Missouri State Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash On MO-52 Overpass In Bates County

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash on the MO-52 highway overpass at I-49 in Butler on Friday, June 12^th. Authorities say the crash involved a motorcycle and a van pulling a trailer.

The motorcycle was traveling westbound on MO-52 when the van exited from I-49 onto MO-52 and traveled into the motorcycle’s path.

The motorcycle struck the trailer and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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11 Skydivers, One Pilot Killed After Plane Crashes In Butler

Eleven skydivers and a pilot are dead after a plane crashed in Butler, Missouri, Sunday morning, in an incident local authorities call a “mass casualty event.”

According to a spokesperson with Bates County Emergency Management, just before 11:30 a.m., Sunday, a private plane carrying skydivers left the Butler Memorial Airport but turned around for an unknown reason before crashing near Business 49 Highway.

Eleven of the 12 victims were skydivers. The other victim was the pilot of the plane. All the people on the plane died. The victims’ names have not been released as of Monday morning.

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson confirmed multiple people witnessed the crash, including family members of the victims.

The FAA issued the following statement after the crash:

“This information is preliminary and subject to change. A Pacific Aerospace P750 crashed while departing from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri around 11:35 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 14. Air traffic services were not being provided at the time. Twelve people were on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.“

According to flight radar, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL took off from the airport Sunday morning, and reached an altitude of about 13,400 feet before descending for about two minutes at a rapid speed of 227 mph.

The aircraft is capable of holding up to 17 passengers and serves as a common plane for large skydiving parties.

 

The same type of plane took off earlier Sunday morning for a separate flight. Flight Aware shows the aircraft leaving the airport at 9:20 a.m. and returning about 22 minutes later. It then went back up in the air about an hour later.

At this time, emergency crews and law enforcement with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.

Anderson added that the investigation will take at least two days as crews work to determine what led up to the crash and clear the wreckage. Those agencies are also working to identify the 12 victims in the crash.

NTSB says that their investigators will be at the scene on Monday to document the area, examine the aircraft, and “look at the human, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation.”

NTSB says that a preliminary report will be available within 30 days. A final report with a probable cause of the crash and contributing factors will be released in 12-24 months.

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Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand

 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with a bang at the Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand .

Opening June 26th in the parking lot of Family Center in Butler, the Bates County Elks have everything you need for a spectacular red, white, and blue celebration. From fireworks for the kids to breathtaking aerial displays, it's your one-stop shop for Independence Day fun.

Don't miss over 20 different fountains priced under 10 dollars  each, plus the crowd-favorite Gangster Series Finale Cake!

Best of all, every dollar you spend helps support community projects right here at home.

The Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand—opening June 26th through 10 pm July 5^th, find them at the Family Center parking lot  in Butler. Celebrate 250 years of America with fireworks that light up the sky and give back to the community! 

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Nevada Griffons Activities

 

Friday, June 12th - Home game vs. Clarinda A's, 7 pm

Saturday, June 13th Note:  The Griffons will NOT be participating in the Bushwhacker Parade as previously planned.  They will be working at the Jack McDonald 16U Youth Tournament fundraiser being held at Lyons Field on Saturday and Sunday.p

Tuesday, June 16th - Home game vs. Clarinda A's, 7 pm

• Dollar Dog Night sponsored by Nevada Firefighters Local 3031

Wednesday, June 17th - Brown Bag Lunch 11:00-12:30 at Cricket (111 E. Austin)

• Flyer Attached with prices, menu

Thursday, June 18th - Away game vs Joplin Jailbirds, 6:30 pm

Friday, June 19th - Away game vs. St. Joseph Mustangs, 7 pm

Saturday, June 20th - Away game vs. St. Joseph Mustangs, 7 pm

Sunday, July 21st - Home game vs. Joplin Jailbirds, 7 pm

• Nevada Youth Rec Baseball Night
• Free Admissions Sponsored by Hometown Realty/Amy Cameron

OTHER ITEMS:

• Youth Camp for Ages 10-14 on June 23rd and Ages 5-9 on June 24th.  Registration forms available at the Team Store, Rineharts and online at www.nevadagriffons.org
• Spaghetti Dinner Meet & Greet at the Nevada Elks Lodge, Tuesday, June 23rd, 6-7:30pm. Tickets $10 adult, $6 for kids, available at the Team Store, Rineharts or from any board member

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Butler Police Looking For Christopher Forbes

The Butler Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Christopher Forbes. Mr. Forbes fled from law enforcement on foot Thursday, June 11^th, at approximately 1:00pm. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black hat, and no shirt.

He was last seen in the area of the South Park. If seen, do not approach Mr. Forbes. Contact the Butler Police Department at (660)679-6131

Attached is the most recent booking photo of Christopher Forbes.

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Adrian 4th of July Events

 

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Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand Opens June 27th

 Get ready to light up the night with the Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand! Opening June 27th and running through July 4th, they've got everything you need to make this Independence Day a blast.

Stop by daily from noon to 9 PM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and July 4th, they're open extended hours from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Located at 11 East Main in Adrian, the Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand is packed with fireworks for every celebration, from family favorites to show-stopping finales.

Be sure to register for the "Godfather Grand Prize Package" giveaway! The drawing will be held July 4th at 2 PM, and the lucky winner will be notified by phone.

As a special thank you, all Veterans and First Responders receive 10% off their entire purchase.

Celebrate America with a bang and support a great local organization. The Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand—opening June 27th at 11 East Main in Adrian. Don't miss it!

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Ronald L. Herda, age 76, Hume

 Ronald L. Herda, age 76, Hume, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026,  

Funeral service will be 10 am Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Hume School.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 pm Sunday, June 14, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Rich Hill American Legion Post #67.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. 

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Eddie McLay, age 55 of Rich Hill

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Eddie McLay, age 55 of Rich Hill died Thursday, April 9 at his home. A celebration of life will be 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the Living Word Adventist Fellowship in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Eddie is survived by seven children, Kylie Brattin (Myles), Kassity Mellenbruch (Colton), Jayden McLay, Brady McLay, Coby Richards, Travauna Rapp and Domonick Smith (Kassi); nine grandchildren; mother, Linda Gilkey (Douglas) of Rich Hill; longtime companion, Shirla Cutler; and many nieces and nephews. That’s Eddie McLay with a celebration of life 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the Living Word Adventist Fellowship in Butler.

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Here it comes / Adrian 4th of July

 

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Kenneth “Kenny” Allen Wicklin, 63, of Adrian

 

 

Kenneth “Kenny” Allen Wicklin, 63, of Adrian, Missouri passed away Friday, June 5,

2026 at Appleton City Manor, Appleton City, Missouri.  Cremation, with a Celebration of Life to be held from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Alley Tavern Hall in Butler.  Services under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Kenny was born March 27, 1963 in Independence, MO, the son of Homer Rich

and Earline (Schultz) Rich. He grew up and lived in Independence, Missouri. After

graduating high school he helped his father in his machine shop, Metal Rich,

before opening his own machine shop, Wicklin Machine.

 

Kenny loved riding motorcycles and attending NASCAR races; his favorite driver

was Tony Stewart.  He was also an avid KC Chiefs fan, holding season tickets. He was also

a loving father and grandfather.

 

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents; Homer and Earline, siblings; Diane

Wicklin, Donna Wicklin, Fordemwalt, Richard Toole and Dean Toole.

He is survived by His son Jacob Wicklin and wife Colina of Adrian, Missouri,

grandchildren Jayden and Chesney Wicklin of Adrian, Missouri, brother Bob,

sister-in-law Julie East Toole-Sharp of Clinton, Missouri as well as nieces, nephews

and cousins.

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Little Miss and Mr. Bates County

 

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Butler Hiring Communication Officer

 The City of Butler Police Department is accepting applications for a full-time position in the Police Department for a Communications Officer.  

We offer employers fully paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a complete retirement package by the MO LAGERS system.   Successful candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, or any equivalent combination of education and experience, and a valid driver’s license. Duties include, but are not limited to receiving, processing, transmitting, and/or dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety services via telephone and other communication devices.

Effective oral and written communication skills, sensitivity to working with confidential material; flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing environment and priorities; positive attitude, integrity, and excellent judgement. Work schedule includes assignments to the night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Pre-employment and random post-employment drug testing are required. Applications are available at Butler Police Department, 309 N Fulton Street, Butler, Missouri 64730, or on our website at https://www.butlerpolice.com or https://www.cityofbutlermo.com. The City of Butler is an equal opportunity employer. Position is open until filled.

 

 

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Hospital Phone Delays expected June 16th

 Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is continuing a multi-phase telecommunications system upgrade designed to strengthen infrastructure and improve communication capabilities across the organization.

Additional system transitions are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. During the upgrade process, patients and community members may experience brief intermittent delays when calling certain hospital departments and clinics while the new system is activated.

BCMH teams have worked to carefully coordinate the transition to help minimize disruptions to patient care and communication services.

“These upgrades will help solve critical communication issues and improve our ability to serve patients efficiently,” said Daniel Cook, Director of BCMH Information Systems. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our patients and community during the transition process.”

While most callers may notice little to no interruption, temporary delays may occur periodically during the cutover windows as systems are updated. The transition will begin at 11:00 am on June 16.

Patients having trouble reaching a department are encouraged to wait a few moments and try their call again.

BCMH appreciates the community’s patience as these improvements are implemented to better support patient communication and service throughout the organization.

 

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Women's Retreat

 

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