Freezing rain in today's forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Bates County and
surrounding areas for this afternoon/overnight. The advisory will be in effect from 4 pm this afternoon through 10 am tomorrow morning.

The forecast calls for freezing rain to switch over to snow during the overnight hours with 1-2 inches expected.
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Obituary - James "Bill" Ramage

James "Bill" Ramage, of Rich Hill, passed away on Tuesday, February 17th at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was 91. Arrangements are under the direction of Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 20th at Heuser Funeral Home witn burial and military rites in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 19th at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Rich Hill Christian Church.
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St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Walker man arrested

Levi Sieleman

On Feb. 18, Levi Sieleman, 33, Walker, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant for failing to appear in court for a probation violation hearing on an original charge of non support. The warrant was issued on Jan. 8 and stems from an original incident in January 2013. Bond is set at $2,500 cash only.

Drexel Dollar Store nears completion

The new Dollar Store takes shape at 2nd and Elm streets in Drexel. Barring delays, the store is scheduled to open next month.
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Obituary - Chrystal J. Atkins

Chrystal J. Atkins, 84, formerly of Adrian, MO, died Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Beautiful Savior Home, Belton, MO. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian, MO, with a visitation 11:00-noon. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice of Kansas City. A complete obituary will be posted when the information is available.
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Vehicle theft and burglary in Nevada

The Nevada Police Department have been investigating a vehicle theft and burglary reports in Nevada. According to Nevada Police Department Officials, on Tuesday, Deputies began investigating a report of a stolen vehicle in the 800 block of North Osage. The vehicle was reported to be a secured red 2007 4 door Chevy Sierra, with dealer plates, that was taken from a local business. 

On the same day, Deputies began investigating a report of an attempted burglary in the 500 block of East Cherry. These investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is asked to call the Nevada Police Department at 417-448-2710.

This date in history: Cheap signs irritate editor

Courtesy of the Eddie Hermann archives and the Bates County Museum

February 19

1870-The cage ordered by the Bates County Sheriff from St. Louis should be arriving in Butler very shortly. It is 13 1/2 feet long and 7 feet wide. The cost is $1,000.

1870-Bates County Sheriff Smith (W.T. Smith) takes delivery on a custom made buggy from Hale, Evans & Co.

1876-The committee on a public library for Butler makes a survey and finds a willingness of citizens to donate books and money.

1905-J. A. DeArmond resigns as Butler City Attorney and Clerk J.F. Smith is appointed.

1907-The editor of the Bates County Record says, "The new street signs are the cheapest looking signs, ever. But what can you expect for a quarter?"

1911-Ob Keirsey , of near Ballard, is in the Spruce area and takes one of the school marms 'sleighing'. No one else sees any snow.

1914-At the wedding of Mary Alleene Arnold of Butler and William N. Mills of K.C., the Butler Mandolin Club plays softly during the ceremony.

Weather Update: Two upcoming chances for snow

We've got two systems to watch over the next few days: 1) A quick brush of around a half inch of snow Thursday afternoon - early Friday morning, and 2) A messier, mixed wintry precipitation system Friday night - Saturday.

There's still a lot of uncertainty with the weekend system, but at least a potential for a band of 1-2+" generally along and north of I-70. Higher amounts are possible within that band, but we're not confident enough to put up any higher contours at this point. We could also see some light ice accumulations along and south of I-70 on Friday night, depending on surface temperatures and exactly when/where precipitation begins.

We'll be updating and refining both the amounts and precipitation types over the next few days, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast if you have travel plans!