Friday, March 13, 2026

Little Apple news

The Appleton City FBLA chapter is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until sold out in the circle drive at the school featuring Sherlene's Reuben Sandwiches. Come kick off your St. Patrick's Day weekend with Sherlene's Famous Reuben Sandwich for $10 and support our FBLA chapter.  Thank you in advance for your support.


The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday March 14.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Mark Avery will have a short devotional.  


Grace Christian Academy will have their 6th annual hog roast dinner with silent and live auctions fundraiser 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in the Lowry City Civic Center, 4th & Cleveland. The hog roast dinner for $10 includes meat, sides, dessert and drink. Children 4-12 years eat for $6, 3 and under are free. Carry out is available. Silent auction from 4:00–6:30 and live auction at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the school or at the door. 


Drivers can expect lane closures and occasional traffic delays on Missouri Route 52 and Route J in Bates County and Vernon County Route AA for a resurfacing project beginning the week of March 16. This is the work being done on this project: Missouri Route 52 from Missouri/Kansas state line east approximately 27 miles to Route BB.  The contractor will add a new surface, structural work to bridge over northbound I-49 lanes (Exit 131) and add guardrail in areas and rumble strips.  Bates County Route J from Route F south approximately four (4) miles to Route 52 will add a new surface. Vernon County Route AA from Route M west of Schell City south nearly 13 miles to Route 52, Contractor will add a new surface and permanent striping. Traffic impacts include: traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are working. Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road. Route 52 over I-49 will be CLOSED for up to 166 days while contractor works on bridge. I-49 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Westbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour north on I-49 to Bates County Route F (Exit 136) at Passaic and back south on I-49. Eastbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour south on I-49 to Route 52 (Exit 130) south of Butler. There will be no signed detour for work on Bates County Route J and Vernon County Route AA. Drivers should find alternate routes to avoid work zones. 


Contractor crews have closed the St. Clair County Route H bridge over Monegaw Creek southeast of Appleton City until early May to replace the bridge. Crews will demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new structure. In addition, the contractor will add new barrier walls, object markers at either end of the bridge and new permanent striping. The new bridge also will be six (6) feet wider than the current structure. Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the work zone, but will not be able to drive through the work zone. There is no signed detour Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone. Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project.


Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner will be served March 20 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. Dine-in and carry will be served. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole slaw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $8. 


The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for April 24 and 25. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date. 


The Appleton City Museum would like to borrow 40 Christmas tree stands or tripods, May-August to help Celebrate 40 years of the Appleton City Landmarks Restoration organization. Be a part of the celebration. Contact 660-492-0131 or acmolampkin@yahoo.com


Ohio Christian Church invites area women to be guests at their Annual Ladies Retreat on March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This spring they’ll be putting down roots and experiencing a mountain-top moment with guest speaker Whitney Kinne of Clinton leading through Jeremiah 17:7-8. Whitney is a vivacious, kind, faith-walking mom and career woman, raised in church and agriculture. They have all kinds of wonderful surprises waiting for you, including a lovely, complimentary lunch. Every detail of the day has been planned and they’ve been praying for you. They can't wait to lift voices in praise, and to love on and learn with you. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. at Ohio Christian Church - located 7 miles west of Lowry City or 10 miles east of Appleton City on Hwy. A.  For more information, call 417-321-4177. Be sure to like and follow at Ohio Christian Church on Facebook for more details and coming announcements.


Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for March, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Friday, Mar. 13 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday;   March 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday;  March 19 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace;  Tuesday,  Mar. 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John;  Wednesday,  March 25 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray;  Wednesday,  March 25 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni;  Thursday, March 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib;  Friday,  March 27 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA; Tuesday, March 31 - Rheumatology-Dr. John.


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mar 14     Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

Mar 14     ACHS FBLA Reuben Sandwich fundraiser 11:00-2:00 at the circle drive of the school

Mar 14     Grace Christian Academy annual hog roast dinner and silent and live auctions 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lowry City Civic Center,

Mar 17     St Patrick’s Day

Mar 20     Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose




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Obituary - Richard A.Koehler


Beloved husband of Susan Koehler (nee Thoelke).  Dear father of Matthew, Christopher (Shelly), Timothy (Lori), Phillip (Erin), Brian (Jordan) and the late Richard M. Koehler.  Dear grandfather of Kathryn, Benjamin, Brock (Sayler), Sidney, Willa, Crosby, Elsie, Kennedy, Lincoln, Lauryn, Natalie, Lucas, Kayson and Callaway.  Dear brother of Alice (Gordon Sukstorf) Tatro.  Our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

SERVICES:  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church (8866 Pardee Road St. Louis, Missouri 63123) – date and time pending.  Mr. Koehler was a member of Masonic Lodge #79, Geneva, Nebraska,  St. Patrick Catholic Church and a former member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva, Nebraska.



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Obituary - Thomas Edwin Rayburn


Thomas Edwin Rayburn, 84, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026.

He was born April 19, 1941, in Searcy, Arkansas. During high school his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent most of his life. Tom worked as a machinist at Bendix, later Allied-Signal, where he rose through the ranks into management and eventually oversaw multiple departments before retiring at age 52. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Rita, moved to Peculiar, Missouri.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, grilling, and competitive trap shooting with friends from work.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucille Rayburn; his sister, Patty Shockley; his stepdaughter, Kim McCormick; and his grandson, Corey McCormick.


Survivors include his wife, Rita Rayburn; sons Robert Rayburn and Curtis Rayburn (Cheryl); stepson Nick Roberson; sister Judy Barnett; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.


A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 21, at 3:00 p.m. at Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the youth programs at the Kansas City Trapshooting Association (Tom Rayburn Legacy Fund) QR Code below.


He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.



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Job opportunity in Butler


We’re HIRING at Koehn Bakery!


We are growing and looking for someone to join our team as a BARISTA / CUSTOMER SERVICE team member. Training will be provided.

This position is 30+ hours per week and includes helping customers, making coffee drinks, and being part of the friendly atmosphere we’re known for.

If you enjoy working with people, staying busy, and being part of a great team, we’d love to talk with you.

Stop by the bakery to apply or call us at 660-679-6221


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Twist of Fate Brings Special Blessing to Lily's House


Lily's House
in Adrian has received an incredible blessing. Thank you to Clearway Energy and Bates County Opioid Relief Settlement.
We desperately needed to replace an old vehicle that would no longer pass inspection. Of course God had it all worked out. His timing is always perfect. Here is a rough timeline…
-Sara filled out an application for funding from the Relief Fund to replace our old van.
-Bates County Northern Commissioner John Gray came to tour Lily’s House.
-Within a week Barry Matchett from Clearway Energy attended the Commissioners meeting and just happened to mention they would like to support a local nonprofit.
-Barry toured our facilities and feel in love with our mission and our people.
-Fast forward to a different commissioners meeting when our application was being reviewed. Barry just happened to be present and volunteered to split the bill.
It gets even better…
-I contacted PJ Haskins and asked him to start looking for our new ride.
-I had no idea how difficult that simple request would turn out to be. It’s been a few years since I have shopped for a new ride.
-PJ was having dinner with Mark Mueller and mentioned our struggle of finding a quality minivan.
-Mark’s dealership had just taken in a one owner minivan that fit our needs and our budget.
Thank you to everyone who made this dream come true. Most importantly, thank you God for orchestrating this journey every step along the way.

-Jeff and Sara Vick


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Hume School Board Honors Brad Steuck Upon Retirement


The Hume R-VIII Board of Education and School District would like to thank our retiring board member, Brad Steuck, for his 12 years of service and commitment to our school and community.



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Linn County Sheriff's Office issues scam alert


This message has recently been sent to many in Linn County. Please be aware that this is a scam. Do not clink on the link that is in the message.



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Harrisonville High School Students of the Month


The Harrisonville High School Students of the Month for March are Shelbie Anderson and Tucker Snook. Anderson and Snook were nominated by high school staff for the honor.
Anderson is the daughter of John and Dawn Anderson. She is involved in prayer group, first priority, art club, tennis, and the National Honor Society. Her leadership roles include serving as art club treasurer.
Anderson’s honors include earning the Academic Letter Award from 2022–2025 and the AP World History Proficiency Award.
Outside of school, she serves as a Sunday school teacher’s aide. She also enjoys playing tennis and reading.
After high school, Anderson plans to attend College of the Ozarks for an undecided major.
Snook is the son of April Snook. He is involved in band, Jazz Band, theater, HHS Audio Visual Team, and the National Honor Society. His leadership roles include serving as band president, band section leader, and drama club vice president.
Snook’s honors include earning First Chair Baritone Saxophone in the All-District Jazz Band, being named a Blue Star Award nominee, and earning First Chair Contra Clarinet in the Conference Band. Snook also received a gold rating at the district level and a silver rating at the state level in Solo and Small Ensemble. In addition to music, Snook was recognized in theater as Best Actor in a one-act play.
Outside of school, Snook is a member of the Drury University Concert Band and the Upon Luna theater group. He enjoys acting, working tech for any kind of production, learning every instrument, writing, and reading.
After high school, Snook plans to attend Columbia College Chicago to earn a bachelor’s degree in acting for stage and screen, a bachelor’s degree in jazz, and a minor in voice acting.
Harrisonville High School Students of the Month are selected based on character, citizenship, and academics.


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