Thursday, September 3, 2026
Papinville Picnic set for September 26
The Papinville history release will take you through the years when Papinville became a town. Then it was burned down in 1863 due to Order #11.
The town was named Papinville and has had several
different ways it has been spelled. Some people put an "s"
(Papinsville) while others put double "pp" (Pappinville). The correct
spelling is Papinville.
The
organization worked for a few years getting the original spelling right on the
road signs and the Missouri map.
The town was named after Melicourt Papin who came
to Papinville from St. Louis along with Michael Geraud. They bother were fur
traders for the American Fur Co located in Papinville. Papin bought land south
of Harmony Mission that george Pierce owned. He gave 70 acres to build the town
of Papinville. The town streets were named and the names are still being used
for the residents addresses that live in Papinville. Property was designated
for school ground and cemetery. The streets were wider (from 85 to 60 feet)
with alleyways 20 feet wide. It is hard to believe that at one time the
Papinville population was 700.
When people
started coming back to Papinville after the Civil War, Andrew Jackson gave six
blocks to the southeast of town for a new addition.
Next, we'll move to the timeline starting with the
founding of Papinville in 1847:
1847 - April 5 Plat of Papinville town recorded.
Selected to be Bates County seat by vote of the people.
1848 - Feb. 17 Post Office changed from Batesville
to Papinville. Hewn log courthouse built at Papinville.
1850 - Old Mission house bought by T. Scroggins
and moved to Papinville.
1851 - Dr. Samuel Nottingham murders his wife.
First trial and hanging in Papinville.
1852 County court ordered a bridge to be built
over Marias Des Cygnes river. It is believed to have been built by Frank Diehl.
Nov. 16 - Bates County Court orders brick
courthouse to be built at the cost of $2,500.
1853 - Brick courthouse was built. Benjamin
Richardson is the owner of a portable grist mill. Was burnt by Jim Lane in
1861. A. Boughan succeeds Freeman Barrows as county clerk.
1854 Court appointed Barrows as Judge. Border
warfare between anti-slavery Kansas and pro-slave Missouri begins.
1855 - Nevada becomes the county seat of Vernon
County. Last term of court held in Papinville.
1858 - Marias Des Cygne massacre.
1861 - Jan. 29 Kansas admitted to the Union as a
free state. Civil War begins. General Lane and troops burned the courthouse,
bridge and other buildings in Papinville.
1863 - Aug. 25 Order #11 Papinville and Bates
County was completely burned. Only house left standing was the Klinksick house
which is still standing today.
1865 - April 9 Civil War ended. Confederates
surrendered.
Next week the timeline will start with 1866-1952.
Papinville is getting ready for the big day. Will let you know next week about
the activities and timeline for events. The picture at the bottom of this
article is showing you the patriotic quilt that will be given away and the
shirts that we are selling at the picnic.
This year we are having three meats for our
dinner. Brisket, chicken and fish plus all the trims. Come and eat the feast on
Sept. 26th starting at 1:30-? Dinner will be served at 5:30.
Until next week. Submitted by
Phyllis Stewart
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
The Swan Solar Project
The Swan Solar project, a 650 megawatt solar farm slated to begin construction in western Bates county last month shows no sign of ground breaking.
So, what's the hold up? A myriad of things beginning with a 1 year moratorium set by Linn county Kansas, prohibiting setting of power poles and lines needed to connect the solar farm to the grid near the LaCygne power plant. Subsequently, that action has prompted a lawsuit against Linn county on behalf of Clearway Energy, who is leading the project.
In the meantime however, Clearway has offered Linn county $850,000 in hopes of remedying the situation but despite the temptation of a big cash infusion, it appears that the Linn county commissioners haven't said yes. For that matter, they haven't said no either.
On the Missouri side, earlier this year the Bates county commission came to an agreement with Clearway regarding terms of the project which included approximately $1.5 million annually for the Miami School along with other monies such as a $500,000 up front payment to Bates county.
So far, Clearway is yet to return the signed contract to Bates county officials.
Likewise, no $500,000 check either.
Interestingly, the delay has far reaching repercussions as another proposed solar project by NextEra, also to be located near Amsterdam, appears on hold as well; one could only guess that NextEra is waiting for an outcome on the Swan project before making any moves.
From the outside looking in, it may be awhile before there's any movement on the Swan Solar project. With that in mind, Mid America Live has reached out to Clearway for an update and will publish the outcome accordingly.
The Swan Solar project website here https://www.swanenergycenter.com/
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Mary Lee Oates Age 94 Adrian
From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Mary Lee Oates, age 94 of Adrian died
Tuesday, September 1 at Medicalodge in Butler.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Visitation
prior to services from 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery.
Contributions to the Western Missouri Antique Tractor Association. Online condolences www.
schowengerdtchapel.com
Mary is survived by her sons, William Scott Oates and wife Janet Oates, Jerry Dean Oates, and Phillip
Wayne Oates, all of Adrian; and son-in-law Joe Boyles, of Rich Hill, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren.
That’s Mary Lee Oates with funeral services 2 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral
Chapel in Butler.
Corner Hardware Holiday Hours
Corner Hardware in Butler will be closed for the holiday weekend. Corner Hardware will close at 1 on Thursday afternoon and remain closed Saturday and Monday. Back to business as usual on Tuesday. Have a great Holiday from Corner Hardware, Ohio Street, Butler.
Monday Night Bingo Jackpots for September 7th
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: September 7
Hotball:
1700.00
Blackout:
1050.00
King
of Diamonds will pay: 8023.00
Martha
June Cumpton, 90 of Adrian, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026 at
Medicaloge Butler surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home,
Butler. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, September 3,
2026, also at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill
Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in of
flowers to Altona Baptist Church or Adrian Optimist. Services under the
direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of
condolence may be left for family and friends at
www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
A
full obituary is pending at this time.
Monday, August 31, 2026
MoDOT urges football fans to plan ahead for I-70 work zones
The countdown to kickoff is on as football season approaches, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reminds motorists and football fans that construction season is also ongoing, as work to improve and add a third lane in each direction to Interstate 70 is underway across the state.
MoDOT is urging motorists and sports fans traveling via I-70 to get their game plan ready when traveling on game days. While MoDOT and its contractors are working to minimize traffic impacts during peak travel times, travel across the state via I-70, and through major work zones, will require extra time.
Motorists should prepare to leave early and allow for extra time when traveling on I-70 during game days. Increased game day traffic this football season is expected to cause additional delays both before and after games. Work zones often include narrow lanes, changing and atypical lane configurations, and reduced speeds.
Friday, August 28, 2026
Doris Null age 88 of Butler
From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Doris Null, age 88 of Butler died Wednesday, August 26 at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Visitation from 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 2 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Contributions to Double Branch Christian Church or Show-Me Christian Youth Home. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Doris is survived by her husband, Marvin Null of Butler; two sons, David Null and wife Tiffany of Grain Valley and Corey Null and wife Sheila of Des Moines; one daughter, Paula Cairns and husband Robbie of Blue Springs; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Lemon of Butler and Patricia Higginbottom of Belton; and one brother, Edward “Ed” Albert Raps and wife Bobby of Del Nort, Colorado. That’s Doris Null with funeral services 10 a.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Papinville History
This week the timeline will start at 1820 and go to when the town of Papinville was established. Many explorers and fur traders came up the Osage and Marais Des Cygne rivers to the American Fur Company. The fur company is said to have been about where the new bridge is located in Papinville. The explorers that we know of that came to visit and trade with the Osage Indians were Zebulon Pike, Lewis and Clark.
The Osage Indians had
been to Washington D.C. to talk to the president to see if he could send some
people to the area to help his people learn more about living the civil
lifestyle. THe Osage knew that more people were moving west.
This is the beginning of
the timeline this week with the missionaries coming to settle Harmony Mission.
1821
March 7 Missionaries
left New York for Harmony Mission
August 6 Missionaries
landed at Halley's Bluff area on the Osage River south of Papinville
August 10 Missouri
became a state
August 13 Mission site
reached and settlement began
1822 School began at
Harmony
1823 First school
building completed
1832 Melicourt
Papin settles in this area at Rapids de Kaw located on the north side of the
Osage River
1833 John Chorelle
erected a mill on the Marais des Cygnes. This was located south of the Marais
des Cygnes river bridge on B highway
1834 Papin and Gerard
had settled at Colins Ford. They both worked for the American Fur Company as
traders
1836 Harmony Mission and
school closes
1837 The children of the
missionaries attended a school in a barn located at the George Douglass farm
1838 Captain Waldo
brings goods to Harmony by wagon and oxen to open the first store in Harmony.
Freeman Barrows was the manager
1841 Bates County was
organized at Harmony site and the name changed to Batesville. First post
office.
1842 Presbyterian Church
was organized
1844 Captain Waldo
navigated a steamboat (The Wave) from St Louis to Harmony Mission
1846 Waldo navigated
steamboat (Maid of the Osage) to Harmony
Next week the timeline
will start in 1847 and end at the end of the Civil War 1865. Don't forget the
date of the picnic September 26. I will have some information on the activities
of the picnic. Until next week.
Submitted by Phyllis
Stewart
Bates County Republican Women Dinner
The Bates County Republican Women will be hosting a Sunday Chicken Dinner to raise funds in benefit of the Lily’s House, in Adrian. This event will be on Sunday October 4th from 11 AM to 2 PM, at the Tavern Hall at 200 N Main Street Butler. Come in after church and bring the whole family! Let us make Sunday dinner for you! You can sit down or carry out, your choice! Meals are $15 per person and includes Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, a Hot roll and homemade Desserts of all kinds! So come and let us cook Sunday Chicken Dinner for you!
FLORENCE MARIE ARBOGAST 69 OF HUME
Florence
Marie Arbogast, 69 of Hume, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026 at the
University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Cremation, with Memorial Services to be held
11:00 am Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Hume in Hume,
Missouri. Arrangements entrusted to
Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).
Messages of condolence may be left for the family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Florence
Marie Bright Arbogast was born July 13, 1957 in Foster, Missouri. The daughter of Alvin and Thelma Wyant
Bright. She grew up in the Foster and
Rich Hill area, attending Rich Hill schools and graduating in 1975. She was united in marriage to Norval Arbogast
in 1982. Three sons were born to this
union, Jon Howard, Alvin Joseph, and Fabian.
Marie
worked for Avon in the 1980’s, then for Walmart as a cashier, before becoming a
CNA and working at various nursing homes in the area. Always bringing a smile to the faces of her
patients. She had a love for music, and
would listen to it often, especially the Beatles and Janis Joplin. She was a talented guitar player and would
often share that gift. Marie also
enjoyed history and was always pulling out family photo albums and digging into
the family genealogy.
Marie
was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norval Arbogast in 2024, and by
her infant son Jon Howard Arbogast in 1984.
She is survived by her sons, Alvin Arbogast of Hume, MO., and Fabian
Arbogast and Fiancé Abigail of Richards, MO., along with a treasured grandson,
Victor Rae Arbogast.
ATTENTION: Reward Offered for Lost Dog
A male red heeler, wearing an orange collar, was lost Wednesday evening, August 26th in the area along the curves between N Hwy and the Hudson School. He is a timid male named "Rick". The owner is offering a reward. If you've seen this dog or know where he can be found you're asked to call the owner at 660-200-6848.
This public service message is courtesy of Bates County Vet Clinic in Butler, 660-679-3120
Brandon Daniel Luther
Jun 9, 1999 — Aug 3, 2026
Nevada, Missouri
Brandon Daniel Luther, 27, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, following a lengthy illness.
Brandon was born on June 9, 1999, to Bobby Luther and Maryann (Dilly) Luther. He attended the Sheldon R-VIII School District and graduated with the Class of 2017. Following graduation, he attended Missouri Welding Institute and worked on the road for Reed Dozing and Contracting.
Brandon loved spending time with his daughter, Maysin. He was always on the go & was happiest surrounded by friends enjoying life to the fullest. He also loved hunting, especially taking hunting trips with his Grandpa Dan. Brandon will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends who meant so much to him.
Brandon is survived by his daughter, Maysin Marie Luther; his father, Bobby Luther (Shauna); his mother, Maryann Luther; his grandparents, Linda Luther and Dan Dilly; his sisters, Ashley (BJ) Hensley, Courtney (Thad) Smith, and Aubry Luther; his nieces and nephews, Bryce, Brynn, Bryker, and Brystol Hensley, and Brooklyn, Taytum, and Thayne Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Waneta Dilly and Junior Luther.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 29 at the Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established for his daughter, Maysin through Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Butler High School
Two Kansas City greater area high schools – Butler and Plattsburg – just received $5,000 each in funding — and they’re also in the running for a football field transformation valued at $1 million.
The school was randomly selected as a $5K Fridays sweepstakes winner through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights, a national competition celebrating small-town football and community pride.14 Missouri high schools (listed below) have received $5,000, bringing the total to $70,000. All schools are in the running for the grand prize.
This year, more than $8.4 million is up for grabs, including $25,000 for 40 finalists, $250,000 for four division champions and $1 million toward a football field transformation for one grand prize winner, announced Nov. 12.
Butler High School Athletic Director Richard Schacher applied in hopes the funding can help upgrade an outdated field that serves as a year-round gathering place for high school, middle school, youth programs, families, alumni, and local supporters. Funding would reduce ongoing maintenance challenges, improve the gameday and community experience, and create a lasting investment that shows students their school and town believe in them.
Plattsburg High School Athletic Director Hunter Adkins applied in hopes the funding can restore safe, reliable lighting to its practice field, which serves high school and middle school football, youth football, soccer, and track and field programs. Funding would extend usable practice hours, improve athlete safety, reduce wear on the game field, and ensure students from kindergarten through 12th grade have equitable access to a well-lit community facility.
So far, 65 Missouri high schools have applied, but there’s still time for more area schools to join the competition. Eligible schools in communities with populations under 150,000 can apply at FridayNight5GLights.com through Sept. 18. Weekly $5K Fridays sweepstakes winners will continue to be announced through the end of September, and as the competition moves forward, communities will have opportunities to rally behind their schools and vote.
Happy to connect you with representatives from Butler or Plattsburg High to share how they plan to put the $5,000 to work, what it means for their communities and what they’re hoping for next.
