Obituary - Nikolas "Niko" Orrison Jones

Nikolas "Niko" Orrison Jones, age 18, of Garden City, Missouri departed this life Monday, September 08, 2025 in Joplin, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Heart of Life Church, Garden City, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Heart of Life Church, Garden City, Missouri.

A full obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy of Dickey Funeral Home.

City of Adrian to implement license plate reader cameras

Typical Flock camera

Early in the September 8th session of the Adrian Board of Aldermen meeting, City Administrator Ryan Wescote announced that within a few weeks installation will begin for several Flock cameras to monitor traffic in and out of the city which could help notify police of wanted subjects and potential problems, he stated.

By definition, the Flock camera is an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system that uses machine learning to identify and track vehicles, capture vehicle characteristics beyond license plates, and alert users to matches against watchlists. The cameras are said to help solve crimes, reduce crime rates, and enhance community safety by providing 24/7 monitoring and alerts for wanted vehicles.

"That gives me the creeps a little bit" said South Ward Alderman Matt Sears referring to the 'big brother' type of surveillance that it could bring. "I'm concerned about the sharing of information, you know just surveillance, and privacy concerns in general."

"It's just more safety" said North Ward Alderman David Hummel as he responded that the Bates County Sheriff's Office already uses them and they for example, scan plates in parking lots and gather information often leading to arrests.

Cost of the cameras is relatively inexpensive, running about $3,000 per unit "Very reasonably priced" according to Wescote. He went on to say that all major routes into Adrian will be covered and those cameras will be tied into the network where suspect information is shared among police agencies. 

Following the major storm that downed trees and scattered limb debris last week, a discussion was held regarding residents being able to dump brush inside the fenced area at the city lagoon. Water plant supervisor Tom Williams informed those present that DNR regulations prohibit anyone except city personnel inside the area, as well as dumping certain types of materials in general.

While Administrator Wescote is going look look into DNR regulations to find what might be permissible, other options were discussed including, obviously, finding another location nearby as some mentioned possibilities were too far away.

Wescote made the announcement that code violations can be made anonymously on the city website https://adrian.municipalimpact.com/ however, the city will be able to see who actually made the complaint. Having this information insures all follow-up can be done on behalf of the city, insuring clear communication for all.

Mayor Cunningham inquired about the status of the annexation process for Deer Creek, Wescote said that some minor discrepancies are being cleared up- otherwise the project is moving along as planned. Before the annexation could take place there will be more information made available to residents in both the city and Deer Creek.

Fire Chief Gary Dizney reported that Ronnie Dennison is the new EMA Director and is assuming the position well. Likewise, the new (used) EMA vehicle is in good condition and currently being outfitted with radios and other necessary gear.

Dizney also paid kudos to all other agencies who assisted during last week's storm that caused some major damage in town and out. All said, there were some very minor issues regarding radio communications with all the agencies and Dizney asked Wescote if there is any better way to quickly get messages to the public to which he replied that he will investigate all options.

In his monthly fire department report, Dizney noted that a very high percentage of calls for service are those assisting the ambulance with lift assists, falls, and similar. While the fire department does this to assist, the ambulance is actually responsible for the call. Dizney noted that due to available personnel, the fire department over the month of August missed making a handful of the medical calls but the calls were otherwise handled.

The auditor's report has been rescheduled to next month as the representative had to postpone.

Remember, the Adrian Board of Aldermen meet the second Monday of each month, 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

Obituary - Judith A. Wilcox

A Celebration of Life service for Judith A. Wilcox of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  No visitation.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  In lieu of flowers contributions to Calvary Baptist Church Butler.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Judith A. Wilcox, 79, of Butler, Missouri went to be with her Savior Jesus Christ, on September 5, 2025 after a short illness.  Judy was born April 6, 1946 to George Wilcox Sr. and Ima Jean Wilcox of Butler, Missouri. 

Judy grew up on a farm south of Butler, attended Star Country School and graduated from Butler High School in 1964.  She worked for AT&T in Dallas, Texas, then returned to Missouri and retired from Peterson Manufacturing Company in Belton.

Judy’s greatest joy was found in serving her Lord.  In 1974 God was drawing Judy to Himself and because of reading a book by Hal Lindsey, she had questions about salvation.  She searched the Bible and found the truth that she was separated from God by sin.  She repented of her sins and believed by faith that Jesus Christ took her sin and gave her His righteousness.  She was saved August 31, 1974 in Grand Prairie, Texas.  Through years of diligent study of God’s word, Judy’s faith and biblical knowledge grew.  She began to share her faith with others by teaching Sunday School and ladies Bible study.  She took the Great Commission seriously and made disciples!  She shared the talent God gave her by singing specials at church and she enjoyed puppet ministry with the youth.

After retiring, Judy moved to Butler in 2015 and found her “forever family” at Calvary Baptist Church.  As Judy navigated through retirement years, aging, health issues and living alone, she was a wonderful example of total dependence upon the Lord.  The Bible verse she held tightly to was Proverbs 3:5… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  As Judy prepared to step into eternity, she was surrounded by “family” singing hymns, reading comforting scriptures and praying as she peacefully let go of this world and entered into heaven. 

Judy was preceded in her death by her husband, Billy (Bill) Wallace (1987); her parents; sister, Janice; and brother, George Wilcox Jr. (2023) of Pekin, Illinois.  Judy is survived by three nieces; her Calvary Baptist Church Family whom she loved dearly; and friends.

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.