Inside Joplin features news and commentary about Joplin, Missouri, and the surrounding area, including Webb City, Carl Junction, Carthage, Sarcoxie, Neosho, Granby, Seneca, Diamond, Lamar, Golden City, Liberal, Anderson, and Pineville, with information about Jasper, Newton, Barton, and McDonald counties.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Medical emergency causes crash that kills Greenfield man
Highway Patrol Arrests May 30-31
- Regina M. Garnett, 27, Kansas City, Jackson County felony warrant for fraudulent use of a credit card, Newton County misdemeanor warrants for speeding and driving while suspended, speeding, driving while suspended
Jasper County Marriage Licenses
Friday, May 30, 2025
Eastbound I-44 lanes at Route 86/43 exit in Joplin to be closed for guardrail repair
(From MoDOT)
TRAFFIC ALERT: EB I-44 Lanes CLOSED at Route 86/43 (Exit 6) for Guardrail Repair at Night June 9
Where: Eastbound I-44 over Missouri Route 86/43 (Exit 6) in Joplin
When: 8 p.m., Monday, June 9 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, June 10
Traffic Impacts
All eastbound I-44 lanes CLOSED over Missouri Route 86/43 bridge at Exit 6
All eastbound I-44 traffic will be diverted across eastbound off- and on-ramps
Only one lane of westbound I-44 will be open
Once guardrail is repaired, contractor crews also will remove temporary median barrier returning I-44 traffic to normal configuration (two lanes open in each direction)
Drivers urged to find alternate routes
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.
This work is part of a project to rehabilitate the westbound I-44 bridge over Route 86/43. You can see details about that project here: Interstate 44 Bridge Rehabilitation in Newton County | Missouri Department of Transportation
Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin
Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests
Highway Patrol Arrests May 29-30
Joplin city pools open today
(From the City of Joplin)Come enjoy fun in the sun at the pools this summer! Joplin Parks and Recreation staff have been preparing for the swim season and are pleased to announce that both Schifferdecker and Cunningham Aquatic Centers will be open this year. Opening day is Friday, May 30.
“We are thrilled to have both pools available to our community,” said Dawn Jones, Aquatics Supervisor. “We were pleased to see a significant increase in lifeguard applications this year. Safety is a priority, and it takes a large number of guards to open both pools, so we appreciate the interest in lifeguarding this summer.”
The Family Aquatic Centers offer various amenities for children of all ages and their families, including a family changing area, a concession area, a zero-depth entry into the main pool area, an in-pool shaded rest area, and interactive spray features. Younger children will enjoy play areas in the water, and more experienced swimmers can jump, dive, and slide their way into the water. For those who enjoy the sunshine or prefer to stay dry, expanded deck areas with sunbathing opportunities, plus several shaded canopy areas with deck furniture, are featured at each location.
Schifferdecker Aquatic Center is the ultimate family attraction. It has two water features, including a lazy river, a full 50-meter and 25-meter pool with diving boards, a rock wall, and water slides. The concession area carries all the kids' favorite summer treats.
Cunningham Aquatic Center features zero-depth entry, splash pad, lily pads, five water slides, shade structures, and a fully stocked concession stand.
Both facilities will be open seven days a week, starting May 31. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 8 p.m. The Schifferdecker Aquatic Center is located at 4th and Schifferdecker, with admission for visitors aged 15 and under at $6 and for visitors 16 years old and over at $7.
Cunningham Aquatic Center is at 25th and Maiden Lane within Cunningham Park. Admission to Cunningham is $5 for visitors aged 15 and under and $6 for visitors 16 and over. At either of the pools, children aged two and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
If planning to attend frequently, an annual pool pass may be an option.$200 for a family of 4
$15.00 for an additional family member/sitter
$100 for a single adult
$90.00 for children over the age of 2 and Seniors.
Scholarships for pool passes are available for individuals and families who qualify based on financial need or public assistance programs.
For more information about the pools, season passes, or swim lessons, please call the Joplin Parks and Recreation office at 417-625-4750 or visit www.joplinparks.org.
Dates to note on your calendar: Last day of Cunningham’s Pool Season - August 3
Last day of Schifferdecker’s Pool Season - August 10
Dog Swim at Cunningham Pool - is August 9Two Sessions will be held. Registration is required.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Ashley Ebbs named Webb City High School assistant principal
(From the Webb City R-7 School District)We are pleased to announce Mrs. Ashley Ebbs as the new 2025-26 Assistant Principal at Webb City High School.
Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests
Highway Patrol Arrests May 28-29
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests
Four Seneca residents injured in collision on 43
Highway Patrol Arrests May 27-28
Highway Patrol Troop D announces promotions
(From Highway Patrol Troop D)Captain Dale O. Jinkens, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, is pleased to announce the following promotions effective June 1, 2025:
Corporal Derek Blankenship has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated as the supervisor of Zone 18 - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Trooper (CVET). Blankenship was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2010, as a member of the 92nd Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop I, Zone 2, serving Phelps County. In April 2015, Blankenship transferred to Troop D, Zone 12, serving Christian County. In September 2020, he transferred to Zone 18 as a CVET and was promoted to corporal.
Sergeant Blankenship is a native of Raytown, MO. He graduated from Glendale High School in Springfield, MO, in 1996. He attended and graduated from Ozarks Technical Community College in 2000.
Trooper Justin Choate has been promoted to the rank of corporal and designated an assistant supervisor of Zone 4, serving Stone and Taney counties. Choate was appointed to the Patrol on June 29, 2003, as a member of the 81st Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 11, serving Cass County. In 2006, Choate transferred to Troop I, Zone 5, serving Laclede County. In 2009, he transferred to Troop D, Zone 12, serving Christian County.
Corporal Choate is a native of Marshfield, MO, where he graduated high school. He attended Missouri State University, where he graduated in 2001.
Corporal Timothy Mosley has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated as supervisor of Zone 10, serving Webster County. Mosley was appointed to the Patrol on June 29, 2003, as a member of the 81st Recruit Class. After graduating the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Zone 5, serving Camden and Miller counties. In April 2014, Mosley transferred to Troop D, Zone 10. He was promoted to corporal on September 1, 2020.
Sergeant Mosley is a native of Houston, MO, where he graduated high school in 1996.
Trooper Larry L. Ray has been promoted to the rank of corporal and will remain in Zone 18 as a CVET. Ray was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2008, as a member of the 88th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop D, Zone 6, serving Lawrence and Dade counties. In May 2011, he was assigned to Zone 18 as a CVET.
Corporal Ray is a native of Los Angeles, CA, and moved to Miller, MO, in 1970. He graduated from Miller High School in 1987. He graduated from Missouri Southern Law Enforcement Academy in Joplin, Missouri in 1991. In August of 1997, Ray began his career with the Patrol as a Commercial Vehicle Officer assigned to the Joplin Weigh Station. In 2004, he transferred to a portable scale truck.
Upcoming Carthage events topic for Newsmakers program
(From KGCS)You don’t have to travel far to find summer fun. Events planned for Carthage come into focus on the next Newsmakers program. Carthage Chamber of Commerce Director Julie Reams explains the Willy Wonka based theme for this year’s Maple Leaf Festival: A City of Pure Imagination. She highlights the Chamber banquet, a rodeo June 6-7 and food truck Fridays. Reams also shares information about the M.E.N. Leadership breakfast group and Empower Women in Business lunch group.
Kate Kelley with Vision Carthage discusses home improvement classes through the Restoration Carthage program, efforts to revive fading murals, Dumpster Day, Carthage Bloom competition and the Flowers After Hours event.
Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning June 1 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, June 7 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 Optimum Internet. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Newton County Sheriff's Office Holiday Weekend Arrests
Highway Patrol Arrests May 26-27
Highway Patrol reports three deaths over Memorial Day weekend
(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)Three people died in traffic crashes over the 2025 Memorial Day weekend counting period from 6 p.m., Friday, May 23, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2025.
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated the following over the 2025 Memorial Day holiday weekend:
Traffic Statistics
Crashes -- 182
Injuries -- 83
Fatalities -- 3
DWI -- 78
Boating Statistics
Crashes -- 3
Injuries -- 0
Fatalities -- 0
Drowning -- 0
BWI -- 0
(Note: During the 2024 counting period, the Patrol investigated 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries. Also, over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday, Marine Operations troopers investigated seven boating crashes, which included no fatalities and seven injuries. Troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated arrests and six boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned during the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. Statewide over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 486 were injured in 1,046 traffic crashes.)
During the 2025 Memorial Day weekend counting period, troopers investigated three fatal traffic crashes. One fatality occurred in the Troop A, Lees Summit, MO, area, and two fatalities occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, area.
No fatalities occurred on May 23, 2025.
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, a 42-year-old woman from Independence, MO, was killed as she was walking on Interstate 70. The crash occurred on westbound Interstate 70, near mile-marker 21.8, in Jackson County, MO. The woman was struck by a westbound vehicle and, afterwards, was struck by a second westbound vehicle. She was pronounced deceased by a paramedic on the scene. The drivers of the two vehicles were wearing seat belts and were not injured.
Also on Saturday, May 24, 2025, a 69-year-old man from Wentzville, MO, died when the motorcycle he was driving was struck from the rear. The crash occurred on Missouri Highway 47, south of Boone Monument Road, in Warren County. The motorcyclist began to slow down due to heavy smoke reducing visibility and causing congested traffic. The driver of the vehicle overtaking the motorcycle applied his brakes, causing the vehicle to skid and strike the rear of the motorcycle. The front of the motorcycle then struck the rear of the vehicle in front of it. The motorcyclist was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO, where he was pronounced deceased by Dr. Menges. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the first vehicle sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The driver of the vehicle struck by the motorcycle was not injured. The drivers of the vehicles were wearing seat belts.
No fatalities occurred on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
One fatality occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025. A 60-year-old man from Catawissa, MO, died when the motorcycle he was driving was struck by a vehicle. The crash occurred on Missouri Highway 94, west of Klondike Park Loop, in St. Charles County. A vehicle travelling east on Missouri Highway 94 crossed the center line and struck the westbound motorcycle head-on. The motorcycle then struck another motorcycle also traveling west. The 60-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene by St. Charles County Ambulance District personnel. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the vehicle was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. She was wearing a seat belt. The driver of the other motorcycle was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. He was not wearing a helmet.
NOTE: The statistics provided could change if late deaths occur, other departments report crashes or incidents, a fatality is determined to be a drowning, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition after this news release was posted.
Lamar Police Department Weekly Report
Dispatched calls – 221
Reports - 15
Car Stops – 13
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 0
Total Arrests – 1
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 2
Zone, Business & Residential Checks - 265
05/19/2025 A citizen came into the Police Department to report the theft of items from his car in the 1200 block of Parry. Investigation continues.
05/10/2025 Officers responded to a domestic dispute in the 700 block of Walnut St. Parties separated for the evening.
05/20/2025 Officer initiated a traffic stop at Gulf St and 17th St due to suspect vehicle driving erratically. Subject was transported to the Barton County Jail and issued a summons for DWI/Alcohol.
05/23/2025 Officer received a report of a fraud incident. Subject was advised to contact the Missouri Attorney General’s office.
05/23/2025 Officer responded to a report of theft in the 800 block of W. 12th. Investigation continues.
05/25/2025 Officer responded to a domestic disturbance in progress in the 700 block of Walnut St. Both parties agreed to separate for the evening.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Chief of Police Shannon Crouch.
Slinkard Road at Route 90 in McDonald County to be closed
(From MoDOT)TRAFFIC ALERT: Slinkard Rd. CLOSED at Route 90 in McDonald Co. June 2-4
Where: Slinkard Road (McDonald County Southeast 9042 Road) at Missouri Route 90 east of Jane
When: Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, June 4
What: Contractor crews to remove pavement, install pipe and base rock as part of project to replace Route 90 bridge over Little Sugar Creek
Traffic Impacts
No signed detours for Slinkard Road closure
Route 90 drivers are being directed along a signed detour of McDonald County Route K, Business 71, McDonald County Route H and I-49
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone
Drivers urged to find alternate routes
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.
This work is part of a project to replace the current one-lane bridge on Route 90 over Little Sugar Creek with a new two-lane bridge, and install new guardrail, barrier walls and permanent striping.
Project information
Completion date: December 1, 2025
Estimated total cost: $2.3 million
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Newton County Marriage Licenses
Summer session of MSSU Choral Society to begin Monday
(From the MSSU Choral Society)
The special summer session of the well-known area-wide mixed community chorus, the MSSU Choral Society, begins Monday, June 2, 7 pm to 9 pm. in room 208 of the Music Building at MSSU.There are no auditions, and all singers are welcome. Prior experience in a choir in the past is helpful, but not required. The class fee is $30 and covers the music, 7 weeks of rehearsal and the performance. Interested singers may attend the first few weeks free.
The choir will prepare for a special concert on July 20 with a selection of engaging and fun-to-sing music.
Kaden Propps will lead the chorus in this summer session. Propps is choir director at First Community Church and music teacher.
For further information, contact Wally Bloss at WBloss@GMail.com or 417-386-3996