Man arrested on multiple charges after leading Highway Patrol, Kansas deputies on chase in stolen car

(From the Crawford County Sheriff's Office)

When deputies with the Labette County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a stolen Jeep Wrangler, the driver decided he preferred the accommodations at the Crawford County Inn instead.

John Richardson, 35 of Springfield, was taken into custody after fleeing law enforcement from Labette County and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

North of Cherokee off of E. 530th Avenue, deputies with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office were able to successfully take Richardson into custody.

Richardson is currently being held on multiple charges including: Felony Flee & Elude, Felony Criminal Damage to Property, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, and Operating a Vehicle without a Valid Driver’s License.
Richardson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Granby woman killed in crash on 60

A Granby woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident 10:43 a.m. Friday on U. S. 60 one mile west of Granby.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Ford Ecosport driven by a 48-year-old Granby man traveled off the right side of the roadway and crashed into a tree.

A passenger, a 57-year-old Granby woman was pronounced dead at Freeman Neosho at 11:52 a.m.

The driver was treated for minor injuries at Freeman Neosho.

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

Highway Patrol Arrests January 30-31

Zachary L. Daily, 33, West Plains, felony driving while intoxicated- persistent offender, speeding (111 in a 65), driving while revoked

Raymond I. Cardona, 20, Mansfield, Texas, Mansfield, Texas felony warrant for kidnapping of a minor, felony tampering with a motor vehicle

Daniel Burks, 70, Eldon, Stone County felony warrant for failure to appear on passing a bad check, speeding

Wyatt A. Lowe, 22, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Jana Leonard, 46, Branson, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked

Sidney T. Wells, 49, Compton, California, felony driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain right half of roadway, no valid license

Maggie M. Heuer, 24, Connersville, Indiana, driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving while suspended, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Jonah H. Smith, 26, Ava, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, failed to drive on right half of roadway, following too closely

Nicholas B. Smith, 22, Baxter Springs, Kansas, driving while intoxicated, lane violation, failure to signal

Laura L. Bigbee, 25, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to signal, lane violation

Owen C. Dueland, 43, Branson, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked

Landry S. Delgado, 24, Ozark, driving while intoxicated, turned when unsafe to do so

Michael E. Crouch, 45, Niangua, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane

Tillman J. Baker, 35, Marionville, driving while intoxicated (drugs), following too closely

Justin A. Souders, 39, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated

Lesly Lopez-Vega, 30, Springfield, no valid license, hold for ICE

 Jordan M. Buckley, 34, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated- persistent offender, driving while revoked, speeding

Laura J. Melton, 43, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of the roadway resulting in an accident, driving while revoked/suspended

Christopher E. Powers, 45, Pleasant Hill, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Misty D. Sabo, 43, Bolivar, driving while intoxicated, assault on law enforcement, no valid license, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Christopher D. Dooley, 43, Fair Play, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident, no seat belt, operating non-commercial motor vehicle using a cellular device

Dade County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

William J. Trombley vs. Kimberly R. Trombley

 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Brittney Woods vs. Justin Woods

Parker A. Gutherless vs. Teryn E. Torrez

Joel L. Clark vs. Rosa L. Clark

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Matthew Whitley vs. Tara Whitley

Terran J. Smith vs. Kaylah G. Smith

Jamie E. Norman vs. Richard L. Norman

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kyle T. Wilson vs. Chelsea M. Wilson

Bouden C. Cook vs. Ashleigh D. Banta

David L. Maples vs. Karolina F. Maples

Lisa D. Cropper vs. Leah A. Ingram

Robert W. Baker vs. Jaimie L. Baker

Saryah Jawaid vs. Amad Azeem

Alisha A. Gauss vs. Michael J. Gauss

Virginia Turner vs. Cecil A. Turner

Sherri Guinn vs. William Guinn

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barton County

Terra Faye Stevens

Jasper County

Bradley Lee Esterline

Nicole Marie Krantz

Stephanie Renee Pringle

Donald Edward Wright and Ashley Ann Wright

Susan Leann Pugh

Jason Richard Bernagozzi

Newton County

Andrew Frederick Stauffer and Amie Marie Stauffer

Vernon County

Christopher Lynn Bagby and Stacy Jo Bagby

Eastbound and Westbound I-44 off-ramps at Exit 13 in Joplin to be closed

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: East- & Westbound I-44 Off-Ramps at Exit 13 CLOSED for Guardrail Repair Feb. 3

Where: East- and westbound I-44-to-Prigmor Avenue off ramps (Exit 13) at Joplin in Jasper County

When: 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, February 3

What: Contractor crews making repairs to guardrail

Traffic Impacts

Both I-44-to-Prigmor Avenue off ramps CLOSED at Exit 13

Both Prigmor Avenue-to-I-44 on ramps remain OPEN

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the closure

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

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Agenda posted for Crowder College Board of Trustees retreat

 

CROWDER COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLANNING RETREAT

Crowder College McDonald County

Tatum Hall Buffalo Room

194 College Road, Pineville MO 64856

Friday, February 6, 2026

 

Call to Order at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

I.        Call to Order

 

II.     General Discussion

 

A.    Student Affairs – Health Services (45 minutes)

B.     Introduction to Homework Helper (30 minutes)

C.     Cyber Security Review and Training (45 minutes)

D.    Board Picnic Discussion (30 minutes)

 

     III. Adjournment

 

No Board action or votes will be taken

Jasper County Sheriff seeking suspect, information on burglary

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a burglary that occurred on the east side of Jasper County in July 2025. These images are being released in hopes that someone may recognize the individual or vehicle and provide information that will assist with the investigation. 

If you can identify the suspect, please contact Detective Chris Calvin with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 417-358-8177, extension 1249.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

01/28/2026 0200 AUSTIN TYLER SUMNERS

2401 Kentucky Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64865

WM 24

US 166 HWY/W DOWNSTREAM

BLVD

125.00

1 DUQUESNE PD - FTA DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT

2 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE

01/28/2026 1018 JESSICA LYNN SLAVENS

318 S Pine

ARMA KS 66712

WF 33

915 COUNTY RD 1,500.00

1 STEALING - MOTOR VEHICLE/WATERCRAFT/AIRCRAFT & PRIOR STEALIN

2 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE

01/28/2026 1218 AKIKI NMN YERTEN

608 Ford St

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 41

303 E 3RD ST 20,000.00

1 DWI - HABITUAL

2 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 1ST OFFENSE

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

01/28/2026 1040 DAVID MATTHEW

FAIRCHILD

3922 Dd Hwy

SENECA, MO 64865

WM 55

208 WEST COLER ST 0.00

1 ASSAULT - 2ND DEGREE - SPECIAL VICTIM

2 `DWI

01/28/2026 1435 JAMES HENRY BRYANT

15726 Finch Dr

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 38

208 W COLER ST 0.00

1 MURDER 1ST DEGREE

2 VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

3 ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION

01/28/2026 1435 JAMES HENRY BRYANT

15726 Finch Dr

NEOSHO, MO 64850

WM 38

208 W COLER ST 0.00

4 ABANDONMENT OF A CORPSE

01/28/2026 1700 EVAN FRANCIS SCHOTTER

13868 Foliage Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 46

3000 KODIAK RD 125.00

1

1 CARTHAGE PD-FTA-FAIL TO REGISTER VEHICLE 

Highway Patrol Arrests January 28-29

Brittany L. Creed, 34, Walnut Grove, Christian County felony warrants for unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance, Dade County felony warrant for resisting arrest

Manuel A. Loa, 39, Branson, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended

Divinaty A. Gegg, 31, Conway, felony driving while revoked

David A. McKinney, 36, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, drove wrong direction on one-way highway

Tyler J. Anderson, 21, Branson, driving while intoxicated

Mickeal S. Briley, 40, Bradleyville, possession of drug paraphernalia

Cleofious W.  Hicks, 48, Springfield, felony failure to register as a sex offender, excessive window tint 

Joplin History and Mineral Museum to reopen February 6

(From the City of Joplin)

Join us on Friday, February 6, at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum’s Grand Reopening for the first look at two new additions and several remodeled and upgraded exhibits. The event begins at 11 a.m. with ribbon cuttings with both the Joplin Area and Carl Junction Chambers of Commerce at the Museum, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave. 

Guests will hear from Museum Director Chris Wiseman, Joplin Historical Society President Kelly Reddin, and Joplin Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg. Light refreshments will be available, including five-cent coffee and root beer. The Museum’s “penny press” will offer four designs: Route 66, Joplin Historical Society, Bonnie and Clyde, and Cookie Cutter. Admission will be free on Friday, February 6.

Museum staff and volunteers worked throughout January to make improvements and add two new areas for guests to enjoy. The first recognizes this year’s Route 66 Centennial celebration, with a unique display depicting the entire route from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. This iconic exhibit also offers information and artifacts related to various spots along the historic highway.

Guests will also enjoy the new audiovisual room created during the remodel. This area features six large screens displaying videos by local high school students, as well as professional and historical content. The museum has hosted several historical video competitions for students and now has an appropriate setting to showcase these.

“We’re excited about these new additions. Route 66 is an incredible part of Joplin’s history, and the A/V room provides the resource to highlight many interesting topics within our area and bring them to life,” said Chris Wiseman, Director of the Museum. “We appreciate the public’s patience during our closure, and we’re certain they’ll also enjoy other upgrades and remodels done in addition to these projects.”

Museum exhibit additions and upgrades include:

A private collection of 1920-1941 pedal cars on display in conjunction with the Route 66 exhibit
A "Fourth and Main" exhibit has been created to include House of Lords and the Connor and Keystone Hotels.
The Crystal Cave exhibit has been updated.

Freshly painted, the Museum also features new graphics and signage throughout the exhibits, new graphics behind some of the mineral cases, and an updated lobby to make entering the building and visiting the gift shop easier.

The museum will reopen on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors and military; and children ages 12 and under are free. For more information, call 417-623-1180, ext. 8.

 

Beef quality assurance program scheduled in Pineville

 (From Missouri University Extension)

Area cattle producers and community members are invited to attend a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training on Tuesday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pineville Community Center, located at 602 Jessie James Road, Pineville, MO 64856.

This educational event is hosted in partnership with the Missouri Beef Industry Council and the Newton/McDonald County Cattlemen’s Association. 

The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to earn their BQA certification at no cost. BQA is a nationally recognized program that emphasizes best management practices, animal care, food safety, and stewardship throughout the beef industry.

Dinner will be served, and the training is open to everyone, including producers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about beef production.

Participants will leave the event fully BQA certified, gaining valuable knowledge and credentials that support both on-farm practices and consumer confidence.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

01/27/2026 1045 HUNTER WILLIAM

HAYES-BEBEE

805 Dewey St

GALENA, KS 66739

WM 27

601 SOUTH 3RD STREET 700.00

1 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE

01/27/2026 26000174

1854 RANDALL STEPHEN RATTLES

WM 44

410 CEDAR ST 0.00

302 Elm

WENTWORTH, MO 64873

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT 4TH DEGREE

2 ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD - SERIOUS EMOTIONAL OR 

Highway Patrol Arrests January 27-28

Drisston S. Korver, 29, Marionville, two Clever Police Department misdemeanor warrants for traffic violations

Kawan J. Gaudin, 31, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, failed to display valid plates, excessive window tint

Katie E. Blomberg, 38, Ozark, felony driving while intoxicated

Cody J. Smith, 36, Springfield, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, driving while intoxicated (drugs), failed to drive on right half of roadway

Christopher R. Croy, 30, Kissee Mills, driving while intoxicated
 

Fundraiser for foster child care to be featured on Newsmakers program

(From KGCS)

Life in foster care is never easy, but Soroptimist International of Joplin wants to make sure those youth get a chance at summer fun, and on the next Newsmakers we learn how getting a good laugh could help send a kid to camp.

The 10th Annual Comedy for Camp and S’more is a fundraising event February 20th to raise monies for camp for kids in foster care and other Soroptimist efforts. 

Event coordinators Amanda Mitchell and Courtney Barnard discuss a silent auction and gift card grab also happening at the comedy event that features Jody Fuller as opener and Kevin Farley as the headliner. There will be live music during a social hour before the comedy that starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. Local comedienne, Marian Kelly joins Newsmakers to talk about what it takes to do stand-up comedy and what goes into crafting a show.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning February 1 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS – Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS-TV programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.