Several Bluejays now advance to FBLA State

Those that will advance to State are: Lainee Swaters--2nd place--digital video production; Lainee Swaters and Zack Hilte-- 2nd place--graphic design; Kelsey Carter--2nd place--website design; (not pictured) Nick Snethen--1st--computer problem solving; 2nd--Networking infrastructure.

Pictured left to right-- front--Zack Hilte, Lainee Swaters, and Kelsey Carter. Back--Skye Goth, Carson Johnson, Dom Blevins, Carson Steward, Macey Tenholder, and Kassody Brownsberger.

Bryler Ford to join Missouri Southern State University Lions

 

Bryler Ford is wrapping up one of the more accomplished athletic careers in Adrian Blackhawks history. This fall he will sport the green and yellow of Missouri Southern State University Lions.

Pictured with Bryler is his mom and dad, Jeff and Amy Ford.

Congrats, Bryler! It's been a pleasure covering you.

-Mike and Michele, Adrian News Leader

Congratulations to Kelsey Carter, NHS National Semifinalist

 

We're excited to share that Montrose High School has an NHS Scholarship Winner

Winner: Kelsey Carter

Award Level: National Semifinalist

Award Amount: $3,200.00

Her dedication to scholarship, service, leadership, and character has earned her this prestigious recognition. Since its inception, the NHS Scholarship program has awarded over $30 million to exceptional student leaders like Kelsey Carter. She was one of 575 individuals who were awarded this scholarship out of over 16,000 applicants. Way to go, Kelsey! We are so proud of this accomplishment! It is an Outstanding day to be a Bluejay!

Two Rich Hill firefighters graduate from Fire Academy

 

Congratulations to two members of the Rich Hill Fire Department

This week, we celebrate CJ and Angel as they officially graduated from the Fire Academy (Harrisonville FA03). Your unwavering determination, countless hours of study, and tireless hands-on work have paid off in a way that inspires us all.

This milestone isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to your commitment to our community and the safety of those you serve.

CJ, Angel – your dedication shines bright, and your futures as firefighters are brighter still.

Congratulations from the entire Rich Hill Fire Department!

Chief Miller

Report from the Bates County Commission

January 26, 2026 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 pay East Boone a $19,450 CART Payment that was missed in 2025. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

John made a motion to accept the Bates County Health Center’s Budget. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

January 28, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present, and Northern Commissioner John Gray absent.

Judge Highley met with the Commission and discussed an Opioid Settlement Application. They were discussing things such as Medication Disposal Boxes, Sharps boxes and Narcan Boxes. The Commission was in support of the Narcan Boxes but felt as if there weren’t any serious need for Medication Disposal or Sharps with there being a Medication Disposal at the Police Station and a Sharps Box at the Hospital.

They also discussed custom pens, flashlights, stickers, and bracelets that will advertise the Breath For Bre Foundation with their website and QR Code presented on the trinkets to provide you with more helpful information.

Josh Framel, Barry Matchett, Jeff Hansen and Susan Friend, with Clearway, came and discussed Chapter 100. They went over the solar panels, ground conditions and planting, along with any hopes or questions for the project.

Michaela Brawley, with the Assessor’s Office, stepped in briefly to discuss an organization that claims they are Tax Exempt, but the Assessor’s Office was never notified of such information. They have another organization that is tax exempt and feels that they have paid their taxes so they should be reimbursed. This is still under discussion and is being sorted out due to the two different organizations and details that have been discovered and certain paperwork that needs to be filed accordingly.

Big warmup on the way

Bears named to Academic All-State Volleyball

 

Huge congratulations to Butler Bear Academic All-State Volleyball recipients for putting in the work both on the court and in the classroom

Kadyn Cook

Kylee Dubray

Kamden Fennewald

Tandee Hiser

Toree Hiser

Georgia McCoun

Whitley Randalls

These student-athletes truly represent what it means to be a Bear—committed, disciplined, and driven to excel in all areas. Getting it done where it counts!

Great job and keep it up!

4 arrested in Butler drug bust earlier this week

 

On February 3rd, Butler Officers received information in reference to narcotics activity occurring at 305 W. Dakota Street. Officers then applied for and were granted a narcotics search warrant for that residence.

At approximately 5:00pm, along with the assistance of the Bates County Sheriff's Office, Butler Officers responded to 305 W. Dakota and served the search warrant. Upon arrival, five individuals at the residence were detained.

As a result of the search, officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Of the five individuals at the residence upon arrival of the Officers, one was later released and the other four individuals received the following charges:

Dylan Warren - Trafficking Drugs 1st Degree

Bond: $100,000 Cash Only

Jack Gentry - Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Bond: $10,000 Cash or Surety

Kelsie Fools - Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Bond: $10,000 Cash or Surety

George Ratje - Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bond: $10,000 Cash or Surety