Suggestion to sell Jaycee Park in Butler under consideration

From the Butler city council meeting May 19th

Per a citizen suggestion in the previous Butler city council meeting, consideration is being given to selling Jaycee Park which is located south of Nursery street, just north of the tennis and pickleball courts. It appears that the homeless have been camping there, which brought further discussion about exactly how much is the park used anyway. Upkeep costs will also play a factor as the Mayor and council dig deeper to find a solution either way.

Guests included councilwoman Doncella Liggins who spoke on behalf of the Student Advisory Committee. She sought permission for a pickleball tournament set for June 27th; permission granted and more details about the event will be released in coming days.

Guest Layne Anderson presented the council and city attorney with his citizen audit of the Butler airport. As many concerns were included, Anderson questioned when (and how) did it come into play that aircraft owners at the airport now must have 2 million dollars of liability insurance when it was previously stated that 1 million was all that was required. He went on to say the the FAA only requires 1 million of coverage for general aviation and noted that his cost for 2 million will double his premium to about $3200 annually if the city sticks by the 2 million figure. The council agreed to investigate and get back to him on that subject, as well as what action will be taken regarding the audit.

On a related note, Mayor Jim Henry made appointments to the airport commission which included Paul French, Matt Poland and Bill DelliPaoli.

A considerable amount of time was devoted to discussion regarding  rezoning of property at 904 W. Fort Scott street as the property owner requested it be changed from commercial back to residential. The owner admitted that when he purchased the property it was recommended that he zone it commercial as there are many businesses nearby, to which he agreed. Now however, in selling the home it cannot be be zoned commercial if the buyer is securing an FHA loan, which is the case. 

Councilman Jeff Hall voiced concerns about the city 'flip-flopping' on zoning matters, thus making changes every time an issue comes up. Following a lengthy debate, the change to residential was approved despite no votes by Hall and councilwoman Doncella Liggins.

In a previous council meeting, frustration was voiced regarding court delays in processing city code violations. This week, councilman Jon Dudley asked if there was some type of report available from the court so the city can see where they are at with closing some of the cases. Mayor Henry said he believed that some type of information should be available however, it may require a discussion with those at the courthouse to verify.

When the Butler city hall was repainted last year, it was discovered some of the windows needed to be resealed, separate from the painting project. The council approved the repairs to the tune of $5,781.26 which should insure the building is 'good to go' for some time to come.

The council paid kudos to city crews for the many long hours spent restoring power and cleanup following last week's storm. It was also noted that cleanup remains to be done at Oak Hill cemetery however, due to super soft ground, it likely will be after Memorial Day before heavy equipment can be brought in to do the job.

Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

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Little Apple news

May 20, 2026

The Appleton City High School Alumni Luncheon will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:30. Reservation/meal is $15 in advance $20 at the door.  Mail reservations to Patty Purvis Young, 101 E. 3rd St., Appleton City, MO 64724. Please include class year and names for each person attending.  

 

The 34th Annual Montrose Festival will be May 22-24. This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future”.  More info is available at their Facebook page - montrose mo festival history events. Friday evening, Beer Olympics will be at City Park, with registration at 6:00 p.m. Saturday starts with breakfast 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall. Baking contest at the VFW Hall 9:30 a.m. drop off, 11:00 judging. 22nd annual car show at 9:00 a.m., Vendors and crafters in the Community Building at 9:00 a.m. Museum opens at 10:00 a.m. For the kids, pony rides, petting zoo, inflatables, corn boxes, face painting, kids games, turtle races and Ted E. Bear Toy Factory. Other events include, Putt, putt golf at 10:000 a.m., Chicken drop, 50/50 raffle and KC Wolf from noon to 2:00 p.m. The announcement of this year's Home Town Hero is at 12:00.  The grand parade begins at 1:00 p.m. with registration at the Montrose High School 10:00 – 12:30.  Following the parade, will the Kickin Chicken Fried Chicken Dinner 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the community building and a pie and wine auction. Corn Hole tournament at 3:30 p.m. Jesse Bauerle (music) at the VFW pavilion 6:00-8:00 p.m. and “Yard Dogs” will play 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Sunday, softball starts at noon and the Scavenger Hunt at the VFW Hall 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.. The Montrose Festival Committee is asking for sponsors to help offset the expenses for this annual event.  Donations can be sent to Montrose Festival Committee, PO Box 15, Montrose, MO.  Make checks to Montrose Festival.

Appleton City Carousel will be open Memorial Day through Labor Day week-ends, Friday-Sunday 4:00-7:00 p.m. It will close if inclement weather is happening. There have been people from 37 states and 7 countries that have visited.

The Appleton City Museum will be open after the ACHS luncheon Saturday, May 23 1:30-4:00. 

 

The yellow roses at the Appleton City Cemetery will be picked up on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 8:30 a.m., with a rain date of Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.  All individuals, families, clubs or groups are welcome.  For information, contact Pam Bartz, 417-321-4177.

The AC Rural Health Clinic is excited to announce that Dermatology PA, Dylan Timmerman, is increasing his dermatology clinic days through the summer months. Traditionally, Dylan's dermatology clinics have been scheduled for one Friday per month. In June, July, and August he is increasing that to four clinics per month. Along with Fridays, some of Dylan's additional days over the summer will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For scheduling or any other dermatology clinic questions, please call the EMH Outpatient Clinic at 660-476-5257.

Growing In Grace Community Center will have a sale at their building May 21-23 and all proceeds will go to Kaylee Starnes from Osceola, Mo.  It will help cover medical expenses. She has a tumor in her spine and brain stem. They will also have a fish fry 3:00-6:00 p.m. June 6 to help with Kaylee’s expenses. Come inside eat and listen to music, or come get a meal to take home. Please help support this cause.

The Appleton City Rural Health Clinic is offering free Sports Physicals on Wednesdays throughout the month of June.  An appointment is required to be seen.  To schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at 660-476-2121.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation is sponsoring 2 raffles to support local healthcare. You can buy tickets to enter for the chance to win 1/2 a hog. There will be two chances to win and winners will be drawn at the AC Fair on June 13. The hog was donated by Ethan Bracher family and processing by Murray’s Butcher Block. The second raffle is for a chance to win a Stihl air inflator or Blackstone Griddle.  Winners will be drawn at the AC Car Show July 11. All tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. All money raised will support local healthcare through Ellett Memorial Hospital.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for May and June. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday,  May 20 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Friday,  May 22 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Wednesday,  May 27 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday,  May 27 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday,  May 28– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib,  Friday,  May 29 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace, Tuesday, June 2 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday, June 3 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy- Dr. Namin, Thursday , June 4 - OB/Gyn- Dr. Kallberg, Friday, June 5 - Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Tuesday, June 9 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday, June 12 –Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Tuesday    June 16 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Thursday, June 18 – Podiatry– Dr. Pace, Friday, June 19   Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Tuesday, June 23– Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Wednesday, June 24 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday, June 24 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, June 25 - Neurology- Dr. Shoaib, Friday, June 26 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday, June 30 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA

“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.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 21     Last day of classes at AC School

May 22-24     Montrose Festival

May 23     ACHS Alumni Luncheon 11:30 a.m.       

May 25     Memorial Day Holiday                                       

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Adrian students recognized for commitment to excellence

The end of the school year brings a variety of ways to recognize and reward student achievement. The story below, written by Mr. Rylee Mabe, AHS Conditioning Teacher, reveals two student athletes who are very deserving of conditioning awards.

Male Strength Athlete of the Year, Elijah Hubbard

He is the definition of hard work, discipline, and high character. Every single day he shows up ready to work, gives full effort, and never backs down from a challenge. He consistently puts his head down and works hard without needing recognition or praise. Elijah does what is asked of him with no questions asked and approaches every workout, drill, and assignment with a team-first attitude.

In strength and conditioning, Elijah sets the standard for consistency and effort. He understands that success comes from discipline and daily commitment, and he demonstrates that through his actions every day. Whether the workout is easy or difficult, Elijah attacks it with the same mindset and determination. He encourages those around him by leading through example and showing what accountability looks like.

Beyond his work ethic, Elijah is a respectful and dependable individual who coaches can trust. He brings positive energy, stays focused, and represents the type of athlete and person every program wants. His attitude, toughness, and commitment to improving make him an important part of the class and someone his teammates can look up to.

Female Strength Athlete of the Year, Libby Nebocat

She is the definition of “hard work pays off.” She comes into strength and conditioning every day ready to compete, improve, and give everything she has. No matter how demanding the workout may be, Libby never complains and always pushes herself to be better. Her effort and consistency make her one of the hardest workers in the room every single day.

What separates Libby is not only her work ethic, but also her incredible character. She leads by example in everything she does and holds both herself and her teammates accountable. Libby sets the standard for her peers through her discipline, attitude, and commitment to excellence. She approaches every workout with focus and determination, and her dedication motivates those around her to raise their level as well.

Libby is someone coaches can always count on because of the pride she takes in her work and the respect she shows to others. She represents everything you want in a student-athlete: toughness, leadership, humility, and consistency. Her commitment to improving herself while helping those around her succeed makes her an outstanding part of the strength and conditioning program.

Libby won this award last year, and she has continued to prove why she is still deserving of it again this year. She has never stopped working, never become satisfied, and continues to raise the standard every single day. Her consistency, leadership, and dedication make her more than deserving of this recognition once again.

Courtesy Adrian News Leader
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Obituary - Ruth Ellen Stainbrook

Ruth Ellen Stainbrook, age 93, La Cygne, Kansas passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born on February 12, 1933 at home to Fred and Lucy Henderson Carothers. She graduated from La Cygne High School in 1950 where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Ruth Ellen was united in marriage to Wilbur Lee Stainbrook on August 16, 1950. She worked for Business Men's Assurance Company, Braemore Sewing, and a cook at Prairie View School District. She was civic minded lady, giving of her time and talent. She was a leader in Cadmus 4-H as well as cooking project leader. She served as President of the La Cygne Alumni Association. She was a member of the La Cygne United Methodist Church, Cadmus Grange, Red Hats, The Neighborhood Club, Rebecca's, and EHU. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wilbur, sister, Erma Lee Stites, son in law Scott Allen, grandson, Brandon Stainbrook, and great grandson, Michael Allen. Ruth Ellen is survived by a son, Keith Stainbrook and wife Michele, two daughters, Doris Jean McElreath and husband Danny, and Joyce Allen, two sisters, Elizabeth Hubler, and Carol Clark, a brother, Clayton Carothers and wife Grace, a former daughter in law Carol Stainbrook, eight grandchildren, Jennifer Pemberton, Brian Stainbrook, Brent Stainbrook and wife Erin, Travis Allen and wife Amy, Tara Branson and husband Austin, eleven great grandchildren, Case(Taylor), Stratton, and Saige Pemberton, Levi and Meadow Stainbrook, Brodie Stainbrook, Lane, Daxin, and Rayna Allen, Kenley and Meila Branson, Kiley(Zach) Zweig, one great great grand daughter, Lilly Zweig, and another due very shortly.

Funeral service will be held 2 pm Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the La Cygne United Methodist Church. Burial in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, May 20, at the Schneider La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to La Cygne United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Gary Simpson

Gary Wayne Simpson, age 74, Mound City, Kansas passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was born on January 17, 1952 in Mound City, Kansas the son of Kenneth and Maxine Davis Simpson. He graduated from Mound City High School. Gary was united in marriage to Mary Self on April 17, 1971. Gary and Mary owned and ran Moto Power Gas and Oil for many years. He then went to work as a custodian at Jayhawk Linn High School. Gary enjoyed fishing, camping, and gardening. He loved spending time with all of his family. He was a familiar face riding his moped in Mound City. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard Simpson, a sister, Kathy Jo Simpson, and a great grandson, Lincoln Bruns. Gary is survived by his wife, Mary, children, Amy Bruns and husband John, son Kevin Simpson and wife Natalie, a sister, Marlys Field, six grandchildren, Tyler, Dalton, Jaret, Keara, Brennan, and Bryson, and five great grandchildren, Sutton, Walker, Bristol, Claire, and Hayes.

Funeral service will be 10 am Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Mound City Christian Church. Burial in the Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 pm Sunday, May 17 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Care to Share or Zach White Memorial. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Danny Stapp

Danny Lee Stapp age 76 of Pleasant Hill, Missouri departed this life Monday, May 18, 2026 at his home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri surrounded by love and family. 

Cremation with no services scheduled. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Daniel O'Connell

Daniel O'Connell, 80 of Butler, Missouri passed away Monday, May 18, 2026 at Medicalodges of Butler. Cremation, with private graveside services to be held with military honors. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is pending at this time.

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Obituary - Charles Klick

Charles Klick, 96 of Drexel, Missouri passed away Monday, May 18, 2026 at his home in Drexel. Cremation, with family graveside services to be held in Shawnee, Kansas at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is pending at this time.

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