Ellett Memorial raffle winners announced

Congratulations to our EMH Foundation Raffle Winners:

-Melissa Lattin - Blackstone Griddle

-Chris Green - Stihl Air Inflater

-Loren Smith - 1/2 Hog (not pictured)

-Kim Raybourn - 1/2 Hog (not pictured)

Thank you to all who purchased tickets!

#MidAmericaLive

Free Family Fun Day coming to Appleton City August 22nd

To the Appleton City Community,

The Appleton City Fair Committee would like to thank our community for its continued support and extend our sincere apologies for having to reschedule the second day of the fair.

We also want to be transparent with our community, sponsors, and vendors about the challenges we faced while planning this year's fair. Three weeks before the event, the carnival company we had contracted with unexpectedly canceled. The Committee immediately began contacting other companies in an effort to find a replacement. Just 10 days before the fair, Joe's Old-Fashioned Fun agreed to provide five rides, two bounce houses, a mechanical bull, and a climbing wall.

Unfortunately, a series of unexpected events resulted in the company arriving later than scheduled and falling behind on setup. The bounce houses were never inflated, and only two rides and the mechanical bull were operational. This was not the experience we intended to provide for our community, and we sincerely apologize for the disappointment.

On Saturday morning, after making the difficult decision to cancel the second day of the fair because of weather concerns, the Committee met with the owner of Joe's Old-Fashioned Fun to discuss the issues and the company's failure to meet its contractual obligations. The owner returned the Committee's pre-sale ticket funds, which were then used to refund anyone who returned unused pre-sale tickets at the original purchase price.

To make up for the canceled activities, the Appleton City Fair Committee is hosting a Free Family Fun Day on August 22, 2026. Children will be able to enjoy inflatable attractions provided by K & S Inflatables of Humansville, Missouri, pony rides provided by the Bates County Posse, and a K-9 demonstration by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office—all at no cost.

Many of the activities that were canceled during the fair will also take place that day, including the Senior Royalty crowning, Baby Show, Toddler Swimsuit Contest, kids' games, Fair Bake-Off and Bake Auction, music by Sparrowfoot and the Truman Lake Dulcimers.

Food vendors and craft vendors who were scheduled for the original Saturday fair will also be returning, if available, giving families another opportunity to enjoy the event together. Please note that while the children's activities are free, purchases from food and craft vendors will require payment.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. Our goal is to provide a fun, family-friendly event before school begins and to thank our community for its continued support. A complete schedule of events for Free Family Fun Day will be posted soon.

Thank you again for your understanding and continued support.

Kindest Regards,

The Appleton City Fair Committee

#MidAmericaLive

Osage Valley Electric Announces Return of Capital Credits to Members

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative (OVEC) is continuing its long-standing practice of retiring capital credits to its members.  The OVEC Board of Directors has elected to retire approximately $1,000,000 in capital credits effective August 1, 2026. 

OVEC is a not-for-profit member-owned utility that operates at cost.  Revenues above the cost of doing business are allocated to the members annually in the form of capital credits. The board of directors vote to retire capital credits when the financial condition of the cooperative will not be impaired.  The decision to retire capital credits again this year was made due to the continued financial strength and sound management of the cooperative.  

This year we are returning margins from the years 1997, 1998 and 2025.  Your share is figured based on the amount of electricity you used during each of those years.  Current members that are eligible will receive this refund as a credit on their August 1st bill.  Former members who longer have service with the cooperative will receive their refund in the form of a check by mail. If you were not a member during any of these years, you will not receive a refund this year.  

 It is important for both current and former members to maintain a current address on file with OVEC so that we can ensure any retirements due to them will be received.  

#MidAmericaLive

Traffic stop results in drug discovery, suspect jailed arrested and released

On July 12, 2026 at approximately 8:16pm, a Butler Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Pine street for the vehicle displaying the license plates of another vehicle. Upon a records check of the driver, identified as Kayle Cooper, the officer determined that Cooper had an active warrant for felony driving while revoked and that Cooper’s driver license was still revoked.

The Officer then asked Cooper to exit the vehicle and when Cooper exited the vehicle, a piece of aluminum foil fell from Cooper. The Officer then retrieved the piece of foil. While speaking to the Officer, a second piece of foil fell from Cooper and Cooper attempted to destroy the second piece of foil before the Officer retrieved it. The foil was suspected to be used to consume narcotics.

K-9 Enzo then conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle to which K-9 Enzo alerted to the odor of narcotics. No further contraband was located during the search of the vehicle. Cooper advised the Officer that she had put the foil on her person in an attempt to not get caught with it.

Prior to placing Cooper into the patrol vehicle, a metal straw fell from her person. Cooper stated that the metal straw was used to hit the foils.

Cooper was then transported to the Bates County Jail where the jail’s body scanner was utilized to check for any other concealed contraband on Cooper. The body scanner showed Cooper had other suspected drug paraphernalia inside of her body. The drug paraphernalia was then retrieved from Cooper.

Cooper has an extensive drug history and is currently on probation and parole for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Resisting Arrest, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.

The next day, Cooper received a warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance with a bond amount of $10,000 Cash or Surety. Later the same day, the bond was reduced to a signature bond.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Carol Hines

In loving memory of our dear sister, wife, mother and friend, Carol Frances Hines 81 from Harrisonville, MO. She was born on April 7, 1945, to Grover and Irene Cantrell. Carol went home to be with the Lord on July 11, 2026. Family and friends will remember her love for the Lord as she faithfully served along side her husband as a pastor’s wife, a caring mother and precious sister and friend. Carol was a woman of prayer and had a caring heart for others as she taught, encouraged and served her family, students, and friends.

Carol was proceeded in death by her parents Grover and Irene Cantrell, and her husband Bill Hines. Surviving are her two sisters Eldora Cantrell, Adrian, MO; Glenda R. Parker, St. Peters, MO; her daughter, Teresa (Jerome) Hodge, Olathe, KS; her son Billy Duane (Kim) Hines II, Topeka, KS; three grandsons: Joshua Hines, Topeka, KS; Jeremiah Hodge, Gardner, KS; Lucas Hines, Topeka, KS: one great granddaughter Natalie Servos (Hodge): and many friends.

Carol’s love, legacy and influence will continue to be felt for many years to come. Well done thou good and faithful servant of the Lord!

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

#MidAmericaLive

It's getting close: Hume Fair and Rodeo

It's getting close to Hume Fair & Rodeo time! July 27th thru August 1st. Our Rodeo Queen candidates are about to hit the road selling advance rodeo tickets. 5 ys & under free - 6 to 12 years of age are 4.00 with 5.00 at the gate the night of the performances. 13 yrs & up are the adult ticket with the advanced being $12.00 and at the gate will be $15.00. They will also be selling chances on a colt for $1.00 per ticket. 

Please see the following Rodeo Queen Candidates: Hailey Olive, Kaylee Shyer, Jaylyn Toms, Alana Snyder and Michelle Downen. We wish all these girls the best of luck!

Follow the Hume Fair and Rodeo here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064607024781
#MidAmericaLive

Join the blood drive receive a Royals t-shirt!

Our Royals Blood Drive with Community Blood Center is this week! Join us to save lives and receive a Royals T-shirt (while supplies last).

Date: July 15

Time: 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Location: BCMH Education Center

615 W. Nursery Street, Butler, MO 64730

Save your spot online https://donate.savealifenow.org/donor/schedules/sponsor_code and use the group code: KCBS

Or call 1-877-468-6844 for assistance making your appointment for this drive.

For medical eligibility questions, please call 1-800-688-0900.

#MidAmericaLive

Ellett Memorial honors Cindy Johnson on 20 years of service

Congratulations to EMH employee, Cindy Johnson on a milestone 20 years of service!

Cindy’s Business Office coworkers lovingly organized a surprise reception for Cindy to celebrate the occasion.

Thank you for 20 years of dedicated and loyal service Cindy! We appreciate all that you do!

#MidAmericaLive