Job Opening for Newspaper Lay-out Person

Help wanted at the The News XPress, Xchanger, & Xchanger2 for newspaper lay-out.

InDesign experience preferred,

How to apply:
Send your resume to;
P.O. Box 210 Butler, Missouri 64730
or call 660-679-6126.
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Candle Light Vigil for Kaitlyn Turner at Butler City Park

A candle light vigil has been planned for the memory of a 22 year old local woman Kaitlyn Turner who was killed in a automobile accident in Kansas City last Sunday morning.

• When: February 19th 6pm – February 20th 9pm
• Where: Butler City Park
• View Event on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1587561524821629/?sid_reminder=7796502434183905280
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Vernon County Sheriffs Office: Fake checkpoint leads to arrests

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office held a checkpoint for six hours Friday, but one that did not stop individual vehicles unless drivers responded to the checkpoint signs in a suspicious or illegal manner.

Sheriff Jason Mosher said this is the first time Vernon County took part in a "ruse checkpoint" which included a parked sheriff's office vehicle with its lights on and signs announcing a checkpoint on southbound Interstate 49 at Milo.

But instead of stopping people at an actual checkpoint, members of the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, Bates County and Community Narcotics Enforcement Team would watch for drivers exiting to avoid the supposed checkpoint. "Spotters" parked on a hill off the freeway would determine if those exiting were local residents and would at times run the tags of those from out of town to see if there was a warrant out for the vehicle owner.

If a vehicle seemed especially suspicious and made an illegal act, such as running the stop sign or other action, the spotter would inform other officers parked out of sight who would pull the drivers over and possibly do a vehicle search, using the available K-9 unit to sniff out illegal substances if that was believed necessary.

As a result, about 12 arrests were made, including charges of possession of controlled substances, driving while revoked and active warrants.

Mosher says the interstate running past Nevada is a key route from northern cities such as Kansas City for individuals who might be transporting drugs or other illegal substances to the south.

"If we can find a way to stop it before it even gets distributed, we can make even more of an impact on our community," Mosher says.

Mosher said the Sheriff's Office decided in the last month to try the false checkpoint, which Bates County has done in the past.

"Other states were having a lot of success with it," Mosher said.

Mosher said he had heard of other departments and areas deciding not to do it since those they might catch with illegal substances are just driving through the area anyway, and would not impact their immediate region. But Mosher said his department is glad to do it if it prevents drugs from reaching other areas and hopes other counties and states will be willing to do it to prevent drugs from reaching Nevada.

Mosher says they may conduct a false checkpoint again in upcoming months, possibly at a different time of day, in an attempt to prevent other illegal substances from traveling through the area. Their goal is not to inconvenience local drivers, but to watch for non-locals who respond to a checkpoint suspiciously.

Courtesy of Nevada Daily Mail

Adrian woman injured in Bates County crash

On 2/17/15 around 6:30 a.m. The Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County responded to a 1 vehicle accident  East of Adrian on 18 Highway and KK Highway.

The accident occurred when the 2001 Ford driven by 57 year old Bernadette M. Hill of Adrian, Missouri was Southbound on KK Highway when she lost control on snow covered roadway, Causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a ditch.

Mrs. Hill was transported to Bates County Memorial Hospital with moderate injuries, The vehicle also received moderate damage and was towed from the scene by the owner.
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Obituary - Donald “Donnie” Blanton

Donald “Donnie” Blanton, 56, of Drexel, MO passed away February 17, 2015 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, MO. Funeral Services will be held 3:00 pm Saturday, February 21^st at Mullinax Funeral Home –Drexel Chapel with Rev. Steve Bartholomew officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Saturday, also at the Drexel Chapel. Contributions are suggested to Drexel Meals on Wheels or Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Donald Lee Blanton was born January 26, 1959 in Kansas City, KS, the son of Keith and Frances (Wade) Blanton. Donnie worked as a carpenter and bridge builder all of his life. He was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed life to the fullest and would do anything to help others. Donnie loved the outdoors, hunting deer, fishing, and especially hunting and sharing mushrooms. He enjoyed his home in the country, raising a garden and protecting it from the chickens, his pet pig and old faithful dog, Sarge. Donnie was preceded in death by his father Keith Blanton, maternal grandparents, Alfred and Virginia Wade, paternal grandparents, Chas and Montie Blanton, step-grandfather Ivan Showalter, Sr., nephew Bryan Blanton, great-niece Kayla Michele Blanton, brother-in-law Richard Pittman, along with all his maternal aunts and uncles: Lois & Bud, Virginia & Chas, Lola & Max, Mary & Jim, Ernie, Geo, & Ellene, Everett & Annie.

Donnie is survived by his parents, Frances & Ivan Showalter, Jr., wife Debbie Blanton of Gladstone, MO, daughter Jennifer Thomas and her husband Robert of Drexel, MO, five grandchildren; Elijah, John, Kyra, Justin, and Brandon, his brother Dennis Blanton and his wife Linda of Osawatomie, KS, brother Steve Blanton and his wife Lisa of Lenexa, KS, sister Vickie Pittman of Peculiar, MO, step-sister Cindy Jobes of Raymore, MO, step-brother Richard Showalter and his wife Kelly of Laurie, MO, step daughter Tracy Wherland of Gladstone, MO, step-daughter Sarah Wherland of Drexel, MO, aunt & uncle Caroline & Jim Showalter, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
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St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Lowry City woman arrested

On Feb. 17, Stephanie Shivers, 34, Lowry City, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging her with a class B misdemeanor of trespass-first degree. Bond is set at $500 cash or surety. 

The warrant was issued on Feb. 13 and stems from an incident on Nov. 24, 2014, when Shivers allegedly entered a residence on NE 700 Road, Lowry City, without permission.

Basketball game cancelled in Rich Hill

The basketball game scheduled tonight at Rich Hill has been postponed due to Osceola School not being in session. The game has been rescheduled for tomorrow, February 18th, starting at 5:00 with Junior Varsity. 
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Butler High School "Walk of Champions"

The Butler High School proudly announces a new school celebration event called the "Walk of Champions", to send off all students who are competing at the state level.

• WHEN: Wednesday February 18 at 2:45PM 
• WHERE: Butler High School Gym
• WHO: Students, Staff, and open to the General Public
• HONORING: Jacob Shipley, representing BHS at the 2015 State Wrestling Meet in the 107# weight class.

If you can make it, please come, join the line, and wish "good luck" to Jacob as he leaves for the state wrestling competition.

Please share this post, pass it along, and invite friends of Butler High School to come join us on Wednesday at 2:45.

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