From the Bates County Sheriff's Office

Ever think to yourself that you want to be part of something bigger than yourself? Have you ever wanted to give back to your community? Have you ever wanted to make a difference in a strangers life?

The Bates County Sheriffs Office is seeking qualified persons who are excited to be involved in the community. 

We are still hiring for the position of Communications Officer. This job requires the ability to multi-task, excellent communication skills and to be able to handle high stress situations. 

We are looking for candidates that realize that the schedule and hours are dependent upon the needs of the Sheriffs Office. Full time and part time employees Must be willing to work, weekends holidays, nights or days as needed. 

Must be able to pass a criminal and moral background checks. Starting pay is $10hr with an increase to $11 when the employee gets off probation in 6 months. There is another increase to $12 hr at the one year anniversary.

If you've wanted to get involved in Law Enforcement or make a positive difference in your community we encourage you to apply. You can download an application from our website at www.batescountysheriff.comor in person at 6 W.Ft Scott Butler Mo 64730

Greg Mullinax hosting Free BBQ Dinner in Adrian

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Residents of ADRIAN... Drexel... Northern Bates County!

It is my honor to invite you to a FREE BBQ Dinner Friday, October 28, 6PM at the Adrian Optimist Building in Adrian, Mo. Please plan to attend, bring your friends and family!!

This is a totally free event. Music & entertainment, and a free dinner provided by me. I hope you'll plan to join us.

Obituary - Sherry D. Francis

Sharry Diane Francis age 58 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at her home in Harrisonville.

Sherry is survived by her companion John Barr of the home; a son, Robert K. Rape Jr. and his wife Kari of St. Charles, Illinois; three daughters, Angela M. Brown and her husband Jeremy of Peculiar, Missouri, Brynan L. and Lindsay D. Francis both of Osage Beach, Missouri; two brothers, James Masiongale of Woodway, Texas, and Jeffrey Masiongale of Waco, Texas; eleven grandchildren; a great grand son; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with burial in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the St. Jude's Children Hospital.

A complete obituary will be posted here as soon as that information becomes available.

Greg Mullinax hosts Fish Fry

ATTENTION: RICH HILL RESIDENTS! Papinville - Rockville - Prairie City - Happy Hill - Hume - Foster.... and all areas in between!

YOU ARE INVITED TO A FREE FISH FRY! Come join me at Trent's BBQ in Rich Hill Thursday, Oct. 27th, 6PM. Music & entertainment and a GREAT fish fry by Trent Nelson.

Bring the whole family. This is a FREE event and I hope to see you all there. It should be a lot of fun.

Updated Obituary - Justin Daniel Eager

Justin Daniel Eager

Justin Daniel Eager, 39, of Kansas City, Missouri. Jesus received his spirit and carried him through the light into God's presence on October 10, 2016. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 15, 11:00am in the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, MO. Visitation will be one hour prior. 

Inurnment will be at the Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and can be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

He was born on March 15, 1977 in Clinton, Missouri. Throughout his life he crammed as much life, love, and laughter as he could in his 39 years. The most precious loves of his life were his two daughters which he was extremely proud of. He was blessed by the friendships he made along the path of life. 

He is survived by his parents, Mike and Joyce Eager, sister, Brandy Eager-Valentine (John), daughters; Kathryn and Lauren all from Belton, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Eager, Glen Jr and Linnie Smith, and infant son Jacob. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.

Obituary - Marlisa Jo Martinez

Marlisa Jo Martinez

Marlisa Jo Martinez, of Harrisonville, Missouri was born May 4, 1965 in Kansas City, Kansas the daughter of Ronald Gene Perkins and Sharon Marie (Hildebrand) Harmon. She departed this life on Tuesday, October 12, 2016 at her home near Harrisonville at the age of 51 years, 5 months and 8 days.

On December 20, 2000, Marlisa was united in marriage to Robert Junior Martinez in Windsor, Missouri.

Marlisa was employed in the medical field as a Business Office Manager. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Marlisa loved to travel and all 7 of her dogs. She will be dearly missed by one and all.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Laura Louise Perkins in 1971.

Marlisa is survived by her husband, Robert J. Martinez of the home; two sons, Charles Lehmkuhl and wife Jamie and Andrew Lehmkuhl all of Peculiar, Missouri; two step-daughters, Jamie Thomas, Slater, Missouri, Flieshea Martinez, State of Kansas; 13 grandchildren; her mother and step-father, Sharon and Bill Harmon, Independence, Missouri; her father, Ron Perkins, State of Missouri; a sister, Theresa Wright, Kansas City, Kansas; other relatives and friends.

"If only" doesn't save lives Motorists reminded to drive safely around big trucks

How often after a crash do people question, "If only they'd used their turn signal, or if only they'd worn their safety belt?" "If only" doesn't save lives - driving smart does.

Commercial motor vehicles (CMV) are an important part of our nation's economy. They carry goods from coast to coast and make up 20 percent of all traffic on Missouri's interstates. During Operation Safe Driver Week, Oct. 16-22, along with statewide educational efforts, law enforcement will actively pull passenger vehicles and trucks over for unsafe behavior, including but not limited to speeding, failure to obey a traffic device or driving under the influence.

Crashes involving tractor trailers don't happen very often, but when they do, the disproportionate size of a truck versus a car means those crashes can often involve serious injuries or worse. There's no room for taking chances around big trucks - they require big room. "We don't want you to take any chances when it comes to safely moving around big trucks," said Bill Whitfield, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "Please pay attention."

There were 120 people killed and 3,732 injured in Missouri traffic crashes involving a CMV in 2015. Here are some safety tips to help keep everyone safe when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles:

• Don't cut off large trucks or buses when passing. Make sure you can see the top of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror before moving back into your original lane.
• Stay out of the "No Zone." Big trucks have large blind spots on either side and up to 200 feet behind a vehicle. Pass only on the left side. 
• Watch your following distance. Keep a safety cushion around trucks. Can you see the truck's side mirrors? If not, the driver cannot see you.

For additional information regarding roadway safety, or other transportation-related topics, contact the MoDOT Customer Service Center toll free, at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). For more information on the Operation Safe Driver Campaign, visit http://savemolives.com/campaigns/details/operation-safe-driver-awareness-week.

Harvest season is underway on Missouri farms

It's harvest time on Missouri farms and MoDOT wants to remind motorists to pay extra attention to farm equipment using and crossing state roadways.

"Harvest season is a busy time of the year for Missouri's farm families, and MoDOT wants to make it a safe time of year too," said MoDOT Traffic and Highway Safety Engineer Eileen Rackers. "Tractors, trucks and other farm equipment are slow moving, and motorists may be surprised when they come up behind one on a Missouri highway."

Missouri's 34,000 miles of state roadway pass alongside the fields of thousands of farms throughout the state.

Motorists are advised to slow down when approaching farm vehicles. Be patient as the farm vehicles travel to their field entrances. 

In passing zones, please wait until it is safe and pass at a safe distance and speed.