The Lawson Review

01/07/2026

Margie Frances Bingham, 98, of Richmond, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
Margie was born on October 8, 1927, in Richmond, the daughter of Roy Lee and Marguerite (Danner) Schwensen. She was united in marriage to B. “Edgar” Bingham of Lawson on June 2, 1951; he preceded her in death on May 3, 1992.
Survivors include: daughter-in-law, Brenda Bingham; two grandchildren, Laura Whitmer and Chris (Lamphai) Bingham; four great-grandchildren: Trae Whitmer, Damon Whitmer, Jordan (Madeline) Whitmer, and Brooke Whitmer; great-great-grandson, Cohen Whitmer; nieces and nephews: April (Russ) Green, Julie (Stacy) Grimm, Darrell Phipps, and Steven Phipps; several great-nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Eddie Lee Bingham, sister, Betty Phipps, and grandson-in-law, Rick Whitmer.
Margie was raised and educated in the area of her birth and was a graduate of Richmond High School. Throughout her working years, she was employed as a salesclerk and bookkeeper for Orscheln’s and Jay’s Auto in Richmond. She also proudly owned and operated, with her husband, Bing’s Café and the 210 Supper Club, both well known in the Richmond community.
Margie treasured the time she spent with her family and enjoyed traveling, especially later in life. Alongside her friends, she took memorable trips to Alaska and Hawaii. She was a faithful member of Todd’s Chapel Church in Richmond, where she found friendship and fellowship.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Todd’s Chapel Cemetery, Richmond. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.

01/06/2026

RESCHEDULED: Ramp closures on I-70 and MO 9 in Jackson County for guardrail device repairs, Jan. 16-17

Revised from Dec. 19-20



RESCHEDULED: JACKSON COUNTY – The Missouri Department of Transportation will be conducting guardrail device repairs at locations on I-70 and Missouri Route 9. All work is weather permitting. See below for traffic modifications:

Fri., Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. until Sat., Jan. 17 at 6 a.m. (Revised from Dec. 19-20)

Crews will CLOSE the southbound MO 9 exit ramp at 3rd St. onto westbound and eastbound I-70/I-35.
Crews will CLOSE I-70 EB ramp to I-35/I-29 NB and the I-70 EB ramp to Independence Ave.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching, or mowing. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make repairs or remove debris from the roadway.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at //www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties.

01/06/2026

LAWSON PARK BOARD KICKS OFF 2026

While the winter months are typically the “slow” months for the Lawson Park Board, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t numerous programs and activities planned for the start of 2026.

An additional yoga class is being offered on Mondays (except holidays). You can now join the Stretch & Rest Yoga class on Mondays and Wednesdays - both at 8:30am. This class combines the long, gentle stretches of Yin-style yoga with the relaxing poses of restorative-style yoga. Students will utilize props to assist with the poses. The class focuses on flexibility, breath work and mindfulness. It is ideal for those new to yoga and anyone looking to relax and restore. Most of the class is spent on a yoga mat on the floor, so the ability to get up and down at least once during the class is required.

Gentle Yoga continues on Tuesdays at 6:30pm with a focus on increasing flexibility, easy strength building and balance. It is ideal for those seeking a slower-paced, but somewhat challenging, class. Each class typically includes breath work, gentle warm-up stretches, a balance practice, a gentle Vinyasa-style flow and relaxation at the end. All classes are just $5 drop-in rate or $20 for a 5-class pass. Mats and props are available to borrow as well.

Golden Cardinals, the senior activity programming, kicks off on Tuesday, January 13 at 1pm with BINGO! The Golden Cards are geared towards those 55 and up, but anyone is welcome to attend the recreational activities on the second Tuesday and educational activities on the fourth Tuesday. Gatherings are at 1pm in the community room at Lawson City Hall.

Pickleball Open Play Sundays have moved to an earlier time slot of noon to 2pm, every Sunday through the end of April (except Super Bowl Sunday and Easter). Pickleball is held at the Southwest Elementary Gym. It is free and open to all, with paddles and balls available to borrow.

The super popular Maker Mondays are also going to run in February, March and April on the second Monday of each month at 6pm. The first Maker Monday will be February 9 and will feature a variety of Taylor Swift-themed creative activities. Registration is $10 and required with limited spots available.

January to April 10th is also the timeframe in which the Park Board accepts annual sponsorships. Sponsors receive a variety of recognition including on banners, t-shirts, printed materials, social media and more. The sponsorship form is here: tinyurl.com/ParkBoard2026

For more information on any of the Park Board’s activities, visit them on facebook.com/LawsonParkBoard or contact Tosha Jackson at Lawson City Hall.

The Lawson Park Board offers recreational activities for all ages in our community. We oversee free summer programs, kayak rentals at the lake, and events like the Lawson Picnic, Fall Festival & Christmas in the Park.

01/06/2026

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released the results from its New Year's Holiday Counting Period.

The numbers show five traffic fatalities were reported from 6 pm on December 31st to 11:59 pm last night. There were a total of 187 traffic crashes resulting in 87 injuries and the five deaths during that time period.

By comparison just one person was killed during last year's counting period. However, there were 264 crashes resulting in 118 injuries during that time period.

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

Lawson Invitational brackets for the week of January 12.

01/06/2026

Baking fun starts Saturday! Be sure to get signed up, attend 1, 2 or all 3 sessions!

01/05/2026

Hollis P Pettz Jr., 86, of Lawson MO, passed away December 31 st , 2025 at his home peacefully
surrounded by his family and hospice care. Hollis was born May 4, 1939 in Garden City KS to Hollis P
Pettz Sr and Rose Jacobs Pettz. He was the eldest of 4 children; Brother Ron Pettz, Sisters Sharon Braun
and Theresa Younger.
Hollis grew up on a farm in western Kansas north of Holcomb. He attended Holcomb High School and K
State before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He married Merlene (Wilson) Pettz On September
4, 1959. Together they began their married life in Biloxi Mississippi then moved to St Charles LA,
Deerfield KS and Dodge City KS before ending up in Lawson MO where they put down roots and raised
their family.
Following time in the Air Force, Hollis began his career at ATT. He worked initially in Polo Mo then
moved to the Kansas City offices. He retired from ATT in 1994 . In his retirement he worked at Hidden
Valley Golf Course in Lawson MO for many years.
Hollis spent his life in service to others alongside his wife Merlene. He was an active member of the
Lawson United Methodist Church and Lawson Rotary Club. Family was a priority to Hollis. Always
making time for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether it was attending
sporting events, going to the symphony, traveling, hunting, fishing, eating out at fine restaurants,
attending birthday parties, graduations and weddings this is where he found true happiness. Hollis
especially enjoyed time with his close friends going to breakfast, dinner club, playing poker and golfing.
One of his greatest loves outside of family was scuba diving he and his dive buddy Dustin Cooper, went
on many dive trips together all over the world always coming back with amazing stories and photos.
Even outside of dive trips he was an avid swimmer and traveler. Hollis was gifted with a sharp and
curious mind and was a lifelong learner always seeking to understand the human mind and the wonders
of the world.
Hollis was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Merlene (Wilson), his parents, Hollis Pettz Sr and
Rose (Jacobs) Pettz, a brother Ron Pettz and sister Theresa Pettz. Survivors include his three children;
Debbie (Pettz) Hartman and husband Wayne, Darrell Pettz and wife Julie(Kilpatrick) Pettz, and Holly
(Pettz) Simmons and husband Ivan. He has 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also
survived by a sister Sharon (Pettz) Braun and many nieces and nephews.
A private family service and burial will be held on January 17, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 at the Mellon Acres Banquet Hall in Lawson MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lawson United Methodist church.

01/05/2026

Missouri locked in 2026–27 deer and turkey dates — the youth-week shift hunters should note
Source: The Avid Outdoorsman

Missouri has locked in its 2026–27 deer and turkey seasons, giving you a rare long runway to plan tags,... The post Missouri locked in 2026–27 deer and tu

01/04/2026

Ronald “Ron” Eugene Bartley, 76, of Rayville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on January 1, 2026. Ron was born to Forrest and Frances Bartley on July 7, 1949 in Lexington, Missouri.
Ron was a United States Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War. He was proud to have served his country, but he knew he had paid a cost for it which included exposure to Agent Orange, a disease that was not shown to all, but he made the most of it. Ron was a hunter, family man, great provider, and listener but some might say he lacked patience. Ron had a great love for the outdoors doing things such as his work as a telephone man, deer hunting, c**n hunting, fishing and a great love for animals like dogs, deer, and horses. The greatest love he had though was for his family.
Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years, Renee Bartley, of the home; sons, Christopher Battagler, Nathan Bartley (Alli), Jamie Newsome (Bobby), Landon Bartley (Haley), and Joshua Bartley; nine grandchildren, Rebecca, Dylan (Hannah), Ariel (Zach), Savannah, Audry, Alexis, Cash, Tucker and Cameron; and two great grandchildren, Ava and Brady; along with bonus daughters, Becky, Amber and Marsha; a twin brother, Donald Bartley; one sister, Carol Tulipanna of Lexington, MO, and one half-sister, Maryvette Fennell of Palmetto, FL; a brother-in-law, Russ Battagler (Wendy); and a sister-in-law, Rene Battagler.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ronnie; three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.
Services for Ron will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, Missouri. A visitation for family to receive friends will be from 5PM to 6PM with funeral services and military honors immediately following at 6PM.

01/04/2026

Several current and former female inmates of the Ray County Jail have filed a suit claiming it to be a treacherous and hostile place for women.
By Sarah Motter
RAY COUNTY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Ray County Jail has reopened after a lawsuit exposed raw sewage and unsafe living conditions that were ignored for years.
A year after its closure, the Ray County Sheriff’s Office announced that substantial improvements had been made to the jail following a comprehensive evaluation.
“The upgrades address safety, security and operational concerns identified by outside auditors and detention experts,” an office spokesperson said.
According to a federal lawsuit, the jail’s problems were first raised at a Ray County Commission meeting in August 2021. Between 2021 and 2024, however, petitioners said the commission did not lift a finger to fix the dangers.
Those dangers included raw sewage, exposure to extreme heat and cold, a lack of emergency response from staff and what the lawsuit described as a “s*xist culture.”
Officials finally closed the jail on Jan. 1, 2025, for all but short-term holding due to serious infrastructure concerns. The facility reopened in June, after 6 months of repairs. It has remained operational since.
What’s been fixed
The Sheriff’s Office said major improvements include:
Safety and security upgrades:
Installation of additional security cameras
A closed-circuit emergency phone system allowing inmates to contact staff in urgent situations
A full-body scanner donated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to detect contraband - installation begins Jan. 6
Infrastructure repairs:
Professional electrical rewiring in multiple areas
Improvements to plumbing and HVAC systems
Installation of new attic insulation to improve climate control
Repair of all holes in the walls between dayrooms
Repainting of facility walls
A new booking counter
Repairs to the freezer
Expanded capacity:
One female dayroom
One male s*x offender dayroom
Two male general population dayrooms
Four segregation cells
Two administrative cells
One detox cell
Dedicated space for six 24-hour holds
An additional overflow dayroom is in the planning stages
The Sheriff’s Office said inmates currently housed in other facilities are placed there due to conflicts with other inmates or staff - not because of space limitations.
Officials also said all correctional staff must now complete mandatory training before being released for full duty. Staff received additional training focused on safety, inmate management and operational readiness during the closure.
Federal lawsuit and former sheriff’s indictment
The upgrades were made after inmates’ concerns were made public. A September 2025 lawsuit filed against Ray County Commissioners alleged extremely unsanitary and unlivable conditions in the women’s pod. They were likened to cruel and unusual punishment. That case was closed in the U.S. District Court on Nov. 18, 2025.
In November 2025, former Sheriff Scott Childers was also federally indicted for excessive use of force on inmates and falsified reports. He lost his Peace Officer Standards Training certification in 2024, after inmates were allowed to work outside the jail grounds.
Current Sheriff Gary M. Blackwell stated, “These improvements reflect our commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and professionally operated facility for the citizens of Ray County. I am proud of the progress we have made as a team. I remain grateful for the hard work of the Ray County Jail staff and the support of the Ray County Commission. Additional improvements are planned for the near future.”
The Sheriff’s Office said outdoor recreation is now used when weather permits and a new indoor recreation area also serves as a meeting space.

01/04/2026

Ruth Ellen Campbell 82, my aunt has gone home to heaven to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City. Ruth was born on August 3, 1943, in St. Joseph, Missouri the daughter of Carl N. and Elsie B. Campbell.
Ruth is survived by one brother, Ben Campbell and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Campbell; sisters, Lola and Grace.
Ruth devoted her life to education, serving as a first-grade teacher in the Richmond school system for thirty-nine years before retiring in 1990. Her love for teaching continued well into retirement, as she substitute taught for an additional fifteen years, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and families.
She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Richmond and a member of Phi Delta Kappa. Ruth earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Northwest University and later received a master’s degree in art from the University of Central Missouri.
Ruth generously volunteered at Ray County Hospital, where she became well known for the beautiful artwork she created for calendars during her years of service. She enjoyed gardening, Bible study, reading, watching movies with friends, feeding birds, and especially fried fish. Above all, Ruth loved to give—always creating smiles wherever she went. She was legendary for sharing fruit baskets, cards, fresh produce, and educational toys for children each year.
Ruth will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers please consider the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, an organization Ruth held close to her heart. Private family services will be held in the later part of January.