Butler students spend day at State Capitol

Eighth grade students from Butler R-V School District recently took an educational trip to the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City

Students had the opportunity to learn firsthand how state government operates by observing legislative chambers and exploring the historic Capitol building. A highlight of the day was meeting State Representative Dane Diehl, who spoke with students about his role, answered questions, and encouraged them to stay involved in their communities.

The group also visited with Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ office, where his assistant shared insight into the responsibilities of the position and how it serves the state of Missouri.
Students experienced some of the Capitol’s unique features, including the Whispering Gallery, and even climbed to the top of the dome for a 360° view of Jefferson City.

The day wrapped up with a stop at Central Dairy—always a favorite!
It was a great day filled with learning, memories, and a lot of fun.

Courtesy Butler Schools

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Nevada police make arrest following theft in progress

Incident Spotlight

Yesterday, Sgt. Mullin responded to a report of a theft at a local business. During the investigation, it was reported that the subject stole alcohol and other items from the business and proceeded into a restricted area of the property.

While in the restricted area, the subject took control of a lift and began operating it. Cpl. Journot and Officer Shaw arrived on scene and quickly located and apprehended the subject.

Great work by these officers for their quick response to this incident. This case will be forwarded to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney for review of potential felony charges.

Courtesy Nevada Police Department

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Butler results from Miles Humbird Memorial Invitational

An abbreviated Bears’ high school track team travelled to Archie on a windy day for their annual trip to the An abbreviated Bears’ high school track team travelled to Archie on a windy day for their annual trip to the Miles Humbird Memorial Invitational. The conditions were certainly not ideal at this meet and lead to struggles by the Bears throughout the day. Still, the teams managed to earn 7 medals with 3 being gold while still setting 6 personal records.

Below are those who finished in the top 8 of their events or set a personal record.. The conditions were certainly not ideal at this meet and lead to struggles by the Bears throughout the day. Still, the teams managed to earn 7 medals with 3 being gold while still setting 6 personal records.

Below are those who finished in the top 8 of their events or set a personal record.

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Apologies given regarding upset over software issues

Latest reports from the Bates County Commission

March 18, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Steven Cohen, with HR Solutions On Call, met with the Commission to discuss opportunities through their company. Steven explained how they would work alongside our HR Representative for better outcomes and solutions as needed. Replacing and/or adding policies that are outdated, strengthening the Handbook for the workplace and the option of tackling tasks in our best interests.

Jami Page attended the meeting to learn more about the company and what they had to offer. She was very impressed and felt as if it was something the County and County Employee’s would positively benefit from. Jami asked if Steven could send over a contract that they could review and he said he would send it over before the end of the week.

The Commission was also pleased with the information they learned. John is eager to move forward, as well as Trent. Jim stated he is pleased with what he read and learned but still had a few questions and will look at the Contract and see what it proposes.

Jami selflessly offered to pay $4,000 of the amount they need to secure HR Solutions On Call. She thinks it is a wonderful choice and will gladly do her part to bring them into our County HR.

March 23, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Shelly Harrison, Shelli White, Terry Bettels, Danyelle Baker, Jami Page and Jean Furr with the Bates County Republican Women came in and presented to the Commission a Resolution for the 250th Anniversary Celebration. They are asking that the Commission sign the American 250 Resolution in support of celebration.

Trent has been in contact with Shelly Harrison about parade floats and a place to decorate said floats. He is more than willing to help them with anything and offered his building located in Rich Hill for a gathering place if needed. He is on board and is also offering his time and support wherever they need it.

John was very impressed with their presentation and the detail they put into the Resolution and is in full support. He thinks this is a wonderful thing and is on board to sign and support this group of ladies.

Jim said that he needs till the end of the week so he can look over the Resolution and make sure they did not leave out anything of importance that he felt needed to be put in there. He stated that he liked what he heard and is in support, but he wants to make sure the Resolution is at his fullest potential. He was sure there was nothing to change but wanted to look just in case.

Kacie Robey, with the Treasurer/Collector Office, and Carl Bettels, with the Assessor's Office, came in and spoke once more about the Software they are wanting for their offices. To start the meeting, John apologized to Kacie for the unprofessionalism that was shown during a previous meeting and expressed his regret over the matter. Kacie thanked him and returned an apology.

John went on to explain that he really does want them to get this software but his concerns over certain things within the contract is making it difficult for him to see this through. He does not like that there is not a price cap on several different things as well as the price difference for the software. John claims he is trying his best to get those price caps in place because he does NOT want to “write a blank check” and continuously spend the citizens of Bates County’s tax dollars. Therefore John, as well as Jim, want Kacie and Carl to contact Ulrich and ask them about the price caps, auto renewals, and the rest of the questions and concerns that John has. Kacie stated that she felt she didn’t need to contact them since John has reached out to Ulrich, but John explained that he should not be the one to negotiate the contract and ask these things, that is Kacie and Carls place. Kacie disagreed but said she would call them and speak with them.

Jami Page presented the Contract from Steve Cohen, with HR Solution On Call, to the Commission and let them review it.

John then made a motion to approve the Contract with HR Solutions On Call. Trent seconded the motion.

Jami stated that she will be paying $4,000 out of her budget towards the amount for this first year, as well as Sheriff Chad Anderson, for a total of $8,000 paid towards the $11,000 total. The remaining balance will be drawn from the General Revenue Professional Services Account. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jami is going to send the signed Contract back to Mr. Cohen and will then receive an invoice for payment.

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Obituary - Roy Albert Cunningham

Roy Albert Cunningham, 85, Nevada, MO, passed from this life on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Village Shalom Skilled Care in Overland Park, KS.

Memorials are suggested in his name to Nevada All Sports Booster Club c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time.

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Obituary - Patricia Ann (Gunderson) Minor

Patricia Ann (Gunderson) Minor, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on March 28, 2026, at her home.

Patricia was born November 12, 1956, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Marvin and Glenda Gunderson. She was a devoted homemaker who found joy in quilting, crafting, and many creative hobbies. Patricia was united in marriage to Terry Lynn Minor on May 1, 1993, at Butler Christian Church, and they shared 32 years together.

Above all, Patricia was a strong believer in her faith. She remained positive and steadfast throughout her health struggles, a reflection of her strength and trust in the Lord.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry Lynn Minor of the home; her son, Travis Minor and wife Christy of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and her cherished grandsons, Aiden Minor, Evan Minor, and Owen Minor. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Debbie Minor of Branson, Missouri; Deidre (Dee) and Perry Franks of Miami, Oklahoma; Carla Bray of Burlington Junction, Missouri; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather; her son, Christopher Minor; her brother, Michael Gunderson and his wife Margaret; her sister, Diana Werner and her husband Rick; and her grandparents.

Cremation with a celebration of life service will be held at a later date, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

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Multiple rounds of thunderstorms inbound

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