Warmer by the end of the week...

Today

Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Clear. Lows around 18. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the east after midnight.

Another "Christmas Jar" found...

I also wanted to say thank you to the "Butler Secret Santa" for the Christmas change jar that was left at my front door on Christmas. My grandfather passed away on Christmas day, and what a blessing it was to receive such a kind and thoughtful gift during such a time of sorrow. It is heartwarming to know that there are still people in the world who exemplify the true "reason for the season." Thank you!

Sincerely,
Vickie Spencer

Thanks from Bates County Live...

First we'd like to say thank you to all those who support Bates County Live through advertising and all of our readers, too. It takes both of these things to keep us in business and we really appreciate it. We would also like to say thanks to our friends at FM 92 radio station, the news-Xpress, the Drexel Star, Rich Hill Mining Review and the Adrian Journal. Thanks also goes to countless others within our local hospital, fire departments, Facebook friends, the Bates County Courthouse, the sheriff's department and more who provide us with vital information on a regular basis.

We've said it before and we'll say it again - our goal is to provide accurate, up to the minute news. To the point, fact filled stories with no editorializing. 2012 marks entry in to our seond full year of providing news and our goal is to add even more, including more school news, club news, civic group news, you name it...

Have a great new year and thanks again for reading Bates County Live!

Happy New Year!

We hope your 2012 is the best ever!

Cold front moving in tonight...

Tonight

Mostly clear. Windy. Lows in the lower 30s. West winds 25 to 35 mph.

Motorcycle rider injured near Adrian this afternoon

A motorcycle rider received serious injuries in an accident on 71 highway this afternoon just South of the Adrian exit. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle as it traveled off the left side of the Northbound lanes and came to a rest in the median. The victim was transported to a Kansas City area hospital by medical helicopter.

The rider has been identified as Richard W. Daubenspeck, 46 of Kansas City Mo.

Obituary - Judy Fisher

Judith L. Fisher, 62, of Lowry City, MO, died peacefully December 28, 2011 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Judy was born November 21, 1949 in Kansas City, MO. She grew up in Independence, MO, graduating from Van Horn High School in 1967. Choosing education as a career, she received her Bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State College in 1971. Subsequently, she earned Master’s and Specialist’s certifications from Central Missouri and Southwest Missouri State Universities. Judy’s education career spanned more than a quarter century, mostly spent in Rich Hill, MO, where she taught physical education and was the high school’s first girls basketball coach, before transitioning into working in special education. She later served the Nevada, MO and Carthage, MO School Districts, as well as the State of Missouri as a special education teacher. Aside from, but related to education, Judy was passionately active in the Missouri National Education Association and in Democratic Party politics. In retirement, Judy loved getting together with her Red Hat Society friends, being active in both their social and charitable pursuits. She also gave generously to numerous not-for-profits, among them Habitat for Humanity and the American Diabetes Association. In celebration of her high school’s transfer into the Independence, MO School District, Judy was a charter member of the Van Horn High School Alumni Association when that group formed in 2009. She is survived by her parents, Alvin and Wanda Fisher of Independence, MO; her sister, Janice Sumner of Lee’s Summit, MO; and her brother, Jay Fisher of Independence, MO. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Suburban Chapel. Cremation will follow the service.

Circuit Court News

CIRCUIT COURT OF BATES COUNTY, COURT NEWS 

JAMES K JOURNEY, JUDGE 

Diana L Rich, Clerk 

Dec 26 - 30, 2011

St v. Michael E Lindsay, probation revoked, hearing held. Probation continued, new conditions, to pay court costs.

St v. Kelley Dean Wells, Felony DWI (persistent offender), found guilty, sentenced to 4 years in MDOC, given SES, placed on 5 years probation, Defe. To get counseling/treatment as directed, to pay court costs, to get substance abuse treatment and aftercare, to attend AA meetings, to be subject to random drug testing, random home/vehicle searches, Defe. Shall not possess or be upon premises where alcohol is sold/served, Defe. To perform 200 hours of community service, Defe. To serve 20 days shock time in Bates County Jail.