Bates County has spoken!

Those in and around the Bates County Clerk's Office last night kept vigil as the ballot boxes were unloaded and made their way inside the courthouse. Like clockwork, Clerk Marlene Wainscott and her staff swiftly went through the standard procedures, all the while knowing this election was a 'big un'...

photo by Kevin Stewart

There was some idle chat about anticipated voter turnout- normally, anything nearing 40% would be considered awesome. 

There were some good guesses on what it would be last night. 50%? Nah. 60%? Some shot higher than 70%, which was met with a little disbelief. 

Hey, no matter how many elections you've been through in your life, you have to admit this one was probably the most (searching for words here) crazy?

Needless to say, Bates Countians showed up in droves. Of the 10,666 registered voters, 8,152 dutifully went to the polls which resulted in a whopping 76.43% voter turnout. Bam!

Great job! And whether you agree with the winners or not, the people have spoken. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.

Click here to check out the results from last night http://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2016/11/november-8th-2016-bates-county-election.html

Obituary - Harry Howard

Herb Howard, 88, of Raymore, Missouri, formerly of Urich, Mo., died Tuesday morning, November 8, 2016 at the Foxwood Springs Living Center in Raymore. 

Arrangements are pending under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton, Mo.

Nevada Police Seeking Public Assistance

Nevada Police Department  are asking for help in identifying the subject shown below. 

He or she is a suspect in the theft of items from a yard in the 300 Block of South Pine.

If you have information on this case please contact  Det. Jens Barclay 417-448-5136 or TIPS Hotline 667-8477.

Story hour set for tomorrow at the Bates County Museum

Story Hour tomorrow at 10 at the Bates County Museum! Friends, this is going to be so FUN!

We will have the story, songs, craft and snack as usual, but then we will be given a tour of the museum! Weather permitting, parents will get to take pictures of their kids in a carriage!

The museum is located at 802 Elks Drive in Butler. Enter through the back entrance to Robertson Hall, please. See you there!

Police search for stolen vehicle in Butler

Photo #1

The Butler Police Department is attempting to locate a stolen  red in color 4 door 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer.

The vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a residence in Butler on 11/2 -11/3.

If anyone sees this vehicle please contact the Butler Police Department at 660-679-6131.

Photo #2

Obituary - Paul Riley

Paul Riley 60, of Clinton, MO passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Joy Adult Care in Clinton, MO.

Paul was born January 19, 1956 in Windsor, MO the son of Robert L. and Barbara A (Smith) Riley. He graduated from Windsor High School

and had been a past resident of Nevada, MO. Paul was a story teller, had big ideas and was friendly and will be missed by the residents and

staff at Joy Adult care. Paul will be buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Sedalia, MO. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Joy Adult Care

in Clinton, MO.

Update: Fire Damages Rich Hill Home

Rich Hill - The Rich Hill Fire Department responded Sunday night 11-6-2016 at 1929 hours to a fire at 100 E. Chestnut where a single family residential dwelling was found to be engulfed in flames. Firefighters from Butler Fire Department also responded.

The building was not occupied at time of the fire. The fire was extinguished without incident. No injuries to report.

The fire was under control at 2001hours. 

The Missouri State Fire Marshal Division is conducting an investigation on cause and origin of fire, which appears to be suspicious.

If you have any information which may help with the investigation please contact the Missouri State Fire Marshal Division at 1-573-751-2930.

Obituary - Rose Marie Scott

Rose Marie Scott, 80 of Concordia, Kansas passed away November 7, 2016 at Mount Joseph Senior Living in Concordia. Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Monday, November 14, 2016 in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri. 

No visitation. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor’s choice. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Rose Marie Scott was born December 11, 1935 in Richmond, KY to John and Mary Stutter Grimes. She was united in marriage to Josephus Scott in Cincinnati, OH in 1955. He preceded her in death in 2001. Rose Marie is survived by her sons and their families, Robbie Scott of Sedalia, MO, John Scott of Jewell, KS, and Bill Scott of Ludlow, KY.