Thursday, February 5, 2026

Report from the Bates County Commission

January 26, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

John made a motion to pay East Boone a $19,450 CART Payment that was missed in 2025. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
John made a motion to accept the Bates County Health Center’s Budget. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

January 28, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present, and Northern Commissioner John Gray absent.
Judge Highley met with the Commission and discussed an Opioid Settlement Application. They were discussing things such as Medication Disposal Boxes, Sharps boxes and Narcan Boxes. The Commission was in support of the Narcan Boxes but felt as if there weren’t any serious need for Medication Disposal or Sharps with there being a Medication Disposal at the Police Station and a Sharps Box at the Hospital.
They also discussed custom pens, flashlights, stickers, and bracelets that will advertise the Breath For Bre Foundation with their website and QR Code presented on the trinkets to provide you with more helpful information.
Josh Framel, Barry Matchett, Jeff Hansen and Susan Friend, with Clearway, came and discussed Chapter 100. They went over the solar panels, ground conditions and planting, along with any hopes or questions for the project.
Michaela Brawley, with the Assessor’s Office, stepped in briefly to discuss an organization that claims they are Tax Exempt, but the Assessor’s Office was never notified of such information. They have another organization that is tax exempt and feels that they have paid their taxes so they should be reimbursed. This is still under discussion and is being sorted out due to the two different organizations and details that have been discovered and certain paperwork that needs to be filed accordingly.

Big warmup on the way

Bears named to Academic All-State Volleyball

 


Huge congratulations to Butler Bear Academic All-State Volleyball recipients for putting in the work both on the court and in the classroom

Kadyn Cook
Kylee Dubray
Kamden Fennewald
Tandee Hiser
Toree Hiser
Georgia McCoun
Whitley Randalls
These student-athletes truly represent what it means to be a Bear—committed, disciplined, and driven to excel in all areas. Getting it done where it counts!
Great job and keep it up!

4 arrested in Butler drug bust earlier this week

 

On February 3rd, Butler Officers received information in reference to narcotics activity occurring at 305 W. Dakota Street. Officers then applied for and were granted a narcotics search warrant for that residence.
At approximately 5:00pm, along with the assistance of the Bates County Sheriff's Office, Butler Officers responded to 305 W. Dakota and served the search warrant. Upon arrival, five individuals at the residence were detained.
As a result of the search, officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Of the five individuals at the residence upon arrival of the Officers, one was later released and the other four individuals received the following charges:
Dylan Warren - Trafficking Drugs 1st Degree
Bond: $100,000 Cash Only
Jack Gentry - Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $10,000 Cash or Surety
Kelsie Fools - Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $10,000 Cash or Surety

George Ratje - Possession of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $10,000 Cash or Surety

Learn more about protecting your livestock operation

Raising livestock comes with many challenges, and unpredictable market prices can be one of the most difficult to manage.

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance offers producers a way to mitigate the risks associated with price declines for feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine.
The USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) administers LRP and it is sold throughout the year. Producers who opt for this coverage are eligible to receive an indemnity when the actual ending value of their livestock, as determined by the RMA, falls below the coverage price they have selected.
For comprehensive information on how LRP works, how to purchase a policy, available options and the advantages and disadvantages of the program, please read the full publication: https://brnw.ch/21wZEFl.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Rich Hill Senior Spotlight- Jacob Cowin

 


Harrisonville PD seeks help in identifying subject

 


The Harrisonville police department is seeking help in identifying the female in these photos in regards to a stealing investigation at Walmart

If you know who this person is, please contact Sgt. Bell at the Harrisonville Police Department at 816-380-8940. THANKS!

Miami county Wanted Wednesday


 


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