The 21st Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 12 in the City Park, right off 52 Hwy across the street from Zink Motor Company. Check in 8:00 a.m.-noon. Car Show noon-3:00 p.m. This is a judged event. There is a $10 entry fee, with proceeds going to two scholarships for local high school students. Top 85 cars and trucks combined, top 3 motorcycles, and top 3 rat rods. There will be food concessions, music, goody bags, live auction, door prizes, 50-50 drawing and dash plaques for all entries. Along with the AC Car Show, Zink Motor Co (across from the Car Show) is hosting the KC Antique Car Club at their dealership. Model A’s and T’s will be on display. This event is free.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Hiring a Bates County Court Clerk
Court Clerk Job Opening
There is a job opening for the position of
Bates County Court Clerk. The Court Clerk is under the supervision of the City
Administrator and Municipal Judge and is in a non-exempt position under FLSA,
which performs clerical duties.
This position provides citizen assistance,
court administrative duties, and performs data entry duties. Processing complaints, traffic tickets,
warrants, and citizen inquiries are required. You will be required to collect
fines, court costs, and bond monies. You will be responsible for daily
deposits, maintaining the court bank account, and balancing at the end of the
month.
You will be required to make disbursements
at the end of the month to the required State and City Departments. You will be required to Sign a Code of
Conduct per the State of Missouri.
This employee should possess excellent
communications, office, organizational, and public relation skills. Position
will be Regular Part Time with 30 hr. per week. Requires H.S. Diploma/GED or
two years of related experience. Benefits include employer paid medical,
dental, vision and life insurance. Position is covered by LAGERS retirement
system. Starting wage is $16.13 depending on qualifications with the
possibility of a raise at 6 months.
Applications
are available at Butler City Hall, 22 West Ohio Street, Butler or on this
website at cityofbutlermo.com.
The City of Butler is an equal opportunity employer. Position is open until it is filled.
Bates County Memorial Hospital Honors EMS Call of the Year
As part of its EMS Week celebration, Bates County Memorial Hospital recognized Paramedic Rich Glossip and EMT-B Stephen Stark as recipients of the hospital’s 2025 Call of the Year award in a ceremony held on Wednesday, May 21.
Staff,
volunteers, and board members gathered in the hospital’s dining room to hear
details of the emergency call that demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill,
and compassion. Both honorees received custom walnut plaques in recognition of
their outstanding service.
Stephen
Stark has served with the BCMH Ambulance team for three years and brings a
strong background of service, including four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
With 10 years of experience as an EMT-B, Stark recently began paramedic
training to advance his career in emergency medicine. He also serves as a field
training officer, mentoring newer team members with the leadership experience
gained from both military and EMS service.
Rich
Glossip has been part of the BCMH EMS team since 2011 and brings decades of
experience to the field. He served as a U.S. Navy corpsman for five years
before beginning his EMS career in 1992 with the Kansas City Fire Department.
Russell
Whisenand, EMS Supervisor at BCMH and a Paramedic himself, reviewed more than
2,500 emergency calls from 2024 before selecting this one for recognition.
“Even though the outcome was not what we hoped for,” Whisenand said, “this crew
gave it their all and performed with excellence.”
Both
Glossip and Stark spoke during the ceremony, expressing their mutual respect
and reflecting on the call that earned them the award.
“It’s
awesome to have a good partner like Stephen,” Glossip said. “You barely have to
talk to each other when you’re working a call like that. That’s what I take
from it—we did our best for him, and working with a good partner, it’s all you
can ask for.”
Stark
added, “I’ve learned a lot from working with Rich. Experienced medics like him
bring a lot of stories and a wealth of knowledge.”
BCMH CEO
Greg Weaver opened the ceremony with remarks about the importance of
recognizing excellence in emergency care.
The BCMH
Ambulance Department operates 24/7, staffed by two-person teams made up of one
paramedic and one EMT-B. EMS Week, recognized nationally from May 18–24, honors
the life-saving work of EMS professionals and their vital role in the health
and safety of the community.
Arrest In Garden City Following Search Warrant
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at approximately 11:20 a.m., deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Unit served a search warrant in rural Garden City.
The warrant was granted after an investigation into
the theft of a vehicle on 05/06/25.
As a result, 39-year-old Jessie Fletcher of Garden
City was arrested.
Fletcher is charged with 1st Degree Tampering of a
Vehicle (Class D Felony) and four counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
(Class C Felony).
She’s currently being held at the Cass County Jail on
a $25,000 cash-only bond.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
George Larson, Jr.
George
Larson, Jr. 63 of Hillsboro, Oregon passed away March 7, 2025 at his home. Memorial services will be held 11:00 am,
Friday, June 27, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel
(816-657-4400). Inurnment will follow in
Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Messages of
condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
George
Arthur Larson, Jr. was born June 16, 1961 in Kansas City, Missouri. Born to George and Patricia Larson. George was a happy little boy who loved to
play outside. Playing baseball, frisbee,
catch, and cowboys. He somehow kept
losing one of his shoes. Lates in life,
George learned to weld like his father and did many odd jobs, always willing to
lend a hand. He always had his projects to keep him busy, he was a true
handyman.
George’s
journey on this earth was not an easy one, but he never lost his gratitude and
appreciation for those in his life. Even
at the worst of times during his health struggles he was always saying “thank
you” for what was done for him.
George
found things that brought joy to his life, from his little dog Blackie, to
fishing on a hot summer day. He as proud
to fix up his place in Joplin. He spent
countless hours at the local Habitat for Humanity looking for deals and
building his stash of tools.
George is survived by his mother Patricia Larson, and five sisters, Christine, Bonnie, Jill, Stacy, and Carrie, along with seven nieces and nephews, and three great-nieces and nephews.
David Lamar Gray Sr., 70, of Butler
David
Lamar Gray Sr., 70, of Butler, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025,
at St. Luke’s East Hospital, surrounded by his children. Cremation, with private family services to be
held at a later date. Arrangements
entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the
family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
David
was born on February 11, 1955, in Bay Springs, Mississippi, to Bernice and
Frances Gray. He began his life journey by marrying the love of his life, Joyce
Lucille Dye, on February 1, 1974. Together, they built a beautiful life in
Jackson, Mississippi, where they welcomed their first daughter on February 15,
1975. In the years that followed, they added a son and another daughter to
their growing family.
David
was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a
hardworking man and often the sole provider for his family. While living in
Mississippi, he ran a Kwik Copy Printing company and earned a reputation as one
of the best in the printing business.
In
1991, after the passing of his father, David and Joyce made the decision to
move to Missouri, eventually settling in Butler in 1994. David continued his
printing career with the Examiner, The News-Xpress, and the Nevada
News newspapers. Later, he also assisted Joyce in maintaining the
properties she managed. As the newspaper industry declined, David transitioned
to working at Walmart in Butler, where he eventually retired.
In
his free time, David had a deep passion for NASCAR. Everyone knew that Sunday
afternoons were reserved for watching the races especially when his favorite
drivers, Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., were on the track. He also
enjoyed spending Friday nights at the local races in Butler and was a loyal fan
of both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals
David
was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Jeneva Gray and Bernice Lamar
Gray, as well as his beloved wife, Joyce Lucille Gray.
He
is survived by his three children, Teresa Frances Falkner (Bret), David Lamar
Gray Jr. (Hope), Angela Michelle Rusher (Dean Myers)
He
also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Austin Philipsheck (Alisha), Chesnea
Philipsheck (Austin), Skyler Falkner, Bailey Lowe, Jeffery Harrill (Kaliyah
Seppi), Cody Harrill, Connor Rusher, Leah Rusher, Elijah Gray, and Keyra Gray. David’s legacy continues through his six
great-grandchildren:
Layton, Greyson, Kimber, Mallory, Raelynn, and Jaycee.
David will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and the quiet love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Butler Saddle Club
The Butler Saddle Club would like to introduce the 2025 Rodeo Royalty Candidates!
Miss Savannah Spry is our 2025 Rodeo Queen candidate. Savannah
will be selling discounted advance admission tickets as well as raffle tickets.
Advance ticket prices are $10 for 13 years old and and $5 for 6-12 years old.
To support and purchase tickets from her, you can reach her at 660-492-0121.
Miss Zita Baney is a 2025 Rodeo Princess Candidate. Miss Zita
will be selling $1 raffle tickets for a chance to win $500 or savage rifle, or
$200 or Missouri state fair ticket 4 pack which includes 4 admission tickets
and 4 concert tickets. To support and purchase tickets raffle tickets, you can
reach her at 816-854-0284
Miss Addison Talley is a 2025 Rodeo Princess Candidate.
Miss Addison will be selling $1 raffle tickets for a chance to
win $500 or savage rifle, or $200 or Missouri State Fair ticket 4 pack which
includes 4 admission tickets and 4 concert tickets. To support and purchase
tickets, you can reach her at 816-345-0760.
As the rodeo gets closer, be on the lookout for these candidate
to be out and about selling in Butler and surrounding towns!
The 2025 Butler Saddle Club Dates are June 20th,21st,
and 22nd.
Missouri State Fair Tickets for Sale Now
Tickets to all Missouri State Fair concerts and events are on sale to the public starting today, while supplies last. This includes all concerts and events in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and $12 advance adult gate admission. These tickets will be available through Etix.com and by phone 1-800-514-ETIX/1-800-514-3849. Starting at noon on Monday, June 30 tickets will be available for purchase at the Missouri State Fair Box Office, located on the Fairgrounds in Sedalia.
Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 30 through Aug. 1, expanding to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4-6 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the Fair, Aug. 7-17. The Box Office is closed July 4 in observance of 4th of July holiday.
STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND
The State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, is the venue for eight concerts, two tractor pulls, and one auto race this year. Children two and under are free to reserved Grandstand concerts, but must sit on adult’s laps. Ticket prices do not include Fair gate admission.
- THURSDAY, AUG. 7 – WYNONNA JUDD - THE GREATEST HITS TOUR WITH THE WAR AND TREATY, 7:30 p.m., $45-60, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and drone show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, following the show.
- FRIDAY, AUG. 8 – BLUES TRAVELER AND GIN BLOSSOMS WITH SPIN DOCTORS, 7 p.m., $55-70, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and drone show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, following the show.
- SATURDAY, AUG. 9 – OLIVER ANTHONY WITH DAVISSON BROTHERS BAND, 7:30 p.m., $25-60, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, and drone show, sponsored by VisitMO.com, following the show.
- SUNDAY, AUG. 10 – MSF SHOOT OUT TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL, All Day Ticket – 12 p.m. & 6 p.m., $15-40
- MONDAY, AUG. 11 – PRO PULLING LEAGUE STATE FAIR SHOOT OUT, 7 p.m., $15-40
- TUESDAY, AUG. 12 – AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH JOHN ANDERSON WITH EXILE, 7:30 p.m., $35-45.
- WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13 – JOSIAH QUEEN WITH CLAIRE LESLIE, 7:30 p.m., $25-40.
- THURSDAY, AUG. 14 – HUDSON WESTBROOK WITH CHANCEY WILLIAMS, 7:30 p.m., $35-50.
- FRIDAY, AUG. 15 – FLO RIDA WITH PAUL RUSSELL, 7:30 p.m., $45-60, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, following the show.
- SATURDAY, AUG. 16 – JON PARDI WITH TBA, 7:30 p.m., $65-80, with fireworks, sponsored by Missouri S&T, following the show.
- SUNDAY, AUG. 17 - 2025 POWRi 410 SPRINT CARS, B MODIFIEDS & SUPER STOCK RACES, 6 p.m. Hot Laps/7 p.m. Heat Races, $10-30
GOVERNOR'S HAM BREAKFAST
The 2025 Governor’s Ham Breakfast is a traditional gathering of Missouri elected officials, leaders in agriculture and supporters of the Missouri State Fair. The Breakfast features Missouri country cured ham and other Missouri Grown products. Tickets are $50 per plate and includes Aug. 14 gate admission to the Fair.
ADVANCE ADULT GATE ADMISSION
Purchase admission tickets early and save! Advance Adult Gate Admission tickets are only $12. There are several ways to purchase tickets:
- Purchase online at Etix.com (Etix advance admission ticket sales end at 9 am, July 31, so that tickets arrive via mail prior to the Fair).
- Purchase in person at the Missouri State Fair Box Office (starting at noon, Monday, June 30).
- Purchase in person at Break Time Convenience Stores, Bomgaars and Family Center Farm and Home stores starting in July.
The 2025 Missouri State Fair, themed “Step On In” is Aug. 7-17, in Sedalia.
Missouri Hot Weather Law Begins June 1
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Public Service Commission reminds consumers the Missouri's Hot Weather Law is in effect from June 1 to September 30.
The law was created to protect all residential customers of investor-owned utilities from having their electric or natural gas service disconnected due to non-payment when electricity or natural gas is used as the source of cooling or to operate the only cooling equipment at the residence.
Regulated utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting service if the National Weather Service local forecast between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. for the following 24 hours when the temperature is predicted to rise above 95 degrees or the heat index is predicted to rise above 105 degrees.
Consumers are still responsible to pay their bills. For more information on the Hot Weather Law, consumers can go to the Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392 4211.
Consumers can also receive Hot Weather Law information from their local natural gas or electric company or local community action agency. In addition, there may be additional programs available to consumers seeking assistance paying their utility bills.
Robert E Seater, age 82 of Springfield (formerly of the Metz & Rich Hill Area)
Robert E Seater, age 82 of Springfield, MO (formerly of the Metz & Rich Hill Area) passed away Friday, May 16, 2025. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, MO, with family receiving friends from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial with Military Rites will be in the Balltown Cemetery, Horton, MO. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Balltown Cemetery.
Bob is survived by three cousins, David Kimberlin of Lees Summit, MO, Doug Kimberlin of Pleasant Hill, MO, and Donna Polly of Concordia, MO; and a step-brother Larry Vogt of New Albany, IN.
Services under the direction of the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, MO.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Haden Wayne Laffey
Funeral services for Hayden Wayne Laffey of Raymore, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Contributions to Wayside Waifs or funeral home for funeral expenses. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Hayden Wayne Laffey, age 20 of Raymore, Missouri died Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born August 19, 2004 in Nevada, Missouri. His father is John Foulk and mothers Trista Foulk and Jennifer Laffey.
Hayden is survived by his father, John Foulk of Raymore, Missouri; mothers Trista Foulk of Raymore and Jennifer Laffey of Joplin, Missouri; brother, Stunner Foulk; four sisters, Abby Coffin, Katelyn Foulk, Brianna Sorden and Mackenzie Foulk; grandparents, Kathy Gregory and husband Darrell, Sidney Foulk, Jack McAdoo and Carmen Radford, Ted Laffey and Ruth Laffey; and special uncles Shawn Foulk and Allen Foulk. Hayden was preceded in death by his uncle Justin Leonard, grandfather Ronnie Radford; and great grandmother Elaine Huckaby.
Bates County Memorial Hospital Welcomes Dr. Cooper Rodgers, MD, Ophthalmologist
Bates
County Memorial Hospital is excited to announce that Dr. Cooper Rodgers, MD, an
experienced ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery,
will begin providing surgical services at the hospital starting May 19. Dr.
Rodgers will offer his expertise once a month, ensuring the community continues
to have access to high-quality eye care close to home.
In addition to his
surgical services at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Dr. Rodgers will be
available for local clinic visits at the Butler-based optometry practice of
Noe, Miller, and Miller. Patients can schedule appointments with Dr. Rodgers by
calling 913-829-5511.
Dr. Rodgers completed his
medical training at the University of Kansas, where he was inducted into the
prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He went on to complete a one-year
internship at the University of Florida's Shands Hospital, followed by an
ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida. During his residency, he
had the privilege of caring for U.S. Veterans and providing refractive surgery
for active military personnel.
Dr. Rodgers specializes in
cataract and refractive surgery, and he treats a wide range of eye conditions,
including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and droopy
eyelids. His goal is to enhance his patients' quality of life through expert
surgical care.
“We’re proud to welcome
Dr. Cooper Rodgers to our team as the only ophthalmologist offering surgical
eye care at Bates County Memorial Hospital,” said Greg Weaver, CEO. "His
skills and passion for helping others will make a real difference for the
people in our communities, bringing trusted, high-quality eye care closer to
home for our families, friends, and neighbors.”
Outside of his
professional work, Dr. Rodgers enjoys running, weightlifting, kayaking, and
cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Scheduling Your
Appointment
Appointments with Dr. Rodgers can be made through Grin Eye Care of the greater
Kansas City area. To schedule, please contact Grin Eye Care at 913-829-5511.
Bates County Memorial
Hospital is proud to welcome Dr. Rodgers to the team and looks forward to the
continued care and service he will provide to the community.
Summer lunches for those in need/ Donations appreciated
‘Alvina's Free Summer Lunches’, hosted by The Carpenter’s Cup Christian Book and Gift store is again hosting this lunch program for children in our community. Your donations provide the children a free lunch between June 2nd and August 8th.
The Carpenters Cup plans to deliver 50 lunches to the square and
to the big park (just north of the pool), Monday through Friday.
For this to be successful, they need volunteers to deliver the
meals to the Park daily and help in the kitchen daily to prepare the sack
lunches.
The updated list includes chips, cookies and fruit cups.
And, of course, monetary donations are always appreciated!
A complete list of items needed can be found on the Carpenter’s
Cup Facebook page.
They will use any snack donations to put into the bags. Last
year, they occasionally got beef sticks, rice krispies treats, Cuties, or
apples, drinks, granola bars, peanut butter crackers, and many other “snackie
items” to throw into the lunch bags.
‘Alvina’s Summer Lunch’ program needs volunteers to deliver the lunches
to the square and to the park.
Volunteers are needed in the Carpenters Cup kitchen to make
sandwiches and put the lunches together. You can volunteer as much or as little
as you can. General hours are from 10am until about 1:30PM. Maybe you have
teenagers that need community service for school or to go on a college
application.
If this summer lunch program is not successful they won't be
able to offer lunches to the many children in the area in need.
This is a big undertaking and commitment, so if you have
questions, or want to sign up as a volunteer, call 660-679-3333. Donations can
be delivered to the Carpenters Cup, 102 S. Bishop
Street in Butler.
Monday Night Bingo Cancelled for Memorial Day, May 26th
Monday night bingo in Adrian has
been cancelled for the Memorial Day Holiday on May 26th. Regular
Monday bingo will resume on Monday, June 2nd. The doors will open at
5pm, bingo will begin at 7pm. You must be 16 years old or older to play bingo.
Zink Motors July Car show
The 21 st Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 12 in the City Park, right off 52 Hwy across the street from Zink Motor Company. Chec...
