Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Sonic joins 'paint the town red' campaign
It's 'Paint the Town Red' week in preparation for Butler's Homecoming- local businesses are showing Bear Pride and here is a fine example. Join the festivities on Friday with the Homecoming parade, details here:
Butler Homecoming Parade 2025
Business Floats
We are excited to invite local businesses to take part in this year’s
Hollywood Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 3rd.
Parade Details:
• Line-Up: Begins at 1:30 PM at the Fairgrounds (enter through the east entrance).
• Business Staging: Businesses will line up on the west side of the rodeo arena and continue south toward the back of the grounds.
• Order: Businesses will follow Alumni entries in the parade. Large trucks are asked to stay near the back, though exact order is flexible.
• Group Entries: If your business is meeting as a group, please gather first at the Fair Building. Once your group is ready, you may proceed to the line-up area.
• Parade Start: 2:00 PM
We would love to see your creativity and spirit represented in this year’s parade!
Questions or Float Registration:
Contact Jalyn Watson or Addison Hawks.
660-679-6121 ext 253
Hume School District Launches First Registered Youth Apprenticeship with Wyatt Brooks as Inaugural Apprentice
Hume, MO — Hume School District is proud to announce the signing of Wyatt Brooks into the Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) program, making this the first time our district has offered this career-connected pathway. Wyatt will begin building valuable skills as an employee of Dirks Heavy Contractors, combining classroom learning and paid work experience in his field of interest.
Missouri’s RYA program is a structured “earn-and-learn” pathway that allows high school students to remain enrolled in academic classes while participating in paid, on-the-job training within local businesses. This program is registered and monitored with the Department of Labor. Students in RYA can also earn industry-recognized credentials and his specific program will include 2,000 hours of training.
This opportunity not only supports Wyatt’s personal career trajectory, but also strengthens the connection between education and local industry. The program offers benefits for:
Students: gain real-world experience, earn wages, and build credentials while still in high school
Employers: tap into a pipeline of motivated, skilled young workers trained for their specific workforce needs
Schools & educators: enhance career and technical education (CTE) by aligning instruction with workplace learning
We extend sincere thanks to Betty Glasgow and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Dirks Heavy Contractors and their team, and all who contributed to making this program a reality at Hume.
This milestone signals the beginning of a new chapter for Hume students, one where academic achievement, career readiness, and community partnerships intersect. We are excited to see future opportunities this program will foster for our students and local industries.
For more information about Missouri’s Registered Youth Apprenticeship program, visit the DESE RYA page. Missouri DESE
This program was initiated through the rootEd Missouri Advisor at Hume School. rootEd Alliance’s mission is clear: “Every rural student should graduate high school on a path that leads to career success and economic stability.”
Picture Left to Right: Betty Glasgow, Wyatt Brooks, Franklin DirksBack Row - parents Vernon Brooks and Carrie Irwin
Obituary - James Lancaster
Jim was born at Ransom Memorial Hospital, Ottawa, Kansas to Glenn Edward and Ruth Frances (Hougland) Lancaster on July 20, 1940.
He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1958. While attending Ottawa High School, he was very active in FFA holding several officer positions including chapter Vice-President. He also played football and basketball at Ottawa High School.
Jim was very active in the community starting with membership in Jayhawk 4-H club and later serving as club leader for Trailblazers 4-H. He served on the Franklin County Extension Council for several years and as President two terms. Jim served several years as treasurer for the Franklin County Fair Board and was a life member of Ottawa Optimist Club where he was a past president. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa for over sixty years where he held several positions including Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
After high school, he attended Kansas State University where he studied Animal Science and Dairy Production. He then returned to the family farm where he was in partnership with his father in Lancaster and Son Dairy.
He later changed employment and started working at Ottawa Coop as feed store manager. He then started working in the banking industry as Vice-President and field representative at Ottawa Production Credit. From there, he became branch manager at Franklin Savings at 7th and Main in Ottawa. When Franklin closed, he moved to Vice-President of First National Bank of Ottawa. He remained with that bank thru several name changes and retired from Intrust Bank in 2005.
In 1961, Jim joined the Kansas Army National Guard. He served ten years with headquarters division at Ottawa, Kansas where he was a Staff Sargent.
On February 4, 1962, Jim was united in marriage to Virginia Carey at Princeton United Methodist Church. They shared more than sixty-three years of life and love. To this marriage two sons were born, Tim Lancaster and Dr. Trent Lancaster.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid golfer and fisherman. He also enjoyed deer hunting, snow skiing, and woodworking. He was a die hard KSU football fan and was a fifty plus year season ticket holder. Jim was a dedicated fan of fishing in Northwest Ontario, Canada traveling there twenty-eight years to fish for walleye.
He and Virginia spent fifteen years as winter Texans in Alamo, Texas where Jim spent many hours in the woodshop perfecting his woodworking skills.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents Elmer and Bertha Lancaster and Aaron and Bertha Hougland.
He is survived by his wife Virginia; sons Tim Lancaster (Brenda) of Lake Lotawana, Missouri and Dr. Trent Lancaster (Jody) of Ottawa, Kansas; four grandchildren Tate Lancaster (fiancé Gracie Fitzgerald) of Overland Park, Kansas, Hope Lancaster of Shawnee, Kansas, Maddy Srna (Josh) of Gardner, Kansas, and Cooper Lancaster of Sabetha, Kansas; great granddaughter Parker Lee Srna; and brother John Lancaster (Ellen) of Redfield, Kansas.
Services will be held at 10am Friday, October 3, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kansas. Family will greet friends from 5:30-7:30pm, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa.
Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the KSU Foundation to be used for the Lancaster Family Scholarship, fund N76234. This scholarship is used to help Franklin County students attend Kansas State University. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, please indicate fund N76234. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials.
Obituary - Betty Joan Haupt
Funeral service will be 10 am Friday, October 3, 2025 at the La Cygne Christian Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, October 2 at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Celebrate Recovery or La Cygne Christian Church. Online condolences can be left at wwww.schneiderfunerals.com.
Obituary - Garry Gene Jenkins
Garry was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1960. Following high school, he moved to Springfield with his family where they lived for five years before returning to Nevada. Garry worked as a lineman for Mo Public Service for several years and was also a logger for several years with his son “Skip”. He then went on to become a self-employed over the road trucker, an occupation that served him for 40+ years. Garry was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Nevada.
In addition to his wife Charlene he is survived by his children, Leslie Ann Smith (Walter), Carthage, Skip Jenkins (Sherry), Nevada, John Jenkins, Richards, and Russ Jenkins (Barbara), Moundville; three grandchildren, Jake Hand (Jenny), Carthage, Vanessa Howell (Trevor), Nevada, and Jesse Jenkins (Kelly), Nevada; two great-grandchildren, Ian and Isabelle Howell; a brother, Mike Jenkins (Mary), Sheldon; a sister, Pat McClellan, Nevada; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim Jenkins, and Johnny Jenkins; and two grandson, Cody Jenkins, and Walter Smith, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Nevada. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery in Nevada. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested in his name to the Seventh Day Adventist Church Missionary Fund c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
Obituary - Michelle R. Moore
Michelle grew up in the Germantown, Missouri area graduating from Montrose High School in May of 1986. On October 11, 1986, Michelle was united in marriage to Kevin S. Moore at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose. To this union two children were born, Scott and Mickaela.
After high school, Michelle began a career of caring for the elderly at Appleton City Manor. She worked her way up to CNA and then to Med Tech before changing jobs to West Central Action Agency and then Four Seasons In-Home Care where she was the supervisor for in-home aides. Michelle enjoyed helping people and caring for them. She later took a job working at AC Health Clinic for Dr. Glen Reed. Her focus changed entirely as she began working at Community First Bank as a teller. She was able to spend more time at home being wife and mother to her two children.
Michelle now was able to spend time in her flower garden too. She very much liked eating out with her family, and was a dog lover at heart, enjoying her two dogs Bingo and Luna.
Preceding Michelle in death were her parents; her son Scott; her maternal grandparents Pauline and Paul Goth; and her mother and father-in-law Dot and Charley Moore. Survivors include her husband of almost 39 years, Kevin; her daughter Mickaela Sebree and husband Zach; her sisters-in-law, Bev Carter (Jim), and Barb Moore; her aunts: Beverly Munsterman (Gary), Paula Evans (Jim), Maxine Beavers and Germaine Wilson; several cousins, family members and many friends.
The family requests any memorial donations be made to Michelle Moore Love Fund. There is an account set up at Community First Bank in Appleton City, Missouri, or memorials may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home.
Obituary - Virginia Lee Thomas
Virginia was born on September 17, 1935, the only child of Lee and Edith (Williams) Hammonds in Harrisonville, where she spent her entire life. A proud graduate of Harrisonville High School's Class of 1953, she dedicated 75 years to her profession in accounting and tax preparation, bringing her expertise and friendly demeanor to many in her community. Her marriage to Billy K. Thomas on June 18, 1955, marked the beginning of a loving partnership and a beautiful family, including her sons, Keith and Kevin, who were her pride and joy.
A dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother, Virginia cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showering them with love and affection. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family; she was deeply active in the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir from an early age and enjoyed being part of the United Women’s Faith Group.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Billy K. Thomas; and her son, Keith Thomas. She is survived by her son, Kevin (Jennifer) Thomas; her daughter-in-law, Teresa Thomas; her five grandchildren: Jason Lee (Stephanie) Thomas, Justin Dane (Abbey) Thomas, Jeremy Keith (Amber) Thomas, Juliann Nicole Thomas, and Sarah Ashton (Angel) Thomas; and her 11 great-grandchildren: Jayden, Jet, Ethan, Evan, Jagger, Gunner, Gavin, Jasper, Gianna, Gracie, & Gentry.
Mild weather on tap
Where we are - and where we're headed.
Man, it's pretty tough to describe the same forecast day after day. . . pretty much a repeat of yesterday today. . . and tomorrow. . .
Mid to upper 80's today with some broken clouds approaching from the west. Really dry air over us though, so don't count on an abundance of cloud cover.
Have a great day-
-Greg@660weather
Obituary - Evelyn Dunlap
Evelyn Verie Dunlap, age 90 of Butler, Missouri departed this life on September 26, 2025 just three days prior to her 91st birthday. She was born September 29, 1934 to William John and Polly Philipine Diehl Fennewald near Pleasant Gap, Missouri.
Evelyn leaves to morn her passing a son, Ronald Dean Dunlap and wife Debbie of Butler, Missouri; son-in-law, Philip Schapeler of Butler, Missouri; five grandchildren that she loved, Mandy Dunlap of Butler, Missouri, Mark Schapeler of Butler, Missouri, Matthew Schapeler of Lathrop, Missouri, Jeffrey Dunlap and wife Christy of Butler, Missouri and Monte Schapeler of Butler Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, Andrew Clutter, Nicholas Clutter, Jaxon Dunlap, Molly Kate Dunlap, Adrienne Kimball and husband Carl, Kennedy Green and husband Hunter, and Grant Griffin; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, William and Polly Fennewald; her loving husband, Alton Dunlap in 1998, a daughter, Judy Schapeler in 2020; a sister, Areta Schapeler; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Evelyn will be sadly missed by those who loved her.
Monday, September 29, 2025
VCSO recovers stolen vehicle
On September 28th at approximately 11:00 am The Vernon County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident in the Metz area. After deputies arrived it was determined that the vehicle was a stolen vehicle from a previous case which Nevada Police were working.
It was reported to deputies on scene that the 2 individuals driving, crashed into a tree and fled on foot.
Deputies were able to make contact with the individuals and placed them in custody. The 2 individuals were transported to Nevada Police for questioning. Both individuals names will not be released do to the fact they are juveniles . Both juveniles were transferred to the custodial authority of the Juvenile office.
This is a prime example of what can be accomplished working with all agencies! Sheriff Buehler explained.
Courtesy Vernon County Sheriff's Office
MU Extension offering online course to strengthen Missouri’s early childhood workforce
Sneak Peek Alert!
Join a virtual preview of one of the dynamic sessions from the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference in Excelsior Springs!
Learn how these strategies can be adapted to support childcare systems in your own community!
Register today: https://brnw.ch/21wWbPy
Accident at Mill and Orange streets in Butler
First responders are on the scene of a two vehicle MVA at Mill and Orange streets in Butler. Injury status is unknown, and while the area is open to traffic, a detour might be a good idea.
More details to be released as they become available.
Butler Homecoming parade set for this Friday
Butler Homecoming Parade 2025
Business Floats
We are excited to invite local businesses to take part in this year’s
Hollywood Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 3rd.
Parade Details:
• Line-Up: Begins at 1:30 PM at the Fairgrounds (enter through the east entrance).
• Business Staging: Businesses will line up on the west side of the rodeo arena and continue south toward the back of the grounds.
• Order: Businesses will follow Alumni entries in the parade. Large trucks are asked to stay near the back, though exact order is flexible.
• Group Entries: If your business is meeting as a group, please gather first at the Fair Building. Once your group is ready, you may proceed to the line-up area.
• Parade Start: 2:00 PM
We would love to see your creativity and spirit represented in this year’s parade!
Questions or Float Registration:
Contact Jalyn Watson or Addison Hawks.
660-679-6121 ext 253
What’s Up by LeRoy Cook
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Great flying conditions prevailed again last week, with some early morning fog causing delayed launches. Once it burned off, the fair-weather cumulus popcorn added contrast to the clear skies.
To clarify last week’s Butler City Council report, yes, the credit card reader at the airport fuel pumps is working, but the pump isn’t. After months of sitting, it refuses to dispense and the Notice To Airmen still reports “out of service until 10-8-2025.” I know of three transient pilots who didn’t do their planning and had to fly elsewhere after landing here to refuel, all last Thursday. Hope springs eternal...
In an unrelated matter, we were visited on Friday by Krissie Younkin from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, who was flying her family’s Super Decathlon with her 8-year-old son. If the name rings a bell, it’s because her husband is Matt Younkin, who flies an airshow routine in a twin-engine Beech C-18. She’s part of the support crew for the show schedule, which keeps her on the road 26 weekends per year. Matt was due to perform on Sunday at neighboring Bentonville, AR, so she was anxious to get home.
Among the other airplanes spotted were a Cirrus SR22, a Cessna 210 Centurion, a Cessna 172H, a Skyhawk and a Piper Archer. From the local hangars, Jon Laughlin was flying his Piper Cherokee 180C, Jeremie Platt took his Grumman Tiger out, Randy Miller celebrated his 77th birthday in the Cessna Skyhawk, Gerald Bauer exercised the Cessna 172 and instructor Delaney Rindal made several training sorties in her Cessna 150s.
We have a new private pilot to announce; Cody Barker of Nevada started his training here 20 months ago and passed his checkride last Tuesday with Examiner Brian Morgan at Springfield. Instructor Delaney and he are due well-earned congratulations.
Three weeks from this publishing, a big change is coming for the Light Sport piloting community. Since 2004, a Sport Pilot option has been available for individuals seeking a pilot’s license, allowing a student to earn a “sport pilot” rating in as little as 20 hours of training, versus 40 hours for a Private license. The current restrictions limit a sport pilot to airplanes weighing no more than 600 kilograms (1320 pounds) flying no faster than 120 knots and with only two seats. No medical exam or certificate is required.
As of October 22, all that goes away. Replacing it are expanded privileges allowing sport pilots (or higher-rated pilots) to fly airplanes of unlimited weight, so long they stall no faster than 59 knots clean, and with up to four seats, as long as only one passenger is carried. This opens up Cessna 150 and 172 models, as well as Piper Cherokees and similar planes. Again, no medical is needed, just a driver’s license. Insurance companies may impose other restrictions.
Remember the Canadian Boeing 737 airliner that made a hard landing at Sint Maarten island in the Caribbean a few weeks ago, driving the right main gear up through the wing? Turns out the airline has found a way to repair it and is planning to fly it out, rather than scrap it; I imagine the pilot who was flying is still unemployed.
Are you ready to fly on an airliner flown by a geezer? Right now, U.S. rules require pilots to retire at age 65, but ICAO, the internationalist airline governing body, wants to raise it to 67, and Senator Ted Cruz (not a pilot) is pushing the FAA to abandon age limits altogether. Supposedly, this will get us out of the coming pilot shortage. Looks like that would only get us through another couple of years, though. And I think I’d prefer to have at least one younger whippersnapper up front in my airliner.
Last week’s question wanted someone to tell us to whom the Butler Memorial Airport was dedicated. It was to all members of the armed forces who lost their lives in wartime. Now, for next week, which side of a propeller blade is its “face,” front or back? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.
Perfect Fall weather ahead
OUTDOOR WEATHER GALORE.
Overnight lows shouldn't dip below 60's either.
I don't see a significant pattern change until late weekend/Monday/Tuesday.
-Greg@660weather
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Jubilee Royalty & other winners of the day
Miss Tiny Tot honors went to Abagail Pilcher, daughter of Jon and Whitney Pilcher
Mr. Tiny Tot honors went to Dixon Moise, son of Jesse and Sage Moise
John Irwin, son of John and Whitney Pilcher was crowned as 2025 Prince
Other winners of the day in included Lane Gregory, who downed just over 6 in the brat eating contest and Harley Bridges who scooped up $500 in the Bessie Bingo contest.
The car show on main street broke a record with 69 vehicles that ranged from vintage to new, 2 wheels to 4.
Warmer this week
SEASONABLY WARM week ahead. Upper 80's for highs with overnights in the 60's mostly for the foreseeable future.
-Greg@660weather
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Obituary - Phyllis Jean Martin
Visitation will be held at 10 am, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 606 S Elm Street, Louisburg, Kansas 66053. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am. Burial will take place at the Bucyrus Cemetery, following the mass.
A full obituary will be available shortly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Monarch Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.
Obituary - Alice Marie Cook
Alice and Cecil loved to go camping and enjoyed many adventures together over 50 years of marriage. Alice lived a simple life and valued simple things. She loved cats and any stray that appeared was sure to find care from Alice. She had a talent for crocheting and spent hours creating beautiful afghans, each a labor of love and a lasting reminder of comfort and warmth for those she loved.
Alice was an amazing cook. Whether it was hamburger potato casserole, fried apples, cinnamon rolls or donuts, a meal made by Alice was something to remember. She was the heart of the home, always busy caring for her children. She cooked, cleaned and tended to all their needs, but also loved to take the occasional Saturday for her and Cecil to play cards with friends or go dancing. Alice loved hosting her family for any occasion, but Christmas Eve was always a staple. Generations gathered every year for lots of food, even more laughter, spirited gift exchanges and card games that Alice loved to participate in.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and recently became a great-great-grandmother. Through life’s challenges Alice’s wit and warmth never faded. Even at the end of her journey her caregivers commented on how sweet she was to all who cared for her. Her few words were those of love and humor, just days before she passed when asked by a nurse ‘what can I get you’, with a knowing grin Alice replied, “a million dollars.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cecil Cook; her children, Paul, Patty, and Jeff; her son-in-law, Mike Mitchell; and her siblings, Betty Rotert, Jim Gengler, and Ann Strum.
She is survived by her children: Debbie Vogel (Bill), Phil Cook (Lisa), Jenny Mitchell (Jerry), Chris Cook (Shannon), and Bill Cook (Julie); her daughter-in-law, Tammy Cook; her sister-in-law, Cathy Gengler; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Psalm 128: 3 & 6
“Your children will be like olive shoots around your table, may you see your children’s children.”
Just as the scripture promised, she lived to see her family flourish and was blessed with the joy of her children’s children. Having completed her earthly race, she has now found rest in the arms of her Lord and in the company of all the loved ones whom she has missed dearly.
Until we meet again, enjoy dancing with Cecil.
The family suggests any memorial donations be given to St. Mary's School. They may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home or at the church the day of Mass.
Obituary - John K. Smith
A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.
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