Harrisonville High School Students of the Month

The Harrisonville High School Students of the Month for November are Gabby Vaughn and Ayden Cunningham. Vaughn and Cunningham were nominated by the high school staff for this award.

Vaughn is the daughter of Sarah and Nick Vaughn.

She is involved in drama club, Wildcat Network, AV team, yearbook, student council, and the Cass Career Center teaching professions program.

Her leadership positions include serving as class president for three years, copy editor for the yearbook, and drama club president.

Vaughn’s honors include earning a place on the Principal’s Honor Roll and lettering in academics for three years. She was inducted into the International Thespian Society, lettered in theatre, and received recognition such as the Rising Star Award, Best Female Actor in a Cameo Role, Best Female Actor in a Lead Role, Best Lead Female Role in a One-Act, and Outstanding Technical Execution. Her theatre experience also included Blue Star nominations for Best Ensemble and Best Show. In addition, she lettered in student council and earned the Outstanding Thespian Award, Honors Thespian Award, and National Honors Thespian Award.

Outside of school, Vaughn is involved in the Theatre of the Imagination and Community Theatre group. She also enjoys crafts, sewing, reading, and movie nights.

After high school, she plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City or AMDA College of the Performing Arts to pursue a bachelor's degree in acting.

Cunningham is the son of Ryan & Angie Cunningham.

He is involved in DECA, National Honor Society, Music Makers, and varsity soccer.

His leadership positions include serving as DECA president of communications and DECA president of community service.

Cunningham’s honors include being recognized as the September 2024 Cass Career Center Student of the Month, achieving Eagle Scout rank, qualifying for DECA state in three events, earning academic all-conference in soccer, and maintaining a place on the Principal’s Honor Roll for three years. He was selected for the ninth- and 10th-grade honor choir, attended Boys State, ranked in the top 15% of his class for three years, and earned the AP Scholars Award.

Outside of school, Cunningham is involved in Scouts and serves on the praise team at First Baptist Church. He also enjoys camping, singing, spending time with friends, playing soccer, and listening to music.

After high school, Cunningham plans to attend the University of Missouri to major in biomedical engineering, specializing in biomaterials, with the goal of creating prosthetics for people in need.

The HHS Students of the Month are selected on the basis of character, citizenship, and academics.

Bears make donation to mammogram fund

Thank you to the Butler Bears for donating $930 from their Pink Games to the BCMH Cares Mammogram Fund!

This donation represents far more than dollars, it reflects students, teachers, coaches, and families working together to improve the health of women in their own community. Their dedication helps ensure that local women have access to the screening mammograms they need, regardless of ability to pay.

Pictured: Breanna Werner (FCCLA President), Linda Jennings (BCMH Board/Foundation), and Andrea Jackson (Marketing & PR). Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital

Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔: 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:

________________________________________

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:

Deputy Murphy conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Joshua Mercer, age 50, of Warsaw, for driving while suspended/revoked.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Deputy Romi arrested Brandon Boch, age 36, of Butler, at the courthouse on a Bates County warrant for unlawful possession of an illegal weapon.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞:

Deputy Harms responded to a physical domestic disturbance in the rural Deepwater area. Following an investigation, Joseph McBee, age 36, of Deepwater, was arrested for domestic assault 4th degree. McBee allegedly struck the victim in the face with a closed fist during the argument.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Deputy Murphy conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Rebecca Gilmore, age 51, of Lincoln, on a Pettis County felony warrant.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝:

Deputy Douglas conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of James Reno, age 67, of Windsor, for driving while intoxicated and driving with a suspended/revoked license.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞:

Deputy Hysom and Deputy Stevens conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of William McNeil, age 52, of Windsor, for operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Sergeant Richardson arrested Jordan Raynes, age 31, of Clinton, at the courthouse on a felony no-bond Henry County warrant for stalking 1st degree/attempted enticement of a child under 17.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Sergeant Richardson arrested Jessica Scinto, age 40, of Clinton, at the courthouse on a felony no-bond Henry County warrant for domestic assault.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Deputy Evans and Deputy Hinkle conducted a warrant service in the rural Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Aaron Fowler, age 65, of Windsor, on three Henry County warrants for trespassing and harassment.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭:

Sergeant Richardson arrested Lauren Machuga, age 43, of Leeton, for contempt of court at the courthouse.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝:

Captain Bilbruck, Deputy Murphy, and Deputy McQueen responded to a domestic disturbance. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Devin Irvin, age 34, of Windsor, for abuse or neglect of a child. Irvin allegedly slapped a child in the face, leaving visible marks. On the same day, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and a warrant was issued for endangering the welfare of a child.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Deputy Harms, Deputy Hysom, and Deputy Stevens conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of William Franklin, age 48, of Windsor, on a Pettis County warrant for driving while suspended/revoked.

Obituary - Mary Lou Bricker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Lou Bricker, 86, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, who left this world peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Health & Rehab in Pleasant Hill, MO. Funeral services will be held at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with the visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Raymore Cemetery in Raymore, MO. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Croix Hospice.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available.

Obituary - Joy Maybon

Graveside services for Joy Maybon of Rich Hill, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Rich Hill.  No visitation.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to the American Kidney Fund.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Joy Maybon, age 84 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Friday, November 21, 2025 at her home.  She was born December 29, 1940 to Albert Lee and Mae Sue Rex Bishop in Wellsville, Missouri.

Joy is survived by two daughters, Vicki Kidd and husband Sonny of Rich Hill, Missouri and Jackie Braley and husband David of Oak Grove, Missouri; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and friend, Richard Colin of Rich Hill, Missouri.  Joy was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert Maybon.

Obituary - George Rives Jr.

Funeral services for George William Rives Jr. of Peculiar, Missouri, formerly of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Contributions to Raymore-Peculiar Athletics or Fellowship Church, Raymore.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

George William Rives Jr., age 80 of Peculiar, Missouri died Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Overland Park Regional in Overland Park, Kansas.  He was born May 25, 1945 to George William Rives Sr. and Roberta Vanessa Fisher Rives in Lamar, Missouri.

George is survived by his wife, Linda Rives of Peculiar, Missouri; one daughter, Kathy Todtenhausen and special friend Jerry of Kansas City, Missouri; one son, Jeff Rives and wife Ashley of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; four grandchildren, Gabriel and Annabelle Todtenhausen and Chloe and Reece Rives; one brother, Wayne “Luke” Rives and wife Sally of Butler, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.  George was preceded in death by his parents; a stillborn daughter; and niece, Leslie Beard.

New Hertzog retail and processing location coming to fruition

Mid America Live was afforded a sneak peek inside the new Hertzog Meat Company location under construction on west 52 highway in Butler which is slated to be open for business beginning the first of February, 2026.

The former Walmart building is in the process of a complete makeover that will leave no visible traces of its beginnings; and in short order, provide a one-of-a-kind experience for all who visit. When entering, customers will find a friendly, ergonomic layout displaying hundreds of choices of beef and chicken, as well as other favorites such as lobster tails, frog legs, cheese, deli meats and more in a somewhat rustic, family friendly environment.

Beyond the retail section however, lies a refined, high tech processing and packaging area that will use state-of-the-art equipment insuring safety and satisfaction not only for retail customers, but wholesale customers as well; Hertzog Meat Company currently supplies a variety of meats to popular restaurants, the number of which is expected to double in coming months.

The specially engineered facility will allow for these wholesale buyers to experience, hence 'taste test' if you will, new cuts and recipes on site. Hertzog offers additional services including special cuts and marinates- all of which can be 'taste tuned' in the kitchen with buyers present. Most importantly, Hertzog will work with  customers to provide the lowest plate cost (a restaurant term) while insuring the best possible quality.

By all appearances, your visit to Hertzog Meat Company will certainly provide a very unique experience while offering the very best in local meats and more, at prices that will fit your budget. 

Updates to be provided; and in the meantime, be ready for a Grand Opening announcement in coming months. 

Photo highlights:

Above, the entrance to the retail center is nearing completion with signage coming soon.

A specially designed conference room (above) will also serve as a training area for wholesale buyers as well as access to a carefully designed test kitchen that will insure that all products, whether retail or wholesale, exceed customer expectations.

A special passageway (above) from the huge cooler (below) will allow for immediate transfer of products to the test kitchen and retail section of the facility, thus streamlining operations overall.

Jim Hertzog is proud to say that this incredible undertaking includes the use of many local vendors for HVAC, electricians, plumbers and others who are doing an excellent job of keeping the project on track.

Above and below, artist renderings of what will greet customers when they visit the new Hertzog Meat Company retail center on west 52 highway in Butler beginning in early February.

Hume man arrested on outstanding warrant

On November 13th, Bates County Deputies responded to a residence in Hume, MO in regards to a disturbance. While on scene, a wanted subject was located in the residence. Deputies gave commands for the subject to come out of the residence and the subject did comply. Michael Grady of Hume, MO was placed into custody for his outstanding warrant.

Grady was booked into the Bates County Sheriff's Office Jail and is being held on his warrant:

Probation Violation; Possession of a Controlled Substance/Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

$15,000 Cash/Surety Bond