Missouri drug dealers could face taxes under Senate bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Lawmakers are considering whether to tax Missouri's drug dealers.

Sen. Wayne Wallingford told a Senate panel Thursday that dealers would face an additional charge of tax evasion if they are caught with more than 35 grams of marijuana, a gram of other drugs or a dosage of illegal substances without paying a tax. Dealers would buy stamps from the state to prove they paid the tax.

Wallingford said he intends for the bill to raise money for law enforcement, not permit drug use. He said this would provide another way to prosecute drug dealers.

Sarah Rossi of the American Civil Liberties Union opposed the legislation, saying it would penalize someone twice for the same crime.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws says 20 states have stamp laws.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

North Main Street closed due to Gas Leak

The Butler Fire Department along with Liberty Utilities will have North Main Street closed from Lee Street in Butler to County Road 5004 ( Airport Road) for a unknown amount of time this afternoon to fix a gas leak in the area.

Please avoid this area and to all traffic using North Main Street please find a alternate route around this.

Mid America Live News will update this when more information is made available to us from Butler Fire Chief Jim Henry .


Copyright Mid America Live News

Meet the Nevada Police Department's Newest Intern

Barbara Odhomi

Pictured is Barbara Odhomi, she is currently a first year student at Cottey College, and is from Nigeria, Barbara has chosen to major in Information Technology, and Psychology. She plans on getting a minor in Criminal Justice or Political Science.

After the completion of her bachelor's degree she wants to obtain a law degree. Her career goal is to become a successful criminal lawyer. Her hobbies are singing, cooking, acting, and reading.

If you see Barbara welcome her to the Nevada Community.

Friendly reminder from Butler Music

Just a friendly reminder for our local customers. Due to the increased business of our online company Butler Music has no longer been accepting items for pawn since December 31st, 2015.

If you still have an item in pawn it needs to be picked up by March 31st, 2016. We appreciate all the pawn business we have done with our local customers and would like to say Thank You!!!

If you have any questions or concerns about an active pawn please stop in or call us at 660-679-3500.

Last Day to pick up active pawns is MARCH 31ST, 2016.

Age before beauty? Never!

Greg Mullinax proudly answers questions about his 1893
Wm. Knabe concert grand piano

Whether it's ragtime or Mozart, the sound radiating from this 100+ year old piano simply cannot be duplicated by a newer model. Not to mention, the appearance and styling are unrivaled as well. Truly a one of a kind found right here in Bates County.

Just yesterday, Peggy Buhr and others from the Bates County Museum paid a visit to Mullinax Funeral home to see and hear the 1893 Wm. Knabe & Co grand piano on display. 

The stately concert piano was discovered recently in Bates County- the previous owner wished it to be restored to its former glory. Greg Mullinax has done just that, making it a permanent fixture at the funeral home. And yes, it is 100% functional and can be used as part of services held in the chapel.

In fact, during the visit yesterday, Mullinax treated those present with "Hallelujah" and Pachelbel's Canon in D on the solid Mahogany keepsake. 

In talking to Greg Mullinax today, he said the public is invited to stop by (time permitting of course) for a 'mini concert'... and if you're able, feel free to tickle the ivories yourself.

A 'rear view' of the detail and craftsmanship of the past

At 123 years of age, the piano is in all original condition, thanks to
proper care over the years 

.

FLASHBACK: The store with a smile....and everything else

For over 40 years, Clarence and Celeta Erickson operated Erickson's Store on Main street in Amsterdam offering just about everything from food, household supplies, clothing and more. No need to drive to another town- Erickson's usually had what you needed, along with friendly conversation and a smile.

A side note- Celeta, often upon hearing that there were some children in town that did not have the school supplies needed, would put the necessary supplies in a brown paper bag and when those families would come into the store to get groceries, she would sneak in the school supplies as a gift. -Editor

Updated Obituary - Delmer Lee Vestal

Delmer Lee Vestal

Delmer Lee Vestal, 75, Garden City, Missouri, died Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. A memorial visitation will be held from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Delmer was born September 15, 1940 in Henry County, Missouri, the son of Roy Ivan and Elizabeth (Elam) Vestal. He grew up in Raytown, Missouri and was a graduate of Raytown High School. He married Nancy Ann Cooper on December 11, 1971. Delmer had worked as a heavy equipment operator for various rock quarries throughout the Kansas City, Missouri area. He had also worked for the Veneer Plant in Pleasant Hill, Missouri for 15 years.

Delmer was an avid outdoors man. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; he liked to mow, garden, and grow flowers. He collected and restored small antique engines and often displayed his engines at various shows. Delmer and Nancy took road trips every day, anywhere from an hour trip to an all-day trip. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and always had company in the garage. The love of the outdoors continued with his daughter and family, with weenie roasts, hiking on the railroad tracks and playing in the ponds and creeks on the farm. His family was very important to Delmer and he made weekly visits to his daughter, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter. Delmer is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home; one daughter, Cindy Bunch (Steve), Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one brother, Melvin Vestal (Lorraine), Boston, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Shelby and Olivia (Doug) and one great-granddaughter, Gabriella.

Update from the Clinton School District

The Clinton School District would like to take this opportunity to address many questions regarding the upcoming public hearing for a teacher:

The hearing will take place on February 24th, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Clinton Middle School Media Center where all Board of Education meetings are held. This hearing is open to the public, and the hearing is at the request of the teacher pursuant to the Teacher Tenure Act. The Board of Education will be presiding over the hearing. While the public is allowed to attend the hearing, only those individuals called as witnesses will have an opportunity to speak pursuant Revised Statutes of Missouri and Board of Education Policy. Capacity of the Media Center for participants and observers is 72. Doors to the Media Center open at 1:30 p.m. Parking is available in the Cardinal Stadium parking lot. The Board of Education requests that those attending the hearing be respectful of student learning as classes will be in session.

A stenographer will be present and will make a written record of these proceedings. Each side will call witnesses and the Board will hear the testimony of the witnesses. Copies of the transcript will be made available to both parties within 10 days of this hearing. The Board of Education will render a decision within 7 days after receiving the transcripts. The Board of Education then has 3 days to provide the teacher who requested the hearing with the decision.

Stephanie Harp

Administrative Assistant

Board of Education Secretary

Clinton School District

701 S. 8th Street

Clinton, MO 64735

Phone: 660-885-2237 ext. 2135

Fax: 660-885-7033