Mid America Live

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Obituary - Rose Houghton

Rose Houghton, 70, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held 3:00-5:00pm,Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available.

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Obituary - Nanette Blackwood,

Nanette Blackwood, 77, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Services are pending and a complete obituary will be added when it becomes available. -Courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home

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Popular area artist hails from Bates County, speaks of her journey

Vanessa Lacy, daughter of Rick and Debbie Lacy of Adrian, is well known for her unique artwork and tells her story here https://voyagekc.com/interview/meet-vanessa-lacy-of-crossroads-in-kansas-city

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Youth Business Market underway now in Adrian

The Youth Business Market is well under way today at the Adrian Optimist Building. So much talent under one roof!! Come on out and bring the whole family until 4pm today.

They have scrubs, lotions, jewelry, baked goods, 3D printed items, geodes (you can also make into jewelry), tumblers, t-shirts, honey, homemade dog treats, freeze dried fruit and candy, fishing lures, and even decorate your own cupcake or custom make your own scented slime!!

Courtesy Byrd's Pecan Delights

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Resurfacing Project on Route 52, AA & J in Bates & Vernon Cos. to Begin Week of March 16

Bates & Vernon Counties – Drivers can expect lane closures and occasional traffic delays on Missouri Route 52 and Route J in Bates County and Vernon County Route AA for a resurfacing project beginning the week of March 16, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

This is the work being done on this project:

Missouri Route 52 from Missouri/Kansas state line east approximately 27 miles to Bates County Route BB
- Contractor will add a new surface
- Contractor also will do structural work to bridge over northbound I-49 lanes (Exit 131)
- Contractor will add guardrail in areas and rumble strips
Bates County Route J from Route F south approximately four (4) miles to Route 52
- Contractor will add a new surface
Vernon County Route AA from Route M west of Schell City south nearly 13 miles to Route 52
- Contractor will add a new surface

In addition, contractor crews will add permanent striping.

Traffic impacts:

Traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are working
Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road.
Route 52 over I-49 will be CLOSED for up to 166 days while contractor works on bridge
- I-49 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction
- Westbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour north on I-49 to Bates County Route F (Exit 136) at Passaic and back south on I-49
- Eastbound Route 52 drivers will be directed along a signed detour south on I-49 to Route 52 (Exit 130) south of Butler
No signed detour for work on Bates County Route J and Vernon County Route AA
Drivers should find alternate routes to avoid work zones
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zones
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling delays could alter the work schedule.

Project information:

Prime contractor: APAC-Central Inc., Springfield
Total project cost: $6.1 million
Completion date: November 11, 2026

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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Friday, February 27, 2026

Bates County Memorial Rock Star of the Month

Congratulations to Kate Long, RN, our February Rock Star!

Kate works in Outpatient Specialty Clinics, helping patients in the Long-Nissen Infusion Center. She was nominated for this recognition by a coworker for being consistently calm, compassionate, and professional, with a strong bedside manner and dedication to patient advocacy.

Thank you, Kate, for your skill and dedication!

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