A complete obituary is pending at this time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Obituary - Sandy Bedwell
A complete obituary is pending at this time.
Obituary - Walter Wright
Walter Leonard Wright "Poot", age 95 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, November 9, 2025 at his home. He was born October 21, 1930 to Raymond and Etta Smith Wright in Butler, Missouri.
Walter is survived by one daughter, Doncella Wright Liggins of Butler, Missouri; one son, Jason Linn Wright and wife Britny of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; three grandchildren, Brandon Liggins, Mason Wright and significant other Laci, and Chloe Wright; and four great-grandchildren, Hayley, Devin, Kie and Graham Walter. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Charles, Jerry, Paul and Wesley; and one sister, Betty.
Adrian Aldermen ponder financial support for gym project
With insurance rates going up across the board, it was time for the city to revisit premiums which left them facing a 16% increase with current provider MOPERM, a jump from $93,752 to a proposed $108,73. Making the switch to a new carrier comes with a caveat- if the city leaves MOPERM, policy states that they will have to wait 3 years before they can rejoin MOPERM however, the decision was made to go with a different carrier, Star, with a premium of $98,584. Following a lengthy discussion it was found the differences in coverage compared to MOPERM were negligible leading the aldermen to switch to Star despite MOPERM's 3 year rule.
During the October meeting, the aldermen were approached by Adrian school Superintendent Don Lile and a representative of the engineering firm in charge of the new school gymnasium project with a request for some financial help as an apparent mistake was made during the engineering/planning stages.
The crux of the problem centers around the need to relocate a sewer main, which according to a bid received will cost $47,264.00 that will have to be added to the project. To compound matters, overall estimated costs of the gym have spiked over the last year leading the school to eliminate parts of the project including locker rooms and other indemnities; at this point, it will be a gym only but large enough to host district play.
Some backstory, the city originally planned spend about $22,000 to re-line the existing sewer main that runs through the school property sometime in the next few years and last month it was floated out that possibly that money could be given to the school toward the $47,000 problem.
While discussion was tabled in October, it was reopened Monday night during which Alderman Bridges stated that he was not in favor of giving money directly to the school. "I'm not sure we (the city) need to be burdened with someone else's mistake. Let's look at this from a business perspective. If this was anyone else (a business), it would be a non factor. We wouldn't even be having this discussion."
It was made clear by all present that the city supports the school 100% however, the consensus is that while the city collects tax for its needs, as does the school, each are responsible for their own financial decisions overall.
Administrator Ryan Wescote weighed in, saying that he has talked to other city administrators who agree that such arrangements would be off the table. He went on to say that Adrian already helps the school with many things such as not charging the school for use of the ball fields for example, and will continue to do similar things as a contribution.
As ideas were tossed around, one suggestion was that the money could come from the Community Betterment fund, which is about $10,000. At this point, Mayor Cunningham suggested that maybe a town hall meeting should be held to let citizens voice their opinion about how they would like the city to proceed.
As the discussion wound down, Alderman Bridges voiced "This just doesn't sit right with me. We have to make this as a business decision, not based on emotions."
The discussion was tabled until the December 8 meeting.
Results from the park survey were good, according to feedback received as there was a total of 268 responses with many suggestions. Pickle ball courts and walking trails ranked high on the list; the city will now use that information for future planning.
City investments are doing well, the approximate $4.2 million is drawing around 14k a month which goes a long way toward offsetting every growing expenses.
At this juncture, further discussion about selling the water and wastewater facilities to a private firm is off the table as valuations for each were extremely low. "It wasn't even close" noted Mayor Cunningham and Admin Wescote added that there are plenty of other avenues. The original idea of selling was based primarily on saving money in the end but for now, Adrian will remain in control of the entities.
Fire Chief Gary Dizney reported that a few new members have been added to the fire department roster bringing the total to 32. He noted that may sound like a lot but being a volunteer service not everyone can always respond, and the goal is always having enough to respond. At this point, the staff includes 1 EMT, 2 nurses and 7 paramedics.
Adrian police responded to 212 police calls last month that included 10 citations written and two arrests. A new city police officer will begin work in January.
Remember, the Adrian Board of Aldermen meet on the second Monday of each month, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.
Veterans Day observed in Butler
Master of Ceremonies Ron Nissen (above) lead proceedings today while guest speaker Cale Swarnes (below) spoke about the bond that all veterans have regardless of age, rank or branch. At bottom, Butler students provided musical selections appropriate for the occasion.
Amsterdam all set for the holidays
Saturday evening served as the official kick-off for the city of Amsterdam, Mo's Christmas holiday celebration complete with a lighting ceremony, wagon rides, shopping and more.
Kids also got to visit with Santa, hoping to firm up their Christmas wish list.
Shops in Amsterdam will be open with extended hours and plenty of deals in the meantime. Find more on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/260807061940267
Road issue results in suggestion to run for township board
November 3, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
John made a motion to accept Julie Highley’s Opioid Application Proposal. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition. Jim added that they will attach an approval letter on each application.
John also made a motion to accept a verbal bid from Scott Hall with Heritage Tractor for an extended warranty. Mr. Hall is going to contact Bill Stephan with the Bridge Department and discuss the warranty and the details. Trent seconded. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
November 5, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Kevin Nitsche came in to discuss the road he lives on, located in Mount Pleasant Township. He explained that there is no ditch and the drainage issue is causing road damage. Kevin stated he has previous experience with moving dirt and gravel and said that it looked like to him that, “they just put all the gravel in the ditch.” Jim stated that he also has dealt with an issue like this before, where it looks like all the gravel is in the ditch, but he explained that the gravel is, in fact, added to the road but the traffic that drives these roads drive “50 to 60 miles per hour and push the gravel off to roads. If people would drive like they should with one wheel in the center of the road and the other wheel on the side of the road it would help spread the gravel evenly across the road instead of throwing it off the road.”
Kevin asked about the county fixing it, but John let him know that this is not a county issue, but he is more than happy to give the Township a call and see about them putting some more gravel on his road. Jim mentioned that there is someone employed with the township that has been working on various places to get things fixed but warned Kevin that said worker has “messed up some roads and has got some backlash for it but he is working towards getting the roads fixed up.”
Kevin mentioned that he wanted to take his trencher and fix the ditch himself and open the ditch that way the water can drain. Trent questioned Kevin, asking if he knew if there were any electrical wires that ran through the ditch or anything of importance. Kevin let him know that there are fiber optic wire and reassured Trent that he knew where it was located. Jim told Kevin that they now have a Road Retriever, but they do not have anyone to run it right now. Jim told Kevin, “we got this machine for the townships to rent out, all we wanted from them was a small fee to help cover costs.” And explained that none of them wanted to do that. Kevin immediately offered to help when he is available. Trent took his number and stated, “it would be nice to have someone on call if we need them.” John then told Kevin that he would speak with Bill Stephan with Road and Bridge Crew and see if they would need Kevin to jump in and help with anything.
Kevin was very thankful to the Commissioners for listening to him and stressed that he was not complaining, he just didn’t know who to contact about this situation, so John gave him a list of people on the board so that way he knew who to contact regarding any further issues in the township.
Jim encouraged Kevin to run to join the board in his township.
Bill Stephan with Road and Bridge came in and furthermore discussed the Heritage Tractor Warranty.
Trent asked Bill how long it takes him and his crew to get 4,000 hours on a tractor, to which Bill explained, “about 600 to 700 a year.” They were discussing these details to determine the best warranty that would fit what they needed. Trent stated, “I am good with comprehensive four-, five-, or six-year warranty.” To which John agreed and explained, “Bill is going to know what’s best more than anything, with his hours and what will work best for him, and I will follow his lead on this one.” Jim asked Bill if he thought that the comprehensive warranty was the best and Bill replied, “Yes, what we work on is wiring, DEF, and emissions. We haven’t spent any money on the engine and the powertrain, so if we are going to do the warranty, we need to go with the comprehensive for full machine.”
Trent made the motion to go with the 60 Month/3,000 Hour Comprehensive Warranty for the new tractor they will purchase next year. John seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
One of them will call and check out the warranty that they have on the Mower Max as well since they are having issues with hydraulics. Bill explained that right now it has been under the one-year warranty, so everything that has gone wrong has still been under warranty but he was unsure if there was any type of warranty on it once the free one-year was up. They then discussed prices and listed things that will be a deciding factor after they get more information on the warranty.
2026 Holidays were approved.
A Memorandum was made allowing only trained and Certified Service/Support Dogs in ALL County Facilities.
John made the motion. Trent seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami Page brought to the Commissioners attention that there are certain areas on the Court House that is lacking security footage. John responded that he had talked over this before and he had hoped that this issue was resolved last summer but he would investigate this once more.
Jami suggested that this be something they take into consideration for Budget Purpose Costs for next year’s budget.
Warmer temps inbound
Cold snap is over, folks!
Clouds will clear for mostly sunny skies by this afternoon.
SATURDAY will hit about 76 degrees before 50% rain chances move in toward the end of the weekend.
Shower chances linger through Monday.
This post is sponsored by Premier Contractor Services, LLC. Call them at 660-464-2067 or message them on Facebook @Premier Contractor Services. Experts available for all types of construction, large & small. Tell them you saw them on the WeatherSpot!
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