Monday, August 24, 2026

Recipe of the Week - Real N’awlins Muffuletta


Olive Salad:
1 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, crushed
½ cup drained Kalamata olives, crushed
½ cup pepperoncini, drained
¼ cup roughly chopped pickled cauliflower florets
¼ cup marinated cocktail onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons drained capers
1 tablespoon chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped carrot
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon celery seeds
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup canola oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar

Sandwiches:
2 (1 pound) loaves Italian bread
8 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
8 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham
8 ounces sliced mortadella
8 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
8 ounces sliced provolone cheese

Roughly chop green olives, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, cauliflower, cocktail onions, garlic, capers, celery, and carrot; transfer to a bowl.
Stir oregano, basil, black pepper, and celery seeds into olive mixture. Stir in olive oil, canola oil, and vinegar; transfer olive salad to a glass jar (or other nonreactive container). Pour in more oil to cover if needed.

Cover jar or container; refrigerate at least 8 hours to overnight.

Cut bread loaves in half horizontally; hollow out some excess bread to make room for filling.

Evenly divide olive salad, including oil, among bread pieces.

Divide and layer salami, ham, mortadella, mozzarella, and provolone slices between bottom halves of each bread loaf.

Place top halves each loaf over layered meat and cheese. Cut sandwiches into quarters.
Serve immediately, or wrap tightly and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the olive juice to soak into the bread.

Per serving: 987 calories; 63g fat; 63g carbs; 41g protein


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What’s Up by LeRoy Cook


Bad Outcomes, But With Survivors 

Despite cooler weather, traffic at Butler Memorial airport remained light last week. Repairs were completed on the automated fuel dispenser, evidenced by a 32-gallon fill-up for a visiting Cessna. Open 24 hours day, Butler is one of the few refueling spots available so conveniently in the area. 

From the local fleet, Randy Miller flew the Cessna Skyhawk, dodging thunderstorms, Jerel Koehn took the company Cessna 172 out, and on Thursday student pilot Samantha Bruns and I made landing circuits in the Skyhawk, despite fog just to the north. The BCS AirTractor sprayplane took a few loads over the local farm fields.

This coming Saturday being the last one of the month, it’s time for the Fliars Club to once again assemble for a breakfast fly-out. If able, Fliars should fall into ranks on the Butler ramp at 0730 hours, at which point a decision will be made as to a suitable destination.
A new Harvard Medical School study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals an increase in radiation-related cancer death probability among airline aircrew members. In a study conducted from 2020 to 2024, 503 occupations were compared, and of the most-likely ranking, highest were flight attendants, found to have a 50% higher rate of death from radiation-related cancer than the general population, with pilots at 39% higher. Cancer deaths overall were comparable with the general population. The long-suspected reason is the increased exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitude, above the screening effect of the atmosphere. The rate of death from such cancer was about 7% for aircrew individuals, versus about 5% for the general population. Further study is needed, of course.

Probably the most publicized accident last week was the barely-midair collision at the Carlise, PA airport between a hovering Bell 407 police helicopter and a landing Cessna 150, that was perhaps making a go-around. Video shows the Cessna diverting off the runway and hitting the tail of the chopper, sending debris flying. The two occupants of the Bell 407 survived the drop to the ground, the pilot of the Cessna perished in the crash. One could speculate on the chance of wake turbulence spreading out from the rotor wash, but we’ll have to await the NTSB’s findings.

To continue the week’s morbidity report, a Beech King Air 200 turboprop made a forced landing on a road near Prince George, British Columbia last Thursday, with eight people aboard surviving the landing. Unfortunately, a person in a vehicle was killed from a collision with the aircraft. Here in the wide-open countryside, I always teach to head for a field rather than a narrow congested roadway, but during an emergency you have to choose the least objectionable option.

A potential mishap was averted in France recently, as the French air force reported that one of its Rafale fighter planes flew near a civilian Global 6000 business jet that was emitting a different contrail as it cruised at 40,000 feet. The pilot reported a smell of jet fuel in his cockpit, and the bizjet was evidently leaking fuel. As a precaution, the Miami, Florida-bound jet diverted to Paris, according to the report. Could have been serious over the Atlantic.

We asked in last week’s column about what type of airplane was the first to land at the South Pole. Our local Air Force veteran Susi Serna knew that it was a Navy DC-3, landing on skis back on October 31, 1956. During her career, Susi actually flew to the South Pole station in an LC-130 Hercules and a C-17 Globemaster III. For next week’s question, we want to know the name of the guy who developed the whole-airplane emergency parachute, used on several homebuilt airplanes. You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.



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Sunday, August 23, 2026

Obituary - Jason Meran


On Friday, August 7, our lives were forever changed when our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, Jason Meran, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. Jason was 45 years old and deeply loved by so many.

Jason was a loyal friend, a great listener, and someone with an endless curiosity about the world around him. He had many interests and hobbies, including his love for animals, especially dogs and cats, growing plants and BIG banana trees, music, chemistry, and so much more. When something interested Jason, he wanted to learn everything he could about it.

Jason had recently made an exciting change in his life, leaving his career delivering hazardous materials to pursue a career in nursing. He was looking forward to beginning nursing school later in August and was excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to care for and help others.

Jason is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jill and Tom Petrzelka; his sister and brother-in-law, Lyndsay and Jason Henderson; his nephews, Layne Cook, Isaiah Henderson and Isaac Henderson; and his nieces, Gracie Cook and Isabella Henderson. He is also survived by his special friend, Megan Merrill; and his aunts, Kris Veneski, Robin Meran Lucas and Peggy Sue Webb.Jason was preceded in death by his father, Tim Meran, and his grandparents.

Jason's unexpected passing has left an enormous hole in our hearts and in the lives of everyone who loved him. We will miss his conversations, his curiosity, his friendship, his humor, and simply knowing he was there.Jason was one of a kind, and he will be loved, remembered and missed more than words can express.

A celebration of Jason's life will be held at a later date.

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Reminder: Parade for Rylee August 29th


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Obituary - Virginia Mae (Mason) Eckart


Virginia Mae (Mason) Eckart, 51, of Garden City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO. Cremation will take place and in accordance with Virginia's wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Virginia was born on October 14, 1974, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Harold "Hap" and Wendy (Jacques) Nelson. Virginia spent her early years in Cape Girardeau, MO, where her dedication to service became evident. She was a proud member of Job's Daughters, a youth organization that instilled in her the values of leadership and community. Virginia worked tirelessly to achieve the esteemed title of Honored Queen, a testament to her commitment and passion for helping others.

After graduating high school in Cape Girardeau, MO, Virginia pursued a fulfilling career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), dedicating her life to the care and support of those in need. Her nurturing spirit and kind-hearted nature left a lasting impact on her patients and their families. Virginia's dedication extended beyond her work; she was an active member of the Real Life Church in Belton, Missouri, where she found joy and spiritual connection. Virginia's vibrant personality shone through her unwavering support for the Kansas City Chiefs, embodying the spirit of a true fan.

Virginia was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents and her beloved Aunt Elaine Priesy. She is survived by her fiance, Kendal Habernehl of Garden City, MO; her two sons: John and Chris Eckart of Kansas City, MO; three grandchildren; her father, Harold (Carolyn) Mason, of Rossville, Georgia; her mother, Wendy Nelson, of Magazine, Arkansas; her two sisters: Michelle Robinson of Rossville, Georgia; and Joanna Mercer of Canton, Ohio; her brother, Steven Mason of Dunlap, Tennessee; two uncles: Craig (Joyce) Mason of St. Charles, MO; and Carl (Lisa) Mason of Minneapolis, Minnesota; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Her departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, but cherished memories of her vibrant spirit will forever resonate.

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Obituary - Wayne Laverne Cobb


Wayne Laverne Cobb, 89, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Crown Care Center in Harrisonville. A Celebration of Life honoring Wayne will be held on Saturday, August, 29, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at the Harrisonville Heights Community Room, located at 201 Jesi, Harrisonville, MO. Private inurnment will be at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville.

Wayne was born on January 19, 1937, in Osceola, MO, to Lewis Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Murray) Cobb. After completing his education at Peculiar High School in 1955, he embarked on a lifelong journey of hard work and dedication. He married the love of his life, Helen Louise Helmick, on June 16, 1960, and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter and shared adventures.

Wayne's career spanned over four decades, beginning as a young man when he helped his father with his trucking business and hauled gravel. He then went on to work for SS Kresge's in Downtown Kansas City, before moving to Solo Cup Co in Grandview, where he celebrated numerous anniversary milestones during his 40 year tenure and formed lasting friendships before his retirement in 2000. He enjoyed contributing his time to the Democrat Missourian after his retirement. A longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Peculiar, Wayne was baptized on November 9, 1952, and embodied the values of faith and community throughout his life.

In his free time, Wayne and Louise cherished over 40 years of RV adventures, exploring the great outdoors and making unforgettable memories while camping and traveling. His love for animals was evident, as he embraced the companionship of his pets with open arms and a warm heart.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Billie Cobb Tracy; stepfather, Clarence Mix; his sister, Bonnie Plunkett; stepsister, Nelta Brook; and infant sister, Imogene Cobb. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Louise, of the home; two half-sisters: Marcella Skook and Dena Deggs; two stepsisters: Karen Shaw and Belva McCoy; sister-in-law, Jan Harper, of Harrisonville, MO; niece, Kathy Lambertz, of Harrisonville, MO; and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews, friends, and the cherished Coffee Club guys.

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Saturday, August 22, 2026

Quick response saves Rich Hill home


Friday Evening (8/21) — Residential Fire, 200 block of E. Elm St., Rich Hill MO

Crews arrived on scene to find the back of a house burning and made a quick knock-down, safely containing all fire damage to the back porch area.

Fortunately damage was kept to a minimum and no injuries were reported. A special thanks goes to a neighbor who helped control the flames until fire personnel arrived.

Courtesy Rich Hill Fire Department


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Archie students receive FFA degrees



Congratulations to Archie FFA Members Meah McCoy and Talan Reynolds for being 2026 recipients of the American FFA Degree. This is the highest degree you can earn in FFA. They will be awarded their degrees in October, at National FFA Convention.

Courtesy Archie Schools

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