Archie's Braelynn Brown one of a few selected for HYMAX Academy

Congratulations to Archie FFA Member Braelynn Brown for being selected for the HYMAX Academy. Braelynn was selected to attend this academy based off of her application and is one of only 100 Greenhands in Missouri to attend!

From the HYMAX website: These 100 FFA members will receive hands-on experiences to prepare them to communicate, lead, and advocate for the agricultural Industry. FFA members will also learn from other FFA members about their chapter and how to better their SAE program. In addition, members will gain strategies to continue strengthening their knowledge base in agricultural issues, sharpen written and verbal communication skills, and spark potential career interests. Most importantly, participants will bring home tools to help other members’ chapter tell the agriculture story!

Learn more about the program here https://missouriffa.org/forms/hymax-application/


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Pilot makes emergency landing in rural Miami county

At approximately 12:26 PM on March 19, 2026, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of a single-engine propeller aircraft in distress after experiencing engine failure approximately 1.2 miles southwest of Miami County Airport.

The pilot was able to safely land the aircraft on Old Kansas City Road, north of 335th Street before emergency personnel could arrive in the area.

The aircraft is operated by U.S. Aviation Academy. Both occupants were uninjured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. Assisting agencies included the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Osawatomie Police Department, Miami County EMS, Osawatomie Fire Department and Paola Fire Department.

Courtesy Miami County Sheriff's Office

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New Hertzog Meat Company location Grand Opening set for April 24

It was revealed during the Butler city council meeting this week that Hertzog Meat Company will begin processing in the new facility on west Fort Scott street March 23rd and will hold a Grand Opening when they open the retail sales department on April 24th.

Mid America Live will provide additional details in coming days.


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Fairly short night for Butler City Council

All members present for the March 17 Butler city council meeting

Early in the meeting Mayor Jim Henry presented Years of Service Award Plaques to Matthew Johnson (5 years) and Melvin Ewing (15 years). Others who earned service awards but were not in attendance: Laura Prince (5 years), Max Allen (5 years), and Mike Hawks (10 years). Thank you for your dedication and ongoing service to the city of Butler.

Caroline Jett, representing the Butler Historic Preservation Commission, gave an update on what the members were doing, made some requests, and offered a suggestion. She also thanked  the council for their ongoing support. The commission created a walking tour of Butler for visitors who will be attending the Wall that Heals event coming in late April. She also noted that Main Street Park (green space on the Butler square) will now be called Heritage Park where the historic murals are. They are planning to develop a Pocket Park on West Dakota Street with the city’s permission and suggested that the mural at the Power Plant be renovated or torn town at the City’s discretion. Mayor Henry commented that he had attended meetings with them and appreciated all that they do.

Rodney Rom, who was not unable to attend, did forward a statement offering suggestions for trees and sidewalks around Butler. Mayor Henry will be following up and updates will be provided accordingly.

Guest Jami Page appeared before the council for approval for the Wall that Heals parade event to be held on April 28, 2026. She talked about a change in the escort route and asked that the square be closed down. She had met with the Special Events committee who approved the request and requested that the City donate six to eight trash barrels which would need to be emptied daily. She also mentioned that they are looking for volunteers, that porta pottys have been donated, and the Sheriff’s department volunteered signs for the routes. Page's requests were approved by the council.

Scott Mallatt informed the council that the Parks & Recreation Commission had met, but there was no quorum and had nothing to report. Likewise, Denny Rich had attended the Airport Commission meeting, but they also did not have a quorum. They discussed providing competitive aviation fuel prices and were still looking for a manager.

The 2026-2027 Butler city budget was approved unanimously by the council. More information about the city budget can be obtained at city hall for those who are interested.

Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley remarked that the Codes Enforcement department had submitted a report. He also reported that a rubber speed hump has been installed on South Main Street in front of the jail and so far it is effective in slowing the traffic down. Furthermore, if anyone tried to go around the hump, they would get a ticket. In addition to the speed hump, 15 mph speed zones had been installed at all intersections around the square and speed limits had been lowered on nearby streets.

Mayor Henry and the council congratulated Don LeNeve for being in business for seventy-five years before retiring and the Mayor is working on a Proclamation to give him. 

It was reported that Hertzog Meat Company will begin processing on March 23rd and will hold a Grand Opening when they open the retail sales department on April 24. City Council has been invited to attend this event as well as the public, more details to be revealed in coming days.

Sadly, it was announced that Butler Glass Company has closed their business after forty-four years of service and wished them well.

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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Obituary - Bernard E. “Gene” Post

Bernard E. “Gene” Post, 91, of Mound City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025.

Born on May 2, 1934, in Mound City, Kansas, he lived a life marked by generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Gene was the owner of the Post Body Shop in Mound City, Kansas for thirty-five years, where he was known for his integrity, work ethic, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. Outside of work, he found joy in making things with his hands, traveling/camping, and riding motorcycles, and he shared those passions freely with friends and family.  Above all, he was a devoted husband and family man. He taught his family the value of hard work, humility, and compassion - not through words alone, but through the way he lived each day. His presence brought steadiness, his humor brought lightness, and his love brought comfort.

He is survived by his wife, stepbrother, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward with deep gratitude.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:00am, at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mound City Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.  Following the service, a celebration of life will be held in his honor at the Mound City Methodist Church from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be profoundly missed.

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Butler city employees honored for years of service

 

Butler Police Department dispatcher Laura Prince was recently honored for her 5 years of service to the city of Butler. Here, Mayor Jim Henry presents a plaque honoring the occasion. Below, police officer Max Allen proudly displays his plaque for 5 years with the city of Butler as well.

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Miami County Wanted Wednesday

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BCSO issues statement regarding charges incurred by inmates

Bates County Sheriff’s Office Issues Billing Invoices for Inmate Stays in Accordance with Missouri Law

Butler Mo — The Bates County Sheriff’s Office has begun mailing its invoices to individuals who have previously been housed in the county jail facility. This routine billing process is part of a long-standing effort to recover the costs associated with inmate incarceration and to ensure that the financial burden of jail stays is shifted from the taxpayers to the individuals served.

The practice of billing inmates for their time in custody is governed by state law. According to Missouri Statute RSMo 221.070:

"Every person who shall be committed to the jail within any county in this state for any offense or misdemeanors shall bear the expense of carrying him or her to said jail and also his or her support while in jail..."

These invoices represent the county’s effort to collect the amounts legally owed for the "support" (housing and maintenance) provided during an inmate's stay.

Commitment to Flexible Payment Options

The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that many individuals may face financial challenges when attempting to pay these balances in full. To assist with this transition, the initial letters sent to former inmates include several options for debt resolution:

Payment in Full: For those able to settle the balance immediately.

Monthly Payment Plans: Structured arrangements to make the debt more manageable over time.

"We understand that the total amount owed may be difficult to pay at once," said Sheriff Anderson. "Our goal is not to create an undue hardship, but to fulfill our statutory obligation to the county. We encourage anyone who receives an invoice to reach out to our team so we can find a payment solution that works for them."

What do I do if I have been a past inmate and have not received notice with an amount?

We may not have your current address and have been unable to reach you. Reach out to the administrative staff and find out what you owe ad the options for repayment you may have. For those who don’t reach out to us the we will have to utilize the Debt Offset Program through the Department of Revenue. Again just reach out and give us a chance to help you find a payment plan that fits your budget.

Next Steps for Recipients

Individuals who have received an invoice are urged to review the payment options provided in their letter. To set up a payment plan or discuss an account, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Administrative Staff at 660-679-3232 during regular business hours.

What happens if I don't respond?

In Missouri, the Debt Offset Program allows the state to intercept tax refunds to satisfy these types of debts.

Under RSMo 488.5028, if a debt for jail costs is not paid or a repayment plan is not honored, the Sheriff’s Office can certify that debt to the State. The Missouri Department of Revenue then has the authority to withhold the amount owed from any state income tax refund or lottery winnings. (again this can be avoided by simply making a payment arrangement you can afford)

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to providing professional law enforcement services, maintaining a safe correctional facility, and ensuring fiscal responsibility for the citizens of Bates County.

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