Obituary - John Edgar Everhart

John Edgar Everhart, 79, Overland Park, Kansas departed this life on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park.

Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2019 at The Dickey Cottage, 2400 E. Elm, Harrisonville, Missouri with visitation to follow the service until 4:00 p.m.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Bentonville Arkansas man injured in Bates County Crash

On 11/28/19 around 1:20am the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County along with Bates County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a one vehicle accident on northbound I-49 around mile marker 121.4 just north of Rich Hill.

The Missouri State Highway says the accident occurred when the 2018 Honda driven by 28 year old Krishnakireeti Samudrala of Bentonville, Arkansas struck a deer that was in the roadway.

Mr. Samudrala sustained minor injuries in this accident and he was transported by ambulance to Bates County Memorial for treatment.

The vehicle was totaled and towed from the scene of the accident by Douty's Tow of Butler, Missouri.

Update: Trucker sustained minor injuries in Thanksgiving day rollover accident near Butler

On 11/28/19 around 3:27pm the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County along with Bates County Sheriff's Deputies and Bates County EMS responded to a one vehicle semi truck rollover accident in the southbound lanes of I-49 at mile marker 125.2 between Rich Hill and Butler.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2019 Kenworth tractor trailer driven by 55 year old Kevin L. Russell of Ava, Missouri traveled off the roadway, driver overcorrected before returning to the roadway beginning to skid before overturning onto the roadway.

Mr. Russell sustained minor injuries in this accident and he was transported by Bates County EMS to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The accident caused a major headache as some drivers were stuck in the mess for several hours. The semi truck was towed from the scene of the accident by J's Southland Tow.

Both lanes of southbound I-49 are reported to be open at this time. Please travel with caution!

I-49 closed south of Butler

Southbound I-49 is shut down at this time at mile marker 125 which is south of Rattlesnake Hill between Butler and Rich Hill.Please find a alternate route- We will update when more information is available.

This Story Has Been Updated:

https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2019/11/update-trucker-sustained-minor-injuries.html

Obituary - Robert “Bob” Earl Wood

Robert “Bob” Earl Wood quietly passed away at his home the morning of November 26, 2019 with his daughter Nina and his wife Julie at his side. They each held a hand and told him he was loved, admired and will be missed.

Robert Earl Wood was born on the Kansas prairie on December 31st, 1931 to Earl Marion and Edna Fern “Billie” (Douglass) Wood. He grew up in a humble, modest background and went out to travel the world, raise a wonderful family, serve his country, and provide excellent dental care for over (50) years.

Bob attended Fort Scott public schools along with his sister Jeneane. He lost his brother Jack at an early age. His mother and father instilled many positive traits in him from an early age that carried him throughout his life. These included a strong work ethic, compassion for others, and an unquenched intellectual curiosity.

After graduating from Fort Scott High School, Bob went on to college at Kansas State University, majoring in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a Naval Aviator, training at Pensacola, Florida. His father passed away while he was serving in the Navy. The group of naval aviators he trained and graduated with held a special place in his life. He remained in contact with them and regularly attended reunions until his health would no longer allow.

During his school years, Bob fulfilled his quest for adventure by going west for three summers to be a smoke jumper in Oregon while attending college. He would report to camps in remote regions where he would train and be ready when the call came. He would parachute out of planes into the fire areas with all his equipment to battle the fires. This endeavor was another particular point of pride for him.

After leaving the U.S. Navy, Bob enrolled in Dental School at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Not one to shy away from responsibility or hard work, Bob completed Dental School while married, supporting both his wife and two children, Paul and Nina. Upon graduation from school, Bob's wanderlust took him to Canyon, Texas to start his practice. While there, he worked hard to break into the dental practice while enjoying all the outdoor activities the area provided. One of his favorite stories to tell was the time he decided to hike Palo Duro Canyon. He got misoriented and had to find his way back in the dark while packing out both Paul and Nina. While in Canyon, the family's third child arrived, Mary Ann.

After deciding the constant Texas wind wasn't for him the family headed back home. Home became Nevada, Missouri where a new dental practice was launched in 1968. The practice started at 1915 W. Austin with the family living in a trailer while the family home was built. And what a house it was. Bob was always on the lookout for new and innovative ideas. He was able to design the house with all the latest gadgets and custom contract it to include everything he wanted.

The practice took off, primarily due to Bob's hard work, outstanding knowledge of all the latest dental procedures, and his honesty and integrity. He always treated patients with The Golden Rule in mind. And when you treat people with respect and take care of their needs, they will come back to see you.

As if running a full-time dental practice wasn't enough to keep him busy, Bob continued to serve his country in both the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. He put his flight skills to use by becoming certified in rotary wing aircraft. He flew helicopters for the Army National Guard and became commander of an aviation battalion. There are rumors that he would fly by the office in Nevada and land helicopters there. After his health wouldn't allow him to fly anymore, he transferred to the Army Reserve Dental Corps and continued to serve by providing dental care to military members. Bob's reserve duties took him to many different places in the United States. He served his country for 41 years, and retired as a Colonel in 1991.. Along with his years of service in the military, he was a fifty-year member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite in Fort Scott, KS.

Bob was a generous man who always had time for his family and friends. Every member of the family can tell stories about how he would help repair a car, fix an appliance, or throw on his overalls, climb up on a roof, and help shingle a house. Bob didn't forget his mother, Billie, who continued living in the family homestead in Fort Scott. He would take her on trips and go over and see her on a regular basis, making sure she had whatever she needed.

Bob had a lifelong love for health and fitness. He became a vegetarian after raising a cow to butcher but became attached to “that Darn Cow” who walked with him every day to and from his house and dental practice. He loved running, starting with 5 and 10K’s before taking the leap into running marathons. His running buddy, Randy Jordan and Bob ran their first marathon in 1986 in Dallas. Together, they ran 12 marathons in total. They were very proud that they ran the Boston marathon in 1988. That was 25 years before the Boston Marathon Bombing. “How the world has changed”, Bob said. He went to the YMCA 5 days a week until his last few years when Parkinson started to impact his mobility. Even then he tried to make it to the YMCA 3 days a week. His latest foray into fitness was his love of Pickle ball. He talked about his Pickle ball players. The stories abound around the “Y” of Bob swimming seventy-five laps on his 75th birthday. On that same day at the family home, he did seventy-five pushups.

In 1992 he married Julie Bott and moved to Moundville. This started yet another chapter in his life. He settled into "town living" in Moundville. He was always engaged in projects. Whether it was continuing to add onto and improve his house, buying up other houses in Moundville to renovate, putting up a custom designed shop building for himself, or investing in a mini-storage, he always had a project going. And he was never lacking for friends. His patients and friends would stop by, visit, bring him vegetables, or just pass the time.

Bob continued to practice dentistry until 2009. But his office continues the family tradition. Paul engaged in his oral surgery practice in that same office at 1915 W. Austin until he chose to consolidate his practice nearer to his hometown in Lawton, Oklahoma. Grandson Andrew is practicing at that same location today. Grandchildren Austin and Katherine are planning on joining the family profession of dentistry

A life well lived. This is what everyone hopes for when their final time comes. Robert Earl Wood can certainly lay claim to the fact that he truly did have a life well lived. He leaves behind an unprecedented legacy. The one he could be most proud of was the family that he raised, mentored, and provided for. This was evident this past weekend when an early Thanksgiving was celebrated. The house at Moundville was full of family and friends. Everyone came to see Bob and to celebrate his life with him. It was overheard someone telling Bob, “we’re all here because of you”.

Bob was predeceased in death by his brother Jack, his father Earl Wood, and his mother Edna "Billie" (Douglass)Wood. He leaves behind his wife, Julie Wood, son Dr. Paul Stocker Wood and wife Heidi, Lawton, Oklahoma, daughter Nina Cynthia Light and husband John Phenix City, AL, daughter Mary Ann White and husband Daniel Moore, Ok, stepdaughters Lacey Wood and Randall and Candi Byram and husband Jason of Moundville, MO, and sister Jeneane Baker Farlington, KS. His Grandchildren; Ryan, Evan, Andrew, Mary Dana, Katie, Austin, Katherine, Lizzie, Eli, Gavin, Olivia, Gabby and his great-grandchildren: Riley, Sean, Paxton, Quentin, Brantley, Weston, Jaxton, Oscar, Aiden, and Jace and many niece, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Bob, Robert, Doc., Woody, Dad, Gpa, Grandpa Bobby, Papa, Buzzard; He was known by many names, but everyone knew him as a kind, generous, adventurous, innovative man. A LIFE WELL LIVED!

Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with visitation following until 12:00 p.m.

Those who wish may contribute in Bob’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation

Appleton City news

Trash pickup will be on Friday, November 29.   Please have your trash out by 7:00 a.m. because the trash company will have 2 routes that day.

Appleton City’s annual senior citizen Christmas dinner will be noon served at Thursday, December 5 in the Appleton City Elementary Gym. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP by Monday December 2 to 660-476-2161 ext. 3002.  Area senior citizens are invited to join them for an amazing holiday meal prepared and served by the High School FCSE students, NHS and STUCO members. Entertainment will be provided by the Elementary Choir and High School Band. They look forward to seeing everyone for this holiday event!

City Hall will be closed November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving

Round Prairie Baptist Church will have their Christmas program on November 29 (the day after Thanksgiving) at 6:30 p.m. The theme this year is Home for the Holidays. A light supper will be served after the program. Everyone is welcome! 

AIM is sponsoring the 2019 Montrose Lighted Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony November 30 on Main Street in Montrose.  At 5:30 p.m. they will open up the Montrose Community Building with a Concession stand hosted by the Montrose Junior Volunteer Fire Fighters. The menu will include chili, chili dogs and Frito pie and is a free will donation with funds going toward the program.  In addition, they will be showing How the Grinch Stole Christmas on the big screen.  The Official Lighting Ceremony will kick off promptly at 7:30 with the Parade immediately after.  Once the Parade is over, they will have a cookie decorating station, free hot cocoa and coffee, and several crafts/games, all of which will be held in the Montrose Community Building. This event is free to the public.

The Montrose Knights of Columbus will hold their annual Germantown Turkey Shoot on Sunday December 1, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field. Tickets are $3.00 each and advance sale tickets will enter the purchaser into a drawing for $100.00 cash. There will be a youth shoot every hour. Tickets are available in Appleton City at Dr. Payton’s office, Fennewald Plumbing or any Knights members.

Santa Claus is coming to Rockville United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 1, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Come get your picture taken with Santa and listen to Santa read Christmas stories. Stories will be read every half hour. Enjoy milk and cookies while you wait. Each child/family will receive a small gift. The event is open to everyone.

First Baptist Church will bring back a fun family tradition by hosting a living nativity, sharing the birth of Christ with the community. Come over to FBC to view the nativity and kickoff the “Reason for the Season”.   Viewing times will be Saturday, December 7 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. during Christmas in the Country festivities and Wednesday, December 18 during the TeamKIDS time. Children that are involved with FBC’s TeamKIDS program will be setup and portraying the living nativity from 2:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please drive by to view and support these young people learning about Christ’s love through the birth of his Son, Jesus.

The 73^rd tradition of the Christmas Vesper Service with be held 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8, (Doors open 4:00 p.m.). The service will be presented by the Community Choir and Band under the direction of Karla Kelly and Jeannette Hill.  You are invited to join them as they proclaim the Christmas Season with a candlelight service of worship and praise.  This year, the Service will be held at the Lakeview Barn venue out by the Appleton City Lake.  (www.vintageview-bysue.com)

Appleton City Sesquicentennial Historic Fashion Show will be in June 2020. The fashion show committee is looking for authentic historic clothing and accessories from all decades and categories covering the past 150 years. Please contact Shellie Unell at shellie.unell@gmail.com or 417-309-0607 to notify the committee of any item you have to be included or if you are interested in participating in the show.

The owners of the former Yoss Grocery (on Main Street) plan on renovating and converting the building.  They would like to know what the people in Appleton City would like them to do with it.  If you have an opinion on what business or activity you would like to see in the building, jot down your idea and drop it off at Dr. Payton’s office or email it to dcp81@embarqmail.com.

AC Rural Health Clinic now has flu shots: FLUAD is an inactivated influenza vaccine recommended for 65 and older and is indicated for active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B (H1N1) (H3N2) contained in the vaccine.   Flucelvax Quadrivalent is for patients ages 4-64, and is an inactivated influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus sub types A & B. Contraindication is for persons allergic to egg proteins. These are the recommendations for the 2019- 20 season.  Flu shots can be given without an appointment or provider visit from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the clinic at 660-475-2121 with any questions. The cost for FLUAD is $105 and Flucelvax $43.50.  Please bring your Medicare or insurance card with you and they will file for insurance benefits.   

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov 28    Thanksgiving Day

Nov 30    2019 Montrose Lighted Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony on Main Street starting at 5:30 p.m.

Dec 1       Knight of Columbus Germantown Turkey Shoot beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Dec 1       Santa Claus at Rockville United Methodist Church 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Dec 5       Appleton City’s annual senior citizen Christmas dinner at noon in the Appleton City Elementary Gym

Dec 7       Christmas in the Country activities in AC

Dec 8       Knights of Columbus Pancake and sausage breakfast 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Knights Hall in Montrose 

Dec 8       Community Vesper Service 4:30 p.m. at the Lakeview Barn

FarmHouse Kitchen will be closed Thursday November 28 and Friday November 29.  Sumo’s Pub will be closed Thursday but will be open Friday November 29 at 5:00 p.m. for regular business hours.

The schedule for Christmas in the Country on December 7 is being finalized.  Here is a list of the events so far.   Businesses which will be open and times: 8:00 a.m. – noon – Appleton City Library Open House, 9:00 a.m. – noon – Kreisler Country Pharmacy, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Petals West Florist and 3 Wishes, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Cork and Keg.  Grey & Kay Boutique and DownDog Fitness will be open with specials (times will be announced). 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: ACLR Depot Craft Show at the Depot & Durley Hotel, AC Junior Class serving a biscuit and gravy breakfast from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the High School Commons for the Public. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – 3^rdAnnual Appleton City PTO Holiday Shopping Extravaganza in the ACHS Gym, featuring over 30 vendors. Appleton City School Library – Scholastic Book Fair supporting our children.  11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Hudson Hustlers 4-H Club Potato Bar in the School Cafeteria. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop (Park Building in Forest Park) Children and families are encouraged to come out to visit Santa, receive a goody bag and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Come on out before seeing the Grinch and participating or watching the parade.  3:30 p.m.: Candy Cane Hunt with The Grinch at Forest Park (outdoors) sponsored by Ellett Memorial Hospital. Pictures will be available after the hunt. Children ages 0-12 will be separated into age divisions, 4:20: – 4:50 p.m.: Christmas Parade (theme is ˜Everyone is Santa”) begins and ends at Forest Park.  4:50 p.m.: Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree in Forest Park.  5:00 – 7:30 p.m.: 1^st Christian Church Soup, Chili, Ham & Bean, Hot Dogs & Dessert Supper/Holiday Music Come & Go (beginning at 5:45 p.m.).

A full schedule will appear in next week’s “Little Apple”.

Shoppers that come to Christmas in the Country activities can participate in a Business Scavenger Hunt by picking up a schedule of the days’ events at AC Library, PTO Holiday Shopping Extravaganza, Depot Crafts, Kreisler’s Country Pharmacy, Petals West Florist, DownDog Fitness or 3 Wishes. This schedule will serve two purposes, one as the schedule for the day and the other as a scavenger hunt card to provide an opportunity to win gift baskets put together by participating businesses.  Visit at least three of these businesses /shopping locations, obtain a business signature and put your paper in the basket at the Depot by 3:00 p.m.  There are several gift baskets available. 

Finish off the Appleton City Community Christmas in the Country at 5:00 p.m. when the First Christian Church will be serving an evening meal of vegetable soup, chili, ham & beans, dessert and drink.  A free will donation will be accepted for Community Betterment projects. Holiday music by local musicians in the sanctuary will begin at 5:45. The audience may come and go anytime during the musical performances, using the front door.  It is a casual, flexible evening. The schedule will be: 5:45 Round Prairie Kids, 6:05 Davis & Stephan Trio, 6:15 Alexis O’Farrell, 6:25 Baptist Trio-Lori Bartz, Katie Evans, Patty Young, 6:35 James Damon, 6:45 Christian Church Men 6:55 Vesper’s Methodist Community Choir 7:05 Tony Reynolds? 7:15 The Singing Preachers.

Appleton City will once host a Christmas parade to ring in the Holiday season.  The parade will be Saturday, December 7.  All interested groups, individuals, families, etc. are encouraged to participate with a float showcasing the theme of “Everyone is Santa.”. Lineup will begin at 4:00 p.m., judging at 4:15 and the parade to begin at 4:20 p.m. The parade will conclude with a Mayor’s Tree Lighting ceremony at Forest Park at 4:50 p.m. EmailACchristmasinthecountry@gmail.com or contact Jennifer Hawkins or Lyndsi Davis-Rivera on Facebook or check out the Facebook page of Appleton City – Christmas in the Country for updates on all events throughout the day, including the parade.  Registration forms are also found on this page. Please consider being a part of this revitalized Christmas tradition by putting together a float or coming out to participate in the streets.

The doors to the MKT Depot will open at 9:00 a.m. for the 23^rd Christmas in the County Depot and Durley Hotel craft show, sponsored by Appleton City Landmarks.  The returning crafters will be Julie and Tammy with homemade candies, Mrs. Miller with pies, candies, jellies and breads, Kenna’s American Girl doll creations, Tom Holt will have his wood creations, plus other crafters bringing handmade items including tatting, crocheted and knitted items, scroll saw art and other wood products.  There are several new crafters this year, selling handmade jewelry, decal decorated tumblers, canvases, wooden décor, blankets, handmade household items and other surprises.  Be sure to stop by the depot and get your drawing sheet signed.

The 2020 Sesquicentennial History book has been sent to the publisher.   This will be a large and interesting book of over 500 pages with 158 family stories/histories, 122 pages of local area history, plus business, organization and church history of AC and the surrounding area. The book includes many pictures dating between 1870 and 2019.  It will make a nice gift.  A copy can be reserved at the Museum table during the craft show.  

The ACHS Junior Class will sponsor a biscuit and gravy breakfast 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. December 7, in the High School Commons Area. ½ order of biscuits and gravy (1 biscuit) is $4.00.  A full order (2 biscuits) will be $6.00. Enjoy a hot breakfast before shopping at Christmas in the Country. Funds will be used to help pay for the after Prom celebration. 

Come visit the Appleton City Library on Saturday, December 7 and meet two local authors during Christmas in the Country. Morgan (Eye) Scott, author of an autobiography, The ‘Eye’ In Team – Cinderella Wore Sneakers, and Neoma Foreman, who wrote a fictional book, Collision With Destiny will be visiting with their books from 9:00 a.m. to noon. 

Vendors are wanted at 3^rd annual AC PTO Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the ACHS gym and commons area.  There will be a variety of vendors setup and ready to share their holiday specials.  If you are interested in being a vendor, contact Jennifer Hawkins atjenniferhawkinstriplehfarm@gmail.com or 417-359-3846.  Also, follow AC Elementary PTO Facebook page and you will find additional vendor and event information.  There will be hourly door prizes (need not be present to win).  The event is free of charge to attend.  Donations will be accepted, as this event is earmarked to help continue the PTO’s campaign of capital improvements to the school. 

Hudson Hustler’s 4-H Club will once again host its annual Loaded Baked Potato Bar at AC Elementary School cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 in conjunction with Christmas in the Country. Baked potatoes will be $7 apiece, including a dessert and drink.    Pre-order and carry-out options are available.  For more information, please contact Jamie O’Farrell at 660-492-3573 or Jennifer Hawkins at 417-359-3846.  

Ellett Memorial Hospital in AC offers outpatient specialist services for December. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments: Dec 2 – Rheumatology –Dr. Latinis, Dec 4 –Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, Dec 5 – OB/GYN, Dr. Kallberg, Dec 6 – Ophthalmology-Dr. Soni, Dec 10 – Ortho – Dr. Gray, Dec 11 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy– Dr. Vardakis, Dec 16 – Rheumatology – Dr. Latinis, Dec 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy–Dr. Namin.

Last 2019 blood drive next month

It's the final BCMH blood drive for 2019. In appreciation of our VETERANS, pizza will be served to all presenting donors.

Date: Wednesday, December 11

Time: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Locaton: BCMH Education Center

Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged. This helps the Community Blood Center provide the best service possible. For appointments, visit the CBC website:

https://donate.savealifenow.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/66960

We've had a great turnout for blood drives this year. Year to date the CBC has collected more units than our annual total for 2018. As the Community Blood Center is our main blood supplier, your donations directly benefit your community, as well as many others in the KC area. Thank you for your donation.

Medical eligibility questions: 1-800-688-0900

For more information, contact a blood drive coordinator:

Joani Boleyn - 660-200-7041

Andrea Jackson - 660-200-7313

New state report details health issues facing rural Missourians

BY ALISA NELSON

The Department of Health and Senior Services says accessing basic health care is becoming increasingly challenging due to hospital closures and fewer available hospital beds in rural Missouri. Since the last published Health in Rural Missouri report in 2017, four rural, general acute care hospitals have closed – bringing the number of rural counties without a hospital to 55.

The latest report says rural Missourians die at significantly higher rates than urban residents. For every 100,000 people living in rural areas during 2007-2017, there were nearly 869 deaths, compared to 785 in urban areas.

According to the report, heart disease tops the list for the leading cause of death for rural and urban Missourians, followed by cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases. A citizen in a rural Missouri county during the same ten-year period is 20% more likely to die of heart disease than one living in an urban county.

Between 2007 and 2017, the report says pregnancy related deaths were 47% higher for rural communities than for urban ones. In Missouri, more than 1,500 cases of maternal morbidity or mortality were reported in 2016-2017. The ten counties with the highest rates of maternal morbidity statewide are all rural.

Death rates from opioid overdose are increasing in rural areas, although less quickly than in urban areas. Similarly to urban areas, the state data shows opioid overdose death rates are highest in the eastern part of the state.

According to the report, the health status of rural Missouri boils down to unhealthy behaviors, inadequate access to health care and an older, poorer population.

Poverty is much more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas, with a 29% lower per capita income. Rural Missouri also has much higher percentages of children and elderly living in poverty.

View the full report here https://health.mo.gov/living/families/ruralhealth/pdf/biennial2019.pdf