Route Z at 171 in Carl Junction to be closed for railroad crossing repairs

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route Z CLOSED in Jasper Co. for RR Crossing Repairs April 2-3

Where: Jasper County Route Z at Missouri Route 171 at Carl Junction

When: Around the clock Thursday-Friday, April 2-3

What: Route Z CLOSED while railroad crews repair damage at crossing following crash Wednesday, April 1

Traffic Impacts

All lanes of Route Z CLOSED at railroad crossing

Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances at either end of the work zone but will not be able to travel through the work zone

No signed detours

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

MSSU student selected for Zeta Tau Alpha leadership post

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) student Jennifer Archer has been selected as one of just 14 Leadership Consultants for Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) for the 2026–2027 academic year, a highly competitive national role focused on leadership development and chapter support.

Archer will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During her time at MSSU, she served two years as ZTA chapter president and made a lasting impact on the organization.

“Being selected as a Zeta Tau Alpha Leadership Consultant is truly an honor,” said Archer. “This organization has poured so much support into my life. It is rewarding to have my hard work be recognized on a national level.”

As a Leadership Consultant, Archer will serve as a full-time representative of the organization, working with collegiate chapters across the country to provide guidance, leadership training, and operational support. Consultants play a critical role in helping chapters reach their full potential through officer education, recruitment strategy, and organizational development.

She added that the role will further strengthen her personal and professional growth. “I cannot wait to meet with members of Zeta Tau Alpha from all over the country and build life-long connections. This experience will be amazing for developing my leadership skills, independence, and communication skills. I am proud to be a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and continue my journey in this organization.”

The position also offers unique professional development opportunities, including extensive travel, hands-on leadership experience, and the chance to collaborate with campus and organizational leaders nationwide.

Archer will begin her new role in July.

Traffic delays expected on I-44 west of Fidelity

 

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Traffic Delays on I-44 in Jasper County Saturday, April 11 for Utility Work

Where: I-44 in Jasper County just west of Fidelity at Exit 18

When: For a short time between 8 p.m., Saturday, April 11 and 6 a.m., Sunday, April 12

What: Traffic slowed in both directions to allow contractor crews to work on a utility line over the interstate

Traffic Impacts

Law enforcement will slowly lead I-44 traffic through the work zone beginning at these locations: 

Westbound I-44 beginning just west of Jasper County Road 100 (Exit 22)
Southbound I-49-to-westbound I-44 on ramp (Exit 46)
Northbound Missouri Route 59-to-westbound I-44 on ramp

Eastbound I-44 at Missouri Route 66 on ramp

Drivers will experience delays while utility crews do their work

No signed detours

Signs and message boards will alert traffic approaching the work zone

Drivers urged to consider alternate routes

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/31/2026 1200 JAMES EDWIN JR

PFEIFER Jr

11068 Norfolk Ln Lot 2

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 53

11068 NORFOLK LN 250.00

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE

03/31/2026 1622 TERRA LYNN GILMOUR

138 Kristi Ln

GOODMAN, MO 64843

WF 41

20000 GATEWAY DR/HIGHWAY AA 100.00

1 ANDERSON PD-DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT

03/31/2026 2113 JASON EDWARD MILLER

11068 Norfolk Ln

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 36

11068- 2 NORFOLK LN 0.00

2 JOPLIN PD TRESPASSING

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 3RD DEGREE 

Cybersecurity risks topic for next Newsmakers program

(From KGCS)

Phones make online shopping, sharing and even banking easier, but they can also put you at risk from scam artists working to steal your identity and money. The best prevention tool is cybersecurity. That’s the focus of the next Newsmakers program.

The Better Business Bureau Regional Director Pamela Hernandez explains why connected devices equals connected risks. She offers a checklist of tips to keep your personal information safe using stronger passwords and app safety. Missouri Southern State University Chief Information Security Officer Gary Dodson talks about online safety measures for those on campus to avoid cyber-attacks and protect sensitive data. 

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning on KGCS-TV April 5 and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS – Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS-TV programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Crowder FBLA students qualify for nationals

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College Future Business Leaders Association students competed in the state competition earlier this month with 14 earning the opportunity to participate at the Nationals in June in Las Vegas.

“We had four students qualify for nationals two years ago, seven students last year, and now we are taking 12 students to the Nationals,” exclaimed Dr. Scott Donaldson, Business Division instructor/FBLA advisor. “That is strong growth, and it shows our students are some of the best in the entire nation!”

Natalie Sarratt was also elected Vice President of Membership for Missouri State FBLA Collegiate. “This is the second year Crowder has a student holding that position,” stated Donaldson.

Students attending the national conference will participate in workshops, networking events, a career fair, and their respective competitions. Results from the state competition are as follows:

Individual competitors:

Seth Russell (Neosho) – 1st place: Foundations of Economics; Impromptu Speaking
Chey Baker Oxford (Neosho) – 2nd place; Foundations of Economics; Organizational Behavior
Chloe Graber (Sarcoxie) – 2nd place: Customer Service
Haley Parker (Grovespring) – 2nd place: Business Communications
Arden Roller (Neosho) – 2nd place: Foundations of Management; 3rd place: Foundations of Hospitality Management; 5th place: Foundations of Communications
Gauge Spier (Neosho) – 2nd place: Foundations of Technology
Kadicey Wells (Stark City) – 2nd place: Business Presentation

Suri Reyes (Webb City) – 3rd place: Job interview
Braxton Wolfe (Fairview) – 3rd place: Public Speaking; 6th place: Sports Management
Pau Khai (Purdy) – 4th place: Supply Chain Management
Natalie Sarratt (Neosho) – 4th place: Business Communications
Holly Vogelpohl (Fairview) – 4th place: Foundations of Digital Design; Foundations of Hospitality Management
Kayla Mallory (Neosho) – 5th place: Foundations of Communications; 5th place – Foundations of Marketing
Leslie Serrano (Monett) – 5th place: Foundations of Accounting
Bridget Andon (Neosho) – 6th place: Foundations of Hospitality Management

Team contests:1st place – Management Case: Andon, Russell, Sarratt, Spier
1st place – Hospitality Case: Graber, Sarratt, Spier
3rd place – Accounting Case: Baker Oxford, Reyes, Serrano

The National FBLA conference will be held June 6-8, in Las Vegas. FBLA is the largest business Career and Technical Student organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps more than 230,000 members in middle school, high school, and college prepare for career in business.

Crowder College FBLA is under the advisement of Business Instructors:
Dr. Scott Donaldson, Dr. Gregory Murdock, and Mr. Jacob Barnes.

 

Crowder debaters make strong showing at Pan Pacific Debate Championship

(From Crowder College)

Two students from Crowder College earned a strong result at the Pan Pacific Debate Championship hosted by Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu.

Seth Russell (Neosho) and Jonathan Tribbey (Goodman) placed 5th overall in British Parliamentary debate, competing against some of the most competitive four-year college programs at the event. Universities from across the United States attended the tournament.

This marked the first time Russell and Tribbey competed in the British Parliamentary format, one of the most demanding styles of collegiate debate. The format requires rapid argument development, strategic teamwork, and adaptation across multiple rounds. The team competed in five rounds earning three second place marks, one third place mark, and one fourth place finish.

“This result shows how quickly these students can grow under pressure,” said Coach Taylor Corlee, Crowder College Speech and Debate Coach. “To place fifth at this level, in a new format, speaks to their work ethic and ability to compete with top programs.”

The team competed March 17–23 during spring break on the island of Oahu. Along with competition, the trip gave students exposure to diverse perspectives and a chance to engage with teams from different regions and backgrounds.

Crowder College continues to build momentum in speech and debate, with students gaining experience at high-level tournaments and bringing those skills back to campus.