Michael Shane Cole, age 55 of Passaic, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home. A Celebration of Life service is pending and will be announced later by the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel.
Friday, June 13, 2025
Stolen Vehicle Recovered In Vernon County
On Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office successfully recovered a stolen vehicle in rural Sheldon, Vernon County, Missouri, thanks to timely information received from another law enforcement agency. The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier the same day in Cedar County, MO.
Upon receiving information regarding the vehicle's whereabouts, deputies from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office promptly initiated an investigation that led them to the location of the stolen vehicle. The quick action taken by law enforcement showcases the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combatting vehicle theft and enhancing community safety.
Sheriff Buehler stated, “We are grateful for the cooperation and swift information sharing between agencies that allowed us to recover this stolen vehicle. Our commitment to protecting the citizens of Vernon County remains unwavering, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that crime does not go unpunished.”
Authorities remind the public that vehicle theft can happen to anyone and encourage residents to remain vigilant. Proper preventative measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, and reporting suspicious activity, can greatly reduce the risk of vehicle theft.
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Thursday, June 12, 2025
Marabelle Grace Brown infant daughter of Gina Miller and Brian Brown of Harrisonville
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of ,Marabelle Grace Brown infant daughter of Gina Miller and Brian Brown of Harrisonville, Missouri. Private family memorial services will be held. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Marabelle Grace Brown was born and passed June 6, 2025. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother Joan Brown. She is survived by her parents, Gina Miller and Brian Brown, brothers, Silas Miller and Clyde Brown, paternal grandfather Merle Brown, and maternal grandparents, Robert and Ranette Russell.
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Missouri State Fair Tickets for Sale
Tickets to all Missouri State Fair concerts and events are on sale to the public, while supplies last. This includes all concerts and events in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and $12 advance adult gate admission. These tickets will be available through Etix.com and by phone 1-800-514-ETIX/1-800-514-3849. Starting at noon on Monday, June 30 tickets will be available for purchase at the Missouri State Fair Box Office, located on the Fairgrounds in Sedalia.
Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 30, through Aug. 1, expanding to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4-6 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the Fair, Aug. 7-17. The Box Office is closed July 4 in observance of 4th of July holiday.
STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND
The State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, is the venue for eight concerts, two tractor pulls, and one auto race this year. Children two and under are free to reserved Grandstand concerts, but must sit on adult’s laps. Ticket prices do not include Fair gate admission.
- THURSDAY, AUG. 7 – WYNONNA JUDD - THE GREATEST HITS TOUR WITH THE WAR AND TREATY, 7:30 p.m., $45-60, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and drone show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, following the show.
- FRIDAY, AUG. 8 – BLUES TRAVELER AND GIN BLOSSOMS WITH SPIN DOCTORS, 7 p.m., $55-70, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and drone show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, following the show.
- SATURDAY, AUG. 9 – OLIVER ANTHONY WITH DAVISSON BROTHERS BAND, 7:30 p.m., $25-60, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and drone show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, following the show.
- SUNDAY, AUG. 10 – MSF SHOOT OUT TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL, All Day Ticket – 12 p.m. & 6 p.m., $15-40
- MONDAY, AUG. 11 – PRO PULLING LEAGUE STATE FAIR SHOOT OUT, 7 p.m., $15-40
- TUESDAY, AUG. 12 – AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH JOHN ANDERSON WITH EXILE, 7:30 p.m., $35-45.
- WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13 – JOSIAH QUEEN WITH CLAIRE LESLIE, 7:30 p.m., $25-40.
- THURSDAY, AUG. 14 – HUDSON WESTBROOK WITH CHANCEY WILLIAMS, 7:30 p.m., $35-50.
- FRIDAY, AUG. 15 – FLO RIDA WITH PAUL RUSSELL, 7:30 p.m., $45-60, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, following the show.
- SATURDAY, AUG. 16 – JON PARDI WITH KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS, 7:30 p.m., $65-80, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, following the show.
- SUNDAY, AUG. 17 - 2025 POWRi 410 SPRINT CARS, B MODIFIEDS & SUPER STOCK RACES, 6 p.m. Hot Laps/7 p.m. Heat Races, $10-30
GOVERNOR'S HAM BREAKFAST
The 2025 Governor’s Ham Breakfast is a traditional gathering of Missouri elected officials, leaders in agriculture and supporters of the Missouri State Fair. The Breakfast features Missouri country cured ham and other Missouri Grown products. Tickets are $50 per plate and includes Aug. 14 gate admission to the Fair.
ADVANCE ADULT GATE ADMISSION
Purchase admission tickets early and save! Advance Adult Gate Admission tickets are only $12. There are several ways to purchase tickets:
- Purchase online at Etix.com (Etix advance admission ticket sales end at 9 am, July 31, so that tickets arrive via mail prior to the Fair).
- Purchase in person at the Missouri State Fair Box Office (starting at noon, Monday, June 30).
- Purchase in person at Break Time Convenience Stores, Bomgaars and Family Center Farm and Home stores starting in July.
The 2025 Missouri State Fair, themed “Step On In,” is Aug. 7-17, in Sedalia.
Drug Arrest In Nevada
On Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, Nevada Police Department officers, in collaboration with the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing drug investigation involving the distribution of methamphetamine.
During the
search, officers located approximately 160 grams of methamphetamine on the
property. K9 Edo was deployed and played a vital role in the successful search
operation.
Two
individuals were taken into custody at the scene. Formal charges have been
forwarded to the Vernon County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The Nevada
Police Department states that officers will remain vigilant, and will use every
available resource from investigations and surveillance to community tips and
inter-agency cooperation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for
the flow of illegal drugs.
The public is
encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious activity to take a stand
against the destruction these substances bring and to work toward safer,
healthier communities for everyone.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Show June 27th 28th and 29th
The Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association is hosting its the Annual Show on June 27th, 28th and 29thh at Frontier Village in Adrian. But how much do you know about where The Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association originated from? Here is a little information.
In 1975 a
small group of 6 men gathered together during the annual tractor pull, which
was a fundraiser for the Adrian Optimist Club. These men put on a tiny show as
part of the event using their vintage antique tractors. They gathered with six
very old tractors brought back from being abandoned in fence rows decades
earlier. Each one had been brought back to life for this special occasion where
they had a special part of the “tractor pulling show” along with modern farm
tractors.
The crowd
had responded favorably with the little show that had included an old Wallis,
an F20 Farmall, a G John Deere, a B John Deere, a GP John Deere. After the
event, there seemed to be an immediate growing interest in antique farm
equipment.
In late
1975, Calvin Field and Don Arndt started talking about forming a “club” of old
farm equipment owners. A gathering of about 20 men met at the George Sollars Farm
under a shade tree where it was unanimously decided to proceed with the
formation of the club. A board of 6 men, being led by Don Arndt President and
Calvin Field serving as Treasurer and Secretary were elected.
Appropriately,
the group was formed sitting on buckets, tree stumps, and baled hay at the end
of a wheat field sitting next to a 1930 tractor.
By the 1976
Bicentennial Celebration, several pieces of antique farm equipment had been
brought back to life by these individuals.
The little group made a great showing for the 200th Year
Anniversary of the Nation.
The club had
grown rapidly; Within a couple of years it had grown to a size that it was
decided to incorporate it as a not for profit, and it also decided to have a
“show” at the Adrian City Park featuring their old equipment – which many had
restored to their original beauty. Threshing machines, saw mills, grain mills,
plows, and every kind of farm machine was included.
In late
July 1979, the newly formed Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery
Association, Inc. held their first three day show, and it was deemed a huge
success.
In late
1981, discussions with the City of Adrian began concerning the use of the
abandoned acreage on the East edge of the town. In September of 1982, an
agreement was made, and the Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery
Association, Inc.’s annual event was moved to the present day show grounds.
The grounds
were reclaimed from buck brush, shrubs, trees and being a dumping ground for years.
Members cleaned it up, plowed the entire acreage, disked it, and seeded it all.
The grass wasn’t up yet when the first building restoration project began with
a big project. The Mount Vernon School was moved from several miles west of
Passaic to the grounds. Being totally restored to the original condition the
old one room school was only the beginning of many huge projects the young
group would undertake in the next few years. At least one new building project
was completed every year from log cabins to reconstructing store buildings from
area small towns and communities.
The huge
1983 Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association, Inc.’s show
was held on the new grounds as a record breaking crowed enjoyed the 5th
Annual event. By the late 80’s crowds were numbering from 10,000 to nearly
15,000 visitors – all of which were looking and watching in awe at hundreds of
restored vintage equipment operating as they had so many years before.
Membership
grew to over 200 in the 1980’s, and the building continues today while the
group holds four major events annually.
The 2025
Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Presents the Annual 3 day Steam
and Gas Engine show June 27rd, 28th and 29th at the Historic Frontier Village, located on
the Southeast Corner of Interstate 49 and Highway 18 in Adrian.
*The
Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association historical
information is courtesy of Don Arndt.
*The story was written and researched by the Adrian News Leader.
Appleton City Fair June 20th and 21st
Appleton
City will have a carnival June 20-21.
Advance tickets will be on sale through June 19 at Food Fair, Powell’s
and City Hall for $20 per session. After June 19, tickets will be $25 per
session. Sessions are 7:00-10:00 Friday,
3:00-6:00 Saturday and 7:00-10:00 Saturday.
Appleton
City Fair is June 20-21: The parade will
be 6:00 p.m. June 20. Lineup will begin at 5:15. Floats will be judged for 1st,
2nd and 3rd places with prizes. This year’s theme is
“Splash into Summer.” Line-up will be as
in the past, check the map on facebook.
AC Fair
Royalty contestant registration is now open and needs to be completed and
turned in as soon as possible. Once you turn in your registration, you will be
given your raffle tickets, which are due to be turned in by June 19 to be
counted toward the winning totals. Hurry in to get registered.
|
The 2025 Appleton City Fair Friday & Saturday June 20 - 21 |
|
AC Optimist Dunk Tank-Friday 7-10 pm & Saturday 6-10 pm Craft Vendors- Saturday 10 am-5 pm Food Vendors- Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday 11-9 pm  |
Vickie Smith, 81 of Appleton City, Missouri
Vickie Smith, 81 of Appleton City, Missouri passed away Sunday evening, June 8, 2025, at her residence at Medicalodge in Butler, Missouri. Cremation, with private family memorial services to be held. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com
Victoria J. Smith was born November 29, 1944, in Rockville, Missouri to Wilbur and Beatrice Young. She attended school in Appleton City and graduated in 1962. Vickie married Charles Henry Bean right after graduating from High School and raised three children. Vickie divorced Mr. Bean and went to college in the mid-70’s and got her associate’s degree in communication arts. Victoria worked part time at Hallmark Cards as an artist before finding a good paying job at KCI Airport. She then went to the Police Academy and became a Police Officer for the Aviation Department at KCI. She met her late husband Bob Smith, and they got married. Bob and her retired down at the Lake of the Ozarks. She loved her view from her lake house.
She loved to draw, paint, read books and do poetry. One of her poems earned a spot on the wall at the Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri before being placed in a book of poems. She had a heart of gold and loved helping others.
Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Smith, and her son Robert Charles Bean and her brother Jimmy Young.
She is survived by her brothers Ronnie Young, California, Dennis Young, Appleton City, Mo., and Eddie Young, Stover, Missouri. Children Angela Bean, Appleton City, Mo., Dennis and Lisa Bean, Kansas City, Mo. She leaves behind Four granddaughters Angie Luecke, Kansas City, Mo., Sammii, Luecke and Joshua Weare, Florida, Katie, and Rob Bastarache, Kanas City, Mo., Jessica Dawn, Bradleyville, Mo. And twelve great grandchildren Mason, Sky, Danielle, Neveah, Myia, Harmonii, Gunner, Alexis, Anthony, Christopher, Landon, and Nova.
Benton County Treasurer Under Investigation Following Allegations of Online Sexual Misconduct Involving a Minor
According to a probable cause statement filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 62-year-old Richard “Rick” L. Renno of Lincoln, Missouri is accused of using the social media app Grindr to solicit sexual contact with a 14-year-old minor. The investigation began in April 2025, after the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control received a report of an adult male attempting to entice a child for sex.
Authorities say Renno allegedly used a Grindr account and sent a nude photo of himself to a minor. The photo was positively identified by a family member as having been taken at Renno’s residence on State Highway C in Lincoln. The witness also indicated that Renno had a history of using electronic devices to communicate with young men.
On June 9, 2025, investigators interviewed Renno. During the interview, he admitted to having a Grindr account for roughly a decade and acknowledged engaging in conversations with minors under 18 “two or three times.” He also recognized the profile photo used and confirmed sending the nude photo in question.
Renno is facing charges of:
Sexual Misconduct of a Child Under 15 – 1st Offense
Enticement of a Child
The charges stem from alleged incidents reported to have occurred in August 2024. Renno is currently being held pending further legal proceedings.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Butler Saddle Club Scholarship
The Butler Saddle Club is thrilled to announce Kinley Hellwig, daughter of Kaleb and Jody Hellwig, as the recipient of the Dick and Ruby Gee Scholarship. Kinley is a 2025 Butler High School graduate and will be attending college in Springfield, MO to pursue a degree in nursing.
Congratulations Kinley. Thank you for all of your hard work during the past rodeos and good luck. We wish the best in the future. Kinley is pictured with the BSC members.
Welcome New Business to Butler/SC Tree Service
92.1 welcomes a new business to Butler. SC Tree Service is now going strong in Bates County.
This business is owned and operated by Fin Ver-Woert of
Butler and the son of Dan Ver-Woert, the Pastor of Hill Top Assembly of God
Church located in rural Butler near the Rich Hill and Papinville area.
SC Tree Service specializes in Lawn care, landscaping, and tree service. With over 40 years of experience in the family.
SC Tree Service is now available and scheduling
appointments for Bates County and Beyond. Watch for a new Facebook page.
Fin can be reached by calling 515-525-8755 that number
again 515-525-8755.
Welcome to Butler Fin Ver-Woert
McGennis Youth Center Free Swim Days
McGennis Youth Center Announces
Free Community Swim
Days
Thanks to some generous sponsors, swimming
will be free on four days in June.
Free swims dates are:
Saturday June 14th
Saturday June 21st
Saturday June 28th
Sunday June 29th
Swim hours are 1-5 p.m.
Sponsors this year include
State Representative Dane Diehl, D&J Smoking BBQ, Rich Hill Truck and Equipment,
Bell Farms, and Brocka Farms.
Please follow the McGennis
Youth Center Facebook page for closures and reschedule dates due to weather.
McGennis Youth Center is located five miles
west of Rich Hill on A Highway then four miles south on Route WW. Watch for
signs.
Michael Shane Cole, age 55 of Passaic
Michael Shane Cole, age 55 of Passaic, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home. A Celebration of Life service is pending and will...
