Mid America Live

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Rich Hill 4th of July schedule

Rich Hill's 4th of July

July 2nd-5th 2025

Theme: Independence Day

the Rich Hill Way!

Thursday-July 3rd

5:30-6 p.m. Pie Contest/Auction drop off at the Methodist Church

6-7 p.m. Pie Eating Contest

Stronger Together: Takeaways from our Summer Community Talks

We Talked. We Listened. Here’s What We Learned from our June Community Talks across Bates County.

This June, leaders from Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) hosted a series of community meetings in Adrian, Rich Hill, Butler, and Hume. These talks gave us the opportunity to share updates, answer questions, and most importantly, hear directly from the people we serve.

What We Heard

“I didn’t know BCMH offered that.”

We heard this more than once, and it reminded us how important it is to keep our community informed. Many attendees were surprised to learn about the wide range of services already available close to home, including 3D mammography, visiting specialists, outpatient surgeries, and more. We’re committed to finding more ways to keep you updated.

You asked important questions.

From the future of rural healthcare to how hospitals are funded, your questions were thoughtful and timely. While BCMH is stable today, we face many of the same financial challenges as hospitals across the country, especially those in rural areas. We’ve pursued grants, explored new funding options, and advocated for changes in state legislation to help rural hospitals like ours succeed.

One takeaway we want to be clear about: The more people in our county who choose BCMH for their care, the stronger we’ll be.

Mental health remains a top concern.

Community members shared that mental health remains a high priority and an ongoing challenge. We agree, and we’re actively exploring safe and sustainable ways to expand access, even as we face staffing and regulatory barriers that affect what we’re able to provide directly. We know the need is real, and we’re committed to being part of the conversation.

You shared stories that inspired us.

We were honored to hear your personal experiences with BCMH, and your pride in the people who work here. As Dr. James Miller shared during one of the talks:

“These individuals [visiting specialists] come from big university hospitals to take care of our people here in Bates County… You’ve got people committed to healthcare here, and they keep this hospital going.”

What’s Next

These community conversations were just the beginning. This fall, we’ll begin forming a Patient and Family Advisory Council, made up of local citizens who want to help shape the future of healthcare in our community.

We’re also planning more community meetings, and more chances to listen. And right now, you can add your insight to our Community Health Needs Assessment update.

To everyone who attended, asked a question, or helped spread the word, thank you.

Your voice matters. Your health matters.

MDC encourages people to discover red, white, and blue in nature

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:

Red Royal Catchfly Flowers,
Red Male Summer Tanagers,
White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves,
White Great Egrets,
Blue False Indigos, and
Blue Male Indigo Buntings.

Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide.

Need suggestions for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more.

Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

Find MDC outdoor offerings based on select types of outdoor activities, locations, and more with the free MDC mobile app -- MO Outdoors. It is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-outdoors.

Henry County Sheriff's Office ends long running investigation

On June 30, 2025, Steven Michael Cope Jr. was taken into custody in the Raytown area, bringing a long-running investigation one step closer to justice.

For several months, deputies and detectives from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office have worked diligently to locate and safely apprehend Cope Jr., who has posed a flight risk. With the help of our law enforcement counterparts in the region, we were able to close in and bring him in without incident.

Cope Jr. was wanted on the following outstanding warrants:

Class D Felony – Tampering with Electronic Monitoring Equipment ($75,000 cash-only bond)

Class D Felony – Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating a Substantial Risk – 1st Degree – 1st Offense (No bond)

We’re thankful for the teamwork that led to the arrest of Cope Jr. This outcome reflects steady police work and strong partnerships. Our focus remains on doing the job right and holding individuals accountable—no matter where they try to run.

Family Care Clinics holiday hours

Holiday Hours – Family Care Clinics

All Family Care Clinic locations (Adrian, Butler and Rich Hill) will close early at 3 PM on Wednesday, July 3, and remain closed July 4–5 in observance of Independence Day.

If you need to reach us, call 660-200-3627

Learn more about care for your whole family:

https://bcmhospital.com/family-care-clinics/

Wanna have some fun?

Adrian Community Theater's fall production of A Candle in the Window is calling YOU!

We’re seeking a large cast and crew to bring this heartwarming holiday tale to life. Whether you love the spotlight or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone!

All casting and audition info:

https://us.cast98.com/.../a-candle-in-the-window-2025...

Obituary - Vicki Louise Yokley

Vicki Louise Yokley, age 71, passed away peacefully in her home on July 1, 2025, in Nevada, Missouri.

Born on August 18, 1953, in Arthur, Nebraska, Vicki spent most of her life in Nevada, Missouri, where she built a loving home and lasting friendships. On January 17, 1976, she married the love of her life, Alvin Yokley, and together they shared nearly five decades of love, laughter, and family.

Vicki was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud Nana, and cherished sister whose presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Alvin; her son, Brian Yokley and his wife Christy of Gardner, Kansas; and her beloved grandchildren, Cale and Ava, who knew and adored her as their Nana. She is also survived by her siblings: Dale Rasmussen, Rod (Cindy) Rasmussen, Jack (Jane) Rasmussen, Jay (Dee) Rasmussen, and Connie (Doug) Montague; her two stepdaughters, Amy and Carrie; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Avis Rasmussen; her brother, Jim Rasmussen; her sister, Regina Rasmussen; and her sister-in-law, Kathy (Dale) Rasmussen.

Vicki had a lifelong love of reading, a passion for travel, and a special talent for baking—her homemade pies brought smiles to many. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes, always welcoming a bit of friendly competition and laughter around the table. But above all, her greatest joy came from being “Nana” to Cale and Ava. Her warmth, gentle humor, and loving spirit will be remembered always and deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, Missouri. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, July 8, at 10:00 a.m., also at Ferry Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time with those you love—just as Vicki would have wanted.

Obituary - Vicky Kay Gray

Vicky Kay Gray age 80 of Raymore, Missouri departed this life Monday, June 30, 2025 at Foxwood Springs Healthcare, Raymore, Missouri.

Cremation with no services scheduled.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project. Donations can be made through the link or send in care to Dickey Funeral Home P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.