Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Important links page added to BCL

In an ongoing effort to provide as much local information as possible, Bates County Live has added a link page that you should find useful. It contains links to web sites including local schools, weather, funeral homes and much more. You can see the updated links page by clicking the Local Links button at the top of our home page. If you wish to have a link added, email us at bateswire@hotmail.com.

Abduction not what it appeared to be

Around 4:45 p.m. yesterday the Bates County Sheriff's Department was notified that two subjects had pulled a female into a car against her will along F highway west of Passaic. The vehicle was later stopped along 69 highway near the LaCygne power plant with the female found laying in the rear floor boards.

After investigation it was determined that the female was willfully traveling with the two male subjects. The vehicle had stopped on F highway, where the female got out of the car and required assistance in getting back in. It was determined that she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Apparently a witness viewed the actions as an abduction. The Bates County Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Department and the highway patrol.

Obituary - Thelma Westhoff


Thelma Isabel Westhoff, 95 of Drexel passed away April 26, 2011 at Manor Care of Overland Park, where she had been a resident.
Thelma was born December 11, 1915 in Stanley, Ks., daughter of Harve Edgar and Laveda Bell (Hunziker) Loveland.  She was married on November 12, 1932 in Amoret, Mo., to Harley F. Westhoff.  Harley and Thelma had three children and also adopted a daughter.
Thelma attended the Woodland School near Drexel, the same school attended by her parents and where her sister, Hazel Anderson, was a teacher.  Thelma cared for her husband; her mother; and her daughter, Deloris.  Indeed, her family remembers her as the ultimate caregiver as she devoted her life to caring for her family members who had multiple illnesses.  She also cared for foster children as well.  Her grandchildren remember her playing cards with them before the bus picked them up for school; and one grandson particularly remembers Thelma making him potato cakes! She loved to play cards, and had even done so on her recent 95th birthday.  Thelma loved her candy, and this past Valentine’s day, ate all of her chocolate-covered cherries.  Her family will never forget the tremendous care she showed for each of them.
Thelma was a member of the Burdette Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harley on January 2, 1980, two brothers, two sisters, as well as one brother Sydney who died in infancy; and two daughters, Deloris Garland and Lavada Mathis; and one brother-in-law, John Westhoff.
She is survived by her children: daughter Mary Smith (Jerry) of Des Moines, Ia.; adopted daughter Donna Westhoff Aylward (Al) of Drexel; grandchildren Kenny Garland (Tammy); Steve Garland; Rick Garland; Angi Covington; Tina and Tim Gomez; and Brian Lovgren (Evette).  She also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10-11:00 AM Friday, April 29, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816) 657-4400. A funeral service will be at 11:00 AM with Rev. Paul Burhart presiding. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions in Thelma’s name are suggested to either the Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Foundation, and may be left in care of the funeral home. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Butler Police Department weekly report

April 19th - Officers respond to the 100 block of South Orange on a well being check; two vehicle accident in alley behind S. Fulton and S. Havanna; two vehicle accident at Walmart parking lot; 2 year old playing in the street at Havanna and Ohio; possible fraud investigation; brush in the road on north Business 71 highway; DFS hot call in the 800 block of West Grove; responded to square, report of kids on roofs; took cell phone theft report at the police station; arrest driver at 71 and 52 for driving while revoked.

April 20th- Well being check in the 700 block of N. Water; harassment report in the 400 block of South Mechanic; warrant arrest in the 300 block of West Clark; subject arrested for fighting in the 300 block of

Alleged abduction in western Bates County

Bates County Live has received an unconfirmed report that two subjects abducted a female along F highway west of Passaic around 4:45 this afternoon. The suspect vehicle was later stopped by Linn County  authorities on 69 highway, just north of the LaCygne power plant, where the victim was reported to be in the vehicle.

We will provide further as details become available.

Museum to celebrate Nyhart School's 110th birthday

On Saturday, May 7th, from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, a very special birthday party will be held on the grounds of the Bates County Museum. The one-room schoolhouse, the Nyhart School, is turning 110 years old so there is going to be a party! Everyone is invited to this free event. A special invitation is extended to all Nyhart School Alumni!


~The first 50 children will receive a new President Lincoln $1.00 coin.

~Golden Heartland Farms will bring one of their alpaca’s along with a baby goat to join to fun. Come meet an alpaca up close and personal!

~Children can experience life in a one-room school.

~Landon Elmer will provide music and sing-a-longs.

~Mary Limpus will help children with a craft as they learn about wool fibers.

~Refreshments will be served by the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority.


This is a rain or shine event. If Mother Nature decides to have it rain, the party will be split between the Nyhart School and Robertson Hall. Everyone loves a party so plan to bring your children and grandchildren to the Museum Grounds for this unique birthday celebration. For further information call the Museum at 660-679-0134.


-submitted

Over five tons of food distributed by the Butler Community Food Pantry on Saturday

According to director Joyce Fitzpatrick, some 200 families received items during the mass distribution held last Saturday at the Butler Community Food Pantry. By the end of the day, over 11,000 lbs of food and other necessities had found its way to those who need it. 

While 5+ tons may sound like a lot, in the near future it may not be enough. Such a high volume is a clear indicator that more and more people around the area have fallen on hard times and need a helping hand. 

What can you do to help? Simply donate-  a few items or a grocery sack full would help immensely. Canned goods, cereals, paper products, personal hygiene products and plastic bags. Cash donations are a big help, too. While food received from Harvestors is free, there are handling and transportation costs that must be covered.

The Butler Community Food Pantry is located at 709 W. Ohio street (corner of Ohio and Prospect) in Butler. For more information and make donation arrangements, call 660-679-3951.

Hunters check 18,788 turkeys during first week of season


Bates County turkey harvest numbers:
First week- 98 adult gobblers; 4 bearded hens; 38 juvenile gobblers; 140 total.
Youth season- 22 adult gobblers; 1 bearded hen; 13 juvenile gobblers; 36 total.

JEFFERSON CITY–Rain and severe weather complicated hunting during the first week of Missouri’s 21-day spring turkey season, leading to a 10-percent drop in the first-week harvest.
Missouri hunters checked 18,788 turkeys April 18 through 24, a decrease of 2,233

Search news