Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Mobile Action Center brings access to local resources

 


The Mobile Action Center (MAC) is West Central Missouri Community Action Agency’s “office on wheels,” designed to bring essential services directly to communities across our nine-county region. Staffed with knowledgeable team members, the MAC connects individuals and families with assistance for housing, energy conservation, employment and training, and family support programs. Whether helping with applications for LIHEAP, Weatherization, or housing vouchers—or sharing information about workforce and education opportunities—the MAC makes it easier for rural residents to access the resources they need without traveling long distances. It’s one more way West Central is helping people and changing lives—one stop at a time.

You're also always welcome to visit us at our office in Raymore, El Dorado Springs, or Appleton City. We're there from 7:30 am to 5 pm, Monday- Thursday. Text us at 660-466-2134, email info@wcmcaa.org, or call 476-2185 to leave a message. See you soon!

Adrian FCCLA places well at State

 


Adrian FCCLA members Ava Underwood and Aynsley Zerbe, competed in the Show-Me Skills event, "FCCLA News Now" - Level 3. They recorded and pre-submitted a broadcast video sharing the recent news and events within the Adrian FCCLA chapter. The team took second place in the State. Ava (pictured, red shirt) accepted their 2nd place award. Congratulations, girls!

Courtesy Adrian High School

Fennewald breaks Butler school record


 Congratulations to Kamden Fennewald who broke the school record for assists in a match in our district win over Skyline with 52 assists!! This breaks the record she shared with her sister, Taitlyn Madison, at 51.

Courtesy Butler High School

Cold front inbound


 Thursday overnight a front approaches that brings a tiny bit of moisture with it.

Rainfall totals still looking pretty slight.
Vast majority of the area won't top the 0.10in mark, except for possibly Milan-Unionville-Kirksville areas.
-Greg@660weather

Obituary - Charlotte Ann Bays

Charlotte Ann Bays, 82, of Louisburg, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, Kansas. She was a devoted homemaker throughout her life, embodying the essence of love and care in every aspect of her existence.

She was born at St. Francis Hospital on July 13, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas, and grew up in Belle Plaine, Kansas, before moving to Kansas City, Kansas, in her teenage years. Charlotte graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1961 and spent a significant part of her life nurturing her family and community.

A beloved mother, she found joy in caring for her children, David, Stephen, and Aarron, regardless of their ages. Her unconditional love extended equally to her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Charlotte cherished her role as a matriarch, providing warmth and guidance to all who entered her life.

Her passion for animals was evident in her actions; she frequently fed stray animals and selflessly volunteered for various wildlife and domestic animal rescues. Charlotte's heart was as generous as it was compassionate, and her commitment to caring for all living beings was a testament to her character.

In all of her years between caring for her children and grandchildren, Charlotte enjoyed activities such as canning, crafting, genealogy research and gardening, finding peace and purpose in tending to her plants and preserving the fruits of her labor. After deciding they had enough of city life they moved to Linn Valley, Kansas, where she enjoyed the remaining years, with her husband Philip before he passed away in October of 2014. After losing her husband, she made the decision to move to Louisburg, to be closer to her children, where she continued to share love and memories until her passing.

Charlotte leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, David Frye, Stephen Frye, and Aarron (Brad) Rudkin, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and all the extended family and friends who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but the impact of her love will forever resonate in the lives she touched.

Celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5 S 8th Street, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Christ Our Savior Church, Scleroderma Research Foundation, or Rescue K-911, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

Obituary - Barbara Ann Short

 Barbara Ann Short, age 77, Pleasant Valley, Missouri, formerly of Linn Valley, Kansas passed away Monday November 3, 2025. She was born on June 10, 1948 in Jackson County, Missouri the daughter of Samuel and Eliza Meece Allison. Barbara was united in marriage to Robert Short June 24, 1977. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2016. She worked for Southwestern Bell which was acquired by AT&T. When Barbara and Robert moved to Linn Valley she began working at Labette Bank. Barbara is survived by a daughter Laura Moss, two sons, Kevin Short and Tim Short, three sisters, Betty Harrelson, Dorothy Bradley, and Margie Stidham, and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Monday November 10, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Funeral service will be held 2 pm Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 pm to service time at White Chapel. Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Linn Valley Auxiliary. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Obituary - Linda Lee Wheeler

Linda Lee Wheeler, 91, of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of Harrisonville, Missouri, died peacefully at Newport House on November 4, 2025. No services are scheduled at this time.

Born February 17, 1934, in Cooper County, MO, she was the daughter of John David and Huldah Mae (Hurt) Heinrich. Linda grew up in Pilot Grove and graduated from Boonville High School in 1952. Her curiosity, drive and love of learning carried her to Northwestern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and later to Tulane University in New Orleans, where she completed her master’s in social work. On June 9, 1961, she married Dr. Robert L. Wheeler in Boonville. After his medical training in Kansas City, they made their home in Harrisonville, where they built deep roots in the community, raised four children, and created a life centered on family, learning, and service.

Linda was a thoughtful leader and lifelong learner whose quiet determination shaped not only her community but also her family. She was both the first woman to serve on, and later to lead, the Harrisonville School Board, where she championed quality education and equity for all students. Her belief in the power of education was unshakable, and her encouragement and example guided all four of her children into careers as physicians, a legacy that reflects her intellect, support, and unwavering belief in their potential. She was also active in P.E.O. and the Harrisonville Planning Commission. Professionally, she worked as a social worker, bringing compassion and insight to her roles at the Harrisonville Dialysis Center and Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.

Beyond her work, Linda had a wide and curious spirit. She loved to read, travel, and explore new ideas. At home, she found joy in the company of her cats and the wildlife that visited her backyard in Harrisonville, creatures she cared for with quiet affection. After retirement, she and Bob moved to Overland Park in 2014 and later to Leawood, where she spent her final years surrounded by family.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Robert Wheeler, on January 20, 2019; and her brother, John Alan Heinrich in 2008. She is survived by her children: Melissa Wheeler of Prairie Village, KS; Rachel Wheeler and her fiancée, Joe McKean, of St. George, UT; Eden Wheeler and her spouse, Christopher Walker, of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Coleman H. Wheeler, and his spouse, Sarah, of Leawood, KS; six grandchildren: Tevan R. Balian, Aren J. Balian, Stefan W. Balian, Helton W. Walker, Miles Q. Wheeler and Alexandria L. Wheeler; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Linda will remember her sharp mind, her steady warmth, and her unwavering belief in the value of learning and community.

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Obituary - Leland Ray Underwood

Leland Ray Underwood, age 79, Fulton, Kansas passed away Sunday November 2, 2025. He was born on July 16, 1946 at Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Clifford and Wilma Clayton Underwood. He served time in the United States Navy. He then became an equipment operator in the Army National Guard where he retired from. Leland was united in marriage to Debby Kurtz on January 19, 1996. He was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Leland loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Pretty much anything outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert Underwood, and two great grandchildren. Leland is survived by his wife Debby, three sons, Kent Underwood and wife Michelle,Shane Mills and wife Jen, Dathan Mills and wife Ashley, seven daughters, Michele Lockhart and husband Jim, Kimberly Weimer, Stacey Rister and husband Zach, Katrina Goodridge and husband Troy, Elizabeth Sturm and husband Toby, Charlotte Loflin and husband Wesley, and Kendra Schelert and husband Allen, three brothers, Dale Underwood and wife Judy, Steve Underwood, and Paul Underwood and wife Diane, four sisters, Mary Wood, Patty Homan and husband Henry, Peggy Kuns and husband Jim, and Lori Bower and husband Terry, thirty-two grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11 am Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Disaster Relief at donate.jw.org. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.


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