Obituary - Anthony Paul “Tony” Curtis

Anthony Paul “Tony” Curtis, age 50, of Edwards, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at his home. He was born on July 2, 1973 to Carol and Richard Curtis in Independence, Missouri.

He grew up in Buckner and Sugar Creek, Missouri and he graduated Oak Grove High School, Class of 1991.

Tony worked as a carpenter where he was known as a jack of all trades. He was also known as an awesome pool player and the life of the party where he would be dancing and singing karaoke.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Curtis.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Wright, 5 children, Kayla Curtis, Anthony Curtis, Keirstan Addington, Chase Curtis and Gauge Curtis, 6 grandchildren, Iris Curtis, Sevaira Curtis, Daxton Curtis, Wyatt Manning, Weston Manning and Wilder Manning, one sister, Amy Curtis, two half-sisters, Carol Hogland and Kristina Curtis, one step sister, Mari Wright, his life partner of the last 13 years, Brandi Garrison and two step children, Stephen Gentry and Johnathan Gentry, other relatives and many friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. with celebration services beginning at 3:00 P.M. where all are invited to share stories about Tony.

Tammy Williams named a 2024 inductee to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

Tammy Williams – Osceola High School/Northwestern University/USA Olympic Softball

Williams was a standout at Osceola High School before going on to play for Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and then playing for the U.S. Olympic team.

She was a four-year MVP of her high school team, leading Osceola in batting average, earned run average and fielding percentage all four seasons. She led the team to a perfect season in 2002 as it won the state title.

Overall, she earned 12 varsity letters in four sports (volleyball, track and basketball were the others). Williams then played shortstop at Northwestern, where she was the program’s first four-time All-American and was a three-time First Team All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Twice she earned Big 10 Player of the Year.

After her final season in 2009 at Northwestern, she was one of six players in NCAA Division I history with more runs scored than games played in her career (235 runs, 232 games). She holds four Northwestern records, including in home runs (57).

Williams later was a second-round draft pick of the National Professional Fastpitch senior draft by the Chicago Bandits, and then was a USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year top 10 finalist. She then played on USA Softball’s Pan-American qualifier.

Raytown woman arrested on warrants in Bates County

On Thursday December 21st around 4:52 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County arrested 38 year old Crystal Hughes of Raytown, Missouri.

She was arrested on the following outstanding warrants 1.) Felony Newton County Sheriff's Office Warrant (X2) 2.) Felony Cherokee County Kansas Sheriff's Office Warrant 3.) Felony Jasper County Sheriff's Office Warrant 4.) No seatbelt.

Crystal Hughes was booked into the Bates County Jail in Butler and she is currently being held on no bond.

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.

Two vehicle accident slows traffic in Cass County

On Thursday December 21st, around 9:47am the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with the Peculiar Police Department and the Cass County Sheriffs Department responded to a two vehicle accident on southbound I-49 at mile marker 167 in rural Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when a southbound 2019 Freightliner driven by 46 year old Lee E. Sutton of Houston Texas pulled into the right lane of traffic from the shoulder causing a southbound 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven by 27 year old Alicia N. Hendrix of Salem, Missouri to strike the towed unit of the Freightliner. 

Alicia Hendrix received moderate injuries in this accident and was transported to Belton Regional Medical Center in Belton Missouri by West Peculiar EMS.

Mr. Sutton received minor injuries in this accident and was transported by Trooper Bradshaw to Belton Regional Medical Center in Belton Missouri. 

The Hyundai was totaled and the Freightliner had no damage and was driven from the scene.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=230672607

Obituary - Michael David Deal

Michael David Deal, age 79, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Services will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 310 Johnston Pkwy. Raymore, Missouri 64083. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Michael will then be laid to rest later that day at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens.

Michael was born in Kansas City, Missouri on October 25, 1944. At a young age Michael was adopted by his loving parents, Ralph and Shirley Deal, who he was eternally grateful for. He graduated high school and honorably served his country in the United States Navy. 

In the summer of 1969 he was joined in marriage with his late wife, Sherry on August 30th in Raytown, Missouri. Michael went on to continue his education, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He created for himself a very successful career as a tire salesman. 

In life, Michael was a faithful man and has been an active member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Michael was constantly looking for an opportunity to serve the Lord through service to others. He loved his family, the outdoors, gardening, taking care of his lawn, cleaning his car, playing cards, and driving. 

Michael’s grandchildren were an important part of his life, bringing a smile to his face with every interaction with them. He will definitely be remembered for striving to make someone’s day, his sense of humor, and of course his orneriness.

Michael was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sherry Deal; parents, Ralph and Shirley Deal; father-in-law, Kenneth Monnig; sister Suzie Lee; and brother, Gary Deal.

Here cherishing Michael’s memory are his loving daughters, Tammy Novak (Donald) and Karie LaBelle (Rob Napper); Garry LaBelle; grandchildren, Noah Novak (Elizabeth Grichnik), Garrett LaBelle, Grace LaBelle, Micah Novak, and Gabriella LaBelle; sister, Mary Day; brother, Aubrey Deal (Linda); mother in law, Ora Mae Monnig; two sisters-in law, Glenda Schmidt (Ed) and Donna Moore (John); and two brothers-in-law, Randy Monnig (Ann) and Keith Monnig (Becky).

With Michael’s love for flowers and plants, the family would appreciate any that are gifted to them. Memorial donations may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church as addressed above.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Obituary - Alfred (Al) Watson

Alfred Watson, better known as Al passed away on December 21, 2023, at the age of 84 in Foster, Missouri. He was born on July 10, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri. Alfred will be dearly missed by his loved ones.

Alfred is survived by his daughter, Mary Martin, and her spouse, Bryan Martin; his daughter, Alyson Watson, and Steve Meyers; his son Alfred Lee Watson Jr.; his daughters, Dawn Nesbit, and her spouse, Craig Nesbit. 

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bradley Shreve, Timmy Shreve, Kayla, Caroline, Ansley, and Rebecca, along with nine great-grandchildren.

Alfred had a long-term partner, Tina Heard, and her sons, Gary (Bubba) Heard and Mike Irick. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Ina Watson. A grave side service will be held on Tuesday, December 26th, at 2pm at Greenlawn Cemetery to honor Alfred’s life.

The service will be conducted by Heuser Funeral Home located in Richmond Hill, Missouri. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Alfred L. Watson during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

Three vehicle accident in Cass County

On Thursday December 21 around 4:00 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with the Cass County Sheriff's Deputies along with the Belton Police Department responded to a three-vehicle accident on I 49 Highway around the 171 mile marker.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2013 Ford F-150 driven by a northbound 54 year old John M. Lundin of Topeka, Kansas ran off the left side of the roadway, crossed the median, struck the cable barrier, became airborne and overturned. 

John M. Lundin struck a southbound 2012 Toyota Camry driven by a 40 year old Austin R. Salmans of Peculiar, Missouri. A southbound 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 61 year old Jamie D. Vegelahn of Peculiar, Missouri struck the debris from the accident.

John M. Lundin sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Research Medical Center by South Metro EMS for treatment. 

Austin R. Salmans sustained serious injuries and was transported to Research Medical Center by Belton EMS for treatment.

View crash report below:

 https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=230673353

Appleton City High School Bright Future Friday

𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮
Congratulations to Emily Frost! Emily has completed her required High School courses and was approved by the Board of Education to graduate at the end of this semester.

Emily was accepted to numerous colleges and plans to further her education at State Fair Community College.

Emily is planning to become a Registered Nurse. Your future is looking bright, Emily!