Obituary - Barbara Jean “Jeannie” Hirschman

Barbara Jean “Jeannie” Hirschman, 69, Nevada, MO passed away on Friday March 7, 2025 at her home with family by her side. She was born on September 24, 1955 in Pilot Grove, Missouri to Richard Joseph Schuster and Mary Helen Imhoff Schuster. She was married December 1, 1973 in Nevada, Missouri to Wayne Fryer and he preceded her in death on January 19, 1974. On February 14, 1976 she married Tom Hirschman in Nevada, Missouri and he survives of the home.

At a young age, the family moved to Nevada, Missouri where Jeannie attended school, graduating from Nevada High School in 1973. Over the next few years, Jeannie held several jobs including at the Nevada Daily Mail. In 1980, Jeannie started working at First National Bank and during her tenure, she held nearly every position, having retired as Vice President in 2024. Jeannie was a staple at First National Bank and she knew nearly every customer by sight as well as their voice. Her work ethic throughout life was unmatched. Along with her incredible work ethic, Jeannie was a ‘giver’ at heart and reveled in bringing joy to others by surprising them with a meal, arrangement of flowers, or gift she knew they’d enjoy.

Jeannie cherished spending time with her family and was a wonderful wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She adored her three grandchildren and made it a point to spoil them every time she had the chance. Jeannie loved gathering around the tables of her loved ones for food and games, especially a competitive game of pitch or spoons. During the spring and summer months, you could find Jeannie caring for her beautiful flowers and laying by her pool.

In addition to her husband Tom, survivors include her two children, Hope Gosse (Tony), Lee’s Summit, MO; and Shane Hirschman (Blair), Nevada, MO; three grandchildren, Anderson Visconti, Tessa Visconti, and Fisher Cate Hirschman; eight siblings and their families, Margie Wolf (Vic) Nevada, MO, Linda Spencer Nevada, MO, Richard Schuster (Laura) Nevada, MO, Wayne Schuster (Debra) Walker, MO, Katie Sanderson (Larry) Nevada, MO, Patty Stober (Dale) Alva, FL, Vickie McKinley Moorpark, CA, and Lisa Daniels (Keith) Neosho, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Wayne, nephew Troy Barnhart, niece Emily Ann DeBrine, niece Hailey Hochanadel, brother-in-law Dennis Worsley, sister-in-law Cindy Worsley, father-in-law Paul Hirschman, and mother-in-law Ann Hirschman.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO, with Father Peter Savidge officiating. Private family graveside services will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Jeannie’s memory to the Neighbor’s Center in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

A letter to citizens from Chad Anderson

I have tried to refrain from any comments regarding the recent community events. Last night I attended the Bates County Republican Meeting. I am an elected committeeman for the Republican Party representing my township. I was there solely as the committeeman.

I stood before the men and women of the party and general public in attendance and spoke. When many of the committeemen and women ran for thier positions it was due in part because we did not support the Republican Party vetting candidates and being able to pick and chose who the candidate would be on a ticket. We felt, that is for the PEOPLE to select through the election process. As a united party we were able to stop vetting in Bates County and return that power back to the People.

I stood and said that I felt the Bates County Republican Party, the party itself, should refrain from any potential action to remove an office holder. By statute the Republican Party’s only tasked is making recommendations to fill empty/vacated seats to the Governor for his consideration for an appointment.

I ran because vetting was going to allow 20 people to hand select who would potentially hold a public office. I feel that if the Party was to partake in the process of removal and selection of a replacement then we are no better than we were a year ago. I don’t believe 20 people should yeild the power to circumvent 10,000 voters.
The citizens do still have powers and actions that can be taken. I’m not an expert in what that looks like or how it comes about. There is an effort to form a committee to research all of that. Chad Anderson has not and will not be part of that committee. I will not have input or influence to that committee. I will respect the process of that committee.

If you have made it this far you probably need to pick up your jaw up off the floor. We all know the political attacks I have gone through and most likely will continue to go through at the hands of certain elected officials and their posse. In no way am I saying the citizens don’t have a right to be mad or want resignations or even more. In no way am I saying they shouldn’t move forward What I am saying is, in my sole opinion, it’s not appropriate for the local Republican Party to have a hand or say in that process given the statutory responsibility of the party in the process. It should be the citizens who come together and take action.

There is no question about how I feel personally. When Commissioner Gray was elected, I pledged change on my part in 2025 when it came to the commission. A pledge to be less argumentative with the commission moving forward and to attempt to put differences aside. But make no bones about it, I will continue to fight for the men and women who serve the public at the Sheriff’s Office. These great men and women over the last few years have also been targets of the politics. Distractions in our line of work can cost them their lives or a citizens life. Strong support for law enforcement does impact morale, efficiency and effectiveness in serving our community. In return it makes our community safer. I will absolutely stand up against other office holder’s attempts to run the Sheriff’s Office when they have no statutory authority to do so, that will never change.

I truly pray for everyone involved. I have watched as two commissioners have diligently worked everyday this week to fix what is broke. I have hope, that they are successful in their hard work this week and weeks to follow.

We The People, By The People, FOR The People!!

Chickens, small homes and additional housing top council discussions

Report from the March 4, 2025 Butler City Council session

Guest Niki Jackson approached the council regarding the current chicken ordinance, asking the council if they would consider raising the permitted limit that can be kept inside city limits from 6 to 12.

Jackson provided information and news articles to back up her claim that being able to have additional chickens helps to offset rising egg/grocery costs and would be quite beneficial in many ways. One question arose, "what if egg prices go down?" Jackson said forecasts say it's highly unlikely, as they are predicted to rise 50 percent  this year. 

Another question asked was if her neighbors had concerns or complaints, to which Jackson replied there have been no major issues regarding her flock so far. 

Following a bit more discussion, Mayor Henry suggested the matter be sent to the Public Safety Committee for further review and recommendations. More on this in coming sessions.

Guest Rayland Downey who owns various properties around the area made a pitch to the city about turning the vacant hotels in west Butler into housing units. Downey said he had spoken with the owner who is willing to sell the hotels to him and asked if the city would support the project of turning the now empty units into apartments. He cited other similar projects he has completed that were successful along with his extensive business background.

Downey went on to say that the apartments might be letted on a weekly basis at minimum but he would prefer much longer commitments of course, pointing out that he wouldn't want to directly compete with the Days Inn hotel.

"I personally don't have  a problem with what you're trying to do there" said Scott Mallatt "I know you're going to follow all the ordinances and rules". Mayor Henry chimed in, advising Downey to move forward with his plans while working with the building inspector and City Administrator Corey Snead to make sure all requirements will be met.

Downey agreed and mentioned once again that the entire project was still a concept and much work will be needed to make it a reality. "Tonight is just a beginning to let the city know what I'm working on" he added. With that, Henry told him to check back with the council when he has more information.

Next, approval was given to Butler High School for the 2025 homecoming parade, it will be the same route as always.

City Administrator Corey Snead reported that in the latest work session the city budget was completed for the '25-'26 fiscal year. Next will be a pubic hearing at the upcoming council meeting followed by final approval by the council.

Snead also reported that plans are moving forward with the airport lighting and terminal projects. An engineer will be present at the upcoming airport commission meeting to provide an update. Likewise, the council approved a contract with Les Gordon to be the new airport manager.

Tiny homes has been a hot topic as of late, and a long discussion ensued regarding an ordinance to allow them within city limits which started with a public hearing. While a draft of the ordinance has been done, it appears changes need to be made as some of the major questions/concerns include:

Should they be allowed in only one area of the city? 
Should lot size play a factor in qualifying a location?
By what standards should construction be?
Should they be allowed to be rented i.e., Airbnb?

Councilman Jeff Hall obtained information regarding tiny homes in other cities which included several factors not yet considered and discussion was tabled pending feedback from the planning commission along with other research that needs to be done.

Public feedback is needed regarding this issue. Please express your thoughts or concerns with your ward councilperson.

Code Enforcement officer Andrew Hutchinson has been busy, his report included some 30 or so properties around town that require action due to various violations. The council readily accepted the report and urged him to move ahead as needed.

Butler utility bills have been on a rollercoaster lately leaving folks to wonder why their bill is higher when the weather seems better... City Admin Snead once again noted that there is about a month of delay when the city is billed from the wholesaler which makes any overages due to cold (or hot) weather is then passed on to residents a month late as well. Just know that at the end of the year everything comes out as it is supposed to and that said, April billing is bound to be a bit higher due to our most recent cold snap a few weeks ago.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. Even as the meetings are livestreamed on Facebook, the public is highly encouraged to get involved by watching or attending.

Reports from the Bates County Commission

February 10, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Zak Olivas with Great River came in for the Bridge # 1260012 Construction Bids Opening. Hartman and Company submitted $785,000, followed by CNC Bridge and Concrete at $736,572.50, and Bryan-Ohlmeier Construction at $806,996.75. The engineer's estimate was $649,337.50. The bid award goes to the lowest bid with CNC Bridge and Concrete at $736,572.50. Great River will look over all the information in the bids and make sure all it correct. Jim Wheatley emphasized the need for soft match credits to fund future projects, noting the difficulty in securing bridge funding. The project's completion date is set for December 13, with a 90-day timeline once started. The group also discussed the challenges of maintaining infrastructure due to limited funding and the impact of weather on project timelines. The Commission was recently informed that the county was not chosen for a bridge build in 2025.

Rodney and Mary Brown came in on their scheduled meeting to discuss their 2016 Jeep. On the 2025 assessment sheet they noticed the Jeep was not on it. They had added it on the 2024 assessment sheet, but it never got input into the system. It was not on the 2025 sheet, and they did not have it on their bill for 2024. It has been corrected in the Assessors system now. This resulted in late penalty fees. They are requesting the late penalty to be waived.

John made the motion to waive the late penalty fee ($37.11) for the 2016 jeep due to an Assessor Office error. Trent seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.

Courthouse maintenance Gary Ratliff came in to show the commission yet another leak at the courthouse. The roofers poured water on the roof to find the leak and discovered the copper walkway is leaking from a broken solder seam onto the roof. This could be possible from the roof replacement with all the gear and traffic on the walk. They suggested a liner or sealant of some sort if not soldering the seams. John suggested a product called Kool seal. This will need to be put out for bid.

John called and talked to Jeremy Cassaday (Moose Electric) on the Hallway Light quote given 3/11/2024. He states that he can still honor that quote of $812.40.

John made the motion to go with Moose Electric ‘s bid on the Hallway Lights replacement. Trent seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion carried not opposition.

February 24, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Mikayla Neil and Melissa Stong with the Missouri University Extension Office came in for their scheduled meeting. They brought over the MU Extension Annual Report for 2024. The office, located in the courthouse, houses specialists in horticulture, Ramon, Health and Nutrition, Sarah Bridgewater, and 4-H Melissa Stong. Jim asked if they still have the capabilities of assisting the public with finding employment. Mikayla confirmed they do and need to promote this more. They spoke on promoting the office's resources, and engaging youth in 4-H programs. Mikayla asked for one of the Commissioners to be tasked with helping with the Extension Office. John Gray volunteered. They invited him out to their annual dinner meeting tonight at the Frontier Village in Adrain.

Representatives from Senator Eric Schmitt Office Mike Ussery and Tucker Jones stopped in to visit with the Commission. The meeting discussed various issues, including a budget increase with tripled costs of required legal notices. Newspaper postings seem inefficient over online methods. However, they are still the required method. There has been some talk on this being changed. The Senate's swift confirmation of appointments was noted, contrasting with previous administrations and the Presidents second time in office. Concerns about child sex offenders with suggestions to reform bail and sentencing policies. John mentioned how lower-level crimes carry the same sentences as more violent crimes. Tucker mentioned President Trumps threat to cut federal funding for non-cooperative cities with ICE. Jim Wheately spoke several minutes on social security taxation and its impact on beneficiaries. With COLA increases being eaten away by Medicare increases. The need for workforce development and childcare reform was highlighted, along with the inefficiency of federal regulations and the potential for budget cuts. The conversation also touched on the challenges of passing the Agriculture Bill and the impact of federal regulations on school lunch programs. Trent spoke from the heart of school children with the lack of funds for lunch. The social effects as well as health.

Sheriff Chad Anderson and Chief Deputy Justin Corbin came in for their scheduled meeting. The meeting discussed the replacement of the generator for the Jail and Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $83,032.42, including removal of the old unit. The option to add a generator to the gray building was considered but deemed financially unfeasible. The door control systems for the Jail and Sheriff’s Office, which are 12 years old, need upgrading to maintain functionality. This system has a lifetime warranty. This upgrade will bring in line the technical advances as well as improved equipment. The cost of upgrading is $36,000. The group also discussed leasing patrol vehicles (4 or 5) to better manage budgets and the potential for a $69,000 lease for a suburban for the Coroner. These vehicles will come patrol equipped with final swap over of radios at pick up. Later, the grappler system which was removed from the trade in will be installed by the maker of the system. There will not be much down time with this process. Additionally, the need for new road numbers and addresses in the Rattlesnake Hill was highlighted, affecting 911 systems and mapping services. Jim requested the assistance of Brad Driver with this project. Trent asked about the panic buttons. Chad replied they are still working on this issue. The buttons are working but not as originally designed. They are sending text messages out if pressed to the dispatcher at the Sheriff’s Office, Chad, Justin and Jami Page’s (county clerk) phones. Brad is going to reach out to Commenco to see if they can assist on getting the signal to work with the radio system.

Trent made the motion to go forward with the lease of the patrol vehicles with Karl Chevrolet. John seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed. No opposition.

John made the motion to purchase the new generator for the Sheriff's Office and Jail as quoted. Trent seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed. No opposition.

Trent made the motion to upgrade the Sheriff’s Office and Jail doors with Sydaptic. John seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed. No opposition.

Michael Simmons brought in his property taxes of the purchase in 2020 from his grandfather that were never put into his ownership in the Assessor’s Office. It was recorded correctly. Trent stated the Assessor’s Office “dropped the ball”. Michaels Grandfather has now passed, and it was assumed that he was paying the taxes on it and never brought it up.

Trent made the motion to waive the late penalty on the taxes for 108 and 104 E Maple in Rich Hill. John seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion carried. No opposition.

Two other citizens brought in errors on their personal and property taxes. Paperwork was given to the Commission on Jim Russow and Stacy McGuire.

Work in progress

Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023

Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023

Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given 2/14/2024

Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024

Courthouse Tower Walk leak 2/10/2025

Young Farmers Attend Farm Bureau YF&R Leadership Conference

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — It was a full house February 14-16 at Margaritaville Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks where Missouri Farm Bureau’s (MOFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference hosted more than 500 farmers and ranchers from across the state. Organized by the MOFB YF&R Committee for farmers ages 18 to 35, the event is considered the largest such Farm Bureau conference in the nation. Those attending from Bates County enjoyed a weekend away from farm chores to catch up with their peers and learn the latest industry news.

The conference included many breakout sessions providing a mix of learning and fun. Sessions ranged from farm succession planning to market outlooks for 2025, to food preservation, soil health and legislative updates. Children had their own sessions and a tractor pull. The evenings included a theme night of Denim & Diamonds and a competitive evening of Galactic Bingo.

The YF&R Discussion Meet is also held at the conference. A panel of four young farmers discussed the important question of how to engage the next generation of farmers and ranchers in policy discussions. The final round focused on the critical topic of rural energy issues, exploring solutions and strategies for addressing energy challenges in rural communities. Beth Bruckerhoff of Hermann was announced as the winner. Bruckerhoff will move on to compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim, California held January 9 – 14, 2026.

New chair of the MOFB YF&R Committee, Joseph Frueh of Nodaway County, closed the meeting. More than 35 companies and individuals lent their support to the conference. MOFB Insurance Companies is a presenting sponsor. Those attending from Bates County included: Austin Black, Laura Black, Gwen Fischer, James Fischer, Sharon Arnold and Casey Arnold. (not pictured, Brad Arnold).

Eagles selected for All Conference honors

Congratulations to the following students for receiving All-Conference honors this basketball season.

Boys:
- Gauge Filtingberger (1st Team)
- Wayde Cameron (2nd Team)
- Kaleb Nelson (Honorable Mention)

Girls:
- McCartney Downs (2nd Team)
- Shelby Fairbairn (Honorable Mention)

Also, Congratulations to the Boys Basketball Team on being Co-Conference Champions this season. 

-Courtesy Miami R-1 Schools

Obituary - Janet Janneen McIntosh

  

Janet Janneen McIntosh, 75, of rural Nevada, MO, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2025. She was born on May 5, 1949, in Nevada, MO.

     Janet graduated from Nevada High School in 1967 and on June 30, 1968, Janet married the love of her life, Donald “Donnie” Warren McIntosh, in Nevada, MO. Though they never had biological children, their hearts and home were always open to their nieces and nephews, who fondly remember Janet’s kindness, guidance, and steady presence.

     Janet had a strong work ethic, spending years working at Cottey College, Camp Clark, and alongside her husband on the family farm. She loved crafting and seamstressing, sharing the fruits of her labor with those around her.  No matter how busy life got, Janet always made time for her faith and family. She was deeply involved at Milford Christian Church, where she faithfully served in many roles throughout the years.

     Janet is survived by her brother, Jan Longstreth (Cathy) of Warsaw, MO; her sister, Ronda Hensley of Louisville, KY; and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who cherished her deeply. In her final days, she was lovingly cared for by her nieces, Amy Kline and Kara Jones. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donnie; her sister, Sharon Johnston; and her parents, Walter Gayle and Sarah Logan (Bush) Mitchell.

    A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Milford Christian Church, with Pastor Cliff Hazzard officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time at the Milford Christian Church. Graveside services will follow at St. James Cemetery in Milford, MO. Friends may call at Ferry Funeral Home until Monday evening, March 10, 2025. 

     Memorial contributions in Janet’s honor may be made to the Milford Christian Church Kitchen, a place she cherished and devoted her time to over the years.

     Though she is no longer with us, Janet’s love, faith, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Red Flag Warning today

 

IT WILL BE a fairly windy, 60-ish degree Friday!

Breezy this morning as cloud cover builds in for the afternoon.

Not expecting any precipitation, but winds will increase to around 20mph.

Southern counties in our area are already under a Red Flag (Fire Weather) Warning for the afternoon, when I think we get some gusts around 30mph.

Winds calm down around 5pm, and overnight lows 32-36.

Have a great day today. It's Friday -- and the weekend looks sunny & nice, if a little cool.

-Greg@660weather