Bates County Fair Queen candidate, Katelynn Shouse

Hi! My name is Katelynn Shouse, and I am a junior at Butler High School. I am honored to be a 2026 Bates County Fair Queen Candidate.

I am actively involved in FFA, where I serve as Treasurer, as well as basketball, volleyball, cheer, HOSA, and the Student Advisory Committee. These experiences have helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while giving back to my school and community.

Outside of school, I enjoy painting, babysitting, and spending time with my family and friends. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in radiologic technology with the goal of specializing in ultrasound. I look forward to using my compassion and dedication to help others while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

As part of my Queen campaign, I am selling Bates County Fair Queen Raffle Tickets to help support the 2026 Bates County Fair. Tickets can be purchased at Custom Creations in Butler, Missouri, or by contacting me directly.

Thank you for supporting me and the 2026 Bates County Fair – Blue Jeans and American Dreams! Your support helps provide educational and leadership opportunities for our local 4-H and FFA youth. I truly appreciate your support and hope to earn your vote as your 2026 Bates County Fair Queen!

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Surprise! Butler’s Own Matt Wells Is Appearing on Forged in Fire!

By Cody Morris

Keeping secrets seems to be the new trend in Bates County, and Matthew Wells has been holding onto a whopper.

The local bladesmith was selected years ago to compete on the world-renowned television show Forged in Fire. Tailgate TV caught up with our buddy Matt to talk a little about his bladesmithing career and his journey to national television, as his episode is set to air Wednesday, July 1, on the History Channel.

While Matt was born in Butler, he was raised in the small town of Tuscumbia. Matt recalls spending many of his summers on the family farm in Butler with his grandparents, Jim and Alvina Wells (or, as he calls them, Mamaw and Papaw). Matt shared that his family “has lived on this farm since 1865.” Talk about a legacy. Many folks around Butler may know the farm as Devil’s Hollow, which inspired the name of his forge, Devils Hollow Forge.

Spending summers on the farm, Matt always had a knack for building things and recalls that “forging was a medium that really resonated with me.” Matt first delved into the craft when his supportive wife, Chelsea, gifted him a small single-burner forge for his birthday after hearing him talk about wanting to try bladesmithing. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a passion. Matt says, “Things snowballed from there.”

Inside Devils Hollow Forge today, you won’t just find that single-burner forge or a bunch of blades—you’ll also find pieces of history. One that holds special meaning to Matt is an inherited anvil. This nearly century-old anvil belonged to his grandfather, and Matt remembers hearing stories about how it once belonged to a farrier in Wyoming before being passed down through the family and eventually finding a home in his shop. “It’s a cool feeling knowing that the anvil I use in my craft has a history stretching back almost a century,” he said.

When asked about the show, Matt says he almost didn’t even apply. About two and a half years into bladesmithing, Shawn Vanzandt came across a casting call on Facebook and told him, “If you don’t apply, I’m going to do it for you.” That was all the push Matt needed. After making it through several rounds of interviews, he received the call that he had been selected to compete.

While most viewers likely assume reality television includes plenty of scripting, Wells says that’s far from the truth. “It’s as real as it gets,” he said. “It’s hot, intense, and that time limit is your judge, jury, and executioner. It doesn’t stop for anything.” Despite the pressure, Wells says the experience was an adrenaline rush from start to finish.

Today, Matt creates custom knives, cutlery, and other forged pieces through Devils Hollow Forge. While every blade is fully functional, many are built to become family heirlooms.

“My favorite part is creating something I know could be here long after I’m gone,” Wells said. “A lot of the blades I’ve made are heirlooms and art pieces. Still functional—but who wants to go mudding in a Ferrari?” he joked.

Wells’ episode of Forged in Fire is scheduled to air at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, on the History Channel.

To see more of Matt’s work, visit Devils Hollow Forge on Facebook.

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A Legacy of Liberty and Community: Honoring Grand Marshal Terry Heuser

When the historic town of Rich Hill, Missouri, kicks off its massive 4th of July celebration on July 1st, leading the parade will be a man whose roots are as deeply woven into the community as the red, white, and blue. Terry Heuser has been named the Grand Marshal for the 2026 parade, a fitting honor as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary under the theme ''We The People-A Legacy of Liberty."

Deep Roots in Rich Hill

For Terry, this town isn't just a place to live; it is a lifetime of family history. The son of Harold "Pete" Heuser and Arleta Heuser, Terry grew up in Rich Hill alongside his four siblings. Even as a young boy, Terry possessed a strong work ethic and an innate love for order, always enjoying the effort it took to make things look nice and neat.

A proud member of the Rich Hill High School Class of 1972, Terry's lifelong calling took shape just a few years after graduation. In 1976, he began working at the local funeral home under George Flexsenhar. That pivotal step began a remarkable journey of service; this year marks Terry's 50th anniversary of dedication to the home.

A significant milestone in that journey occurred in 1986, when Randy and Debbie Sheldon purchased the funeral home. Recognizing his unparalleled dedication and work ethic, they named Terry the head of operations. Under his leadership, the home continued to serve as a pillar of comfort for local families. Then, in 2004, Terry purchased the funeral home from the Shelton's, officially taking the reins of what he now proudly owns and operates as Heuser Funeral Home.

A Multifaceted Legacy of Service

Terry's dedication to local families during this era extended beyond his primary calling. For 19 years, spanning from the 1970s into the mid-1990s, alongside his responsibilities at the funeral home, he also partnered with his mother, Arleta, to co-own and operate a local flower shop, Flowers and Things. Together, they brought beauty and comfort to the community during life's most significant milestones. For half a century, he has guided local families through their most difficult moments with dignity, precision, and profound respect.

A Tradition of Teamwork and Gratitude

Terry is quick to share the credit for decades of success, noting that he couldn't have done it alone. He extends his deepest gratitude to the dedicated former employees who stood by him and truly made things happen over the years. Among those who left an indelible mark on his journey are his parents, Kirk Bjerke, Houston Bridgewater, Bill Perkey, Hazel West, Alberta Lacy, Clay and Dixie Vodry, Barrett Case, Denise Heckadon among others. Their hard work, loyalty, and shared commitment to excellence were vital to serving the families of Rich Hill.

Meticulous Care and Community Leadership

That boyhood passion for keeping things "nice and neat" never faded. Today, Terry is renowned for his meticulous upkeep, maintaining a business and a home so pristine they could easily grace the cover of a magazine.

But his care extends far beyond physical properties. In 2007, Terry channeled his passion for preservation and local history into becoming the president of the Friends of Green/awn Cemetery. Through this role, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the resting places of Rich Hill's ancestors are maintained with the utmost respect and care.

Natalie Platt, president of the Rich Hill Fourth of July celebration committee, highlights this unique and invaluable gift Terry gives to his neighbors:

"Terry provides a wealth of Rich Hill genealogy to our community. Known for his meticulous upkeep, his business and home could be on the cover of a magazine. We are honored to have him serve as parade marshal."

Looking Toward the Next Horizon

While the future of the funeral home remains an unwritten chapter, Terry is beginning to look toward a well-earned personal horizon. The reality of directing a funeral home means being anchored to the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, over the last 50 years, Terry can count on just one hand the number of times he has left town for any significant distance or time. After half a century of ensuring he was always there when his neighbors called, he is finally looking forward to stepping away for a bit and doing some traveling.

Leading the Way on the 4th

As a living archive of local history and a pillar of community strength, Terry embodies the very spirit of the town. This Independence Day, as the KC Rumble drumline plays and families line the streets, Rich Hill will not just be celebrating the nation's history-they will be celebrating 50 years of unwavering devotion from one of their own.

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Obituary - Kurt John Roy

Kurt Roy’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. There are no public services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kurt John Roy, age 69 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, June 14, 2026 in Butler as a result of an airplane crash. He was born November 7, 1956 in Charles City, Iowa.

Kurt is survived by his four children as well as the mother of his children.

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Hot diggity!

Three eager eaters made the top finishers in the hot dog eating contest during Adrian's 4th of July celebration on Saturday: Justin Rusow -1st, William Post - 2nd, and Colten Horn - 3rd.

Justin downed 16, making him "Top Dog" of the day.

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The Museum Minute: Butler to get airport

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

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of July 1

1881 The City of Butler places four electric lamps around the square.

1919 The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution goes into effect, prohibiting the sale of liquor, in the country.

1929 The City of Butler leases 80 acres at the South edge of town, to promote an airport for Butler.

1962 The Calvary Baptist Church is organized, Adrian.

1970 After years of operating the ambulance service, in Bates County, the Underwood-Steinbeck Funeral Home and Booth Funeral Home transfers the service to the Bates County Memorial Hospital.

1978 A time capsule, embedded in a cornerstone of the Inn Hotel in Butler, is opened and found inside is memorabilia from 1906, the year the building construction was completed.

1989 Rich Hill's Apache Airport is dedicated.

1989 Early this morning, lawmen raid the Ye Old Styling Shoppe, in Butler, seizing suspected drugs and paraphernalia. 

1999 Rich Hill's famous Fourth of July celebration begins today with children and pet parades and will close with the famous fireworks at 11 pm on the 4th.

2000 Cecil Smith celebrates the 81st anniversary of Smith Shoe Shop, Butler.

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Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

Laning, Bradley to Matson-Wright, Jacie N Lt 10 Bl 7 William's Addn+

Hall, Gary Russell to Jennings, Dallas Str 21-38-31

Zellmer, James to Vertical Designs Lt 2 Bl 10 Cogswells Addn+

Rom, Michael J to Rom, Rodney J Str 17-40-30 //Sw

CTC Rentals to Vertical Design LLC Lt 7 Bl 1 Scott's Addn

Bah Properties LLC to Hastie, Gage Lt 255 Adrian, Original Town Of+

Eye, Patty to Eve, Patty Trust 05-01-1997 Str 13-40-29 //Nw

Standard Properties to Clark, Ian Str 22-40-31 //Nw

Neely, Cathy G to Rader, Randy Str 36-40-31 //Ne

King, Richard R to King, Richard R Str 13-40-32 //Sw+

Ferguson, Jerry Dean Trust 03-08-2021 to THS s Land Holdings Str 30-42-31 //Se

Brown, Eddie (Trustee) to Sandborn, Kristin Str 21-39-29 //Nw

Marriage license

Bennett, Michael Wayne and Shelton, Mary Ellen

Tiller, Briar Steele and Blomquist, Jessica Nicole

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Bates County Court News

Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer presiding

Fines do not include added court costs

St v John Lischer- speeding, fine $200.50

St v Lindsey Franks- fail to stay in right half of roadway, fine $60.50

St v Carol Sharos- speeding, fine $80.50

City of Butler v Zachary Craft- expired plates, fine $50.50

St v Sunflower Carninale- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Raian Mathew- speeding, fine $200.50

St v Jaydon Taylor- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00

St v James Addleman- no working horn, fine $157.50

St v Bret Brinson- speeding, fine $60.50

St v Caelyn Rudy- speeding, fine $120.50

St v Bryan Hughes- speeding, fine $120.50

St v Kolton Allen- fail to affix trailer plates, fine $50.50

St v Deandreanna Osborne- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Tacomah Hunt- speeding, fine $120.50

St v Joshua Nichols- fail to affix trailer plates, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Manuel Irizarry III- vicious animal, fine $125.00

City of Adrian v Brian Yelton- speeding, fine $80.50

City of Butler v Monroe Dirks- expired plates, fine $100.00

St v Mark Vincent- speeding, fine $80.50

St v Kerrie Keegan- speeding, fine $80.50

City of Butler v Dudley Clingman- parking violation, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Anthony West- shoplifting, fine $225.00

City of Butler v Anthony West- shoplifting, fine $200.00

City of Adrian v Gretchen Thurau- defective equipment, fine $138.50

City of Adrian v Nathaniel Newell- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Adrian v Kyle Morrison- expired plates, fine $75.00

City of Rich Hill v Jess Hilliard- defective equipment, fine $188.50

City of Adrian v Bret McFarlane- speeding, fine $80.50

City of Adrian v Bryce Chulufas- defective equipment, fine $163.50

City of Rich Hill v Wyatt Hammett- defective equipment, fine $188.50

City of Butler v Dwight Koehn- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Alan Fairman- expired plates, fine $47.50

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