Mid America Live

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Obituary - Esther Dahn

Esther Elizabeth Smolenski Dahn, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 4, 2026, in her home in Harrisonville, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville, MO, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO.

Esther was born on November 19, 1931, to Stanley and Albina Butrym Smolenski in McConnellsville, New York. She was a 1948 graduate of Camden Central High School and married William Edward Dahn (Bill) on June 5, 1954, in Camden, New York. Esther and Bill lovingly welcomed and raised five children who blessed them with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Although Esther worked various jobs throughout her lifetime, including beloved babysitter, school secretary at Harrisonville High School, and contract specialist at General Services Administration, her passion, her priority, and her focus was always her faith and her family. She was the ultimate nurturing caregiver and a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; her granddaughter, Tanya; her great-grandson, Joshua; her three sisters: Jennie Kimball, Albina Fox, and Thresa Bowman; and three brothers: Stanley, Zygmont and Walter Smolenski. She is survived by three sons: Peter Dahn (Lynelle), David Dahn (Dee), and Timothy Dahn (Maria); two daughters, Mary Michele Hawkins (Randy) and Julie Drew (Patrick); 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

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Adrian girls Cross Country take the podium at State

At the State cross country meet on Friday, the Lady Blackhawks locked up sixth place with two medalists on the podium. Libby Nebocat, senior, claimed 16th place and Junior Kenzie Coones placed 21st. Libby set a new school record and she is the highest placing girl in school history. Coach Rylee Mabe said the team ran very well today. 

The girls began training in the summer and worked hard this season. It showed in their personal bests and school records. Coach Mabe is proud of this team and is grateful for all the support. He said, "Thank you to the parents and community for all the support. It is truly special here."

The 2026 State Girls Cross Country Team: Leah Ford and Libby Nebocat, seniors; Avery Rodgers, Emma Smith, Mya Glass, Kenzie Coones, juniors; and Alayna Patterson, freshman. Congratulations!

Courtesy Adrian News Leader 

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Obituary - Betty Ann (Hickman) Reece

Betty Ann (Hickman) Reece, 82, of Harrisonville, Missouri, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Harrisonville, MO. Interment in Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, The Parkinson's Foundation/ or sent to the Atkinson Funeral Home, 600 West Wall, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Born on October 26, 1944, in Kansas City, KS, Betty was the beloved daughter of Charles (Bud) and Katie (Wyman) Hickman. Betty spent her formative years in Kansas City before moving to Harrisonville, MO, where she made lasting memories and lifelong friendships. In 1962, Betty graduated from high school and soon began a beautiful love story with her high school sweetheart, Richard "Dick" Reece. Engaged that summer at the Mugs-Up Root Beer at Truman Corners, they were united in marriage on December 15 of the same year at Harrisonville First Baptist Church, officiated by Brother Charles Sutton. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Cynthia, and sons, David and Stuart, expanding their family and deepening their love.

Betty embraced her role as a homemaker with enthusiasm, dedicating herself to her children's educational journeys as a volunteer. She later became a health room aide at the local elementary school before finding her calling as the administrative assistant for the high school guidance counselors, a role that brought her immense joy until her retirement from Devry, where she served as the executive administrative assistant to the dean.

In retirement, Betty's spirit of service only intensified. She volunteered with the Cass Regional Hospital auxiliary as a patient advocate and earned the position of president, further extending her caring presence. As she transitioned to Golden Years, she continued her advocacy as the resident council president, enriching the lives of those around her.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, as she was deeply involved in the Harrisonville First Baptist Church, fostering connections through nursery care, Vacation Bible School, and singing in the church choir. Betty's harmonious spirit resonated through special music alongside friends, Katrine Cummins and Kathy Purkey, particularly during the cherished Christmas Cantata. Her unwavering faith nurtured her resilience as she navigated life's challenges.

Betty's love extended to her grandchildren, who fondly remember her spoiling them and sharing heartfelt conversations. Her passion for reading transcended generations-no one could read "Fox in Socks" quite like Grandma. In her nurturing hands, she lovingly crafted scrapbooks chronicling her grandchildren's milestones, preserving memories that will be treasured for years to come.

A lover of celebrations, Betty transformed birthdays into unforgettable festivals, complete with homemade cakes and joy-filled gatherings. The magic of Christmas was particularly close to her heart-decorating, giving, and receiving gifts brought her immense joy. She often found pleasure in the little things, like hosting cookie decorating parties that filled her home with laughter and love.

Betty was a warrior in every sense. She approached life with grace and determination, surviving challenges with a positive spirit that left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Colleagues, friends, and caregivers alike described her as a "sweet, precious woman," highlighting her genuine interest in their lives.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; her son, David Reece; her sister, Mary Lou Minich Davis; and her brothers, John Hickman and James Hickman. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Reece, of the home; her daughter, Cynthia Reece, of Kansas City, MO; her son, Stuart (Rebekah) Reece, of Lee's Summit, MO; her 4 grandchildren: Michael Reece (fiancee, Moustapha), Julia Reece Leslie (Logan), Elizabeth Reece, and Katie Reece; her sister, Phyllis Davis, of Stamford, Texas; and many extended friends and family. Her legacy of sweetness, compassion, and generosity will live on in the hearts of many.

Betty Reece-sweet, caring, generous, nurturing-will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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Obituary - Yuriy N. Lyashevskiy

Yuriy N. Lyashevskiy, 60, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the KC Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with a visitation starting at 11:00 AM, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Interment to follow at Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, MO.

A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.

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Weekly report from the Henry County Sheriff's Office

𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟'𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞
𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:
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• 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Stormey Stover, age 32, of Clinton, was arrested at the Henry County Sheriff's Office on a Clinton Municipal Court warrant for traffic offenses.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝:
Deputy Napier conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Kimbree Pummill, age 18, of Hustonia, for Driving While Intoxicated.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Saulters and Deputy Hinkle conducted a warrant service in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Elmo Fannon, age 44, of Windsor, on Henry County felony warrants for Assault – 2nd Degree and Burglary – 2nd Degree.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Sergeant Richardson arrested Christopher Paxon, age 41, of Windsor, at the Henry County Courthouse on a Henry County Parole Violation warrant.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Deputy Saulters arrested Mary Coffey, age 38, of Windsor, at the Henry County Courthouse on Henry County warrants for traffic violations and Animal at Large.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Sergeant Richardson arrested Cassie Adkins, age 38, of Clinton, at the Henry County Courthouse on a Henry County felony warrant for Assault – 3rd Degree and Resisting Arrest.

• 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭:
Amanda Smith, age 36, of Appleton City, was arrested at the Henry County Sheriff's Office on a Henry County warrant for Domestic Assault – 4th Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
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All individuals arrested or charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above offenses are allegations at this time.

For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office at (660) 885-5587.

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Butler Chamber Business Spotlight: KMOE 92.1 "The Bullet"

CHAMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: 92.1 News Now KMOE 92.1 FM "THE BULLET" 

When it comes to keeping our community connected, informed, and entertained, nobody does it quite like our friends over at Bates County Broadcasting! Today, we are thrilled to spotlight a true staple of the Butler area: 92.1 FM.

 A Legacy of Keeping Mid-America Moving

Did you know that the call letters originally chosen by the Thornton family carry a special meaning? Decades ago, a local listener won a contest suggesting KMOE stand for "Keeping Mid-America Moving." Decades later, they are doing exactly that.

Founded by the Thornton family, this station has been a rare gem in the broadcasting world—remaining independently family-owned and operated right here at 800 E. Nursery Street.   
Wikipedia

 More Than Just Great Music

While "The Bullet" is your go-to destination for the best country music format, KMOE is fundamentally a full-service lifeline for Bates County. From the crack of dawn to late-night sports broadcasts, they are the voice we rely on for:   
Wikipedia

True Local News & Daily Obituaries 

Brownfield Farm & Market Reports 

The Famous "Swap Shop" Tradio Program 

Live local high school sports updates & Sunday morning church services 

Whether you tune your dial to 92.1 FM or listen to their internet stream online at https://921news.com, you are supporting a business that pours its heart right back into our hometown.

Thank you, Thornton family and the entire KMOE team, for keeping us connected for over 50 years! We are incredibly proud to have you as a cornerstone member of our Chamber.

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