Stone County murder suspect arrested after short standoff in Vernon County

According to the Stone County Sheriff's Office, a 50-year-old man was reportedly found dead in a home near Crane with an apparent gunshot wound just after 7:00 a.m on Tuesday. 

In a cooperative effort with the Missouri Highway Patrol, Cedar County Sheriff's Office, Vernon County Sheriff's Office, Christian County Sheriff's Office and the Stone County 911 dispatch, the suspect was taken into custody after a short standon on US Highway 54 in Vernon County.

On 04-24-24, a warrant was issued through the Stone County Associate Circuit Court for Chris Tina Miller for Murder 1st degree and Armed criminal action. She is being held without bond. These charges are from the Stone County Sheriff's Office investigation.

Multiple rounds of severe weather

Severe thunderstorms will be possible today, tomorrow, and Sunday. All severe hazards (large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes) will be possible.

Obituary - Katherine Elizabeth Guss

Katherine Elizabeth. Guss, age 84, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born, March 29, 1940 in Bronson, Kansas, the daughter of Roy Stewart and Mary W. Wolf Stewart.

Katherine graduated from Bronson High School. She married Vernon Lee Guss, on November 3, 1957 in Fort Scott. She worked for Key’s for 31 years as a seamstress. She was also employed by Wendy’s, Mercy Hospital, and many other jobs. Her favorite thing to do was watch her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, play sports, where she could be found in the stands cheering them on and talking to everyone around her. Katherine was a good athlete in her younger days as well, playing basketball at Memorial Hall and softball into her 60’s.

She is survived by her children, Stewart (Carla), Bruce Guss, Roy Guss, and Elaine Guss; a brother, Alan Stewart (Charlotte), sisters, Bonnie Stewart, Darlene Stewart, and Serena McAnulty; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband Vernon, a daughter Mary Ann Martin, infant son Ronald Eugene Guss; a brother Clinton Stewart and a sister Debbie Stewart.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorial are suggested to Care to Share or Grace Baptist Tabernacle and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Appleton City's Smith hoping for NFL Dream

We would like to wish Coleton Smith ALL THE LUCK as he participates in the 2024 NFL Draft!!

Coleton was born and raised in Appleton City, graduated from Appleton City High School, and went on to play football for Southwest Baptist before landing at Tulsa for his last year of college play. 

Today he is participating in the NFL Draft. Coleton Smith, Good Luck on your new adventure!!

Ballard School District names new superintendent

The Ballard R-II School District would like to announce the hiring of our new superintendent. Please welcome David Andrade! 

Mr. Andrade has been in education for 24 years. He was a second-grade teacher for 16 years, a wrestling coach for 20 years, and an administrator for 7 years.

He is married to his wife Julie Andrade, who has also been in education for 24 years. They have a daughter who is 20 years old and is currently attending UCM.

Mr. Andrade is passionate about being a leader who is a positive influence on students, staff, and communities. He is looking forward to becoming a Ballard Bulldog and can't wait to get started.

Public Service Announcement From The Butler Masonic Lodge No. 254

Worshipful Brother Michael C. Lee, who serves as the Lodge Historian for Butler Masonic Lodge No. 254, is currently working on a new history for the lodge. He is requesting members of the public to come forward with any photographs or other records related to the masonic lodge.

Specifically, he is looking for officer or other group shots, and pictures of past lodge halls, particularly the Dakota Street Hall which was destroyed by fire in 1992.

If you have any such photographs that you are unable to digitize, Bro. Lee is willing to pick them up, scan them, and return them to you on the same day. If you have photo negatives, those can also be used.

Bro. Lee can be reached via text or cell at 619-227-5339, or via email at butler254pm@yahoo.com. Please note that all donated pictures will be credited in the updated lodge history. Thank you for your help in preserving the history of Butler Masonic Lodge No. 254.

Osceola School District names new superintendent

The Osceola School District Board of Education is thrilled to announce the appointment of Brian Wishard as the new District Superintendent, effective July 1, 2024. 

The decision was made unanimously after an extensive search and interview process conducted by the Missouri School Boards’ Association. Amongst many qualified candidates, Brian Wishard stood out as the top candidate, due to his exceptional qualifications, experience, and commitment to educational excellence.

Brian Wishard has 24 years of experience in education and previously served as the superintendent at Clinton School District, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and a dedication to improving student outcomes. He holds a Specialist degree from William Woods University, and his passion for fostering a positive learning environment aligns perfectly with Osceola's mission and values.

The Board of Education strongly believes that Brian Wishard is the ideal candidate to lead the Osceola School District toward a bright future, fostering innovation and excellence in education. His passion for student success and proven track record in educational leadership make him the perfect fit to guide our district toward continued growth and achievement.

"We are confident that Brian Wishard will be an exceptional leader for our school district," said Josh Jones, President of the Osceola Board of Education. "We look forward to working closely with him as we collectively strive to provide our students with the best possible educational experience."

Brian Wishard is eager to collaborate with the entire Osceola School District and community to build upon the district's successes and shape a brighter future for our students

Hume Fair & Rodeo Looking for Royalty Candidates

Looking for Royalty Candidates for the Hume Fair & Rodeo. Prince & Princess must be from 5 to 12 years of age by the current fair dates. 

Queen Candidates must be 13 to 18 years of age by the current fair dates. This year's fair will run from July 29th to Aug. 3, 2024. Please contact any fair board member. Please feel free to share.