MSSU names Michelle Wood interim vice president for university advancement

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Beginning July 1, Michelle Wood will serve as the Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) interim vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Missouri Southern Foundation. A 1992 Missouri Southern graduate, Wood returned to MSSU in 2017 as director of Major Gifts and later director of Planned Gifts. She played an important role in the early success of the Lions Forward Campaign.

Wood transitioned to Cottey College in 2023 to become vice president of Institutional Advancement, where she restructured the advancement team, led a successful fundraising effort to renovate campus facilities, and helped shift the institutional culture toward a more results-driven philanthropic approach.

Her distinguished career has included roles as director of Talent Acquisition at Leggett & Platt, Inc., executive director of a non-profit focused on child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services in nine Missouri counties, and as a teacher in the Lamar R-I School District. 

Included in her extensive history of volunteer and community service is her 2020 appointment by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to serve on the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors.
“Michelle is a highly effective and relational advancement professional and has the experience and qualities to lead our University Advancement team, and to continue the success of the Lions Forward Campaign,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU president.

“Michelle is a high-caliber professional with the talents and vision to lead the Foundation and advance the university,” said Deron Burr, president of the Missouri Southern Foundation Board. “We are elated to have someone with her background to fulfill this vital role.”

Wood will serve as a member of MSSU’s President’s Cabinet. In addition to her responsibilities in University Advancement and with the Missouri Southern Foundation, she will also direct the university’s governmental and community relations efforts.

Pittsburg Police Department arrests pair on theft, burglary charges

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On Friday, March 28, 2025, at approximately 1:23 PM, an officer with the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to a theft incident, which had just occurred, in the area of the 300 block of N. Broadway Street, Pittsburg. 

The victim reported she was waiting for the bus, and two individuals rode by on bicycles, circled around the victim, and then took the victim’s backpack which was on the ground near her. A theft report was taken, and officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspects. During the investigation, leads were developed identifying potential suspects in the theft.

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at approximately 12:28 PM, an officer with the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to a report of a residential burglary in the 400 block of E. Jackson Street. The reporting party advised they were remodeling the residence and was last at the residence the day prior. The reporting party advised they returned to the residence and found they were missing two doors and an expandable ladder from the residence. At the time of the report, no suspect information was identified.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 8:51 AM, an officer with the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to a report of a residential burglary in the 1700 block of S. John F. Kennedy Street. The reporting party advised earlier in the morning, around 5:50 AM, his home security camera captured two individuals entering his enclosed porch, looking around with a flashlight and then stealing his security camera. Based on the video provided by the victim two suspects were identified. Earlier that morning, prior to the report of this residential burglary, the same two suspects were contacted by officers at a storage unit in the 400 block of S. Joplin Street, however no criminal activity was discovered at that time.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, officers located the two suspects at a residence in the 400 block of W. 9th Street, in Pittsburg, and took 22-year-old Eric T. Jones and 27-year-old Sean M. Wolsey into custody. Mr. Jones and Mr. Wolsey were transported to the police department and interviewed in reference to the above cases, as well as other theft and burglary-related cases. During the investigation it was discovered that a storage unit was burglarized earlier in the morning in the 400 block of S. Joplin Street, after an officer contacted Mr. Jones and Mr. Wolsey.

Search warrants for Mr. Jones’ and Mr. Wolsey’s residence and storage unit were applied for and granted. The search warrants were executed, and evidence related to multiple theft and
burglaries incidents was seized. Mr. Wolsey and Mr. Jones are believed to be the suspects of several of these cases.

As a result of the investigation, Mr. Jones and Mr. Wolsey were placed under arrest and transported to the Crawford County Jail. Mr. Jones and Mr. Wolsey were both arrested for one count of felony aggravated burglary, two counts of felony burglary, three counts of felony theft, one count of misdemeanor theft.

The investigation into these, as well as other burglary and theft reports, is ongoing and items of seized evidence are being evaluated for relevance to open cases. Additional charges could follow.

Mr. Jones and Mr. Wolsey are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, 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.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

04/02/2025 25000619 1953 

JOSHUA MAX GREEN 

 531 S Kentucky Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 6199 GOLDFINCH RD/ELM DR 0.00 

WM 33 

BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE 

04/02/2025 2350 

CARRI HANNAH TOWNSEND 

 20907 Beech Road DIAMOND, MO 64840 

 E 32ND ST/S BLAKE ST 0.00 

WF 41 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 

04/02/2025 2252 

ERICK ALSEK ROBONEI 

 1150 E Shepherd Ln, 302 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 

 3510 S RANGE LINE RD 250.00 

WM 39 

ANDERSON PD - OPERATE VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT LICENSE 

04/02/2025 25000614 0400 

ERIC CHRISTOPHER COX 

 2102 S Pennsylvania Ave JOPLIN, MO 3227 

COYOTE DR/BLUFF DR 500.00 

WM 37 

DWI - PRIOR 

04/02/2025 25000623 2057 

ANDREW KYLE FRIESEN-KORNELSEN 

 Homeless In Us 4240 HIGHWAY 43 0.00 

WM 22 

RESISTING OR INTERFERING WITH ARREST/DETENTION/STOP 

STEALING 

Portion of W. 20th Street to close Monday

(From the City of Joplin)

Starting Monday, April 7, 20th Street will be closed between Iron Gates Road and Country Club Drive as the first construction phase of the 20th Street widening project begins.

This is a full road closure with detours posted. Residents of the closed area will have access only through the east end of the closure.

This capital improvement will widen approximately two miles of West 20th Street from two lanes to three lanes from Schifferdecker Avenue to Central City Road. The project includes intersection improvements at both Country Club Drive and Central City Road and will add curbs and gutters, along with a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the entire project.

Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc. is the contractor for this $9.8 million project. Funding is through the Capital Improvement Sales Tax initiative passed in 2014 and renewed by voters in 2024, and is partially funded through the City, Jasper County ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), and Joplin Special Road District.

Tax scams topic on next Newsmakers

(From KGCS)

It is tax time and the deadline for filing is April 15. Whether you are trying to make the deadline or filing for an extension, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has a warning about IRS impersonators and ghost tax preparers in the next Newsmakers program.

Pamela Hernandez with the BBB gives advice on selecting a professional tax preparer and questions you should ask before hiring one. She also has details of recent text scams popping up from IRS impersonators. Hernanez explains that the IRS does not contact taxpayers by phone.

A video package explains free tax help available from VITA or volunteer income tax assistance. The service is available in the community and on campus where it can help students with tax preparation and in the future will be an immersive learning opportunity for accounting students.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of April 6 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS – Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS-TV 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 Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Crowder College Board of Trustees minutes

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

OF NEWTON-McDONALD COUNTIES, MISSOURI

3/24/2025

 

 

There being a quorum present, the meeting of the Crowder College Board of Trustees of the Community College District of Newton-McDonald Counties, Missouri, was called to order by Board Chair, Mr. Andy Wood, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, 3/24/2025. Members present at the meeting were:

 

                Andy Wood, Chair

Diane Andris, Vice-Chair

Vickie Barnes, Treasurer

Don McBride, Member

 

Also attending the meeting were:

 

Chett Daniel, Interim President

Elizabeth Armstrong, Executive Assistant to the President

Al Stadler, Vice President of Information Services

Andrew Nwanne, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Joe Brenner, Vice President of Finance

Tiffany Slinkard, Vice President of Student Affairs

Jamie Ward, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

Paul Schlag, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

Josh Carter, Interim Associate Vice President of Career and Technical Education

Jared Brown, Associate Vice President of Finance

Ed Barlow, Workforce Training and Development Solutions

Wade Williams, Institutional Advancement Director

Aaron Sumler, Teacher Education Division Chair

Greg Murdock, Accounting Instructor

Eric Deatherage, Lee Library Director

Brandi Arthur, Athletics Director

Richard Fretwell, Assistant Softball Coach

Nikki Keck, Softball Coach

Mark Fitch, Webb City Center Director

Joani Zibert, Grants Director

Shannon Hatfield, Upward Bound/Talent Search Director

Hunter Hames, Talent Search Administrative Assistant

Sandra Wilson, Nursing Director

Cindy Brown, Public Information Director

Jonathan Paul, Physical Plant Director

Michael Tarrant, Maintenance Supervisor

Aaron Divine, McDonald County Director

Melissa Smith, Post Secondary CTE Director

Cassie Hale, Human Resources Director

Stephanie Witcher, Communications Division Chair

John Larson, Nevada Center Director

Denna Clymer, Social Sciences Division Chair

Steven Wolven, Allied Health Director

Gilbert Towns, Chief of Police

Jessica Struckhoff, Paragon Architecture

 

A few moments of silence were observed to prepare for the meeting.

 

Minutes of Previous Meeting

Minutes of the February 24 regular meeting and March 12 retreat were approved as written and previously distributed.

 

Financial Reports

Mr. Wood noted the monthly cash flow statement for February 2025. Dr. Pierson responded to additional questions from Board members as needed. Checks in the amount of $786,112.77 were reviewed. The rest of the current fund balances and agency accounts were reviewed.

 

Agency Accounts Policy – Second Reading

Dr. Daniel stated there have been no changes since the first reading.

 

Bi-Annual Review of Board Policies and Procedures

The informational purchase amount and inventory policy language were modified as requested during the first reading at the March 12 retreat.

 

Joplin ATTC Lease Extension

Dr. Daniel stated we hope to move into the new building by January 2026. Discussion took place regarding the moving of equipment.

 

Bond Resolution

Dr. Daniel and Mr. Williams discussed the intention behind the bond resolution for the Joplin building project. Mr. Brenner discussed the bond resolution amount, and the facilities corporation makeup.

 

A MOTION to approve the consent agenda was made by Ms. Barnes, seconded by Ms. Andris, and unanimously carried.

 

Personnel

Dr. Daniel recommended approval of the following personnel changes:

Retirement of Suzanne Prior, Communications Instructor.

Resignation of Twyla Evans, Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator, Aubreigh Fowler, Behavior Technician, Kellie Faulkinberry, CTEC Office/Instructional Assistant, Brandy Blanton, Vet Tech Lab Assistant, and Julie Miller, AEL/ELL Instructor.

Change of status of Josh Carter from Director of Secondary CTE to Interim AVP of CTE, Rebecca Sumler from Upward Bound Academic Coordinator to Upward Bound Assistant Director, Tony Savage from AEL Workforce Specialist to AEL Assistant Director, and Dace Youngblood from Full Time RAISE ELL Instructor to Part Time RAISE ELL Instructor.

Employment of Brian King, Campus Security Officer, and Hunter Hames, Talent Search Administrative Assistant, Matthew Roschevitz, Evening Custodian, and Ariel Derr, Behavior Technician.

A MOTION to approve all personnel changes was made by Ms. Andris, seconded by Ms. Barnes, and unanimously carried.

 

Budgets and Finances

The board was asked to vote on contract and purchase requests for MOBIUS membership and database subscriptions, OVID database subscription, McDonald County lawn care services, four PLC trainers, SMART, Child Development, and Current Biographies databases, annual subscription for OpenAthens, fleet vehicle, janitorial services, ACT Success student bootcamp, rodeo management, and fire protection contract. A MOTION to approve all contracts and purchases as requested was made by Mr. McBride, seconded by Ms. Andris, and unanimously carried.

The board was then asked to review information regarding purchases of auditing services, subscriptions for Films on Demand, hotel rooms for Cassville SSS cultural trip, motel accommodations for SkillsUSA, hotel rooms for Talent Search cultural trip, laptop computers for Surgical Technology, and fiber cabling for the Dell Reed expansion.

 

Facilities Master Plan Final Presentation

Ms. Struckhoff presented a review of the complete facilities master plan for the College. She reviewed the purpose of the work, the process followed, community engagement, summary of findings, classroom utilization, proposed future developments, building envelope reports, interior facility assessments, and cost estimates. Discussion took place regarding next steps, funding resources, and future opportunities.

 

Vehicle Use Policy – First Reading

Dr. Daniel stated this is a new policy that went through the shared governance policy change process.

 

Sam’s Club Policy – First Reading

Dr. Daniel stated this is a new policy that went through the shared governance policy change process.

 

Load, Overload, and Stipend Policy – First Reading

Dr. Daniel stated that this is a revised version of current policy that went through the shared governance policy change process. He stated the revisions expand the ability for full time faculty to take on overload assignments to meet the needs of students’ course availability needs.

 

President’s Update

Dr. Daniel discussed recent Surgical Technology and FBLA student accomplishments, a state bill regarding credit transfer within the state, state budget estimates, student athletics, upcoming events at the College, Joplin building fundraising strategies,

 

Trustees’ Comments and Announcements

Mr. Wood noted that Ms. Barnes has completed 25 years of service as Trustee for the College.

 

New Business

None

 

Executive Session

With no further agenda items, Chairman Wood called for a motion to go into closed session. At  11:40 am, the regular meeting adjourned, and a MOTION to go into closed session in accordance with: RSMo 610.021 to discuss personnel was made by Ms. Barnes, seconded by Ms. Andris, and passed unanimously on the following roll call vote:

Andris:  Yes                         Barnes: Yes                         Wood:                  Yes        

McBride:              Yes

 

Discussion took place about personnel. At 11:51 am A MOTION to adjourn was made by Ms. Andris, seconded by Ms. Barnes, and unanimously carried on the following roll call vote:

Barnes: Yes                         Andris:  Yes                         Wood:                   Yes        

McBride:              Yes

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests April 1-2

04/01/2025 0355 

JAMIE LYNN SIDNEY 

 17590 Radford Ln NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64844 

 19999 ELDER RD/PELICAN RD 0.00 

WF 44 1 `

DWI 

RESISTING OR INTERFERING WITH ARREST/DETENTION/STOP 

04/01/2025 0800 

DOMINIC ANTHONY RYAN 

 417 S Washington St NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 417 S WASHINGTON ST 800.00 

WM 38

NPD ASSAULT - COMMON NON INJURY 215.060 

STEALING - VALUE LESS THAN $150 AND NO PRIOR STEALING OFFENSE

04/01/2025 0937 

WILLIAM SCOTT THOMAS 

 1104 Benton Ave NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 106 N DEPOT ST 0.00 

WM 29 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE 

JASPER CO PROB VIO TAMPERING W/ MTR VEH 

NPD STEALING 215.320 

NPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010 

DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010 

TAMPERING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE - 1ST DEGREE 

04/01/2025 1040 

COLIN RYAN BEATTIE 

 13678 Indiana Ln NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 28 B ST SE 7,500.00 

WM 50 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPT 35G OR LESS 195.20 

SPD DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140 

SPD RESISTING ARREST 215.390

SPD DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140 

SPD FAIL TO PRODUCE LICENSE ON DEMAND 390.020 

SPD FAIL TO DRIVE ON RIGHT HALF OF ROADWAY 340.160 

 04/01/2025 2143 

 ASHLEIGH K HOOPER 

 19522 Highway 59 NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850 

 WF 29 19520 HIGHWAY 59 0.00 

ASSAULT 1ST DEGREE OR ATTEMPT 

Investigation continues into fire at former Seneca Veterinary Clinic

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

At approximately 5:45 AM on April 2, 2025, the Newton County Central Dispatch Center received a call of a structure fire at 3319 Kentucky Rd, Seneca, MO. 

Fire units from Seneca City Fire, Seneca Area Fire Protection District, Redings Mill, Wyandotte Fire, and State Fire Marshal responded to the scene. Newton County Ambulance District responded to the scene as well.

Newton County Sheriff’s Office responded and is currently conducting a suspicious fire investigation along with the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. The building is the Seneca Veterinary Clinic and the clinic has not been open for several years.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the fire to call 417-451-8300.

Highway Patrol Arrests April 1-2

Shawn L. Boone, 34, West Plains, felony failed to register as a sex offender

Stephen M. Hendrickson, 36, Duenweg, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, felony driving while intoxicated (drugs), possession of drug paraphernalia, lane violation

 

Granby woman cited for DWI after pursuit near Diamond

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

On 04/01/25 at about 03:30am, Deputy Branstetter attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Highway 59 and Highway MM, south of Diamond, Missouri.

 
He had observed a vehicle failing to drive on the right half of the roadway and failing to obey stop signs. The vehicle operation led Deputy Branstetter to believe the driver may be impaired. 

When Deputy Branstetter activated his emergency lights and siren the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle led the pursuit to Gum Road where the vehicle lost a tire and continued driving on the rim. 

The Deputy pursued the vehicle to Elder Road, west of Pelican Road, where the vehicle traveled off the roadway and wrecked in a ditch. The driver refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to drive the vehicle out of the ditch for 11 minutes.

 
The driver did give up and exited the vehicle. The deputy’s investigation revealed the driver was under the influence of marijuana.

Jamie L. Sidney 44, of Granby Mo, was taken into custody for DWI and Resisting Arrest, she is currently in custody at the Newton County Jail.

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. If you suspect a driver to be impaired, contact our dispatch immediately at 417-451-8333.

Sheriff Matt Stewart

Accreditation assessor examines Joplin Police Department

(From the Joplin Police Department)

A site-based assessor from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), will arrive Monday, April 7, 2025, to examine all aspects of the Joplin Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Richard Pearson announced today. 

Verification by the team that Joplin Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to recertify and maintain accreditation — a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence. 

The Joplin Police Department must comply with 184 standards to maintain accreditation status. Accreditation is for four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports, and participate in annual remote web-based assessments attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. 

The Joplin Police Department has maintained CALEA accreditation since 2008. Chief Richard Pearson said, “Maintaining CALEA accreditation for our agency is important because it shows we are committed to holding ourselves to the highest standards. 

"Accreditation ensures both internal accountability and external transparency. I want Joplin residents to rest assured that their police officers, command staff, jailers, and civilian personnel are willing to go above and beyond the best, most professional police service possible.”

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of Mar 24 – Mar 30, 2025

Dispatched calls – 223
Reports - 9
Car Stops – 10
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 0
Total Arrests – 1
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 13
Zone, Business & Residential Checks -189

03/24/2025 Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of N. Truman St regarding a hit and run vehicle accident causing damage to a mailbox. Investigation continues.

03/24/2025 Officer attempted to make a warrant arrest; but subject fled before arrest could be made.

 
03/26/2025 Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Broadway. A citation for failure to register motor vehicle was issued to the driver.

 
03/28/2025 Officers responded to the intersection of 15th & Truman Streets regarding a stolen vehicle after being advised by a Barton County Sheriff’s Deputy. Barton County Deputy responded to the scene and took custody of the driver.

J03/29/2025 Officers were dispatched to 7th & Parry Streets for a disturbance. Suspects were questioned and released at the scene.

03/29/2025 Officers were dispatched to a domestic in progress in the 1300 block of Broadway. During the investigation, one person was arrested and placed on a twenty-four hour hold for investigation for Domestic Assault 3rd degree, Assault 3rd degree, child endangerment 2 degree and kidnapping.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Chief of Police Shannon Crouch.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Weekly Report

 

Search warrant execution leads to arrest of Diamond man, meth confiscation

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

As a result of an investigation conducted by the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was served earlier today at 106 N. Depot in Diamond, MO. Members of ODET obtained a search warrant for suspected narcotics and the search warrant was served by members of ODET and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.

The location was secured by the Newton County Special Response Team with the assistance of ODET and Diamond PD. During the search, detectives with ODET located substances believed to be methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia.

William Thomas, 29, of Diamond was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance as well as seven outstanding warrants. Warrants were for Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Following Too Close from Neosho PD, Felony Probation Violation-Tampering with a Motor Vehicle from Jasper County, Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Stealing and Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Driving While Suspended/Revoked from Neosho PD, Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Driving While Suspended/Revoked from Granby PD, Failure to Appear-Felony Tampering with a Motor Vehicle from Newton County and a Felony Probation Violation from Probation and Parole, District 9.

William Thomas was transported to the Newton County Jail and is currently in custody. Charges have been forwarded to the Newton County Prosecutor for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about illegal drugs in our communities to call 417-451-8333 to report the activity.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/31/2025 2357 

 JOSEPH MICHAEL LOUI FULCHER-HEFNER 

 220 W High St AURORA, MO 65605 

 WM 27 208 W COLER ST 1,000.00 

PROBATION VIOLATION 

HARASSMENT

 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 31-April 1

Ryan P. Rhinehart, 49, Neosho, Neosho Police Department warrant for failure to appear on driving while suspended or revoked

Amanda J. Fitzpatrick, 36, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on the right half of the roadway resulting in a crash, no insurance, felony driving while revoked

Heather N. Puffinbarger, 38, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, following too closely, speeding

Phillip J. Darner, 45, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash 

Joplin firefighter released from hospital

(From the City of Joplin)

The Joplin firefighter, who had experienced a medical emergency during a scheduled training exercise on March 25, 2025, was released from the hospital over the weekend and continues recovery.

We appreciate the public concern and prayers for our team member, and we ask the media to continue respecting privacy and HIPAA regulations regarding this individual.

Investigation continues into death of 3-month-old Oronogo child

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On 4-1-2025 at approximately 11:30 AM, the Oronogo Police Department received a medical call in the Greystone subdivision in Oronogo, involving a three-month old child that was not breathing. 

Lifesaving efforts were started on the scene and the child was transported to a local hospital. 

The child was pronounced deceased a short time later. 

Jasper County Detectives were requested to assist with the investigation. Next of kin has been notified. Investigation is ongoing.

Pittsburg, Kansas man killed in SUV-motorcycle collision at 7th and Adele

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On March 29th, 2025, around 8:07 pm, Joplin Emergency Communications Center began receiving 911 calls about an unknown injury crash at the intersection of 7th and Adele Avenue. 

When officers arrived, they located a motorcycle and a SUV that had been involved in a two-vehicle crash. 

At the time of the initial investigation, it was determined that a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle was westbound on 7th Street at Adele Avenue and a 2010 Toyota Rav 4 was eastbound on 7th Street. The SUV was making a left turn. The motorcycle struck the Toyota, a curb, and utility pole. 

Both drivers were transported to local hospitals where the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead. The rider of the motorcycle is a 26-year-old male, of Pittsburg Kansas. The driver of the SUV is a 76-year-old male of Joplin. 

The Joplin Major Crash Team responded, and the investigation into this crash is still ongoing.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Weekend Arrests

03/28/2025 0322 

JERRY LEE SMITH Jr 

 5947 Douglas Fir Rd NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804 

 5949 DOUGLAS FIR RD 3,500.00 

WM 39 

RESISTING OR INTERFERING WITH ARREST/DETENTION/STOP 

DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE 1 

 

03/28/2025 0925 

WINSTON WHITECROW BRESTER 

 600 W 3rd St QUAPAW, OK 74363 

 208 WEST COLER ST 250.00 

WM 32 

ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (6)

03/28/2025 0925 

DUSTIN PAUL HENSON 

 215 South Highland JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 208 WEST COLER ST 500.00 

WM 32 

DWI - PRIOR 

03/28/2025 0930

 PATRICK DUSTIN MCELROY 

 1355 S 17th St INDEPENDENCE, KS 67301 

 1010 CHERRY ST 250.00 

UM 40 

IN-COUNTY WARRANT 

03/28/2025 1120 

CHEYENE RENEE GORDON 

 6421 Wood St RACINE, MO 64850 

 6399 WOOD ST/OAK ST 0.00 

WF 37 

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD CREATING SUBSTANTIAL RISK 

03/28/2025 1437 

MATTHEW WAYNE ADAMS 

 13305 Iris Rd, 16 NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850 

 13305- 16 IRIS RD 10.00 

WM 42 

JASPER COUNTY NO SEATBELT 

JASPER COUNTY NO VAILD LICENSE 

03/29/2025 25000590 1817 

JEREMY DAVID NELSON

4458 HAROLD LN 0.00 

WM 42  4458 Harold Lane JOPLIN, MO 64804 

BURGLARY 1ST DEGREE 

DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 1ST DEGREE 

ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD - SERIOUS EMOTIONAL OR 

 03/29/2025 1900 

 JEREAL KAYNE GUSTER 

 77 Cardinal Dr WEBB CITY 64870 

 WM 39 22488 NEWTON RD 0.00 

STEALING 

03/30/2025 1245 

 JAY MICHAEL SPENCER 

 2271 S Prosperity Ave DUENWEG, MO 64801 

 WM 43 208 W COLER ST 250.00 

STEALING - VALUE LESS THAN $150 AND NO PRIOR STEALING OFFENS 

 03/30/2025 1435 

 JAMES LEE HAYNES 

 2436 Quince Rd NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64865 

 WM 19 14057 HIGHWAY CC/MULBERRY RD 500.00 

DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140 

Joplin man suffers serious injuries in motorcycle accident

A Joplin man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 6:35 p.m. Saturday on Route NN three miles south of Joplin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King driven by a 55-year-old Joplin man failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the road and overturned.

The Joplin man was treated for serious injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 29-31

Franchy Obispo, 30, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Matthew W. McConnell, 33, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Wesley A. O'Brien, 39, Stella, driving while intoxicated

Jeffrey A. Stehle, 48, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failed to maintain single lane

Melinda G. Lewis, 36, Pineville, driving while intoxicated, felony leaving the scene of an accident, no insurance, careless and imprudent driving, no valid license

Chad D. Yarnall, 43, Washburn, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Matthew A. Chapman, 54, Reeds, felony driving while intoxicated, no valid license

Brooke N. Johnson, 31, Humansville, driving while intoxicated 

Fundraisers scheduled, Go Fund Me established for baby with rare genetic disorder

Three fundraisers are scheduled and Go Fund Me page established to help a baby with a rare genetic disorder.

On February 24th, at 8 days old Amias had to go to Children's Mercy in Kansas City for some tests. They had to wait up there for the results and he was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency(SCID) aka Bubble Boy Disease and immediately admitted. At this time we are still looking at different treatment options and there is a possibility he may be transferred out of state.

SCID is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of T cells and B cells in the blood and is caused by genetic mutations. His T cell count is ZERO and B cells count was almost as low which means he virtually has no Immune system and must remain in strict quarantine. 

Something as simple as the common cold can be life threatening for him and he will spend months, possibly a couple years, in the hospital without going home. He then will periodically need to go back to the place of treatment for checkups and testing. This all depends on how well treatment goes for him.


He has a 5 year old cousin that also has the same condition and received a trial treatment In Memphis that was very successful for him. but unfortunately, the trial has ended.