Ellett Memorial Hospital: CEO Spotlight

What makes our care different is simple — it isn’t like anyone else’s. When you come to us, you receive timely care, a warm smile, and a team that truly sees you. We don’t stop at the usual services or the expected routines. We go beyond, because your health and your life deserve more than the ordinary. Here, you’re not just a patient. You become one of our crew — someone we look out for, support, and welcome as part of our extended family.

I’ve learned over the years that struggle builds resilience. The hard seasons we walk through shape us with strength, depth, and character — qualities that become the foundation for how we lead and how we serve. Vulnerability also has a place in this work. When we’re honest about our challenges, we open the door to growth, purpose, and renewal. And imperfection doesn’t disqualify us; sometimes it’s what qualifies us. Many of the greatest stories remind us that being flawed doesn’t make us unworthy. It makes us human, and it shapes the mission we’re called to carry out.

That’s the spirit behind the care we provide here. Real people, real stories, real compassion. Being the difference, not the same.

LIttle Apple news

 February 4, 2026

ACHS Courtwarming is Friday, February 6th against Archie. The theme is “Hollywood”. Games start at 5:30 p.m.

The Parents & Friends of the Appleton City FFA would like to invite you to their Annual Labor Auction on February 22nd in the high school gym.  The evening will begin with a buyers dinner at 5:00 p.m. served by Kickin' Chicken, with the live auction starting at 6:00 p.m.  As part of this event, they will also have a shotgun for raffle and a silent auction which will be setup along the south wall of the high school gym from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Growing In Grace Community Center is hosting a community dinner 3:00-6:00 p.m. February 7. They will have a breakfast bar with dessert. Music from Appleton City Worship Center with David and Wilma Williams and Pat starts at 4:00 p.m. Please come join them. Free will donation accepted.

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Hall in Montrose on 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Sunday, February 8 Start Super Bowl day off by treating your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be appreciated.

Parents As Teachers will be joining Story Hour at the AC Public Library on Monday, February 9 from 11:00-12:00.  They will read a story, do a craft and eat snacks.

Appleton City Masonic Lodge will have a pancake and sausage breakfast 8:00-1:00 Sunday February 15  All you can eat for $10 for adults, $7 under 10, 5 and under free.  Proceeds will go towards the Appleton City/Montrose scholarship fund.

The Golden Apples Senior Club will have a bake sale in conjunction with the Masonic pancake breakfast at the Lodge Hall at 219 E 3rd St. beginning at 8:00 a.m. All items sold for donations. Proceeds go toward the general fund for basic needs to continue social and meals for seniors in the area.

The Appleton City Museum would like to list owners of century farms in their area farm owners of 100+ years. Contact acmolampkin@yahoo.com

or voice message 660-492-0131. They will assist you in filing an on-line application to the University of Missouri Extension site OR only be listed (with no fee) in the Appleton City Museum (12 mile radius). Eligibility is ownership by any and all family members for 100 years and income from farming (renting is acceptable). MU requires documentation and a fee. Be proud to be a pioneer family. Your story is priceless.

This February, fall in love with a surprise read at the Appleton City Public Library, as they host “Blind Date with a Book”. This month-long event is for all ages and invites patrons to choose from a wide variety of wrapped books, including romance, family-centered stories, thrillers, and more. It’s a great opportunity to step outside your reading comfort zone and discover a new author or genre. Select wrapped books will also be available for purchase throughout the event for those who prefer to own their book rather than check one out. Stop by anytime in February to participate. 

In this, the 250th year of the independence that our first military fought and won for US, DbarJ Quilts etc, along with Marge Zink, will have at least 3 drawings for quilts this year.  There will be no cost to sign up.  You need to be a veteran and have a name and phone number.  You or a friend/family member can call Marge at 660-207-8063 or Joyce at 660-679-1809 or drop by DbarJ Quilts etc in Rockville, MO to give them your name.  Drawings will be Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

The Appleton City High School Scholarship Foundation will award thirteen $3,500 Scholarships to ACHS 2026 graduates for any type of educational training, vocational and college.  Forms are available from the College Advisor, Ashley Deel.  The deadline is March 4 at 9:00 a.m. Please be sure to complete all questions.

Grace Christian Academy will have their 6th annual hog roast dinner with silent and live auctions fundraiser 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in the Lowry City Civic Center, 4th & Cleveland. The hog roast dinner for $10 includes meat, sides, dessert and drink. Children 4-12 years eat for $6, 3 and under are free. Carry out is available. Silent auction from 4:00–6:30 and live auction at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the school or at the door.

“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.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for February, 2026.  Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Thursday, Feb 5 – OB/GYN – Dr. Kallberg, Friday, Feb 6 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday, Feb 13 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, Feb 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, Feb 19 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace,  Friday, Feb 20 – Orthopedics-Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday,  Feb 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Wednesday, Feb 25 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray,  Wednesday, Feb 25 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, Feb 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb 6      ACHS Courtwarming against Archie

Feb 7      Growing In Grace Community Center community dinner 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Tuesday basketball scores

Boys 

Liberal 64
Appleton City 86

Holden 68
Carrolton 88

Archie 63
Drexel 53

Clinton 61
El Dorado Springs 44

Warrensburg 38
Harrisonville 53

Midway 40
Lakeland 61

Adrian 44
Warsaw 41

Ballard n/a
Bronaugh n/a

Girls

Archie 53
Drexel 30

Warrensburg 49
Harrisonville 42

Adrian 54
Warsaw 44

Midway n/a
Lakeland n/a

Rich Hill FD dispatched for tractor fire late last night

Shortly before midnight, Rich Hill Fire was dispatched to a tractor fire near several structures on County Road 4036. Due to the proximity to the buildings, as well as the distance from town. RHFD initially requested tanker assistance from the Butler Fire Department.

Upon arrival, RHFD determined the additional support was not required and canceled the request for Butler Fire. We appreciate the strong working relationship we share with our neighboring departments.

Notice from the Drexel police department

On Tuesday at about 10:30 AM, a member of our community received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a member of the Drexel Police Department.

This individual identified themselves as Captain Kennedy, and was able to call using our real Drexel PD phone number.

Our community member though, was quick on their feet and did not fall for the scam at hand. Thus, causing the caller to terminate the call.

Please rest assured, that no member of the Drexel Police Department will EVER call you asking for bail / fine money, Cryptocurrency, or gift cards (EG: iTunes, Amazon) or anything similar.

If you have experienced this type of call, please contact me either in-person or via Messenger.

Feel free to share.

-Chief Downey

Cooler today - 60's next week

Attention seniors: Feel better with easy exercises!

 

Learn to use deer tallow at home during two virtual MDC programs on Feb. 25

HANNIBAL, Mo. - Learn how to use deer tallow from the comfort of your own home during two virtual programs on Feb. 25 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Historically, many parts of harvested deer were used for survival. From meat for consumption to candle making from the tallow, every usable part of a harvested deer was carefully conserved.

These virtual workshops will demonstrate techniques for rendering fat and processing tallow. Participants will receive instructions on how to create heel balm, body butter, candles, and fire starters at home.  

MDC staff will use deer fat for the demonstration. Participants are invited to follow along using fat from deer they harvest. To collect deer fat, skin the deer and remove the hard, waxy fat from the back of the deer and around the kidneys. Once the fat has been removed, freeze it in a container or zip bag.

The first virtual session will be held from 12-1 p.m., and participants can register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oJC. The second session will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and participants can register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oJF