August 10, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Gayle Beachner and her daughter came in and sat down with the Commission, along with Chris Gach and Jami Page, County Clerk. Gayle asked about the report on John and asked about receiving a copy. The Commission told her that she cannot have a copy, as it was discussed and presented in a closed session. Gayle then informed them that Jim had told her that he would give her a copy. Jami left briefly to gather the Sunshine Law Statutes on Closed Meetings and read it to Gayle, informing her that anything in Closed Session is not public information. Gayle then stated that she felt it was wrong that John attended the meeting since he was the person they were discussing. She also told the Commission that she had spoken to Steve Cohen with HR Solutions, and he told her she could have it as well.
Trent asked aloud if they needed to contact Ivan, the Commissions Attorney, and see what they need to do regarding this situation. They took Gayle's information and said they will contact her when they have heard from Ivan about how they should move forward.
August 12, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
The meeting with EMA regarding 911 Addressing was cancelled.
Chris Gach came to observe and attend any meetings that may take place.
Gary Ratliff spoke to the Commission about the HVAC unit at the Courthouse and the upcoming clock repair. He also updated them on Dewey’s Tree Service coming and removing trees from the courtyard.
Jim stated he was waiting to hear back from SHPO.
Jami Page, County Clerk, discussed NonStop Insurance with Jim. Trent and John joined in and discussed the different plans they could pick through NonStop Insurance. The Commission is supposed to have a decision made by September 1st. They discussed having the meeting with Elected Officials on Monday the 17th but decided that Wednesday the 19th would work better. Trent informed Chris that Sheriff Chad Andersons opinion on Insurance is important to the Commission since his office employs most of the county.
They explained they were choosing NonStop to pair with United Healthcare due to Blue Cross Blue Sheild not buying the County back and quoted a 40% increase.
Jami asked if the Commission was given a list that had everything that was in network, but they did not receive anything of the sort, so she called Charles Rush with Cooks Insurance. While Jami was on the phone with him, she asked him about proof of liability insurance due to them needing to have it to rent a lift for when they do the clock repair on the courthouse. Charles told her that he would prepare both for her.
The Commission then spoke about the Sunshine Request they received from Gayle Beachner. The Commission is looking into how to handle this properly. Jim has sent an email to their attorney, Ivan Schrader, and John stated he reached out to an attorney as well.
They discussed the Budget and what it would look like for all offices if they followed through and accepted NonStop Insurance.
John made a motion to pay CART Funds to the Townships that have their Contracts turned in. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.
Gabe Gillette presented letters to the Commission regarding Mt. Pleasant Township.
John made a motion to accept Cierra’s resignation letter and to appoint Nancy Sutton as the new Mt. Pleasant Clerk. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Gabe and the Commission then spoke over an Audit that Gabe heard was possibly happening. John explained to Gabe how the payment process works.
Gabe stated that he is hopeful that this will put the Township back on good standings.
Gabe informed John that he was unsure of where the rock tickets were and the affidavit and was still trying to figure out where they were so he could get them submitted to the Clerk’s Office.
Jami then reminded him about the Tax Levy papers she sent out. Gabe stated that he was under the impression that they had already been filled out and sent back, but Jami had yet to receive anything. Jami told him she would print another copy if he needed one, Gabe thought that was a great idea and when Jami presented him with another copy, he chose to fill it out right then and finish it before he left.
Gabe then continued speaking to the Commission and mentioned that he feels as if all the townships need a training course on how they should be running things, just to make sure they are doing everything correctly. He explained that when he first started and the Commission named some people he should talk to so he can get some pointers and guidance, he said that it was helpful, but he also realized that the way things were “passed down” were not the correct way they should be doing certain things.
Charles Rush, Cooks Insurance, met with the Commission and presented a list of providers and labs for the United Healthcare and NonStop Insurance.
Chris asked Charles if the employees could use the app to find what was in network. Charles thought that they could do so.
John asked Charles if he would be interested in joining the Elected Official meeting about the Insurance. Charles stated that he would be more than happy to come and answer questions.
#MidAmericaLive
