July gardening tips

July is here, and so is the heat. Keep your garden thriving with these timely tips from theJuly Gardening Calendar.

• Flowers & Ornamentals: Deadhead annuals and perennials, keep up with weeding, water newly planted trees and shrubs weekly during dry weather, and watch for Japanese beetles and rose diseases.

• Vegetable Gardens: Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent blossom-end rot, harvest onions, garlic and potatoes when ready, make successive plantings of warm-season crops, and scout regularly for pests and diseases.

• Fruits & Nuts: Remove old raspberry and blackberry canes after harvest, monitor peaches for brown rot, protect grapes and tree fruit from birds, and provide summer care for strawberries.

• Cool-Season Lawns (Tall Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass): Limit nitrogen applications, water deeply but infrequently, mow at 3½ to 4 inches, and check for sod webworm damage.

• Warm-Season Lawns (Zoysiagrass): Apply a light nitrogen feeding, monitor for chinch bugs and billbugs, mow weekly at 1 to 2 inches, and water only during extended dry periods.

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Obituary - Dorothy Lucille Jordan

Dorothy Lucille Jordan, 94, Nevada, MO, formerly of Eldorado Springs, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Medicalodges of Nevada. Dorothy was born October 29, 1931, on a farm near St. John, KS to JD and Mary Florence (Delker) Hager. She married Thain C Jordan on August 12, 1950, and he preceded her in death on May 15, 2012. To this union four children were born, Larry S Jordan, Kenneth L Jordan, Randall C Jordan, and Patricia A Jordan (Blake).

Dorothy graduated High School in St John, KS in 1949 and went to work as a secretary for a judge and later worked as a court clerk in the Stafford County Courthouse in St. John, KS. She married Thain Jordan on August 12, 1950, and issued a marriage license to herself and Thain. She left that position in 1952 to start raising a family. She and Thain later moved to Cherryvale, KS where Thain and his brother went into business together, she returned to work at the Montgomery County Courthouse as a Trial Court Clerk Level III & Office Manager of the District Court. In 1991 after 21 years of service, she retired and moved with Thain to Eldorado Springs, MO. During this time, she had the privilege of issuing Marriage Licenses to all three of her children. 

Dorothy and Thain were members of the Cherryvale Country Club where their family enjoyed camping, playing golf, swimming and relaxing. Dorothy was an honorary member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the United Methodist Church, and the Osage Prairie YMCA. She was an avid walker and enjoyed water aerobics and Silver Sneakers. She and Thain enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and were gatekeepers in the mid 70's at Big Hill Lake in Cherryvale, KS

Survivors include her children, Larry S. Jordan, Randall C. Jordan, and Patricia A. Jordan (Blake); 6 grandchildren: Cordell Jordan (Natalie), Oklahoma City, OK, Kelli Passeri (Steve) Pittsburg, KS, Brian Jordan (Dee Dee), Lakewood Village, TX, Todd Jordan (Mandi) Nevada, MO, and Jenean Kear (Michael), Branson, MO; 9 Great Grandchildren: Claire Jordan, Oklahoma City, Cadence Jordan, Oklahoma City, Alex Zellner, Pittsburg, KS, Michael Zellner (Cassidy) Pittsburg, KS, Emma Nelson (Samuel) Dennison, TX, Adam Jordan, Lakewood Village, TX, Ashton Kear, Branson, MO, Edric Kear, Branson, MO, and Jordan Ruby, Toledo, OH; her sister, Donna Heter(Joe) of Branson, MO

Sister-in-law, Jeanette Klein, Kismet, KS, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, JD & Mary Hager, father & mother-in-law, Fred & Leona Jordan, a son Kenneth L Jordan, a grandson Kendall Wright, and brothers: William Hager, Johnny Hager & JD Hager, Jr.

Friends may call from now until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.  A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Minnis Chapel in St. John, KS with Pastor Larry Jordan officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, St. John, KS.  The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 pm prior to the service in the Minnis Chapel.  In Lieu of Flowers, those who wish may contribute in Dorothy’s memory to the Osage Prairie YMCA, Gentiva Hospice, or to Medical Lodges of Nevada c/o Ferry Funeral Home. 

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Obituary - Mary Ann Leyh

Mary Ann Leyh of Harrisonville, Missouri was born July 25, 1935 in Scranton Pennsylvania the daughter of Glenn Ellsworth, and Anna (Kelley) Ellsworth. She departed this life on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at her home in Harrisonville, Missouri surrounded by love at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 10 days.

On February 5, 1955 Mary was united in marriage to Henry Kistler Leyh in Chillum, Maryland.

She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved crocheting, creating beautiful handmade treasures that will be cherished by family and friends for years to come. A devoted football fan, she looked forward to cheering on her favorite teams each season. Above all, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her beloved great-granddaughter, Ember, whose laughter and love brought endless joy to her heart. The memories they shared together will be treasured forever by those who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Kistler Leyh on December 11, 2011; her son, William Robert Leyh on May 17, 1991; a sister. Dee; and a granddaughter Shannon.

Mary is survived by three daughters, Sharon Browning, Freeman, Missouri, Cheryl Leyh of Freeman, Missouri and Melissa White of Harrisonville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Brandon, Ashleigh, Kelsey and Shane; 4 great grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends. 

Cremation with no services scheduled.

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First Butler council session with new City Administrator, Mark Mathies

Due to evening events at the Bates County Fair, the Butler city council meeting was moved from the usual 7 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday. Councilmen Rich, Hall and Young were absent.

New City Administrator Mark Mathies officially took a seat for his first Butler city council meeting. While his first day of employment was officially July 1st, Mathies has been busy getting acclimated and putting together strategies, which begins with insuring professionalism and quality control, he said while addressing the council. He also spoke of audits, which are not only needed, but are quite necessary in making decisions-  the city "simply can't function" without them and audits will before performed on a regular basis.

He also discussed reviewing city operations, insuring that updates are done, making sure job descriptions are up to date, to name a few. Mathies also made it clear that if any areas need "tightening up", it will be done.

Mathies also addressed the situation with the I-49/52 highway overpass at Butler, which has been at the center of much controversy following at least two fatal accidents. He has already been in contact with MoDOT and is coordinating with highway engineers to find the best solutions to increase visibility on the overpass. Installing a stoplight hasn't been ruled out, but other measures likely will be taken first, such as painting lines on the road so drivers know how far to pull up for best visibility when turning onto the overpass.

Some more good news came from Mathies as he said that coordination is underway to rehab the west 52/Fort Scott rail overpass possibly as soon as 2029. He reiterated that the city and MoDOT are on board with what ever changes are needed, but time and patience will be required regarding the railroad doing their part.  The overpass has been a long ongoing issue due to flooding and most of all, dangers to pedestrian/bicycle traffic and the push is on to get the situation rectified as soon as possible.

Recent storms have downed trees at Oak Hill Cemetery and city crews have made great strides in getting it all cleaned up. Currently, there are a few 'root balls' and stumps that need to be removed. The plan is to use city equipment to finish the cleanup, thus avoiding paying an outside contractor.

Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that as of July 1st, Butler was approved for the Blue Shield Program and a grant of $29,000 is available thanks to the program. Wheatley said the money will go a long way towards much needed equipment.

Mayor Henry said an airport manager has been hired, more details coming soon. The city has been without the manager for quite some time and having someone to fill the position will greatly help with day to day operations at the airport.

A new generator at the wastewater plant has been installed but needs to be connected to the facility and steps have been taken to get it done soon. At the city owned power plant, rainwater found its way into one of the Caterpillar generators and work is needed to get it back on line as soon as possible as the city is contractually obligated to provide power to the grid when needed.

Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend. 


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From Bates County Clerk, Jami Page

Tomorrow, July 8th, is the last day to register to vote for the August Primary Election. We will be open until 5 p.m.

Bates County Clerk, Jami Page


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Poultry and rabbit show results from the Bates County Fair

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Voting info for Little Miss & Mr. Bates County

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Obituary - Ella Mae Rich

Ella Mae Rich, a lifelong resident of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026 at the age of 98. She devoted her life to her family, her community, and serving others with kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. On January 27, 1951, Ella Mae married the love of her life, Marvin Rich. Together they built a loving home and raised three children: Warren Rich of Rich Hill, Missouri; Vickie Sue Rich of Rich Hill, Missouri; and Greg Rich who preceded her in death. Ella Mae was a proud grandmother to Scottie Rich, Jason (Brenna) and Merida Rich, Jeremy (Katrina) Rich, Tony (Elizabeth) Rich, Keith (Tracy) and Ayden Rich, Becky (Justin) Moreland and Melissa Eaton. Great Grand Children Justin, Riley, Jozelynn, Cheyanne, Jacey, Brooke, Jordan, and Cody. Loved by her Sister Dorothy Mitchell and Daughter-In-Law Nancy Rich.

For many years, Ella Mae dedicated herself to being a homemaker. In 1968, she began a new chapter by joining the Rich Hill School District as a cook at the elementary school. Her talent for preparing delicious home-cooked meals and her strong work ethic earned her a promotion to Head Cook, a position she proudly held for 31 years. She touched the lives of generations of students with both her cooking and caring. Ella Mae’s greatest joy was caring for others. She devoted her life to her family and was always willing to lend a helping hand, providing in-home care to many neighbors during times of need. Her compassion and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

She found great happiness in decorating for the holidays, especially the Fourth of July and Christmas. Her beautiful Christmas displays became well known throughout Rich Hill, earning her several city awards and bringing joy to her community. An avid gardener, Ella Mae filled her yard with colorful flowers, particularly her beloved red geraniums and vibrant tulips. Her passion for gardening led her to become an active member of the Rich Hill Garden Club. Ella Mae was also an exceptionally talented quilter. Every new baby in the family received a handmade quilt lovingly crafted by her hands, and many couples treasured the beautiful quilts she created as wedding gifts. Each stitch reflected her love, generosity, and remarkable talent.

She took immense pride in her hometown. Following the Rich Hill Tigers’ 2000 State Championship, Ella Mae created a beautiful quilt that was auctioned to help fund a monument at the Rich Hill Tigers football stadium, leaving a lasting tribute to her community. Ella Mae lived a life defined by love, faith, hard work, and service. She will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, delicious meals, beautiful gardens, treasured quilts, and the countless lives she touched throughout her 98 years.

Funeral Services

Tuesday July 7, 2026

Heuser Funeral Home

Rich Hill, Missouri

Service at 2:00 p.m.

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