As Butler CC students prepare for finals, some have plans for graduation. This means they transfer to a four-year university next, stay another year or even decide they are done. Whatever it is, students have some time to figure it out. Students begin to pick up their cap and gowns and prepare for graduation. Graduation ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the B.G. Products Veterans Stadium.
Tamara Daniel has been selected to become Butler's next president. She will officially be in office on Monday, June 23. Dr. Daniel comes to Butler with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the community college sector where, as a champion of student success, workforce development and institutional innovation, she has continuously pushed for improvement.
Lindsey Carter Fields, a professor of biology, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Carter was on Flight 5342, which departed from the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Washington D.C. The Liberal, Kansas, native left many memories for friends, family and the Butler community, leaving a legacy.
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.
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.
Gold Fest drew hundreds of families to enjoy a fun-filled weekend on Saturday, Sept. 28, and it was the dedicated volunteers who made it all possible. From coordinating children’s activities to managing the logistics behind the scenes, volunteers from the local community ensured that the event ran smoothly, showcasing the power of teamwork and service.
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.
