Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

09/26/2025 0122 BRANDON LEE JONES

606 N 12 St

INDEPENDENCE, KS 67301

WM 49

1199 I 44 EB/US 166 HWY 0.00

2 OPERATE MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE LICENSE REVOKED/SUSPENDED

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

3 FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROOF WITH DOR -FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

09/26/2025 1454 OREN HONAKAR WILLIAMS

2183 Highway U, LOT 2

SENECA, MO 64865

WM 45

14004 STATE HIGHWAY 43 5,000.00

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

2 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

09/26/2025 1553 ADONICA RAIN-LOUISE

SLIGER

6511 Old 71 Hy

JOPLIN 64804

WF 21

123 EAST MAIN STREET 75.00

1 FRAUDULENT USE OF CREDIT/DEBIT DEVICE

09/26/2025 2030 ANDREA CHEYENNE

WILLIAMS

9306 Eland Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WF 27

9306 ELAND RD 100.00

1 CARTHAGE PD- NO OPERATORS

09/26/2025 1549 JAMES RONALD BETTES

1227 Fir St

GRANBY, MO 64844

WM 39

1227 FIR ST 531.50

1 NPD STEALING 215.320

09/27/2025 25001914

0337 AUSTIN LEE COX

WM 19

I 44 RAMP/S RANGE LINE RD 0.00

30759 Highway A

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64842

1 DWI - PRIOR

09/27/2025 1326 JOSEPH GARRINGTON

Homeless

WM 44

9998 I 49/IRIS RD 0.00

1 JPD- PEDESTRIAN VIOLATION

2 DISMISS

09/28/2025 0821 ANDREW JOSEPH BLUEHER

312 Grant St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 30

17451 HIGHWAY Y 0.00 12/03/2025

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - FELONY 

Carthage man suffers serious injuries in motorcycle crash

A Carthage man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 1:55 p.m. Monday on MO 96 four miles east of Avilla.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Harley Davidson Electra Glide driven by a 59-year-old Carthage man overturned and traveled off the roadway.

The man was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests September 28-30

Jameson L. Elder, 40, Neosho, driving while intoxicated (drugs), careless and imprudent driving

Johnny L. Vanzandt, Jr., 52, Springfield, felony failure to register as a sex offender, Polk County misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on no insurance and no valid license, Springfield Police Department warrants for failure to appear on no valid license and expired plates, Christian County warrant for failure to appear on non-support, driving while suspended, no insurance, no valid plates

Robert T. Dool, 38, Longlane, Springfield Police Department warrant for failure to appear on no insurance

Robecca C. Michaud, 71, Bedford, Texas, driving while intoxicated

Jacob C. White, 30, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway, no insurance

Mathew L. Smith, 46, Holiday Island, Arkansas, felony driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Lily R. Sneed, 25, Willard, felony possession of a controlled substance- fentanyl, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance, no valid plates, no seat belt

Skyler L. Kiley, 29, Golden City, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving resulting in a crash

Wyatt E. VanGordon, 20, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, minor in possession, failed to stop at red light

Gregory C. Harris, 44, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Stephen W. Switzer, 27, Branson, driving while intoxicated

Mason Williams, 27,  Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop at stop sign, no seat belt

Jose Arturo Garcia Ramos, 39, Brookline, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, lane violation, no insurance

Johnny L. Neal, 54, El Dorado Springs, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, speeding 

Joplin Public Safety and Justice Center to be closed Thursday through Monday

(From the City of Joplin)

Starting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the public entrances to the Joplin Public Safety and Justice Center, 303 East 3rdStreet, will close due to scheduled exterior building construction. 

This includes public entrances to the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Joplin Municipal Court. This closure will allow for the construction of the building’s sidewalks and public entrances. 

The Joplin Public Safety and Justice Center will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, October 6. Although the public will not be able to enter the building’s lobby, the work of these departments will continue as normal. Citizens who need to conduct business with these City departments are encouraged to call the Police Department at 417-623-3131. Please see the list of office extensions below.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

 

MSSU signs transfer agreement with Rockland Community College

(From Missouri Southern State University)

On Aug. 18, 2025, Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in Joplin, Missouri, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern, New York. 

The signing established a new partnership between the two institutions, allowing RCC students pursuing degrees in environmental science and natural and physical sciences to transfer into MSSU’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program.

“We’re very excited to establish this partnership,” said Dr. Teresa Boman, director of the EHS program at MSSU. “Our traditional and online degree completion tracks create a seamless transition for RCC students. We’re especially proud that RCC students who choose to enter the workforce early or who can’t relocate to Joplin still have the opportunity to earn a degree in the high-demand field. Our online options ensure that distance is not a barrier to success.”

Since its founding in 1972, MSSU’s EHS program has prepared students for successful careers in environmental health and safety, as well as for advanced graduate studies. The program is one of just 25 in the United States accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC), and it is the only EHAC-accredited program to offer a fully online degree completion option.

In addition, the EHS program is recognized as a Qualified Academic Program by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. All program graduates earn the Graduate Safety Practitioner designation, enhancing their credentials in a competitive job market.

“This partnership, with an initial focus on environmental health and safety, ensures that students can continue their education without interruption. We look forward to welcoming RCC transfer students into the Lion community,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of MSSU.

“By collaborating with Missouri Southern State University, Rockland Community College is creating new opportunities for students to advance their studies in environmental health and safety, a field with significant career potential,” said Dr. William P. Mullaney, President of Rockland Community College. “This agreement underscores our commitment to providing clear, flexible pathways that support our graduates’ academic and professional success.

Under the terms of the MOU, RCC graduates who earn an associate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0 will be guaranteed admission to MSSU upon submission of their official transcripts. RCC transfer students will also gain access to a broad range of support services at MSSU, including free tutoring, writing centers, academic advising, and career development resources such as résumé assistance and job search support.

 

Jasper County Route M/Duval Creek Bridge north of Joplin to close

(From MoDOT)

Jasper Co. Route M/Duval Creek Bridge CLOSED Beginning Week of Oct. 6 for Rehab Project

Drivers should look for alternate routes when Jasper County Route M (Base Line Boulevard) at the Duval Creek bridge north of Joplin CLOSES the week of October 6 for a rehabilitation project, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will remove the bridge deck/driving surface and replace it with a new surface.

In addition to the new bridge deck, the contractor will paint the bridge girders, and add permanent pavement markings and object markers at either end of the bridge.

The bridge will remain closed for up to 57 days to complete the work.

The current structure was built in 1972 and is experiencing increasing deterioration. Approximately 820 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Traffic impacts

All lanes of Route M (Base Line Boulevard) will be CLOSED beginning the week of Oct. 6 for the duration of the project

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

Drivers will be directed along a signed detour using Route 43, Jasper County Route H and Jasper County Route O

Drivers are urged to find alternate routes around the project

Signs and message boards will alert drivers to the bridge closing

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 larger project that includes rehabilitation of the Missouri Route 43/Spring River and Missouri Route 43/North Fork Spring River bridges. Work on the Route 43 bridges will begin in the Spring of 2026. For more information on the project, see the project website here.

Project information:Prime contractor – West Plains Bridge & Grading LLC, West Plains
Total project cost: $3.2 million
Contract completion date: December 1, 2026

Newton County Marriage Licenses

 Richard Mathew Lane, 46, Joplin, and Amanda Carolynn Rodriguez, 45, Joplin

Judd Michael Donaldson, 24, Webb City, and Cambry Marie Taylor, 22, Webb City

Rebecca Dawn Linder, 45, Carthage, and Shawn Carl Manley, 58, Carthage

Braydon Ash Larsen, 24, Neosho, and Kimberly Marie Diane Smithson, 22, Neosho

Jason Alan Rodden, 41, Neosho, and Mollie Kathleen Reilly, 36, Neosho

Kelton Lee Miller, 28, Neosho, and Elizabeth Marie Drake, 28, Neosho

Matthew Ray Hampton, 25, Diamond, and Briahnna Shyre McGlone, 22, Diamond

Ross James Clarke, 29, Diamond, and Alena Brittany Dobias Castillo, 25, Diamond

Evan Wayne Nelson, 24, Iola, Kansas, and Charissa Joy Robertson, 25, Girard, Kansas

Zachariah Allen Consier, 29, Joplin, and Kylea Ann Miksell, 27, Diamond

Crowder AEL provides free study help with TEAS and Math for GED/HiSET

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College Adult Education and Literacy program is providing study assistance for the TEAS or GED/HiSET Math tests, October 9-10, 8am-4:30pm, Newton Hall Room 300A at Crowder College in Neosho. Registration includes free lunch each day and must be made by October 7 at www.Crowder.edu/service/ael

The class includes preparation for math skills needed to do well on the GED or HiSet exam or TEAS test. The TEAS test is required for students wanting to apply for the nursing program. All materials are provided to those who attend both days.

Additional information will be available from the Educational Opportunity Center and Crowder Admissions. They will discuss programs, applications to the college, financial opportunities and more.

“The express classes will provide valuable strategies to improve your test scores,” stated Juli Denisco, Director of AEL.

Find more about adult education and literacy by visiting our website: https://www.crowder.edu/service/ael

Barton County Marriage Licenses

Harvey H Byler Jr, 23, Lamar, and Rhoda Mae Lambright, 20, Lamar

Roy Dean Hibbs Jr, 54, Lamar, and Tina Lynn Fiala, 52, Lamar

Highway Patrol Arrests September 26-27

Jessica G. Beaunoyer, 31, Carl Junction, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt

Matthew Wyman, 37, Mentor on the Lake, Ohio, driving while intoxicated

Uriel Uribe, 24, Branson, driving while intoxicated, failure to yield, failed to signal, driving while suspended

Cody R. Peterson, 18, Purdy, driving while intoxicated, no rear license plate light

Liberty L. Dole, 21, Ava, driving while intoxicated (drugs) 

Used book sale scheduled at Neosho Newton County Library

(From Neosho Newton County Library)

Fall is officially here which means it's that time of year again for the Friends of The Neosho Newton County Library Used Book Sale!

Starting October 15th through October 18th

We start Donations as early as October 6th. 

-Donations should be clean, free from dirt, bugs, cobwebs, and mold. 

-We will accept: Books, Audio Books, DVDs, Games, and Puzzles (if complete). 

-All donations must be in a box or a bag. No loose items.

Four inducted into Neosho Athletics Hall of Fame

(From Neosho School District)

Tonight (Friday) we celebrated our Neosho Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony! 

Neosho Athletics Hall of Fame - Class of 2025

Calvin Lane
Harry Lineberry
Mark Sparks
Jessica Jackson

It was an honor to welcome our inductees and hear them share about what it means to be part of Wildcat history.

Thank you to our community for the incredible support this evening, and a special thank-you to Grey Oak Investments for sponsoring our Hall of Fame and helping us honor these outstanding Wildcats.

Photos from the induction ceremony

So you want to be a Neosho Police Department patrolman

 

From the Neosho Police Department)

Are YOU ready to serve and lead? The Neosho Police Department is seeking dedicated and courageous individuals to fill a Patrolman position:

As a Patrolman, you’ll:

• Perform general duties for the protection of life and property, responding to incidents and processing calls.

• Operate police vehicles and equipment.

• Demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Why Neosho?

• Serve your community and grow professionally within a supportive, mission-driven department.

• Paid Employee health, dental & vision insurance and 50% dependent health insurance

• Paid $25,000 Life Insurance
• MASA Ambulance Insurance
• LAGERS L-6 retirement
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Take-home patrol car program
• Uniforms and equipment provided
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialized training
For more information or to apply, visit www.neoshomo.gov/jobs or call 417-451-8012.

Jasper County Sheriff's Office Night Under the Stars Cruise-In set

 

Carthage Police Department Citizens Academy scheduled

(From the Carthage Police Department)

Want a behind-the-scenes look at the Carthage Police Department? Here’s your chance!

The Fall 2025 Citizen’s Police Academy is starting soon, and we’re inviting community members to join us. Participants will get hands-on experiences and learn about:

Patrol operations

Investigations

 Traffic enforcement

Specialized units
…and much more!

Classes will be held on Monday evenings, from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.  

Location: Carthage Police Department and Carthage Memorial Hall

Must be 18+ and pass a background check.

Applications available at the PD

 Apply by: October 6th, 2025

Classes start on Monday, October 20th and will conclude on Monday, December 8th. 

This is a great opportunity to connect with officers, ask questions, and see what it’s really like to serve the Carthage community.

 Space is limited, so don’t wait — apply today!

For more info, contact Lt. Eric Miller at 417-237-7200, or at E.Miller@carthagemo.gov

Winners announced for Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition

(From Neosho Arts Council)

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition! We'd also like to thank this year's judge, Laura Nugent, for her time and thoughtful remarks. 

Photos of winners can be found at this link.

Merit Award for Mixed Media
Debbie Strohm
“Heron Hideaway”

Merit Award for Works on Paper
Jordan Murdock-Thompson
“Spring Waters”

Merit Award for Watercolor
Debbie Reed
“Miss Darlene"

Merit Award for Acrylics
Sydney Pierce
“Cradling”

Merit Award for Oils
Kim Kissel
“Bookcase”

Mary Ellen Pitts Memorial Pastel Award
Al Gritten
“Oranges”

Third Place Emerging Division
Chuck Catlett
“Zenwood”

Second Place Emerging Division
LJK
“Circle of Life”

First Place Emerging Division
Sydney Pierce
“Misty Portrait”

Third Place Professional Division
Sandra Parrill
“Got the Blues”

Second Place Professional Division
Elizabeth Burton
“The Angels of Celestia”

First Place Professional Division
Mary Thornton
“Requiem to the Remembered”

Best of Show 2025
Connie Carleton
“The Net”

Joplin streets to be closed for upcoming parades

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin High School’s Homecoming Parade – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Main Street will be closed at 5:30 p.m. for Joplin High School’s Homecoming Parade. Main Street will reopen at the conclusion of the parade.

The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at 7th Street & Main and ends at 2nd Street. We invite everyone to come downtown for this event and support JHS. 

Missouri Southern State University’s Homecoming Parade – 10 a.m. Oct. 25, 2025

The City of Joplin reminds citizens that Main Street and Joplin Street will be closed from 7th to 2nd Street at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, for Missouri Southern State University’s Homecoming Parade. The streets will reopen at the conclusion of the parade.

MSSU Football falls at Central Missouri

(From Missouri Southern Sports)

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Missouri Southern Football (2-2, 0-2 MIAA) fell at Central Missouri (2-2, 2-0 MIAA), 62-10, Saturday afternoon at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.

The Lions are now 2-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play. UCM improved to 2-2 on the season and remained undefeated in MIAA play at 2-0.

Tillman Martin connected on 10 of his 24 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, while also being intercepted twice. On the receiving end, Huston Rotich made his mark with a touchdown catch among his 11 receiving yards. Defensively, Zach Bergmann led the charge with eight total tackles. Diego Oliver contributed significantly as well, recording seven tackles from his position in the defensive backfield.

The Mules scored 35 points in the second quarter alone, with their rushing attack accounting for six touchdowns over the game. The Lions struggled with turnovers, throwing three interceptions.

The game commenced with the Lions receiving the opening kickoff, starting their drive at the 25-yard line. Martin efficiently moved the offense downfield with a series of passes, including a significant 25-yard completion to Ayden Robinson-Wayne, augmented by a 15-yard face mask penalty against the Mules. However, the drive was halted by a MSSU fumble at the UCM 30-yard line, ending a promising series.

The Mules capitalized on the turnover, and after a series of short gains, Donovyn Omolo broke through with a 32-yard rushing touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0. The Lions responded with a determined drive, including a notable 36-yard rush by Draper Parker, but they were unable to convert the opportunity, missing a 37-yard field goal attempt. As the first quarter concluded, the Lions trailed the Mules by a score of 7-0.

The second quarter began with the Mules capitalizing on favorable field position, scoring a touchdown early in the period to increase their lead. The Lions responded effectively, as Martin's 21-yard rush, aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty on the Mules, set up a promising drive. Nathan Glades' 22-yard rush further advanced the ball, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Martin to Rotich, closing the gap to 14-7.

The Mules quickly answered with a 63-yard touchdown run, regaining their two-touchdown advantage. The Lions encountered challenges on their next possession, unable to gain significant ground and ultimately punting. UCM extended its lead with another touchdown, making it 28-7. The Lions continued to struggle offensively, with an interception late in the quarter returned for a touchdown by the Mules, closing the half with the Lions trailing 42-7.

The third quarter began with the Mules maintaining momentum, as they advanced 75 yards on a methodical drive capped by a 3-yard touchdown run. Southern responded with a determined offensive effort. Martin connected with Isaiah Padello for a 29-yard gain, propelling the team into scoring position. This drive culminated in a successful 36-yard field goal by Drake Reese, narrowing the deficit.

UCM's offense remained consistent, adding a late field goal to extend their lead. Southern attempted to rally but faced a turnover in the closing seconds of the quarter. The period ended with the Mules holding a 52-10 advantage.

The fourth quarter began with UCM advancing from the Southern 16-yard line, resulting in a touchdown by Mac Harper on a one-yard rush, followed by a successful extra point, extending their lead.

Southern then mounted a response with Chris Donohueconnecting with Dmitri Lloyd for 21 yards, driving deep into Central territory. However, the drive ended with an interception by Izziek Chandler in the end zone.

UCM maintained control for much of the remaining quarter, with a series of rushing plays by Jayden Lang, culminating in a 34-yard field goal by Will Peacock. Southern's final drive started with under a minute left and concluded with an eight-yard rush by Allen Mitchell as time expired. The game closed with the Mules ahead, with a final score of 62-10.

MSSU next returns home to host Fort Hays State Saturday, Oct. 4 for Military/First Responder's Appreciation Day. Kickoff is 1 p.m., CT at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

Motorcyclist killed in crash on I-49 near Carthage

A Bonner, Arkansas man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 1:30 p.m. today on I-49 one mile north of Carthage.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Harley Davidson Electra driven by a 41-year-old Bonner man traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a post and overturned.

Jasper County Coroner James Harrison pronounced the driver dead at the scene at 1:44 p.m.

The fatality was the 100th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Highway Patrol Arrests September 25-26

Dustin D. Jenkins, 52, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Amber L. Patterson, 29, Crane, driving while intoxicated, failed to use turn signal

Benjamin A. West, 45, Gentry, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

 

Dade County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Susan M. Drake vs. Phillip J. Drake

 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Scotty E. Qualls vs. Alesha S. Qualls

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Penny Eads vs. Leslie Eads Jr.

Christopher W. Bernelis vs. Jovonna P. Bernelis

Brian A. Murray vs. Casey L. Murray

Angela C. Turner vs. Holli N. Turner

Alvin L. Cox vs .Melissa R. Cox