Informal car cruises and gatherings held by a group of enthusiastic hot rodders in downtown Butler on Friday nights last fall were considered fun and successful.

But chatter on social media about Cruisin' Main Street Butler getting into gear this spring produced some unexpected consternation.

JD Thompson of Eau Claire, who organizes the hot rod cruises, said he received a call from a man who said the group couldn't meet in the city parking lot on North Main Street without a permit from the city and having liability insurance. The man also told Thompson that the group wasn't following proper channels.

“I said we're just cruising and we can go elsewhere. He was screaming and yelling at me,” Thompson said.

The man also claimed to be sitting with Mayor Ben Smith while he was calling, Thompson said.

Smith said he recently found out about the situation and he hasn't talked to anybody about the cruise or using the lot.

“I had zero conversations about it,” Smith said.

He said he is meeting with Thomspon Monday.

A full story will appear in the Butler Eagle.