Saturday, April 18, 2026

Appleton City Senior Spotlight, David Connor


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Bears earn Outstanding rating at Ensemble Festival


We are thrilled to share that the Butler Wind Ensemble (Grades 8-12) earned an outstanding (Silver) rating at the District 7 Large Ensemble Festival held at Southwest Baptist University last week. Their performance was truly phenomenal, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. Bravo Bears!

Courtesy Butler High School


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Blackhawks bring home silver and gold


Congratulations to the Pride of Adrian Concert Band

On Friday, the Adrian Concert Band performed at Bolivar and did amazing as they received a GOLD Exemplary rating in Sightreading along with a SILVER Outstanding rating overall!
Courtesy Blackhawks Instrumental Department




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Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞
𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:
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• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Hysom conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Ethan Carpenter, age 24, of Windsor, on a Henry County warrant for failure to appear on a shoplifting charge.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy England conducted a traffic stop in the Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Robert Smith, age 44, of Clinton, on a Henry County felony warrant for a parole violation.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Deputy Hysom conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Richard McComb, age 59, of Windsor, for driving while suspended/revoked.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Hysom conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Lana Wright, age 35, of Windsor, on a Henry County warrant for failure to appear on a registration violation.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Hysom conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Stephen McMullen, age 38, of Windsor, on several Johnson County warrants for traffic offenses.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Sergeant Richardson conducted a traffic stop in the rural Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Michael Williams, age 78, of Lone Jack, for driving while suspended/revoked (1st offense).
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Sheriff Brown and Lt. Kubilus conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of James Horn, age 81, of Green Ridge, on a Johnson County warrants for traffic offense.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝:
Deputy Harms conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Cheryl Crain, age 43, of Windsor, for driving while intoxicated.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Sergeant Richardson arrested Andrew Carter, age 42, of Independence, at the courthouse on two Henry County felony warrants for tampering with a motor vehicle.
• 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:
Captain Bilbruck and Detective Baker conducted a traffic stop in the Deepwater area that resulted in the arrest of David Heuer, age 41, of Deepwater, for driving while revoked, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.
For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.


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Water rescue near Butler ends safely


Earlier today the Butler fire department, Bates county sheriff's office and other first responders were called to I-49 highway near mile marker 127 on a report of a vehicle had gone into the floodwaters. Fortunately, the occupants were brought to safety in short order with only minor injuries reported. 

Following yesterday's storms, flooding is an issue around the area-  turn around, don't drown!


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Friday, April 17, 2026

Important weather update


This is a very important update: Please share to spread the word.
Eastern KS and Western MO are now in a Moderate Risk (4 out of 5) for this afternoon and evening.
Here's what we now anticipate:
Numerous severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into tonight.
Initially this may be accompanied by a risk for large to giant hail and a few strong tornadoes - though for much of our area, the threat is more VERY strong damaging winds than tornados.
Later in the evening, severe wind gusts of 60 to 90 mph become the most prominent hazard.
I will be livestreaming when warnings become imminent for eastern KS and western MO.

Greg@660 Weather


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Butler schools dismissing at 1:30

Butler schools will be dismissing at 1:30 pm today. Band students will be back at the school prior to busses leaving.


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Bates county admin offices closing at 1:30 today

Due to the threat of incoming weather, the Bates County Administration offices will be closing at 1:30 pm today.


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Four Suspects Apprehended in Raymore Within 30 Hours

Cass County, MO — Deputies with the Criminal Apprehension Unit and Patrol Division conducted a series of proactive enforcement operations in northern Cass County over a 30-hour period, resulting in four arrests across four separate incidents on April 14–15, 2026.
Incident #1
On April 14, 2026, at approximately 4:45 p.m., deputies initiated a traffic stop near State Route 58 and South Lyne Avenue in Raymore for a license plate violation. The driver initially failed to yield before stopping near South Morrison Street. A 62-year-old male was taken into custody. The individual has multiple prior convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of narcotics. Charges have been submitted to the prosecutor’s office.
Incident #2
Later that evening, at approximately 8:20 p.m., deputies conducted a separate traffic stop near Foxridge Drive and Creekmoore Drive in Raymore for a registration violation.
During the stop, deputies identified a 48-year-old male passenger who was previously on probation for possession of a controlled substance. A subsequent vehicle search led to the recovery of multiple types of narcotics. Charges have been submitted to the prosecutor’s office.
Incident #3
On April 15, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop near Highway 58 and Pine Street. The Belton Police Department K9 Unit assisted on the stop. Following a positive alert from the K9, deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, locating narcotics and a loaded revolver. Howard Franklin, 66, of Raymore, was arrested and has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon (C Felony). He is currently being held at the Cass County Jail with a $10,000 cash only bond.
Incident #4
At approximately 9:47 p.m. on April 15, 2026, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near East Walnut Street and South Lincoln Road for a traffic infraction. The driver was identified as Christopher Warren, 48, of Raymore. Deputies determined Warren is a registered sex offender who failed to update his address in Cass County. Warren was arrested and charged with failing to register as a sex offender (E Felony). He is currently being held at the Cass County Jail on a $10,000 cash only bond.
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As for the other two cases, more details will be released after formal charges are filed. These incidents remain under investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law


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CCC Young Professional of the Month, Brooke Jacobs


Congratulations to Brooke Jacobs, CCC’s Rotary Club Young Professional of the Month for May! Brooke, a senior from Archie School District, is a dedicated student in our Advanced Health Services Program and embodies the Triple C tenets (Conduct, Consistency, Curriculum) of Cass Career Center. We are incredibly proud of her constant positivity, hard work, and achievements.
Way to go, Brooke! Sponsored by the Harrisonville Rotary Club.


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Prairie View schools to dismiss at 1 pm

Student and staff safety at Prairie VIew USD 362 is always a priority. So due to the severe weather that is forecasted, there will be no afternoon preschool and school will dismiss at 1:00.



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Harrisonville schools to dismiss two hours early today

Out of an abundance of caution and varying weather forecasts, Harrisonville Schools will dismiss two hours early today, Friday, April 17.
Dismissal Times:
Cass Career Center — 12:40 p.m.
Harrisonville High School — 12:40 p.m.
Harrisonville Middle School — 12:32 p.m.
McEowen Elementary School — 1:49 p.m.
Harrisonville Elementary School — 1:49 p.m.
Harrisonville Early Childhood Center — 1 p.m.
All afternoon activities, practices, and games are canceled.
Dismissal and bus routes will follow normal procedures at the adjusted times.
Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us ensure students and staff get home safely. If you have questions, please contact your student’s building.


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Drexel schools to dismiss at 1 pm

Due to the impending severe storms that are expected this afternoon, Drexel schools will dismiss today at 1:00 p.m.



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Hume softball game cancelled

The Hume softball game tonight, April 17th, has been canceled.


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Important notice from Adrian schools

Severe Weather Update
Blackhawk Families,
We are closely monitoring the potential for severe weather in our area later today, possibly near the end of the school day. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Our district has established tornado and severe weather procedures in place. If necessary, students will be moved to designated interior safe areas within the building and will remain there under staff supervision until it is safe to resume normal activities.
Please be aware that bus routes and dismissal times may be adjusted depending on the timing and severity of the weather. If any changes are needed, we will communicate those updates to families as soon as decisions are made.
We ask that families avoid coming to the school during active severe weather, as this can create additional safety concerns and limit our ability to follow emergency procedures effectively.
We will continue to monitor conditions and keep you informed. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to keep everyone safe.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Don Lile


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Miami schools dismissing at 1 pm today

Miami R-1 schools will be dismissing at 1 pm today due to incoming weather. Also, there will be no sports practice tonight.


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Storms arrived this afternoon, another round this evening


*Updated* Severe Weather Outlooks for TODAY.
Start time: I see storms popping up all over the place between 2-5pm. Not everybody will get these, but they could have BIG hail and pose a tornado threat where they do show up.
Then when the main line of storms moves through - after about 5pm - we're talking about a high damaging wind threat.
When are we done? The further north you are, the sooner you're in the clear. Looks like 9-10pm north of LaCygne-Butler-Clinton areas. Mound City-Fort Scott-Rich Hill-Nevada would be like 10/11pm.
Coverage brought to you by State Line Group for when your driveway gets washed out (again)
-Greg@660weather


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Obituary - Velma Peterson

Velma Fay (Cline) Peterson was born to Roy Albert and Lucy Edith Marie (Brown) Cline on April 29, 1944. She was born on the Kansas side of the State Line Road on a little farm called The Star Dairy. The farm is east of Pleasanton.

The family moved to Prescott, where Velma started school. She attended Prescott schools for nine years; the family then moved to Mound City, where Velma went for three years and finished school. She met Jerry Peterson when they moved to Mound City in 1959, and they went together all through high school. She always bragged about getting her MRS degree at MCHS. She married her best friend and the love of her life on December 24, 1961 at the First Baptist Church in Mound City. Jerry and Velma were baptized on October 4, 1971.

They had three children: Paula Beckman (Rande), Pam Peters (Marvin), and Burt Peterson (Mackenzie). They had seven grandchildren: Josh Landrum (Amanda), Jason Landrum, Rachel Schmidt, Brayton Beckman (Kim), Brant Beckman, Russell Peterson, and Elijah Peterson. They were also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Holden Beckman, Hudson Beckman, Cadence Landrum, Lily Landrum, Lucas Schmidt, and Colin Schmidt. Velma and Jerry also helped raise Kelly Peterson and he was like a son to them both.

Anyone who knew Velma knew she was deathly afraid of mice! She had been known to avoid them at any cost, be it sleeping on a dresser or staying awake until the mouse had been caught. Legend even has it that while cleaning pecans, she once used super-human strength to escape a mouse attack by picking up a 6’ tall man, shaking him “like a ragdoll,” and demanding he get out of her way. She was also known for her high-fashion ‘mouse protectors,’ always safely tucked away in her purse to ward off any potential evil critter attacks. (Some of you know what she really called them.)

Linnville Friendly Circle Club was near and dear to Velma’s heart. She truly embraced what it meant to be a community member and took great pride in the club keeping the Linnville Schoolhouse up and running. One of her favorite memories of the club was hosting the local fifth-grade classes and teaching them to tack a quilt. You could hardly ever go to her house that she wasn’t working on pillowcases so that each student would go home with something special. She was honored to keep this tradition for her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Words cannot express how much value Velma put on her family and friends. No matter what she was busy with, she would drop everything to help anyone. She believed that joy was best experienced when sharing it with others. She always had time to share a story or listen to what was going on in your life. Because of this, her family values were visible to everyone, and she built friendships far and wide. Although she did travel a bit in her last few years, there was always a celebration at the Linn County line. She truly believed there is no place as beautiful as the farm she and Jerry built into a home. Velma would tell all of you to value your family and spend time with them, truly, you never know how much time you have left.

Velma was preceded in death by one daughter, Paula Fay (Peterson) Beckman, one grandson, Branton Beckman, one sister, Ruby Matlock, two brothers, Cecil Ferris and Charles Cline, and her parents, Roy and Lucy Cline. Velma is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jerry Peterson, one daughter, Pam Peters, one son, Burt Peterson, and two sisters, Erma Bauer and Betty Jessip.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Mound City Christian Church. Burial will be in the Linnville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Linnville Friendly Circle. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Obituary - William Clyde Peace

William Clyde Peace, 58, Nevada, MO passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Billy was born February 18, 1968, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Roy Leon and Kay Lee (Mosley) Chorn.

Billy was raised in Adrian, MO, and graduated from Adrian High School. Billy was a carpenter who worked most of his life in construction. He worked for One Call Construction, and Mark Selsor Construction. Billy was known to be a very skilled woodworker. He has resided in Nevada for the past 12 years.

Survivors include a daughter, Cassandra Forman (Angelo), Yorktown, VA; two sons, Jacob Peace, Cozad, NE, Joshua Aaron Kyne, Adrian, MO; a brother, Adam Peace (Debra), Arkansas; a sister, Diane Friedli (Richard), Nevada; one granddaughter, Ciara; and a grandson, Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Eve Peace, and his grandparents, Willard and Buena Chorn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.



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Obituary - Ruby Lucile Allen

Ruby Lucile Allen, 84, of Grandview, Missouri, formerly of Harrisonville, MO, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Services will be held at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with the visitation at 11:00 AM and the funeral to follow at 12:00 PM. Burial in Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO.

A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.

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Obituary - Charlene Lungren

Charlene Lungren, 96 of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at her home in Kansas City. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, also at the funeral Home. Burial will take place in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is pending at this time.

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Thursday, April 16, 2026

Special stories shared during Vietnam War presentation in Butler today


A presentation was held today at the Bates County Sheriff's Resource Center in Butler featuring the video "Remembering Vietnam, 25 years after" that tells the history of the Vietnam Veterans memorial in Washington, D.C.

Just prior to the showing, Judy Pierce (above) shared stories of her brother Alan Grimsley who served in the Vietnam War and told of the impact it had on his life. Sadly, Grimsley passed away in 2012 at the age of 73 due to complications thought to be related to his time of service.

The program is being done in conjunction with The Wall That Heals that will be on display in Butler April 30th through May 3rd and there will be another presentation of the video this evening at 6 pm. The public is encouraged to attend at the resource center located on the south side of the Butler square at 13 W. Dakota street.





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Looking for someone to hay 100 acres

WANTED someone to mow, rake and bale my 100 acres of hay. 660-679-5928 leave message


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Reminder: Vietnam documentary in Butler today


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Dangerous weather possible on Friday


*Friday* is actually the greatest chances for the strongest severe weather we've seen yet.
It's coming at a bad time - we're all in storm fatigue.
Some of us have it worse with already 3 and soon to be 4 confirmed tornados in our immediate area.
Relax today - there's nothing to worry about today.
Tomorrow is a day to have a plan for sure.
Timing: Mid afternoon to evening; but check back for updates.
Spread the word.
In the meantime, have a great day today.
Brought to you by State Line Group a local vendor for storm shelters!
-Greg@660weather


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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Lengthy discussion regarding solar farms held in Bates County Commission chambers

April 8, 2026
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Christina Landis came in to represent Amsterdam. She asked if there will be a meeting with Clearway, the Solar Company, and if he had an idea of when. John told her that there is a meeting to be held later today and they will hopefully have a date and will release that information as soon as possible.
She warned the Commission that Amsterdam is going to want compensation for being surrounded by these panels. John then reassured her that he had spoken to the Mayor and told him to inform the people of the huge impact of the streets and businesses.
John spoke with the Mayor about a possible sewer issue, asphalt on the streets, the park and much more.
Christina worried about the solar farms raising the residents electric bill, but John told her that these solar panels will be putting electricity into the grid so it will not affect their bill in any way. She then brought up the concern of the land value decreasing to which John told her that Clearway is willing to compensate for that.
Jim said that he would like to see the City of Amsterdam have their own meeting to come together and form a list of questions that they can give Commission so they can pass it along to Clearway so they can know what questions need answers at the town hall meeting.
John asked her about the sewer pump issue and if it ever got fixed and told her of some grants for the city and gave her contact information.
Jim told her to call him if she ever needs anything, as she’s had his number, and took her number down as well. He then mentioned that he really means it and he’s not just saying this because it’s an election year. He is tired of hearing people say that he’s “doing this and that” because he’s up for election. He would rather people not wait until last minute to call and then tell him he's only helping because he is running for reelection. He says that is “B.S” and explained that he has always fought for Amsterdam, Hume, Rich Hill, etc. this whole time. People have had his number for years and have never reached out. Jim encouraged Christina, again, that if she had any issues, she needs to contact him and not wait until last minute. He then claimed that even if he had not run again, he would still be fighting for them until the end of his term, as this is not about politics and the people should be able to tell that from everything he has done since he has been in office.
Jason Morris joined near the end of the meeting to observe and learn what is going on with the Solar Farms.
Jim then stated that he wanted it on record that John left towards the end of the meeting to attend another meeting that the other Commissioners were not aware of, dealing with Solar. Jim is tired of John getting up and leaving for other meetings during a scheduled meeting with the Commission.
Kelly Ast, with New Growth Transit, came and spoke to the Commission. They are transporting individuals across 22 Counties and are now Brokers with Medicaid. They have three Volunteers here in Bates County that have traveled 9,000 miles in less than 12 months, Bates County Memorial Hospital being the top destination.
They always try their best to get individuals from their home to their requested destination and back home. They had to pick up individuals that had no way to get home from their appointment because the OATS bus dropped off the individual and did not take them back home.
They run 7 days a week and will pull other recruits from surrounding counties if they need to. Dispatches are out of their office in El Dorado, Missouri. Each driver has a tablet that they log miles on to keep everything tracked.
Kelly shared some of the Individuals testimonies and told the Commission about Companies that sign them on to get their employees from home to work and back.
Jana Rosier, with Osage Valley Electric, came and asked the Commission about the progression on the EEZ Board. Jim updated her. John showed her SB849.
Barry Matchett, Head of External Affairs with Clearway Energy, came and spoke with the Commission and other individuals that joined. Homer Township Residents, West Point Residents, Chris Gach, and Jason Moore and Rock Marquardt.
Barry introduced himself and explained that there is an increase in demand for the grid located in Western Missouri. Whatever land they lease will not be full of Solar Panels, they use approximately 60-70 percent of the land. The land is under a negotiated period determined by the landowner with the privately owned company.
These Solar Farms are expected to last up to thirty years. After the life span has run out, there is an option for renewal if the landowner agrees and if the land was determined usable for another negotiated amount of time. If not, they will start the decommission process, taking down the panels, removing the eye beams from the ground, concrete pads will be removed, and the ground will be reformed. The cost of the decommission will be covered by the bonds that will be set in place, under the responsibility of the Solar Company. The decommissioning bond is suggested to be updated every five years that way there is certainty that there is enough to cover the decommission when the time comes.
If the Solar Company were to dissolve, all the debt and agreements will be sold, and the new project LLC would have to honor them.
Barry explained that there isn’t much of a fire worry, as there are only plastic covered wires being run on the back side of the panels and oil that runs in the transformer. If something were to go up in flames, there will be a team that is trained to deal with it until Emergency Personnel arrives to handle the situation. The expense of Emergency Personnel Response can then be covered by the Community Benefit Fund that will have Board Members that are Bates County Residents that will be able to decide what the money should best be used for.
Chapter 100 Bonds are very important. Without Chapter 100 Bonds, Bates County would not receive anything. Will this increase taxes? Yes, but Chapter 100 Bonds make sure that it’s a normal amount, and the State cannot touch it. These Bonds will be purchased by Clearway’s Investors.
Barry was unsure if Clearway paid property tax and sales tax, but he said he would get an answer.
The electricity that is produced goes into the grid and that same amount is bought and pulled out by Google. This doesn’t touch the surrounding electric bills; they will stay untouched.
If/When Bates County Sheriffs respond to these Solar Farms, they will only see any income from them on a county level. They only receive funding through sales tax.
Replacing these Solar Panels is an easy task. They are easily popped off and popped back on. The only two parts that move are safely engineered so there is nothing that can break these solar panels. If there is a wild storm that should happen, the panels will turn at an eighty-eight-degree upright position and the rain, sleet or hail will roll off and leave the panels undamaged. If anything is ever damaged, the on-sight team will take care of it as soon as possible, as there is a certain amount of energy that Clearway is expected to put out. Therefore, they need all the panels to stay in good shape and able to produce daily.
Everyone’s start dates are different, but they do have agreements already met and can start as soon as they’re able. They cannot disclose the expected amount of revenue, but Barry informed the group he did not know the amount anyway.
The Townships will be gathering a list of things that the town needs and things that are going to benefit the people.
They are expecting to be in working production by 2028.
This will not cause the La Cygne Power Plant to shut down.
There will be a town hall meeting held at Miami School District on the 27th of April at 6:30 pm.
Homer/West Point Residents came to meet with the Commission about Solar Farms. Barry was kind enough to stay and answer questions and reassure the Residents that have rightful concerns. He introduced himself once more.
Chad Wiley asked the Commission when the Decommissioning Bonds will be written, to which he was informed that they will be written with the Road Use Agreement. They previously had agreements with NextEra, a different Solar Company that was wanting to build Solar Farms in Bates County around the same area. He then asked about the property value and how these solar farms are going to decrease that. By Chads research, he discovered major decreases. Barry and John told him that his research was off pieces of land that were assessed differently due to it being from different cities, but Chad reminded them that 10% is 10%. John agreed and Barry told him that it is unsolvable, as of right now.
Chad then asked how the townships and the solar companies can get along. Barry told him that the Good Neighbor Agreement would be a start. Chad then pointed out all the restrictions and absurd things that the contract held. Barry acknowledged a few typos that needed changed but also told Chad to negotiate the contract and that they will work hard to make sure everyone benefits from this. One typo was 100 years when it should have been 30 years. Barry was asked if some people had already signed the contracts with the typos to which he said could be possible.
As others joined the meeting, some of the same questions were asked from last meeting like weather issues and fire hazards. Andy Dudley asked why there was no mention of silt fences, retention ponds and erosions issues. Barry informed him what the soil does and reassured them that very little soil is moving, and onsite workers will tend to erosion once they see it happening. Andy then informed Barry of how the soil works and informed him of his knowledge of the specific land they are putting these solar panels on, and Barry asked for his contact information and said he wanted to speak with him furthermore to learn more from him.
Judith Johnston asked the Commission when there was an environmental study done and when they caught wind that these Solar Companies wanted to come to Bates County, they informed her it was in 2023. She then asked why there wasn’t a single town hall meeting informing these residents about such matters. John asked why their neighbors and friends didn’t inform others, to which Linda reminded them that individuals who signed with these companies also had to sign an NDA and couldn’t speak about it.
Township residents want to see the Road Use Agreement before the Commission signs it.
Substation will be South of Lacygne Power Plant and will be built by Evergy. The energy will be transferred underground to the Substation. John will be here Wednesday to be of help during the next Township resident meeting.


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