The Lantern newspaper 

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.

As the summer sun shines brightly over El Dorado, residents and visitors are gearing up for a season packed with eventful activities that celebrate the community’s rich history, natural beauty and vibrant culture. Now, here is a summer to-do list that has many ideas to make your summer better.

In our day to day world, inflation remains a prominent concern. Understanding the intricate nature of inflation dynamics is paramount. While some point to temporary disruptions in the supply chain or increased demand following the pandemic as causes for the recent rise in prices, others contend that long-term factors like expansive monetary policies and fiscal stimulus efforts are driving inflationary trends.

Butler Community College is extending a heartfelt invitation to El Dorado residents and surrounding areas to join them in the upcoming Wichita Heart Walk on Saturday, June 29. This initiative is part of the college’s commitment to stand in solidarity with millions of Americans affected by heart disease and stroke, including members of the Butler family.