Obituary - Joyce Ann (Hays) Jeffery

Joyce Ann (Hays) Jeffery, age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, surrounded by family at Cedar County Community Springs Nursing Home.

Born on May 25, 1942, in Columbus, Kansas, to Ed and Cora Hays, Joyce was a woman of deep love, kindness, and quiet strength. She graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1960 and went on to pursue higher education. On June 3, 1960, she married Richard Eugene Jeffery.

Joyce dedicated her working years as a telephone operator and customer service representative in the insurance industry and at the U.S. Post Office. She had a generous heart and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met. Joyce found joy in crocheting, music, laughter, and animals—but above all, she cherished the time spent with her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Sandra Metz (Mark), her siblings Lucille Ufford, Vernon, Claude, and Clyde Hays, and her grandson, Andrew Jeffery.

Joyce is survived by her children: Richard Jeffery (Trina) of Walker, MO, and Edward Jeffery (Debbie) of Independence, MO; her sister Sandra Brewer (Billy) of Kansas City, KS; and her grandchildren: Anthony Jeffery of Wichita, KS, William Jeffery (Ashton) of Walker, MO, Christopher Jeffery (Emily) of Nevada, MO, Jessica Eales (Shawn) of Linn, MO, Sara Meggs of Kansas City, MO, Julie Jeffery of El Dorado Springs, Adam Jeffery of Kansas, Cornia Martin of Walker, MO, and Carson Jeffery of Walker, MO. She also leaves 22 great-grandchildren and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, June 28th, at Ferry Funeral Home with a memorial service following at 2:00 pm with Pastor Chad Baily officiating.

Obituary - Thomas Edward "Bud" Hackler

Thomas Edward "Bud" Hackler, 94, of Drexel, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Visitation will be held at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM, also at Atkinson Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Everett Cemetery in Archie, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to Everett Cemetery.

Bud was born on June 13, 1931, to Thomas Franklin Hacker and Eva Pearl Parkson. He grew up in "the big rock house" north of Everett and west of Archie. He attended grade school at Steen Rural #84 school and then Archie High School, where he participated in basketball and graduated with the Class of 1949.

In July of 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and took his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, after which he was sent to Camp Gordon, Georgia, to study to be a topography technician. In February 1951, he was sent to Seoul, Korea, where he served at the 8th Army Headquarters as a code-breaker, aiding in peace talks in Pan Moon Jon where he received messages from the peace talks and sent out those messages in code. Later, he joined the 23rd Infantry. He returned to the United States in July 1952. On August 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Alice “Maxine” Burchett. In September 1952, they went to Camp Polk, Leesville, Louisiana, to serve the remaining years of Bud’s enlistment.

They returned to Missouri in 1953 and settled on a farm in the Rocky Point area between Archie and Drexel. He went to work in the city as a machinist, but his first love was the country. In January 1958, Bud went to work at Allied Signal/Bendix, where he was made a machinist supervisor and worked there until his retirement on April 1, 1988. He then opened his own shop, The Amarugia Machine Shop, at home. It wasn’t unusual for him to put in 60 hours a week when he was really busy. He was a meticulous machinist – perfection was his trademark. Many farmers who needed a part fixed during planting or harvest season would discover there was no charge for his work. He was just happy to help.

He had a strong work ethic and expected the same from those around him. However, he did find time for fun. He enjoyed going to the casinos and buying lottery tickets weekly. On his last scratcher he won $500! He enjoyed fishing – and feeding the fish, hunting – taking several trips to Colorado to hunt elk, gardening and playing Pitch – only the brave would be his card partner as he would often “shoot the moon”. Bud anxiously awaited the return of the purple martins each spring, hanging gourds and bird houses for their arrival.

Bud lived the motto of “Faith, Family, and Friends”. Even though his body failed him, his memory was intact. He mentioned once that he had 40 people on his prayer list and he prayed for them daily. When he could no longer see, he listened to the Bible on tape, often fast forwarding through the genealogies. Occasionally, he would question something he had heard, never believing he knew all there was to know. He could tell you play-by-play of the latest Royals game, batting averages, and ERAs. He also cheered against the Royals just to aggravate Maxine. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke you knew you should listen as he’d often share wisdom or advice. He believed a hand shake and a man’s word were better than a contract. He loved his country and flew an American flag faithfully. We have had many proud moments when someone says: “I knew your father, he was a good man.”

Bud was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his sister, Wila Maxine; and his brother, Joe R. Hackler. The legacy Bud leaves behind is strong. He is survived by his daughters: Marsha Lynn Stark and Shelley Leann Jacobs (Ronnie), all of Drexel, MO; their families: Ryan and Andrea Stark and their son, Logan; Aaron and Haley Stark; Jared and Alycia Jacobs and their children, Easton and Adilynn; Allison and Daniel Roberts; his son, Thomas Eugene Hackler of Pleasant Hill, MO; his children: Amy, Tom (Kyla), Megan (Justin), Jennifer (Derek), Ashley; and his grandchildren: Shane, Shelby, John, Abby, Erick, Brooke, Tom, Korbin, Tayton, Jayanna, Cabriah, Coba, and Christopher; his sister, Norma June Hess, of Adrian, MO; and sister-in-law, Barbara Hackler, of Archie, MO.

Thank you to Vintage Park in Louisburg, KS, and Adrian Baptist Homes for their care, compassion, and patience.

Lengthy Commission meeting ends with "We'll have an answer Monday"

 

Yesterday, Sheriff Chad Anderson met with the Bates County Commission regarding the commission's withholding approval of payment for the upcoming annual sheriff's rodeo. The commission said that taxpayer money may not be used for public events, according to information they have received. 

Anderson opened with a lengthy response citing that having the rodeo falls into the category of community policing, it is perfectly legal and he went on to cite several examples to back up his claim.

"We've been doing this rodeo since Covid, it's in the budget, the commission has always approved it, so why now are you saying no?" asked Anderson. Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley responded that an auditor had mentioned that it my be in violation of the Missouri Constitution, and the commission wanted to be sure no laws are broken by approving it.

During the 1 hour, 15 minute non-stop debate, other points were brought up, including that the sheriff has procured a lawyer but has not taken action yet. Anderson also said that this is another example of the overt control the commission wants over him and his office.

"If I'm doing anything wrong, I'll correct it. But from all the information I have, there's nothing illegal or wrong with what we're doing." he added.

Adrian City Administrator Ryan Wescote spoke on behalf of the rodeo, saying that the city of Adrian has spent upwards of $30,000 to better prepare the arena and if the commission wasn't going to approve it, he would like two months notice so he can make other plans for a similar event.

Northern Commissioner John Gray said "I don't see that any laws are being broken by paying for it, I say we approve it." However as Anderson pressed for an answer, Wheatley informed those present that a vote will be taken with results to be provided in the upcoming Monday commission meeting.

The decision will be made by Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson with any tie breaking vote coming from Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley.

Mo. Department of Conservation offers special program

Our Landowner and Community Assistance Program (LCAP) is designed to financially support private landowners, communities or towns, government entities, and others in implementing conservation practices on their land.

Learn more about LCAP and how you can participate at https://mdc.mo.gov/.../mdc-assists-shannon-county...

Arrests made in Nevada property crime investigation

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Nevada Police responded to a report of property damage and stealing in the 900 block of E. Subway Blvd that occurred in the overnight hours.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that two suspects entered the property and cut the power to the building using tree pruners. The subjects also tampered with the building’s security and stole items from the business before leaving the property.

Due to recent issues in the area, Nevada Police had additional security in place that caught the subjects in the same area as when the incident occurred. Officers were familiar with both individuals involved and were able to quickly identify them.

Nevada Police were able to obtain arrest warrants for both subjects involved. Once the arrest warrants were issued Nevada Police coordinated with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office who were able to take both subjects into custody in the rural Nevada area.

The subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Vernon County Jail for holding.

The subjects have been identified as follows:

Dustin Pike, age 37 of Nevada, Missouri.

Madalyn George, age 22 of Nevada, Missouri

On June 24, 2025, the following charges were filed against both subjects through the Vernon County Associate Court:

One (1) Count of Tampering with Service of Utility or Institution – Class D Felony

One (1) Count of Property Damage 1st Degree – Class E Felony

One (1) Count of Stealing- Class A Misdemeanor

Both subjects are being held in the Vernon County Jail without bond.

I-49 slowed to crawl just south of Harrisonville

 

You find things moving slow if you're northbound on I-49 as a fire was causing a backup that begins near Archie and extends to just south of Harrisonville. 

One lane is open and the source of the fire was an RV towing a vehicle as seen here.

Miami county Wanted Wednesday

 

Some good information regarding extreme heat

 

Notice from City of Rich Hill

City Hall is still having some electrical and AC issues. We will again be without power for a couple hours sometime this morning, therefore we will not be able to answer phones or take payments during that time. We will update once we know for sure.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Special gift delivered to Frontier Village in Adrian

 The Western Missouri Antique Tractor And Machinery Association accepted delivery of a absolutely BEAUTIFUL wooden carving of a Eagle setting in a tree. This sculpture was carved by Jody Phillips and donated in memory of his wife Tammy, who after a courageous battle , succumbed to cancer last year. We so appreciate this donation as it solidifies our commitment to not only preserve the memory of the machines of our past, but also the people.

Pictured is Jody Phillips along with his son and grandson

City of Harrisonville offering emergency alert notifications

With this dangerously hot weather, it is important to remember that you can sign up for free alerts about severe weather or other emergency incidents in your area.

NIXLE is a vital tool that allows you to receive critical information directly on your cell phone or via email.

Whether it be extreme weather, law enforcement activity, a traffic crash or a community-wide emergency - NIXLE sends the information you need to you specifically!

Simply text 64701 to 888777 to opt-in or sign-up to stay informed on critical events that directly affect you.

Adrian to be a busy place this weekend

 Click images to enlarge, save or print

Little Apple news

 

June 25, 2025

The 21st Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 12 in the City Park, right off 52 Hwy across the street from Zink Motor Company. Check in 8:00 a.m.-noon.  Car Show noon-3:00 p.m. This is a judged event. There is a $10 entry fee, with proceeds going to two scholarships for local high school students. Top 85 cars and trucks combined, top 3 motorcycles, and top 3 rat rods. There will be food concessions, music, goody bags, live auction, door prizes, 50-50 drawing and dash plaques for all entries. Along with the AC Car Show, Zink Motor Co (across from the Car Show) is hosting the KC Antique Car Club at their dealership. Model A’s and T’s will be on display. This event is free.

All middle/high school students0 (6th-12th grades) are invited to join Holy Trinity Church in AC for a new event this summer 6:00-8:00 p.m. July 16-18 at the Church. They will learn to "LEGO and Let God" through worship, games, and crafts. Supper will be provided each night. Pre-register online at https://forms.gle/TketShyZuhbpQGdC9 to receive a free t-shirt. 

All kids ages PK through 5th grade are invited to "LEGO and Let God!"  Rockville UMC will co-host VBS 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 with River of Life. Church of God will host VBS on 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. The kids will learn about how to build a strong foundation and trust in God at all times! There will be games, food, crafts, and lots of fun! Pre-register online at https://forms.gle/GDeJKTcHmSgPWUWU9 to receive a free t-shirt.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Appleton City, Mo, will be hosting “Christmas in July” VBS July 21-24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. They will be following the star to the cradle of our Lord. Join them for cool crafts, great music, and fellowship with friends. Dinner will be provided each evening. Registration begins at the door at 5:45 July 21. For their mission this year, they will be collecting non-perishable food for West Central Food Bank. 

The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation is selling raffle tickets for its annual Raffle. Buy a ticket for $10 or 4 for $20 for a chance to win one of four great prizes. Tickets can be purchased from Foundation members (Leroy Swopes, Robbie Rotert, Bill Brownsberger, Denice Nitchals, Chris Green, Paul Noble, Laura Smith, April Loney or Julee Snyder) or at the EMH Front Desk. Raffle drawing will take place at the AC Car Show.

The next Meet Me On Main, Second Wednesday Shop and Stroll will be July 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. 'til 7:00 p.m. Participating businesses include Jina's Junque, 3 Wishes, Bluebird Lounge, Cork & Keg, Sandi's Kitchen, and AC TNR.

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, July 13 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

Due to scheduling conflicts, the date of the next diabetic class will be 4:00 p.m. July 15, 2025 in the conference room at Ellett Memorial Hospital.

Appleton City Carousel is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 4:00-7:00 p.m. until Labor Days weekend. 31 states and 5 countries have visited. Check to see if your summer visitors should stop in to get their state listed.

Appleton City VFW Post 11242 appreciates the Appleton City High School FFA helping with the placement of flags on veterans' graves for Memorial Day.  It could not have been done without their help.  Thank You. 

The Montrose FBLA is hosting a Shoe Drive from June 1 through August 15. If you need to dispose of some new or gently used shoes (no holes or missing soles), please contribute them to our drive. Drop off points are at Montrose R-XIV School, Montrose Savings Bank, and Ellett Memorial Hospital. For more information, please contact Robyn Eckhoff, FBLA Adviser, at reckhoff@montrose.k12.mo.us.

Ellett Memorial Hospital will sponsor a Blood Drive 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 25 in the Outpatient Clinic at 610 N. Ohio St.

Appleton City, MO 64724. Sign up at savealifenow.org/group and use group code EG2B.For additional details, contact Kayla Orear at (660) 476-5214 or kayla.orear@ellettmemorial.com or Julie Grubb (660) 476-5242 or julie.grubb@ellettmemorial.com

Appleton City Public Library Story Hour happens 11:00 a.m. Mondays. Join them for stories, activities and snacks. They are also sponsoring the summer reading program, “Color Your World”, June 23 - July16.  Ages 4+ are invited to meet Monday – Wednesday at the Library.

The Appleton City Museum is missing the 2013 Appleton City High School edition of the yearbook. If you know of anyone who might have an extra copy please let Linda Lampkin know 660-476-5857. 

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for June and July, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. June 25 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, June 25– Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, June 26-Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, July 2 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  July 11 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, July 16 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, July 17– Podiatry- Dr. Pace, July 18 – Ortho- Laura Noble, FNP,  July 23 - Ortho-Dr. Gray,  July 25 – Dermatology – Dylan Timmerman, PA,   July 29– Rheumatology-Dr. John,  July 31-Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 4      Independence Day Holiday

July 12    Appleton City Car Show

July 13    Knights of Columbus pancake and sausage breakfast 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose

July 17    Diabetes class 4:00 p.m. in the conference room of Ellett Memorial Hospital

Appleton City Fair float winners

 

1st Place - 5th/6th Boys Baseball

2nd Place - Junior Girls’ Softball

3rd Place - Appleton City Golden Apples

Fundraiser set for Jim Herrell

 

Dry today, rain chances increase tomorrow

Horse in custody, owner sought

Earlier today, the Bates County Sheriff's Office took custody of a lost horse near Drexel as the owner is sought. If you know anyone in the northwest part of Bates County please have them check to see if they are missing a horse. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 670-679-3232.

Someone is definitely going to be looking for this horse. It was located off 10001 just south of AA Highway.

UPDATE the owner has been reunited with the horse.

Brief friendship comes with storybook ending

Piper Yunger of Lee's Summit, Mo (formerly of Butler) was working with husband Bobby on new construction at the Lake of the Ozarks when this (albeit very tired) hummingbird found its way into the structure but wasn't able to find a way out.

"My heart was breaking watching her not able to get out. Somehow I reached up for her to direct her out of the doorways and she just landed in my hands."

She went on to say "She knew I was there to help her. She rested for really quite sometime. And then she just flew off."

A positive human-animal interaction that again proves we may be more alike than we know. -Editor

Obituary - Star Oliver

Funeral services for Star Oliver of Butler, Missouri are 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 9 - 10 a.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Cremation to follow service.  Contributions to Wayside Waifs.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Starlene “Star” Ann Oliver, age 73 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  She was born November 1, 1951 to LaVern Beers Jr. and Roberta Ruth Williams Beers in Warren, Pennsylvania.

Star is survived by one son, Michael Oliver and wife Rachel of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Monica Oliver of Butler, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Mathew Oliver and wife Dayna of St. Joseph, Missouri, Jacob Oliver and partner Monica, Nicholas Campbell of Amsterdam, Missouri, Zachary Webb and fiancé Taylor of Butler, Missouri, Alexander Webb and partner Ashlyn of Butler, Missouri, Brendan Ephland and partner Shelbi of Montrose, Missouri, Alexandrea Ephland of Kentucky and Madylann Ephland of Butler, Missouri; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers.  Star was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Oliver on November 21, 2013; her parents; granddaughter, Sidney Marie Oliver; and one sister.

Obituary - Brenda Shirlene Douty

Funeral services for Brenda Shirlene Douty of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 9 a.m. - 10 at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Contributions to Kansas City Hospice House.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Brenda Shirlene Douty, age 70 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  She was born June 19, 1955 to Evelyn Louise Muncy in Lockwood, Missouri.

Brenda is survived by five children, Christal George and husband Christoper of Rich Hill, Missouri, Robert Douty and spouse Mike Sego of Brookfield, Missouri, Louise Hecox and significant other Brandon of Butler, Missouri, Rebecca Douty of Butler, Missouri and Danny Garcia and spouse Raul of Port Orchard, Washington; one sister, Evelyn Muncy of Nevada, Missouri; one brother, David Muncy and wife Lesha of Lockwood, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Muncy; son, Jesse Douty; husband, Bob Douty; two brothers, Jason Muncy and Mike Berry; and one grandson, Keith Cooper.