Way to go George!

We have some exciting news to share about one of our Wildcats!

Harrisonville High School senior George Frees has been selected to a nationally prestigious merit scholarship program. He has been named a 2021 Stamps Scholar at the University of Missouri.

This nationwide program is funded through the Strive Foundation with 37 universities throughout the United States participating and only 200 scholars selected nationally each year. Frees is one of eight Stamps Scholars selected to the 2021 freshman class at Mizzou.

Frees will receive a four-year, full scholarship, plus an additional $16,000 enrichment fund to use in his academic and professional development. He may use the award to study or volunteer outside the United States, conduct research, or participate in a leadership program or academic conference. Frees will also enroll in the Honors College at Mizzou.

To be eligible to apply for the Stamps Scholars Program at the University of Missouri, a student must have at least a 32 ACT (or 1420 SAT) and hold at least a 3.5 core GPA. Selection for this honor includes a rigorous application and interview process. Frees is the son of Karl and Laura Frees.

His high school activities include Academic club, cross country, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Band, FFA, science club, TRACTION, and CAPPIES.

He has served as the Academic Club Captain, a trumpet section leader in band, Chapter Vice President in FFA, Science Club President, and TRACTION Club Vice President.

Frees is dual-enrolled at Summit Technology Academy in Lee’s Summit where he attends class each afternoon as a student in the Medical Intervention/Biomedical Innovation program.

At Cass Career Center and Summit Technology Academy, Frees conducts agriscience research on ethanol biofuel production from sugarcane.

Outside of school he is involved in Youth Symphony of Kansas City and he provides surgery assistance at Wilhite and Frees Equine Hospital.

At Mizzou, Frees plans to major in biochemistry and plant sciences to become a genetic engineer in botany and microbiology.

Congratulations George! #WildcatPride

Prom this Saturday in Butler

Promenade for patrons will be held April 24, 2021, from 4:00 to 5:00 in the student parking lot. Only those students attending Prom may enter the parking lot at 3:30. Spectators may enter at 4:00.

Rain will cancel promenade. 

Listen/watch local and school media for an announcement by 2:30 if conditions are rainy. In the event of cancellation, students should be parked in designated spots starting at 4:45 to come straight into the school.

Students should bring bags with clothes to change into for Project Prom if they are attending.

Promenade will operate as a “reverse” promenade this year. Students will be parked in the spot they've chosen, and patrons will walk the parking lot to view attendees.

Golf carts will be available for patrons wanting to see promenade, but who could have trouble walking the lot. Prom is a private event and ONLY BHS faculty, students, and their dates are allowed to attend.

Lamar woman injured in Barton County crash

On April 21st around 12:05pm the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Barton County along with Barton County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a one vehicle accident on I-49 just south of Lamar.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2002 Dodge Durango driven by 30 year old Shay K. Simpson of Lamar, Missouri lost control and traveled off the roadway and down an embankment.

Shay K. Simpson sustained minor injures and she was transported by ambulance to Cox Barton County Hospital for treatment.

The vehicle was totaled and towed by S&S Towing from Jasper.

Copyright Mid America Live

Looking for a Job?

Looking for a Job? Join us at Butler Center Thursday May 6th between 10:00AM-3:00PM for a job fair!

We will have same day interviews. We have openings for CNAs, RN/LPNs, and a full-time Housekeeping position.

We are located at 416 South High Street in Butler.

May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

EMPHASIS: May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It's important for motorcyclists to take an active role in their safety. Preliminary 2020 statistics indicate there were 173 crashes involving a motorcycle. In these crashes, 157 people were injured and 11 people were killed.

Please keep these suggestions in mind when you're on the road:

* Be visible. Motorists often have a hard time seeing you. Keep your headlight on, day or night. Use reflective strips/decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of other vehicle’s blind spots.

*Dress for safety. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing. Wear thick or leather clothing for protection.

*Think safety while riding. Give yourself space to react to other motorists’ actions. Use lane positioning to increase visibility. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next action in advance. Pretend you’re invisible and drive defensively.

*Know your bike. Get formal training and take refresher courses. Practice riding your motorcycle before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your motorcycle in all types of road conditions.

Review the laws pertaining to operating a motorcycle on Missouri roadways.

* You must possess a valid license that shows you have successfully passed an examination for the operation of a motorcycle or motortricycle in order to operate one upon any highway of this state.

* Any qualified motorcycle operator who is 26 years of age or older may operate a motorcycle or motortricycle upon any highway of this state without wearing protective headgear. This is allowed only if the motorcycle operator maintains proof of financial responsibility in accordance with Chapter 303 RSMo and is covered by a health insurance policy or other form of insurance which will provide the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a traffic crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle or motortricycle.

* Motorcyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle operators.

Car and truck drivers need to share the road with motorcyclists and keep the following in mind:

* Drivers should actively watch for motorcyclists.

* Motorcycles may look farther away than they are due to their smaller size. It is also difficult to judge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling as it approaches.

*Motorcycles are hidden easily in a vehicle’s blind spots, or masked by objects or backgrounds. Thoroughly check traffic before changing lanes!

*Motorcyclists may slow down by downshifting or easing off the throttle. So, you may not see a brake light. Allow extra distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle.

*A motorcycle’s turn signal does not cancel after the turn like a vehicle’s signal does. The motorcycle may not be turning, so pay attention.

*A motorcyclist will often adjust their position in the lane so they can see more easily or to avoid debris, wind, or passing vehicles. Allow the motorcyclist to share the lane; don’t assume they are being reckless.

*Stopping distance for motorcycles is similar to that of cars. But, slippery pavement can make stopping quickly difficult. Please allow more distance behind a motorcycle in these types of road conditions.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”

Rich Hill FFA Greenhouse Sale

Obituary - Dorothy McCown

Dorothy McCown 86, of Butler, Missouri passed away Sunday, April 28, 2021 at Butler Center. Cremation, with private family inurnment services to take place at a later date. 

Arrangements entrusted to the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy McCown was born December 31, 1934 in Birmingham, England to Albert Killworth and Winifred Stanworth. She grew up in England during WWII, and as a young girl she witnessed the bombing of England beginning in 1940. It was then that she was separated from her parents and sent to live with caretakers in a safe area.

As a young lady Dorothy lived and worked in Oxford, England until she moved to the United States to marry the love of her life Owen McCown.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Owen in 2005, and sisters Mavis and Jean Killworth.

She is survived by her dear friends and adopted children Joyce and David Gray of Butler, MO., three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brother William Killworth of Birmingham, England, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Butler Council news: New members get down to business

From the Butler City Council meeting last night

Outgoing council members Lynn Nitsche, Dale Newkirk, David Brown and Heather Diehl received many thanks and kudos for their service as newly elected members were sworn in. Scott Mallatt, Tim Young, Trey Douty and Mike Irick were officially sworn in, along with Alan Mundey, who replaced Jeff Hall last December. 

Doncella Liggins was again voted in as Mayor pro tem by unanimous vote.

Butler Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara Lawrence requested approval for upcoming events which were all  given a thumbs up. This includes the rescheduling of Cruise Night, it now will be held April 30th at Sonic.

A long discussion was devoted to the purchase of new mowers for the city, there are a lot of variables such as carbureted models vs fuel injection, deck size and more. Talk also included whether to buy locally, and the decision was made to support local and the final vote went to purchasing Ferris brand mowers from Midwest Lumber in Butler.

It was voted to change the Butler Parks & Rec Department to an advisory board. 

Much time was also devoted to discussion about upcoming training for city employees, managers and new council members, most of which is out of the area so planning ahead is necessary to keep travel costs down. 

The city is waiting for signed contracts from local water districts, those are hoped to be received by the next council meeting.

There was a reminder to Butler residents that they will see a slight increase in utility bills for a period of time and an explanation will be placed with each bill. This temporary increase will pay off the additional cost incurred due to the massive winter storm a few months ago.

A town hall meeting is still in the works. At this point deciding where and when is up for discussion. The old high school gym or the high school auditorium are a couple places under consideration.

Other topics discussed were needed street repairs; doggy doo in neighbor's yards; and what type of enforcement/oversight is needed for those living in homes without power, water and sewer.

The Butler City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays 7 pm at the Butler City Hall, upstairs. The public is highly encouraged to attend.