Warmer by the 4th

Power restored in northwest Bates County

 

These downed 3 phase power lines west of Adrian were the cause of an outage that affected most of the northwest part of Bates County earlier today after a brief. but intense storm rolled through. 

Osage Valley crews began repairs immediately however, due to the amount of work to be done extra time was required. 

Power was restored just before 6 pm.

Rich Hill sign redux now complete

 

Our billboard has a NEW FACE and is now promoting RICH HILL to hundreds of thousands of travelers (24/7) on I-49!

Thanks to Koehn Building Systems for restoring our sign’s framework, City of Rich for installing the new face, and Rich Hill 4th of July Committee for “footing the bill” for the new face!

Everyone, with a connection to Rich Hill, appreciates this important project being completed.

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Many months ago, our highway billboard, near TT overpass on I-49, almost was abandoned and doomed for destruction.

We rescued it, and TODAY, it once again, is “standing tall” after one of our local businesses jumped in to help us out, and rebuild it.

The importance of this sign to our community (with 100,000 vehicles passing by it on a regular basis) is invaluable. The new face will be coming in the next few weeks, and ONCE AGAIN, travelers from all over will be “welcomed” to Rich Hill!

Thank you Koehn Building Systems for this work!

Courtesy Larry Hacker

Stockdale deemed 'hot dog champ' at Adrian 4th of July celebration

 

We would like to introduce you to the Bates County Hotdog Eating Champion. Detective Stockdale has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2009. Paul defeated 17 other contestants, and took the Championship at the Adrian Optimist 4th of July Festival in the park at Adrian Missouri.

“This is another example of our Deputies and the quality of our Community Policing Program. We are building strong relationships with civic groups and the public”. Says Sheriff Anderson

Paul said after this, if he sees the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile he may just take the driver to jail.

BCSO makes short work of catching fleeing driver

 

A night of fun, fire works and great music took a 180 degree turn for law enforcement at the close of the festival.

On 6/28/2025, while deputies and police officers assigned to the Adrian Fireworks and Festival, performed foot patrols in the park greeting friendly faces and shared laughter with many. As the fireworks and festival was closing and traffic was exiting the park, deputies out on patrol made a traffic stop after a 911 call about a dangerous Careless and Imprudent driver on the interstate.

From the start of the traffic stop the driver was less than cooperative. Deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from within the vehicle. The driver refused to exit the vehicle. Deputies were able to make entry into the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The driver began resisting the deputies and a taser was deployed which failed to have effect. The driver was able to get the vehicle started again and began to drive away with the deputies partially in the vehicle. The first deputy was able to clear himself but had to grab the second deputy and pull him out as he was struck with the B-pillar of the truck. Narrowly being hung up and dragged down the interstate.

A pursuit with the truck followed traveling northbound on I49 from Passaic. The Deputies and Adrian Police Officers at the park responded to the interstate to intercept the pursuit. Every law enforcement officer knew the importance of getting the Adrian exit ramp shut down to ensure the safety of all the citizen leaving the park and heading in town or merging onto the interstate to go northbound. As the pursuit approach Adrian, the Sheriff having the largest vehicle in the fleet, drove down the exit ramp the opposite direction, prepared to use his vehicle to physically stop the fleeing vehicle from exiting into Adrian. The fleeing truck narrowly missed striking the Sheriff’s patrol vehicle head on and was forced to stay on the interstate.

As the truck crossed under the Adrian exit, he emerged on the other side to a sea of patrol vehicles preventing innocent civilians from entering the interstate. With the interstate clear of innocent people, and the appropriate amount of assistance, the Grappler Device was deployed. The Grappler did its job and brought the pursuit to a stop. The driver was extracted from his vehicle where he continue to resist arrest. After a short scuffle the driver was taken into custody.

The Driver, from Oklahoma, will be identified once formal charges are filed.

Sheriff Anderson says, “This is exactly why law enforcement is important to our community. This is exactly why we build positive relationships with our other law enforcement partners, like Adrian PD. Deputies who were foot patrolling a family festival, who were there for Community Policing, responded as a team to protect the families trying to get home after a night of celebrating our great country’s freedom. Had those deputies and officers not been there, the driver, who attempted to exit at Adrian, would have most certainly killed a family. This person showed absolutely no remorse for his actions after his arrest. He was an absolute danger to the public prior to the traffic stop, assaulted the Deputy and became even more of a danger to the hundreds of innocent people leaving the festival all because of his actions. He picked the wrong night, the wrong county and chose the wrong direction to run. I’m extremely proud of the men and women who work in law enforcement throughout this county. This incident highlights how fast a law enforcement officers night can change from laughing and enjoying our community to the very dangerous work we do.”

Obituary - Cindy Sue Leeper

Cindy Sue Leeper of Harrisonville, Missouri, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 78.

Born on March 3, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, Cindy was the daughter of Gerald and Vivian (Shaw) Pech. She began her education at No. 36 School, a one-room schoolhouse, before graduating from Harrisonville High School. Following her high school graduation, she attended Draughon’s Business School, where she honed her skills for a successful career.

Cindy dedicated much of her life to her family and community. She contributed to the family farm and held various positions throughout her career, ultimately serving as an Administrative Assistant at the Cass County Juvenile Center, where she retired after 26 years of dedicated service in 2010. In addition to her professional endeavors, Cindy was passionate about youth development and helped start the Archie 4-H Club, leading it for over 16 years to ensure her children had enriching opportunities. She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Cindy's love story began when she met Robert G. Leeper at Lone Tree School, a one-room schoolhouse, during the 2nd and 3rd grades. Their connection blossomed when Cindy gave Robert a Christmas card that read, “I like you; do you like me?” to which he sweetly replied, “I love you.” Although they were separated when Cindy’s family moved, they rekindled their relationship shortly after her high school graduation and became engaged at Robert’s graduation. They were married on September 24, 1966, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, sharing 58 wonderful years together.

Cindy is survived by her devoted husband, Robert G. Leeper, who resides at their home. She leaves behind two sons: Robert G. Leeper Jr. "Robbie" and his wife, Shawna, of Harrisonville, MO; and Travis Leeper of Archie, MO. Her daughters include Stephanie Cumpton and her husband, Craig, of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Jennifer Sims and her husband, Jonathan, of New Braunfels, TX. Cindy was also a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Dalton and Katie Cumpton, Hayden and Carson Sims, and Tristan Leeper, one sister: Kathy Burkitt, her niece, Jessica Vazquez and her husband, Nelson and two great-nieces, Athena and Ava Vazquez.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in her honor on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Archie Community Center, located at 34800 S Butcher Road, Archie, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cindy’s honor to the Archie School, with proceeds designated for the athletic program.

Obituary - Ronald "Ronnie" Dean Hale

Ronald "Ronnie" Dean Hale, 78, of Harrisonville, Missouri, died on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with a visitation beginning at 5:30 PM.

Ronnie was born on September 8, 1946, in Braymer MO, the son of William E. and Marilyn Nadine (Coffman) Hale. He was a 1964 graduate of Harrisonville High School. He was drafted into the United States Army, serving in the 101st Airborne unit from February of 1966 to February of 1968. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harrisonville. Ronnie married Linda E. Downey on October 1, 1965, in Harrisonville, MO.

He worked in many areas of construction retiring as a Construction Superintendent in 2003. His main hobbies were centered around the outdoors and lake life. In 1997, they bought a lake house at Truman Lake and many, many days were spent there. In recent years, he most enjoyed fishing with his dog, Wally, as co-captain.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda, of the home; a son, Lance Hale (Kristen), Osceola, MO; a daughter, Lea Nickel (John) Harrisonville, MO; five grandsons: Chase Laizure, Landen Laizure, Gaven Hale, Tyler Nickel, and Brecken Nickel; and 2 great-grandsons, Ayden Laizure and Atlas Nickel.

Obituary - Linda Darlene Kelly

Linda Darlene Kelly, 76, of Summerville, South Carolina, formerly of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Roper St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, SC. A graveside service is pending arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to OOIDA Truckers for Troops.

Born on February 8, 1949, in Harrisonville, MO, to E.L. and Margie (Prettyman) Franse, Linda lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering passion for her family and hobbies. She graduated from Harrisonville, MO, High School. Linda went on to spend her career in the insurance industry, finding fulfillment in her work at OOIDA, where she built strong bonds with her work family. She was proud of her achievements and dedicated to helping others throughout her career.

A true free spirit, Linda had a lifelong love for country music, often filling her home and heart with its joyful melodies or by attending live concerts. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, never missing a game, and shared that enthusiasm with her loved ones. She could also be found enjoying NASCAR frequently. Her adventurous spirit led her to embrace nature, often capturing its beauty through her passion for photography and vacation trips to see natures wonders. A devoted follower of her faith, Linda was raised in the Presbyterian Church in Freeman, MO, and her belief in God remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, John "J.K." Kelly; her parents; her brothers: E.L. "Butch" Franse and David Franse; her uncle, Gene Franse; and her aunt, Donna Franse. Linda's family was her greatest treasure. She is survived by her son, Billy Franse, and daughter-in-law, Amanda Franse; her granddaughter, Adriana; her grandson, Parker; and her nephew, Jeff Franse.

Linda's family was her greatest treasure. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, as we remember a woman who embraced life with open arms, a radiant smile, and an abundance of love. Linda instilled values of love, faith, and joy in all her family members, and her spirit will continue to resonate in their lives.