Obituary - Raymond Floyd Ellifrits

Raymond Floyd Ellifrits, 66, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Nevada, Missouri.

Raymond was born with a strong spirit and a hardworking nature. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1978 to 1983, serving aboard the USS Anchorage (LSD-36). Following his honorable service in the Navy, Raymond returned home to Nevada, Missouri, where he began working as a contractor. He was a man who knew how to build things with his hands and took pride in his work.

On August 1, 1986, Raymond married the love of his life, Angi Ellifrits. Together, they built a life and a family filled with memories that will be cherished forever.

Raymond enjoyed many things in life, specially building and fixing things, fishing, working on vehicles, and camping with his family. He was happiest when he was outdoors, working with his hands, or spending time with the people he loved. His family will remember him for his strength, his determination, and the many ways he showed his love through the things he did for others.

Raymond was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Virginia Drake; father, Charles S Drake; brother, Gary Wayne Drake Sr.; sister, Diana Lynn Drake; wife, Angi K Ellifrits; son, Kody Levi Ellifrits; and grandson, Jacob Ellifrits.

He is survived by his sister, Julie Drake of Nevada, Missouri; sister, Vickie Houchin of Nevada, Missouri; daughter, Holly Hallam (Cory) of Nevada, Missouri; daughter, Amy Williams (Jeffrey) of Sheldon, Missouri; daughter, Beth Jenkins (Tex) of Covington, Kentucky; son, Kory Ellifrits of Florida; son, James Stanhope; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Raymond leaves behind a family who will carry his memory forward and cherish the moments they shared with him. Though he will be deeply missed, his life, his love, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Fair winds and following seas, Raymond. Your watch is over.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A Funeral service will follow with Lorne Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Newton Burial Park with Military Honors.

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Obituary - Carolyn "Kay" Irvin

Carolyn "Kay" Irvin, 87, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at her home. Funeral Service will be on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, with an interment to follow at Crescent Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to either the Adrian Rural Fire Department or the Adrian Optimist Community Betterment Foundation, Inc. A full obituary will be posted when it is available.


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Obituary - Martha June Cumpton

Martha June Cumpton, 90 of Adrian, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Medicaloges Butler surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, September 3, 2026, also at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Altona Baptist Church or Adrian Optimist. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.


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Bridge construction tops discussions in Commission chambers

Minutes from the August 26, 2026 Bates County Commissioner's meeting

The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Chris Gach was present at all meetings that took place.

Kent Page and Tom Pilcher, with Road and Bridge, came in and spoke to the Commission about the bridge that is about to be under construction. Kent had questions about certain things that were not in the plans and informed the Commission that Christian, with Viebrock, reached out and asked that the bridge be started by September 21st at the latest. Kent told the Commission that Tom, Daniel and himself took the time to go out and view this bridge to see if they can answer anything on their own before presenting any questions to the Commission. They felt like there was missing information on how they are building this bridge and concerns of safety for the Road and Bridge Crew Employees.

Kent expressed another concern dealing with power lines that could be a hazard during the construction process and called Jared Campbell, with Osage Valley, and asked for the powerlines to be wrapped during the construction period. Jared got with his project manager, and they plan to wrap the powerlines the morning of the 27th.

Kent then discussed the tear out process and pointed out that after going and scoping out the bridge, it seems to have a little “jog” to it. He asked the Commission if they stick with it having that little “jog” in the bridge or do they make it straight and center from the center point of the bridge. The Commission didn’t really have the answer, as they need to hear more information from Great River once the tear out process has been finished. John mentioned that they want to really try to save the I-beam, but Kent says that will be decided when they see the status of the I-beam once the bridge is tore out. He also asked about the low water crossing but the Commission also did not have much of an answer, as they needed to speak with the landowner to see where they could potentially put it. Kent felt as if it needed to go on the south side of the bridge and Trent agreed. Trent then asked Kent if he would be willing to go with him to speak to the landowner, that way they can become familiar with the landowner and talk to him personally. They spoke a little about rock and limestone that they have for this project. Kent is worried about the timeline that Viebrock is needing this bridge to be done in. He feels as if they’re going in blind and won’t know anything until the bridge is torn out.

Jim was absent after lunch, attending a Kaysinger Basin Meeting.

Trent made a motion to put Road and Bridges 2017 John Deere Tractor out for bids. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.

Jami Page, County Clerk, pointed out that there was no bid opening or closing date. John said August 31st to September 14th at 9:00 am. John suggested writing it on the bid paper and when Jim returns, he can redo the bid sheet so they can get it sent off. Jami took a copy of the bid paper and stated she was going to post it on Facebook to grab more attention.

Jim stated in the bid opening that the tractor can be viewed at the Bates County Administration Building. Trent and John agreed, thinking it would be easier for interested buyers to come and look at it after hours. Appointments can be made through the Road and Bridge Office to hear the tractor run and discuss anything further.

Trent then spoke over Kent Page, Tom Pilcher, Chris Gach and himself going and speaking about the residents of the area and landowner around the bridge they are about to demolish and rebuild.

Trent, John and Chris then spoke about the importance of having a Property Agreement signed for the landowners’ piece of mind and the county's.

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Obituary - Jeanne Louise Antes

Jeanne Louise Antes age 100 of Urich, Missouri departed this life Thursday, August 28, 2026 at NorthCare Hospice House, North Kansas City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Christian Church Memorial Fund, Urich, Missouri and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available.

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Obituary - Eric Knowler

Eric Knowler, 69 of Drexel, Missouri passed away August 23, 2026 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Service details are pending at the moment. Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

A complete obituary is pending at this time.

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Changes set for Pantry Thrift Store in Butler

The Pantry Thrift Store in south Butler has closed as  Bates County Industries will be taking over as the new owners/operators during the month of September. 

Updates will be coming regarding re-opening date. In the meantime, please hold all donations while they are getting set up. 

The Pantry Thrift Store wishes to thank everyone for their support over the years.

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Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

Delozier, Everett Eugene to S & T Royal Properties Lt 23 Swaidner's Addn

Swan Solar LLC to Bates County, Missouri Str 19-20-41+

Mott, Bernard J to Heiman, Dennis Lt 2 Bl 21 Rockville, Original Town Of+

Mit-Bor Land to J&Z Smith Farms Land Str 6-39-31+

Matt Daddy Construction to Ramage, John Kevin & Susana Trust Lt 38 Deer Creek Lake 22 Thru 72

Sharp, Clifton D to Boyce, Jeffrey S Lt 1 Bl 7 Connelly's Addn+

Conner, Brandon to Ritter, Michael Lt 2 Bl 199 Town Company's Fifth Addn+

Hagge, Shawn to Hagge, Kellie Str 5-38-31 //Nw

Welch, E Laverne to Welch, Roma Lea Str 28-42-31 //Ne

Ellis, Teresa J to Becker, Douglas Kyle Lt 10 Bl 50 Rich Hill, Original Town Of+

Rushing, Joshua to Owens, Thomas J Str 21-39-33 //Ne

Prine, Daniel to Prine, William D. & Norma B Trust 04-25-2014 Str 18-41-30 //Ne

Mott Meat Company, Inc to Mott, Bernard J Lt 2 Bl 21 Rockville, Original Town Of+

Marriage License

Muha, Russell Adam and Wilson, Kiersten Elizabeth

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