Christopher Cutshaw pleads guilty in 2021 Amsterdam shooting death

Christopher Estell Cutshaw 30, of Louisburg, Kansas pleaded guilty on Friday August 14, 2026, to second degree murder in the death of Michael Ryan Strup.

Cutshaw shot Strup New Years Eve 2021 in Amsterdam, Missouri and has been held in the Bates County Jail since the charges were filed.

In a plea agreement agreed to by the Defendant, Cutshaw will serve 17 years on the second-degree murder charge and 5 years for armed criminal action with a deadly weapon. Sentences are to run concurrently and he must serve 85 percent on the second-degree murder plea with credit for time served.

Cutshaw was represented by Public Defender Jeffrey Martin of Harrisonville, MO and has been transported to the Missouri Department of Corrections by the Bates County Sheriff's Office.

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Cass County deputies nab shooting suspect

Today just after 8:30 a.m., Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office positively identified the vehicle of yesterday's shooting suspect from Odessa that had been flagged by a Flock camera.

A deputy tried to stop the vehicle in Peculiar, however, the suspect rammed into the deputy’s vehicle and continued northbound on I-49.

The pursuit continued until the suspect crashed in the area of SW Peterson Rd. and E 137th St. in Lee’s Summit. The suspect was taken into custody after a short foot chase.

Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted deputies in this pursuit.

The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Brendan Freed of Bates City. At the time of his arrest, Freed had a felony warrant for possession of a weapon in Lafayette County.

A rifle was recovered from the vehicle on scene.

No members of law enforcement were injured during this incident and the deputy’s vehicle took minor damage.

Freed is in custody and will be held at the Cass County Jail with charges pending.

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Reminder: Butler Elementary Meet the Teach night

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FREE milk available today and Community Food Pantry of Butler

FINAL DAY OF MILK GIVEAWAY!

We still have 200 gallons of milk that need to be picked up TODAY, and we don’t want a single drop to go to waste when it could be helping families right here in our community.

- No income requirements

- No household limits

- We’re here until 5 PM

- Expiration date: August 21st

If you or someone you know can use milk, please stop by. And if you’re able, please share this post so it reaches as many neighbors as possible. Let’s make sure all of this milk goes to good use!

709 W Ohio St, Butler, MO 64730

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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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