Obituary - Carol Peters

Carol Peters 91, of Butler, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home onTuesday, November 25, 2025 surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Wednesday, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Butler Public Library or the Butler Country Club. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Carol “Dutch” Ann Peters was born on June 8, 1934, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Arthur Lee Tanner and Mary Ann Tanner. She grew up in Pittsburg, where she excelled both academically and socially. Carol was an honor student, was crowned prom queen, and proudly won a local swimsuit competition during her school years.

Shortly after graduating high school, Carol married the love of her life, James “Jim” Eldon Peters. Together they raised two sons, and Carol devoted her early years to being a loving and involved mother. She filled their childhood with birthday parties, celebrations, and endless support.

As their sons grew older, Carol and Jim began working side-by-side at The Xchanger, where they built countless memories and became well-known in the community. Their involvement extended far beyond work; they were active supporters and sponsors of local organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation, reflecting their deep commitment to their community.

Outside of work, Carol cherished her time on the golf course with Jim and her close circle of friends. She was especially proud of achieving two holes-in-one on Hole 5 at the Butler Country Club— an accomplishment she loved to share. She also enjoyed crocheting, reading, and spent years perfecting her famous garden salsa. Springtime was one of her greatest joys, when she could sit outside and admire the flowers she nurtured so carefully.

Above all, Carol loved her family. She adored her husband, who affectionately called her “Dutch,” and she treasured her sons and grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Maz.” Time spent with her family was when she found her greatest happiness.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mary Tanner; her siblings John “Jack” Tanner, Mary Beth Tanner, and James “Jimmy” Tanner; and her husband, James "Jim” Peters.

She is survived by her sons: Jim and Ellen Peters of Dublin, Georgia, and Jon and Audra Peters of Butler, Missouri; and her beloved grandchildren Kelly Peters, Chase Peters, Trenton Peters, Austin Peters, Tanner Peters, and Carter Peters.

Carol’s family will forever miss their mom and grandma, their beloved “Maz.” They take comfort in knowing that Carol and Jim are reunited once again, sharing in eternal peace. Her love, her strength, and her memory will live on in all who knew her.

Happy Thanksgiving

 And safe travels.

Big weekend ahead for Adrian

Christmas Times' A Comin' and the celebration begins this Saturday in Adrian, Mo and it all starts with a big parade- the theme this year is A Christmas Movie, so plan your floats and entries accordingly. Line up at 1st and Clark at 4 pm with the parade to begin moving at 4:30 pm as it makes its way to Frontier Village for Hot Chocolate Night, Santa and much, much more.

It will be a prefect way to begin the holiday season with family and friends, we'll plan to see you there!

Little Apple news

 November 26, 2025

The scheduled trash pickup for this week will be on Friday, November 28, 2025 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Please place your trash cans out by Thursday evening.

The Montrose AIM Club will be sponsoring their annual Christmas Lighting and Parade on Saturday evening November 29, 2025.  The lighting will be done at dusk (a little after 5:00 pm) with the parade following.  Anyone interested in entering a float can register the float starting at 4:00 p.m. in front of Harts Upholstery/Rotert Body Shop.  After the parade, there will be hot dogs and chili dogs along with activities for the kids in the Montrose Community Building.  Come start your holiday season off right with a family tradition.  They hope to see you there! 

Meet Me On Main for Small Business Saturday will be Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Participating businesses include Jina's Junque, Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, 4th Street Fika, and Cork and Keg.

The Montrose Knights of Columbus will hold their 66th annual Germantown Turkey Shoot on Sunday November 30, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field. Tickets are $3.00 each and advance sale tickets will enter the purchaser into a cash prize drawing. There will be youth shoot lines and a shotgun raffle. Tickets are available in Appleton City at Dr. Payton’s office, Fennewald Plumbing or any Knights members.

December 6, Growing In Grace will have a bake sale from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. along with other vendors for Christmas In The Country. They will also be having their Community Dinner with music from 3:00-6:00 p.m.  The menu is spiral ham, sweet potatoes, homemade mac ‘n cheese, green beans with potatoes, homemade bread, salad bar and dessert. They have recently started delivering meals to the community as well. Reach out to 660-492-3425 if you would like a meal delivered.

AC Public Library will be hosting a bake sale and book signing on December 6, during Christmas in the Country, 8:00 a.m. till they run out. The support from the bake sale will go to the continuation of the Library and its programs. They are also excited to be joined by Janna Elliston, a local author, who will be showcasing her new children's book, The Legend of Maggie and Lance. She will have copies available for purchase and to be autographed. They hope to see you there! This event is made possible by Thrivent and the Staff and Volunteers of the AC Public Library. 

Women helping women with their education is what Chapter CC PEO Sisterhood has done since 1915 through grants and scholarships for women of all ages. Numerous local women have received PEO scholarships and grants.  Local members are having a quilt raffle this month and will be selling tickets with the drawing December 6 at the Depot Craft Show. 

The Golden Apples will meet 5:00 p.m. Wednesday November 26, 2025 at The Farmhouse Kitchen banquet room for Thanksgiving Dinner. All they ask is that you come and fellowship in thanksgiving. There is no Bingo this week

Did you know the Montrose Post Office has an amazing program called Operation Santa? Your kids can write a letter to Santa, and it might be chosen by someone who sends them gifts straight from the North Pole magic. Bring your kids to the Montrose Post Office and they will help them fill out their Santa letters, sell you a stamped envelope, and get it all ready to send off to Santa himself. While you’re there, grab a candy cane or mint, soak in the Christmas spirit, and make some holiday memories. Operation Santa has a deadline of December 6th. Their hours are: Monday- Friday 9 - 12 & 2-4 Saturday 8:15-10:30.

The Montrose Cheerleaders are selling fresh Christmas Decor (wreaths, sprays, garland, mini trees, etc.). You may purchase online through December 15 at GiftItForward.com/fundraising using coupon code MONTROMO001 or contact a cheer member or Amy Wagner at 660-492-3370.  

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for December 2025.  Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday  Dec 3 - Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday Dec 4 - OB/GYN, Dr. Kallberg,  Tuesday  Dec 9 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Thursday Dec 11 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib,   Friday Dec 12 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Friday Dec 12 - Dermatology-Timmerman, PA,  Tuesday Dec 16 - Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni,  Wednesday  Dec 17- Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Thursday Dec 18 - Podiatry- Dr. Pace,   Friday Dec 19 - Ortho-Noble, FNP,   Friday  Dec 19 - Dermatology-Timmerman, PA, Tuesday Dec 30 - Rheumatology-Dr. John.

“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations.  Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov 28     Trash pickup day for Appleton City

Nov 29     Montrose AIM Club will be sponsoring their annual Christmas Lighting and Parade 5:00 p.m.

Nov 29     Meet Me On Main for Small Business from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Nov 30     Montrose Knights of Columbus 66th annual Germantown Turkey Shoot, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field.

Dec 6        Christmas In The Country in Appleton City

Feeding management of cattle is important to the profitability of the cattle operation. Furthermore, forage is the main part of the diet for cow-calf producers, so economics related to acquiring that forage is important to an operations bottom-line. Therefore, MU Extension, with the help of Wheeler Livestock Auction, is providing a workshop to discuss these topics on December 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Landmark Restaurant, 301 South Main, Lowry City, MO 64763. This workshop will discuss winter cattle management and economics related to forage acquisition. MU Extension Livestock Field Specialists Patrick Davis and Andy McCorkill will discuss winter cattle feeding. MU Extension Ag Business Field Specialist Jake Hefley will discuss economic consideration for buying versus baling hay. This event is free, and meal will be provided with support from Wheeler Livestock Auction. Registration is required to attend by December 8. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/bdntbsjx or by contacting the St. Clair County MU Extension Center at (417) 646-2419. For more info on the event, contact Davis at (417)276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.  

Volunteer drivers are needed ahead of the busy year-end season. New Growth Transit especially needs volunteers in the Appleton City and Montrose area to provide free rides for residents who aren’t able to drive themselves to medical appointments and other essential destinations. Drivers are reimbursed $0.70 per mile (not income), receive training and ongoing support, and choose when and where they’re willing to drive. Call 417-283-7991 or visit newgrowthtransit.org to learn more.

Funds are needed for the backpack program. Holy Trinity Church in AC houses this project, which is funded by you, the community.  They now are sending 35 packs of food home with school kids weekly. The cost is $950 per month and they are reaching out for help. Donations are accepted at the church and may be made to: TUMC, with memo: Backpack. Thank You.

Understanding markets as well as suggestions on feeding cattle through the winter are important for a cattle operation to function properly. Furthermore, understanding financial tools that are available to cattle producers is helpful in planning for operational success in the future. Therefore, MU Extension is partnering with FCS Financial to provide a cattle producers meeting to cover these topics 6:00 p.m. December 11 at the Vernon County Fairgrounds Centennial Hall at 1641 E Ashland Street, Nevada, MO 64772. This meeting will cover cattle feeding and ag business topics related to cattle production. MU Extension Livestock Field Specialists Patrick Davis and Andy McCorkill will discuss winter cattle feeding. MU Extension Ag Business Field Specialist Wesley Tucker will provide a cattle market outlook. There will also be representatives from FCS Financial to discuss products available to cattle producers. This event is free, and meal will be provided with support from FCS Financial. Registration is required to attend by December 5. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/2mfhs4f4 or by contacting the Vernon County MU Extension Center at (417) 448-2560. For more information on the event contact Davis at (417) 276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.   

The Appleton City Ministerial Alliance meets throughout the year providing community services and opportunities for the area churches to gather together for worship.  Additionally, the ACMA helps people through the region in a variety of ways.  In 2023 the ACMA founded the Tony Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, which is a $1000 scholarship awarded locally to an area student pursuing continuing education post-high school.  Some in the community have asked about the ability to make donations directly towards the scholarship fund that are not used in other ACMA endeavors.  At any time, you may make donations towards the ACMA and they encourage you to do so.  You may make donations at any of their community meetings, or feel free to contact one of the ministers serving in the ACMA for more information.

This year’s Christmas in the Country celebration will take place on Saturday, December 6. 

The 29th Annual Christmas in the Country Depot Craft Show, December 6 will provide shopping pleasure for all.  All items provided for sale are hand crafted by the vendors.  Returning crafters and some new faces will make this a great show. Plan to attend and buy locally for those on your Christmas List.  This annual event is sponsored by Appleton City Museum.  Hours are 9:00-2:00

Christmas in the Country will be December 6. Organizers are planning a parade like last year but hoping for more businesses, churches and organizations to participate. They would like all floats, golf carts, rangers, etc. to be decorated with Christmas lights.  The parade will be 6:00 p.m. Saturday night and lineup will be at the school.  After the parade, the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting will take place and then Santa Claus will visit with the children. If you would like to be in the parade, please contact Kristine Parks at 660-492-2171.

8:00 am - 11:00 am After-Prom Celebration Committee – Holiday Rummage & Bake Sale (School Cafeteria)

8:00 am - 11:00 am Steel Band – Pancake Breakfast (East Gym) Music by Steel Band

8:00 am -12:00 pm AC Public Library Bake Sale and Book Signing with Janna Elliston

9:00 am - 2:00 pm 29th Annual Christmas in the Country Depot Craft show

9:00 am - 2:00 pm 2 Blondes Thrift – Vintage Holiday Sweaters (302 N Walnut St)

9:00 am –2:00 pm  4th Street Businesses - Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, Jina’s Junque (open all day), 4th Street Fika, Half-Baked and Brown’s Chiropractic with 2 vendors and a backdrop for photos

9:00 am - 2:00  pm      Growing In Grace bake sale along with other vendors

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Hudson Hustlers 4-H youth - Baked Potato Bar (Park Building Forest Park)

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Christmas Tour at AC Manor and Countryside Estates

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Growing In Grace Community Dinner

3:30 pm Ellett Memorial Candy Cane Hunt, Pictures with the Grinch, FREE Hot Chocolate and Free Christmas crafts for the kids (Forest Park)

4:30 pm  Optimist Club – Soup and Chili Supper (Park Building Forest Park)

5:30 pm  Lineup for Parade in school parking lot

6:00 pm Parade starts

 Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree will follow the parade

 Pictures with Santa will be in the park building immediately after the lighting of the tree.

Some Thanksgiving history

Thanksgiving's history in America includes a 1621 harvest feast shared by Pilgrims and Wampanoag, but it wasn't initially a national holiday. A national day of thanks was first proclaimed by President George Washington in 1789, with Abraham Lincoln establishing it as a national holiday in 1863, which was then permanently fixed as the fourth Thursday of November by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.

Early history and the myth of the first Thanksgiving

The popular image of the first Thanksgiving is a 1621 harvest festival attended by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, though the exact date is uncertain.

• This event was not called Thanksgiving and was not a regular occurrence. It was a three-day event that included feasting and diplomacy, not a simple harvest celebration.
• The food was different from modern Thanksgiving meals, featuring venison, fowl, seafood, and vegetables like corn and squash, but likely not turkey or cranberry sauce.
• The history of Thanksgiving is not just about the 1621 feast. Some historical accounts indicate that other "days of thanksgiving" were celebrated in the 17th century in honor of military victories over Native Americans, such as the 1637 Pequot Massacre. National holiday and modern traditions.
• First national Thanksgiving: In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation on behalf of the United States.

• Push for a national holiday: The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving at the state level grew, but a national holiday was not established until later. Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book, campaigned for an annual national Thanksgiving holiday for decades.
• Lincoln's proclamation: In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving, influenced by Hale's efforts.
• Fixing the date: Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday of November until 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week. In 1941, Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November. 

This week: Students in the News

 

The Lady Blackhawks traveled to Versailles to compete in the Versailles Girls Invitational, it was a strong start to the season for the team! Archie Whirlwind, Tayler Essenpries, had a great meet. She placed fifth in her division. Congratulations to Tayler and the entire team!

Butler Competitors of the Week are Tandee Hiser and Kamden Fennewald

Both athletes earned All-State honors after already receiving Conference and District recognition, showcasing their outstanding athletic ability and consistent performance.

Night in and night out, these two were on the floor as true cornerstones of the Lady Bears program. Their dedication, leadership, and competitive drive set the tone for our team all season long.

Exceptional work, ladies — we appreciate your contributions to the program.

Rich Hill 2026 Senior Spotlight-Jayla Potter

Miami R-1 8th Grade FACS class made Thanksgiving pumpkin pies this week! Yummy!

Congratulations Ballard Student of the Month winners: Lucas Crump, Sofia Porter, Grace Doll, and Charlotte Hastings. We are all thankful to have such great students!

Congratulations to the Adrian recipients of the Missouri High School Golf Coaches Association All State Academic Award! Pictured left to right: Chloe Nelson, Kennedy Bridges, Claire Newkirk, Lily Hughes and Lexi Evans.

Academic All-State Qualification Criteria: 3.5 Non-Rounded, Non-Weighted, Cumulative GPA OR 25 ACT Superscore OR 1200 SAT; Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in good standing with their team/school; Considered a Varsity golfer by the coach’s/school’s standards.

Congratulations to Hume Hornets Acacia Courson and Hailey Olive on their successful application and acceptance into Upward Bound. This TRIO program is designed to support students in their post-secondary plans, with summer and weekend commitments, financial stipends, a travel week, mentorship and many fun experiences.

Hume has five students who are active in Upward Bound. Congratulations on your effort and success with this competitive process.

Eight Harrisonville High School band students were recognized for their outstanding performances at the recent district band auditions.

Students selected for the Honor Band include Elissa Busby (tenor saxophone, alternate), Ava Kelly (trumpet, fourth chair), Spencer Truman (trumpet, 11th chair), and Hunter Jones (euphonium, fourth chair). These students are now eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Band.

Honorable Mention Band recognitions were awarded to Elissa Busby (tenor saxophone, first chair), Lily Feece (trumpet, fourth chair), and Rowan Truman (tuba, first chair).

Students selected for the District Jazz Band include Noah Chapman (tenor saxophone, second chair), Tucker Snook (baritone saxophone, first chair), Spencer Truman (trumpet, fourth chair), and Rowan Truman (trombone, third chair). These students are also eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Jazz Band.

Additionally, Ava Kelly earned a spot in the District Orchestra on trumpet, second chair.

Appleton City SENIOR 2026 Raeleigh Hill - Your time to shine!

Scooter's in Butler to open mid December

Scooter's Coffee House

Grand Opening Scheduled for
December 19th 2025
More details to come
A new Scooter's Coffee drive-thru is under construction in Butler, MO, and is expected to open for business on December 19th The location will be next to the Burger King on West 52 Highway.

Courtesy 921news.com

Tuesday basketball scores

 Scores to be updated as they become available

Girls

Drexel 43
Lone Jack 60

Lebanon 34
Nevada 65

Lakeland 44
Sherwood 45

Adrian n/a
Crest Ridge n/a

Ballard n/a
Kingsville n/a

Plaza Heights n/a
Midway n/a

Boys

Knob Noster 55
Clinton 62

Drexel 60
Lone Jack 45

Plaza Heights 46
Midway 26

Butler 20
Stockton 56

Adrian n/a
Crest Ridge n/a

Lakeland n/a
Sherwood n/a