Warm and Muggy Friday

First real heat wave of the summer on tap for the next couple days. Heat index values will top 100 degrees across much of the area Friday and Saturday, so take precautions if you're planning outdoor activities.

Listen now: Local news Friday

Friday Heat Index Ugh!

Make friends with water, shade, and limited time outdoors this weekend.

Each year, many fall victim to heat-related illnesses, which can be avoided.

Obituary - Albert Lee Peek

Funeral services for Albert Lee Peek will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 1 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, Missouri. Contributions to Amoret Christian Church. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel. com.

Albert Lee Peek, the oldest child born to Albert Levi and Naomi Mae Peek Winchell April 21, 1931 in Peculiar, Missouri. He passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at his home in rural Amoret, Missouri.

Albert is survived by his wife, Darlene of the home; four sons, Roger Lee Peek and wife Brenda of Peculiar, Missouri; Eddie Gene Peek and wife Monica of Butler, Missouri; Wilbur Alan Armstrong and wife Roselynn of LaCygne, Kansas; and Harold Dean Armstrong of Thornby, Alabama, four daughters, Judy Kay Wilson of Harrisonville, Missouri and Betsy Sue Dunkin of Harrisonville, Missouri, Katherine Juanita Waldmer and husband Mike of Springfield, Missouri, and Darla Lee Armstrong of Neosho, Missouri; seven brothers and sisters, Richard Peek of Peculiar, Missouri and Sam Peek and wife Connie of Adrian, Missouri, Everett Peek and wife Sharon of Hookstown, Pennsylvania, Billy Peek of Harrisonville, Missouri, Virginia Bailey of Cleveland, Missouri; Dorothy Burch of Peculiar, Missouri and Katherine Savill of Garden City, Missouri; 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one on the way 13 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marjorie Mable Peek; son Ronald DeWayne Peek,a daughter, Francis Eilene Peek; a grandson, Roger Wayne Peek; sister, Betty Hannah; and one brother Otie Peek

Tampering with a motor vehicle reported in Nevada

FLASHBACK: A vital component for the Electric City

Butler Light Plant circa 1950's

Many years ago if you were in the vicinity of west Mill street, there was a constant rumbling that could be heard up to several blocks away. That was the sound of diesel engines generating power by Butler's very own light plant seen here. There have been many upgrades since its infancy, where it originally generated inefficient DC power- later changing over to AC, as it was much better for sending electricity over a long distance.

A few of the older (and still operational) engines can be seen through the windows today, not to mention one of the oldest engines which is on display outside.

While the plant doesn't run as much as it used to, it is on stand by, ready to light the Electric City when the need arises.

Butler Light Plant today

A vintage 'genset' (engine and generator) on display in the east yard

Bates County 4-H Road Trip

Bates County 4-H Road Trip went to see Samson at Sight & Sound Theater in Branson on Wednesday, June 26. We had the opportunity to have a backstage tour and get a glimpse of the work behind the scenes. The production of Samson is a huge event with about 20 people involved. Everyone enjoyed the day.

Summer Heat and Humidity Thru The Weekend

Summer. That’s the best description of the end of the work week and coming weekend as we get a bit of a break from the various rounds of rain that have been occurring across the Plains States recently. 

However, with that break from the rain will come some hot and humid conditions, with our first multi-day run of temperatures at, or above, 90 degrees thus far this year. Heat indices will range around 100 degrees through the weekend as a result. 

So, anyone working or playing outside will want to keep themselves well hydrated.