What farmers should know when hauling large loads in Missouri

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to provide the following information to farmers who may be traveling long distances or out-of-state to obtain hay, silage and grain:

The current drought in Missouri has brought with it challenges for farmers in our state. Farmers must make decisions about how they are going to feed their livestock after the drought has caused a shortage in hay, silage and grain production. Missouri farmers are traveling long distances and, in some instances, out-of-state to obtain hay, silage and grain. The Missouri Department of Transportation has issued special waivers for farmers hauling hay, silage and grain that address size and weight. Despite those size and weight waivers, depending on the distanced traveled, farm vehicles may now have to comply with state and federal safety regulations that previously did not apply.

Farmers are encouraged to review the regulations that pertain to farm vehicles and the transportation of goods. These regulations include, but are not limited to: 

• When crossing state lines a truck is considered a commercial motor vehicle if it has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, therefore, it must comply with federal regulations. This
applies to farm vehicles. 

• Farm vehicles must display a USDOT number and the farm name.
• The driver of a farm vehicle must at least 21 years of age.
• Those driving a farm vehicle must have a commercial driver license if the truck's GVWR exceeds 26,000 lbs., if the truck's gross combined weight rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,000 lbs., and the truck is operated more than 150 miles from the farm.
• The farmer may need to have the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) if the truck weighs over 26,000 lbs., or if it is licensed for over 26,000 lbs., or if it has three axles on the power unit. Fuel permits may be purchased from the state you are entering in lieu of the IFTA.

For a complete list of federal motor vehicle regulations which apply to farm vehicles please visit:
http://www.modot.mo.gov/mcs/documents/FarmTruckSafety07.pdf.

Notice to those living in Butler...

From Trent Diehl, Director of Public Works:

Due to the extreme heat and lack of rain, the City Lake has experienced an excessive amount of algae growth. There has been additional water quality testing to ensure the water is safe to drink, but it has an undesirable taste or odor. The lake will be treated for this problem, but it will take a few days for this to be cleared out of the system.

The City of Butler thanks you for your patience and apologizes for any inconvenience.

-FM 92 the Bullet

Obituary - R. G. Hatten

Memorial services for Dr. Robert G. Hatten will be 1:30 PM Thursday, August 16, 2012 at the Butler Presbyterian Church in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Dick Pierson and Rev. Ron Galvin officiating. Visitation Wednesday evening, 5-7 PM at Mullinax Funeral Home in Butler, Missouri (660-679-0009) with Rose Ceremony following visitation at 7 PM. Committal service with U.S. Army Honors will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Cleveland Chiropractic College or Ararat Shrine. Messages of condolence may be left for the family below.

Dr. Robert G. Hatten of Butler, Missouri, died August 13, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. A complete obituary will be posted as the information becomes available.

Circuit Court news

CIRCUIT COURT OF BATES COUNTY, COURT NEWS 

JAMES K JOURNEY, JUDGE 

Diana L Rich, Clerk 

August 6 - 10, 2012 

Dale G Douty v Christine L Douty, Dissolution of Marriage is granted.

Audrey Spencer v Kessie Heckadon, Petition for Order of Protection is dismissed for lack of prosecution.

Chad Michael Humphrey v Alicia Jean Humphrey, modification filed.

St v. Ashley Mays, Felony theft/stealing, set for 9-17-12.

St v. Tamara Perkins, Felony theft/stealing, set for 9-17-12.

St v. Charlie Stout, I: Felony arson, II: Felony knowingly burning or exploding, set for 8-20-12.

Robert S Jackson v Eva Mae Crouse, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage filed.

Suspects on the run in western Bates County

Authorities are searching for three white male suspects wanted in connection with a burglary this morning and are thought to be hiding in a wooded area near Y highway and county road 9002. If you see the subjects, do not approach- call 911 or 660-679-3232.

Are you ready for some football?

The Adrian Blackhawks will host the annual football Jamboree on Friday, August 17th at the Adrian Athletic Complex, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

In addition to the Blackhawks, other teams that will be participating in the jamboree this year include: Appleton City, Archie, Butler, Drexel, Sherwood, Windsor and Rich Hill.

Authorities searching for leads in weekend arson spree

In the early morning hours yesterday, some 200 large hay bales in four locations were set afire in southern Bates County. At this time the Bates County Sheriff's Department is investigating leads in the case and could use your help- if you have any information, contact the sheriff's department at 660-679-3232 or dial 911.

Rich Hill to celebrate school building addition

The city of Rich Hill will be having an Open School House to celebrate the new wing at the Rich Hill R-IV Schools on Wednesday, August 22nd. The gathering will be in the auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. and then the school will have guided tours of the new addition followed by refreshments in the high school cafeteria.

A Meet the Teachers Night at the elementary school will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 22nd as well.

-FM 92 the Bullet