It's National Pollinator Week, but we celebrate pollinators every day!

When people think about pollinators, they usually think of honeybees. What many don't realize is that the common honeybee is actually an introduced species from Europe, arriving in North America in the 1600s. Even fewer know that most of Missouri's pollinators are native species, and they play a critical role in supporting both native and cultivated plants - including many of the crops grown throughout our state.

Visit our website to read more about Missouri's pollinators and managing land to create a diverse pollinator habitat at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ocS

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Doody Attends National Level Guardianship Training

Brenda Doody, Bates County Public Administrator, took part in a 5-module nationally sanctioned

Guardianship online course: Fundamentals of Guardianship Today. Over the three-month

period of classes, Mrs. Doody honed and furthered her knowledge in opening a guardianship

case with an individual, two class modules of being guardian of the person, guardianship of the

estate and finances, and lastly end of life guardianship.

Brenda stated, “The Fundamentals of Guardianship is a wonderful course taught by very

knowledgeable instructors. I learned a lot and was able to network with other public and private

guardians from around the nation who added valuable perspective. It was great to be able to get

involved in breakout sessions and work on example cases which follow all our caseloads.”

Mrs. Doody was elected to the office of Bates County Public Administrator in November 2020

and took office in January 2021. While she had great training from her predecessor, she feels

that continuing her education is crucial to staying on top of an ever-changing field. Brenda is

currently working on becoming a Nationally Certified Guardian. She states, “Becoming a

Certified National Guardian is not a requirement in the state of Missouri. However, I believe if a

person wants to do a good job and serve their people to the best of their ability, the extra

education is vital.” Brenda is serving her second term as Bates County Public Administrator.

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Obituary - Violet Turman

In Loving Memory of Violet Dunnahay Turman March 18, 1938 – June 7, 2026

Our family lovingly remembers our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Violet Dunnahay Turman, who departed this life on June 7, 2026, at the age of 88.

Violet leaves behind a lifetime of love, strength, and devotion to her family. Her caring heart touched many lives. Her love was never loud or demanding, but steady, constant, and deeply felt by those fortunate enough to know her. She was the foundation of her family and a source of comfort, wisdom, and unwavering support throughout her life.

Violet was born on March 18, 1938, in Rich Hill, Missouri. On March 17, 1954, she married the love of her life, Price Lee Turman, in Hume, Missouri. Together they built a family and shared nearly sixty years of marriage before his passing on July 3, 2013.

She is survived by her five children: Richard Lee Turman, Bonnie Mae Westgate, Steven James Turman, Kenneth Wayne Turman, and Timothy Ray Turman. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly and were blessed by her presence in their lives.

Violet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Price Lee Turman (July 3, 2013); her parents, Richard Sylvester Dunnahay (October 25, 1962), Nellie May Hammer Dunnahay Anderson (April 28, 1990), and Chris Anderson (1987). She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Sally Dunnahay Philpot, Dixie Dunnahay Wells, Mary Ingram, Richard Dunnahay Jr., and Jim Dunnahay.

In the days, months, and years ahead, her family will continue to hold her close in their hearts. We know one thing with certainty: she mattered. She was deeply loved, and her memory will remain with us forever. Though we grieve her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the lives she touched.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

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Storms likely tomorrow evening, warmer next week

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Henry County drug take-back nets over 350 lbs

The Henry County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce that over the past year, our secure medication drop box collected and safely disposed of 𝟑𝟓𝟒 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

That's 354 pounds of medications removed from homes, reducing the risk of misuse, accidental poisoning, and improper disposal.

This ongoing effort is made possible through a strong partnership between the Henry County Sheriff's Office and the Community Organization for Drug Elimination (CODE), originally supported through a grant from the Truman Lake Community Foundation.

Remember, our secure medication drop box is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the bonding hallway of the Henry County Sheriff's Office.

Thank you to everyone who continues to utilize this service and help make our communities safer. Small actions can make a big difference.

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Training available for youth mental challenges

Support the mental well-being of youth in your community.

Attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual training on June 30. This course is designed to help adults recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in young people.

You'll learn how to:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm

• Listen without judgment

• Give reassurance and information

• Encourage professional help

• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This training is ideal for parents, educators, coaches, youth program staff and anyone who works with or cares about young people.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3ud8

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Disturbance involving firearm ends with arrest in Nevada

On Sunday, June 21st, Nevada Police were dispatched to a disturbance involving a firearm. It was reported that the suspect was in possession of a handgun, pointed it at multiple people, and that the firearm discharged during the disturbance.

Nevada officers responded to the scene. While officers were en route, the suspect began leaving the area. Cpl. White intercepted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and Nevada Police took the driver into custody. The subject was identified as Dustin Campbell of Nevada. Officers were able to recover the firearm used in the disturbance after taking Campbell into custody.

The Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney has filed the following charges against Campbell:

Two counts of Domestic Assault, Class E Felony

Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Class E Felony

Property Damage in the 1st Degree, Class E Felony

Resisting Arrest for a Felony, Class E Felony

Campbell is being held at the Vernon County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Great work by our officers for quickly locating the suspect involved in this incident and taking him into custody before anyone was seriously hurt.

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Positions still open for Bates County road and bridge crew

Weekly reports from the Bates County Commission

June 8, 2026

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

Walter Fairall came in and discussed a road near his place of residence that needs fixed. He stated that the individual running the road grader had graded the road and left multiple potholes in the road. Jim gave him the Mound Township Board information and encouraged him to reach out to them. Walter stated that he figured the Commission would have the information he needed or knew where to direct him so he figured he would start here first. Trent reassured him that he is always more than welcome to come in and address anything.

Brenda Cecil, with EMA, and Chad Anderson, with Bates County Sheriff’s Office, met with the Commission and spoke over the Text Alerts. She informed the Commission that they had completed training and wanted to touch base. She thanked Chad for joining on such late notice and was thankful for the information he gave. Dennis Jacobs, with EMA, later joined as well.

Chad then updated the Commission on their bid that was posted for a new booking desk. He informed them that he only received one bid and wanted to move forward. Jim stated that there would have to be a motion made due to the bid being over a certain amount. Trent then made a motion to accept the bid for a new concrete booking desk. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Chad then asked the Commission about the 9-1-1 Addresses that were supposed to be passed onto Carl Bettels, Bates County Assessor. He reminded the Commission that this was supposed to be done and over by February of 2026 and nothing has been switched yet, nor has he heard anything other than Carl stating he would not be doing the addresses until he got new software. Jim said that he would reach out and see what is happening and informed Chad that they are in the process of getting information and switching data from the software company they are currently trying to switch from.

Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, spoke with the Commission about the Audit Response for the Sheriff’s Audit. Everything was reviewed. Trent made a motion to send the Audit Responses. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jami informed them she will send it to the auditors right after the meeting.

Jami also brought up the two positions that are still open on the Road and Bridge crew and asked if there needed to be an ad listed for job openings. Jim immediately made a motion to run an ad for two CDL drivers for Road and Bridge. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Trent then spoke over a road that will be closed in Hume and discussed who we would be informing of the closure and how many days ahead of time he would give them a heads up.

Culvert Bid Opening started at 2:00 pm and Viebrock, Metal Culverts Inc., West Pipe and Welborn had all submitted a bid. Viebrock was not in attendance, but they started with their bid. Viebrock bid $13, 582.00, Metal Culverts Inc. bid $16,533.40, West Pipe bid $13,420.40 and Welborn bid $14,342.82. West Pipe has the cheapest bid out of everyone.

Trent made a motion to accept West Pipe with bid of $13,420.40. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

June 10, 2026

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

Layne Anderson came in to follow up on his quest to join the Cornland Special Road Board. He informed the Commission of the meeting they held to appoint Layne as Trustee. Russell Epperson has given the Commission his resignation letter and will no longer be on the board.

Layne began talking about certain things he has found since reviewing paperwork that needs to be addressed and filed but wanted to make sure he had a position on the Board before he did anything.

Trent made a motion to appoint Layne to Trustee for Cornland Special Road District. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Trent then had to dismiss himself due to prior commitments.

Jim then asked Layne if he knew anyone that would be interested in sitting on the Board with him, but he did not. Jim then informed him that there is a younger couple that lives in that Road District and had some concerns about their road and encouraged Layne to reach out and see if they had any interest in getting on the Board and making a difference. He then stated that before his dad passed, his dad told this couple that there was nothing he could do to help with their road and Layne felt he should go and introduce himself and mend some fences. He stated his main goal is to get the board back on track and get everything lined out financially with the State, as well as the Road District.

Jim showed Layne different machines that are used to keep roads maintained or fixed. He showed him road graders, groomers and a road reclaimer.

Layne asked Jim about the letter and minutes that he will need at the bank to get everything turned over into his name. Jim then asked if he had a few minutes to spare, he would make his letter appointing him to Trustee but ended up having to send Layne on his way with no letter due to the Northern and Southern Commissioners being absent at that time, therefore he could not obtain another signature.

Trent made a motion to accept the agreement between the Village of Foster and the Collectors Office. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jim made a motion to revise the Commissioners responses to the Sheriffs Audit. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

June 15, 2026

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

Lindsey Chaffin & Zachary Olivas, with Great River Engineering, as well as Kent Page, the Road and Bridge Superintendent, joined the Commission in discussing a bridge that will soon be under construction. Zach and Lindsey informed the Commission and Kent of the documentation and details they will need them to track.

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