Obituary - Lois Johnson

Lois Ann Baldrige Johnson, 86, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was called home on September 10, 2025, at her residence in Louisburg, Kansas. Cremation with private family memorial services to be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Lois was born on November 19, 1938, in Coffeyville, Kansas, she graced the lives of many with her unwavering spirit and boundless love. Her life, spanning 86 years, was a testament to resilience, compassion, and an enduring dedication to her family.

Lois was the cherished daughter of Charley Howard Baldridge and Helen Florence McLaughlin. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, who instilled in her the values of kindness and hard work that she carried throughout her life. Lois attended the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, Kansas, where she formed friendships that would last a lifetime and fostered a strong sense of community and belonging.

In her early years, Lois found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She married for 19 years, during which time she was blessed with six wonderful children: Shirley Tripp and her husband Dennis of Claremore, OK; Sandra Huey and her husband Bob of Pleasant Valley, MO; Sallie Jester and her husband Jack of Louisburg, KS; Stuart Johnson and his wife Lyne Tumlinson of Lawrence, KS; Stephen Johnson and his wife Sheila Montgomery of Lawrence, KS; and Stacy Johnson and her wife Kristen Sandell of Kyle, TX.

Lois’s legacy is carried on by her 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Each of them holds a special place in her heart, and she in theirs, as they reflect on the countless memories made throughout the years.

Lois Ann Baldrige Johnson will be profoundly missed but cherished in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and the unwavering strength that she shared with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. As we say goodbye, we hold tight to the memories and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

Obituary - Donna Murphy

Donna Mae “Donut” Murphy, 69, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on September 9, 2025, after a short battle with cancer at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Cremation with services pending at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Donna was born on March 1, 1956, in Butler, Missouri, to Donald Scofield and Goldie Butler. She grew up in a loving family and carried that same love and warmth throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, Dustin (Whitney) Miller and Jennifer (Luis) Sandres; siblings Shane Scofield, Susan Wheeler, and Melissa Bedell; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Scofield and Goldie Butler; her son, Anthony Williamson; her brother, Steve Scofield; and her sister, Melinda Lloyd.

Donna spent her career as a dental assistant, where she cared deeply for her patients and colleagues. After retiring, she continued her life of service by volunteering for years at Hope Faith Ministries in Kansas City, where she helped provide critical services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness and at-risk members of the community, empowering them to work toward self-sufficiency and independence.

Family was at the heart of Donna’s world. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting, bowling, cooking, and taking pictures of her family—capturing memories that will be treasured for generations.

Donna, affectionately known as “Donut,” was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many others whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived—and for the profound impact it had on all who were blessed to know her.

Those who knew Donna will remember her for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, as well as her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Remember me when I am gone

But not with sorrow, pain and grief

Think of me as a turning leaf

That in the winter falls from its branch

To be born again in spring

And live forever in your heart

Obituary - Morgan Wakefield

Morgan Leon Wakefield, age 29, Mound City, Kansas passed away as the result of a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.  

Memorial service will be held 10 am Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at the Mound City Christian Church.  Burial will be in the Curry Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Monday, September 15 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christian Church Youth Group.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

Obituary - Shirley E. Dillon

Shirley E. Dillon, 95, of Archie, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Foxwood Springs in Raymore, MO. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with a visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment to follow at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Silent Unity, 1901 NW Blue Pkwy, Unity Village, MO 64065.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available.

Butler High School Student of the Month

 

Roads and bridges top topics for Bates County Commission

September 3, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Great River gave a scheduled pre-construction meeting for the BRO-2023 Bridge. Present were Lee Schofield, Lindsey Chaffin and Zack Olivas with Great River, Chris Childress with C&C Bridge and Concrete, and Josh Dugan with MoDOT. Lee handed out the blueprint and went over plans and expectations. Lee stated the Buy America Policy will be enforced. Construction to start September 15th. Final paperwork should be all in by tomorrow. Josh added to ensure that the Missouri 30-day prompt payment law is followed. If contractor is not paid at time of invoice, then it is to be paid 48 hours after imbursement by MoDOT. John asked Josh about the repair work the county contracted out on a few bridges. The bridges pylons were encased in concrete as they are starting to corrode to stop corrosion. Josh stated the new bridges will have the pylons encased in concrete during the build. Jim will get ahold of the local authorities on the road closure.

Jim asked Josh about some concrete teardown that he would like to procure for the county for riverbank build up. Josh referred him to the RE on that project.

Lindsey then shared the list of bidders to date on the Courthouse Sidewalks. The bid opening is scheduled for the 17th at 2:30.

Zack presented the proposed blueprint for the County build box culvert for soft match money on County Road 9002. MoDOT has already approved the build for soft match money. Trent asked about contracting work if needed. Lindsey stated the materials will be put to bid. Then in 3 or 4 months it will arrive. The current projection date is Spring of 2026. Zack stated that Bill will have to keep a daily log. Lindsey stated they have a form that he can fill out. When completed this will be a legal load bridge. Projected build is Fall 2026.

Trent made the motion to accept the blueprint presented for the box culvert bridge for soft match money. John seconded. All voted yes. Motion passed. No opposition.

John stated he had a couple of questions for Jim and Trent. John stated he took several calls over the weekend. A few on the bridges that Matthew Tillery and Trent's son repaired. John asked if all the tools and items were returned when the job was done. Trent stated yes. John replied "Okay I'm just catching a little heat, so I want to get this straight. John went on to question the total amount agreed on from the beginning to the extra that was paid. Trent stated that it was due to them cutting out some brush from under the bridges while they were there. **At the Appleton City Lake bridge on county road 2576. They also cut out a 65 ft wood bridge from under the existing concrete bridge with chain saws. Standing in mud and water 3-5 feet deep and using a boat at some times. They completed a total of 8 bridges and originally was to be $1000.00 a bridge. The total paid out is just over $10,000.00. With concrete charges over $8,000.00. John clarified with Trent, his son Dustin Nelson worked on all 8 bridges and was working with Matthew Tillery. John then asked if Matthew worked for Trent's butchering business. Trent replied he sometimes helps with butchering and other things but not an employee. “Just a hard-working kid that does odd jobs” Trent stated. Trent states that these kids doing this hard work saved the county money. Saved a few more years out of $400,000.00 bridges. John stated that he had just heard complaints from several people. Some from Rich Hill on the dirt mounds on Trent's property. John then stated that his biggest issue is” if we've got guys (road and bridge crew)sitting around and if they do that 5 days a week, that is a lot, between how many guys?”. John went on to explain that he was not accusing them of sitting around but it needed investigation. He further states that he understands that they need extra hands every now and then as well. They went on to state that they need to have a conversation with Bill on these concerns.

Ryan Glass and Clayton Lyons with Kohen Construction came in at their scheduled meeting to ask questions about the Courthouse Sidewalk Project. Ryan asked if there was to be a provided dump truck for the removal of the existing sidewalk concrete. Jim stated yes, the county would have a dump truck provided and would be handling the disposal of the concrete waste. Some of the questions were referred to Great River. They were given contacts and phone numbers. Questions about where supplies and equipment parking were discussed.

** Bold statement added 9/8/2025 Not part of the original meeting or audio

Work in progress

1. Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 nothing since April 25.

2. Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 evening meeting 6/11/25 still gaining signatures. As of 8/7/25, nine people need to sign. All need to sign to move the drives to roads.

3. Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley). ($106,888.79 to date)

4. EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 8/13/25. 

September 8, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Bill Stephan with Road and Bridge arrived to his scheduled meeting. Jim and Bill discussed hiring a part time employee to help with the mowing. They mow year-round and having another person with a CDL to help keep that up would be desirable. Ads for hiring will be put out.

John stated to Bill that the original need for this meeting has been clarified. Originally there was to be a closed Session meeting to discuss the allegations of nonproductive workers. John had spoken to Bill about this separately and found the truth of the matter to be late lunches due to time restrictive work conditions. Trent stated he now understands what he mistook as “sitting around” on the clock.

John discovered that the Road and Bridge crew helped Matt Tillery with the clearing and repair work at the 8 bridges. Jim stated “Bill hired the guy to do the work. Yeah, the guy hired Trent's employee, Trent's son, to work with him. They really had nothing to do with it. This is all done above board, where it had nothing showing that anybody was trying to force anybody to do anything. Okay, I want clarification of that, but we have so don't be sitting there saying, well, we this and we because we didn't hire anybody to do the work. We paid for the work to be done. John states he wasn’t here when this was done. Trent stated this work was on the books for 3 years to get done. John brought up how this project went over budget. Original agreement was $1,000.00 in labor a bridge with 8 bridges to be done. With supplies paid for and concrete the total sits near $20,000.00. Over the limit of $12,000.00 to bid out. When John heard Trent state that couple of times he had been out to the road and bridge barn and seen the crew eating there was the assumption that they were slacking off when we had to hire other workers to complete work that needed to be done for 3 years. After further discussion, the understanding is that Bill is doing a great job as supervisor. The crew is working as they should be. Communication between the commissioners needs worked on.

Jim shared the blueprint for the upcoming bridge replacement to start on the 15th of September and the one that Road and Bridge will be building next year.

Trent circled back to the bridges stating each bridge should be considered an individual project. All agreed this repair work will add 20 to 30 years to each bridge life-span and improve the ratings on them at the next state inspection. Each bridge cost around $400,000.00 on average. The working conditions were not favorable. The worst had the guys standing chest deep in water pouring concrete into forms. Jim wanted it said that Bill hired these guys. Trent recommended them but Bill interviewed and hired them it had nothing to do with him or Trent at all. Jim further stated that if the public has a problem with something they need to call the Commissioners as a group not just one. John stated if someone calls him with a problem he will help to the best of his ability.

John mentioned the Solar Project that should start building next year. The road improvements to be starting.

The conversation turned to Bill receiving the new truck.

Trent circled back again to the bridge repair, asking Bill if the boys needed some supplies if he would have gotten them. Bill stated he told them in the beginning to get with him on anything needed as he can get the supplies tax free. Which was not done as they turned in receipts on paid for by them with tax paid.

Trent asked about the Butler Water Plant Bridge. Bill stated that getting the tree removed needs to be done as it is most of the problem. Bill plans to do this once the owner has given approval.

Obituary - Bill Ferguson

 Chester “Bill” William Ferguson, a beloved figure in the Ottawa, Kansas community, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on December 21, 1946, in Ottawa, Kansas, he was the son of Ed and Vera (Potter) Ferguson. Bill graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1964 and made a significant mark in both his professional and personal life.

Right out of high school, Bill began his career at a trailer factory. He later joined the Army National Guard on October 28, 1965, where he served for six years, during which he learned essential skills in climbing poles. After completing his military service, he became employed with the City of Ottawa as a tree trimmer, which ultimately led to a successful career as a lineman—a position he held for forty-nine years until his retirement in December 2021. Bill’s expertise in the city’s electrical systems was unmatched; he was known to have a profound familiarity with every transformer and electrical hookup in Ottawa. As a mentor, he proudly taught many young men to respect their job and the service it provided. In addition to his career, he also worked at the sale barn part time.

He had a playful spirit and loved to bring joy to others. His contagious laughter was a source of entertainment, sharing jokes which were normally funny only to him. Bill also made his mark in sports, starting the first ladies’ softball league in 1975 and coaching several teams well into the 1980s. His commitment to youth sports extended to officiating high school football for seventeen years, a passion he had to step away from when his knees could no longer carry him through the games.

In 1966, he was united in marriage to Kathy Ribeau. They were married for seventeen years.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Mae Miller, whom he married on April 24, 1987, in Nevada. He is also survived by his daughter Wendee Storck of Overland Park, Kansas, daughter Penny Jones (Darren) of Missouri City, Texas, daughter LaCole Ferguson of Pomona, Kansas, and son William E.J. Ferguson of Ottawa, Kansas. His legacy extends to his grandchildren, Dakota Storck of Lawrence, Kansas, Austin Storck (Meredith) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mackenzie Jones of Missouri City, Texas, and Spencer Jones of Missouri City, Texas, and his great-granddaughter Marylise Storck of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Fred Ferguson (Marlene), Larry Ferguson (Miriam), Ed Ferguson (Nancy), and Roger Ferguson.

He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa on September 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service starting at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery at 1:00 PM the same day. Bill’s spirit and remarkable contributions to the community have left an indelible mark, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Obituary - Justin Byram

Justin Raymond Byram, 44, Sheldon, MO, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada. Justin was born June 20, 1981 in Nevada to Harry R.  Byram and Kimberley L. Nordyke.

     Justin was raised in Vernon and Barton Counties and graduated from Lamar High School in 2000. He lived most of his adult life in Sheldon. Justin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed coon hunting, his dogs, horses, fishing, and hunting. He also loved watching the Kansas City Chief’s and being with his family – especially his nieces and nephews.

      Survivors include his mother, Kimberley of the home; father, Hal Byram of Sheldon; a brother, Tracy Byram (Ashley), Nevada; three nieces, Leah Byram (Chase), Donna Byram, and Tracy Lynn Byram; one nephew, Garrett Byram; and a great-nephew, Eli Hinman; grandmother, Mary Buckner, Sheldon; an uncle, Kenny Buckner;  three aunts, Karen Jeffries (Bruce), Sheldon, Lisa Gardner (Larry), Sheldon, and Loretta Murray, Milo, MO;  and several other great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Helen Byram, Raymond Buckner,  Bud Nordyke; and uncle Jesse Murray, Jr.

     Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Sheldon Baptist Church in Sheldon with Dr. Jerod Lamb officiating. A private committal will be held at a later time at the Olive Branch Cemetery in Milo.