Thursday, August 13, 2026

Obituary - Ernest "Ernie" York

Funeral services for Ernest "Ernie" York will be 2 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Cremation to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Heartland Hospice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

A full obituary will be published at a later date.

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Obituary - Joel Byron “Jody” Shaffer

Joel Byron “Jody” Shaffer, 70, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home in Nevada, MO following a lengthy illness. Jody was born on April 17, 1956 in Fort Leavenworth, KS, to Joseph and Dorothy (Jester) Shaffer.  He was married to Debbie Kerr on January 19, 2008 in Gladstone, MO. 

    Jody was raised in Milo, MO and attended Nevada High School.  He served in the United States Army from 1973-1975, stationed in Germany.  He worked for the Ford Motor Company in Kansas City for a number of years until his retirement.  He also drove a truck for Crete-Shaffer Trucking Company of Kansas City from 2008-2011. 

    Jody loved riding motorcycles with his brother, Jesse, and friends. He also rode as a member of the “Patriot Guard”.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, going to car races, shooting pool, watching the Kansas City Chiefs games, and spending time with his friends and family.   Jody was known for his quick wit, giving people a hard time, but more importantly, giving good advice.  He was always willing to help others in need.

     In addition to his wife, Debbie, of the home; Jody is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Schoephoerster (Kent), Gulf Breeze, FL; step-daughter, Stacey Kinslow, Nevada, MO; step-son, Kyle James, Greencastle, IN; grandchildren, Kyler Schoephoerster (Taryn), Ethan Schoephoerster (Baylee), Chase Schoephoerster, Cristlynn McDonnell (Leonard), and Barryn McDonnell; great-grandson, Lucian Youmans; seven siblings, Jesse Jester (Carol), Sabrena Allison (Larry), Charles Baughman, Vanessa Carroll (Andy), Edward Baughman (Marla), Aaron Baughman, and Larry Baughman; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Pearl Jester; his parents; and a brother, John Baughman.

     Military Honors will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the military honors.  At 5:00 p.m., the Patriot Guard, including Jody’s bike, will lead “Jody’s Last Ride”--a procession from Ferry Funeral Home to the VFW.  The family would like to invite all family and friends to join them there.



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Obituary - Nina Marie Wilhelm

Nina Marie Wilhelm, 79, of Pleasant Hill, MO, passed away on August 10, 2026. Born in California, MO to Herbert and Anna Wilhelm, Nina graduated from Raytown High School. She later worked as an LPN at Research Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She decided to get her nursing degree and attended Southwest Missouri State University, where she graduated with honors. She moved to Joplin, MO, where she worked at St. John's Hospital for the majority of her career until a back injury forced an early retirement. 

Nina was known for her love of her family, playing softball, camping, and sailing. She also served in the Army Reserves for many years and was awarded for her excellent marksmanship. Nina never married or had any children. She was a great aunt to all of her nieces and nephews and spoiled them all.

Surviving Family Members - Sisters: Melissa Weaver - Sister-in-law: Carol Wilhelm - Nieces: Amee Wilhelm, Becky Wilhelm, Serina Wimsatt - Nephews: Felix Lindsey, Ethan Lindsey 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ruth Ann Land, her brothers Andy and Lanny Wilhelm, and her long-time roommate and best friend Pamela Jones. A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.



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Obituary - Cathryn Marie Patrick


Cathryn Marie Patrick, 62, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Per her wishes, no services are scheduled at this time.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.


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Register now for Neighborhood Leadership Academy online course


Strong communities start with strong local leaders. The Neighborhood Leadership Academy is a 10-week online leadership development course that helps residents gain the skills, connections and resources needed to create positive change in their neighborhoods and communities. The program runs Sept. 8 through Nov. 12 and is available to participants across Missouri.
Participants build skills in community engagement, project planning, organizational leadership, fundraising and personal leadership development, then apply what they learn through a community improvement project focused on local needs. More than 700 community leaders have completed the program.
Whether you're involved with a neighborhood association, nonprofit, school, local government or simply want to make a difference where you live, this program can help you turn ideas into action and strengthen your community.
Learn more and register by Aug. 21: https://brnw.ch/21x4S5r


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7 Healthy Habits Worth Starting Before Fall

Before your days get busier, get started on these easy ways to stay healthier.

There’s something about late summer that feels like a transition. The days are still long and warm, but back-to-school schedules, fall activities and holiday planning are right around the corner. Before life gets busier, this is a great time to take a look at your daily routines and make a few healthy changes.

You don’t need a major lifestyle overhaul to improve your health, and the best changes are often the simple ones. By taking small steps now to modify your habits, you can make it easier to stay on track when fall arrives and your calendar starts filling up.

Here are seven healthy habits worth starting before the season changes:

  1. Set a consistent sleep schedule. Summer often results in later bedtimes and irregular schedules. Before fall arrives, try getting back into a more predictable sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day improves sleep quality, energy levels and overall health.
  2. Make daily movement a priority. If exercise has taken a back seat during the summer, now is a good time to get moving again. Health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly and muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Starting now allows exercise to become part of your routine before you get too busy.
  3. Drink more water. Whether it’s hot or not, many people don't drink enough water. Make it a habit to carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day. Proper hydration supports energy levels, digestion and overall health. If you think plain water is boring, add slices of lemon, cucumber or berries for flavor.
  4. Plan meals ahead of time. One reason healthy eating is difficult in the fall is that busy schedules often lead to last-minute food choices. Take a few minutes each week to plan, or even prep, meals and snacks. Having healthy foods on hand helps you avoid relying on fast food or convenience meals when you're short on time.
  5. Spend less time sitting. Many people spend hours each day sitting at a desk, in a car or in front of a screen. Look for simple ways to move more throughout the day. Stand up during phone calls, stretch every hour or take short walking breaks. Small bursts of activity break up long periods of sitting and can benefit your health.
  6. Create a stress-relief routine. Stress tends to increase as schedules become busier. Building a stress-management habit now can help you handle challenges more effectively later. Try deep breathing, stretching, journaling or meditation. Even five to 10 minutes of intentional relaxation can improve mood and reduce tension.
  7. Get outside every day. As summer winds down, take advantage of the pleasant weather while you can. Spending time outdoors encourages physical activity, reduces stress and helps support healthy sleep patterns. Whether it's a morning walk, gardening or relaxing in a local park, a little fresh air can go a long way.

By starting now, you'll head into fall with routines already in place. That can make it easier to stay healthy, feel more energized and handle the busy months ahead.

Copyright 2026 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Miami county Wanted Wednesday


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Acreage for sale near Butler

67 acres for sale! 67 acres located less than half a mile from Butler city limits. Great mix of approximately 41 tillable acres ((currently in corn) plus pasture with a pond. Large portions of new fencing. Possibility of additional 33 acres available with purchase of 67. Willing to sell the tillable portion separately. Contact 660-200-6268


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