Rain possible the next five days...

Friday

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Friday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

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Adrian Rebekah Lodge #449 hosting teddy bear drive...

Adrian Rebekah Lodge #449 is hosting a TEDDY BEAR DRIVE. The bears will be donated to the Fire Departments and Law Enforcement Departments in Bates County to be given to children involved in disaster situations such as auto accidents or fires. We are asking for your help. If you have a new, or like new, not too big, teddy bear and wish to donate it please call Anita Kershner at (660) 424-0423, Tammy Cushard at (816) 738-0985 or Lorraine Kershner at (660) 267-3687. 

You may also contact any member of Adrian Rebekah Lodge or there will be collection boxes placed at various locations in the area. 

Please put your name on your bear(s) so we can properly thank you.

-submitted

Poker Run coming June 11th to the Butler square

The Bates County annual Poker Run will be held June 11th on the Butler square to benefit the Bates County Recovery Program- a program created for those in our community sincerely interested in rebuilding their lives after drug abuse.


Cost is $20 for solo riders, $30 for doubles with registration beginning at 9 a.m. The ride departs from the square at 10 a.m.

Benefit to be held for local woman fighting cancer

You can help Brenda Bradley of Hume in her fight against cancer by attending a day of fun on June 4th.  The event schedule includes food, games, softball, mud football and an auction to be held at the Hume Legion Hall. The auction begins at 10 a.m., with softball at 2 p.m.


Among items in the auction will be two tickets for the Springfield Show Me Festival on June 17th, 18th and 19th, valued at $156 each.


All money raised will help Brenda offset medical costs associated with her fight against cancer.

Minor injuries for Hume teens in rollover accident

Kadean Beckford, 18 and Mickayla Servos, 17, sustained moderate injuries around 7:25 this morning on route D, nine miles north of Nevada. A 1993 Pontiac driven by Beckford apparently lost control on the water covered roadway, went into the ditch and overturned. Both were taken to Nevada Regional Medical Center for treatment. 


The report shows that one of the occupants was ejected from the vehicle; neither was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Bogus $100 bills found nearby

Counterfeit $100 bills have been distributed in the Nevada Mo. area and could possibly find their way into Bates County. The bills appear to be $5 notes that have been washed and reprinted as $100 bills, making them of legit quality and hard to detect.

Nevada police believe that two men, one Caucasian and one African American, driving an older model red, four door, dually truck with a red camper shell are considered suspects in the counterfeiting case.

If you receive a $100 bill that you believe to be counterfeit in Bates County or see the suspect vehicle, contact the Bates County Sheriff's Department at 660-679-3232. 

-courtesy FM 92 the Bullet

Bond reduced in McBee's theft; costs mounting for owners

The aftermath of an early morning theft and subsequent damage to McBee's Store on May 11th is proving to be quite costly. While initial estimates put a price tag of around $50,000 on damages, the actual amount- when all is said and done, will be substantially more. 


"By the time you add restocking costs, added insurance costs, lost business, lost stock from damage, it's gonna be a lot more than $50,000" said owner Leslie McBee this morning.


While the motive appeared to be theft, access was gained by driving a pickup truck through the front doors of the building, causing extensive damage to the storefront, fixtures and contents. 

McDonald

On May 16th, the Bates County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest of Michael L. McDonald, 30, of Paola Ks as a primary suspect in the case. Originally, McDonald's bond was set at $50,000, but later reduced to $5,000- adding insult to injury for the McBee's. "I can't understand how someone could cause so much damage, then have the bond reduced so much. It just doesn't make sense" said Ms. McBee.


In the meantime McDonald, who has plead not guilty, faces an arraignment June 1st at 9 a.m. in Bates County Circuit Court.

Obituary - Mary Fields

Mary K. Fields, 61 of Butler, passed away May 19, 2011 in Butler.

Mary was born October 20, 1949, daughter of Anna Lucille (Ancil) and Audy Preston Willbanks. She

lived for a time in Sibley, Mo., before moving to Butler with her husband of 36 years, Lewis Fields.

They spent the majority of their life together in Butler. 

Mary worked at Medicalodge in Butler as well as Adrian Manor as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She

enjoyed fishing, and especially liked family gatherings. She loved taking pictures. She loved her two

dogs, Jack and Trixie, whom she spoiled greatly. She enjoyed the outdoors, and most of all taking

care of others. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Audy Willbanks, Judy Willbanks, Richard Will-

banks, Dean Willbanks, Goldie Patton, and Bill Willbanks; as well as one great-granddaughter Chloe

Wadel. 

She is survived by her husband Lewis Fields of Butler; children Robert O’Banion and wife Tiffany of

Butler; Brenda Langley of Butler; Douglas Fields and wife Stacy of Butler; sisters Connie Rogers and

husband Lloyd of Holden, Mo.; Peggy Willbanks of Holden; Linda Akers of Lexington, Mo.; Anne

Roberts of Buckner, Mo.; brothers David Willbanks and wife Teresa of Kingsville, Mo.; and Audy

Willbanks of Kingsville. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Friday, May 27, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660)

679-0009. A memorial service will be at 2:30 PM with Rev. Ron Dunlap presiding.


Written messages may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.