Aetna collaborates with community organizations to strengthen access to quality care and essential resources in central Missouri

Springfield, MO, March 23, 2026 – Aetna Better Health of Missouri, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), announced today that Aetna provided a total of $35,000 in funding to two community-based organizations in central Missouri to improve access to health care and support child and family well‑being. The donations support community programs that directly address persistent barriers to care faced by rural communities, including long travel distances for medical services, limited transportation options, and challenges accessing early childhood and family support resources.

 

“We’re committed to supporting the health of communities by collaborating with trusted organizations and advancing initiatives that address care needs,” said Dr. Michelle Bucknor, Regional Chief Medical Officer, Aetna Better Health. “By working together to reduce barriers like transportation and gaps in family support, we help connect individuals and families—especially in rural areas—to the care and resources they need to thrive.”

 

Expanding access to transportation in west central Missouri

Aetna provided funding to West Central Community Development Corporation to support New Growth Transit, a volunteer‑based driver program that provides free and safe transportation across west central Missouri.

 

Many residents in these rural regions must travel long distances for non‑emergency health care such as dialysis, chemotherapy and specialist appointments, as well as to access employment and food. In 2025 alone, New Growth Transit drivers covered more than 550,000 miles, with the average one‑way trip measuring 39 miles—most requiring round‑trip service the same day.

Funding from Aetna will support in-person volunteer driver training, including rider engagement best practices, vehicle inspections and program policy education.

 

“Our volunteer drivers often make the difference between a person getting the care they need or going without,” said Kelly Ast, Regional Mobility Chief Officer, New Growth Transit. “The support from Aetna helps us provide quality training and strengthen a program that so many rural residents rely on.”

 

Dean Kneller, a rider supported by the program, added, “Without New Growth Transit, I would have missed critical treatments. The volunteers don’t just provide rides—they provide people a chance to stay healthy.”

 

Supporting child and family well-being

Aetna also awarded funding to The Community Partnership, an organization dedicated to improving child welfare, maternal and child health and early childhood development outcomes across rural south central Missouri. The funding will support programs focused on parenting education, developmental support for children with disabilities and coaching for early childhood providers.

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From John Gray, Bates County Northern Commissioner

A few months ago Devyn Hair With BCI reached out to me about speaking at our state Capitol within a few weeks he had set up a phone conference with Heather Pugh and the three of us worked on details.

It was such a privilege and honor to be the voice for there choice today speaking on behalf of over 5000 workshop employees across our great state. The cheers, laughs, hand shakes, hugs, and many thank you's in this amazing place representing amazing people was a true joy and memory I will forever cherish.

Thank you to all Bates County citizens who have entrusted me to such an amazing job, and to be able to represent Bates County in such a positive incredible way.

It was GREAT fun!

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Little Apple news

March 25, 2026

Ellett Memorial Hospital will have their second annual Easter Egg Hunt 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29 on the Ellett Memorial Hospital Front Lawn. They will set up Easter Egg Hunts for 4 separate age groups: 0-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10+.  As always, one special egg in each age group will earn it's finder a special prize.  It’s possible that the Easter Bunny may swing by! 

Parents As Teachers will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 a.m. March 30, at Forrest Park for children ages birth through age 5

Everyone is invited to “Studies in Romans: Living Holiness in a Dirty World.” Services will be provided by Mark and Carol Avery at Appleton City Church of God, 401 East 1st Street, Appleton City, Missouri.   Services will be Sunday March 29 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., March 30, 31 and April 1 at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy food and fellowship after services.

Growing In Grace Community Center’s April 4 community dinner menu is potato soup, chicken noodle soup, chili, cornbread, salad bar and dessert. Music will provided by Mike McEwan and daughters and Heather Parks.  Join them from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

AC Ministerial Alliance invites everyone to their Holy Week Worship services.  Maundy Thursday service will be 6:00 p.m. April 2 at AC Christian Church with Pastor John Yates.  Good Friday service will be 6:00 p.m. April 3 at AC First Baptist Church with Pastor James Damon.  Holy Saturday service will be 4:00 p.m. April 4 at AC Holy Trinity Church with Pastor Aaron Koch (there is an elevator at the east entrance).  Easter Sunday service will be 7:00 a.m. At the AC Worship Center with Pastor John Yates and Rockville River of Live with Pastor David Hill.

AC Worship Center will have a Resurrection Celebration. They would love to have you join them Easter Sunday, April 5 for their Sunrise Celebration service at 7:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday at 107 West 4th.  Free coffee and refreshments will follow 

Montrose VFW Post 8820 offers the 2026 Poker Run on April 25. Pre-register now until April 4. $25 is due at registration. $10 extra hand. Registration on the day of is 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. First car leaves out at noon. Proceeds go to memorial benches for the front of the building. To pre-register, go to the Montrose VFW 8820 Facebook page. Contact Post Commander Jason Brashears at 660-492-9894 for more information.

MU Extension in St. Clair County is offering a Tomato Grafting Workshop April 9, 2026 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Clair County Library in Osceola. Ramon Arancibia, Horticulture Specialist, will be sharing his vast knowledge of essential tomato and fruit tree grafting techniques. The workshop is designed to provide hands-on grafting experience as an approach to control soilborne diseases and improve crop yield. By grafting scion plants with desirable fruit characteristics onto rootstock plants that have disease resistance, stress tolerance or vigorous root system characteristics, grafted plants combine beneficial traits from both the scion and rootstock plants. There is no cost to attend the workshop but registration is required by contacting the Extension office at (417) 646-2419 or come to the office at the courthouse Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

 

Living Waters Ranch of Osceola offers many opportunities for local families, children and special needs adults to be blessed. The ranch has a camp facility south of Osceola a few miles with a low elements challenge course, zipline, giant slide, outdoor games, and can also plan special activities like BB gun shooting, archery, and more. Field trips are available to area schools, churches, and civic organizations. The cost of the trips is very low and basically just covers the cost of the expenses. LWR hosts an annual dinner and auction as their main fundraiser each year. This year it is scheduled for March 28, with dinner from 5-7 and silent auction and live auction available for those interested. Cost of the spaghetti or Mexican dinner is by donation at the door, and the dinner/auction will be held at the Osceola Assembly of God Church right off 13 highway behind Osceola Cheese.

If you have any questions, would like to donate to LWR, or would like to schedule a trip to the ranch, reach out to director and founder Joyce Brown, email livingwatersranch@gmail.com or call 660-924-6890.

The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for April 24 and 25. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date. 

The Appleton City High School Alumni Luncheon will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:30. They are missing a class contact for the classes of 2016 and 2021.  Reservation/meal is $15 in advance $20 at the door. , Mail reservations to Patty Purvis Young, 101 E. 3rd St., Appleton City, MO 64724. Please include class year and names for each person attending.  

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for March and April, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Thursday, March 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib;  Friday,  March 27 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA; Tuesday, March 31 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Wednesday  April 1 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Friday April 3 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Friday, April 10 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,  Tuesday  April 14 - Rheumatology-Dr. John,  Wednesday  April 15 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Thursday  April 16 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace,  Wednesday   April 22 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday April 22 – Ophthalmology,   Dr. Soni, Friday April 24 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,   Tuesday  April 28 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Thursday  April 30– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mar 25     Informational class on hypertension 10:15 a.m. at the Ellett Memorial Hospital Conference Room

Mar 29     Easter Egg Hunt at Ellett Memorial Hospital 2:00 p.m.

Mar 30     PAT Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 a.m. at Forrest Park

Apr 5       Easter Sunday

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Miami County Wanted Wedndesday

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Info regarding Rich Hill city-wide cleanup

Your pickup will fall on your regular trash day

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:

1). Two bulky items (items weighing more than 40 lbs, but less than 100 lbs or exceeding dimensions of 5ft x 4ft)

2). Six bags/boxed or times with maximum weight of 39 lbs per bag/box or item.

3). Car batteries

4). Maximum 5 paint cans (must be dried & open); no sealed paint cans will be accepted- NO EXCEPTIONS

5). Carpet MUST be rolled and tied; each roll counts as one bulky item and may NOT exceed five feet in length or 100 lbs per roll.

6). Four tires with NO side walls; tires with side walls or mounted on wheel will NOT be accepted- NO EXCEPTIONS

If you have any questions, please call City Hall @ 417-395-2223

Thank you!!

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Update regarding storms tomorrow night

General Thunderstorms (0/5) risk covers most of our area for tomorrow night. I think we see a few storms around 10pm to midnight. They could be strong, but it's questionable. Greg @ 660 Weather


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Hume Hornet All-Conference awards

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Obituary - Denise Trout

Denise Jean Trout, of Adrian, Missouri, departed this life on March 23, 2026, at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri.

Denise was born to Frank and Dorothy Collins. She was a creative and talented woman who loved all things crafting. Whether she was making quilts, coloring, or working puzzles, Denise found joy in keeping her hands busy and creating something meaningful. Above all else, she treasured the time she spent with her family.

Denise also had a special bond with her beloved bird, Henrietta, who held a unique place in her heart. Henrietta was especially fond of Denise and shared a one-of-a-kind connection with her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerald Jerome Trout; her son, Jerald Jerome Trout, Jr.; and her daughters, Sandra (Matthew) Kagarice, Tina (Rob) Polzin, and Laura (Gregory II) Sherry. Grandchildren, Maliki Sherry, Alexis Kagarice, Ashley Kagarice, Joslyne Trout, Adison Kagarice, Bradyn Polzin, Rylee Sherry, Carter Polzin, Anabella Sherry, Elyssa Trout, and Emalee Trout. 

Siblings, Andy Collins and Sandy Hamilton, along with many extended family members and friends.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dorothy Collins; and her siblings, Mary Trout and David Collins.

Cremation with a private family service will be held. Courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

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