Obituary - Charles Raymond Register

Funeral services for Charles Register of Foster, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2023 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Salem Cemetery, Foster, Missouri. Contributions to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Charles Raymond Register, age 77 of Foster, Missouri died Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at his home in Foster, Missouri. He was born August 16, 1945 to Charles Raymond Register Jr. and Ruth Mary McGlothin Register in Springfield, Illinois.

Charles, one of ten children, grew up in Versailles, Missouri. He attended the Versailles School District until moving to Kansas City in the 1960s, where he met the love of his life, Brenda Bradley. Charles and Brenda relocated to Foster, Missouri where they lived the rest of their lives. Charles worked as a roofer for the majority of his life, starting with Strafford Roofing Company until retiring in 2006 from Ronan Roofing. He transitioned his career to Wal-Mart and worked an additional 10 years. Charles is a former member of the Masonic Lodge and attended the Baptist Church.

Charles is described as enthusiastic, funny, kind, loving and caring. He was a hard worker and actually enjoyed working. Charles liked mowing, drinking beer and just sitting on the porch. He cherished spending time with his family and playing with the grandbabies.

Charles is survived by one son, Kenny Register of Foster, Missouri; three daughters, Dianna Schooley of Springfield, Missouri, Melissa Chandler and husband Jimmy of Foster, Missouri and Kristy Smith and husband Dale of Foster, Missouri; six siblings; ten grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren with one great-grandchild on the way. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Brenda Register; three siblings, Martha Marple and husband Wayne, David Register and Evelyn Mariott; an uncle and aunt, Wendall and Milly Carter; his granddaughter, Rachel Smith; parents-in-law, Bill and Lillie Bradley; and son-in-law, Frank Schooley.

Obituary - Stacy L. Kelly

Stacy L. Kelly, age 58, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at home.

A private family celebration of Stacy’s life will be held on a later date.

Stacy was born in Kansas City, Missouri on February 6, 1964. She graduated from Grandview high school in 1982. Throughout life, Stacy was a self-employed cosmetologist. In the spring of 1986, she was joined in marriage with her husband Wyatt Kelly on March 29th in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

In life, Stacy loved getaways on the family farm. It was her oasis. She enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fishing, and hunting rocks, especially geodes. But her family is who she loved the most.

Stacy was preceded in death by her father Howard Boswell, sister Lisa Boswell, and half-sister, Maria Sachse.

She is survived by her loving husband Wyatt Kelly; two daughters, Crystal Harper (Sean) and Kaylin Rainwater (Dustin); brother, Steve Boswell (Michelle), four grandchildren, Wyatt Taylor, Brennan Harper, Emily Harper, and Hayden Rainwater; and five nieces and nephews, Ryan Boswell (Makayla), Madison Boswell (Cody), Larsen Boswell, Jayden Boswell, and Tessie Sari (Ozan).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, One East Wacker Dr. Suite 1730, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Change in the policy at the Butler Youth Center

K-5th graders only!

The Butler Youth Center will reopen Tuesday, January 10. Participation policy has changed!!!!

The Center will be for Elementary School kids only—Grades K-5. 

Sixth graders are now part of Junior High at Butler R-V, so will no longer be eligible to attend!

Obituary - Terry L. Blackwell

Terry L. Blackwell passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at her home in Clinton, Missouri. Terry's wishes were to be cremated. There are no services at this time.

Terry aka “Nonnie” was born on August 1, 1956 in Carthage, New York. Terry lived life large and to the fullest and on her terms. 

She enjoyed spending time with family, having large home cooked dinners, camping, fishing, BINGO, animals, Elvis, and collecting items with wolves, jewelry, and stones. 

The thing she loved the most was spending time with the grandkids. She was always so excited to show them simple pleasures from making paper airplanes to playing games at the kitchen table. 

She lived her final days exhilarated to see the kids opening Christmas gifts and spending the day cuddled with her youngest grandson. Life was an adventure in many senses with her. She was full of sass, spunkiness, and set in her ways, but loved dearly by all.

Terry is preceded in death by her parents, two older sisters Elaine Lynch and Linda Potter, and her grandson Damian Grimm.

Survivors include her children Jessica Blackwell of Carthage, New York and Adam (Amanda) Blackwell of Clinton, Missouri, 8 grandchildren; Ashton, Ethan, “Lil” Vic, Drayden, Gage, Brendan, Xander, and Maverick, and her uncle, aunts, nieces, nephew, cousins, and a host of other family and friends.

The family would like to give a thanks to family, friends, neighbors, first responders, paramedics, the Clinton, Dialysis Clinic, and the ATS bus service for all of their kind words, gestures, and prayers throughout the last year and a half of medical struggles.

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

Obituary - Patricia Mae Morgan

Patricia Mae Morgan, age 92, of Raymore, Missouri passed away on January 4, 2023.

Patricia was born August 16, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Alonzo B. and Esther Mae (Miller) Musselman. 

Young Patty grew up in a loving family with her maternal grandparents living just next door. Raised during the Depression and WW2 years, she learned the values of hard work, frugality, and responsibility. In 1949, Pat graduated from East High School in Des Moines. She worked for the State Auto Insurance Company from 1949 to 1953, and then briefly as a PBX operator for GMAC.

Having been introduced by a mutual friend, Pat began corresponding with a young serviceman, Edwin Morgan, from Perry, Iowa. They met following his return from Korea in March of 1953 and married on October 25th of that year. They made a home in the Kansas City area, and eventually moved to Raymore. As best friends and true partners, they raised a family and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until Ed’s passing in 2018.

As a homemaker, Pat ruled the roost. She was a good planner, project organizer, and knew how to delegate duties. Highly creative, she enjoyed silk flower arranging and the hobby of button collecting. An avid gardener, she had not just a green thumb, but green toes and fingers as well. Letter writing, what may now be a lost art, was second nature for her. Meticulous household note keeping was common practice. She loved music, especially choirs, and had vivid memories of singing on KRNT Des Moines radio at age 3.

Fiercely independent, after Ed’s passing, Pat was able to get by with minimal assistance, despite the challenges of age and health. Her recent months were spent in residence at The Arbor’s care center in Warrensburg, Missouri, where she enjoyed new friendships, good cooking, and NO CHORES!

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edwin; her brother, Wallace Musselman; and a son-in-law, Tom Massia. She is survived by daughter, Karla Morgan Massia; daughter-in-law, Sharon Morgan Davis; four grandsons, Curtis Morgan (Leah), Craig Morgan (Allison), Corey Morgan (Sonja), and Casey Morgan (Kerry); twelve great-grandchildren: Natalie, Dominic, Claire, Lucy, Lydia, Isla, Sarah, Eli, Andrew, Lily, Matthew, and Ashton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Cullen Funeral Home beginning with visitation at 10:30 and a memorial celebration at 11:00. Interment at the Raymore Cemetery will follow.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Raymore Historical Society Museum 103 S Washington St, Raymore, MO 64083.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

From the Linn County Sheriff's Office

The Linn County Sheriff has taken up a cow and heifer calf, the cow is black weighing 1250-1300lbs. 

The calf is black weighing 450-500lbs. The cow and calf were taken up in the Prescott, Ks area where they had run wild for some time. 

The owner of the animals should contact the Linn County Sheriff at (913) 795-2665 to make claim. 

The animals will otherwise sell at auction on January 16, 2023, according to KSA 47-122a. All costs will be paid to the keeper of the animals before picking up.

Obituary - Mark Allen Marrs

Mark Allen Marrs, 53, of Lee's Summit, MO, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Lee's Summit Medical Center in Lee's Summit, MO. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with the visitation beginning at 1:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

Mark was born April 1, 1969 to Larry and Carol (Swigart) Marrs in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Harrisonville High School with the Class of 1987, and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Business Management from Mid-America Nazarene University. Mark served in the US Air Force during the Gulf War. Shortly after his enlistment, he began his career at Computer Concepts, where he met the love of his life, Jamie Ronnebaum. They married on September 20, 1996 in Kansas City, KS and had two children. He then found his true calling when he purchased CertaPro Painters franchise in 2005 in Lee's Summit, owning and operating this business until his passing. Mark was a member of the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce and NFIB The Voice of Small Business. Mark generously donated to may causes and sponsored softball and baseball youth teams and Lee's Summit West High School baseball.

Mark was the true definition of an adventurer, often found hunting, fishing, or camping. His extrovert personality shined when he was planning his family vacations and where the next destination would be for them to explore. However, his true passion was his time spent with his family, whether watching his son play baseball or baking apple pies with his daughter at Thanksgiving, anywhere his family was brought him joy. He also enjoyed watching the KC Royals and Chiefs, cooking, and most recently hunting on his land in El Dorado Springs and putting up the barn. Mark leaves a legacy of hard work and love to all those who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Tera Marrs; and his aunt, Karen Carrel. He is survived by his wife, Jamie; his children: Carson Marrs and Ainsley Marrs; his sister, Misty Marrs; and his beloved dogs, Pancake and Reilly.

On the ballot: A property tax to fund countywide ambulance service

On the Ballot: A Property Tax to Fund Countywide Ambulance (EMS) Services

This April, Bates County voters will be asked to decide whether to keep emergency services funded in Bates County.

Bates County Commissioners and the Board of Trustees of Bates County Memorial Hospital have certified a joint resolution to place a ballot question on the April 4, 2023 ballot for a countywide property tax of $.50 on one hundred dollars assessed valuation for the purpose of maintaining and operating the ambulance service.

- The State of Missouri does not consider ambulance or emergency services as “essential” services. In Missouri, there are no laws requiring a county or the state to provide ambulance services.

- Currently, counties surrounding Bates have ambulance or fire/ambulance protection districts that are funded by property taxes at a rate of up to one dollar on $100 assessed valuation.

- In recent news, Drexel, Missouri was given notice that they would no longer be covered for ambulance services within the Cass County boundaries. The town of Drexel is not alone in suddenly finding themselves without ambulance services.

- Rural counties like Bates have a higher percentage of elderly residents and residents with limitations needing ambulance services. Longer transport times are directly correlated to patient outcomes.1

- Ambulance services in the boundaries of Bates County are fully funded as a department of Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH).

- Currently, the Ambulance Department at BCMH loses approximately $500,000 annually. This deficit is expected to grow with increasing costs of labor, equipment, vehicles, technology and fuel.

- Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements have not kept up with these increased costs.

- In the next several years, the anticipated cost to maintain the ambulance service within Bates County is estimated to be $1.25 million.

What it Means to the Taxpayer
The proposed property tax would apply to all Bates County citizens who pay property tax. Property taxes are placed on the assessed value of a property. Assessed value is not the same as fair market value (what it could sell for). To calculate how much this tax would impact your property taxes, look at your property tax statement and find the assessed value, divide that amount by 100, and multiply by .50.

The following examples were provided courtesy of the office of Jami Page, Bates County Clerk.

Example: Residential
A residential property with an appraised (or market) value of $100,000 in Bates County has an assessed value of $19,000. A half-dollar property tax on one hundred dollars assessed valuation is $95.00 per year (divide assessed valuation by 100 and multiply by .50).

Examples: Agricultural Property in Bates County
40 Acres, No Buildings, Good Soil: Appraised Ag value of $16,000.00 has an assessed Ag value of $1,920.00. A half-dollar property tax on one hundred dollars assessed valuation is $9.60 per year.

37 Acres Duck Ground, Low Class Soil: Appraised Ag value of $2,800.00 has an assessed ag value of $340.00. A half-dollar property tax on one hundred dollars assessed valuation is $1.70.
242 Acres (with Ag buildings), mostly good soil: Appraised Ag value of $93,600.00 has an assessed Ag value of $11,230.00. A half-dollar property tax on one hundred dollars assessed valuation is $56.15 per year.

Ambulance services were first offered in Bates County in 1973. On January 1, 1973, the City of Butler gave Bates County Memorial Hospital $10,000 in operating funds and a 1967 Oldsmobile High Top. In the following years, BCMH purchased and outfitted a fleet of ambulances, hired staff, and sustained all operating costs. Bates County is one of the few counties remaining in Missouri in which there is no tax base for ambulance services.

For 50 years, BCMH has sustained the cost of ambulance services for Bates County. We want to ensure our community continues to have access to these critical services both now and for generations to come.

Learn more: https://www.bcmhospital.com/tax/
or call 660-200-7046.

Disclaimer: Paid for by: Bates County Memorial Hospital; Gregory Weaver, CEO 615 W. Nursery St., Butler, Mo. 64730.

1 Source: Emergency Services Home Rules State Fact Sheet, January 31, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).