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Sunday, May 17, 2026
Obituary - Sonya Davis
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Obituary - Christine L. Holbrook
A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.
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Saturday, May 16, 2026
Department of Agriculture Announces Grants for Missouri Specialty Crop Production
The deadline to apply for 2026 funding is May 28.
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Interested individuals, community organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application by Thursday, May 28, 2026.
USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The Department offers this grant program to expand markets on local, regional and international levels, develop distribution channels for specialty crops, and catalyze education, research, marketing, promotion, food safety strategies and crop-specific solutions for pests and diseases.
The Department will consider grant awards up to a maximum of $50,000 for a specific project with a two-year grant period. Funded projects are eligible to receive grant funds on a quarterly reimbursement schedule. No advance payments will be made.
Applications for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to the Department by 3 p.m. Thursday, May 28. Applications will be evaluated and selected projects will be included in the Missouri State Plan for USDA review and approval. A list of previously funded projects is available on the Department’s website.
The application form and additional details are available online the Department’s website.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online.
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What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Really Mean
These two numbers can tell you how hard your heart is working.
You’ve probably had your blood pressure checked at a doctor’s office, pharmacy or health fair. The cuff tightens around your arm, the machine beeps, and suddenly you’re given two numbers. But do you know what those numbers actually mean?
Blood pressure readings can provide a lot of information about your heart health. Understanding them can help you know when things are normal and when it may be time to take action.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Tell You
Your heart sends blood throughout your body to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Each time it beats, pressure rises and falls inside your arteries. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps.
A blood pressure reading includes two numbers. For example, you might see something like 120/80. The top number is called systolic pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood out. The bottom number is called diastolic pressure. This shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
Here’s how to know what your numbers mean:
- Normal Blood Pressure – A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic. When your numbers are in this range, your heart and blood vessels are not under a lot of strain.
- Elevated Blood Pressure – If your numbers creep up slightly, your doctor may say you have elevated blood pressure. This means your systolic reading is 120-129 AND your diastolic reading is less than 80. You may not feel any symptoms, but it’s a warning sign that blood pressure could continue to rise. Lifestyle changes like eating healthier, moving more and cutting back on salt may help bring readings down.
- Stage 1 Hypertension – Blood pressure is considered Stage 1 hypertension when readings are consistently 130–139 systolic OR 80–89 diastolic. At this stage, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and sometimes medication depending on your overall risk for heart disease or stroke.
- Stage 2 Hypertension – Blood pressure is considered Stage 2 hypertension when readings reach 140 or higher systolic OR 90 or higher diastolic, At this level, the heart and arteries are under more strain. Doctors often recommend both lifestyle changes and medication to help bring numbers down.
- Hypertensive Crisis – Very high readings can become a medical emergency. A hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure is 180 systolic or higher OR 120 diastolic or higher. If this happens and you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, headache or vision change, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. If you have NO symptoms, recheck your blood pressure, and if possible, use a different blood pressure monitor as some home monitors can lose accuracy over time. If it’s still very high and you don’t have symptoms, call your healthcare provider to determine if emergency treatment is required.
The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called a “silent” condition because many people feel fine even when their numbers are high. Over time, though, uncontrolled blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vision problems. That’s why regular blood pressure checks are so important.
Simple Ways to Keep Blood Pressure Healthy
Small daily habits can help you better manage your blood pressure. Doctors often recommend:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Limiting salt and processed foods
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
- Managing stress
- Not smoking
Your blood pressure numbers offer a quick snapshot of how hard your heart is working. Knowing what those numbers mean can help you catch problems early so you can take steps to better protect your health.
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Ever thought about starting a community garden?
A new publication provides practical, credible guidance to help communities plan, grow and sustain successful gardens together. From site selection and garden design to volunteer coordination and long-term maintenance, this resource supports every step of the process.
Community gardens offer more than fresh produce.
They also:
• Increase access to healthy foods
• Strengthen neighborhood connections
• Provide hands-on learning opportunities for all ages
• Support local food systems and sustainability
• Create shared spaces that bring people together
Whether you are starting a new garden or strengthening an existing one, this publication is designed to help your efforts grow and thrive.
Access the guide: https://brnw.ch/21x2wzq
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Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office
Weekly Arrest and Incident Report
Dates: May 08, 2026 through May 14, 2026
Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:
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• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Deputy Hysom conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Eric Barnes, age 41, of Windsor for driving while suspended/revoked.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Deputy Hysom conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Jason Palmer, age 51, of Windsor for driving while suspended/revoked.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Hysom conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Lana Wright, age 35, of Windsor on a Cass County warrant for traffic violations.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Saulters arrested Chelsea Cooper, age 34, of Windsor at the courthouse on a Henry County no-bond warrant for possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Saulters arrested William Sizemore, age 54, of Clinton at the courthouse on a Henry County no-bond warrant for driving while suspended/revoked.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Saulters arrested John Wendleton, age 47, of Kansas City at the courthouse on a Henry County no-bond warrant for resisting/interfering with a felony arrest.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭:
Deputy Murphy and Deputy Harms conducted a follow-up investigation in the Deepwater area that resulted in the arrest of Phillip Hayduke on a 24-hour investigative hold for harassment 1st degree and resisting arrest. Hayduke allegedly threatened to burn the victim’s house down with the victims inside and advised he was going to hunt the victim. Hayduke also allegedly pulled away from deputies, refused to follow lawful commands, and threatened to headbutt deputies and escape custody. Within a 24-hour period, the Henry County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed formal charges and a warrant for harassment 1st degree was issued.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Casie Powell, age 45, of Urich was arrested at the Sheriff’s Office on a Urich Municipal warrant for driving without a license.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝:
Sheriff Brown conducted a traffic stop in the rural Deepwater area that resulted in the arrest of Garet Moulden, age 29, of Deepwater for driving while intoxicated.
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Saulters arrested David Houk, age 56, of Windsor at the courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
Jail Administrator Report
• Male Inmates: 77
• Female Inmates: 17
• Total Inmates: 94
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Friday, May 15, 2026
Kristin Sleyster earns spot on Columbia College Spring 2026 Semester Dean's List
Among those named to the dean's list is Kristin Sleyster of Harrisonville, who attended Online.
Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 175 years. As a private, nonprofit institution, the College takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. With locations across the country, more than half of which are on military installations, students may enroll in Day, Evening or Online classes. Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains a network of more than 100,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit ccis.edu.
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Skyview Farm in Pleasanton, KS Welcomes New Owners
Pleasanton, Kansas — Skyview Farm, a local dairy in Pleasanton known for its raw milk, cheese and fresh dairy products, was purchased this week by Derrick and Jessica Crozier.
The Croziers' plan is to continue operating Skyview Farm as a local dairy, carrying on the business established by previous owners Bill and Sheri Noffke. Current operations will continue uninterrupted, and existing customers can expect no changes to current offerings during the transition.
“We deeply value the importance of knowing your farmer and understanding where your food comes from,” said Jessica Crozier. “Skyview Farm represents everything we believe in when it comes to local food, rural agriculture, and serving our community. Our goal is to honor what has been built here and continue providing a dependable local source for a household staple.”
Skyview Farm has developed a loyal customer base by focusing on quality, transparency, and small-scale local production. The continued operation of the farm helps support rural agriculture while providing area families with access to locally produced dairy products.
Bill and Sheri Noffke expressed confidence in the future of the farm under new ownership.
“We’re incredibly happy to have found buyers who want to continue the dairy here in Pleasanton,” said Bill and Sheri Noffke. “Knowing that Skyview Farm will remain a local operation and continue serving the community means a great deal to us.”
The Croziers plan to continue sharing updates about the farm in their weekly newsletter. You can learn more about Skyview Farm at www.skyviewfarm.net.
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