Bates County Sheriff's Office warns of possible scam

The Bates County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of a scam in our area. The caller is portraying themselves to be a Deputy or Sergeant with the Bates County Sheriff's Office. This is a reminder that no one from the Sheriff's Office will call you and ask you for money or advise you of a warrant by phone. 

We will never ask for prepaid cards of any kind to take care of fines or warrants. We will not ask you to scan a code and pay us for any kind of testing or fines. 

If you receive a call from someone who identifies themselves as law enforcement but you are not sure they are legitimately law enforcement, please hang up and call the Sheriff's Office yourself at (660) 679-3232 to verify it was truly a Deputy trying to reach you. Please make your loved ones aware of these types of scams, especially older people or those without social media.

Obituary -Kris (Nold) Vincent

Kris (Nold) Vincent, age 61, earned her wings and safely arrived at her Heavenly Home on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Memorial service will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton, Missouri. There will be a visitation from 5:30-6:30 PM prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Henry County Recovery Court and may be left in care of the funeral home. As an aside, Kris loved bright colors. If you’re able to come to her Celebration of Life, please feel free to wear bright colors to reflect her bright personality. She is already missed terribly by those left behind, but there is great solace in knowing she is with her Jesus.

Kris was born on August 15, 1962, in Clinton, Missouri, to Charles F. and Sharon (Dulaban) Nold. She married Jim Vincent on October 10, 1981. Kris held various positions after graduation from high school and returned to school later in life to obtain a bachelor’s degree in photography from the University of Central Missouri. While she loved photography and had many different passions, one of her passions was helping others which she was able to do in her employment at the Victim/Witness Unit of the Henry County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She dearly loved all those she worked with, clients and coworkers alike.

Kris’s number one passion was telling others about Jesus Christ. She was a member of Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Deepwater, Missouri. Thanks to her faith in Christ, she was strong to the end and a Godly example to all, calling and praying for beloved friends and family just days before her passing.

Also among her passions was children and family. When it came to children, her love was incomparable. There was nothing she wouldn’t do with or for any of them. Children and teens seemed to always trust and have confidence in Kris. Should anyone need an ear, she always had an ear to lend. That was equally true for children, teens, and adults alike. She was never judgmental toward anyone and always willing to lend a hand in need. She was like glue in that she seemed to hold everything and everyone together. She loved family get-togethers and was always one of the biggest participants.

Preceding Kris in death is her father Charles F. Nold and her sister Beth (Nold) Martinez. She is survived by Jim Vincent, her husband of 42 years; son Joe Vincent (Sarah); daughter Angela Jefferson (Jamie Hutchison); mother Sharon Nold; sister Leanne Simmons (Kelley); and five grandchildren: Cole Vincent, William Vincent, Jesse Vincent, Laila Jefferson, and Daylen Jefferson. Kris is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her greatly.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Butler Bears Baseball team gets walk off win on senior night

Butler Bears Baseball team gets walk off win on senior night 

The Butler Bears took Tuesday’s game in dramatic fashion, with a 4-3 walk off victory against the Buffalo Bison. 

The game was tied at three in the bottom of the seventh when Senior Cameron Anderson was struck by a pitch in the head, driving in a run.

Senior Maddox Fennewald struck out 14 batters on the day. The righty also allowed six hits and three runs over six innings while walking none. The Bears got on the board in the first inning after a wild pitch scored one run.

The Butler Bears added to their early lead in the bottom of the second innings after Sophomore Brandon Hammett singled, and The Buffalo Bison committed an error, each scoring one run.

Junior Eli Cos earned the win for the Bears. The right-handed pitcher surrendered zero hits and zero runs over one inning, striking out one and walking one. 

Cox and Sophomore Jake Chandler each collected two hits for the Bears. Anderson and Hammett each drove in one runs for the Butler Bears. Chandler stole two bases. The Butler Bears ran wild on the base paths, amassing four stolen bases for the game.

The four seniors where honored tonight between games. Thank you for the dedication Maddox Fennewald, Cameron Anderson, Logan Brakeville and Jude Kershner. 

Next up for the Butler Bears is a trip to the Adrian Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Way to go Madison

Join us in welcoming Madison Wilson to the incoming freshmen team! Madison hails from Appleton City, MO and we couldn’t be more excited to add her passion and determination to this team!
Congratulations, Madison!

Obituary - Patricia McElwain

Patricia J. McElwain, 89, Nevada, MO passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. Pat was born August 8, 1934, in Nevada, MO to Wagner Rush Crawford and Winona Grace (Kester) Crawford. She married Jack Orville McElwain on May 3, 1953, and to this union two children were born; Kelli Dione Schapeler (Donald) and Robert Scott McElwain (Diana).

Pat lived her whole life in Nevada, MO except for a short time at Liberty, MO. She graduated from Nevada High School in 1952. She went to work out of high school for Henry Kraft Mercantile, retiring after 40 years of service. She enjoyed metal detecting, working in her flower garden, and her family.

Survivors include her 2 children, Kelli Dione Schapeler (Donald), Robert Scott McElwain (Diana); her grandchildren, Amelia Murphy (Keith), Katrina Rich (Jeremy), Rachel Dickerson (Tanner), Dixie Brooks (Rob), Bill McFarlane (Kim), Jared McFarlane; great-grandchildren and their families, Duff, Fox, & Pace Murphy, Ashley Purvis (Mark), Addison, Avery, & Maverick,

Brittany Brooks, Jonathan Brooks (Ellie), Madden and Salem, Zack Brooks, Josh McFarlane, Tyson & Remi, Matt McFarlane, Jacen Collins, Jaxxon & Jameson, Mikayla Collins, Amber Collins; one brother, Raymond R. Crawford; one sister-in-law, Joyce Crawford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Jack O. McElwain; her parents, Wagner & Grace Crawford; a sister, Carol J. Duncan; a brother, Charles W. Crawford; and a sister-in-law, Patty Crawford.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating.

Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, Nevada in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Arson arrest in El Dorado Springs

On March 1, 2024, El Dorado Springs Fire and Police Department responded to a structure fire at 317 S Park St El Dorado Springs, MO. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

On March 27, 2024, El Dorado Springs Fire and Police Department responded to a structure fire at 113 W Cruce El Dorado Springs, MO. The Missouri State Fire Marshall determined the cause of the fire as arson.

On April 12, 2024, El Dorado Springs Police Department wrapped up an investigation into the fires occurring to vacant residences within the community. 

During the investigation, Kenneth Johnson acknowledged his part in several fires within the community. An arrest warrant has been issued for Kenneth Johnson Jr for 3 counts of Burglary 2nd Degree and 3 counts of Arson 2nd Degree.

On April 16, 2024, El Dorado Springs Police Department executed the arrest warrant taking Kenneth Johnson into custody. Kenneth Johnson has been turned over to the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office.

Further investigation may be needed.

IN THE CASE OF ALL ARRESTS, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT THE CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION AND THAT ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

Released by: Brett Dawn, Chief of Police

Obituary - David Neil Couch

David Neil Couch cherished his final sunset at his family’s homeplace on Monday, April 15 surrounded by loved ones. While he fought a courageous cancer battle, he departed his earthly home filled with gratitude, peace, and assurance of a heavenly reunion with so many of his beloveds.

David was born on April 28, 1950 in Nevada, MO, the first son of Martin Oliver (M.O.) and Helen Pauline (Boatright). David graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1968 and joined the Navy upon graduation, where he spent several years in the construction battalion. While he enjoyed many jobs throughout his lifetime, he loved farming and raising cattle most. He treasured the opportunity to work alongside his dad and brother, tending to the land and livestock they shared. David was a Shriner, Freemason, and lifetime member of the Bronaugh Christian Church.

He married his lifetime love, Connie Sue (Miller) Couch on May 29, 1970. Their legacy of love lives on in their surviving children: Gregg Couch (Kim) and Corey Couch, as well as their six grandchildren, Ashton Chapman (Darren), Mason Couch, Bailey Couch, Taylor Cox, Ethan Couch (Grace), and Kailey Couch, as well as great grandchild, Paxtin Enke. David is also survived by his brother, Phil Couch (Ranea), and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and many loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.O. and Pauline Couch, sister Connie Jean Couch, daughter Susan Couch Versluis, and his in-laws Dale and Erma Miller.

David was a kind and decent man. His infectious laugh was the joy of any room he entered, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who had anything but a kind word to say about his character. He believed – and often proved – that he could fix anything with a set of pliers and bailing wire, and he was known for his innovative repair jobs around the farm. While he enjoyed many tiles throughout his life – husband, dad, and Uncle Dave to name a few – his favorite role was undoubtedly ‘Papa.’ His grandkids were his proudest accomplishments, and he rarely missed a sporting event, rodeo, family celebration, fishing invitation, or opportunity to brag on their successes. David was loved fiercely and fiercely loved.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 in the Ferry Funeral Home Chapel with services officiated by his family. Interment will follow in the Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh, MO. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to “Worsley Cemetery Fund” or “Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund” in care of the Ferry Funeral Home.

Miller breaks yet another record for Rich Hill High School Track

Miller breaks yet another record for Rich Hill High School Track 

Maysi Miller set the Javelin record last season (2023) with a throw of 107' 10"

Last night at the Archie Track & Field Meet she shattered her record with a throw of 111' 51"

Way to go Maysi!!!!