Fulfilling an unseen need: Taking It To The Streets

Founder and CEO Scott Lamaster (left) with Kerry Fulton of
Taking It To The Streets of Greenwood, MO 

A much needed resource was on hand as the Adrian Fire Department and other first responders battled a house fire on N. Houston street Friday afternoon while the Taking It To The Streets crew worked behind the scenes to help those who were busy helping others

When there is an emergency response such as a structure fire or other disaster, we see those on the front lines battling the blaze, doing triage and even rescues however, it's what we don't actively see that helps insure that the needs of everyone on scene are met- and that's where the Taking It To The Streets crews step in.

The organization hails from Greenwood, Mo. and head out on a moment's notice to provide firefighters, police and other first responders much needed 'extras' such as hydration, snacks and even a restroom, according to Scott Lamaster, founder and CEO of Taking It To The Streets.

"A lot of folks don't realize the implications of what happens behind the scenes" he said. "For example, there are a lot of situations that happen in rural areas where a restroom might be some distance away. That's one of the many services we offer."

As in the case of the fire in Adrian, Lamaster received a call from the Bates County Sheriff's Office requesting their presence and he, with partner Kerry Fulton made the fast trek south in one of their mobile units, a former ambulance outfitted with everything needed. 

Lamaster and Fulton both come from corporate/financial backgrounds and have used their business savvy to keep their not-for-profit organization running smoothly while providing this much needed resource. In all, they oversee the implementation and operation of two command vehicles and several trailers that are used depending on the situation.

"It's a personal thing for me" added Lamaster who decided to organize Taking It To The Streets following the loss of his brother who was killed in the line of duty. "It's our mission. And very fulfilling to see that we can help others when they need it."

And it appears their mission extends even beyond overseeing the 200 or so volunteers in their organization as the group regularly prepares Christmas meals for first responders and other charitable contributions. To date, they've helped provide over 40,000 meals and show no signs of slowing down.

While Taking It To The Streets primarily stays within a few hundred miles of Greenwood, it's not out of the ordinary to go even further, such as Houston TX following the most recent hurricane to assist with FEMA operations.

"We're ready to go wherever we're needed" said Lamaster "Any time, any place."

Taking It To The Streets was organized in 2002 and became organized as a not-for-profit in 2012; donations are greatly welcomed and will help insure Lamaster and Fulton can continue to fill the void. 

"Our mission is to bring hope, help, and healing to those in need with the goal to equip people to serve in their communities in order to make a positive impact for generations to come" according to the mission statement on their website https://2thestreets.org/ where you'll find more information on how to donate along with other pertinent information.

Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney extended kudos to Lamaster and Fulton while offering a sincere "Thank you" as the Houston street fire presented several unforeseen challenges that required additional time on site.

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Busy session for Butler city council

All members present for the February 17 Butler city council meeting

Mayor Jim Henry and the Butler city council worked through a rather full agenda on Tuesday night which included a request for a zoning change in west Butler. Corey Cantrell, representing Vision Development Group LLC, is looking to build a housing development along West street, and asked the city for a zoning change from R2 to R4. The basic difference between the two is that R4 allows for smaller lots, that in time would result in more homes available within the same footprint.

While Vision Development plans to offer a variety of homes ranging in size, their goal is to provide housing for those who need just the basics to multi-family dwellings that are affordable. Cantrell stated that the average monthly rental would run in the $1,200 range for about 1,000 square feet. It was noted that none of the homes will be for sale; rentals only. 

The entire project won't happen overnight- Cantrell said that likely 10 or so units would be built first with more, depending on occupancy, to be constructed over the next 20 years or so. The overall project could include just over 100 lots. 

Following a lengthy debate, the council voted to make the change to R4 however, there is still much to do in terms of engineering which includes the need to possibly construct a retainage pond to control flooding that has plagued the area over the years (Bear Stop area).

Another hot topic was the fact that Butler residents are going to see what will hopefully be a small spike in their electric bill in the upcoming billing cycle. The severe cold snap a few weeks back resulted in a higher bill from MPUA to the city of Butler which ultimately must be passed on to consumers. Good news, Mid America Live spoke to the utility billing department at city hall and it appears that for those with one electric meter, the spike should be as low as $40 up to maybe $250. The council agreed to an extension for those who cannot pay the full amount- to take advantage of the offer, 1/2 of the bill must be paid up front and patrons will have 30 days to pay the balance.

Butler Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Samantha Stump appeared before the council to request permission for this year's events including the June car show, Huckster's Day, Trunk or Treat and the Christmas parade. Granted.

Tiffany Blaser submitted a Special Event application on behalf of the Bates County Museum for "Old Settler's Day" in commemoration of our country's 250th anniversary this Summer. Approved as submitted with more details in coming days.

Councilwoman Doncella Liggins reported that the Student Advisory Committee met and prepared Valentines for residents of Medicalodge and hand delivered them. Future plans will include residents of Butler Center as well.

Kevin Zirjacks submitted a request to hold a special event at the Butler city lake for their 4th annual Spring Social. The group will participate in a catch-and-release event which was approved by the council.

There will be a meeting on March 2nd regarding city owned facilities which will include discussion of what the future holds for the old Butler high school. The building is in dire need of structural repair and money to do so is scarce- unfortunately it likely would cost about the same to tear it down versus fixing it. Hopefully a plan can be formulated in the upcoming meeting.

MoDot and the railroad will be rebuilding the rail crossing at Mill street which has become quite bumpy as of late. This will include new lighting and crossarms with no cost to the city other than painting necessary markings on the street.

The intersection of Main and Fort Scott street has become somewhat of a 'blind spot' as parking close to the intersection results in limited visibility for those approaching especially on Fort Scott. To better the situation several ideas have been tossed out including making it a four way stop; Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley suggested a smoother version of a speed bump to slow those coming off the square. More about this will be discussed in upcoming sessions.

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Adrian home heavily damaged in Friday fire

The Adrian Fire Department was called to 617 N. Houston street yesterday on a report of what was initially thought to be an outdoor fire, but that was not the case as firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the upper eaves of the home.

Multiple agencies assisted to help bring the fire under control and no injuries were reported; the Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the family.

The exact cause remains under investigation.


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A Community Effort: Bates County Responds to Interstate 49 Accident

BUTLER, MO – What could have been a tragic afternoon on Interstate 49 turned into a heartwarming display of teamwork and compassion this afternoon. Thanks to the quick thinking of the Bates County Sheriff’s Office and local first responders, a frightening accident resulted in a "miracle" outcome for one lucky horse and its owner.

The incident occurred south of Butler when a truck hauling a horse trailer experienced a mechanical failure. The trailer became unhooked, crossed the median, and entered the southbound lanes. After digging into the soft dirt of the median, the trailer struck a passenger vehicle before overturning and coming to a halt.

A Narrow Escape;

The impact caused the horse inside the trailer to be ejected. The animal eventually came to rest tangled under a highway guardrail—a scenario that often leads to devastating injuries. However, in a show of incredible resilience, the owner was able to successfully free the horse and guide it back to its feet.

Specialized Care on the Scene;

Recognizing the unique needs of the situation, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office called in members of their Mounted Patrol. These specialized deputies joined regular patrol units, Bates County EMS, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Butler Fire Department to secure the area and ensure the safety of both the human and animal victims.

While the car involved sustained enough damage to be towed by Douty’s, the horse miraculously escaped with only relatively minor injuries.

Going the Extra Mile;

The compassion of the Bates County deputies didn't end with the cleanup. To ensure the horse’s safety and well-being:

* Emergency Transport: The Sheriff’s Office deployed its own horse trailer to the scene.

* Safe Loading: Mounted Patrol deputies used their expertise to calmly load the horse for transport.

* Coordinated Delivery: Deputies worked closely with the owner to make official arrangements to deliver the horse directly to the owner’s property in Kansas City, Kansas.

"It’s not every day you see this level of coordination for a four-legged traveler," said Sheriff Anderson. "The way the deputies stepped up to help get that horse home was truly something special."

The trailer was moved to a nearby location in Butler by the owner, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is currently conducting a standard investigation into the cause of the accident.

In a world of "what-ifs," the Bates County community is celebrating a "what-went-right," proving once again that when first responders and deputies work together, even the toughest days can end on a high note. -Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Office

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Friday basketball scores

Boys

Hogan Prep 64

Adrian 85

Clinton 61

Appleton City 53

Rich Hill 58

Archie 63

Nevada 50

Cassville 32

Green Ridge 49

Cole Camp 36

Center 41

Harrisonville 51

Girls 

Clinton 38

Appleton City 53

Jasper 22

Archie 57

Nevada 54

Cassville 40

Green Ridge 53

Cole Camp 22

Center 27

Harrisonville 74

Butler 43

Walnut Grove 54

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Obituary - Harrel Curtis

Harrel L. Curtis, 91, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Beautiful Savior in Belton, MO. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a visitation beginning at 3:00 PM, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

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Obituary - Sam Lefevre

Funeral services for Sam Lefevre of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler.  Visitation prior to services 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Schowengerdt Chapel.  Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bates County Fair.  Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Samuel “Sam” Ulysses Lefevre, age 88 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  He was born July 24, 1937 to Ernest Pete and Marie Elizabeth Goodenough Lefevre in Butler.

Sam is survived by two sons, Randy Lefevre of Bronaugh, Missouri and Mike Lefevre and wife Johnna of Butler, Missouri; one daughter, Cheryl Baker and husband Gary of Odessa, Missouri; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Phillistein Bribey of Overland Park, Kansas and Martha Center of Oak Grove, Missouri; and one brother, Ernest Lefevre of Raymore, Missouri.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; and three sisters.

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Harrisonville Courtwarming Royalty

Congratulations to 2026 Harrisonville High School Courtwarming King and Queen — Garrett Parris and Mia Jackson, crowned during this morning’s HHS Courtwarming Pep Assembly!

Runners-up were Bryson Cecil and Penelope Morgan.

Candidates will also be recognized tonight between varsity basketball games.

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