Happening now: Hume Fair

Smoky skies & cooler temps

Stolen tractor recovered near Vernon county line

Earlier,  the Bates County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a stolen John Deere Tractor northeast of Rich Hill and today the victim reported that the tractor may be in Vernon County on Albert Road just south of the Vernon County/Bates County line. Deputies from Bates County and Vernon County responded to the area and found the tractor on the side of the road.

Other responding Bates County Deputies coming into the area from the north observed a male walking away from the road where the tractor was located. The Deputy made contact with the subject and subsequently connected the male to the stolen tractor.

Since the tractor was recovered in Vernon County and the subject was taken into custody inside Vernon County the male was taken to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation.

Both Sheriff Anderson and Sheriff Buehler agree that cases like this are the reason that great relationships with each other is a must. “We both serve our citizens and career criminals don’t pay attention to county lines” says Sheriff Anderson. “I agree and we are proud to work together for the common goal of serving our communities” says Sheriff Buelher.

Kip Matthew presented with Award of Excellence in Springfield

 

Congratulations to Harrisonville High School choir director Kip Matthew

At the Missouri Choral Directors Association Conference on July 24th in Springfield, MO Kip Matthew of Harrisonville schools was honored with the Jeff Sandquist Presidential Award of Excellence.

MCDA President Kevin McBeth selected Kip as this year’s recipient in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and musical excellence.

Once again, congrats!

Obituary - Karen Ensor

Karen Ruth (Easter) Ensor, 86, of Lexington, Missouri passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2025, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, Missouri.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Lexington United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Business Hwy 13, Lexington, Missouri 64067. A memorial service will follow immediately. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the C.A.R-Cancer Assistant Relief. Memories of Karen and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, MO 64067, 660-259-2245.

Karen was born on July 30, 1939, in Kansas to Clarence “Frank” and Margaret (Dexter) Easter. In 1957, she graduated from Butler High School. Karen worked for over 27 years as a secretary for Lexington High School and Middle School. Karen was united in marriage on December 6, 1957, to Everette Dale Ensor in Butler, Missouri. He preceded her in death on May 16, 2013. Karen was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Along with spending time with family and friends, Karen had a green thumb for gardening and tendering to her flowers.

Karen is survived by one son, Marty (Cheryl) Ensor of Lexington, MO five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one daughter-in-law, Julie Ensor of Blue Springs, MO and many relatives and friends.

Along with both her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by Wade Ensor.

A needed boost: Hume schools awarded $176k grant

Just as rural schools in Missouri could certainly use a much needed economic boost, Hume R-VIII schools proudly announced this week that they will be receiving just over $176,000 in funding from the Patterson Family Foundation, who extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson in “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” serving several rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

"We're thrilled" said school officials in the announcement who went on to say that the money will bring exciting upgrades to classrooms including over 20 new technologies, hands-on learning tools, and more real-world educational experiences for all grade levels.

"These investments will help equip our students with essential 21st-century skills and set them up for long-term success. Upgrades and improvements will begin before the new school year starts" and added special thanks to Hume School Counseling and all others who helped make this possible.

More updates forthcoming, in the meantime find more information about the program here https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/

Obituary - Gene Dale Chewning

 Gene Dale Chewning, age 71, Rich Hill, Missouri passed away Monday July 28, 2025. 

A gathering to celebrate Gene's life will be held from 6 to 7 pm Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill.  A memorial service will begin at 7 pm.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association.  Online condolences can be left at www.heuserfunerals.com.  

Autumn like temps for awhile