Bates County Recorder of Deeds announces fee revisions

FEE ADJUSTMENTS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 28, 2026:

Following the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 938, signed by Governor Kehoe, a flat $2 statutory fee increase will take effect statewide for recording documents, marriage licenses & land surveys/plats.

The first page recording fee will now be $26, with the same $3 per additional page.

For marriage licenses, the fee will now be $50.

For plats/surveys, there will be an additional $2 for the first page (fees vary by size - contact Recorder's Office for exact fee).

This WILL apply to everything recorded on August 28 beginning at 8:30 am & thereafter. If you plan to mail a document to us any time in August, you may want to take this into account, since it may not reach us until on or after August 28th. If the correct fee is not enclosed, we won't be able to record it until the proper fee is paid.

For any questions, contact the office at (660) 679-6311.

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Bates County Collector announces new website available

In the name of transparency and quick, easy service, the Bates County Collector's Office has unveiled a new web site to provide patrons a direct connection for paying taxes and answering questions. 

Learn more here  https://batescountycollector.com/

“Our mission is to provide quality customer service to the citizens of Bates County while being trustworthy stewards of public funds. The Collector’s office works closely with other county offices to ensure taxpayers’ concerns are resolved. It is my greatest honor to serve as your Bates County Collector.” - Kacie Robey


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Treat your taste buds: The Best Burrito soon to open in Butler

Your Mid America Live reporter (known chow hound and Mexican food aficionado) made surprise visit to the former Chinese restaurant in Butler today and met two very busy people preparing to open our town's newest eatery, The Best Burrito

Amidst Facebook chatter and the "Opening Soon" sign out front, my curiosity got the best of me; I had to stop and see what all the hubbub was about. 

Once inside, I was greeted by entrepreneurs  Luis and Olga Lomeli who by all appearances, have been very busy giving the place a complete makeover in preparation for a Grand Opening, which is coming soon.

As work goes, the kitchen, storage rooms, work areas, cold storage and even the restrooms are all in the process of getting new paint, fixtures, and the little touches needed for the perfect dining experience- all to the satisfaction of each and every customer as promised by Luis and Olga, who know what it takes to make it all happen.

How's that? The couple previously did the same in Harrisonville as The Best Burrito was a well known hot spot and now Butler will host the restaurant offering "large portions and low prices" as Luis was quick to show a photo of a burrito he recently purchased from a food truck and made a comparison showing their offering vs the mobile vendor.

Upon receiving this bit of information it was clear that The Best Burrito is the better deal in terms of portion size and price- PLUS their hand selected ingredients insure total taste bud satisfaction at The Best Burrito.

GET READY to dine at Butler's newest restaurant soon- in the meantime, keep up with the latest updates via their Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040809174193

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Obituary - Gary Harris

Funeral services for Gary L. Harris 83, of Amsterdam, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Contributions to Olathe Hospice House. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

A full obituary will be published at a later date.

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Obituary - David Richard Urena

David Richard Urena, 59, of Nevada, MO passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. David was born May 31, 1967, in Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard (Oakie) and Wakako Urena, and a grandson, Kip Richard Urena.

David is survived by his children, Aaron Reed, David Gard, Thomas Richard Urena, Keith Urena and his wife Miranda. His grandchildren, who loved their Papa very much: Karleigh Reed, Cason Reed, Aidyn Reed, Brenli Urena, Jayce Urena, Tymber Urena, and Kelson Brown; and Marsha Urena, his ex-wife and best friend forever. He also left behind his sister, Vicki Corn and her husband James of Seneca, MO, and Vicki’s children, Michael, Matt, and Brandi; and his brother, Thomas Raymond Urena of Lenexa, KS.

Everyone who knew David Urena will miss him immensely. He was devoted to his entire family, and he was an amazing man, father, brother, Papa, and friend.

No services are planned.

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Obituary - Nancy Sipes

Nancy Ann (Woodrome) Sipes, born July 26, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, entered into rest on August 14, 2026, at Kansas City Hospice House.

Throughout her life, Nancy worked for Western Electric, Unity Village, Peterson Manufacturing, Apple Bus Company, and Durham School Services. She also served on the Board of Directors for OATS, Inc. and generously gave her time volunteering for Serenity Care Hospice and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

Nancy was an avid bowler and enjoyed traveling to tournaments with her bowling team. She also had a love for floral arranging, bird watching, and gardening. Nancy treasured the many friendships she made throughout her life and especially enjoyed spending time with those she loved.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Woodrome and Dovie (Gunderson) Woodrome; her sisters, Barbra Raydean Woodrome, who died in infancy, Marion Meents, Lillian Clemons, Grace Sanders, Joyce Henry, and Martha Case; her sons, Lloyd Russell Carter and Richard Walter Carter; her granddaughter, Monica Denise Sipes, who died in infancy; and her beloved dog, Lilly.

She is survived by her sister, Rose Painter of Sedalia, Missouri; her daughters, Charlene (Walt) Pinkney of Summerville, South Carolina, Cindy (Johnny) Ferguson of Holden, Missouri, and Barbara (Bill) Grey of Oak Harbor, Washington; her sons, Charlie (Lea) Sipes of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Tim (Dena) Sipes of Glendale, Arizona; her stepson, Michael Sipes of Denver, Colorado; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many wonderful lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

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Obituary - Opal Bernice Downey

Opal Bernice Downey, 87, of Independence, MO, formerly of Adrian, MO, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Independence, MO. A private graveside service will be held at Crescent Hill Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Downey Carriage House in Adrian, MO. A full obituary will be posted when it is available.


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Obituary - Diane Morgan Brennan

Diane Morgan, 65, of Butler, Missouri passed away on August 12, 2026 at her home in Butler, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her love and memory with them always. A Celebration of Life for Diane will be held on August 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the Alley Tavern Venue Space in Butler MO, 10 W Chestnut St, Butler, MO 64730. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Diane Garlene (Foster) Morgan was born on September 24, 1960, in Webb City, Missouri, and grew up in Creighton, Missouri. Throughout her life, Diane lived in many different places, including Germany and Fort Riley, but eventually found her way back home to her roots and the area she knew as home.

Mom was incredibly brave, loving, and fiercely devoted to her family. No matter what she was facing, she kept going. She earned her nursing degree from Penn Valley and spent more than 30 years as a Registered Nurse. Caring for people was clearly more than a profession to her. She was knowledgeable, compassionate, and always willing to go above and beyond to do what she believed was best for her patients.

She became a mom at just 17 and spent much of her life raising four children, earning her college degree later in life, working, and doing whatever she could for her family. She showed up for her children and made sure they were cared for, often putting their needs before her own. If you came to her house, you were going to eat, and she wasn’t going to sit down until everyone was fed and everything was cleaned up. She loved to cook, loved a good movie and a drink, and always made sure the people she loved were taken care of.

Mom was also a woman of strong opinions—and she was usually pretty confident that her opinions were right. She was sensitive, prideful, and fiercely protective. She cared deeply about the people she loved and wasn’t afraid to stand up for them. She loved deeply, and she fought hard for the people she loved. And, of course, she had a way of making sure the last word was hers, usually followed by, “I’m just saying.”

Then came her role as Gammie. Even while she was still working and tired, she found energy for her grandchildren. She cooked for them, had patience for them, spoiled them, and loved them with everything she had. She didn’t get the years of retirement she deserved or the opportunity to spend the later years of her life simply being a grandma. She was only 65 when she passed, and that is one of the hardest things for us to accept. We will always wish she had been given more time to enjoy the role she loved so much.

Her family was her greatest joy, and the love she gave to them will live on through the memories, traditions, and countless moments she created. She will be remembered by her extended family, as well as the many friends whose lives she touched.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Jan and Garlin Foster, and her sister, Deann Foster.

She is survived by her four children: son Jamie Behl and his wife, Tina, and their daughters, Blakely and Julianna; son Ryan Behl and his wife, Andrea, and their daughters, Raleigh and Ashlyn; son Tyler Burton and his daughter, Mia; and daughter Brittany Burton and her husband, Levi, and Brittany’s son, Ty Morgan Spangler; and her brother, Dennis Foster.

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