Balloon release addressed during Butler city council meeting

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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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July gardening tips

July is here, and so is the heat. Keep your garden thriving with these timely tips from theJuly Gardening Calendar.

• Flowers & Ornamentals: Deadhead annuals and perennials, keep up with weeding, water newly planted trees and shrubs weekly during dry weather, and watch for Japanese beetles and rose diseases.

• Vegetable Gardens: Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent blossom-end rot, harvest onions, garlic and potatoes when ready, make successive plantings of warm-season crops, and scout regularly for pests and diseases.

• Fruits & Nuts: Remove old raspberry and blackberry canes after harvest, monitor peaches for brown rot, protect grapes and tree fruit from birds, and provide summer care for strawberries.

• Cool-Season Lawns (Tall Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass): Limit nitrogen applications, water deeply but infrequently, mow at 3½ to 4 inches, and check for sod webworm damage.

• Warm-Season Lawns (Zoysiagrass): Apply a light nitrogen feeding, monitor for chinch bugs and billbugs, mow weekly at 1 to 2 inches, and water only during extended dry periods.

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Obituary - Dorothy Lucille Jordan

Dorothy Lucille Jordan, 94, Nevada, MO, formerly of Eldorado Springs, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Medicalodges of Nevada. Dorothy was born October 29, 1931, on a farm near St. John, KS to JD and Mary Florence (Delker) Hager. She married Thain C Jordan on August 12, 1950, and he preceded her in death on May 15, 2012. To this union four children were born, Larry S Jordan, Kenneth L Jordan, Randall C Jordan, and Patricia A Jordan (Blake).

Dorothy graduated High School in St John, KS in 1949 and went to work as a secretary for a judge and later worked as a court clerk in the Stafford County Courthouse in St. John, KS. She married Thain Jordan on August 12, 1950, and issued a marriage license to herself and Thain. She left that position in 1952 to start raising a family. She and Thain later moved to Cherryvale, KS where Thain and his brother went into business together, she returned to work at the Montgomery County Courthouse as a Trial Court Clerk Level III & Office Manager of the District Court. In 1991 after 21 years of service, she retired and moved with Thain to Eldorado Springs, MO. During this time, she had the privilege of issuing Marriage Licenses to all three of her children. 

Dorothy and Thain were members of the Cherryvale Country Club where their family enjoyed camping, playing golf, swimming and relaxing. Dorothy was an honorary member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the United Methodist Church, and the Osage Prairie YMCA. She was an avid walker and enjoyed water aerobics and Silver Sneakers. She and Thain enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and were gatekeepers in the mid 70's at Big Hill Lake in Cherryvale, KS

Survivors include her children, Larry S. Jordan, Randall C. Jordan, and Patricia A. Jordan (Blake); 6 grandchildren: Cordell Jordan (Natalie), Oklahoma City, OK, Kelli Passeri (Steve) Pittsburg, KS, Brian Jordan (Dee Dee), Lakewood Village, TX, Todd Jordan (Mandi) Nevada, MO, and Jenean Kear (Michael), Branson, MO; 9 Great Grandchildren: Claire Jordan, Oklahoma City, Cadence Jordan, Oklahoma City, Alex Zellner, Pittsburg, KS, Michael Zellner (Cassidy) Pittsburg, KS, Emma Nelson (Samuel) Dennison, TX, Adam Jordan, Lakewood Village, TX, Ashton Kear, Branson, MO, Edric Kear, Branson, MO, and Jordan Ruby, Toledo, OH; her sister, Donna Heter(Joe) of Branson, MO

Sister-in-law, Jeanette Klein, Kismet, KS, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, JD & Mary Hager, father & mother-in-law, Fred & Leona Jordan, a son Kenneth L Jordan, a grandson Kendall Wright, and brothers: William Hager, Johnny Hager & JD Hager, Jr.

Friends may call from now until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.  A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Minnis Chapel in St. John, KS with Pastor Larry Jordan officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, St. John, KS.  The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 pm prior to the service in the Minnis Chapel.  In Lieu of Flowers, those who wish may contribute in Dorothy’s memory to the Osage Prairie YMCA, Gentiva Hospice, or to Medical Lodges of Nevada c/o Ferry Funeral Home. 

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Obituary - Mary Ann Leyh

Mary Ann Leyh of Harrisonville, Missouri was born July 25, 1935 in Scranton Pennsylvania the daughter of Glenn Ellsworth, and Anna (Kelley) Ellsworth. She departed this life on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at her home in Harrisonville, Missouri surrounded by love at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 10 days.

On February 5, 1955 Mary was united in marriage to Henry Kistler Leyh in Chillum, Maryland.

She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved crocheting, creating beautiful handmade treasures that will be cherished by family and friends for years to come. A devoted football fan, she looked forward to cheering on her favorite teams each season. Above all, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her beloved great-granddaughter, Ember, whose laughter and love brought endless joy to her heart. The memories they shared together will be treasured forever by those who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Kistler Leyh on December 11, 2011; her son, William Robert Leyh on May 17, 1991; a sister. Dee; and a granddaughter Shannon.

Mary is survived by three daughters, Sharon Browning, Freeman, Missouri, Cheryl Leyh of Freeman, Missouri and Melissa White of Harrisonville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Brandon, Ashleigh, Kelsey and Shane; 4 great grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends. 

Cremation with no services scheduled.

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First Butler council session with new City Administrator, Mark Mathies

Due to evening events at the Bates County Fair, the Butler city council meeting was moved from the usual 7 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday. Councilmen Rich, Hall and Young were absent.

New City Administrator Mark Mathies officially took a seat for his first Butler city council meeting. While his first day of employment was officially July 1st, Mathies has been busy getting acclimated and putting together strategies, which begins with insuring professionalism and quality control, he said while addressing the council. He also spoke of audits, which are not only needed, but are quite necessary in making decisions-  the city "simply can't function" without them and audits will before performed on a regular basis.

He also discussed reviewing city operations, insuring that updates are done, making sure job descriptions are up to date, to name a few. Mathies also made it clear that if any areas need "tightening up", it will be done.

Mathies also addressed the situation with the I-49/52 highway overpass at Butler, which has been at the center of much controversy following at least two fatal accidents. He has already been in contact with MoDOT and is coordinating with highway engineers to find the best solutions to increase visibility on the overpass. Installing a stoplight hasn't been ruled out, but other measures likely will be taken first, such as painting lines on the road so drivers know how far to pull up for best visibility when turning onto the overpass.

Some more good news came from Mathies as he said that coordination is underway to rehab the west 52/Fort Scott rail overpass possibly as soon as 2029. He reiterated that the city and MoDOT are on board with what ever changes are needed, but time and patience will be required regarding the railroad doing their part.  The overpass has been a long ongoing issue due to flooding and most of all, dangers to pedestrian/bicycle traffic and the push is on to get the situation rectified as soon as possible.

Recent storms have downed trees at Oak Hill Cemetery and city crews have made great strides in getting it all cleaned up. Currently, there are a few 'root balls' and stumps that need to be removed. The plan is to use city equipment to finish the cleanup, thus avoiding paying an outside contractor.

Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that as of July 1st, Butler was approved for the Blue Shield Program and a grant of $29,000 is available thanks to the program. Wheatley said the money will go a long way towards much needed equipment.

Mayor Henry said an airport manager has been hired, more details coming soon. The city has been without the manager for quite some time and having someone to fill the position will greatly help with day to day operations at the airport.

A new generator at the wastewater plant has been installed but needs to be connected to the facility and steps have been taken to get it done soon. At the city owned power plant, rainwater found its way into one of the Caterpillar generators and work is needed to get it back on line as soon as possible as the city is contractually obligated to provide power to the grid when needed.

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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