Les “Buster” Chambers, age 90 of Amsterdam

Les “Buster” Chambers, age 90 of Amsterdam passed away Saturday, July 18 in St. Joseph. Graveside service and inurnment will be 10 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Gathering and lunch after the service will be held at Daily Objective Distillery in Amsterdam. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to West Point Cemetery. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Leslie Bartley (Buster) Chambers, 90, of Merwin, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Field Pointe Assisted Living in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was born November 5, 1935, in Watonga, Oklahoma to A. Leslie and Virginia (Bartley) Chambers. In fourth grade, his family moved to the Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri.

Leslie graduated in 1953 from Southwest High School in Kansas City, then from the University of Missouri. He worked for the Columbia Police Department during his time there. Leslie was a studious man and led an adventurous life. He wanted to be a Highway Patrolman but became a Rancher when his father died unexpectedly. Leslie married Beverly Beadles in 1961 and they honeymooned in Steamboat Springs, Colorado before moving to Rocking Chair Ranch in Merwin. They had 3 daughters, Cyndy, Janet and Debbie.

In 1967 they moved to Ft. Carson, Colorado while his guard unit prepared to deploy to Vietnam. Leslie spent a year in Vietnam as the Field Artillery Unit Commander with the Service Battery, 7th Battalion, 13th Artillery. He documented his tour in letters he sent home and through hundreds of photos that he took. He returned to Merwin and a few years later (1973) accepted a full-time position with the Kansas National Guard in Hiawatha, Kansas as the 2nd Battalion Commanding Officer, 130th Field Artillery, 69th Infantry Brigade. Leslie retired from the military with 33 years service. Then in 1978, he bought a dry cleaning business and moved his family to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, an area he always enjoyed. After selling his business, Leslie worked operating big trucks and heavy equipment. In the summer of 1981, he joined the “Last Hope Alaska Partnership” and spent 6 weeks drilling for gold in the remote wilderness of the Stony River area of Alaska. He returned for another 6 weeks in Feb of 1982. Leslie kept a daily journal documenting their hardships and adventures. He went to work for TIC out of Steamboat Springs and spent the next 7 years roaming the remote areas of the Northwestern United States, hauling massive equipment to and from various mines and industrial sites. In 1989, after the birth of his first grandchild, he “retired” and moved back to Merwin where he ran the ranch until 2022 when he was moved to St. Joseph.

Throughout his life he loved flying his (small planes) Cessnas and being involved in anything aviation related. Early on, he was a member of a group called the Flying Farmers who traveled together around the U.S. Leslie attended many International Cessna 180 annual fly-ins. He was a member of the EAA and at one time was even building a Kit Fox. Leslie was a member of the Young Eagles, an organization that gave children the opportunity to experience flying in a small plane. He loved his flying buddies.

Leslie enjoyed fast motorcycles and fast cars in his single days. The family often went snow skiing, including many trips with the Shannon’s and the Fritz’s. He was an avid reader, enjoyed Hillbilly music, and explored every new technological gadget that came out, but wasn’t fond of Windows 11! He was an avid investor and could talk in great detail about the companies in his portfolio.

Leslie is survived by his children, Cyndy (Bob) Mahlandt, Janet (Don) Garnett and Debbie (Devin) Kanapilly; grandchildren, Cord Lane, Kelsey Mahlandt, Taylor (Erin) Mahlandt, Amanda and Elizabeth Kanapilly; a great-granddaughter, Ellery; and one cousin, Preston Chambers. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim.

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Clayton Dale Nichols, age 81 of Butler

Clayton Dale Nichols, age 81 of Butler passed away Sunday, July 19 at his home. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Bethany Mennonite Cemetery, Rich Hill, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to Gospel Tract and Bible Society or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of the funeral home. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Clayton Dale Nichols was born on September 24, 1944, in rural Haskell County, Kansas, to Noah and Frances Koehn Nichols. After a lengthy illness, he was granted his wish and peacefully passed away at his home on July 19, 2026, at the age of 81.

He was raised on the family farm in Haskell County and attended Lakeside Country School, just a half a mile down the road. He often told stories of finishing chores before school and then hurrying to make it there on time.

In June 1962, dad was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Life had its struggles, but living a Christian life and reading the Bible were important to him. In June 1965, he went to Denver, Colorado, for 1-W service. Two weeks after arriving there he met our mother Judith Ann Quint (Judy) at the local A&W Drive-in. They were married on January 22, 1966, and shared 44 & 1/2 years together until mom was called home on Father's Day, June 20, 2010. Four children were born to this union.

In 1967, dad and mother moved to the Copeland, Kansas, area, where they began farming. He was a meticulous farmer and taught his children that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right. In 2007 after retiring and selling the farm, our parents moved to Wathena, Kansas. After mom passed away, he resided for two years at Grain Valley, Missouri and then in 2015 dad moved to Butler, Missouri, to be closer to his children. In the following years he drove taxi, volunteered at Bates County Hospital, and helped at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. He enjoyed spending his retirement years helping others and making new friends.

Our dad never knew a stranger and genuinely enjoyed people. He loved doing tract work and connecting with others on a spiritual level. He also dearly loved his grandchildren, took interest in each of their lives, gave them plenty of attention, and enjoyed teasing them. His children and grandchildren will remember the many stories he told about his childhood and growing-up years, singing with him, his home cooked meals, and even his pies.

He is survived by one son, Gerald and wife Lois of Garden City, Kansas; three daughters, Kristi and husband Doug Penner of Swan River, Manitoba, Shelli and husband Daryl Koehn, and Sheri and husband Bryan Jackson of Rich Hill, Missouri; Twelve grandchildren, as Dad would say, "6 and a 1/2 dozen (6 of each flavor)": Jonathan Nichols, Jaylon Penner (Dana), Tyler Koehn (Maura), Dwonn Penner, Brandon Koehn, Kaden Koehn, Anda Nichols (Todd Koehn), Kaitlyn Penner (JoVan Friesen), Lindsey Koehn, Jayla, Makayla and Shayla Jackson; and two great-grandsons, Anthony and Colton Koehn.

He is also survived by his brothers Howard Nichols of Montezuma, Kansas; Milton Nichols (JoAnn) of Almena, Wisconsin; Chester Nichols (Connie) of Branson, Missouri; Lester Nichols (Sondra) of Canon City, Colorado; Milferd Nichols (Peggy) of Young Harris, Georgia; and Wilferd Nichols (Jackie) of Copeland, Kansas; his sisters Valetta Koehn of Sublette, Kansas; and Velda Wadel (Darrell) of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, Harold Quint of Thornton, Colorado; and two sisters-in-law, Delores Nichols, Montezuma, KS; and Cindy Quint of Commerce City, Colorado as well as special friends Henry & Ann Peters; & Ernie Koehn, Butler Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his parents-in-law, Isidor and Jane Quint; one brother, Manford Nichols; one sister, Joyce Wiebe; three brothers-in-law John Koehn, Kenneth Wiebe, and Terry Quint. Three sisters-in-law Josie Nichols, Sandy Henderson, and Linda Quint.

Memorials are suggested to Gospel Tract and Bible Society or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy, prayers, and food. Special thanks to Henry & Ann Peters; and Ernie Koehn for your friendship, care, and concern for our dad over the last several years. We appreciate each and every one of you!

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Adrian Optimist Bingo Jackpots for Monday, Aug. 3rd

 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: 08-03-2026

Hot ball:   950.00

Blackout:  2550.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 6791.00

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Rainz Gerleman, 22 of Amsterdam

 Rainz Gerleman, 22 of Amsterdam, Missouri passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at his home in Amsterdam.  Memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, August 9, 2026 at the Amsterdam Baptist Church in Amsterdam.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).  Memorial contriutions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Phoenix Home Health Care.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Rainz Jaret Gerleman was born on August 27, 2003. He came into this world with a rare genetic disease, Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia, but that never stopped him from laughing and moving to the best of his ability. He enjoyed light displays, books being read to him & music. He often laughed with the angels only he could see, and we loved that most about him. Without ever using words, Rainz showed us how to truly care for others. He changed how we see the world and taught us what matters most.

 

On July 21, 2026, Rainz parted ways with his mortal body to be with his family in spirit. He can now run, talk, sing, and jump in heaven alongside our Almighty Jesus Christ. While we mourn his loss deeply, we comfort ourselves knowing how happy he is in heaven. Imagine how loud that beautiful laugh must have been when he realized he could finally walk. 

 

Rainz leaves behind his loving parents, Shane and Heidi; his brother, Chanz (Bree); his sisters, Seara and Reyo (Logan); and his nephew, Kaden. His lessons of love will stay with us forever. Fly high little bee.

 

“Though shall be perfect with the Lord thy God.” Deut. 18:13

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Burglary Investigation Leads to Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Firearms

 On July 22, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Vernon County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a rural residence near Virgil City following a report of a burglary in which numerous firearms had been stolen.

During the investigation, deputies identified Joshua Warner as one of two suspects involved in the burglary. Warner was arrested on the morning of July 23, 2026. Following the investigation, probable cause was submitted to the Vernon County Prosecutor's Office, which issued a warrant 26VE-CR00531 for Warner's arrest.

Warner is currently being held in the Vernon County Jail on a $50,000 CASH-ONLY BOND. He has been charged with burglary, stealing firearms, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

2nd suspect arrested Nicole Kalleck was arrested on Vernon County warrant 26VE-CR00486 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Burglary in the Second Degree, Stealing – Firearm $50,000 CASH-ONLY BOND

The investigation was assisted by Probation and Parole officers with the Missouri Department of Corrections and the Lamar Police Department. Their assistance led to the recovery of stolen firearms.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.

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Eileen Rigler, age 89 of Butler

Eileen Rigler, 89 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Medicalodges Butler. Cremation, with no public services scheduled. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to the Medicalodges Butler Activity Fund in Eileen's memory. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Eileen Ellen Rigler was born February 25, 1937 in California. The daughter of Lynn and Evelyn Marsh Buckel. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Eileen is survived by her sons, Ken Rigler, Jody Rigler, and daughter Darlene Douglas, along with her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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William “Bill” Jameson, 73 of Adrian

William “Bill” Jameson, 73 of Adrian, Missouri passed away July 14, 2026 at his home in Adrian.  A visitation will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Memorial services will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday, also at the funeral home.  Burial will take place in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Abundant Life Church or to the Wounded Warrier Project.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

William Ray Jameson was born October 30, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Austin and Doris Croxton Jameson.  He grew up in the Kansas City area attending Rosedale Schools in Kansas City, Kansas and Hallmark School of Art.  He enlisted in the US Navy in 1971 and served as an E-5 on the USS Denver LPD9 during the Vietnam Conflict.  Bill was a helicopter engineer.  His ship was one of the 26 that was involved with the evacuation of the fall of Saigon and the fall of the South Vietnam to North Vietnam.  Bill was also the onboard engineer for the operation Freedom Flight and Frequent Wind.  They saved over 7,000 South Vietnamese when the take over happened.  Bill was on his final leave at home when he was injured and became disabled.  Following the accident, Bill lived with his parents until his father’s death in 2000, afterwards he came to stay with sister Andrea until his passing.  Together the two of them enjoyed gardening and were a support system for each other, especially during hard times.  That is also the time that Bill became known as “Uncle Billiam” to his nieces and nephews.  Family was important to Bill and he was always there for them, but he also enjoyed a good western movie!

 

Bill was married twice. First to Judy Holt and later to Penny Lynn Karry.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Andrew and Ora Jameson and Herschel and Katie Croxton, sister-in-law Sue Jane Jameson, three brothers-in-law, Daniel Jenkins, Patrick Dobschia, and Jerry Gilliland, along with his nephew Josh Gilliland. 

 

He is survived by his two sons, Christopher L Jameson of Liberty, MO., and William Daniel Jameson-Fetters (Nickie) of Odessa, MO., three grandsons, Austin Jameson, Austin Jannsen, and Cooper Sanders, two granddaughters, Shelby Blassett (Cody), and Haley Spease (Aaron).  Bill is also survived by his siblings, Andrea Edmiston (Mitch) of Adrian, MO., Tim Jameson, Sr. of Excelsior Springs, MO., Sheila Jameson, of Norfork, AR., Jeanne Jenkins of St. Marys, GA., and Shawnita Beaty (Roger) of Belton, KY., two aunts, Jean Smith (Jerry) of Belton, KY, and Helen Bevins (Mike) of Greenville, KY., along with two nieces, eleven nephews, many cousins, and good friends.

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Bates County Audit

 

The report gives the office the lowest possible rating of "poor" as it recommends the Sheriff ensure all county assets are used only for law enforcement purposes

07/22/2026 - JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

What do horses named Bandit, Tater, and Duck have in common with a sno-cone machine, a dunk tank, and a go-kart? They're all part of the wasteful spending by the Bates County Sheriff's Office uncovered in a new report released today by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick.

 

The audit conducted by Fitzpatrick's office gives the Bates County Sheriff's Office the lowest possible rating of "poor" and notes how Sheriff Chad Anderson wasted public resources to maintain a Mounted Patrol (MP) and fund a Sheriff's Posse (Posse), as well as fund rodeo and community events, donate to various private organizations, hold parties, and use county assets for personal use.

"A county sheriff is entrusted with the duty to promote public safety and protect the lives of county residents, and using taxpayer funds to purchases horses, hold rodeos, and throw holiday parties is clearly a betrayal of the public's trust and a misuse of funds that could have been better used for legitimate law enforcement purposes or by Bates County taxpayers," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "I'm sure there are people in Bates County who enjoyed seeing Bandit, Tater, and Duck, and attending some of the events the Sheriff financed with public funds but they may be less thrilled when they realize how much money he diverted away from law enforcement efforts to purchase and care for these horses, and to buy items that have no law enforcement purpose like a dunk tank, a sno-cone machine, and a go-kart."

Fitzpatrick added, "I would like to think Sheriff Anderson would take responsibility for the poor decisions he has made, but the truth is he has gone to great lengths to delay our audit and to refute the findings contained in our report that are intended to improve the function of his office. It required multiple subpoenas to obtain the Sheriff's testimony and relevant documents to complete the audit, and it is disappointing that instead of accepting responsibility for the issues we identified, Sheriff Anderson chose to question our office's auditing expertise."

The audit report documents how the Bates County Sheriff's Office used more than $110,000 in county funds to establish and maintain the MP unit that was rarely used for law enforcement purposes. During the time period covered by the audit the MP attended 8 parades, 6 tractor shows, 4 rodeos, 4 fun horse shows, and 1 family fun day. During that same period of time the unit performed only one search and rescue and no crowd or traffic control. The report notes the unit was used for a second search and rescue effort in May 2026, but points out the number of ceremonial events significantly outnumbers the official law enforcement uses. The report also points out that many of the horses purchased by the office were at an advanced age and some had to be euthanized shortly after purchase. Of the current horses, only Bandit, who is 24 years of age, is search and rescue certified, while Duck and Tater have no experience or training. In total, the office has spent nearly $42,000 to purchase horses and at least another $53,225 to board, feed, and care for them. The Sheriff also spent $15,000 to purchase a horse trailer and have it wrapped with Bates County Sheriff Mounted Patrol signage.

The report also looks at how the Sheriff has used county resources to pay some of the expenses of the Posse, which is a not-for-profit entity without a written agreement with the office. The Sheriff used county funds to pay invoices addressed to the Posse totaling $16,848 including $7,406 for shirts with the Posse badge logo, $4,543 for medical training and equipment, $1,749 for Posse badges, $1,477 for customized saddle pads, $1,150 for supplies, and $523 for awards. The Sheriff also assigned the county-owned 2005 Chevy Tahoe to the Posse and used county funds totaling $605 to have the vehicle wrapped with the Posse's lettering and insignia. The report questions what safety or law enforcement purpose requires the Sheriff's office to pay to outfit Posse volunteers with realistic badges and Bates County Sheriff's office identification. In our audit period, the Posse has only been deployed to assist in 1 search and rescue mission and has not otherwise been used for documented law enforcement activities.

The audit report takes issue with the Sheriff's use of $23,788 to finance annual fundraising rodeos for the Posse and other community events such as Family Fun Days. Neither the county nor the Sheriff's office were reimbursed for funds spent on the events and all proceeds went to the concession vendor or the Posse from advertising sales. The Sheriff used county funds totaling $1,075 to advertise the events and rent portable toilets for monthly Rodeo Fun Shows for the Posse, and used county funds totaling $653 on 75 shirts in various sizes and colors for a dodge ball tournament hosted by the Bates County Sheriff's Posse. Additionally, the Sheriff maintains assets with no law enforcement purpose to facilitate the hosting of or participation in the community events. The Sheriff's asset list includes a dunk tank, a popcorn machine, a sno-cone machine, a roller grill, a cheese warmer, and a go-kart.

The audit also uncovered how the Sheriff donated $23,268 in county funds to local youth sports programs, and other not-for-profits. Included in that total is $5,045 for the construction, maintenance, and holiday decoration of a replica 1880's Sheriff's office located at the Adrian Frontier Village in Adrian, Missouri. The Sheriff's Office could not provide any law enforcement purpose for the construction, maintenance, and decoration of the replica building. The report also documents how the Sheriff used county funds to purchase food from local restaurants and rented event venues totaling $4,356 for parties. Additionally, the Sheriff used county assets for personal or non-county purposes and did not store all county property at approved county locations. The Sheriff used county assets for Posse and community events (dunk tank, vehicles, and MP horses) and used the county's armored vehicle for his son's high school prom. He also failed to consistently store the horse trailer at county approved locations.

The report points out the Sheriff attributed the extensive expenditures for community events, donations, and purchases of promotional items to community policing efforts, but does not have any policies or procedures for such a program or documentation to support how the expenditures supported his office's community policing goals, activities, or mission. The Sheriff used county funds to purchase promotional items totaling $13,735 to give away at community events. Items purchased include ink pens, lip balm, hand sanitizer, toy sheriff badges, hand fans, cups, beach balls, stress balls, string bags, stickers, mood bracelets, and flying discs as part of his office's community policing program. However, he does not have any documentation to support what community policing goals the items achieve.

Other findings in the report include a significant cash reserve in the Law Enforcement Fund without a plan for use of the balance or to reduce the Law Enforcement Sales Tax rate; improper uses of restricted Inmate Security Fund money to purchase items; lacking payroll controls and procedures; improper waiving of concealed carry weapon permit fees for some applicants; insufficient accounting controls and procedures; and inadequate inventory controls and procedures over commissary items sold to inmates.

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Adrian Optimist Monday Night Bingo, July 27th

 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: 07-27-2026

Hot ball:   800.00

Blackout:  2450.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 6566.00

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Clayton Dale Nichols, age 81 of Butler

Clayton Dale Nichols, age 81 of Butler, passed away Sunday, July 19 at his home. Funeral services are pending and will be announced later by the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

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Justin E. Powell, 51, of Cleveland

 

Justin E. Powell, 51, of Cleveland, Missouri, passed away on July 8th 2026 at his home in Cleveland.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Isinglass Estate Winery, 16241 381th St, Lacygne, KS 66040.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

 

Justin was born on January 14, 1975, in Boulder County, Colorado, to the Rayback & Powell families.

 

Since childhood, Justin loved animals. They reciprocated wholeheartedly. “Critters” (his term) fueled him emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Fellowship, camaraderie, and an intensity to succeed in all endeavors would be constants throughout his life. As a young man, he excelled first as a wrestler while attending Centauris High School in Lafayette, Colorado, where he competed at a state level for several years.

 

After graduating with AP credits and innumerable athletic accolades, his passions for athleticism and horses would lead to a long and storied career, reaching high levels of success as a PRCA saddle bronc rider. His ability to study and appreciate each individual bronc led to many stories about the bronc’s character and why the horse behaved a certain way; he rarely spoke of his abilities or many achievements in the arena, giving most buckles away to people he thought would appreciate them. His motivation was the feeling of freedom he got putting on a good ride and the challenge of analyzing and appreciating his equine opponent. He served as PRCA Mountain States Circuit Saddle Bronc Director for several years and also contributed through the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys conducting services at major rodeos and stock shows. The friendships and stories he took away from his rodeo career would enliven him and lead to many an evening of reminiscing. He would say this was the most fulfilling time in his life.

 

Justin funded his rodeo career by working at several other professions including: farrier, electrician, plumber, HVAC repairman, bladesmith, machinist, general handyman, and bee-keeper He was an insanely talented horse trainer, breaking outlaw colts, barrel horses, and cart horses using the same analytical skills he did for bronc riding and all other tasks. He also had a great passion and ability for dog training and handling - making several highly skilled herding, birding, and search and recue animals. On that note, Justin is credited with several mountain search and rescue saves. He was an avid outdoorsman: subsistence hunting, fishing, and trail riding. No matter the activity, his exuberant stories were full of the special critters that were by his side. They were a part of him, and his ability to recognize each animal’s unique qualities made his methods one of a kind and highly effective.

 

A love of caring for animals and working with them would sustain Justin through multiple accidents and injuries (not all rodeo related). He would suffer two life-changing traumatic brain injuries and survive two intracranial surgeries, subsequent epilepsy and life altering medication. Critters accompanied him and gave him purpose through recovery. Raising bottle calves and working long hours through calving season, being physically present for a cow in need when his recovery should have limited him, defined this time in his life. He took great pride in working through his recovery and seeing new life thrive on the ranch.

 

Justin’s competitive side also led him to a purple belt with 4 stripes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, initially training under Mauricio Zingano and eventually leading him to be Coach Cowboy to countless adults and children. He loved coaching and rolling. He viewed competitors as fellows who built him up and helped him improve. He appreciated their participation and friendship and counted them as family. He wanted nothing but success for those around him. He would light up teaching kids and took immense joy from watching their strides.

 

Ultimately, Justin would move to Missouri to be with his person, Dr. Brianne Simonsen. Together, they built a quiet life where Justin found peace, gardening, bee-keeping, smoking or cooking wonderful meals for family and friends, visiting foodie destinations around Kansas City and unwinding with his dogs Cleo and Annie. He would routinely help Brianne after hours on emergency veterinary calls and enjoyed being able to use his skills to contribute and sometimes save the day. He still thrived on conversation, telling the funniest, most entertaining stories and jokes, sharing his culinary gifts, and general “philosophizing” as he would say. There was a running joke that he was the unofficial mayor as he made a point to know all of the neighbors and helped wherever he could. Justin wrung humor from everything in life with the ultimate goal of brightening the day for those around him. His humor was clever, surprising, and entirely original. He worked every day to make life easier and happier for those he loved, practiced gratitude and expressed his appreciation at every opportunity, understood being community-minded, stepped up to assist those in need, exemplified unconditional love and was unflinchingly himself. Rest in peace, know that you are so deeply missed and loved. The fruit you leave with us is good."

 

 

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook: A Very Tough Flying Boat

 

Our last-week flying weather in the lower midwest was favored by open skies and hot south winds, escaping the Canadian wildfire smoke that covered the northern states with low visibility.  Mid-Missouri did suffer from heavy thunderstorms and flooding rains. From the air, crops here in the border counties look pretty stressed; too much rain early, soggy stands and now risky moisture prospects.

 

Traffic continued light in the summer doldrums; a few Cessna trainers and a 1948 Cessna 170 came in, the latter from Grain Valley airport via Olathe. Locally, Randy Shannon had his Luscombe 8A out and the Koehn Skyhawk flew several hours.

 

Some clarification might be in order regarding last week’s City Council notes. “Hiring” an airport manager might be a little too prosperous-sounding, since there’s no salary connected with the position. Commercial pilot and flight instructor Jay McClintock has agreed to assume the largely-ceremonial title, which traditionally has been only compensated for with hangar space and a few other perks. We all welcome Jay and will help him any way we can.

 

The U.S Air Force has announced that the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber, designed to replace the B-2 Spirit, will have a manned crew aboard; there was speculation that it was “crew optional” and could be operated remotely. The value of having humans operating the systems has been recognized and the B-21 will fly with two in the cockpit. It continues under testing at Edwards AFB in the California desert.

 

From Italy comes a fortunate news report of an amphibious Canadair CL-415 “super scooper” fire-fighting airplane inadvertently plowing into a cable dangling from a fire-fighting helicopter, which was using a dangling bucket to dump water on the fire. The cable sawed the wing back to the main spar but stopped there and the ‘copter escaped with a breakaway, so tragedy was averted.

 

Well, this one wasn’t Boeing’s fault. Last month, a Lufthansa 787 airliner was being worked on at Frankfurt airport before leaving for Los Angeles when the nosegear collapsed, dropping the fuselage and nacelles onto the ramp and injuring 23 workers. An investigation revealed that the downlock pin that’s supposed to be installed when parked was found in a storage holder, not in the nosegear. An expensive mistake.

 

From last week, our head-scratching question was about the designer of the Israeli Air Force’s first fighter planes, put into service when the country was established in 1948. It was none other than Willy Messerschmidt, who created the Luftwaffe’s Me-109, copies of which were built in Czechoslovakia and used after World War 2 in many places. For next week, our question is “What’s the A-10 attack plane’s official name?” It’s not the “Warthog.” You can send your answers to [email protected].

-END-

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Aircraft Emergency at Miami County Airport

On Saturday, July 18^th, 2026, Deputies with the Miami County Sheriff's Office responded to an aircraft emergency at the Miami County Airport.

A small aircraft experienced engine issues and made an emergency landing at the airport. Two individuals were on board at the time of the incident and, fortunately, neither was injured. The aircraft sustained minor damage during the emergency landing.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident.

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Pursuit and Arrest in Vernon County

The Vernon County Circuit Court has issued a Capias No Bond warrant for the driver of the motorcycle involved in a pursuit Thursday, July 16th, 2026, identified as Corey D. Brown of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

On Thursday, July 16th, 2026, deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue motorcycle occupied by a single male rider wearing a helmet. The rider refused to stop, initiating a pursuit.

During the pursuit, the motorcycle traveled southbound on I-49 through the construction zone, where the rider passed multiple vehicles by driving on the shoulder of the roadway. Near the 101-mile marker, deputies observed the rider throw what appeared to be a handgun into the median.

The pursuit continued onto E Highway and several county roads, reaching speeds in excess of 100 MPH before entering Cedar County, Missouri. The pursuit came to an end when the rider crashed the motorcycle at a dead-end road in Cedar County. After the crash, the rider fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by Vernon County deputies.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and investigated the crash. The rider was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. After receiving medical treatment, he was released and booked into the Vernon County Jail on an active Vernon County warrant for Assault in the Third Degree and a Parole Violation warrant.

Deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by an officer from the Nevada Police Department, later located and recovered a loaded black handgun from the median near the 101-mile marker where it had been discarded during the pursuit. Brown has been charged with:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class C Felony)

Aggravated Fleeing a Stop (Class D Felony)

Driving While Revoked or Suspended (Class D Misdemeanor)

Brown remains in custody at the Vernon County Jail.

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