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Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Obituary - Wilma Maxine Gier
Wilma Maxine (Diehl) Gier was born August 25, 1933 in Rich Hill, MO. Born to George O. & Mary Pauline (Stewart) Diehl. Wilma attended Rich Hill, MO high school. Wilma married Gilbert Jackson, and of this marriage two children were born; Linda (Jackson) Casey & G. Bruce Jackson. Later Wilma was married to the true love of her life, Bill “the Barber” Gier.
Wilma worked for Tiona Truck Line for 10 years, and later made her mark as a Real Estate Broker for A&R Real Estate. Wilma had a deep passion for the wilderness and mountains, as well as all its animals. Her fondest memories were of those she shared with Bill on their
many vacations throughout the wilderness of America. In her later years, Wilma enjoyed watching every Chiefs football game with a cold crisp Sunkist, visiting with her loved ones, being a brutally honest taste tester for whatever new recipe Jonhenry & Makenna tried for dinner, and most of all eating fried chicken with her beloved dog Trixie, every Thursday. Wilma had a passion for Jesus that she was not afraid to share with anyone. She often shared her excitement to be able to see her Lord & Savior.
One of Wilma’s greatest accomplishments and joys of life was her great grandson Jonhenry. From the moment he was born he was her best friend, and she was his. Wilma took on a new challenge when Jonhenry was 12 and he came to live with her. The two made countless memories and shared many wonderful years together. Though life was not easy, she never wavered in making sure he was cared for, supported, and deeply loved. Her pride and love for Jonhenry and Makenna were evident in everything she did, and their special bond was one she treasured. Wilma loved her law enforcement family deeply (many of whom called her “grandma”), introduced to her by her great grandson. No matter what uniform was worn, she welcomed them to her table where many dinners and visits were held, often time swapping war stories with the guys. She continued to share a home and her life with Jonhenry, and his wife Makenna, over the years, creating many cherished memories together. Wilma touched the hearts of many, and worked hard to make sure you knew she loved you. She will be missed greatly, by all who knew her, but her memory and the life lessons she shared, will be carried on forever. She leaves behind one important message to all; love hard, enjoy the little things, laugh constantly, and most importantly love Jesus.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; her two brothers Raymond and Orville; her two children Linda (Jackson) Casey & Bruce Jackson; and her beloved four legged friend Trixie. She is survived by grandchildren Jamie Bise, Mary Beth Hill, Kelly (Jill) Kiester; her great grandchildren Jonhenry (Makenna) Jackson, Karter Keister, Tanna
Keister, SamanthaMcCarty-Kiester, TearstenKeister, JacksonHill; andahostofextended familyandfriends.
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Suzanne Dudley 100th birthday coming Sept. 8
If you would like to send her a card, you may send it to:
Suzanne Dudley
c/o Medicalodges Butler
103 E. Nursery St.
Butler, MO 64730
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Obituary - Carol Grandon
Carol Grandon (Knecht), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, at The University of Kansas Health Olathe Hospice House. She was born on November 1, 1943, in Louisburg, Kansas, the cherished daughter of Clarence and Lucile Knecht.
Carol grew up in her hometown of Louisburg, where she attended local schools and graduated with the Louisburg High School class of 1961. Those who knew her in her early years remember a young woman with a joyful spirit and an ever-present smile. Shortly after graduation, Carol’s life took a happy turn when she married her high school sweetheart, Bob Grandon, on August 31, 1962, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Their loving partnership was a source of deep happiness and stability that anchored her life for many years.
A lifelong resident of Louisburg, Carol was devoted not only to her family but also to her faith community, maintaining lifelong membership at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Her faith was evident in her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for those around her.
Professionally, Carol found her passion in serving others as a hairdresser, dedicating over 30 years to her craft. She was the proud owner and operator of Carol’s Beauty Salon—a place known not just for hair care, but for the laughter, camaraderie, and friendship she offered every client who walked through her door. Excellence in her work and compassion for her clientele defined Carol’s career, leaving an indelible mark on all she served.
Carol’s joy radiated from the simple pleasures she embraced daily. She had a love for mowing her yard, tending lovingly to her flowers, and helping her husband with the farm. Carol’s kitchen was often filled with the delicious aroma of her baking—another testament to the care she poured into everything she did. However, her greatest passion was her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them, her love for each boundless and unconditional.
To her family and friends, Carol was the embodiment of sweetness, strength, and selflessness. She was always quick with laughter and smiles, placing the happiness and wellbeing of others before her own. Her caring nature shone in her unfailing desire to ensure everyone was taken care of and had what they needed.
Carol is survived by her loving daughter, Cathy (Greg) Clayton; her devoted son, Ronnie (Lorraine) Grandon; her treasured grandchildren, Colby (Lori) Reed, Shelby Grandon, and Hayley Grandon; her adored great-grandchildren, Kensington Reed and Braelynn Reed; and her dear brother, Larry Knecht. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Grandon; her father, Clarence Knecht; and her mother, Lucile Knecht.
Carol’s legacy endures in the lives of her family, the warmth of her friendships, and the countless memories shared throughout her remarkable life. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering compassion, gentle strength, and the joyful spirit she brought to every day.
Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, KS 66053. Visitation will follow from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 606 S Elm Street, Louisburg, KS 66053. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Cemetery, Louisburg, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090, or to the University of Kansas Health Olathe Hospice House, Attn: Marsha 15310 S Marion St, Olathe, KS 66061.
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Obituary - Jim Anderson
Jim Anderson’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. There are no public services planned at this time. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel for expenses. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
James “Jim” Chester Anderson, age 62 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at his home. He was born July 13, 1964 to William and Rosalee Agers Anderson in Washington County, Missouri.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Christina Cummings and husband Mike of Butler, Missouri and Sultana; one half-brother, Nicholas Ray Miller; one sister, Tina Anderson of Butler, Missouri; two brothers, Henry Anderson of Butler, Missouri and Floyd Anderson. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wallace Christoper Anderson and Joe Anderson; and one sister, Irene Blair.
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Obituary - Jimmie Don Melton
Jimmie Don Melton, 78, Nevada, MO, passed from this life on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. Jim was born October 10, 1947 in Nevada, to Wiley Don and Margaret Mary (Widman) Melton. He married Suzanne Bailey on January 26, 1969 in Nevada and they celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing.
Jim was raised in Walker, MO and graduated from Walker High School Class of 1965. For a time, he drove fertilizer trucks for Caldwell and Sons before deciding to pursue his passion for the appliance business. Jim was in the appliance business for over 50 years and owned and operated his own store, Jim’s Appliance and Repair. Through the years, he met many people and made many friends with his easy-going ways. Jim loved being with his family. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and never missed a game. He was a member of the Nevada Elks, Ducks Unlimited, and an avid duck hunter.
In addition to his wife, Suzanne of the home, he is survived by two children: Don Melton (Jill), Webb City, MO, and Christy Ast (Kevin), Nevada; five grandchildren, Trey Melton, Osh Kosh, WI, Braxton Melton, Nixa, MO, Bailey Ast, Nevada, Riley Melton, Webb City, and Kellan Ast, Nevada; his beloved dog, Timber; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, A.E. Melton.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Private interment will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dederick, MO.
Memorials are suggested in his name to Mt Pleasant Cemetery c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
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Obituary - Geraldine Fisher
Geraldine Fisher, 88, of Archie, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Golden Years in Harrisonville, MO. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, with a visitation starting at 1:00 pm, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Burial in the Austin Cemetery, Archie, MO.
A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.
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Monday, August 24, 2026
County clerk reviews closed session meeting requirements
August 17, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Chris Gach was present all day and sat in an all meetings that took place.
Rodney Rom came in and asked the Commission about the 9-1-1 Addressing. He stated that he had spoken to the Assessor's Office and was informed that they were unable to purchase the correct software system for the addresses due to it being over their budget. Rodney then asked about the software that the Bates County Sheriff’s Office used when they were doing addresses, to which Jim informed him that their software is outdated and obsolete.
Rodney then asked why the Post Office does not take care of it. Jim told him that they can hardly take care of delivering mail, as it takes a piece of mail seven days to go from Butler to Kansas City and back to Butler.
Jim then spoke over ways that they have been thinking of dealing with this issue. He explained that they feel like there needs to be a board of individuals put together that the Commission oversees to take care of the addressing. Jim stated that he had contacted various Counties to find out how they are doing the 9-1-1 addresses. GIS is run by the Commission, and they go off GIS mapping to deal with the 9-1-1 Addressing. Rodney then asked the Commission if that meant that as of now, there are no new 9-1-1 Addresses being made, Jim informed them there is no operation right now to do so unless the Sheriff's Office did it, so therefore you won’t be able to get a new address at this moment. John then stated that Jim was correct. He hated to say it, but he felt that due to the lack of funds things have transpired in result. He then explained to Rodney that it would be next year when they see what’s in his budget and if he can obtain the software for it by that time. Rodney then asked if the County will be notified through the paper. Jim stated that everything will be put on the paper when it is done. Rodney stated that he reads the newspaper every week, just to keep up.
Chuck Kaiser, with Murphy Tractor, came in and talked more about the Commission meeting they had previously had. Chuck informed them that the trailer the Commission was asking to trade-in with the 120 John Deere was not a price he felt the Commission would like so they did not discuss it any further. The Commission mentioned they will put it out to bid and go from there.
The used 135 John Deere that they discussed purchasing was presented to them with a price, as well as a brand new 135 John Deere. Trent made the comment that the used piece of machinery would do the job just as well as the new one. John mentioned that he would like to have some time to think it over and discuss while also figuring out what they can get for the trailer they currently use. Jim asked about the attachments that come with it.
John felt that the new trailer they needed to purchase was priced fairly. Trent asked about the arm reach on the excavator. John then asked about the length of the arm reach they are gaining.
Trent asked about the rubber tracks, pointing out that they are going to be easier on the bridges that are being built/rebuilt vs the steel tracks that will scratch and engrave marks into the concrete. Trent also felt this would be good for brush removal from the Streams and Rivers.
Chuck then explained that they have municipal financing. He also spoke over DEF and highly advised them to be sure to throw away their DEF jugs and to never reuse them. Once they sit, they form crystals and when you fill them up and dump them, the crystals then start clogging things up.
John asked Chuck what the shape of the rubber tracks were that are on the used 135 excavator. Chuck stated that in writing everything was in good shape, but it was currently rented out so he would check again to make sure it was still up to standard once they received it back. Chris asked how long the rubber tracks are known to last. Chuck informed him that it was mostly dependent on the care and use of the machine.
John asked Chuck if they could have a week or two to see what they can do on their own with the trailer. If they can get anything for it, they would then just use that money towards the new piece of machinery. Chuck was very understanding and reassured the Commission that they do not have to make any decisions right now and would be more than happy to wait until they have a for sure answer.
August 19, 2026 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Chris Gach was present all day and sat in every meeting that took place.
Jami spoke to the Commission about the Sunshine Requests they have received from Gayle Beachner. Jami informed the Commission that she has been reading the Sunshine Law Request guidelines as well as reaching out to the Attorney General to ask, in depth, if the Commission is required to reply to a Sunshine Law Request within a Monday through Friday business week or the Commission Monday, Wednesday business day hours. She is also wondering if what was requested in the sunshine request can even be released since it was discussed in Closed Session meeting. Closed Session meetings are not public record.
Jami informed Trent that Patricia Herman came in on Tuesday the 18th and asked about hiring someone herself to put dust control on her road. She wanted to know who she could reach out to so she could pay for someone to come do so. John told Trent the business name and number that he could pass along to Patricia.
Jami then brought up CART Funds to Townships that the Commission listed they were paying. Charlotte was listed to be paid but they have yet to send in their contract. Jim said he went through and took off the Townships that had not turned in everything they should have but he missed Charlotte. Jami then stated that Rockville did not have a budget turned in either and they were on the list to be paid out, as well as Deer Creek having no budget submitted. John informed Jami that he had gone over that situation with her Deputy Clerk and told her that Deer Creek said to use the budget from 2024, as it would be the same. Jami felt as if they should turn in a budget because other Townships are required to turn one in and suggested that the Commission redo the Contract if they are not going to enforce the requirements. Jim then stated that the Contract needs redone, anyway.
Jim was having issues with logging into his computer. Jami called iNetVisions to get that figured out.
Matt Kohly, with Socket Fiber, came in and discussed their upcoming plans since buying out Fastwyre Broadband. They informed the Commission that they will begin construction located in Vernon County, outside of Nevada, and work their way North. Their plan is to redo all the copper lines that Fastwyre had with fiber lines. They will eventually start in Bates County, (location not decided) and work their way South to meet up with the construction coming from the North. They will also be working with Townships as well.
Matt then explained the invite Socket Fiber sent out, inviting the Commission to join a meeting they have scheduled at Steiner's restaurant here in Butler, MO.
Matt wanted to be sure of the requirements he needed to know to be able to do this job. Jim informed Matt that Bates County was not zoned but encouraged him to reach out to the Cities to make sure there isn’t anything they need from Socket. Jim then reminded him to stay within the right of way and out of ditches.
The Commission then told Matt to be sure and set up a meeting with Road and Bridge so they are aware of where this construction work will take place and they can avoid those areas while Socket it working on the lines.
Matt informed the Commission that their trucks will be labeled with the Socket Fiber name and there will be “road work ahead” signs and the things any other construction site would have. The Commission then asked where they would be parking their machinery. Matt was unaware of a place so Trent offered for them to use his parking lot in Rich Hill, Mo. Trent felt this would be a perfect place for them to park, as it is just right off the highway and close to the main building. Matt was thankful and said he would pass that information off to his contractors.
Jami Page, County Clerk, reached out to her attorney and got his partner, as he was not in office. Jami called to ask about the guidelines on Closed Session Meetings with an Elected Official. Jim wasn’t present yet, so Jami waited and found the ordinance stating that the County Clerk was the Custodian of Records. Jim still was not present, but Jami decided to go ahead and inform Trent and John the things she learned from the attorney.
Jami learned that Closed Session can only take place about an Elected Official if there is legal counsel present.
Jami also learned that HR Solutions did not have to respond to Sunshine Requests, as they are not a Government Body.
Jim was now present so Jami gave a quick recap, that when complaints are made on an Elected Official, they cannot go into closed unless legal is present. Jami then informed the Commission that the attorney did encourage her to stay firm on the decisions at hand but to use this new knowledge moving forward. The attorney also suggests that the Commission be sure to reach out to Ivan, as she did not want to go against the Commissions attorney.
Pat Taylor and Dawn Steuck, with Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) Chapter, came in and asked about any broadcasting systems in the area where they could potentially ring a bell at 3:00 pm on September 17th. Pat then told the Commission about the skits she does for schools, books she gives the schools and informed them that this was all out of pocket. She then asked the Commission if they knew of any organizations that would want to donate towards the cost of the books so the schools could have them. Pat and Dawn were very passionate about their duty in teaching children and even told a few stories of history, aweing everyone in the room.
John gave Pat some contacts to reach out to. Trent then asked who the checks should be made out to. They asked that the checks be made out to “Harmony Mission DAR.”
Trent said that he was going to put a put a bug in some people’s ears and John asked about mailing in donations as well.
Kent Page, Road and Bridge Supervisor, came in for the bid opening at 2:00pm. First, he updated the Commission on different tasks they are undergoing.
They then discussed the two bids the Commission received. Koehns bid came in at $18,795.00 and Viebrock’s bid came in at $18,000.00.
The Commission discussed the two, as it was hard to decide. They wanted to be able to go with Koehns as this would be something they would like to be able to go to them for, but Viebrock has the experience they are looking for and with this being a big project they wanted to have the experience to rely on. Trent said that he would love to keep it local, but looking at the experience of the two, he is unsure what to do. John said he felt the same way. Kent said he would like for someone local come in and knock it out and they would then know that they could use them next time, but this would be their first time doing something like this and since Road and Bridge is also learning how to do this, it would be a good opportunity for them to help with this job so they can know how to do more next time something like this presents itself.
Kent and the Commission had a hard time deciding that the Bid Opening meeting ran into the next meeting for Elected Officials and Insurance so they recessed and said they would come back later to gather a decision.
Jami Page; County Clerk, Kacie Robey; Treasure Office, Carl Bettels; Assessors Office, Chad Anderson; Sheriff’s Office, Brenda Doody; Public Administrator, Hugh Jenkins; Prosecuting Attorney, Charles Rush; Cooks Insurance joined the Elected Officials Meeting to discuss insurance.
Jami charted out on a whiteboard the different plans within United Healthcare accompanied by NonStop. She explained the different plans and what it meant and let the Elected Officials ask questions and come to a decision. Meanwhile, Jami and Jim were also trying to get United Healthcare and NonStop in the Zoom that was not wanting to stay up on Jims’s computer.
They were finally able to get the issue resolved and both teams were able to answer questions from the Commission and the Elected Officials.
Jim asked if there were any more questions and encouraged them to digest this information, as they did not expect an answer right now. No one had any further questions for the teams on Zoom, so they ended the call. Chad then informed everyone that he did not need to digest, he feels as if the second option was the best one and felt that waiting around sitting on the information could make it harder and bring up more questions. John agreed. Jami asked Carl and Hugh what they felt but neither of them answered. Jami then stated that she is also for option two, to which Kacie and Brenda stated they were good with option two. Carl stated that he would come back with an answer before the end of the day. Hugh left without deciding.
The Commission must decide before September 1st, 2026.
Trent made a motion to accept the Bid from Viebrock, as they were the lowest bid and had more experience. John seconded the motion. Jim stated that if there is ever another opportunity for them to do a small bridge for the county, they could potentially then have Koehns do it. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
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