Obituary - Nancy Ann Connaughton

Nancy Ann Connaughton, age 74, of Garden City, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Sparkling Fountain of Love Adult Care in Overland Park, Kansas.

Nancy was born to Fredrick Thomas Herring and Ethel Marie Herring, who preceded her in death, along with her brother, Robert Herring. She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Philip James Connaughton, on June 28, 1975, in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and lasting memories.

Nancy dedicated 20 years of her life working at Peterson Manufacturing, where she was known for her strong work ethic and friendly spirit. Above all, she cherished her family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart.

She had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, and being in nature. Whether it was a weekend camping trip or a peaceful day by the water, Nancy found happiness in the simple moments.

She is survived by her husband, Philip James Connaughton of the home; her daughter, Jamie Norris and husband Aaron of Raymore, Missouri; her two granddaughters, Allison and Madison; and her brother, Tom Herring.

Nancy will be remembered for her kind heart, her love for her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cremation with a celebration of life visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

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Obituary - Larry Ford

Larry Eugene Ford, 82, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on March 15, 2026.

Larry was born on June 8, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Douglas and Mildred Ford. He spent his life in the Kansas City area, where he was known for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family, and his deep faith.

Larry worked for many years as a truck driver and retired from Penske after a long and dedicated career. He took pride in providing for his family and the life he built through hard work.

Larry loved the Lord and attended church regularly. His faith guided the way he lived his life and how he treated others—with kindness, generosity, and a willingness to help anyone in need.

He was married to the love of his life, Wanda Ford, for 49 wonderful years. Family meant everything to Larry. He cherished his children and loved spending time with his several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Larry had a passion for fishing, gardening, and working in his yard. He was especially proud of his garden and took it very seriously, even winning a “Biggest Tomato” contest one year. He was known for his sense of humor, his kind heart, and his readiness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

Larry was able to live out the final years of his life in the comfort of his own home thanks to the loving care of his daughter, Carrie Martin, who moved in with him and became his full-time caregiver. Her devotion allowed him to remain where he was happiest.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Wanda Ford; his daughters, Carrie Martin, Lori Martin, and Tammy Williams; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Ford and Mildred Moore; and his siblings, Loretta Sue Carmack, Charles D. Ford, Carolyn Heldenbrand, Michael Wayne Ford, and Helen Shewelling; and his daughter Donna Doyal.

Larry will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose kindness, humor, and faith touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

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Obituary - Donald Bathgate

Donald Lee Bathgate age 96 of Garden City, Missouri departed this life Friday, March 13, 2026 at SageGrove at Raymore, Raymore, Missouri surrounded by love and family. 

Cremation with a celebration of life visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Garden City Community Building, Garden City, Missouri with inurnment at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association. Donations can be made through the link or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.

A complete obituary will be posted once that information becomes available. 

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Warming up and drying out

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Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Kelly Otter Employee of the Month for March

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Kelly Otter, RN, Nursing Supervisor, as its March Employee of the Month

Kelly serves as a leader for the Med/Surg unit, where her clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion support both patients and staff. Through her guidance and willingness to step in wherever help is needed, Kelly helps ensure the team continues to deliver high-quality care.

Her nominator shared, “Kelly is an exceptional leader of the Med/Surg unit. She combines her clinical expertise, leadership, and compassion in a way that directly impacts patients and staff. Kelly steps up wherever she is needed and helps delegate responsibilities. She is kind, always respectful, and truly a joy to work with. She embodies professionalism, leadership, empathy, and dedication. These qualities improve patient care and team performance.”

Kelly’s commitment to teamwork and patient-centered care makes a meaningful difference every day. BCMH is grateful for the leadership and professionalism she brings to her team.

Stay connected with your local hospital! Visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/

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Video: Harrisonville Board of Aldermen meeting this week

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W. 52 Overpass and update regarding other road projects in Bates County

Mid America Live recently spoke with Bates County Presiding Commissioner  Jim Wheatley and received clarification regarding the W. 52 Highway/I-49 overpass project as well as an update regarding other upcoming road work in our area

W. 52 Highway overpass in Butler: Rebuilding of the roadbed, as well as other needed repairs have been slated to take approximately 166 days beginning as the bridge was closed March 16th. This work is in conjunction with repaving Highway 52 from the Kansas state line east to BB highway. 

Expect intermittent lane closures throughout the period for the 52 highway state line to BB highway repaving project. 

Regarding the bridge project, at times I-49 may be reduced to one lane under the bridge for both north and southbound traffic. All four ramps to/from I-49 at the bridge may be reduced to one lane but will remain open for the duration of the bridge work.

During the bridge closure, MoDot does not advocate using county roads as a 'shortcut' however, drivers may and will use their own discretion. MoDot is advising for those in Butler who need access to west 52 highway to go north to Passaic, west on F highway to J highway, then south to rejoin 52 near Amoret. 

For those who need access to Butler from the west on 52 highway, at the bridge construction take I-49 south to the east 52 highway (Appleton City) exit, go over the bridge and return northbound to Butler, then take the Butler exit at the bridge project.

A word of hope: Good weather could greatly reduce the amount of time the west 52 highway/I-49 overpass will be closed.

J highway in western Bates County: MoDot has announced that all of J highway will be repaved in 2026, dates to be announced.

Crosswalks in Butler: Crosswalks at Pine street and Orange street as well as Ohio street and Orange will be refurbished to include leveling of joining surfaces and fresh paint marking the crosswalks as well. 

Crosswalks will be added at west Fort Scott/52 highway and Fran Avenue at the stoplight. This will fit nicely in conjunction with the west 52 highway sidewalk project underway with the city of Butler. The new sidewalk will run from Fran Avenue on the south side of Fort Scott/W. 52 highway to approximately the driveway at the Burch & Liles offices. In the second phase of the project, a sidewalk will be added to run from that location east to approximately Prospect avenue.

Editor's note: The railroad overpass at Fort Scott street in Butler will be replaced in the future, possibly in a 5-7 or so year time frame. At this juncture, the city of Butler and MoDot is awaiting feedback from the railroad before moving forward. The rehab of the overpass will include widening of the roadway as well as sidewalk or other needed improvements for safer passage pedestrian traffic.

Updates regarding any of the above listed projects will be provided as they become available.

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Modern Daze Homemakers present needed gift for Butler Project Prom

Seen here, Tammy West and Judy Taylor of the Modern Daze Homemakers Club present a check in the amount of $50 to Rachel Grubb, coordinator of Butler Project Prom. 

Project Prom initiatives aim to make prom accessible and affordable for high school students all while insuring a night of fun in a safe environment. Many thanks for your conribution!


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