Obituary - Myrna Louise Thorp

Myrna Louise Thorp, 77, of Rich Hill, Missouri, unexpectedly entered the Kingdom of Heaven during the early morning hours of August 21, 2023. Myrna was born in Jackson County Missouri on November 18, 1945, to Harvey Clay Swope and Dorothy Lureen (Lacy) Swope. Myrna was the youngest of three Swope sisters and was preceded in death by her sisters Lana Tucker and Dana Ringberg. On January 29, 1966, she was married to the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Raymond Thorp.

Myrna and Tom had four children: Tim Thorp (Kari) of Rich Hill, MO; Kendra Bovard (Shaun) of Ava, MO; Toby Thorp (Lori) of Nevada, MO; and Kori Steuck (Jeff) of Rich Hill, MO. The Thorp household also included cousins John and Joni Thorp and “adopted” brother Rick Mayer (Duber) of Montrose, Colorado.

Myrna and Tom made their home in Endicott, Nebraska after marriage and later moved to Montrose, Colorado where they raised their children. They returned to Myrna’s childhood home of Rich Hill in 1990 where they took over as caretakers of Goose Lake Lodge, a position previously held by Myrna’s parents. Myrna worked numerous jobs in a variety of settings throughout her life; she was a school secretary and cook, as well as a chocolate factory worker and travel agent. First and foremost, however, Myrna was a mother. In addition to raising the seven children in her household, she and Tom made their home open to numerous foster children and others. She was a master at making bricks without straw, often conjuring up a meal to feed fifteen children when she had only planned on seven. Myrna always made sure anyone who needed a bed or place to stay had just that. She had a momma’s temper but loved her kids with all her heart. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought great joy to her life, and she spent her last day on earth surrounded by family for a meal and fellowship, the things she loved most.

Myrna loved garage sales, romance novels, picking pecans, and the Hallmark channel. She often claimed that her vehicle of the moment had a mind of its own and would turn down streets with garage sale signs of its own volition. Myrna had a dynamic personality and was beloved by all that had the joy of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and her two sisters. She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Tom Thorp; her seven children; twenty-two grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be held at Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill Missouri on August 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Myrna will be interred at the Carbon Center Cemetery southwest of Rich Hill in a private family ceremony.

Back to school ready in Harrisonville

School is back in session..

During the weeks leading up to the start of the new school year, our City of Harrisonville Streets Department staff were busy repainting the crosswalks near each @Harrisonville Schools building.

These crosswalks play a huge role in the safety of students in our community. 

Please slow down when approaching crosswalks and keep a sharp eye out for kiddos entering or exiting a crosswalk.

Obituary - David Lee Cheek

David Lee Cheek, 48, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the Four Seasons Living Center in Sedalia, Missouri. Cremation with no services planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

David had multiple jobs over the course of his life, but became permanently disabled 17 years ago, when he sustained a traumatic brain injury from a gunshot he suffered as a victim of a crime. Ultimately, this injury led to his premature death. David was a man with strong opinions, and convictions. He was larger than life on the outside and inside. 

But he also had a deep love for his family, and those who knew him well knew that he had a tender heart. His biggest and best accomplishment in his life was that he fathered seven incredible children. He loved them very much and remained proud of them throughout his life.

David was preceded in death by his mother Mary Coleman Cheek, his father Dave E. Cheek, and his sister Tammy Cheek Herrera. He leaves behind his children, David A. Ross, Hunter J. Ross, Shianne E. Ross, Katherine G. Ross, Molly D. Ross, Brianna C. Ross, and Lauren M. Ross of Blue Springs, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

There will be no service at this time for David, but his children invite you to share any memories that you might have of your time with him as a way to help them memorialize their father on this page.

Happy Birthday Annie!

The Bates County Memorial Hospital would to Wishes to Anne (Annie) Wehage-Zickwolf, RN BSN JD CHOP-B a very happy retirement!

Annie served as the hospital's Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer beginning September 18, 2019 and retired from the hospital on August 1, 2023. 

She and her husband Fred have a son and a grandson, and reside in rural Adrian. Best wishes, Annie!

Expect Lane Closures, Traffic Delays During Resurfacing Project on I-49 in Bates & Vernon Counties

MoDOT: Expect Lane Closures, Traffic Delays During Resurfacing Project on I-49 in Bates & Vernon Counties Beginning Aug. 28th.

Southwest District – Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays when a project to resurface a section of I-49 in Bates and Vernon counties begins the week of August 28, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The contractor will remove the current asphalt driving surface and replace it with a new one along a 37-mile stretch of I-49 between Bates County Routes A&B at Rich Hill south to U.S. Route 54 in Nevada.

The project also includes rumble strips and permanent striping along the full length of the project. In addition, drivers will encounter periodic ramp closures where contractor crews are working.

Traffic Impacts:
Expect lane closures where contractor crews are working
Contractor crews will be working during daytime hours, 5 a.m.-8 p.m.

At least one lane of traffic will be OPEN in each direction at all times

Speed limit reduced to 60 mph where crews are working
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should find alternate routes around the work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Project Information
Prime contractor: APAC-Central, Springfield
Total project cost: $11.1 million
Completion date: November 1, 2023

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube.. Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down

Rich Hill School Gets New Resource Officer

No, you aren't seeing things. Our new School Resource Officer, Sergeant Adam Thomas, stands 7'2", towering well above any of our Tiger students and staff including Mrs. Bridgewater and Dr. Gilbert. I'm not sure if I think more Blue Chips or Kindergarten Cop when he's in our building, but I'm glad he's here!

Sergeant Thomas is from the northwest part of Missouri and yes, he played college basketball at Cal State Fullerton.

Thomas started in law enforcement in 2009 and served as a juvenile officer for 11 years. He's been with Bates County for the last 5 years. Thomas will serve as SRO for both Miami Schools and Rich Hill, so he will keep a random schedule split between the two schools each week.

As Thomas and the kids become familiar with each other, Thomas will visit classrooms, monitor the hallways, observe student arrivals and departures before and after school, and assist administration in basic facility safety as well as other SRO duties.

Personally, Thomas is one of the best deterents we could ask for in regards to keeping bad guys away from our schools. He's friendly and quiet, but his presence is intimidating. He attended the Strategos training as an observer before school with staff. We are glad he is here and on our side!

Welcome Sergeant Thomas!

Lucas Oil Speedway loses long time employee

With a heavy heart I have to say we lost a great friend, and co worker here at Lucas Oil Speedway.

Steve Harnden passed away yesterday evening. Steve was a long time employee with the speedway as the security manager. Steve will be greatly missed by all as he was like family to everyone.

I always would send Steve pics of the deer’s and turkey on my property as I knew he loved hunting. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anna Harnden and the family.

RIP Steve, we will miss you

Butler teen seriously injured in crash in rural Butler

On Tuesday August 22nd around 12:50 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County along with the Bates County Sheriff's Office, Bates County EMS and the Butler Fire Department responded to a one vehicle accident on CR 1003 just south of Missouri 52 East Highway in rural Butler.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the southbound 2002 Honda Civic driven by 19 year old Carson L. Young of Butler, Missouri ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert.

Mr. Young sustained serious injures and he was transported to the Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Honda was totaled and towed from the scene of the accident by Douty's Tow of Butler.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=230454941