Mid America Live

Friday, June 6, 2025

Thunderstorms likely this weekend

Get hooked on fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 7 and 8

By Joe Jerek Published Date 05/14/2025

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 7 and 8. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag.

Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.

Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state's more than 1.1 million anglers.

For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations.

Want to learn to fish? MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing.

Need fishing gear? MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/rod-reel-loaner-locations.

MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Public hearings planned regarding solar installations in Bates County

May 28, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Alex Rice did not show up for his scheduled meeting.

Josh Framel with Clearway came in at his scheduled meeting to update the Commission on the Swan Solar Project in Bates County. John had gone to see the Pine Forest Solar project they are building in Texas. A 300-megawatt project covering 650 acres employs 250 people during construction and 8-10 during operations. Weather monitoring equipment is on site which serves to alert for protection procedures. This will send the tracking panels vertically for hail protection. Safety measures include a detailed site map, fire suppression and remote disconnect switches. They discussed the different tax payment options possible. Josh states that the company would also take care of the fees for the Bond Counsels needed in the Chapter 100 process. GilmoreBell in Kansas City is being considered. After the Chapter 100 application is submitted, public hearings will be planned to address community concerns and ensure transparency. The project aims to balance economic benefits with environmental considerations.

Work in progress
Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 updates current
Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 updates current
Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given 2/14/2024
Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024 updates current
Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley)
EEZ Board 3/26/2025

June 2, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

The Commission received an email from the US Treasury stating they are withdrawing the recoupment of the ARPA funds as all reporting was completed and accepted.

Vanessa Kennedy, Samantha Blum and Emily Gilkey with Code 1 Wellness came in on their scheduled meeting to discuss funding for a Rural Community Opioid Education Summit. They are trying to bridge the gap left between addiction, mental health crisis, and the legal systems. There is a lack of knowledge of where an individual can reach out for help. Code 1 originally set out to have a resource for First Responders as they have specific needs. In the rural areas the first responders have a lack of coverage and support for dealing with the traumas they experience in the course of their jobs. Vanessa states with a wellness program in place for first responders’ other insurance premiums can go down for the cities. They have a list of resources available for a list of community needs including critical incidents. They have grown in the Adrian community that is accepting and supporting their efforts. They have opened their focus to the public. When trying to gain support and participation from other medical professionals they have met with push back and determent. Her efforts with Bates County Memorial Hospital were turned away. She mentioned a forum they attended where there was a lot of talk but no follow-through or action afterwards. BCMH has its own set of issues and public opinion leading them to have community surveys and meetings. “it is people that have said, hey, if, if I have a heart attack, don't call Bates County. I'm serious. I mean multiple, not just one or two, but I mean multiple, do not send me to Bates County.” stated John. “They are working on it, or they are trying to work on that aspect.” John further states. Trent mentioned an abandoned boy’s home in Rich Hill that might fit Vanessa’s goal of having an inpatient facility for detoxing and mental health. The Commission informed them that Judge Highley has taken on forming the Opioid Board. Conversations with her would be needed.

Shane Balk with iNetVisions came in on this scheduled meeting to discuss upgrading the county's telecommunications infrastructure. Lumen's current $85,635 annual cost for internet and phone services was highlighted, with a proposed $84,560 annual cost if Lumen is retained. Shane proposed moving to an in-house phone system, saving $30,000 annually, and using SIP trunks for $600 monthly. For internet, Conexon and Starlink were considered, offering significant cost reductions. Fiber connections between buildings were proposed, with an initial cost of $170,000 and a payback period of 26 months. RFP will be published for bid on the project.

Notice of Meeting for Board of Equalization in Bates County, Missouri

Notice is hereby given that the Bates County Board of Equalization will meet in session on July 21, 2025. Taxpayers that have not resolved their assessment differences during their informal hearing with the Bates County Assessor may make an appointment with the Bates County Clerk’s Office for an appeal in person, by attorney or agent, or in writing on or before the second Monday in July, that date being July 14, 2025.

Jami Page

Bates County Clerk

Peggy Sue McEwan headed to National Competition this month

Congratulations to Appleton City's very own Peggy Sue McEwan who is the Missouri Junior High School Rodeo Girls Breakaway State Champion. She will now compete against the top 4 girls of every state at the National Competition June 22-28 in Des Moines, Iowa for the World Championship title, which will be televised.

Best of luck, Peggy!

Archie Schools offering free sports physicals for students

The Archie School is offering free sports/activity physicals for students. Physicals are good for up to two years, unless otherwise noted by the physician. You can check the expiration date of your current physical with your respective coach or Mr. McIntire.

On the date of the physical screening, you need to bring the attached MSHSAA forms filled out. Paper copies can also be picked up during morning weights or from your coaches. Mr. McIntire will collect forms after your physical is complete.

Any questions, please contact Mr. McIntire at mmcintire@archie.k12.mo.us or by calling 816-293-5312 x2012.

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