82 year old Rich Hill man arrested on sodomy and kidnapping charges

Lloyd Louis Culver Jr. 82, of Rich Hill Mo. has been taken into custody by the Butler police department and is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on the following charges:

1. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

2. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

3. Kidnapping - 2nd Degree  { Felony D RSMo: 565.120 }

Culver is accused of the above charges stemming from events that allegedly occurred on October 14, 2026 in Bates county. 

On October 21st, Culver pleaded not guilty Before Judge Julie Highley and is currently seeking a public defender according to documents on file in the Bates County Circuit Court.

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Big night ahead for local volleyball

Wednesday scores:

Midway 0

Concordia 3

Archie 3

Drexel 0

Adrian 3

Barstow 0

Butler 3 

Lone Jack 1

The Archie Lady Whirlwinds won the semi-final round of district volleyball last night and will play for the Class 1 District 12 championship this evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Archie dome.

Another game, another milestone for Adrian Blackhawk Volleyball player Grace Engeman. Last night at Lone Jack in District Tournament action verses Barstow Grace reached 1000 digs. Tonight Grace and the Blackhawks face Butler for the District 13 Championship. Courtesy Adrian News Leader

The Lady Bears beat Lone Jack 3-1 to advance to the District Championship game tonight against Adrian


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Scam artist taken into custody following lengthy investigation

In August 2026, deputies with the Bates County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible scam that was targeting churches in the area. The initial reporting party gave a very specific description of a male who had contacted the church asking for financial assistance. The pastor of the church later discovered an email that had been sent to churches in the Kansas area, describing the same male party, who had been scamming churches in the state of Kansas as well. The individual was traveling to various churches, giving a similar story each time to church members in order to play on their heartstrings and gain financial assistance from each church, and sometimes individual members of the church.

The investigation led to the identity of the male and revealed that the individual had scammed multiple churches in Bates County, spanning from November 2025 to October 2026. The individual was identified as 53-year-old Tracy Humbert of Fort Scott, Kansas. It was also discovered that Humbert had been using the same scam on churches in the state of Iowa as well as the state of Kansas. In each case, the story only changed slightly, often indicating that his family members were ill and dying and he needed financial assistance to get to them in another state; however, the investigation determined that the stories were false. Deputies notified churches in Bates County to be aware of Mr. Humbert and the scam that he was peddling.

On October 11, 2026, deputies received a call from one of the churches in Bates County. The reporting party advised that Humbert was currently at their church attempting to get money. Deputies responded, observed Mr. Humbert actively trying to get money, and took him into custody.

A warrant was issued for Mr. Humbert, and he is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on a $100,000.00 cash-only bond, where he has been charged with Theft by Deceit, a Class D felony in the State of Missouri.

The Bates County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Linn County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in the investigation. If you are a church in Bates County and this individual has contacted you and attempted to get financial assistance, and you have not already reported the incident, please reach out to the Bates County Sheriff's Office at 660-679-3232.

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Investigation will not be reopened

Minutes from the October 19, 2026 Bates County Commission 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 for all meetings.

Gayle Beachner came in and asked about the report on John Gray. She asked if they could reopen the investigation. Jim stated they could not. She then asked if they could do another investigation. Jim said the Commission would not do so, but she needed to do what she felt she needed to. She asked the Commission about going into a closed session when they should not have. Jim informed her that Steve Cohen requested they do so, so the Commission followed suit, as this is Steve’s job.

IWORQ Systems called the Commission on Zoom and discussed things that they offered. Jim informed him that the Commission doesn’t need anything from them, as they deal with FEMA. They also mentioned liquor licenses and the cost of that, but Jim informed him that the way the Clerk’s Office does them is fine and we didn’t need to change anything.

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MDC offers info for hunter education course

Hunting isn’t just an outdoor sport, it’s a culture and a long-standing tradition in Missouri

Hunter education is required for most hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, unless otherwise exempt. Find out what the hunter education course covers and where you can take it, including online options here https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education


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Bates County early voting information

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Rich Hill Senior Spotlight, Kamiel Wolf

Rich Hill Senior Spotlight-Class of 2027 ~ Kamiel Wolf

Congratulations!

Check out our Senior Page:

https://www.richhill.k12.mo.us/.../senior-recognitionsalumni

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October Proclaimed as Pork Month in Missouri

Missouri is a Top 10 state for pork production.

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Today, on behalf of Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn proclaimed October as Pork Month in Missouri. Director Chinn presented the proclamation to Missouri Pork Association leadership during a ceremony at Hermann Wurst Haus in Hermann, Mo.

“Missouri is proud to be a leading producer of high-quality pork, and it is a privilege to recognize the farmers who make that possible during the month of October and throughout the entire year,” said Governor Kehoe. “The pork industry plays a vital role in Missouri’s agriculture economy, supporting jobs and strengthening communities across the entire supply chain.”

Missouri has 3.3 million head of hogs, which contributes nearly $2.2 billion to the state’s economy. Additionally, Missouri’s pork production represents more than 4.4 percent of the United States total of pork.

“Missouri ranks seventh among all states in hog inventory, contributing significantly to the state’s $93.7 billion agriculture industry,” said Director Chris Chinn. “Our state is a world leader when it comes to research, leadership and overall quality of product. We are happy to celebrate Missouri pork farmers and the delicious, quality products they provide for consumers.”

“Every time you enjoy pork, you have a connection to a Missouri farm family,” said Mike Diggs of Lamar, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association Board of Directors. “October Pork Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate that connection and recognize the farmers who work every day to produce safe, nutrition pork while caring for our animals, protecting our resources and supporting our communities. We’re proud to share the story of Missouri pork and the people who raise it.”

A copy of the proclamation can be found on the Governor’s website.

Learn more information about the Missouri Pork Association online.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department’s website.

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