Request for meeting minutes remains priority for Bates county resident

Minutes from the September 30, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting

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

Chris Gach was present for all meetings.

Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, met with the Commission to discuss the budget amendment so the $500,000 received from Swan Solar can be spent. She explained that she added a “Community Benefit” line in the budget.

John made a motion to approve the amendment to the budget. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition. Jami will send this over to the State Auditor for approval.

John then mentioned that Bates County Memorial Hospital found an ambulance. He was unsure of any other details, as they did not share any with him.

Shelli White, Circuit Clerk, and Hugh Jenkins, Prosecuting Attorney, came in and spoke with Gary Ratfliff, Maintenance, and the Commission about the mold issue at the Courthouse. They also spoke briefly about the heating and cooling, and how the Courthouse is not keeping up. They discussed new cleaning approaches as a band-aide until they can fix the issue completely and a plan on getting the heating and cooling fixed.

Jim contacted State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and was advised that they could move forward. Everyone involved in the matter was informed.

Darrin Peters, with Missouri Soybeans, came in and spoke to the Commission on different things they offer and how they can provide things that the townships and cities could benefit from.

Minutes from the October 5, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting

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

Chris Gach was present for all meetings.

Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, presented another Sunshine Request that she received from Gayle Beachner and encouraged them to read the request before she sent the response. The Commission then read the Sunshine Request. John asked Jami if she had heard anything from the Attorney General’s Office and she informed him that she had not. Jami and the Commission discussed what their Attorney’s encouraged them to do.

Jami told them that she has informed Gayle that a judge will have to decide to release the report, but the response will not change until then. She then stated she would tell Gayle this once more, as her legal counsel had advised.

Theresa Heckenlively, with Kaysinger Basin, came in and talked to the Commission about Safe Streets for All Regional Plan. Since then, there was a public survey put out, and she came to share the responses for Bates County. There were a lot of responses for Butler, and a select few for Rich Hill. 66% were within City Limits and 33% weren’t. She informed the Commission that Bates County did a phenomenal job getting information out there and finding the surveys and told the Commission that they should be proud of their community. Theresa went on to speak about the lack of/or poorly maintained sidewalks in all communities noted on the surveys.

Trent made a motion to release the tax sale excess fund to Mayella Heckadon for Ellsworth Heckadon’s property. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jami, Bates County Clerk, informed the Commission that she went and spoke to Kacie about the excess fund from the tax sale and told them that she will need a letter from them stating that they have researched and found zero liens on the property and to release the money to her.

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Obituary - Marla Kay Davis

Marla Kay Davis, 89, affectionately known as “MiMi,” passed away surrounded by the love of her family on October 6, 2026. She was born May 28, 1937, in Miller, Missouri, to Loma Wilma (Ruark) Hinshaw and Kenneth Boyd Hinshaw. Raised on a farm, Marla learned from an early age what it meant to work hard, take care of what was hers, and never be afraid to get her hands dirty. She was married to Ronnie Jay (RJ) Davis on May 7, 1975, after meeting Ronnie while working as a clerk at the Fort Scott Sale Barn.

Kay was a woman of many talents and even more personality. She could paint a house, hang wallpaper, cook a meal, bake a batch of cinnamon rolls or homemade rolls that her grandchildren still talk about, tend a garden, ride a horse, and shop until she found exactly what she was looking for. She spent many years painting and wallpapering homes alongside her dear friend Mary Lou Breden, a partnership that continued well into their 70s. They worked hard, laughed hard, and undoubtedly got into their fair share of trouble along the way.

A true Western woman at heart, Kay enjoyed running barrels on her horses. She loved country music, old Westerns, and the Hallmark Channel. She was also a passionate Michigan athletics fan and was never shy about sharing her opinion on a coach—especially when they failed to live up to her standards. She was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and could always be counted on to have something to say about the game. Even deeper than her love for Michigan and the Chiefs was her support of her grandchildren and watching them compete, even up to the last few weeks of her life.

But more than anything, Kay loved her family. She loved her four children with all her heart. Her twelve grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy and pride. Her two great-grandsons held an especially precious place in her heart.

Kay had a way of making life more fun. She was ornery, quick-witted, and always up for a good laugh or a well-timed prank. She loved to tease, and if you knew her well, you probably learned that you had to be ready for whatever she might come up with next. Her laugh, her stories, her strong opinions, and her unmistakable personality made her impossible to forget.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Jay (RJ) Davis, her parents, Loma Wilma Hinshaw and Boyd Kenneth Hinshaw, her son-in-law, John McNeley, and both of her siblings, Ardith Tartar and Bill Hinshaw. Survivors include her children, Jodie McNeley, Nevada, MO, Jayson Davis (Shawnda), Appleton City, MO, Brandon Davis (Erin), Logan-Rogersville, MO, and Jayme Belisle (Regin), Osceola, MO; twelve grandchildren, Morgan Sanderson (Cole), Myles McNeley (Hope), Logan McNeley, and Lane McNeley, (Nevada, MO); Jared Davis and Wyatt Davis (Appleton City, MO); Brodie Davis and Grant Davis (Logan-Rogersville, MO); Brynn Belisle, Josie Belisle, Sadie Belisle, and TJ Belisle (Osceola, MO); and two great-grandchildren, Maclin Sanderson and Myer Sanderson (Nevada, MO).

Kay leaves behind a family who will forever carry pieces of her with them—their love of family, their willingness to work hard, their appreciation for a good country song or Western, and, perhaps most importantly, their ability to laugh at themselves and enjoy the little things.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and one-of-a-kind MiMi. She will be deeply missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS TO MT. ZION CEMETERY and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home or given the day of the service.

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Obituary y- Jerod Ryan (JR) Johnson

     

Jerod Ryan (JR) Johnson, 45, Milo, MO, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. JR was born January 20, 1981, in Nevada, MO.

     JR was raised in Milo and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1999. Following high school, he graduated from the Missouri Welding Institute and then worked on the family farm for a number of years. He also worked in construction doing concrete work for several years. JR had a love for cars and enjoyed working on them although RC cars was his passion.

     Survivors include two sons: Keizer Johnson, El Dorado Springs, MO, and Kenzer Johnson, Nevada; and his father, Tom Flewelling, Milo, MO. He was preceded in death by his mother, Trudy Crews; and a sister, Jennifer Lynn Crews.   

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastors David and Ruth Christianson officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery in Nevada.

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Obituary - David "Doc" Oringderff

David "Doc" Oringderff, 77 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Sunrise Care Center in Raymore, Missouri. Funeral services are pending at the moment and will be announced when the information becomes available. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.


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Ballard elementary Students of the Month

Congratulations to Grace Doll and Brecklyn Wainscott on being chosen Elementary Student of the Month! Your hard work and great attitude sets the example! Keep it up! Kind Words:

Grace Doll

Grace shows belonging in our classroom and school by making others feel welcomed, included, and valued. She is willing to work with different classmates, includes others during activities and conversations, and offers help when someone needs it. Grace participates in class discussions, works cooperatively during group activities, and shows kindness and respect toward both her classmates and teachers. Her friendly attitude and willingness to be part of our classroom community help make our classroom a place where everyone feels like they belong.

~Mrs. Bailey

Grace is engaged with activities while having the mindset to want to learn.

~Coach Hanner

Grace is a kind-hearted student!

~Mrs. West

Brecklyn Wainscott

Brecklyn is very deserving of being Student of the Month. She shows us every day what it means to help others feel like they belong. She is a thoughtful friend who uses kind words, encourages others, and never lets anyone feel left out. She is an excellent role model to those around her. Her friendly smile and positive attitude help make our classroom a happy place where everyone feels welcome and included! Great job Brecklyn!

~Mrs. Hester

Brecklyn knows how to get others involved while making others around her laugh and smile.

~Coach Hanner

It is great to see such a young student that is so well mannered and welcoming!

~Mrs. West

She’s always up lifting!

~Ms. Katlin

Courtesy Ballard Schools

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Harrisonville Wildcats honor instructional coaches

On National Coaches Day, we’re celebrating all the coaches who help our Wildcats grow!

Along with our athletic coaches, we’re recognizing our instructional coaches and specialists who support our teachers across the district each day.

Thank you:

Valarie Ellsworth — Instructional Specialist

Abby Masters-Schlueter — Curriculum Specialist

Missy Eddleman — Instructional Coach, HES

Nicole Henderson — Instructional Coach, McEowen

Courtesy Harrisonville Schools

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Appleton City schools partner with Bolivar Technical College

We're excited to welcome Appleton City as a partner in The Gray Matter Initiative!

Through this partnership, junior and senior students have the opportunity to take Anatomy & Physiology I and II through Bolivar Technical College while still in high school. These courses help students build a strong foundation for nursing while getting a head start on their college journey.

Now is the time to sign up for spring classes! If you're a student or parent at Appleton City High School, talk with your school counselor to learn more about this opportunity and see if these courses are right for you.

Together, we're creating more pathways for students to achieve their goals and strengthen the future of healthcare in our communities

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Meth, pills found in Nevada traffic stop

On October 6, Nevada Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle within the City of Nevada. During the investigation, an officer observed signs of possible drug use involving one of the vehicle's occupants.

As the investigation continued, officers located what they believed to be methamphetamine and controlled substance pills inside the vehicle. The driver, Nicole Pitkin, of Raymore, Missouri, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

While Pitkin was being transported to the Vernon County Jail, she attempted to discard evidence inside the officer's patrol vehicle that was hidden on her body. The officer, who had remained attentive throughout the investigation, was able to intercept the evidence. This resulted in an additional approximately half ounce of suspected methamphetamine being seized.

Following the investigation, the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged Pitkin with Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Pitkin is currently being held in the Vernon County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.

This incident serves as another example of the importance of thorough investigations and officer awareness throughout the entire enforcement process. Nevada Police officers will continue working proactively to identify and remove illegal drugs from our community.

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