Video: The Wall That Heals

 Following the announcement yesterday that The Wall That Heals will be coming to Butler next Spring, this video explains more about this very special project.

Read the announcement made yesterday HERE.

Special sale coming November 29th

 

10% Off Entire Store for Small Business Saturday November 29th at RidgeTop Alpacas Farm Store open 9-5, located on Main Street in Amsterdam, Mo.

Come see what you're missing!

Bates County Memorial Hospital Honors Mike Keiser Upon His Retirement

 Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) honored longtime employee Mike Keiser on November 18 with a retirement reception celebrating his remarkable 27 years of dedicated service. Family members, friends, employees and board members gathered to recognize his contributions and to extend their best wishes.

Mike joined BCMH as Director of Environmental Services on July 8, 1998. Known for his ready smile, quick humor, and warm rapport with staff and patients, he became an invaluable presence throughout the hospital.

Over the years, Mike was recognized often for the way he served others, including being named Employee of the Month and, in 2022, Employee of the Year. Colleagues frequently describe him as generous, dependable, and always willing to help, qualities that made him a trusted part of daily life at the hospital.

Reflecting on his career, Mike expressed gratitude for the coworkers who shaped his experience at BCMH. “I had a great team, the best workers you could ever imagine from day one. I was very fortunate and blessed to have such good help. Kelly Phillips was definitely a big part of my life; Paula Reed walked me through everything when I first got started, and it just continually amazes me the support you get out of this group.”a

He also introduced several family members who attended the celebration—including his father, sisters, sons, daughter and wife—before gesturing to the crowd of employees, volunteers and board members and saying, “and all of this family right here.”

BCMH CEO Greg Weaver thanked Mike for his many years of outstanding service and presented him with a letter of appreciation and gifts on behalf of the hospital.

Bates County Memorial Hospital expresses its sincere gratitude to Mike for his commitment to the hospital’s mission and for the kindness and professionalism he offered to all who worked with him. We wish him the very best in his retirement.

Obituary - Jennifer Lee Young Joaquin

Jennifer Lee Young Joaquin

January 16^th, 1961 – November 15^th, 2025

 

A Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19^th, 2025 at Roeder Mortuary – 4932 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104. A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, November 20^th, 2025 at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery – 2300 S 78^th St. Omaha, NE 68124.

 

Roeder Mortuaries, Inc.

(402) 453-5600 www.RoederMortuary.com

4932 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104

Vietnam memorial "The Wall That Heals" coming to Bates County this Spring

 

A very special announcement was made this afternoon that Butler, Mo. has officially been added as a destination for a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. with arrival in Bates county set for early Spring  2026.

As communities all over the United States request to have the traveling wall come to their town, only 31 will have the honor next  year- and the Electric City is on that list as The Wall That Heals will arrive April 30, 2026 for a 4 day stay.

"I can't believe we got it" proclaimed Marsha Youngblood, owner of Rocking Chair Quilts in Butler. "I'm still in shock!" Rightfully so, following countless hours filling out paperwork, answering questions and working to find a location- it all paid off today as good karma stemming from a missed opportunity by Youngblood. 

"Some time back, I was sorry that I missed seeing it when it was in Buckner, Mo." she said, leading her to find out more about what she didn't get to see. She started researching and got very interested. And very excited. "Man, I thought, we have to bring this to Butler!" 

So, she got busy filling out applications, not thinking Butler could get it in 2026, but maybe a few years down the road, if that. After all, this display is in high demand all over the country. But by fate, "I logged in to check the list today and there it was. Butler!" 

Following high fives, accolades and some celebration upon the announcement, now it's time to get busy as there is much to do. Youngblood has been working with John Gray, Northern Commissioner, who is equally excited about the project and even as the announcement was made today, he is working to form committees needed to pull the whole thing together.

Please note that bringing the wall here will be a major undertaking. First, money needs to be raised- $12,000 to get it here, then more for everything else such as porta johns, power, etc. "Our goal is $20,000 just to be sure everything is covered" said Youngblood who added that per policy, any money left over will go back to the community.

At the moment it's a full plate for Marsha, such as returning the signed contract with a security deposit due by early December. Plus finding volunteers for many positions such as tour guides, overnight watch, set up, takedown and much more. 

So exactly where will the wall be on display? The grassy area north of the Butler football field, which will provide plenty of visibility as well as parking and easy foot access. She said Butler Schools gladly offered up the spot.

Our community can plan on visitors from all around the region for this momentous occasion. "Word travels fast" laughed Marsha "I already had a call from a group from Sedalia who will be making a large showing. And we also got a few donations this afternoon, too. It's coming together and this is the first day!"

Information about volunteer sign up and where donations can be made will be provided in coming days. 

Meanwhile, more about The Wall That Heals can be found here https://www.vvmf.org/ and you can stay informed through the Bates County The Wall That Heals Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584036959317

Local basketball this week

Thursday

Girls

Harrisonville at Smith-Cotton

Friday

Boys

Hermitage at Ballard
Wheatland at Hume
Bronaugh at Miami
Sherwood at Midway
Lakeland at Montrose

Girls

Bolivar at Clinton
Wheatland at Hume
Sherwood at Midway
Lakeland at Montrose

Another one bites the dust

 

This week, another tree was removed from the lawn of Bates County Courthouse as falling limbs were creating somewhat of a hazard, according to the Bates County Commission.

Many improvements are being made to the courthouse including new sidewalks with future plans to yes, plant new trees. 

Updates will be provided accordingly.

Blackhawks to face West Platte in quarterfinal action this weekend

IT'S BEEN A GREAT YEAR so far for the Adrian Blackhawks football team as they are now headed to the  Class 1 MSHSAA Quarterfinals, facing the West Platte Bluejays this Saturday at home with kickoff at 1 pm. Both teams stand at 8-3, tickets must be purchased through the MSHSAA website or the Adrian Schools Facebook page

Best of luck!

Photo courtesy of Adrian News Leader