Butler Jr. High Bears results from El Dorado Springs Cross Country meet

The Bears have another successful meet in El Dorado Springs

The Junior high bears will finish up their season this weekend at the Middle School Cross Country Championship meet this week

Results:

High school girls

2nd as a team

Erica Wilbers- 20:26.4 1st

Catherine Cook- 22:01.2 9th

Alayna Alkire- 25:51.5 37th

Luisa Sanchez- 26:52.4 43rd

Addi Kuda- 27:29.2 48th PR

High School Boys

Hayden Dickens- 19:09.9 9th

Junior High Girls

Mia Sanchez-16:41.0 15th PR

Skylar Hudgens- 18:40.6 23rd PR

Alana Hush 18:47.4 26th PR

Junior High Boys

1st as a team

Blaine Morrill- 12:40.1 4th PR

Levi Wiese- 13:18.5 7th

Isaiah Driver-13:30.5 10th PR

Evan Thomas- 13:46.9 13th PR

Eli Morris- 14:07.6 15th Pr

Brandon Algiere- 15:08.6 19th

Aidan Bettels- 15:23.8 21st

Tyson Phillips- 15:28.2 22nd

Jon Cook- 16:13.8 24th PR

Lucas Jarred- 16:14.4 25th PR

Nate Owens- 17:18.8 31st

.

#MidAmericaLive

Rich Hill R-IV Schools Welcomes New Superintendent, Ms. Christy Jones

Rich Hill R-IV School District is excited to announce Ms. Christy Jones as our next Superintendent, beginning July 1, 2027!

Ms. Jones brings 29 years of educational experience, including 20 years in educational administration, to Rich Hill. She currently serves as Superintendent of Northeast Vernon County R-I School District in Walker, Missouri, where she has worked closely with students, staff, families, board members, and community members to support student success and strengthen the district.

A native of Plattsburg, Missouri, Christy grew up in a small community where she was actively involved in sports and school activities. Her experiences growing up helped shape her appreciation for the important role schools play in bringing people together and creating opportunities for students.

Throughout her career, Ms. Jones has believed that successful schools are built on strong relationships, collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to students. As she shared:

“My leadership philosophy centers on listening, learning, building relationships, and working together to identify opportunities for growth.”

As she prepares to join the Rich Hill community, Ms. Jones looks forward to learning about our traditions, celebrating our strengths, and working alongside students, staff, families, and community members to build on the district’s successes.

“I am committed to taking the time to get to know the people who make Rich Hill special and to ensuring that decisions are guided by what is best for students and the future of the district.”

Outside of her professional life, Christy enjoys working on the farm, spending time outdoors, taking on remodeling projects, and enjoying time with family and friends.

She is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to becoming part of the Rich Hill community.

“I believe every school district's heart is its people, and I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships with the students, staff, families, and community members who make Rich Hill such a special place.”

Her commitment to collaboration, relationships, and creating the best possible educational opportunities for every student aligns with our vision for the future of Rich Hill Schools.

A Successful Today...A Better Tomorrow. Together, we look forward to building on our strengths, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to put students first.

Please join us in giving Ms. Christy Jones a warm Rich Hill Tiger welcome!

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Kevin Goddard, who joined Rich Hill in 2020 and will retire from public education after 30 years of service. We wish him all the best in his retirement!

Courtesy Rich Hill schools

#MidAmericaLive

A big week for Adrian Cross Country team

The Adrian Cross Country team competed at the Eldo meet this week with the following results:

From Head Coach Rylee Mabe:

Girls Team - 1st Place

Boys Team - 4th Place Overall

HS Girls Individual Places

Libby Nebocat, 2nd

Kenzie Coones, 3rd

Alayna Patterson, 7th

Avery Rodgers, 11th

HS Boys Individual Places

Jack Lile, 17th

Ryker Isaac, 20th

MS Individual Places

Sophia Moss, 2nd

Congratulations, Blackhawks!

Photos by Jami Smith, Don Lile and Rylee Mabe

.

#MidAmericaLive

Alpha-Gal friendly treat ideas

Halloween should be fun for every trick-or-treater. For children with alpha-gal syndrome, many traditional candies may contain ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction. Offering vegan treats or nonfood items such as stickers, glow sticks and small toys can help make Halloween more inclusive for everyone.

Learn more about alpha-gal-friendly options and ways to support children with food allergies this Halloween: https://brnw.ch/21x6Blg

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Gary Ray Herstein

Gary Ray Herstein, 76, Nevada, MO, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada following a lengthy illness. Gary was born December 29, 2026, in Nevada to Norman Paul and Dorothy Helen (Moore) Herstein. He married Mary Frances Klein on May 18, 1991, in Nevada and she survives of the home.

Gary was raised in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1968. After high school, he attended Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. Gary worked with his father welding pipelines for several years before beginning a long career in law enforcement. He joined the Nevada Police Department in 1974. Through the years he rose through the ranks and served as Chief of Police from November 2003 until July 2006. Afterward, he continued working as a Public Safety Director until retiring in May 2010. Gary was a member of the Nevada Elks Lodge. He was a ham radio operator, enjoyed golfing, was known as a good cook, and was a loving, devoted uncle adored by his nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by a brother, Ron Herstein (Judy) Nevada; one sister, Robin Fisher (Gene), Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother-in-law, Bob Klein, Dubuque, IA; an uncle and aunt, Larry Moore and his wife Marilyn, Springfield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a nephew, Paul Alexander Fisher, and an aunt, Ruby Folkner.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Carol Branham officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Memorials are suggested in his name to Nevada Regional Medical Center Auxiliary c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

#MidAmericaLive

Training exercise focuses on handling tornado disaster in Butler

An unresponsive person receives triage near the Butler elementary
school  during a special training exercise on Monday evening

As part of an ongoing series of training exercises held in conjunction with the Butler fire department, Bates County EMA, Butler police, Bates County Memorial Hospital, the Bates County Sheriff's Office and others, a scenario played out Monday evening as follows:

Two tornados have caused moderate to severe damage in the city limits of Butler. There are downed trees, power lines, possible injuries and damage to buildings. The storm has taken out dispatch capabilities from both county and city dispatch centers. Neighboring agencies and Bates County Sheriff units cannot respond due to being tied up in other areas of the county that have experienced damage. Mobile and portable radios are operable but city and county dispatch centers are down.

Firstly, a unified Command Center was created, including representatives from Fire, Police, EMS and County/EMA which was located at the Butler Fire Department offices on Orange street.

In short order, fire and police units were dispatched to canvass for hazards which were designated by cones at various locations. Under each cone was information about the hazard (scenario incident list). As responding units found the cones and read the information, they had to decide where the call should be directed using the chain of command. 

The area for the exercise covered from Nursery to Harrison streets (north and south) and  Orange to Main streets ((east and west) that included hazards on both sides of the street. All during which, Bates County Memorial Hospital EMS responded accordingly and triaged calls.

The following is a list a hazards and situations encountered by first responders:

1. A large tree across the road.
2. Powerline across the road.
3. Powerline across the road and arcing on parked car.
4. The police department building was heavily damaged.
5. House heavily damaged with 2 victims involved.
6. Powerline on car with person inside who had a heart attack.
7. Event in school gym, although no visible damage to structure.
8. Electric line pulled from house with arcing, a potential fire hazard.

9. Shirtless man in street screaming with a knife, police respond.
10. Stop light not working, traffic congestion.
11. Old High School severely damaged. Victims may be inside on first floor. 

12. Flooding over street including a sewage hazard.

13. Gas meter taken out by a tree, gas now leaking presenting an explosion potential.

Following the exercise, all units returned to the command center on Orange street to discuss how to better handle certain issues that were encountered for example, poor radio reception, enhancing overall communication between agencies and much more.

Overall, "it was a realistic learning event" that certainly will help when the real thing happens- with that, more such trainings are on the schedule for next year.

A mobile command center was quickly established at an alternate

location due to heavy damage at the Butler police station as well as the 

Bates county sheriff's office

First responders work through a situation where a power line is on
a vehicle with victim trapped inside

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary -Karen Lucile (Crosslin) Robinson

Karen Lucile (Crosslin) Robinson, 87, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on October 18, 2026, at Brookdale – Rosehill Senior Living Community in Shawnee, Kansas. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64113. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am Tuesday, also at the Church. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions are suggested to Country Club Christian Church - Outreach, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113 or the Cameron Development Center, PO Box 81, Cameron, MO 64429. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Karen was born July 23, 1939, the only child of Sophia A. (Mothersbaugh) and Raymond T. Crosslin.

She grew up in Sedalia, MO, and attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1956. She was involved in orchestra, debate and forensics, and Jobs Daughters. Her first job was dipping ice cream at Tullis Hall Dairy in Sedalia, and she always enjoyed attending the state fair.

After graduating from Smith Cotton High School, she enrolled in Central Missouri State at Warrensburg, MO. She joined Delta Zeta sorority, studied hard, enjoyed school, and met Robert Robinson. They were married in 1959.

Karen and Robbie, transferred to the University of Missouri – Columbia where they both graduated. Karen received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Speech.

Karen followed Robbie to Cameron, MO, for his first professional job with the Department of Health. They were active in the Cameron’s Jaycees and were integral in building Cameron’s first public library.

Karen founded a school for disabled children at the First Christian Church in Cameron. The school evolved into the Cameron Development Center. Karen received recognition from the Center in 2000 for her early vision and compassion. Karen had written that the school was one of her most treasured accomplishments.

Karen, Robbie and family relocated to Jefferson City, MO, in 1968 where they raised their children for 22 years. Karen was instrumental in launching Jefferson City’s first Head Start program, where she led the program for several years.

Karen started a pre-school at the First Christian Church in Jefferson City in conjunction with the local YMCA, originally called Y-Tots. Two of Karen’s grandchildren later attended the pre-school.

Karen loved her family and showed them the value of honesty and hard work. She actively supported the children’s interests in sports, Scouts, and church youth groups as a leader, volunteer, and car-pool organizer.

Karen faithfully loved Robbie and supported his career and interests for 63 years. They had the opportunity to travel to many places including Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. Karen especially enjoyed their vacations in Barbados with family and friends.

Karen and Robbie supported the Micah Ministry in Kansas City, helping distribute clothing and necessities for over 15 years.

Karen enjoyed living at Kingswood where she had many friends and participated in many activities including playing cards and the book club. Karen’s last act of charity was in August 2026, leading a school supplies drive at Kingswood for the Academy of Integrated Arts, a charter school in Kansas City.




Karen was preceded in death by Robbie and her parents. She is survived by her children, Dawn Dolliver (Matt), Lance Robinson (Becky), and Cory Robinson; grandchildren, Aubrie White (Brandon), Andrew Dolliver (Hannah), Bari Robinson, and Spencer Robinson. She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Caleb, Quinn Anne, Daniel and Hallie White, James Michael and Piper Dolliver, and his sister Martha Hunt (Harland).




Please celebrate a Life well Lived!

#MidAmericaLive

Harrisonville Wildcats set to make history

For the first time, the Harrisonville Lady Wildcats tennis team is headed to the STATE FINAL FOUR

After winning sectionals, the team remains UNDEFEATED with an impressive 16-0 record! They'll compete in the State Semifinals on Friday, Oct. 30, at 9 a.m. in Springfield.

And there's more tennis action ahead! Maddie Eggers and Kinley Brockman will represent Harrisonville in the State Doubles Tournament this Friday, Oct. 23.

Congratulations to the entire team on this historic accomplishment! We're excited to cheer you on as you continue this amazing season

#MidAmericaLive