Report from the Bates County Commission

November 19, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present that morning. Trent did not return for the afternoon.
Opioid Settlement Money for an application from Judge Highley has been submitted for payment.
Jim contacted the Commission's Attorney about Mr. Irick's Deceased Estate Tax Sale Surplus.
John was asked by Marsha Youngblood if he wanted to Co-Chair the Committee to bring "The Wall That Heals" to Bates County in April of 2026. John accepted her offer. John asked County Clerk Jami Page to also serve on the Committee with him. Jami accepted the Co-Chair position as well.

November 24, 2025 Absent - MAC Conference The Bates County Commission, Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Northern Commissioner John Gray attended the Missouri Association of Counties Conference in Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri.

November 26, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present that morning. Trent did not return for the afternoon.
(11/17/2025 – 11/21/25)
Jim attended a meeting with Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission on Thursday November 20th, 2025.
(11/22/25 – 11/25/25)
John and Jim attended the MAC (Missouri Association of Counties) Conference where they spoke over SB3 and SB190.
John joined a Third-Class County with Townships meeting where the Townships discussed concerns and solutions. They also spoke about Opioid Funding and SB3. Jim attended meetings about the Handcock Amendment, Missouri Energy Landscape and protecting public resources and fiduciary duty in county government.
Present Day (11/26/25)
With Trent present, Jim and John spoke about the MAC Conference and any issues and concerns that were brought to surface. They talked about better communication with Legislation.
Jim Roberts, Chairman of LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee), came in to meet with the three Commissioners and let them know that he got grant information submitted.

December 1, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present for the morning session. John Gray and Trent Nelson were absent for the afternoon session.
The Commission reviewed invoices for payment on Wednesday.
Kent Page stopped in and spoke with Jim regarding an opening with the Road and Bridge Department.
Lee Scofield with Great River Engineering came in and gave Jim a progress report for the courthouse sidewalk project.

Rogue groundhog cause of electrical issues at Butler PD

A fairly short night for the Butler city council meeting, all members present

Stacy Davis approached the council for permission to hold the third annual Living Nativity to be held at the First Baptist Church. The drive through nativity will be held December 6th and 7th and open to the public 6-8 pm.

Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley reported that all is going well with code enforcement, some changes are being made to help streamline the process. He also reported that an electrical issue at the police station has been resolved, it appears a groundhog chewed through some underground wires that caused various issues over the past few weeks. He thanked the Butler electric department for their quick response to the matter.

Some 22 million gallons of water was produced at the Butler water plant last month, according a representative of Alliance Water. He went on to say efforts are ongoing to save money and currently three companies are bidding to supply chemicals at the plant, which certainly will help overall. He also noted that the wastewater plant improvements are completed and from this point forward Missouri DNR should find that plant operating well within legal limits.

An agreement was made during the previous council meeting that Butler will take ownership of Rice road, as now the road is split between Butler and Mount Pleasant township, leaving maintenance to be a troublesome issue. Mayor Henry said he will be communicating with township officials soon to firm up details.

Initially the city was facing a nearly 20% increase in insurance premiums leaving recourse to be finding a new plan. Of three options given, the best deal appeared to be one that offered only an 11.5% increase while still providing the best overall plan for employees.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

More donations coming in for The Wall That Heals

 

Dale Newkirk, Treasurer of the Republican Central Committee, presented John Gray and Jami Page a check for The Wall That Heals- thank you for being a Gold Sponsor.

When the Republican Central Committee pledged their donation, they challenged the Democrat Central Committee to do the same!

The Wall That Heals will be on display in Butler for four days, beginning April 30, 2026. Read more HERE.

Living Nativity to return to Butler First Baptist Chuch

 

2025 will mark the third year for an amazing drive-through living nativity to be held December 6 & 7 at the Butler First Baptist Church complete with baby Jesus as seen here from the 2023 nativity.

The free event will be open both nights 6-8 pm. The church is located at 300 N. Delaware street in Butler.

Obituary - Jimmy Greenwell

James "Jimmy" Greenwell, 72, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Deepwater Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Appleton City Senior set to attend UCM in Warrensburg

 

Rich Hill Senior Spotlight- Rebecca George

 

Tuesday night basketball scores

Girls

Nevada 42
Carl Junction 39

Sheldon 31
Bronaugh 25

Lincoln 27
Cole Camp 44

Osceola 35
Bolivar 58

KC Lutheran 22
Midway 55

Sherwood n/a
Holden n/a 

Boys 

Sheldon 62
Bronaugh 23

Lincoln 66
Butler 31

Nevada 54
Carthage 46

Rich Hill 36
Jasper 51

Lighthouse 36
Lamar 66

KC Lutheran 51
Midway 18

Clinton 76
Stover 42

Warrensburg n/a
Adrian n/a

Sherwood n/a
Holden n/a