Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Notice from the City of Archie
Little Apple news
February 11, 2026
Appleton City Masonic Lodge will have a pancake and sausage breakfast 8:00-1:00 Sunday February 15 All you can eat for $10 for adults, $7 under 10, 5 and under free. Proceeds will go towards the Appleton City/Montrose scholarship fund.
The Golden Apples Senior Club will have a bake sale in conjunction with the Masonic pancake breakfast at the Lodge Hall at 219 E 3rd St. beginning at 8:00 a.m. All items sold for donations. Proceeds go toward the general fund for basic needs to continue social and meals for seniors in the area.
The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14. All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. Jonathon Smalley will have a short devotional.
The Parents & Friends of the Appleton City FFA would like to invite you to their Annual Labor Auction on February 22 in the high school gym. The evening will begin with a buyers dinner at 5:00 p.m. served by Kickin' Chicken, with the live auction starting at 6:00 p.m. As part of this event, they will also have a shotgun for raffle and a silent auction which will be setup along the south wall of the high school gym from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinners will be served February 20, March 6 and March 20 from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. Dine-in and carry will be served. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole slaw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $8. Best fish dinner around!
The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for April 24 and 25. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the shelves at the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency Food Pantry have been kept full and ready to serve families in need through the holiday season. Recent food drives and donations have provided not only food, but also essential household and personal hygiene items making a meaningful difference for so many of our neighbors. They extend a heartfelt thank you to the First Baptist Church, Bev Johnson, Appleton City FFA, Ellett Memorial Hospital, Sunrise, Pleasant Gap Christian Church, the Christian Church, and the Rapp family. They also sincerely appreciate everyone who donated, volunteered, or supported the pantry in any way. Your kindness truly helps put food on the table for local families, and they are deeply grateful for this caring community.
The Todd Becker Foundation of Kearney, NE is hosting a STINT Takeover Night in Appleton City, MO on March 4, 2026. This free event will be held at the First Christian Church at 7:00 p.m. According to Barna Research, 70% of high school youth walk away from church after graduation. This event is intended to awaken the 70% of youth group students who are projected to leave the church. This night will challenge and encourage students to take their faith seriously. During this evening, students will experience a time of worship, testimonies, and a powerful message from God’s word. Come join them on March 4 for a life-changing night. About the STINT Internship: STINT is the Todd Becker Foundation’s internship program, which prepares and equips recently graduated high schoolers to stand firm in their faith after they leave high school. The STINT Program is a cost free, 9-month internship that gives students real world, front line ministry experience that significantly impacts their spiritual growth and maturity as a Christian. For more information or to schedule an interview contact: Erin Meisenheimer, Logistics/STINT Event Coordinator Todd Becker Foundation, P.O. Box 2264, Kearney, NE 68848, 1-800-983-2644, www.toddbecker.org
The Appleton City Museum would like to list owners of century farms in their area farm owners of 100+ years. Contact acmolampkin@yahoo.com or voice message 660-492-0131. They will assist you in filing an on-line application to the University of Missouri Extension site OR only be listed (with no fee) in the Appleton City Museum (12 mile radius). Eligibility is ownership by any and all family members for 100 years and income from farming (renting is acceptable). MU requires documentation and a fee. Be proud to be a pioneer family. Your story is priceless.
“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations. Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for February, 2026. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Friday, Feb 13 – Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, Feb 18 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, Feb 19 – Podiatry – Dr. Pace, Friday, Feb 20 – Orthopedics-Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday, Feb 24 - Rheumatology-Dr. John, Wednesday, Feb 25 – Orthopedic- Dr. Gray, Wednesday, Feb 25 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, Feb 26– Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Feb 14 Valentine’s Day
Feb 14 Appleton City Masonic Lodge pancake and sausage breakfast 8:00-1:00
Feb 14 Golden Apples Senior Club bake sale in conjunction with the Masonic pancake breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m.
Feb 16 President’s Day Holiday. Banks and government offices closed
Feb 20 Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose
Feb 22 Parents & Friends of the Appleton City FFA Annual Labor Auction in the high school gym. Buyers dinner starts at 5:00 p.m.
Feb 18 Ash Wednesday
Obituary - Phyllis Elaine Sprenkle
Phyllis attended all 12 years of school at Sheldon, graduating high school with the class of 1967. She graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in 1971 with a degree in Education. Her Masters in Education Degree was from Pittsburg State University and her Education Specialist Degree in Administration was from Southwest Missouri State University.
She began her teaching career back at her home school at Sheldon where she spent her entire professional career in education rising from teacher to Librarian to Principal to Assistant Superintendent and finally Superintendent when she retired in 2008. During retirement years her support of education issues and teachers continued. She was an external evaluator of After-School programs for several school districts in southwest Missouri. She judged several FBLA contests at MSSU. She made presentations for active teachers about Missouri Retired Teachers Association and PSRS retirement system. She was recognized as Outstanding Alumnae of Sheldon R-VIII Schools in 2022 and received the Nevada Chamber of Commerce Education Pacesetter Award in 1999
Phyllis was dedicated to her family, her church, her community and any cause she was compelled to champion—and there were many. Her ability to put other’s needs before her own was a hallmark of her character all of her life. She was a gifted leader and a loyal friend and was admired by those who were lucky enough to know her.
Her community roots ran deep, beginning in her home church which she attended all her life, Sheldon Christian Chuch. She was active in several professional organizations including: Sheldon School Alumni Association, Vernon County 4-H Alums, Vernon County Retired Teachers Association, Vernon County Democratic Committee, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Sheldon Community Betterment, Sheldon Revitalization Association, Sheldon Library Board, Sheldon Vision Project, Region M Board of Directors, Moss House Board of Directors, and Sheldon Food Pantry. One of her latest projects was the food distribution project and the Sheldon School Building Restoration project.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Paul; her son, Vincent (Dana) of Richland, Washington and her grandchildren: Hayden and Noah Sprenkle, also of Richland, Washington and Devin (Jesus Lopez Nolasco) Sprenkle of Bellingham, Washington. She is also survived by two sisters: Delila Brown of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Delores Honey of Carthage, Missouri. Also, she leaves a best friend and soulmate, Eileen Leininger and several loving cousins, nieces and nephews
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14 at Sheldon Christian Church in Sheldon with Pastor Colton Cockburn officiating. Interment will follow in Sheldon Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sheldon Christian Church, Sheldon Revitalization Association (SRA) "Old School Project", or American Association of University Women (AAUW).
Obituary - Stacia Lee Hilt Smith
Stacia was born on January 11, 1977, to James Steven Hilt and Debbie Carlson. She grew up in the Moundville/Bronaugh area and graduated from Bronaugh High School with the Class of 1995.
In 1995, Stacia married Jonathan Smith. Through this marriage, she was blessed with three sons, Cameron, McKenzie “Dale,” and Tanner Smith. Cameron preceded her in death at birth. Later, she welcomed her fourth son, Micha Deane.
Stacia attended Fort Scott Community College, where she completed her nursing education and became a Registered Nurse in the early 2000s. She accomplished this while working full-time and raising her children. She worked at Medicalodges of Nevada and for several in-home health care agencies throughout her career.
Stacia was known for her compassion and her heart of gold. She was always willing to help anyone in need and loved her family deeply. In keeping with her generous spirit, her corneas were donated, giving the gift of sight so that someone else may see again through her beautiful blue eyes.
Stacia enjoyed butterflies and pictures of her loved ones. She loved crafting and making homemade gifts for friends and family.
Stacia is survived by her sons, McKenzie “Dale,” Tanner Smith of Oklahoma, and Micha Deane of Nevada; her mother, Debbie Carlson, and stepfather, Terry Carlson of Nevada; two brothers, Ryan (Cheryl) Hilt of Springfield, Missouri, and James “Tyler” (Allison) Hilt of Ozark, Missouri; three nieces; three nephews; and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, Cameron; her father, James Steven Hilt; and her grandparents, Jasper and Ferne Hilt and Stanley and Cordie Henson.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to assist with funeral expenses.
Obituary - John Dale Herrmann
John Dale Herrmann, 89, on Friday, February 6, 2026, departed with angels from his home at rural Ballard Missouri. John Dale was born on March 5, 1936, to Herbert Hadley and Mildred Etta (Spears) Herrmann at Butler MO.
John Dale is survived by his daughter, Misty (Rick) Wainscott of Ballard, Missouri; his son, Darren (Brenda) Herrmann of Blue Springs, Missouri; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Erin) Wainscott, Preston (Haley) Wainscott, Dallas (Carrie) Herrmann and Kara (Lance) Benson; great-grandchildren, Macie and Maxton Wainscott, Brynlee, Blaise, Brecklyn and Brittyn Wainscott, Beau Benson, and Callie Herrmann; sisters, Willa Dean Everts and Marlyn Strope; nieces Joyce Cote’, Nancy Mckeehan, Pam Everts, Kim (Jeff) Bogue, Sheryl Fajen and Teresa (Terry) Bond; nephews, Alan Everts and Bill (Beth) Everts; many great and great-great nephews and nieces; and longtime friend, Shirley Umstattd. He was preceded in death by Beverly his wife of nearly 68 years; his parents; brother-in-laws, Dale Everts, Jim Strope, Ray Combs; sister-in-law Barbra Combs nephew Danny Everts, nieces Karan Combs Miller and Jill Everts.
He was the middle child having an older sister and a younger sister. He walked about a mile to attend the Harmony one room school for his elementary education. As he walked past neighbor Woodrow Wackerman’s house, he would fix him a Hot Toddy to warm him up on cold winter mornings. As a youth he ran rabbit traps and was a little mischievous from time to time with two of his buddies Johnny Smith and Delbert Umstattd. He loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. He had natural talent, so when he attended Ballard High School he got to participate in these two sports. His senior year he broke a bone in his foot during a basketball game and missed the last 5 games. He still was awarded Honorable Mention All State which was for all schools in the entire state no matter size or location. After school he continued playing town team basketball and played on a traveling baseball team, often playing in Springfield MO. His senior year he tested his farming skills by putting out his first crop, soybeans. As they grew grasshoppers ate off the bean plants, but they grew back only to finish with a drought and raise no crop leaving him a $600 + debt.
Sports were not all he was interested in during high school. At 16 he was introduced by his Aunt Lois to his future wife Beverly and the rest was history. When he wasn’t playing sports or at school he could be found east of Leeton MO spending time with the love of his life. After graduation and while waiting for Beverly to graduate, he worked doing construction and concrete work in the Knob Noster area. Finally, their marriage took place on May 25, 1956, with his uncle James Willett officiating. They moved to Ballard, living northwest on 18 Highway in Shortie’s house. John Dale began a job at General Motors in the city and worked there for about 3 years until Uncle Sam required him to join the Army which sent them to Fort Bragg at Fayetteville, North Carolina. Before returning to Missouri to head overseas, their first child Misty Dawn was born. About three weeks later John Dale sailed the Atlantic to Bad Kissingen, Germany where the three of them lived for the next year and a half. Because John Dale had taken a typing class in high school, he was assigned to Sargent Boudreaux to do his paperwork and drive around the commanders when on post. He obtained the rank of Specialist E4 for his service. John Dale bought an Opel Kapitan car for $75 and on his days off he, Beverly and Misty, enjoyed many trips exploring countries close by and driving on the fast Autobahn. John Dale made lasting friendships with several Army buddies, later visiting them from time to time. Seeing the Statue of Liberty on his return sail back to the states was the most beautiful sight he said as she had a whole new meaning for him.
A farm was bought 5 miles west of Ballard, which they later named Herrmann’s Hideaway, and they began cattle, pig and row crop farming. John Dale went back to work at General Motors but one day he returned home early, quitting his job telling Beverly if we can’t make it farming then we don’t need it. About three years later they were blessed with their son, Darren Dale, making their family complete and he kept farming until the time of his death.
John Dale continued his love of basketball by following the Ballard team of 1969. He attended every game and saw them advance to play at Warrensburg college campus in the state tournament on March 3, 1969. He then followed the 1970 Metz MO basketball team. Passing through Clinton MO on the way to attend a game, he made a stop at the church of Christ where he obeyed the gospel and was baptized by brother Earl Doty and his faithful service for the Lord began. He joined Beverly in attending the church of Christ in Johnstown, where he had attended with his family as a youth, later becoming a long-time young adult Sunday school teacher and occasional song leader. He had great love for God and took seriously the need to bring others to Christ. He would go throughout the community inviting neighbors to Sunday service, gospel meetings or just visiting with them about the status of their souls. He supported missionary work in India, Malawi Africa and the tv broadcast program In Search of the Lord’s Way. He was thankful that his family are faithful members of the church and was filled with joy when he witnessed the baptism of the next generation, his great granddaughter Macie. His presence at services each week was an inspiration and great example of faith to all.
John Dale never knew a stranger and was always striking up a conversation. He loved his community and served on the school board, drove the school bus and coached his son’s baseball team. He supported the Ballard school in various ways, and he and Beverly were awarded Bulldogs Biggest Fans, and he was named Ballard Alumni King. He had a generous heart and helped many in the community when times were tough and was always willing to help his neighbor when the need arose.
He was Daddy to his daughter, Dad to his son and Papa to his grand and great-grandchildren showing his love for them, cheering them on, giving advice and teaching them life lessons. He attended their sporting and school events including seeing all four grands high school and college graduations and their weddings. He and Beverly enjoyed traveling, which included all 50 states and many countries, bluegrass festivals, monthly lunch visits with cousins Emil & Judy Spears and Gary & Sue Spears and every New Year’s Eve with Delbert & Shirley Umstattd. He was a fun uncle in his younger years letting his underage nieces and nephews drive his vehicles around the farm when they came to visit. He loved his sisters, calling them often to check on them and be a source of encouragement. He was a loving and faithful husband and kept his wedding vows true by caring for Beverly at home for several years when her memory faded. God blessed John Dale richly and he was a good and faithful servant in many ways. He was loved and respected by his family and most anyone that knew him. He will be missed immensely.
Tuesday basketball scores
Jasper 64
Appleton City 68
Miami 60
Bronaugh 39
El Dorado Springs 68
Butler 54
Metro 49
Harrisonville 76
Midway 54
Hume 35
Holden 54
Lone Jack 72
Drexel 56
Rich Hill 52
Montrose 25
Sheldon 74
Archie 57
Sherwood 34
Girls
Miami 40
Bronaugh 48
El Dorado Springs 29
Butler 59
Lone Jack 56
Harrisonville 45
Midway 29
Hume 57
Montrose/Ballard 25
Sheldon 20
Archie 54
Sherwood 35
Adrian 56
Summit Christian 33
Late night multiple agency vehicle pursuit ends with an arrest of a 17 year old juvenile
On February 10th at approximately 11pm the Bates County Sheriff’s Office received information that a Butler Police Officer was in pursuit of a blue Ford F150. The pursuit started in the city limits of Butler and proceeded northbound on I49. Speeds reached 110mph on the interstate before exiting off at the Passaic overpass.
The pursuit then traveled east on D Highway and then north on Z Highway. The Butler Officer lost the vehicle when it exited off Z Highway onto County Road 3003. A Bates County Deputy picked up the pursuit at County Road 3003 and 18 Highway east of Adrian.
The Deputy then chased the vehicle eastbound on 18 Highway to Z Highway northbound. At that point the Deputy deployed the Grapple Unit and brought the truck to a stop. The driver was taken into custody by K9 Falco. The driver was then taken to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment of his dog bites.
The 17 year old Juvenile has been turned over to the juvenile authorities being charged with multiple felonies. The juvenile is one day away from his 18th birthday.
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