Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect

The National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning to be in effect until 6:45 this evening for Northeastern Bates County.

Thunderstorm Watch in effect through 11 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that will be in effect through 11 p.m. this evening for Bates County and surrounding areas.

View live radar here

Farm Bill up for serious discussion locally

Weekly newsletter from Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

Dear Friend,

This week provided me an opportunity to do what I believe to be one of the most important tasks I do as your representative – I spent time meeting with citizens of the Fourth Congressional District to hear your concerns and ideas to take to Washington.

With the deadline to renew the Farm Bill drawing close, I hosted a roundtable discussion at Roy and Janet Akers’ farm outside Clinton to gather input from Missouri’s agriculture community. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together farmers and ranchers who are going to be most affected by the Farm Bill and to hear their priorities. Decisions regarding agriculture should be made by these hard-working citizens – NOT by Washington bureaucrats. It is imperative that the thoughts and concerns of farmers and ranchers be represented when the Farm Bill gets to the floor of the House for a vote.

Grand opening of Butler Thrift Shop going on now...

The grand opening of the new Butler Thrift Store is happening right now and is a great opportunity to meet the staff and check out all the bargains as well.

Drop by and enjoy live music, free hot dogs and more through 5 p.m. this afternoon. The new Butler Thrift Store in located in the old MFA Building by the underpass on Rice Road and Nursery Street.


While you're in Butler for the many garage sales today, be sure to stop by.



Money taken in by the Thrift Store is used to supplement the Butler Community Food Pantry to help feed struggling families in Bates County. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  

Taking Care of Our Heroes and Their Families

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

My dedication to Missouri’s military, veterans, and their families has been a priority for me in the legislature. Ensuring that our men and women come home to stable families is important. Last year, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed into law House Bill 136. The bill provided unemployment benefits for military families that moved with the active military member’s placement. The measure also created guidelines for providing courtesy professional licenses to military families when needed for employment. This legislation helps families in need to get on their feet.

This year, I am handling House Bill 1680 in the Senate, a bill that would make changes to a program beneficial to our veterans. The Heroes at Home program would become known as the Show-Me Heroes program. Since it was created in 2006, one of main goals of this program has been to assist veterans in finding jobs when they get home.

Muggy & hot today; add some rain tomorrow

Today
Partly cloudy. High of 90 with a heat index of 95. Winds from the SSE at 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low of 70. Winds from the SSE at 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20%.

Sunday
Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain in the morning, then mostly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain. High of 88 with a heat index of 95. Winds from the SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with thunderstorms and rain showers. Low of 63. Winds from the NNE at 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60% with rainfall amounts near 0.2 in. possible.

View live radar here

Obituary - Albert Stephens

Arrangements for Albert Stephens are cremation, with memorial services to be announced at a later time. Arrangements, Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816) 657-4400.

Albert Henry Stephens, 63 of Drexel, died May 3, 2012 at his home in Drexel. Albert was born September 7, 1948 in Davenport, Iowa, son of Carl Leo and Helen Elizabeth (Moss) Stephens. Albert served as a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Bonnie Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Stephens of Drexel; daughters Julie Ann Osborn of Neodesha, Kansas and Crystal Jones of Harrisonville, Missouri; grandchildren Brandi Ogle, Jordan Jones, and Jackson Jones, as well as nine siblings.

Circuit Court news

CIRCUIT COURT OF BATES COUNTY, COURT NEWS

JAMES K JOURNEY, JUDGE

Diana L Rich, Clerk

April 27-May 4, 2012

Donald L Barry v Virginia Lee Barry, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed.

Samantha M Fletcher v Jordan B Fletcher, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed.

Jerry D Bradley v Veronika Bradley, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed.

21ST Mortgage Corporation v James Ratliff, Verified Petition For Replevin and Damages filed.

Jamie Barnes v Raymond Blevins, Full Order of Protection is entered.

Zachary A Morris v Staci A Morris, Dissolution of Marriage granted.

St v. Bryan E Trinkle, I: Felony burglary, II: Misd. Assault, III: Misd property damage, set for 6-18-12.

St v John Elvis Smith-Hoover, Felony passing bad checks, set for 5-21-12.

St v. Natasha D Perkins, Felony possession of controlled substance, methamphetamines/marijuana, set for 5-21-12.

St v. Natasha D Perkins, Felony receiving stolen property, set for 5-21-12.

St v. Marty W Beard, Felony escape from confinement, set for 5-21-12.

St v. James R Burrous, Felony domestic assault, set for 6-18-12.

St v. Marty W Beard, Felony DWI-aggravated offender, II: Misd. DWR/Suspended, set for 6-18-12.

St vs. Marty W Beard, I: Felony resisting/interfering w/arrest for a Felony, II: Felony DWI-persistent offender; III:Misd. DWR, IV: Misd. C & I; V: Misd. Failed to stop for stop sign, set for 6-18-12.

St v. Marty W Beard, I: Felony DWI-persistent offender, II: Misd. Failed to drive on right half of roadway, set for 6-18-12.

Jacqueline G White v William R White, Motion to Modify Dissolution filed.