Quick response saves Rich Hill home

Friday Evening (8/21) — Residential Fire, 200 block of E. Elm St., Rich Hill MO

Crews arrived on scene to find the back of a house burning and made a quick knock-down, safely containing all fire damage to the back porch area.

Fortunately damage was kept to a minimum and no injuries were reported. A special thanks goes to a neighbor who helped control the flames until fire personnel arrived.

Courtesy Rich Hill Fire Department

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Archie students receive FFA degrees

Congratulations to Archie FFA Members Meah McCoy and Talan Reynolds for being 2026 recipients of the American FFA Degree. This is the highest degree you can earn in FFA. They will be awarded their degrees in October, at National FFA Convention.

Courtesy Archie Schools

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Obituary - Dayton Lange

Dayton Lange, age 18, of Nevada, MO, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Arrangements are pending, courtesy Ferry Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Robert Nelson

Robert Eugene Nelson born March, 25 1954 in Lemmon, South Dakota departed this life August 21, 2026 in Harrisonville, Missouri. Funeral Service will be held at Dickey’s Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri on Friday, August 28, 2026. Visitation will be at 12:30 PM, service at 2 PM. Cremation to follow. A full obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

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Obituary - Virginia Mae (Mason) Eckart

Virginia Mae (Mason) Eckart, 51, of Garden City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO. Cremation will take place and in accordance with Virginia's wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Virginia was born on October 14, 1974, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Harold "Hap" and Wendy (Jacques) Nelson. Virginia spent her early years in Cape Girardeau, MO, where her dedication to service became evident. She was a proud member of Job's Daughters, a youth organization that instilled in her the values of leadership and community. Virginia worked tirelessly to achieve the esteemed title of Honored Queen, a testament to her commitment and passion for helping others.

After graduating high school in Cape Girardeau, MO, Virginia pursued a fulfilling career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), dedicating her life to the care and support of those in need. Her nurturing spirit and kind-hearted nature left a lasting impact on her patients and their families. Virginia's dedication extended beyond her work; she was an active member of the Real Life Church in Belton, Missouri, where she found joy and spiritual connection. Virginia's vibrant personality shone through her unwavering support for the Kansas City Chiefs, embodying the spirit of a true fan.

Virginia was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents and her beloved Aunt Elaine Priesy. She is survived by her fiance, Kendal Habernehl of Garden City, MO; her two sons: John and Chris Eckart of Kansas City, MO; three grandchildren; her father, Harold (Carolyn) Mason, of Rossville, Georgia; her mother, Wendy Nelson, of Magazine, Arkansas; her two sisters: Michelle Robinson of Rossville, Georgia; and Joanna Mercer of Canton, Ohio; her brother, Steven Mason of Dunlap, Tennessee; two uncles: Craig (Joyce) Mason of St. Charles, MO; and Carl (Lisa) Mason of Minneapolis, Minnesota; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Her departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, but cherished memories of her vibrant spirit will forever resonate.
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Obituary - Howard "Jerry" Thomas Crepeau

Funeral services for Howard "Jerry" Thomas Crepeau of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 9 - 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Howard “Jerry” Thomas Crepeau, age 70 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, August 20, 2026 at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born February 24, 1956 to Mrytle Louise Thomas in Wichita, Kansas. When Howard was a young child, Mrytle married Robert Roland Crepeau, who adopted Howard as his own.

Howard is survived by his wife, Karla Crepeau of Butler, Missouri; two aunts, Neva Miliron of Branson, Missouri and Sharon Westover of Butler, Missouri; parents-in-law, David and Kay Gayman of Grove, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Rick Gayman of Branson, Missouri; sister-in-law, Kim Hauser of Grove, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his mother and three siblings.

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More new homes coming to Butler

Mayor Pro Tem Doncella Liggins led this week's Butler city council session in the absence of Jim Henry

A hearing was held in which approval was given for a zoning change at 308 W. Harrison street, from R2 to R3, as the large lot will now be able to accommodate two multi-family duplexes. Charles Stump, with C & DS properties spoke to the council about plans for the property which will provide living space for four families in two structures, garages included.

Permission was given by the council as the Butler police department will be implementing a new system to process traffic tickets in a much simpler fashion. According to Butler Police Chief Jarret Wheatley, the electronic system which uses bar codes on driver's licenses will reduce ticket processing time by about 80%, leaving officers more time on patrol and other duties. The program requires an up-front payment of $14,484 and monthly obligation will be $725.

Butler City Administrator Mark Mathies announced that the Fort Scott culvert replacement at Water street should be complete by next week, allowing the resumption of vehicle traffic again on the Fort Scott thoroughfare. 

Mathies went on to say that sidewalks and crosswalks are a priority and work will begin soon regarding repainting of crosswalks near Fort Scott and High streets with more coming soon. The correct reflective paint will be used helping to insure all are in legal compliance.

Some discussion was devoted to Butler's comprehensive plan that brought some good news- improvements are being made as outlined in the plan that include new housing, street improvements, infrastructure upgrades and more. Mathies stressed that regular discussions will be held to insure that the plan is followed, helping to insure all goals are met.

A required hearing was held regarding Butler's tax levy- by unanimous council vote, for now it will remain at 8.85%.

The airport commission report came with some good news that included a memorial soon will be placed on the grounds honoring the lives lost in the tragic June 14th skydiving crash. Also, discussions are ongoing the construction of a terminal building however, much work is to be done including removing the hanger just north of the gas pumps.

Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encourage to attend.

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Closed session minutes, insurance concerns top subjects of Bates county commission meetings

August 10, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Gayle Beachner and her daughter came in and sat down with the Commission, along with Chris Gach and Jami Page, County Clerk. Gayle asked about the report on John and asked about receiving a copy. The Commission told her that she cannot have a copy, as it was discussed and presented in a closed session. Gayle then informed them that Jim had told her that he would give her a copy. Jami left briefly to gather the Sunshine Law Statutes on Closed Meetings and read it to Gayle, informing her that anything in Closed Session is not public information. Gayle then stated that she felt it was wrong that John attended the meeting since he was the person they were discussing. She also told the Commission that she had spoken to Steve  Cohen with HR Solutions, and he told her she could have it as well.

Trent asked aloud if they needed to contact Ivan, the Commissions Attorney, and see what they need to do regarding this situation. They took Gayle's information and said they will contact her when they have heard from Ivan about how they should move forward.

August 12, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

The meeting with EMA regarding 911 Addressing was cancelled.

Chris Gach came to observe and attend any meetings that may take place.

Gary Ratliff spoke to the Commission about the HVAC unit at the Courthouse and the upcoming clock repair. He also updated them on Dewey’s Tree Service coming and removing trees from the courtyard.

Jim stated he was waiting to hear back from SHPO.

Jami Page, County Clerk, discussed NonStop Insurance with Jim. Trent and John joined in and discussed the different plans they could pick through NonStop Insurance. The Commission is supposed to have a decision made by September 1st. They discussed having the meeting with Elected Officials on Monday the 17th but decided that Wednesday the 19th would work better. Trent informed Chris that Sheriff Chad Andersons opinion on Insurance is important to the Commission since his office employs most of the county.

They explained they were choosing NonStop to pair with United Healthcare due to Blue Cross Blue Sheild not buying the County back and quoted a 40% increase.

Jami asked if the Commission was given a list that had everything that was in network, but they did not receive anything of the sort, so she called Charles Rush with Cooks Insurance. While Jami was on the phone with him, she asked him about proof of liability insurance due to them needing to have it to rent a lift for when they do the clock repair on the courthouse. Charles told her that he would prepare both for her.

The Commission then spoke about the Sunshine Request they received from Gayle Beachner. The Commission is looking into how to handle this properly. Jim has sent an email to their attorney, Ivan Schrader, and John stated he reached out to an attorney as well.

They discussed the Budget and what it would look like for all offices if they followed through and accepted NonStop Insurance.

John made a motion to pay CART Funds to the Townships that have their Contracts turned in. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.

Gabe Gillette presented letters to the Commission regarding Mt. Pleasant Township.

John made a motion to accept Cierra’s resignation letter and to appoint Nancy Sutton as the new Mt. Pleasant Clerk. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Gabe and the Commission then spoke over an Audit that Gabe heard was possibly happening. John explained to Gabe how the payment process works.

Gabe stated that he is hopeful that this will put the Township back on good standings.

Gabe informed John that he was unsure of where the rock tickets were and the affidavit and was still trying to figure out where they were so he could get them submitted to the Clerk’s Office.

Jami then reminded him about the Tax Levy papers she sent out. Gabe stated that he was under the impression that they had already been filled out and sent back, but Jami had yet to receive anything. Jami told him she would print another copy if he needed one, Gabe thought that was a great idea and when Jami presented him with another copy, he chose to fill it out right then and finish it before he left.

Gabe then continued speaking to the Commission and mentioned that he feels as if all the townships need a training course on how they should be running things, just to make sure they are doing everything correctly. He explained that when he first started and the Commission named some people he should talk to so he can get some pointers and guidance, he said that it was helpful, but he also realized that the way things were “passed down” were not the correct way they should be doing certain things.

Charles Rush, Cooks Insurance, met with the Commission and presented a list of providers and labs for the United Healthcare and NonStop Insurance.

Chris asked Charles if the employees could use the app to find what was in network. Charles thought that they could do so.

John asked Charles if he would be interested in joining the Elected Official meeting about the Insurance. Charles stated that he would be more than happy to come and answer questions.

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