Thursday, December 30, 2021

From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

Dear Bates County,

As long as I’ve been Coroner I have tried to keep you informed as possible on the activities of the Coroner’s office. I know you understand that much of the work is sensitive, so I attempt to inform you while maintaining some discretion to the details of people and their families. While most of our work goes unseen by many, it is still a public office and a public trust. So I hope that my reports give a fair understanding of how I’ve spent my time and this portion of your tax dollars.

Most importantly, know this: It has and continues to be a privilege to serve my County in this capacity. If I or Deputy Miller have had to interact with your family this year, I hope you feel we’ve treated you with professionalism and your loved one with dignity. Notwithstanding the job we have to do, we are sorry for your loss.

When Covid became a reality and I felt it’s casework increasing the demands on my time, I met with the Bates County Commission in the Spring and gave them a picture of the situation. They were prompt to assist me with securing a Deputy Coroner; Deputy Dustin Miller was sent for state training and has been on board for roughly the second half of this year. He has been a tremendous help to me.

As of today for 2021, my office has investigated a total of 135 deaths. 63 went on to become full investigations, 67 hospice deaths were reviewed, 3 hospital deaths, and 2 recent cases remain open as of today. In 2021 investigative procedures included 20 External Examinations, 15 Complete Autopsies, 40 Toxicology Investigations, and 45 medical record/chart reviews.

Personally, I thank you for the privilege of serving you in this capacity. My best wishes for 2022 for you and your family!

Greg D. Mullinax
Bates County Coroner



For purposes of activity, this report shall cover the period of September 1 - December 29, 2021.

-On September 5 at 1022hrs we responded to Country Club Drive, Butler, in reference to a 45 year-old female found in residence. Death was due to natural causes.

-On September 18 at 1342hrs we responded to S. Virginia St. in Adrian in reference to a deceased 61 year-old female found in a residence following a wellbeing check. Death was due to natural causes.

-On September 20 at 0544hrs we responded to S. Delaware St. apartments in Butler by Bates County Memorial Hospital EMS and Butler Police. Death of an 80 year-old male was due to natural causes.

-On September 27 at 2145hrs we responded to NE CO RD 5004 near Montrose on report of a 59 year-old female found deceased by a friend. Death was due to accidental causes.

-On September 30 at 0941hrs we responded to SW Hume St. in Hume on report of a 58 year old male deceased in a home. Death was due to natural causes.

-The office also reviewed four hospice notification cases for September.

-On October 10 at 1058hrs we responded to SW Spring St. in Hume on report of a 69 year old female found deceased in her home by a family member. Death was due to natural causes.

-On October 18 at 1449hrs we responded to the Bates County Memorial Hospital ER in response to a 73 year old female who came from a local rehabilitation facility. Death was due to natural causes.

-On October 21 at 1910hrs we responded to SW CO RD 11007 near Hume on report of a 61 year old female found deceased by a family member. Death was due to natural causes.

-On October 29 at 0754hrs we responded to N Clark St. in Adrian in regard to a 71 year-old male found deceased in a mobile home following a residential structure fire; accidental death.

-On October 30 at 0919hrs we responded to NE CO RD 5004 near Johnstown on report of a 43 year old male found deceased by family. Death was due to natural causes.

-On October 31 at 0441hrs we responded to N Prospect St. in Butler on report of a 58 year-old male deceased in residence. Death was accidental in nature.

-On October 31 at 0716hrs we responded to E 7th St. in Adrian on report of a 72 year-old male deceased in a residence. Death was due to natural causes.

-The office also reviewed 8 hospice notification cases for October.

-On November 10 at 0735hrs we responded to W Vine St. in Butler on report of 55 year-old female deceased in residence. Death accidental in nature.

-On November 16 at 0839hrs we responded to N Main St in Butler on report of 72 year old male found deceased in residence after family member was unable to contact him. Death due to natural causes.

-On November 16 at 1456hrs we responded to 4th St. in Rockville on report of a 65 year old female deceased outside a residence. Death was due to natural causes.

-On November 21 at 0833hrs we responded to SW CO RD 6008 in Rich Hill on report of an 80 year-old female found deceased in a camper near a residence. Death was due to natural causes.

-On November 29 at 1328hrs we responded to NE CO RD 5004 in Butler on report of a 57 year old female found deceased by family member. Death due to natural causes.

-The office also reviewed 2 hospice notification cases for November.

-On December 1 at 1059hrs we responded to Bates County Memorial Hospital ER on report of an 84 year-old male who had passed away while traveling through the county. Death due to natural causes.

-On December 15 at 1114hrs we reviewed a death at Research Medical Center following an incident in Bates County involving a 35 year old male. Death was due to natural causes.

-Thus far in December the office has reviewed 4 hospice death notification reports.


BCMH: Local Covid-19 Testing Options for the holiday weekend

With the holiday weekend approaching, we understand that testing for COVID-19 is in high demand, but extremely limited. We want to alert you that:

- Our emergency room should only be used for medical emergencies. BCMH does not provide COVID-19 testing in the ER for non-emergency patients.
- Family Care Clinic appointments for testing are completely full for the rest of this week. Schedulers can take your call until 5:00 pm today, 12/30.

- Family Care Clinics and scheduling will be closed for the New Year weekend on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

What you can do:
> Stay home if you are feeling sick.
> Please use our emergency room for medical emergencies only.
> Call Family Care Clinics at 660-200-3627 today to schedule the next available appointment for next week.

Or, consult the following local sources to seek testing for non-emergency testing:

Summer’s Pharmacy of Butler: Call 660-679-5002
Free at-home test kits through the State of Missouri have been available since May. Reportedly, the monthly order limit for this program has been reached. HOWEVER >>>>

New orders may be placed at the start of the next calendar month. Visit https://picturegenetics.com/covid19?c=MOPROMO


Happy Retirement Charles Long

The City of Butler would like to wish our Senior Light Plant Operator Charles Long a happy retirement after 10 years. 

Butler Mayor Jim Henry presented Charles with a plaque today in front of the Fairbanks and Caterpillar generators at the light plant.


Obituary - David W. Nickerson

David Wayne Nickerson, 52, of Lowry City, Missouri passed away Tuesday night, December 28, 2021 at the Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. 

He was born January 12, 1969 in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Jeral B. Nickerson and Sarah L. (Pliler) Nickerson. He married Karmen Marie McIntosh on May 11, 2006 in Osceola, Mo., and she survives of the home. 

David was employed as a truck driver for the last 35 years, with the last three years at RP Lumber. He enjoyed dirt track racing, gardening, fishing, or anything else outdoors. 

He cherished his time spent with his family. In addition to his wife, surviving are one son, Wyatt; three daughters, Jessika (Steve), Courtney (John), and Caitlyn (T.J.); one step-son, Brandon; his mother Sarah Pliler; four grandchildren, Mason, Audrey, Arianna and Makenzie; one step-granddaughter, Scarlett; four sisters, Donna (Chad), Julie (Jason), Jerie (Wayne), and Sarah (Ryan); and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father. Memorial services are pending under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton.

Happy New Year from Countywide Disposal

SCHEDULE REMINDER: All Friday routes will be running as normal for New Years Eve.

Please place tipcart by the curb the night before your scheduled pick-up date to insure that it is picked up. If you have any questions, contact us at 660-679-0717.

Happy New Year!


Max Motors Scholarship apply now!



Max Motors Dealerships is proud to announce a $1,000 scholarship open to high school students interested in becoming Agricultural Leaders.

Students have until March 15, 2022, to submit their application and essay explaining how they plan to become the next generation of Agricultural Leaders in our communities.

Once the application deadline is met, all entries will be reviewed by Max Motors Management and a winner will be announced on April 20, 2022, and contacted privately.

Visit MaxMotorsMissouri.com/Scholarship to apply.

Obituary - Donna Lyn Spencer

Donna Lyn Spencer, age 81, Mound City, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

Funeral service will be 11:30 am Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Mound City Christian Church. Burial in the Woodland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 am to service time at the Church. Contributions are suggested to the Mound City Christian Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com


Miami County Kansas Sheriff's Office Wanted Wednesday




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