K-9 Enzo sniffs out more drugs in traffic stop

 On 10/03/2025 at approximately 12:07AM, A Butler Officer conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Mustang due to window tint. After stopping the vehicle, the Officer checked the tint and confirmed with a tint meter that the windows were tinted darker than permitted by law.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as William Bush with the passenger being identified as Kasey Fuqua. After checking the driver’s information, he showed to be on probation and the driver appeared to be agitated while speaking with Officers.

Officers then requested that Bush consent to a search of the vehicle to which Bush denied consent. K-9 Enzo then conducted a free air sniff of around the vehicle and alerted to the passenger side of the vehicle where Kasey Fuqua had been. Officers then searched the vehicle and located multiple items of suspected narcotics to include a crystal like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, mushrooms, and unidentified pills.

Fuqua was then placed in custody by Officers and transported to the Bates County Jail.

Rain chances increase tomorrow

 

Tuesday's system brings some significant precipitation chances to further ease Missouri's drought.

Here are some possible rain amounts from the moisture associated with the cold front sweeping over the area Tuesday/Wednesday.

Again, just rainfall: No severe weather expected.

-Greg

Obituary - Edwin Pulliam

 

Edwin “Ed, Eddie” Wray Pulliam, 63, entered into rest on October 22, 2025.

Edwin was born on April 18, 1963 to Gary and Jane Pulliam in Harrisonville, Missouri. Edwin grew up in Harrisonville and graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1981. He married Lisa Mueller in 1985. Together they had a son, Joshua Wray Pulliam. Edwin and Lisa divorced in 1998. Edwin later married Barbara Gilbert. They have been separated for many years.

After high school Edwin attended William Jewel College and Southwest Baptist University. He worked in many different occupations including a house parent with the Missouri Baptist Children's Home and choir director at Freeman and Cornerstone Southern Baptist Churches. From his childhood he dreamed of driving a semi-truck over the road. Edwin accomplished his dream, and he drove all over the country. He studied his atlas, never got lost and knew his directions well.

Later in life Edwin moved to Forsyth, Missouri to be close to his son and in his final years lived in his home. In his final days living in the nursing home, he remained a faithful Christian and servant of Jesus Christ. He led Bible studies and even preached a sermon one Sunday morning.

Edwin was a loving man. He loved Jesus, his family, being a father and grandpa, visiting with friends, music, naps, and making people laugh. He was very blessed and was loved by all of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Gary Pulliam, brother Clayton Duane Pulliam, Aunt Zelda Pulliam, Uncle Larry Pulliam and Uncle Thomas Strausbaugh.

He is survived by: his mother Jane Schuster and step-father Larry Schuster, brother Gary “Gene” Pulliam and his partner John Mueller, his aunt Shirley Strausbaugh, Uncle Richard Pulliam, and Aunt Sue Pulliam, his son Joshua Pulliam and wife Emily, three grandchildren Joshua, Becca, and Josiah, and two bonus granddaughters Dixie and Dakota, along with a niece, two nephews, and many cousins.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri. Services held by Pastor Josh Wollberg of the church. 

Services under the care of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

 

The Museum Minute

 

Recipe of the Week

 

Local man receives Good Neighbor honor

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Twenty Missouri residents have been honored as the state’s Most Engaged Neighbors for 2025. These awards highlight everyday Missourians whose commitment to their neighborhoods strengthens community bonds and creates belonging.

The recognition is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, celebrated annually from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4. The initiative, led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, encourages acts of neighboring and celebrates those who make a difference where they live, said David Burton, community development specialist with MU Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

“These honorees represent the very best of what it means to be a neighbor,” Burton said. “The nominations reflect a culture of care that thrives on simple and repeated human actions.”

Judges reviewed the 138 nominations with an emphasis on neighborhood-level impact—how individuals connect with those around them through service, inclusion and relationship-building, he said. Nominees could not be compensated for the service described. Elected officials were not eligible. Preference went to neighbors who strengthen relationships through events, service or consistent acts of care in a neighborhood or small community. Geographic diversity was prioritized.

Due to the quality and quantity of nominations this year, judges could not get the list down to 10, so they agreed to support 20 awards, Burton said. Those selected as Most Engaged Neighbors receive a certificate and a $100 check.

Local man Jeff Fillpot of Hume, Mo. was nominated for this award by seven different people. Since 2016, Jeff has been a steady and dependable presence in his small community, creating a food pantry that supports more than 250 families and building and serving in a community greenhouse. He steps up in times of need and brings people together through conversation, encouragement and acts of service. As one nominator wrote, “His leadership in organizing local activities and his constant willingness to help those in need have made him a trusted neighbor. In fact, I believe he embodies the true spirit of a good neighbor.” Congratulations!

Week 10 football this Friday

 

Bottom team to host. All games 7 pm

Osceola 4-5
Lincoln 4-3

Rich Hill 0-9
Drexel 6-3

Sherwood 2-7
Crest Ridge 4-5

Polo 4-5
Midway 3-5

Sarcoxie 5-4
Butler 5-4

Southeast 0-9
Nevada 6-3

Pleasant Hill 2-7
Harrisonville 6-3

Oak Grove 2-7
Clinton 7-2