Bates County Memorial Hospital Names April Curtright, May Employee of the Month

Bates County Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce April Curtright of Environmental Services as the May Employee of the Month.

April joined BCMH on April 19, 2000, working in housekeeping and laundry services before transitioning fully into housekeeping. During her 26 years with the organization, she has earned the respect and appreciation of coworkers across the hospital.

Her nominator shared, “April Curtright is by far one of the nicest people in this organization! She does every task asked of her with a smile and never complains. She's a hard worker and doesn't get the credit she deserves.”

April is recognized for her dependable work ethic, positive attitude, and dedication to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for patients and staff. BCMH is proud to honor her years of service and commitment to the organization.

Stay connected with your local hospital! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

#MidAmericaLive

Rain ahead, look for wet weekend

Happy Tuesday to ya. It should feel cooler and not as heavy today as the winds have shifted and aren't vaulting in all that gulf moisture and thus dewpoints have dropped. Should feel like this today and tomorrow with highs in the low 80's and overnights in the 60's. It's not the news everybody wants but it's the news everybody's getting as more widespread showers look to find us by the end of the week. Friday into Monday looks like scattered off-and-on showers with a few thunderstorms possible again thanks to multiple rounds of passing shortwave energy. Here's how things are looking as of this morning. -Greg@660weather


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Summer heat inbound next week

After another rainy weekend, the next big weather story is the heat. Look for significantly above average temperatures next week with a slight risk of hazardous heat.

Greg @ 660 Weather


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Morningside University Celebrates Spring 2026 Graduates

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (June 2, 2026) — Morningside University proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2026 Spring graduates. These students have displayed exceptional dedication and academic excellence, earning general honors for their outstanding performance during their undergraduate studies.  

 

May 2026 graduates are as follows:

 

Butler, MO-  Meghan Morris, MAT

Congratulations!
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Exciting announcement from the Adrian Community Theater

This isn't just a show—it's a full community theater experience run by youth (ages 10-18), for youth! From the actors on stage to the crew behind the scenes, every aspect of the production will be brought to life by talented young people from our area.

Act!  Create!  Perform!  

Manage!  Learn!
Participants will get hands-on experience with all the exciting parts of theater, both onstage and offstage, while making new friends and creating unforgettable memories - all free of charge!
Registration opens Tuesday, June 2nd!
Be sure to check your calendars and reserve your spot before the June 20 registration deadline.
Workshop Dates:
June 30 – July 30 1:00 pm-3:30pm
Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Final Production: Friday, July 31, 7:00 pm
Whether you dream of being in the spotlight or working behind the scenes, this is your chance to learn the ins and outs of bringing a community theater production to life!
Don't miss out on the fun, creativity, teamwork, and excitement. We can't wait to see what our young performers and technicians create together!
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an amazing summer at ACT Theater!

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Chapter 100 negotiations continue regarding Swan Solar project

Reports from the Bates County Commission

May 20, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Sean McGonigle came in with MAC Trust, Workman’s Comp, and visited with the Commission.

Brent Bettels visited the Commission, assuming they could not do a moratorium. Brent was correct, the Commission cannot due to not being zoned. He also spoke more about the Cost Benefit Analysis. He does not like the 1.75% increase over the 30-year period and thinks it should be raised to 2% at the least. He then stated, along with Trent, that GilmoreBell and MarksNelson can run those numbers and give them an idea of what those numbers would look like.

Brent stated that he has been working alongside the Mayor of Amoret, Rob. They have been discussing things that Amoret needs and the cost. One thing they discussed was fire equipment but was told by Clearway that they had already given the County an allotted amount for that. John clarified that this was not stated anywhere in the document and was not correct. Brent then mentioned that he felt this was untrue, so he wanted to take the time to come in and get clarification on that so when he meets with Barry on Friday, they are not playing the citizens and the Commission against one another. He also mentioned that Friday’s meeting will also be over the plans and prices that they have in mind for upkeep and upgrades that were supposed to be negotiated directly with Clearway. He is hopeful of getting good counter offers or at least a yes or no.

Brent expressed his gratitude over the Commission listening and answering questions that he has brought forward and thanked them for helping him have answers for his meeting Monday night. He was able to answer questions and calm some concerns with the information he gathered on Monday. Trent then spoke on the wrath that the Commission receives and how it can be discouraging at times. Brent understood what they are trying to accomplish and recognized that it is sometimes harsh, the hate they receive. Brent stated that he does try to take some of the heat before it makes it to the Commission, as he knows they are trying to do what’s best.

Brent then discussed some more questions that were gathered from Monday night’s meeting and Trent said he would get some clarification on such matters. He also asked if there had been any changes or updates dealing with the setbacks. John informed him that nothing had changed. Brent explained that they have found a company that will plant what they are wanting and will continue maintaining them over the next 5 years. All that information will be discussed at Brent's meeting with Clearway on Friday.

May 27, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Northern Commissioner John Gray was absent.

Jami Page, the Bates County Clerk, met with the Commission to discuss the 2024-2025 Audit Bid that she received. The bid was sent to individuals as well as posted in the newspaper for two weeks, but only one bid was received.

Mueller Oberkfell & Jones, LLC quoted the Audit at $25.540.00 with a June start date. Jami did include in the Bid Proposal to have it finished by September.

Trent made a motion to accept the bid from Mueller Oberkfell & Jones, LLC, for the 2024-2025 Audit. Jim seconded the motion. All were in favor, one absent. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jami then spoke over the Bates County Sheriff’s Office Audit. She was emailed by the Auditors to retrieve signatures and put together the letterhead, so she sent out emails to gather such information. She is waiting to hear from Sheriff Anderson about whether he is going to sign or not.

Several Elected Officials came in and addressed issues they had with the new Personnel Policy that was presented by HR Solutions. Jim started the meeting explaining the changes that have been made and stated he understands there are more changes that need to be made and encouraged each individual office holder to figure out what needs to be rewritten for their specific office.

Chad Anderson, Bates County Sheriff, spoke on his issues. He felt as if there was a shift of independent power for the elected official. Where it addressed the Dress Code, he felt that should be up to the elected official. He also pointed out a section where it said in the event of promoting an employee, they had to involve the Clerk and the Commission and he felt that was not right, either. These certain things left him feeling like the Clerk and the Commission got all the power, but Jim reassured him that was not at all the case.

Kacie Robey, with the Treasurer/Collectors Office, expressed her concern about how the decision was made to effortlessly give $11,000 to this company for the entire policy to be redrafted and questioned what the policy was doing for the County. She then stated that all the Elected Officials could have sat down in a meeting and had this same conversation and revised the old policy. She then continued to express her aggravation on the fact that it took an extended amount of time for her software to be accepted. She then expressed that she feels as if there is no communication in this building.

Hugh Jenkins spoke up and circled things back around and asked the Commission if they were going to redraft the Policy for each office, Jim explained they don’t have any of the offices’ suggestions, which led Hugh to feel as if this meeting was premature. He also mentioned that the Policy needs to be separated between Elected Officials and Employees.

Chad then asked who they needed to send their suggestions to and Jim told him to send it directly to Steve Cohen, the Policy Coordinator. Chad then asked for contact information for Steve and asked if he could make sure all the Elected Officials received it as well.

Kacie and Chad then discussed all the Statutes and Policies that they must follow and have always gone by.

Shelli White had some concern about the free time and internet access. She stated she already must follow guidelines from the State, plus her employees don’t have the downtime anyway.

Chad then brought up holiday pay and spoke over certain hours that have been missed in previous pay and pointed out how this policy stated that the employee will be paid what they were expected to work, not just an eight-hour workday. He has employees that work 12-hour shifts and used to get paid for only 8 hours, so he was thankful for that. He then agreed with Kacie and stated he did not disagree with the earlier statements she had made.

Kacie then began getting upset, stating that she is passionate about her job and it would be more beneficial if she was asked to be involved instead of receiving an email of this policy and asked to review it. Chad told her that he wasn’t trying to undermine anyone, he was simply explaining things to help her understand, she stated it made more sense now that they had a conversation about it, but felt that this meeting was easily had and wondered why there wasn’t a meeting with all Elected Officials in the first place instead of just a select few who then donated money to help pay for the Policy and the others had no say. She continued to express her annoyance that she has to find out everything on Facebook or an email after the fact. She then removed herself from the meeting.

Jim then asked if everyone could review the policy and mark things that need to be added or changed and reminded them that he will get everyone Steves’ information so they can work with him directly.

Robert Rosendahl, with Walnut Township, came in and checked on the status of a tube that he had been concerned over previously. Trent told him that Road and Bridge has been by the spot he’s concerned about and informed him that they plan to get it fixed by mid-June. Robert then wrote down contact information for the members on the township and continued to speak with the Commission over several other things.

#MidAmericaLive

From Bates County Clerk Jami Page regarding Amendment 5

This is the current ballot language for Constitutional Amendment No 5. There has been a court case filed in Cole County regarding this Amendment. The Judge has until June 9th to rule if this Amendment will or will not go on the August ballot as written.

Constitutional Amendment No. 5

Proposed by 103rd General Assembly, (Second Regular Session) SS SCS HCS HJR Nos. 173 & 174

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• Phase-out the individual income tax based on revenue growth;

• Reduce personal property and other local taxes when local revenues increase;

• Modify the sales and use tax to eliminate income tax and reduce local taxes; and

• Protect local funding for public schools and other purposes?

The proposal has no direct impact on state or local tax revenue. If passed, implementing legislation will have an unknown impact to state and local tax revenue. If implemented, state government entities expect a reduction of $57,000 annually in income tax check-off donations and implementation costs of at least $100,000.

#MidAmericaLive

Linn County KS denies needed permit for Bates County solar project

The much debated 650 megawatt solar farm to begin construction next month may be in jeopardy- read the story here https://www.linncountyjournal.com/post/county-moves-to-stop-power-lines-from-missouri-solar-project

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Flip through this week's printed News-Review and Shopper!

Follow this link to flip through the pages https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/Mid-America-Shopper-06_03_2026/




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Recipe of the Week

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The Museum Minute: 2 survive unusual accidents

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730 (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of June 3

1886 The city of Butler approves a street railroad and work is to begin October 1st.

1905 The Bates County Fair Association is organized. Shares are $10 and 500 are sold.

1916 The Bates County Press Association is formed with 12 of the 14 publishers present.

1932 The Mighty Haag Circus performs in Butler. It takes 81 trucks and 35 autos to transport everything.

1932 The Adrian Baptist Church celebrates the 50th anniversary of moving the church from Crescent Hill to Adrian.

1943 16 year old Jimmy Woodall of Rich Hill, is struck by lightning and suffers shock and burns on his back. He is expected to recover fully.

1953 5 month old Ronnie Lynch falls from a second story window of the Parkview Hotel in Rich Hill. Fortunately, the ground is soft and he makes a full recovery.

1965 The Bates County Memorial Hospital votes to eliminate the maintenance tax.

1990 Open House is held at the new Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel on North business 71, Butler.

1994 The 4th Annual Amsterdam Saddle Club Rodeo begins as the arena.

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Drexel Bobcat Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll 1st Semester (4.0 GPA no grade less than A-)

Mikah Mayfield

Hayden Anthony

Bobcat Honor Roll 1st Semester (3.5-3.99 GPA no grade less than 

Kade Eastwood

Miles Wheeler

Phoenyx Malam

Grace Francis

John Hrabovsky

Natalie Foster

Shyanne Vunovich

Jacob Barbarick

Reagan Wirsig

Marcella Vazquez

Haylee Nichols

Raylynn Harris

Gavin Barbarick

Alyson Johnson

Anthony Bradley

Bailey Craig

Kennedi Hettinger

Brooks Kasper

Luke Barbarick

Caleb Craig

Trinity Parkey

Emory Kasper

Isabella Wade

Easton Jacobs

Cooper Blakesley

Porter Bravo

Amari Yockey

Asher Portmann

Hayden Kraft

Amelia McKellips

Principal’s Honor Roll 2nd Semester (4.0 GPA no grade less than A-)

Grace Francis

Phoenyx Malam

John Hrabovsky

Bobcat Honor Roll 2nd Semester (3.5-3.99 GPA no grade less than 

Kade Eastwood

Kadence Seek

Miles Wheeler

Reagan Wirsig

Jacob Barbarick

Tristan Busch

Noah Craig

Kayden Kobs

Haylee Nichols

Gavin Barbarick

Raylynn Harris

Bailey Craig

Kennedi Hettinger

Anthony Bradley

Luke Barbarick

Broos Kasper

Konnor McDaniel

Caleb Craig

Madelynn Newman

Trinity Parkey

Cooper Blakesley

Bradyn Collins

Emory Kasper

Easton Jacobs

Isabella Wade

Hayden Kraft

#MidAmericaLive

Get ready: Rich Hill 4th of July celebration schedule

America’s Semiquincentennial

Theme: We The People-A Legacy of Liberty

Wednesday-July 1

6 p.m. Children's Promenade sponsored by BL & Sons Disposal LLC and 49 Floral

7 p.m. Baby Contest sponsored by Phel-Mack Enterprises 0-18 months/clothing allowed

8 p.m. The Duke Mason Band sponsored by Food Fair Rich Hill

Thursday-July 2

6 p.m. Kids Mad Science Show *NEW* sponsored by the Platt Family

6 p.m. Pie Contest drop off at the Methodist church

7 p.m. Pie Auction sponsored by Citizens Bank

7 p.m. Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament sponsored by Pony Keg

9 p.m. Supreme Squeeze

Friday-July 3

6:30 p.m. Fred Hunt-opener

8 p.m. Aaron Tippin FREE Concert

9:30 p.m. Street dance by MooDaddy Entertainment

Saturday-July 4

7:30 a.m. 5K Registration Rich Hill School Parking Lot *NEW*

8 a.m. 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Hometown Health Hub

9 a.m. Pickleball Tournament *NEW* *East Park* sponsored by Rich Hill Christian Church

10 a.m. Car Show Registration  West Park/Park Place

12 p.m. Car Show sponsored by BH Designs

1:45 p.m. Parade Registration 1st and Olive-Old High School 3 p.m. Parade with Marshal Terry Heuser featuring The KC Rumble band              

4 p.m. Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Rich Hill FFA 

7 p.m. The Steve Miller Experience and Hysteria - A tribute to Def Leppard sponsored by Pumpin Pete's

10 p.m. Fireworks

#MidAmericaLive

What’s Up by LeRoy Cook

A Cirrus’ Wild Ride

Getting airborne required some patience and ingenuity last week, waiting out some storms stagnating over the mid-section of the country. The sun popped out for brief periods last weekend, and the Blue Moon on Sunday night beamed brightly.

Local flying activity included Randy Miller and myself, taking the club Skyhawk out for separate spins. The SkyDive KC Cessna 182 flew a few sorties with jumpers but had to stand down for much of the weekend.

It’s a good idea to check Notices To Airmen before flying around the metro areas. If you’re heading to St. Louis, be aware of the big airshow at Spirit airport this weekend, starting Friday. It’ll tie up airspace below 15,500 feet as the military struts it’s stuff. And the much-vaunted FIFA World Cup soccer tournaments in Kansas City are already generating TFRs over the venues, primarily drone-free areas right now, but certain to expand to inhibit general aviation as the games run through mid-July.

 In week-ago-Saturday news out of Austria, a paraglider pilot flying over the Alps was ran over by an errant Cessna. The plane sliced through the powered-parachute’s canopy, escaping unharmed, but the paraglider pilot had to go to the manually-deployed reserve chute, landing with bruises after the harrowing descent. Pilots need to look outside for canopies, not just stare at navigation screens.

A Washington state study has determined that the 3 billion gallons of “sustainable” jet fuel that was supposed to be produced each year by 2030 is more likely to be just over 2 billion, due to a shortfall in feedstock material used to make the non-petroleum fuel. One can make burnable diesel-type fluid out of almost anything, but not always in a practical fashion. We’re going to be flying on dinosaur juice for a long time yet.

In a similar hoped-for Green initiative, Dutch airline easyJet is considering “taxiing” their Airbuses to the runway with an electric robot tow tractor, rather than firing up the plane’s engines at the gate. 

They would start only at the last minute. The cabin comfort will still have to be maintained by the ship’s auxiliary power unit. It will save, they say, about 55 gallons of fuel per flight. The lowered emissions have to be considered in light of the electricity used.

Back in April, a Cirrus SR-20 pilot flying near Chanute, Kansas heard a loud noise up front and determined he was now flying a glider. Unable to coast to CNU airport, he did as he was trained and pulled the Cirrus whole-airplane rocket-deployed parachute, which worked as advertised. They floated down under canopy and upon hitting the ground found themselves being drug downwind by the big chute, across fences and ditches. They were able to get the doors open and extricate eventually, after a pickup driver blocked their careening plane. That’s one Cirrus that won’t fly again.

The week’s question was “what nation was second to put a jet airliner into service, after England’s Comet in 1952?” That would be the Soviet Union, with a TU-104 in 1953,  a Russian bomber modified with windows and seats. For next week, we’re asking “how fast do jet airliners move when taxiing with idle power?” You can send your answer to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

#MidAmericaLive

Bates County Court News

Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer presiding

Fines do not include added court costs

St v Julian Santarita- speeding, fine $200.50

St v Pearl Barton- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Laroderick Brown- speeding, fine $80.50

City of Butler v Wayde Cox-Halliburton- expired plates, fine $50.50

St v Christlen Adams- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Carson Cross- speeding, fine $80.50

City of Rich Hill v Taylor Dirks- expired plates, fine $50.50

St v Brian Sollars- no working horn, fine $200.00

St v Zayden Carter- no working horn, fine $114.00

St v Ian Kamora- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Michael Wisdom- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50

St v Nicholas Hofschulte- no working horn, fine $200.00

St v Elijah Figgers- speeding, fine $120.50

St v John Lenan- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Nickolas Martinez- no working horn, fine $94.00

St v Jose Chacon- no valid license, $205.50

City of Butler v Elias Toliver- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Wiley Halsey- fail to register vehicle, fine $125.00

City of Butler v Clayton Hardie- expired plates, fine $75.00

City of Butler v Alyssa Brawley- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Robert Moore- parking violation, fine $50.50

#MidAmericaLive

Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

Royal Property Solutions LLC to Pumphrey, Alex J Str 24-40-33 //Nw

Breckenridge, Shawn T. to Breckenridge, Shawn & Dawn Trust 05-19-2026 Str 36-39-30

Breckenridge, Shawn to Breckenridge, Shawn & Dawn Trust 05-19-2026 Str 36-39-30 //Ne

Downey, Dylanjer to Cantrell, Gabriel Str 27-42-31 //Sw

Boyles, Gayla A to Rushing, Joshua Str 21-39-33

Parker, Donald P to Fischer, Darren D Str 5-39-31+

Davis Donnelly, Marilyn to Mcculley, John Str 8-41-30 //Nw

Stump, Charles G to Mulch, Travis Str 23-40-31 //Sw

Coffman, Gary F to Lawrence, Junior V Bl 1 Conklin & Wells Addn

Fuller, Mary Kathleen to Fuller, Mary Kathleen Lt 11 Bl 2 West Side Addn+

Bethurem, Ethan to Pike, Gregory Lt 6 Yoakum's Subd

Dennis Heiman Properties to Gress, Roger Str 5-38-29 //Sw

Short, Jerome to Short, Jerome Lt 7 Kelso's 1st Addn

Mott, Bernard to Pineville Investments Lt 20 Bl 23 Rockville, Original Town Of+

Millsap & Singer to Smith's Properties, LLC Lt 22 Country South+

Koehn, Myron & Robin Trust 03-22-2022 to Koehn, Wesley Str 8-38-31 //Sw

Eason, Brent to Eason, Brent Lt 11 Bl 1 Standish's, S. L. Addn+

Hobbs, Rex A to Hobbs, Charlene R Bl 6 Burdett, Original Town Of+

Anderson, Charles Eric to Anderson, Julie Lt 16 Country North Subd

Sharp, Wanda to Sproat, Stephen Str 18-42-31 //Se

Tallman, Logan N to Tallman, Logan N Str 23-42-32 //Ne

Marriage license

Peters, Dustin Chase and Bouchard, Danielle Jacquelyn

Hicks, Jacob Ryan and Meyers, Mary Margeret

Lightcap, Kane Anthony and Harris, Karalee

#MidAmericaLive

Back to some sunshine for awhile

Welcome to June everybody. It's a sunny & muggy one with last night's storms well off to the east. Kansas City had a tornado warning around 1am, so people up there will be grouchy at work today

Anyway, the winds will shift east/northeast tomorrow, which will cut off the gulf moisture making things muggy for the middle of the week. Plenty of sunshine.

Another trough digs into the central plains by late Thursday, making the pattern active again around Friday and into the weekend. -Greg@660weather

#MidAmericaLive

Pleasanton man sentenced in dog mauling case

Pleasanton, Kansas man Damon B. Leonard, charged with abandoning the corpse of 13 year old Airen Andula in December of 2025, was sentenced in the Bates County Circuit Court on Friday disregarding his attempt on Thursday to withdraw his guilty plea.

As proceedings began, it was stated that the defense had requested the change of plea due to "new information" however, the court moved ahead with sentencing- four years in Missouri DOC, the maximum for a Class E Felony with credit for time served.

Just before Christmas 2025, dogs owned by Leonard were responsible for the mauling death of Andula as he bicycled near his home and Leonard later admitted that he moved the body to a rural southwest Bates County location.

During proceedings a statement written by the family of Andula was read aloud that expressed sincere hardship for the family and asked the court to provide the maximum sentence.

Leonard was represented by Public Defender Harold Trull of Harrisonville.

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Get ready: Rich Hill 4th of July celebration schedule

2026 4th of July Schedule

America’s Semiquincentennial

Theme: We The People-A Legacy of Liberty

Wednesday-July 1

6 p.m. Children's Promenade sponsored by BL & Sons Disposal LLC and 49 Floral

7 p.m. Baby Contest sponsored by Phel-Mack Enterprises 0-18 months/clothing allowed

8 p.m. The Duke Mason Band sponsored by Food Fair Rich Hill

Thursday-July 2

6 p.m. Kids Mad Science Show *NEW* sponsored by the Platt Family

6 p.m. Pie Contest drop off at the Methodist church

7 p.m. Pie Auction sponsored by Citizens Bank

7 p.m. Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament sponsored by Pony Keg

9 p.m. Supreme Squeeze

Friday-July 3

6:30 p.m. Fred Hunt-opener

8 p.m. Aaron Tippin FREEConcert!!

9:30 p.m. Street dance by MooDaddy Entertainment

Saturday-July 4

7:30 a.m. 5K Registration Rich Hill School Parking Lot *NEW*

8 a.m. 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Hometown Health Hub

9 a.m. Pickleball Tournament *NEW* *East Park* sponsored by Rich Hill Christian Church

10 a.m. Car Show Registration West Park/Park Place

12 p.m. Car Show sponsored by BH Designs

1:45 p.m. Parade Registration 1st and Olive-Old High School 3 p.m. Parade with Marshal Terry Heuser featuring The KC Rumble band

4 p.m. Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Rich Hill FFA

7 p.m. The Steve Miller Experience and Hysteria - A tribute to Def Leppard sponsored by Pumpin Pete's

10 p.m. Fireworks!!

#MidAmericaLive

When Should You Get a Bone Density Test?

Wondering if your bones are weakening? Here’s how to know if and when to get tested.

As we get older, our bones naturally lose some strength. For many people, that loss happens slowly and without symptoms. You may not realize your bones are becoming weaker until a fracture happens.

Doctors sometimes recommend getting a bone density test, which may help spot bone loss early, before you experience a fracture or other serious injury. But when should you get this test done? And who actually needs one? Here’s some information that can help you decide if it’s right for you.

What Is a Bone Density Test?

A bone density test measures how strong and dense your bones are. The most common type is called a DEXA scan, which stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

During the test, which uses a very small amount of radiation and typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, you lie on a padded table while a scanning machine passes over your body. The test usually focuses on the hips and spine, since fractures often happen in these areas.

The results show how your bone density compares with healthy young adults. Doctors use this information to determine whether your bones are normal, slightly weak (called osteopenia) or affected by osteoporosis.

Why Would You Need a Bone Density Test?

Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease” because bone loss often happens without symptoms. Many people only discover they have it after a fracture.

Bone density tests can help doctors identify bone loss early and start treatment if needed. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, supplements or medications that help slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk. Early detection can make a difference in protecting long-term mobility and independence.

When Bone Density Testing Is Recommended

It is usually recommended that women have a bone density test starting at age 65 and men begin testing around age 70. But some people should be tested earlier. Your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you:

• Are a woman over age 50 who has broken a bone
• Went through menopause early
• Take medications that weaken bones, such as long-term steroids
• Have certain medical conditions that affect bone health
• Have a family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
• Are very thin or have lost significant height over time

These factors can increase your risk of bone loss.

If you’re unsure whether you should be tested, talk to your doctor.

How Often Should You Get Tested?

The exact timing of when you should get tested depends on your risk factors and overall health.

If your first bone density test shows normal results, you may not need another test for several years. Some people only repeat the test every five to ten years. If you already have low bone density or osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend testing every one to two years to track changes and monitor treatment.

Is There Any Controversy Around Bone Density Tests?

While bone density testing is widely recommended, some experts believe testing may be overused. In some cases, testing may not change treatment decisions. Others point out that screening too often can lead to unnecessary worry or treatment.

Still, most medical organizations agree that bone density testing is valuable for older adults and people with risk factors for osteoporosis. When used appropriately, the test is considered safe and helpful.

Copyright 2026 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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