Bates county collector's and assessor's office to be closed for upgrade

The Bates County Assessor's Office & Collector/Treasurer's Office will be CLOSED July 16-22 for our software conversion. NO business will be able to be conducted during those days at all.

So thankful we are able to upgrade our software so please be patient while we get things switched over

We apologize for any inconvenience.


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Grand Opening this weekend for Adrian driving range

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It's all good: Clarifications made regarding Rich Hill records broken

I stand CORRECTED in my post declaring “new records” for the annual “Famous for the 4th” pie auction. Apparently my memory is falling apart, along with my body, after 30 annual pie auctions!

First, 55 pies was NOT a record. I have been informed that we once had 60 pies to sell. (It just FELT like a record number after getting through that many!)

And secondly, $5,100 for a pie was NOT a record for a single pie. We had one bring $6,500 previously. (When you have folks that support “a cause” by paying $5,000 or $6,000 for a pie, does it really matter?)

My apologies for my errors.

I will NEVER intentionally misrepresent the facts, but I might get carried away in appreciating all those who make this event as amazing as it is!

Larry Hacker

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Rich hill to get new utility billing software, brief interruption expected

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Nevada police arrest suspect following meth delivery

On July 8, Nevada Police were dispatched to a local facility after staff reported that a visitor had dropped suspected illegal narcotics inside the building. Officers responded to the scene, secured the item, and determined it was believed to be methamphetamine.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance video and were able to identify the individual involved. Officers also discovered the subject had been issued an active felony probation warrant just hours earlier.

Officers continued their investigation and located the subject at a nearby park, where they were taken into custody without incident. During the arrest, officers also located additional drug paraphernalia.

The subject was transported to the Vernon County Jail on the outstanding felony probation warrant. Additional drug-related charges will be submitted to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review.

Great work by Officer Palmer for conducting the thorough follow-up investigation, identifying the suspect, locating them, and safely taking them into custody. This case is another example of how proactive police work and diligent investigative efforts help remove individuals with outstanding felony warrants from our community while holding those involved in illegal drug activity accountable.

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Obituary - Oletta Mae Ross

Oletta Mae Ross, 87, of Louisburg, Kansas, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Louisburg Healthcare & Rehabilitation. 

Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, KS 66053. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at the Louisburg Cemetery, following the service. 

A full obituary will be available shortly. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Louisburg Senior Center, 504 S Metcalf Rd, Louisburg, KS 66053.

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Obituary - Clinton Eugene Williams

Clinton Eugene Williams, age 47, Blue Mound, Kansas passed away Monday, July 6, 2026. He was born on May 4, 1979, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Donald and Judy McCollam Williams. He graduated from Jayhawk Linn High School in the Class of 1997. He enjoyed fishing, coaching his daughters, watching football, and tinkering with his truck. He also liked being outdoors, farming and ranching. Clinton is survived by his three daughters, Jacey, Emrey, and Aven Williams, his wife, Robin Williams, his mother, Judy Maus and husband, Ron, his father, Don Williams, two sisters, Stacey Marcum and husband Jim, and Lisa Thackery and husband Doug, and five nephews, Derek, Devin, Grant, and Gabe Marcum, and Sam Thackery.

A memorial service will be held 11 am Friday, July 24, 2026 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Burial will be 1:30 pm Friday, July 24, at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, July 23, at the Schneider Funeral Home Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Care to Share. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Ann Elizabeth Quaintance

Ann Elizabeth Quaintance, 72, died Friday, July 3, 2026 at Richmond Healthcare & Rehabilitation after a lengthy health battle. Ann was born on January 31, 1954 in Garnett, Kansas to Donald and Phyllis (Singer) Quaintance. After Ann graduated from High School she attended Emporia State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Education. She taught school for one year and then went back to school at Kansas State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Ann opened her own greenhouse, Jeremiah Farms, in Cherryvale, Kansas until a horrific car accident confined her to a wheelchair. But Ann was a hard worker and even in a wheelchair worked 15 years for Walmart.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Steve Quaintance. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Valli Quaintance and her children Cole and Camille and their families; and a host of cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Centerville Cemetery, Centerville, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contributions to Centerville Cemetery, in care of Schneider Funeral Home, 319 Chestnut, Mound City, KS 66056. 

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