BCMH to observe 9/11 with flag lowering ceremony

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Butler experiencing workforce woes

All members present for the September 1st session

Butler city Administrator Mark Mathies reported that efforts to further beautify Butler are beginning to pay off as council members and citizens are taking notice as well. A few weeks back, Mathies began the push to repaint crosswalks, remove/trim trees and brush hazards along right-of-ways as well as 'unburying' sidewalks are hidden under decades of dirt and grass. 

Butler businessman Lance Sargent approached the council regarding a parcel of property that has an unusual problem- no street address. The problem began many years ago when a previous owner divided the property, leaving a garage/shop type structure without a street address. At this time, plans are to use the building primarily for storage and at some point in the distant future it may be turned into a home, thus creating a need either way, for a street address. More about the situation was discussed in closed session with the outcome to be revealed in an upcoming open session.

The old Butler High School, which is city owned property, has been a hot topic for some time as the structure is in dire need of repairs. At this juncture, attempts are being made to sell the building so the new owner can tailor it to their needs while making necessary said repairs. Other considerations will include relocation of the Old High School Thrift Store as well as a quilt shop if and when the building is sold. However for now, all remains status quo.

Mathies informed everyone that he had recently spoken with the city's economic coordinator who told him that a current challenge for a Butler business is related to staffing, as opposed to pay or benefits. For example, a current shift workforce of 25 is needed with possibly some 30 more but there is a shortage of qualified workers for the positions. If the problem cannot be remedied, there is a danger that the company would have to relocate to an area that does have ample qualified workers; Mathies emphasized that resolving the issue is a top priority and discussions are ongoing as how to remedy the situation.

 A missing monument for Douglas Park has been located in storage and now discussions begin regarding where to put it. On a related note, several groups are wishing to place a monument at the Butler airport honoring the 12 lives lost in the tragic skydive plane crash earlier this Summer. A this time, it appears it likely will be located near an existing monument on the southwest corner of the property.

Other projects ongoing around Butler include the first phase of the sidewalk project that will run from the Burch & Liles offices west to Fran Avenue; at this time the city is awaiting an agreement from engineers Allgeier and Martin before the next step can be taken. Also, replacement of the railroad crossing on Mill street is still in the works and likely will begin in the fairly near future.

It was duly noted that while the Fort Scott at Water street culvert replacement project is completed, there is still minor cleanup that will be finished in the next week or so.

Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays at 7 pm, upstairs at city hall. An elevator is available for those with special needs and the public is highly encouraged to get involved.

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Monthly report from the Nevada police department

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Ferguson Arena packed for Posse Fun Show Rodeo

What a night for the last Bates County Sheriff's Posse Fun Show Rodeo of the season! On Wednesday evening the arena was packed with kids, horses, and plenty of smiles. In all the years we’ve been doing this, unfortunately it was the first time we’ve ever had to call an ambulance for a little one who got bucked off — but she’s going to be okay and is in good hands.

More information coming soon!

Thank you to all the families who come out year after year. We love seeing those happy faces. See you next season.

Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Posse

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Obituary - Steven Edwin Lindsey

Steven Edwin Lindsey, 82, entered his heavenly home after a life filled with faith, family, friendship, service, and adventure.  Born August 10, 1943, to Elson L. “Jack” and Sarah Ella Lindsey, Steve grew up on the family farm in eastern Kansas, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, hard work, horses, and the simple joys of country living. He often fondly recalled riding horses across the countryside, swimming in creeks and ponds, harvesting honey, trapping critters, raising livestock, and exploring the world around him with boundless curiosity.  Steve often said he had lived a wonderful life, and those who knew him would agree. Whether canoeing Missouri streams, conducting auctions, building businesses, serving his community, or riding horseback on trails throughout the country, he embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. His career included service as a forester, educator, businessman, insurance agency owner, auctioneer, and entrepreneur. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Forestry from the University of Missouri and remained a lifelong advocate for conservation, outdoor recreation, and responsible stewardship of God's creation.  Steve carried forward a family auction tradition that began with his grandfather in 1916. He spent decades in the auction and real estate business, working alongside his father and later his son, Todd. Throughout his life he built businesses, mentored others, and developed friendships that spanned generations and communities across Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and beyond.  He described his wife, Priscilla Kaufmann Lindsey, as “a gift from God.” Married on December 12, 1981, they shared nearly 45 years of love, partnership, ministry, travel, and countless miles together in the saddle. Horses became a defining part of their life together as they raised, trained, competed, and judged trail horses across the United States. Together they helped establish and maintain more than 150 miles of horse trails in Kansas and dedicated countless volunteer hours promoting responsible trail riding and public access to the outdoors.  Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who made it his mission to ensure everyone around him was well cared for. He is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; sons Todd, Troy, Dustin, and Jared; ten grandchildren, Taylor, Bailey, Henry, Oliver, Max, Grace, Nathalie, Allabelle, Claire, and Eleanor; two great-grandchildren, Levi and Willow; brother, Marvin; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  Most importantly, Steve's life was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ. Alongside Priscilla, he devoted himself to serving the church through leadership, teaching, ministry, and church planting. He loved studying God's Word, encouraging others in their faith, and helping people move beyond simply knowing Scripture to living it. His church family at Mt. Zion Community Church became a cherished source of fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.  As he approached the end of his earthly journey, Steve did so with peace, gratitude, and unwavering confidence in God's promises. Reflecting on a life he considered richly blessed, he wrote that he looked forward to Heaven much as one looks forward to a vacation or a new trail to explore. "This is going to be a real experience, like none I have ever had," he said.  He left his family and friends with a final message filled with love, faith, and hope:  "Open your Bibles and study hard so we can be together in Heaven and worship our Lord and Savior in the presence of God. Love you. — Steve"

Memorial services  Monday September 7 (visitation at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alpha Christian Children’s Home and School in Perry, KS or Back Country Horsemen of America.

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Obituary - Eugene Webb

Eugene Edward Webb, 91, Nevada, MO passed from this life on Sunday, August 31, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS following a brief illness. The oldest of 10 children, Gene was born November 30, 1934, in Joliet, IL to Clarence E. and Pauline (Federick) Webb. He was united in marriage to Etta Jane McGuire on April 7, 1956, in Clovis, NM and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2024.

Gene was raised in Channahon, IL and New Madrid, MO. He served in the US Air Force for eight years and served in the Korean War. Gene moved around the United States with his work as a heavy equipment operator and where his work took him to Cuba and Indonesia for a time. While in the states his work took him to various places in California, Chicago, and Houston. He came to Nevada in 1976 from Houston to be near family. Gene was a member of the VFW, American Legion- where he served as Post Commander, Nevada Elks, and Nevada Eagles. Following retiring, Gene helped local veterans in many ways including transporting them to doctor visits. Recently, Gene attended the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in recognition of his service having been nominated by the VFW #2175 of Nevada.

Survivors include four children: Kelly Webb (Jerry D. Moore), Bolivar, Scott Webb (Janice), Nevada, Donna Dahmer (Don), Nevada, and Jerri Miller (Chip), Bella Vista, AR; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Ada Uerkwitz, Nevada, Henry Webb (Linda), Nevada, Hermon Hoselton, Nevada, and the twins James Bullock, Springfield, and Jane Sampson (Jim), Seymore; a daughter-in-law, Terri Webb, Nevada; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Etta, he is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Arnold Webb; brother-in-law, Butch Uerkwitz; sister-in-law, Brenda Hoselton; one sister, and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Terry Mosher officiating. Interment with Military Funeral Honors will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada.

Those who would like to contribute to Genes memory, can do so, to the VFW #2175 c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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Obituary - Rosalie Lou Chambers

Rosalie Lou Chambers, 96, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, MO. She was born May 24, 1931, in Redding, KS to Lewis S. and Mary E. (Wright) Van Sickle. Rosalie married, Lowell “Red” Chambers in 1957 and together they had three children, John, Warren, and Leetha.

      Rosalie grew up in Nevada and attended Nevada Schools. Following her marriage to “Red” they enjoyed living on a farm together in Stotesbury, before moving to Richards where they lived until Red passed on November 29, 1987.  Rosalie moved to Nevada in 1988 and has continued to live here since that time.  Throughout her life she enjoyed working in various restaurants. Rosalie enjoyed watching old westerns (like Gunsmoke) on TV, antiquing furniture and other antique collectables, taking care of stray cats, and most of all, watching her grandson play baseball.

      She is survived by her daughter, Leetha Willford, Pomona, KS; grandsons, Bruce Chambers (Kristine), Blue Springs, MO, Carl Chambers, Joplin, MO; granddaughters, Elizabeth Aman (Sonny), Jacksonville, FL, Lisa Gartenbush (Joshua), Jacksonville, FL, Robin Hickman, Jacksonville, FL; numerous great grandchildren; and a close friends, Jack McAdoo (Carmen Radford), Nevada, MO. Rosalie was preceded in death by her husband; sons, John Chambers, Warren Chambers; her parents; and a brother, Joseph Van Sickle.  

      Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Roger Beach officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas at 12:30 p.m. 

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Timeline of Papinville continues 1847 to 1866

We will take you through the years when Papinville became a town. Then it was burned down in 1863 due to Order #11.

The town was named Papinville and has had several different ways it has been spelled.  Some people put an "s" (Papinsville) while others put double "pp" (Pappinville). The correct spelling is Papinville. The organization worked for a few years getting the original spelling right on the road signs and the Missouri map.

The town was named after Melicourt Papin who came to Papinville from St. Louis along with Michael Geraud. They bother were fur traders for the American Fur Co located in Papinville. Papin bought land south of Harmony Mission that george Pierce owned. He gave 70 acres to build the town of Papinville. The town streets were named and the names are still being used for the residents addresses that live in Papinville. Property was designated for school ground and cemetery. The streets were wider (from 85 to 60 feet) with alleyways 20 feet wide. It is hard to believe that at one time the Papinville population was 700.

When people started coming back to Papinville after the Civil War, Andrew Jackson gave six blocks to the southeast of town for a new addition.

Next, we'll move to the timeline starting with the founding of Papinville in 1847:
1847 - April 5 Plat of Papinville town recorded. Selected to be Bates County seat by vote of the people.
1848 - Feb. 17 Post Office changed from Batesville to Papinville. Hewn log courthouse built at Papinville.
1850 - Old Mission house bought by T. Scroggins and moved to Papinville.
1851 - Dr. Samuel Nottingham murders his wife. First trial and hanging in Papinville.
1852 County court ordered a bridge to be built over Marias Des Cygnes river. It is believed to have been built by Frank Diehl.
Nov. 16 - Bates County Court orders brick courthouse to be built at the cost of $2,500.
1853 - Brick courthouse was built. Benjamin Richardson is the owner of a portable grist mill. Was burnt by Jim Lane in 1861. A. Boughan succeeds Freeman Barrows as county clerk.
1854 Court appointed Barrows as Judge. Border warfare between anti-slavery Kansas and pro-slave Missouri begins.
1855 - Nevada becomes the county seat of Vernon County. Last term of court held in Papinville.
1858 - Marias Des Cygne massacre.
1861 - Jan. 29 Kansas admitted to the Union as a free state. Civil War begins. General Lane and troops burned the courthouse, bridge and other buildings in Papinville.
1863 - Aug. 25 Order #11 Papinville and Bates County was completely burned. Only house left standing was the Klinksick house which is still standing today.
1865 - April 9 Civil War ended. Confederates surrendered.

Next week the timeline will start with 1866-1952. Papinville is getting ready for the big day. Will let you know next week about the activities and timeline for events. The picture at the bottom of this article is showing you the patriotic quilt that will be given away and the shirts that we are selling at the picnic.

This year we are having three meats for our dinner. Brisket, chicken and fish plus all the trims. Come and eat the feast on Sept. 26th starting at 1:30-? Dinner will be served at 5:30.
Until next week.     Submitted by Phyllis Stewart


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