Cyber tip lands yet another child predator behind bars

On August 6, 2026, 34-year-old Patrick Gains of Butler, Missouri was arrested in connection with an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation conducted by the Bates County Sheriff's Office Detectives, who are assigned to the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (WMICAC). Gains has been charged with four felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography (possessing more than 20 images or one video/film) and is currently in custody on a $500,000.00 cash-only bond.

The investigation began after the Bates County Sheriff's Office received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) flagging more than 200 images of apparent child pornography​. A months long investigation led to Gains being identified as the suspect.

On August 6, 2026, a search warrant was served at Gains' residence in Butler, Missouri, with assistance from the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT). Multiple electronic devices were seized during the search, and numerous images were discovered. These devices will undergo forensic analysis, and investigators expect to amend charges to reflect additional images and videos once the analysis is complete.

WMICAC is spearheaded by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and includes personnel from agencies within Bates, Cass, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline Counties. It operates as an affiliate of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (MOICAC).

The Bates County Sheriff's Office extends its thanks to the Missouri STAT team for providing the equipment and resources that assisted with this case. Regarding the operation, Sheriff Anderson stated, "Bates County continues to take steps to keep our community and children safe, and places the safety of our future generations at the top of the priority list. Combining efforts with multiple agencies and maintaining a working relationship with those agencies is what makes operations like this a success."

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House fire just north of Amsterdam

Multiple fire agencies are responding to a report of flames coming from a home at 10186 Y highway just north of Amsterdam.

Additional details are unavailable at this time, please use caution if traveling through the area.


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Obituary - Winona Kay Powell

Winona Kay Powell, 97, of Harrisonville, Missouri, left this world peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Maria Court Assisted Living in Mulvane, Kansas. Born on February 1, 1928, in Daugherty, Missouri, she was a daughter of Robert James and Naomi (Noell) Powell. Winona's early education began at Hutchinson Rural School # 62, and she later graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1945, a testament to her dedication to learning.

Winona's journey through life was marked by a rich tapestry of experiences. From 1949 to 1955, she served as a flight attendant for TWA Airlines, embarking on numerous adventures across the skies, both nationally and internationally. Her passion for education and music led her to earn three Master's Degrees-two in music and one in education-before embarking on a profoundly rewarding career as a school teacher. In 1963, she moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she devoted 27 years of her life to teaching music in public schools, shaping the hearts and minds of countless students. Winona's commitment extended beyond the classroom; she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1966 to 1969, reflecting her unwavering desire to give back to communities in need.

In her later years, Winona's love for travel, writing, and ballroom dancing brought her joy and fulfillment. In 2023, after sixty years of vibrant life in Tucson, she returned to her roots in Harrisonville to be closer to her family and became an active member of the Harrisonville Methodist Church, where her warmth and spirit were felt by many.

Winona is preceded in death by her parents and two beloved sisters, Ruth Mathis and Helen Smith. She is remembered with love by her niece, Lynda (Rod) Moravec of Mulvane, Kansas, and her nephew, Robert (Leslie) Smith of Jupiter, Florida.

In accordance with Winona's wishes, she will be cremated. A graveside memorial service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO, allowing friends and family to gather and reflect on the countless memories shared with this remarkable woman. We invite all who knew Winona to celebrate the impact she made on our lives and the love she spread throughout her journey.

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Butler Elks continue to support local education

The Butler Elks Lodge has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting education in Bates County by raising funds and securing grants to provide school supplies for students in the Adrian, Hume, Ballard and Rich Hill School Districts. Their generosity helps ensure students begin the school year equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

"It is with sincere gratitude that we thank the Butler Elks Lodge for their generous donation of school supplies as the new school year approaches," said Adrian Elementary Principal Meka Bauer. "Your kindness and support are truly appreciated. Thank you."

The dedication of the Butler Elks Lodge continues to make a meaningful difference for area students and schools. Thank you!

Pictured: Matt Davis, MS/HS Principal; Meka Bauer, Elementary Principal; and Charles Stump, Butler Elks Lodge.

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Learn more about dealing with troublesome weeds

MU Extension’s weed science team is studying the soil weed seed bank across Missouri to better understand and reduce populations of troublesome weeds such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. Researchers have already identified 52 weed species in samples collected from 29 counties. Waterhemp, one of the most challenging and herbicide-resistant weeds affecting row crops, was the most common summer annual found.

By learning more about the density and diversity of weed seeds in Missouri cropland, researchers hope to develop better strategies to help producers protect yields and manage weeds more effectively.

Read more about the research and its early findings:

https://brnw.ch/21x4HC9

Learn more. Do more with MU Extension.

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Adrian student takes 3rd place in National Baseball Tournament

Jackson Lile, AHS Sophomore, participated in the USSSA All-State National Baseball Tournament (invite only) this summer! Team Missouri (Jackson’s team) took 3rd in the nation this season! What an incredible experience for one of our Blackhawks!

The National Tourney was hosted in Lafayette, Louisiana, at several different baseball complexes. One game was played on a field from 1948 (Miller Stadium), complete with an old school vibe - wooden bleachers and a deep center field over 410 feet! Jack was the starting pitcher in two of the seven games. He also played first base, left field, center field and right field.

Jackson played for Team Missouri in 2024 in Kansas City, MO, and they earned 3rd place. In 2025, Team Missouri took 1st place in Indianapolis, Indiana!

If you know Jack, you know his love for the game of baseball. He works tirelessly all year to be baseball-ready. Jack, we are having such a good time seeing your hard work pay off! -Mike and Michele

Courtesy Adrian News Leader

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Bates County Memorial Hospital Celebrates Steevie Kooker's Advanced CT Certification

Please join us in congratulating Steevie Kooker from our Imaging Services Department on achieving her national board certification in Computed Tomography (CT)!

To earn this advanced "dual-registry" status through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Steevie had to master complex radiation physics, cross-sectional anatomy, and safety protocols. She also logged hundreds of hours of hands-on, supervised clinical scans all while continuing to provide excellent care to our patients here at BCMH.

Thank you, Steevie, for your incredible work ethic, your commitment to safety, and your dedication to elevating the level of care we provide at BCMH. Leave a comment below to celebrate her success!

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Attention teachers...

We have a limited number of items left over from our Summer Readiness Backpack Program!

Teachers who are interested must register here:

https://pears.io/events/mu/9343/

After registering, you will receive a follow-up email with a link to select which available items you would like. Pickup details will be shared later, but all items must be picked up at the Bates County MU Extension Office.

You must be registered to participate, and spots are limited! Additional spots may become available later.

Available items include:

- Butterfly Kits — maximum of 2 per teacher

- Magnet Movers — maximum of 2 per teacher

- A few other learning activities and supplies

Please note that the pictures are only examples, and not every pictured item is available.

Butterfly kits include a voucher for the caterpillars. There are shipping and handling costs

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