Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Little Apple News

 


September 17, 2025


The Appleton City First Christian Church cordially invites the public to attend their 150th year celebration Sunday September 21, 2025.  At 10:40, the Morning Worship service will include the history of the church and former minister messages. Afterward, in the Exie Mae Peeler Fellowship Hall, there will be lunch and a historical slide video loop.  There will be an exhibit in the basement until 3:00 p.m.  


Parents As Teachers Family Group Connection “It’s Not Just A Box” will be held Monday, September 22 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This come and go event will be held in the PAT room located behind the middle building in the East room of the trailer.  All children ages birth through 5 years old, along with their parents are encouraged to attend.  If you have any questions, please contact Amy Raybourn at 660-476-2108 or araybourn@appletoncity.k12.mo.us.


AC PTO is collecting Food Fair receipts and Best Choice UPC labels September 19.  Food Fair receipts need to be from May, 2025 to the present.  If they are older, they cannot be submitted.  Please send them with students or place them in a plastic bag or envelope and drop them off in the Elementary School Office, St. Clair County State Bank with Janet Payton or Little Apples Learning Center by Friday, September 19. This on-going fundraiser raises a substantial amount of money for PTO to use for the children's classroom trips and teacher requests for supplies.  


Homecoming this year will be September 26 against the New Heights Christian Academy Cougars at 7:00 p.m. Coronation will take place during halftime. Parade will be at 2:30 and anyone wanting to join the parade should line up in the school parking lot at 2:00 p.m.


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.


The AC Library is starting to plan for this year's fall events and the first one on the list is for Halloween. If you are interested in participating in the Safe-Trick or Treating event this year, please email the library at acmolibrary@gmail.com to let us know, so they can add you to the participant list. 


The MU Extension office in St. Clair County is offering a Barn Quilt class in Osceola on October 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The class will be held at the library in Osceola, 115 Chestnut Street. Jocelyn Wheeler from Hickory County will be the instructor for the class. Participants will have the opportunity to construct either a 2 ft x 2 ft design for $45.00 or a 1 ft x 1 ft design for $25.00. The 1 ft x 1 ft board is intended for those who would like to hang their barn quilt indoors. It is not durable enough for outdoor hanging.  Register for the class at the Extension office located inside the west door of the courthouse, 655 Second Street, in Osceola, or by calling 417-646-2419, by October 7. For more information or for ADA accommodations please call the St. Clair County Extension office at 417-646-2419. 


2025 marks 90 years since Dr. Ellett first opened Ellett Hospital in 1935.  To help commemorate this great milestone the hospital is hosting a 90th Anniversary Celebration on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A slideshow of Ellett Hospital throughout those 90 years will be part of the festivities. To complete the slideshow they are asking for help from the local community.  If you have photos of Ellett Hospital from years past, please reach out to Michelle Siegismund.  They are especially interested in photos from the old hospital building and photos of the current facility from 1973-early 2000’s.  You can contact Michelle Siegismund at by phone at 660-476-5249, email at michelle.siegismund@ellettmemorial.com or by sending a Facebook messenger message to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Facebook account.


The A.C. Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates are set for October 3-4. Permits are $5 and can be purchased at City Hall through Tuesday, September 30. Permits to set up in the City Park are $25 for the pole shelter, $15 for the stage, $10 for lawn permits and these fees cover both days. Park permits can also be purchased at City Hall on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved by phone. Maps will be available at Food Fair, Casey's, Fika and Powell’s True Value beginning Thursday afternoon. House of Joy Ministries will be at the City Park on Saturday from 3:00-5:00 to collect donations, but may leave earlier if the trailer is full. For questions, please contact Dianne Foster at 660-679-1125.


Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for September, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. 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

Sept 21     First Christian Church 150th anniversary celebration 10:40 a.m.

Sept 22     Autumn begins

Sept 22     Parents As Teachers Family Group Connection 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sept 26     ACHS Homecoming Parade 2:30. Game against New Heights Christian Academy Cougars at 7:00 p.m. Coronation at half time

Sept 27     EMH Community Block Party will be 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


The "Golden Apples" will meet Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Forest Park park building at 5:00 pm. This week’s theme is smoked chicken. Please bring side dishes and desserts to compliment smoked chicken. Food and fellowship will be followed by fun. Come join them.


River of Life Fellowship hosts Third Sunday meetings each month called “All the More” meetings at 6:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend and they will have a variety of “different kinds” of meetings over the year including singspirations, times of fellowship, formal and more informal times of worship.  They will enjoy snacks and fellowship after each meeting. The next three events:  Sunday, September 21: Jill Fischer sharing about Lifewise Academy, Sunday, October 19: Monegaw Strings Bluegrass Gospel and Sunday, November 16: Phil & Pam Morgan Gospel Ministry.


Ingathering4 is coming soon to River of Life Fellowship in Rockville soon.  Nightly October 6 – 13, come and hear the Word of God taught and preached as it’s time for the Ekklesia to be the Ekklesia.  Visiting area ministry every night from throughout the area as different churches are represented, leading worship and sharing the message.  Meal begins each night at 6:00 p.m. for those able to attend, especially the visiting ministry, followed by worship meeting at 7:00 p.m.  There will be fellowship and snacks each night following the meeting.  A love offering will be taken nightly for visiting ministry.  Come and be a part of God’s End-Time Ingathering.


The Appleton City Ministerial Alliance meets throughout the year providing community services and opportunities for the area churches to gather together for worship.  Additionally, the ACMA helps people through the region in a variety of ways.  In 2023 the ACMA founded the Tony Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, which is a $1000 scholarship awarded locally to an area student pursuing continuing education post-high school.  Some in the community have asked about the ability to make donations directly towards the scholarship fund that are not used in other ACMA endeavors.  At any time, you may make donations towards the ACMA and we encourage you to do so.  You may make donations at any of our community meetings, or feel free to contact one of the ministers serving in the ACMA for more information.


The Montrose FBLA is continuing their Shoe Drive from through October 17. If you need to dispose of some new or gently used shoes (no holes or missing soles), please contribute them to their drive. Drop off points are at Montrose R-XIV School, Montrose Savings Bank, and Ellett Memorial Hospital, St, Clair Co. State Bank or Bartz Photography.  Their collection goal is 2500 pairs of shoes, sandals, boots, tennis shoes, cleats, flip-flops, Crocks and more. For more information, contact Robyn Eckhoff, FBLA Adviser, at reckhoff@montrose.k12.mo.us. 


Funds are needed for the backpack program. Holy Trinity Church in AC  houses this project, which is funded by you, the community.  They now are sending 35 packs of food home with school kids weekly. The cost is $950 per month and they are reaching out for help. Donations may be made to: TUMC, with memo: Backpack. Thank You.


The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation was established in 2000 by a local couple to benefit and carry out the purposes of Ellett Memorial Hospital.  The Foundation has played a major role in the Hospital’s recent renovation/expansion project.  The Foundation is a 501c3 organization and plays an important role in ensuring the future of the Hospital by providing an avenue for individuals, groups and corporations to lend their financial support through tax-deductible contributions. The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation would like to extend an invitation to the community to assist with this project.  They would like to welcome all current and past members of the community and service area to make a donation to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation. Donations can be restricted or non-restricted for use as the donor identifies.  Recognition will be given for all contributions.  For further information, contact Julee Snyder, Ellett Memorial Hospital, 660-476-211.


“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations.  Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.


Chances of rain the next few days

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Bates County Memorial Hospital reunion set for October 7



All past and present employees of Bates County memorial hospital are invited to the annual reunion on Tuesday October 7th 11-2 at the large shelter house at the Butler city park. 

Bring your lunch and a drink and any photos or memorabilia to share. Come and visit with old friends and make new friends. 

Harrisonville Board of Aldermen meeting Sept. 15, 2025

Job opening in Butler, Mo

Job Title: Licensed Sales Specialist

Location: Hybrid (In-person in Butler, MO with remote work options)


Job Type: Contract (Opportunities for part-time to full-time transition)


Compensation: Commission only to start


Job Description:

Join our American Family Insurance agency as a Licensed Sales Specialist. This hybrid role offers both in-person and remote work options in Butler, MO. The position starts as a contract, with opportunities to transition from part-time to full-time based on performance and agency needs. Compensation is commission-only to start.


Responsibilities:


Sell Property & Casualty and Life Insurance products

Build and maintain customer relationships

Identify client needs and recommend insurance solutions

Meet sales targets and agency goals

Ensure compliance with insurance regulations and company policies

Qualifications:


Must hold active licenses in Property & Casualty and Life Insurance

Motivated, driven, honest, and a self-starter

Benefits:


Flexible hybrid work environment

Opportunities for growth and advancement

If you are a licensed insurance professional who is motivated, driven, honest, and a self-starter, we encourage you to apply!


Email resume to jdavidso@amfam.com, call 660-679-4911 or stop by the office at 3 W Dakota St Butler MO 64730


Report from the Bates County Commission

Sept 10, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Jon Roberts with MarksNelson and Jana Rosier came in for the scheduled meeting about the EEZ Board. The Previous Board fell apart sometime around 2020. Jon went over the scope of work that MarksNelson can do for the implementation of an EEZ Board. Jon has sent a proposal of $12,000.00. Beginning steps would be:
1 Identify people for the Board
2 Reestablish Board
3 Training
4 Draft resolution
The EEZ board makes recommendations on business and abatements to the Commission for approval. They also make on going checks of agreements and visits to Business. There are quarterly meetings and yearly reporting. Since the old board stopped there would be some reports to make up and get back on track with the visits and check on previous abatements.
John stated that they had several people in mind noting that they need to be diverse to increase the understanding of what each business could bring to the county. Jana stated going after those businesses that could attract jobs that are offering 30-40k yearly would have a better outcome for all. Jon added being just South of the KC area has its benefits as well. Jon is also working with Butler for their Economic Development. Jon stated he will confer on a lower proposal since they will be given contact information for people that might be willing to serve as well, adding a yearly retainer for help with ongoing training and reporting.
Jana asked if it was a conflict of interest for her to serve on the Board. All agreed that it was not as the board only makes recommendations. She added her name to the list.
County Coroner Jerret Reno came in to share information he had received on indigent remains. County Clerk Jami Page was present. Discussion was had on whether a mausoleum or burial would be best. Jerret will need to get information on cost of burials and a monument. Jami added that we would need to bid out the cremations. Jami brought up the legality of ownership of the remains and the county's liability if the remains were given to the wrong family member. Given that that County has paid for the cremation and burial, the ownership should belong to the county. Other Counties follow this same policy. Jerret recommended talking to a lawyer for that answer. Jim added to let the family members get a court order to decide ownership.
Lonny Duckworth walked in on the open-door policy. Questioning the Jail bond payments and where that money goes. He then went on to question why his mother would not qualify for the senior tax credit when she owned the home but was living in a nursing home. He stated, “It doesn’t seem fair.” They own the home and pay the taxes whether in a nursing home or not. Jim stated the law states it must be the primary residence. The discussion went on about all the changes being considered for property taxes and changes in general. Jim started in on the use tax budget being $290,000.00. Trent added how it increased during COVID and what it is now. Use tax is when residents spend money out of county or state. He asked why the Commission gives the Sheriff’s Office the use tax money for security of the courthouse. “Isn’t that the responsibility of the Sheriff’s office to protect the citizens of the county? I mean, it’s in their normal budget. It’s not extra.” John asked if Lonny would want to reschedule the meeting when we could have the Sheriff included. He could answer the questions. Lonny asked why the Commissioners couldn’t? They are the ones in control of the budget. He then asked why the Sheriff is budgeted extra for what is already his duty and responsibility. There was some back-and-forth discussion on what is or isn’t a part of the sheriff’s duties or hired positions. Lonny ended by stating that $150,000.00 a piece for the courthouse security seemed totally unnecessary.
John then asked about a road that he had previously talked to Lonny about in his township and nothing had been done. There was a back-and-forth argument on this subject with Lonny stating that John needed to let the Township Board take care of it and to stay out of their job. John stated he felt it was his responsibility to make sure they were doing their job towards all citizens. As a citizen had complained about them not maintaining the road.
Jim, Trent and Lonny then had conversations on their Cattlemen’s Organization and the recent changes in districting.
Jim Kinney Jr walked in on the open-door policy to ask about Emergency Management opportunities. He has experience in many areas making him qualified in this field. Jim referred him to State Emergency Management and to check with the cities.
Jim attended the Work Force Development in Sedalia meeting on Tuesday.

Obituary - Eleanor "Ellie" Love

Funeral services for Eleanor "Ellie" Laverne Love of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri.  Contributions to Heartland Hospice or Ronald McDonald House.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Eleanor “Ellie” Laverne Love, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, September 13, 2025 at her home in Butler.  She was born October 27, 1940 to Orville Henry and Ruth Ellen Ransier Beasley in Urich, Missouri.

Ellie, one of four children, grew up in Urich, Missouri where she graduated from Urich High School in 1958.  Shortly after graduation on June 6, 1958 she married Joe Love and they moved to Chicago, Illinois.  It wasn’t long when Ellie became homesick and they moved to Ballard and then Amsterdam, Missouri.  She worked as a waitress and a cook for several local businesses before starting a career with Bass Busters–then later the Uncle Josh Fishing Company.  After the passing of her husband, Ellie moved to Butler where she has resided since 2012.  She was a member of the Happy Hill Church of God and the Friendship Club of Amsterdam.

Ellie is described as a Christian who was loving, caring, compassionate and strong.  She enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Nascar.  She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing to her family and at the church with Pat Morris.  Ellie also sang with her siblings while in high school and was featured on a TV station out of Sedalia, Missouri.  If she wasn’t cheering on her sports teams or singing, she was enjoying the tranquility of nature including fishing–a love which she passed down to her family.

Ellie is survived by two sons, Joey Love and significant other Christine of Merwin, Missouri and Terry Love of Mapleton, Kansas; three daughters, Sherry Moon and husband Marty of Centerview, Missouri, Mary Jackson of Butler, Missouri and Tracy Burch and husband Clark of Amsterdam, Missouri; one brother, Carl Beasley of Garden City, Missouri; one sister, Lela Burton of Garden City, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Ina Beasley of Garden City, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Guenter Love of Sparks, Nevada; 14 grandchildren, Joe (Michelle) Love, Christina (Mike) Love, Tom (Holly) Love, Allen Moon, Daniel (Rose) Moon, Melissa (Tristan) Richards, Joshua (Amanda) Jackson, Amber Jackson, Ashley (Chad) Miller, Felicia Love, Roy (Bridget) Love, Natasha (Blake) Magathan, Jessi (A.D.) Burch, and Ruby (Jacob) Chrisman; 24 great-grandchildren; and a lifelong best friend, Ida Kaufman.  Ellie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Love; one brother, Orville Beasley; son-in-law, Bob Jackson; and a dog, Scruffy.

3 Tigers qualify for All-District Choir


Three Rich Hill Tigers are officially WCMMEA All-District Choir members- 
Junior, Leeanna Bell; Senior, Oscar Green and Senior, Juliana Abend.

Congrats and we'll look forward to HEARING from you!

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