Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Harmony Mission Day coming soon: Missionaries Journey up the Missouri and Osage Rivers

Missionaries Journey up the Missouri and Osage Rivers 

When the keelboats were embarked at St.Louis, Missouri was not a state. At this time the capitol was located at St. Charles. This is where they met with the governor and picked up the women and children. 

The following information was taken from the journal kept by Revs. Dodge and Pixley Printed in the book “The First Protestant Osage Missions 1820-1837” by Wm. W. Graves

June 9 Missionaries that stayed back to get the keelboats in the Missouri River left to go to St. Charles which was a 10 mile trip down the Missouri River.

June 10 Attended public worship near our boats. A number of inhabitants united with us in our worship service.

June 13 At 1 o’clock the mission family assembled at their boats and the Governor of Missouri along with a number of people from St. Charles convened on the bank of the river for the send off. The mission families sang a farewell hymn. They received donations from the governor and the from the people from St. Charles. They proceeded down the Missouri River.

June 19 Found difficulty in passing on some sand bars. Our second boat grounded on one of the sand bars and delayed us 3 hours.

June 20 Moved down the river very favorably and gained 14 miles. 

June 25 We moved slowly at the mouth of the Gasconade River. In an attempt to cross the mouth of the Gasconade the second boat just gained to the other side, but the first boat was taken by the current and carried nearly a mile before we could make shore.


June 30 This day we moved about 14 miles up the Osage. We found that this was a beautiful stream.

July 2 This morning one of our hard hands went out and in a short time came back with a deer for our dinner. Two of the hard hands left us to return home.

July 4 Passed a cave where there were several men employed in making salt petre. ( Information about salt petre found on Wikipedia on the internet)The crystals are taken off of the cave walls and used for nitrogen (potassuium nitrate used in fertilizer, gunpowder and fireworks.)

July 14 The water rose during the night about 3 feet. It has come in the season to help us on the Grand Rapids We are very glad that our families at this time are healthy and feeling good.

Aug.2 Passed the Little Osage River. We opened our eyes on a beautiful prairie. Came to the Chaiteau establishment where we found a number of families of Osage Indians. We had an interview with them and made known the object of our visit. They gathered around us in a friendly manner and they were brightened with gladness at our arrival. Most of the chiefs and warriors were out on a hunt. They especially showed the children lots of love and even gave them gifts of nuts and other things available on the land. Eight of the hands left to return to St. Louis. We are very appreciative for all their hard work they had done to help us reach our destination. It looks like the Osage are going to be very receptive to us and were filled with high hopes in helping us in living in this unknown wilderness. We moved on a little above Chaiteau to settle for the night.

June 12 is the date for the Harmony Mission tour. The agenda for the tour is to meet at the Papinville Museum 30 minutes before your tour time (tour times 10:00 1:00 and 3:00), get your tickets and view the dioramas of the Osage Village and Harmony Mission. Wagon ride to location of mission, learn about the mission and where the buildings were located, eat lunch on the area, back to museum to get dessert and hear the story about Sophia (Melicourt Papins wife) who was Osage presented by Beverly Sullins. Prices for the tour:you adults $12.00 Children (12 and under) $6.00. Make reservations by calling 417-395-2594 or 417-395-4288. Leave a message if no answer and we will return your call. If you want to know where Bates County was established come join us and enjoy the journey.

Next weeks story will be on the journey from the Osage, up the Marais Des Cynes River to Papinville and then to the location of the mission. Hope to see you on our journey from Papinville to Harmony location. Submitted by Phyllis Stewart









MSHP Preliminary Reports Indicate Six Traffic Fatalities, One Boating Fatality, & One Drowning Over Memorial Day Weekend

Six people died in traffic crashes over the 2021 Memorial Day weekend counting period of 6 p.m., Friday, May 28, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 31, 2021.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated the following over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend:

Traffic Statistics

Crashes -- 270
Injuries -- 82
Fatalities -- 4
DWI -- 112
Drug Arrests -- 77

[Note: Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department each investigated a traffic fatality.]

Boating Statistics

Crashes -- 10
Injuries -- 2
Fatality -- 1
Drowning -- 1
BWI -- 8
Drug Arrests -- 2

(Note: During the 2020 counting period, the Patrol investigated 310 traffic crashes, which included 126 injuries and six of the 10 fatalities. Troopers made 118 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday: Marine operations troopers investigated 11 boating crashes involving seven injuries and one fatality; and arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday.)

Troopers investigated four of the six traffic crash fatalities. One fatality occurred in each of the following areas: Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, and Troop F, Jefferson City, MO. The remaining two fatalities were investigated by the Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

One person drowned Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Iron County, MO. No further details are available at this time.

One boating fatality occurred on Sunday, May 30, 2021, on Rinquelin Trail Lake in Maries County. Paul W. Becker, 77, of Crocker, MO, died after he fell overboard and didn’t resurface.

There were no traffic fatalities within the counting period on Friday, May 28, 2021.

Two traffic fatalities occurred on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Brenda E. Mahoney, 55, of Wentzville, MO, died when the vehicle she was driving struck another vehicle headon, then struck a third vehicle before it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Mahoney’s vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Missouri Highway 364 east of Bryan Road in St. Charles County at the time of the crash. A St. Charles County paramedic pronounced Mahoney dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle sustained serious injuries; the third driver sustained minor injuries. All three drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Barry W. Light, 32, of Pevely, MO, died when the motorcycle he was operating struck a concrete traffic barrier. The crash occurred on Interstate 64 just after the 11st Street exit in St. Louis, MO. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated.

Two fatalities occurred on Sunday, May 30, 2021. Timmy L. McIntire, 29, of Rockville, MO, died when the motorcycle he was operating ran off the right side of the roadway. McIntire was ejected from the vehicle. Both vehicle and driver then struck a utility pole. McIntire was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash occurred southwest of the intersection of W. Vernon Avenue and Fourth Street in Rockville, which is located in Bates County.

Nathaniel L. Linkins, 20, of Republic, MO, died when the motorcycle he was operating struck the curb as it a came around a curve. The motorcycle traveled onto the grass median and struck a tree. Linkins was thrown from the motorcycle; he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Debris from the motorcycle then struck a northbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was wearing a seat belt; she was not injured. The crash occurred at the intersection of Kansas Expressway and Broadmoor in Green County. The Springfield Police Department investigated.

Two fatalities occurred on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. Leonard R. Byars, 80, of Eldridge, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving ran off the right side of the roadway. Byars overcorrected, the vehicle returned to the roadway, then ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Byers was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Medical Examiner Jason Funke pronounced Byars deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Missouri Route D north of Jack North Road in Eldridge, which is in Camden County.

Conor P. Chance, 21, of East Prairie, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving ran off the roadway and struck a tree. It is unknown whether or not Chance was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Mississippi County Coroner Terry Parker pronounced Chance deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Miller Road north of East Prairie, in Mississippi County.

Follow the Patrol on Twitter for the most current news @MSHPTrooperGHQ

NOTE: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, other departments report crashes or incidents, a fatality is determined to be a drowning, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition after this news release was posted.


BCMH Board Member Spotlight: Jim Shade

The board of directors of Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) provide a significant service to our hospital and community. This month, BCMH recognizes Jim Shade, who has served as a board member since 2005, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

The issues before board members are extremely complex. Board members must act in the best interest of both the hospital and the community.

"We do more than expected because we care more than expected,” Mr. Shade stated. “My goal, and the shared goal of the hospital board and its management, is to improve lives. We need each other to succeed, so we hold ourselves and each other accountable. We nurture a supportive environment and find strength in our togetherness. I am proud to help provide exceptional health care to the people of Bates County."

As elected officials, BCMH board members serve five-year terms, and oversee such matters as making strategic decisions for the hospital, hiring and monitoring an effective CEO, ensuring the hospital is providing quality care, overseeing the hospital's financial well-being, staying educated in healthcare industry news and best practices, and being a representative of the hospital in the community. They delegate the responsibilities for the hospital’s day-to-day operations and decision making to the chief executive officer and the hospital’s management team.

In addition to monthly meetings, board members serve on committees that usually meet at other times. Currently, Jim is a member of the Building Utilization, Finance, Quality Management committee. Members also are expected to attend educational programs that provide them guidance on governance responsibilities and keep them up to date on issues facing hospitals throughout the country.

Jim’s career as a pharmacist brought him to BCMH in 1975, and a few years later, he became co-owner of a pharmacy located on the downtown square for over 40 years. He served for five years on the board of the Bates County health department in the 1980s. Jim and his wife, Beverly, raised two sons in Butler. Jim and Beverly still reside in Bates County, and they often travel to see their two young granddaughters in Kansas City.

The hospital medical staff, employees and volunteers thank Jim Shade for his service.


Large pot hole in Harrisonville

INFORMATION: Harrisonville City staff are aware of a large pothole in the westbound lane of W Mechanic Street, just to the west of Butler Dr.

Since Mechanic St is actually a State highway (MO-7 Hwy), the Missouri Department of Transportation has control of that roadway and is responsible for its maintenance.

Staff have contacted MoDOT Kansas City and are hoping to see this repaired very soon.

In the meantime, please use caution when driving on that stretch of Mechanic St.


It’s getting SO close!

It’s getting SO close!

ALDI USA Officials say they hope to be opening the Harrisonville store by the end of June!

The store will be located at Mechanic and Westchester streets, across from the Casey’s


2021 Rich Hill 4th of July Schedule of Events!

2021 Rich Hill 4th of July Schedule of Events!
Stay tuned as schedule can change.

Theme: THE 4th, It's a Rich Hill Thing!
Fun Time Shows Carnival July 1-4

Wednesday June 30th
8pm 5k Color Run

Thursday July 1st
6:30pm Childrens Promenade
6:30pm Baby Contest Registration (bandstand up to 18 months, dressed up)
7pm Baby Contest (sponsored by Swope's Drive In)
8:30 pm Talent Contest Sue 395-2150 (sponsored by Rich Hill Family Medical Clinic)

Friday July 2nd
6pm Kirk Brown Band
6pm Pie Contest (Methodist Church basement)
7pm Pie Auction (sponsored by Citizens Bank)
7pm Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament East Park
Luke 660-464-0090
9pm Karaoke by Moodaddy Entertainment

Saturday July 3rd
3pm Badminton Tournament (west park)
6pm Opening Acts perform
7:55 National Anthem by Katie Klinksick
8pm Easton Corbin Concert
9:30pm Street Dance by Moodaddy Entertainment

Sunday July 4th
11am car show registration (west park)
12-2pm Car Show (sponsored by H3 Grafix)
1-2:30 Parade Registration Old HS 1st & Olive
3pm Parade
4pm RHHS band performance bandstand
4pm RHHS FFA Cornhole Tournament (west park)
4:30pm Salute to the Veterans
4:45pm Boy Scout presentation
5pm Parade winners announced
6pm Dave & Beth Irvin Gospel performance (sponsored by Swope's Drive In)
8pm Mark Merchant Ventriloquist (sponsored by Food Fair)
10pm Fireworks


Bates County COVID-19 Updates:

Bates County COVID-19 Updates:
May 31, 2021
Positive Cases Reported: 1,446
Active & On Isolation: 1
Deaths (confirmed by death certificate): 36
Total Negative Tests Reported: 17,161 as of 5/31/21

Some aviation goals are unrealistic

What’s Up
By LeRoy Cook


The Fliars Club flyout went off under low clouds last Saturday morning, but at least it wasn’t raining. We did our share of scud-running during the week’s flight activity, when visibility was good but ceilings were reported below 2000 feet. As we pass into June, hopefully the severe weather season is behind us.

As far as the week’s traffic count goes, we had a Piper Archer and a Cessna 172 come by, and a Cessna Citation II business jet made a pass down the VOR-A instrument approach. A pair of Cessna Skylanes visited, including Dave Bradley’s 182 from Boonville. Locally, two hummin’ Grumman’s were up, Jeremie Platt’s Tiger and Roy Conley’s Tr2. CFI Eric Eastland and I both had hops in the Cessna Skyhawk and Jeffery Adams went out in a Cessna 150. The old 1960 Skylane in the north hangars did a photo mission with the SkyDive KC King Air E90.

Had a discussion the other day about the composition of jet fuel, burned by airliners, crop dusters, bombers and sky-dive haulers. As anyone knows who’s been around turbine-engine fuel, it smells like diesel fuel or kerosene, which is essentially what it is, a petroleum distillate much the same as fuel oil. Unlike aviation gasoline, it has a high flashpoint and doesn’t readily evaporate. Spill it and it leaves a greasy puddle. Jet-A grade fuel is specifically refined for airplanes, with the ability to stay flowable in extreme low temperatures upstairs and not take on water. And the “sustainable” fuels being promoted can be made from restaurant waste, algae or other witches brews besides hydrocarbons, so turbine engines aren’t too finicky about what they eat.

Public television aired a Nova report last week about the development of electrically-driven airplanes, and some flying things that aren’t airplanes at all. As with most of these over-hyped sensationally-written stories, they made it sound as if the skies were about to fill with purring delivery vehicles and taxicabs. Sorry, it ain’t happenin’, at least not right away. A lot of people are going to lose a lot of money investing in eVTOL and urban mobility.

At the other end of the noise and expense spectrum, equally unmarketable, was Areion’s supersonic business jet, which announced its shutdown last week after 20 years of continuous “development.” The project was to fly across oceans at 1.5 times the speed of sound, carrying 10 or 12 captains of industry. The last price target was $110 million, and even that wasn’t viable. Like electric flight, some ideas just won’t translate to reality.

Our week’s question was about Cessna Aircraft Company’s Fluid Power division and what it made. Reader Darrell Vogt of Belton knew, because he worked in Cessna’s Hutchinson, KS plant from 1959 to 1968. They made a lot of hydraulic components for agricultural machinery, for Massey Ferguson and John Deere. Now, for next time, which Cessna airplane used hydraulics for ag purposes? You can send your answer to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

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