Bates County News

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Curry Joseph “Joe” Massey, 41, of Yukon, Oklahoma (formerly of Butler)

 Curry Joseph “Joe” Massey, 41, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away June 30th 2025. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 6th, 2025 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am, Monday, July 7th, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Butler, MO.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Joe’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 Joe was born on June 16, 1984, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.  He lived a life full of passion, humor, and deep-rooted values. Joe grew up in Butler, Missouri, where he developed a love for the outdoors early in life. Whether it was deer or coon hunting, fishing, showing cattle through 4-H and FFA, or just being outside, Joe was in his element.

 He graduated from Butler High School in 2003, where he was a proud member of the baseball, football, and basketball teams. He thrived in team settings, cherishing the camaraderie and connection that came with shared goals and locker room laughs.

His passion for agriculture and livestock judging led him to Hutchinson Community College, where he competed on the livestock judging team. That path brought him to Oklahoma State University—an experience that not only solidified his love for agriculture but also ignited a lifelong devotion to the OSU Cowboys. He earned his degree in Animal Science from OSU and remained a proud Cowboy fan for the rest of his life. After graduation, Joe began his professional career with the United States Department of Agriculture, working as a cattle market news reporter. His career took him to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, then Springfield, Illinois, before he eventually made his way to Amarillo, Texas. From there, he landed his dream job at the Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City—a role he loved and truly excelled in. Joe had a larger-than-life personality and could tell a story better than just about anyone—whether the tale was completely true or had just a touch of exaggeration for dramatic effect. He had a genuine gift for conversation and never hesitated to pick up the phone for a long chat.

Joe loved to travel and was fortunate to experience the beauty and culture of Ireland, Greece, and Italy. He also enjoyed golfing with friends, cheering on the OSU Cowboys, and spending time with the people he loved.

 He is survived by his parents, Curry and Linda Massey; his sisters, Leslie Hedrick (Joe) and Maggie Massey; his beloved nephews, Alden and Henry Hedrick; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one very special uncle.

 Joe's vibrant spirit, warm heart, and unforgettable stories will live on in all those who were lucky enough to know and love him. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love.



Amsterdam Jubilee T-Shirt Sponsor Bidding

 The Amsterdam Jubilee is set for September 27th. ! You or your business can be the main sponsor for the 2025 Jubilee t-shirt.

 Bidding opens on June 27, 2025, and closes on August 1, 2025. The starting bid is 500.00.

If you can't be the main sponsor but still want to see your name/business in print, you still can.

 Amsterdam Jubilee T-Shirt sponsor spots are available to purchase for 30.00, and the committee will be selling them until August 1, 2025.

 Contact Rob Vunovich 660 200 6027.






 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Fugitive Steven Michael Cope Jr. Arrested in Raytown Following Multi-Agency Effort

After months of investigation and coordination, authorities have successfully apprehended Steven Michael Cope Jr., a wanted fugitive, in the Raytown area on June 30.

Cope Jr. had been sought by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office on multiple felony warrants and was considered a flight risk. The arrest marks a major development in what officials describe as a lengthy and methodical search effort.

He was wanted on the following charges:

Class D Felony – Tampering with Electronic Monitoring Equipment (Bond set at $75,000 cash-only)

Class D Felony – Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating a Substantial Risk – 1st Degree – 1st Offense (No bond)

Henry County deputies, working alongside regional law enforcement partners, were able to locate and arrest Cope Jr. without incident.

Cope Jr. is currently in custody as the legal process moves forward.



Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Narcotics Arrest In Vernon County

On Monday, June 30, 2025, the Vernon County Sheriff's Office and the Nevada Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant in northwest Vernon County as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine.

During the operation, law enforcement took three subjects into custody. Law enforcement seized methamphetamine and related paraphernalia from the residence.

All three individuals were transported to the Vernon County Jail for holding. A request for the filing of formal charges will be submitted to the Vernon County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

The Vernon County Sheriff’s office states that they remain committed to keeping communities safe and holding those involved in the distribution of illegal drugs accountable.



Pursuit Of Stolen Vehicle Ends In Arrest In Cass County

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, just before 10 a.m., Cass County deputies began pursuing a vehicle that was confirmed to have a stolen license plate, as it headed northbound on I-49 in Belton.

Moments later, after driving at a high rate of speed, the driver pulled over in Grandview.

The driver complied with commands from deputies to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody.

Dispatchers confirmed the license plate was stolen out of Kansas City and the vehicle came back as stolen out of Gladstone.

It was also later confirmed that the vehicle was a different color before it was taken.

Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and located a loaded Glock 22C .40 Cal handgun under the front passenger seat.

Additionally, deputies located a 50-round drum magazine in the passenger seat floorboard.

The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Verdell Mays Jr. of Kansas City.

He’s been charged with three felonies:

1.     Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm - Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction,

2.     Aggravated Fleeing A Stop Or Detention, and

3.     Tampering With A Motor Vehicle.

Mays also faces a misdemeanor charge for Operating a Motor Vehicle in an Imprudent Manner.

Mays is currently at the Cass County Jail with no bond allowed.


Monday, June 30, 2025

Adrian Community Play

 🎭 Large Cast & Crew Needed! 🎭

ACT’s fall production of A Candle in the Window is calling YOU!

We’re seeking a large cast and crew to bring this heartwarming holiday tale to life. Whether you love the spotlight or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone!

✨ All casting and audition info:
👉 https://us.cast98.com/shows/a-candle-in-the-window-2025-actadrian

📍Be part of something special this season with the ACT family!




Olde Glory Days Schedule

 COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Olde Glory Days 2025
July 3rd-6th
Veteran’s Dinner on June 28th
Olde Glory Days is brought to you by the Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Buy a badge and you might win a prize!
Look for Olde Glory Days shirts, caps, carnival armbands and more!
Items available at information booth July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Presales of shirts at C Squared. Presales of armbands at the Chamber.
ATS Bus Service; 11:00am-10:00pm Thursday, 9:30am-10:00pm Friday, 8am-10:00pm Sat. 660-885-3114
Stage Sponsor: World Wide Technology, Inc.-
David Steward
Bill and Patsy’s Pony Rides each day
Welcome to
Olde Glory Days!
TIMES AND EVENTS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SAT. JUNE 28TH
11:00am-1:00pm: Veteran’s Dinner at Elks Lodge, North Side of the Clinton Square
(Veterans and one guest)
Sponsor: Clinton Elks Lodge #1034, VFW Post #1894, American Legion Post #14
THURSDAY, JULY 3rd
12-7pm: Information Booth & Souvenir Shop Open-South Side of Courthouse
Sponsor: Jerry and Barb Mosley, Jerry’s Pest Management
EAST SIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE:
2:00pm and 4:00pm: https://keithleff.com
Sponsor: Clinton Sunrise Optimist Club, Meadows Contracting, Gus Wetzel Family Foundation, Mills and Sons Ins., Dody Legacy Group, First Baptist Church-Clinton
3:00pm and 5:00pm: Jason D’Vaude www.thecircusman.com
Sponsor: Pizza Glen, Hawthorn Bank, Golden Valley Disposal, Cook Tractor Parts, Fortress Ins. Services
10am: Kayak Races-Artesian Pool, Ages 8 and up
Sponsor: Everharts Outdoor Store, Legacy Bank & Trust, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
12pm-12am: Clinton Police Officers Assoc. Beer Garden- Courthouse Lawn
Carnival armbands: 12 till 4pm and 6 till 10pm, $25 before July 3rd, $30 during the carnival
Sponsor: Schreiber Foods, Henry Co. Health Center
12-5pm: Toddler Tent and Bounce House-NE Side of Courthouse
Sponsor: Seeds of Faith Preschool, Dull Law, LLC
2-6pm: Historical DX Station @ 3rd & Green St. (Time Flies) Open
Sponsor: Central Airmotive, PLZ Corp.(Champion Brands), Adkins Printing, Compass Health Network, Mike Keith Ins.
6pm: Pedal Pull-Courthouse Parking Lot. Registration begins at 5pm. Classes are age 5 & under…ages 6 & 7...ages 8 & 9…and ages 10 & 11
Sponsor: Golden Valley Tractor, GVMH, U.S. Bank/Clinton, Square 109, First Baptist Church, C Squared Embroidery & Screen-printing, Vansant-Mills Funeral Home
MAIN STAGE:
6:15pm: Keith Leff
Sponsor: Glasscock Enterprises, Clinton Quick Lube, UMB Bank, Ranger Power, Gus Wetzel Family Foundation
7-9:30pm: Phil Vandel https://www.philvandel.com/
Sponsor: Hampton Inn/Clinton, Schreiber Foods, Jim Raysik Body Shop, Henry County Water Co., Gary’s Towing
8pm: Prize Drawings
Sponsor: Everharts Outdoor Store, White River Marine Group (Tracker), TC-Transcontinental, Mills & Sons Ins.
FRIDAY, JULY 4TH
12-7pm: Information Booth & Souvenir Shop Open-South Side of Courthouse Sponsor: GVMH, Jim Falk Motors, OakStar Bank, Clinton Sunrise Opt. Club, Full Line Lumber, Adkins Printing
EAST SIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE:
2:00pm and 4:00pm: Jason D’Vaude www.thecircusman.com
Sponsor: Groff Dental Studio, Clinton Abstract & Title Co., World Finance Corp.-Clinton, Jim Raysik Body Shop
3:00pm and 5:00pm: Keith Leff https://keithleff.com
Sponsor: Clinton Arts Council, Legacy Bank & Trust, Cook Tractor Parts, Ranger Power, Klassen Construction & Branco Enterprises, Meadow Lake Golf Club
9am-6pm: Ike Parker Art Show Open-Delozier Building, 203 West Franklin
Sponsor: Glasscock Ent., Meadows Contracting, Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Henry Co. Commissioners
10am-4pm: Henry Co. Museum open (free admission)
Sponsor: Henry Co. Museum, Henzlik Architecture, Bernard Tax and Bookkeeping, PLZ Corporation
10am-4pm: Quilt Show Open-Rotary Building on the Square
Sponsor: Clinton Quick Lube, State Representative Jim Kalberloh, Gregg Smith Ford-Lincoln, First Baptist Church/Clinton, Clinton Abstract & Title Co.
11am: “FireQuacker 500”-Optimist Park-Keith Leff
Noon: “FireQuacker 500” Launch of the Duck Race
Sponsor: Clinton Sunrise Optimist Club, U.S. Bank/Clinton, Golden Valley Fireworks, Price Cutter
11am-1am: Clinton Police Officers Assoc. Beer Garden-Courthouse Lawn
Carnival armbands: 12 till 4pm and 6 till 10pm, $25 before July 3rd, $30 during the carnival
Sponsor: Cover and Hilton Law Office, Jim Raysik Body Shop, UMB Bank/Clinton
12-5pm: Toddler Tent-NE Side of Courthouse
Sponsor: Cook Tractor Parts, Mills and Sons Ins., Dave and Kathy Garnett, Clinton Arts Council, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2pm: TLC Dulcimers-Delozier Building
Sponsor: Edward Jones Investments/Stan Davis, Henry County Water Co., Hawthorn Bank/Clinton
4-6pm: Historical DX Station-3rd & Green St. (Time Flies) Open
Sponsor: Central Airmotive, Osage Valley Electric Co-op., Republic Services, American Family Ins.-Carla Moberly, PLZ Corp.
6:30pm: Golf Ball Drop at Chamber of Commerce Lawn- Southeast Corner of the Square
Sponsor: REMAX Truman Lake, Seeds of Faith Preschool, Klassen Construction & Branco Enterprises
MAIN STAGE:
6:15pm: Jason D’Vaude
Sponsor: GVMH, White River Marine Group (Tracker), Mike Keith Insurance
7-9:30pm: Surfin’ USA https://surfinusashow.com/
Sponsor: Compass Health Network, Schreiber Foods, Clinton Arts Council, American Family Insurance-Carla Moberly, Meadow Lake Golf Club
8pm: Prize Drawings
Sponsor: Everharts Outdoor Store, TC-Transcontinental, Henry Co. Mutual Insurance, US Bank, King’s Appliance-Clinton, VFW Post #1894
SATURDAY, JULY 5th
12-7pm: Information Booth & Souvenir Shop Open-South Side of Square
Sponsor: Jack’s Warehouse Carpets, Jerry and Barb Mosley, Taylor, Nold, Kenney & Mitchell, LLC
EAST SIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE:
2:00pm and 4:00pm: Jason D’Vaude www.thecircusman.com
Sponsor: C Squared Emb. & Screenprinting, Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Mike Keith Ins., Cover & Hilton Law, World Finance Corp.-Clinton, King’s Appliance
3:00pm and 5:00pm: Keith Leff https://keithleff.com
Sponsor: Edward Jones Investments/JD Manning, Legacy Bank/Clinton, Gregg Smith Ford-Lincoln
7-9:30am: Pancake Breakfast-Clinton Fire Dept.
Sponsor: Clinton Firefighters Assoc.
8:00am: OGD Patriotic 5K. Registration starts at 6:45am at the Clinton Chamber (200 S. Main)
Sponsor: Big Brothers-BigSisters of Henry Co., American Family Ins./Carla Moberly, GVMH
9am-3pm: Motorcycle Show-South Main St. (in front of Chamber of Commerce)
Sponsor: Guardians of the Children, Jim Falk Motors, Golden Valley Fireworks, Meadows Contracting
9am-4pm: Downtown Desoto Open-S. Washington St.
Sponsor: Jim Raysik Body Shop, Osage Valley Electric Co-op, Golden Valley Disposal
9am-4pm: Ike Parker Art Show Open-Delozier Building, 203 West Franklin
Sponsor: Timothy P. Meyers & Co., Clinton Abstract and Title Co., Sherman Plumbing and Heating
10am: David Mills Grand Parade Grand Marshal-The Pediatric Place
Sponsor: Compass Health Network, Pizza Glen, Legacy Bank & Trust, Klassen Const. & Branco Ent.
10am-4pm: Quilt Show Open-Rotary Building
Sponsor: Golden Valley Fireworks, White River Marine Group(Tracker), Henry Co. Mutual Ins.
11am-4pm: Henry County Museum Open (free admission)
Sponsor: Edward Jones Investments/JD Manning, Henry Co. Water, Gregg Smith Ford-Lincoln, Henry County Health Center, VFW Post #1894
11am-1am: Clinton Police Officers Assoc. Beer Garden-Courthouse Lawn
MAIN STAGE:
11:00am (after the parade) Keith Leff
Sponsor: Fortress Insurance Services, Henry County Water Co., Jim Raysik Body Shop, Dull Law, LLC, Ranger Power, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
11:30am (after the parade): The Old Skool Band
Sponsor: Bernard Tax & Bookkeeping, Jerry’s Pest Management, Square 109, Sherman Plumbing & Heating
Carnival armbands: 12 till 4pm & 6 till10 pm, $25 before July 3rd, $30 during the carnival
Sponsor: Glasscock Ent., Edward Jones Investments/Dylan Stiegemeyer, Compass Health Network, Golden Valley Tractor
12pm: TLC Dulcimers-Delozier Building
Sponsor: Cook Tractor Parts, State Representative Jim Kalberloh, Dennis and Debbie Sieger, Henzlik Architecture
12-5pm: Toddler Tent-NE Side of Courthouse
Sponsor: Seeds of Faith Preschool, Hampton Inn/Clinton, Republic Services, TC-Transcontinental, Fortress Insurance Services, Gary’s Towing, Meadow Lake Golf Club
12:30pm: Horseshoe Tournament-Artesian Park
Sponsor: Glasscock Ent., Gregg Smith Ford-Lincoln, Groff Dental Studio, Gus Wetzel Family Found., Hampton Inn
1pm: Clinton Elks Lodge Cornhole Tournament, parking lot of the Henry Co. Courthouse
Sponsor: OakStar Bank, Mike Keith Ins., PLZ Corp.(Champion Brands), Adkins Printing, Klassen Const. & Branco Ent.
2pm: Heartland Community Theatre presents: "Truman: The Citizen's President"
Sponsor: Cover & Hilton Law, Mills & Sons Ins., Dennis and Debbie Sieger, Hardee’s/Clinton, Jim Falk Motors
2-6pm; Historical DX Gas Station-3rd & Green streets (Time Flies) Open
Sponsor: Central Airmotive, Henry County Mutual Insurance, Taylor, Nold, Kenney & Mitchell, LLC, Jim Falk Motors, Pizza Glen, Ranger Power, TC-Transcontinental
MAIN STAGE:
6:15pm: Jason D’Vaude
Sponsor: Hampton Inn/Clinton, UMB Bank/Clinton, Full Line Lumber Center, C Squared Embroidery & Screenprinting
Sponsor: White River Marine Group, Compass Health Network, Schreiber Foods, Clinton Arts Council, Hawthorn Bank/Clinton, Dave and Kathy Garnett
8pm: Prize Drawings
Sponsor: Everharts Outdoor Store, Henry Co. Commissioners, Henry County Mutual Insurance, Gus Wetzel Family Foundation, Hawthorn Bank, Hardee’s
SUNDAY, JULY 6th
1:00pm: Community-Wide Praise & Worship Event
"God Made - The Clinton Way" featuring Kingdom Fighters- Main Stage on the Square
Sponsor: First Baptist Church of Clinton, TC-Transcontinental, Henry Co. Water Co., Clinton Quick Lube, Compass Health Network, Dody Legacy Group
5pm: Ice Cream Social by Clinton Christian Church-
Benson Center (free will offering for local missions)
Sponsor: Oak Star Bank, Meadows Contracting, Golden Valley Tractor, King’s Appliance-Clinton
5:30-8:30pm: Gospel Fest-Benson Center Featuring: The Isaacs, Lindley Creek and Tony Bullock
Sponsor: First Baptist Church/Clinton, Clinton Quick Lube, Bernard Tax & Bookkeeping, Dody Legacy Group, U.S. Bank/Clinton, Price Cutter
9:30pm: Mega Fireworks Display (tune to KDKD FM 95.3 for music)
Sponsor: Hawthorn Bank/Clinton, Cover and Hilton Law, Gus Wetzel Family Foundation, Radford Media Group
Other sponsors of Olde Glory Days include:
AAA Property Management…Benware Tractor & Automotive…CATO Fashions…Central Methodist University-Clinton…City of Clinton…Clinton Rotary Club…Clinton School District…Clinton Parks and Recreation…Crain Pest & Lawn…Crave Boutique…Cummings Men’s Wear…David and Deb Mills…Doug and Kristi Kenney (Kenney Farms)…Gallery Three…Greg and David Lowe Families…Heartland Community Theatre…Helm Plumbing & Heating…Hennemann’s Dirt Work…Henry Co. Commissioner Jake Bradley… Henry Co. Library…Henry Co. Museum…Logan’s Heating & Cooling…RC and Ann Julian…State Fair Comm. College-Clinton…Truman Lake Moose Lodge #2722…Zollicker Oil




Curry Joseph “Joe” Massey, 41, of Yukon, Oklahoma (formerly of Butler)

  Curry Joseph “Joe” Massey, 41, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away June 30th 2025. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 6 th , 2025 from 5:0...