Mid America Live: BATESCOUNTY

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Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Highlights from Rich Hill this evening

Winners of the promenade and baby contest will be posted later

BCSO nabs fleeing biker

Yesterday at approximately 1130pm, a Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle. The motorcycle was traveling southbound just north of Butler on I49.

The pursuit continued south on I49 from Butler to just inside of Vernon County. Vernon County Deputies assisted the pursuit at the county line. A short time after entering Vernon County the motorcycle pulled to the shoulder of road.

A female subject was taken into custody at that point. The female from Vernon County is well known to law enforcement due to previous pursuits in Vernon County that ended in a vehicle crash and serious injury to her passenger.

Charges have been submitted to the Prosecutor.

Rich Hill 4th of July schedule

Rich Hill's 4th of July

July 2nd-5th 2025

Theme: Independence Day

the Rich Hill Way!

Wednesday-July 2nd

6 p.m. The Children’s Promenade

registration at the bandstand

6:30 p.m. The Children's Promenade

Sponsored by BL & Sons Disposal LLC and $9 Floral

6:30 p.m. Baby Contest

registration at the bandstand

0-18 months/clothing allowed

Director-Tisha Mackey

7 p.m. Baby Contest Sponsored by Sheriff Chad and Courtney Anderson

8 p.m. Supreme Squeeze

Stronger Together: Takeaways from our Summer Community Talks

We Talked. We Listened. Here’s What We Learned from our June Community Talks across Bates County.

This June, leaders from Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) hosted a series of community meetings in Adrian, Rich Hill, Butler, and Hume. These talks gave us the opportunity to share updates, answer questions, and most importantly, hear directly from the people we serve.

What We Heard

“I didn’t know BCMH offered that.”

We heard this more than once, and it reminded us how important it is to keep our community informed. Many attendees were surprised to learn about the wide range of services already available close to home, including 3D mammography, visiting specialists, outpatient surgeries, and more. We’re committed to finding more ways to keep you updated.

You asked important questions.

From the future of rural healthcare to how hospitals are funded, your questions were thoughtful and timely. While BCMH is stable today, we face many of the same financial challenges as hospitals across the country, especially those in rural areas. We’ve pursued grants, explored new funding options, and advocated for changes in state legislation to help rural hospitals like ours succeed.

One takeaway we want to be clear about: The more people in our county who choose BCMH for their care, the stronger we’ll be.

Mental health remains a top concern.

Community members shared that mental health remains a high priority and an ongoing challenge. We agree, and we’re actively exploring safe and sustainable ways to expand access, even as we face staffing and regulatory barriers that affect what we’re able to provide directly. We know the need is real, and we’re committed to being part of the conversation.

You shared stories that inspired us.

We were honored to hear your personal experiences with BCMH, and your pride in the people who work here. As Dr. James Miller shared during one of the talks:

“These individuals [visiting specialists] come from big university hospitals to take care of our people here in Bates County… You’ve got people committed to healthcare here, and they keep this hospital going.”

What’s Next

These community conversations were just the beginning. This fall, we’ll begin forming a Patient and Family Advisory Council, made up of local citizens who want to help shape the future of healthcare in our community.

We’re also planning more community meetings, and more chances to listen. And right now, you can add your insight to our Community Health Needs Assessment update.

To everyone who attended, asked a question, or helped spread the word, thank you.

Your voice matters. Your health matters.

MDC encourages people to discover red, white, and blue in nature

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:

Red Royal Catchfly Flowers,
Red Male Summer Tanagers,
White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves,
White Great Egrets,
Blue False Indigos, and
Blue Male Indigo Buntings.

Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide.

Need suggestions for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more.

Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

Find MDC outdoor offerings based on select types of outdoor activities, locations, and more with the free MDC mobile app -- MO Outdoors. It is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-outdoors.

Family Care Clinics holiday hours

Holiday Hours – Family Care Clinics

All Family Care Clinic locations (Adrian, Butler and Rich Hill) will close early at 3 PM on Wednesday, July 3, and remain closed July 4–5 in observance of Independence Day.

If you need to reach us, call 660-200-3627

Learn more about care for your whole family:

https://bcmhospital.com/family-care-clinics/

Wanna have some fun?

Adrian Community Theater's fall production of A Candle in the Window is calling YOU!

We’re seeking a large cast and crew to bring this heartwarming holiday tale to life. Whether you love the spotlight or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone!

All casting and audition info:

https://us.cast98.com/.../a-candle-in-the-window-2025...

Heat and humidity to return by weekend

Heat and humidity build back in through the end of the week.

Heat index values mid to upper 90's by Friday. Courtesy 660 Weather

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Monthly report from the Rich Hill police department

Calls for Service: 181

Animal Calls: 10

Suspicious Activity: 4

Traffic Stops: 29

Pursuits: 1

Disturbances: 2

Building Checks: 11

Code Enforcement: 29

Speak to Officer: 32

Agency Assists: 3

Arrests: 5

Reports taken: 9

Citations wrote: 17

Minutes from June 25 Bates County Commission meeting

June 25, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

John made the motion to pay the Quad Lakes Solid Waste Management District Dues of $1,240.00. Trent seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion carried. No opposition.

Sheriff Chad Anderson came in for his scheduled meeting. In attendance were Chief Corbin, Detective Stockdale, Detective Fishbaugh, Deputy Jackson, Deputy Covington, Adrian City Administrator Ryan WestCoat, County Clerk Jami Page and Mid-America Live News Review Doug Mager. In question is an invoice Chad has submitted 4 weeks ago for $10,500.00 for the Rodeo Company to put on The Sheriff's Office /Sheriff's Posse Rodeo in the fall. It has not been approved and suspects it has been denied. He would like to find out why? This is the 5th year and the last 4 have been funded the same way. Why is it inappropriate now? Jim states “one thing I want you to understand, I have nothing against the rodeo. My issue is the way it’s being funded.” Jim further explains that his problem is that there are other funds that Chad has available to use for the Rodeo instead of the what the US Marshalls are paying him to use it on. Jim stated that the Auditors have said over and over that those funds cannot be used for these types of operations. The attorneys that they have talked to have said you can’t be paying for it now. Jim questioned why the county should pay for it out of taxpayer’s dollars when The Sheriff’s Office has the Posse group that is a 501C3 that gets the proceeds from the Rodeo. Chad went on to explain that this falls under a Community Policing program. Which provides a good and positive interaction between law enforcement and the community. Instead of at their worst and most emergent times. Chad stated by not funding the Rodeo he feels that the Commission is not honoring their agreement to “The Blue Shield Program” where they clearly stated they would support community policing initiatives. Chad explains that the statutes are vague on expenditures for public functions. To find an answer he talked to several attorneys. They have stated to him that this falls under the public purpose doctrine. Check the State Constitution, State Statutes and court case rulings. Chad feels this would end up decided by court case precedence. He listed several cases where public purpose doctrines had been applied. Chad stated the Commission donates to the Children’s Center and Mercy Hospital. As well as distributed the Federal ARPA funds following guidelines to public entities. Chad explained that the ARPA money was given out the way it was because of Public purpose Doctrine otherwise it went against the State Constitution and the State Statutes as well. It became county money and the county must abide by those articles regardless of being a Federal grant. Chad also stated that his budget was approved in the fall, and it should have been understood he would be funding the Rodeo. As he has in the past 4 years, therefore the Commission has already approved the funding of the Rodeo. He stated that as an elected official he is the decider on how his approved money is spent. The Commission does not have line-item veto capability. It was asked later for clarification if his Budget has a specific line item on the budget for the Rodeo and he stated no but it should be assumed. The Commission has spent several hours looking into how other counties and cities fund their public functions. The result was many ways are used. From outright funding with taxpayer's money to donations and selling tickets. Ryan spoke on what the Rodeo means for the City of Adrian and how they have put money into improving the arena used. He also stated they donate the electricity used for the Rodeo. John also stated that this benefits more than the Sheriff's office. This is a huge community event and he is all for it. Chad asked what the rift was with the Rodeo. Jami stated that the rift was the Sheriff’s Posse being funded by the proceeds from the rodeo when the county is paying for the rodeo with taxpayer's money. The Sheriff’s Posse sells advertisements space during the Rodeo. They also offer their membership and sell T-shirts for the Rodeo. There are other vendors, and the Optimist Club does concessions. Chad states he has stopped all other funding of the Posse that he has done in the past. Chad feels that the auditor’s opinion has been skewed by people who hate everything the Sheriff does. He further states that the Sheriff's Office Audit has not been released. The county was Audited by the state in 2024. During the County’s Audit the Sheriff’s Office was moved to its own Audit. The findings are still pending. One deposition was made. Chad went on to state continual issues with invoices being either held and or questioned since 2023. He also asked Jami about the Family Fun Day the Sheriff’s office held years ago as she had organized it. He stated the kids that go to these events are those kids that can’t afford to go to things like worlds of fun. She stated yes, she remembers, and she knows it was paid for by the taxpayer’s money. However, she has learned a lot as the County Clerk and how things need to be accountable to the taxpayers for the use of their money. Ryan spoke on how the City of Adrian matches what is donated to the city for the firework display they do every year. He would really like to see the Rodeo continue for the people and his city. Chad asked Jami if she had talked to her attorney and she stated that in his opinion generally things like the rodeo are funded by donations from the community. Chad feels that the Sheriff's office has the money and should be able to pay for it and not ask for civic donations. Chad feels that this is a control issue by the Commission. He feels as an elected official he should be able to spend his approved budget as he sees fit. He stated from the per diem issue to the rodeo what next? He states he has bent over backwards and kept it peaceful. He states if they don’t approve the invoice, he wants the word that it is canceled to come from the Commission. Chad stated, “The Commission needs to be responsible for notifying the public that the rodeo is cancelled.” Ryan states that if the Commission does not approve the invoice and cancel the Rodeo that they let him know 2 months ahead of time so he can look at other avenues to fund it. John stated he doesn’t want to control the Sheriff's Office. John stated he has learned a lot and did talk to a few auditors and feels the audit is “just a witch hunt” John stated the county spent $35,000.00 for the audit. Jim stated we haven’t had an audit in 8 years Note this correction, there have been 2 audits over the last 3 years, one independent audit, required for federal money received and disbursed, and one state. A financial audit is required every 2 years and possibly more under certain circumstances. The state audits generally every 4 years. The independent audit was the only one paid for by the county $25540.00. This was paid out of ARPA money. Financial audits are paid for by the county. Jim states we really appreciate everything the Sheriff's Office does regardless of what he thinks or hears. We will work over this afternoon, and we’ll let you know Monday afternoon.

Work in progress

Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 nothing since April

Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 evening meeting 6/11/25 still gaining signatures

Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given nothing since 2/14/2024

Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024 bids out 6/25 opening 6/30/25

Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley)

EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 6/11/25

Fashion Review showcases local talent

The 2025 Bates County Fair festivities began on Monday, June 30, when 12 young ladies from around the county gathered for judging in three categories: Crochet, Construction/Sewing, and Shopping in Style. During their time together, youth had the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned about clothing construction, purchasing selections, and personal appearance. Judging for Fashion Revue is done by category and age division. Winners will receive awards at the completion of the Fashion Show. The Fashion Show will be held at the Bates County Fair Bash on Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30pm.

L to R Back Row: Isabel Branson, Hannah Williams, Emma Williams, Olivia Williams, Annabelle Patrick

Middle Row: Susan Branson, Micah Luther, Paisley Black, Emmy Lacy

Front Row: Myka Morrill, Madeline Martin, Mae Bettels

Photo Credit: Amy Lacy

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

Follow this link to flip through the pages https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/zuha/

Monday, June 30, 2025

40 participate in Glow Run/Walk

The Butler Student Advisory Committee did an excellent job putting together the Activity Day and Glow Run/Walk on Saturday. They had 40 participants in the Glow Run/Walk and raised $400.00 for the BCMH Mammogram Fund.

They also had people out playing Pickleball and other games in the park. We would like to thank Sonic, Elite Perks, BCMH, Gail's Graphics, Butler Fire Department, Custom Creations and C&S Graphics for all your help and support.

We would also like to thank Ganga Fernando from coming up and teaching about Pickleball. It was a wonderful evening and we look forward to doing it again.

Rich Hill reminder regarding fireworks

With the holiday approaching, now is the time to refresh on the city ordinance for fireworks. Please reference ordinance number 1397 Fireworks for use of fireworks and what is prohibited within city limits. This can be found on the city's website under the ordinance tab. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Section 4: Use of fireworks with aerial trajectory prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to possess with intent to discharge, throw, use, explode, detonate or shoot, within the city limits, bottle rockets, rockets of all types and sizes and any and all fireworks with an aerial trajectory having a cylinder or cartridge that is not intended to be completely consumed before landing.

Section 5: Use of other fireworks limited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or place any fireworks, including pyrotechnic devices, in such manner that the explosion of same will likely endanger or cause injury or damage to any person or property; provided further that it shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or detonate fireworks of any nature within the city limits except on June 20th to July 3rd until 10:00 p.m., through the event until 10:00 p.m., and July 4th to midnight of each year.

Bates County Sheriff's Office and Commission come to agreement regarding rodeo

During a meeting held today in the Bates County Commission chambers, Sheriff Chad Anderson with commissioners John Gray and Trent Nelson came to an agreement regarding payment for the annual Sheriff's Rodeo coming later this year.

After a lengthy debate, both Gray and Nelson voted to pay $7,500.00 towards the 2025 rodeo and 1/2 of the rodeo expenses for all years to follow. This year the Sheriff's Posse will contribute $3,000.00 to the rodeo as well.

Although a tie breaker wasn't needed, Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley voiced a no vote.

Full details from the discussion today will be revealed in the upcoming release of meeting minutes from the clerk's office.

Bates County Historical Society awarded $15,000 grant

The Missouri Humanities Council has awarded a grant of $15,000 to the Bates County Historical Society in support of the project titled "Celebrate America, Bates County Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the USA". The Missouri Humanities Council is the only statewide agency in the Missouri devoted to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has severed as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

Celebrating the road to independence will be an educational celebration for the citizens of Bates County to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America. The celebration will kick off in May 2026 with presentations for area schools and will continue in June with family friendly events on the museum lawn ending July 19th with a county wide celebration. Throughout the summer a special display will be offered at the Bates County Museum chronicling the history of America and Bates Counties place in history.

To learn how you can be involved in the celebration, please contact museum director, Tiffany Blaser (director@batescountymuseum.org).

For more information about the grants programs of the Missouri Humanities Council, call 314-781-9660 or 800357-0909 or email clarice@mohumanities.org.

All in good fun

During the 4th of July parade in Adrian on Saturday, these Adrian Optimists offered a little 'cool down' for select spectators, including your news-Review photographer. It may not be obvious, but a closer look reveals water balloons in hand and their accuracy came with Cy Young precision. Due to the summer heat, it was an appreciated cool down indeed. Staff photo

Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

Olson-Salomon, Lynne to Hurshman, Robin Str 29-40-31 //Se
Hacker, Larry J to Klicksick, Heath Str 4-38-31 //Sw
Neely, James E to Head, Kenneth Lt 10 Bl 16 West Side Addn+
Conley, James D to Sargent, John Baustin Lt 13 Bl 18 West Side Addn+
Arnold, Kevin E to Brown, Maklayla Str 7-38-33 //Ne
Payne, Walter A. to Kelley, Chad Str 33-42-31 //Ne
Smith's Properties, LLC to Wilson, Michelle Renee Lt 4 Bl 5 William's Addn
Secretary Of Housing & Urban Development to Magruder, Bryce S Str 5-38-31 //NW
Burch, Syndey to Harkrader, Brett Str 19-39-29 //Nw
Hill, Gerold C to Public Water Supply District #5 Str 32-42-31 //Se
Austin, Katie to Leslie, Matthew Str 15-40-31 //Se
Reynolds, Tony to Reynolds, Jeremiah Str 36-42-32 //Sw
Jones, David A to Jones, David A Str 11-41-32 //Se
Lambley, Mike (Trustee) to Harkrader, Brett Str 19-39-29 //Nw
Corsini, Rhea E Trust 11/09/2012 to Corsini, Kenneth R Jr (Trustee) Str 28-40-33+
Stephens, Billie & Kathleen Trust 01-23-2008 to Public Water Supply District #5 Str 32-42-31 //Se
Ford, Norma L (Trustee) to GD Land Management, LLC Str 14-39-33

Marriage license

Thompson, Kyle Alexander and Thompson, Ashley Lee

What’s Up by LeRoy Cook

Turtle Causes Plane Wreck

It wasn’t a bad week for flying, as long as you got up early and flew high enough to beat the heat. Afternoon thermals boosted moisture aloft to give fair-weather cumulus by late morning. Then one sat out the thunderstorm threat if a frontal disturbance was nearby.

I’ve found it interesting to read the “Forecast Discussions” written by National Weather Service meteorologists, found on the aviationweather.gov website’s “products” menu. Each NWS office writes an opinion of the day’s weather prospects; just click on the map outlines. You can learn a lot about how likely the prognostication is to work out.

Traffic moving through Butler this week included a nice 1968 Cessna Cardinal, up from Dothan, Alabama for the weekend. Also in were a Cessna Skyhawk from ATP Flight Training in Kansas City and a Piper Warrior from competitor ATD school. Locally, BCS AirTractors were on the job spraying crops, several students were up in the Cessna 150s, Gerald Bauer flew the club Skyhawk and Roy Conley was out flying his rotary-wing gyrocopter. The Fliars Club did not depart on the Saturday breakfast flyout, due to a convective Sigmet just south of us.

Nationally, it appears that we’ll finally have an FAA Administrator one of these days; nominee Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, has passed Commerce committee grilling and his appointment as head of the FAA will be subject to a vote of the full Senate, likely a formality. This despite a company bio that calls him a “commercial pilot,” which he ain’t. He’s only a Private Pilot, having failed to finish his commercial ticket training while climbing the corporate ladder. He didn’t write the puff-piece, but as the boss he should have read it for veracity.

Early last month, the pilot and passenger in a 75-year Stinson died in a runway-excursion accident at Farmington, North Carolina airport. It was probably precipitated by a turtle on the runway, about which the pilot was warned by radio, and he reportedly lifted one wheel to avoid the reptile, losing control. Better to hit intruding wildlife than wreck the plane off the runway, if forced to choose.

In left-over business from the previous Trump administration, Boeing is supposed to be supplying a pair of Boeing 747-400’s for new Air Force One VC-25B VIP airplanes. Typically, the program is years behind schedule and losing money for Boeing, so it has hired a former executive from Northrup-Grumman to ram-rod the work. The new plan to finally have the planes ready by 2027, replacing the jumbo jets that have been in service for over 30 years.

Our last week’s question was about the designation given to the Air Force’s Globemaster II cargo transport, since we had just reported on the C-17 Globemaster III jet. Its predecessor was the big piston-powered C-124 that flew out of Richards-Gebaur AFB at Grandview. For next time, what airplane was built in the Fairfax car plant in Kansas City during the early 1950s? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.