H.E.A.R.T. Athlete of the Week

“This award goes to athletes who live out Hustle, Energy, Academics, Respect, and Tenacity every single day. Congratulations to this week’s honoree for showing the true Wildcat way!”

 
Bethany Sharp – From Coach Coleman - Girls Soccer
Bethany has demonstrated HEART in a number of ways already this young season. 

1. Strong/consistent achievement in the classroom 

2. Selfless performance during the preseason (was asked to train at a position outside of her personal goals - exhibits a team first attitude) 

3. Servant leadership (ensured her teammates had breakfast following each 6:00 AM fitness sessions) 

4. Leadership & empathy (took charge with a teammate to organize a benefit game for a family suffering hardship) 

5. Extremely coachable 

6. Exemplary work ethic

Congrats, Bethany!

Courtesy Harrisonville Schools

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7 Surprising Activities That Can Help Calm Your Mind

Doing these simple things helps settle your thoughts when you’re stressed or anxious.

When your mind is racing, meditation may seem like the most logical way to achieve a sense of calm. But while deep breathing and quiet time can certainly help, they’re not the only tools at your disposal for calming your thoughts. In fact, some of the most effective ways to settle down are everyday things you can do that you wouldn’t necessarily categorize as “stress relief.”

If you’ve ever felt restless, overwhelmed or stuck in your own head, these 7 simple activities may give your brain the reset it needs:

1. Washing the dishes – Small, repetitive tasks like washing dishes can be surprisingly calming. When you pay attention to the warm water, the smell of the soap and the feel of each plate in your hands, your brain shifts away from racing thoughts. Just be sure to focus on what you’re doing instead of rushing through it.
2. Coloring or doodling – Activities like drawing or coloring can lower anxiety because they help you focus and give your mind a break from worry. Creative tasks gently hold your attention, which makes it harder for anxious thoughts to take over. Even filling in shapes with color or sketching random patterns can help.
3. Chewing gum – It’s not a cure for anxiety, but if you’re heading into a stressful meeting or sitting in traffic, chewing gum may take the edge off. Some studies suggest that chewing gum may reduce stress and improve alertness. That’s because the simple act of chewing appears to lower cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
4. Humming or singing – Humming or singing can help regulate breathing and stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in calming the nervous system. Slow breathing and vocal sounds can trigger relaxation responses. Even humming quietly can lower tension and steady your breath.
5. Stepping outside for five minutes – Spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve mood. Natural light, fresh air and green spaces help signal to your brain that you’re safe. No need for a long hike to see benefits. Even a few minutes makes a difference. Take a short walk or simply stand outside and notice what you see and hear.
6. Organizing a small space – When your space is cluttered, your mind often is too. Cleaning out one small area like a drawer or your desk can give you a sense of control. Taking small, manageable steps when you feel stressed helps reduce overwhelm, which is why finishing one tiny task offers surprising relief.
7. Splashing your face with cool water – This simple trick activates part of your body’s natural calming response. Cool water on the face can slow your heart rate and help your body shift out of “fight or flight” mode. It’s a quick reset when anxiety spikes.

The next time your mind feels busy or tense, try one of these activities. As you’ll see, sometimes calming your mind is less about doing more and more about doing something simple with intention.

Copyright 2026 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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High tunnel workshop available, sign up now

Curious about high tunnel production? Attend one of the five on‑farm workshops this spring to learn directly from experienced farmers and extension specialists about best management practices.

High tunnels are becoming a popular tool for specialty crop growers thanks to benefits like season extension, higher yields and reduced disease pressure. But success takes planning and the right management strategies.

Topics include:

• Site‑specific management practices

• High tunnel structures and environmental management

• Insect and disease control

• Fertility and irrigation management

• High tunnel business management

Cost: $10

Find a location near you and register today: https://brnw.ch/21x1iCk

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Community First Bank makes heavy donation to Frontier Village

Back in the day, no one had to worry that a bandit on horseback would tie a rope to this safe and yank it into the street. In fact, due to its design, it would take a LOT of dynamite to break this egg

HOWEVER this unique 1870's giant was safely (pun intended) transported from Community First Bank in Appleton City to its new home at Frontier Village in Adrian thanks to dedicated volunteers and some sheer ingenuity. "A real heavy son of a gun!" said one of those who helped move the safe (it weighs more than some cars) onto the trailer.

Following the move, "We now have become a living history park" said another member who noted that Frontier Village and the annual WMATAMA show has become much more than tractors and steam engines as the buildings are filling with all kinds of historic items which will include this very unique cannonball safe.

A sincere thank-you goes to Community First Bank of Appleton City for this one-of-a-kind donation. See videos and more regarding the safe transfer on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/westernmissouristeamandgas

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Reminder: Butler Lions Club Radio Auction coming this week!

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Ellett Memorial Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our April EMH Employee of the Month, Julee Snyder! Julee's employee of the month nomination included:

Julee shows a lot of HEART for our Hospital. She keeps it looking nice and celebrates holidays and special events, which helps make the hospital look festive and fun. She is thoughtful of others and has a giving heart. I feel like Julee does a lot for our hospital and doesn’t always get the credit that she deserves. She is always thinking of others and always offers to help when she sees that you are busy and may need help. Julee is also always quick to do nice things for other people and is thoughtful to her coworkers, always treating them with respect.

Julee serves as our Administrative Assistant and also helps serve the hospital as a member of our Bereavement Committee and helping out the EMH Foundation with fundraising events. Thank you for all you do Julee! Congratulations!

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Reminder: Coffee & Commerce event coming this Friday

Don’t forget to set your alarms! Our first-ever Coffee & Commerce event is just around the corner. Whether you’re looking to make new business connections or just want to stay in the loop with what’s happening in Butler, this is the place to be.

We’ve got the perfect morning blend: valuable networking paired with a complimentary breakfast!

THE DETAILS

WHEN: Friday, April 10th | 7:30 am – 9:00 am

WHERE: Tavern Hall

HOSTED BY: Tavern Hall

SPONSORED BY: Sonic Drive-In (Yes, that means breakfast is on them!)

WHY JOIN US?

Connect: Meet and mingle with local business owners and organizations.

Promote: Bring your marketing materials and event flyers to share.

Grow: Build lasting connections within our community.

Inform: Get the latest updates on Chamber initiatives.

Ready to join the conversation? Reach out today to get on the list!

Email: butlerchamberofcommerce@gmail.com

Phone: 660-464-1339

Web: butlerchamber.com

Together, We love Local!

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Butler Saddle Club seeking Queen and Princess candidates

The Butler Saddle Club Queen Committee is now looking for rodeo queen and princess candidates for the 73rd annual Butler Saddle Club Rodeo. The rodeo is set for June 19-21.

Queen candidates must between the ages of 16-21, not married and no kids, must ride a horse, and attend rodeo practices. Queen candidates are judged on 4 categories: ticket sales, personality, appearance, and horsemanship. All candidates will receive 10% of total ticket sales.

Princess candidates must be between the ages of 9-15. Princess candidates are encourage to ride a horse if they have one (Riding is not mandatory for princesses) and attend rodeo practices. Princess candidates are judged on 3 categories: ticket sales, personality and appearance. All candidates will receive 10% of total ticket sales.

Please reach out to me at 660-464-4732 for more information and/or to sign up. There’s an informative meeting on April 28 @ 6pm. The meeting is at the bates county fairgrounds.

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