World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Dustin Focht to Appear at Mo-Kan Livestock Market

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 31, 2014) – Dustin Focht, this year’s World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, will be at Mo-Kan Livestock Market (Butler, Mo.) on Thursday, April 3, starting at 11 a.m. (CT). Focht will be on the auction block, selling livestock and showing off the chant that made him a world champion auctioneer.

Thursday’s sale is the Grass Cattle and Yearling Special Sale at Mo-Kan.

Focht defeated 30 other contestants to win the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC), held in June in Montgomery, Ala. The WLAC was created and is conducted by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), the national trade association for progressive marketing businesses. During his year as champion, Focht is traveling across the U.S., appearing at LMA member markets and industry events.

Local livestock markets across the country work hard to bring in multiple buyers to bid competitively on sale day, providing true price discovery of the value of all types of livestock, maximizing the return to the seller. In turn, they provide buyers a centralized location with a ready supply of livestock in the offering.

About the Livestock Marketing Association:
The Livestock Marketing Association, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is North America’s largest membership organization dedicated to supporting, representing and communicating with and for the entire livestock marketing sector. LMA has approximately 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.LMAWeb.com.

Weather Update: Major Change by Daybreak

Did you like the 70s and even 80 degree weather of today? Well, get ready for a shock by morning because you might need a heavy coat by daybreak. In the span of 15 hours we'll drop nearly 50 degrees in some spots and by daybreak temperatures will only be in the 20s and low 30s.

We'll rebound back into the low 50s Tuesday, but this will be almost 10 degrees below the "normal" temperatures for this time of the year.

Bates County Casino Night

The 7^th annual Bates County Casino Night will be held on Saturday, April 5^th at the Adrian Optimist Building.  Social hour will be from 6:30 – 7:30 and the Casino will be open from 7:30 – 10:00pm.  All proceeds will benefit the Bates County Child Abuse Assessment & Treatment Children’s Center.

Highlights of the evening will include a live auction, plinko, raffle items and live mouse races.  There will be free food and beverages catered by Butthead BBQ.

Some of the items to be auctioned off include a Tate Steven Autographed Guitar, custom built yard swing, Adirondack chairs, an autographed framed poster of the KC Chiefs Len Dawson, Sterling Silver bracelet and a load of gravel.

They are also selling Raffle tickets to win a $500 gift certificate to the Crooked Fence Gun Shop.  Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets may be purchased from members of the Children’s Center Committee or at the Juvenile Office.  Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.  You must be 21 years of age to attend and must have a ticket to enter.

Tickets are available at the Children’s Center, 413 West Howard in Butler or the Bates County Juvenile Office.  For more information call 417-549-0900 or 660-679-4434.

Bates County Memorial Hospital Scrub Sale

If you wear scrubs as part of your profession or just for comfort, you will want to attend the Bates County Memorial Hospital annual Scrub Sale on Wednesday, April 9^th.

All day you will be able to shop and all money received will go towards scholarships for graduating seniors who also want to enter the medical field. The scrub sale will be held in the Education Center on the east side of the hospital.

The public is welcome and they will take cash, check or credit card.

BCMH EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH OF APRIL

JUDY TAYLOR

BCMH EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH OF APRIL

JUDY TAYLOR is recognized as the Bates County Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month for April, 2014. Judy has worked at BCMH for 37 years, beginning in March, 1977. Judy is the Utilization Review Coordinator in the Patient Services Department. In that capacity, Judy works closely with patients, families and physicians. Judy has been a devoted employee who has seen extensive changes in healthcare throughout the years. Her expertise and knowledge are invaluable to the hospital. Judy is an asset to BCMH

Bates County Sheriff’s Office Activity Report March 24, 2014 to March 30, 2014

Bates County Sheriff’s Office Activity Report

 March 24, 2014 to March 30, 2014

 

 

 

 March 24, 2014

ANIMAL AT LARGE-BUTLER

AGENCY ASSIST-ADRIAN

FAIL TO YIELD-RICH HILL

HARASSMENT-RICH HILL

AMBULANCE REQUEST-ROCKVILLE

CHECK WELL BEING-PASSAIC

AMBULANCE REQUEST-BUTLER On 03-24-2014 Bates County Deputies responded to a deceased person in the RR 4 Butler area.

BURGLAR ALARM-RICH HILL

DEAD ANIMAL-FOSTER

 

March 25, 2014

TRAFFIC STOP-RICH HILL

SMOKE INVESTIGATION-BUTLER

AGENCY ASSIST-BUTLER

TRAFFIC HAZARD-BUTLER

THREATS-RICH HILL

SUICIDAL THREATS-ADRIAN

BRUSH FIRE-ADRIAN

WANTED SUBJECT-BUTLER On03/25/2014 Deputies arrest Chadwick M. Arnwine 03/16/1991 for active warrants out of Butler and Johnson County Missouri.

MVA-BUTLER

MVA-DREXEL

 

March 26, 2014

AGENCY ASSIST-ADRIAN

CONTROLLED BURN-BUTLER

ASSAULT-APPLETON CITY On 3/26/14 Bates County and St. Clair County Deputies responded to a report of an assault that occurred earlier in the Appleton city area.

DFS ASSIST-BUTLER

DOMESTIC-ROCKVILLE On 3/26/14 Bates County Deputies responded to the Rockville area to a domestic assault in progress.

ANIMAL BITE-AMORET

CHECK WELL BEING-BUTLER

MVA-BUTLER

VEHICLE FIRE-BUTLER

PROPERTY DAMAGE-DREXEL On 03-26-2014 Bates County Deputies took a juvenile problem(s) report in the rural Drexel, MO area

GUNSHOTS HEARD-BUTLER On 03-25-2014 Deputies responded to the Butler area for shots fired into an occupied residence.

 

March 27, 2014

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-RICH HILL

AGENCY ASSIST-BUTLER

WANTED SUBJECT-FOSTER

STRUCTURE FIRE-RICH HILL

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-RICH HILL

BURGLAR ALARM-ADRIAN

AMBULANCE REQUEST-RICH HILL

RUNAWAY-RICH HILL On 03-27-2014 Deputies responded to the Rich Hill area in regards to a runaway.

 

 

March 28, 2014

WANTED SUBJECT-RICH HILL

LEAVE WITHOUT PAY-ADRIAN

BRUSH FIRE-ADRIAN

AGENCY ASSIST-BUTLER

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-PASSAIC

AGENCY ASSIST- BUTLER

 

March 29, 2014

WANTED SUBJECT-FOSTER On 3/29/14 Bates County Deputies arrested Jacqueline Gorham on a Lafayette County warrant, And Richard Rietz on City of Butler warrant.

AMBULANCE REQUEST-AMSTERDAM

BURGLAR ALARM-DREXEL

AMBULANCE REQUEST-RICH HILL

HARASSMENT-HUME

WANTED SUBJECT-BUTLER

INJURED ANIMAL-AMSTERDAM On 03/29/2013 Bates County Deputies dispatched an injured deer on J Highway in rural Amsterdam.

FOUL ODOR-ROCKVILLE

CHECK WELL BEING-RICH HILL

CHECK WELL BEING-AMSTERDAM

AGENCY ASSIST-ADRIAN

 

March 30, 2014

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-BUTLER

CIVIL STANDBY-RICH HILL

BRUSH FIRE-BUTLER

BRUSH FIRE-ROCKVILLE

WANTED SUBJECT-BUTLER

HARASSMENT-BUTLER

CIVIL STANDBY-RICH HILL

DEBRIS ON ROADWAY-BUTLER

ANIMAL AT LARGE-AMSTERDAM

AGENCY ASSIST-BUTLER

BURGLAR ALARM-RICH HILL

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-APPLETON CITY

AMBULANCE REQUEST-RICH HILL

OPEN DOOR-ADRIAN

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY-BUTLER

THEFT-ROCKVILLE On 03/30/2014 Bates County Deputies recived a report of a theft of rodeo equipment in the rural Rockville area

 

 

 

 

Rich Hill Activity Report

 March 24, 2014 to March 30, 2014

 

 

March 24, 2014

FAILURE TO YIELD

HARASSMENT

BURGLAR ALARM

 

March 25, 2014

TRAFFIC STOP

THREATS

 

March 26, 2014

 

March 27, 2014

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

STRUCTURE FIRE

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

AMBULANCE REQUEST

RUN AWAY

 

March 28, 2014

WANTED SUBJECT

 

March 29, 2014

AMBULANCE REQUEST

CHECK WELL BEING

 

March 30, 2014

CIVIL STANDBY

BURGLAR ALARM

AMBULANCE REQUEST

CIVIL STANDBY

Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Report 3-31-14

• On 3/29/14 around 3:45am The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 38 year old William T. Cruz Martinez of Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Cruz-Martinez was arrested on 1.) Felony Possession of a controlled substance 2.) Unlawful use of drug paraphernalia 3.) Fail to register a motor vehicle 4.) Fail to drive on right half of the roadway. He was booked into the Bates County Jail on a 24 hour hold and later released.

• On 3/29/14 around 10:45pm The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested James B. Sandy 56, of Rich Hill, Missouri on 1.) Driving while intoxicated. He was arrested and booked into the Bates County Jail and placed on a 12 hour detox hold and was later released.

• On 3/30/14 around 4:00pm The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Patricia J. Conwell 52, of Nevada, Missouri on the charges of 1.) Felony possession of a controlled substance 2.) Possession of less than 35 grams of Marijuana 3.) Unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Conwell was booked into the Bates County Jail and later released

Butler Elementary School: March Pizza Hut Class Winner

March Pizza Hut Class Winner, Mrs. Hubbard's second grade class.  Butler Elementary partners with Pizza Hut for a monthly pizza night event, where 15% of the pizzas sold returns to the school.

Butler Elementary School: Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Contest

left to right: Makayla Mallatt (3rd), Josie Johnston (3rd), Storm Simonin (6th)

3rd-6th grade art students had the opportunity to participate in the Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Contest this year. Students had the option to either draw or paint a picture of a duck in its natural habitat. In each group level there is a 1st place, 2nd place, and 50 honorable mentions. Three students from Butler Elementary were chosen for honorable mention. In group I (k-3), Makayla Mallatt, and Josie Johnston; in group II (4-6) Storm Simonin. These students artwork will be on display at various Wild Life and Nature Centers throughout Missouri this year.

Local Fire Departments Seek Public's Help

Due to the dry conditions and the excessive number of fire calls being ran, the Adrian Rural/City Fire Department is asking for your help. We are asking you to call the dispatch center and report any controlled burn/s that you will be conducting. Especially this time of year, dispatch centers are overwhelmed with cell phone reports of grass fires and many times the full status of the fire is unknown. Dispatchers cannot depict if the fire is or is not a controlled burn, so they must dispatch the fire department to respond. When this happens, the fire department and many times law enforcement officer/s are responding to what is believed to be an emergency call. In some of those cases, we arrive only to find that it is a controlled burn being done by the property owner. In certain situations, our equipment and personnel are now miles out of the area and our response will be delayed to someone who may have needed our services. Please understand that we do everything we can to have personnel available to handle the next incoming call, but in this type of situation a delayed response from a full crew is inevitable. Each call for service, no matter what the nature of the call, deserves the most prompt and professional service we can provide as emergency responders. This is why we need your help on this matter. We recognize and very much appreciate all of the help that the community provides to our department and we feel that this could be one more way that you can help. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter. You can report your information by calling one of the dispatch centers listed below.

 

816-297-2121    Adrian Emergency dispatch center

660-679-6131    Butler Police Department dispatch center for Adrian Emergency Services

660-679-3232    Bates County Sheriff's Department Dispatch Center

 

Thank You,

 

Gary Dizney

Adrian City Fire Dept. Chief

Adrian Rural Fire Dept. Chief

Giving Fore Living: Darin Wainscott Memorial Golf Tournament

Grass Fire Close to Structure North of Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Fire Department is in route to a grass fire at the corner of 18 Highway and Y Highway North of Amsterdam in the Merwin area. The fire is 20 feet away from a structure. 

The initial reports are that possible a transformer blew and caused this fire but that hasn't been confirmed at this time. Bates County Live will update this when more information becomes available.

Weather Update: Weekly Forecast

It's opening day for Major League Baseball fans, and a crazy day for local weather fans. Clouds, showers and thunderstorms this morning. Then sunshine, wind, fire danger and unseasonably warm temperatures in the 70s this afternoon. It gets crazier mid-week with a 20 degree spread in temperatures likely between our northern and southern viewers as thunderstorms return, followed by a cold end to the week. Don't like the weather? Drive 30 miles for something totally different!

Butler Elementary School Soil and Water Conservation Poster Contest

Row 1: Joshua Prichard, Brice Triebel, Haley-An Jarreau
Row 2: Summer Simonin, Bailey Hudson, Krista Anderson, Kenneth Hubbard, Jamie Webb
Row 3: Morgan Rogers, McKenzie Lawrence, Wyatt Colburn, Riley Clover, Blair Miller

The Soil and Water Conservation Poster Contest is sponsored by the Bates County Soil and Water Conservation District. Each year all 4th graders in the state of Missouri focus on the theme of that year in their Earth Science classes. This year the theme happened to be "Mysteries in the Soil". Each class then applies their knowledge and completes a poster to be entered in the contest with all 4th graders from the county. The Butler Elementary won 1st, 2nd , and 3rd prizes from each classroom and then Brice Triebel won overall Grand Champion for the county with his poster going on for the state level.

Blue Springs Woman Injured In Henry County Motorcycle Accident

One person was injured in a one-vehicle accident on March 30,2014 around 1:35pm in Henry County on Highway 7 around one-tenth of a mile west of Rt. U.

Teresa A. Morin, 43, Blue Springs,Missouri wearing a helmet, operating eastbound a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle, traveled off the highway. The Harley Davidson traveled down an embankment and overturned, ejecting the operator.

Teresa A. Morin experienced moderate injuries and was transported by Golden Valley EMS to Golden Valley Hospital in Clinton. The Harley Davidson had extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

Out of Control Grass Fire Threatening a House West of Foster

The Foster Fire Department is on scene of a out of control grass fire that is threatening a house at this time. The location of this grass fire is at the intersection of V and U Highway just West of Foster. Osage Valley Electric Crews are on there way to the scene to repair some burned power poles. 

Out of Control Grass Fire West of Butler

The Butler Fire Department is on scene of a out of control grass fire. The location of this out of control is on West 52 Highway to the MoDot State Barn then South 1 mile to the Bukaty residence. The fire is almost under control and the Butler Fire Department will be clearing soon. Unknown at this time what cause this fire.

Weather Update: Dry Conditions tonight

The fire danger will remain VERY high into this evening, so don't let your guard down, but here's a quick look at the week ahead.

We may have a few thunderstorms at daybreak Monday and small hail could be possible, but we're not anticipating widespread severe weather. The big weather story this week will be widespread thunderstorm chances late Tuesday night through Thursday. There is still plenty of time before this system arrives, but be ready for the potential of strong to even severe storms by mid-week and the possibility of much needed rainfall.

400 People without power in Butler area Power Outage

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative has approximedly 400 customers that are without power in the Butler area at this time. The crews are working hard to get power restored. Bates County Live will update this when all power is back on.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Report Bates County

• On 3-28-14 around 4:45pm The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 31 year old Nathan M. Quint of Independence, Missouri. Mr Quint was arrested for 1.) Felony Possession of a controlled substance 2.) Misdemeanor possession of Marijuana less that 35 grams 3.) Misdemeanor Possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Bates County Jail and later released.

• On 3-28-14 around 10:15pm The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 20 year old Janiqual J. Fuel of Kansas City, Missouri on charges including 1.)Possession of less than 35 Grams of Marijuana 2.) Fail to drive on the right lane of the highway. She was booked into the Bates County Jail and released.

BCMH: Immunization Press Release

Butler Elementary March Bucket award winners

Butler Elementary School March Bucket award winners presented today 3-28-14 during the spirit assembly in the cafeteria of the Butler Elementary. 

Minor Traffic Accident In Butler

The Butler Police Department is on scene of a minor 2 vehicle accident in The parking lot of Wal-Mart here in Butler. A SUV and a Dodge truck collided around the area of the drive thru pharmacy. Please use caution when traveling through this area.

Obituary - Jenny Violet Floyd

Jenny Violet Floyd, 94, Grain Valley, Missouri, died Thursday, March 27, 2014 in Grain Valley.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri with visitation from 10:00-11:00.  Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice or to the church.  (A complete obituary will be posted when available).

The Great Potato Day In Progress

The great potato day is in progress. The Bates County Youth Advocacy Council is now in the process of delivering nearly 400 hot potatoes with all the fixins to Adrain, Rich Hill, And Butler areas. The proceeds so to scholarships and after school programs.

MSHP News Release - Boater Education Classes Offered‏

Troop A To Offer Certified Boating Safety Courses In Independence and Smithville

Captain Robert L. Powell, commanding officer of Troop A, announces boating safety certification courses are being offered to the public at the following locations:

1.  Saturday, April 26, 2014 ─ Truman High School, 3301 South Noland Road, Independence, Missouri

2.  Saturday, May 10, 2014 ─ Bass Pro (Independence), 18001, Bass Pro Drive, Independence, Missouri

3.  Saturday, May 17, 2014 ─ Jerry Litton Visitor Center (Smithville), 16311 DD Hwy North, Smithville, Missouri

4.  Saturday, June 14, 2014 ─ Bass Pro (Independence), 18001, Bass Pro Drive, Independence, Missouri

The training will begin at 9 a.m. and be completed at 3 p.m. Students must be present to satisfy requirements for the boating safety card. There is no fee for this course; however, students are required to pre-register online, as seating will be limited and notification may be sent in the event the course is canceled. For more information, to register for this course, or to obtain a complete listing of where other courses are being offered, you may visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Once there, select “Divisions”, “Water Patrol Division”, and then “Boater Safety Education & Certification.”

Missouri law requires any person born after January 1, 1984, to carry a boating safety certification card along with a picture ID anytime they operate a vessel, which includes personal watercraft, on Missouri lakes. Any student who successfully passes this course will be eligible to order the boating safety certification card, which costs $15.

In support of "The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths", the Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Report Friday 3-28-14

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 25 year old Samantha M. Swarens of Rich Hill, Missouri around 2:30am this morning Friday March 28, 2014. 

She was arrested on 1) - Driving while intoxicated 2) - Lane Violation 3) - No Insurance. She was booked into the Bates County Jail and currently has been released.

Adrian Optimist Club Students Of The Month

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Miami, Ballard, and Adrian schools.  Criteria for this honor center on outstanding academic and civic achievement and school spirit.  Staff at each of the schools make the selection, and their decision is based on expansion of these criteria.   Selection is based on the criteria, but a student stepping up to a particular task will come to play in it.  Each student is honored with a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks”.

Pictured:  Miami Principal Dr Daniel Johnson, Alex Thomas, and Adrian Optimist Member Caleb Jeter

Alex Thomas is the Miami Student of the Month for March.  Alex, a junior, is the daughter of Jim Thomas and Debi Thomas.  In school she enjoys participating in FFA and choir.  Outside of school Alex likes working with her dog, her fainting goat, and her horses.  Alex states, “My grandmothers inspired me to be the best person I could be.  Her plan for college is to get as close to a full ride as possible and go into zoology.  Miami staff states, “Alex is a very intelligent, respectful young lady that works hard in her studies.  She is a model student that has been a great addition to our school.”

Pictured:  Adrian Optimist Member Larry Ritter, Joshua Hawkins, and Adrian Principal Don Lile

Joshua Hawkins is the Adrian Student of the Month for March.  Joshua, a senior, is the son of Mark Hawkins and Carla Hawkins.  His in school activities include show choir, choir, soccer, National Honor Society and quiz bowl.  Outside of school he enjoys playing guitar and piano as well as singing.  Joshua states “Music is my inspiration, my world, and my way of life.  Music teacher, Dawn Burhart states “Joshua is a trustworthy, responsible young man who stands above the rest.”  Joshua plans to attend college at Drury University, Springfield, studying music theory.

Pictured:  Ballard Principal Jimmie Barton, Holly Tate, and Adrian Optimist Member, Benny Goss 

The Ballard Student of the Month for March is Holly Tate, sophomore daughter of Troy and Jana Tate.  Science instructor, James Hurst, states “Holly is the lead student in the 9^th grade.  When she says that she is going to do something, she follows through with her commitment and does not waiver.  The most recent example is the 2014 MSPE Model Bridge Contest.  Thirteen students committed to build a bridge, and 6 bridges were entered in the contest.  Holly dedicated the time and effort to constructing the bridge, increasing her chances of success.  She earned 2^nd place finish and the right to compete at the international competition in Chicago in May. 

Weather Update: Look Ahead to Sunday

A cool and cloudy day is on tap for the region to finish out the work week. The sun will return on Saturday, but look forward to Sunday. Highs on Sunday will top out in the 70s!

Automatic Fire Alarm in a house just South of Butler

Around 5:00pm this evening the Butler Fire Department responded to a house just off of Rice Road on a automatic fire alarm. 

The alarm was caused by some kind of food that was left on the stove and the house filled up with smoke. The fire crews remained on scene until the smoke was out of the house. 

Bates County Court News: March 27,2014

On March 27, 2014

The following defendant’s plead guilty or were found guilty and  sentenced by  the Honorable James K. Journey, Judge of the Bates County Circuit Court.

Defendant:          William McLay
DOB:                      11/22/1988
From:                     Butler, MO
Charge:                  Burglary 2nd Degree
Sentence:              30 days in jail


Defendant:           Norman Kenney
DOB:                      10/03/1966
From:                     Butler, MO
Charge:                  Driving While Intoxicated
Sentence:              4 years in the Department of Corrections with a 120 day call back

Thunderstorm Warning in effect until 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued at Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Bates County effective until  4 p.m. this afternoon.

Tornado Warning in effect until 3:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Bates County until 3:15 p.m. The storm is currently near Drexel and moving east at about 50 mph.

Power Outage In Foster/Hume Area

128 Osage Valley Electric Cooperative customers are without power due to the winds knocking down a power pole this hour in the Foster/Hume. The Crews expect to have repairs made soon