Mid America Live

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Obituary - Barbara Diggins

Barbara Jean Diggins, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada, MO. Barbara was born on October 26, 1936, in Kansas City, MO to Harold Eugene and Frances Ella (Warner) Cadman. She married Forest Fleener in 1954, then was later married to Ivan Diggins on Feb. 14, 1980. Ivan preceded her in death in 2015.

Barbara came to El Dorado Springs at age 14 and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School. She was a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell in Nevada for many years, was a seamstress at Nelly Don, and worked her way through the dietary department of Nevada City Hospital, becoming Head Dietician and serving in that capacity until her retirement. Barbara and Ivan ran a thriving convenience store in Moundville for a number of years. In 1997-98, she became Activities Director at the Neighbors Adult Daycare before retiring for good in 2011.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathi Adams, Nevada, MO; daughter-in-law, Martha Fleener, Bronaugh, MO; step-children, Steve Diggins, Nevada, MO, Gary Diggins, Moundville, MO, Rodney Diggins (Wanda), Moundville, MO, and David Diggins (Laura), Moundville, MO; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Diggins; sons, Randy Fleener and Larry Fleener; grandson, Justin Adams; a son-in-law, Larry Adams; and a brother, Gene Cadman.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, MO with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family are suggested and can be made in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

#MidAmericaLive

BREAKING: Aircraft down in fire at Butler airport, possibly 12 souls on board

THIS IS THE SCENE on the northwest corner of the Butler airport of what appears to be a skydive jump plane that went down shortly before noon today.

Witnesses say they were traveling southbound on Business 49 when the plane, also southbound, was flying low and suddenly plunged into the ground.

It is reported that possibly 12 people were on board as the scene has been secured and the NTSB has been called to investigate. Business 49 remains closed between the Osage Valley ballpark and TT highway.

More information to be released as it becomes available.

#MidAmericaLive

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Fundraiser in place to help family of local man following tragic accident

Just before noon on Friday, Tannor Thomas of the Virginia, Mo. community succumbed to injuries related to a motorcycle accident. Below is information regarding how you can help offset expenses as he leaves his wife Brooklyn and two young children

WE NEED YOUR HELP

One of our employees lost her husband today in a motorcycle accident. He leaves behind his wife, a 3 year old son and a 5 month old daughter. 

This young family needs our help. We would like to try and raise as much money as we can the next few days. I’m attaching my Venmo, if you can help in any way. If you would rather do cash or a check, I will gladly come pick it up.

Please also keep this family in your prayers. 

(Brooklyn approved this post)

Make sure you don’t skip my phone number part. The last 4 digits of my phone number are 8214. This assures it’s me and not a scammer. Someone has already created a Venmo with my picture. Thank you all so much.

Christian Dennison

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NVw5UULaH/

#MidAmericaLive

Early morning lightning ignites propane tank in rural Bates County

At 7:40 a.m., the Rich Hill Fire Department was called to assist the Butler Fire Department with a residential propane tank fire. Personnel worked together to cool the tank and successfully extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene until 10:30 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

Courtesy of the Rich Hill Fire Department

#MidAmericaLive