A sign of the times...

Prices in Drexel this morning

Obviously gas prices took a little jump overnight....$3.59 yesterday, $3.64 today in Drexel. Hopefully your diesel gets good mileage, too....

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

Senator David Pearce Appointed to Budget Conference Committee

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, was recently appointed by Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, to a conference committee charged with creating a compromise between the House and the Senate’s version of the Fiscal Year 2012 budget.

“I would like to thank the pro tem for having the confidence in me and appoint me to such an important position,” said Sen. Pearce.  “I look forward to the work ahead. Sitting on this committee is a big honor that comes with huge responsibilities.”

The conference committee, made up of five members of the House and five members of the Senate, is responsible for taking the recommendations of both chambers for the 13 budget bills and creating a compromise that will be acceptable to both the House and Senate. When these changes have been made, the bills will need to return to both chambers for final approval.

“The task ahead is not easy but necessary to bring a fiscally responsible budget to the table,” said Sen. Pearce. “My colleagues and I will continue to hammer out the finer details of this budget until we accomplish what is best for Missouri.”

The final budget, totaling $23.2 billion, must be approved by both chambers and delivered to the governor by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2011.

Relay for Life book drive ends Friday

Relay for Life has been collecting books to raise money for the American Cancer Society with drop off locations at the Butler and Adrian Schools. If you have books to donate, please drop them off before the end of the day on Friday, April 29. Books may also be picked up by calling Amy at 660-200-2009.

Books for ages children through adults are preferred. Our local Relay for Life team, 'Team Educate' appreciates your continued support.

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. 

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.