McGennis Youth Center receives special grant

We are excited to announce that The Mary A. McGennis Agriculture Park & Youth Center has been awarded a $6,100 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council for the project, Living History & Learning: Interpreting Rural Heritage.

This project will help preserve and share the rich history of our center and community through:
• New interpretive signage at the historic schoolhouse and chapel
• Immersive “Day in the Life” living history experiences during our Annual BBQ and a new spring event
• Accessibility enhancements to improve visitor access and engagement

The Missouri Humanities Council is the only statewide agency dedicated exclusively to humanities education for Missourians of all ages and has served as Missouri’s affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

We are grateful for this investment in preserving local history and creating meaningful educational experiences for future generations.

For more information about the grants program of the Missouri Humanities Council, call 314/781-9660 or 800/357-0909 or email clarice@mohumanities.org

Courtesy McGennis Youth Center


#MidAmericaLive

America's 250th: Highlights from Old Settler's Day in Butler

.


#MidAmericaLive

Butler Saddle Club awards scholarships Saturday evening

Butler Saddle Club recognized our scholarship winners last night. The Butler Saddle Club proudly helps the youth of the Bates County community thanks to our sponsors and fans

- Brody Smith, son of Kyle and Penny Smith and a Butler Saddle Club member, has been awarded the Butler Saddle Club Dick and Ruby Gee Scholarship. Brody has been a dedicated member of the Saddle Club before, during, and after rodeos, always willing to do whatever is asked of him. Congratulations, Brody!

- Next, Addison Johnston, daughter of Luke and Pam Johnston. Addison is a Butler Saddle Club member and a member of the flag team. She has qualified in barrels and poles for the National Little Britches Rodeo Association; the finals are June 28–July 4. Good luck, Addison!

- Our final scholarship recipient is Bentley Gilkey, son of Rashanda Gilkey and Brent Morrison. Bentley will advance to the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo in Lincoln, Nebraska, competing in bull riding. Good luck, Bentley!

Congratulations to all—Butler Saddle Club is proud of you!

Don't forget, tonight is the final night for the Butler Saddle Club Rodeo, COME ON OUT rain or shine!

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Kathy Lewis

Funeral services for Kathy Ilene Lewis of Amsterdam, Missouri, will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. No visitation. Burial in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam. Contributions to the Carpenter’s Cup in Butler or the Thomas Love Fund at Community First Bank in Butler. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Kathy Ilene Lewis, age 72 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at AdventHealth in Merriam, Kansas. She was born December 23, 1953 to Wilma Lorine Luckan McGuire in Butler, Missouri.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Richard Lewis of Amsterdam, Missouri; four children, Chad Lewis (Michelle) of Freeman, Missouri, Christy DeBruin (Rick), Andrew Lewis (Terri) and Carrie Lewis (Josh) all of Butler, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Shay, Samara, Gaven, Parker, Abby, Cohen, Addie, Keeley and Rylee; great-granddaughter, Hadley; two siblings, Carroll and Richard; along with her bonus grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in law and their families; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Wilma McGuire (09/06/2015); four sisters, Cheryl, Theresa (Jim), Vicki (Mike), Rita (Larry); and parents-in-law, Bill and Marjorie Lewis.

#MidAmericaLive

Limited sight distance at overpasses focus of concern following tragic accidents

Photo #1 - At the stop sign

At least two deaths, along with multiple injury accidents on local overpasses have now become the focus of much concern regarding limited sight distance for motorists

While two fatal motorcycle accidents have now occurred on the west 52/I-49 overpass in Butler, citizens have also expressed dismay about other overpasses, such as the I-49 exit to east 52 highway just south of Butler, which is considered "one of the worst" in the area.

Photo #1 is taken from an SUV with the front end of the vehicle in line with the stop sign attempting a left turn onto eastbound 52. 

The second photo was taken after pulling the front of the vehicle to line up with the edge of the roadway. 

The third photo was taken at the first moment a clear view was available however, the front of the vehicle was now in the middle of the roadway.

Similar issues are present at the Passaic exit, Butler west 52 exit and others around the area, leading many to question exactly why the crown of the bridge presents such a hazard. It is known that some local overpasses have been modified to lower the side rails, but in the case seen here, it will not offer much help.

Louisburg, Kansas had the same issue several years ago and the answer came in the form of installing a stoplight at the intersection.

Limited sight distance is not the only problem facing motorists on overpasses; a recent citizen audit found that an astounding amount of those exiting the highway at Butler will slow, but not make a full stop before entering the intersection.

While an expensive proposition possibly MoDot, working with the city of Butler, will consider installing a stoplight or take other measures to help alleviate the issues.

Copyright Mid America Live News

Photo #2 - front end of vehicle even with roadway

Photo #3 - A clearer view however. front of vehicle is in the middle of the roadway

#MidAmericaLive

First responder BBQ location moved to Bates County Elks Lodge

This event has been moved to the Bates County Elks lodge, please help spread the word and thank you!

.


#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Karen Whalen

Karen Sue Whalen, 71, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Crown Care in Harrisonville. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with a visitation starting 11:00 AM, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. Burial in Oakland Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Anna Swanson

Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). Funeral services will follow Saturday at 2:00 pm also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Double Branch Christian Church or the Butler Public Library. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Anna LaDonne Mannering Swanson was born December 12, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to James and Wanita Goddard Mannering. She grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from high school. On June 15, 1956 Anna was united in marriage to Harry John Swanson. They were married until his passing in 2022. This year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Anna’s first love was her family, and looked forward to all gatherings for family dinners and holidays. She also enjoyed planting flowers and reading books.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry John Swanson, one sister, Erma Duchein, son-in-law Tim Ridley, and granddaughter Amanda Ridley. She is survived by her daughter, Mindy Ridley of Eldorado Springs, MO., son, James Swanson and wife Judith of Clinton, MO., granddaughter, Virginia Richter and Michael Gerean, along with three great-grandchildren, Ezra, Raymond, and Maylee, all of Butler, MO.

Anna will be dearly missed and forever loved by her children, granddaughter, great-grandchildren, friends, extended family members, and all who knew her.

#MidAmericaLive