Monday, November 10, 2025
What’s Up by LeRoy Cook
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A trip out to Emporia on Wednesday reinforced our belief in personal flight. The gusty surface winds abated above 4000 feet, leaving us in smooth air atop the haze as we buzzed back and forth in 45 minutes each way. As I told my seatmate, this is the best time of year to own an airplane.
In and out airport traffic this week included a Mooney M20, a couple of Cessna 182s and a Piper Archer. The biggest visitor was the Missouri Conservation Department’s chubby Kodiak turboprop from Jefferson City, which was in for a waterfowl survey. From the Butler hangars, Jim Ferguson was up in his Cessna Skylane, Jeremie Platt breakfasted in his Grumman Tiger, Chris Hall worked on his Cessna 182 and Pat Ryan exercised a Cessna 150. I did some ferry work in two Cessna 172s.
On Friday, we heard a report that the replacement gas pump for the long-thirsty Butler airport was “in Kansas City,” giving us hope we may soon be able to tap the stored aviation fuel that’s been sitting in storage for months. Can’t come soon enough. At least we have the advantage of leaded 100-octane avgas’ ability to store stably, unlike regular car gas.
On the Emporia trip we attempted to raise Flight Service on the charted 122.3 frequency, seeking a weather update, but couldn’t raise Wichita Radio. That leads us to suspect that the FAA’s plan to eliminate in-flight radio assistance has come to fruition. Another withdrawal from serving the flying public.
During the Guvinmint Shutdown, we had several folks ask me how the air traffic controller shortage was affecting private flying. They assumed a lack of ATC service was keeping us out of the air, like the canceled airline flights, but I explained that we in General Aviation have the option of staying under Visual Flight Rules, largely outside the air traffic control system. Thus, as long as the weather was good, which we how like to fly, we didn’t burden the over-stressed controllers.
On the national front, the popular flight bag application Foreflight is no longer owned by Boeing. It and the Jeppesen data service were sold off to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion. The battered airframe manufacturer can use the money, after having to pay a $1.5 billion fine for allowing two 737 MAX airliners to crash. Boeing is having to concentrate on its core business to regain dominance..
On Friday, it was announced that Archer Aviation has bought the operating rights for the Hawthorne airport in Los Angeles, a historic 80-acre General Aviation field near downtown, only three miles from LAX. The city of Hawthorne retains ownership, but the worry is that Archer is a developer of electric autonomous aerial vehicles, who plans to use the airport to deploy its low-level flying Ubers over the coming L.A. summer Olympics. Based users at Hawthorne are concerned that they may soon be out of a home. Los Angeles doesn’t need to lose another airport to non-GA development.
There were no takers to our brain-teaser from last week, telling us at least one of the three disqualifying medical conditions that require a special issuance before a pilot can get a medical certificate. They are cardiac, diabetes and psychosis issues. For next week, what percent was the luxury tax Canada imposed on airplane purchases over $71,000, now repealed ? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.
Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses
Lee, David N to Lee, David (Trustee) Str 21-42-33 //Sw
Winder, Clay to Kantor, Christopher L Str 23-40-31 //Sw
Scott, Brent L to Iseman, Kevin & Patricia Trust 03-29-2022 Str 11-42-33 //Se
Stump, Darya to Johnson, Jennifer Dawn Lt 3 Bl 2 William's Addn
Johnson, Jennifer D to Smith, Ann Lt 1 Bl 11 Thompsons Addn
Allen, Carol Ann to Becker, Afton (1/5 Interest) Str 29-40-29 //Sw+
Williams, Brandi to Espinoza Sandoval, Mario Lt 3 Bl 7 Connelly's Addn+
Fry, Jeffrey W to Allen, Todd D Str 15-40-31 //Nw
Lile, Brian K to Gillette, Gabriel M Str 29-40-31 //Ne
Laning, Rick to Brandt, Robert T (Trustee) Str 25-39-32 //Se
Deutsche Bank National Trust Co (Trustee) to Nationwide Community Revitalization LLC Str 22-40-31 //Ne
Charbonneau, Robert (Trustee) to Deems, John Dillion (Per Rep) Str 27-40-31 //Nw
Marriage license
Watts, David Edward Jr and Harris, Jennifer D
Preston, Kellen Isaiah and Moody, Reagan Nicole
Brown, Tyler Brackston and Darr, Ta-Kira Nikole,Chy-Ann
Jarred, Christopher Michael and Wright, Sherri Lynn
Cahill, Maren Auston and Kazmier, Katelin Marie
Rice, Joseph Jude and Bosch, Tracy Lynn
Nichols, Cyrus Levi and Spencer, Anna Nicole
Fairly light night for Butler council
Mayor pro tem Denny Rich led the session which included a discussion about a meeting with the Student Advisory Committee, to which Rich said was "really enjoyable" and that he is proud to see the kids getting involved; there are several events to be announced that involve the council and the Butler high school panel of about 8 coming soon.
Councilwoman Carmin Behringer pointed out that the upcoming '26 April election will include open seats for the position of mayor and 4 council seats, each for a 2 year term. Filing information will be forthcoming for those interested in running.
Plans were set for the city of Butler employee Christmas dinner, The decision to have Steiner's Restaurant cater and a bonus of $350 for each employee was approved.
Replacement of a pump at the wastewater treatment plant was also approved, coming in at a cost of about $12,000 which was less than half the price of other quotes received by the council, proving that shopping around can certainly save money.
Following the meeting, Butler City Clerk Gayle Alexander provided Mid America Live with the following information regarding the 'cold weather rule':
The City shall not discontinue municipal utility service to residential customers for non-payment of bills on any day when the National Weather Service local forecast between 6 am and 9am for the following twenty-four hours predicts that the temperature will drop below thirty degrees Fahrenheit and or when utility personnel will not be available to reconnect utility service during the immediately succeeding day(s) and the National Weather Service local forecast between 6 am to 9 am predicts that the temperature during that period will drop below thirty degrees Fahrenheit. More information about the rule can be found on page 6.
Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall; the public is highly encouraged to attend.
Obituary - Joanna Ruth McGee
Joanna Ruth McGee, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, November 6, 2025 at St. Luke’s Plaza Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born December 10, 1940 to Joseph Rudolph and Vada Lucille Cochran Hess in Foster, Missouri.
Joanna is survived by one son, Pat Cleveland and wife Nancy of San Antonio, Texas; one daughter, Pam Skaggs and husband Allen of Butler, Missouri; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; five sisters, Jane Hettinger and significant other Skip of Amoret, Missouri, Marian Cummings and husband Ray of Amsterdam, Missouri, Marilyn Parker and significant other Jim of Milo, Missouri, Josie Hiser of Archie, Missouri and Donna Cummings of Foster, Missouri; and one brother, Jack Hess and wife Kim of Hume, Missouri. Joanna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walt McGee; and one grandson, Dustin Cleveland.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Evie-Lyn was nominated by our high school teachers for exemplifying the qualities of Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism. These values shine brightly through her actions every day.
She has also submitted an essay to be considered for the scholarship portion of this prestigious program.
Your hard work and character make Hume School proud!
Ellett Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month
Congratulations to our November employee of the month, Kellie Brundige! Kellie is a member of our Dietary Department. Kellie's nomination noted how hard she always works, her ever-constant smile, and her drive to try her best to make everyone happy with their food choices. It also mentioned how she always puts patients and staff first. Kellie has shown herself to have good ideas for making her job and department better for everyone and as having an open mind to new ideas. Congratulations Kellie and thank you for your hard work, dedication, and constant smile! We appreciate all you do.
BCMH wishes happy retirement to Nan Newkirk, CMA
On October 29, 2025, Bates County Memorial Hospital celebrated the remarkable career of Nanette “Nan” Newkirk, CMA, who retired this month after more than 39 years of dedicated service to our hospital and community. Employees and members of Nan’s family gathered for a cake and punch reception, where she was presented with flowers and gifts in recognition of her many years of service.
Nan’s story with BCMH began in 1978, when she joined the team as a Nurse Aide. Over the years, she shared her talents across several departments — Nursing, Respiratory, Purchasing, the Laboratory, and most recently, High Street Family Care Clinic. Throughout her time at BCMH, Nan held many titles, including Nurse Aide, Purchasing Clerk, Phlebotomist, and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Through every role, her compassion and commitment to patients have remained a constant thread.
Nan is well known among coworkers and patients alike for being “a good stick”, a familiar healthcare term describing the skill and finesse of drawing blood with minimal discomfort. Her steady hands and calm demeanor made even the most anxious patients feel at ease, turning what can be a difficult moment into one of reassurance and trust.
Nan’s creativity and initiative have also made a lasting impact. Over her years with BCMH, she received the hospital’s Excellence in Service award at least four times, recognized for projects that improved patient experiences and workplace safety. One was awarded for upcycling torn linens into soft hooded towels and nursery blankets, creating a “Children’s Treasure Chest” in the Lab to ease fears for young patients.
Her thoughtful contributions have touched many lives. And true to character, Nan doesn’t plan to stray far—she’s already preparing to volunteer for the hospital. We couldn’t be happier, not only because she’ll be a tremendous asset to the Auxiliary, but also because we’ll still get to see her friendly face around BCMH.
“I really have enjoyed working with all of you through the years. I’ve made lots of good friends—but I’ll still be seeing you around the hospital,” Nan said at her retirement reception.
We wish Nan a joyful and fulfilling retirement, filled with the same warmth and kindness she’s shared with others for so many years.
Congratulations, Nan, and thank you for everything you’ve done for Bates County Memorial Hospital and the community we serve.
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