Inside Joplin features news and commentary about Joplin, Missouri, and the surrounding area, including Webb City, Carl Junction, Carthage, Sarcoxie, Neosho, Granby, Seneca, Diamond, Lamar, Golden City, Liberal, Anderson, and Pineville, with information about Jasper, Newton, Barton, and McDonald counties.
Friday, December 31, 2021
Wind chills to fall to single digits in Joplin, SW MO, minor sleet, snow, freezing rain accumulation expected
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Springfield MO 622 AM CST Fri Dec 31 2021 KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-011230- Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Miller-Maries-Vernon- St. Clair-Hickory-Camden-Pulaski-Phelps-Barton-Cedar-Polk-Dallas- Laclede-Texas-Dent-Jasper-Dade-Greene-Webster-Wright-Newton- Lawrence-Christian-Douglas-Howell-Shannon-McDonald-Barry-Stone- Taney-Ozark-Oregon- 622 AM CST Fri Dec 31 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Weather hazards expected... Limited flooding risk. Limited lightning risk. Limited non thunderstorm wind risk. Elevated ice accumulation risk. DISCUSSION... A storm system moving into the Plains will draw moisture northward today and tonight. Heavy rain will be possible over far southern Missouri, which may lead to flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect from 6pm this evening through 6pm Saturday. A brief and limited risk for strong to severe storms will also be possible tonight south of Highway 60 in southern Missouri. A cold front will bring quickly falling temperatures to the region overnight. As this occurs, ongoing precipitation will change to freezing rain, sleet and snow. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Much colder air will continue to move through the Ozarks Saturday and remain through Sunday. Wind chills will fall into the single digits above zero from northwest to southeast on Saturday, then fall further to the single digits to perhaps teens below zero Saturday night into Sunday morning. Wintry precipitation with some travel impacts are also possible Saturday into early Sunday, mainly for areas north of Interstate 44. The greatest impacts are expected for locations north of Highway 54 at this time. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for areas along and north. Minor accumulations of sleet snow and freezing rain are expected. A dusting to and inch of sleet and snow and a glaze to a two tenths of an inch of ice are also possible. The accumulations will greatly depend on the cold air and how long the precipitation remains over the area. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight.
Winter weather advisory issued for Jasper, Barton, Dade counties
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Springfield MO 1052 AM CST Fri Dec 31 2021 KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>081-088>090-094-010100- /O.CON.KSGF.WW.Y.0013.220101T1200Z-220102T1200Z/ Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Miller-Maries-Vernon-St. Clair-Hickory-Camden-Pulaski-Phelps-Barton-Cedar-Polk-Dallas- Laclede-Jasper-Dade-Greene-Lawrence- 1052 AM CST Fri Dec 31 2021 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SATURDAY TO 6 AM CST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas. portions of central, east central, southwest, and west central Missouri. * WHEN...From 6 AM Saturday to 6 AM CST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Kansas, call 5 1 1 for road conditions. In Missouri, call 1-888-275-6636 for road conditions.
City of Joplin offers tips for winter weather conditions
(From the City of Joplin)Recent forecasts advise of incoming winter weather and the City of Joplin would like to remind people that cold weather and precipitation can create health and safety risks. As the cold front approaches, it is a good time to review safety tips and make preparations to reduce the risk of injury or property issues for you and your family.
This is also a good time to contact your family and friends to ensure they are aware of upcoming weather. Stay in touch during this cold spell. By staying in contact, families and friends can help take care of each other if a household experiences any issues during this time.
Prepare an emergency kit. The below listed items should be part of your basic emergency kit and kept in a container that can be easily carried. Use the Family Safety Guide as a reference to gather additional items important to your family.
Water and canned or dried food - families should set aside one gallon of water per person per day, to last three days, and a three-day supply of food per person. The food should be nonperishable items that don’t need to be cooked, such as tuna and crackers. Remember to include a manual can opener. If there’s an infant in the house, include formula and baby food.
Battery powered radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries for the radio and flashlight
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Copies of insurance policies, deeds and other important records
Be safe while outdoors in winter elements. Avoid ice covered walkways due to risk of falling. To avoid falling, wear snow boots, take short steps and use hand rails for balance, when possible.
Prepare an emergency kit in case you become stranded in your vehicle, cover your body with extra clothing and remain in your vehicle.
Avoid driving, if possible. If necessary, drive with caution and avoid travelling on ice-covered roads, overpasses and bridges. Most injuries and deaths related to winter storms occur from vehicle or transportation related accidents.
Limit outdoor time during extreme cold temperatures and monitor for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Layer clothing with loose-fitting lightweight items. Dress warm and stay dry. Wear a hat, scarf and mittens.
Know the warning signs for hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. Continued exposure to cold temperatures can cause confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, and exhaustion. Do not ignore shivering. Shivering is a sign that the body is losing heat. If shivering persists, go indoors.
Know the signs and symptoms for frostbite, or injury to the body caused by freezing. Frostbite mostly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Signs include tingling and numbness, white or grayish yellow areas of skin, and skin that feels waxy.
Tasks such as shoveling snow, pushing stranded vehicles or even walking can cause exhaustion and overexertion leading to heart attacks. Close attention to physical health, weather conditions and the stress associated with the task should be considered prior to performing such tasks.
Practice proper fire safety precautions: never leave a fire unattended; use space heaters according to manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure your home is protected with a working smoke detector.
Running water, even at a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Check on family, friends and neighbors that could be at high risk of cold related injury or illness including elderly, those that are fighting an illness and people that do not have access to adequate heat.
Provide proper shelter for pets. If pets or livestock must remain outdoors, provide fresh water and food supplies on a regular basis.
Joplin woman arrested for DWI following injury accident
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Nissan driven by Rebecca J. Rodrigues, 48, Joplin, left the roadway and overturned.
Highway Patrol Arrests December 30-31
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Joplin Police Department Arrests December 29-30
Highway Patrol Arrests December 29-30
Garth L. Regnier, 31, Ridgedale, driving while intoxicated (drugs)
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Cherokee County officials warn of coronavirus scam
(From the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)Cherokee County Health Officials and law enforcement are urging residents to be aware of a recent scam related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Cherokee County Health Department Administrator Betha Elliott, the scam involves the sending of text messages representing the sender as an employee of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or Kansas Department of Revenue, seeking information from the text recipient.
"It's important to remember, government agencies will not send unsolicited text messages seeking personal information. If you receive any such text, you should not respond or click on any link within the text but instead immediately delete it," stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.
Information provided to Health Department Administrator Elliott from KDHE indicates the scam requests vaccination status, social security numbers and other sensitive information.
Lamar Police Department Weekly Report
(From the Lamar Police Department)Department numbers for the week of Dec 20 – Dec 26:
Dispatched calls – 140
Reports – 18
Car stops - 25
DWI/DWI-D - 0
Drugs - 1
Misc. Arrests – 8
Pedestrian/Bicycle Checks - 9
Business and residential checks – 266
12/02/2021 Officers were dispatched to a physical domestic in progress in the 900 block of East 12th. One person was transported to the Barton County Jail and placed on a 24 hour hold for a drug investigation and charged with Resisting or Interfering w/Arrest and Domestic Assault.
12/22/2021 Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Broadway for trespassing in progress. One person was transported to the Barton County Jail and placed on a 24 Hold for Investigation for domestic assault.
12/26/2021 Officer conducted a traffic stop at 11th & Broadway. Citations were issued for Possession of Marijuana under 35 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Open Container.
12/26/2021 Officer made traffic stop in the 800 block of W. 12th St. One person was transported to the Barton County Jail and arrested on three city warrants. Summonses were issued for Driving While Revoked, Resisting Arrest, No Insurance, Displaying Plate of Another Person and Failure to Register Vehicle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-5054 and speak with Chief Joe Moore or Deputy Chief John Davis.
Parsons couple facing felony drug charges following traffic stop
(From the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)A Parsons man and woman are facing numerous felonies following a traffic stop by a Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Tuesday evening.
Just before 7:00 p.m., a deputy conducted a traffic stop north of Columbus on Kansas Highway 7. As the vehicle stopped, the driver and passenger allegedly attempted to change positions in the vehicle.
During the course of the roadside investigation, it was determined the original driver had a suspended drivers license. In addition, a considerable amount of narcotics, including methamphetamine, miscellaneous prescription drugs, hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia consistent with the distribution of narcotics were located and seized along with nearly $2,000.00 in counterfeit currency.
A juvenile under the age of 10 was also in the vehicle.
Arrested at the scene of the stop was Kenneth Jarrell Jones, 31, of Parsons. Jones is being held on allegations of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Obtaining / Selling Prescription Drugs, Possession of Hallucinogens, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Counterfeiting Currency, Aggravated Child Endangerment and Driving While Suspended.
Also arrested was 24-year-old Bailey Britton, of Parsons. She is being held on allegations of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Obtaining / Selling Prescription Drugs, Possession of Hallucinogens, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Aggravated Child Endangerment and Obstructing Justice.
Joplin Police Department Arrests December 28-29
Highway Patrol Arrests December 28-29
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Columbus, Chetopa men arrested following burglary
(From the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)Two suspected thieves are in custody after a Cherokee County Deputy discovered them allegedly burglarizing a building south of Columbus in the early morning hours Tuesday.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., the Deputy observed suspicious lights outside of a building used for storing equipment and other property. Moments later a vehicle left and the deputy conducted a traffic stop.
As a result of information obtained from the suspects, and evidence in their possession, both occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody.
Ernest Wayne Moore, 49, of Chetopa, is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of Burglary, Theft, Criminal Trespass and Operating a Vehicle with Illegal Registration.
William Raymond Zimmerman, 35, of Columbus, is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of Burglary, Theft and Criminal Trespass.
Joplin Police Department Arrests December 27-28
Reeds man suffers serious injuries in accident near Carthage
Neosho woman, four others including three children, injured as car goes airborne, overturns
Two passengers, a baby boy from Miami, Oklahoma, and Kara M. Mitchell, 37, Gravette, Arkansas, were treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Joplin.
Carlin and two other passengers, a four-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl, both from Miami, were treated for moderate injuries at Mercy.
Alba man injured in collision in Purcell
Highway Patrol Arrests December 27-28
Kellen S. Markin, 23, Edmond, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated (drugs), careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt
Courtney G. Hall, 43, Springfield, Jasper County warrants for failure to appear on speeding and following too closely, Osceola Police Department warrant for failure to appear on speeding
Crystal M. Davis, 40, Lampe, driving while intoxicated, speeding
Monday, December 27, 2021
Gun-wielding Pineville man charged with three counts of assault, meth possession
(From the McDonald County Sheriff's Office)On December 24, 2021, Your McDonald County Deputies were dispatched to a location behind Booneslick Lodge on U.S. Highway 71 for a disturbance involving a firearm.
While Deputies were on their way to the location, McDonald County 911 dispatchers advised responding units that they were receiving multiple calls involving a male subject pointing a gun at other subjects.
First arriving deputies were able to determine the subject with the firearm had ran to McDonald's. When deputies arrived at McDonald's, a short foot chase ensued with deputies detaining the subject. He was identified as Spencer Daniels from the Pineville area.
As the investigation unfolded, it was determined that Daniels had pointed his handgun at two individuals in a vehicle. He then intentionally struck their vehicle then fled into Boonslick Lodge where he again pointed the firearm at another male subject. Daniel attempted to dispose of the firearm by throwing it in a bathroom trashcan. Deputies were able to recover the firearm.
While searching Daniels' car, deputies recovered methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
Daniels is currently in the McDonald County jail where he has been charged 3 counts of Assault in the First Degree, 3 counts of Armed Criminal Action, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Property Damage 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest, Tampering with Physical Evidence. His bond is 200,000.00 cash only.
Also assisting with this case was the Anderson Police Department and the Pineville Marshal's Office.
Thank you all agencies involved for their assistance. This is another example of good teamwork to contain and bring a positive resolution to a dangerous situation.
Rob Evenson
Anderson man arrested on drug, stealing, burglary, trespassing charges
(From the McDonald County Sheriff's Office)In the afternoon of Christmas Day, Deputies responded to Sycamore Ln, west of Anderson regarding a disturbance.
William Ralph Colvard, 36, Anderson is being held on the following charges: Stealing, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Burglary 2nd Degree and Trespassing 1st Degree.
Over the past week to ten days, there have been similar incidents in different parts of the county. At this time, it is unknown if Colvard is responsible for these other events. The investigation will be ongoing.
Sarcoxie Police Department Weekly Citations
(From the Sarcoxie Police Department)Weekly Citations for 12/20/21-12/26/21
Beissel, Donald Edward; Speeding 11-15 MPH stopped on Blackberry Road
Cantrell, Lena Faye; No Insurance stopped on High Street
Duncan, Rhonda Kay; Failure to Register MV stopped on 14th Street
Hensley-Mattes, Kayla Marie; Failure to Register MV stopped on High Street
Kasper Jr., Philip Todd; Possession of Marijuana stopped on High Street
Parker Sr., Stephen G.; Speeding 11-15 MPH stopped on 14th Street
Richards, Lonnie James; Failure to Register MV stopped on High Street
Swadley, Russell S.; DWI – Alcohol stopped on 9th Street
Jasper County Sheriff's Office Arrests
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report
Joplin Police Department Holiday Weekend Arrests
Highway Patrol reports eight fatalities over holiday weekend
(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Christmas holiday weekend:
Eight people died in traffic crashes during the 78-hour counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 26, 2021.
Troopers investigated the following:
Traffic Crashes — 310
Traffic Crash Injuries — 92
Traffic Crash Fatalities — 4
DWI — 67
[Note: Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 746 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 10 were injured. During the 2020 Christmas holiday, troopers investigated 307 traffic crashes which included all 10 fatalities and 86 injuries. Troopers arrested 62 people for driving while impaired in 2020.]
There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2021 Christmas holiday counting period.
Of the four fatality traffic crashes investigated by troopers, two occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, area, and two occurred in the Troop F, Jefferson City, MO, area. The remaining four fatalities were investigated by Kansas City Police Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Overland (MO) Police Department, and Wentzville (MO) Police Department.
There were no traffic fatalities on Thursday, December 23, 2021, during the holiday counting period.
There were five traffic fatalities on Friday, December 24, 2021. Zachary M. Sutton, 32, of De Soto, MO, died when the vehicle he was operating crossed the center line and struck a pickup truck head-on. Sutton was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred on Missouri Highway 28 one mile west of Missouri Route A in Osage County. Osage County Coroner A.J. Probst pronounced Sutton deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck sustained moderate injuries in the crash. He was wearing a seat belt.
Kenneth H. Mustain, 57, of Camdenton, MO, died when the ATV he was operating traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Mustain was ejected from the ATV. The crash occurred on Greenview Drive near Hermit Holler in Camden County. Dr. Barnes pronounced Mustain deceased at University of Missouri Hospital. Camden County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.
Cesar Estrada-Lopez, 18, of Bridgeton, MO, died when the motorcycle he was operating struck the rear of a vehicle and he was ejected onto the highway. A third vehicle swerved to avoid striking the motorcycle and struck Estrada-Lopez. Estrada-Lopez was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The crash occurred on Interstate 70 west of North Lindbergh Boulevard in St. Louis County. Dr. Schwartz pronounced Estrada-Lopez deceased at SSM Health DePaul Hospital. Neither of the other two drivers involved in the crash were injured. They were both wearing a seat belt.
Zachary M. Ward, 28, of Kansas City, MO, died when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving while taking an exit. The vehicle struck a guardrail, went off the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and overturned multiple times. Ward was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. The crash occurred at the exit for Shoal Creek Parkway on U.S. Highway 169 in Clay County. Officers with the Kansas City Police Department handled the investigation.
A pedestrian was struck and killed in the vicinity of West Florissant and Thrush Avenue in St. Louis, MO. Officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating. No further details are available.
There were two traffic fatalities on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021.
A pedestrian was struck and killed at Midland Boulevard and Woodson Road in St. Louis County. Officers with the Overland Police Department are investigating. No further details are available.
A fatal crash involving a motorcycle occurred on David Hoekel Parkway over Interstate 70 in St. Charles County. Officers from the Wentzville Police Department are investigating. No further details are available.
There was one traffic fatality on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Amy L. Veit, 37, of Lonedell, MO, died when her vehicle traveled partially off the right side of the roadway and she overcorrected. Her vehicle began skidding, traveled across the center of the roadway and rotated counter clockwise striking the front of another vehicle. Veit was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred on Missouri Route H east of Dry Creek Road in Jefferson County. Valle Ambulance District personnel pronounced Veit deceased at the scene. The driver and a passenger in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. They were wearing their seat belts.