Supermoon coming November 5th

 

The Full Beaver Moon peaks on November 5, 2025, appearing larger and brighter as a supermoon.

Named for the season when beavers sealed their lodges, it marks the shift from harvest to hibernation beneath autumn’s glowing sky.

Courtesy Stranger Facts

Just in time for Halloween?

 

RARELY SEEN, HIGHLY FEARED this Black Widow spider (arachno scarious) was found spinning a web in a doorway on the Butler square today and didn't seem to mind those who stopped for a closer look.

For safety's sake, "Charlotte" was carefully relocated outside city limits as many trick or treaters will be in the area tomorrow evening.

Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Constance Snyder October Employee of the Month

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Constance Snyder, CCMA, as our October 2025 Employee of the Month

Constance is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant with High Street Family Care Clinic, where she is known for her upbeat personality, teamwork, and dedication to both patients and coworkers. A fellow employee described Constance as “helpful, funny, kind, and a real light to work with,” adding that patients appreciate her warmth and attentiveness. 

Her dependability, compassion, and positive attitude make Stan an invaluable member of the High Street Family Care Clinic team and the BCMH family. We are proud to honor Constance this month for the difference she makes every day.

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

Tragic fire near Virginia claims two lives

Shortly before 11 am Wednesday October 29th, firefighters and first responders were summoned to a residence near 6748 NW county road 4002 in rural Bates county on a report of a fire with concerns that victims were  still inside the structure.

Unfortunately, a short time later it was discovered that long time local residents Wesley and Zelda Coleman of Butler, Mo. had succumbed to injuries related to the fire.

The cause and exact circumstances are still under investigation, according to officials.

Obituary - Robert “Bob” Lee Schnoebelen

Robert “Bob” Lee Schnoebelen, 87 of Butler, Missouri passed away October 28, 2025 at Medicalodges of Butler. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Friday, November 7, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial services will follow at 2:00 pm Friday, November 7th, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later time in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Bob was born August 26, 1938 to Claude & Maggie (Fisher) Simmons in St. Clair County, Tiffin, MO. When Bob was 16 days old, his mother passed away, which resulted in Bob & his twin sister being adopted by their mother’s siter and husband, Claude & Lilly (Fischer) Schnoebelen.

He attended elementary school at Herrell Grade School & attended high school at Butler High School graduating in the class of 1956. Following graduation he attended Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO for 2 years.

Later, he was employed at GM Leeds Plant in KC, MO.

Bob was drafted into the US Army on October 6, 1961. He served 13 months in Germany & his last duty assignment was 1st BG 18th Inf, Fort Riley, KS. He was honorably discharged from the US Army & went back to employment at GM Leeds Plant in KC, MO.

Bob was united in marriage to his wife of 59 years, Judith Ann Lockard on May 1, 1964. They had one daughter, Trudy & one son, William.

After his employment with GM, he held several positions in heating/cooling, as well as sheet metal work. Later he was employed at KCPL as an Insulator/Pipe Coverer. He retired from KCPL in September 2000. After that retirement, he spent time as a driver for Max Motors.

Bob was a member of Bates 180 IOOF. He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1987. He held several appointed offices in Grand Lodge prior to becoming Grand Master. Bob held numerous offices in the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the world. He served as Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Missouri in 2003.

Bob was also a lifetime member of the Bates County Elks Lodge #2653 & was a Past Exalted Ruler. He was a member of the Adrian Rebekah Lodge #449. Bob also served two terms on the City Council for Ward 4.

Bob attended First Baptist Church of Butler in his younger days & later in life he attended Happy Hill Church of God. He loved to sing at Church.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, his parents, his three brothers (Claude Jr. Simmons, William Simmons & Richard Simmons), his two sisters (Edith Miller, Odessa Kelly) & twin sister, Roberta Schnoebelen.

Survivors include his one daughter, Trudy Morgan of Hamilton, Texas, his one son, William Schnoebelen of Kansas City, Kansas; five grandchildren, Kendra Norton, Buddy Stewart, Bobby Baker (all in Texas), Anna (Schnoebelen) Diaz & Olivia Schnoebelen (both in Independence, MO); eight great-grandchildren in Texas & Missouri. He also had several nieces & nephews.

Bates County set to hire replacement employees

Weekly report from the Bates County Commission

October 22, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

The Commission approved invoices for payment.

Adam Thomas with the Sheriff's Office gave the Commission the award agreement for the MO Blue Shield Grant Program. Jim Wheatley signed the award agreement.
Bill Stephan with Road and Bridge was in to discuss hiring an employee. Bill has an applicant that he would like to offer the position to. He has a Class A CDL with the Hazmat endorsement. John Gray made the motion to pay this applicant $23.00 per hour based on his experience and a CDL. Trent Nelson seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed. There are going to be three road and bridge employees that will be retiring within the next six months. In the spring they will have to hire two more employees. One of those employees will be assigned to mowing and will not be required to have a CDL. Bill also gave the Commission an update on the new bridge that is being built in Grand River township. They also discussed ordering a new tractor and mower in hopes they will have it in the spring.
John Gray received an email from Vanessa with Code 1 Wellness. They would like to withdraw their proposal for the opioid funds.

October 27, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson. Northern Commissioner John Gray was absent.
Reviewed invoices for payment on Wednesday.
Jim worked on revising the Opioid Resolution. John will need to look it over and then they will send it to Judge Highley.
Jim took the civil summons to Cook Insurance to see if they will assign an attorney to the case. If not, they will have to hire their own attorney.
The Commission received information on authorizing and collection of fees and credits on SB3 from their attorney. They are still waiting to receive the ballot language from him.
Jim figured how much Bates County's yearly dues will be for MAC based on the County's assessed valuation.

Dry for awhile

 

No significant precipitation should find Kansas or Missouri for at least the next 7 days.

A cold front does move through the region tomorrow, but no appreciable moisture to work with.

It'll reinforce those frosty overnight lows through the weekend is about all.

-Greg@660weather

Obituary - Kimberly Hendrick

 Kimberly Hendrick, age 57, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri and are pending at this time.