Press Release Crash Reports

 Missouri Press and Broadcasters Sue Highway Patrol Over Blacked-Out Crash Reports

 

Associations ask court to restore nearly 30 years of public access to traffic and boating crash records

 

Jefferson City, Mo. (October 19, 2026) — The Missouri Press Association (MPA) and the Missouri Broadcasters Association (MBA) have filed a petition in Cole County Circuit Court against the Missouri State Highway Patrol, saying the agency is illegally blacking out basic information in crash reports that Missourians have been able to see for decades. The two associations are joined by Gray Local Media, Inc., Warden Publishing Company, and managing editor Roxie Murphy.

 

For nearly 30 years, the Patrol posted traffic and boating crash reports online without redactions, and its own website once told the public that “all information on crash reports is considered an ‘open record’ and cannot be withheld from the public.”

Sometime in 2024, that changed. The Patrol began redacting names and other details — even the names of people killed in crashes — both in its online database and in responses to records requests. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, the state’s open records law, these incident reports “shall be open records.”

 

Crash reports help communities learn who was hurt or killed, let families and neighbors get accurate information, and help the public spot dangerous roads and intersections. Journalists have long used unredacted reports to verify the identities of people who died on Missouri roads and to report on public safety and vehicle safety. Without them, it is far harder to hold public agencies accountable or to tell Missourians what is happening in their own communities.

 

The petition asks the court to order the Patrol to provide full, unredacted crash reports and to restore complete public online access, and it seeks civil penalties and attorney’s fees.

 

“Missourians have had the right to see these records for decades, and that right did not expire when the MSHP unilaterally changed its policy,” said Chad Stebbins, Executive Director of the Missouri Press Association. “We are standing up for all Missourians who deserve to know and understand the safety issues surrounding roads they travel every day. When the government blacks out the name of someone killed on a public road, it is the whole community that is kept in the dark.”

 

“People have been calling our member stations upset that they didn’t know that their neighbors or prominent community members were in a crash,” said Chad Mahoney, President and CEO of the Missouri Broadcasters Association. “Our stations serve people who deserve accurate, timely information about what happens on Missouri roads and waterways. We are asking the court to restore the access Missourians have always had.”

 

 

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Charles Anthony Engeman, 57

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday October 24th, 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose, Missouri.

A visitation/rosary will be held Friday, October 23rd, also at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with rosary at 6pm, and visitation from 6:20 to 8pm, with Father Jason Koch officiating.

Interment will be at St. Ludger's Cemetery in Montrose.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Matthew Engeman College fund.

Services are under the direction of the Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City.

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Nevada Holiday Open House

 

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Public hearing October 27th Rural Transportation

 Your Voice Needed for Rural Rides: Public Hearing October 27

APPLETON CITY, Mo. — Tina loves her job. At 62, she has no plans to stop working and hopes to stay with her employer until retirement.

But without a car, getting to work and keeping her job was a serious challenge.

A traffic accident had totaled Tina's car. Then, after being laid off from a job she'd held for five years, she couldn't afford to replace it. When she found a new job in Food and Nutrition Services at a rural Missouri hospital, she faced a difficult situation: She was ready and eager to work, but had no reliable way to get there.

Tina's changing work schedule made transportation even more challenging. Some days she starts at 6 a.m. and finishes at 2 p.m. Other days she works until 5:30 or 6:30 p.m. Finding rides around those hours was hard, especially when others had work schedules of their own. Walking wasn't a practical option.

Then she learned about New Growth Transit.

Through its network of volunteer drivers, New Growth Transit coordinates rides around Tina's changing work schedule, getting her to work and back home when she needs them.

"I don't have to worry about getting back and forth to work," Tina said. "So I can just concentrate on my job and do my job."

Tina's experience reflects a challenge across rural Missouri. For people living in our most isolated counties, getting to work can be especially difficult when they cannot drive themselves. Long distances and varying work schedules make providing public transportation even more challenging.

New Growth Transit has developed a cost-effective transportation model that's working for rural Missouri. Now, we're seeking public transportation funding to support employment rides in Bates, Benton, Dallas, Hickory, St. Clair, and Morgan counties.

A Proven Rural Transportation System

Since launching in 2020, New Growth Transit has developed a different approach to rural public transportation, one designed around the distances, destinations, and schedules of rural residents.

Its coordinated network of trained volunteer drivers provides individually scheduled rides using personal vehicles. Drivers receive mileage reimbursement rather than wages, making this a cost-effective model that avoids the expense of maintaining a traditional transportation fleet.

But the value of volunteer drivers goes beyond cost savings. These are neighbors helping neighbors, offering more than transportation through kindness, conversation, and connection. For drivers, volunteering also offers opportunities to stay active, build friendships, and find purpose in serving their communities.

Tina appreciates that personal connection. She describes her regular driver, Debbie, as considerate, punctual, and a delight to talk to.

Behind every ride is a professionally managed system of scheduling, driver coordination, safety procedures, technology, and operational oversight.

In 2024 alone, New Growth Transit provided more than 1 million miles of rides program-wide. In the six counties included in this funding request, New Growth Transit provided 417,236 miles of rides to 2,101 unique riders during 2024 and 2025 combined.

Traditional transportation providers serve an important role in rural Missouri. New Growth Transit offers another proven model, combining cost-effective operations with flexible, personalized transportation across widely dispersed communities.

Now, New Growth Transit is seeking federal Section 5311 public transportation funding through the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to support employment rides in Bates, Benton, Dallas, Hickory, St. Clair, and Morgan counties.

New Growth Transit already serves these six counties. This funding would support an established transportation system that connects rural residents with jobs and supports employers who need dependable workers.

Your Voice Matters: Public Hearing October 27

New Growth Transit invites community members to attend a public hearing and share their experiences and perspectives on rural transportation and access to employment.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency
112 W. 4th St., Appleton City, MO

Riders, volunteer drivers, employers, community organizations, local leaders, and residents are encouraged to participate.

You don't have to attend the hearing to make your voice heard.

If you support New Growth Transit's request for funding to sustain employment rides, please share your experience or explain why you believe this flexible volunteer-driver model works well for rural residents. You can also simply add your name in support of continued funding without submitting a written comment.

Add your name or share a public comment at newgrowthmo.org/post/public-comment

Please respond by Monday, October 26, so we can compile community input ahead of the hearing. Comments after that date are welcomed too.

For people that need  a ride to work means more than getting from one place to another. It means keeping a job they value, earning a living, and maintaining independence.

There's a lot of people out there that don't have transportation. And I know how that could keep you from going to work."

New Growth Transit has built a transportation system that works for rural Missouri. Continued investment can keep that system working for rural employees and the businesses and organizations that rely on them.

We invite you to be part of what comes next.

 

 

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Cooper's Convention: Fundraiser for 2 year old battling Dravet Syndrome

 Cooper is the 2 year old daughter of Jasmine James, formerly of Butler, who is suffering from Dravet Syndrome. Cooper and her mother are facing extreme medical bills and other expensive, because they  often have to travel for her treatments. This event is specifically planned to be kid-friendly. See them on Jasmine James' Facebook for more information and QR code.

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Fundraiser for Former Butler Resident Brandi Ortega Lopez, formerly Brandi DuCharme

 In today’s local  news Dominick Smith the owner of Electric City Tattoo and Body Art in Butler is reaching out to the community of Butler to help endorse the following fundraiser for a former Butler resident in need. We thank Electric City Ink for promoting this endeavor.

Brandi Ortega Lopez, formerly Brandi DuCharme, grew up in Butler, Missouri, where she attended school, played volleyball, and even served as Boomer the Bear, the school mascot! She made many friends throughout the community and may be remembered by former classmates, coworkers, and neighbors.

During her years in Butler, Brandi worked at several local businesses, including Sonic, Pizza Hut, and Medical Lodge. She also spent time picking tomatoes for a local farmer along Highway 71.

Brandi's life took a difficult turn in ninth grade when her father was involved in a serious car accident that left him in a coma for three months. She made the decision to leave school to help care for him, eventually helping him rebuild his strength and learn to walk again.

After marrying and moving away from Butler, Brandi continued working hard, holding a job at a Kansas trash company and working as a machinist at Grahamview and as a material handler. She later attended college to study personal training.

Despite never completing high school, Brandi went on to establish Marry Pottin's Supply LLC, dedicating herself to helping people dealing with pain, depression, cancer, and other challenges through cannabis education and CBD/THC products.

Her passion for agriculture and helping others led Brandi to become a pioneer in Missouri's hemp industry. She reports being the first person in Missouri to establish an indoor hemp-growing operation, as well as the state's first female hemp farmer. Her involvement in the hemp industry opened the door to further opportunities, including serving as a Missouri chapter leader for the National Women in Agriculture Association. She has also participated in podcasts with the USDA and founded a children's gardening club in Archie, Missouri, called Marry Pottin's Misfits, sharing her love of gardening and agriculture with the next generation.

Brandi a former Butler Resident is also the proud mother of two children, Hannah, 22, and Dayne, 18.

Today, Brandi is battling Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. On November 7, 2026, friends and supporters are hosting Rockin' for Brandi: A Community Rockabilly Dinner & Dance Fundraiser in Raymore, Missouri, to help with the costs of the treatment options she is pursuing. This event will be held at The Raymore Hall at 19100 South State Route J in Raymore.

Those hosting the fundraiser is  hoping to reconnect with anyone in the Butler community who remembers Brandi DuCharme — whether from school, volleyball, her days as Boomer the Bear, Sonic, Pizza Hut, Medical Lodge, working along Highway 71, or simply growing up together.

If you remember Brandi, they would  love for you to reconnect and help spread the word!

Thank you Dominick Smith at Electric City Ink for supporting the advertising and local news releases on behalf of Brandi . look for a Tattoo donation on the auction block during the dinner and dance.

For Event Tickets search:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rockinforbrandi/2417703

To place Donations see :  http://spot.fund/63dq5nvsc

These links may be found on the 921news now Facebook page.

 

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BCMH Christmas Tree Ornaments

 Bates County COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION IS NOW ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR MEMORY TREE ORNAMENTS

 

The Bates County Community Health Foundation (BCCHF) is pleased to announce that orders are being accepted for our annual Memory Tree Ornaments now through Dec. 4, 2026.

 

The Memory Tree provides a special way to honor or remember loved ones during the Christmas season while supporting a meaningful cause in our community. All proceeds will support the BCCHF Scholarship Program. These scholarships, which BCCHF has been providing since 2007, are awarded to individuals who are pursuing a career in healthcare, and plan to return and serve the healthcare needs of Bates County residents. Your support helps cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthens the future of healthcare in our community.

 

Personalized ornaments may be purchased with a donation of $15 for one ornament or $25 for two.  Due to space limitations, only one name may be included on each ornament.

 

Donations may be made by check (BCCHF, PO Box 370, Butler, MO 64730) or through the Venmo app (@BatesCoCHF). Simply submit your Name, Address, Phone and the Name of your loved one with your payment.

 

Thank you for supporting the Bates County Community Health Foundation and helping invest in the future of healthcare in Bates County. Your generosity makes a lasting difference 

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Papinville Picnic Follow up

 A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT THE PAPINVILLE PICNIC

It was a great day at the Papinville picnic.

There was a lot of good food, great auctions, games, contests, wagon rides, music and the children enjoying the big inflatable slide.

The association put on a great event and they all worked hard to make the event successful. The following people helped to make this years event the biggest one yet. Angela Stangel, Alisa Swarnes, Trent and Janet Nelson, Lori Stewart and Kevin Colborn, John and Phyllis Stewart, Elvin and Brenda Henley, Bob and Lorrie Swarnes, Roc and Zack Marquardt, Dave and April Stewart, John and Connie Coffman, Jeff Watts, Beverly Sullins, Kathy Heuser, Arthur Stewart, Carrie Klinksick, Jeff Miller ( for the wagon rides), music entertainment by Kent Paige, face painting by Meghann  Case and for all the helpers who helped with games and serving food. A thank you to the pie contest judges Sandy Hendren, Barrett Case and Kim Jacobs and to   Tom Altinburg for the Papinville Bridge painting that was auctioned. Roc Marquardt was the high bidder. Thanks goes to Phyllis Stewart for the quilt (Winner Christy Jones) and for the history stories in Mid America and Butler Radio Station. Papinville  thank the business people and individuals that donated items for the silent auction and live auction. There were 130 items  in the silent auction to bid on. Thanks to the bakers who baked pies for the pie auction, cakes for the cake walk and dinner table. We appreciated the donations you gave for the dinner.

If you enjoyed the Papinville Picnic tell someone from the organization. We hope you will come back next year. The following are the results from the contests:

Coloring contest; 2-5 years : 1^st place Sam Salazar, 2^nd place Keleigh Sales:  6-10 years : 1^st place Gracelea Swarnes, 2^nd place Liam Greer:  11-15 years : 1^st place Baelynn Hay, 2^nd place Guage Fisher

Pie contest: Juniors 15 and younger:  1^st place Gracelea Swarnes(Strawberry and Rhubarb): 2^nd place Clayanna Johnson (Pineapple)

Adults 16 and older: 1^st Place Alisa Swarnes (Cinnamon roll apple): 2^nd place Montana Stangel (Apple)

A honor ceremony was held to honor the only surviving board member  ( Bob Swarnes), who got the Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association started in 1989. The other board members  honored were Paul and Jerry Stangle family, Harold and Shorty Klinksick  family and Ron Gilkey  Sr. family.  

Until next year have a wonderful year and thank you for your support helping to keep the history of this community alive.                           Submitted by Phyllis Stewart

 

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Donna Kauffman, 81, Butler

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Donna Kauffman, age 81 of Butler died Sunday, October 11 at the Bates County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, October 15 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Visitation from 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 14 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Double Branch Cemetery. Contributions to the Double Branch Cemetery. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com Donna is survived by four children, Carmen Behringer and husband Mike of Butler, Kermit Kauffman and wife Angie of Butler, Kristy Revis and husband Russ of Bates City and Curtis Kauffman of Butler; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Harlan Hess and wife Carol of Pittsburgh, Kansas. That’s Donna Kauffman with funeral services 10 a.m. Thursday, October 15 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.

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Adrian Optimists Monday Night Bingo Jackpots for October 19th

 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: October 19th

Hotball: 650.00

Blackout: 1550.00

King of Diamonds will pay: 9510.00

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Drexel VFW Fish Fry

 Everyone is invited to the Drexel Memorial VFW Post 4347 Annual Fish Fry.

The Fry will be held on Saturday October 17^th  . Serving starts at 5 pm.

The Drexel VFW Building is located at 114 South First Street in Drexel.

It’s a free will donation and everyone is invited ! Free will donations will be appreciated.

That’s the annual Drexel Memorial VFW Post 4347 Fish Fry Saturday October 17^th .  

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Worx26 Exhibit

 Worx26 is proud to host an exhibit of works by Robert Klausing at 26 North Delaware in the heart of Butler. The exhibition will run from Friday, October 9^th through Sunday, October 25th . The exhibit will be open on Fridays from 4pm until 7pm, Saturdays 10am until 7pm and Sundays from noon until 4pm. There will be a reception Friday, October 16 from 4pm until 7pm, and there will be live music during Hucksters Day on Saturday October 17. Follow Worx26 on Facebook at workx26 .

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Adrian Pumpkin Patch

 

Fall is here, and it's time to find that perfect pumpkin! Load up the family and head to the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch, 10 miles west of Adrian on Highway 18. Just watch for the signs! Choose your own pumpkin, whether it's a small one for just $4 or a large one for $5. Perfect for carving a jack-o'-lantern, decorating your home, or making something delicious in the kitchen! No games, no frills, just good old-fashioned country fun for the whole family! Family owned and operated by Welliver Farms of Adrian. Open Saturdays from 10 to 5 and Sundays from 1 to 5. For questions, call Kathy at 816-590-2047. U-Pick Pumpkin Patch… make this fall a little more memorable!

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Awarness

 

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Kickin Chicken Dinner

 

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