Butler residents deal with spike in electric bills

The severe cold snap a few weeks back resulted in a higher bill from MPUA to the city of Butler (in the neighborhood of $500k) which ultimately must be passed on to consumers- much to the dismay of many, as reports are that some saw as little as $40, with others saying closer to $1,000 or more additional on their current electric charges. 

To note, billing runs one month behind adding surprise for some.

In the most recent session of the Butler city council, a discussion was held to see what can be done to 'soften the blow' and it was agreed an extension will be made for those who cannot pay the full amount- 1/2 of the bill must be paid up front and patrons will have 30 days to pay the balance.

The City of Butler does indeed offer a level pay program but it won't help unless you're already signed up. To qualify, you must be a Butler resident for at least one year and show no late pays in that year.

Adjustments to the level pay program are made in May with a new amount to be paid in June depending on whether you owed an additional amount or received a credit.

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Obituary - Wanda Pittman

Wanda Kay Pittman, of Harrisonville, Missouri, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the age of 76. A Celebration of Life will be held at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available.


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Obituary - Billie Sue Aulthouse

Billie Sue Aulthouse's wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.  A celebration of life will be at the Legion Hall in Hume, Missouri on March 14 at noon.  The address of the Legion Hall is 9355 SW. 1st St., Hume, Missouri.  Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com. 

Billie Sue Aulthouse, age 80 of Hume, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at her home.  She was born October 7, 1945 to Orval Wayne and Dorothy Nadine Stacy Simpson in Nevada, Missouri.  Billie lived a life overflowing with love, laughter and devotion to her family.  She passed, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, joy and unforgettable memories that will be treasured by all who knew her.

On June 7, 1962 Billie married her high school sweetheart, Gary Aulthouse, beginning a beautiful journey together built on love, laughter and unwavering partnership.  Billie had a vibrant spirit and a wonderfully goofy personality that could light up any room.  She had a gift for making people smile and a heart that found its greatest happiness in the presence of her family–especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren–who were the absolute center of her world.

Billie will be remembered for her playful spirit, boundless love and the way she made each person in her life feel special and deeply cared for.  Her presence was a gift, her laughter was contagious and her love was constant.  Though she will be deeply missed, the joy she brought into the world will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.  

Billie is lovingly survived by her children, Tracy (Mike) Reno of Hume, Missouri, Paul Aulthouse (David Flores) of Raytown, Missouri and Mark Aulthouse of Hume, Missouri.  She also leaves behind her cherished nine grandchildren, Brittany Aulthouse (Johnny Graham), Shelley (Jake) Pierce, Amanda (Jacob) McCoy, Rachelle Aulthouse, Hailey (Jannell) Aulthouse, Shane Aulthouse, Kaylyn (Robert) Clark, Samantha (Justin) Deems and Ryan (Michala) Reno; as well as her twelve adored great-grandchildren with one on the way, Kyra, Colten, Kayson, Kinsleigh, Olivia, Little Johnny, Maddox, Keeler, Garrett, Korah, Deacon and Xavier.   She was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Dorothy Simpson and her husband, Gary Aulthouse.  

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The Wall That Heals Spotlight: Ralph William Plunkett

Today we honor and remember Ralph William Plunkett who served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran.

Ralph married the love of his life, Patty Abraham, after he came back from Vietnam. He was a proud father of two sons and later was blessed with six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one daughter-in-law.

Ralph passed away on April 12, 2013 at the age of 67, but the legacy he built continues to live on through the family he cherished and loved.

Ralph raised his boys in Butler, MO on a farm just outside of town, where life was simple, honest and full of purpose. He spent most of his years working on tractors and many of those years spent at John Deere Tractor in Harrisonville, MO.

More than anything, Ralph treasured time with his family and friends. Whether gathered around the table, out on the farm, or simply enjoying a good conversation, those were the moments that meant the most to him.

As a Vietnam Veteran, Ralph served his country with courage and honor. As a husband, father, grandfather and friend, he served his family with love, strength and quiet devotion. He is greatly missed, fondly remembered and forever loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We will be forever grateful for Ralph's courage and service to our country.

Editor's note- The Wall That Heals, a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC will be in Butler in late April, get more info and sign up to volunteer here https://thewallthathealsbatescounty2026.org/


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Butler Chamber Featured Business of the Month

From a Broken Wagon Wheel to a Midwest Powerhouse

Did you know one of Butler’s most iconic businesses started because of a breakdown? Back in the 1850s, Richard Westover was headed to Oklahoma when a wagon wheel snapped near Passaic. He took one look at the land and said, "This is as good a place as any."

That "accidental" stop planted the seeds for South Side Lumber Company (or "Westover’s Sawmill" to the locals!). From Ebert and Phebe Westover’s hard-earned start in 1945 to Ivan Westover’s decades of growth, this mill has been the heartbeat of our community.

Trial by Fire

In 2007, a new chapter began when long-time employee Ron Jones bought the company from Ivan. But the challenge was immediate: shortly after taking over, the original 1945 sawmill building burned to the ground.

With no insurance on the historic structure, Ron didn't just rebuild—he did it with record speed. His priority? The people. He got the mill back up and running so fast that not a single employee missed a paycheck. That’s the kind of leadership that defines Bates County.

Local Roots, National Reach

Today, South Side Lumber isn’t just a "local sawmill." They are a modern powerhouse:

* Shipping Coast-to-Coast: Their high-quality lumber travels across the Upper Midwest and as far as California.

* Zero Waste: Every part of the tree is used—from furniture-grade oak to fuel for universities.

* Giving Back: They proudly donate sawdust to the Bates County Fair, as well as our local 4H and FFA youth.

Next time you see a South Side Lumber truck, remember: it all started with a broken wheel and a whole lot of grit.

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Enjoy the warm, cold snap to return

Morning All!! Awesome day today - Sunny and around 64. Warm, dry and windy again tomorrow at around 75 degrees.

ELEVATED TO NEAR CRITICAL **fire danger** Friday. Potential wind gusts 20-30mph, and relative humidity drops into the 20-30% range.

Still looking at a WINTRY MIX Sunday into Monday. A rain event may start in the early afternoon hours, but here's what radar could look like around evening time on Sunday - a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow.

About freezing rain: Current probabilities show a 25-45% chance of at least 0.01".

Today's weather is sponsored by Mullinax Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. where pre-arrangements are locked in - guaranteed at today's price - saving your family money and making sure your wishes are secure.

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Wednesday basketball scores

No local boys games to report

Girls

Appleton City 64

Montrose/Ballard 28

Hume 50

Drexel 25

Archie 74

Lakeland 40

Osceola 46

Midway 36

Skyline 45

Adrian 31

Butler 47

El Dorado Springs 40

Cole Camp 48

Holden 54


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Butler fugitive still at large

On February 25th, a Butler Officer attempted to take David Volland into custody on multiple felony warrants. Volland then assaulted the Officer and fled on foot through a wooded area near Main Street and Country Club Terrace. Other Butler Officers, the Bates County Sheriff's Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the area that Volland fled.

After an extensive search, Volland was not located. If you see Volland, contact law enforcement. He was last seen wearing all camouflage. Attached is a previous booking photo of Volland.

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