Lady Bears Fall on Road to Appleton

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

The Butler Lady Bears traveled to Appleton City for some basketball action. Butler came into the contest fresh off a championship run at the Warsaw tournament, and a victory last night at Archie.

The Bears began the night with possession after winning the opening tip, following a couple of quick turnovers on each end of the court, Kiersten Dubray made it to the charity stripe and sunk a free throw to start all scoring and give the Bears an opening 1-0 lead. After a stretch of stagnate offense, Kiersten went back to the line, again going 1 of 2 before Park would open the basket open the basket for the Bulldogs and spark a 7-0 Appleton run. Dubray, the Kylee would narrow the gap with a post bucket, Appleton still lead 7-6. Gabby Carmichael and Brownsberger traded buckets before Kiersten went back to the line and sunk one more free throw to knot the contest up at 9 a piece. At the end of the opening period, Park grabbed a put-back basket to give the Lady Bulldogs an 11-9 lead after 8 minutes.

Out of the quarter break, Appleton had possession and converted on a basket from deep off the hands of Brownsberger. Carmichael responded with a shot from range herself, sparking a 5-0 Bears run. Brownsberger put a stop to the Bears momentum with her third triple of the evening. On the Bears end, Kiersten earned yet another trip to the line where she was able to sink both shots and cut the Appleton lead to just 1 point. Brownsberger drilled her fourth three pointer of the half, leading to a 9-3 Bulldogs run to end the half. Going into the locker room the Bears found themselves trailing 27-20.

Out of the intermission, each squad struggled to find any rhythm, until Park knocked down an awkward jumper, leading to some back-and-forth action that saw the Bulldogs stretch their lead to 12. Trailing 35-23, the Bears coaching staff was forced to use a time-out in an attempt to get the Lady Bears back on track. Following the water break, Kylee was able to force a turnover and then record a bucket for the Bears, showing signs of life for Butler. However, Brownsberger would quickly silence the Bears fans in attendance as she drilled her 5th deep ball of the game and prompting a 9-2 Appleton run to close out the quarter.

As the fourth and final quarter began, the Bears found themselves with a lot of ground to make up as the Bulldogs had built themselves a comfortable 46-27 lead. The fourth began with Stephan knocking down a shot from distance, and the Bulldogs never looked back. At the final whistle the Bears fell to the Bulldogs 55-34.

Baylor Brownsberger led all scoring with a massive 26 points, going 5 of 6 from range and grabbing 5 boards. LeeAnna Park also ended her night in double figures with 14 points and 9 rebounds.

The Bears were led by Carmichael with 10 points.

photo by Erin Dubray

Bears and Bulldogs Contest Proves to be Intense

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Butler went on the road to battle the Appleton City Bulldogs. The Bulldogs opened up the contest by forcing 4 quick turnovers that led to a 4-0 opening run by Appleton. Chandler started the scoring for the Bears as he went 1 of 2 form the free throw line. The Butler defense locked in and forced some big stops on their way to a 5-2 run of their own. However, turnovers continued to plague the Bears, who found themselves on the wrong end of an 11-10 score after 8 minutes of play.

To open the second Jesse Carter would sink a floater and ignite a 7-2 Bears run. Carter would then burry another triple to gift the Bears a 20-15 lead. The Bulldogs continued to battle and work the painted area, but Carter was on fire as he drilled a 3rd long range shot, forcing an Appleton timeout as the Bears held a 23-19 advantage with 4 minutes remaining until half. Out of the timeout the Bulldogs continued to play bully-ball down low, but the Bears were content trading 2’s for 3’s as Lucas Davidson stepped up and sunk a three for Butler as well, after which Chandler converted a 3 point play, the old fashioned way and the Bears took a 31-23 lead. Both teams continued to exchange baskets for the remainder of the half, and the Bears took a 33-30 lead into the locker room.

To open the open the second half of play, Powell quickly drove to the rack and grabbed a bucket and a foul to tie the game back up at 33-33. Butler rattled off a pair of turnovers but their defense was able to hold and not allow Appleton to convert off the mistakes. After a few minutes of battle, Carter once again tickled the twine for 3, putting the Bears back in front. Carter stayed red hot, knocking down yet another three point basket. With a score of 41-40 the intensity amplified and forced a time-out while both teams struggled to regain composure. It felt as if whichever team could remain calm, cool, and collected would leave the gym victorious. Out of the time-out, Appleton did what they do best, worked the ball inside and retook a 42-41 lead. After 3 quarters of play the Bulldogs led 46-43.

The Bulldogs opened the fourth with a basket in the painted area, followed by a blocked Butler shot, and just as the momentum was shifting back to the Bulldogs, Jake Chandler came up with a steal that Grubb converted to points on the Bears end. With 6 minutes to go Chandler would drive the lane, and toss up a shot as he was falling down which would miraculously go in and tie the game at 48. Loney would immediately answer back with a three to retake a 51-48 Bulldog advantage. Out of a time-out, turnovers continued to be an issue for the black and red, as they gave the ball back to Appleton and let Harkrader hammer home a trifecta. Both schools fans were letting their team know they were in attendance, as the contest continued to intensify and go back and forth. After a plethora of whistles and free throw trips for each team, the Bears found themselves down 57-61 with two minutes remaining. Powell went 1/2 at the line, before the Bears would turn the ball back over into the hands of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs closed out the contest with a multitude of trips to the charity stripe where they closed out a 68-57 victory over Butler.

Jesse Carter had the hot hand on the evening and led all scores with 24 points, going 6 of 14 from range. Carter was followed closely by Chandler who ended his night with 23 points, 10 of which he collected at the free throw line.

Smith led the Bulldogs with 18 points, trailed by Williams with 17.

The Bears showed tremendous heart as they were outsized from the start, but continued to apply pressure and attempt to overcome all odds. Butler battled back and gave themselves a chance multiple times in the game, turnovers just continued to be the largest blemish on the Bears night. Butler proved they are prepared to play intense ball this season, and will be a fun team to watch as the year unfolds. If the Bears can secure the ball, and continue their defensive efforts they should be a decent squad.

Photo by Erin Dubray

Friday basketball scores

 Boys

Butler 57
Appleton City 68

Pleasant Hill 68
Archie 47

KC Lutheran 42
Drexel 63

Knob Noster 73
Holden 58

Nevada 34
Joplin 58

Windsor 61
Kingsville 68

Midway 41
Miami 43

Girls

Butler 34
Appleton City 55

Midway 29
Drexel 53

KC Lutheran 47
Kingsville 38

Pleasant Hill n/a
Archie n/a

NE Vernon County n/a
Hume n/a

Obituary - Gary Stone

Gary Ray Stone, born on March 27, 1956, in Bonham, Texas, joined his heavenly family on November 26, 2025, in Louisburg, Kansas. Gary was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. He was renowned for his kindness and generosity, making friends wherever he went. He was a devout Christian and strove to embody the teachings of Christ in all his life.

Gary grew up in Savoy, Texas, where he attended high school, graduating in the class of 1974. He began a brief career in electronics at Texas Instruments before joining the Marine Corps. He was proud of his service in the Marines, serving for seven years. He was stationed for much of that time in Japan, where he likely got into more trouble than he would ever admit later in life.

Gary was an alcoholic, and his days in the Marine Corps didn’t help combat that, but he found an AA group and turned his life around, living a completely sober life since 1977. This experience inspired him to help others do the same, and he became a counselor helping those struggling with substance abuse. This led him to Spokane Washington where he met and married Karen Hart on October 16, 1982. Karen was the love of his life. They ran a counseling company together in Spokane before returning to Texas where Gary finished his degree and began a career with the VA in Bonham, helping veterans escape the grips of addiction for the next few decades.

Together, they also raised their daughter Melody (Richard) McKibbin, and son, Matthew Ray (Kelsey) Stone. Gary adored their two grandchildren, Jacen Ray Stone and Kaylee McKibbin.

Gary was an ordained minister and preached at the Church of the Harvest in Tom Bean (and later Denison) Texas. Most recently, he was an active member of the Louisburg United Methodist Church. He always had a passion for electronics which led to him becoming a Ham Radio operator (callsign N5PHT) and enjoying that hobby for many years. He was also an avid cyclist, rising most mornings at 4 AM to go indoor or outdoor cycling, logging enough miles to circle the planet three times over.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Gladys Stone, and his brother, Roy Stone. He leaves behind a loving legacy, cherished by his family and community, touching the lives of thousands through his work both in the church and as a counselor. Gary will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and service but also for his unwavering love and devotion to those he held dear. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Louisburg United Methodist Church, 249 N Metcalf Road, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

Obituary - Roseann Colvin

Roseann Colvin, 87, Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Medicalodges of Nevada.   Roseann was born on October 11, 1938 in Nevada, Missouri to Earl and Annabelle (Harrell) Bennett.  In 1983, she married Charlie Colvin.  He preceded her in death in 1989.

    Roseann was raised near Walker and attended Nevada schools.  She was baptized at the Walker Christian Church.  She was a homemaker most of her life and loved spending time with her grandchildren, reading, listening to Elvis and watching John Wayne movies.

     Roseann is survived by her daughter, Robyn Lynn Maxville, Nevada, MO;  siblings, Floyd Bennett, Nevada, MO, Lana L. Olson, Joplin, MO, Michael Brooks (Ellen), Hot Springs, AR, and Stephan Brooks (Sherrill), Nevada, MO; grandchildren, Jessica Cole (Robert), Nevada, MO, Franklin Lurten, Nevada, MO, Jaimi Holt (Tim), Joplin, MO, and Alana Lurten (Chuck), Nevada, MO; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her husband, Charlie, Roseann was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Marilyn Green, William Bennett, and Marshall Brooks.

     A private graveside committal will be held in Newton Burial Park, Nevada, MO. Courtesy Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Gerald LeRoy "Jerry" Shaw

Gerald LeRoy "Jerry" Shaw, age 83, formerly of Roeland Park, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He was born on May 24, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Lester and Elsie Marlene Ross. He graduated from Pleasanton High School and attended Park College and the University of Kansas. He was united in marriage to Janet Ann Murray on December 22, 1961. He was employed with Kansas City Power and Light for many years before retiring as a superintendent.

Jerry was a member of the Church of the Resurrection. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cooking. Our time together with family meals and events are treasured memories. From traveling through many states to enjoying friends and family he was always full of joy. Jerry never met a person that he didn’t like. His antics are epic with stories that show how much he cared for all. He loved his family dearly and was the best "Papaw" ever. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Diane Elaine. Jerry is survived by his wife, Janet Shaw, three sons, Christopher Shaw and wife Kimberly, Jeffrey Shaw and wife Barbara, and Phillip Shaw and wife Michelle, two sisters, Karon Miller, and Sharon Hedges, and eight grandchildren, Addison, Jack, Andrew, Cameron, Kristin, Jordan, Tyler, and Riley. We are blessed to have known him.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 am Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Church of the Resurrection, Leawood.  A visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the Church.  Inurnment will take place in the Church columbarium.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Leukemia Foundation.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

Obituary - Carolyn Marie Barry

Carolyn Marie Barry was born November 7, 1946 in South Carolina, the daughter of Clarage and Jessie Olean (Corder ) Duncan. She departed this life December 13, 2025 in Bolivar, Missouri after a short battle with health issues. Carolyn had made her home in Montrose, Missouri near her daughter Gina.

Carolyn's wishes were to be cremated and there is no service of remembrance planned at this time. Courtesy Hill & Son Funeral Home.

Obituary - Shirley Marie White

Shirley Marie White age 87 of Smithville, Missouri departed this life Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Ignite Medical Resort Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri. 

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.