Senator Rick Brattin pens letter to Presiding Commissioner Wheatley

March 13, 2025

Dear Mr. Wheatley,

Your recent open letter to the residents of Bates County, published in the Tribune and Times on March 5, 2025, is a disheartening display of deflection, excuse-making, and a refusal to own the consequences of your actions. It is clear that your tenure as Presiding Commissioner has reached a breaking point, and for the good of the county, I must call for your immediate resignation.

Your admission that you "dropped the ball" on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) paperwork— endangering $3.2 million in critical funds is not a minor oversight; it is a gross dereliction of duty. For years, you ignored 92 emails, a certified letter, and countless warnings from the U.S. Treasury Department, only scrambling to file the necessary documentation at the eleventh hour on March 3 and 4, mere days before a deadline that could have plunged Bates County into financial ruin. Your claim of working "well into the night" to fix this mess does not absolve you-it exposes the negligence that created it. The people of Bates County should not be forced to applaud a last-minute save when the crisis was entirely of your own making.

Worse still, your decision to skip the March 5 commission meeting-where residents gathered to demand answers-speaks volumes about your unwillingness to face those you serve.. You dismissed their presence as a mere opportunity to "publicly chastise" you, yet leadership requires courage, not cowardice. Your fellow commissioners, John Gray and Trent Nelson, stood before the public while you hid behind a Facebook post. This is not the behavior of a leader; it is the retreat of someone unfit to hold office.

The stakes here are not abstract. Your failure to manage these funds threatened to bankrupt the county. Residents have launched a petition with over 600 signatures calling for your ouster, and I stand with them. Bates County cannot endure another day of your excuses or the embarrassment you have brought upon its government.

Mr. Wheatley, your refusal to resign despite this cascade of failures is an affront to the trust placed in you. The people of Bates County deserve a presiding commissioner who prioritizes their needs over personal pride, who acts with diligence rather than desperation, and who respects their right to accountability. You have proven yourself incapable of meeting these basic standards. I urge you to step down immediately and allow fresh leadership to restore integrity and competence to the Bates County Commission.

The time for apologies has passed. The time for action-your resignation is now.

Sincerely,

Rick Brattin

Senate District 31

Obituary - Edgar "Ed" Alan Houchen

Edgar "Ed" Alan Houchen, 84, of Archie, Missouri, left this world peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at KC Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Crescent Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to KC Hospice house in Ed's name.

Born on December 29, 1940, in Kansas City, MO, to Clarence and Evelyn (Steffens) Houchen, Ed spent his formative years in Peculiar, MO, and graduated from Peculiar High School, where his journey of dedication and hard work truly began. On April 21, 1967, Ed married the love of his life, Geraldine Wimsatt, in Archie, MO. Together, they built a loving family that brought joy to his heart.

Ed dedicated himself to the craft of electrician work, beginning his career with Bendix before spending time at KCP&L. He later returned to Bendix/Allied Signal, where he concluded his distinguished career. He was not only a talented tradesman but also a proud member of the Grand River Lodge #276 in Freeman, MO.

Those who knew Ed will remember him as a man of his word, whose kindness and reliability were as steadfast as his love for his family and a legacy of cherished memories and laughter shared with his grandchildren. He was renowned for his remarkable storytelling that could capture the hearts of all who listened. Whether it was collecting die-cast model cars and tractors or meticulously organizing his surroundings, Ed approached life with a tenacity and spirit that inspired those around him. He also had a knack for picking just the right card for not only the occasion, but the person to whom it was for.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Geraldine Houchen; his son, Doug Houchen; and his sister, Marilyn Jantzen. He is survived by his son, Mark (Tanya) Houchen; his daughters: Debra (Jim) Klick and Peggy (Angie) Houchen; his grandchildren: Shane (Staci) Moore, Ashley Evans, Danny (Hannah) Klick, Dustin Houchen, Trista Houchen, and Carson Houchen; 8 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Bobby Houchen, Louis (Cheryl) Houchen, Herb Houchen, and Christine (Bill) Murray; as well as, many extended family and friends.

Report from the Bates County Commission

ARPA Reporting / County Road 10694 / Courthouse Tower Walk

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

Approval was received from SHPO for the Courthouse Tower Walk repair.

Trent made the motion to approve Pyramids quote for the sealant repair to the Courthouse Tower Walk. John seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed no opposition. Jim was absent from the vote.

Pyramid was given approval to complete.

The Commission worked with the Treasury Department to clear up some of the reporting errors. They also worked on the supporting documents for the ARPA Funds.

Jake Hubbard came in with an concern on a County Road. The conversation revolves around the poor condition of County Road 10694 in Mound Township. Jake Hubbard expresses concerns about the road's impassability, which poses a risk to equipment and emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks. He works in the area and travels the road daily. He has nearly got stuck on a few occasions. Despite being accepted as a county road years ago, the township board seems unresponsive. Jim suggests contacting the surveyor's office for documentation. Jim proposed using available Road and Bridge maintenance equipment to improve the road. The township can just pay for the fuel for using them. The urgency lies in ensuring first responders can access the area safely. Trent offered to come look over the road and possibly help with the fencing project Jake has. Jake agreed to accept Trent’s help. John and Trent will investigate the matter with the Township Board.

Jim worked on clearing the files he had on his desk.

Hume Hornet Tank a huge success

 

Our first-ever Hornet Tank is officially in the books and a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support these amazing young entrepreneurs.

A packed house with 110 plates served by our National Honor Society members as 14 teams, 24 students showcased their brilliant ideas.

Special thanks to our judges, mentors, sponsors and keynote speaker Ed.D Ashley Brown with MU Extension for their support!

The meal catered by the culinary program at Nevada Regional Technical Center

Winners:

1st Place & $500: Sparkle Spaces by Evie-Lyn Lewis & Talya McFredrick - an all-natural cleaning product & cleaning business

2nd Place & $300: R&J Deer Blinds by Rhyder Rushing & Jaxson Toms

3rd Place & $150: Little Paws Pet Sitting by Nora Reynolds & RJ Haskins

Audience Choice ($150): R&C Basketball by Cameron Osburn & Ryland Austin

Any entrepreneurs who participated can have their entry fee covered for the 1st Annual Small Business Growth Summit in Nevada (May 9th and 10th)!

Interested in a Hornet Tank t-shirt? Let us know, and we’ll place an order soon!

Thanks to KC Wolf and our Hornet for being a part of the event and a big shoutout to everyone who joined us. Let's keep supporting our next generation of innovators!

Free firewood and wood chips available monthly in Harrisonville City Park

As of now, the City of Harrisonville will be opening the recycle center in the back of City Park once a month to allow residents to come and pick up free wood chips or firewood. 

Parks staff will open the area on the first weekend of each month. Gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both that Saturday and Sunday. 

The area will not be staffed, so guests will need to load the materials on their own. Those wishing to pick up materials will need to complete a liability waiver before accessing the area. Click here to download the waiver. Waivers must be submitted to the City's Public Works Offices at 201 W Chestnut Street.

The goal of this new opportunity is to provide a free service to those in our community who could use some of the excess wood or wood chips. This will not be an opportunity to drop off brush collected from your property. 

Those who do not follow the rules for the recycle center or who drop off brush instead of taking wood chips or fire wood, will lose their access to the area. If those people continue to use the recycle center, they will receive a citation from the City. 

Weekends that free wood chips or firewood will be available:

• March 1-2
• April 5-6
• May 3-4
• June 7-8
• July 5-6
• August 2-3
• September 6-7 
• October 4-5
• November 1-2
• December 6-7

BCMH Celebrating Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

 

Today, we recognize Lori Naber, RDN, LD, for the vital role she plays in promoting health through nutrition at BCMH. As our trusted Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Lori provides expert nutrition counseling for both inpatients and outpatients, helping individuals make informed choices for a healthier future. 

Pictured here with Susan Baptista, CDM, CFPP, our Nutrition Services Supervisor, Lori is an invaluable part of our team—here when needed, always making a difference. 

Interested in outpatient nutrition counseling? Call 660-200-7006 to schedule an appointment!

Big weather changes coming tomorrow

Obituary - Alva May Hartman

Alva May Hartman, 71, of Drexel, Mo., passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2025, after the glow of a beautiful sunset filtered through her window. In her final days and hours, she was gently cared for by her loved ones and was comforted and supported until her last breath. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial services will follow at 12:00 pm, also at the funeral home in Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel Public School Foundation. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Alva was born to parents Alvin and Mable Burrous in their home on September 30th, 1953, with her twin brother Leonard, in Boicourt, Ks. At two years old, she moved with her family to Merwin, Mo., where she spent her childhood.

While attending Miami High School, Alva played clarinet in the band and sang in the choir. She graduated in 1971.

She met the love of her life John Hartman and in November 1972, a year after they met, Alva and John were married at the Merwin Christian Church. Together they had two sons, Justin (born on November 14, 1978) and Jeremy (born on February 24, 1981), both of whom Alva was so proud of and loved with her whole heart.

The Hartman family lived out in the country for many years before settling down for a life in Drexel, Mo., where they raised their sons from adolescence on. Alva spent her life in the food service industry and became a staple figure around Drexel as a beloved "Lunch Lady." She took great care of all the kids at school, but she also loved tormenting and joking around with them. And they dished it right back to her, which she also loved.

Alva loved so many things. Horses, of course, but also tropical fish, animals of all kinds, beaches, Chinese food, and going on adventures with her best friend Ruby. After her children were grown, Ruby and Alva would take off on adventures driving with no destination in mind. Often, when they would come to a fork in the road, they would flip a coin to see where to go. Simple pleasures brought Alva so much joy.

Above all, though, Alva loved her granddaughters more than anything else. Salem, Josie and Sadie, you were the wind in her sails.

To know Alva was to be unconditionally loved by her. She was Grandma Alva to so many. She was just one of those people who loved easily and was easy to love. It was built into her to love, to accept, and to welcome, anyone, always. Her home was full of animals who needed care--the elderly, the sickly, the orphans--whomever needed her, she was there. She didn't care who you were or what you looked like or where you fit into the puzzle of her life. She just loved you. She had a place at the table for you, or a spot on her couch, or a chair in the garage or in the driveway. She just wanted you around, and when you came, she let you know how glad she was that you were there.

Alva May Hartman was truly a master class in unconditional, relentless love.

Alva is preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Mable, and her brothers Kenneth and Leonard, and is survived by her husband John Hartman of (Drexel, Mo.), sons Justin Hartman (Overland Park, Ks.) and Jeremy Hartman (Dr. Leslie Michaud, Kansas City, Mo.), sister Barbara Burrous Lee (Garnett, Ks.), her daughter-in-law Kristen Hartman (Drexel, Mo.) and 3 very beloved granddaughters, Salem Deel (Kansas City, Mo.), Josie Hartman (Drexel, Mo.) and Sadie Irvin (Drexel, Mo.)

"You belong among the wildflowers...You belong somewhere you feel free."

Please find solace in knowing that Alva will go where the good ones go.