What's Up by LeRoy Cook

 

Little Airport Going Away

Now that it’s September, we’re sliding into the best time of the year to fly an airplane. The last weekend’s hot blast notwithstanding, the nights are cooler and thermals are less active in the afternoon. Fall is famous for 30-mile visibility and clear blue skies.

The usual mix of transient traffic came in last week, such as a brace of Piper Archers, a Cessna 172, a new-looking Cessna Skylane and a Beech Skipper. Jeff Lowe came over from Clinton in his Piper Cherokee 180C and Jay McClintock’s Piper Tomahawk was down from Harrisonville. Of the local occupants, Eric Eastland had his Cessna Skyhawk out, Gerald Bauer flew a Cessna 150, Jon Laughlin fook his Piper Cherokee up and I took a 150 to New Century airport.

I also ventured afield in the Aeronca Champion, to my adopted hideaway of LeRoy, Kansas. Yes, LeRoy (population @800) does have an airport, a private grass strip owned by local character Sam Rogers. Although uncharted, it is 75-feet wide, well marked and probably 3000 feet long. Land at your own risk, because it’s a bit rough in spots. Sam and Ramona will say howdy if you come over to the house.

Garnett, Kansas’ friendly little airport is, unfortunately, headed for FAA-sponsored improvement. The current facility has been around for next to forever, offering a half-mile of north-south pavement tucked in between two roads. A grass crosswind runway is available if the wind’s cross. But, the tight pocket-size airport has been deemed unworthy of Federal funding in its present form, as it has a hump in the runway that hides airplanes from one another on the ground. Go big or go home, says the Federalies, so the three-year plan is to close a road and build a generic 4000-foot 18/36 runway east of the present one. The place just won’t be the same.

If you’re into pie-in-the-sky investment opportunities, an outfit at Dallas’ Love Field wants to install wind-turbine devices to capture the wasted energy from jet blasts. I kid you not, they claim the roaring effluent coming out of jet engines revving up for takeoff can spin big fans and generate electricity to recharge the ground service fleet on the field. Might work, but I’ll wait and see.

I asked readers of last week’s column to tell us how many tower-controlled airports there are in the state of Missouri. I counted up 12, but you’re welcome challenge me; don’t forget the military fields. I can remember when there were only 5. For next time, let’s name the airplane that had the most engines installed for normal flight. You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

Bates County Commission makes more ARPA payouts

 

Bates County Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley along with Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson and Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney approved the release of more ARPA funds in August. This includes $80,600.00 to the Rich Hill water department; $101,000.00 to the Rich Hill fire department; and $107.699.75 to the Rockville fire department.

“From day one, our focus has been on helping rural water districts and vital infrastructure” said Wheatley in a statement last week “We believe fire protection is a high priority too. We want to make sure that the most basic needs are always met first.” And going back to May of this year, the allocations show mostly  just that: district #7, $244,170.00; city of Adrian $32,000.00; Hume fire department $90,000.00; water district #1 $266,600.00; district #4 $229,000.00; Bates county food pantry $7,728.76; city of Butler $285.941.00 and Amsterdam fire department $54,800.00.

The 2022 disbursements were as follows: Hume Alliance Ministry $15.855.00; Adrian rural fire department $83.890.00; water district #6 $250,000.00; water district #2 $375.356.50; water district #3 $213,747.50; water district #5 $342,508.00 and the Bates County Fair $274.120.00.

Of the initial amount of $3.14 million received in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies by Bates County, there is about $60,000.00 left to pay out before December 31 this year. With that, those who received payments will have up to December 31, 2026 to spend it, according to ARPA guidelines. 

It’s certain that those listed above receiving the windfall are quite appreciative and as part of a regular, ongoing feature Mid America Live will make contact with those recipients for insight on exactly how the money will be spent. 

Traffic Alert: Road work in Cass County

TRAFFIC: Crews working on the bridge replacement and intersection improvement project on MO-7 South over I-49 will make the following closures for temporary pavement construction.

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5th through Friday, Sept. 15th Crews will close the right lane of SB MO-7 just before entering and exiting the project area on the bridge.

Crews will close one of the left turn lanes on the exit ramp from SB I-49 to SB MO-7.

Obituary - Leroy Welch

Funeral services for Leroy Welch of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. September 13, 2023 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. September 13 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Cremation to follow the services with inurnment at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. In Lieu of flowers, contributions to Remington’s Heart Foundation or Houston Faith Ministries. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Wilbur Leroy Welch, age 87 of Butler, Missouri entered into his eternal home on Saturday September 2, 2023. He was surrounded by family as he took his last breath here on earth. Leroy was born on January 30, 1936 to Ralph and Rachel (Lockard) Welch in Laceyville, Missouri.

Leroy and his family lived and worked around Butler, Missouri most all of his life. He married his love, Loretta Epperson on August 12,1966. They raised their family on the homestead (legacy farm) just outside of Butler, Missouri where he continued to reside until his passing. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Leroy, know he was the most loving, caring, selfless person there is. He enjoyed laughing, playing pranks on others, working on the farm and spending time with his family. Leroy loved being in the Word of God and in the presence of God as often as he could be. Leroy has an enormous love for God and for people. He desired everyone to have a personal relationship with the Lord and prayed for them often even if he met them just once.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wife Loretta (Epperson) Welch; daughter Christine Welch Burnett; and grandson Shelby Adcock. He leaves a legacy of faith and servanthood to God behind to his three daughters, Rachel Houston and husband Jason of Clarendon, Texas, Sarah Adcock of Butler, Missouri and Esther Welch and fiancé Scott Watkins of Harrisburg, Missouri; three grandchildren Alex Houston and wife Julieta, Aaron Houston all of Clarendon, Texas and Justin Adcock of Butler, Missouri. He also leaves a legacy of faith to his surviving sisters Wilma Eide of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Bonnie Dickerson and husband Larry of Butler, Missouri and Nancy Dillon and husband Mike of Reed’s Spring, Missouri; as well as to a vast array of family members and friends.

Leroy has only transitioned home to his eternal reward. He would want to leave you with these final words. Do you know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? He is what life is all about. I want to see you with my perfect eyes for all eternity so won’t you accept Him as your Lord and Savior today.

Obituary - Ida Lain

Ida Lain, 87 of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City. Cremation, with no public services to held 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.

Ida Florence Lain was born December 15, 1935 in Chariton County, Missouri to Fred and Opal Hardin Lain. She grew up in Versailles, Missouri and worked for 21 years at Southwestern Bell as an Operator. Ida was a devoted and loving mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Orma Lee Lain Gates, and Imma Lain Gates, three brothers, Freddie Lain, Charley Lain, and Calvin Lain.

Ida is survived by her two sons, Stanley Edward Davidson and wife Heather, and David Marshall Bain and wife Sandy, four grandchildren, Adam Johnathan Davidson, Theresa Ann Bain Lupe, Andrew Marshall Bain, and Michelle Renee Bain Keller, five great-grandchildren, Jayden Riley Keller, Xander Reed Keller, Abigail Lupe, Gabriel Lupe, and Gorden James Haynes Davidson.

Arrest made in Cedar County

On September 1st the El Dorado Springs Police Department along with Cedar County Sheriff's Deputies responded to U.S. 54 Highway and Missouri 82 Highway concerning a motor vehicle crash.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of Stephen L. Cox, 23, Nevada, Missouri. Mr. Cox was arrested on the following charges.

1.) Driving While Revoked

2.) Vernon County Sheriff's Office Warrant- Failure to appear on the original charge of Possession of  Controlled substance.

3.) Unlawful Use of a Weapon

4.) Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

He was transferred to the Vernon County Jail pending a court appearance.

-Courtesy of the El Dorado Springs Police Department 

Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Obituary - Ruth Herring

Ruth Herring, 88 of Butler, Missouri passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Butler Center. Graveside services will be held 3:30 pm Thursday, September 7, 2023 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. 

No visitation will be held. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Ruth Ann Herring was born June 25, 1935 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Frank and Margaret Green Berry. She was united in Marriage to Rufus Herring. Together they had three children, Fred, Billie Dale, and Debbie.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Margaret Berry, husband Rufus Herring, sons, Fred Herring and Billie Dale Herring. Siblings, James Berry, Jean Bedwell and husband William, and Joyce Miller.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie Herring of Arkansas, daughter-in-law Linda Herring of West Virginia, sister-in-law Norma Berry of Butler, Missouri, and brother-in-law Bill Miller of Harrisonville, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and extended family members.

MSHP Releases Labor Day Holiday Statistics

MSHP Releases Labor Day Holiday Statistics

Twelve people died in traffic crashes, no one died in a boating crash, and no one drowned during the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend. The Patrol investigated nine of the traffic fatalities. 

The Joplin (MO) Police Department investigated two traffic fatalities, and Springfield (MO) Police Department investigated one traffic fatality during the holiday weekend counting period. The 2023 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6 p.m., Friday, September 1, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 4.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following enforcement activity during 2023 Labor Day holiday:

MSHP Traffic Statistics (preliminary):

Crashes ¯ 306
Injuries ¯ 146
Fatalities ¯ 9
DWI ¯ 119
Drug Arrests ¯ 19

MSHP Boating Statistics (preliminary):

Crashes ─ 11
Injuries ─ 2
Fatalities ─ 0
BWI ¯ 2
Drownings — 0
Drug Arrests ¯ 0

(Note: During the 2022 counting period, the Patrol investigated 286 traffic crashes, which included 119 injuries and four of the seven fatalities. Troopers made 121 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the Labor Day holiday 2022: Troopers investigated eight boating crashes involving one fatality and five injuries; and arrested five people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2022 Labor Day holiday weekend.)

Troopers investigated nine of the 12 fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend. Two fatal traffic crashes occurred in each of the Troop B, Macon, MO, Troop D, Springfield, MO, and Troop H, St. Joseph, MO, areas. One fatal traffic crash each occurred in the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, and Troop G, Willow Springs, MO, areas.

Three people died during the counting period on Friday, September 1, 2023. Robert J. Lansing, 73, of Quincy, IL, died when the vehicle in which he was a passenger changed lanes when it was unsafe and was struck by another vehicle. Lansing’s vehicle then slid off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Lansing was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Shelby County Coroner Corey Eagan pronounced Lansing deceased at the scene. The crash occurred in Shelby County on U.S. Highway 36 west of Clarence, MO. The driver and another passenger in the vehicle both sustained serious injuries; they were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Clarence (MO) Fire Department, Shelbina (MO) Fire Department, Salt River Ambulance, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Macon County Ambulance, and Macon County Rural Fire Department responded to the scene.

Tomas R. Ramos, 47, of El Paso, TX, died when the pickup truck he was driving failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, traveled off the south side of the roadway, and struck an embankment. The pickup truck continued eastbound in the ditch then struck another embankment with the front of the vehicle. Ramos was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle rotated counterclockwise and came to rest in the ditch facing northwest. The crash occurred in Buchanan County on Mitchell Road east of St Joseph, MO. Buchanan County Medical Examiner Major Thomas Cates pronounced Ramos dead at the scene. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Zane Warner, 28, of Grandview, MO, died when a pickup truck turned left in front of the motorcycle he was operating. Warner’s motorcycle then struck the side of the pickup truck. Warner was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which occurred in Cass County on U.S. Highway 58 west of Interstate 49. Paramedic Liberty Wocester pronounced Warner deceased. Belton (MO) Police Department and Belton (MO) Fire Department responded to the scene.

Four people died Saturday, September 2, 2023. John E. Wiatt, 70, of Lampe, MO, died when the driver of a southbound vehicle struck another southbound vehicle before sliding into the northbound lane and striking Wiatt’s vehicle. Wiatt was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Stone County on Missouri Highway 13 in Kimberling City, MO. Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham pronounced Wiatt dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck Wiatt’s vehicle sustained serious injuries at the time of the crash; he was wearing a seat belt. The driver of the third vehicle sustained minor injuries; he was wearing a seat belt.

A five-year-old female from Doniphan, MO, died when the vehicle in which she was a passenger ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. The child was not using a safety device at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Ripley County on County Road N-2 south of Oxly, MO. Deputy Coroner Chad Haywood pronounced the five-year-old dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured. It is unknown if the driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The Joplin Police Department investigated the remaining two fatalities. No further details are available at this time.

One person died in a traffic crash on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Seger V. Mace, 18, of Coin, IA, died when the motorcycle he was operating failed to yield to a vehicle at an intersection. The driver of the other vehicle attempted to avoid a crash and partially ran off the roadway and began to skid. Mace’s motorcycle began to skid, overturned, and struck the other vehicle’s towed unit before coming to rest on its side. Mace was ejected; he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The other vehicle came to a controlled stop in the roadway. The crash occurred in Nodaway County on Missouri Route C and Railroad Street in Elmo, MO. Dr. Cris Morrow pronounced Mace deceased at Clarinda Regional Medical Center. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured; he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office responded at the scene.

Four people died in traffic crashes on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023. Christopher L. White, 50, of Bethel, MO, died when the all-terrain vehicle he was operating slid of the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting White. White was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Shelby County on Shelby County Road 242 southeast of Bethel. Paramedic Time Lacy pronounced White deceased at the scene. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and Salt River Ambulance responded to the scene.

Chris A. Terrell, 65, of Clarkton, MO, died when the motorcycle he was operating traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. It is unknown whether Terrell was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Carter County on Missouri Highway 21 at U.S. Highway 60. Carter County Coroner Joe Chapman pronounced Terrell dead at the scene. A passenger on Terrell’s motorcycle sustained serious injuries in the crash. It is unknown whether she was wearing a helmet.

Logan D. Mitchell, 21, of Goodman, MO, died when the pickup truck he was driving traveled off the roadway on a curve and struck a tree. Logan was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in McDonald County on Missouri Route CC east of McNatt, MO. McDonald County Deputy Coroner Jonathan Fletcher pronounced Mitchell dead at the scene.

The remaining traffic fatality was investigated by the Springfield Police Department. No further details are available at this time.

NOTE: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, if other departments report fatal traffic/boating crashes after this news release was published, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition rather than traffic/boating incident.