Happy Anniversary, Joe & Peggy Fuller

 

August 2, 1975 Peggy Staley became Mrs. Joe Fuller and for the past 50 years the couple has made their home in Butler, Mo. From this union came their 'favorite' son Jared, wife Lakyn and wonderful grandchildren- all while making a half century of memories with many friends throughout the area.

To help commemorate their Golden anniversary, simply tap your horn a few times when passing their home, first house west of Sonic in Butler. Congratulations Joe and Peggy, here's to 50 down and many more to go!

Joplin man hurt in accident near Passaic

Shortly after 9 am this morning, a westbound 2007 Chevy Impala driven by a 17 year old Joplin man left the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch along route D highway about a mile east of Passaic. 

The unnamed driver was transported to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries; the vehicle was totaled and towed from the scene.

Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of victims in publicly available accident reports. Hardcopy detailed reports are available from the MSHP at a cost of $6 with an unknown delivery time due to a severe backlog, according to the MSHP website.

Exhibit highlights from the 2025 Hume Fair

 

An exhausted dad's plea goes viral

As sheriff of Bates County, Mo., Chad Anderson has had his share of enduring days however, his daughter's wedding literally took the cake following a lengthy celebration for him and wife Courtney as their daughter Justice officially tied the knot last week.

Late in the evening as things began to wind down, Anderson found himself in a rather deflated state peering through a glass door while in contrast, his wife appeared to have gotten her second wind and continued to chat it up with guests.

Interestingly, the moment was captured on video and following a posting to TikTok, it amassed some 15 million views along with 4 million likes in less than a week. 

Titled "When your mom is being a little social butterfly but your dad's ready to leave", Justice  posted the video with no clue that it would go viral. Soon after, People Magazine picked up the story, which caught the attention of producers for the Kelly Clarkson Show who contacted the father and daughter for more information.

Anderson stated that he and his daughter spent 45 minutes making a two minute (audition) video for the Clarkson show but "I’m not sure who they think they are" said Anderson. "No one can explain us in 2 minutes. Just saying. So most likely we'll go back to a normal life. No riches or fame for me."

We'll see about that.

Over the years, the sheriff has become well known for his Elf on the Shelf and other spontaneous videos he's posted online- leading one to believe that following this brush with fame, the nation's eyes will be regularly watching for what's next from Bates County, Mo.

See the TikTok video here:

https://www.tiktok.com/@justice_777/video/7529730852025142542

Bates County Elks make much appreciated donation

 

The Bates County Elks recently made a donation of $2,730.00 to the Butler Elementary School Supply Drive as seen here, (front): Elk PER, Trustee Terry Agnew, Vicki Spencer, Amanda Lawson, Amy Tippie, Elk PER Stan Harris. Back: Elk Grant Coordinator Brenda Cecil, Elk Secretary Angie McGuire, Elk Treasurer Jason Bennett, Elk Trustee Diana Bennett, Elk Lecturing Knight Stacy Hartsell.

The money received will greatly benefit the need for school supplies as Butler children head back to the classrooms in a few weeks. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Rollover accident just east of Passaic

Adrian and Butler Fire first responders have been dispatched to the scene of a one vehicle rollover accident on D highway about a mile east of Passaic.

Injury status is unknown at this time, use caution of traveling through the area. More details to be released as soon as they become available.

Boil order issued for city of LaCygne

 

A Daughter’s Tribute Comes Full Circle

More than a year ago, then-high school senior Reegan Koshko donated a collection of Bates County landscape photos to the soon-to-open Long-Nissen Infusion Center. Her only request: to dedicate them in memory of her mother, Cheyanna Hellwig, who passed away from breast cancer when Reegan was five.

To honor her gift, the Bates County Community Health Foundation created a one-time scholarship in Cheyanna’s name. Funds were raised through a special raffle of a sunflower photo—yellow was Cheyanna’s favorite color—held during the 100th anniversary of Pleasant Gap Christian Church.

At the center’s one-year anniversary in July, Reegan saw her acrylic-mounted photos on display for the first time, including in the new donor tribute wall. Now a student at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School, her art continues to bring comfort and hope to patients every day.

 Reegan's grandmother, Carolyn Hellwig and her aunt, Jody Hellwig.