Missouri House Passes Legislation to Ease Requirements for Senior School Bus Drivers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives this week approved HB 1626, a measure aimed at addressing the shortage of school bus drivers by modifying the existing regulations for individuals aged 77 and older with school bus endorsements on their driver's licenses.

 

Under current law, individuals aged 70 and older face annual license renewal, waived fees, mandatory yearly school bus license examinations, and the issuance of a commercial driver's license with a school bus endorsement on an annual basis. HB 1626 seeks to increase the age threshold for these provisions to 77 or older.

 

The bill reflects a bipartisan effort to streamline the process for senior citizens willing to contribute to their communities as school bus drivers. Supporters argue that the change will alleviate the burden on retired individuals and encourage more participation in the essential role of school bus driving.

 

Speaking on the House floor, the bill sponsor, Rep. Danny Busick, emphasized that local school officials are better positioned to assess an individual's fitness for the role of a school bus driver, advocating for a more flexible approach rather than a one-size-fits-all legislative mandate.

 

“Our current statutes are discriminate against experienced drivers, not based on ability, but based on age alone,” Busick, R-Newtown, said. “With this bill, we are opening up an available labor pool for drivers in communities throughout Missouri."

 

“The passage of HB 1626 is a testament to the House's commitment to finding practical solutions to pressing issues,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “Adjusting regulations for senior citizens with school bus endorsements not only addresses the current shortage but also opens doors for experienced individuals who wish to play a vital role in our communities."

 

The emergency clause included in HB 1626 underscores the urgency of addressing the shortage of school bus drivers in the state. This clause allows for swift implementation of the new provisions, demonstrating the legislature's commitment to prompt action.

 

The bill will now proceed to the Missouri Senate for further consideration. If passed into law, HB 1626 is poised to make a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of school bus drivers, ensuring the safe transportation of students across the state.

 

US Solutions Car Dealership

1161 NE County Road 63
Butler, MO 64730
816-399-0073

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Suspect/s Still on the Loose after Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Drexel

 

Wednesday, February 28, around 8pm, officers of the La Cygne (KS) police department initiated a traffic stop which evolved into a vehicle pursuit.  This pursuit entered Bates County (MO), at which time deputies from Bates County Sheriff’s Office & troopers from Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted with the pursuit.  The pursuit travelled N/B on Hwy 18 and entered the city limits of Drexel. 

The suspect vehicle was eventually found abandoned in the 200 Blk of Walnut St, and the suspect(s) have not been located.

This investigation is on-going.  This post will be updated as information becomes available.  If you have information or home security footage you believe may assist in this investigation, please contact DPD.

-Chief Downey

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Freeman Stanfill, 80, of Amoret

 

Funeral services for Freeman Stanfill of Amoret, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6665) in Butler, Missouri.  Visitation will be 5 -7 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024 with a Masonic service at 6 p.m. Friday where everyone is invited and encouraged to attend at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Adam Howell Cemetery in Amoret.  Contributions to the Masonic Home of Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Freeman Stanfill, age 80, of Amoret, Missouri passed away at home on February 27, 2024. Freeman was born on June 28, 1943, to Walton and Francile Ruddell Stanfill in Amoret.

Freeman is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glenda Hill Stanfill; two children, Crystal Stanfill Irwin and husband RJ, and Doug Stanfill and wife Evie; four grandchildren, Laura Irwin Henrickson and husband Matt, Rey Irwin, Amanda Irwin and Mary Irwin; three great-grandchildren: Lyric Henrickson, Ryder Henrickson, and Rhythm Henrickson; and his three siblings: Carl Stanfill, Fern Barber and Gloria Huebert.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

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Welcome to Adrian Blooming Lotus Boutique

 Blooming Lotus Boutique

 

We recognize a new business located in Adrian. The business was opened in October by Angie Hill. Angie is a graduate of Harrisonville High School and married to local Ballard Graduate, Adam Hill. Their family resides in rural Adrian close to the Ballard Area. Angie offers a Website and Facebook page to get familiar with her merchandise and hours.

 

Angie stated owning my own clothing and accessories boutique has been a dream of mine for a very long time! I finally found a way to get started. Blooming Lotus Boutique officially OPENED the brick and mortar store on Tuesday, October 11th  in Adrian. The Blooming Lotus Boutique is located at 54 East Main Street in Adrian.

Angie commented that helping women feel beautiful in their own skin is one of my greatest passions! I know how hard it is to look in the mirror and try your best to ignore all the imperfections. but I know that when you look good, you FEEL good. So that is why I am so passionate about Blooming Lotus Boutique. I want you to flourish in your personal strength and beauty...inside and out!

Angie is the owner and manager of the Blooming Lotus Boutique, invites you to stop by the store or visit them on Facebook to see the latest arrivals and winter sale items.

Welcome to the community Blooming Lotus. 

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Russell Logan, 70, Lamar

Russell W. Logan, 70 of Lamar, Missouri passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at his home in Lamar, surrounded by the ones he loved.  A Celebration of Life service has been scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Vault, 1011 Gulf Street, Lamar, MO. 64759.  Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Lamar Elks Lounge 2800, 58 NE 1st Lane Lamar, MO 64759.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Russ was born in Butler, Missouri in 1953 to Lowell and Waldeane Niggley Logan.  He graduated from Butler High School in 1972 before studying at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.  Then going on to Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City where he graduated in 1977. He opened Logan Chiropractic just off the Lamar square, and practiced nearly 45 years before retiring in 2021.

When he wasn’t doing the work he loved most, you could find Doc among friends sharing a Coors light, a smoke, or a well-narrated joke.

 

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Waldeane Logan, and is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pam Logan (nee Powell of Monett, MO), daughters Abbey Logan and wife Jenny; Amanda O’Brien and husband Thaddeus of Kansas City; sisters Sandy Golden and Sheri Wheelen and partner Dave Strauch of Joplin, MO.

 

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Hen Workshop

 

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City of Butler Notice of Public Hearing

  

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

 

Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Adjustment Commission will hold a public hearing in Council Chambers on the 2^nd floor of the Butler
City Hall located at 22 West Ohio Street, Butler, Missouri 64730 at 5:30 pm on Tuesday,, March 12^th, 2024, for the following matter:

 

·        Consideration of a Home Occupation Conditional Use Permit requested by Jeremy Parker at 610 West Meadow Lane in Butler, Missouri to establish a home-based location and traveling chimney cleaning and repair services.

 

·        Consideration of Chapter 26-170 (a) of the City of Butler Municipal Codes.

 

·        The Legal Description of the property is:   Lot 5, Block E, Park West Subdivision, a Subdivision in the City of Butler, Bates County, Missouri.

 

·        The property address is610 West Meadow Lane Street, Butler, Missouri 64730 and is owned by Jeremy S. Parker.

 

All interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing and be heard.  Written statements will also be received  before the hearing.  If you have any questions, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at 22 West Ohio Street, Butler, Missouri, or call (660) 679-4182.

 

 

 

 

Posted 02-23-2024 by Deputy City clerk, Gayle Alexander

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City of Butler Notice of Budget Hearing

  

CITY OF BUTLER

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

FY 2024-2025 CITY BUDGET

 

The governing body of the City of Butler will meet and hold a budget hearing on Tuesday the 19th day of March 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council meeting room located upstairs in City Hall at 22 West Ohio St., Butler, Missouri.  The purpose of the hearing will be to answer questions from the taxpayers relating to the proposed use of all funds in the FY 2024-2025 City Budget.

 

Budget Information:

FY 2024-2025 City Budget – All Funds – Consider appropriating $15,857,367 for maintenance and operation work performed by the various City Departments and for other improvements that are utilized to provide services to the citizens of Butler. The budget year is April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025.

 

Any written comments received at City Hall prior to the budget hearings will be provided to the governing body for their consideration.

 

At the conclusion of the hearings the governing body will consider approval of the budget documents with any approved changes. 

 

Budget information is available at City Hall located at 22 West Ohio Street.  Anyone having questions regarding the proposed budget should contact the City Administrator’s office in City Hall or call 660-679-4182.

 

 

 

 

 

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City of Butler Invitation to Bid ( Public Notice)

 CITY OF BUTLER

INVITATION TO BID

 

Property Bid

3 N. Water Street

Butler, MO 64730

 

 

The City of Butler, Missouri will accept sealed bids from bidders for the property located at 3 N. Water Street, until 5:00 p.m., on March 14, 2024, at the City Clerk’s Office in Butler City Hall, 22 W. Ohio Street, P.O. Box 420, Butler, Missouri for the following property:

 

Legal description of property situated in the City of Butler, Bates County, Missouri is as follows: 

The North 77 feet of the West 81 feet of Lot 4 in Block 1 of Montgomery’s Third Addition to the Town, now City of Butler, Bates County, Missouri.

 

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive any irregularities or informalities in any bid.

 

Bids will be opened and read aloud at 10:00 a.m., March 15, 2024, and considered by the City Council at their meeting at 7:00 p.m., March 19, 2024.

 

Please contact Corey N. Snead, City Administrator, for any additional questions about the property at 660-679-4182.

 

 

 

 

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Briarwood Angus Farms Annual Bull and Female Sale

 Briarwood Angus Farms is holding their annual Bull and Female Sale on Sunday, March 17^th at 1 pm at the farm just West of Butler on 52 Highway.  They will have the live auction at the farm and an online auction at LiveAuctions.TV for those that can’t make it to the sale. 

If you would like to see the 2024 sale book, go to Briarwood Angus Farms on Facebook and follow the link posted.  Briarwood Angus Farms Bull and Female Sale, Sunday, March 17^th.

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The Little Apple

 

Remember that March 1 is the deadline to submit your St. Clair County Property Tax Assessment forms without a penalty.  The County Assessor’s office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

Congratulations to the ACHS Lady Bulldogs who defeated Pilot Grove in sectional basketball 50-48.  They will play Liberal here at ACHS in the quarter-finals 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 1.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.mshaa.org/tickets.aspx.

 

The AC School District will host a Teacher Recruitment Night 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. February 29, 2024 at the Appleton City High School, 408 W. 4th St, Appleton City, MO 64724.  Right now, 11 schools are planning to attend to meet and network with individuals interested in becoming teachers or working in a school setting. If you have ever thought of working in education or are currently seeking a position in education, please attend. Dinner will be served by the AC BBQ Team, so RSVP if you'd like dinner. Come visit with area schools, drop off resumes, or just gain information.

 

Everyone is invited to the Appleton City Church of God (401 East 1^st Street), March 3 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and March 4, 5, 6 at 7:00 p.m. for Spring services. Ron Dunlap and family will bring the music and good news regarding the sacred journey found in Christ by living a holy life. Enjoy food and fellowship after services.

 

Rockville Lions Club pancakes and sausage breakfast will be 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at the Rockville City Hall. A free will donation will be accepted. They are also having a 50/50 cash raffle.

 

Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinners will be served March 1 and March 15 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. They plan to serve dine-in and carry out. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole saw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $6. They are serving the best fish around!

 

Mark your calendars! March's Second Wednesdays, Meet Me On Main Shop and Stroll will be March 13, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Watch this space for participating businesses.

 

The Appleton City Spring City Wide Garage Sales will be held April 26 and 27. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date.

 

Grace Christian Academy will have their 4^th annual hog roast dinner with silent and live auctions fundraiser Saturday, March 9 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lowry City Civic Center, 4^th & Cleveland in Lowry City.  The hog roast dinner for $10 includes meat, sides, dessert and drink. Children 4-12 years eat for $6, 3 and under are free.  Carry out is available.  Silent auction from 4:00 – 6:30 and live auction starts at 7:00 p.m.

 

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, March 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

 

St Clair Co Quilt Guild will sponsor a Quilters and Crafters Day Out 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. March 23 at the Lowry City Community Center, 406 W. 4^th St.  There will be a quilt exhibit, trunk show, vendors, quilter’s cake walk, food and more.  Admission is free.

 

A “Backyard Laying Hen Workshop” will be held 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. March 23 at the Forest Park Building, 206 East 5^th St, Appleton City. This is a cooperative effort between ag specialist with MU Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension to educate the public on aspects of backyard poultry production.  The fee for the event is $15 per person and $5 per additional family member.  For more information on the class and to register, go to the registration link at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/backyard-laying-hen-workshop-0 or contact the St. Clair County MU Extension Center at (417) 646-2419.

 

What better gift for your children or loved ones at Easter than a Local Easter Basket? Rustic Duck has partnered with several local businesses to put together a local unique Easter Basket. The complete Easter Basket wrapped and ready is $45. They will take orders for these baskets until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14.  Baskets will be made and ready for pick up on Good Friday, March 29 at Rustic Duck Lake Art Gallery and Restaurant from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Check out the Rustic Duck Facebook page to order or stop by the Rustic Duck. Show your local businesses you appreciate them and place your order soon while supply lasts

 

The Appleton City High School Alumni Scholarship Foundation, Inc. scholarship deadline for application is March 6 at 9:00 a.m. 

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments: Mar 6  Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Mar 7 OB/GYN, Dr. Kallberg, Mar 8 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Mar 12  Rheumatology-Dr. John, Mar 13 Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, Mar 19  Rheumatology-Dr. John, Mar 20 Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, Mar 21 Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Mar 27 - Ortho-Dr. Gray, Mar 27 Ophthalmology-Dr. Soni

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb 29     AC School District Teacher Recruitment Night 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Appleton City High School

Mar 1       Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose

Mar 1       ACHS Lady Bulldogs in quarter finals vs. Liberal 6:00 p.m. at ACHS

Mar 3       Rockville Lions Club pancakes and sausage breakfast 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rockville City Hall

Mar 5       Informational meeting to discuss AC sales tax and fire protection tax 6:00 p.m. at the Park Building

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Harrisonville Man in Custody After Short Foot Pursuit in Bates County

 

On 2/26/24 at approximately 1900hrs, the Bates County Sheriff's Office received information from a property owner approximately 4 miles east of Adrian on 18 Highway in reference to observing a male subject caught on a security camera wandering around on the property. When Deputies arrived on scene they conducted an area canvas.

 Approximately 1/4 mile from the initial location a Deputy located a heat signature on his vehicles thermal imaging camera that is mounted on the spot light. As the Deputy stopped to investigate what the image was, a male subject stood up and began to flee on foot. The Deputy gave chase on foot until the subject jumped into a large pond area.

 For obvious safety reasons the Deputy did not chase him through the pond. A short stand off in the pond and the Deputies convinced the subject to exit the pond on his own. The subject was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff's Office where he was placed in jail on his No bond Probation Parole warrant for failing a drug test and failing to report to his parole officers.

 During a search of the subject, Deputies located methamphetamines in the pocket of his pants. Charges are pending for the fleeing from an officer and the possession of drugs.

 The subject identified as Rodney C. Bennett of Harrisonville Missouri is being held on his no bond warrant.

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Adrian Optimist Club 1st Annual Pulling for a Cure

 The Adrian Optimist Club presents the 1^st Annual Pulling for a Cure Trap Shoot, Saturday, March 2^nd, Settles Ford Gun Club in Adrian.  Check-in at 9 am, birds start flying at 10.  Entry fee is $150 per 5-man team and includes lunch, 1 box of shotgun shells per person, and a chance at the door prize.  Top team receives $200 and the top shooter wins a trophy.  All proceeds go to battle cancer.  For information call Tim at 816-805-8709 or Courtney at 816-728-3497.  Adrian Optimist Pulling for a Cure March 2^nd.

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Henry County Sheriff Oberkrom Announces His Retirement

After almost 30 years, Henry County Sheriff Kent Oberkrom has announced his retirement.  The following is a letter from the Sheriff himself.

On December 31, 2024, I will retire as your Sheriff, after having served for 28 years. First and foremost, I want to thank my wife Diane and our family for their loving support

over the years. This career would not have been possible without each and every one of them. Secondly, thank you to the citizens of Henry County for your support, trust and the
opportunity to serve as your Sheriff for seven terms. Your help with the campaigns, financial support and the many other ways you have given will always be deeply
appreciated.

As I prepare to leave office, I reflect on the importance of the Office of Sheriff. Sheriffs are the only law enforcement officials that are directly accountable to the people. Other
agency heads are appointed by elected officials. There is a very important difference and as you elect a new Sheriff this year, my hope is that each of you will consider carefully
the duties, responsibilities, accountability, integrity of the person you vote for. Many of you have never known any other Sheriff as they have served over the years. There have been many good ones, but also a few that have used the office to their own financial and political gain. Other than the election process, politics has no place in the Office of Sheriff in my opinion. We have treated all matters fairly, equally and within the constitution. Those values are essential for a Sheriff in the leadership that they show to their staff and the community they serve.

“By the grace of God go I”, is a phrase that I say frequently around the office. It has so many meanings for me and the way bad things work out most of the time,by having faith. My life has been touched by many great people. My parents, Sam and Pat Oberkrom, who taught me the value of hard work, my in-laws Neil and May Crayden for accepting me into their family with love and support and last but not least, JC Smith, my mentor, who helped me understand the true meaning of helping those in need to grow and become their  best.

I look forward to working with the new Sheriff in transitioning the Office for the benefit of the citizens of Henry County.

Thank you and may God bless each of you.

Kent

We wish much happiness to Sheriff Oberkrom in his future endeavors.

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Retirement Announcement from Jim Platt Bates County Collector/ Treasurer

 Good morning, friends and family. Today is the day in Missouri that local candidates file for office. After 31 years of public service, I have decided not to appear on the ballot in 2024.

It has been an extremely hard decision to make. It helps that a good candidate, that I have worked with and trained for 20 years, has decided to step up and take the reins.

I have been proud and honored to serve 6 Governors of both parties and have either written or helped to write legislation for all of them. As much as I love Bates County and the people of Bates County, the hate and discontent is getting worse every year and it gets in the way of good government.

I have also served for many years now as the Legislative Chair of the Missouri County Collector’s Association and trained many new Collectors and served as many on the Missouri County Treasurers Assoc. board of directors. I can honestly say that most of them don't even know what political party that I or other Collectors and Treasurers identify with.

This was not the overwhelming factor in my decision, but I can't say that it hasn't been a factor. I have never been very partisan, as is the case with many office holders I have been associated with. I lean towards the teachings of George Washington who did not believe in political parties or factions, as they were called at the time, and he thought they were dangerous.

Carol and I would like to thank everyone in Bates County and elsewhere for all the love and support they have given us over the years. We are truly blessed and hope to continue to be involved in the community.

In closing, I would like to leave you with excerpts from George Washington's farewell address to congress in 1796, as it has always been a guiding light for me. Feel free to share this post.
" Political parties. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force—to put in the place of the delegated will of the Nation, the will of a party; often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the Community; However combinations or Associations of the above description may now & then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People, & to usurp for themselves the reins of Government; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."

"Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight) the common & continual mischiefs of the spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the interest and the duty of a wise People to discourage and restrain it".

-Jim Platt

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Harrisonville: Totally 80s Prom for Adults

 

Totally 80s Prom event set for March 9, benefits summer food program

The 7th annual adult prom fundraiser helps Harrisonville Just4Me continue to ensure no child in our community feels the pangs of hunger! This year's theme is TOTALLY 80's, and combines a night of fun and fundraising for everyone in our community. The event is set for March 9 from 7-midnight at Hunters Pride Construction (29301 SE Outer Road, Harrisonville, MO 64701). Tickets are $45/person, $80/couple, or $375/crew (10 tickets). Go to this link to purchase - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/0e78f13e-90af-4567-a73a- d13c017f2614?fbclid=IwAR388omPJnsqVcarIh97eB5KUc5n4RKcfu3KyeFdgpK5dHzIP7ncMwtrr64

In preparation for their 13th season, Just4Me continues to ensure no child in our community goes hungry during the months of summer. Providing daily meals and snacks for the in-need youth of our community, Just4Me fills the void of food assistance felt during the months without the availability of free and reduced lunch programs, providing much needed nutrition and stability. Serving between 120-160 students each summer, Just4Me organizers and volunteers have to raise right at $20,000 each year to continue their work, with 100% of proceeds going directly to food purchases for our youth. 2023's fundraiser is back again in our unique form; an adult prom... and we invite you to join us and spread the word!

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Harrisonville Kindergarten enrollment now available

 

2024-25 Kindergarten enrollment appointments now available

Harrisonville Early Childhood Center kindergarten enrollment for 2024-25 is underway and preschool enrollment will take place in May. The kindergarten program is open to all students who will turn five by July 31 and who live in the Harrisonville School District. Kindergarten is a full day program.

Current ECC preschool students will be screened for kindergarten while they are at school before their last day of school. A copy of the screening sheet will be sent home to parents following the screening. A packet of paperwork will also be sent home with students for parents to complete. State-issued birth certificates are already on file, but the school asks that immunization records are updated and submitted to the office as soon as each student receives their “kindergarten shots.”

Students who are new to the Early Childhood Center and who will be five years old by July 31, 2024 can sign up for a kindergarten screening appointment online at www.harrisonvilleschools.org/ecc. The screenings will take place on May 6-9. Parents will complete enrollment paperwork at the screening appointment. To complete the process, a state issued birth certificate and updated copy of immunizations will be required as well.

Incoming kindergarten students can also attend summer school which will run May 20-June 14 from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily. Kindergarten students will attend summer school at Harrisonville Elementary School and transportation will be provided. Summer school enrollment will be online beginning April 1. Paper forms will also be available in any elementary school office.

 

Families with questions about preschool or kindergarten can call Harrisonville Early Childhood Center at (816) 380-4421.

 

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Time to buy MDC 2024 annual hunting and fishing permits

Buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri hunters and anglers that related annual permits expire at the end of February, including 2023 permits for small game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination hunting and fishing.

Buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from one of many vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Save time by buying hunting and fishing permits for multiple people in a single transaction. Select the “Additional Customer” option during the permit purchase.

Avoid having to manually renew permits each year by using MDC’s Permit Auto-Renewal Service. It allows customers to enroll eligible permits in a service that will automatically renew their permits prior to the start of the next season or permit year. The process was designed to ensure customers never have expired permits when they need them most. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-auto-renewal.

Commercial and lifetime permits can be purchased only through the MDC Permit Services Unit by calling 573-522-0107 for an application.

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Republican Caucus

 

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Kickin Chicken March 24th Bates County Fair Event

 

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What's Up LeRoy Cook

 Suggested Banner: Gone, But Not Forgotten

 

Freakishly more like March instead of February, the flying weather cooperated well for most of the last week. Some 40-mph winds Friday scrubbed several flights, but otherwise we were blessed. Among the week's visitors were a Mooney M20C, a Piper Archer or two, a UMC Skyhawk and Jay McClintock's Piper Tomahawk from Harrisonville. Todd Proach of Harrisonville flew in Saturday on an Angel Flight compassion trip in his Beech Bonanza A36.

 

The unadvertised Fliars Club fly-out on Saturday morning netted only one participant, Jerimie Platt in his Grumman Tiger. Also out were Eric Eastland in his Cessna Skyhawk, warming up the oil for changing, Jon Laughlin in his Piper Cherokee 180C and Gerald Bauer in a Cessna 150. New pilot Bob Plunket took a Cessna 150 out for lunch with a passenger at Lincoln on Saturday.

 

Big changes have taken place since late-2021 on the Kansas City sectional aeronautical chart. Several VOR stations have been removed, deleting a whole network of Victor airways that has been around for decades. The FAA had been threatening to eliminate these comforting, but expensive to keep up, ground-based navaids, and over the last couple of years it's made good on its warning. The Oswego VOR halfway to Tulsa is no more, as well as the Maples VORTAC near Fort Leonard Wood, the Neosho VOR south of Joplin and the Macon VOR south of Kirksville. The latter two locations retained their DME functions, no doubt part of instrument approach procedures. The pared-down list of Minimum Operational Network stations, like Butler and Springfield, remains in place as a hedge against Red China shooting down our GPS satellites.

 

An embarrassing environmental survey taken at Superior, Colorado last year has backfired on its promoters, who were certain the lead additive in aviation gasoline at their airport was poisoning them. As we've always said, the minuscule amount of lead used in flying is a non-problem, and the testing at Superior found “undetectable” levels in all but one of the sites, and that was an older home with some lead in its plumbing. So, the earth-savers will have to find another way to close the town's airport.

 

Reader Stephanie Hotsenpiller-Poe correctly answered last week's historical question, about which Wright Brother was older and which one died first. In both cases, she said, it was Wilbur, who died too young of typhoid in 1912. Our brain-teaser for next week is: What is the meaning of EASA certification, advertised for some foreign airplanes being imported into the U.S.? You can send your answers to [email protected].

 

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Roger Plumbing Butler

 We would like to welcome a new business to the City of Butler. Roger Lawrence Plumbing. A lifelong resident of Butler, the son of Tina Alvarado of Butler. Roger is better known to the community as DJ. He graduated from Butler High School in 2011.

DJ comes to the table with 9-years of experience in plumbing and hopes his decision to open a plumbing business takes the load off other plumbers and provides the same reliable and honest service as his competition.

DJ offers normal plumber services such as installation of Garbage Disposals, and re-piping water systems in the home. Drain cleaning and repair or replacement of water heaters, backed-up stools, vanity and kitchen sink hardware replacement, and stool replacement.

At this time Roger Lawrence Plumbing is available 24/7 to serve the needs of Bates County and surrounding counties.

You may reach Roger Lawrence Plumbing at 660-424-1287 . 

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Rich Hill Fire Department Public Service Message

 In case of an emergency, the City of Rich Hill reminds their residents that it is crucial to dial 911 for immediate assistance. However, an unfortunate issue arises in the Rich Hill  area where emergency calls may mistakenly go to Vernon County instead of Bates County due to their  location between two cell towers when calling on a cell phone. This can result in delays in emergency services response.

 

To ensure a swifter response in Rich Hill, there is a direct number for the Rich Hill Fire and Police Department Dispatch. You can reach them at 417-395-2222.

 

Your safety matters, and knowing the right contact can make a difference in critical situations. Remember to save the direct number for quick access when needed.

Stay informed, stay safe!

 

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