Kent Fletcher for Southern Commissioner

Hello, I'm Kent Fletcher, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Southern Commissioner. 

I reside on a cattle farm in Southwest Bates County. I am a proud graduate of Rich Hill High School; I am also a dedicated coach for Junior High and High School Football. As the owner of Fletcher Farms Rock and Dirt, I understand the importance of hard work, economic growth, and supporting local businesses.

My background includes hands-on experience working with multiple townships and asphalt companies, giving me a strong grasp of what it takes to maintain and improve our roads effectively. I am well-versed in operating road graders and heavy equipment, which equips me to address our county’s infrastructure needs with competence and efficiency. Additionally, I served as Fire Chief for the Foster Volunteer Fire Department for several years and have volunteered countless hours in youth sports and community programs.

I am deeply committed to family values and believe that a strong community is built on a foundation of solid family principles. My vision as Southern Commissioner is to implement policies that support our infrastructures, county finances, families and foster a thriving, united community.

Goals and Commitment as Southern Commissioner:

• Stop the Abolishment of Townships and Strengthen Local Governance: I will stand firmly against efforts to abolish townships, advocating for the preservation and enhancement of our local governance structures while keeping taxes manageable for Bates County residents.

• Improve Township Efficiency and Enhance Operations: My focus will be on enhancing township operations and improving efficiency to ensure that our townships are well-managed and effectively meet the needs of our community. 

• Enhance Road Maintenance and Safety: Drawing on my experience with road graders and heavy equipment, I am committed to working with our township boards to maintain and improve our roads, ensuring they are safe, durable, and meet the needs of our residents.

• Support Local Businesses and Foster Economic Growth: I aim to support local businesses and promote economic growth, creating opportunities for new ventures and strengthening our local economy.

My campaign is driven by a straightforward goal: to improve our city streets and county roads, making them safer and more accessible for all and to ensure county funds are well diversified.   With your support, I am ready to bring my experience, dedication, and vision to the role of Southern Commissioner.

I am proud to be endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 50, a testament to my commitment to supporting our law enforcement professionals and ensuring our communities are safe.

My door is always open for your questions, comments, or concerns. Feel free to reach out at 660-227-9294.

Together, let’s pave the way for a brighter future for Bates County! I humbly ask for your vote on August 6th to elect me, Kent Fletcher, as your Southern Commissioner.

Vote Kent Fletcher for Southern Commissioner on August 6th on the Republican Ballot.

Paid for by Kent Fletcher for Southern Commissioner

Obituary - Donna Kay Phares

Donna Kay Phares, 70, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Graveside services with inurnment will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Oakland Cemetery in Harrisonville.

Donna was born July 27, 1953 in Harrisonville, the daughter of John Francis and Dora Darlene (Peterson) McNeese. Throughout her life, Donna graced various cities with her presence, residing in Harrisonville, Belton, Independence, and Kansas City, MO; as well as, Beemer, Lindsay, and Wayne, NE. Donna had worked as a security guard before her retirement.

Donna was a woman of many passions and hobbies, finding joy in simple pleasures like gardening, watching movies, listening to music, and engaging in playful pillow fights. She had an infectious spirit that radiated happiness in every activity she pursued, including her love for computer games, collecting trinkets and stuffed animals, and engaging in friendly games of solitaire. Donna's altruistic nature shone through her volunteer work at Colonial Haven Nursing Home in Beemer, NE, where she brought comfort and companionship to those she cared for.

Donna was preceded in death by her son, Billy Phares; her parents; and two brothers: Robert (Bobby) Schock in 2016, and Calvin Schock in 2022. She is survived by a brother, David Schock.

Obituary - Donald “Butch” Keith Hutchison

Donald “Butch” Keith Hutchison age 81, a resident of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away at his home Sunday July 21, 2024. He was born in Nevada, Mo on September 15, 1942, to Fred and Leota (Withrow) Hutchison. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Hutchison. Butch graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960 and then served in the US Navy for 3 years. 

He returned to Fort Scott and worked at John Deere for many years, then worked at P&M Coal company in Lacygne Ks, then Kemmerer Wyoming. He retired, returning to his farm in Fort Scott, Ks, where he loved to farm, hunt and fish, while assisting his community as a mechanic. Butch married his wife, Karen (Dunsworth) on June 10th, 1962, in Hammond, Kansas.

Don is survived by his wife Karen of the home, daughter Donna (Hutchison) Hughes, husband Wade of Neosho, Mo, Cindy (Hutchison) Turner, husband Bill of Millington, Tennessee, and son, Brian Hutchison and Natasha of Fort Scott, Ks. Sister Kay Arnold of Fort Scott, Ks and brother Denny Hutchison of Wyoming. Grandchildren Michael Hutchison (Amy), Amanda Steffen (Sam), Brent Cagle, Brandy Hutchison, Elijah Lindo, Braydon Hutchison, and Andrew Hutchison. 9 Great grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private family burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. 

Memorial are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary - Judith M. Braun

Judith M. Braun, 81, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away in her home July 5, 2024. Cremation, with a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 6-9 pm at Merle’s in Peculiar, Missouri. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Judith Margaret Braun was born March 13, 1943, In Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Erling and Leona (Greenstreet) Stoddard. She graduated from Raytown High School where she was a cheerleader. She married Ronnie Beckett in 1959, and to this union, three sons were born, Curt, Steve, and Jeff Beckett. Judy worked for A&P Grocery Store, John Deere, and Knights Auto Body. Judy enjoyed attending her sons' athletic events, camping with her family, and knitting After retiring. Judy enjoyed being active in the Raymore Eagles organization where she served as an officer. In addition to her commitment to the Eagles, she was very passionate about pets, especially dogs. She was a volunteer for the PAWS program of Kansas City.

Judy was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister, Nancy Frampton. Judy was also preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Beckett, by mate Jim Knight and husband Gary Fields.

Judy married Jack Braun in 2009, who survives her or the home. She is also survived by her son Curt Beckett (Kathy) of Drexel: Steve Beckett (Stephani) of Appleton City, Jeff Beckett (Amy) of Belton; along with her grandchildren Ashley, Justin, Megan, Taylor, Lexee, and Olivia; and 19 great-grandchildren, and many friends.

Search warrant leads to drug seizure at local Nevada hotel

A narcotics investigation continues after the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Super 8 Hotel, in Nevada, MO on July 9th. According to VCSO Officials, Detectives received information regarding the distribution of narcotics from three rooms at the Super 8 Hotel.

During the search warrant, suspected methamphetamines and paraphernalia were located and seized. Four individuals were taken into custody during the operation and transported to the Vernon County Jail for identification and processing.

The suspected narcotics are being sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab for further analysis. According to Chief Deputy Travis Cole, the identities of the individuals have not been released pending crime lab results and the filing of formal charges.

Archie Football annual work day!

Archie Football Annual work day! 

Each year our football team completes various projects to maintain and improve our complex/school. Check out our work! Great job men!

**Not pictured painting boys locker room (work in progress)

Two Butler High School students participate in Missouri Electric Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience Program

Madison Kennedy and Ronen Hilgenberg, both of Butler High School, were among the 85 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program. The conference was held July 16-19, 2024 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Jefferson City. They were sponsored by Osage Valley Electric Cooperative.

Each year in July, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business and being a leader. The program included nationally known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into teams that competed in various events like the “build a cooperative” game.


Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about Rachel’s legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life. Students also toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, MO and saw a live powerline demonstration as well as several electric vehicles at Central Electric Power Cooperative’s headquarters. For the first time in CYCLE’s great history the conference was extended to four days, with the extra day being a trip to St. Louis to tour the City Museum and enjoy an evening at Dave & Buster’s.

The CYCLE program is in its 21st year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.

For more information about AMEC youth programs, contact director Chris Massman at cmassman@amec.org or go to www.moyouthtour.com/cycle.

Obituary - Rickie Ray Martin

Rickie Ray Martin, age 77, of Clinton, Missouri passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024 surrounded by his family. Funeral services for Rickie will be held Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Wednesday, at the chapel. Burial will follow in Teays Chapel Cemetery, Deepwater, Missouri.

Rickie Ray Martin was born in Henry County on July 16, 1946 to Manford Houchens Martin as Virginia King. He was raised in rural Deepwater and resided there until moving to Clinton, Missouri for health reasons.

Rickie enjoyed showing horses and loved all varieties of animals. He was drafted in the army in August of 1968 and serviced in Germany until his honorable discharge in August of 1970. He enjoyed lending a helping hand at the local hatchery in Clinton. After he retired from the military service he went to work at Alva Allen Industries in Clinton, Missouri and worked there 40 plus years until his retirement. After retirement he went back to work for Walmart as a door greeter which he really enjoyed.

He is survived by his son Matthew and wife Danae and four granddaughters, Catie, Emeli, Abby, and Brynlie, along with several cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

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