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. 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.

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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 20^th,21^st, and 22^nd.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Storm Siren Test For The City Of Archie

 The City of Archie will be siren testing on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 1:00PM.

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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. 

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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.

 

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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 2^nd and August 8^th.

 

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.

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Monday Night Bingo Cancelled for Memorial Day, May 26th

 

Monday night bingo in Adrian has been cancelled for the Memorial Day Holiday on May 26^th. Regular Monday bingo will resume on Monday, June 2^nd. The doors will open at 5pm, bingo will begin at 7pm. You must be 16 years old or older to play bingo.

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