Friday, May 11, 2012

Willow Branch bridge to reopen today...

Bates County Live has just learned the Willow Branch bridge on 18 highway about 2.5 miles east of Merwin has been reopened this afternoon.

The original bridge was built in the late 1940's and was is one of several being replaced under the MoDOT Safe & Sound program in Bates County.

Funding Our State’s Needs

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

There was a lot of speculation this week about lawmakers not making the constitutional deadline of Friday, May 11, at 6:00 p.m., to pass the state’s operating budget. However, with just one day left before the constitutional deadline, the Senate approved the conference committee’s reports on House Bills 2002-2013 that make up the funding for Missouri’s state departments. The process that the budget has followed to its completion has not been a smooth one. With 34 members in the Senate, and 163 members of the House, it’s no surprise that there are differing opinions, but an important part of this process is listening to colleagues and making necessary allowances for the good of the state and its citizens.

One difficulty lawmakers have faced has been an overall shortfall of around $500 million. The budget has been supported in the past by federal funds. Those funds have run out, causing this shortage, as well as a natural increase in some programs, such as Medicaid.

What's happening at the Butler Public Library...

Our summer reading program will begin on Fri. May 18th. Our theme this year is "Dream big...READ" and is for kindergarten through 6th grades. Please stop by the library on or after May 18th to enroll and pick up your packet. The program runs through Fri. July 20th. We have lots of
great activities planned and you don't want to miss out on the fun. For more information please call 660-679-4321. This program is sponsored by the Butler Lions Club.

Our annual summer book sale will be June 21-22-23. We accept new and gently used books anytime. Please help us--help you!

-our thanks to Linda Hunter

Obituary - Larry Resz

Arrangements for Larry Resz are cremation, with no public services scheduled. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660) 679-0009.

Laurence “Larry” Resz, 81 of Passaic, died May 10, 2012 at his home surrounded by family and friends after battling cancer. Larry was born September 13, 1930 in Appleton City, Missouri.

He is survived by companion Brenda Knox, nine children, four step children, one brother, one sister-in-law, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, two brothers, and one sister.



Defining Alzheimer’s and Dementia

From Tammy Roberts, Health and Nutrition Specialist

Anyone who has reached their fifth decade has experienced a moment when they have forgotten someone’s name or where they put the car keys. When that starts to happen it is easy to wonder if you are experiencing the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It is important to know what Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are and how they impact a person.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not the same thing but they are related. According to the National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer’s is a disease that damages brain cells and gradually gets worse. Dementia is a loss of mental function that interferes with normal daily functioning. Dementia is not a disease; it is a group of symptoms that are caused by diseases or conditions. 

One of a kind vehicle on display in Butler...


ONE OF THREE IN EXISTENCE the Jeep JK-8 is on display at
Max Motors in Butler

Maybe we should say one of three of a kind...

If you are driving by Max Motors on West 52 Highway you will see something new and different sitting out in front- it’s a JK-8 modified Jeep.

Mark Muller, owner of Max Motors and Larry Van Zandt, General Manager contacted Bill Rogers of Rogers Collision and Repair of Harrisonville and they collaborated on the creation of this vehicle. Rogers took a new Jeep and totally modified it to create the JK-8 which took approximately 6-8 weeks for completion.

The JK-8 is reminiscent of the early '70's Jeepster truck shown at right. If you're are in the market for a vehicle that very few people in the United States have – go and check it out. There are only 3 in the United States and one of them is at Max Motors in Butler.

Stop by Max Motors and check it out – you won’t be disappointed.

-photo credit and story courtesy FM 92 the Bullet

Thursday, May 10, 2012

We need your input...

We have placed an opinion survey on the top right side of our home page asking if you would like to see more news videos on our web site.

Doing a news video of an event instead of photos and a story is a little more work, but we don't mind if that is what our readers want!

You may also email your comments to bateswire@hotmail.com.

Our previous news videos can be seen by clicking HERE. Please take a moment and give us your input. It's greatly appreciated!

Butler Alumni band members needed...

Butler High School graduates are invited to join the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Butler High School Alumni . You are encouraged and invited to play in the band during the Alumni Parade that will be held May 26th at 11 am and to join the band as they perform at 3 p.m. at the Butler high school. You will be under the direction of Art Ghys, Director of Music at Butler High School from 1964 to 1989.
 
No rehearsals are scheduled- just join in an old fashioned good time music get together! If you need a horn to play contact Paula Schowengerdt at 660-679-6126.

Search news