March 2, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Sheriff Chad Anderson and Chief Deputy Corbin visited the Commission to discuss Blue Shield, 911 Addressing, and Text Alerts.
The 911 Funding from 2023 has run out so they are asking the Commission to produce an email or letter of support for a potential grant from Mark Alford’s Office.
Chad is going to get with EMA and the Assessor’s office and wrap up the duties that the Sheriff’s Office has been volunteering to handle that is now being passed over to the correct offices.
There was a check that was addressed to the Commissioners that needed the Commissions signature so the Sheriff could fix a patrol car that was struck by a deer on the passenger side.
The State Auditors called and spoke with Jami and asked about a few things that Jami had limited information on so she told the Auditor that she would send an email to the responsible parties and go from there. John presented the email during this meeting and requested that Jami join the meeting to further explain what the Auditor was asking. Jami did not question the Auditor in detail; therefore, Jami wasn’t able to explain anything further, just what the Auditor had interest in and what she was asked. The Auditor was concerned that Bids weren’t being put out like they should be. Chad sent the email he received from Jami to his attorney who will be contacting the Auditor’s attorney, as this feels, to Chad, like this could potentially be an abusive attack from an audit in 2023. The Commission has requested from Chad that anything over $12,000 needs to be made aware to them. He informed the Commission that there will be expenses coming out for a new saddle to match the other existing three and for training classes.
Stan Klinksick came in and spoke with the Commission about Solar Panel Farms that could potentially be coming to Bates County. Stan stated that he has been a part of Bates County for a very long time and feels as if these Solar Farms are not a good addition to our County.
Stan asked where the Commission stood on these solar panels, how many jobs this creates, and what this means for Bates County. Jim explained that there are two different Solar Companies that are placing bids and John informed him of where and who this involves. John made sure to state that he will not tell a landowner what they can and cannot do with their own land, but the Commission is not going to settle for less than Bates County deserves.
Stan is certain that the only reason that these Solar Farms are making their way into Bates County is due to the lack of awareness of such matters and no zoning. He explained that Kansas is zoned and when these Solar Companies tried to install farms there, they were told no and hopped over into Missouri and sank their claws in. He told the Commission that he wasn’t here to complain but to find a solution to stop these companies. He asked what he needed to do to get Bates County zoned and asked that the Commission refrain from encouraging anyone to build these farms. He’s worried about the land itself and the people that will neighbor this land that could potentially walk outside on their front porch and the beautiful view they once had is now a field of solar panels.
Stan is determined to spread the word of these Solar Farms and wants to prove that if they stop these from coming to Bates County, the County can make more money elsewhere. He will start with his township and go from there.
Stan has requested to see environmental and economic reports, Jim explained the solar companies are supposed to have those before they sign off on these operations.
March 4, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Jim Wheatley was absent due to illness.
Great River Engineering came and visited with the Commission and Bill Stephan, with Road and Bridge, over the bridge that will be constructed in the Southern part of Bates County.
Shereese Brown and Joseph Herren, with USI, came and piggy backed off a virtual meeting from 02/18/2026. They explained the benefits and savings they could give the county. The Commission told them they are happy with the Insurance they have now, but they have some interests and have another meeting scheduled for March 30th at 11:00 that way Jim can be present as well and they can ask more questions.
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