Obituary - Monika Ruth Efurd

Monika Ruth Efurd of Abilene, Kansas. Born May 24th, 1988, in Abilene Ks. to Patricia and Mark Efurd. Later divorced she survived by her Parents, Patricia Poage, Lane Ks and Mark Efurd, Marshall Tx. Daughter, Zoey Grace Costigan of the home, Brother Nicholas Efurd (Shelby Morgan), Belton Mo. Kevin Costigan, the love of her life. Grandmother Sue Efurd of Pittsburg TX. Grandfather Roy Brown of Abilene Ks. Great Grandfather Willis Wheatley of Apache Junction AZ. Uncles Charles Chapman (Kerri) of Clinton Mo., Kasey Chapman (Kelly Fitzsimmons) of East Lynn Mo, Chris Efurd (Karla) Abilene Ks.

Many many great Aunts and Uncles and cousins and so many “bonus” moms, dad's sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews as well as very many friends.

Preceded in death by Maternal Grandparents Katherine Chapman (Grandma Ruthie as she was affectionately known) of Garden City Mo and Oather Chapman of Buckner Mo. Paternal Grandparents (Mee-maw) Ingrid Brown of Abilene KS and Sonny Efurd of Pittsburg Tx.

She was given the nicknames Miki, Mouse and Sardine shortly after her birth and was baptized in Abilene as an infant. She spent all her life in the Abilene area. attended grade school at Rural Center elementary school. She attended middle school in Chapman KS where she met the love of her life Kevin and Graduated from Chapman high school in 2006. She took art courses throughout her high school career and was very proud of her artistic talents. She furthered her education with online courses at K- State.

Monika was such a unique and free-spirited person. She traveled through this life by her rules and terms making them up as she went. She was never one to conform to anything or follow a straight line. It was always her way, no ifs ands or buts, and was more stubborn than any mule.

She had many jobs over the years ranging from Bartending, working at a coffee shop, warranty administrator at a car dealership to one of her favorites of working at a bookstore

She has SOOO very many passions in Life. Her greatest joy and accomplishment was being a mother to Zoey. They were always spending time together trying new things, going out to eat or shopping at the mall. As a mom, she always inspired Zoey to dream and would tell her that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. She was supportive of all her sports, band and any other school project or club she was in. She loved music and taught herself to play the keyboard by ear. Her tastes in music were very broad. Everything from Reba, the 80’s hair bands and she especially loved Queen and Journey. She never met an animal that she wouldn't try pick up, love on and keep especially cats. Her 3 cats at home RiffRaff, Janet and Eddie were her other babies. She loved them fiercely and was always spoiling them. Monika was a beautiful “book Nerd” and wore that title proudly. She had a vast collection of books that were very special to her. she loved the hobbit, harry potter and books long those line along with books about astrology, Greek gods and the like. She and her brother loved Star Wars and were always trying to “Out Star Wars” each other with Knowledge, books and memorabilia. She loved the Raiders. Her mom is A KC Chiefs fan and they loved and laughed so much at their rivalry. During football season the house was all chiefs except for 1 Raiders flag while she was growing up. Zoey would go to Grammys house in a raiders shirt and come back in a Chiefs one. Her passion for Marvel movies was unrivaled. She was going to marry Captain America one day and could tell you every single fact and detail about him and all the Marvel series movies. she had a passion for her plants.

Her laugh and smile were infectious. She had the most beautiful large dark brown “Disney eyes”. She always had a hand to lend to anyone. She touched so many people in so many ways and inspired everyone. Monika was never afraid to try new things and had no fear. Her heart was as big as this world and would help anyone in need.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Distribution of Controlled Substance Causing Death Arrest in Kansas

On April 21, 2023, an investigation was initiated by the Frontenac Police Department into the death of 18-year-old Kooper Campiti, a resident of Frontenac. 

Soon in the investigation it was believed that Kooper died due to a fentanyl overdose, and that the fentanyl was sold in the Pittsburg Kansas city limits. The Pittsburg Police Department assumed the investigation with numerous other law enforcement agencies assisting.

On April 10th, 2024, Pittsburg police detectives and Crawford County deputies arrested 40-year-old Tabitha Renee Wilson, of Frontenac, and 49-year-old William Allen Davis, of Arma, in relation to Kooper Campiti’s death. 

Both Wilson and Davis were transported to the Crawford County jail and charged with Felony Distribution of a Controlled Substance Causing Death, Felony Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Felony Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance Using a Communication Facility. Both Wilson and Davis are currently being held without bond.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with this case: Frontenac Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, United States Secret Service, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, Wichita Police Department, and the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Obituary - Evelyn Garnetta Miller

Evelyn Garnetta Miller of Drexel, MO was born June 25th 1944 in Harrisburg PA the daughter of Edward and Ann Gathagan. She departed this life on Thursday April 11th, 2024 at Golden Years Center for Rehab and Healthcare in Harrisonville, Missouri surrounded by love and family at the age of 79.

On January 29,1965, Evelyn was united in marriage to William John Miller in Ashtabula, OH.

Evelyn was employed by Sprint as an event planner until her retirement. She was formerly employed as a civilian contractor for the United States Navy. Evelyn enjoyed reading, listening to country music and going to the casino’s, she also loved riding motorcycles, playing darts and spending the winters in Yuma, AZ with the love of her life Corky. Evelyn was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

Besides her husband William Miller and her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by 5 sister’s Betty Lefebvre, Emogene and Alice Gathagan, Lois Mathews, Lorraine Kensinger and 1 bother Edward Gathagan and granddaughter Ashley Miller.

Evelyn is survived by 2 sons, William P Miller (Joann) Spring Hill, KS, Chat Miller (Susan) Harrisonville, MO, step- children Ogden Miller (Cynthia) KCMO and Leona Herman Lane, KS. 6 grandchildren Jason (Billie Jo), Sarah (Larry), Derick, Michael, Austin (Biancia)Ryan (Chely); 10 great-grandchildren Owen, Cash, Barrett, Melody, Rhoda, Mateo, Issabella, Nasheili, Graceson and Canaan and a host of extended family Shane (Nicole), Tiffany (Daniel), Seth, Georgia, Ryder, Preslee, Henlee, Enzlee and MarleeCremation with a Celebration of Life Service will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Dickey Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Three Rivers Hospice, or JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and may be sent to Dickey Funeral Home P.O. Box 432 Harrisonville, Missouri 6470.

Butler Bears Baseball was victorious tonight against Versailles 7-4

Butler Bears Baseball was victorious tonight against Versailles 7-4.

The Bears opened the scoring in the top of the first thanks to two singles. The Butler Bears first got on the board when Sophomore Brandon Hammett singled, scoring one run.

Butler added to their early lead in the top of the second inning when Sophomore Jake Chandler singled, scoring one run, and Senior Maddox Fennewald doubled, scoring two runs.

Fennewald earned the win for the Bears. The right-handed pitcher allowed eight hits and four runs over six and one-third innings, striking out eight and walking one. 

Tyrus Ollison led things off on the mound for the Tigers. The starting pitcher allowed six runs and five hits over four innings, striking out four and walking two. Jake Chandler collected the save for Butler.

The Butler Bears piled up nine hits in the game. Fennewald provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Bears with two runs batted in. The number three hitter went 1-for-4 on the day. Junior Eli Cox and Chandler each collected two hits for the Butler Bears.

Fennewald and Chandler each stole multiple hits for the Butler Bears. The Bears ran wild on the base paths, piling up four stolen bases in the game.

Butler will have a home game on Monday against the Harrisonville Wildcats.

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.