.
#MidAmericaLive
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Get hooked on fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7
Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.
Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state's more than 1.1 million anglers.
For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2026 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations.
Want to learn to fish? MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing.
Need fishing gear? MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/rod-reel-loaner-locations.
MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.
MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit mdc.mo.gov/accessibility
#MidAmericaLive
Bates County Memorial Hospital Celebrates National Hospital Week by Highlighting the People Behind the Care
.jpg)
As part of National Hospital Week, Bates County Memorial Hospital is recognizing the employees who help make BCMH “The Heart of Our Community” through their dedication to patients, coworkers, and the communities they serve across Bates County.
Observed nationally each May, Hospital Week celebrates the important role hospitals and healthcare workers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of their communities. This year’s theme at BCMH focuses on the many ways employees serve both inside the hospital and beyond its walls.
Throughout the week, BCMH is sharing employee stories that reflect the personal connections, purpose, and commitment behind healthcare careers in a rural community.
For many healthcare professionals, that calling begins early in life.
“For me, pursuing a career in healthcare was a personal calling,” said Doncella Liggins, RHIT, Director of Health Information Management at BCMH. “Both my mother and grandmother worked in the field, and their dedication and passion served as a strong influence on my decision to work in healthcare.”
Others say the meaningful nature of healthcare work extends far beyond direct patient care roles.
“I chose healthcare because it allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself,” said Joe Harris, BCMH Director of Materials Management. “Even though my role is on the operational side, I know the work I do supports caregivers and directly impacts patient care.”
Harris added that BCMH’s role within Bates County is something he values personally.
“BCMH isn’t just a hospital, but a cornerstone of Bates County,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of a place that puts people first and works together to support the wellbeing of our community.”
For nurses working in rural healthcare, relationships with patients and families often become one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“I chose healthcare in a rural community because it allows me to build strong, lasting relationships with my patients,” said Heather Haddix, RN. “Developing trust over time and being a consistent, dependable presence lets me provide more personal, meaningful care.”
Ann Donohue, RN, said those personal relationships are part of what makes serving at BCMH unique.
“Working at BCMH is like being a part of a large family,” Donohue said. “We offer many services but still have the small-town benefit of caring for our neighbors, friends and loved ones. We give personalized care that you don’t often get at other facilities.”
BCMH officials say those stories reflect the heart of rural healthcare and the many individuals who help support patient care each day.
“Hospital Week is an opportunity to recognize the people behind the work,” said Greg Weaver, CEO. “Whether employees serve patients directly or support operations behind the scenes, every role contributes to the care and wellbeing of our communities.”
In addition to recognizing employees during Hospital Week, BCMH is also highlighting staff involvement throughout Bates County through volunteer service, school activities, community organizations, coaching, church groups, and local events.
“Many of our employees serve the community long after their workday ends,” Weaver said. “That spirit of service is part of what makes BCMH special.”
National Hospital Week will be celebrated May 10-16, 2026.
Learn more about BCMH at bcmhospital.com.
#MidAmericaLive
Little Apple news
.jpg)
The Yellow Rose Day is coming so residents of the Appleton City area your support is needed in placing the over 2000 yellow silk rosebuds on the oldest graves in the Appleton City Cemetery in time for Memorial Day. Roses will be placed on Thursday May 14, 2026 at 8:00 a.m., with a rain date of Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. All individuals, families, clubs or groups are welcome. For information, contact: Kathy Gengler, 660-492-7065, Pam Bartz, 417-321-4177, Donald Yoss, 660-492-7218 or City Hall, 476-2631.
Ellett Memorial Hospital cordially invites the community to their annual Community Appreciation Day. On Wednesday, May 13, lunch is on them! As a way to say "Thank You" to the community for its unwavering support of EMH, they will be serving free pulled pork sandwiches, chips, drinks, and cookies from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (or until supplies run out). Meals will be packaged for pickup in the EMH front drive.
Ellett Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a Morgan-Anne uniform, scrub and accessory sale Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Outpatient Clinic. The sale is open to the public. Payment methods are cash, check and credit/debit card.
The AC FFA is holding their spring plant until the end of school. The FFA greenhouse will be open for business from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on any day school is in session. Just stop by the Ag Building for assistance. The FFA has garden vegetables and flowers for sale, such as tomatoes and peppers, as well as potting flowers like petunias, annual vinca, impatiens and geraniums. Flowers and vegetables can be purchased as packs, individuals or as hanging baskets. Photos and information about all the items available in the greenhouse are located on the school website, as well as the Facebook pages. Costs are $2/packs, and $15/hanging basket or 3 hanging baskets for $40. For more information, feel free to give Mrs. Leiber a call at 660-424-3668.
The Appleton City Rural Health Clinic is offering free Sports Physicals on Wednesdays throughout the month of June. An appointment is required to be seen. To schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at 660-476-2121.
Hudson R-IX Elementary will hold their annual kindergarten screening the morning of Monday, May 18. Please call (660) 476-5467 to set up an appointment. You will need your child's social security card, birth certificate and current immunization record. If you call and the school office is closed, please leave a message and they will get back to you.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation is sponsoring 2 raffles to support local healthcare. You can buy tickets to enter for the chance to win 1/2 a hog. There will be two chances to win and winners will be drawn at the AC Fair on June 13. The hog was donated by Ethan Bracher family and processing by Murray’s Butcher Block. The second raffle is for a chance to win a Stihl air inflator or Blackstone Griddle. Winners will be drawn at the AC Car Show July 11. All tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. All money raised will support local healthcare through Ellett Memorial Hospital.
Golden Apples will meet 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Farmhouse Kitchen. This week's food theme is pork roast and mashed potatoes with gravy. Please bring sides and desserts to go with the meat and potatoes. Come for the food stay for the fellowship and have some fun.
The Appleton City High School Alumni Luncheon will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:30. They are missing a class contact for the classes of 2016 and 2021. Reservation/meal is $15 in advance $20 at the door. , Mail reservations to Patty Purvis Young, 101 E. 3rd St., Appleton City, MO 64724. Please include class year and names for each person attending.
“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 April and May, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday, May 20 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Friday, May 22 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Wednesday, May 27 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday, May 27 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, May 28– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday, May 29 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 13 Ellett Memorial Hospital Community Appreciation Day lunch 11:00 – 1:00
May 14 Yellow Rose Day at the AC Cemetery 8:00 a.m.
May 17 ACHS Graduation 2:00 p.m.
May 21 Last day of classes at AC School
May 22-24 Montrose Festival
May 23 ACHS Alumni Luncheon 11:30 a.m.
May 25 Memorial Day Holiday
#MidAmericaLive
Hey kids!
The Bates County Health Center rock hunt is returning this year! We will be starting on June 1st. Bring the rocks you find into the Health Center to exchange for a prize. Only one rock per child!
#MidAmericaLive
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
