David Stewart to serve 20 years for murder of Rich Hill man

David A. Stewart

On November 14, 2024 Bates County Deputies were summoned to a rural Rich Hill residence on a report of a subject inside the home with a fatal gunshot wound who was later identified as Jerry Lee McLay, 48.

A review of security camera footage revealed the suspect's vehicle and further investigation confirmed text messages disclosing a meeting between McLay and David Alan Stewart 41, also of Rich Hill, over money owed to McLay.

The video indicated that a short time later Stewart did return to the residence and a gunshot could be heard on the security footage which eventually lead to the arrest of Stewart at his home in Rich Hill.

On September 5th, Stewart was sentenced in the Bates County Circuit Court on 2nd Degree Murder (17 years) and Armed Criminal Action (3 years) for which he will serve a total of 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Jason Chulufas recognized for 20 years of service

During last night's regular meeting of the Adrian Board of Aldermen, Jason Chulufas was presented recognition for his 20 years of service to the City of Adrian by Mayor Matt Cunningham as seen here.

"We could say a lot more about what you do" said Cunningham "Just know we really appreciate everything you do for our city. 20 years is no joke, again, we really appreciate all you do."

Showers moving through

Accident leaves portion of Bates county without power

Around 10 pm last night, the Missouri Highway Patrol along with first responders were summoned to a single vehicle accident on F highway approximately 8 miles west of Passaic.

According to witnesses, a pickup with a single occupant left the roadway, sheared a power pole and came to a rest in a cornfield, leaving the driver with what appeared to be moderate injuries.

Just before 11 pm, the Highway Patrol arrested Marvin N. Rogers, 68, of Amoret, Mo on the following counts: 1- Felony Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Offender; 2- Failure to Maintain Right Half of Roadway Resulting in an Accident; 3- No Seatbelt.

Upon clearing the scene, crews were called to replace the pole and power was restored a few hours later. 

The above charges are mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Obituary - Ray Craft

Ray Craft, 78 of Amoret, Missouri passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025 surrounded by family at his home in Amoret. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the Virginia United Methodist Church Youth Building. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, September 12, 2025, also at the Virginia United Methodist Church Youth Building. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ray to the Virginia United Methodist Church or Giving Fore Living. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

On Saturday, September 6 at 4:43pm, (Keith) Ray Craft was called upon to put down his earthy tool-belt and pick up the key to his eternal home. Apparently, the list of folks requesting his unmatched quality of work was getting long in God’s house, so Ray went on to make Heaven a more beautiful place.

Although he spent 78 years with us, we weren’t ready to let him go. But when it was time for him to leave, he was surrounded by family in his home, on the farm. It was a fitting farewell to the man who spent his life working the land, crafting cabinetry, building homes and carefully curating a beautiful herd of Gelbvieh cattle.

Ray was born on May 30, 1947, grew up in Amoret with two older brothers, Wayne and Tom on the farm owned by his parents, Pauline (Thomas) and Kenneth Craft. He attended school at Amoret until he moved to Miami School in 7th grade. Sophomore year, Ray and Joy began dating, marrying on June 5th 1964.

In many ways the couple grew up together, as they built a life with their three children, Debbie, Kelly and Julie, on their own farm, situated across the gravel road from Kenneth and Pauline. In his younger years, Ray worked at Midwest Victorian Marble Plant from 1965 until 1976, when he went to work for Elmer John Taute as a carpenter. Clearly Ray found his calling as he spent the rest of his life working in construction. He was a skilled craftsman with a strong work ethic. Someone once told him that a good carpenter knew how to cover-up their mistakes. That didn’t set well with Ray. He didn’t believe in covering up mistakes, he believed in doing things with pride, in the right way, and if it wasn’t right…there was no covering up…for him the only option was to fix whatever was wrong properly.

Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with his family and working alongside of them doing all manner of tasks on the farm. In 2003 Ray and Joy became the proud owners of a quaint cabin on Table Rock Lake near Branson Missouri. Over the years Ray and Joy spent many wonderful days boating, hunting for flea market treasures, building new friendships, and tinkering in the yard. Of course, Ray expanded and improved every aspect of the cabin, creating a truly special place for he and Joy, their children, grandchildren and now their great-grands.

Ray and Joy both owned their own businesses and were extremely active members of the Virginia United Methodist Church where they worked as youth group leaders for many years together. Ray was still an active member of the Board of Trustees and held the office of Administrative Board Chair for over 35 years.

Ray Craft was a hard-working man who was known for his honesty, integrity and above all…his quick wit and never-ending quest to make others smile through his clever words and well planned out pranks. One of the valuable legacies he passed on to the younger generations in his family, was his unique way of allowing humor to strengthen them through the difficult seasons of life.

Ray’s difficulties have ended and there’s nothing but laughter for him today, as he builds his eternal home in glory.

Ray was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayne and Tom, his parents, Kenneth and Pauline, and one daughter-in-law, DeAnn. He is survived by his wife, Joy, of the home, his children; Debbie (husband Gary), Kelly, Julie (husband John), ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Ray felt he was very lucky. He loved the family related to him by blood…and was blessed by his in-law children and grandchildren as well.

Notice from City of Appleton City

The Board of Aldermen Meeting has been changed to Tuesday September 16th, 2025 at 7:00 pm. It will be held at City Hall.

They’re big. They’re hairy. But are they really scary?

Missouri's biggest spider is actually the Texas brown tarantula and they weigh more than some small birds. But no need to worry much, they are actually very shy. Read more here:

https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/xplor/2025-09/gentle-giants

Obituary - Shirley Ann Paden

 

Shirley Ann Paden, 81 passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025 at her home in Harrisonville, Missouri. Inurnment was held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri on September 8, 2025. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com