Stabbing at Dollar General Store in Warsaw

Benton County Sheriff's Deputies were notified at 4:30 PM that an assault occurred in the parking lot of Dollar General located at 14633 Highway 7, which is in rural Warsaw today. 

According to the victim, Troy Mays 59, the suspect, David Meddings 58 allegedly attacked him while he was sitting in the passenger seat of a friend's vehicle. 

The suspect pulled the door open and physically assaulted Mays before producing an edged weapon, stabbing Mays in the lower abdomen one time. Both suspect and victim left the scene and returned to their prospective residences on Fairview Dr in Bent Tree Harbor. 

Apparently this is part of an ongoing feud between neighbors. The suspect was taken into custody at his residence at 5:12 PM, without further incident. 

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 - Dr. Timothy "Tim" L. McGinnis, D.C.

Dr. Timothy "Tim" L. McGinnis, D.C.,71, of Galena, Missouri, formerly of Harrisonville, MO, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, MO. The Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Contributions may be made to the Heartland Christian School c/o the First Baptist Church of Belton, 810 S. Cedar Belton, MO 64012 or www.hfministries.org. Dr. Tim was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and brother to five siblings. He dedicated much of his life to serving humanity through chiropractic care, helping others live healthier lives and alleviating their pain.

Tim was born on December 13, 1952, in Santa Ana, California, a son of William Morris Earl and Adora May (Barker) McGinnis. He married Sarah Jane Floyd on March 29, 1975 in North Kansas City, MO. Dr. Tim graduated from Northeast High School and Northwest Missouri State University, and Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1979. He went on to become an exceptional chiropractor, serving the Harrisonville community and beyond for 43 years. He was known for his commitment to improving his patients’ overall health and wellness through Activator adjusting and CRA-based nutritional testing. His impact was felt not only locally but also nationally and internationally, with patients traveling from various states and countries to seek his care, as well as, inspiring a handful of people to become a chiropractor, including his daughter.

Aside from his successful chiropractic career, Dr. Tim had a passion for running a cattle and horse farm on 135 acres near Harrisonville, MO. He also indulged in his love for flying by designing and building a quad-direction grass landing strip airport on his property. His hobby project, a modified BD-4+1 homebuilt airplane, was a testament to his dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.

Dr. Tim is survived by his wife, Sarah Jane McGinnis, of the home; his children: Melissa McGinnis, Henderson, NV, Rebecca McGill (Jon), Fort Worth, TX, Sean McGinnis (Amber), Pleasant Hill, MO; brothers: Michael McGinnis, Rodrick McGinnis (Anita), all of Stover, MO, Russell McGinnis (Latisha), Kearney, MO, Mark McGinnis (Josetta), Warrenton, MO; one sister, Jeannette Jones (George), Peculiar, MO; grandchildren: Lee McGinnis, Evelyn McGill, Emma McGill, Eileen McGill, Havannah Moore, Isabella Moore, Shane McGinnis, Steele McGinnis, and Fearghus McGinnis. He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Ellena McGill. Dr. Tim’s legacy lives on not only through his family but also through the patients he cared for and inspired.

Dr. Tim McGinnis will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his patients’ well-being, his love for his family and community, and his passion for chiropractic care and aviation. He leaves behind a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Butler Junior High Students of the Month for March

 

Butler High School April student of the month

Arrest made in Lamar

On 04/11/24 at or about 02:00am Lamar Police Officers responded to an address near 8th and Poplar for a burglary in progress. The offenders had fled prior to the officers’ arrival. However, the officers were able to identify Cody B. Haggard, 22 of Lamar, as one of the people who attempted to gain entry into the residence.

Later, Haggard was located and taken into custody. Formal charges of 2nd Degree Burglary were filed through the Barton County Prosecutor’s Office. Cody Haggard is currently in custody at the Barton County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

This incident was investigated by Lt. Steve Shaw, Cpl. Hockett and Ofc. Carbone.

As is the case in all arrests, charges are based on probable cause and all persons are considered innocent until or unless found guilty in court.

2nd Annual Butler FFA Labor Auction

Butler FFA will be hosting their 2nd annual Labor Auction on April 24th. Supper will be served at 6 with the auction to follow at 7. We appreciate the continued support of the Butler FFA

State Farm student athlete of the week

We are excited to announce our first spring Athlete of the Week, Hayden Bock! Hayden was nominated by Coach Nold. "Hayden Bock is an athlete any coach would be grateful to have the opportunity to coach. Hayden is dependable, coachable, and full of grit. Beginning his sophomore year of high school, Hayden became a leader on our team. As a junior he has continued to grow in his role. He not only leads the team, but is an anchor on our relays and ranked in the top five for the Class 1 State in all of the events he participates in. Hayden’s teammates listen and respect him. Hayden has proven himself time and time again; running through any obstacle out in his path. Hayden is truly determined and will do many amazing things in anything he does.”

Class 1 State Stats:

400 Meter Dash- 4th (51.94)

800 Meter Dash- 5th (2:05.97)

4x200 Meter Relay- 3rd (1:35.72)

4x400 Meter Relay- 1st (3:32.46)

4x800 Meter Relay- 2nd (8:41.31)

Congratulations Hayden, it was a pleasure speaking with you!

About Hayden:

Hayden is a junior at Appleton City High School. He is involved in football and track. We asked Hayden what he believes it takes to become an elite athlete. He told us, "it definitely takes a lot of dedication. You have to have the drive and will to set an example for the guys behind you. Many people will be looking up to you and following your example. They’ll see what you do and follow that. Be the leader, be on time, go to all of the practices, and just put in the extra work." The most influential person in Hayden’s athletic career is Coach Bourland. Hayden explained Coach Bourland is his football coach. He is always pushing kids to be their best and to show up to everything. He also always goes out of the way to ask Hayden how he did at his track meets. Lastly, he taught him how to be a great leader.

•Favorite sport: football

•Favorite sports memory: Last football season. Hayden explained it was fun growing as a team as they are working on getting their program back on track.

•Favorite sonic drink: cherry limeade

At this time Hayden plans to continue working on the family farm after graduation.

We wish Hayden and the Bulldogs the best of luck as they continue on with their track season!

*Each week the athlete is awarded with a certificate and a gift card to Sonic. Each Athlete of the Week will be considered for one $500 scholarship which will be awarded in May.

Pictured left to right: Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Hayden Bock, son of Jim and Rose Bock; Head Coach, Amber Nold; Baylie Pitts, State Farm.

Obituary - Chester "Chet" Thomas Merriam

Celebration of life service with Military Honors for Chet Merriam will be 3 p.m., April 25, 2024 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 2 - 3 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Private family inurnment in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Lewy Body Dementia Association or the Fairview Baptist Church. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Chester “Chet” Thomas Merriam, age 78 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, April 4, 2024 at The Heritage of Overland Park, Kansas after battling Parkinson’s Disease. He was born November 18, 1945 to Chester Henry and Elizabeth Catherine Bendig Merriam in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Chet, the youngest of three children, grew up in Philadelphia and was a high school graduate of St. George Catholic School. He lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as Warrensburg and Harrisonville, Missouri before renovating and moving on his wife’s family farm near the Ballard Community in 2002. Chet was a United States Air Force veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. While stationed in Missouri he met Karla Loy Poore and they married on June 10, 1967 in Butler, Missouri. They were married for over 56 years and raised two sons together. After his military service he began his working career with Jarold’s Plumbing and Heating in the early 1970s and eventually in 1974, purchased the business with John Gentry. In 1976, Chet and Karla created Merriam’s Plumbing, eventually becoming Merriam’s Plumbing and Pool Supply in Harrisonville. Chet was a member and Past President of the Harrisonville Rotary Club, and was elected and served on the Harrisonville School Board and Harrisonville City Council. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the Antioch Southern Baptist Church, both in Harrisonville, and then after moving to Ballard, he and Karla attended Fairview Baptist Church.

Chet enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, and playing card games. He loved bird watching and old westerns. You could always find Chet willing to help family, friends and neighbors with home improvement projects.

Chet is survived by his oldest son, Martin T. Merriam and wife Shelly of Lake Winnebago, Missouri and Brant J. Merriam of Harrisonville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Austin, Kennadi, Shannon, and Wyatt; a sister, Lorraine McCay and her son Kenny McCay; and three nieces, Debbie, Carolyn and Cheryl all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond Merriam; and his wife, Karla Merriam who recently passed on December 24, 2023. Chet lovingly took care of his wife through her later years while suffering with Alzheimer’s.