Little Apple news: Appleton City Fair coming this weekend

June 10, 2026

There is a correction to the previous information for the AC Pool.  The pool is open to the public Sunday-Saturday 12:00-5:00 p.m. General daily admission costs are ages 4 and over $3.00 and ages 0-3 free with paid adult. Sundays are $1.00 for everyone. Season pool pass costs are $75 for 1 person and $25 for each additional person added. Pool party costs are 2 hours $200 and $100 for each additional hour. Adult swims are $3.00. Water Aerobics (starting June 15) Monday and Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. $5.00.

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday June 13.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. Alan Black will have a short devotional.  

The Appleton City Rural Health Clinic is offering free Sports Physicals on Wednesdays throughout the month of June.  An appointment is required to be seen.  To schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at 660-476-2121.

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, June 12 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

Thank you so much for your appreciation of the Yellow Rose Project, Appleton City Cemetery, held each Memorial Day season but its committee has an urgent plea. Due to age, health, and changing life circumstances this project will not be continued in 2027 unless new coordinators are willing to step forward. This beautiful tribute, started by Dean Ellis, takes only a yearly spring commitment of 3-4 days as excellent support is provided by the Appleton City High School NHS and other community volunteers. The roses are presently tub stored and ready for next year. If you or any community groups wish to see this project continue, please contact Pam Bartz, 417-321-4177, for more details. It would be a great loss to see this tradition end. Coordinator Tasks include: Store roses till needed, Schedule and publish appropriate set out and pick up dates around Memorial Day, Help set out and pick up roses and Wash, sort and bag roses for next year. Thank you for your past support. Donald Yoss, Kathy Gengler, Pam Bartz.

Appleton City Carousel will be open weekends through Labor Day, Friday-Sunday 4:00-7:00 p.m. It will close if inclement weather is happening. There have been people from 37 states and 7 countries that have visited.

Appleton City Public Library has registration open for 4th-6th Grade Book Club and Adults Summer Reading programs. Register via Facebook OR stop by the library. Programs for 4th-6th Grade begin June 8 and Adult's Reading Programs begin June 3. See their flyers for more information

First Baptist Church of AC VBS 2026 will be 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. June 16-19.  The theme is "Come explore at Rainforest Falls". You can register early at https://vbspro.events/p/695541

There will be a Quilt Show at the Appleton City Museum June through August.  The Museum will be open Fridays 1:30-4:30 and the same hours on second Saturdays, June 13, July 11 and August 8.  Appleton City Landmarks Restoration is celebrating 40 Years this year. Forty two quilts have been pulled out of storage for showing.  They range in age from 1876-2016, the oldest traveled on a covered wagon from Indiana to Missouri.   There are friendship quilts from surrounding communities, scrap quilts, quilted wall hangings and more. You are invited to visit the Museum and Clark House to see the collection and vote for your favorite quilt. The Museum is located at 503 N. Maple, one block north of the caution light.

The AC Rural Health Clinic is excited to announce that Dermatology PA, Dylan Timmerman, is increasing his dermatology clinic days through the summer months. Traditionally, Dylan's dermatology clinics have been scheduled for one Friday per month. In June, July, and August he is increasing that to four clinics per month. Along with Fridays, some of Dylan's additional days over the summer will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For scheduling or any other dermatology clinic questions, please call the EMH Outpatient Clinic at 660-476-5257.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for June. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. June 12 –Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Tuesday    June 16 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Thursday, June 18 – Podiatry– Dr. Pace, Friday, June 19   Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Tuesday, June 23– Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Wednesday, June 24 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday, June 24 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, June 25 - Neurology- Dr. Shoaib, Friday, June 26 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday, June 30 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA

“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations.  Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 12-13     AC Fair

June 13     Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

June 14     Knights of Columbus pancake and sausage breakfast 8:30-10:00 a.m. at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose

June 16-19     First Baptist Church of AC VBS 2026 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Ellett Memorial Hospital is excited to announce and welcome the addition Erin Stilson, FNP-BC as a full time provider at the Appleton City Rural Health Clinic! Erin Stilson is a Family Nurse Practitioner who believes healthcare is about more than treating illnesses, it's about building relationships, earning trust, and caring for people through every stage of life. Raised in a small-town environment and proud to call rural Missouri home, Erin understands the values and needs of small communities. She is passionate about providing high-quality healthcare close to home and helping patients feel known, heard, and cared for. Her goal is to build lasting relationships with the individuals and families she serves, caring for multiple generations and becoming a trusted healthcare partner for years to come. Erin brings more than 17 years of healthcare experience to her role, including 14 years as a registered nurse and several years as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Throughout her career, she has cared for patients facing a wide range of health challenges and has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of compassionate, personalized care. She enjoys helping patients with preventive care, chronic disease management, acute illnesses, and everyday healthcare needs. Erin believes in taking the time to listen, answer questions, and work alongside patients to help them achieve their health goals. Erin will begin seeing patients at ACRHC in late June.

The 22nd Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 11 in the City Park, on 52 Hwy across from Zink Motor Co. Check in 8:00 a.m.-noon.  Car Show noon-3:00 p.m. This is a judged event. There is a $10 entry fee, with proceeds going to two scholarships for local high school students. Top 85 cars and trucks combined, top 3 motorcycles, and top 3 rat rods. There will be food concessions, music, goody bags, live auction, door prizes, 50-50 drawing and dash plaques for all entries. Along with the AC Car Show, Zink Motor Co (across from the Car Show) is hosting the KC Antique Car Club at their dealership. Model A’s and T’s will be on display. The Zink Motor Museum will be open and ready for tours that day. This event is free.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation is sponsoring 2 raffles to support local healthcare. You can buy tickets to enter for the chance to win 1/2 a hog. There will be two chances to win and winners will be drawn at the AC Fair on June 13. The hog was donated by Ethan Bracher family and processing by Murray’s Butcher Block. The second raffle is for a chance to win a Stihl air inflator or Blackstone Griddle.  Winners will be drawn at the AC Car Show July 11. All tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. All money raised will support local healthcare through Ellett Memorial Hospital.

The 2026 Appleton City Fair

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

JUNE I2-13

Friday, June 12

1:30-4:30 pm   Historic Quilt Show at Appleton City Museum (503 N. Maple)

6:00 pm           Parade  (Lineup 5:15 pm on 5th & Poplar)

7-10 pm           Live music from “Monegaw Strings”

7-10 pm           Carnival Rides provided by Joe’s Old Fashioned Fun

7-10 pm           Dunk Tank

5-9:00 pm        Food vendors

Saturday, June 13

8-11 am           Biscuits and Gravy provided by the Masonic Lodge

10-10:30 am    Performances by Dusti’s Dance Academy

10:30 am         Baby and Toddler Show (Registration at 10:00)

1:30 pm           Senior Royalty Crowning

Noon-10 pm    Carnival rides provided by Joe’s Old Fashioned Fun

12:30-2:30       Live music from “Truman Lake Dulcimer Band”

12:30-1:30       Kids Games

1:30-4:30         Historic Quilt Show at Appleton City Museum (503 N. Maple)

1:00-2:00         Bake Off! (Bring items to park building from 11:00-1:00)

2:30-3:00         St. Clair County Sheriffs’ K-9 Demonstration

3:00 pm           Bake Off! winners announced. Bake Off Auction and Raffle winners announced

5-10 pm           VFW Beer Garden

6-10 pm           Dunk Tank

6:00 pm           Cornhole Tournament

7-11 pm           Live Music by “Sparrowfoot”

AC Optimist Dunk Tank-Friday 7-10 pm & Saturday 6-10 pm

Craft Vendors- Saturday 10 am-5 pm

KDKD Radio will broadcast live Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Food Vendors- Friday 5-9 pm. Saturday 11- 9 pm

       Taqueria Mary Chuy, Sherlene’s Catering, The Dirty Brunch Co., Shivers Ice House, Lemon Bevvy,  LLC, The Crumb House, St. Clair Co Cattlemen’s, 1st Christian Church, Eric & Vickie Christie, The Masonic Lodge, Growing By Grace and AC Achievers

        Offering: ribeye sandwiches, Rockville reubens, burgers, nachos, hot dogs, street tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, funnel cakes, fried ice cream, dole soft serve, cotton candy, lemonade slush, fresh limeades and lemonades, nutritional teas and dirty sodas.

Parade line up is 5:15 p.m. at 5th and Poplar Streets (Baptist Church).  Floats only enter from Maple on 5th. Horses unload on North Hickory St and line up on 5th Street toward Poplar Street

Advance sale carnival tickets (24 count for $15) will be available June 3-11 at City Hall, Food Fair and Tru-Value.  Tickets at the Park will be $20 for 24.  There will be no arm bands this year. 

Appleton Masonic Lodge will be serving biscuits and gravy in the park building Saturday June 13 from 8-11.  It will be a free will donation with all proceeds going the fair board. 

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Rain and storms inbound today

After a round of sub-severe storms this morning. More robust thunderstorms (some strong to severe) are expected to develop starting this afternoon and evening. Development initiates across far northern MO before spreading southward. Hazards include damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes.

Stay weather aware.

Courtesy Rich Hill fire department

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Show Me Neighborhood Art Month in full swing

Show Me Neighborhood Art Month is in full swing, inviting you to see how art brings communities together and strengthens a sense of place.

Be a part of the process and explore local displays in person or view photos online, then vote for your favorite and support the work that resonates most with you.

Access a map of where the art displays are located and vote for your top three by the end of the month: https://brnw.ch/21x3dow

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Obituary - Ronald Gene Johnson Sr

Ronald Gene Johnson Sr. aka Rondo of Holden, Missouri.

Age 67, born December 11, 1958 in Kansas City Missouri to Shorty Johnson and Charlotte Harding.

Oldest of 7 siblings.

Married Carol Brown in 2015.

Preceded in death by Mother Charlotte, father Shorty, wife Carol. brothers Ricky and Terry Survived by sister Julie, brothers Jimmy(Angie), Steven (Tina), Junior. 5 children Jason (wife Debbie), Ronnie (wife Sheena), Scotty (wife Natasha), Christy (husband Robert), Terry 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren with 2 on the way.

Loved riding his Harleys was a member of F.O.R.R. (Freedom of Road Riders). Held jobs in multiple fields in his lifetime.

Loved by many hated by few.

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Obituary - Alan Douglas Crouse

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of a man whose greatest joy was his family and the time spent with those he loved after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Alan Douglas Crouse, 71, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at his home in Nevada, MO. Alan was born September 25, 1954, in Butler, MO, to Calvin Elsworth and Norma Lee (Nolin) Crouse.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ann (Hauf) Crouse, of the home; two daughters, Dawn Torbeck (Arty), Nevada, Amanda Walters (Keb), Lamar; grandchildren, Branden Best (Ryann), Nevada, Cori Best (Ryan), Excelsior Springs, Alayna Best, Nevada, Balum Walters and Briar Walters, both of Lamar, MO; four great-grandchildren, Maysin, Parker, Waylon, and Kaysi; siblings, Norma Brown, Lee’s Summitt, Don Crouse (Marja), Olathe, KS; Fred Crouse (Teri), Clever, MO; as well as many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, George Hauf, Carl Hauf, Mark Hauf, and Ray Brown; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Williams; a niece, Riann Lubinski.

He was a devoted husband, father, and proud Papaw. Being called "Dad" and "Papaw" were titles he treasured above all others. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than sitting in the stands cheering on his grandsons at their sporting events and later watching his great-grandchildren create memories of their own.

Family was the center of his world. His happiest moments were often the simplest— dinners surrounded by loved ones, camping trips with family and friends, Saturday morning breakfasts, and gathering around the table for a meal. Whether it was sharing stories and laughter at home or meeting his siblings for their quarterly get-togethers, he believed that time spent together was life's greatest blessing. Everyone knew that when the food was ready, the familiar loving tease of "scoop in" meant it was time to gather and enjoy each other's company.

He had a gift for making people laugh. He loved sharing a good joke with his grandsons, a good story, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. His warm personality and sense of humor made every gathering a little brighter and every conversation a little more memorable.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including attending car shows with his all-original 1975 Corvette, a source of pride and countless conversations. He was an avid deer hunter who cherished time spent in the woods and looked forward to each hunting season with family. He also loved spending time at the races in Wheatland, where he enjoyed the excitement and camaraderie that came with race day.

For many years, he was a familiar and beloved presence at ‘The Grill’. His routine visits became such a part of daily life that if he didn't show up at his usual time, someone would call to make sure he was okay. That simple gesture spoke volumes about the friendships he built and the impact he had on those around him.

Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we find comfort in the countless memories he leaves behind—the laughter shared around the table, the family traditions he cherished, the races, the camping trips, the breakfasts, and the love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, and the memories that will be treasured for generations.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A private committal will follow at a later date in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. Memorials are suggested in his name to Vernon County Cancer Relief c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Lorene Schmehl

Lorene Joyce Schmehl's wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. A private family inurnment was held at Adam Howell cemetery in Amoret, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to the Butler Public Library or the Butler Senior Center. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Lorene Joyce Schmehl, age 83 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, May 15, 2026 at her home. She was born February 11, 1943 to Earl Park and Juanita May Wymer Schmehl in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Lorene is survived by one brother, Oscar Schmehl and wife Jennifer of Butler, Missouri; and one niece, Katie Boyd of Saint Louis, Missouri. Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Larry; one sister, Carol; and one nephew, John Scheer.

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Ready to make this your most active summer yet?

Join the 100 Miles, 100 Days Challenge and move your way to 100 miles between June 16 and Sept. 24. Walk, run, bike or dance, every mile counts.

Track your progress, climb the leaderboard and help your county compete for bragging rights.

This free, virtual program is open to all ages and abilities, making it easy to get moving and stay motivated.

Register today and get ready to move.

https://brnw.ch/21x37wV

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7 Backyard Safety Tips to Keep Families Injury-Free

Take time to spot these potential hazards so everyone can enjoy time outdoors more safely.

There’s something about backyards that feel simple and carefree. It’s where kids can run barefoot through the grass, weekend barbecues turn into relaxing evenings and pets happily roam without a leash. Backyards often feel like safe spaces, but that sense of comfort can make it easy to overlook small risks.

A slick patch near the hose, a grill that’s too close to the house or a tool left out after yard work can all lead to injuries in a matter of seconds. Backyard accidents are more common than many people realize, especially during warmer months when we spend more time outside. But most of these injuries are preventable with just a little awareness. Taking time to spot potential hazards can help protect your family, your guests and even your pets.

Here are some easy ways to keep your backyard safer:

1. Protect against slips and falls. Wet grass, pool areas and decks can become tripping hazards fast. Keep walkways clear and dry when you can. Add non-slip mats near pools, fix loose boards on decks and try to smooth out uneven surfaces. Good lighting at night also helps people see where they’re going.
2. Use grills and fire pits carefully. Grills and fire pits should be placed away from your home, furniture and anything that can catch fire. Never leave them unattended, even for a short time. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby just in case (but never throw water on a grease fire).
3. Store tools and equipment safely. Lawn mowers, trimmers and garden tools can be dangerous if left out. When you’re done using them, store them in a shed or garage and keep them out of reach of kids and pets. Always unplug or power down equipment after use.
4. Check play equipment often. Swing sets, slides and trampolines should be checked for damage or wear. Make sure they’re set up on soft ground like grass or mulch. Remind kids to take turns and avoid rough play to reduce the risk of injuries.
5. Make pool safety a priority. Never leave children alone near a pool, even if they can swim. Install a fence with a self-closing gate to keep unsupervised kids and pets out. Pool covers and alarms can add extra protection and peace of mind.
6. Be careful with plants and chemicals. Some backyard plants can be harmful if touched or eaten. Learn what’s growing in your yard and remove anything toxic. Store pesticides, fertilizers and cleaning products safely and follow directions when using them.
7. Protect against bugs and pests. Bees, ticks and mosquitoes can cause bites, stings and allergic reactions or may even spread illness. Keep your yard well-trimmed and avoid standing water. Use insect repellent when needed and wear shoes outside to protect your feet.

Your backyard should be a relaxing place. Taking a few extra steps to spot hazards and fix them can go a long way in keeping everyone safer so an enjoyable day outside doesn’t turn into an unplanned trip to urgent care or the emergency room.

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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