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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Let's Rodeo!

Hello Rodeo Fans!

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 19- Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day Weekend) and join us for the 73rd Annual Butler Saddle Club Rodeo with Big Horn Rodeo Company!

7:00 pm- Mutton Busting

8:00 pm- Rodeo Begins

- “Ring of Fear” each night!

- Wild Horse Race each night!

- Dance Saturday following the Rodeo - Music by Kent Page

Save some money— For Advanced Tickets contact our Queen Candidate, Allyson Spurgeon 816-738-6149!

BOOKS OPEN JUNE 15th:

4 PM-8 PM >> 918-697-8979

*All details below

See you at the Rodeo

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Important reminder from Bates County Memorial Hospital

Possible Phone delays June 16th

Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is continuing a multi-phase telecommunications system upgrade designed to strengthen infrastructure and improve communication capabilities across the organization.

Additional system transitions are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. During the upgrade process, patients and community members may experience brief intermittent delays when calling certain hospital departments and clinics while the new system is activated.

BCMH teams have worked to carefully coordinate the transition to help minimize disruptions to patient care and communication services.

“These upgrades will help solve critical communication issues and improve our ability to serve patients efficiently,” said Daniel Cook, Director of BCMH Information Systems. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our patients and community during the transition process.”

While most callers may notice little to no interruption, temporary delays may occur periodically during the cutover windows as systems are updated. The transition will begin at 11:00 am on June 16.

Patients having trouble reaching a department are encouraged to wait a few moments and try their call again.

BCMH appreciates the community’s patience as these improvements are implemented to better support patient communication and service throughout the organization.

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Update regarding power outages in Harrisonville

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE: Crews continue their work to restore power to neighborhoods on the east side of town. Crews have been working to make repairs since the first outages were reported early Tuesday morning.

The outage was caused by severe thunderstorms that pulled down trees in the area throughout the night.

At this time, we are unable to share a timeline for when the power will be restored.

We understand your frustration and appreciate your patience.

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Obituary - Annette Bailey Williamson

Annette Bailey Williamson, age 87, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 at her home in Clinton, Missouri. Annette's wishes were for cremation. There are no services at this time. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Annette was born on December 4, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to Elmer G Arndt and Ruth C (Funk) Arndt.

Annette married David Bailey on April 17, 1958 and later married James Cox in 2017.

Annette had a long nursing carrier, working with Dr. James Clouse, worked as the Head of ICU at Golden Valley Memorial, and worked for Baptist Hospital until her retirement. She was a Co-Founder and Administrator of the Henry County Health Center from 1975 to 1991. And was the former president of the Missouri Public Health Association.

Annette was also a published author of many children books, and for many years she played as “Apple Ann” the clown.

Survivors include her husband James Cox, her son Danny Bailey, two grandchildren; Miles Bailey and Lauren Bailey, nephew Bill (Beth) Bailey, niece Tammy Bailey, 3 great nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Ghizzianna Arndt, along with numerous other family and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents and brother Richard Arndt.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

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Obituary - Joann Dusenberry

Joann Dusenberry, age 68, of Louisburg, Kansas, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at North Point Rehabilitation in Paola, Kansas. 

Private family services will be held at a later date. 

A full obituary will be available shortly. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Faith Chapel Assembly of God Church, 840 N Metcalf Rd, Louisburg, KS 66053.

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Obituary - George W. "Buck" Ernst, III

George W. "Buck" Ernst, III passed away Monday, May 25, 2026.  He was born on August 6, 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas the son of 
George Ernst II and Mildred Ernst.  He graduated from Rosedale High School.  Buck was united in marriage to Mary Jo Hurst on March 3, 1978.  She preceded him in death.  He worked as an electrician before retirement and was a member of IBEW Local #124.  Recently, in retirement, he has been working at the Pleasanton Senior Citizen Center.  George enjoyed entertaining and  making people feel at home.  He is survived by a step son Mark Hill and wife Rhonda, three grandchildren, Hannah Brockway, Erin Schmidt, and Jakob Schmidt, and four great grandchildren, Maya, Holland, Max, and Elsie.  

A memorial service will be held 1 pm Friday, June 12, 2026 at the Mound City First Baptist Church.  A time to fellowship will follow the service.    Memorial contributions can be made to the George Ernst Memorial and be left with Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  

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