Updated Obituary - Jenna Leann Ruddy

Jenna Leann Ruddy, 18, McKenzie, TN, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2021 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO with visitation from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Harrisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Jenna was born November 11, 2002 in Overland Park, KS, a daughter of Mark and Janet (Longworth) Ruddy. She had lived in Harrisonville, MO growing up. She had lived in McKenzie, TN for the past four years where she attended McKenzie High School.

Jenna is survived by her mother and stepfather, Janet and James Riggan, McKenzie, TN; her father, Mark Ruddy, Harrisonville, MO; two brothers: Tyler Ruddy and Trenton Ruddy, both of McKenzie; her dog, Blue; her maternal grandmother, Rhonda Russell, Raymore, MO; maternal grandfather, John Longworth, Butler, MO; paternal grandfather, Bret Rinker, Harrisonville; maternal great-grandmother, Ruby Padley, Raymore; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Old 71 Speedway canceled tomorrow due to rain

Unfortunately with all the rain we have had off and on this week and the forecast showing more rain tonight and some tomorrow we are going to have to cancel the races for tomorrow. Remember we are off next Friday as well due to the Show-Me 100 being at Lucas Oil.

We will be deleting all of the racing events and updating them all this weekend.

Our next race is scheduled for June 4th. We will be racing the following classes due to all the rain outs:

Late Models

USRA A Mods

USRA B Mods

MWM/E-Mods

Powri Street Stocks

Factory Stocks

Please spread the word and we hope to see you all on June 4th. If we can we will try to get a test and tube in prior to our next race so keep an eye on the page for details.

Storms Possible This Afternoon/Evening

Rain, Rain GO AWAY! Another round of rain is in the forecast today with a chance of severe weather. Storms can pop up at any point this time of year. Stay informed and be weather wise!

Traffic Alert: Motor vehicle accident near Butler in the southbound lanes of I-49

The Adrian Fire Department along with Bates County Sheriff's Deputies and Butler Fire Department are on scene of a vehicle that is off the roadway at this time near mile marker 134.2 in the southbound lanes of I-49. Please use caution as well as slow down and move over for emergency vehicles! 

Mid America Live will update when more information is made available to us at a later time.

Farmers Market on the Butler Square needs you if :

Farmers Market on the Butler Square needs you if :

You have a food truck!

You are a home-baker!

You grow produce!

You are a direct-sale merchant!

You have a home-based business!

Shop Small - Shop Local!  2nd and 4th Saturdays from 8am - 2pm on the Butler Square.  Best spots are reserved when prepaid.  Contact me for more information.  Next event is THIS SATURDAY May 22!

Saturday Farmers Market 

Butler Farmers Market & Shopping

Bates County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applications for the position of Narcotics/Career Criminal Investigator

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applications for the position of Narcotics/Career Criminal Investigator. 

The position is self motivated position that requires experience in working narcotics and career criminal investigations. Hours are varied and based off community needs. The qualified candidate will be in charge of all self initiated narcotics investigations and over seeing drug arrest by patrol.

Pay is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Must have experience in applications for search warrants, arrest warrants, consent searches and how they work within the United States and Missouri Constitutions.

Applicants MUST possess a Missouri Class A POST License and prior experience is preferred for this position. This position requires the candidate to live within Bates County To apply please send a resume and application to, Attention: Captain Justin Corbin at 6 West Ft Scott Butler Mo 64730.

It's construction season in Missouri

Motorists urged to drive safely and courteously as summer season begins:

The grass is green and trees are in bloom, which means it's construction season in Missouri. All across the state throughout the spring and summer, MoDOT crews will be out restriping and repaving roads and also repairing and replacing bridges.

MoDOT advises motorists to plan ahead before traveling by checking out the department's online Traveler Information Map, which provides the latest road conditions, including closures, work zones and incidents. 

A mobile map app is also available for smartphone users. Motorists can also call MoDOT's 24/7 customer service toll free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

MoDOT also urges motorists to pay attention to construction signs and always slow down in work zones. And as always, Buckle Up Phone Down! These simple actions can help everyone get home safely at the end of each day.

Obituary - Darryl Richard Wheeldon II

Darryl Richard Wheeldon II, 30, Pleasant Hill, Missouri departed this life on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at his home.

He is survived by his father, Darryl Richard Wheeldon, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; his mother and step-father, Jacque and Stephen Litle, Harrisonville, Missouri; 2 brothers, Darren Ray Wheeldon II, Kwajalein, Timothy Litle, Harrisonville, Missouri; three sisters, Rebekah Lynne Perkins, Rich Hill, Missouri, Gabrielle Golden, Dyersville, Iowa, Elizabeth Litle, Harrisonville, Missouri; paternal grandparents, George Richard and Mary Jane Wheeldon, Archie, Missouri; maternal grandparents, Kenneth Bryant, Collinsville, Illinois, Judith Bicknell, Columbus, Kansas; step-grandparents, John and Blanche Litle, Harrisonville, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.

Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with inurnment in the Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg, Missouri.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the funeral home.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.