Joplin Police Department warns of Facebook Marketplace rent scam

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is seeing an increase in scams involving homes for rent being posted on Facebook Marketplace.

The posts have contact information and victims are contacting the suspects about the rental properties. The victims then send money for deposits before seeing the property in person or meeting with the suspect who posted the property for rent.

After receiving the payment through Chime, CashApp and other apps, the suspect agrees to meet the victim to give them keys to the property and never shows up. The suspect then deletes the post on Marketplace and does not respond to the victim. The suspects use fake names and internet generated phone numbers making it difficult for detectives to identify the suspect.

The Joplin Police Department would like to advise the public not to send money or any form of payment when finding properties for rent or items for sale until everything can be verified to be legitimate. Any reasonable person should not be asking for payment up front before something can be seen in person. If someone asks for payment before something can be verified as legitimate it is likely a SCAM and should be avoided.

Highway Patrol Arrests April 4-5

Kevin Williams, 62, Kansas City, Kansas, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, unlawful use of a weapon

Gabe W. Studdard, 40, Shell Knob, driving while intoxicated involving a commercial vehicle, no valid license

Alex M. Paez Shamburger, 24, Nixa, driving while intoxicated, equipment violation, speeding

Chayce R. Sleep, 23, Webb City, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway

Autum D. Smith, 45, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

William C. Kenney, 41, Webb City, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash

Joel Carbajal, 54, Noel, felony driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Candice L. Smith, 44, Waynesville, driving while intoxicated

Joshua A. Etchison, 49, Galena (MO), driving while intoxicated 

Murphysburg Treasure Hunt set for May 17, $1,000 grand prize

(From Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc.)

 Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. announces an exciting community event to celebrate Historic Preservation Month: The Murphysburg Treasure Hunt, a race to solve riddles, uncover clues, and explore Joplin’s rich history. 

 The event starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025---rain or shine---in the west parking lot of Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street. 

 The event promises to take treasure seekers on an interactive adventure through Joplin’s most iconic locations. 

At the start of the event contestants will receive their first riddle to solve that will lead them to a landmark in Joplin. 

Once they arrive at the correct location, they will find a QR code. Scanning the code will unlock their next clue that will take them further along the treasure trail. The race continues until someone solves all the clues in the correct order and reaches the final destination---thus claiming the $1,000 prize money! 

 “We wanted to create an event that brings people together and showcase the historic treasures of our community,” said Paula Callihan, a representative of Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. “The Murphysburg Treasure Hunt is a fun way to explore Joplin’s past and learn about our boomtown history.” 

The hunt will feature historical sites throughout the city. Each one is tied to significant events and unique stories from Joplin’s early days. The treasure hunt is open to participants of all ages. The entry fee is $25 per person. All registration proceeds will go directly to Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. to support its ongoing work in preserving Joplin’s historic architecture and cultural heritage. 

Sponsored in part by Southwest Missouri Bank. Register online at https://murphysburg.org. People can pay in person on May 17 starting at 9:00 a.m. in the west parking lot behind Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street. For more information, contact Paula Callihan at Murphysburg@gmail.com. 

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

 

Mark Eldon Logan, 54, Carthage, and Dana Lynn Walker, 54, Carthage

Adrian S. Reyes, 23, Webb City, and Anastasia Dawn Martinez, 26, Webb City

Levi Aaron Clark, 39, Carthage, and Alicia Camila Moreno, 30, Carthage

Andrew John Nelson III, 40, Oronogo, and Avery Noelle Andersen, 29, Webb City

Noah Zachary Wood, 26, Joplin, and Maya Kathryn Smith, 26, Joplin

William Antwyone Watson, 52, Carterville, and Carolyne Jean Walker, 49, Carterville

Ricky Lynne Hedrick III, 27, Carthage, and Joy Katherine Marie Aldridge, 27, Carthage

Christopher Michael Dixon, 24, Joplin, and Caleese Marie Ideker, 23, Joplin

Cody Thomas Vogt, 27, Joplin, and Rachel Marie Parker, 28, Joplin

Jesse Wilks McConnell, 31, Carthage, and Rayleine Chelsy Metcalf, 30, Carthage

Jason Arnold Dixon, 52, Carthage, and Miao Miao Nelson, 52, Carthage

William Lee Snow, Jr., 53, Diamond, and Wendy Ann Baker, 51, Diamond

Malicah Paul Hensley, 23, Webb City, and Mikaiela Starr Allison, 22, Joplin

Carlso Augusto Gadelha, 46, Joplin, and Britany Kristin Lima Da Silva, 39, Joplin

Kameron Richard Hoffarth, 35, Webb City, and Madison Shayne Meador, 29, Webb City

Trenton Levi Jones, 24, Joplin, and Shaun Michael Turner, 29, Neosho

Brett Robert Thompson, 21, Webb City, and Jaleigh Elizabeth Hicks, 23, Webb City

Cameron Alexander Do, 30, Carl Junction, and Eduvina Miranda Tafur, 39, Carl Junction

Jereal Kayne Guster, 39, Webb City, and Joeanna Marie West, 36, Webb City

Joshua Douglas Rich, 35, Webb City, and Megan Rose Clark, 34, Webb City

Stormwater improvement work to begin south of Ron Richard Memorial Park

(From the City of Joplin)

Starting Monday, April 7, stormwater improvement work in a small trail area south of Ron Richard Memorial Park and East 15th Street will begin. 

This project is expected to have minimal impact on traffic, although drivers should be alert to the construction access on Southeast Murphy Boulevard, as well as East 15th Street. Residents of the area will continue to have access to their homes.

 

This project will improve the channel running south to north in this green space south of 15th Street and north of Campbell Parkway trails. Improvements to the area will include two rain gardens to the east of the channel, native plantings, and small areas of retaining walls with the new stream embankment.

D&E Construction is the contractor for this $1.3 million project. Funding is through the Parks and Stormwater Sales Tax initiative passed in 2001, renewed by voters in 2011 and 2021, and is partially funded through the City ARPA and Jasper County ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

For questions, contact Kaleb Roberts, Stormwater Engineer, at 417-624-0820, ext. 1520 or kroberts@joplinmo.org.

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Megan N. Fidlin vs. Tyler Fidlin

Bessie J. Parker vs. Daniel Parker

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Paige E. Pogue vs. Codi M. Pogue

Susan M. Nelson vs Donald L. Nelson

Christopher L. Johnson vs. Brittany M. Johnson