Ellett Memorial July Employee of the Month, Katie Koshko

Please join us in celebrating our July Employee of the Month, Katie Koshko! Katie serves at our Outpatient Clinic Manager and received two glowing nominations for employee of the month:

"I would like to formally recognize this individual for their exceptional growth, leadership, and dedication in their role. Over the past year, they has not only grown into their position – they has elevated it. Despite numerous challenges and unexpected obstacles, they have consistently demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the mission of Ellett Memorial Hospital. They have developed into a strong, steady leader who supports the high quality of care we strive to provide every day. Under their guidance, our services have continued to grow, allowing us to expand and provide more care options directly to the community. This growth is a direct reflection of their initiative, organization, and ability to support both staff and providers while maintaining a patient-centered focus. This individual embodies the values of teamwork, accountability, and service excellence. Their leadership has strengthened our operations and contributed meaningfully to the positive directions of our hospital."

"I would like to nominate this team member for Employee of the Month for the exceptional care and support they provided. They went above and beyond to ensure I was fully taken care of, showing a level of professionalism, kindness, and dedication that truly stood out. Their genuine concern made a meaningful difference, and I felt supported every step of the way. They consistently checked in, anticipated needs, and made it clear that they were committed to making sure everything was handled smoothly. Their hard work, compassion, and steady guidance reflect the very best of our team. I am deeply grateful for the incredible job they did, and I believe their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated."

Congratulations Katie! We are so thankful to have you as part of our Ellett family! Thank you for all you do!

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Miami County Wanted Wednesday

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Results from Cass Career Center FFA Chapter District FFA Fair

The Cass Career Center FFA Chapter had a very successful District FFA Fair, July 6-7, at the Saline County Fairgrounds. Over 114 student projects were exhibited during the two-day fair against entries from 71 other FFA Chapters across West Central Missouri. In total, the Chapter placed 7th overall amongst the 71 schools in the district

In the Swine Show, senior Taylor Kanoy received 2 gold ribbons for her gilt and barrow. In the Sheep Show, Schyler Gates received a gold for his ewe lamb.

In the Rabbit Show, senior Marissa Hayes earned 3 gold ribbons and was Champion in the Silver Martin breed. Taylor Kanoy received 2 gold ribbons and was Champion in the Holland Lop breed. Taylor also received 2 gold ribbons in the Poultry Show with her ducks.

The Chapter received the Chapter Sweepstakes Award in the Ham and Bacon Show. Receiving a Gold on their ham was Addilynn Engelhardt, Alexa Shelton, Allie Hubler, Amara Carver, Avery Spangler, Brayden Roper, Brylynn Billings, Caleb Bebout, Erica Nash,

Isaac Tews, Ismael Hernandez, Kaden Franklin, Katherine Jenisch, Klyde Webb, Preslee Morris, and Zoie Bailey. Webb had the Reserve Champion Ham at the Fair.

Receiving a Silver ribbon for their ham were Alanna Frost, David Melzer, Emily Munoz Evans, Emma Reece, Kaylee Wuerfele, Lucas Marcusson, Michaela Becker, Molly Melzer, Morgan Obermiller,

Nathan Baker, Schyler Gates, and Taylor Kanoy.

Receiving a Bronze ribbon for their ham were Caden Vandenberg,

Gabe Schroeder, Jackson Daniel, Kayne Douglas, and Rileigh Shaw.

In the Ag Mechanics division, the FFA Chapter placed 2nd overall. Those receiving a Gold ribbon for their Ag Mech projects included Addie Knox, Addilynn Engelhardt, Addy Fisher, Alexa Shelton, Brantley Cleveland, Charleigh Atkinson-Wilson, David Melzer, Eli Mayberry, Franklin Bennett, Kadyn Cleveland, Kinley Brockman, Klyde Webb, Mallory Myler, Mia Mullin, Nathan Baker, Tucker Rushly, and Valen White.

Receiving a Silver ribbon with their Ag Mechanics projects were Aaron Osborn, Adaline Miller, Adam Danforth, Adrienna Linstrom,

Alex Bollinger, Bella Huhs, Bentley Calvin, Braden Taylor, Braxton Warren, Brayden Roper, Brenya Rinehart, Broddy Fletcher, Caleb BeBout, Casey Randazzo, Cayden Gipson, Conner Peterman, Emily Munoz Evans, Gabe Schroeder, Grant Shoemaker, Isaac Tews, Ismael Hernandez, Jaida Siems, Jaycee Saling, Kaylee Wuerfele, Kayne Douglas, Kinleigh Janes, Lucas Grah, Michael McCain, Miles Stevens, Morgan Obermiller, Ryiahn Schlesselman, Sianna Schoenemann, Summer Ford, Tristen Bofenkamp, Wyatt Duncan, Xander Anderson, and Zoie Bailey.

Receiving a Bronze ribbon with their Ag Mechanics projects were Addyson Saunders, Alivia Giesbrecht, Caden Vandenberg, Cassidy Stewart, Clayton Wood, Emma Beckemeier, Farrah Fannery, Jacob Graeve, Kaden Franklin, Landon Sloan, Lason Heaper, Lexi Martin, Lucas Marcusson, Riley Uselton, Ruben Alvarez, Wesley Howser, and Zavier Aker Haynie.

Students will continue to show their projects throughout the summer at the Missouri State Fair, Cass County Junior Livestock Show, and the Cass County Fair.

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Highlights from the Bates County Fair parade

Balloon release addressed during Butler city council meeting

Stock photo

The following is a statement made at the Butler City Council meeting on July 7, 2026 by guest Rodney Rom regarding a balloon release at the Butler Municipal Airport. Rom believes the city should amend an ordinance that could help eliminate dangers and pollution related to this type of activity

As you know, on Sunday morning, June 14th, the Butler area suffered a tragic loss of 12 people in the skydiver plane crash at the Butler Memorial Airport. And on the following Saturday evening, June 20th, the Butler Airport hosted an event that will likely lead to additional non-human loss of life — the airport’s memorial event that was supposed to honor the memory of those lost the previous Sunday.

How do you “honor” the memory of someone by increasing area litter? The Saturday evening event included a balloon release, with dozens of balloons allowed to drift up and away from the group at the event. Balloon releases are like celebratory holiday gunfire -- you never know where your releases will land, whether they be balloons or bullets. Bullets have killed people; balloons can and do kill other living things and the environment as well as the natural beauty of our area. For evidence and proof of the tragic and unnecessary results of balloon releases, check out the website balloonsblow.org.

And a balloon release at an airport, even Butler Memorial Airport, is a bad idea to start with. Remember the day-long El Paso, Texas, balloon-release problem that shut down their airport in February of this year? Multiple news reports said the airport closure was caused by the U.S. Military shooting down a party balloon during an issue with air safety officials.

If you want to hold a balloon release, tether the balloons like a kite, release them at the start of the ceremony, let them float during the ceremony, then reel them back in at the end of the ceremony. Afterwards, dispose of them properly, or let those in the group keep them. I know if it was me being honored, it would be shameful and disrespectful to be “honored” by littering.

According to Butler’s Nuisance Ordinance, Sec. 16-3, littering is illegal in Butler, but the way the ordinance is written and enforced, a balloon release is only littering after the balloons return to the ground and aren’t picked up by the ones who released them. What if they land outside the Butler city limits? Does this make sense? The Butler City Council needs to amend the littering ordinance to make the release of balloons illegal.

Butler is better than this.

Thank you, Rodney Rom, Butler, MO




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Little Apple news

July 8, 2026

The 22nd Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 11 in the City Park, on 52 Hwy across from Zink Motor Co. Check in 8:00 a.m.-noon.  Car Show noon-3:00 p.m. This is a judged event. There is a $10 entry fee, with proceeds going to two scholarships for local high school students. Top 85 cars and trucks combined, top 3 motorcycles, and top 3 rat rods. There will be food concessions, music, goody bags, live auction, door prizes, 50-50 drawing and dash plaques for all entries. Along with the AC Car Show, Zink Motor Co (across from the Car Show) is hosting the KC Antique Car Club at their dealership. Model A’s and T’s will be on display. The Zink Motor Museum will be open and ready for tours that day. This event is free.

Jerry Dines will have a muzzle loading gun display at the AC museum Saturday, July 11 from 10:30 to 4:30. This display features guns from 1760 through the 1800's. Jerry will talk about the history and making of the muzzle loaders. The museum will be open for the public to view the "40 quilts for 40 years display" also that day.

Appleton City Carousel will be open 1:30-7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday July 11.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Marcus Cumpton will have a short devotional.  

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, July 12 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

St, Clair Co. Historical Society invite you to hear local historian, Lila Foster, presenting the story of the Younger family, 5:30 p.m. July 9 at the St. Clair Co Library in Osceola, MO. Admission is free. There will also be free refreshments and door prizes.

AC First Christian Church is inviting all children, ages pre-k on up, to Noah's Ark Adventure VBS July 8-10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A meal will be served nightly, along with games, activities and fun.

There will be a community VBS July 13-17, named Joy Story! All kids ages PK through 5th grade are invited to come learn about how we have a friend in Jesus. VBS will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with each night hosted by a different church: Monday, July 13 at Holy Trinity Church (AC), Tuesday, July 14 at Rockville UMC, Wednesday, July 15 at Church of God (AC), Thursday, July 16 at Growing in Grace (AC), and Friday, July 17 at AC Pool for a pool party. There will be games, food, crafts, and lots of fun! Pre-register online at https://forms.gle/3zqv2K1xgsLTvy3Q6 to receive a free t-shirt. 

Ellett Memorial Hospital will sponsor a blood drive Thursday, July 23, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Outpatient Clinic at 610 N Ohio St, ACMO. Sign up at savealifenow.org/group and use group code EG2B. For more details, contact Kayla Orear at (660) 476-5214 or kayla.orear@ellettmemorial.com or Julia Grubb (660) 476-5242 or julia.grubb@ellettmemorial.com

Rural food and farm businesses in St. Clair, Henry, and Bates Counties may be eligible for grants of up to $25,000 through the Harvest to Market grant program. Funding can support projects that expand access to markets and strengthen local food systems. The program is through the Heartland Food Business Coalition and New Growth. Learn more at HeartlandFoodBusiness.org. Applications are due August 31. Learn more at Heartlandfoodbusiness.org

Make a difference in your community by helping neighbors get where they need to go. New Growth Transit is seeking local volunteer drivers to provide transportation for medical appointments, employment, and other essential trips. As a volunteer driver, you’ll receive IRS-approved mileage reimbursement to help offset the cost of using your personal vehicle. Plus, you choose when and where you want to drive flexibility that fits your schedule. Give back, stay connected, and make a real impact one ride at a time. For info, call: 417-283-7991 or email: transporation@wcmcaa.org

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. 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.  All 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 July. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. July 9 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday, July 10 –Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Tuesday, July 14 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday,  July 15– Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, July 16 –Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Friday,  July 17 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Wednesday, July 22 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, July 22 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, July 23- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday, July 24 - Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Tuesday, July 28 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Thursday, July 30 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday, July 31– Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 9       St, Clair Co. Historical Society presentation, the story of the Younger family, 5:30 p.m. at the St. Clair Co Library

July 11     Monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

July 11     Jerry Dines muzzle loading gun display at the AC museum 10:30 to 4:30

July 11     AC Car Show

July 12     Knights of Columbus pancake and sausage breakfast 8:30-10:00 a.m.

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Suspect arrested in St. Clair County, charged with robbery and endangering the welfare of a child

OSCEOLA, MO — July 6, 2026 — St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputies have successfully taken an armed robbery suspect into custody following a rapid, multi-jurisdictional response on Sunday afternoon.

On July 5, 2026, at approximately 3:07 p.m., deputies responded to an active armed robbery at Ticknor’s Trade Fair Mall, located near the T and V junction on Highway 13. A masked individual reportedly robbed the antique store at gunpoint, stealing cash and cell phones from both the business and its customers, which included a young juvenile. The caller provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect's vehicle, a white Toyota, which dispatchers immediately broadcast to surrounding agencies.

At approximately 4:10 p.m., officers with the Clinton Police Department located and stopped a vehicle matching the description within their jurisdiction. St. Clair County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene, took the suspect into custody on a 24-hour hold, and towed the vehicle to a secured law enforcement lot.

Following the arrest, a search warrant application was submitted to St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney D. Dysart and subsequently signed by St. Clair County Associate Judge B. Baker. A thorough search of the seized vehicle revealed direct evidence connecting the suspect to the robbery.

A probable cause statement is being submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney today. The suspect faces multiple felony charges, including:Three counts of Robbery - 1st Degree
Three counts of Armed Criminal Action
One count of Child Endangerment
One count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon - Felon with a Firearm

St. Clair County Sheriff Lee Hilty expressed his deep gratitude to the responding agencies that made the swift arrest possible.

"I would like to thank the Clinton Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance in bringing this dangerous situation to a quick end," said Sheriff Hilty. "The Clinton Police officers did an outstanding job locating the vehicle as it passed through their town. This positive outcome is a direct result of the strong working relationships maintained between our area law enforcement agencies."

Update: A warrant for the suspect Joshua Holman has been issued for 3 counts of Robbery 1st Degree, 3 counts of Armed criminal Action, 3 counts of Unlawful use of a weapon, Unlawful Possession of a firearm, Stealing -$750 or more, and Endangering Welfare of a Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st offense No sexual contact. The bond was set at $50,000 cash only.



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Harrisonville fireworks rescheduled for this Saturday

RESCHEDULED: We are excited to announce that our annual 4th of July fireworks show has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 11!

Attached is a map of parking options for the for the fireworks in City Park.

A couple of other important things to know:

1. The fireworks will begin at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.)

2. A few of the vendors who were available for the original event will still be there! But, unfortunately others had already committed to other events for July 11.

3. The entrance to City Park at N Bradley Avenue & Ash Street will be the only entrance open for vehicles or pedestrians. All planning to attend the event will need to enter at that location.

4. The entrance to City Park at N Bradley Avenue and Ash Street will close to vehicle traffic at 9 p.m. Pedestrian traffic will continue to enter at that location.

5. Ash Street will be used as an exit only, with traffic allowed to exit to the west towards Independence Street. Parking will not be allowed on Ash St.

6. Additional parking has been made available near Shelter 9 in City Park, to make up for the parking spaces lost during the Ash Street project.

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