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.
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Highway Patrol Arrests March 30-31
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Stark City man dead after suffering medical emergency following auto accident
A Stark City man died following a one-vehicle accident 6:04 p.m. Friday on MO 86 a mile and a half east of Stark City.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Lincoln Navigator driven by Nylen L. Allphin, 87, Stark City, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch.
A passenger, Patricia G. Allphin, 86, Stark City, was treated for minor injuries at Freeman Neosho.
The fatality was the 18th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
Nevada woman flown to Freeman with serious injuries following crash
Neosho man injured in accident on 86
Carthage woman injured in collision on Newton Road
Highway Patrol Arrests March 29-30
Friday, March 29, 2024
McDonald County R-1 offers construction update
(From the McDonald County R-1 School District)As students and staff enjoy spring break, construction crews are hard at work across our district, bringing exciting changes to our campuses! Here's a quick update on what's happening at some of our schools:
White Rock Elementary School: Walls and roof for the storm shelter are up and taking shape!
Noel Elementary School: Footings for storm shelter walls are in place, visible from above!
All of this progress is made possible by the $21.5 million bond issue passed by voters in April 2022. Thank you for your support!
More exciting construction updates on more campuses are on the way, so stay tuned!
Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Joplin Police Department Arrests March 28-29
Jasper County Marriage Licenses
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Intersection of Chestnut and River in Carthage to be closed beginning Monday
(From Carthage Public Works/Street Department)The gas company has notified our office that concrete repair work at the intersection of Chestnut and River is scheduled to take place beginning Monday, April 1 and is expected to be finished by Wednesday, April 3rd weather permitting.
Joplin Police Department Arrests March 27-28
Three Goodman residents injured in collision on 59
Neosho man cited for DWI, meth possession after two injured in crash near Seneca
A Neosho man was cited for driving while intoxicated following a one-vehicle accident 6:45 p.m. Wednesday on Old Highway 60, six miles east of Seneca in which two people were injured.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1996 Ford F150 driven by Christopher C. Lasley, 47, Neosho, ran off the roadway and overturned, ejecting both occupants.
Lasley and a passenger, Shawn D. Rodrock, 48, Neosho, were treated for moderate injuries at Freeman West, Joplin.
Lasley was also cited for possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony driving while revoked, careless and imprudent driving and for not wearing a seat belt.
Highway Patrol Arrests March 27-28
Community Action Ride System to be featured on Newsmakers
(From KGCS)Transportation or the lack of it is a top five need consistently in Economic Security Corporation’s Community Needs Assessment in each county it serves: Barton, Jasper, McDonald and Newton.
Dreiling details driver requirements and the United Way’s Give 5 program that pairs retirees with volunteer opportunities. Studyvin shares information about the CARS launch event April 13 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. called Drive to Thrive Revving up to Ride. The free community event at Landreth Park will include food trucks, games for kids and an opportunity to register to ride or drive with the CARS program.
Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of March 31 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6 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 Suddenlink Communications. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communications at Missouri Southern State University.
Joplin man arrested for stealing telecommunications cable
(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)On 03/26/2024 at approximately 5:30 AM, Jasper County deputies were dispatched to the theft of telecommunications cable near High Street in Sarcoxie, MO. On scene, deputies located a section of aerial telecommunications cable that had been cut from telephone poles. The approximate length of the stolen cable was about 250 ft. valued at over $2,000.00 by the telecommunications company. There was a possible suspect vehicle that was in the area at the time of the theft.
During the investigation, Jasper County detectives received information of a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle was located in the area of the 1100 block of S. Monroe Ave in Joplin.
On 03/27/2024 at 6:21 PM, Jasper County deputies executed a search warrant at 1105 S. Monroe Ave, in Joplin. The stolen telecommunications cable was located at the residence as well as additional stolen telecommunications cable from other thefts. A total of 470 feet of telecommunications cable was located.
Jordan T. Romero, 35, of Joplin was arrested and Felony Stealing charges are being sent to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
This is the third arrest for the felony stealing of communication wire made by the Sheriff’s Office in the past year.
This case is still actively being investigated and more charges and arrest may occur.
Outer 44 (Birch Road) to be closed in Sarcoxie
(From MODOT)
TRAFFIC ALERT: Outer 44 (Birch Road) CLOSED in Sarcoxie for Permit Work April 1-5
Where: Outer 44 (Birch Road) in Sarcoxie between Loop 44 (High Street) and Jasper County Road 20
When: ‘Round the clock beginning Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5
Traffic Impacts
Outer 44 (Birch Road) CLOSED ‘round the clock between Loop 44 (High Street) and Jasper County Road 20
Drivers will have access to all driveways and entrances but will not be able to travel through work zone
Drivers urged to find alternate routes to avoid the work zone
Electronic message boards located near the planned road work will alert drivers approaching work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Joplin Police Department Arrests March 26-27
Mount Vernon man killed in collision on 96 east of Avilla
Highway Patrol Arrests March 26-27
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Newton County Sheriff's Office announces promotions
(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)We would like to recognize a few folks that have been promoted and moved around.
First, we want to recognize Captain Mike Barnett for assuming responsibility of our Patrol Division.
Second, we want to recognize Deputy N. Booe who was promoted to Sergeant in December 2023. While he asked us “not to make a big deal” about his promotion, we decided to make a big deal about it. Sergeant Booe leads a patrol team, and from what we hear from his people, does an excellent job.
Lastly, we want to congratulate Deputy Martin and Deputy Strahley on their promotions to Detective. Detective D. Martin will continue to investigate sex offender compliance violations as well as other cases that are assigned to him.
Detective K. Strahley will be investigating property crimes. She’s excited to start this new chapter of her law enforcement career.
Congratulations to all! We know you will do a great job.
Mayoral candidate forum scheduled at Sarcoxie Senior Center
If you missed last week’s forum, there is still one more chance to hear from the candidates running for mayor at the Sarcoxie Senior Center next Monday, April 1st starting at 6:30pm.
This event has been organized by the citizens of Sarcoxie.
Pittsburg man arrested for possession of stolen property
(From the Pittsburg Police Department)On Friday afternoon, March 22, 2024, at approximately 4:00 PM, a law enforcement officers from the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of E. 10th St., in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The victim reported their 2018 Jeep Compass had been stolen from their residence sometime between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM the previous night (March 21, 2024).
On early Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024, at approximately 1:50 AM, a law enforcement officer from the Pittsburg Police Department was near the intersection of US 69 Hwy. and E. 520th Ave. conducting checks on business properties when they observed the stolen Jeep Compass traveling westbound on E. 520th Ave. from that intersection.
The Jeep pulled into the driveway of a residence, located in the 700 block of E. 520th Ave., and three occupants exited the vehicle: two female passengers and one male driver, who was later identified as 29-year-old Matthew N. Grassi, of Pittsburg. All three occupants were detained until Deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office arrived on scene to assume control of the investigation.
Mr. Grassi was subsequently arrested by Deputies for felony possession of stolen property, and he was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. Mr. Grassi is currently being held without bond.
This incident is still under investigation at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident 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.
Parsons man arrested for fourth DUI
(From the Parsons Police Department)On March 21st, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m., a citizen witnessed a vehicle driving erratically in the 2600-2700 blocks of Main St.
SRO Dunn observed the vehicle drive off the roadway, after it turned into the 3200 block of Grand Ave. SRO Dunn activated her emergency equipment. The driver, identified as Larry Joe Buffington, 66-year-old of Parsons, KS, stopped in the trailer park located on Mobile Dr.
During SRO Dunn’s traffic stop, it was found that Buffington was allegedly driving under the influence. He was also found to be transporting an open container of alcoholic beverage.
Buffington was found to have three other convictions for Driving Under the Influence. Buffington charges for Felony Driving Under the Influence and Transporting an Open Container were sent for charging. A District Court Judge reviewing the affidavit for charges, set a $5,000 O/R bond for Buffington on the afternoon of March 22nd.
Lamar Police Department Weekly Report
Reports - 8
Car Stops – 9
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure - 0
Total Arrests – 0
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 17
Zone, Business & Residential Checks – 291
03/18/2024 Officer went to the 400 block of E. 12th St. for a past tense theft that occurred. Suspect was located and transported the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. He was issued a summons for Stealing under $750 (shoplifting) and trespassed from the business.
03/21/2024 Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Jackson in reference to a stolen motor vehicle. Investigation continues.
03/23/2024 Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of E. 12th St for the report of a firearm which had been left at the business. The firearm was taken the Lamar Police Department for safekeeping.
03/24/2024 Officers were dispatched to the area of 14th St. and Maple Street for a report of shots fired. Investigation continues.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Chief Joe Moore.