Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Kelly Otter Employee of the Month for March

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Kelly Otter, RN, Nursing Supervisor, as its March Employee of the Month

Kelly serves as a leader for the Med/Surg unit, where her clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion support both patients and staff. Through her guidance and willingness to step in wherever help is needed, Kelly helps ensure the team continues to deliver high-quality care.

Her nominator shared, “Kelly is an exceptional leader of the Med/Surg unit. She combines her clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion in a way that directly impacts patients and staff. Kelly steps up wherever she is needed and helps delegate responsibilities. She is kind, always respectful, and truly a joy to work with. She embodies professionalism, leadership, empathy, and dedication. These qualities improve patient care and team performance.”

Kelly’s commitment to teamwork and patient-centered care makes a meaningful difference every day. BCMH is grateful for the leadership and professionalism she brings to her team.

Stay connected with your local hospital! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

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Video: Harrisonville Board of Aldermen meeting this week

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W. 52 Overpass and update regarding other road projects in Bates County

Mid America Live recently spoke with Bates County Presiding Commissioner  Jim Wheatley and received clarification regarding the W. 52 Highway/I-49 overpass project as well as an update regarding other upcoming road work in our area

W. 52 Highway overpass in Butler: Rebuilding of the roadbed, as well as other needed repairs have been slated to take approximately 166 days beginning as the bridge was closed March 16th. This work is in conjunction with repaving Highway 52 from the Kansas state line east to BB highway. 

Expect intermittent lane closures throughout the period for the 52 highway state line to BB highway repaving project. 

Regarding the bridge project, at times I-49 may be reduced to one lane under the bridge for both north and southbound traffic. All four ramps to/from I-49 at the bridge may be reduced to one lane but will remain open for the duration of the bridge work.

During the bridge closure, MoDot does not advocate using county roads as a 'shortcut' however, drivers may and will use their own discretion. MoDot is advising for those in Butler who need access to west 52 highway to go north to Passaic, west on F highway to J highway, then south to rejoin 52 near Amoret. 

For those who need access to Butler from the west on 52 highway, at the bridge construction take I-49 south to the east 52 highway (Appleton City) exit, go over the bridge and return northbound to Butler, then take the Butler exit at the bridge project.

A word of hope: Good weather could greatly reduce the amount of time the west 52 highway/I-49 overpass will be closed.

J highway in western Bates County: MoDot has announced that all of J highway will be repaved in 2026, dates to be announced.

Crosswalks in Butler: Crosswalks at Pine street and Orange street as well as Ohio street and Orange will be refurbished to include leveling of joining surfaces and fresh paint marking the crosswalks as well. 

Crosswalks will be added at west Fort Scott/52 highway and Fran Avenue at the stoplight. This will fit nicely in conjunction with the west 52 highway sidewalk project underway with the city of Butler. The new sidewalk will run from Fran Avenue on the south side of Fort Scott/W. 52 highway to approximately the driveway at the Burch & Liles offices. In the second phase of the project, a sidewalk will be added to run from that location east to approximately Prospect avenue.

Editor's note: The railroad overpass at Fort Scott street in Butler will be replaced in the future, possibly in a 5-7 or so year time frame. At this juncture, the city of Butler and MoDot is awaiting feedback from the railroad before moving forward. The rehab of the overpass will include widening of the roadway as well as sidewalk or other needed improvements for safer passage pedestrian traffic.

Updates regarding any of the above listed projects will be provided as they become available.

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Modern Daze Homemakers present needed gift for Butler Project Prom

Seen here, Tammy West and Judy Taylor of the Modern Daze Homemakers Club present a check in the amount of $50 to Rachel Grubb, coordinator of Butler Project Prom. 

Project Prom initiatives aim to make prom accessible and affordable for high school students all while insuring a night of fun in a safe environment. Many thanks for your conribution!


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Obituary - Barbara Berrier

Barbara Berrier, a long-time resident of the San Dieguito area and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, passed away in early March.  

Barbara was born on a farm in Bates County, MO, just before the outbreak of World War II. The youngest of six very close siblings, she helped raise and care for crops and livestock to support the family.  She often spoke of the hard work on the farm, particularly cold winter mornings milking cows.

Shaped by her farm work, Barbara was dependable, disciplined, and independent. Equally nurturing, she dedicated her life to working with others to raise and educate children while serving in the community.  In roughly thirty years of teaching elementary school, she taught over 500 students, some of whom returned as parents.  Barbara’s colleagues described her dedication as evident in one of her guiding principles; “if it was good for the students, Barbara would do it.”  

Barbara touched others in the community as well.  Barbara and her family attended the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, where they forged close friendships with other families.  Her commitment to the AFS student exchange program led her family to host several exchange students with whom she developed life-long bonds. After retirement, she continued to be active by volunteering in Encinitas classrooms and teaching English to refugee families.  She was an active member of the “Walking Ladies of Cardiff” who enjoyed morning strolls along the cliffs above Cardiff State Beach followed by breakfast and coffee nearby. 

Most importantly, Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She and her husband Bill were high school sweethearts who worked their way through Central Missouri State College in the 1950s before coming to California to teach.  Their two sons, Andy and Jerry, attended schools in the San Dieguito area. Andy’s marriage to Evelyn brought two beloved grandchildren, Peter and Stefanie. Later in life, Barbara enjoyed traveling all over the world, but was especially happy visiting her grandchildren, her siblings, and her many nieces and nephews.

Farewell Barbara: you were loved and cherished by many and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bill and Barbara Berrier Scholarship Fund (Fund Number 5270) hosted by the San Diego Foundation. This scholarship assists college students from the San Dieguito area interested in careers in education, counseling, or nursing.  Those interested in making contributions can contact San Diego Foundation Donor Services at donorservices@sdfoundation.org or (619) 814-1332.

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Obituary - Robert E. Jones Jr.

Robert E. Jones, Jr., age 81, of Clinton, Missouri passed away at his home on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Methodist Church in Clinton with funeral services at 2:00 PM also at the church. Burial to follow with Military Honors in Englewood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to C.A.R.E. and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

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Obituary - Bernard Post

Bernard E. “Gene” Post, 91, of Mound City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025.

Born on May 2, 1934, in Mound City, Kansas, he lived a life marked by generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Gene was the owner of the Post Body Shop in Mound City, Kansas for thirty-five years, where he was known for his integrity, work ethic, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. Outside of work, he found joy in making things with his hands, traveling/camping, and riding motorcycles, and he shared those passions freely with friends and family.  Above all, he was a devoted husband and family man. He taught his family the value of hard work, humility, and compassion - not through words alone, but through the way he lived each day. His presence brought steadiness, his humor brought lightness, and his love brought comfort.

He is survived by his wife, stepbrother, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward with deep gratitude.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:00am, at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mound City Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.  Following the service, a celebration of life will be held in his honor at the Mound City Methodist Church from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be profoundly missed.

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You Can Help Welcome The Wall That Heals to Bates County

Volunteers are needed to escort The Wall that Heals to Bates County

The Bates County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce that it is in charge of providing an escort to the Wall That Heals

Official Escort: The Wall That Heals Host: Bates County Sheriff's Office Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Staging & Departure Location:

Family Center (2601 Cantrell Road, Harrisonville, MO)

Staging Time: by 10:30 AM

Kickoff: 11:30 AM (Promptly)

Procession Order:

We are calling all Veterans and community members to join the line of honor. The escort will be organized as follows:

Lead: Marked Patrol Vehicles/Motorcycles

Honor Guard: Veteran Motorcyclists

Community: Personal Cars & Trucks

Rear: Emergency Vehicles

The Route:

For those wishing to line the streets and wave flags, the escort will follow this path:

Harrisonville to Adrian Southbound on I-49 to AA Highway.

Exit at AA; travel South on the West Outer Road through the City of Adrian.

Return to I-49 South at Highway 18; exit at 52 West (Butler).

Travel East on Ft. Scott St. to the Square; circle the Square.

Exit Square South to Nursery St.;

West to the Football Field.

If you are participating in the escort, please ensure your vehicle is fueled and ready by 10:30 AM. If you are a spectator, we encourage you to gather safely along the route in Adrian and Butler at the Butler Square to show your support as the Wall passes.

If you belong to a club that would like to participate please contact Sheriff Chad Anderson at Sheriff@batescountysheriff.gov or by calling 660-679-3232 so that we can get you involved.

*You do not need to be part of a motorcycle club or organization to participate in the escort. Please arrive by 10:30am at the Harrisonville Family Center parking lot and ready to roll at 11:30am sharp.

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