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Saturday, October 10, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
Aging equipment tops in council talk
City Administrator Mark Mathies spoke at length about aging equipment during which he revealed plans that will come with some cost savings. For example, the city street sweeper truck "is due to be scrapped" due to its age, bad engine and overall condition; a new replacement would run in the $400k range and after some discussion a better alternative would be to rent said vehicle for much less as the current unit is only used on an occasional basis.
Due to a rare occurrence, rain entered an exhaust stack at the Butler power plant resulting in $700,000+ repair bill for a Caterpillar diesel generator. Fortunately, it appears the insurance will cover the cost and further, work will be done to put a hinged cover on the stack to make sure it doesn't happen again. Keeping the power plant available and on line is a priority as the city has an ongoing opportunity to sell power back to the grid.
Councilwoman Doncella Liggins reported continuing progress with the Student Advisory Committee as it not only gives Butler students some insight to city government but other civic involvement in the community as well. For example, the students will be a part of several upcoming events through the end of the year including Huckster's Day, Thanksgiving and the Butler Christmas parade among others.
Following a recommendation by Mayor Henry the council opted to table discussion of bill 553, regarding the handling of the city budget, until a special committee meeting can be held later this month. Due to the nature of the subject, Henry wanted to insure all points were covered prior to making any decisions; more about this will be revealed soon.
The large shelter at the south end of the Butler city park is going to get some new concrete as it currently is in bad repair due to water damage. The cost will be $29,996 and will include preventative measures to insure such damage does not happen again.
Administrator Mathies presented the council a proposal from Chronicle Cemetery Management, a records management system that will completely digitize Oak Hill Cemetery records to include obituaries, family trees, maps, photos, headstones, scanning of old printed records and much more. Cost will be $58,679 for the first year and come from the cemetery operation fund; then there be an recurring yearly maintenance expense of $4,100. The council voted 7-1 to move ahead with the project with the only no vote coming from Doncella Liggins. Mid America Live will be reporting more once the cemetery project is officially underway.
Butler, with all other cities, has been tasked with documenting any lead water pipe that might still be a part of the infrastructure. Such documentation is part of a federal mandate and likely will result in forced removal of said pipes in the future which certainly could be a daunting task as some could be located under brick roads around the square, for example.
Administrator Mathies affirmed that the city beautification project will be ongoing. This includes repainting crosswalks, removal/trimming of trees and cleaning of sidewalks and curbing.
Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.
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Obituary - David L. Oringderff
David was born to James Verle Oringderff and Avis Mozelle “Bill” Oringderff. He carried throughout his life the values, experiences, and relationships that shaped him from his earliest years.
David lived a life defined by service, compassion, and an abiding commitment to helping others. Whether serving his country, his community, or those seeking spiritual guidance, he gave generously of himself and left an enduring mark on the lives of countless people.
David proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Following his military service, he continued his dedication to others as a law enforcement deputy in both Texas and Missouri. Service was not simply something David did—it was a deeply held part of who he was.
For approximately 30 years, David founded and led the Sacred Well Congregation, where he provided spiritual support, friendship, and mentorship to military service members, contractors, and their families. He understood the unique burdens carried by those who serve, and he offered a listening ear, a steady presence, and a place where people could find comfort, understanding, and belonging.
David also devoted himself to teaching and mentoring future spiritual caregivers. As Chair of the Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy program at Cherry Hill Seminary, he shared his knowledge, experience, and compassion with students preparing to serve others. His influence extended far beyond the classroom through the many people he encouraged, supported, and guided throughout his years of ministry.
To those who knew him, David was more than his titles, professions, or accomplishments. He was a husband, a father, a mentor, a spiritual guide, and a friend. He had a gift for meeting people where they were and offering them compassion without judgment. His presence brought comfort and strength to many who needed it.
David also had a wonderfully irreverent sense of humor and a particular appreciation for the versatility of the word “f**k.” He understood that, depending on the circumstances, it could express frustration, surprise, amusement, emphasis, affection, or simply serve as the perfect response when no other word would do. It was one of those small, unmistakably David things that made people smile—and one of the many reasons he was impossible to forget.
David will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Willow; his daughter, Ida; and his son, Shane. He was preceded in death by his son, John. He will also be remembered with love by his extended family, friends, students, colleagues, service members, and the many others whose lives he touched.
The legacy David leaves is found not only in the work he accomplished, but in the people he helped, the lives he encouraged, and the love and compassion he shared. His years of service created a lasting circle of people who carry something of his wisdom, kindness, and spirit with them.
May those who knew and loved David find comfort in knowing that his life mattered deeply, his service made a difference, and his compassion reached farther than he may ever have known. The people he helped, taught, comforted, and encouraged will carry his memory forward.
He will be greatly missed, deeply loved, and forever remembered.
#MidAmericaLive
Homeless horse found near Adrian
Have You Lost a Horse? We’ve Got a Little Cowboy Mystery on Our Hands
This little gelding has apparently been living his best life out east of Adrian! The Sheriff’s Office has received several calls over the past couple of days about this elusive equine, and we’re happy to report that someone finally managed to catch him. We’re giving that person a tip of our hat, that’s a real cowboy in our book!
Now that this four-legged wanderer has been rounded up, we’d love to get him back home where he belongs. If this handsome fella belongs to you, or you know who his owner might be, please contact the Sheriff’s Office so we can get him safely reunited with his people.
Let’s get this cowboy back to the right corral!
Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Office
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Movin' on up
IDEAL WEATHER is making for fast work of Butler's Ohio Street Methodist Church roofing project this week. Much discussion was devoted to exactly how to finish this pinnacle and the obvious answer came this morning as a crane was brought in to simplify the task.
Overall, it appears the project will be completed in short order.
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