Bates County Audit

 

The report gives the office the lowest possible rating of "poor" as it recommends the Sheriff ensure all county assets are used only for law enforcement purposes

07/22/2026 - JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

What do horses named Bandit, Tater, and Duck have in common with a sno-cone machine, a dunk tank, and a go-kart? They're all part of the wasteful spending by the Bates County Sheriff's Office uncovered in a new report released today by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick.

 

The audit conducted by Fitzpatrick's office gives the Bates County Sheriff's Office the lowest possible rating of "poor" and notes how Sheriff Chad Anderson wasted public resources to maintain a Mounted Patrol (MP) and fund a Sheriff's Posse (Posse), as well as fund rodeo and community events, donate to various private organizations, hold parties, and use county assets for personal use.

"A county sheriff is entrusted with the duty to promote public safety and protect the lives of county residents, and using taxpayer funds to purchases horses, hold rodeos, and throw holiday parties is clearly a betrayal of the public's trust and a misuse of funds that could have been better used for legitimate law enforcement purposes or by Bates County taxpayers," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "I'm sure there are people in Bates County who enjoyed seeing Bandit, Tater, and Duck, and attending some of the events the Sheriff financed with public funds but they may be less thrilled when they realize how much money he diverted away from law enforcement efforts to purchase and care for these horses, and to buy items that have no law enforcement purpose like a dunk tank, a sno-cone machine, and a go-kart."

Fitzpatrick added, "I would like to think Sheriff Anderson would take responsibility for the poor decisions he has made, but the truth is he has gone to great lengths to delay our audit and to refute the findings contained in our report that are intended to improve the function of his office. It required multiple subpoenas to obtain the Sheriff's testimony and relevant documents to complete the audit, and it is disappointing that instead of accepting responsibility for the issues we identified, Sheriff Anderson chose to question our office's auditing expertise."

The audit report documents how the Bates County Sheriff's Office used more than $110,000 in county funds to establish and maintain the MP unit that was rarely used for law enforcement purposes. During the time period covered by the audit the MP attended 8 parades, 6 tractor shows, 4 rodeos, 4 fun horse shows, and 1 family fun day. During that same period of time the unit performed only one search and rescue and no crowd or traffic control. The report notes the unit was used for a second search and rescue effort in May 2026, but points out the number of ceremonial events significantly outnumbers the official law enforcement uses. The report also points out that many of the horses purchased by the office were at an advanced age and some had to be euthanized shortly after purchase. Of the current horses, only Bandit, who is 24 years of age, is search and rescue certified, while Duck and Tater have no experience or training. In total, the office has spent nearly $42,000 to purchase horses and at least another $53,225 to board, feed, and care for them. The Sheriff also spent $15,000 to purchase a horse trailer and have it wrapped with Bates County Sheriff Mounted Patrol signage.

The report also looks at how the Sheriff has used county resources to pay some of the expenses of the Posse, which is a not-for-profit entity without a written agreement with the office. The Sheriff used county funds to pay invoices addressed to the Posse totaling $16,848 including $7,406 for shirts with the Posse badge logo, $4,543 for medical training and equipment, $1,749 for Posse badges, $1,477 for customized saddle pads, $1,150 for supplies, and $523 for awards. The Sheriff also assigned the county-owned 2005 Chevy Tahoe to the Posse and used county funds totaling $605 to have the vehicle wrapped with the Posse's lettering and insignia. The report questions what safety or law enforcement purpose requires the Sheriff's office to pay to outfit Posse volunteers with realistic badges and Bates County Sheriff's office identification. In our audit period, the Posse has only been deployed to assist in 1 search and rescue mission and has not otherwise been used for documented law enforcement activities.

The audit report takes issue with the Sheriff's use of $23,788 to finance annual fundraising rodeos for the Posse and other community events such as Family Fun Days. Neither the county nor the Sheriff's office were reimbursed for funds spent on the events and all proceeds went to the concession vendor or the Posse from advertising sales. The Sheriff used county funds totaling $1,075 to advertise the events and rent portable toilets for monthly Rodeo Fun Shows for the Posse, and used county funds totaling $653 on 75 shirts in various sizes and colors for a dodge ball tournament hosted by the Bates County Sheriff's Posse. Additionally, the Sheriff maintains assets with no law enforcement purpose to facilitate the hosting of or participation in the community events. The Sheriff's asset list includes a dunk tank, a popcorn machine, a sno-cone machine, a roller grill, a cheese warmer, and a go-kart.

The audit also uncovered how the Sheriff donated $23,268 in county funds to local youth sports programs, and other not-for-profits. Included in that total is $5,045 for the construction, maintenance, and holiday decoration of a replica 1880's Sheriff's office located at the Adrian Frontier Village in Adrian, Missouri. The Sheriff's Office could not provide any law enforcement purpose for the construction, maintenance, and decoration of the replica building. The report also documents how the Sheriff used county funds to purchase food from local restaurants and rented event venues totaling $4,356 for parties. Additionally, the Sheriff used county assets for personal or non-county purposes and did not store all county property at approved county locations. The Sheriff used county assets for Posse and community events (dunk tank, vehicles, and MP horses) and used the county's armored vehicle for his son's high school prom. He also failed to consistently store the horse trailer at county approved locations.

The report points out the Sheriff attributed the extensive expenditures for community events, donations, and purchases of promotional items to community policing efforts, but does not have any policies or procedures for such a program or documentation to support how the expenditures supported his office's community policing goals, activities, or mission. The Sheriff used county funds to purchase promotional items totaling $13,735 to give away at community events. Items purchased include ink pens, lip balm, hand sanitizer, toy sheriff badges, hand fans, cups, beach balls, stress balls, string bags, stickers, mood bracelets, and flying discs as part of his office's community policing program. However, he does not have any documentation to support what community policing goals the items achieve.

Other findings in the report include a significant cash reserve in the Law Enforcement Fund without a plan for use of the balance or to reduce the Law Enforcement Sales Tax rate; improper uses of restricted Inmate Security Fund money to purchase items; lacking payroll controls and procedures; improper waiving of concealed carry weapon permit fees for some applicants; insufficient accounting controls and procedures; and inadequate inventory controls and procedures over commissary items sold to inmates.

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Adrian Optimist Monday Night Bingo, July 27th

 Enjoy Monday Night Bingo weekly from the Optimist Building in Adrian. The doors open at 5pm with food and concession selections from the kitchen.

Bingo starts promptly at 7pm, so grab your friends and family 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 week’s jackpots for Monday night: 07-27-2026

Hot ball:   800.00

Blackout:  2450.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 6566.00

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Clayton Dale Nichols, age 81 of Butler

Clayton Dale Nichols, age 81 of Butler, passed away Sunday, July 19 at his home. Funeral services are pending and will be announced later by the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

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Justin E. Powell, 51, of Cleveland

 

Justin E. Powell, 51, of Cleveland, Missouri, passed away on July 8th 2026 at his home in Cleveland.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Isinglass Estate Winery, 16241 381th St, Lacygne, KS 66040.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

 

Justin was born on January 14, 1975, in Boulder County, Colorado, to the Rayback & Powell families.

 

Since childhood, Justin loved animals. They reciprocated wholeheartedly. “Critters” (his term) fueled him emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Fellowship, camaraderie, and an intensity to succeed in all endeavors would be constants throughout his life. As a young man, he excelled first as a wrestler while attending Centauris High School in Lafayette, Colorado, where he competed at a state level for several years.

 

After graduating with AP credits and innumerable athletic accolades, his passions for athleticism and horses would lead to a long and storied career, reaching high levels of success as a PRCA saddle bronc rider. His ability to study and appreciate each individual bronc led to many stories about the bronc’s character and why the horse behaved a certain way; he rarely spoke of his abilities or many achievements in the arena, giving most buckles away to people he thought would appreciate them. His motivation was the feeling of freedom he got putting on a good ride and the challenge of analyzing and appreciating his equine opponent. He served as PRCA Mountain States Circuit Saddle Bronc Director for several years and also contributed through the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys conducting services at major rodeos and stock shows. The friendships and stories he took away from his rodeo career would enliven him and lead to many an evening of reminiscing. He would say this was the most fulfilling time in his life.

 

Justin funded his rodeo career by working at several other professions including: farrier, electrician, plumber, HVAC repairman, bladesmith, machinist, general handyman, and bee-keeper He was an insanely talented horse trainer, breaking outlaw colts, barrel horses, and cart horses using the same analytical skills he did for bronc riding and all other tasks. He also had a great passion and ability for dog training and handling - making several highly skilled herding, birding, and search and recue animals. On that note, Justin is credited with several mountain search and rescue saves. He was an avid outdoorsman: subsistence hunting, fishing, and trail riding. No matter the activity, his exuberant stories were full of the special critters that were by his side. They were a part of him, and his ability to recognize each animal’s unique qualities made his methods one of a kind and highly effective.

 

A love of caring for animals and working with them would sustain Justin through multiple accidents and injuries (not all rodeo related). He would suffer two life-changing traumatic brain injuries and survive two intracranial surgeries, subsequent epilepsy and life altering medication. Critters accompanied him and gave him purpose through recovery. Raising bottle calves and working long hours through calving season, being physically present for a cow in need when his recovery should have limited him, defined this time in his life. He took great pride in working through his recovery and seeing new life thrive on the ranch.

 

Justin’s competitive side also led him to a purple belt with 4 stripes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, initially training under Mauricio Zingano and eventually leading him to be Coach Cowboy to countless adults and children. He loved coaching and rolling. He viewed competitors as fellows who built him up and helped him improve. He appreciated their participation and friendship and counted them as family. He wanted nothing but success for those around him. He would light up teaching kids and took immense joy from watching their strides.

 

Ultimately, Justin would move to Missouri to be with his person, Dr. Brianne Simonsen. Together, they built a quiet life where Justin found peace, gardening, bee-keeping, smoking or cooking wonderful meals for family and friends, visiting foodie destinations around Kansas City and unwinding with his dogs Cleo and Annie. He would routinely help Brianne after hours on emergency veterinary calls and enjoyed being able to use his skills to contribute and sometimes save the day. He still thrived on conversation, telling the funniest, most entertaining stories and jokes, sharing his culinary gifts, and general “philosophizing” as he would say. There was a running joke that he was the unofficial mayor as he made a point to know all of the neighbors and helped wherever he could. Justin wrung humor from everything in life with the ultimate goal of brightening the day for those around him. His humor was clever, surprising, and entirely original. He worked every day to make life easier and happier for those he loved, practiced gratitude and expressed his appreciation at every opportunity, understood being community-minded, stepped up to assist those in need, exemplified unconditional love and was unflinchingly himself. Rest in peace, know that you are so deeply missed and loved. The fruit you leave with us is good."

 

 

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook: A Very Tough Flying Boat

 

Our last-week flying weather in the lower midwest was favored by open skies and hot south winds, escaping the Canadian wildfire smoke that covered the northern states with low visibility.  Mid-Missouri did suffer from heavy thunderstorms and flooding rains. From the air, crops here in the border counties look pretty stressed; too much rain early, soggy stands and now risky moisture prospects.

 

Traffic continued light in the summer doldrums; a few Cessna trainers and a 1948 Cessna 170 came in, the latter from Grain Valley airport via Olathe. Locally, Randy Shannon had his Luscombe 8A out and the Koehn Skyhawk flew several hours.

 

Some clarification might be in order regarding last week’s City Council notes. “Hiring” an airport manager might be a little too prosperous-sounding, since there’s no salary connected with the position. Commercial pilot and flight instructor Jay McClintock has agreed to assume the largely-ceremonial title, which traditionally has been only compensated for with hangar space and a few other perks. We all welcome Jay and will help him any way we can.

 

The U.S Air Force has announced that the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber, designed to replace the B-2 Spirit, will have a manned crew aboard; there was speculation that it was “crew optional” and could be operated remotely. The value of having humans operating the systems has been recognized and the B-21 will fly with two in the cockpit. It continues under testing at Edwards AFB in the California desert.

 

From Italy comes a fortunate news report of an amphibious Canadair CL-415 “super scooper” fire-fighting airplane inadvertently plowing into a cable dangling from a fire-fighting helicopter, which was using a dangling bucket to dump water on the fire. The cable sawed the wing back to the main spar but stopped there and the ‘copter escaped with a breakaway, so tragedy was averted.

 

Well, this one wasn’t Boeing’s fault. Last month, a Lufthansa 787 airliner was being worked on at Frankfurt airport before leaving for Los Angeles when the nosegear collapsed, dropping the fuselage and nacelles onto the ramp and injuring 23 workers. An investigation revealed that the downlock pin that’s supposed to be installed when parked was found in a storage holder, not in the nosegear. An expensive mistake.

 

From last week, our head-scratching question was about the designer of the Israeli Air Force’s first fighter planes, put into service when the country was established in 1948. It was none other than Willy Messerschmidt, who created the Luftwaffe’s Me-109, copies of which were built in Czechoslovakia and used after World War 2 in many places. For next week, our question is “What’s the A-10 attack plane’s official name?” It’s not the “Warthog.” You can send your answers to [email protected].

-END-

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Aircraft Emergency at Miami County Airport

On Saturday, July 18^th, 2026, Deputies with the Miami County Sheriff's Office responded to an aircraft emergency at the Miami County Airport.

A small aircraft experienced engine issues and made an emergency landing at the airport. Two individuals were on board at the time of the incident and, fortunately, neither was injured. The aircraft sustained minor damage during the emergency landing.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident.

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Pursuit and Arrest in Vernon County

The Vernon County Circuit Court has issued a Capias No Bond warrant for the driver of the motorcycle involved in a pursuit Thursday, July 16th, 2026, identified as Corey D. Brown of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

On Thursday, July 16th, 2026, deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue motorcycle occupied by a single male rider wearing a helmet. The rider refused to stop, initiating a pursuit.

During the pursuit, the motorcycle traveled southbound on I-49 through the construction zone, where the rider passed multiple vehicles by driving on the shoulder of the roadway. Near the 101-mile marker, deputies observed the rider throw what appeared to be a handgun into the median.

The pursuit continued onto E Highway and several county roads, reaching speeds in excess of 100 MPH before entering Cedar County, Missouri. The pursuit came to an end when the rider crashed the motorcycle at a dead-end road in Cedar County. After the crash, the rider fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by Vernon County deputies.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and investigated the crash. The rider was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. After receiving medical treatment, he was released and booked into the Vernon County Jail on an active Vernon County warrant for Assault in the Third Degree and a Parole Violation warrant.

Deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by an officer from the Nevada Police Department, later located and recovered a loaded black handgun from the median near the 101-mile marker where it had been discarded during the pursuit. Brown has been charged with:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class C Felony)

Aggravated Fleeing a Stop (Class D Felony)

Driving While Revoked or Suspended (Class D Misdemeanor)

Brown remains in custody at the Vernon County Jail.

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Paramedic Graduates

  

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to congratulate Jesse Cowley on earning his Missouri paramedic license after graduating from the Johnson County Ambulance District (JCAD) Paramedic Program, Cohort 10. Jesse graduated on June 12, 2026, earned his National Registry Paramedic certification on July 11, and became a fully licensed Missouri paramedic on July 13.

 

A Bates County native, Jesse was born at BCMH and has spent most of his life in Rich Hill, where he also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Rich Hill Fire Department. He joined the BCMH Ambulance Department as an EMT in 2024 after completing his EMT education and quickly demonstrated a commitment to continuing his education and advancing his career.

 

Jesse completed his paramedic education through BCMH's Paramedic Scholarship Program while continuing to serve patients as a member of the BCMH Ambulance Department. The program helps develop local EMS professionals and strengthen emergency medical services throughout Bates County.

Jesse is one of several EMTs who have advanced their careers through BCMH's Paramedic Scholarship Program, an investment in growing the hospital's future EMS workforce.

BCMH congratulates Jesse on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the continued impact he will make serving patients and communities throughout Bates County as a paramedic.

 

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Amsterdam Jubilee Main Sponsorship Bidding June 26th

 50th Amsterdam Jubilee Main Sponsorship

 The 50th Amsterdam Jubilee Main Sponsorship is now available for bidding.

Bidding Period: is between June 26, 2026 – July 31, 2026, at 5.00pm

   Starting Bid: $500.00

    The Amsterdam Jubilee  invite individuals, businesses, and organizations to participate in this special opportunity to support and be recognized as a sponsor of our 50th Jubilee Celebration. Sponsorship rights will be awarded based on the highest qualifying bid received during the bidding period.

 For sponsorship details and bid submission information, please contact the event committee member Rob Vunovich at 660-200-6027.

Celebrate 50 years with us and become a part of this historic milestone! Amsterdam Jubilee September 26^th .

 

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Grand Jury Indictment Filed against Angela Loughridge of Adrian for Theft from Adrian Assembly of God Church

 According to a Grand Jury Indictment filed in Bates County on July 14, 2026, Angela Loughridge of Adrian MO is accused of thefts related to bank accounts held by the Adrian Assembly of God Church over roughly a two year period beginning in July of 2023.

The indictment includes one count of stealing $25,000 or more and six counts of forgery related to checks written without consent of the church:

1. Stealing - $25,000 Or More/Teller Machine Or Contents { Felony C RSMo: 570.030 }

2. Atmp-Forgery { Felony D RSMo: 570.090 } 

3. Atmp-Forgery { Felony D RSMo: 570.090 }

4. Atmp-Forgery { Felony D RSMo: 570.090 }

5. Atmp-Forgery { Felony D RSMo: 570.090 }

6. Atmp-Forgery { Felony D RSMo: 570.090 }

7. Atmp-Forgery { Felony D RSMo: 570.090 }

Charges 2 through 7 refer to checks written and signed without consent totaling $10.136.18.

Arraignment is scheduled for Loughridge on July 27, 2026 in the Bates County Circuit Court.

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Bingo Jackpots for Monday, July 20th

 Enjoy Monday Night Bingo weekly from the Optimist Building in Adrian. The doors open at 5pm with food and concession selections from the kitchen.

Bingo starts promptly at 7pm, so grab your friends and family 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 week’s jackpots for Monday night: 07-20-2026

Hot ball:   650.00

Blackout:  2350.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 6349.00

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City of Archie Now Hiring

 

The City of Archie is seeking a full-time Water Distribution Maintenance Mechanic.  

Applicant shall have or be willing to obtain a working knowledge of the water distribution system; need good troubleshooting skills in the mechanical field; must use safe practices when working with moving parts, in confined spaces or with electricity; have basic knowledge of pumps, valves and related components of the distribution system; be willing to work with the water system as well as the sewer system; must be willing to learn the operation of the water plant as a backup operator; must be willing to work long or odd hours if needed; must be willing to obtain a water or sewer license; must be able to learn, in a timely manner, the operation of skid loader, mini excavator, backhoe, dump truck, and sewer jetter; other duties as assigned.  Normal working hours are 7:00AM to 3:30PM, Monday through Friday.  Applicant must have valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age.  Salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Send resume or apply at: City Clerk, 204 S. Main St., Archie, MO 64725, or email to: [email protected]. EOE

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Traffic Stop And Drug Arrest In Butler

On Sunday, July 12th, 2026 at approximately 8:16pm, a Butler Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Pine street for the vehicle displaying the license plates of another vehicle. Upon a records check of the driver, identified as Kayle Cooper, the officer determined that Cooper had an active warrant for felony driving while revoked and that Cooper’s driver license was still revoked.

The Officer then asked Cooper to exit the vehicle and when Cooper exited the vehicle, a piece of aluminum foil fell from Cooper. The Officer then retrieved the piece of foil. While speaking to the Officer, a second piece of foil fell from Cooper and Cooper attempted to destroy the second piece of foil before the Officer retrieved it. The foil was suspected to be used to consume narcotics.

K-9 Enzo then conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle to which K-9 Enzo alerted to the odor of narcotics. No further contraband was located during the search of the vehicle. Cooper advised the Officer that she had put the foil on her person in an attempt to not get caught with it.

Prior to placing Cooper into the patrol vehicle, a metal straw fell from her person. Cooper stated that the metal straw was used to hit the foils.

Cooper was then transported to the Bates County Jail where the jail’s body scanner was utilized to check for any other concealed contraband on Cooper. The body scanner showed Cooper had other suspected drug paraphernalia inside of her body. The drug paraphernalia was then retrieved from Cooper.

Cooper has an extensive drug history and is currently on probation and parole for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Resisting Arrest, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.

On 7/13/2026, Kayle Cooper received a warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance with a bond amount of $10,000 Cash or Surety. Later the same day, the bond was reduced to a signature bond.

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One Dead Following Accident West of Butler

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, at around 1:57 a.m. on Monday, July 13^th,a 35 year old female from San Luis, AZ succumbed to injuries sustained when the vehicle she was a passenger in left the roadway and struck a tree on 52 highway near county road 3502 around 1:40 this morning.

The driver, a 37 year old male, also from San Luis, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at Bates County Memorial Hospital.

The accident remains under investigation at this time. The MSHP was assisted at the scene by the Butler fire department and the Bates County Sheriff's Office.

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