Mid America Live

Little Apple news

2026-08-05T12:33:51.838-05:00

August 5, 2026

Election results from the St. Clair Co Clerk:

Republican: State Auditor: Fitzpatrick 657 Wistrand 354 US Rep: Alford 1578 Shelton 420 Vera 109 State Rep #28: Kalberloh 2025

State Senator #4: Alexander 1114 Pollitt 676 Lentz 377 Associate Court Judge: Baker 1966 County Clerk: Fletcher 1868

Collector: Guffey 2072 Treasurer: Freeman 954 Kneller 1162 Clerk of Circuit Court: Harper 1163 Roth 1040 Recorder: Jackson 1974

Presiding Commissioner: Byrne 274 Meredith 595 Mallicoat 268 Stoddard 447 Bryant 68 Gardner 553 Prosecuting Atty: Dysart 1965

Democratic: Auditor: Wilson 190 Upchurch 111 US Rep: Herrera 64 Russell 33 Gray 36 Rick 4 Cass 66 Rogers 58 Miller 49

US Rep #126: Perry 301 State Senator #28: McCaffree 294 Libertarian: Auditor: Coffell 12 US Rep: Holbrook 12

Amendment #1: yes 2019 no 657 Amendment #2: yes 2003 no 639 Amendment #4: yes 641 no 2063 Amendment #5: yes 426 no 2279

The Depot Taco Salad Lunch will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026 serving 11:00-1:00. The taco salad with toppings, drinks and a variety of homemade cakes all for $10, will be served at the historic MKT Railroad Depot. You may dine in or carry out. All proceeds are used by the Appleton City Museum for the maintenance of the Depot, Historic WH Appleton Library, Moore School and Museum. Please join them as Appleton City Landmarks Restoration continues to celebrate its 40 year anniversary this year.

Growing in Grace Community Center will have a back to school bash 1:00-3:00 p.m. August 8. They will have a taco bar, soft -serve ice cream and cookies, clothing giveaway, and Heather Smith will be giving haircuts from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at The Red Door. All clothing and haircuts will be free to the kids. Taco bar is free will donation to help with cost. If anyone has any clothing donations or just want to help with cost of haircuts or school supplies, please let them know by text 660 492 3425.

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8. All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. Rodney Leiber will have a short devotional.

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, August 9 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up. A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

The Museum will be open this Saturday, August 8, 1:30-4:30 and there will be a demonstration on an old treadle sewing machine as Kenna Bartz sews quilt blocks. The "Forty Quilts for Forty Years" of the Museum Anniversary runs through August 28 at 503 N Maple, Appleton City, MO.

The AC Public Library has some fun upcoming events for adults and kids. August 10 at 11:00 p.m., they have a special story hour for kids learning about germs and the importance of hand washing with the St. Clair County Health Department. Perfect for right before school starts. August 12, at 4:30-6:30 for Adult's Craft Night, they will be painting your very own barn quilts. Stop by the library to sign up. August 17 at 11:00, they will be hosting a story hour and back to school bash with free school supplies through the Center of Human Services and other fun activities for the kids. Stop by for information about our Adult's Book Club and their book for September, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.

Do you remember the Dari-Burg and Evonne Reed in her waitress uniform? If you have a picture of her and/or Ernest Reed that the AC Museum could copy, please contact Linda Lampkin at acmolampkin@yahoo.com

The AC Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for September 25 & 26. Permit details will be posted at a later date.

“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations. Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for August. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday, August 5 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, August 6 - OB/Gyn- Dr. Kallberg, Friday, August 7 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Tuesday, August 11 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday, August 12- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Thursday, August 13- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday August 14 –Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, August 19 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, August 20 –Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Friday, August 21 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday, August 25 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday, August 26 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, August 26 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, August 27 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday, August 28– Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug 8 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

Aug 8 Sewing/quilt making demonstration at the AC Museum 1:30-4:30

Aug 8 Growing In Grace Back to School Bash 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Aug 9 Pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Aug 12 Depot Taco Salad Lunch serving 11:00-1:00

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Miami County Wanted Wednesday

2026-08-05T12:32:27.117-05:00

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Wanted subject still at large, St. Clair County Sheriff seeks info

2026-08-05T08:49:54.464-05:00

This subject is suspected of fleeing from the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a vehicle before abandoning the vehicle on T Highway and fleeing on foot into the wooded area between SE 801 Road and SE 871 Road, around 6pm. 
The suspect was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt.
If you see anyone matching this description or observe any suspicious activity in the area, do not approach the individual. Please call 911 immediately. 

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Obituary - James “Jim” Davis

2026-08-05T07:39:16.073-05:00

James “Jim” Davis, age 56 of Hume, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He was born the son of Samuel Davis Jr. and Henrietta Meek on June 23, 1970 in Merriam, Kansas. Jim married Sherri Pyle on April 10, 1993. Together they had a daughter, Sadie Grace. He is survived by his wife and daughter, his parents, three brothers, Robert Anderson, Michael Tinsley, and Richard Meek, a sister, Raelene Blacketer, and his mother-in-law Alice O’Daniel, one nephew and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Jim Pyle, paternal, and maternal grandparents.

Jim was one of those guys who could fix just about anything, a jack of all trades so to speak. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading science fiction books, watching cooking shows, and building race car engines. He loved the NHRA drag races, pro stock especially. Most importantly was his love of his family and daughter, “The Girl”.

Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 pm, Friday, August 7, 2026 at the Hume Christian Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until service time. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Memorial are suggested to Sadie Davis education, they may be sent in care of Schneider Funeral Home P.O. Box 525 Pleasanton, Kansas 66075.

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Obituary - James "Jimmy" T. Griffith Jr.

2026-08-05T07:36:40.605-05:00

James "Jimmy" T. Griffith Jr. 68, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026, at Lee's Summit Place in Lee's Summit, MO. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00PM, with a visitation starting at 5:30PM, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Heartland Baptist Fellowship in Harrisonville. A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.

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Learn more about the advantages of food plots

2026-08-05T04:31:00.000-05:00

Food plots provide important food and cover for wildlife by supporting both planted and naturally-growing vegetation, increasing the abundance and diversity of foods available to many local species. 

We partnered with the National Deer Association to offer landowners and others interested in deer management a free, online webinar Aug. 25. Hear from experts and learn the fundamentals of establishing and managing effective food plots for deer and other wildlife. 

Register in advance at the link below!

https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/join-mdc-nda-aug-25-free-webinar-wildlife-food-plots

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Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Whitney Colin, August Employee of the Month

2026-08-05T03:09:00.000-05:00

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Whitney Colin as the August Employee of the Month in honor of her outstanding dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Whitney is an Accounting Clerk in the BCMH Finance Department and recently celebrated one year of service with BCMH.  Whitney builds positive relationships with vendors and coworkers and communicates with patience and respect.
"Whitney consistently demonstrates our organization’s values through her dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellent service,” the nominating coworker stated.  “She takes ownership of her responsibilities while continuously looking for ways to improve processes. Whitney is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure issues are resolved.”
Whitney’s dedication to process improvement and reliable support makes her a valued member of the team.   
Stay connected with your local hospital! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

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From the city of Harrisonville regarding electric transportation

2026-08-05T01:33:00.000-05:00

We wanted to provide you with information regarding the recently passed changes and additions to the Harrisonville Municipal Code regarding multiple types of electric transportation. Many of these are already Missouri state laws that we have adopted into our ordinances. 

We know that some of these changes and additions may be unpopular to some. However, in light of all the recent and ongoing tragedies occurring in this country related to the operation of these devices, specifically by youth, we as a city and department want to be proactive to try to prevent any such tragedies from occurring in Harrisonville. 

The attached flyer can be used as a quick reference guide, and you can find more detail about what is and isn’t allowed in the original post from Harrisonville Missouri Police Department.

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Bates County August 2026 Primary Election Results

2026-08-04T20:47:38.616-05:00

Turnout 35.49% 100% precincts reporting. Unofficial results

State Auditor (R)

Scott Fitzpatrick 1,769

Gerald Wistrand 1,101

US Rep Dist 4 (R)

Mark Alford 2,521

Heather Shelton 436

Scott Vera 123

State Rep Dist 62 (R)

Sherri Gallick 1,161

State Rep Dist 125 (R)

Dane Diehl 1,523

Associate Circuit Judge (R)

Julie Highly 2,579

Presiding Commissioner (R)

Christopher Gach 2,528

Jim Wheatley 631

County Clerk (R)

Jami Page 2,640

Circuit Clerk (R)

Shelli White 2,676

Recorder of Deeds (R)

Danyelle Baker 2.535

Prosecuting Attorney (R)

Cody Johnson 2.562

State Auditor (D)

Quentin Wilson 429

Gregory Upchurch 219

US Rep Dist 4 (D)

Jordan Herrera 222

Wayne Russell 54

Hartzell Gray III 85

G Rick 12

Jeanette Cass 101

Ashleigh Rogers 110

Randy Miller 93

State Rep Dist 62 (D)

Liz Davenport 258

State Rep Dist 125 (D)

Lynda Jones 385

Presiding Commissioner (D)

Mary DuBray 644

State Auditor (L)

Dustin Coffell 20

US Rep Dist 4 (L)

Thomas Holbrook 21

Amendment 1

Yes 3,335

No 787

Amendment 2

Yes 3,191

No 881

Amendment 4

Yes 971

No 3,198

Amendment 5

Yes 767

No 3,406

New Home Township question

For the levy 37

Against the levy 28

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Nevada police make arrest following gunshots in neighborhood

2026-08-04T13:09:32.956-05:00

On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 3:41 p.m., officers with the Nevada Police Department responded to the area of Maple Street and Cedar Street following reports of a subject discharging a firearm multiple times in a residential neighborhood.

Witnesses reported that after firing the weapon, the suspect returned inside the residence before re-emerging wearing body armor and carrying a shotgun. As numerous law enforcement officers responded to the area and began searching for the individual, it was reported that the suspect had gone back inside the residence.

Officers quickly identified the residence involved and began making contact. A short time later, the suspect exited the home unarmed and was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives with the Nevada Police Department obtained a search warrant to continue the investigation. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered multiple spent shell casings, two firearms, and the body armor believed to have been worn during the incident.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported to law enforcement officers, members of the community, or the defendant.

The individual arrested has been identified as 57-year-old Brian Gregory of Nevada.

On August 4, 2026, the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Gregory with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class B Felony. Gregory is currently being held at the Vernon County Jail without bond.

The Nevada Police Department would like to recognize the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by the responding officers. This incident had the potential to escalate into a tragic situation, and the coordinated response by law enforcement allowed the suspect to be taken into custody safely.

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Bates county voting places

2026-08-04T11:36:10.777-05:00

ADRIAN PRECINCT: Adrian Optimist Building, 11092 NW County Road 41, Adrian (Adrian R-3 & Archie R-5) All voters in the Adrian R-3 and the Archie R-5 school districts and City of Adrian vote here.

AMORET/AMSTERDAM PRECINCT: Amsterdam Community Building, 8524 NW State Route Y, Amsterdam, (Miami R-1) Voters in the City of Amoret, City of Amsterdam, and Homer, Charlotte, West Point, Elkhart Townships vote here.

BALLARD PRECINCT: Ballard School (Ag Building), 10247 NE State Route 18, Butler (Ballard R-2) All voters in the school district vote here.

BUTLER PRECINCT: Butler High School Gymnasium, 420 S Fulton, Butler (Butler R-5) All voters in the school district, City of Butler and Village of Passaic vote here.

DREXEL PRECINCT: Drexel Community Center, 410 E. Bates, Drexel (Drexel R-4 & Miami R-1) Voters in the City of Drexel, Village of Merwin, and all West Boone Township vote here.

HUDSON / ROCKVILLE PRECINCT: Hudson School, 15012 NE State Route 52, Appleton City, (Hudson R-9, Appleton City R-2 & Rich Hill R-4) All voters in the City of Rockville and Rockville Township vote here.

HUME PRECINCT: Hume Legion Hall, 9355 SW 1 ST Street, Hume (Hume R-8) Voters in the City of Hume and Howard and Walnut Townships vote here.

RICH HILL PRECINCT: Rich Hill 4 th of July Building, 501 E. Park ST, Rich Hill (Rich Hill R-4) Voters in the City of Rich Hill, Village of Foster, and Osage, Lone Oak, Pleasant Gap, Hudson, Prairie, New Home South, Walnut, Howard Townships vote here.

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A formal introduction of Mark Mathies, Butler City Administrator

2026-08-04T10:41:56.584-05:00

Mark M. Mathies serves as the City Administrator for Butler, Missouri, bringing more than three decades of progressive local government leadership to the position. Following his retirement from Kansas municipal service, Mathies continues to apply his extensive experience in city management, fiscal oversight, and infrastructure development to strengthen Butler’s administrative operations.

His current focus includes standardizing departmental operations, improving utility billing accuracy, and advancing infrastructure projects with transparent fiscal accountability. Mathies emphasizes structured planning, defensible documentation, and collaborative governance to ensure efficient service delivery and long-term community growth.

He holds a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Kansas State University. A Certified Public Manager through the University of Kansas and a 2005 graduate of the FBI National Academy, Mathies remains active in professional associations including ICMA, MCMA, and FBI National Academy Associates.
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Nieder family shows well at Ozark Empire Fair

2026-08-04T09:58:36.053-05:00

Congratulations to Myla & Lawson Nieder! Myla’s Charolais won Reserve Supreme and her Chiangus, shown by Lawson, placed 4th Overall at the Ozark Empire Fair.

Courtesy V-52 4-H club

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Weekly market summary from the Missouri Department of Agriculture

2026-08-04T09:39:07.274-05:00

Click images to enlarge, save or print. You can also see the report online here https://agmarketnews.mo.gov/

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Don't forget to vote today

2026-08-04T09:31:40.050-05:00

Polls will be open until 7 pm for the August 2026 primary election. It's your right and duty to vote!

Election info for Bates county here www.batescounty.net

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Obituary - Debra Miller

2026-08-04T09:29:15.818-05:00

Debra "Debbie" Lynn Miller, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Friday, July 31, at the age of 69.

Debbie was born on March 20, 1957, in Rich Hill, Missouri, to Delbert "Deb" and Mary "Joan" Swarnes.

She married Dennis Coonce in March 1975, and together they welcomed two children, Slade Coonce and Shylah Fuqua. In 1986, Debbie married Larry Miller, and they shared many happy years together until Larry's passing in 2010.

Debbie was the third of five children. She is survived by her siblings: Tom Swarnes (Marilyn), Teri Neil, Nancy Fillpot (Bud), and Brenda "Pettie" Burkholder.

She is also survived by her children, Slade Coonce (Michelle) and Shylah Fuqua; her beloved grandchildren, Taryn Brown (Bryan), Kylie Smith (Ryan), Taylor Coonce, Dezirae Fuqua, Deidra Shepard (Coltin), Kayden Coonce, and Dillon Coonce; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Kynzlee Woods, Camden Woods, Ella Fuqua, Lawson Shepard, and Kolson Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Deb and Joan Swarnes; her husband, Larry Miller; and her nephew, Buddy Edward Fillpot, Jr.

Known affectionately as "Sugarplum" by those who loved her most, Debbie found her greatest joy in supporting her grandchildren. Whether it was a ball game, school event, or any activity they participated in, she was always there—often as one of the loudest and most enthusiastic fans in the stands. Her unwavering love, generous heart, and joyful spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She leaves behind countless cherished memories and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri. A graveside service will immediately follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, west of Rich Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Debbie Miller Memorial" through Heuser Funeral Home

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Obituary - Patsy Albright

2026-08-04T09:27:53.932-05:00

Patsy “Patty” June Albright, 92, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, surrounded by her family. Patty lived independently and still drove up to the time of her passing.

Patty was born in Nevada, MO on June 30, 1934, to parents, William Berry and Ola Cross-Davis and grandparents, Millie and Mertie May Cross. She was married to Chester G. Voyles, and then to Joseph Albright, both of whom preceded her in death.

Patty was an artist and spent many years as a laundry specialist, in charge of numerous laundry mats and dry cleaners. She loved the state of Oregon, traveling, painting, and being with family.

Patty is survived by her children, Vicki Powers (Marvin), Blue Springs, MO, Randy Voyles, missing since November 7, 2010, and Mark Voyles, Wheatland, MO; numerous grandchildren; a sister, Martha Brooks (Don), Basehor, KS; and a brother, Danny Haines (Brenda), Hermitage, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Chester Voyles and Joseph Albright; a son, Skiper Voyles; a grandson, Brad Voyles; and a niece, Cori Ross.

Patty’s family would like to express special thanks to her companion of 16 years, Larry Cosgrove, for his love and dedication to Patty.

Graveside Memorial services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Moore Cemetery, Nevada, MO. The family requests everyone to wear the color blue in honor of Patty.

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Obituary - Kristie Ann Phipps

2026-08-04T09:26:25.803-05:00

Kristie Ann Phipps, 65, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Medicalodges of Nevada. She was born on December 29, 1960 in Lawton, OK, to Karen (Norris) and John Elmer Phipps I.

Kristie came to Nevada, MO in 1975 and graduated in the Nevada High School Class of 1979. She graduated from Pittsburg State University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree, later receiving her Master’s Degree in nursing. During her years in the nursing profession, she worked for a time at the Menninger Clinic, as well as doing administrative nursing consulting in corporate health care.

Kristie loved her dogs. She was a member of the Nevada United Methodist Church.

Kristie is survived by a son, Sam Morgan II, Nevada, MO; a daughter, Melissa Youngworth (Andy), Carthage, MO; five grandchildren, Samantha Fetty, Nicholas Rice, Brandon Rice, and Gavin Morgan, all of Nevada, MO, and Hayden Wilkinson, Carthage, MO; and a brother, John Phipps II (Sally), Macon, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Karen Phipps.

Graveside committal will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Newton Burial Park, Nevada, with the Reverend Michelle Whitlock officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute in Kristie’s memory to Vernon County Cancer Relief or the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Joyce Keith

2026-08-04T09:25:05.358-05:00

Joyce Keith, 90 of Rich Hill, Missouri passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at her home in Rich Hill. Cremation, with private family services to be held. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Lavern Rogers Keith was born March 9, 1936 in Current View, Missouri, the daughter of Roy and Ruby Maxine Stone Rogers. She grew up and attended Current View schools graduating in 1954. She lived in St. Peters, MO. for 50 years where she raised her two daughters, Mona and Kathy before moving to Rich Hill, MO where she had resided for 15 years. Most of her life Joyce worked various jobs including a lot times work in factories.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Keith of Rich Hill, MO., and Mona Keith of Hawk Point, MO.

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Nevada police department July report

2026-08-04T03:30:00.000-05:00

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Online training available for personal support during tough times

2026-08-04T01:34:00.000-05:00

Build your confidence in supporting mental health and preventing suicide.

MU Extension is offering two virtual trainings in August. These virtual trainings offer practical skills to support youth, families, friends, colleagues and community members.

Question, Persuade, and Refer:
Aug. 12 • 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Learn three simple steps anyone can use to help prevent suicide and connect people to appropriate support. 

Register: https://brnw.ch/21x4yZ0

Youth Mental Health First Aid:
Aug. 28 • 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance-use challenges in young people.
Register: https://brnw.ch/21x4yZ1

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Chloe Riley crowned as Linn County Fair & Rodeo Queen

2026-08-04T00:14:00.000-05:00

We’re proud to present our 2026 Linn County Fair & Rodeo Queen, Chloe Riley!  Chloe sold a remarkable $28,579 in advance tickets and shattered our previously held record by over $7,000. 

Congratulations to our other 3 candidates, Alyssa Daza, Tegan Harris, and Kylie Freeman on a job well done for the fair! Also pictured is 2025 Linn County Fair & Rodeo Queen, Maddisyn Ernest.

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Bates County Community Health Foundation scholarships awarded

2026-08-04T00:08:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the recipients of the Bates County Community Health Foundation scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year

We are proud of our Foundation’s commitment to investing in the future of healthcare through educational scholarships that support students pursuing healthcare careers.

Two of this year’s recipients are already making an impact at Bates County Memorial Hospital while continuing their education: Megan Switzer, who works in our Emergency Department, and Mackenzie Shipley, who is completing her final weeks of clinicals with Rehabilitation Services.

Congratulations to Megan, Mackenzie, Michale Ashberger, Valerie Craft, Emma McIntire and Piper Wiley. We are excited to celebrate your achievements and support your continued journey in healthcare!

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Minutes from the July 29 Bates County Commission meeting

2026-08-03T14:52:04.645-05:00

July 29, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Chuck Kaiser, with Murphy Tractor, and Kent Page, with Road and Bridge, met with the Commission to discuss replacing the larger excavator. The one they have now is a 120 and John Deere doesn’t make 120’s anymore so Chuck suggested they look at the 135’s and explained the upgrades and the new options they would have. 

Chuck assured the Commission that he can evaluate the one they have currently and see what they could get for trade-in value.

Jim asked Kent how much this excavator was going to be used and Kent was quick to inform them it would be quite often. Kent also explained that if they did upgrade to the 135 they would need to upgrade trailers due to the current trailer only holding 24,000 pounds and the excavator would be 27,000 pounds. 

Chuck asked about their budget, Jim brought up looking at a used one instead of a new one and they discussed second party EPG warranty vs. the extended warranty through Murphy.

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Special meeting tomorrow in Rich Hill

2026-08-03T13:50:58.307-05:00

There will be a special board meeting August 4th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Rich Hill City Hall Council Chambers.

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