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

Agenda posted for Joplin Industrial Development Authority Board meeting

 

Closures expected for Route 97 north, south of U. S. 60 in Monett

(From MoDOT)

Route 97 North/South of Route 60 to experience closures through Nov. 15 in Barry County

Where: Missouri Route 97 between Barry County Farm Road 2025 and U.S. Route 60 near Monett Regional Airport

When: Route 97 SOUTH of Route 60 will remain closed (closed September 17) for up to seven days while crews complete additional work. Route 97 NORTH of Route 60 will close on Monday, November 9 for up to seven days while crews complete additional work.

What: Following recent feedback from the community, additional work on the approaches to the roundabout is being completed to provide better access for large agricultural equipment and machinery.]

Traffic Impacts for the closure of Route 97 SOUTH of Route 60

No access for northbound Route 97 drivers to Route 60
No access to southbound Route 97 from either direction of Route 60
Southbound Route 97 drivers will have full access to Route 60
Route 60 drivers will have full access to northbound Route 97
Southbound Route 97 drivers will be able to turn right on to westbound Route 60
Westbound Route 60 drivers will be able to turn right on to northbound Route 97
Route 60 reduced to one lane in each direction
Northbound Route 97 drivers will be directed along a signed detour using Missouri routes 37, Barry County Route B, and Missouri Route 97

Traffic Impacts for the closure of Route 97 NORTH of Route 60

No access for southbound Route 97 drivers to Route 60
No access to northbound Route 97 from either direction of Route 60
Northbound Route 97 drivers will have full access to Route 60
Route 60 drivers will have full access to southbound Route 97

Route 60 reduced to one lane in each direction
No signed detourDrivers 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.

Details: This work is part of a project to make improvements at six (6) intersections along U.S. Route 60 between Newton County Route Y east of Seneca and Missouri Route 97 in Barry County near the Monett Regional Airport. More information can be found by going to the project website.

Project Information:Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction Co., Springfield
Completion Date: December 1, 2026
Total Cost: $9.7 million

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

10/30/2026 0930 DAKOTA JAMES COCHRAN

8934 Raccoon Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64844

WM 39

15999 REINDEER DR/OAK RD 1,063.00

1 NPD FTA- STEALING /LARCENY/ THEFT 215.320

4 JASPER CO FTA NO VALID LICENSE

2 GPD FTA- STEALING/ LARCENY/ THEFT

3 PROBATION VIOLATION

10/30/2026 1755 KEMPER MICHAEL JOHNSON

1200 S Sixth St East

LOUISBURG, KS 66053

WM 20

208 W COLOR ST 0.00

1 `DWI

10/31/2026 1640 BRAYDEN RAY HAILEY

415 N High St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 28

208 W COLER ST 225.00

1 GPD EXCEED THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT- 6-10 MPH 320.050

2 GPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED/REVOKED

10/31/2026 26002193

2230 PEYTIENCE MIKALA DYANE

WF 26

12699 KAWEZZE LN/GATEWAY DR 1,500.00

TARRANT

12633 Kawezze Ln

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

1 ASSAULT - 3RD DEGREE

11/01/2026 26002194

0123 LANEITA LORHEA GANNON

WF 40

8483 HIGHWAY 59/HIGHWAY MM 132.00

6824 Falcon Rd

NEOSHO, MO 64850

1 TANEY COUNTY FAILURE TO REGISTER VEHICLE

11/01/2026 0039 MIKE P LIMON

8010 Zuni Rd, 114

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 67108

WM 63

5105 I 44 EB 0.00

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

11/01/2026 26002194

0123 TIFFANY MICHELLE ROBERTS

WF 35

8483 HIGHWAY 59/HIGHWAY MM 2,500.00

938 Cardwell St

STELLA, MO 64867

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

2 UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

11/01/2026 0039 DOROTHY ANN JARAMILLO

507 Atlantic Ave Sw

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87102

WF 63

I 44 RAMP/ 0.00

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

11/01/2026 1100 ANGELINA ELIZABETH

MACK

3416 Ruby Way

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804

WF 24

0.00

1 ASSAULT 1ST DEGREE OR ATTEMPT

2 ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION

4 UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPON- SUBSECTION 4- EXHIBITING

3 ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION

11/01/2026 2000 EBONY NICOLE WILLIAMS

10947 Reindeer Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64844

WF 28

585 W VALLEY ST/GRANBY

MINERS RD

225.00

1 EXCEEDED POSTED SPEED LIMIT (11-15 MPH OVER)

11/01/2026 2130 KYLE JAMES JONES

6416 Freeburg Dr

NEWTON COUNTY 64801

WM 30

6416 HIGHWAY NN 0.00

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

11/01/2026 2223 SAHMEAH MICHELE LYNN

WARREN

97 Rainbow Dr

BELTON, MO 64012

BF 42

15679 KODIAK RD 500.00

1 HARRISONVILLE FAIL TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE 390.090