Appleton City Safe Trick or Treating set for Oct. 27

 

Adrian Sight & Safety Night information

 

Obituary - Arlene Hill

Arlene Hill, 88 of Drexel, Missouri passed away Friday, October 3, 2025 at Foxwood Springs in Raymore, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 14, 2025, also at the Drexel Chapel. Burial will take place in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is pending at this time.

La Cygne Community Acts Heroically Following Vehicle Collision

On October 6, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to the 600 block of N. Broadway Street for a single-vehicle collision involving a telephone pole.

Upon arrival, La Cygne Police Officers observed nearby neighbors already working together to remove the driver and sole occupant from the vehicle, moving him to safety as the vehicle began to catch fire. Thanks to their quick thinking and courageous actions, officers were able use their fire extinguishers to control the quickly intensifying fire and then provide aid to the driver until additional emergency responders arrived. The driver sustained little to no injuries from this collision.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and how we come together in moments of crisis. The La Cygne Police Department and the City of La Cygne commends the citizens involved for their bravery and selflessness in helping a neighbor in need.

Thank you again to all citizens who came together, our public works employees who also serve on our fire department, the La Cygne Fire Department, AMR, and the Linn County Dispatch who work behind the scenes to coordinate us all.

Courtesy La Cygne Police Department

Obituary - Mark Allen Bronaugh

Mark Allen Bronaugh, 62, Nevada, MO passed from this life on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO. Mark was born March 3, 1963 in Long Beach, CA to Donald W. Bronaugh, Sr. and Dolores Rita (Ovellette) Bronaugh.

     Mark was raised in California. He came to Bronaugh, MO in 1988 and later moved to Nevada in 2013. He worked at O’Sullivan’s in Lamar for a number of years and at Peerless in Ft. Scott until 1999. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering with electronics.

     He is survived by his companion, Teresa Rives of the home; a sister, Susan Herring, Nevada; a brother, Gary Bronaugh (Bonnie), Flagstaff, AZ; and a grandson, Hunter Hewitt, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Bronaugh, Jr.

     Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Bill Platt officiating. A private burial will follow.  Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Obituary - "Tall" Paul Lee Smith

Funeral services for Paul Lee Smith of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

“Tall” Paul Lee Smith, age 94 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Butler Center in Butler.  He was born February 6, 1931 to  Hiram Earl and Effie Elsie Close Smith in Butler.

Paul is survived by one sister, Helen Elliott of Marrero, Louisiana; several nephews and nieces; and special friend, Dave Williams and wife Billie of Butler, Missouri.  Paul was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter; four brothers; and four sisters.

Report from the Bates County Commission

September 29, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley was attending a TAC meeting with Kaysinger Basin. Jim did come in after the lunch break.

October 1, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Jami Page, County Clerk, reminded the Commission about Senate Bill 3. This is required to be on the April ballot. She will need an order from the Commission to put it on the ballot. They will need to contact their attorney to get the ballot verbiage. The final certification date for the April election is January 27, 2026. She will need the order by that date.
Greg and Karolyn Zweifel came in to thank the Commission for their help with the drainage issue. (June 2025) The new tube is working well. They brought in cookies as thanks.
Missouri Representative Sherri Gallick came in on her scheduled meeting. She brought a Show Me America 250 years flag for display. They discussed current issues. John asked for help with the State Tax Commission on assessments that don’t seem fair across the board in Bates County. County Clerk Jami Page spoke on election security and voter registration. Jim mentioned Work Force Development needs to be separated from Education. Sherri talked about 2 bills she has worked on.
Work in progress
1. Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 updated 9/10/25.
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 9/3/2025)
4. EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 8/13/25 updated 9/10/25 fixed fee reduced to $9,500.00.

Two slightly injured in Drexel crash

On Sunday around 6:40 am a two vehicle accident resulted in minor to moderate injuries for two Drexel drivers. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Chevy pickup driven by a 61 year old male struck the rear of a 2021 Dodge pickup driven by a 43 year old male resulting in the Chevy going off the roadway near 1st and Ethel streets.

Both drivers refused treatment at the scene; both vehicles had extensive damage. The MSHP was assisted by the Drexel fire department and the Bates County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Due to a policy change, the MSHP no longer provides names of victims in publicly available accident reports. Detailed reports are available with an unknown delivery time due to a severe backlog, according to the MSHP website.