Local author makes special appearance at Adrian elementary school

 

Local author Jenny Westbrook participated in Read Across America at Adrian Elementary this week. She read to the younger students and they loved it! Pictured are 2nd and 3rd graders with the author.

Westbrook has become well known for her children's books, learn more about her work on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/polkadotpicklebooks/

Search continues for missing man in Miami county

Update: Missing Person Jordan Yust from the Miami County Sheriff's Office

After another full day of searching, we have not been able to locate Jordan.

Deputies along with the Olathe Police Department, the Kansas Search and Rescue K9 group and citizens utilized multiple K9’s, drones and off road vehicles to continue to search the area of 247th Street and 69 Highway focusing on a possible reported sighting from Monday night. That sighting has not been verified it was Jordan, however it has been the only tip that has come in that has not been disproven.

The search is expected to continue through the weekend and many people may be in the area looking. We ask that you use caution in the area due to the extra foot traffic and off road vehicles being used.

The Olathe Police Department is the investigative agency and their press release is attached below.

https://www.olatheks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3682/865

The Bates County Sheriff's Office and Posse was one of multiple agencies who aided in the search for Yust this week.

Whirlwind Students of the Month

 

Congratulations Archie MS/HS Students of the Month, Ruth Sutton and Abbie Conner for demonstrating outstanding respect! These students consistently show kindness, courtesy, and consideration for others, setting a positive example for their peers. Their actions reflect the values of our school, and we are proud to recognize their dedication to fostering a respectful environment. Keep up the great work!

-Courtesy Archie Schools

Butler cheerleaders earn All State Academic Team Honors

 

These Butler High School cheerleaders earned All State Academic Team Honors: Jena Tourtillott, Selena Ibarra-Feugate, Laney McGee, Morgan Stump, Kadyn Cook, and Kalie Korkmaz. Congrats!

Obituary - Charles "Rick" Richard Moody

Charles "Rick" Richard Moody, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at his home, at the age of 77. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember this extraordinary man. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Inurnment at Orient Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Grand River Baptist Church or American Diabetes Association.

Born on July 4, 1947, in Goodland, Kansas, Rick spent his entire life in Harrisonville, Missouri, where he built a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and community. A proud graduate of Harrisonville High School, Rick married the love of his life, Carol Conner, on October 21, 1966, in Springfield, MO. Their union was a testament to enduring love, which continued until Carol's passing on March 24, 2024. Together, they raised their son, Brian Moody.

Rick dedicated his professional life as an installer at Drake Scruggs, retiring in 2009. His impact on his work family was profound, as he was known for his meticulous handiwork and his caring nature. Beyond his profession, Rick was actively engaged in his community, serving as a volunteer with the Harrisonville Legionnaire Fire Department from 1965 to 1987, reflecting his deep sense of service to others. He could be found lending a helping hand to many throughout his life.

A member of the Grand River Baptist Church and the Elks Lodge, Rick found joy in the simple pleasures of life-whether it was sharing breakfasts and coffee with friends and family or pursuing his passion for fishing. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid reader, he often could be seen with a good book or his kindle and he had a special fondness for maintaining his cars, always keen to keep them in pristine condition, and mowing his yard.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Branson and Wilma (Anderson) Moody; his wife, Carol Moody; and his brothers: Larry Moody and Harold Leslie. He is survived by his son, Brian (Nicole) Moody; his grandchildren: Ryan (Tahnee) Moody, Mason Scrivener, and Shelbe Dishong; 7 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jim Leslie; and many extended family and friends.

Obituary - Barbara Jean “Jeannie” Hirschman

Barbara Jean “Jeannie” Hirschman, 69, Nevada, MO passed away on Friday March 7, 2025 at her home with family by her side. She was born on September 24, 1955 in Pilot Grove, Missouri to Richard Joseph Schuster and Mary Helen Imhoff Schuster. She was married December 1, 1973 in Nevada, Missouri to Wayne Fryer and he preceded her in death on January 19, 1974. On February 14, 1976 she married Tom Hirschman in Nevada, Missouri and he survives of the home.

At a young age, the family moved to Nevada, Missouri where Jeannie attended school, graduating from Nevada High School in 1973. Over the next few years, Jeannie held several jobs including at the Nevada Daily Mail. In 1980, Jeannie started working at First National Bank and during her tenure, she held nearly every position, having retired as Vice President in 2024. Jeannie was a staple at First National Bank and she knew nearly every customer by sight as well as their voice. Her work ethic throughout life was unmatched. Along with her incredible work ethic, Jeannie was a ‘giver’ at heart and reveled in bringing joy to others by surprising them with a meal, arrangement of flowers, or gift she knew they’d enjoy.

Jeannie cherished spending time with her family and was a wonderful wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She adored her three grandchildren and made it a point to spoil them every time she had the chance. Jeannie loved gathering around the tables of her loved ones for food and games, especially a competitive game of pitch or spoons. During the spring and summer months, you could find Jeannie caring for her beautiful flowers and laying by her pool.

In addition to her husband Tom, survivors include her two children, Hope Gosse (Tony), Lee’s Summit, MO; and Shane Hirschman (Blair), Nevada, MO; three grandchildren, Anderson Visconti, Tessa Visconti, and Fisher Cate Hirschman; eight siblings and their families, Margie Wolf (Vic) Nevada, MO, Linda Spencer Nevada, MO, Richard Schuster (Laura) Nevada, MO, Wayne Schuster (Debra) Walker, MO, Katie Sanderson (Larry) Nevada, MO, Patty Stober (Dale) Alva, FL, Vickie McKinley Moorpark, CA, and Lisa Daniels (Keith) Neosho, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Wayne, nephew Troy Barnhart, niece Emily Ann DeBrine, niece Hailey Hochanadel, brother-in-law Dennis Worsley, sister-in-law Cindy Worsley, father-in-law Paul Hirschman, and mother-in-law Ann Hirschman.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO, with Father Peter Savidge officiating. Private family graveside services will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Jeannie’s memory to the Neighbor’s Center in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

A letter to citizens from Chad Anderson

I have tried to refrain from any comments regarding the recent community events. Last night I attended the Bates County Republican Meeting. I am an elected committeeman for the Republican Party representing my township. I was there solely as the committeeman.

I stood before the men and women of the party and general public in attendance and spoke. When many of the committeemen and women ran for thier positions it was due in part because we did not support the Republican Party vetting candidates and being able to pick and chose who the candidate would be on a ticket. We felt, that is for the PEOPLE to select through the election process. As a united party we were able to stop vetting in Bates County and return that power back to the People.

I stood and said that I felt the Bates County Republican Party, the party itself, should refrain from any potential action to remove an office holder. By statute the Republican Party’s only tasked is making recommendations to fill empty/vacated seats to the Governor for his consideration for an appointment.

I ran because vetting was going to allow 20 people to hand select who would potentially hold a public office. I feel that if the Party was to partake in the process of removal and selection of a replacement then we are no better than we were a year ago. I don’t believe 20 people should yeild the power to circumvent 10,000 voters.
The citizens do still have powers and actions that can be taken. I’m not an expert in what that looks like or how it comes about. There is an effort to form a committee to research all of that. Chad Anderson has not and will not be part of that committee. I will not have input or influence to that committee. I will respect the process of that committee.

If you have made it this far you probably need to pick up your jaw up off the floor. We all know the political attacks I have gone through and most likely will continue to go through at the hands of certain elected officials and their posse. In no way am I saying the citizens don’t have a right to be mad or want resignations or even more. In no way am I saying they shouldn’t move forward What I am saying is, in my sole opinion, it’s not appropriate for the local Republican Party to have a hand or say in that process given the statutory responsibility of the party in the process. It should be the citizens who come together and take action.

There is no question about how I feel personally. When Commissioner Gray was elected, I pledged change on my part in 2025 when it came to the commission. A pledge to be less argumentative with the commission moving forward and to attempt to put differences aside. But make no bones about it, I will continue to fight for the men and women who serve the public at the Sheriff’s Office. These great men and women over the last few years have also been targets of the politics. Distractions in our line of work can cost them their lives or a citizens life. Strong support for law enforcement does impact morale, efficiency and effectiveness in serving our community. In return it makes our community safer. I will absolutely stand up against other office holder’s attempts to run the Sheriff’s Office when they have no statutory authority to do so, that will never change.

I truly pray for everyone involved. I have watched as two commissioners have diligently worked everyday this week to fix what is broke. I have hope, that they are successful in their hard work this week and weeks to follow.

We The People, By The People, FOR The People!!

Chickens, small homes and additional housing top council discussions

Report from the March 4, 2025 Butler City Council session

Guest Niki Jackson approached the council regarding the current chicken ordinance, asking the council if they would consider raising the permitted limit that can be kept inside city limits from 6 to 12.

Jackson provided information and news articles to back up her claim that being able to have additional chickens helps to offset rising egg/grocery costs and would be quite beneficial in many ways. One question arose, "what if egg prices go down?" Jackson said forecasts say it's highly unlikely, as they are predicted to rise 50 percent  this year. 

Another question asked was if her neighbors had concerns or complaints, to which Jackson replied there have been no major issues regarding her flock so far. 

Following a bit more discussion, Mayor Henry suggested the matter be sent to the Public Safety Committee for further review and recommendations. More on this in coming sessions.

Guest Rayland Downey who owns various properties around the area made a pitch to the city about turning the vacant hotels in west Butler into housing units. Downey said he had spoken with the owner who is willing to sell the hotels to him and asked if the city would support the project of turning the now empty units into apartments. He cited other similar projects he has completed that were successful along with his extensive business background.

Downey went on to say that the apartments might be letted on a weekly basis at minimum but he would prefer much longer commitments of course, pointing out that he wouldn't want to directly compete with the Days Inn hotel.

"I personally don't have  a problem with what you're trying to do there" said Scott Mallatt "I know you're going to follow all the ordinances and rules". Mayor Henry chimed in, advising Downey to move forward with his plans while working with the building inspector and City Administrator Corey Snead to make sure all requirements will be met.

Downey agreed and mentioned once again that the entire project was still a concept and much work will be needed to make it a reality. "Tonight is just a beginning to let the city know what I'm working on" he added. With that, Henry told him to check back with the council when he has more information.

Next, approval was given to Butler High School for the 2025 homecoming parade, it will be the same route as always.

City Administrator Corey Snead reported that in the latest work session the city budget was completed for the '25-'26 fiscal year. Next will be a pubic hearing at the upcoming council meeting followed by final approval by the council.

Snead also reported that plans are moving forward with the airport lighting and terminal projects. An engineer will be present at the upcoming airport commission meeting to provide an update. Likewise, the council approved a contract with Les Gordon to be the new airport manager.

Tiny homes has been a hot topic as of late, and a long discussion ensued regarding an ordinance to allow them within city limits which started with a public hearing. While a draft of the ordinance has been done, it appears changes need to be made as some of the major questions/concerns include:

Should they be allowed in only one area of the city? 
Should lot size play a factor in qualifying a location?
By what standards should construction be?
Should they be allowed to be rented i.e., Airbnb?

Councilman Jeff Hall obtained information regarding tiny homes in other cities which included several factors not yet considered and discussion was tabled pending feedback from the planning commission along with other research that needs to be done.

Public feedback is needed regarding this issue. Please express your thoughts or concerns with your ward councilperson.

Code Enforcement officer Andrew Hutchinson has been busy, his report included some 30 or so properties around town that require action due to various violations. The council readily accepted the report and urged him to move ahead as needed.

Butler utility bills have been on a rollercoaster lately leaving folks to wonder why their bill is higher when the weather seems better... City Admin Snead once again noted that there is about a month of delay when the city is billed from the wholesaler which makes any overages due to cold (or hot) weather is then passed on to residents a month late as well. Just know that at the end of the year everything comes out as it is supposed to and that said, April billing is bound to be a bit higher due to our most recent cold snap a few weeks ago.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. Even as the meetings are livestreamed on Facebook, the public is highly encouraged to get involved by watching or attending.