Butler Lady Bears Volleyball Senior Night/ Go Pink Event Tonight

Please come out and Support your Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball teams tonight at home against Sherwood beginning @ 5:00 PM! This is also Senior Night for Volleyball and our Go Pink! event.

Student admission is $2.00, Adult admission is $4.00. Veterans & Adults 55 & Older are FREE! All students in Elementary and Middle School MUST be accompanied by an adult. Student admission to events will not be permitted without an adult present.

We would like to congratulate the three Butler Lady Bears Volleyball Seniors from left to right in the photo Lillian Teaney, Adyson Clover and Lanie Hill. Thank you for your dedication and leadership in Butler High School Sports. 

Photo courtesy of Messick Photography

Week 8 Missouri State High School Football Preview

Week 8 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 Carmen Behringer 

October 18th:

Adrian (6-1) at El Dorado Springs (4-3)

Archie (7-0) at Plattsburg (4-1)

Aurora (2-5) at Lamar (4-3)

Belton (2-5) at Truman (1-6)

Butler (3-4) at Windsor (6-1)

Clinton (1-6) at Warrensburg (6-1)

Drexel (3-4) at Osceola (1-6)

Liberal (1-6) at Rich Hill (3-4)

Lincoln (3-4) at Cole Camp (0-7)

Lockwood (6-1) at Appleton City (6-1)

Lone Jack (2-5) at Sherwood (3-4)

Midway (4-3) at Warsaw (7-0)

Mt. Vernon (6-1) at Nevada (6-1)

Oak Grove (5-2) at Harrisonville (4-3)

Park Hill (5-2) at Ray-Pec (0-7)

Pleasant Hill (5-2) at Center (1-6)

Skyline (2-5) at Stockton (6-1)

Clinton man sentenced to multiple life sentences for sex crimes against kids

The Henry County Circuit Court has sentenced Derek Brett Roberts, 44 of Clinton, to twenty-three life sentences for eight counts of sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree, four counts of rape in the first degree, and eleven counts of sodomy in the first degree.

The charges stem from an online investigation conducted by the Division of Drug and Crime Control of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which then led investigators to execute multiple search warrants of the home and devices of Roberts.

Highway Patrol investigators, through analysis of Roberts’s phone, found multiple files containing what appeared to be photographs and videos of graphic child pornography, including numerous videos that appeared to have been created by the defendant in his home with children under the age of nine.

In June a jury found Roberts guilty of all twenty-three counts. On October 11, 2024, Circuit Judge M. Brandon Baker held a sentencing hearing. Henry County Prosecutor LaChrisha Gray prosecuted the case and requested the Court sentence the defendant to life on each count as required by law and run the sentences consecutive.

Each sexual trafficking of a child conviction is punishable by a term of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole until the defendant has served twenty-five years in prison. Because the victims were under the age of twelve, each of the rape and sodomy in the first-degree convictions are punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole until the defendant has served thirty years of such sentence.

The Court after considering the evidence and arguments, sentenced the defendant to life imprisonment on each count and ordered the sentences to run consecutive. Therefore, the Court’s sentence of the defendant requires that the defendant serve six hundred and fifty (650) years before being eligible for parole.

Obituary - Bruce T. Kerfoot

Bruce Todd Kerfoot was born December 13, 1938 to Justine and Bill Kerfoot. He passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2024 at the age of 85. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Kerfoot, whom he married in 1968. They had a wonderful life together for more than fifty years.

He grew up on the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, MN and then attended college at Cornell University after which he went on to serve as an officer in the US Army. He returned home to run Gunflint Lodge with his mother, Justine Kerfoot. He and Sue met, married, and took over Gunflint Lodge in the 1960’s and spent many happy years working together until they sold in 2016. He was an exceptional businessman and spent his life turning the small fishing camp into the premier resort it became. He eventually settled in Osceola, Missouri with Sue.

Over the many years Bruce and Sue traveled the world together and had many grand adventures they came home to share. Bruce held a deep curiosity and love for other parts of the world and their cultures. He loved to go fishing and camping and enjoyed the great Northwoods with all it had to offer, spending summers up on Gunflint Lake after moving to Missouri. He also kept busy creating projects in his workshop, gardening and visiting with his family. He had a great passion for the Chik-Wauk Museum where he served on the board for many years and participated in the many building projects with the “Sawdust Seniors” as they came to be known. The Chik-Wauk Museum holds his family history which was deeply important to him. The Boy Scouts of America was another important cause throughout his life, culminating in being awarded the Silver Beaver award in recognition of his lifetime of support of Scouting.

He is survived by his four children and spouses Brian (Lisa) Kerfoot, Shawn (Bob) Kerfoot, Robert (Miranda) Kerfoot and Lee (Eva) Kerfoot and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Justine and Bill Kerfoot, and his son, David Kerfoot.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers a charitable donation be sent to the Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center (Grand Marais, MN) in his name.

A celebration of life will be held on the Gunflint Trail at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.

Flipping the script

Temperatures reverse course from yesterday. Cooler, breezier, and drier conditions elevate fire concerns this afternoon. Burning is discouraged.

Temperatures continue the downward trend with morning lows dipping into the 30s with upper 20s possible Wednesday morning.

Obituary - Colleen Branum

Evelyn Colleen Branum passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the age of 89.

Collen was born on July 30, 1935 at the family farm just South of Creighton, MO to the Late Russell H. Morris and Naomi E Morris (Ross). She was the fourth born of five children all of whom have preceded her in death.

She graduated from Creighton High School in 1953 and on October 3, 1954 married the late William E. Branum in Urich, MO at the Baptist church. Three girls were born of this union: Krista Sue, Rhonda Kay and Robin Renea.

Colleen enjoyed a long and fulfilling career both at the Ft. Leavenworth Printing Plant and the Kansas City branch of the F.B.I. She retired in December 1997 with combined continuous service of over 30 years.

Mrs. Branum Leaves behind two daughters, Krista Simpson and Robin Fatino with her husband Kevin. Her second born daughter, Rhonda Kay was still born on May 17, 1961. Rhonda is laid to rest at Hampton cemetery in Platte County.

Colleen most enjoyed being involved with her family in many different ways. She was particularly fond of hosting the family holiday meals. She loved the outdoors especially when the sun was shining brightly. In her later years she enjoyed life immensely by traveling overseas several times with a special friend.

She leaves behind not only her two daughters but also three grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great – great grandchildren.

Colleen will be sorely missed by all whom had the great pleasure to know her! Private family graveside will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, Missouri and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

VanDyke already shining at Missouri Western State University

VanDyke already shining at Missouri Western State University 

2024 Archie High School Graduate Nathan VanDyke was nominated & awarded in his second month of college, for Student of the Month for his residence hall at Missouri Western State University.

These students exemplify our Griffon Gold Community Standards. By demonstrating respect and honesty, they are making Missouri Western State University a great place to live and learn. Way to go Nathan we are proud of you!!! 

https://www.missouriwestern.edu/reslife/griffon-gold-community-standards/

! 

Ballard FFA says thank you!

We would like to send a HUGE Thank You to all our hard working FFA members, the Bates County Cattlemen for the delicious meat, and Parents and Friends of the Ballard FFA for a successful night last night!

Without you, we wouldn’t have the opportunities and experiences that we have for the Ballard FFA Chapter, THANK YOU!