Friday, May 29, 2026

Chamber Spotlight: Celebrating The Branded Bloom as May’s Business of the Month


There is something deeply special about a hometown business that pours its heart directly back into the community. This May, the Chamber of Commerce recognizes The Branded Bloom (located right off the Square at 207 N. Delaware St.) as our Business of the Month.
Walking into the shop, you are instantly greeted by the comforting fragrance of fresh florals, green plants, and beautiful home decor. But what truly sets this boutique apart isn't just the stunning arrangements they create; it’s the profound kindness and dedication they show to our town.
When we say they are "amazing to work with," it’s because they approach every single customer with genuine warmth, patience, and grace. They don't just fill orders; they listen with an open heart to ensure every detail is perfect for life's most meaningful moments.
Beyond their exceptional service, what makes us proudest to celebrate them is the way they consistently go above and beyond for our local youth. From sponsoring school activities to supporting student organizations, The Branded Bloom quietly and steadfastly invests in our kids, reminding the younger generation that their community stands firmly behind them.
Small businesses like this are the true heartbeat of our town. If you haven’t stopped by lately, please take a moment this month to drop in, say congratulations, and show them some love. Whether you need a bright "just because" bouquet or a unique gift, let’s wrap our arms around a business that gives so much to us.
Congratulations to Bailey and the entire team at The Branded Bloom—thank you for making our community a more beautiful, compassionate place!


#MidAmericaLive

Ellett Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month, Melissa Lattin


Congratulations to our June EMH Employee of the Month, Melissa Lattin! Melissa is a valued member of our Dietary department.
Melissa's nomination was actually SO long and detailed that we had to significantly trim it down. Below is a very small portion of her nomination:
Melissa is a great addition to our hospital. She has brought great ideas and a great attitude to the Hospital. Melissa is more than willing to get involved in any area of the hospital, always comes to work with a smile on her face, and always looks for good in any situation. Melissa is a very great team player and willing to help anyone with their job. She does well with interaction with the patients, always has a pleasant personality, and gets along with everyone here. Melissa is a fast learner and in some circumstances can be a teacher. We are blessed to have Melissa as part of our Ellett family.

Courtesy Ellett Memorial Hospital


#MidAmericaLive

Twenty Adrian athletes meet requirements for Academic All-State in Track and Field

Twenty Adrian student athletes met the requirements for Academic All-State in Track and Field!
The athlete must have competed in a state series meet - Districts, Sectionals or State satisfy this requirement.
The athlete must meet one of the following criteria:
25 or higher on the ACT
1150 or higher on the SAT
3.6 cumulative GPA (non-rounded, non-weighted) at the end of the fall semester for cross country or the spring semester for track & field.
Congratulations, Blackhawks!
Noah Saathoff
Elijah Hubbard
Jacob Langley
Chaz Davis
Ahlissa Messick
Olivia Engeman
Libby Nebocat
Emma Smith
Daisey Fenton
Jordyn Wackerman
Grace Engeman
Jacie Essenpries
Avery Rodgers
Jaclyn Jacobs
Mya Glass
Heidi Osborne
Brylee Williams
Rylee Grimsley
Alexa Rodgers
Aubrey Rodgers

Courtesy Adrian News Leader


#MidAmericaLive

Henry County Pursuit ends with 2 arrests


𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞
𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢
𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍 𝐕𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐔𝐈𝐓 / 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
On May 28th at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a notification through Sheriff’s Office databases indicating a stolen vehicle was traveling southbound on Highway 13 from Johnson County. Members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Clinton Police Department responded to the area.
At approximately 9:20 a.m., Lt. Kubilus located the stolen vehicle near NW 51 Road and Gaines Drive and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield and continued through the Clinton area before traveling behind businesses on Gaines Drive and over a steep rock embankment onto North Highway 7.
A short time later, the stolen vehicle was located abandoned on North Water Street between Mill and Short Streets.
During an immediate search of the area near Gravel and McLane Streets, a separate subject — now confirmed to be unrelated to the stolen vehicle investigation — fled from deputies into a heavily wooded area after mistakenly believing law enforcement was attempting to arrest him.
That individual was identified as 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝟑𝟒, 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧. Members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, and Henry County Emergency Management conducted an extensive search of the wooded area and Town Creek throughout the day.
At approximately 3:21 p.m., a citizen reported seeing the subject near NW 247 Road and NW 40 Road. Lt. Kubilus located Dawson and initiated a foot pursuit, followed by additional deputies, detectives, and members of the Clinton Police Department. Dawson was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.
Dawson was arrested on:
• Benton County warrant – Failure to Appear (original charge: Assault 4th Degree)
• Pettis County warrant – Failure to Appear (traffic-related offense)
• Henry County 24-hour hold for Resisting Arrest and Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
During the investigation, additional leads and surveillance footage were obtained identifying the driver of the stolen vehicle. Detectives have determined Dawson was not involved in the original pursuit or stolen vehicle investigation.
The suspect believed to have operated the stolen vehicle has been identified as 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐧, 𝟑𝟎, 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠. Bowen is pictured in the attached photograph operating the stolen vehicle during the pursuit.
If you have information regarding Bowen’s whereabouts, please contact Central Dispatch at 𝟔𝟔𝟎-𝟖𝟖𝟓-𝟓𝟓𝟖𝟕.
Sheriff Brown would also like to thank the public for the calls, suspicious activity reports, and assistance throughout today’s events, along with all assisting law enforcement and emergency management personnel involved in the extensive search effort.


#MidAmericaLive

Nicely done, Whirlwinds!


.


#MidAmericaLive

LISTEN HERE: Butler's role in the great Jefferson Highway project


Link to the podcast is at bottom of page

Following National Road Trip Day on May 22nd, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the history, heritage tourism, and community spirit of Butler, Missouri, a vibrant destination along the historic Jefferson Highway. Jefferson Highway Butler Area Chamber of Commerce Butler Historic Preservation Commission
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Featured guests are Samantha Stump of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and Doris Fuller of the Butler Historic Preservation Commission.
From colorful murals and historic downtown sites to upcoming celebrations and classic car culture, this engaging conversation highlights how Butler is preserving its Jefferson Highway legacy while welcoming modern travelers and road trippers.
Learn about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Car Show in Butler on June 13, along with the community’s efforts to promote heritage tourism through storytelling, signage, preservation projects, and downtown revitalization.
The episode also explores Butler’s fascinating history, including its recognition as the first city west of the Mississippi River to have electricity, its connection to Americana travel culture, and the importance of small-town experiences along America’s historic highways.
Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place in Joplin, Missouri, from September 19–22, 2026, including details about the event’s sociability caravan motor tours. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/
The discussion also highlights how communities along the Jefferson Highway continue to attract visitors through local events, murals, dining experiences, and authentic hospitality that celebrates the spirit of the open road.
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/
Learn more about Butler, Missouri:
- Butler Chamber of Commerce:
Butler Historic Preservation Commission:
Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:
Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:
The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Exploring Butler, Missouri
03:03 – Jefferson Highway Celebrations and Caravans
05:49 – Community Engagement Through Car Shows
08:49 – Historic Murals and Preservation Efforts
11:58 – Butler’s Jefferson Highway History
14:47 – Unique Attractions and Local Heritage
18:01 – Butler: First City West of the Mississippi with Electricity
20:55 – Discovering Americana on the Jefferson Highway
23:48 – Historical Significance of the Jefferson Highway
29:30 – Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism
32:48 – Lodging and Dining Along the Route
36:39 – Mapping the Jefferson Highway Experience
43:42 – Promoting Small Towns and Community Engagement
46:30 – Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration & Sociability Caravan Updates

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - William "Bill” Wilson II

 

William "Bill” Wilson II was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  He passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, surrounded by his family, just four days after celebrating his 90th birthday.  Bill was born on April 14, 1936, in San Bernardino, California, to William Wilson I and Doris (Clark) Wilson.  Our dad lived a life grounded in faith, hard work, and love for his family.  He was our steady foundation--dependable, strong, and unwavering.  We will miss him deeply and look forward to the day we see him again in Heaven.   Bill proudly served his country as a Korean War Veteran in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Los Angeles.

    He married Wanda Jo Vahle on March 21, 1958 and they shared a happy life together until her passing on January 3, 1973.  They had three children: Doris Wilson (deceased), Debbie Martin (Tony) of El Dorado Springs, MO, and William Wilson III (Lisa) of Hawaii.

    On June 8, 1975 Bill married Kathleen "Kaye" Judith Dujardin.  Kaye brought four children to their blended family: Roger Dujardin (deceased), Alisa Silvers (deceased), William Dujardin, and Polly Dockery (Andy).  Together, Bill and Kaye welcomed four more children: Michelle Hayes (Travis) of Blue Springs, MO; John Wilson (Brooke) of Nevada, MO; Christopher Wilson of Nevada, MO; and James Wilson (Hope) of Amoret, MO.  Bill and Kaye shared a loving marriage until her passing on September 12, 2012.

    Bill later married Maxine Claunts on July 1, 2013.  Maxine brought one daughter, Kimberly Claunts, into the family.  Bill and Maxine remained happily married until his passing.  

    Bill leaves behind a large and cherished family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Doris Norval (Joe) of El Dorado Springs, MO; Jim Wilson (Melody) of El Dorado Springs, MO; Kenneth Scott (Lilas) of Liberty, MO; Donald Scott of El Dorado Springs, MO; and Bernard Scott of Arizona, along with many nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Alberta Wilson, Donnie Wilson, John Wilson, Leila Pankey, and Georgia Wilkins; grandson Joseph Van Raden; niece Pamela Shoemaker; and great-nephew Jacob Rapp.

    A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Nevada, MO. 



#MidAmericaLive

2026 Bates County Fair schedule




.



.


#MidAmericaLive

Search news