Obituary - Gary Neil Comstock

Gary Neil Comstock, 77, of Bronaugh, Missouri, peacefully departed this world on April 11, 2024, at 4:15 a.m. in Bronaugh, MO, after a very brief battle with cancer.

Gary was born on May 22, 1946, to Nona Mae (Baker) and Harry Neil Comstock in Bronaugh, MO. Gary was a lifelong farmer and resident of Bronaugh. He attended Bronaugh schools, graduating in 1964. He married Mary Ellen (Willson) Comstock on April 12, 1970. They enjoyed almost 54 years of wedded bliss and welcomed their two beloved children, son Jason and daughter Janeil.

Gary was an avid farmer, making a name for himself in both the swine and cattle industry. But he never forgot his roots, doing all he could to help area 4-H and FFA students succeed. Gary served on the Vernon County Pork Producers board, the Vernon County Youth Fair board, the MFA Livestock board, the Bronaugh Christian Church, and the Bronaugh school board for twelve years. He also won numerous awards, including the Agri-Business Pacesetter award in 1982, the Pork All-American in 1984, the Farm Family Merit award in 1986, the Bronaugh FFA Blue and Gold award in 1999, and an Honorary State FFA Degree in 2005.

Gary was a loving husband, a best friend to his children and grandchildren, and a mentor to many. He was an amazing grandpa, and his two grandsons were the pride of his heart. He was a wonderful father, sharing his love of basketball and livestock with his children. Gary’s great sense of humor and incredible laugh will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Survivors include wife Mary of the home; one son, Jason (Tracy) Comstock of Pittsburg; one daughter, Janeil (James) Comstock-Booth of Walnut Grove; and two grandsons, Garrett and Trevyn Comstock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Neil and Nona Mae Comstock, and his sister, B. J. Clevenger.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Memorials are suggested in his name to 4-H or an FFA Booster Club of Choice c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Walk-Off Seals The Deal In Butler Lady Bears Softball Victory Over Versailles

Walk-Off Seals The Deal In Butler Bears Victory Over Versailles..

It came down to the wire on Thursday, as the Butler Bears grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 11-10, over the Versailles Tigers. The Bears were down 10-9 in the bottom of the eighth inning when Senior Cloey Fritts tripled, scoring two runs.

Bats blistered as the Butler Bears collected 15 hits and the Tigers tallied 13 in the high scoring game.

The Lady Tigers got on the board in the top of the first inning when Frankie Shewmaker tripled, scoring one run, Mady Rayl singled, scoring one run, Brooklyn Yoder tripled, scoring two runs, and Ragen Wilson singled, scoring one run.

The Tigers added one run in the second after Erin Bland singled on a 0-2 count.

Freshman Kylee Dubray doubled on a 0-2 count, which helped the Butler Bears tie the game at six in the bottom of the fourth.

The Lady Bears took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Sophomore Taylor Hudson doubled, scoring two runs, to give the Bears the edge, 8-6. The Lady Tigers tied the game up in the top of the sixth thanks to two errors. The Tigers tied the game at eight on an error.

The Butler Lady Bears took the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Senior Haven Humphrey tripled, scoring one run, to give the Bears the advantage, 9-8.

Jazzy Lutjen singled, which helped the Lady Tigers tie the game at nine in the top of the seventh. The Tigers took the lead in the top of the eighth. Ashlynn Davidson scored after tagging up, to give the Lady Tigers the edge, 10-9.

Dubray led things off in the circle for the Bears. The starting pitcher allowed 13 hits and 10 runs (seven earned) over eight innings, striking out nine and walking one. Davidson took the game for the Lady Tigers. The starting pitcher gave up six hits and six runs over three and one-thirds innings, striking out five and walking five.

The Lady Bears amassed 15 hits in the game. Dubray drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Butler Bears with five runs batted in. They went 3-for-4 on the day. Leadoff hitter Hudson led the Bears with five hits and five at bats.

Fritts and Humphrey each collected multiple hits for the Bears. Butler had a strong eye at the plate, collecting seven walks for the game. Freshman Gabbie Carmichael and Senior Miranda Foster led the team with two free passes each.

Harrisonville Police Department warns of scam

The Harrisonville Police Department has taken several fraud reports recently. In particular there have been several fraud reports involving houses for rent or sale on social media like Facebook. In these cases, the victims were asked to pay a deposit via different methods, before viewing the house that was for rent or sale. 

This is not typically how people who are selling or renting houses or apartments operate. Therefore, you should always avoid making any kind of payment in these situations until you have met the property owner in person and viewed the house or apartment that is for rent or sale.

 
As always with ALL SCAMS, if it is too good to be true it is probably a scam! If you are ever unsure if your situation is a scam or not, error on the side of caution before making any kind of payment. If you need help, you can always call the Harrisonville Police Department at 816-380-8940 and speak to an Officer.

Cass County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy Graduates

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate our latest Citizens Academy class on finishing the eight week course.

On Wednesday night, we had dinner and played a game while reflecting on our time together. 

After learning invaluable lessons about how the Sheriff’s Office works, these graduates can now join the Sheriff’s Auxiliary. It’s a chance to volunteer, organize and help bring smiles to the faces of residents across Cass County.

If you’d like to enroll in the Citizens Academy, applications for the Fall class will open later this year.

Nearly 100 attendees for 2024 SWCD Appreciation Banquet

 By Elizabeth Davis

The Bates County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Cooperator Appreciation event was held March 7, 2024 at the Adrian Optimist Building, Adrian, MO.  94 people attended and enjoyed a catered meal served by Bates County Cattlemen’s.

The program included speakers from partner agencies. An update on staffing in her 4 county Field Office Service Area (FOSA) was given by Katrina O’Farrell, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Katrina mentioned NRCS in Bates County is currently managing 20 CSP contracts and 33 EQIP contracts. NRCS has issued about $400,000.00 in EQIP and $200,000.00 in CSP payments since our FY24 started which was October 2023; Mike Finely, Farm Service Agency (FSA), gave a brief overview of conservation programs and upcoming deadlines, talked about other programs like NAP and other Safety Net programs, mentioned Farm Loan programs available and handled out of the Nevada office, mentioned there were two job opening in Rural Development office in Butler and encouraged attendees that if they ever had any questions to contact the USDA office.  Cody Tebbenkamp, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), updated us on the FY23 State Cost Share spending of $39,999,999.34 state wide, for FY24 we are looking to spend nearly all or all of our $50,000,000.00 spending appropriation. Bates County has $17,700.00 in ACT NOW contracts. DNR is monitoring the appearance of another drought in 2024 with over 90% of the state in either abnormally dry or D1 drought status contentions; Jim Plassmeyer, DNR Director of the Soil and Water Program, gave us some history of cost share practices implemented in the county since 1985. There have been 3,853 contracts addressing 179,201 acres which is just over 3 times the size of Truman Lake. There have been 1,182,153 tons of soil saved. With 14 tons per load, that would be 84,440 dump truck loads. This is enough soil saved to cover 3 football fields with an inch of soil. There were 737,657 feet of terraces installed which is approximately 140 miles. Here are some Highlighted changes since 1985: Trends in farming – no-till, cover crops, rotational grazing; New Technology used in farming – GPS, seed hybrids, autonomous tractors; Fewer Farmers; Parks Soils and Water Sales Tax passing 4 times; Brad Powell, District Technician for the Bates County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), explained how we help landowners address and implement practices to reduce soil erosion; State Representative, Dane Diehl, introduced himself and talked about what it’s like to be a farm boy, discussed the counties that he covers as a representative, mentioned a couple of bills that he’s sponsored, talked about the life of a being a representative and what  his typical daily and weekly schedule on capitol hill looked like. 

The Annual Fourth Grade Poster Contest is always a favorite part of our banquet and this year was no exception.  This year’s theme was “May The Forest Be With You Always” 189 fourth graders from eight area schools participated.  A first place winner is selected from each class; four county winners are then selected from this group and announced at the banquet.  The top contest winners from each class receive a ribbon and a cash prize.

This year’s Bates County winners are as follows:

4th Place – Braxton Schenker – Rich Hill Elementary, son of Scott & Brittany Schenker

3rd Place – Nichole Luper – Ballard Elementary, daughter of Lindsay Luper

2nd Place – Stella Jennings – Zion Lutheran, daughter of Dallas & Suzanne Jennings

1st Place – Hannah McBrayer – Butler Elementary, daughter of Jared & Kayla McBrayer

Each county winner received a plaque in addition to the ribbon and cash prize for their first place class win.  The first place county poster will advance to the State level competition.  State Poster Contest winners will be announced at the Annual Training Conference held in November, at TanTarA Resort.  We would like to thank the schools, teachers and parents for allowing their students to be a part of this activity.  We are especially thankful to all the students who submitted a poster.  You are the future of our Conservation nation.  Each and every one of the posters showed a genuine interest in preserving our Natural Resources through good conservation practices.  

Board Members in attendance were: Mike Rapp, Chairman; David Yarick, Vice-Chairman; Ramon Arancibia, Secretary; Tyler Reinke, Treasurer and David Thurman, Member. 

Personnel attending were NRCS Staff: Katrina O’Farrell. SWCD Staff: Brad Powell and Elizabeth Davis.

We would like to thank everyone that attended our Appreciation Banquet.  Your presence was much appreciated and we hope the evening was as enjoyable for our guests as it was for our Board Members and Staff.

Obituary - Bill Marsh

Bill Marsh, 75 of Drexel, Missouri passed away Monday, April 8, 2024 in Drexel. A visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Friday also at the Chapel in Drexel. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Drexel School Foundation or the Drexel Fire Department. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Bill was born on Dec 15th, 1948, to Rose and Dr. Charles Woodard “Doc” Marsh in Kansas City, Mo. He attended high school at Drexel High School (class of 1966), undergrad at Pitt State University alongside his sister Donna, and then went on to the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy. Bill brought his pharmaceutical skills back to his hometown when he purchased the Drexel Pharmacy on Main Street in 1974. This pivotal moment began a life dedicated to the betterment of Drexel residents.

Bill was a pillar of the Drexel community. Bill helped build the Drexel Public Library, a branch of the Cass County Public Library. He served for several years on the Drexel cemetery board of directors. He served the Drexel Lions Club for 35 years and helped with the famous 4th of July fireworks celebrations. You could find him on the other side of the lake with his brothers-in-law Joe and David setting up and shooting off fireworks. For many years Bill single-handedly organized the big Drexel Easter Egg Hunt. Everyone knew they could drop off eggs at his Pharmacy and he would organize hiding them in time for the Easter Egg Hunt! Bill was a staple on Main Street in Drexel, where he worked for over 40 years.

But more than any of this, he was the neighbor you could always depend on. On any given day you might find him sitting in his pickup truck parked in the middle of the road enjoying a leisurely conversation with friends and neighbors or even strangers at his truck window.

Bill enjoyed mornings with his friends and his dad on the “Coffee Line”- a group of local Drexel residents that gathered at the Pharmacy every morning for a good old-fashioned cup of Joe and camaraderie.

Bill was extremely close to his sisters. In fact, so close that his sister Donna got married to her husband Joe on a Sunday and Bill moved in with them the following morning. Years later, Bill went on an Alaskan cruise with his sisters Pat and Donna, and brother-in-law Joe, because they all wanted to visit their 50th state together. Although Pat and Bill had planned to room together, Bill snored so loud that Pat moved in with Joe and Donna. Bill enjoyed working at his pharmacy with both his sisters Judy and Donna.

Bill loved traveling with his children and grandchildren, and frequently visited his daughter Shana and her family in Arizona. He and his kids loved exploring the outdoors together, including hiking, horseback riding, swimming and even ziplining at Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Although he was a country boy through and through, he loved visiting his step kids Joshua, Charles and Jessica in downtown Kansas City to explore new restaurants and bars.

He poured his heart into any project he worked on. He was the Master of Do-It-Yourself, which might mean that projects lasted a bit longer than they should have. He enjoyed fixing up old houses and owned several rental properties. He was known as a beloved and forgiving landlord. Helping people out when they needed it was at the core of who he was.

He’ll be fondly remembered by his family for his great gift-wrapping skills at Christmas (he was a huge fan of using paper and plastic trash bags). He also loved playing the role of trash collector after the kids ripped open their gifts.

A few years ago, Bill asked his brother-in-law, Daryl, to help write a business plan for an idea that he had. It was called Blu-Water and the slogan was “Last Swipe Hygiene Wipe.” Daryl looked at it and told Bill that it wouldn’t work in the “end” thus ending Bill’s dream to become a successful entrepreneur.

In his later years, Bill enjoyed living with and spending time with his best friend who was also his mother, better known as Granny Rose. The quality time they spent together was precious to both.

Bill was an ordinary hero whose character was built on love, goodness, and a genuine sense of service. He was born to serve others and lived that way until his last breath. His spirit of kindheartedness and goodwill lives on in his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles “Doc” Marsh, and his wife Kirsten. He is survived by his loving mother Rose Marsh (Drexel, Mo), his two incredible children Shana Cooper (and husband Jeff, Queen Creek, Arizona) and Clinton Marsh (and wife Dawn, Lansing, Ks.), his beloved step-children Josh Whalen (and husband Charles, Kansas City, Mo.) and Jessica Whalen (Kansas City, Mo.), sisters Donna Ziegler (and husband Joe, Drexel, Mo.), Pat Deel (and husband Daryl, Joplin, Mo.) and Judy Still (and husband David, Drexel, Mo.), his adoring grandchildren Bryce, Brooke, Clayton, Colton and Gabby, and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews who love him.

“Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger / And old rivers grow wilder ev'ry day.” -John Prine

American Pickers Show filming this summer in Missouri

The American Pickers are excited to return to Missouri! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in June 2024.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.

If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to:

americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184

facebook: @GotAPick

Obituary - Archie “AC” Cornelius Dines

Archie “AC” Cornelius Dines, the son of John Leslie Dines and Georgia Mae (Miller) McClure was born on May 5, 1938. He grew up in the Appleton City, Missouri, area, and he attended Appleton City High School. After completing his education, he went to work at the Rockville gas station and also farmed for the Knights and Schooleys. During this time, he met and married Margaret Foster on May 31, 1964. To this union two daughters were born: Julie and Nina.

A.C. cherished his family, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the light of his life. Apart from this, he loved hunting, fishing, and going to the car races. He also enjoyed being outside and hunting for mushrooms. Along with this, he was an avid collector of all things and fondly remembered for his “junking” skills. AC never met a stranger and would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Appleton community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Leslie Dines and Georgia Mae (Miller) McClure and step-father Pete McClure; his wife, Margaret Dines; a great-granddaughter, Adi Jo; siblings: J.B, Kenneth, Julia, Jeryle Dines, Mary Carter, Donald, Leslie, Claude, and Clyde Dines; sisters-in-law: Marlyn Dines, Stella Jones, Elizabeth Zostel, and Joan Puslen; and one brothers-in-law: Everett Carter, George Jr. Foster, and Jake Foster.

A.C. is survived by his two daughters: Julie (Bob) Grubb and Nina Williams; sisters: Rita (Danny) Stewart, Rose Issacson, Paula (Bob) McCaan, Martha (Lowell) Garver, and Nancy McClure; a brother, Buddy (Christal) McClure; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Donations may be made to a Family Love Fund.

Visitation 

Thursday, April 11, 2024
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Hill & Son Funeral Home LLC

Funeral Service 

Friday, April 12, 2024
1:00 PM
Hill and Son Funeral Home