Agenda posted for Joplin Planning and Zoning Commission meeting

 

Agenda posted for Joplin Arts Commission meeting

 

Joplin Veterans Day Parade set for Saturday

Joplin’s Main Street from 20th to 2nd Streets will be closed Saturday morning, Nov. 7, as the City celebrates Veterans Day with its annual parade.

The parade staging area will be on Main between 15th and 20th Streets. Crews will close those five blocks just before 8 a.m.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will run from 15th to 2nd Streets. Crews will close the parade route just before the eventbegins.

Main Street will reopen after the parade is over.

For more information, contact Dakota Rusk at 417-624-0820 ext. 1598.

MSSU-Kansas City University early acceptance program includes record 31 students

(From Missouri Southern State University)

This fall, the 2026 Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)-Kansas City University (KCU) Early Acceptance Program (MKEAP) cohort includes a record 31 students, the largest in the program’s history. Of those, 25 are pursuing careers in medicine and six are pursuing dentistry. The cohort includes four students from Webb City, Carthage and Carl Junction high schools, as well as Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School.

Through a partnership between MSSU and KCU, MKEAP offers high school seniors an accelerated pathway toward medical or dental school while completing their undergraduate education at MSSU. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences or chemistry in three years before transitioning to their professional programs at KCU-Joplin.

The program emphasizes academic preparation, immersive learning and community engagement, bringing together students who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service. Applicants in this year’s cohort have spent years volunteering, mentoring and showcasing leadership in their high schools and local communities. 

“One of the things that stands out about this year’s MKEAP cohort is the students’ sustained commitment to serving their communities,” said Victoria Rhodes, MSSU Associate Professor of Biology. “These students have demonstrated initiative and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Beyond their community involvement, students in the cohort bring academic and personal interests, including biomedical research, medical outreach, STEM tutoring, music, performance, athletics, environmental conservation and international service. Students have also participated in guest presentations and hands-on workshops, including an ultrasound workshop.

“It is exciting to see such well-rounded students pursuing careers in medicine and dentistry, and we look forward to seeing how they grow as they begin their journey at MSSU,” said Rhodes.

To date, 28 students have graduated from KCU as part of the program’s first three cohorts. Currently, 39 MKEAP students are attending KCU, while 74 students are enrolled at MSSU.

For more information about the MSSU-KCU Early Acceptance Program, visit mssu.edu/academics/education/biology/mkeap-program.

Victorian tea scheduled at historic Thomas Connor Nolan house

(From Murphysburg Joplin)

The restored Thomas Connor Nolan House (circa 1902) in Joplin’s Murphysburg Historic District at 106 South Moffet Avenue, will once again host a Victorian tea---mimicking the social events that were held there over a century ago for family and friends during the holidays.

Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. (HMP) will host two afternoon teas on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. All guests will be treated to a personalized tour and historic account of the house while enjoying extensive Christmas decorations. 

Period costumes are welcome but are not required. Organizers say tea will be accompanied with traditional English and Irish finger foods and delicacies. Guests will also learn about tea etiquette and local history.

BACKGROUND – Thomas Connor Nolan (1880-1919) was a prominent businessman and nephew to one of Joplin’s most noted citizens. His uncle was Thomas Connor (1847-1907) --- one of Joplin’s most famous Irishmen and a capitalist. 

Mr. Nolan was closely connected with his uncle in the management of Connor Realty Co. for several years before assuming the presidency of the company after his uncle’s death. The realty company and later the Connor Investment Co. had extensive interests in Joplin and around the country.

When Thomas married Margaret Marie Lawder (1876-1939) in 1902 in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Uncle Thomas gave them $10,000 (around $400,000 in 2025 dollars) as a wedding present. It is believed their house was built and furnished with a portion of the wedding gift. 

Born in Canada to Irish parents, Margaret was active in the Woman’s Club and a member of the Automobile Club of Missouri. In 1922 the club’s goal was to reduce the automobile insurance rate by implementing an anti-theft awareness campaign for locals and for travelers.

Margaret and Thomas had one son, Ralph Nolan (1905-1971). Ralph served during World War II as a Captain in the Army Air Forces, was a pilot, and served for a time as the Joplin Municipal Airport manager.

The entertaining and inspirational stories of Thomas Connor are available in two books written by local author Dr. Chad Stebbins. His books are titled “Joplin’s Connor Hotel” and “Tom Connor, Joplin’s Millionaire Zinc King.” Guests will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Stebbins and purchase his autographed books.

HMP is a (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization that implements charitable and educational activities. They promote and stimulate historic awareness and preservation throughout the historic district and the greater Joplin area.

TICKETING – The event is open to guests over the age of ten years old at $45 per person until midnight on December 8, then the price goes up to $55 per person. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit Murphysburg.org, email murphysburg@gmail.com, or call Paula Callihan at (417) 208-9376.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

11/02/2026 1300 MICHAEL WAYNE BREWER

5083 County Lane 263

JASPER COUNTY, MO 64801

WM 57

405 5 500.00

1 `OPERATE VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE - 1ST OF

11/02/2026 1425 MARCUS RYAN BARNES

6821 Gateway Drive, 18

JOPLIN, MO 64804

WM 40

6821- 18 GATEWAY DR 0.00

2 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 1ST DEGREE - SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY

1 KIDNAPPING - FACILITATING A FELONY - INFLICTING INJURY

11/02/2026 1958 SHAUN MICHAEL TURNER

1306 Reid Rd

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 31

930 S NEOSHO BLVD 250.00

1 `FAILURE TO REGISTER VEHICLE/TRAILER ANNUALLY W/ DOR 

Highway Patrol Arrests November 2-3

William R. Caruso, 47, Humansville, driving while intoxicated, Bolivar Police Department misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on no insurance and failure to register motor vehicle

Sara L. Barwick, 34, Galesburg, Illinois, felony tampering with a motor vehicle, driving while suspended

Mikell L. Boyd, 33, Kansas City, Cass County warrants for failure to appear on speeding, failure to register motor vehicle and no insurance, speeding, no valid license

Bryan J. Harper, 50, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, failed to drive on right half of roadway