Accident in rural Henry County

On Sunday September 15th around 7:40 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Henry County along with the Henry County Sheriff's Deputies responded to an accident on County Road SW 401 at County Road SW 700.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the southbound 2012 Chevrolet driven by a 19 year old Xaindier A. Stuart of Deepwater, Missouri struck a mule in the roadway being ridden by a 64 year old Marshall Landes of Deepwater, Missouri.

Mr. Landes sustained minor injuries and was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital for treatment.

View crash report below:
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240474876

Obituary - Colee William Miller

Colee William Miller, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born May 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Douglas William Miller and Tammy Sue Marsh Miller.

Colee attended school in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 2004. As a child, Colee attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle with his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger. He also was active with the AWANA program at the Bethel Community Church. After graduation, Colee worked for Klein Products. He later owned and operated his own business D & C Sanitation and also helped with Miller’s Mowing.

Colee was naturally gifted when it came to technology and electronics. He was often called on by friends and family whenever they needed some “tech-support.” Growing up, Colee enjoyed spending time with his friends whether it be cruising, hunting or fishing or going to concerts. He was given the nickname, Lolo, by his cousin, Brynlee. Colee was always the life of the party. He will be remembered for his quick wit and lively sense of humor; every family needs a Colee! Colee dedicated his time to making memories with his son, Rivver. Together, they enjoyed many hours riding the side by side, spending time outdoors and at the arcade. Colee will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his parents, Doug and Tammy Miller and his son, Rivver, all of Ft. Scott and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Colee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Laura Miller and Donnie and Barbara Marsh as well as his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger who took such good care of him as a child.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

Juvenile arrested after school threat in Benton County

On September 16, 2024, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an implied threat of a shooting during the upcoming homecoming parade. 

Upon receiving this information, Benton County Deputies took immediate action by notifying the School Resource Officers, the Warsaw Police Chief, and launching a thorough investigation. A juvenile suspect was quickly identified, and after interviewing several individuals, probable cause was established. 

The suspect was promptly located and taken into custody. Due to the juvenile’s age and the ongoing nature of the investigation, specific details and names are being withheld at this time.

We want to emphasize the importance of the swift actions taken by other juveniles who were witness to this situation. They promptly alerted their parents, who then contacted law enforcement. These individuals are to be commended for their quick thinking and willingness to "See Something, Say Something," helping prevent a potentially dangerous situation.

It's crucial to remind everyone that even when statements are made in jest or are intended for a small group of friends, all it takes is for one person to feel uncomfortable and report it. This can lead to a very serious investigation because law enforcement cannot assume that any threat, implied or otherwise, is not real. The safety of our community is always our top priority, and every threat must be treated with the highest level of concern and diligence.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office always takes threats of a shooting with the utmost seriousness due to the immediate danger they pose to public safety and the potential for devastating harm. Every threat, whether direct or implied, carries with it the possibility of significant violence and loss of life, and as such, law enforcement's duty is to act swiftly and decisively. In Missouri, under the Revised Statutes of Missouri, law enforcement is empowered and obligated to investigate such threats under the principle of "good faith," ensuring that all actions are conducted with the genuine intent of preventing harm and upholding the law. This aggressive response is not only a legal responsibility but also a moral obligation to protect individuals, families, and communities from the potential tragedy that could stem from a shooting threat. Failure to act with vigilance and thoroughness could result in catastrophic consequences, which is why each threat is handled with a proactive and precautionary approach.

We thank our community for their vigilance and continued support in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in Benton County.

Lieutenant, Kelly D. Lowe
Benton County Sheriff’s Office

2024 Rich Hill Tigers Homecoming Week Schedule

 

Asphalt Overlay Project starting today in Harrisonville

REMINDER: Beginning today, Asphaltic Surfaces LLC will be milling and repaving several streets in and around the central portion of the Harrisonville community.

This work is part of the City’s annual Asphalt Overlay project, to improve roadway infrastructure throughout the community.

A portion of these streets will use a flagging operation to pass vehicles through during the project. If you are able to avoid these streets during the project, please do so. If not, please slow down, avoid distractions and use extreme caution when driving near work crews.

A map of the streets involved in the project is pictured here. A key to the numbers on the map is below.

1. E Wall Street from Lexington Street to N King Avenue
2. Eavey Circle
3. Chestnut Street from Lexington to Bradley Avenue
4. Forest Street from Lexington to Bradley
5. Cass Street
6. Locust Street from Industrial Boulevard to the railroad tracks.

2024 Week 4 Missouri State High School Football Preview

Week 4 of the Missouri State High School Football season will happen this Friday evening. 

If your looking to watch some local high school football action in the area this Friday you can check out the games below:

Photo courtesy of the Adrian News Leader 

September 20th:

Adrian (2-1) at Midway (2-1)

Appleton City (2-1) at Rich Hill (1-2) 

Belton (1-2) at Grandview (0-3)

Blue Springs South (2-1) at Ray-Pec (0-3) 

Clinton (0-3) at Pleasant Hill (1-2)

Crest Ridge (0-3) at Cole Camp (0-3)

Drexel (1-2) at Jasper (1-2) 

Harrisonville (2-1) at Warrensburg (3-0) 

Lamar (3-0) at Cassville (1-2)

Lincoln (2-1) at Holden (1-2)

Lockwood (2-1) at Greenfield (2-1)

Nevada (2-1) at McDonald County (0-3)

Osceola (1-2) at Archie (3-0)

Sarcoxie (2-1) at Stockton (2-1)

Sherwood (2-1) at Warsaw (3-0) 

St. Mary's Academy (Kansas) (1-2) at Butler (1-2)

Versailles (1-2) at El Dorado Springs (2-1)  

Windsor (3-0) at Tipton (2-1)

Harrisonville High School Homecoming 2024 activities

Harrisonville High School Homecoming 2024 activities are taking place next week, Sept. 23-27. The theme for this year’s event is “Road Trip - All Roads Lead Us Home.”

Students throughout the district will be participating in spirit week. Spirit days include: Monday, PJ Day; Tuesday, Favorite Team; Wednesday, Camping/Hiking; and Thursday, Hawaiian. Harrisonville residents and businesses are invited to participate in the traditional Blue & White Day on Friday.

The annual Homecoming Parade will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 27. The parade route will start at the east entrance of the City Park, and then travel south on Bradley. It then will turn west on Pearl Street passing by the north side of the square. This is where the judges will be placed. It will then turn north on North Independence and travel to Ash then back into the park on Ash. Registration is still open - https://forms.gle/8RV1Qg8GE5tWg1DX8.

Candidates for Homecoming royalty include FRONT ROW: Audrey Coffey, Ava Little, Jaeli Mitchell, Audri Craig, Kayleigh Norris, and LeAine Caruthers; and BACK ROW: Luke DeVenney, Tryin Samples, Adysen Eng, Simon Claxton, Brandon Phillips, and Nate Reynolds. The coronation of the King and Queen will take place before the football game at approximately 6:30 p.m. The Wildcats play Cassville at 7 p.m.

The Wildcat football team will host their annual Wildcat Football Hall of Fame induction prior to the football game at approximately 6 p.m. 2024 inductees include Donnie MacLeod, Lloyd Hanson, Dustin Young, and Volney Ashford.

Obituary - Richard Rex Vaughn

Richard Rex Vaughn, affectionately known as "Dick" or "RV" to some, age 85 of Butler, Missouri passed away on September 14, 2024 at his home. 

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or the Butler Senior Center Meals on Wheels. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

He was born on September 7, 1939 in Newkirk, OK, the son of Samuel O. Vaughn Sr. and Mary M. Copple Vaughn.

Richard was a dedicated family man, Navy veteran, and accomplished businessman, who passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and love for his people and community.

Born and raised on a family farm near Elk City, Kansas, Richard developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for farm life. He attended elementary school in Fairview, near Newkirk, and graduated from Elk City High School in 1957. Despite facing the challenge of contracting polio as a child, his determination and resilience were evident throughout his life.

After high school, Richard followed in his brother Tom's footsteps and proudly served in the Navy. Richard then furthered his business knowledge by attending Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas and Retail Lumber School at Missouri University. He briefly worked at Boeing Aviation in Wichita before beginning his career with Cains Coffee Company as a representative in Wichita. After a year, he transitioned to the lumber industry with the Caney Lumber Company and eventually became the manager of the Golden City branch of Bolivar Lumber Company in 1961.

In 1977, Richard’s dedication and leadership led him to found Vaughn’s Price Rite Lumber and Crating Appleton City, where his efforts were recognized with a National Dealer Award, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. He spread the business to Butler in 1983, and opened another branch.

Among the above successes, he created a patent for spools purchased by 3M, partnered with Gerald Cross from Appleton City to open Cross Motors, and found a passion for flying by earning his pilot’s license in the late 1970’s. He partnered with 3 friends (Roger Schooley, Bill Alexander, & Edith Lambert) to purchase an airplane to influence his interest of aviation.

Richard was a valued member of the community, actively participating in the Golden City Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was admired for his generosity, dedication, and commitment to those around him.

He cherished spending time on his family farm near Elk City, where he enjoyed the peacefulness of country life and caring for his animals. Richard loved Sunday dinners with his family, taking long country drives, and collecting antique automobiles, always finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

He shared a deep bond with his beloved significant other, Robin, and their blended family of children and grandchildren, whom he adored until his final days.

Richard’s energy, dedication, and love for life will continue to inspire those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, his contributions to the community, and the many lives he touched along the way.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly Vaughn-Lovelle, parents Samuel and Mary Vaughn, brothers Thomas and Samuel Vaughn Jr., and sister Ruth Louise. Survivors include Robin Timme Thurman of the home, Tim Vaugh of Elk City, MO; Wayne Vaughn (Karen) of Elk City, MO; David (Nicole) Thurman of Adrian, MO; Levi (Samantha) of Great Falls, MT; Gib (Nicole) Thurman of Emporia, KS; Brooke (Dylan) Ebert of St. Louis, MO; Son-in-law Nate Lovelle of Broken Arrow, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.