Missourians have the opportunity to make statement on Nov. 6th

Will Missourians spur part of so-called “Obamacare”? Will they more than quintuple their cigarette tax? These are the big statewide questions Missouri voters will answer on their Election Day ballot, and the National Taxpayers Union's 2012 Ballot Guide: The Taxpayer's Perspective can help them keep track of those initiatives and all local measures as well.

Currently, Missouri has the lowest tobacco tax in the country and a competitive advantage over neighboring states whose residents often cross borders to spend their money in the Show Me State. Proposition B would raise the per pack tax from 17 cents to 90 cents, nearly a 530 percent spike, and would be higher than neighbors Kansas and Nebraska while approaching the Illinois rate.

“There is no guarantee that the projected $283 to $423 million yearly revenue will materialize,” explained NTU State Government Affairs Manager Lee Schalk. “In fact, our recent study showed that between 2001 and 2006, 41 of 59 recent tobacco tax increases resulted in lower-than-projected revenue collection. Missourians may not see an end to tax hikes like these in the future if Prop B is approved.”

Missouri's key ballot initiatives:
Proposition B would increase taxes from 17 cents to 90 cents per pack, a 73 cent increase. Missouri would no longer have the lowest tobacco tax in the country. The measure is advertised as an estimated $283 to $423 million per year tax increase.

With Proposition E, voters can reject the creation of a health insurance exchange, a key component of the Affordable Care Act. An exchange would be a place for individuals and families to purchase coverage with a substantial federal subsidy. If a state does not set up its own exchange, the law states that the federal government will create it for them. This measure would prohibit exchanges unless created by the Legislature, initiative, or referendum. While some states have decided to move forward with the creation of a health insurance exchange in order to maintain state control, others have been adamant that they want no part of the President’s healthcare law and would rather delay implementation for as long as possible and wait to see what results the November 6 election will bring.

Each year NTU compiles the most comprehensive guide available on state and local ballot measures affecting taxpayers across the nation. Visit ntu.org/ballotguide for the full report.

To schedule an interview with Ballot Guide author and NTU State Affairs Manager Lee Schalk, or any NTU expert, contact Doug Kellogg at (703) 299-8698 or dkellogg@ntu.org.

Meet and greet for Jason Kander this Sunday

Join the Bates County Democrats Sunday evening at 7:30 at the HQ on the south side of the square for a meet and greet with Jason Kander, candidate for Secretary of State. Kander is a former Army Captain and Afghanistan veteran with and impressive record of public service and government reform. Details here: http://www.facebook.com/events/100786270083953/

-our thanks to Danny Ferguson

Obituary - Gary Beachner

Funeral services for Gary Beachner will be 11 a.m. Monday, October 29, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3-5 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to The Wyatt Guest House of Ellis-Fischel Cancer Center.

James Gary Beachner, age 65 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at his home in rural Butler. He was born September 19, 1947 to James Lawrence and Mary Kathryn LaForge Beachner in Girard, Kansas.

Gary is survived by his wife, Gayle Beachner of Butler, Missouri; three sons, James “Jim” Glenn Beachner and wife Taffany and Shane Beachner and wife Kristi all of Grain Valley, Missouri and Eric Beachner of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters, Lavida Blevins of Independence, Missouri and Kamryn Beachner of Butler, Missouri; two brothers, Chris Beachner and wife Mindy of Grandview, Missouri and Kim Beachner and wife Elaine of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; five sisters, Kathy Hofman and husband Mark Christopherson of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Janet Bradley of Raytown, Missouri, Donna Herman and husband Pat of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Lynne Beachner and husband Gary Johnson of Prairie Village, Kansas and Jamie Beachner of Raytown, Missouri; his parents; James Lawrence and Mary Kathryn Beachner of Raytown, Missouri; and eight grandchildren, Ryan, Dalton, Brenden, Baili, Kenley, Brian, Celia and Ian.

Obituary - Rick Doll

Memorial services for Rick Doll will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. There is no visitation. Contributions to National Kidney Foundation or American Heart Association.

Rick Lee Doll, age 56 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born January 21, 1956 to Orville Dale and Sally Marie Kassner Doll in Butler.

Rick is survived by his son, Josh Doll and wife Sheila of Butler, Missouri; his mother, Sally Stinson of Butler, Missouri; and four grandsons, Logan, Hunter, Eli and Peyton. He was preceded in death by his father.

"Christmas for Kids" drive starts today..

Registration for the 2012 “Christmas for Kids” gift drive kicks off today. The new program is sponsored by the “People for People” Coalition. This toys drive will take the place of the Annual Toys for Tykes Drive sponsored in years past by Kahn Chevrolet, Max Motors and The Community First Bank of Butler. 

 
There are new rules and regulations in the making this season. Parents may register children ages zero to 16 at the West Central Community Action Agency off the Butler Square. Income guidelines will qualify your child for the, “ Christmas for Kids” Drive 2012.

Register now through November 30th. There will not be any late sign ups allowed. More details will be available in the near future.

This year those that participate will adopt a child from the list of names, each child will have a wish list. You may adopt as many children as you want… and purchase as many gifts as you see fit. The purchases will go to the specific child and will be delivered as a wrapped gift to the West Central Community Action Agency. To make distribution easier this year, the Volunteers are asking that if you purchase more than 1 gift for your adopted Christmas Child…. That you put his/her gifts in a large trash bag and attach the identification tag to the outside of the bag. There will not be a shopper table this year. Children will be adopted individually during the 2012 “Christmas for Kids” Toy Drive .
More details as they develop, if you need information contact Vicki Kershner at West Central Community Action Agency 5 East Dakota Street in Butler. 660-679-4108.

-courtesy FM 92 the Bullet

Optimist Students of the Month announced

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Miami, Ballard, and Adrian schools. Criteria for this honor center on outstanding academic and civic achievement and school spirit. Staff at each of the schools make the selection, and their decision is based on expansion of these criteria. Selection is based on the criteria, but a student stepping up to a particular task will come to play in it. Each student is honored with a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks”.

The Ballard Student of the Month for October is Katie Frankenfield, senior daughter of Todd Frankenfield and Nicole Biggers. High school technology instructor, Cheryl Murchie comments “Katie is a girl that I can always count on and she is always willing to help with any task I set before her. She is willing to help other students with their assignments. She is an easy going, happy student with a quick smile. She strives to make sure her assignment are done well. Sometimes she volunteers to help before I need assistance.

For this month the Miami student is Eric Hendrix. Eric’s parents are Kim Hendix and Ace Kaufman. Eric is a senior who lists his activities as basketball and FFA. He lights up all around himself being a pleasure to everyone in his school and community. Eric enjoys hunting and fishing, but just working on his truck gives him pleasure. He has not decided for sure on the school, but Eric will be working to complete degree work at Pittsburg State or some other technical school.

This month’s Adrian student is Greg Collins. Greg, a junior, is the son of Bob and Frances Collins. Greg lists his school activities as baseball, football, and National Honor Society. He might be considered very quiet, but paying attention to him is very rewarding. Greg enjoys volunteering for extra work at church and during summer baseball. His plan for the future is working for a degree at the University of Missouri and becoming a football coach.

Miami FCCLA Co-ed Volleyball tournament coming Nov.3

The Miami FCCLA booster club is hosting a Co-ed Volleyball tournament on Nov 3. Get a team together and join us for a fun filled day. $100 entry fee with a 7 member team. No restrictions on male/female. High school volleyball rules will apply. Winning team wins medals (MSHSAA rules say teams cannot compete for money, sorry!) . Contact Erin Straw at Miami School for more information. 660-267-3484 or estraw@miami-eagles.k12.mo.us

St. Patrick's Annual Chili and Soup

St. Patrick's Annual Chili & Soup Supper is Friday, November 2 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, 400 W. Nursery St. in Butler. Menu includes homemade chili, soup, pies, hot dogs, and drinks.

Ages 13 & up are $6.00, Ages 4 to 12 are $4.00 & 3 and under are free with Carry-outs available. A raffle will be held and tickets are available at the door. (Need not be present to win.) All are welcome for this annual event!