Bates County News

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Brenda Doody attends Nationally Sanctioned Guardianship Course

 Doody Attends National Level Guardianship Training

 
Brenda Doody, Bates County Public Administrator, took part in a 5-module nationally sanctioned
Guardianship online course: Fundamentals of Guardianship Today.  Over the three-month
period of classes, Mrs. Doody honed and furthered her knowledge in opening a guardianship
case with an individual, two class modules of being guardian of the person, guardianship of the
estate and finances, and lastly end of life guardianship.
 
Brenda stated, “The Fundamentals of Guardianship is a wonderful course taught by very
knowledgeable instructors. I learned a lot and was able to network with other public and private
guardians from around the nation who added valuable perspective. It was great to be able to get
involved in breakout sessions and work on example cases which follow all our caseloads.”
 
Mrs. Doody was elected to the office of Bates County Public Administrator in November 2020
and took office in January 2021. While she had great training from her predecessor, she feels
that continuing her education is crucial to staying on top of an ever-changing field. Brenda is
currently working on becoming a Nationally Certified Guardian. She states, “Becoming a
Certified National Guardian is not a requirement in the state of Missouri. However, I believe if a
person wants to do a good job and serve their people to the best of their ability, the extra
education is vital.” Brenda is serving her second term as Bates County Public Administrator.






Old Settlers Day Winners

 The Bates County Historical Society would like to thank everyone that participated in Old Settlers Day and helped to make the event a success.  The following names  are the winners from all categories that had participants.

 

Pioneer King & Queens

Butler Center: Jerry Kauffman (88) & Bonnie Austin(88)

Medicalodge: Gilbert Lee(96) & Susan Dudley (99)

Square: Tom McGuire(90) & Dolly Robey (80)

 

King of Babies

Wyatt & Dean Ross (Share the title of king)

 

Singing Bee winner

Sarah Horn

 

Best Crochet Piece

Sibylla Watson

 

Oldest Quilt

Teresa Champlin

 

Longest Hair

Bailey Ross

 

Youngest Twins

Wyatt & Dean Ross 6mo

 

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Billy Frising Jr.

 

Dry Mouth Whistle Contest

Billy Frising Sr.

 

Hog Calling Contest

Callie Burris

 

Animal Impersonation

Harper Ross (Pig Impersonation)

 

 


Charles Wayne Dipman, age 81, of Rich Hill

Charles Wayne Dipman, age 81, of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2026, surrounded by his family.   He was born on September 27th, 1944, in Warrensburg, Missouri, to Jacob Moyers Dipman and Mary Gertrude Narron Dipman.  
 
    Wayne, as he was known, grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, surrounded by friends and family, where he made quite a name for himself on the baseball field. He later moved with his parents to Montevallo, Missouri, during his junior year of high school and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School, where he also excelled in football.
 
     Wayne was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved square dancing and bowling, and he absolutely loved riding motorcycles. Whether he was riding with longtime friends or meeting new ones along the way, the open road was one of his greatest joys.
 
    Wayne married Mary Kathleen Chastain on March 15th, 1969, in Lamar, Missouri. They welcomed three children and made their home in the Sheldon/Bronaugh area. She preceded him in death on June 15th, 2007.
Wayne later married Judith Cole on November 24th, 2024, and she survives of the home.
 
    Throughout his life, Wayne worked a variety of jobs. After high school, he joined a survey crew and spent time in Wyoming, where he also worked as a part-time bull rider. Over the years he sold insurance, did upholstery work, drove a truck, cooked in a restaurant, worked at Crane Plumbing, and ultimately retired with pride from the Missouri State Highway Department.
 
    He was a devoted father who loved watching his children in their sporting events and spent many years coaching baseball. Wayne never made promises — he simply showed up, worked hard, and lived by example. He was a loving and respected member of his community, especially at the Kern Center in Rich Hill, where rumor has it he was the pool champion and even taught a few others how to play.
 
    Wayne taught his children to love one another, to love their mother, and to respect their elders. He taught his sons the value of hard work and providing for their families. He taught all his children to play sports — especially baseball. He loved hunting and fishing, and he passed that love on to his children, who each carry their own stories of time spent with him in the woods or casting a line.
 
    Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Mary Dipman; his wife, Kathe Dipman; three brothers, Bobby, Bill, and Clyde “Corky” Dipman; and one sister, Irene Ediger. Including cousins, Wayne was the last of his generation.   He is survived by his wife, Judy Dipman, of the home; two sons, Edward Dipman (Becky) of Pensacola, Florida, and Chuck Dipman (Leighann) of Nevada, Missouri; two daughters, Chere Gannaway (Dustin) of Osceola, Missouri, and Julie Vaughn (Joe) of Rich Hill, Missouri. He leaves behind thirteen grandchildren — Evelyn Hatch, Chase Brown, Levi Dipman, Corrine Keisle, Lakin Lindsey, Gaven Morgan, Carson Woods, Cameron Woods, Julian Dipman, Kelsey Dipman, Taryn LeAn, Alexis Sievers, and Austin Sievers — along with thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him.
 
    Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Nevada, MO.  Interment will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, MO.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00p.m. on Wednesday evening at Ferry Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Wayne’s memory to the Kerns Senior Center, Rich Hill, MO in care of Ferry Funeral Home.


Monday, June 22, 2026

What's Up LeRoy Cook

 What's Up

by LeRoy Cook

.

June 22, 2026I

 

Suggested Banner: Bearing Up and Carrying On

 

It was a somber, subdued week at the Butler airport, after the terrible tragedy of the previous weekend. There was a three-day FAA-imposed closing of airspace up to 3000 feet that expired Wednesday evening, after which normal operations resumed. NTSB investigations concluded after Tuesday so road access could resume. Any findings will be announced only after the agency finishes its work, which can take a year or more. Meanwhile, the twelve families of the deceased and everyone affected deserve continued prayers and support.

 

As far as transient traffic was concerned, the mostly open flying weather saw quite a few visitors coming and going, including a Cirrus SR-22 from St. Louis, a Cessna Skylane from Ft. Collins, Colorado and a nice homebuilt Van’s RV-7 from Mt. Vernon. A Piper Archer and a Cessna 172 were also in. Locally, the BCS AirTractor sprayplane was back hard at work, Jeremie Platt had his Grumman Tiger out and Gerald Bauer was up in the Cessna Skyhawk.

 

World-wide, there was news last week out of Nigeria, where a 1988 Challenger 601 business jet landed on a newly-built unopened concrete roadway, rather than the nearby airport, for undisclosed reasons. Then it was turned around after a three-hour stay and took off for repositioning; Nigerian officials are not happy over the stunt. The pilot was 70 years old, overage by Nigerian rules. The airplane is registered to a Salt Lake City ownership.

 

Stateside, the Air Force is not happy over the latest round of TFR busts in New Jersey, where our President frequents one of his golf courses. Pilots are supposed to keep track of his comings and goings and avoid the intermittent no-fly zone, but as can happen, some people don’t get the word and F-16s and Black Hawks have to be scrambled to identify the intruder. It happened 15 times in the first half of June.

 

Also, the FAA is getting serious about drone incursions over World Cup locations, which are supposed to be covered by no-drone notices. Homeland Security has logged 145 violations in the first week of the games. Confiscation and interdiction measures are being taken, and as soon as the perpetrators can be located, heavy fines and license revocations are levied. The cheap and easily-flown Chinese drones are often in the hands of operators who don’t care about rules and security, just grabbing videos and gaining notoriety.

 

The F-35 fighter jet program is in trouble. The Government Accountability Office found that of the 800 F-35’s that have been delivered, only 25-percent are fully flyable at any given time. The highly complex Lightning II is fragile and parts are in short supply, as are people to work on the planes. This aircraft was supposed to serve all branches of our military and allies air forces as well, but it hasn’t worked out so well. The USAF’s eventual solution may be the General Atomics’ FQ-42A unmanned fighter/bomber and Anduril’s FQ-44A, of which they plan to buy 1000 units.

 

From last week’s column, we wanted to know if there any instrument approach procedures for seaplane bases. Yes, there’s one at Ridgely Lake in Minnesota. For next week, do you know why there’s a aviation-related monument out in the Kansas Flint Hills with the date March 31, 1931 on it? You can send your answers to [email protected].

-END-




Kathy Ilene Lewis, age 72 of Amsterdam

Funeral services for Kathy Ilene Lewis of Amsterdam, Missouri, will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. No visitation. Burial in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam. Contributions to the Carpenter’s Cup in Butler or the Thomas Love Fund at Community First Bank in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kathy Ilene Lewis, age 72 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at AdventHealth in Merriam, Kansas. She was born December 23, 1953 to Wilma Lorine Luckan McGuire in Butler, Missouri.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Richard Lewis of Amsterdam, Missouri; four children, Chad Lewis (Michelle) of Freeman, Missouri, Christy DeBruin (Rick), Andrew Lewis (Terri) and Carrie Lewis (Josh) all of Butler, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Shay, Samara, Gaven, Parker, Abby, Cohen, Addie, Keeley and Rylee; great-granddaughter, Hadley; two siblings, Carroll and Richard; along with her bonus grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in law and their families; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Wilma McGuire (09/06/2015); four sisters, Cheryl, Theresa (Jim), Vicki (Mike), Rita (Larry); and parents-in-law, Bill and Marjorie Lewis.


Thursday, June 18, 2026

Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler

 

Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Funeral services will follow Saturday at 2:00 pm also at the funeral home.  Burial will take place in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to Double Branch Christian Church or the Butler Public Library.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Anna LaDonne Mannering Swanson was born December 12, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to James and Wanita Goddard Mannering.  She grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from high school.  On June 15, 1956 Anna was united in marriage to Harry John Swanson.  They were married until his passing in 2022.  This year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Anna’s first love was her family, and looked forward to all gatherings for family dinners and holidays.  She also enjoyed planting flowers and reading books.

 

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry John Swanson, one sister, Erma Duchein, son-in-law Tim Ridley, and granddaughter Amanda Ridley.  She is survived by her daughter, Mindy Ridley of Eldorado Springs, MO., son, James Swanson and wife Judith of Clinton, MO., granddaughter, Virginia Richter and Michael Gerean, along with three great-grandchildren, Ezra, Raymond, and Maylee, all of Butler, MO.

 

Anna will be dearly missed and forever loved by her children, granddaughter, great-grandchildren, friends, extended family members, and all who knew her.



Mark Mathies named new Butler City Administrator

 During this week's Butler city council meeting, a formal introduction was made welcoming Mark Mathies as the new City Administrator. Mark hails from Edwardsville, Kansas and enthusiastically introduced himself stating he's "ready to get to work and meet the citizens of Butler." 


Seen here is Mark with wife Rhonda and the couple are making their new home on the south edge of Butler. Mid America Live will be releasing more information soon as he officially begins employment on July 1st.

In other news, Butler resident Lindsay Henderson approached the council asking for a waiver for the June mowing of 8 acres she owns between Country Club and the soccer fields. Henderson wishes to continue preserving wildlife including birds, Monarch butterflies and others that inhabit the area. She went on to say that the easement is regularly mowed and maintained per her previous agreement with the city. She was granted the waiver on the condition that if a burn ban is in place, mowing will need to be done as soon as possible.

Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that the Butler police department is now eligible for a Blue Shield grant that will be in the neighborhood of $50,000 to $75,000 and he is moving forward with all the necessary paperwork. He, along with code enforcement officer Brenda Cecil asked the council for permission to buy a used lawnmower to use for abatements. The price was below book value and the council approved the purchase.

It was reported that work has been done that should alleviate future problems related to sludge getting into the filter system at the water plant. It was also said that some galvanized baffling in a clarifier has rusted and fallen to the bottom. Approval was given to begin replacement procedures and something other than galvanized material will be used to help insure it will last longer.

Decorations at Oak Hill Cemetery were the topic of a long discussion as following holidays, the materials can hamper mowing and weed eating around headstones. An update regarding protocol for decorations will be coming soon. On a related note, recent storms left large trees on the ground at the cemetery and cleanup will be done as soon as the ground is solid enough to not cause further damage.

Problems at the pool in relation to children left unattended or otherwise being unruly were also discussed as there have been calls for police to respond to the Aquatic Center. Enforcement of rules will remain a top priority and further action will be taken if needed.

In closing, it was duly noted that NO Butler parks are for sale nor will they be. Your Mid America Live news reporter jumbled a headline, resulting in a correction and damage control by councilman John Dudley. All is well now and I have to admit my plate of crow really wasn't that bad.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend and be involved. 


BREAKING NEWS: Butler Man Charged with 8 Felony Charges of Deviate Sex Acts with a Female Minor

 Tommy Thomas, 67, of Butler MO is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on eight charges related to alleged deviate sex acts with a minor female child under the age of 12 in September of 2025.


The charges as follows:

1. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

2. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

3. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

4. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

5. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

6. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

7. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

8. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

Thomas is currently in custody in the Bates County Jail with a no bond condition. 

A full conviction will result in lifetime imprisonment with no parole.



Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Adrian ACT Public Notice

 Due to a website glitch, we may not have received all registrations for the Summer Theater Workshop.

To make sure your registration was received, please complete the new, shorter registration form again at www.actadrian.com.  Even if you already registered, please do so again in case we didn't get your first registration.  We don't want anyone to miss out!

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you!

ACT THEATER

www.actadrian.com




Jerry Lee Stangel, age 71

Jerry Lee Stangel, at the age of 71, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home outside of Papinville, MO. He was born in Nevada, MO to Paul and Catharine Stangel. He was raised and worked on his family farm his entire life.

In his 71 years of life, he was blessed with three children: Mendy, Michelle, and Roy, before being united in marriage on June 12, 2000 to his wife, Angela. With this union of marriage, he became a step father to three children: Matthew, Daniel, and Alaina. In 2001, they welcomed their daughter, Montana.

He dedicated his entire life to working on the farm milking cows, raising crops, and running beef cattle. Above all, he loved and valued his family and took great pride in caring and providing for those he loved. You would always find him staying busy whether that be farming, mowing the grass, checking fences, driving to town for a POP, or out talking to his lifelong friends, Bob and Johnny.

He is survived by his soulmate and wife Angela of the home; his children, Mendy (Carl) of Rich Hill, MO, Michelle (Matthew) of Sedalia, MO, Roy (Ashley) of Prairie City, MO, Montana (Johnathan) of Chadds Ford, PA, Matthew (Jeanna) of Butler, MO, Daniel of Archie, MO, and Alaina (Derek) of Adrian, MO; his sister, Paula of Woodland Park, CO; his brother-in-law, Leon of Fort Worth, TX; his special brother, Lloyd of Kansas City, MO; his many grand children, great grand children, and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Arleta; and brother-in-law, Cliff.

His family and friends were the center of his world, and he cherished the time he spent with each and every one of them. Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his hardworking nature and talkative personality.

A celebration of life will be held June 19, 2026 from 5-9pm at Trent’s building in Rich Hill, MO. Address: 720 E Walnut St, Rich Hill, MO 64779

Jerry will be deeply loved and missed and forever remembered.


Missouri State Fair Hiring

 

Employment applications accepted starting today!

The Missouri State Fair is now accepting applications for employment during the Fair in August. Starting pay is $15 per hour and benefits include valuable work experience, making new friends and free Fair admission.

Positions are available in:

  • Admissions
  • Backstage
  • Campgrounds
  • Carnival
  • Grandstand
  • Hospitality
  • Janitorial
  • Parking
  • Maintenance
  • Revenue
  • Trams
  • Youth Crew

The Fair's personnel office opens today, June 17, at noon in the Historic Administration Building, located across from the State Fair Grandstand. Office hours are Wednesday-Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Starting Aug 1, office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

State offices (including the personnel office) are closed for the following state holdiays:

  • June 19 in observation of Juneteenth
  • July 3 & 4 in observation of Independence Day

Those interested in applying should visit the Fair’s website for more information.

The Missouri State Fair is Aug. 13-23, in Sedalia.




City of Archie Hiring

 The City of Archie is seeking a Temporary, Part-Time, Seasonal Maintenance Employee to do the mowing, weed eating, and additional park maintenance at the City parks for the season.  Beginning immediately and going through October, if necessary, the hours would be around 30-40 hours per week.  An applicant wiht a driver's license is required.  An applicant 18 years of age is preferred, though not necessary.  The rate of pay will be $17.00 per hour.  We will take applications until the position is filled. Send Resume or apply at City Clerk, 204 S. Main St., P.O. Box 346, Archie, MO 64725, or email to [email protected]. EOE




Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Tannor Thomas, age 28 of Butler

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Tannor Thomas, age 28 of Butler died Friday, June 12 in Butler as a result of a motorcycle accident. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the Adrian Optimist Building with cremation to follow. Visitation prior to services from 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the Optimist Building. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Contributions to the Thomas Love Fund at Community First Bank. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Tannor is survived by his wife, Brooklyn Thomas and two young children, Walker and Rosalie all of the home; mother, Deborah Shaner and husband Brandon of Butler; one brother, Zachary Thomas of Butler; parentsin-law, Patrick and Michelle Popplewell of Butler; sister-in-law, Brianne Phillips (Dalton) and their children, Braxton and Riley; brother-in-law, Peyton Popplewell (Macey Kelso); one sister, Alexandria Thomas; and father, James Thomas. That’s Tannor Thomas with funeral services 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the Adrian Optimist building. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Butler.

Harrisonville 2 day concert

 The Ag City Music Festival will be held at the Little Dixie Family Mud Run in Harrisonville. Celebrating agriculture, live music, and America’s 250th birthday, Friday & Saturday, June 19 & 20th. Friday night will kick off with rock bands, while Saturday highlights local country talent, featuring Headliner, Tate Stevens. Food trucks, vendors, beer garden, tractor pull, sky diving show, kid zone, and more. See the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce for more information on their Facebook Page Tickets will be 30 dollars for a one day admission and 50 dollars for the two day admission passes.




Former Employee of Bates County Accused of Stealing

 A former employee of Bates County Industries located in Butler, MO has been accused of stealing $200,972.42 during her time serving as director beginning in 2021.

 

Documents indicate that Donna Maciel, 57, sold back vacation and sick time which was prohibited, as well as giving herself cash advances without paying it back, charging for mileage while driving a company vehicle, as well as abuse of company credit cards among other allegations all totaling over $200,000.00 during approximately a three year period.

 

Charges filed in the Bates County Circuit Court as as follows:

 

Count 1 - Stealing - $25,000 Or More { Felony C RSMo: 570.030 }

Count 2 - Stealing - $25,000 Or More/Teller Machine Or Contents { Felony C RSMo: 570.030 }

Count 3 - Stealing - $750 Or More { Felony D RSMo: 570.030 }

 

A warrant for Maciel's arrest was issued on June 12, 2026 indicating a $100,000 cash only bond.

 



Brenda Doody attends Nationally Sanctioned Guardianship Course

  Doody Attends National Level Guardianship Training   Brenda Doody, Bates County Public Administrator, took part in a 5-module nationally s...