Neosho city offices closed Tuesday, Wednesday, municipal court canceled

(From the City of Neosho)

In observance of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays, City offices will be closed Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25. We will reopen on Thursday, December 26 at 8:00 AM.

Municipal Court is cancelled on Tuesday, December 24. 

Residential trash pickup will be affected by the Christmas Day closure. Wednesday routes will be picked up on Thursday, December 26, Thursday routes will be picked up on Friday, December 27 and Friday routes will be picked up on Saturday, December 28.

 
If you have questions about your trash pickup day, please visit https://www.republicservices.com/schedule...

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of December 16 – December 22

 
Dispatched calls – 158
Reports - 12
Car Stops – 16
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 0
Total Arrests – 0
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 1
Zone, Business & Residential Checks – 168

 
12/17/2024 Officer was dispatched to Truman Health Care in reference to a property damage report. Investigation continues.

12/17/2024 Officer issued a summons for registration violation; also advised driver of complaints that have been received about his driving.

12/19/2024 Officer took a report of property damage that occurred on 12/18/2024. Investigation continues.

12/29/2024 Officer took a report of theft at Walmart. Investigation continues.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Interim Chief Lt. Steve Shaw.

Webb City trash pickup adjusted for holidays

 (From the City of Webb City)

Attention City of Webb City Residents: 

The regularly scheduled Wednesday trash pick-up will be on Thursday this week. All other scheduled trash pick-ups will run on the regularly scheduled days.

Trash service changed for Carl Junction due to holiday

 (From the City of Carl Junction)

Trash service for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be delayed by one day to allow Republic Services drivers and staff to celebrate Christmas with their families. 

Tuesday routes will run as scheduled.

Joplin Police Department Weekly Activity Report

 

Highway Patrol Arrests December 22-23

Exzavion M. Perkins, 22, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no head lights, no taillights

Jennifer H. Lane, 31, Walnut Shade, felony leaving the scene of a crash, driving while intoxicated

 

Carthage native is new Jasper County conservation agent

(From Missouri Department of Conservation)

When Carthage native Austin Musche begins his duties as Jasper County Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Agent, Jasper County will be patrolled by two conservation agents who are very familiar with the county.

Starting Jan. 1, Musche will begin his duties as conservation agent for Jasper County. He will work alongside fellow Jasper County Conservation Agent – and fellow Jasper County native – Tyler Green, who grew up in Webb City.

Musche’s new MDC assignment is an opportunity for him to come home. He is a graduate of Carthage High School and Missouri Southern State University. (Green is also a graduate of Missouri Southern.)

“I am excited to be working in Jasper County because it was the place I called home for 22 years of my life,” Musche said. “Hunting, fishing, and trapping in this area for practically my whole life has led me to know the area very well. I already have some great relationships with landowners in the area.”

Prior to his current job, Musche was the conservation agent in Grundy County.

Both Musche and Green will work out of their homes. Musche can be reached at 417-763-5106 and Green can be reached at 417-385-8224. People are reminded that game law violations can also be reported to the Operation Game Thief Hotline, 1-800-392-1111.

Newton County Marriage Licenses

Tony Joe Ayres, 33, Neosho, and Tegan Rose Roller, 24, Neosho

Jaden Zane Spencer, 22, Granby, and Savannah Renee Bruner, 24, Neosho

Emwel Martin, 42, Neosho, and Kiristina Taylor, 42, Neosho

Cory Michael Duvall, 42, Neosho, and Cheryl Renee Ford, 74, Neosho

David Edward Tiffany, 77, Neosho, and Joyce Tulip Saunders, 75, Neosho

Larry Wayne Miller, 73, Rocky Comfort, and Jo Cheryl Miller, 67, Rocky Comfort

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Jasper Co. Sheriff releases name of deceased man found at 800 block of W. Fountain Road and North Upward Lane

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On December 22, 2024, Jasper County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a deceased individual near the intersection of the 800 block of West Fountain Road and North Upward Lane. 

Upon arrival, deputies discovered 31-year-old Jacob Urban of Wichita, Kansas. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by law enforcement and medical personnel, Mr. Urban was pronounced dead at the scene. The next of kin has been notified. 

Jasper County Detectives have initiated an investigation, which remains ongoing. 

At this time, there is no apparent threat to the public and foul play is not suspected. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.

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Jasper County Marriage Licenses

Zane Allen Malone, 20, Grove, Oklahoma, and Kassidy Rose Perkins, 21, Carl Junction

Ernest Dow Whisman, 55, Carthage, and Christine Dayle Michael, 47, Carthage

Drew Hayden Casey, 42, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jacqueline Darlene Craine, 53, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Timothy Adrian Thomas, 24, Carthage, and Ashton Condie Steele, 24, Carthage

Austin James Harrison, 35, Joplin, and Star Marie Morrison, 34, Joplin

Gavin Edward Foveaux, 20, Joplin, and Grace Elizabeth Lohman, 21, Enid, Oklahoma

Eric Juwan Martin, Sr., 40, Joplin, and Melissa Colleen McAfee, 48, Joplin

Darrell Gene King, 66, Carl Junction, and Doris Jean Fry, 64, Joplin

Ryan Michael Anderson, 30, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Jaclyn Faye Lee Jenkins, 30, Pittsburg, Kansas

Billy Duane Henson, Jr., 37, Oronogo, and Amanda Sue Henry, 35, Oronogo

Fernando Valdez Perez, 51, Carl Junction, and Raquel Morales Valles, 33, Carl Junction

Cole Alexander Mitchell, 25, Carterville, and Bethany Erin Rucker, 24, Carterville

Eligio Rosendo Mendez Morales, 39, Joplin, and Patricia Rose Ballard, 31, Joplin

Chance Lee Hamilton, 25, Joplin, and Kimberly Nichole Davis, 26, Joplin

Oscar Eduardo Lopez Escobar, 25, Joplin, and Lesli Mercedes Cortez Ramos, 20, Carthage

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Elias Aaron Bull, 19, Joplin, and Alliyz Eden Owings, 21, Neosho

Stetcyn Blaine Cornelius 24, Joplin, and Makayla Marie Wolford, 23, Joplin

Curtis Paul Humphreys, 20, Sarcoxie, and Bethany Sue Bloss, 26, Sarcoxie

Jason Tyler Bruey, 32, Joplin, and Mickey Brie Alice Mileo, 30, Oronogo

Dony Amisael Hernandez Flores, 28, Carthage, and Tiffany Claire Suseth Lopez Castanon, 26, Carthage

Jorge Luis Medina Zepeda, 28, Carthage, and Diona Jeanne Thomason, 24, Carthage

Jorge Antonio Hernandez Morales, 25, Carthage, and Valeska Yadira Carrillo Santos, 22, Carthage

Camden Allan Lazure, 22, Carl Junction, and Ashley Nicole Tyler, 31, Carl Junction

Brycen Ray Cartwright, 25, Joplin, and Eliza Jade Maxwell, 22, Joplin

Sheldon John Oliver, 68, Goodman, and Robin Ann Chambers Lester, 71, Roundhill, Kentucky

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Thomas James LeGrand, 44, Columbus, Kansas, and Diandra Shauntel Stanley, 30, Columbus, Kansas

Tyler Sutton Alarid, 24, Iola, Kansas, and Ally Claire Ellis, 21, Iola, Kansas

Garrett Michael Hill, 25, Rich Hill, and Sarah Elizabeth Williams, 22, Rich Hill

Wyatt Phillip Mitchell, 26, Conway, and Lindsey Shay Varner, 27, Joplin

Chad David Stennum, 28, Joplin, and Abbie Dawn Frossard, 21, Joplin

Brandon Loren Weaver, 49, Carthage, and Bethany Kate Jeffries, 36, Carthage

Christian Anthony Long, 25, Carthage, and D'Anna Jeanette Bunn, 24, Carthage

 

Newsmakers program focuses on history of television at MSSU

(From KGCS)

In 1984, a summer class of 8 students created the first ever programming for Missouri Southern State College’s new television station – MSTV. Now named KGCS-TV, the station celebrated its 40th anniversary honoring outstanding alumni who worked at the station that first year in tandem with the Regional Media Hall of Fame induction of former general manager Judy Stiles and former Chart adviser Chad Stebbins. This week’s Newsmakers features documentary tributes to the founders of the station.

Stiles looks back at a few of the hundreds of interviews she conducted for Newsmakers during her three decades working at MSSU. Members of the summer class of 1984 included Daphne Massa and MO State Rep. Dave Griffith. Joplin Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot and VYPE Magazine founder Mike Cooper were honored as Outstanding Alumni and contributed to the technical and content production during the station’s early days.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of December 29 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS - Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet in Carthage. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Joplin Recycling Center offers options for discarded Christmas trees

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin will have three collection points for discarded, natural (live) Christmas trees starting December 26 and continuing through January 31. Citizens should bring their tree, completely stripped of all decorations, and place it near the “Christmas Tree Drop-Off” sign posted at one of the following locations: 

-Humphrey Park on Utica Street in the Royal Heights area;

 
-McIndoe Park at Glendale Road and Jackson Avenue – place trees in the southwest corner of the parking lot; and

 
Public Works Center at 1301 West 2nd Street.

 

People are welcome to pick up the discarded trees at these locations for use in establishing fish habitats. City staff will take the remaining trees to the City’s processing site to be chipped.

When discarding other holiday items, please remember Joplin Recycling Center accepts many of these items, including gift wrapping (no metallic paper), paper boxes, bottles, cans, greeting cards, and cooking oil. The Center also accepts discarded Christmas lights.

The Center is located at 1310 West A Street. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Recycling Center will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Center is always closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call 417-624-0820, ext. 1501.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 21-22

Bobby W. Butler, 27, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop at stop line

Candy M. Huynh, 37, Monett, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Halim Abdulai, 39, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to register motor vehicle

Tammy S. Jones, 65, Pittsburg, driving while intoxicated 

Highway Patrol Arrests December 20-21

Mason L. Elder, 21, Crane, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Samuel J. Gordon, 32, Seymour, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Corie R. Holloway, 35, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failed to place vehicle not in motion as far to the right as practicable, no valid plates, no insurance

 

Newton County Commission approves first stage of broadband plan

(From the Newton County Commission)

The Newton County Commissioners are pleased to announce that they have voted to approve an agreement with ALLO Communications to partner with the County to implement the first stage of a broadband deployment plan to provide important and needed Internet connectivity to the unserved and under-served areas of rural Newton County.

This agreement, leveraging the remaining federal ARPA grant funds that the County previously received, will finance the construction of a 'middle-mile' backbone fiber line across the County that will be completed over the next two years.

This fiber will then provide the infrastructure for ALLO and potentially other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect to and build-from it to provide 'fiber to home' service for Newton County residents. The agreement with ALLO, providing $6.9 million in ARPA grant funding, will also support the development of up to nine (9) flash-flood sensor alert locations across the County that will be connected to the backbone fiber line, providing significant public safety enhancement for County residents. 

The County Commissioners also approved a second ARPA-funded agreement with the Area Agency on Aging, totaling $25,000 in APRA funding, to provide digital skills training for County residents, offering it first to the County's senior population.

"During this broadband development planning process, following significant stakeholder outreach, we heard from County residents loud-and-clear that they needed better Internet connectivity, as soon as practically possible, with the opportunity to allow competition in providing service. We also heard from the surveys and one-on-one meetings that enhancing public safety and providing assistance to support greater adoption of connectivity was important. This agreement between the County and ALLO addresses all those requests, within the ARPA funding limitations of the County", remarked Alan Cook, retiring County Commissioner.

"The Commission looks forward to working with ALLO in the construction of this middle-mile, backbone fiber infrastructure in Newton County, to be completed by the end of 2026. By taking this broadband planning approach with ALLO, the County has guaranteed that our ARPA funds will be used to lay the foundation for improved internet connectivity for the County. ALLO, and potentially other interested ISPs, can then make application for federal BEAD grant funding to provide fiber to home service for our county residents. We are especially pleased that this fiber infrastructure touches all the unserved rural areas of the County, which were identified during the planning process", commented Presiding Commissioner Daniel Swem.

Details regarding the County's connectivity deployment plan, as well as the Area Agency on Aging training program, will be posted on the County website soon. In the meantime, County residents can view the County's broadband study that provided the foundation for the planning for the Commissioners' decisions to support improved connectivity infrastructure for the County at the following website:

https://www.newtoncountymo.com/uploads/1/1/0/3/11036008/newton_county_mo_broadband_feasibility_study_summary_document_03-14-2024.pdf

Newton County Remains committed to developing a more connected, sustainable, and equitable community. The County Commissioners look forward to working with ALLO and other interested partners to achieve the important goal of a more connected Newton County.

Badge pinning ceremony held for new Joplin police officers

 

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, the Joplin Police Department held a badge pinning ceremony to recognize the completion of training for new officers as well as recently promoted officers to supervisory roles within the department. 

Those recognized during the event included Officer Ethan Adel, Officer Zackery Burns, Officer Jacob Hibbard, Officer Alex Hopper, Officer Preston Larkin, Officer Taylor Peterson, Corporal Levi Winstead, Corporal Hayden Hinkle, and Sergeant Mackenzie Roach.

The culmination of training and advancement by officers at the Joplin Police Department is something that is earned and not given. For a new officer, this includes over 600 hours of training at a state certified law enforcement academy, followed by an additional 9 weeks of advanced instruction at the Joplin P.D. In-House training academy, which is then followed by a 16-week hands on field training program. 

For those who are being promoted, they have successfully navigated a promotional process that includes an thorough candidate qualification review, extensive written examination, a rigorous assessment center consisting of multiple scenario-based evaluations, a peer review process, and a command staff oral board interview. 

So, as you can see, the honor of wearing a Joplin badge is something that is earned and is not given. As an agency, we recognize this accomplishment through a badge pinning ceremony where officers are given specific and individual recognition, presented their newly earned badge, and afforded the opportunity to have it pinned on their uniform by a spouse, friend, family member, or other loved one.

Additionally, our department chaplains also provide a great service to our officers as they pray over them and bestow each with a custom gift to help guide them through their careers. The ceremony culminates as each officer takes their official oath of office as they raise their right hand and swear to fulfill the duties of the position they’ve worked so hard to earn.

Please join us in congratulating these officers and supervisors on their achievements. We know they will be great representatives of the Joplin Police Department as they go out and serve our community.

Dade County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Kristina A. Strieter vs. Kevin D. Strieter

 

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Robin R. Brous vs. Kenneth B. Brous 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Sarah L. Lira vs. Francisco J. Lira

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kenneth M. Martin vs. Megan L. Martin

Heidi M. Queary vs. Eddy L. Queary

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Amy J. Greer vs. Joshua A. Greer

Taffany L. Martin vs. Sam A. Martin

Amanda L. Hollen vs. James B. Hollen

Leanna Colaw vs. William K. Colaw

David P. Fernandez vs. Ashley N. Fernandez

Lawrence D. Tappana vs. Cheyanne M. Tappana

Brittany L. Goff vs. Spencer A. Goff

Felisha A. Drake vs. Tyler K. Drake

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U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barton County

Grace Ella Mason

Jasper County

April Renee Allen

Johnathan Michael Masters and Caitlin Renee Masters

Lawrence County

 Benjamin Wayne Lucke and Erin Janel Lucke

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Highway Patrol Arrests December 19-20

Ronadal D. Madison, 45, Adamsville, Alabama, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Rolando A. Mendoza, 54, Carrollton, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in a crash

Alexander J. Lamb, 22, Carrollton, driving while intoxicated

Kutter J. Moore, 20, Niangua, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, speeding, no insurance 

Thirty troopers graduate from Highway Patrol Academy

(From Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces that 30 troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, December 20, 2024. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Patrol Academy’s gymnasium. The 122nd Recruit Class reported to the Academy on July 1, 2024. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on January 6, 2025.

The Honorable Robin Ransom, Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey provided the keynote address and Colonel Olson also addressed the class. The Troop F Color Guard presented the colors and the 135th Army Band, Missouri Army National Guard, performed the national anthem. Chaplain Kevin Kappler, US Missions, provided the invocation and benediction.

Four class awards were presented during the graduation ceremony. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earned the respective award. The recruit with the highest number of points overall earned the Superintendent’s Award. Trooper Kevin Francom accepted the Physical Fitness Award; Trooper Corbin Dougherty accepted the Firearms Trophy; and Trooper Ryan Brown accepted the Academics Award. Colonel Olson presented the Superintendent’s Award to Trooper Corbin Dougherty.

The names, hometowns, and first assignments of members of the 122nd Recruit Class are listed below:

Troop A
Trooper Louis T. Baggerly (Belton, MO) ─ Zone 7, Jackson County
Trooper Lance J. Estes (Warsaw, MO) ─ Zone 15, Henry County
Trooper Heisser A. Pujols Bido (Independence, MO) ─ Zone 14, Bates County
Trooper Kemp M. Stewart (Joplin, MO) ─ Zone 6, Jackson County
Trooper Reese E. Tayloe (Warrensburg, MO) ─ Zone 12, Johnson County

Troop B
Trooper Austen E. Harrison (Macon, MO) ─ Zone 2, Macon County

Troop C
Trooper Devin J. Bittick (Florissant, MO) ─ Zone 1, N. St. Louis County
Trooper WrayVauze L. Givens (Mexico, MO) ─ Zone 10, Franklin County
Trooper Adam C. Moran (Ste. Genevieve, MO) ─ Zone 13, Jefferson County

Troop D
Trooper Hunter R. Burks (Fordland, MO) ─ Zone 16, Hickory and Dallas Counties
Trooper Kyle R. Goddard (Republic, MO) ─ Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
Trooper Forrestt R. Jones (Hollister, MO) ─ Zone 4, Stone and Taney Counties
Trooper Jackson D. Lock (Nixa, MO) ─ Zone 1, Greene County
Trooper Jacob W. Nuttall (Bolivar, MO) ─ Zone 6, Lawrence and Dade Counties

Troop E
Trooper Ryan W. Brown (Doniphan, MO) ─ Zone 1, Butler and Ripley Counties
Trooper Cody A. Naramore (Delta, MO) ─ Zone 6, Mississippi/New Madrid/Scott Counties

Troop F
Trooper Colton R. Cavanaugh (Kansas City, MO) ─ Zone 6, Morgan and Moniteau Counties
Trooper Grant M. Garrett (Camdenton, MO) ─ Zone 11, Camden and Miller Counties
Trooper Dean M. Hagenhoff (Westphalia, MO) ─ Zone 2, Cole and S. Callaway Counties
Trooper Martha A. Minarik (Algonquin, IL) ─ Zone 1, Cole and S. Callaway Counties
Trooper Brittney S. Romano (Patton, MO) ─ Zone 7, Cooper and Howard Counties

Troop G
Trooper Corbin M. Dougherty (Van Buren, MO) ─ Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties
Trooper Johnny D. Healy (West Plains, MO) ─ Zone 6, S. Howell and Oregon Counties
Trooper Dustin B. Howell (Thayer, MO) ─ Zone 7, S. Howell and Oregon Counties
Trooper Michael J. Rudy (Thayer, MO) ─ Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties

Troop H
Trooper Joshua D. Bedingfield (Magnolia, TX) ─ Zone 4, Grundy/Mercer/Livingston Counties

Troop I
Trooper Collin A. Clinton (Rolla, MO) ─ Zone 2, Phelps and Maries Counties
Trooper Kevin L. Francom (Sandy, UT) ─ Zone 4, Pulaski and Maries Counties
Trooper Austin L. Gillispie (Bolivar, MO) ─ Zone 1, Phelps and Maries Counties
Trooper Canaan L. Park (Seymour, MO) ─ Zone 6, Pulaski and Maries Counties

Joplin native joins Highway Patrol, assigned to Troop A

(From Highway Patrol Troop A)

Captain Steven V. Wilhoit, commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit, is pleased to announce the assignment of five new troopers within Troop A. The new troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 122nd Recruit Class, which graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on December 20, 2024. The new troopers will report for duty in their respective assignments on January 6, 2025.

Trooper Louis T. Baggerly, a native of Belton, MO, has been assigned to Zone 7, which serves the citizens of Jackson County. Trooper Baggerly graduated from Belton High School in Belton, MO, in 2018. Prior to his appointment to the Patrol, Trooper Baggerly attended the College of the Ozarks in Branson, MO, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2022. Trooper Baggerly is married.

Trooper Lance J. Estes, a native of Warsaw, MO, has been assigned to Zone 15, which serves the citizens of Henry County. Trooper Estes graduated from Warsaw High School in Warsaw, MO, in 2012. Prior to becoming a member of the 122nd Recruit Class, Trooper Estes served as a Commercial Vehicle Officer for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Trooper Estes is married and has four children.

Trooper Heisser A. Pujols Bido, a native of Independence, MO, has been assigned to Zone 14, which serves the citizens of Bates County. Trooper Pujols Bido graduated from Van Horn High School in Independence, MO, in 2017. Prior to his appointment to the Patrol, Trooper Pujols Bido joined the United States Army in 2017, where he continues to serve as a reservist. Trooper Pujols Bido is married.

Trooper Kemp M. Stewart, a native of Joplin, MO, has been assigned to Zone 6, which serves the citizens of Jackson County. Trooper Stewart graduated from Lee’s Summit North High School in Lee’s Summit, MO, in 2019. Prior to joining the Patrol, Trooper Stewart was employed as a manager at a grocery store.

Trooper Reese E. Tayloe, a native of Warrensburg, MO, has been assigned to Zone 12, which serves the citizens of Johnson County. Trooper Tayloe graduated from Warrensburg High School in Warrensburg, MO, in 2021. Prior to his appointment to the Patrol, Trooper Tayloe joined the United States Army in 2021, where he continues to serve as a reservist.

Barton County Marriage Licenses

Scot Ashley Baker, 58, Lamar, and Michelle Yvonne Johanson, 55, Lamar 

Bradden Andrew Smith, 23, Lamar, and Clara Ann Lindsay, 23, Lamar 

Rylan Michael Wooldridge, 22, Lamar, and Phajjia Nicole Gordon, 19, Lamar

 

City of Joplin schedules public meetings to discuss transportation program

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin will relaunch its transit services utilizing the Sunshine Lamp Trolley program in early February 2025. As preparations begin, the City of Joplin will host two Public Meetings on Thursday, January 9, 2025, to discuss the program.

The first meeting will be from 11:30 to 1 p.m., and the second meeting will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

 

Both meetings will take place in the City Council Chambers on the fifth floor of City Hall, 602 South Main Street. The same information will be posted in an Open House format for citizens to view and provide feedback.

Public transit riders and the general public are encouraged to comment at either meeting. To schedule a ride to attend the 11:30 to 1 p.m. meeting, please contact the MAPS office at 417-626-8607.

If unable to attend a public meeting, please contact Gina Thompson, Public Transportation Coordinator, at 417-624-0820, ext. 1800, or email Gthompso@joplinmo.org to leave a comment.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 18-19

Janice D. Henry, 62, Bentonville, Arkansas, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, lane violation, no insurance

Tamara D. Maggard, 67, Kissee Mills, driving while intoxicated

Brandie L. Duvall, 46, Joplin, felony driving while intoxicated- causing serious physical injury, failure to yield

 

Newsmakers program highlights efforts of Shine Joplin

(From KGCS)

“Knowing what is wrong with a person, tells you little about what is right with them.” Heather Wimsett, founder of Shine Joplin, shares a quote that has inspired her efforts to create opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Wimsett gives details of how Shine Joplin started and its mission to ensure these adults find purpose in life. Shine Joplin is a Christian based day program which includes fitness, bible study and skills building through the production of craft items.

Lynae Sanchez, the craft project designer talks about the various creations available and the impact the work has on members and their families. Sam Dutton, a Shine Joplin member discusses his duties and what the Shine Joplin program means to him.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of December 22 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS - Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet in Carthage. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Three arrested, meth, weapons, stolen items seized following search of Neosho home

(From the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team)

On 12/19/24 Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, Newton County SWAT Newton County K-9 and Joplin Police Investigators served a Search Warrant at 11097 Poppy Drive in Neosho. 

Detectives seized approximately 4 ounces of suspected Methamphetamines, 12 Guns and ammo, 2 Bullet Proof Vests, 1 stolen lawn mower, 1 stolen generator and a stolen Car Hauler. 

Two Adult males and 1 Adult female are being charged with Drug Trafficking, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Receiving Stolen Property. The Charges are currently pending with the Newton County Prosecutor's Office and all 3 suspects are currently in Newton County Jail. 

This case is ongoing and more arrests could be pending.

Joplin city offices to close for holidays, trash service schedule adjusted

(From the City of Joplin)

City offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This also includes MAPS and the Recycling Center.

Residential trash and curbside recycling service will shift back one day for customers on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Monday and Tuesday customers will not be affected. Saturday will be used to pick up customers with Friday service. For questions about trash services, contact Republic Services at 1-800-431-1507.

So you want to be a Neosho firefighter

 

Highway Patrol, Cherokee County Sheriff, Galena Police to conduct sobriety checkpoint

 

Joplin Health Department continues WIC contract

(From the Joplin Health Department)

The Joplin City Health Department announces a contract continuance to provide WIC services for the federal fiscal year 2025 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. 

The primary services provided are healthy, supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening and referrals to health care. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk. Migrant families are also eligible.

WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, hot or cold cereals, 100% fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding support, baby foods, and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron-fortified formula. WIC participants obtain their foods using their eWIC cards for specific items at participating local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy and eat healthier.







WIC is administered in Jasper County by the Joplin City Health Dept/WIC. Joplin City WIC clinics are offered at the following location:Joplin City Health Department/WIC 321 E. 4th Street Joplin, Missouri.
Hours 8-5 closed 12-1. Persons interested in applying or who need more information should contact the Joplin City WIC at 417-623-1928 option 3, leave a message, or complete an online interest application using this website: https://mowicinterestform.health.mo.gov .

Also, you can find and like us on Facebook by searching for “Joplin City WIC.” Changes to clinic operations or benefits are posted there.

City of Joplin's tree limb drop off site open this weekend

(From the City of Joplin)

The City’s Free Drop-Off Site for Tree Limbs will be open this Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21. Joplin residents can drop off tree limbs from 8 AM to 3 PM at 1702 North Schifferdecker Avenue, approximately six-tenths of a mile north of Belle Center Road on the west side of Schifferdecker Avenue.

The site is now open every month on the third Saturday and preceding Friday. This free drop-off service is for Joplin residents only. Professional contractors are not allowed to dump.

 

If this month is too busy, the dates for the 2025 Tree Limb Drop-Off are:

January 17 & 18

February 14 & 15

March 14 & 15

April 18 & 19

May 16 & 17

June 20 & 21

July 18 & 19

August 15 & 16

September 19 & 20

October 17 & 18

November 14 & 15

December 19 &20

Joplin residents should also note that the City’s residential trash service through Republic Services allows yard waste removal on their regular trash pick-up day. Limbs must be cut to a maximum of four (4) feet and bundled. Bundles shall be no heavier than 50 pounds. The diameter of each tree limb shall be no larger than four (4) inches.

Please contact the Recycling Coordinator at 417-624-0820, ext. 1501 with any questions about the site drop-off. For questions about curbside pickup, contact Republic Services at 800-431-1507.
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Oakton Living Nativity Pageant scheduled