Swan solar project appears on hold due to pending lawsuit, moratorium

A super hot topic appears to have faded into a Bates county sunset; at least for now

The Swan Solar project, a 650 megawatt solar farm slated to begin construction in western Bates county last month shows no sign of ground breaking.

So, what's the hold up? A myriad of things beginning with a 1 year moratorium set by Linn county Kansas, prohibiting setting of power poles and lines needed to connect the solar farm to the grid near the LaCygne power plant. Subsequently, that action has prompted a lawsuit against Linn county on behalf of Clearway Energy, who is leading the project.

In the meantime however, Clearway has offered Linn county $850,000 in hopes of remedying the situation but despite the temptation of a big cash infusion, it appears that the Linn county commissioners haven't said yes. For that matter, they haven't said no either.

On the Missouri side, earlier this year the Bates county commission came to an agreement with Clearway regarding terms of the project which included approximately $1.5 million annually for the Miami School along with other monies such as a $500,000 up front payment to Bates county.

So far, Clearway is yet to return the signed contract to Bates county officials. 

Likewise, no $500,000 check either.

Interestingly, the delay has far reaching repercussions as another proposed solar project by NextEra, also to be located near Amsterdam, appears on hold as well; one could only guess that NextEra is waiting for an outcome on the Swan project before making any moves.

From the outside looking in, it may be awhile before there's any movement on the Swan Solar project. With that in mind, Mid America Live has reached out to Clearway for an update and will publish the outcome accordingly. 

The Swan Solar project website here https://www.swanenergycenter.com/

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Butler's Easton Woolace scores a perfect 36 on ACT

Butler High School is proud to celebrate Easton Woolace for earning a perfect 36 on the ACT!

Easton’s incredible achievement is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We are so proud of this outstanding accomplishment!

After graduation, Easton plans to attend Liberty University, where he will major in Civil Engineering. We can’t wait to see where his talents and determination take him!

Congratulations, Easton! We are proud to call you a Butler Bear and wish you all the best in your next chapter!

Courtesy Butler Schools

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Football games this week

Regular season varsity play

Adrian:

9/4 Strafford 7:00 pm 

Appleton City with Ballard and Montrose:

9/4 Drexel with Miami (Amoret) 7:00 pm 

Archie:

9/4 at Lockwood with Golden City 7:00 pm 

Butler:

9/4 at Summit Christian Academy 7:00 pm 

Drexel with Miami:

9/4 at Appleton City with Montrose, Ballard 7:00 pm 

Harrisonville:

9/4 Bolivar 7:00 pm 

Midway:

9/4 Rich Hill with Hume 7:00 pm 

Nevada:

9/4 at Carl Junction 7:00 pm 

Rich Hill with Hume:

9/4 at Midway 7:00 pm 

Sherwood:

9/4 at Windsor 7:00 pm 

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Butler Chamber organization spotlight: Guardians of the Children

ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: Guardians of The Children Butler,MO

Behind every thriving community is a network of dedicated people making a difference—and today, we are proud to spotlight the incredible members of Guardians of The Children (GOC) - Butler Chapter!

Living by their powerful motto, "Don't let your silence drown out their cries," this non-profit organization is dedicated to educating, empowering, and advocating for children who have experienced abuse.

From organizing local Ident-a-Kid events and helping out with community Easter egg hunts, to showing up big at local events across Bates County, GOC brings strength, comfort, and unconditional support to the children and families who need it most. Their presence reminds every child that they are never alone.

Thank you, GOC Butler, for your dedication, heart, and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our youth. Our community is stronger and safer because of you!

Want to learn more, volunteer, or support their mission?

Facebook: Guardians of The Children Butler, MO

Phone: (660) 386-0998

Email: butler.goc@gmail.com

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Obituary - Paul B. Eskew Moeller, Jr.

Paul B. Eskew Moeller, Jr. died on Friday, August 28, 2026. Further obituary details will be provided once they become available. Services will be held at a later date, courtesy Schneider Funeral Home.


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Obituary - Raymond Floyd Ellifrits

Raymond Floyd Ellifrits, 66, of Nevada, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Nevada, Missouri.

Raymond was born with a strong spirit and a hardworking nature. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1978 to 1983, serving aboard the USS Anchorage (LSD-36). Following his honorable service in the Navy, Raymond returned home to Nevada, Missouri, where he began working as a contractor. He was a man who knew how to build things with his hands and took pride in his work.

On August 1, 1986, Raymond married the love of his life, Angi Ellifrits. Together, they built a life and a family filled with memories that will be cherished forever.

Raymond enjoyed many things in life, specially building and fixing things, fishing, working on vehicles, and camping with his family. He was happiest when he was outdoors, working with his hands, or spending time with the people he loved. His family will remember him for his strength, his determination, and the many ways he showed his love through the things he did for others.

Raymond was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Virginia Drake; father, Charles S Drake; brother, Gary Wayne Drake Sr.; sister, Diana Lynn Drake; wife, Angi K Ellifrits; son, Kody Levi Ellifrits; and grandson, Jacob Ellifrits.

He is survived by his sister, Julie Drake of Nevada, Missouri; sister, Vickie Houchin of Nevada, Missouri; daughter, Holly Hallam (Cory) of Nevada, Missouri; daughter, Amy Williams (Jeffrey) of Sheldon, Missouri; daughter, Beth Jenkins (Tex) of Covington, Kentucky; son, Kory Ellifrits of Florida; son, James Stanhope; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Raymond leaves behind a family who will carry his memory forward and cherish the moments they shared with him. Though he will be deeply missed, his life, his love, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Fair winds and following seas, Raymond. Your watch is over.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A Funeral service will follow with Lorne Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Newton Burial Park with Military Honors.

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Obituary - Carolyn "Kay" Irvin

Carolyn "Kay" Irvin, 87, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at her home. Funeral Service will be on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, with an interment to follow at Crescent Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to either the Adrian Rural Fire Department or the Adrian Optimist Community Betterment Foundation, Inc. A full obituary will be posted when it is available.


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Obituary - Martha June Cumpton

Martha June Cumpton, 90 of Adrian, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Medicaloges Butler surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, September 3, 2026, also at Mullinax Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Altona Baptist Church or Adrian Optimist. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Messages of condolence may be left for family and friends at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.


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