BCMH Remembers Dr. William Haynie

Bates County Memorial Hospital joins the community in remembering William “Bill” Haynie, M.D., who passed away on May 12, 2026

For more than five decades, Dr. Haynie cared for patients and families throughout Bates County with compassion, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to rural healthcare. After beginning his medical practice in Butler in 1964, he became a trusted physician to generations of area residents.

In 2009, Dr. Haynie joined Bates County Memorial Hospital when BCMH acquired his longtime High Street practice as part of the hospital’s rural health clinic program, now Family Care Clinics. Even after his retirement in 2019, many patients and community members still affectionately refer to the location as “Dr. Haynie’s office.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Haynie was known not only for his care of patients, but also for his mentorship, leadership, and steady presence within the medical community. Prior to his medical career, he served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army.

“When I was a young physician just out of residency, Dr. Haynie was very supportive,” said James Miller, DO. “He will be missed by many.”

Adrian’s longtime family nurse practitioner, Laura Thiem, DNP, shared, “Dr. Haynie was my colleague, mentor, and friend for over 20 years of collaboration and practice together. He was wise, funny, and patient. He taught me many things and offered support in my professional and personal life. I will miss him.”

Abby Shubert, PA-C, reflected on Dr. Haynie’s lasting influence in the community.

“Dr. Haynie was my family’s doctor as a child,” Shubert said. “I remember him as a kind, intelligent, and honest man. Many of our patients still call the High Street Clinic ‘Dr. Haynie’s office.’ He leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten in our community.”

Former nurse Angelia Cumpton, LPN, shared both personal and professional memories of working alongside him.

“Dr. Haynie was an amazing doctor,” Cumpton said. “He started off as my family doctor. He was always available when he was needed. When my daughter was born, she was sick and he helped save her life more than once. A few years later, I had the pleasure of being one of his nurses. He was always easy to work for and truly cared for his patients. He was an asset to Bates County and will be truly missed.”

Bates County Memorial Hospital extends its deepest sympathy to Dr. Haynie’s family, friends, former patients, colleagues, and all who knew him.

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Rich Hill High School State Track Results

The Rich Hill Tigers wrapped up an incredible season at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Track & Field Championships! Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches on a great showing at state competition!

- 4x800 Relay – 10th Place

Asa Cowin, Cooper Gillis, Caisen Gwinn, & Andrew Kithcart

- 4x100 Relay – 10th Place

Kendall Ryser, Will Klinksick, Caisen Gwinn, & Anthony Miller

- 200 Meter Dash – 13th Place

Will Klinksick

- 1600 Meter Run – 9th Place

Andrew Kithcart

ALL-STATE HONORS

- 400 Meter Dash – 8th Place

Anthony Miller

- 4x200 Relay – 6th Place

Kendall Ryser, Will Klinksick, Caisen Gwinn, & Anthony Miller

- 4x400 Relay – 8th Place

Will Klinksick, Caisen Gwinn, Kendall Ryser, & Anthony Miller

Congratulations Tigers on an outstanding season and for representing Rich Hill High School with pride!

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Some sad news from the Butler Pantry Thrift Store

In the coming week when you visit the Pantry Thrift Store you will likely notice a for sale sign and banner on the property. Sadly it is another sign of the times. There are many factors that have brought us to the decision to sell the property at 901 South Outer Rd. This was not a choice that came easily. Both the Board of Directors and I feel strongly that we need to consolidate and focus our resources on our food pantry going into 2027.  For several years now we have been experiencing a continuing decline in both sales and monetary donations. Volunteerism is at an all time low.  Our volunteers are ageing out and few replacements are forthcoming. As it stands now nine paid staff are running two businesses that operate six days per week. If it was not for the hard work and dedication of a small group of relentless volunteers at both the food pantry and the thrift store we would have closed our doors long ago. We can't begin to express the depth of our gratitude to this group of people who just keep showing up to help. 

As you know, the cost of goods and services continues to rise.  Small businesses all over are feeling the difficulty of balancing the increasing cost of labor, utilities, insurance, and more with the pricing of products. In a sentence, we are losing money and can't continue to operate at a loss.  As of now, we plan to close the doors of the thrift store at the end of December 2026.  We will run the business as usual until then or until the property sells, whichever comes first. 

It is our sincere hope that as we make these changes, opportunities will open for others to create something new. Our Pantry Thrift Store has had a good run of nearly 15 years.   Our intention is to keep working on our food pantry to provide more support for our staff and volunteers there and most especially, to provide more time and attention to our food pantry clients.  January 2027 will be the 25th Anniversary for the Community Food Pantry of Butler and we're looking forward to some new events and programs as we will have more time and resources to allocate to creative endeavors.  We are looking forward to being a dedicated food pantry and continuing our  services and programs in this community.  Right now our food pantry serves approximately 350 to 400 households each month.

Please remember to continue your support of the food pantry as we move through this difficult transition and your continued support of the thrift store is more important than ever.  It is our pleasure and honor to serve you and this community. We are especially grateful to all our regular customers who cheer us up when we see you come through our door.  We can't thank you enough or tell you how much you are appreciated.  As we go forward we hope you'll come visit us at the food pantry and remind others of the importance of donating, contributing and volunteering. 

In the meantime, keep following us on our Facebook pages to stay in touch. Thank you for all you do. You are truly appreciated by us. 

Sincerely, Renee Bannerman, Executive Director, Community Food Pantry of Butler

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Vehicle fire under investigation

On May 25th at 9:58 p.m., the Rich Hill Fire Department and the Bates County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in a field east of Rich Hill.

Upon arrival, field conditions were unsuitable for the Engine or Tanker. Firefighters utilized Brush 1 to reach the vehicle and extinguish the fully engulfed Jeep.

Courtesy Rich Hill Fire

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27 year old man charged in Pleasant Hill shootings

The Pleasant Hill Police Department continues to investigate the shooting that occurred on May 25, 2026, at the Price Chopper located at 2101 N. State Route 7 Highway in Pleasant Hill, Missouri

The Cass County Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged 27-year-old Allen Prince of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in connection with the incident. Warrants have been issued for the following charges:

- First Degree Murder

- Three counts of Armed Criminal Action

- Two counts of First Degree Assault

Prince remains in custody with no bond and is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at a local hospital.

The deceased victim has been identified as 45-year-old Amy Coon of Strasburg, Missouri. Amy was a Pleasant Hill native and a 1999 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend to many throughout the community.

A 16-year-old Pleasant Hill juvenile also sustained injuries during the incident and remains in stable condition at a local hospital.

Investigators have determined that two individuals in the parking lot who were legally armed confronted the suspect during the incident, at which time the suspect turned the firearm on himself.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Cass County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be released as needed.

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Bragging rights confirmed

Shown above is the back page of the Rich Hill graduation program indicating that students have been awarded an astounding amount in scholarships toward their continuing education.

The numbers don't lie; their drive and determination to better themselves is obvious- congratulations and good luck to all!

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Butler Aquatic Center 2026 schedule and information

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The Museum Minute: Butler to be county seat

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730 (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of May 27

1856 J.W. Montgomery & J.E. Morgan deed a parcel of land to Bates Co for the town of Butler, which was originally platted in 1852 (for the county seat).

1882 G.W. Mann, the Rich Hill cigar manufacturer, is distributing his new line of stogies.

1899 From the Border Telephone newspaper "If a married woman of this town knew her husband was corresponding with a young lady in Stotesbury, there would be all kinds of doins' ", Hume.

1909 After Frank Burgess of Rockville dies of strychnine poisoning, his wife and an accomplice is charged.

1911 Big things are happening at Parish Tomato Canning factory, south of Amsterdam. They're buying all the tomatoes you can bring in.

1953 The new Sky Vue Drive In theatre opens with the movie "California Conquest" and fireworks. South 71 Highway (Orange street) Butler.

1983 Butler High's 100th graduating class receive their diplomas a the school gym.

2001 67 attend the Amsterdam School Reunion. Bill Lewis succeeds Edgar Read as President. Jimmy VanSlyke is vice-president.

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