Bates County News

Friday, May 9, 2025

Joe Jacobs, age 77 of Drexel

Joe Jacobs, 77 of Drexel, Missouri passed away May 7, 2025 at his home in Drexel.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Monday, May 12, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400).  No visitation is scheduled.  Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Allen Jacobs was born on December 28, 1947 in Butler, Missouri to Elmer Joseph and Sarah Alene Prier Jacobs. In the words of his wife Vicki, ‘Joe liked to work. It’s what he did. He worked.’ He was a kind, strong, simple man who loved the Lord and his family. He would gladly stop his work for the day to spend an hour visiting on the back porch over a glass of tea with his grandkids or anyone else that stopped by. Joe grew up the eldest of 5 siblings. They learned to work hard and to be good Christian stewards of the land on their farm outside of Drexel. Joe attended school in Drexel, graduating in 1965. He served his country from March 1966 to January 1968 with the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He was united in marriage to Vicki Lynn Hartman on October 10, 1969. From this union, two sons, Brent and Brad, were born. As a father, Joe instilled the importance of working hard. He liked to point out that a tough job builds character and said it often to his boys. Joe attended Merwin Christian Church. He was a pillar of the church, serving as a deacon and on numerous committees throughout the years. Joe worked hard, every day. He made his living as a farmer, raising hogs and cattle.  He enjoyed making the rounds on his four-wheeler checking cows, fences, and just being on the land. Joe’s favorite role was that of a grandpa. He loved all of his grandkids dearly, when they would stop by you can guarantee the work was stopped. He would take them to check cows, play uno, and most of all pester each other. 

Joe is survived by his wife Vicki Jacobs, two sons Brent Jacobs and wife Shari and Brad Jacobs and wife Jill all of Drexel, Missouri; two brothers Don Jacobs and wife Judy and Ronnie Jacobs and wife Shelley all of Drexel, and brother-in-law Norman Purkey and wife Sue of Harrisonville; 6 grandchildren Sarah Hernandez (Jon), Steven Jacobs (Korby), Joey Jacobs (Nina), August Jacobs, Bryson Jacobs, and Jaclyn Jacobs; three great children, Oliver, Marlow, and Odin. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Alene; sisters Kathy Purkey and Sheryl Yoakum. 


Paul Harvey once said, ‘And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So, God made a farmer.




Thursday, May 8, 2025

 Rachael Lawrence, 40 of Galena, Kansas passed away April 27, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  Cremation, with Private family memorial services to be held at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.  


A complete obituary is pending at this time. 



Prayers and Patience are Needed by The Jason Melton Family

 Our prayers and our patience are needed now by the Jason Melton family as they deal with the loss of their son, Jake who was killed in a motorcycle accident Wednesday evening, May 7th. 

Jason will be taking some time away from his appliance repair business while his family deals with this devastating loss. Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding as they grieve and lay their son to rest. 

The goal is to return to work after Memorial Day, your prayers are very appreciated.





Butler R-V Senior High School Annual Awards Day May 8, 2025 Live Stream

Vendors Wanted Olde Glory Days Clinton

 A yearly event we all look forward to is the Clinton Annual Olde Glory Days 3-day celebration.

This year the dates are set for July 3rd through July 6th.

 

At this time the committee is looking for vendors to participate during the celebration.

 

If you would like to have a vendor booth at this year’s Olde Glory Days contact the Clinton Chamber of Commerce today to reserve your space.

 

Vendors include:  Businesses, churches, food, drinks, crafters, non-profits, and more.

 

The  cutoff date to accept Olde Glory Days vendors is June 27th.

For all the details, just call 660-885-8166, email [email protected] or [email protected], or stop by 200 South Main Street in Clinton.

 

A list of scheduled events and vendor information may be found on Facebook. Search for Olde Glory Days. 




 

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Bates County Museum open for the summer season

 THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM OPENED  FOR THE 2025 SEASON ON APRIL 1ST. THE MUSEUM IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM APRIL 1ST THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER EACH YEAR.

THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM INVITES YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BATES COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND THEY URGE YOU TO JOIN AND SUPPORT THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM IN THEIR EFFORTS TO SUSTAIN AND SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF THE HISTORY OF OUR AREA.

THE BATES COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS BEEN PRESERVING HISTORY AND PROVIDING EDUCATION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SINCE 1961…. YOUR SUPPORT ENABLES THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM TO CONTINUE TO WORK FOR YOU.

THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM IS OPEN ON TUESDDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9 AM UNTIL 3 PM AND ON SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.   ROBERTSON HALL IS OPEN FOR BANQUET RENTAL SERVICES  APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER, IS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE AND LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR. THE ROBERTSON HALL BANQUET FACILITY CAN BE USED FOR MEETINGS, SEMINARS, WEDDINGS AND FAMILY REUNIONS, AND IS EQUIPPED WITH A KITCHEN. CONTACT THE MUSEUM FOR RATES AND MORE RENTAL INFORMATION.

THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SATURDAY, EXCEPT BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, CLOSED ON SUNDAY, MONDAY AND HOLIDAYS. ADMISSION TO THE MUSEUM IS 5 DOLLARS FOR ADULTS, TWO DOLLARS FOR STUDENTS AGES 6-18, CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 ARE ADMITTED FREE OF CHARGE, AND BATES COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERS ARE ADMITTED FREE.

THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM IS LOCATED ON ELKS DRIVE IN BUTLER AND IS OPEN TO VISITORS, TOURISTS, ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS AND TOURS.

THE PHONE NUMBER TO CONTACT THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM IS 660-679-0134. THE BATES COUNTY MUSEUM IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN APRIL 1ST FOR THE 2025 SEASON AND WILL CLOSE OCTOBER 31ST 2025. 




Little Apple News from Appleton City

 The Yellow Rose Day is coming so residents of the Appleton City area your support is needed in placing the over 2000 yellow silk rosebuds on the oldest graves in the Appleton City Cemetery in time for Memorial Day.  Roses will be placed on THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., with a rain date of Friday, May 16, 2025, 8:30 a.m.  All individuals, families, clubs or groups are welcome.  For information contact: Pam Bartz, 417-321-4177, Donald Yoss, 660-492-7218 or City Hall, 476-2631.

 

The last labels collection for this school year will be NO LATER than Friday May 9. Food Fair receipt dates for this round is January 2025 to May 2025. They cannot accept any prior to January. Please send all your Food Fair receipts and Best Choice UPC labels with your student or you may also drop them by St. Clair County State Bank or Little Apples Learning Center NO LATER than Friday May 9. PTO would like to thank the community for collecting and supporting the students and PTO. Continue collecting through the summer. They will collect again in September.

 

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday May 10.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship. Sam Setzer will have a short devotional. 

 

The Knights of Columbus will have a breakfast buffet with pancake and sausage plus ham, eggs and potatoes, coffee, juice or milk at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Sunday May 11 (Mother’s Day).  Treat your mother and other important ladies in your life to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated. Proceeds will benefit the Immaculate Conception Altar Sodality.

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital and AC Rural Health Clinic Community Appreciation Day, will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2025 or until they run out. They will have free pulled pork sandwiches, chips, cookie and a bottle of water for curbside pickup at the front doors of the hospital. This is their way of saying thank you to the community for their support or EMH and AC Rural Health Clinic.

 

The next Meet Me On Main, Second Wednesday Shop and Stroll will be 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. May 14. May's participating businesses include: Jina's Junque, Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, 4th Street Fika, Bluebird Lounge, Bulldogs Nutrition, Cork & Keg, Sandi's Kitchen, Red Door Salon, Floral & Boutique, Revive Hydration & Wellness Spa and A.C.TNR.

 

The Annual "Little Ladies Dance" will be held Saturday, May 31 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Appleton City Elementary gym. Any preschool age to 6th grade Little Ladies from Appleton, Hudson, Montrose, Ballard, Davis and Zion schools are invited to bring their best dancing partner out for a "Night Under the Stars". Admission (at the door) per couple is $20, with an additional $5 per extra family member.

 

Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program online applications are due 4:00 p.m. June 23, 2025. The priority of this grant program is to return currently vacant, unsafe or under-utilized historic properties into productive use. Properties must be used for commercial and/or community activities only. As part of the grant process, you will be required to outline the planned intended use for the property after the revitalization project has been completed. Priority will be given to projects that are currently on the National Register of Historic Places and that will finalize the preservation, rehabilitation or restoration of the resources during the grant period, which will end August 31, 2027.  Local government entities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private owners of commercial and/or community properties may apply.  Properties must be located in designated downtown and historical districts within Missouri region served by the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission (Bates, Benton, Cedar, Henry, Hickory, St. Clair and Vernon Counties). For more information and application workshop dates, visit the Kaysinger website at: www.kaysinger.com or https://kaysinger.com/development/funding/pbhrgrant/

 

The ACHS Alumni Meeting will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 with a noon meal/meeting. Reservations of $15 to ACHS ALUMNI, (with names of those attending and class year) should be mailed to Patti Purvis Young, 101 E. 3rd St., ACMO 64724 by MAY 15. Cost at the door is $20

 

The AC FFA is holding their spring plant sale until the end of school. The FFA greenhouse will be open for business from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on any day school is in session. Just stop by the Ag Building for assistance. The FFA has garden vegetables and flowers for sale, such as tomatoes and peppers as well as potting flowers like petunias, annual vinca, impatiens and geraniums. Flowers and vegetables can be purchased as packs, individuals or as hanging baskets. Photos and information about all the items available in the greenhouse are located on the school website, as well as the Facebook pages. Costs are $2/packs, and $12/hanging basket or 3 hanging baskets/$30. For information, call Mrs. Leiber 660-424-3668.

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for May 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments: May 7 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, May 9- Ortho-Dr. Gray, May 13 – Rheumatology-Dr. John,  May 14 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, May 15– Podiatry- Dr. Pace, May 21 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, May 28 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, May 28 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, May 29-Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 9       Deadline to turn in best choice labels and Food Fair receipts for AC School

May 10     Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

May 11     MOTHERS DAY

May 11     Knights of Columbus Mother’s Day buffet breakfast 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Knights Hall in Montrose

May 14     Ellett Memorial Hospital Community Appreciation Day 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with free pulled pork sandwich meal pickup

May 14     Meet Me On Main, Second Wednesday Shop and Stroll will be 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

May 15     Yellow Rose placement at AC Cemetery 8:30 a.m.



Driver Arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine

 On 5/1/2025, a Deputy was on routine patrol in the area of AA Highway and County Road 2001 when he observed a vehicle with defective equipment. As the Deputy pulled in behind the vehicle the driver slowed down to almost a stop and then sped up again. The vehicle then slowed down again almost to a stop a second time. The deputy then made a traffic stop on the vehicle.


The Deputy made contact with the driver identified as Joseph Wyssbrod. Wyssbrod behavior indicated that the driver may have illegal substances in the vehicle. A K9 was requested and arrived on scene. The K9 had a positive alert on the vehicle and a search of the vehicle was conducted. In the back seat of the vehicle in a guitar case the deputies located a clear plastic baggie that contained a white crystal-like substance. A glass pipe was also taped to the baggie.

The crystal substance was tested using a drug testing machine called TruNarc and it tested positive as Methamphetamine.

Wyssbrod was Charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $25,000 Cash only 

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Butler Aquatic Center to Open May 26th

 The Butler Parks and Rec Department have released information regarding the summer season

At the Butler Aquatic Center, the pool is scheduled to open on May 26th. Hours open will be noon to 6 pm 7 days each week.

Season passes are for sale now for 60 dollars for ages 7 and under.  
First-time family member 120.00  Ages 8 to 54 passes are 100 dollars and senior citizens will pay 60 dollars for a summer pool pass.

The Butler Pool policy for closing early will be due to low attendance or weather conditions.

The Butler Aquatic Center will be closed on July 19th.

Call the facility for information on pool parties and summer swimming lessons on the schedule.

The Aquatic Center is 660-679-3521, Butler Parks and Rec 660-200-2062 or the Butler City Hall 660-679-4182 .




Suspect in Custody at Bates County Sheriff's Office

 On 5/5/2025, A Deputy was in the area of Fran Avenue and Ft. Scott Street in Butler. The Deputy observed a truck turn south onto Fran Avenue from Ft Scott Street and travel southbound in the northbound lane. The truck had to take evasive action to avoid striking the marked patrol vehicle in the north bound lane of Fran Ave. The Deputy activated his lights and pulled the vehicle over in the Days Inn parking lot. The driver of the vehicle exited the truck and began to run around the building. The driver ran to a table with other individuals that were playing a card game as the Deputy caught up to the driver. The driver was taken into custody at that time.

During an inventory search of the vehicle the deputies located multiple open containers of alcohol, two rolled up dollar bill with a white powdery substance in the end that field tested positive for cocaine.
The driver, identified as Mauricio C Caal was transported to the jail where it was determined that his blood alcohol level was almost two times the legal limit.
Mauricio was charged with Possession of a Controlled substance. DWI, and Resisting Arrest. His bond was set at $8500.00. Immigration and Custom has placed a detainer on Caal and he is still in custody.

Wapello County Leads Multi-State Investigation, Arrest Made in Widespread School Burglary Case

 Ottumwa, Iowa — A months-long, multi-state investigation led by the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a suspect believed responsible for burglarizing at least sixteen school districts across Iowa and Missouri. The operation highlights the power of proactive investigative work, interagency collaboration, and strategic use of technology.

The case began on February 2, 2025, when the Cardinal Community School District in Wapello County reported break-ins at its Elementary, Middle, and High School buildings. The burglar caused extensive property damage and stole over $4,000 in cash. Despite early efforts, initial leads were scarce.
Rather than allowing the case to go cold, Wapello County investigators escalated their approach. Investigators applied for and executed advanced technical search warrants not typically used in standard property crime cases. Working closely with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Intelligence & Fusion Center, Wapello County began analyzing key digital evidence that would ultimately crack the case wide open.
As the investigation progressed, reports of similar burglaries at schools across Missouri and southwest Iowa began to surface. Recognizing the broader pattern, Wapello County investigators took the lead in coordinating with multiple jurisdictions to pool data and track the suspect's movements. Their analysis led to the development of a detailed suspect profile, which pointed to an individual living in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
While conducting a thorough background investigation of the suspect it was discovered that he is currently on parole stemming from a previous conviction for burglarizing numerous schools and small businesses across central Missouri in 2018.
Wapello County investigators prepared search warrant applications for the suspect’s known residences in Jacksonville and Sherwood, Arkansas, and worked with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to secure search warrants through the Arkansas courts. On Tuesday, April 29, a joint operation involving Wapello County Deputies, Arkansas State Police, and the Lewis County (MO) Sheriff’s Office executed the warrants.
The suspect, identified as Curtis Lee Barton age 40, was taken into custody without incident. Evidence recovered at the scene directly links Barton to the burglaries. He is currently being held at the South Pulaski County Jail in Little Rock, Arkansas, on a $100,000 cash-only bond, pending extradition and further legal proceedings.
To date, Barton is suspected in the burglary of approximately 14 school districts in Missouri and 2 in Iowa, including Cardinal Community Schools. Multiple Additional burglaries involving small businesses are also being reviewed in connection to this case and our office is providing pertinent information to the agencies investigating cases within their jurisdiction.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are expected as both local and federal law enforcement continues to review new reports connected to the case. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office.

Lost Yellow Plastic Vet Box

 

This public service message is paid for by Dirks Heavy Equipment of Butler. A Butler resident lost a yellow plastic vet box from the bed of his truck this morning ( May 6th) while traveling to Appleton City. He traveled on 52 East and B Highway. A reward is offered for the return. Call Steve Polly at 660-464-0119 that number again 660-464-0119 .







Missouri Municipal League Announces 2025 MML Innovation Award Winners

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Municipal League is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 MML Innovation Awards. These awards honor outstanding projects happening in communities across Missouri that enhance the quality of life for Missouri cities.

The projects illustrate the creativity of Missouri’s local officials and municipal employees as they serve their communities and keep Missouri cities vibrant.
Cities across the state also celebrate Missouri Local Government Week this week (May 4-10). It is the perfect time to highlight the MML Innovation Award winners, as these projects demonstrate the dedication of those serving in local government. They also emphasize the valuable partnerships city officials develop with other cities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and citizens.
Awards are based on city population size. This year, MML received 18 submissions from municipalities statewide, demonstrating creativity and ingenuity within local government.
Learn more about Local Government Week at www.mocities.com and find more information regarding the MML Innovation Awards at www.mocities.com/InnovationAwards.
This year’s winners are:
City of Butler (Small City, with population under 5,000)
Mock City Council
Last March the city of Butler and the Butler High School Student Council joined forces and held a Mock City Council meeting. The objective was to teach students involved in high school student government about local city government and build a bridge with the city council and younger citizens in the community. The high school students were given several different scenarios about current topics that the city council is facing. The students were assigned roles from the Mayor, council members, police chief, fire chief, public works, city clerk, and city administrator. They met with the actual people who hold those roles on staff and discussed the situations that they face in the scenarios and what would be the best possible outcomes.
The staff also explained their roles to the students and what they do daily. The council members and staff assumed the roles as citizens that voice concerns about the different situations presented to the students. Students walked through the start to finish of on actual city council agenda with passing resolutions, ordinances and having a public forum time for questions to the mock council.
The second part of this program is a service project with the students. This year’s project was to clean up Butler’s historic square and pocket park. Another major accomplishment from this project was forming a Student Advisory Committee. This committee was formed to hear the voice of our younger population. The committee meets once a month and is comprised of six student leaders. The project is something other cities can truly invest in very easily and an even deeper investment for the future of our young people.
City of Columbia (Metro City, with population more than 30,000)
Home Weatherization Grant Program
City of Ozark (Large City, with population 15,000 -30,000)
Garrison Springs Community Forest
City of Dardenne Prairie (Medium City, with population 5,000 – 15,000)
Inclusive Easter Egg Hunt
About MML
The Missouri Municipal League provides a united voice for municipalities across Missouri. Founded in 1934, MML now serves more than 650 municipalities with training, resources and legislative advocacy for local government success. Learn more at www.mocities.com.

DL Truck and Trailer formerly Trailers Direct of Kansas City

 “Trailers Direct of KC is now DL Truck & Trailer Outfitters.

Same great team, same great products all under a new great name!”

 

 

DL Truck & Trailer Outfitters

13307 S US 71hwy

Grandview, MO 64030

Office: 816-767-9600

www.trailersdirect.net




Adrian Bank Butler Honor Day Award Ceremony May 8th

 Honor Day for the Butler High School is set for Thursday, May 8th. This year 92.1 has expanded to share this live coverage from a link on our website. This will give access to the public to see  and hear this live broadcast as we stream those wanting to view the 2025 Butler Honor Day Awards Ceremony. Join us at 1 pm on Thursday, May 8th as we go live via streaming. Click on the link provided by US Solutions Car Dealership from the  www.921news.com website. One of the sponsors making this possible is Adrian Bank , serving your from 3 locations. The main Branch in Adrian, The Butler Branch, and Archie Branch. Your Hometown bank with online banking, calculators and mobile banking. A member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Open Monday through Friday.

Join us on May 8th from the web at www.921news.com.

Courtesy of
Adrian Bank, Hedrick Cabinets of Butler,
US Solutions Car Dealership
American Family Insurance of Butler and
Duffer Hollow of Rich Hill 




Joe Jacobs, age 77 of Drexel

Joe Jacobs, 77 of Drexel, Missouri passed away May 7, 2025 at his home in Drexel.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Monday, May 12, 2...