Blackhawk Briana Yoakum welcomed into Mizzou Academic Scholars Program

Adrian Blackhawk Pride shines bright once again for Briana Yoakum! This time, she is participating in an academic honors program before entering her Junior year at AHS! Way to represent, Briana! You'll do great in this program! Congratulations!

Today Briana was officially welcomed into the 2026 Missouri Scholars Academy at the University of Missouri.

MSA is not a typical summer camp — it is one of Missouri’s most prestigious and selective academic honors programs for high school students. Scholars are nominated and chosen from across the state based on exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and intellectual promise.

For the next three weeks, Briana will study alongside some of Missouri’s highest-achieving students while learning from university faculty, researchers, and academic leaders through this nationally respected program.

Sentiments from Briana's parents: "Seeing 'Briana Yoakum — Adrian Senior High School' included among students from Missouri’s most recognized schools was an emotional moment for us. Coming from a small rural community, this opportunity represents years of hard work, discipline, resilience, and determination. We could not be more proud of her. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and she earned every bit of it."

Information provided by Crystal Yoakum via Adrian News Leader

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Storms and hot today, more rain tomorrow

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All victim names released regarding plane crash in Butler

From the desk of the Bates County Coroner’s Office…I first want to thank everyone for their continued support and cooperation and we want to give our sincere condolences to the friends and families associated with the tragedy at the Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, MO. The Coroner’s Office has identified the victims of the plane crash that occurred on Sunday, June 14 through the provided manifest and through next of kin notifications. The list of individuals identified is currently just a list and the proper authorities are still attempting to make absolute certain the deceased are positively identified. While the investigation is still ongoing and we work to reunite the deceased with their loved ones, we feel comfortable that we have the identities of those twelve passengers on board the plane.

The list includes:

Kurt John Roy- 69 year old from Windber, PA

Michael R. Shanahan- 54 year old from Kansas City, MO

David Hershberger- 54 year old from Liberty, MO

Sai Karthik Varma Datla- 24 year old from India

Matthew Swope- 39 year old from Independence, MO

Dustin McKinney- 44 year old from Stilwell, KS

Jennifer L. Sharp- 55 year old from Grand Junction, CO

Blake Thacker- 25 year old from Olathe, KS

Marcus Miller- 30 year old from Lawrence, KS

Nicholas Nash- 40 year old from Harrisonville, MO

William Fischer- 23 year old from De Soto, KS

Dane Cordes- 26 year old from Richmond, MO

The Coroner’s Office continues to work with local, state and federal agencies to investigate the incident. We waited to release the names to allow time for the friends and families to reach out to their extended families. We ask that you allow time and pray for everyone involved as this investigation will take months to complete and has touched people nationwide. God bless you all.

Jerret J Reno

Bates County Coroner

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Obituary - Tannor Thomas

Funeral services for Tannor Thomas of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at the Optimist Building in Adrian, Missouri with cremation to follow. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the Adrian Optimist Building. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to the Thomas Love Fund at Community First Bank. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Tannor Thomas, age 28 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, June 12, 2026 in Butler as a result of a motorcycle accident. He was born December 4, 1997 to James W. and Deborah G. Mohr Thomas in Kansas City, Missouri.

Tannor is survived by his wife, Brooklyn Thomas and two young children, Walker and Rosalie all of the home; mother, Deborah Shaner and husband Brandon of Butler, Missouri; one brother, Zachary Thomas of Butler, Missouri; parents-in-law, Patrick and Michelle Popplewell of Butler, Missouri; sister-in-law, Brianne Phillips (Dalton) and their children, Braxton and Riley; brother-in-law, Peyton Popplewell (Macey Kelso); one sister, Alexandria Thomas; and father, James Thomas. Tannor was preceded in death by his grandparents; and two cousins, CW Mohr and Chase Gilbert.

A full obituary will be published at a later date.


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Bentley Gilkey to advance to 2026 National High School Rodeo finals

Bates County has something to be proud of….. 15 year old Bentley Gilkey of Rich Hill will be advancing to the 2026 National High School Rodeo finals in Lincoln Nebraska. Bentley is competing in the Bull Riding event.

This 7-day rodeo competition will be held July 19th through the 25th. Bentley is a small town kid chasing his dream. Bentley is the son of Rashanda Gilkey and Brent Morrison of Rich Hill. His motto is to work hard, stay humble, chase your dreams, and make your hometown proud. He needs our help to reach his dream.

If you would like to be one of many sponsors needed to help Bentley Gilkey reach his dream , we are asking for donations. There are 4 different sponsor levels from $500 gold level to $99 dollars, or any cash amount that you feel led to donate.

The donation dollars will assist this Cowboy pay for travel and lodging expenses, entry fees and equipment. We are Calling on Rodeo Fans and retired Cowboys to help us... help Bentley.

There are several ways to send your donation dollars.

Venmo, Cash App, Phone Email or donations/ checks mailed in any amount will be appreciated. Donations may be mailed to Rashanda Gilkey 201 East Oak Street in Rich Hill 64779. The deadline will be July 10th, as Bentley will hit the road on July 17th for Nebraska.

Bentley will be representing the Rich Hill Community on the national stage , and our hope is for Bentley to bring this title back home to Bates County.

This is more than a rodeo for Bentley Gilkey of Rich Hill, it’s a dream, a journey ,and the opportunity of a lifetime. Every dollar you spend will help this dream become a reality.

Phone number 660-227-3368 that number again 660-227-3368

Good Luck, Cowboy

Courtesy 921news.com

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An opportunity to help as our community mourns

I have talked to other business owners that are also asking “What can I do”. Bates County is made up of mainly small businesses so I want to reach out a request… First responders have carried a HUGE amount of this weight the past few days in our community. I want to put out there that we will offer free food, comfort food, drinks, whatever is needed to first responders, family members, or anyone directly carrying the weight of this tragedy. I also want to invite any other business that would like to share on here (I don’t care if you are considered a competitor or not, that does not matter right now) anything you are offering as well.

If you need a coffee, sandwich, or some ice cream then we want to invite you in Tuesday & Wednesday for a free meal.

The last few days have been extra heavy for Bates County, Mo. Butler in particular. As I filter through the news feeds with a heavy heart for everyone involved, I also realize how beautiful our community is. We are Bates County. When tragedy strikes, someone needs something or if there is a super heavy burden, the citizens around tend to have the initial response of “what can I do to help?”

If you are like me and have been asking this exact question that I know most around here are asking themselves, I also want to point out that we are a praying community. You don’t have to like it or even agree with it but it’s what we do. We are the type to show up as a stranger to a stranger and offer a hug, handshake, and prayer all in one single movement. There is nothing you can say to a victim or first responder to change what is in motion but there is something powerful about praying for them. Pray for peace. Pray for comfort. Pray for honest and truthful answers in the investigations. Pray for first responders that can never unsee what they see on the daily and keep stored in their minds while continuing to do their jobs serving our community.

While I can only imagine but not truly fathom the weight of this emotional rollercoaster, I can say that one of the things I see (and makes me proud to be a Bates County citizen) is the way the people show up. We have our differences, strong political viewpoints, and complaints about each other because we are such a tight knit community. But when there is a need, Bates County SHOWS. UP.

It's a place where we will

- pray for you even if you are a stranger (we don’t care)

- we will offer you a place to stay

- you will give you a hug even if you aren’t a hugger

- we reach out asking how you are doing – prepare for 4,243,478 social media messages because it will happen!

- we will bring you food and encourage self-care at a time of loss and high emotions

- we ask “how can I help?” so many times it practically enters a number into infinity

- community groups will start to pour in at overwhelming numbers asking the previous question and doing the previous items listed

- Bates County citizens have a true desire to carry some of that burden in heavy moments. We look for ways to pick someone up when they don’t have the strength to stand.

- barriers and disagreements are set aside in an instant and everyone is suddenly on the same team regardless of what township they live in, what school they went to, or who they voted for. None of that will matters anymore.

The thing is, unless you have experienced living somewhere else, you think this is normal. This is rare!!! Bates County is very special. So, if you are scrolling Facebook or any other media outlet wondering the same thing most are in this moment…. “What can I do?” please remember that the biggest and best thing you can do is pray.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

Byrds Pecan Delights, Adrian MO

Find more on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/byrdspecansdelights

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Flip through this week's printed News-Review and Shopper!

Follow this link to flip through the pages https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/Mid-America-Shopper-06_17_2026/


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Obituary - Steven Edwin Lindsey

Steven Edwin Lindsey, 82, entered his heavenly home after a life filled with faith, family, friendship, service, and adventure.  Born August 10, 1943, to Elson L. “Jack” and Sarah Ella Lindsey, Steve grew up on the family farm in eastern Kansas, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, hard work, horses, and the simple joys of country living. He often fondly recalled riding horses across the countryside, swimming in creeks and ponds, harvesting honey, trapping critters, raising livestock, and exploring the world around him with boundless curiosity.  Steve often said he had lived a wonderful life, and those who knew him would agree. Whether canoeing Missouri streams, conducting auctions, building businesses, serving his community, or riding horseback on trails throughout the country, he embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. His career included service as a forester, educator, businessman, insurance agency owner, auctioneer, and entrepreneur. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Forestry from the University of Missouri and remained a lifelong advocate for conservation, outdoor recreation, and responsible stewardship of God's creation.  Steve carried forward a family auction tradition that began with his grandfather in 1916. He spent decades in the auction and real estate business, working alongside his father and later his son, Todd. Throughout his life he built businesses, mentored others, and developed friendships that spanned generations and communities across Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and beyond.  He described his wife, Priscilla Kaufmann Lindsey, as “a gift from God.” Married on December 12, 1981, they shared nearly 45 years of love, partnership, ministry, travel, and countless miles together in the saddle. Horses became a defining part of their life together as they raised, trained, competed, and judged trail horses across the United States. Together they helped establish and maintain more than 150 miles of horse trails in Kansas and dedicated countless volunteer hours promoting responsible trail riding and public access to the outdoors.  Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who made it his mission to ensure everyone around him was well cared for. He is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; sons Todd, Troy, Dustin, and Jared; ten grandchildren, Taylor, Bailey, Henry, Oliver, Max, Grace, Nathalie, Allabelle, Claire, and Eleanor; two great-grandchildren, Levi and Willow; brother, Marvin; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  Most importantly, Steve's life was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ. Alongside Priscilla, he devoted himself to serving the church through leadership, teaching, ministry, and church planting. He loved studying God's Word, encouraging others in their faith, and helping people move beyond simply knowing Scripture to living it. His church family at Mt. Zion Community Church became a cherished source of fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.  As he approached the end of his earthly journey, Steve did so with peace, gratitude, and unwavering confidence in God's promises. Reflecting on a life he considered richly blessed, he wrote that he looked forward to Heaven much as one looks forward to a vacation or a new trail to explore. "This is going to be a real experience, like none I have ever had," he said.  He left his family and friends with a final message filled with love, faith, and hope:  "Open your Bibles and study hard so we can be together in Heaven and worship our Lord and Savior in the presence of God. Love you. — Steve"

Memorial services will be held at Mt. Zion Community Church in Cherryvale, KS on Saturday July4 (supper at 6:00PM and service at 7:00PM with fireworks to follow) and Schneider Funeral Home in La Cygne, KS on Monday September 7 (visitation at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alpha Christian Children’s Home and School in Perry, KS or Back Country Horsemen of America.

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