Saturday, June 21, 2025

Accident on I-49 near Butler



A car has found itself on top of the guard rail in the southbound lanes of I 49 near the Butler exit. Traffic is moving very slowly through the area, you might want to find an alternate route. 

No additional details are available at this time.

Keep your cool today

 



Happening now: Appleton City Fair

 


Bates County Fair: Meet your candidates

 Bates County Fair Princess Candidate


Laney Sue Lynn Kohler is a 5th grader from Merwin, Missouri. She is the daughter of Matt and Amber Kohler and attends Adrian Elementary School, where her favorite subject is math. Laney is an active member of the Next Generation 4-H Club and participates in soccer, basketball, and her school's math contest team. She enjoys showing cattle, swimming, reading, and running the grain cart during harvest. She's no stranger to hard work—she often helps her family on the farm, including operating the skid steer.
Laney’s favorite thing about the Bates County Fair is showing her cattle and watching others show their animals. Her favorite fair memory is dancing and staying up late with friends. She admires her parents for all they’ve taught her, especially about farming and raising animals, and looks up to her mom who is a teacher—just like Laney hopes to be one day. Her favorite motto is "The Best Memories are Made on a Farm."
Laney ran for Princess because she loves the Bates County Fair and wants to help it continue for future generations. A fun fact about Laney is that last year she broke her arm but still showed her cattle—one-handed!

Bates County Fair Queen Candidate


Alexis Bridges is 18 years old and the daughter of Jessica Bridges. She will be entering the 12th grade at Adrian High School this fall. Her favorite subject is history, and she is actively involved in FFA, 4-H, and basketball.
After high school, Alexis plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. She is looking forward to showing her animal at the Bates County Fair. Her role model is her mother, whom she looks up to because she has always been there for her.
In her spare time, Alexis enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family, and caring for her rabbit.
Bates County Fair Queen Candidate


Miranda Jo Foster is 18 years old and proudly calls Butler, Missouri, her hometown. She is the daughter of Dustin and Misty Foster and a 2024 graduate of Butler High School. While in school, Miranda was an active member of the Butler FFA Chapter, Interact Club, and played softball. She is currently working toward her goal of becoming a preschool teacher.
Miranda’s favorite hobbies include showing livestock—especially her goats and sheep—spending time with family, and hanging out with friends. She loves being part of the Bates County Fair, especially seeing the community come together each year to support local youth through shows and events. She also enjoys volunteering with the Fair Board to help with various activities throughout the week.
Her favorite fair memories include being recognized by many people for her hard work with her livestock, attending the fair dance, and participating in the livestock shows. Miranda looks up to her dad, mom and sister, who have taught her to be strong, kind, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
Miranda is running for Fair Queen because she wants to inspire others by stepping outside her comfort zone, trying something new, and speaking in public. She hopes to be a positive role model and share her love for the fair with the community, encouraging others to join in and create their own fair memories.


Obituary - Robert "Bob" Schowengerdt

 Funeral services for Joseph Robert "Bob" Schowengerdt of Independence, Missouri, formerly of Butler, Missouri will be 12 noon Friday, June 27, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation prior to services 11 a.m. - 12 noon at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital or St. Luke’s Hospice House.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Joseph Robert “Bob” Schowengerdt, age 81 of Independence, Missouri died Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born April 29, 1944 to A.B. and Dorothy Inez Cox Schowengerdt in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry Schowengerdt of Independence, Missouri; two daughters, Michelle Pehriz and husband Cagatay of Oak Grove, Missouri and Nicole Schowengerdt of Independence, Missouri; two brothers, Gary Schowengerdt and wife Trevalyn of Butler, Missouri and Dr. Ronald D. Schowengerdt, DDS and wife Linda of Nevada, Missouri; stepbrother, Claude Burch and wife Carol of Parkville, Missouri; stepsister, Diana Crawford and husband Bill of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, ASLI Pehriz and fiancĂ© Andrew Wilkins, Burak Pehriz and Devon Highley; several nephews and nieces; and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, AB and Dorothy Schowengerdt; stepmother, Aleta Burch Schowengerdt; and a nephew, Bryan Scot Schowengerdt.

Let's Rodeo!

 


Obituary - Robert Franklin Goens

Robert Franklin Goens, “Frank” age 82 of Louisburg Kansas, passed away on June 18, 2025 at his home in Louisburg. Graveside services will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in Rockville Cemetery, Louisburg, KS. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Frank was born on October 25, 1942, in Bargetown, Kentucky, the son of Reldie Mae Gilpin and William Edward Goens. He grew up Kentucky and moved around until he ended up in Kansas. Frank was drafted to the Army in 1965 and spent 2 years in the service in Alaska. He was honorably discharged with the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He worked for Fordyce hauling concrete until he retired and spent the rest of his years working on the farm.


Frank met and married Sue A. Goens 57 years ago, when they moved to Louisburg and established their family farm. They raised cattle, pigs, chickens, and he enjoyed planting a garden. He was known for the best watermelon and cantaloupes in town. When he wasn’t hard at work on the farm, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.


Frank was proud of his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had many friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was the true definition of a neighbor always checking in, helping with what he could. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.


Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sue Goens, and brothers, Randy and Billy Goens. He is survived by his son Greg Goens and wife Airene, grandson, Alan Goens and wife Lindsay, granddaughter, Kelli Goens and fiancé Steve Smith, step-granddaughter Allen Pepito and Julio Alvarez, along with great-grandchildren, Wesley Goens and Hudson Flores.


Obituary - Michael Gene Davis

Michael Gene Davis's wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.  There are no public services at this time.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Michael Gene Davis, age 68 of Butler, Missouri, died Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the Butler Rehab Center after a lengthy illness.  He was born July 17, 1956 to Dale Davis and Neva Gunn in Kansas City, Missouri.

Michael is survived by three sons, Jason Davis of Blue Springs, Missouri, Brandon Davis of Grain Valley, Missouri and Patrick Davis Cruz of Independence, Missouri; daughter, Summer Davis of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; four brothers, Kenny Davis of Urbana, Missouri, Greg Davis of Chicago, Illinois, Dennis Davis and wife Nancy of Blue Springs, Missouri and Jeff Davis of Butler, Missouri; sister, Sandi and husband Johnny Leister of Amsterdam, Missouri; seven grandchildren; and seven nephews and nieces.  Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Neva Thompson of Butler, Missouri; father, Dale Davis; paternal grandmother, Gertrude Green of Overland Park, Kansas and grandfather, Ivan Davis of Springfield, Missouri; and maternal grandparents, Herman and Rose Gunn of Chicago, Illinois.


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