Obituary - Dorothy Kraft

Dorothy Jane Bewley Kraft died July 15, 2026, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. She was born on October. 27, 1923, in Oklahoma City, to Winton and Jane Bewley who proceeded her in death as did her brother Tom Bewley. After spending most of her youth in Oklahoma City, Dorothy moved to Nevada in time to graduate from Nevada High School in 1941, and then from Cottey College in 1943.

In 1944, she married Joe Kraft at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Nevada. She had three children, Clint Kraft (Janet), Olathe, KS., Sally Kraft Sandy, (Frank), Eureka, MO., and Paula Kraft Neal, Tontitown, AR. She had six grandchildren, Lindsey Petersen (Grahm), Adam Sandy (Tomoko), Laura Weber (Scott), Sarah Jewell (Brian), Amy Neal and Clint Neal (Nicole). Her ten great-grandchildren, Rosemary and Ozzy Petersen, Anya and Kira Sandy, Josephine and Benjamin Weber, Luke and Jackson Jewell and Cole and Lia Neal brought constant joy to Dorothy.

Joe and Dorothy married in 1944, just one year after Joe enlisted. Dorothy was in Nevada and wanted to do her part for the war effort as well. To that end she worked in the Pittsburg Bomb making facility. She shared many stories with the family about the girls on the line who were less than careful with the materials, which endangered the workers’ lives.

After the war Dorothy worked at the family business, Henry Kraft Mercantile and later worked at Cottey College. She was active in the wider Nevada community helping Joe in every way possible, especially in establishing the Village Market and renovating seven buildings in East Nevada. It is safe to say that whatever community awards Joe received, Dorothy was right by his side helping polish ideas and edit speeches. Dorothy was a major supporter of the Bushwhacker Museum. She worked tirelessly from its inception and was a major contributor to the move to its current location.

Having been initiated in 1943, Dorothy was a member of P.E.O. for 84 years. She served as President of Chapter DW three times and opened her home as a P.E.O. B&B for Cottey parents. In addition, she baked birthday cakes for Cottey girls to help celebrate their special days. All in all, she was a tireless worker for and supporter of P.E.O. and Cottey College.

Dorothy was a lifelong and faithful member of All Saints' Episcopal Church. She sang in the choir for many years and helped oversee the building project from the old Parish Hall and Rectory to the buildings standing today.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Lisa Ann Reed, Christi Crow and Sheila Bullock, Dorothy’s caregivers of many years. Their love and support for both Dorothy and her family were beyond measure.

The family suggests memorials be sent to All Saints' Episcopal Church, 425 E Cherry St, Nevada, MO 64772 or Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Nevada.  

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Obituary - Betty Lou Dickerson

Betty Lou Dickerson, daughter of Melvin and Pearl (Moseley) Coffman, was born Sunday, August 10, 1941, in Graft, Missouri, in Wright County, where she spent her youth. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the gates of life lifted, and a dear, worn-out, precious mother passed into eternal spring tide and youth, having arrived at the age of 84 years and 11 months. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, followed by an interment at Altona Cemetery in Altona, MO. There will be a visitation at 10:00 AM, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Atkinson Funeral Home .

Very early in her youth, on July 15, 1951, she was converted to the Christian faith and came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. She united with the Norwood Baptist Church. Then her family moved to Bates County, where she joined the Rich Hill Baptist Church and later transferred to Adrian Baptist Church and finally to Altona Baptist Church, where she held membership at the time of her passing.

Betty attended Norwood School in Norwood, Missouri until moving to Bates County early in 1958 during her Junior year in High School. She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1959. Betty worked at Kansas City Life Insurance Company in downtown Kansas City after graduating until her marriage.

On Friday, January 13, 1961, she was united in marriage to Ronald Dickerson. To this union three children were born to bring cheer and bring blessing to their home. The family made their home in Adrian and later moved to a farm outside of Altona. Betty helped with Sunday School, VBS, and participated in the WMU group at church. She was a member of the Altona Ladies Club. One of her hobbies was going to garage sales. The saying “This car brakes for garage sales” was a true statement for Betty.

She worked at Bass Busters in Amsterdam, MO in 1971. Then worked at Wal-Mart in Harrisonville for a few years starting in 2001. But mostly Betty was busy making a warm home for her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Buckie Coffman, a sister June Yarick and her husband, AF Yarick. She is survived by her husband of the home; three daughters: Sherri (Phillip) Oates, Jean (Brad) Lotspeich, and Jesse Evins; one sister-in-law: Wilma Coffman; one sister: Judy (Dale) Fischer; two brothers: Daniel (Kathy) Coffman and John (Connie) Coffman; 6 grandchildren, Megan Johnson, Tessa (Eric) Rusatsi, Tyler (Apiya) Lotspeich, Nathan Oates, Austin (Sammy) Evins, and Hannah Evins; 10 great-grandchildren Grace and Levi Johnson; Bella, Maggie, and Baby Lotspeich; Raissa, Julia, and JP Rusatsi; and Brantley and Waylon Evins along with a host of relatives and friends.

We realize that our loss is Heaven's gain and our thoughts are well expressed in the following poetry:

One Less or One Gain?

One less at home!

The charmed circle broken, a dear face missed day by day from its accustomed place;

But cleansed, saved and perfected by grace.

One more in Heaven!

One more at home!

That home where separation cannot be;

That home whence none is missed eternally,

Lord Jesus, grant us all a place with Thee.

At Home in Heaven!

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Obituary - Justin E. Powell

Justin E. Powell, 51, of Cleveland, Missouri, passed away on July 8th 2026 at his home in Cleveland. A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Isinglass Estate Winery, 16241 381th St, Lacygne, KS 66040. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Justin was born on January 14, 1975, in Boulder County, Colorado, to the Rayback & Powell families.

Since childhood, Justin loved animals. They reciprocated wholeheartedly. “Critters” (his term) fueled him emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Fellowship, camaraderie, and an intensity to succeed in all endeavors would be constants throughout his life. As a young man, he excelled first as a wrestler while attending Centauris High School in Lafayette, Colorado, where he competed at a state level for several years.

After graduating with AP credits and innumerable athletic accolades, his passions for athleticism and horses would lead to a long and storied career, reaching high levels of success as a PRCA saddle bronc rider. His ability to study and appreciate each individual bronc led to many stories about the bronc’s character and why the horse behaved a certain way; he rarely spoke of his abilities or many achievements in the arena, giving most buckles away to people he thought would appreciate them. His motivation was the feeling of freedom he got putting on a good ride and the challenge of analyzing and appreciating his equine opponent. He served as PRCA Mountain States Circuit Saddle Bronc Director for several years and also contributed through the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys conducting services at major rodeos and stock shows. The friendships and stories he took away from his rodeo career would enliven him and lead to many an evening of reminiscing. He would say this was the most fulfilling time in his life.

Justin funded his rodeo career by working at several other professions including: farrier, electrician, plumber, HVAC repairman, bladesmith, machinist, general handyman, and bee-keeper He was an insanely talented horse trainer, breaking outlaw colts, barrel horses, and cart horses using the same analytical skills he did for bronc riding and all other tasks. He also had a great passion and ability for dog training and handling - making several highly skilled herding, birding, and search and recue animals. On that note, Justin is credited with several mountain search and rescue saves. He was an avid outdoorsman: subsistence hunting, fishing, and trail riding. No matter the activity, his exuberant stories were full of the special critters that were by his side. They were a part of him, and his ability to recognize each animal’s unique qualities made his methods one of a kind and highly effective.

A love of caring for animals and working with them would sustain Justin through multiple accidents and injuries (not all rodeo related). He would suffer two life-changing traumatic brain injuries and survive two intracranial surgeries, subsequent epilepsy and life altering medication. Critters accompanied him and gave him purpose through recovery. Raising bottle calves and working long hours through calving season, being physically present for a cow in need when his recovery should have limited him, defined this time in his life. He took great pride in working through his recovery and seeing new life thrive on the ranch.

Justin’s competitive side also led him to a purple belt with 4 stripes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, initially training under Mauricio Zingano and eventually leading him to be Coach Cowboy to countless adults and children. He loved coaching and rolling. He viewed competitors as fellows who built him up and helped him improve. He appreciated their participation and friendship and counted them as family. He wanted nothing but success for those around him. He would light up teaching kids and took immense joy from watching their strides.

Ultimately, Justin would move to Missouri to be with his person, Dr. Brianne Simonsen. Together, they built a quiet life where Justin found peace, gardening, bee-keeping, smoking or cooking wonderful meals for family and friends, visiting foodie destinations around Kansas City and unwinding with his dogs Cleo and Annie. He would routinely help Brianne after hours on emergency veterinary calls and enjoyed being able to use his skills to contribute and sometimes save the day. He still thrived on conversation, telling the funniest, most entertaining stories and jokes, sharing his culinary gifts, and general “philosophizing” as he would say. There was a running joke that he was the unofficial mayor as he made a point to know all of the neighbors and helped wherever he could. Justin wrung humor from everything in life with the ultimate goal of brightening the day for those around him. His humor was clever, surprising, and entirely original. He worked every day to make life easier and happier for those he loved, practiced gratitude and expressed his appreciation at every opportunity, understood being community-minded, stepped up to assist those in need, exemplified unconditional love and was unflinchingly himself. Rest in peace, know that you are so deeply missed and loved. The fruit you leave with us is good."

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Boil Advisory - City of Adrian

Date: Jul 21, 2026

BOIL ORDER ADVISORY

Effectively Immediately 

The City of Adrian has issued a Boil Water Advisory for all customers.

Late last night, the city's chlorine system stopped adding the appropriate amount of chlorine to the treated water. Chlorine levels should be at .5 milligrams per liter when leaving the plant. That level fell to .47 milligrmas per liter. This issue has been identified and corrected. 

What should you do?

Until the order has been lifted:

Bring all water to a roling boil ofr at least three (3) minutes before:

Drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, Preparing food or infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables, giving water to pets.

The advisory will remain in effect for 24 hours from the time of this notice. 

Any questions, please call City Hall at 816-297-2659.

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Hume Fair and Rodeo begins next week!

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Final report issued regarding Butler aircraft involved in Kansas crash last year

June 16, 2025 an aircraft that departed from Butler, MO crashed onto the rooftop of a hangar at New Century airport in Gardner, KS that fortunately resulted in only minor injuries for the two persons on board. This aircraft had previously been used for parachute jump operations at the Butler airport and listed below are the official NTSB findings related to the accident

N1UC Beech E90 New Century, Kansas 16 JUN 2025

2 Minor Injuries

Pilot Flight Time:

CPL/Instructor - 795 hours (Total, all aircraft), 9 hours (Total, this make and model)

ATPL/Instructor - 40000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 750 hours (Total, this make and model)

The flight instructor and pilot-receiving-instruction were conducting a cross-country flight in the twin-engine turboprop airplane. According to the flight instructor, while in the airport traffic pattern at the destination airport, the pilot-receiving-instruction allowed the airplane to decelerate below a normal airspeed for the turn from base leg to final approach. He told the pilot-receiving-instruction to increase engine power to accelerate, but the airplane began to yaw left after the engine throttles were increased. The flight instructor “suspected that the left engine flamed out due to fuel starvation” and took control of the airplane. He retracted the landing gear and flaps, applied full right rudder, and rolled the airplane to the right into the operating right engine. The flight instructor did not feather the left propeller because he believed the left engine was still producing limited thrust. The airplane continued in the left turn despite the flight instructor’s corrective actions. The fight instructor did not attempt to turn the airplane back toward the runway because he believed the airplane was accelerating and would clear the hangar ahead of them. The airplane impacted the hangar and came to rest on the roof.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage, both wings, and the right engine separated from the mounts. There was no evidence of a fuel spill in, on, or around the hangar. Examination of the airplane fuel tanks confirmed they were not breached during the accident. When drained, the left- and right-wing fuel tanks contained about 3 fluid ounces and about 30 fluid ounces of fuel, respectively.

Although the flight instructor and pilot-receiving-instruction provided different accounts of how much fuel was present before the flight, both pilots stated that the indicated fuel level was within the yellow caution band on both fuel tank gauges before departure. According to the Beech E90 airplane flight manual, takeoffs are prohibited when the fuel tank gauge indications are within the yellow caution band (0 to 260 lbs). Ultimately, the exact amount of fuel available before the flight could not be determined with any certainty. The flight instructor estimated that the 16-minute flight required between 135 to 200 lbs of fuel. The flight instructor opined that the fuel tank gauges were inaccurate which resulted in fuel exhaustion to the left engine.

Review of ADS-B flight track data revealed the airplane decelerated below minimum controllable airspeed (VMC) during the turn from base leg to final approach. The airplane continued to decelerate during the go-around. The flight instructor stated that the accident could have been prevented had the airplane’s best single-engine rate-of-climb airspeed (VYSE) been maintained until the runway and landing were ensured. Based on the amount of fuel recovered after the accident, there was likely insufficient fuel remaining to perform a go around and reenter the traffic pattern for landing with one engine operating.

Probable Cause and Findings:

The flight instructor’s inadequate fuel planning that resulted in a loss of engine power to the left engine due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the flight that resulted in diminished airplane performance during the go-around.

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Concerns raised about operation of Mount Pleasant Township

Minutes from recent Bates County Commission meetings

July 8, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Charles Rush, with Cooks Insurance, came in and talked to the Commission about United Healthcare and possibly Blue Cross Blue Sheild for them to consider when their Insurance Renewal takes place.

Jim stated that Elected Officials will be involved in the decision again this year.

July 13, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Judge Julie Highley came and discussed Gas Cards through the Opioid Board Funding Program with the Commission. She explained a system where they can offer MFA Gas Cards to individuals in the program that might need help with gas for their travel back and forth from work. They discussed the amount of $400.00 to be allotted towards these cards, each card totaling $25.00 apiece.

Trent liked the idea of it being an MFA card, as they can only spend it on gas and nothing else. John agreed and added that the amount of the cards, being $25 each, was a great idea.

Trent made a motion to approve the funding for the MFA Gas Cards. John seconded the motion. Jim started explaining that he wants to make sure this isn’t something that will be looked at every time an individual says they are having trouble going to work. He feels this needs to be closely monitored so it doesn't become more an expense, depleting the funds for something else. He then stated that he is on board to support people getting their life back together and likes that it is an MFA Card that can be spent at any MFA but on gas only.

John stated that he felt this was well thought out and said that he is all in with this.

All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Alan Fay, with Higginbotham Insurance, sat with the Commission to touch base. Jim told him that they were still under contract with the counties’ current insurance and that the current broker they have can do the same that Higginbotham can do.

Alan spoke over personalized policies, saving a county 40% with 100% coverage, and encouraged the Commission to reach out midsummer to discuss something perfect for the county.

Jim then discussed a period where the Commission got a lot of backlash and were accused of purchasing the cheapest insurance. He said that when they were switching insurances, they had all elected officials present during the meeting and let them have input. He said there was a lot of good conversation and input, and they were able to agree on an insurance policy.

Alan then asked the Commission to consider them when their contract is up, to which Jim stated that they stick with a local broker because they are quick to respond and get the issue resolved quickly. Alan then told Jim that they work hard to respond to any concerns and are most likely to have it resolved by the end of that day.

Trent made a motion to accept the Cyber Liability renewal price with Travelers. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

The Commission discussed CART Funding which led John to make a motion to give $575 per mile. Trent seconded the motion. Jim voted no, as he feels the numbers do not match up to what they will be able to spend out of Road and Bridge for the remainder of the year. Jami asked if they had budgeted that much a mile, Jim thought not but found where they did budget $575.00 per mile but he still doesn’t think it will line out, as they have expenses for bridges coming out that were not budgeted. He told Jami the totals and how close they were, but Jami reminded him that they do have cash on hand that they can use as well to make up for anything. He stated he was aware of that but felt like more money was being spent versus coming in. He stated that it isn’t that he doesn’t want to give them money, he just wants them to do their jobs and not waste the money or rathole it somewhere else and start using it on the roads to make them drivable and fix the ditches.

Chad Anderson came in and met with the Commission to discuss some Personnel matters with one of his employees.

At 3:04 pm John made a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the personnel matter. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

At 3:38 pm Trent made a motion to go back into open session. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

July 15, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Sydney Roberts; SEMA, Mark Mathies; Butler, Michael Wriston; Mayor of Hume, Jason Bennet; Butler Fire, Daniel Stewart; Bates County Deputy Surveyor, Jim Henry; Mayor of Butler/EMA all joined the Commission and spoke about Flood Plains.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was presented to increase awareness of flooding and reduce the risk of losing life across the state, with the help of SEMA. FEMA has the funds to get an updated map so they are in the process of creating these maps for Bates County.

They also presented a website that the County can use to see the elevation levels when building things looking at the flood plain areas that might be affected.

Wade Chandler called the Commissions office and spoke with John and Trent, as Jim had not made it back from lunch yet. He discussed the standing of Mt. Pleasant Township and addressed concern for the people that are still on the Township Board. Some of the concerns included the lack of meeting minutes from the last two months of meetings, the board’s unwillingness to cooperate with the Highway Patrol in the Township investigation, and the lack of knowledge of their financial status of the Township.

Wade stated that he had attended a board meeting on the fourteenth of July and was disappointed with the progress of the township. In the fact that they had no meeting minutes or knowledge of the things they were asked to show, a group of people that reside in Mt. Pleasant Township have come together and will be requesting an Audit and a Sunshine Request to find out what is happening within this township to this day. He told the Commission about the audit and asked for their help, as they can make this easier on the individuals going to bat for their Township. John and Trent voiced their support, and John mentioned that he had a contact that he could reach out to from the State Auditor's Office and asked Wade who he was in contact with to be able learn information about the Highway Patrol's Investigation.

Wade mentioned that he washed his hands with the Township in March and had not been since and felt as if they were worse off in July than they were in March. He stated that the stealing must stop and he wants answers for the thousands of missing funds that are not accounted for.

Wade and two other individuals are set on putting their names on the Ballot and running once there is an audit in motion. Neither of these gentlemen want to run with the current line of members and would like to step in and get things lined out and the Township back on its feet.

Kacie Robey, Treasurer/Collector, and Carl Bettels, Assessor, came in and updated the Commission on their situation with Governmentor. Gene, the owner, is in the hospital so they were unable to close on the dates that they had originally planned and is still unsure when they will be able to get switched over to Ulrich Software.

Kacie stated that she is going to get with the lawyers, as this is the only way they can communicate with Gene to get anything done, to see how they should proceed from here. Since he is a one man show, Kacie is unsure of what to do from here and their licenses are up on July 17th, 2026. She said she will not be paying any fines or fees dealing with that, as this was not anyone’s fault, but she doesn’t want to get stuck with any charges especially since it was not the Counties fault that nothing was able to be switched before that date.

Kacie and Trent both hoped that Gene was okay and would be able to recover quickly.

With Trent absent, Jim made a motion to accept Spring Line Advisor, dealing with NextEra Solar. John seconded the motion. Two were in favor, one absent. Motion carried. No opposition.

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