Thursday, July 2, 2026

A quick update from the La Cygne Police Department

As we reach the halfway point of the year, we wanted to share our statistics with the community in the spirit of transparency, as we have customarily done.
One of the biggest parts of proactive policing happens when no one has called us. Officers have completed 1,405 District and Building checks, patrolling neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and other key locations throughout the community. These visible patrols help deter crime, increase officer presence, and allow us to identify suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. This played a large role in solving a recently reported on stolen vehicle on 06/29, in addition to a vigilant officer!
We have continued to maintain our 90% clearance rate, which is the percentage of reported crimes that have been solved through arrest, exceptional means, or by identifying the responsible person and completing the investigation. It reflects investigative work at each level; not just making arrests. This year, we also solved two cases that were originally reported in previous years, bringing long awaited resolution to those investigations.
Thank you to our community for your continued support. We remain committed to being proactive, transparent, and dedicated to keeping La Cygne a safe place to live, work, and visit.





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Obituary - Shirley Bunch


Shirley Bunch of Urich, Missouri passed away June 19,2026 at her home. She was born on Oct 27, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the daughter of Rube and Tytha Sears. Her father, mother, two brothers and three sisters are waiting for her at the pearly gates. Russell and Shirley were married on June 25th 1960 at the First Christian Church in the Armourdale district of Kansas City, Kansas. She is survived by her husband Russell and her three children Raymond, Patty and Dorothy. She has 7 grand kids, 8 great grand kids and 6 great-great grandkids. Her sister Norma Jean and her brother Kenny Sears. Mom never met a stranger and was surrounded by her loving family when she passed. Mom will be cremated and there is no scheduled date for her graveside services due to Kansas rain and tornado weather. Her remains will be buried at the Brooklyn Cemetery in La Cygne, Kansas.



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Obituary - Steven Edwin Lindsey


Steven Edwin Lindsey, 82, entered his heavenly home after a life filled with faith, family, friendship, service, and adventure.  Born August 10, 1943, to Elson L. “Jack” and Sarah Ella Lindsey, Steve grew up on the family farm in eastern Kansas, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, hard work, horses, and the simple joys of country living. He often fondly recalled riding horses across the countryside, swimming in creeks and ponds, harvesting honey, trapping critters, raising livestock, and exploring the world around him with boundless curiosity.  

Steve often said he had lived a wonderful life, and those who knew him would agree. Whether canoeing Missouri streams, conducting auctions, building businesses, serving his community, or riding horseback on trails throughout the country, he embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. His career included service as a forester, educator, businessman, insurance agency owner, auctioneer, and entrepreneur. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Forestry from the University of Missouri and remained a lifelong advocate for conservation, outdoor recreation, and responsible stewardship of God's creation.  

Steve carried forward a family auction tradition that began with his grandfather in 1916. He spent decades in the auction and real estate business, working alongside his father and later his son, Todd. Throughout his life he built businesses, mentored others, and developed friendships that spanned generations and communities across Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and beyond.  He described his wife, Priscilla Kaufmann Lindsey, as “a gift from God.” Married on December 12, 1981, they shared nearly 45 years of love, partnership, ministry, travel, and countless miles together in the saddle. Horses became a defining part of their life together as they raised, trained, competed, and judged trail horses across the United States. Together they helped establish and maintain more than 150 miles of horse trails in Kansas and dedicated countless volunteer hours promoting responsible trail riding and public access to the outdoors.  

Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who made it his mission to ensure everyone around him was well cared for. He is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; sons Todd, Troy, Dustin, and Jared; ten grandchildren, Taylor, Bailey, Henry, Oliver, Max, Grace, Nathalie, Allabelle, Claire, and Eleanor; two great-grandchildren, Levi and Willow; brother, Marvin; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  Most importantly, Steve's life was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ. Alongside Priscilla, he devoted himself to serving the church through leadership, teaching, ministry, and church planting. He loved studying God's Word, encouraging others in their faith, and helping people move beyond simply knowing Scripture to living it. His church family at Mt. Zion Community Church became a cherished source of fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.  

As he approached the end of his earthly journey, Steve did so with peace, gratitude, and unwavering confidence in God's promises. Reflecting on a life he considered richly blessed, he wrote that he looked forward to Heaven much as one looks forward to a vacation or a new trail to explore. "This is going to be a real experience, like none I have ever had," he said.  He left his family and friends with a final message filled with love, faith, and hope:  "Open your Bibles and study hard so we can be together in Heaven and worship our Lord and Savior in the presence of God. Love you. — Steve"

Memorial services will be held at Mt. Zion Community Church in Cherryvale, KS on Saturday July4 (supper at 6:00PM and service at 7:00PM with fireworks to follow) and Schneider Funeral Home in La Cygne, KS on Monday September 7 (visitation at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alpha Christian Children’s Home and School in Perry, KS or Back Country Horsemen of America.



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Obituary - Donald Clark Simerson


Donald Clark Simerson's wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. There are no public services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.

Donald Clark Simerson, age 80 of Drexel, Missouri died Friday, June 26, 2026 at Medicalodge in Butler, Missouri. He was born December 11, 1945 to Forest Clark and Martha Jean Lockey Simerson in Nashwell, Iowa.
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Obituary - Mearl Leon Johnson Jr.

 

Mearl Leon Johnson Jr., age 77, of Nevada, MO, passed away at his home on Monday, June 29, 2026.  Mearl was born January 14, 1949, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of Mearl Leon Johnson Sr. and Mary Evelyn (Fritter) Johnson.  On May 27, 1988, he was united in marriage to Vena Lea Crownover in Independence, Missouri. 

   Mearl graduated from Fort Scott High School and he and his first wife, Arlene, raised three children. He spent most of his working life in commercial construction, where he especially loved to operate the backhoe.  Mearl was a past member of the Eagles and Elks Lodges.   He had a passion for race cars, hot rods, and motorcycles.

     Survivors include his wife, Vena Johnson, of the home; his children, Angela Ligason, Peculiar, MO, Scott Johnson, Nevada, MO, and Chris Johnson, Raymore, MO; his grandchildren: Shelby, Devin, Bianca, Jasmine, Skyler, and Paige; one great-grandchild, Sirena; a half-sister, Joleen Pierce;  and several nieces and nephews.

     Mearl was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leon Johnson; and one sister, Nancy Fox.

     The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home.   Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Cemetery, Nevada, with Stephen Flanery officiating.



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Obituary - J.C. Wiseman


 J.C. Wiseman, Nevada, MO, passed away at Advent Hospital in Overland Park, KS on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.  He was 92 years old.

    J.C. was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Wiseman.  J.C. is survived by his two children, daughter Keela Vaughn, of Raymore, MO and son Steven Wiseman of Overland Park, KS; three grandchildren, Justin Vaughn and wife Deeann of Prairie Home, MO, Aaron Vaughn of Raymore, MO and Ashley Kramar and husband Zach of Norfolk, VA; eight great- grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

    J.C. was a graduate of Lamar High School. Upon graduation he worked in outside sales for Allied Van Lines before joining the United States Air Force. He soon married Barbara (Doyle), and they relocated to England where he served as Staff Sergeant, carrying classified documents for the U.S. government. Barbara gave birth to their daughter Keela in England. After four years of service, J.C. was given an Honorable Discharge, receiving a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.  Upon returning to the States, J.C. worked for Community Lumber Company in Lamar where his dad was part-owner. J.C. moved to Butler, MO with his family to run a new location. His son Steven was born in Butler. J.C. soon became part-owner, opening a location in Nevada, MO, managing the store with Assistant Manager Jack Bastow. J.C. and his partners opened additional lumberyard locations, a chain of steakhouses and a miniature golf course with driving range.

    J.C. was active in the community serving on the Board of the Nevada Regional Medical Center for 18 years, as President for eight. He also served as President of both the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs; served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce; and was active in local community and charity events.

    J.C. ran Community Lumber selling to T.M. Deal Lumber then staying on as manager with the company and eventually selling to Nevada Discount Lumber. He stayed until its closure, going to work for Meeks figuring and selling cabinets until his retirement. He eventually moved to the Kansas City area and then Overland Park, KS until his death.

    Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home, prior to funeral services at 1:00 p.m.   Graveside services will follow at Lake Cemetery, Lamar, MO.



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Rich Hill 4th of July baby contest winners

Thank you to Phel-Mack Enterprises/Natisha Mackey for sponsoring the baby contest!
The Baby Contest Winners are:
~0-3 Month Girls~
1st Place: Dakota Kauffman
daughter of Drew and Kaleb Kauffman
2nd Place: Emma Teagarden
daughter of Kyle and Jenna Teagarden
~0-3 Month Boys~
1st Place: Layne Miller
son of Bailey Heckadon and William Miller
2nd Place: Luke Preston
son of Nicholas and Maycie Preston
~4-6 Month Girls~
1st Place: Rosalee Ray
daughter of Victoria and Ethan Ray
2nd Place: Klaira Pitts
daughter of Kiley Foster and Jaxon Pitts
~4-6 Month Boys~
1st Place: Beau Knapp
son of Riley and Dakota Knapp
2nd Place: Evren Becker
son of Hannah and Myles Becker
~7-12 Month Girls~
1st Place: Layla Stewart
daughter of Laci Shobe
2nd Place: Vina Carr
daughter of Morgan Gilkey and Wyatt Carr
~7-12 Month Boys~
1st Place: Summit Stigall
son of Taylor and Dakota Stigall
2nd Place: Atlas Thorp
son of Jessica and Kalen Thorp
~13-18 Month Girls~
1st Place: Ireland Perkey
daughter of Austin and Rachel Perkey
2nd Place: Ellie Edwards
daughter of Markus and Kyrsten Edwards
~13-18 Month Boys~
1st Place: Tatum Fleeman
son of Treyton and Mashell Fleeman
2nd Place: Amari Swickhamer
son of Rheagan Swickhamer
~ Sponsor’s Choice~
Girls- Emersyn Johnson
daughter of Lakyn and Nathan Johnson
~Sponsor’s Choice~
Boys- Lawson Shepherd
son of Lexi and Coltin Shepherd













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Cass County Fair Royalty


Please give a GIANT round of applause to all of our brave and beautiful 2026 Cass County Fair Pageant contestants and newly crowned royalty

2026 Cass County Fair Royalty
- Princess: Holly Casida
- Princess Runner-Up: Lillian Knox
- Duchess: Leni Betts
- Duchess Runner-Up: Morgan Obermiller
- Queen: Angelica Day
- Queen Runner-Up: Jaelyn McDonald
Congratulations to all of our contestants for having the courage to step on stage and create memories that will last a lifetime. We are so proud of each and every one of you!


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