Drone overhead during accident response draws fire from Bates County Sheriff

Statement from Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson:

I am a little upset this post has to be made. I’m not sure when we as a society quit caring for each other. Tonight my deputies, along with first responders from Adrian and EMS units from Bates County and Cass County responded to a very serious head on collision on 18 Highway.

The first responders did what they always do. They showed up, worked like the best team in America for people they didn’t even know.

Two people, very seriously hurt and required two helicopters so they could be transported to a trauma center. But as the first helicopter was landing, my deputies reported seeing a drone in the air over the crash scene.

Let me be clear. You have a right to own a drone, fly a drone and take footage of things in public. But what you don’t have a right to do is compromise the safety of those in the helicopter or on the ground. You don’t have a right to hinder or delay that response because a drone in the air prevents a helicopter from taking back off or landing in a timely matter.

While I hope this is a one time thing and whoever the drone owners are realize now the danger they put all the first responders and helicopters pilots in. I hope they realize that a patient’s life or death could come down to every precious minute.

If this behavior continues on scenes like this, then my agency will begin the acquisition of any technology we need to identify drones owners and purchase technology that will disrupt the drones ability to continue to stay in the air. We will put the safety of all involve and down your drone. You will be held accountable for interfering.

If you own a drone you have the responsibility to know the laws pertaining to their use. Be smart. The people who we are helping maybe one of your family members or friends.

Sheriff Chad Anderson.

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Records, records, records!

During Rich Hill's famous pie auction last night, auctioneer Larry Hacker made a plea when there were just a few pies left for bids

"Folks" he said "We're down to 10 pies and we're not where we want to be", as the auction seemed to be falling a bit short. He went on to encourage the audience and boy howdy, it worked.

In Larry's own words today:

ONCE AGAIN the “Famous for the 4th” celebration pie auction has out done itself!

55 pies was a RECORD number of pies sold.

$46,950 was a RECORD total for the sale.

$5,100 was a RECORD price for a pie sold (surpassing our Guinness World Record pie that sold for $3,100 in 2012).

As always, it “takes a village”, as they say. Those baking pies are the unsung heroes (without them we have no pies to auction), the unsuccessful bidders are as important as our winning bidders (it takes two bidders to have an auction), and our winning bidders (open their pocketbooks to push next year’s 4th to an even BIGGER and BETTER celebration)!

This year marked 30 years of Rich Hill pie contests and auctions, and I’ve been allowed to conduct ALL 30 of them! Over those years it has turned into one of the most amazing fundraisers around. Initially sponsored by our local supermarket, Food Fair, and then turned over to our local financial institution, Citizens Bank, whose team does fantastic work organizing, getting the pies entered, judged, and the proceeds collected. Then there are the various individuals who have worked along with me over the years catching bids, like this years team of Riley Cameron, Greg Weaver, and Randy Bell (who also has worked EVERY ONE of the auctions).

This town proves EVERY YEAR that “working together ANYTHING can be accomplished”, and THAT’S why Rich Hill is “Famous for the 4th” and amazes so many other communities for what we do!

Thank you to everyone who had a part in this incredible evening!

#MidAmericaLive

Head on collision near Adrian results in serious injuries for both drivers

Around 8:30 Thursday evening a head on collision resulted in serious injuries for two Adrian drivers on 18 highway just west of KK highway.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a 2019 Jeep driven by a 65 year old Adrian woman crossed the center line, hitting a 2007 Chevrolet truck driven by a 72 year old Adrian man.

Both drivers were transported by air ambulance to Research Hospital in Kansas City for treatment.

The Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Adrian Fire Department and the Bates County Sheriff's Office.
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Reminder: Montrose fundraiser today

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What to Know Before Lighting Fireworks and Sparklers

These tips help keep everyone safer while you’re celebrating.

There’s something exciting about fireworks on a warm summer night. They’re loud, colorful and often part of holiday celebrations with family and friends. But fireworks can also be unpredictable and dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are treated for burns, eye injuries and other serious accidents due to fireworks and sparklers.

Many fireworks injuries can be prevented by taking a few safety precautions. Before you light any type of fireworks, here are some tips for keeping everyone safer:

• Always have a responsible adult supervise fireworks activities from start to finish.
• Light fireworks outdoors only and keep them away from homes, garages, vehicles, dry grass and trees.
• Have a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case something catches fire.
• Only light one firework at a time to lower the chance of accidents.
• Never lean directly over fireworks while lighting them.
• After lighting a firework, move away quickly and keep a safe distance.
• Never point fireworks at another person, even as a joke.
• Don’t hold lit fireworks in your hand unless the product is specifically designed for it.
• If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it. Wait several minutes, then soak it in water before disposing of it.
• Avoid using fireworks while drinking alcohol or using drugs because impaired judgment increases the risk of injuries.
• Don’t let young children handle or light fireworks, including sparklers. They can become hot enough to melt metal and are one of the most common causes of fireworks injuries in children. Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks or LED wands.
• Soak all used fireworks in water before throwing them away to help prevent fires later.
• Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays because loud noises can cause fear, anxiety and panic.
• If someone burns their skin, cool the area with running water. Don’t use ice, butter or ointments.
• If a firework injures the eye, don’t rub it or try to remove debris. Get emergency medical care immediately.
• After the celebration is over, check the area carefully for small fires or hot debris that could still cause burns or start a fire.

Fireworks can be a fun part of summer traditions, but safety should always come first. Taking a few extra precautions can help protect you, as well as your family, friends, neighbors and pets, making the night more enjoyable for everyone. Also keep in mind that the safest choice is watching a professional fireworks display from a distance and leaving the lighting of fireworks to trained experts.

Copyright 2026 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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Meet Waylon Greer, contender for Mr. Bates County

Waylon Greer for Mr. Bates County!

Waylon Greer is running for Mr. Bates County at the Bates County Fair!! July 7th he will ride in the parade and there will be a bash after. Waylon will have a box set up along with his buddy Noah!! The boy with the most money will be crowned July 10th!

From his mom, Bailey Reed: Please let me know if you will be around on the 7th so Waylon can come ask in person for your vote!! Call 660-424-4249. We appreciate any and all support for our sweet boy!!

Waylon will also be showing a sheep this year with the help of Miranda Foster, and playing dodgeball with a group of his friends!! Come out to the fair and support all the kiddos.

Courtesy Adrian News Leader

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ACHS welcomes Travis Searles

Please welcome our new School Nurse for the 2026-2027 School Year, Mr. Travis Searles. We are excited Mr. Searles has chosen Appleton City to continue his School Nursing career! Welcome to AC!


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Notice from the City of Harrisonville

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Harrisonville Board of Aldermen meetings for July 6, 2026 have been cancelled.

The Board will meet again on July 20, 2026

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