Mid America Live

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Obituary - Rodney Lee Newkirk II

Rodney Lee Newkirk II, 48, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at his home in Harrisonville. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Obituary - Charles Johnson

Charles “Hunky” Johnson of Garden City was born May 26, 1948 in Harrisonville Missouri, the son of George and Louise Johnson. He departed this life on Sunday February 2nd, 2025 at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, MO at the age of 76.

In 1966 he graduated from Holden High School and in June 1967 he enlisted in the air force and was stationed in Italy where he supported the Vietnam War through communications.

After returning from the Air Force in 1971 he began farming in Latour, MO where he lived all of his life.

On January 31, 1975, Hunky was united in marriage to Nita Rae Stout at the Christian Church in Holden, Missouri. It was one of his proudest moments to have celebrated 50 years with his sweet and loving wife.

Hunky was a dedicated farmer, stockman, member of the Presbyterian Church of Latour and a volunteer fireman of East Lynne, MO. Some of his favorite things included his annual trip to Las Vegas, NV with “the Guys”. He loved visiting friends and neighbors, hunting and fishing up north, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, eating anything that didn’t have raisins in it, going to the movies with the kids and going to Disney World.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nita Johnson. His aunt Peggy Clum, many brother in laws and sister in laws as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Hunky is preceded in death by his son Casey Ray in 1988. His parents George and Louise Johnson, sister Marie Kimberlin and his brother D.G. Johnson.

Cremation with a celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with inurnment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri at a later date.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg, Missouri and sent to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

Obituary - Wayne White

Wayne R.T. White age 85 of Pleasant Hill, Missouri departed this life Monday, February 3, 2025 at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Missouri.

Cremation with no services scheduled.

Inurnment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Missouri at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Church of Christ, Pleasant Hill, Missouri and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

Higher utility bills a temporary issue

During the Tuesday night Butler city council meeting a discussion was held regarding a recent spike in utility bills as residents have expressed discontent regarding the uptick in prices.

Butler City Administrator Corey Snead explained to the those present that power is purchased based on a monthly estimate of usage and the January cold snap increased demand and now it's time to 'catch up' so to speak.

Snead wants to let everyone know that the cold snap happened at the same time as the estimate was paid, which likely will result in a higher/slightly higher bill again this month.

In the discussion it was noted that a spike in billing typically happens a couple times a year, during extremely cold and hot snaps as well.