Greg Mullinax seeking re-election as Bates County Coroner

Well, today’s the day. This morning I filed for re-election to serve as your Bates County Coroner.

I could easily explain the things I have done in the last three years. I’ve upgraded many things to bring the office into current technology and times. I’ve spent countless hours away from home in class because I think it makes me a better Coroner. I could go on and on.

But I think I’ll leave it right here: I get asked sometimes if I “enjoy” being Coroner. I don’t know if anybody really enjoys it. In a perfect world, my services would never be needed. But our world isn’t perfect and it’s my job to be prepared, 24 hours every day. Be it 3am or 3pm, it’s my job to render dependable investigative ability, in a compassionate and professional manner.

I believe I have done that. I’m proud of the service I’ve rendered you, Bates County friends. I’m thankful every day for the privilege of public service. 

You can count on me to continue to do my very best, each and every day. I think that’s all that needs saying.
Have a good day, everyone.

Greg.

Obituary - Kenneth Ray McWhorter Sr.

Funeral services for Kenneth Ray McWhorter Sr. will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. 

Visitation will be prior to services from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. 

Contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Good Shepherd Hospice. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kenneth Ray McWhorter Sr., age 79 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, February 24, 2020 at Medicalodge in Butler. He was born March 21, 1940 to Owen Wesley and Oscarine Kizzee McWhorter in Morris, Illinois.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon McWhorter of Butler, Missouri; two sons, Kenneth Ray McWhorter Jr. and wife Cindy of Butler, Missouri and Daniel A. McWhorter and wife Tara of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; a daughter, Connie Knight and husband Kenneth of Salina, Kansas; three brothers, William McWhorter and wife Laverne of Salina, Kansas, James McWhorter and wife Sheila of Luling, Texas and David McWhorter of St. Louis, Missouri; three sisters, Sandra Smith and husband LeRoy and Mary Ahrents, all of Pontiac, Illinois and Ruth Bartuska and husband John of Burlington, Wisconsin; three sisters-in-law, Kathy Johnson, Ruth McWhorter and Carol Fitzsimmons; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by hisparents; two brothers, Charles and Owen; and one sister, Patty.

Bates County Republican Meeting

Bates County Republicans will meet Tomorrow February 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Butler Country Club. All are welcome!

Obituary - James Rush

James “Jim” Rush, 101 of Butler, Missouri, passed away February 10, 2020 at his home in Butler. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Butler Presbyterian Church in Butler. Visitation will be Friday evening, Feb. 28, from 4-6 PM at the Mullinax Funeral Home (660) 679-0009 in Butler. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions are suggested to Butler Presbyterian Church, Butler Public Library, or Heartland Hospice. Memories and messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Jim was born August 17, 1918, in LaCygne, Kansas, son of Edwin F. And Margaret M. (Taylor) Rush. He graduated from LaCygne High School in 1936. Jim was president of his class and enjoyed being the high school quarterback. After graduation he attended Huff Business College in Kansas City, Missouri, and was hired by Central States Electric Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jim was drafted into the Army in 1943 during WWII, served in the South Pacific as an officer in the Quartermaster Corps, and was discharged as a Captain in 1946. His decorations include the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, Jim returned to Iowa and Nebraska to work for Westinghouse Electric from 1946-1953. In 1953 he moved
to the farm in Amoret.

In 1956 Jim began his career in banking at the Bank of Amoret while continuing to operate the family farm. The bank was founded in 1902 as a family-owned community bank with his grandfather, and namesake, James Rush, serving as president in the 1920s. In 1977, he sold his interest and the bank became BC National Banks of Butler, and Jim continued to serve as a bank director. In a News-Xpress article dated July 2007, Jim remarked it was heartwarming to be reminded by former customers of how the bank had helped them and his reward had been the many wonderful people he met along the way. Jim was inducted into the 50-year club of the Missouri Bankers Association in June of 2007.

On April 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to his loving wife, Joane Kenney, and to this union a daughter, Margaret, was born.

Jim was a kind and gentle man with a passion and zest for life. He loved golf, bridge, quail hunting with his German Shorthair Pointers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved raising cattle and his farm.

Jim was a Friendly 4-H leader in Amoret, Missouri, spear-headed the Red Cross County Drive for several years, and was a Life Boy Scout. He was a member of the Butler Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir and serving as church treasurer and an elder. He and Joane were members at the Butler Country Club where he served as treasurer. Jim spent 4 terms on the Butler City Council, a position of service he particularly enjoyed. He was also a member of Butler Lions Club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joane Kenney Rush of the home; daughter S. Margaret Rush of Prairie Village, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Cecilia Yacovetta Rush of Lakewood, Colorado, and Doris Marie Cowley Rush of Wichita, Kansas; six nieces and eight nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Franklin Rush and Margaret May Taylor Rush; 6 siblings: Lois Mary Rush Irwin, Paul Austin Rush, John Taylor Rush, Ellis Franklin Rush, Dr. Howard Edwin Rush, and Margaret Jane Rush Furkin.

Stolen van may be in the area

Similar van for reference only

The Bates County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for a stolen minivan, a Kia Sedona with broken tail light, maroon in color, no hub caps and Missouri license LA5 B6U. 

If seen, contact the Sheriff's Office at 660-679-3232.

Ballard Booster golf tournament set for May 16

Join us for our 4th Annual Ballard Booster Club Golf Tournament on May 16th. 4 Person Scramble. Entry fee $220 per team. Check in 7:00am, tee time 7:30 am. Green Fees, lunch and one cart rental provided with registration fee. 

Registration due by May 1, 2020. Also you do not have to be Alumni! We welcome anyone to join us for a great day!

https://www.facebook.com/events/277031109942340/

Cafe Murder coming in April

https://www.facebook.com/actadrian/posts/2695096420609610

Butler PD weekly report

City of Butler
Police activity 2/17 - 2/23

Monday 2/17/2020
Suspicious activity Delaware / Havana - bicycle found in alleyway;
Agency assist;
Noise Disturbance - Fran Ave Apts;
Traffic stop Orange / Gale Lane; subject arrested for possession of controlled substance;

Tuesday 2/18/2020
Medical at Budgetell Inn;
Suspicious activity - Bates County Memorial Hospital parking lot;
Disturbance 700 block of S. Birch;
Civil Matter - 400 block of S. Mechanic;
Well-being check - 100 block of S. Havana;
Harassment- 500 block of N. Havana;
Theft - 600 block of W. Park;
Alarm;
Acted as security - Bates County Memorial Hosptial;

Wednesday 2/19/2020
Noise disturbance- Days Inn;
Warrant service- PD lobby;
Warrant service- Chestnut / Main;
Unattended children - 100 block of S. Water;
Vehicle theft - recovered;
Agency assist;
MVA Business 49 / near airport;

Thursday 2/20/2020
Well-being check 400 block of S. Broadway;
Civil Matter- 800 block of S. Birch;
Animal call - Country Club drive;
Recovered property- 600 block of W. Harrison;
Warrant service- PD lobby;
Animal call - 700 block of Hillcrest;
Suspicious vehicle - 900 block of S. Main;
Suspicious person - Main / Oak;
Property damage - Main / Ft. Scott;

Friday 2/21/2020
Domestic disturbance- Delaware/Atkinson;
Domestic disturbance- Fran Ave;
Abandon vehicle- Fulton/College;
Suspicious person - Square;
Warrant service - Courthouse;
Animal bite - Bates County Memorial hospital;
Building check - Broadway / Pine;

Saturday 2/22/2020
Lost poodle - Fur-tunately found;
Civil Matter - Fran ave;
Harassment - 900 block of Wix Lane;
What's the dealio? Armadillo tearing up yards - 400 block of South Steet;
Careless and imprudent driver - South Park / Wix Lane;
Funeral escort;
Dog at large - Parkview;
911 hang up - 500 block of S. High;
Suspicious activity- Mill / Elk Drive;

Sunday 2/23/2020
Alarm;
Burglary - Atkinson / Delaware;
Skunk trapped - South street;
Civil Matter - Fran / Ft. Scott;
Building check - Ft. Scott / Fran;
Dogs running loose - 500 block of W. Vine; owners found;
Suspicious vehicle- McDonalds