Hume man has pleaded guilty in Vernon County Circuit Court

A rural Hume man has pleaded guilty in Vernon County circuit court to a felony charge of the failure to register as a sex offender. 40-year-old Brent Morrison pleaded guilty during a hearing Tuesday and judge James R. Bickel sentenced him to four years in prison, suspending the execution of the sentence pending the successful completion of five years' probation -- including 60 days of shock time in the Vernon County jail. He also is to pay court costs within two-and-a-half years.  

Obituary - Raymond Still

Raymond Junior Still, 83, Adrian, Missouri, died Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at Adrian Manor. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian with visitation from 10:00-11:00. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice. A complete obituary will be posted when available.

It's Cruise Night this Friday!

A cool cruiser from earlier this year. Cruise night is held on the
fourth Friday of each month throughout summer

This Friday is Cruise Night at Sonic Drive In sponsored by the Butler Chamber of Commerce.

The weather is supposed to cooperate with a high of 86. You might win the 50/50 pot, plus you can get Butler Chamber coupon books for just $3.

Shine up your rod and come early if you like- the cruise runs 6 to 9 p.m. Live music will be provided by the River Bend Band.

Obituary - Juanita Wayland

Funeral services for Juanita Wayland will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2014 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Dave Owsley officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 10-11 a.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Ohio Street Untied Methodist Church, Heartland Hospice or Butler Public Library.

Juanita Lee Wayland, age 85 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at her home in Butler. She was born July 9, 1928 to Burch Warren and Dolly Gustava Bone Noel in Malden, Missouri.

Juanita is survived by her husband Bob Wayland of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Jane Maffey Garrett and husband Dennis of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two stepsons, Brad Wayland and wife Micki of Raymore, Missouri and Tim Wayland and wife Sharon of Olathe, Kansas; stepdaughter, Vicki Peterson and husband Rusty of San Angelo, Texas; nine grandchildren, Mistie Brooks, Kelsey Hilton, Kenton Noel Garrett, Drew Peterson, Josh Wayland, Jacob Wayland, Brad Wayland, Jr., Chris Peterson and Leslie Cook; and 12 great-grandchildren, Makayla, Tyler, Elle, Emma, Presley, Cole, Avery, Trip, Deacon, Dane, Crew and Titus. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one daughter, Connie Maffey.

Sheriff Anderson recovers after accidental electrocution

Earlier today, the Bates County Sheriff and a few of his employees were in the City of Rich Hill setting up the command center to test the radios and do a trial run to ensure everything is in working order for the upcoming 4th of July celebration.

The Sheriff turned on a breaker that was on a light pole so they could get power to the command center. The breaker box malfunctioned and the Sheriff was electrocuted when he flipped the breaker on. He was thrown a few feet from the pole and was knocked unconscious. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

The Sheriff sought treatment at the Bates County Memorial Hospital where he was admitted for precautionary measures. He will remain in the hospital for 24 hours for observation and is expected to make a full recovery.

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