Lamar Police seeking public assistance

The Lamar Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying this person in reference to a current investigation we are conducting.

 If you recognize this person, You may contact us at 417 682 3546 or send us a message on Facebook. Thank you for your assistance.

Obituary - Heather (Caskey) Willcockson

Heather Suzanne (Caskey) Willcockson was born on December 29, 1984 to Zenaida Roark and Robin Caskey in Clinton, Missouri. She died on September 6, 2023 in Clinton, Missouri. Heather attended Leeton Elementary through second grade and completed the remainder of her education in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School in 2003. In May 2006, Heather married Bill Willcockson, and she gave birth to Amber Grace Willcockson in June 2007. Heather lived in Clinton until her death.

When Heather was an infant, she suffered a permanent traumatic brain injury as a result of an automobile accident. But Heather never let her disabilities prevent her from doing the things she loved. She was fiercely independent and walked several miles multiple times each week to go to shopping, to go to appointments and to go to church. Heather was gifted in many areas, but her passion was music. She was an accomplished pianist, trumpet player and vocalist (singing alto in her church choir and occasionally singing as a soloist). Her favorite songs were traditional church hymns, and she was thrilled when she recently inherited her grandmother’s collection of hymnals and old sheet music.

Heather became a Christian as a child, and her faith was very important to her. She was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church, where she faithfully attended Sunday services and a women’s bible study, played in the handbell choir, sang in the chancel choir, and played piano in the chapel service. She loved her church family and especially enjoyed her women’s group and the group that gathered on Friday afternoons to play games and put together puzzles.

Heather is survived by her daughter, Amber; her mother and stepfather, Zenaida and Shean Roark; her brother, Steven Caskey; two nieces, Alyssa Caskey and Paisley Caskey; her grandfather, Leon Caskey; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Robin Caskey; and her grandmothers, Shirley Caskey and Beatriz Carreon.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Clinton United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with inurnment to follow at Drake Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clinton United Methodist Church in care of the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home.

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

Death Investigation in Butler

I will address the police presence on West Ohio Street in Butler earlier today. 

Just before 11am officers conducted a wellbeing check at a residence after a concerned party stated they hadn't heard from the subject in approximately a month. An officer entered the residence and located human remains. 

As a significant period of time had elapsed, identification of the remains is incomplete pending forensic confirmation and examination to determine cause and manner of death. It is presumed at this time the decedent is the stated resident of the home and the subject of the requested wellbeing check; however I will withhold identifying information until confirmed and family appropriately notified. I am most appreciative of the assistance of Butler Police today. 

These are duties nobody desires to perform and their professionalism in these matters often goes unnoticed by the public. I will provide updates as details become final. 

Most respectfully, Greg D. Mullinax Bates County Coroner

Archie JH Volleyball wins the Crest Ridge Junior High Tourney today

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the Archie JH Volleyball team for winning 1st place at the Crest Ridge Junior High Tourney today! 

We fought hard through some extremely intense, nail-biting games, and ultimately brought home the win! Great work! We are so proud of you! 

#ArchieStrong!

Highlights from 9/11 ceremonies in Adrian today

The message remains clear that we will not forget those lost on September 11, 2001 as many from the community attended a special ceremony held at the Adrian Optimist building today

A silent procession through town lead everyone to the Adrian Optimist building for the program 

Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney served as Master of Ceremonies and opened by thanking everyone for their continued support each year

Guest speaker Chief Mark Lopez of the Garden City fire department remarked of how first responders put their lives on the line with undying passion and dedication every day

Guest speaker Chris Pinion, representing the Western Cass fire district, reminded first responders that you have to help yourself before you can help others by remaining physically healthy, spiritual, and mentally clear at all times.

Special recognition was paid to Adrian Fire Department Chaplin Jerry Bearce shown here with wife Barb as he recently announced his retirement from duties. As a special honor, Chief Gary Dizney designated Bearce’s badge number, 505 to permanently be established as the chaplain badge. A quite humbled Bearce was presented with a flag and other items during an  emotional presentation made by Chief Dizney and Assistant Fire Chief Brian Dizney.

Bates County High School and Jr High Rodeo Team

We would like to introduce the  “Bates County High School and Jr High Rodeo Team”. These 7 athletes compete in the Missouri High School and Junior High Rodeo, representing 4 Bates County Schools.

(From left to right)
Addison Johnston is a Freshman at Miami High School. Addison competes in Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and Goat Tying. This is Addison’s rookie year for High School Rodeo.

Cash Johnston is in 7th Grade at Miami and competes in the Chute Dogging. This is Cash’s rookie year for Jr High Rodeo.

Allyson Spurgeon is a freshman at the Adrian High School. Allyson competes in Trap Shooting. This is Allyson’s rookie year for High School Rodeo.

Cameron Anderson is a Senior at Butler High School. Cameron competes in Saddle Bronc. This is Cameron’s second year in High School Rodeo.

Austyn Spurgeon is a Senior at Adrian High School. Austyn competes in Saddle Bronc. This is Austyn’s third year in High School Rodeo. Last year Austyn was Reserve Grand Champion and competed in Nationals in Gillette Wyoming.

McCrae Rogers is a Senior at Hume High School. McCrae competes in Bull Riding and Trap Shoot. This is McCrae’s second year in High School Rodeo. McCrae was third in Trap Shooting and competed in Nationals in Gillette Wyoming.

Dalley Steuck is a Sophomore at Hume High School. Dalley competes in Barrel Racing. This is Dalley’s rookie year in High School Rodeo.

Missouri High School Rodeo is not sanctioned by the schools but does require the student athletes to follow MSHSAA rules with regards to grades and conduct. Travel, Membership and Entry fees to compete in High School/Jr High rodeo are the responsibility of each athlete and their family. Each week it cost the Bates County Team collectively $750 in entry fees. If you are interested in sponsoring or know someone who would be, please let us know. The 2023-24 season has 12 weekend rodeos ending with a week long National Finals at Rocksprings Wyoming.

Watch for an official Facebook Page coming soon to follow the success of all these local rodeo athletes. We are excited that the team has grown from 3 members last year to 7 this year with several other potential athletes hoping to join the team.

Reminder: 22nd Annual Adrian Fire Department 9-11 remembrance ceremony set for today!

September 11, 2001 We promised that we would never forget!

The Adrian Fire Department will host the twenty second 9-11 remembrance ceremony on Saturday morning September 9th beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Line up is at 9:30 A.M. located in the area of 1st & Clark Street

We will begin the procession at 10:00 A.M. with a program to follow at the Optimist Building at approximately 10:45 A.M.

We welcome the public to line the streets and watch the procession, and then make your way out to the Optimist Building as we continue to remember and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

During the program, we will be honoring all veterans and those currently serving to protect our country and our freedom.

Butler Senior Center Board Fundraiser "Kickin Chicken Dinner

Butler Senior Center Board Fundraiser "Kickin Chicken Dinner". Mark your calendars to come out and support your local Senior Center.