Vacation Security Tips

Vacations, whether alone or with the entire family, have become part of our way of life. Vacations are supposed to be a time for fun and relaxation. A time to "get away from it all." Unfortunately, there is no vacation spot in the world that is 100% safe from criminal activities. Therefore, the crime prevention measures that you incorporate into your daily routine must be incorporated into your vacation planning. Do not develop a false sense of security just because you are on vacation. Actually you should develop a greater awareness to your surroundings while in unfamiliar territory. Don't let your vacation be ruined by becoming another crime statistic. The following precautions will help you to have a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Before You Leave Home

• Plan your trip and give the itinerary with emergency phone numbers to a trusted friend or neighbor.

• Place identification tags on the inside and outside of your luggage. Use your first initial and last name only.

• Install good locks on your doors and windows and be sure to use them.

• Remove all exterior "hidden" house keys.

• Make sure all valuables are engraved with your name and driver's license number.

• Make a record of your credit card and travelers check numbers and keep it in a safe place.

• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail, packages and newspapers on a daily basis.

• Make arrangements to have your lawns mowed and watered.

• Use timers for interior lights and radios. Make your house look "lived in."

• Give your local law enforcement agency the dates that you will be out of town. As time permits, they will conduct extra patrols of your neighborhood.

• Make arrangements for the care of your pets.

When Traveling

• Prior to any long distance motor vehicle trips, have your vehicle serviced by a reputable mechanic.

• Never carry large amounts of cash, use travelers checks.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Always check the interior of your vehicle before entering.

• Do not stop and assist a stranded motorist. Go to the nearest phone booth and call for help.

• Never let your gas tank get below one-fourth full.

• Use well traveled roads, avoid shortcuts.

• Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times.

• Do not pick up hitchhikers.

• Never advertise your plans for strangers. If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest public area telephone and call the police.

• Always park in well lighted areas.

• Always carry your purse or wallet with you.

• Keep your valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk.

• Engrave your car stereo, CB radio, car phone and other removable items with your name and driver's license number.

• Avoid late night driving.

• If lost, stop at a well lighted service station for directions.

At The Hotel

• Unpack and arrange your belongings so you can tell if anything is missing.

• Lock your suitcases so they can't be used to carry your property out of your room.

• Always take your cash, credit cards and car keys with you when leaving your room.

• Do not open your door to strangers. Look through the door viewer before opening your door.

• Do not leave jewelry, cameras or other expensive items lying around your room. Use the hotel safe to store your valuables and extra cash.

• Always use the hotel's auxiliary locking devices on the doors and windows. Consider purchasing and using portable locks and alarm devices.

• When leaving, if the maid has cleaned your room, hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the outside of the door.

• When you go out, leave a light and the radio on.

• Take your room keys with you. Do not leave them at the front desk.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Notify the management of any suspicious persons in the area.

• Do not give out your room number to strangers.

• Report any missing items to hotel management and the police.

While Sightseeing

• There is a safety in numbers. Tours should be taken with a group.

• Verify the tour agency or guide is reputable.

• Be wary of strangers who ask a lot of questions about you and your vacation plans.

• Never carry large amounts of cash. Leave what you don't need in the hotel safe. Separate the larger bills from the smaller ones in order to avoid flashing all your bills in full public view.

• Stay in public areas. Do not wander off from your tour group.

• Looking lost will make you an easy target for crime. If you need directions ask a service station attendant. Do not ask pedestrians directions.

• If renting a car, cover the car rental agency's name or logo with a piece of masking tape. A rented car is a good indication that you are a tourist.

• Before leaving the hotel, ask if there are any areas of town that should be avoided.

• Travel brochures and maps are a good indication that you are a tourist. When not in use, keep them in the glove compartment.

Remember, vacation planning, thought, and security awareness will reduce your chances of becoming the next victim of a crime.

City of Butler Limb Pick Up

THE CITY OF BUTLER WILL BE PICKING UP TREE LIMBS DOWNED BY THE RECENT STORMS. THE CITY WILL PICK UP LIMBS FOR THE NORTH SIDE OF FT. SCOTT STREET BEGINNING ON TUESDAY, MAY 28^TH. THE CITY WILL PICK UP THE SOUTH SIDE OF FT. SCOTT STREET STARTING ON MONDAY, JUNE 3^RD. PLEASE HAVE YOUR LIMBS NEXT TO THE ROAD.





Courtesy of FM.92

Butler City Police Activity Report 5/14-5/20

05/14/2013   Disturbance Ft Scott and Thompson Fight 200 block of W Dakota Keep the peace 700 block of N Havanna Animal complaint 600 block of N Delaware Recover stolen property 200 block of S High 05/15/2013   Medical assist Courthouse Well being check 400 block of W Vine Semi blocking traffic at Ft Scott and Orange Disturbance 100 block of S Thompson Keep the peace 700 block of N Fulton 05/16/2013   Accident Nursery and High Keep the peace 600 block of W Adams Warrant service 300 block of Chestnut Warrant service 1200 block of N Orange  Walk in Theft report Warrant service Ft Scott and Main Warrant service Ft Scott and Lyons Disturbance Fulton and Adams Warrant service 800 block of S High 05/17/2013   Vandalism report 300 block of E Dakota Well being check 400 block of N Delaware Keep the peace Disturbance 500 block of W Mill 05/18/2013   Warrant service Main and Ft Scott Disturbance Pizza Hut Animal complaint Fulton and Vine Alarm W Ohio on the Square Animal complaint 600 block of E Dakota Keep the peace 700 block of N Fulton Theft call Wal Mart Possible prowler 800 block of Hill Crest 05/19/2013   Alarm ATM Bank of America Leave without Pay Pizza Hut Theft report 100 block of W Ft Scott Alarm Community 1st Bank 05/20/2013   Well being check 800 block of S Birch Disturbance 200 block of S Willow Theft 500 block of E Ft Scott Disturbance Wal Mart Disturbance 400 block of S Delaware

Kick off Summer at Living History Festival June 8 & 9

     Children of all ages will have a chance to step back in time at Poplar Heights Living History Farm in Bates County, Missouri.  The Farm will have its Summer Festival this weekend, June 8 & 9.  A series of special events for children will highlight this old time event.

     Hand milking of Hannah, a Jersey dairy cow will be demonstrated and children can try milking Nadine, the woode cow and making butter.  Also at the barnyard will be horses, Scottish Highland cattle and chickens to meet.  And a wagon pulled by Belgium draft horses will give rides around the farm fields.  Make your own candle to take home.  There will be old fashioned games, rag dolls to make, logs to saw and wool to card.

     The Poplar Heights Mining Company's mining sluice is now in full operation.  Learn about Missouri's mining history and pan for real gems and minerals. See if you're strong enough to crack open a geode and find the surprise inside. There will also be flint knappers there.

     Summer Festival will also feature demonstrations of heritage crafts - blacksmithing, broom making, soap making, wood carving, basket weaving, spinning, rug making, gourd painting and more. A large exhibit of black powder guns, including a gatling gun and cannon, will feature weapons from the 12th century through the Civil War.  You can join in the old fashioned taffy pull.  Old farm equipment and steam engines will be on display.

     There will be old time & bluegrass concerts throughout the weekend.  Ralph and Cheryl New with hammer dulcimer, fiddle and guitar  are featured.  7 Winds brings native American flutes and music. When the concerts end, head over to the Osage Valley Vigilantes pioneer town for a shootout with the gunfighters.  They are putting on five shows for visitors with a gift for each child.

     No Festival is complete without food.  Visit the Dutch Oven Trail Grub, have pork sandwiches and 'tator shreds, order up finger foods for eating while you're visiting the exhibits and drink home made root beer and cream soda. Snack on fresh pork rinds, funnel cakes and celebrating June as Dairy month there is homemade ice cream for dessert. Sample Quark and lemon cheese as you visit the heirloom vegetable and flower gardens.  The 1880's Main House, Threshing Barn, Summer Kitchen and Broom Corn Barn will be open for tours.  It's a great family event set in 640 acres of rural Missouri farmland.

     Children are free and adults are just $4.00.  There is plenty of free parking available and much of the property is handicapped accessible, including the bathroom.  Buses are welcome. Summer Festival is Saturday, June 8 from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, June 9, from 11 am to 3 pm. To get to Poplar Heights Farm go east from Butler, Missouri on H Highway to UU Highway, turn north onto UU and follow the signs..  For more information, call Poplar Heights Farm office at 660-679-0764, email info@poplarheightsfarm.org or visit them at www.poplarheightsfarm.org.  Poplar Heights Living History Farm is a charitable foundation. and proceeds from Summer Festival fund the summer children's day camps.

For more information -

Brian Phillips, Executive Director

Poplar Heights Farm

660-679-0764 or 660-424-9200

brian.phillips@poplarheightsfarm.org

Southbound I-49 Ramp to Route 58 Improvements Begin After Memorial Day‏

Southbound I-49 Ramp to Route 58 Improvements Begin After Memorial Day

BELTON - Construction to improve safety and capacity at the southbound I-49 ramp to Route 58 will begin with a nighttime closure of the left lane of the ramp on May 28. The left lane of the ramp will be closed from 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, to 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, to mill and pave the left shoulder for a wider ramp. Once completed, the additional lane width will allow construction beginning May 29 of a longer exit ramp and wider pavement and shoulder. The work will restrict traffic at times through July 8. Once completed, the southbound I-49 exit ramp to Route 58 will have more capacity and reduce backups that have slowed or blocked the right through lane of southbound I-49 just north of the Route 58 interchange. Ground Breaking Excavation and Utilities, LLC of Pleasant Hill was awarded the $708,565 contract for the improvements. For more information about other MoDOT projects, please visit MoDOT's Website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter or send questions and comments to kccustomerrelations@modot.mo.gov. We want your feedback on our work zones! Rate Our Work Zones atwww.modot.org/kansascity

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!

With the arrival or warmer weather , many of you may be planting trees, installing a swimming pool or have landscaping on your agenda… remember to Always call 8-1-1 at least two business days before you do any digging or land development. The National 811 “Call Before You Dig” telephone number is a free service. With one telephone call, the pipelines and underground utilities in the area will be marked. Digging without first calling 811 is dangerous and can result in fines and repair costs. Always call 811 before you dig! For more information, visit enbridgeUS.com/811.

MONTHLY MASS DISTRIBUTION DATE CHANGED FOR MAY

The Community Food Pantry has changed their date for the Community Mass Distribution of perishable food items for the month of May. The date has been changed for because of the holiday weekend. The date for the Community Mass Distribution for May will be held on May 24^th from 1 – 3pm.

Hume News

The community of Hume was saddened to hear of the loss of Gary (Pockets) Frye.  Gary passed away on May 17, 2013 at his home in Nevada, MO.  He grew up in Hume and attended the Hume School.  He will be missed by family, friends and co-workers.  If anyone would like to donate to a Memorial in honor of Gary Frye, please send it to:  The Gary Frye Memorial % Schneider Funeral Home, P. O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS  66075.

      The Grace Community Church celebrated their one year anniversary Sunday, May 19.  There were 44 members and guests for Church, then all gathered at the ball field for a fellowship dinner and a game of baseball.

      Wilma Swarens attended the 60^th Wedding Anniversary party for Art and Joanne (Orear) Gillette on Saturday, May 18 in Nevada, MO.

        

A baby shower for held for Krista Allen on Sunday, May 19 in the fellowship hall of the Baptist Church.  She received many nice guests to welcome Miss Olivia in July.

        Everett and Karen Irwin, Carrie Irwin, Michala and Marissa Lantsberger, Jeffrey and Lane Irwin attended pre-school graduation in Sheldon, MO on Friday, May 17 for Isaac Irwin.  On Wednesday, May 15, they had attended Kindergarten graduation in Hume for Lane Irwin.

         Set up for Alumni will be Friday, May 24 starting between 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a meeting to follow later on in the evening.  Alumni will be Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m.  If any school kids would like to help serve please be there between 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  Don’t forget clean up on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  

Tornado Watch Cancelled

The National weather Service has cancelled the Tornado Watch that was in effect for Bates County until 10pm. Again the Tornado Watch has been cancelled