Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Little Apple News
November 12, 2025
The next Meet Me On Main Shop and Stroll will be Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. 'til 7:00 p.m. Participating businesses will include Jina's Junque, Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, and Cork & Keg. The A.C. Library will be open to check out books and make a craft.
FarmHouse Kitchen will be having a Hunters Breakfast Buffet 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. November 15 and 16. All you can eat buffet for $19.99, 10 and under $9.99, with drinks included. Buffet includes biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and pancakes.
Kids fun day will be 3:00-6:00 p.m. November 15 at Growing in Grace Community Center is AC. There will be Sponge Bob Bingo with prizes. Costumes are welcome, as volunteers will be dressed up in Sponge Bob characters! Also, if younger kids don't want to participate, they will have Winnie the Pooh prizes, which include a backpack, blanket and a book, to take home with them. Food, cotton candy and games will be provided. Please come and bring kids for a day of fun.
The Montrose Knights of Columbus will hold their 66th annual Germantown Turkey Shoot on Sunday November 30, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field. Tickets are $3.00 each and advance sale tickets will enter the purchaser into a cash prize drawing. There will be youth shoot lines and a shotgun raffle. Tickets are available in Appleton City at Dr. Payton’s office, Fennewald Plumbing or any Knights members.
The 29th Annual Christmas in the Country Depot Craft Show, December 6, will provide shopping pleasure for all. All items provided for sale are hand crafted by the vendors. For more info, contact Kenna Bartz at kenna@bartzphoto.com This annual event is sponsored by the AC Museum.
Christmas in the Country will be December 6. Organizers are planning a parade like last year but hoping for more businesses, churches and organizations to participate. They would like all floats, golf carts, rangers, etc. to be decorated with Christmas lights. The parade will be 6:00 p.m. Saturday night and lineup will be at the school. After the parade, the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting will take place and then Santa Claus will visit with the children. If you would like to be in the parade, please contact Kristine Parks at 660-492-2171.
Women helping women with their education is what Chapter CC PEO Sisterhood has done since 1915 through grants and scholarships for women of all ages. Numerous local women have received PEO scholarships and grants. Local members are having a quilt raffle this month and will be selling tickets with the drawing December 6 at the Depot Craft Show.
River of Life Fellowship hosts Third Sunday meetings each month called “All the More” meetings at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, and they will have a variety of “different kinds” of meetings over the year including singspirations, times of fellowship, formal and more informal times of worship. They will enjoy snacks and fellowship after each meeting. The next events are: Sunday, November 16 - Phil & Pam Morgan Gospel Ministry and Sunday, December 21 - Game & Fellowship Night with Prizes and Goodies.
The Appleton City R-II School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the school board to file as a candidate for the April 7, 2026, election. Interested persons may file at the Superintendent's office located at 408 W. 4th Street, Appleton City, MO. 64724. For more information, contact Sarah Miller at 660-476-2161. Filing will begin on December 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and continue during the district's regular business hours, Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There are three positions available with three-year terms and one position available for a one-year term.
The Appleton City Ministerial Alliance meets throughout the year providing community services and opportunities for the area churches to gather together for worship. Additionally, the ACMA helps people through the region in a variety of ways. In 2023 the ACMA founded the Tony Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, which is a $1000 scholarship awarded locally to an area student pursuing continuing education post-high school. Some in the community have asked about the ability to make donations directly towards the scholarship fund that are not used in other ACMA endeavors. At any time, you may make donations towards the ACMA and they encourage you to do so. You may make donations at any of their community meetings, or feel free to contact one of the ministers serving in the ACMA for more information.
Volunteer drivers are needed ahead of the busy year-end season. New Growth Transit especially needs volunteers in the Appleton City and Montrose area to provide free rides for residents who aren’t able to drive themselves to medical appointments and other essential destinations. Drivers are reimbursed $0.70 per mile (not income), receive training and ongoing support, and choose when and where they’re willing to drive. Call 417-283-7991 or visit newgrowthtransit.org to learn more.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for November 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Thursday Nov 13 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday, Nov 14 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Tuesday, Nov 18 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Wednesday Nov 19 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, Nov 20 – Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Friday, Nov 21 – Ortho-Noble, FNP, Tuesday, Nov 25 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Wednesday, Nov 26 - Ortho-Dr. Gray
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Nov 12 Meet Me On Main Street :00-7:00 p.m.
Nov 15 Kids fun day 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Growing in Grace Community Center
Obituary - Marvin Davison
He was united in marriage to his wife of 68 years, Betty Suzanne (Young) Davison, on September 22, 1957 at Pisgah Baptist Church in Long Lane.
Marvin graduated from Buffalo High School in 1955. Soon after, he took jobs repairing shoes for soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood, and later, working at a shoe store and repair shop in Waynesville, Missouri. After Marvin and Betty married, at just 19 and 18 years old, respectively, they opened their first shoe store on the Nevada town square in 1958. Together, Marvin and Betty spent nearly 65 years owning and operating numerous retail stores across several states before retiring in 2022.
Marvin was a devoted member and deacon of Nevada’s First Baptist Church. He also served as Chairman and Board of Trustees member at Southwest Baptist University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in 1977; on the Board of Regents of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and held board positions in several shoe retailer associations. Throughout his life, Marvin contributed to numerous local and civic organizations in various leadership roles, including Nevada City Council and Nevada Mayor.
Marvin was a supporter of many local sports teams. A passionate fastpitch softball player, he played on and sponsored teams for over two decades, and also coached and supported little league baseball. He was an avid fan of Nevada High School basketball, and also loved attending his grandson’s Webb City High School football and baseball games, following the teams at home and on the road.
Marvin was a man of deep faith whose life reflected his unwavering commitment to God, family and community. His integrity and servant-hearted leadership was an inspiration. In every area of his life–family, work, faith, service and community–Marvin consistently displayed compassion, wisdom, steadfastness and strength. He was not only respected, but deeply admired as someone who lived his values and uplifted those around him.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Davison; three sons, Bruce (Suzanne) Davison, Brent (Reina) Davison, and Brian (Nicole) Davison; ten grandchildren, Aryn Whitehead (Jonathan), Amy Miller (Mark), Ashley McCoskey (Ryan), Austin Davison, Michaela Nuckels (Chris), Gabrielle Davison, Victoria Davison, Tyler Davison (Sélah), Emily Speake (Zachary), Rachel Davison; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Hardtke; brother, Norman Davison (Benita); sister-in-law, Sylvia Davison; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five older sisters, Elsie McNeley, Ina Marshall, Quintella Douglas, Willa Dean Bates, Darlene Short; younger brother, Donald Davison; and granddaughter-in-law, Sevie Davison.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Nevada, Mo., located at 301 East Highland Avenue. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marvin W. Davison Scholarship in Business at Southwest Baptist University @ https://secure-advance.sbuniv.edu/s/1858/bp/interior.aspx?sid=1858&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063&appealcode=SBUHome
Obituary - Judith Ball
Born in Seneca, Missouri in 1938, and raised on a picturesque farm in Neosho, Missouri, Judy graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and later completed graduate work in Gerontology at both the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri–Kansas City. In June 1960, she married Bill L. Ball, the love of her life, beginning a 40-year partnership rooted in faith, community, and a shared commitment to helping others.
Judy began her teaching career at Shawnee Mission North High School before she and Bill moved to Adrian in 1973. From that day forward, Judy devoted herself to improving her community and enriching the lives of those around her.
At the Adrian United Methodist Church, Judy’s music ministry was a cornerstone of worship. She served as pianist for more than two decades, directed choirs, led children’s sermons, and chaired the Administrative Council. Her faith, joy, and compassion were evident in every note she played and every task she undertook.
Her dedication to community service was equally inspiring. Judy served nine years on the Adrian R-3 School Board, including serving as president—the first woman to hold that office—and co-founded the Adrian Booster Club. She helped create a volunteer taxi service to assist residents with transportation and later organized the Adrian Senior Center, which continues to provide daily meals and fellowship for older adults, thanks to her vision and leadership.
In 1980, Judy became Property Manager for Houston Plaza Senior Housing, a position that allowed her to combine her administrative skills with her passion for senior advocacy. She often said her heart belonged to the “young at heart,” and through her work and volunteerism, she ensured that countless seniors could live independently with dignity.
Judy’s influence reached far beyond Adrian through her involvement in the United Methodist Women (UMW), now United Women in Faith (UWF). She served as President and in nearly every other leadership role at the local, district, and conference levels, and ultimately as President of the South Central Jurisdiction and Director of the Women’s Division—representing an eight-state area. She was known throughout the organization for her “mile-wide smile,” her magnetic personality, and her unwavering faith in God’s call to serve.
Her other community involvements included serving on the Bates County Health Center Advisory Board, the Bates County Memorial Hospital Home Health Advisory Team, and volunteering for Hospice. Judy was also a Life Member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and founding member of Adrian's chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and was honored to serve as Grand Marshal for the Adrian Optimist 4th of July community celebration after her husband Bill passed. Bill was a founding member of the Adrian Optimist Club.
She was honored by her church and peers with “Judy Ball Sunday” and the formation of the Judith Circle, a group of young women who named their circle in her honor—a testament to her impact as a mentor and role model.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Ball. She is survived by her son Gregg Ball and his wife Lisa of Phoenix Arizona; daughter Melinda Ball Sherwood and her husband Kevin of Glendale, Arizona; and grandchildren Mikayla, Billy, Jacob, Mia and Noah and great grandson Cayden.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 1pm on November 28, 2025 at Adrian Optimist Club building. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Judy’s life of faith, laughter, and service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Adrian United Methodist Church Rebuilding Fund or United Methodist Women’s Mission Fund, causes that reflect Judy’s lifelong belief that “service is the rent we pay for the space we take.”
A good deed indeed
Sometimes a simple good deed can change everything.About a month ago, someone turned in a lost driver’s license to our volunteers at the information desk. Volunteer Missie Good called the owner, Jamie Fairbairn, who was understandably relieved to hear it had been found.
“I’ve been crying all night,” Jamie told Missie on the phone.
Jamie explained that her daughter, Shelby, was graduating from basic training in Oklahoma the following week, but the DMV had told her a replacement license wouldn’t arrive in time for the trip.
Without it, she wouldn’t have been allowed on base for the ceremony.
When Missie shared the story with us, she got a little choked up, and so did we.
Here’s a photo of Missie and Jamie with the recovered license. Jamie’s daughter graduated last week, and thanks to a kind stranger, Jamie was there to see it.
It’s a reminder that acts of kindness can’t really be measured. You never know what impact a small gesture might have in someone’s life. In this case, a patient or visitor turned in a lost license, a mom avoided heartbreak, and the rest of us got to witness it.
Our volunteers tell us this is what makes their work so meaningful.
“We get to see or be part of moments like this all the time,” said Kelly Stark, who volunteers weekly at the information desk. “Aren’t we lucky?”
Congratulations to PFC Shelby Fairbairn on her graduation, and happy Veterans Day to all who serve — and to the families who support them.
Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital
15 Quilts of Valor presented on Veterans Day
During the Veteran's Day ceremonies on the Butler courthouse lawn, the Honor Quilters chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation awarded 15 beautiful hand-made quilts to local veterans. It was windy day, but it was a great ceremony. The high school band played, Windsday Grissom beautifully sang the National Anthem, Cale Swarnes, a (2x) Purple Heart recipient was the guest speaker, and the veterans were honored with quilts. We were blessed to be a part of this remembrance event.
Those receiving quilts today were (Picture 1, R-L, Greg Bartimus, Tom McGuire, Wayne Baird, Don Constransitch, Stephen Dixon, Larry Hess, Richard Kephart, Mike Nelson, (Picture 2) Phillip Martin, and (Picture 3, R-L) Jared Fuller, Amber Kash, Randy Kash, Robert Kyle, Scott McElwain, Cale Swarnes.
Thank you to these veterans for their service in defending our freedoms- Our thanks to Rocking Chair Quilts of Butler
From the Desk of Sheriff Anderson
Over the past weekend Deputies have responded to two separate incidents involving residential houses being struck with gun fire. While we are still conducting the investigations, the office and the residents do not feel that there is anything nefarious about the incidents. What we do believe is that these are stray bullets fired from people who are sighting in their rifles in anticipation for that 30 point buck to cross their paths while they are hunting. We want to remind the public that while you may live in rural America you still have neighbors. We live in a community that those very neighbors pull together when there is a time of need. We take care of each other and our neighbors. With that said, we gun owners have a legal and moral obligation to our community to practice safe handling of firearms. The most important aspect of gun ownership is protecting the innocent people around you. Here are the basic rules when using, carrying and handling a firearm. We can all use this reminder even those of us who “have been handling and carrying guns since before Nixon was born”. We are often the ones who take gun safety for granted.
Safety Rules
1. Always treat a firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
3. Keep your booger picking finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
This brings me back to an issue I have raised for the last 10 years. This community, which I would suspect has approximately 90% gun ownership, needs and deserves a public gun range where you can safely sight in your gun and safely target practice. We are seeing new houses and population growth in many of our rural areas. This increased residential construction makes it harder for your average home shooting ranges to be compliant with safety measures. We as Bates Countians need to be asking our governing body to come up with a solution to serve our community better and to be safe when it comes to shooting sports.
As your Sheriff, I am only one voice in the County Government. I support a county owned public firearm range that is free to all the citizens we serve and to give Law Enforcement a place to conduct firearms training. Let’s come together to solve this issue for you, your neighbors and all of this community.
Sheriff
Chad Anderson
Ps if you know of someone who has 5 acres that are in a low laying area that berms could be built at a reasonable price please let us know!
Warm weekend ahead!
What cold snap?
It gets better:
Thursday 70's
Friday Mid-70's
Saturday Upper 70's [some could see 80F]
It stays dry through the weekend. Next chance for any rainfall is not until Monday.
TODAY'S FORECAST sponsored by TITAN RENTALS! Skid steers & other equipment plus trailers and lifts and more equipment being added. Call them or message them on Facebook - located in Butler Mo!
Greg @ 660 Weather
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