Possible severe weather inbound later tonight

Rich Hill Reaches District Championship Once Again

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV 

The Rich Hill Tigers entered the Class 2, District 13 tournament as the 2 seed, with a record of 22-5. The Tigers were in a District loaded with talent, such as, Lincoln, Osceola, Weubleau, Appleton City and Lakeland. As the second seed, the Tigers had earned a bye, and would face Osceola in round of the tournament after Osceola defeated Appleton City 62 to 53 in the first round.

This would be the 3rd time that the Tigers and Indians would face off this season. In the first two meetings, the Tigers would emerge victorious with scores of 59-50 and 56-54.

Following the opening tip, it would appear that these two teams would be set for another close one, as the Tigers led 11-7 after the opening 8. The contest would remain tight through the first 2 quarters, as Rich Hill would take a 20-19 lead into the break.

Out of the intermission, the Tigers were able to dominate defensively and hold the Indians to a whopping ZERO points for the entirety of the period. While they ratcheted up the defensive pressure, the Tigers were also able to put up an impressive 17 points, pushing their lead to a comfortable 37-19 heading into the fourth and final. During the 4th period, the Tigers coasted to a 55-30 win.

Zane Becker led the Tigers with 22 points, Dillon Coonce finished the night with 14 points, 19 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 4 assists. Lane Hardin also pitched in 14 points for Rich Hill.

With this win, the Tigers had earned a spot in the district in the Championship game, and now they had a date with Lincoln. The Tigers would end up falling to Lincoln with a final of 56-43, ending Rich Hill’s season.

Wise Words from State Runner-Up

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV 

The Butler Bears sent multiple wrestlers to the State Tournament this past weekend, where they were able to shine and represent Butler High School well. Preston Mallatt (132), Damian Alkire (138), Kellen Long (150), and Phineas Goertz were the athletes that would be taking the trip to Columbia for the Bears.

Mallatt, Alkire, and Long would each make it the quarterfinals where Mallatt would loose by decision (10-8), Alkire won by decision (15-3), and Long would win by pin.

In the end, Goertz would go 0-2 in the tournament, Mallatt would go 2-2, Long would claim a 3rd place finish, and Alkire would be a State Runner-Up with a 2nd place finish.

Alkire, who obviously had high hopes of bringing home a state title, wisely states, “Not what I planned for State but Jeremiah 29:11 teaches me that the plans I have are not always the best or right plans, for God has even greater plans for me in the future that I need not want. After losing my father this past year I really put this season and State Tournament towards Him because I believed it would fulfill the hole in my heart and the goals me and him set together of being a State Champion. The Lord taught me that I don’t need a State Championship for him and a State Championship won’t make the grief any easier. Only the Lord can fulfill the hole in my heart and give me the strength to overcome the grief I mistakenly thought being on top of a podium would fix. Philippians 4:13 shows me this. I ask you to learn from my mistake and give Jesus the chance to save you too. Back to work and more to come.”

Alkire finished his Junior campaign with a record of 36-5. The entire Butler Wrestling team is LOADED with youthful talent, as the team has zero seniors, and hopes to return all of these wrestlers next year!

We would like to congratulate all of the BHS Wrestlers on their season!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

photos by Mallory Taylor

Warm to start the week...

FIRST, TONIGHT AND TOMORROW:
The surface low bringing any precip chances for tonight is taking a much more southerly track than previously indicated, so our counties stay dry, clear and in the 40's this evening.

MONDAY starts off sunny, but by noon we're covered in about 75-80% cloud cover as the Tuesday system approaches to our south and west.

STILL, Monday is around a 60-degree day with some winds out of the south around 10-12mph, with occasional gusts.

ATTENTION THEN turns to Tuesday, . . . next post!

Adrian United Methodist Church holds first service on site since October fire

ONE STEP AT A TIME Today the Adrian United Methodist Church held services in Fellowship Hall for the first time since the October 9, 2024 fire that destroyed the sanctuary but leaving the Fellowship Hall mostly intact.

"A day to celebrate!" was overheard and seen here, enthusiastic greeters awaited those attending as todays sermon will continue with week 4 of "The Battle You Didn’t See Coming" from Ephesians 6:10-18

-Photo courtesy Mark and Melinda Elmer

High fire danger today

 

Local fire departments are urging everyone to avoid outdoor burning of any type for the foreseeable future as the dry landscape, along with gusty winds, is creating dangerous conditions regarding grass fires in the area.

Several local fire departments have already been called at least five times this morning and it's likely calls will continue until we receive some precipitation along with greener conditions.

Overnight fire claims the lives of two children in Butler

921news.com photo

Around 11:30 pm last night an explosion heard miles away was followed by a fire that consumed a mobile home at 917 east Pine street in Butler which ultimately claimed the lives of two small children despite efforts by first responders.

According to the Bates County Sheriff's Office, three of the five occupants inside at the time of the explosion were able to exit the structure prior to the arrival of  fire personnel. They were transported to the hospital for treatment as fire crews worked to contain the blaze.

Multiple local agencies assisted on scene throughout the night and the state fire marshal is investigating.

“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of these children. Please keep them all in your prayers as they will have a rough road ahead” says Bates County Sheriff Anderson.

More information to be released as it becomes available.

BREAKING: House explosion in Butler

 

Butler, Rich Hill and Adrian fire departments have been dispatched to the 900 block of east Pine street in Butler for a fully involved structure fire with possible entrapment following an explosion.

Please stay clear of the area as many first responders and additional crews are arriving at the scene.

Update 12:10 am - Fire is reported to be under control and the State Fire Marshal has been called.