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Software and solar panels prompt heated discussions in Commission chambers

Minutes from the March 25, 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.

Kacie Robey, with the Treasurer’s Office, and Carl, with the Assessor’s Office, came in and spoke to the Commission once more about the software they are trying to get signatures on. They both brought in updated contracts. Kacie highlighted the updates in her contract, which John thought was super helpful.

Jami looked at their contracts and is going to contact Ulrich due to her contract not having the same changes.

Kacie explained that the termination clause was not added, Ulrich told her that a lawyer would have to be involved to make those changes. She has not contacted Gene, with Governmenter, yet. She does not want to stir anything if the Commission doesn’t end up signing the contracts.

Jim explained an NDA that Ulrich updated on the contract for iNetVision, if they don’t sign then Ulrich will not follow through with the County. Jami sent iNetVision her contract when she received it with the updated NDA portion and sent an email to Ulrich when she noticed there wasn’t anything in her contract stating her office would receive training. John thinks that should be in her contract before any signatures are signed.

John asked Kacie and Carl if anyone was going to reach out to Dane Diehl and Hugh Jenkins, since they spoke to them and brought them into the situation. Kacie said no and explained that Hugh never replied to her email. Carl also said no to updating Dane and demanded that the Commission sign the contracts today and stated that this has gone on long enough.

Jim asked Jami to make sure the training gets added to her contract, she stated she will send over an email and get it taken care of. Jim expressed that he is ready to move forward with this, as he feels like Kacie and Carls contracts are good to go.

Kacie and Carl furthermore explained details about Ulrich and ways this is going to help their offices be able to work smoothly and efficiently. Carolyn Lake joined the meeting and said good things, as well.

Jami asked Kacie what she was going to do if this sends her over budget and where she would pull that money from. Kacie told Jami that she will figure that out once Ulrich is confirmed. Jami then asked Carl what his game plan was if he, too, goes over budget. Carl stated “That should all be in my budget. But we’ll just figure it out.” He also made sure to mention that his employees voted to give up their additional performance raise so Carl could pay for this new software. Jami then informed Carl that she was just making sure he had a plan because if he does end up over budget, she cannot sign anymore checks for his office after that point. Carl also mentioned that he spoke to Cooper County, and they told him that the County pays for SB190. John and Jim said they are going to investigate that and find out more information on that.

Jim is certain that this switch is what’s best for the County and John agrees but does not want to sign the contract until everything is corrected.

Things got off topic for a second, mentioning uneven amounts of assessments to which John asked Carl about, but he didn’t answer the question he brought up values from 2020 instead of this year, so Kacie intervened and brought it back to the task at hand. Jim asked what the Commission wanted to do and John stated that he is going to wait to sign until the NDA with iNetVisions is signed and Jami’s contract is updated. Kacie asked Jami to call Ulrich instead of email, as she feels a call would get things moving faster and stated that she isn’t trying to rush to which John stated he feels he is being pushed. Carl then aggressively slammed his fist on the table and exclaimed, “You’ve been dragging your damn feet since the beginning.” Which led Kacie to shout at John as well, stating John has had two weeks to get his concerns figured out while her and Carl have been doing all the research. She then stopped herself, as she was getting worked up. John started gathering his papers to remove himself and informed Kacie that the Commission would get back with her, to which Kacie exclaimed, “And you can quit getting mad because you aren’t getting the answers you want!” John replied, “What is there to be mad about, Kacie?” to which Kacie accused him of throwing a fit. John quickly interrupted and said, “You are in our office, and I do not appreciate being yelled at.” Kacie replied, “Well I don’t appreciate you trying to run my office!” and John continued to remove himself explaining he’s finished with this conversation, as well as Trent and Jim interrupting and putting a halt to the chaos.

Kacie then agreed to contact Ulrich and iNetVisions, Jami stated she will send out her emails as well and call them.

Carolyn explained that she has worked with both software and she is in support of the new software, as she knows the ins and outs of what the Assessor's office deals with. John then told her that if the software is as good and efficient as they say it is, he’s worried about people losing their jobs. Carolyn replied, “I’m retired anyway, I don’t need this job.”

Several individuals from Summit Township, Homer Township, West Point Township and Miami School District joined together and met with the Commission to discuss the Solar Panel Farms that are going to be installed in their areas. Brent Bettels led the meeting, reminding the Commission of concerns he had mentioned in the last meeting he attended over this same topic. He asked several questions about road easements, run off contamination in the water, the abundance of silt in ditches, more ditch maintenance, and a water retention pond. Brent explained these things in reference to what they had to have when the coal mines would work on ground. Jim asked if he had any documents showing how all these things were done, but Brent said that it was so long ago he did not have anything. Brent encouraged Jim to reach out to GilmoreBell about these things.

Brent said that there will be concern from the citizens about these things because of ditch erosion, etc. He also wanted to know how much money this was bringing to Bates County and what determines where it goes. He stated that he was told from a higher position that the money from this operation was not to go into General Revenue. John asked who he spoke with, but Brent wanted to make sure he could share their name first before sharing it in a recorded meeting.

John then went on to explain that the lay of the land does not change, nor does the water ways. He also informed everyone that there is silt fences put in.

Brent spoke on behalf of everyone in the meeting and wanted to make sure that this money was going to be put into schools and back into townships, what percent they were getting and wanted it made certain that it is documented to where the state couldn’t come in and take any funds they felt they were entitled to. He also asked the Commission to put it in writing that the percentage to the schools and townships were kept even long after this generation is gone. Jim said that he was going to check into the Chapter 100 bonds and make sure where these funds were going to end up.

Brent stated that the excess money that will be made from this operation should not go into a “savings account” or something of the sort, but back to the citizens in the townships where these solar panels are located. John was in full agreement and thought that was a great idea.

Brent asked for a ballpark number for how much money this will generate, but the Commission didn’t have a number. He then asked about Clearway Projections since construction is almost underway, but the Commission still didn’t have the answer. Brent asked once more about any conversations with GilmoreBell that they have had because he is worried that 60 days isn’t a long enough time to hash out the details. The Commission did tell him that they received projections, but they did not like them, and there is no contract yet. Brent thinks that since landowners are already being paid for this operation and will continue to be paid, that the Commission should not settle for being paid once it starts generating money, but to be paid something during, like the landowners.

Jim stated that the Solar Company wants to have a town meeting so they can answer questions the citizens may have, but they have not heard anything yet. Jim reassured everyone that once they are given a date the Commission would let everyone know. Brent then stated that he thinks the Commission should take the lead and give the Solar Company dates and the location and let them decide when they can make it. He explained that there isn’t enough time left to keep waiting for them to decide when this will take place. Others spoke up and said that an evening during the week would work, or a Saturday. This would make it possible for the working class to be able to attend. Miami School District has volunteered their school so everyone can meet local.

Lastly, it was mentioned that these solar panels will be an eyesore to the landowners around them, so Brent made a comment that the Solar Company should plant a barrier of greenery to block the view instead. Whether that be trees or bushes, it’s better than staring right at metal and fencing.

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Miami County Sheriff's Wanted Wednesday

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Butler Chamber Featured Business of the Month, Max Motors

Celebrating Our Business of the Month: Max Motors

The Butler Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize **Max Motors** as our Business of the Month! From their beginnings right here in Butler in 2006 to becoming one of the fastest-growing dealerships in the Midwest, Max Motors is a true "homegrown" success story.

Known for their "Max Transit" concierge service and an expansive inventory of Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, they provide big-city options with the hometown heart you can only find in Butler. More than just a dealership, the team at Max Motors is a steadfast supporter of our local schools, community events, and the overall spirit of our town.

Whether you are looking for a new ride or expert service, stop by **1108 W. Fort Scott St.** to congratulate the team and see why they’ve been a local cornerstone for nearly 20 years. Thank you, Max Motors Butler, for your continued investment in making Butler thrive!

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State Farm Athlete of the Week

We are so excited to announce this week’s C & S Graphics and Kellie Davidson State Farm Agent athlete of the week, from Adrian, sophomore Elijah Hubbard. Elijah was nominated by his head baseball coach Tanner Pitts after their big win against conference rival Warsaw where Elijah had 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored going 3 for 5 at the plate. Coach Pitts stated “Elijah is an exceptional student and person. He is the epitome of what it means to be a Blackhawk and to have Blackhawk pride. He is one of the most kind and respectful students. The win against Warsaw was a big win for our program, and Elijah was a big contributor to that win.” Elijah is a four sport athlete for Adrian, participating in football, basketball, track and baseball. He states currently football is his favorite. When we asked him what it takes to excel as an athlete he stated “I’ve been blessed with talents and I give all glory to God each time I get the opportunity to compete. It’s all about doing the extra little things and getting 1% better each day. Going to practice and putting in the work, but also taking care of your body, stretching, icing and doing those things outside of practice that make you more successful.” Elijah is just a sophomore, but when we asked him his future plans he stated he has hopes of competing at the collegiate level in football and majoring in sports medicine/physical therapy once he graduates. It was such a pleasure meeting Elijah. We wish him and the Blackhawks the best of luck as they continue to compete this season.

Pictured left to right: Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Elijah Hubbard, son of Don and Christina Hubbard; Coach Tanner Pitts; Cody Morris, C & S Graphics

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Special firefighter training held in Rich Hill this week

Several area firefighters attended the "Air Monitoring For Fire Department Operations" training on Tuesday evening in Rich Hill. This session was provided by the Bates County LEPC

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Bates County LEPC for bringing this valuable training to our area. Additionally, thank you to the Bates County Memorial Hospital for hosting the session in your facility.

Departments that attended were Amsterdam Fire Department, Butler, Missouri Fire Department, Dolan-West Dolan Fire Protection District, Foster fire department, Rich Hill Missouri Fire Department and Rockville Fire.

Lastly thank you Kraig Bone for always providing top notch training.

Courtesy Rich Hill Fire Department

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Little Apple news

April 1, 2026

The 2026 AC Kindergarten enrollment and screenings will be held on April 9. Call the Elementary Office for an appointment at 660-476-2161. If your child will be 5 before August 1st, now is the time to begin thinking about Kindergarten enrollment requirements. The following items are required for enrollment: immunization records, state issued birth certificate, social security card and proof of residence. Your child can receive the immunizations that are needed to attend Kindergarten anytime on or after his/her fourth birthday? You do not need to wait until age five. They encourage you to have your child fully immunized now and bring the immunization record to school on the day of Kindergarten screening. If you have questions regarding required immunizations, please feel free to contact Nikki Piepmeier, School Nurse, at 660-476-2161, option #7.

Growing In Grace Community Center’s April 4 community dinner menu is potato soup, chicken noodle soup, chili, cornbread, salad bar and dessert. Music will provided by Mike McEwan and daughters and Heather Parks.  Join them from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

AC Ministerial Alliance invites everyone to their Holy Week Worship services.  Maundy Thursday service will be 6:00 p.m. April 2 at AC Christian Church with Pastor John Yates.  Good Friday service will be 6:00 p.m. April 3 at AC First Baptist Church with Pastor James Damon.  Holy Saturday service will be 4:00 p.m. April 4 at AC Holy Trinity Church with Pastor Aaron Koch (there is an elevator at the east entrance).  Easter Sunday service will be 7:00 a.m. At the AC Worship Center with Pastor John Yates and Rockville River of Live with Pastor David Hill.

AC Worship Center will have a Resurrection Celebration. They would love to have you join them Easter Sunday, April 5 for their Sunrise Celebration service at 7:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday at 107 West 4th.  Free coffee and refreshments will follow 

Montrose VFW Post 8820 offers the 2026 Poker Run on April 25. Pre-register now until April 4. $25 is due at registration. $10 extra hand. Registration on the day of is 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. First car leaves out at noon. Proceeds go to memorial benches for the front of the building. To pre-register, go to the Montrose VFW 8820 Facebook page. Contact Post Commander Jason Brashears at 660-492-9894 for more information.

MU Extension in St. Clair County is offering a Tomato Grafting Workshop April 9, 2026 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Clair County Library in Osceola. Ramon Arancibia, Horticulture Specialist, will be sharing his vast knowledge of essential tomato and fruit tree grafting techniques. The workshop is designed to provide hands-on grafting experience as an approach to control soilborne diseases and improve crop yield. By grafting scion plants with desirable fruit characteristics onto rootstock plants that have disease resistance, stress tolerance or vigorous root system characteristics, grafted plants combine beneficial traits from both the scion and rootstock plants. There is no cost to attend the workshop but registration is required by contacting the Extension office at (417) 646-2419 or come to the office at the courthouse Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

 

The A.C. Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates are set for April 24 & 25. Permits are $5 and can be purchased at City Hall beginning Monday, April 6 through Tuesday, April 21. Permits to set up in the City Park are $25 for the pole shelter, $15 for the stage, $10 for lawn permits and these fees cover both days. Park permits can also be purchased at City Hall on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved by phone. Maps will be available at Food Fair, Casey's, Fika and Powell’s True Value beginning Thursday afternoon. House of Joy Ministries will be at the City Park on Saturday from 3:00-5:00 to collect donations, but may leave earlier if the trailer is full. For questions, please contact Dianne Foster at 660-679-1125.

AC PTO is collecting Food Fair receipts and Best Choice UPC labels until April 30.  Food Fair receipts need to be from January, 2026 to the present.  If they are older, they cannot be submitted.  Please send them with students or place them in a plastic bag or envelope and drop them off in the Elementary School Office, St. Clair County State Bank with Janet Payton or Little Apples Learning Center by Friday, January 27. This on-going fundraiser raises a substantial amount of money for PTO to use for the children's classroom trips and teacher requests for supplies. Please keep collecting through the summer.  The next collection date will be in September.

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, April 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

The Annual "Little Ladies Dance" will be held Saturday, May 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Appleton City School Commons Area. Any preschool age to 6th grade Little Ladies from Appleton, Hudson, Montrose and any other surrounding schools are invited to bring their best dancing partner out for a night of dancing. The theme this year is "Pretty In Pink". Admission (at the door) per couple is $20, with an additional $5 per extra family member. 

The Appleton City High School Alumni Luncheon will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:30. They are missing a class contact for the classes of 2016 and 2021.  Reservation/meal is $15 in advance $20 at the door. , Mail reservations to Patty Purvis Young, 101 E. 3rd St., Appleton City, MO 64724. Please include class year and names for each person attending.  

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for April, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday  April 1 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Friday April 3 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Friday, April 10 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,  Tuesday  April 14 - Rheumatology-Dr. John,  Wednesday  April 15 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Thursday  April 16 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace,  Wednesday   April 22 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday April 22 – Ophthalmology,   Dr. Soni, Friday April 24 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,   Tuesday  April 28 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Thursday  April 30– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib

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Appleton City city-wide cleanup set for April 28th - 30th

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