Bates county torch once again lit

 

Bates County courthouse maintenance supervisor Gary Ratliff was mighty proud to announce the torch high atop the courthouse is once again producing a warm glow. The torch had not worked for a very long time following a lightning strike and Ratiff "made it a mission" to get it fixed. Thanks to the handiwork of electrician Jeremy Cassaday, the torch is repaired as well other lighting in and around the courthouse.

Rich Hill alumni banquet coming May 24th

 Click HERE for the signup form

Notice from the City of Butler

Part of Main Street will be closed tonight from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. It will be from the corner of Main and Dakota Streets up to the Sheriff's Department. We apologize for this inconvenience and not being able to access the square from this direction.

Reminder from the City of Harrisonville

The Board of Aldermen will hold their 1st May meeting tonight at 6 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, with a Work Session to follow.

Video of the meeting is available on the City’s YouTube channel. LINK >> https://bit.ly/3x0tFwY

To view the agendas for tonight's meetings, visit >> https://harrisonvillemo.portal.civicclerk.com/

REMINDER: This is the first Monday of the month, so please avoid parking in the American Legion parking lot, as they will also have a meeting tonight.

Katelyn Janish named Outstanding Senior by Cass Career Center

 Katelyn Janish was named as the Cass Career Center (CCC) Outstanding Senior from Adrian High School. She was presented with this prestigious award at the CCC awards ceremony last Thursday, along with several scholarships. Shown here, Katelyn takes a pose with Michele Burris. Congratulations!

Some interesting statistics

 

The latest Missouri Economy Indicators brief highlights the state's population trends.

Missouri's 2024 population of 6.25 million makes it the 19th most populous state in the U.S. Between 2020 and 2024, the state added over 90,000 residents—a 1.5% increase.

Metro counties experienced a 1.6% growth rate, while nonmetro counties grew by 1.1%. The population growth was driven entirely by migration, with 101,152 new residents arriving from other domestic or international locations.

During the same period, the state saw a natural population decline (births minus deaths) of more than 11,000 people.

Read the full brief: https://brnw.ch/21wSqfZ

Rich Hill fire department pays special honors to fallen firefighters

In 1981, the first Sunday in October was established as Firefighter Memorial Day to honor all firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Today, we honor those fallen heroes on the first Sunday in May. In 2024, 70 firefighters paid the ultimate sacrifice. As of May 3rd, 2025, 30 heroes have died in the line of duty this year alone. Chief Miller, Chief Entrikin, along with the men and women of the Rich Hill Fire Department, stand with our brothers and sisters across the nation in honoring our fallen heroes. Please keep the fallen heroes and their families in your positive thoughts and prayers.

Firefighter Prayer ~

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fulfill my calling to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect their property. And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life; please bless my family with your protecting hand.

Obituary - Robert Eugene Lowery,

Robert Eugene Lowery, 84, Nevada, MO passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Nevada.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens in Lamar.