Jasper County Sheriff's Office remembers Sgt. Scott Arner who died 23 years ago today

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

Honoring the Memory of Sgt. Scott Arner

Today, we take a moment to remember and honor the life of Sgt. Scott Arner, who was taken from us far too soon. 

As a member of the Sheriff's Office dive team, Sgt. Arner tragically lost his life while performing an investigation; diving in an ice-covered mine pit on this day in 2002.

Throughout his 13 years of service with the Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Arner exemplified unwavering commitment and courage. His role as a K9 Handler showcased his passion for both his work and his community. His service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Carl Junction Police Department warns of scam

(From the Carl Junction Police Department)

Today, a citizen got a phone call from a subject who said he was an officer with the Carl Junction Police Department and used the real name of a CJPD officer. He told the citizen they had a warrant, but they could avoid arrest by obtaining a "Warrant Alleviation Form" at Walmart and using a gift card to pay the fine & costs online. The citizen was smart and did not fall for this.

The Carl Junction Police Department WILL NOT CALL YOU on the phone to say you have a warrant and make you pay using a gift card, nor will any other law enforcement agency. 

If you have a warrant, we'll come to your house and pick you up in a real police car.

 
If you are concerned about whether a call from someone who claims to be an officer is legitimate, tell them you'll call back, look up the number of the agency, then call and ask for that officer. It's that easy.

Two inches of snow, light ice accumulation expected for Jasper, Newton, McDonald counties

 URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Springfield MO
200 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025

MOZ088>090-093>095-101>105-051200-
/O.EXB.KSGF.WW.Y.0001.250105T1800Z-250106T1200Z/
Jasper-Dade-Greene-Newton-Lawrence-Christian-McDonald-Barry-Stone-
Taney-Ozark-
200 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 6 AM CST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up
  to two inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds
  gusting as high as 40 mph. A flash freeze is possible Sunday
  evening into Sunday night as temperatures fall rapidly.

* WHERE...A portion of southwest Missouri.

* WHEN...From noon Sunday to 6 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 1-888-275-6636 for
road conditions.

Winter weather advisory in effect for Barton, Crawford, Cherokee counties

 URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Springfield MO
200 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025

KSZ097-101-MOZ077-051200-
/O.CON.KSGF.WW.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T1200Z/
Crawford-Cherokee-Barton-
200 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations up to
  two inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds
  gusting as high as 40 mph. A flash freeze is possible Sunday
  afternoon into Sunday night as temperatures fall rapidly.

* WHERE...In Kansas, Cherokee and Crawford Counties. In Missouri,
  Barton County.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. In Kansas, call 5 1 1 for
road conditions.  In Missouri, call 1-888-275-6636 for road
conditions.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

Highway Patrol Arrests January 3-4

Michael T. Palmer, 40, Niangua, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, no insurance

Gracey S. Kennedy, 21, Butler, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane, no seatbelt, digital communication device violation

Gerald L. Riggs, 76, Nevada, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, driving while revoked, leaving the scene of an accident

Ambrose M. Allen, 22, Shell Knob, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

June C. Bridges, 23, Branson, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

Cody E. Lawhead, 29, Kissee Mills, Hollister Police Department misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on failure to register vehicle and no insurance

Misty D. Shores, 42, Rockway Beach, Branson Police Department misdemeanor warrant for non-moving traffic violation

Deeana L. Stoneburner, 43, Kirbyville, Christian County felony warrant for probation violation- possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine  

So you want to be a Carl Junction police officer

 

Joplin Police Department Detective Chip Root retires

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Please join us in recognizing and congratulating Detective Chip Root as today marks his last and final day at our agency as he retires from the Joplin Police Department. 

Detective Chip Root began his law enforcement career in 1994 at the Girard, Kansas Police Department before moving to the Galena, Kansas Police Department in 1995. He was then hired to join the Joplin Police Department in November 2004. 

Since that time, Detective Root served in Patrol Bureau until May 2008 when he was selected to become Joplin PD’s first cyber crime detective. In 2009, the Joplin Police Department realized the scope of the cyber crime problem and the amount of internet crimes against children investigations being reported, which led to the creation of the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force (SMCCTF). 

This task force initially covered a total of four southwest Missouri counties. In the coming years, the task force grew to cover 22 southwest Missouri Counties. 

In 2011, Detective Root was commissioned as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was appointed task force commander in 2013. Detective Root also served as a certified polygraph examiner for the Joplin Police Department. Detective Root continued to work in his roles until his retirement on January 3, 2025.

During his career, Det. Root received countless Grand Cordon awards, multiple officer of the month awards, and detective of the year twice. His federal awards include the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Guardian of Justice award, DOJ Crystal Kipper & Ali Kemp Memorial Award, and FBI Task Force Officer of the Year.

 
While serving as task force commander between 2013 through 2025, the SMCCTF reported the following statistics.

-717 Southwest Missouri Children rescued/identified as victims.

-161,818 Child Victims rescued/identified as victims from outside southwest MO.

-880 Southwest MO adults arrested/charged with various state/federal child exploitation crimes against the children identified above.

-A total of 8,381 cases were opened during this period.

 
-4,319 Cyber Tips were assigned to the SMCCTF from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

-A total of 4,256 cases have been closed during this period.

 
Detective Root has had an outstanding career at the Joplin Police Department and has served the citizens of Joplin and southwest Missouri to the highest extent. Detective Root will be missed at the the City of Joplin, but we wish him the best of luck as he is set to start a new chapter in law enforcement as the Undersheriff of Cherokee County, Kansas. Congratulations Chip!

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Alfred Rojas Ramirez vs. Geliy Rojas-Duenas

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Madison E. Prosser vs. Jacob D. Prosser

Victoria A. Benner vs. Colton E. Benner

Keilah Mason vs. Allen S. Pooler

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Austin T. White vs. Alessia Contessa

Bobbi Tennis vs. Nathan Tennis

Maggie M. Hargett vs. Austin R. Hargett

Jessica L. Ligman vs. Tyler J. Ligman

Justin L. Swalley vs. Dana M. Swalley

Lisa M. Scott vs. Travis B. Scott

Crystal Winkfield vs. Jason Winkfield

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barton County

Ralph D. Morgan

Jason Loy Day and Malinda Dannielle Day

Lawrence County

Landon Cole Corbus and Alexus Marie Corbus

 

Highway Patrol Arrests January 2-3

Sara M. Jenkins, 39, Springfield, Springfield Police Department misdemeanor warrants for no insurance and failed to register motor vehicle

Sean M. Michael, 52, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance

Dakota L. Maynard, 29, Carl Junction, Carthage Police Department misdemeanor warrant for driving while suspended

Gerardo Marquez Ortiz, 33, Branson, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane

Brian J. Newton, 50, Ozark, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Gannon M. Clemons, 19, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Mark A. Cunningham, 58, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, improper left turn, no valid license plates 

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

Steven Wayne Kirby, 44, Joplin, and Charli Ann Wilson, 49, Joplin

Eliot Efram Cecil Ballard, 42, Carthage, and Amy Lynn Drilling, 38, Carthage

Andrew Dale Crockett, 44, Lamar, and Jenna Louise Hill, 43, Lamar

Sean Kevin Cole, 61, Joplin, and Mary Jeanette Roberts, 62, Joplin

Tre Nathaniel Miksell, 31, Webb City, and Jessica Breann Beck, 31, Webb City

Austin Lee Lawrence, 31, Centerview, and Marissa Mae Fields, 32, Joplin

Merline Josue Alberto Lopez, 22, Carthage, and Ezera Jade Ramos, 22, Carthage

Curtis Roe Wilson, 39, Webb City, and Dessie Alexandra Showen, 30, Webb City

Jonathan Wayne Walker, 36, Carthage, and Brittany Jade Silva, 35, Carthage

William Eugene McHorney, 47, Joplin, and Lori Kay Winkler, 46, Joplin

Jenteal Renay Engberg, 24, Joplin, and Tatum Chandler Schultz, 23, Joplin 

Don't miss the news. Sign up for the nightly Turner Report Newsletter.

Agenda posted for Joplin Celebrations Commission meeting

 

Agenda posted for Joplin Sports Authority Board meeting

 

Impactful winter weather system moving into Joplin area this weekend

(From the National Weather Service)

An impactful winter system will move through the area this weekend into early next week. 

With this system still currently offshore, its exact track is still uncertain, which introduces variations in precipitation type potential. 

This is a general look at how the rain/ice/snow may land. Watch the coming forecasts for updates and refining to this information.

Carthage Fire Department releases 2024 statistics

(From the Carthage Police Department)

The Carthage Fire Department responded to a total of 2003 calls in 2024.

Structure fires - 40
Vehicle fires - 17
Natural cover fires - 90
Motor vehicle accidents - 175

Medical calls - 1172
Hazardous material - 57
Automatic/Mutual aid - 20
Miscellaneous - 432

666 of these calls were responded to in the District and 1337 of them were responded to in the City.

Elks Lodge community projects topic of Newsmakers program

(From KGCS)

Christmas was brighter for more than 200 families in 2024 thanks to the Joplin Elks Lodge. The fraternal organization got its start in Joplin in 1899 as the Joplin Elks Lodge 3501 Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks. Its 125-year history is the subject of the upcoming Newsmakers program.

Ted Easley, a former exalted rule and a current board member, discusses the Elks legacy in Joplin and how the organization is structured. Easley explains the groups philanthropy mission of addressing poverty while also supporting youth through ball team sponsorships and scholarships. Member Nancy Bettasso, who chaired the recent Christmas Food and Toy Basket drive, discusses how the Elks serve hundreds of children and families each year as well as veterans.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of January 5 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11 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.

Missouri Southern volleyball coach resigns

(From Missouri Southern Athletics)

The Missouri Southern Athletic Department has announced the resignation of Head Coach Kalie Carlile. Joshua Moore has been named Interim Head Coach, effective immediately.

"I cannot express enough gratitude for the last seven seasons at the helm of MSSU volleyball. Every challenge and every blessing has provided so much growth to the program and myself," Kalie Carlile states. "To all my administration, thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead this program. And to the MSSU volleyball community, thank you for all your help. I cannot wait to transition from Head Coach to super fan. I look forward to the continued progress of this program!"

Carlile, who began her coaching career at MSSU in 2017, leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, player development, and several key milestones for the program.

During her time as head coach, Carlile guided the Lions to multiple MIAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022), including a strong 2023 campaign, during which the team finished with a 16-15 overall record and an 8-12 mark in conference play. That season saw three players named All-MIAA, three players named to the CSC Volleyball Academic All-District Team, and five players earned spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

In 2021, Carlile's squad made the MIAA Tournament after finishing second in the MIAA South Division with a 5-3 record in conference play. The team also earned the AVCA Team Academic Award for the second consecutive year.

Under Carlile's leadership, the program consistently excelled in the classroom, earning multiple AVCA Team Academic Awards. The Lions also produced several MIAA Scholar-Athletes. In 2018, the team posted the highest GPA among women's sports at MSSU, with an impressive 3.61 team GPA.

"We want to thank Coach Carlile for her service to Missouri Southern and our volleyball program over the past seven seasons," said Athletic Director Rob Mallory. "We wish her and her family the best as she moves into the next stage of her professional career."

Moore has been acting head coach since October and has been with the program for the past three seasons. He brings valuable experience and leadership to the team as the Lions transition to a new chapter.

Missouri Southern will immediately begin a nationwide search for its next head volleyball coach. The Lions' athletic department expresses its gratitude for Carlile's contributions to the volleyball program and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 31-January 2

Mario I. Florian Alva, 27, Purdy, Neosho Police Department warrant for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, lane violation, no seat belt

Leonard Rivers, Jr., 34, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, four Springfield Police Department warrants, display plates of another, no valid license

Sean M. Tuley, 43, Spanaway, Washington, driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to emergency vehicle

Kelly D. Long, 55, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding

Maudilia E. De Leon Rivera, 43, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in a crash, driving while revoked, leaving the scene of a crash

Marshall D. Bentz, 23, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Shelby A. Dunphy-Day, 20, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, minor visibly intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Christina M. Jaime, 45, Cape Fair, driving while intoxicated

Sarah L. Reynolds, 35, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Diego N. Martinez, 22, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

James E. Lane, Jr., 67, Joplin, felony driving while intoxicated- persistent offender, careless and imprudent driving

Arturo Sanchez-Sanchez, 41, Southwest City, driving while intoxicated (drugs), driving while suspended, careless and imprudent driving 

Highway Patrol reports no fatalities, 21 injuries over New Year's holiday period

(From Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday:

Zero people died and 21 were injured in 44 traffic crashes during the 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2025. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period.

2025 New Year’s Holiday Traffic Statistics

Troopers investigated the following:

Traffic Crashes — 44
Traffic Crash Injuries — 21
Traffic Crash Fatalities — 0
DWI — 50

The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media.

Riella Miles first New Year's baby at Mercy Joplin

(From Mercy)

Riella Miles, born 1:58 p.m. January 1 was the first baby born at Mercy Joplin in 2025.

Duenweg couple's baby is first of new year at Freeman

(From Freeman Health)

The first baby of the new year, Aurora Cooper, arrived at 5:08 am on January 1, 2025, at Freeman Hospital West.

Aurora weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. Her parents, Hannah Ruark and Hayden Cooper of Duenweg, are excited at the arrival of their tiny bundle of joy.

“We are very happy,” Hannah said, “but very, very tired.” This is the couple’s first child.

Following tradition, the first baby of the new year received a special baby gift bag courtesy of Freeman Health System. Aurora will go home with a stuffed toy owl and bear as well as lots of books and Fisher-Price infant learning toys.

Delivering 1,700 babies each year, Freeman Health System has provided maternity care to Joplin and surrounding communities for more than 96 years. As one of the busiest maternity centers in Missouri, Freeman Maternity Center features board-certified obstetricians, highly skilled physician and midwife teams, home-like birthing suites, private mom and baby rooms as well as a state-of-the-art infant security system.