Rich Hill FD dispatched for tractor fire late last night

Shortly before midnight, Rich Hill Fire was dispatched to a tractor fire near several structures on County Road 4036. Due to the proximity to the buildings, as well as the distance from town. RHFD initially requested tanker assistance from the Butler Fire Department.

Upon arrival, RHFD determined the additional support was not required and canceled the request for Butler Fire. We appreciate the strong working relationship we share with our neighboring departments.

Notice from the Drexel police department

On Tuesday at about 10:30 AM, a member of our community received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a member of the Drexel Police Department.

This individual identified themselves as Captain Kennedy, and was able to call using our real Drexel PD phone number.

Our community member though, was quick on their feet and did not fall for the scam at hand. Thus, causing the caller to terminate the call.

Please rest assured, that no member of the Drexel Police Department will EVER call you asking for bail / fine money, Cryptocurrency, or gift cards (EG: iTunes, Amazon) or anything similar.

If you have experienced this type of call, please contact me either in-person or via Messenger.

Feel free to share.

-Chief Downey

Cooler today - 60's next week

Attention seniors: Feel better with easy exercises!

 

Learn to use deer tallow at home during two virtual MDC programs on Feb. 25

HANNIBAL, Mo. - Learn how to use deer tallow from the comfort of your own home during two virtual programs on Feb. 25 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Historically, many parts of harvested deer were used for survival. From meat for consumption to candle making from the tallow, every usable part of a harvested deer was carefully conserved.

These virtual workshops will demonstrate techniques for rendering fat and processing tallow. Participants will receive instructions on how to create heel balm, body butter, candles, and fire starters at home.  

MDC staff will use deer fat for the demonstration. Participants are invited to follow along using fat from deer they harvest. To collect deer fat, skin the deer and remove the hard, waxy fat from the back of the deer and around the kidneys. Once the fat has been removed, freeze it in a container or zip bag.

The first virtual session will be held from 12-1 p.m., and participants can register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oJC. The second session will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and participants can register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oJF

Learn more about The Wall That Heals coming to Bates County this Spring

Follow this link to learn more about The Wall That Heals, a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC set to come to Butler beginning April 30th https://thewallthathealsbatescounty2026.org

Apply now to be a Century Farm

Become a Missouri Century Farm!

Since its inception in 1976, the Missouri Century Farms program has celebrated farms that have remained within the same family for a century or more. This initiative honors the dedication and hard work of Missouri's farmers, who have played a pivotal role in our state's history and continue to nourish our nation.

So far, more than 8,000 farms have received this recognition.

If your farm has been in the family for 100+ years as of Dec. 31, 2026, apply for the Century Farm designation and receive a certificate, sign and booklet to commemorate your heritage.

Apply today: https://brnw.ch/21wZAJm

Obituary - Wayne Warren Fode

Wayne Warren Fode, age 89 of Ozark, MO passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026.

     Wayne was born September 18, 1936, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, to Gotthelf and Emelia (Laux) Fode. He had a lifetime career in freight traffic and transportation with extensive experience in various aspects of the transportation industry in Canada. After relocating to Southern California, he continued his career in trucking and freight forwarding. He worked as a salesman for Bullet Freight Services, in Los Angeles, CA, then served as the Western Regional Sales Manager until his retirement. After retiring, he continued as a consulting agent for the company.

     On March 18, 1989, he married Janie McGehee of Nevada, Missouri. They lived in Anaheim Hills, California until retiring to Ozark, MO in 2004.

     Wayne is survived by his wife, Janie Fode; two sons, Brent Fode, Los Angeles, CA and Scott Fode, Ozark, MO; three step-daughters, Cindy Swisher, Lake Ozark, MO, Lisa Jajko, Ozark, MO and Jamie Patrick, Branson, MO; two sisters, Joy St. Amand, and Hope Woods, both of Montreal, Canada; nieces and nephews, Patrick, Terry, Jamie, Katherine, Victoria, and Tracy; grandchildren, Ashley, Chelsea, Baylee, Nikki, Sam, Aaron, Katie, Maddie, Addison, and Sydney; as well as several great-nieces and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kathy Perret.

       A graveside service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Newton Burial Park in Nevada, MO.