Don't miss the final night of the Butler Saddle Club Rodeo!

 

COME ON OUT, the weather will be nice and there's a full schedule of events this evening. If you don't have tickets, they will be available at the gate, adults $12, kids 6-12 $8. See you there!

Obituary - Charles Edwin Sutterby

Charles Edwin Sutterby, age 73, of Blue Mound, Kansas passed away at his home on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the Blue Mound Bible Church. Visitation will be from 10 am until service time at the church. Burial will be in the Mapleton Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the Blue Moon Youth Center or Gideon's International.

Obituary - Mary Ann Thornton

Mary Ann Thornton, of Archie, Missouri, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on June 20, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Overland Park, Kansas. Born on June 11, 1948, in Miami, Oklahoma, to William and Helen (Arbs) Koontz, Mary Ann faced her final days with grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

Mary Ann lived a life rooted in devotion—to her faith and to the simple joys that brought her peace. She had a passion for traveling and cherished the countless memories made on each journey. She found purpose and joy in cooking and baking for others, always taking care to prepare meals that brought comfort to those she loved. A talented gardener, Mary Ann had a gift for nurturing herbs and flowers, creating beauty wherever she planted. Above all, she was a faithful servant of God, living each day guided by scripture, prayer, and a deep love for her Savior.

She is survived by her caregiver and daughter, Dianna (Thornton) Butler; her granddaughter, Brianna Thornton-Roland; her daughter, Jayne Ann (Thornton) Conklin, and son-in-law, Jack Conklin II. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Jessica Mathia (and husband Derek), Jack Conklin III (and wife Jhesica), and three cherished great-grandchildren: Jack IV, Avery, and Amelia.

A private graveside service will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, honoring Mary Ann’s legacy.

Highlights from the Butler Saddle Club Rodeo Friday evening

Reigning 2024 Queen, Bree Baney carrying our American Flag

Funny man act, Cops vs teachers. Teachers WON!

Pictured is Sheriff Chad Anderson and Captain Justin Shaffer with Butler Elementary Teachers Vickie Spencer and Keegan Lawrence.

Thank you Max Motors for supplying another beautiful truck for the rodeo

Tonight will be a big show at the Bates County Fairgrounds for the 72nd annual Butler Saddle Club Rodeo. Below is a sneak peek at the schedule, we'll see you there!

Appleton City Fair Royalty

Little Prince, Josh Haddock & Little Princess, Emery Poole

Senior King, Leroy Swopes & Senior Queen, Dorotha Swopes

Between the five little prince/princess candidates, they raised almost $4000! Thank you to all our Royalty contestants as seen here.

Appleton City Fair Bake Off Blue Ribbon Winners

Pies: Scarlet Watson- Cherry Pie| Cakes: Mona McDaniel- German Chocolate Cake Breads: Nancy Snodgrass- Zucchini Bread Cinnamon Rolls: Harper Stoddard Cookies: Kim Meszaros- Italian Nut Balls with Apricot Jam

Thank you to all for participating in our first Bake Off. All items will be auctioned tonight at 6:00pm.

Butler man injured in early morning accident

According to a report filed by the Missouri Highway Patrol, a  pickup driven by 37 year old Sean Thompson of Butler left the roadway and overturned just east of Amoret on 52 highway around 1 a.m. this morning.

The victim received serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Research Hospital in Kansas City.

A busy day in Appleton City

 

TAKING DOWN THE 'BAD GUY' As part of the festivities during the Appleton City Fair, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office held a demonstration seen here, K-9 'Babs' shows the finer points of immobilizing the perpetrator. Below, Perrie, age 6, finds a much nicer side of Babs, along with Deputy Samuel Clenin.

More highlights: