Obituary - Matt Alexander

Matt Alexander, 90, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Appleton City Manor.

Matt was born on July 4, 1935, in St. Clair County, Missouri, to Purna Roy “PR” Alexander and Mattie Lee Alexander. He was born and raised in Appleton City, where he attended grade school and graduated from Appleton City High School.

Following high school, Matt attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he studied agriculture and was a proud member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. During his time in college, he met the love of his life, Marian Ellinwood, a student at Stephens College. The two were united in marriage on October 15, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and family.

While living in Davenport, Matt worked as a salesman for Rath Meat Packing Company. During this time, Matt and Marian welcomed their first son, Bret, on November 24, 1962. The family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where their second son, Dean, was born on June 2, 1965.

In 1967, Matt and his family returned to Appleton City, where he joined his father on the family farm. Matt spent the remainder of his career as a dedicated cattle and crop farmer, building a legacy grounded in hard work, integrity, and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. He earned numerous national honors and awards for his work in cattle embryo development and steer quality.

Matt was also a very active and respected member of the Appleton City community. He took pride in supporting local events, building relationships, and contributing to the town he called home throughout his life.

Above all else, Matt was an extraordinary husband, son, and father. He was a devoted family man who took great pride in raising his sons on the family farm and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play sports. He found joy in the simple moments spent with family and in the life he built alongside them.

Matt was also a lifelong fan of University of Missouri athletics and seldom missed a Mizzou football or basketball game.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his unwavering dedication to his family, his commitment to his community, and the lasting impact he made on the agricultural industry.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, “PR” and Mattie Lee, his wife, Marian “Punkie”, in 2015, his son, Bret in 2023, and one sister, Betty Moore.

Survivors include his son, Dean Alexander; daughter-in-law, Melodie Alexander; grandchildren: Matthew Alexander, Coleton Alexander, Nicholas (Katie) Alexander, Lauren Alexander (Dalton) Weaver, Riley Blackshear, Ty Cumley, and Cory Cumley; and sisters, Joan Smith and Shirley Quick.



The family suggest any memorials be given to the Appleton City Booster Club and those may be left at the funeral home or given the day of his service at Lakeview by Sue.

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Solar farms in Bates County: Some questions answered

It became apparent during meetings this past Wednesday at the Bates County Commissioner's office there are a lot of questions to be answered and work to be done regarding solar farms coming to Bates County

It must first be pointed out that Bates County is not zoned against solar farms. For the record, the same for wind turbines- however, there's no need to worry about the turbines, there's a very slim chance Missouri may ever see any new wind farms due to current legislation and federal monies drying up to support them.

But by contrast, solar farms (large arrays of solar panels) are popping up in Missouri as quickly as possible due to looming Missouri Senate Bill 849 that could halt future projects. So logically, the rush is on to install as many as possible so they will fall under Grandfather status.

On top of it all, Bates County offers something rather unique as solar farms need a hefty connection to the power grid and Bates County offers not one, but two prime locations: on the west side with connection near the La Cygne power plant and on the east side near the former Montrose power plant. This rare combination has put our county high on the 'wish list' for any type of alternation power generation, primarily including solar.

For now we'll look at the west side of the county as the Clearway Energy 650 megawatt solar farm project just south of Amsterdam is supposed to begin construction late this Summer. The project is coming much to the dismay of some however, all it takes is an agreement between the company and the landowner. Neither of which are obligated to notify the community outside of working with the county commission regarding right-of-ways and agreements regarding roads.

It is however, in the best interest of the solar company to work with the community to sign a Chapter 100 bond agreement that would bring some type of financial benefit locally. We'll discuss that agreement in detail shortly but it appears, based on feedback from citizens present during Wednesday's meetings, there are unanswered questions to be addressed first and Barry Matchett, Head of External Affairs for this region representing Clearway Energy was on hand to answer those which included:

What about runoff and erosion?

Does the ground get contaminated if the panels break?

Do solar panel fires pose a unique threat?

Has Clearway procured all necessary permits?

What about negative impact on adjacent property values?

Matchett answered that first four questions with what appeared to be satisfactory responses but the property values discussion was rather lengthy. Nearby landowner Chad Wiley revealed documentation indicating that solar farms do indeed have a long term impact however Matchett begged to differ. His response was that while a solar farm may have some negative impact early on, it will improve in short order as those nearby get used to the installation being part of the landscape over time. 

He also said many steps are taken to help the farm 'blend in' by adding berms with cedar trees to reduce overall visibility of the panels, among other things. 

As those questions were addressed, the focal point of the discussion wound down to: What's in it for our community? Our schools? Our roads? Townships? Other benefits? 

All of which lead back to the Chapter 100 discussion.

In short, a Chapter 100 contract will insure that some tax monies will stay local and can be fed into schools, infrastructure or whatever is designated in the contract; and that very contract is under a time crunch to be completed, as according to Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, it needs to happen in 30 days or less.

Earlier, Wheatley did provide Mid America Live with his initial 'wish list' of those to get compensation from the Clearway Solar farm that included fire gear, sewer improvements and a storm siren for both cities of Amsterdam and Amoret. However, it appears that list is likely to get much longer in coming days as local schools are high in priority too.

In the end, it stands to reason that Clearway likely has a predetermined amount they will agree to and now it's up to the commission, with input from citizens, to decide where it will go. There will be a town hall type 'meet and greet' with Clearway Energy representatives to be held April 27th, 6:30 pm at the Miami R-1 high school gymnasium and the public is highly encouraged to attend as noted below.

Editor's note- Additional details regarding the Wednesday commission meeting will be revealed in the upcoming weekly report from the county clerk's office. More information is forthcoming from Mid America Live regarding other solar projects as well as answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Clearway project.

 

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I-49 and West 52 overpass again open

The I-49 overpass in west Butler is again open to traffic. Note that resurfacing will be ongoing on 52 highway at various times between State line and Butler as well as East 52 from I-49 to the eastern county line for several months to come.


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Obituary - Etha Pearl Black

Funeral services for Etha Pearl Black of Nevada, Missouri formerly of Amoret, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation from 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to The Bungalows at Nevada or Amoret Christian Church. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Etha Pearl Black, age 92 of Nevada, Missouri died Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Bungalows in Nevada, Missouri. She was born December 18, 1933 to Marion Grover and Olive Ellen Judy Hedger in Amoret, Missouri.

Etha is survived by three children, Donna Lynnette Gregory and husband Randy of Butler, Missouri, Alan Dean Black and wife Brenda of Deepwater, Missouri and Kevin Lee Black and wife Chelle of Butler, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Tyler (T.J.), Brady (Brooke), Seth (Tera), Austin (Laura), Cooper (Riley), Carmin (Mike) and Andrea (Josh); 14 great-grandchildren, Ty (Michaela), BrayLeigh, Hailey, Reagan, Lainey, Aspen, Daylan (fiancé Gracie Glynn), Kaden, Kobe, Khloe, Kizzy, Kennadi, Parker and Paisley; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Etha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Black (2-2-2005); a second husband, Phillip Pieratt (4-17-2020); four sisters, Catherine, Anna May, Mary and Ellen; and an infant brother.

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Obituary - Glenda Stanfill

Funeral services for Glenda Stanfill of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Amoret, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Private burial in Adam Howell Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri. Contributions to Good Shepherd Hospice, Olathe, Kansas. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Glenda Stanfill of Olathe, Kansas passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. While she may have resided in Olathe the last couple of years, she was a lifelong resident of Bates County, Missouri.

Glenda was born in Butler, Missouri on May 11, 1945 to Glenn and Patty Hill, the youngest of six children. The age difference between eldest and youngest was great enough that her sister-in-law suggested her name when she was born. She graduated from Adrian High School. Shortly after graduation she was introduced to Freeman Stanfill, the man that would become her husband of 60 years.

The kitchen is where you were likely to find Glenda as her favorite activity was cooking and baking. She loved looking through cookbooks, magazines and later in life the internet to find exciting new recipes to prepare for her family. Her “Hello Dollies” could be found at any family gathering while her husband always requested her cherry pie. When she wasn’t focused on recipes, she enjoyed numerous hobbies such as cake decorating, tole painting or collecting depression glass.

Glenda was a member of Eastern Star for many years as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served in many roles within these organizations over the years. Glenda spent 12 years running the License Office in Butler.

Freeman and Glenda have two children; Crystal Irwin of Overland Park, Kansas and Doug Stanfill of Smithville, Missouri. She leaves behind daughter Crystal Irwin and husband Rey; son Doug Stanfill and wife Evie; four grandchildren – Laura Henrickson and husband Matt, Rey J Irwin III, Amanda Irwin and Mary Irwin. She is also survived by three great grandchildren: Lyric, Ryder and Rhythm Henrickson along with a sister Doris Groom and numerous nieces and nephews. Freeman proceeded her in death as well as all four of her brothers.

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Minutes from April 8 Hume School Board meeting

Hume R-VIII

Regular Board Meeting Teacher Workroom

April 8, 2026 8PM

The Hume R-VIII School Board met in regular session April 8, 2026, at 8:00PM in the teacher workroom.

Present: Josh Rogers, Zach Terry 8:26pm, Bryice Cannon, Franklin Dirks, Greg Fillpot, Jeff Fairbanks Scott Spencer, Becky Bryant, Scott Morrison and Melody Wikoff.

Absent:

Franklin Dirks and Greg Fillpot were sworn in by Melody Wikoff.

Election results were not read because the number of candidates needed was equal to the number of candidates filed.

Reorganization of the Board took place.

Mr. Dirks moves, Mr. Cannon seconds to nominate Josh Rogers for president. Unanimous approval, Rogers abstains.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to nominate Bryice Cannon for vice-president. Unanimous approval, Cannon abstains.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Cannon seconds to nominate Scott Spencer as treasurer. Unanimous approval, Spencer abstains.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to nominate Franklin Dirks for secretary. Unanimous approval.

Amendments to Agenda: additional bills, 13 staff resignation

Meeting was called to order by President, Josh Rogers.

Mr. Rogers read a card from Kelley Hopkins thanking the Board, Faculty, and Staff for the snack basket and flowers.

Mr. Fairbanks moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to amend agenda for additional bills. Unanimous approval.

Principal's Report:

Ms. Bryant reported the following:

Tonight Mrs. Rogers and Ms. Walker hosted the Spring Literacy Family Night. They had several activities planned with a beach theme geared towards literacy and books for each student to choose from and take home with them.

Friday night is the School Play, Saving Serendipity with dinner starting at 6 pm and the performance following at 7:00.

We have 5 students competing at state FBLA this year. Competitors are leaving Sunday afternoon and will return Tuesday afternoon. Six students are attending an entrepreneur workshop day at Fort Scott Community College on Thursday with Janine. Next Saturday, high school Scholar Bowl competes in their district competition and the Junior High Science Olympiad team travels to UCM for State.

Jan

End of Year MAP and EOC testing starts next week. 3rd-8th grade will start ELA sessions next week, with math sessions the week after. EOC tests will take place the week of April 27-May 1.

Spring Concert and Art Show is Thursday, April 23rd. The Art Show will start at 6:30 and the concert begins at 7:00.

The last day of school is May 7th. Preschool and Kindergarten graduation is scheduled for 9 am, elementary awards will follow at 10 am, and high school awards will start around 11:15 am.

Attendance - 73 students in grades PK-5 have an average attendance rate of 91.5%. We currently have 62 students in grades 6-12; their average attendance rate is 93.6%

Superintendent's Report:

1. Baccalaureate - Friday 5/1 @ 6:00 PM

2. Graduation - Saturday 5/2 @ 10:00 AM

3. Preschool - Passed licensing and achieved recognition of excellence through Missouri Accreditation providing Accreditation through May 28, 2029.

4. Bus 2 - is parked until Dale Snyder can fix it.

5. Softball - only one game rained out so far, doing well.

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6. Janitor Mr. Morrison reported to the Board on what was being done to help cover the custodian duties for the remainder of the school year until our full-time custodian is fully recovered from her surgery.

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7. Legislation - Mr. Morrison passed out the 4/7/2026 SWCenter Legislative Update handout to the Board and reviewed various senate and house bills and resolutions that are being proposed. Mr. Morrison focused on HJR 173 - Income Tax Proposal - reminding the Board that income tax is a major source of school funding. It would eliminate state income tax yet create a 13% sales tax that would be implemented on various services that are currently not taxed. Literacy legislation HB 2872 & SB 1442 was discussed. These bills will require and intensive intervention classroom without funding and making it mandatory to retain 3rd grade students if not reading at required level. HB 2710 sponsored by local rep Dane Diehl and SB 1653 is the creation of Accountability A-F Report Cards. This is set up to only allow 10% of the schools to receive an A rating.

Zach Terry was sworn in by Melody Wikoff.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to consent amended agenda - approve March minutes and pay April bills. Unanimous approval; Rogers and Fairbanks abstaining from check(s) #45778.

New Business:

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to approve Football Coop with Rich Hill School District. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Morrison presented the Senior Graduation List to the Board.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Cannon seconds to approve the Senior Graduation list. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to go into Executive Session for staff/employment, student records (sub-section 3, 6, 13) at 8:31pm. Rogers, Dirks, Fairbanks, Spencer, Cannon, Fillpot, Terry all in favor.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Dirks seconds to come out of Executive Session for staff/employment, student records (sub-section 3, 6, 13) at 8:44pm. Rogers, Dirks, Fairbanks, Spencer, Cannon, Fillpot, Terry all in favor.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Dirks seconds to approve Erika Irwin as an elementary teacher for 2026-2027. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Spencer moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to approve part-time music teacher Carla Armentrout for 26-27. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Cannon seconds to approve Amanda Scott as the science teacher for 26- 27. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Dirks moves, Mr. Terry seconds to approve Janine Castillo for RootEd and Post Secondary advisor for 26-27. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Terry seconds to approve employment of Melody Wikoff as Business Manager/Superintendent Secretary/Bookkeeper/Preschool Program Administrator for 2026- 2027 fiscal year at salaried position. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Terry moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to approve employment of Kelley Hopkins as Head Custodian for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Spencer moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to approve employment of Sharyl Dale as Nurse/Receptionist for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Terry seconds to approve employment of Deanna Lewis as Food Service/Attendance/Building Secretary for 2026-2027 fiscal year with the option of working up to more than 23 days during the summer. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Spencer seconds to approve employment of David Brooks as Bus Driver for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval, Rogers, Fairbanks, Terry abstains.

Mr. Spencer moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to approve employment of Gene Franklin as Bus Driver for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval

Mr. Fairbanks moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to approve employment of Cheyenne Yarick as paraprofessional for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval, Rogers abstained.

Mr. Spencer moves, Mr. Dirks seconds to approve employment of Olivia Fillpot as paraprofessional for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval, Fillpot abstained.

Mr. Dirks moves, Mr. Terry seconds to approve employment of Hannah Jacobs as student aide for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to approve employment of Lucy Franklin as part-time Custodian for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Fairbanks moves, Mr. Terry seconds to approve employment of Karla Davidson as part-time Custodian for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Fairbanks moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to approve employment of Kelsie Palmer as web site assistant for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to approve non-certified salary schedule with various increased percentages. Unanimous approval

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Fairbanks seconds to approve Mary Ann Olive as PAT coordinator for 2026-2027 fiscal year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Dirks moves, Mr. Fillpot seconds to approve the CSIP Literacy Plan. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Morrison read a resignation letter to the Board from Tamara Metcalf.

Mr. Fillpot moves, Mr. Cannon seconds to accept resignation from Tamara Metcalf effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Unanimous approval.

Mr. Cannon moves, Mr. Dirks seconds to adjourn meeting. Unanimous approval.



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MDC seeks public comments on potential changes to nonresident deer hunting

Comment online through April 20 at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities/nonresident-deer-hunting-changes.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking Missouri deer hunters and others for feedback on potential regulation changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri for nonresident deer hunting.

One regulation change under consideration for the 2026 deer season would reduce the nonresident antlered buck bag limit from two to one. Nonresident landowners would maintain an antlered buck bag limit of two.

A regulation change under consideration for the 2027 deer season includes requiring nonresident deer hunters to purchase a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit for $165 to be able to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public land in Missouri.

Beyond the 2027 deer season, MDC is considering establishing a draw for nonresidents to be able to hunt deer on public land or on public and private land.  

According to MDC, nonresident participation in Missouri’s deer season has increased considerably in recent years and some resident hunters have expressed concern about how it is impacting their hunts, particularly on public land.

According to MDC, there were approximately 20,000 nonresident deer hunters who hunted in Missouri 20 years ago. That number was about four percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters. By last year, that number had more than doubled to about 42,000 nonresident deer hunters in Missouri, accounting for about nine percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters.

MDC notes that nonresident hunters make valuable contributions to local economies and communities when traveling to Missouri. Many small businesses and Missouri landowners benefit from the contributions of nonresident deer hunters.

MDC also strives to provide quality hunting opportunities for resident hunters and recognizes the important contributions resident hunters and landowners make to sustain Missouri’s deer herd. The proposed changes to nonresident deer hunting are designed to address resident hunters’ concerns.

MDC values public input and previously asked for feedback from deer hunters about nonresident deer hunting in a 2024 survey of deer hunters and a public commenting opportunity conducted as part of the Department’s Deer Management Plan update.

MDC also surveyed a sample of 56,000 resident hunters and 1,800 nonresident hunters in 2025 regarding resident and nonresident hunting and collected public comments. MDC also held 10 open houses around the state in 2025 to seek public input on deer management in Missouri.

MDC welcomes public comments through April 20 on potential regulation changes for nonresident deer hunters. Comment online at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities/nonresident-deer-hunting-changes.

Learn more about deer hunting in Missouri online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer

MDC is asking for online public comments through April 20 on potential regulation changes for nonresident deer hunters. Comment online at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities/nonresident-deer-hunting-changes.

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Miami Senior Spotlight, Brock Kelly

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