Celebrate Missouri trees with MDC through Arbor Days in April

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care.

Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 3. Missouri has been observing the state's official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April for 140 years -- since 1886 -- when the General Assembly declared the day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 24.

Get information on backyard tree care – including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more – at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care.

Get native trees! Our George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers residents a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are accepted to April 15. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings.

Communities around the state also hold local Arbor Day activities. For more information on Arbor Day and Missouri's Tree City USA communities, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org/.

Missouri forests cover about one-third of the state and provide outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and watersheds for stream and rivers. Spending time in Missouri forests can provide a natural health benefit, too. Exposure to nature contributes to physical well-being, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, relieves stress, and boosts energy. Get more information at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/forest-care. 

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Bates County Commission works through software issues

March 11, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Kacie Robey and Carl Bettels met with the Commission to discuss the contract from Ulrich for the new software. Carl said they are waiting to hear back from Gene with Governmentor to find out what the cost will be to get out from under him. Sam with Ulrich has also contacted Gene. John stated he had a concern about what Ulrich will charge us to retrieve our data if we ever change from them. Kacie said we have been with our current company for 30 years and Carl said he doesn't for see having an issue with Ulrich. Kacie said that Ulrich will come in for three days and train the employees and also has the ability to toggle into the computers. John asked about the legalities of putting another elected official in debt by signing a 3- or 5-year payment plan. Kacie asked why this was just now being brought up. Jami stated that she just saw the proposal yesterday and questioned that. Jami thought there was a statute that states one elected official can't put another elected official in debt. For instance, if a payment plan is signed for a 3 or a 5-year term and Carl or Kacie are not re-elected, then it's not legal for that to happen. When Jami purchased her new election equipment, she did it in the first year of her term and paid for it over 3 years. Which was legal because it was paid for before her term ended. Jami also stated that this may be different because it is software. She urged the Commission to reach out to their legal counsel before signing the contract. Jim stated he would contact their attorney and Kacie is also going to research it.

After Carl and Kacie left the Commission discussed Carl's budget with Jami. They looked at each line item in his budget to see if he budgeted enough. Jami stated that they also had to look at his cash on hand and whether or not he could afford the new software and continue to pay his expenses. Carl has to have enough money in the bank to back up the budget. Jami also reminded the Commission that they should reach out to Shane Balk with Inetvisions to have him review the contract.

Approved invoices.

Jami Page shared a picture with the Commission of one of the three benches that are being built for The Wall That Heals from an anonymous donor. There will be a bench made for each of the three service members from Bates County whose names are engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Jami said that Tyler Bohannon is sponsoring the cost of having the benches powder coated. The Commission has agreed to have the benches installed around the courthouse once The Wall That Heals exhibit leaves Butler.

Jim told Jami that Kacie had reached out to other Collectors and they said they didn't know of any such statute regarding putting the next elected official in debt. Jami said she may have been wrong, but that was what she had always been told. Jami told the Commission she was not trying to stop the other offices from getting their software. If she was then why would she have contacted Ulrich herself about getting the software for her office and also getting a contract for the Commission to sign. She understands their frustrations with the current software, but she just wants to make sure everything is done correctly and legally because this is going to be a huge expense for the taxpayers. She also doesn't want another problem with the Auditors.

March 16, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Kacie Robey came in and discussed the Software they are wanting to change to. John went over the Contract and seen some things that concerned him, making him rethink his previous vote on the matter. John states that he is all for new software and is not trying to stop them, but he doesn’t see a price cap, and he feels like Kacie’s bid should not have been under the same one of Carl’s that was posted in the paper. He is nervous about settling on this one bid when there is a loss of $30k that’s been put into trying to get the SB190 to be workable over the last year and a half.

Kacie is more than frustrated because she cannot do her job to the best of her ability with the software she has now and the Commission has already voted to get the ball rolling. So, John taking a step back and finding issues after they had already voted has made things even more difficult for Kacie.

The meeting was then paused and will be picked up after Kacie calls the recommendations that John has given her and will reconvene when she has collected more information and contacted other offices about other software.

Chad Anderson came in and spoke over any questions and concerns the Commission might have had about the Blue Sheild Grant. There were very few, so, Trent made a motion to recommit to the Blue Sheild Program. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.

Chad gave them a heads up that they will see some increases due to more medications being given and sent with the inmate after release. As well as a decrease in other areas where the FCC has now made it a guideline that inmates cannot be charged for their phone calls, effective April 1st, 2026. Chad says that there are certain things he will be applying for through the Opioid Board for Reimbursement, like medications and such, and have also been looking into Good RX to keep the cost down.

Chad also made sure to point out that he is proud of Amy Fishbaugh for the Health and Wellness classes that she has been conducting. There have been 17 people that have lunged into this class headfirst, and Chad is very proud of them all.

Dennis, Brenda and Jim with EMA sat with the Commission and discussed the Overpass/Bridge Project that will last approximately 166 days. Walmart, EMS, Fire Department and BCSO are all aware of alternative routes and the conditions. Jim said he might reach out to the school to make sure they are aware of Bus Routes, if any.

Kacie came back to finish the discussion over the Software Bid issue. She had sent emails, called lawyers and other County Collectors and gathered up any information she was missing and asked questions about what all she should be doing and she concluded that there is nothing else she can do to help ease Johns concerns. There is not a statute saying anything against what she has been doing to try and switch to this software and has some confusion as to why she needs the Commissions signatures in the first place.

Trent reminded everyone that John had some concerns about the amount not having a cap on it and John agreed that his concerns still stood true. Kacie asked John what he had done and who he had reached out to for information about these concerns and if he had gathered any information but there was no response.

Trent asked if any other Counties use Ulrich and what they think to which Kacie let him know there wasn’t a single bad review. Kacie said she isn’t necessarily thrilled to have new software, but she cannot keep having these issues and mishaps limiting her job skills and duties. She made sure to investigate the possibility of no re-election along with the three-year payment plan, making it to where the next Collector can switch software if they feel the need to. She is unsure of what Gene is going to charge to convert the data.

Kacie claims that this new system will make it to where Bates County can now pay online and it’s more efficient than the system they have now. She feels she has done all she can do to try and get the Commission on board and is awaiting their response regarding what they are going to do that way she can move forward.

John made a motion to send a letter and the $2000.00 to Soil and Water Conservation District. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

On 03/09/2026 John seconded Trent’s motion for a three-year payment agreement for Ulrich Software for the Collector/Treasurer and Assessors office. Considering the concerns that have surfaced since that vote, John is retracting his seconded to that motion until the concerns are resolved. The yearly maintenance fee is an issue, discussed who will own the data in Ulrich and how much it will cost to convert that data. John also has issues with the Assessor’s Office putting out the bid for the Collector’s Office and Jim agreed they should have made their own bids. John is under the impression that an Elected Official can only sign a two-year contract with the option for a third year and is waiting for a call back from another Assessor and Attorney to make sure that information is correct. Jim states that he is going to speak with Ulrich and John agreed he should, that is the point of Contract negotiations.

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Escort route and schedule for The Wall That Heals coming to Bates County

Taps will be played at 8:30 pm each day

April 28, 2026

Anyone wanting to be in the escort will need to arrive at Family Center in Harrisonville at 10:30 a.m. The escort will promptly leave at 11:30. Escort route can be seen below

April 29, 2026

The Wall That Heals will be open 24 hours a day. Contact Jami Page at 660-424-4215 for information on guided tours

April 30

The Welcome Home ceremony will be held beginning at 10 am. Come early!

May 1

The Bringing Light to Agent Orange Awareness Ceremony will be held at 8:30 pm with orange lighting to honor our victims of Agent Orange

May 2

A Quilts of Valor ceremony will be held at 3 pm

May 3

The closing ceremony will be held at 1:45 p.m.

The Wall will close for visitors at 2:00 p.m.

 

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Harrisonville schools honors Doug Alexander

It's School Board Appreciation Month

As part of Board Appreciation Month, we are proud to recognize Doug Alexander for his service to Harrisonville Schools.

Doug serves on the Harrisonville Schools Board of Education and is retired. He has served on the board for six years.

When asked about his motivation to serve on the board, Doug said, "I truly wanted to help find and secure a superintendent that would guide our district to become academically strong, support all extracurricular activities, and build a positive environment for our employees of the district."

Looking ahead, he is excited about the opportunity to show families that Harrisonville Schools has dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff working together to educate and support every student.

When asked how board members work together to support the district’s mission, Doug shared that board members bring independent perspectives but come together as a united front when supporting decisions and the direction of the superintendent.

One of his favorite Harrisonville traditions is holding graduation outside at Memorial Stadium when possible, creating a memorable experience for students and families.

Doug also shared, “The better our schools are, the more desirable our town and school district will become for people to stay and live in Harrisonville.”

Thank you, Doug, for your dedication to Harrisonville Schools and your continued commitment to our students, staff, and community. Courtesy Harrisonville Schools

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Forecast temperatures over the next week

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Hot Thursday ahead, storms possible late week

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Obituary - Michael Bragg

Michael Dean Bragg, age 66, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at his home in Clinton, Missouri. A memorial of life will take place at a later date in Shelby County MO.

Michael Bragg, born in Clarence Missouri on December 1, 1959. Michael was a father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Elliott, and her children, Noah, Penelope, Vivian, and Natalee; and his son, Michael Bragg II and Megan Bragg, and their children, Milo and Mateo.

Michael was a passionate sports fan and could always be found cheering on his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. His love for the game and the excitement he shared with others will be fondly remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo Dean Bragg and Anna Pearl Bragg, and one sister Patricia Bragg and one brother, Terry Bragg.

Michael is survived by his children; one sister, Ruby (Donnie) Arment; two brothers, Roy Bragg and Kenny (Deloris) Bragg; and many nieces and nephews.

Michael will be remembered for his love of family, his friendships, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Arrangements are entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

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Former Mt. Pleasant township trustee now under investigation by Highway Patrol

Official Commission Minutes for March 9, 2026 provided by Jami Page, Bates County Clerk

March 9, 2026

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

Kacie Robey, with the Collectors Office, and Carl Bettels, with the Assessor's Office, came in and presented a Bid Proposal for new Software. They posted the bid in the News Paper and received one bid. The software they use right now is no longer doing the job that they need it to do. There have been issues that they have called Customer Support about, and they were unable to be resolved, leaving gaps and unbalanced totals in the system.

Kacie was on the phone for five days causing the system to be shut down to attempt to resolve the issue. With the system being down, that meant the Assessor’s Office was down as well and neither office was able to do anything. They deal with glitches in the system often and Customer Service doesn’t have any solution to any of the ongoing issues.

Kacie called Jimmy in to see if he would be able to help with said issues since he has 30+ years of experience with Governmentor and Gene, the Customer Service Representative. Jimmy couldn’t resolve the issue with Gene either. With this new software there will be options for them to set up the platform in a way that works specifically for their offices on a day-to-day basis.

Trent made a motion for a 3-year payment schedule, with the possibility of a 5-year schedule, with Ulrich Software Inc. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. No opposition.

Carl is going to be in Contact with Gene and update him on what is happening and give him a deadline to transition over.

Judge Julie Highley met with the Commission to follow up with the vehicle for Lily’s house as they wait for the Opioid Board to approve the Counties half of the donation.

She also discussed the request for $3,912.17 that will pay for things that will be spread throughout community to relay information about Breath for Bre and point all individuals to weblinks for help and any insight they may need. The request was approved.

The Commission spoke about the 4-D County Reimbursement Agreement for them to sign. She is letting them discuss it and then will be coming back through to retrieve the Agreement.

They signed the 2026-2027 Assessment Maintenance Plan Agreement and Approval. They are now just waiting for the State Tax Commission of Missouri to sign.

They also received the Affidavit Publication from the Software Bid out of the Assessor and Collectors office through the Newspaper.

Shelli White stopped in and discussed Reimbursement for Child Support and explained to the Commission what they have added and changed from January 1st of 2023 - December 31st, 2025, to January 1st, 2026 – December 31st, 2028.

Jami Page came in and spoke with the Commission over an Invoice her office received of $400.00. The Bates County Sheriff ordered updated Plat Books from the Assessor to put in all the patrol cars. There was a concern since the last Assessor gave the BCSO free Plat Books to put in patrol cars.

John made a motion to appoint Randy Cantrell as the New Trustee, effective immediately, in place of Jared Fuller. Trent seconded the motion.

The township voted him off after he failed to attend two meetings. The township met on 03/03/2026 and voted to remove him as Trustee per Statute 65.183. The Commission will prompt a letter. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.

Wade Chandler came in and spoke to the Commission about Mt. Pleasant Township issues. He said that he wanted to touch on the allegations being made towards Jared Fuller and wanted to make sure that this situation is not taken lightly and is pushed to the fullest. Wade lives in Mt. Pleasant Township and is sickened that his money was part of what was stolen.

He claims that before a Township meeting, Jared came in and dropped off a pile of Milwaukee Tools without their chargers and a sprayer and left. He is also concerned about the Asphalt issue where two checks were written from Mt. Pleasant Township, one to the Company and one to the owner personally. He expressed further concern about the additional gas cards he got after changing the mailing address, gas card charges for alleged personal use, keeping the keys to the PO Box for the Township, buying stuff from Tractor Supply for his personal use and leaving the Township account overdrawn $2,000. Wade also caught Jared using Township equipment for his personal use last summer.

Wade feels like these issues need to be audited and taken care of, but the Commission informed him that this is out of their control, as the Highway Patrol has now taken the case and is further investigating it.

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