Bates County News

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Rich Hill Country Christmas

 The Holiday Season kicks off in Rich Hill with the annual Rich Hill Country Christmas, to be held on Saturday, November 14th.

Booths with homemade foods, desserts and sweets, clothing, home décor, and handcrafted arts and crafts will fill the old Rich Hill High School Gym and other locations  on November 14th .

This holiday event in Rich Hill is growing yearly to expand this Christmas Season, to over 60 booths to include local stores that will open for shopping on November 14th.

Find Country Christmas  booths at the Rich Hill old School Gym, the Rich Hill of July Building, American Legend Hall, the Rich Hill 1st Baptist Church and the Trent BBQ Building.

Everyone is invited to enjoy a day of holiday shopping on Saturday, November 14th . Booths will be open from 9 am until 3 pm. At the annual Rich Hill Country Christmas.

See Facebook for booth rental and additional information, just search for Country Christmas in Rich Hill. 




Ellett Memorial Hospital Veterans Day Event

 Ellett Memorial Hospital is hosting a Veteran's Day breakfast to those who have served in the military and their spouses in the dining room of Ellett Memorial Hospital of Appleton City from 7:30 to 9:00a.m Wednesday, November 11. They wish to honor those who sacrificed to give us all our blessings we have today.



 

Adrian Community Theater Show Postponed

 Due to an unfortunate event, November 2026 performances of Death’s Desire are postponed.


We understand this may be disappointing and appreciate your patience and understanding. 

Thank you for your continued support of Adrian Community Theater. 🖤  

Please help spread the word by sharing with others. 


Dixie Dawson, 74, Butler

 

Dixie Dawson, 74 of Butler, Missouri passed away November 1, 2026, at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri.  A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Thursday, also at Mullinax Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Dixie Lucille Dawson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, will be remembered for the memories she made, the people she loved, and the special moments that made her life uniquely hers.

 

Born Dixie Lucille Greenwood, she built a life surrounded by family, friends, laughter, and the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She was a woman who enjoyed the little things in life, whether it was sitting around playing cards, listening to music, coloring, or taking a relaxing drive through the countryside.

 

Dixie had her own special way of enjoying life. She loved smoking her pipe and cigars, collecting photographs, and spending time visiting and hanging out with the people who meant the most to her. She treasured pictures and memories, always finding joy in looking back on the people, places, and moments that made life special.

 

Throughout her working years, Dixie was employed at several places, including Sonic, Medicalodge, as a school crosswalk attendant, and On My Own. Through the different chapters of her life, she made memories and connections along the way.

 

Above all, Dixie loved her family. She shared her life with her loving husband, Garry Dawson, and their children, Jason Dawson -wife Melissa, Jennifer Dawson - sadly passed as a baby, Bobby Dawson, and Clayton Dawson- wife Rachel, grandchildren - Timothy, Tylor, Marvin, Emily, and Maliki. Her family was an important part of her life, and the memories they shared will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

 

Dixie was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Greenwood; her mother, Blance Greenwood; her brothers, Frank Greenwood and Larry Greenwood; Butch Greenwood, her sisters, Sue Sheridan and Harriet Bledsoe; and daughter - Jennifer Lynn Dawson.

 

Though Dixie will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through the stories told, the photographs treasured, the songs remembered, and the countless moments shared with those who loved her.

 

May she be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the memories she left behind. Her place in the hearts of her family and friends will never be forgotten.

 

Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

 

 


 

Revision: Hume Veterans Day Ceremony

 The Hume School invites all Veterans to an Assembly and Meal on Wednesday , November 11th .

The Jane Clifton chapter of the National Honor Society will host this event to be held at the Hume School .

The Assembly is for the public, the presentation will begin at 8:30 am following a Veterans meal that will be served at 9:00 am . This meal is for Veterans Only.

Those attending as required to RSVP by calling 660-643-7411. That number again is 660-643-7411. 




Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Employee of the Month

 Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Nick Head as November Employee of the Month

Bates County Memorial Hospital is pleased to recognize Nick Head as its November Employee of the Month. Nick has been part of the BCMH Information Systems team since 2018, providing technical assistance to employees across the organization.

While many hospital employees work directly with patients, others provide essential support behind the scenes to help keep daily operations running smoothly. Information Systems is one of those departments, helping employees navigate the technology and systems they depend on throughout the workday.

Nick was nominated by a coworker who highlighted his kindness, patience and willingness to help with everything from minor technology issues to coordinating support with outside vendors.

“Nick’s commitment to excellence and building positive relationships within our health system is top tier,” the nomination stated.

The coworker also expressed appreciation for Nick's ability to explain things clearly and his consistent willingness to provide assistance whenever needed.

BCMH congratulates Nick on being named November Employee of the Month and thanks him for the positive difference he makes for his coworkers and the hospital.

Stay connected with your local hospital! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/



 

Butler Bears Digital Tickets information

 

Butler Bears Digital Tickets Game Day Information 





Monday Night Bingo Jackpots for November 9th

 

The Adrian Optimists host Monday Night Bingo weekly from the Optimist building in Adrian. They open the doors at 5pm and have food and concession selections from the kitchen for you to enjoy.

Bingo starts promptly at 7pm –so grab a friend and head to Adrian every Monday night for an evening of fun and excitement,

You must be 16 years old or older to play bingo.
(this must be recorded on every ad)

This week’s jackpots for Monday: November 9TH:

Hotball: 1100.00

Blackout: 1850.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 10,615.00



Linda Meyer, 79, Lousiburg, KS

 

Linda Meyer, 79 of Louisburg, Kansas passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026 at the Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Louisburg First Christian Church, 602 N 1st St, Louisburg, KS 66053. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 am Saturday in the Bucyrus Cemetery, Bucyrus, Kansas. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to the American Spinal Injury Association or the American Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Born on July 25, 1947, in LaCygne, Kansas, Linda was the cherished daughter of Calvin and Ellen Craven Medlen. Her life was a testament to the power of positivity and unwavering faith, traits she carried with her since her early days in LaCygne.

 

A proud graduate of Louisburg High School in 1965, Linda soon embarked on a lifelong journey with her beloved husband, Larry Dale Meyer, whom she married on August 7, 1965. Their union was a beautiful testament to devotion and partnership, enriched by shared experiences and mutual support.

 

Linda was a member of the Louisburg United Methodist Church, where her faith was both a guiding light and a source of comfort throughout her life. Her belief in God was unshakeable, and she inspired those around her with her steadfast spirituality and kindness.

 

Traveling and gardening were among Linda's many passions, pursuits that allowed her to embrace the beauty of the world and cultivate a nurturing environment for all who visited her home. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, cheering on her teams with the same fervor and joy that she brought to every aspect of her life.

 

Linda had a zest for life that was infectious. She found delight in the simple pleasures—cooking, floating in the pool, savoring ice cream drumsticks, and most importantly, spending time with her cherished friends and family. Her gatherings were filled with laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging that she effortlessly provided.

 

Throughout her life, Linda faced challenges with grace and determination, emerging stronger each time. She possessed a unique ability to find the good in every situation, greeting each day with a smile and a heart full of love. Her strength, faith, and radiant spirit touched everyone who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

 

Linda was preceded in death by her dear son, Randy Meyer; her sister, Laura Medlen; her brother, Wesley Medlen; and her loving parents, Calvin and Ellen Medlen. 

 

Her memory will continue to be cherished by her surviving family: daughters Rhonda (Ben) Ross and Jenny (Matt) Baker, daughter-in-law Angela Meyer, and her treasured grandchildren—Heather Key, Bryan Ross, Krisitan Johnson, Brooke Schofield, Dalton (DJ) Meyer, Dylan Meyer, Shayla Meyer, Dominic Baker, and Hannah Baker. Her legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren—Katie Pate, Kylie Johnson, Aria Schofield, Kenzie Schofield, Bodhi Ross, Maxx Ross, Holt Meyer, Dean Meyer, and Rosie Meyer.




Monday, November 2, 2026

Fall Turkey Season

 

Missouri hunters harvest 1,633 birds during firearms portion of fall turkey season

Top harvest counties were Greene with 56 birds harvested, Laclede with 42, and Perry with 42.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters checked 1,633 turkeys during the firearms portion of Missouri’s fall turkey season, Oct. 1-31. Top harvest counties were Greene with 56 birds harvested, Laclede with 42, and Perry with 42.

For current fall firearms turkey harvest results by county, go online to MDC’s website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/

Hunters harvested 1,950 birds during the 2025 fall firearms turkey season. For more harvest results for past seasons, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/turkey-reports/turkey-harvest-summaries.

"Temperatures were well above normal across much of Missouri during the first two weekends of the fall firearms season, which likely accounts for some of the drop in harvest,” said MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “We also had a very wet spring, which hurts nest success and poult survival, so there are fewer young birds on the landscape this fall.”

Fall archery turkey hunting continues through Nov. 13 and resumes Nov. 25 through Jan. 15, 2027.




What's Up

 What’s Up

by LeRoy Cook

 

November 2, 2026

 

Suggested Banner: Whatever It Is, It’s Not Okay

 

Finally, we can fly at dawn without waiting interminably for DST sunrise. As of Sunday, we’re back on God’s Time, so there’s no flying after work unless you’re current for night flight. Don’t forget to check the airplane’s lights when preflighting, just in case you run late and have to land in the dark.

 

The out-of-towners observed on the Butler runway this week included a pair of Pipers, an Archer and a Cherokee 180, and Cirrus SR22. Les Gorden was in with his Cessna 340 twin and Mark Otter was down from Warrensburg in his Cessna 182. From the based fleet, Jim Ferguson flew his Cessna Skylane, Jeremie Platt exercised his Grumman Tiger, and Steve Koehn had the company Skyhawk up.

 

We were saddened to learn of the too-soon passing of David Jennings last week. It seems like only yesterday that he was a student pilot here at Butler, in 1979, before he went to the Air Force. I enjoyed giving him his first 10 hours of flight training, little knowing that he would go on to become Captain Jennings at American Airlines. Our profound sympathies go out to his family; rest easy, Captain David.

 

On the national scene, our U.S. Air Force is contacting out some its services, like air-to-air refueling, and a private firm has purchased one of the retired KC-10 tankers stored in the boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. Omega Aerial Refueling is refurbishing it and returning it to service along with its Boeing and Douglas tankers. The old boomers may as well be put back to work.

 

In another NIMBY brouhaha, a Colorado pilot has been commuting from his house to his office, using an electric-powered Pipistrel Velis airplane to take off from his Jefferson County property and leap over traffic in 16 minutes to a suburban airport. Now the County objects, citing zoning violations; he used to use a helicopter for his trips, but that was ruled illegal, so his near-silent electric plane has been substituted. I imagine if he floated in and out a balloon, somebody would still object.

 

The Nacogdoches, Texas, airport is proposing “fueling fees” to crack down on pilots packing their own gas to their hangar instead of using the airport’s fuel farm. The practice is legal, under FAA grant assurances, but the airport wants to charge a $500 yearly permit plus 20-cents per each gallon self-imported. Some Rotex-engine sportplanes need to burn unleaded auto gas, and low-compression Continental and Lycoming motors can run on 91-octane as well. I guess flying gas in after filling up elsewhere would still be okay...

 

In far-out flight, a recently-released photo shows China’s secret “space plane,” much like our retired Space Shuttle, operating in earth orbit. The picture was taken by a commercial satellite that does custom surveillance. It evidently is used to deploy satellites and other work, as a reusable alternative to one-way rockets, much like the USAF’s clandestine unmanned spacecraft. The layer of space in low-altitude orbit is rapidly filling up with various types of vehicles.

 

The question from last week’s column was about the 1935 twin-engine bombers developed by the Glenn L. Martin company (now Lockheed-Martin), the just-alike B-10 and B-12 that were soon replaced by Boeing and North American models. They were identical except for the engine type; the B-10 was Wright-powered and the B-12 used Pratt & Whitneys. For next week, what’s the difference between a fuel cell, fuel bay and fuel tank, all used to store fuel in an aircraft? You can send your answers to [email protected].




 

-END-

What's Happening at the Bates County Museum this month

 

Bates County Museum & Historical Society

November Events Calendar


Fall Sale at the Bates County Museum


  • Dates & Time: Friday, November 6 & Saturday, November 7 (All Day)
  • Details: Browse seasonal items, historical goods, books, and collectibles at the museum's annual fall sale.


Guided Paranormal Investigation

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 7 at 8:00 PM
  • Details: A late-night guided ghost hunt and investigation exploring the historical museum grounds and buildings.


Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

  • Theme: "The Black Friday Shopping Planning Murder (or I'd Kill for a Bargain)"
  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 21 at 6:00 PM
  • Details: An interactive dinner theater event inside Robertson Hall featuring an immersive holiday shopping mystery.
Note: For ticket reservations, RSVP requirements, or specific details on Robertson Hall entry fees, reach out directly to the Bates County Historical Society & Museum office.


Ladies NIght Out November 23rd

 Get Ready for Flannels & Frost: Our Annual Ladies Night Out!

 

Mark your calendars and grab your cozy winter gear! The Butler Chamber of Commerce is  thrilled to announce their  upcoming annual event, Flannels & Frost: Ladies Night Out.

 

Event Details

·        Event Name: Flannels & Frost: Ladies Night Out (Annual Event)

·        Date: Monday, November 23, 2026

·        Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

·        Dress Code / Vibe: Put on your favorite flannel shirt, jacket, or scarf and embrace the frosty holiday warmth!

 

Stay Tuned for More!

The Butler Chamber will be  putting the finishing touches on all the special activities, treats, and surprises they have planned for you. Full details are coming soon—so keep an eye on the Butler chamber website and social media channels so you don't miss a single update!

 

 That’s Ladies Night out…. Flannels and Frost Event Monday night November 23rd.




Now Hiring Custom Containers Butler

 




Tax Time

 It’s Tax Time again the Deadline to avoid penalties will be December 31st. Taxes are now payable. They were mailed out Friday ( October 30th) . Take the time to spend a few minutes looking at your tax statement.  

 

A lot has changed on them this year, look at the amount of information on your tax statement , even the backside has changed.

 

If any information is incorrect on your bill, contact the Assessor’s Office to correct the information  before December 15th. The Bates The Bates County Collector Office can only take your payments, they can not change any information.

 

Reminder you MUST bring the bottom portion of your statement for payment. Like any other bill The Bates County Collector/Treasurer  need to know where to apply payment.

 

Taxes may be paid on the Bates County Collector/Treasurers Office website: www.batescountycollector.com

 

 Needed corrections must hit the Assessor’s office by December 15th and tax deadline is December 31st at 5 pm.

 


Rich Hill Country Christmas

 The Holiday Season kicks off in Rich Hill with the annual Rich Hill Country Christmas, to be held on Saturday, November 14 th . Booths wi...