Civics: A day of learning for Butler students

This week, the Butler Student Council traveled to Butler City Hall for a mock council meeting experience. Students learned the proper procedures for conducting a city council meeting and gained firsthand insight into how local government operates.

They also had the opportunity to hear about current issues being discussed at recent council meetings, helping them better understand the decisions that impact our community.

Thank you to Butler City Hall for providing this valuable learning opportunity for our students! -Courtesy Butler High School

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Thursday basketball scores

Boys

Drexel 65

Ballard 36

Miami 50

NE Vernon County 47

Lincoln 63

Archie 38

Appleton City 59

Green Ridge 55

Windsor 56

Adrian 40

Girls 

McDonald County n/a

Nevada n/a

Girls games tonight

Appleton City 

Hume

Archie 

Osceola

Skyline

Butler

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Thanks for the memories, Walter Wright

A FEW MOONS AGO a group would regularly meet at the Butler McDonalds for coffee 'n chat that included Arnold Hannah, Gib Lyman, Gary Evans and Mike Humphrey. Over the years, longtime friend Walter Wright joined the foursome and later, due to  health issues, the group moved their weekly social time to Wright's home- often outside on the porch when the weather was good.

Following the passing of Walter in November, 2025 the group has grown as seen below with regular coffee 'n chat meetings at the Ohio Street Methodist Church in Butler. A sign above the kitchen notes that all are welcomed at Walter's Coffee Shop along with his accompanying photo, insuring his presence just like the good old days.

Thank you Walter Wright for the fun, fellowship and memories.

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American Pickers Butler episode airs on the History Channel

In August of 2024, Mid America Live found the American Pickers team at the historic Henry home in Butler and just recently, the episode aired featuring the purchase of a jukebox. 

Check the History Channel TV listings to view; at this time the episode (#14) is not yet available on line but should be soon at https://play.history.com/shows/american-pickers/season-27


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Warm today but big change coming Sunday

Warm, Dry and Windy Today for your Friday.

First image shows high temperatures today on what will be the warmest day of this stretch, although tomorrow is close.

Second image shows what to expect for wind gusts this afternoon.

As mentioned in the previous post, be vigilant today for anything that could spark a fire.

Confidence is HIGH in a wintry mix event Sunday into Monday - more on that in the next post.

Weather today courtesy of Mullinax Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. serving our community with dignity and respect for almost 20 years. With locked in pre-arrangement plans to fit your wishes and budget.

-Greg@660weather

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Butler schools to receive a very generous gift

Once a Bear… Always a Bear

It is likely we have all seen and benefitted from our Butler Community in one fashion or another.  Whenever one of our own needs a helping hand, the power of our people very often draws strength from the relationships we have built with one another…whether it be past, present, or future.  

John Baum was a graduate of Butler High School in 1938.  Mr. Baum and his wife Juanita went on to live their lives in Illinois, Arkansas, and Florida.  While most of us were not able to know Mr. Baum personally, our community will benefit from his memories of Butler and the relationships that were formed during his time in the Butler R-V School District.  

About a year ago we were notified that the Butler R-V School district was named as one of the recipients of Mr. and Mrs. Baum’s Trust.   Over the next few months, details began to emerge just how fortunate our district would be.  The portion of the Baum Trust that was given to the Butler R-V School District equals just under $1.5 Million dollars!  To say we were surprised and ecstatic would be an understatement. Someone who we have never met felt his experience in our school district merited him naming our district as a beneficiary.  We are thankful and humbled by the generosity of the Baum Family. 

The most interesting part of the donation is that Mr. Baum specified the money must be earmarked for athletics.  We can only speculate that Mr. Baum created some powerful memories with his coaches and teammates that spurred this donation.  

So, we ask anyone that may have information about Mr. Baum to please let us know.  We have researched a bit ourselves, but have found little pertinent to his story.  Also, the District would like to use this generous donation as a springboard for a No-Tax Increase Bond Issue to be on the ballot in the upcoming April Election.  While there will be many other non-athletic items addressed with the potential funds, we would like to add to the funds from the Baum Trust to build district owned baseball and softball facilities near the existing football stadium, creating the Butler Memorial Athletic Complex.  

There will be more details on official ballot language forthcoming, but the non-athletic items that will be on our wish list to address include, but are not limited to:

-Security Upgrades

-Teacher Technology Investments

-Paving the service drive behind the HS and improving parking 

-Improving the elementary library entrance

-Addressing and improving seating for our band during football games

-Upgrades for the HS Auditorium

-Improving, constructing, repairing existing facilities

In conclusion, thanks to the kindness of the John Baum family, the district is prepared to move forward with a no-tax increase bond issue to honor the request of Mr. Baum while simultaneously improving and upgrading many areas of the district.  There will be more details out soon!  It’s a great day to be a BEAR!!

-Darin Carter, Butler High School

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Bates County sample ballot for April 7, 2026 municipal election

Click images to enlarge

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Butler residents deal with spike in electric bills

The severe cold snap a few weeks back resulted in a higher bill from MPUA to the city of Butler (in the neighborhood of $500k) which ultimately must be passed on to consumers- much to the dismay of many, as reports are that some saw as little as $40, with others saying closer to $1,000 or more additional on their current electric charges. 

To note, billing runs one month behind adding surprise for some.

In the most recent session of the Butler city council, a discussion was held to see what can be done to 'soften the blow' and it was agreed an extension will be made for those who cannot pay the full amount- 1/2 of the bill must be paid up front and patrons will have 30 days to pay the balance.

The City of Butler does indeed offer a level pay program but it won't help unless you're already signed up. To qualify, you must be a Butler resident for at least one year and show no late pays in that year.

Adjustments to the level pay program are made in May with a new amount to be paid in June depending on whether you owed an additional amount or received a credit.

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