Irma (Thummel) Larson 1929-2025

Funeral services for Irma Thummel Larson, 96, of Clarinda formerly of Bedford, Iowa were held Monday, February 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Cummings Family Funeral Home in Bedford.  Visitation was held Monday at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until service time.  Interment was held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.  Memorials may be directed towards the Bedford Senior Center in Irma's name. 

Irma Mae Shell, the only child of Orie Keen Shell and Eustatia Janette Mendenhall Shell was born on January 4, 1929 in Maryville, Missouri. She passed away on February 21, 2025 in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 96.

At an early age she became a Christian and member of the First Christian Church of Hopkins, Missouri. She attended school in Hopkins, graduating with the class of 1946. She attended Maryville State Teacher’s College and taught in the rural schools of Page and Taylor counties until her marriage on April 14, 1951 to Edward Duane Thummel. Duane and Irma were blessed with one son, Keane Franklin.

Irma and Duane lived on a farm in the Maple Grove area, six and ½ miles southeast of Bedford, and enjoyed farm life with their son. They were active in the rural Maple Grove and Bedford Methodist churches, Farm Bureau, as well as school and other community activities. They became Licensed Practical Nurses in 1966 and 1967. Duane and Irma enjoyed caring for others, especially those in nursing homes. After 25 years of marriage on December 17, 1976, Duane was killed in a car accident. After Duane’s passing Irma became a Long-Term Health Coordinator at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

In 1984 Irma returned to Bedford to be closer to her family. It was a pleasant time during which Irma renewed old friendships, made new friends, was involved in community activities, and traveled.

On one of her trips traveling down the inside passage of Alaska she met Thomas Larson, also from the Bedford area. They were married on November 12, 1992. Irma and Tom shared 15 years together enjoying their home, traveling, family and friends before Tom’s passing on May 5, 2007.

Welcoming each of her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren into the world and being involved with them as well as her other relatives, many friends and the Church brought Irma great joy.

She is survived by her Son, Keane Thummel and daughter-in-law, Susan; Granddaughter, Marcy Howard (Shawn); Grandsons, Nick Thummel (Kim) and Mac Thummel (Nicole); Granddaughters, Taylor Nizolek (Zach) and Torrie Honeyman (Scott); Great Grandsons, Storm Howard, Crew Howard, Garrison Thummel, Bennett Honeyman, Jack Nizolek, Tyce Honeyman and Charlie Thummel; Great Granddaughters, Sage Howard, Lydia Thummel, Jillian Thummel, Gentry Thummel, Sophia Davis, Aniston Honeyman and Molly Nizolek.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Orie and Janette; her husbands, Duane and Tom; Parents in law, Frank and Alice Thummel; Brothers in law, Glenn and Olin Thummel; Sisters in law, Vera and Jane Thummel.

 

Earl Hall 1928-2025

Funeral Services for Earl Hall, 96, of Bedford, Iowa were held Friday, February 28, 2025 at Cummings Family Funeral Home at 2 PM. Interment was held at Hopkins Cemetery. Memorials may be directed towards the Bedford Senior Center or the Hopkins First Christian Church in Earl's memory. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Earl Hall Jr. was born May 11, 1928 in Hopkins, Missouri the son of Earl Hall Sr. and Mary (Huey) Hall. He grew up in the Hopkins area, attending and graduating from the Hopkins High School in 1946. On October 1, 1949 he was united in marriage to Leila Shirleen Shockley, in Bedford, Iowa. The couple lived and farmed southeast of Hopkins and later north of Bedford. The couple retired in the 90's and moved to Bedford. After Shirleen passed away in 2002 Earl continued living in Bedford until a few months ago.

Earl was a true farmer at heart. He took great pride in the farming lifestyle and enjoyed the ever constant tasks that needed to be done in order to be successful. Earl and Shirleen had a great time square dancing together in Bedford, Clarinda and Maryville areas. Earl also enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing when time allowed. He also enjoyed traveling with Shirleen in later years.

Earl enjoyed being around people, whether it was attending the Saturday Sales in Bedford, attending local tractor pulls or playing cards with his friends each weekday, Earl looked forward to the conversation and camaraderie. Family was the biggest and most important part of Earl's life. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Hopkins, Missouri.

Preceding Earl in death was his wife, Leila Shirleen; parents, Earl and Mary; siblings, Huey, Glen Eldon, Lola, Pauline, Dorothy, Mary Ellen, Margaret and a still born infant, James.

Left to cherish Earl's memory are his children, Earl Edward (Pam) Hall of Maryville, Missouri; Janet Lea (Robert) Montgomery of Trenton, Texas; grandchild, Tessi Jane (Jeff) Skinner of Van Alstyne, Texas; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Bryna, and Bradley Skinner, brother, Floyd (Gloria) Hall and a sister, Virginia Petersen along with other relatives and friends.

 

Man Finds Grave of Revolutionary War Ancestor

Lee Nigh, formerly of Sheridan and now living in Fulton (MO), discovered the grave of one of his Revolutionary War ancestors, George Nigh, through findagrave.com along with Google Maps.

George Nigh was born on January 21st, 1755 in Pennsylvania. He married Mary Magdalena Saylor, and was active in local politics in Washington County (MD). She was the daughter of Matthias and Magdalena Sailor.

He was a supervisor in charge of building roads in the county and served as a Justice of the Peace there from 1802 to 1806. In 1799, he was the “Trustee of the Poor.” He was a member of a committee which met July 14th, 1807 to draft resolutions against what they saw as the “dastardly outrages committed by the British Squadron stationed on our coast on the flag and citizens of the United States. Tensions between the US and the British were sky-high and would lead to the War of 1812.

He later moved to Amanda Township (OH), where he died on November 16th, 1830. He was buried on land which he had set aside for family burial. His wife, Mary, died on November 12th, 1821.

Their children were George Jr., Michael, Samuel, Jacob, Adam, Polly, John, Peter, Elizabeth, and Susanna. John served in the War of 1812 in Capt. John Spangler’s Company of Riflemen in the Ohio Militia.

 

Gardening Can Protect Monarch Butterflies

With spring around the corner, University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Kelly McGowan urges gardeners to consider how they can help monarch butterflies.

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are one of the most popular and well-known insects, but populations are declining. McGowan says declines can be attributed to many factors, including breeding habitat loss, changes in weather patterns, extreme weather during migration, pesticide use, disease and issues at Mexican overwintering sites.

“While this news can be discouraging, there are things we can do to help,” she says.

Plant milkweed

Milkweed is the only plant species eaten by the monarch caterpillars, and it also provides beautiful, nectar-filled flowers for the adults. There are many types of milkweeds, most of which are native to Missouri, with a variety of flower colors and habitat requirements. They can make great additions to the home landscape, McGowan says.

Plan pollinator gardens

Incorporate milkweed plants into a backyard garden with a variety of pollinator-friendly plants. While most pollinators prefer native plants, some annuals such as zinnias can be included. Plants that provide early-season and late-season blooms are also needed. This is especially helpful for monarchs during their spring and fall migrations. A water/mud-puddling source and a place to shelter from weather extremes are also helpful.

Reduce pesticide use

Reducing use of pesticides is also important, says McGowan. Not only can direct contact be harmful, but secondary exposure such as wind contamination and feeding on plants with chemical residue can be a factor.

Protect overwintering sites

Protection of overwintering sites is also vital. These sites include trees, shrubs and other areas where insects can seek refuge from harsh winter conditions. Monarchs generally winter in California and Mexico.

The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Unlike other butterflies that can overwinter as larvae, pupae or even as adults in some species, monarchs cannot survive the cold winters of northern climates. Using environmental cues, the monarchs know when it is time to travel south for the winter. Monarchs use a combination of air currents and thermals to travel long distances. Some fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter homes.

McGowan visited two Mexican overwintering sites in 2023, one of which contained 80% of the world’s overwintering monarchs.

“These incredible sites are high in oyamel fir forests about 2 miles above sea level,” she says. Monarchs cling together on the fir trees for warmth and protection during the winter and start their migration northward in late winter or early spring. “These very remote, incredibly fragile habitats are threatened by deforestation, poverty, political unrest and corruption by local cartels. While these are large issues, we can help by educating ourselves and others on monarch migration and protection of these sites.”

Butterflies and other pollinators are indicator species of a healthy environment. “While monarchs get the most attention, it is imperative that we protect other pollinators, which have also had population declines,” McGowan says. “Fortunately, there are things we can do on a small scale that can make a difference.”

Bill Would Expand Mental Health Services for First Responders

 U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the bipartisan First Responders Wellness Act. The legislation would establish a national mental health hotline for first responders.

“Congress should prioritize the wellbeing of those first on the scene of life’s crises. That starts with investing in the health and safety of our police officers, firefighters, and EMTs," said Senator Hawley. "This bipartisan legislation would provide first responders with the mental health tools they need to cope with past trauma and the resources necessary to support them in their jobs."

“Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face unique stressors, and as a result, they are at high risk of developing PTSD and other mental health problems,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We owe it to our first responders to do more to help. I am introducing bipartisan legislation to establish a mental health hotline specifically tailored to the needs of first responders and staffed by peer specialists and counselors who have an understanding of the occupational stressors experienced by first responders and have completed trauma-informed training. The bill would also expand professional mental health services for first responders during times of major disasters. I am proud to be introducing this legislation with Senator Hawley and hope to get it passed soon.”

First responders—including our men and women in blue, firefighters, EMS personnel, and public safety telecommunicators—face higher rates of PTSD than civilians. 

To address this, the First Responders Wellness Act would:

Amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to develop a professional program to provide confidential and independent mental health services to law enforcement officers.

Increase the number of mental health service providers available to law enforcement officers.

Establish a first responders mental health hotline to provide peer and emotional support, information, brief intervention, and mental or behavioral health and substance use disorder resources.

Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to Congress on the hotline and its implementation.

 

Gerber Recalls Soothe N’ Chew Baby Sticks

Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children.

GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS were distributed nationwide via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores in the following states and territories: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and Puerto Rico.

Recalled products can be identified as follows:

GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04618 7, all lot codes

GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8, all lot codes

GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 1.59 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7, all lot codes

This recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA.

The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm.

Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for February 26th, 2025

On January 29th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Ashleigh Shinn (37) of Creston on a charge of Driving While Revoked. Bond was set at $2,000, cash only.

On January 31st, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jennifer Baker (57) of Delphos on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $2,300, cash only. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department also arrested Jordanne Beardsley (30) of Delphos on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $1,300, cash only. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Kevin Ray (34) of Delphos on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While Suspended. Bond was set at $1,600, cash only.

On February 13th, Ryan Mapes (20) of Lathrop pleaded guilty in Clinton County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Resisting Arrest (Felony). A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing will be held on April 17th.

On February 17th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Michael Howard (45) of Pattonsburg alleging Domestic Assault. Bond was denied.

On February 18th, Tanner Sims (33) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Domestic Assault (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn. Defendant must enter and successfully complete the Third Circuit Treatment Program and have no contact with the victim. Defendant must pay $1,980 in probation fees within six months.

On February 18th, Jeramy Sanders (28) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Resisting Arrest (Felony). He was sentenced to 33 months in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn.

On February 18th, Tony Dittemore (32) of  Trenton pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to 4 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn, to be served concurrently with a Grundy County case.

On February 18th, Sheila Cracraft (66) of Blythedale pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to charges of Delivery of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felony). She was placed on five years probation by Judge Matthew Krohn. Defendant must pay probation fees of $2,245 to North Missouri Court Services within six months.

On February 18th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Gerald Hutchinson (66) of Albany alleging Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Exhibiting, Felony), Harassment (Felony), and two counts of Assault. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only. Defendant may not communicate with the victims or be within 900 feet of them or the Shadowfax Bar. Defendant may not consume alcohol or enter a place in which the primary business is the sale of liquor. Defendant must wear GPS monitoring device. Defendant may not possess firearms.

On February 18th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Timothy Boswell (59) of Gravity on an Adams County Warrant for DWI. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On February 19th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Travis Evans (35) of Osborn alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Xanax) at Jail Facility. Bond was denied.

On February 19th, Mark Luke (56) of Stanberry admitted in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a violation of his probation by consuming alcohol. He was continued on probation and ordered to wear a SCRAM tether for 90 days by Judge Joel Miller.

On February 19th, John Cameron (71) of Stanberry pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to an amended charge of Peace Disturbance. He was placed on one year probation by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On February 19th, Donald Buckingham (62) of Osceola (IA) failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), DWI, and No Insurance. A warrant was issued and bond set at $2,500, cash only.

On February 19th, Ryan Goodwin (48) of Ankeny (IA) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, and No Plates. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Jay Hemenway and fined $111 plus court costs.

On February 19th, Randall Sego (59) of Stanberry pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI. He was placed on two years probation, ordered to serve 10 days shock time in jail, and assessed $115.50 in court costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On February 19th, Hubert Cook (43) of King City failed to appear in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), Leaving the Scene, No Insurance, and Littering. A warrant was issued and bond set at $500, cash only.

On February 20th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against John McWilliams (47) of Cameron alleging Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only. Defendant can have no contact with the victim or enter their place of employment. Defendant may not use alcohol and must attend Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings weekly.

On February 20th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Cheryl Toombs (52) of Pattonsburg alleging Harassment (Felony) and Peace Disturbance. Bond was denied.

On February 21st, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Leslie Hullinger (51) of Winston alleging Domestic Assault and Resisting Arrest. Bond was denied.

On February 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Gregory Oliveri (31) of Grant City in Nodaway County on charges of Leaving the Scene and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On February 21st, Judge Robert Rice ordered an arrest warrant for Calvin Vore (20) of Maryville in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court alleging failure to abide by court orders. Bond was denied. Vore picked up a new charge of Violation of Protection Order.

On February 21st, Judge Robert Rice ordered an arrest warrant for Latrisha McMillen (46) of Stanberry in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court following a bond violation report. Bond was denied. The defendant allegedly violated bond conditions by testing positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine and by failing to pay monitoring fees.

On February 23rd, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Nicolas Perea (22) of Bentonville (AR) alleging DWI and No Valid License. Bond was denied.

On February 24th, Mariah Ishmael (27) of St. Joseph failed to appear in Nodaway County Circuit Court on a Probation Violation hearing. A warrant was issued and bond denied.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.