Free classes available to enhance overall health

Stronger connections = healthier communities.

Through the ShowMe Connection project, eligible participants can take free MU Extension classes focused on:

• Healthy relationships

• Physical activity

• Mental health awareness

If you live in a rural area, are 18+ and can complete a short training, you may qualify! Eligibility required. Spots are limited.

Contact Candace Rodman to express interest and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x5m8i

This work is supported by ShowMe Connection, project award no. 2025-46100-45377 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture

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Monthly news from the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce

As autumn approaches, the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce is hard at work keeping our local business community connected, growing, and thriving. With summer winding down, we are gearing up for an exciting slate of fall events and programs designed to support our local merchants and bring our community together.

Whether you are looking to network with fellow local business owners, participate in upcoming town-wide events, or take advantage of new business resources, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved this season.

Take a look through this edition of our newsletter for key updates, upcoming event schedules, and highlights from around the Historic Butler Square. Thank you for your continued support in making Butler a fantastic place to live, work, and do business!

Quick Reminders for this Month:

• Fall City Wide Garage Sale: Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 5th!
• Coffee & Commerce: Join us Friday, September 11th at 7:30am for our monthly networking event hosted by the Tavern Hall.
• Quarterly Luncheon: Join us Tuesday, September 15th for our upcoming networking lunch hosted by Bates Social Event Space.



Let’s make it a great month!

Read more here https://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-the-Butler-Chamber.html

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Ellett Memorial Employee of the Month, Matthew Desbien

Please join us in congratulating our September Employee of the Month, Matthew Desbien! Matt is the manager of our Respiratory Therapy Department

Matthew's write-ups (2) share some of the ways he has shown his HEART and DEDICATION to EMH:

Matt is an absolute star in our organization, and I am honored to nominate them for Employee of the Month. He leads his department with consistency, professionalism, and genuine pride, all while stepping in to support other teams whenever they need an extra hand. Matt brings friendly, positive energy everywhere he goes and is always cracking a joke, making someone smile, or just brightening the day. Patients adore him because his is not only a skilled tech, but a genuinely caring one. His knowledge and compassion make people feel safe, heard, and well cared for! Matt shows up every day with dedication, HEART, and a willingness to go above and beyond for both his team and the community. We are incredibly grateful to have him here at Ellett; he makes our hospital better in every way!

Matt runs his department with competence and compassion. He goes above and beyond for patients and coworkers alike. He consistently goes out of his way to assist other departments, eager to help wherever an extra hand is required. No job is too small, and no department is too insignificant. He lifts everyone up with his incorrigible humor and makes the harder days easier to bear. Matt certainly never fails to put a smile on my face! He is truly an asset to Ellett Memorial Hospital.

Congratulations Matt! Thank you for all you do for EMH!

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Very special painting to be showcased during Montrose Labor Day picnic

MONTROSE MO-- Shelly Mullani-Bales was commissioned to create this oil painting in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The painting will be showcased at a booth during the Labor Day Picnic, where prints will be available for purchase. Additionally, ornaments featuring the anniversary dates on the back have been ordered.

Courtesy Susan Lawson Cummings

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Continued steamy...

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Burn ban issued

The Vernon County Commission has issued a countywide burn ban due to extremely dry conditions and the recent increase in fires across the area. Under RSMO 49.266 allows the Commission to perform such duties as burn bans.

Residents are urged to refrain from all outdoor burning until conditions improve and the burn ban is lifted.

Please help keep our communities, homes, farms, and first responders safe. With conditions this dry, even a small fire can spread quickly.

Please do not burn until further notice.

Editor's note: It would be good practice to avoid ALL outdoor burning in the region as temps will continue to hover around 100 during the day, with no rain in sight for the time being.

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Rich Hill Family Care Clinic Temporary Closure

The Rich Hill Family Care Clinic is temporarily closed today due to a water outage. At this time, we anticipate the clinic will remain closed until 2:00 p.m. If the water outage continues, the closure may be extended.

We apologize for the inconvenience. For scheduling assistance, please call 660-200-3627.

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Swan solar project appears on hold due to pending lawsuit, moratorium

A super hot topic appears to have faded into a Bates county sunset; at least for now

The Swan Solar project, a 650 megawatt solar farm slated to begin construction in western Bates county last month shows no sign of ground breaking.

So, what's the hold up? A myriad of things beginning with a 1 year moratorium set by Linn county Kansas, prohibiting setting of power poles and lines needed to connect the solar farm to the grid near the LaCygne power plant. Subsequently, that action has prompted a lawsuit against Linn county on behalf of Clearway Energy, who is leading the project.

In the meantime however, Clearway has offered Linn county $850,000 in hopes of remedying the situation but despite the temptation of a big cash infusion, it appears that the Linn county commissioners haven't said yes. For that matter, they haven't said no either.

On the Missouri side, earlier this year the Bates county commission came to an agreement with Clearway regarding terms of the project which included approximately $1.5 million annually for the Miami School along with other monies such as a $500,000 up front payment to Bates county.

So far, Clearway is yet to return the signed contract to Bates county officials. 

Likewise, no $500,000 check either.

Interestingly, the delay has far reaching repercussions as another proposed solar project by NextEra, also to be located near Amsterdam, appears on hold as well; one could only guess that NextEra is waiting for an outcome on the Swan project before making any moves.

From the outside looking in, it may be awhile before there's any movement on the Swan Solar project. With that in mind, Mid America Live has reached out to Clearway for an update and will publish the outcome accordingly. 

The Swan Solar project website here https://www.swanenergycenter.com/

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