Don’t guess — soil tests save time and money

From the Bates County Extension office

Soil testing is the best guide to the wise and efficient use of fertilizer and soil amendments, says Manjula Nathan, director of the MU Extension Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services.
Whether you grow acres of row crops or have a vegetable patch in the backyard, a soil test will provide you with an analysis of nutrients and a set of recommendations for any improvements.

“We frequently get questions from customers like, ‘I apply fertilizer every year. How come my plants are not doing well?’” Nathan says.

“Most of the time the problem is they never have done a soil test, but have been guessing on fertilizer requirements,” she says. “They do not realize that by guessing they are wasting money by over- or underapplication, and the excess fertilizer can end up in streams, ponds and underground water, polluting the environment.”

Soil testing can be done through the extension office. The cost is $15 per sample. For more information, see these soil testing publications.

Olivia Bagby takes first in Public Speaking at LDE contest

Last night the Adrian FFA competed in the  Area 7 LDE contest and the Knowledge team placed 5th. They will compete at districts next week. 

Jessi Baker placed 3rd in FFA Creed Speaking, Olivia Bagby placed 1st in Division 1 Public Speaking and both will compete at districts next week. Sami Costigan also competed in Job Interview, although she didn't place high enough to compete next week; she put up a very good score and she plans to compete again next year. - Adrian School District Facebook

Rich Hill R-IV School District public informational meeting concerning proposition 2

The Rich Hill R-IV School District will be hosting a public informational meeting concerning proposition 2 this evening at 6:00 pm in the auditorium. 

Immediately following (6:30), the local CTA (Certified Teacher Association) will be hosting a meet the candidates forum with questions and answers to the prospective board candidates. Public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Butler Rotary Club serves Community Cafe

The Butler Rotary Club served the Community Cafe, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. We all had a great time! Butler Rotary Club provided Sloppy Joes, cheesy potatoes, salad and desert at the First Christian Church. - Photo Submitted

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Have you been to the museum lately?

A good play on words might be "you'll see something new yet old" at the Bates County Museum if you haven't been there for awhile.

Those behind the scenes at the museum are constantly working to research interesting local artifacts and putting them on display- to include the fully refurbished Steinway piano that will be returning home soon. Read more about this significant part of Bates County history here http://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-plight-of-piano-donations-sought-to.html 

In the meantime, we'll see you at the museum!

You've got to see this, my pretty!

Miami R-1 students will be performing The Wizard of Oz for the public on March 31st and April 1st. Don't miss seeing this all time classic!

Showtime is 7 pm both nights and concessions will be available.

Admission will be a free will donation with proceeds going to the Miami R-1 Drama department.

Obituary - Eugene Moore

Eugene Moore, age 79, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017 at his home. He was born on November 25, 1937 at Fayetteville,Tennessee the son of Lawrence and Dasie White Moore. 

He was employed in the farming and trucking industries before retirement. He is survived by two sons, David Moore and Debra and Timothy Moore and Cheryl, two brothers, Wayne and Boyd Moore, one sister, Helen Goldburg, five grandchildren: Eric and Brandon Stogsdill, Sebrina Charles, and Hope and Melissa Moore, and numerous great and great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 3 to 4:30 pm Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Contributions can be made to Eugene Moore Memorial, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, KS 66075. On line condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Drexel FFA heads to District competition

It was a busy night for the Drexel FFA members as the traveled to Clinton High School to participate in various Leadership Development Events and the Area 7 Awards Banquet where several members where recognized for their hard work and leadership skills. Members Sara Gammon, Miranda Quisenberry, Alyssa Sosa Paul Orton, Hunter Gibbs, Kelsie Goth, and Koal Eastwood were recognized for their Area Proficiency Awards, Sara, Kelsie, Miranda, and Alyssa will also be receiving their State FFA Degree next month. Also Sara Gammon placed 2nd in Advanced Public Speaking; Logan Cochran, Makenna Finley, and Kenzie Winfield placed 6th in FFA Knowledge; and the Drexel FFA Officer Team placed 2nd in the Parliamentary Procedure contest. These students will move on to District LDE competition next Thursday at Warrensburg. 

Congratulations to all these hard working students on their accomplishments.