What’s Up by LeRoy Cook

Losing More Than Your Plane 

It wasn’t a total blowout, but it came close.  Good flying weather was in short supply, and sometimes we had to settle for just barely flyable. Sunday turned out to be decent, after the cold front passed, but thunderstorms lurked just south and east of here.

Among the week’s passers-by were a big Pilatus PC-12 turboprop, a Cessna Skyhawk, a Van’s RV-6 homebuilt and a Cessna 182. A plucky pilot in a Beech Bonanza V35B flew in from Jefferson City on Saturday morning, despite 30-knot gusts, picking up a load of honeybees. I’m sure the insects’ trip was less stressful than it would have been by any other mode of transport. Tim Hill flew over from Drexel to refuel his Cessna Skylane on Sunday. Out of the local hangars, Les Gordon’s grandson Patrick got in some supervised solo time in a Cessna 150 and the SkyDive KC Beech King Air E90 had a half-weekend of hauling parachutists aloft. 

Airline passengers were enjoying long-delayed freedom from Covid masks last week, after a Florida judge ruled that the CDC, as a non-legislative bureaucracy, could not impose mandates without laws passed by Congress. At least for now, mask-wearing in public transportation is an individual’s choice, unless local jurisdictions set up their own rules. We’ll see what effect it has on the mood of unruly inebriated passengers who have already lost their senses before entering the aircraft.

It’s hard to say which is sicker; people who are addicted to watching hours of You-Tube videos or those who go to idiotic lengths to make them. One California pilot thought it would be cool to film himself bailing out of an airplane and watching it crash unpiloted, just to get 15 minutes of fame on the internet. He got more than he bargained for; the FAA revoked (not just suspended) his pilot’s license for deliberately wrecking a perfectly good airplane and endangering public and property. 

The subject of airliner contrails came up again last week, asking why they sometimes form and at other times are absent. It’s all about the presence of moisture in the atmosphere. To make a visible trail, the hot exhaust has to have humidity to act against, so if the high-altitude air is dry, no trace of the airplane’s passage can be seen. In WW-II, B-17 bomber crews headed for Germany hated to see contrails forming behind their formation, a dread giveaway to the waiting Luftwaffe. The Wright Cyclone radial engines had GE turbochargers to boost power, but it came at a price.

Last week’s question was the significance of the ATC transponder code 3700. It used be for hijack, but that is now “7500”, so it now is unused, only the beginning of a routine block from 3701 to 3777. For next week, how much force might it take to open an airliner’s door in flight? Get your math calculations going and send your replies to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

The Museum Minute: Butler Bear becomes Chicago Bear

 

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730  (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of April 27

1891 An estimated 7.000 people attend the 72nd anniversary of the Odd Fellows Lodge in America, at the lake at the east edge of Butler

1895 S. Rice, harness maker, goes to the Coleman Gallon shop for a jug of whiskey. While there, he and Dr. Haddock become embroiled about a borrowed article. Haddock gets a pistol & fires at Mr. Sheppard, who backs Mr. Rice’s story. City Marshal Beaty arrests the doctor.

1923 Mr. C.C. Rhodes, Butler druggist, on the North side of the square, and also owner of radio station WNAR, with studio in his drug store, broadcasts a song and lecture service from the Methodist Church.

1926 Over 200 enthusiastic farmers & businessmen attend a meeting at the courthouse to hear Kircher Baby Chick Hatchery is considering coming to Butler.

1940 Today the electricity is turned on for the farmers East of Passaic, as the REA lines hum as the juice pours through them.

1944 Two Butler seniors will not graduate. J. Wayne Beckham and Wallace Robertson have been drafted into the Army.

1973 A large crowd attends the annual Butler Chamber of Commerce banquet held in the Butler high school gym. Featured speaker is Missouri Governor Christopher ‘Kit’ Bond. Also on the program is Mo Representative William J. Randall.

1978 It’s Opening Day of the three day Grand Opening of Jim’s Village Meats, in downtown Rockville. Feature are famous cuts of beef, pork, and frozen meats. Open 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Jim Mott, Owner.

1981 Longtime America Legion and baseball enthusiast Francis Smith of Smith’s Shoe Shop is announced as Butler Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

1988 At 8:23 am, the Butler High School receives a telephone bomb threat. The call is traced by the Bates county sheriff’s department and two youths are arrested.

1989 Pat Ray, who in the mid 80’s showed Butler Bear fans his amazing speed and skills, has inked a bonus contract with the Chicago Bears NFL team after serving four years as a starter for the Missouri Tigers.

1999 The controversial zoning ordinance enacted at the last Rich Hill city council meeting is repealed at tonight’s meeting. Mayor Alvin Briscoe veto’s the law, saying it needs more work.

Proposed Arts Council Gets First Breath of Life

Liberty Underwood, representing the Adrian Community Theater spoke with great enthusiasm about the possibility of the enhancement and showcasing of the arts in and around Bates County during a meeting held last Thursday evening.

On April 21st, a group met at Robertson Hall at the Bates County Museum to kick around the idea of starting an arts council in Bates County and the outcome of that meeting appears to be better than expected. The formation of such a council is the brainchild of museum curator Peggy Buhr to further the appreciation of music, theater, and more; her idea was met with enthusiasm by the group along with some really good ideas on how to get it off the ground.

Buhr opened the discussion on why she thinks a council would be beneficial, as she was followed by like minded Liberty Underwood who spoke on behalf of the Adrian Community Theater and their ‘role’ in such a project. Underwood talked about how the Adrian Community Theater was also an idea that came about as the local school had cut the drama department and she realized there was plenty of local support for such a program.

Combining interested folks and resources seems to be the answer and there seems to be plenty of both with more yet to be discovered.

As those attending were allowed to introduce themselves around the room, it was clear that there is a lot of hidden talent here in Bates county- one attendee has an extensive background in the film industry; another has experience with a similar program in another state in a region about the size of our county; along with musicians, actors, managers, directors, an arts degree holder, a novelist and several with set design experience to name a few.

Financing the project was also discussed, and Buhr mentioned that she recently made a connection with the Missouri Arts Council that could be quite beneficial as they are looking to expand in smaller rural areas such as Bates county. Fortunately, within the group who attended there is a person with grant writing experience that certainly will be needed. Financing most likely will be discussed more in an upcoming meeting. 

“We’re planting the seed” said Buhr “to not only put the spotlight on theater and drama, but everything else considered art” as mentioned in our interview last week. “It would include piano recitals, art shows of all kinds, storytelling, children’s art shows, folk art and dance, school music and art, you name it. It’s only limited to everyone’s imagination”. 

In terms of a place to hold these events, there may be at least a temporary answer according to Underwood as she mentioned that the Adrian Community Theater is in the process of negotiating a spot; but just in case several other locations were mentioned including Butler, Amsterdam and Rich Hill. Also mentioned last week, Buhr noted that there’s “plenty of acreage” available on the museum property pending of course, financing such a structure. “Long term goals” she said with a smile.

As the meeting wound down it’s apparent there is a lot to do- officially put together a council with not-for-profit status and develop relations with other community events/groups to build a working relationship to name a few.

Certainly more ground will be gained for the arts council in the upcoming meeting on May 12th, 6:30 pm also to be held at Robertson Hall at the Bates County Museum. The public is highly encouraged to attend, especially those with ideas and experience; even if not and you just want to help out in one way or another. Likewise if you know someone who might be interested, please help spread the word.  

In the meantime if you have questions or comments please contact Peggy Buhr at the Bates County Museum.

Obituary - Bobbie Jean McCrary

Bobbie Jean McCrary, age 88, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. 

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. officiated by her brother Dr. Aubrey Hay. Bobbie will then be laid to rest at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Bobbie was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee on February 22, 1934, to Connie Hay and Alene (Smothers) Hay. She married Billy Joe McCrary on September 19th, 1950. Their union was blessed with three children. Bobbie was a woman of faith. Over the years she was an active member of the church. She was a member of Raymore Baptist Church. 

Bobbie was an insurance underwriter for over 40 years. She and Bill enjoyed traveling and for many years spent the winter months in McAllen, Texas where they made many close friends. Her favorite pastime was enjoying a good book.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Billy Joe McCrary; parents, Connie and Alene Hay; three brothers, Ronnie Hay, Joe Hay, and Parker Hay; and sister, Doris Ferguson.

She is survived by her three children, Timothy McCrary (Deborah), Martin McCrary (Michelle Ross), and Rebecca Haskamp (Mark); brother, Dr. Aubrey Hay (Nancy); 6 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Memory of Bobbie McCrary to Shriners Children’s online at www.shrinerschildrens.org Or by phone 855-401-4897. When making a contribution please be sure to indicated that it is in memory of Bobbie McCrary.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278

Maxwell back as head coach of the Harrisonville Wildcats Football Team

During a special meeting this morning, the Harrisonville School District Board of Education approved Brent Maxwell as the head football coach for the Wildcats. Maxwell is the district Activities Director and returns to the head coaching position after a three year absence.

Coach Maxwell said, “I stepped away a few years ago. It was the right decision for me and my family at the time. I never thought this opportunity would present itself again, but when it did, I got excited about the prospect of working with kids again. I have missed that.”

Maxwell was the head coach for the Wildcats from 2014-2018 and prior to that was an assistant for eight years. He compiled a 48-17 record and led the team to the 4A state championship in 2016.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with our student-athletes on a daily basis and I hope to lead them in a positive manner to help them become successful - not just in terms of wins and losses - but as people.”

TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound I-49-to-Eastbound Route 52 Ramp (Exit 129) CLOSED Guardrail Work May 2nd

TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound I-49-to-Eastbound Route 52 Ramp (Exit 129) CLOSED Guardrail Work May 2

Where: Northbound I-49-to-eastbound Missouri Route 52 ramp in Bates County near Butler (Exit 129)

When: 7a.m.-7 p.m., Monday, May 2

What: Ramp CLOSED to allow contractor crews to install new guardrail on the ramp

Traffic Impact:
Northbound I-49-to-eastbound Missouri Route 52 off ramp CLOSED (Exit 129) Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching work zone 

No signed detours

Drivers urged to find alternate routes to avoid work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

Reminder Butler Elementary School Parents

Next week begins MAP testing and Teacher Appreciation Week. Let’s show our teachers how much they are appreciated. Any small act is appreciated….weather it’s a kind note, a colored picture, a gift card, flowers, or their favorite drink/snack sent to them.

PTSO will be supporting our staff at the Elementary, High School, and Preschool by supplying lunch on Monday for them. We truly appreciate all the staff at each school.

Bates County Republicans Meeting set for tonight

 

Next Meeting will be 6 pm Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the Bates County Fair Building located on Nursery Street in Butler.

Information is attached. It should be a great night, lots of speakers and candidates! So come on out for some good food and Republican fellowship!

Details attached. See you there!
Mark Goebel
Bates County Republican Chairman