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.

Horse Creek Bridge in Barton County to be closed

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route C/Horse Creek Bridge in Barton Co. CLOSED April 2-17 for Bridge Repair

Where: Barton County Route C bridge over Horse Creek east of Milford

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday, April 2-17

What: MoDOT crews working to repair bridge joint

Traffic Impacts

All Route C lanes CLOSED at either end of the bridge during daytime hours

All Route C lanes OPEN during nighttime hours and weekends

Drivers will have access to entrances at either end of the work zone, but will not be able to travel across the bridge

No signed detour

Drivers should find alternate route

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Newton County Marriage Licenses

Santos Jose Juarez Gonzalez, 38, Neosho, and Fabiana K. Vargas Gonzalez, 36, Neosho

Katvin Komet, 24, Joplin, and Keisy Werner, 28, Joplin

Braxton Steele Gray, 21, Neosho, and Amanda Lorraine Neilans, 43, Neosho

Treyrn Curtis Ast, 25, Joplin, and Sarah Marie Weeks, 26, Joplin

Ronald Jay Friend III, 23, Joplin, and Skylar Brianne Chapman, 23, Joplin

Jordan Tyler Beaty, 19, Neosho, and Grace Marie Shorter, 19, Neosho

Reece Ramsey Coffman, 20, Neosho, and Haley Nicole White, 19, Neosho

Amber Mychelle Dawn Calhoun, 29, Seneca, and Brianna Marie Wilson, 25, Seneca

Barton County Marriage Licenses

Xavior Daniel Sipes, 21, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Brittany Nicole Allen, 30, Pittsburg, Kansas

Andrew Loyd Givens, 19, Springfield, and Mia Jacqueline Romero, 20, Lamar 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 28-29

Larry R. Janacek, 67, Marshfield, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to stay in a single lane

John R. Witt, 30, Franklin Park, Illinois, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, resisting arrest

 

Agenda posted for Carthage Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Commission meeting

 

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

David Louis Slone, 46, Joplin, and Emily Anna-Lee Sturgis, 32, Joplin

Walter Anibal Carrillo Santos, 20, Carthage, and Justina May Gonzalez Ibarra, 34, Washburn

Michael Stephen Orloff, 62, Joplin, and Melinda T. Gilmore, 65, Joplin

Clair Edwin Moore, 77, Carthage, and Jeanne Marie Stewart, 71, Carthage

Alexander Landon Karns, 31, Joplin, and Heather Michele Blackburn, 33, Joplin

Grant Matthew Irwin, 25, Joplin, and Kalyn Marie Connor, 23, Joplin

Samuel Morley Dunthorne, 27, Diamond, and Savannah Faith Hutsell, 29, Diamond

Joshua David Lee Price, 37, Sarcoxie, and Kelly Lynn Rushing, 44, Sarcoxie

Garrison Xavier Stout, 21, Frontenac, Kansas, and Victoria Terasa Montez, 20, Joplin

David James Dotson, 30, Carterville, and Lynsey Jane May, 28, Carterville

Ruben Alexis Mata, 20, Erie, Kansas, and Ashton Ann Altman, 18, Erie, Kansas

Levi Shane Henson, 22, Lamar, and Alysia Nichol Baker, 28, Lamar

Gregory Devin McPherson, 70, Sarcoxie, and Rita Diana Erskin, 61, Sarcoxie

Zachary Paul Bowshier, 31, Oronogo, and Charese Alaine Manes, 33, Oronogo

Zachary Nelson Breault, 27, Lawrenceville, Illinois, and Paige Jordon Harris, 26, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Joshua Christian Oathout, 32, Carl Junction, and Alyssa Marie Brown, 28, Joplin

Federico Lopez Hernandez, 42, Carthage, and Margarita Lopez Gomez, 47, Carthage

Robby Dean Hull, 40, Miami, Oklahoma, and Hayley Dawn Anastosopolos, 36, Miami, Oklahoma

Derek Isaac Dailey, 19, Carthage, and Summer Lynne Walters, 21, Carthage 

Agenda posted for Joplin Celebrations Commission meeting

 

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Rayelin M. Miller vs. Brett M. Fonger

 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jade R. Buttry vs. Devan F. Hunnicutt

Nicholas A. Adams vs. Tazia N. Guerra

Jimmy C. White vs. Desirie M. White

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Theresa E. Surgi-Harrison vs. Christopher T. Harrison

Nikola M. Stewart vs. Deiondre R. Stewart

Brittney N. Pitcher vs. Dustin M. Pitcher

Megan A. McAndrews vs. Michael D. McAndrews

Jeffrey A. Hodson vs. Sandra J. Hodson

Amanda E. Trull vs. Steven E. Trull

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Ashley M. Gardner vs. Michael Gardner

Dalton Wynn vs. Harper Wynn

Thomas Winters vs. Kaitlyn Threlfall

Kimberly D. Vandiver vs. David N. Vandiver

Patrick Maples vs. Brianna Maples

Holly J. Norris vs. Rudy J. Norris

Joey Hughbank vs. Melissa Hughbank

Kylee M. Rogers. vs. Lance J. Rogers

Brittany M. Reavis vs. Brice D. Reavis

Keisha N. Borland vs. Chase T. Borland

Sydnea R. Swarens vs. Jerick Swarens

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

 Jasper County

Andrew Eldon Spencer

Christopher Michael Nunnaley

Christopher Blake Edwards and Ashleah Bronwyn Edwards

Katelyn Marie Thornburg

Lawrence County

Madison Danielle Dooley

Stone County

Dalton Shawn Woolstenhulme

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/27/2025 0041 

KERISSA NICOLE RYAN 

 507 N Pearl Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 4007 I 44 EB 0.00 

WF 33 

TRAFFICKING DRUGS OR ATTEMPT- 1ST DEGREE TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE IN FELONY PROSECUTION 

JPD LARCENY 

03/27/2025 0920

 LANCE LAMONT BELL 

 5758 Impala Dr NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804 

 6999 GATEWAY DR/I 49 RAMP 500.00 

WM 51

MCDONALD CO FAILURE TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE

03/27/2025 1230 

AUSTIN NICHOLAS LOUDERMILK 

 21571 Highway J GRANBY, MO 64844 

 21571 HIGHWAY J 15,000.00 

WM 42 4 

FAIL TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 589. 

DELIVERY OR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AT COUNTY/P 

NON-SUPPORT, TOTAL ARREARS IN EXCESS OF 12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS

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

TAMPERING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE - 1ST DEGREE 

FAIL TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 589. 

FAIL TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 589. 

03/27/2025 25000573 1915 

ROCKY DON SMITH 

 1871 Harbor Ln JOPLIN 64804 

 1871 HARBOR LN 0.00 

WM 66 

DOMESTIC ASSAULT 4TH DEGREE

03/27/2025 2050 

STEPHANIE KIANE MIKESKA 

 23354 Kentucky Rd NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64844 

 23354 KENTUCKY RD 0.00 

WF 38 

DOMESTIC ASSAULT 4TH DEGREE 

PROPERTY DAMAGE 1ST DEGREE 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 27-28

Teresa A Sieg, 64, Kansas City, driving while intoxicated, failed to place vehicle as far to the right as practicable

Jared J. Sturm, 25, Branson, felony possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia- fentanyl

Casey L. Johnson, 41, Springfield, felony trafficking of a controlled substance, felony resisting arrest, felony possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility, speeding, misdemeanor assault on a special victim

Anthony C. Rieth, 47, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failure to display valid plates

Elizabeth J. Sandhu, 39, Overland Park, Kansas, felony driving while intoxicated- persistent offender, speeding, failed to maintain a single lane, following too closely

Kelli E. Sanders, 50, Green Forest, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, speeding, consuming alcohol while driving 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/26/2025 0000 

 BLAKE MICHAEL ROGERS 

 6123 Dorian Ln NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804 

 WM 18 6123 DORIAN LN 0.00 

DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE 

03/26/2025 0521
MARK WAYNE PARKER 

 14899 Hwy Ff DIAMOND, MO 64840 

 WM 61 1268 MARTEN RD 10,000.00 

TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE 25000557 

 03/26/2025 2024 

 TRESSIE JEAN MYERS 

 501 F St Ne MIAMI 64842 

 WF 46 E HIGHWAY 86 1,500.00 

MISUSE OF 911 

TRESPASS 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 26-27

Levi A. Henley, 28, Branson, Branson Police Department misdemeanor warrant for no insurance, no insurance

Austen T. Myers, 31, Council Hill, Oklahoma, Pulaski County misdemeanor warrant for speeding

Connie Sheppard, 74, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway causing an accident

 

Jasper County Children's Services Fund sales tax proposal topic on Newsmakers program

(From KGCS)

On April 8th, Jasper County voters will be asked to support a quarter cent sales tax to create a Children’s Services Fund. A Missouri law, passed nearly 30 years ago, allows for counties to establish a fund through a voter approved tax for the purpose of services to protect the well-being and safety of children. A group called Jasper County 4 Kids worked to put the question on the ballot and discusses details of the initiative on the next Newsmakers program.

Jasper County 4 Kids volunteer, Terry Wachter says conditions for children in the county have declined. The Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count which analyzes data, ranked Jasper County 98th out of 114 counties in the state. 

Jen Black with the Alliance of Southwest Missouri, Stephanie Thies, with Children’s Haven and Betsy Mense, with the Children’s Center explained how they are funded by donations and grants which can be unreliable. All say there are rising rates of youth with mental health issues that need to be addressed. Charities and agencies could apply to a board that would be established for grants from the fund estimated to generate five million dollars annually. The program shares how funds can and cannot be spent.

Ashley Micklethwaite with Jasper County 4 Kids described the impact of the Children’s Services Fund in counties where voters have passed the tax. And Sheriff Randee Kaiser explains how the Jasper County Law Enforcement Sales Tax collections and disbursements operate successfully in a similar way to the Children’s Services Fund proposed.

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

Jasper County Sheriff's Office searching for sex offender

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/25/2025 0714 

RICKIE LEE SANDERS 

 9243 Falcon Rd NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850 

 9243 FALCON RD 500.00 

WM 64 

NON-SUPPORT, TOTAL ARREARS IN EXCESS OF 12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS 

03/25/2025 1030 

DESTINY JASMINE BRISCOE 

 5075 Courtney Ln, UNK NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804 

 303 3 0.00 

WF 30 

CHEROKEE COUNTY FUGITIVE FROM OUT OF STATE 

03/25/2025 1131 

SHAWN PHILLIP ENGLAND 

 2698 Birch Drive JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 405 E. 5TH 1,500.00 

WM 35 

ASSAULT - 2ND DEGREE 

03/25/2025 1131 

WALTER L SCHULZ 

 4702 W 28th Pl JOPLIN, MO 64804 

 405 E. 5TH 10,000.00 

WM 44 

TAMPERING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE - 1ST DEGREE 

RESISTING/INTERFERING WITH ARREST FOR A FELONY 

JASPER COUNTY DOC HOLD

03/25/2025 1014 

TARA LEE FLEMING 

 2615 E 6th St JPLN, MO 64801 

 2883 GREENWOOD DR/BUD LN 0.00 

WF 31 

OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE LICENSE REVOKED/SUSPENDED 

03/25/2025 25000545 0945 

WESTON KEITH MARKS 

 104 W 2nd St MONETT, MO 65654 

 12000 HIGHWAY B/KENTUCKY RD 200.00 

WM 60 

SARCOXIE NO INSURANCE 

03/25/2025 25000545 0945 

APRIL LOUISE MOYERS 

 4049 S Ridgecrest Dr SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807 

 12000 HIGHWAY B/KENTUCKY RD 0.00 

WF 40 

PAROLE VIOLATION FORGERY 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 25-26

Julie L. Voda. 43, Nixa, driving while intoxicated (drugs), no driver's license, failed to stop for steady red signal

Kyle A. Smith, 33, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Jeffrey R. Stefanski, 38, Maumee, Ohio, felony leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Weekly Report

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests March 24-25

03/24/2025 0040 

BRIAN DALE BOND 

 615 Cherry St NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 HWY 43 & KENTUCKY RD 0.00 

WM 53

JPD NO INSURANCE 

JPD MOVING VIOLATION 

03/24/2025 0719 

JAMES DANIEL COLVARD 

 13901 Quince Rd NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850 

 13901 QUINCE RD 0.00 

WM 46 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 

ANDERSON P[D- TRAFFIC VIOLATION 

NPD TRESPASS 215.370

03/24/2025 1148 

CRYSTAL DAWN WRIGHT 

 2936 W Latoka SPRINGFIELD, MO 64807 

 1199 HASELTINE RD 5,000.00 

WF 47 

STEALING - $750 OR MORE 

03/24/2025 1130 

LEVI RAY JONES 

 416 W Spring St, 2 NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 110 WEST ELM STREET 471.50 

WM 27 1 NPD - RESISTING ARREST 215.120 

DAMAGE TO JAIL/JAIL PROPERTY 

NPD DISTURBING THE PEACE 215.220 

NPD TRESPASS 215.370 

NPD TRESPASS 215.370 

NPD PEACE DISTURBANCE 

03/24/2025 1430 

MATTHEW NEAL FOX 

 3 Vally View Cr BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 

 1300 SW 14 STREET 3,500.00 

WM 47 

RESISTING ARREST/DETENTION/STOP BY FLEEING - CREATING A SUBS 

DWI

Joplin man killed in crash on I-44, passenger flown to Mercy Springfield

A Joplin man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 2:16 p.m. today on I-44 two miles east of Halltown.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Peterbilt driven by a 26-year-old Joplin man experienced a tire defect. The driver overcorrected causing the vehicle to overturn in the median.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:30 p.m. by a Greene County medical examiner.

A passenger, an 18-year-old Joplin woman was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

The fatality was the 26th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 24-25

Berl Harvey, 72, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear, speeding

Amanda M. Whitney, 46, Bentonville, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Christopher L. Lockhart, 37, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

 

Mercy Columbus administrator chosen to participate in prestigious leadership program

(From Mercy)

Mercy Hospital Columbus Administrator Angie Saporito has been chosen to participate in one of the longest-running and most prestigious leadership programs in Kansas.

Saporito is one of only 40 people selected from a field of more than 500 people nominated anonymously to be a part of Leadership Kansas, a program established in 1979 by the Kansas Chamber Education Foundation that is now supported and administered by the Kansas Chamber. The program, with more than 1,600 alumni, is entering its fifth decade of educating and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

 

“It’s truly an honor to be chosen for this amazing program,” Saporito said. “I’m excited to travel around the state and get to know other leaders from different communities, but also to tell people about all of the exciting things going on within Mercy – especially at Mercy Columbus.”

The 2025 Leadership Kansas program runs from April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.

The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development and government.

“Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Leadership Kansas Executive Director Aaron Miller, a 2016 alumnus of the program. “Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders themselves, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state.”

 

Saporito has been administrator of Mercy Hospital Columbus since February 2016. She joined Mercy Joplin in 2006 as a member of the marketing team. From there, she joined Mercy Columbus and provided support and oversight for areas including human resources, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing and marketing. 

In 2012, Saporito led Mercy Joplin’s media relations during the tornado recovery and rebuilding efforts. Saporito earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She and her husband have three boys and are actively involved in community, school and sports activities in their hometown of Columbus.

Crowder College to hold annual Aggie Day competition

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College’s Agriculture division will host its annual Aggie day contests Thursday, March 27, on the Neosho campus. The event will feature nearly 1700 high school students from 79 schools, teachers, and volunteers from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Aggie day is annual held at the end of March by Crowder Agriculture staff, alumni, and community volunteers managing 16 different contests. 

Earlier this month, speaking contests were held for area FFA competitors. In February, the Veterinary Technology program hosted the state Vet Tech competition, with the winning team representing the state of Missouri at the national FFA convention next fall.

“Crowder College’s agriculture program has a reputation of hosting a great competition in preparation for the upcoming southwest Missouri contests that qualify teams for state,” commented Jorge Zapata, Ag Division Chair/instructor. “We have everyone in the ag division as well as alumni and volunteers from Crowder and the community helping to make this a successful event.

 

Jasper Police Department makes meth arrest

(From the Jasper Police Department)

Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 1242 hours, Jasper PD made contact with subjects at Judy’s Cafe located at 401 N. 4th St., (Jasper) Missouri. Contact in reference to suspicious activity.

While on patrol, two white males were observed standing near a silver motorcycle on the south lot of Judy’s Café. The motorcycle had no tags. 

Both subjects went inside the residence attached to Judy’s Cafe. After several attempts and getting no answer, the male subject who was observed have the black backpack on came walking around from the south side. 

Upon contact he was asked his name, which he refused to give, he also refused to give ID. He was later identified as Joshua Hulsey. Hulsey said he traded a PS 5 for the motorcycle from a person off of Facebook. The officer asked him if he had any paperwork on the motorcycle, he advised he did not, and said he just has messages with the person who traded him. 

The officer continued to ask him his name in which he refused to give. Hulsey was advised him to put his hands behind his back where he refused. After mention of a taser being used, he finally complied and put his hands behind his back.

The black backpack was located hidden in a drawer in the bathroom. Gill was asked if the backpack was his in which he stated no. Hulsey was asked if the backpack was his, he said no it was not his.

 
Looking through the backpack, the following was located:

• two syringes

 
•plastic baggie with white powder substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine

 
•small wallet with Hulsey’s Missouri identification card

Hulsey was arrested and charged for obstruction, possession of controlled substance and possession of meth related drug paraphernalia.

Hulsey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court law.

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of Mar 17 – Mar 23, 2025

 
Dispatched calls – 227
Reports - 9
Car Stops – 6
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 1
Total Arrests – 0
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 10
Zone, Business & Residential Checks – 290

03/18/2025 Officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Poplar St in reference to an ongoing civil issue. With newly discovered evidence, a search warrant was obtained and executed. Charges are pending.

03/19/2025 Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Lexington regarding a past-tense burglary. Investigation continues.

March 19, 2025 Officer was dispatched to Wheeler Park in reference to property damage to the bathroom door and toilet. Investigation continues.

March 19, 2025 Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Gulf St. regarding damage caused by a utility pole that fell.

03/21/2025 Officer was dispatched to 19th & Gulf regarding two individuals who had entered the building. Investigation continues.

03/21/2025 Officer took a report of vandalism to the bathroom at the enclosed shelter. Investigation continues.

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

Joplin Police Department Weekly Activity Report

 

Joplin Police Department seeking missing person

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is seeking the public's assistance locating Joshua Lee Cowen. 

Cowen is 44 years of age, 5'9" tall, and weighs 160 lbs. He was last seen around 2:00 AM on March 17th, and was wearing a blue tank top, black shorts, and black shoes. 

Cowen is disabled and there are concerns for his safety. If you see Cowen or know his whereabouts, please contact us at 417-623-3131.