Highway Patrol Arrests June 29-30

Richard W. Olbrey, 46, Seneca, felony driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt

Grant A. Bard, 51, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane, speeding

Lance D. Trissel, 45, Bella Vista, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Deaireon J. Jackson, 25, Springfield, Springfield Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on no insurance, speeding, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance, possessed plates of another, no seat belt

Zakoree M. Green, 31, Shreveport, Louisiana, felony aggravated fleeing, speeding, careless and imprudent driving

Darian S. Sandoval, 21, Purdy, driving while intoxicated (drugs), failed to drive on right half of roadway driving while suspended/revoked, no insurance, operated motorcycle without motorcycle endorsement, failed to display valid plates, displayed or possessed suspended license

Corbin D. Scott, 23, Webb City, driving while intoxicated, failed to signal

Elizabeth A. Asher, 37, O'Fallon, Lincoln County felony warrant for domestic assault

Chris A. Lopez Carreto, 21, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, hazardous equipment violation

Paul A. Reyes, 26, Reeds, driving while intoxicated, failed to signal

Dylan W. Watson, 26, Waynesville, driving while intoxicated, no insurance 

East side of 15th and Range Line to be closed for construction

(From the City of Joplin)

Starting Monday, July 7, the east side of the intersection of 15th Street and Range Line Road will be closed for construction. This closure supports the ongoing road extension of 15th Street two blocks to the east. Detours will be in place, and drivers should expect altered traffic patterns in the area. Work is expected to be completed by mid-to-late August, weather permitting.

This project improvement work will impact the entrance to the 15th Street Walmart shopping center from Range Line Road, as well as businesses located north and south of East 15th Street. It will also create detours for traffic moving through this intersection. All businesses in the area will remain open.

Traffic Pattern Changes at 15th & Range Line Road

Due to construction, the following traffic changes will take effect:

Eastbound traffic on 15th Street will only be able to turn right (south) onto Range Line Road.
Southbound traffic on Range Line Road may continue straight or turn right (west) onto 15th Street.
Northbound traffic on Range Line Road will be limited to through traffic only—no turns allowed.

Business Access Changes During Construction

Access to nearby businesses will change while work is underway at the 15th & Range Line Road intersection:

Walmart: Use entrances on 17th Street, 20th Street, or Rex Avenue.

Businesses north of 15th Street: Use 13th Street to reach the Hobby Lobby shopping center (Ollie’s Rustic Furniture, Cato), as well as back entrances to Sleep Number, Mercy Urgent Care, World Finance, Wing Stop, Lux’s Nail Spa, Cricket Wireless, and Shake’s Frozen Custard.

Businesses south of 15th Street: Use 17th Street to access Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, White Oak Station, and other nearby businesses.

This closure enables the improvement project to install dedicated right-turn lanes to and from Range Line Road, a new traffic signal at 15th and Range Line, intersection enhancements, and defined entrances into adjacent businesses along 15th Street.

This intersection improvement is part of the 1717 Market Place Tax Increment Financing Plan. The 1717 MarketPlace development also included the extension of 17th Street and a signalized intersection at 17th & Range Line, offering another access point for the shopping area. This improvement was completed several years ago.

D & E Plumbing and Heating, Inc., is the contractor for the project with a cost of $1,523,486. Funds generated in the TIF district are being used for this infrastructure improvement, along with MoDOT paying 50% of the project costs incurred within the MoDOT right-of-way, not to exceed $457,443.

The project is scheduled for completion in November 2025.

For questions, please contact Rob Beachner, Capital Improvements Project Manager, at 417-624-0820, ext. 1543.

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

 Alex Christopher Higgins, 21, Joplin, and Hannah Nicole Dutcher, 22, Joplin

Alex Sorel-Tracy Gravel, 24, and Angelica Villa Ruiz, 24, Purdy

Grant Evan Maddox Schmidt, 19, Carthage, and Carleigh Rae Stines, 20, Carthage

Chase Allen Tweed, 22, Carl Junction, and Elvina R. Purcell, 24, Carl Junction

Tristen Rashawn Strickland, 34, Carthage, and Heidi Nichole Dye, 36, Carthage

Elber Arcadio Juarez Garcia, 30, Carthage, and Sheyli Vanesa Mendez Garcia, 25, Carthage

Jayden James Malin, 21, Joplin, and Kayden Melissa Sees, 20, Carl Junction

Devin July Johnson, 33, Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Montana Michelle Weeks, 28, Muskogee, Oklahoma

Shelby Lynn Sewell, 30, Riverton, Kansas, and Kelsey Jo Karnes, 30, Riverton, Kansas

Aiden Shae Sheat, 19, Carthage, and Makenna Lanaie Althof, 19, Carthage

Charles Edward Bigham, 34, Joplin, and MacKenzie Tarae Anne Tuggle, 29, Joplin

Eddie Lee Holland, Jr., 33, Joplin, and Jayce Michelle Kelly, 29, Joplin

Eleno B. Bustamante, 33, Joplin, and Tiara Leeann Loddy, 30, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas

Othellie Lee Roper III, 26, Joplin, and Jayme Lynn Doyle, 22, Joplin

Selvin Juventino Lopez Hernandez, 32, Carthage, and Elvia Griselda Lopez Guzman, 27, Carthage

Cameron Michael Hanner, 26, Carthage, and Marlie Renne Willoughby, 23, Carthage

Andrew Todd Garner, 41, Joplin, and Anna Marie Wallace, 46, Joplin

MoDOT sets public meeting to provide overview of Southwest I-44 Improvements Project

(From MoDOT)

Those interested in learning an overview of the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements Project in Newton, Jasper, Lawrence, Greene, and Webster Counties are invited to a public meeting on Monday, July 14, in Joplin or Tuesday, July 15, in Springfield, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

These two identical meetings will inform the public of the project's overview. No formal presentation is planned. Those who attend may come anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to learn about the project and ask questions. The come-and-go style meetings will be held:

Joplin: Monday, July 14, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th Street, Joplin

Springfield: Tuesday, July 15, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Crossway Baptist Church, 2900 N Barnes Ave, Springfield

The project, known as the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements project, is a $472 million design-build project that includes enhancements at multiple locations along I-44 spanning from Newton County to Laclede County. A design-build project encourages innovative highway improvements in the most cost-effective way through a competitive process. The project has not yet been awarded to a design-build contractor, so no final designs or plans are available or will be shown at this time. Future meetings will be scheduled to share design details and project plans once they become available.

Once the contract has been awarded in the spring/summer of 2026, the Forward 44: Southwest I-44 Improvements project is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2026 with completion in late 2031.

Those unable to attend the in-person meeting can view exhibits and get project information by visiting www.modot.org/southwest.

MoDOT is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. If you need a reasonable accommodation or translation services, please contact Southwest District Communications at 417.895.7600 by July 9. For those unable to access the online meeting, contact MoDOT’s Southwest District Office, and accommodations will be made to share the information and gather feedback

Newton County Marriage Licenses

 Larry Wayne Bland 81, Neosho, and Betsy Ann Wolfinbarger, 71, Neosho

Ren Matthew Gordon Gilmore, 40, Neosho, and Courtney Jessica England, 36, Neosho

Matthue Robin Brown, 25, Neosho, and Destanee Berlin Terrill, 23, Neosho

Parker Wayne Letts, 20, Goodman, and Meredith Lynn Baldwin, 20, Neosho

Jamie Raymon Tago, 30, Joplin, and Matea Ann Fowler, 24, Joplin

Nicholas Matthew Kirkman, 23, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Laurel Elizabeth Smith, 21, Granby

Gary N. Griggs, 24, Bentonville, Arkansas, 24, and Aria Jade Utech, 19, Bentonville, Arkansas

Walker Nathaniel Smith, 20, Neosho, and Brooklinn Taylor McDonald, 21, Neosho

Reduced lanes, delays expected on 160 between Lockwood and Greenfield

(From MoDOT)

Expect Reduced Lanes, Delays on Route 160 in Dade County Beginning Week of July 7

Drivers will encounter reduced lanes and traffic delays when a project to extend 12 culverts along U.S. Route 160 between Lockwood and Greenfield begins the week of July 7, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Traffic impacts

Contractor crews will reduce Route 160 to a single lane, shifting traffic into a head-to-head configuration where they’re working until early November

Traffic will be controlled by temporary stop signals where crews are working around the clock for the duration of the work

Drivers will encounter a red stop light as they approach the signal

Drivers will have access to all drive ways and entrances

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

No signed detours

Drivers are urged to find alternate routes during the project

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

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule

.

This work is part of a larger project to resurface and improve sections of Route 160 and Missouri Route 97 in Barton, Dade and Lawrence counties.

Project information

Prime contractor – Blevins Asphalt Construction, Mt. Vernon
Total project cost: $8.4 million
Contract completion date: November 1, 2025

Four arrested following Crawford County shooting

(From the Crawford County Sheriff's Office)

On Sunday, June 29, 2025 just before 4:00 A.M., Crawford County Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call in regards to a shooting that had just occurred at the Maple Tree Apartments located at 613 W. St. John in Girard.

Deputies arrived on scene and located an adult black male suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdominal area. Deputies on scene rendered aid to the victim and secured the area as a crime scene. The victim, identified as Antaun R. Sams (36), was transported to Girard Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Sams would later be transferred to a different hospital with a higher-level trauma center.

Detectives and deputies began investigating the incident, and quickly identified multiple suspects involved in the shooting.

Less than an hour after the shooting occurred, units responded to 818-B S. Hugh Street in Frontenac, assisted by the Frontenac Police Department, and detained:

Rickey Burns Sr, 61
Rickey Burns Jr, 33
Cody G. Hammonds, 34
Demitra A. Durden, 41

These four were later transported to the Crawford County Jail in Girard.

Search warrants were obtained and executed for the residences located at 818-B S. Hugh and 812-A S. Hugh in Frontenac and evidence was obtained by investigators.

Rickey Burns Sr. is being held on charges of: attempted murder, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana.

Rickey Burns Jr. is being held on a charge of: felony interference with law enforcement

Cody G. Hammonds is being held on a charge of: felony interference with law enforcement

Demitra A. Durden is being held on charges of: felon in possession of a firearm, felony interference with law enforcement

This incident is still under investigation by the Crawford County Sheriff's Office. If you have ANY information regarding this incident, please contact the Investigations Bureau with the Crawford County Sheriff's Office by phone at 620-724-8274 or online at www.crsoks.org.

Callers may remain anonymous.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 25-26

Savannah R. Perryman, 30, Strafford, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Zachary R. Morgan, 22, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, no valid plates, no insurance, failed to maintain right half of roadway

David H. Scotten, 40, Harwood, driving while intoxicated, failed to display valid plates, no insurance, operation of non-commercial vehicle while using electronic communication device

Zachary R. Plummer, 26, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt, failed to display valid registration

Latosha M. Rainey, 41, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding, lane violation

Scott P. Shelby, 48, Branson West, driving while intoxicated

Courtney E. Melton, 34, Springfield, driving while intoxicated. operating without headlights/taillights

Deidra L. Ervin, 46, Monett, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to place vehicle as far to the right as practicable

Trevor D. Floyd, 24, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, failed to drive in a single lane 

Blood drive scheduled at Webb City Public Library

 

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Christopher A. Runion vs. Emily A. Runion

Christal J. Fiala vs. Colby G. Fiala

 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Roxanne Vasquez vs. Roel R. Vasquez

Kelsi M. Russell vs. Grant G. Freeman

Lexi L. Dills vs. Spencer P. Dills

John E. Kenney vs. Samantha L. Kenney

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kaysee L. Fletcher vs. Douglas J. Fletcher

Lettie L. Litherland vs. Wayne A. Litherland

Selena S. Ornelas vs. Alexis C. Palacios Tovar

Jamie McCarty vs. Sara Dougherty

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Ashley McCarty vs. Blake McCarty

Andrews Keith vs. Roselind Boyd

Thomas E. Walters vs. Amber L. Walters

Karina Turnbull vs. Carly Turnbull

Justin D. Smith vs. Megan Smith

Caleb P. Hurley vs. Teresa A. Schorr

Sherri R. Nolen vs. Harvey R. Norman

Maria I. Fonseca vs. Arnulfo J. Marin

Star M. Harrison vs. Austin Harrison

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barry County

Amy Louise DeVore and Terry Robert DeVore

Jasper County

Cameron Kenneth Woodward

Joseph Colton Trottere

Steven Bradley Campbell and Melissa Renniah Campbell 

Lawrence County

Heather Nicole Edwards

Newton County

Jessica Marie Beckett

Stone County

Ann Marie Gilman

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

06/26/2025 0146 

WAINRICK Y FELIX 

 619 S Monroe Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 208 WEST COLER ST 533.50 

AM 39 

SPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 3RD DEGREE 

06/26/2025 0253 

CHRIS JAMES GRAY 

 292 Jonny Coler , GA I 44 RAMP/HIGHWAY 43 0.00 

BM 31 

DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE 

06/26/2025 0858 

JUAN JOSE OLVERA 

 418 Garner St NOEL, MO 64854 

 602 MAIN 0.00 

WM 32 

DWI - PERSISTENT 

06/26/2025 25001214 0815 

DANON LANE MCINTIRE 

 2302 New Bethel Rd ANDERSON, MO 64831 

 4104 KODIAK 0.00 

BM 20 

DWI - AGGRAVATED 

06/26/2025 1400 

AMY LEANN LITCHFIELD 

 13586 Pierce Ln NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850 

 208 W COLER ST 0.00 

WF 46 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 

06/26/2025 25001217 1344 

DANIEL PATRICK JENNINGS 

 938 Cardwell St STELLA, MO 64867 

 938 CARDWELL ST 0.00 

WM 66 

TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE 

06/26/2025 1740 

MARK EDWARD SMITH 

 5939 Douglas Fir Rd NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804 

 208 WEST COLER ST 0.00 

WM 52 

RESISTING/INTERFERING WITH ARREST FOR A FELONY 

DWI - AGGRAVATED 

RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY 

 06/26/2025 2352 

 EDUARDO JULIO HERNANDEZ 

 427 W 32nd St JOPLIN, MO 64804 

 WM 33 125 WASHINGTON AVE/THOMAS LN 0.00 

DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE 

 06/26/2025 2352 

 REGINA LYNN PERRY 

 529 E Willow St ROGERS, AR 72756 

 WF 46 125 WASHINGTON AVE/THOMAS LN 0.00 

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 

 06/26/2025 2352 

 JASON ROSAS CRESPO 

 401 E Main St ANDERSON, MO 64831 

 WM 22 125 WASHINGTON AVE/THOMAS LN 0.00 

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - PRIOR DRUG OFFEN 

 06/26/2025 2352 

 EDWARD ROCKY HERNANDEZ 

 427 W 32nd St JOPLIN, MO 64804 

 WM 31 125 WASHINGTON AVE/THOMAS LN 0.00 

DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE 

Highway Patrol Arrests June 26-27

Michael A. Barnard, 45, Arcadia, Kansas, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, failed to comply with ignition interlock, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Heather N. Carter, 43, Jasper, Arkansas, Marion County, Arkansas felony warrant for theft

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

06/25/2025 1117 

NICOLLE SELENE MCDANIEL 

 210 Elm St MULBERRY, KS 66756 

 WF 28 225 N. ENTERPRISE DR 5,000.00 

RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY 

06/25/2025 0955 

 ANDREW BLAKE WASSON 

 810 N Business 71 ANDERSON, MO 64831 

 WM 34 208 W. COLER STREET 0.00 

TREATMENT CRT SANCTION 

 06/25/2025 2047 

 WESLEY TYLER FRAZIER 

 424 Granby Miners Road GRANBY, MO 64844 

 WM 34 208 WEST COLER ST 400.00 

NPD POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA 215.660 

NPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.020 

NPD NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP. 390.140 

SPD EXPIRED OPERATORS LICENSE 390.020 4 1 SPD NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP. 390.140  

Highway Patrol Arrests June 25-26

Tyler S. Boice, 27, Reeds Spring, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to maintain right half of roadway, no insurance

Nicholas R. Cole, 40, Aurora, Lawrence County felony warrant for failure to appear on driving while suspended/revoked, felony driving while revoked, displaying plates of another

Mark E. Calovich, 56, Hollister, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Elijah D. Prince, 26, Springfield, speeding, careless and imprudent driving

Cassandra J. Giles, 22, Sarcoxie, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Lloyd J. Salters, 56, Stockton, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right side of roadway resulting in a crash

Bryan A. Bishop, 48, Billings, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to signal, cut in on overtaken vehicle, no seat belt

 

Joplin man injured in shooting at 1329 S Grand

(From the Joplin Police Department)

At 10:22 pm on 06-25-2025 the Joplin Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call stating that a shooting had occurred at 1329 S Grand Ave in Joplin. 

The reporting party stated that her ex-boyfriend, identified as Steven Williams, 27 of Joplin, had arrived at the residence uninvited and began to cause a disturbance. A short time later, it was believed that Williams had left the property. 

Another male who was present, Teegan Hasty, 24, of Joplin, went outside to inspect the property for any possible property damage believed to be caused by Williams. 

When Hasty went outside, it was determined that Williams had not left the area. Willams aggressively approached Hasty. A physical altercation took place, which resulted in Hasty being assaulted. 

During the physical altercation, Williams received one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Joplin Police Officers responded to the scene and provided medical treatment to Williams. Williams was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Williams is considered to be in stable condition.

 

Joplin Police Department Investigators arrived at the scene and determined this was an isolated incident. At this time there is no public threat. The investigation into this incident is open and active and updates will be provided when available. 

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department at 417 623-3131 extension 1442.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

06/24/2025 25001202 0450 

BRAYDON WILLIAM DEAN WOODCOCK 

 1113 Oak St NEOSHO, MO 64850 

 8479 HIGHWAY 60/GRIZZLY DR 0.00 

WM 19 

DWI 

06/24/2025 1046 

ASHLEY JANICE MARIE DEGROAT 

 1709 N Florida Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 1199 N. HASELTINE RD 10,000.00 

WF 28 

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD CREATING SUBSTANTIAL RISK 

06/24/2025 1229 

GATLIN MCKELL PENNINGTON 

 7286 County Ln 208 JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 405 E. 5TH 0.00 

WM 31 

WRIT 

06/24/2025 1320 

BRIAN LEE PANKEY 

 17981 County Road 467 SAINT JAMES, MO 65559 

 19384 DOVE RD 0.00 

WM 41 

CRAWFORD CO MO FTA UNLAWFUL POSS OF A WEAPON 

06/24/2025 1311 

JOSE BILMAR CANTARERO-BENITEZ 

 Homeless INDEPENDENCE, MO 64050 

 208 W COLER ST 0.00 

WM 21 

IMMIGRATION DETAINER 

 MURDER 2ND DEGREE - FELONY MURDER - DURING PERPETRATION/ATTE 

ROBBERY - 1ST DEGREE 

ABANDONMENT OF A CORPSE

06/24/2025 2045 

ROBERT MICHAEL LONG Jr 

 1270 N Futrall Dr, 10 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 

 208 W COLER ST 148.50 

WM 52 

 06/24/2025 2045 

 ROBERT MICHAEL LONG Jr 

 1270 N Futrall Dr, 10 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 

 WM 52 208 W COLER ST 148.50 

SPD - FTA FAIL TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE 390.090 

SPD - FTA IMPEDING TRAFFIC 320.030 

SPD - FTA FAIL TO OBEY A LAWFUL ORDER 310.020 

SPD - FTA RESISTING ARREST 215.390 

Highway Patrol Arrests June 24-25

Saylor V. Bell, 25, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, improper lane use, no insurance

Heather L. Lynes, 40, Columbia, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, no seat belt, no insurance

Darren A. Holland, 60, Indianapolis, Indiana, felony tampering with a motor vehicle

Jonathan A. McPherson, 30, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, no insurance

 

Expungement clinic scheduled in Joplin

(From the Joplin Police Department)

This Independence Day, eligible individuals have the opportunity to gain a fresh start at an Expungement Clinic designed to help clear qualifying criminal records.

Hosted by the Joplin Police Department, the McPherson Law Firm, and The Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC), this Clinic will be held on Friday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1402 South Main Street in Joplin.

“We want to assist individuals who have low-level, non-violent felony and misdemeanor offenses get those convictions expunged from their criminal record so that they may reintegrate more successfully into society,” said Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson.

This clinic focuses on convictions in Jasper County, but limited assistance may be available to residents of neighboring Missouri counties. Interested individuals can pick up a screening form at the Joplin Police Dept., 303 East 3rd Street, or the McPherson Law Firm, 626 Byers Avenue.

As part of this program, individuals can expunge up to two felonies or three misdemeanors if all charges are completely resolved, including no probation or parole time for at least one year for misdemeanors or three years for felonies. Applicant must have no pending criminal cases.

Those applying for this program must bring a photo ID and, if possible, their case numbers.

 

Charges not eligible for this program include:

Any crime of violence;
Any sex-related felony conviction;
Political crime;
Kidnapping;
Any felony DWI offense;
Felony domestic violence; or
Any assault on a first responder.

For questions, contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131.

Agenda posted for Joplin Museum Advisory Board meeting

 

Joplin Humane Society volunteer opportunities topic of Newsmakers program

(From KGCS)

The Joplin Humane Society offers shelter to animals in need of homes and opportunities for citizens to benefit from volunteering. The Joplin Humane Society’s care services such as spay and neuter clinics as well as programs for interacting with animals will be the focus of the next Newsmakers program.

Shelter Services Manager Tianna Fisher explains a new program called Pawsitive Connections which offers supplies and other supports for pet owners in the community. She discusses the cost of caring for animals, the shelter’s population and the availability of veterinarians to care for shelter pets.

 

Volunteer Manager Chloe Hensley and Thomas Jay, Animal Behavior Manager discuss service opportunities such as bathing and grooming animals, processing adoption paperwork and helping with animals at community events. Volunteers share their experiences in a video story detailing the Playing for Life program and fostering animals at home.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning June 29 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, July 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 Optimum Internet. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

06/23/2025 2103 

 ROBERT DANIEL BALDWIN 

 219 E 19th St JOPLIN, MO 64801 

 WM 42 2196 GREENWOOD DR 533.50 

SPD POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA 215.1830 PROBATION VIOLATION JCSO WARRANT

SPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010 

Dade County Marriage Licenses

 Joshua Richard Moore, 23, Romeoville, Illinois, and Kailee Anne Bach, 23, Greenfield

Roy Dalton Snider, 24, Lockwood, and Brylee Paige Maines, 25, Lockwood

Jacob Allen Whitney, 27, Ash Grove, and Marci Morgan Heath, 32, Ash Grove

James Wesley Obert, 24, Greenfield, and Jasmine Nichole Brown, 25, Greenfield

Newton County Sheriff's Office Weekly Report

 

Joplin Police Department Weekly Report

 

Agenda posted for Joplin Historic Preservation Commission meeting

 

Domestic violence incident leads to murder-suicide in Parsons

(From the Parsons Police Department)

In the early morning hours of June 21, 2025, at approximately 1:27 a.m., Parsons Police officers were dispatched to a reported disturbance in the 1100 block of Richard Avenue. Multiple 911 callers reported hearing screams followed by two gunshots.

Upon arrival, officers immediately began speaking with witnesses and canvassing the area. Tragically, they discovered a deceased female with a gunshot wound. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was domestic in nature.

A juvenile witness, identified as the victim's son, reported that a violent domestic altercation had taken place between his mother and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Steve Antone McDonald. The juvenile told officers that McDonald struck him in the head during the argument, prompting the victim to flee the residence. As she ran down the street, McDonald followed and fired two shots, one of which fatally struck her.

Following the shooting, McDonald returned to the home, took the victim's car keys, and fled the scene in a white 2000 Cadillac Escalade.

Parsons Police immediately issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) alert for the suspect and the vehicle. A short time later, law enforcement in Wilson County spotted the suspect vehicle. Greenwood County deputies assisted in attempting a felony stop near the town of Severy. A brief pursuit ensued before the vehicle crashed. Upon approach, deputies discovered McDonald inside the vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Emergency aid was rendered on scene, but McDonald succumbed to his injury.

McDonald, originally from the Kansas City area, had recently been residing in Parsons with the victim. He had a history of domestic violence. On April 24, 2025, he was arrested on multiple charges, including Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Kidnapping, Criminal Threat, Criminal Damage to Property, and Endangering a Child. He was released on bond on May 15, 2025.

Lieutenant Sherri McGuire, who oversees the Parsons Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit, said "This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the family, the victim's child, and our entire community. Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that tears lives and families apart. Our Domestic Violence Unit was created to intervene, support survivors, and prevent these outcomes. We urge anyone experiencing abuse to reach out there is help, and you are not alone."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. The Parsons Police Department is committed to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies.

· Parsons Police Department Domestic Violence Unit: (620) 421-7060

· Safehouse Crisis Center 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-794-9148

· National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788

· Website: www.thehotline.org

Newton County Marriage Licenses

Jacob Michael Steele, 24, Seneca, and Ashleigh Dawn Smith, 19, Granby

 Blake Lee Grube, 21, Diamond, and Laisha Rangel Garcia, 22, Diamond

Yaw Addo Hayford, 28, Seneca, and Aaliyah Marie Puckett, 22, Seneca

Carl Gene Linton, 36, Granby, and Shana Nicole Hay, 34. Stella

Christopher Aaron Thompson, 36, Seneca, and Amanda Elizabeth Walton, 50, Seneca

Joshua Yoder Caudill, 26, Ezel, Kentucky, and Ashlyn Louise Washburn, 27, Joplin

Jim Woodered McKelvey, 54, Noel, and Hannah Rose Conner, 30, Neosho

Brett Kaleb Barnes, 26, Neosho, and Hailey Janeth Mejia DeLeon, 24, Neosho

Rolando Gomez-Gomez, 25, Neosho, and Gardenia Rivera Gonzalez, 25, Neosho