MDC offering hunter education classes available

Hunter education is required for anyone hunting in Missouri who is born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, unless exempt. Learn what the course covers and where to take it, including online options.

More info here https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education


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Happy retirement, Karen Minich

Our fondest wishes for a happy retirement to Karen Minich

Karen worked her last shift in our Outpatient Clinic this week and then we sprung a surprise retirement reception on her!

Karen has been with EMH for nearly twenty years, spending time as a med-surg RN and an Outpatient Clinic RN, as well as helping with data gathering for some of our quality metrics. In that time she has proven herself to be a true friend, a caring nurse, and an important part of the Ellett team. We are truly going to miss her.

Congratulations Karen! We wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter.

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City of Rich Hill under boil order

Due to the leak repair last night, all City of Rich Hill water customers will be under a boil order until further notice!

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please follow along our Facebook for more updates https://www.facebook.com/richhillmo

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Rich Hill FFA student spotlight: Leeanna Bell

- National FFA Talent Spotlight! -

We are so excited for Leeanna Bell as she represents Rich Hill FFA through National FFA Talent

Leeanna has worked hard for this opportunity, and we are so proud to see her getting the chance to share her talent and do what she loves!

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Obituary - Charles Leon Hays

Charles Leon Hays, age 82 of La Cygne, Kansas passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 29 at the La Cygne Christian Church.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

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Obituary - Karen Anne Hartwick

Karen Anne Hartwick, age 76, of Creighton, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Karen was born on November 8, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of John and Virginia Wixom.

Karen graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City, Missouri. She later attended Central Missouri State University, now known as the University of Central Missouri, on a full scholarship. A dedicated student, Karen maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning her bachelor’s degree in education. She went on to work in education for many years, sharing her knowledge and dedication with the students she served.

In 1968, at the age of 18, Karen was united in marriage to the love of her life and best friend, Johnny Lee Hartwick. Together, Karen and Johnny shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and countless cherished memories. Their marriage was a true partnership, and Johnny remained Karen’s greatest love and closest companion throughout her life.

Karen had many interests that brought her happiness over the years. She had a love for art and enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with her Red Hat friends. She was also a devoted cat lover and had a special place in her heart for her feline companions. Above all, Karen treasured her family and the time she was able to spend with those she loved.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Johnny Lee Hartwick; her two children, Anthony John (Jennifer) Hartwick and Tonya Lynne (David) Reeves; five grandchildren, Devon Hartwick, Riley Hartwick, Cole Hartwick, Baileigh (Gage) Williams and Kaigon Boydston; one great-granddaughter, Naomi Williams; her sisters Kathy Marlatt and Linda Mosley; and her brother John Wixom; along with other relatives and many dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Virginia Wixom; her brother, James Wixom; and her sisters, Pam Wixom Harden and Terri Wixom McCarthy.

Karen will be remembered for her intelligence, creativity, love for her family, and the devoted life she shared with her beloved husband, Johnny. Her memory will remain forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonille, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

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Obituary - Larry Loftin

Larry Steven Loftin (Steve), age 80 from Hume, Missouri died on July 14, 2026. He was born on December 11, 1945 in Monahans, Texas, the second son of William and Jessie Loftin. The family moved to Augusta, Arkansas when he was about ten and Steve graduated from Laura Conner HS in 1964. He attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway until he was drafted into the Army. He served in the Army from 1966-68 spending most of his time in Turkey. Upon returning he attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro where he met and married his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Whitlock. They married in December of 1968 and have been married for 57 years.

Steve graduated with a BA degree in Business Administration. When finished with school, the couple moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Steve worked as a bank manager for First Tennessee. After 6 years, they moved to Kansas in the Ft. Scott area and then to Hume, Missouri where they have made their home for over 45 years. Two sons were born to them: Jeffrey Dean Loftin in 1978 and Keith Aaron Loftin in 1979. Steve worked as a boilermaker in Local 83 for almost four years and as a Journeyman Mechanic at Kansas Power and Light for 23 years. He attended the Hume Christian Church, was a Hume School Board member for 10 years, coached T-Ball and Little League, and served in the Masons.

Steve retired in 2004 and did more of what he truly loved: fishing, hunting, gardening, yardwork, traveling, and, of course, spending time with his family. Fishing favorites for him were spending time down in the Gulf area and fishing with nephew, BP King and friend, Mike Casey. He also enjoyed fishing our pit from his pontoon boat, named "Arky" by his good friend Kenny Wood. Becky often called Steve "Mr. Fix It" because she was sure he probably fixed something every day for her.

He is survived by his loving wife Becky; his son Jeff and Angela and their children Micah, Maddie, and Morgan in Columbia, MO; son Keith and Britt and their children Emma and Finn in Corvallis, OR; sister Helen Haltiwanger and her sons Richard, Mike and Kenneth; nephews Bill (Kim) King; O'Neal King; Corey Ussery and niece Diana Bosman and their many children and grandchildren. There is also a host of in-laws from all over the world: Poway CA, Arnold MO, Tulsa OK, Baton Rouge LA, Sun City AZ, Creal IL, St. Louis MO, Memphis TN, and even Thailand! These are "The Whitlocks" who came to know and love Hume over the years through our 4th of July Reunions.

Funeral services were held July 22, 2026 at Hume Christian Church in Street, Hume, MO 64752. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donating your time or monetary support to the Hume Food Pantry. Steve loved this local collection of churches and people that come together to support the people of Hume. Donations can be sent to Hume Alliance Ministry, PO Box 404, Hume, MO.

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Reminder: Appleton City Fair Family Fun Day this weekend

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