Bates County Memorial Hospital’s board member spotlight features Mike Taranto

Bates County Memorial Hospital’s board member spotlight features Mike Taranto, who was first elected for his position in 2016. He currently serves as secretary for the board of directors.

Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Taranto was drawn to the Midwest to attend Park University in 1963. He was drafted to the Army for the Vietnam war in 1967, but a football injury prevented him from serving overseas. He worked for Kansas City Southern Industries telecommunications division for about 20 years. In 1982, he completed an Executive Fellows MBA from Rockhurst University.

Taranto’s career in marketing and manufacturing management and microwave communications took him around the world, including a 5-year stint in Athens, Greece to help prepare for the 2004 Olympics. He took part in several other remarkable projects, one of which landed him in South Africa for about six months. While there, he toured vineyards and noticed a specialized fabric utilized for protection from hail and other storms. This would become the inspiration for the company he founded in early 2000, Solar Shade USA. He retired from his active role with the company in January 2020, and his family runs the business today, located north of Rich Hill, Mo.

“When I look back at the experiences I’ve had, I’m really grateful,” Taranto said. He was approached for the role of hospital board member in part because of his background in running a business, with specific focus on strategic planning, quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

“In my bones, I am an opportunity seeker,” Taranto said. “Creative marketing is what I do.”

Mike and his wife Beth live in Butler. They have five children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Beth volunteers at Bates County Memorial Hospital with the Auxiliary.

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.

The hospital medical staff, employees and volunteers thank Mike Taranto for his service.

Well above normal temperatures in store today and tomorrow

Well above normal temperatures in store today and tomorrow. Possible rain chances along and east of I-35 Wed morning.

Obituary - Jack Baker

Celebration of life services for Jack Baker of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler. Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. prior to services at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Interment in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to Jack Baker Angus Scholarship for Local Students. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Jack Conrad Baker, age 82 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was born February 19, 1939 to James Lloyd and Ruby Ann Conard Baker in Butler, Missouri.

Jack is survived by his wife, Nancy Baker of Butler, Missouri; one son, Jamie Baker and wife Kristi of Bluejacket, Oklahoma; two daughters, Jacqueline Waite and husband Brian and Joni Duffield all of Butler, Missouri;14 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren with two on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Jody Bret Baker in 2020.

8-Man District 1 Championship Game Friday November 19th in Drexel

The Drexel Bobcats who are undefeated on the season will host the Archie Whirlwinds (10-1) for a 8-Man Football District 1 Championship Friday November 19th at 7:00pm.

The Archie Whirlwinds will attempt to get revenge for their only loss of the season which came on October 1st to the Bobcats 58-12. 

This should be a great match-up! We wish both teams good luck! 

Obituary - Neal Allen Moles

Neal Allen Moles, 36, of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville. A Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 4:00 pm at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with visitation beginning at 3:00 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to the family.

Neal was born May 4, 1985 to Clint and Cynthia (Hampton) Moles in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Harrisonville High School in 2002. Throughout his life he worked at various restaurants as a line cook. Neal loved cooking. He was married to Ashley Driskill on April 20, 2003. He loved all children, especially his daughter, Morgan. Neal was a great friend to be had. He would give his last dime and the shirt off his back to anyone.

Neal loved the outdoors. He loved fishing and four-wheel riding at Truman Lake. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs and getting wound up during the game. He was an avid fan of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, board games, and country drives. He loved music. In school he was a member of Music Makers. He had a wonderful singing voice, he played the guitar, and he loved to sing karaoke. Neal was an ordained minister and he officiated ceremonies for several of his friends.

Neal is preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia (Hampton) Moles; grandfathers: Bob Carlill and Dennis Moles; aunt and uncle, Nancy and Ciamak Noorbakhsh; and uncle, Earl Moles. He is survived by his wife, Ashley (Driskill) Moles and daughter, Morgan Mcdaniel of the home; son, Kolton McLanahan; father, Clint Moles of Harrisonville; brother, Tyler Moles and wife, Michelle, of Springfield, MO; sister, Emily Moles of Pleasant Hill, MO; grandmothers: Jane (Wilkinson) Carlill and Verla (Chapman) Roberbs; grandfather, Franke Hampton and wife, Mary; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and well loved friends who were like family to him.

God bless his soul.

Warming Trend Early Next Week

Sunday will be a bit on the brisk side, with cool temperatures and a light breeze.

However, Monday and Tuesday will be pretty, pretty, pretty good with highs pushing 60-65 on Monday and 70 on Tuesday.

Here's also a look at the upcoming week.

Obituary - Richard Gean Younce

FUNERAL SERVICES for Richard will be held at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

MINISTER will be Pastor Ron Dunlap

A VISITATION will precede the funeral service at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on Monday, November 15, 2021 between

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

CREMATION & INURNMENT will take place at a later date

MEMORIAL contributions may be made to the Family Love Fund

Richard Gean Younce, 64, departed this life November 10, 2021 at Centerpoint Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Richard was born March 23, 1958, one of eight children born to Bruce and Beatrice Rose (Robinson) Younce.

Richard spent most of his life in the Kansas City area. He was a self-employed carpenter fondly known to his family as “Ricky the Roofer”. Richard had served one tour of duty in the U.S. Army.

Richard’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and his second favorite pass time was travelling. He therefore, spent much of his free time travelling to his many family member’s homes to visit with them as often as possible. He loved the time spent with them at BBQ’s and just partying. Fishing was another hobby that brought Richard pleasure, and also spending time with his lady friends.

Richard was know to his family as “their protector”. He was always there for any of them who needed help or for fixing whatever trouble they might have. He helped in every situation where family needed him. His love and dedication to family was always first, and he will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Preceding Richard in death were his parents; his son, Kevin Younce who passed away at age 10; five of his siblings: Janice Younce, Nancy Younce, John Younce, Buckeye Younce and Raymond Younce. Survivors include his daughter, Tiffany Inman, son, Tommy Williams; two siblings, Debra Younce and Stephen Younce (wife Sherry); many nieces and nephews.

Way to go

Congratulations to these awesome Rich Hill band players on a job well done Saturday! They auditioned for the West Central District Bands and ALL made a spot! 

Emily Black was named alternate for the honorable mention band, Hayden Schapeler made 5th chair honorable mention band, Sydney Bell made 8th chair honorable mention band, and Noelle Abend made 8th chair Honor Band! 

Noelle will be auditioning for the state band in December! Congratulations to all four of these talented musicians!