Ballard schools welcome new teachers

 

Please welcome to the Bulldog Family, Jessica Bailey (left) and Amanda Davis (right). Mrs. Bailey will be teaching our 4th/5th grade combo class and Mrs. Davis will be teaching SS/History for 7th-12th grade.

Thunderstorms possible through Monday

Ellett Memorial Employee of the Month

 

Congratulations to Ellett Memorial Hospital August Employee of the Month, Tiffany Harris, RN! Tiffany has been working at EMH in Med-Surg for 5 years. She was nominated for employee of the month due to the strong impact she has made while mentoring a co-worker who is new to the nursing field. The nomination reads:

"As a new nurse fresh out of school, I have found their support to be absolutely vital to my growth and success. This person consistently demonstrates patience, professionalism and a genuine commitment to mentoring. They have taken time to teach me, guide me, and help me build confidence in my clinical skills as I transition into my role. Their encouragement and support have created an environment where I feel empowered to learn and thrive. This employee is an excellent colleague and a true asset to our team."

Missouri says 'buh bye' to temporary license tags

Missouri is eliminating temporary license plates, also known as "temp tags," starting this month. A new state law will phase out the use of temp tags as part of a broader change to the vehicle registration process. 

Previously, qualified dealers could issue temporary permits for a period of 60 days upon the sale of a vehicle. However, this practice will be discontinued.

The change is part of a new state law that aims to address issues with expired temp tags, which were costing the state millions of dollars in lost revenue as taxes often go unpaid. Previously, dealers could issue temporary permits for 60 days upon the sale of a vehicle. These permits were not available for purchase and became invalid once an application for title was submitted.

Upon passage of Senate Bill 28, which will take effect on Aug. 28, vehicle buyers in Missouri will be required to pay sales tax at the dealership where the vehicle is purchased before the vehicle can be driven away.

For private sales, buyers will continue to take their bill of sale to any Missouri license office to pay sales tax. At that point, buyers will get a paper copy of their new license plate and a permanent metal plate with the same number configuration will be received by mail a short time later.

Although SB 28 will go into affect later this month, it will take up to 2 years overall to fully implement the program. 

Cass County well represented at Missouri State Fair

Congratulations to 2025 Cass County Fair Queen, Tyne Wilson (far right), for receiving 3rd Runner Up at the Missouri State Fair Queen Contest.

Along with being selected as the 3rd Runner Up, she also won the interview portion of the contest. Fantastic job, Tyne!

Attention parents of Rich Hill elementary students

 Rich Hill Elementary School will be hosting "Meet the Teacher Night" on Thursday, August 14th from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. All students in gradesK-5 and their parents are invited to attend.

All returning students in grades K-5 will need to update student information (phone number, emergency contact updates, etc.) and complete the online registration in TeacherEase. All new students in grade K-5 will need to stop by the elementary office beginning the week of August 4th to initiate registration/enrollment.

The first day of school is Tuesday, August 19th. School hours are 7:56 am to 2:56 pm. Breakfast is serviced from 7:35 am to 8 am. Drop off students that will be eating breakfast at school by 7:40 am to ensure they have enough time to eat before 7:56 am when breakfast is over.

Obituary - Brent Justin Gunnels

Brent Justin Gunnels, 38, of Freeman, MO, passed away unexpectedly on August 3rd in a vehicle accident in Harrisonville, MO. Born in Kansas City, MO, Brent grew up in Harrisonville and Archie.

He graduated from Archie High School in 2005. Brent was adventurous and well-traveled, which played a significant role in shaping his career as a self-made chef. His passion for cooking turned into a successful profession, specializing in wood-fired pizza and various culinary creations that he enjoyed making for family, friends, and customers.

Brent was deeply loved by his family, friends and community for his caring nature. Thoughtful and introspective, he approached life in his own unique way. As a visionary, he was well-read and knowledgeable. He found joy in cooking, engaging in conversations with friends, writing, and creating. Brent enjoyed crafting one-of-a-kind recipes, videos, and written works.

Brent is survived by his mother, Deborah Nowak (Tom); brother, Wayne Gunnels (Kara); sister, Bridget Gunnels DiMercurio (Paul); nieces, Bella DiMercurio, Cecilia DiMercurio, and Amelia DiMercurio; aunts, Renee Burrows (Steve), Thresa Gunnels-Mays (Rob); close friend Jillian Murden as well as many loved cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Gunnels, and both paternal and maternal grandparents.

Brent will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have supported his family during this difficult time.

In memory of Brent, and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in his name.

A celebration of life visitation will be at Dickey’s Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO on August 16, 2025, from 2-3:30 pm. This will be followed by a time for food and conversation, TBD.

Dog owner sought in Appleton City

 If anyone knows whom this dog belongs to please contact City Hall at 660-476-2631 or the Police department at 660-464-4634. She is currently at H&E Veterinary Clinic.

If not claimed in 5 days we will start accepting applications for adoption.