Business Symposium in Butler a great success!

The City of Butler along with the Electric City Downtown, and the Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Business Symposium at the Bates Social Event Center on Thursday evening. 

Several business owners gathered to discuss how to get the city of Butler back on track. They also enjoyed delectable finger foods and drinks catered by DeMicco’s Catering Service and the Blue Truck Cafe. 

This event was sponsored by Osage Valley Electric Cooperative. Several generations of business owners gathered to discuss how to get the City of Butler to thrive and run more smoothly so to speak. 

The words for tonight seemed to be unity and teamwork through out the responses. Another common theme was community involvement. The special guest speaker Jana Rosier from Osage Valley shared her knowledge of economic development with the crowd, and encouraged everyone to be more active and to participate more in their community more. 

The event was led by City Administrator Corey Sneed with Cody Morris from the Chamber and Jamie Morgan from Electric City Downtown providing input as well. 

If you would like to get more involved in your community please contact your local chamber member or a member of the Electric City Downtown. Supporting small business is a huge deal and must be done to make this community thrive. 

Obituary - Mary "Jo" Testman

Mary “Jo” Testman, 84, peacefully passed away on January 6, 2024, in Nevada, MO. She was born on March 1, 1939, to James Leroy and June Reese Dellinger in Ottumwa, IA.

Jo grew up in Ottumwa, graduating from Ottumwa High School where she was actively involved in cheerleading and swimming. She attended college at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (Kirksville, MO) from 1957 to 1958, where she met the love of her life, Larry Testman. They were married on May 25, 1958.

Jo continued her education throughout the years while juggling motherhood to her three beloved children. Her educational journey was marked by a near-fatal car accident before graduation. Jo relied on her faith, love from her family, and inner strength to recover. She completed her undergraduate studies at Missouri Southern State College, graduating cum laude in 1971. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Elementary Education, with honors, in 1979 at Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS) and pursued additional post-graduate work at Pittsburg State.

She began her teaching career in 1971 at Nevada R-5 School District, primarily as a Kindergarten teacher for decades, touching the lives of thousands of students. She was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, Nevada Community Teachers Association, Kindergarten Advisory Council, Young Astronauts, just to name a few. She participated in staff development as a task force member, participant, supervisor, and author of teaching strategies.

She was nominated for Nevada School District’s “Teacher of the Year” twice, winning the award in 1993. She was also honored as the Eisenhower Science and Math Grant recipient for the years 1989, 1990, and 1991. In 1990, she received the President’s Initiative Award for Exemplary Programs. She represented the state of Missouri at a conference in Washington D.C. where she met President Clinton.

Jo was the consummate teacher, and it showed in the love she had for her students. She was particularly concerned for students of all ages who were educationally disadvantaged and strived to impart to each student that they can believe in themselves because she believed in them. She helped children become the best they could be. To quote Jo, “I believe the desire for appreciation is one of the deepest of all human cravings and that I am privileged to be in a position to provide it for my students; I believe that all students possess good qualities and that all students can learn, and I believe that a good beginning never ends.”

Jo participated in many community and church activities throughout her life. As a youth, she attended Davis Street Christian Church in Ottumwa, IA, with several generations of her family. As an adult, she was an active member of the First Christian Church in Nevada, MO, and was elected as one of the first women elders over 50 years ago. For 20 years, she served on the Christian Action and Community Service Committee. She also served on the Drug-Free Schools Advisory Council and the Reading is Fundamental program.

As much as Jo loved teaching, she was truly dedicated to her family. She was thrilled to have family time that often included dinners and special celebrations. One of her most cherished times was her 50th wedding anniversary in Branson, where Jo and Larry celebrated the occasion with a weekend gathering of their children and grandchildren. She loved shopping trips and finding unique special treasures to share. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she decorated with enthusiasm. At Christmas time, or really any time, she thoroughly enjoyed her desserts—especially chocolate—much to the delight of her kids and grandkids!

Jo is survived by her husband of 65 years, Larry, Lee’s Summit, MO; her children, Mark Testman and wife Susan, Charleston, WV, Cindy Pursley and husband Charlie, Holts Summit, MO, Mike Testman and wife Michelle, Greensboro, GA; seven grandchildren, Jason Testman and Nathan Testman, Charleston, WV, Megan Stone, Sulphur Springs, AR, Nicole Becker, Kearney, MO, April Testman, Parkville, MO, Michael Testman, II, Virginia Beach, VA, and Kelli Jo Richardson, Alexandria, VA; five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Tyler, Lucas, and Cole Testman, Charleston, WV, and Jameson Becker, Kearney, MO. The sixth great-grandchild, baby Stone, is expected in February; her brother, James “Jimmy” Dellinger and wife Karen, Milford, IA; Sister-in-Law Patty Samuels; Nieces Deborah Jepson, Tammy Gibson-Allen, Lisa VanWinkle; and Nephews Brian Dellinger and Mike Gibson.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Moore-Few Nursing Home and Good Shepherd Hospice Care. For those wishing to make donations in honor of Mary Jo, Nevada R-5 Foundation or Good Shepherd Hospice Care, Butler, MO, is suggested by the family and may be made c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

“A memorial celebrating the life of Mary Jo Testman will be held at 1:00, Saturday March 2, 2024 at First Christian Church in Nevada. Following the memorial is an informal gathering of family and friends in the Fellowship Hall with favorite desserts and refreshments.”

Obituary - Bill Beck Sr.

Celebration of life service for Bill Beck Sr. of Michigan Valley, Kansas will be 11 a.m. Saturday March 9, 2024 at the Wyandotte Tabernacle, 5301 Metropolitan Ave, Kansas City, Kansas 66106. Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Obituary courtesy of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Bill Beck Sr., age 77 of Michigan Valley, Kansas died Sunday, February 18, 2024 at his home. He was born December 21, 1946 to Hershel Oren Sr. and Letha Mae “Losh” Jenkins Beck in Buffalo, Missouri.

Bill, one of eight children, grew up in Buffalo, Missouri before moving to Kansas City, Kansas where he attended Rosedale High School. Bill was a truck driver for Five Star Trucking in Gardner, Kansas. On June 3, 1971 he married Janet Flanagan in Miami, Oklahoma. After their marriage they had lived in several different places before settling in Michigan Valley, Kansas for the last 14 years.

Bill was described as a tender hearted, God fearing man who enjoyed life, had a gentle spirit and was loved by many. He enjoyed taking care of his cows, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet Beck of the home; six children Bill “JR” Beck and wife Sarah of Butler, Missouri, Brent Fagan of Linwood, Kansas, Kevin Beck of Carbondale, Kansas, Jimmy Fagan and wife Donna of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Michelle Conn of Kansas City, Kansas and David Beck and wife LeAnn of Ottawa, Kansas; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ernie Beck of Osceola, Missouri and Larry Beck of Edwardsville, Kansas; and two sisters, Lucy Naylor of Olathe, Kansas and Judy Stites of Edwardsville, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, H.O. Beck Jr. And Donnie Beck; and a sister, Beverly Weaver.

Grass fire handled quickly south of Harrisonville

On 2/28/2024 at approximately 15:30 B Shift of the Harrisonville Fire Department was dispatched to the area of I49 and the Northbound Scales on a reported grass fire along side of roadway. Crews found about 50 yards of grass burning rapidly spreading towards a nearby structure. 

Fire Crews were able to rapidly deploy and extinguish fire several feet from the structure. Unknown cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. Traffic was delayed for 30 minutes so crews could make room for equipment. 

Thanks to the Harrisonville Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for traffic control. City of Harrisonville, MO Strong work B Shift. Keep up the good work!

Obituary - Donna Kay Fletcher

Donna Kay Fletcher of Eldorado Springs, born September 19, 1965, went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 26, 2024. Donna was a graduate of El Dorado Springs High School Class of 1984. She was married to Charles Hicks for 16 years and to that marriage they welcomed one daughter Krystal Rena. Donna was also mother to Danielle, Janelle and Clinton.

Donna loved fishing and being outdoors among nature. As a young girl she loved to go horseback riding. One of her favorite things was spending time with family when they got together for fish fries and reunions. Donna was a big lover of animals with her dog Cry Baby being her favorite.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Charles; her father, Jim Fletcher; her sister, Virginia Fletcher; her brother, James Fletcher; and her grandparents.

Donna is survived by her mother, Lona (Jack) Carson of Mullinville, Kansas; Stepmother, Donna M Fletcher; children: Danielle (Levi) Price of Mullinville, Kansas, Krystal of Schell City, Missouri, Janelle Heiserman, and Clinton Oehring; her sister, Wanda (Terry) Dunfield of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; and brother Daniel (Pam) Fletcher of El Dorado Springs, Missouri. Survivors also include Donna’s Stepsister, Melissa (Russ) Shore; Step brothers: Calvin, Jeff (Michelle), and Eric Wooldridge; and five grandchildren.

Visitation:
Friday, March 1, 2024 at 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home
3130 East Highway 54
El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

Graveside:
Friday, March 1, 2024 at 2:00PM
Virgil City Cemetery
S 3050 RD
El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

 

Way to go Courtney!

We would like to congratulate Courtney Connelly, LPN who was recognized in January at Medicalodges Nevada for receiving the Customer Service Champion Award. We appreciate you Courtney!

Obituary - Terry W. Cloud

Terry Wayne Cloud was born on March 26th 1962 in Clinton, Missouri to parents Marquis and Barbara (Houk) Cloud. He departed this life very unexpectedly at his home on February 26th 2024.

Terry spent most of his life here in Clinton. From doing farm work, construction, or cars our dad could do it all. If it wasn’t construction or car work, he was either watching TV and muting the commercials, or sitting in the garage listening to Pink Floyd or the Eagles.

Terry got to travel the U.S. during his time as a truck driver, he would bring back souvenirs for the kids and write Mary love letters along the way. In his free time home he would love to fish, hunt for mushrooms like his brother and dad did, and play ball with his children. He grew up playing baseball with his brother and dad and it was something he always talked about.

He was gruff, a hard one, to the outside world, but those who knew him got to love on the softer side. He cared and felt deeply, didn’t always show it, but he cherished those he was close to.

Terry spent the last years of his life caring for his grandchildren, Jordan and Greyson. He loved them with everything he had, they gave him a new purpose after retirement and mom passing. They were his everything.

He is survived by his children; Meladie Cloud (Mason) Nixa MO, Nicole White (Mike) Chambersburg PA, and Ricky McNabb Clinton MO; one sister, Paula Thornley (Mitch) Clinton, MO.; grandchildren, Paige, Jordan, Greyson, Kayleigh, Marley, and Brielle, as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins who all loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Cloud, his parents Marquis and Barbara Cloud, his brother Lynn Cloud, and one granddaughter Riley McNabb.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Vansant Road Cemetery. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to the family to establish an education fund for Jordan and Greyson. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.

MDC offers free virtual mushroom hunting class March 16th

Kansas City, Mo. – Spring warmth stimulates natural life, including fungi such as morels and other edible mushrooms. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a free virtual Mushroom Hunting 101 class from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

This online course will cover how mushrooms are produced and their role in ecology. Nikki King, MDC naturalist, will explain where and how people can look for mushrooms. King will provide tips on identifying edible mushrooms and avoiding those that are not safely edible.

Mushroom Hunting 101 is open to all ages. Registration is required. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/48U. For more information about mushrooms in Missouri, visit