MoDOT Prepares For Winter With Statewide Drill

JEFFERSON CITY - Snow is not in the local forecast yet, but the Missouri Department of Transportation wants to be ready when winter weather is here. To prepare, MoDOT will test its readiness for the upcoming winter season with a statewide drill on Nov. 5.

The drill tests MoDOT's winter battle plan to ensure its readiness to get travelers back on Missouri roadways as quickly as possible after winter storms.

"Over 3,500 MoDOT employees are involved in our winter operations, including every maintenance crew across the state," said State Maintenance Engineer Beth Wright. "The annual drill helps to make sure we all know our roles during a storm, and we can do our jobs successfully."

During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department's emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks.

"One of the most valuable parts of the drill is to measure our snowplow circuits by driving routes we may have modified since the previous winter season. As we open new roads and lanes we must modify our snow removal plans." said Wright. "It also allows our newest snow fighters one last opportunity to drive a snowplow over some of their proposed routes so they are aware of obstacles and obstructions that might be hidden in a storm by snow or ice such as curbs and raised islands."

Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m. Wright estimates that the exercise will take about six hours.

The drill isn't the only element to MoDOT's winter weather operations. All maintenance employees complete an annual winter skills training that serves as a refresher course for plowing snow. The training assures that proper equipment operation, plowing techniques and safety measures are fresh on employees' minds as winter approaches. Every piece of equipment - every truck, motorgrader, snow blower, and tractor - is inspected to ensure proper operation.

"Our ultimate goal is to handle the first snowfall like we've been plowing snow all year," said Wright. "Careful planning and preparation mean our crews can mobilize when needed and our equipment will be ready."

The Missouri Department of Transportation annually spends about $46 million to keep roads clear in the winter and help ensure motorists get to their destinations safely and quickly. For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other winter weather information, visithttp://www.modot.org/.

Public Service Information: Youth Butler Flag Football Pictures Available

Youth Butler Flag Football pictures are now available for pick up at State Farm Insurance Building located at 3 West Dakota Street in Butler 

( South side of the Butler square). 

Adrian Optimist Club Students of the month

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”.

Pictured: Ballard Athletic Director Sammy Hill, Holly Tate, 
and Adrian Optimist Member Cary Six

The Ballard Student of the Month for October is Holly Tate, junior daughter of Troy and Janet Tate. Technology Director, Cheryl Murchie, states “Holly Tate is a very hard working girl. She always has a ready smile and and a helping hand to anyone that she meets in the halls and in class. Holly is a great role model for her classmates and underclassmen. Holly can always be relied on to do any task set before her and she makes sure she does it to the best of her ability.”

Pictured: Adrian Optimist Member Warren Earle, 
Trevor Ewbank, and Miami Principal Dr Daniel Johnson

The Miami Student of the Month is Trevor Ewbank. Trevor is the senior son of Tracy and Angela Ewbank. In school, Trevor participates in FFA, basketball, and baseball. He is also active at Merwin Christian Church. Trevor states, “I strive to better myself and my school everyday. I love my community as well as my school.” Charlie Jenkins, Miam Vo-Ag instructor states, “Trevor is a hard working, outgoing, intelligent young man. He does all asked to the best of his ability.” Trevor plans to attend the University of Arkansas.

Pictured: Adrian Optimist Member Cary Six, Quincy Keating, and Adrian Principal Abe Lewis

Quincy Keating is the Adrian Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Phil and Kari Keating. In her senior year, Quincy is active in basketball, softball, FCCLA and NHS. Outside of school, Quincy works at Yoss Thriftway and spends time with friends and family. After high school, Quincy plans to attend OTC for her first two years using A+. She then plans to transfer to Missouri State University to major in Early Childhood Education and minor in Special Education

Butler Optimist Toys for Tykes Program

Attention Bates County, it’s that time of year again. We are kicking off our Annual Butler Optimist Toys for Tykes program. If this program will benefit you please come sign up in person at 804 West Fort Scott street on November 6th, 11th or 20th from 9:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. the sooner the better, please bring the following information. 

Photo ID, Social Security card or Birth Certificate of each child, proof of income or most recent paycheck stub.

Everyone must be seen in person. Also remember we are going to need these children adopted so anyone looking to adopt a child or family needs to call and register also.

Let's help put smile on a child's face this Christmas morning...call Kristi at 816-738-0581 or Dillon at 816-394-0102.

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: misdemeanor warrant arrest‏

Rocky Willis

On Nov. 3, Rocky Willis, 36, Osceola, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant for failing to appear in court on two misdemeanor charges of passing a bad check less that $500. The charges stem from incidents in March. The warrant was issued on Oct. 17 and bond is set at $250 cash only.

Obituary - Matthew Scott Chism

Matthew Scott Chism

Visitation for Matthew Scott Chism is Wednesday,November 5th, 2014 from 600PM to 8:00PM at Brumback Funeral Home in Stockton, Missouri located at 309 South High Street.

The funeral service will be at the Stockton R-1 High School located at 14109 South 39 High, Stockton, Missouri. 

The funeral begins at 2:00 pm on November 6th, 2014.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Report 11/3/14

On 11/3/14 around 11:00 a.m. The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 34 year old Kenion R. Brown of Harrisonville, Missouri. He was arrested for 1.) Felony possession of Methamphetamine 2.) Unlawful use of drug paraphernalia 3.) Speeding 4.) Expired registration 5.) Excessive window tint 6.) No insurance. He was booked into the Bates County Jail and later released.

UPDATED: Obituary - Robert Edward “Bob” Hutcheson

Funeral services for Bob Hutcheson will be 2:00 PM Friday, November 7, 2014 at Mullinax Funeral Home (660-679-0009) in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 1 – 2 PM at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to American Cancer Society or Shriners Hospital. Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Robert Edward “Bob” Hutcheson, 76 of Butler, Missouri and formerly of Kansas City, passed away November 2, 2014 at Vitas Hospice in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob was born February 16, 1938 in Pryor, Oklahoma, son of Walter and Martha (Reynolds) Hutcheson.

Bob enjoyed a long career in radiator repair but will also be well remembered for “tinkering” on lawn mowers, something he loved to do. He also enjoyed fishing, pool, playing guitars and singing. Bob loved his family and liked to talk with all his friends. His family and friends describe him as the most honest man you’d ever meet; and one who gave great advice. His children remember him as the greatest dad ever, but indeed he will be missed by everyone.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, and three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Nora Hutcheson of Butler; and four children: Edward Lee Hutcheson, Dale Allen Hutcheson, Danny Wayne Hutcheson, and Gloria Dawna Swenson; four grandchildren: Bobby, Amanda, Austin, and Brandie; and eight great-grandchildren.