From Bates County Clerk, Jami Page

Wednesday, October 21st is the last day that you can request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. We must receive your application in the office by 5:00 p.m. on October 21st.


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BCMH Helps Equip Three Local Volunteer Fire Departments with AEDs

During county first responder meetings, Bates County Memorial Hospital CEO Greg Weaver learned that several local agencies had outdated automated external defibrillators (AEDs), or none at all.

After learning of a $5,000 funding opportunity through Aetna Insurance Company via CVS Pharmacy, Greg pursued the funding to help address that need. BCMH received the funds to purchase three refurbished AEDs, and applications were offered to all local fire departments. Adrian, Amsterdam and Foster were awarded the equipment after submitting applications.

The AEDs are now owned by the respective fire departments, adding resources to support their emergency response efforts.

Pictured with Greg Weaver are Kayla McMillin of the Adrian Fire Department; Andrew Schlueter and Destiny Fletcher of the Foster Fire Department; and Bill Loper of the Amsterdam Fire Department.

We're glad to see these resources going to local departments working to keep our communities

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Monday volleyball scores

Archie (15-9-4) 1

Harrisonville (12-9-4) 3

Golden City (10-14-1) 0

Lockwood (24-4-2) 3

Sacred Heart (10-13) 1

Osceola (19-5-2) 3

Clinton (24-2-2) 3

Warrensburg (17-11-1) 0

Sherwood n/a

Butler n/a

El Dorado Springs n/a

Nevada n/a

Rich Hill n/a

NE Vernon County n/a

Scores to be added as they become available


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Obituary - Shirley Herman

Shirley Herman, 83, of Urich, Missouri, passed away on October 10,2026, at her home in Urich, Missouri. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, in Clinton, Missouri and are pending at this time.


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Obituary - Stephen R. Shaffer

Stephen R. Shaffer, age 70 of Gardner, Kansas passed away at the Olathe Hospice House on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. He was born the son of Robert and Beverly Jean Richards-Shaffer in Kansas City, Missouri on March 18, 1956. He graduated from Liberty High School. Stephen served his country for four years in the United States Marine Corps. He married Elizabeth Ann Springer on May 15, 1992 in North Kansas City, Missouri. Stephen worked for 35 years at the Kansas Gas Service from which he retired. He loved mowing grass, the Kansas City Chiefs, he was a huge dog person, reading science fiction, there was not a vehicle that he could not drive, he even had drove a semi for Penske, was also a school bus driver for a time and had a big collection of tools and loved collecting them. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia Shaffer. Stephen is survived by his wife, Ann, a step-daughter, Amanda Jackson and husband, Brandon, a brother, Mitchell S. Shaffer, a sister, Terry Evans and two grandchildren, Harper L. and Hendrix L. Jackson.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

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Obituary - Wanda Ford

Wanda Ford, a beautiful soul with a kind heart and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2026. She was born on May 23, 1945, and lived a life filled with love, faith, family, and countless beautiful memories.

Wanda was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a heart that was always willing to help others and a kindness that touched the lives of those who knew her. She shared a beautiful life with her beloved husband, Larry Ford, building a family and creating a lifetime of memories that will be treasured forever.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. Her relationship with Jesus was deeply important to her, and one of her greatest priorities as a mother was teaching her children about Jesus and making sure they understood the importance of faith. She lived with a gentle spirit and a kind, loving heart, and the values she instilled in her family will continue to live on through the generations who follow her.

Wanda was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She loved hosting family gatherings and holidays, bringing everyone together to share meals, laughter, stories, and precious time with one another. Her love for family was so great that she purchased the biggest dining room table she could fit in her home because she wanted everyone to have a place at her table. That table was more than a place to eat; it represented her heart, her hospitality, and her desire to have everyone together. The memories made around that table will forever be a reminder of the love she gave so freely.

Wanda enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including reading, planting flowers, shopping, and spending time with the people she loved. Some of her favorite memories were made during fun craft days with her daughter and sisters, sharing laughter and making memories together. These special times were a reflection of the close family bonds she treasured so dearly.

She also went fishing with her beloved husband, Larry, although fishing wasn’t exactly her favorite pastime! Wanda was happy to go along as long as the fish were biting. If they weren’t, she was ready to head home! This little piece of her personality is sure to bring a smile to the faces of those who remember her and the time they spent together.

Although Wanda spent much of her life as a homemaker, she also worked in retail during her early years. Above all else, she devoted herself to her home and the people who meant everything to her. She had a special way of making others feel welcome and loved, and her home was a place where family always mattered.

For the past six years of Wanda’s life, it was especially important to her daughter, Carrie, to care for her mother and help make it possible for Wanda to remain in her own home, just as she wished. Caring for her mother was an act of deep love, devotion, and respect for the life Wanda wanted to continue living. Through those years, Carrie helped honor her mother’s wishes and gave her the precious gift of remaining in the home where she felt comfortable and surrounded by the memories of a lifetime. Being able to care for her mother through those years was a meaningful expression of the bond they shared, and Wanda was able to spend her final days peacefully at home.

Of all the blessings in Wanda’s life, her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren brought her some of her greatest joy. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, creating memories they will carry with them for a lifetime. Her love for them was immeasurable, and the lessons, laughter, hugs, and moments they shared will remain in their hearts long after her passing. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations who follow her.

Wanda’s passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her. While her family grieves the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, they can find comfort in knowing that her faith was strong and that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was a woman of faith, a mother who loved deeply, a grandmother who treasured her family, and a beautiful soul who made the world a little kinder simply by being in it. Though her family must now learn to live without her presence, they will never be without her love. Her memory will live on in every flower that blooms, every family gathering, every shared meal around the table, every craft day filled with laughter, and every prayer whispered in faith.

Wanda’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will never be forgotten.

She is preceded in death by:

Her beloved husband, Larry Ford; her father, Earnest Simmermon; her mother, Elsie “Alice” Courtney; her sisters, Mildred Irene Powell, Betty Morgan, and Alice West; and her brother, Richard Simmermon.

She is survived by:

Her daughters, Carrie Martin of Independence, Missouri, and Lori Martin of Sugar Creek, Missouri; her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life; her sisters, Sandra Cook of Independence, Missouri, and Ross Ann Courtney of Garden City, Missouri; and her extended family and many loved ones whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Until we meet again, Mom, may you rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus. Your place at the family table will never be forgotten, and you will forever hold a place in our hearts.

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

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Obituary - Clay Robert Little

Clay Robert Little, 71, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.


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Obituary - Carol Cyrus

Graveside service and inurnment for Carol Cyrus of Rich Hill, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Benjamin Cemetery in Amoret, Missouri. No visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Benjamin Cemetery. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Carol Sue Cyrus, age 80 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Monday, July 20, 2026 at her home. She was born March 11, 1946 to Claude Alfred and Vera Irene Lynch Mears in Vanzant, Missouri.

Carol, one of four children, moved from Vanzant to Amoret, Missouri. She attended school at Miami School where she graduated in 1964 as Salutatorian of her class. She continued her education at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri and earned her Bachelors Degree in accounting. Carol joined the Air Force and served her country proudly for four years–mostly spent in Taiwan–then leaving the service with the rank of Captain. She spent the next several years as a CPA in Springfield, Ohio before returning to Missouri, eventually ending up in Rich Hill, Missouri.

Carol was a quiet and private person who liked to stay home and tend to her cats and flowers. She preferred that people did not know her business and she reciprocated by keeping to herself. Carol, along with a few other classmates, would attend monthly class meetings at the Miami School. She had a great interest in genealogy and one of her main hobbies was researching her family tree. Carol’s life was a blessing and her memory will be held with love and respect.

Carol is survived by one sister, Jean Thornton of Amoret, Missouri; two nieces, Renee Phillips of Amoret, Missouri and Denise Gibson and husband Bruce of Lawrence, Kansas; and one nephew, Dennis Mears and wife Melanie of Hiawatha, Kansas. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pat Cyrus; one brother, Tom Mears; one sister, Kay Mears; one nephew, Roger Thornton; and one niece, Diane Black.

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