Thursday, November 17, 2011

Cost of Thanksgiving meal has increased but there are ways of paying less

Nationally, the cost of the Thanksgiving meal will be a little bit more expensive in 2011. Missourians will be paying more than last year but less than most Americans. Still, there are ways of spending even less if you know how to find the bargains.

Each year since 1986 the American Farm Bureau Federation has conducted the cost of Thanksgiving dinner survey. Shoppers from 35 states look for the best prices on a list of food that includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee and milk. The national average for the cost of the Thanksgiving meal that would feed ten people is $49.20. This is $5.73 more than in 2010 or about a 12% increase. 

Food pantry distribution this Saturday

Mass distribution will be this Saturday, November 19th from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will be no distribution on the 4th Saturdays of November or December due to the Holidays.

Distribution date for December will be announced shortly. The Butler Community Food Pantry is located at the corner of Prospect and Ohio streets in Butler. 

The new web site can be found here www.batescountypantry.org

-our thanks to Joyce Fitzpatrick

Old diseases, new treatments

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

 of the Year
As anyone in the retail industry knows, the fourth quarter of the fiscal year is when the most money is spent. With decorations, gifts, and large family meals, average spending rises between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But with increased spending comes increased opportunity for dishonest people to attempt to part you from your hard-earned money.

Unfortunately, consumer fraud and scams occur daily. Each year, the National Consumer League (NCL) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) compile lists of the most-reported scams to make citizens aware of the dangers. This year’s list is not surprising, with the top five scams including internet sales, fake checks, prizes or sweepstakes, phishing/spoofing, and advance loans/credit schemes. Thieves who operate these scams prey on both people’s good nature and the current economy in the hopes that someone will either believe a lie or be desperate enough to want to utilize their fake services. Without thorough research of these companies through reputable sources, such as the Better Business Bureau or even the Secretary of State’s office, citizens could potentially become a victim.


From the desk of Ron Nissen, Emergency Management Director

On November 4, Bates County experienced a low level earthquake. The Office of Bates County Emergency Management has been asked if the county has emergency plans for this type of incident. There are plans in place.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency web site suggests the following preparedness tips that may help a person survive and earthquake:

If indoors- take cover under sturdy furniture or against an inside wall. “Drop, Cover and Hold On” until the shaking stops. This means DROP down to the floor, take COVER and protect your head and neck with your arms, and HOLD ON to the sturdy piece of furniture you are under until the shaking stops.

If outdoors- stay there. Move away from building, streetlights and utility wires.

In a high-rise building- take cover under sturdy furniture away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building on the same floor. An evacuation may not be necessary. Wait for instructions from safety personnel. Do not use elevators.

In a vehicle- stop as quickly as safety permits, and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under building, trees, overpasses or utility wires.

Submitted by: Ronald Nissen, Bates County Emergency Management Director

Your weekend planner...

Today

Great American Smokeout
Senator David Pearce hosting 31st District Dinner at the Bates County Elks Lodge starting 5:30 p.m.

Friday

Ellett Memorial Hospital Bake sale in the lobby starts at 8:30 a.m.
"McBeth" by the ACHS Drama Department- 7 p.m. in the East gym

Saturday

Murder Mystery Theatre in Adrian- for info call 816-297-2053
Hunter's Breakfast at the Butler Senior Center 5 to 9 a.m.
Adrian Elks Hoop Shoot- Adrian School 9 a.m. to noon for info call 660-679-1175
Bates County Cattleman's Dinner- Adrian Optimist Building starts at 5:30 p.m.
Butler Youth Wrestling signups at the field house 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"McBeth" by the ACHS Drama Department- 7 p.m. in the East gym
Mass distribution at the Butler Community Food Pantry (no mass distribution on the 4th Sat. in Nov. or Dec. due to the holidays)

Sunday

Veteran's Breakfast- Adrian Elks Lodge starts at 8 a.m.
Holiday Open House- Adrian Optimist Building 9 am. to 4 p.m. all types of vendors
Sensational Wonders at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Butler starts at 3:30 p.m.

Monday

Ladies Night Out in Butler- for info all Jennifer at 660-679-3380

If we've missed something, drop us an email at bateswire@hotmail.com

Truck fire on West 52 in Butler

The Butler Fire Department is in route to a truck on fire on West 52 highway in front of the Conoco station.

Plan on using a detour if traveling through the area until the fire is brought under control.

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