Thursday, April 4, 2024

Attention Butler Residents:

The Butler Police Department has taken numerous theft reports this last week around town.

Storage sheds, vehicles and bicycles seem to be the popular things to break into or try and steal for local thieves.

Please lock your vehicle and take all valuables out of them also check your storage sheds frequently. Proper locks on bicycles can help prevent them from being stolen as well. 

If you see anything suspicious or looks to be out of place contact the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131.

Obituary - Dean Russell Donovan

Dean Russell Donovan age 76 of Drexel passed away on March 29, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Christian Church in Drexel, Missouri. A visitation will follow services, also at the church. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Dean was born on November 22, 1947 in Kansas City Missouri. He was the son of Robert Edward lee Donovan and Thelma Naomi Hubbard. As a child Dean went to Coldwater school near Lyle north of Drexel MO. When Coldwater was shut down, he attended Drexel R-4 where he received his diploma. In 1965 he joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1968. Following the Air Force Dean decided to further his education and attend SMSU where he received a bachelor's in secondary education. In 1969 Dean married Mary Jane Bailey and they remained married until his death. They were married for 54 years. After college he taught English at Cassville High School for one year. It only took him one year to figure out that teaching was not for him. Afterwards he had a couple of different jobs ending up at the Federal Records Administration where he spent 36 years. Finally retiring as the Director of the Lee’s Summit branch in 2011.

Dean enjoyed helping people and was a volunteer EMT in Drexel MO for many years until it was disbanded. He enjoyed fixing cars and working with his hands. And was always there to help someone with a project. If he didn't know how to do it, he would figure it out. He was very giving and would give someone the shirt off his back if it would help them. He also loved the outdoors and sitting around a fire with his friends and family. Dean touched the lives of so many people and he will be greatly missed by all.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Bob and Thelma, brothers Dale and Robert Donovan, brother-in-law Tom Heidrick, son-in-law Bobby Corlew, and nephew Robbie Donovan. Dean is survived by his wife Mary Donovan of the home, daughter Cindy Corlew of the home, son Tim and daughter-in-law Destiny Donovan Grandview MO, brother David Donovan and wife Edna of lola, KS, brother Daryl Donovan and wife Elaine of Sevierville, TN, sister Lucy Heidrick of Humbolt ,KS, sister in laws Kate Donovan of lola, KS and Connie Donovan of Adrian, MO, grand children Jesse Donovan, Jordan Moles, River Donovan, and Mayson Mero, great grandson Christopher Allen, adopted sons Mark Melton and Billy Goben and many other family and friends. "Thank you, Dad, for everything you did for us and the love you shared. You will be truly missed and we will always love you." -Cindy & Tim

Obituary - Marsha Kay Lafferty

Marsha Kay Lafferty, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born January 29, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Russell Merriman and Beatrice Willis Merriman. Marsha graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. She first married Kenneth M. “Buddy” Gould on September 12, 1969, at Iola, Kansas. They were later divorced. Marsha then married Paul Lafferty on November 12, 1999, at Mound City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 22, 2004. Marsha had been employed as a bookkeeper and secretary for Central States Waterproofing for several years. She later worked for Dayco Inc. Favorite times were spent outside and making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her two children, Brandy Leslie (Brent) of Ft. Scott and Kelly Gould of Stockton, Kansas; four grandchildren, Danyelle Daly (Bryce), Alyssa Leslie, Beanna Leslie (Chris Johnson) and Cameron Bishop all of Ft. Scott and five great-grandchildren, Bryelle, Colson, Jaycee, Hendrix and Keeghan. Also surviving are her soul mate, Dale Savage, of the home in Ft. Scott; a brother, Kenny Merriman (Liz) of Ft. Scott and half-siblings, Liz “Susie” Campbell, Nina Merriman, Christy Rusk and Russell Merriman and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Paul, Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carol Durbin, and three brothers, Everett Merriman, Larry Merriman and Steve Merriman who was her twin.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, April 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Marsha Lafferty Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

One arrested after domestic disturbance in Pittsburg Kansas

On Wednesday evening, April 3, 2024, at approximately 5:15 PM, law enforcement officers from the Pittsburg Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of E. 8th Street, in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a domestic disturbance incident. The reporting party advised the suspect was breaking into the house and that they were also armed with a knife.

Upon arrival, officers met with the victim in the front yard of the residence and were informed the suspect was still inside. Officers moved up to the front of the residence and observed a broken window pane, through which they saw the suspect inside, and then directed the suspect to exit the residence at gunpoint. The suspect, who was subsequently identified as 25-year-old Zach M. Camplin, of Pittsburg, Kansas was then taken into custody without further incident.

A knife was located on Mr. Camplin’s person at the time. After collecting additional information from the victim, Mr. Camplin was arrested for felony aggravated assault and felony criminal damage. Mr. Camplin was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking, and is currently being held without bond.

This incident is still under investigation at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

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.




Obituary - Daniel Christopher Stout

Daniel Christopher Stout, age 51, Mound City, Kansas passed away Friday, March 29, 2024. He was born in Casper, Wyoming the son of Dale and Maureen Laughlin Stout. He worked in the construction industry, mostly erecting pole barns. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dale and Dwayne, a sister, Susie. Daniel is survived by his wife Angela Lesher, a sister, Rebecca Harper, extended family and friends.

No services are scheduled. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Two hurt in St. Clair County crash

On April 3rd around 12:57 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in St. Clair County along with St. Clair County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a two vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of Missouri 13 Highway around one mile north of Collins.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 62 year old Kevin Davis of Deepwater struck a 2023 International Tractor Trailer driven by 30 year old Lance W. Parker of Jonesboro, Georgia from behind. The Cobalt then traveled off the roadway and overturned.

Mr. Davis and his passenger 70 year old Phyllis L. White of Osceola, Missouri both sustained minor injuries and both were taken by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment.

View crash report below:

Golden Valley Memorial Hospital April Employee of the Month

Golden Valley Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that Ashley Dysinger is the April Employee of the Month. Ashley has been an employee of GVMH since 2021 and works as a Social Worker in the Social Services department. 

In her role, she assists patients with discharge planning, advocacy, crisis intervention and financial aid, as well as facilitating support groups and other educational events. Congratulations!


Listing for tonight's Butler Lions Club radio auction

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