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Thursday, November 12, 2026
Bates County Memorial Hospital celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week
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Surplus auction in Rich Hill tomorrow
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Adrian Senior Kenton Merrifield recipient of DAR Good Citizen award
Congratulations to Adrian High School Senior Kenton Merrifield, who was selected as a recipient of the Harmony Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award! This award recognizes Kenton’s outstanding character, dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.
Courtesy Adrian schools
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Kennedy Borland now State bound
Ballard FFA students Kennedy Borland and Emmalee Scott competed at District Fall Speaking at UCM this week. Kennedy placed 1st and is state-bound in MO Forest Products Association, and Emmalee placed 2nd and is an alternate to state in MO Sheep Producers.
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Harrisonville High School Students of the Month
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Rich Hill FCCLA raises money for alumni in need
The Rich Hill FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) raised $700 to donate to Braedon Coonce, a Rich Hill alumni with strong ties to the community and school, to help in his journey to defeat cancer. Students and staff all work together to make this annual event a success!
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Tandee Hiser signs letter of intent with Pittsburg State
Congratulations to Tandee Hiser, who has signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Pittsburg State University, where she will compete in volleyball!
Tandee has been a standout athlete throughout her time at Butler High School, excelling in both volleyball and track and field. Her dedication, hard work, and competitive spirit have helped her achieve tremendous success, including numerous postseason honors, school records, and state-level accomplishments.
We are incredibly proud of Tandee and excited to celebrate her accomplishments as she prepares to take the next step in her athletic career!
Tandee Hiser
Pittsburg State University | Volleyball
Senior Tandee Hiser from Butler High School has signed her letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Pittsburg State University.
Throughout her four years at Butler High School, Tandee has established herself as one of the most accomplished volleyball players in school history. Her leadership, determination, and competitive drive have earned her numerous honors while helping set a high standard for future Lady Bears.
Volleyball Honors and Achievements
Over her four-year high school volleyball career, Tandee has earned the following honors:
4× All-Conference First Team
2× All-District First Team
2× All-District Second Team
2025 Class 2 Conference Player of the Year
2026 Class 2 Conference Player of the Year
Class 2 All-State
3× Lady Bear Season MVP
4× State Farm Athlete of the Week
AVCA MaxPreps High School Player of the Week
Butler High School Volleyball Records
Tandee has made a lasting impact on the Butler volleyball program, establishing an impressive collection of school records:
Career Kills: 1,646
Kills in a Season: 522
Career Kills per Set: 4.62
Kills per Set in a Season: 5.67
Career Attack Attempts: 3,705
Attack Attempts in a Season: 1,168
Career Attack Percentage: .320
Attack Percentage in a Season: .392
Career Attack Attempts per Set: 10.41
Attack Attempts per Set in a Season: 12.17
Blocks in a Match: 6 (Tied School Record)
These accomplishments reflect Tandee's consistency, dedication, and ability to compete at an elite level throughout her high school career. Her impact on the Lady Bears volleyball program will be remembered for years to come.
Track and Field Accomplishments
In addition to her outstanding volleyball career, Tandee has also excelled as a member of the Butler High School track and field team for three years.
During all three seasons, Tandee qualified for the State Track and Field Championships in pole vault and earned a place on the podium each year. Her success culminated in 2025 when she captured the State Championship in Pole Vault.
Tandee also holds the Butler High School girls' pole vault record with a height of 12 feet, 4.5 inches.
Her accomplishments in multiple sports demonstrate her athletic versatility, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.
A Lasting Legacy
Tandee's contributions to Butler High School athletics extend far beyond her individual awards and school records. Through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to improvement, she has helped establish a standard of excellence for future generations of Butler athletes.
As Tandee prepares to continue her volleyball career at Pittsburg State University, we look forward to watching her compete at the collegiate level and continue building on the success she has achieved as a Butler Bear.
Congratulations, Tandee! Thank you for everything you have given to Butler High School and the Lady Bears athletic programs. We are proud of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds!
Once a Bear, Always a Bear!
GO BEARS!
story by Colter Schacher
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Obituary - Martin Barnett
Martin Dean Barnett passed to his final reward Saturday, Nov 7, 2026, at the age of 85, of complications from an earlier fall. He is survived by his sister, Ruby of Woodbridge, Virginia and brother Clarence of Appleton City, Missouri, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Margaret (Dennis) Barnett, sisters Emmagene, Elizabeth and Margaret (Margie) and twin sisters Leota and Leola who passed in infancy.
Martin lived a full life. He grew up on a farm in St. Clair County, Missouri, attending a one-room school eight years. He attended the Appleton City R-2 High School, graduating in 1958, and joined the United States Air Force almost immediately, serving five years.
Upon separation from service, using the GI Bill, Martin attended Central Missouri State College, now University of Central Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Math. He became proficient in “computer skills”, working for a few years in Government projects. His final “career”, the one he enjoyed the most, was as a truck-driver.
After retirement, Martin purchased a small tract of farmland, where he began compiling his Library, accumulating a vast number of History, “Old”, 1900’s to 1960’s era School books, Pulp Novels, and a vast array of Newspapers and classic
Martin will be missed by his family and friends.
The family requests any memorials be given to Family Love Fund, and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home.
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