Accident destroys travel trailer near Passaic

Earlier today, first responders were called to an accident in the median near the Passaic exit along I-49 on a report that a travel trailer left the roadway and overturned.

Fortunately no serious injuries were reported, further details are pending per the Missouri Highway Patrol investigation.

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Gravel roads near highways to get dust control

Minutes from the August 3, 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.

John made a motion to appoint Wade Chandler to a board member position for the Mt. Pleasant Township. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Michael Ussery, with Senator Schmidts Office, visited John and Jim on unofficial business to check in. They conversed over local and national elections. No county business was conducted, just an informal conversation.

Charles Rush came in and discussed Insurance and new possibilities. They spoke about Blue Cross, United Healthcare and an add-on to United Healthcare called NonStop. They went over the prices and Charles said that he felt that Nonstop was a no brainer and encouraged the Commission to set up a Zoom meeting with NonStop to learn more about what they offer and how specific things work.

John was interested in doing a Zoom meeting to learn more.

They then discussed having a list of questions to ask during the meeting. They were hopeful of setting something up for Wednesday the 5th. They briefly spoke over the option of changing it to where the employee must pay some expenses out of their own pocket, but Jim said he would hate to take money from the employee. If they were to give the employee a raise, but ask them to start paying out of pocket, they no longer got a raise.

With Nonstop, each employee would have a spending card. Trent asked about the card and made sure that the individual that it was assigned to is the only person that would be able to use it. Trent also mentioned the last time they chose insurance, they involved the Elected Officials, and it went over well. He felt that the Sheriff also deserved an input due to his office being the majority of the employees.

Trent made a motion to purchase more “dust control” to be put on gravel roads that neighbor the highways. This helps keep the highways visible from the gravel dust and helps prevent accidents. This will be applied to the outer roads from Passaic to Adrian, as well as Rich Hill to the river. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

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Local photography showcased at Missouri State Fair

Winning photographs will be on display throughout the Missouri State Fair

JEFFERSON CITY, MO —

A snapshot of a farmer bucket-feeding cows has been named the 2026 Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest Best in Show. Jordan Crozier of Rich Hill, Mo., submitted the photo, which was chosen from more than 700 entries to the contest, hosted by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

“Once again, this year’s Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest entries tell the story of Missouri’s dedicated and hard-working farmers,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “We congratulate this year’s winners and look forwarding to displaying their talented work at the 2026 Missouri State Fair.”

Photos were entered in four categories: Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farmer, Around the Barnyard and Everyday Life. Photographers ages 12 and under entered their shots in the Kid’s Corner category. In total, 22 winning photos were selected by a panel of three judges from the agriculture industry.  

A special award was also given again this year to the photo selected as the First Family’s Choice. Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe chose a photo by Holly Brown of Webb City, Mo. capturing a boy moving cattle on horseback.

The winning photos will be on display in the Agriculture Building throughout the Missouri State Fair, Aug. 13-23, 2026 in Sedalia.

 

The 2026 winners are:

BEST IN SHOW: “A Familiar Sound” by Jordan Crozier - Rich Hill, Mo.

FIRST FAMILY’S CHOICE: “Ranch Work” by Holly Brown - Webb City, Mo.

Kids’ Corner:

1st Place: “Hay Hay” by Kendall Barringhaus - Glasgow, Mo.

Runner-Up: “Animal Stack” by Katelyn Mabrey - Columbia, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Maize Macro” by Tyne Martin - Amity, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “George” by Kendall Barringhaus - Glasgow, Mo.

 

Faces of the Farmer:

1st Place: “A Break in the Rows” by Matti Donnohue - Appleton City, Mo.

Runner-Up: “Big Boot, Tall Tales” by Barbara Dummermuth - California, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “The Office Has No walls” by Jill Barringhaus - Glasgow, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “The Man Up On the Tractor” by Cheryl Schulte - Olean, Mo.

 

Everyday Life:

1st Place: “Branding Day” by Holly Brown - Webb City, Mo.

Runner-Up: “Raising More Than Cattle” by Jill Barringhaus - Glasgow, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Cold Weather Assistance” by Casey Boyd - Grovespring, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Hay Loadin’” by Meleah Francka - Bolivar, Mo.

 

Beauty of the Farm:

1st Place: “River Bottoms” by Carson Fisher - Carrollton, Mo.

Runner-Up: “Emergence” by Lauren Riley - Macon, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Field and Lights” by Cara Hanway - St. Joseph, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Storm Brewing” by Heath Seiner - Bolivar, Mo.

 

Around the Barnyard:

1st Place: “Checking In” by Jordan Crozier - Rich Hill, Mo.

Runner-Up: “Professional Fence Tester” by Jill Barringhaus - Glasgow, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Let ‘em Know” by Jordan Crozier - Rich Hill, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “Supper Time” by Katherine Hogan - Kahoka, Mo.

 

To view this year’s winning photos, visit the Department’s Flickr account.

For more information on the Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest and other Missouri Department of Agriculture programs, visit the Department online.

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BCMH receives Gold Award for stroke response and treatment

In rural areas like ours, patients face unique needs and social risk factors. We’re proud to receive the @AmericanStroke Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award for our efforts to give stroke patients in Bates County the best possible chance of recovery and survival.

Learn how we earned this award: https://www.heart.org/.../get-with-the-guidelines-stroke...

Pictured in the Emergency Department’s Trauma Room are members of the Bates County Memorial Hospital team whose work contributed to the hospital’s recognition with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award. From left: Tawni Norbury, RN; Dr. Shyam Akkulugari, ED physician; Dr. Benjamin Crary, hospitalist and ED/EMS medical director; Troy Trumbore, RN, ED supervisor; and Jennifer Klinksick, RN, chief nursing officer.

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Obituary - Dimple Lute

Our beloved mother, Dimple Lute, left this world peacefully on August 9, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on April 1, 1927, east of Appleton City, Missouri, Dimple was the cherished daughter of Shelby and Thelma Mount Purvis. Her life was a testament of devotion to her family, her friends, and her faith.

     Dimple graduated from Appleton City High School in 1944 and furthered her education by attending Missouri State College in Springfield for two summers. At the young age of seventeen, she taught children from all eight grades in a one-roomed schoolhouse. In 1946, Dimple married the love of her life, Richard Lute, beginning a partnership that would span decades. Their union was blessed with three devoted daughters: Nancy, Pamela, and Cindy. Together, they owned and operated Lute’s Store, serving the local farming community for nearly eight years.

    Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the store as she began a fulfilling career in healthcare. Trained by the doctors she worked alongside, Dimple even assisted as a surgical nurse to Dr. Ellett in Appleton City.  After moving to Nevada, she served as a medical and office assistant to Dr. Candice Moore until her retirement at the age of 85.

    While she enjoyed her career, Dimple loved being a wife and mother more than anything.  She was a devoted and loving grandmother to all of her grandchildren and greats, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

    A cornerstone of her life was her unwavering faith. As an active member of the First Baptist Church in Nevada, Dimple sang in the senior adult choir, taught a senior women's Sunday School class, and participated in mission activities.

    Her commitment to the P.E.O. Sisterhood for over 60 years exemplified her dedication to empowering and supporting women.

    Dimple was an accomplished seamstress, a talent she shared with her family through the clothes she lovingly crafted. Her creativity and skill were most evident in the wedding dress worn by all three of her daughters and the christening gown for her great-granddaughter Emmalee, treasures that will be cherished for generations.

    Dimple was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Richard, her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and David Reavis, her grandson Joel Reavis, her brothers Maurice and Eddie Purvis, and her sister Shela Tesdall.  Her spirit lives on in her daughters, Pamela Hedger (Jack) and Cindy Onelio; her grandchildren, Doug Cross (Kristen), Clinton Cross (Erin), Todd Hedger (Bobbi), and Jill Kollar (Tony); her great-grandchildren Ian Cross (Emily), Evan Cross, Blake Spellman (Halei), Ethan Koenen, and Emmalee Koenen; and her great-great-granddaughter Olive Laine Cross. She is also survived by her beloved niece Theresa Lackey (David), and dear friends Jack and Skip Mead, Ben Walker, and Dr. Ted and Dr. Candice Moore.

    In honor of Dimple's generous spirit, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to love, faith, and kindness. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.

    Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 prior to the service.  Private family burial will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada.

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Obituary - Herman “Carl” Brokob, Jr,

Herman “Carl” Brokob, Jr, formerly of Nevada, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO following a lengthy illness. Carl was born in Nevada, MO on May 27, 1949, to Beulah (Burdick) and Herman Brokob, Sr.  He married Linda Forbes on June 26, 1970 and she survives of the home in Webb City.

     Carl was born and raised in Nevada and attended Nevada schools. Carl always worked hard to provide for his family, often working two jobs.  He worked Monday-Friday at the City Hospital and then would spend his weekends working at the Country Kitchen. In 1994, Carl and his family moved to Webb City where he worked at Leggett and Platt for 20 years, until his retirement. Carl and Linda attended Christ’s Church of Oronogo, Oronogo, MO.

     In addition to his wife , Linda, Carl is survived by two daughters, Chrystal Wininger (Gary) and Becky Spangler (Joe), all of Joplin, MO; grandchildren, Tiffany Carr (Gage), Webb City, MO and Chloe Wininger, Joplin, MO; great-grandson, Griffin Carr; a sister, Mina White, Joplin, MO; and several nieces and nephews.  Carl was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Bobby; and a sister, Carol Seavers.

    Funeral services will be at 2:00p.m., Monday, August 10, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home, with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating.  Interment in Moore Cemetery will follow.  The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Calvary Baptist Church are suggested and can be made in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

 

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Obituary - Warren Travis

Warren Travis, age 64, passed away at his home in Sedalia, Missouri, on August 3, 2026. Warren was born on November 19, 1961, in Maryville, Missouri, to Orville and Loretta (Kauffman) Travis. Growing up across Mercer and Grundy counties, he developed a deep appreciation for his local community and the classic character of northern Missouri. After graduating from Galt High School in 1980, Warren continued his education to become an Emergency Medical Technician, serving his community with the Trenton Ambulance Service. He later went on to work for Missouri State Parks, where he took immense pride in maintaining the Katy Trail. Following his time with the state parks, he worked for the Whiteman Express convenience store at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri. Warren was known for his steady dedication to his work, the pride he took in his bowling leagues, and his craft of making elderberry wine—which he always loved sharing with family and friends. Above all, he cherished those around him, with his constant companion and best friend being his dog, Theo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Orville Travis, and his nephew, Dustin Travis. Warren is survived by his mother, Loretta Dines, and stepfather, Lynn Dines; his brothers, Dr. Damon Travis, and Dr. Aaron Travis and his wife, Mary, of Harrisonville; his nephews, Dr. Tyson Travis, Drew Travis, Derek Travis and his wife, Molly, and Brennan Travis; and his nieces, Meghan (Travis) Henderson and her husband, Mike, Dr. Bethany Travis, and Kaitlyn (Travis) Saunders and her husband, Taylor. He also leaves behind a community of dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Eternal rest grant unto Warren, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with inurnment at Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, Missouri at a later date. 

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

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Obituary - Shirley Ruth (Zumbrunnen) Fischer

Shirley Ruth (Zumbrunnen) Fischer, 87, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026.

Shirley was born February 17, 1939, near Prairie City, Bates County, Missouri, to Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen. She was baptized on March 12, 1939, and confirmed on October 14, 1951, at Evangelical and Reformed Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Her confirmation Bible verse was Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Her faith in her Lord and Savior remained a central part of her life.

After graduating from Rich Hill high school in 1957, Shirley worked at Great Lakes Pipe Line in Kansas City and Security Bank in Rich Hill.

On August 16, 1959, Shirley married Earl James Fischer at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Together they built a loving home and raised their family. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cared for her family and served her church and community.

Shirley was a wonderful cook; her family was especially fond of her crescent rolls. Summers were spent gardening, canning, and helping her children prepare for the fair. She generously shared her time and talents as a 4-H project, club, and community leader. Shirley’s faith and love for her Savior were evident throughout her life as she faithfully used the gifts God had given her to serve and bless others. She served as church pianist and organist for over forty years. She was an active member and officer of Zion Ladies Aid and willingly gave her time and talents to support the church and Christian day school in many ways.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great- grandchildren and was always willing to babysit as long as she was able. Her home was a place of faith, love, good food, laughter, and hospitality. She treasured the time spent with her family and created many memories that will remain with them. After her children were out of school, Shirley worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Dr. Lanyon’s dental office in Butler. Shirley and Earl also enjoyed traveling together and took many trips after retirement. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen; her brother, Gerald Zumbrunnen and two brothers who died in infancy; her parents-in-law, Alfred and Elsie Fischer; her brother- and sister-in-law, Hubert and Liz Fischer; and her great- granddaughter, Avery O’Farrell.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Earl Fischer, of the home; her children, Denise (Gary) O’Farrell, Jeffrey (Sheila) Fischer, Debbie (Ricky) Boin, and Jerrell (Jill) Fischer; her grandchildren, Adam (Jamie) O’Farrell, Kevin (Kristin) O’Farrell, April (Don) Schartman, Krista (Chadd) Greenlee, Brandon (Kelly) Fischer, Michael (Katie) Boin, Megan (Robert) 

Chester, Taylor (Kellen) Lippold, and James (Gwen) Fischer; and her great-grandchildren, Reagan, Rylee, Liam, Hayden, Owen, and Colin O’Farrell; Shane Brown; Noah Schartman; Brody, Jackson, and Carys Greenlee; Beau and Grace Fischer; Beckham and Declan Boin; and Caden and Kylie Chester. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martie Zumbrunnen, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Shirley will always be deeply loved by her family and friends. Her quiet faith, generous heart, loving care, and devotion to her family and church touched countless lives. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held August 12, 2026 9 to 10 am at Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall, Rockville, MO with funeral service to follow at 10 am. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Prairie City, MO.

Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

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