FLASHBACK: The store with a smile....and everything else

For over 40 years, Clarence and Celeta Erickson operated Erickson's Store on Main street in Amsterdam offering just about everything from food, household supplies, clothing and more. No need to drive to another town- Erickson's usually had what you needed, along with friendly conversation and a smile.

Updated Obituary - Delmer Lee Vestal

Delmer Lee Vestal

Delmer Lee Vestal, 75, Garden City, Missouri, died Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. A memorial visitation will be held from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 25 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Delmer was born September 15, 1940 in Henry County, Missouri, the son of Roy Ivan and Elizabeth (Elam) Vestal. He grew up in Raytown, Missouri and was a graduate of Raytown High School. He married Nancy Ann Cooper on December 11, 1971. Delmer had worked as a heavy equipment operator for various rock quarries throughout the Kansas City, Missouri area. He had also worked for the Veneer Plant in Pleasant Hill, Missouri for 15 years.

Delmer was an avid outdoors man. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; he liked to mow, garden, and grow flowers. He collected and restored small antique engines and often displayed his engines at various shows. Delmer and Nancy took road trips every day, anywhere from an hour trip to an all-day trip. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and always had company in the garage. The love of the outdoors continued with his daughter and family, with weenie roasts, hiking on the railroad tracks and playing in the ponds and creeks on the farm. His family was very important to Delmer and he made weekly visits to his daughter, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter. Delmer is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home; one daughter, Cindy Bunch (Steve), Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one brother, Melvin Vestal (Lorraine), Boston, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Shelby and Olivia (Doug) and one great-granddaughter, Gabriella.

Update from the Clinton School District

The Clinton School District would like to take this opportunity to address many questions regarding the upcoming public hearing for a teacher:

The hearing will take place on February 24th, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Clinton Middle School Media Center where all Board of Education meetings are held. This hearing is open to the public, and the hearing is at the request of the teacher pursuant to the Teacher Tenure Act. The Board of Education will be presiding over the hearing. While the public is allowed to attend the hearing, only those individuals called as witnesses will have an opportunity to speak pursuant Revised Statutes of Missouri and Board of Education Policy. Capacity of the Media Center for participants and observers is 72. Doors to the Media Center open at 1:30 p.m. Parking is available in the Cardinal Stadium parking lot. The Board of Education requests that those attending the hearing be respectful of student learning as classes will be in session.

A stenographer will be present and will make a written record of these proceedings. Each side will call witnesses and the Board will hear the testimony of the witnesses. Copies of the transcript will be made available to both parties within 10 days of this hearing. The Board of Education will render a decision within 7 days after receiving the transcripts. The Board of Education then has 3 days to provide the teacher who requested the hearing with the decision.

Stephanie Harp

Administrative Assistant

Board of Education Secretary

Clinton School District

701 S. 8th Street

Clinton, MO 64735

Phone: 660-885-2237 ext. 2135

Fax: 660-885-7033

UPDATE: Southwest Missouri woman arrested for ISIS linked threats

BUFFALO, Mo.The U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri charged Safya Roe Yassin, 38, with communicating threats of violence over the internet. Authorities searched her home in Buffalo, Missouri on Thursday as part of their investigation. Buffalo is a small town about 40 minutes north of Springfield.

U.S. attorneys allege in August of last year, Yassin posted a tweet with the names, home addresses and phone numbers of two FBI agents with the words "wanted to kill." Authorities say that threat emerged from an account associated with ISIS. Investigators discovered several of Yassin's Twitter accounts and found the social networking service suspended some of them.

"The FBI went through both the back and front door with battering rams. Some people thought they heard gunshots, but it wasn't gunshots. It was the battering rams. Stuff like that happens in the big city, but we didn't expect that to happen here in a 3,000 population town," said Jeffery Melhorn, neighbor.

Yassin remains in federal custody. She's scheduled for a detention hearing in Springfield on Tuesday.

Copyright 2016 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.

Several Minors in possession of alcohol cases in St. Clair County

During the last month St. Clair County deputies have investigated several incidents related to minors in possession (MIP) of alcohol.

In the evening hours on Jan. 22, St. Clair County deputies conducted a traffic stop for a lane violation on Route P, Appleton City. The investigation led to two individuals being taken into custody for MIP, one of which was also taken into custody for driving while intoxicated. The individuals were later released and formal charges are pending. 

In the early morning hours on Jan. 28, St. Clair County deputies were patrolling the Appleton City Cemetery on NW 1000 Road and located a vehicle with a female sleeping in the driver’s seat. The investigation revealed the female was 17-years old and had an open container of alcohol in the cup holder beside her. After waking the female a test was administered and it indicated a positive presence of alcohol on her breath. The female explained she was at the cemetery with two friends, but she “passed out” shortly after arriving. The female was taken into custody for MIP and later released pending a formal charge.

Later the same morning, two 17-year old male individuals contacted the sheriff’s office to report they were responsible for purchasing the alcohol. They admitted to running and hiding when they saw the patrol car enter the cemetery. A test was administered and it indicated a positive presence of alcohol on both individual’s breath. The two males were taken into custody and later released pending formal charges.

On Feb. 3, a St. Clair County deputy received information regarding underage individuals drinking and driving in the Appleton City area. A traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle with a brake light out near 52 Highway. A check of the vehicle revealed the same three minor individuals from an incident on Jan. 28 were inside the vehicle. The investigation resulted in the three individuals being taken into custody for MIP-visibly intoxicated. The three individuals were later released pending formal charges.

On February 6, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle near Highway 54 with three passengers inside. The investigation led to three individuals, two males and one female, being taken into custody for MIP. One of the individuals was also taken into custody for driving while intoxicated. The three individuals were later released pending formal charges.

On Feb. 16, Cole Creek, 20, Stockton, was charged with an unclassified misdemeanor of possession of liquor by a minor. The charge stems from an incident during the late night hours of Jan. 29 when a St. Clair County deputy conducted a traffic stop on SE 550 Road, Collins. During the investigation a partial case of beer was located in Creek’s vehicle and a test was administered and it indicated a positive presence of alcohol on his breath. Creek was issued a citation for minor in possession of alcohol and released to his mother.

Ownership changes coming for two Butler businesses

Spring is coming... and so are some changes at two popular Butler businesses. It was recently announced that Murray's Auto Repair is relocating to the current Don's Tire location on March 1st. The Murray's are looking forward to the increased work space which will afford a shorter wait for customers, plus tires and wheel alignment will be added to the list of offerings. Don Malan will continue to operate his tow/recovery business.


It was also made public that popular uptown restaurant Southside Cafe will also be under new ownership soon. Owners Randy and Diane Weiss, after a long and successful run, will be handing over the keys to new owners Rodger Koehn and Brandon Conger on March 1st. Koehn and Conger plan a few changes for the establishment, including the offering of alcoholic beverages.

Mid America Live will be providing more information in the near future as it becomes available.

More stolen property recovered in Garden City storage unit burglaries

Officers of the Garden City Police Department recover more stolen property from multiple storage unit burglaries.

At about 10:00 this morning officers of the Garden City Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block Main Street and recovered property that had been reported as stolen earlier this month from a storage unit also located on Main Street

The occupants of the residence were cooperative and the suspect in the burglary is being held in the Cass County Jail on multiple charges.

Mid America Live News will update this when more information is made available to us.

Hume Community News 2/16/16

Congratulations to Lady Hornets Bhrett Mumma and Megan Sutcliffe, who have both reached 1,000 points in Hume Hornet Basketball this season. Bhrett reached hers in January and Megan reached hers in the GVVC Conference Championship Friday night in Sheldon on her birthday! The Lady Hornets captured 1st place in the tournament and the Hume Hornet boys won third. Congratulations to all! 

On Saturday February 13 a celebration was held at Sister’s & Friends café in honor of Valentine’s and Kaylee Hawks birthday. Those attending were Kaylee Hawks and her boyfriend Phil, Kaycee Hawks and boyfriend Austin, Jodi Bond, Travis Prichett and son, Don Hawks, Mark Hawks, Lisa Stewart, Joseph & Samantha Lyons, Jameson and Jackson. They all enjoyed a great evening. 

Little Mr. Barrett Irwin celebrated his 1st birthday on Sunday, February 14 at the Hume Legion Hall. A host of family and friends enjoyed watching Mr. Barrett eating his Minion Cake and opening a ton of presents. The party was hosted by his parents, Clinton and Jessica Irwin. 

The Methodist Men did a fantastic job as usual at the Annual Sweetheart Dinner on Sunday evening. After the dinner everyone enjoyed the inspirational duo of Alan and Brenda Black. If you ever get a chance to hear them I would highly recommend you go see them. 

Don’t forget the Revival at the Hume Christian Church on February 28 at 11:00 a.m. and 7 p.m. and then thru March 2 at 7:00 p.m. nightly. Come and enjoy Rock Solid Ministries Evangelist Greg Strickland. For more information contact Pastor Ed Sneed at 660-643-7448.

Open Mic Night at the Pennell in Butler

Looking for something to do in Butler this Wednesday Night? 

Would you like to Eat some great food, play some music, and meet some new people? 

There will be a full band to jam with or just play by yourself. 

If you have a band, here is a good chance to get your foot in the door of a rare venue. 

This historic hotel located at 102 W Ohio St, in Butler, Missouri is an amazing backdrop for live music and the tall ceilings and interesting architecture makes for an incredible sound. 

Bring your instrument and your appetite! The Pennell is the place to be this Wednesday 2/17/16  at 7pm.

Butler Police Department Activity Report 2/8 - 2/14 - 2016

02/08/2016 
Property damage report
Medical assist 300 block of N Havanna
Accident W-52 Sunset
Medical assist 100 block of S Havanna
Disturbance Hospital parking lot
Alarm 1100 block of W Ft Scott

02/09/2016 
Animal complaint 200 block of E Ft Scott
Animal complaint 200 block of S Mechanic
Medical assist 100 block of S HAvanna
Alarm 1100 block of W Ft Scott

02/10/2016 
Warrant service Conoco
Medical assist 17 S Havanna
Well being check 600 block of Park St
Open Door S Bus 52

02/11/2016 
Alarm 1100 block of W Ft Scott
Alarm 700 block of Country Club
Well being check 300 block of S Main
911 hang up High School
Animal complaint Cedar Lane
Medical assist 600 block of W Park
Disturbance call 100 block of S Fulton
Alarm 400 block of S Fulton
Noise complaint 800 block of N Havanna

02/12/2016 
Noise complaint 800 block of N Havanna
Accident Orange and Ft Scott
Accident S Bus 49 and nursery
Animal complaint 300 W Vine
AAssault Boy Scout Park
Medical assist S Havanna
Warrant service


02/13/2016 
Medical assist Chestnut and Broadway
Animal complaint 100 block of S High
Leave without pay Casey’s on Orange St
Animal complaint 500 block of W Harrison
911 call Super 8
Traffic assist Schowengerdt
911 medical assist S Havanna
Alarm 1st community Bank

02/14/2016  
Open door old High School
Assist DFS 300 block of W Ohio
Fight 609 Park
911 cal BCMH
Animal complaint 500 block of W Ft Scott

Obituary - Jim Kochsmeier

Jim Kochsmeier

Memorial/Visitation for Jim Kochsmeier will be Friday, February 12, 2015 from 5-6 p.m. at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. There will be a prayer followed by military honors concluding at 6 p.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Inurnment at later date in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri. Contributions to Heartland Hospice.

Jim Kochsmeier, age 81 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, February 8, 2016 in Butler. He was born July 14, 1934 to John Conrad and Ethel Ona Williams Kochsmeier in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Jim is survived by three stepsons, Robert Todd and Larry Todd, both of Butler, Missouri and Travis Todd of St. Joseph, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Norma Jean Berry and husband Jim of Butler, Missouri and Patsy Yates of Adrian, Missouri; two sisters, Nadine Cunnings of Harrisonville, Missouri and Betty Hicks and husband Bob of Warsaw, Missouri; and 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ethel in 2015; infant stillborn Ethel Rosalie; and stepgrandson Robbie Todd.

Obituary - Robert Larry Boehm

Memorial services for Larry Boehm will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Lynn Valley Community Church. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Robert Larry Boehm, age 77 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, January 8, 2016 at his home in Butler. He was born September 28, 1938 to Howard Isaac and Mamie Florene Howell in Kansas City, Kansas.

Larry is survived by his wife, Glenys June Boehm of Butler, Missouri; two sons, DeWayne Boehm of Amsterdam, Missouri and Rodney Boehm of Amoret, Missouri; one daughter, Kammie Smalley and husband Ronnie of Butler, Missouri; one sister, Marjie Elanie DuBois and husband Terry of Paola, Kansas; and five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Curtis Dale Boehm in 1980.

Bates County Sheriff’s Office Activity Report 2/1 - 2/7 - 2016

 FEBRUARY 1, 2016

BRUSH FIRE – ADRIAN

DISTURBANCE – AMSTERDAM

SPEAK TO OFFICER – URICH

TRAFFIC STOP – BUTLER

SPEAK TO OFFICER – RICH HILL

FEBRUARY 2, 2016

TRAFFIC STOP – AMORET

SPEAK TO OFFICER – ADRIAN

MVA – RICH HILL

CHILD ABUSE – URICH

ASSAULT – RICH HILL

AMBULANCE REQUEST – ROCKVILLE

FEBRUARY 3, 2016

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY – AMORET

TRAFFIC STOP – ADRIAN

CHECK WELL BEING – AMSTERDAM

ALARM – RICH HILL

ANIMAL CALL – ADRIAN

AMNULANCE REQUEST – BUTLER

IDENTITY THEFT – FOSTER

SPEAK TO OFFICER – DREXEL

MVA – PASSAIC

AGENCY ASSIST – BUTLER

FEBRUARY 4, 2016

TRAFFIC STOP – BUTLER

AMBULANCE REQUEST – AMSTERDAM

JUVENILE PROBLEM – AMSTERDAM

AMBULANCE REQUEST – RICH HILL

WARRANT SERVICE – RICH HILL

WARRANT SERVICE – BUTLER

MVA – BUTLER

PROPERTY DAMAGE – BUTLER

FAIL TO YIELD – BUTLER

AMBULANCE REQUEST – BUTLER

FEBRUARY 5, 2016

FAIL TO YIELD – AMORET

DFS ASSIST – AMSTERDAM

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY – RICH HILL

BURGLARY – RICH HILL

CIVIL STAND BY – ADRIAN

CHILD CUSTODY ISSUE – AMSTERDAM

ABANDONED VEHICLE – DREXEL

SPEAK TO OFFICER – AMORET

FEBRUARY 6, 2016

TRAFFIC STOP – ADRIAN

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY – ADRIAN

BRUSH FIRE – DREXEL

BURGLARY – BUTLER

AMBULANCE REQUEST – ADRIAN

CHECK WELL BEING – RICH HILL

BRUSH FIRE – WORLAND

DOMESTIC – ADRIAN

SPEAK TO OFFICER – URICH

CHECK WELL BEING – ADRIAN

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY – ARCHIE

DISTURBANCE – ADRIAN

FEBRUARY 7, 2016

FIRE – BUTLER

TRAFFIC STOP – PASSAIC

CHECK WELL BEING – AMORET

CHILD CUSTODY ISSUE – AMSTERDAM

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY – RICH HILL

SUICIDAL SUBJECT – AMSTERDAM

ANIMAL CALL – AMORET

CIVIL STAND BY – RICH HILL

AMBULANCE REQUEST – BUTLER

ANIMAL CALL – DREXEL

SEXUAL ASSAULT – HUME

Butler Police Department Activity Report 2/1 - 2/7 - 2016

• 02/01/2016 
   Alarm 800 block of Country Club
  Missing person report
  Theft report 800 block of Gregory
  Noise complaint N Main 
   
   
  02/02/2016b 
   Alarm Country Club Theft report 200 block of N Orange Animal complaint 400 block of S Mechanic Open door E Ft Scott Disturbance 6 S Fulton 
  
   
  02/03/2016 Trespassing call Mine St
  Animal complaint 400 block of W Park
  Harassment report 500 block of E Ft Scott
  Traffic assist Schowengerdt
  Medical assist Courtney dr
  Medical assist 100 block of S Delaware
  Walk in theft report
  911 medical Summit St 

02/04/2016
Accident W-52 911 Hang up 100 block of S Main 

Property Damage report 500 block of W Dakota 

Traffic assist Schowengerdt 

Medical assist 700 block of Parkview 

Assist BCSO Disturbance call BCMH

02/05/2016
Shoplifting call Wal-Mart 

Assist DFS 600 block of W Adams 

Well being check Dove Lane 

Warrant service

02/06/2016
Medical assist 200 block of W Clark 

Animal complaint Lyons and Pine 

Medical assist S Havanna 

Medical assist 700 block of Parkview 

Prowler call N Water 

Animal complaint 100 block of N Olive

Obituary - Charles Eugene Banes

Charles Eugene Banes

Charles Eugene Banes, 88, rural Sheldon, MO passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada following an illness of several months. Gene was born on April 5, 1927 in Sheldon to Les G. and Straussie Ethel (Cliffman) Banes. He was united in marriage to Shirley L. Walker on September 6, 1953 in Bronaugh, MO and she survives of the home.

Gene grew up in the Sheldon and Bronaugh area and was a lifelong resident there. He attended school in Bronaugh and graduated from Bronaugh High School Class of 1945. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1945 until 1947, while stationed in Germany. Following his time in the army, Gene returned home where he farmed and raised cattle his whole life. He was a member of the Lamar VFW. Gene was also an avid bird and coon hunter.

In addition to his wife Shirley, survivors include his children, Mike Banes and his wife Kathy, Bronaugh, MO, and Sue Rohrs and her husband Randy, Harrisonville, MO; eight grandchildren, Phil Banes and his wife Sheila, Sheldon, Brent Banes and his wife Ashley, Bronaugh, Kyle (Bubba) Banes and his wife Emily, Sheldon, Genea Stoffer and her husband Travis, Harrisonville, Rashell Fraley, Joplin, Kayla Kildahl and her husband Kevin, Cold Springs, MN, and Reggie Fraley, Cold Springs, MN; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one daughter Teresa Fraley Banes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Tricia Brandt officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon. The family will receive friends from 3-5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Bronaugh High School in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Job Opening in Butler

Obituary - Robert "Bob" A. Croy

Robert "Bob" A. Croy

Robert "Bob" A. Croy age 51 of Garden City, Missouri departed this life Thursday, February 4, 2016 at his home in Garden City.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon R. Croy of the home; a daughter, Cassie Layne Croy, Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Deborah Roetheler, Rogersville, Missouri, Christine Smith, Thomasville, Alabama; other relatives and many friends.

Celebration of Life Visitation will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cass County Cremation Services, Harrisonville, Missouri.

A complete obituary will be posted here as soon as that information becomes available.

Obituary - Fred Ray Orr, Jr.

Fred Ray Orr, Jr., 75, Harrisonville, Missouri died Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. (Cremation to follow).

Fred was born February 17, 1940 in Harrisonville to Fred Ray and Sarah Mae (Brewster) Orr. He was a 1957 graduate of Harrisonville High School. He worked for AT&T in Lee's Summit, Missouri for 17 years and also farmed his own farm. He was an Air Force Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Peculiar, Missouri.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one brother, Samuel J. Orr of Peculiar, Missouri; one sister, Joyce M. Armintrout of Harrisonville, Missouri, and three nieces.

Linn County Kansas police needing help in landfill break in

During the weekend of January 27th 2016 the Linn County Landfill was broken into. Taken was the cash box containing approximately $70 in cash and some checks.

The box was described as light brown metal with a combination lock.

If you have any information about this or any other crimes contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 913-795-2665 or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-471-TIPS.