Barton County deputies make three arrests, recover stolen car, firearm

(From the Barton County Sheriff's Office)

On November 6th, 2024, the Barton County Sheriff's Office found a vehicle around NW 176th LN and NW 34th believed to be stolen from Crawford County. Deputies investigated the suspicious vehicle and discovered it was confirmed stolen from Crawford County. 

As Deputies continued their investigation, they discovered the vehicle was used in a theft, where it was later reported, approximately 80 solar panels were stolen along with other items as well. Between the vehicle, solar panels, and other items the estimated value totaled approximately $40,000. 

Deputies were able to find the owner of the items and will be released later once the investigation is complete.

 
Based on the information received and the recovery of the stolen items listed above, Sgt. Luce with the Barton County Sheriff's Office applied for three separate search warrants for three different properties that were believed to be involved in the recent thefts. It was also learned there were other items stolen from the theft believed to be on these properties.

 
On November 11th, 2024 (Veterans Day), the Barton County Prosecutor assisted the Sheriff’s Office by filing the search warrants. On the same day, Judge Nichols granted the search warrants, and they were executed on the same day and into the night.

 
Deputies first went to a residence on 33rd RD in Burgess, MO, where Mackenzie Jenkins (32) resides. Once on scene Jenkins attempted to escape by exiting the window of the camper he was living in. This was no match for our deputies as they greeted him outside and took him into custody without incident. Deputies began searching the location and were able to locate numerous stolen items. These items were seized and placed into evidence. 

Jenkins was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail.

 
Deputies then moved to a residence across the road on NW 176th Ln Burgess, MO. Deputies found more stolen items reported with Barton County and other agencies. Deputies seized the items and placed them into evidence. Between the items at Jenkins and the additional properties, the estimated value was about $50,000.

 
While on scene of the search warrant being executed on NW176th Ln, a dark colored F-150 pulled on to the property and a male exited the passenger side of the vehicle. Deputies recognized the male as Christopher Martinez (47).

Due to the search warrant that covers late arriving guests, Martinez was detained at that time. The driver identified as Timothy Adams (29), who was driving, was also detained. After a quick search of the license plate and VIN of the truck it was determined the vehicle was stolen out of Joplin, Mo on November 10th, 2024. 

Adams was arrested at that time. Deputies searched the vehicle and located two firearms with one being confirmed stolen. The Stolen pistol was part of a burglary/theft in Oklahoma where 160+ guns were stolen.

 
All three subjects were arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail for processing and were placed on a 24hr Hold for Investigation.

 
On November 12th, 2024, Prosecuting Attorney Mike Smalley filed the following charges on Mackenzie Jenkins, Christopher Martinez, and Timothy Adams:

Mackenzie Jenkins: Receiving Stolen Property and Tampering with Motor Vehicle 1st

Christopher Martinez: Receiving Stolen Property and Unlawful possession of firearm

Timothy Adams: Tampering with Motor Vehicle 1st. and Unlawful Possession of Firearm

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Joplin Police Department searching for missing woman

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is asking for assistance from the public in trying to locate a missing person.

Susan C. Grieb, age 45, was reported as missing to JPD on November 11th. 

Grieb is described as a white female, 5'06", approximately 200 lbs, hazel eyes and brown hair.

 Greib is supposed to be driving a maroon 2005 Ford Taurus with Missouri license plate CR8R3L. 

If you have any information concerning her whereabouts, we ask that you please contact your local law enforcement agency or Detective Corporal Rusty Comer at 417-623-3131 x1637.

Joplin man killed in train-dump truck collision

A Joplin man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 8:19 a.m. today on Lime Kiln Drive near Hector Lane, five miles north of Neosho.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Peterbilt dump truck driven by a 62-year-old Joplin man, traveled onto the railroad track into the path of a Kansas City Southern train car driven by a 21-year-old Pittsburg, Kansas man and was struck in the side.

Dr. Veer at Freeman West Hospital pronounced the Joplin man dead at 10:09 a.m.

The fatality was the 100th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Under the Highway Patrol's new policy, it does not identify anyone who is in an accident.

Highway Patrol Arrests November 19-20

Brent M. Ullman, 29, Stockton, driving while intoxicated (drugs), failed to maintain right half of roadway resulting in an accident

Jimmy F. Hall, 53, Stella, driving while intoxicated

Nicole R. Freyermuth, 31, Nevada City, California, driving while intoxicated, failure to yield, no valid license, no valid plates

 

Holiday Open House planned at George Washington Carver National Monument

(From George Washington Carver National Monument)

The annual Holiday Open House at George Washington Carver National Monument is set for Saturday, December 14th from 1-3 p.m. Bring the entire family to this free event! Stop by to meet park staff and volunteers and enjoy the festive atmosphere, with seasonal refreshments, and live music.

A special exhibit of George Washington Carver’s original, handmade Christmas cards will be on display. Read his personal greetings to friends and enjoy his artwork. There will be make-and-take ornament stations where you can create your own holiday greeting cards, rag dolls, aromatic pomanders, pine cone bird feeders, and paper ornaments.

Local musicians Robin’s Hood return to Holiday Open House! Be sure to catch their show, a blend of jazzy renditions of holiday favorites and a few of their original compositions. Stay all day for a picnic, take a walk along the trail, enjoy the museum exhibits, help the kids earn a Junior Ranger badge, or watch the excellent film, Struggle and Triumph – The Legacy of George Washington Carver, showing in the theater throughout the day.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver - scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office searching for missing teen

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

MISSING PERSON

Matthew Kates was last seen in the area of Gateway Drive and Spurgeon Road, south of Joplin. It is unknown what he is wearing. He does wear glasses and possibly had a backpack with him. Was last seen at 10:15PM on 11/18/2024. Possibly in the City of Joplin, MO area.

Updates will be posted as we get them.

We encourage anyone with information to contact our dispatch center at 417-451-8333.

Highway Patrol Arrests November 18-19

Harold R. Currier, 65, Purcell, driving while intoxicated (drugs), failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident, no insurance

Richard A. Leffingwell, 30, Springfield, felony parole violation- receiving stolen property and drivieng while revoked

Crystal N. Brownlow, 30, Willard, driving while intoxicated, no valid license plates, illegal u-turn

William R. Dowden, 78, Lowry City, felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, failed to maintain a single lane