Drexel first responders swiftly respond to medical emergency

On August 7th, at approximately 11:23 pm, Drexel Police and Drexel Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 400 Blk of Bates St for a report of a motorcycle accident. First Responders were informed that the solo rider was unconscious, but breathing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Bates County Sheriff’s Deputies, Bates County EMS, and a Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the scene to render assistance.

Upon arrival, Drexel Police spoke with several individuals who were passersby, who had stopped to render assistance to the individual. The machine in question was a moped, which did not have a license plate attached to it.

As Drexel Fire personnel arrived on scene, they immediately began to render care to the patient, who was clearly in critical condition. A Life Flight helicopter was called to transport the individual to a local trauma center. A landing zone for the helicopter was subsequently established at the city park by the community building.

Simultaneously, law enforcement worked to identify the individual. Once positive identification of the individual was made, the individual was transported to the helicopter and air-lifted to a trauma center.

As this was occurring, law enforcement went to the family residence and notified them of the situation.

The family is asking Drexel to rally behind them in thought, prayer, and in support during this most difficult of times.

We also want to thank all of the agencies who responded to this incident. It was awesome to see a multi-agency response where everyone worked together so well, with one mission in mind. This was a textbook example of outstanding team-work by all.

The investigation of this accident is being conducted by MSHP.

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One big rattler

Daniel Harnden recently shared a video on Facebook with this sighting  of a BIG rattlesnake near Drexel, drawing comments from others who have seen the same in recent days.

This particular reptile spotted on CR 16002 near the railroad tracks appears to be well fed; everyone is urged to use extreme caution when out-and-about as the extreme heat is cause for them on the move, particularly this time of year.
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Obituary - Marlyn Strope

A celebration of life for Marlyn Strope of Oklahoma, formerly of Ballard, Missouri will be 1 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to service from 12:30 - 1 p.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date in Johnstown Cemetery, Johnstown, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

A full obituary will be posted at a later date.

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History of Papinville 1673 to 1820

This week the time line will start about the explorers that we have records on that came to this part of Missouri. The first explorers were the Frenchmen. The time line will begin.

1673 Pere Marquette, a Frenchman explored two Indian villages. The Great Osage and the Little Osage. 1715 French explorers reached the Big Osage River (area of Bates County).

1785-1794 Fort Corondelet was built

1801-1802 Chief Pawhuska visits Thomas Jefferson and went to New York Missionary Society to see if they could get missionaries to come and educate their people.

1806 Zebulon Pike visited the Little Osage site. This site was located on the south side of the Osage River which is now Vernon County. The Grand Osage site was located on the north fork of the Osage River which is known as the Marais des Cygnes River.

1816 William Waldo was sent to be the agent to trade with the Osage Indians.

1816 William Waldo was a government interpreter at a factory on the Marais des Cygnes River what is now Papinville.

1820 Pawhuska (known as Chief White Hair) son of Chief Pawhuska the great, went back to Washington to ask president Monroe if he could send them some help to educate his people.

Next week the time line will be about Harmony Mission 1821 to 1858 starting of the border and Civil War in Papinville. Papinville has a lot of history. We have to keep history going so the next generations will know the history of the area. If any one is interested in this history you are welcome to join our association. The map at the bottom of this time line is a map of The Land of the Osage. It gives you an idea as to where the two villages were located. Until next week.

Submitted by Phyllis Stewart

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Cass Career Center receives generous donation

Cass Career Center is incredibly grateful to Hawthorn Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for their generous $10,000 investment in Cass Career Center's Career Readiness Fund

This investment will help remove financial barriers for students by providing access to industry certifications, essential tools, and workforce opportunities—allowing more students to graduate career-ready and confident in their future.

We are so fortunate to have community partners who believe in career and technical education and understand that investing in students today strengthens the workforce of tomorrow. Thank you, Hawthorn Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, for helping us prepare the next generation of skilled professionals and making a lasting impact on our students, our community, and our region.

Together, we're building brighter futures—one student at a time

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Big News for Adrian's Mason Dillon

Adrian’s own Mason Dillon, a 5th grader and the son of Heather Janssen and Chris Dillon, will be taking the field this Saturday at the Chiefs vs. Rams preseason game

Mason is a member of the Junior Flag Crew and will be performing at halftime alongside the Chiefs Flag Runners, Chiefs Cheerleaders, and Junior Cheerleaders. What an incredible opportunity and memory he’ll have!

Here’s a great picture of Mason with KC Wolf from Draft Fest earlier this year.

Congratulations, Mason! We’ll be cheering you on!

Courtesy Adrian News Leader

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MSHP offers swimming safety tips

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Obituary - Carolyn Ann Hellwig

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to service 9 - 10 a.m. Monday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Cremation to follow the service. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date. Contributions to Pleasant Gap Christian Church or Round Prairie Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Carolyn Ann Hellwig, age 78 of rural Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at her son’s home. She was born July 22, 1948 to LV Brown Jr. and Wilma Marie Nichols Brown in Appleton City, Missouri.

Carolyn is survived by one son, Kaleb Hellwig and wife Jody of Butler, Missouri; four grandchildren, Judd and Reegan Koshko and Kinley and Kie Hellwig; two brothers, Don Brown and wife Nancy and Steve Brown and wife Brenda, all of Appleton City, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Nancy Brown of Appleton City, Missouri; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Hellwig (08/12/2015); daughter, Cheyanna Hellwig (08/23/2012); and one brother, Wayne Brown.

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