Butler Jr. High Bears results from El Dorado Springs Cross Country meet

The Bears have another successful meet in El Dorado Springs

The Junior high bears will finish up their season this weekend at the Middle School Cross Country Championship meet this week

Results:

High school girls

2nd as a team

Erica Wilbers- 20:26.4 1st

Catherine Cook- 22:01.2 9th

Alayna Alkire- 25:51.5 37th

Luisa Sanchez- 26:52.4 43rd

Addi Kuda- 27:29.2 48th PR

High School Boys

Hayden Dickens- 19:09.9 9th

Junior High Girls

Mia Sanchez-16:41.0 15th PR

Skylar Hudgens- 18:40.6 23rd PR

Alana Hush 18:47.4 26th PR

Junior High Boys

1st as a team

Blaine Morrill- 12:40.1 4th PR

Levi Wiese- 13:18.5 7th

Isaiah Driver-13:30.5 10th PR

Evan Thomas- 13:46.9 13th PR

Eli Morris- 14:07.6 15th Pr

Brandon Algiere- 15:08.6 19th

Aidan Bettels- 15:23.8 21st

Tyson Phillips- 15:28.2 22nd

Jon Cook- 16:13.8 24th PR

Lucas Jarred- 16:14.4 25th PR

Nate Owens- 17:18.8 31st

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Rich Hill R-IV Schools Welcomes New Superintendent, Ms. Christy Jones

Rich Hill R-IV School District is excited to announce Ms. Christy Jones as our next Superintendent, beginning July 1, 2027!

Ms. Jones brings 29 years of educational experience, including 20 years in educational administration, to Rich Hill. She currently serves as Superintendent of Northeast Vernon County R-I School District in Walker, Missouri, where she has worked closely with students, staff, families, board members, and community members to support student success and strengthen the district.

A native of Plattsburg, Missouri, Christy grew up in a small community where she was actively involved in sports and school activities. Her experiences growing up helped shape her appreciation for the important role schools play in bringing people together and creating opportunities for students.

Throughout her career, Ms. Jones has believed that successful schools are built on strong relationships, collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to students. As she shared:

“My leadership philosophy centers on listening, learning, building relationships, and working together to identify opportunities for growth.”

As she prepares to join the Rich Hill community, Ms. Jones looks forward to learning about our traditions, celebrating our strengths, and working alongside students, staff, families, and community members to build on the district’s successes.

“I am committed to taking the time to get to know the people who make Rich Hill special and to ensuring that decisions are guided by what is best for students and the future of the district.”

Outside of her professional life, Christy enjoys working on the farm, spending time outdoors, taking on remodeling projects, and enjoying time with family and friends.

She is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to becoming part of the Rich Hill community.

“I believe every school district's heart is its people, and I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships with the students, staff, families, and community members who make Rich Hill such a special place.”

Her commitment to collaboration, relationships, and creating the best possible educational opportunities for every student aligns with our vision for the future of Rich Hill Schools.

A Successful Today...A Better Tomorrow. Together, we look forward to building on our strengths, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to put students first.

Please join us in giving Ms. Christy Jones a warm Rich Hill Tiger welcome!

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Kevin Goddard, who joined Rich Hill in 2020 and will retire from public education after 30 years of service. We wish him all the best in his retirement!

Courtesy Rich Hill schools

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A big week for Adrian Cross Country team

The Adrian Cross Country team competed at the Eldo meet this week with the following results:

From Head Coach Rylee Mabe:

Girls Team - 1st Place

Boys Team - 4th Place Overall

HS Girls Individual Places

Libby Nebocat, 2nd

Kenzie Coones, 3rd

Alayna Patterson, 7th

Avery Rodgers, 11th

HS Boys Individual Places

Jack Lile, 17th

Ryker Isaac, 20th

MS Individual Places

Sophia Moss, 2nd

Congratulations, Blackhawks!

Photos by Jami Smith, Don Lile and Rylee Mabe

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Alpha-Gal friendly treat ideas

Halloween should be fun for every trick-or-treater. For children with alpha-gal syndrome, many traditional candies may contain ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction. Offering vegan treats or nonfood items such as stickers, glow sticks and small toys can help make Halloween more inclusive for everyone.

Learn more about alpha-gal-friendly options and ways to support children with food allergies this Halloween: https://brnw.ch/21x6Blg

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Training exercise focuses on handling tornado disaster in Butler

An unresponsive person receives triage near the Butler elementary
school  during a special training exercise on Monday evening

As part of an ongoing series of training exercises held in conjunction with the Butler fire department, Bates County EMA, Butler police, Bates County Memorial Hospital, the Bates County Sheriff's Office and others, a scenario played out Monday evening as follows:

Two tornados have caused moderate to severe damage in the city limits of Butler. There are downed trees, power lines, possible injuries and damage to buildings. The storm has taken out dispatch capabilities from both county and city dispatch centers. Neighboring agencies and Bates County Sheriff units cannot respond due to being tied up in other areas of the county that have experienced damage. Mobile and portable radios are operable but city and county dispatch centers are down.

Firstly, a unified Command Center was created, including representatives from Fire, Police, EMS and County/EMA which was located at the Butler Fire Department offices on Orange street.

In short order, fire and police units were dispatched to canvass for hazards which were designated by cones at various locations. Under each cone was information about the hazard (scenario incident list). As responding units found the cones and read the information, they had to decide where the call should be directed using the chain of command. 

The area for the exercise covered from Nursery to Harrison streets (north and south) and  Orange to Main streets ((east and west) that included hazards on both sides of the street. All during which, Bates County Memorial Hospital EMS responded accordingly and triaged calls.

The following is a list a hazards and situations encountered by first responders:

1. A large tree across the road.
2. Powerline across the road.
3. Powerline across the road and arcing on parked car.
4. The police department building was heavily damaged.
5. House heavily damaged with 2 victims involved.
6. Powerline on car with person inside who had a heart attack.
7. Event in school gym, although no visible damage to structure.
8. Electric line pulled from house with arcing, a potential fire hazard.

9. Shirtless man in street screaming with a knife, police respond.
10. Stop light not working, traffic congestion.
11. Old High School severely damaged. Victims may be inside on first floor. 

12. Flooding over street including a sewage hazard.

13. Gas meter taken out by a tree, gas now leaking presenting an explosion potential.

Following the exercise, all units returned to the command center on Orange street to discuss how to better handle certain issues that were encountered for example, poor radio reception, enhancing overall communication between agencies and much more.

Overall, "it was a realistic learning event" that certainly will help when the real thing happens- with that, more such trainings are on the schedule for next year.

A mobile command center was quickly established at an alternate

location due to heavy damage at the Butler police station as well as the 

Bates county sheriff's office

First responders work through a situation where a power line is on
a vehicle with victim trapped inside

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82 year old Rich Hill man arrested on sodomy and kidnapping charges

Lloyd Louis Culver Jr. 82, of Rich Hill Mo. has been taken into custody by the Butler police department and is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on the following charges:

1. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

2. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

3. Kidnapping - 2nd Degree  { Felony D RSMo: 565.120 }

Culver is accused of the above charges stemming from events that allegedly occurred on October 14, 2026 in Bates county. 

On October 21st, Culver pleaded not guilty Before Judge Julie Highley and is currently seeking a public defender according to documents on file in the Bates County Circuit Court.

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Big night ahead for local volleyball

Wednesday scores:

Midway 0

Concordia 3

Archie 3

Drexel 0

Adrian 3

Barstow 0

Butler 3 

Lone Jack 1

The Archie Lady Whirlwinds won the semi-final round of district volleyball last night and will play for the Class 1 District 12 championship this evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Archie dome.

Another game, another milestone for Adrian Blackhawk Volleyball player Grace Engeman. Last night at Lone Jack in District Tournament action verses Barstow Grace reached 1000 digs. Tonight Grace and the Blackhawks face Butler for the District 13 Championship. Courtesy Adrian News Leader

The Lady Bears beat Lone Jack 3-1 to advance to the District Championship game tonight against Adrian


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Scam artist taken into custody following lengthy investigation

In August 2026, deputies with the Bates County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible scam that was targeting churches in the area. The initial reporting party gave a very specific description of a male who had contacted the church asking for financial assistance. The pastor of the church later discovered an email that had been sent to churches in the Kansas area, describing the same male party, who had been scamming churches in the state of Kansas as well. The individual was traveling to various churches, giving a similar story each time to church members in order to play on their heartstrings and gain financial assistance from each church, and sometimes individual members of the church.

The investigation led to the identity of the male and revealed that the individual had scammed multiple churches in Bates County, spanning from November 2025 to October 2026. The individual was identified as 53-year-old Tracy Humbert of Fort Scott, Kansas. It was also discovered that Humbert had been using the same scam on churches in the state of Iowa as well as the state of Kansas. In each case, the story only changed slightly, often indicating that his family members were ill and dying and he needed financial assistance to get to them in another state; however, the investigation determined that the stories were false. Deputies notified churches in Bates County to be aware of Mr. Humbert and the scam that he was peddling.

On October 11, 2026, deputies received a call from one of the churches in Bates County. The reporting party advised that Humbert was currently at their church attempting to get money. Deputies responded, observed Mr. Humbert actively trying to get money, and took him into custody.

A warrant was issued for Mr. Humbert, and he is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on a $100,000.00 cash-only bond, where he has been charged with Theft by Deceit, a Class D felony in the State of Missouri.

The Bates County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Linn County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in the investigation. If you are a church in Bates County and this individual has contacted you and attempted to get financial assistance, and you have not already reported the incident, please reach out to the Bates County Sheriff's Office at 660-679-3232.

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Investigation will not be reopened

Minutes from the October 19, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting

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

Chris Gach was present for all meetings.

Gayle Beachner came in and asked about the report on John Gray. She asked if they could reopen the investigation. Jim stated they could not. She then asked if they could do another investigation. Jim said the Commission would not do so, but she needed to do what she felt she needed to. She asked the Commission about going into a closed session when they should not have. Jim informed her that Steve Cohen requested they do so, so the Commission followed suit, as this is Steve’s job.

IWORQ Systems called the Commission on Zoom and discussed things that they offered. Jim informed him that the Commission doesn’t need anything from them, as they deal with FEMA. They also mentioned liquor licenses and the cost of that, but Jim informed him that the way the Clerk’s Office does them is fine and we didn’t need to change anything.

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MDC offers info for hunter education course

Hunting isn’t just an outdoor sport, it’s a culture and a long-standing tradition in Missouri

Hunter education is required for most hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, unless otherwise exempt. Find out what the hunter education course covers and where you can take it, including online options here https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education


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Bates County early voting information

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Rich Hill Senior Spotlight, Kamiel Wolf

Rich Hill Senior Spotlight-Class of 2027 ~ Kamiel Wolf

Congratulations!

Check out our Senior Page:

https://www.richhill.k12.mo.us/.../senior-recognitionsalumni

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October Proclaimed as Pork Month in Missouri

Missouri is a Top 10 state for pork production.

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Today, on behalf of Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn proclaimed October as Pork Month in Missouri. Director Chinn presented the proclamation to Missouri Pork Association leadership during a ceremony at Hermann Wurst Haus in Hermann, Mo.

“Missouri is proud to be a leading producer of high-quality pork, and it is a privilege to recognize the farmers who make that possible during the month of October and throughout the entire year,” said Governor Kehoe. “The pork industry plays a vital role in Missouri’s agriculture economy, supporting jobs and strengthening communities across the entire supply chain.”

Missouri has 3.3 million head of hogs, which contributes nearly $2.2 billion to the state’s economy. Additionally, Missouri’s pork production represents more than 4.4 percent of the United States total of pork.

“Missouri ranks seventh among all states in hog inventory, contributing significantly to the state’s $93.7 billion agriculture industry,” said Director Chris Chinn. “Our state is a world leader when it comes to research, leadership and overall quality of product. We are happy to celebrate Missouri pork farmers and the delicious, quality products they provide for consumers.”

“Every time you enjoy pork, you have a connection to a Missouri farm family,” said Mike Diggs of Lamar, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association Board of Directors. “October Pork Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate that connection and recognize the farmers who work every day to produce safe, nutrition pork while caring for our animals, protecting our resources and supporting our communities. We’re proud to share the story of Missouri pork and the people who raise it.”

A copy of the proclamation can be found on the Governor’s website.

Learn more information about the Missouri Pork Association online.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department’s website.

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Miami R-1 Students of the Month

Miami R-1 September Students of the Month: Mackenzie Stewart, Asher Silver, Weston Cameron, and Gavin Schmidt.

Congratulations Eagles and keep up the good work!

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Courthouse clocks receive much needed repair

Earlier today a large crane was used to reach the clocks on the Bates County Courthouse as several of the clock mechanisms have not been working for some time. The repairman in the bucket removed the hands while another worker on the inside replaced the mechanisms.

All four motors were replaced, just for good measure.

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Athlete of the Week, Kylee Dubray

We are excited to announce this week’s C & S Graphics and State Farm athlete of the week senior, Kylee Dubray from Butler. Kylee was nominated by head coach Heather Goldammer. She was nominated after achieving her 1000th career dig and 1000th career kill which proves she’s a force on both sides of the ball. She was also selected to the all tournament team in the El Dorado Springs tournament. Coach Goldammer stated “Kylee is not only a great volleyball player, but she is a leader both on and off the court and she gives the best in everything she does.”

We asked Kylee what she likes most about volleyball compared to other sports and she stated she likes the different speed of the game and being able to celebrate as a team when someone does something good. We asked her what was one thing she would miss once volleyball comes to an end and she stated getting to play with her friends who she has played with since 4th grade. Her friend Tandee is graduating at semester and this will be the last sport she gets to play with her. Kylee is a 4 sport athlete at Butler and participates in volleyball, basketball, softball and track. She has plans to attend college after graduation and major in sonography. We want to wish Kylee and the lady Bears the best of luck as they begin post season action tonight at Districts in Lone Jack, Missouri.

Pictured left to right: Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Kylee Dubray, daughter of Kyle and Erin Dubray; Cody Morris, C&S Graphics

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Bates County Memorial Hospital honors Allison Pugh, BSHA

It’s Healthcare Quality Week

Quality care takes teamwork, attention to detail and a commitment to continually improving how we serve our patients.

As Director of Quality and Risk Management, Allison Pugh, BSHA, works across many areas of hospital operations, including patient safety, regulatory compliance and quality improvement. But as Allison points out, this work is never accomplished alone.

“None of these goals can be achieved by one person alone. I am truly grateful for the dedication of all employees and staff for their continuous efforts to provide quality care.”

This Healthcare Quality Week, we join Allison in recognizing the commitment our employees bring to providing safe, quality care for our patients and community.

Thank you for the part you play in making quality care possible at BCMH!

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Tuesday volleyball scores

Sheldon 1

Hume 3

Appleton City 3

Bronaugh 0

Rich Hill 3

NE Vernon County 0

Archie 3

Miami 0

Drexel 3

Ballard 0

Butler 3

El Dorado Springs 0

Lone Jack 3

Sherwood 0

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Commission looks to resolve insurance issues

Minutes from the October 14, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting

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

Chris Gach was present for all meetings.

Michael Boonyakiti and William Harbors, with Axios Supplemental Insurance, came in and spoke with the Commission. Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, and Jennifer Bolling, Deputy County Clerk, joined. Michael explained the process of what they do and how they would be able to help employees. Jami and Jennifer felt that this was something to investigate, as there has been an uprise in confusion due to the amount of Insurance Agents that have come in and spoke with the employees. With Axion, there will be one broker that the employees will speak to and that broker will help them and take care of their supplementals. Jennifer asked about their billing, asking if the County would pay Axion but Michael confirmed that for now, the County would still be paying the supplementals for now, but they are in the process of making it to where the county could pay Axion directly and then Axion would distribute from there.

Axion has 72 different Supplemental Insurances and would help the employee with whatever one they had; therefore, they would not need to reach out to the Insurance themselves.

Trent stated that he felt like this would help Jennifer and was in support of anything that would help her out. John stated that he had no issues and was in support of this making it easier for Jennifer. Jim then stated that they would like to have a week to call other counties to see what they think.

Jami Page, Bates County Clerk, and Jennifer Bolling, Deputy County Clerk, met with the Commission to discuss the information they retained while calling other counties. Only one county had minor issues, but the Commission felt as if this could be resolved as the company grows. They mentioned that it was a good possibility that the county did not reach out and tell Axios about the issue. Jami felt it was a good idea to call Michael Boonyakiti, with Axios, and ask him about these concerns. While Jami was trying to get ahold of Michael, Jennifer asked the Commission if there was anything else they felt they could do to make this process easier if Axios is not an option. Chris Gach wondered if Charles, with Cooks Insurance, would know of any brokers that offered the same option.

Jami had Michael on speaker phone and asked him about the review that a certain County had given and wondered if he had even known about the issue. Michael was certain that he was unaware and was going to reach out and get the issue resolved. They discussed more minor concerns and ended the call feeling confident that Axios could be something that would help the employee confusion. Jim asked if there were any other brokers that offered the same thing as them. Michael didn’t seem to understand the question, so Chris rephrased and asked if Axios had any competitors. Michael stated that they did not.

Jami and Jennifer were both in high hopes that this is what they need to clear confusion and help the employee. They will know what insurance(s) they have; they won’t have multiple supplements that provide the same coverage and HR will be able to run smoother. They have not decided yet, as they are informing employees and allowing for more investigating into the matter.

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MDC offers more information on Chronic Wasting Disease in deer

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious, deadly brain disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family, called cervids. The disease is caused by a misfolded protein and can be spread by direct contact between deer, when deer encounter the carcass of an infected deer, or when deer encounter the misfolded proteins shed in the environment (urine, feces, saliva) by an infected deer. Read more here https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease


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