BCMH Employee of the Month, Kori Page

 

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Kori Page, RN, as the September 2025 Employee of the Month. Kori has been part of the BCMH family for many years, currently serving as a Registered Nurse Case Manager on the Case Management team since 2018. She previously worked at BCMH as both an LPN and RN from 1992 to 1998.

Kori plays an essential role in patient care that often goes unseen. She works behind the scenes to ensure inpatient admissions are covered and partners with the hospitalist team daily to make sure patients receive the full benefit of their hospitalization.

Her colleagues recognize that case management can be a challenging role, with insurance requirements adding complexity to patient care. Yet Kori consistently approaches these situations with professionalism, kindness, and an unwavering concern for both patients and the hospital.

“Kori’s job goes unnoticed,” one coworker shared. “She diligently works behind the scenes to ensure our inpatient admissions are covered. She juggles the circumstances between insurances, patients, and providers daily—and she does it with professionalism and kindness. Her concern for the patients and the facility is amazing.”

BCMH is proud to honor Kori for her dedication, expertise, and compassion.

Stay connected with what’s going on at BCMH! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

BCMH Hosts Annual Fall Into Health Fair

Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) invites the community to its annual Fall Into Health Fair, a free event designed to support healthier living through screenings, demonstrations, and resources. The event will be held on Thursday, October 2, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm in the hospital’s Education Center. 

This year’s Health Fair features a selection of discounted lab tests and imaging, giving attendees affordable access to important health information. A popular service, the carpal tunnel screening, will return, along with hearing aid testing by KC Hearing Center.

New to the lineup is a skin analyzer that reveals areas of sun damage not visible to the naked eye, and an information booth on dry needling for muscle relief – a new service coming soon through Rehabilitation Services.

The fair also emphasizes nutrition with fun, family-friendly demonstrations, including a veggie and fruit carving showcase and practical tips on keeping food fresher, longer.

In addition to screenings and demos, the event will host a variety of community health vendors, free blood pressure checks, snacks for those participating in lab draws, and prize giveaways.

For more details, including a full list of available labs and imaging, visit https://bcmhospital.com/health-fair-2025/.

Obituary - Orval "Butch" Page

I was born on Easter Sunday, 1955, in St. Charles, Missouri, to Barbara and Lee Page. I was given my grandfather’s name, Orval, but my grandmother Molly refused to call me that. She planned to call me Peter because of Easter Sunday, but instead she called me Butch — and the name stuck.

In 1959, my family moved to a cattle farm outside Cleveland, Missouri. I grew up there, working hard and learning responsibility. By sixteen, I was running my own hay business, making twelve cents a bale, and saving money. I attended school in Cleveland and lived in the same house for thirteen years until I joined the Army on April 13th, 1973.

During my junior year of high school, I broke my neck in a football game against Drexel, Missouri. But I secretly enlisted in the Army anyway, without my parents knowing. At Fort Leonard Wood, the Army discovered my injury and wanted to discharge me, but I convinced them to let me train harder. I worked before breakfast each day, built up my strength, and passed my PT test. I then went to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to train as a Cavalry Scout.

I was assigned to K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, on the Czech border in Germany. I spent three years there in some of the coldest weather I’d ever known. When I returned to the States in 1976, I served with the 1139th MPs. That same year, I married Virginia Petkou, and together we welcomed my first amazing daughter, Tabitha.

Later, I transferred into the U.S. Air Force and trained at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, as an air traffic controller. During this time, I met Joyce and my son Joe was born, whom I didn’t know about for years. I was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where I became a supervisor in both the tower and radar unit. I married Vickie Stowe, and we were blessed with two more amazing daughters, Sara and Nicohle.

In 1985, I was sent to Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where I served as a radar supervisor and later as NCOIC of PACMARF, a special operations center. My work took me to many countries, and while stationed there, I earned my Master Rescue Scuba Diver certification. After five years in the Philippines, I transferred to RAF Lakenheath in England, where I served as a supervisor in the control tower. I was on duty when we launched F-111s during the Gulf War using silent light-gun signals.

I retired from the military in 1994, after 21 years of service. During that time, I was deeply honored to receive numerous medals and awards for my service to my country.

I returned to Missouri, living in Pleasant Hill and working a variety of jobs: substitute teaching, sheriff’s dispatcher, caseworker, truck driver, and more. Eventually, I became a government contractor with Homeland Security, GSA, and ICE, where I served for 18 years. I also helped organize the local security officers’ union and served as Chief Steward of Local 249 for five years.

In 1998, I met my wife and best friend, Susan Foster. With her love and support, I accomplished many of the greatest parts of my life.

Along the way, I earned an associate’s degree in communications and a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I was honored to serve on Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler’s Military Advisory Committee. I was active in the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Air Force Sergeants Association, Christian Motorcyclist Association, and the Second Cavalry Association. I served as a VFW commander and district chaplain, taught Sunday school at Archie First Baptist Church, sat on the board of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, and took mission trips to Ghana and Guatemala. I was proud to the core for the boy scouts of America and present eagle scout awards to many young men. I also had the joy of dressing as Santa Claus and visiting nursing homes to bring smiles to others. I currently attend Hope City Church in Harrisonville and volunteer with the jail ministry.

My faith was always central to my life. With Charlie 22 Outdoors, I led Bible studies for veterans and was inspired to start a PTSD Bible ministry, helping others find healing and strength through Christ. At home, I held Bible studies surrounded by Christ-loving individuals who encouraged me in my walk. God, family, and country were always my priorities.

Life outside of service brought me joy as well. I loved camping in Wyoming’s wilderness, climbing mountains with close friends, fishing, gardening, raising chickens, riding my Harley, carving walking sticks, the veterans community project dubbed me “the walking stick man” for the many sticks I made, and taking long evening drives with Susan to discover new roads. I also enjoyed photography and storm spotting. I even ran for political office a few times, though I never won.

I was blessed with nine grandchildren, and each brought me pride and happiness. Through it all, I tried to live fully, love deeply, and never let any dust settle under my feet.

I loved my family, my comrades, and my country. To my wife, Susan, to my children, and to my grandchildren: keep your heads up and keep smiling. I had a great life.

As we Cavalrymen say, I’ll be waiting at Fiddler’s Green, always ready.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Interment will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas with Military Honors by Whiteman Air Force Honor team.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

- Shiloh Center, 208 Oriole St, Harrisonville, MO 64701

- Child Rescue, 11201 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109

• - Charlie 22 Outdoors, 115 N Madison St, Webb City, MO 64870
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• - College of the Ozarks, One Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726
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• - Hope City Church Cass County, 2737 Cantrell Rd, Harrisonville, MO 64701
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• - VFW National Home, 3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

Archie celebrating Homecoming week

 

Prairie City school story

As the annual Papinville Picnic is set for this Saturday, here's another story from the area 

We are not sure the year Prairie school was established. We could not find any records, but it is estimated in the early 1880’s. The earliest records we found was 1919.

Teacher records showed that the longest term for a teacher that taught in Prairie City was Pearle Kemper. She taught for 10 years, along with the next was Pauline (Bell) Bradley). The one good thing we found was that the four schools in Prairie township had an abundance of very dedication teachers.

The teachers not only recorded their grades at school, they had to record other activities that was held at school such as : Church, Sunday school, church programs, 4-H meetings  and programs  held at the school (Christmas Thanksgiving and Easter) . Many people mention the pie and box suppers they had to raise money for books for the library.

The four schools would get together several times during the year and have spelling, math and geography, plus sports baseball and races competitions. For the students eight grade graduation they all came to the Methodist church in Papinville.

 In 1952 the Papinville school consolidated with Prairie City school. The Seelinger and Happy Hill schools were moved and attached to the Prairie City school.  Seelinger building was added on the east.  Happy Hill was not in the Prairie township but the school was added to the west side. All four schools were going to Prairie City . The three combined builds were used from 1954 to 1958.In 1958 all student ‘s in Prairie township were bussed to Rich Hill.

Rural education started at Papinville and ended in Prairie City. The Papinville, Mission Branch, Seelinger and Prairie City schools served teachers, parents, students and communities well.  May they always remain treasured memory.

Hope to see you at the picnic on September 27th. All pass students need to sign in at 3:00..  we are having recognition of teachers and students at 3:30. If you are entering the pie contest have your pies at the museum, plus if you would like to bring a cake for the cake walk have them here by 2:00. Make sure they are in disposable containers. Fried fish and pulled pork with all the sides will be served at 5:30. We hope that we will have many alumni from the four schools. Remember this picnic is not just for students of the pass, but also for family that had somebody of their family that attended one of the schools. Bring children to come see what a country school looked like and visit the nice museum.

The quilt drawing will be at 4:00 and the painting that Tom Attenburg painted of the school will be auction off after the pie auction. 50-50 drawing will be after the painting is auction. Come out and have an eventful day. We pray that the weather will be beautiful. This is the last of the school stories. Hope to see you on September 27. Music starts at 1:30. Don’t forget your lawn chairs. Hope you have enjoyed the stories. Submitted by Phyllis Stewart (Activity Director)

Butler Lodge No. 254 installs 2025-2026 officers

 

FLASHBACK: Farming in the 50’s

 

Recipe of the Week