Monday, December 15, 2025
Phone outage at Bates County admin offices
Updates will be provided accordingly.
State Farm Athlete of the Week
Area schools have kicked off their winter sports season over the past few weeks and we are excited to announce our first State Farm and C & S Graphics athlete of the week, from Butler, senior, Preston Mallatt. Preston wrestles at the 138 lb weight class for the Butler Varsity wrestling team and was nominated by Head coach Zack Wicks. Coach Wicks stated Preston dominated at the Ray Stockdale Invitation bringing home first place going 3-0 with 2 technical falls and one pin. He stated “Preston is a great leader on the team and excels in his role as a captain, always helping others on the team when needed and pushing his teammates to get better each day.” We asked Preston what motivates him during a match and he stated “mainly I don’t want to lose. You have worked hard and prepped and prepared so much you don’t want to come away with a loss. You have to want it more than the other person.” We asked what he feels like it takes to become a state champion in wrestling and he stated “you have to be able to handle your emotions well if you lose, and you have to mentally prepare for the match before you go out there. It takes a lot of mental toughness.” We asked him who is someone who influenced him as a wrestler and he stated “my sister, Makayla, she faced a lot of challenges when she wrestled and she still showed up, wrestled, and competed even when she didn’t have to.” Preston said he started wrestling when he was a 7th grader. Damian Alkire kind of encouraged him to try it, and he liked the idea of an individual sport, where it’s all on you, win or lose. He has set a goal this year of returning to the state wrestling tournament and hopefully competing and winning state. It was a pleasure speaking with Preston and we wish him the best of luck this season!
Pictured below left to right: a copy of Preston’s custom graphic made by C & S Graphics (below) and on the right Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Preston Mallatt, son of Michael and Michelle Mallatt; Cody Morris, C & S Graphics
Tips to avoid holiday scams
• Monitor bank and credit card statements regularly
• Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts or delivery notices
• Shop only on secure websites and avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication
• Limit what personal information you carry in your wallet
• Shred documents with sensitive information before discarding
Learn more ways to stay safe and what to do if identity theft occurs: https://brnw.ch/21wYnk4
Obituary - Mindy Lethcho-Kohler
Melanie “Mindy” Sue Lethcho-Kohler, age 57 of Adrian, Missouri, passed away on December 7, 2025. She was born on May 3, 1968. Mindy was the beloved daughter of William “Bill” and Sandra “Sandy” Lethcho. She was a devoted mother to her children, Sean Bryan Lethcho-Kohler and Lanie Sue Kohler, who were the center of her life, along with her emotional support pup, Remi.
She wore her role as “Aunt Mim” with love, warmth and pride. In the past year, Mindy experienced a meaningful reunion with her biological mother Karen and grandmother Patsy, a connection that brought her a sense of understanding and peace. Mindy will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her caring heart and the lasting impact she had on those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered
Mindy is survived by her parents, Bill and Sandy Lethcho; her children, Sean and Lanie Kohler and their father, Bryan Kohler; her sister, Jennifer “Jill” Stewart and husband Craig; her nephew, James “Daniel” Stewart and wife Kendra and daughter Myra; niece, Julia “Nicole” Davis and husband Matt and daughters Ellie and Emerson; and niece, Jennifer “Kayla” Smith and husband Noah. Mindy is preceded in death by her grandparents, Clay and Lucille Lethcho and Sam and Elsie Balsiger; and great-niece, Clara Stewart.
Slight chance of rain this week
Rain chances Wednesday night / Thursday morning are 0% in eastern Kansas, up to around 25-30% in Western Missouri.
The Museum Minute: Butler has 4 newspapers
Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of December 17
1861 With the Federals occupying Johnstown, the Confederates head toward Butler, with one band marching toward Papinville.
1879 The Bates Co Times newspaper says Butler has 4 newspapers, 4 churches, 3 flour mills, and a woolen factory.
1895 Angry Butler citizens crowd into the city council meeting, complaining the electric lights are a sorry mess and demand better lights.
1898 The payday at the Rich Hill coal mines puts over $40,000 in circulation.
1932 See the new 1932 Chevrolet at Gilbert's show room in Butler (Corner Hardware location).
1989 Mr & Mrs Charles Hughes of Amsterdam receives word that the biography of their daughter, Marsha Huberty, will be published in the National Distinguished Service Record for her service to the field of speech, language and hearing.
1999 The Clint & Sharon Schuman residence is deemed Butler's best decorated home for the Christmas season contest.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
