Thursday, November 12, 2026

Bates County Memorial Hospital celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week


During National Nurse Practitioner Week, we're recognizing the Nurse Practitioners who help extend access to specialty care at Bates County Memorial Hospital
Our NPs serve patients in cardiology, orthopedics, nephrology and oncology, helping address specialized health needs and provide continuity of care.
We're grateful for the knowledge, compassion and dedication our NPs bring to the BCMH team!
For information about specialty services or scheduling, call 660-200-7006.
Cardiology and Orthopedics
Laura Noble, FNP-BC
Nephrology
Emily Johnston, FNP-C
Oncology | Mid America Cancer Care
Moied Riaz, FNP-C
Heather Dains, FNP-BC
Brandi Sampson, NP

Laura Thiem, DNP, FNP-BC
Family Care Clinic - Adrian
102 E. Main Street, Adrian, MO 64720
Lauren Miller, FNP-BC
Family Care Clinic - Nursery Street
617 W. Nursery St., Butler, MO 64730
Lori King, FNP-C
Family Care Clinic - Rich Hill
225 N. 14th Street, Rich Hill, MO 64779




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Surplus auction in Rich Hill tomorrow

HEY RICH HILL! WHO'S READY FOR AN AUCTION?!
One city's surplus could be YOUR next treasure!
The City of Rich Hill is cleaning house, and we've got a little bit of EVERYTHING up for auction!
- Old fire equipment
- Radios & TVs
- Light fixtures
- Fishing poles
- Tools, pumps & miscellaneous equipment
- And SO MUCH MORE!
You never know what hidden treasure you might find!
Friday, November 13, 2026
10:00 AM (may come and look at items prior to the auction starting at 8:30am)
Rich Hill Fire Department
8178 N 14th St. (Old MoDOT Building)
Check out the flyers for a sneak peek at some of the items!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Whether you're looking for a bargain, something useful, or just love a good auction, come see what we've got!






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Adrian Senior Kenton Merrifield recipient of DAR Good Citizen award


Congratulations to Adrian High School Senior Kenton Merrifield, who was selected as a recipient of the Harmony Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award! This award recognizes Kenton’s outstanding character, dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.
Kenton was honored at a reception hosted by the Harmony Mission Chapter of DAR on Monday, November 9, 2026. As part of the presentation, he shared his thoughts on patriotism. Kenton’s mom, Alicia Merrifield, also had the special honor of pinning him with his DAR Good Citizen pin.
Congratulations, Kenton, on this well-deserved honor

Courtesy Adrian schools
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Kennedy Borland now State bound


Ballard FFA students Kennedy Borland and Emmalee Scott competed at District Fall Speaking at UCM this week. Kennedy placed 1st and is state-bound in MO Forest Products Association, and Emmalee placed 2nd and is an alternate to state in MO Sheep Producers.

Nicely done and congratulations!


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Harrisonville High School Students of the Month


The Harrisonville High School Students of the Month for November are Maddie Eggers and Noah Chapman. Eggers and Chapman were nominated by high school staff for the honor.
Eggers is the daughter of Jason and LaRena Eggers. She is involved in tennis, soccer, basketball, National Honor Society, TRACTION, Music Makers, Educators Rising, Peer Navigators, student council, and is a Bright Futures student ambassador. Her leadership roles include serving as vice president of National Honor Society, public relations officer for TRACTION, and senior class representative on student council.
Eggers’ honors include ranking in the top 15% of her class for three years, earning all-conference academic honors in tennis, basketball, and soccer for three years, earning all-state academic honors in tennis for two years, and qualifying for state in tennis doubles and as part of the tennis team.
Outside of school, Eggers works at the Harrisonville Elementary School Wildcat Club. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing and watching sports, coaching, and spending time at HES.
After high school, Eggers plans to attend Avila University on a tennis scholarship to study special education and elementary education. She plans to pursue a career in school administration.
Chapman is the son of Stephanie Chapman. He is involved in soccer, track, band, jazz band, National Honor Society, Scholar Bowl, Key Club, Music Makers Band, and Skills USA. His leadership roles include serving as saxophone section leader for both band and jazz band.
Chapman’s honors include being selected for the MRVC Conference Band and MRVC District Jazz Band, earning eight state medals and six district gold medals in solo and ensemble contests, helping the soccer team earn fourth place at state in 2025, and being named to the academic honor roll.
Outside of school, Chapman works at Culver’s and serves in a leadership role as team trainer. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing saxophone, and doing hands-on projects.
After high school, Chapman plans to join a union and pursue a career in heavy equipment operations.
Harrisonville High School Students of the Month are selected based on character, citizenship, and academics.


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Rich Hill FCCLA raises money for alumni in need


The Rich Hill FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) raised $700 to donate to Braedon Coonce, a Rich Hill alumni with strong ties to the community and school, to help in his journey to defeat cancer. Students and staff all work together to make this annual event a success!
FCCLA thanks the Rich Hill School staff, students, and community for their support of a fun but impactful and meaningful annual event!

Courtesy Rich Hill Tiger Talk


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Tandee Hiser signs letter of intent with Pittsburg State


Congratulations to Tandee Hiser, who has signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Pittsburg State University, where she will compete in volleyball!

Tandee has been a standout athlete throughout her time at Butler High School, excelling in both volleyball and track and field. Her dedication, hard work, and competitive spirit have helped her achieve tremendous success, including numerous postseason honors, school records, and state-level accomplishments.

We are incredibly proud of Tandee and excited to celebrate her accomplishments as she prepares to take the next step in her athletic career!


Tandee Hiser

Pittsburg State University | Volleyball

Senior Tandee Hiser from Butler High School has signed her letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Pittsburg State University.

Throughout her four years at Butler High School, Tandee has established herself as one of the most accomplished volleyball players in school history. Her leadership, determination, and competitive drive have earned her numerous honors while helping set a high standard for future Lady Bears.

Volleyball Honors and Achievements

Over her four-year high school volleyball career, Tandee has earned the following honors:

  • 4× All-Conference First Team

  • 2× All-District First Team

  • 2× All-District Second Team

  • 2025 Class 2 Conference Player of the Year

  • 2026 Class 2 Conference Player of the Year

  • Class 2 All-State

  • 3× Lady Bear Season MVP

  • 4× State Farm Athlete of the Week

  • AVCA MaxPreps High School Player of the Week

Butler High School Volleyball Records

Tandee has made a lasting impact on the Butler volleyball program, establishing an impressive collection of school records:

  • Career Kills: 1,646

  • Kills in a Season: 522

  • Career Kills per Set: 4.62

  • Kills per Set in a Season: 5.67

  • Career Attack Attempts: 3,705

  • Attack Attempts in a Season: 1,168

  • Career Attack Percentage: .320

  • Attack Percentage in a Season: .392

  • Career Attack Attempts per Set: 10.41

  • Attack Attempts per Set in a Season: 12.17

  • Blocks in a Match: 6 (Tied School Record)

These accomplishments reflect Tandee's consistency, dedication, and ability to compete at an elite level throughout her high school career. Her impact on the Lady Bears volleyball program will be remembered for years to come.

Track and Field Accomplishments

In addition to her outstanding volleyball career, Tandee has also excelled as a member of the Butler High School track and field team for three years.

During all three seasons, Tandee qualified for the State Track and Field Championships in pole vault and earned a place on the podium each year. Her success culminated in 2025 when she captured the State Championship in Pole Vault.

Tandee also holds the Butler High School girls' pole vault record with a height of 12 feet, 4.5 inches.

Her accomplishments in multiple sports demonstrate her athletic versatility, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.

A Lasting Legacy

Tandee's contributions to Butler High School athletics extend far beyond her individual awards and school records. Through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to improvement, she has helped establish a standard of excellence for future generations of Butler athletes.

As Tandee prepares to continue her volleyball career at Pittsburg State University, we look forward to watching her compete at the collegiate level and continue building on the success she has achieved as a Butler Bear.

Congratulations, Tandee! Thank you for everything you have given to Butler High School and the Lady Bears athletic programs. We are proud of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

GO BEARS!

story by Colter Schacher



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Obituary - Martin Barnett


Martin Dean Barnett passed to his final reward Saturday, Nov 7, 2026, at the age of 85, of complications from an earlier fall. He is survived by his sister, Ruby of Woodbridge, Virginia and brother Clarence of Appleton City, Missouri, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Margaret (Dennis) Barnett, sisters Emmagene, Elizabeth and Margaret (Margie) and twin sisters Leota and Leola who passed in infancy.

Martin lived a full life. He grew up on a farm in St. Clair County, Missouri, attending a one-room school eight years. He attended the Appleton City R-2 High School, graduating in 1958, and joined the United States Air Force almost immediately, serving five years.

Upon separation from service, using the GI Bill, Martin attended Central Missouri State College, now University of Central Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Math. He became proficient in “computer skills”, working for a few years in Government projects. His final “career”, the one he enjoyed the most, was as a truck-driver.

After retirement, Martin purchased a small tract of farmland, where he began compiling his Library, accumulating a vast number of History, “Old”, 1900’s to 1960’s era School books, Pulp Novels, and a vast array of Newspapers and classic

Martin will be missed by his family and friends.

The family requests any memorials be given to Family Love Fund, and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home.

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