Limited sight distance at overpasses focus of concern following tragic accidents

Photo #1 - At the stop sign

At least two deaths, along with multiple injury accidents on local overpasses have now become the focus of much concern regarding limited sight distance for motorists

While two fatal motorcycle accidents have now occurred on the west 52/I-49 overpass in Butler, citizens have also expressed dismay about other overpasses, such as the I-49 exit to east 52 highway just south of Butler, which is considered "one of the worst" in the area.

Photo #1 is taken from an SUV with the front end of the vehicle in line with the stop sign attempting a left turn onto eastbound 52. 

The second photo was taken after pulling the front of the vehicle to line up with the edge of the roadway. 

The third photo was taken at the first moment a clear view was available however, the front of the vehicle was now in the middle of the roadway.

Similar issues are present at the Passaic exit, Butler west 52 exit and others around the area, leading many to question exactly why the crown of the bridge presents such a hazard. It is known that some local overpasses have been modified to lower the side rails, but in the case seen here, it will not offer much help.

Louisburg, Kansas had the same issue several years ago and the answer came in the form of installing a stoplight at the intersection.

Limited sight distance is not the only problem facing motorists on overpasses; a recent citizen audit found that an astounding amount of those exiting the highway at Butler will slow, but not make a full stop before entering the intersection.

While an expensive proposition possibly MoDot, working with the city of Butler, will consider installing a stoplight or take other measures to help alleviate the issues.

Copyright Mid America Live News

Photo #2 - front end of vehicle even with roadway

Photo #3 - A clearer view however. front of vehicle is in the middle of the roadway

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First responder BBQ location moved to Bates County Elks Lodge

This event has been moved to the Bates County Elks lodge, please help spread the word and thank you!

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Obituary - Karen Whalen

Karen Sue Whalen, 71, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Crown Care in Harrisonville. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with a visitation starting 11:00 AM, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Burial in Oakland Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

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Obituary - Anna Swanson

Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow Saturday at 2:00 pm also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Double Branch Christian Church or the Butler Public Library. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Anna LaDonne Mannering Swanson was born December 12, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to James and Wanita Goddard Mannering. She grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from high school. On June 15, 1956 Anna was united in marriage to Harry John Swanson. They were married until his passing in 2022. This year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Anna’s first love was her family, and looked forward to all gatherings for family dinners and holidays. She also enjoyed planting flowers and reading books.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry John Swanson, one sister, Erma Duchein, son-in-law Tim Ridley, and granddaughter Amanda Ridley. She is survived by her daughter, Mindy Ridley of Eldorado Springs, MO., son, James Swanson and wife Judith of Clinton, MO., granddaughter, Virginia Richter and Michael Gerean, along with three great-grandchildren, Ezra, Raymond, and Maylee, all of Butler, MO.

Anna will be dearly missed and forever loved by her children, granddaughter, great-grandchildren, friends, extended family members, and all who knew her.

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Bond modification approved for woman accused of theft from Bates County Industries

On Thursday afternoon Donna Maciel appeared before Judge Julie Highly in the Bates County Circuit court via Webex from the Bates County Jail with attorney Norman Craig Jr. Napier present.

Napier told the court he didn't believe that Maciel is a flight risk and asked the bond terms to include a 10% cash allowance which was met with objection from Prosecuting Attorney Hugh Jenkins.

However the 10% allowance was approved and Maciel is set to appear for a preliminary hearing July 16, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. A review is scheduled on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. if defendant does not post the 10% bond and remains in custody.

Maciel is accused of stealing just over $200,000 from Bates County Industries, a sheltered workshop, while serving as Director from October 2007 through the summer of 2021.


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Property damage in Nevada leads to arrest

Last week, Nevada Police officers responded to a local business after receiving a report of property damage. It was reported that an unknown suspect had broken a window out of a vehicle to gain entry. A nearby business was able to provide surveillance footage that captured the suspect in the area.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the Vernon County Sheriff's Office was investigating additional thefts from vehicles that had occurred just outside the Nevada city limits. In those incidents, a rifle was stolen from a vehicle and a vehicle was later stolen from the same area.

Detectives with the Nevada Police Department were able to identify the susepct, recover the stolen rifle and later locate the stolen vehicle after it had been abandoned within the City of Nevada. The recovered property was turned over to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office to assist with their ongoing investigation.

Nevada Police detectives completed their investigation regarding the incident that occurred within the city limits and submitted the case to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. As a result, the following charges were filed against Patrick Pierce of Nevada:

• Property Damage 1st Degree – Class E Felony

• Unlawful Gaining Entry into a Motor Vehicle – Class A Misdemeanor

• Burglary 2nd Degree – Class D Felony

Pierce was issued a $10,000 cash-only bond in connection with the Nevada Police Department's investigation.

We would like to commend our Investigations Division for their outstanding work in identifying the suspect, recovering stolen property, and helping bring this case to a successful resolution through cooperation with our law enforcement partners.

Courtesy Nevada Police Department

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Movie: Butler, 1939

With Old Settler's Day coming to Butler this weekend, we thought it would be a good time to again present a special movie made in Butler, circa 1939. Enjoy the memories!

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Attention Butler residents- your input needed

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