Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

02/20/2026 1001 TAYLOR JAMES DANNER

13567 Elm Road

CARTHAGE, MO 64836

WM 29

405 E. 5TH ST 7,500.00

1 STATUTORY SODOMY - 2ND DEGREE

02/20/2026 26000333

0949 JENNIE M BOYD

WF 44

3927 APRICOT DR/BRIAROAKS LN 0.00 05/07/2026

307 E Oak St

EVERTON, MO 65646

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - FELONY

02/20/2026 1359 NATHAN ALLEN DOBBS

306 S Jefferson St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 40

303 E. 3RD ST 1,000.00

1 FTA-FORGERY

02/20/2026 1230 STEPHANIE RENAE

ANDERSON

9391 Falcon Rd

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WF 44

208 WESTN COLER ST 250.00

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE

02/20/2026 26000336

1138 CHRISTOPHER A MCWHIRT

WM 40

4800 S RANGE LINE RD 3,500.00

3112 Sw Wentworth Ave

BENTONVILLE, AR 72713

1 UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPON - SUBSECTION 4 - EXHIBITING

2 ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION

02/20/2026 26000339

2009 MISTY MARIE COOPER

WF 31

17033 BEECH RD 1,500.00

17033 Beech Rd

DIAMOND, MO 64840

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE

02/20/2026 26000340

2139 MICHAEL GENE WRIGHT Jr

WM 34

1499 WASHINGTON AVE/ST

0.00

1916 W 14th St

LOUISE ST

JOPLIN, MO 64801

02/20/2026 26000340

2139 MICHAEL GENE WRIGHT Jr

WM 34

1499 WASHINGTON AVE/ST

0.00

1916 W 14th St

LOUISE ST

JOPLIN, MO 64801

1 `DWI

02/21/2026 26000341

0030 RYAN EMILIO PAXTOR

WM 25

13500 JASMINE DR/KINGFISHER

0.00

624 Walnut Dr

DR

NEOSHO, MO 64850

1 `DWI

02/21/2026 26000342

0453 KERRY JO THURSTON

WF 62

4249 GREENWOOD DR/ALPACA RD 1,500.00

502 S Redbud Ave

STRAFFORD, MO 65757

1

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

02/21/2026 1601 RICKY DUANE BALLENGER

1451 Pineville Rd, B4A11

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 31

6299 GATEWAY DR/HUNTER LN 531.50

1 FTA-ASSAULT - DOMESTIC NON INJURY 215.060

02/21/2026 2600346

1934 AUSTIN HENRY WATERS

WM 33

6485 GATEWAY DR 1,000.00

2016 Hampshire Ter, 50

JOPLIN, MO 64804

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE

2 TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE

02/21/2026 26000346

1934 MADISON PAIGE NICHOL WATERS

WF 30

6485 GATEWAY DR 0.00

2016 Hampshire Ter Apt 50

JOPLIN, MO 64804

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE

1

2 TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE

02/22/2026 0111 NIKKAYLA RACHELL

WILLIAMS

415 N High St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WF 32

4817 MAPLE DR 2,000.00

1 MCDONALD CO-OBSTRUCT POLICE

02/22/2026 26000347

0106 5753 I 44 EB 0.00

TURKI MOHAMMED M ALUTAIBI

UM 29

209 Hardy Street

DUENWEG, MO 64841

1 `DWI

02/22/2026 26000348

0704 RICHARD EDWARD BEILHARZ

WM 68

15245 EUREKA LN 0.00

15245 Eureka Lane

NEOSHO, MO 64850

1 ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (1), (5)

2 ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (6)

3 ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (6)

4 DAMAGE TO JAIL/JAIL PROPERTY

02/22/2026 1000 DARIK WAYNE WHITEHILL

10164 Olathe Ln

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64844

WM 33

10164 OLATHE LN 500.00

1 JPD FTA STEALING

02/22/2026 1930 WYATT SHAWN GARRISON

7358 Gateway Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 28

7352 GATEWAY DR 192.00

1 `EXCEEDED POSTED SPEED LIMIT (16-19 MPH)

02/22/2026 1936 WYATT SHAWN GARRISON

7358 Gateway Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 28

7358 GATEWAY DR 0.00

1 OUTSIDE COUNTY WARRANT

02/22/2026 26000349

1612 SHELBY RENEE WELTER

WF 30

13600- 40 QUINCE RD 0.00

13600 Quince Rd, 7

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE 

Highway Patrol Arrests February 21-23

Douglas G. Schafer, 72, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Vincent Peraino, 44, Branson, driving while intoxicated, stop sign violation

Austin W. Evans, 20, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, purchased vehicle without transferring ownership, failed to register motor vehicle, driving while revoked, no insurance

Joshua D. Woodward, 24, Seymour, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no valid license, no insurance

Stephen S. Appel, 39, Pleasanton, Kansas, Bates County misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on failure to maintain financial responsibility and failure to display valid plates

Lacy M. Schumacher, 42, Fairland, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated (drugs), failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident

Olvin A. Yanes Redondo, 18, Honduras, no valid license, speeding

Helen M. Nelson, 54, Climax Springs, felony tampering with a motor vehicle

Arika A. Ewry, 40, Branson, misdemeanor protection order violation

Chelbie D. Shouse, 21, Brighton, felony possession of a controlled substance- cocaine

Wyatt M. Ausborn, 21, Carl Junction, driving while intoxicated, speeding, lane violation, no insurance

Stephen J. Tatum, 30, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to stop at flashing red signal

Beau R. Scroggins, 31, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Britley J. Bateman, 21, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no seat belt

Justin P. Layton, 38, Kirbyville, driving while intoxicated, lane violation, speeding, stop sign violation

Joshua H. Lopez, 25, Billings, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Robert E. Vaughn, 67, Lampe, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, speeding, no insurance

Jason R. Rossner, 25, Garfield, Arkansas, felony driving while intoxicated- injury, driving while suspended, no interlock device, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Shain A. Huffman, 56, Pleasant Valley, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

Ronald Lee Engle, 57, Webb City, and Melanie Dawn Pearsall, 47, Webb City

Heber Gamadiel Oxlaj Gomez, 26, Carthage, and Josselin Elizabeth Oxlaj Barrios, 27, Carthage

David Merle Watson, 45, Joplin, and Elva Dawn Wright, 39, Joplin

James Austyn Stark, 26, Carthage, and Gracie Lynn Tompkins, 24, Springdale, Arkansas

Joshua Ryan Waggoner, 46, Webb City, and April Dawn Graham, 42, Webb City

Michael Aaron Metz, 31, Alba, and Breanna Richelle Mason, 31, Lamar

Joshua Lee Riggs, 36, Carthage, and Alyssa Renee Polacoff, 29, Joplin

Mario Moyses Cruz Madrigal, 66, Madera, California, and Margarita Ayala Armenta, 59, Carthage

Missouri Southern holding Rod Anderson Sport and Recreation Management Symposium

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) proudly hosts the 3rd Annual Rod Anderson Sport and Recreation Management Symposium on March 2, 2026, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Jason Pappas of Florida State University (FSU). The Symposium brings global and local sport industry expertise to students, faculty, administrators, and the community to highlight the power of sport in our region. Earlier in the day, sports and recreation students will engage in hands-on, immersive learning experiences with Dr. Pappas. Later, his keynote will offer expert insight into current trends in athletic administration and how they influence athletics at all levels.

“It is an honor to be part of the Rod Anderson Sport and Recreation Management Symposium,” said Dr. Pappas. “I am passionate about creating hands-on learning opportunities that connect students directly with the sport industry through internships, mentorship, and real-world experiences. By helping students turn knowledge into action, I hope to contribute to developing confident, innovative leaders who will shape the future of sport and recreation management.”

As a highly respected sport management expert and accomplished educator from FSU, Dr. Pappas contributes significantly to the industry’s future. He has received numerous honors for his dedication. His unwavering commitment to transformative learning as the Sport Management Internship Program coordinator surpasses academia. He facilitates immersive learning, enhancing students’ understanding of the field’s complexities, and equipping them with invaluable insights to bolster their careers. 

Dr. Pappas is also the co-author of Masters of the Game, a book that explores the journeys of sports executives. He integrates these narratives into his teaching to prepare students for leadership in the sport industry.

Dr. Pappas’ inspiring career spans professional sport and higher education. He has worked with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and held leadership roles in athletic academic support at the University of South Carolina and the University of Southern California. Additionally, he has collaborated with renowned coaches Bobby Bowden, Lou Holtz, Steve Spurrier, and Pete Carroll. These experiences make Dr. Pappas’ perspective is especially relevant to today’s sport industry. He embodies the excellence this symposium stands for.

About Rod Anderson Sport and Recreation Management Symposium

The Rod Anderson Sport and Recreation Management Symposium is open to students, faculty, administrators, and community members. The event will be held in the Ron Richard Athletic Center on the MSSU campus March 2, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The evening social begins at 6 p.m., followed by the keynote address at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/mssu.

Highway Patrol Arrests February 20-21

Lucas J. Claussen, 27, Stella, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, failed to register motor vehicle

Keianna L. Cook, 21, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no valid license

Allyson J. Smith, 22, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, no headlights, no taillights, no license plate lights

Hayden J. Dlouhy, 29, Hollister, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Oscar A. Rivas, 28, Rogers, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, lane violation

Mark H. Lewis, 59, Monett, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Isaac A. O'Neal, 23, Neosho, felony driving while intoxicated- death of another

Kenneth A. Springs, 21, Royce City, Texas, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Noah A. Robertson, 18, Carthage, driving while intoxicated

Gabriele P. Christophel, 34, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Byran S. Price, 28, Branson, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, speeding, failed to drive on right half of roadway, failed to signal, drove wrong direction on roadway, operation of motor vehicle while using an electronic device

Jonah R. Winston, 25, Joplin, driving while intoxicated 

Neosho Police Department warms of arrest warrant scam

(From the Neosho Police Department)

The Neosho Police Department is alerting residents about an active phone scam targeting individuals in the Neosho area. The department has received multiple reports of residents being contacted by a caller claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy, Police Officer or other Law Enforcement.

In each case, the caller provides personal information related to the individual and states that they
have an active arrest warrant. The caller then sends fraudulent “documents” by text message to make
the claim appear legitimate. The caller ultimately demands payment, typically through gift cards, to resolve the supposed warrant.

Residents are urged to educate themselves to avoid becoming victims of a scam.

Law enforcement does not:

• Request payment over the phone

• Accept gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or digital app payments

• Send warrants or legal documents by text message

• Threaten arrest to force someone to pay

Residents should be alert for:

• Requests for payment by gift card

• High-pressure threats or urgent demands

• Instructions to keep the call secret

• Unsolicited legal documents sent via text

What To Do If You Receive One of These Calls

• Stay calm

• Do not provide any personal information

• Do not send money in any form

• Hang up immediately

• Contact the Neosho Police Department to report the scam or verify the call

These scams continue because they rely on fear and quick reactions. By understanding how the scam works and discussing it with friends and family, residents can help stop the spread of this fraudulent activity.

To Report a Scam or to get more information, contact the Neosho Police Department at 417-451-8012.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

02/19/2026 0922 JIMMIE MICHAEL PALMER

2101 K Highway

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 71

2101 HIGHWAY K 250.00

1 PASSING BAD CHECK

02/19/2026 26000327

0700 SHANNON RAE YOUNGBLOOD

WF 54

459 MILL ST 0.00

458 Mill St

NEWTONIA, MO 64866

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE

02/18/2026 0937 CODY RAY PROFFITT

4408 W 31st St

JOPLIN, MO 64804

WM 35

123 E MAIN ST 0.00

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPT 35 GRAMS OR LESS 

2 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPT 35 GRAMS OR LESS O

02/18/2026 0816 TRUDY MARIE PARKER

15312 Unicorn Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64866

WF 54

7472 HIGHWAY 60/FINCH DR 0.00

1 OTTAWA COUNTY ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER