Obituary - Stacy Thorson

Stacy Lynn Thorson, age 66, of Linn Valley, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas.

Born on July 8, 1959, in New Ulm, Minnesota, Stacy was a cherished daughter of Eugene and Darlene (Hulke) Forbrook. She grew up in Courtland, Minnesota. Stacy attended the Immanuel Lutheran School and Church in rural Courtland where her faith became the foundation of how she lived her life.

Stacy graduated from New Ulm High School with the class of 1977, marking the beginning of a journey defined by hard work and dedication to service. She was a dedicated employee of Blue Earth County for over 34 years. She ended her career as the Deputy Director of Taxpayer Services. Stacy was known to be generous with her time and knowledge throughout all of her roles there. Retiring in 2018, to enjoy more time with her family and her numerous hobbies.

On September 21, 1991, Stacy married Dale Thorson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota. Their union brought forth a beautiful blended family. Stacy and Dale lived in Mankato for 31 years before recently relocating to Linn Valley, Kansas, just three months prior to her passing. This brief period was precious not only to Stacy but also to her family. This move allowed her to do what she did best, be a mother and a Grammy.

Stacy lived life guided by her faith, with a profound sense of gratitude for all of life’s blessings. She found immense joy in her role as a Grammy to six beloved grandchildren: Reed, Oliver, Charleigh, Shane, Cooper, and Elliana. Her dedication to family was evident as she regularly participated in attending their school and sports functions, always finding ways to be present even from afar.

Her interests were varied; she enjoyed traveling and antiquing with Dale, canning, flower gardening, baking—especially sweet treats. She also loved to cozy up with a good book.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Darlene Forbrook.

Stacy is survived by her loving husband, Dale Thorson; her children, Nicole and Nathan Coker, Ryan Thorson, and Cole and Desiree Thorson; her siblings, Brad (Cindy) Forbrook, Marsha Wills, Lisa Forbrook, and Curt (Kristen) Forbrook; her six grandchildren; Reed Coker (11), Oliver Coker (9), Charleigh Coker (3), Shane Thorson (21), Cooper Thorson (14), and Elliana (10) Thorson, and many extended family members and friends. Her legacy of compassion and dedication, and faith in the Lord will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we remember Stacy, we honor her generous spirit and the love she brought into every room she entered.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, November 21, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 105 Hosanna Dr., Mankato, MN 56001. A fellowship gathering will follow at 12:00 pm, where light refreshments will be served. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the American Heart Association or the ALS Association, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

Obituary - Ramona Simmons

Ramona "Mona" Marie Simmons, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Raymore, Missouri, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the age of 71. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 8306 E 171st St, Belton, MO 64012.

Born on July 18, 1954, in Longmont, Colorado, daughter of Edwin and Hazel (Miller) Johnson, she was raised in Grand Meadow, Iowa, where she developed a strong sense of community and family that would follow her throughout her life. She married Charles "Chuck" Simmons on June 9, 1979, in Austin, Texas, and shared not only her life but her passion for adventure with him. Together, they traveled extensively, creating memories with close friends along the way. She was never one to shy away from a trip, cherishing the experiences they brought.

Her academic dedication led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Management from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. With her Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Designation, Associate in Risk Management, and Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist Designation, she excelled as a Commercial Insurance Underwriter. A member of the International Association of Insurance Professionals and the Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters, Ramona's contributions to her profession were marked by her commitment and integrity.

Ramona was also an ordained minister, holding a special place in her heart for performing baptisms and weddings, including the recent wedding of her daughter. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was an active member of Lord of Love Lutheran Church in Belton, MO. Mona will be remembered for her spirited nature, quick wit, and nurturing heart. She embraced each role she took on throughout her life, especially as a devoted mother to her three children: David, John, and Jenifer. She found immense joy in the lives of her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. It was through her family that Mona truly shone, gathering them with love and ensuring that holidays were held in the gentle warmth of her love and generous spirit.

In her final days, Ramona was supported by the compassionate staff at Apple Orchard Hospice and her loving family members, Paula and Kay, whose care and dedication made an immeasurable difference during this time.

Mona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles "Chuck" Simmons; her brothers: Dean Johnson and Duane "Bud" Johnson; and her sisters: Kristine Hager, Kathryn Sievers, and Ruth "Mary" Johnson. She is survived by her children: David (Laura) Simmons, John (Mary) Simmons, and Jenifer (Susan Walker) Shepard; her grandchildren: Nathan Simmons, Brandon (Lauren) Simmons, Sam Tyner, Marshall Tyner, Aidan Shepard, and Addison Shepard; her great-grandchildren, Bryer Simmons and Weston Simmons; and numerous extended and bonus family and friends.

Obituary - Barbara Meyer

 Barbara Meyer, 77 of Louisburg, Kansas passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025 at her home in Louisburg. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, November 22, 2025 in Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg, Kansas. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 250, Louisburg, Kansas. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Barbara L. Meyer was born October 23, 1948 in Osawatomie, Kansas, the daughter of Perry and Eleanor Martin Richardson. She grew up in Miami County and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1967. Following graduation she was united in marriage to John Meyer and two sons were born to this union, Richard and Bruce.

For many years Barbara was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion and Auxillary.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Eleanor Richardson, her husband John Meyer, brothers John, Jim, and William Richardson, and by her grandson Brayden Meyer.

She is survived by her sons, Rich and Bruce Meyer, grandchildren, Kierra Meyer, Travis Meyer, Brycen Meyer, Keanna Meyer, along with great-grandchildren, Traci Meyer and Stetson Schneider, and several brothers and sisters.

Toys for Tykes coming soon!

 

Car bumps building, minor injuries reported

 

Just after noon yesterday, a vehicle struck the side of the Archie, Mo. library resulting in minor injuries to one person seated at the computer workstation shown above. Fortunately, the vehicle eventually came to a full stop thus avoiding further damage or injury. Photos submitted with our thanks.

Obituary - Jennie Morgan

Jennie Bess (George) Morgan, aged 92 of Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. She was born October 28, 1933, in Amarillo, TX to Rentie and Amy George.  Jennie graduated from Amarillo High School in 1951, then continued her education at Amarillo Junior College where she met Hayden Morgan, whom she married in 1953.

Jennie and Hayden established their family while he served as a US Army Ranger. They lived at Fort Polk, LA and Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion of his military service, Jennie and Hayden returned to Tulia, TX, where they began farming and ranching.

Jennie and Hayden moved to Nevada in 1965 to farm and ranch and raise a still-growing and happy family. She worked most recently for the Vernon County Assessor. Jennie was very independent, living in her home, driving, and participating in bridge and garden clubs until her passing. 

Jennie is survived by two sons, John Morgan and his wife Evelyn, Lexington, MO, and Sam Morgan, Nevada; one daughter, Linda Thornburgh and her husband Jerry, Roeland Park, KS; seven grandchildren, Taegan Morgan, Tyne Hulsey and her husband James, Taylon Morgan, Melissa Youngworth and her husband Andy, Sam Morgan, Jessica Chilcoat and her husband Aaron, and Erin Thornburgh-Fast and her husband Paul; nine great-grandchildren, Samantha, Gage, Brandon, Gavin, Hayden, Kinsler, Kimbrel, Rosa and Coen; several great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

A graveside committal service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Marvin Chapel Cemetery with Pastor Phillip Sigmon officiating. 

Those who wish may contribute in her memory to Make-a-Wish Foundation or Quality Products, Inc. in care of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Very special gifts presented to Drexel schools

 
Drexel K-12 Principal Jenny Wheeler proudly accepts one of dozens of new coats from Spire to be gifted to students in need. Each year around this time, Spire delivers more than 600 new coats to schools in western Missouri. Pictured L-R is Spire employee Aaron Hall, Jenny Wheeler and Aaron Revels. Below, bagged and ready, the coats are brought in for distribution.

Learn more about the Spire coat program HERE. 

Weekly report from the Bates County Commission

November 10, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Mike Totten with Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. met with the Commission. Mr. Totten introduced himself and explained the services he offers and left a business card.

Jami Page met with Commission and discussed a reimbursement issue with State Tax Commission. There is currently a reimbursement check on hold due to a $20,000 Emergency Budget amount. This issue came as a shock since this has never been an issue before. When Jami dove headfirst into figuring out where this was coming from, she found some interesting concerns.

Debbie with the State Tax Commission informed Jami that the Assessor had told them to withhold the reimbursement until the $20,000 from the County was deposited into his fund. The $20,000 was budgeted for EMERGENCY ONLY so it is being discussed that next year it will not be in the budget since it is seemingly forced to be spent this year.

Jami asked the Commissioners to discuss this issue and for them to come up with a letter for the transaction of $20,000 from the County into the Assessors fund.

Trent made a motion to accept Dewey’s Bid of $3,600 for tree removal for a tree that is causing issues in the courtyard. He had spoken with Gary about the limbs and such falling and dinging vehicles, and it was starting to be seen as a liability. The bid included tree and stump removal. John seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Sonia Lalla with Small Business Administration (SBA) for Disaster Recovery, Located in Nevada Missouri, met with the Commission to discuss Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). These loans are meant for Businesses, Homeowners, Renters, and Nonprofits who have paid for or is paying for natural disaster damage. Sadly, Farmers are not eligible due to not being considered a business or a nonprofit. Sonia did mention that Farmers with an LLC could possibly be approved.

Jim requested a phone meeting with Sonia and her SBA Leader for more information.

Jim has started looking into SB3. He is figuring out information for the April ballot and how SB3 is going to affect individual property tax throughout the county. 

November 12, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Perry Workman and Josh Hines with Federal Protection met with the Commissioners to discuss the lack of security involving the Court House, previously discussed on Wednesday November 5th, 2025. Mr. Workman and Mr. Hines discussed and explained the software that they had to offer and the advantages the software provided.

A good portion of software that they discussed with the Commissioners would still be within the maintenance lease, meaning there wouldn’t be any more costs to the Commission if they wanted to upgrade to certain cameras.

Mr. Workman and Mr. Hines along with Gary Ratliff from Maintenance took a stroll over to the Courtyard to see the best place to put these cameras.

Mike Irick came and discussed his Deceased Fathers Estate, Bruce E. Irick. The Estate was not on any lists for Probate; it had just sold for more money than taxes owed, therefore Mr. Irick feels as if he is the one who should receive that certain amount of money when it becomes available in August of 2026.

It seems, though, that a lawyer has caught wind of said Estate selling for over tax price and has hunted down very distant nieces of Mikes deceased Step-Mother and informed them of what has happened, and the distant nieces have lawyered up and are doing their best to receive that amount of money instead of it going to Mr. Irick and his siblings.

The Commissioners reassured Mr. Irick that they would do everything in their power to help him with whatever.

Dan Kisner spoke with the Commissioners today and let them know that he would donate a good portion of his free time to help build a shooting range. He told them that he had previously built one and could certainly build another if that was something they felt moved to do.

John made a motion to pay MarksNelson for the EEZ Board Advisory. Trent seconded. All voted in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.