A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Obituary - Ernest Marble
State Farm Athlete of the Week
We are proud to announce the next C & S graphics and State Farm athlete of the week, a junior, from Butler High School, Tandee Hiser. Tandee was nominated by Head Coach Heather Goldammer. Coach Goldammer stated “Tandee is a dominate force every time she steps on the court. So far this season she has accumulated 466 kills, 44 blocks, 286 digs, and 31 aces. And she achieved her 1000th career kill as only a junior. She is incredibly humble and is always pushing herself to be her best on the court and in the classroom. She is also a great teammate and celebrates her teammates’ successes way more than her own.” We asked Tandee what she feels it takes to be successful in a sport and she stated “it’s important to have a good attitude and work ethic.” We asked her what was her favorite thing about volleyball and she stated “I like how competitive it is and being surrounded by my teammates.” When we asked what keeps her motivated to keep working and improving she stated “I don’t want to waste any of my potential. I want to see how far I can go.” We asked her what has made this season of volleyball so fun and she stated “We have really stayed together as a team. We spend time together even outside of volleyball. It has helped make us closer and work together.” At Butler, Tandee participates in volleyball and track. She plans to attend college and play volleyball or compete in pole vault at the collegiate level. It was such a pleasure talking to Tandee. The Lady Bears are playing in Lamar this evening for Districts versus Skyline. We wish them the best of luck!
Another case filed regarding sex with underage child in Bates County
.jpg)
Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }
Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }
Sexual Trafficking Of A Child - 1st Deg - Under 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.210 }
Child Molestation - 2nd Degree -Child Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony B RSMo: 566.068 }
Arraignment will be held at 3 pm on October 24, 2025 before Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer in the Bates County Circuit Court.
Due to the nature of the Unclassified charges above, Lewis could face life imprisonment under Missouri statute.
Nothing severe, just rain
With no severe weather -- even lightning and thunder will be hard to come by -- this prolonged period rainfall is mostly beneficial.
I just wanted to put up the drought monitor before we forget. . . . . that most of the region is 'abnormally dry' to a few pockets of severe & extreme drought.
-Greg@660weather
Obituary - Sharon Ford
Sharon was born April 29, 1943 in Austin, Missouri, a daughter of Henry Richard and Lois Christine (Snow) Drury. She was a lifelong Archie resident and a 1961 graduate of Archie High Scholl. Sharon was united in marriage to Melvin Lee Ford June 16, 1961, in Austin, MO.
Sharon will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to her community. She was a member of the Hoot-n-Hollar Square Dance Club and participated in numerous bowling leagues, where she showcased her competitive spirit and camaraderie among friends. Sharon also shared her love for athletics by serving as a devoted softball coach, nurturing the skills and confidence of young players in the sport she cherished. She was a proud member of the Austin Baptist Church, those who knew her will remember her warmth, laughter, and her incredible ability to bring people together.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Ford; her parents, Henry and Lois Drury; sisters: MaryAnn Hoenschell and Judy Ross. Sharon is survived by her beloved son, Keven (LeeAnn) Ford; her daughter, Karen (Mike) Bowman; five grandchildren: Kyle (Christy) Reeves, Melani (Tim) Cody, Breanna (Tyler) Roberts, Kaytlen (Josh) Vernier, and Jaycee (Malachi) McDowell; five great grandchildren: Isabell, Brenlee, Kinley, Kylar, and Shiloh; and her sisters: Etta Ward of Harrisonville, MO; and Marsha (Randy) Bonnette of Wheatland, MO. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Stolen car recovered; juveniles arrested
At this point in the investigation, we believe this group is responsible for the recent thefts that have occurred from vehicles in the neighborhoods near South Street and Independence Street. However, some of those thefts were not caught on video and had no witnesses so there may be other people involved.
Please remain vigilant about locking your cars, keeping them in a safe place, and securing your valuables.
Courtesy Harrisonville Police Department
Report from the Bates County Commission
County Clerk Jami Page, informed the Commission that Rick Laning was resigning as Trustee of New Home Township. They would like for the Commission to appoint Phil Marlin to replace him.
Trent made the motion to appoint Phil Marlin as Trustee for New Home Township for the remainder of Rick Laning's term. Jim seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion passed. No opposition.
October 20, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
9:30 a.m. Judge Highley met with the Commission regarding the Opioid money. The Judge had emailed the Commission the bylaws, resolution and application. Judge had told Samantha from Code 1 Wellness when she met with her that there was not a board set up yet. The Judge said that she did not put Samantha on the board. The board would take the burden off the Commission. Donna Morris and Jim Wheatley had both filed reports that there had not been any money spent in 2024. The Judge asked the Commission if they wanted a board to support this. The Commission said yes, they wanted a board and then the Commission will review the applications and decide to approve or deny the requests. There are a lot more things that the opioid money can be used for besides telehealth and behavioral health. Jim gave Gasconade County’s request for funding to the Judge for her to use to create a more detailed application. The Judge reiterated to the Commission that she has not yet formed a board and has not promised any funds. Nothing can be done until the Commission adopts the resolution. Once the Commission adopts the resolution then the Judge will form a board. But it won’t be done before the summit that Code 1 Wellness is having. The Commission has concerns over what Code 1 Wellness is going to use the funding for. Code 1 Wellness asked for $15,000 for their summit. There is over $8000 requested for just food. Jim stated that the money is to be used for mental health dependency from opioids. What they are asking for is mental health care for First Responders. The Judge said that they will be getting requests from treatment court for opioid use and funding requests from another organization to supply Narcan. There will also be applications to send people to the State Treatment Court. Treatment Court does not have a source of funding. The Judge stated, initially, there will be monthly meetings of the board. She said that we have been blessed with these funds and must find good use for them. She wants to put the Prosecution Attorney, Judge, someone from treatment court, the Victim Advocate, an alumnus from treatment court and a member of the public on the board. The Judge is going to resend the resolution to the Commission in a word document so they can make changes to it. She will also revise the application. The Judge stated that she will leave the Summit up to the Commission to decide if they are going to fund it or not.
10:00 a.m. The Commission attended the salary commission meeting with elected officials.
After the Salary Commission adjourned, the Commission discussed employee COLAs for next year. Jim stated we must give employees at least a 3 ¾ % COLA due to the salary commission giving officeholders a 3 ½ % COLA. Chad Anderson recommended it being a feasible amount then officeholders can give their employees a performance raise. Chad would like to see the Commission give a 4% or 5% COLA. He likes that flexibility. The COLA must be the same for all employees. Last year, employees received a 5% COLA. John Gray made the motion to give employees a 4% COLA and let officeholders give an additional performance increase based on their budgets. Jim Wheatley seconded the motion. Trent Nelson said he would like to see the employees get a 5% COLA. John stated it allows the officeholders to give additional. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
11:00 a.m. Vanessa and Samantha from Code 1 Wellness met with the Commission. Vanessa got a call from the hospital, and she had to clarify with them what happened in the last meeting with the Commission. Code 1 does support the hospital. Judge Highley called her to state that the Commission did not communicate with her. The Judge told Vanessa that she is out as far as the board goes. Vanessa made a new application. Jim told them that they had met with the Judge that morning. Samantha said the Judge told her that she wanted Samantha on the board as a treatment liaison. Vanessa does not want to be the middleman anymore. John said there was conflicting information. Jim told them what the Judge and told the Commission this morning. Samantha said the Judge told them they could have the money for the summit, and she would fund it. The Opioid Network is involved with the summit, and they would handle the educational aspect of things. November 13th is when the educational portion of the summit will be held at the Optimist. This will be for the community to come in and see what they officer. On day 1, November 12th, they will facilitate a non-biased round table. They can fund their own portion on the 12th. Code 1 Wellness has to fund the second day for the education portion. They are requesting $15,000 for the second day of the summit but they want to also help with the first day. Jill Eriksen is their contact from UMKC. Jim said the Commission is waiting for the board to be set up then they can sign the resolution. Vanessa said that was great news and glad the Judge is back on board. They will keep in contact with Judge Highley.
3:30 Kacie Robey and Daniel Stewart met with the Commission regarding a tax sale issue. Daniel was contacted by a realtor regarding property that Jeff Tourtillott owns in Rich Hill. There is an issue with 40 feet of property on the east side of the house that is located on Hickory street. Jeff owns the 40 feet and the problem is that it was sold at tax sale this year. Jeff bought the property in 2022 from Citizen's Bank. Gary Hazen bought the property at tax sale. The Assessor shows the 40 feet was still owned by Evelyn Meyers. The bank took it over in 2021. Jeff bought it from the bank but the Assessor still shows Meyers owns it. The Assessor never changed the property to the bank or to Jeff. Kacie sold the property because back taxes were showing due because of the Assessor never changed the property in the system to the new owner. Kacie believes she can refund the money to the buyer from the tax sale. Jeff did everything correct that he needed to do by recording the deed in his name. Jim stated that something happened between the Recorder and the Assessor. Kacie needs to undo what was done at the tax sale. Jeff shouldn't owe any penalty or interest. The Commission advised Kacie to contact her attorney.
Jami Page, Bates County Clerk was served a summons in a civil case. The defendant on the case is Bates County. She advised the Commission they needed to send the summons to their attorney because they have 30 days to respond to the summons. This does not have anything to do with her or her office. It is in regards to tax sale surplus money.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
