Osage Valley holds 88th annual meeting

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative held their 88th Annual Meeting on August 27, 2026, with a drive-thru format at both the Butler and Clinton offices. Employees registered members, then members were able to vote electronically from 4-6pm, receiving a gift on departure. In addition  to the drive-thru, members were able to register/vote online from August 10-25, 2026. All  registered members will receive a $20 electric bill credit.  

Electric bill credit prizes and other prizes were awarded to registered members, online and drive thru. Jeremy Short and Jenna Meade were each the lucky winners of a $250.00 electric bill  credit. Complete list of winners will appear in the October 2026 issue of the Rural Missouri.  

The business meeting featured the election of three members to the Cooperative’s Board of  Directors. All three incumbent directors were uncontested and re-elected to the Board to serve  three-year terms. They were David Rapp and Darrell Dains, representing Bates County and Joe  Hilty, representing Henry/Johnson Counties. 

An abbreviated business meeting was held by the Board of Directors immediately following the  drive-thru portion of the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors were present at both offices  and participated in a zoom meeting to conduct the business meeting. 

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Miami R-1 welcomes new staff

Please help welcome new staff to the Miami R-1 Eagles nest!

L-R: Tim Powell: PLTW/PE/Para, Sydney Brabant: Preschool/Para,  Tracy McCombs: Title 1 Reading, Maggie Schacher: Special Education

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Special sale offered by Comforting Angels on Sept. 5th

The Bates County chapter of the Comforting Angel Quilters Group will be participating in the city wide Garage Sales. They will be open Saturday only, Sept 5th, 8:30 until 2:00 p.m. at the Old Butler High School on Pine Street, south entrance. Look for our sign!

Fabric will be on sale for $2.00 a yard, finished quilt tops will be for sale as well as numerous quilt kits, table runners, thread, handmade crafts, knitting yarn, and a menagerie of small fabric under a yard available for “all you can fit” into a paper bag for $1.00.

Over the years, many donated fabrics were of the “tailor” type that just could not be used for quilting. We are reaching out to several theatre groups in the area who could use this fabric for scenery, costumes, backdrops, etc. If you know of a drama group/high school drama clubs/community theatres that could use this free fabric, please give Susi Serna a call at 518.378.8259. We are located at the Old Butler High School on Pine Street. Look for their Facebook page to see photos of available items. Plenty of parking is available.

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Bates County native Dr. Ethan Weeks to begin local practice

Ethan Weeks, DO, is coming home to care for the community that shaped him

On September 8, Bates County native Dr. Ethan Weeks will begin seeing patients as a family medicine physician with Family Care Clinics. But his connection to BCMH began long before medical school.

From working as a medical scribe at BCMH to completing clinical rotations here as a medical student, Ethan intentionally kept Bates County close throughout his education and training.

Now, after completing his family medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he's returning to care for the community he has always called home.

"Bates County has always been home for me. I know the communities, the people, and many of the unique challenges that come with accessing healthcare in a rural area, and that connection was a major reason I wanted to return here to practice."

Meet Dr. Ethan Weeks and learn why returning to practice medicine in Bates County was always part of his plan.

Read Ethan's story: https://bcmhospital.com/introducing-ethan-weeks-do/

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Butler Chamber Business of the Month: Cook Insurance Agency

When walking around the Historic Butler Square, it’s hard to miss the brick storefront at 7 N. Main Street. Originally constructed in 1895, the building connects Butler’s rich past with its bright future. It has stood as a fixture of local commerce for decades, and since 1934, Cook Insurance has been helping protect the families, farms, and small businesses that make our community home.

As an independent agency, Cook Insurance offers competitive coverage across vehicle, property, commercial, life, and health insurance. Being situated right in the heart of town means their team is never far from the people they serve—whether assisting long-time residents, guiding teen drivers, or welcoming new business owners to the square.

"Insurance you can trust, anchored by a team that genuinely cares about the town we share."

Beyond policies, claims, and coverage options, what truly defines Cook Insurance Agency is their unwavering commitment to the Butler community—especially its younger generation. The team consistently steps up to ensure local students and athletes have the resources they need to thrive:

Direct Support for Local Schools: From donating directly to support student needs at Butler Junior High and High School to sponsoring educational programs, the agency invests heavily in local education.

Cheering on the Bears: You'll always find the Cook Insurance team proudly supporting Butler Bears athletics and joining in town-wide spirit during Homecoming Week.

Youth & Family Safety: The agency routinely shares helpful safety guidance for families, from preparing teen drivers for the road to seasonal home and property maintenance tips.

A strong community relies on businesses that do more than just operate—they give back, show up, and invest in the people around them. Cook Insurance Agency, Inc. exemplifies what it means to be a champion for Butler.

The next time you're on the Historic Square, swing by 7 N. Main St., give them a call at 660-679-6188, or visit https://cookins.net/ to say hello, request a quote, or simply thank them for everything they do for our youth and town!

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Appleton City Athletic Boosters sponsorships available

AC Athletic Booster Club Sponsorships

It’s that time of year with sports season starting don’t forget to get your sponsorship to support your favorite athlete and team

Your sponsorship will be announced at home games and listed on athletic events programs. Thank you for supporting AC Athletics

Get in contact with Marla or Brooke T-Mobile #FN5GL #entry Appleton City R-2 School District

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Cass County Detective receives special recognition

Earlier this year, Cass County Sheriff’s Office Detective Rew was named one of the Top 100 Forensic Partner Reporting Examiners by the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) for Fiscal Year 2025.

Det. Rew ranked #43 out of tens of thousands of state and local Law Enforcement Officers across the country who have been trained by the NCFI and regularly submit Forensic Partner Reports.

Today, he was presented with a plaque to honor his commitment to cyber investigations and digital forensics.

His work helps our agency and others pursue justice and keep the community safe.

Congratulations, Det. Rew

Courtesy Cass County Sheriff's Office
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How about a butterfly waystation?

JOPLIN, Mo. – Building a butterfly waystation brings color and an up-close look at these delicate insects.

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a virtual program about Monarchs and Butterfly Waystations from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Register for the virtual program at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220355

“Join us to learn more about how to create a waystation and the migration of monarch butterflies before they quietly flutter away to their winter hibernaculum in Mexico,” said Naturalist Jessie Ballard. A hibernaculum comes from the Latin verb “hibernare,” which means “to pass the winter.”

Monarch waystations provide resources for monarchs to reproduce and sustain their migration, according to MonarchWatch.org.

This is a livestreamed event only and is recommended for ages 10 years and older.

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