Kickin Chicken at Senior Center in Butler

 

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Service Time Revised: Richard "Dick" Feitz, of Adrian

 Richard “Dick” Feitz passed away September 22, 2026, surrounded by family, at his home in Adrian, Missouri. Memorial services will be held 6:00 pm, Friday, October 16, 2026, at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Richard James Feitz, Sr. was born April 14, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Louis and Dorothy Fueston Feitz.

Dick lived much of his childhood in the Northeast KCMO area. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He spent four years as a jet mechanic at Laredo Air Force Base in Laredo, Texas.  During his time of service he experienced several world impacting events, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the I Have a Dream speech, the Cold War space race, the Cuban Bay of Pigs crisis, and the assassination of President John F Kennedy.  He also formed a bond of brotherhood with other service members with whom he kept in contact for many years. He loved all types of aircraft and many other types of big machinery.

 

Dick was a man of many talents. After his service he began a career in industrial maintenance transitioning into sales, selling life insurance and welding equipment.  In later years he served as a Garden City, Mo. Police Deputy, a Cass County Sherriff's Deputy, and a Cass County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and drove a school bus route for the Harrisonville School District.

 

Dick was a person who loved people but even more so, he loved the Lord. In 1972 he and his family were saved and baptized in a small Church of God in Sugar Creek, Mo.  They soon began attending Sheffield Assembly of God Church in Kansas City, Mo. After receiving a call on his life to preach the Gospel, he and Sandy began attending classes at the Central Bible College Extension at Sheffield. After receiving his license to preach he served as an Associate Pastor at Sheffield, leading Junior Church, the bus ministry, and Community Outreach. He also served as a pastor at a small church in Minneville, Mo. and was later elected pastor of Bethel Assembly of God in Garden City, Mo where he served two different terms.  He also served as interim pastor of a small church in Ozark, Mo. and as pastor of Maranatha Fellowship in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

 

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis H Feitz Jr., his mother, Dorothy Feitz, his brother Charles Feitz, and his sister, Sylvia Mencke and daughter-in-law Loretta Feitz.  

Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Sandy Feitz, son Richard J. Feitz Jr, daughter Laura (Craig) Mueller, son James (Anisa) Feitz, and son Joseph Feitz. ten grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren, stepsister Judy Adler and God daughter Danielle Peterson.

 

Dick will forever be remembered as a family man, a handyman, a great friend, a proud patriot, a talker (loving to share his stories with everyone) and a strong Christian.

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U Pick Pumpkin Patch / Adrian

 

Fall is here, and it's time to find that perfect pumpkin! Load up the family and head to the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch, 10 miles west of Adrian on Highway 18. Just watch for the signs! Choose your own pumpkin, whether it's a small one for just $4 or a large one for $5. Perfect for carving a jack-o'-lantern, decorating your home, or making something delicious in the kitchen! No games, no frills, just good old-fashioned country fun for the whole family! Family owned and operated by Welliver Farms of Adrian. Open Saturdays from 10 to 5 and Sundays from 1 to 5. For questions, call Kathy at 816-590-2047. U-Pick Pumpkin Patch… make this fall a little more memorable!

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Georgianna Smith 101, El Dorado Springs

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Georgianna Smith, age 101 of Eldorado Springs, formerly of Amoret died Tuesday, September 22 at Eldorado Springs Community Health Care Facility. A graveside service and burial will be 1 p.m. Thursday, September 24 at Oak Hill Cemetery. No visitation. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Butler. Contributions to the VFW. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Georgianna is survived by her son-in-law, Dennis Gilbert of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; granddaughter, Shelley and Chuck Johnson of El Dorado Springs; grandson, Chris Gilbert of Lawerence; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Blake and Breann (Steven) all of El Dorado Springs and Chasdity (Jessy) Coonce of Rich Hill; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. That’s Georgianna Smith with graveside service and burial 1 p.m. Thursday, September 24 at Oak Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Butler.

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Kickin Chicken Dinner

 

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Willard Eugene Strange, 67, of Butler, MO

 

Willard Eugene Strange, 67 of Butler, Missouri passed away Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Hospice House of Olathe, Olathe, Kansas.  Memorial services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Inurnment will follow on Saturday in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  There will be no visitation.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Strange family c/o Mullinax Funeral Home.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Eugene Strange was born February 16, 1959 in Butler, Missouri.  The son of Dale Eugene and Rita Colleen Kisner Strange. 

Eugene grew up in the Butler area and eventually went to work as an AVS postal driver for many years.  When he wasn’t working, he could be found fishing or spending quality time with his good friends, Buzz, Fred, Leeann, Marshall, and his dog Rocky. 

 

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Colleen Strange.  He is survived by his brothers Lee Strange and wife Lena, Allen Strange and wife Jane, nieces, Tasha and husband Tyler, Angie, Alesha, Amber and husband Kevin, Andria and husband Tyler, and Midori, nephews, Matthew and Vernon and his wife Brandy, 15 great-nieces & nephews, and one great-great-nephew.

 

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James Ed Harris, 86 Drexel

 

James “Ed” Harris, 86 of Drexel, Missouri passed away on September 19^th, 2026.  A visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).  Funeral services will follow on Saturday at 2:00 pm, also at the funeral home with burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel School Foundation.  Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com. 

Ed was born in Amsterdam, New York on August 4^th, 1940 to Chester Clay and Frances Bolling Harris. The Harris family moved to Drexel when he was 14 months old.  He grew up with two older sisters and one brother He was often spoiled rotten by his sister Lucille and often had great sibling fights with his other sister Renee. This however did not keep them from all being close and getting together every chance they could. Getting together often meant an aggressive game of Wahoo, where Lucille and Ed would whip up on you.  Ed could roll six’s back-to-back, often being accused of having loaded the dice. Ed grew up in Drexel and graduated from Drexel High School in 1955.  He was drafted into the US Army in May of 1963, and stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, where he was discharged with a honorable medical discharge.  Ed never classified himself as a veteran because he felt like he didn’t serve his country to the level that others had.  He said others gave their life and you can’t compare that to what I did.

Ed worked at a glass company and shortly after almost cutting off his fingers, and standing up Kay for their first date, he was united in marriage to Katherine Louise Cummins on September 24^th 1965.  They made their long-term home in Drexel where they raised two children, Jim and Sheryl.  Ed spent many years at the Drexel Elevator going through three ownerships.  He drove a bulk truck and semi-truck for the majority of those years. Ed retired in 2013 from the elevator after making long-term friendships with many people along the way.  

Ed was blessed with five grandsons, Stephan Ogden, Christopher Harris, Ethan Harris, Andrew Gilbert, and Adam Gilbert.  He received an extra blessing when he was blessed with three great-granddaughters; Brylynn, Maelynn and Blakely.

Ed was proceeded in death by his wife Kay Harris, parents; Chester and Frances Harris, and his brother Windy Harris.

He is survived by his son Jim Harris, daughter Sheryl (Darrell) Gilbert, sisters, Dorothy “Lucille” Tucker, Renee Cooper, and sisters-in-law Rosalee Demott and Sue (Rick) Neubauerand along with grandsons; Stephan Ogden, Andrew (Britney) Gilbert, Christiopher Harris, Adam (Makenna) Gilbert, Ethan Harris. As well as his great-granddaughters; Brylynn, Maelynn and Blakely and many nieces and nephews that he adored.

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Health Fair

 BCMH Health Fair Offers Low-Cost Labs, Free Screenings and More October 6

Bates County Memorial Hospital will host its 2026 Health Fair from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, at the BCMH Education Center, 615 W. Nursery Street in Butler.

The community is invited to stop by for affordable health testing, free screenings, hands-on activities, and a chance to meet members of the BCMH healthcare team and other local healthcare providers.

One of the Health Fair's featured offerings is a five-test lab panel for $20, including A1C, cholesterol, Vitamin D, TSH and glucose. Men over age 50 can add a PSA test for $2.50. Testosterone will also be available as a $10 add-on.

A carotid artery ultrasound will be available for $60, giving people another affordable way to check on their health.

Free health screenings will include blood pressure, oxygen level and carpal tunnel screening with an occupational therapist. BCMH will also offer hands-on CPR training, health information and demonstrations.

The Health Fair will include a Meet and Greet with Dr. Ethan Weeks from 5 to 6 p.m. Weeks, a Bates County native and family medicine physician, recently joined the BCMH Family Care Clinics.

Several local healthcare providers and clinics will also be on hand to share information about the care they provide in the community.

The Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation and Butler Lions Club will provide free vision screenings and eyeglass assistance, with Dr. David Miller, a local optometrist in Butler, participating in the event.

Other participating organizations include Bates County Health Center, local hospice providers, LifeFlight Eagle, Narcan Education with Breathe for Bre, Giving Fore Living, Grief Support Group, Dr. Adam Dains, dentist, and Weight Loss Warriors (formerly TOPS).

More participating organizations and activities will be added to the hospital's website as details are confirmed.

The Health Fair will also feature the gallery from BCMH's 2026 Show Us Bates County Community Photo Contest. The gallery will include the contest's winning photographs, and visitors can vote for the People's Choice Award from the eligible photos.

The BCMH Health Fair is open to the community.

BCMH Health Fair
Tuesday, October 6 | 3–7 p.m.
BCMH Education Center
615 W. Nursery Street, Butler

For complete details and updates, visit bcmhospital.com/2026-health-fair/.

 

 

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City of Butler Hiring

The City of Butler  accepting applicationsfull-time maintenance position in the Public Works Departments for a Street Maintenance Worker. fully paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and  retirement package .must have a high school diploma or GED ,combination of education and experience, and a valid driver’s license  able to obtain a Class A CDL.  Salary is dependent upon qualifications. Pre-employment and random post-employment drug testing required. Applications available at Butler City Hall, 22 West Ohio Street, Butler, or  cityofbutlermo.com. The City of Butler is an equal opportunity employer. Position is open until it is filled.

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Benefit for Child

 Dear Community Members,

I am writing to announce a Community Unity benefit event in support of the Adam Scott family following the tragic loss of their seven-month-old adopted son.

We are currently seeking sponsors, silent auction item donations, and local performers or bands willing to contribute their time and talent to this cause.

If you would like to donate items for the silent auction (such as gift certificates or physical goods), please deliver them to:

Tom's Bar and Grill
12949 E Hwy 40
Independence, MO 64055

Please ensure all dropped-off items are photographed prior to delivery and clearly labeled "Benefit for the Adam Scott Family."

For additional information or to offer support, please visit the event's GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/a027eb823

Whether through a donation, sponsorship, performance, or by sharing this message, your support is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,

Christopher Pemberton
[email protected]
816-506-2555

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Cass County Rodeo

 5th Annual Cass County Sheriff’s Rodeo Set for October 2, 3

 

The 5th annual Cass County Sheriff’s Rodeo presented by the Cass County Sheriff’s Auxiliary will be held Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, at 8 p.m. both nights.

 

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and sign-ups for mutton busting begin at 6 p.m.

 

This year, the rodeo will be across from the Harrisonville Community Center at 2101 S. Jefferson Pkwy.

 

Entertainment for the entire family returns in the arena with everything from barrel racing to bull riding.

 

Food trucks with diverse options will also be on site.

 

Before Friday night’s festivities, barrelman/funnyman Tex Holiday will host members of the Special Olympics and CASCO Area Workshop along with their plus-ones at the Harrisonville Community Center.

 

New this year, Tex will host the Exceptional Rodeo at 5:45 p.m. in the gym. This will consist of a Grand Entry, the National Anthem and rodeo/western games.

 

Dinner will follow this new event, then members will have a chance to socialize, listen to music and dance before walking across the street to watch the rodeo at 8 p.m.

 

Tickets are available online through SimpleTix. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with ages 3 and under getting in free.

 

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Ken Beard, 79 of Kansas City

 A Celebration of Life and Military Honors for Kenneth "Ken" Beard will be 11 a.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. Monday prior to the service at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Inurnment at a later date. Contributions to a VFW of your choice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kenneth “Ken” Don Beard, age 79 of Kansas City, Missouri died Friday, September 11, 2026 at Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas. He was born March 9, 1947 to Donald Dwight and Beulah Marie Chapin Beard in Appleton City, Missouri.

Ken, one of four children, grew up in the Pleasant Ridge Community in rural Bates County, Missouri. He attended elementary school at the Hudson School and graduated from Appleton City High School (Appleton City, Missouri) in 1965. In 1967 he joined the army and was stationed in Cu Chi Vietnam with the HHT ¾ Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. After discharge Ken returned to Butler, living there many years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.

Ken and Marge Mount were classmates who were later reunited. After they found each other again, Ken would travel to California to see Marge and she traveled to Kansas City to see him–growing their relationship. They were married on March 25, 2002. Ken was a longtime barber at the Southside Barber Shop in Butler, then in Kansas City. He was a member of the VFW.

Ken was an honest and hard working man who made many friendships–not only through his time as a barber, but also as a member of the VFW. He had an uncanny ability to bring a smile or a laugh to anyone, regardless of how bad a day they were having. Ken loved to travel with Marge to National Parks where they could watch the animals or a beautiful sunset. A hobby of Ken’s was perfecting his BBQ recipes. He was always up for a lunch date with Marge and Angie to Jack Stack BBQ. As he got older, Ken enjoyed sitting in the garage with a cold drink, watching the cars go by and visiting with anyone who would stop by. Ken will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all those who knew and loved him.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marge Beard of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Angie Kauffman and husband Kermit of Butler, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kaleb Kauffman and wife Ceceily of Butler, Missouri and Lanie Kauffman and fiancé Lucas Vert of Republic, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Dakota of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Edna Fenimore and husband Darrell of Weatherford, Texas and Kathryn Landers and husband Dale of Omaha, Nebraska; one stepson, Brandon Bowles (Beth); six step-grandchildren, Ella Bowles, Sophie Bowles and Lily Bowles all of California, Kenzie Mitchell and Zach Mitchell (Ally) all of Kansas City, Missouri and Breanna Mitchell of California. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Leslie Beard; one sister, Joan Davis; and one stepdaughter, Angela Bowles.

A Celebration of Life and Military Honors for Kenneth "Ken" Beard will be 11 a.m. Monday September 21, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. Monday prior to the service at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Inurnment at a later date. Contributions to a VFW of your choice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kenneth “Ken” Don Beard, age 79 of Kansas City, Missouri died Friday, September 11, 2026 at Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas. He was born March 9, 1947 to Donald Dwight and Beulah Marie Chapin Beard in Appleton City, Missouri.

Ken, one of four children, grew up in the Pleasant Ridge Community in rural Bates County, Missouri. He attended elementary school at the Hudson School and graduated from Appleton City High School (Appleton City, Missouri) in 1965. In 1967 he joined the army and was stationed in Cu Chi Vietnam with the HHT ¾ Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. After discharge Ken returned to Butler, living there many years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.

Ken and Marge Mount were classmates who were later reunited. After they found each other again, Ken would travel to California to see Marge and she traveled to Kansas City to see him–growing their relationship. They were married on March 25, 2002. Ken was a longtime barber at the Southside Barber Shop in Butler, then in Kansas City. He was a member of the VFW.

Ken was an honest and hard working man who made many friendships–not only through his time as a barber, but also as a member of the VFW. He had an uncanny ability to bring a smile or a laugh to anyone, regardless of how bad a day they were having. Ken loved to travel with Marge to National Parks where they could watch the animals or a beautiful sunset. A hobby of Ken’s was perfecting his BBQ recipes. He was always up for a lunch date with Marge and Angie to Jack Stack BBQ. As he got older, Ken enjoyed sitting in the garage with a cold drink, watching the cars go by and visiting with anyone who would stop by. Ken will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all those who knew and loved him.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marge Beard of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Angie Kauffman and husband Kermit of Butler, Missouri; two grandchildren, Kaleb Kauffman and wife Ceceily of Butler, Missouri and Lanie Kauffman and fiancé Lucas Vert of Republic, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Dakota of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Edna Fenimore and husband Darrell of Weatherford, Texas and Kathryn Landers and husband Dale of Omaha, Nebraska; one stepson, Brandon Bowles (Beth); six step-grandchildren, Ella Bowles, Sophie Bowles and Lily Bowles all of California, Kenzie Mitchell and Zach Mitchell (Ally) all of Kansas City, Missouri and Breanna Mitchell of California. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Leslie Beard; one sister, Joan Davis; and one stepdaughter, Angela Bowles.

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Darla Cunningham, 56, of Drexel, MO

 

Darla Cunningham, 56, of Drexel, MO, passed away on September 8, 2026 at her home. Services are pending at this time and will be announced at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Darla Kay Cunningham was born on December 19, 1969 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. She was the daughter of Billy Wayne and Carrol Sue Burrow Cunningham.

 

Darla absolutely loved her family with her whole heart and was very proud of being a mother and grandmother. She loved to laugh and always had a great sense of humor. She had a great love for nature and animals. Darla also had several hobbies including writing and drawing, listening to music, cooking, going on walks in nature and spending time with her family. She had a huge heart and always wanted to help anyone she could. She was strong, determined, funny and had a great heart of gold. She will be greatly missed but always loved.

 

Darla was proceeded in death by her parents, Bill and Carrol Cunningham. She is survived by her daughter Dayla Cunningham, grandson Jedidiah, her sister Anissia Cunningham and brothers Billy and Scotty Cunningham. Including many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

 

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A family needs our support

 

Adam Scott & Traci Class Family Benefit Sometimes, a community is at its best when a family needs it most. On October 17th, The Tom’s Bar and Grill is opening its doors from 5 to 11 PM for a benefit for Adam Scott and Traci Class and their family of Independence. After the heartbreaking loss of their infant child in early September, the family is facing unexpected funeral and medical expenses. You can help by attending the benefit, making a cash donation, or donating an item or gift certificate for the silent auction. And volunteers are needed to help make this special evening possible. Come out October 17th, from 5 to 11, at The Tom’s Bar and Grill, and show the Class family that they are not alone. When tragedy strikes, it’s neighbors helping neighbors that make a difference. Tom’s Bar and Grill 2949 East Highway 40 Independence.

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American Auto Now Open in Butler

 American Auto of Butler is now open offering Mechanic services to our community. Owned and operated by Joseph Smiley, this 2022 Butler Graduate has opening his business to serve the community he loves. Open 9 till 6 Monday through Friday offering basic mechanic repairs such as brakes, oil changes, transmissions, light tire repair, all drive line and suspension to include diagnostics and all motor work. Pick up and delivery in the city limits of Butler. Call today to schedule your appointment. American Auto of Butler now open at 18 South Orange Street at the Stoplight. 660-464-9389 that number again 660-464-9389.

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