Bates County "Thank a Farmer Week" Focuses on Ronald McDonald Houses

Celebrate Agriculture: Thank a Farmer Week," held annually the first week of March, expresses gratitude to those who ensure our nation's food, fuel, and fiber security. Across the state, Missouri Farm Bureau members showcase the diversity of agriculture through various acts of service during this week. Organizers say the annual effort is designed to show the impact of agriculture beyond the farm gate.

 

This year, Missouri farmers are marking Thank a Farmer Week by giving back to families in need. Starting March 1st, Missouri Farm Bureau volunteers will deliver food donations to Ronald McDonald House locations around the state.  Members also collected pop tabs that were recycled totaling $400 to be given as gas cards and for other necessities.  Bates County volunteers will be delivering to the Joplin and Kansas City locations.   Supplies were collected from members statewide to support families staying near hospitals for medical treatment.

 

With over 87,000 farms, the second highest in the nation, Missouri is a major agricultural exporter. These exports, ranging from hay and rice to livestock and various crops, contribute significantly to Missouri's economy.  Beyond economic contributions, it encompasses land stewardship, sustainability, and the values that shape communities. Celebrating agriculture embodies the spirit of families working together across generations to nourish our tables and care for the land that sustains us all.

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Rainy week ahead

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Saturday basketball scores

Boys

Drexel 50 Class 1 District 7 Championship

Miami 32

Lincoln 55 Class 2 District 13 Championship

Appleton City 39

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Obituary - Rose Houghton

Rose Houghton, 70, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held 3:00-5:00pm,Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.


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Obituary - Nanette Blackwood,

Nanette Blackwood, 77, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Services are pending and a complete obituary will be added when it becomes available. -Courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home


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Popular area artist hails from Bates County, speaks of her journey

Vanessa Lacy, daughter of Rick and Debbie Lacy of Adrian, is well known for her unique artwork and tells her story here https://voyagekc.com/interview/meet-vanessa-lacy-of-crossroads-in-kansas-city

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Youth Business Market underway now in Adrian

The Youth Business Market is well under way today at the Adrian Optimist Building. So much talent under one roof!! Come on out and bring the whole family until 4pm today.

They have scrubs, lotions, jewelry, baked goods, 3D printed items, geodes (you can also make into jewelry), tumblers, t-shirts, honey, homemade dog treats, freeze dried fruit and candy, fishing lures, and even decorate your own cupcake or custom make your own scented slime!!

Courtesy Byrd's Pecan Delights

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Resurfacing Project on Route 52, AA & J in Bates & Vernon Cos. to Begin Week of March 16

Bates & Vernon Counties – Drivers can expect lane closures and occasional traffic delays on Missouri Route 52 and Route J in Bates County and Vernon County Route AA for a resurfacing project beginning the week of March 16, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

This is the work being done on this project:

• Missouri Route 52 from Missouri/Kansas state line east approximately 27 miles to Bates County Route BB
  • Contractor will add a new surface
  • Contractor also will do structural work to bridge over northbound I-49 lanes (Exit 131)
  • Contractor will add guardrail in areas and rumble strips
• Bates County Route J from Route F south approximately four (4) miles to Route 52
  • Contractor will add a new surface
• Vernon County Route AA from Route M west of Schell City south nearly 13 miles to Route 52
  • Contractor will add a new surface

In addition, contractor crews will add permanent striping.

Traffic impacts:

• Traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are working
• Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road.
• Route 52 over I-49 will be CLOSED for up to 166 days while contractor works on bridge
  • I-49 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction
  • Westbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour north on I-49 to Bates County Route F (Exit 136) at Passaic and back south on I-49
  • Eastbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour south on I-49 to Route 52 (Exit 130) south of Butler
• No signed detour for work on Bates County Route J and Vernon County Route AA
• Drivers should find alternate routes to avoid work zones
• Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zones
• Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling delays could alter the work schedule.

Project information:

• Prime contractor: APAC-Central Inc., Springfield
• Total project cost: $6.1 million
• Completion date: November 11, 2026

 

 

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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