Three in custody after Wednesday night drug bust

Debbie LeeMasters

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office and the Butler Police Department have been working together to combat drugs in Butler. While the joint effort will continue to take place, multiple arrests took place this week. 

Wednesday night the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, Butler Police Department and CNET Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 303 E Atkinson Street in Butler, a residence owned by Mike and Debbie LeeMasters. Upon entry five subjects were initially taken into custody. During a search of the residence two more subjects arrived and were taken into custody. Marijuana, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and cash were recovered during the operation.

Sharon Warren

Two additional arrests were made on Fran Avenue in Butler. Sharon Warren was taken into custody and charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance and her bond was set at $10,000 Cash or Surety.

While a total of nine subjects were initially arrested, three have been released with no charges filed and three others have charges being reviewed by the Bates County Prosecutor.

Michael and Debbie LeeMasters have been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance both bonds have been set at $10,000 Cash or Surety. 

Mike LeeMasters

Contrary to earlier speculation, no shots were fired during the arrests. The subjects were taken in to custody without incident.

We Salute You!

Butler Mayor and owner
of Don's Tire and Service
Center, Don Malan

We'd like to bring your attention to a few 'milestones' in our community

Congratulations to Dr. William Haynie for 50 years of serving our community in the name of better health

Dr. William Haynie

Hat's off to Don Malan, owner of Don's Tire and Service Center on 48 years of business in Butler

FM 92 radio station started by Bill and Jerry Thornton 50 years ago on May 11th

Bill Thornton, Founder
of KMAM/KMOE FM

County Commission proudly unveils new bridge

As it was...

The Bates County Commission wishes to announce the completion of Bridge #08100081, Project #BRO-B007(16) in West Boone Township. Funding was through the Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. The total length of the roadway improvements equaled approximately 650 feet. The existing bridge was a 45’ long steel pony truss with a 22’ approach span. The new structure is a pre-stressed concrete I-girder bridge, 92’-6” long by 24’-6” wide, crossing over a Tributary of Mormon Fork.

The bridge was built by Bryan-Ohlmeier Construction Company, Inc. of Paola, Kansas and was completed in 40 working days. Bridge 08100081 was replaced with the use of Federal gas tax funds. These funds are distributed by FHWA and MoDOT annually to counties for the purpose of replacing or rehabilitating off-system bridges. Under the various extensions of the most recent transportation bill, Bates County receives around $233,000.00 annually depending upon the condition of our bridges versus county bridges throughout the rest of the State of Missouri.

On the deck left to right: Bill Stephan-Bates Co. Road & Bridge; Gabe Pfefferkorn-Bryan/Ohlmeier Const.; Randy Pike, Donna Gregory, Larry Berry-Bates Co. Commission; Jimmy McDiarmid-MoDOT -submitted

The overall cost for Bridge 08100081 was $357,010.60 and was 100% funded through the Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program (BRO). Through previous work Bates County had earned sufficient credits such that there was no money spent from the County General Fund or the Road and Bridge Fund.

-our thanks to Donna Gregory

Baby Nieder Benefit March 31st

A Benefit fund raising event will be held in honor of Carli and Brandon Nieder. The unexpected arrival of baby Lawson Layne Nieder was February 17th. The baby was born at 27 weeks and will remain in at Saint Luke’s hospital until May 15th.

With medical expenses mounting, the community will host a benefit dinner and auction on March 31st at the Amsterdam Community Building. If you have and donations you would like to contribute you may contact Montana King. They are asking for any items that would generate funds to put on the auction block. Any free will donations will be appreciated.

Baby Lawson is the grandson of Les and Marsha Nieder of Amsterdam and Julie Mangogna of Rolla, Missouri.

The benefit will be held March 31st, with the dinner served at 5 pm and the auction to follow at 7 pm.

Benefit coordinator, Montana King, may be contacted at 785-893-1515.

-courtesy FM 92 the Bullet

Link to the Double Whammy registration form here...

The 2012 Project Prom Double Whammy 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney is set for April 7th and April 14th at the Adrian High School. This fund raising event will benefit the needs of the 2012 Adrian Project Prom. Ages 18 and up divisions will play April 7th. Divisions 5th and 6th grade and the Junior High hoop monsters will hit the courts on Saturday April 14th.

It’s a 6 game guarantee, first team to win 15 points win ( you must win by two). Court monitors will be present, concessions on location and t-shirts for all participants that sign on soon. Game times will be posted via email.

Team fees for the 2012 Project Prom Double Whammy with the early bird registration will be 100 dollars for high school teams ages 18 and up.

$80.00 for 5th and 6th grade and Junior High teams these team fees are good through March 27th. Slow poke registration deadline is April 3rd and those registering late will pay an additional 20 dollars with a no t-shirt guarantee.

For more information contact Mike Case 816-297-4451 or Kenny Tenholder 816-297-2027.

You may download and print a copy of the registration form here: http://www.adrian.k12.mo.us/organizations/project_prom_basketball_flyer.pdf

In Memory of Forrest "Toppy" Clark

Toppy Clark was well known by many who cherished his friendship, business interests and love of the automobile. Sadly, Toppy left this world February 16 and the following is to serve as a tribute to a truly wonderful man:

Forrest (Toppy) Clark died at the age of 100 years and 6 months and 1 day at Bates County Hospital in Butler, Missouri on Thursday,February 16, 2012.

He was born on August 15, 1911 to Audley and Cora Cartmill Clark in Rock Creek Township, Kansas on the way to their homestead in Elk City, Oklahoma. 'Toppy' was the second of eight children, brothers Hap, Bud, Don, and sisters Hazel, Alma, Ruby and Marjorie. He earned his nickname "Toppy" because he could spin the 'top' better than anyone.

Obituary - Harold Sage

Funeral services for Harold Sage will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3-5 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Contributions to American Cancer Society.

Harold LeRoy Sage, age 78 of Murray, Kentucky died Wednesday, February 29, 2012. He was born July 11, 1933 to Paul Cole and Velma Margurette Case in Amsterdam, Missouri.

Harold is survived by two sons, Randy Sage and wife Karen of Bolingbrook, Illinois and Patrick Sage of Kankakee, Illinois; one daughter, Pamela Sage of Deatsville, Alabama; two sisters, Roberta Hobbs and husband Calvin of Buffalo, Missouri and Sherrial Dulin and husband Chuck of Louisburg, Kansas; and one brother, Raymond Sage and wife Sherry of Peculiar, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice in 2008; and two sisters.

No shots fired in incident on Atkinson street

It has been confirmed that no shots were fired during an incident that occurred while a warrant was being served at a residence on Atkinson street in Butler yesterday evening.

More details will be made available after charges are filed in the case.