New tick and mosquito diseases make their way into the area

Ticks come in a variety of types, sizes and carry
more disease that any other insect

In the United States, ticks are responsible for more human disease than any other insect. Ironically, the mosquito isn't far behind. Even more ironic, both have introduced new complications for humans in recent times.

Let's talk about ticks first. It's annoying enough to find one crawling on your body...even if you don't find another one, you're bound to wait in anticipation that the next tingle you feel is another tick. And it wouldn't be so bad IF they didn't make you sick. As we all know, Lyme Disease, a bacteria based illness can cause fever, headache, fatigue, heart problems, joint/tissue problems and much more if not treated.

As fate would have it, a new tick strain called the Heartland Virus, discovered in 2012, has very similar symptoms- fever, feeling tired, headaches, muscle aches and more. As of March this year (and more confirmed cases are expected to surface) there were 8 cases of people infected with the Heartland Virus in Missouri. Out of that group, one death was reported. One additional death was recently reported in Kansas as well.

The ever annoying and sometimes 'sickening' mosquito

Who is a risk for the Heartland Virus? Basically anyone who spends time outside. More at risk, says the CDC, are people who are already considered 'high risk', such as heart patients, elderly, children, etc.

Our next door neighbors in Kansas are reporting on a new virus carried by mosquitoes that comes with many of the symptoms as the tick diseases- fever, headaches, joint swelling and a rash. The new mosquito strain is called the Chikungunya virus, which is thought to have originated in the Caribbean.

 At point, there have been no confirmed cases of someone dying from the Chikungunya virus.

Amiee Rosenow with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says prevention is the best bet. "We definitely want people to be aware that you know this could potentially be an issue this year and they need to protect themselves.” She went on to offer the advice that if you have symptoms, see your doctor immediately and urge him/her to check for tick and mosquito related illnesses.

What can I do to avoid these illnesses? Use insect repellent with DEET. Dump any standing water around your property such as buckets, barrels or anything with standing water in it. Wear long sleeves and pants when outside. And yes, it's true- mosquitoes are more attracted to DARK clothing.

The CDC has compiled a very educational web page regarding tick and mosquito borne diseases that can be seen here.

Scholarships available to Bates County women

Bates County Career Women are now offering the Women in Transition scholarships- if you're thinking about going back to school, don't miss this excellent opportunity as you continue your education.

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall semester and must be completed by July 1st...for more info contact Carol Ann Winburn at 660-679-5696 or 5535. Again, this opportunity is only available to female residents of Bates County.

Download and print a copy of the application here

Community Theatre Benefits meeting

click to enlarge

Atkeson Cabin moving to new home at Poplar Heights Farm...

The Atkeson Cabin prepares to move from the old Butler Museum on
Fort Scott street to it's new home at the Poplar Heights Farm
northeast of Butler.

It's just 17 feet square, made of old logs with a curling split shingle roof. Heat and cooking come from a stone fireplace, light from the window or a candle. There are no furnishings. Yet, this small cabin was home to history - from the man who used it for his U.S. Congressional office to the books he wrote detailing the history of Bates and Cass Counties. Simply called the "Atkeson cabin", it is the focus of a major restoration program being undertaken by the Marais des Cygnes Society. Today, the cabin was moved from its location just off the Butler Square to the edge of a pine grove at Poplar Heights Living History Farm in central Bates County.

William Oscar Atkeson was born in West Virginia in 1854. He went on to serve as a U.S. Congressman from Missouri. Along the way he graduated college, taught school, became a lawyer, owned several newspapers, wrote history books and novels, and served on several state commissions. He is most known, however, for his History of Bates and Cass County. Written in 1918 in this log cabin, originally located on a creek just south of Butler, Missouri, it has become the premier source for western Missouri history and genealogy.

"This is an important part of western Missouri's heritage and we are pleased we are able to rescue and preserve this historic cabin", said Brian Phillips, Executive Director of the Marias des Cygnes society. "We are fortunate to have engaged The Patton House Moving Company, well known for their work on historic properties, to move the cabin. Now that it is at Poplar Heights Farm, we will begin a summer long restoration program on the cabin. We want to thank the many individuals, especially Kenneth Meyer husband of Jane Atkeson, and the area clubs who donated funds for this important project." Phillips also said that the Atkeson Cabin will be used as a focal point for teaching visitors about the history of Bates County and the man who did so much to preserve her history. Plans are also underway to begin literacy programs for area elementary level students which would focus on reading education utilizing historic figures from the area's past.

our thanks to Brian Phillips

10th Annual Appleton City Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show

The 10th Annual Appleton City Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show will be held Saturday, July 12 at the City Park. Check-in is from 9:00 a.m. to noon and the Car Show will be from noon to 3:00 p.m. There will be a $10 entry fee per vehicle. There will be judges for all classes with 5 car classes, 3 truck classes and one each motorcycle and rat rod class. There will also be 10 special pick awards. The first 150 entries will be given Dash Plaques. D.J. Brandon Wallace will present music on the Stage. There will also be a 50-50 drawing and door prizes. In addition to the Car Show, there will also be a craft show. Vendors are wanted. Please contact Ronda Strope at 660-492-3631 or stropescents@gmail.com for craft show information. For car show information, call Bob Roos 660-492-2822, Ted McDaniel 660-492-3779, Ed Hardesty 660-464-0360 or Doug Snodgrass 660-492-2814, or email to appletoncitycarshow@yahoo.com

Lost Dog North Of Butler

Lost June 24th: Female Red Nose Pitbull with blue multi colored collar. Lost in the TT Highway area by The Butler Airport. If you have seen this dog please call 660-679-7586 or 660-424-0022.

Trents BBQ Gearing Up for Rich Hill's Famous 4th of July Celebration

Trent's BBQ in Rich Hill Missouri will be serving a new menu item during the 4th of July festivities in Rich Hill, MO-- FRIED FISH!! Trent will be cooking up all that fish, some pulled pork, sides and hot dogs for the kids.

If you are planning on enjoying all the amazing things that the Rich Hill 4th of July Committee has planned but need a good meal and a place to cool down, come on over to Trent's BBQ! It's just a small walk from downtown!

Vernon County Sheriffs Office: Still looking For Hart

Charles Allen Hart

Charles Allen Hart has been charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in the 1st degree, a class A felony. A second D felony warrant for attempted possession of a controlled substance has also been issued for Hart. Total bonds for Hart has been set at $252,500 cash only. 

Anyone with information on Charles Allen Harts whereabouts are asked to contact the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office at 417-667-6042.