Tuesday, July 23, 2024

BCMH Auxiliary Volunteers are the best

BCMH Auxiliary volunteers donated $21,871 to our hospital this year, and they chose to direct it all to the Long-Nissen Infusion Center. 

Their generous gift purchased a blanket warmer and all of the visitor furniture, including waiting room seating and caregiver seating in patient rooms. (Very comfortable by the way.) How lucky are we to have these kind souls? Please help us thank all of our volunteers for their fundraising efforts for our hospital.

Volunteers pictured are (from left) Charlotte Guss, Barb Weaver, Lora Padley and Missie Good.




Worth watching- 1939 movie promoting Butler, Mo.


 
In 1939 a movie was made to promote Butler, Mo and my oh my, how times have changed. It is narrated by famed local newsman C.A. Moore and well known local pilot LeRoy Cook. Follow this link to view on YouTube https://youtu.be/_FtrHCQnZ7s?si=pXDQrOBJxKP-j4rs








Attention local August Primary candidates

We are giving all local political candidates an opportunity to sell themselves in an upcoming news feature free of charge  (up to 500 words)

The essays will appear in the July 31 issue of the News-Shopper (and online at Mid America Live) and must be submitted by 5 pm Friday, July 26th. Those who do not submit essays will still receive mention of what office they are running for.

Along with this notice we are making every attempt to be sure that all candidates have been notified of this opportunity.

All candidates may email their essays to midshopper@gmail.com (preferred) or drop it by 5 W. Dakota St. in Butler.

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.



Search news