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Monday, March 2, 2026
What’s Up by LeRoy Cook
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Over the last week, February’s weather was kind to general aviation flying, but March roared in like a lion, as it often does. Once the last gasp of winter passes, soggy rain should be all that’s left. March is, of course, the windy month so there will be 50-mph days to contend with.
Traffic picked up for this period, including a revisit by the Cessna 340 pressurized twin out of Amarillo, TX, roaring across town on the RNAV 36 instrument approach despite a clear morning. Other transient types were a couple of new Cessna Skylanes out of Warsaw and Olathe, along with a 1973 Piper Cherokee Challenger, n Piper Archer, a Cessna Skyhawk and a Beech Bonanza F33. Local movements were the final departure of a long-time resident Piper TriPacer and a visiting Cessna Skylane, while Christian Tucker’s Cessna 140 was rolled out. Jeremie Platt made a Sedalia run in his Grumman Tiger and Gerald Bauer flew the Cessna Skyhawk. The $100-omelet flyouts had to dodge thundershowers on their way to breakfast.
A non-event off-airport landing occurred at mid-week when a homebuilt single-seat Sonex suffered engine failure over southern Johnson County, KS and landed on a gravel road off of 119th Street. It made the news, even though there were no injuries or damage. Recovery was facilitated by the design’s folding wings feature, allowing it to be trailered away.
Another drone-shootdown brouhaha cropped up last week, when a Customs and Border Patrol drone was blasted out the sky by a DOD laser gadget as an “unidentified aircraft” near the Mexican border over Fort Hancock in west Texas. The FAA immediately designated a no-fly zone up to 18,000 feet, good until June 23. This three-way lack of communication caps the turf war taking place between agencies, each of which wants to be told in advance. Problem is, if a real intruder was coming across the border it would be long gone before the phones would be answered.
In the current tariff climate, aircraft and components thereof have been exempted under a 1979 agreement that allows planes and parts to be imported duty-free among the agreeing countries. Most turboprop airplanes, for instance, use Pratt and Whitney PT-6 engines built in French-speaking Canada, while French Daher TBM airplanes use avionics made in Olathe, KS by Garmin, perhaps with Taiwanese components. We’ll see how long the arrangement can continue.
Big Boeing continues to be a target for litigation and payouts. The Southwest Airlines’ pilots union is wanting damages for lost wages incurred during the 737 MAX airliner groundings in 2019, and a survivor of one of the pilots killed in January’s UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville is suing everyone connected with the airplane, including Boeing, which bought the McDonnell Douglas factory in the 1990s and shut down production of the big MD Trijets. Settlements will no doubt follow.
The answer to last week’s brain-teaser was provided by reader Bill Wheatcraft, who knew that a civilian plane carrying the President of the U.S. could use the call sign “Executive One” in place of Air Force One. For next week, our question is, in what year was the oldest hangars at the Butler airport constructed? You can send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.
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Bates County real estate transfers and marriage licenses
Beshore, Randy J to Ratliff, Gary L Str 4-39-31 //Sw
Hastie, Brent M. to Deardorff, Emily Lt 21 Glenbrook Farms+
Arnold, Robert D. to Arnold, Bob & Sharon Trust 12-17-2025 Str 8-42-32 //Sw+
Tallman, Donnie R to Tallman, Owen Str 1-42-32 //Sw
Burns, Tracy to McElwain, Sharon (Trustee) Str 12-41-30
Burns, Jerry Del to Burns, Tracy Str 33-39-32 //Se
Adrian Christian Church to Adrian Christian Church Inc Str 33-42-31 //Ne
Hormann, Sharon K to Corwood Homes LLC Lt 1 Town Company's Second Addn
Wickman, Robert Lee III to Wickman, Robert Lee III Lt 13 Bl 4 Johnstown, Original Town Of+
Peuser, Lindsey Brooke to Owens, Logan Str 8-41-33 //Nw
French, Paul B to Parker, Don Str 23-40-31 //Se+
Wright, Jason Linn to Wiggins, Doncella Louise Wright Lt 5 Bl 1 Page's, George R. Addn+
Brown, Dillon T to Brown, Dillon T Str 22-40-31 //Sw
Cronin, Delores M Trust 08-17-1987 Amended 12-15-2020 to Mcelwain Trust 12-29-2021 Str 7-40-30+
Marriage License
Ramirez, Roddy Alan Lester and Robinson, Keagen Elaine
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Bates County Court News
Fines do not include added court costs
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City of Butler v Cierra Coopman- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50
St v Rylee O'Farrell- no working horn, fine $200.00
St v Benjamin Whitten- no working horn, fine $200.00
St v John McCoy- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00
St v Maria Downen- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00
St v Austin King- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00
City of Butler v Landon Cook- display plates of another vehicle, fine $50.50
City of Butler v Terrenda Rosenberger- expired plates, fine $50.50
City of Butler v Daniel Feris- expired plates, fine $50.50
City of Butler v Taylor Gridley- expired plates, fine $50.50
St v Zayden Carter- no working horn, fine $200.00
St v Samantha Cumpton- fail to transfer plates, fine $50.50
St v Sydney Rogers- no working horn, fine $144.00
City of Rich Hill v Sairam Sangem- defective equipment, fine $138.50
City of Butler v Stacey Belohlavy- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50
City of Butler v Glenn Koch- expired plates, fine $50.50
St v Edward McEwan- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00
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Alkire, Mallatt Close Storied Careers on State Podium
A chapter closed for the Butler Bear wrestling program at the state tournament — but not without hardware, heart, and a legacy firmly cemented.
Damian Alkire capped a historically dominant career by placing fifth at state, bringing an end to one of the most consistent runs in Butler wrestling history. For years, Alkire has been a steady presence at the top of the lineup and on the state stage, helping anchor a program that has transformed into one opponents respect — and often fear. His career stands as a benchmark for what Butler wrestling has become over the last half-decade.
Preston Mallatt added to the Bears’ podium presence, earning a third-place finish to close out his career. Mallatt’s journey has been defined by persistence and dedication, proving season after season that discipline and relentless training can turn goals into medals. His bronze finish serves as a fitting reward for the work he has poured into the program.
While this senior class takes its final bow, the foundation they helped build remains strong. Sophomore Josiah Ferrell also represented Butler at the state tournament, finishing just shy of the podium in a performance that signals what lies ahead.
As Alkire and Mallatt step forward into their next chapters, they leave behind more than medals — they leave a standard. And with underclassmen already competing on the state stage, the future of Butler wrestling remains in capable hands.
This article is sponsored by C&S Graphics. Be sure and check out their website to order your Graduation Invitations and so much more!
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Four Straight Titles: Rich Hill Tigers Build a Championship Standard
Sustained success is rare at any level of sports. For the Rich Hill Tigers youth squad, winning has simply become the expectation.
From third through sixth grade, this group has captured four consecutive championships, building a run that few teams ever experience. Over that span, they have lost just one game in their entire youth careers, compiling an astonishing 39-1 overall record in regular-season play.
Their success has extended beyond league competition. The Tigers have also claimed the “Take Me to the Ball” tournament title three times, further reinforcing their reputation for rising to the occasion.
This year’s championship was another statement. Rich Hill secured the title with a 26-12 victory over the Butler Bears, adding yet another trophy to a four-year stretch of dominance.
Six players have been part of every championship team from third through sixth grade, forming the core of a run defined by consistency and continuity.
Four straight championships. Three tournament titles. One loss in four years.
For the Rich Hill Tigers, excellence has become the standard.
This article is sponsored by C&S Graphics – check out their website for Banners, Graduation Invitations, Wedding Invitations, Magnets, AND SO MUCH MORE! And please follow them on Facebook!
Photo Submitted by Jessy Coonce
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Sunday, March 1, 2026
Bates County "Thank a Farmer Week" Focuses on Ronald McDonald Houses
This year, Missouri farmers are marking Thank a Farmer Week by giving back to families in need. Starting March 1st, Missouri Farm Bureau volunteers will deliver food donations to Ronald McDonald House locations around the state. Members also collected pop tabs that were recycled totaling $400 to be given as gas cards and for other necessities. Bates County volunteers will be delivering to the Joplin and Kansas City locations. Supplies were collected from members statewide to support families staying near hospitals for medical treatment.
With over 87,000 farms, the second highest in the nation, Missouri is a major agricultural exporter. These exports, ranging from hay and rice to livestock and various crops, contribute significantly to Missouri's economy. Beyond economic contributions, it encompasses land stewardship, sustainability, and the values that shape communities. Celebrating agriculture embodies the spirit of families working together across generations to nourish our tables and care for the land that sustains us all.
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