The Lantern newspaper 

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Board of Trustees (BOT) will vote on three options regarding livestreaming their monthly meetings: continue to livestream, record and post the video to Youtube or provide minutes instead. This discussion came as a result and decision by the Kansas Associate of Community Colleges (KACC). According to January’s board materials, “Executive Director Heather Morgan has noted concerns that livestream/recorded meeting easily capture inaccurate information discussed or presented, personal viewpoints and discussion that involve intra-Board, college conflicts among other issues that could create future problems and liability issues for colleges.” 

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Butler Community College President Jackie Vietti informed the campus via email about President Donald Trump's executive order. This order allows the enforcement of immigration laws that may potentially affect students, institutions, colleges, hospitals, churches, staff, families and more including Butler CC. If U.S. Immigration and  Customs Enforcement (ICE) has an order of detention, it may be legally executed based on the college’s legal counsel. Individuals can be taken into custody. Therefore, students are encouraged to contact Campus Security at 316-321-7675 if they observe any unusual activity. Butler CC is responsible for ensuring the students' safety and protecting their private information. 

As college students near the end of their time at Butler CC, many are transferring to other colleges. Time really does fly. It is a time to solidify the path and explore many opportunities. 

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, people around the world welcome 2025 with cheers and changes. Many still have their own New Year’s resolutions to write and reflect on in the next new coming year. The New Year really does feel like a fresh start. The calendar flips over. We brush off the burdens of the past. And in this moment of conception, in some countries, we set intentions for the future instead of resolutions. We try to imagine what we want our lives to look like in the coming year.

As winter returns, this season traditions like sipping hot chocolate, enjoying eggnog, lattes, crafting gingerbread houses, sledding in the winter snow and chilly nights, as the seasons have fallen into their annual state of winter. There are a variety of fun, creative ways to make this winter a season to remember, starting out with many winter and holiday activities. 

At Butler CC of El Dorado, The L.W. Nixon Library is hosting Night Against Procrastination tonight and Monday, Dec. 9 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. The library has held the event at the end of each semester where they extend their hours, so that students can study for finals.  

The Butler County Homeless Initiative (BHI), also known as Refuge in the Storm El Dorado (RISE), is a homeless shelter in El Dorado supporting those in need. They help to acquire identification cards, assist with housing applications, resumes and employment applications. In addition, they also partner with other community organizations for addiction treatment and mental health care. For Thanksgiving, they are arranging a big meal for those at the shelter, although the non-profit organization does this all year-round, too. 

Jean Paul Satre’s “No Exit”, and adapted by Paul Bowles, will debut on today at 7 p.m. and continue its run through Saturday, Nov. 23 with a matinee showing also at 2 p.m.  

In the surrounding areas of Butler County, there are several (Thursday), July 4 activities and celebrations. On this perfect summer day, the spirit of patriotism and community pride was on full display as El Dorado residents come together to celebrate the 4th of July. From the early morning hours to the late-night fireworks, the city’s festivities provided a full day of family-friendly fun and American pride: an Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show on Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Events include a bike parade, youth wiffle ball tournament, turtle races, family games, water balloons, a dunk tank and an inflatable obstacle course at East Park, located at 100 S. Woodland. There is even free swimming from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Dorado Municipal Pool, located at 900 N. Taylor.

In a testament to her remarkable contributions to education and community development, Heather Rinkenbaugh, the dean of Online, High School, and Community Learning, as well as the interim vice-president (VP) of Academics has been honored as one of the Wichita Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. This prestigious recognition celebrates her dedication, vision and impact on the educational landscape.