Brief session for the Bates County Commission

Minutes from the August 5, 2026 Bates County Commission meeting

The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Chris Gach, Jami Page County Clerk, and Charles Rush, with Cooks Insurance, met with the Commission to join a Zoom Meeting with NonStop Insurance. They discussed multiple areas and asked questions that they needed to ask to be better educated for a decision and to inform the Elected Officials that will soon join the Commission in a meeting to discuss insurance for the County.

John was given a letter and presented it to the rest of the Commission, Chris Gach still present. Mound Township sent a letter to the Commission informing them that they voted Jim Hertzog off the Board and suggested Matt Meredith fill that position.

John made a motion to appoint Matt Meredith to Mound Township Board. Trent seconded the motion. Jim asked if John had spoken to Matt to make sure he wanted this position, John informed Jim that he talked to Mound Township Board and they had already talked to Matt to make sure he wanted the position. John then read out loud that part within the letter where it explained that Matt was aware and was willing to take the position. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

At 3:19 pm Trent made a motion to go into Closed Session per 610.021(3) with Steve Cohen to discuss Personnel. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

At 4:15 pm John made a motion to go into Open Session. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

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Obituary - Mary Elizabeth Freeman

Mary Elizabeth Freeman, age 94 of Deepwater, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at her home. Her infectious love, laughter and light was a beacon, an essence of joy and grace, and embodied the spirit of generosity. A pillar within her family. Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Mary's wishes were to be cremated. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Mary was born February 29, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Earl H. and Flora M. Oberholtz. Her grandfather Georee Shelley was mayor of Kansas City, MO. She was a member of the Church of Christ Scientisi Boston, MA. Her husband John E. Freeman passed away July 1995. They were married on January 28, 1951 in Kansas City, MO and were married for 44 years.

Mary started her career with the Army Map Service with Top Secret clearance, later transferring to the Corps of Engineers Kansas City, MO. She was involved with drafting the construction of Truman Lake and Missouri River levees. In 1979 she transferred to the city of Mesa, AZ. There she managed (As Builts) mapping. In 1986 she then moved back to Missouri to the Truman Lake area that she fell in love with when mapping for the lake. She worked and retired from Wal-Mart at 81 years of age. She volunteered her time at the Samaritan Center, Clinton, MO.

She is survived by sons Kent Freeman (Carolyn) of Deepwater, MO and John Freeman of Clinton, MO, grandson Trenton E. Freeman of Springfield, MO, great-grandsons Ryan & Trevor Freeman of Springfield, MO, step-grandchildren Jackie Price & Richard Fry, step-great-grandchildren Randall & Bryon Price & Alexandria (Fry) of Joplin, MO and 4 great great-grandsons, and a sister Julianna Henderson of Buena Vista, CO.

Services are under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO. 

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Obituary - Robert "Stubby" Stoll

In loving memory of Robert "Stubby" Stoll, who passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2026. Stubby's life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication.

Stubby was born October 31, 1943, in Garden City, Missouri, to Floyd and Mable Stoll, who instilled in him the values of hard work and kindness. Throughout his life, he carried these values forward, touching the lives of everyone he met.

Stubby attended Garden City Grade School and High School. At a young age, he was baptized in the Garden City Methodist Church. After graduating, Stubby and 4 close friends, voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army. He also served 10 years in the Missouri Army National Guard. He earned an Honorable Discharge. Stubby served his country honorably as a member of the U.S. Army, and his sense of duty and commitment extended beyond his military service. While in the Military, Stubby married Judy Sims. He became an instant dad to Judy's 4 children. Rhonda was born and completed their family. Stubby married 2 more times, raising 6 additional children. Then, in 1982, single again, he met Joy McCune. They married in 1983 and he gained 4 more daughters.

Stubby and Joy made their home in Garden City, Missouri. He had a diverse and fulfilling career, working with companies such as Buerge Feeds, Quisenberry Mills, Cargill, and Panther Products, and was known for his dedication and tireless work ethic, even in his later years, as he took pride in mowing many yards in the community. At one time, he was mowing 17 yards. He made his prices fair and affordable for everyone, especially his elderly customers.

In his personal life, Stubby was a man of many interests and passions. He was an enthusiastic participant in truck and tractor pulls and found happiness in the camaraderie and competition they offered. He was a member of the Garden City American Legion. He organized and promoted the Legion's local Truck and Tractor Pulls. He was a proud owner/driver of "The Three B's" pulling truck. Stubby loved participating in, and watching regional Truck and Tractor Pulls. He accumulated many trophies that showcased how successful he was at winning. Dancing and playing pool were also, among his favorite past times, through which he shared laughter and created countless cherished memories with family and friends. As his health declined, Stubby could be found daily watching "Price Is Right" at 10:00am and "Truck Pulls" at 1:30pm.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Floyd and Mable, his sisters Wanda Sisk and Betty Renike, his children Holly Miles, Angie Stewart, and Randall Johnson, as well as his grandson David Miles and great-grandson Crew Krasick.

Stubby's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife of 43 years, Joy, who stood by his side through life’s many adventures. He is also survived by his daughter Rhonda (Joel), and a large, loving family that includes 11 bonus children: Mylinda, Lori, Shannon, Rebecca, Casey, LuAnn, Karen, Whendy, Rick, Donna, and David. His family further extends to 13 grandchildren and an impressive 42 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense pride and excitement to his life. His sister, Carol Lee, also survives him, preserving the bond of family that Stubby always held dear.

Stubby was a devoted son, husband, brother, dad, grandpa, great grandpa and friend. He helped raise a lot of kids that still fondly call him "dad". He never knew a stranger and was always up for a good conversation. One of his biggest accomplishments was living in Garden City his entire life. Robert "Stubby" Stoll will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with inurnment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice.

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Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟'𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐱 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫:

Deputy Harms conducted a sex offender compliance check in the Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of James Blasor, age 65, of Clinton, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Blasor allegedly failed to register his new address.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Captain Hills conducted a traffic stop in the rural Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Mackenly Bruce, age 31, of Greenwood, on a Greenwood Police Department warrant for Failure to Appear on traffic charges.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝/𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝:

Captain Bilbruck responded to a disturbance in the Bucksaw Resort and Marina area. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Steven Hodges, age 49, of Greenwood, for Driving While Suspended/Revoked.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 – 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞:

Deputy McQueen, assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, responded to a report of a woman outside nude in the Deepwater area. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kelly Bailey, age 46, of Deepwater, for Sexual Misconduct – 1st Degree and Trespassing – 2nd Degree. Bailey allegedly went to several neighbors' residences while nude.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:

Lieutenant Kubilus and Deputy Saulters conducted a warrant service in the Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Jesse Banaszewski, age 34, of Clinton, on a Henry County felony warrant for Harassment – 2nd Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.

For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office at (660) 885-5587.

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Attempted Homicide Suspect Apprehended in Linn County

On August 11, 2026, deputies with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Acorn Cove in the Lake Chaparral community in rural Mound City for a report of a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female victim had been severely battered. During the incident, the suspect allegedly attempted to run over the victim with a vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Through their investigation, deputies identified the suspect as Mathew Hudson and obtained a description of the vehicle, along with information regarding possible locations where he may have fled.

With the cooperation of the **Miami County Sheriff’s Office**, the suspect’s vehicle was located, and information indicated that Hudson was inside a residence in Miami County.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Miami County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Response Team (SORT), and Kansas Bureau of Investigation High Risk Warrant Team (HRWT) worked together to formulate a plan to safely take the suspect into custody.

Fortunately, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Hudson surrendered to Miami County deputies prior to the arrival of the tactical teams and was taken into custody without further incident.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for their assistance, cooperation, and partnership in safely apprehending the suspect.

We appreciate the professionalism and coordinated efforts of all agencies involved.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Courtesy Linn County Sheriff's Office

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Drexel first responders swiftly respond to medical emergency

On August 7th, at approximately 11:23 pm, Drexel Police and Drexel Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 400 Blk of Bates St for a report of a motorcycle accident. First Responders were informed that the solo rider was unconscious, but breathing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Bates County Sheriff’s Deputies, Bates County EMS, and a Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the scene to render assistance.

Upon arrival, Drexel Police spoke with several individuals who were passersby, who had stopped to render assistance to the individual. The machine in question was a moped, which did not have a license plate attached to it.

As Drexel Fire personnel arrived on scene, they immediately began to render care to the patient, who was clearly in critical condition. A Life Flight helicopter was called to transport the individual to a local trauma center. A landing zone for the helicopter was subsequently established at the city park by the community building.

Simultaneously, law enforcement worked to identify the individual. Once positive identification of the individual was made, the individual was transported to the helicopter and air-lifted to a trauma center.

As this was occurring, law enforcement went to the family residence and notified them of the situation.

The family is asking Drexel to rally behind them in thought, prayer, and in support during this most difficult of times.

We also want to thank all of the agencies who responded to this incident. It was awesome to see a multi-agency response where everyone worked together so well, with one mission in mind. This was a textbook example of outstanding team-work by all.

The investigation of this accident is being conducted by MSHP.

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One big rattler

Daniel Harnden recently shared a video on Facebook with this sighting  of a BIG rattlesnake near Drexel, drawing comments from others who have seen the same in recent days.

This particular reptile spotted on CR 16002 near the railroad tracks appears to be well fed; everyone is urged to use extreme caution when out-and-about as the extreme heat is cause for them on the move, particularly this time of year.
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Obituary - Marlyn Strope

A celebration of life for Marlyn Strope of Oklahoma, formerly of Ballard, Missouri will be 1 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to service from 12:30 - 1 p.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date in Johnstown Cemetery, Johnstown, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

A full obituary will be posted at a later date.

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