Bates County News

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Bates County Cattlemen attend the bask and the Steak Dinner Night

 The Bates County Cattlewomen will sell 10 dollar, Ruben Sandwiches Tuesday, July 7th  at this year’s Bates County Fair’s Bash. Look for their booth on location following the parade and until the Ruben’s are sold out! The Cattlemen will serve Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, smoked meat and Ribeye Sandwich with chips and a drink at their booth.  All prices will be posted.

Then come back to the Fair on Thursday evening July 9th for the traditional Bates County Cattlemen’s Dinner. 10 ounce Ribeye  steaks will hit the grill from 5 pm until 7 pm. This year, the  Cattlemen have partnered with Hertzog Meat Company to feature premium Angus Steaks, aged 44 days through dry and wet methods. This process is normally offered to highend restaurants. So you know the dollars you spend

This bone-in Ribeye is on display at the meat counter of the Hertzog Meat Company on Fort Scott Street, prior to deboning and making its way to the Bates County Cattlemen’s Grill.

That’s a reminder that the Bates County Cattlewomen will be selling Ruben Sandwiches during the Bash on Tuesday, July 7th. Cattlemen will have a booth at the bash selling Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, pulled meat and Ribeye Sandwiches with chips and a drink. All prices will be posted.
Followed by The Bates County Cattlemen at the grill Thursday evening, serving Hertzog Ribeye Loin steaks off the grill at 5 pm until the food is gone.  Cattlemen’s Dinners will cost 25 dollars per plate at this year’s event.

The Bates County Fair will be held July 6th through July 10th at the Bates County Fairgrounds .



 

Deputy Involved Shooting in Rural Archie

 

Deputy Involved Shooting in Rural Archie

 

On 06/24/26, at approximately 8:11 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 32000 block of Dorsett Hill Lane in rural Archie.

 

Upon arrival, deputies encountered an armed male in the driveway.

 

An exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and the deputies.

 

The suspect sustained a gunshot wound, and deputies administered life-saving measures until the arrival of EMS. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident. The Western Missouri Sheriff’s Critical Incident Investigation Team (W.M.S.C.I.I.T.) has been activated to conduct an investigation.

 

As this is an active investigation, no further information is available at this time.


Forrest “Dean” Keiser, age 91 of Rich Hill

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Forrest “Dean” Keiser, age 91 of Rich Hill

died Wednesday, June 17 at Medicalodge in Butler.
Graveside services and inurnment will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Rich Hill.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory. In lieu of flowers,
contributions to the Kern Center, Rich Hill 4th of July Committee or the McGennis Youth Center. Online
condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com
Dean is survived by two daughters, Sheila Steuck (Terry) and Becky Jacks (Lynn) all of Rich Hill; one
son, Mike Keiser (Georgia) of Adrian; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren;
and sister-in-law, Norma Blevins.
That’s Dean Keiser with graveside service and inurnment 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Greenlawn
Cemetery in Rich Hill. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory
in Butler.



Johnnie Rice, 74 of Butler

 

Johnnie Rice, 74 of Butler, Missouri passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Butler Care Center in Butler.  Private burial services will take place in Darlington Cemetery near Albany, Missouri.  Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Johnnie Lee Rice was born on March 5, 1952, in the quaint town of Urich, Missouri,

The son of James and Bernice David Rice, who preceded him in death and whose loving legacy he carried forward throughout his life. The bond they shared was a testament to the strength and warmth of family ties, grounding him in values that would shape his interactions with everyone he met.

 

Johnnie was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His passion for riding his bicycle brought him a sense of freedom and adventure, while his fondness for a good cup of coffee and heartfelt conversations made him a cherished companion to all who knew him. Johnnie's social nature was infectious, and he was known for his warmth and ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

 

A favorite among the caretakers and nurses at Butler Care Center, Johnnie's sunny disposition and appreciation for life's small pleasures, such as facility activities and card games, made him a beloved figure among staff and residents alike. His ability to find joy in everyday moments was a testament to his happy and resilient spirit, endearing him to all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.

 

Johnnie is survived by his sister, Dolah Edwards of Butler, Missouri.  He also leaves behind his nieces, Kathy, Sherry, and Denise, who, along with many extended family members and friends, carry forward his spirit of joy and kindness.

 

Johnnie's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Butler Care Center for the loving and attentive care provided to him over the years. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort not only to Johnnie but also to those who loved him dearly.

 

As we bid farewell to Johnnie Lee Rice, we celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering zest for living. While he may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all those he touched. May we honor his memory by embracing the simple joys of life and cherishing every moment spent with loved ones.

 


Boil Advisory Issued for P.W.D. #5

 This Public Service Information is courtesy of Dane Diehl, your 125th State Representative. Paid for by Diehl for Missouri, Treasurer Jered Liles.

A Boil Advisory has been issued for P.W.D. #5 in the Altona area due to a water main break. Customers living on and north of County Rd. 13004 are advised to boil their water for 3 minutes before cooking or drinking. Boil Advisory remains in effect until Friday evening, June 26th.


Adrian 4th of July events / June 27th

 


Political Advertising Deadline

 Political Candidates that will be using FM 92.1 to campaign. The deadline to get those advertisements to our automation decks will be Friday, July 17th . This allows time to get orders placed in the system and commercials recorded. We thank you for your attention to this detail. The primary election will be held August 4th. Polls will be open between 6 am and 7 pm. 




Vicky J. Cumpton, age 69 of Rich Hill

Vicky J. Cumpton, age 69 of Rich Hill, MO passed away Monday, June 22, 2026 at Medicalodge of Butler. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. with Services following, at the Myrtle Tree Fellowship Church in Rich Hill. Memorials suggested to Myrtle Tree Fellowship Church.

Vicky is survived by her husband, Allen Cumpton of the home; 4 children, Tonya & Nick Gilkey, Afton Becker (Harrisonville, MO, Larry & Ashley Cumpton, and Tyler & Sam Cumpton, all of Rich Hill, MO; along with 6 Grandchildren.



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. 


Bates County Cattlemen attend the bask and the Steak Dinner Night

  The Bates County Cattlewomen will sell 10 dollar, Ruben Sandwiches Tuesday, July 7 th   at this year’s Bates County Fair’s Bash. Look for...