Jesse Cowley earns paramedic certification

Bates County Memorial Hospital is proud to congratulate Jesse Cowley on earning his Missouri paramedic license after graduating from the Johnson County Ambulance District (JCAD) Paramedic Program, Cohort 10. Jesse graduated on June 12, 2026, earned his National Registry Paramedic certification on July 11, and became a fully licensed Missouri paramedic on July 13.

A Bates County native, Jesse was born at BCMH and has spent most of his life in Rich Hill, where he also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Rich Hill Fire Department. He joined the BCMH Ambulance Department as an EMT in 2024 after completing his EMT education and quickly demonstrated a commitment to continuing his education and advancing his career.

Jesse completed his paramedic education through BCMH's Paramedic Scholarship Program while continuing to serve patients as a member of the BCMH Ambulance Department. The program helps develop local EMS professionals and strengthen emergency medical services throughout Bates County.

Reflecting on his decision to continue his education, Jesse said, "I want to be there and treat patients how I would want other providers to be there for my family. To do so, I have to continue to learn and train and become the best that I can be."

Kristina Anderson, Director of Human Resources, said, "Jesse's achievement is one we're incredibly proud to celebrate. Supporting employees who want to grow their careers while continuing to serve the communities they call home is exactly why we created our Paramedic Scholarship Program. By investing in our own EMTs, we're not only helping them achieve their professional goals, but also strengthening EMS services for the patients and rural communities who depend on us every day."

Jesse is one of several EMTs who have advanced their careers through BCMH's Paramedic Scholarship Program, an investment in growing the hospital's future EMS workforce.

BCMH congratulates Jesse on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the continued impact he will make serving patients and communities throughout Bates County as a paramedic.

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Obituary - David Jackson Swearingen

David Jackson Swearingen, businessman, devoted family man, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.

David was born on January 12, 1943, in Nevada, Missouri, to John Wallace "Jack" Swearingen and Josephine Jackson Swearingen. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1961, where he excelled both academically and athletically, participating in basketball, baseball, and football.

He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Pittsburg State University in 1965, where he was also a member of the golf team. Following graduation, David joined First National Bank, working alongside his father and brother in the family-owned business. Over the course of nearly six decades, he served in many leadership roles before retiring in 2022 as President and Chief Executive Officer.

David found tremendous joy in working alongside his sons, and his career was defined by hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He treated his employees like family and earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, customers, and friends through his mentorship, fairness, and steady leadership.

A lifelong resident of Nevada, David deeply loved his hometown and believed in giving back to the community that had given so much to him. He served on numerous civic committees and boards and was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. His philanthropic efforts supported the Nevada R-5 School District through awarding scholarships for graduating seniors, youth sports programs, and the Vernon County Youth Fair.

Above all, David's greatest joy was his family. He shared 38 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Susan, building a life together founded on love, partnership, and mutual respect. They treasured traveling together and created many lasting memories on their adventures. David also enjoyed golfing, reading, and, perhaps most of all, cheering on his sons and later his grandchildren at countless sporting events. He rarely missed an opportunity to be in the stands, proudly supporting the people he loved most.

David is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Susan; his sons, Matthew Ingle Swearingen and his wife, Joyce, and Joseph Wooddy Swearingen and his wife, Sarah, all of Nevada, Missouri. He was the proud grandfather of Jadyn Mattie Francis and her husband, Alex; Carter Jackson Swearingen; Owen Wooddy Swearingen; Clara Louise Swearingen; and Lucille Margaret Swearingen. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Jeffrey Joseph Francis. In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Ron Mordy, and several beloved nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wallace "Jack" and Josephine Jackson Swearingen; his brother, Hinton Wooddy Swearingen; his sister-in-law, Virginia Swearingen; his sister, Margaret Swearingen Mordy; and his son, Jeffrey Jackson Swearingen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Nevada with Pastor Jeff Robinson and Pastor Bill Platt officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

David will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, generous spirit, quiet leadership, and steadfast devotion to his family and his community. Those wishing to honor David’s memory may make memorial contributions to the Nevada R-5 Foundation, Moore Few Care Center or St. Croix Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.  

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Obituary - Gary Pitt

Gary M. Pitt age 89 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at his home in Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Cremation with no services scheduled. 

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

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Obituary - Wanda Lee Culpepper

Wanda Lee Culpepper, 94, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO, with the visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Croix Hospice.

A full obituary will be posted when it is available.


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Hume Fair and Rodeo Queen candidate: Alatna Snyder

Hi! My name is Alatna Snyder and I am so excited to be running for Hume Rodeo Queen! I am 16 years old and will be starting my junior year of high school at Nevada High School in August! I love to play both beach and indoor volleyball with my friends! At school I participate in National Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Varsity Volleyball. I am exploring the idea of veterinary school because of my love for animals. While participating in these activities I have learned skills of leadership, communication, discipline, and perseverance. My family has been beside me for everything and I am incredibly grateful for them and what they have done for me, including making me become the person I am today!

I have been attending the Hume Fair and Rodeo since I was 4 years old, it has became apart of my life ever since. I would love to be your queen because I am outgoing, personable, and charismatic. I have always looked up to past winners, and I would love to be a role model to all of the younger girls who attend the rodeo!

I am selling rodeo and colt tickets, and would be so grateful if you would buy a ticket for me! You can contact me by calling or messaging (417) 684-7260 or by emailing alsnyder17@icloud.com! Thank you!

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Hume Fair and Rodeo Queen candidate: Hailey Olive

Hello! My name is Hailey Olive and I am proud to announce I am running for 2026 Hume Fair and Rodeo Queen!! I am the 15 year old daughter of Chandler and Mary Ann Olive. I am the second of four girls. I live here in Hume, MO and I will be a sophomore this coming school year! I have grown up attending and loving the fair and rodeo every year and I am honored to get to represent this amazing little town!

If you’d like to buy rodeo or colt tickets from me, you can contact me at 913-295-0735 or 660-464-0370. Thank you for your support!

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Hume Fair and Rodeo Queen candidate: Kaylee Shryer

Hi! My name is Kaylee Shryer, and I’m running for Hume Rodeo Queen! Hume is my hometown and holds a special place in my heart, so I’d love to represent our wonderful community! I’m headed to Cottey College this fall to continue my journey as an educator! I’m also a member of the competitive cheer team at Cottey! Im a very big hearted person, involving myself in a variety of community activities, including the Annual 5k, Annual Chili Cook-Off, and many other events! Your support helps more things than you know, and I’d love to be your 2026 Hume Rodeo Queen!

Adult Entry Tickets: $12

Child Entry Tickets: $4

Colt Tickets: $1

You can contact me here, or at 660-464-3326!

Thank you so much

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