2/5 slight risk covers all of the area for tomorrow. This deals with the evening hours and overnight into Wednesday.
-Greg @ 660 Weather Spot
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Monday, March 9, 2026
Rain chances increase tomorrow
2/5 slight risk covers all of the area for tomorrow. This deals with the evening hours and overnight into Wednesday.
Weekly reports from the Bates County Commission
February 18, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
At 9:27 a.m. John Gray made the motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel with Bill Stephan pursuant to RSMo 610.021(3). Trent Nelson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried.
At 10:20 a.m. John Gray made the motion to go back into open session. Trent Nelson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried.
USI called the Commission and they spoke over the phone about the Employee Benefits that they offer and what could potentially save the county money. The Commission explained they are more than happy with Cooks Insurance and the services they provide but USI is confident that they can team up with Cooks and work alongside them. USI has made another appointment for March 4th with the Commission so they can further discuss a plan if they want to move forward.
Kacie Robey sat down with the Commissioners and discussed an issue that was not the County nor the individual’s fault. The individual bought property in October and there was an interference with the previous landowners Mortgage Company. They requested the bill for the period the previous landowners were in possession; therefore, the individual did not receive the bill himself in December. Due to this mishap, he has been charged with penalties and interest on what he owes for the remainder of the year when he took ownership, that he feels he should not have to pay. The reason this came to light was because of the courtesy letter that Kacie sent out in January to remind individuals that the Collector had not received a payment.
Trent made a motion to wave the penalties and interest for January due to the individual not receiving his bill. Jim seconded the motion. John reclused his vote. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Kacie also asked about Senate Bill 3. She wondered if it was on the ballot, when it was going into effect, how it was worded on the ballot. She also asked about the penny going away.
February 23, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Melissa Stong and Mikayla Neil, with the Extension Office, sat down with the Commission and discussed their Annual Report. They updated the Commission on all the projects underway and thanked them for their ongoing support. Jim was more than happy to give his support, as he feels this is something that really helps shape the youth. John was pleased to see there were 206 members and 280 projects, proving that there are 206 members involved with more than one project.
The Bates County 2025 Annual Report booklet that they gave the Commission showed Faculty, Staff, Council Members and County Executives who make this mission possible as well as their Unique Funding Partnership for Local Support. It shows the Missouri 4H Program and how ages eight to eighteen can be involved and shape themselves in ways you may not even realize. The Local Impact showed that there were forty-one dedicated volunteers that helped them transition into respectable individuals that strive to give back to their community. It also shows statewide programs within the Health and Human Sciences that are beneficial for all ages.
February 25, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Attending CCAM
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Obituary - Charles "Chuckie" Gaylon Steele III,
Charles "Chuckie" Gaylon Steele III, 33, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Nevada.
Chuckie was born on April 11, 1992, in Nevada, Missouri, to Chuck Steele Jr. and Pam Bishop. Chuckie graduated from Nevada High School in 2011 and worked as a general laborer at various jobs. He owned CGS3 Mowing. He was a true Denver Broncos fan, enjoyed hanging out with friends and was known as the life of the party. Above all, his children were the most important part of his world.
Chuckie is survived by his children, Truley Steele and LucyMae Jeffery; his father, Chuck Steele Jr. of Nevada; his mother, Pam Bozworth and her husband Rick of Nevada; his brother, Cory Steele and his wife Kelci of Milo; his niece, Maci Steele; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including his best friend Matt Cooper of Nevada.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chuck Steele Sr. and Deanna Vandenburg-Robbins, Floyd and Barbara Stepp, and Richard Bozworth Sr. Additionally he was preceded by two good friends Hunter Koenig and Cody Jenkins.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home, with Steve Russ officiating. Interment will follow at Newton Burial Park.
Pallbearers will be Cory Steele, Matt Cooper, Andrew Fritts, True Beisly, John Winters, and Mikey Robinson. Honorary pallbearers are Jehu Benezette and Jason Lindsey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for expenses with the funeral home serving as custodian.
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Obituary - Ronald “Kim” Eye
Ronald “Kim” Eye was born on May 28, 1957, in Clinton, MO to Fred J. Eye and Dortha E. (Mitchell) Eye. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Kim departed this life on March 8, 2026, at KC Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.
Kim attended grade school in Montrose before his family moved to Appleton City where he started 4th grade. He graduated from Appleton City High school on 1975. After graduation, Kim joined his father and brother in operating the family farm. On March 2, 1984, he married his sweetheart, Carla (Cook) Eye. Together they built a beautiful life and celebrated 42 years of marriage. God blessed their union with two daughters, Lauren Elise (Eye) Morgan and Morgan Anne (Eye) Scott.
Kim had a deep love for farming. Like many farmers, it wasn’t just a job to him – it was a way of life. He was patient and steady, accepting the highs and lows that each season brought. He praised God for the bountiful years and prayed for God’s mercy and guidance during the lean ones. Kim also raised cattle and took great joy in seeing the new calves each spring. He was proud of his small farming operation and grateful to be part of a community where friends and neighbors could always be counted on.
Kim loved sports and was an avid fan of the Mizzou Tigers – especially the women’s basketball team – the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, the Montrose Bluejays and the Appleton City bulldogs. To him, nothing was better than a cold beer and a good game. Another favorite pastime for Kim and Carla was taking “ranger rides” around the farm on Sunday evenings, surveying the fields and enjoying the beauty of the setting sun.
Kim cherished time spent visiting with family and friends and was known for his quick wit. He loved keeping track of birthdays and updated his calendar each year – long before Facebook existed – just in case he ran into someone on their special day.
Above all, Kim believed his greatest blessings were his children and grandchildren. He took immense pride in watching his daughters grow into strong, caring, and capable wives and mothers. The joy in his eyes when he looked at his daughters and grandkids said everything; they were the very best part of life.
Kim will be remembered for his constant love, his sense of humor, his calm in every storm, his patience and kindness, and his unbelievable strength throughout his battle with cancer. He never complained and accepted God’s will with grace when his fight was complete.
Kim Is survived by his wife, Carla, his daughter Lauren (Dan) Moran of Lowry City, MO, his daughter Morgan (Mike) Scott of Columbia MO, and his grandchildren Renzy, Roric, Reese, Ruth, Jalyn and Baby Scott, due in March 2026; brother, Dennie (Lori) Eye; sisters-in-law, Vicki (Doug) Strope of Brownington, MO, Cheryl (Kyle) Parks of Cowgill, MO, Janet (Russell) Bracher and Carolyn (Kent) Hart, both of Montrose, MO, Colleen (BC) LeDoux of Las Vegan, NV; brother-in-law, Jamie (Sheri) Cook of Eagle Roc, MO. Kim leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Kim was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Lynn Eye; father-in-law, Norman Cook; mother-in-law, Jackie Cook and brother-in-law, Vernon Cook.
Kim’s legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength will live on in all who knew him.
MEMORIAL to St. Mary's School or Montrose FFA
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What's Up by LeRoy Cook
Serious Weather Grounds Flights
That Was The Week That Was, as went the title of the old UK spoof show TW3, showing what kind of general aviation activity we noted. There weren’t a lot of movements at the local runway, because the dire predictions of the weather guessers kept most aviators at home. As it turned out, there were many periods when at least local flying would have been possible, but plans had already been made.
Even the instrument-rated pilots had to to forego some trips last week, when the rain generated low cloud decks so widespread that no legal alternate airports, a requirement for instrument flying, were within reach. Alternate airport weather minimums are generally 600 feet of ceiling and a mile of visibility, and the whole midwest was reporting clouds at 300-foot or so.
A Minnesota pilot who had an engine failure while flying over the Red Lake Nation Indian Reservation and had to set down on a tribal road in October has yet to get his plane back. It was impounded by the tribe for infringing on its airspace and a fee of $7250 is being charged to release the 1947 Stinson. The pilot refuses to pay, citing Federal preemption, and there’s doesn’t seem to be any movement to settle the dispute. Wampum must be paid, the tribe council says.
The undeclared war between the U.S. and Iran has stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Mideast, with 2800 airline flights canceled and private emergency charter by business jets going for $230,000 as of last week. Despite warnings by the State Department against travel to the region, and to evacuate while you can, some tourists evidently just thought they would be rescued. When the bombs started dropping, travel became impossible.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels’ first two airshows of 2026, in California, have had to be canceled out of security concerns. While their show planes are hardly likely to be conscripted for the war, it’s noteworthy that it was a similar Kuwaiti F/A-18 that shot down three USAF F-15’s. Two more and that pilot will become an ace.
An instructor and student pilot had to make a cold swim in the Hudson River north of New York City on Monday of last week, when their power failed and there was no other option for landing except the icy waterway. The unhurt pair was fortunate that they could touch down on an ice floe before coming to a semi-submerged stop, because most fixed-gear planes flip over when the landing gear hits in a water landing. The 1978 Skyhawk appears to be salvageable.
Hyundai Motors has thrown in the towel on its plans for building eVTOL air mobility flying taxis. It laid off 80% of the group’s employees and won’t be making its Supernal electric vehicle that was being tested at Mojave, CA. A reported $1.7 billion had been spent by the car maker on the tilt-motor project.
There was no response to our weekly question about the age of the oldest hangars at Butler airport, probably because there are few alive who remember 1948, when Grover Gilbert put up the original concrete block buildings. Our quiz for this week is, why won’t a Cirrus airplane fit in those old T-hangars? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.
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Sunday, March 8, 2026
Whirlwinds selected for All-Conference
Congratulations to our Whirlwind Boys Basketball players on being selected to the 2025–26 WEMO All-Conference Team: Baylor Duckworth – 1st Team, Tristan Leeper – 2nd Team, and Michael Stevenson – 3rd Team.
1st Team
Kolbi Nichols Drexel
Micheal Smith AC
Baylor Duckworth Archie
Elam Beaman Liberal
Kade Eastwood Drexel
Weston Farmer AC
2nd Team
Tristan Leeper Archie
Ben Dingman Liberal
Treyton Ritchhart Jasper
Dyson Barker Osceola
Cooper Gillis Rich Hill
3rd Team
Will Klinksick Rich Hill
Dane Powell AC
Michael Stevenson Archie
Will Murray Osceola
Carter Smith Jasper
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Obituary - Marvin Preston Hutchens
Marvin was born on August 31, 1946, in Harrisonville, Missouri, the son of Preston and Ada Hutchens. He grew up in the Harrisonville area and, following high school, proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969.
On October 28, 1967, Marvin was united in marriage to Nancy Joe Craycraft at the First Baptist Church in Harrisonville, Missouri. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work.
Marvin’s greatest joy in life was being a Dad and a “Poppy.” He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and treasured every moment with his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed fiddling around in his shop, always finding something to tinker with. Marvin also enjoyed visiting with friends and sharing time with those he loved most.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Joe Hutchens; two sons, Scott Hutchens and Matt Hutchens and wife Faith; four grandchildren, Logan Nicholas Hutchens, Lilah Renee Hutchens, Hannah Lynn Hutchens, and Levi Preston Hutchens; two sisters, Alice Ballard and Carolyn Combs and husband Sam; along with nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends who will greatly miss him.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Ada Hutchens, and one brother, Harold Russell Hutchens.
Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude or American Heart Association send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
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Obituary - Richard Lewis Mitchell
Born on December 23, 1935, in Zip City, Texas, to Sam and Maudie (Butler) Mitchell, Richard lived a life rich in experiences, resilience, and dedication. Growing up on a farm, he developed a deep love for animals, particularly horses. Throughout his life, he worked with primarily draft horses, but also several miniature horses and everything in between. Richard was gifted in leatherwork, crafting fine pieces for his horses to wear. His unyielding spirit and strong work ethic were evident in his career as a welder for Vance Bros, where he contributed his skills with pride for more than two decades. He married Joann on July 3, 1987, in West Line, MO. They enjoyed 37 memorable years together.
A dedicated service member, Richard served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, embodying the values of courage and commitment to his country. His time in the US Army left a lasting impact on his life and character, shaping the compassionate man we all came to know and love.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joann Mitchell; son, Richard Mitchell, Jr; brother, Bill Mitchell; and sister, Barbara Stanton. Richard is survived by his children: Kevin Mitchell and Tina Edwards; his step-children: Mindy Sidwell (Clayton), Rob Dudley, and Jeffery Dudley (Cyndy); 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
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