What’s Up by LeRoy Cook

An Era Ends

Last Wednesday marked the end of an era at Butler Airport. Ed Robertson’s matched pair of 1977 Cessna 150s, N704EZ and N704SJ, flew away over the western horizon to a new home in Amarillo, Texas, after 48 years of faithful service teaching Butler pilots how to fly and stay current. No longer will the little yellow and white trainers be available to roll out of the hangar. My first flight in EZ was on October 19, 1976; my final trip in her was on August 29, 2025. I took SJ up on November 2 for three night landings. Thus endeth the availability of flight training here, dating back to 1958.

Traffic picked up last week, with the springlike weather that prevailed. The ferry crew from Amarillo arrived in a pressurized Cessna 340, former Butler pilot Cody Barker was down from Lee’s Summit in a Cessna Skyhawk and a nice 1966 Cessna Skylane graced the ramp. Also in were a Cessna Skyhawk, a Piper Warrior and a Beech Musketeer. No local aircraft were observed, other than the previously-mentioned departures.

Looking at national aviation news, we see where a lawyer, on behalf of an injured passenger, is filing suit against the City of Scottsdale, AZ pursuant to a February 2025 accident when a Learjet 35A had a left main landing gear break off while touching down at Scottsdale, causing the Lear to swerve off the runway, across the parallel taxiway and onto an FBO’s ramp where it slid into a parked Gulfstream jet. The suit claims negligence on the City’s part for allowing the Gulfstream to be parked there, as well as the pilot of the Gulfstream and the towing operator. Looks to me like a countersuit would be in order since the Learjet caused the wreck.

And then there was last Wednesday’s comedic episode at El Paso, TX, when the FAA suddenly announced an immediate closing of airspace around ELP for 10 days, for “security” reasons. Airline flights were canceled, a medevac airplane was diverted to Las Cruces, NM, only 45 miles away, and private flights were halted. Then, before the day was out, the order was rescinded. Evidently the brouhaha was over Customs and Border Protection’s nearby firing of a new laser toy to knock drug-runner drones out of the air, without clearing their plans with the FAA. No government agency likes to be ignored.

A leaked story recently surfaced about a Coast Guard Gulfstream jet pilot being fired for taking off without DHS Secretary Christy Noem’s favorite blanket on board. There’s doubtless two sides to the story, but supposedly when she had to change planes for mechanical reasons the Secretary’s wrap got left behind and the pilot-in-command was blamed. Comically, he was immediately reinstated when it was found out that no other pilot was qualified to make the return trip. He graciously agreed.

Late last week we received word of the passing of long-time agricultural pilot Mitch Grainger, local Butler resident who followed his heart to Alabama where he was taught the intricacies of cropdusting by his father-in-law. Mitch was happiest in the cockpit of a powerful agplane, applying spray to a good field, until failing health caused him to retire. Fly high, Mitch!

The week’s unanswered question was “where did the Flight Engineer sit in the cockpit of Douglas DC-6 airliners?” He had a forward-facing seat aft of the console between the pilot and copilot, where he could monitor and operate engine controls and systems. On Lockheed and Boeing planes the FE sat sideways at his own station.  The next week’s question is, “did Anthony Fokker make any German military planes during World War II?” You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

Recipe of the Week

A little help is needed

92.1 is going to bat for a local lifelong family from Butler. Mitch Grainger, the son of the late Harold Grainger and wife Barbara Grainger of Butler, passed away on February 9th.
The unexpected death has brought financial strain due to funeral expenses. Mitch was a 1977 graduate of Butler High School and was presently residing in Foley, Alabama.
The Grainger Family was a member of the Butler Assembly of God Church, and at one time, owned and operated the Local Montgomery Ward Store in Butler. Mitch was known for his career as a crop duster for local farmers in the Bates County Area.

A love fund for funeral expenses has been set up at Adrian Bank. If friends, organizations, churches, or alumni would like to help with the expense of returning Mitch to his birthplace, donations in any amount will be appreciated.
Those making donations to the Mitch Grainger Love Fund may do so by dropping off cash or checks made payable to Barbara Grainger in care of The Mitch Grainger Love Fund.
Your donations will be accepted at any one of the 3 Adrian Bank Locations. Thank you in advance for your donations.

This public service message is a courtesy of 92.1 Radio Station Staff.

Bates County financial report now available

The annual Bates County financial report is included in our most recent issue of the News-Review newspaper which is available at multiple locations around the area as well as our office located at 5 W. Dakota street on the south side of the Butler square.

You can also view the newspaper online here https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgttb/Mid-America-Shopper-02_11_2026-dTGE/#p=1

Obituary - Donna M. Clary

Donna M. Clary, 94, of Savannah, Missouri, formerly of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home, with her daughters by her side, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Funeral services will be held 11:00am Thursday, February 19, 2026 , with a visitation starting at 10:00am, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, MO. A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.

Belton officer placed on administrative leave

The Missouri State Highway Patrol recently notified the City of Belton of an alleged incident involving one of our officers that occurred prior to their employment with our agency.

Upon learning of the matter and the Highway Patrol’s investigation, the officer was immediately placed on administrative leave.

The safety of our community and upholding the integrity of the Belton Police Department and our entire organization remains our top priority.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation and all questions should be directed to their agency: https://bit.ly/4rj2pqb

State Farm Athlete of the Week

 

This week we are happy to be back at Butler High School to award senior, Eli Ferrell with the C&S graphics and State Farm athlete of the week. Eli was nominated by his head coach Zack Wicks. Coach Wicks stated “Eli returned to the mat this past week after a long and challenging journey following a tragic brain injury sustained this fall. Throughout his recovery Eli had worked tirelessly not only on his physical health, but also as a leader to his teammates. Even when he has been unable to compete he continues to push and encourage others, setting an example through his dedication and attitude.” We asked Eli to share a little about his journey back to the mat and he stated “it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but wrestling has taught me many things and one of those is to never give up. Don’t let anything hold you back from achieving your dreams and don’t let things get you discouraged.” We asked him what advice he would have for younger athletes. He stated “I went to a national camp this summer and heard a past Olympian state, we don’t simply rise to the occasion; we drop to the level of our training. It’s so true, and I realize it now after my injury even more than I did that day. You’re only as good as the training you put into it will allow you to be.” Eli isn’t fully decided what his next steps will be. He wants to continue to put in the work and help other athletes as well. His comeback to the mat is nothing short of a miracle, and we are so honored to celebrate this victory with him with this award. His hard work and determination will keep paying off and will continue to help him reach his goals.

Pictured left to right: Cody Morris, C&S Graphics; Eli Ferrell, son of Savannah Ferrell and Patrich Stewart; Kellie Davidson, State Farm; Head Wrestling Coach, Zack Wicks

Lady Bears Crowned Undefeated OHC Champs

By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV

Friday night was crowning night for the Butler Lady Bears.

After making waves all season long, the Lady Bears traveled to Warsaw with one goal in mind — close out conference play as undefeated champions. Four quarters later, the celebration was official.

Butler erupted for 24 points in the opening frame, setting the tone immediately. The early surge came from a balanced attack that saw all five starters record a basket in the first quarter alone. Georgia McCoun, Kadyn Cook and Gabbie Carmichael combined for four long-range shots in the opening period, stretching the floor and putting Warsaw on its heels.

While the offense was explosive, the defense was just as dominant. The Lady Wildcats were held to just eight points in the first quarter as Butler dictated tempo from the opening tip.

Holding a 24-8 advantage after one, the Bears never looked back.

Warsaw managed just one lone field goal and five total points in the second quarter. Butler’s defensive pressure limited clean looks and possessions, while the offense continued to cook, adding 18 more points to take a commanding 42-14 lead into halftime.

The third quarter brought more of the same. Butler extended the margin to 61-24 heading into the final eight minutes, and by that point the outcome was no longer in question. The buses were warming and the clock was rolling.

The Lady Bears secured the Ozark Highlands Conference title with a 65-37 rout, finishing conference play undefeated. Fifteen of Warsaw’s 37 points came in the fourth quarter as Butler eased off the pressure late.

Gabbie Carmichael led all scorers with 20 points. Kiersten Dubray added 15, and Kylee Dubray chipped in 11 as Butler once again showcased its depth and balance.

At 19-4 overall and perfect in conference play, this Butler squad has proven it can score, defend, and close. With postseason play on the horizon, the Lady Bears look every bit like a team built for a deep run.

To celebrate the BEARS WIN, C&S Graphics has agreed to give 15 PERCENT OFF SITE-WIDE when you use the code ‘BEARS15’ at checkout! Click here to shop their site now!

Photo by the talented Erin Dubray