Highway Patrol Arrests October 30-31

Phillip J. Houk, 40, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding, lane violation

Hector Alberto, 25, Monett, driving while intoxicated

Brandon C. Hill, 41, Nixa, felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, failed to place vehicle as far to the right as practical

James R. Pirtle, 33, Springfield, felony driving while revoked, no insurance, displayed the plates of another person

Zachary S. Crossland, 30, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop at stop light, failed to properly affix linense plates, excessive window tint

 

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

Joshua Lee Benge, 41, Carthage, and Melissa Rose Hardcastle, 34, Carthage

Austin Nathaniel West, 23, Carthage, and Ali Rae Bryant, 20, Carthage

Dakota Jerome Benedict, 32, Carl Junction, and Casey Elizabeth Smith, 34, Carl Junction

Keaton Riley Sweet, 24, Webb City, and Shyly Shyann Hurley, 24, Webb City

Larry Shane Miller, 45, Joplin, and Jamie Lorraine Wood, 41, Joplin

Jake Andrew Hailey, 26, Miami, Oklahoma, and Haley Michelle Galvan, 26, Miami, Oklahoma

Jason Dale Graves, 55, Joplin, and Meredith Sue Gebhardt, 52, Joplin

Alycia Elizabeth Allen, 39, Joplin, and Gemma Rachael Saunders, 41, Joplin

Josh Joseph Cascone, 56, Joplin, and Lisa Maree Joseph, 59, Joplin

Josue Yovani Cardenas, 18, Joplin, and Alyvia Faith Elizabeth Noe, 19, Joplin

Richard Eldon Stotts, Sr., 48, Joplin, and Lucinda Kay West, 51, Joplin

Anthony Joe Staggs, 26, Wyandotte, Oklahoma, and Alyssa Courtney Jackson, 26, Wyandotte, Oklahoma

Joshua Ray Redden, 37, Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Katelin Suzanne Wade, 32, Baxter Springs, Kansas

Timothy Jacob Smith, 25, Joplin, and Addison Taylor Clarkson, 25, Joplin

Michael James Buddenhagen, Jr., 32, Joplin, and Johnna Bristol Nichole Yeoman, 31, Joplin

John Perry Barnes, 25, Carthage, and Amy Michelle Hartley, 25, Carthage

Bryan Keith Griffin, 38, Webb City, and Morgan Amarinda Hobbs, 39, Webb City

Dylan William Waggoner, 24, Carthage, and Brooklyn Faith Cordova, 25, Carthage

Shawan Rominique Moore, 35, Joplin, and Kimberley Dawn Angel Kennedy, 47, Joplin

Johns Maykell Castrillo Guillen, 24, Paris, Texas, and Brionna Joy Roberts, 19, Joplin

Caden Joseph Belcher, 25, Alba, and Haley Ann Porter, 27, Alba

Daniel Davis Warren, 42, Neosho, and Carlin Pauline Williams, 38, Neosho

Jerry Hugh Neely, 35, Joplin, and Ashley Ann LaRose, 41, Joplin

Garner Dean Cummins, 23, Joplin, and Aubrey Kaylea Kelley, 23, Joplin

Jake Douglas Rainey, 23, Joplin, and Jade Kiera Marshall, 22, Joplin

Joshua Juble Helton, 31, Joplin, and Renateann Gordon, 22, Joplin 

Dade County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Taylor D. Coons vs. Austin G. Coons

 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Celena N. Young vs.  Timothy P. Young

Robert A. Tiner vs. Cassaundra A. Tiner

Karrie L. Housley vs. John Housley

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Samantha R. Rinehart vs. Bradley S. Rinehart

Lacy A. Goins vs. Cody G. Goins

Christine H. Davis vs. Hubert R. Davis

Barry E. Dunbar vs. Roberta S. Dunbar

Amanda M. Massey vs. Terry W. Wilson

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jami N. McAnally vs. Freddie J. McAnally

Donna Maggard vs. Greg Maggard

Unitha Burns vs. Nathan Burns

Nikita Flores vs. Johnathan Flores Ramirez

Karen A. Cole vs. Dennis H. Cole

Amy Devore vs. Richard Devore

Mikiyla N. Thomas vs. Devin L. Thomas

Amy D. Clark vs. Bradley M. Clark

Kyle T. Wilson vs. Chelsea M. Wilson

 

U. S Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barton County

Adam Wayne Pennington and Kimberly Gail Pennington

Lawrence County

Laguna Christine Inman

Jasper County

Rachael Lynn Howell

Kayla Marie-Louise Wickstrom

Aaron Benjamin Cue and Jenna Raye Cue

Vernon County

Braxton Riley Wilson

Missouri Southern to hold fourth annual Gateway Business Competition

(From Missouri Southern State University)

The Plaster School of Business at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)will host the fourth annual Business Gateway, a business competition and workshop event for area high school students, on November 6, 2025.

“This is our largest year yet, with 685 students from 27 schools participating,” said Dr. Lucas Dille, associate professor of accounting at MSSU. “All four states in our region are represented. Our goal is to bring both developmental and recruitment aspects to the event, while giving students a taste of what the Plaster School of Business and Missouri Southern have to offer.”

The event will feature a variety of competitive activities, presentations, and workshops designed to engage students in real-world business concepts. The MSSU Department of Communication will also host sessions on video podcasting, virtual production in filmmaking, and advertising, along with guided tours of its facilities.

Competitions and workshops will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in Plaster Hall, followed by an awards ceremony at 1:15 p.m. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Students will compete in both individual and team-based events across categories such as social media, website design, accounting, finance, data analytics, tourism, business communication, and more.

The event is free to participating schools and supported through the generous sponsorship of local businesses and individuals.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

10/29/2025 0940 MICHAEL EDWIN SWAIM

Homeless

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 65078

WM 54

303 3 500.00

1 `DWI

2 FAIL TO DRIVE WITHIN SINGLE LANE ON ROADWAY HAVING 3 OR MORE

10/29/2025 25002144

1234 CHRISTOPHER ELIJAH

BM 20

3305 S HAMMONS BLVD 0.00

ANDERSON

3305 S Hammons Blvd, 313

JOPLIN, MO 64804

1 TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE

2 RESISTING OR INTERFERING WITH ARREST/DETENTION/STOP

10/29/2025 25002145

1314 CHEYENNE LYNN ENGMAN

WF 28

12951 HIGHWAY M 0.00

22532 Packer Drive

SHELLKNOB, MO 65747

1 ARSON - 2ND DEGREE

2 STEALING

10/29/2025 25002145

1314 WILLIAM ELMER

WM 37

12951 HIGHWAY M 0.00

ELLINGTON

341 Elm Street

STARK CITY, MO 64866

1 ARSON - 2ND DEGREE

2 STEALING

10/29/2025 25002145

1314 SHAWN LEE ANN STILLIONS

WF 45

12951 HIGHWAY M 0.00

507 Baxter St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

1 ARSON - 2ND DEGREE

2 STEALING

LANE ELSENPETER

WM 29

10/29/2025 2317 4987 FANCY LN 1,000.00

4987 Fancy Lne

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64865

1 PULASKI CO DWR DWS 1ST OFFENS

2 PULASKI CO NON-MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATION

3 JASPER CO DRIVE WHILE REVOKED 

Highway Patrol Arrests October 29-30

Miguel A. Bojorquez Lone, 25, Branson, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in a crash

Maritza A. Lopez, 23, Branson, permitted another to drive vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility

Shane M. Werberger, 44, Carl Junction, four Joplin Police Department misdemeanor warrants.

 

Highway Patrol driver's examination stations to close for November holidays

(From Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans’ Day.

Thursday, November 27, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Connect2Culture schedules ballet performance, rescue dog show in November

(From Connect2Culture)

Connect2Culture’s (C2C) November performances include talented rescue dogs and a holiday reimagining of a beloved ballet.

“November is going to be an incredible month for Connect2Culture,” says Emily Frankoski, Executive Director of C2C. “From the amazing canine comedians of Mutts Gone Nuts—a talented group of four-legged performers—to the graceful talent of Ballet Arkansas and a community cast of local dancers, this month truly has something for everyone!”

All performances in the 2025-2026 season will be held at C2C’s home theater—the 419-seat Beshore Performance Hall—or its outdoor amphitheater—the 1000-person Leggett & Platt Green—at the Cornell Complex (212 W 7th St).

Mutts Gone Nuts
Sat, Nov. 8, 2025 | 2pm

C2C Venue: Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex
Ticket Prices: Kids $5 | Adults $20
Genre: Spectacle • Grades Pre-K–5th

Canines and comedy collide in Mutts Gone Nuts, a family-friendly show that’s leaving audiences howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, these incredible rescue dogs unleash hilarity and heart in an action-packed performance featuring some of the world’s most talented four-legged performers. Created by comedy duo Scott and Joan Houghton and praised by The Washington Post as “a must-see,” this smash-hit spectacle proves that rescue dogs can truly do extraordinary things.

Ballet Arkansas's Magic of the Nutcracker
Fri, Nov. 21, 2025 | 7pm &
Sat, Nov. 22, 2025 | 2pm

C2C Venue: Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex
Ticket Prices: $50–$60
Genre: Ballet • Holiday

A holiday reimagining that distills the beloved story into an intimate, atmospheric experience, perfect for families. Guided by Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s Christmas Eve transforms into a magical journey through swirling snowflakes and a glittering Kingdom of Sweets—told through unforgettable dancing, vivid storytelling, and the warmth of the season. Additionally, more than 30 local students will join Ballet Arkansas on stage as the community cast!

Masterclass with Ballet Arkansas (Ages 14+)
Wed, Nov. 19, 2025 | 6:00pm
Venue: Karen’s Dance Studio (2113 Davis Blvd)
Cost: $25

Connect2Culture proudly presents an exclusive masterclass with Ballet Arkansas led by company artists, offering dancers the opportunity to refine their technique, artistry, and performance skills with one of the region’s premier professional ballet companies. Open to dancers ages 14+. Registration required; register online at ci.ovationtix.com/35477/store/products/96338. Cost: $25.

 

Festival of Wreaths on tap at Crowder College

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College Foundation 23rd annual Festival of Wreaths takes place Tuesday, November 11th. The event begins at 5 pm with a silent auction in Longwell Museum located inside the Elsie Plaster Community Center on the Neosho campus. A live auction will begin at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Last year’s event raised over $110,000 for scholarships & program support.

Now in its 23rd year, the event has grown into an electronically integrated silent auction of nearly 300 items as well as a live auction of 20 plus items. While holiday wreaths and décor will always be a mainstay of Festival of Wreaths, auction merchandise at the event includes everything from gift baskets and apparel to trips, electronics, and household items. Guests will see items that range in value from $20 to several thousand dollars and everything in between.

Changes that will continue to be implemented include in-person and online bidding on silent auction items as in past years. This year guests are asked to register for the event, even though it is still free to attend. Registration may be done at: onecau.se/fow25

Raffle tickets for a zero turn John Deere mower are available for $25 each or 5 for $100. Drawing will be held the night of the event. Tickets available at onecau.se/fow2025

Notable live auction items this year include authentic Persian rugs donated to the college through a family estate, a Realtree Go-Kart for kids, set of 4 tires, and a Doug Hall print – along with many more fantastic items.

Bidding on live auction items may be done via proxy bid. Proxy bid must be established by noon on Monday, Nov.10, by calling 417.455.5646 for more information.

Ghana Fante Baby Outdooring and Naming Ceremony set at MSSU

(From Missouri Southern State University)

As part of Missouri Southern State University’s (MSSU) West Africa-themed semester, the university invites the community to experience a rich cultural tradition from Ghana at the Fante Baby Outdooring and Naming Ceremony, known in Fante as “Mfantse Dzinto.”

The event will take place Monday, Nov. 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Corley Auditorium on the MSSU campus.

In Ghanaian culture, an outdooring and naming ceremony is a significant celebration that introduces a newborn to family, friends and the community. The ceremony symbolizes the child’s identity and heritage while bestowing blessings from loved ones. 

Among the Fante people of Ghana, names often reflect the day of the week a child is born, their order of birth, family lineage or special circumstances surrounding their arrival.

Guests will have the opportunity to witness this vibrant and symbolic tradition, presented by Dr. Nii Adote and Faustina Abrahams, both natives of Ghana who will share insights into the cultural significance and customs of the ceremony.

Dr. Rebecca Shriver, executive director of international education at MSSU, will be available for interviews following the event.

Agenda posted for Joplin Planning and Zoning Commission

 

Three people suffer serious injuries in head-on crash on W. 20th Street

Three Galena, Kansas residents were injured in a two-vehicle collision 4:58 p.m. Tuesday on W. 20th Street two miles west of Joplin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet 2500 driven by a 59-year-old Joplin man crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Ford Taurus driven by a 66-year-old Galena woman head on.

The woman and two passengers in her vehicle, a 37-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl, both of Galena, were treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin.

MSSU design students featured in joint USA-China exhibition

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) partners with Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU) in a joint Sino-American design exhibition, which is currently on display at ZISU’s campus in Hangzhou, China. 

The exhibition highlights the global collaboration and academic exchange between the two institutions, featuring the work of over 20 MSSU design students and recent alumni.

The International Art and Design Exchange Special Exhibition, running from October 24–31, 2025, showcases approximately 30 student design works from each institution in the atrium gallery of ZISU’s School of the Arts building. MSSU Associate Professor of Design, Ed Outhouse, curated a diverse selection of projects, including type analysis posters, mashup typography, 8-bit fonts, concrete poetry, and custom typefaces. These works, created in introductory and advanced typography classes, were digitally sent to ZISU, printed as large-format posters, and installed by ZISU staff.

MSSU students and alumni featured in the exhibition include:

Amber Morris (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Apollo Kiest (alumni) – Concrete Poetry
Avry Hodson – Type Analysis
Bayleigh Smith (alumni) – Mashup Typography
Caleb Sharp – Mashup Typography
Camille Santana – Mashup Typography
Cheyenne Lawson – Type Analysis
Conalee Churchwell – Mashup Typography
Cynthia Kiilu – Concrete Poetry
Garrett Stadter (alumni) – Mashup Typography
Garrett Voros – Mashup Typography
Grace Sitton (alumni) – Type Analysis & Custom Typeface
Hye Sue Jeon (international student) – Type Analysis
Jessica McCool (alumni) – Mashup Typography
Kara Amos (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Kristen Fidler (alumni) – Type Analysis
Leah Lambeth – Mashup Typography
MJ Long – 8-bit Font & Type Analysis
Nathan Jackson – Mashup Typography
Norman Lewis (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Olivia Martin (alumni) – Custom Typeface
Stevie Davison (deceased) – Custom Typeface
Tijorn Skelton (alumni) – Type Analysis
Vivi Medrano – Type Analysis & Concrete Poetry

The concept for the exhibition was first sparked during a visit by ZISU delegates to MSSU this past August, and came to fruition through a collaborative effort between Dr. Li Min, dean of ZISU’s School of Arts, and Frank Pishkur, chair of MSSU’s Department of Art and Design.

“This exhibition exemplifies the exciting programming between our two institutions,” said Pishkur. “It helps students gain deep cultural understanding, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits. Art and design are global languages, and projects like this highlight the real-world applications our students engage with. Curating this exhibition was especially meaningful as it includes the work of former student Stevie Davison, honoring their memory and contribution to our program.”

The MSSU Department of Art and Design integrates a liberal arts education with professional training in art, providing students with resources, mentorship, and an environment that encourages conceptual development, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. Graduates from the department go on to careers as designers, educators, and studio artists worldwide.

MSSU testing services featured on Newsmakers

(From KGCS)

The HISET, PRAXIS, and ACT are tests that can determine the future path for college students’ education and career paths even qualifying for jobs. Many certifications rely on proctored, nationally designed tests and those are offered at the Missouri Southern State University Testing Center. The Testing Center is the focus of the next Newsmakers.

New MSSU Testing Services Office director, Jonathan Case explains compliance measures and guidelines for the various tests offered at the center and how utilized by students on campus as members of the community. Teacher Education student Evelyn Cane and Jeni Vieselmeyer, Director of Clinical Field and Certification Officer, share about tests required in their field and the importance of the quality testing environment at the Testing Center.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning November 2 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8 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.

Highway Patrol Arrests October 27-28

Shandell A. Burdette, 47, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Wyatt A. Perry, 24, Webb City, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident

Shawn R. Meredith, 62, Reeds Spring, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Mohamed A. Abdi, 26, Kansas City, felony possession of a controlled substance- khat

Justin M. Zimmerman, 55, Rogersville, felony driving while intoxicated, felony resisting arrest, failure to stay in a single lane, running a stop sign

Gretchen M. Brown, 31, Taneyville, Branson Police Department misdemeanor warrant for shoplifting

Shelly M. Carrier, 30, Merriam Woods, Jasper County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on driving while revoked, driving while revoked

Amber M. Lewis, 33, Blue Eye, felony drug trafficking

Chad M. Wyatt, 42, Taneyville, felony drug trafficking

Dimas C. Alves, 42, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Trenton A. Winchell, 41, Cassville, felony driving while intoxicated- chronic offender 

MSSU librarian honored by Missouri Library Association

(From Missouri Southern State University)

The Missouri Library Association has named Amber Carr, assistant library director and marketing/outreach librarian at Missouri Southern State University’s Spiva Library, as the recipient of its 2025 Outstanding Professional Librarian Award.

Carr’s work has expanded the library’s role as a place for learning and engagement. With grant funding and administrative support, she developed a series of food preparation and nutrition programs that promote wellness and encourage hands-on learning across campus.

She also secured funding for a mobile kitchen to serve as a teaching tool and transformed a study room into a fully functional cooking demonstration classroom, where she regularly hosts sessions on nutrition, budgeting, and meal preparation. Participants learn to cook healthy, affordable meals and receive ingredients to recreate them at home.

“We are proud of Amber and her well-deserved award. She is an indispensable member of our team and personifies the best of Spiva Library and MSSU. She’s empathetic, positive, hardworking, and dedicated to helping and empowering others — including students, coworkers, and campus employees,” said James Capeci, MSSU Spiva Library Director. “She also serves on numerous campus committees, including the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and is a co-director of the Lion Co-op, the campus food and personal hygiene pantry."

The Outstanding Professional Librarian Award recognizes a librarian who has made significant contributions to the profession and their community through innovation, leadership, and service.

135th Army Band to perform free Salute to Veterans concert in Joplin

 

Hammer Road west of Neosho to be closed

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Hammer Rd. CLOSED at Route. 60 in Newton Co. Nov. 3-7 West of Neosho

Where: Hammer Road at U.S. Route 60 in Newton County west of Neosho

When: 6 a.m., Monday, November 3 through 6 p.m., Friday, November 7

What: Contractor crews installing culverts as part of a project to build turn lanes at the intersection

Traffic Impacts

Hammer Road CLOSED on either side of U.S. Route 60

Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either side of the closure but will not be able to travel through the work zone

No signed detours

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

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.

This work is part of a project to make improvements at six (6) intersections along U.S. Route 60 between Newton County Route Y east of Seneca and Missouri Route 97 in Barry County near the Monett Regional Airport. More information can be found by going to the project website.

Project Information

Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction Co., Springfield
Completion Date: December 1, 2026
Total Cost: $9.7 million

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

10/25/2025 25002123

1505 GARRETT KANE BITTICK

WM 27

30915 HOLLY RD 444.00

30915 Holly Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64866

3 SPD NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP. 390.140

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 3RD DEGREE

2 NPD FAIL TO REGISTER MOTOR VEHICLE 390.090

10/25/2025 2329 AIMEE MARIE

MANDELBAUM

9928 Highway Aa

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64865

WF 35

9928 HIGHWAY AA 500.00

1 JCSO TRESPASSING

10/25/2025 25002126

2241 CLINTON WAYNE BOND

WM 45

9928 HIGHWAY AA 0.00

9928 Highway Aa

NEOSHO, MO 64850

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 2ND DEGREE

2 MANUFACTURE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - PHYSICAL INJURY OR D

10/26/2025 25002128

1411 CRYSTAL HOPE DANIELS

WF 41

334 E NEWTON ST 0.00

334 E Newton Street

GRANBY, MO 64844

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

10/26/2025 20250783

1640 GRANT LEVI ELDER

WM 30

1111 ROCKETDYNE RD 1,500.00

1528 Hilldale Dr

NEOSHO, MO 64850

1 VIOLATING A CONDITION OF LIFETIME SUPERVISION