Hey kids!

The Bates County Health Center rock hunt is returning this year! We will be starting on June 1st. Bring the rocks you find into the Health Center to exchange for a prize. Only one rock per child!


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Drowning investigation underway in Miami county

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9:09 a.m., the Miami County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division received a 911 call reporting a water rescue at Crappie Cove on Hillsdale Lake.

When emergency personnel arrived, a male subject was found lying on his back while bystanders administered CPR. EMS personnel took over lifesaving efforts; however, the individual was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.

A preliminary investigation indicates James D. Richardson, 82, of Louisburg, Kansas, was fishing alone when, for an unknown reason, he fell into the water and struggled to swim. A bystander heard Mr. Richardson calling for help and attempted to assist him. Due to the trees and submerged obstacles in the area of the lake, reaching Mr. Richardson proved difficult. As the bystander approached him, another individual assisted in removing Mr. Richardson from the water and transporting him to the dock where CPR was initiated.

An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Richardson’s family and friends during this tragic event. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Miami County Sheriff’s Office directly at 913-294-3232 or through the TIPS Hotline at 816-476-TIPS (8477).

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Strong finish for Bears at State Scholar Bowl Championship

The Butler Bears Scholar Bowl Team wrapped up an outstanding season at the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship Tournament held on the campus of the University of Missouri on May 8, 2026.

The Bears finished 4th in the state among approximately 70 Class 3 schools from across Missouri. Butler came up just short in a heartbreaking battle for 3rd place, but the team represented Butler with tremendous determination, knowledge, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Congratulations to Easton Woolace for earning All-State Team honors with an outstanding performance at the state tournament!

The Bears completed an incredible season that included winning the Ozark Highlands Conference Championship, the District Championship, and defeating a very tough East Buchanan team in the quarterfinals, which sent them to the state championships.

Congratulations to the entire Butler Bears Scholar Bowl Team on an unforgettable season. The future is bright, and we are already looking forward to next season!

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Thank you, Butler Sonic!

Congratulations to our 2026 Continuing Education Scholarship recipient, Ronnie McElwain!


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BCMH makes donation to Camp Out Hunger food drive

Last week, BCMH delivered 61 pounds of non-perishable food to Community Food Pantry Of Butler in support of the Camp Out Hunger food drive, helping provide food for local children and families during the summer months.

Thank you to our Auxiliary for hosting the drive and to everyone who contributed.

We are especially grateful for volunteers like Holly Rabourn, who not only gives her time to BCMH, but also serves on the Community Food Pantry Board and supports many other community efforts throughout Bates County.

Our communities are stronger because of people who step up to help others.

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Archie students praised by Cass Career Center

Last week the Cass Career Center celebrated the outstanding achievements of the 2026 Class, recognizing their excellence in attendance, commitment to curriculum, and professionalism in conduct. Archie students Peyton Himes was recognized as the outstanding senior from Archie and received a Philanthropy Certificate. Sophia Perez was recognized for Outstanding Program Senior for Fire and Science Program, Breaking Traditions, and obtaining her CTE. Daniel Chamness was recognized for Outstanding Program Senior for Welding Program and obtaining his CTE . Courtesy Archie Schools

 


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Beautiful day ahead

Good morning! Look forward to another sunny one today and upper 70's. Tomorrow morning could feature some light scattered showers especially in eastern KS, and that will kind of signal a changing weather pattern setting up. Here are the severe weather outlooks for Thursday, Friday and Saturday as of right now. Breaking it down, Thursday evening storms look clustered in central KS moving east after 6pm, weakening as they do. Maybe a few scattered showers get into western MO. Friday, severe storms are possible which would bring hail and damaging winds. While the ingredients are there, including little to no inhibition/cap to hinder storm development, it still looks uncertain to me whether storms will develop or not. The timeframe would be afternoon/evening on Friday if they do, so we just need to keep watching. Severe storms continue to look possible Saturday and Sunday evenings given the warm and humid airmass building into the region each day. Keep it here for updates! Including livestreams during severe weather. -Greg@660weather


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Obituary - Betty Sue Kuntz

Betty Sue Kuntz age 91 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Monday, May 11, 2026 at Lee's Summit Place, Lee's Summit, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri 

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available. 

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