BCMH celebrates first year of infusion center

Bates County Memorial Hospital recently marked the first anniversary of the Curtis W. Long, MD and Gay L. Nissen, RN Infusion Center with a joyful celebration and the unveiling of a special tribute to those who helped bring it to life.

The center, which opened in July 2024, has already made a significant impact, serving 20% more patients than before and offering a calming, local space for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and other intensive therapies. This expansion of care, made possible by hospital investment and supported by generous donors, has allowed many in our community to receive life-sustaining treatments close to home.

To commemorate this milestone, donors and honored guests were invited to a private gathering for the reveal of the center’s new donor recognition wall. Among those in attendance were members of the BCMH Auxiliary and the Bates County Community Health Foundation, Dr. Curtis Long and his long-time nurse assistant Gay Nissen, Reegan Koshko and her family, as well as members of the BCMH Board and staff.

The beautiful tribute wall features the full name of the center in standout lettering, along with a stunning display of landscape photography, all donated by Reegan Koshko. Her photographs showcase the Bates County countryside, with native wildflowers featured prominently.

After the unveiling, Dr. Long shared words of thanks to the hospital team for the honor bestowed on him and the many others who supported this important project.

BCMH is grateful to all who contributed to the Long-Nissen Infusion Center. Each one helped create not just a treatment space, but a beautiful place of healing for our community. 

Our Donors

Platinum – Dr. Curtis W. Long

Gold – Bates County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary

Silver – Bates County Community Health Foundation

Gold – Reegan Koshko, Montrose School District, In Memory of Linda Law

About the Long-Nissen Center 

Dr. Curtis Long and Gay Nissen, RN have been dedicated to decades of care here in Bates County. Their names and legacy live on through the infusion center that bears their name.

The Long-Nissen Infusion Center offers private and semi-private rooms, heated and massaging recliners, and safe, clean air with state-of-the-art filtration—all close to home.

Our experienced, certified nurses deliver:

• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy

• IV antibiotic therapy

• Allergy and disease-related injections

• Preventive medication management

With space to care for up to 10 patients at once, we are able to serve more people, more comfortably, than ever before.

BCMH invites community members to learn more or view donor opportunities by visiting https://bcmhospital.com/one-year-long-nissen-center/

Obituary - Frank Leroy Messmer

Frank Leroy Messmer, 88, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at his home in Raymore. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri, with a visitation starting at 10:00AM. Burial to follow in Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. A complete obituary will be added when it becomes available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.

Heavy rain possible tonight

Want to grow your gardening skills and give back to your community?

The Missouri Master Gardener Online Training is more than just a course—it’s a chance to learn credible gardening practices and join a statewide network of volunteers who share their knowledge to make a difference.

Build a solid foundation in plant structure and function, soil science and plant nutrition, fruits and vegetables, entomology and much more!

Join a community that contributed 150,000+ volunteer hours last year — valued at $4.6 million!

Enroll today and grow with purpose: https://brnw.ch/21wUkW1

Courtesy Bates County MU Extension office

Water back on in Archie soon

City of Archie crews have located the leak and are making necessary repairs and will be pressurizing the lines within the next hour or so. Please turn on a faucet at the highest elevation until all air is out of the system. 

Chestnut St., East of Jefferson will remain closed until a main can be replaced.

It may take some time for full water pressure to return, thank you for your patience.

The circus is coming!

 

Tickets are available at Corner Hardware, the Mid America Live/news-Review office and at the Alley Tavern. Tickets run $13 for adults and $8 for children and Seniors.

High-protein diets are trending—but do they really work?

Listen to the latest Truth or Trend episode for credible info:

What protein actually does

How much you really need

The best sources for your goals

Easy ways to add more protein to your meals

Listen to the full podcast: https://brnw.ch/21wUmOO

Courtesy Bates County MU Extension

A quick reminder

 

Miami County Wanted Wednesday

 

Butler takes some cost saving measures

More from the Butler city council meeting July 15

Some cost saving measures have been implemented, according to Butler City Administrator Corey Snead and more are likely on the way, based on information revealed in the latest city council session. Foremost, the Butler Municipal Court duties have been transferred to the Bates County Circuit Court, a move that has been attempted a few times in the past but only now did the "planets align" to make it happen. The approximate savings to the city of Butler will be in the neighborhood of $75,000.00 a year.

During his briefing, Snead also said that overall expenses and revenue are "right on target" for the '25 budget. Butler continues to take steps to lure new businesses to town and it was also reported that the Hertzog Meat Company is rapidly moving forward to open a retail location in the former Walmart building with more details coming soon.

A lengthy discussion was held regarding keeping up with brush and weeds around town, during which it was suggested that city employees in the neighborhood could quickly stop and take care of it however, at present most already have full schedules with mowing and other tasks; for now the discussion was tabled until a better plan can be formulated.

Beautification continues around town as demolition has been completed at 108 E. Pine street and a few others are now in the crosshairs. It was noted that cleanup costs incurred by the city are attached as a lien to the property and those liens, with interest, are collected when the property sells at some point in the future. In the case of the Pine street property, the total bill was right at $10,000 which could be a nice boost for the city in time to come.

Per the Mid America Live article last week, the disposition of the old Butler high school remains unknown as repair OR demolition costs possibly could be very close to the same- both in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, leaving the city in either case to decide where the money could come from. A buyer with great intentions would be the ultimate way out and at this juncture, the council is exhausting all options.

It was also announced that the Butler Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to be held at the Bates County fairgrounds on September 5th with two showtimes, 5 and 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at Corner Hardware, the Mid America Live/news-Review office and at the Alley Tavern. Tickets run $13 for adults and $8 for children and Seniors.

Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

 

Special recognition from the Bates County Community Health Foundation

 Big cheers for our previous scholarship recipients, Ida Joliff and Paige Switzer!

Ida aced her state board exam in June and jumped right into her role as a full-time RN, bringing her A-game to the ED. Not far behind, Paige crushed her boards in July and joined the BCMH crew as a full-time RN, ready to make a difference!

Their incredible journey shows what’s possible when community and passion come together. Both Ida and Paige were lifted up by healthcare scholarships from the Bates County Community Health Foundation (BCCHF), fueled by YOUR generous donations and participation in our annual fundraisers. These scholarships are all about growing top-notch healthcare heroes right here at home!

Hats off to Paige and Ida for their hard work and dedication.

Courtesy BCCHF

MU Extension asks you to take a 'stand'

 

Extra fun coming to the Missouri State Fair

SEDALIA, Mo. -- Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Aug. 7 - 17. Visit the MDC Conservation Building from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to see live fish and other native animals such as snakes, turtles, and amphibians. Learn about and see displays of native plants that help butterflies and other important pollinators. Ask MDC staff conservation-related questions, get educational materials, and have fun. 

Join MDC on Friday, Aug. 8, for Missouri Department of Conservation Day -- a full day of fun and excitement sponsored by MDC! 

Stop by the MDC Outdoor Pavilion for these live demonstrations:

• Live Raptors: See live birds of prey at the Raptors of Missouri presentation with Dickerson Park Zoo Thursday, Aug 7, at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.
• Fish Fry: Join MDC staff for fish cooking and cleaning demonstrations on Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Invasive Invaders: Find out how to get invasive plants and animals out of Missouri with displays and activities on the MoDOT lawn next door to the MDC Pavilion on Friday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Conservation Volunteers: Learn how to become a volunteer for conservation, including Stream Team and Master Naturalists Monday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Conservation Canines: Meet the dogs who are specially trained for conservation work Tuesday, Aug. 12, and Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Historic Sawmill: See a working scale model sawmill in action Thursday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Foraging and Wild Edibles: Learn how to forage for edible plants, seeds, and fruits Friday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Montauk Fish Hatchery Truck: Chat with staff from the Montauk Fish Hatchery and see the vehicle they use to stock fishing spots Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Campfire Cooking: Learn how to cook at the campsite Sunday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit mostatefair.com

Deepwater celebration begins August 29th

 

Showers possibly returning tomorrow

City of Archie still without water

Mid America Live spoke with Archie city officials this morning and due to unforeseen circumstances, crews are are still searching for a significant water leak that has resulted in water being shut off at this time.

Additional help has been summoned and the city is accelerating efforts to get it restored as soon as possible. 

Updates will be posted here as well as on the City of Archie Facebook page.

Henry County receives over 570 lbs in drug take back program

 Drug Take Back Success & Ongoing Partnership

Here at the Henry County Sheriff's Office, we're proud to report a powerful impact from our most recent drug take back efforts. During our most recent medication disposal with the DEA, we safely collected and turned in over 570 pounds of unwanted medications. That's 570 pounds of potential harm removed from our homes and streets—thanks to you, our community.

This effort is made possible by a long-standing and meaningful partnership between the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Community Organization for Drug Elimination, supported by a past grant from the Truman Lake Community Foundation.

This program continues to save lives and reduce harm in our communities—proof that when we work together, we make a real difference.

Medication Drop-Off

Unwanted or expired medications can be dropped off 24/7 in our secure collection container, pictured below. It is located in the bonding hallway of the Sheriff’s Office.

Thank you for being part of this life-saving initiative.

Obituary - Maurice Russell McDaniel

Maurice Russell McDaniel, age 73, passed from this life on July 20, 2025 in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was born on November 5, 1951 in Leon, Iowa the son of Bennie and Alta Dale McDaniel. He grew up on a farm near Davis City, Iowa and graduated from Lamoni High School in the Class of 1969. Maurice was tormented by mental illness nearly all of his life. Never the less, he went on to receive a BA degree from Graceland College in Lamoni and a Masters degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He and Regina Thatcher were married on May 30, 1976. He enjoyed fishing, going to classic car shows, and watching sports on TV, KFC, visiting family and friends, and going to church. He was a good-natured person. When he was younger he would often tease and show off to make others laugh. Maurice was peace loving and seldom said a bad word about anyone. He was active in his church, the Community of Christ. His faith never wavered and carried him through many difficult times. He was a strong believer in the power of prayer. Some of his best memories were of going to church activities and especially prayer meeting. He was loved and will be missed by his wife, Regina, his sister Martha and husband Danny Palmer, his brother Myron and wife Sundi McDaniel and sister in law Cinda Reynolds, nieces, Lacey Whitaker, Stacey Davis, Sommer McDaniel and Cassie Greer, nephews, Shawn, Jason and Justin Palmer and Weston Henkle. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maurita and nephew Charlie Henkle.

Funeral service will be held 2 pm Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial in the Pleasanton Cemetery.

Toasty for the foreseeable future

 

Obituary - Chance Hearting

Chance Courtney Hearting (Corbett) was born on January 9, 1979, in Sedalia, Missouri, to Jane Hearting (Jones) and Richard Corbett. In his younger years, he spent a lot of time with various family members and relatives. Specifically, his Grandpa John Jones, his Corbett family, and what came to be the Hearting family. Chance never cared much for school growing up, but absolutely loved football, FFA, and woodshop classes. Anyone who had to line up against Chance or play him at one time knew the grit, drive, heart, and motivation he carried with him on that field. He didn’t know the word quit; he never missed a single game. Outside of school, Chance enjoyed fishing, hunting, swimming, working with his hands, and other activities that made good stories to tell about the kind of fun that he loved to have. He was baptized as a teen in a small creek behind the Johnstown Church of Christ one Sunday sometime in the summer of 1995.  

     Chance shared three children: Hope, Hailey, and Hunter Hearting with Jeni Hearting (Rydberg). They were later divorced, and Chance was remarried to Katherine Hearting (Strope). Chance shared two children: Hadilyn and Hudson Hearting, with Katie. Words cannot express the volume of Chance's love for his five children. His world hung on them and their happiness. They were his sun, moon, and stars and then some. You won’t find a single person whom he hadn’t told about just how much he loved his kiddos, how beautiful his daughters are, how strong-willed his son is, and just how dang proud he was of each. 

     Chance worked for John Deere for a total of 21 years in a few locations, touching the hearts of hundreds of customers and coworkers. He made the best deal he could for each and every person, no matter how big or small their operation. Chance was fair and honest in any dealing he had with customers, adamant to live by the Word and be the best example to his children. In 2020, Chance and his cousin Ethan Bracher opened the Countyline Deer Processing business. Many of those same customers and coworkers from John Deere, along with close family friends, came to support Chance and give him business, as he had once supported or guided them through purchases for their own operations. It was out of character for Chance to show up to any family gathering, party, or doctor's appointment without bringing a package of his prized summer sausage, snack sticks, or jerky. He absolutely loved watching people enjoy the deer meat he put all his time and love into making.

     Chance and a few of those closest to him were floating on the Niangua River Saturday, July 19, 2025, when a tragic accident occurred to which he lost his life. He is preceded in death by his grandfather John Jones, grandmother Helen Jones, aunt Carol Fairfax, Uncle Phillip Jones, and other relatives. He is survived by his five children: Hope Marie (19), Hailey Jane (18), Hunter Lane (18), Hattie Jo (11), and Hudson Wren (9); mother Jane Hearting; Father Richard Corbett; and an indescribable amount of those who loved him. 

Chance Hearting

January 9, 1979 - July 19, 2025

Age: 46 Years, 6 Months, 10 Days

SERVICE

Lakeview by Sue (Event Venue)

Rural Appleton City, Missouri

Friday, July 25, 2025

1:30 p.m.

VISITATION

Lakeview by Sue (Event Venue)

Rural Appleton City, Missouri

Friday, July 25, 2025

9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

MINISTER

Pastor Jimmy Knight

INTERMENT

Appleton City Cemetery

Appleton City, Missouri

MEMORIAL

Chance Hearting Family Love Fund