Commission looks into drainage issue

Minutes from the June 11 meeting of the Bates County Commissioners

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

Greg and Karolyn Zweifel came in on their scheduled meeting to discuss the drainage issue on their property. Bill Stephan with Road and Bridge was asked to attend. The culvert tube that was put in across road 2007 was set up higher and with the amount of rain we have received this isn’t sufficient. The water has backed up in his yard and is not draining. His animals are having issues getting through it and he fears his basement may become flooded. He had started having sewer issues in his house and had his septic pumped yet it filled right back up. Trent had called Bill to go look and see what could be done prior to the meeting and they feel that putting another 3 foot tube about 30 yards north will help the issue.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and assistant Zeke Spieker came in to meet with the elected officials. This is his first year in office and has been traveling to every county to meet and speak about this office and what he is hoping to accomplish.
Work in progress
Policy Regarding Indigent Cremations given 8/25/2023 nothing since April
Rattlesnake Hill Roads 11/06/2023 evening meeting 6/11/25
Policy Regarding Computer, E-Mail, Devices and Social Media given nothing since 2/14/2024
Telephone Contracts 3/11/2024 bids out 6/25 opening 6/30/25
Opioid Settlement Resolution 10/2/2024 (Judge Highley)
EEZ Board 3/26/2025 Proposal Fee with scope of work received $12,000.00 fixed fee 6/11/25

BCMH Employee of the Month, Rich Glossip

 

Congratulations to Rich Glossip, Paramedic, our June Employee of the Month!

Rich has been with BCMH since 2011 and is known for going above and beyond to give patients the best possible care, even before they reach the hospital. His commitment to continued education and patient advocacy shines through in every shift.

He was also recently honored for the 2024 Call of the Year alongside EMT-B Stephen Stark.

Way to go, Rich! We’re proud to have you on the BCMH team

Obituary - Myra Loy Halligan

 Myra Loy Halligan was born on April 29, 1939, in Redfield, South Dakota, to Clyde and Letha (LaBore) Eggleston. Granny Myra passed away on Sunday morning, June 15, 2025, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. She was 86 years old.

Myra married Edward Michael Halligan on September 3, 1955, and together they had six children: Jill Ann, Timothy, Patrick, Shannon, Daniel, and Erin. They were members of the Catholic Church.

Myra was a loyal coach’s wife for many years and owned a childcare center for 27 years in Duncan, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mike; two sons, Shannon and Patrick; and her grandson, Caleb. Myra is survived by a sister Tudie Allen, a brother Bud Eggleston, four of her children: Jill, Tim, Dan, and Erin; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Halligan; seven grandchildren and their spouses; and seven great-grandchildren: Myli and her husband, Robert Anderson, and their sons, Brandon and Connor; Kaylon Halligan; Seth Halligan; Casey Halligan and his sons, Cooper and Kyler; Tori Halligan; Kloe Halligan and her daughter, Astella; Trevor Stone and his wife, Savannah; Presley and her husband, Brady Patry, and their sons, Walker and Callahan.

You may have called her Mother, Milkshake, Granny, Big Granny, or Gran. She had many special children of no relation whom she loved as much as her own. She’d say don’t dwell on any hardship or sad tale she made it through—rather, think about the remarkably strong woman she was. Good or bad, she persevered on her trusty kitchen stool, cast iron skillet roaring, and her feet bouncing—music or no music—every single day.

The family would like to say thank you to the staff at Cottonwood Creek and Good Shepherd Hospice. Cremation is under the direction of Carter-Smart Funeral Home, with interment at a later date in Fairlawn Cemetery, Comanche, Oklahoma.

The family requests no flowers. Go eat lunch with your mom or Granny instead—just in time for General Hospital.

The 2025 Appleton City Fair schedule

Friday, June 20th 2025
6pm Parade (Lineup 5:30pm)
7-10pm Live music from "Overload"
7-10pm Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements
5-9pm Food vendors

Saturday, June 21st 2025
7-10am Biscuits and Gravy provided by The Masonic Lodge
10-11:30am Baby & Toddler Show (Registration 9:30am)
10:00am 7 point Pitch Tournament (Registration 9:00am)
11-11:30 Bake Off items to park building
11:30am Little AC Prince/Princess Crowning
Senior Royalty Crowning
Bake Off Contest Winner announced at noon
12-1pm Kids Games
1-3pm Horseback Rides: Bates County Posse
1-4pm Live music from the "County Liners"
2:00pm St. Clair County Sherrif's K-9 Demonstration
3-6pm Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements
4:30pm Bake Off Auction and Raffle Winners announced
5-10pm VFW Beer Garden
6:00pm Cornhole Tournament
7-10pm Carnival provided by Ozarks Amusements
7-11pm Live Music by "Sparrowfoot"

AC Optimist Dunk Tank-Friday 7-10pm & Saturday 6-10pm
Craft Vendors- Saturday 10am-5pm
Food Vendors- Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 11-9pm

Non injury accident near Rich Hill this afternoon

 IN THE WEEDS Just before 1 p.m. today the Rich Hill Fire Department, Bates County EMS, Bates County Sheriff's Office and Missouri Highway Patrol responded to southbound I-49 at mile marker 118 for a single vehicle MVA.

No injuries were reported and the scene was cleared a short time later.

Courtesy Rich Hill Fire Department

How about a delicious lunch this Saturday

The Bates County Cattleman will be at the Family Center parking lot this Saturday, June 21st serving Ribeye sandwiches for $10, smoked beef sandwiches for $8, hamburgers just $7 beginning at 10:30 am. All meals come with chips and a drink

Severe weather likely tomorrow

Obituary - George Carl Bellach

George Carl Bellach, 81, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Nevada  Regional Medical Center.  George was born on March 3, 1944, in Prairie City, MO to Henry Paul and Elizabeth Marie (Schenker) Bellach.  He married Linda Jo Bowers on September 4, 1965, and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2017.

     George grew up in Prairie City and graduated from Rich Hill High School Class of 1961.  George and Linda moved from Rockville, MO to Nevada in 1971.  He worked for Adam’s Sales Company and 3M until his retirement in 2006.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

     In addition to his parents and his wife, Linda, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Morris, and his son-in-law, Billy Morris.  Survivors include his daughter, Lori Stacy (Leon); his son, Matthew Bellach (Amanda); granddaughter, Kaelyn Jo Bellach; step-granddaughter, Danielle Wittenwyler (Scott); step-grandson, Aron Stacy (Tonya); a brother, Laurence Bellach, (Barbara) Peculiar, MO; several step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Obituary - Sandra Kay Carter

 Sandra Kay Carter, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.   Sandra was born in Joplin, MO, to Loyal Clark and Nell Catherine (Carl) Covington.  On May 13, 1961, she married Jim Carter in Stockton, MO.  He survives of the home.

    Sandra was raised in Dederick and attended school in Walker and El Dorado Springs High School.  She was a homemaker and worked at Peerless in Fort Scott for 10 years.  She was also a housekeeper for a number of years.  Sandra was a member of First Christian Church, Nevada.  She loved being outdoors, enjoying nature, but mostly being with her family. 

    In addition to her husband, Jim, Sandra is survived by a son, Dennis Carter (Betty), Ellsworth, KS; a daughter, Dana Ratcliff (Harold), Argyle, TX; grandsons, Blake Carter (Kelsey) and their 2 sons, Ezra and Judah and Brayden Ratcliff (Elizabeth); granddaughters, Samantha Houseman, Charlene Housman, Leigh Housman (Meghan Bardwell) and Alexis Ratcliff; great-granddaughters, Tierra Ragan, Kiriana Ragan,and Eva Kliesen; 4 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Terry Davis, Bonnie Covington, and Sarah Eberhard; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Debbie Fleener.

     Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, with Pastors Bill Platt and Roger Beach officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m., prior to the service.  Those who wish may contribute in Sandra’s memory to First Christian Church, Nevada or the Riverside Cowboy Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Donald Lee Durbin

Donald "Don" Lee Durbin, 92, of Ottawa, KS, formerly of Adrian, MO, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 202,5, at his home. An inurnment will occur on July 07, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.

Don was born on February 10, 1933, to Leslie Alvin and Martha "Mattie" J (Stark) Durbin in Bates County, MO. He started school in a one-room schoolhouses at McNeal, Burdette, and Mound Valley before he attended Adrian R-III and graduated in 1951. He went into the Army in 1953 and served until 1955, where he did he a tour in Korea. He returned and started to work at Allied Signal Corporation, later Bendix, and worked there until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, Don worked as a custodian at Adrian R-III and worked many hours on the farm.

Don married Dorothy Mae Smith on May 3, 1964, in Adrian, MO, and to this union they had three sons: Mark, Michael, and Allen. Don was a charter member of the Adrian Optimist Club and was with them for 40 years; as well as, a life member of the VFW Post 1935 and served as commander multiple times. Don also attended and was a member of the Adrian United Methodist Church, the Western Missouri Antique Tractor Association for many years, and was on the board of the Adrian Rural Fire Department. He had several hobbies, including his beloved farm, woodworking, model airplanes, and listening to bluegrass music. Spending time with his family was his favorite pastime.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; son, Michael Durbin; brothers: Robert "Bob" Durbin and Ronald "Ronnie" Durbin; sister, Valarie "June" Northrup; and granddaughter, Candance Dawn Durbin. He is survived by his sons: Mark (Lois) Durbin of Adrian, MO, and their children: Cassie Viers, Michael (Megan) Durbin, Alex Durbin, Breanna Durbin, Brent Isabel, Cheryl (Jason) Kellerman, Angie (Chris) White, and Brandon Isabel; and Allen (Jeannette) Durbin and their children: Chelcy (Nathan) Dunn, Andrew (Jessica) Durbin, Caleb (Kristen) Durbin, and Cameron (Aspin) Durbin; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Saathoff and Roma (Laverne) Welch; brother, Jerry (Becky) Seelinger; and many nephews and nieces and cousins.

Obituary - Lin Marie Thiry

Lin Marie Thiry, 67, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025 at her home. Services will be held at a later date.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, Courtesy of Atkinson Funeral Home

Explosion Brings Home Hardware from Kansas City

The Rich Hill-based Explosion Basketball Club hit the hardwood in Kansas City this past weekend, taking five teams to compete in the Dish and Dunk for Dad Agape Basketball Tournament. While the girls teams faced tough competition, the boys teams delivered an impressive performance across multiple divisions.

The JV Boys team earned a second-place finish, capping off a solid weekend. Meanwhile, both the 5th/6th Grade Boysand the High School Boys teams took home 1st place in their respective brackets.

Explosion Basketball features athletes from across the WEMO (Western Missouri) Conference, creating competitive and well-rounded squads.

The High School Boys team, in particular, continues a dominant run this season. Out of five tournaments played so far this year, they have claimed championship titles in four.

The 5th/6th Grade Boys also remain a strong presence, having played in the championship game in back-to-back tournaments.

The club isn’t done yet—the 3rd/4th Grade Girls and the High School Boys teams will travel to Arkansas this upcoming weekend to continue their summer schedule.

Hammett Advances to Regionals After Solid Performance at AAU Qualifier

 

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Butler’s own Brandon Hammett competed at the District AAU Qualifier held at Raymore-Peculiar High School this past weekend, putting together a solid showing despite battling the heat.

Hammett earned a 1st place finish in the 3000-meter run, continuing to showcase his endurance and racing ability. He also placed 4th in the 1500-meter and 10th in the 800-meter, rounding out a strong day on the track.

While the conditions weren’t ideal, Hammett still managed to qualify for the AAU Regional Meet, which will be held in Springfield in two weeks.

Best of luck to Brandon as he continues his track season on the regional stage!

BHS Names Week 2 Strength & Conditioning Athletes of the Week

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Week 2 of Butler High School’s summer Strength and Conditioning program is in the books, and the coaching staff has once again recognized two student-athletes for their standout effort and positive attitude in the weight room.

This week’s Athletes of the Week are Tandee Hiser and Brayden McGuire. Both students have shown strong dedication, setting the tone early in the summer with their commitment and energy.

The BHS Strength and Conditioning program runs Monday through Thursday at 6:00 AM and is open to all students entering grades 6–12. Great job to Tandee and Brayden—and to all the Bears showing up and putting in the work this summer!

Stop it, scammers!

 

The Sheriff’s Office has been made aware that many residents of Bates County have received the above text. We can assure you with most certainty that this is a scam. Please ignore and block this number should you receive it. Please let your elderly friend and family know because they often fall victim to these scams.

Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Office

Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses

 Nitchals, Denice K. to Nitchals, Denice K. Str 21-40-29 //Se

Nieder, Justin I to Hrabe, Heath Str 26-40-31 //Ne

Wyman, Patricia Carol to Wyman, Patricia Carol (Trustee) Str 5-39-30 //Sw

Wheale, Jessica to Reece, Holden Str 4-41-33 //Se

Hastings Investments, Llc to Eaton, Blake Lt 1 Bl 6 South Drexel

Heckadon, Joyce E. to Heckadon, Joyce E. Trust Str 6-39-31 //Nw+

Diamond C Farms to Burch, Cody & Jolene Trust 09-28-1999 Str 27-41-31

Wyatt Cox Farms to Burch, Cody & Jolene Trust 09-28-1999 Str 27-41-32 //Se

Kagarice, Ryan Leroy to Hill, Adam Str 17-42-29 //Sw

Blaser, Tiffany L to Blaser, Jessika M Lt 3 Bl 6 William's Addn

Lunsford, Jennifer to Moody, Reagan N. Lt 79 Town Company's First Addn+

CTR Land to Burch, Cody & Jolene Trust 09-28-1999 Str 12-41-33

Wilson, Grant to Randa, Bethany N (Trustee) Str 29-42-33 //Ne

Green, Andrew to Stephens Family Trust 05-29-2009 Lt 14 Gilham's Addn+

Corwood Homes to Moore, Tina Lt 184 Adrian, Original Town Of+

Wilmington Savings Fund Society (Trustee) to Olit 2024 Hb1-Alternative Holdings LLC Str 17-40-31

Kagarice, John Gregory to Lewing, David C (Trustee) Str 15-42-29 //Se

Lindsey, Brandon to Wilkin, Matthew D. Lt 172 Town Company's First Addn

Mcbee, William to Mcbee, William H (Trustee) Str 9-41-31 //Nw

Corwood Homes to D & S Concrete Lt 16 Town Company's First Addn+

On Point Home Design & Contracting, LLC to Lindsey, Brandon S. Lt 137 Town Company's First Addn+

Taylor, Bart A  (Trustee) to Tindle, Todd Str 33-42-31 //Sw+

Herrell Trust 11-29-2016 to US Solutions Bl 2 Wyatt's First Addn

Burch, Cody & Jolene Trust 09-28-1999 to Diamond C Farms, LLC Str 23-40-30 //Nw

Burch, Cody & Jolene Trust 09-28-1999 to Wyatt Cox Farms Str 27-41-31

Lovelace, Mark (Trustee) to Mcbee, William Str 9-41-31 //Nw

Hutchens, Faith E (Suc Trustee) to Slattery, Ryan Str 8-41-31 //Nw

Marriage license

Sherman, Justin Michael and Robling, Charlena Marie

Tallman, Quade Riley and Whitworth, Madison Kate

What’s Up by LeRoy Cook

Wuz That A Wilga? 

With patience and ingenuity, pilots dealt with a near-stationary frontal system over our area, leaving us with periods of rain and low ceilings, but thankfully only isolated heavy storms. We got in some flying, even short cross-country hops, but had to time them right.

The FAA Flight Check airplane, a King Air 300 turboprop twin, did make it up from Oklahoma City on Thursday to fly the certification passes down the Butler runway, observing the operation of the new PAPI (precision approach path indicator) boxes shining up the glideslope to runways 36 and 18. As with all things governmental, just having the inspection done doesn’t mean they are OK to use; we still have to wait for a letter of notification to arrive, saying the inspection was satisfactory.

Other traffic in this week included a rare PZL 104-80 Wilga STOL utility airplane, built in Poland in 1991. Owned by John Ford and based at Lee’s Summit, he enjoys cruising around fly-in breakfasts and open house events to show his unique bird. He even gave us a “smoke pass” on departure, adding a little Corvis oil to the exhaust from the Ivchenko 260-hp radial engine. Also visiting were a Cessna 182, an ATP flight school Piper Archer and a Cessna 150.

Of the local-based fleet, Jon Laughlin had his Piper Cherokee 180C out, Layne Anderson brought his Darter Comander in, the BCS AirTractor made long-day missions spreading fertilizer from the air and Les Gorden’s Beech Bonanza F35 got some attention. Delaney Rindal worked on and flew her Cessna 150  trainers and son Will and I exercised the Cessna 172. 

While getting gassed up at Harrisonville on Saturday, the nearest watering hole for our airplanes, we got to observe my old training glider that I flew in the 1970s, still in service with Midwest Soaring at Richter airport. The Schweizer 2-22 was being towed by a 180-hp modified Cessna 150E, from which it was released on its own to land while the towplane got fueled up, after which it was pulled aloft to go home. Who said gliders don’t need avgas?

The most-discused aviation topic of the week was the Thursday crash of an Air India 787 Dreamliner, the first-ever accident for the type. Even before the wreckage cooled, speculators were tossing out opinions about what might have caused the plane to go down. Sadly, we need to step back and let the investigation run its course, including analyzing the flight recorders. About all we know at this point is that the heavily-loaded airliner failed to climb, and instead sagged back into a built-up area where it exploded. The miraculously-survived individual who walked out of the crushed fuselage may give some insight.

The question from last week was about a critical component needed on the Lockheed survey plane flown by Charles and Anne Lindberg in the 1930s. It was cans of tetraethyl lead, needed to boost octane at the often-substandard refueling stops they encountered. For next week, our quiz is “which U.S. state has the highest number of winter thunderstorms, those occurring from December to March?”  You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com. 

Bates County Fair Schedule

This is the QR code for the schedule for the Bates County Fair. If you have any questions, please message us at batescountyfair@gmail.com.

Bates County Fair - Open Show Rules

This is the QR code for the Open Show In Building Rules. If you would like a hard copy emailed to you, please message us at batescountyfair@gmail.com.

Obituary - George Carl Bellach

 George Carl Bellach, 81, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Nevada  Regional Medical Center.  George was born on March 3, 1944, in Prairie City, MO to Henry Paul and Elizabeth Marie (Schenker) Bellach.  He married Linda Jo Bowers on September 4, 1965, and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2017.

     George grew up in Prairie City and graduated from Rich Hill High School Class of 1961.  George and Linda moved from Rockville, MO to Nevada in 1971.  He worked for Adam’s Sales Company and 3M until his retirement in 2006.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

     In addition to his parents and his wife, Linda, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Morris, and his son-in-law, Billy Morris.  Survivors include his daughter, Lori Stacy (Leon); his son, Matthew Bellach (Amanda); granddaughter, Kaelyn Jo Bellach; step-granddaughter, Danielle Wittenwyler (Scott); step-grandson, Aron Stacy (Tonya); a brother, Laurence Bellach, (Barbara) Peculiar, MO; several step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Newton Burial Park, Nevada.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

     Those who wish may donate in his name to Vernon County Cancer Relief or Newton Burial Park in care of Ferry Funeral Home