Grass fires taxing for local fire departments

The drought of 2012 has certainly presented a set of problems that directly affect most all of us in one way or another. Besides heavy crop loss and low reservoir levels, the biggest single threat facing us now is grass fires.

In just the past week, most all local fire departments have been dispatched (in some cases repeatedly to the same location) for grass fires that range in size from a few acres to as many as 30 or 40 acres- all to be extinguished under extreme heat conditions. And the problem seems to be worsening as Adrian, Drexel and Amsterdam fire departments have been answering the call every few hours.

While the forecast is calling for slightly cooler temps with some chance of rain over the next week, we still need to be careful, here's a few reminders:

Do not toss cigarettes out the car window!

Avoid outdoor grilling except on concrete surfaces. Keep a hose handy just in case.

Do not burn trash.

Avoid parking vehicles for long periods on dry grass (catalytic converter may start a fire).
Keep combines and hay balers as free of loose debris as possible

Report any fire you see as soon as possible.

Conditions being what they are now, a small grass fire turns big quickly and can destroy homes and outbuildings in very short order. Use common sense and BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL!

Local pilots get special treatment at Whiteman Air Force Base...

Butlerites Dennis Jacobs and Robert Griffey got a special photo op while attending open house at the Whiteman Air Force Base near Knob Noster, Mo. While the duo taxied their Cessna 172 off the runway, the control tower operator asked if they would like their picture taken with the famous B-2 Stealth Bomber shown in the the background.

Without hesitation, the answer was an enthusiastic "YES" (in pilot speak, roger that!)

-photo courtesy Whiteman Air Force Base

Amsterdam Fire Department acquires much needed device

Gordon Meredith (right) presents a thermal imaging camera to
Amsterdam Fire Chief Garry Perrymann

Very often a fire department is called on a report of a sounding smoke detector, or a 'hot smell', but there is no visible smoke or flame.

Before thermal imaging cameras, crews would often touch walls with bare hands to find the source of heat- and in some cases, would need to break through sheetrock to investigate further.

But thanks to this modern technology, firefighters can now simply 'scan' walls, attics and crawlspaces with a thermal imaging camera to quickly and safely find the source of the heat. Another huge advantage of the device is to locate victims trapped within a structure as well.

Recently, Amsterdam Fire Chief Garry Perrymann was presented a new thermal camera by the founder of Operation Thermal Reunion (http://otreunion.org), Gordon Meredith. Perrymann says the addition of the camera is a huge asset that will certainly help the department be more efficient in serving the community.

As an added note, the Amsterdam fire department has made some big strides in improving not only their equipment, but the facility as well. The fire station, located on Main street is undergoing a major renovation that includes four new garage doors and a training/meeting room addition. Bates County Live will be providing a full story on the upgrades when work in completed.

Chick-fil-A hubub strikes nerves on local level, too

Another "Cluck In" held today to show support for
comments made by president Dan Cathy regarding
his stand on traditional marriage values

Even though the nearest Chick-fil-A restaurant is a spell down the road, local folks dined on Chick-fil-A entrees today to show support for the chain amidst controversy regarding comments made by company president Dan Cathy.

Earlier in July, Cathy told an online Baptist journal that his company was “very much supportive of the Biblical family unit. We are a family owned business, a family led business, and we are still married to our first wives.” This statement could have been viewed as a dig at divorcees, but it was the gay rights activist groups that considered it hateful. To clarify, Cathy added: “While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage (between a male and female), we love and respect everyone, who disagrees.”

At issue here is the First Amendment which gives both sides of the same-sex issue the right to freely voice their viewpoints as long as the speech is not hateful, harmful or hinders the free expression of the other side. But Cathy's comments surely started a fireball of discussion that led to some boycotting the restaurants, and others showing support by staging a 'Cluck In'- with supporters waiting in long lines at stores throughout the country.

Mark Muller buys lunch for local Chick-fil-A supporters

Locally, businessman Mark Muller and supporter of Dan Cathy opted to bring in some 100 Chick-fil-A sandwiches and share with customers and friends at the Max Motors showroom in Butler today.

Around the country, it appears the words of Dan Cathy have, at least for now, been cause for a spike in business and is expected to last at least through the end of the week.

However, on Friday, supporters of same-sex marriage will have their say. They plan a “kiss-in” at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country – encouraging gays and lesbians to share a public display of affection at the home of the chicken sandwich.

Obituary - Patricia Cooper

Funeral services for Patricia Cooper are pending and will be announced by Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel, (816) 657-4400. Contributions are suggested to Continua Hospice.

Patricia Anne Cooper went to be with the Lord July 31, 2012 at the Rehabilitation Center of Raymore in Raymore, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Blanche Wiley, her brother Walter Wiley and a nephew Steven Cooper. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Charles R. Cooper, three children, Nicki-jo Cantrell, Pete Cooper and wife Marcia, and Rev. Michael Cooper and wife Ruth. She also leaves behind five grandchildren Tim Cantrell and wife Joyce, Julie Lancaster and husband Gary, Chris Cooper and wife Nicole, Jeff Cooper and wife Shana and Kim Cooper along with 17 great-grandchildren.

Patricia was born May 28, 1925 in Seneca, Kansas. She met Charles in Kansas City, Missouri and they were married December 13, 1944 while he was on leave in the U.S. Navy. They moved to a farm in rural Drexel, Missouri in 1956 where she stayed at home and raised their three children. She was active in the Drexel Church of the Nazarene, serving as Sunday School teacher and children’s church director for many years. In later years they lived in Archie, Missouri.

Appleton City news

Ellett Memorial Hospital/Appleton City Rural Health Clinic will be sponsoring the annual Fit & Fun Community Block Party 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25th, 2012. This will be kicked off by a 5K walk starting at 8:00 a.m. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. in front of the hospital. There will be free blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks. ELLETT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL will be offering Advanced Directive information with a Notary on site. Several vendors with information and giveaways will be there. There will be children’s games along with the Life Flight Eagle landing around 10:00 a.m. Free hotdogs and popcorn for everyone will be available. The APPLETON CITY hospitals auxiliary will have a bake sale. If anyone is interested in an information booth, or has any questions, please contact Kim Raybourn, Chairperson at 660-476-2111.

The Appleton City Board of Aldermen will hold their next meeting on Tuesday August 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Forest Park Community Building. As usual, the packet will be able to be reviewed at City Hall beginning on Friday August 10th. Please feel free to contact City Hall at (660) 476-2631 should you have any questions.

Appleton city 5th and 6th Grade Football sign up and practice will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday August 14, at Donnohue Dugan field. There is a $50 fee to play. Every child must have a current physical. Please bring this and a copy of birth certificate with you. If you have any questions, you can call Doug James at 660-492-2069. APPLETON CITY 3rd & 4th Grade Football will have sign up 6:00 p.m. Tuesday August 14 at Donnohue Dugan field. Each player must have a current physical and a copy of their birth certificate. There is a $50 fee. If you have any questions, call Jessica McClure 660-492-3087.

On Saturday, August 11, River of Life Fellowship in Rockville will have a clothing giveaway, coupled with the Trinity Tribesmen ministry from Butler. The Tribesmen will have parked a truck full of clothing on the church’s north parking area and will be open all day Saturday during the festival for anybody needing clothing. Sizes vary and include baby clothes, as well as clothing for young kids, teens, and adults, both male and female. This is absolutely free and open to anybody needing clothing. THEY will open the doors for the truck at 10:00 a.m.

Appleton City Head Start is enrolling children 3 to 5 years old for the 2012-2013 year. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are served 4 days a week, at no cost. Please call 660-476-5877 to schedule an appointment.

-courtesy FM 92 the Bullet

Obituary - William "Bill" Murray

Funeral services for Bill Murray will be 10 a.m. Friday, August 3, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to Children's Mercy Hospital.

William “Bill” Loren Murray, age 81 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at his home in Butler. He was born October 28, 1930 to Fred Pearl and Dollie Mildred Hendry Murray in Nevada, Missouri.

Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia Murray of Butler, Missouri; two sons, Merlin Murray and Bobby Murray, both of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Jeanie Murray of Belton, Missouri; two sisters, Arlene Crawford of Suprise, Arizona and Muriel Mears and husband Bill of Butler, Missouri; eight grandchildren and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jerry L. “Butch” Murray; one sister, Ellen “Babe” Robinson; one half-sister, Eva Taylor; and two half-brothers, Oliver Murray and Freddie Murray.

Long range forecast shows cooler temps, rain