Boil advisory for Bates #6 patrons

Bates County Water District #6 has issued a boil advisory for customers from county road 4003 west to 71 highway and everything south of H highway. This is due to a water main break- test results will be back sometime Thursday.

We will provide an update when the result information becomes available. 

Obituary - Booker Lewis Jr.

Funeral services for Booker Lewis Jr. will be 12 noon Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Art Ellsworth officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 11 a.m. to noon at Schowengerdt Chapel. Cremation to follow services.

Booker Theodore Lewis Jr., age 58 of Kansas City, Missouri died May 24, 2011 in Kansas City. He was born August 18, 1952 to Booker Theodore Sr. and Josephine Katherine Sweets Lewis in Butler, Missouri.

Booker is survived by his son, Carlton Lewis and fiance LaShea Newton of San Bernadino, California; one daughter, Jacquline Katherins Lewis-Brown and husband Darrin of Long Beach, California; two step-daughters, LaShawn Johnson and husband Chad of Long Beach, California and Shornaye Brannon of Las Vegas, Nevada; three sisters, Rochann Foster of Kansas City, Missouri, Gloria McCarthy of Tempe, Arizona and Helen Brown of Kansas City, Missouri; two half-sisters, Betty Lewis and Roberta Lewis; a half-brother, Harold Lewis and wife Mary; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Circuit Court News May 23-27th, 2011

CIRCUIT COURT OF BATES COUNTY, COURT NEWS JAMES K JOURNEY, JUDGE Diana L Rich, Clerk MAY 23-27-2011


Stuart Wood v Terista Anderson, Petition for Order of Protection filed. 

Michael D Cummings v Christina Brown, Petition for Order of Protection is dismissed by Petitioner. 

Vicky D VanVoorst v Tanya VanVoorst, Petition for Order of Protection dismissed by Petitioner. 

Vicky D VanVoorst v Travis VanVoorst, Petition for Order of Protection dismissed by Petitioner. 

Vicky D VanVoorst v Arlin D VanVoorst, Petition for Order of Protection dismissed by Court. 

Cherl Swift v Christina Brown, Full Order of Protection is entered. 

Krista Mae Itzen v Michael J Heugel, Petition for Order of Protection filed. 

Jessica DeTienne v Terry Randolph, Petition for Order of Protection filed. 

Kevin Wiseman v Terry Randolph, Petition for Order of Protection filed. 

Melissa J Morris v Casey W Morris, Full Order of Protection is entered. 

Chris Luecke v Tara Wheatley, Petition for Order of Protection is dismissed, Petitioner fails to appear. 

St v. Marvin D Besendorfer, Felony DWI, persistant offender, found guilty, sentenced to 4 years in MDOC, given SES, placed on probation for 5 years, Defe. To pay court costs, to successfully complete treatment/counseling as directed, to get substance abuse treatment and aftercare, Defe. Shall be subject to random drug testing, random home/vehicle searches, Defe. Shall not possess or consume alcoholic beverages or be upon premises where sold/served, Defe. Shall perform 60 days of community service. 

St v. David C Juarez, Felony domestic assault-found guilty,Ct II: unlawful use of a weapon was dismissed; sentenced to 4 years in MDOC, given SES, placed on probation for 5 years, Defe. To pay court costs, Defe. Shall get counseling/treatment as directed, Defe. Shall get psychological or psychiatric counseling and abide by all recommendations of mental health professional, Defe. Shall be subject to random drug testing, random home/vehicle searches, Defe. Shall not consume or possess any alcoholic beverages or be upon premises where sold/served, Defe. Shall perform 200 hours of community service. 

St v. David C Juarez, Felony assault, found guilty, given SIS, placed on 5 years probation, Defe. Shall pay court costs, shall successfully complete counseling/treatment as directed, Defe. Shall be subject to random drug testing, random home/vehicle searches, Defe. Shall not consume/or be upon premises where alcohol is sold/served, Defe. shall perform 200 hours of community service.
St v. Mark Stinson, I: statutory sodomy—dismissed; II: statutory sodomy—dismissed; III: statutory sodomy—found guilty, sentenced to 4 years in MDOC; IV: statutory sodomy—found guilty, sentenced to 4 years in MDOC. 

St v. Kevin D Pippenger, Felony resisting arrest, found guilty, given SIS, placed on 4 years probation, Defe. To pay court costs, to get counseling/treatment as directed, to be subject to random drug testing, random home/vehicle searches, Defe. To perform 100 hours of community service. 

St v. Gary D Thornburg, I: Felony assault—found guilty, sentenced to 5 years in MDOC; II: Felony assault/attempted on Law Enforcement Officer, dismissed; III: Felony tampering—found guilty, sentenced to 5 years in MDOC, sentences to run concurrently; Defe. To pay $500 restitution and court costs, Defe shall not possess/consume alcoholic beverages or be where sold/served, Defe. Shall spend 10 days in Bates County Jail as shock detention and pay daily rate w/credit for time already served. 

St v. Maella L Heckadon, I: Felony failure to pay state sales tax; II: Felony failure to pay state sales tax, found guilty, given SIS, placed on probation for 5 years, to pay restitution of $4,779.38 and court costs, within one year, Defe. To get counseling/treatment as directed, Defe. Shall be subject to random drug testing, random home/vehicle searches. 

Kevin David Davenport v Wendy Daven port Robinette, Modification of Dissolution filed. 

Michael E Bivens v Butler Rural Housing Corporation d/b/a Butler Rural Haus, Inc, Petition filed. 

Jerry Powers v Julie Gibson, Petition for Damages filed. 

Terri Lynn Norman v Matt Weiss, Petition for Order of Protection filed. 

Terri Lynn Norman v. Jerrett Wheatley, Petition for Order of Protection filed.

Body recovered near Rockville - update

The Bates County Sheriff's Department was dispatched yesterday on a report of a body found in an trailer just outside of Rockville. The body recovered was a woman and the cause of death is unknown at this time.

More information is expected to be released soon.

Update 6/1/2011 - It has been determined that Patricia Ann Luebert passed away as a result of natural causes due to a medical condition in her home near Rockville. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Butler Saddle Club Rodeo set for June 17-19th...

The annual Butler Saddle Club parade will hit the Butler square at noon on Saturday, June 18th sporting this year's theme "Riding for a Reason". All entries are welcome- prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place for themed riders.

Line up will begin at 11 a.m. at the fairgrounds to depart for the square at 11:45 a.m.

The 59th annual Butler Saddle club rodeo is sponsored by the Ram Rodeo Series and Max Motors of Butler.

Summer food program for Miami children

The Summer food service program at the Miami School is underway- offering nutritious meals to those 18 and under within the district. The program is done in cooperation with the USDA and is available to those in low income areas to insure proper nutrition during the summer months.

Meals will be served at the Miami School cafeteria with breakfast at 8 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m. The program runs June 6th through July 1st. Adults may purchase meals at a reduced rate.

Contact the school at 660-267-3480 for details or to request a copy of meals served by date.

Weekend warmup on the way...

Tuesday

Partly sunny. Chance of showers...thunderstorms in the morning...then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph shifting to the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Bates County Fair books available now

The Bates County 2011 Fair books are hot off the press... you may pick up your copy at the following locations:

FM 92 Radio Station
Bates County Farm Bureau
Sage Animal Clinic
Bates County Veterinary Office
Bates County Extension Office
or any local bank

And we'll see YOU at the Bates County Fair!

Local firefighters deliver over $10,000 to Joplin

Representatives of Amsterdam and Adrian fire departments presented
a check to the Salvation Army in Joplin yesterday. Adrian Chief Gary
Dizney (far right) and Amsterdam Chief Garry Perrymann (second
from right). Also pictured are Brian Bearce, Carolyn Hilbus and Coco
Perrymann.

Area firefighters pulled their forces Friday May 27 and Saturday May 28 and held a boot block in Adrian.  The fire departments included Adrian, Amsterdam, Central Cass and Drexel.  It was a great success they raised over 10 thousand dollars for the victims of Joplin's tornado. 

On Sunday May 29 personal from Adrian and Amsterdam fire departments took a check to Joplin and donated it to the Salvation Army.  While they were there they also donated their time and the salvation army put them to work doing everything from sorting clothes, unloading trailers to putting care packages together.  

Thanks to all the fire departments for your help and thank you to the people for your generous donations.

-our thanks to Coco Perrymann

Rich Hill teen receives serious injuries in single car accident

Colton L. Mellenbruch 18, of Rich Hill received serious injuries in single car accident on Saturday on Route U, just north of county road 7501. The southbound 1993 GMC driven by Mellenbruch apparently crossed the highway center line, then swerved back into the right lane, then left the roadway striking an embankment.

He was transported to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment; the vehicle was totaled.

Rich Hill Police Department weekly report

RICH HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT

ACTIVITY REPORT MAY 23, 2011 TO MAY 29, 2011

05/23/2011

 

05/24/2011

ANIMAL AT LARGE

 

05/25/2011

 

05/26/2011

 

05/27/2011

ANIMAL AT LARGE

THEFT

 

05/28/2011

C&I 0481

 

05/29/2011

Weekly report from the Bates County Sheriff's Department

BATES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

ACTIVITY REPORT MAY 23, 2011 TO MAY 29, 2011

05/23/2011

STRANDED MOTORIST-PASSAIC

VANDALISIM-RICH HILL On today's date deputies responded to Rich Hill MO for a report of property damage.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-BUTLER

VANDALISIM-RICH HILL On today's date Deputies responded to in Rich Hill MO for a report of vandalism.

AMBULANCE REQUEST-RICH HILL

SPEAK TO OFFICER-PASSAIC Bates County Deputies received a report of theft from of Passaic.  Items stolen include a set of keys.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-BUTLER On today's date deputies responded to Patty Ford Road in Butler MO for a report of a suspicious vehicle.

DOMESTIC-RICH HILL Bates County Deputies received a report of a juvenile out of parental control in rural Rich Hill.

ALARM-BUTLER

DISTURBANCE-BUTLER           On 05-23-2011, at approximately 1947 hours, Deputies responded to Route 4 Butler reference a disturbance in progress. 

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-RICH HILL

05/24/2011

AMBULANCE REQUEST-ADRIAN

NOISE-AMSTERDAM

CIVIL STANDBY-MERWIN

STRANDED MOTORIST-BUTLER

CONTROLLED BURN-FOSTER

C&I-BUTLER

EXTRA PATROL-HUME

C&I-RICH HILL On 05-24-2011 Bates County Deputies made a traffic stop in the Rich Hill area.

ALARM-AMSTERDAM

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY- BUTLER

MVA-BUTLER

ALARM-RICH HILL

05/25/2011

AGENCY ASSIST-BUTLER

MVA-BUTLER

ANIMAL AT LARGE-RICH HILL

ALARM-AMSTERDAM

CIVIL STANDBY-RICH HILL

RUNAWAY-BALLARD

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-RICH HILL

ANIMAL AT LARGE-BUTLER

THREATS-AMSTERDAM

LEAVE WITHOUT PAY-ADRIAN

05/26/2011

CIVIL STANDBY-HUME

AMBULANCE REQUEST-BUTLER

ALARM-BUTLER

CIVIL SITUATION-RICH HILL

ABANDON VEHICLE-ADRIAN

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-RICH HILL

ANIMAL AT LARGE-RICH HILL

THEFT-ROCKVILLE-On -5-26-2011 Deputies took a theft report from the meat packaging plant in Rockville, Missouri. The items stolen were a wallet and a carton of cigarettes. The items were stolen from a vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of the company.

ANIMAL BITE-ADRIAN  On 5/26/2011 Deputies responded to the Bates County Memorial Hospital in reference to a dog bite that occurred in Adrian, MO

MISSING PERSON-BUTLER

AGENCY ASSIST-ARCHIE

DISTURBANCE-ADRIAN On 5/26/2011, Deputies were dispatched to rural Adrian in reference to a domestic disturbance call

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-RICH HILL

05/27/2011

TRAFFIC STOP On 5-27-2011 Deputies made a traffic stop at A HWY and V HWY for a defective equipment violation. The driver was issued a citation for driving while revoked.

ANIMAL DEAD-BUTLER

 DRUNK DRIVER

WEATHER WATCH-ADRIAN

STRANDED MOTORIST

JUVENILE PROBLEM-RICH HILL

ANIMAL DEAD-FOSTER On 05-27-2011, Deputies responded to Foster MO. in regards to a dog that had been running loose in town.

MVA-BUTLER

ABANDON VEHICLE-ROCKVILLE

PAPER SERVICE-ROCKVILLE On 05-27-2011, Deputies responded to Foster MO. in regards to a dog that had been running loose in town.

AGENCY ASSIST-ADRIAN

ALARM

AMBULANCE REQUEST-ADRIAN

05/28/2011

LOUD MUSIC

LOUD MUSIC-HUME

AGENCY ASSIST-RICH HILL

TRAFFIC STOP-RICH HILL On 05-27-2011, Deputies responded to Foster MO. in regards to a dog that had been running loose in town.

THEFT-DREXEL On 05/28/2011 Deputies took a report of a stolen boat motor and property damage in rural Drexel.

HARASSMENT-AMORET

ANIMAL AT LARGE-BUTLER

GUN SHOTS HEARD

MISSING PET-ADRIAN

ANIMAL AT LARGE-MERWIN

GUN SHOTS HEARD-ADRIAN

MVA-ARCHIE

STRANDED MOTORIST-ARCHIE

WANTED SUBJECT- On 05-28-2011, at approximately 2330 hours, Deputies responded to the Adrian area reference a warrant service. Upon arrival the suspect was located, arrested and transported to the Bates County Jail.

TRAFFIC STOP

05/29/2011

FIRE-FOSTER

SLIDE OFF-ADRIAN

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-FOSTER On 05/29/2011 Deputies took a report of tampering from the Foster Fire Department.

PAPER SERVICE-AMSTERDAM On 05-29-2011, at approximately 1145 hours, Deputies arrested a female subject in Amsterdam MO. in regards to a Bates County Warrant

STRANDED MOTORIST-BUTLER

C&I-BUTLER

4 WHEELER-AMSTERDAM

STRANDED MOTORIST-BUTLER

STRANDED MOTORIST-ADRIAN

AMBULANCE REQUEST-ROCKVILLE

CIVIL STANDBY-FOSTER

AGENCY ASSIST-ADRIAN

Volunteers needed for Joplin relief

Joplin needs your time- volunteers needed !

This is a request for volunteers to donate time to assist with distributing donated supplies for Joplin residents. If you or your church, organization or club would like to donate your time to assist the Salvation Army, Fema and local volunteers in Joplin. Call Andrew Bashor 817-771-6074. They are needing 50 to 100 people daily to sort and distribute donated items to those in need.

-courtesy FM92 The Bullet

Obituary - Richard Gaston

Graveside services for Richard Gaston will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, Missouri under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. There is no visitation.

Richard Lee Gaston, age 66 of Adrian, Missouri died Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Life Care Center in Grandview, Missouri. He was born December 22, 1944 to Orville Vernon and Helen Louise Derringer Gaston in Butler, Missouri.


Ricky is survived by his son, William “Bill” Gaston and wife Sarah of Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter, Michelle of Phoenix, Arizona; two brothers, Jim Gaston of Rich Hill, Missouri and John Gaston of Adrian, Missouri; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Butler couple injured in accident near Fort Leonard Wood

Around 1:15 p.m. yesterday afternoon a Butler couple and their relatives received minor injuries in a two car accident southwest of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. According to the report, Boyde and Alberta Piland of Butler were passengers in a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche that was struck by another vehicle on route AB, two miles west of Laquey.

Other passengers in the Piland vehicle included the driver, Leah Piland and passenger Dana Bridgewater, both of Richmond, Mo. All were treated at St. John's Hospital in Lebanon, Mo.

The driver of the other vehicle was William Bales, 16, of Laquey, Mo., who received serious injuries and was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital in Springfield, Mo.

Obituary - Edna Nieder

Edna Mae Nieder, 82 of Butler, passed away May 29, 2011 at Heartland of Willow Lane in Butler.

Edna was born July 29, 1928 in Bates County, Mo., daughter of Andrew Jackson and Mary Jane (Con- way) Dunlap. She grew up in Butler and graduated from Butler High School. She was united in mar- riage to Paul Wesley Nieder on October 18, 1946 in Butler. To this union a daughter, Paula Gayle, was born. Edna was a very faithful mother, caring for Paula until she was no longer able.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Paula Gayle Nieder in April of 2011; brother Johnny Eugene Dunlap; brother Francis Dunlap; and two sisters Bettie Lucille Dunlap and Mable Lorene Sorter.

Edna is survived by her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 1 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, with Bro. Bill Perkey presiding. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions in Edna’s name are suggested to Heartland Hospice of Butler, and may be left in care of the funeral home. Written messages may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Ready for some sun?

Today

Mostly sunny. Breezy. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 15 to 25 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph.

Obituary - Judy Shelton

Judy Anne Shelton, 63, Harrisonville, Mo. died Friday, May 27, 2011 at her home in Harrisonville,Mo. She was born December 10, 1947 in Kansas City, Mo., a daughter of Donald and Dorine (Trigg) King. Judy had lived in Drexel, Mo. and Adrian, Mo. before moving to Harrisonville. She had worked at Wal Mart 15 years before her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Shelton, and her parents. Judy is survived by two daughters, Vicki Sheldrake, Harrisonville, and Sherri White, Concord, California and two granddaughter. Cremation with a memorial service at a later date.

AFD boot block deemed 'very successful' so far...

Donations  have been steady since the boot block started Friday
 morning. The goal is to raise $10,000 for victims of the Joplin tornado

In just 15 1/2 hours, the Adrian Fire Department along with neighboring departments Central Cass, Drexel and others have collected an astounding $9,087.90 as of 11:30 this morning. All money netted will be turned over to the Salvation Army to be directed victims of the Joplin tornado.

Adrian Chief Gary Dizney was quoted as saying "Rain or shine, we're not stoppin' until we hit at least ten grand".

The boot block is located on 18 highway near the 71 highway access.

Update - 2:06 p.m. - It just announced the final tally was just over $10,000, surpassing the goal. Chief Dizney and the Adrian Fire Department would like to extend a hearty thank-you to all the volunteers and everyone who stopped to donate. "It's just incredible to see the outpouring of volunteers from neighboring departments and those who stopped to donate. Some of these folks were from out of town, and that kind of generosity is just overwhelming" he said.

The money will be delivered to the Salvation Army in Joplin within the next few days.

More than just a three day weekend - Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

General John A. Logan Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [LC-B8172- 6403 DLC (b&w film neg.)]

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.

But what may be needed to return the solemn, and even sacred, spirit back to Memorial Day is for a return to its traditional day of observance. Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day. As the VFW stated in its 2002 Memorial Day address: "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

On January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced bill S 189 to the Senate which proposes to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of "the last Monday in May". On April 19, 1999 Representative Gibbons introduced the bill to the House (H.R. 1474). The bills were referred the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Government Reform.

To date, there has been no further developments on the bill. Please write your Representative and your Senators, urging them to support these bills. You can also contact Mr. Inouye to let him know of your support.

Visit our Help Restore the Traditional Day of Observance page for more information on this issue, and for more ways you can help. 


-courtesy of David Merchant

News from Adrian Lanes

Adrian Lanes

Your Local Recreation Center

BOWLING NEWS

Through May 27, 2011

Sun 7 pm Summer Doubles starts June 5…ends August 21

Tuesday 7pm Summer Open

Misfits 10.0-02.0

Calvary Baptist 10.0-02.0

Adrian Lanes 05.0-07.0

Strike Me 05.0-07.0

Emily’s Team 04.0-08.0

F-M 02.0-10.0

    May 24:  High Game:  John McCoy 253, Mike Xanders 235, Kent Taylor 227, Bradley Newport 223, Nick McCoy 198, Ted Bridges 196, Michael Bowman 192, Pat Arnold 189, Melissa Xanders 184, Tom Rosekopf 170, Stephanie Fisher 167, Bill Lunsford 166, Ben Davis 162, Laverne Goodrich 162, Seth Rosekopf 156, Dana Rosekopf 148, Faith Hutchens 146, Linda Miller 122, Rusty Fisher 117, Emily McCoy 108, Brenda Sue Arnold 100, Jason Fisher 112, Brooke Fisher 65. High Series:  John McCoy 661, Mike Xanders 617, Kent Taylor 582, Pat Arnold 521, Nick McCoy 454, Emily McCoy 286.

Wed 7:30pm “Tough Shot”

Blue Nile 76.5-43.5

Nina’s Team 76.0-44.0

Miasis Dragon 60.0-60.0

Slow Starters 57.5-62.5

Fisher’s Men 56.0-64.0

Whatever 34.0-86.0

    May 25: High Game: Tim Covey 204, Ernie Moore 200, Curt Smith 200, Claude Billingsley 199, Mat Bridges 196, Mike Xanders 183, Don Chulufas 183, Michael Bowman 182, Joe Clapp 179, Laverne Goodrich 170, Kelly Wernex 156, Jessica Bridges 150.  High Series: Dan Goodrich 562, Laverne Goodrich 475.  Current Condition:   37 ft, Flat Shot.

Friday Nooners

    May 27:  High Games:  Don Chulufas 241, Dale Smith 193, Robin Atkin 185, Sharon Flanary 177, Leroy Foster 172, Mim Jackson 168, Wesley Merritt 168, Betty Smith 159, Troy Burton 153.  High Series:  Don Chulufas 599, Dale Smith 500, Sharon Flanary 489.

N highway again open

Construction is complete and the bridge reopened on N highway southeast of Butler.  Traffic to and from local homes, including access to the Happy Hill Church is back to normal.

All clear sounded; no tornado evident west of Adrian

Authorities are reporting that there is NO severe weather capable of spawning tornadoes west of Adrian at this time. The National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill has confirmed that they are not seeing anything on radar to indicate any type of rotation or weather patterns conducive to tornadoes.

Likewise, there are no watches or warnings in effect at this time.

Unofficial report of tornado west of Adrain

We have an unofficial report of a small tornado touching down near the intersection of 18 and FF highways west of Adrian. Fire Department first responders are reporting nothing is found at this time.

Quite possibly, this may be a phenomena known as an SLC (scary looking cloud) where a downdraft will cause a 'tail' to drop from a cloud that looks like a tornado but is not.

However, those in the area are urged to take cover until it is determined to be all clear.

Alpacas for Autism Festival set for June 5th...

Click to see larger or print a copy:

Relay for Life coming June 10th - "Betting on a Cure"

We are quickly approaching the annual Relay For Life festivities that will be held at the Bates County Fairgrounds on June 10th. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremony, followed by the survivor walk. The evening will be a great family outing with food, games and entertainment.

Luminaries are on sale for $5 each and may be purchased up to and throughout the evening of the 10th. This year's goal is to raise $50,750.00 (surpassing last year's number). All money goes to the American Cancer Society to help fine a cure.

This year, Mary Holcomb, 85, has been recognized as the oldest cancer survivor in the Butler area. "Granny", as she's known, will be recognized during the event. 

Be on the lookout...

There is person posing as an Atmos Utility worker is in our area. A male traveling in a black truck will ring your door bell, at the same time your phone will ring. When you go to answer the phone they will step into your home to steal your purse or wallet.

Contact the Butler Police Department immediately if you come in contact with this person at 660-679-6131. One incident reported on Wednesday May 25th.

-courtesy FM 92 The Bullet

Memorial Day service at Oak Hill Cemetery on Monday

The James P. Arnold Post 46 of the American Legion will again host the Memorial Day service at Oak Hill Cemetery on Monday, May 30th at 11:00 am at the Veterans Memorial. Guest speaker will be John Bolderson of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Butler, MO.  The public is welcome and your attendance will be appreciated.  The Auxiliary will be distributing the veteran made Poppies. 

 
Submitted by Emil Schwander, Commander of James P. Arnold Post 46.  Contact info 660-679-3585, RR 4 Box 640, Butler

Weekend forecast- rain and shine...

Friday

Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers... thunderstorms in the morning...then mostly cloudy with chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows around 60. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tips to help you help Joplin victims...

To help better manage the outpouring of support for Joplin, Missouri tornado survivors, disaster recovery experts have established some simple ways to help, whether volunteering or donating resources.

The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for those who are impacted or just wanting to help the are given the following advice:

Volunteer or Donate

The easiest way to help is to call 2-1-1 in most areas in Missouri to volunteer time or make a donation.  Cash is the best because it offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. Confirm what is needed BEFORE taking action!
Donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations. Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

Confirm the needs by contacting the voluntary organization of your choice before starting to collect.

If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, you can make your offer through  http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema after this,  just click on Missouri.

Sheltering
Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are also urged to call 2-1-1, or 800-427-4626.

Locate a loved one
Residents affected by the tornado wanting to notify friends and family that they are safe, should go online to https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms//<https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/.  

It’s easy and free and only basic information is needed. If you are not able to go online, call 417-659-5464 to register or find someone who has registered.

Small Idea for Joplin Becomes A Giant

courtesy FM 92 The Bullet

On Monday morning, following the disaster in Joplin, Missouri, Cindy Nieder, a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Butler, Missouri, got the idea of the church finding a way to help. With the ok of Pastor Christian Cleghorn, she contacted the local radio stations, KMAM-AM and KMOE-FM, and the ball started rolling. By mid-afternoon, the church's Community Life Center building 6,000 square foot main floor was filling up with all kinds of goods. And it expanded, as a mattress company in St. Louis heard about it, and sent a semi-loan of new mattresses. A place in O'Fallon, Illinois heard, and sent a 17-foot-U-Haul trailor of goods. 

Meanwhile, it was growing right here at home, as Medicalodge Rest Home gave 300 gallons of water, and more continued from all over the area. What had supposed to be a pick-up truck of items grew into an 18-wheeler full, and the giving wasn't over. Pastor Cleghorn said goods would be loaded this Thursday, and would be taken to Joplin this Friday. The items will be taken to a "Convoy of Hope," an Assembly of God Disaster Relief organization, one of which is located in several cities around the world. The headquarters is in Springfield, but is worldwide. "Convoy of Hope" in Joplin is an authorized drop zone, and can handle all goods. All the Butler church is waiting for is permission from FEMA, to take the goods to Joplin. 

(Note: Pastor Cleghorn's cell phone is 424-9224...the Church is located at 901 South Main in Butler, Missouri 64730)

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

A State in Need

This week’s devastation in Joplin brings home certain facts. The first is that major disasters can strike at a moment’s notice, or less than 24 minutes notice, as the Joplin case may be. The second is that, when destruction such as we have seen in our very own backyard these past few days occurs, our neighbors and friends will be there to help us pick up the pieces and give aid.

Missouri has been inundated with natural disasters this spring. The tornado that hit the St. Louis area and the airport a month ago, the flooding in the bootheel and now the tornado in Joplin have served to prove that Missourians can manage to thrive under the most adverse conditions. The state has come together, from local organizations to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency to provide any help necessary. Our state is extremely proactive in terms of emergency preparedness. As well as the actual weather related issues we have dealt with recently, earthquake preparedness simulations were held in central Missouri last week.

Also last week, I attended an event in Archie for a local community center that will be utilized by SEMA as an emergency shelter and can also be used by the local community and school for various projects. This particular shelter is a wonderful example of how state and local agencies, as well as community services, can bring together scarce funds in order to provide necessities for local communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I understand that in the appropriations process, sometimes funds have to be estimated in terms of amount of use. We in the Capitol can’t be sure during the original discussions how often emergency agencies will need to be called out for disaster purposes during the year. It is important to know that state funds are available to do that whenever it may be necessary. Events and shelters like Archie’s are examples of how agencies and communities can partner local funds as well, in order to save state money and create useful local tools.

I have been told that, currently, the people of Joplin are beginning the process of organizing the chaos. Although volunteers will be very welcome during the next phase of recovery, the most immediate need is that of triage, recovery, and emergency medical treatment. So they are asking for volunteers to wait until those needs are met. At the next phase, that of clean up, volunteers will be more than welcome to help get our friends in Joplin back on their feet.

One thing needed in the area now is cash donations. There are many opportunities across the state to donate, but if you would like to donate through other agencies, there are a number. If you would like to donate to the Red Cross directly, please visit www.redcross.org. If you would like to donate locally, or for information, please visit sema.dps.mo.gov.  The official Missouri state website is www.mo.gov. In areas where the system is in place, you can also call 2-1-1, or dial (800) 427-4626, for information on volunteering when the time is appropriate.

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to our friends and neighbors in Joplin. It seems that there isn’t a single person that doesn’t at least know someone that has been personally affected by this tragedy. I say again, if there is one thing I know that Missourians are, it is resilient. This disaster will be cleaned up and we will continue, stronger than ever.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31^st State Senatorial District.