Testing reveals difference of opinion regarding contamination near Montrose

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been investigating contamination at the Montrose generating station landfill in Henry County, Missouri and reports no findings of hexavalent chromium. 

The report does say they have found that soil samples that contain arsenic above regional screening levels and is working with concerned parties and stakeholders by providing sampling data on their website which can be viewed here.

It was also reported that the Harry S. Truman Public Water Supply District No. 2 does not have higher than acceptable levels of lead, selenium or arsenic in drinking water. Soil samples taken at the Davis R-XII school show all levels of toxicity to be below dangerous levels except for arsenic as well. 

The DNR fact sheet does say that arsenic does appear naturally in this region.

This however conflicts with independent testing results from a firm who took some 15 soil samples from around the community late last year and found that all of the samples did exceed the default safe limit for hexavalent chromium and lead, both toxic carcinogens. Some samples exceeded limits for arsenic, boron, cobalt and one exceeded the limit for selenium as well.

The conflicting information has further complicated matters as a single lawsuit filed earlier this year has been following with a class action lawsuit open to anyone living within 10 miles of the landfill OR anyone else who believes they have been physically harmed by contamination due to fly ash storage on site.

Mid America Live will continue to follow this story and provide updates accordingly.

Regarding funeral services for Darlene Peek

****PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE WEATHER, THE FUNERAL DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 11 A.M. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 WITH VISITATION FROM 10 - 11 A.M. MONDAY AT SCHOWENGERDT FUNERAL CHAPEL****

Funeral services for Darlene Peek of Neosho, Missouri formerly of Amoret, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Monday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Heart Association. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Emma Darlene Peek, age 89 of Neosho, Missouri formerly of Amoret, Missouri died Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was born May 11, 1935 to Harold Joseph and Juanita May Hoyt Hoaglan in Merwin, Missouri.

Darlene, the oldest of three children, grew up in LaCygne, Kansas and was a 1953 graduate of LaCygne High School. On August 12, 1953, she married Harry Lee Armstrong and to this union, four children were born. The marriage ended after 25 years. In 1980 she moved to Amoret, Missouri where she attended the Amoret Christian Church. Darlene began working at the Osawatomie State Hospital in 1957 and continued working for the State of Kansas until her retirement in 1993. She was one of 42 founders of Kansas Alcohol and Drug Counsel Association in 1974 and remained a senior counselor until 1995. In 1986 Darlene married Albert Lee Peek and they continued to live in Amoret after living one year in Peculiar, Missouri. While living in Amoret, they were active in the Amoret Christian Church and helping people in the community. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling–where they made many friends all over the United States.

Darlene is survived by her children, Katherine Juanita Waldmen and husband Mike of Springfield, Missouri, Darla Lee Armstrong of Neosho, Missouri, Harold Dean Armstrong and wife Kim of Thornsby, Alabama, Roger Lee Peek and wife Brenda of Peculiar, Missouri, Eddie Peek and wife Monica of Butler, Missouri, Judy Kay Wilson and Betsy Sue Dunkin and husband Gary all of Harrisonville, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Iva Loree Mendenhall and husband Eugene of Linn Valley, Kansas; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert Lee Peek on June 26, 2019; two sons, Wilbur Alan Armstrong and Ronnie Peek; and a sister, Lenara June Kile and her husband Raymond.

Weather related closings for Tuesday, February 18

 List to be updated as is information becomes available

Winter Storm Warning midnight tonight through 3 am Wednesday morning

Adrian city hall closed

Adrian R3 - closed

Appleton City R2 - closed

Ballard R2 - AMI day

Bates county administration building closing at noon

Bates County Industries (closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

BCMH family care clinics to close as noon

Butler City Council meeting cancelled

Butler Community Cafe cancelled 

Butler license office

Butler Public Library

Butler R5 - closed all games & activities cancelled

Butler Senior Center

Chilhowee R4 - closed

Clinton 124 - virtual learning only

Cottey College campus

Countywide Disposal all routes today

Drexel @ Midway basketball postponed

Drexel R4 - virtual learning only

Harrisonville board of alderman meeting cancelled

Harrisonville R4 - closed

Harrisonville/Cass R9 - closed

Harrisonville license office

Holden R3 - closed

Hume R8 - virtual learning only

Louisburg 416 - closed

Miami R1 - closed

Midway R1 - virtual learning only

MU Extension office in Butler

Nevada license office

Nevada public library

Nevada R5 - closed

Nevada Regional Technical Center

Nevada Tiger basketball games 

Old Butler High School Thrift Shop

Osceola schools - closed

Pleasanton 344 - closed

Pleasanton city council meeting, rescheduled for Thursday 6 pm

Prairie View 362 - closed

Rich Hill R4 - AMI day

Sheldon R8 - closed

Sherwood schools - AMI day

Sherwood basketball games

Steiner's restaurant closed

If you're headed north: Update on road conditions

10:30 AM Update: Roads north of I-70 are snow covered and are expected to remain that way as light to moderate snowfall continues to fall throughout the day. Up to 4" of new snow is expected by this evening.

A Moment of Gratitude

It's with immense pride that we recognize Charlotte Burris, celebrating 20 years of service at BCMH. Charlotte, a clerk in the Health Information Management department, was recognized at at our annual Employee Recognition Banquet in December.

Charlotte, thank you for your unwavering dedication 
Presenting:
Jerry Jones, BCMH Board Member
Kristina Anderson, Director of Human Resources
Greg Weaver, Chief Executive Officer

-Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital

Some grownup fun

 

Kyle and Penny Smith were some of the over 100 or so who attended the Butler PTSO Adult Prom held at Modern Brick on Saturday evening giving 'grown ups' a chance to get out an have a little fun.

 Also held was a silent auction and all proceeds went to the PTSO as a fundraiser for the organization. 

Butler High School Royalty

During basketball action this weekend, Dillon Triebel and Brooke Miller received the honors of King and Queen while Braxton Delozier and Gabbie Carmichael were named Prince and Princess. Congratulations!

- Photo courtesy Carmen Behringer 

Butler Senior Center menu