Obituary - Vicky Jane Cumpton

Vicky Jane Cumpton, the daughter of Eugene and LuAnn Newcomb, was born on January 15, 1957; and after receiving her heavenly body, leapt into the arms of her Savior on June 22, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Little Sister to Genia, and big sister to Ron and Francy.

On May 6 1977 she married Allen Cumpton and from this union she became “Momma” to Tonya, Afton, Larry and Tyler. She was also Momma Vic to so many, resetting souls with a meal and a hug.

Vicky had several careers in her life. Working at Bates County Hospital; in the time of CB handles she had the name of “Bed Pan Annie”. Many years as the manager at Taco Johns. At Head Start she was a Family Care Advocate where she passionately worked alongside parents and high-level executives in the organization to create change, even going to Washington D.C to represent her local Missouri Chapter. Also, being the church and Christian school secretary, she mentored and loved all who needed prayer and that “pick me up” talk that she was so good at with all of us.

Her most beloved job was that of Mom, Nana, Momma Vic and Aunt Vic. The love she had for others was immense and will be felt forever. The calm in the chaos, always knowing the right thing to say; she seemed to “fix” everything. Vicky had a way of making everyone feel special. The epitome of unconditional love; she has received her earthly parade of countless visitors and the amazing memories and things said about her. A non-judgmental woman always having an ear when needed. A shoulder to cry on, the best secret keeper, and a true confidant. Always being there and loving her siblings, in-laws, children, extra children, church kids, grand babies, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steadfast to her faith, Vicky praised the Lord to the last moments of her life, while we played and sang her favorite gospel songs. While all that knew her mourn her loss deeply, we celebrate her life and riches in Heaven. Greeted on the golden streets by so many family and friends.

There is a hot pot of coffee waiting and the biggest kitchen table.

Vicky is preceded in death by her parents Eugene and LuAnn Newcomb, sister Genia Denzer and brother-in-law John, mother and father-in-law Lloyd and Delores Cumpton, brother-in-law Larry Cumpton, and grandson Hunter Cumpton (who she is rocking and singing Bye-o, bye-o, bye-o baby to)

She is survived by her husband Allen Cumpton (Rich Hill, MO), daughter Tonya Gilkey and husband Nick (Rich Hill), daughter Afton Becker (Harrisonville, MO), son Larry Cumpton and wife Ashley (Rich Hill), Tyler Cumpton and wife Samantha (Rich Hill), sister Francy White and husband Greg (Harrisonville), brother Ron Newcomb and wife Jan (Rich Hill), brothers-and sisters-in-law Albert and Annie Cumpton (Rich Hill), Carol and Bob Allen (McCook, NE), Marcus and Lois Cumpton (Urich, MO), Elaine and Claude Sturm (Freeman, MO), her grandbabies, Tori, Gabe, Michaela, Bryndlyn, Ally, Donna, Matthew and Kaden, and so many nieces and nephews, adopted kids and grandbabies.

What a Day that will be, when our Jesus we shall see. 

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - James Robert Quinn, Jr.

Mr. Quinn was born November 13, 1976 in Kansas City, Kansas and departed this life on June 23, 2026 in Appleton City, Missouri.  No service is planned at this time.

Courtesy Hill & Son Funeral Home


#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Hiram "Glenn" Gooch, Jr

Hiram "Glenn" Gooch Jr., age 89, was born on his mother's birthday April 22, 1937 in Parsons, Kansas.He was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church of Appleton City. He passed from this life to his forever eternity on June 17, 2026 surrounded by a special grandson Lamar Clark (Oregon) whom he considered his very own and his step-daughter Brenice Ferguson. He was under the care of Tranquility House Hospice unit at the VA Medical Center.

He was the beloved husband of Dr. Eleanor Gooch who never left his side for 49 years.

He was the son of the late Hiram Glenn Gooch Sr. and Velma Oza Myers Gooch. He was preceded in death by his brother Eugene Ray Gooch and brother-in-law Norman Keith Elmore.

Fond memories will be cherished by his sister, Mary Anne Elmore (Missouri), sister-in-law Sylvia Harmon (Maryland), nieces Dana Clark, her husband Dave Clark, with their children Grace, Conner, and Jackson (California); Karen Gooch Andrews, her husband Rev. Russell Andrews, children Eli and Mariana (Missouri). Special niece Blanche Cook (Martinsburg). Step-children Francine Anderson, Brenice Ferguson, and Edward Ferguson; 12 step-grandchildren and 17 step- great grand children. A special granddaughter Nikki Lincoln (Martinsburg), who he loved dearly.

He graduated from Appleton City High School and the University of Missouri where he obtained a Masters of Science Degree in social work. He was a lifetime member of the NRA as well as a member of SASS.

Glenn served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Key West, Florida. During his military service, he also served as part of the military police, carrying out his duties with discipline and integrity. His time in uniform reflected the same sense of responsibility and calm resolve that would later define his professional life.

Following his military service, Glenn devoted 47 years of his career to the Martinsburg VAMC, where he worked as a social worker helping veterans. He was especially dedicated to those struggling with combat stress. He approached work with compassion, patience, and understanding. He was licensed in REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), based on the Albert Ellis theory. He published an article in RET Medical Journal an how to apply RET to marital therapy. He applied his knowledge and experience to support countless veterans through difficult seasons of life. His colleagues and the many people he served knew him as a man of wisdom, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

Outside of his professional life, Glenn had a wide range of interest that reflected both his spirited personality and his appreciation for tradition. He was a gun enthusiast and an action shooter known by the alias "Hardrock Hiram". He was also an avid baker known for his cookies and cakes. He loved westerns and enjoyed attending western reenactments with his wife Eleanor. These interests brought him joy and gave him opportunities to share memorable experiences with those closest to him.

Those who knew Glenn will remember him a a gentle and intelligent man whose presence brought reassurance and warmth. He carried himself with humility and purpose and left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was one of service, loyalty, and love. His legacy will continue through the family and the many lives he touched.

Glenn's passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those that loved him, but his memory will remain a source of comfort and pride. He will be remembered for not only what he accomplished, but also for the kindness, steadiness, and devotion he brought to every part of his life.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg, West Virginia with Rev. Dr. Michael Norris officiating.

Internment will be at Appleton City Cemetery in Appleton City, MO. on July 7. 2026 at 1:00 PM under the direction of Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Missouri.

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Norma Dooley

Norma "June" Dooley age 87 of Harrisonville, Missouri departed this life Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at her home surrounded by love and family. 

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Clearfork Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri. 

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701. 

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

#MidAmericaLive

Obituary - Mary Welston

Mary Alleen Welston’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. There are no public services scheduled. The family will have a private celebration of life and inurnment at a later time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Contributions to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Mary Alleen Welston, age 81 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, June 20, 2026 at her home surrounded by family. She was born December 25, 1944 to Joseph Dean and Mable E. Lumley Freeman in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Mary is survived by her husband, Wylie Welston of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, Diana Rhodes (Darrell) of Baldwin City, Kansas and Teresa Creek (Ron) of Topeka, Kansas; two step-sons, Bret Welston (Jody) and Brent Welston (Kendra) all of Butler, Missouri; one step-daughter, Becki Berwald of Butler, Missouri; two sisters, Margie Baston of Lawrence, Kansas and Minnie Klebenstein of Lecompton, Kansas; two brothers, Charles Freeman of Napoleon, Missouri and Cashel Hyatt of Lawrence, Kansas; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mable Freeman; one brother, Herschel Freeman; and one grandson, Kyle Schmidt.
#MidAmericaLive

Notice from the city of Rich Hill

.


#MidAmericaLive

Donation will help outfitting BCSO rescue watercraft

We would like to thank American Dreams Spray Foam (Blake Talley: Owner) for his generous donation of a large capacity fuel cell and boat fenders to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office Water Search and Rescue.

We are thankful for community members and businesses supporting our agency, so we are prepared to help those in need!

Courtesy Bates County Sheriff's Office

#MidAmericaLive

La Cygne police department striving to make improvements

To the La Cygne Community,

Over the past two years, your police department has worked diligently to strengthen and modernize public safety services while remaining committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and professional policing.

One of our first goals was creating a professional identity that is uniquely La Cygne. Today, our officers wear uniforms that are readily recognizable within our community, featuring our distinctive gray and black color scheme and La Cygne patches. Our patrol vehicles follow that same philosophy, proudly displaying our Swan insignia and providing a professional, highly visible presence throughout the city.

We understand that every dollar we spend comes from our taxpayers. With property taxes and municipal budgets often being topics of discussion, we have made it a priority to be responsible stewards of public funds. Between 2024 and 2026, we purchased three pre-owned patrol vehicles to replace aging equipment and improve reliability. By carefully selecting vehicles that were already largely equipped for police service, we were able to obtain all three for less than the cost of a single new patrol vehicle.

We also updated our duty sidearms through the purchase of quality pre-owned firearms while securing excellent trade-in values for our previous weapons. The total cost to the department was only $52, which was fully absorbed within our existing budget and required no additional taxpayer funding. Likewise, our holsters were replaced at no cost thanks to a donation from a neighboring law enforcement agency.

Technology is another area where we sought improvements without unnecessary spending. Much of the in-car technology had not been updated since its original implementation in 2018. Rather than purchasing all new equipment, we acquired refurbished laptops, vehicle mounts, and smart docking stations. These upgrades provide officers with improved access to information during traffic stops, calls for service, and criminal investigations while significantly reducing costs.

In addition to careful budgeting, we have successfully secured more than $60,000 in grant funding to purchase equipment and resources that may otherwise have required substantial budgeting. Every grant dollar received is a dollar that does not have to come from taxpayers.

Fiscal responsibility extends beyond equipment purchases. We have continuously evaluated call volumes, response times, and service demands to ensure officer staffing levels appropriately match community needs. This approach helps reduce unnecessary overtime and callbacks while also recognizing that officer wellness and family life are critical to long-term retention and sustainability. In addition to, lowering general spending amounts budgeted and fully maintaining control and responsibility over the budget entirely.

Operationally, we have continued our High Visibility Patrol efforts, which have proven effective in reducing opportunities for theft and property crimes. Through proactive policing and diligent investigative work, the department has consistently maintained clearance rates in the upper 80 to 90 percent range.

Our proactive efforts have also contributed to increased enforcement of what are often classified as "society crimes," including traffic violations, city code violations, alcohol offenses, and drug-related offenses. Not every enforcement action results in criminal charges or punitive measures; whenever possible, we strive to educate, correct behavior, and prevent future violations before they become larger issues.

Everything we have accomplished has been guided by our department motto: Transparency. Ethics. Professionalism.

These are not simply words on a letterhead. They are principles that guide our decisions, shape our interactions, and define how we serve the citizens of La Cygne.

From the Chief: As I reflect on my two-year anniversary with the La Cygne Police Department, and my first stint as a Chief of Police, I want to personally thank the community for your support, patience, and trust. We have experienced our share of growing pains, learned from one another, and adapted our services to better meet the needs of our community. Additionally, thank you to the officers who have bought in, invested in this department and community, and make it all possible.

While there is always more work to do, I am proud of how far we have come together.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving La Cygne.

#MidAmericaLive