july 2026

Election Results

4 August 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: Issues, july 2026

As of 11:15PM

Missouri Wide
https://enr.sos.mo.gov

Constitutional Amendment No. 1

3,153 of 3,235 Precincts Reported

YES — 1,091,416 — 82.127%
NO — 237,521 — 17.873%
Total Votes — 1,328,937

Constitutional Amendment No. 2

3,153 of 3,235 Precincts Reported

YES — 997,116 — 76.867%
NO — 300,077 — 23.133%
Total Votes — 1,297,193

Constitutional Amendment No. 4

3,153 of 3,235 Precincts Reported

YES — 264,523 — 19.756%
NO — 1,074,418 — 80.244%
Total Votes — 1,338,941

Constitutional Amendment No. 5

3,153 of 3,235 Precincts Reported

YES — 222,623 — 16.619%
NO — 1,116,973 — 83.381%
Total Votes — 1,339,596

Cass County Missouri
www.casscounty.com

A total of 25,038 ballots were cast from 83,873 registered voters, for a turnout of 29.85%.

Here are all the winners/leaders listed in Cass County’s Aug. 4 Primary Election results. The county report labels these results unofficial. 

Republican Primary

State Auditor
Scott Fitzpatrick — 10,713 votes (84.51%)

U.S. Representative, District 4
Mark Alford — 11,643 votes (82.59%)

State Representative, District 55
William “Bill” Irwin — 4,638 votes (100%)*

State Representative, District 56
Steve Baker — 1,954 votes (55.56%)

State Representative, District 62
Sherri Gallick — 4,346 votes (100%)

Associate Circuit Judge, Division 3
James G. Eftink — 11,386 votes (100%)

Associate Circuit Judge, Division 4
Derek Spencer — 11,298 votes (100%)

Associate Circuit Judge, Division 5
Tiffany Tschudi — 8,060 votes (59.56%)

Associate Circuit Judge, Division 6
Jason M. Howell — 11,166 votes (100%)

Presiding Commissioner
Bob Huston — 11,680 votes (100%)

County Clerk
Kathy Lambertz — 11,361 votes (100%)

Circuit Clerk
Kim York — 11,445 votes (100%)

Recorder of Deeds
Mike Medsker — 11,431 votes (100%)

Prosecuting Attorney
Ben Butler — 11,296 votes (100%)

Collector of Revenue
Chris Molendorp — 11,941 votes (100%)

County Auditor
Jack Bondon — 11,407 votes (100%)

Precinct 38 Committeeman
Jimmy M. Odom — 208 votes (66.45%)

Precinct 46 Committeewoman
Rebekah Parrish — 143 votes (55.21%)

Democratic Primary

State Auditor
Quentin Wilson — 5,039 votes (67.84%)

U.S. Representative, District 4
Jordan Herrera — 2,632 votes (33.61%)

State Representative, District 55
Jon Pennell — 2,468 votes (100%)*

State Representative, District 56
Staci Czar — 2,450 votes (82.49%)

State Representative, District 62
Liz Davenport — 2,016 votes (100%)

Recorder of Deeds
Art Ruiz — 7,167 votes (100%)

Libertarian Primary

State Auditor
Dustin Coffell — 166 votes (100%)

U.S. Representative, District 4
Thomas Holbrook — 168 votes (100%)

Cass County Ballot Questions

Constitutional Amendment No. 1
YES — 20,609 votes (83.54%)

Constitutional Amendment No. 2
YES — 20,070 votes (82.46%)

Constitutional Amendment No. 4
NO — 18,976 votes (76.24%)

Constitutional Amendment No. 5
NO — 19,433 votes (78.14%)

County Question
YES — 13,130 votes (54.00%)

East Lynne-Gunn City Fire Question 1
YES — 271 votes (81.14%)

Kansas City Question 1 — Housing Trust Fund Bonds
YES — 1 vote (100%)

Kansas City Question 2 — Convention and City Facilities Bonds
NO — 1 vote (100%)

Kansas City Question 3 — Central City Economic Development Sales Tax Renewal
NO — 1 vote (100%)

Kansas City Question 4 — Water Bonds
YES — 1 vote (100%)

Kansas City Question 5 — Sanitary Sewer Bonds
YES — 1 vote (100%)

Lee’s Summit Question
YES — 459 votes (50.61%)

Cass County reports 25,038 ballots cast, a 29.85% turnout, with 40 of 40 precincts reporting overall. The District 55 contests show 20 of 21 precincts reporting, so I would not describe those two as final yet. 

Cass County Aug. 4 Primary Election Results

What the Hill? – The Library’s Best Story Wasn’t on the Shelves; Your New Third Place

30 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Connie Whitlock
Publishing Editor

If you happened into our local Library Saturday night expecting whispers and shelves of books, you were in for a surprise. There were bartenders with tuxedo shirts and black ties serving mocktails, piano music filling the room, and residents laughing together over Legos, crafts, movies, and conversation. It was almost like it had become a third place.

Have you ever heard of third place?  It’s the idea that home is the first place, work is the second, and a third place is where people gather to connect—a coffee shop, a pub, or another welcoming space where connection happens naturally, and people become friends.  At least that’s how I have always imagined it. 

Tim Long bartender and Laura Long, librarian and bartender

As I sat at the piano, playing cocktail or mocktail music, I found myself looking around the room. People weren’t in a hurry, and they lingered as they visited and seemed to have a really good time. Everyone was catching up with friends they hadn’t seen in weeks. A few people even stopped to chat with me between songs. I met a gentleman from the VFW, reconnected with a resident I hadn’t seen in a while, and even watched a few people bust a move as they passed the piano.

Connie Whitlock keyboards (photo/selfie)

It struck me that no one seemed to be there because they had to be. Don’t you hate it when you have to be somewhere? But when you just want to be somewhere, and there is no pressure, you walk casually in knowing you can stay for as long or as short as you want. That’s third place. Plus there was no admission ticket, no agenda, and no pressure to buy anything. It was just, hey, let’s check out cocktail night at the library.

Admit it, you probably spend most of your days moving from home to work and back home again. We spend our money online, watch movies at home, and text instead of talking. It’s easier to stay digitally connected and miss out on opportunities for personal connections. That’s why places like the library matter.

The Cass County library invited the public to slow down, browse a bookshelf, watch a classic movie, build something with Legos, sip a mocktail, listen to a little music, and maybe just strike up a conversation with someone you might never have met otherwise.

(photo/Connie Whitlock)
(photo/Connie Whitlock)

Community doesn’t just happen. Someone has to dream up the idea, decorate the room, mix the drinks, arrange the activities, invite the musicians, and open the doors. Events like this are the result of people who believe that bringing neighbors together is worth the effort. I am thankful for the staff at our library for their ideas and hard work.

Librarians Rhonda Kasper, Jeanette Baker, and Lisa Thomas, and Branch Manager, Scott Pagel (photo/Connie Whitlock)

As the event came to a close, I gathered my music and felt the night was extraordinarily impactful. I learned that libraries are about more than just books. They are also about bringing the community together. I encourage you to stop by the Pleasant Hill library, check out a good book, their calendar of events, stay a while, and even have a good conversation. You might discover that our library can become a third place for you, too.

Things to Do This Week in Pleasant Hill: Ribbon Cutting, Live Music, Farm Fun, and a Free Movie

29 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

If you’re looking for something to do around Pleasant Hill over the next week, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get out into the community. From celebrating a new business and enjoying live gospel music to exploring a unique farm school and ending the week with a classic movie, there’s something for nearly every age and interest.

The week begins Thursday morning, July 30, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of AuBurn Pharmacy. Hosted by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, the ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m. at 1905 N. State Route 7. The community is invited to welcome the pharmacy to Pleasant Hill and meet the team during this special event.

On Friday evening, July 31, Big Creek Baptist Church will host an evening of gospel music featuring award-winning Oklahoma duo Blake & Jenna Bolerjack. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at 1517 State Route 7 and also includes special guests Phil & Pam Morgan. Admission is free, although a love offering will be accepted. Following the concert, everyone is invited to stay for an ice cream social. No tickets are required.

The first week of August offers even more opportunities to get involved.

Adults looking for a relaxed afternoon can stop by the Cass County Library – Pleasant Hill Branch on Wednesday, August 5, for the Board and Card Society. Beginning at 2 p.m., participants can enjoy friendly competition while learning or playing the featured game, Splendor. New players are always welcome.

Families interested in alternative education are invited to the THF Farm School Open House on Thursday, August 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 905 Lexington Road. Visitors can meet the farm’s rabbits, quail, and kittens, tour the learning spaces, enjoy homemade refreshments, create a nature craft and learn more about educational programs serving children from 18 months through 18 years of age. Admission is free, and organizers ask guests to RSVP via the Facebook event so they can prepare enough refreshments and craft supplies. https://www.facebook.com/rareheirloomfarm

The week wraps up Friday, August 7, as the People’s Theater Summer Movie Series comes to a close with a free showing of the beloved baseball classic Field of Dreams. Sponsored by the Republican Club of Pleasant Hill, the film celebrates family, hope, and America’s pastime. Admission is free, making it a great opportunity to gather friends and family for one last summer movie night at one of Pleasant Hill’s historic landmarks.

Whether you’re celebrating a new local business, enjoying live music, discovering a new educational opportunity, or relaxing with a classic movie, Pleasant Hill offers plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy your community this week.

Reflections on A (Sometimes Absurd) Life – It’s Hot; Eat a Tomato

29 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Mary Tanck
PHMOmag Columnist

I was technically asked to be the humor columnist for PHMO Magazine; but it is far too hot for non-sense and, frankly, none of you are doing anything particularly funny.

You know what it’s not too hot for? Tomato sandwiches. 

Everyone – especially Southerners – has an opinion on making the perfect tomato sandwich. Everyone has an opinion on everything these days. Some people use white bread, butter, and a tomato slice. Those people are wrong and I judge them harshly. My grandma was in the white bread, Hellman’s, salt, and tomato camp. I like to keep it pure: a slice of fresh sourdough with a thick salted slice of tomato on top. Wait a few minutes while the salt works its magic and the tomato juices seep down to fill all the crevices of that bread.

You should always show a tomato sandwich the respect it deserves; it must be served on a real plate with a glass of cold sweet tea. In a pinch, a cold Coca-Cola, in a glass, is also acceptable. Under no circumstances should one serve a summer cocktail or, heaven forbid, Pepsi with a tomato sandwich. In fact, if someone ever brings me a Pepsi with my tomato sandwich, I will immediately call the police.

I said what I said. If you disagree, feel free to hash it out amongst yourselves on our friendly local Facebook discussion page. You know the one. 

Side note: Can you imagine how that call would go?

911 Dispatcher: 911, what’s your emergency?

Me: Someone brought me Pepsi with my tomato sandwich.

911 Dispatcher: [immediately radios the chief] Chief! End the stand-off, we have a real emergency!

Chief: Fellas, we gotta go! Let this guy stay barricaded in his house if he wants to! We have real crime to solve!

To make a short story long, that would be a nightmare for everyone. Don’t do it.

And, now, back to my titillating reflections on tomato sandwiches …

A few years ago, I was reading a Rick Bragg column in which he talked about tomato sandwiches. He likes Wonderbread, Duke’s, and tomato with salt and pepper, if I recall. Anyway, I was reading his column and craving a tomato sandwich with one of those cravings that come from deep within your hippocampus, the kind that won’t go away without either consumption of the sandwich or extensive therapy; the problem was that it was also March. I kept telling myself, “Self, you know you absolutely cannot eat a tomato sandwich in March. It is a crime against nature. It’s just not right.”

Sadly for me, the part of myself that wanted that tomato sandwich was weak and only able to hold out for 29.6 hours. I bought a grocery store tomato. Let me tell you, a tomato sandwich in July is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy. A tomato sandwich in March reminds us to stay humble about it. This is not a joke. The sandwich was dreadful; all these years later, I still have nightmares about it.

If you’ve never had a tomato sandwich, go make one. Choose joy, my friends, choose joy. Choose a recipe listed above – except butter, don’t choose butter. If you don’t grow tomatoes at home, head out to our Pleasant Hill Farmer’s Market and one of our local vendors will gladly hook you up. 

And if you ever, and I do mean ever, eat a tomato sandwich in March served with Pepsi, don’t tell me. It’s too hot to recover from the horror of it.

What the Hill? – More Than a Movie: Finding Community at Pleasant Hill’s People’s Theater

23 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Connie Whitlock
Publishing Editor

Last June, some of my friends heard that Back to the Future was showing at the historic People’s Theater downtown Pleasant Hill and invited me to come along. For those of us who were teenagers in the 1980s, that movie wasn’t just an average movie; it was one you would go back to see several times. Many of us probably still have a DVD tucked away in a cabinet somewhere because some movies are too good to get rid of, even in the age of streaming.

As if showing a classic movie wasn’t enough, admission was free. Popcorn was free. They even had candy. Honestly, how could you pass that up?

Connie Whitlock, Laura Long, and Cheryl Orr (photo/Connie Whitlock)

So, we gathered a few friends and headed downtown. The theater was nearly full, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like something special. Owner Jennifer Sexton-Rugh greeted everyone with a smile while serving popcorn, and the excitement in the room was contagious. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying not only a classic film but also one of Pleasant Hill’s historic treasures.

Jennifer Sexton-Rugh serving up popcorn (photo/Connie Whitlock)

As we watched the movie, I couldn’t help but think about all the people who had gone before and had watched movies from where I was sitting. Long before streaming services and even before television, the local theater was where people gathered for entertainment, newsreels, and a bit of relaxation. Sitting there watching Back to the Future again, I just imagined what it was like through the years in that theater.

The Pleasant Hill Republican Club sponsored the evening’s movie. To be honest, I hadn’t even noticed who the sponsor was before we arrived. I saw Back to the Future, “Free Admission,” and decided I was in.

While my friends and I were sitting near the back because we always thought those were the best seats, a man introduced himself as a candidate for the judge’s seat. I laughed and told him I had never met someone running for judge before. We had a nice conversation, and I appreciated finally putting a face with a name that would eventually appear on a ballot.

One of the things I enjoyed most was watching the kids experience the movie probably for the first time. It was fun hearing them laugh at scenes that we have loved for more than 30 years. Meanwhile, many of the adults couldn’t help but quietly recite some of the classic lines before the actors did. By the time the credits rolled, the audience applauded as though they had just watched a live performance. It reminded me that watching a movie together is a completely different experience from watching one alone at home.

The evening was so amazing that we returned in July for The Sandlot.  “You’re killing me, Smalls!” echoed through the theater, definitely bringing laughter and nostalgia. During intermission, I wandered over to get some candy and met another candidate running for the same judgeship. We had a great conversation, and once again I left feeling a little more informed than when I arrived.

Packed House at the movie Sandlot (Photo/Connie Whitlock)

Regardless of your political views, it was refreshing to see local candidates out meeting people in such a casual setting. It also gave me the chance to learn that the Pleasant Hill Republican Club operates as a Facebook page that keeps the community informed about its interests.

The next classic movie on the schedule is Field of Dreams on August 7th. If you’ve never experienced one of these evenings at the People’s Theater, I encourage you to go. Yes, you’ll enjoy the movie, but you’ll also experience something that’s becoming harder to find these days: a room full of neighbors laughing together, sharing memories, and simply enjoying an evening in one of Pleasant Hill’s most treasured landmarks.

Reflections on a (sometimes absurd) Life – How One Big Boy Is Bringing America Together

22 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Mary Tanck
PHMOmag Columnist

I took my son to see the Big Boy 4014 steam train yesterday and it was an incredible experience.  Not because we got to see a one-of-a-kind train, although that was pretty cool; it was because of the America that showed up to celebrate a simple pleasure in life. It was an America that I think a lot of us worry we have lost.

Hundreds of people showed up to see this piece of history – I saw small babies as well as elderly folks and every age in between. I did not see a single instance of anyone being anything but impeccably polite, kind, and excited. 

While the crowd waited for the train to arrive, there was a woman behind me talking to a couple from Florida. They were comparing autumns and tornado versus hurricane season. It was a pleasant conversation about their lives. No one brought up politics. Just three strangers waiting for a huge steam train and getting to know one another.

(photo/Mary Tanck)

There were several times that I saw a group trying to take a selfie with the train in the background and another person stepped in to ask if they could take the photo so everyone would be in it.

I heard people introducing themselves to those around them and sharing the excitement of seeing the train. Train enthusiasts excitedly talked about the mechanics and history of the train and shared their love of trains with the more casual observers around them.

I met a neighbor who I previously didn’t know and who happens to be friends with my cousin. We had a fun discussion about our respective businesses and where we’ve actually crossed paths in town. He offered to take a picture of my son and me.

(photo/Mary Tanck)

When the train steamed into the station, people of all ages cheered. When the train left the station, people of all ages waved to the engineer – wishing him and his crew a safe journey. It sounds corny outside of the moment, but it was truly touching to see people of all ages excited to see a train come in with its steam billowing and then wave happily as it once again built up steam and left the station, bell ringing, whistle blowing, and steam billowing.

As we left, I heard more than one person say to another, “It was really nice to meet you, [insert name].” I know it sounds unbelievable, but people were warmly calling their new friends by name.

Between all the cars, construction on 58, and 7 being closed, traffic was a nightmare getting out, but I didn’t see a single driver acting like a jerk. Almost everyone was letting someone in front of them. No one seemed frustrated, just content at having been a part of such a delightful, nostalgic afternoon.

What I did not hear was anyone asking, “Where do you stand politically?” Neither before they began enjoying conversations with those standing near them, nor before letting them go ahead in traffic.

What I saw yesterday was the best of America. Don’t get tunnel vision thinking political infighting and social media comment sections represent us as a country. From the very youngest to the very oldest, we are more than that. We are better than that.

The crowd that showed up for Big Boy 4014 is who we are as a nation. It was a wonderful experience and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to share it with my son.

Pleasant Hill Considers Future of Local 911 Dispatch Services

14 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Connie Whitlock
Publishing Editor

PLEASANT HILL – After years of discussion, city officials are once again weighing whether 911 dispatch services should remain local or be transferred to Cass County.

During a July 2024 City Council meeting, city leaders discussed concerns about the future of Pleasant Hill’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), the countywide CentralSquare dispatch project, and the possibility that regional emergency communications systems could eventually lead to consolidation of dispatch services. At the meeting, officials debated whether the city should act proactively or wait until circumstances forced a decision.

Today, staffing shortages, rising technology costs, and recruitment challenges have brought that conversation back to the forefront.

Police Chief Dennis Kleyh told city leaders that Pleasant Hill’s dispatch center has operated since approximately 1972 or 1973. While dispatchers have successfully served the community for decades, Kleyh said emergency communications technology has changed dramatically, particularly over the last several years.

Pleasant Hill’s dispatch operation is part of a larger network that includes the Cass County Emergency Services Board (ESB), Motorola communications systems, Mid-America Regional Council resources, and multiple public safety agencies throughout Cass County, according to Kleyh. Agencies pay fees to participate in shared systems, and the implementation of the CentralSquare platform in 2023 created new opportunities for agencies to share information.

Kleyh said operating a modern dispatch center has become increasingly complex. He said,  “The new system is robust, and no one is an IT guy, but it needs to be updated”

The Chief also said staffing has become one of the city’s biggest challenges.

Officials reported that dispatch staffing has been inconsistent since at least 2013 and has remained particularly difficult since 2018. The city is currently down one dispatcher and expects to be down two positions by October.

Kleyh said that training a new dispatcher takes three to four months, and turnover has resulted in approximately 700 hours of overtime annually. Officers have sometimes been required to assist with dispatch-related duties while supervisors manage training demands, schedule changes, and vacancies.

Kleyh said Pleasant Hill remains the lowest-paying dispatch agency in Cass County, making recruitment and retention difficult.

City Administrator Kristen Dorman estimates that the current dispatch operation costs approximately $420,000 annually, or about $56 per call. Under the proposal being considered, Pleasant Hill would contract with Cass County for dispatch services. Dorman said it will be a base fee plus $12 per call, totaling just under $110k.

“Nothing is going to be perfect,” Dorman said, but she said that contracting with the county could reduce costs, ease staffing pressures, and lower liability. Records functions would remain in Pleasant Hill.

Council members raised concerns about maintaining a local presence if dispatch operations move to the county. “I want someone there,” Councilman Patterson said. Council member Elliott agreed.

Officials discussed options that could include installing a direct phone in the police department lobby connected to county dispatch.

Another factor in the discussion is that fire dispatching has not been handled locally since 2007. Fire calls are already being transferred to Cass County for dispatch.

Fire Chief Lopez pointed to examples from other communities that have transitioned to county dispatch services.

Lopez explained that one agency paid approximately $198,000 annually for dispatch services from Lee’s Summit and experienced average dispatch times of about eight minutes from the initial 911 call to dispatch notification. After moving to county dispatch through a sheriff’s office, costs reportedly dropped to about $24,000 while average dispatch times improved to 2 minutes and 13 seconds.

“A lot of technology plays into that,” Lopez said.

Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber told council members that the county dispatch center maintains a minimum of three dispatchers per shift and often staffs four or five dispatchers during daytime hours.

Cass County dispatch helps other cities through shared emergency communications, fire/EMS dispatching, technology, and mutual aid coordination.

“We pay our people very well. We have been fully staffed for a very long time,” Weber said.

He added that county dispatchers are efficient and noted that “Cass County is a very safe community to live in.”

Questions about dispatch consolidation are not new.

During the July 2024 council discussion regarding the countywide CentralSquare project, former Police Chief Tommy Wright warned that failing to participate in countywide initiatives could potentially jeopardize Pleasant Hill’s ability to maintain its own dispatch center.

“I think there’s a potential that we could lose our dispatch,” Wright told council members.

Former Mayor John King expressed similar concerns.

“If we were ever going to lose our PSAP, I would want to do it under our terms, not being forced to do it,” King said during the 2024 discussion.

King continues to believe consolidation is likely.

“Our 911 PSAP doesn’t belong to us,” King said. “They are controlled by the County 911 ESB Board through the authority of the state.”

The possibility of consolidation has also been studied at the county level. A feasibility study commissioned by the Cass County Emergency Services Board reviewed operations at the county’s five communications centers — Belton, Raymore, Pleasant Hill, Harrisonville, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office — and evaluated options ranging from greater technology sharing to a fully centralized dispatch operation.

No final decision has been made regarding Pleasant Hill’s dispatch center.

Councilman Pat Niner noted that city leaders have been discussing the issue for years.

“In 2024, we decided to wait until we are forced to make a decision,” Niner said.

For now, Pleasant Hill continues to operate its own dispatch center. However, city leaders acknowledge that staffing shortages, technology demands, and long-term financial pressures have reopened a debate that could shape the future of emergency communications in Pleasant Hill for years to come.

More discussion and a vote will take place in the near future.

Reflections on a (Sometimes Absurd) Life – A Semi-Regular Column by Mary Tanck

13 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Mary Tanck
PHMOmag Columnist

Three days ago, Connie Whitlock texted me to say she was looking for a humor columnist for PHMOmag. I responded, “You came to the right place…I’d be delighted!” After all, we engineers aren’t known for anything so much as being hilarious.  In retrospect, she may have simply been asking if I knew anyone and was too polite to correct my ill-informed assumption…

Today (by the time you read this, it won’t be today anymore, however, that’s not important), I wandered around the Pleasant Hill Downtown Farmer’s Market looking for someone funny. It was getting hot and, though everyone was pleasant, no one was being funny, so I decided to think smarter and not harder. Who, I asked myself, is the only group of people known for being more hilarious than engineers? The answer was obvious; I needed to visit our local pork supplier. On the way over, I stopped for a cabbage. Not for the purpose of this column, but because I wanted cabbage and sausage for dinner.

I asked our local pig farmer to say something funny. He did not oblige, but he saw my cabbage and informed me that even pigs refuse to eat cabbage. It’s always interesting what you learn when you talk to farmers at your local market. For instance, today I learned that our local pig farmer isn’t very funny in addition to not being a reliable narrator when it comes to telling stories on his pigs. I like him anyway; I purchased some delicious sausage for dinner and left.

On the way home, I passed by the fairgrounds, where setup has begun for the Cass County Fair. I was transported in time to when I was a teenager going to Raytown Roundup Days. The anticipation of that weekend was like nothing else. We imagined ourselves walking hand in hand with our most recent crush – because nothing says “romance” like holding a corn dog in one sweaty hand and a boy’s sweaty hand in the other. The best part was that we couldn’t smell the corn dog over the olfactory pleasantries of a boy dripping in Drakkar Noir and sweat. I don’t remember if I ever went with a crush (I’m sure I did not because I was a dork, unlike how cool I am now), but I remember my cousin eating 6 walking tacos and then throwing up on the Tilt-A-Whirl. Being covered in vomit while twirling at high speeds 15 feet in the air on a ride with structurally suspect connections was a rite of passage for the weaker among us.

People say kids are different these days. I really don’t think they are. One just needs to go to the fair to check out the kids sporting their finest fair couture, moist with sweat and trying to look cool while eating a pile of cheesy curly fries one-handed. The Drakkar Noir has been replaced with Axe body spray, but the excitement we felt in the 90’s is still palpable. And there’s still at least one kid throwing up.

The temptation to stay in the air conditioning and just let the kids enjoy the fair can be great, but I invite you to go to the fair one night and let yourself enjoy some unashamed nostalgia. Maybe buy your spouse a corndog and hold his hand while he sweats and pretends he’s having fun because he knows it makes you happy to take sweaty selfies in front of the Ferris Wheel. Past a certain age, I wouldn’t recommend eating 6 walking tacos and getting on the Til-A-Whirl, though.

Faith and Freedom: Pleasant Hill Marks Independence Day in Prayer

4 July 2026
Connie Whitlock
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Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

By Connie Whitlock
Publishing Editor

At 8:30 a.m. on Independence Day, community members from several Pleasant Hill churches gathered at HIS Church for a special Prayer Service and Breakfast focused on praying for the nation.

The event, hosted by Pastor Tim Casteel and Executive Pastor Carla Arnold of HIS Church, united the community in worship, prayer, and song with a central emphasis on national prayer.

Carla Arnold, Tim Casteel, and the bassist. (Photo/Connie Whitlock)

The ceremony began when  Robert Lowry walked to the front of the stage and presented the American flag, after which the attendees stood and sang the National Anthem. This was a shared patriotic moment that opened the program as attendees gathered in front of the trailer stage.

Neta and Roger Lowry (photo/Connie Whitlock

Phil Morgan delighted the crowd with a heartfelt rendition of “I’m Proud to Be an American,” adapting the lyrics to focus on faith and gratitude to the Lord. Carla Arnold led attendees in several worship songs as she played the piano; Zac Arnold, a bassist and vocalist, assisted; Pastor Casteel helped with vocals; and everyone joined together in praise.

Phil Morgan singing I’m Proud to Be an American (Photo/Connie Whitlock)

J.R. Brown of Echo Church delivered a passionate message of what it will really take to bring America where it needs to be. He then led the group in prayer. He encouraged attendees to seek God’s guidance and blessing for the nation. (J.R. Browns message can be found below this article)

Other pastors were invited to pray: Randy Mosier, Pastor Rocky, Jason Shipley, and Paul Webb.

J.R. Brown giving a message (photo/Connie Whitlock)

Throughout the service, prayers were offered for America, its leaders, first responders, military personnel, and local communities.

As the service began, dark clouds filled the sky, threatening to disrupt the morning. The morning was mild, and a gentle breeze made for a comfortable gathering. As prayers continued, the clouds parted, and sunlight broke through, creating beautiful conditions for the rest of the celebration.

(photo/Connie Whitlock)

Guests enjoyed breakfast after they focused on prayer. Festive elements, like the fireworks tent, complemented the central activity of communal prayer for the nation.

The gathering served as a reminder of the community’s shared faith and its tradition of coming together to pray for the country, local leaders, first responders, and neighbors as America celebrates its 250th year.


The Wonder of America
By J.R. Brown

Today, we celebrate more than fireworks and cookouts. It’s more than listening to Lee Greenwood and wearing red, white, and blue. Today, we celebrate the incredible BLESSING of living in the United States of America.
America may not be perfect. We’ve made mistakes and faced many challenges. While we may see the consequences of sin throughout our history, and even in our current culture, we still have much to be thankful for as Americans.
Psalm 33:12
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”
Our greatest blessing has never been our wealth, military, or technology. Our greatest blessing has always been the hand of God upon this nation.
This is one of the greatest used verses on patriotic holidays. I want to take a minute and look at this scripture with a little more context. Let us continue reading David’s words in Psalm 33.
Psalm 33:12-22
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! 13 The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. 16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

What Made America Wonderful?

America Was Built on Biblical Ideas
Our founders were not necessarily all Christians, but they recognized truths that came from God.
That every person is created equal.
That our rights come from our Creator, not from the government.
That freedom carries responsibility.
Those ideas have made America a beacon of hope for generations.

America Has Been a Blessing to the World
Despite our flaws, God has used America in remarkable ways.
Defending freedom around the globe.
Leading humanitarian aid after disasters.
Sending missionaries to nearly every nation.
Advancing medicine, technology, education, and innovation.
Jesus said,
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others…”
In many ways, throughout her history, America has been a light to the nations.

    Will America Stay Wonderful?
    Greatness is Achieved Through Character
    History teaches us that nations don’t usually collapse from enemies outside.
    They decline when they lose:
    Integrity
    Faith
    Family
    Justice
    Humility
    I’m willing to bet every Christian in this room loves our country, but I don’t think a single one of you is ignorant of America’s moral, ethical, and most importantly, spiritual decline. America’s greatest challenge isn’t solved in the white house… or in the houses of Congress.
    Our greatest need is spiritual renewal.
    2 Chronicles 7:14
    “If my people… humble themselves and pray…”
    Revival has always been God’s answer.
    Closing
    Notice who God is calling to repentance… MY people. As Christians, we’re called to be grateful citizens and faithful ambassadors of Christ. This starts with repentance.
    Today:
    Thank God for America.
    Celebrate, blow up some fireworks
    Play your favorite patriotic songs and eat a few hot dogs.
    But also, take time to stop and pray. Don’t just pray for God to move in our country… pray for the Holy Spirit to move IN YOU. Seek repentance for your own sin before you pray for our political leaders.
    America is a wonderful nation.
    But America’s greatest days will never be determined by who’s in the White House.
    They will be determined by whether God’s people remain faithful to the God who has blessed this land.
    God bless America—and may America turn and begin to bless God again.

    1776 • 1976 • 2026: Three Snapshots of Pleasant Hill

    4 July 2026
    Connie Whitlock
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    Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

    When Pleasant Hill prepared to open its 1976 time capsule during America’s 250th birthday, it gave residents a special chance to think about how much the community has changed—not just since the Bicentennial 50 years ago, but since the country began.

    To really understand these changes, it’s helpful to look back to 1776.

    When the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, Pleasant Hill didn’t exist yet. Cass County and even the State of Missouri hadn’t been created. The land that would become Pleasant Hill was a wide frontier where Native American tribes like the Osage lived, hunted, traveled, and traded. The area was full of forests, prairies, creeks, and wildlife. There were no paved roads, railroads, schools, churches, businesses, or towns. Missouri became a state in 1821, and Pleasant Hill wasn’t founded until the 1860s, almost ninety years after the Declaration was signed.

    The land where Pleasant Hill sits today was once mostly untouched prairie, with only game trails and Native American paths crossing it. Over the next two hundred years, it became farms, homes, businesses, schools, and, finally, the busy community people know today.

    Birds Eye View in 1969

    Even in 1976, Pleasant Hill looked very different from how it looks now.

    Fifty years ago, about 3,300 people lived in Pleasant Hill, according to census estimates. Now, nearly 9,000 people call it home. Many neighborhoods that are full of families today didn’t exist when the time capsule was sealed. Places that now have homes, parks, schools, and streets used to be open fields and farmland. Over the years, the city kept growing as more families moved in and new developments were built.

    Downtown Pleasant Hill would still look familiar to someone from 1976, but it isn’t exactly the same. Many historic buildings remain, reminding people of the city’s past. However, the businesses in those buildings have changed significantly over the years.

    Back during the Bicentennial, people in Pleasant Hill shopped at places like Kosky Barber Shop, Lester’s Meat Market, Campbell Drug, Western Auto, Rexall Drug, and Gray’s Hardware. The town had four grocery stores, two hardware stores, a laundromat, and a pool hall that many said was the oldest west of the Mississippi River. facebook.com/phpoolhall There was also a tall traffic-direction pole in the middle of the street downtown on 1st Street and Wyoming, which many longtime residents still remember, though it’s been gone for years.

    In the 1970s, Pleasant Hill was mostly self-sufficient. It seemed as if people could buy almost everything they needed without leaving town. One longtime resident joked about Smitty’s Liquor Store, “You just needed to be breathing and have money to buy.”

    Travel has changed, too. In 1976, Pleasant Hill felt much farther from Kansas City than it does now. Better highways, more traffic lanes, and regional growth have turned Pleasant Hill into a place where many people commute around the metro area. Highway 291 and U.S. 50 have been widened and improved, and more traffic signals have been added. What used to be a mostly self-contained small town is now much more connected to the larger region.

    The city’s growth is especially clear in its schools. Since 1976, the Pleasant Hill R-III School District has built three new campuses to serve more students. Pleasant Hill Intermediate School opened, and the current Pleasant Hill High School, located at 1 Rooster Way, opened as well. Pleasant Hill Primary School was also built to accommodate more students as enrollment increased. The building at 1301 E. Myrtle Street, now Pleasant Hill Middle School, was the high school for many years before it was changed when the new high school opened. Pleasant Hill Elementary School, built in 1970, has been expanded and renovated several times since then.

    Pleasant Hill Intermediate School (photo/Pleasant Hill Schools)
    Pleasant Hill High School (Photo/Pleasant Hill Schools)
    Pleasant Hill Primary School (photo/Pleasant Hill Schools)

    Technology might be the biggest change of all. In 1976, most homes had just one wall phone, and long-distance calls were expensive. People got their news from newspapers, radio, and a few TV stations. Families often watched the news together in the evening because there was no internet, streaming, smartphones, or social media.

    Today, people carry more computing power in their pockets than whole buildings did in 1976. News spreads instantly. People pay bills online and order groceries from their phones. You can video conference with your loved ones and friends across the country in seconds. Fifty years ago, most people couldn’t have imagined the pace of communication and information today.

    Healthcare, public safety, and city services have changed, too. Today, modern emergency equipment, better roads, more utilities, advanced communication, and improved public buildings serve a population that’s more than twice as big as it was when the capsule was sealed.

    Even with all these changes, much about Pleasant Hill feels the same. People still come together for community events, churches are still important in local life, and families still cheer at school sports games.  Neighbors still support each other during hard times and celebrations.

    When the 1976 time capsule was opened, it was full of water, leaving some people disappointed, but it still revealed more than just old items. It tells the story of a community shaped by a sense of community. It reminds everyone that while each generation faces new challenges and opportunities, some values remain the same.

    Time Capsule (photo/City of Pleasant Hill)

    The people who filled the capsule in 1976 couldn’t have imagined smartphones, social media, online shopping, or that the population would more than double in fifty years. But they knew Pleasant Hill was worth saving.

    As people look back over 250 years of American history, 160 years of Pleasant Hill’s story, and 50 years since the Bicentennial, they may see that, even though buildings, technology, and the population have changed significantly, Pleasant Hill’s spirit has endured. It’s a community proud of its past, looking forward to its future, and shaped by the people who live here.

    Historic Tucker Hotel Begins New Chapter in Downtown Pleasant Hill

    1 July 2026
    Connie Whitlock
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    Categories: All News, Issues, july 2026

    By Connie Whitlock
    Publishing Editor

    The Tucker Hotel on Cedar Street is starting a new chapter that combines preserving its history, bringing in new business, and continuing to serve the community in downtown Pleasant Hill.

    From left to right, Kristin Gravatt, Kori Graves, Jarrod Gravatt, Jordan Gravatt, Carla Arnold, Marcele McCommon, Cathy Vogel, Neta Lowry, Roger Lowry

    Jarrod and Kristin Gravatt have partnered to restore and use the building, while letting the Lay Clergy food pantry stay there under a 10-year lease. This gives the nonprofit more time to serve the community and removes the worry of handling major repairs. Jarrod Gravatt said, “We’re really excited. Really appreciate the Lay Clergy, the leadership, the volunteers, and everything that makes this an amazing nonprofit here.”

    The Tucker Hotel, once called the Tucker Inn, stands at 306 Cedar Street and has been a well-known part of downtown Pleasant Hill for years. Built around 1911, this brick building is part of the Pleasant Hill Downtown Historic District.

    Many people in Pleasant Hill have personal memories tied to the building. For example, Harold Russell Neill Jr., who lived in Pleasant Hill all his life, was born there on September 19, 1941.

    Now, over a hundred years after it was built, the building is taking on a new purpose. Jarrod Gravatt said they will start with fixing the outside, focusing on the parapets and the front wall, which has started to bend. Work inside will come later, and they might use the upstairs for offices or apartments in the future.

    Waiting for the ribbon cutting in the front office of the Historic Tucker Hotel. (photo/Connie Whitlock)

    Gravatt said he and Kristin view this project as a way to give back to Pleasant Hill.

    “We made this our home,” he said. “We love it here. We raise our family here. So really, giving back to our community, that’s the best thing.”

    This project also allows the Lay Clergy food pantry to remain open for the next 10 years. The group also runs a thrift store and Meals on Wheels, and helps people with utility bills. Carla Arnold, president of the Lay Clergy and an executive pastor at HIS Church, called the deal “a real blessing,” saying the old building had become too costly for the nonprofit to maintain on its own.

    Pleasant Hill food pantry (photo/Connie Whitlock)

    For now, the food pantry will keep running as usual, but people will mostly use the side door in the alley. The 10-year lease gives the group time to plan ahead and keep helping local residents.

    Kristin Gravatt’s real estate business, Integrity Group Real Estate, and Jarrod Gravatt’s roll-off business, Roll-Off Waste Solutions, will also use some of the space. Even though the Tucker probably won’t be a hotel again, everyone involved agrees that saving and rehabilitating the building is good for downtown.

    The Tucker Hotel has played many roles in Pleasant Hill’s history. It has been a landmark, a hotel, a birthplace, and a place for community service. Thanks to this new partnership, it can keep its roots in the town’s past while still helping shape its future.