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 250^th birthday, Friday & Saturday, June 19 & 20^th. 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.

Read More

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.

 

Read More

15 year old Cowboy needs our Help

 Bates County has something to be proud of….. 15 year old Bentley Gilkey of Rich Hill will be advancing to the 2026 National High School Rodeo finals in Lincoln Nebraska. Bentley is competing in the Bull Riding event.

This 7 day rodeo competition will be held July 19^th through the 25^th. Bentley is a small town kid chasing his dream. Bentley is the son of Rashanda Gilkey and Brent Morrison of Rich Hill. His motto is to work hard, stay humble, chase your dreams and make your hometown proud. He needs our help to reach his dream.

If you would like to be one of many sponsors needed to help Bentley Gilkey reach his dream , we are asking for donations. There are 4 different sponsor levels from $500 gold level to $99 dollars, or any cash amount that you feel led to donate.  

The donation dollars will assist this Cowboy pay for travel and lodging expenses, entry fees and equipment. We are Calling on Rodeo Fans and retired Cowboys to help us, help Bentley.

There are several ways to send your donation dollars.

Venmo, Cash App, Phone or Email , or donations/ checks mailed in any amount will be appreciated. Donations may be mailed  to Rashanda Gilkey 201 East Oak Street in Rich Hill 64779. The deadline will be July 10^th, as Bentley will hit the road on July 17^th for Nebraska.

Bentley will be representing the Rich Hill Community on the national stage and our hope is for Bentley to bring this title back home to Bates County. .

This is more than a rodeo for Bentley Gilkey of Rich Hill, it’s a dream, a journey and the opportunity of a lifetime. Every dollar you spend will help this dream become a reality.

Phone number 660-227-3368  that number again 660-227-3368

Good Luck, Cowboy ! 

Read More

Rich Hill Fire Department Responds To An Accident And Second Accident Occurs On Scene

Shortly after 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 15^th, the Rich Hill Fire Department (RHFD) was dispatched to a single-vehicle accident at mile marker 123 on I-49. While on the scene, a second accident involving two vehicles occurred, narrowly missing Rich Hill Fire Engine 2. Emergency personnel immediately notified Bates County Dispatch and requested additional resources. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported from both incidents.

While on the scene of the highway accidents, Bates County EMS and RHFD also responded to a separate medical call within Rich Hill.

The following departments assisted at the highway scene: Rich Hill Fire, Vernon County EMS, Bates County EMS, Rich Hill Police, Bates County Sheriff's Office, and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

These incidents highlight the significant dangers emergency responders face when working on highways and interstates. They ask the public to use this as a reminder to remain vigilant and avoid distracted driving.

Read More

Michael “Mike” Lee Crow, age 57 of Harrisonville

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Michael “Mike” Lee Crow, age 57 of Harrisonville, Missouri died Friday, June 12, 2026 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Celebration of life begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Steffan’s Auto Works in Harrisonville, Missouri (1406 S. Commercial Street, Harrisonville, Missouri, 64701). Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Cullen Lee Crow for a college fund. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com. Mike is survived by one son, Keifer Lee Crow and wife Carmen of Louisiana; one daughter, Amanda “Amie” Breckenridge and husband Justin of Rich Hill; three stepchildren, Cassandra, Diana and Jacob; four grandchildren; mother, Shirley Louise Bearce and husband Elvin of Butler; stepmother, Rene Crow of Butler; significant other, Linda Diane Hodges of Harrisonville; sister, Christy Lockard and husband Alan of Butler; two stepsisters, Marci Anzalone and husband Tim and Michelle Christensen and husband Claus; and numerous nieces and nephews. That’s Mike Lee Crow with a celebration of life beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 at Steffans’s Auto Works in Harrisonville. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.

Read More

Missouri State Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash On MO-52 Overpass In Bates County

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash on the MO-52 highway overpass at I-49 in Butler on Friday, June 12^th. Authorities say the crash involved a motorcycle and a van pulling a trailer.

The motorcycle was traveling westbound on MO-52 when the van exited from I-49 onto MO-52 and traveled into the motorcycle’s path.

The motorcycle struck the trailer and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Read More

11 Skydivers, One Pilot Killed After Plane Crashes In Butler

Eleven skydivers and a pilot are dead after a plane crashed in Butler, Missouri, Sunday morning, in an incident local authorities call a “mass casualty event.”

According to a spokesperson with Bates County Emergency Management, just before 11:30 a.m., Sunday, a private plane carrying skydivers left the Butler Memorial Airport but turned around for an unknown reason before crashing near Business 49 Highway.

Eleven of the 12 victims were skydivers. The other victim was the pilot of the plane. All the people on the plane died. The victims’ names have not been released as of Monday morning.

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson confirmed multiple people witnessed the crash, including family members of the victims.

The FAA issued the following statement after the crash:

“This information is preliminary and subject to change. A Pacific Aerospace P750 crashed while departing from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri around 11:35 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 14. Air traffic services were not being provided at the time. Twelve people were on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.“

According to flight radar, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL took off from the airport Sunday morning, and reached an altitude of about 13,400 feet before descending for about two minutes at a rapid speed of 227 mph.

The aircraft is capable of holding up to 17 passengers and serves as a common plane for large skydiving parties.

 

The same type of plane took off earlier Sunday morning for a separate flight. Flight Aware shows the aircraft leaving the airport at 9:20 a.m. and returning about 22 minutes later. It then went back up in the air about an hour later.

At this time, emergency crews and law enforcement with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.

Anderson added that the investigation will take at least two days as crews work to determine what led up to the crash and clear the wreckage. Those agencies are also working to identify the 12 victims in the crash.

NTSB says that their investigators will be at the scene on Monday to document the area, examine the aircraft, and “look at the human, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation.”

NTSB says that a preliminary report will be available within 30 days. A final report with a probable cause of the crash and contributing factors will be released in 12-24 months.

Read More

Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand

 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with a bang at the Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand .

Opening June 26th in the parking lot of Family Center in Butler, the Bates County Elks have everything you need for a spectacular red, white, and blue celebration. From fireworks for the kids to breathtaking aerial displays, it's your one-stop shop for Independence Day fun.

Don't miss over 20 different fountains priced under 10 dollars  each, plus the crowd-favorite Gangster Series Finale Cake!

Best of all, every dollar you spend helps support community projects right here at home.

The Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand—opening June 26th through 10 pm July 5^th, find them at the Family Center parking lot  in Butler. Celebrate 250 years of America with fireworks that light up the sky and give back to the community! 

Read More

Nevada Griffons Activities

 

Friday, June 12th - Home game vs. Clarinda A's, 7 pm

Saturday, June 13th Note:  The Griffons will NOT be participating in the Bushwhacker Parade as previously planned.  They will be working at the Jack McDonald 16U Youth Tournament fundraiser being held at Lyons Field on Saturday and Sunday.p

Tuesday, June 16th - Home game vs. Clarinda A's, 7 pm

• Dollar Dog Night sponsored by Nevada Firefighters Local 3031

Wednesday, June 17th - Brown Bag Lunch 11:00-12:30 at Cricket (111 E. Austin)

• Flyer Attached with prices, menu

Thursday, June 18th - Away game vs Joplin Jailbirds, 6:30 pm

Friday, June 19th - Away game vs. St. Joseph Mustangs, 7 pm

Saturday, June 20th - Away game vs. St. Joseph Mustangs, 7 pm

Sunday, July 21st - Home game vs. Joplin Jailbirds, 7 pm

• Nevada Youth Rec Baseball Night
• Free Admissions Sponsored by Hometown Realty/Amy Cameron

OTHER ITEMS:

• Youth Camp for Ages 10-14 on June 23rd and Ages 5-9 on June 24th.  Registration forms available at the Team Store, Rineharts and online at www.nevadagriffons.org
• Spaghetti Dinner Meet & Greet at the Nevada Elks Lodge, Tuesday, June 23rd, 6-7:30pm. Tickets $10 adult, $6 for kids, available at the Team Store, Rineharts or from any board member

Read More

Butler Police Looking For Christopher Forbes

The Butler Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Christopher Forbes. Mr. Forbes fled from law enforcement on foot Thursday, June 11^th, at approximately 1:00pm. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black hat, and no shirt.

He was last seen in the area of the South Park. If seen, do not approach Mr. Forbes. Contact the Butler Police Department at (660)679-6131

Attached is the most recent booking photo of Christopher Forbes.

Read More

Adrian 4th of July Events

 

Read More

Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand Opens June 27th

 Get ready to light up the night with the Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand! Opening June 27th and running through July 4th, they've got everything you need to make this Independence Day a blast.

Stop by daily from noon to 9 PM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and July 4th, they're open extended hours from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Located at 11 East Main in Adrian, the Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand is packed with fireworks for every celebration, from family favorites to show-stopping finales.

Be sure to register for the "Godfather Grand Prize Package" giveaway! The drawing will be held July 4th at 2 PM, and the lucky winner will be notified by phone.

As a special thank you, all Veterans and First Responders receive 10% off their entire purchase.

Celebrate America with a bang and support a great local organization. The Adrian Lions Club Fireworks Stand—opening June 27th at 11 East Main in Adrian. Don't miss it!

Read More

Ronald L. Herda, age 76, Hume

 Ronald L. Herda, age 76, Hume, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026,  

Funeral service will be 10 am Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Hume School.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 pm Sunday, June 14, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Rich Hill American Legion Post #67.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. 

Read More

Eddie McLay, age 55 of Rich Hill

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Eddie McLay, age 55 of Rich Hill died Thursday, April 9 at his home. A celebration of life will be 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the Living Word Adventist Fellowship in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Eddie is survived by seven children, Kylie Brattin (Myles), Kassity Mellenbruch (Colton), Jayden McLay, Brady McLay, Coby Richards, Travauna Rapp and Domonick Smith (Kassi); nine grandchildren; mother, Linda Gilkey (Douglas) of Rich Hill; longtime companion, Shirla Cutler; and many nieces and nephews. That’s Eddie McLay with a celebration of life 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the Living Word Adventist Fellowship in Butler.

Read More

Here it comes / Adrian 4th of July

 

Read More