Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Arrest and Drug Seizure
Bates County 4-H could use your help...
Bates County 4-H is doing a community service project and we are looking for help from the community. We are needing donations of fabric to make these bears to donate to local organizations. If you have any that you would like to donate please bring it to the Bates County Extension Office, our hours are Monday and Tuesday 8:30-4:30 and Wednesday 8:30-12:30 or by appointment other days.
Discover Nature: Missouri Copperheads
Contrary to popular belief, snakes do not go looking for people to bite. In fact, snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. Harmless snakes have round pupils and a double row of scales along the undersides of their tails. But still, it is never a good idea to pick up a copperhead and handle it.
Missouri’s copperheads are pinkish tan with dark-brown markings along their backs that are shaped like an hourglass or bow tie. This camouflage look helps them hide from prey in leaves along rocky hillsides and forest edges. They make excellent exterminators as their diet is mostly mice and voles.
Copperheads are active from April through November and have young from August through early October. They are not aggressive and seldom strike unless provoked.
Keep copperheads away by getting rid of wood or rock piles and tall grass around your home. Wear boots when in woods or brushy fields, and leather gloves when moving rocks, old lumber, and firewood.
There is no one effective mean of eliminating snakes completely, but it is possible to discourage them around homes by the same method effective for controlling other animal pests — eliminating their food and shelter.
And this time of year, inspect foundations, doors, and low windows to make sure there are no openings where snakes might enter.
Learn more about Missouri copperheads at MissouriConservation.org.
Archie Whirlwind Royalty
Our Whirlwinds brought home a Homecoming victory!
Miami County Sheriff’s Office Conducts “Operation Aware” in Osawatomie
Obituary - Leon Gire
Leon, a lifelong resident of Vernon County, graduated from Sheldon High School Class of 1972. Leon received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Missouri Southern State University in 1991, he then attended the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology where he obtained his Master’s and Doctoral degree in Psychology. Leon worked at Nevada Mental Health and Heartland Behavioral Health Services for a time and for the past 25 years at the business he co-owned and operated, The Wellness Company in Nevada. Leon was a Certified Substance Abuse II Counselor, Missouri Licensed Professional Psychologist, and member of the American Board of Psychiatric Professionals.
An avid lover of Christ, Leon was a dedicated member and past deacon of the First Baptist Church in Nevada. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and longtime BassMaster Fishing Club member. Leon’s greatest joys in life included quail hunting with his friends and dogs, spending time with family, fishing, watching Gabby horseback ride or sing, and of course, Dallas Cowboys Football. Leon spent his entire life helping those in need, even to the very end as he was an organ donor, he shared a deep love for God and wanted everyone to know there was more after life and there was a God who loved them dearly.
In addition to his wife Monty, survivors include one daughter, Gabby Oliver (Dusty), Osawatomie, KS; grand dogs, Motley and Sunny; five brothers, Clayton Hayes, Joplin, Elmer Lee Barker, Joplin, Kendall Gire (Brenda) Lamar, Ernest Gire, Joplin, and Bobby Scholes (Todd Miller), Kansas City, MO; four sisters, Denise Gregory (Wendell), Rachelle Banes, Sheldon, Lenora McKinney, Joplin, Rebecca Scholes, Joplin; and an honorary sister, Regina Watkins, Joplin; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Everett Gire.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Nevada. Interment will follow at Moore Cemetery in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to the service at First Baptist Church.
Memorials are suggested in his name to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Heart of America Chapter Gabby’s Guardian Angels Team in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
Obituary - Audrey M. Bockelman
A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home
Scattered showers later this weekend







