Obituary - George Hagerman

George Wendell Hagerman, 61, of Moundville, MO, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, MO.

George was born on June 23, 1964, in Dallas, TX, to George D. and Sharon (Yocum) Hagerman. He married Kimberly Ann Hull on July 11, 2015.

In 1974, George D. and Sharon moved their family to Bronaugh. George attended Bronaugh schools, where he was involved in band, basketball, baseball, and Boy Scouts. His senior year, he chose to attend Nevada High School to play football, which was his passion. He graduated with the Bronaugh High School Class of 1983.

After graduation, he joined the United States Army with plans to serve and travel before returning home. He later shortened his military career due to family obligations. George proudly served as an  E-3 from 1985 to 1987.

George was truly a jack of all trades. Over the years, he worked in many roles, including laborer, manager, chauffeur, and direct care staff. No matter the title, he was known for being hardworking and dedicated.

Family meant everything to George. He supported his family through every stage of life and took pride in being present for their activities, milestones, and memories. He was preceded in death by his parents, George D. and Sharon Hagerman, and his two beloved dogs, Holly and Buddy.

George is survived by his brother, Tony Hagerman of Chelsea, OK, and his sister, Teressa Hagerman of Bronaugh, MO; his wife, Kimberly Ann Hagerman; his children, Chad (Sarah) Hendrix of Marysville, WA, Amber (Danny) Parkes of Waverly, MO, George (Jolee) Hagerman of Nevada, MO, Michael (Sarah) Hagerman of Nevada, MO, Tommy Hagerman of Stanwood, WA, Nathan Hagerman of Nevada, MO, Jordon (James) Downs of Higginsville, MO, and Tori (Baylee) Wall of Moundville, MO; his stepchildren, Glenn Hull of Nevada, MO, Crystal Rivas of Nevada, MO, Kevin (Jane) Henry of Minnesota, Trevor Hull of Nevada, MO, Chance (Chrissy) Forrester of Nevada, MO, and Joshua (Alyssa) Forrester of Nevada, MO; 42 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

George will be remembered for his love for family, his hardworking spirit, and the support he gave so freely to the people he loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 5th, 2026, at the Elks Lodge in Nevada.

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Obituary - Scarlett Cousins

Scarlett Belle Cousins, beloved infant daughter of Shawn W. Cousins and Maryea C. Garrison was born September 26, 2025, in Aurora, MO, and passed from this life on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, a few days shy of being 6 months old.

     Scarlett is survived by her parents, Shawn and Maryea, and her sister, Maeleigh, all of the home in Nevada, MO. She also leaves behind her grandparents, Ashley and Jerry Jones, Huntsville, AL, Theresa and David Garrison, Aurora, MO; great-grandmother, Leslie Clemons, Daphne, AL; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

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Obituary - Carol Farley

Carol Lynn Farley was born Carol Lynn Ludwig in Fontana Kansas on June 26th 1946 to Elwood and Mary Lou Ludwig. She grew up on a farm near PaolaKansas and they soon welcomed her little brother, Duane. She graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1964 and attended Pittsburg State University, where she met and Married Jimmy J Farley. She graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, and in November of 1969 she gave birth to their child, Bryan Eric.

After a few years living in Frontenac, KS, they moved to Rich Hill where Jim taught school in Hume, and Carol worked for the West Central agency as a teachers assistant. Within a few years, Carol was the director of the Head Start Program in Rich Hill, helping educate, feed and foster many young people in the Rich Hill Community over more than a decade.

Carol was always very creative, and spent years building hand-crafted teddy bears, tea-dyed rabbits and finally settled on quilting as her lifetime passion. She owned the Kountry Kin Fabric Shop for many years.

Carol and Bryan lost Jim to cancer in 2010, and Carol closed her fabric store to focus on her health. She had quadruple bypass in 2020, fighting for over a year to get healthy. She got to travel with friends to Mackinaw Island, the Grand Canyon, California and most recently Mexico.

Carol loved reading novels, quilting, cooking, decorating, and definitely sports. She was frequently watching the Kansas City Chiefs, the Royals, the Kansas Jayhawks, the Oklahoma City Thunder or whatever she could find on TV. She was very knowledgeable about all sports and also loved flowers and gardening when she had time.

Carol was very active the last few years, being a member of the Rich Hill United Methodist Church, the Sew Sisters, the Kern Center Bible Study Group, Book Club, playing Bingo with her friends, and participating in Rich Hill Country Christmas and any holiday activities.

Carol leaves behind a son, Bryan, a brother Duane, a granddaughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Ethan, and she adored her two great-grandsons Jason and Theo

Carol was a generous, kind friend and mother who will be missed greatly in her community.

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Mark your calendar...

Hertzog Meat Co. to expand in Butler, creating 22 new jobs

March 26, 2026

Butler - 

Hertzog Meat Co. to expand in Butler, creating 22 new jobs

Hertzog Meat Co., a Missouri-based meat processor, announced today that it is expanding in Butler, creating 22 new jobs. The company’s expansion includes the opening of Hertzog South, a new retail and further processing facility that will feature expanded protein processing capabilities, a new retail meat market, and additional value-added production for sliced, marinated, and ready-to-cook products.

“We’re always proud to see a Missouri-made employer like Hertzog Meat Co. continue to grow and succeed,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This company’s expansion in Butler is a welcome addition to the community that will further support our state’s agriculture industry. We commend the Hertzog family for their commitment to quality products, local farmers, and economic growth.”

Hertzog Meat Co.’s new facility will allow for continued growth of its foodservice capabilities, expanded production of premium beef, and further processing capabilities for beef, pork, chicken, and value-added products. It will also expand the company’s retail space and product assortment, giving local customers greater access to high-quality and specialty proteins, such as premium dry-aged beef.

“Our family is thrilled to expand our footprint in Butler and keep building something truly special for this community,” said Jim Hertzog of Hertzog Meat Co. “Hertzog South marks the exciting next chapter in our growth, enabling us to deliver even more premium, locally sourced protein to our customers while creating new opportunities to support our local farmers and agriculture.”

Hertzog Meat Co.’s project represents a multi-million-dollar investment in the Butler community and will support its continued growth as a vertically integrated meat company that raises, sources, processes, and distributes high-quality proteins throughout the United States. The expansion is expected to create additional jobs in the Butler area while strengthening demand for Missouri-raised livestock and supporting regional agriculture.

“We’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support from Butler, Bates County, and the State of Missouri,” said Todd Hertzog of Hertzog Meat Co. “This expansion opens significant doors for our dedicated team and the broader community. We have come a long way. Our relentless commitment to quality and doing things the right way is paying dividends - and I couldn’t be prouder of what this incredible group has accomplished.”

Hertzog South is expected to begin operations in late April 2026 with a grand opening celebration planned for April 24. The event will include a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., a community event featuring Steakhouse Burgers served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and other activities. Hertzog Meat Co. will provide additional details as the opening date approaches.

“DED is excited to support Hertzog Meat Co.’s expansion in Butler,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “These new jobs will boost Bates County’s economy while allowing the company to expand into new product lines and further strengthen its existing operations. Another example of Missouri businesses growing and succeeding.”

For this expansion, Hertzog Meat Co. will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. 

What others are saying

“Hertzog is a homegrown Bates County company, and we’re glad to see them growing right here in Butler,” said Butler Mayor Jim Henry. “This expansion means more jobs, stronger support for our ag community, and a growing local economy. They’re the kind of company we want here in Butler, one that’s dedicated to our community for the long term. We appreciate everyone who helped make this project happen and what it means for the future of Butler and the region.”

About Hertzog Meat Co.

Hertzog Meat Co. is a Missouri-based meat processor specializing in premium beef and high-quality proteins. The company operates a vertically integrated model, raising and sourcing cattle through Hertzog Farms and processing products under USDA inspection to ensure consistent quality and safety.

Known for its premium all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free Angus beef, Hertzog Meat Co. dry-ages whole sides of beef for a minimum of 14 days to deliver exceptional flavor and tenderness. The company serves retail customers, restaurants, and foodservice partners throughout the Midwest, while continuing to expand its operations and product offerings.

To learn more about Hertzog Meat Co., visit hertzogmeatco.com

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

About the Missouri Works Program

As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.

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Max Motors Easter Egg hunt set for April 4

We have over 1,500 eggs! There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny and FREE FOOD!

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Gusty winds and hail possible tonight

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From the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce

Heads up, Butler Chamber members!  We're trying something new and exciting to help promote our local business community.

We are looking for your upcoming events, business updates, milestones, and special deals to feature in our newly refreshed newsletter format.

Get us all your details by **Monday, March 30**, so we can include you in our next edition!


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