Obituary - Carolyn Marie Hill

Carolyn Marie Hill, 76, of Butler, MO, formerly of Thornton, CO, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at her home. Service information will be posted when they are available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.
Carolyn Marie Hill was born on November 15, 1949, to Clark Amerius Steel and Frances Marie (Lindic) Steel in Spokane, WA. She grew up there on the family farm and graduated from Reardon High School in 1968. After school, she worked at Yellowstone National Park before she joined the United States Air Force and served for 4 years. Later, she moved to the Thorton, CO, area, and she raised her two children, Michael and Megan. Carolyn worked a long career at Kraft Cheese doing procurement until her retirement. She loved spending time doing activities like riding her motorcycle through the mountains of Colorado, shopping, traveling, selling Mary Kay, and loving on her animals.

Carolyn Marie Hill is preceded in death by her father, Clark Amerius Steel; son, Michael Ryan Hill; and sister, Colleen Lindberg. She is survived by her mother, Frances Marie Steel of Reardon, WA; daughter, Megan Bolin of Butler, MO; granddaughter, Marissa Bolin; great-grandson, Kashton Bolin; brother, Craig Steel; and nephews and nieces.

Possible record breaking temps today

A Thousand Reasons to Celebrate at Miami R-1

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

It was a milestone night for Miami girls basketball as senior Mickey Downs surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her high school career, cementing her place among the program’s all-time greats.

Downs reached the career scoring milestone in front of the home crowd, a fitting moment for a player who has been a steady presence for the Miami Eagles throughout her career. Earlier in the day, she also took the next step in her basketball journey, signing to continue playing at McPherson College.

Her coach praised the effort behind the achievement, saying, “She has worked so hard this season.” That dedication has shown on the court, where Downs has consistently led by example and produced when her team needed her most.

Reaching 1,000 points is a rare accomplishment at the high school level, and doing so on the same day as a college signing made the night even more special. For the Miami Eagles, it was a celebration of both a standout career and a bright future ahead.

Photo submitted by Kayla Powell

This article is sponsored by C&S Graphics, check out their Facebook page, or visit their website!

Attention students: Apply now for Growmark scholarships

 

2026 scholarship applications are now open

The GROWMARK Foundation is awarding 55 scholarships of $2,000 each to students pursuing agriculture- or business-related degrees or certificates at colleges, universities, and technical schools across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada.

Apply today at https://bit.ly/4r2vWUY.

Harrisonville Schools Superintendent Dr. Josh Chastain receives special recognition

Congratulations to Harrisonville Schools Superintendent Dr. Josh Chastain, who was recently recognized as Emerging Superintendent by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA)

Chastain was nominated for the award by his colleagues in the Greater Kansas City MASA Region for his outstanding work and leadership. Chastain will be honored in March during the Annual Awards Banquet at the MASA Spring Conference in Lake Ozark, Mo.

The award is presented annually to individuals in their second or third year of employment as superintendent who have made a measurable contribution to the school district that they serve, according to MASA executive director Mark Penny. Only eight superintendents in the state receive the award each year.

"The Harrisonville Schools Board of Education is very pleased to recognize Dr. Chastain's receipt of this award," said Board President Doug Meyer. "We are fortunate to have his leadership. Please join us in extending congratulations to Dr. Chastain.”

Chastain has served as superintendent of Harrisonville Schools since July 1, 2023. Highlights of his tenure include the completion of a five-year strategic plan, the expansion of early childhood services, and a continued focus on curriculum and instruction. Prior to joining Harrisonville, Chastain served as executive director of academics in the Nixa Public School District beginning in 2018 and held administrative roles in the district since 2007. He began his career in education as an elementary teacher with Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Missouri.

Chastain has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Southwest Missouri State University, a Master of Science in education administration from Southwest Missouri State University, and a Specialist and Doctorate of Education in educational leadership from Saint Louis University.

Drexel courtwarming royalty

 

Congratulations to the 2026 Drexel Bobcats Courtwarming King Jacob Barbarick and Queen Natalie Foster.

MU Extension offering continuing education for Health Professionals

Better care for Missourians starts with better support for the professionals who serve them

MU Extension’s Continuing Education for Health Professions provides evidence‑based, practical training that helps healthcare teams close practice gaps, strengthen skills and improve patient outcomes.

The program brings together experts from MU Extension, the MU School of Medicine, the Sinclair School of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences to offer one trusted source for high‑quality continuing education statewide.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wZIKR

Rich Hill police department January summary of calls

Calls for service in January: 123
Animal calls: 7
Suspicious Activity: 2
Traffic Stops: 15
Disturbances: 4
Building Checks: 11
Code Enforcement: 5
Speak to Officer: 21
Fire Calls: 1
Reports Taken: 5
Citations Written: 15