Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Charles Wayne Dipman, age 81, of Rich Hill
Monday, June 22, 2026
What's Up LeRoy Cook
What's Up
by LeRoy Cook
.
June 22, 2026I
Suggested Banner: Bearing Up and Carrying On
It was a somber, subdued week at the Butler airport, after
the terrible tragedy of the previous weekend. There was a three-day FAA-imposed
closing of airspace up to 3000 feet that expired Wednesday evening, after which
normal operations resumed. NTSB investigations concluded after Tuesday so road
access could resume. Any findings will be announced only after the agency
finishes its work, which can take a year or more. Meanwhile, the twelve
families of the deceased and everyone affected deserve continued prayers and
support.
As far as transient traffic was concerned, the mostly open
flying weather saw quite a few visitors coming and going, including a Cirrus
SR-22 from St. Louis, a Cessna Skylane from Ft. Collins, Colorado and a nice
homebuilt Van’s RV-7 from Mt. Vernon. A Piper Archer and a Cessna 172 were also
in. Locally, the BCS AirTractor sprayplane was back hard at work, Jeremie Platt
had his Grumman Tiger out and Gerald Bauer was up in the Cessna Skyhawk.
World-wide, there was news last
week out of Nigeria, where a 1988 Challenger 601 business jet landed on a
newly-built unopened concrete roadway, rather than the nearby airport, for
undisclosed reasons. Then it was turned around after a three-hour stay and took
off for repositioning; Nigerian officials are not happy over the stunt. The
pilot was 70 years old, overage by Nigerian rules. The airplane is registered
to a Salt Lake City ownership.
Stateside, the Air Force is not happy over the latest
round of TFR busts in New Jersey, where our President frequents one of his golf
courses. Pilots are supposed to keep track of his comings and goings and avoid
the intermittent no-fly zone, but as can happen, some people don’t get the word
and F-16s and Black Hawks have to be scrambled to identify the intruder. It
happened 15 times in the first half of June.
Also, the FAA is getting serious about drone incursions
over World Cup locations, which are supposed to be covered by no-drone notices.
Homeland Security has logged 145 violations in the first week of the games.
Confiscation and interdiction measures are being taken, and as soon as the
perpetrators can be located, heavy fines and license revocations are levied.
The cheap and easily-flown Chinese drones are often in the hands of operators
who don’t care about rules and security, just grabbing videos and gaining
notoriety.
The F-35 fighter jet program is in trouble. The Government
Accountability Office found that of the 800 F-35’s that have been delivered,
only 25-percent are fully flyable at any given time. The highly complex
Lightning II is fragile and parts are in short supply, as are people to work on
the planes. This aircraft was supposed to serve all branches of our military
and allies air forces as well, but it hasn’t worked out so well. The USAF’s
eventual solution may be the General Atomics’ FQ-42A unmanned fighter/bomber
and Anduril’s FQ-44A, of which they plan to buy 1000 units.
From last week’s column, we wanted to know if there any
instrument approach procedures for seaplane bases. Yes, there’s one at Ridgely
Lake in Minnesota. For next week, do you know why there’s a aviation-related
monument out in the Kansas Flint Hills with the date March 31, 1931 on it? You can
send your answers to [email protected].
-END-
Kathy Ilene Lewis, age 72 of Amsterdam
Funeral services for Kathy Ilene Lewis of Amsterdam, Missouri, will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. No visitation. Burial in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam. Contributions to the Carpenter’s Cup in Butler or the Thomas Love Fund at Community First Bank in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler
Anna
Swanson, 87 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Bates
County Memorial Hospital in Butler. A visitation will be held from 1:00
pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler
(660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow Saturday at 2:00 pm also at
the funeral home. Burial will take place in Mt. Washington Cemetery,
Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Double
Branch Christian Church or the Butler Public Library. Messages of condolence
may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Anna
LaDonne Mannering Swanson was born December 12, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri
to James and Wanita Goddard Mannering.
She grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from high school. On June 15, 1956 Anna was united in marriage
to Harry John Swanson. They were married
until his passing in 2022. This year
would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.
Anna’s
first love was her family, and looked forward to all gatherings for family
dinners and holidays. She also enjoyed
planting flowers and reading books.
Anna
was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry John Swanson, one sister,
Erma Duchein, son-in-law Tim Ridley, and granddaughter Amanda Ridley. She is survived by her daughter, Mindy Ridley
of Eldorado Springs, MO., son, James Swanson and wife Judith of Clinton, MO., granddaughter,
Virginia Richter and Michael Gerean, along with three great-grandchildren,
Ezra, Raymond, and Maylee, all of Butler, MO.
Anna
will be dearly missed and forever loved by her children, granddaughter,
great-grandchildren, friends, extended family members, and all who knew her.
Mark Mathies named new Butler City Administrator
During this week's Butler city council meeting, a formal introduction was made welcoming Mark Mathies as the new City Administrator. Mark hails from Edwardsville, Kansas and enthusiastically introduced himself stating he's "ready to get to work and meet the citizens of Butler."
Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that the Butler police department is now eligible for a Blue Shield grant that will be in the neighborhood of $50,000 to $75,000 and he is moving forward with all the necessary paperwork. He, along with code enforcement officer Brenda Cecil asked the council for permission to buy a used lawnmower to use for abatements. The price was below book value and the council approved the purchase.
BREAKING NEWS: Butler Man Charged with 8 Felony Charges of Deviate Sex Acts with a Female Minor
Tommy Thomas, 67, of Butler MO is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on eight charges related to alleged deviate sex acts with a minor female child under the age of 12 in September of 2025.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Adrian ACT Public Notice
Due to a website glitch, we may not have received all registrations for the Summer Theater Workshop.
To make sure your registration was received, please complete the new, shorter registration form again at www.actadrian.com. Even if you already registered, please do so again in case we didn't get your first registration. We don't want anyone to miss out!
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you!
ACT THEATER
Jerry Lee Stangel, age 71
Jerry Lee Stangel, at the age of 71, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home outside of Papinville, MO. He was born in Nevada, MO to Paul and Catharine Stangel. He was raised and worked on his family farm his entire life.
In his 71 years of life, he was blessed with three children: Mendy, Michelle, and Roy, before being united in marriage on June 12, 2000 to his wife, Angela. With this union of marriage, he became a step father to three children: Matthew, Daniel, and Alaina. In 2001, they welcomed their daughter, Montana.He dedicated his entire life to working on the farm milking cows, raising crops, and running beef cattle. Above all, he loved and valued his family and took great pride in caring and providing for those he loved. You would always find him staying busy whether that be farming, mowing the grass, checking fences, driving to town for a POP, or out talking to his lifelong friends, Bob and Johnny.
He is survived by his soulmate and wife Angela of the home; his children, Mendy (Carl) of Rich Hill, MO, Michelle (Matthew) of Sedalia, MO, Roy (Ashley) of Prairie City, MO, Montana (Johnathan) of Chadds Ford, PA, Matthew (Jeanna) of Butler, MO, Daniel of Archie, MO, and Alaina (Derek) of Adrian, MO; his sister, Paula of Woodland Park, CO; his brother-in-law, Leon of Fort Worth, TX; his special brother, Lloyd of Kansas City, MO; his many grand children, great grand children, and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Arleta; and brother-in-law, Cliff.
His family and friends were the center of his world, and he cherished the time he spent with each and every one of them. Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his hardworking nature and talkative personality.
A celebration of life will be held June 19, 2026 from 5-9pm at Trent’s building in Rich Hill, MO. Address: 720 E Walnut St, Rich Hill, MO 64779
Jerry will be deeply loved and missed and forever remembered.
Missouri State Fair Hiring
Employment applications accepted starting today!
The Missouri State Fair is now accepting applications for employment during the Fair in August. Starting pay is $15 per hour and benefits include valuable work experience, making new friends and free Fair admission.
Positions are available in:
- Admissions
- Backstage
- Campgrounds
- Carnival
- Grandstand
- Hospitality
- Janitorial
- Parking
- Maintenance
- Revenue
- Trams
- Youth Crew
The Fair's personnel office opens today, June 17, at noon in the Historic Administration Building, located across from the State Fair Grandstand. Office hours are Wednesday-Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Starting Aug 1, office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
State offices (including the personnel office) are closed for the following state holdiays:
- June 19 in observation of Juneteenth
- July 3 & 4 in observation of Independence Day
Those interested in applying should visit the Fair’s website for more information.
The Missouri State Fair is Aug. 13-23, in Sedalia.
City of Archie Hiring
The City of Archie is seeking a Temporary, Part-Time, Seasonal Maintenance Employee to do the mowing, weed eating, and additional park maintenance at the City parks for the season. Beginning immediately and going through October, if necessary, the hours would be around 30-40 hours per week. An applicant wiht a driver's license is required. An applicant 18 years of age is preferred, though not necessary. The rate of pay will be $17.00 per hour. We will take applications until the position is filled. Send Resume or apply at City Clerk, 204 S. Main St., P.O. Box 346, Archie, MO 64725, or email to [email protected]. EOE
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Tannor Thomas, age 28 of Butler
From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Tannor Thomas, age 28 of Butler died Friday, June 12 in Butler as a result of a motorcycle accident. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the Adrian Optimist Building with cremation to follow. Visitation prior to services from 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the Optimist Building. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Contributions to the Thomas Love Fund at Community First Bank. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Tannor is survived by his wife, Brooklyn Thomas and two young children, Walker and Rosalie all of the home; mother, Deborah Shaner and husband Brandon of Butler; one brother, Zachary Thomas of Butler; parentsin-law, Patrick and Michelle Popplewell of Butler; sister-in-law, Brianne Phillips (Dalton) and their children, Braxton and Riley; brother-in-law, Peyton Popplewell (Macey Kelso); one sister, Alexandria Thomas; and father, James Thomas. That’s Tannor Thomas with funeral services 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the Adrian Optimist building. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Butler.
Harrisonville 2 day concert
The Ag City Music Festival will be held at the Little Dixie Family Mud Run in Harrisonville. Celebrating agriculture, live music, and America’s 250th birthday, Friday & Saturday, June 19 & 20th. Friday night will kick off with rock bands, while Saturday highlights local country talent, featuring Headliner, Tate Stevens. Food trucks, vendors, beer garden, tractor pull, sky diving show, kid zone, and more. See the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce for more information on their Facebook Page Tickets will be 30 dollars for a one day admission and 50 dollars for the two day admission passes.
Former Employee of Bates County Accused of Stealing
A former employee of Bates County Industries located in Butler, MO has been accused of stealing $200,972.42 during her time serving as director beginning in 2021.
Documents indicate that
Donna Maciel, 57, sold back vacation and sick time which was prohibited, as
well as giving herself cash advances without paying it back, charging for
mileage while driving a company vehicle, as well as abuse of company credit
cards among other allegations all totaling over $200,000.00 during
approximately a three year period.
Charges filed in the
Bates County Circuit Court as as follows:
Count 1
- Stealing - $25,000 Or More { Felony C RSMo: 570.030 }
Count 2
- Stealing - $25,000 Or More/Teller Machine Or Contents { Felony C
RSMo: 570.030 }
Count 3
- Stealing - $750 Or More { Felony D RSMo: 570.030 }
A warrant for Maciel's
arrest was issued on June 12, 2026 indicating a $100,000 cash only bond.
15 year old Cowboy needs our Help
Bates County has something to be proud of….. 15 year old Bentley Gilkey of Rich Hill will be advancing to the 2026 National High School Rodeo finals in Lincoln Nebraska. Bentley is competing in the Bull Riding event.
This 7 day
rodeo competition will be held July 19th through the 25th.
Bentley is a small town kid chasing his dream. Bentley is the son of Rashanda Gilkey
and Brent Morrison of Rich Hill. His motto is to work hard, stay humble, chase
your dreams and make your hometown proud. He needs our help to reach his dream.
If you
would like to be one of many sponsors needed to help Bentley Gilkey reach his
dream , we are asking for donations. There are 4 different sponsor levels from
$500 gold level to $99 dollars, or any cash amount that you feel led to donate.
The donation
dollars will assist this Cowboy pay for travel and lodging expenses, entry fees
and equipment. We are Calling on Rodeo Fans and retired Cowboys to help us,
help Bentley.
There are
several ways to send your donation dollars.
Venmo, Cash
App, Phone or Email , or donations/ checks mailed in any amount will be
appreciated. Donations may be mailed to
Rashanda Gilkey 201 East Oak Street in Rich Hill 64779. The deadline will be
July 10th, as Bentley will hit the road on July 17th for
Nebraska.
Bentley
will be representing the Rich Hill Community on the national stage and our hope
is for Bentley to bring this title back home to Bates County. .
This is
more than a rodeo for Bentley Gilkey of Rich Hill, it’s a dream, a journey and
the opportunity of a lifetime. Every dollar you spend will help this dream
become a reality.
Phone
number 660-227-3368 that number again
660-227-3368
Good Luck,
Cowboy !
Rich Hill Fire Department Responds To An Accident And Second Accident Occurs On Scene
Shortly after 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 15th, the Rich Hill Fire Department (RHFD) was dispatched to a single-vehicle accident at mile marker 123 on I-49. While on the scene, a second accident involving two vehicles occurred, narrowly missing Rich Hill Fire Engine 2. Emergency personnel immediately notified Bates County Dispatch and requested additional resources. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported from both incidents.
While on the
scene of the highway accidents, Bates County EMS and RHFD also responded to a
separate medical call within Rich Hill.
The
following departments assisted at the highway scene: Rich Hill Fire, Vernon
County EMS, Bates County EMS, Rich Hill Police, Bates County Sheriff's Office,
and the Missouri Highway Patrol.
These
incidents highlight the significant dangers emergency responders face when
working on highways and interstates. They ask the public to use this as a
reminder to remain vigilant and avoid distracted driving.
Charles Wayne Dipman, age 81, of Rich Hill
Charles Wayne Dipman, age 81, of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on ...












