BCMH holds Patriot Day observance

Patriot Day Observance: Bates County Memorial Hospital hosted its annual flag-lowering ceremony on September 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Employees, members of the BCMH EMS team, local firefighters, law enforcement officers and representatives of other area agencies gathered for the observance. Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and combat engineer Mark Durbin, who served with the 203rd Engineer Battalion and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, was the guest speaker. Retired Army First Sergeant and BCMH paramedic Jason Stroud, who served for 30 years including three tours in Iraq as a combat medical specialist, led the ceremony. Following the ceremony, BCMH and Koehn's Bakery hosted breakfast for area first responders as a gesture of appreciation for their service to the community.


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Hugh Jenkins honored for 39 years of service to Bates County

L-R: Robert Russel, Johnson County Prosecutor and President of The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; Hugh Jenkins, Bates County Prosecutor; Tim Garrison, Executive Director, Missouri Office of Prosecution Services.

On September 3, 2026 at the annual meeting of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Bates County Prosecuting Attorney Hugh C. Jenkins was recognized for his 39 years of service as Prosecutor and has officially earned the title of the longest serving elected Prosecutor in the state of Missouri.

The meeting was held September 1-3 at Margaritaville in Lake Ozark, MO. Jenkins was recognized with a plaque and was given a mantle clock as a memento for his years of service.

Jenkins will finish his term on December 31, 2026 after 39 years as elected prosecutor and 1 year as an assistant. Following the finish of his term, Jenkins will assist upcoming prosecutor Cody Johnson in a limited role as an assistant.

Congratulations!

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Deepwater man charged with involuntary manslaughter

Formal criminal charges have officially been filed in Cass County Circuit Court. Defendant Larry Martin of Deepwater MO has been grand-jury indicted and charged with Class E Felony Involuntary Manslaughter in connection with the death of Alissia Schrock of Harrisonville MO on September 18, 2025 following an automobile accident.

Key Case Details:

• Charges: Involuntary Manslaughter - 2nd Degree (Class E Felony)

• Jurisdiction: Cass County Circuit Court

• Status: Defendant arraigned; bond review hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 17.

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Obituary - Toni Worthington

Toni Gay Worthington, 81, formerly of Mound City, Kansas died on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Kansas City Hospice House after experiencing declining health. Toni was born on March 16, 1945 in Mound City, KS. She was the youngest of four children born to William Wesley Wallace and Munsey Pauline (Koontz) Worthington. On October 14, 1967, Toni married Kenney Schmitz. They were blessed with two sons, Jason of Kansas City, KS and Galen (Pam) of Kansas City, MO. She was raised in Mound City, but traveled the world. When she and her family came back stateside after living for over three years in Saudi Arabia they resided in Shawnee, KS. Toni worked as a secretary at various places before working at Shawnee Mission East High School from which she retired. She has been a bright light, full of fun and love. She loved to travel, antique shop, garden, and catch misbehaving squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks in her garden. Though she and Kenney later divorced, they remained close and had season tickets to the New Theatre where they spent many happy hours.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents, brother Wesley Worthington, and sister Sharon Johnson.

Toni is survived by Kenney; her two sons, Jason and Galen; her sister, Judy (Phil) Neidermier; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Schneider Funeral Home & Cremations, Mound City Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at 6:00 pm. Toni will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Quaker Cemetery, Osawatomie, KS at a later date. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfuneral

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Obituary - Frank Denman

Francis “Frank” Byron Denman, 78, of Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Nevada Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.  Frank was born on June 13, 1948, in Garnett, KS, to Albert and Mildred (Lentz) Denman.  He married Sharon K. Cecil on October 14, 1988, in Glenrose, Texas.  She survives of the home.

    Frank was raised in the Kincaid, KS area and graduated from high school there.  Following high school, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  Frank worked as a welder at various nuclear power plants throughout the United States.   After his time in the service, Frank graduated from Callaway County Community College.  He was a longtime member of the VFW.

    In addition to his wife, Sharon; survivors include his children, Connie J. Knight (Paul), Moran, KS, LaNora Valdez, state of Arkansas, and Frank Carl Denman (Carla), Goshen, AR; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim Denman; a sister, LeAnn McGee; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

    A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Obituary - Janet Lorene Carroll

Janet Lorene Carroll, 90, of Adrian, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. A full obituary and service times will be posted as soon as they are available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.


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Obituary - Betty Routen

Betty Routen, 86 of Butler, Missouri passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at Medicaloge Butler. Services are pending at this time. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is also pending at this time.

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Join us in Amsterdam this weekend

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