A crowd of nearly 80 people attended the gathering that began with Donna Gregory welcoming the visitors followed by Peggy Buhr, Marketing Director of the Bates County Museum, giving a lighthearted talk about the year, “1961.” Becky Baltz, MoDOT Southwest District Engineer was next to give a presentation, followed by Gene Oakley, Deputy Director of MO Broadband Now. After a short break, Ann Raab, Archaeologist, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the work being done at Island Mound and her research on General Order No. 11. West Central President, Karen Miller conducted the group’s business meeting and a delicious noon dinner was served, complete with an array of homemade pies for dessert and background music provided by two violinists. Surprising the attendees was Amy Muller who brought her pet kangaroo, Max, in for a brief visit. Seemingly every cell phone in the building was in use snapping pictures and it became clear that these attendees would long remember their meeting in Bates County!
Donated door prizes were then given along with special recognitions. The meeting concluded and those present were invited to tour the Museum and then travel to the square to tour the Courthouse.
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| Northern Commissioner Randy Pike, MoDOT District Engineer Becky Baltz of Springfield Mo. and Presiding Commissioner Donna Gregory |
