Pink Packs a Punch for Breast Cancer Awareness

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

A quick Internet search on cancer reveals upwards of 200 different types of cancers. Not every type has a day or month singled out to recognize and bring awareness to it, but the one that will fatally strike approximately 39,510 women and 410 men this year in the United States does have such a designation.

October has been designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985. The aim of coordinating the awareness month was to inform the public that early detection via mammogram was, and continues to be, the most effective weapon in our arsenal against breast cancer. This crusade for awareness continues and has expanded in the form of a rallying token, the pink ribbon, originally introduced as the symbol for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The month of October is utilized for many breast cancer awareness events, including the Race for the Cure in many areas, and Breast Cancer 3-Day events. Relay for Life events are also impactful in spreading awareness, even if those events are focused more on the overall disease of cancer. In these local events, which are sponsored by and support the American Cancer Society, pink is the most typical awareness color visible.

Pink ribbons, pink t-shirts, pink light bulbs, and pink cereal boxes are all just a few of the items available at local grocery and department stores. The color pink and the ribbon have become synonymous with breast cancer awareness, one of the most recognizable brands of our era. When you see that pink ribbon, or even pink arm bands on NFL players, you know that a cause is supported by that presence.

The topic of breast cancer awareness is of great importance to me. My mother, Loneta, lost her battle with the disease in 1990. I wish that no other family need suffer that loss. As a legislator, I will continue to support and promote measures within the Missouri General Assembly that will work to further awareness, provide treatment of this unbiased thief, and promote the most up-to-date procedures.

In the United States today, breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths among women. According to the American Cancer Society, some 226,870 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2012. Those women and their families deserve the support given to them by utilizing the month of October and the color pink as beacons of hope in the fight against this dreaded disease.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.

JH Bears hold Maranatha 30-6

Butler Bears vs Maranatha Eagles Jr High Football Summary- 10-1-12

On Monday, Oct 1, the Butler Bears junior high football team hosted the Maranatha Eagles for their third game of the season. The Bears won the game by a final score of 30-6. The Bears offense scored touchdowns on the first four drives of the game, putting the game out of reach fairly early. RB Tanner Diehl carried 4 times for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Dylan Morris carried 2 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. The fourth and final Bear touchdown came from a 70 yard pass play from QB Seth Stump to WR Brody Kauffman. Defensively, DB Ethan Gardner led the Bears with 8 tackles, 5 solo and 3 assisted.

The Bears host the Windsor Greyhounds for their next game on Monday, Oct 8, at 5:30 pm.

Friday night football scores

Osceola 20, Adrian 0

Butler 39, Stockton 0 (Butler homecoming)

Archie 35, Appleton City 9

Drexel 27, Sherwood 25 (Drexel's homecoming)

Cass-Midway 42, Rich Hill 0

Nevada 49, Springfield Central 19

Bates County Elks re-dedicate veteran's tribute

A short ceremony was held this morning on the northwest corner of the Bates County courthouse lawn as the Bates County Elks Lodge #2653 paid tribute to our local veterans. The tribute has been an ongoing process and currently has over 1,000 veterans names listed on public display.

In upcoming projects, the Elks plan to place a monument to honor branches of the military, add landscaping around the tribute and install a directory of Veterans names to be placed in the Bates County Courthouse, the Butler Public Library and the Bates County Museum.

Huckster's Day officially underway...

Once again the Butler square is packed with vendors, music and plenty of family oriented fun as the annual Butler Chamber of Commerce Huckster's Day Fall Festival is officially underway. Throughout the day there is plenty more on the schedule with a 5k walk/run, a live band, craft booths, dog contest, talent show, kids games, the honorary chicken fly contest to name a few.

Click here to see the full day's schedule

Bears all set for homecoming this evening

The Butler Bears are preparing to face Stockton tonight as the week's homecoming festivities wind down... Game time is 7 p.m. at Deaton-Thomas Field in Butler and will be broadcast play by play on FM 92.1 the Bullet.

Highlights from today's parade- photos courtesy of Kevin Scrogham:

Evacuation in Appleton City a false alarm

Official word from the Appleton City police department is the evacuation on Main street this morning came under false pretenses or simply as the result of a misplaced piece of luggage.

A suitcase, possibly thought to contain explosives, was left near the Appleton City post office prompting the evacuation that began just after 10 a.m. this morning. It is now being reported the suitcase actually contained picture frames and coat hangers.

A bomb squad was called to assist local authorities to safely verify the contents. Residents and businesses were allowed back in the area around noon.

Sight and Safety Night coming again to Main street in Adrian

Highlights from last year's Sight and Safety Night
on Main street in Adrian

The annual Sight and Safety Night will be held on Main street in Adrian Oct. 31st

There'll be all types of treats and fun along Main street to promote safe trick or treating for area youth, sponsored by the Adrian Chamber, local businesses and clubs. Bring your favorite carved pumpkin for the shot at a prize, sponsored by the Lions Club. Pumpkins need to be at the Lion booth by 6 p.m.

The Adrian Lions Club will be asking for donations at their booth for old eyeglasses and cell phones with chargers. Any of these items would be greatly appreciated.

The annual Sight and Safety Night is sponsored by the Adrian Lions Club with support from the Adrian Chamber of Commerce.