Obituary - Wallace "Wally" Bauer

After a short battle with cancer, Wallace Walter (Wally) Bauer of Urich, MO passed away at University of Kansas Hospital on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.

Wally was born on August 30, 1960, to Walter H. and Evelyn R. (Propeck) Bauer, the youngest of four children. He grew up in Montrose, MO, and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Montrose High School, class of 1978. Shortly after high school, Wally took a job with Clearfield Cheese in Clinton, MO working as a mechanic. He transitioned to Freightliner of Springfield, MO in 1985 and served as their night Service Manager for a few years before returning to Henry Co in 1988 and becoming the manager at the Kansas City location. Wally served as a Service Manager for KC Freightliner for nearly 40 years, making lifelong friendships that were more like family. Through hard work, dedication, and a self-taught approach, Wally was able to turn his passion into a lifelong career. He married Nancy (Ross) Bauer on May 28, 1988, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Urich, MO. To this union, two children were born, Michael Bauer in January of 1991 and Erin (Bauer) Schell in February of 1993.

Wally was a passionate and loving soul who cherished time with his family and friends. He was born and raised in the Catholic faith; in later years he served as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and right-hand man to the priests of Holy Trinity Church. He enjoyed trap/skeet shooting, playing guitar, racing, and most of all telling stories and making others laugh till there were tears in their eyes. Wally had an exceptional racing career, starting shortly after high school and hanging up his racing suit in the fall of 2008. He raced pure stocks, street stocks, late models, and modifieds. He met and made many friends through this passion, and they all say he was a phenomenal driver and a clean racer. Wally also hosted an annual clay pigeon shoot at his home every fall, inviting anyone he met. He never met a stranger; in fact, his wife and children still laugh about the encounters on family vacations out of state, far and wide, always running into someone he knew.

He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Evelyn, his older brother Robert (Bob) Bauer, Sister-in-Law Ann (Tindall) Bauer, and niece Karla Bauer.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children: Michael (Mollee) Bauer and grandchildren Shelby and Samuel of Urich, MO, and Erin (Darren) Schell and grandchildren Andrea and Theodore Schell; sister Mary (Bill) Harris of Montrose, MO, Rick (Joanne) Bauer of Montrose, MO; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.



The family suggests memorial donations be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Urich, Missouri and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home or at the the church the day of Mass.

Spotty showers and a bit cooler

SUNDAY: Highs around 81 today. Cloudy, then clearing toward the afternoon.

Here's a positively-tilted trough over northern Oklahoma right through SE Kansas and West Central MO. This image is right before it possibly forms a closed low over very SW Missouri.
That should keep us in scattered showers with a few T-storms today. These start out on the Kansas side this morning, then the MO side for the afternoon.
No severe weather expected - watch out for flash flooding, as storms will be very efficient rainmakers.
Have an awesome Sunday!

-Greg@660weather

Obituary - Ronnie Kahn

Ronald “Ronnie” Fox Kahn, 88, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 2, in Rancho Mirage, California, where he had maintained a winter home for many years.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 4, 1937, to Lester and Ethel Kahn, Ronnie grew up in Butler, Missouri. He attended Wentworth Military Academy, graduating in 1955, and later pursued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the ZBT Fraternity. He proudly served in the United States Army, primarily stationed in France. Upon returning home, he married the late Barbara C. Kahn, his devoted wife of 65 years, who died in September 2024.

A successful entrepreneur and business leader, Ronnie was the principal owner and chairman of several transportation and logistics companies, including Kahn Transportation Company, Central States Thermo King (CSTK), Double Check Company, Tri-State Equipment Company and Velociti Inc.

A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, Ronnie was a longtime season ticket holder, having secured his seats on the first day they became available in 1963. He also served as a Chiefs Red Coater, embracing his love for the team and community. In retirement, he became an avid golfer and canasta player, and he spent much of his time traveling the world and visiting Michelin-starred restaurants with Barbara.

Throughout his life, Ronnie remained actively engaged in philanthropy and business leadership. He was a member of the Thermo King and Chevrolet Dealer Advisory Councils, as well as a director of Boatsmen Bank in Butler, Missouri, and Tamarisk Country Club. His dedication to charitable causes was reflected in his service and dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Kansas City), the Mayo Clinic (Phoenix) and Beit T’Shuvah (Los Angeles). In 2023, he and Barbara were honored with the Harriet Award for their longstanding philanthropic efforts.

Ronnie was an unstoppable whirlwind of energy and mischief, delighting in playful antics and sparking joy in everyone he met.

Ronnie is survived by his children, Michael L. Kahn and Shelly Kahn Tessel; his grandchildren, Alexander “Sasha” Kahn, Lucie Tessel, Jonah Tessel and Teddy Tessel; his sisters, Lenita and Marcia (Mel); his brother-in-law, Edwin (Susan); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is survived by a wide circle of cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents and his favorite dog, Bogie.

A private family burial took place at Rose Hill Cemetery on June 6, officiated by Rabbi Kramer of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kahn Family Fund for AI Research and Innovation at the Mayo Clinic, a fund dedicated to Alzheimer research (Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905 or give.mayoclinic.org), or to Beit T’Shuvah (8831 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 or beittshuvah.org/support/donate).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Ronnie’s dedicated healthcare aides — Crystal, Lupe, Karen and Charlotte — his physician, Dr. Christopher Flores, and his nurse Jennifer at Mission Hospice Services for their compassionate care.

Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.

BCSO assists with Vernon county arrest

On 07-09-2025 The Vernon County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to area of Indian Springs in regards to a possible assault in progress. After arriving on scene, the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was identified as Christopher L McCurdy who had an active warrant. After a quick response from Bates County Sheriff's Office and our deputies, we were able to apprehend McCurdy in the town of Rockville, MO without further incident. McCurdy is being held on his current charges.

Numerous other charges have been sent over to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney for review.

I would like give a special thank you to the Bates County Sheriff's Department for assisting our deputies. Having an interworking relationship with surrounding counties and other law enforcement agencies aids in quick and safe action to resolve issues. I still remain committed to protecting the citizens of Vernon County.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

25VE-CR00301

569.160 Burglary 1st Degree, Felony B

565.074 Domestic Assault - 3rd Degree, Felony E

565.054 Assault - 3rd Degree, Felony E

569.120 Property Damage - 2nd Degree, Misdemeanor B

Bond $100,000 Cash Only

Scattered showers and cooler temps for the weekend

Bates County Fair royalty

 

Princess Laney Kohler and Queen Miranda Foster

Little Miss and Mister Bates County Addy Wainscott and Neil Kohler

Weekly report from the Bates County Commission

June 30, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Bid opening for Phone systems and Network systems. iNetVisions were the only bidders. Shane Balk with iNetVisions came in to go over the bids. The first bid for the Courthouse network systems is for $21,460.00 (1893), this will mirror what the administration building is running. Replacing the network and installing firewalls and power protection. There won’t be a central location due to the logistics they have being an old building. All the excessive cables will need to be identified and determined what is needed. This will make things easier for changes or repairs by cutting out the need to loop Lumen into the work order. Something that would take them 30 minutes takes days to get Lumen to do their part of the processes.
Trent made the motion to accept the Courthouse bid (1893) for $21,460.00. John seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
Second bid is the Phone systems for the Administration building, Courthouse and EMA building. $48,905.00 (1892) This should bring the phone bill down by eliminating all the rented and leased equipment. This will take some time to learn how each office utilizes their phone systems. Determining what equipment suits those needs more efficiently. This system should pay for itself in 18 months with monthly reoccurring payment savings.
John made the motion to accept iNetVisions proposal for the County’s phone systems for $48,905.00 (1892)
With the phone system moved to iNetVisions the monthly recurring charges will be $435.00 (1903) down from $3,222.26. This is mostly monitoring the system and making changes or repairs as needed.
John made the motion to accept the iNetVisions proposal for monthly reoccurring services for the Phone system of $435.00 (1903). Trent seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
The final proposal is for the internet service point-to-point with the county buildings. $42,465.00 (1900) after some discussion it was decided to drop the EMA building from point-to-point and go with fiber or Starlink. The total drops to $27,925.00 with just the Courthouse and Administration building.
Trent made the motion to accept the point-to-point internet connection with the Courthouse and the Administration Building for $27,925.00. John seconded the motion. All vote yes. Motion carried. No opposition.
Shane will check into putting fiber and Starlink into EMA. He will start on the project and suspects to have it completed by November 1.
During the wrap up of the meeting with iNetVisions an upset citizen later identified as Meredith Yarick barged in spouting his discontent with how the Senior Tax Credit was done. He stated that “the state deadline is the 30th of June, and I’m told now to sign up for the tax deal for senior citizens on your Property Assessment, Bates County’s got a different date. Is that true?” After calling the Commissioners’ names and stating his opinion of the elected officials he was told that the Ordinance was put into effect in January and the application period was from the first Monday in February to the last Monday in April. Official announcements were made in the Mid-America Shopper Paper, on the County Clerks Website and Facebook page. Next year at the same time he can apply then. He feels that it should have been left open till the 30 of June like Vernon County. He threw the pen down on the table which bounced off and hit one of the people sitting at the table and stated Trent would never get a vote “outta me again”.
Charles Rush with Cooks Insurance came in at this scheduled meeting to discuss the county's insurance policies, focusing on property and casualty and health insurance. Cooks have been serving the County’s insurance needs for 35 years. He states no other insurance broker in the county has all the coverage the county needs. Key points included the need for a comprehensive inspection before quoting new policies and the importance of choosing the right broker. The health insurance concerns highlighted were deductibles, out-of-network costs, and specific coverage issues like weight loss shots. The discussion also touched on the brokers’ financial contributions to local community projects and the importance of local representation in insurance services. Jim stated that with the upcoming policy renewal he would like to see all the elected officials sit in on the health insurance renewal. Charles stated he would like to have a health insurance representative there as well to better answer their questions.
Sheriff Chad Anderson, Chief Justin Corbin and Captain Shaffer came in to get the answer from the Commission on the Rodeo Invoice as stated last Wednesday. Chad started out by going over other the US Marshalls contract and how that progresses. He has talked to them about how he spends the money their reply was as long as he is following the contracted care, delivery and confinement of the inmates they have no interest in how it is spent. Chad stresses the importance of positive interaction with the community. Events like the Rodeo allow that to take place. Jim asked if with the funding that the Posse gets could they potentially pay part of this funding? Chad stated, “I don’t know that they would disagree with it.” Jim added, “We get the whole entity, everybody working together.” Chad offered if he could get the Posse to pick up $2500.00 (note in a later post from the Sheriff's Office it was determined to be $3,000.00 to make the full total of the Invoice which is $10,500.00) the County would pick up the rest? John stated “that blows a hole in the you can’t do this with federal money out of the water. Your still doing half of it” Jim asked if the Posse could come up with $5,000.00. Chad came back with how about $2,500.00 this year and next year doing more. Trent personally offered to put a donation into the Posse for $1,000.00. After some more discussion the motion was made.
John made the motion the County will pay $7,500.00 towards the Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo with the Posse paying $2500.00 ($3000.00) this year and next year paying 50% and the County 50%. Trent seconded the motion. Trent and John voted yes. Jim voted no. Motion carried. One opposition.

Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

Dates: July 04, 2025 – July 10, 2025

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:

• July 06, 2025 – Delivery of a Controlled Substance:

Sergeant Brandt and Deputy Moree conducted a vehicle check in the rural Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of John Hale, age 50, of Forest City, and Cristal Burgess, age 26, of Marshall, on a 24-hour investigative hold for delivery of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following further investigation, on July 7, 2025, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges, and the court issued warrants as follows:

John Hale: Charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class C Felony). A warrant was issued with a $25,000 cash-only bond.

Cristal Burgess: Charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class C Felony). A warrant was issued with a $10,000 cash-only bond.

• July 08, 2025 – Warrant:

Deputy England conducted a follow-up investigation in the Clinton area that resulted in the arrest of Jacob Bailey, age 22, of Clinton, for a Henry County failure-to-appear warrant for careless and imprudent driving.

• July 10, 2025 – Animal Neglect/Abandonment:

Sgt. Brandt conducted a follow-up investigation in the Clinton area and arrested Joseph Ash, age 30, of Clinton, and Mechele Sankey, age 23, of Clinton, on 24-hour investigative holds for animal neglect or abandonment.

• July 10, 2025 – Warrant:

Deputy Saulters arrested Kenneth Reed, age 60, of Clinton, at the courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for leaving the scene of an accident.

All individuals arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.

For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.

Big night ahead at the Bates County Fair, see you there!

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

 ATTENTION BATES COUNTY CHURCHES!!!- We are compiling a Church Directory for Bates County Missouri . If your church would like to be included, please contact us to insure yours is included .

Contact Jennifer @ 660-227-3852 or email us at midshopper@gmail.com

Sitting pretty at the Cass County Fair

 

New bleachers have been installed at the Cass County Fairgrounds making for a much improved experience for spectators. The fair continues now through Sunday at 308 W Commercial St, Pleasant Hill, MO, Missouri. 

The fair schedule can be viewed here https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2025/07/cass-county-fair-schedule.html

Possible severe weather tonight, a look at the weekend

Sorry kids: No cell phone use at public schools law kicks in this year

 

In Missouri, the new law banning cell phone use in schools during the school day includes exceptions for students with disabilities, emergencies, and when authorized by a teacher or district for educational purposes. The law does not mandate that phones be locked away, leaving it to individual districts to determine how to handle phone storage, according to the Newspressnow.com.

Free sports physicals info with corrected times

 

Bates County Fair baby contest winners

 

Adrian Optimists offering FREE child ID event

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Obituary - Ruth Ann Antrim

Ruth Ann Antrim, formerly Hueston, passed away July 2025 after bravely battling cancer for many years. Ruth Ann was 74 years old. She lived and worked in the Mound City and Fort Scott, Kansas areas her entire life. She was the daughter of Kenneth and Marie Hueston. Born on May 21, 1951. She attended school in Mapleton, Fulton, and finally at Uniontown where she graduated from. Ruth Ann married Guy Antrim on November 4, 1977 in Mapleton, Kansas. This union led to two children, Brian and Michael. Ruth Ann already had a son, Jerry from a previous relationship. She worked in many different places during her life. The Fort Scott Tribune, Western Insurance Companies, SEKAN printing and Ennis Business Forms from which she retired. She also worked part-time in nursing homes as well as the Fort Scott Livestock Auction. At one time, she was working three jobs. Whatever she had to do to take care of her family, she did. Ruth Ann loved animals and raised many dozens of orphaned rabbits. It was hoped no one was giving away a wayward buffalo, because she would have tried to rear it. The one thing that she loved and cherished more than anything were her boys. She sacrificed everything for them and to know she was only a phone call away, brought great comfort to them. Although, her own boys came first, a very close second were the multiple neighborhood boys who were always a fixture at her house. Usually to eat. It was not unusual to have six or eight boys plus her three to feed. Being able to produce enough homemade chicken and noodles to feed a platoon of teenage boys was an absolute miracle. Yet she did it every weekend, from yeast rolls to cream peas and potatoes, no one went away hungry. Indeed, many of her most famous dishes seemed to defy the laws of physics, as they cannot be duplicated to this day. Ruth Ann knew how to raise hard working, honest kids. Indeed, some of the boys brought girlfriends and fiances by, to get her approval. She loved her friends and cousins or really anybody that would stand still long enough to receive a hug. You weren't getting away without one. Ruth Ann had an absolute uncanny sense of time. If you left her house she knew, plus or minus ten minutes, about how long it should take you. If you didn't report in, you were getting a phone call. There are going to be a lot of us missing those first thing in the morning calls as well. You know who you are. She cared for her parents as they struggled with health issues. Her husband, Guy had a long struggle with cancer and this really wore her down. The loss of her youngest son, Michael, was something that she never fully recovered from, even after twenty years. If a cousin or friend came by the house, she was quick to jump in the car and off they went. She loved flowers, gardening and sarcasm. The latter will be sorely missed. Ruth Ann Antrim is survived by a brother, Tom Hueston and his wife, Jeanie of Mapleton, Kansas, two sons, Jerry Anderson of McCune, Kansas and Brian Antrim and wife, Becky of Prescott, Kansas, four grandchildren, Dreyton, Connery, Kendall and Axle. Too many other boys to mention, but you know who you are.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, July 15 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel. Visitation will be from 10 am to service time. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Care to Share of Linn County and may be sent in care of the Schneider Funeral Home P.O. Box J Mound City, Kansas 66056.

Just under two months until 8 man football season

 Click image to enlarge, save or print

Just 50 Days until the 2025 Missouri 8-Man Football Season and for a historical perspective, here are the final four teams and championship game score for every Missouri 8-Man Football Season from 1988 to 2024.

Obituary - Floyd Donald Stepp

 Floyd Donald Stepp, 84, of Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Medicalodges, Nevada, following a brief illness.  Floyd was born on February 16, 1941, to Robert and Agnes Stepp.  He was married to Barbara Bishop on April 28, 1984, in Aurora, Colorado.  She preceded him in death on April 19, 2016.

    Floyd grew up in California.  After his marriage, he and Barbara came to Nevada, Missouri from Colorado.  Floyd was a truck driver his entire life, retiring from Tyson Foods in 2010.  He was an avid football fan and loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs. 

    Floyd is survived by his children, Pam Bozworth (Richard, Jr), Nevada, MO, Jeffrey Bishop (Terri), Ft. Scott, KS, Mark Bishop, St. Joseph, MO, and Gregory Bishop (Christina), Nevada, MO; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.   In addition to his wife, Barbara, Floyd was preceded in death by a son, Donald Wayne Stepp; his parents; 2 sisters, Estoal Woodcook and Helen Reynolds; and 3 brothers, Lee Stepp, Robert Stepp, and Walter Stepp.

    A private family committal will be held in Newton Burial Park at a later date under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home.

Show results from the Bates County Fair

 This page will be updated as more results are available

Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship Lambs, Whitley Randalls

Grand Champion Market Goat Sire - Milkman Shown by Chezney Early

Grand champion Junior Goat Showman. Ellie McSperitt

Grand Champion Market Lamb Miranda Foster

Lottie McEwan, Grand Champion Meat Pen and Reserve Grand Champion Junior Showmanship

Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship Goats- Hadley Brooks

Grand Champion Doe shown by Dani Bolling

Grand Champion Buck shown by Dani Bolling

Penelope Kassner Grand Champion Junior Showmanship

Kinsley Fletcher, Novice High Point Performance & Running Events Champion