.
#MidAmericaLive
Monday, June 15, 2026
Commission and Clearway sign contracts for solar farm near Amsterdam
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Lacy Laning and Ann Evans came in to meet with the Commission. Ann informed the Commission of a meeting they held on June 1st where a motion was made to make Lacy Laning the Trustee of New Home Township. She also explained that a motion was made to move Ann Evans to a board member that will being doing Clerk duties until the Township finds someone to take the Clerk position.
They informed the Commission that they have copies of resignation letters from the previous Trustee, Stan Marlin, and a previous board member, Lucas Mellenbruch. Ann then stated a motion was made to remove Stan as Trustee and from all bank accounts.
Trent made a motion to appoint Lacy as the new Trustee of New Home Township. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Lacy then spoke over the Terms of Township Officials, wondering why they all serve a two-year term. In doing so, the entire board is then wiped out, and no one is left with knowledge of what has been happening so the transition of a new board is more difficult than it should be. She felt as if they were staggard, it would leave one or two individuals on the board for another year to help give knowledge of things that have been happening and can help the newcomers be better seated on the board. Jim said that he would check into the Statute, as the Commission thought that they were supposed to be staggard anyway.
They then discussed a road that butts up to New Home Township that needs help. This specific road is under the ownership of Osage Township and gives New Home a lot of backlashes. New Home is not responsible for this certain road, and it is agreed upon that Osage has ownership of the last mile of the road that resides in New Home. In that case, Lacy wondered who received the CART funds over that portion of the road to which Trent informed her that Osage receives those funds.
Hume School District, Scott Morrison; Adrian School District, Don Lile; Miami School District, Daniel Johnson; Chris Gach of Adrian, Clearway Representatives, Mark Brady, Josh Framel, Barry Matchet; MarksNelson, Steve Etcher; GilmoreBell, Mark Grimm; Doug Mager with Mid America News Paper; West Point Township, Christian Merz, Richard Merz; Homer Township, Lynda Wiley, David Tidman, Brent Bettels; Amsterdam, Gayle Beachner and George Nelson all attended the 11:00 am meeting with the Commission.
The Commission introduced themselves as well as the Clearway Representatives and Legal Counsel. Steve Etcher then began explaining the importance of Chapter 100 Bonds and how the tax will be determined. Mark Grimm clarified that this is to maximize local revenue and applauded the County for coming out on top of any other County they have worked with. Steve spoke about how Bates County is not zoned so you have free range of whatever you choose and how this company can help with the maintenance of things. Barry thanked the citizens that were involved and thanked the Commission for the opportunity to work with the County. Josh agreed with Barry and reminded the Commission and the citizens to reach out with any questions at any time and encouraged them to continue reaching out. John thanked everyone for coming, their requests to be reviewed, and their involvement in the matter. He then went on to explain how the Commission wanted to set the bar for other counties and that is what they accomplished. Bates County was able to set the bar higher than any other county. Trent explained the growth of his knowledge through this process and felt as if they ended up making the correct decision. Jami thanked the Commission for listening and voting to redirect the Administration Fee back to the political subdivisions. Jim explained that he was not on board with Solar until learning the protection and surety Chapter 100 Bonds would give the County, the things that were being done for the community, and the budget every year. He then thanked Josh and Barry for working with the Commission through everything as well as Steve and Mark for all they did for the County. Mark B. then mentioned that the process as a whole and stated that it was respectful and efficient.
The Commission asked if any of the concerned citizens had any questions, so Brent introduced himself and explained that he was familiar with the legal counsel due to his background of working with them. He expressed his relief that he felt when the Commission told him who they would be working with and even encouraged them to do so. He then asked about the setbacks to which Steve explained the development agreement and informed Brent they would be 45 feet. Brent then advocated for the houses that are covered on all four sides.
Daniel Johnson thanked the Commission and Clearway for the money the Miami School District will receive from this project and was grateful that it was coming during a time with state financial cuts. Don Lile asked about the PILOT distribution and what will happen within the 35 years if certain things happen. Richard Merz, representing his son, asked some questions about the escalator and a few others his son had listed for him to gather information on. Brent asked about the Road Use Agreement and asked for a copy to be emailed. Don asked the Commission about the issue with Linn County not allowing lines to be ran to their county and he was informed that they would have to settle something in court.
Brent asked about a lump sum of money that he felt Amsterdam and Amoret could use, since the money he was referring to was now being distributed back into the political subdivision. John felt as if it was too late to be asking for anything more and reminded him that the Mayors of the two towns are working directly with Clearway to negotiate their own Community Betterment Agreement. He then stated that if they made any changes now, it would prolong this process another three weeks. Mark G. then informed John that he doesn’t think this would be something they could fix and it would not make the three-week process start over. He stated that the County Commission can change anything they need to and the process would only consist of Clearway Legal Counsel changing the documents like they did when they change the status of the Administration Fee. Brent mentioned that this was a meeting for them to come in and ask questions and voice concern so they should have made room for such matters. John then stated that is why everyone has been working on this for months. Brent felt that this was just a part of the process and if that means they must do some more research and gather more information before it’s all said and done, that’s better than regretting it after the decision is made. He expressed the gratitude that those two towns would have if the Commission did this for them. John then asked if the towns were so thankful, then why are they not in attendance? Brent explained that he was there for the representation of Rob, the Mayor of Amoret, and could not speak for Shane. Brent stated Rob had to work so he could not be there himself and pointed out that Rob and Shane weren’t even on the list to receive a letter regarding this meeting, as well as reminding John that he had previously mentioned that the letter needed to be worded differently. John mentioned that was a good point.
John then made a motion to go into closed session to seek legal counsel at 12:16 pm per statute 610.021(1). Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
John made a motion at 12:30 pm to go back into open session. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
John made a motion to accept and sign the contracts as they were presented. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Clearway then stuck around as the citizens left and the Commission signed the Contracts.
Mike Walensky and Rebecca Roman with S&P Global had a zoom call with the Commission and Jami Page, the Bates County Clerk. This meeting consisted of them discussing the Counties Financials.
Jerry and Tammy Williams, with New Home Township, came in and discussed a road that resides in Osage and asked that the Commission talk to Osage and ask them to try and fix it.
Trent explained the new positions that were set in place on the Township Board.
Tammy asked about CART money and Trent explained that Osage gets the amount for that road, as they now own the one mile that originally belongs to New Home. They also asked if there was something different in place with roads that lead to conservation areas. They felt as if they were always nicer than any other roads. Trent explained that the township(s) have the opportunity to fill out paperwork through the conservation and receive a money based on amount of miles for rock to be placed on the roads that lead to said areas.
They then began discussing once more the road that belongs to Osage. Tammy and Jerry reside in New Home, but their travel takes place on the Osage owned road. Trent informed her that there is somebody working on it as they spoke and was in good hopes of a night and day difference.
Tammy then asked if any of the Townships have any sort of training that they must attend if they sit on the board. She explained that the individuals who fill the Osage board have been nasty to them. It was mentioned that a meeting Osage held, they could hear yelling and cussing before they even opened the door. They then explained an incident where the Osage Trustee yelled at Jerry at the door when he was in effort to attend a meeting. Trent apologized and said he heard about the incident through the grape vine and eased their minds by assuring them he would call them and give them a push in the right direction.
Tammy thanked the Commission for meeting with them and was appreciative of them taking the time to listen.
#MidAmericaLive
Obituary - Michael "Mike" Lee Crow
.webp)
Celebration of life for Michael "Mike" Lee Crow will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Steffan’s Auto Works in Harrisonville, Missouri (1406 S. Commercial Street, Harrisonville, Missouri, 64701). Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Cullen Lee Crow for a college fund. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Michael “Mike” Lee Crow, age 57 of Harrisonville, Missouri died Friday, June 12, 2026 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born July 8, 1968 to Dale Lee and Shirley Louise Pyles Crow in Butler, Missouri.
Mike is survived by one son, Keifer Lee Crow and wife Carmen of Haughton, Louisiana; one daughter, Amanda “Amie” Breckenridge and husband Justin of Rich Hill, Missouri; three stepchildren, Cassandra, Diana and Jacob; four grandchildren, Tucker, Daphne and Mavis Breckenridge and Cullen Lee Crow; mother, Shirley Louise Bearce and husband Elvin of Butler, Missouri; stepmother, Rene Crow of Butler, Missouri; significant other, Linda Diane Hodges of Harrisonville, Missouri; sister, Christy Lockard and husband Alan of Butler, Missouri; two stepsisters, Marci Anzalone and husband Tim and Michelle Christensen and husband Claus; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Dale Lee Crow; and stepfather, Bill Maxwell.
A full obituary will be published at a later date.
#MidAmericaLive
NTSB addresses jump plane crash in Butler on Sunday
Graham said "This is the beginning of a long process" and "the NTSB is currently focusing on three distinct elements being the human factor, the aircraft itself and the environment."
At this time, teams are gathering evidence at the scene including personal items that may contain additional clues. Graham went on to emphasize that the NTSB will not be drawing any conclusions until all forensic study is completed which will include moving the wreckage to a secure location for further investigation.
He added that anyone including witnesses or who otherwise might have pertinent information to please contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov
The NTSB will make a preliminary report available in about 30 days however, a full investigation likely will take 12 to 18 months to complete.
#MidAmericaLive
Skydive Kansas City issues statement regarding Sunday accident
Tragically, all 12 individuals aboard lost their lives in the accident.
This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community. Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all who were lost.
The names of those involved will not be released until all next of kin have been notified.
Skydive Kansas City is working closely with local authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). At this time, the focus of the management and ownership team is to assist investigators and to support the staff and the broader skydiving community. The entire team is in shock, and the community is close-knit.
We ask for privacy as we direct all efforts toward managing this tragedy and remaining available to authorities as they work to determine the cause.
Skydive Kansas City is a USPA Group Member Dropzone in good standing. More information on skydiving safety statistics can be found at www.uspa.org/discover/faqs/safety.
#MidAmericaLive
Local Business Spotlight: The Daily Objective Distillery
Daily Objective Distillery was founded in 2025 on Sterling Ranch in Amsterdam, Missouri. What began as a casual conversation over drinks between Steve Parks, a retired Navy SEAL with a passion for art and distilling—and the ranch owner, quickly became a shared mission and vision: to create something meaningful, rooted in the ranch, and built by hand
We'll start with the award winning distillery that has claimed the prizes of Gold and Silver in the 2026 World Spirits Competition along with Double Gold in the Fall 2025 John Barleycorn Awards, among others, which are sure signs a quality product flows from the Daily Objective in the form of Bourbon, Vodka, Rum and Gin.
During our tour, it was obvious the intention of the Daily Objective Distillery is not to become a high output conglomerate as "it's all in the details" said Steve during our interview.
The property was previously dotted with an old ranch house and a few outbuildings which have been tastefully converted to what you see today, including a beautiful bar made from a black walnut tree nearby. The ranch house is now integrated into the main facility and is now the tasting room.
And yes, distillery tours are available featuring the DOD history, batch distilling process, and production space. The experience wraps up with a curated tasting of select spirits, plus a DOD-engraved tasting glass to take home. Tours last 30–45 minutes and are offered during tasting room hours.
Outdoors you'll find something for the entire family or business retreat, including a sawmill, pickleball court, outdoor music stage and more, all integrated into the beautiful landscape that surrounds the Daily Objective Distillery grounds.
Want to stay for more than a day? RV parking is available and coming soon, cabins for rent.
The event schedule at the Daily Objective Distillery is packed full. Currently, a USA World Cup Watch party is set for June 25 that will include a food truck, live music by Mikey Needleman with the watch party to begin at 5 pm as Japan faces Sweden followed by four more games throughout the evening with more watch parties throughout the weekend.
 |
| A state-of-the-art distillery insures clients only the best in local favorites |
The fun doesn't stop there as Caleb Blacksher will provide live music at the outdoor amphitheater on Sunday, June 28th 6 to 9 pm.
PLAN TO SPEND your 4th of July weekend at DOD as the celebration of America's 250th birthday will light the skies with a brilliant fireworks display, skydivers, live music, food trucks and more. Check their website at www.dailyobjectivedistillery.com/events for the latest information.
And just for the occasion, visitors can receive a very special 250th Anniversary bottle with artwork by Steve.
Hours of operation are Thursday & Friday 4pm to 10 pm; Saturday 1 pm to 10 pm; Sunday noon to 6 pm.
The Daily Objective Distillery is easy to find at 14215 NW State Rte J, Amsterdam, MO 64723. You can call 816-519-3544 or email info@dailyobjectivedistillery.com for more information.
"At Daily Objective, how we build matters as much as what we pour: with our hands, our craft, and our commitment to the hardworking American spirit."
#MidAmericaLive
Something new: the Dish
the Dish
A recent run to Amsterdam, MO included an impromptu stop at DeHart's Amsterdam Cafe; and what was intended to be an 'in and out' meal, turned out to be something well beyond our expectations.
Being in a hurry, our choices were pretty basic- chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans, French fries and a roll.
The end result however, we officially joined the 'clean plate club' as the chicken strips were tender, juicy and the breading was perfect in terms of flavor and consistency (not too crunchy as many are).
The mashed 'taters were obviously freshly made, as were the fries.
I often find sautéed green beans to be a bit crunchy for my liking however, as Goldilocks once stated, these were "just right!" as they also have a splash of seasoning that brought out their natural flavor.
On top of that, our food arrived in a timely manner even though the restaurant was beginning to get quite busy. Our server Jennifer was pleasant and it was obvious she enjoyed her job (if I can joke around and the server can dish it right back, it always means a good tip!).
The entire bill came to around $25. Wow, we got an authentic home cooked meal for about the same price, if not cheaper, than one of the gut-and-digestive-tract-busting fast food chains.
All said, we give a 5-star review to DeHart's Amsterdam Cafe and highly recommend EVERYONE check it out!
#MidAmericaLive
Recipe of the Week: Orange Creamsicle Bars
Crust
1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
1 pinch salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 (0.25 ounce) packet unflavored powdered gelatin
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 drops orange food coloring, optional
Line a 9x9-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.
In a small bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt together until combined. Add in melted butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Pour crust mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Place crust into the freezer to chill while you make the filling.
In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric mixer until mixture holds stiff peaks; refrigerate until needed.
Place gelatin into a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour 1/4 cup orange juice over gelatin and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place cream cheese, condensed milk, remaining 1/4 cup orange juice, lemon juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and salt into the cup of a high speed blender. Blend ingredients on high speed until thoroughly smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, 1 to 2 minutes.
Heat bloomed gelatin in the microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir gelatin until thoroughly mixed and dissolved. With the blender running, pour melted gelatin into the cream mixture and continue to blend on High speed until thoroughly incorporated, about 30 seconds.
Remove whipped cream from the refrigerator. Pour cream cheese mixture over whipped cream and fold until thoroughly combined.
Remove crust from the freezer. Pour half of filling mixture over chilled crust; smooth into an even layer. Place pan back into the freezer until filling just begins to set, about 15 minutes.
To the remaining filling, add orange zest, lemon zest, and orange food coloring. Fold together until evenly combined.
Remove the pan from the freezer and carefully pour the orange layer over cream layer. Spread orange layer evenly over cream layer, making sure to cover completely. Refrigerate in the pan until bars are set, at least 4 hours to overnight.
#MidAmericaLive
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
