What's Up LeRoy Cook

 What's Up

by LeRoy Cook

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June 29, 2026

 

Suggested Banner: GPS: Trust, But Verify

 

Almost daily rains dampened flight activity last week, with the concomitant growth in the acres of grass needing mowing around the Butler airport. If you think you’re having trouble keeping your home’s lawn in check, consider the margins around a ¾ mile long runway and taxiway, hangars and frontage. It’s been a hard year for the crew and equipment needed to keep up with mowing at the aerodrome.

 

Other than for the few Kansas City-based trainers coming in, and a departing Colorado-bound Cessna 182, transient traffic was light last week, no doubt due to the weather. Locally, there were multiple AirTractor agplanes working full time from the BCS base, Gerold Koehn had his Cessna Skyhawk out, and Gerald Bauer and Jeremie Platt took their planes to Harrisonville to represent us at the third-Saturday pancake breakfast.

 

Last month’s flight-into-terrain accident at Sierra Blanca, New Mexico, when a King Air medevac airplane impacted a mountain while descending to pick up a patient, seems to have been complicated by military GPS jamming. Jamming takes place regularly in the Southwest for training exercises. We are all so spoiled by our GPS navigation receivers that we can hardly find our way without them. It’s important to realize that the Global Positioning System belongs to the military, and we use it at their behest. At midnight in the mountains, the King Air crew didn’t realize they had lost signal; you must always crosscheck one navigation method with another.

 

The “free” presidential Boeing 747-8i bequeathed to the U.S. by the Emir of Qatar has been delivered to Andrews AFB outside Washington, DC, where it is being given final preparation for entering service, probably as Air Force One. Lavished outfitted in royal service, it underwent special outfitting for the VIP fleet. It’s to relieve the hard-working 36-year-old Boeing 747-200s, until Boeing delivers the two new VC-25s on order, now expected in 2028.

 

Much has been made over the go-around by a Delta Airlines pilot at Boston week before last; although cleared to land, he was aware of an American Airlines plane that was cleared to take off on an intersecting runway, and when he saw it moving after a delay he realized it would be too close and pushed up the power to climb away. It seems to me that the system worked just as it should; human at the controls evaluated and took action. Case closed.

 

 

Our previous column had a question about a monument near Bazaar, Kansas in the Flint Hills. Tim Enos knew the answer; it marks where a TWA Fokker trimotor airliner lost a wing in 1931, carrying famous football coach Knute Rockne on his way to Los Angeles. Next week’s brain-teaser is, “what is the approximate weight of a cumulus cloud measuring one kilometer on each side?” You can send your answers to [email protected].

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Butler Chamber Business of the month

 The Carpenter's Cup Named Butler Chamber Business of the Month Ahead of 10-Year Anniversary

BUTLER, MO — The Butler Area Chamber of Commerce has named local Christian bookstore and community hub, The Carpenter's Cup, as its featured Business of the Month for June 2026. The recognition arrives as the establishment prepares to host its landmark 10-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 18.

The origin of The Carpenter's Cup is a story rooted deeply in faith, calling, and family collaboration. Ten years ago, owner Becky chose to pivot from a successful 40-year career in the healthcare industry to open a storefront in Butler. Following months of reflection, she officially stepped into her new role in 2016, experiencing an immediate wave of relief and confirmation that she was on the right path.

When the store first opened its doors, it was established as a multi-generational family venture. Becky was supported from day one by her mother JoAnn, stepfather Rich, sister Barb, daughter Rachael, and son Shannon. One year into operations, the team expanded when Becky's sister, Phyllis, relocated back home from Houston to join the enterprise. While JoAnn and Rich have since passed away, their foundational impact endures, and the establishment remains a proudly family-run business.

To anchor the storefront's daily operations and ministry, Becky's family partnered with friend and employee, Jenny. "All we have to do is unlock the doors and God will do the rest," Jenny noted of the business's foundational philosophy over the past decade.

Over the past ten years, the business has grown into much more than a retail shop for books and custom gifts; it serves as a central pillar of local charitable action. The Carpenter's Cup frequently steps up as a primary donation collection point for area families experiencing sudden hardships or tragedy.

Furthermore, Becky, her family, staff and countless volunteers coordinate extensive seasonal outreach programs. Their annual calendar of service includes organizing Thanksgiving meals, hosting a Christmas Angel Tree, managing a "Coats for Kids" drive, distributing winter blankets, assembling care backpacks for the unhoused population, and providing fans and air conditioning units to neighbors in need during hot summer months when inventory allows. The shop also coordinates closely with local ministries, keeping Vacation Bible School (VBS) resources available for area churches and supporting Alvina’s summer lunch program.

The community is invited to celebrate this decade of impact at the storefront on Saturday, July 18. The 10-year anniversary event will feature an array of activities, including dedicated times for community Praise & Worship.

For more information on the anniversary celebration or to learn how to contribute to their ongoing outreach programs, visit The Carpenter's Cup on South Bishop Street.

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Hoot Owl Heating and Air Conditioning Now Hiring

 Hiring HVAC Service Technician / Installer

Hoot Owl Heating & Air Conditioning in Butler MO is growing, and we’re looking for experienced HVAC Service Technicians and Installers

who take pride in quality work, show up ready to work, and want to be a part of a dependable local company.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in residential HVAC service and / or installation.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Good time management and ability to work efficiently. 
• Clean, professional workmanship.
• A positive attitude and good communication with customers and coworkers.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

What we offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Steady work with a growing local company.
• Supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to work with a company that values honesty, quality, and reliability.

Responsibilities:

• Diagnose, service, repair and install HVAC systems.
• Perform routine maintenance and equipment changeouts.
• Communicate clearly with customers and staff.
• Manage time effectively to complete jobs on schedule.
• Follow safety procedures and company standards.
• Represent the company professionally at every job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years prior HVAC service or installation experience.
• EPA certification.
• NATE certification is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to work independently and as a team

If you’re ready to join a company that values skill, integrity, and doing the job right, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today

Submit your resume to: [email protected]

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Danny Zellmer, age 75 of Butler

Danny Zellmer, 75 of Butler passed away Saturday, June 27 at his home in Butler. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel with burial and Military Honors in the Oak Hill Cemetery. There is NO visitation. Online condolences may be sent to schowengerdtchapel.com.

Danny is survived by his wife Doris Zellmer of the home; daughter Crystal and husband Joe of Lee’s Summit; brother Jim Zellmer and wife Annie; sister Phyllis Nitsche and husband Lynn; sister-in-law Ginger Zellmer all of Butler.

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Statement Issued from MoDot Regarding Dangerous Intersection at I-49 and 52W

 

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Belton Man Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

On Wednesday  morning, June 24^th, the Belton Police Special Response Team served a search warrant on a residence in the 900 block of Black Cherry Court in Belton. The search warrant was issued based upon probable cause from an ongoing investigation by the investigations division of the Belton Police Department regarding child pornography.

Upon serving the search warrant, an adult male was taken into custody and various electronic items were seized. These items are being analyzed at the FBI Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.

On Thursday, June 25^th, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office charged 51-year-old Thomas Patrick Rose from Belton with three counts of possession of child pornography. Rose is now being held in the Cass County Jail without bond. The investigation into this offense is ongoing as analysis of the seized electronics continues.

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UPDATE: Man Shot And Killed By Cass County Deputy Wednesday Identified

The man shot and killed by Cass County deputies on Wednesday, June 24^th, has been identified by the Western Missouri Sheriff’s Critical Incident Team. The man has been identified as 55-year-old Russell Heide of Archie, Missouri.

Heide was killed in an “exchange of gunfire” on Wednesday just after 8 a.m. when the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported disturbance on Dorsett Lane near East 319th Street, an area in Archie and rural Cass County.

When deputies arrived, they found an armed man in a driveway, and shots were fired by both the man and deputies shortly after. Police said that those deputies attempted to save the man’s life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured in the incident.

At this time, it remains unclear what exactly led up to the shooting or how many deputies were involved. The Western Missouri Sheriff’s Critical Incident Team has taken over the investigation.

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Bates County Fair

 The Bates County Cattlewomen will sell 10 dollar, Ruben Sandwiches Tuesday, July 7^th  at this year’s Bates County Fair’s Bash. Look for their booth on location following the parade and until the Ruben’s are sold out! The Cattlemen will serve Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, smoked meat and Ribeye Sandwich with chips and a drink at their booth.  All prices will be posted.

Then come back to the Fair on Thursday evening July 9^th for the traditional Bates County Cattlemen’s Dinner. 10 ounce Ribeye  steaks will hit the grill from 5 pm until 7 pm. This year, the  Cattlemen have partnered with Hertzog Meat Company to feature premium Angus Steaks, aged 44 days through dry and wet methods. This process is normally offered to high-end restaurants. So you know the dollars you spend

This bone-in Ribeye is on display at the meat counter of the Hertzog Meat Company on Fort Scott Street, prior to de-boning and making its way to the Bates County Cattlemen’s Grill.

The Bates County Fair will be held July 6^th through July 10^th at the Bates County Fairgrounds .

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Fundraiser for Harrisonville and Butler children

 

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Harrisonville Health Fair

 

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Harrisonville News

 

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2 injured in crash on I-49 overpass near Butler

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, two people received moderate injuries Wednesday afternoon, June 24^th, just after 3 pm at the intersection of the southbound I-49 ramp to west 52 highway.

The report indicates that a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer driven by a 68 year old Butler man collided with a 2013 Nissan Maxima driven by a 71 year old Urich, MO man as the driver attempted a left turn onto 52 highway. The drivers were taken to Bates County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Both vehicles were totaled and towed from the scene.

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Bates County Elks Fireworks open June 26th

 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with a bang at the Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand .

Opening June 26th in the parking lot of Family Center in Butler, the Bates County Elks have everything you need for a spectacular red, white, and blue celebration. From fireworks for the kids to breathtaking aerial displays, it's your one-stop shop for Independence Day fun.

Don't miss over 20 different fountains priced under 10 dollars  each, plus the crowd-favorite Gangster Series Finale Cake!

Best of all, every dollar you spend helps support community projects right here at home.

The Bates County Elks Fireworks Stand—opening June 26th through 10 pm July 5^th, find them at the Family Center parking lot  in Butler. Celebrate 250 years of America with fireworks that light up the sky and give back to the community! 

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Steam and Gas Engine Show

 

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Bates County Cattlemen attend the bask and the Steak Dinner Night

 The Bates County Cattlewomen will sell 10 dollar, Ruben Sandwiches Tuesday, July 7^th  at this year’s Bates County Fair’s Bash. Look for their booth on location following the parade and until the Ruben’s are sold out! The Cattlemen will serve Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, smoked meat and Ribeye Sandwich with chips and a drink at their booth.  All prices will be posted.

Then come back to the Fair on Thursday evening July 9^th for the traditional Bates County Cattlemen’s Dinner. 10 ounce Ribeye  steaks will hit the grill from 5 pm until 7 pm. This year, the  Cattlemen have partnered with Hertzog Meat Company to feature premium Angus Steaks, aged 44 days through dry and wet methods. This process is normally offered to highend restaurants. So you know the dollars you spend

This bone-in Ribeye is on display at the meat counter of the Hertzog Meat Company on Fort Scott Street, prior to deboning and making its way to the Bates County Cattlemen’s Grill.

That’s a reminder that the Bates County Cattlewomen will be selling Ruben Sandwiches during the Bash on Tuesday, July 7^th. Cattlemen will have a booth at the bash selling Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, pulled meat and Ribeye Sandwiches with chips and a drink. All prices will be posted.
Followed by The Bates County Cattlemen at the grill Thursday evening, serving Hertzog Ribeye Loin steaks off the grill at 5 pm until the food is gone.  Cattlemen’s Dinners will cost 25 dollars per plate at this year’s event.

The Bates County Fair will be held July 6^th through July 10^th at the Bates County Fairgrounds .

 

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