Friday, August 29, 2025
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Historical podcast in the making
Wednesday afternoon, the knowledgeable group seen here assembled at the Bates County Museum to record a podcast related to the rich history of our area and according to the podcast producer, the finished product will be available in coming weeks.
Get your garden ready for Fall
As summer winds down, it’s time to prep your garden for fall!




Obituary - Mary Nell Kenney
Mary Nell Kenney, age 84, of Nevada, MO passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Moore-Few Care Center. She lived in Bartlesville, OK before coming to Nevada. Mary was born on December 25, 1940, in Rich Hill, MO to Raymond Nelson and Nellie Viola (Crosswhite) Kenney. She was a high school graduate and was an office worker for a petroleum company.
A graveside service will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, MO.
Obituary - Clay William Cumpton
Clay spent much of his life traveling the highways and backroads of the United States behind the wheel of a tractor trailer. His career as a truck driver took him across the country and included time with companies such as Barlow Trucking, R.L. Hannah, and Precision Heavy Haul. He took pride in his work and found purpose in the long hauls and open roads that defined his profession.
Outside of work, Clay found joy in nature. He loved being outdoors—chopping and gathering firewood, setting lines along riverbanks, and spending quiet hours bank fishing. Though he wouldn’t eat mushrooms himself, he had a fondness for hunting them—a pastime that reflected both his appreciation for nature’s small treasures and his sense of humor.
A celebration of life was held on what would have been Clay’s 67th birthday—Saturday, August 30th, 2025— at Kurt's Mancave.
We love you, Clay. You are missed.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Folds of Honor Kansas City and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
Obituary - Ivan “Keith” Christopher
Ivan “Keith” Christopher, age 72 of Adrian, Missouri died Monday, August 25, 2025 at Medicalodge in Butler, Missouri. He was born April 3, 1953 to Moreland Francis and Bonnie Bee Sterns Christopher in Butler.
Keith, one of three children, grew up in Passaic, Missouri where he attended grade school. After grade school he attended and graduated from Butler High School. Following graduation he started Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school in Nevada, Missouri. Keith moved to Adrian when he married his wife Lisa Pettry in September of 1996. He then dedicated many working years to Adrian Manor.
Keith is described as funny, compassionate, caring and giving. He enjoyed cheering on the Chiefs and the Royals, supporting them many times by the shirt he was wearing. Keith had a very special four-legged friend, Kimmie, his cat, whom he cherished. He also had a love for traveling, especially to Colorado with his loving wife Lisa.
Keith is survived by his wife, Lisa Christopher of Adrian, Missouri; and one sister, Misty Christopher of Butler, Missouri. Keith was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Darla and Kay Christopher.