Four more Quilts of Valor presented this morning

 

  This morning during a special Veterans breakfast at Happy Hill Church in Butler four more local recipients of the Quilts of Valor program were presented by Rocking Chair Quilts. They are (L-R) John McHenry, Gilbert Lyman, Robert Ross and Ron Brown.

   The QOV program was founded in 2003 and has now spread to all corners of the United States. Read more about the effort and the first quilt presented in Butler HERE.

Sports roundup: Rich Hill Moves to Championship

Courtesy Cody Morris, TailGate TV

The #1 seed Rich Hill Tigers continue to dominate the 43rd Annual Appleton City Tournament. Thursday, the Tigers faced off against the Montrose Blue Jays with the winner advancing to the championship game.

The higher seeded Tigers were able to effortlessly get through a talented Blue Jays team, with a final score of 64-24. Rich Hill Senior Dillon Coonce led all scores with 17 points on the night, while his classmate Zane Becker added 14, and Lane Hardin contributed 12. The Tigers ended with 9 players recording a basket for the game.

Montrose was led in scoring by Max Westhusing with 13, hammering home 4 triples.

The Tigers will move on the championship where they will face either the 2 seeded Osceola Indians or the 3 seeded Appleton City Bulldogs, pending the result of their matchup.

The Butler Bears men traveled to Holden last night seeking to pick up their second W in a row. They would be facing a one win Holden team that is on an 8 game loosing streak.

The Bears took an early lead, and held a narrow 2 point upper-hand through the first quarter. The game continued to be tightly contested in the first half, as the score was knotted up at 23-23 at the intermission.

Out of the break, Dylan Triebel came alive, scoring 9pts in the 3rd quarter and helping the Bears carry a 41-35 advantage into the final quarter. As time expired, the Bears found themselves ahead 54-45.

Jake Chandler led the offensive charge for Butler, ending his night with 17 points. Triebel pitched in 11, while Jesse Carter finished with 10 points.

Kolby Hill or Holden had a game leading 27 points.

With the win, the Bears start a 2 game win streak, and have now won 3 of their last 4 contests. They will be back in action Friday at Versailles.

The JV also grabbed an impressive victory with a final of 55-28. Eli Doll racked up 19 points in JV action.

Other scores from last night:

Osceola boys 41

Appleton City boys 32

Details released regarding death investigation

On November 14, 2024, Deputies from the Bates County Sheriff’s Office were called to a rural Rich Hill residence in reference to a deceased male.   On arrival, Deputies confirmed a deceased male in the residence who had died from a single gun shot wound.  The victim was identified as 48 year old Jerry McLay of Rich Hill Missouri.  The Deputies immediately requested Detectives to the scene to begin the investigation.  The death originally appeared to be a suicide but was classified as a suspicious death.  As the Detectives continued to work the scene the direction of the case began to steer toward the potential of a homicide.    

Over the last two months the Sheriff’s Office and Coroners Office continued to work the case and follow up on leads.  Approximately 10 search warrants have been executed in reference to this case.  During the investigation a suspect was identified.  The suspect was a known associate of Mr. McLay.  

On January 13, Bates County Sheriff’s Deputies executed an arrest warrant on David A Stewart at his residence at 203 W Chestnut Rich Hill Mo.  This arrest warrant was issued after the Bates Sheriff’s Office identified Stewart as the suspect in a home burglary where firearms were stolen.  Stewart was identified as the subject who pawned those stolen guns in Nevada Missouri.   The Bates County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Police Department and the Vernon County Prosecutor’s Office to get Stewart charged on his weapons charges.  After the arrest at Stewart’s residence two days ago, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on that residence.  The Bates County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Lees Summit Police Department’s Bomb Squad, FBI and Rich Hill Fire Department due to information developed during the investigation.   A previous search warrant was executed on Stewart’s vehicle and the Sheriff’s Office recovered a suicide note stating that Stewart was going to detonate an explosive device at his residence with the intent to kill as many deputies as possible.  

Today, the Bates County Prosecutor Hugh Jenkins formally charged David Alan Stewart, 40, with 1st Degree Homicide and Armed Criminal Action.  Bond was set by the Honorable Judge Julie Highley at $1,000,000 cash only.  Stewart is currently being held in the Vernon County Jail on his weapons charge and the Homicide warrant.  

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the following agencies.   Lees Summit Police Department Bomb Squad, FBI Field Office out of Kansas City, Kansas City Police Department’s Crimes Scene Unit, Bates County EMS, Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax, Bates County Coroner Jerret Reno, Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Police Department, Vernon and Bates County Prosecutors Offices, St Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Rich Hill Police and Fire Departments.  

Sheriff Anderson said, “This is the reason why we investigate all deaths like they are homicides until we can prove different.  This case has been very labor intensive over the last two months.  I am proud of the determination and dedication of all my staff and all those agencies who worked on this case as a team.  Our sympathy goes out to the family of Jerry McLay.  We are far from Justice being served until this case is adjudicated through the court system.  We are still following up on leads and ask that if you have any information regarding this homicide please reach out and contact a Detective at 660-679-3232”

No additional information will be released at this time due to this still being an active investigation.

Kylee Dubray likely to land in top spot again this year

According to MoMileSplit, Butler's own Kylee Dubray is likely to have an even better year in 2025 as the organization has chosen her as top contender for the Class 2 shot put title. 

Hard work pays off! Read the entire story HERE.

You won't believe how easy it is!

 

Update from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

We are thrilled to announce a historic moment for our team and the community as Deputy Caldwell takes on the role of the first-ever School Resource Officer (SRO) at Davis R-XII School!

 Deputy Caldwell, a proud Davis School graduate, is back where it all began—this time to help guide and protect the next generation. Talk about full circle! Stay tuned for some great photos from his first day at school.

But that’s not all—we’re growing in all the right ways! Please join us in welcoming our new deputies to the Road Patrol: Briley Douglas & Justin McQueen (pictured).

In just the last six months, we've seen teamwork make all the difference. Thanks to our partnership with Judge Baker and the Henry County Circuit Court team, we’ve added Deputy Saulters to enhance courthouse security. Our collaboration with Prosecutor Gray and the Prosecutor’s Office has led to the appointment of Detective Landes as a dedicated law enforcement liaison, helping streamline communication and case management. We want to express our gratitude to our County Commissioners and County Clerk Watson and their dedicated team, who have worked alongside us to help make these important initiatives a reality.

And we’re not stopping there! Plans are already underway to place an SRO in partnership with the City of Windsor and the Windsor Henry County R-1 School District in the coming month.

We’re proud of these partnerships, our team, and the community that makes it all possible. -Courtesy HCSO

Obituary - Roy I. Courtney

Roy I. Courtney passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 11, 2025 at Vintage Park of Ottawa, his home for the past few years.

The fourth of five boys, Roy was born to John R. and Ethel Kern Courtney on April 15, 1933 in Louisburg, Kansas. The boys grew up on an oil lease just north of Somerset and attended grade school in Somerset before moving to Paola in the 1940’s.

Roy enlisted in the US Army May 19, 1953 (during the Korean Conflict) and was honorably discharged May 18,1955. He received the National Service Defense Award. Roy remained stateside during his service, stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He received training that would serve him well in his future endeavors. He said that he got his best education in the army.

A jack of all trades, Roy first worked for Homer Shineman at his service station in Paola. He became a truck driver for Union Gas and later Groendyke Transport, before operating his own plumbing business. He also worked for Rural Water District. In retirement he worked for the Ottawa Car Wash and found fulfillment as a driver for the Franklin County Transportation Service.

Roy married Cleo Nadine Wishart in November 1956. The marriage ended in divorce. He then married Alice Spring Kistler in May 1973. His third marriage was to Rosemary Blanchard Morgan in August 1991. Both Alice and Rosemary preceded Roy in death. His marriage to Irma Sassaman was brief, but they remained friends and companions following divorce.

Although he had no children of his own, Roy passed on knowledge and love for life to the next generation of family and friends. A jokester at heart, Roy was quick-witted and could regale family and friends with stories, which sounded like tall tales but were based on his experiences. Dubbed the “Royster” by coworkers at Franklin County Transportation, his self-proclaimed moniker was Hemor’Roy’d.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents John and Ethel, brothers Charles, Bob, John Jr., and Wayne; and wives Alice and Rosemary. He is survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Frye Courtney, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Per his wishes, Roy will be cremated with an inurnment next to his beloved wife Alice in the Osawatomie Cemetery in the spring. A celebration of life is also planned for the spring.

Should you wish to honor Roy’s memory, donations may be made to American Legion Post 250 in Louisburg, where he was a 52-year member; your local American Legion Post; or the Kansas Honor Flight, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N Pearl Street, Paola, Kansas 66071.

While we mourn his passing, we take delight in knowing Hemor’Roy’d is kicking up his heels once again, dancing and listening to some good old country music. Royster, we appreciate you!

Courtesy Dengle & Son Mortuary, Louisburg Ks

Obituary - Sandra Lee Snethen

November 8, 2024, Sandra Lee Snethen ‘took the bus’. She began life’s journey on November 17, 1946, in Angola, IN born to Alfred and Naomi Poe. The family moved to Whitehall, MI when she was very young. Sandy enjoyed riding her bike to the beach and hanging out with the family dog Nana, a giant St Bernard. A new opportunity led the family to Hazlet, NJ in the early ‘50’s. She was always self-assured and adventurous. As a teenager, Sandy would ride her bike to the station in NJ and board a train to New York City. Her father approved of her skipping school for these trips and would buy her tickets to museums and the Broadway shows. Later the family settled in Northville, MI.

Being the independent lady she was; after graduating high school she departed Michigan on another train headed for Ottawa University. She told her girlfriend she was going to find herself a bow-legged cowboy. Wasn’t long after she met the love of her life, Paul Snethen. He was not a cowboy but definitely bow-legged. They married June 19, 1965. They began their life together and started a family in Ottawa.

In 1972, they moved to Pomona. As per the times, the boys grew up free range with a pack of local kids. The empty lot next to the family home had more baseball games played on it than the school’s field. There was a revolving door for kids in and out of the house.

Sandy had a long career at HD Lee, Designer Products, and Carousel Trading. Eventually she owned and operated her own business Xanthos Graphics where her creative talents and designs shined.

Sandy had many hobbies and past times over the years. She enjoyed crafting and making jewelry. Loved to plant flowers, begonias being her favorite. She and Paul enjoyed sipping wine under the gazebo in the backyard. This summer she spent countless hours on the deck watching Paul tend the flower and vegetable gardens. The couple shared a love of cars. Being avid enthusiasts, they are long time members of Over the Road Gang where Sandy held different roles in the organization. Sandy was a longstanding conservative Republican. She volunteered with the local candidates and worked polling booths at election time. They enjoyed traveling with friends to car shows and time spent glamping at the lake in their motor coach. Sandy was a strong supporter of FedEx and UPS with her on-line shopping. She loved to give gifts with Christmas being her favorite time of year. Sandy had a strong faith and was active in their church until her health no longer made it possible to attend in person.

Another passion they shared was the love of strays – cats and dogs. The revolving door once used by the neighborhood kids, now let the animals in and out. Sandy was partial to the Whippet dog breed. They rescued 3 over the years. Countless stray cats were lucky enough to find their way to the back door, too.

When Sandy boarded the bus early Friday morning, she left behind her husband of 59 years – Paul Sr; her two sons and their wives – Paul Jr & Johna, Sean & Shelli; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; her three younger brothers and their wives – Chuck, Bill & Kim, Al & Chris. Those who proceeded her on the ride home were her parents, beloved sister-in-law Carol (Chuck) and numerous close friends.

Sandy lived her life on her terms. She had unconditional love for her family and friends. She had strong opinions and a tender heart. Instead of flowers, the family would prefer a tribute contribution to Kansans for Life. To honor her memory, donate at: kfl.org. Select the ‘Donate’ drop down menu – Tribute or Memorial Giving option. Select ‘Dedicate this donation’ to leave the family a note: kssnethenfamily@gmail.com

A memorial service will be held at 10am January 25 at Ottawa Community Church.

Courtesy Dengle & Son Mortuary, Louisburg Ks.