Nevada PD takes robbery suspect into custody

On April 20, officers with the Nevada Police Department responded to the 400 block of S. Johnson Drive in reference to a reported robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined that an unknown suspect had entered a business, demanded money, and claimed to be armed with a firearm. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.
Officers obtained a physical description of the suspect and later received information indicating the individual was at another nearby business. Officers located the suspect and took him into custody without incident.
The suspect was transported to the Vernon County Jail. On April 21, the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged 23 year old Michael Rice of Nevada with first-degree robbery. He is currently being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Nevada Police Department at 417-448-5100.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Betty Jo Wise

Betty Jo (Adams) Wise, peacefully passed away on April 12, 2026, in Louisburg, Kansas. She was born on August 30, 1929, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, and her community. Her legacy of love and service will remain a guiding light to all who knew her.

A graduate of Louisburg Rural High School’s class of 1947, Betty continued her education at Pitt State Teachers College for a year before being called back to Louisburg during the war to serve as a teacher at a one-room schoolhouse. Her dedication to education and her community laid a foundation for the many roles she would embrace throughout her life.

On May 2, 1948, Betty married Dale Wise in Louisburg. Together, they were instrumental in founding the Louisburg Assembly of God Church as well as the Louisburg Baptist Temple, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy within their community.

Professionally, Betty was the owner and operator of her own salon for many years, where she was known not only for her skill as a hairdresser but also for her warmth and care toward her clients. A homemaker at heart, she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, consistently placing her faith in Christ first and foremost.

Her life was enriched by diverse interests and talents. Betty was an avid collector of antique dolls, traveling across the state to attend doll shows. She found joy in playing the organ both at church and around town, as well as restoring antique furniture and sewing. A passionate reader, she also delighted in cooking for her family, especially during the holidays, creating treasured memories and traditions.

Betty is survived by her children, Mara Dona (Greg) Wood and Sid (Charlene) Wise; grandchildren Kristin (Mitch Metcalf) Stankiewicz, Matthew (Catherine) Wood, Sarah (Ben) Karpinski, Erin (Derek) Williamson, Lynsey (Ryan) Atkinson, Ashley (Dan) DeGrush, Brad (Dani) Heise; and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members carry forward her memory and the warmth she imparted.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph and Audrey (Norton) Adams; her husband, Dale Wise; her daughters, Kathe Justice and Paula Heise, brothers, John and Don Adams.

On behalf of Sid, Charlene, Mara Dona, Greg, and the entire family, would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Homestead Senior Living and Ascend Hospice for their loving and compassionate care for Betty.

Funeral services were held April 21, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel with burial at the Louisburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Agape Food Pantry or Louisburg Baptist Temple, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, KS 66053.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Darrell Edwards

Darrell L. Edwards, age 79, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026. Funeral service will be 2 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri. Burial will be in the Green Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 pm to service time at the Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Charity of Choice. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.


#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Clyde Gafford

Clyde David Gafford age 68 of Nevada, Missouri departed this life Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. 

Cremation with a private family service.  

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available, courtesy Dickey Funeral Home.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Larry Eugene Cahow

Larry Eugene Cahow, 68, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Research Medical Center. Per his wishes, no services are scheduled at this time. Larry will be inurned at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a later date.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available, courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home.


#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Mark Lindsey

Mark Lindsey's wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Mark Alan Lindsey, age 68 of Adrian, Missouri died Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Medicalodge in Butler, Missouri. He was born November 2, 1957 to Ronald Lloyd and Lydia Elizabeth Billings Lindsey in Independence, Missouri.

Mark is survived by his wife, Lynn Lindsey of Adrian, Missouri; two sons, Brian Cook and wife Carrie of Olathe, Kansas and Michael Reisinger and wife Kristi of Creighton, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrett and Grace Reisinger; three brothers, Steve Lindsey of Peculiar, Missouri, Anthony Lindsey of Warsaw, Missouri and Bill Lamb of Bates City, Missouri; one sister, Lynda Sanders of Bates City, Missouri; and two nieces, Christina Fisher and husband Aaron of Harrisonville, Missouri and Maeghan Yount and husband Jake of Overland Park, Kansas. Mark was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Lamb and Donald Lamb; one sister, Lydia Mcgenney; and in-laws, Bruce Sanders, Robin Lamb and Grace Lindsey.

#MidAmericaLive

Hume Senior Spotlight: Kaylee Shryer

We’re proud to recognize Kaylee Shryer for her accomplishments and exciting next chapter! Kaylee has signed with Cottey College’s competitive cheer program and plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, she hopes to become a preschool teacher, building on her passion to support learning in young minds.

During her time in high school, Kaylee has been actively involved in a wide range of activities, including FTA, FCCLA, FBLA, Science Olympiad, Scholar Bowl, School Play, Softball, Hornet Tank, Active Minds and Cheer. She takes pride in all she has accomplished over the past four years and is excited to take the next step toward her future.

Congratulations, Kaylee! We can’t wait to see all you achieve.

Courtesy Hume rooted College and Career Advising

#MidAmericaLive

Adrian man held on four charges related to sex with minor child

According to documents filed this week with the Bates County Circuit Court, 25 year old Christian Ladean Claessen of Adrian, Mo. is now in custody and being held on four counts of alleged sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. The charges stem from events that took place in the years of 2025 and 2026 in Bates County:

1. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

2. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

3. Sexual Trafficking of a Child - 1st Degree - Child Under 14 Years of Age { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.210 }

4. Furnish Pornographic Material Or Attempt To Furnish To A Minor { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 573.040 } 

On April 20, 2026, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty in the Bates County Circuit Court. At this time Claessen is without an attorney and a counsel status hearing is scheduled for May 6th at 9 am.

Claessen is being held in the Bates County Jail on a $100,000 cash only bond.

>#MidAmericaLive