Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Corey Snead named Butler City Administrator

Following the announcement in November that Mike West would be exiting the position, it was full steam ahead to find a successor as administrator for city of Butler.

After an exhaustive search, the end result was a candidate with plenty of experience- and it came from within. Former Butler City Clerk Corey Snead has an impressive resume that includes  a total of 10 years with the city, starting as the accounts payable clerk then moving to role of Deputy City Clerk a short time after. Another promotion came in 2016 when Mayor Don Malan appointed him as City Clerk/Finance Director, a position held until just this week when he moved into the Administrators office.

Prior to his time with the city, Snead worked for JP Morgan Chase in the credit card division as well as US Bank in the home mortgage department. He also owned a bar in Springfield, Mo., emphasizing his entrepreneurial side.

Mid America Live spoke with Corey about the new position which he openly embraces. “I am excited and thrilled about this new chapter in my professional career. I look forward to serving the citizens of Butler” he stated during our informal interview on Friday. 

Mr. Snead holds a political science degree earned at Missouri State University and has been quite active in many local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Electric City Downtown, the Butler Rotary Club and the Bates County Elks to name a few, including serving as Deacon and Elder at the Butler Presbyterian Church. Add to that, he is on the Executive Board of the Missouri City Clerk’s Association serving as their secretary.

Even while as city clerk, Snead has been busy with projects related to the betterment of Butler including working with rural development programs aimed at bringing more business to town as well as fill the void of empty buildings such as the former Walmart and Country Mart stores. While this work is in its infancy, it will remain a priority through his administrative career.

From this point forward, Snead plans to bring not only new ideas to the table but form solid relationships with other city administrators in the area that would be of great benefit- such as arranging bulk supply purchases for both cities that would ultimately reduce costs for all involved. To which, Snead met with Adrian City Administrator Ryan Wescote during his first week of office to get that ball rolling and the two have agreed to have quarterly meetings to work on their strategy.

What else will the future hold with Snead as administrator? “I’d like to renew the pride in Butler. Do whatever is needed to make this a more beautiful place” he said “It seems we have lost pride in how our town looks and I don’t think it would be hard to get it back.”

Case in point, it was revealed that companies that are considering moving to Butler will often come and drive around incognito to see if Butler would be a good fit for their business and overall good ‘curb appeal’ ranks high on this list.

As our interview wound down Corey was preparing for the upcoming city council meeting on January 16th as well as an important rural economic development meeting the following day, among many other things. Congratulations and welcome aboard!




Butler Chamber Luncheon set for Thursday January 11th

Come eat with us on Thursday! And listen to Todd from Amazon speak, and an exciting special announcement from Corey Snead!
Please RSVP if you plan to make it!

Special thanks to Sonic, Amazon Hub, and Tavern Event Hall for sponsoring this event!


Obituary - Rick Washburn

Rick Washburn, age 65, of Warsaw, Missouri passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He was born on March 8, 1958 in Brighton, Colorado.

On April 2, 1977 Rick was united in marriage to Janice Brandau. Unto this union three children were born. In June of 2007 he was united in marriage to Collette Washburn.

Rick and Collette owned and operated the Rusty Skillet since 2006 on Main St. in Warsaw which has become a staple in the community enjoyed by both locals and tourist. Rick was also a local machinist who had almost 50 years of experience.

He is preceded in death by his wife, and his father Richard Washburn Sr.

Rick is survived nine children, eighteen grandchildren, a great grandchild, his mother, two brothers and a sister. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Closings and Cancellations for Wednesday January 10th

The following will be closed on Wednesday January 10th due to cold and inclement weather:

Adrian School District AMI Day
Archie School District 
Ballard School District AMI Day 
Belton School District 
Drexel School District AMI Day 
Midway School District
Harrisonville School District AMI Day
Miami School District AMI Day
Pleasant Hill School District AMI Day
Prairie View USD 362
Ray-Pec School District AMI Day
Sherwood School District 

Please bookmark this page as we will be adding to this list as more closings are made available.


Winter Conditions Continue

Another storm system is expected to bring additional accumulating snow to the region Thursday night into Friday. 

The coldest air of the season is expected behind this system, with sub zero wind chills expected this weekend into the middle of next week.


Obituary - Jimmy Allen Skaggs

Funeral services for Jimmy Allen Skaggs, age 81 of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. 

Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Military Honors and burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to Community of Christ Church of Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Jimmy Allen Skaggs, age 81 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, January 8, 2024 at his home. He was born October 25, 1942 to Virgil F. and Geraldine Berry Skaggs in Butler, Missouri.

Jimmy is survived by three children, Deneice Garland and wife Donna of Bowie, Maryland, Allen Skaggs and wife Pam and Ronda Thomas and husband James all of Butler, Missouri; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren with one on the way; a brother, Berry Skaggs and wife Euleta of Raymore, Missouri; and two sisters, Sue Shaffer and husband Dean of Lincoln, Missouri and Rene Crow of Butler, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jerry, Gene and Chuck Skaggs; and two sisters, Betty Dubray and Connie Farrel.

Jobs available at Cedar Crest Lodge

 Click image to enlarge or HERE to go to their website







Obituary - Edward Wayne Ganey

Edward Wayne Ganey age 63 of Archie, Missouri departed this life Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home with internment at Austin Cemetery, Archie, Missouri.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

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