J and L Land Development

  

In our local news today we introduce Jeff and Lee Ann Fisher of Adrian. These Adrian Blackhawks fans are 1980 graduates of Adrian High School. They now have a business to promote for our listening area. The Business is based in Adrian and will be serving the Cass County, Bates County, and beyond areas.

 

The following information tells what services they provide. If you are planning to build a new home, put in a pond, dredge a pond  or make the most of your property? This local business will offer what you need to complete those projects.

 

From excavation for new home construction to creating a pond on your property.  J & L  Land Development of Adrian can help get your project started right. They specialize in removing fence and tree rows from your property .

 

 J & L Land Development,  Locally Owned and Operated by Jeff and Lee Ann Fisher.  816-510-7275 Adrian .

 

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Diane Morgan, 65, of Butler, Missouri passed away on August 12, 2026 at her home in Butler, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her love and memory with them always.  A Celebration of Life for Diane will be held on August 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  At the Alley Tavern Venue Space in Butler MO, 10 W Chestnut St, Butler, MO 64730.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Diane Garlene (Foster) Morgan was born on September 24, 1960, in Webb City, Missouri, and grew up in Creighton, Missouri. Throughout her life, Diane lived in many different places, including Germany and Fort Riley, but eventually found her way back home to her roots and the area she knew as home.

 

Mom was incredibly brave, loving, and fiercely devoted to her family. No matter what she was facing, she kept going. She earned her nursing degree from Penn Valley and spent more than 30 years as a Registered Nurse. Caring for people was clearly more than a profession to her. She was knowledgeable, compassionate, and always willing to go above and beyond to do what she believed was best for her patients.

 

She became a mom at just 17 and spent much of her life raising four children, earning her college degree later in life, working, and doing whatever she could for her family. She showed up for her children and made sure they were cared for, often putting their needs before her own. If you came to her house, you were going to eat, and she wasn’t going to sit down until everyone was fed and everything was cleaned up. She loved to cook, loved a good movie and a drink, and always made sure the people she loved were taken care of.

 

Mom was also a woman of strong opinions—and she was usually pretty confident that her opinions were right. She was sensitive, prideful, and fiercely protective. She cared deeply about the people she loved and wasn’t afraid to stand up for them. She loved deeply, and she fought hard for the people she loved. And, of course, she had a way of making sure the last word was hers, usually followed by, “I’m just saying.”

 

Then came her role as Gammie. Even while she was still working and tired, she found energy for her grandchildren. She cooked for them, had patience for them, spoiled them, and loved them with everything she had. She didn’t get the years of retirement she deserved or the opportunity to spend the later years of her life simply being a grandma. She was only 65 when she passed, and that is one of the hardest things for us to accept. We will always wish she had been given more time to enjoy the role she loved so much.

Her family was her greatest joy, and the love she gave to them will live on through the memories, traditions, and countless moments she created. She will be remembered by her extended family, as well as the many friends whose lives she touched.

 

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Jan and Garlin Foster, and her sister, Deann Foster.

She is survived by her four children: son Jamie Behl and his wife, Tina, and their daughters, Blakely and Julianna; son Ryan Behl and his wife, Andrea, and their daughters, Raleigh and Ashlyn; son Tyler Burton and his daughter, Mia; and daughter Brittany Burton and her husband, Levi, and Brittany’s son, Ty Morgan Spangler; and her brother, Dennis Foster.

 

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Classic Tractor Pull cancelled for the 2026 Missouri State Fair

 

Antique Classic Tractor Pull cancelled for the 2026 Missouri State Fair

The Missouri State Fair Antique Classic Tractor Pull scheduled for today, Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m., has been cancelled due to wet conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s understanding.

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Monday Night Bingo Jackpots at Adrian Optimist Building

Enjoy Monday Night Bingo weekly from the Optimist Building in Adrian. The doors open at 5pm with food and concession selections from the kitchen.

Bingo starts promptly at 7pm, so grab your friends and family and head to Adrian every Monday night for an evening of fun and excitement!

You must be 16 years old or older to play bingo.

This week’s jackpots for Monday night: 08-24-2026

Hot ball:   1400.00

Blackout:  850.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 7567.00

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County Wide to Increase Rates

 County Wide Disposal releases a notification of a price increase for their customers. They greatly appreciate your support as they continue to grow and service more customer’s trash needs annually.

 

 County Wide Trash  work diligently to keep the expenses down so in turn they can keep their  rates low for the customer. Some of their  accounts have not seen an increase in quite some time and are being charged far less than the expenses incurred, which creates a loss. If you see a rate change on your next bill, your account is one of these.

 

Even though your rate may be substantially less than the new account rates, County Wide disposal appreciate your loyalty and do not wish to cause financial hardship. The most any account is being increased is 10%. With the increasing cost of fuel, trucks, tires, disposal fees and labor, they  greatly appreciate you understanding this situation.

 

Thank you from your Countywide family.

 

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Gary Harris age 83

From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Gary L. Harris, age 83 of Amsterdam passed away Thursday, August 13 at University of Kansas Hospice House in Olathe.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, August 21 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Visitation prior to services from 1 - 2 p.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam.

Contributions to the Olathe Hospice House. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com

Gary is survived by his wife, Lana Harris of the home; one son, Bart Harris and wife Nikki of Loch Lloyd; and two grandsons, Bart William Harris and Brett Harris.

That’s Gary L. Harris with funeral services 2 p.m. Friday, August 21 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel

in Butler.

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Sherry Alkire, age 81, of Butler

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Sherry Alkire, age 81 of Adrian died Wednesday, August 13 at her home. A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 19 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Visitation prior to service from 1 - 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Contributions to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com 

She is survived by her husband, David Lee Alkire, of the home, 2 sons - John Edward Pemberton (Cheryl) and James Lee Pemberton (Mary), 2 daughters – Bonnie Faye Morris (Jerry) and Sherry Anne O’Neill (Pat), 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild on the way, 3 sisters – Debra Henderson (Frank), Diane Meek (John), Martha Bowles (Ron), other relatives and a host of friends. That’s Sherry Alkire with celebration of life service 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 19 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.

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Calling ALL Amsterdam Jubilee Queens

 The Amsterdam Jubilee is already gearing up for a day full of activities for their community, and guests from the surrounding towns.

 They are asking for previous  Amsterdam Jubilee Queens from 1979 to 2024 to register on the Amsterdam Jubilee Facebook page.

 The Jubilee will honor your time served as the Jubilee Queen on their 50^th Amsterdam Jubilee Anniversary .

 The  2026 Jubilee is set for Saturday September 26^th .

 More details later….. for now,  all past queens are invited to make plans to ride in the Amsterdam Jubilee parade.

 See their Facebook page for more details and to leave your name.

 

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Florence Arbogast 69

 

Florence Marie Arbogast, 69 of Hume, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.  Cremation, with services and burial pending at the moment.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Florence Marie Bright Arbogast was born July 13, 1957 in Foster, Missouri.  The daughter of Alvin and Thelma Wyant Bright.  She grew up in the Foster and Rich Hill area, attending Rich Hill schools and graduating in 1975.  She was united in marriage to Norval Arbogast in 1982.  Three sons were born to this union, Jon Howard, Alvin Joseph, and Fabian. 

Marie worked for Avon in the 1980’s, then for Walmart as a cashier, before becoming a CNA and working at various nursing homes in the area.  Always bringing a smile to the faces of her patients.  She had a love for music, and would listen to it often, especially the Beatles and Janis Joplin.  She was a talented guitar player and would often share that gift.  Marie also enjoyed history and was always pulling out family photo albums and digging into the family genealogy.

 

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norval Arbogast in 2024, and by her infant son Jon Howard Arbogast in 1984.  She is survived by her sons, Alvin Arbogast of Hume, MO., and Fabian Arbogast and Fiancé Abigail of Richards, MO., along with a treasured grandson, Victor Rae Arbogast. 

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Dean Myers 43

 

Dean Myers, 43 of Butler, Missouri passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at his home in Butler with loved ones by his side.  Cremation, with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Dean Allen Myers was born July 16, 1983.  He grew up in the Kansas City area and worked most of his life as a mechanic specializing in tire repair.  He seemed to know how to work on or fix just about anything.  Dean’s greatest love was for his daughters, Mariah, Paeton, and Keylea, along with his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed watching the KC Chiefs, and Royals.  When he wasn’t spending time working, or with family he could be found fishing or hunting, no matter the weather.  He found his greatest peace on a boat with a fishing pole.  When he could no longer fish he would be watching it on tv. 

 

Dean is survived by his girlfriend Angela Rusher and her family of Butler, MO., his daughters Mariah, Paeton, and Keylea Myers all of Independence, MO., along with his grandchildren, and by his mother Florence Gilchrist, brother Jimmy Gilchrist, and sister Alicia Porter, his nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

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Missouri State Fair Queen 2026

 

Miss Tess Bauer Crowned 2026 Missouri State Fair Queen

Miss Tess Bauer, of Saint Charles, was named the 2026 Missouri State Fair Queen in a ceremony held yesterday, Thursday, Aug. 13. Miss Bauer received the highest score of 32 contestants vying for the title in the two-day competition held in the Mathewson Exhibition Center. Miss Bauer will reign over the remaining State Fair events and be an ambassador for the State Fair and Missouri agriculture throughout the coming year.

Miss Bauer is 19-years-old and is the daughter of Doug and Lori Bauer. She attends the University of Missouri and entered the pageant as the 2025 Miss St. Charles County. As Queen, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship to continue her education.

Miss Bauer is looking forward to meeting new people at the Fair. Her favorite activity at the Fair is the Tony Perryman Memorial Rooster Crowing Contest. She has exhibited various projects in the 4-H and FFA Buildings and is excited to spend time with her family at the Fair.

Participants in the queen pageant were judged in multiple areas including interview, speech, talent and evening gown.

Miss Mallory Reed was named first runner-up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Miss Bella Baker, who will receive a $750 scholarship. The third runner-up honor went to Miss McKenna Claborn who will receive a $500 scholarship, and the fourth runner-up honor went to Lorelai Kuecker who will receive a $350 scholarship.

Recognition plaques went to contestants ranking highest in each of the four competitive categories: Miss Jalynn Hoover received top ranking in Interview; Miss Reed received top ranking in Speech; Miss Bauer received top ranking in Evening Gown; and Miss Haylee Williams received top ranking in Talent.

The 2026 Missouri State Fair continues through Aug. 23 in Sedalia. Find more information through the Fair’s website and social media accounts.

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Papinville Annual Picnic September 26

 HISTORY OF PAPINVILLE 1673 TO 1820

This week the time line will start about the explorers that we have records on that came to this part of Missouri. The first explorers were the Frenchmen. The time line will begin.

1673 Pere Marquette, a Frenchman explored two Indian villages. The Great Osage and the Little Osage.

1715 French explorers reached the Big Osage River (area of  Bates County).

1785-1794 Fort Corondelet was built

1801-1802 Chief Pawhuska visits Thomas Jefferson and went to New York Missionary Society to see if they could get missionaries to come and educate their people.

1806 Zebulon Pike visited the Little Osage site. This site was located on the south side of the Osage River which is now Vernon County. The Grand Osage site was located on the north fork of the Osage River which is known as the Marais des Cygnes River.

1816 William Waldo was sent to be the agent to trade with the Osage Indians.

1816 William Waldo was a government interpreter at a factory on the Marais des Cygnes River what is now Papinville.

 

 

1820 Pawhuska (known as Chief White Hair) son of Chief Pawhuska the great, went back to Washington to ask president Monroe if he could send them some help to educate his people.

 Next week the time line will be about Harmony Mission 1821 to 1858 starting of the border and Civil War in Papinville. Papinville has a lot of history. We have to keep history going so the next generations will know the history of the area. If any one is interested in this history you are welcome to join our association. The map at the bottom of this time line is a map of The Land of the Osage. It gives you an idea as to where the two villages were located. Until next week.

Submitted by       Phyllis Stewart

 

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Missouri State Fair Sea Lion Show Cancelled

 

Sea Lion Splash shows cancelled for the 2026 Missouri State Fair

Due to a recent traffic accident, the Sea Lion Splash shows have been cancelled for the 2026 Missouri State Fair. While several individuals sustained injuries, we are grateful to report that there were no fatalities. The sea lions were immediately evaluated by licensed veterinarians and have been confirmed to be in excellent health.

 

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Amsterdam Jubilee

 It’s never too early to start thinking about the Amsterdam Jubilee. This year marks the 50^th Anniversary of Jubilee. The event is set for Saturday September 26^th and they are now reaching out to local vendors to reserve your booth for the Jubilee. Booths with electricity will be $25.00 and without electricity the booth will rent for $15.00. Load up your homemade crafts, homemade foods, and get ready for the Amsterdam Golden Jubilee 2026. Contact Tabitha Vunovitch for details and to pay your rental fee. 660-200-5566 that number again 660-200-5566. Amsterdam Jubilee 2026

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Shirley Ruth ( Zumbrunnen) Fischer age 87

 Shirley Ruth (Zumbrunnen) Fischer, 87, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026.

         Shirley was born February 17, 1939, near Prairie City, Bates County, Missouri, to Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen. She was baptized on March 12, 1939, and confirmed on October 14, 1951, at Evangelical and Reformed Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Her confirmation Bible verse was Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Her faith in her Lord and Savior remained a central part of her life.

         After graduating from Rich Hill high school in 1957, Shirley worked at Great Lakes Pipe Line in Kansas City and Security Bank in Rich Hill.

         On August 16, 1959, Shirley married Earl James Fischer at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Together they built a loving home and raised their family. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cared for her family and served her church and community.

         Shirley was a wonderful cook; her family was especially fond of her crescent rolls. Summers were spent gardening, canning, and helping her children prepare for the fair. She generously shared her time and talents as a 4-H project, club, and community leader.

         Shirley’s faith and love for her Savior were evident throughout her life as she faithfully used the gifts God had given her to serve and bless others. She served as church pianist and organist for over forty years. She was an active member and officer of Zion Ladies Aid and willingly gave her time and talents to support the church and christian dayschool in many ways.

         Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always willing to babysit as long as she was able. Her home was a place of faith, love, good food, laughter, and hospitality. She treasured the time spent with her family and created many memories that will remain with them.

         After her children were out of school, Shirley worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Dr. Lanyon’s dental office in Butler. Shirley and Earl also enjoyed traveling together and took many trips after retirement.

         Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen; her brother, Gerald Zumbrunnen and two brothers who died in infancy; her parents-in-law, Alfred and Elsie Fischer; her brother- and sister-in-law, Hubert and Liz Fischer; and her great-granddaughter, Avery O’Farrell.

         Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Earl Fischer, of the home; her children, Denise (Gary) O’Farrell, Jeffrey (Sheila) Fischer, Debbie (Ricky) Boin, and Jerrell (Jill) Fischer;

her grandchildren, Adam (Jamie) O’Farrell, Kevin (Kristin) O’Farrell, April (Don) Schartman, Krista (Chadd) Greenlee, Brandon (Kelly) Fischer, Michael (Katie) Boin, Megan (Robert) Chester, Taylor (Kellen) Lippold, and James (Gwen) Fischer; and her great-grandchildren, Reagan, Rylee, Liam, Hayden, Owen, and Colin O’Farrell; Shane Brown; Noah Schartman; Brody, Jackson, and Carys Greenlee; Beau and Grace Fischer; Beckham and Declan Boin; and Caden and Kylie Chester. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martie Zumbrunnen, and a host of nieces and nephews.

         Shirley will always be deeply loved by her family and friends. Her quiet faith, generous heart, loving care, and devotion to her family and church touched countless lives. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

Shirley Ruth Fischer

 

February 17, 1939 – August 8, 2026

Age:  87 Years, 5 Months, 22 Days

 

SERVICE

Zion Lutheran Church

Prairie City, Missouri

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

10:00 a.m.

 

VISITATION

Zion Lutheran - Parish Hall

Prairie City, Missouri

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

 

OFFICIANT

Pastor Jeffrey Kyler

 

INTERMENT

Zion Lutheran Cemetery

Prairie City, Missouri

 

MEMORIAL

Zion Lutheran Church

 

 

 

 

Web site location:  www.hillandson.net

Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Missouri

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