Meeting starts at 9 A.M.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Charles “Chuck” Blakely, 79 of Olathe, Kansas
Charles
“Chuck” Blakely, 79 of Olathe, Kansas passed away February 25, 2025 at his home
in Fort Myers, Florida. A visitation
will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Louisburg
First Christian Church, 602 North First Street, Louisburg, Kansas. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm
Friday, also at the church. Burial will
take place in Louisburg Cemetery. Services under the direction of Mullinax
Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400).
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Charles
Linwood Blakely, Jr. was born June 26, 1945 in Osceola, Iowa, the son of
Charles and Asta Blakely. He grew up in
Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Des Moines Tech. He then furthered his education at Drake
University.
Chuck
worked most of his life in construction as a Project and Estimate Manager,
retiring in 2011 from Total Interiors.
When
Chuck wasn’t working, he enjoyed his time working on cars, and over the years
buying and selling them. He was also a
family man and loved his family deeply, enjoying every minute that he got to
spend with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chuck will be forever remembered for his
sense of humor and dedication to his family and friends.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents,
two brothers, Larry and Lanny Blakely, and by his grandson Brayden Meyer. He is survived by his wife Linda Blakely, son
Paul Blakely, daughter Denise Meyer, three grandchildren, Kierra Meyer, Brycen
Meyer, and Keanna Meyer, along with two great-grandchildren, Traci Meyer and
Stetson Schneider.
Robert "Bobby" Fillpot, age 61
Robert Paul Fillpot
June 15, 1963 — December 20, 2024
Rich Hill, Missouri
A graveside service with Internment will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Green Lawn Cemetery, Rich Hill, MO under the direction of the Heuser Funeral Home.
Robert Paul "Bobby" Fillpot was born on June 15, 1963 in El Dorado Springs, Missouri to George and Pauline (West) Fillpot. He passed away on December 20, 2024 at his home.
Bobby enjoyed watching the Chiefs, fishing, going to the lake, and most of all Sunday dinners with his family and friends, and helping others doing any job that needed done.
He was married to Anna on March 26, 2022 which made his life complete, giving him a daughter and son-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Fillpot, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Krystal and Antonio Alvarado; grandchildren, Tesah and Evan Swarnes; best friend, John Swarnes; brother, Bud and Nancy; two sisters, Wanda and Rodney, and Debbie and Tim; five sisters-in-law, Chris, Ruby, Roma, Lillian, and Penny; three brothers-in-law, Kenneth, Marion, Lester and wife Sandy; his fury companion Duke, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Fillpot; his mother, Pauline Fillpot and her companion, Marvin Vittetoe; father-in-law, Kenneth and Icie Foster; sister, Laura Marie; sisters-in-law, Wyvonne and Esther; brothers-in-law, Clarence, Brian, and Art; two nephews, Buddy Dillon Fillpot, Jr. and Justin Ross; and cousin, John Fillpot.
Butler: Bates County Soil and Water Open House
Bates County Soil and Water Conservation District will host the Annual Cooperator Open House on March 13th. Hours are from 9 am until 3 pm at the USDA Building located at 625 West Nursery Street in Butler. Award winners presented at 12:45 and refreshments and lunch from noon until 1:00.
High Wind Warning Issued for Bates And Surrounding Counties
A high wind warning will be in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 until 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, for Cooper, Howard, Pettis, Saline, Chariton, Macon, Randolph, Adair, Bates, and Henry counties.
A powerful storm system will move across the region today through Wednesday, bringing multiple hazards to the area. Today, widespread rainfall is expected, with a few thunderstorms possible. This afternoon, an isolated severe storm is possible, with damaging winds and hail as the primary threats. A brief tornado or two can’t be ruled out, although this is unlikely. A strong cold front will plow southward tonight, and dangerous northwest winds will build behind the front. Wind gusts of 60-70 mph are likely behind this front, especially across eastern KS and western MO. Cold air will rapidly fill in behind the front, leading to a transition to snow. While snow amounts won’t be heavy, falling and blowing snow in high winds will reduce visibility and lead to blizzard conditions tonight.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Petition for the resignation of Bates County Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley
Petition for the resignation of Bates County Presiding Commissioner
To view this petition and sign if you agree you can click here!
And the Winner of the Bates County Farm bureau Membership Month has been announced.
The winner of the Bates County Farm Bureau drawing has been announced.
Bates County Farm Bureau offered a drawing for prizes
for those who entered the Membership Month contest in February.
The winners have been announced:
Josh and Katie Wallace won the McBee’s Gift Certificate
Wayne Bolle was the winner of the Hertzog Meat Gift
Certificate.
Congratulations
Northern Commissioner John Gray Releases ARPA Information
Bates County faces a looming fiscal
Bates County faces a looming fiscal concern having to do with
our non-compliance with the ARPA funds we received from the
Federal Treasury. This is nearly a four-year ongoing issue that
has come to light and needs immediate resolution.
Bates County Commission applied for American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) funds on May 11, 2021. This is the Coronavirus
State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) that is managed by the
Treasury of the Federal Government. The application contract,
signed by the Presiding Commissioner, clearly stipulates that
the County will report to the Treasury on an annual basis
where the funds were disbursed. The Presiding Commissioner
has individually maintained full control of the administrative
portal to the SLFRF through the United States Treasury.
A County Detail Account Report for date range of January 2022
through February 18, 2025 shows that the County disbursed
$3,152,674.73 to local entities of Bates County Water
Districts, Cities, Rural and Volunteer Fire Departments,
Community Food Pantries, Fair Board and Ministry Alliances.
Source: Bates County Clerk's Office.
There have been 92 communications from the Treasury, and/or
the Missouri Association of Counties to the Bates County
Commissioners that were either ignored or not responded to
and 30 were not even opened, by any of the commissioners.
Source: County Commissioners Gmail accounts.
First reporting that was due was April 30, 2022 for period
ending March 31, 2022. The amount of disbursements for this
period is in the amount of $1,555,477.00. This was not
reported, nor responded to by any of our commissioners.
our non-compliance with the ARPA funds we received from the
Federal Treasury. This is nearly a four-year ongoing issue that
has come to light and needs immediate resolution.
Bates County Commission applied for American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) funds on May 11, 2021. This is the Coronavirus
State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) that is managed by the
Treasury of the Federal Government. The application contract,
signed by the Presiding Commissioner, clearly stipulates that
the County will report to the Treasury on an annual basis
where the funds were disbursed. The Presiding Commissioner
has individually maintained full control of the administrative
portal to the SLFRF through the United States Treasury.
A County Detail Account Report for date range of January 2022
through February 18, 2025 shows that the County disbursed
$3,152,674.73 to local entities of Bates County Water
Districts, Cities, Rural and Volunteer Fire Departments,
Community Food Pantries, Fair Board and Ministry Alliances.
Source: Bates County Clerk's Office.
There have been 92 communications from the Treasury, and/or
the Missouri Association of Counties to the Bates County
Commissioners that were either ignored or not responded to
and 30 were not even opened, by any of the commissioners.
Source: County Commissioners Gmail accounts.
First reporting that was due was April 30, 2022 for period
ending March 31, 2022. The amount of disbursements for this
period is in the amount of $1,555,477.00. This was not
reported, nor responded to by any of our commissioners.
Per an email to all commissioners dated February 10, 2025,
this period is now Administratively closed and the County will
need to repay this amount back.
A regular audit of the County was concluded on December 31,
2022, had a finding concerning the ARPA funds, and finding
that the County did not have adequate internal control over
the program to identify and comply with the requirements of
the contract and warning that costs may be disallowed.
Source: Independent Auditor's Reports and Supplementary
Information, dated December 31, 2022 performed by Daniel
Jones & Associates, Certified Public Accountants.
Second reporting that was due was April 30, 2023 for period
ending March 31, 2023. The amount of disbursements for this
period is in the amount of $1,535,539.51. This was not
reported, nor responded to by any of our commissioners. Per
an email to all commissioners dated February 10, 2025, this
period is now Administratively closed and the County will need
to repay this amount back.
Third reporting that was due was April 30, 2024 for period
ending March 31, 2024. The amount of disbursements for this
period is in the amount of $61,658.22. This was not reported,
nor responded to by any of our commissioners as of yet. This
amount, if reported by April 30, 2025, may not require repayment.
The important facts of this concern is that the residents of
Bates County Missouri will be held accountable to repay the
full amount of the 2022 and 2023 closed years which amount
to a total of $3,152,674.73.
this period is now Administratively closed and the County will
need to repay this amount back.
A regular audit of the County was concluded on December 31,
2022, had a finding concerning the ARPA funds, and finding
that the County did not have adequate internal control over
the program to identify and comply with the requirements of
the contract and warning that costs may be disallowed.
Source: Independent Auditor's Reports and Supplementary
Information, dated December 31, 2022 performed by Daniel
Jones & Associates, Certified Public Accountants.
Second reporting that was due was April 30, 2023 for period
ending March 31, 2023. The amount of disbursements for this
period is in the amount of $1,535,539.51. This was not
reported, nor responded to by any of our commissioners. Per
an email to all commissioners dated February 10, 2025, this
period is now Administratively closed and the County will need
to repay this amount back.
Third reporting that was due was April 30, 2024 for period
ending March 31, 2024. The amount of disbursements for this
period is in the amount of $61,658.22. This was not reported,
nor responded to by any of our commissioners as of yet. This
amount, if reported by April 30, 2025, may not require repayment.
The important facts of this concern is that the residents of
Bates County Missouri will be held accountable to repay the
full amount of the 2022 and 2023 closed years which amount
to a total of $3,152,674.73.
Donations Accepted By The Carpenter's Cup For The Family Of Fatal House Fire
In light of the tragic house fire in Butler on Saturday night, March 1st, 2025, that involved the loss of 2 small children, The Carpenters Cup will be taking donations for the family in a show of community love and support. Needed are men's clothing, size medium to large, women's clothing, size medium to large, also, baby girl clothing, size 18-24 months, diapers size 5 and up, baby wipes, and baby essentials are needed. Food, cash donations, gift cards to Walmart or grocery stores, paid motel nights are also requested. You can take donations to the Carpenter’s Cup, 102 South Bishop, here in Butler.
Fatal House Fire In Butler
On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m.the Bates County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to an explosion and subsequent house fire in rural Butler, Mo.
Upon
arrival, first responders were met with a fully engulfed home. 5 people were
reported to be residing at the residence. 3 of the 5 occupants were able to
make it out of the house, however 2 children, both age 2, were not able to be
immediately rescued. Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from
additional agencies. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in
the residence. Both children were eventually
pronounced deceased by the Bates County Coroner on scene. The three people that were able to make it
out of the house were transported to the hospital for treatment.
The fire is
being investigated by the Bates County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State
Fire Marshal’s Office.
The
following agencies responded to assist with the efforts: Bates County Sheriffs
Office, Butler Police Department, Adrian Police Department, Missouri State
Highway Patrol, Bates County EMS, Butler Fire Department, Adrian Fire
Department, Rich Hill Fire Department, Bates County Coroner, Missouri State
Fire Marshal’s Office, Central Cass Fire Department and the Bates County Victim
Advocate.
“Our hearts
go out to the families and friends of these children. Please keep them all in your prayers as they
will have a rough road ahead” says
Sheriff Anderson.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Bates County Commission meeting to update on ARPA reporting at 9AM 3/5/2025
Meeting starts at 9 A.M.
