Local forecast

Today

Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Highlights from Bear Backers Mini NASCAR races

The Bates County Fairgrounds took on a much different look today-plastic mesh fencing and hay bales marked a racing course that was full of straitaways, tight corners and even a hair pin curve. The east parking lot was converted to a pit area; officials in bright fluorescent green shirts all around; and announcer Wayne Seider calling the action from high above. It was the second annual Butler Bear Backers Mini NASCAR races, with all the trimmings of the real thing as the race was officially opened with the National Anthem sung by Debbie Dunlap, followed by a prayer by Pastor Ron Dunlap.

Through the course of the afternoon, drivers worked to score points, sometimes losing parts along the way, due to the occasional bump with drafting that would have made Dale Earnhardt proud. At the end of the day, there were winners and losers, but the losers didn't seem to mind. It was all done in good fun, for a good cause, according to Rob Fritts, as all proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of new uniforms for Butler High School athletic programs. Here's how the day ended:

Winners in the Stock class:
1st Place (14 pts) Diehl Farms
2nd Place (12 pts) Noe, Miller & Miller

3rd Place (10 pts) Country Mart

Winners in the Modified class:
1st Place (12 pts) F. R. M. S
2nd Place (10 pts) Flaming Lantern
3rd Place (7 pts) Dave's Quality Auto

Those who received checks from the Calcutta bids:
Diehl Farms $322.50
Noe, Miller & Miller $161.25
Country Mart $53.75

Fritts reminded everyone that the races will return next year and thanked the spectators and everyone who volunteered their time. 

Car vs cow west of Adrian

8:55 pm - The Bates County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol are en route to a reported accident involving a car hitting a cow on 18 Highway near FF Highway west of Adrian. No injuries to the driver; the vehicle has extensive damage.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Bates County

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Bates County and surrounding areas effective until 10 pm this evening.

Elks fundraiser underway

The Bates County Elks Lodge 2653 scholarship fundraiser lunch is underway at Country Mart in Butler. Lunch will be served until around 2 pm and BBQ brisket is on the menu along with Curley fried potatoes with drink.

Bingo pot a whopping $5,250.00

The Progressive Bingo Jackpot has grown to $5,250.00 and your chance to win is Monday night, 7 pm at the Adrian Optimist Building.

Adrian police blotter

Recent Adrian Police activity:


September 7th- Minor accident in the school parking lot. No injuries.
September 8th- Investigation of property damage on 1st street.
September 9th- Reported prowler on Mulberry street, nothing found.
September 10th- Domestic dispute on Hazel street and another domestic on Main street.
September 11th- Dog complaint; domestic dispute on 8th street; fail to register citation at Main and Manor.
September 12th- civil standby on Plainview street; domestic dispute; citation for minor in possession of alcohol/drugs.

New Police Chief in Adrian

During the city council meeting on September 13th, Vic Selle was named the new Adrian Police Chief by unanimous approval by the council. The newly named Chief Selle then asked the council to make Chris Dillon a full time officer in order to cover the third shift, which was also approved.

The council also approved the hiring of two reserve officers to fill vacant shifts. Candidates will meet with the council at a future date for approval.

Selle has one year to sell his home in Butler and move to Adrian. The new Chief will receive the standard rate of pay for police chief of $15.00 per hour.