Efforts ongoing to lure new business to Butler

Work is advancing quickly at what will be the Hertzog Meat Company retail location on west 52 highway in Butler. The project includes a 10 year, zero percent interest loan according to John Roberts with the MarksNelson company that is helping Butler with economic development

During the regular meeting of the Butler city council on Tuesday, John Roberts with MarksNelson, a business advisory service that provides economic development strategies retained by the city, gave a report on the search to bring new businesses to town.

Roberts said that there is a lot of potential opportunity to lure new businesses but the process is multi faceted, requiring a bit more action on behalf of the city however, the good news is that there are a few that are taking a good hard look at Butler.

Those interested are mostly manufacturing type facilities that will require a partnership with other entities such as Osage Valley Electric Coop also the railroad, and he said that as of this time all are on the same page and things are moving forward. 

Good news included the fact that a zero percent, 10 year loan has been greenlighted that will provide the Hertzog Meat Company a significant savings in terms of finance charges as they continue to revamp the former Walmart building into a retail meat sales location. The loan is in conjunction with Osage Valley, whom has been a big advocate of this and other projects related to the city of Butler.

Roberts went on to say that his firm has also been working with the Bates County Commission to establish an EEZ (Enhanced Enterprise Zone) board which will oversee local programs providing tax incentives, such as property tax abatement, to businesses that create jobs and invest within designated geographic areas in Butler and Bates county in general.

In closing, councilman Scott Mallatt did ask Roberts if his company could help bring some type of convenience store back to downtown Butler. Roberts said that their (MarksNelson) primary goal would be businesses of a larger scale (manufacturing) and that will require further research to fully understand why Casey's closed the stores in the first place.

Roberts also noted that his company will be providing an annual report to the city that will detail progress so far.

In other council news, it was noted that fuel is again for sale at the Butler airport following several technical delays regarding accepting credit cards. 

Mayor Jim Henry said that progress continued regarding promotion of the Jefferson Highway through Butler. As soon as right-of-way arrangements are made, we'll be seeing more signs around the area. Also, the 'green space' on the southeast corner of the square is coming along nicely and sidewalk replacement next to it should be completed soon.

Henry also said that the search continues for a city administrator and update is expected during the October 7 meeting. 

In upcoming sessions discussions will be held about annexation of the Schubert property that the city purchased last year. Following the annexation more discussions will held regarding exact use of the property which will include zoning for industrial development.

It was announced that Scooter's Coffee has broken ground for their new retail location located just west of Burger King and although a completion date has not been announced, it is guessed construction could take 2-3 months.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7pm, upstairs at city hall. An elevator is available for those with special needs. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

56 year old Harrisonville woman dies following I-49 crash

 

Just before noon yesterday a multi vehicle accident claimed the life of a Harrisonville woman following a crash that involved several vehicles, leaving I-49 traffic at a standstill for an extended time.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a Kenworth semi occupied by a 51 year old Independence man and a Toyota Forerunner occupied by the Harrisonville woman were stopped in traffic due to congestion when a both were struck by another vehicle, a Kenworth T600 driven by a 54 year old Deepwater, Mo man.

The resulting impact resulted in forcing the Harrisonville woman's vehicle into the median, where she was pronounced deceased at the scene. No injuries were reported by the drivers of the other vehicles.

This is the 59th fatality reported by the MSHP this year. Multiple agencies responded to the scene including the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Harrisonville police and 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.

Northbound I-49 shut down at Harrisonville

An accident involving a semi tractor-trailer has the northbound lanes of I-49 shut down between the 2 highway and 291 exits which currently is causing a backup that extends south well past 7 highway. 

It is unknown how long the lanes will be closed, an alternate route might be the best bet.

Update: 2:15 pm it has been reported that a secondary accident has occurred on I-49 near 307th street which is adding to delays. It is recommended to use an alternate route (if going northbound) before Archie.

Local students get up close look at law enforcement technology

On Monday, the Bates County Sheriff's Youth Posse got an up-close look at the tools and tech that help keep our community safe! From patrol vehicles to specialized equipment, they explored how each piece plays a role in law enforcement operations.

One of the most talked-about moments? Corporal Jackson's live overview of the Grappler device—a powerful tool used to safely end high-speed pursuits. Watching how it works sparked a lot of curiosity and great questions from the group!

And a huge thanks to Detective Davis, the drone demonstration was a hit! The youth were fascinated by how aerial technology supports investigations and search efforts.

It was a day full of learning, inspiration, and hands-on discovery. We’re proud of these future leaders and grateful to our Sheriff's Office staff for sharing their time and expertise.

Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Office and Bates County Sheriff's Posse

ACT: Meet the cast, Shari Riggs

Shari Riggs (Trudy).

Shari is pleased to be joining the ACT Theater Family. Her most recent production was in the musical "The Producers" at the Newton Community Theater in Newton, Iowa, where she portrayed a number of characters and performed in the musical ensemble.

Shari is married to her one true soul mate, Dave(Charlie) and is the proud Mama of Brett Swarts and Stepdaughter Kayla Riggs. She is employed at the Harrisonville Community Center.

Don’t miss seeing Shari in her ACT debut production:

‘A Candle in the Window’ by L. Don Swartz

TWO WEEKENDS ONLY, November 7-9 and 14-16

Old High School Gym, Butler, MO.

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED AS SEATING IS LIMITED

www.actadrian.com or call (816) 239-0555 (Thanks to a very generous contribution from an anonymous Donor there will be no charge for tickets)

Harvest season brings area accidents

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been at least three accidents around the area involving grain haulers and farm equipment, sending at least on person to the hospital with serious injuries.

This is to serve as a reminder to share the road and be on the lookout for potential hazards as local farmers work to get corn to market.

Archie man seriously injured in I-49 accident

Just after noon on Tuesday, a 66 year old Archie man received serious injuries when the vehicle he was driving southbound on I-49 near mile marker 150.6 was struck in the rear by another vehicle resulting in a rollover crash.  The driver sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a Kansas City area hospital; the driver of the other vehicle, an 18 year old Adrian man received minor injuries and was released at the scene.

Currently the accident remains under investigation.

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.

Obituary - Todd Kevin Fetty

Todd Kevin Fetty, 61, Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at his home in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Todd was born November 2, 1963 in El Dorado Springs, MO to Edward E. and Valira D. (Brown) Fetty.

     Todd grew up in El Dorado Springs and in Colorado where he attended high school. He worked in construction for most of his life while also having worked at a dairy farm when he was young. For most of his adult life Todd lived in Nevada. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, cooking,  and driving county roads.

     Survivors include his children, Johnathan Fetty, Nevada, Angela Fetty, Nevada, and Jessica Sitzmann, Arkansas; a step-daughter, Stephanie Anderson, Oklahoma; and a step-son, Steven Anderson, Lamar, MO; 10 grandchildren, Audrey Fetty, Karsen Fetty, Jaxon Fetty, Ethan Sitzmann, Kamyrnn Sitzmann, Carson Sitzmann, Riley Anderson, Paisley Anderson, Isaiah Anderson, and Joshuah Anderson; a sister, Cheryl Jones, Nevada; three nieces and three great-nieces.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Carbon Center Cemetery in Bates County, MO. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home.

     Memorials are suggested to his family c/o Ferry Funeral Home.