What's Up by LeRoy Cook

Your Ice Runway Has Been Busy

The weekend’s chill took the appeal out of recreational aviation last week, but some nice days earlier, and the promise of more, encouraged flying. Last Friday’s balmy morning gave way to steadily dropping temperatures as a dry cold front blew through with 30-knot winds in the afternoon. Flight plans got hurriedly rearranged. 

Among the week’s visiting aircraft were an Oklahoma-based Cirrus SR-22 and a Cessna 172. Even the regular stops by Piper Archer trainers from Kansas City were at a low ebb. Some military traffic was observed overhead, such as B-2 Stealth flyovers and Army Guard Black Hawk helicopters. Most of the local fleet stayed grounded.

This coming Saturday morning, the last day of the month, marks the usual timing of the Fliar’s Club flyout, so if anyone’s desirous of assembling at 0730 hours on the Butler airport ramp to determine breakfast plans, let’s get together. The days are getting longer, so getting up is less of a burden now.

The Red Bull fleet of stunt flying airplanes, primarily in Europe, is running out of daredevil feats to perform, but an Italian Red Bull pilot flying a Zivko Edge aerobatic plane set a first by landing on a moving train last week. The trick was done on a straight stretch of track in Turkey, where the short train could hit 70 mph. The pilot matched speed to land atop a freight container then took off again.

You know it’s deep winter when the annual announcement of New Hampshire’s ice-runway airport on Lake Winnipesaukee hits the news. The tradition of plowing the snow off the ice at the big lake goes back 60-some years, and this year set a new record for numbers of planes visiting; 774 aircraft have landed there thus far. At cold temperatures there’s enough traction on the ice to easily slow to a stop, as we experienced here a few years ago after an ice storm coated Butler’s aerodrome.

As if pilots of low-flying aircraft didn’t have enough hazards to worry about, what with the rush to embrace drone traffic, the Iowa House of Representatives recently had a bill introduced to turn off those annoying flashing warning lights on wind turbines. Aimed at cutting down light pollution in night skies, the lights would only come on if radar detected an aircraft in the area. Wind turbine blades stick up as much as 400 feet.

Last week’s trivia question was, “Did Anthony Fokker make any German military planes during World War II?” Nope, Dutchman Tony Fokker only worked for the Germans during WW-One; he died in 1939, although his company continued into the 1950s. For next time, what would be the radio call sign used for a civilian airplane that happened to be carrying the US. President, since it’s not Air Force One? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

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Windy and warmer

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Weather outlook this week

Good evening all! Here's what I think we'll be talking about weather-wise this week.

Cool Start: ***WIND CHILLS approach zero TOMORROW morning.*** The attached image shows the forecast. Five degrees (wind chill) in KC tomorrow morning. Coldest air is over northern and central / west central Missouri.

Warming Up: Warmer Air (60's) arrives Tuesday, lasting through the end of the week.

Precipitation? Yes, I think so: Wednesday night after midnight -> Thursday morning. Rain.

-Greg@660weather

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Obituary - Hank Klumb

Born Henry Otto Klumb on Christmas Day, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas, he died on February 20, 2026 in Harrisonville, Missouri. Henry spent his final days surrounded by dear friends and family.

Throughout his 9.5 decades, “Hank” operated in high gear. He raced through life owning businesses, flying airplanes, painting seascapes, refinishing furniture, traveling to dozens of countries, writing poetry, restoring cars, riding horses, and enjoying everything on the farm.

Hank was graduated from Harlandale High School and famously “warmed the bench” for one of the first football games played in Monterrey, Mexico. He worked in electronics and joined the Texas National Guard, where he was the last of the radio airmen, a specialty phased out as pilots took over their own communications. The result was Hank served his country by flying around the United States getting plenty of “sack time.” He was a proud Veteran who finished with the rank he called “GFO.”

During the Cold War, his small business stumbled into the creation of bugging devices. Hank once pinned a flower with a radio transmitter on Ed McMahon’s lapel to demonstrate to Johnny Carson the cutting-edge spy craft of the era.

Around that time, he also landed his Piper Tri-Pacer on the wrong airfield near Washington, D.C. He was surprised to be greeted by armed Soldiers demanding to know who he was and why he was on their military base.

Subsequently, Hank grew his father-in-law Chet’s business representing manufacturers of construction equipment, and he built a sales team throughout the Midwest. He also expanded his business ventures to include rental properties in Missouri.

Hank was thrice married and had five children. He especially enjoyed time at Joanie’s “farm”: tending to the dogs, cats, and bees; riding horses; feeding the deer and fish; cutting, splitting, stacking, and burning firewood; watching squirrels get into the bird feeder; and enjoying the annual visit of a pair of geese who months later welcomed their goslings!

Hank is survived by Joanie Shores, his wife of nearly 40 years; his brother Gerry (Mary); his children Kathy Peña (Danny), Tom (C.J.), and Jason (Begonya); his grandchildren Tiffany, Geoffrey, Matthew, April, Andrea, Amanda, Maria’, Kandice, Amy, Joshua, Sofia, and Max Henry; and his former wife and mother of three of his children, Marli Klumb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Kathryn; his brother, Billy; and his sons, Bill (Linda) and Steve (Judee); and his former wife and mother of two of his children, Gladys Huslage. 

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

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Slight delay regarding opening of new Hertzog Meat location in Butler

The much touted new Hertzog Meat retail and processing location is nearing completion on west 52 highway in Butler. Per a recent announcement, the Hertzog's noted that while a grand opening was slated for this month, it has been moved to late April to insure that all details are covered.

In the meantime, the owners are asking the public what items are shoppers desiring in the store as well as feedback regarding what other things would keep you coming back. Feedback may be left on their Facebook page.

More details coming soon.

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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 for most 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 in some cases. 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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