Local Restaurant in Butler to be featured on America's Best Restaurants

 STEINER'S RESTAURANT & BAR TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICA’S BEST RESTAURANTS

 Butler, Missouri — September 09 2026 — Local eatery Steiner's Restaurant & Bar will host a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR), a national media and marketing company, for an on-site visit as part of the ABR Roadshow. America’s Best Restaurants travels the country spotlighting independent, locally-owned restaurants that make a positive impact on their communities. During the visit, the ABR Roadshow team will highlight Steiner's Restaurant & Bar on-camera, featuring an extensive interview with Jeff and Amy Steiner about the restaurant's special place in the community. Steiner’s Restaurant & Bar is a heartfelt return to roots, where family, hometown tradition, and scratch-made food come together. 

Originally The Flaming Lantern, a beloved Butler eatery for 35 years, the establishment holds a special place in the hearts of its patrons. After closing during the pandemic, Jeff and Amy returned to Butler with their three daughters to breathe new life into the restaurant in July 2023. Jeff, who grew up in the restaurant, aims to continue the family legacy while introducing fresh, innovative flavors. Amy complements this vision by coordinating events and fostering community connections, ensuring that Steiner’s remains a beloved hub for local gatherings. 

"I grew up in this restaurant, and now I get to watch my daughters grow up here, so Steiner’s is about much more than food — it’s about family, memories and bringing people together. We’ve been blessed with a hardworking, dedicated team that’s always willing to innovate, have fun and keep things fresh. We’re proud to bring big-city flavor to small-town Missouri, because you shouldn’t have to leave Butler for an excellent meal. Come for the food, stay for the people, and leave already planning your next visit—and maybe dessert, too," says Jeff Steiner, Owner of Steiner's Restaurant & Bar.

 The menu at Steiner's Restaurant & Bar boasts standout items, and the episode will feature popular dishes such as the Signature Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Candied Salmon Burnt Ends, and Chef Cory’s Bourbon Bread Pudding. America’s Best Restaurants will be on-site at Steiner's Restaurant & Bar on September 17, 2026. The public and press are welcome to attend. The completed episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date. 

The premiere date will be announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page and featured on America’s Best Restaurants' website and YouTube channel. About Steiner's Restaurant & Bar: Steiner's Restaurant & Bar is located at 1104 West Fort Scott Street, Butler Missouri 64730. For more information, visit https://www.steinersrestaurant.com. About America’s Best Restaurants: Headquartered in Florence, KY, America’s Best Restaurants is a national media and restaurant marketing company that travels the country telling the stories of locally owned, independent restaurants through its ABR Roadshow. With over 2,000 episodes filmed, ABR features restaurants across its social media channels, website, and the restaurant’s own digital platforms. Learn more at AmericasBestRestaurants.com.

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Drexel Fish Fry

 Everyone is invited to the Drexel Memorial VFW Post 4347 Annual Fish Fry.

The Fry will be held on Saturday October 17^th  . Serving starts at 5 pm.

The Drexel VFW Building is located at 114 South First Street in Drexel.

It’s a free will donation and everyone is invited ! Free will donations will be appreciated.

That’s the annual Drexel Memorial VFW Post 4347 Fish Fry Saturday October 17^th .  

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Benefit For Child's Funeral Expenses

 Chris Pemberton and Toms Bar and Grill of Independence will host a benefit for the family of Denny Scott and Traci Class of Independence. Parents of 7 month old Adam Scott . Adam lost his life suddenly in early September.   The family is in need of assistance for medical expenses and funeral expenses.

Chris Pemberton and Tom’s Bar and Grill  will host a benefit for this family  on October 17^th from 5 pm until 11 pm at the Bar.

They are asking for volunteers to assist with the event and asking the public for silent auction items, gift certificates and cash donations.

The deadline to submit your donations will be October 15^th .  They have set a goal to raise at least $5000.00 to assist with expenses and burial.

If you feel led to donate to this cause, you may submit your donations in any amount to Denny Scott and Traci Class in care of Tom’s Bar and Grill 2949 East Highway 40, Independence Missouri 64055.

Thank you in advance for your donations. 

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Drexel Hunter Education Session October 3rd

 The Drexel VFW Post 4347 will host a Hunter Education Skill Session on Saturday, October 3^rd   from 8am to noon. This class is part two in receiving your hunter’s education certification.  You must complete part one first you can do this online by visiting www.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education. Or by getting a book and complete the chapter questions. You must bring the book with the completed chapter questions or a qualifier certification to this class.

 

This Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education Skills Session will be limited to 30 students. The instructor for this class will be Dennis Desmond.  Participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

You must register for this class.  To register for this class and pick up your book call Jim Pierce at 816-896-7016

 

The Drexel VFW Post is located at 114 1^st Street in Drexel Missouri. That’s the Hunter Education Skill Session on Saturday, October 3^rd  from 8 am until noon.

 

 

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DONNA DOWTY

 Funeral services for Donna R. Dowty of Orrville, Ohio, formerly of Butler, Missouri will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 9 - 10 a.m. Friday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 11 in Ft. Scott National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Contributions to LifeCare Hospice, Wooster, Ohio. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Donna Rosalie Dowty, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God, passed away on September 4, 2026 at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster, Ohio, following an extended decline.

Donna was born on June 9, 1947, in Independence, Kansas, to Alfred Beard and Sybil (Manning) Beard. She grew up in Fredonia, Kansas, as the oldest of four children. She survived by her three younger brothers, Thomas Beard, Delbert (Margie) Beard, and Dwight (Linda) Beard.

On April 19, 1975, Donna married Vernon C. Dowty, beginning a marriage and family that would be at the center of her life for more than four decades. Together they raised their three children in Butler, Missouri: William Dowty of Belton, Missouri; Scott (Julie) Dowty of Mankato, Minnesota; and Renae (Santiago) Lizarraga of Orrville, Ohio.

Donna's family was the greatest joy of her life. She especially treasured her grandchildren—Gabriel, Nathan, JR, Mario, Tyler, Logan, Raegan, Danica, and Mason. She loved holding them as babies, watching them play as children, and listening to them sing and play instruments as teenagers. She enjoyed cooking for her family, reading her Bible, and loved thrifting, proudly earning her unofficial title of "Thrift Shop Queen."

Donna's faith in God was an important part of who she was. Beyond all the things she enjoyed and the people she loved, she desired to serve God faithfully. Her life was marked by a love for her family, a love for God's Word, and a desire to care for those around her.

After Vernon passed away in 2017, Donna moved to Orrville, Ohio, where she lived with her daughter, Renae, who cared for her during the final years of her life.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon C. Dowty, and her parents, Alfred and Sybil Beard.

She leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly but find comfort in knowing the difficult road she walked has finally come to an end. She crossed the finish line. Her family remembers her not simply for the difficulties of the final years, but for the woman she was throughout her life -a woman who found simple joys in family, faith, and a really good thrift-store find.

Contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice in Wooster, Ohio, in Donna's memory.

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Community Lunch Adrian

 

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Amsterdam Jubilee September 26th

 The Amsterdam Jubilee hits Main Street on Saturday , September 26^th. Here are just a few of the events on the schedule…. Get your Bessie Bingo Squares for your chance to win up to $500 dollars. Squares for sale for $10 dollars each at the Jubilee information booth. There will be a free bounce house sponsored by the Amsterdam Baptist Church to include Nerf Fun Wars. Remember to get your Amsterdam Jubilee 50/50 Tickets for your chance to win cash.. these tickets are also available at the information booth on location. The pool tournament kicks off at 2 pm at the Mishaps Bar and Grill. Jubilee t-shirts are for sale while the supply lasts . Remember the parade at 11 am , judging theme is “ 50^th Anniversary” Follow the theme to be judged. All this and more during the 50^th Amsterdam Jubilee on Main Street in the city of Amsterdam.

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Little Apple

 

September 9, 2026

 

AC residents with brush debris from the storms Sunday can drop it off on the pile at the designated area by the water tower.

 

The monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God will be 7:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12.  All the men of the community are invited to join them for a time of great food and fellowship.   Jack Coultas will have a short devotional. 

 

You are invited to a Community Luau Sunday, September 13 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Appleton City. Join them for food, fun, games and fellowship. Please bring lawn chairs.

 

The Knights of Columbus will have their monthly pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose on Sunday, September 13 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  Treat your family to a hot breakfast you don’t have to cook or clean up.  A free will donation will be greatly appreciated

 

AC PTO is collecting Food Fair receipts and Best Choice UPC labels until September 11.  Food Fair receipts need to be from May through August, 2026.  If they are older, they cannot be submitted.  Please send them with students or place them in a plastic bag or envelope and drop them off in the Elementary School Office, St. Clair County State Bank with Janet Payton or Little Apples Learning Center by Friday, September 11. This on-going fundraiser raises a substantial amount of money for PTO to use for the children's classroom trips and teacher requests for supplies.

 

People's choice at the museum quilt show resulted in a tie for first place. #8, a block quilt pieced in 1929 by the Prairie Pricilla Club and #20, an embroidered Bluebird quilt done by Roylene Dixon before 2021. Thank you to all the people who toured the show. The museum appreciates everyone coming to see their collection of Forty Quilts for Forty Years, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Historical Society. The quilts dated from the late 1800’s to the early 2000 quilts made by Roylene Dixon. All quilts are part of the museum’s collection and will be carefully stored and shown on a rotating schedule in the future.

 

Immaculate Conception Church in Montrose would like to thank everyone that came out to enjoy the day at their Labor Day Picnic. They served 1455 chicken dinners. Cash Raffle Prize Winners were: Brooks Hoedl $750, Henry Neuenschwander $600, St. Mary’s School $500, Chris Souza $500, Justin Sims $200, Ryan Culpepper $200, Bryan Westhusing $100 and Charlotte Rotert $100. Quilt Raffle Winners: Don Carroll - Many Trips Around the World Quilt and Jeanette Koch - Parasol Ladies.

 

Join Appleton City Fellowship Youth Group on September 13 at 5:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Venue Fire Pit for a special evening designed to bring students, families, and friends together around the fire, in fellowship, worship, and a growing passion for Jesus Christ. “On Fire for Jesus” is designed for students in 5^th - 12^th grade. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with an attending adult. Come hungry and ready for a great night! Bring your friends, enjoy some campfire food, gather around the fire, worship together, hear God's Word, and spend time building relationships with other students and families.

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital will host its annual Community Block Party Saturday, September 26 starting at 9:00 a.m. at Ellett Memorial Hospital in AC. The Block Party will have little something for everyone.  Reduced-price lab draws will be available from 8:00-11:00 a.m.  Booths will be set up with health information on available services and resources.  Come shop the vendors! It’s never too early to start your Christmas Shopping and they have small business vendors on-site selling a wide range of products.  There will also be several activities for the kids to enjoy: bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, kid’s games, fire truck and ambulance. EMH will also be providing free snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy. The St. Clair Co Sheriff’s Department will have K-9 demos. Bring the whole family for a fun day at the EMH Community Block Party! Check the EMH Community Block Party Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=emh%20community%20block%20party for more information.

 

The A.C. Fall City Wide Garage Sale dates are set for September 25 & 26. Permits are $5 and can be purchased at City Hall beginning Tuesday, September 8 - Tuesday, September 22. Permits to set up in the City Park are $25 for the pole shelter, $15 for the stage, $10 for lawn permits and these fees cover both days. Park permits can also be purchased at City Hall on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved by phone. Maps will be available at Food Fair, Casey's, Fika and Powell’s True Value on Thursday afternoon. House of Joy Ministries will no longer be at the City Park to collect donations. However, Growing in Grace Community Center will have a trailer at the back of their building for your donations. For questions, please contact Dianne Foster at 660-679-1125.

 

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for September. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Friday, Sept 11 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,   Wednesday,  Sept 16 - Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin,  Thursday, Sept 17 - Podiatry: Dr. Pace, Wednesday,   Sept 18- Dermatology- Dylan Timmerman, PA,  Tuesday, Sept 22 - Rheumatology- Dr. John,  Wednesday, Sept 23 - Orthopedic-Dr. Gray,   Wednesday, Sept 23 - Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Thursday, Sept 24 - Neurology- Dr. Shoaib,  Friday,  Sept 25 - Orthopedics- Laura Noble, FNP,  Monday, Sept 28 - Rheumatology- Dr. John.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept 12   Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at the Appleton City Church of God 7:00 a.m.

Sept 13   Pancake and sausage breakfast at the Knight’s Hall in Montrose 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Sept 13   Community Luau from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Appleton City

 

 

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What's Up LeRoy Cook

 What's Up

by LeRoy Cook

 

September 7, 2026

 

Suggested Banner: No More BenFin Form

 

Flying early and late were the best options all of last week, as the unbroken heat wave continued. Many non-urgent flights were canceled out of motivational lethargy. Just dragging the old bird out of its shed and getting it ready for flight was too much effort. Holiday travels still went off as planned; at least the weather conditions were stable.

 

We often get asked “how hot is too hot to fly?” There's really no limit, but it's a question of performance degradation and abuse to all participants. It does cool off at altitude, but it takes a while to climb up to 8000 feet or so, and the air-cooled engine takes a beating. Cylinder head temperatures are redlined at 420 degrees F. normally, and we like to keep them around 380 or 390. That calls for faster airspeed during the climb, which drops the rate of ascent, prolonging the agony at full power.

 

Visitors last week included a Piper Aerostar twin, making multiple passes over town on Wednesday, and a 1952 Cessna 170B, refueling on its way to Nevada. A Diamond DA-62 diesel-engine twin was in, as was a Piper Archer. Locally, a Piper TriPacer and a Cessna 172 were pulled out of their hangars for short flights.

 

The results of the World Aerobatic flying competition at Mason City, Iowa, held last week, wasn't good for the U.S. France dominated the individual standings, taking first and third places, and the France team racked up the most judging points. The best U.S. pilot narrowly slipped down into fourth place.

 

In world-wide coverage, fighter jets were scrambled in Hungary a week-ago Saturday, as an errant Cessna Skyhawk appeared to be heading for a nuclear power plant. However, it crashed landed in a field before reaching the nuke plant and a very drunk non-pilot was taken into custody. It's doubtful that a 2,000-pound Cessna would do much serious damage to a highly-fortified nuclear plant.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department has rescinded its requirement for U.S. owners of Limited Liability Companies to file a yearly Beneficial Financial Ownership report. LLC's are often used to provide ownership of private pilot aircraft, as well as other purposes. The BenFin form, originally designed to catch money laundering, has served no purpose, and now ordinary citizens can forget keeping track of that one more annual requirement.

 

Even the high-and-mighty suffer equipment failures; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullen was among 14 people aboard a Coast Guard Gulfstream V business jet flying from Atlanta to Washington last Wednesday when the right engine failed. The powerful G-V had plenty of thrust remaining with its left engine, so it successfully diverted to DCA airport for an uneventful landing. I'm sure the event will be thoroughly investigated.

 

For us commoners who need to fly into the highly-restricted moat-guarded airspace around Washington, D.C., the most-used outlying airport is Manassas, VA. Now Manassas may be opening up to airline service, mixed into its 420 based private airplanes. The field recently received Part 139 certification for commercial passenger service, although no airline has announced plans to use it as of now.

 

In an interesting turn of events, an occasional airline departure is delayed from oil fumes stinking up the cabin, coming from the auxiliary power unit in the airplane's tail. To eliminate the nuisance, Eastman Chemical Co. has developed a new APU oil that doesn't give off the foul odor, but now flight attendants and other crews have lodged concern that leaks may go undetected because they can't smell them. One thing leads to another.

 

Our previous column asked for the origin of Nashville, TN, airport’s ICAO code of “BNA”, which may soon be renamed “Dolly Parton International.” It was because it was Berry Nashville Airport, named for its developer, Col. Harry S. Berry, back in 1936. For next week's quiz, what kind of airplane was built by the U.S. Naval Aircraft Factory in the early 1940s? You can send your answers to [email protected].

-END-

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Osage Valley Elec Training Exercise

 TRAINING EXERCISE — NOT AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY Osage Valley Electric Cooperative will be conducting a Mayday pole-top rescue training exercise with local first responders at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 10. The exercise will simulate an electrical contact emergency involving a line worker requiring rescue from a utility pole. Local EMS and a medical helicopter will participate in the exercise, providing an opportunity for responders to practice communication, coordination, patient care and rescue procedures in a realistic environment. If you see emergency vehicles, responders, or a medical helicopter at our Butler office location, please know this is a planned training event — there is no actual emergency. Training together is an important part of keeping our communities safe. Exercises like this give all levels of our local first responders the opportunity to work alongside one another, understand each agency’s role and strengthen the coordination that is critical when a real emergency occurs. We appreciate the partnership and commitment of our local emergency responders as we work together to be better prepared when our communities need us most.

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Log Cabin Festival Harrisonville

 

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Papinville Picnic set for September 26

 The Papinville history release  will take you through the years when Papinville became a town. Then it was burned down in 1863 due to Order #11.

The town was named Papinville and has had several different ways it has been spelled.  Some people put an "s" (Papinsville) while others put double "pp" (Pappinville). The correct spelling is Papinville.

The organization worked for a few years getting the original spelling right on the road signs and the Missouri map.

The town was named after Melicourt Papin who came to Papinville from St. Louis along with Michael Geraud. They bother were fur traders for the American Fur Co located in Papinville. Papin bought land south of Harmony Mission that george Pierce owned. He gave 70 acres to build the town of Papinville. The town streets were named and the names are still being used for the residents addresses that live in Papinville. Property was designated for school ground and cemetery. The streets were wider (from 85 to 60 feet) with alleyways 20 feet wide. It is hard to believe that at one time the Papinville population was 700.

When people started coming back to Papinville after the Civil War, Andrew Jackson gave six blocks to the southeast of town for a new addition.

Next, we'll move to the timeline starting with the founding of Papinville in 1847:
1847 - April 5 Plat of Papinville town recorded. Selected to be Bates County seat by vote of the people.
1848 - Feb. 17 Post Office changed from Batesville to Papinville. Hewn log courthouse built at Papinville.
1850 - Old Mission house bought by T. Scroggins and moved to Papinville.
1851 - Dr. Samuel Nottingham murders his wife. First trial and hanging in Papinville.
1852 County court ordered a bridge to be built over Marias Des Cygnes river. It is believed to have been built by Frank Diehl.
Nov. 16 - Bates County Court orders brick courthouse to be built at the cost of $2,500.
1853 - Brick courthouse was built. Benjamin Richardson is the owner of a portable grist mill. Was burnt by Jim Lane in 1861. A. Boughan succeeds Freeman Barrows as county clerk.
1854 Court appointed Barrows as Judge. Border warfare between anti-slavery Kansas and pro-slave Missouri begins.
1855 - Nevada becomes the county seat of Vernon County. Last term of court held in Papinville.
1858 - Marias Des Cygne massacre.
1861 - Jan. 29 Kansas admitted to the Union as a free state. Civil War begins. General Lane and troops burned the courthouse, bridge and other buildings in Papinville.
1863 - Aug. 25 Order #11 Papinville and Bates County was completely burned. Only house left standing was the Klinksick house which is still standing today.
1865 - April 9 Civil War ended. Confederates surrendered.

Next week the timeline will start with 1866-1952. Papinville is getting ready for the big day. Will let you know next week about the activities and timeline for events. The picture at the bottom of this article is showing you the patriotic quilt that will be given away and the shirts that we are selling at the picnic.
This year we are having three meats for our dinner. Brisket, chicken and fish plus all the trims. Come and eat the feast on Sept. 26th starting at 1:30-? Dinner will be served at 5:30.
Until next week.     Submitted by Phyllis Stewart

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The Swan Solar Project

 The Swan Solar project, a 650 megawatt solar farm slated to begin construction in western Bates county last month shows no sign of ground breaking.

 So, what's the hold up? A myriad of things beginning with a 1 year moratorium set by Linn county Kansas, prohibiting setting of power poles and lines needed to connect the solar farm to the grid near the LaCygne power plant. Subsequently, that action has prompted a lawsuit against Linn county on behalf of Clearway Energy, who is leading the project.

 In the meantime however, Clearway has offered Linn county $850,000 in hopes of remedying the situation but despite the temptation of a big cash infusion, it appears that the Linn county commissioners haven't said yes. For that matter, they haven't said no either.

 On the Missouri side, earlier this year the Bates county commission came to an agreement with Clearway regarding terms of the project which included approximately $1.5 million annually for the Miami School along with other monies such as a $500,000 up front payment to Bates county.

 So far, Clearway is yet to return the signed contract to Bates county officials. 

 Likewise, no $500,000 check either.

 Interestingly, the delay has far reaching repercussions as another proposed solar project by NextEra, also to be located near Amsterdam, appears on hold as well; one could only guess that NextEra is waiting for an outcome on the Swan project before making any moves.

 From the outside looking in, it may be awhile before there's any movement on the Swan Solar project. With that in mind, Mid America Live has reached out to Clearway for an update and will publish the outcome accordingly. 

 The Swan Solar project website here https://www.swanenergycenter.com/

 

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Mary Lee Oates Age 94 Adrian

 From the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory . . . Mary Lee Oates, age 94 of Adrian died

Tuesday, September 1 at Medicalodge in Butler.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Visitation

prior to services from 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery.

Contributions to the Western Missouri Antique Tractor Association. Online condolences www.

schowengerdtchapel.com

Mary is survived by her sons, William Scott Oates and wife Janet Oates, Jerry Dean Oates, and Phillip

Wayne Oates, all of Adrian; and son-in-law Joe Boyles, of Rich Hill, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren.

That’s Mary Lee Oates with funeral services 2 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Schowengerdt Funeral

Chapel in Butler.

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Corner Hardware Holiday Hours

 Corner Hardware in Butler will be closed for the holiday weekend. Corner Hardware will close at 1 on Thursday afternoon and remain closed Saturday and Monday. Back to business as usual on Tuesday. Have a great Holiday from Corner Hardware, Ohio Street, Butler.

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