Harrisonville News

Vendor business licenses: mountain or molehill?

During a work session on April 7, the Harrisonville Board of Aldermen discussed the need for business licenses for mobile businesses coming into the city. The discussion was sparked by a letter from a local attorney questioning the fairness of the city’s current policy.
Molly is a 15-week-old Dwarf Holland Lop bunny who was brought to Crown Rebab and Healthcare a few weeks ago.

Therapy bunny helping Crown Rehab patients

Residents at the Crown Rebab and Healthcare facility received an early Easter present a couple weeks ago. It’s a gift they can feed, care for and use for comfort in times of need. It’s fuzzy and soft, and less than four months old.

April 8 municipal election results

In addition to the school district bond questions passing last week, the city of Peculiar’s proposition was also approved by voters at the April 8 election.

MoDOT announces start date for I-49 bridge project

PECULIAR — Interim City Administrator Don Shepard informed the board of aldermen Monday night about a future road construction projects, but he didn’t know when it would begin. News of the project's start date came this afternoon.
Central Cass Deputy Chief Scott Mathes attempts to help Phantom, a 23-year-old cat, after a house fire on Pearl Street in Harrisonville.

Firefighters extinguish Harrisonville house fire, save cat's life

Firefighters from three departments quickly extinguished a fire in a Harrisonville home Monday afternoon and also provided lifesaving care to a 23-year-old cat that lives in the residence.
Joe Rostollan has been the pastor at Cedar Ridge Church in Harrisonville for nearly 40 years. His path from Wisconsin to Harrisonville wasn’t part of his long-term life plan, but he describes it as “meant to be.”

Local pastor approaching four decades of leadership

Anyone who has walked into the Cedar Ridge Church south of Harrisonville during the past 37 years has heard a familiar voice, which belonged to pastor Joe Rostollan in the pulpit.

Harrisonville man sentenced for production of child pornography

On Thursday, in the Federal Western District of Missouri, Harrisonville resident Rusty Fisher Jr. was sentenced to prison on three counts of production of child pornography.

Harrisonville School Board tables graduation policies

Seconds before a vote was made to approve high school gradation tiers, Harrisonville school board member Jenny Wagoner sparked a discussion that led to the tabling of the topic at last week’s meeting.

Sidewalk project to continue for months

Missouri Department of Transportation crews have been busy building new sidewalks on State Highway 2 (South Street) in Harrisonville.

Former restaurant being renovated

We’ve seen curiosity online about some work being done to a building in south Harrisonville, so we looked into it and here’s what we found.

Harrisonville High School to honor more graduates each year?

Harrisonville High School Principal Mark Rorvig and his staff are working to recognize more than one senior at the annual commencement ceremony.

Harrisonville aldermen reject 24-hour dispensary

The Harrisonville Board of Aldermen gave a thumbs down to the idea of 24-hour marijuana dispensaries Monday night.

Cass County Library Board approves new Harrisonville location

The Cass County Public Library may have just found a new home for its Harrisonville branch. It was announced this afternoon after the board of trustees approved the plans.
Jason Farnsworth, current assistant principal at HHS, will fill a new assistant principal position at McEowen Elementary School.

Harrisonville names new principals, athletic director

Harrisonville Schools is pleased to announce the employment of a new Harrisonville High School assistant principal/district activities director and new assistant principal at McEowen Elementary School.

Snow days becoming issue for school districts

School administrators in Cass and Bates counties are hoping last week’s snowstorm was the last round of impactful winter weather.

CRMC pulmonary patient celebrates 500 rehabilitation visits

This month, the Cass Regional Medical Center rehabilitation staff celebrated patient Stanley Gunnels at his 500th pulmonary rehabilitation visit.
Dylan Johnson holds a special role in President Donald Trump’s administration, serving in the president’s communications office. Johnson has worked for Trump most of the past seven years in both government and campaign roles.

Harrisonville grad helps presidential messaging with White House job

In just nine years, Dylan Johnson has gone from sitting at desks at Harrisonville High School to a desk in the West Wing of the White House.
Malachi O’Brien, the lead pastor at the Church at Pleasant Ridge, was gifted a challenge coin and White House marker from President Donald Trump.

Harrisonville pastor asked to join historic faith council

Malachi O’Brien, the lead pastor at the Church at Pleasant Ridge, got to witness history firsthand earlier this month, standing in the Oval Office watching as President Donald Trump signed a proclamation creating the White House Office of Faith.

Pleasant Hill offers up fairgrounds to Junior Livestock Association

PLEASANT HILL – For the first time in many years, this summer’s livestock auction will be at a new location.

Suspect transferred to Cass County Jail

The second person charged in the fentanyl overdosing death of a Harrisonville teen is now in custody in the Cass County Jail, being held with no bond.

Road projects to snarl traffic later this year

Several major road projects have been on the drawing board in Harrisonville for months, and it appears work may be beginning soon, which could create several obstacles for drivers around town.

Two adults charged in teen death

Two Harrisonville residents have been arrested and charged in connection with the fentanyl-related death of a 16-year-old Harrisonville High School sophomore.

Harrisonville Wall of Fame class to be inducted Friday

On Friday night, four Harrisonville High School graduates will be inducted into the HHS Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame. They will be honored during a ceremony at the Wildcats’ basketball games.

Dispensary hours up for vote tonight

At Monday night’s meeting, the Harrisonville Board of Aldermen will likely be voting on three ordinances which were read for the first time on Jan. 21.

Harrisonville school board delays bond issue

Following months of momentum toward having a school bond issue on the ballot this April, the Harrisonville Board of Education has chosen to delay the question until next year.

After 41 years with Sutherlands, Harrisonville manager to retire

The calendar date of Feb. 3 is an important one for Derk Hawks, manager of the Harrisonville Sutherlands store. It marks his 41st anniversary with the company, and it also marks his last day as an employee.

Harrisonville's planned outage fixes problems

The night the lights went out in Harrisonville didn’t go exactly to plan, but it achieved the necessary results.

Harrisonville aldermen wary of allowing all-night dispensary

If you’ve ever felt the urge for a late-night trip to the marijuana shop, Harrisonville might soon be the place to go.

City of Harrisonville plans late night power outage

The city of Harrisonville will be conducting a planned electrical outage Thursday night to make repairs to the north substation.

Harrisonville school board to vote on 2025 bond issue

The Harrisonville School Board is finalizing language for a no-tax-levy-increase school bond resolution that voters will approve or disapprove in April 2025. 
At left, Milo Eaton enjoys his snow day creating a snow angel Monday.

Winter Storm Blair blankets are with ice, snow

Just a couple of days after champagne was popped and the new year was celebrated, Mother Nature reminded a large portion of the country winter is here.

School districts cancel Tuesday classes

Although roads are beginning to be cleared off since the snow stopped early this morning, school districts are canceling classes for Tuesday. Districts that have already canceled school include …

Free smoking cessation program starts Monday

Cass Regional Medical Center will host QuitSmart®, a free smoking cessation program, starting Monday.

Harrisonville couple decorates house straight out of Disney

It’s almost as if a magic spell has settled over the Queen Anne Victorian-era house located at 503 E. Pearl Street in Harrisonville.

Cass Career Center agriculture classes renamed, overhauled

The Harrisonville School Board has approved renaming some of the agriculture classes offered at Cass Career Center and reorganizing the ag curriculum into three different sequences or pathways, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. 

Cass County Library, CCIC remain at odds

The contentious relationship between two Cass County entities continued last week at the monthly library board of trustees meeting.
Qyncee Flaigle, Zoey Matthews, Lynette Ramsey, Harmynee Dawson and Harrisonville Police Officer Scott Ramsey took a moment to take a photo with Santa during the Shop with a Cop event.

Shop with a Cop brings smiles to area children

On Saturday morning, the Harrisonville Police Department and representatives from other agencies were out in force taking on the role of Santa for local children.

Johnsons continue old-time Christmas display

What Jack and Loretta Johnson began 15 years ago as a way to bring Christmas cheer to others is still going strong east of Harrisonville.

Harrisonville Schools opting to shift grades, building designs

The Harrisonville School District is making key adjustments for the 2025-2026 school year to accommodate the space needed to offer expanded preschool opportunities and before- and after-school child care.

Buyer saves former police station from wrecking ball

A building which had been considered for demolition is getting a new lease on life as the city of Harrisonville is selling part of the former police station at 208 E. Pearl to a neighboring business owner, David Waddell.
Harrisonville Middle School Life Skills teacher Amy Wilson and Student Council sponsor Katie Britton received a grant from the Harrisonville Public School Foundation for their Sip and Smile, a student-run school store/cart, where the Life Skills program and Student Council will collaborate to manage daily operations. The store will provide real-world learning experiences for students while raising funds to support school programs and offering fundraising opportunities for other student organizations. The grant was partially funded through a partnership with Hawthorn Bank. Pictured are Wilson, Britton, Foundation trustees RJ Knox, Jeanne Middaugh, HMS Principal Carrie Hardin, and Foundation trustees Trish Alexander and Laura Frees.

Harrisonville Public School Foundation awards grants to teachers

Teachers and students in the Harrisonville School District recently received more than $8,000 in grants from the Harrisonville Public School Foundation.

Armed robbery suspect arrested in Harrisonville

The Harrisonville Police Department arrested Taylor Michael Hastings, 33, after an investigation into a possible armed robbery.

Cass County library board discusses, approves roof bid

With winter approaching and temperatures dropping, the Cass County Library Board of Trustees took action to making a better workspace for the employees at its newest building.

City of Harrisonville budget drops, despite rate increases

On Dec. 2 the Harrisonville Board of Aldermen is expected to vote on the fiscal year 2025 budget. Despite increases in water, sewer and electrical rates, the proposed budget is $41,997,191 compared to the 2024 budget of $45,203,620, meaning an 8 percent decrease.

Cities ready for Christmas events

The holiday season is upon us and community events are coming soon in cities throughout Cass and Bates counties.

Power outage planned for Monday night

Many residents in Harrisonville can expect a brief power outage on Monday night (Nov. 25) starting at about 11:30 p.m. as the city powers up its south substation.

Local runner conquers Colorado half-marathon

Randy May is the kind of athlete that thrives on meeting a good, physical challenge head-on. The type of challenges he prefers, of course, have evolved over time. 
Candice McGee, left, is the Certified Nursing Assistant who first noticed Kathleen Huseman’s symptoms of a stroke.

Stroke survivor thanks caregivers at CRCMC

Kathleen Huseman survived a stroke and wants all of Cass County to know that she is grateful to the first-responders and personnel involved at Cass Regional Medical Center.

Quick action, surgery saves Harrisonville senior's leg

Just hours after walking off the Memorial Stadium field following a Harrisonville High School football postseason win, Tryin Samples learned he came close to possibly losing his right leg.

Anderson trial moved to March

It’s been nearly a year and a half since Lisa Anderson, of Pleasant Hill, was arrested and charged, but her trial was recently pushed to next year.

Harrisonville rotarian helps India fight Polio battle

On Oct. 24, Rotary International and the World Health Organization celebrated World Polio Day. Of all the nations in the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two remaining countries where the wild poliovirus still occurs.
According to Lisa Cothran (pictured here), owner of Rising Star Sweets, Harrisonville and surroundings just can’t get enough of her cakes and chocolate-chip cookies. The bakery, decorated in pink, has quickly become a mainstay of the business community. Rising Star Sweets is located in the Landmark Plaza in Harrisonville.

Cothrans’ love extends to Rising Star Sweets bakery

Lisa Cothran is doing what she likes best: baking sweet things like chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and gooey cinnamon rolls.

CRMC offering new mammogram technology

Cass Regional Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the region to offer 3D mammography using Hologic’s SmartCurve™ breast stabilization system.

Harrisonville chamber to host National Civics Bee

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has selected the Harrisonville Area Chamber of Commerce to host the 2025 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan initiative to encourage American youth to learn civics and engage in their communities.

Harrisonville aldermen approve various ordinances

With little fanfare or discussion, the Harrisonville Board of Aldermen passed a series of ordinances Monday night dealing with topics from animals locked in cars to approving zoning changes for a development of duplexes.

Cass County Public Library to vacate Harrisonville building

Last week, Cass County Public Library Director Robin Hudson made what many would consider an unexpected announcement at the monthly board of trustees meeting.

City of Harrisonville to consider price hikes for water, sewer rates

Harrisonville residents will likely be seeing increases in their water and sewer bills in the near future as the board of aldermen accepted the results of a rate study which showed severe shortfalls in the utility budgets.

City of Harrisonville issues boil advisory

The city of Harrisonville has issued a boil advisory for a portion of town after a water main broke on the northwest part of the city.

Harrisonville's new police chief excited to be onboard

The reins of the Harrisonville Police Department were handed over to Randy Moody last week as he became the department’s new chief.
The Archie Fall Festival will be Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. The parade will start at 9:50 a.m.

Log Cabin Festival coming soon; Archie, Drexel festivals are near too

The stage is set for this year’s Log Cabin Festival in Harrisonville, and along with the annual highlights will be a variety of music and performing acts.

Fugitive arrested outside Harrisonville

A Garden City was arrested early Wednesday morning and remains in jail facing multiple charges.

Sniping continues between city of Harrisonville, developers

Crews are back at the site of former Cass Medical Center at 1800 E. Mechanic, tearing out the remaining bones of the former hospital building. But despite work resuming this week, the future of the proposed apartment complex on the site remains unclear as both city officials and developers remain at odds.

Harrisonville High School gun threat not credible

A reported threat of a student with a gun was made late last week at Harrisonville High School.

Dispute between city of Harrisonville, developers might kill apartment complex plans

The future of the Harrisonville Commons apartment complex may be in doubt after a meeting between developers and city officials turned testy Monday afternoon. The question that seems unanswered is who exactly is killing the development.

Lane, ramp closures begin tonight in Harrisonville

Drivers should be aware of pavement repair work beginning tonight and going through Wednesday night in Harrisonville.

Area fall festivals just around the corner

September is here and that means area fall festivals are right around the corner, as temperatures begin to drop and the leaves begin to change color.

CASCO facilities expand along Vine Street

Among the construction projects occurring along Vine Street in Harrisonville, at least one has been planned for many years. Casco is expanding its facilities to include a new storm shelter that will double as a training and educational area, said CEO Robert Greenwood. 

Cass County entities roll out new 911 dispatch system

Most Cass County residents probably never realized when their 911 emergency call dispatching services between the county’s five dispatching centers were converted over to a new, globalized software system that improves emergency service response times.

Doors reopened to jewelry store in Harrisonville

On June 22, owners Tim and Karen Soulis closed the doors to Golden Classic Jewelers for the last time. A few months earlier, they had announced the store would be closing after 42 years in Harrisonville.

Harrisonville tax levy could slightly increase

Harrisonville taxpayers may see a small increase in their property tax bills this year after the board of aldermen held a hearing and voted to restore the levy which had been reduced by the board in 2015.

Harrisonville Police identify graffiti suspects

Less than a week after several downtown Harrisonville buildings were spray-painted with graffiti, the Harrisonville Police Department has identified two suspects.

$100K lottery ticket sold in Harrisonville

A $100,000 winning Missouri Lottery ticket was sold at Ducky’s in Harrisonville according to a release from the Missouri Lottery Commission.

Harrisonville hires new police chief

The Harrisonville Board of Aldermen was informed Monday night that Randal (Randy) Moody has accepted the position as police chief in the city. He is slated to start with the city on Sept. 16.
Kevin Argo

Harrisonville prom assailant sentenced

Kevin Argo will serve four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to second-degree felony assault on Harrisonville Police Officer Scott Ramsey at the 2023 Harrisonville High School Prom.
Jill Freeland has taken over as owner of the Davis Event Space, formerly the Beck Event Space, in downtown Harrisonville. Freeland was one of the original owners, but has taken over with her husband, Michael. There will be a ribbon cutting for the building at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 9.

Davis Event Space name change honors building’s history

A downtown Harrisonville business has changed its name due to a slight change in ownership, but the wedding and event venue on Independence Street remains open after undergoing some interior improvements.
Best Burrito owner and proprietor Luis Lomeli takes an order from diners. His restaurant has served Harrisonville for 19 years.

Two decades serving up ‘Best Burrito’

It’s not hard to find a Mexican restaurant while driving around Cass County today, but such was not the case 19 years ago when Luis Lomeli opened the Best Burrito on South Commercial Street.

Harrisonville superintendent talks about first year, district’s future

As Josh Chastain talks about his first year as Harrisonville Schools superintendent, he emphasizes his regard for students, teachers, the district and the community at large. 

Harrisonville teacher finalist for state’s best

Accolades continue to flow in for Cass Career Center agriculture teacher Jason Dieckhoff as he is now in the running for the Missouri Teacher of the Year award.

‘The tomato man of Pearl Street’

When it comes down to it, Ed Yoder likes growing indeterminate tomato plants in his front yard because they don’t spread out like determinants will. Instead, they keep as narrow as a vine and grow very tall – as in “Jack and the Beanstalk” tall.

Harrisonville Board of Aldermen approve street parking changes

The Harrisonville Board of Aldermen approved a list of parking changes on city streets Monday night, but at least one alderman was not happy with the idea.

City of Harrisonville chosen for $15K AARP grant

The city of Harrisonville was one of just six entities in Missouri to be selected for a 2024 Community Challenge grant from the AARP.

Gas skimmer found at Casey’s store

Individuals purchasing gasoline at the Casey’s at 1901 W. Mechanic may have had their credit cards compromised as a credit card skimmer was detected in one of the gas pumps.

Harrisonville PD seeking suspects for Ducky's break-in

The Harrisonville Police Department is searching for two individuals who allegedly broke into the Ducky’s Convenience Store on East Mechanic Street early Thursday morning.
Event organizers Pastor Jeremy Lind (with youngest child, Noah), Mary Baltzell and Kenny Baltzell, all of the hosting Harrisonville Community Church, were happy with the larger crowd for the second year of the event.

Smoke’n for Jesus barbecue event attracts more followers in second year

The event drew significantly more people this year than last, according to co-founders Kenny and Mary Baltzell.

Slate of Fourth of July, fireworks shows kicks off Friday night

Indepence Day is just a week away, and there are several events planned throughout the next seven days to entertain residents in both Bates and Cass Counties.

Cities designate times for fireworks

It’s that time of year again when fireworks may legally be set off within city limits, in celebration of Independence Day.

Harrisonville Board of aldermen to vote on parking restrictions

The Harrisonville Board of Aldermen will vote July 1 on an ordinance which will affect on-street parking in a variety of locations though out the city. The board heard the first reading of the ordinance last Monday night.

Old Cass Medical Center building demolition clears hurdles

Those watching the progress of the demolition of the former Cass Medical Center on East Mechanic Street, may have noticed an uptick in activity as crews have continued the demolition of the old facility and debris is being shipped from the area.

Love of flowers, students inspired KC Parade of Heart's artist

A love of flowers and her students were the inspirations for Paige Crosswhite when she designed the giant heart that stands in front of the Cass County Courthouse.

New restaurant fulfills Beeson’s longtime dream

In March of this year, Beeson’s long-time dream came true when he opened his own restaurant at 1811 E Mechanic St. and named it Miss B’s Kitchen, in honor of his mother.

Harrisonville Fire Department celebrates completion of renovations

The Harrisonville Fire Station, located at 903 S. Commercial, is now much more accommodating, much safer and passes code, too.

Traveler shares story of living a simple lifestyle

A donkey pulling a covered wagon, accompanied by a woman with two sheep, a calf and four dogs might not be a common sight in the 21st Century. But it is what some people may have seen as they traveled between Clinton and Garden City last week.

Harrisonville Fire Department having open house Friday

On Friday, the Harrisonville Fire Department will be having an open house to show its newly-renovated station that’s been under construction since the fall.

Cass County Commissioners approve monument, library trustees

The Cass County Commission has approved the design of the next phase of the Burnt District Monument, located on 2 Highway near the Justice Center.

Trial set for Oakland Cemetery Association theft case

After months of no action, the state’s case against Pleasant Hill resident Lisa Anderson moved forward last week.

Kauffman Foundation Grant helping students develop real-world skills

In 2024-25, the Harrisonville School District will be entering the final year of a three-year Real World Learning grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

MoDOT extends Peculiar Drive closure

Crews will extend the closure of the I-49 outer road (Peculiar Drive) in both directions from 237th Street to just past the bridge over the East Branch South Grand River through mid-July (extended from June 15).

Harrisonville mayor talks city projects, finances

Harrisonville Mayor Mike Zaring presented his “State of the City” address to the Harrisonville Area Chamber of Commerce last week. And while he outlined several projects which he said had or will improve the city’s infrastructure, he also expressed concerns about the city’s long-term financial health.

UTVs closer to becoming legal in Harrisonville city limits

The Harrisonville Board of Aldermen heard the first reading of two ordinances which could be voted into law at the May 20 meeting.