Senator David Pearce Elected to Lead Joint Education Committee

JEFFERSON CITY — In the last week of the legislative session, the Joint Committee on Education met to finalize the leadership of the committee for the upcoming year. State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, was elected by fellow members to serve as chair of the committee. He has also served as the 2010-11 chair, and was the vice chairman for 2011-12.

“It is always an honor to be elected by colleagues to serve,” said Sen. Pearce. “I am always humbled by their confidence in me, and it inspires to me to continue to work for the best interests of education.”

During the time between legislative sessions, called the interim, the Joint Committee on Education will meet to receive reports concerning public schools and higher education institutions, conduct studies of and examine the public school system and various issues relating to it, and make recommendations based on these to the General Assembly regarding needed legislation. The committee consists of seven members of the Senate and seven members of the House.

“The members of this panel are committed to improving the quality of education in our state,” Sen. Pearce said. “We want effective teachers in the classrooms and quality materials for those teachers to utilize. Our children deserve the best we can provide for them.”

The newly elected vice chairman of the committee is Rep. Mike Lair, R-Chillicothe.

“I am honored to serve as vice chairman of this panel. This year, we have been charged with task of creating a funding formula for higher education and I am excited to begin that project,” Rep. Lair said. “We’ve needed to work on this for a long time and it will serve as a challenge to the committee.”

In the coming weeks, the Joint Committee on Education will discuss, among other things, a taskforce that will focus on teacher quality and efficacy, charter school funding, and the higher education funding formula that was affected by the recent passage of House Bill 1731.

To see a complete list of panels on which Sen. Pearce serves, visit www.senate.mo.gov/pearce.

We sure could use some rain...

Forecasters say we're in for a dry spell- while Spring started fairly normal, Bates County is dry and the short term forecast doesn't show relief for quite a while. More info can be found here http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/?n=drought

Today
Clear. High of 90. Breezy. Winds from the SSW at 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain after midnight. Low of 70. Breezy. Winds from the South at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20%.

Memorial Day Services held in Adrian this morning

The Perimeter- From the Veteran's Voices


The Perimeter, in the infantry, is a circle of men. It is half a squad, platoon or company. One half is on guard, staying vigilant, watching for the enemy, while the other half rests, sleeps and carries on with life as it is.

They are more than just men; they are a brotherhood in uniform.

They share their plans, dreams and hopes with each other. In hard times, they share their sadness, fears and pain. They face the enemy together, some like brothers, other like fathers and sons, and always as true friends. They find a spirit in each other that binds them to one another in a bond that lasts forever.

As time passes, they will leave the service and each other. They will travel many different paths of life, some to prosper well and others not so well.

Somewhere in life's travels, these men find themselves lost in the world, confused, dazed, scared, unhappy and searching for something; something they are not even sure exists. They are not soldiers anymore, they are called veterans. Somehow, in their search, they once again find others like themselves. They find brothers of the past, brothers of the Perimeter, that circle of safety, where someone else shares their pain, their confusion and their fear.

That Perimeter is where that fear is eased, where there is less confusion.

They share each other's pain in stories, in tears and in silence. Inside the Perimeter, eye contact can say it all.

This Perimeter is a circle of life and a circle of death; it is a circle of wounded warriors, with wounds of both flesh and spirit. This Perimeter is a circle of iron that has never broken. It is a circle of common duty that knows no color, no creed and no religious ground. The circle will last forever, through the best of times and the worst of times. The Perimeter is a place where warriors will always seek - even for eternity. Just gaze out at our national cemeteries. For out there, on the outer edge, ever so vigilant, are those on the Perimeter.


By James R. Lawson
VA Medical Center - Mountain Home, TN


The above words were taken from the program today at the Memorial Day Services held at the Adrian VFW Memorial. While there were a few lighthearted moments, overall it was a somber day as everyone present took time to remember those who so faithfully have served our great country. The program opened with prayer by Father John Bolderson, followed by a warm welcome by Don Arndt.

Throughout the program the public was treated to wonderful vocal selections by Sarah Jacobs, Raelynn Kershner, Susan and Doug Davis, Faith Hutchens, Gwen Ford and Hannah Newkirk. Ashton McDaniel played Taps just prior to the closing remarks.

Guest speakers today were John J. O'Learly, WWII Marine veteran of the Pacific Theatre and Father John Bolderson, Marine Vietnam veteran.

Ceremonial raising of the flag

Sarah Jacobs sings God Bless the USA

VFW members look on as Father John Bolderson opened the program today

The Adrian VFW web site is www.vfw.adrianmo.com

Obituary - Jack Shelton

Jack M. N. Shelton, age 47, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away at KU Medical Center on Thursday, May 17, due to complications from a recent heart condition. Jack attended school in Adrian, Missouri, and recently celebrated a reunion with his much-beloved Class of 1982. Following high school, Jack attended KU and Washburn Law School. He worked as an attorney and as a business owner, most recently of Wheat State Pizza in Pittsburg, Kansas. His sense of humor and warm personality made him a friend to everyone he met, and he enjoyed life, people, and good music. He enjoyed playing guitar and called himself “Guitar Man.” 

He is survived by his daughter, Kassandra Shelton, of Kansas City, Missouri; his son, Joshua Shelton, of West Palm Beach, Florida; his stepdaughter, Alix Rieman, of Lawrence, Kansas; two brothers; four sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his mother, Kathleen Raysik, of Adrian, Missouri; and his father, Jack Shelton, of Wichita, Kansas. Jack was an organ donor, and others will be helped by his passing. The family held a private memorial on Sunday, May 20, to honor Jack’s memory.

Do not open until 2037!

Another item that won't be seen for 25 years

At precisely 5 p.m. this afternoon, a group gathered at the bell on the East side of the Butler high school property to place items in a time capsule that won't be opened for 25 years- which then will be the 150th Anniversary of Butler High School.

Jason Lawrence spoke briefly during the ceremony about his pride for BHS and the importance of keeping positive spirit for future generations who attend Butler High.

A variety of items were put into the vault, including a copy of today's schedule of events for the 125th Anniversary.

All items were placed in plastic bags to help keep moisture out- and memories in.

Jason Lawrence spoke with pride about
being a Butler Bear

Obituary - Dean Crist

R. Dean Crist, 56, Gladstone, MO, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will begin with the Rosary at 5 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1357 NE 42nd Terr., Kansas City, MO 64116. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, at St. Patrick Catholic Church followed by inurnment in Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City North. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the University of Kansas Cancer Center (payable to KU Endowment) c/o Gift Processing Department, KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928.

Dean was born November 16, 1955 in Butler, MO and was a graduate of Missouri Western University. He worked for the University of Kansas Hospital for 34 years, and was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. He was active at St. Patrick Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Dean possessed a wonderful smile, had a twinkle in his eyes, and a great sense of humor. He loved his family and his University of Kansas Hospital family.

Dean was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Joseph Scarnecchia. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen M. Crist; his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Ryan Newcomer; grandson, Joseph; parents, Roy and Georgia Crist; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and Alan Mundey, Cathy and Mike Keeble; brother and sister-in-law, David and Kathy Crist; mother-in-law, Carmella Scarnecchia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Jo and Leonard Blount, Joseph and Mary Ann Scarnecchia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family offers a special thank you to the Baranda team at the KU Cancer Center and the staff of Kansas City Hospice for the care given to Dean.

Online condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.

From the Butler 125th Alumni so far...

FINISHING THE 5K- Lisa Evans, Stephanie Evans and Marcia McMurphy chatting as they head to the
football field after finishing the 5K walk/run this morning as part of the 125th Butler Alumni activities

The following are highlights from the Alumni parade that left the high school at 11:30 a.m. sharp and headed to the historic Butler square:

New program answers your questions about funerals, burial and more

Tune in to FM 92.1 KMOE every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:56 PM (immediately prior to 5PM News) for their new program, “Essential Questions.” It features funeral director Greg D. Mullinax answering questions you need to know – regarding funerals, burial, cremation, and pre-planning. 

If there is a question you would like Greg to answer on the air, email the staff of FM 92 at fm92@embarqmail.com.