Write in votes: Snoopy for Sheriff?

As election results come in, all eyes are typically on the candidates, but you can't help but notice the number of 'write ins' at the bottom of the list.

Who were they? Inquiring minds want to know.

We could assume that some legitimate names were jotted down in good faith. After all, it's your right to vote your conscience. 

By contrast, why wouldn't Yosemite Sam make a good sheriff? Maybe Bugs Bunny for Treasurer?

Problem is, it's a wasted vote. 

Mid America Live went to the country clerk's office to get this official quote:

"The only write-ins that are tallied are the ones that have filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate. In smaller elections if no one files for an office that is up for election those written in will count also. Amusing names written this election are Bob Dole for Sheriff, Donald Duck for Assessor and Treasurer, and Snoopy for Public Administrator."

So unless you know for a fact that Elmer Fudd has been in to sign up, you might save your vote for someone who is really running for office.

Deer Hides Needed Help A Veteran

Statement from new Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

Greg D. Mullinax

Good morning, everyone. 

To say that I am humbled by the outcome of this election is an understatement. I want you to know that I consider my next role as your Bates County Coroner to be the most important job of my life. Last night it became, and will be until my last day in office, MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.  PERIOD.  You chose to put me in this office and you will not be disappointed.

I've already begun working as hard as I can for you.  One of my first priorities will be to cooperate with the Bates County Office of Emergency Management to participate in and develop trainings and exercises for casualty situations.  In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting with all law enforcement, first responders and emergency personnel throughout Bates County to coordinate our efforts to make certain you receive the very best of our combined abilities.  Cooperation makes us all stronger and serves you WELL.

Perhaps more than anyone, I am well aware of the high level of service we have ALL received from our current coroner, Mr. Gary Schowengerdt.  I'm committed to cooperating with him to ensure a smooth transition and a continued strong working relationship.  

Over the last several months, I've enjoyed being busy at all sorts of events and activities important to you and your families and friends. Many people speculate, as I often do, that with the close of a political year those activities cease and you might think my support for you would decline.  Please know that I take your decision to elect me SERIOUSLY, and I wouldn't think of doing any less for you.  You WILL see me just as you always have, and can count on me as you have always done.  You'll see!

I am and will forever remain grateful for your trust and confidence.  I shall never take it lightly.

Very truly,
Greg

The Missouri shakeout: Statewide poll numbers

Donald Trump garnered the 10 Electoral votes needed to win the state. Here's a breakout of how other races ended last night: 

U.S. President and Vice President 

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Timothy Michael Kaine Democratic 1,054,889 37.836%
Donald J. Trump, Michael R. Pence Republican 1,585,753 56.877%
Gary Johnson, Bill Weld Libertarian 96,404 3.458%
Darrell L. Castle, Scott N. Bradley Constitution 12,966 0.465%
Jill Stein, Ajamu Baraka Green 25,086 0.900%
Marshall Schoenke, James Creighton Mitchell, Jr Write-in 11,503 0.413%
Tom Hoefling, Steve Schulin Write-in 26 0.001%
Laurence Kotlikoff, Edward Leamer Write-in 13 0.000%
Evan McMullin, Nathan Johnson Write-in 1,372 0.049%
"Rocky" Roque De La Fuente, Michael Steinberg Write-in 10 0.000%
Total Votes: 2,788,022

U.S. Senator 

Jason Kander Democratic 1,283,222 46.208%
Roy Blunt Republican 1,370,240 49.342%
Jonathan Dine Libertarian 67,067 2.415%
Fred Ryman Constitution 25,194 0.907%
Johnathan McFarland Green 30,413 1.095%
Gina Bufe Write-in 871 0.031%
Patrick Lee Write-in 14 0.001%
Thomas Morgan Write-in 2 0.000%
Steven Wallace Write-in 1 0.000%
Nathaniel (Nate) Malone Write-in 1 0.000%
Jon Kelly Write-in 2 0.000%
Total Votes: 2,777,027

Governor 

Chris Koster Democratic 1,261,110 45.399%
Eric Greitens Republican 1,424,730 51.289%
Cisse W Spragins Libertarian 40,718 1.466%
Don Fitz Green 20,785 0.748%
Lester Benton (Les) Turilli, Jr. Independent 29,774 1.072%
Dave Altis Write-in 730 0.026%
Theo Brown Sr Write-in 2 0.000%
Martin Lindstedt Write-in 5 0.000%
Total Votes: 2,777,854

Lieutenant Governor 

Russ Carnahan Democratic 1,153,393 42.107%

Mike Parson Republican 1,450,717 52.961%
Steven R. Hedrick Libertarian 68,665 2.507%
Jennifer Leach Green 65,733 2.400%
Jake Wilburn Write-in 712 0.026%
Total Votes: 2,739,220

Secretary of State 

Robin Smith Democratic 1,046,769 38.261%
John (Jay) Ashcroft Republican 1,581,428 57.804%
Chris Morrill Libertarian 107,663 3.935%
Total Votes: 2,735,860

State Treasurer 

Judy Baker Democratic 1,061,804 39.151%
Eric Schmitt Republican 1,536,314 56.648%
Sean O'Toole Libertarian 77,844 2.870%
Carol Hexem Green 35,455 1.307%
Arnie C. AC Dienoff Write-in 623 0.023%
Total Votes: 2,712,040

Attorney General 

Teresa Hensley Democratic 1,124,620 41.309%
Josh Hawley Republican 1,597,857 58.691%

U.S. Representative - District 4 

Gordon Christensen Democratic 92,385 27.846%
Vicky Hartzler Republican 225,034 67.827%
Mark Bliss Libertarian 14,355 4.327%
Total Votes: 331,774 

State Senator 

Ed Emery Republican 57,195 72.431%
Lora Young Libertarian 9,990 12.651%
Tim Wells Independent 11,780 14.918%

State Representative - District 56 

DJ Rash Democratic 5,247 31.844%
Jack Bondon Republican 11,230 68.156%

State Representative - District 126 

Patricia Pike Republican 14,016 100.000%

Constitutional Amendment 1 
YES 2,203,717 80.138%
NO 546,181 19.862%

Constitutional Amendment 2 
YES 1,877,477 69.947%
NO 806,676 30.053%

Constitutional Amendment 3
YES 1,107,716 40.760%
NO 1,609,953 59.240%

Constitutional Amendment 4 
YES 1,522,189 57.056%
NO 1,145,709 42.944%

Constitutional Amendment 6 
YES 1,700,139 63.139%
NO 992,555 36.861%

Proposition A 
YES 1,210,199 44.738%
NO 1,494,886 55.262%

Meet the team set for next week

Meet your team for the basketball season will be held Monday, November 14th at 7:00 pm at the school.

Come out and support your Drexel Bobcats!

All in good fun...

Jake Mager photo

As polls closed last night, the Butler square came alive for the much anticipated political debate between Republican businessman Mark Muller and well known local Democrat frontperson Kay Caskey.

The Union Restaurant was host to the event that filled the confines with plenty of political back-and-forth views, all done for fun, while broadcast live by 92.1 The Bullet.

Caskey and Muller, along with the Union would like to thank everyone who listened and played along. 

And who knows... maybe in four years we'll do it again?! 

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.