Back the Blue!

State Farm Insurance Kellie Davidson is proud to partner with Butler Sonic Group and present the Bates County Sheriff’s Department with gift cards to Sonic. State Farm partnered with all agents across the country to help give back money to their local communities. 

As we all face uncertainties and struggles, we wanted to honor and give thanks to our local law enforcement officers for the daily sacrifices they make. 

They each put their own lives on the line daily to help keep our community safe. This is such a small token of our appreciation to them. Thank you to each one of them for what they do every day!! 💙

Bates County Health Center confirms 4 new positive cases of COVID-19

July 31, 2020

Bates County Health Center has confirmed 4 more positive cases of COVID-19 in Bates County—all 4 are household contacts of 2 previously reported cases and had been quarantined at their homes.

All contact tracing has been done and any parties that have had close contact were notified.

Any individuals advised of need for isolation and quarantine are per CDC guidelines.

At this time, Bates County has had 43 positives cases, 6 of which are currently active and isolated.

We would also like to remind individuals that if you have been tested, you should quarantine at home until test results are received—this decreases any possible exposure for others in the event your results come back positive.

With our numbers for Bates County rising, we hope everyone will continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth), and to stay home if you are sick. Wearing a mask in public is also encouraged. It is up to each and every one of us to stop the spread of this disease

City of Butler will be starting the 2020 Road Project

The City of Butler will be starting the 2020 Road Project.
Monday we will be closing down the following street for sealing.
Parkview St – From George Ray to Dead End

Driver Rescued from High Water near Gunn City in Cass County

Driver Rescued from High Water near Gunn City

Cass Co – Cass County Sheriff Office D.E.R.T. (Disaster Emergency Response Team) assisted the East Lynne and Harrisonville Fire Departments after receiving a call of motorist stranded in high water.

Around 9:00 am today, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a delivery company dispatcher that the driver of a van was stuck in high water on E. 239th and S. Old Drum Road east of Gunn City.

Deputies and fire crews responded however were delayed due to the numerous roads in the area covered with floodwater. When deputies arrived, a local resident with a large tractor had reached the driver and drove her to safety.

The Sheriff’s Office DERT Team stood by while recovery teams removed the vehicle from the rising floodwaters. There were no reported injuries.

“It is never safe to drive into flood waters. The power of water can easily sweep a vehicle off the road or collapse a road without warning,” said Sheriff Jeff Weber.

The Sheriff’s Office developed a response team for disasters following the Joplin Tornado in 2011. The team’s search and rescue boat was purchased with funds from the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund Board in 2014. Team members receive boat operations training from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The News Xpress: The end of an era

Exact reasons unknown, long time Bates County newspaper The News Xpress, has published their final copy, dated July 31st, 2020.

Along with the Xpress, the accompanying classified flyer the Xchanger will also no longer be in circulation.

The Xpress was initially the brainchild of the late Jim Peters and long time local newsman C.A. Moore following the demise of the Headliner newspaper in the 1980’s. 

Obituary - Bary Len Porter,

Bary Len Porter, 74, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born, January 11, 1946, in Troy, Iowa, the son of Harry Chester and Icil Maxine (Steele) Porter. He departed this life, Monday, July 27, 2020, at the Pleasant Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Barry was a 1965 Troy High School graduate.

On November 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Frances Ann Beghtol in Des Moines, Iowa. She preceded him in death on November 28, 2013.

Bary owned and Operated Porter Electrical in Pleasant Hill. While running Porter Electrical he also was employed full time as a Union Steward for AT&T in Lee’s Summit. He had also worked as an electrician at General Motors, was a Real Estate Investor, and an Auctioneer. He was very active in the community. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Lions Club, a Freemason, a member of the Arat Shrine, the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, the Cass County Fair Board, the Pleasant Hill Fire & Ambulance Board, and was instrumental in the building of the new fire department. He collected Campbell’s Soup memorabilia and John Deere tractors/memorabilia and was an active member of the two-cylinder club.

Bary was also preceded in death by his parents; one son Harry Douglas Porter; and three brothers Garry Porter, Harry Porter, and Jerry Mikel Porter.

He is survived by his son Dwayne Bary (and Bob Jackson) Porter of Gravois Mills, Missouri; his grandson Austin MacGyver (and Julia) Porter of Blue Springs, Missouri; two brothers, Terry Porter of Ridgecrest, California, and Danny Porter of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one sister Mary Briggs of Hannibal, Missouri; other relatives and a host of many friends.

Visitation will be held 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Private graveside services will be held in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Lay-Clergy Love Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550

From the Henry County Missouri Office of Emergency Management

Obituary - Lela Katherine Cox

Lela Katherine Cox, 63, Nevada, MO, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Truman Health Care in Lamar, MO. Kathy was born on November 25, 1956 in Nevada to Robert Orace Cox, Sr. and Lela Katherine (Arnold) Cox.

Kathy was a 1975 graduate of Nevada High School. She worked as a dispatcher for the City of Nevada for a number of years. She also babysat for two generations of children whom she adored and were like family to her.

Survivors include Robert O. Cox, Jr., brother, and Frances Cox, sister, both of Nevada; nieces and nephews; and friends and her “children”.

No services are planned at this time.

Come and join us tonight on the Butler Square!

FRIDAY, JULY 31 FROM 5:00 -7:00!
Location: Butler Square

DUNK A DEPUTY AND GREAT FOOD!

Come support our kids! All money raised will go toward the PTSO School Supply Fund to purchase for all kids k-6! Bring your lawn chair and remember to social distance!

Dunk Tank - One try for $1
- Five tries for $3
Brat and Chips. $3
Hot dog and Chips $2
Drinks $1
Cookies - Free will donation

Sponsored by Butler Chamber of Commerce, Bates County Sheriffs Office and St Matthew Lutheran Church.

Henry County Health Center confirms 3 new cases of COVID-19

The Henry County Health Center (HCHC) has received confirmation of three more positive cases of COVID-19. One who resides in the town of Deepwater, one who resides in the town of Montrose and one who resides in the town of Clinton. This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Henry County to 69.

All contact tracing has commenced and all parties that have had close contact are being notified. HCHC continues to encourage residents to practice social distancing, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, and to remain home if you are sick.

The CDC continues to recommend that individuals to wear a face covering when you are in public, and are unable to social distance, to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Remember turn around don't drown, it is not worth it!

Flooding is still a big concern this morning, mainly south & east of the KC Metro. There are numerous road closures, with rain still falling.

Check out modot.org for updates on road closures.

Remember turn around don't drown, it is not worth it!

Harrisonville teen injured in early morning Bates County rollover accident

On 7/31/20 around 2:45am the Bates County Sheriffs Office along with Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and Adrian Fire Department responded to a one vehicle rollover accident on F Highway just west of CR 1801 in rural Bates County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2008 Mercury driven by 19 year old Samantha R. Butler of Harrisonville, Missouri traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.

A passenger in the vehicle 18 year old Haylee R. Catena of Harrisonville sustained minor injuries in this accident and she was transported by ambulance to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The vehicle was damaged and secured at the scene for a later tow.

Copyright Mid America Live News 

Obituary - Robert Daniel "Danny" McClellan

Robert Daniel "Danny" McClellan, age 60 of Rich Hill, Missouri passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.  There are no services scheduled at this time.

Obituary - Isaac Donald Dilks

Isaac Donald Dilks, 90, Garden City, Missouri departed this life on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the Lee's Summit Medical Center, Lee's Summit, Missouri.

He is survived by 4 children, Darlene Payne and husband Bill, Greenwood, Arkansas, Carol Lamb and husband Larry, Garden City, Missouri, Donald Dilks and wife Barbara, Burleson, Texas, Debra Dilks, Boonville, Missouri; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Brashear, State of Indiana and Joann Cope and husband Lowell, Lincoln, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri with burial in the Blairstown Cemetery, Blairstown, Missouri.

Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Poplar Heights Living History Farm is closed to the public

During this time of rapidly rising cases of the Covid-19 virus, Poplar Heights Living History Farm is closed to the public.

We are hopeful that this pandemic will soon be under control and if cases drop significantly, we would be open in September on a very limited basis by appointment only.

On a more positive note, during this closed time, we are finishing up renovations to make your visit even better. Thank you for your patience. Please call us at 660-200-5620 for more information.

Notice of public hearing in Nevada

Notice of public hearing. 7pm August 4, 2020.

Henry County Health Center confirms new positive case of COVID-19

The Henry County Health Center (HCHC) has received confirmation of one more positive case of COVID-19, which resides in the town of Clinton. This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases in Henry County to 66.

All contact tracing has commenced and all parties that have had close contact are being notified. HCHC continues to encourage residents to practice social distancing, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, and to remain home if you are sick.

The CDC continues to recommend that individuals to wear a face covering when you are in public, and are unable to social distance, to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Obituary - Sharon Elaine Loveall

Sharon Elaine Loveall, 56, of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Raymore surrounded by her family. 

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with the visitation beginning at 2:00 pm. Inurnment will follow services at Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, Missouri.

Complete obituary will be posted when it is available.

Obituary - Gwendolyn Sue Tarvin

Funeral services for Gwendolyn Sue Tarvin will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 4,2020 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler Missouri. Visitation will be Monday, August 3, 5-7 p.m. at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. 

Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to the family, Immanuel Baptist church, and Heartland Hospice. Online condolences can be made at, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Gwendolyn Sue Tarvin, age 66 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, July 30, 2020 at her home in rural Butler. She was born September 20, 1953 to Norris Dean and Anna Irene Blizzard Garnett in Butler.

Gwendolyn is survived by two sons, Roy Dean Tarvin and wife Jamie of Butler, Missouri and Lynn David Tarvin and wife Angela of Independence, Missouri; three brothers, Don Garnett and wife Janet of Amsterdam, Missouri, David Garnett and wife Rita of Stella, Missouri and Alan Garnett and wife Summer of Richmond, Virginia; five grandsons, Mike Tarvin, John Tarvin, Kole Tarvin, Luke Tarvin and Alexander Tarvin; sisters-in-law, Edwina Brennon of Erie, Kansas, Jackie Cross and husband George of Parsons, Kansas and Marilyn Barker and husband Melvin of Ft. Scott, Kansas; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norris and Irene; husband, David Tarvin; one brother, Jim Garnett; brothers-in-law, Dale Evel, Jim Sexton, Al Brennon; sisters-in-law, Kathy Garnett, Betty Jo Collins and Carolyn Evel.

Youth Development Center permanently closed

The following is courtesy FM-92 news 

FM-92 has received word that the Rich Hill Youth Development Center has been closed by the state. The closure is allegedly the result of a lack of state funds caused by COVID-19. The center was a facility with the Missouri Division of Youth Services located in Rich Hill and was a residential treatment facility for boys ages 11 to 17.

The mission of the Division of Youth Services is to enable youth to fulfill their needs in a responsible manner within the context of and with respect for the needs of self, family, and community. The Rich Hill facility housed 8 young men who have been transferred to other facilities within the state and it provided approximately 20 full-time jobs within the community.

FM-92 will continue to follow this story and provide more official information as it becomes available.


See full story HERE

Summer Tides Jackpot show coming in August

This is an open show. Click here to register 

Running out of options?

If you thought there was no place to run a classified ad in the Bates County area, we've got GREAT news!

Your classified ad will be seen by thousands of people through our web page, mobile, on Facebook and Twitter and you can do it on the cheap for just $23 a month! Other packages available, too.

That includes images and up to about 250 words. 

Just click the PLACE AD button at the top of our web page and in a few minutes you'll have the attention of the 25,000 or so pairs of eyes that see our page every day.

We also have many other options for auctions, real estate and more. Contact us today!

PS- If you like, we'll write an effective, attention getting ad for you! 

Obituary - Norma Lee Fritts

Funeral services for Norma Fritts will be 10 a.m. Saturday August, 1, 2020 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to services from 9-10 Saturday August 1 at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. Contributions to Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences can be made at www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Norma Lee Fritts, age 86 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born January 9, 1934 to Robert Lee and Ortha Charlotte Brooks Lacy in Merwin, Missouri.

Norma is survived by five sons, Robert Perrymann and wife Gail of Urich, Missouri, Trent Fritts of Kansas City, Missouri, Terry Perryman and wife Dee of Adrian, Missouri, Garry Perrymann of Drexel, Missouri and Robert Fritts and wife Laura of Fair Grove, Missouri; a daughter, Stacey Kimberling and husband Paul of West Plains, Missouri; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leroy “Herb” Fritts; one son, Vincent Lee Risner; and a daughter, Linda.

KC Wolf coming to Appleton City

Appleton City area news is brought to you courtesy of the Industrial Development Committee

The Ellett Memorial Fit and Fun Community Block Party will be Saturday, August 1, 8:00 a.m. - noon. The day begins with a 5K run/walk/bike registration at 7:00 a.m. and the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. Multiple vendors, drawings, prizes information booths and demonstrations will be offered. Various free health screenings (dental, blood pressure, peak flows, bruit screenings and pulse oximetry) with special priced lab services (BMP/TSH non fasting - $20, BMP/Lipid panel/TSH fasting - $25 hemoglobin alc - $15 and PSA - $15) will be available. The Auxiliary bake sale is from 8:00 a.m. to noon. There will be a petting zoo and a bounce house for the kids. Free walking tacos will be available in the dining room from 10:00 to noon. Life flight will land around noon weather permitting. There will be a special guest, KC Wolf, mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will pay a visit! (Due to COVID-19, activities are subject to change.)

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, August 9 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up. A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

Ellett Memorial Hospital, AC Rural Health Clinic, and Community Blood Center would like to let the community and surrounding community members know that 27 units of blood were collected on July 23. This is a very exciting number as 1 unit donated could potentially save 3 lives!

In an effort to reduce the risk of illness and maintain proper sanitation protocol, AC Schools will not hold the Kindergarten “Round-Up” screening and enrollment event, previously planned for August 4. Their annual school Open House has also been cancelled. However, all NEW students will, by appointment, have the opportunity to meet their teacher and see their classroom prior to the start of school. If you have a new elementary student, please contact Malia Mount, Elementary Secretary, at mmount@appletoncity.k12.mo.us or call the Elementary office at 660-476-2161. E-mails and phone calls will be returned after August 4. All enrollment materials can be e-mailed to you and submitted back to the school via e-mail, or you can schedule an appointment to pick up / complete enrollment forms, if needed. Please note, enrollment / classroom visits will be taken by appointment only. The following items are required for enrollment of ALL new students: immunization records, state issued birth certificate, social security card, proof of residence and a completed school enrollment form. If transferring from another district, a release of records form is also required.

The University of Missouri Extension in Cass County is offering a one-time virtual parenting workshop “Strong Parents, Stable Children: Building Protective Factors to Strengthen Families” August 22, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. - noon via Zoom. This class can count for clock hours for foster families. This class is about promoting healthy child development and protecting and nurturing young children. Every family experiences challenges and stress. However, even when different families face similar struggles, some cope better than others. There are many reasons why families handle stress differently, but one has to do with protective factors. Protective factors are strengths and resources that families draw upon during difficult times. Protective factors help promote optimal development by helping families succeed and thrive, even in the face of risks and challenges. When we focus on building strengths and promoting positive home environments for children, we may help put children on a path to a generational cycle of protect. This program was developed by University of Missouri Extension in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health/Project LAUNCH and the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund. Content is based on the Strengthening Families framework, developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP). There is a $40.00 fee for the class. Organizations that would like to sponsor parents to attend can contact the facilitator, Kyleigh Sullivan, at 660-619-1355. Registration can be completed online at https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/strong-parents-stable-children. After registering participants, will receive a link to the Zoom meeting. For accommodations and general inquiries please contact the facilitator

MU Extension will be providing an online corn silage production workshop for beef cattle operations that will be held via ZOOM on the evening of Tuesday August 11. Corn silage that is harvested and managed properly can make a good feed resource for beef cattle operations. This workshop is geared to educate cattle producers on proper harvesting and storage of corn silage as well as considerations when feeding beef cattle. The workshop will begin at 7:00 p. m. Topics that will be covered and speakers are as follows: Harvesting Quality Corn Silage by MU Extension State Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist Eric Bailey and Utilizing Corn Silage in Beef Cattle Rations by MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist Patrick Davis

Cost of the workshop is $16 per person. To attend the event, register by August 10 at https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/corn-silage-production-workshop-for-beef-cattle-operations. Upon registration, participants will be provided a ZOOM link for the meeting. For more information or questions on the event contact Davis by email at davismp@missouri.edu or by phone at (417) 955-0287.

“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. 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, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your previous email address, you are asked to send the current address, so the list can be updated.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for August, 2020. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments: Aug 5- Upper GI, Colonoscopy Dr. Namin, Aug 6 – OB/GYN-Dr. Kallberg, Aug 7 –Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Aug 12 -Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, Aug 13 – Podiatry, Dr. Dowell, Aug 13– Rheumatology, Dr. Tay, Aug 19 - Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Aug 26– Ortho-Dr. Gray, Aug 27 – Rheumatology, Dr. Tay

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug 1 The Ellett Memorial Fit and Fun Community Block Party 8:00 a.m. - noon

Aug 4 Primary election day

Aug 9 Knights of Columbus pancake and sausage breakfast 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose