Becki Newkirk named BCMH Employee of the Month

 

Congratulations to Becki Newkirk, our August Employee of the Month!

Becki has been with BCMH for nearly 15 years and serves as the Lead Scheduler in our Outpatient Specialty Clinics. She’s known for her compassion, positivity, and willingness to go the extra mile for patients and coworkers alike.

Way to go, Becki! Thank you for all that you do for BCMH and our community.

Bates County Historical Society receives welcomed donation

 

Mike Shaw, representing the West-Central Missouri Genealogical Society presented the Bates County Historical Society a donation of $15,000 on Wednesday during a luncheon held at Robertson Hall.

Museum curator Tiffany Blaser, along with historical society members gladly accepted the donation as it "will go a long way toward preserving the history of our region."

Blaser said the exact use of the money will be determined during the upcoming Historical Society board meeting in a few weeks.

More about the donor:

"West-Central Missouri Genealogical Society and Library, Inc. is a volunteer-based, ten county organization of persons interested in the research and study of their ancestry and family histories. We study methods of research, help develop and maintain ancestral charts and records, maintain a genealogical library, assist our members in their research and compilations, and sponsor or participate in other activities that benefit or encourage the study of family histories. The Missouri counties we represent are Bates, Benton, Cass, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Saline, and St. Clair Counties."

Casey's opening comes with special bonus

 

Shoutout to the new Casey's store that opened today in Archie! They presented the Archie R-V School District with $500 donation. Consider joining their Rewards Program to earn fuel discounts, Casey Cash, or money given to our students! #ArchieStrong

Nice weekend ahead

Rain inbound

 

As predicted, rainfall is moving east across the forecast area this afternoon.

Overall, showers have become lighter as they progress- with only a few areas of more moderate rainfall at 1PM.

Courtesy 660 Weather

Obituary - Samuel Joseph Ervin

Our dad was a man who truly lived with his heart wide open.  Family was always at the center of his life-especially when it came to his grandkids.  Whether it was gathering together, sharing stories, or simply being present, he showed us all what love and devotion looked like.  He was the kind of person who never met a stranger.  To him, everyone was a friend waiting to be made.  Quick with a smile and always ready to lend a hand, people naturally felt welcome in his presence.  He had an adventurous spirit, too.  He loved the open road, especially when it meant climbing into his '79 Volkswagen Westy and heading off to some new destination.  Whether it was a cross-country trip or meeting up with his VW friends at an event, he found joy in the journey as much as the destination.  To know him was to know kindness, adventure, and love.  He leaves behind not just memories, but lessons in how to live life fully and generously.  And while we will miss him deeply, his spirit will always be with us-in every smile we share, every helping hand we extend, and every new road we travel.

Service information not available at this time. 

Courtesy Heuser Funeral Home

Obituary - Randy Lee Gilmore

 Randy Lee Gilmore

September 28, 1955 – August 21, 2025

Randy Lee Gilmore, of Nixa, passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and compassion. He was born September 28, 1955, in Lockwood, Missouri, to Ralph and Georganna Gilmore, and grew up in South Greenfield, Missouri, where his roots and values were firmly planted.

In 1975, Randy married the love of his life, Evelyn, beginning a journey together filled with devotion, laughter, and faith. He first began his career in business, working with Taco Bell in the 1970s before the company franchised, serving as a training manager and supervisor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yet in 1978, Randy felt a greater call—one to ministry. Answering that call, he attended seminary, was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, and began faithfully serving congregations across western Missouri. His first appointment was in Avilla, MO, and from there, his ministry touched countless lives.

In 2000, Randy took a leave from the pulpit to pursue other interests, but his heart for service led him to a new path. In 2002, he became a hospice chaplain with Southern Care Hospice, where he walked alongside families in their most tender moments, offering comfort, prayers, and peace. Loving and serving God was always at the very center of Randy’s life.

Those who knew Randy will remember his remarkable God-given gift—he could always remember someone’s name, no matter how long it had been. For him, it was not just a talent, but a way of showing people that they mattered.

Beyond his ministry, Randy was a proud father and grandfather, and nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, loved to travel, and found endless joy in exploring new places. He was also an avid reader, a passion that began in third grade when his teacher, Mrs. Hughey, placed the book The Lost Lakes in his hands. From that day forward, reading became a lifelong companion.

Randy retired in 2007, but his love for people, his devotion to God, and his joy for life never retired. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Randy is survived by his devoted wife Evelyn, children Amanda (Justin) Goodwin and Benjamin Gilmore, grandchildren Caleb (Hannah) Morris, Ashton Carullo, Hannalece Gilmore, Seriana Gilmore, and Adelynd Gilmore, great grandson Tucker Morris, and his brother James (Cindy) Gilmore.

Randy is preceded in death by both his parents and his loving grandmother Pearl Steenrod.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory. 

Little Apple News

 

August 27, 2025

The Annual Labor Day Picnic at Immaculate Conception Parish (606 Kansas Ave., Montrose) will be held on Monday, September 1.  The menu includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, dressing, green beans, slaw, bread & butter pickles, and homemade pie. All this is only $15 for adults, and $10 for children age 5-10 and preschoolers eat free. The all-you-can-eat dinner is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the basement of St. Mary’s School, which is handicap accessible. Outdoor tent seating and carry-out are also available. There is a huge country store open from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. There will be corn hole, bounce house and bingo open at 11:00 a.m. A homemade pie auction will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by the cash and quilt raffles. 

The Montrose Lady Jays Softball Team is sponsoring “Meet the Lady Jays Night” 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 27 at the softball field at Montrose High School.  They are offering softball and tacos. The menu includes taco salads, drink and dessert.  A freewill donation will be accepted.

The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will be in Appleton City at the Appleton City Pool parking lot on Monday September 8, 2025. This is an authentic one ring, big top circus. The day will start with a tent raising and tour at 9:30 a.m. The midway opens at 4:00 p.m. and the performances will be at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $16 per adult and $9 for children (2-12 yrs.) or seniors (65+).  Advance tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Advance tickets must be purchased before September 8 and will be available at Powell’s True Value, Food Fair, City Hall, Red Door Salon, Greater Clinton Area Chamber or Carney’s Five Star Supermarket in Osceola. For more information see the AC Fair Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558295662048 or the Circus webpage at cmcircus.com.

The next Second Wednesday, Meet Me On Main Shop and Stroll will be September 10, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. The following businesses and vendors will be participating: Jina's Junque, 3 Wishes, Rural Roots, 4th Street Fika, Cork & Keg, A.C. Library, Growing in Grace, Sandi's Kitchen, and A.C. T.N.R.

The 2025 EMH Community Block Party will be 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Ellett Memorial Hospital in AC. The Block Party will have little something for everyone.  Reduced-price lab draws will be available from 8:00-11:00 a.m.  Booths will be set up with health information on available services and resources.  Come shop the vendors! It’s never too early to start your Christmas Shopping and they have small business vendors on-site selling a wide range of products.  There will also be several activities for the kids to enjoy: bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, kid’s games, fire truck and ambulance. EMH will also be providing free snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy. The St. Clair Co Sheriff’s Department will have K-9 demos. Bring the whole family for a fun day at the EMH Community Block Party! Check the EMH Community Block Party Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=emh%20community%20block%20party for more information.

Henry county Project Connect will host a free, one day event September 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Benson Center in Clinton, MO.  This event is designed to connect the community with vital health services, support programs and essential resources.  A free lunch will be served 11:00 -1:00.  Services that will be available include: dental screenings and extractions, haircuts, health and mental health screenings, food stamps, free legal aid, Medicare enrollment and renewals, substance use disorder information, veterans services, vouchers for drivers licenses, birth and death certificates, workforce development resources, unemployment services and more.  Free transportation to the event is available but call 48 hours in advance.  Inside Clinton city limits, call 660-890-8697 and Benton and St. Clair Counties can call 417-283-7991.

The AC Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for October 3 and 4. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date. 

The last weekend for the 2025 season of the Appleton City Carousel will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August  29 – Sunday, August 31. 36 States and 6 countries have visited the Carousel since opening in 2023.

The month of September is exciting at Growing In Grace for the community. Please come and be a part of it - donations only! September 6 is their Community Dinner with spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti, garlic rolls, vegetables, salad bar, and dessert, Music Quests is Kelsi and Tate from Nixa, MO, along with their two children from 4:00-6:00 p.m. September 10, Meet Me On Main St, they will be serving soft-serve ice cream and cotton candy. September 20, kids fun day, they are having a painting party with Shelli Bales but you must pre-register on Growing In Grace Community Center facebook page. It's free, so please sign up. They accept donations so they can have events for the community and everything is put back into the community center for events and entertainment.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for August and September, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Aug 27 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Aug 27 Ophthalmology - Dr. Soni, Aug 28 Neurology- Dr. Shoaib, Sept 3 Upper GI, Colonoscopy – Dr. Namin, Sept 4 OB/GYN- Dr. Kallberg, Sept 5  Dermatology-Timmerman, PA,  Sept 16 Rheumatology - Dr. John,  Sept 17 Upper GI, Colonoscopy - Dr. Namin,  Sept 18 Podiatry - Dr. Pace,  Sept 19 Ortho - Noble, FNP ,  Sept 24 Ophthalmology - Dr. Soni, Sept 24 Ortho - Dr. Gray, Sept 25 Neurology -  Dr. Shoaib, Sept 30 Rheumatology - Dr. John.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug 27   Montrose Softball “Meet the Lady Jays Night” 6:00 p.m. for tacos and softball

Sept 1     Labor Day Holiday

Sept 1     Annual Labor Day Picnic at Immaculate Conception Parish in Montrose

Sept 8     Culpepper & Merriweather Circus at the Appleton City Pool parking lot