Little Apple news

The Appleton City FBLA chapter is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until sold out in the circle drive at the school featuring Sherlene's Reuben Sandwiches. Come kick off your St. Patrick's Day weekend with Sherlene's Famous Reuben Sandwich for $10 and support our FBLA chapter.  Thank you in advance for your support.

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday March 14.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Mark Avery will have a short devotional.  

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. 

Drivers can expect lane closures and occasional traffic delays on Missouri Route 52 and Route J in Bates County and Vernon County Route AA for a resurfacing project beginning the week of March 16. This is the work being done on this project: Missouri Route 52 from Missouri/Kansas state line east approximately 27 miles to Route BB.  The contractor will add a new surface, structural work to bridge over northbound I-49 lanes (Exit 131) and add guardrail in areas and rumble strips.  Bates County Route J from Route F south approximately four (4) miles to Route 52 will add a new surface. Vernon County Route AA from Route M west of Schell City south nearly 13 miles to Route 52, Contractor will add a new surface and permanent striping. Traffic impacts include: traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are working. Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road. Route 52 over I-49 will be CLOSED for up to 166 days while contractor works on bridge. I-49 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Westbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour north on I-49 to Bates County Route F (Exit 136) at Passaic and back south on I-49. Eastbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour south on I-49 to Route 52 (Exit 130) south of Butler. There will be no signed detour for work on Bates County Route J and Vernon County Route AA. Drivers should find alternate routes to avoid work zones. 

Contractor crews have closed the St. Clair County Route H bridge over Monegaw Creek southeast of Appleton City until early May to replace the bridge. Crews will demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new structure. In addition, the contractor will add new barrier walls, object markers at either end of the bridge and new permanent striping. The new bridge also will be six (6) feet wider than the current structure. Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the work zone, but will not be able to drive through the work zone. There is no signed detour Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone. Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project.

Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner will be served March 20 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. Dine-in and carry will be served. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole slaw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $8. 

The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for April 24 and 25. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date. 

The Appleton City Museum would like to borrow 40 Christmas tree stands or tripods, May-August to help Celebrate 40 years of the Appleton City Landmarks Restoration organization. Be a part of the celebration. Contact 660-492-0131 or acmolampkin@yahoo.com

Ohio Christian Church invites area women to be guests at their Annual Ladies Retreat on March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This spring they’ll be putting down roots and experiencing a mountain-top moment with guest speaker Whitney Kinne of Clinton leading through Jeremiah 17:7-8. Whitney is a vivacious, kind, faith-walking mom and career woman, raised in church and agriculture. They have all kinds of wonderful surprises waiting for you, including a lovely, complimentary lunch. Every detail of the day has been planned and they’ve been praying for you. They can't wait to lift voices in praise, and to love on and learn with you. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. at Ohio Christian Church - located 7 miles west of Lowry City or 10 miles east of Appleton City on Hwy. A.  For more information, call 417-321-4177. Be sure to like and follow at Ohio Christian Church on Facebook for more details and coming announcements.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for March, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Friday, Mar. 13 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday;   March 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday;  March 19 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace;  Tuesday,  Mar. 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John;  Wednesday,  March 25 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray;  Wednesday,  March 25 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni;  Thursday, March 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib;  Friday,  March 27 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA; Tuesday, March 31 - Rheumatology-Dr. John.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mar 14     Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

Mar 14     ACHS FBLA Reuben Sandwich fundraiser 11:00-2:00 at the circle drive of the school

Mar 14     Grace Christian Academy annual hog roast dinner and silent and live auctions 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lowry City Civic Center,

Mar 17     St Patrick’s Day

Mar 20     Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose

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Obituary - Kai Alexander Nelson

Kai Alexander Nelson, age 3, of Nevada, MO passed from this life on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Ft. Scott, KS. 

     Born August 20, 2022, in Winfield, KS, Kai was the “Most beautiful boy in the world, a big ball of joy with an infectious laugh you will never forget.”

     Kai is survived by his loving parents Blake Ryan and Annabelle Nobellee (Swisher) Nelson of Nevada; his grandparents, Paul Swisher, Derby, KS, Samantha Stewart, Ft. Scott, KS, James Nelson, Nevada, and Christina Ellzey, Nevada.

     Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Jeff Fagins officiating.

     Memorials are suggested to the family in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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MDC offering online course to improve turkey hunting skills

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Spring is on its way, and the toms are strutting — it's turkey season! For generations, Missourians have enjoyed chasing these elusive birds. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers a free Turkey Hunting 101 class from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. A virtual option will be offered at the same time.

Wild turkeys are a cautious bird and getting close to them is a challenge. MDC staff will talk about the essential equipment, strategies, scouting, and turkey calls needed to be a successful turkey hunter.

Turkey Hunting 101 is open to participants ages 9 and older. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Registration is required.

To register for the in-person class, visit https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215495.

To register for the virtual class, visit https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215199.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Road in Blue Springs. Direct any questions about the program to nikki.king@mdc.mo.gov. To read more about turkey hunting in Missouri, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.

MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility

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Obituary - Jason Lee McNeely

Jason Lee McNeely, 47, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at his home in rural El Dorado Springs, Missour

Born on July 23, 1978, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Jason was the son of Elvie Ray McNeely and Debra Jane (Nocks) McNeely. Jason was raised in Troy, Kansas, and graduated from Troy High School. He spent most of his adult life in the El Dorado Springs area.

Jason dedicated most of his life to landscaping and farming. Outside of his working life, he found joy in simple pleasures, such as mowing lawns for others, and taking his grandchildren for rides on his Gator.

He is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Brandie Isaacs of the home; mother, Debra McNeely of El Dorado Springs; his sister, Melissa McNeely, also of El Dorado Springs; children, Gavin McNeely of Chicago, Illinois, Levi McNeely and Corbin McNeely, both of El Dorado Springs, Keegan McNeely of Maryville, Missouri, Erica Jacobs (Christian), El Dorado Springs, Jamie Isaacs (Sierra), Clever, MO, and Austin Wiegel, El Dorado Springs; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jason was preceded in death by his father, Elvie McNeely, and his brother, Christopher McNeely.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

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Obituary - Joshua Bradley

Funeral services for Joshua Bradley of Amoret, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Monday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. Contributions to charity of choice. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

A full obituary will be published at a later date.

BCMH spotlights cardiac and pulmonary rehab

Bates County Memorial Hospital offers Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the hospital’s Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehab Clinic

Cardiac Rehabilitation

The BCMH Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed for individuals who have been discharged from a Phase I cardiac inpatient rehabilitation program. The outpatient program also offers Phase II exercise with continuous heart monitoring, along with cardiac health education and coaching. Most Phase II patients participate in 36 cardiac rehab sessions. The Cardiac Rehab team works with patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Cardiac rehab is a safe and effective way for patients with heart disease to:

• Get stronger
• Feel better faster
• Return to former activities
• Reduce the risk of future heart problems
• Live a healthier and longer life

If you’ve recently had a cardiac event, ask your doctor about a referral to our program. Your doctor may refer you by calling 660-200-7128 or fax an order to 660-200-2393.

Follow-up Maintenance Program

We also offer Phase IV – maintenance exercise with basic vital sign monitoring. Our health maintenance program is for our graduates of the Phase II program and also for those interested in a gym membership. A physician’s referral may be required. There is a monthly charge and this service is not covered by insurance.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a low-cost, high-value service. Our goal is to improve symptoms, function and quality of life, and to decrease disability that may occur with chronic lung disease.

Patients with chronic pulmonary diseases such as COPD or restrictive lung disorders benefit from the program, which combines education and exercise to meet the individual needs of each patient. Post COVID-19 patients who had persistent symptoms for four or more weeks may also qualify for a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

The pulmonary rehab program consists of meeting two times a week for approximately an hour. Sessions are based on the patient’s specific pulmonary needs and a qualifying diagnosis. After completing a custom program and progress has been made, patients may take advantage of the maintenance program to help maintain improvements achieved during Pulmonary Rehab.

Benefits of Pulmonary Rehab may include:

• Less shortness of breath
• Improved strength in daily activities
• Improved quality of life
• Better coping skills

Your primary care provider or specialist may refer you by calling 660-200-7128 or fax an order to 660-200-2393. Our Pulmonary Rehab team works with patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Patient Perspective

“I was ordered to do a Pulmonary Rehab session at Bates County Memorial Hospital to help with my lung function. The very first time I walked through the door I was greeted by the most caring and kindest staff that I had ever experienced anywhere. On each and every session that I participated in of my rehabilitation program, these girls were always so professional in their jobs going over and beyond the call of duty. They kept up with all the monitoring of all the individuals on their personal oxygen levels, heart rate, glucose levels, charting all necessary health progress and concerns along with providing much needed educational materials such as literature information and discussion, along with showing educational videos. They made getting healthier so much fun for every individual in this rehab program on a daily basis (all the laughter was FREE). They are just “the best of the best”!”
–Deanna Rainey

Learn more about our specialists:

Cardiology Clinic

Pulmonary Clinic

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Butler Chamber welcomes Sacred Studios

A Sanctuary of Beauty and Healing: Welcoming "Sacred" to the Butler Area Chamber

The Butler Area Chamber of Commerce recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that felt more like a community celebration. Sacred, a brand-new collaborative space for beauty, healing, and creativity, has officially opened its doors, bringing a unique blend of intentional living to our local business landscape.

Founded on a shared vision by Justice and Kylee, Sacred was born from years of dreaming and a desire to create "purpose in physical form." The grand opening was a testament to that vision, drawing an incredible crowd of over 250 supporters who came to witness this dream become a reality.

Meet the Faces of Sacred

What makes Sacred truly special is the collective of women who call this space home. Each brings a distinct heart and a specialized craft to the sanctuary:

Justice (Blush by Justice): As a co-founder and the visionary behind Blush by Justice, Justice sees this space as more than just a business—it is the manifestation of beauty and intentionality. Her passion for "healing and beauty under one roof" was the catalyst for the entire project, driven by a desire to create a physical home for a long-held dream.

Rachel (Hair Stylist): The "face behind the chair," Rachel combines four years of expertise in lived-in color and dimensional hair with a gift for connection. Whether you’re looking for a deep conversation or a quiet moment to breathe, Rachel ensures every woman leaves feeling like herself again.

Val (Massage Therapy): A proud mom and grandma who believes healing begins with feeling truly cared for. Val’s practice is rooted in patience and compassion, offering a space for clients to recover and reconnect with their bodies through expert massage.

Kylee (Love & Lustre Photography): A co-founder and storyteller who captures the "glow" in life’s fleeting moments. With a background in nursing and a heart for candid connection, Kylee’s photography focuses on the tender, unhurried beauty of real life.

A Dream Built on Faith and Community

The atmosphere at Sacred is intentionally peaceful—a place where faith and family form the foundation, and where the community is invited to "exhale." The grand opening was supported by several beloved local partners, including Blue Truck Cafe, Western Links Permanent Jewelry, and Koehn Bakery, whose contributions helped make the day unforgettable.

"Sacred was created to be a space for beauty, connection, and creativity," the founders shared. "Seeing the love, encouragement, and excitement from this community means everything. We can’t wait to build something beautiful together with all of you."

Visit Sacred Studios today to experience a new chapter of wellness and artistry in Butler.

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Solar farms in Bates County draw concern

March 2, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Sheriff Chad Anderson and Chief Deputy Corbin visited the Commission to discuss Blue Shield, 911 Addressing, and Text Alerts.

The 911 Funding from 2023 has run out so they are asking the Commission to produce an email or letter of support for a potential grant from Mark Alford’s Office.

Chad is going to get with EMA and the Assessor’s office and wrap up the duties that the Sheriff’s Office has been volunteering to handle that is now being passed over to the correct offices.

There was a check that was addressed to the Commissioners that needed the Commissions signature so the Sheriff could fix a patrol car that was struck by a deer on the passenger side.

The State Auditors called and spoke with Jami and asked about a few things that Jami had limited information on so she told the Auditor that she would send an email to the responsible parties and go from there. John presented the email during this meeting and requested that Jami join the meeting to further explain what the Auditor was asking. Jami did not question the Auditor in detail; therefore, Jami wasn’t able to explain anything further, just what the Auditor had interest in and what she was asked. The Auditor was concerned that Bids weren’t being put out like they should be. Chad sent the email he received from Jami to his attorney who will be contacting the Auditor’s attorney, as this feels, to Chad, like this could potentially be an abusive attack from an audit in 2023. The Commission has requested from Chad that anything over $12,000 needs to be made aware to them. He informed the Commission that there will be expenses coming out for a new saddle to match the other existing three and for training classes.

Stan Klinksick came in and spoke with the Commission about Solar Panel Farms that could potentially be coming to Bates County. Stan stated that he has been a part of Bates County for a very long time and feels as if these Solar Farms are not a good addition to our County.

Stan asked where the Commission stood on these solar panels, how many jobs this creates, and what this means for Bates County. Jim explained that there are two different Solar Companies that are placing bids and John informed him of where and who this involves. John made sure to state that he will not tell a landowner what they can and cannot do with their own land, but the Commission is not going to settle for less than Bates County deserves.

Stan is certain that the only reason that these Solar Farms are making their way into Bates County is due to the lack of awareness of such matters and no zoning. He explained that Kansas is zoned and when these Solar Companies tried to install farms there, they were told no and hopped over into Missouri and sank their claws in. He told the Commission that he wasn’t here to complain but to find a solution to stop these companies. He asked what he needed to do to get Bates County zoned and asked that the Commission refrain from encouraging anyone to build these farms. He’s worried about the land itself and the people that will neighbor this land that could potentially walk outside on their front porch and the beautiful view they once had is now a field of solar panels.

Stan is determined to spread the word of these Solar Farms and wants to prove that if they stop these from coming to Bates County, the County can make more money elsewhere. He will start with his township and go from there.

Stan has requested to see environmental and economic reports, Jim explained the solar companies are supposed to have those before they sign off on these operations.

March 4, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Jim Wheatley was absent due to illness.

Great River Engineering came and visited with the Commission and Bill Stephan, with Road and Bridge, over the bridge that will be constructed in the Southern part of Bates County.

Shereese Brown and Joseph Herren, with USI, came and piggy backed off a virtual meeting from 02/18/2026. They explained the benefits and savings they could give the county. The Commission told them they are happy with the Insurance they have now, but they have some interests and have another meeting scheduled for March 30th at 11:00 that way Jim can be present as well and they can ask more questions.

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