Obituary - Roberta Louise Childers

Roberta Louise Childers, age 96, formerly of La Cygne, Kansas passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026. She was born on August 4, 1929 in Linn County, Kansas the daughter of Theodore R. and Jessie L. Wade Reynolds. She graduated from Pleasanton High School. She enjoyed traveling. Her working career involved being a nursing home administrator at several facilities. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Robert Reynolds. Roberta is survived by two daughters, Nancy Taylor, and Rita Siegele, a son, Robert Michael Childers, a brother, Kenneth Reynolds, a sister, Bernita Robbins, six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service will 11 am Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Riverview Cemetery, La Cygne, Kansas. Roberta will lie in state Friday afternoon at the Schneider La Cygne Chapel. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. 

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Athlete of the Week

We are so excited to announce and want to congratulate the 2026 State Farm and C & S Graphics athlete of the week scholarship recipient Grace Francis, a senior from Drexel High School. Grace will be attending State Fair Community College in the fall majoring in nursing and continuing her athletic career as a member of their track team. She just returned from the State Track meet earning two 3rd place medals in the hurdles! Thanks to all the coaches for their nominations each week so we can continue to recognize local athletes who excel in the classroom as well as on the court/field/mat. We can’t wait until next year! These are great kids who put in the hard work to achieve success! Congrats again Grace and we wish you the best of luck in the future!


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Butler Bear Kalie Korkmaz recipient of Mediacom scholarship

Butler, MO – May 28, 2026 – Mediacom Communications announced the selection of Kalie Korkmaz, a senior at Butler High School, as a recipient of the company’s World Class Scholarship Program. The $1,000 scholarship recognizes the Butler resident for excellence in leadership, community involvement, and academics.

“Mediacom understands the importance of investing in future leaders like Kalie Korkmaz,” said Mediacom’s Regional Vice President, Lee Beck. “I’m proud that our company annually commits financial support to talented local students with the Mediacom World Class Scholarship Program. We congratulate all Class of 2026 graduates and celebrate Kalie for her outstanding achievements so far.”

“Our corporate philosophy extends beyond business success. We are committed to investing in the next generation, because supporting students today is essential to building a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous future for all,” said Giuseppe B. Commisso, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mediacom Communications.

This year marks the 25th consecutive year Mediacom has funded World Class Scholarships for students who live in areas where the company delivers high-speed broadband services. Mediacom is proud to extend the World Class Scholarship Program to 100 graduating seniors in 2026; each winner has received a $1,000 scholarship to support their continued education. Upon receiving the scholarship, recipients must attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or technical school within the United States.

Courtesy FM 92.1

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Butler Chamber welcomes Poplar Heights Farm

Welcome to the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce, Poplar Heights Living History Farm

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our newest Chamber member, Poplar Heights Farm! Located just northeast of Butler, this incredible living history farm and nature conservancy is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Bates County.

Step back in time to the 1890s and explore their beautifully restored Victorian Farm House, peg and beam barns, and heirloom gardens. Looking to get outdoors? Take a stroll along their 2.9 miles of scenic walking trails to enjoy the native prairies and local wildlife! They also offer amazing educational programs and host the Bates County Family History Center for local genealogy research.

Let’s give them a warm Butler welcome! Be sure to "Like" their Facebook page and visit their website at poplarheightsfarm.org to learn about their upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

- Farm: 5250 NE County Road 5004, Butler, MO

- 660-679-0764 (Office) / 660-200-5620 (Farm)

Want to join the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce or learn more about our upcoming community events? Contact us at butlerchamberofcommerce@gmail.com or call 660-464-1339!

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Obituary - James Sterling Kinney Sr

James Sterling Kinney Sr of Cleveland Missouri passed away May 24, 2026. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church, 420 W. Main, Cleveland Missouri from 10:00-11:00 am followed by the funeral services, Saturday, May 30, 2026. Burial will be at Belton Cemetery, located in Belton, Missouri at 12:30 pm.

Jim was born November 18,1938 in Clinton, Missouri. Son of Dewey F. Kinney and Opal F. Kinney. Jim married Deanna Marie Hockett on February 28, 1960 and was married for 57 years before losing Deanna in an Automobile accident in May 2017. Jim remarried Ruth (Odom) Zimmerman on November 18, 2018. Jim and Ruth continued to make their home in Cleveland until Ruth’s passing in February 2026. Jim spent most of his married life in the Cleveland, Missouri community where he was active in the local Lion’s Club for many years contributing numerous hours of time and effort, Cleveland Baptist Church, and the Western Cass Fire Department also contributing many hours to the organization. Jim Worked as a computer programmer becoming head of computer operation for the Department of Agriculture for over 30 years before retiring. Jim also was a member of the United States Air Force for 22 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Jim loved golfing, pitching horseshoes, and bowling with his brother, kids, and grandkids. Jim was a member of the Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association for 20 years pitching competitively well into his seventies. Two of Jim’s proudest accomplishments were pitching 70 ringers out of 100 shoes and getting a hole in one while golfing with his brother Ed.

Jim loved all his family. Jim is preceded in death by his parents (Dewey and Opal Kinney), sister (Donna Scarpetta), brother (Ed Kinney), son (Robert M. Kinney), wife of 57 years (Deanna M Kinney), wife of 8 years (Ruth Zimmerman Kinney), and granddaughter (Stacy)

Surviving are his children, James Jr (Beth), Raymond (Debra), Tom (Bonnie deceased), Deborah Hamilton (Jeff) and Stepdaughter Lori Evans (Richard). Daughter-in-law (Robert’s wife Cindy). 8 grandchildren (James (JR), JacqueLyn, Christopher, Samantha, Andrea, Anthony, Brittney, and Randy). Many Step grandchildren. Many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Jim will be missed by all his friends and family

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Several Harrisonville Wildcats headed to State track competition

Our Harrisonville Wildcats are headed to STATE

Congratulations to our Wildcat state track and field qualifiers who will compete this Friday and Saturday in Jefferson City

• Allie Hubler — Shot Put

• Paige Cribbs — Javelin

• Chloe Wooten — 100 Hurdles

• Charlee Wylde — Pole Vault

• 4x200 Relay — Deegan Beachner, Koley Helm, Brantley Cleveland, and Eli Torres (Gavon Thompson, alternate)

Good luck to all!

Courtesy Harrisonville Schools

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Kidz Inc Childcare Center set top open in Archie

The final touches are all that's left! The Kidz Inc Childcare Center is about to open on the Archie School campus. We can't wait to welcome all of our familiar faces! A special thanks goes to several individuals in our community who made a monetary/supply donation or donated their time and skills to help this dream become a reality. Thank you to all of your for your support!

Courtesy Archie Schools


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First Responder of the Month honors

Yesterday, members of Hero Fund USA, Inc. stopped by our office to recognize Sgt. Heffernan for winning its First Responder of the Month award.

Sgt. Heffernan oversees the Sex Offender Apprehension & Registration Unit.

Hero Fund USA co-founder and CEO Darrell Smith says this is yet another way the non-profit expresses its appreciation to law enforcement.

Hawg Jaw Que & Brew provided lunch.

Santa Fe Tow Service is the annual presenting sponsor of this campaign.

Courtesy Cass County Sheriff's Office

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