Shirley Ruth (Zumbrunnen) Fischer, 87, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026.

         Shirley was born February 17, 1939, near Prairie City, Bates County, Missouri, to Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen. She was baptized on March 12, 1939, and confirmed on October 14, 1951, at Evangelical and Reformed Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Her confirmation Bible verse was Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Her faith in her Lord and Savior remained a central part of her life.

         After graduating from Rich Hill high school in 1957, Shirley worked at Great Lakes Pipe Line in Kansas City and Security Bank in Rich Hill.

         On August 16, 1959, Shirley married Earl James Fischer at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri. Together they built a loving home and raised their family. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cared for her family and served her church and community.

         Shirley was a wonderful cook; her family was especially fond of her crescent rolls. Summers were spent gardening, canning, and helping her children prepare for the fair. She generously shared her time and talents as a 4-H project, club, and community leader.

         Shirley’s faith and love for her Savior were evident throughout her life as she faithfully used the gifts God had given her to serve and bless others. She served as church pianist and organist for over forty years. She was an active member and officer of Zion Ladies Aid and willingly gave her time and talents to support the church and christian dayschool in many ways.

         Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always willing to babysit as long as she was able. Her home was a place of faith, love, good food, laughter, and hospitality. She treasured the time spent with her family and created many memories that will remain with them.

         After her children were out of school, Shirley worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Dr. Lanyon’s dental office in Butler. Shirley and Earl also enjoyed traveling together and took many trips after retirement.

         Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Sophia (Lee) Zumbrunnen; her brother, Gerald Zumbrunnen and two brothers who died in infancy; her parents-in-law, Alfred and Elsie Fischer; her brother- and sister-in-law, Hubert and Liz Fischer; and her great-granddaughter, Avery O’Farrell.

         Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Earl Fischer, of the home; her children, Denise (Gary) O’Farrell, Jeffrey (Sheila) Fischer, Debbie (Ricky) Boin, and Jerrell (Jill) Fischer;

her grandchildren, Adam (Jamie) O’Farrell, Kevin (Kristin) O’Farrell, April (Don) Schartman, Krista (Chadd) Greenlee, Brandon (Kelly) Fischer, Michael (Katie) Boin, Megan (Robert) Chester, Taylor (Kellen) Lippold, and James (Gwen) Fischer; and her great-grandchildren, Reagan, Rylee, Liam, Hayden, Owen, and Colin O’Farrell; Shane Brown; Noah Schartman; Brody, Jackson, and Carys Greenlee; Beau and Grace Fischer; Beckham and Declan Boin; and Caden and Kylie Chester. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martie Zumbrunnen, and a host of nieces and nephews.

         Shirley will always be deeply loved by her family and friends. Her quiet faith, generous heart, loving care, and devotion to her family and church touched countless lives. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

Shirley Ruth Fischer

 

February 17, 1939 – August 8, 2026

Age:  87 Years, 5 Months, 22 Days

 

SERVICE

Zion Lutheran Church

Prairie City, Missouri

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

10:00 a.m.

 

VISITATION

Zion Lutheran - Parish Hall

Prairie City, Missouri

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

 

OFFICIANT

Pastor Jeffrey Kyler

 

INTERMENT

Zion Lutheran Cemetery

Prairie City, Missouri

 

MEMORIAL

Zion Lutheran Church

 

 

 

 

Web site location:  www.hillandson.net

Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Missouri

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What's Up by Leroy Cook

 What's Up  by LeRoy Cook  August 10, 2026

Suggested Banner: Out With The Old, In With The New

 

Now that we’ve settled into the second week of August, cooler temperatures have begun to alternate with the 100-degree heat, so some flying took place on the nicer mornings. Now it’s the fog season, when taking off at dawn runs the risk of running into ground fog forming as the sun comes up. Keep an eye on the spread between temperature and dew point; if it’s less than three degrees, it might fog in.

 

Of the few aircraft seen going in and out last week, we saw a nicely-restored Beech T-34 Navy Trainer from the 1950s on the ramp. Jacob Moser was up from Nevada in his Citabria 7ECA and Tom Bowles flew down from Kansas City in his Cessna Turbo Skylane RG. A couple of Piper Archer trainers were in as well.

 

When it comes to retiring aging Air Force airplanes, it appears that the T-1A Jayhawk is next on the list. Back in 1993, the USAF bought a bunch of Beechjet 400’s from Beech Aircraft, once known as the Mitsubishi 300 before Beech bought the type. They were used to train bombardiers and navigators out of Vance AFB in Oklahoma. Now they are going to use ground-mounted flight simulators to do the job of the Jayhawk jets, which I’m sure will be eminently satisfactory.

 

Also going away at the end of last month was the Navy’s last C-2A Greyhound ship-to-shore airplane, in service since 1966 shuttling cargo and people back and forth to aircraft carriers. The Grumman C-2A turboprop took over the job of the Grumman Tracker piston-engine COD (carrier onboard delivery) airplane. Now the COD mission will fall to the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, with a checkered safety record and no ability to be stored on a hangar deck.

 

Are you ready to invest in a four-seat electric airplane? A Colorado oufit called Cosmic Aerospace is now taking $2500 deposits for its proposed Cosmic One, which is supposed to fly in 2028 and start deliveries in 2029. Powered by six “electric propulsors” (whatever that is), it’ll fly at 250 knots, have two hours of endurance and can be recharged in 30 minutes. Step right up, folks, they’re gonna be selling fast…

 

Last Monday, United Aircraft in Russia flew its Yakovlev MC-21-310 airliner for the first time, an attempt to produce an all-domestic 737-size airplane to avoid the parts and support problems with the Ukraine War sanctions imposed on Western equipment. Based on an earlier Yak design, the new plane has all-Russian engines, landing gear, avionics and other systems. An initial batch of 18 units is being produced for certification.

 

Also making an first appearance on Friday was the first new U.K.-produced Britten-Norman BN-2B Islander utility plane, a design dating from 1965 as a small-route 10-seat airliner with fixed landing gear and 250-hp piston engines. Built on the Isle of Wight off the English coast, the first of the rejuvenated Islanders is going to the Falkland Islands air service.

 

In last week’s column, we wanted to know where Lockheed Aircraft Co.’s famous “Skunk Works” secret division got its name. Reader Rodney Rom figured it was from a smelly plastics plant next door to Lockheed’s special-projects division, which was where the P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter was built during WW-2. For next week’s brain-teaser, tell us what kept the Browning .50-caliber machine guns in wartime bomber and fighter planes from overheating during extending firing, at 6600 rounds per minute. You can send your answers to [email protected].

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Patrick Gains of Butler, Missouri was arrested in connection with an Internet Crimes Against Children

 On August 6, 2026, 34-year-old Patrick Gains of Butler, Missouri was arrested in connection with an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation conducted by the Bates County Sheriff's Office Detectives, who are assigned to the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (WMICAC). Gains has been charged with four felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography (possessing more than 20 images or one video/film) and is currently in custody on a $500,000.00 cash-only bond.

The investigation began after the Bates County Sheriff's Office received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) flagging more than 200 images of apparent child pornography​. A months long investigation led to Gains being identified as the suspect.

On August 6, 2026, a search warrant was served at Gains' residence in Butler, Missouri, with assistance from the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT). Multiple electronic devices were seized during the search, and numerous images were discovered. These devices will undergo forensic analysis, and investigators expect to ammend charges to reflect additional images and videos once the analysis is complete.

WMICAC is spearheaded by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and includes personnel from agencies within Bates, Cass, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline Counties. It operates as an affiliate of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (MOICAC).

The Bates County Sheriff's Office extends its thanks to the Missouri STAT team for providing the equipment and resources that assisted with this case. Regarding the operation, Sheriff Anderson stated, "Bates County continues to take steps to keep our community and children safe, and places the safety of our future generations at the top of the priority list. Combining efforts with multiple agencies and maintaining a working relationship with those agencies is what makes operations like this a success."

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Happy Anniversary

 

Happy Anniversary Derailed Commodity of Butler Celebrate 59 years with Derailed Commodity of Butler during  their Anniversary Sale, happening August 1st through September 30th! Save 10% on vinyl plank, carpet, and sheet vinyl flooring. Save 15% on all in-stock furniture and wall art. Plus, save 25% on all area rugs to complete your space! Stop by Derailed Commodity open  Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check out this sale and more on the Derailed Commodity Facebook Page.

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Sound Adjustments

 The 92.1 Country listening audience has been experiencing extreme fluctuation in the sound of our broadcast from airing the  Brownfield programs and top of the hour World News, and then making the transition back to music and commercials. Temporary adjustments have been made but we are not back to 100 percent normal range. New Equipment has been ordered to repair the problem. Be patient with us as we wait for our engineer and the new equipment. 92.1 KMOE Radio Station.

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The Little Apple

Election results from the St. Clair Co Clerk:

Republican: State Auditor: Fitzpatrick 657  Wistrand 354    US Rep: Alford 1578  Shelton 420  Vera 109    State Rep #28: Kalberloh 2025 

State Senator #4: Alexander 1114  Pollitt 676  Lentz 377   Associate Court Judge: Baker 1966  County Clerk: Fletcher 1868 

Collector: Guffey 2072     Treasurer: Freeman 954  Kneller 1162  Clerk of Circuit Court: Harper 1163  Roth 1040   Recorder: Jackson 1974

Presiding Commissioner: Byrne 274  Meredith 595  Mallicoat 268  Stoddard  447 Bryant 68  Gardner 553  Prosecuting Atty: Dysart 1965

Democratic: Auditor: Wilson 190  Upchurch 111  US Rep: Herrera 64  Russell 33  Gray 36  Rick 4  Cass 66  Rogers 58  Miller 49

US Rep #126: Perry 301 State Senator #28: McCaffree 294    Libertarian: Auditor: Coffell 12    US Rep: Holbrook 12 

Amendment #1: yes 2019  no 657  Amendment #2: yes 2003   no 639  Amendment #4: yes 641  no 2063  Amendment #5: yes 426  no 2279

 

The Depot Taco Salad Lunch will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026 serving 11:00-1:00. The taco salad with toppings, drinks and a variety of homemade cakes all for $10, will be served at the historic MKT Railroad Depot.  You may dine in or carry out.  All proceeds are used by the Appleton City Museum for the maintenance of the Depot, Historic WH Appleton Library, Moore School and Museum. Please join them as Appleton City Landmarks Restoration continues to celebrate its 40 year anniversary this year.

 

Growing in Grace Community Center will have a back to school bash 1:00-3:00 p.m. August 8. They will have a taco bar, soft -serve ice cream and cookies, clothing giveaway, and Heather Smith will be giving haircuts from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at The Red Door. All clothing and haircuts will be free to the kids. Taco bar is free will donation to help with cost. If anyone has any clothing donations or just want to help with cost of haircuts or school supplies, please let them know by text 660 492 3425.

 

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Rodney Leiber will have a short devotional. 

 

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, August 9 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

 

The Museum will be open this Saturday, August 8, 1:30-4:30 and there will be a demonstration on an old treadle sewing machine as Kenna Bartz sews quilt blocks.  The "Forty Quilts for Forty Years" of the Museum Anniversary runs through August 28 at 503 N Maple, Appleton City, MO. 

 

The AC Public Library has some fun upcoming events for adults and kids.  August 10 at 11:00 p.m., they have a special story hour for kids learning about germs and the importance of hand washing with the St. Clair County Health Department. Perfect for right before school starts.  August 12, at 4:30-6:30 for Adult's Craft Night, they will be painting your very own barn quilts. Stop by the library to sign up.  August 17 at 11:00, they will be hosting a story hour and back to school bash with free school supplies through the Center of Human Services and other fun activities for the kids. Stop by for information about our Adult's Book Club and their book for September, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.

 

Do you remember the Dari-Burg and Evonne Reed in her waitress uniform? If you have a picture of her and/or Ernest Reed that the AC Museum could copy, please contact Linda Lampkin at [email protected]

 

The AC Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates have been set for September 25 & 26. Permit details will be posted at a later date.

 

“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations.  Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to [email protected] by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive "The Little Apple" free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to [email protected] If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for August. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Wednesday,  August 5 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, August 6 - OB/Gyn- Dr. Kallberg,  Friday, August 7 – Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Tuesday,  August 11 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday, August 12- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Thursday, August 13- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA, Friday August 14 –Orthopedic-Dr. Gray, Wednesday, August 19 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday, August 20 –Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Friday, August 21 – Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP, Tuesday, August 25 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Wednesday,  August 26 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,  Wednesday,  August 26 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, August 27 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday, August 28– Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug 8     Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

Aug 8     Sewing/quilt making demonstration at the AC Museum 1:30-4:30

Aug 8     Growing In Grace Back to School Bash 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Aug 9     Pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Aug 12   Depot Taco Salad Lunch serving 11:00-1:00

 

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Nevada Police Responded to a Residence after Neighbors Report an Armed Gunman

 On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 3:41 p.m., officers with the Nevada Police Department responded to the area of Maple Street and Cedar Street following reports of a subject discharging a firearm multiple times in a residential neighborhood.

Witnesses reported that after firing the weapon, the suspect returned inside the residence before re-emerging wearing body armor and carrying a shotgun. As numerous law enforcement officers responded to the area and began searching for the individual, it was reported that the suspect had gone back inside the residence.

Officers quickly identified the residence involved and began making contact. A short time later, the suspect exited the home unarmed and was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives with the Nevada Police Department obtained a search warrant to continue the investigation. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered multiple spent shell casings, two firearms, and the body armor believed to have been worn during the incident.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported to law enforcement officers, members of the community, or the defendant.

The individual arrested has been identified as 57-year-old Brian Gregory of Nevada.

On August 4, 2026, the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Gregory with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class B Felony. Gregory is currently being held at the Vernon County Jail without bond.

The Nevada Police Department would like to recognize the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by the responding officers. This incident had the potential to escalate into a tragic situation, and the coordinated response by law enforcement allowed the suspect to be taken into custody safely.

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Debra Coonce Miller, age 69 of Rich Hill

 Debra Coonce Miller, age 69 of Rich Hill, MO passed away July 31st at her home.

Graveside services and visitation will be held Wednesday, August 5th from 10-11:00 am at the Heuser Funeral Home with graveside services following in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill.

Debra is survived by her children Shyla Coonce, Slade and Michelle Coonce, 3 sisters, 1 brother, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Debra Miller Memorial Fund

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Joyce Keith, 90, of Rich Hill, MO

 Joyce Keith, 90 of Rich Hill, Missouri passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at her home in Rich Hill.  Cremation, with private family services to be held.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Lavern Rogers Keith was born March 9, 1936 in Current View, Missouri, the daughter of Roy and Ruby Maxine Stone Rogers.  She grew up and attended Current View schools graduating in 1954.  She lived in St. Peters, MO. for 50 years where she raised her two daughters, Mona and Kathy before moving to Rich Hill, MO where she had resided for 15 years.  Most of her life Joyce worked various jobs including a lot times work in factories.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Keith of Rich Hill, MO., and Mona Keith of Hawk Point, MO.

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook

 Aviators avoided the scorching heat most of last week, preferring to have the plane back in the hangar by noon, when the ground temp topped 100 F. We found 80-degreea  flight at 4000 feet on Monday, but we couldn’t stay there because it was a training sortie and landing circuits were on the agenda. The welcome cooling over the weekend bode well for August flying.

 

Among the transient travelers were a nicely-restored 1947 Globe Swift, a Cessna Skylane and a Piper Archer.. Locally, the Koehn Skyhawk was out and I flew in a Cessna 182.

 

ere was some flying done last week, by getting out early. From the local hangars, Jim Ferguson had his Cessna Skylane up, Jeremie Platt flew his Grumman Tiger, Randy Miller exercised the club Skyhawk and Jon Laughlin came through with his Piper Cherokee 180C. The BCS AirTractor was out doing spraying early and late, and Chris Hall brought his Beech King Air E90 home from the shop.

 

We received word over the weekend of the passing of long-time pilot and Merwin resident Leslie “Buster” Chambers. I was proud to call Buster one of my pilot graduates, although he was mostly taught to fly by WW-II instructor Bob Leuthart. He’s now gone on to fly higher than ever. We’ll miss him here but hope to see him later on. At ease, Colonel Chambers.

 

Now that the FAA released the final guidelines for new aircraft certification under the MOSAIC rules, permitted in a new FAR Part 22, the first such airplanes are being delivered. The first one was turned over to its new owner at Oshkosh last week, a Van’s RV-12is that’s being put to work at a Tennessee flight school. Once known as light sport certification, MOSAIC replaces the LSA with no weight limitations, only stall speed limits. To move from Experimental to Part 22 certification, the RV-12 had to incorporate turnover structure, a canopy breaker and a standby alternator.

 

There continues to be confusion about the Sport Pilot rules, compared to Light Sport Aircraft certification, now replaced by MOSAIC. First, the pilot rules: There is a Sport Pilot license, that can be earned with lighter training requirements and no need for an FAA medical certificate. It allows the holder to fly aircraft meeting MOSAIC standards, including those already flying under earlier certifications. However, if a pilot already holds a higher grade of license (Private Pilot or higher), he or she can operate such aircraft as a Sport Pilot, under sport-pilot restrictions.

 

Now, the aircraft rules: What used to be Light Sport Airplanes, with a gross weight of 1320 pounds (600 kilograms) or less, are now covered by MOSAIC certification standards, set by ASTM consensus instead of FAA supervision. MOSAIC has no weight restriction, just low stall speed standards, and older aircraft certified under FAA Part 23 rules can also be flown by Sport Pilots or higher pilot certifications, as long as Sport Pilot restrictions are followed, such as one passenger only, with no more than four seats. But if you want to build and sell a new aircraft, you now have the choice of certifying it under Part 23 or the less-rigorous MOSAIC standards.

 

Companies from the third-world cheap-labor countries are salivating over the chance to make plastic planes powered by non-traditional engines, certified under MOSAIC, which they can sell to the gold-mine U.S. market. Problem is, by the time they get them equipped like American buyers want, the price climbs to $250,000 or more, so the envisioned sales aren’t there. We’d rather fix up good old used planes for less money.

 

From last week’s column, our question was “What’s the Republic/Fairchild A-10 attack plane’s official name?” As Dennis Jacobs knew, the old Warthog is officially the Thunderbolt II, named from Republic’s P-47 Thunderbolt fighter. For next week, what airline did Howard Hughes fly for in 1932? You can send your answers to [email protected].

-END-

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Butler Business of the Month

 

Hands-On Care for Our Community Families

What makes the Health Center so special is how deeply they care about our kids and families beyond clinic walls. They work year-round to keep our community safe, equipped, and supported through fantastic local programs:

• 🚗 Child Passenger Safety & Car Seat Classes: Certified technicians guide expectant moms and parents through proper car seat installation—providing free convertible seats and boosters to help keep our smallest neighbors safe on every drive.

• 🚲 Bike Safety & Helmets: Distributing helmets through local events to keep kids active and protected.

• 🎒 Back-to-School Support & Safe Sitter Training: Helping young students get ready for the school year and empowering youth ages 11–13 with essential babysitting, safety, and first-aid skills.

🌼 Core Services They Offer Every Day:

• 👶 WIC & Family Support: Nutrition guidance, health screenings, and healthy food support for growing families.

• 💉 Immunizations & Vaccines: Walk-in childhood and adult vaccinations keeping our community protected year-round.

• 🩺 Lab Screenings & Health Education: Accessible health monitoring and wellness guidance tailored for local groups and organizations.

• 📜 Vital Records: Quick, helpful assistance securing birth and death certificates.

📍 Visitor & Contact Information

• Location: 501 N. Orange St., Butler, MO

• Phone: (660) 679-6108

• Website: batescountyhealthcenter.org

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  (Extended Hours: Open until 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month!)

Thank you to Administrator Missy Lancaster and the entire dedicated team at Bates County Health Center for over 50 years of keeping Bates County healthy, safe, and strong! 

Samantha Stump
Executive Director
Butler Area Chamber of Commerce

660-464-1339

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BCMH Photo Contest

 Show Us Bates County Photo Contest

Celebrating the Beauty of Bates County Through Photography

Bates County Memorial Hospital invites community members of all ages to help celebrate the beauty of Bates County through photography.

The Show Us Bates County Community Photo Contest will accept photo submissions from August 1 through August 31, 2026. Whether you're a student using a smartphone or a hobby photographer with a DSLR, we invite you to share your view of Bates County. Show us the landscapes, nature, and unique places that make our community special.

More than a photo contest, this project is an opportunity to celebrate the place we call home. Award-winning and selected photographs may become part of a lasting community collection displayed throughout Bates County Memorial Hospital and its clinics, helping create a welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff while showcasing the beauty of Bates County.

The contest is open to photographers of all ages and experience levels, and students are especially encouraged to participate. Whether you photograph with a smartphone, mirrorless camera, or DSLR, we welcome every perspective and every experience level.

Winning photographs will be announced following judging in early September. Finalists will also be displayed during the BCMH Health Fair on October 6, where community members can vote for a People's Choice Award. Selected photographs will later become part of the hospital's growing community collection as display spaces are prepared

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Health Foundation Scholarship Recipients

 Bates County Community Health Foundation Announces 2026-2027 Scholarship Recipients

 

Bates County Community Health Foundation (BCCHF) received an abundance of qualified applicants this year.  We are pleased to announce that the recipients of the 2026-2027 scholarships are Michale Ashberger, Valerie Craft, Emma McIntire, Mackenzie Shipley, Megan Switzer, and Piper Wiley.  The BCCHF scholarship is $1,000 ($500 per semester) and is awarded based on criteria established by BCCHF for Bates County residents pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Michale Ashberger attends the Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, MO where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Valerie Craft attends Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, MO where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.  

Emma McIntire will be attending Drury University in Springfield, MO where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.

Mackenzie Shipley works at Bates County Memorial Hospital attends Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO where she is pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.

Megan Switzer works at Bates County Memorial Hospital and is attending Pittsburg State University Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Piper Wiley attends the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO where she is pursuing a degree in the Occupational Therapy Assistant-Baccalaureate program. 

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Sex Offender Arrest in Butler

On Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, Butler Police Officers received information that a registered sex offender had used Wal-mart’s address, 400 S. Fran, to fictitiously register. A short investigation verified that Larry Eyer, age 59, had indeed utilized Wal-mart’s address to register as a sex offender. 

Eyer was located and arrested a short time later and placed on 24 hour hold for failing to register as a sex offender.  A warrant was applied for and subsequently issued for Eyer’s arrest, with a bond of $4,500 cash or surety.  Eyer currently remains in custody.

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MInutes from the Bates County Commission meeting July 27th 2026

 Minutes from the Bates County Commission meeting July 27, 2026

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

Chad Anderson, the Bates County Sheriff, came in and sat down with the Commission to discuss the Bates County Sheriff’s Audit. Chad told the Commission about the Task Force Grant that they could not apply for in time this year and said he would try again next year. He explained that the county has to maintain the SAMS website and hadn’t done that so they were not able to get that accomplished this year.

Chad then asked the Commission about the check for the Rodeo and if that was going to get approved. They informed him that the check was pulled to check minutes from last year. They found in the minutes that it had been voted on last year and now all they need to do now is write the check. He then informed them about funeral plans for one of his employees. Afterwards, two patrol cars will escort him to Ochelata, OK.

He spoke over an invoice that keeps getting kicked back dealing with Health and Wellness. He explained that they have an individual that his employees take classes from. She is a personal trainer that can do meals, body scan and set workouts and the class is done in the Bates County Sheriff's Office Gym. Any employee is welcome to join, and she also offered it to First Responders, which then made other names show up on the invoice. Chad told the Commission he doesn’t care who shows up, he just knows that his offices fee is $40.00 each session no matter how many people join. The issue is the multiple names showing up on her bill, so Chad is going to redo it and make it to where there is just a flat rate without names, so she doesn’t have to go back through her bill and take off names that aren’t employed with the Sheriff’s office. John mentioned that was what he understood of the situation, but it was brought to their attention. Chad then stated that he is not paying for everyone in the County.

Chad mentioned that he met up with Motorola, as Mark Alford's office has confirmed they are allocating money for the 911 system upgrade, and they are in high hopes that goes through with Congressional Funding. He also met with the radio consultant and could lock in prices and purchase new handheld radios for deputies. The old ones would then be donated to fire departments so they could talk on the system and have their own frequencies, but now he is second guessing this decision and has concerns since the audit. He stated he is no longer going to worry about other agencies. He also cannot lend Amsterdam their UTV’s to help with set up, but after reading the report, their job has nothing to do with Law Enforcement so he cannot loan them. He pointed out that this audit report will now be affecting more than just his agency, and the people that the Bates County Sheriff's Office would normally help because it was the right thing to do will now be affected. He then stated, with all this being said, he is immediately ceasing the 911 Addresses at the Sheriff's Office. He said for the record, “I am no longer doing someone else’s (expletive) just to be kicked in the (expletive).” He suggested the Assessor’s Office get someone trained because he will be redirecting everyone over to that office.

Surplus items will no longer be offered out to other departments. He stated he has been the Sheriff that tries to take care of everyone and that day has ended. He is taking accountability. He hopes that the whistleblowers are happy with themselves, that the people of surrounding towns will no longer get the things that could make their lives easier and for agencies that are less fortunate.

Trent asked if he would now only be able to help small town agencies, just not fire departments, and Chad said that was correct. He then stated that they will still respond to calls and assistance for help but anything they have that can be donated and would have been donated, will no longer be. He is concerned that after the audit, that could be another issue. It is surplus and there are laws that say that they must auction them off.

He mentioned that his office will be implementing 95% of the recommendations from the audit and mentioned, "If anyone talks to Greg Mullinax, I would like to have his badge and ID back. That is County property." John wondered how that even got into the audit but Chad stated he knew, but wasn't going to talk about it.

Chad then went over more of the audit and the recommendations and said they will be implementing the things that they already haven’t. He claimed that majority of the things in the audit have already been fixed. “Lesson learned” he said. He then told the Commission they should be concerned that they are trying to control the Bates County Sheriff’s Office spending and asked if the Commission had any plans for the reserve his office has built. Jim replied, telling Chad it would be up to him to decide what that money is spent on. Chad then asked Jim to say that again and said that in 2023 he received a letter from the Missouri Auditors saying there was a whistleblower complaint. He then brought up that there was a closed-door meeting with the Commissioners and the Coroner the day before he received that letter. He feels as if it’s hard for him to say that those four people aren’t involved in the complaint. He then explained that hearing Jim say that it was his money and to spend it was shocking, and Jim said he was just going off what Chad is saying, but John spoke up and said that Jim was not understanding Chad’s point.

Chad says that he is eager to work with the Commission to do things correctly but doesn’t expect a plan right now but wants to work towards one. He then stated that the only thing he really hasn’t implemented is the expenditure’s and what they are going to spend the money that Chad's Office worked so hard to build up. That money was for funds if the federal government were to ever shut down and they had to wait until the end of the year for a check. He then listed other offices within the county that has a “savings” for emergencies, but it's only an issue when Chad has one. Trent said he was all for Chad having money on hand for emergencies. John then stated he feels like Chad does a wonderful job, makes personal sacrifices, is involved in the Community, helps those in need, built up the Sheriff's office and doubled it, brought in new vehicles, gear to protect the officers and training to protect then during a mission. He sees hate and jealousy from the county and Elected Officials and feels as if the Sheriff's office is a target of that. Chad then asked John how long it has been since John asked the Auditors Office to release the Audit. John stated that he had been in touch with them multiple times and they had not followed through at all. John feels like this was a witch hunt and felt as if the auditors have told us and shown us who the whistleblowers are. John feels as if the auditors owe Chad an apology. Chad says he doesn’t expect one and thinks he will never get one, anyway. His main worry is doing what is right and fixing whatever issue is at hand.

He stated he is taking the audit seriously, even though he may joke.

Chad then mentioned that there will always be haters and pointed out that him and Jim have the same one right now.

Chad then said if the Commission is going to tell the Sheriff what he can and cannot spend then they might as well give the job to the Commission and let them deal with all the late-night calls and the things that come along with job.

John is appreciative that Chad is open and willing to change the things that need changing and assured him he was willing to work with him and does not have any intentions on taking back any money from him.

Chad then spoke to Jim specifically and asked about the rumor he was told, that Jim and the County Clerk called Ivan Schrader to ask how he could be removed based off this. He then informed Jim that even after learning that he would still never try and have Jim Wheatley removed from office and reminded him of a time when he stood up and said, “Let the voters hold people accountable.” Chad then stated that he would stand up today and say, “We are not going to spend the money to have Jim Wheatley removed, that’s up to the voters.” because that is the type of person he is. He then stated, “If I am removed from office for the good things I have done for the youth, because headlines read ‘wasteful spending’ like we were having frat parties with hookers and cocaine but in reality we are having dinners to honor men and women who put their lives on the line every day, I can go out knowing that I made a difference in my community and I will hold my head up high.” He feels as if this was fueled by a picture painted by elected officials who continue to fuel this and paint the picture. He says he is not mad at the auditor; he disagrees and knows that the voters will take care of what they want.

He also pointed out that for the 17 years that he has been Sheriff, every year his office has driven a high school student, sometimes multiple, to their prom. He explained that his children are also tax-paying Americans and just because his dad is the sheriff doesn’t mean they need to be excluded. “Will I do it again? No. Will I do it for other kids? Absolutely not.” John said he was sorry to hear that, but he understood.

He says that he wants to work together and move forward from here. He said he appreciated what the Commission does, Trent thanked Chad for what him and his employees do and John agreed and thanked Chad as well.

After the meeting with Chad, Jim asked Jami Page about the SAMS number not being renewed. Jami informed the Commission that she had renewed it in January of this year. Jami printed out the email that she had received from sam.gov and gave it to Jim, showing the SAMS number had been renewed and was active.

She then addressed Trent and John about the statement that Chad had made in his meeting with the Commission about her. Jami stated that she has never talked to Ivan Schrader about having Chad removed from Office and has never spoke to Ivan about any issues, as she has her own attorney. She stated that Jim might have contacted him, she did not. If Jim did, she was not involved in their conversation and had no knowledge of it happening. Jami then asked John if he was the one that had told Chad that because it wasn’t true and John did not think he did. John then stated that if he did then he had misspoken. (John made a revision stating "No I did not. I can honestly say I did not.")

Jim told John and Trent that he had not contacted anyone about having Chad removed. The only way an elected official can be removed is by the people voting them out of office or an investigation, charges filed and convicted.

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