The Little Apple

 Ellett Memorial Hospital will host its annual Community Block Party Saturday, September 26 starting at 9:00 a.m. at Ellett Memorial Hospital in AC. The Block Party will have little something for everyone.  Reduced-price lab draws will be available from 8:00-11:00 a.m.  Booths will be set up with health information on available services and resources.  Come shop the vendors! It’s never too early to start your Christmas Shopping and they have small business vendors on-site selling a wide range of products.  There will also be several activities for the kids to enjoy: bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, kid’s games, fire truck and ambulance. EMH will also be providing free snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy. The St. Clair Co Sheriff’s Department will have K-9 demos. Bring the whole family for a fun day at the EMH Community Block Party! Check the EMH Community Block Party Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=emh%20community%20block%20party for more information.

 

Stop by the EMH Community Block Party on September 26 and help our local students meet their fundraising goals! At the Block Party, the ACHS After-Prom Committee is doing a taco salad fundraiser. In addition to taco salads, they'll also have nachos & hot dogs available for purchase. Stop by their booth, get a filling and affordable lunch, and help support their fundraising for the after-prom celebration.

 

The A.C. Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates are set for September 25 & 26. Permits are $5 and can be purchased at City Hall through Tuesday, September 22. Permits to set up in the City Park are $25 for the pole shelter, $15 for the stage, $10 for lawn permits and these fees cover both days. Park permits can also be purchased at City Hall on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved by phone. Maps will be available at Food Fair, Casey's, Fika and Powell’s True Value on Thursday afternoon. House of Joy Ministries will no longer be at the City Park to collect donations. However, Growing in Grace Community Center will have a trailer at the back of their building for your donations. For questions, please contact Dianne Foster at 660-679-1125.

 

West Central Missouri Community Action Agency is seeking volunteers to help support the St. Clair County Food Pantry in Appleton City. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of activities that help the pantry serve local individuals and families. Volunteer opportunities include packing and preparing pantry bags for upcoming distributions, assisting on food distribution days, unloading and stocking food deliveries, organizing donated food and pantry shelves, helping with inventory management, and assisting with other pantry projects as needed. Food distribution days are typically held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to safely stand, walk, bend, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds. Whether someone is available to volunteer once a month or simply whenever their schedule allows, their time can make a meaningful difference for local individuals and families facing food insecurity. Those interested in volunteering or learning more may contact Dana at the West Central St. Clair County Food Pantry, 112 West 4^th Street, Appleton City, MO 64724. Call 660-476-2185 or text 660-466-2134. The St. Clair County Food Pantry is a proud partner of Ozarks Food Harvest. This project/program is funded 26% at $13,100 with federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services and 63% at $31,300 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, and 11% at $5,600 by other non-federal sources.

 

In this, the 250^th year of the independence that our first military fought and won for US, DbarJ Quilts etc, along with Marge Zink, will have 1 more drawing for quilts this year.  There is no cost to sign up.  You need to be a veteran and have a name and phone number.  You or a friend/family member can call Marge at 660-207-8063 or Joyce at 660-679-1809 or drop by DbarJ Quilts etc in Rockville, MO to give them your name. 

The drawings will be Veterans Day, November 11.

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for September and October. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Sept 16 - Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Thursday, Sept 17 - Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Wednesday,   Sept 18- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Tuesday, Sept 22 - Rheumatology- Dr. John,  Wednesday, Sept 23 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,   Wednesday, Sept 23 - Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, Sept 24 - Neurology- Dr. Shoaib,  Friday,  Sept 25 - Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP,  Monday, Sept 28 - Rheumatology- Dr. John, Thursday,  October 1 - OB/Gyn- Dr. Kallberg,   Friday, October 2 - Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Wednesday, October 7 - Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Friday, October 9 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,  Tuesday,  October 13 - Rheumatology- Dr. John,  Thursday, October 15 - Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Friday, October 16 - Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Wednesday, October 21 - Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Friday,       October 23 - Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP,  Tuesday, October 27 - Rheumatology- Dr. John,  Wednesday, October 28 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,  Wednesday,  October 28 - Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni,  Thursday, October 29 - Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib.

 

“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.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept 25-26    A.C. Fall City Wide Garage Sale

Sept 26         Ellett Memorial Hospital annual Community Block Party starting at 9:00 a.m.

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American Auto Now Open in Butler

 American Auto of Butler is now open offering Mechanic services to our community. Owned and operated by Joseph Smiley, this 2022 Butler Graduate has opening his business to serve the community he loves. Open 9 till 6 Monday through Friday offering basic mechanic repairs such as brakes, oil changes, transmissions, light tire repair, all drive line and suspension to include diagnostics and all motor work. Pick up and delivery in the city limits of Butler. Call today to schedule your appointment. American Auto of Butler now open at 18 South Orange Street at the Stoplight. 660-464-9389 that number again 660-464-9389.

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Revised Information: McGennis Youth BBQ and Auction Sept 27th

 McGennis Youth Center Barbecue and Auction Set for Sunday, September 27

 

This year’s annual McGennis Youth Center Barbecue and Auction are set for Sunday, September 27.

2026 marks the 60^th anniversary of the McGennis Youth Center. To mark this milestone, several things have been added to the barbecue along with all the traditional events.

This year there will be special demonstrations of blacksmithing and quilting, plus an historical reenactment of Betsy Ross. Youth Center board members will also be available to provide history of the Center and its founder, Mary McGennis.

As he has for a number of years, Harry Byram will be on hand to give horse and wagon rides starting at 12:30. Harry will also be available to answer questions and talk about his team and wagon.

In conjunction with the barbecue this year will be the Tenth Annual Car and Truck Show. Car show registration is from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information on the car show contact Jared Rankin at 417-448-4903 or [email protected].

Children’s games will start at 12:30 p.m.

Serving for the barbecue is at 1 p.m., with barbecued beef, pork and chicken, along with beans, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw and bread. A wide variety of cakes will be available for dessert. Everyone is invited to bring a cake for the dessert table, if they’d like to. The meal is catered by Food Fair of Rich Hill.

The auction will start about 1:45. Larry Hacker will be our auctioneer this year.

A popular part of the auction will again be featured this year. The Mad Hatter features ten McGennis Youth Center caps donated by Pony Keg. These caps, each numbered, will be auctioned off. At the end of the auction one of these numbers will be drawn. That winning number will win this year’s gun donated by Bell Farms.

In the same vein, Bob Schlyer has donated a beautiful diamond ring. Numbered envelopes will be auctioned off and a lucky winner drawn at the end of the auction.

For more information about the auction or to donate an item call Marc or Alison Bell at 660-832-4196. The generosity of those who donate and those who bid has made the auction a major revenue source for the Youth Center.

Admission to the barbecue is $13 for adults and $7 for children (ages 6-12). Tickets are for the meal and are not required for the auction.

From Rich Hill, the McGennis Youth Center is located five miles west on A Highway and four miles south on WW Highway.

 

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L AND L GUTTER HIRING

 

Seamless Gutter Installers Wanted

L&L Gutter, located in Rich Hill, MO, is looking for experienced seamless gutter installers. L&L Gutter installs 5” and 6” seamless K-style gutter throughout Southwest Missouri and Eastern Kansas. This is a part-time position with work available seven days a week, allowing for a flexible schedule. Pay is $35.00 per hour.

 Experience with seamless gutter installation is preferred. Experience installing soffit, fascia and siding is a plus. Must be dependable and able to produce quality work. For more information call: L&L Gutter at 417-667-7010

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Mormon Fork Creek Bridge Closed

 The Northbound I-49 bridge over Mormon Fork creek will be closed beginning October 1, 2026. A median crossover will be in place to allow traffic to continue northbound, which will be reduced to one lane to allow both northbound and southbound traffic on the southbound bridge.

 

Plan on slowing down and using caution when traveling through the area. The northbound bridge will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time.

Once again… that’s the Mormon Fork Creek Closed October 1^st to traffic 

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BCMH Reunion

 A reunion is planned for anyone that has ever been employed at Bates County Memorial Hospital… from Candy Stripers to CEO’s.

It’s all for fun and reminiscing of the, “Good Ole Days” at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Past and present employees are encouraged to bring pictures and memorabilia to share with the group.

The Bates County Memorial Hospital employee reunion will meet at the Butler City Park, located on  Parkview Street on October 6^TH   at 11:00 am.

This is a yearly event, held in October. This year everyone will need to bring their own lunch to enjoy with at the park.  

You do not have to RSVP to attend the yearly Bates County Memorial Hospital Past and Present Employee Reunion to be held October 6^TH   at 11: am at the Butler City Park .

 

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Havens Helping Hand

 

Winter is coming… and now is the time to get your home and yard ready! Leaves piling up? Need those gutters cleaned, the yard raked, or landscaping cleaned up before the cold weather arrives? Maybe you have outdoor furniture or other items that need to be moved and stored, storm windows put in, or those last-minute jobs around the house that need to be checked off your list. Haven's Helping Hand can help! Tyler Havens is ready to tackle those seasonal chores and odd jobs that can become difficult or time-consuming — so you don't have to do it all yourself. Get your home winter-ready before the temperatures drop! Call Tyler at 660-464-0895. 660-464-0895 Haven's Helping Hand — getting your home ready for winter, one job at a time!

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Betty Fink age 79

 Betty Fink, 79 of Amsterdam, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026 surround by family at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am Tuesday, also at the funeral home.  Burial will take place in Crescent Hill Cemetery, PO box 23, Adrian, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Crescent Hill Cemetery.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Betty was born on January 6, 1947, in Butler, Missouri, the daughter of Carl Blaser and Lela (Ruddell) Blaser. She attended and graduated school in Adrian, Missouri. On April 4, 1965, she was united in marriage to Charles Edward Fink in Adrian, Missouri. To this union, two children were born.

 

Betty’s life was deeply rooted in her family and the farm. She embraced farm life and could often be found helping in the fields or preparing meals for her family. She also worked at Bass Busters in Amsterdam, Missouri, and later enjoyed her time cooking at Head Start in Adrian. Betty loved sewing and crafting and took great joy in creating things for her family and others.

 

She attended Amsterdam Word of Life Church and enjoyed spending time with friends through book clubs and exercise groups. She cherished the friendships and connections she made along the way.

 

Later in life, she and her companion, Clay Lindsay, enjoyed traveling by car, boat, and airplane, sharing new experiences together.

 

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Charles; her parents; and her siblings, Patsy Blaser, Harold “Bud” Blaser and Dorothy Bybee. 

 

She is survived by her son, Allen Fink (JoDee) of Amsterdam, Missouri, and daughter, Brenda Minor (Troy) of Butler, Missouri; grandchildren, Samantha Maddick (Zach), Madison Minor (Raina), Natoshia Diehl (Dirk), and Dylan Fink (September); and great-grandchildren, Zachary Fink, Elijah Fink, Maverick Fink, Ryker Diehl, Roselyn Diehl, Jayden Minor, and Grayson Minor.

 

She is also survived by her sister, Sandy Clifton (Danny); sister-in-law, Mary Lou Gifford; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

 

 

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Papinville History week 2

 THE TIME LINE OF PAPINVILLE CONTINUES FROM 1867 – 1951

This week the time line begins when the people came back to Papinville to see what was left from Order 11. About the only thing they could find was the chimney of their house or business. It was hard to find which chimney was their property. A lot of people did not come back to Papinville, but after several years the town did come back and business were coming to Papinville. The town was booming from 1866 until 1890’s. When the railroads came in people started moving out. The railroad went through Rockville and the river travel ended.

The time line will begin in 1867 and go to 1951. Every person that grew up around this area knows about the big July flood. It was the biggest flood, but the biggest flood was in 1986.

1867- Grasshopper plague

1868- Jackson added to Papinville plat. Two story school was built.

1873-Presbyterian Church was built

1883- Dec. an all steel bridge was built across the river

1884- July Bridge was completed ( present old bridge)

1892- Methodist Church built

1895 Little room added to the north end of the two story school ( present building )

1904- Telephone exchange started in Papinville at the Charlie Burch house. McConnell family passes Papinville in their houseboat on their way to St Louis.

1906-Rural mail service transferred to Rockville.

1907- Drainage Ditch digging begins.

1916- Strickland Store burnt

1920- Great flu out break. Many people died.

1930-Rap Store closes

1940- Griffen Store closes.

1950-REA brings electricity to Papinville.

1951- Big flood.

Some information on the picnic September 26. This year the games , cake walk and wagon rides will be free. We have a new event this year for the children. We have an inflatable the children can play in for some extra fun. If you inter the pie contest, bring cakes for the cake walk or dessert table be sure they are in throw away pans. All pies that are in the pie contest need to be entered at 2:30. There will be prizes for junior and adult division. If you bring a pie for the auction and don’t want it judged let the people at registration know. There will be a silent action and a live auction. There are many nice items on both auctions . We appreciate another painting that Tom Altenburg has given for the live auction . Dinner served at 5:30.

More information will be in next weeks paper. Until next week.

Submitted by Phyllis Stewart

 

 

 

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Sock it to Me

 Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) Auxiliary volunteers are once again launching their annual Operation Sock-It-To-Me campaign to help local students stay warm this winter. The 2026 campaign has kicked off and will continue through October 31.

Community members are invited to join in by donating new socks for children and teens, ages 5–18. Collection boxes will be available in the BCMH lobby as well as at Family Care Clinics in Adrian, Butler and Rich Hill. Donations can be dropped off on weekdays through October 31. To make sorting easier, please leave socks in their original packaging.

Every pair collected will be shared with Bates County schools before the winter holidays. School staff will make sure the socks reach students in grades K–12 who need them most.

The BCMH Auxiliary is grateful for the community’s continued generosity in supporting this project each year. Together, we can make a simple gift go a long way in keeping kids warm and cared for this winter.

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Harrisonville Log Cabin Festival

 

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Local Restaurant in Butler to be featured on America's Best Restaurants

 STEINER'S RESTAURANT & BAR TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICA’S BEST RESTAURANTS

 Butler, Missouri — September 09 2026 — Local eatery Steiner's Restaurant & Bar will host a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR), a national media and marketing company, for an on-site visit as part of the ABR Roadshow. America’s Best Restaurants travels the country spotlighting independent, locally-owned restaurants that make a positive impact on their communities. During the visit, the ABR Roadshow team will highlight Steiner's Restaurant & Bar on-camera, featuring an extensive interview with Jeff and Amy Steiner about the restaurant's special place in the community. Steiner’s Restaurant & Bar is a heartfelt return to roots, where family, hometown tradition, and scratch-made food come together. 

Originally The Flaming Lantern, a beloved Butler eatery for 35 years, the establishment holds a special place in the hearts of its patrons. After closing during the pandemic, Jeff and Amy returned to Butler with their three daughters to breathe new life into the restaurant in July 2023. Jeff, who grew up in the restaurant, aims to continue the family legacy while introducing fresh, innovative flavors. Amy complements this vision by coordinating events and fostering community connections, ensuring that Steiner’s remains a beloved hub for local gatherings. 

"I grew up in this restaurant, and now I get to watch my daughters grow up here, so Steiner’s is about much more than food — it’s about family, memories and bringing people together. We’ve been blessed with a hardworking, dedicated team that’s always willing to innovate, have fun and keep things fresh. We’re proud to bring big-city flavor to small-town Missouri, because you shouldn’t have to leave Butler for an excellent meal. Come for the food, stay for the people, and leave already planning your next visit—and maybe dessert, too," says Jeff Steiner, Owner of Steiner's Restaurant & Bar.

 The menu at Steiner's Restaurant & Bar boasts standout items, and the episode will feature popular dishes such as the Signature Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Candied Salmon Burnt Ends, and Chef Cory’s Bourbon Bread Pudding. America’s Best Restaurants will be on-site at Steiner's Restaurant & Bar on September 17, 2026. The public and press are welcome to attend. The completed episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date. 

The premiere date will be announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page and featured on America’s Best Restaurants' website and YouTube channel. About Steiner's Restaurant & Bar: Steiner's Restaurant & Bar is located at 1104 West Fort Scott Street, Butler Missouri 64730. For more information, visit https://www.steinersrestaurant.com. About America’s Best Restaurants: Headquartered in Florence, KY, America’s Best Restaurants is a national media and restaurant marketing company that travels the country telling the stories of locally owned, independent restaurants through its ABR Roadshow. With over 2,000 episodes filmed, ABR features restaurants across its social media channels, website, and the restaurant’s own digital platforms. Learn more at AmericasBestRestaurants.com.

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Drexel Fish Fry

 Everyone is invited to the Drexel Memorial VFW Post 4347 Annual Fish Fry.

The Fry will be held on Saturday October 17^th  . Serving starts at 5 pm.

The Drexel VFW Building is located at 114 South First Street in Drexel.

It’s a free will donation and everyone is invited ! Free will donations will be appreciated.

That’s the annual Drexel Memorial VFW Post 4347 Fish Fry Saturday October 17^th .  

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Benefit For Child's Funeral Expenses

 Chris Pemberton and Toms Bar and Grill of Independence will host a benefit for the family of Denny Scott and Traci Class of Independence. Parents of 7 month old Adam Scott . Adam lost his life suddenly in early September.   The family is in need of assistance for medical expenses and funeral expenses.

Chris Pemberton and Tom’s Bar and Grill  will host a benefit for this family  on October 17^th from 5 pm until 11 pm at the Bar.

They are asking for volunteers to assist with the event and asking the public for silent auction items, gift certificates and cash donations.

The deadline to submit your donations will be October 15^th .  They have set a goal to raise at least $5000.00 to assist with expenses and burial.

If you feel led to donate to this cause, you may submit your donations in any amount to Denny Scott and Traci Class in care of Tom’s Bar and Grill 2949 East Highway 40, Independence Missouri 64055.

Thank you in advance for your donations. 

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Drexel Hunter Education Session October 3rd

 The Drexel VFW Post 4347 will host a Hunter Education Skill Session on Saturday, October 3^rd   from 8am to noon. This class is part two in receiving your hunter’s education certification.  You must complete part one first you can do this online by visiting www.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education. Or by getting a book and complete the chapter questions. You must bring the book with the completed chapter questions or a qualifier certification to this class.

 

This Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education Skills Session will be limited to 30 students. The instructor for this class will be Dennis Desmond.  Participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

You must register for this class.  To register for this class and pick up your book call Jim Pierce at 816-896-7016

 

The Drexel VFW Post is located at 114 1^st Street in Drexel Missouri. That’s the Hunter Education Skill Session on Saturday, October 3^rd  from 8 am until noon.

 

 

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