Obituary - Willard Eugene Strange

Willard Eugene Strange, 67 of Butler, Missouri passed away Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Hospice House of Olathe, Olathe, Kansas. Memorial services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Inurnment will follow on Saturday in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Strange family c/o Mullinax Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Eugene Strange was born February 16, 1959 in Butler, Missouri. The son of Dale Eugene and Rita Colleen Kisner Strange.

Eugene grew up in the Butler area and eventually went to work as an AVS postal driver for many years. When he wasn’t working, he could be found fishing or spending quality time with his good friends, Buzz, Fred, Leeann, Marshall, and his dog Rocky.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Colleen Strange. He is survived by his brothers Lee Strange and wife Lena, Allen Strange and wife Jane, nieces, Tasha and husband Tyler, Angie, Alesha, Amber and husband Kevin, Andria and husband Tyler, and Midori, nephews, Matthew and Vernon and his wife Brandy, 15 great-nieces & nephews, and one great-great-nephew.

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Pleasant Hill route 7 bridge project moving along

Work is progressing on the bridge replacement just south of Pleasant Hill, MO on route 7 as seen here. The project appears to be slightly ahead of schedule with all work to be completed by the end of the year, barring weather delays.

More info about the project https://www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-7-bridge-replacement-over-big-creek-and-rock-island-trail-cass-county


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Important amendment considerations of November 3rd ballot

Four Constitutional amendments will appear on the Bates County ballot on November 3rd and everyone is highly encouraged to research and vote accordingly

Amendment No. 3

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

- Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability;
- Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve-weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies;
- Allow legislation regulating abortion;
- Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions;
- Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will repeal Article I, Section 36, of the Missouri Constitution approved by the voters in 2024 which provided reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability; continue to ensure women’s ability to access medical care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages; allow legislation to regulate abortion providers and facilities to ensure health and safety; require informed and voluntary consent for an abortion, including parental or judicial consent for minors; allow restriction of abortions to cases of medical emergency, rape and incest under twelve weeks gestation, and fetal anomalies; prohibit public funding of abortions except in limited circumstances; and prohibit gender transition procedures for minors including gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs, with exceptions for specific medical conditions.

A “no” vote will leave Article I, Section 36, of the Missouri Constitution approved by voters in 2024 in place; will not limit abortion to cases of medical emergency, rape and incest under twelve weeks gestation, and fetal anomalies, but leave access to abortion available through fetal viability; will not prohibit gender transition procedures for minors.

If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes.

Amendment No. 6

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

- Expand the initiative and referendum petition process by making it a fundamental right;
- Allow courts to revise ballot summaries through lawsuits;
- Prohibit the legislature from weakening initiative or referendum powers;
- Prohibit the legislature from changing or repealing laws enacted through the initiative process, or passing laws similar to those rejected by referendum, without approval from at least 80% of both chambers; and
- Preserve existing majority vote and signature requirements for initiative and referendum petitions?

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will prohibit the people’s elected representatives from directly amending or changing any law enacted through the initiative process; require that any modifications to laws enacted through the initiative process be referred to the people by a vote of at least 80% of each chamber of the General Assembly; restrict the legislature from passing laws that limit the ability to pursue initiatives and referenda; maintain the current signature requirements of five percent of the individual legal voters in each of two-thirds of Missouri’s congressional districts for proposing a law; maintain the current signature requirement of eight percent of individual legal voters in each of two-thirds of Missouri’s congressional districts for proposing a constitutional amendment; and maintain the current requirement that a simple statewide majority of votes cast on a measure by individual legal voters is sufficient to enact any law or constitutional amendment.

A “no” vote will not change the current constitutional provisions, which already give citizens the right to propose initiatives and referenda.

If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes.

Amendment No. 7

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to establish a permanent public endowment fund to support state government instead of taxing Missouri residents, prohibit the General Assembly from appropriating or diverting the fund, and eliminate state-imposed taxes once the fund generates sufficient revenue to replace them?

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to establish the “Show-Me Prosperity Fund,” a permanent public endowment fund to support state government with the goal of eliminating state-imposed taxes without impairing the real value of the fund’s principal; prohibit the General Assembly from appropriating or diverting monies from the fund until notification is given by the State Treasurer that the net investment earnings of the fund are sufficient to eliminate state-imposed taxes; cap the total amount of moneys that may be appropriated from the fund in a fiscal year to three percent of the average market value of the fund over the preceding five fiscal years; and prohibit the General Assembly from enacting the eliminated state-imposed taxes, provided, however, that in the event the fund is unable to meet its obligations due to insolvency, revenue shortfall, or program failure, the General Assembly shall retain full authority to appropriate funds from any lawful source and to enact legislation establishing or increasing taxes or other revenues as necessary.

A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to establish a permanent public endowment fund to support state government with the goal of eliminating state-imposed taxes.

If passed, this measure will have no immediate impact on taxes but could lead to the elimination of state-imposed taxes if the net investment earnings of the fund become sufficient to support that outcome.

Amendment No. 8

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to support law enforcement by preserving the right of citizens to elect a county sheriff, prohibiting the removal of a county sheriff except by a writ of quo warranto, and recognizing the office of sheriff as part of the administration of justice?

State and local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to require counties to: elect a sheriff every four years, which is currently required by statute; place in the Constitution provisions regarding sheriffs’ duties that are currently provided by statute; and provide that an elected sheriff may be removed from office only through a writ of quo warranto initiated by the Attorney General.

A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution. Current Missouri statutes providing for the election of county sheriffs to four-year terms and governing their duties and removal will remain in effect unless changed by law.

If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes.

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"No data centers" coming with next Bates County solar project

During Monday's meeting with the Bates County Commission and solar company NextEra, a couple of questions were answered: 1. Yes, Bates county will be getting another solar farm project, and 2. NextEra promises that "no data center" will be coming with it.

More information coming soon with additional details about the meeting.

More info about the company https://www.nexteraenergy.com/


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Obituary - Raymond E. Cornett

Raymond E. Cornett, age 73, Garnett, Kansas passed away Friday September 18, 2026. He was born on May 21, 1953 in Paola, Kansas the son of Delbert and Joan Mendell Cornett. He graduated from Prairie View High School. He was united in marriage to Carol Diane Sweetwood on June 27, 1975. Raymond worked as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the Operator's Union Local #101. He enjoyed watching westerns, especially Gun Smoke. He took a country cruise every day and visited with friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol D. Cornett. Raymond is survived by two sons, Bill Cornett and wife Teresa, and Russell Cornett, three brothers, Glenn Cornett and wife LaDonna, Perry Cornett and wife Melinda, and Randi Cornett and wife Linda, a sister, Mary Michelle and husband Mark, five grandchildren, Caitlin, Kimberly, Austin, Timothy, and Preston, five great grandchildren, Derek, Owen, Saylor, Onyx, and Raylee, and one on the way.

Funeral service will be 11 am Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Burial will be in Richland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Wings, https://share.google/OtIJ2EvP0p0OxvOts. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Dorothy I. Strickler

Graveside service and burial for Dorothy I. Strickler will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. No visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dorothy’s memory to Rawlinsville Camp Meeting (475 Clearfield Road, Holtwood, Pennsylvania 17532.) Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Dorothy Irene Strickler, 74, of Archie, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Although she spent her final years in Missouri, Dorothy spent most of her life in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, where she made a lifetime of memories with the people she loved.

Dorothy was born August 5, 1952 to David Isaiah Dickel and Helen Beatrice (Kumler) Dickel, who preceded her in death.

She was the beloved wife of Samuel Scott Strickler. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in April. Dorothy was a devoted mother to Matthew R. Strickler and his wife, Crystal, Sara L. Holsinger, and Amy M. Willever and her husband, Bill. She was a cherished grandmother to Autumn, Caleb, Abigail, Brock, Emily, Brent and his fiancée Katrina, Travis, Sebastian, Shawn, Tianna, Aleah and Zoey; and a proud great-grandmother to Ellianna. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.

She is survived by her brother, Ralph Dickel and his wife Carol, of Julian, Pennsylvania; her sister, Jean Dosch and her husband Jim, of Kirkwood, Pennsylvania and sister, Vickie LeFevre of Quarryville, Pennsylvania.

Dottie, as she was lovingly known, found great joy in quilting. She created many beautiful quilts and sewing projects, each one carrying the time, care and love she put into everything she did.

Dottie also devoted 20 years to 4-H as a leader, where she shared her love of sewing by teaching 4-H members valuable sewing skills. She was also an important part of leading the Solanco 4-H Community Club. Through her years of service, she touched the lives of many young people and took great pride in helping them learn, grow, and develop skills they could carry with them throughout their lives.

One of the traditions closest to Dorothy’s heart was attending Rawlinsville Camp Meeting each summer. Her faith in Jesus was an important part of her life, and she held firmly to the hope that one day she would be with Him.

After a courageous fight with cancer, Dorothy is now at peace. She is with Jesus, free from pain, and reunited with those who went before her.

Though she will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, siblings, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched, her love, faith, generosity, and beautiful legacy will live on in all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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Obituary - Michael McReynolds

  

 Michael McReynolds, age 64, Nevada, MO passed from this life at his home on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. 

     Michael loved being on the water as demonstrated throughout his career as a boat captain and dive master coordinating trips throughout the Caribbean Islands.

    Mike is survived by his mother, Edith McReynolds; brother, Tracy McReynolds; sister, Michelle Householder (Karl); niece, Hannah Kirkpatrick (Max); nephew, Eli Householder (Sierra); and two great-nephews, Samuel and Nathan.

    A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

 

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Obituary - Lester (Les) Loyd Unruh

Lester (Les) Loyd Unruh, 93, of Harrisonville, Missouri, died September 19 at Crown Care Center in Harrisonville MO.

He was born July 19, 1933, in Great Bend, Kansas. He was the second of three sons to Arline and Frances Unruh. He graduated from Great Bend High School in Great Bend, KS.

He married Carma L McClelland, a resident of Hutchinson, Kansas and had three children: Chyrell, Karen and Scott.

He was married to Bonnie Sprenz in 1988 of Kansas City, Missouri. They later moved to Harrisonville, Missouri.

Les served in the United States Naval Reserve & enjoyed a long career as a pastor, teacher and coach across a variety of settings and geographical areas.

After acquiring his ordination in the Nazarene Church, Les pastored several churches in Kansas. He was the paster at Minneapolis Church of the Nazarene in Minneapolis, KS. He also pastored the Church of the Nazarene in Kirwin, KS. He then began pastoring at the Lyons Church of the Nazarene in Lyons, KS while enrolling at Sterling College to complete his bachelor’s degree. While attending Sterling College, Les also played center on the football team and was selected as captain of the team.

After graduating from Sterling College, Les and his family moved to Emporia, Kansas where he began work on his master’s degree in education at Emporia State University. Upon graduating with his master’s degree, Les and his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona to begin his full-time coaching at teaching at Phoenix Christian High School. The family attended Maryvale Church of the Nazarene.

After one year in Phoenix (1966), Les moved his family to begin teaching and coaching at Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University) in Bethany, OK. Les was the head coach of the baseball team at BNC and also served as an assistant and interim head coach for the football team at Bethany High School.

Upon completing 3 years of work at BNC (1969), Les, took a position as teacher and Head Football Coach at Paradise Valley High School (PVHS) in Phoenix, AZ. He also assisted with the boys’ basketball, baseball and track programs at PVHS. Les also served at the Maryvale Church of the Nazarene as Associate Pastor.

In 1973 Les became the first Head Football Coach at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, AZ. He taught history and social studies as well as establishing the football program at Chaparral.

Les returned to his Alma Mater in the summer of 1977 to be the Head Football Coach at Sterling College in Sterling, KS. After three years at Sterling College, he was hired as the Head Coach of the Wichita Flyers semi-professional football organization in Wichita, KS. He coached that team for two years.

In 1985 Les was appointed Head Football Coach at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS. At Wyandotte, he also taught American History. He retired from teaching and coaching after 14 years with the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools.

Upon retirement from coaching, Les worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a representative to high schools in the area to include Harrisonville High School.

Les served as the Board Secretary and Sunday School Teacher at the Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene for many years and up to his death.

He is preceded in death by his parents Arline Unruh and Frances Unruh. Also by his brother Ronald Unruh, Herbert (Herb) Unruh and infant child Curtis Alan Unruh.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Harrisonville, MO and his children, Chyrell Unruh of Fayetteville, AR, Karen Deal (Donald) of Bella Vista AR, and Scott Unruh (Nita) of Kearney, NE. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Patty Unruh of Lyons, KS as well as three step-sons Tom Sprenz of Las Vegas, NV, Mark Sprenz (Stacey) of NC, and Matt Sprenz (Susan) of Lee’s Summit, MO. His nephews Rodney McClelland & Roger McClelland, his nieces Linda Wilson (McClelland), Andrea Ingram (Unruh) & Mandy Unruh. Les had 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026 at Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026 at Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

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