Enjoy the next couple of days...

 

Fortunately we'll be pushing 50 or better today and tomorrow with sunshine but an approaching cold front will once again complicate matters starting around Saturday which will lead to bitter cold temps by the first of the week. Good news, it will be slightly warmer by late next week. After all, it is January!

Rotary program includes finer points of Community Cafe effort

 Susie Serna on behalf of the Community Cafe program was guest speaker at the Butler Rotary Club this week and went over the finer details regarding how volunteers help insure many in the area enjoy delicious weekly meals in Butler.

Serna emphasized that the program requires an ongoing effort and it simply couldn't be done without the many who readily dedicate their time and funding.

The Community Cafe serves free meals beginning at 5:30 pm at the following locations in Butler:

First Tuesday of the month - Community of Christ Church
Second Tuesday - Ohio street Methodist Church
Third Tuesday - First Christian Church
Fourth Tuesday - Nazarene Church
Fifth Tuesday (when applicable) - Happy Hill Church

The Rotary would like to again thank Susie for her enlightening program.

KMOE 92.1 hopefully back on the air soon

The recent winter storm wreaked havoc at the studios of KMOE 92.1 FM in Butler resulting in dead air for several days as the transmitter was severely damaged. A temporary transmitter from Illinois has been brought in and hopefully the ‘on air’ light will be on again soon.

In the meantime they are broadcasting as normal and you can listen on line here www.921news.com

Mid America Live will update as soon as they are back on the air. 

Obituary - Robert James "Bobby" Shoemaker

Robert James "Bobby" Shoemaker, age 64, Prescott, Kansas passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025. He was born on July 18, 1960 in Kansas City, Kansas the son of James and Betty Brown Shoemaker. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local #541 and worked for Max Rieke Construction. He later worked as an ASE Certified mechanic for Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Bobby was united in marriage to Connie Tuey on July 30, 1994. He was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Bobby was an avid musician playing guitar, banjo and drums. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty, and a sister, Jenell Cruz. Bobby is survived by his wife, Connie, son, Josiah Shoemaker, sister, Cindy Whitley(Jeff), and several nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial Service will be held 11 am Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Mound City First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church Camp Scholarship Fund or Mission Fund. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

Obituary Henry Emmett Shumaker, Sr.

Henry Emmett Shumaker, Sr., 79, Nevada, MO passed from this life on Monday, January 13, 2025. Henry was born October 1, 1945 in Nevada to Harold L. Shumaker, Sr. and Virginia Lucille (Gowin) Shumaker. He was united in marriage to Polly Ruth Mills on July 14, 1963 in Nevada and she survives of the home.

Henry was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1963. Following high school, he worked for a time at Urner Brothers Service Station, and Kellwood Tent Factory. He then began working at 3M Nevada where he was employed for 32 years until his retirement. Henry loved being outdoors, he enjoyed gardening, taking care of his cattle, and fishing, but he especially loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife Polly, he is survived by three children, Henry Shumaker, Jr., Karen Foster, and Brenda Shumaker, all of Nevada; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; three brothers, Harold Leon Shumaker, Jr. (Margaret), Ralph Shumaker, Sr. (Sandi), Nevada, and Raymond Shumaker (Brenda), Nevada; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, May Hutchison; his uncle, Bob Gowin and his wife Pat; and a granddaughter, Michelle Elizabeth Downen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Ferry Home in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in his name to Vernon County Cancer Relief c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Lonnie Arnold Polk

Lonnie Arnold Polk, 82, Nevada, MO, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at his home in Nevada. Lonnie was born December 11, 1942, in Nevada, MO to John C. and Verna Marie (Austin) Polk. At the age of 20, he married Maxine Gulliford on October 5, 1963, and became Dad to her four small children. From this union a daughter, Carrie, was born in 1967.

Lonnie graduated from Nevada High School in 1961 and worked for Nevada Daily Mail as a typesetter for 18 years. He and Maxine owned and operated “The Pawn Shop” for 25 years until his retirement in 2005. Lonnie, along with his family, also raised cattle and hogs. He was an avid duck hunter and was a longtime member of the Stultz Hunting Club. Lonnie enjoyed going to casinos and was known for his artistry. InHome Solutions provided uplifting and day brightening visits in the last days of his journey. He enjoyed every visit of his wonderful caregivers.

Survivors include his children, Terri Rowland (Dennis), Thornfield, MO, Cindy Brannan (Greg), Moundville, Randall Gulliford (Leslie), Moundville, Lorrie Divine (Dan), Moundville, and Carrie Dreyer (Jeff), Nevada; nine grandchildren, Eric Gulliford (Becca), Christopher Hewitt (Tracie), Adam Hewitt (Jenny), Sunshine Black (Terry), Timothy Rowland (Dee), Keith Gulliford (Keri), Lesley Gulliford, Emma Dykstra (Josh), and Beth Miller (Devin); nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill Polk (Maxine), Ft. Scott, KS; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Maxine, in 2018.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Obituary - Barbara Louise Hamlett-Smith

Barbara Louise Hamlett-Smith, 68, of Nevada, MO, passed away on January 11, 2025 due to a brief illness. She was born on December 29, 1956, in Nevada, Missouri, to Lewis William and Josephine Ruby (Lampke) Hamlett. Barbara was a lifelong resident of Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1976. On August 13, 1982, Barbara was united in marriage to Henry Abner Smith in Miami, OK. Together, they shared nearly 40 years of love and companionship until Henry preceded her in death on September 10, 2021.

Barbara dedicated over 35 years of her life to the Nevada State Hospital. She was well-respected by her colleagues and loved by those who worked with her.

Barbara was a devoted mother to her daughter, Heather Gaither, of the home, and a proud mano to her two grandsons, Jordan Fritts and Shane Fritts. She also had the joy of being a doting great-mano to her four great-grandchildren: Ryder, Otis, Hudson, and Maverick. Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her immense happiness.

Barbara's hobbies reflected her love for beauty and nature. She loved fishing, a peaceful pastime that brought her joy. She also had a deep affection for collecting tribal figurines and unicorns.

Barbara was preceded in death by both of her parents, Lewis and Josephine Hamlett; her beloved husband, Henry Abner Smith; one sister, Bonnie Hamlett-Bourland; and five brothers, Faylon Griggs, Chester Dale New, Jerry New, Joe Wilkin, and Charles New. She was also preceded by her mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Heather Gaither, of the home; two grandsons, Jordan Fritts and his wife Courtney, and Shane Fritts and his wife Amiya; four great-grandchildren, Ryder, Otis, Hudson, and Maverick; her sister, Brenda Masur and her husband Randy; her brother, Bruce Hamlett and Terri Starbuck; her sister, Betty Robbins and her husband Darryl; her sister, Lona Fritter Fraser and her husband JD; her brother, Carl New and his wife Mary; and one sister-in-law, Cheryl Griggs. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 prior to the service at the funeral home.

Barbara’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her family, friends, and all who knew her will remember her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Notice from the city of Montrose

Important notice to Montrose residents: Changes to our postal service have resulted in disruptions to water bill delivery, causing some residents to receive late or damaged bills. Water bills are due on the 15th of every month. 

If you haven't received your bill, please contact Charlotte at Montrose City Hall. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.