Large quantity of meth seized in local busts

On May 2, 2011 deputies made a vehicle stop at the Peabody Wildlife area. The driver was Brittany E. England, 23. Brittany was issued a citation for driving while revoked. After a search of the vehicle a passenger, Kraig A. Thompson, 18, was issued a citation for possession of marijuana. Two juveniles were also in the vehicle were released to the parents with a juvenile referral.

On May 3, 2011 the Bates County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the trailer court located on 7th Street in Adrian Missouri. Deputies and Narcotics Officers converged on the residence shortly after midnight looking for methamphetamine and stolen articles. The house was occupied by several adults who were taken into custody at the time of the raid. One subject was released because they did not live there. The two residents of the property, identified as Regina R. Coots, 18, and Thomas P. Campbell, 24, were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance; Methamphetamine. Bonds were set at $35,000 cash or surety.

On a separate incident the Sheriff’s Office began surveillance in the area of the Butler Library. The Sheriff’s Office had received several complaints of individuals hanging around and possibly selling drugs. Shortly after taking their location Narcotics Officers observed a male subject’s behavior being consistent with someone who was dealing drugs. The subject was stopped and seven bags of methamphetamine and some cash was recovered from the male. The male identified as Tyler G. Havens, was arrested and charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance; Methamphetamines. The Charge may be enhanced because Havens was within a 1,000 feet of a school. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. A second subject was taken into custody on an unrelated case.

On May 6, deputies made a vehicle stop north of Butler on 71 Hwy. The driver identified as George O. Ratje, 18, was stopped for a traffic violation. A search of the vehicle produced a glass pipe that field tested positive for methamphetamines. Ratje was taken into custody and transported to the Bates County Jail. The vehicle’s other occupants identified as Brittany England, Kraig Thompson and a juvenile were released from the scene. Ratje was held at the Bates County Jail for 24 hours and released on a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

On May 7th deputies were dispatched to rural Archie in reference to a domestic assault. After conducting an investigation, deputies arrested Terry L. Weaver, 23, for domestic assault by choking his girlfriend. After the arrest, deputies conducting a search of the residence and found marijuana pipe, bags of marijuana and a set of scales. Weaver was released after posting a $7500 bond.

Campbell

Weaver

Ratje

Coots

Havens

Missouri gas prices- are you kidding?

Average price for gasoline as
of this morning

Bates County Live spoke with several folks this weekend and asked how they are contending with high cost of gasoline and the standard answer is what you'd expect- cutting back. Interestingly enough however, everyone seems to be cutting back on other things to be able to afford gas, as we are a society of commuters and are otherwise very dependent on our vehicles.

A report this morning stated that the average consumer is spending close to 10% of their paycheck to pay for fuel. While there is talk that gas may come down 40 cents or so this Summer, you have to wonder if that would really help that much?

Large fire in Rich Hill this morning

At 5:10 a.m. the Butler fire department was summoned to aid Rich Hill firefighters on a residential fire at 101 W. Park street. A short time later Rockville fire was also dispatched as mutual aid, along with the Foster fire department.

No word yet on injuries or the extent of damage to the structure.

A little taste of Summer temps...

Monday

Mostly sunny. Highs around 90. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Heat index readings 92 to 95.

Monday Night

Clear. Lows around 70. South winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph.

Nyhart school 110th celebration well attended

Some old time musical entertainment

Early morning showers gave way to perfect weather for the Nyhart school 110th birthday celebration today  on the grounds of the Bates County Museum. Even before the event started at 10 a.m., folks were arriving to tour the one room school house to see artifacts, old photos and enjoy good fellowship with others.

A chance to visit and reflect

$1 Lincoln coins for the kids- today's celebration
gave them a look at how it would be to attend a one
room schoolhouse

Morgan Nelson signs letter of intent

Record setter Morgan Nelson signed a letter of intent to run track at the University of Missouri in Columbia yesterday. Morgan has proven to be quite fast on foot- last year, she placed 2nd at State while setting a new school record of 5:15 in the mile. Just last Monday, she set a new record in the 800 meter run with an official time of 2:21 at the conference at Barstow. Morgan will be the first Butler student to go on to be an athlete for a Division 1 school since 1984.


Morgan, a Senior at Butler High School is the daughter of Mark and Tracy Nelson of Amoret.

Early morning rollover accident on 18 highway

Taylor M. Gifford, 18, of Archie sustained minor injuries in an accident this morning at 12:50 a.m. Gifford was traveling westbound on 18 highway when the vehicle left the roadway, overturned and came to a rest on its top after striking an embankment.

The Missouri Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Adrian Fire Department. The report shows Gifford was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

Budget Finished Early

 The deadline loomed large for lawmakers in the General Assembly this week, as Friday, May 6, is the constitutional deadline for the Legislature to present next fiscal year’s budget to the governor’s office. And even though we have made it to the finish a little early, the road getting there has not been an easy one.

In the nine years I have been in the Capitol, I have come to recognize when a challenge presents itself. This budget has been no different. By the state constitution, we are not allowed to deficit spend, which forces us to make tough decisions. Being a member of the budget conference committee this year brings home the fact that it can be difficult for everyone involved to find common ground. But the most important part of this process is ensuring that the state of Missouri is fiscally covering its departments and programs in a fair and equitable way.