Search continues for missing man in Miami county

From the Miami County Sheriff's Office 

Today, Deputies received a tip that led them to the area of 247th Street and Ridgeview Road, suggesting that Jordan may have been in that area.

Based on the investigation, it is believed that Jordan may have been there as recently as Sunday or Monday. As a result, approximately 10 specialized canines—including tracking, human remains detection, and bloodhounds—were deployed to assist in the search.

After an extensive 12-hour search, evidence suggests that the reported sightings on 169 Highway, north of 255th Street on Friday, were likely Jordan.

We continue to urge the public to review any available dash camera footage, home or business surveillance, deer blinds, or trail cameras for potential clues regarding Jordan’s whereabouts.

Today's search efforts were made possible with the assistance of the Kansas Search and Rescue Team, Missouri Search and Rescue Team, Kansas Highway Patrol Aviation Unit, and Taking It to the Streets, which provided snacks, dinner, drinks, and a portable restroom.

Your help and vigilance are greatly appreciated as we work to bring Jordan home

**Please note**: Jordan's appearance may have slightly changed with a longer beard and head hair.

**If you have any information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 913-294-3232 immediately.**

BACKGROUND:

On March 3rd, 2025, Jordan left his residence in Olathe after making concerning comments about self-harm. His vehicle was found on Highway 69, just north of 247th Street, around 5:40 pm that night. An immediate search of the area did not locate Jordan.

Later that evening, around 7:30 pm, a report came in of someone matching Jordan’s description near 247th and Jingo Road. A multi-day, extensive search followed, involving cadaver dogs, drones, planes, a dive team, ATVs, UTVs, horses, and volunteers, but no additional clues were found.

On March 7th, a report came in that someone matching Jordan’s description, wearing a light-colored hoodie, was seen near 223rd and Antioch. Patrol officers responded to investigate further.

Also on March 7th, a caller reported seeing someone matching Jordan’s description—wearing a light-colored hoodie or long-sleeve shirt and jeans—walking north in the southbound ditch of Highway 169, north of 255th Street. Despite a search of the area, Jordan was not located. A second report came in March 9th with the same description, a little further north.

Reports from across the metro are being taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

As a reminder if you have any information or have seen Jordan, please contact the Miami County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at 913-294-3232.

https://www.olatheks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3682/865

Warm, high winds likely by end of week

A letter from Jim Wheatley- SLFRF Compliance Update to the Citizens of Bates County

From Jim Wheatley, Presiding Commissioner

I wanted to share with you an email from the Treasury Department in reference to the status of Bates County's compliance with the SLFRF allocations report.
As you can see in the email, it states that the noncompliance has been resolved. This email was sent from the U.S. Department of the Treasury today, 03/11/2025, to the shared Commissioners email address as well as copied to Commissioner Gray'email address.

I would like to address the accusations that I have been "MIA" on this matter. I have spent almost every weekday on this in some capacity since last Monday,e able to read as well. whether it being the evenings inputting data or during the daytime conversing with the Treasury dating Department by phone and shared Commissioner email, which Commissioner Gray and Commissioner Nelson were able to read as well. I am not sure where the misinformation is coming from that "only two Commissioners" have been working on this. As I have said before, I am the only one who is able to log in and input the information because of how it was set up initially and work with the Treasury Department on this. I am not sure exactly what my fellow Commissioners were able to do on this matter other than go around and collect receipts for the money that was spent. The receipts showing how each organization spent the money are not due until December 31st, 2026. To clarify to the Citizens since there is a lot of false information going around, this was only a report showing the "allocation" of the money we received and not how Organizations spent the money yet, as would they still have time to spend the rest of the money they received.

Again, with no "ego" involved, I would like to sincerely apologize to the Citizens of Bates County and would like to thank all of the people that have reached out to me in support.

Sincerely,
Jim Wheatley
Presiding Commissioner

Butler Student of the Month Zoie Umstattd

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital recognizes Kayla Orear

Happy Healthcare HR Week to EMH Director of Human Resources, Kayla Orear! Healthcare is an industry where hiring, retaining, and developing employees can be a huge challenge. As such, the importance of the HR function can’t be overstated! Healthcare Human Resources professionals have all the responsibilities of their peers in other industries plus many specific to healthcare, including managing high turnover rates, providing support for employees' mental and physical health, and monitoring certification compliance. Healthcare HR professionals help their organizations maintain a well-functioning workforce by managing recruitment, training, compliance, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and retention, all while prioritizing patient care and employee well-being.

Happy Healthcare HR Week Kayla! We're appreciate everything you do!

Courtesy Ellett Memorial Hospita

 

Harrisonville schools extends contract with Josh Chastain

In a unanimous decision at the February meeting, the Harrisonville Schools Board of Education extended the contract for Josh Chastain, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, through the 2027-28 school year following their annual evaluation of the superintendent.

Board Doug Meyer said, “Dr. Chastain continues to be a strong leader for our district. The Board evaluation reflects progress in all areas and we anticipate continuation of this progress and improvement going forward.”

In his second year in Harrisonville, the Board approved a new strategic plan which will guide the district’s work through 2029. The strategic plan development was led by Superintendent Chastain and he now leads the efforts to carry out the goals and strategies of the plan. The overall goal areas include Community Partnerships, Early Childhood Education, Quality Staff, Safety, Student Achievement, Technology, and Well-Being.

With the guidance of our newly crafted strategic plan, the district is undergoing a period of exciting and transformative enhancements. Dr. Chastain is collaborating closely with our community to expand early childhood opportunities at the Early Childhood Center, setting the stage for key changes across our schools. As part of this initiative, kindergarten will transition to the elementary school, while third grade will move to the McEowen building. These adjustments create the opportunity for full-day preschool for both three- and four-year-olds, with before- and after-school care options available for families.

In partnership with the Board of Education, the district is also preparing for a future no-tax-levy-increase bond issue. This critical initiative will build upon the progress made through the 2019 bond issue, addressing much-needed updates and ensuring that our facilities are equipped to support the evolving needs of our programs and activities in alignment with the district’s strategic goals.

Superintendent Chastain expressed, “I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our Board and community. Our district remains unwavering in our commitment to academic excellence and providing valuable opportunities for all students. The initiatives we are undertaking today will ensure that Harrisonville Schools continues to be the best place to serve our students and their futures.”

Dr. Chastain is a member of the Harrisonville Kiwanis Club and serves as the president of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The board has not determined a salary increase for 2025-26. The Board of Education will first determine what it is able to provide the faculty and staff of Harrisonville Schools, and then will set his salary at that time.

Chastain is married to Jennifer, a principal in the Raymore-Peculiar School District, and they have three daughters, Aubrey, Catie, and Ashley.

Courtesy Harrisonville Schools

Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Mandy Brockman, RN, as March Employee of the Month

Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is proud to recognize Mandy Brockman, RN, from the Surgery Department, as the March Employee of the Month.

Mandy has been a valued team member at BCMH for 18 years, taking on various roles in the Surgery Department, including circulating nurse and surgery scheduler. Known for her friendly demeanor and dedication to patient care, Mandy embodies the hospital’s commitment to excellence.

 A coworker who nominated Mandy shared:

"Mandy has not met a stranger—she is always engaging and friendly with everyone she meets. Even through personal challenges, she continues to provide outstanding care, making patients feel important and valued. She is so deserving of this award!"

 Mandy’s unwavering dedication to her patients and colleagues makes her an essential part of the BCMH team. The hospital is proud to honor her for her hard work, compassion, and commitment to making a difference.

 For more information about BCMH updates, visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

 

Butler sophomore places well in Fleet Reserve Association essay contest

 

Butler Sophomore Sam Henderson earned third place in the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association) Americanism Essay contest by answering the question, "What Does Service to America Mean?"

Job well done!

Courtesy Butler High School