Minutes from the July 29 Bates County Commission meeting

July 29, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Chuck Kaiser, with Murphy Tractor, and Kent Page, with Road and Bridge, met with the Commission to discuss replacing the larger excavator. The one they have now is a 120 and John Deere doesn’t make 120’s anymore so Chuck suggested they look at the 135’s and explained the upgrades and the new options they would have.

Chuck assured the Commission that he can evaluate the one they have currently and see what they could get for trade-in value.

Jim asked Kent how much this excavator was going to be used and Kent was quick to inform them it would be quite often. Kent also explained that if they did upgrade to the 135 they would need to upgrade trailers due to the current trailer only holding 24,000 pounds and the excavator would be 27,000 pounds.

Chuck asked about their budget, Jim brought up looking at a used one instead of a new one and they discussed second party EPG warranty vs. the extended warranty through Murphy.

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Special meeting tomorrow in Rich Hill

There will be a special board meeting August 4th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Rich Hill City Hall Council Chambers.


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Flip through this week's News-Review and Shopper!

Follow this link to flip through the pages https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/Mid-America-Shopper-08_05_2026/


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Butler Chamber Business Spotlight: DSWA Certified Public Accountants

Taking the stress out of running your business and managing your finances right here in Butler!

Whether you are a local entrepreneur launching a new venture, an established small business owner, or an individual navigating tax season, DSWA Certified Public Accountants delivers reliable, personal, and precise financial guidance tailored to our community.

About DSWA Certified Public Accountants

DSWA brings decades of dedicated accounting experience and trusted expertise directly to Bates County. From everyday bookkeeping to complex strategic tax planning, their team works directly with clients to make financial clarity effortless.

Key Services Offered

Strategic Tax Planning & Preparation: Keep more of your hard-earned money with proactive, year-round tax strategies.

Full-Service Accounting & Bookkeeping: Gain accurate insights and clear reporting so you can focus on growing your business.

Comprehensive Payroll Processing: Hand over complex payroll management and tax filings with complete peace of mind.

QuickBooks® Consulting: Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors to help you set up, clean up, and maximize your software.

Audit, Review & Attestation Services: Professional oversight and financial statement accuracy built on the highest ethical standards.

Visit or Get in Touch

Address: 210 W. Ohio Street, Butler, MO 64730

Phone: (660) 679-6571

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Website: www.dswacpa.com

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Location change for search & rescue training in Butler

The Bates County Sheriff's Posse is honored to step in and host next week's Search & Rescue Training at the Sheriff's Conference Center, 13 W Dakota Street.

While the location has changed, the training remains an excellent opportunity for first responders, volunteers, and anyone interested in expanding their search and rescue knowledge and skills.

*** FREE training. We do have room for additional attendees so please reach out ASAP if interested.***

A sincere thank you to everyone working together to ensure this valuable training continues. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Sheriff's Conference Center.

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Obituary - Helen Marie Clark

Helen Marie Clark, age 94, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026. She was born on March 22, 1932 in Arma, Kansas the daughter of John and Loretta Chiappetta Data. She graduated from the Ursuline Academy and then attended Fort Scott Mercy School of Nursing where she obtained her Registered Nurse Certification. She then worked with William Justus MD for forty-eight years. Helen was united in marriage to Robert "Porky" Clark on September 3, 1953. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Altar Society. Following her Catholic Faith, family was very important in her life as well as gathering with friends. She always made sure birthday cards were sent to everyone. In addition to her full time job, she kept an immaculate home and cooked and baked. Her ginger snaps, French cookies, and spaghetti were some of her best recipes. Helen is survived by her husband, Robert, two daughters, Cindy Johnson and husband Larry, Cathy Hunke and husband Robert, two grandchildren, Mandy Wilson and husband Chad, and John Johnson, and three great grandchildren, Chase, Avery, and Reece Wilson. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Friday, August 7, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mound City. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 5 pm Thursday, August 6, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Visitation will follow until 7 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart Altar Society. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - Ann Tyrer

Funeral services for Ann Tyrer of Amsterdam, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam. Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Priscilla Ann Tyrer, age 80 of Amsterdam Missouri went to see her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Ann was born July 6, 1946 to Frank and Opal Spruk in Joplin, Missouri.

Ann married the love of her life, Terry Tyrer, on November 8, 1964. They started their life together in Merriam, KS where they had their two children. They later moved to Drexel, MO where they raised their children and opened Ann's dream store called Orphantiques. They later moved to Amsterdam, MO where Ann retired. Ann's love of Christmas was always the joy for our family.

Ann is survived by her son, Franklin Tyrer, and wife Stormy of Olathe, Kansas; and daughter, Heather, Cooper, and husband, Jeff of Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, Terry Spruk and his wife Linda of Merriam, Kansas; and four grandchildren, Miles (Heather and son Justin), Keeley, Annalyn and Ally. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Terry Tyrer; her parents; and grandparents; and brother Robert Spruk.

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Obituary - Joyce Ann Walton

Joyce Ann Walton age 91 of Garden City, Missouri departed this life Sunday, August 2, 2026 at her home in Garden City, Missouri surrounded by love and family. 

Cremation with no services scheduled. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. Donations can be made through the link. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home. 

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