Mid America Live

Butler Chamber Business of the Month

Gail’s Graphics has been selected as the Butler Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month. Gail’s offerers a full line of services including graphic design and high quality color printing. Shown L-R Chamber Executive Director Cody Morris, owner Abby Remer, assistant Carlie Ridenour and Chamber President Doug Lawrence.

Obituary - Kevin D Skeens

Kevin D Skeens, 60, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at CenterPoint Medical Center, in Independence, MO. Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with Masonic services at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers family prefers you send a donation to a cardiac program or children’s hospital or other of your choice, but most of all we ask you to Remember the Good Times.

Kevin was born in Harrisonville, Missouri. Kevin was a Christian, and believed strongly in God and Country. He never married and didn’t have any children but he had a large extended family. Horses was another thing he enjoyed. He enjoyed playing music. He played the guitar and harmonica. He also enjoyed other instruments. He had different groups he enjoyed playing with, but cherished most, the time he was able to play music with his Dad and Uncle and other relatives.

Kevin worked in carpentry, taxi cab driving, and doing shelving for companies, along with various other odd jobs for people. When driving the taxi cab, he often transported children to school and listening to them share what was going on in their lives to make them feel special. He also had a talent for constructing home decks. He was a member of the Grand River Lodge #276 in Freeman, MO.

Obituary - Mary Ann Hartzler

Mary Ann (Appel) Hartzler, age 87, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025. Born on July 8, 1937, in Aurora, Illinois, she was the cherished daughter of the late Everett and Jennie Appel.

On August 1, 1959, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Edwin Hartzler, and together they created a beautiful life filled with love and laughter until his passing. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother who always put family first. Mary Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri Valley College and later her master’s degree from Webster University, dedicating 30 years to teaching in the Belton Public School District, where she inspired countless students as a beloved educator and mentor.

A lifelong learner, Mary Ann was actively involved in her community through organizations like Alpha Xi Delta sorority, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and PEO. She cherished spending time with her family, traveling with loved ones, and enjoying the serene beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Edwin Hartzler. She is survived by her children, David Hartzler (Lorinda Hartzler) and Diana Hartzler-Davis (Brian Davis); her grandchildren, Harrison, Summer, and Hannah Hartzler; her sister Eleanor Eberhardt; along with many extended family members and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ascend Hospice and sent to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Obituary - Charles L Thomas

Charles L Thomas age 81 of Kansas City MO. passed away Nov. 22, 2024, at Research hospital. He was born May 1,1943 in Daugherty Mo. to Elzie and Ellen Thomas. He is survived by one daughter Darla [Doran] Clevergen of Kansas City two stepsons Fl and brothers William J Thomas (Carol) Blue Ridge Summit, PA. Robert L Thomas (Marilyn) Garden City, M0. Grand kids and great grand kids. Charles served 3 years in the army 1962 to1965. Charles drove a truck hauling gasoline for most of his life, Charles was preceded in death by his wife Dixie and his dad, mother and one Grandson.

Cremation. Celebration of life will be at a later date.

Courtesy of Dickey Funeral Homes of Harrisonville.

Reminder: Butler city council meeting tonight

The Butler city council will meet tonight at 7 pm, upstairs at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend and an elevator is available for those with special needs.

Another cold weather record broken

The National Weather Service says that Kansas City has broken the record low for the date with a current temperatures of -7! This breaks the old record of -6 set in 1935.

Good news, we will rebound to the 40's starting later this week:

Lady Blackhawks have a day of fun and learning in Columbia

On Saturday, three Adrian FFA members traveled to Columbia to compete in the first annual Tiger Cup Floral Design Contest. Seniors Emily McCammon and Addy Nebocat, and Junior Lilly Talley all say they had a great time and learned a lot as their work is seen here.

The morning started with two workshops then ended with a design competition. Emily McCammon placed second and Lilly Talley placed third overall. Courtesy Adrian High School FFA