You're getting a second chance!

 

Life has other plans for a couple of our Adrian Community Theater cast mates, which means we have open roles in our fall production of A Candle in the Window

If you thought you missed your chance to join us—guess again!

Stop by Monday, Sept 8 or Tuesday, Sept 9 from 7–8 PM at the Old High School Gym (212 W Pine St, Butler, MO) and let’s see if we can create something special together.

Open Roles:

JOHN (Age 13–17): The oldest character who leads the group and also portrays Joseph, bringing wisdom and guidance to the story.

WALLY (Age 10–12): Also plays the Shepherd, a role full of heart and versatility.

Come be part of the magic—we’d love to see you on stage!

https://www.actadrian.com/auditions2.html

Obituary - Terry Lee Hartline

Terry Lee Hartline, 77, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on September 6, 2025.

Born May 20, 1948, in Vernon County, Missouri, to John and Maxine Hartline, Terry grew up with small­ town roots that shaped his life. He was a 1966 graduate of Walker High School and went to work right out of school at Wilson Tire. Later, he became the manager at MFA Fertilizer and spent much of his career working in farm-related jobs. Before retiring, Terry could be found behind the wheel of a semi, hauling grain and swapping stories along the way.

In his early years, Terry married Deborah Lundy, and together they raised two children, Timothy Dean and Cindy Renee. Though their lives eventually went separate ways.

Terry married Carol McCall June 2nd, 2012 who brought children of her own into the family. Terry embraced his role as stepfather to Beth , Howard, and Lisa and over the years his family grew to include 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Survivors:

His wife Carol of the home; brother Tom Hartline; son, Timothy (Rachel) Hartline; daughter, Cindy (Brandon) Becker; stepchildren: Beth Stanhope, Howard (Stephanie) Morris, and Lisa (Gabe) Skinner; twelve grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Gary and Jack; and his great-grandson, Brayden Lee.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening of September 12, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home.

Obituary - Virgil Butler

Virgil R. Butler, 82, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at his home in Harrisonville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with a visitation starting at 12:00 PM, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to Harrisonville Youth Football or Shepard's Staff Food Pantry.

Virgil was born on October 30, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles R. and Dorothy A. (Tucker) Butler. He grew up in Excelsior Springs, MO, before he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1962, exemplifying a commitment to his country that he carried throughout his life. In his professional life, he found success as a Sales Manager in the Insurance industry, where his charismatic personality and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike.

In 1970, Virgil moved to Dallas, Texas, before settling in Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1972. By 1976, he made Harrisonville his home, where he would become a cornerstone of the community. A passionate advocate for youth and sports, Virgil served as Past President of the Optimist Club and the Harrisonville Athletic Boosters. His commitment extended to public service as he honorably served two terms on the City Council and was an active member of Antioch Southern Baptist Church.

Virgil was also a proud member of the Elks Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Pittsburg, Kansas, dedicating his time and energy to enriching the lives of those around him. He is remembered fondly for his unwavering support of family, friends, and community. Virgil was a devoted husband, father, friend, and community leader whose spirit and dedication will be cherished by all who knew him.

Virgil is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Karon, in 1994; his second wife, Minnie; and his two brothers, Charles and Roy. He leaves behind a loving family, including his son, Christopher (Marty) Butler, of Harrisonville, MO; his daughter, Kelly Butler, of Chillicothe, MO; his stepdaughter, Jeanne (Mike) Sartin, of Lee’s Summit, MO; his grandchildren: Cole, Macey, Maryna (Jackson) Pinder, Chad (Karla) Speer, and Josh (Sam) Speer; along with multiple great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Butler teacher awarded grant from Retired Teachers Association

Hallie Bond, 4th grade teacher at Butler  Elementary  School, Butler R-V School District, was awarded a $500 Missouri Retired Teachers Association-Foundation Grant for 2025.

Missouri Retired Teachers Association-Foundation, the fundraising organization of Missouri Retired Teachers Association,  will award 6 classroom teacher and 1 non-classroom teacher $500 grants in each of its 14 regions.  Region 6 includes the nine county area of Bates, Benton, Cedar, Dallas, Henry, Hickory, Polk,  St. Clair  and Vernon.

Pictured L. to R.

Anita Hartley, Region 6 vice president,  Hallie Bond, grant recipient,  Margaret Sears, West Central unit president

Local athlete making strides in recovery following accident

Butler High School student and athlete Eli Ferrell was seriously injured automobile accident on August 29th leaving him with a brain bleed and broken bones which are now leading him down a long road to recovery

It was a Friday and with a football game ahead later that night, Eli was making the trek to see a doctor in Kansas City to investigate a fever when his truck left the roadway and overturned multiple times near Archie, Mo. It is suspected that the fever caused him to have a seizure and lose control of the vehicle, according to investigators.

In the days following the crash, family and friends described the situation as 'touch and go' as Eli seemed to show signs of improvement but was later required to be sedated and put on a ventilator. "Eli, it’s time to wake up baby" begged his mother Savannah Ferrell as just two days post accident, he took a turn for the worse when the ventilator was removed.

"While the idea of the ventilator being placed again was brought to the table our God showed up. Respiratory was able to introduce some oxygen with moisture and steroids. He had to get a light sedative and our sweet boy stabilized once again."

As Eli remains in a neuroscience ICU room at a Kansas City hospital, his mother noted that he is fighting "like a true champion" as time will also be needed to recover from a broken foot, which will require surgery. 

Yesterday, Savannah was happy to report that Eli was sitting upright in a chair and is "making leaps in the right direction." She and family remain optimistic that he will make a full recovery.

"And don't stop praying, please!" she added.  

As he continues to heal from broken bones, it was noted that his brain function is slowly returning while he is showing other signs of improvement- he passed a swallow test and is able to move about his room with a walker.

The public is invited to follow his journey to recovery by following his mother's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/savannah.ferrell.5 

Updates will also be posted on the Mid America Live Facebook page as well as our website.

Rich Hill police department monthly report

Our numbers from August

Calls for service: 167

Animal Calls: 5

Suspicious Activity: 3

Traffic Stops: 12

Disturbances: 4

Building Checks: 2

Code Enforcement: 20

Speak to Officer: 35

Agency Assist: 4

Fire Calls: 2

Arrests: 1

Reports Taken: 3

Citations Written: 21

McGennis Youth Center Barbecue and Auction Set for Sunday, September 21

This year’s annual McGennis Youth Center Barbecue and Auction are set for Sunday, September 21.

The McGennis barbecue is a tradition that spans 55 years. The first barbecue was held in 1969.

In conjunction with the barbecue this year will be the Ninth Annual Car and Truck Show. Car show registration is from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information on the car show contact Jared Rankin at 417-448-4903 or rankinfarms@hotmail.com.

Children’s games will start at 12:30 p.m. Horse and wagon rides will also start at 12:30 with Harry Byram on hand with his team and wagon

Serving for the barbecue is at 1 p.m., with barbecued beef, pork and chicken, along with beans, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw and bread. A wide variety of cakes will be available for dessert. Everyone is invited to bring a cake for the dessert table, if they’d like to. The meal is catered by Food Fair of Rich Hill.

The auction will start about 1:45. Larry Hacker will be our auctioneer this year.

A popular part of the auction will again be featured this year. The Mad Hatter features ten McGennis Youth Center caps donated by Roof Power Solar. These caps, each numbered, will be auctioned off. At the end of the auction one of these numbers will be drawn. That winning number will win this year’s gun donated by Bell Farms. 

In the same format, Denise Steuck of Revive Salon in Butler has donated a 30-minute massage and a 30-mnute facial and the Center has added a pedicure for a Spa Day Basket.

For more information about the auction or to donate an item call Marc or Alison Bell at 660-832-4196. The generosity of those who donate and those who bid has made the auction a major revenue source for the Youth Center.

Admission to the barbecue is $13.00 for adults and $7.00 for children (ages 6-12). Tickets are for the meal and are not required for the auction.

From Rich Hill, the McGennis Youth Center is located five miles west on A Highway and four miles south on WW Highway.

Recipe of the Week