Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Disturbance involving firearm ends with arrest in Nevada


On Sunday, June 21st, Nevada Police were dispatched to a disturbance involving a firearm. It was reported that the suspect was in possession of a handgun, pointed it at multiple people, and that the firearm discharged during the disturbance.
Nevada officers responded to the scene. While officers were en route, the suspect began leaving the area. Cpl. White intercepted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and Nevada Police took the driver into custody. The subject was identified as Dustin Campbell of Nevada. Officers were able to recover the firearm used in the disturbance after taking Campbell into custody.
The Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney has filed the following charges against Campbell:
Two counts of Domestic Assault, Class E Felony
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Class E Felony
Property Damage in the 1st Degree, Class E Felony
Resisting Arrest for a Felony, Class E Felony
Campbell is being held at the Vernon County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.
Great work by our officers for quickly locating the suspect involved in this incident and taking him into custody before anyone was seriously hurt.


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Positions still open for Bates County road and bridge crew


Weekly reports from the Bates County Commission


June 8, 2026
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson. Northern Commissioner John Gray was absent.
Walter Fairall came in and discussed a road near his place of residence that needs fixed. He stated that the individual running the road grader had graded the road and left multiple potholes in the road. Jim gave him the Mound Township Board information and encouraged him to reach out to them. Walter stated that he figured the Commission would have the information he needed or knew where to direct him so he figured he would start here first. Trent reassured him that he is always more than welcome to come in and address anything.
Brenda Cecil, with EMA, and Chad Anderson, with Bates County Sheriff’s Office, met with the Commission and spoke over the Text Alerts. She informed the Commission that they had completed training and wanted to touch base. She thanked Chad for joining on such late notice and was thankful for the information he gave. Dennis Jacobs, with EMA, later joined as well.
Chad then updated the Commission on their bid that was posted for a new booking desk. He informed them that he only received one bid and wanted to move forward. Jim stated that there would have to be a motion made due to the bid being over a certain amount. Trent then made a motion to accept the bid for a new concrete booking desk. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Chad then asked the Commission about the 9-1-1 Addresses that were supposed to be passed onto Carl Bettels, Bates County Assessor. He reminded the Commission that this was supposed to be done and over by February of 2026 and nothing has been switched yet, nor has he heard anything other than Carl stating he would not be doing the addresses until he got new software. Jim said that he would reach out and see what is happening and informed Chad that they are in the process of getting information and switching data from the software company they are currently trying to switch from.
Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, spoke with the Commission about the Audit Response for the Sheriff’s Audit. Everything was reviewed. Trent made a motion to send the Audit Responses. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami informed them she will send it to the auditors right after the meeting.
Jami also brought up the two positions that are still open on the Road and Bridge crew and asked if there needed to be an ad listed for job openings. Jim immediately made a motion to run an ad for two CDL drivers for Road and Bridge. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Trent then spoke over a road that will be closed in Hume and discussed who we would be informing of the closure and how many days ahead of time he would give them a heads up.
Culvert Bid Opening started at 2:00 pm and Viebrock, Metal Culverts Inc., West Pipe and Welborn had all submitted a bid. Viebrock was not in attendance, but they started with their bid. Viebrock bid $13, 582.00, Metal Culverts Inc. bid $16,533.40, West Pipe bid $13,420.40 and Welborn bid $14,342.82. West Pipe has the cheapest bid out of everyone.
Trent made a motion to accept West Pipe with bid of $13,420.40. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

June 10, 2026
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson. Northern Commissioner John Gray was absent.
Layne Anderson came in to follow up on his quest to join the Cornland Special Road Board. He informed the Commission of the meeting they held to appoint Layne as Trustee. Russell Epperson has given the Commission his resignation letter and will no longer be on the board.
Layne began talking about certain things he has found since reviewing paperwork that needs to be addressed and filed but wanted to make sure he had a position on the Board before he did anything.
Trent made a motion to appoint Layne to Trustee for Cornland Special Road District. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Trent then had to dismiss himself due to prior commitments.
Jim then asked Layne if he knew anyone that would be interested in sitting on the Board with him, but he did not. Jim then informed him that there is a younger couple that lives in that Road District and had some concerns about their road and encouraged Layne to reach out and see if they had any interest in getting on the Board and making a difference. He then stated that before his dad passed, his dad told this couple that there was nothing he could do to help with their road and Layne felt he should go and introduce himself and mend some fences. He stated his main goal is to get the board back on track and get everything lined out financially with the State, as well as the Road District.
Jim showed Layne different machines that are used to keep roads maintained or fixed. He showed him road graders, groomers and a road reclaimer.
Layne asked Jim about the letter and minutes that he will need at the bank to get everything turned over into his name. Jim then asked if he had a few minutes to spare, he would make his letter appointing him to Trustee but ended up having to send Layne on his way with no letter due to the Northern and Southern Commissioners being absent at that time, therefore he could not obtain another signature.
Trent made a motion to accept the agreement between the Village of Foster and the Collectors Office. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jim made a motion to revise the Commissioners responses to the Sheriffs Audit. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

June 15, 2026
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Lindsey Chaffin & Zachary Olivas, with Great River Engineering, as well as Kent Page, the Road and Bridge Superintendent, joined the Commission in discussing a bridge that will soon be under construction. Zach and Lindsey informed the Commission and Kent of the documentation and details they will need them to track.



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Old Settler's Day winners announced

The Bates County Historical Society would like to thank everyone that participated in Old Settlers Day and helped to make the event a success.  Below are the winners from all categories that we had participants.

 

Pioneer King & Queens

Butler Center: Jerry Kauffman (88) & Bonnie Austin (88)

Medicalodge: Gilbert Lee (96) & Susan Dudley (99)

Square: Tom McGuire (90) & Dolly Robey (80)

 

King of Babies

Wyatt & Dean Ross (Share the title of king)

 

Singing Bee winner

Sarah Horn

 

Best Crochet Piece

Sibylla Watson

 

Oldest Quilt

Teresa Champlin

 

Longest Hair

Bailey Ross

 

Youngest Twins

Wyatt & Dean Ross 6mo

 

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Billy Frising Jr.

 

Dry Mouth Whistle Contest

Billy Frising Sr.

 

Hog Calling Contest

Callie Burris

 

Animal Impersonation

Harper Ross (Pig Impersonation)



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Absentee voting now open in Bates County

You can now vote absentee for the Primary Election. Our office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 to noon and 1:00 to 4:30. Please bring your proper ID when you come in to vote.
If you need an absentee ballot mailed to you, please contact us at 660-679-3371 and we will mail you an application.

Courtesy Bates County Clerk, Jami Page


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Obituary - Charles Wayne Dipman


Charles Wayne Dipman, age 81, of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2026, surrounded by his family.   He was born on September 27th, 1944, in Warrensburg, Missouri, to Jacob Moyers Dipman and Mary Gertrude Narron Dipman.  

    Wayne, as he was known, grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, surrounded by friends and family, where he made quite a name for himself on the baseball field. He later moved with his parents to Montevallo, Missouri, during his junior year of high school and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School, where he also excelled in football.

     Wayne was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved square dancing and bowling, and he absolutely loved riding motorcycles. Whether he was riding with longtime friends or meeting new ones along the way, the open road was one of his greatest joys.

    Wayne married Mary Kathleen Chastain on March 15th, 1969, in Lamar, Missouri. They welcomed three children and made their home in the Sheldon/Bronaugh area. She preceded him in death on June 15th, 2007.  Wayne later married Judith Cole on November 24th, 2024, and she survives of the home.

    Throughout his life, Wayne worked a variety of jobs. After high school, he joined a survey crew and spent time in Wyoming, where he also worked as a part-time bull rider. Over the years he sold insurance, did upholstery work, drove a truck, cooked in a restaurant, worked at Crane Plumbing, and ultimately retired with pride from the Missouri State Highway Department.

    He was a devoted father who loved watching his children in their sporting events and spent many years coaching baseball. Wayne never made promises — he simply showed up, worked hard, and lived by example. He was a loving and respected member of his community, especially at the Kern Center in Rich Hill, where rumor has it he was the pool champion and even taught a few others how to play.

    Wayne taught his children to love one another, to love their mother, and to respect their elders. He taught his sons the value of hard work and providing for their families. He taught all his children to play sports — especially baseball. He loved hunting and fishing, and he passed that love on to his children, who each carry their own stories of time spent with him in the woods or casting a line.

    Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Mary Dipman; his wife, Kathe Dipman; three brothers, Bobby, Bill, and Clyde “Corky” Dipman; and one sister, Irene Ediger. Including cousins, Wayne was the last of his generation.   He is survived by his wife, Judy Dipman, of the home; two sons, Edward Dipman (Becky) of Pensacola, Florida, and Chuck Dipman (Leighann) of Nevada, Missouri; two daughters, Chere Gannaway (Dustin) of Osceola, Missouri, and Julie Vaughn (Joe) of Rich Hill, Missouri. He leaves behind thirteen grandchildren — Evelyn Hatch, Chase Brown, Levi Dipman, Corrine Keisle, Lakin Lindsey, Gaven Morgan, Carson Woods, Cameron Woods, Julian Dipman, Kelsey Dipman, Taryn LeAn, Alexis Sievers, and Austin Sievers — along with thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him.

    Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Nevada, MO.  Interment will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00p.m. on Wednesday evening at Ferry Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Wayne’s memory to the Kern Senior Center, Rich Hill, MO in care of Ferry Funeral Home.



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Obituary - Dean Keiser

A graveside service and inurnment for Dean Keiser of Rich Hill, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Rich Hill. No visitation prior. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

A full obituary will be published at a later date.

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Archie alumni makes Rockhurst University Dean's List

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 23, 2026) - Rockhurst University has announced the dean's list for the spring 2026 semester. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
 
Rockhurst University, founded in 1910 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition committed to providing inclusive, innovative and transformative education. As a comprehensive university and supportive community of nearly 4,000 students, its mission is to form lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition who engage the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Rockhurst among the top Midwest Regional Universities. 
 
Rockhurst has held the community engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching since 2010. Learn more at www.rockhurst.edu.
 
The following students earned a place on the list:
 
 Aubree Smith, Archie, MO




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Celebrate safely on the 4th of July


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