Carissa Stong wins Sweepstakes award at Missouri State Fair

Congratulations to Carissa Stong for winning the Sweepstakes Award at the Missouri State Fair Carcass Lamb Show

The sweepstakes winner is determined by a cumulative point system based on carcass merit; Carissa had 3 lambs, with 2 of them scoring in the top 20 of the nearly 100 carcass lambs entered. By winning this award, Carissa earned $500 for the Nevada FFA chapter and a nice cash prize for herself, courtesy of the Missouri Soybean Association. Carissa is pictured with Missouri Secretary of Agriculture, Chris Chinn.


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High School Football is back!

This week on Tailgate TV, we sat down with the new head coach of the Butler Bears, Kyle Rhodes!

We talk about Coach Rhodes taking over the program, his vision for Butler football, this year’s team, and what Bear fans can look forward to under the Friday night lights this season.

The wait is over. Football season is HERE.

Catch the newest episode of Tailgate TV now!

GO BEARS!

Tailgate TV - Coach Rhodes

https://youtu.be/4fMOGZhRrAY

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Missing your favorite salads lately?

If recent food safety concerns have you thinking about growing your own veggies, fall is one of the best times to get started.

Learn which cool-season crops thrive in autumn and how to use your first frost date to time planting for a fresh, productive harvest.

Learn more. Do more with MU Extension: https://brnw.ch/21x55hn

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A friendly reminder from the Vernon County Sheriff's Office

Because we care

We would like to take a moment to remind everyone to wear your seatbelts and drive with care.

Over the last couple of weeks, our firefighters and emergency responders have seen a significant uptick in vehicle accidents. We have responded to multiple rollovers—including two involving ejections that resulted in fatalities—as well as wrecks caused by inattentive driving. Recently, a deputy’s vehicle was struck while working an accident scene, and on August 19th, crews spent an hour extricating an individual from a crash.

Whether caused by impairment, distraction, or speed, many of these incidents could have been prevented. Please wear your seatbelt, stay attentive, and drive responsibly.

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Archie man Receives Sustainable Agriculture Grant

Doug Drury of ArchGen in Archie, MO, was awarded $17,142 for the project, "Beyond the Cone: Extracting Value from Hop Leaf Waste."

 "This project evaluates whether the oil from hop leaves, normally a discarded byproduct, can serve as a useful brewing additive or a natural insect repellent for perennial berry crops. " said Drury.

Each grant was awarded as part of NCR-SARE's 2026 Farmer Rancher Grant Program, a competitive grant program for farmers and ranchers who want to explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects. 

The focus for each of the NCR-SARE grant programs is on research and education. Funding considerations are based on how well the applicant presents the problem being addressed, the project's relevance to sustainable agriculture in the 12-state North Central region, and how well it aligns with NCR-SARE's goals, among other factors specific to each grant program.

NCR-SARE's Administrative Council (AC) members decide which projects will receive SARE funds. The AC includes a mix of agricultural stakeholders in the region. Council members hail from regional farms, ranches, the Cooperative Extension Service, universities, federal agencies, and nonprofits.

Since 1988, the SARE program has helped advance farming systems that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life through a nationwide research and education grants program. The program, part of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, funds projects and conducts outreach designed to bring sustainable innovations to agricultural systems.

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Crowder College adult education classes coming to Butler, deadline August 31st

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Obituary - Wilma Maxine Gier

Wilma Maxine Gier, 92, of Adrian, MO, formerly of Rich Hill, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026 in Harrisonville, MO. A visitation will be held at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, MO on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 5:00 p.m.. A private family graveside service will be held following the Celebration of Life. Memorial contributions can be made to the Adrian Fire Department in her honor.

Wilma Maxine (Diehl) Gier was born August 25, 1933 in Rich Hill, MO. Born to George O. & Mary Pauline (Stewart) Diehl. Wilma attended Rich Hill, MO high school. Wilma married Gilbert Jackson, and of this marriage two children were born; Linda (Jackson) Casey & G. Bruce Jackson. Later Wilma was married to the true love of her life, Bill “the Barber” Gier.

Wilma worked for Tiona Truck Line for 10 years, and later made her mark as a Real Estate Broker for A&R Real Estate. Wilma had a deep passion for the wilderness and mountains, as well as all its animals. Her fondest memories were of those she shared with Bill on their

many vacations throughout the wilderness of America. In her later years, Wilma enjoyed watching every Chiefs football game with a cold crisp Sunkist, visiting with her loved ones, being a brutally honest taste tester for whatever new recipe Jonhenry & Makenna tried for dinner, and most of all eating fried chicken with her beloved dog Trixie, every Thursday. Wilma had a passion for Jesus that she was not afraid to share with anyone. She often shared her excitement to be able to see her Lord & Savior.

One of Wilma’s greatest accomplishments and joys of life was her great grandson Jonhenry. From the moment he was born he was her best friend, and she was his. Wilma took on a new challenge when Jonhenry was 12 and he came to live with her. The two made countless memories and shared many wonderful years together. Though life was not easy, she never wavered in making sure he was cared for, supported, and deeply loved. Her pride and love for Jonhenry and Makenna were evident in everything she did, and their special bond was one she treasured. Wilma loved her law enforcement family deeply (many of whom called her “grandma”), introduced to her by her great grandson. No matter what uniform was worn, she welcomed them to her table where many dinners and visits were held, often time swapping war stories with the guys. She continued to share a home and her life with Jonhenry, and his wife Makenna, over the years, creating many cherished memories together. Wilma touched the hearts of many, and worked hard to make sure you knew she loved you. She will be missed greatly, by all who knew her, but her memory and the life lessons she shared, will be carried on forever. She leaves behind one important message to all; love hard, enjoy the little things, laugh constantly, and most importantly love Jesus.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; her two brothers Raymond and Orville; her two children Linda (Jackson) Casey & Bruce Jackson; and her beloved four legged friend Trixie. She is survived by grandchildren Jamie Bise, Mary Beth Hill, Kelly (Jill) Kiester; her great grandchildren Jonhenry (Makenna) Jackson, Karter Keister, Tanna

Keister, SamanthaMcCarty-Kiester, TearstenKeister, JacksonHill; andahostofextended familyandfriends.
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Suzanne Dudley 100th birthday coming Sept. 8

Suzanne Dudley is turning 100! There will be an open house at Medicalodges of Butler from 3 to 4:30 pm on September 8th, 2026. All are welcome!

If you would like to send her a card, you may send it to:

Suzanne Dudley

c/o Medicalodges Butler

103 E. Nursery St.

Butler, MO 64730


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