Rich Hill Schools - KC Meteorologist Speaking on Wed. Jan. 22 - Open to Public‏

On Wednesday, January 22, at 6 p.m., the Multipurpose Completion Committee is welcoming WDAF (FOX 4 Kansas City) meteorologist Michelle Bogowith and KOMU (Columbia) anchor and reporter Jim Riek, co-authors of "Joplin: Our Words, Our Stories, Their Hope."  Bogowith and Riek made more than thirty trips to Joplin in the year after the May 22, 2011, tornado.  They will be sharing some of their stories and focusing on the importance of being prepared in a severe weather threat.  The Multipurpose Completion Committee invites members of the community to attend.  The event will be held at the Rich Hill High School auditorium.  To learn more about the Safe Room project or to make a donation, visit www.richhillsaferoom.com.

Weather Update: Very Windy Today

Batten down the hatches, hoist ye sails, tie down your youngins and pets.....it's gonna be windy today. Looks almost like a repeat of Tuesday's windfest. Winds ...could gust to 45 mph over far northwest Missouri as well as much of Kansas. Most of the rest of northern and west central Missouri can expect winds to gust to 30 to 35 mph.

Butler Fire Department: Fire South Of Passaic

The Butler Fire Department along with Bates County Sheriff's Office responded to a unknown structure fire at Neal's RV Repair South of Passaic tonight around 8pm tonight. Upon arrival to the scene it was determined that the object on fire was a semi truck trailer. The fire units have left the scene and are back in quarters.

Longtime Adrian Coach George Bruto Retires

FM92 has learned that one of the area’s longest tenured coaches announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon.
George Bruto, head coach at Adrian High School since 1986 made his retirement official in a team meeting. He finished his career with a 240-77 record, a win total that places him in the top 15 all-time in Missouri.

Bruto’s career includes a Class 1 state title in 2002, another title appearance in 1987, along with eight more trips to the semifinals.

Coach Bruto states that he is going to sit back and relax a little bit with his wife Patti and watch his grandbabies grow.
Good Luck Coach Bruto, you will be missed. 

Burglary In Butler

The Butler Police Department is on scene of a reported burglary at 409 S. Olive Street here in Butler. The gentleman returned home from work and notice his house had been broken into and several of his items were missing. If you have any information on this please contact the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131. Bates County Live will update this when and if more information becomes available.

Job Opening In Butler

Butler Music is looking to add another member to its already growing team. This person would help with any overflow activities, and mostly do general chores suc...h as cleaning, keeping toiletries stocked, and keeping the refrigerator stocked. During busy times you may also be asked to help with other tasks such as packing and pulling orders and helping customers in the retail store. Because this position would only require 2.5 hours a day (M-F) of work, the ideal candidate would be a high school student who could clock in after school. Starting pay is $7.50 per hour and after 90 days if you are still with us you will receive a raise based on your work so far. There is also potential during the summer for additional hours as well. Please call 660-679-3500 and ask for Andy or Jeff if you are interested in the position. Or you can stop by and fill out an application at: Butler Music 103 W Dakota St Butler, MO 64730

Clinton Scout Troop 225 Trailer Stolen

Clinton Scout Troop 225 recently purchased a used trailer from a bank. The 2001 Dolittle trailer, 12 feet by 6 feet, is white and enclosed. It had an “Arrow Rock Log Homes” painting on one side, two doors on the back and one door on the right side.

The trailer was parked by a house located at 205 West Mill St., Clinton, near North Katy Trail Estates. There was a motion sensor light by the house where the trailer was situated. The trailer was last seen at 10:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13. It was packed with donated items for a fundraising garage sale Troop 225 was planning.

Funds raised from the benefit garage sale were to be used to help underwrite an expedition to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico by some of the Scouts. The used trailer itself was to be utilized to transport equipage of the troop to Philmont.

Area law enforcement agencies have been notified. The Clinton Police Department is investigating. If anyone has any information concerning this incident, however scant, they are asked to please contact law enforcement or Clinton Fire Chief Leo Huff, 890-4239 in addition to Scoutmaster Dennis Wolfe, 351-0392.

Scouts are hoping someone saw this trailer being hauled by a vehicle from the area where it had been stored.

Petitions Dealing With Marijuana and Hemp

Thirteen Initiative Petitions Relating to the Production, Sale, Distribution, and Consumption of Marijuana and Hemp Products Approved for Circulation for 2014 Ballot

Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Jason Kander today announced that 13 initiative petitions relating to the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of marijuana and hemp products met state standards for circulation.
                                       
The official ballot title for six of the initiative petitions, 2014-080, 2014-081, 2014-088, 2014-089, 2014-090 and 2014-092, reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• allow the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of marijuana and hemp products by persons at least 21 years old;
• permit the state to establish a tax and authorize regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana;
• change criminal provisions for marijuana offenses and allow individuals who have certain marijuana-related offenses to apply to have the records relating to the offenses expunged; and
• allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes?

State government expects $1 million in startup costs and annual operating costs starting at $4.6 million, possibly offset by unknown savings in the criminal justice system. Legislative and agency actions will impact potential increased state revenue. The annual revenue increase could possibly exceed $142 million. The fiscal impact to local governments is unknown.

The official ballot title for another five of the initiative petitions, 2014-082, 2014-083, 2014-084, 2014-085 and 2014-086, reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• allow the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of marijuana and hemp products by persons at least 21 years old;
• permit the state to establish a tax and authorize regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana;
• change criminal provisions for marijuana offenses and allow individuals who have certain marijuana-related offenses to apply to have the records relating to the offenses expunged; and
• allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes?

State government expects $1 million in startup costs and annual operating costs starting at $4.6 million, possibly offset by unknown savings in the criminal justice system. Legislative and agency actions will impact potential increased state revenue. The annual revenue increase could possibly exceed $217 million. The fiscal impact to local governments is unknown.

The official ballot title for the other two of the initiative petitions, 2014-087 and 2014-091, reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• allow the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of marijuana and hemp products by persons at least 21 years old;
• permit the state to establish a tax and authorize regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana;
• change criminal provisions for marijuana offenses; and
• allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes?

State government expects $1 million in startup costs and annual operating costs starting at $4.6 million, possibly offset by unknown savings in the criminal justice system. Legislative and agency actions will impact potential increased state revenue. The annual revenue increase could possibly exceed $142 million. The fiscal impact to local governments is unknown.

The petitions, which would amend Article I of the Missouri Constitution, were submitted by Dan Viets, 15 N. Tenth St., Columbia, MO 65201.

Before any constitutional changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2014 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to eight (8) percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 governor's election from six of the state's eight congressional districts.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2014 ballot are due to the secretary of state’s office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 4, 2014.

Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the secretary of state and attorney general. The secretary of state then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words and the state auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the attorney general. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.