Thursday, September 11, 2025
Roads and bridges top topics for Bates County Commission
Great River gave a scheduled pre-construction meeting for the BRO-2023 Bridge. Present were Lee Schofield, Lindsey Chaffin and Zack Olivas with Great River, Chris Childress with C&C Bridge and Concrete, and Josh Dugan with MoDOT. Lee handed out the blueprint and went over plans and expectations. Lee stated the Buy America Policy will be enforced. Construction to start September 15th. Final paperwork should be all in by tomorrow. Josh added to ensure that the Missouri 30-day prompt payment law is followed. If contractor is not paid at time of invoice, then it is to be paid 48 hours after imbursement by MoDOT. John asked Josh about the repair work the county contracted out on a few bridges. The bridges pylons were encased in concrete as they are starting to corrode to stop corrosion. Josh stated the new bridges will have the pylons encased in concrete during the build. Jim will get ahold of the local authorities on the road closure.
Jim asked Josh about some concrete teardown that he would like to procure for the county for riverbank build up. Josh referred him to the RE on that project.
Lindsey then shared the list of bidders to date on the Courthouse Sidewalks. The bid opening is scheduled for the 17th at 2:30.
Zack presented the proposed blueprint for the County build box culvert for soft match money on County Road 9002. MoDOT has already approved the build for soft match money. Trent asked about contracting work if needed. Lindsey stated the materials will be put to bid. Then in 3 or 4 months it will arrive. The current projection date is Spring of 2026. Zack stated that Bill will have to keep a daily log. Lindsey stated they have a form that he can fill out. When completed this will be a legal load bridge. Projected build is Fall 2026.
Trent made the motion to accept the blueprint presented for the box culvert bridge for soft match money. John seconded. All voted yes. Motion passed. No opposition.
John stated he had a couple of questions for Jim and Trent. John stated he took several calls over the weekend. A few on the bridges that Matthew Tillery and Trent's son repaired. John asked if all the tools and items were returned when the job was done. Trent stated yes. John replied "Okay I'm just catching a little heat, so I want to get this straight. John went on to question the total amount agreed on from the beginning to the extra that was paid. Trent stated that it was due to them cutting out some brush from under the bridges while they were there. **At the Appleton City Lake bridge on county road 2576. They also cut out a 65 ft wood bridge from under the existing concrete bridge with chain saws. Standing in mud and water 3-5 feet deep and using a boat at some times. They completed a total of 8 bridges and originally was to be $1000.00 a bridge. The total paid out is just over $10,000.00. With concrete charges over $8,000.00. John clarified with Trent, his son Dustin Nelson worked on all 8 bridges and was working with Matthew Tillery. John then asked if Matthew worked for Trent's butchering business. Trent replied he sometimes helps with butchering and other things but not an employee. “Just a hard-working kid that does odd jobs” Trent stated. Trent states that these kids doing this hard work saved the county money. Saved a few more years out of $400,000.00 bridges. John stated that he had just heard complaints from several people. Some from Rich Hill on the dirt mounds on Trent's property. John then stated that his biggest issue is” if we've got guys (road and bridge crew)sitting around and if they do that 5 days a week, that is a lot, between how many guys?”. John went on to explain that he was not accusing them of sitting around but it needed investigation. He further states that he understands that they need extra hands every now and then as well. They went on to state that they need to have a conversation with Bill on these concerns.
Ryan Glass and Clayton Lyons with Kohen Construction came in at their scheduled meeting to ask questions about the Courthouse Sidewalk Project. Ryan asked if there was to be a provided dump truck for the removal of the existing sidewalk concrete. Jim stated yes, the county would have a dump truck provided and would be handling the disposal of the concrete waste. Some of the questions were referred to Great River. They were given contacts and phone numbers. Questions about where supplies and equipment parking were discussed.
** Bold statement added 9/8/2025 Not part of the original meeting or audio
Work in progress
1. Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 nothing since April 25.
2. Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 evening meeting 6/11/25 still gaining signatures. As of 8/7/25, nine people need to sign. All need to sign to move the drives to roads.
3. Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley). ($106,888.79 to date)
4. EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 8/13/25.
September 8, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Bill Stephan with Road and Bridge arrived to his scheduled meeting. Jim and Bill discussed hiring a part time employee to help with the mowing. They mow year-round and having another person with a CDL to help keep that up would be desirable. Ads for hiring will be put out.
John stated to Bill that the original need for this meeting has been clarified. Originally there was to be a closed Session meeting to discuss the allegations of nonproductive workers. John had spoken to Bill about this separately and found the truth of the matter to be late lunches due to time restrictive work conditions. Trent stated he now understands what he mistook as “sitting around” on the clock.
John discovered that the Road and Bridge crew helped Matt Tillery with the clearing and repair work at the 8 bridges. Jim stated “Bill hired the guy to do the work. Yeah, the guy hired Trent's employee, Trent's son, to work with him. They really had nothing to do with it. This is all done above board, where it had nothing showing that anybody was trying to force anybody to do anything. Okay, I want clarification of that, but we have so don't be sitting there saying, well, we this and we because we didn't hire anybody to do the work. We paid for the work to be done. John states he wasn’t here when this was done. Trent stated this work was on the books for 3 years to get done. John brought up how this project went over budget. Original agreement was $1,000.00 in labor a bridge with 8 bridges to be done. With supplies paid for and concrete the total sits near $20,000.00. Over the limit of $12,000.00 to bid out. When John heard Trent state that couple of times he had been out to the road and bridge barn and seen the crew eating there was the assumption that they were slacking off when we had to hire other workers to complete work that needed to be done for 3 years. After further discussion, the understanding is that Bill is doing a great job as supervisor. The crew is working as they should be. Communication between the commissioners needs worked on.
Jim shared the blueprint for the upcoming bridge replacement to start on the 15th of September and the one that Road and Bridge will be building next year.
Trent circled back to the bridges stating each bridge should be considered an individual project. All agreed this repair work will add 20 to 30 years to each bridge life-span and improve the ratings on them at the next state inspection. Each bridge cost around $400,000.00 on average. The working conditions were not favorable. The worst had the guys standing chest deep in water pouring concrete into forms. Jim wanted it said that Bill hired these guys. Trent recommended them but Bill interviewed and hired them it had nothing to do with him or Trent at all. Jim further stated that if the public has a problem with something they need to call the Commissioners as a group not just one. John stated if someone calls him with a problem he will help to the best of his ability.
John mentioned the Solar Project that should start building next year. The road improvements to be starting.
The conversation turned to Bill receiving the new truck.
Trent circled back again to the bridge repair, asking Bill if the boys needed some supplies if he would have gotten them. Bill stated he told them in the beginning to get with him on anything needed as he can get the supplies tax free. Which was not done as they turned in receipts on paid for by them with tax paid.
Trent asked about the Butler Water Plant Bridge. Bill stated that getting the tree removed needs to be done as it is most of the problem. Bill plans to do this once the owner has given approval.
Obituary - Bill Ferguson
Chester “Bill” William Ferguson, a beloved figure in the Ottawa, Kansas community, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on December 21, 1946, in Ottawa, Kansas, he was the son of Ed and Vera (Potter) Ferguson. Bill graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1964 and made a significant mark in both his professional and personal life.
Right out of high school, Bill began his career at a trailer factory. He later joined the Army National Guard on October 28, 1965, where he served for six years, during which he learned essential skills in climbing poles. After completing his military service, he became employed with the City of Ottawa as a tree trimmer, which ultimately led to a successful career as a lineman—a position he held for forty-nine years until his retirement in December 2021. Bill’s expertise in the city’s electrical systems was unmatched; he was known to have a profound familiarity with every transformer and electrical hookup in Ottawa. As a mentor, he proudly taught many young men to respect their job and the service it provided. In addition to his career, he also worked at the sale barn part time.
He had a playful spirit and loved to bring joy to others. His contagious laughter was a source of entertainment, sharing jokes which were normally funny only to him. Bill also made his mark in sports, starting the first ladies’ softball league in 1975 and coaching several teams well into the 1980s. His commitment to youth sports extended to officiating high school football for seventeen years, a passion he had to step away from when his knees could no longer carry him through the games.
In 1966, he was united in marriage to Kathy Ribeau. They were married for seventeen years.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Mae Miller, whom he married on April 24, 1987, in Nevada. He is also survived by his daughter Wendee Storck of Overland Park, Kansas, daughter Penny Jones (Darren) of Missouri City, Texas, daughter LaCole Ferguson of Pomona, Kansas, and son William E.J. Ferguson of Ottawa, Kansas. His legacy extends to his grandchildren, Dakota Storck of Lawrence, Kansas, Austin Storck (Meredith) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mackenzie Jones of Missouri City, Texas, and Spencer Jones of Missouri City, Texas, and his great-granddaughter Marylise Storck of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Fred Ferguson (Marlene), Larry Ferguson (Miriam), Ed Ferguson (Nancy), and Roger Ferguson.
He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa on September 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service starting at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery at 1:00 PM the same day. Bill’s spirit and remarkable contributions to the community have left an indelible mark, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Obituary - Justin Byram
Justin was raised in Vernon and Barton Counties and graduated from Lamar High School in 2000. He lived most of his adult life in Sheldon. Justin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed coon hunting, his dogs, horses, fishing, and hunting. He also loved watching the Kansas City Chief’s and being with his family – especially his nieces and nephews.
Survivors include his mother, Kimberley of the home; father, Hal Byram of Sheldon; a brother, Tracy Byram (Ashley), Nevada; three nieces, Leah Byram (Chase), Donna Byram, and Tracy Lynn Byram; one nephew, Garrett Byram; and a great-nephew, Eli Hinman; grandmother, Mary Buckner, Sheldon; an uncle, Kenny Buckner; three aunts, Karen Jeffries (Bruce), Sheldon, Lisa Gardner (Larry), Sheldon, and Loretta Murray, Milo, MO; and several other great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Helen Byram, Raymond Buckner, Bud Nordyke; and uncle Jesse Murray, Jr.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Sheldon Baptist Church in Sheldon with Dr. Jerod Lamb officiating. A private committal will be held at a later time at the Olive Branch Cemetery in Milo.
Traffic stop results in two arrests
On 09/05/25 at around 8:30 a.m., deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for expired tags as it was traveling northbound on I-49 from Archie.
Deputies pursued the car into rural Peculiar, where it went off road and the driver got out of the vehicle.
The driver then fled on foot for a short time before deputies caught up with him.
He’s been identified as 34-year-old Shannon Barwick of Exeter, Missouri.
The vehicle and trailer attached to it were confirmed to be stolen.
Barwick has been charged with Aggravated Fleeing a Stop/Detention (D Felony) and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle - 1st Degree (D Felony).
He’s being held at the Cass County Jail with no bond allowed.
The passenger has been identified as 39-year-old John Gray of Goodman, Missouri.
Gray had four active felony warrants from two separate counties at the time of his arrest. Gray had two from McDonald County, Missouri (Stealing/$750 or more and Domestic Assault - 3rd Degree) and two from Newton County, Missouri (Burglary - 1st Degree/Domestic Assault 3rd- Degree and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle - 1st Degree/Motor Vehicle Stealing/Watercraft/Aircraft).
He’s currently being held at the Cass County Jail.
Quiet weather until Sunday or so
SUNDAY, this surface low drifts across Kansas west to east beginning late Saturday night.
Currently watching the late afternoon / evening Sunday for some potentially strong thunderstorms.
-Greg@660weather
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Obituary - Jack Swait
Jack grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1958 where he was a member of the NHS Band and played the tuba., Jack attended Pittsburg State College for two years. Following his marriage to Beverly they moved to Independence and soon after he went to work at FORD Motor Company in Claycomo, MO. After 40 years of employment, he retired in 2005. Jack moved back to Nevada in 1994 where he lived until 2023 at which time he moved to Freistatt, MO where he has continued to reside. Jack was an avid Chief’s fan, he enjoyed participating in tractor pulls for a number of years, and also enjoyed being a chef.
Survivors include two sons, Darrin Swait, Springfield, MO, and Kevin Swait (Kimberly), Freistatt, MO; five grandchildren, Joshua Swait, Hannah Swait-DeWeese, both of Springfield, Jeremy Swait, Norman, OK, Brooklyn Trued, Nevada, and Ashlyn Wools, Girard, KS; eight great-grandchildren, Cohen, Ali, Kynsli, Catherine, Jocelyn, Griffin, Parker, and Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his two wives, Beverly and Jodene, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nellie Hall; and a brother, Earnie Swait.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Ray Dean Scism officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Truck collision sends one to hospital
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| Photo courtesy Marissa Bolin |
Just after 1 pm today two large trucks collided at the 18 highway and FF intersection west of Adrian sending a 62 year old Butler man to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The report indicates that a 2019 Kenworth driven by a 21 year old Paola, KS man turned into the path of a 2006 Peterbilt driven by the Butler man.
Both vehicles received extensive damage and were towed from the scene. The Missouri Highway Patrol was assisted by the Bates County Sheriff's Office and the Adrian Fire Department.
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.
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