Bears Host Blackhawks for Burgers & Baseball

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Every year, for quite some time now, Giving Fore Living has been partnering with BHS to put on an annual Burgers and Baseball game. This year the game was even a little more special as Giving Fore Living not only serves Butler, but they also are very tied to the our neighbors to the north, the Adrian Blackhawks. The Bears welcomed to Blackhawks into town, but on the diamond they would try and send them back to Adrian with disappointment.

The Bears seemed well on their way to victory early on. Butler held Adrian scoreless in the first, and then hung 2 of their own. The Bears opening 2 runs came off of a sacrifice fly by Eli Cox that scored Brayden Jackson, and then the speed of Branden Hammett allowed him to plate in the inning as well.

Neither team was able to score in the 2nd, however Butler had a loud 3rd inning as they put up 5 runs. Coehn Wislon started the 5-run inning with an RBI double that scored Cox. Jesse Carter hit a dart into left field that scored Wilson, and then Hammett a 2 RBI Double, the Bears still weren’t done as Brayden Jackson singled to center, scoring Hammett. At the end of 3 the Bears led 7-0.

The Blackhawks finally got on the board in the 5th with a steal of home by Hubbard and a 2 run bomb hit Bryler Ford. The closed the gap to 7-3.

In the top of the 7th, the Blackhawks were still looking for a comeback, they worked one run across by a sacrifice fly by Vandenburg. However, the Bears were just too strong for the Blackhawks on the day, the Bears won with a final of 7-4.

For Adrian, Bryler Ford went a perfect 2 of 2 with 2 RBIs and a HR while Brock Ford went 3 of 4 with 2 doubles.

Rhett Newsome was flawless for the Bears collecting 2 hits in as many at bats. Xavier Wisdom and Bryson Cash each recorded doubles for Butler, and Brayden Jackson recorded multiple hits on the night.

photos by Camren Behringer

Obituary - James Harvey Williamson

James Harvey Williamson, lovingly known to many as "Weedo," passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, surrounded by his family at KC Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 58 years old.

Born on July 2, 1966, to Harvey Townsend and Sylvia Hester (Bean) Williamson, James spent his entire life in the Rockville, Missouri area, where he found great joy in family, friendships, and the simple pleasures of life.

James had a wide variety of interests and a zest for living. Over the years, he was employed at Thorco in Butler and the Down Home Butcher Shop in Rockville. He loved playing fast-pitch softball with the Rockville league. He was a lifelong fan of rock music - especially AC/DC - and enjoyed attending concerts for bands like KISS, Shinedown, and Nickelback. James also loved the excitement of attending races at Wheatland, Missouri and baseball games at Kauffman Stadium.

An avid outdoorsman in his younger years, James enjoyed deer and squirrel hunting with his son Jimmy, as well as fishing for bluegill and catfish, often setting trotlines in hopes of filling the freezer.

James proudly served as mayor of Rockville for eight years, always working to make his hometown a better place. But above all, his family was his greatest joy. Known for his big heart and even bigger sense of humor, James loved teasing and giving each loved one a special nickname - a sure sign you were part of his "family circle."

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Williamson, and his nephew Eric Williamson. James is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his children: Jimmy (Jessica) Williamson, Ashley Williamson (Jared Tunnell), and Tiffany Unruh; and eight grandchildren: Aiden Williamson, Lillie Williamson, Blake Wright, Xavier Unruh, Eliza Williamson, Kinsley Wright, Gage Williamson, and Knox Williamson. He also leaves behind his siblings: Dennis Williamson, Norman Williamson, Mike (Debbie) Williamson, Cheryl Farrell, Cindy Sargent, and John (Kayla) Williamson.

James "Weedo" Williamson fought a courageous fight and lived a life full of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He will be dearly missed every day. As family and friends gather to remember him, they will cherish the many stories, the nicknames, and the good times that will live on in his honor.

Visitation to be held at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City MO. Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12 pm with funeral services to follow at 1 pm. Burial will be at Harmony Cemetery.

Obituary - Basilio Caballero

Basilio Caballero, age 89, was born in Progreso, Honduras January 29, 1936, the son of Francisco Caballero and Francisca Palacios. He departed this life surrounded by his family on April 24, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

Basilio and Lucila Ochoa were united in marriage, and they were blessed with nine children.

During his lifetime, Basilio traveled between Honduras and the United States. He was a Merchant Marine and had traveled all over the world. He even spoke Greek. During time spent in the U.S., he worked for Galamet, Inc. helping to reclaim metals for recycling. He loved cattle and horses, and working the land. He was a member of Sala Evangelica Church in Honduras.

Basilio was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lucila in December of 2021, one daughter Nelly Pinel; his two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include his eight children: Irma Bain, Manuel Caballero, Marcio Caballero, Elizabeth Caballero, Ana Ruth Caballero, Esmeralda Caballero, Mirza Caballero and Kena Caballero.

Funeral service to be held 11 am Monday, April 28 2025 at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City Mo. with burial to follow at the Rockville cemetery

Need Clock Hours? Join the FREE PALS Learning Series on Physical Activity!

Nemours Children’s Health, in collaboration with Missouri Move Smart Child Care, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and University of Missouri Extension, is excited to announce the upcoming Physical Activity Learning Sessions (PALS). These FREE Zoom-based sessions are designed for early care and education (ECE) professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of physical development in young children while earning valuable clock hours.

What is PALS?
PALS is a series of engaging learning sessions that explore best practices for promoting physical activity in young children. Participants will examine challenges faced in supporting active play and learn practical strategies to enhance their early childhood education programs.

Session Details:

• When: Thursdays — May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, and June 5

• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Where: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration)

• Cost: FREE!

• Clock Hours Available: 6 hours

Instructors:

• Kaylie Walker

• Amber Allen

• Debbie Bennett

• Sara Bridgewater

Special Offer!
Participants who attend all five sessions will receive:

• A framed PALS certificate of achievement

• "Active Play! Fun Physical Activities for Young Children" by Dr. Diane H. Craft, PhD

• A Movement CD

How to Register:
https://extension.missouri.edu/events/child-care-professional-development-physical-activity-learning-sessions-pals or contact Sara Bridgewater at sbridgewater@missouri.edu or 660-679-4167 for more information.

Join us for this dynamic learning opportunity and help promote healthier, more active lifestyles for young children!

Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together

A Community-Grounded Program Blending Traditional Skills with Modern Wellness and Safety Practices

BUTLER, MO — Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together is a dynamic educational series from University of Missouri Extension that empowers individuals and families to reconnect with homesteading traditions—while prioritizing health, wellness, and safety. The program offers a unique blend of virtual sessions and hands-on summer workshops, teaching participants how to grow food, raise animals, preserve harvests, and create sustainable systems, all rooted in research-based methods.

Participants don’t just learn how to homestead—they also gain skills for living well. Sessions incorporate wellness-focused topics such as mindful cooking, stress reduction, and using natural remedies to support a healthy lifestyle. Expert instructors also emphasize safety, offering detailed guidance on tool usage, food handling, and animal care to ensure participants build both practical skills and safe habits.

So far, three engaging sessions have been completed:

• Vegetable Gardening – Led by Kelly McGowan, MU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, this session offered space-saving tips and integrated pest solutions, like using Blue Hubbard Squash as a trap crop for squash bugs.

• Berry Production – Ramon Arancibia shared best practices for growing strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

• Upcoming: Introduction to Goats and Sheep – David Brown, MU Extension Small Ruminant Specialist, will provide a beginner-friendly overview of raising sheep and goats on May 13.

Virtual Series Continues Monthly

The virtual component continues with monthly sessions designed for beginner and experienced homesteaders alike. All dates land on a Tuesday and start at 6PM. Upcoming topics include:

• May 22 – Freezing Produce & Meals

• June 10 – Dairy Safety & Butter Making

• July 8 – Managing Plant Diseases

• August 12 – Introduction to Honey Bees & Beekeeping

• September 9 – Greenhouses

• October 14 – Sourdough Bread & Dehydrating

• November 11 – Keeping Chickens for Eggs

• December 9 – Homemade Soap & Cleaning Products

Registration is available online at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/little-roots-big-harvest-homesteading-together or by calling the Bates County Extension Office at 660-679-4167. Follow MU Extension in Bates County on Facebook for updates.

Hands-On Workshops Offer Deeper Learning

“There are in-person workshops scheduled this summer for a deeper dive into not just learning about these topics, but truly leaning into the skills,” said Sara Bridgewater, MU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist.

Workshops are scheduled across three counties, and registration is required to participate.

Vernon County Workshops | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

• June 9: Backyard Insects

• June 16: Food Preservation

• June 23: Dairy Safety & Butter Making

Bates County Workshops | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• June 11: Egg Candling, Sourdough Bread, Freezing, and more

• June 24: Hive Value-Added Products – Beeswax Salves

• July 1: Food Preservation

Cass County Workshops | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• July 7: Food Preservation

• July 14: Egg Candling, Sourdough Bread, Freezing, and more

• July 21: Cleaning Products, Herbs, Goat Soap, and more

For more information, workshop registration, or general inquiries, contact the Bates County Extension Office at 660-679-4167.

About MU Extension:
University of Missouri Extension provides practical education to help people improve their lives, communities, and economies. Through programs like Little Roots, Big Harvest, MU Extension continues its commitment to connecting Missourians with the tools they need for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Saturday ball scores

Baseball 

Sherwood 13
Kingsville 3

West Platte 10
Sherwood 0

Softball 

No local games reported

Severe weather outlook for tomorrow

 

SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK for Monday

Low chance of storms firing in the afternoon with greater chances toward evening & night.

Storms that do form could bring all modes of severe: Strong Winds, Damaging Hail, and Strong Tornados.

Be aware from Monday late afternoon through Tuesday overnight hours.

-Greg@660weather

More details released in Truman Lake crash that claimed two lives

According to a report filed by the Missouri Highway Patrol, on Friday evening a 2012 Dodge Avenger  crossed into the path of a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe resulting in a head-on collision on Mile Long Bridge over Truman Lake around 8:45 pm.

The Tahoe, driven by a 26 year old Clinton man then went over the guardrail and plunged into the water below while the Avenger, driven by a 44 year old Clinton woman, came to rest on the bridge.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene a short time later and the bridge remained partially closed for an extended time on Saturday as the investigation was ongoing.

Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of crash victims.