43 attend BCYAC Day Camp this weekend

The Bates County Youth Advocacy Council (BCYAC) held its annual Day Camp yesterday and 43 children were in attendance, making it one of the most successful Day Camps to date.

BCYAC wishes to extend a huge thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their donations of cash, food, and/or discounts: Casey’s, McDonald’s, Sonic, Midwest Lumber True Value, Justin Nieder, City of Butler, Butler Aquatic Center, III Mile R-V Park, Community First Bank, Jim & Carol Platt, Mike & Pam Grainger, Casey & Abby Colin, and Kris Jenkins.

BCYAC also wishes to extend appreciation to the following individuals, who donated their time and talent during the event: Kelly Stark, Tiffany Essenpries, Anissa Harris, Sandy Cook, Jeremy Platt, Christina Spitler, Casey & Abby Colin, Janet Gaylord, Sarah Formhals, Mike & Pam Grainger, Phyllis Morris, Jim & Carol Platt, Alan Mundey, and Butler P.D. Also, thank you to the parents/guardians who allowed their child(ren) to participate.

Please know that BCYAC is truly thankful for your continued support. The children had a wonderful day, full of all the things they love…breakfast, swimming, lunch, an inflatable, ice cream, and so much fun!

Since 1998, Relay for Life grows on and on...

2012 Relay for Life Master of
Ceremonies Greg Mullinax

In its 15 years of existence, the Bates County Relay for Life chapter has raised an astounding $683,315.17 in the name of raising cancer awareness and funding research. Each year's event is truly bigger and better as was noted throughout the morning.

Here's a breakout of each teams earnings since inception:
Memories of Mom- $130,785.35
Team MASH- $32,921.99
Willow Lane- $33,420.17
Team Educate- $32,960.19
Medicalodge- $43,926.00
Johnston Inspired- $23,634.64
Tiger Pride- $13,691.84
total corporate sponsors- $146,090.00

Erica Gardner sings the National Anthem during the
opening ceremony this morning

Usually held at night, the 2012 event was held during the day on the Butler square which met the approval of everyone that we spoke with- better visibility for the events and very easy access for those who came to support the cause.

Throughout the afternoon there was plenty of food, live music, games, a car show and much more. Then evening closed with the Luminary ceremony and a fireworks display. As of this writing just over $42,000 was raised this year which includes the just over 700 luminaries purchased.

The Bates County Relay for Life steering committee, team members, survivors, families and friends wish to thank everyone for their ongoing support. Plans for the 2013 event are already in the works.

Team leaders received a gift from Sharon Cumpton as Bates County Relay for Life in 15 years has
raised more than $683,000 for cancer research. 

Mary Holcomb is a 50 year cancer survivor and was recognized today during the opening ceremony

A member of the KC St. Andrews Pipes and Drums Group, Alyssa West led the Survivor Walk around
the Butler square

Nighttime musical entertainment
included favorites from the
Down in Flames Band

Gary Schowengerdt and Melody Thornton were
 among those who read the names honored by 
the luminaries

About 700 luminaries line the Butler square as the 2012 Relay for Life winds down

Poplar Heights Festival runs through tomorrow...

The Poplar Heights Farm Festival got underway today drawing young, old and everyone in between. And every aspect of living in the 1870's is covered- rope making, blacksmithing, food making, music, farm chores, spinning/weaving, mining and much more.

The festival runs through tomorrow at the Poplar Heights Farm located just northeast of Butler. More information can be seen by clicking HERE.

Adults $3, under 12 get in free.

Bluegrass music could be heard throughout the 1870's farmstead

The Black Powder display included many long guns, pistols and experts to answer all questions

Full house at Hatten reception today

PACKED HOUSE as a reception was held for Dr's
Hatten and Hatten in the banquet room at
Community First Bank in Butler

There was hardly standing room as patients, friends and other well wishers attended a reception today for Dr. R.G. Hatten and Dr. R.L. Hatten as they celebrate 100 years of combined service in Butler.

Dr. R.G. Hatten recently announced his retirement from the chiropractic business after 63 years. Rob Hatten will continue offering quality services that are synonymous with the Hatten name.

More information about Dr. R.G. Hatten's retirement can be seen by clicking HERE.

Dr. R.L. Hatten and Dr. R.G. Hatten celebrate 100 years of combined service to our community

Poker run rolls out at 10 a.m. sharp...

The 2nd annual Bates County Adult Recovery Court Poker Run assembled on the Butler square starting around 9 a.m. with nearly twice as many bikes as before and almost 70 riders.

The Adult Recovery Court  program is proving to be a growing success as the 5th person graduated just this week.

Money raised from the Poker Run is used to help fund the recovery program in Bates County.

Judge Debra Hopkins double checks paperwork before the ride this morning

Mike Bukaty holds a riders meeting just prior to take off on the 165 mile ride

Alvin and Terry Griffin lead the pack as they depart from the Butler square

Rain? what's that?

A look around the county and you'll see many already combining wheat. Corn in some places is about half grown but certainly won't make it to maturity without some good old fashioned rain. Likewise, we won't see a decent second cutting of hay without it either...

It's gonna be downright hot over the weekend with the next chance of rain coming on Sunday with a 20% chance, Monday 60% chance and a 20% chance Monday night. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tonight
Clear. Low of 61F. Winds from the SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Hour by hour schedules for weekend events...

2012 Relay for Life - on the Butler square


9 a.m.          5k walk and 10k ride start
11 a.m.        Opening ceremonies, pledge and anthem, welcome
11:30 a.m.   Honoring survivors & Opening walk, Debra Bledsoe, Trail of Memories scholarship
11:45 a.m.   hot dog eating contest
12:15 p.m.   River Bend Family country music
1 p.m.          Dodds Family performs
1:30 p.m.     Pet/Owner look alike contest
2 p.m.          Disciples Sisters (Gospel & Pop music)
2:30 p.m.     Robotics demonstration
3 p.m.          Talent show
3:45 p.m.     Vickie Watson, comedian
4:15 p.m.      Round Table Band
5 p.m.          Small Steps of Hope children's parade for 10 and under
5:30 p.m.     Spirit Event, look good, feel good
6 p.m.          Live auction
7:30 p.m.     Jeremy Bridges and band perform
8:45 p.m.     Down in Flames, country music
9:45 p.m.     Grand give away, Steps of Silence, Survivors walk with families and friends
10 p.m.        Luminaries, fireworks
12:30 a.m.   Closing ceremonies

Also throughout the day will be: Irene Holt sings; Silent Auction 1 to 6 p.m.; Matt Marvel Balloon Designs; Car and bike show at 4 p.m.; remote control car races at 9 a.m.; bingo 4 to 8 p.m.; Goldfish races



Poplar Heights Living History Festival
go east of Butler on H highway to UU highway, turn north and follow the signs

Saturday
10:30 a.m.    Osage Valley Vigilantes Shootout
11:15 a.m.    Candle dipping for kids
11:15 a.m.    Hammer Dulcimer concert
Noon            Butter making
Noon            Wildwood Harmony Bluegrass
1 p.m.           Osage Valley Vigilantes Shootout
1:45 p.m.      Hammer Dulcimer performance
1:45 p.m.      Candle dipping
2:45 p.m.      Wildwood Harmony Bluegrass Band
3:30 p.m.      Osage Valley Vigilantes Shootout

Sunday
11:30 a.m.    Hammer Dulcimer concert
11:30 a.m.    Candle dipping for kids
12:15 p.m.    Osage Valley Vigilantes Shootout
1 p.m.           Hammer Dulcimer performance
1:15 p.m.      Butter making
2 p.m.           Osage Valley Vigilantes Shootout
2:15 p.m.      Candle dipping

Other things to see and do: Mine exhibit; Black powder gun displays; basket weaving classes; heritage crafters; home made root beer and cream soda; Kettle corn; funnel cakes; tour the 1870's farm house; wagon rides; blacksmiths; walking trails; geode cracking; visit the general store. Under 12 free, adults
$3. www.poplarheightsfarm.org 660-679-0764

Problem solver for home-canned foods

From Tammy Roberts, Health and Nutrition Specialist, Missouri Extension

You may have some jars of food you canned last year that didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Here are some reasons why some of your food didn’t come out as expected and some tips for ensuring perfection as you process your garden’s bounty this summer.

“One of the most common complaints from home canners is that the jars lose liquid during processing” said Tammy Roberts from University of Missouri Extension. She says that lost liquid can occur because the food was packed too tightly in the jar. Food shouldn’t be packed so tightly that it doesn’t move around in the jar. Loss of liquid can occur if the jar was filled too full. Be sure to always leave the headspace recommended for the food you are processing.