Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

Farr, Richard A to Jones, Stephanie J Str 34-42-31 //Sw

Smith, Shea M to Englebrick, Matthew C Str 2-42-32

Watts, James B to S & T Royal Properties Bl 59 Butler, Original Town Of

Dead Water Duck Club to RNJ Properties Str 10-38-32 //Se

Pajula, Kevin Rae to Rogers, Heather Lt 5 Bl 1 Harper's (Albert) Subds 23-40-31+

Kimbrough, Kevin D to Kimbrough, Chad Str 16-40-33 //Nw

Wendleton, Henry to Coopman, Cierra Str 4-40-31 //Se

Teeman, Barbara Ann to Smith, Catherine Lt 6 Bl 1 Harper's (Albert) Subds 23-40-31

Copsey, Evan R. III (Trustee) to Copsey, Evan Reese III (Co-Trustee) Str 35-39-32 //Sw

Marriage license

Snider, Kevin Dwayne and Grah, Brenda Louise

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook

Senator Escapes Injury

Green-up continued last week, boosted  by heavy rainfall. The surviving winter wheat shows some color and the new corn is coming up, so aerial excursions are looking more spring-like. Soon we’ll be complaining about the rough air from thermal updrafts. 

Local air traffic was on and off over the past week. A regular Cirrus SR22 was in, a Piper Archer came by and the usual Army Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter made an arrival. Of the local fleet, Jim Ferguson’s Cessna Skylane flew, the club Skyhawk made some circuits, and the Air Tractor sprayplane was busy aiding farmers inoculate some crop fields. The SkyDive KC jump plane also did some weekend runs.

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy from Montana escaped injury on Friday when the engine quit in a light trainer airplane he was flying during his scheduled recurrency training. Fortunately, he’s an experienced air tanker fire-bomber pilot, his career before becoming a politician, and was able to execute the forced landing into a pasture without damage.

The big news of the week, of course, was the Artimus loop-around-the-moon mission that recovered successfully last Friday. The Iran War was even put on hold temporarily while the world focused on the PC-chosen crew’s problems with the capsule’s toilet. We’re glad they’re back safe, and they’re no doubt grateful to have fresh air to breathe.

If you are looking to buy a new turbine-powered aerial application aircraft, there’s only one place to spend your money, as of last week. It was announced that Air Tractor Holdings, builder of the big yellow cropdusters, has purchased Thrush Aircraft, its main competitor. Both types were designed by Leland Snow, who sold his first duster to Rockwell in the 1970s, then started up Air Tractor.

The FAA recently announced that it plans to hire 2,400 air traffic controllers this year, and 100 more each year thereafter, trying to overcome chronic staff shortages at the nation’s airports. Problem is, a hiree does not a controller make; it takes years of development to bring a new controller to full proficiency, and 30 percent of those enrolled never get there. Best prospects are video gamers, it’s been found.

An outfit called Reliable Robotics just completed a testing program at Hollister, California to promote “detect and avoid” technology for operating remotely-piloted drones in airport traffic patterns, integrated with regular traffic. Of course, it was entirely successful and the drone pilot evaded all human-occupied aircraft...this time. The FAA is under Congressional mandate to bring us all together. Hopefully, not literally.

Our previous question was about the airplane that was sold by Sears Roebuck in the 1940s. The answer was, the Ercoupe 415C two seater, which was also shown in some department stores. For this week, we want to know, is it possible to burn aviation gasoline in an aircraft with a turbine engine? You can send your answer to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

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The Museum Minute: Firebug sought

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730 (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of April 15

1884 A Grand Army of the Republic meeting is held in Adrian with a gigantic supper provided by the Howerton Hotel.

1892 The Worland Watchman newspaper begins publication with W.D. Sylvester acting as editor.

1895 A late night storm literally floods the city of Rich Hill.

1905 The Independent Order of Good Templars install a temple at Passaic with 24 members.

1927 American Legion Post #46 announces a World War memorial will be dedicated on Decoration Day (Doughboy statue on Butler Courthouse lawn).

1955 Harmony School, established in 1872, closes. Shawnee township.

1979 A reward of $400 is offered for the arrest of a firebug responsible for several torchings in Butler in recent months.

2000 A capacity crowd enjoys the Ballard Schools dinner theatre, feature food and fun with "If Boys Wore The Skirts" and "Chicago ERR". Ginger Moore, Director.

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BCMH honors Kim Keating

On April 6, Bates County Memorial Hospital celebrated Kim Keating with a retirement party honoring her 12 years of service.

Kim most recently served as Director of Quality and Risk Management, a role she has held since 2023. She began her time with BCMH in the 1990s as a Nursing Administration Assistant, later returning in 2014. Over the years, she contributed in several areas including Family Care Clinics, Patient Centered Health Home, Information Technology, and Human Resources.

During her career at BCMH, Kim shared that she is most proud of supporting employees and managers through challenges and encouraging others to grow beyond their comfort zones.

“I feel so proud of what we’ve done here together. Every single one of us knows we’re not doing this job for ourselves. We’re doing it for our patients,” Kim said during her retirement reception. “I’m so appreciative of all of you, and what you’ve built in me as a person, and what you continue to build in the community.”

In retirement, Kim plans to spend more time traveling, enjoying hobbies, and making memories with family and friends. She and her husband, Tim, are looking forward to putting her retirement gift to good use, with many miles ahead in her new hiking boots, trekking poles, and gear.

BCMH is grateful for Kim’s dedication and the lasting impact she has made on patients, employees, and the community.

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Big-Time Action Comes to Butler with First-Ever Submission Series

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Didn’t have Saturday plans? Now you do! And the best part, you don’t have to travel far! For the first time ever, Jiu-Jitsu will take center stage in Butler Missouri as Scandalous Jiu-Jitsu is slated to host the Butler Submission Series on Saturday, April 18th at the Bates County Elks Lodge.

This event is one to get excited about, as there will be more than 40 featured matches throughout the day with competitors ranging in age from 7 years old to 40+. This is a FREE EVENT to attend, it begins at 11:00am. ChuckWagon Food truck will be joining in on the action as well, so bring an appetite for some good grappling, and some good food! Seating at the venue will be limited, spectators are welcomed to come and go as they please.

According to Scandalous instructor and coach Todd Hecox, fans can expect to see a strong mix of local talent, including 19 competitors from Butler’s Scandalous Gym, along with athletes from the gym’s sister location in Lebanon and some others traveling in. “We’ve got a lot of interest,” Hecox said. “Everybody is guaranteed at least two matches, and some will get three.”

The event will follow a submission-only format, meaning the first competitor to earn a submission wins. Matches will last five minutes, with an overtime round if needed. “To my knowledge, this is the first time Butler has had something like this for jiu-jitsu,” Hecox said. “There have been MMA fights over the years, but this gives people a chance to come out and really see what jiu-jitsu is all about and watch it performed at a high level, and see if it is something they are interested in.”

While the event is free to attend, Hecox emphasized that it is designed with families in mind and offers a welcoming atmosphere for anyone curious about the sport. “We’ve got kids competing, adults competing — it’s really for everybody,” Hecox said. “You don’t have to come for the whole day. Come out, check it out.”

Although organizing the event has come with its share of challenges, including some unexpected venue changes, Hecox said the hard work has been worth it.

“The coolest part has been seeing how much our people have grown, we have never had a problem with finding people wanting to compete” he said. “Some of these guys work 10-hour shifts and still come in and train. The kids, the adults — we’ve got people from all walks of life. Some kids may not even talk at school, but when they walk into the gym, we’re all family. We are all just here to choke each other.”

Though Hecox is a decorated competitor himself who recently competed, he said Saturday is not about him. “This one’s for our people,” he said. “I’m excited to watch them go against unfamiliar faces and see where we’re at. We’ve only been open nine months, but our people are hungry to compete.”

Hecox also gave special thanks to gym owner Joey Scanlan, as well as Travis Courter, Steve Crawford, Gary Ratliff and the Elks Lodge for helping make the event possible.

For Butler residents looking for something new this weekend, Saturday’s Submission Series promises a full day of action, energy and community support, go check it out!

This article is sponsored by C&S Graphics, go follow them on Facebook!

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Murray’s HR Pushes Adrian Past Lone-Jack

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks picked up an impressive 13-1 win over district foe Lone Jack last week, using a balanced effort at the plate and a sharp defensive performance to improve to 7-2 on the season.

Adrian’s offense stayed hot throughout the night, piling up 14 hits and keeping pressure on Lone Jack from start to finish. The Lady Blackhawks consistently found barrels and turned quality at-bats into a steady stream of runs.

Jayden Murray delivered one of the biggest swings of the game, launching her second home run of the season to help power Adrian’s offensive outburst.

While the bats stole plenty of attention, Adrian’s defense was just as impressive. The Lady Blackhawks played a clean game in the field, finishing with zero errors while also making several diving plays to take away potential hits and keep Lone Jack from building momentum.

With the win, Adrian continued its strong start to the spring and showed the kind of complete team effort that can make a difference as the season moves deeper into conference and district play.

photo from Adrian Blackhawks Softball Facebook

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Obituary - Vernon Ross

Vernon Lee Ross, age 70, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on December 1, 1955 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Verne and Ruth Bernice Gilmore Ross. Vern was in the last class to graduate from Blue Mound High School. He was a carpenter by trade and was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #714. He was united in marriage to Penny Spickler. Vern liked to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed riding his motor cycle. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Ala. Vern is survived by his wife, Penny, six children, Charity Ross, Joshua Ross and spouse Carla, Amber Ross, Michael Morris and spouse Cheyanne, Cheyenne Boswell and spouse Katie, and Cody Ross, two brothers, Gary Ross, and Jerry Ross, and thirteen grandchildren, Brylee, Bailee, Breana, Zachary, DeLaynee, Ryder, Carter, Corbin, Jonathan, Keaton, Ezekiel, Bentley, and Rowan.

A memorial service will be held 4 pm Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation will follow the service until 6 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to Linn County Care to Share. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

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Have invasive pear trees? Cut them down and get a free native tree!

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Have invasive Callery (Bradford) pear trees? Cut them down and get a free native tree! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), the Missouri Community Forestry Council, Magnificent Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation to host the 2026 Callery Pear Buyback Program in locations around the state. 

Participants are invited to cut down one or more Callery pear trees on their properties and receive one free, native tree at the event. The replacement trees will be potted in three-gallon containers and will be between 2 and 4 feet tall. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the selected location on the day of the event.

Register for the 2026 Callery Pear Buyback from March 16 through April 16. Then pickup native trees in more than 20 communities around the state on April 21 from 3-6 p.m.: Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Doniphan, Hannibal, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, Kirksville, Lebanon, Liberty, Moberly, Park Hills, Parkville, Pineville, Riverside, Rolla, Sikeston, Springfield, St. Charles, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Warrensburg, and West Plains. 

Also known as Bradford pear trees, Callery pear trees’ white flowers in spring give a visual attractiveness to these non-native, invasive trees. However, the trees pose problems for landowners and wildlife. Their top-heavy canopy and brittle branch structure leads to a tree that often breaks in storms. Their flowers may be appealing to the eye, but they have a foul smell and many varieties of this tree have thorns. The tree’s aggressive growth also causes problems for wildlife, native plant species, and property owners. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/invasive-plants/callery-pear-control.

“As we prepare for spring, many Callery pear trees—also known as Bradford pears—will soon begin to bloom,” said MoIP Chairperson Carol Davit. “The profuse white blossoms of this highly invasive tree make their alarming spread especially apparent in spring along roadsides, in fields, parks, and on private property.” 

Register for the 2026 Callery Pear Buyback event from March 16 through April 16 at moinvasives.org/pear-buyback/. The website also has information on how to identify Callery pear trees, a list of native tree species offered, and pick-up locations with specific addresses.

Thank you to the Missouri Community Forestry Council and Magnificent Missouri for their financial support of the 2026 Callery Pear Buyback Program, as well as to Forrest Keeling Nursery and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri for tree donations. Financial and administrative support also comes from the Missouri Prairie Foundation and MDC.

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