Sunday, March 15, 2026
Good boy, Griff!
A few weeks ago, the Sheriff’s Office posted a media release documenting a large drug seizure by Chief Deputy Justin Corbin and his K-9 partner, Griff. Together they seized a kilo of methamphetamine off of the streets of Bates County. Several grateful citizens wanted to reward K-9 Griff and they partnered with Hertzog’s Meats to purchase and deliver a very special thank you to Griff and his handler.
The weather hasn’t been great, but Griff and Chief Deputy Corbin took advantage of the nice weather this weekend and Griff got to enjoy his tomahawk steak! He is looking forward to enjoying his bones in the coming weeks as well! A big thank you to the citizens and to the Hertzog family and employees who put together this special package! The Sheriff’s Office is always grateful and appreciative of the continued support from our community. -Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Office
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Obituary - Linda Pauline McLanahan
Living in Archie Linda was known for being a babysitter as she always had kids on workdays and normally several kids from early in the morning till later in the evening. Being said many times she stayed home and babysit to be spend time with her kids. Linda began raising rabbits at that time and met Virgil Blakeley whom she married in 1983 and unfortunately passed in September of 1985.
Linda began raising rats and mice in the 1990’s when the market for the rabbits changed from food to snake feed.
In 1994 she married one last time to Charlie McLanahan until his passing in July 2023. They enjoyed life at their own style even getting rid of the animals but sadly that was when the health was declining. They had their friends that they met up with frequently at halfway, but they too have almost all passed. Linda knew someone in about every walk of life and every occupation so if you needed knowledge, she could get the information you needed.
Linda is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Charles and her brother who passed 1 year and 1 day before her. She is survived by her daughter Crystal Ganey Archie, and her son Brian Petty (Becky) Archie stepson Phillip McLanahan of Sarcoxie, MO grandchildren Tristen, Christian, Kelton, Dara, Ali, Olivia, Rylee and Natalie. And 5 great-grandchildren and multiple friends and family that are of equal importance
A private family graveside will be held.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be posted once available.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or American Heart Association. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
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Obituary - Frances Irene Hannah
A complete obituary will be posted when it is available.
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Obituary - Judy Jacobs
Judy Jacobs, 75 of Drexel, Missouri passed away March 13, 2026 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, March 20, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, March 21, 2026, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers to Kansas City Hospice House or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Judith Evon (Gunnels) Jacobs was born February 3, 1951, to Kenneth and Helen Ruth Gunnels at their home on State Line Road in Drexel. She grew up in the Drexel area and graduated from Drexel High School in May of 1969. She married her love and husband, Donald Jacobs, on March 13, 1971, in Merwin, Missouri.
Judy, or “Grammy J” to most, was a woman of God who never feared hard work. Whether she was mowing the yard or baking a pie, she put her whole heart into everything she did. She spent many years teaching the youth of Merwin Christian Church, from the nursery class all the way to the high school youth group, even venturing to CIY in Oklahoma or Young Christian’s weekend in Branson with the youth group. (Oh, the stories she would tell.)
The pride of her life was her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. She told everyone she could about her “most precious great-granddaughter” and showed pictures to anyone who would take the time to look. God’s timing allowed one big Jacobs family vacation in July of 2025, giving her family memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.
Judy was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Bob; her parents, Kenneth and Helen Ruth Gunnels; her nephew, Jeremy Gunnels; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph Jacobs, Kathy Purkey, and Sheryl Yoakum; and her mother and father-in-law, Elmer and Sarah Alene Jacobs.
Judy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Don Jacobs; her daughters, Dawn Denise (Del) Elffner and Jennifer (Chuck) Martin; her siblings, Jay Gunnels, Jo (Tim) Billingsly, and Jan Rush; as well as her sister-in-law, Jackie Gunnels. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Marissa (Tanner) Townley, Alec Elffner, Jacob (Laura) Martin, Mason (Kenna) Martin, and Abby Elffner; and the light of her life, her great-granddaughter, Emerie Rae Townley, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT
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Saturday, March 14, 2026
Lynell McGuire honored for nearly 40 years of service
Butler Walmart celebrated their very own Lynell McGuire as she has made the decision to retire from the company. She was with the company for 39 and 1/2 years and will be greatly missed!. Help us wish her well in all her future endeavors!
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Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office
𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞
𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:
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• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy McQueen conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Jessica Sedersstrom, age 38, of Windsor on several Cass County warrants for ordinance violations.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Deputy Saulters conducted a traffic stop in the Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Brandi Childress, age 42, of Belton for driving while suspended/revoked and on a Jackson County warrant for a nuisance violation.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Harms and Deputy Stevens conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of William Cain, age 28, of Windsor on two Cass County traffic warrants.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲:
Deputy Saulters arrested Cindy Oliver, age 46, of Clinton at the courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance and forgery. Oliver allegedly attempted to sneak clean urine into the courthouse in order to pass a narcotics screening.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Sergeant Richardson arrested Kelly Jones, age 41, of Clinton at the courthouse on Henry County felony warrants for possession of a controlled substance (x2), DWI, unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, delivery of a controlled substance into a jail (x2), and stealing.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Sergeant Richardson arrested Robert Modrall, age 45, of Leeton at the courthouse on a Jackson County felony warrant for stealing (shoplifting $750.00 or more).
• 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Deputy England conducted a traffic stop in the Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Brooke Ward, age 28, of Warrensburg for driving while suspended/revoked (first offense).
________________________________________
All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.
For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.
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Hannah Newkirk named Deputy Superintendent of Midway schools
The Midway Board of Education would like to share an important leadership update with our community
Superintendent Heath Oates has announced his intention to retire effective June 30, 2027.
As part of the district's strategic transition plan, the Board of Education has approved two leadership appointments for the 2026–2027 school year.
Hannah Newkirk has been named Deputy Superintendent of Schools. Following Mr. Oates’ retirement, Mrs. Newkirk will assume the role of Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1, 2027.
Lindsey Burkart has been named Deputy Director of Student Services. Upon Mrs. Newkirk’s transition to Superintendent, Mrs. Burkart will assume the role of Director of Student Services.
The Board believes this transition plan provides stability and continuity for our district while allowing time for collaboration and leadership development during the upcoming school year.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Oates, Mrs. Newkirk, and Mrs. Burkart as we begin this important transition for Midway Schools.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and community.
Midway R-I Board of Education
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