Fifty-eight Joplin R-8 teachers nominated for Golden Apple Awards

(From Joplin Schools)

The award is for educators in Joplin public and private schools who display excellence in their profession. They are nominated by students, parents, and peers. 

A total of 73 nominees were announced on Feb. 26 by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Empire District Electric Company, and Missouri Southern State University. They will be honored at a reception at 6 p.m. March 4 at the Holiday Inn Hotel Ballroom. 

 

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Kolette Bartley, Kelsey Norman Elementary 

Monica Bay, Jefferson Elementary

Chelsie Brooks, Royal Heights Elementary

Laura Campbell, Eastmorland Elementary

Kyleigh Garrett, Eastmorland Elementary

Angela Graves, Columbia Elementary

Stacie Hayes, Eastmorland Elementary

Jessica Hilton, Soaring Heights Elementary

Wendee Hughes, McKinley Elementary

Amy Jones, Eastmorland Elementary

Chelsea Marshall, Royal Heights Elementary

Susan Moore, Irving Elementary

Stephanie Reither, Cecil Floyd Elementary

Stacie Saunders, Stapleton Elementary

Heather Shull, Jefferson Elementary

Mary Sloan, Royal Heights Elementary

Billie Stanley, Royal Heights Elementary

Karla Theilen, Cecil Floyd Elementary

Elaina Watkins, Stapleton Elementary

Kim Wood, Jefferson Elementary

 

3rd - 5th Grade 

Aimee Allen, Kelsey Norman Elementary

Lanette Ball, Jefferson Elementary

Wes Brownfield, Stapleton Elementary

Matt Crane, Royal Heights Elementary

Sherry Crumbliss, Soaring Heights Elementary

Ginger Gibson, Royal Heights Elementary

Kimberly Grigery, Jefferson Elementary

Tim Gubera, Eastmorland Elementary

Dianne Hermann, Jefferson Elementary

Sara Jackson, Royal Heights Elementary

Laura John, Jefferson Elementary

Carrie Knight, Royal Heights Elementary

Cherie Kuklentz, Royal Heights Elementary

Stacey Kunce, Jefferson Elementary

Katie Land, Stapleton Elementary

Katie Moore, Royal Heights Elementary

Emily Mullins, Royal Heights Elementary

Kelsie Nguyen, Eastmorland Elementary

Kelly Painter, McKinley Elementary

Karen Robertson, Stapleton Elementary

Stacie Short, Jefferson Elementary

Sally Spiekermann, Eastmorland Elementary

Megan Wallace, Jefferson Elementary

Kristina Warden, Stapleton Elementary

Katherine Woods, Royal Heights Elementary

Ashley Wright, McKinley Elementary

6th - 8th Grade

Karen Cameron, South Middle School

Jason Cryer, North Middle School

Chad Ruddick, North Middle School

Rory Stadt, South Middle School

9th - 12th Grade

George Cowin, Joplin High School

Jeff Hafer, Joplin High School

Kelly Pyle, Joplin High School

Kathleen Reiboldt, Joplin High School

Kevin Sawyer, Joplin High School

Bethany Shultz, Joplin High School

Amanda Smith, Joplin High School

Brandon Taute, Joplin High School

Video- Webb City High School announcements March 3-7

Jet 14 video- Complete Joplin R-8 Board of Education Feb. 25 meeting

Student aid event postponed, rescheduled for March 9

(From Southern News Service)

Due to inclement weather in the forecast, the FAFSA Frenzy event set for March 2 has been rescheduled.

FAFSA Frenzy will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 9, in the third floor ballroom of Billingsly Student Center at Missouri Southern State University.

Financial aid volunteers from Missouri Southern and Crowder College will be on hand to help process the 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“It’s geared toward high-school seniors who are college-bound in the fall,” said Becca Diskin, financial aid director at Missouri Southern. “We’re volunteering our time to help students and their parents get their financial aid completed, regardless of where they’re going to college.

“There’s an April state financial aid deadline, and we want to make sure they qualify for the most aid possible. The sooner they complete it, the sooner we can process them.”

Families should plan to bring their 2013 income tax returns and/0r 2013 W-2 forms, or their 2013 year-end pay stubs and 2012 income tax returns. For those unable to attend the event, students and parents may receive free assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the month of March in Hearnes Hall Room 109.

FAFSA Frenzy is a program of College Goal Sunday, which is offered in Missouri through partnerships between the Missouri Department of Higher Education, the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority and USA Funds. For more information, visit www.dhe.mo.gov.

Comedian Michael Malone to be host for 2014 MOSO Talent Show

(From Southern News Service)

Comedian Michael Malone has been named as the host of the 2014 MOSO Talent Show, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in Taylor Performing Arts Center.

Malone, who was pegged as 2013’s “Hot Comic to Watch” by Campus Activities magazine, is known for his “rubber face” and versatile material. Malone’s guest appearances include the Bob and Tom radio show, WGN-TV, National Lampoon’s Operation Comedy Tour, NBC, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and The CW.

“We’ve had a variety of hosts over the past several years and this year when the opportunity to bring in Michael presented itself, we felt that we had to pounce,” said Landon Adams, director of student activities. “We think that his versatility and sense of humor will make him the perfect fit to host this awesome event.”
The show, which will last approximately two hours, is free and open to the public. Details will follow regarding the featured student acts.

The MOSO Talent Show is presented by the Campus Activities Board, which is comprised of volunteer students who work throughout the school year with the Student Activities Office. CAB not only makes recommendations for what events to host on campus, but also helps to facilitate and advertise those events.
Accommodations related to a disability should be made to Landon Adams in Student Activities Office at 417-625-9669 at least 72 hours prior to the events. Any additional questions regarding this event should also be directed to the MSSU Student Activities Office.

MSSU Child Development Center to begin two-week Dr. Seuss celebration Monday

(From Southern News Service)

A two-week celebration of Dr. Seuss will begin Monday, March 3, at the Child Development Center at Missouri Southern State University.

“March 3 is Read Across America day in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday,” said Nikki Tappana, the center’s acting director. “We’re extending it for two weeks and asking people on campus to come and read their favorite Dr. Seuss book to children.”

Guest readers will include Dr. Alan Marble, Missouri Southern’s interim president; Dr. Al Cade, dean of teacher education; Dr. Pat Lipira, vice president of academic affairs; and Dr. Michael Howarth, director of the university’s honors program. Additional activities over the two weeks will include a visit from the Cat in the Hat and themed menu items such as green eggs and ham.

“I did a Seuss celebration in my classroom last year and decided to expand it to the whole center,” said Tappana.

Located in the Gene Taylor Education Building, the Child Development Center provides daycare and curriculum for children six weeks to five years of age for Missouri Southern students, faculty and staff as well as alumni. The center currently serves 59 children per day.

The Read Across America program, which is now in its 17^th year, focuses on “motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships and reading resources,” according to the National Education Association.

Newsmakers to feature MSSU campus outreach programs

(From Southern News Service)

The upcoming edition of the “Newsmakers” interview program focuses on how two programs based at Missouri Southern State University reach out to serve the community. 

The first half of the program features the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Dr. David Smith is joined by students Ann Wolfe and Tiffany Gilbert from the MSSU Accounting Department. They discuss the free income tax service available on weekends at Southern. 

The second half of the program features the Small Business Technology Development Center. Sherry Noller talks about services available for small businesses.

“Newsmakers” will air at the following times on KGCS-TV:

Sunday, March 2 – 6 p.m.

Monday, March 3 – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5 – 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 6 – 5:30 p.m.

It will also air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, on KOAM-TV.

KOAM report: Protests in Ukraine hit close to home for Joplin businesswoman

A report from KOAM's Liz Holliday KOAM TV 7

KOAM report- Abandoned cemetery in Joplin on verge of having coffins emerge

A report from KOAM's Cailey Dougherty KOAM TV 7

Video- Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity receives $60,000 grant

A KOAM report KOAM TV 7

Video- Joplin Project Graduation to hold talent show, live auction Friday

From KODE's Good Morning Four States

Video- Brad's Beat: MSSU to present "The Drowsy Chaperone"

One of my favorite former South Middle School students, Mollie Sanders, whose Modern Mollie videos occasionally appear on Inside Joplin, is featured in this Brad's Beat report from KSN.

Martin Luther School in Joplin expanding

A KSN report

Webb City residents discuss aquatic facility bond proposal

A report from KSN's Sydney Ryan

Thomas Jefferson MATHCOUNTS team takes first at MSSU

(From Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School)

Congratulations to the participants in the MATHCOUNTS Chapter Contest at MSSU Saturday.  TJ’s team of Olivia Renfro, Lewis Weller, Lane Wilson, and Coleman Yantis finished in 1st place overall.  TJ students also won five of the top-10 places in the individual contest:  2nd place – Lewis Weller; 4th place – Savannah Dillard; 5th place – Coleman Yantis;  9th place – Aaron Wells;  10th place – Haaris Rehman.  These students qualified for the state competition on March 8 in Columbia.  In the countdown buzzer championship, Lewis Weller took 1st place and Savannah Dillard took 2nd place.

Trout Fishing in America to perform at Thomas Jefferson

(From Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School)

Saturday, March 1, marks the opening day of the 2014 Missouri Trout Fishing Season, and Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School is hosting a special songwriter workshop and concert in the TJ Concert Hall. 

Join us for a spectacular musical performance by Trout Fishing in America. Trout Fishing in America is Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. They have been writing songs and playing music together for the last 37 years. This Northwest Arkansas duo has received four Grammy nominations and a host of other national music awards. Their live performances have earned them a place in the hearts of children and parents everywhere.

The band’s name actually comes from the 1967 Richard Brautigan novella of the same title.  The band’s manager, Dick Renko, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the name is appropriate because of the band’s unique way of looking at things. 

Trout Fishing in America will host a song-writer workshop for children in grades 3-6 at 1 p.m. the same day.  Advanced reserved seating will be required for this show. Tickets are available at the TJ Box Office at www.tjeffschool.org/concerts.  To reserve a space for your child in the 1 p.m. song-writing workshop, send an e-mail RSVP to the school at portal@tjeffschool.org.

Agenda provided for Joplin R-8 Board of Education meeting

The following agenda has been posted for the regular meeting of the Joplin R-8 Board of Education 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Administration Building at 32nd and Duquesne:

• 
  A. Call to Order
  
  1. Roll Call
  
  B. Pledge of Allegiance
  
  C. District Showcase - West Central
  
  D. Approval of agenda - Action
  
  E. Reports
  
  1. Board President's Report
  
  a. Student Recognitions
  
  2. Superintendent's Report
  
  a. Read Across America
  
  b. Standards of Excellence
  
  c. Construction Updates
  
  F. Public Comment Regarding Agenda Items *
  
  G. Consent Agenda - Action
  
  1. Approve Minutes - January 28, 2014 - Action
  
  2. Employment - Action
  
  3. Retirement - Action
  
  4. Resignation - Actions
  
  5. Policy and Procedure Update - First and Final Reading - Action
  
  a. GCBDA - Professional Staff Short-Term Leaves and Absences
  
  b. JFCI - Student Drug Testing (Procedure)
  
  6. Out-of-State Overnight Field Trip JHS Constitution Team - Action
  
  7. Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled - Action
  
  8. JHS/FTC Change #81 - Bid Package #31 Mass Excavation - Action
  
  9. Surplus Property at Duenweg - Action
  
  10. Online Teaching and Instructional Design for Teachers - Action
  
  11. Learn. Management System for Curriculum Housing & Online Course Delivery - Action
  
  12. Financial Statements - Info.
  
  13. Health Insurance and Dental Care Insurance Reports - Info.
  
  H. Regular Agenda
  
  1. Accounts Payable - Action
  
  2. Program Evaluations - Action
  
  a. Early Childhood
  
  b. Guidance and Counseling - Elementary, Middle and High School
  
  c. Project Hope
  
  I. Discussion Items
  
  1. February 2014 Enrollment - Info.
  
  J. Closed Session - RSMO.610.021 (1) Legal, (2) Real Estate, (3) Personnel and
  
  
•  (12) Identifiable personnel records.

      K. Adjournment

815 S. Main to be closed Wednesday for water line repairs

(From the City of Joplin)

Lane Closures will occur at 815 S. Main Street on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lane closures in this area are due to repair of water line by Neal Group Construction Co. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution in this area. The date of this lane closure may change due to weather conditions. If you have any questions, please call the Engineering Department at 624-0820, ext. 530.

Joplin Police Department makes 14 DWI arrests over weekend

The Joplin Police Department arrested the following people over the weekend for driving while intoxicated:

Lloyd Parker, 56, Joplin
Christopher Vernon Wehmeyer 38, Joplin
Jeffrey Allen Huffman, 43, Diamond
James Anthony Bozeman, 40, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Windell Douglas Daniels, 32, Carthage
Riley Albus, 19, Joplin
Troy Allen Tygart, 21, Galena, Kan.
Misty Dawn Frisbie, 34, Baxter Springs, Kan.
Alethia Michelle Watson, 29 , Joplin
Carroll Elliott Rogers, 65, Galena, Kan.
Gregory Joe Stephens, 61, Joplin
Zachary S. Miller, 31, Joplin
Bryan Christopher Adams, 22, Duquesne
Bryan L. Conger, 49, Carl Junction

Southern Theatre to present "The Drowsy Chaperone"

(From Southern News Service)

Southern Theatre will stage a production of the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, through Saturday, March 8, in Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.

Featuring music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, “The Drowsy Chaperone” boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room. The musical tells the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love.

The production is directed by Ann G. Lile.

Admission is $2 for Missouri Southern Students, $3 for faculty and staff, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and non-MSSU students. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 417-625-3190 or purchase tickets online at http://www.mssu.edu/ticket-office.

For requests for accommodations related to a disability, contact Terri Spencer at 417-625-9393 at least 72 hours before the performance.

(Photo: Ross Bruns, junior vocal music major, rehearses a scene from “The Drowsy Chaperone.”)

The cast for “The Drowsy Chaperone” includes:

MISSOURI

Carl Junction

Devri Brock – Senior theatre major
Dyanne Lile – Senior vocal performance major
Kyle Newby – Freshman vocal performance, tech theatre major

Carthage

Jesse Pendergraft – Sophomore vocal music education major

Houston

Kyle Jacobs – Junior theatre major

Joplin

Lauren Baker – Public relations major
Tori Mitchell – Sophomore vocal music education major
Mollie Sanders – Junior theatre major
James Zerkel – Theatre major

Neosho

Forrest Bunter – Freshmen music education major
Brooke Henry – Sophomore music education major

Pierce City

Amanda Jones – Junior vocal music education major

Pleasant Hill

Ross Bruns – Junior vocal performance major

Seneca

Elaina Bottles – Sophomore vocal performance major

Webb City

Zachary Pettit – Junior vocal music education major

KANSAS

Baxter SpringsSean Botts – Freshman theatre major
Trey Burkhart – Senior music industry major

 Fort Scott

Chris Clay – Senior music education major

 Independence 

Jackie Webb – Junior music and theatre major

 Neodesha

Cameron Lopez – Freshman theatre major

"Created Equal" film series continues at Missouri Southern

(From Southern News Service)

The “Created Equal” film series is set to continue on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Missouri Southern State University.

Based on the book by Raymond Arsenault, the documentary “Freedom Riders” offers an inside look at the brave band of activists who challenged segregation in the Deep South

There will be film clips and a discussion at noon in Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall. A screening of the full film and a discussion will be offered at 7 p.m. in Phelps Theatre, located in Billingsly Student Center. Dr. Steven Wagner will lead the discussions.

The series will continue on Wednesday, March 5, with “Slavery by Another Name.”

All of the programs are free and open to the public.

The series was made possible through the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Video- Joplin High Schools' Touch of Class performs

Video- Immanual Lutheran Church offers building update

Video- Webb City High School announcements, Feb. 24-28

Joseph Hensley running for Division 5 judge

A KODE report

Charlotte Pickering announces candidacy for recorder of deeds

A KODE report

Joplin Schools add community storm shelter at Junge Stadium

A report from KOAM's Liz Holliday KOAM TV 7

MSSU Presidential Search Committee to meet Monday

 The Missouri Southern State University Presidential Search Committee will hold its next meeting at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in Room 310 of Billingsly Student Center.

Open house set for new office of Joplin Homebuyers Assistance Program

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin would like to announce the transition of its J-HAP Program Office from the Economic Security Corporation of the Southwest Area (ESC). As of February 24, 2014, interested citizens seeking to learn more about the J-HAP program, or to obtain an application, should visit the new J-HAP Program Office located at 531 South Main Street Joplin, MO 64801. For those who are interested in speaking to someone by phone, the new J-HAP contact number is (417) 850-2249. Interested parties can also e-mail J-HAP staff at JHAP@NANMCKAY.com.

It is intended for the new J-HAP Program office to become a central place where citizens can learn more about several recovery activities funded through the HUD Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR). To commemorate the opening of the new office and to invite citizens to learn more about the program, the City would also like to announce that an open house will be held at the new J-HAP Program Office on Tuesday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

The new J-HAP Program Office is being relocated in part due to ESC’s desire to pursue other opportunities with respect to the City’s various recovery initiatives, necessitating an independent J-HAP Program office. “The City of Joplin is grateful for ESC’s work on the program to date. The decision to change office locations is due to ESC’s desire to pursue other opportunities to assist with the City’s recovery. This transition is in no way a reflection on ESC’s performance to date.
The J-HAP program has been extremely successful with 82 approved applications, and 27 closings on homes in the tornado zone, which utilized $765,522 in HUD CDBG-DR J-HAP funding,” stated Troy Bolander, the City’s Planning and Community Development Director.

According to John Joines, ESC’s CEO, “we have reached the pinnacle we have set for our agency. It is ESC’s desire to move forward now to other rebuilding opportunities, where we can once again apply our expertise; and, what a pleasure it has been to work with the City on this vital project for the City’s ongoing recovery.”

Over the next few weeks, current applicants may be contacted by a representative of the new J-HAP Program Office, in order to ensure all J-HAP applicant questions and concerns are answered. We would like to assure all J-HAP participants that this transition will not affect the approval process, and is not anticipated to delay the review of J-HAP submissions.

Joplin residents and others interested in moving to Joplin can learn more about the J-HAP qualifications and guidelines, including frequently asked questions, by logging onto the City’s CDBG-DR website under the J-HAP information link at www.joplinmo.org/cdbg-dr. We encourage all potential applicants, agents, lenders, and builders to please refer to the FAQs, or contact the new J-HAP Program Office.

City reopens limb dropoff area for citizens

(From the City of Joplin)

City of Joplin crews will soon finish picking up ice storm damaged tree limbs. The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation dealing with this cleanup project.

Drop-off site reopens for Friday & Saturday visits. The City will reopen the limb drop off site during the remaining ice storm cleanup project. The drop off site, located at 1702 North Schifferdecker Avenue, will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on every Friday and Saturday starting today, February 21 through Saturday, March 22. The drop-off site is located six tenths of a mile north of Belle Center Road on the west side of Schifferdecker Avenue. This free drop off service is for Joplin residents only. Professional contractors will now be allowed to dump, but must bring documentation of their Joplin residential customers’ name, address and phone number.

For more information, call the Public Works Center at 417-624-0820, extension 564.

City's annual leaf pickup program ends

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin has announced that the annual leaf program has ended with all parts of the residential areas being canvassed. Joplin residents who may have been missed and want their leaves picked up may make a request by calling the Parks Department at 624-6937. Call back service will be on Fridays, until March 14.

Residents may also bring their leaves to the Joplin Compost Facility next to the Turkey Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant at 3457 Eddy Lane.

One alternative to leaf disposal is home composting. To learn more, contact Mary Anne Phillips, Joplin Recycling Coordinator at 624-0820 Extension 501.

Not-so-earth-friendly alternatives for leaf disposal include setting out bagged leaves for the regular weekly trash service or burning the leaves. However, Phillips warned, “According to the E.P.A., burning dry leaves can release chemicals known to irritate our respiratory system, therefore burning is discouraged.”

Burn permits may be obtained from any of the Fire Stations in the City or at the City’s Finance Department at City Hall. The permit costs $5 and is good for three consecutive days, starting on the day of purchase. The Fire Stations are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven day per week. Please note there may be times when firefighters are not at the station to issue permits, due to the nature of their job. Fire Stations will only be able to accept payment by check or money order. The Finance Department, located on the third floor of City Hall, 602 South Main, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The City Hall location will accept cash, check, debit, money order, or credit card payments.

No matter where the permit is obtained, residents must still inquire with the Joplin Fire Department about weather conditions and if burning is allowed on each day. Residents can obtain this information by calling 623-0403.

To schedule a missed pick up, contact the Parks Department at 624-6937. For more information about burn permits and rules, contact the Joplin Fire Department at 623-0403 or go to www.joplinmofire.org. For information on Joplin residential trash pickup, contact Republic Service at 800-431-1507.

Capital Improvement Sales Tax Renewal Committee to meet Tuesday

(From the City of Joplin)

The Capital Improvement Sales Tax Renewal Committee will hold their first meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25 in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 602 South Main.

Citizens serving on this committee were appointed by the Joplin City Council, and include Kathy Blood, Ron Darby, Aaron Doll, Krissy Gooch, Nancy Good, Harold McCoy, Nancy O’Connell, Fred Palmer and Henry Robertson.

The group will hear from Public Works Director Nick Heatherly regarding resources and information available to them in upcoming weeks as they review and discuss possible road improvement projects in Joplin, as they consider a renewal of the capital improvement sales tax. The current capital improvement sales tax of 3/8 cents was passed by Joplin voters in August 2004 and expires in December 2014.

Since its inception, this sales tax has funded numerous improvement projects in the city. The City’s overlay project has been supported by these revenues as were numerous other improvements, including the railroad overpass on Connecticut Avenue near 26th Street; the widening of Connecticut Avenue from Murphy to 30th Street; and the Zora and Main interchange and overpass.

The Renewal Committee will select a spokesperson during this meeting, and schedule future meetings for the group.

MSSU Board of Governors freezes tuition rates for 2014-2015

(From Southern News Service)

After thorough consideration, the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors approved a hold on the current rates for in-state and Lion Pride tuition for the 2014-15 year during a meeting on Friday, Feb. 21.

 The current tuition rate is $173.20 per credit hour for in-state students. Tuition for graduate programs is $250 per credit hour for in-state and $375 for out-of-state.

 The board approved setting tuition rates for out-of-state students at $353, an increase of about $6.60.

 “We’re very concerned about student debt,” said Dr. Alan Marble, interim president of Missouri Southern. “We’re looking out for our students by holding the line on the tuition rate, which remains an excellent value for those seeking to further their education.”

 With its current rate, Missouri Southern remains the most affordable four-year institution in the state, as well as the most affordable university in the region. That affordability extends beyond state borders with the university's Lion Pride In-State Tuition Discount, which gives students in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and parts of Illinois the same in-state tuition rate that Missouri residents enjoy.

 Even with an affordable tuition rate, the administration at MSSU is aware of growing student loan debt, which is an option some students use to cover basic living expenses.

 Missouri Southern has always been concerned with providing students with access to a high-quality education at an affordable cost,” said Darren Fullerton, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.  “Our goals are to assist students in getting an education that will prepare them to be productive members of their communities and to help them graduate with a low student loan debt.”

Convention and Visitors Bureau to be featured on Joplin Insider program

(From Southern News Service)

The Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau is the focus for the new “Joplin Insider” interview program airing on KGCS-TV. 

During the program, Patrick Tuttle, CVB director, discusses new signage coming to the city and activities planned by the bureau. The program is produced through the facilities of KGCS-TV. Joplin Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot hosts the half-hour program.  

“Joplin Insider” may be seen at the following times on KGCS-TV.

Monday, Feb. 24 – 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 – 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 2 – 6 p.m.

Monday, March 3 – 9 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5 – 9 p.m.

 KGCS-TV operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.  Programming may be seen over the air on digital channel 22, as well as regional cable television systems including Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.

Signing scheduled for book on Jasper County rural schools

Author Helen Hunter will be signing copies of her new book Echoes of School Bells, a history of Jasper County rural schools, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Always Buying Books.

The following description comes from the book's Amazon page:

Echoes of School Bells highlights the history of Jasper County (Mo.) schools. This in-depth book covers the period from the conception of Jasper County to about the early 1970s when most of the rural county schools closed. The book also shares stories from people who went to those rural schools.

***
Copies of my books, including Let Teachers Teach, No Child Left Alive, 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Spirit of Hope, and Scars from the Tornado: One Year at East Middle School, are available at Always Buying Books.

Video- Joplin listed as one of America's friendliest cities

A KOAM report KOAM TV 7

Video- Mercy Hospital announces fundraising campaign

A KOAM report KOAM TV 7

Dancing with the Joplin Stars to be featured on Chamber Chat

(From Southern News Service)

The upcoming Dancing with the Joplin Stars event is the featured topic on the new edition of “Chamber Chat” airing on KGCS-TV. 

The program is produced for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce through the facilities of KGCS-TV. 

Host Kirstie Smith visits with guests about the annual fundraiser. Guests include Cary Beasley from the Chamber and Brian Atnip and Heather Lemon, two participants in the dancing competition. The program includes a dancing demonstration.

Initial airdates for “Chamber Chat” are 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. It will continue to air in upcoming weeks.

KGCS programming may be seen over the air on digital channel 22 and on regional cable television systems including Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.

Video- Webb City Singers in concert

Newsmakers to focus on Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

(From Southern News Service)

Joplin, MO (SNS) – The upcoming edition of the “Newsmakers” interview program on KGCS-TV takes a look at economic development in the Joplin area, with an interview featuring Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President Rob O’Brian.  

During the program, he discusses post-tornado recovery and other business growth in Joplin. O’Brian also discusses local employment, with the unemployment rate locally below that of the state and national levels.

The program will air at the following times on KGCS-TV:

Monday, Feb. 24 – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 – 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 26 – 5:30 p.m.

The program will also air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1, on KOAM-TV.

KGCS programming may be seen over the air on digital channel 22 and on regional cable television systems including Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.  The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Thomas Jefferson honor roll released

(From Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School)

Congratulations to the students who earned High Honor Roll and Honor Roll during the 1^st semester of the school year.  To earn a place on the High Honor Roll, students must achieve at least a 90 average, and no more than one grade of 89 or lower. Students earn a place on the Honor Roll if they earn an average of 80 to 89.9, and have no more than one grade of 79 or lower.

Upper School High Honor Roll

Freshmen

Danielle Arevalos

Jonathan Barnes

Jasmine Butcher

Joey Cascone

Markaila Farnham

Garrison Henkle

Paige Lewis

Hannah Mueller

Chloe Renfro

Tiernon Riesenmy

Shreya Suri

Olivia Thompson

Sophomores

Jacob Barber

Mario Destephen

Mark Farnham

Edward Hershewe

Alexander Renfro

Pranav Suri

Noah Wells

Sarah Wilson

Juniors

Kaylah Ailes

John Barber

John Burnett

Hannah Cromer

Laurel Lown

Hannah Shumaker

Erica Warner

Lia Wu

Seniors

Frank Cascone II

Kaylee Conner

Joseph Hedgcorth

Sanjay Jenkins

Evadne Rodriguez

Thisbe Scholfield-Johnson

Upper School Honor Roll

Freshmen

Lex Baird

Moriah Donica

Alexandria Eckert

Sydney Evans

Annie Goodwin

Gabriel Hershewe

Katie Kolczun

Matthew Madole

Jordan McCready

Michael Saladin

Sophomores

Noah Dickinson

Morgan Dunker

Michael Joseph

Emily Miller

Joseph Scott

Juniors

Christian Atteberry

Sornsakon Gleebbunjong

Oria Hao

Lindsay Lindeman

Megan March

Charlotte Newman

Delaney Palmer

Nathan Triplett

Seniors

Preston Carpenter

Krista Miller

Heather Smith

Trevor Spriggs

Theodore Welch

Grey Young

Middle School High Honor Roll

6th Grade

Simran Anis

Reagan Brysacz

Brock Conklin

Savannah Dillard

Luke Goodhope

Colton Henkle

Thomas Hershewe

Layla Mokhtar

Jaden Moore

Audrey Neighmond

Ruchi Patel

Elizabeth Patterson

Allison Price

Elizabeth Reaves

Humza Rehman

Bella Scutti

Acelynn Tate

Steven Yantis

7th Grade

Athena Cardenas

Cyra Evans

Luke Kirk

Olivia Renfro

Shannon Tewari

Aaron Wells

Lane Wilson

8th Grade

Hallah Butcher

Imogen Eads

Austin Flake

Kevin James

Andrew Lown

Aaron McDonald

Caitlin Mueller

Hayley Neighmond

Haaris Rehman

Elena Rodriguez

Hannah Triplett

Olivia Wu

Coleman Yantis

Middle School Honor Roll

6th Grade

Sophia Bazzano Joseph

Zachary Dowell

Jasmine Michalopoulos

Gaia Thayer

7th Grade

Isaac Dickinson

Gabrielle Durham

Richard Joseph III

Chloe Miller

Arionna Rincker

Adam Turney

Teressa Wells

8th Grade

Stephen Bazzano Joseph

Hayden Dillard

Cassandra Dowell

Caroline Lieurance

Emily May

McKenna Morris

Wyatt Olbrey

Dustin Turnbow

Lewis Weller