The victim received serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Research Hospital in Kansas City.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Butler man injured in early morning accident
A busy day in Appleton City
TAKING DOWN THE 'BAD GUY' As part of the festivities during the Appleton City Fair, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office held a demonstration seen here, K-9 'Babs' shows the finer points of immobilizing the perpetrator. Below, Perrie, age 6, finds a much nicer side of Babs, along with Deputy Samuel Clenin.
More highlights:
Accident on I-49 near Butler
A car has found itself on top of the guard rail in the southbound lanes of I 49 near the Butler exit. Traffic is moving very slowly through the area, you might want to find an alternate route.
No additional details are available at this time.
Bates County Fair: Meet your candidates
Bates County Fair Princess Candidate
Laney Sue Lynn Kohler is a 5th grader from Merwin, Missouri. She is the daughter of Matt and Amber Kohler and attends Adrian Elementary School, where her favorite subject is math. Laney is an active member of the Next Generation 4-H Club and participates in soccer, basketball, and her school's math contest team. She enjoys showing cattle, swimming, reading, and running the grain cart during harvest. She's no stranger to hard work—she often helps her family on the farm, including operating the skid steer.
Laney’s favorite thing about the Bates County Fair is showing her cattle and watching others show their animals. Her favorite fair memory is dancing and staying up late with friends. She admires her parents for all they’ve taught her, especially about farming and raising animals, and looks up to her mom who is a teacher—just like Laney hopes to be one day. Her favorite motto is "The Best Memories are Made on a Farm."
Laney ran for Princess because she loves the Bates County Fair and wants to help it continue for future generations. A fun fact about Laney is that last year she broke her arm but still showed her cattle—one-handed!
Bates County Fair Queen Candidate
Alexis Bridges is 18 years old and the daughter of Jessica Bridges. She will be entering the 12th grade at Adrian High School this fall. Her favorite subject is history, and she is actively involved in FFA, 4-H, and basketball.
In her spare time, Alexis enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family, and caring for her rabbit.
Bates County Fair Queen Candidate
Miranda Jo Foster is 18 years old and proudly calls Butler, Missouri, her hometown. She is the daughter of Dustin and Misty Foster and a 2024 graduate of Butler High School. While in school, Miranda was an active member of the Butler FFA Chapter, Interact Club, and played softball. She is currently working toward her goal of becoming a preschool teacher.
Miranda’s favorite hobbies include showing livestock—especially her goats and sheep—spending time with family, and hanging out with friends. She loves being part of the Bates County Fair, especially seeing the community come together each year to support local youth through shows and events. She also enjoys volunteering with the Fair Board to help with various activities throughout the week.
Her favorite fair memories include being recognized by many people for her hard work with her livestock, attending the fair dance, and participating in the livestock shows. Miranda looks up to her dad, mom and sister, who have taught her to be strong, kind, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
Miranda is running for Fair Queen because she wants to inspire others by stepping outside her comfort zone, trying something new, and speaking in public. She hopes to be a positive role model and share her love for the fair with the community, encouraging others to join in and create their own fair memories.
Obituary - Robert "Bob" Schowengerdt
Joseph Robert “Bob” Schowengerdt, age 81 of Independence, Missouri died Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born April 29, 1944 to A.B. and Dorothy Inez Cox Schowengerdt in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry Schowengerdt of Independence, Missouri; two daughters, Michelle Pehriz and husband Cagatay of Oak Grove, Missouri and Nicole Schowengerdt of Independence, Missouri; two brothers, Gary Schowengerdt and wife Trevalyn of Butler, Missouri and Dr. Ronald D. Schowengerdt, DDS and wife Linda of Nevada, Missouri; stepbrother, Claude Burch and wife Carol of Parkville, Missouri; stepsister, Diana Crawford and husband Bill of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, ASLI Pehriz and fiancé Andrew Wilkins, Burak Pehriz and Devon Highley; several nephews and nieces; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, AB and Dorothy Schowengerdt; stepmother, Aleta Burch Schowengerdt; and a nephew, Bryan Scot Schowengerdt.
Obituary - Robert Franklin Goens
Frank was born on October 25, 1942, in Bargetown, Kentucky, the son of Reldie Mae Gilpin and William Edward Goens. He grew up Kentucky and moved around until he ended up in Kansas. Frank was drafted to the Army in 1965 and spent 2 years in the service in Alaska. He was honorably discharged with the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He worked for Fordyce hauling concrete until he retired and spent the rest of his years working on the farm.
Frank met and married Sue A. Goens 57 years ago, when they moved to Louisburg and established their family farm. They raised cattle, pigs, chickens, and he enjoyed planting a garden. He was known for the best watermelon and cantaloupes in town. When he wasn’t hard at work on the farm, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Frank was proud of his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had many friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was the true definition of a neighbor always checking in, helping with what he could. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sue Goens, and brothers, Randy and Billy Goens. He is survived by his son Greg Goens and wife Airene, grandson, Alan Goens and wife Lindsay, granddaughter, Kelli Goens and fiancé Steve Smith, step-granddaughter Allen Pepito and Julio Alvarez, along with great-grandchildren, Wesley Goens and Hudson Flores.
Obituary - Michael Gene Davis
Michael Gene Davis, age 68 of Butler, Missouri, died Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the Butler Rehab Center after a lengthy illness. He was born July 17, 1956 to Dale Davis and Neva Gunn in Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael is survived by three sons, Jason Davis of Blue Springs, Missouri, Brandon Davis of Grain Valley, Missouri and Patrick Davis Cruz of Independence, Missouri; daughter, Summer Davis of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; four brothers, Kenny Davis of Urbana, Missouri, Greg Davis of Chicago, Illinois, Dennis Davis and wife Nancy of Blue Springs, Missouri and Jeff Davis of Butler, Missouri; sister, Sandi and husband Johnny Leister of Amsterdam, Missouri; seven grandchildren; and seven nephews and nieces. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Neva Thompson of Butler, Missouri; father, Dale Davis; paternal grandmother, Gertrude Green of Overland Park, Kansas and grandfather, Ivan Davis of Springfield, Missouri; and maternal grandparents, Herman and Rose Gunn of Chicago, Illinois.
Friday, June 20, 2025
Updated Obituary - Randy Pitts
The family moved to Butler, MO when Randy was a young man. Butler quickly became home and the place where the Pitts family built many different businesses. In 1976, Romulus, Frances, Randy, and his brother Steve purchased the Missouri Farm Loan Company and Pitts Realty was established. In Randy’s younger years he developed an avid interest and talent in regards to Abstract Title, becoming quite the town historian.
Randy was a man of many talents, he worked as a loan officer and spent a majority of his life as a manager of properties and local realtor alongside his brother and best friend, Steve, building the Pitts Realty agency. Randy’s hobbies outside of work, included more work, singing, cooking, giving his brother a hard time, talking, and building an awesome collection of everything. Randy was a friend to everyone and prided himself on building strong community friendships.
He was preceded in death by his parents Romulus and Fran and several close friends and family. Randy is survived by his brother Steven C. Pitts, his significant other, Lynn Baker, both of Butler. One niece, Cassandra Pitts of Nevada, a nephew, Cody Pitts and wife, Kylee of Bella Vista, Arkansas, two great nephews, Nico and Huxton, and three great nieces, Haizlee, Hollstyn, and Haddy. Randy also was lovingly surrounded by four bonus nephews, Mitch, Matt, Mikeal, and Marc Baker, and their families.
A celebration of Life will be announced and held in the future. Cremation has been requested and completed by Complete Cremation at Stonegate Crematorium of Harrisonville.
Four more Quilts of Valor presented
4 more Quilts of Valor were presented today at the monthly veterans breakfast sponsored by Good Shepherd Hospice. Recipients today were Ed Yoder, Charles Dyche, Tim Hummel, Lance McClymound.
The QOV program is locally sponsored by Rocking Chair Quilts of Butler and donations are needed to keep the program moving forward. To learn more or donate, call 660-200-2226 or stop by the shop on the east side of the Butler square.
All local veterans are invited to attend the breakfast held on the third Friday of each month at Happy Hill Church in Butler.
Cass County deputies take 2 into custody following traffic stop
Moments before, the Belton Missouri Police Department pulled the driver of the vehicle over and had him in custody. However, the passenger took control of the car as the officer detained the driver.
She drove northbound on I-49 at the 155th St. exit, then exited at 140th St. in Grandview.
Eventually, she got out of the vehicle at 136th St. and Cambridge Ave. in Grandview.
She was located shortly after by a Cass County Sheriff’s deputy and Grandview, MO Police Department officer.
She has since been identified as 39-year-old Victoria Willis of Grandview.
Willis has been charged with Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, which is a felony. She’s also been charged with Operating a Vehicle in a Careless or Imprudent Manner, which is a misdemeanor.
Her bond is set at $25,000 cash only.
The initial driver of the vehicle has been identified as 28-year-old Devin Lawrence of Lowry City, Missouri.
Lawrence has been charged with First Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, which is a felony.
His bond is set at $10,000 cash only.
Both Willis and Lawrence are currently in the Cass County Jail.
Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Aaron Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:
Deputy Wyatt arrested Ky Ron Wilson, age 18, of Clinton at the courthouse on Henry County felony warrants for domestic assault and resisting arrest.
• June 13, 2025 – Warrant:
Deputy Clenin conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Elizabeth Turner, age 50, of Windsor on a Clay County felony warrant for non-support.
• June 15, 2025 – Driving While Intoxicated:
Deputy Douglas conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Josie Gibbs, age 26, of Slater for driving while intoxicated.
• June 16, 2025 – Warrant:
Sgt. Richardson arrested James Moore, age 39, of Kansas City at the courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance.
• June 16, 2025 – Warrant:
Sgt. Richardson arrested Justin Cooper, age 28, of Clinton at the courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for DWI and resisting arrest.
• June 17, 2025 – Murder 1st Degree:
Captain Hills and Deputy Saulters conducted a follow-up investigation in the Benton County area. With the assistance of Benton County deputies, Harold James, age 75, of Deepwater, was arrested on a 24-hour investigative hold for murder 1st degree. A no bond warrant was later issued for this incident for Murder 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action.
• June 17, 2025 – Warrant:
Deputy McQueen conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area and arrested Claudine Cozine, age 41, of Windsor on a Henry County warrant.
• June 19, 2025 – Driving While Suspended/Revoked:
Deputy Murphy conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Zachary Wilton, age 21, of Windsor for driving while suspended/revoked.
All individuals arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.
For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.
Bates County Assessor mailing notices this week
Change notices were mailed out this week by the Assessor notifying citizens that their assessed value raised and if their taxes are going to raise. We have received several phone calls today asking why their values raised. You will need to contact the Assessor 660-679-3157 to ask questions regarding your valuation and to have an informal hearing with him. If the Assessor did not resolve your problem you can then contact our office at 660-679-3371 to make an appointment to go in front of the Board of Equalization that will be held on July 21st. You must make your appointment by July 14th.
Obituary - Robert Lyle (Bob) Bauer
Bob grew up in Montrose, Missouri, and attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Montrose High School. After high school, he attended Central Missouri State University and was a walk-on with the track team. After college, he married Ann Tindall on May 23, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Church in Montrose, Missouri. From this union, two daughters were born, Amy and Rebecca. Bob’s employment included the Katy Railroad in Montrose, Missouri, the drilling crew traveling for Peabody Coal Mine, and Peabody Power Mine in Montrose, Missouri. In 1981, the family relocated to Platte City, Missouri, where Bob began working at Kansas City Power & Light at the Iatan Generating Station in Weston, Missouri. In 1989, Bob’s loving wife, Ann, passed due to a long battle with cancer. Eighteen years later, Bob married his friend and co-worker, Cathy Green. Bob finished his career of 27 years at Kansas City Power & Light in 2007.
Bob’s special interests included spending time with family, classic cars, racing, the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, traveling, fishing, boating, and camping. Bob never met a stranger, only a friend he’d never met before. He showed kindness to all people.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Evelyn; and his wife, Ann.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy, of the home; his daughters: Amy Dymond (Neil) and grandchildren Colin and Cooper of Kansas City, Missouri, and Rebecca Bauer of New Market, Missouri; sister Mary Harris (Bill) of Montrose, Missouri; brother Rick Bauer (Joanne) of Montrose, Missouri; brother Wally Bauer (Nancy) of Urich, Missouri; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose, Missouri. Memorials may also be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri.
Obituary - Dorothy Dean Burke
Cremation with a Celebration of Life Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.
Obituary - Tammy Sue Foster
Tammy graduated from Archie High School and soon after married Blaine Foster on June 14, 1987, celebrating 38 years of marriage together. Tammy was a stay at home mom for their two children, Jordan and Megan Foster. She loved to spend time at the lake with her family and friends, and especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow.
She is preceded in death by her parents-in-law Marvin and Kay Foster and her nephew JJ. She is survived by her husband Blaine Foster, parents Ronnie and Libbie Longacre, daughter Megan Foster, son Jordan Foster (Kesha Peek), brother Kevin Longacre, sister Kelly (Daniel) Meissen, brother-in-law Troy Foster, Jerry (Georgann) Foster, Grandchildren Liberty, Justice, and Jordan Foster, granddog Dolly Foster, four nephews, four nieces, and several great nieces and nephews.
Recognition given to unseen heroes
Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney made a special presentation this week to the crew at the Bates County Sheriff's Office 911 Dispatch Center in recognition of their ongoing dedication and professional service.
"We couldn't do what we do without you" said Dizney who went on to say that group has an added level of understanding when it comes to prompt attention to matters, especially in dire situations, and when multiple agencies are involved.
"Despite the worst of circumstances, everything goes as smoothly as possible, every time. Thank you so much."
As many could imagine, when the phone rings in a 911 call center, someone needs help right now and time is of the essence. First responders will often request coordination with neighboring agencies, utility companies, and sometimes dispatch has to deal with unusual situations. To which, according to Dizney, BCSO 911 dispatch comes shining through every time.
"I hope this plaque shows how much the Adrian community appreciates you and we can't say enough about what good you do. Thanks again."
In the few minutes Dizney was making the presentation, yes, some 911 calls came into the center. They were handled promptly and the group was able to take a moment to pose for the photo above.
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