Local Business Spotlight: The Daily Objective Distillery

Daily Objective Distillery was founded in 2025 on Sterling Ranch in Amsterdam, Missouri. What began as a casual conversation over drinks between Steve Parks, a retired Navy SEAL with a passion for art and distilling—and the ranch owner, quickly became a shared mission and vision: to create something meaningful, rooted in the ranch, and built by hand

We'll start with the award winning distillery that has claimed the prizes of Gold and Silver in the 2026 World Spirits Competition along with Double Gold in the Fall 2025 John Barleycorn Awards, among others, which are sure signs a quality product flows from the Daily Objective in the form of Bourbon, Vodka, Rum and Gin.

Every batch is small, every detail intentional. For example, the American Warrior Series Vodka embodies that purpose—each bottle featuring original artwork by Co-Owner Steve Parks, honoring service, and giving back to the SEAL Future Foundation. 

During our tour, it was obvious the intention of the Daily Objective Distillery is not to become a high output conglomerate as "it's all in the details" said Steve during our interview.

The property was previously dotted with an old ranch house and a few outbuildings which have been tastefully converted to what you see today, including a beautiful bar made from a black walnut tree nearby. The ranch house is now integrated into the main facility and is now the tasting room. 

And yes, distillery tours are available featuring the DOD history, batch distilling process, and production space. The experience wraps up with a curated tasting of select spirits, plus a DOD-engraved tasting glass to take home. Tours last 30–45 minutes and are offered during tasting room hours.

Outdoors you'll find something for the entire family or business retreat, including a sawmill, pickleball court, outdoor music stage and more, all integrated into the beautiful landscape that surrounds the Daily Objective Distillery grounds.

Want to stay for more than a day? RV parking is available and coming soon, cabins for rent.

The event schedule at the Daily Objective Distillery is packed full. Currently, a USA World Cup Watch party is set for June 25 that will include a food truck, live music by Mikey Needleman with the watch party to begin at 5 pm as Japan faces Sweden followed by four more games throughout the evening with more watch parties throughout the weekend.

 A state-of-the-art distillery insures clients only the best in local favorites

The fun doesn't stop there as Caleb Blacksher will provide live music at the outdoor amphitheater on Sunday, June 28th 6 to 9 pm. 

   PLAN TO SPEND your 4th of July weekend at DOD as the celebration of America's 250th birthday will light the skies with a brilliant fireworks display, skydivers, live music, food trucks and more. Check their website at www.dailyobjectivedistillery.com/events for the latest information.

   And just for the occasion, visitors can receive a very special 250th Anniversary bottle with artwork by Steve.

   Hours of operation are Thursday & Friday 4pm to 10 pm; Saturday 1 pm to 10 pm; Sunday noon to 6 pm.

   The Daily Objective Distillery is easy to find at 14215 NW State Rte J, Amsterdam, MO 64723. You can call 816-519-3544 or email info@dailyobjectivedistillery.com for more information.

  "At Daily Objective, how we build matters as much as what we pour: with our hands, our craft, and our commitment to the hardworking American spirit."

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Something new: the Dish

the Dish

An honest review of our local eateries

A recent run to Amsterdam, MO included an impromptu stop at DeHart's Amsterdam Cafe; and what was intended to be an 'in and out' meal, turned out to be something well beyond our expectations.

Being in a hurry, our choices were pretty basic- chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans, French fries and a roll.

The end result however,  we officially joined the 'clean plate club' as the chicken strips were tender, juicy and the breading was perfect in terms of flavor and consistency (not too crunchy as many are). 

The mashed 'taters were  obviously freshly made, as were the fries.

I often find sautéed green beans to be a bit crunchy for my liking however, as Goldilocks once stated, these were "just right!" as they also have a splash of seasoning that brought out their natural flavor. 

On top of that, our food arrived in a timely manner even though the restaurant was beginning to get quite busy. Our server Jennifer was pleasant and it was obvious she enjoyed her job (if I can joke around and the server can dish it right back, it always means a good tip!). 

The entire bill came to around $25. Wow, we got an authentic home cooked meal for about the same price, if not cheaper, than one of the gut-and-digestive-tract-busting fast food chains.

All said, we give a 5-star review to DeHart's Amsterdam Cafe and highly recommend EVERYONE check it out!

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Recipe of the Week: Orange Creamsicle Bars

Crust

1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs

1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar

1 pinch salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar

1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

1 (0.25 ounce) packet unflavored powdered gelatin

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 pinch salt

1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

2 drops orange food coloring, optional

Line a 9x9-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.

In a small bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt together until combined. Add in melted butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Pour crust mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Place crust into the freezer to chill while you make the filling.

In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric mixer until mixture holds stiff peaks; refrigerate until needed.

Place gelatin into a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour 1/4 cup orange juice over gelatin and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place cream cheese, condensed milk, remaining 1/4 cup orange juice, lemon juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and salt into the cup of a high speed blender. Blend ingredients on high speed until thoroughly smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, 1 to 2 minutes.

Heat bloomed gelatin in the microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir gelatin until thoroughly mixed and dissolved. With the blender running, pour melted gelatin into the cream mixture and continue to blend on High speed until thoroughly incorporated, about 30 seconds.

Remove whipped cream from the refrigerator. Pour cream cheese mixture over whipped cream and fold until thoroughly combined.

Remove crust from the freezer. Pour half of filling mixture over chilled crust; smooth into an even layer. Place pan back into the freezer until filling just begins to set, about 15 minutes.

To the remaining filling, add orange zest, lemon zest, and orange food coloring. Fold together until evenly combined.

Remove the pan from the freezer and carefully pour the orange layer over cream layer. Spread orange layer evenly over cream layer, making sure to cover completely. Refrigerate in the pan until bars are set, at least 4 hours to overnight.

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Obituary - Jerry Lee Stangel

Jerry Lee Stangel, at the age of 71, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home outside of Papinville, MO. He was born in Nevada, MO to Paul and Catharine Stangel. He was raised and worked on his family farm his entire life.

In his 71 years of life, he was blessed with three children; Mendy, Michelle, and Roy, before being united in marriage on June 12, 2000 to his wife, Angela. With this union of marriage, he became a step father to three children; Matthew, Daniel, and Alaina. In 2001, they welcomed their daughter, Montana.

He dedicated his entire life to working on the farm milking cows, raising crops, and running beef cattle. Above all, he loved and valued his family and took great pride in caring and providing for those he loved. You would always find him staying busy whether that be farming, mowing the grass, checking fences, driving to town for a POP, or out talking to his lifelong friends, Bob and Johnny.

He is survived by his soulmate and wife Angela of the home, his children Mendy (Carl) of Rich Hill, MO, Michelle (Matthew) of Sedalia, MO, Roy (Ashley) of Prairie City, MO, Montana (Johnathan) of Chadds Ford, PA, Matthew (Jeanna) of Butler, MO, and Alaina (Derek) of Adrian, MO; his sister, Paula of Woodland Park, CO; his brother-in-law, Leon of Fort Worth, TX; his special brother, Lloyd of Kansas City, MO; his many grand children, great grand children, and nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Arleta; and brother-in-law Cliff.

His family and friends were the center of his world, and he cherished the time he spent with each and every one of them. Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his hardworking nature and talkative personality.

A celebration of life will be held June 19, 2026 from 5-9 pm at Trent's building in Rich Hill, MO. Address: 720 E. Walnut St., Rich Hill, MO 64779.

Jerry will be deeply loved and missed and forever remembered.

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Obituary - Albert Finch “AF” Yarick

Albert Finch “AF” Yarick, age 84 of Rich Hill, MO, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at Saint Luke’s East in Lee’s Summit, MO. He was born May 23, 1942, in Fort Scott, KS. The second of three children to Frank and Thelma Yarick.

He grew up on the family farm west of Rich Hill. Attending grade school in Sprague, Jr High in Foster, and High School in Rich Hill, MO where he graduated in 1960.  The only life he knew was the farm and that’s what he loved. He married June Coffman in 1961 and they were able to purchase a farm in close proximity to his parent’s farm, on which to begin their dreams. They remained there together for 58 years until Junes passing in 2019, and AF until his passing. They raised three children on this farm. AF was quoted as saying, “We grow kids, corn, wheat, and soybeans but kids are probably the most important thing.” 

Dad was a man that understood priorities. When there was work to be done, he worked. But he always made time for family, and for the Lord. If the church doors were open, he was there with his family. He served faithfully as a deacon here at First Baptist in Rich Hill for 50 plus years. 

Dad was a great storyteller. And he had plenty of stories to tell from his younger years of fast driving. I’m sure the stories grew a little with time, but everyone loved to hear him talk about his escapades. I think Mom probably put a stop to most of the fast cars after they were married, but Dad still had a need for speed and horsepower. In the late 1960’s and 70’s he became one of the pioneers in the sport of tractor pulling. What started as a local weekend competition amongst neighbors became a full-fledged motorsport that spread across the entire Midwest. Dad served as president of the MSTPA for a few years and was also a member of the NTPA. After a decade of traveling five deep in a single cab pickup with tractor in tow, the family convinced him to retire the old AC back to the farm. But he never lost his love for the sport. When David decided to start pulling some 20 years later, Dad was right there cheering him on. And clear to the very end as Cody continues to pull, Dad would make as many trips with them as he could. If he wasn’t watching in person, he was watching them on TV and even last week as he lay in the hospital, he was adamant that Cody and David go to Nebraska to the tractor pull. 

Dad always thought big, and was never afraid of trying something new. This mindset served him well in farming. His willingness to embrace new technology and better methods allowed him to stay at the forefront of crop production. He loved the whole process from start to finish. From working the soil to hauling the crop to town he wanted to be involved in every detail. As the years passed and the farm grew though, he was quick to pass leadership to the next generations, and continue to give guidance and do the things that he could do to contribute. 

He was a great mentor and role model. He enjoyed his community and visiting with everyone he knew. Through the years he served on the local school board, soil and water board, farm service agency board, and of course the church and many other community service activities. 

His family was always important to him, but never more so than in these last 7 years since Mom’s passing. He occupied his time with farm work (a lot of grain hauling) and keeping up with the grandkids. He made countless trips around the section, stopping at David and Julie’s place and Rhonda and I’s place (and who knows how many trips by Ruth and Brad’s place in Monett on the truck), to get the rundown of what each of the kids was doing. And lately it had become more about what the great grandkids were doing and who was having the next one. I think he’s up to 10 and counting! 

We have so many wonderful memories and so many blessings to be thankful for, because of a man who showed the love of our heavenly Father through his daily love and commitment to us. Dad, you will be greatly missed by all who knew you. But we know that you are home now, with Mom. We look forward to the day when we will all be together again, and we will always be thankful for the time spent here with you. We love you! 

A.F. is survived by 3 children:

David and wife Julie Yarick of Rich Hill, MO

Stephen and wife Rhonda Yarick of Rich Hill, MO

Ruth and husband Brad Ridenour of Monett, MO

11 Grandchildren: 

Cody and wife Breanna Yarick of Rich Hill, MO

Mackenzie and husband Lane Aldrich of Excelsior Springs, MO

Abigail and husband Jacob Thompson of Niceville, FL

Hope and husband Cole Campbell of Rich Hill, MO 

Deborah and husband Samuel Coons of St. Clair, MO 

Rebekah Yarick of Rich Hill, MO 

Adriel and husband Lane Madison of Republic, MO 

Joel and wife Desyrae Ridenour of Mt. Vernon, MO 

Elise and husband Chandler Myers of Springfield, MO 

Daniel and wife Carly Ridenour of Rich Hill, MO 

Elijah Ridenour and fiancé Riley Cooper of Monett, MO

11 Great Grandchildren:

Baby Yarick 

Scottie Aldrich

Elizabeth and Emmalyn Thompson 

Keith Campbell

Easton Coons

Kingston and Krissy Madison 

Ramona and Warren Ridenour 

Janie Ridenour 

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Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

Stark, Lynne to Stark, Lynne Trust 05-28-2026 Str 6-41-29

Stark, Lynne to Stark, Lynne Trust 05-28-2026 Str 6-41-29 //Se

Nieder, Colby Braind to Wendleton, Henry Str 10-41-33 //Se

Casebeer, Christopher G to Nieder, Colby Briand Str 26-41-33 //Nw

Howard, Linda K. to Howard, Linda Kay Legacy Trust 03-04-2026 Str 20-40-32

Enlow, Dylan C to Cushard, Dan W Str 1-41-32 //Nw

Real Estate Assistance to Entrikin, Kenneth J. Jr. Str 2-42-32

Klaudt, James D. to Fowler, Tyler Str 10-42-32 //Se

HFT LLC to Quick, Annette (Suc-Trustee) Str 20-38-33+

Witmer, Dean V. to Kelly, Kasey Lt 10 Bl 11 Gilbert Heights+

Doughty, Norman Chandler to Doughty Mertz, Marilyn Str 3-38-33 //Ne

Reno, Michael to Arbogast, Marie Lt 5 Bl 1 Standish's, S. L. Addn+

Reno, Michael to Deems, Justin Str 17-38-33 //Nw

Prentice, Tyler to Maggio, Brogan Lt 1 Bl 1 Reese's Second Addn+

Newton Burial Park to Mit-Bor Land, LLC Str 7-38-31

Bettels Farms to Merz, Andrew Brady Str 9-40-33

Bridges, Vina Marie to Pentay, Aurora Renee Str 3-41-32 //Nw

Kurzweil, James to Kurzweil Brothers LP Str 4-42-32

Hayworth, Zachary to Rowe, Trevor Str 16-39-33 //Se

Bise, Jeffrey R Tyler to Hayworth, Zachary S. Lt 18 Triangle Estates

Smith, Tamera S to Smith, James M Str 36-40-30+

Nestor Solutions Of Missouri, LLC to Freedom Mortgage Corp Lt 5 Bl 88 Town Company's First Addn+

Howard, Linda Kay Trust 01-27-2014 to Howard, Linda Kay Legacy Trust 03-04-2026 Str 19-40-32 //Ne

Smith, James M & Tamera S Trust 05-08-2002 to Smith, James M Str 36-40-30+

Marriage license

Craft, Kordell Richard and Epperson, Jillian Pelham

Knoernschild, Carter Isaac and Brooks, Gretchen Anna

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Bates County Court News

Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer presiding

Fines do not include added court costs

City of Butler v Geoffrey Algiere- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Michael Clark- misc ordinance violation, fine $125.00

City of Butler v Heather Rogers- defective equipment, fine $50.00

City of Butler v Tory Hartsell- expired plates, fine $125.00

St v Dakota West- illegal taking of wildlife, fine $49.50

City of Butler v Shelley Snyder- expired plates, fine $75.00

City of Butler v William Skinner- animal violation, fine $100.00

City of Butler v Shawn Spencer- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.00

City of Butler v Jewell Cochran- expired plates, fine $100.00

City of Butler v Samyul Shipley- speeding, fine $125.00

City of Butler v Christopher Miller- expired plates, fine $50.00

St v Steven McDonald- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00

St v Richard McClure- no working horn, fine $200.00

St v Alison McCulley- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50

St v Anthony Starks- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Joshua Lacaeyse- speeding, fine $200.50

St v Julie Morlan- no working horn, fine $144.00

St v Surya Shunmugasundaram- speeding, fine $120.50

St v Jordan Radspinner- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Logan Andeway- speeding, fine $120.50

St v Colton Harris- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Kyndall Ray- no working horn, fine $200.00

St v Christopher Jones- speeding, fine $120.50

City of Adrian v Nathan Bass- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Rich Hill v Cooper Fox- defective equipment, fine $138.50

St v Ace West- speeding, fine $60.50

St v Mellani Walker- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Nou Xiong Lee- speeding, fine $80.50

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook

Tragedy Strikes At Butler Airport

The SkyDive KC jump plane, with 12 occupants on board, crashed shortly after taking off around 11:30 Sunday morning  There were no survivors; altitude and time were insufficient for parachuting to safety. Following normal protocol, the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident and will issue its findings after examining the scene and wreckage. It’s far too soon to speculate on the cause and circumstances involved. Our heartfelt condolences go out the families of the deceased. 

 If you like roller coasters, you loved last week’s flying weather. Up and down, in and out, changes daily, sometimes twice a day. There were many opportunities to get up, just perhaps not reliable trip-taking weather. As far as visitors went, the only traffic observed was a couple of Piper Warrior/Archer types. Local flyers were Gerald Bauer and Randy Miller, both flying missions in the Cessna Skyhawk, and I hopped around in the Aeronca Champion. It’s a busy time for agplane operators; BCS has had its AirTractor airborne almost daiiy, and LowFlyer Sam Styron was flying out of Harrisonville  while Dusty’s Flying Service was running out of Nevada.

As expected, general aviation is being affected by “World Cup Fever” in the Kansas City area. In addition to the expected Temporary Flight Restrictions over the match locations, the FAA has pllans to impose Prior Permission Required and time-slot reservations for operating in and out of MCI, MKC, OJC, IXD and Lee’s Summit and Mosby airports, from June 16 to July 11. In other words, it’ll be a mess to fly there, so avoid using the airports for the next month. For more information, visit faa/gov/air_traffic/publications/domesticnotices/dom26021 ; good luck making sense out of it all.

In other aviation news reported this week, much was being made of a now-retired Air Canada captain who was discovered to have flown his last 17 years without possessing an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Despite his exemplary service record flying Boeing 767, 777 and 787’s, including the required recurrent training in simulators, he held only a multi-engine commercial pilot license, which qualified him to be in the copilot’s seat but not the left-side captain’s position. Why he was never given the written and flight tests for the ATP, which he certainly could have passed, is unknown; somebody in supervision should have caught the discrepancy. We hope he doesn’t lose his pension over it.

Airbus has test flown an A350-1000 ultra-long-range airliner, ordered by Quantas for planned non-stops from Sydney to London. The flight time is expected to be 22 hours; that’s a long time to be in very-low-earth orbit. I guess it beats going through multiple layovers. Service is to begin in May, 2027. 

Drifting along with the high-altitude wind, an intrepid trio of balloon pilots spent 70 hours and 11 minutes crossing the Atlantic in a basket under their hydrogen balloon last week, launching from Maine on Thursday and landing in Luxembourg on Sunday. Talk about your no-frills accommodations. 

Continental Aerospace, builder of American piston-engine airplane powerplants for 100 years, has been sold to private-equity firm Arcline, after being owned for the past 15 years by AVIC, an arm of the Communist Chinese government. Like Cirrus Aircraft, also owned by AVIC, Continental Motors has been under scrutiny for its hostile foreign ownership. It’s good to have the Mobile, Alabama engine maker back in non-Chinese hands.

Our last-week question asked why jets don’t use reverse thrust instead of brakes for ground operations.  It’s because the debris thrown by up reserve at slow speed gets ingested into the engines. For next week, tell us if there any instrument approach procedures for seaplane-only bases? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

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