Thursday, December 18, 2025

You gotta do what you've gotta do, even if you're Santa

 


One would have to imagine that on occasion, Mrs. Santa needs the sleigh for a grocery run leaving 'ol St. Nick to fend for himself.

As seen here, the jolly man opted to use his backup ride; and yes, he was headed NORTH on the Butler strip.


Come caroling with us!

Are  you sitting around wishing you were out caroling with a friend this holiday season? Us too!

🎄Come gather Tuesday, December 23rd at 1 pm at the Gazebo on the Butler square!

🕐Time: Gather at 1 pm (join for part or all, we'll be there until 4pm)

📣Bring: Holiday cheer; we'll provide song lyric sheets in English/Spanish.

👗Attire: Can be festive or come as you are!

Skill level: ALL are invited, no audition required!

Plan: We'll sing a selection of songs together at the Gazebo to begin, with option to disburse throughout the community for those interested. We'll "rehearse" as we sing Fa la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Plan: We'll sing a selection of songs together at the Gazebo to begin, with option to disperse throughout the community 

If you LOVE holiday songs; singing or listening, or just know how to hum, come join us! There are sure to be laughs, too!

Come sing along with Senora Betty Alvis, BHS alumni and friends!

Alcohol and holidays can bring enhanced risks

The holidays are full of celebrations but they can also bring added risks when alcohol or other substances are involved. National research indicates that overdose death rates are approximately 22% higher during the holidays.

These practical harm‑reduction tips will help you and your loved ones enjoy the season safely.
• Decide ahead of time who’s driving or use a rideshare. Never drive under the influence.
• Surround yourself with people you trust. Use substances only around people who can help keep you safe.
• Set your limit ahead of time. Bring only what you plan to consume and stick to it.
• Hydrate regularly. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eating before and during consumption helps slow alcohol absorption.
• Carry Narcan. It can reverse opioid overdoses and won’t harm anyone if used unnecessarily. Learn the signs: pinpoint pupils, gray- or blue-tinted lips or fingertips, shallow breathing and nonresponsiveness.
• Call 911 if you suspect an overdose. Quick action saves lives.
Celebrate safely, look out for one another and make this holiday season joyful and healthy.
Resources for mental health or substance use crisis are available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call, text, or chat 988).

A quick read can help insure proper car seat use

 


We are still offering free car seats- call the Bates County Health Center at 660-679-6108 for more information!

Need Childcare Clock Hours? Join PALS!

Early care and education (ECE) professionals are invited to attend Physical Activity Learning Sessions (PALS) — a virtual learning series focused on physical activity, active play, and child development.

Session Details
When: Tuesdays
February 3, 10, 17, 24 & March 3
Time: 4:30–6:00 PM (Central Time)
Where: Virtual via Zoom (link sent after registration)
Clock Hours:
✔ 6 Childcare Clock Hours available
✔ Please plan to attend all 5 sessions
What is PALS?
PALS is a series of learning sessions that explores eight best-practice areas for physical activity and addresses challenges ECE professionals face when supporting active play.
Sessions focus on:
• Supporting physical development in young children
• Understanding your role as an early childhood educator
• Communicating with families about physical activity best practices
PALS was created by Nemours Children’s Health, Dr. Diane Craft, and Katherine Falen, and is taught by trained professionals.
🧾 Registration Information Needed
• Name
• Email
• Childcare center
• MOPD ID
🔗 Register Here

Winners in the Butler Parks and Rec Holiday Home decorating contest

1st Place 405 E Nursery Street - $100.00 off electric bill
2nd Place  801 S Parkview - $75.00 off electric bill
3rd Place  2 S. West Street - $50.00 off electric bill

All who registered will receive $20.00 off their electric bill as well.

Blackhawks Outlast Bears at Butler Tournament

By  Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

After both teams suffered first round losses, the Butler Bears and Adrian Blackhawks were slated to duel it out on the hardwood for the second round of the Butler Tournament. Both Bates County Teams were searching for an early spark to their seasons, as the winner of the showdown would certainly receive a momentum boost for the remainder of the year. The Butler-Adrian rivalry is a storied one, and each team was ready to duke it out for the title of ‘Best in Bates’.

The Bears controlled the tip and Lucas Davidson started all scoring with a hard drive to the basket, the Blackhawks followed by a pair of interior buckets of their own. The opening few moments saw each team trade baskets with a score of 4-4 with 4 minutes to go in the opening. Davidson again found the bottom of the hoop on two consecutive trips down the court to take an 8-4 Butler advantage. Ryan Kramer earned an and-one basket to pull Adrian back with-in 1 with an 8-7 score before he would drive to the rack and gift the Blackhawks a 9-8 lead. In the final minute of the quarter each team again traded scores leading to an 11-10 total in favor of Adrian after 8 minutes.

Jake Chandler would give the Bears the lead back with a quick finger roll to open the 2nd period. After yet another Blackhawks post score, a triple by Talley, and a drive by Kendrick the Blackhawks found themselves with their largest lead thus far at 18-12. The Bears would finally respond and it was Davidson once again who scored for Butler, but it was answered by continued dominance in the painted area by the Blackhawks. At halftime, the Blackhawks were in control with a score of 22-16.

Out of the locker room, the Bears showed some offensive aggression as Chandler drove the lane and earned a trip to the free throw line where he buried a pair to close the margin to just a 4 point Adrian advantage. Hubbard sunk a corner three, after which both teams traded scores until Chandler drove home a trifecta and then took a charge for the Bears which he followed up with another three pointer. Jake’s heroics led to a 6-0 Butler run that brought them within 2 as the scoreboard read 28-26. Adrian, feeling the momentum shift, took a time out to try and regroup. Following the time out, Adrian again looked inside and earned a trip to the line, however they would miss of a pair of free throws, giving the ball back to Butler where Chandler found himself with a pair of free throws as well. Jake tied the game at 28-28 with his trip. To close out the 3rd, Engelhardt went baseline for a bucket and gave the Blackhawks a 32-31 lead going into the fourth and final.

After multiple empty possessions for each squad, Talley finally opened the cup with a post score for Adrian which led to a 13-0 Blackhawks run. Trailing by 14 the Bears finally scored their first points of the 4th with a three by Jesse Carter with just at 3 minutes to go. Carter followed up his triple with a steal, after which Wisdom converted a conventional 3-point to bring the score to 45-37. After an Adrian time-out, the Blackhawks regained composure and continued to control the closing period. Jesse Carter sunk another shot from range, but with just 43 seconds remaining the Blackhawks felt comfortable with a 48-40 lead. Adrian would emerge victorious with a final score of 51-40.

Kramer led all scores with 23, followed by Chandler with 16 points. Engelhardt pitched in 13 for Adrian while Lucas Davidson finished with 10 for Butler.

The Bears and Blackhawks proved to be a highly competitive contest, with the Bears roaring back in the third to push Adrian. However, in the end the Blackhawks outlasted Butler on their way to a win.



Report from the Bates County Commission

December 10, 2025
The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
The Commissioners sat down to discuss Patricia Pike stepping down from the Bates County Senior Services Board, effective immediately. John made the motion to appoint Annette Schwander to the board to finish out the two-year term. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No
opposition.

December 15, 2025 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Judge Julie Highley met with the Commissioners to confirm where invoices should be sent and discuss corrections that are suggested to be made to the Opioid Applications.
Trent made a motion to pay Linda Howard for the Employee Meeting Dinner. Jim seconded the motion. John was absent at the time of discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.
Trent also made a motion to pay the Township Cart Funding. Jim seconded the motion. John was absent at the time of discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.
Kyle Osborn, with Fountain City Tinting, met with the Commissioners to discuss darker windows in the courthouse. There have been a few complaints about light and heat coming through the windows during work hours. While discussing which tint they felt was best, Trent suggested that Gary and Kyle get the opinions of the ones that are dealing with the issue. Gary took Kyle to the courthouse to gather the opinions of the workers, and it was decided that they were going to go with a 5% tint on the windows.
Trent made a motion to accept the proposal from Federal Protection regarding the Security Cameras involving the Court House. They will be moving the cameras on the interior and adding an updated camera to the Court Room, as well as three new exterior cameras. John seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jacob and Caitlyn Lacy, with KW Southland Partners, came in to discuss a title issue on 80 acres outside of Adrian. Coffelt Land and Title deeded out and split up the 80 acres backwards and each 40 acres is now in the wrong party’s name. Caitlyn and Jacob wanted to make sure that their client with one 40-acre half would not get stuck with late fees or penalties since this is not their fault, when it comes to owing/paying property tax. They are working with the Assessor’s Office and the responsible parties to try and get this error corrected.





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