Thursday, June 25, 2026
2 injured in crash on I-49 overpass near Butler
According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, two people received moderate injuries Wednesday afternoon, June 24th, just after 3 pm at the intersection of the southbound I-49 ramp to west 52 highway.
The report
indicates that a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer driven by a 68 year old Butler man
collided with a 2013 Nissan Maxima driven by a 71 year old Urich, MO man as the
driver attempted a left turn onto 52 highway. The drivers were taken to Bates
County Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Both
vehicles were totaled and towed from the scene.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Bates County Elks Fireworks open June 26th
Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with a bang at the Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand .
Opening June 26th in the parking lot of Family Center in Butler, the Bates County Elks have everything you need for a spectacular red, white, and blue celebration. From fireworks for the kids to breathtaking aerial displays, it's your one-stop shop for Independence Day fun.
Don't miss over 20 different fountains priced under 10 dollars each, plus the crowd-favorite Gangster Series Finale Cake!
Best of all, every dollar you spend helps support community projects right here at home.
The Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand—opening June 26th through 10 pm July 5th, find them at the Family Center parking lot in Butler. Celebrate 250 years of America with fireworks that light up the sky and give back to the community!
Bates County Cattlemen attend the bask and the Steak Dinner Night
The Bates County Cattlewomen will sell 10 dollar, Ruben Sandwiches Tuesday, July 7th at this year’s Bates County Fair’s Bash. Look for their booth on location following the parade and until the Ruben’s are sold out! The Cattlemen will serve Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, smoked meat and Ribeye Sandwich with chips and a drink at their booth. All prices will be posted.
Then come back to the Fair on Thursday evening July 9th
for the traditional Bates County Cattlemen’s Dinner. 10 ounce Ribeye steaks will hit the grill from 5 pm until 7
pm. This year, the Cattlemen have
partnered with Hertzog Meat Company to feature premium Angus Steaks, aged 44
days through dry and wet methods. This process is normally offered to highend
restaurants. So you know the dollars you spend
This bone-in Ribeye is on display at the meat counter
of the Hertzog Meat Company on Fort Scott Street, prior to deboning and making
its way to the Bates County Cattlemen’s Grill.
That’s a reminder that the Bates County Cattlewomen
will be selling Ruben Sandwiches during the Bash on Tuesday, July 7th.
Cattlemen will have a booth at the bash selling Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers,
pulled meat and Ribeye Sandwiches with chips and a drink. All prices will be
posted.
Followed by The Bates County Cattlemen at the grill Thursday evening, serving
Hertzog Ribeye Loin steaks off the grill at 5 pm until the food is gone. Cattlemen’s Dinners will cost 25 dollars per
plate at this year’s event.
The Bates County Fair will be held July 6th
through July 10th at the Bates County Fairgrounds .
Deputy Involved Shooting in Rural Archie
Deputy Involved Shooting in
Rural Archie
On 06/24/26, at approximately 8:11 a.m.,
deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 32000 block of Dorsett
Hill Lane in rural Archie.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered an armed
male in the driveway.
An exchange of gunfire occurred between the
suspect and the deputies.
The suspect sustained a gunshot wound, and
deputies administered life-saving measures until the arrival of EMS. The
suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured
during this incident. The Western Missouri Sheriff’s Critical Incident
Investigation Team (W.M.S.C.I.I.T.) has been activated to conduct an
investigation.
As this is an active investigation, no further information is available at this time.
Forrest “Dean” Keiser, age 91 of Rich Hill
From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Forrest “Dean” Keiser, age 91 of Rich Hill
died Wednesday, June 17 at Medicalodge in Butler.Graveside services and inurnment will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Rich Hill.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory. In lieu of flowers,
contributions to the Kern Center, Rich Hill 4th of July Committee or the McGennis Youth Center. Online
condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com
Dean is survived by two daughters, Sheila Steuck (Terry) and Becky Jacks (Lynn) all of Rich Hill; one
son, Mike Keiser (Georgia) of Adrian; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren;
and sister-in-law, Norma Blevins.
That’s Dean Keiser with graveside service and inurnment 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Greenlawn
Cemetery in Rich Hill. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory
in Butler.
Johnnie Rice, 74 of Butler
Johnnie Rice, 74 of Butler, Missouri passed away Thursday, June
18, 2026 at Butler Care Center in Butler. Private burial services will
take place in Darlington Cemetery near Albany, Missouri. Services under
the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages
of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Johnnie Lee Rice was born on March 5, 1952, in the quaint town of
Urich, Missouri,
The son of James and Bernice David Rice, who preceded him in death
and whose loving legacy he carried forward throughout his life. The bond they
shared was a testament to the strength and warmth of family ties, grounding him
in values that would shape his interactions with everyone he met.
Johnnie was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
His passion for riding his bicycle brought him a sense of freedom and
adventure, while his fondness for a good cup of coffee and heartfelt
conversations made him a cherished companion to all who knew him. Johnnie's
social nature was infectious, and he was known for his warmth and ability to
make everyone feel welcome and valued.
A favorite among the caretakers and nurses at Butler Care Center,
Johnnie's sunny disposition and appreciation for life's small pleasures, such
as facility activities and card games, made him a beloved figure among staff
and residents alike. His ability to find joy in everyday moments was a
testament to his happy and resilient spirit, endearing him to all who had the
privilege of crossing paths with him.
Johnnie is survived by his sister, Dolah Edwards of Butler,
Missouri. He also leaves behind his
nieces, Kathy, Sherry, and Denise, who, along with many extended family members
and friends, carry forward his spirit of joy and kindness.
Johnnie's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the
staff of Butler Care Center for the loving and attentive care provided to him
over the years. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort not only to
Johnnie but also to those who loved him dearly.
As we bid farewell to Johnnie Lee Rice, we celebrate a life filled
with love, laughter, and an unwavering zest for living. While he may no longer
walk among us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all those he touched. May
we honor his memory by embracing the simple joys of life and cherishing every
moment spent with loved ones.
Boil Advisory Issued for P.W.D. #5
This Public Service Information is courtesy of Dane Diehl, your 125th State Representative. Paid for by Diehl for Missouri, Treasurer Jered Liles.
A Boil Advisory has been issued for P.W.D. #5 in the Altona area due to a water main break. Customers living on and north of County Rd. 13004 are advised to boil their water for 3 minutes before cooking or drinking. Boil Advisory remains in effect until Friday evening, June 26th.
Political Advertising Deadline
Political Candidates that will be using FM 92.1 to campaign. The deadline to get those advertisements to our automation decks will be Friday, July 17th . This allows time to get orders placed in the system and commercials recorded. We thank you for your attention to this detail. The primary election will be held August 4th. Polls will be open between 6 am and 7 pm.
Vicky J. Cumpton, age 69 of Rich Hill
Vicky J. Cumpton, age 69 of Rich Hill, MO passed away Monday, June 22, 2026 at Medicalodge of Butler. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. with Services following, at the Myrtle Tree Fellowship Church in Rich Hill. Memorials suggested to Myrtle Tree Fellowship Church.
Vicky is survived by her husband, Allen Cumpton of the home; 4 children, Tonya & Nick Gilkey, Afton Becker (Harrisonville, MO, Larry & Ashley Cumpton, and Tyler & Sam Cumpton, all of Rich Hill, MO; along with 6 Grandchildren.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Brenda Doody attends Nationally Sanctioned Guardianship Course
Doody Attends National Level Guardianship Training
Brenda Doody, Bates County Public Administrator, took part in a 5-module nationally sanctioned
Guardianship online course: Fundamentals of Guardianship Today. Over the three-month
period of classes, Mrs. Doody honed and furthered her knowledge in opening a guardianship
case with an individual, two class modules of being guardian of the person, guardianship of the
estate and finances, and lastly end of life guardianship.
Brenda stated, “The Fundamentals of Guardianship is a wonderful course taught by very
knowledgeable instructors. I learned a lot and was able to network with other public and private
guardians from around the nation who added valuable perspective. It was great to be able to get
involved in breakout sessions and work on example cases which follow all our caseloads.”
Mrs. Doody was elected to the office of Bates County Public Administrator in November 2020
and took office in January 2021. While she had great training from her predecessor, she feels
that continuing her education is crucial to staying on top of an ever-changing field. Brenda is
currently working on becoming a Nationally Certified Guardian. She states, “Becoming a
Certified National Guardian is not a requirement in the state of Missouri. However, I believe if a
person wants to do a good job and serve their people to the best of their ability, the extra
education is vital.” Brenda is serving her second term as Bates County Public Administrator.
