Adrian Optimist Student Of The Month (Ballard)

Ballard R-II Principal Jimmie Barton, Samantha Walsh, and Adrian Optimist Club Member Bill Lunsford.

The Ballard R-II School District is pleased to be working in conjunction with the Adrian Optimist Club to honor a Student of the Month for the 2013-2014 school year.

Student of the Month is selected by the staff of the Ballard R-II School District using the following criteria: attendance; attitude towards others and school; behavior; leadership; and improvement in or maintenance of good grades.

The Student of the Month for January is junior Samantha Walsh, daughter of Dan a...nd Karla Walsh. Art instructor Jenny Czyzewski states, “Sam is a willing and ready assistant with my elementary students and projects, always lending humor to any situation. I appreciate Sam's ability to work on several projects at any given time. Oftentimes Sam is putting her own assignment aside in order to help or tutor others. She has an excellent work ethic and a positive attitude!”

English instructor Ashlea Gray adds, “Sam works very hard to exhibit positive character traits such as honesty, a strong work ethic, kindness, and compassion for her classmates. She makes a point to spend her class time working diligently, and her effort shows through in her accomplishments. She is a joy to be around, and is a positive role model for the younger students. ”

For Samantha’s hard work in school she is receiving a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks

Butler Elementary Optimist Students of Month January/February 2014

The Butler Optimist student of month for January is K-3 Kya Bridges (K) 4-6 Alison Tenholder (5th) 

The Butler Optimist student of month for February is K-3 Gracee Lesmeister (3rd) 4-6 Makenzie Jarreau (5th)

Ballard Volleyball Girls to receive All State Academic Award

 from left to right is Sabrina Walsh, Coach Missy Callahan, Sam Walsh, on the bottom row from left to right is Darby Hill, Stachia Cooper, and Bailey Rexford.

Sabrina Walsh, Sam Walsh, Darby Hill, Stachia Cooper, and Bailey Rexford will all be receiving an All State Academic Award at the awards ceremony this year. These girls earned this award by working hard work academically while also playing volleyball. The requirements for this award are: They must be a varsity player (any grade level) who has at least a 3.6 cumulative grade point average (or an "A-" equivalent on weighted or other scales). The 3.6 GPA must be cumulative over the player's full high school career. The varsity players must have played in at least 75% of varsity matches during the volleyball season. Great job ladies! 

Attempt to locate in Butler Area

The Butler Police along with Missouri State Highway Patrol and Bates County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate a 60 year old female, medium build and short hair named Gale Lawrence. She is threatening to do harm to herself and is under the influence of unknown pills at this time. 

The vehicle she is in is a black medium size 90s model pickup unknown make or model. If you see this vehicle please contact the Butler Police Department 660-679-6131 or The Bates County Sheriff's Department 660-679-3232








T

MoDOT/Southwest Winter Travel Advisory: Saturday through Monday, March 1-3‏

MoDOT/Southwest Winter Travel Advisory:

Saturday through Monday, March 1-3

Freezing rain, sleet and snow expected to impact southwest Missouri beginning Saturday afternoon, March 1.  The winter storm will impact travel through Monday morning rush hour.  Drivers urged to use caution and be prepared for slick roads and downed trees and power lines across roadways. Weather Forecast: Freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected to begin falling throughout southwest Missouri sometime late Saturday afternoon/evening and continue through early Monday morning. Two to six inches of sleet and snow are expected with up to a tenth of an inch of ice.  Temperatures are expected to be in the teens and single digits during overnight hours and lower 20s during the day. Also, wind gusts of up to 30 mph are expected through the period.   Road Clearing: MoDOT crews will be on the road ahead of the storm Saturday afternoon.  Crews will treat roads with a mixture of salt and abrasives to help with traction. Crews will remain on the road ‘round the clock treating and clearing as necessary until major routes are in clear condition.  Hills, curves and intersections on lesser-traveled roads will be treated with a mixture of salt and abrasives and will be plowed, if necessary.  However, lesser-traveled roads will not be in clear condition.                 MoDOT crews will NOT be able to remove downed power lines which may fall across roads. Local power companies will be notified about the downed power lines and some roads will remain blocked until electric crews can clear away the downed lines.   If trees are down across roads and there are no downed power lines with them, MoDOT crews will do their best to open up the road to traffic.  They will clear away debris from driving lanes.  The debris will be pushed to shoulders and crews will come back when conditions improve to remove the debris.    Travel Conditions: Road conditions will not improve drastically until the storm moves out of the area.  Crews will do their best to keep major roads in passable condition during the storm.  However, lesser-traveled roads will remain mostly covered.  Crews will do their best to keep roads free of downed trees.  However, roads covered by downed power lines will remain blocked until electric companies can respond. Roads with downed power lines will be closed until the lines can be removed.  Drivers can regularly check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for updated road conditions and roads blocked by downed trees and power lines.  Monday morning rush hour will be especially challenging, depending on temperatures and when the storm system moves out of the area.  Drivers are urged to take it slow and allow plenty of extra travel time to reach their destinations, if travel is a necessity. However, drivers are urged to stay off roads until conditions improve. Traveler Information Map: To find the most up-to-date road conditions in southwest Missouri and statewide, check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map.  MoDOT also has a Traveler Information Map mobile app for smart phones. Winter Weather Driving Tips: Buckle up.   Slow down. Stay at least 100 feet behind a truck plowing/treating the road.  Be alert for changing road conditions.  Make sure fuel tanks are full before traveling. Don't drive across downed utility lines or tree debris Focus on driving and avoid distractions. Allow for extra travel time. Carry an emergency kit equipped with snacks, water and blankets.

From The Bates County Sheriff's Office

The National Weather Service has stated that Bates County can expect 1 inch of sleet and up to 5 - 7 inches of snow starting on Saturday Night into Early Sunday morning. Please use caution if you must me out at this time. Allow yourself extra drive time to reach your destination.

Obituary - Evelyn Bernice Warren

Visitation for Evelyn Warren will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2014 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Evelyn's wishes were to be cremated. There are no services. In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Diabetes Association or Serenity Hospice.

Evelyn Bernice Warren, age 72 of Adrian, Missouri died Thursday, February 27, 2014 at her home in Adrian. She was born January 25, 1942 to Wilburn Edward and Ollie Oliver Kendrick in Cass County, Missouri.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, A.E. “Gene” Warren of Adrian, Missouri; four sons, Rick Warren and companion Tim Reed and Ron Warren and wife Alice all of Adrian, Missouri, Don Warren and wife April of Eldon, Missouri and Danny Warren and wife Melissa of Winterville, Ohio; one brother, William Kendrick and wife Sue of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two sisters, Rita Brown and Christine Holbrook, both of Archie, Missouri; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Freda Burchett.

Motorists Urged To Be Aware Of Weather Forecast

This weekend's forecast indicates the possibility of winter weather throughout the state. The winter advisory includes most of the state and indicates snow, sleet, or ice depending on where you live. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to plan ahead and drive safely or not at all during inclement weather. If you must travel, be sure to check weather forecasts often and adjust your driving style to ensure you arrive at your destination safe and sound.

If it is imperative that you drive in inclement weather, please remember:

*Make certain your vehicle is in good working condition. 

*Keep your fuel tank at least half full. 

*Place an ice scraper, tire chains, battery booster cables, blankets, flashlight, and a bag 
of sand or kitty litter in your trunk. 

*Clean snow and ice completely from your vehicle.

*Clear your driveway, so your vehicle enters the roadway safely.

*Allow extra driving time.

*Obey all traffic laws, adjusting your speed and braking for hazardous weather conditions. Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator or brakes. Never use your vehicle's cruise control in inclement weather.

*Carry a fully charged cell phone in case of emergencies. Please do not use your cell phone when you are driving; park your vehicle before placing a call. 

*Stay alert. Be aware of other drivers, and if you need to call for assistance, be ready to give your location.

*Be a courteous driver.

Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash. 

Emergencies cannot be predicted, but planning ahead can help you if one should arise. Missouri’s Road Condition Report (1-888-275-6636) can help you plan your route--before you leave. You may also view MoDOT’s Road Condition Map by going to the Patrol’s web site www.mshp.dps.mo.gov and clicking on the Road Condition icon. When roads become slick from ice and snow the Patrol encourages motorists to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). These numbers ring at the nearest troop headquarters. 

Of course, no matter how safely you drive, you can’t control other drivers. Thus, the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Click It 4 Life!

Lost Dog

This little dog was found on North Main Street in Butler just out of city limits this morning. Very Friendly no collar on but might be someones pet. If this is your dog or you know who it belongs please contact Bates County Live at 660-424-0289

Update: Structure Fire In Rich Hill

Around 10am this morning the Rich Hill Fire Department along with The Butler Fire Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Bates County EMS responded to a house fire on 14th Street ( Outer Road or Mile Marker 120 on I-49) just North of Rich Hill. 

The home owner Dixie Black was able to make it out without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time. Bates County Live is waiting on the Official Press Release from Rich Hill Fire Chief.

Get ready for the weekend with great deals from Country Mart

The snow is comin! Get stocked up now with the HOT money saving deals from your Butler Country Mart- click HERE or click the Country Mart tab at the top of the Bates County Live home page

Structure Fire In Rich Hill

The Butler Fire Department is in route with a tanker to assist the Rich Hill Fire Department on a Structure fire. The location of this structure fire is on 14th Street North of Rich Hill on the outer road around Mile Marker 120 on I-49. A house is on fire unknown at this time if anyone is inside the house. Bates County Live will update this when more information becomes available.

Weather Update: Winter Storm This Weekend

On this the last day of meteorological Winter, you'll be waking up to a winter storm WATCH that is now in effect from Saturday night into Monday morning. The latest data continues to point to a major winter storm impacting the region this weekend. Here is a first look at potential snow totals for this event. We've highlighted an area that could see potential snow totals 6" or greater by Monday ...morning. Remember, don't get tied down to these numbers, as we'll likely continue to refine where the highest amounts may fall as this storm remains over the Pacific ocean today. There will also be a band of heavier snow within the purple area, but right now it's still too early to determine where that band of potentially higher snow totals will fall. Don't forget the potential impacts from sleet that could also impact snow totals.  

Obituary - Charles Mathis

Charles Mathis

Funeral services for Charles Mathis will be 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to services from 2-3 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Norwich, Kansas. Contributions to Living Hope Native Ministries.

Charles Mathis, age 77 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, February 27, 2014 at his home in Butler. He was born February 7, 1937 to Clarence and Januita Ritchie Mathis in Commerce, Oklahoma.

Charles is survived by his wife, Emra Mathis of Butler, Missouri; one son, Michael Ray Mathis and wife Karen of St. Joesph, Missouri; two brothers, Bruce Edwards of Toledo, Oklahoma and Rev. Larry Mathis and wife Judy of Tucson, Arizona; one sister-in-law, Nondis Fisher of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; and one grandson, Charles Nothnagel and wife Dorothy of Butler, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Sharon Nothnagel; and one brother, Grover Fisher.

Change of venue sought for murder suspect‏

The Missouri public defender representing a Southwest Missouri charged with killing a 12-year- Golden City girl has filed a change-of-venue request. 34-year-old Bobby D. Bourne, Jr.,  Lockwood, faces charges of child kidnapping, statutory rape and first-degree murder for allegedly taking

Adriaunna Horton from a Golden City park last August 19. He body was found later in nearby Dade County.

A not guilty plea was entered for Bourne during a formal arraignment in Barton County circuit court earlier this month and county prosecutor Steve Kaderly says he will seek the death penalty if Bourne is convicted. Public defender Thomas J. Jacquinot’s motion – filed Wednesday – says the case has received a lot of media attention throughout Missouri and he wants to have the jury chosen in another county and brought to Lamar for the trial. 

He says he believes he and the prosecutor can agree on a county within 30 days if the court grants the venue change request and asks for a hearing before 28th circuit presiding judge James R. Bickel March 17.

Weather Update: The Mysteries of Snowfall Predictions

They say pictures are worth a thousand words. If you're looking forward to Spring some of those words may not be print worthy. A potentially significant snow event and a record-breaking cold snap are unfolding for Saturday Night and Sunday. As this graphic depicts, there is still a lot of variability among the many computer weather models as to how much snow may fall -- and where. This type of spread is not uncommon for being 3 days away from the heart of the event, and it's ...why we rarely announce snowfall totals that far in advance. Right now it does look like the St. Joseph to Kirksville corridor sees the best chance of "plowable" snowfall accumulations Saturday Night through Sunday Night, although any shift in the storm track could produce significant totals elsewhere. We do know that this will be a long-duration and very dry snow event, with bitterly cold temperatures in the single digits and teens. Note that the ALL TIME record coldest March high temperature for Kansas City is 11 degrees set March 4, 1978. We could tie or break that Sunday!

MoDOT/Southwest Winter Travel Advisory: Friday Morning, February 28‏

MoDOT/Southwest Winter Travel Advisory:

Friday Morning, February 28

Possibility of sleet, freezing rain and snow during early morning hours on Friday, February 28.  Light accumulations expected, but roadways could be slick in areas. Weather Forecast: Rain mixed with snow, freezing rain and sleet are all possible starting early Friday morning.  Minor accumulations are expected.   Road Clearing: MoDOT crews will be in ahead of the storm early Friday morning.  They will monitor road conditions and will plow and treat roads as needed.  Travel Conditions: Roads could be slick in areas. Drivers are urged to use caution, slow down and allow extra travel time.      Traveler Information Map: To find the most up-to-date road conditions in southwest Missouri and statewide, check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map.  MoDOT also has a Traveler Information Map mobile app for smart phones. All road work planned for Friday, February 28, has been cancelled.

Exhaustive investigation leads to drug bust in Pleasanton Kansas

On Feb. 23, 2014, The Pleasanton,Kansas Police Department in conjunction with the Linn Valley Police Department executed a search warrant on a house located at 706 E. Broad Street in Pleasanton. 

The search warrant and subsequent arrests were the result of an exhaustive investigation related to drug trafficking in the city of Pleasanton,Kansas. Bates County Live try to provide more information about this when it comes available.

Courtesy of Linn County News

Job Opening In Butler

The Bates County Sheriff's Office is still accepting applications for jailer positions. It starts out at $10.00 per hour. You must be able to work holidays, nights and weekends. You will also be required to pass a background check. Full time positions include health insurance, retirement, vacation and sick leave. 

 Go to www.batescountysheriff.com to download an application or you can pick up an application from dispatch. 

Obituary - Vivian Lucille (Mayfield) Brewer

Graveside Memorial Services for Vivian Lucille Brewer will be 3:30 PM Wednesday, March 5, 2014 in Sharon Cemetery near Drexel, Missouri.  There is no visitation. Contributions are suggested to the Drexel United Methodist Church.  Arrangements under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler, Missouri (660-679-0009). Messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Vivian Lucille (Mayfield) Brewer, 88, passed away Febraury 26, 2014 at Delaware Highlands Assisted Living in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born September 6, 1925, daughter of Floyd William and Letha May (Wilmot) Mayfield. She spent the majority of her life in the communities of Drexel and Harrisonville, Missouri and was a graduate of Adrian High School, Adrian, Missouri.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lonnie Brewer; brothers Clifford, Ben, Elmer, and Melvin Mayfield; and one grandson, Kenneth Lee Nelson, II.  She is survived by her children: Ken Nelson and wife Kim; Darrell Nelson and wife Sandy; Brad Nelson and wife Paula; Rick Nelson and wife Janet; grandchildren Jamie May, Carrie Page, Rickey Nelson, and Tracy Hughes. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, and one on the way. She is also survived by her siblings Ines, Ralph, Doris and Jim.

Missouri lawmakers to consider legalizing medical marijuana

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Governor Jay Nixon told a national audience that the legislature would consider medical marijuana, but his words were met with mixed reaction here in Kansas City.


On Sunday morning’s CNN show State of the Union, Nixon said the bridge isn’t yet built for decriminalization, but lawmakers are open to medical marijuana.

“Medicinally I think folks are beginning to see there are things the medical community can help on,” Nixon said, “our legislature might consider that.”
“It is a step in the right direction, I’ll take it as a green light,” said Amber Iris Langston with Show Me Cannabis, an organization promoting marijuana legalization. “I don’t think Governor Nixon takes chances with his political support, so it’s a strong indication there’s support for medical marijuana in Missouri.”

While she’s pleased to see Nixon talking about medical marijuana, she’d also like to see support of bills that would decriminalize pot. Missouri has some of the toughest marijuana laws in the country, getting caught with a single gram could mean a year in jail.

“It’s a shame our politicians don’t have courage to stand forward on this issue and say this policy isn’t working, this policy is destructive to people in our communities,” she said.
Missouri lawmakers have introduced three bills this year: one for a medical marijuana pilot program, one legalizing recreational pot, and one that reduces penalties for possession.

Jackson County Legislator Bob Spence isn’t a fan of laws that decriminalize marijuana use. “I think most, not all, but most who do hard drugs started with marijuana,” he said. Spence has tried twice now to introduce a resolution encouraging lawmakers to “just say no” to any bill legalizing marijuana, even for medicinal use.

“Then every ailment known to mankind can be helped with marijuana, and it’s like legalizing it,” he said. But his resolution ended up getting held over into committee. He says that basically means it’s killed.“I was shocked; I was absolutely shocked, he said, “I don’t want to make it legal in this state because it makes it even more accessible. It’s in far too many places for our kids to get a hold of.”

Missouri isn’t the only state tackling this issue this year. Kansas is also considering a bill legalizing medical marijuana.

Weather Update:Spring Can't Get Here Fast Enough

Eventually Spring will get here and this Winter will be a distant memory. However, we stil have to deal with two winter weather systems over the next 4 days. The first one arriving Friday morning will likely generate an area of sleet, snow and possibly freezing rain over parts of west central MO after the morning commute to work. The bulk of the precipitation will stay south of the region. Minor s...now and sleet accumulations of up to half an inch is possible for most areas. Northern Missouri could pick up an inch of new snow. A second stronger storm will soon follow with a wintery mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow affecting the region Saturday evening. Gradually the precipitation will change over to all snow by Sunday morning. There remains considerable differences in model snow/sleet amounts as well as where the heaviest snow could fall. Current indications suggest 3 or more inches of snow are possible in a corridor from east central KS through Kanas City into northeast MO. Due to the wide range of model solutions it's quite possible this area will change in future forecasts.

Clinton Fire Department gets new firehouse dog

We would formally like to introduce to you our new firehouse dog, Blaze! We had some help naming him. On Monday, we asked the students of Henry Elementary, Clinton Intermediate, Holy Rosary, and Clinton Christian Academy to help us in choosing a name. 

 We gave them four names and asked each class to pick a name that they thought suited him best. A Facebook poll conducted last week aided us in choosing the four names: Flash, Blaze, Captain, and Booster. 

 After tallying the votes from the students, it was VERY close between Flash and Blaze. Blaze won by only TWO votes! We would like to thank all of the students and teachers for their participation! Blaze is looking forward to meeting each of you soon.

Missouri State Parks prepares for start of season at trout parks‏

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Staff at Missouri State Parks’ three trout parks are gearing up for a springtime ritual – the opening of trout fishing season on March 1. The season officially begins at 6:30 a.m. at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, and Roaring River State Park near Cassville.

Opening day of trout season is an important Missouri tradition, marking the beginning of a season that runs until Oct. 31. In addition to premier trout fishing, visitors to the state’s trout parks can enjoy miles of hiking trails, lodging and camping options and on-site dining facilities.

“Our park staff spend much of the year looking forward to the crowds that visit on opening day, and are expecting a successful start of the 2014 catch-and-keep trout season,” said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. “I encourage anglers to take some time to enjoy our world-class trout streams and then stop in at the dining lodge for a good hot meal.”

Trout season in Missouri is a cooperative effort of Missouri State Parks, which manages state parks, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates the hatcheries and stocks the streams with trout.

For more information on trout opening, visit Mo.gov or call Montauk State Park at 573-548-2201, Roaring River State Park at 417-847-2539 or Bennett Spring State Park at 417-532-4338.

For information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Man Wanted on Felony Warrant May Be In Butler/Bates County Area

Christopher Melton

On Feb. 25, a St. Clair County felony arrest warrant was issued for Christopher Melton, 25, Lowry City, on a probation revocation. Bond is set at $1,500 cash only. In July 2013, Melton plead guilty to a class C felony of theft/stealing (value of property or services is $500 or more but less than $25,000). Circuit Court Judge James Journey suspended the imposition of sentencing and placed Melton on supervised probation for five years. He was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution jointly and severally with other defendants in the case. The charge stemmed from a stealing the occurred on property owned by Gary Vohs, located on SE Highway 13, Collins, on Dec. 11, 2012. Sheriff Scott Keeler urges those with any information on Melton’s location to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

Butler Public Library Now Offering eBooks

Food Pantry News

Today is the last day of the 'Great Cuke Zuch Giveaway' at the Community Food Pantry of Butler. We have produce that needs to be used!! If you are a Bates County resident please come to the Food Pantry dock before 3 p.m. today and from the warmth of your car we will hand you a sack of zucchini and or cucumbers. Wouldn't zucchini bread smell good baking in your oven? Or add some to a pot of soup.  Think summer while you slice cucumbers into vinegar and onions or into a salad (maybe if we all think it, it will come?). The Food Pantry thanks you all and hopes you enjoy this produce! "

BCMH EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH OF MARCH

JANICE SCHAPELER is recognized as the Bates County Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month for March, 2014. Janice began her employment at BCMH in 1985. 

Janice has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and currently works in the Housekeeping Department. Janice treats everyone she meets with kindness, recognizing everyone is important. She is extremely conscientious in her job duties and cleans until everything sparkles. Janice is a long-time, valued employee with an extraordinary work ethic and deserving of Employee of the Month recognition.

Felony arrest warrant issued for Lowry City Woman

Raven Collins

On Feb. 26, an arrest warrant was issued for Raven Collins, 34, Lowry City, charging her with two counts of possessing a controlled substance, a class C felony. The charges stem from a drug investigation on Feb. 13 at Collins’ residence on Fifth and Mahan street, Lowry City. St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from the Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdiction Drug Task Force located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the residence. Collins was arrested and booked into the St. Clair County Jail. She was released pending formal charges.

Sheriff Scott Keeler urges those with any information on Collins' location to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

Obituary - Helen Louise Smith

Graveside services for Helen Smith will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to services from 10-11 a.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Alzheimer's Association or Heartland Hospice.

Helen Louise Smith, age 88 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. She was born February 22, 1926 to Lonnie and Ermine Zimmer Deerwester in Ballard, Missouri.

Helen is survived by three daughters, Jackie Ferguson and husband Dwayne of West Des Moines, Iowa, Carol Lewis and husband Chuck of Amsterdam, Missouri and Julie Davis and husband Tim of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Erica Hough and husband Jeremy of Raymore, Missouri, Kyle Lewis and wife Megan of Adrian, Missouri, Jonathan Ferguson of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kelsey Dean and husband Philip of Louisburg, Kansas and Brittani Hedgpeth and husband Jesse of Iberia, Missouri; and four great-grandchildren, Caleb and Carly Hough and Elexis and Cali Hedgpeth. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one sister, Ellen Wackerman; and two sons, Chris and Curtis Smith.

Anyone Missing a Bulldog In Butler

A dog was found today on Longersinger Street right off of Ft. Scott Street in Butler this afternoon. 

The dog is a Male bull dog. If this is your dog or you know the owner of this dog please call The Butler animal control at 679-6131

Show 'n Tell Program‏

Saturday, March 1^st, 10:00 am

(rescheduled from Feb. 1^st – date was canceled due to ice & snow)Robertson Hall, Bates County Museum
802 Elks Drive   Butler, Missouri

 Show ‘n Tell Program 

Annual Election

Soup/Chili Dinner

(Free Will Donation)

 Make plans to join us on Saturday morning as we ‘Show ‘n Tell’ about items that have special meaning to their owners.  Some are heirlooms, some are old favorites, and some may be mystery items that need identifying!  Whatever they are, each has a story to be told. 

This gathering is one of our most fun of the entire year. 

We never know what we’re going to see and hear!

During a short meeting, votes will be cast for the 2014 Historical Society Board of Directors.  An announcement of the year’s schedule and

project plans will also be shared.

Following Show ‘n Tell, a free will offering Soup/Chili Dinner will be served. 

You are invited to join us on Saturday morning.

We hope to see you then!

Power Outage in Ballard and Urich Area

Approximately 320 Osage Valley Electric customers  in the Ballard and Urich area are without power due to a tree falling on the line. The Crews are working on repairs and will restore power as quickly as possible.

Produce at the Food Pantry‏

The Community Food Pantry of Butler has produce (mainly cucumbers and zucchini) leftover from the Mass Distribution held last Saturday. This produce needs to be used very soon. If you are a Bates County resident, please come help us use these vegetables by driving to the dock at the Food Pantry this afternoon between 3 and 4 p.m. We will hand a bag out to you while you sit in your car! We thank all of you for supporting the Food Pantry.

Drug Recovery Court 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Press Release: Butler Optimists Support Children's Center‏

Cut line for photo:  Butler Optimist Club President Randy Kash (right) and Optimist member Mike Hill present Children’s Center representative Jim Platt (left) with a check for $170 to show the local Optimist club’s support for the Center. 

The Butler Optimists donate $170 to help support the Children’s Center in Butler.

The Children’s Center was founded in 1996 by a group of citizens concerned that children should not be interviewed over and over again about an abusive incident.  At that time many children were interviewed in busy police departments or in their own homes where the abuse occurred.  Medical exams were provided in emergency rooms where children waited for hours to get an exam. Prosecution rates were low and the number of unresolved cases was high.   With the intent of solving these problems, this community group became the first board of directors of Children’s Center.

In October, 2009, Children’s Center opened a fourth child advocacy center in Butler, Missouri.  Once again a dedicated group of community individuals and a strong multidisciplinary team, all wanting a better way to provide services for alleged child abuse victims and their families, made this center possible.  Other Centers include Joplin, Monett and Nevada.

Children’s Center of SW MO has provided advocacy services to over 11,000 children since opening in 1997 in twelve southwest Missouri Counties. Services are available to all children regardless of religion, race, disability, national origin or ancestry and at no charge to the families.

From The Linn County Kansas Sheriff's Office

A class for church staff and volunteers on security issues will be held at the LaCygne Christian Church on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 starting at 6:00P.M. The cla...ss will address lessons learned from past incidents and provide ideas on keeping congregations safe. 

 The class will be presented by members of the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. Everyone is welcome. If you plan on attending please let the Sheriff's Office, 913-795-2665, or Pastor Jeff Fulk at the LaCygne Christian Church, 913-757-6644, know.

Osceola Woman arrested on felony warrant

Megan Shields

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Megan Shields, 25, Osceola, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant for a class C felony of possessing a controlled substance. The warrant was issued on Jan. 17. Bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety and a court date of March 21 was given.


The charge stemmed from an incident on Jan. 16 when St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with members of the Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Force conducted a drug investigation at a residence on NE 364 Road, Osceola. 

The investigation revealed Shields to be in possession of methamphetamine. After Shields’ initial arrest in January, she was transferred to Clay County on a felony warrant for probation violation on a receiving stolen property charge prior to a warrant being issued in St. Clair County.