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

Free CPR class coming to Adrian June 13

FREE CPR CLASS + COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATION

Code 1 Wellness is excited to partner with The Fitness Hub and the Adrian, MO community to offer a FREE CPR class along with community-based education.

This class will be held on Friday, June 13 at 10:00 AM at The Fitness Hub, located at 605 Ada St, Adrian, MO 64720.

There will be a lunch break included, and spots are limited to only 13 participants, so please sign up as soon as possible. If we have a full class we will offer a second class!!!

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

To reserve your spot, please contact Code 1 Wellness at 816-372-2948, leave a message if we are unavailable.

We are proud to help bring life-saving education and community wellness resources to our local area.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Roberta Louise Childers

Roberta Louise Childers, age 96, formerly of La Cygne, Kansas passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026. She was born on August 4, 1929 in Linn County, Kansas the daughter of Theodore R. and Jessie L. Wade Reynolds. She graduated from Pleasanton High School. She enjoyed traveling. Her working career involved being a nursing home administrator at several facilities. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Robert Reynolds. Roberta is survived by two daughters, Nancy Taylor, and Rita Siegele, a son, Robert Michael Childers, a brother, Kenneth Reynolds, a sister, Bernita Robbins, six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service will 11 am Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Riverview Cemetery, La Cygne, Kansas. Roberta will lie in state Friday afternoon at the Schneider La Cygne Chapel. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. 

#MidAmericaLive

Athlete of the Week

We are so excited to announce and want to congratulate the 2026 State Farm and C & S Graphics athlete of the week scholarship recipient Grace Francis, a senior from Drexel High School. Grace will be attending State Fair Community College in the fall majoring in nursing and continuing her athletic career as a member of their track team. She just returned from the State Track meet earning two 3rd place medals in the hurdles! Thanks to all the coaches for their nominations each week so we can continue to recognize local athletes who excel in the classroom as well as on the court/field/mat. We can’t wait until next year! These are great kids who put in the hard work to achieve success! Congrats again Grace and we wish you the best of luck in the future!


#MidAmericaLive

Butler Bear Kalie Korkmaz recipient of Mediacom scholarship

Butler, MO – May 28, 2026 – Mediacom Communications announced the selection of Kalie Korkmaz, a senior at Butler High School, as a recipient of the company’s World Class Scholarship Program. The $1,000 scholarship recognizes the Butler resident for excellence in leadership, community involvement, and academics.

“Mediacom understands the importance of investing in future leaders like Kalie Korkmaz,” said Mediacom’s Regional Vice President, Lee Beck. “I’m proud that our company annually commits financial support to talented local students with the Mediacom World Class Scholarship Program. We congratulate all Class of 2026 graduates and celebrate Kalie for her outstanding achievements so far.”

“Our corporate philosophy extends beyond business success. We are committed to investing in the next generation, because supporting students today is essential to building a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous future for all,” said Giuseppe B. Commisso, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mediacom Communications.

This year marks the 25th consecutive year Mediacom has funded World Class Scholarships for students who live in areas where the company delivers high-speed broadband services. Mediacom is proud to extend the World Class Scholarship Program to 100 graduating seniors in 2026; each winner has received a $1,000 scholarship to support their continued education. Upon receiving the scholarship, recipients must attend an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or technical school within the United States.

Courtesy FM 92.1

#MidAmericaLive

Butler Chamber welcomes Poplar Heights Farm

Welcome to the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce, Poplar Heights Living History Farm

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our newest Chamber member, Poplar Heights Farm! Located just northeast of Butler, this incredible living history farm and nature conservancy is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Bates County.

Step back in time to the 1890s and explore their beautifully restored Victorian Farm House, peg and beam barns, and heirloom gardens. Looking to get outdoors? Take a stroll along their 2.9 miles of scenic walking trails to enjoy the native prairies and local wildlife! They also offer amazing educational programs and host the Bates County Family History Center for local genealogy research.

Let’s give them a warm Butler welcome! Be sure to "Like" their Facebook page and visit their website at poplarheightsfarm.org to learn about their upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

- Farm: 5250 NE County Road 5004, Butler, MO

- 660-679-0764 (Office) / 660-200-5620 (Farm)

Want to join the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce or learn more about our upcoming community events? Contact us at butlerchamberofcommerce@gmail.com or call 660-464-1339!

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - James Sterling Kinney Sr

James Sterling Kinney Sr of Cleveland Missouri passed away May 24, 2026. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church, 420 W. Main, Cleveland Missouri from 10:00-11:00 am followed by the funeral services, Saturday, May 30, 2026. Burial will be at Belton Cemetery, located in Belton, Missouri at 12:30 pm.

Jim was born November 18,1938 in Clinton, Missouri. Son of Dewey F. Kinney and Opal F. Kinney. Jim married Deanna Marie Hockett on February 28, 1960 and was married for 57 years before losing Deanna in an Automobile accident in May 2017. Jim remarried Ruth (Odom) Zimmerman on November 18, 2018. Jim and Ruth continued to make their home in Cleveland until Ruth’s passing in February 2026. Jim spent most of his married life in the Cleveland, Missouri community where he was active in the local Lion’s Club for many years contributing numerous hours of time and effort, Cleveland Baptist Church, and the Western Cass Fire Department also contributing many hours to the organization. Jim Worked as a computer programmer becoming head of computer operation for the Department of Agriculture for over 30 years before retiring. Jim also was a member of the United States Air Force for 22 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Jim loved golfing, pitching horseshoes, and bowling with his brother, kids, and grandkids. Jim was a member of the Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association for 20 years pitching competitively well into his seventies. Two of Jim’s proudest accomplishments were pitching 70 ringers out of 100 shoes and getting a hole in one while golfing with his brother Ed.

Jim loved all his family. Jim is preceded in death by his parents (Dewey and Opal Kinney), sister (Donna Scarpetta), brother (Ed Kinney), son (Robert M. Kinney), wife of 57 years (Deanna M Kinney), wife of 8 years (Ruth Zimmerman Kinney), and granddaughter (Stacy)

Surviving are his children, James Jr (Beth), Raymond (Debra), Tom (Bonnie deceased), Deborah Hamilton (Jeff) and Stepdaughter Lori Evans (Richard). Daughter-in-law (Robert’s wife Cindy). 8 grandchildren (James (JR), JacqueLyn, Christopher, Samantha, Andrea, Anthony, Brittney, and Randy). Many Step grandchildren. Many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Jim will be missed by all his friends and family

#MidAmericaLive