Monday, June 15, 2026

Recipe of the Week: Orange Creamsicle Bars


Crust
1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
1 pinch salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 (0.25 ounce) packet unflavored powdered gelatin
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 drops orange food coloring, optional

Line a 9x9-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.
In a small bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt together until combined. Add in melted butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Pour crust mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Place crust into the freezer to chill while you make the filling.
In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric mixer until mixture holds stiff peaks; refrigerate until needed.
Place gelatin into a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour 1/4 cup orange juice over gelatin and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place cream cheese, condensed milk, remaining 1/4 cup orange juice, lemon juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and salt into the cup of a high speed blender. Blend ingredients on high speed until thoroughly smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, 1 to 2 minutes.
Heat bloomed gelatin in the microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir gelatin until thoroughly mixed and dissolved. With the blender running, pour melted gelatin into the cream mixture and continue to blend on High speed until thoroughly incorporated, about 30 seconds.
Remove whipped cream from the refrigerator. Pour cream cheese mixture over whipped cream and fold until thoroughly combined.
Remove crust from the freezer. Pour half of filling mixture over chilled crust; smooth into an even layer. Place pan back into the freezer until filling just begins to set, about 15 minutes.
To the remaining filling, add orange zest, lemon zest, and orange food coloring. Fold together until evenly combined.
Remove the pan from the freezer and carefully pour the orange layer over cream layer. Spread orange layer evenly over cream layer, making sure to cover completely. Refrigerate in the pan until bars are set, at least 4 hours to overnight.


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Obituary - Jerry Lee Stangel


Jerry Lee Stangel, at the age of 71, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home outside of Papinville, MO. He was born in Nevada, MO to Paul and Catharine Stangel. He was raised and worked on his family farm his entire life.

In his 71 years of life, he was blessed with three children; Mendy, Michelle, and Roy, before being united in marriage on June 12, 2000 to his wife, Angela. With this union of marriage, he became a step father to three children; Matthew, Daniel, and Alaina. In 2001, they welcomed their daughter, Montana.

He dedicated his entire life to working on the farm milking cows, raising crops, and running beef cattle. Above all, he loved and valued his family and took great pride in caring and providing for those he loved. You would always find him staying busy whether that be farming, mowing the grass, checking fences, driving to town for a POP, or out talking to his lifelong friends, Bob and Johnny.

He is survived by his soulmate and wife Angela of the home, his children Mendy (Carl) of Rich Hill, MO, Michelle (Matthew) of Sedalia, MO, Roy (Ashley) of Prairie City, MO, Montana (Johnathan) of Chadds Ford, PA, Matthew (Jeanna) of Butler, MO, and Alaina (Derek) of Adrian, MO; his sister, Paula of Woodland Park, CO; his brother-in-law, Leon of Fort Worth, TX; his special brother, Lloyd of Kansas City, MO; his many grand children, great grand children, and nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Arleta; and brother-in-law Cliff.

His family and friends were the center of his world, and he cherished the time he spent with each and every one of them. Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his hardworking nature and talkative personality.

A celebration of life will be held June 19, 2026 from 5-9 pm at Trent's building in Rich Hill, MO. Address: 720 E. Walnut St., Rich Hill, MO 64779.

Jerry will be deeply loved and missed and forever remembered.



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Obituary - Albert Finch “AF” Yarick


Albert Finch “AF” Yarick, age 84 of Rich Hill, MO, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at Saint Luke’s East in Lee’s Summit, MO. He was born May 23, 1942, in Fort Scott, KS. The second of three children to Frank and Thelma Yarick.

He grew up on the family farm west of Rich Hill. Attending grade school in Sprague, Jr High in Foster, and High School in Rich Hill, MO where he graduated in 1960.  The only life he knew was the farm and that’s what he loved. He married June Coffman in 1961 and they were able to purchase a farm in close proximity to his parent’s farm, on which to begin their dreams. They remained there together for 58 years until Junes passing in 2019, and AF until his passing. They raised three children on this farm. AF was quoted as saying, “We grow kids, corn, wheat, and soybeans but kids are probably the most important thing.” 

Dad was a man that understood priorities. When there was work to be done, he worked. But he always made time for family, and for the Lord. If the church doors were open, he was there with his family. He served faithfully as a deacon here at First Baptist in Rich Hill for 50 plus years. 

Dad was a great storyteller. And he had plenty of stories to tell from his younger years of fast driving. I’m sure the stories grew a little with time, but everyone loved to hear him talk about his escapades. I think Mom probably put a stop to most of the fast cars after they were married, but Dad still had a need for speed and horsepower. In the late 1960’s and 70’s he became one of the pioneers in the sport of tractor pulling. What started as a local weekend competition amongst neighbors became a full-fledged motorsport that spread across the entire Midwest. Dad served as president of the MSTPA for a few years and was also a member of the NTPA. After a decade of traveling five deep in a single cab pickup with tractor in tow, the family convinced him to retire the old AC back to the farm. But he never lost his love for the sport. When David decided to start pulling some 20 years later, Dad was right there cheering him on. And clear to the very end as Cody continues to pull, Dad would make as many trips with them as he could. If he wasn’t watching in person, he was watching them on TV and even last week as he lay in the hospital, he was adamant that Cody and David go to Nebraska to the tractor pull. 

Dad always thought big, and was never afraid of trying something new. This mindset served him well in farming. His willingness to embrace new technology and better methods allowed him to stay at the forefront of crop production. He loved the whole process from start to finish. From working the soil to hauling the crop to town he wanted to be involved in every detail. As the years passed and the farm grew though, he was quick to pass leadership to the next generations, and continue to give guidance and do the things that he could do to contribute. 

He was a great mentor and role model. He enjoyed his community and visiting with everyone he knew. Through the years he served on the local school board, soil and water board, farm service agency board, and of course the church and many other community service activities. 
His family was always important to him, but never more so than in these last 7 years since Mom’s passing. He occupied his time with farm work (a lot of grain hauling) and keeping up with the grandkids. He made countless trips around the section, stopping at David and Julie’s place and Rhonda and I’s place (and who knows how many trips by Ruth and Brad’s place in Monett on the truck), to get the rundown of what each of the kids was doing. And lately it had become more about what the great grandkids were doing and who was having the next one. I think he’s up to 10 and counting! 
We have so many wonderful memories and so many blessings to be thankful for, because of a man who showed the love of our heavenly Father through his daily love and commitment to us. Dad, you will be greatly missed by all who knew you. But we know that you are home now, with Mom. We look forward to the day when we will all be together again, and we will always be thankful for the time spent here with you. We love you! 

A.F. is survived by 3 children:
David and wife Julie Yarick of Rich Hill, MO
Stephen and wife Rhonda Yarick of Rich Hill, MO
Ruth and husband Brad Ridenour of Monett, MO
11 Grandchildren: 
Cody and wife Breanna Yarick of Rich Hill, MO
Mackenzie and husband Lane Aldrich of Excelsior Springs, MO
Abigail and husband Jacob Thompson of Niceville, FL
Hope and husband Cole Campbell of Rich Hill, MO 
Deborah and husband Samuel Coons of St. Clair, MO 
Rebekah Yarick of Rich Hill, MO 
Adriel and husband Lane Madison of Republic, MO 
Joel and wife Desyrae Ridenour of Mt. Vernon, MO 
Elise and husband Chandler Myers of Springfield, MO 
Daniel and wife Carly Ridenour of Rich Hill, MO 
Elijah Ridenour and fiancé Riley Cooper of Monett, MO

11 Great Grandchildren:
Baby Yarick 
Scottie Aldrich
Elizabeth and Emmalyn Thompson 
Keith Campbell
Easton Coons
Kingston and Krissy Madison 
Ramona and Warren Ridenour 
Janie Ridenour 



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Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses


Stark, Lynne to Stark, Lynne Trust 05-28-2026 Str 6-41-29
Stark, Lynne to Stark, Lynne Trust 05-28-2026 Str 6-41-29 //Se
Nieder, Colby Braind to Wendleton, Henry Str 10-41-33 //Se
Casebeer, Christopher G to Nieder, Colby Briand Str 26-41-33 //Nw
Howard, Linda K. to Howard, Linda Kay Legacy Trust 03-04-2026 Str 20-40-32
Enlow, Dylan C to Cushard, Dan W Str 1-41-32 //Nw
Real Estate Assistance to Entrikin, Kenneth J. Jr. Str 2-42-32
Klaudt, James D. to Fowler, Tyler Str 10-42-32 //Se
HFT LLC to Quick, Annette (Suc-Trustee) Str 20-38-33+
Witmer, Dean V. to Kelly, Kasey Lt 10 Bl 11 Gilbert Heights+
Doughty, Norman Chandler to Doughty Mertz, Marilyn Str 3-38-33 //Ne
Reno, Michael to Arbogast, Marie Lt 5 Bl 1 Standish's, S. L. Addn+
Reno, Michael to Deems, Justin Str 17-38-33 //Nw
Prentice, Tyler to Maggio, Brogan Lt 1 Bl 1 Reese's Second Addn+
Newton Burial Park to Mit-Bor Land, LLC Str 7-38-31
Bettels Farms to Merz, Andrew Brady Str 9-40-33
Bridges, Vina Marie to Pentay, Aurora Renee Str 3-41-32 //Nw
Kurzweil, James to Kurzweil Brothers LP Str 4-42-32
Hayworth, Zachary to Rowe, Trevor Str 16-39-33 //Se
Bise, Jeffrey R Tyler to Hayworth, Zachary S. Lt 18 Triangle Estates
Smith, Tamera S to Smith, James M Str 36-40-30+
Nestor Solutions Of Missouri, LLC to Freedom Mortgage Corp Lt 5 Bl 88 Town Company's First Addn+
Howard, Linda Kay Trust 01-27-2014 to Howard, Linda Kay Legacy Trust 03-04-2026 Str 19-40-32 //Ne
Smith, James M & Tamera S Trust 05-08-2002 to Smith, James M Str 36-40-30+
Marriage license
Craft, Kordell Richard and Epperson, Jillian Pelham
Knoernschild, Carter Isaac and Brooks, Gretchen Anna



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Bates County Court News


Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer presiding
Fines do not include added court costs

City of Butler v Geoffrey Algiere- expired plates, fine $50.50
City of Butler v Michael Clark- misc ordinance violation, fine $125.00
City of Butler v Heather Rogers- defective equipment, fine $50.00
City of Butler v Tory Hartsell- expired plates, fine $125.00
St v Dakota West- illegal taking of wildlife, fine $49.50
City of Butler v Shelley Snyder- expired plates, fine $75.00
City of Butler v William Skinner- animal violation, fine $100.00
City of Butler v Shawn Spencer- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.00
City of Butler v Jewell Cochran- expired plates, fine $100.00
City of Butler v Samyul Shipley- speeding, fine $125.00
City of Butler v Christopher Miller- expired plates, fine $50.00
St v Steven McDonald- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00
St v Richard McClure- no working horn, fine $200.00
St v Alison McCulley- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50
St v Anthony Starks- speeding, fine $80.50
St v Joshua Lacaeyse- speeding, fine $200.50
St v Julie Morlan- no working horn, fine $144.00
St v Surya Shunmugasundaram- speeding, fine $120.50
St v Jordan Radspinner- speeding, fine $80.50
St v Logan Andeway- speeding, fine $120.50
St v Colton Harris- speeding, fine $80.50
St v Kyndall Ray- no working horn, fine $200.00
St v Christopher Jones- speeding, fine $120.50
City of Adrian v Nathan Bass- expired plates, fine $50.50
City of Rich Hill v Cooper Fox- defective equipment, fine $138.50
St v Ace West- speeding, fine $60.50
St v Mellani Walker- speeding, fine $80.50
St v Nou Xiong Lee- speeding, fine $80.50

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook


Tragedy Strikes At Butler Airport

The SkyDive KC jump plane, with 12 occupants on board, crashed shortly after taking off around 11:30 Sunday morning  There were no survivors; altitude and time were insufficient for parachuting to safety. Following normal protocol, the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident and will issue its findings after examining the scene and wreckage. It’s far too soon to speculate on the cause and circumstances involved. Our heartfelt condolences go out the families of the deceased. 
 If you like roller coasters, you loved last week’s flying weather. Up and down, in and out, changes daily, sometimes twice a day. There were many opportunities to get up, just perhaps not reliable trip-taking weather. As far as visitors went, the only traffic observed was a couple of Piper Warrior/Archer types. Local flyers were Gerald Bauer and Randy Miller, both flying missions in the Cessna Skyhawk, and I hopped around in the Aeronca Champion. It’s a busy time for agplane operators; BCS has had its AirTractor airborne almost daiiy, and LowFlyer Sam Styron was flying out of Harrisonville  while Dusty’s Flying Service was running out of Nevada.
As expected, general aviation is being affected by “World Cup Fever” in the Kansas City area. In addition to the expected Temporary Flight Restrictions over the match locations, the FAA has pllans to impose Prior Permission Required and time-slot reservations for operating in and out of MCI, MKC, OJC, IXD and Lee’s Summit and Mosby airports, from June 16 to July 11. In other words, it’ll be a mess to fly there, so avoid using the airports for the next month. For more information, visit faa/gov/air_traffic/publications/domesticnotices/dom26021 ; good luck making sense out of it all.
In other aviation news reported this week, much was being made of a now-retired Air Canada captain who was discovered to have flown his last 17 years without possessing an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Despite his exemplary service record flying Boeing 767, 777 and 787’s, including the required recurrent training in simulators, he held only a multi-engine commercial pilot license, which qualified him to be in the copilot’s seat but not the left-side captain’s position. Why he was never given the written and flight tests for the ATP, which he certainly could have passed, is unknown; somebody in supervision should have caught the discrepancy. We hope he doesn’t lose his pension over it.
Airbus has test flown an A350-1000 ultra-long-range airliner, ordered by Quantas for planned non-stops from Sydney to London. The flight time is expected to be 22 hours; that’s a long time to be in very-low-earth orbit. I guess it beats going through multiple layovers. Service is to begin in May, 2027. 
Drifting along with the high-altitude wind, an intrepid trio of balloon pilots spent 70 hours and 11 minutes crossing the Atlantic in a basket under their hydrogen balloon last week, launching from Maine on Thursday and landing in Luxembourg on Sunday. Talk about your no-frills accommodations. 
Continental Aerospace, builder of American piston-engine airplane powerplants for 100 years, has been sold to private-equity firm Arcline, after being owned for the past 15 years by AVIC, an arm of the Communist Chinese government. Like Cirrus Aircraft, also owned by AVIC, Continental Motors has been under scrutiny for its hostile foreign ownership. It’s good to have the Mobile, Alabama engine maker back in non-Chinese hands.
Our last-week question asked why jets don’t use reverse thrust instead of brakes for ground operations.  It’s because the debris thrown by up reserve at slow speed gets ingested into the engines. For next week, tell us if there any instrument approach procedures for seaplane-only bases? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.



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Sunday, June 14, 2026

Obituary - Barbara Diggins


Barbara Jean Diggins, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada, MO. Barbara was born on October 26, 1936, in Kansas City, MO to Harold Eugene and Frances Ella (Warner) Cadman. She married Forest Fleener in 1954, then was later married to Ivan Diggins on Feb. 14, 1980. Ivan preceded her in death in 2015.

Barbara came to El Dorado Springs at age 14 and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School. She was a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell in Nevada for many years, was a seamstress at Nelly Don, and worked her way through the dietary department of Nevada City Hospital, becoming Head Dietician and serving in that capacity until her retirement. Barbara and Ivan ran a thriving convenience store in Moundville for a number of years. In 1997-98, she became Activities Director at the Neighbors Adult Daycare before retiring for good in 2011.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathi Adams, Nevada, MO; daughter-in-law, Martha Fleener, Bronaugh, MO; step-children, Steve Diggins, Nevada, MO, Gary Diggins, Moundville, MO, Rodney Diggins (Wanda), Moundville, MO, and David Diggins (Laura), Moundville, MO; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Diggins; sons, Randy Fleener and Larry Fleener; grandson, Justin Adams; a son-in-law, Larry Adams; and a brother, Gene Cadman.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, MO with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family are suggested and can be made in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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BREAKING: Aircraft down in fire at Butler airport, possibly 12 souls on board


THIS IS THE SCENE on the northwest corner of the Butler airport of what appears to be a skydive jump plane that went down shortly before noon today.

Witnesses say they were traveling southbound on Business 49 when the plane, also southbound, was flying low and suddenly plunged into the ground. 

It is reported that possibly 12 people were on board as the scene has been secured and the NTSB has been called to investigate. Business 49 remains closed between the Osage Valley ballpark and TT highway.

More information to be released as it becomes available.


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