building two conventional bridges, one along northbound I-49 over southbound U.S. 71, and the second at Missouri Route 90 over I-49. In addition, a diamond interchange was built at Route 90 crossing I-49. The completed portion in Arkansas consists of 14.3 miles of 4 lane divided highway built to interstate standards that includes 4 new interchanges. The completion of this link finished a 290-mile section of I-49 and eliminated six stoplights.
"State DOTs are overwhelmingly focused on innovative solutions to address the transportation issues of today and tomorrow, meeting challenges involving climate change, equity, resiliency, and safety," said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "The America's Transportation Awards program shows just how they're doing that. Whether on foot, in a vehicle, on two wheels, or by rail or transit, state DOTs are continuing to advance a safe, multimodal transportation system."
Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the competition recognizes state DOTs and the projects they deliver to make communities better places to live, work, and play. Project nominations fall into one of three categories: Operations Excellence, Best Use of Technology & Innovation, and Quality of Life/Community Development.
All nominated projects will first compete on a regional level against projects of their own size: "Small" (projects costing up to $25 million), "Medium" (projects costing between $25 million and $200 million), and "Large" (projects costing more than $200 million).
In the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) region, nine states nominated 22 projects in the 2022 America's Transportation Awards contest. The following seven projects took home top regional honors:
· Virginia Department of Transportation — Chatham Bridge Rehabilitation and Shared Use Path Project (Quality of Life/Community Development, Small category)
· Virginia Department of Transportation — I-66 Inside the Beltway Eastbound Widening Project (Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium category)
· Arkansas Department of Transportation and Missouri Department of Transportation — Interstate 49 Missouri-Arkansas Connector (Quality of Life/Community Development, Large category)
· West Virginia Department of Transportation — Oakwood Drive RCUT Project (Operations Excellence, Small category)
· Georgia Department of Transportation — Talbotton Road Project: Capacity, Pedestrian and Transit Improvements (Operations Excellence, Medium category)
· Tennessee Department of Transportation — Hernando de Soto Bridge Emergency Repairs (Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Small category)
· South Carolina Department of Transportation — U.S. 21 over Harbor River Bridge Replacement Project (Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Medium category)
Now that all regional winners in the competition have been announced, the three highest scoring projects from each region will be named the "Top 12" on September 7 and will go on to compete for the top two national prizes in the 2022 America's Transportation Awards competition.
An independent panel of industry judges selects the Grand Prize winner, while the project receiving the highest number of online votes from the public earns the People's Choice Award.
AASHTO will reveal the winners of those top two prizes – each receiving $10,000 to donate to a charity or scholarship of their choice – at its 2022 annual meeting this October in Orlando.
MoDOT has won 12 regional ATA awards since 2010 and won the 2010 Grand Prize for The New I-64 project and the 2013 People’s Choice Award for the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. The Southwest District was a 2021 Operations Excellence Regional Winner for the I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild project, and nominee for the 2018 Grand Prize for the Route 65: The Rebuild project.
AASHTO Transportation TV highlighted the 2022 SASHTO nominees and winners in a video available at this link: youtu.be/_NHPR3RJThw. Visit americastransportationawards.org to learn more about this year's SASHTO nominees.
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