Athlete of the Week, Kylee Dubray

We are excited to announce this week’s C & S Graphics and State Farm athlete of the week senior, Kylee Dubray from Butler. Kylee was nominated by head coach Heather Goldammer. She was nominated after achieving her 1000th career dig and 1000th career kill which proves she’s a force on both sides of the ball. She was also selected to the all tournament team in the El Dorado Springs tournament. Coach Goldammer stated “Kylee is not only a great volleyball player, but she is a leader both on and off the court and she gives the best in everything she does.”

We asked Kylee what she likes most about volleyball compared to other sports and she stated she likes the different speed of the game and being able to celebrate as a team when someone does something good. We asked her what was one thing she would miss once volleyball comes to an end and she stated getting to play with her friends who she has played with since 4th grade. Her friend Tandee is graduating at semester and this will be the last sport she gets to play with her. Kylee is a 4 sport athlete at Butler and participates in volleyball, basketball, softball and track. She has plans to attend college after graduation and major in sonography. We want to wish Kylee and the lady Bears the best of luck as they begin post season action tonight at Districts in Lone Jack, Missouri.

Pictured left to right: Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Kylee Dubray, daughter of Kyle and Erin Dubray; Cody Morris, C&S Graphics

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Bates County Memorial Hospital honors Allison Pugh, BSHA

It’s Healthcare Quality Week

Quality care takes teamwork, attention to detail and a commitment to continually improving how we serve our patients.

As Director of Quality and Risk Management, Allison Pugh, BSHA, works across many areas of hospital operations, including patient safety, regulatory compliance and quality improvement. But as Allison points out, this work is never accomplished alone.

“None of these goals can be achieved by one person alone. I am truly grateful for the dedication of all employees and staff for their continuous efforts to provide quality care.”

This Healthcare Quality Week, we join Allison in recognizing the commitment our employees bring to providing safe, quality care for our patients and community.

Thank you for the part you play in making quality care possible at BCMH!

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Obituary - Carlton Marble Jr

Carlton Marble Jr. age 90 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Monday, October 19, 2026 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. 

Cremation with a Celebration of life service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available. 

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Obituary - William "Bill" Keener

A graveside service with military honors for William "Bill" Keener of Butler, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2026 at the Hume Cemetery in Hume, Missouri. No visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler. Contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.


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Tuesday volleyball scores

Sheldon 1

Hume 3

Appleton City 3

Bronaugh 0

Rich Hill 3

NE Vernon County 0

Archie 3

Miami 0

Drexel 3

Ballard 0

Butler 3

El Dorado Springs 0

Lone Jack 3

Sherwood 0

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Commission looks to resolve insurance issues

Minutes from the October 14, 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.

Michael Boonyakiti and William Harbors, with Axios Supplemental Insurance, came in and spoke with the Commission. Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, and Jennifer Bolling, Deputy County Clerk, joined. Michael explained the process of what they do and how they would be able to help employees. Jami and Jennifer felt that this was something to investigate, as there has been an uprise in confusion due to the amount of Insurance Agents that have come in and spoke with the employees. With Axion, there will be one broker that the employees will speak to and that broker will help them and take care of their supplementals. Jennifer asked about their billing, asking if the County would pay Axion but Michael confirmed that for now, the County would still be paying the supplementals for now, but they are in the process of making it to where the county could pay Axion directly and then Axion would distribute from there.

Axion has 72 different Supplemental Insurances and would help the employee with whatever one they had; therefore, they would not need to reach out to the Insurance themselves.

Trent stated that he felt like this would help Jennifer and was in support of anything that would help her out. John stated that he had no issues and was in support of this making it easier for Jennifer. Jim then stated that they would like to have a week to call other counties to see what they think.

Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, and Jennifer Bolling, Deputy County Clerk, met with the Commission to discuss the information they retained while calling other counties. Only one county had minor issues, but the Commission felt as if this could be resolved as the company grows. They mentioned that it was a good possibility that the county did not reach out and tell Axios about the issue. Jami felt it was a good idea to call Michael Boonyakiti, with Axios, and ask him about these concerns. While Jami was trying to get ahold of Michael, Jennifer asked the Commission if there was anything else they felt they could do to make this process easier if Axios is not an option. Chris Gach wondered if Charles, with Cooks Insurance, would know of any brokers that offered the same option.

Jami had Michael on speaker phone and asked him about the review that a certain County had given and wondered if he had even known about the issue. Michael was certain that he was unaware and was going to reach out and get the issue resolved. They discussed more minor concerns and ended the call feeling confident that Axios could be something that would help the employee confusion. Jim asked if there were any other brokers that offered the same thing as them. Michael didn’t seem to understand the question, so Chris rephrased and asked if Axios had any competitors. Michael stated that they did not.

Jami and Jennifer were both in high hopes that this is what they need to clear confusion and help the employee. They will know what insurance(s) they have; they won’t have multiple supplements that provide the same coverage and HR will be able to run smoother. They have not decided yet, as they are informing employees and allowing for more investigating into the matter.

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Brush drop-off reminder from the city of Harrisonville

REMINDER: The FREE Fall Brush Drop Off will be held this Friday & Saturday, October 23rd and 24th, in the back of City Park!

Gates will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. To access the drop off site, residents should drive to City Park at Bradley Avenue and Ash Street and follow event signs.

For more details, visit >> https://www.harrisonville.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/1601

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Suspect Apprehended Following Multi-Agency Pursuit and Extensive Search in Miami County

On October 19, 2026, at approximately 4:27 p.m., the Miami County Sheriff's Office was requested to assist the Franklin County Sheriff's Office with a vehicle pursuit that had entered Miami County on 379th Street.

As the pursuit entered Miami County, the Franklin County Communications Center and Miami County Sheriff's Office Communications Center coordinated efforts to patch radio frequencies together, allowing responding agencies to maintain communication and receive real-time updates regarding the pursuit's location.

At approximately 4:34 p.m., while Miami County deputies were responding, the suspect vehicle crashed at the intersection of 355th Street and Bethel Church Road. Following the crash, the suspect fled on foot into a densely wooded area.

Deputies quickly established a large perimeter and began coordinating an extensive search of the area. Two K-9 tracking teams and two drones were deployed to assist in locating the suspect. The search presented significant challenges due to the rugged terrain, dense vegetation, Pottawatomie Creek, and diminishing daylight.

At approximately 5:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol was requested to respond with its helicopter to assist in the search. While awaiting the helicopter's arrival, deputies continued searching the area on foot and utilizing drone technology. During the search, the suspect was reportedly spotted from the opposite side of the creek. Due to the difficult terrain and the large search area, additional resources, including ATVs and UTVs, were brought to the scene to assist personnel in accessing areas that were difficult to reach on foot or by patrol vehicle.

At approximately 8:51 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter arrived and began conducting an aerial search. Over the next 30 minutes, the helicopter thoroughly searched a significantly larger area than could reasonably be covered by personnel on foot or with the available drone equipment.

With the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter, the suspect was located, and deputies were directed to the area. Utilizing ATVs and UTVs, deputies were able to reach the location, locate the suspect, and take him into custody without further incident.

The suspect was transported back to the command area near 355th Street and Bethel Church Road, where Miami County EMS evaluated him due to exposure to the cooler temperatures and water during the incident. The suspect was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

This incident demonstrates the critical importance of investing in equipment, technology, and resources that support public safety operations.

The ability to establish interoperable radio communications between multiple agencies, including the Miami County Sheriff's Office, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Osawatomie Police Department, and Kansas Highway Patrol, was essential in maintaining communication, coordinating resources, and ensuring the safety of responding personnel.

Additionally, investments in specialized equipment such as drones, K-9 resources, ATVs, and UTVs proved invaluable in searching challenging terrain and accessing remote locations. The Kansas Highway Patrol's aviation resources also played a critical role in the successful conclusion of this operation.

These resources are not simply conveniences; they are essential tools that enhance our ability to respond effectively, improve officer safety, and protect the communities we serve.

We would like to recognize and thank the following agencies for their assistance and teamwork throughout this incident:

- Miami County Sheriff's Office

- Franklin County Sheriff's Office

- Kansas Highway Patrol

- Osawatomie Police Department

- Miami County EMS

We also recognize the efforts of our communications personnel, whose ability to coordinate radio traffic and maintain communication between multiple agencies was a vital component of this operation.

The successful apprehension of this individual was the result of several agencies working together, utilizing their training, specialized equipment, and available resources toward a common goal.

We are grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and cooperation demonstrated by everyone involved.

Investigation Information: As this incident originated in Franklin County and remains under the jurisdiction of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the Miami County Sheriff's Office will not be releasing the suspect's identity or additional information related to the investigation. Any investigative inquiries should be directed to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

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