Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/04/2026 1046 KIMBERLY LEANNE

HICKMAN

10951 Moose Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WF 39

1199 NORTH HASTLINE ST 1,000.00

1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

03/04/2026 1000 STEPHEN JUNIOR II

EDWARDS

18212 Highway 59

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 36

327 5 0.00

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 3RD DEGREE

2 NPD RED LIGHT VIOLATION

03/04/2026 1325 JOHNATHON MICHAEL

WEAD

1176 South Pinecrest Lane, 4

JOPLIN, MO 64850

WM 45

405 5 250.00

1 `OWNER OPERATE MV WITHOUT MAINTAINING FIN. RESPONS.-1ST OFF

03/04/2026 1515 JAMES LEE CARTER

531 S Kentucky Ave

JOPLIN, MO 64801

WM 66

303 3 5,000.00

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

03/04/2026 1453 NIKKI DANELLE STAUBER

2026 E 8th St

JOPLIN, MO 64801

WF 39

303 E 3RD ST 0.00

1 ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD CREATING SUBSTANTIAL RISK

03/04/2026 26000427

1846 MATTHEW AUSTIN GOW

WM 35

10947 REINDEER DR 0.00

10947 Reindeer Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64844

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT 4TH DEGREE

03/04/2026 1925 4313 REINMILLER RD 0.00

RENATTA LENNA KENTNER

WF 54

4313 Reinmiller Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804

1 CHILD ABDUCTION

03/04/2026 26000424

1424 LANDON REIDE WARD

WM 25

5012 KOLKMEYER DR 0.00

5012 Kolkmeyer Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804

2 JOPLIN PD DWI-ALCOHOL

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

Highway Patrol Arrests March 4-5

James A. Sanchez, 55, Verona, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Brandy V. Thomas, 46, Niangua, no valid license

Travis E. Baumchen, 54, Aurora, felony driving while revoked, no valid plates, no motorcycle endorsement, speeding

 

Agenda posted for Joplin Planning and Zoning Commission meeting

 

Dade County Sheriff's Office Monthly Report

(From Dade County Sheriff Ryan Robison)

During the month of February 2026, the Dade County Sheriff’s Office responded to 162 calls for service across Dade County. The following is a statistical breakdown of call types handled by deputies between February 1 and February 28.

Traffic and Vehicle Related
• 11 Traffic Stops
• 6 Careless & Imprudent Driver Complaints
• 9 Motor Vehicle Accidents
• 2 Stranded Motorists
• 6 Abandoned Vehicles
• 1 Hazard in Roadway

Domestic and Disturbance Calls
• 5 Domestic Disturbances
• 1 Assault in Progress
• 1 Peace Disturbance

Medical and Welfare
• 16 Medical Events
• 6 Wellbeing Checks
• 6 911 Hang-Up Calls
• 1 911 Open Line
• 1 911 Misdial

Animal and Agricultural
• 8 Livestock in Roadway
• 10 Animal Calls (Non-Livestock)

Criminal and Investigative Activity
• 22 Investigations (Past or Ongoing Events)
• 14 Suspicious Activity Calls
• 1 Theft in Progress
• 1 Search Warrant Served
• 8 Follow-Up Investigations
• 16 Information Reports
• 32 Speak with Officer Calls

Civil Process and Court Services
• 22 Civil Process Papers Served
• 8 Prisoner Transports
• 6 Special Assignments
• 8 Officer-Initiated Calls

In-Custody Report (As of March 4, 2026)

Evelyn Maxine Barrera
• Assault 1st Degree
• Unlawful Use of Weapon – Concealed Carry
• Armed Criminal Action

Megan Michelle Bowles
• Trafficking Drugs – 2nd Degree
• Deliver Controlled Substance

Trenton Roel Buentello
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 1st Degree
• Possession of Controlled Substance

Brittany Lynn Creed
• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony
Christopher Ray Douty
• Sodomy – 2nd Degree
• Sexual Abuse – 2nd Degree
• Prostitution

Christopher Scott Elder
• Stealing – Firearm
• Burglary – 2nd Degree

Brandon Cole Garten
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Burglary – 2nd Degree
• Stealing – Motor Vehicle

Derrick James Garver
• Burglary – 2nd Degree
• Violation of Order of Protection
• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest
• Assault – 4th Degree

Caleb Daniel Gilmore
• Trafficking Drugs – 2nd Degree
• Deliver Controlled Substance

Wilbur Lynn Irwin
• Possession of Controlled Substance
Devin James Kennedy
• Burglary – 1st Degree

Todd W Martin
• Terrorist Threat – 1st Degree
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 1st Degree
• Harassment – 1st Degree
• Armed Criminal Action
• Assault – 4th Degree

Melvin Junior McClain
• Domestic Assault – 2nd Degree
• Kidnapping – 2nd Degree
• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony

Walter Parnell Molkenbur
• Assault – 2nd Degree
• Property Damage – 1st Degree

Jason Charles Phelps
• Financial Exploitation of Elderly/Disabled Person
• Deceptive Business Practice

Tony Duaine Phillips Jr.
• Assault 1st Degree
• Unlawful Use of Weapon – Exhibiting
• Armed Criminal Action

Bradley Allen Shouse
• Tampering with a Judicial Officer
• Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child Under 15

Chad Lee Tripp
• Domestic Assault – 2nd Degree
• Kidnapping – 2nd Degree
• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony
• Violation of Order of Protection

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Brandon Beshears named Neosho Police Department Officer of the Year

(From the Neosho Police Department)

Congratulations to our Neosho Police Department Officer of the Year, Detective Sergeant Brandon Beshears! 

Detective Sergeant Beshears is being recognized for his outstanding professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the Neosho community. 

Over the past year, he stepped into a critical role within the investigative unit, ensuring cases continued to be handled with care, diligence, and integrity during staffing challenges.

Respected by peers, partner agencies, and the community, Detective Sergeant Beshears consistently goes above and beyond in service to others. 

We are proud to recognize his hard work and commitment.
Congratulations, Detective Sergeant Beshears, and thank you for your service to Neosho!

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/03/2026 0027 CASEY RYAN GRAY

6161 Bison Rd

JOPLN, MO 64804

WM 24

4599 CEDAR DR/ 500.00

1 RESISTING OR INTERFERING WITH ARREST/DETENTION/STOP

d

03/03/2026 26000409

0100 SEAN PAUL HELGENBERGER

WM 22

1714 WALDO HATLER MEMORIAL

0.00

1714 Waldo Hatler Memorial Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

2 RESISTING/INTERFERING WITH ARREST FOR A FELONY

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 2ND DEGREE

03/03/2026 0315 DIOPHIL JUNIOR JOSEPH

6350 Spurgeon Rd, LOT 1

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804

AM 29

E 32ND ST/REINMILLER RD 250.00

1 ANDERSON PD-DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT

03/03/2026 1030 ETHAN OMAR SHOCKLEY

303 W Broadway

URBANA, MO 65767

WM 23

1600 MAIN STREET 5,000.00

1 STEALING - $750 OR MORE

2 RESISTING OR INTERFERING WITH ARREST/DETENTION/STOP

03/03/2026 1626 MATTHEW CARL SERAGE

412 Mower St

DUENWEG, MO 64841

WM 44

208 W COLER ST 500.00

2 FTA-TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS

1 FTA-ASSAULT- 4TH DEGREE - PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (1), (5)

03/03/2026 1708 DANIEL PATRICK JENNINGS

938 Cardwell St

STELLA, MO 64867

WM 66

208 W COLER ST 250.00

1 TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE 

Jopiln Recycling Center schedules document shredding event

(From the City of Joplin)

Many people may have personal papers that are no longer needed and are cluttering their houses, but fear of identity theft prevents some people from trashing or recycling these sensitive documents. To help with this issue, Joplin Recycling Center’s Paper Shredding Event is on Saturday, April 4, from 9–11 a.m. at 1310 West A Street (enter from the west). Big Bear Shredding will provide free, on-site shredding for up to eight file boxes or grocery bags per car. Please remove binders, binder clips, CDs, and non-paper materials.

During this unique opportunity, large amounts of paper can be shredded quickly at no cost to area residents. The document shredding company, Big Bear Shredding, will have their mobile shred truck at the Center. This event is free and open to all residents with a limit of 12 standard-sized file boxes per car. Please ensure that papers do not have any binders, binder file clips, or CD’s which are sometimes part of large folders or packets. Non-paper materials, such as cardboard, packing paper, and brown paper sacks, will not be accepted. 

Identity theft resulting from items stolen from the trash or curbside recycling bins is the easiest crime to prevent. You can stop identity theft by completely shredding documents, receipts, address labels, or pieces of paper with identifying information like account numbers.

If you cannot attend this event, the Joplin Recycling Center has a paper document destruction service on site throughout the year. The Center utilizes three locked 96-gallon containers, which are switched out with empty containers on a weekly basis by CRC Shredding. 

 The process is self-serve. Patrons can drop approximately 200 pages at a time through the restricted opening on the container. This service is at no cost to patrons. All paper is shredded, mixed with other non-sensitive shredded paper, pulped, and then used to manufacture products such as egg cartons.

The Center is open Tuesday and Thursday from Noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Joplin Recycling Coordinator at 417-624-0820, extension 1501.

Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit scheduled at MSSU

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) will host the 2026 Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit on March 27 at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the MSSU campus. The annual event brings together healthcare professionals, students and community members to explore new technologies, research and strategies shaping the future of health sciences.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, program director for nursing informatics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she leads enterprise-wide digital innovation within the Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation. Her presentation, “The Evolution of Care Through Innovation,” will focus on the evolving role of informatics and digital transformation in advancing patient care and nursing practice.

Dr. Yayun Du, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Vanderbilt University, will present “From Bench-top to Bedside: Translating Wearable Technologies into Real-World Healthcare Impact.” Her research centers on bridging engineering innovation with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Crystal Lemmons, dean of the College of Health, Life Sciences and Education at MSSU, will provide an overview of the university’s health science mission and facilities, outlining how new programs are supporting the institution as a statewide leader in health-focused education.

Participants will also experience a virtual tour of campus facilities featuring immersive learning environments designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice. During the luncheon session, Willcoxon Scholars, a cohort of undergraduate researchers, will present their current projects and answer questions.

The program will also feature panel discussions with national and regional healthcare leaders addressing topics such as meeting the unique challenges of rural healthcare.

This year’s summit carries added significance as MSSU highlights its recently expanded statewide mission, becoming Missouri’s first public university with a focused emphasis on health and life sciences, immersive learning and global education.

Online registration closes March 20.

Crowder student named All-USA Academic Team Scholar

(From Crowder College)

Leyli Ogle, a student at Crowder College, has been named a 2026 New Century Transfer and All-USA Academic Team Scholar. She will receive scholarships totaling $5,750 in recognition of her intellectual, leadership, and community and campus engagement achievements.

New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.

“Leyli personifies perseverance,” observed Dr. David Schieffler, a co-advisor of the Xi Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Crowder. “She works full-time, is enrolled in a full slate of Crowder classes, and takes life’s inevitable challenges in stride. Upon graduating from Crowder, she plans to study social work at Missouri State University and then work in a high-need school. Her future students will be lucky to have her.”

Emily Lewis, co-advisor of the Xi Xi chapter, PTK at Crowder commented, “Leyli consistently demonstrates resilience in the way she approaches both challenges and opportunities. She pushes herself to grow, leads with integrity, and supports those around her in meaningful ways. Her commitment to the values of PTK is evident in her actions, not just her words. We are truly fortunate to have her at Crowder, and I have no doubt she will continue to make a positive impact wherever her path leads.”

The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and Phi Theta Kappa.

“We congratulate Leyli for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.”

The New Century Transfer Scholars will be recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.

Ogle was recognized for her academic achievements, campus and community engagement and overall leadership. The All-USA program is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Each institution may nominate two students, and Ogle is one of 20 chosen nationally.

Pitch Palooza competition to be featured on Newsmakers

(From KGCS)

Taking a business dream and turning it into reality. Pitch Palooza is happening in April at Missouri Southern State University’s Plaster School of Business hosted by the Small Business Development Center. The competition and its impact on budding entrepreneurs is the focus of the next Newsmakers program.

Abi Rogers and Jennifer Hood, consultants at SBDC, explain the various levels of the competition that include college students, the community and new this year, high school students. They share tips on making a good presentation. 

Prior winners Aaron Stockton of Shadow and Light Creative, Taylor Burton of Super Duper Clean and Tabatha Carter of Cheeky Fun Facepainting share how the competition impacted their business plans and strategies.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning March 8 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14 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 March 2-3

Patricia A. Ransom, 49, Kearney, driving while intoxicated, fail to pull over as far to the right as possible

Brian S. Kimbrough, 56, Goodman, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, careless and imprudent driving, driving while suspended, no insurance, no seat belt

 

City of Joplin cancels tornado drill

]

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin will not be holding a Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 4, as previously announced, due to storms forecast for Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service, Springfield, Mo., issued the following cancellation statement regarding the drill: Due to the potential for thunderstorms on Wednesday, NWS Springfield, which covers far southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri, will not be participating in the annual tornado drill. Please note that other areas of the state may continue with the drill however the NWS Springfield area of responsibility (far southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri) will not be participating.

City officials remind the public that the normal testing of outdoor weather sirens is 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. The City will conduct a test at that time next week on March 11, weather permitting.

As this drill was part of the 2026 Severe Weather Preparedness Week, observed from March 2 to March 6, David Holden, Emergency Management Director, encourages everyone to be proactive and prepare for weather safety. Preparing today may make the difference in surviving possible storms this spring. He also encourages people to seek appropriate notification systems through local news media, weather apps on their phones, and a NOAA Weather Radio.

A NOAA Weather Radio provides a warning signal when the area is under a watch or a warning. Local news stations also offer weather information and apps for cell phones that residents can download.

“The advantage of having a weather radio is that you hear the alerts directly from the National Weather Service and are kept current of the warning status. The phone apps also provide notifications and current information that is helpful during severe weather.”

Route 43/North Fork Spring River Bridge to close

(From MoDOT)

Route 43/North Fork Spring River Bridge CLOSED Beginning Week of March 9 for Rehab Project

Drivers should look for alternate routes when Missouri Route 43 at the North Fork Spring River bridge north of Joplin CLOSES beginning the week of March 9 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 160 days to complete the work.

The current structure was built in 1971 and is experiencing increasing deterioration. Approximately 3,200 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Traffic impacts

All lanes of Missouri Route 43 will be CLOSED beginning the week of March 9 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, Missouri Route 96 and Missouri Route 171 and Jasper County Route M

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

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

02/27/2026 26000381

0245 ROBERT THOMAS ERMAN

WM 25

13814 GAZELLE DR 0.00

3802 S Wisconsin Ave, 4

DENNIS ACRES, MO 64804

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT 4TH DEGREE

02/27/2026 0500 JOHN SHIH-MING INGALLS

3802 Virginia Ave

JOPLIN, MO 64804

WM 56

4700 W DOWNSTREAM

BLVD/GREENWOOD DR

0.00

2 FTA JOPLIN NO INSURANCE

5 FTA JOPLIN EXPIRED PLATES

6 FTA JOPLIN DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT

7 FTA JOPLIN DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED/REVOKED

8 FTA JOPLIN DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED/REVOKED

3 FTA JOPLIN DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140

4 FTA JOPLIN DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140

1 SPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010

02/27/2026 0946 KEVIN WADE BROWNING

1811 Todd Street

SULPHUR, LA 70663

WM 47

303 E. 3RD ST 25,000.00

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 2ND DEGREE

02/27/2026 0254 PAUL DANIEL RANDOLPH

13814 Gazelle Dr

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 33

13814 GAZELLE DR 0.00

1 CALLAWAY CO SO FULTON-OBSCENITY

02/27/2026 26000389

2201 CURTIS JAMES WOODBRIDGE

WM 41

402 N WASHINGTON ST/RUBY RD 0.00

24706 State Highway 171

WEBB CITY, MO 64870

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - FELONY

02/28/2026 1345 GINA RAE HOYE

8610 Eloise Dr

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64804

WF 59

1668 LANDIS RD 10,000.00

1

1 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE

1

2 TRESPASSING 1ST DEGREE

02/28/2026 1352 BRIAN SCOTT HARRIS

8464 Holly Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 51

1668 LANDIS RD 10,000.00

1 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE

02/28/2026 2341 SKYLER MARSHELL

MCGARRAH

12331 Farm Road 1010

EXETER, MO 65647

WM 25

20769 GATEWAY DR/KUDU RD 184.00

1 NPD DISOBEY STOP LIGHT 315.060

2 PINEVILLE PD SPEEDING

03/01/2026 1243 DAVID WOODSEN JR

CAMPBELL

2724 Grand Ave

JOPLIN, MO 64804

WM 55

SPURGEON ROAD 0.00

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE