Obituary - Mabel Pryor

Mabel Pryor, 63, passed away at her home in Bronaugh, MO, on April 17, 2025.  Mabel was born on January 12, 1962, in Nevada, MO to Melvin and Dorothy (Ogle) Ensor.    She married Dale  W. Pryor on August 20, 2005 and he survives of the home.

    Mabel served in the United States Army for 3 years where she was a cook.  She worked in food service most of her life, including J. T. Maloney’s and Quick Dine in Nevada.   She also worked at Cash-n-Dash as a cashier for a number of years.

    Mabel enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

    In addition to her husband, Dale, Mabel is survived by her sons, Nick Vernon (Tiffany), Nevada, MO, and Donald Vernon (Crystal), Clearwater, FL; 5 grandchildren, Domanick, Alyvia, Emma, Andrew, and  Avalyn; 3 sisters, Mary Anderson, Higginsville, MO, Donna Raggo, Sheldon, MO, and Patricia Nash (Leo), Pullman, WA; a brother, James Ensor (Gina), Schell City, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Rolla Ensor; and a sister, Darlene Leimkiller. No services are planned at this time.

Courtesy Ferry Funeral Home

Weekend weather looks wet...

As you can see by our community calendar below, there are a Easter Egg hunts scheduled for tommorrow and forecasters are saying it likely will be raining. We will do our best to keep you updated on cancellations, sorry! 

TOPS club meet every Thursday at 6:00 pm @Victory Assembly of God Church 

Bingo each Monday night @ Adrian Optimist building 7 pm 

2nd Monday each month Harmony Mission DAR meets @ Butler Library 1:30 pm

The Old Butler High School thrift shop is open every Tuesday & Friday 1-4 pm.

Farmer’s Market on Harrisonville square, Saturdays 8-noon

Apr 19 Easter Egg Hunt @ Bates County Museum 10 am
Apr 19 Easter Egg Hunt @ Drexel park 10 am
Apr 19 Easter Egg Hunt @ Adrian city park 1:30 pm
Apr 19 Easter Egg Hunt @ Medicalodges Butler 1pm
Apr 19 Easter Egg Hunt in Appleton City 11 am, city park
Apr 19 Men's Fellowship breakfast, free, Amsterdam Baptist Church 8 am
Apr 22 Community Cafe @ Butler Nazarene Church 5:30 pm
Apr 25 Cruise Night at Butler Sonic
Apr 25-26 Appleton City city wide garage sales
Apr 26 Buffalo Soldiers presentation @ Bates County Museum 2 pm
May 2-3 Nevada city wide garage sales
May 2-3 Harrisonville city wide garage sales
May 2-3 Butler Spring city wide garage sales
May 5-9 Butler city wide cleanup
May 7 Bates County Posse Rodeo Fun Show @Adrian arena
May 16-17 Rich Hill city wide garage sales
May 17 Spring Fest Shop & Rock in Adrian 1pm, many vendors!
May 24 Rich Hill Alumni Banquet 6pm, Rich Hill Dome
June 1-5 Vacation Bible School, First Baptist Church Butler, 6pm - 8:30 pm
June 2-3-4 Adrian city wide garage sales
June 4 Bates County Posse Rodeo Fun Show @Adrian arena
June 7 Brick Street Bash, Butler 4-8 pm
June 14 Mud Run, 27225 S. Kauffman Rd, Harrisonville 3 pm
June 20-22 Butler Saddle Club Rodeo
June 28 Stars & Stripes celebration, Pleasanton KS
July 9 Bates County Posse Rodeo Fun Show @Butler fairgrounds
July 19 Butler Chamber Car Show

Aug Glow Splash, Butler Aquatic Center, time TBA
Aug 6 Bates County Posse Rodeo Fun Show @Adrian arena
Sept 3 Bates County Posse Rodeo Fun Show @Adrian arena
Sept 6 Butler Fall city wide garage sales
Oct 18 Huckster’s Day in Butler
Oct 31 Trunk or Treat, Butler square 

Dec 6 Butler Christmas parade

Want something added to the community calendar? Call 660-492-8758 or email midshopper@gmail.com

Severe storms possible later, a look at your Easter weekend

Fortunately it wasn't real

Thanks to Mike Burris, Adrian News Leader for providing excellent media coverage of this event

Earlier today, Adrian R-III School District hosted a mock accident scenario—and it was a powerful, realistic demonstration of the consequences of impaired driving. Bates County Memorial Hospital EMS was honored to take part alongside an incredible group of first responders and other local agencies.

A few real-world emergencies ALMOST prevented us from participating, as both of our scheduled EMS teams were involved in patient care when it was time to head to the scene. One crew even had to pause long enough for a quick uniform change and to wipe down their unit before rolling out. The program was delayed briefly, but thanks to the thoughtful coordination of the event organizers, everything came together smoothly.

We’re especially proud of the student actors, whose realistic portrayals made the scene feel all too real. After the scenario concluded, our EMS team handed out the triage tags used in the simulation and explained how they’re used in multi-vehicle accidents. It was a memorable performance and a learning experience for everyone involved.

Kudos for a job very well done to:

Adrian School District

Adrian Schools Resource Officer Mitchell Erickson

Adrian Fire Department

Butler Fire Department

Adrian Police Department

Bates County Memorial Hospital EMS

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Douty’s Tow Service

LifeFlight Eagle (air ambulance)

Jerrett Reno, Bates County Coroner

Megan Reno for leading moulage makeup

BCMH staff who pitched in behind the scenes

Kristina Anderson (BCMH HR) for capturing photos

…and all school staff and student actors who made the day a success: Isobel Shrivel, Aynsley Zerbe, Elizabeth Clifton, Leah Ford, Lexi Evans, Hayden Engelhardt, Kenton Merrifield, Lilly Talley, Alex Petty and Landon Patterson.

BCMH EMS participants: Russell Whisenand, Paramedic; Rich Glossip, Paramedic; Cody Moore, EMT-B; Parker Graves, Paramedic, and Megan Hall, EMT-B.

While this was a simulation, the message is very real: choices behind the wheel matter. We hope today’s demonstration leaves a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.

Thanks for supporting safety in our community.

Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital

Facebook video here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15WQMUgiN3/

Community team seeks child care information

[APPLETON CITY, MO] Parents, employers, and child care providers in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties have an opportunity right now to inform a regional child care action plan.

Local residents and businesses can help by sharing their experiences with child care - what’s working, what’s not, and what they need.

Surveys are open now through April 30 for parents, employers, and child care providers. Respondents may enter to win a $100 Walmart gift card. (survey links below and online)

Local Leadership

The four-county, west central Missouri child care action planning effort is part of a statewide initiative sponsored by Kids Win Missouri. The New Growth Women’s Business Center, based in El Dorado Springs, serves as coordinator for the local planning team.

Organizations from Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties have joined forces with New Growth and Kids Win to assess child care and early education needs, explore solutions, and build an action plan for implementation.

The team includes the Economic Development Partnership - Bolivar & Polk County, Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, and St. Clair County Economic Development along with leaders from child care, health care, education, business, and local government.

“Child care tops the list, along with housing, of issues we must address to advance Bolivar and Polk County,” said Brad Testerman, Economic Development Partnership President/CEO.

Critical Need

The lack of child care harms children, families, businesses, and communities.

Four in five Missouri employers cite child care shortages as their most significant workforce barrier.

Child care availability is especially low in rural Missouri. Non-metro counties average just 3.1 child care slots for every 10 children.

A new report reveals a severe shortage of infant and toddler child care across Missouri, with 112 out of 115 counties classified as “infant and toddler child care deserts.”

“Moving our communities forward requires learning from people here and developing solutions that work for people here,’ said Patty Cantrell, project coordinator with New Growth Women’s Business Center. “These surveys are the first step toward an action plan to tackle the critical child care challenges that families, businesses, and communities face in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties.”

Spread the Word

To hear from as many people as possible by April 30, New Growth and the planning team encourage community members to spread the word about surveys for parents, employers, and child care providers.

See survey links below and online at https://www.newgrowthmo.org/post/survey-of-child-care

Survey information will help to improve child care and early learning in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties.

Because surveys will only be available for one month, it is important to participate immediately.

Deadline for response is April 30, 2025.

All who respond are eligible to enter the drawing for a $100 gift card.

For Parents – Are you the parent or guardian of one or more children under the age of five? Do you know the frustration and fear of not having child care when you need it?

Please help by sharing your experience - what’s working, what’s not, and what you need. ‍

https://bit.ly/parent-survey-about-child-care

For Employers – Do you hire or manage employees at your company? You understand how critical reliable child care is so that your team can show up and perform their best.

Please share your challenges and successes through this survey.

‍https://bit.ly/employer-survey-about-child-care

For Child Care Providers – Do you provide child care as a business or for friends, family and neighbors? You know what it takes to nurture young minds, often with limited resources.

Please share your challenges and successes with us in this survey. All child care providers, licensed or not, are encouraged to respond and may do so anonymously. ‍

https://bit.ly/child-care-providers-survey

Read more about child care planning at: https://www.newgrowthmo.org/post/survey-of-child-care

About New Growth

New Growth is a rural community development corporation based in west central Missouri, with offices in Appleton City, El Dorado Springs, and Bolivar. To support local and regional economic growth, New Growth develops innovative solutions that foster entrepreneurship, strengthen food systems, and expand access to essential services. Programs include the New Growth Women’s Business Center, microlending, food and farm business support, and the volunteer driver network, New Growth Transit. Learn more at newgrowthmo.org.

Little Apple news

 April 16, 2025

 Everyone is invited to attend the AC Area Ministerial Alliance Holy Week services. Maundy Thursday Service: April 17, 6:00 p.m.  at the AC Christian Church with Pastor David Hill, Good Friday Service: April 18, 6:00 p.m. at the AC First Baptist Church with Pastor Alan Black, Holy Saturday Service: April 19, 3:00 p.m. at AC Holy Trinity Church with Pastor James Damon, Sunrise Services: April 20, 7:00 a.m. at AC Christian Church with Pastor Millard Baker AND 7:00 a.m. at Rockville United Methodist Church with Pastor James Damon.

Holy Week services at Immaculate Conception (Montrose) Catholic Church are as follows: Wednesday March 27 – St. Mary’s Living Stations of the Cross 2:15 and 7:00 p.m., Holy Thursday –7:00 p.m., Good Friday – 3:00 p.m., Holy Saturday – 8:00 p.m., Easter Sunday – 8:00 a.m. 

Ellett Memorial Hospital will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19 at Appleton City Forest Park.  There will be hunts for 4 separate age groups.  There will also be a special visit from the Easter Bunny.

AIM Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 0 through 4th grade will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at the Montrose Ball Park.  The Easter Bunny will be on hand for pictures with the kids starting at 12:45 p.m.  Bring your own basket.

Meet Me On Main for Hop and Shop will be Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Easter Bunny will not only be hiding eggs in Forest Park for the kids that day, but rumor has it that he might even hop into the following participating businesses as well: Jina's Junque, Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, A.C. TNR, Red Door Salon, Floral, and Boutique, 4th Street Fika, Bluebird Lounge, and Cork & Keg.

If you have a child who will be attending Hudson R-IX kindergarten next fall and they have not attended Hudson R-IX preschool, please call the school at (660) 476-5467 to discuss enrollment and screening."

The AC FFA is holding their spring plant sale from April 14 until the end of school. The FFA greenhouse will be open for business from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on any day school is in session. Just stop by the Ag Building for assistance. The FFA has garden vegetables and flowers for sale, such as tomatoes and peppers as well as potting flowers like petunias, annual vinca, impatiens and geraniums. Flowers and vegetables can be purchased as packs, individuals or as hanging baskets. Photos and information about all the items available in the greenhouse are located on the school website, as well as the Facebook pages. Costs are $2/packs, and $12/hanging basket or 3 hanging baskets/$30. For information, call Mrs. Leiber 660-424-3668. 

The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates are set for April 25-26. Permits are $5 and can be purchased at City Hall now through noon Wednesday April 23. Permits to set up in the AC Park are $25 for the pole shelter, $15 for the stage, $10 for lawn permits and these fees cover both days. Park permits can also be purchased at City Hall on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved by phone. Maps will be available at Food Fair, Casey's, Fika and Powell's True Value beginning Thursday afternoon, April 24. House of Joy Ministries is scheduled to be at the City Park, Saturday from 3:00-5:00 to pick up donations but may leave earlier if full. For questions, call Dianne Foster at 660-679-1125.

West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (“West Central”) remains committed to delivering vital energy assistance services to families in need through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), despite the recent layoff of all federal LIHEAP staff. While this federal staffing change has caused concern, funding for LIHEAP remains secured through September 30, 2025. West Central is actively monitoring federal developments and preparing for any future changes to ensure continuity of services throughout its nine-county region. LIHEAP is a critical support program helping income-eligible families afford essential heating and cooling services. West Central administers two primary components: Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) – provides emergency utility assistance for households facing disconnection and Energy Assistance (EA) – offers a one-time payment to assist with winter heating costs. Residents can apply for 2025 assistance online at https://wcmcaa.org/ea/, or in person at the Central Office located at 112 West 4th Street in Appleton City. Applications are also available through the Mobile Action Center (MAC), which travels throughout the region. View the MAC schedule here: https://wcmcaa.org/mac-schedule/ Applicants may also: Text: 660-466-2134, Email: energyhelp@wcmcaa.org or call: 660-476-2185 (Option 1 for Energy Assistance, Option 6 for other needs). Please include full name, address, county of residence, utility provider, and a brief explanation of the assistance needed. Staff will respond within 1–2 business days. West Central offices are open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

To address child care shortages impacting families, businesses, and local economies, New Growth is partnering with community leaders in Henry, St. Clair, Cedar and Polk counties. This collaborative effort seeks to first understand child care and early education needs through surveys of parents, employers, and child care providers. Your anonymous feedback will help develop tailored, effective solutions for our communities. Surveys are only open until April 30, 2025, and participants can enter a drawing for a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. To take a survey or learn more, visit: https://www.newgrowthmo.org/post/survey-of-child-care

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for April, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Apr 16 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Apr 17– Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Apr 22- Rheumatology-Dr. John, Apr 23 - Ortho-Dr. Gray , Apr 23 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Apr 24-Neurology- Dr. Shoaib.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 19     Appleton City Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 a.m. at the City Park, sponsored by Ellett Memorial Hospital

April 19     Montrose East Egg Hunt 100 p.m. at the Montrose Ball Park sponsored by AIM

April 19     AC Meet Me On Main for Hop and Shop 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

April 25-26      AC Citywide Garage Sales

Long time offender sentenced to 88 years for sexual abuse

William Noble is well known by authorities in Missouri dating back before 2019 when he received three years probation for his involvement regarding the shooting of police officer Gary Michael in Clinton, Mo.

His troubles didn't end there as earlier this month during a jury trial in Bates county, Noble, 44 was  sentenced to 88 consecutive years in prison on a total of 6 counts including forcible sodomy, three counts of First Degree statutory sodomy and two counts of incest.  

The investigation that led to his conviction began in 2024 with a police report indicating acts of lewd and lascivious behavior with victims in his home spanning back to the early 2000's.

Obituary - Joyce Elaine Cox

Joyce Elaine Cox, 78 of Nevada, Mo passed away April 6th, 2025, at Nathan Richards Nursing Home in Nevada, MO. Funeral services were held April 12, 2025 at the Hume Christian Church in Hume, Missouri with burial in East Liberty Cemetery near Stotesbury, Missouri. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to Life Church Nevada Building Fund. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Joyce was born on May 29th, 1946, to Edward Clayton and Jessie Marie Moberly in Ft Scott, KS. She graduated from Hume High School in 1964 and was married, to this union, two children were born. Son Michael Earl Sword in 1965 and daughter Misty Eve Sword in 1972. Joyce studied at Northwest Oklahoma State College, transferred and graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1979 with a Master of Business Administration.

Joyce and family lived in several places, Hume, MO, Joplin, MO, Crane, MO, Commerce, OK and Schell City and Nevada, MO. Joyce and family moved to Schell City in 1979 where she taught in Rich Hill schools for 2 years, then Schell City for 2 years, before taking employment at the Nevada Rehabilitation Center in 1984 where she retired in 2002.

Joyce married Abe Cox in 1994. That same year they owned and operated 71 Motel in Nevada, MO until 2001. While Joyce was retired, she continued to worked part time at Renwick Insurance Agency and Bon Voyage Travel in Nevada, MO.

Joyce had a love for the world around her. She was always immersed in a good book, letting her imagination roam freely. Joyce had an interest in music and musicals. It’s amazing that she could sing every song from every musical; it shows just how much she embraced her love for them.

Joyce had an adventurous spirit in the kitchen, always exploring new recipes and sharing the delicious results with others. And her warm, open nature made her a friend to everyone she met, sparking conversations and creating connections wherever she went.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by husband Abe Cox, Nevada, daughter Misty Bogardus and husband Tim of Schell City and son Michael Sword, Camdenton, MO. Joyce was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.