Thursday, December 7, 2023

And the winners are..

City of Butler would like to congratulate Kerra Webb and Christy Lewis. They each won the drawing for the $100 utility credit for filling out the comprehensive plan survey. The $100 credit will be applied to your utility bill. 

We want to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the survey and give us feedback. Look for further updates on the comprehensive plan as we continue to work on the future of Butler.


Excitement builds as local author releases children’s book

 A baboon in a zoo finds himself feeling sorrowful and blue- then a friend, a bee, shows him a different point of view. That act of kindness completely changed his outlook on life- along the way, his journey is dotted with acts of kindness, empathy and caring.


A longtime dream of Jenny Westbrook of Adrian, Mo has been realized with the release of her first children’s book Bazookabaloo Just Had To Believe that urges children to make the choice to be positive and have gratitude in life. The budding author has an impressive resume with over 20 years as a dance studio owner and 13 years as graphic designer (she owns Clockworks Design in Adrian offering screen printing, home decor and more) as well as a full service photography business. Add to that, her home life includes husband Rob, her youngest son Walker and furry companions Milo and Molly.

So, when would someone so busy have time to write a book? Westbrook says she’s wanted to do it since she was a little girl, citing one of her favorite childhood books Grindle Lamfoon and the Procurnious Fleekers, a story about a bird too poor to buy a costume for the May Day parade written by author Valerie Hubbard Damon. Jenny says simply “the time was right” to get busy on the project and despite hectic schedules, Rob and her family gave her the little push she needed, telling her she needed to follow her dream.

That came some additional, unexpected support. “It turns out” she said “my father actually knew Valerie Damon and I actually got to meet her!” smiled Jenny as she went on to say that Damon was quite supportive and gave her plenty of pointers on how to navigate the publishing process, which can be a bit grueling. But patience and perseverance pays in big ways- hot off the presses, the first books will be available this week.

When asked what was the inspiration for Bazookabaloo Just Had To Believe she said “I wanted to write something that was truly inspiring that would help children learn to be more positive about life.” She added that her own childhood personal experiences are part of her work which adds a very personal element as well.

When quizzed about the illustrations, Jenny says she questioned her artistic ability, however it seems perfectly fitting for the targeted age group of 3 to about 9 years old and our assessment was yes, it is spot on.

A summary from the first book in Westbrook’s Polkadot Pickle book series brings together imaginative journey began as a personal odyssey, using childhood dreams to heal from past traumas and transforming into a mission to guide others in the discovery of happiness and self-love.

At the heart of her series lies the inaugural book, “Bazookabaloo Just Had to Believe,” a vibrant tale brimming with colorful polkadots and heartfelt lessons in gratitude and positive thinking. Through Bazookabaloo’s adventures children will be guided toward embracing kindness, love, optimism and of course spreading polkadots!

With each turn of the page, young readers embark on an imaginative escapade, discovering the trans-formative power of a positive perspective amidst life’s challenges. Jenny’s mission is clear—to inspire children to find joy and self-love through her tales, sprinkled with the magic of spreading polkadots.

Jenny had the honor of meeting her 
favorite author and mentor, Valerie
Hubbard Damon
So what lies ahead for Bates County’s newest author? The public is invited to join her at Byrd’s Pecan Delights in Adrian on December 14th for a book signing and as an added bonus, everyone who purchases a copy will get free ice cream.

In the meantime, the book can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Nobel and more information can be found at www.PolkadotPickleBooks.com as well as Facebook here.

Jenny can also be reached at PolkdotPickleBooks@gmail.com as well as by text message at 816-808-4209. Best of luck and we’re proud of you Jenny!

BCMH Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet

25 YEARS OF SERVICE : 
The following were recognized for 25 years of employment with Bates County Memorial Hospital at the December 1st Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet. Thank you for your service to our hospital and community! Pictured, left to right:

Kate Long
Mike Keiser
Shannon Bjerke

20 YEARS OF SERVICE:
The following were recognized for 20 years of employment with Bates County Memorial Hospital at the December 1st Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet. Thank you for your service to our hospital and community!

Pictured: Doncella Liggins
Not pictured:
Nikki West
Alisha Brownsberger

15 YEARS OF SERVICE: 
The following were recognized for 15 years of employment with Bates County Memorial Hospital at the December 1st Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet. Thank you for your service to our hospital and community!
Ann Donnohue
Natalie Miller
Jennifer Wainscott
Not Pictured:
Jeffrey Hewitt


10 YEARS OF SERVICE: 
The following were recognized for 10 years of employment with Bates County Memorial Hospital at the December 1st Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet. Thank you for your service to our hospital and community!

Front Row, Left to Right: Jessica Nieder, Daniel Cook, James Friederich. Back Row: Dan Hatten, Michelle Tillery, Dickie Reinke. Not Pictured: Rebecca Julien, Carl Gregory, Jody Kirtley, Marci Brower, Russell Whisenand.

5 YEARS OF SERVICE:
The following were recognized for 5 years of employment with Bates County Memorial Hospital at the December 1st Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet. Thank you for your service to our hospital and community!

Front Row, Left to Right: Richard Evans, Bettina Fitzpatrick, Lexi Hahn, Lena Tialino. Second Row: Ashlyn Kauffman, Ruth Barnes, Kyrsten Jacobs. Back Row: Kelley Robb, Breanna Hardie. Not Pictured: Kerri Snyder, Nicholas Head, Anne Ghere, Kori Page, Matthew Wheatley, Nancy Simons, David Galvan, Kerry Jennings, Lora Hill, Melissa Baum, Corinne Jacobs.

35 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Nan Newkirk was recognized for 35 years of employment with Bates County Memorial Hospital at the December 1st Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet. Thank you, Nan, for your service to our hospital and community!




































































BCMH Volunteers recognized for their donations

Thank you to the BCMH Auxiliary members who donated $15,000 to the hospital in 2023! Volunteers were recognized for their donation at the BCMH Winter Wonderland Employee Recognition Banquet on December 1st.

The donation will be used to purchase needed equipment, supplies, furnishings or other items that benefit the patient experience at BCMH. One such project from this year’s donation has already been completed to replace the chairs in the hospital’s dining room.

Pictured, from left: Phyllis McBrayer, Donna Huber, Barb Weaver, Holly Rabourn, Liz Schlechty, Carol Hedrick, Bob Thomas, Kathleen Bunch, Charlotte Guss, Jerry Jones (BCMH Board Member) and Dee Hall.

Auxiliary volunteers raise funds year-round. BCMH thanks all who have supported the Auxiliary’s efforts with their purchases in the gift shop and various fundraisers.

Learn more about the hospital’s Auxiliary and volunteer opportunities by visiting the hospital’s website: https://www.bcmhospital.com/auxiliary-volunteers/


Adrian Optimist Gun and Knife Show

Adrian Optimist Foundation 13 Gun Raffle...Saturday December 16th 2pm. LIVE @ The Gun Show.. Each ticket drawn will go back into the drawing for the next gun.

Winners will need to contact John Gray to arrange for completion of paperwork and to pick up guns. 
Please make arrangements to have these items picked up PRIOR to Christmas!




Rural Sheldon home destroyed by fire

On Tuesday December 5th around 8:30 a.m. the Sheldon Fire Department along with mutual aide from the Milo, Lamar and Olympia Fire Departments responded to a fully involved mobile home fire on DD Highway near 2225th Road.

The residents weren't injured however then did lose their pets in this fire. The house was a complete loss and the cause of the fire is unknown to us at this time. 




Structure fire last night in Belton

Last night the Belton Fire Department units responded to 3rd floor deck fire in a residential complex in the area of 58 Highway and Cunningham Industrial Parkway.

Units were able to extinguish the fire quickly. No injuries were reported and the fire is currently under investigation. The fire caused minimal damage to two decks.

































Kalee Chandler Scoreboard Dedication

Come out to the Butler High School Main Gym on Thursday, December 14th to see the new scoreboard in honor of Kalee!

We will have a dedication just prior to the boys varsity game at 7:00-wear blue!



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