Kylee get 1k; Bears get W

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

The Bears were set for conference action in the Den on Tuesday night as Butler hosted the El Dorado Springs Bulldogs.

The Lady Bears opened the evening with possession and wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on a cutting Kiersten Dubray. After the Bulldogs answered with a single free throw, Carmichael drilled a triple to give Butler early momentum. Kylee followed with back-to-back interior buckets, but El Dorado’s early accuracy allowed the Lady Bulldogs to stay within striking distance. Kylee found pay dirt once again, forcing El Dorado to burn a timeout trailing 11–7. Out of the break, Butler forced a turnover and capitalized on a strong drive by Carmichael. The Lady Bears carried a 17–11 lead after the opening eight minutes.

Carmichael opened the second-quarter scoring by sinking her second three of the contest. Butler began the period on a quick 5–0 run, but El Dorado answered with a shot from beyond the arc. The Bears responded emphatically, ripping off a 6–0 spurt fueled by three consecutive post scores from Kylee. Butler headed into the locker room firmly in control with a 28–14 advantage.

Out of the break, Butler continued to ride its momentum, scoring with ease against an exploited Bulldogs defense. El Dorado found itself trailing 38–16 with 4:30 remaining in the third, prompting another timeout from the visitors. With 1:32 left in the quarter, Dubray etched her name into the record books by scoring the 1,000th point of her career. The Lady Bears never let up, taking a commanding 45–22 lead into the final frame.

Carmichael splashed a deep three to open the fourth-quarter scoring, and Butler never looked back. Despite an attempted push by El Dorado, the Lady Bears closed the night with a dominant 59–29 blowout victory.

Kylee led all scorers with 31 points. Gabby added 16, finishing red-hot from distance.

Photos by the talented Erin Dubray.

What's Up by LeRoy Cook

That Warn’t No Lightning

Now that the weather has turned more cooperative, flying has picked up. However, it’s still winter, and cold fronts came through almost every other day, sometimes two a day, evidenced by changes in wind direction. Maybe one of them will stir up a rain shower or two.

Among the week’s visitors were a Cessna Skyhawk, a 172 and an Army Guard Black Hawk ‘copter, shooting the VOR-A instrument approach. From the local hangars, Layne Anderson had his Darter Commander rolled out, Jim and Dan Ferguson took their Cessna Skylane up and the Koehn Skyhawk made some sorties.

For those of you who still subscribe to FLYING Magazine (there are a few of us) you may have noticed the photo spread of an F-22 Raptor pulling sonic shock waves on page 6. Only problem is, the caption calls it an F-35 Lightning II. Aviation’s old Gray Lady, always the standard of accuracy, is being edited by amateurs those days.

The U.S. Navy has finally retired its Bell TH-57 JetRanger training helicopters, after more than 55 years of service. Taking their place are Italian-designed Leonardo TH-73 aircraft, a fine helicopter with more modern systems. It’s just regrettable that our military continues to rely on foreign suppliers for its aircraft.

Once again, the FAA is being pressured by politicians to take action that penalizes private aviation. Senators Moran and Cruz have steered their Rotorcraft Operations Transparency Reform Act through the Senate and it now awaits House action. It calls for the FAA to require ADS-B In equipment in airspace where ADS-B Out is mandated, just one more expensive gadget for us to buy and maintain. All it is is a knee-jerk response to last year’s DC airliner vs Army helicopter midair, trying to make safer our legislators’ private little airport, Reagan National. Most general aviation airplanes can’t fly in there anyway.

A Washington-state man is facing FBI charges over stealing an airplane and flying it to Southern California. But wait, there’s more. He didn’t have a pilot’s license, and he was flying under the influence of meth, and the airplane’s registration had lapsed as well, making it illegal to fly. All kinds of charges to bring on the perp.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is once again hunting for a president. Darren Pleasance was just hired last year, but he lives in Oregon so commuting to the Maryland office has become a bit much. If you’re available, AOPA would like to hear from you.

Our week’s question wanted to know where tourists land when they fly to the Dry Tortugas National Park. In the ocean, next to Fort Jefferson: the last spots of land in the Florida Keys are only accessible by boat or floatplanes out of Key West. For next time, where did the Flight Engineer sit in the cockpit of Douglas DC-6 airliners? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

Early morning accident sends 2 to hospital

 Just before 8 a.m. Rich Hill Fire emergency services were dispatched to a 3 vehicle MVA on A Hwy just west of Rich Hill. 2 individuals were transported from the scene by Bates County EMS.

Agencies that responded: Rich Hill Fire, Rich Hill PD, Bates County Sheriff's Office, Missouri Highway Patrol and Bates County EMS.

According the the Missouri Highway Patrol, two females ages 35 and 61, both of Rich Hill, received minor injuries. The other driver, a 50 year old female from Hume was not injured.

Courtesy Rich Hill Fire Department

Archie ladies basketball game tonight cancelled

Due to a shortage of players on Leeton’s girls basketball team, the girls game scheduled for tonight has been canceled. The boys game will begin at 6:00 PM, with Senior Recognition for both the boys and girls basketball teams, as well as the cheerleaders, taking place prior to tip-off.

New report shows that about 20% of Missouri businesses are using AI

New data shows how Missouri businesses are adopting artificial intelligence

In Dec. 2025, nearly one in five Missouri businesses (18.5 percent) reported using AI in at least one business function. Nationally, AI use is highest in the information and educational services sectors, where one in three firms now use the technology.

AI is also reshaping Missouri’s job market. In 2025, AI-related job postings made up 1.7 percent of all job ads in the state, with most openings in computer and mathematics occupations. These postings grew by 53 percent over the year, far outpacing overall job posting growth of 10 percent.

Read the full Missouri Economy Indicators brief for details: https://brnw.ch/21wZRhr

Henry County Sheriff's Office hosts fentanyl awareness forum

 

Last month, a fentanyl awareness forum was presented to students at Windsor High School, focusing on education, prevention, and lifesaving resources related to fentanyl use and overdoses.

We are deeply grateful to Eddie Briggs for sharing his powerful personal testimony and life story, giving students a real and meaningful perspective on the dangers of substance abuse. School Resource Officer Cameron Evans spoke with students about available school resources and how to seek help when needed.

Captain Michael Bilbruck of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office discussed current fentanyl trends, overdose warning signs, the Missouri Good Samaritan Law, and shared both professional and personal experiences to stress the importance of awareness and early intervention. Laura Young provided hands-on instruction on how to properly administer Narcan—critical knowledge that truly saves lives.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Principal Justin Wells, Vice Principal Brad Forrest, and Superintendent Brad Hunter for allowing us the opportunity to speak with students and for their continued support of education and prevention efforts. A special thank you to Mr. Forrest for also addressing the students during the forum

Notice from the City of Archie

On Monday, February 16, beginning at 7:30AM, the City of Archie Water Department will be doing a whole town shut down to make the Final tie-in on the new water main at Jefferson Street & Chestnut Street. Pine Street may be down to one lane while the work is being done. Water service will be brought back up as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience while this work is completed. We are one step closer to being able to isolate smaller portions of the City when doing water line repairs and replacements.

Little Apple news

 

February 11, 2026

Appleton City Masonic Lodge will have a pancake and sausage breakfast 8:00-1:00 Sunday February 15  All you can eat for $10 for adults, $7 under 10, 5 and under free.  Proceeds will go towards the Appleton City/Montrose scholarship fund.

The Golden Apples Senior Club will have a bake sale in conjunction with the Masonic pancake breakfast at the Lodge Hall at 219 E 3rd St. beginning at 8:00 a.m. All items sold for donations. Proceeds go toward the general fund for basic needs to continue social and meals for seniors in the area.

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Jonathon Smalley will have a short devotional.  

The Parents & Friends of the Appleton City FFA would like to invite you to their Annual Labor Auction on February 22 in the high school gym.  The evening will begin with a buyers dinner at 5:00 p.m. served by Kickin' Chicken, with the live auction starting at 6:00 p.m.  As part of this event, they will also have a shotgun for raffle and a silent auction which will be setup along the south wall of the high school gym from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinners will be served February 20, March 6 and March 20 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. Dine-in and carry will be served. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole slaw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $8. Best fish dinner around!

The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for April 24 and 25. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the shelves at the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency Food Pantry have been kept full and ready to serve families in need through the holiday season. Recent food drives and donations have provided not only food, but also essential household and personal hygiene items making a meaningful difference for so many of our neighbors. They extend a heartfelt thank you to the First Baptist Church, Bev Johnson, Appleton City FFA, Ellett Memorial Hospital, Sunrise, Pleasant Gap Christian Church, the Christian Church, and the Rapp family. They also sincerely appreciate everyone who donated, volunteered, or supported the pantry in any way. Your kindness truly helps put food on the table for local families, and they are deeply grateful for this caring community. 

The Todd Becker Foundation of Kearney, NE is hosting a STINT Takeover Night in Appleton City, MO on March 4, 2026. This free event will be held at the First Christian Church at 7:00 p.m.  According to Barna Research, 70% of high school youth walk away from church after graduation. This event is intended to awaken the 70% of youth group students who are projected to leave the church. This night will challenge and encourage students to take their faith seriously. During this evening, students will experience a time of worship, testimonies, and a powerful message from God’s word. Come join them on March 4 for a life-changing night. About the STINT Internship: STINT is the Todd Becker Foundation’s internship program, which prepares and equips recently graduated high schoolers to stand firm in their faith after they leave high school. The STINT Program is a cost free, 9-month internship that gives students real world, front line ministry experience that significantly impacts their spiritual growth and maturity as a Christian. For more information or to schedule an interview contact: Erin Meisenheimer, Logistics/STINT Event Coordinator Todd Becker Foundation, P.O. Box 2264, Kearney, NE 68848, 1-800-983-2644, www.toddbecker.org

The Appleton City Museum would like to list owners of century farms in their area farm owners of 100+ years. Contact acmolampkin@yahoo.com or voice message 660-492-0131. They will assist you in filing an on-line application to the University of Missouri Extension site OR only be listed (with no fee) in the Appleton City Museum (12 mile radius). Eligibility is ownership by any and all family members for 100 years and income from farming (renting is acceptable). MU requires documentation and a fee. Be proud to be a pioneer family. Your story is priceless.

“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.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for February, 2026.  Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Friday, Feb 13 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, Feb 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, Feb 19 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace,  Friday, Feb 20 – Orthopedics-Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday,  Feb 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Wednesday, Feb 25 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray,  Wednesday, Feb 25 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, Feb 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb 14     Valentine’s Day

Feb 14     Appleton City Masonic Lodge pancake and sausage breakfast 8:00-1:00

Feb 14     Golden Apples Senior Club bake sale in conjunction with the Masonic pancake breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m.

Feb 16     President’s Day Holiday.  Banks and government offices closed

Feb 20     Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose

Feb 22     Parents & Friends of the Appleton City FFA Annual Labor Auction in the high school gym.  Buyers dinner starts at 5:00 p.m.

Feb 18     Ash Wednesday