Phone upgrade BCMH clinics

At this time, Bates County Memorial Hospital is doing a phone upgrade at our Nursery Street and High Street Family Care Clinics in Butler.

During the transition period, callers may notice brief intermittent delays reaching clinic departments while the new system is activated.

These improvements are designed to strengthen communication capabilities and better serve our patients and community. If you are unable to reach the clinic immediately, please wait a few moments and try your call again. Thank you for your patience today.

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Pleasanton man pleads guilty to abandoning a corpse in Bates County

Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, KS appeared in the Bates County Circuit Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to one count of Abandonment Of A Corpse { Felony E RSMo: 194.425 } in a case regarding the death of 13 year old Airen Andula, also of Pleasanton.

Shortly after the investigation began, Leonard admitted that he had transported the body of the child from Kansas to Missouri and then led deputies to the location of the body that was located in a rural area in southwest Bates County.

Further investigation revealed that Andula was mauled to death by a dogs owned by Leonard just before Christmas, 2025.

Leonard will be sentenced in the Bates County Circuit Court on May 29th at 3 pm.

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What Is the DASH Diet and Why Do Doctors Recommend It?

Here’s why this heart healthy diet continues to withstand the test of time.

If you’ve ever been told that your blood pressure is creeping up, your doctor may have recommended the DASH diet. The name might lead you to believe that it’s another trendy diet, but it’s actually one of the most trusted nutrition plans around and one that doctors have been recommending for many years.

The DASH diet focuses on eating more of the foods that help support heart health while cutting back on the ones that can raise blood pressure. It’s simple, flexible and backed by decades of research. That’s why many doctors suggest it for people who have high blood pressure or who want to protect their heart health as they get older. Recent research also suggests that the DASH diet may help lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

What Is the DASH Diet?

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, which is the medical term for high blood pressure. Researchers funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute developed this diet in the 1990’s to see if changing what people eat could help lower blood pressure. What they found was that people who followed this way of eating often saw noticeable improvements in their blood pressure levels.

The diet focuses on foods that provide nutrients your body needs to keep blood vessels healthy, like potassium, magnesium, calcium and fiber. It also encourages limiting foods high in sodium, added sugars and saturated fats, such as are found in highly processed foods, salty snacks and sugary drinks.

Foods commonly included in the DASH diet are:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and lentils
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy
• Lean proteins like chicken and fish
• Nuts and seeds

Why Doctors Often Recommend the DASH Diet

One of the main reasons doctors recommend the DASH diet is because of how well it works for naturally lowering blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who follow this way of eating can see their blood pressure improve in just a few weeks. In some cases, the results are similar to when people take blood pressure medications.

While the DASH diet was created to help control blood pressure, many people notice other health benefits as well. This eating style may also lower cholesterol, support a healthy weight and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. And because the diet is so flexible, many people find it easier to stick with compared to more restrictive diets.

Who Might Benefit from the DASH Diet

Doctors often recommend the DASH diet for people who have high blood pressure or who are at risk of developing it. But you don’t need a medical condition to benefit from this way of eating. It can also be helpful for people who have a family history of heart disease, are trying to lower sodium in their diet for any reason or simply want a flexible plan for eating healthier.

The DASH diet doesn’t rely on cutting out food groups or following complicated rules. It simply encourages healthier everyday choices, like adding more vegetables to meals, choosing whole grains, cooking healthy low sodium meals and cutting back on salty processed foods. Over time, making these changes to your diet can make a big difference for your heart and overall health.

Copyright 2026 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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Harrisonville scavenger hunt continues through this week

This is the final week of the In Plain Sight Scavenger Hunt!

The In Plain Sight Scavenger Hunt gives our community the opportunity to get out, discover local landmarks, complete the hunt, and enjoy everything our town has to offer. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends while seeing Harrisonville in a whole new way.

- Get all the details and start your hunt here: https://ci.harrisonville.mo.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/1598

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Want to give back to the community?

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Harrisonville community? Become part of something bigger by joining the Harrisonville VIPS Program!

The Harrisonville VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program provides essential support to both sworn officers and civilian staff, helping us deliver effective law enforcement services to the citizens we proudly serve.

This successful program is NOT a reserve or auxiliary police program. Instead, VIPS is a unique partnership between the Police Department and dedicated community volunteers who donate their time to support officers and strengthen our community.

VIPS members assist at many local events including:

- Log Cabin Days

- Shop with a Cop

- 4th of July Celebration

- High School Graduation

- National Drug Take Back Events

- And many more!

VIPS are unpaid, non-sworn volunteers and do not have arrest powers, but they provide crucial support that helps our officers focus on serving the community.

Meetings are held the LAST Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Harrisonville Police Department.

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age

• Complete an application (available at the Police Department)

• Pass a background check, which may include interviews similar to those for sworn officers

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference, meet great people, and support your community in a meaningful way — this is your opportunity!

Stop by the Harrisonville Police Department to pick up your application today or email VIPS@harrisonville.com!

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MU Extension offering free classes to improve life

Interested in building stronger connections and improving your well-being?

Through the ShowMe Connection project, eligible participants can take free MU Extension classes focused on:

• Healthy relationships

• Physical activity

• Mental health awareness

If you live in a rural area, are 18+ and can complete a short training, you may qualify! Eligibility required. Spots are limited.

Interested? Email Candace Rodman at c.rodman@health.missouri.edu to express interest.

This work is supported by ShowMe Connection, project award no. 2025-46100-45377 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture

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Miami county Wanted Wednesday

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Reliable, High-Speed Internet from Xfinity Coming to Three Additional Cities in Missouri

More Than 4,200 Homes and Businesses in Adrian, Archie and Butler Will Be Connected to America’s Smartest Converged WiFi Network for the First Time 

 

Blue Springs, Mo. – April 22, 2026 – Comcast is connecting more than 4,200 new homes and businesses in Adrian, Archie and Butler, Missouri to multi-gigabit, symmetrical Internet from America’s smartest and most reliable converged network. Xfinity brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and smart home services into one simple, seamless solution – giving customers more speed, savings, and control over their connected lives. These three Missouri cities now join nearly 65 million homes and businesses nationwide with access to a network that fuels innovation, productivity, and everyday connection.

 

“This broadband expansion is a major victory for communities across rural Missouri. Access to reliable, high‑speed broadband is no longer optional, it’s the backbone of economic growth, workforce development, and opportunity,” said State Senator Rick Brattin. “Investments like this ensure families, farms, schools, and small businesses can fully participate in today’s digital economy, and it’s encouraging to see Comcast help close the connectivity gap for our region.”

 

“Bringing advanced broadband infrastructure to communities like Archie and Adrian reflects a real commitment to expanding opportunity,” said State Representative Sherri Gallick. “When residents have access to fast, affordable Internet, it strengthens education, improves healthcare access, and supports the long-term vitality of our cities. This is exactly the type of forward-looking investment that helps rural communities thrive and stay competitive.”

 

“Expanding high-speed broadband in Butler is a meaningful step forward for our community,” said State Representative Dane Diehl. “Strong connectivity helps local businesses grow, gives students and workers access to new opportunities. Projects like this make sure Butler is positioned to succeed in an increasingly digital world, and I appreciate Comcast’s role in strengthening access across our region.”

 

Residents can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown and enter their addresses for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability. The project is expected to be completed in 2027. Comcast’s most recent expansion to these three cities is part of the company’s latest investment in Missouri, which also includes expansions to Concordia, Harrisonville, Higginsville, Lexington, Napoleon, and Wellington, which were announced in early 2025 and expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

 

“Comcast’s expansion into three additional Missouri cities underscores our continued commitment to bringing high‑speed, reliable connectivity to more communities across the state,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Midwest. “Comcast is proud to deepen our presence in Missouri and help empower more customers and businesses with the technology they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”

 

Xfinity Brings Full Suite of Residential Services to Adrian, Archie and Butler

Comcast is bringing its full suite of residential Xfinity services to Adrian, Archie and Butler, including high-speed Internet, streaming, mobile, voice, and home security – delivering reliable, connected experiences for today’s consumers at home or on the go.

·        Xfinity Internet: Speed, Reliability, and Coverage. With multi-gig speeds, 99.9% reliability, and powerful WiFi that reaches every corner of the home, Xfinity powers streaming, gaming, and video calls – simply and seamlessly.

·        Xfinity Mobile: Most Reliable Network. Fraction of the Cost. Xfinity Mobile delivers reliable, lightning‑fast speeds – up to 1 Gig – at home and on the go. And now, new customers can get one line free for a full year when they sign up for a qualifying Xfinity Internet plan. 

·        Xfinity TV: All Entertainment. One Powerful Platform. Xfinity brings together live TV, streaming, sports, and on-demand content in one easy-to-use experience. With the award-winning Xfinity Voice Remote, finding a show, channel, or game is fast, easy, and frustration-free. 

·        Xfinity Home: Smart Security Made Simple. Xfinity Home combines advanced security and smart home automation in one easy-to-use platform. With flexible options for self or professional monitoring, it delivers peace of mind and control.

 

Comcast Business: Technology Solutions for Businesses of Any Size

Comcast Business delivers powerful, secure, and always-on connectivity tailored to meet the needs of businesses – whether small startups or growing enterprises. With fast, reliable Internet and advanced networking solutions like SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, and unified communications, Comcast Business helps organizations stay connected, protected, and ready to scale.

 

For businesses on the move, Comcast Business Mobile offers fast, dependable 5G, flexible data plans, and access to over 23 million WiFi hotspots nationwide. With features like 4K streaming, advanced spam call blocking, and twice-a-year phone upgrades, it’s a mobile solution designed to keep teams productive – wherever business takes them.

 

What It Means for the Community

Comcast’s commitment to communities goes beyond building the network and aims to increase economic mobility for the local community and its residents. That’s why Comcast created Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program that offers eligible households low-cost, high-speed Internet and affordable computers.

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