Obituary - James “Jim” David Brunkan

James “Jim” David Brunkan, age 78 of Grandview, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 with his loving family at his bedside.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. 

A Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a prayer service at 12:00 p.m. James will then be laid to rest at Belton Cemetery in Belton, Missouri.

James was born near Monticello, Iowa on August 5, 1945 to James Anthony Brunkan and Bernice Ruth (Meyer) Brunkan. James graduated high school and then shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Air Force honorably serving his country from 1964 to 1968 including a yearlong stint in Vietnam in which he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. In life, James was a man of Catholic faith and was blessed to have a passion for the work he did at Ability KC as an assistant manager. 

James loved his Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Missouri Tigers, and Iowa Hawkeyes. In previous years he enjoyed coaching youth sports, fishing, and had an unforgettable sense of humor.

James was preceded in death by his parents James and Bernice Brunkan.

Cherishing his memory are his wife, Wanda Brunkan; two children, Jason Brunkan (Erin) and Jaime Dial (Casey); two step children, Eric Chedester and Quinten Keown (Cheyenne); ten grandchildren; three brothers (William, Thomas and Steven Brunkan) and two sisters (Susan Genalo and Sharon Brunkan); and his beloved canine companion, Benjamin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Ability KC online at www.abilitykc.org or the Disabled American Veterans online at www.dav.org

Shooting Investigation in Barton County

Shooting Investigation in Barton County:

On December 8th, 2023 at 6:53a.m. Deputies with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a person ramming vehicles on private property. 

When the first Deputy arrived on scene they attempted to stop the subject. During the incident, gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and Deputy.

At this time there is no immediate threat to the public as this was an isolated event. The Deputy involved in the incident has been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy until the investigation is complete.

More information on this incident will be released at a later time once the investigation is complete.

Culver’s of Harrisonville finishes in the Top 5 of the Yearly Crew Challenge competition

The city of Harrisonville would like to congratulate the team at the Culver’s here in Harrisonville for finishing in the Top 5 of the Yearly Crew Challenge competition!

On Thursday, Mayor Mike Zaring stopped by to congratulate the owners, management team and crew.

Mayor Zaring joined Culver’s founder Craig Culver and members of the senior leadership team at Culver’s to congratulate the Harrisonville team.

Great job to all. Your community is proud of the way you represent Harrisonville!

Adrian High School Girls Wrestling Team back on the mat today

The Adrian High School Girls Wrestling Team was back on the mat today at Battle of the Braids at Fort Osage HS in Independence. As a team the girls went 9-7 on the night.

Individual results were as followed:
Dallys Shaffer 2-0 2 pins
Danica Ackerman 0-2
Nyiomi Bradley 2-0 2 pins
Rylee Scrogham 0-2
Dani Bolling 2-0 2 pins
Kendall Bailey 1-1 1 pin
Taylor Essenpries 0-2
Annabelle Rowe 2-0 2 pins.

The JH Blackhawks will be back in action tomorrow at Clinton at 5pm. The Blackhawk boys will be back in action Saturday in Versailles at 9am. All of the Blackhawks will be in action next Tuesday in Lone Jack at 5pm.

Butler Varsity Bears Basketball Team pulls away late to beat Archie

The Butler Varsity Bears (5-1) pulled away late in the 4th quarter to defeat the Archie Varsity Whirlwinds (1-1) 59-55 tonight in basketball action.

Butler was led in scoring by seniors Dylan Davidson who had 17 points and senior Carter Trumbore who had 26 points. Sophomore Jake Chandler pitched in 11 points to help the bears get this win.

Butler will now get ready as they host the Butler Tournament all week next week. Best of luck bears!

Archie Lady Whirlwinds to much for Butler Lady Bears

The Archie Lady Whirlwinds Varsity Basketball team defeated the Butler Lady Varsity Bears tonight in basketball action 56-21. Butler will fall to 2-4 on the year while Archie moves to 1-1.

Butler was lead in scoring by Freshman Kylee DuBray who had 15 points. Butler will be competing next week in the Butler Tournament.

  

Power outage this afternoon throughout Vernon County

Sac Osage Electric Cooperative is currently experiencing a line outage from the Walker Substation. 

The areas affected by this include along the line of Walker, Horton, Compton Junction.

BHS December Teacher of the Month - Michael Watts

The Butler High School would like to congratulate Michael Watts for being named the December 2023 Teacher of the Month! 

Thanks for all you do for the local youth in band Michael!