Saturday, August 2, 2025
Happy Anniversary, Joe & Peggy Fuller
August 2, 1975 Peggy Staley became Mrs. Joe Fuller and for the past 50 years the couple has made their home in Butler, Mo. From this union came their 'favorite' son Jared, wife Lakyn and wonderful grandchildren- all while making a half century of memories with many friends throughout the area.
To help commemorate their Golden anniversary, simply tap your horn a few times when passing their home, first house west of Sonic in Butler. Congratulations Joe and Peggy, here's to 50 down and many more to go!
Friday, August 1, 2025
Joplin man hurt in accident near Passaic
Shortly after 9 am this morning, a westbound 2007 Chevy Impala driven by a 17 year old Joplin man left the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch along route D highway about a mile east of Passaic.
The unnamed driver was transported to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries; the vehicle was totaled and towed from the scene.
Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of victims in publicly available accident reports. Hardcopy detailed reports are available from the MSHP at a cost of $6 with an unknown delivery time due to a severe backlog, according to the MSHP website.
An exhausted dad's plea goes viral
Late in the evening as things began to wind down, Anderson found himself in a rather deflated state peering through a glass door while in contrast, his wife appeared to have gotten her second wind and continued to chat it up with guests.
Interestingly, the moment was captured on video and following a posting to TikTok, it amassed some 15 million views along with 4 million likes in less than a week.
Titled "When your mom is being a little social butterfly but your dad's ready to leave", Justice posted the video with no clue that it would go viral. Soon after, People Magazine picked up the story, which caught the attention of producers for the Kelly Clarkson Show who contacted the father and daughter for more information.
Anderson stated that he and his daughter spent 45 minutes making a two minute (audition) video for the Clarkson show but "I’m not sure who they think they are" said Anderson. "No one can explain us in 2 minutes. Just saying. So most likely we'll go back to a normal life. No riches or fame for me."
We'll see about that.
Over the years, the sheriff has become well known for his Elf on the Shelf and other spontaneous videos he's posted online- leading one to believe that following this brush with fame, the nation's eyes will be regularly watching for what's next from Bates County, Mo.
See the TikTok video here:
Bates County Elks make much appreciated donation
The Bates County Elks recently made a donation of $2,730.00 to the Butler Elementary School Supply Drive as seen here, (front): Elk PER, Trustee Terry Agnew, Vicki Spencer, Amanda Lawson, Amy Tippie, Elk PER Stan Harris. Back: Elk Grant Coordinator Brenda Cecil, Elk Secretary Angie McGuire, Elk Treasurer Jason Bennett, Elk Trustee Diana Bennett, Elk Lecturing Knight Stacy Hartsell.
The money received will greatly benefit the need for school supplies as Butler children head back to the classrooms in a few weeks. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Rollover accident just east of Passaic
Adrian and Butler Fire first responders have been dispatched to the scene of a one vehicle rollover accident on D highway about a mile east of Passaic.
Injury status is unknown at this time, use caution of traveling through the area. More details to be released as soon as they become available.
A Daughter’s Tribute Comes Full Circle
More than a year ago, then-high school senior Reegan Koshko donated a collection of Bates County landscape photos to the soon-to-open Long-Nissen Infusion Center. Her only request: to dedicate them in memory of her mother, Cheyanna Hellwig, who passed away from breast cancer when Reegan was five.
To honor her gift, the Bates County Community Health Foundation created a one-time scholarship in Cheyanna’s name. Funds were raised through a special raffle of a sunflower photo—yellow was Cheyanna’s favorite color—held during the 100th anniversary of Pleasant Gap Christian Church.
At the center’s one-year anniversary in July, Reegan saw her acrylic-mounted photos on display for the first time, including in the new donor tribute wall. Now a student at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School, her art continues to bring comfort and hope to patients every day.
Reegan's grandmother, Carolyn Hellwig and her aunt, Jody Hellwig.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Stolen tractor recovered near Vernon county line
Earlier, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a stolen John Deere Tractor northeast of Rich Hill and today the victim reported that the tractor may be in Vernon County on Albert Road just south of the Vernon County/Bates County line. Deputies from Bates County and Vernon County responded to the area and found the tractor on the side of the road.
Since the tractor was recovered in Vernon County and the subject was taken into custody inside Vernon County the male was taken to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation.
Both Sheriff Anderson and Sheriff Buehler agree that cases like this are the reason that great relationships with each other is a must. “We both serve our citizens and career criminals don’t pay attention to county lines” says Sheriff Anderson. “I agree and we are proud to work together for the common goal of serving our communities” says Sheriff Buelher.
Kip Matthew presented with Award of Excellence in Springfield
Congratulations to Harrisonville High School choir director Kip Matthew
At the Missouri Choral Directors Association Conference on July 24th in Springfield, MO Kip Matthew of Harrisonville schools was honored with the Jeff Sandquist Presidential Award of Excellence.
MCDA President Kevin McBeth selected Kip as this year’s recipient in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and musical excellence.
Once again, congrats!
Obituary - Karen Ensor
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Lexington United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Business Hwy 13, Lexington, Missouri 64067. A memorial service will follow immediately. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the C.A.R-Cancer Assistant Relief. Memories of Karen and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, MO 64067, 660-259-2245.
Karen was born on July 30, 1939, in Kansas to Clarence “Frank” and Margaret (Dexter) Easter. In 1957, she graduated from Butler High School. Karen worked for over 27 years as a secretary for Lexington High School and Middle School. Karen was united in marriage on December 6, 1957, to Everette Dale Ensor in Butler, Missouri. He preceded her in death on May 16, 2013. Karen was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Along with spending time with family and friends, Karen had a green thumb for gardening and tendering to her flowers.
Karen is survived by one son, Marty (Cheryl) Ensor of Lexington, MO five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one daughter-in-law, Julie Ensor of Blue Springs, MO and many relatives and friends.
Along with both her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by Wade Ensor.
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