Highlights from the 33rd Annual Rockville Festival (with video)

Extreme temps didn't stop folks from attending the parade at the 33rd Annual Rockville Festival. Winners of various contests will be posted later, as activities continue through the evening.

Highlights from Poplar Heights Farm (with video)

A large crowd enjoyed a look at life in the late 1800's at the Poplar Heights historical farm northeast of Butler today. The event runs through tomorrow-directions are from Butler, east on Mill Street (H highway) to UU Highway. Turn north on UU and look for signs. Admission is free. (click on pictures to enlarge)

Adrian UMC clothes giveaway in progress

The Adrian United Methodist Church clothes giveaway is happening now until 3 pm with clothes, accessories, school supplies and more. All items are FREE at the church located at Main and Kentucky streets in Adrian.

Mike Daugherty inspects a jacket 

Alexa Cook and Candace Corley organize supplies

Butler R-5 Sports passes now available

Butler Bears fans can now get sports passes for the upcoming season:

All Sports Pass is good for all home fall and winter games-$100

Winter Sports Pass for all varsity and sub-varsity events including junior high basketball and wrestling-$55

Fall Sports Pass for all varsity and sub-varsity sporting events including junior high football and volleyball games-$55

Passes are good for all games except district, regional and state games. For more information, contact Kirk Hannah, athletic director at 660-679-6121 x239.

Local forecast - slight relief first part of the week

Today

Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Hot and humid. Highs in the upper 90s. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Heat index readings 108 to 113.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Lows around 70. Southeast winds around 5 mph increasing to northeast 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Major upgrade for 71 Highway in the works

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) today approved highway construction resulting in the upgrading of the US 71 corridor between Kansas City and Joplin to interstate standards by the end of 2012.

"Improving US 71 between I-435 in Kansas City and I-44 near Joplin enhances economic development opportunities and freight movement," said interim Director Kevin Keith.  "We are excited about getting closer to an I-49 designation in Missouri."

The original intent was to fund a four-lane bypass of Bella Vista, Ark., creating an interstate from Joplin to Fort Smith. Ark.  However, recent correspondence from the Arkansas State Highway Commission indicates that due to funding shortfalls it intends to construct a two-lane Bella Vista bypass in phases over six years.

Since a two-lane bypass would not be compatible with interstate standards, the MHTC was compelled to shift its priorities on US 71.

"We need to capitalize on the opportunity to bring I-49 to Missouri between Kansas City and Joplin," said Rudy Farber, Commission Chairman, "but still work with Arkansas toward progress on the Bella Vista bypass."

Once improvements between Kansas City and Joplin are complete, any remaining funds will be used to begin construction of the Bella Vista bypass in coordination with Arkansas. 

Adrian United Methodist Church offering FREE clothing Saturday 8/14

Not too long ago, Candace Corley and Sheree Cook hatched an idea to help our local community by collecting clothes and other items; then  giving it all away, for free to those in need. So has become the first ever, Adrian UMC give away of children's clothes, mens and women's clothing, accessories, school supplies, coats and much more.


You can't beat the price... The Adrian United Methodist Church is located at Main and Kentucky streets with items on display in the Fellowship Hall (new addition) on the east end of the church. Doors open from 9 am to 3 pm. 

So how hot is it?

These boys decided to test the proverbial 'its so hot you can fry an egg on the sidewalk' theory as temps hover around 102, the street surface was obviously much hotter. After about 10 minutes, the scrambled egg (cars traveling down the down the street mushed it) was ready for serving, although there were no takers.