One-year-old Joplin girl killed in collision on I-49

A 1-year-old Joplin girl was killed in a two-vehicle collision 5:55 p.m. Saturday on I-49 one mile south of Goodman.

According to the Highway Patrol report, southbound traffic on I-49 had stopped for an animal in the roadway when a 2012 Honda Accord driven by a 22-year-old Joplin woman struck the rear of a towed unit on a 2025 Freightliner Cascadia driven by a 55-year-old Laurinburg, North Carolina man.

Dr. Broadbent at Freeman Neosho pronounced the child dead at 6:43 p.m.

The Joplin woman was treated for minor injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

The fatality was the 34th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Highway Patrol Arrests May 3-4

Michael B. Beckham, 38, Bentonville, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Kimberly D. Sturgell, 44, Shell Knob, felony unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia

Genesis DePrez, 18, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, no license, speeding, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Kenneth Floyd, 65, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Allen W. Hendrix, 20, Washburn, driving while intoxicated, speeding, operating motor vehicle with vision reducing material applied to side window

Larry J. Cheney, 43, Ridgedale, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Autumn M. Everly-Swift, 29, Springfield, Five Greene County felony warrants for possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia 

Pittsburg Police searching for suspects in stabbing incident

 

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at approximately 1:32 AM, first responders with the Pittsburg Police
Department, Pittsburg Fire Department, and Crawford County EMS were dispatched to an
aggravated battery/assault incident, which had just occurred, in the area of the 300 block of S. Broadway Street, Pittsburg. 

The two victims reported being approached by an unknown white male wearing a black hoodie carrying a knife. One victim was stabbed during the altercation that ensued. The suspect left prior to officers' arrival. The injured victim was transported by EMS to Mercy Hospital for treatment.

Officers processed the scene and collected evidence. An extensive search was conducted for the suspect; however he was not located. Officers are continuing to investigate and follow up on leads.

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.

Blake Byrne named Joplin High School wrestling coach

(From Joplin Schools)

Please help us welcome Blake Byrne as the next head coach for the Joplin High School Wrestling program!

Byrne joins us from Miami (OK) Junior High and Miami (OK) High School where he worked as a math, science, and chemistry teacher while assistant coaching and head coaching the Junior High and High School Wrestling teams. He also currently serves as a Platoon Sergeant (SFC-E7) in the 294th ESC with the Missouri Army National Guard. He has maintained military service since 2010, and was the recipient of the LTG Samuel D. Sturgis Award in 2023.

Byrne graduated from Western Governors University in 2021 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies in Secondary Earth Science. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Educational Leadership in School Administration through Oklahoma State University. During his time as a high school athlete, Byrne was the 2010 Missouri state champion at 103 lbs.

In addition to coaching the wrestling program, Byrne will teach a Freshman 101 class at JHS. Welcome to Eagle Nation, Blake!

Highway Patrol Arrests May 2-3

Sebastian W. Davis, 26, Lampe, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash, careless and imprudent driving

Donald L. Jones, 41, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance, expired registration

Michael L. Szczechowski, 31, Republic, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failed to drive on right half of roadway, expired registration

Jason L. Tuter, 46, Lockwood, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Tearson J. Smotherman, 42, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Claudia N. Hamelton, 26, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

William C. Salois, 57, Springfield, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Bryan A. Turner, 35, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

05/01/2025 25000837 0302 

SHANNON MAE SIDNEY 

 4197 Highway Nn NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804 

 4270 ELM DR 0.00 

WF 35 

BURGLARY 1ST DEGREE 

05/01/2025 1039 

MARIE MICHELLE VETETO 

 810 E Eastview Dr ROGERS, AR 72758 

 840 W HARMONY ST 500.00 

WF 58 

ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (3) 

 05/01/2025 1000 

ASHLEY ELAINE DUNHAM 

 411 E 12th Street PITTSBURG, KS 66762 

 225 N ENTERPRISE DR 750.00 

WF 36 

FORGERY 

05/01/2025 1059 

CARL WAYNE VETETO 

 9788 Noel Ln NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850 

 840 W HARMONY ST 500.00 

WM 51 

DOMESTIC ASSAULT 4TH DEGREE 

05/01/2025 1340 

SAMUEL GREGARY BLISS 

 14180 Shady Lane NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 208 W COLER ST 500.00 

WM 27 

ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (1), (5) 

05/01/2025 25000840 1049 

ROLLIE WADE SASSMAN 

 9179 Route Cc STELLA, MO 64867 

 108 E MONTGOMERY ST 0.00 

WM 63 

FAIL TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER PURSUANT TO SECS 589.400-1

SEX OFFENDER PHYSICALLY PRESENT/LOITER W/I 500 FEET PARK W/ 

05/01/2025 25000845 1614 

LOUIS JEAN BAPTIST COERVER 

 1011 W 5th St JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 17424 QUAIL RD/ 0.00 

WM 21 

PROPERTY DAMAGE 2ND 

04/30/2025 0700 

ELIJAH HENRY ARMES 

 11 H Street Se, 1 MIAMI, OK 74354 

 3500 HARLAN AVENUE 7,500.00 

WM 46

DWI - SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY

04/30/2025 1540 

DAKOTA LEE WALD 

 4591 W Deer Meadow Ln JOPLIN 64801 

 208 WEST COLER STREET 10,000.00 

WM 31 

TRAFFICKING DRUGS - 2ND DEGREE 

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - AMPHETAMINE OR M 

04/30/2025 25000835 2219 

LISA LEANN THORNTON 

 421 W Horn St GREENLAND, AR 72737 

 101 E 36TH ST/S MAIN ST 5,000.00 

WF 61 

DWI 1 

 04/30/2025 1538 

CODY DEAN WINSETT 

 5915 Us Hwy 60 NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 5915 HIGHWAY 60 0.00 

WM 38 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 

RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY 1 3 UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPON - SUBSECTION 11 - POSSESS WEAPON AND

Highway Patrol Arrests May 1-2

Jordan L. Gearing, 28, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to obey traffic control device, no insurance

David A. Bukaty, 56, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to signal

Bryattie A Carter, 27, Nixa, Greene County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on larceny

 

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Troy L. Mitchell vs. Tonya Mitchell

Cordell B. Brumbough vs. Karla K. Brumbrough

Rebecca S. Medlin vs. Larry D. Medlin

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Erin N. Spann vs. Deandre O. Spann

Christopher J. Barkfelt vs. Brandy J. Barkfelt

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Tammy C. Brooks vs. Kyle A. Brooks

Roger L. Stramel vs. Nolene Stramel

Lisa R. Sheppard vs. Bradley G. Sheppard

Scott L. Burris vs. Karen I. Burris

Makenzie A. Conant vs. Trayn M. Conant

Kayla M. Lampert vs. Tracy R. Lampert

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Shaneika R. Cantrell vs. Rusty R. Cantrell 

Nicholas A. Bushart vs. Callie L. Bushart

Anna M. Wallace vs. Michael L. Wallace

Richard Pippin vs. Katina Pippin

Greyson O. Rogers vs. Brooke A. Rogers

Deborah L. Aubrey vs. William K. Aubrey

Brianna G. Myers vs. Tristen L. Myers

Kristi D. Trout vs. Jeremy L. Trout

Sarah A. Gerstner vs. Brady A. Gerstner

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Jasper County

Alyson M. Ryan

Joshua Denham Guerrero and Jamie Elizabeth Guerrero

Michael Jesse Ryan Eberenz

Hernan Luna Vargas

Jonathon Ray Cain

Mark Allen Evilsizor and Jodi Leigh Evilsizor

Suzanna M'Lee Alt

Newton County

Beth Ann Godat

Stone County

Amanda Rose Teig

Vernon County

Tammy L. Pugh 

Exclusive premiere of Truman documentary planned at Plaza Theater in Lamar

 (From the Barton County Chamber of Commerce)

We are excited to announce along with the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site and the Plaza Theater -- An Exclusive Early Premiere of Kansas City PBS: Winning the War: Harry, Ike & the Fight for Democracy.

The screening will take place at 3:15 PM at the Plaza Theater, May 10th and is FREE to attend following the Truman Day celebration.

Check out the trailer - https://www.kansascitypbs.org/local-shows/winning-the-war/






As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, this new documentary examines the lives and leadership of two monumental figures — Harry S. Truman of Independence, Missouri, and Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene, Kansas — whose actions during the war helped shape the future of the globe and the preservation of democracy itself.

Learn More about Truman Day:
https://www.bartoncounty.com/truman-day/

Neosho man arrested, meth, guns seized

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

On April 30, 2025, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant just east of Highway 60 and Palm Rd, Neosho, Missouri. The warrant stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Newton and Jasper County Sheriff’s Offices. Detective Pike with the Newton County Sheriff's Office received information of possible stolen property at the address on Highway 60.

Detectives with the Newton County Sheriff's Office located property that had been stolen from Liberty Utilities in Jasper County, Missouri in March 2025. Additionally, detectives located suspected methamphetamine and firearms inside the residence. Detectives seized approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine along with six firearms.

Cody Dean Winsett, 38, of Neosho was arrested for Stealing, Trafficking Drugs, and unlawful use of a weapon. Winsett was transported to the Newton County Jail and charges have been submitted to the Newton County Prosecutor for review.

This is the 8th search warrant that has been served by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office this year. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office and its partner agencies are committed to combating illegal drug activity in our communities. 

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about illegal drugs in our communities to call 417-451-8333 or submit an anonymous tip on our website.
https://www.nc-so.org/tip.html

Sheriff Matt Stewart

Joplin, Webb City residents injured in collision on 66

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 4:25 p.m. Wednesday on MO 66 two miles west of Joplin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Honda Odyssey driven by a 35-year-old Webb City woman pulled into the path of a 2009 GMC Sierra driven by a 44-year-old Joplin man.

The Webb City woman was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin.

The Joplin man and a passenger in his vehicle, a 46-year-old Joplin woman, were treated for moderate injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Highway Patrol Arrests April 30-May 1

Jamie L. Green, 55, Bentonville, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated (drugs), no valid license

 Carl W. Veteto, 51, Huntsville, Arkansas, misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on domestic assault, no seat belt

Marie M. Veteto, 52, Rogers, Arkansas, misdemeanor failure to appear for assault

Jasmnia Havic, 41, St. Louis, felony leaving the scene of a crash, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Javoon T. Lewis, 29, Indianapolis, Indiana, felony possession of a controlled substance- percocet

Curtis Nelson, 27, Indianapolis, Indiana, felony possession of a controlled substance- percocet

Free LEGO swap Saturday at Joplin History and Mineral Museum

(From the City of Joplin)

Come out and enjoy a LEGO Swap and Shop this Saturday, May 3, at The Joplin History and Mineral Museum. The event is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will include vendor booths offering a variety of Lego items and fun opportunities for the public to engage with LEGO activities. Guests will also have a chance to meet Tim Hutchings from LEGO Masters Season 4, get autographs and photos, and view mosaics by Josh Judy and historic replica builds by Cole Edmonson.

During the swap and shop, unique items will be available for sale or swap. These include various sets, individual educational sets for elementary students (math and physical science) and LEGO graduate keychains, which would make nice gifts.

The Lego Swap and Shop is raising funds to create an audiovisual room at the museum to allow guests wo view documentaries about Joplin history created by local high school students, as well as other Joplin videos.

The museum is currently hosting an online auction featuring two unopened Lego employee sets, which were previously exclusive holiday gifts for Lego employees. The items include a 2017 nutcracker set and a 2020 “Star Wars” anniversary X-wing fighter set. The auction runs through 1 p.m. Saturday and can be found online at joplin-museum.org.

Agenda posted for Joplin Celebrations Commission meeting

 

Connect2Culture announces summer performances

(From Connect2Culture)

Connect2Culture (C2C) will host a wide variety of exciting summer performances outside on the Leggett & Platt Green at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex (212 West 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801).

Liberty Celebration!

Saturday, June 28 | 6:00pm (gates 5:00pm)

Liberty Celebration! is Connect2Culture's annual patriotic performance on the last Saturday before the Fourth of July. Designed to ignite excitement and pride ahead of Independence Day, this annual event brings the community together through music, celebration, and a shared love for our country. Made possible by Liberty Utilities, this year’s celebration will feature bluegrass music from No Apparent Reason, The Vogts Sisters, and ROUTE 3, as well as food trucks, lawn games, and a firework finale!

Tickets:

· General Admission Chair Rental

General Admission + Chair Rental – $20

Service Member – Complimentary Chair Rental – $15

Child (Under 12) + Chair Rental – $5

· General Admission No Chair Rental

General Admission - No Chair Rental – $15

Child (Under 12) – No Chair Rental – FREE! (must register) · More Info & Tickets: https://www.connect2culture.org/liberty-celebration


JOMO Jammin' Music Festival

Saturday, July 19 | 4pm (gates 3:00pm)

Connect2Culture's JOMO Jammin’ Music Festival launched in 2021 to celebrate the incredible local and regional musical talent in our area. A vibrant one-day event, the festival is designed to be fun and engaging for the entire community. In an effort to boost community involvement and excitement, most of the performing bands are selected by public vote, giving attendees a direct role in shaping the experience. Free to attend, the festival brings people together for live music, connection, and local flavor in the heart of Joplin. This year’s lineup features Project Six; Here, Now; Dance Monkey Dance!; Sunset Circle; Blister Soul; and Dawson Hollow.

Free and open to the public; chairs available for rent for $5/chair. More Info: https://www.connect2culture.org/jomo-jammin

Both of these performances will be held outside on the Leggett & Platt Green at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.

Important: No outside food, drinks, chairs, or pets permitted. Blanket seating allowed on the lawn for those not renting chairs.

Newsmakers addresses the booming business of drones

(From KGCS)

The drama over drones in New Jersey made news headlines, but drones have many positive uses and piloting them is a growing job market as we learn in the next Newsmakers program.

MSSU Drone Instructors Brian Jones and Dr. John Messick explain how drones are constructed, the various types, as well as the rules and requirements for flying them. They also give details about upcoming classes to gain certifications.







Clayton Woodbridge with Taranis and Adam Blankenship with DroneVantage share how drones are used in the agricultural industry for mapping, surveying and spraying. They discuss other industries where drones are being put to use.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning May 4 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS – Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS-TV will be off-the-air during a planned outage beginning May 6, weather permitting. MSSU is moving the station transmitter to the KXMS-FM broadcast tower on campus.

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.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

04/29/2025 1230 

JAMIN DALEY STAUBER 

 208 E 43rd St JOPLIN, MO 64804 

 WM 42 13999 HAMMER RD/MULBERRY RD 0.00 

DWI-2ND OR SUBSEQUENT FELONY B 

Highway Patrol Arrests April 29-30

James A. Dever, 35, Blue Eye, two Taney County misdemeanor traffic warrants, no insurance, registration violation, no vehicle inspection

Dakota L. Schrock, 24, Weaubleau, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no valid plates, no seat belt

Austin J. Cross, 47, Shell Knob, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway, no seat belt

June Bridges, 23, Branson, tampering with a motor vehicle

Cayden A. Schilling, 23, Branson, tampering with a motor vehicle

Michael Shine, 40, Branson, felony tampering with a motor vehicle, driving while revoked

Agenda posted for Joplin Personnel Board meeting

 

Agenda posted for Joplin Historic Preservation Commission special meeting

 

Carl Junction High School valedictorians, salutatorians named

(From Carl Junction Schools)

Congratulations to the Carl Junction High School Class of 2025! 
We are proud to announce our Valedictorians, Salutatorians, and Top 10% Graduates — an outstanding group of students whose hard work and dedication have earned them this prestigious recognition.

Valedictorians
Tallie Ayton, Madilyn Dalton, Sofia Jerry, Kellen Martin, Wyatt McAfee, Karlie McKenzie, Sofia Neal, Jack Spencer, Grace Ware

Salutatorians

Reese Hensley, Madilyn Olds, Sydney Ward

Top 10% Graduates

Karissa Chase, Sadie Emanuel, Lillian Grimmett, Delaney Harris, Kylee Koutz, Olivia Schultz, Gabriel Sitton, Lilly Sargent, Addison Teeter, Abbey Thompson, Jaxton Wobken

Graduation Events
May 14 – Baccalaureate at 6:00 p.m. & Senior Awards at 6:45 p.m., Stark Performing Arts Center
May 16 – Graduation at 7:00 p.m., Leggett & Platt Center, MSSU
Help us celebrate these remarkable Bulldogs as they prepare to take the next big step!

Heather Van Otterloo named National History Day Teacher of the Year for Missouri

(From Joplin Schools)

We are proud to announce that Dr. Heather Van Otterloo has been named the 2025 Junior Division National History Day Teacher of the Year for the State of Missouri!

Dr. Van Otterloo teaches Advanced Reading and Advanced Communication Arts at South Middle School, and guides students in her classes through the months-long process of preparing National History Day projects for regional, state, and national competition. She began sponsoring Joplin's students for National History Day in 2017-18 and has since guided 113 students to State, and 22 students to Nationals, with one student winning an award at the national level.

 
Dr. Van Otterloo will take this year's Missouri State National History Day winners from SMS to the National competition this June in College Park, Maryland, where she'll be in the running to win the National Junior Division Teacher of the Year award among nominees from every state.

Congratulations on this achievement, Dr. Van Otterloo! We are so thankful you've chosen to share your passion for learning with our Joplin Eagles!

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

04/28/2025 25000817 0600 

KIMBERLY DAWN WOODS 

 4423 N Sunrise Ln JASPER COUNTY, MO 4270 

ELM DR 0.00 

WF 40 

TAMPERING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE - 1ST DEGREE

04/28/2025 1502 

GLENN EDWARD WILLIAMS 

 3733 S Benton Ave KANSAS CITY, MO 64128 

 405 E. 5TH 250.00 

BM 61 

TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE 

04/28/2025 1222 

JUSTIN AARON RANKIN 

 2501 Virginia Ave JOPLIN, 6 

04264 3199 KENTUCKY RD/HIGHWAY 43 0.00 

WM 46 

RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY 

04/28/2025 1222 

STEVEN WAYNE MORTELL 

 2813 S Round Hill Rd. BROOKLINE STATION, MO 65619 

 3199 KENTUCKY RD/HIGHWAY 43 0.00 

WM 50 

RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY 

04/28/2025 1630 

SOLIMAN ADAMS MCCOY 

 1732 Missouri Ave CARTHAGE, MO 64836 

 208 W COLER ST 500.00 

WM 41 

CIVIL WARRANT 

04/28/2025 2019 

HAILEY NICOLE BOWERS 

 2919 E 25th Street JOPLIN 64804 

 208 W COLER ST 10,000.00 

WF 30 

TRAFFICKING DRUGS - 2ND DEGREE 

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - AMPHETAMINE OR M 

04/28/2025 2019 

ANGELA RENEE DAVALOS 

 3510 Hackberry Ln JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 208 W COLER ST 10,000.00 

WF 32 

TRAFFICKING DRUGS - 2ND DEGREE 

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - AMPHETAMINE OR M 

 04/28/2025 2019 

 VICTORIA COLE STORM HESTER 

 1926 Annie Baxter Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804 

 WF 31 208 W COLER ST 1,500.00 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPT 35 GRAMS OR LESS 

Highway Patrol Arrests April 28-29

Daisy L. Patton, 25, Grove, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Eric L. Blanchard, 31, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Randal S. Rattles, 43, Wentworth, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash, no valid license, no seat belt

Brandon M. Conklin, 38, Kennett, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in a crash, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while intoxicated (drugs), felony possession of a controlled substitute- amphetamine

Quentin L. Norman, 26, Kennett, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, Board of Probation and Parole felony warrant for probation violation, New Madrid County felony warrant for probation violation

 

Driver examination stations to close for upcoming holidays

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Thursday, May 8, 2025, in observance of Harry S. Truman’s birthday. Normal operations will resume on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Agenda posted for Joplin Industrial Development Authority annual meeting

 

CIty of Joplin opens tree limb disposal to residents due to storm

(From the City of Joplin)

Due to Tuesday morning’s storm, residents may have experienced broken and downed tree limbs. To help with their disposal, the City will open its tree limb drop-off site for residents to bring their limbs and branches damaged from the storm. The site will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 through Saturday, May 3.

The drop-off site address is 1702 North Schifferdecker Avenue, which is approximately six-tenths of a mile north of Belle Center Road on the west side of Schifferdecker Avenue. This free drop-off service is for Joplin residents only. It can only accept tree limbs and no other storm debris. When dropping off limbs, please be alert to workers in the debris area.

 

Professional contractors will not be allowed to dump.

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 with your trash service, contact Republic Services at 800-431-1507.

MSSU, Crowder sign agribusiness agreement

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and Crowder College formalized a new academic partnership through a signing event on April 29 at 9 a.m. The event took place in Room 309 of the Billingsly Student Center on the MSSU campus in Joplin, Missouri.

The agreement establishes a “2+2” pathway for students pursuing a degree in agriculture business, allowing them to complete two years at Crowder College followed by two years at MSSU to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business.

“This collaboration between our agriculture and business divisions is a tremendous step forward,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, President of MSSU. “Crowder College has a well-regarded agriculture program, and this partnership will give students expanded opportunities for hands-on learning as they advance toward a bachelor’s degree.”

“Crowder’s long history of successful agriculture programs, our extensive working farm, and connection with regional ag programs and ag producers in the area position us to compliment the business courses available at MSSU to complete an Agri-Business degree,” stated Dr. Chett Daniel, President, Crowder College. 

“We believe in reducing barriers to career pathways for students. This agreement provides a great option for students to stay local and continue their education is a win-win for all.”

The initiative shows the ongoing commitment of both institutions to support student success through seamless transfer options.

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of April 23 – April 27, 2025

 
Dispatched calls – 138
Reports - 9
Car Stops – 4
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 1
Total Arrests – 2
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 2
Zone, Business & Residential Checks – 75

04/24/2025 Officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Hagny St for a report of property damage. A report was sent to the City Prosecuting Attorney for consideration of charges.

04/25/2025 Officers responded to the 1900 block of Jackson St regarding a domestic assault in progress. The case has been sent to the prosecutor for consideration of charges.

04/27/2025 Officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Lexington regarding found evidence. Investigation continues.

04/27/2025 Officer was dispatched to the area of West 13th St for a burglary that had just been committed. One person was arrested and taken to the Barton County Jail where he was placed on a 24 hour hold awaiting charges.

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

 

Joplin Police Department Weekly Activity Report