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.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Joplin man suffers serious injuries in car-motorcycle collision
Highway Patrol Arrests August 30-31
Friday, August 30, 2024
Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Highway Patrol Arrests August 29-30
Jasper County Marriage Licenses
Prairie Day scheduled at George Washington Carver National Monument
(From George Washington Carver National Monument)The staff of George Washington Carver National Monument invites you to Prairie Day, September 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Exhibits and demonstrations include Civil War history, archaeology, apple cider making, basket weaving, treadle machine sewing, crocheting, knitting, a quilting bee, woodworking, prairie ecology, pollinators, beekeeping, birds, mammals, fish, and bison history.
Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver - scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.
City of Joplin's excess surplus auction scheduled
(From the City of Joplin)The City’s annual surplus auction is set for Saturday, September 14.
Items to be auctioned will be available for viewing on site from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 13, and from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14, before the start of the auction.
Indian Creek Bridge in McDonald County open after rehabilitation project
(From MoDOT)
TRAFFIC ALERT: Route C/Indian Creek Bridge in McDonald Co. OPEN After Rehabilitation Project
Where: McDonald County Route C bridge over Indian Creek east of Goodman
When: As of 10 a.m., Friday, August 30
Joplin Police Department releases name of fatality in accident on I-44 at Rangeline exit
(From the Joplin Police Department)The driver from this fatality crash has been identified as Jermaine Bingham, age 51 of Bixby, Oklahoma. Next of kin has been notified.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Joplin woman arrested in connection with rash of vehicle burglaries, property recovered
Stella teen injured in crash caused by animal in the roadway
Fairview, Marionville residents injured in collision on 60
Joplin woman suffers serious injuries in crash west of Pierce City
Highway Patrol Arrests August 28-29
Suicide Prevention Month education featured on Newsmakers
(From KGCS)People can now dial 988 and get professional help in times of a mental health crisis. It is just one tool being used to reduce the number of suicides and attempts at self-harm. September is Suicide Prevention Month and Newsmakers brings focus to ways we all can help people in distress.
Ozark Center Director of Crisis Services Debbie Fitzgerald and Assistant Director of Crisis Services Stephen McCullough share information about the local 988 call center and Urgent Behavioral Solutions, an alternative to the emergency room for those in crisis.
Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of September 1 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, September 7 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.
City of Joplin seeking feedback on Ewert Splash Park design
(From the City of Joplin)The City of Joplin is in the process of finalizing the design for a revitalized Ewert Park. Community input is a critical part of this process.
The Ewert Park revitalization effort is being funded through the voter-approved renewal of the ¼-cent Parks and Stormwater Sales Tax. Since the closure of the aquatic center, citizens have expressed interest in utilizing the space in new and dynamic ways.
Revitalization efforts are aimed at providing a community gathering space with quality amenities that will last the test of time.
To learn more about ways to get involved and to sign up for project alerts, visit the project website (www.ewertsplashpark.com).
For more information about Ewert Splash Park, please contact Paul Bloomberg, City of Joplin Parks and Recreation Director, at pbloombe@joplinmo.org.
Lane reduction, traffic delays expected on Northbound 43 and 34th Street in Joplin
(From MoDOT)
TRAFFIC ALERT: Lane Reduction, Traffic Delays on Northbound Route 43 & 34th St. in Joplin Sept. 4-5
Where: Northbound Missouri Route 43 (Main Street) & 34th Street in Joplin
When: 7 a.m., Wednesday, September 4 until 5 p.m., Thursday, September 5
Traffic Impacts
Northbound right lane of Route 43 (Main Street) CLOSED
Northbound left lane of Route 43 (Main Street) OPEN
All southbound Route 43 (Main Street) lanes OPEN
Drivers are urged to use caution as crews and equipment will be working close to traffic
No signed detours
Drivers should find alternate routes around work zones
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
This work is part of a project to make intersection improvements and install traffic signals and street lighting on Route 43 (Main Street) and Loop 43 (Range Line Road) in Joplin.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Newton County Sheriff seeking man on sexual misconduct warrant
(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)Warrant Wednesday!
This individual has an outstanding Newton County felony warrant. We would like the public's help in locating him.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact our dispatch center at 417-451-8333.
**Do not attempt to apprehend**
Highway Patrol Arrests August 27-28
Highway Patrol Troop D announces promotions
(From Highway Patrol Troop D)Captain D. Scott Sater, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, is pleased to announce the following promotions effective September 1, 2024.
Trooper Robert W. Garrett has been promoted to the rank of corporal and will remain in his current assignment in Zone 20 as a Marine Enforcement Officer. Garrett was appointed to the Missouri State Water Patrol on January 2, 2005, as a member of the 33rd Water Patrol Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to District 1, later designated as Zone 20, serving the Niangua River, Pomme de Terre and Stockton lakes.
Corporal Garrett is a native of Independence, MO. He graduated from Blue Ridge Christian School in Kansas City, MO. Garrett served in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class on the USS Spruance-DD963. Corporal Garrett is married to his wife Jenny, and they have three children.
Corporal Kevin C. Morris has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated as zone supervisor of Zone 8, serving Barton and Vernon counties. Morris was appointed to the Patrol on October 1, 2002, as a member of the 80th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop D, Zone 4, serving Stone and Taney counties. In April 2009, Morris was promoted to the rank of corporal and served as an assistant zone supervisor in Zone 4.
Sergeant Morris is a native of Kirksville, MO. He graduated from Kirksville High School in 1989. He attended and graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis in 1993. He is married to his wife Monica.
Trooper Randy Morris has been promoted to the rank of corporal and designated as assistant zone supervisor of Zone 7, serving Newton and McDonald counties. Randy was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 2008, as a member of the 87th Recruit Class. After graduating the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop D, Zone 7.
Corporal Morris is a native of Seneca, MO, where he graduated Seneca High School in 1986. Corporal Morris is a retired sergeant first class in the United States Army. He is married to his wife Cindy.
Work begins next week on Route 66/Route 249 and I-49/Shoal Creek bridges
(From MoDOT)
Rehabilitation Project on Route 66/Route 249 & I-49/Shoal Creek Bridges Begins Week of Sept. 2
A project to repair and resurface the bridge decks/driving surfaces on Missouri Route 66/Missouri Route 249 and I-49/Shoal Creek bridges in Jasper County is scheduled to begin the week of September 2, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
Traffic Impacts
On Tuesday, September 3, contractor crews will begin work on I-49/Shoal Creek bridges north of Missouri Route 175 (Gateway Drive) south of Joplin
Drivers will encounter lane reductions in both directions and delays during peak traffic times
At least one lane will be open in both directions on I-49 at all times
No signed detours in either direction
Route 66/Route 249 bridge in Duenweg CLOSED
No signed detour, drivers are urged to find alternate routes
Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the bridge but will not be able to travel through the work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
In addition to the bridge deck/driving surface resurfacing and repair, the contractor will add permanent pavement striping.
Weather and/or unforeseen delays will alter the work schedule.
Project Information
Prime contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons, Springfield
Total project cost: $1.04 million
Contract completion date: November 1, 2025
Crossland Construction donates $250,000 to Missouri Southern's Lions Forward Campaign
(From Missouri Southern State University)Crossland Construction, a supporter of Missouri Southern State University for more than three decades, has made a $250,000 leadership gift to the university’s Lions Forward Campaign. The gift aligns with Crossland’s commitment to education and their belief in the transformative power of learning, company officials said.
The Lions Forward Campaign is focused on enhancing academic programs, expanding student scholarships, and improving campus facilities. This donation emphasizes Crossland Construction’s commitment to building a brighter future for students at MSSU and strengthening Southwest Missouri and the four-state region.
“We are incredibly grateful for Crossland Construction’s continued support of Missouri Southern State University and their shared vision of student success,” MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen said. “Their generous donation to the Lions Forward Campaign will have a lasting impact on students, faculty, and our community. It’s through partnerships like these that we can continue to provide high-quality resources and educational opportunities.”
President of the Midwest Region, Curt Crossland, said the company’s dedication to education aligns with Missouri Southern’s values of excellence and lifelong learning. The company’s founder, Ivan Sr., exemplified the importance of education by pursuing further learning despite the challenges he faced. The philosophy of continuous learning is evident in Crossland Construction’s company culture through their support of Missouri Southern and other educational initiatives.
The Lions Forward Campaign is focused on fostering a bright future on the MSSU campus for its students by elevating student success opportunities through three strategic areas: Enhancing the student experience, fostering academic excellence, and building the campus of the future.
“This campaign will provide many new student opportunities that will enrich their academic experiences, and consequently, attract new students to our university for years to come,” Van Galen said. “We are extremely appreciative of Crossland Construction and the many others who share our vision and have joined in the Lions Forward Campaign.”
For more information about the Lions Forward Campaign or to learn how you can support Missouri Southern, visit mssu.edu/lionsforward.
Ramp closed at I-44 and Rangeline in Joplin
Where: Westbound I-44 exit ramp at Range Line Road (Exit 8) in Joplin
When: 9 p.m., Wednesday August 28-3 a.m., Thursday, August 29
What: Contractor crews replacing guardrail on the ramp
Traffic Impacts
Westbound I-44-to-Range Line Road off-ramp CLOSED to traffic
No signed detour
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching closure
Drivers should find alternate routes
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.
Joplin city offices closed for Labor Day, trash pickup times changed
(From the City of Joplin)In recognition of the Labor Day holiday, the City of Joplin offices will be closed on Monday, September 2. This closing includes the Joplin Recycling Center and MAPS services.
Public Safety services and Airport operations will continue to operate throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend, as these departments run 24/7 throughout the year.
The Joplin City Council meeting, regularly scheduled on the first Monday, will shift to Tuesday, September 3. It will be held at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 602 South Main St.
Due to the holiday, residential trash will not be picked up on Labor Day, Monday, September 2. Customers who usually have trash picked up on Mondays will have their trash picked up on Tuesday, September 3. For the remainder of the week, the residential trash will move forward one day with Friday’s customers having service on Saturday.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Fairview man injured in accident west of Purdy
Highway Patrol Arrests August 26-27
Lane reductions, delays expected on McDonald County Route PP
(From MoDOT)
TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Lane Reductions, Delays on McDonald Co. Route PP for Resurfacing Sept. 9
Where: McDonald County Route PP between Missouri Route 43 in Southwest City south approximately 1.3 miles to the Missouri/Arkansas state line
Traffic impacts
Traffic reduced to one lane where contractor crews are laying asphalt
Drivers will encounter flaggers and pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zone or before entering the work zone from a side road.
Work will be done during daytime hours; all lanes open to traffic at night
No signed detour
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zones
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or scheduling delays could alter the work schedule.
This project is part of Gov. Parson’s Rural Routes program. The state’s approved Fiscal Year 2023 budget provided an additional $100 million in General Revenue for work on Missouri’s low volume rural roads. Using asset management data, MoDOT has identified approximately 1,700 lane miles of low volume roads ranked in Poor Condition. By the end of the program, these 113 locations will receive resurfacing treatments of hot mix asphalt to improve the road conditions.
One fatality in rollover crash on I-44 in Joplin
(From the Joplin Police Department)On August 27th, 2024, the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received 911 reports of a rollover crash involving a semi tractor trailer at the 9-mile marker on Interstate 44 westbound at the Rangeline Road exit.
Monday, August 26, 2024
Lamar Police remove 6 dogs from square, find 3 missing children during annual fair
Parking complaints 3
Dogs removed from square 6
Found Items turned in to us 12
Found items claimed by owner 3
Lost items reported 6
Lost items that were found 4
Smoking marijuana in public 1
Medical Assist 1
Missing Children (all found) 3
Suspicious persons 3
Peace Disturbance 1
Warrant Arrest 1
Total Arrest 2