Mid America Live

Friday, December 5, 2025

Thursday night basketball scores

Boys

Stover 52
Adrian 40

Bronaugh 32
Ballard 54

Leeton 59
Butler 48

Holden 47
Crest Ridge 64

KIPP KC Legacy 39
Harrisonville 84

Hume 45
Montrose 39

KC Lutheran 52
Sherwood 31

Lighthouse n/a
El Dorado Springs n/a

Windsor n/a
Warsaw n/a

Girls

Neosho 26
Nevada 59

Stockton 53
Osceola 47

KC Lutheran 38
Sherwood 50

Stover n/a
Adrian n/a

NE Vernon County n/a
Miami n/a

Train strikes vehicle in La Cygne

On December 4th, 2024, at approximately 8:20 PM, La Cygne Emergency Personnel were dispatched to the railroad crossing at S. 4th St. and Elm St. for a reported collision between a train and a vehicle.

Responders determined the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of impact and had become stuck on the tracks due to driver error.

While the incident resulted in no injuries and just loss of property, it serves as an important reminder of railroad safety. If your vehicle ever becomes disabled on or near train tracks, locate the blue Emergency Notification System sign posted at every crossing and contact the number listed—or call 911 immediately.

Thank you to all assisting agencies, Linn County Dispatch, Linn County Sheriff's Office, AMR, La Cygne Fire Department, BNSF Police and Crew, and all citizens who stopped to assist.

Ellett Memorial Employee of the Month Karla Dodson-Horner

We are pleased to announce Karla Dodson-Horner in Nursing as our December Employee of the Month! Karla is truly dedicated to her job and her patients. She is always willing to lend a helping hand. Karla shows up for work early and stays late. She is very knowledgeable in all departments of the hospital and never complains. Karla always has a smile on her face and the patients always compliment on how kind she is. She is the true meaning of HEART. Congratulations, Karla!

Obituary - Carrie Helen Houdeshell

Carrie Helen Houdeshell, 96, formerly of Nevada, MO passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at home in Lake St. Louis, MO following a brief illness. Carrie was born October 6, 1929 near Sheldon, MO to Harrison and Opal Helen (Holland) Bogart. She was united in marriage to William Lee Houdeshell on May 15, 1947, and he preceded her in death on August 22, 2012. She was also preceded in death by a son, Robert L. Houdeshell; a grandson, Michael Houdeshell; and a granddaughter, Lorie Houdeshell Benson.

Carrie was raised near Sheldon and attended Bronaugh High School. She worked for Aaron Poultry & Egg Company in Fort Scott and Lamar prior to starting her family. She later worked for Key Work Clothes. Carrie was a very caring wife and mother, whose greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She enjoyed crocheting in her spare time. Carrie was a long-term member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church and briefly attended the Bronaugh Christian Church before moving. Recently Carrie attended Sunrise Church in O’Fallon, MO.

Survivors include a son, Dale Lee Houdeshell (Judy), Lake St. Louis, MO; six grandchildren, Sondra McGrane (Dennis), St. Peters, MO; Marti Stutsman (Scott), Troy, MO; Carrie Brown, O’Fallon, MO; and Brian Houdeshell (Vickie), St. Peters, MO; Kami Benson (Jeremy), Bement, IL; Justin Houdeshell (Michelle), Murfreesboro, TN; 23 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Nick Hardison officiating. Interment will follow in Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, MO. The family will receive friends 1:00-2:00 pm on Sunday at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO.

One arrested regarding indecent exposure incident at local business

On December 3rd, at approximately 9:28pm, Butler Officers responded to Sonic in reference to a customer exposing his genitals to carhops.

Officers arrived to Sonic and made contact with employees who advised that on three different occasions including shortly before calling on the above date, a customer identified as Christian Dodson exposed his genitals to two different carhops, one of which being a juvenile, when his order was brought to his vehicle.

The employees advised officers that he was still in his vehicle at a stall. Officers then made contact with Dodson and took him into custody.

Dodson was charged with three counts of Indecent Exposure.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Tips for Managing Asthma and COPD When It’s Cold

Breathe easier with these tips to help you stay more comfortable through the winter months.

When the air turns crisp, some people welcome the change of seasons. But if you have asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions, you may find that colder weather causes breathing challenges. That’s because cold air is often dry, and when you breathe it in, it can irritate and constrict your airways. For people with asthma, this may lead to inflammation that makes it harder to breathe. Those with COPD may notice increased shortness of breath, fatigue or more frequent flare-ups.

Add in the fact that winter brings an uptick in colds, flu and other respiratory infections, and it’s easy to see why breathing problems tend to get worse when the weather turns cold. Even staying indoors isn’t ideal. Dry, heated air can also aggravate your lungs, and allergens like dust, pet dander and mold can become more bothersome when you spend a lot of time inside.

By following these tips, you can help keep flare-ups at bay and breathe easier all season long:

Warm and humidify the air you breathe. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf, mask or gaiter when you head outside. This warms and moistens the air before it reaches your lungs. Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth also helps. Indoors, a humidifier can make the air easier on your lungs, but keep it clean to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
Stick with your medication and action plan. Take your prescribed medications, even if you’re feeling well. Skipping doses can make symptoms creep back. Review your action plan with your healthcare provider so you know what steps to take if symptoms worsen. Always keep your quick-relief inhaler or rescue medication within easy reach.
Avoid known triggers. When it’s very cold or windy, limit your time outdoors. Avoid smoke from cigarettes, wood stoves or fireplaces, which can all irritate your lungs. Reduce dust and allergens by vacuuming regularly, washing bedding in hot water and keeping pets out of your bedroom. Check local air quality reports and try to stay indoors when pollution levels are high.
Be smart about exercise. Regular physical activity is important for lung health, but cold temperatures can make outdoor workouts risky. On very cold days, consider exercising indoors. If you prefer to walk or jog outside, wear a face covering and warm up slowly to give your lungs time to adjust.
Stay up to date on vaccines and doctor visits. Respiratory infections can quickly lead to complications in people with asthma or COPD. Get your annual flu shot, and talk to your doctor about whether you should get pneumonia or COVID-19 vaccines. Schedule regular checkups to monitor your condition and refill medications before you run out.
Know when to seek help. If you notice your symptoms worsening—such as more wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing—or if your usual medication doesn’t bring relief, follow your action plan or call your doctor. Getting help early can often prevent a mild flare-up from becoming a serious health issue.

With these tips, you can keep your lungs healthier, prevent flare-ups and enjoy the season without worrying about how cold, dry air will affect your breathing.

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