Newton County Sheriff: New twist added to jury duty scam

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay. 

But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money.

More information here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/.../scammers-are-using-fake...

Neosho Police Department Weekly Report

 

Pittsburg woman charged with child endangerment, juvenile arrested on felony charges

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026, at approximately 08:40 AM, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department served a search warrant at a residence located in the 600 block of N Chestnut Street, in Pittsburg. The search warrant stemmed from an investigation into the possession of weapons and controlled substances. The police department’s Special Response Team was utilized to make initial entry into the residence.

During the execution of the search warrant, multiple adults were detained as well as several juveniles, one of which was a currently entered as a runaway. The runaway juvenile was currently in state's custody and was turned over to TFI Family Services.

At the conclusion of the search of the residence one adult and one juvenile was placed under arrest. 38-year-old Nikki K. Davis, of Pittsburg was placed under arrest for Felony aggravated endangering of a child and two counts of felony contributing to a child’s misconduct. A 17-year-old juvenile was taken into custody for felony criminal use of weapons and felony criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Ms. Davis was transported to the jail located at the Crawford County Sheriff’s office for booking. Juvenile Intake responded and processed the juvenile suspect. The juvenile suspect was transported to the Southeast KS Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Girard.

Ms. Davis and the juvenile are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

04/14/2026 0041 ERIN MICHELLE EDMISTEN

635 Park St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WF 23

4249 GREENWOOD DR/ALPACA RD 5,000.00

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - FELONY

04/14/2026 0404 KIMBERLY LEANNE

HICKMAN

10951 Moose Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WF 39

I 44 RAMP/HIGHWAY 43 164.00

1 NPD- FAIL TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE 390.090

2 JASPER CO- FAIL TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE 390.090

3 NPD FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 390.080

04/14/2026 0404 MAKAYLA JADE BOWLES

1635 W Katella St

SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807

WF 24

I 44 RAMP/HIGHWAY 43 100.00

1 JASPER CO-SHOPLIFTING 215.1200

04/14/2026 1000 SHERRY S VANKIRK

2509 Sumac Road

GROVE, OK 74344

WF 65

1300 SW14 20,000.00

1 STEALING - ALL OTHER PROPERTY UNDER 570.030.5 (3)

2 FORGERY

04/14/2026 1540 TAYLOR DEAN ANDERSON

707 100th Lane

LAMAR, MO 67694

WM 48

4020 4020 E. HUNTER ST 500.00

1 NEWTON CO FTA - `DWI

04/14/2026 1258 MITCHELLE DIANA

ETHRIDGE

11100 Iris Rd

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WF 42

GATEWAY DR/HOLLY RD 193.50

1 SPD FTA - SPD NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP. 390.140

2 NPD FTA - NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP.

3 NPD FTA - FAIL TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE

04/14/2026 26000703

2233 NACODA RYAN DUNCAN

WM 31

19999 KODIAK RD/HIGHWAY AA 0.00

557 Olympia Rd

GOODMAN, MO 64843

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - FELONY 

Highway Patrol Arrests April 13-15

Eric A. Cheek, 25, Rogersville, Rogersville Police Department warrants for failure to appear on driving while suspended, speeding and expired license plates

Jesse Garcia, 45, Hammond, Indiana, driving while intoxicated, failed to register motor vehicle, no insurance

Michael S. Ashely, 29, Nixa, driving while intoxicated, failed to register motor vehicle, failed to title

Mitchelle D. Ethridge, 42, Neosho, two Neosho Police Department misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on traffic offenses, Seneca Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on traffic offense

Tamara O. Deal-Gerber, 54, Springfield, Newton County felony warrant for failure to appear on passing a bad check, Newton County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on passing a bad check

Jordan L. McCartney, 38, Kimberling City, driving while intoxicated

Qingyuan Yu, 57, Rancho Cucamonga, California, no license

Phillip J. Doner, 21, Buffalo, Greene County warrant for failure to appear on careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt

Megan D. Hansen, 37, Blue Eye, driving while intoxicated, speeding, careless and imprudent driving 

Phillip Witt named Crowder College director of academic affairs

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College is excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Phillip Witt as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Witt will begin his term on July 1, 2026. Dr. Witt is an experienced professional with over 20 years in education and more than a decade of administrative leadership in both secondary and post-secondary institutions.

Dr. Witt expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Crowder, stating, “I’m honored to return to Crowder College and serve alongside such a dedicated faculty and staff. Crowder has a legacy of student success and community impact, and I look forward to building on that momentum by expanding opportunities that prepare students to thrive in our region and beyond.

Dr. Witt earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Communications and Education at Texas Tech University and earned graduate degrees in Education Administration from William Woods. He currently serves as the high school principal at Ozark High School. Dr. Witt previously served at Crowder College for six years as the Vice President of Career and Technical Education.

During his previous tenure at Crowder, Dr. Witt worked with college faculty and regional K-12 school districts to align career pathways informed by employer and community needs. He also worked closely with area non-profits, like Neosho Habitat for Humanity, to develop partnership programs providing essential talent and resources to help build affordable homes in the region while providing area high school students with exposure to real-world, high-demand skills. 

Crowder College President Chett Daniel said, “The experience Dr. Witt brings to Crowder will be critical as we implement our next strategic plan. He will further Crowder’s commitment to our mission and vision ensuring we continue to adapt to serve the education and workforce needs of our region. His connections to this area and experience as an innovative education leader will ensure Crowder College remains a leader in post-secondary education in the four-state area. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Witt back to Crowder.”

Dr. Witt and his wife, Christy, are natives of southwest Missouri. They have four children and enjoy being actively involved in their school and community activities.

 

Agenda posted for Joplin Policemen's and Firemen's Pension Board meeting