Win this beautiful colt!

Check out this beautiful yearling stud colt that the Hume rodeo queen candidates are selling tickets on, to be given away Saturday August 1st, 2026 during the rodeo performance.

Tickets are $1 each. They can be purchased from any of the Hume Rodeo Queen Candidates.

Courtesy Hume Fair & Rodeo

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Parts of I-49 highway to increase to 75 mph

A new Missouri law allows the speed limit on qualifying rural stretches of Interstate 49 and other rural interstates to rise from 70 mph to 75 mph. The change becomes official on August 28, 2026, though signs will only change where the state approves.

New Speed Rules Effective Date: August 28, 2026, under Senate Bill 1408 signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Rural Interstates: Maximum limit can increase from 70 mph to 75 mph on approved rural sections, including parts of I-49.Urban Areas: Urban interstates stay capped at 60 mph.

Rural Expressways: Remain at 65 mph.

What Happens Next: The Missouri Department of Transportation must evaluate specific zones before changing physical signs, meaning 75 mph is not automatic everywhere on day one.

More information coming soon

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Obituary - Clayton Dale Nichols

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Bethany Mennonite Cemetery, Rich Hill, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to Gospel Tract and Bible Society or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of the funeral home. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Clayton Dale Nichols was born on September 24, 1944, in rural Haskell County, Kansas, to Noah and Frances Koehn Nichols. After a lengthy illness, he was granted his wish and peacefully passed away at his home on July 19, 2026, at the age of 81.

He was raised on the family farm in Haskell County and attended Lakeside Country School, just a half a mile down the road. He often told stories of finishing chores before school and then hurrying to make it there on time.

In June 1962, dad was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Life had its struggles, but living a Christian life and reading the Bible were important to him. In June 1965, he went to Denver, Colorado, for 1-W service. Two weeks after arriving there he met our mother Judith Ann Quint (Judy) at the local A&W Drive-in. They were married on January 22, 1966, and shared 44 & 1/2 years together until mom was called home on Father's Day, June 20, 2010. Four children were born to this union.

In 1967, dad and mother moved to the Copeland, Kansas, area, where they began farming. He was a meticulous farmer and taught his children that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right. In 2007 after retiring and selling the farm, our parents moved to Wathena, Kansas. After mom passed away, he resided for two years at Grain Valley, Missouri and then in 2015 dad moved to Butler, Missouri, to be closer to his children. In the following years he drove taxi, volunteered at Bates County Hospital, and helped at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. He enjoyed spending his retirement years helping others and making new friends.

Our dad never knew a stranger and genuinely enjoyed people. He loved doing tract work and connecting with others on a spiritual level. He also dearly loved his grandchildren, took interest in each of their lives, gave them plenty of attention, and enjoyed teasing them. His children and grandchildren will remember the many stories he told about his childhood and growing-up years, singing with him, his home cooked meals, and even his pies.

He is survived by one son, Gerald and wife Lois of Garden City, Kansas; three daughters, Kristi and husband Doug Penner of Swan River, Manitoba, Shelli and husband Daryl Koehn, and Sheri and husband Bryan Jackson of Rich Hill, Missouri; Twelve grandchildren, as Dad would say, "6 and a 1/2 dozen (6 of each flavor)": Jonathan Nichols, Jaylon Penner (Dana), Tyler Koehn (Maura), Dwonn Penner, Brandon Koehn, Kaden Koehn, Anda Nichols (Todd Koehn), Kaitlyn Penner (JoVan Friesen), Lindsey Koehn, Jayla, Makayla and Shayla Jackson; and two great-grandsons, Anthony and Colton Koehn.

He is also survived by his brothers Howard Nichols of Montezuma, Kansas; Milton Nichols (JoAnn) of Almena, Wisconsin; Chester Nichols (Connie) of Branson, Missouri; Lester Nichols (Sondra) of Canon City, Colorado; Milferd Nichols (Peggy) of Young Harris, Georgia; and Wilferd Nichols (Jackie) of Copeland, Kansas; his sisters Valetta Koehn of Sublette, Kansas; and Velda Wadel (Darrell) of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, Harold Quint of Thornton, Colorado; and two sisters-in-law, Delores Nichols, Montezuma, KS; and Cindy Quint of Commerce City, Colorado as well as special friends Henry & Ann Peters; & Ernie Koehn, Butler Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his parents-in-law, Isidor and Jane Quint; one brother, Manford Nichols; one sister, Joyce Wiebe; three brothers-in-law John Koehn, Kenneth Wiebe, and Terry Quint. Three sisters-in-law Josie Nichols, Sandy Henderson, and Linda Quint.




Memorials are suggested to Gospel Tract and Bible Society or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of the funeral home.




The family wishes to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy, prayers, and food. Special thanks to Henry & Ann Peters; and Ernie Koehn for your friendship, care, and concern for our dad over the last several years. We appreciate each and every one of you!

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Butler Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight: Southside Lumber Mill

Goods From The Woods — Serving Butler & Beyond Since 1945!

Did you know that local sawmills have been the backbone of Missouri’s rural economy for generations? For over 75 years, family-owned South Side Lumber Co. Inc. has kept that rich heritage alive right here in Butler, MO!

Whether you are a local woodworker hunting for a custom live-edge mantel piece, a farmer building horse stalls, or a landowner looking to sell fresh-cut logs, South Side Lumber delivers quality craftsmanship and unmatched customer service.

3 Things You Might Not Know About Missouri Hardwoods:

1. Local Strength Beats Imports: Missouri hardwoods (like Red Oak, White Oak, Walnut, and Hickory) regularly outperform softwood and imported timber in durability and grain beauty.

2. True Custom Cuts: Unlike big-box stores, South Side Lumber can cut timber to your **exact custom dimensions**, including full-dimension lumber, rough-cut lumber, and slab bundles.

3. Full-Circle Forestry: They buy green logs directly from local loggers and landowners, turning native timber into fine cabinetry wood, furniture, decking, firewood, and wood chips!

Featured Wood Species Available:

Black Walnut: Premium choice for mantels, live-edge tops, and White & Red Oak: Super durable for flooring, cabinetry, and farm structure projects.

Hickory & Pecan: Ultra-dense woods with stunning natural grain contrast.

Ash: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for furniture and tool handles.

- Visit or Contact South Side Lumber:

- Address: 805 Rice Rd, Butler, MO 64730

- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

- Phone: (660) 679-4961

- Website: https://www.southsidelumberbutlermo.com/

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La Cygne Police Chief tenders resignation

To the La Cygne Community,

Serving as your Chief of Police has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

When I accepted this position two years ago as an inexperienced 29 year-old, I had one goal: to build a police department that this community deserved. A department that was professional, transparent, approachable, and equipped to serve both today and into the future. Together, we worked to modernize our equipment, improve officer safety, strengthen accountability, invest in training, embrace technology, and build relationships with the people we serve.

While there is always more work to do, I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished. More importantly, I am proud of the outward mindset culture we built, a department that strives to treat every person with respect, uphold the law fairly, and earn the trust of the community each day.

After much thought and consideration, I have submitted my resignation as Chief of Police.

This decision is entirely my own and comes after accepting an opportunity to continue my law enforcement career, continuing to teach and mentor this great profession. While I am excited for the next chapter, leaving La Cygne is not easy. My family has always been my greatest priority, and this opportunity allows me to continue serving the public while also doing what is best for them.

To the Mayor and City Council, thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this department. Your support allowed us to make meaningful improvements that will benefit this community for years to come.

To City Clerk Jodi Wade, thank you for your professionalism, patience, and friendship. Your knowledge and dedication have made every challenge easier to navigate, and the City is fortunate to have someone who cares as deeply as you do. I never thought I would have an understanding of budgets and taxes!

To Public Works Superintendent and Fire Chief Dan Nasalroad, thank you for being a true friend and teammate. The relationship between our departments has always been built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving this community. I am grateful for your support and friendship.

To my officers, thank you for believing in the vision we set out to accomplish. Thank you for your dedication, your willingness to embrace change, and your drive, serving this community with integrity. I have every confidence that you will continue serving La Cygne with honor. It has been a privilege not only to lead you, but to serve beside you.

Finally, to the citizens of La Cygne, thank you for welcoming me into your community. Thank you for the conversations at community events, the constructive criticism that challenged us to improve, and the trust you placed in me and this department. Small-town policing is unlike any other profession because it is built on relationships. Those relationships are what I will miss the most.

I leave knowing that the La Cygne Police Department is stronger than it was when I arrived. That was always my goal, not to build something around one person, but to build something that would continue to serve this community long after my time as Chief had ended.

I have complete confidence that the City will select a leader who will continue moving the department forward, and I look forward to watching its continued success.

Although my badge in La Cygne will soon be turned in, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have served this community.

Thank you for allowing me to be your Chief. August 6th will be my last day in office.

With sincere gratitude,

Zachary Mathies, Chief of Police

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Harrisonville traffic study completed

During their meeting on July 20, the Board of Aldermen officially accepted the results from the recent Downtown Parking & Traffic Study.

This study took a detailed look at parking conditions, challenges, and opportunities within the Downtown Harrisonville district. This effort aims to support the City’s long-term goals for downtown revitalization, economic development, walkability and equitable access to key civic, commercial, and cultural destinations.

To learn more about the findings of the study, visit >> https://ci.harrisonville.mo.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/1600

The City of Harrisonville would like to thank the members of our community who participated in the study. The study was strengthened through the involvement of local business owners, property owners, and community members. Their participation in public engagement sessions—combined with candid feedback shared through surveys, open houses, and informal discussions—ensured that the study reflects the lived experiences, needs, and aspirations of those who rely on downtown parking every day. Their contributions were instrumental in forming a community-supported strategy for improving parking access, walkability, and the overall downtown experience.

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Minutes from July 20th, 22nd Bates County Commission meetings

July 20, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

At 9:08 am Trent made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel with Kent Page pursuant to RSMO 610.021(3). John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

At 9:25 am Trent made a motion to go back into open session. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Gabriel Gillette came in and presented the information requested by John from the Mt. Pleasant Township. John asked about a few more pieces of information to go with the paperwork he brought in.

Gabriel mentioned that he is hopeful of cleaning up the Township and set a standard for other Townships once he gets appointed and can take over. John told him that he had received Randy Cantrell’s resignation letter through email, as he is dealing with health issues and is currently in the hospital and could not hand-deliver the letter. John was ready to make a motion as soon as Jim joined them after Absentee Voting.

John then made a motion to accept Randy Cantrell’s resignation letter and to appoint Gabriel Gillette to Trustee of Mt. Pleasant Township. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Sheriff Chad Anderson came in and informed the Commission of the acceptance of the Deputies that work for Bates County Sheriff's Office. They have been accepted to receive an estimated amount of $3,000 throughout the year. The amount will be broke up, being distributed each month until the total amount has been reached. This grant will be one that the Sheriff's Office applies for yearly, which requires the Commissions signatures. They are looking at a few other grants, as well as the Blue Shield Grant. Chad is hopeful to get that over to the Commission soon.

Chad also spoke about the training that some of his staff has recently received, which was also funded by several grants that they applied for, to educate these individuals on water rescue. He also told the Commission that they now have cold water wet suits, for when there is impossible boat accessibility, that was donated by the Rich Hill Fire Department.

Dennis Jacobs, with EMA, came in and informed the Commission of this week's meetings and welcomed the Commission to join if they felt moved to do so.

July 22, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

John Hickman with Health Insurance Cooperative (HIC) Agency Incorporated met with the Commission and discussed their approach to Health Insurance, explaining that they can offer cheaper specialty medications that can be shipped directly to your door.

Jim spoke over the things that he felt would happen when they switched and discussed the differences in their plan versus the plan the County currently has.

John stated that he can see how this could work, spoke over current issues with the healthcare the County has right now and some details that caught his eye if they went with a new plan.

Jim and John stated that this could potentially be a good idea but there are some things they need to think about and consider if they were to switch when their contract is up.

John H. told the Commission that HIC is a family-owned company and they pride themselves on having a connection with the employees, not just the County. They give you their personal number so you can reach them directly via text or call. They also make sure to make quarterly visits to keep that connection and talk to employees to make sure there aren’t things that are happening that they are missing. They have the capability to cover small counties, as well as large ones. He then went on to explain that they get their funding by charging $25.00 a person and expressed that he would like to be involved in the conversation when the county is up for bid.

Jami Page, the Bates County Clerk, sat down with the Commission to address the response from the Attorney that was representing the Bates County Sheriff dealing with the Audit. Jami wanted to explain the comment the Attorney made about the back pay that was paid out. She presented a copy of the letter that was approved and signed by Chad Anderson, the Bates County Sheriff, to pay the back pay and explained that there wasn’t anything in the response about the letter, making it seem like there was funds spent without his approval.

John stated that he felt there was a lot more that was left out and was concerned as to why they used pictures and purchases from 15 years ago. Jami then found where the Audit stated they were not limited to 2024-2026.

Jami mentioned again that her issue and concern was that there was nothing said about the approval letter that the Sheriff signed, giving her the approval to pay those funds out. The attorney made it seem as if she paid the money out without his permission, and that was not the case.

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Obituary - Franklin David Haynes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Franklin David Haynes, who departed this world on July 26, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on February 19, 1933, in Walker, Missouri, Frank lived a life marked by faith, service, and love.

The son of Clyde David and Nellie Merle Haynes, Frank grew up in a family where values of integrity and kindness were instilled early. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dora Jane Foreman Haynes, with whom he shared a deep and abiding love for nearly 45 years of marriage before she passed in 2002. Frank later married Fern Louise Tucker in 2004 and she survives him at home.

Frank was a proud alumnus of Walker High School and answered the call of duty by serving in the United States Army from 1953-1955. His professional journey led him into the world of sales, and alongside his beloved wife Dora Jane, they owned and operated Haynes Variety in El Dorado Springs for many years. Their motto was “variety is the spice of life”. He mentored many employees over the years and made countless friends. In fact, Kathy Ehlers and her family bought the business after working for them, and they have proudly carried on the tradition of having “everything but the kitchen sink” at Ehler’s Variety.

A man of unwavering faith, Frank’s life mission was encapsulated in the simple yet profound acronym of J-O-Y. Jesus, Others, Yourself. His dedication to his faith was evident in his work with the Gideon’s Ministry, where he passionately distributed Bibles, visited those in jail, and spoke in many venues raising funds to purchase more Bibles. He served as a deacon and teacher in his church, at the nursing home, with the children’s programs, community outreach, and prepared countless funeral dinners. His commitment to his community extended to serving on the Southern Baptist Convention Board, the Baptist Hill Board, the El Dorado Springs school board, the Cedar County Memorial Hospital board, Lions Club, and other activities too numerous to mention. He led many people to the Lord, and that will always be his greatest accomplishment. It is difficult to know all the lives he impacted over the years.

Frank’s presence was marked by a friendly smile, a warm handshake, and his unyielding desire to share the gospel of Christ. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people, making each person feel valued and seen. His generosity knew no bounds, always ready to lend a helping hand or his last dollar to those in need. In his leisure time, Frank found joy in riding his Honda Gold Wing, reading his Bible and listening to gospel music, traveling, fishing, and tending his flower beds. His interactions with others truly energized him.

Frank is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Fern Louise Haynes. He will be missed by his daughters, Catherine (Tom) Hissink and Sharon (Eddie) Hopkins. He also leaves behind

his four grandchildren, Emily (TJ) Hunt, Claire (Kyle) Hooe, Adrienne Elkins, and Mitchell (Liz) Elkins. He is also survived by three great grandchildren, Carter Hooe, Connor Hooe, and Tucker Hunt. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dora Jane Foreman Haynes, his parents, his two brothers, Kenneth (Mildred) Haynes, and Fred (Annie) Haynes. He also lost his brother-in- laws Russell Lee (Juanita) Foreman, Charles (Neoma)Foreman, and his sister-in-law, Alice (Joe Lee) Beaty. He leaves behind many friends, old and new, and it is hoped that they will carry on his legacy of love and kindness.

A service to honor and celebrate Frank’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs, Missouri with Pastor Kenny Batson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow the service at the church. A private committal for immediate family will be held later in Newton Burial Park in Nevada, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Bungalows of Nevada, MO, and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care during Frank’s final years and days.

 

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