Building Our American Communities Grant Funds Available

Applications must be received by Dec. 1, 2025.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the availability of Building our American Communities (BOAC) grant funds today. The BOAC Program provides $12,000 annually to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters for projects aimed at developing and advancing Missouri’s rural communities.

Twelve $500 4-H BOAC grants and 12 $500 FFA BOAC grants are awarded annually, two per each of the six districts.

Projects must benefit an agricultural community and/or promote community development. Projects may include improvements to existing facilities, grounds or buildings that are used by various groups or organizations in the applicant’s community.

The Department will accept electronic applications through Dec. 1, 2025.  Recipients awarded funding will be notified in early January. Projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026. All awardees will be required to register in MOVERS, Missouri’s new state-wide financial system. 

Apply at agriculture.mo.gov/connect/youth/boac.php. For questions or more information, contact the Agriculture Business Development Division at abd@mda.mo.gov or (573) 751-4762.

For more information on the Department and its programs, visit agriculture.mo.gov.

Whirlwinds take 2nd place in UCM homecoming parade

 

This past weekend concluded the Archie Whirlwind Marching Band season with the UCM Homecoming Parade where they took 2nd place. A big thank you to the Moore family for pulling the band trailer all season, you efforts are greatly appreciated.

Obituary - Alvie Leo Johnson Jr. "Sonny"

Alvie Leo Johnson Jr., lovingly known as “Sonny” of Amoret, Missouri, passed away peacefully on 10/25/2025 at the age of 73.  His wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.  There are no public services at this time. Inurnment at a later date in Vinita, Oklahoma.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com. 

Sonny was born on May 22, 1952 to Alvie Johnson Sr. and Norma McGill Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death.  He grew up in a large, close-knit family.  He was also preceded in death by his siblings Lawrence Johnson, Mary Jenkins, Dwayne Johnson and Edgar Johnson.  His surviving siblings include John Johnson of Warsaw, MO; Margaret George of Parsons, KS; Barbara Pease of Locust Grove, OK; AJ Johnson of Welch, OK, Kevin Johnson of Sadler, TX; Stephen Johnson of Poteau, OK; Darrell Johnson of Welch, OK; and Lois Durbin of Adrian, MO.

Sonny’s pride and joy was his family.  He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Johnson (1980 - 2017) and is survived by his daughter, Gina Johnson Shipman and her husband Mike Shipman.  He was a proud grandfather to Amanda Anderson and her husband Kevin “Ryan” Anderson of Justin, TX; Curtis Stephens of Archie, Mo; and Alec Bryant of Harrisonville, MO.  Sonny was also blessed with three great-grandchildren–Charlotte, Dexter and Millie Anderson.

Sonny lived a life full of simple pleasures and many talents.  He loved fishing, playing horseshoes, guitar, pool, poker, chess and bowling.  He was a devote Kansas City Chiefs fan.  He enjoyed farming and gardening–his gardens were legendary for their perfect rows and absence of weeds, a reflection of the pride and care he put into everything he did.

Throughout his journey, Sonny was lovingly cared for by his niece, Norma Annette “Annette” Kellogg, daughter of his late brother Lawrence.  Her devotion and support brought him comfort during his final chapter.

Sonny will be remembered for his humor, his love of family, his generous spirit and the many good times he shared with those around him.  His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Sonny’s remains will be buried in Vinita, OK at Timpson Cemetery, close to other family members.

Blackhawks take first at UCM parade

 

CONGRATULATIONS to The Pride of Adrian, Marching Blackhawks on their FIRST PLACE performance today at the UCM Homecoming Parade on Saturday. Hard work pays off and Mrs. Ware is so proud of the band!

Butler Jr. High Bears Cross Country Championship results

The Junior High Bears ran at the Missouri Middle School Cross Country Championships at Lucas Oil Speedway and overall, had a great day

Results:

Junior High Girls

11th as a team

Erica Wilbers 17th 14:02 All-State

Luisa Sanchez 77th 15:54 PR

Dravyn Scrogham 112th 16:54 PR

Airyka Carter 118th 17:03

Mia Sanchez 159th 18:17

Junior High Boys

15th as a team

Mayson Foss 46th 13:29

Blaine Morrill 48th 13:31

Aiden Bettles 136th 15:19

Evan Thomas 145th 15:38

Brandon Algiere 175th 16:24

Tyson Phillips 219th 17:59

Drexel woman injured in crash on 18 highway

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a 19 year old Drexel woman received moderate injuries in a single car accident a little after 4 pm yesterday afternoon. The report indicates that a 2002 Honda Civic driven by the woman left the roadway, struck and bridge and overturned on 18 highway near county road 14001.

The driver was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment; the vehicle was totaled.

The MSHP no longer provides names in publicly available crash reports. 

Drizzle, rain and wind...

Obituary - Donald Ray Smithhisler

Donald Ray Smithhisler, affectionately known as "Don" was born on January 13, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on October 25, 2025, in Osawatomie, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and cherished memories among family and friends.

Don’s career spanned decades in the construction industry, his professional journey began with a dedication and a passion for road construction that significantly contributed to the communities he served. After a few years in road construction, he owned Skelly Filling Station in Osawatomie. He would then begin his career with Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL) from 1976 to 1991. Following this, he established his own company, Ross Construction, which he operated until 1998. He then continued his successful career at Dodson International until his retirement in 2021.

A proud alumnus of Osawatomie High School, where he graduated in 1962, he had a short stent at Pittsburg State studying HVAC until his father's passing. Don was known for his enthusiastic personality. He had a hot-headed demeanor but was always vocal about his thoughts and opinions. His love for gatherings made him the heart of many celebrations, most notably his annual Super Bowl parties that brought family and friends together.

In his personal life, Don had a variety of interests that kept him engaged. Cattle ranching was a significant hobby, and he always had projects to work on that reflected his industrious nature. He was also an avid traveler for work, having explored various corners of the world including Russia, Spain, Dubai, Turkey, Africa, and the Bahamas, as well as numerous locations across the United States. In addition, he enjoyed swimming and hosted pool parties whenever he had the opportunity.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Karen Davis; his daughter, Michele Minden; his sons, Bryan Smithhisler, Chad Smithhisler, and Derek Smithhisler; along with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish the memories they created with him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ines Naomi Smithhisler; his father, Claude Hillary Smithhisler; and his sister, Claudette Wigle.

Visitation will be held on November 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Paola, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at Osawatomie Cemetery at 2:45 PM. There will be a lunch hosted at the Memorial Hall in Osawatomie following the graveside service.

Donald Ray Smithhisler will be remembered for his contributions to his community, his zest for life, and the love he shared with those around him. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.