Agenda posted for Carthage Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Commission meeting

 

Carthage residents injured in crash on Zora

Two Carthage residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:55 p.m. Friday on Zora Street a half mile north of Joplin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by a 39-year-old Carthage woman swerved to the right to avoid a dog in the roadway and traveled off the right side the road and into a creek.

The driver and a passenger, a 48-year-old Carthage man, were treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Joplin.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests May 29-30

Stephen M. Leckrone, 63, Galena, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

Lewis A. Wingate, 31, Hollister, driving while intoxicated, lane violation, registration violation

Joshua A. Smith, 36, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Gavin B. Upchurch, 26, Cassville, driving while intoxicated

Jacob D. Womack, 26, Neosho, felony resisting arrest, speeding, driving while revoked

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Grant Adler vs. Charlotte Flemming

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Chrystal D. Cole vs. Cole T. Craig

Brianna G. Howard vs. Nicholas R. Howard

Robyn N. Thomson vs. Frank J. King

Samantha Merritt vs. Colby Merritt

Margarita Ratliff vs. Andre Ratliff

Melissa A. Ayton vs. Scott K. Ayton

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barry County

Kathy Cha

Jasper County

Kyle Lee Perkins

Leah M. Lee

T-Lani Danae Coulson

Elizabeth Marie Sprague

William Joseph Wycoff

Lawrence County

Michael Warren Johnson and Julie Ann Johnson

McDonald County

Joseph E. Kalista

Kurt M. Covell

Newton County

James A. Green, Jr. and Kimberly J. Green

Vernon County

Dawn Michelle Hogan 

Highway Patrol Arrests May 27-29

Ashley M. Allivato, 25, Buffalo, driving while intoxicated

Troy M. Swick, 49, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Braxton W. Yost, 19, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

 

Dementia education program scheduled at Wildwood Senior Living in Joplin

 

Neosho woman suffers serious injuries in head-on collision

A Neosho woman was injured in a two-vehicle collision 7:53 a.m. today on Lime Kiln Road at Gage Lane five miles north of Neosho.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2020 Honda Civic driven by a Neosho woman crossed the center line and struck a 2021 Chevrolet 2500 pickup driven by a 45-year-old Neosho man.

The Neosho woman was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin.

Barton County Marriage Licenses

Patrick Lee Smart, 40, Lamar, and Kami Rose Frieden, 30, Lamar

Frank Edward Chaney, 43, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Vanessa Dawn Trisco, 35, Pittsburg, Kansas

Highway Patrol Arrests May 26-27

Lacey L. Burnett, 38, Springfield, Greene County felony warrant for failure to appear, driving while intoxicated, Springfield Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear, failure to register motor vehicle, no seat belt

Eric B. Snow, 43, Forsyth, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, lane violation

Shawn C. Pruett, 49, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, displayed plates of another, no insurance, failed to stop at stop light

Edwin R. Lucas-DeLeon, 23, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no valid license

Genesis D. Johnson, 50, Lawrence, Kansas, driving while intoxicated, no valid license

Zachary J. Stanek, 28, Stockton, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway involving an accident, no seat belt

Mosquito fogging to begin in Joplin

(From the City of Joplin)

It’s that time of year when the City of Joplin takes on one of nature’s most concerning micro-predators: those pesky and disease-spreading mosquitoes.

The Joplin Health Department operates a mosquito control program within Joplin’s city limits each year. This program utilizes occasional fogging to control adult mosquitoes and treat mosquito breeding areas with a larvicide to prevent mosquitoes from becoming adults. Fogging routes will be posted at https://www.joplinmo.org/1040/Mosquito-Vector-Control. 

If citizens encounter large quantities of mosquitoes, they can call 417-623-6122 to request assistance from the Joplin Health Department.

The Joplin Health Department utilizes a non-restricted use pesticide, which the EPA has evaluated to be of low toxicity to humans. However, citizens are encouraged to stay indoors and not drive through areas where fog is visible after application. The fog dissipates rapidly and is usually not visible after 15 minutes of application. Fogging will be conducted in the early morning hours to minimize exposure and disruption of outdoor activities. Health officials also recommend that residents close their windows and bring pets in when their area is being treated. Residents who do not wish for their property to be fogged can contact the Health Department.

While the Health Department’s efforts help control mosquito populations, citizens play a bigger role in controlling their presence in the community. Mosquitoes need standing water to reproduce, and it can be as little as one teaspoonful of water. Citizens can scan their properties for places where water may accumulate and become a haven for breeding mosquitoes. Areas of interest include gutters, bird baths, untreated swimming pools, and tires. Eliminating the sources of mosquitoes is the most effective way to minimize their presence. Low-lying areas that are prone to having standing water can be routinely treated with mosquito larvicides. Modifying property grading can be a more permanent solution to prevent standing water from accumulating. 

If mosquito populations are present, citizens can still take the following actions to protect themselves and their loved ones from being bitten:

· Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

· Wear long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants when you must be outdoors.

· Use an approved insect repellent and follow the instructions on the product label.

· Talk to your physician or healthcare provider before applying insect repellants to young children.

· Make sure your window screens fit tightly and are free from holes.

For more information about mosquito fogging, please contact the Joplin Health Department at 417-623-6122.

Better Business Bureau scam warnings topic of Newsmakers program

(From KGCS)

Graduating college, getting married or outgrowing a current home, many use the summer months to move. Spring and summer are the peak moving season, and more than 700 complaints were filed with the Better Business Bureau in 2024 alone against movers. How to hire professionals or safely secure a rental truck to do it yourself without opening the door to scam artists is the focus of the next Newsmakers program.

BBB Regional Director Pamela Hernandez shares what you need to know to hire movers and expectations of their duties. She explains scams that include upcharges, extra fees, stolen items, and no-shows. Hernandez reveals various warning signs and red flags connected with moving and explains fake rental listings and credit check scams as well.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning on KGCS-TV May 31 and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6 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.

Neosho man injured in crash on Iris Road

A Neosho man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 7:57 p.m. Sunday on Iris Road two miles north of Neosho.

According to the Highway Patrol report, aa 2025 CF Moto Uforce 600 driven by a 62-year-old Neosho man traveled off the left side of the road and overturned.

The driver was treated for moderate injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

 

Washburn man injured in four-wheeler accident

A Washburn man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2 p.m. today on Farm Road 1040 two miles west of Washburn.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a four-wheeler driven by an 85-year-old Washburn man overturned going down a hill, ejecting the driver.

The driver was treated for serious injuries at Washington Regional Hospital, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Highway Patrol Arrests May 23-26

 Felipe J. Perez Perez, 26, Little Rock, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, careless and imprudent driving involving a a crash

Markkel D. Moore, 27, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident

Berta M. Gomez, 31, Monett, Barry County felony warrant for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated, Jasper County felony warrant for probation violation- driving under the influence of drugs

Zakaria G. Gititu, 20, Willard, driving while intoxicated, no tail lights, failed to drive in a single lane

Antonio Rodriguez-Cristobal, 57, Monett, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, lane violation

Shannon M. Conant, 45, Owasso, Oklahoma, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, driving while intoxicated (drugs), possession of drug paraphernalia, lane violation

Robert R. Guarino, 62, Neosho, felony driving while intoxicated- aggravated offender, driving while revoked, careless and imprudent driving resulting in a crash, no insurance

Jeremy A. Kinkade, 45, Nixa, driving while intoxicated with person less than 17 in vehicle, no front plate

Randall W. Goodin, 63, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Miguel A. Garcia Hernandez, 24, Pittsburg, Kansas, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Patrick G. Patterson, 43, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated, no insurance, speeding

Clint A. Schudert, 32, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended/revoked, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Jason L. Sostman, 44, Union, driving while intoxicated, lane violation

Philemon M. Petrochilos, 29, Springfield, boating while intoxicated, failed to display ski flag

Braden E. Smith, 22, Harrison, Arkansas, boating while intoxicated

Joshua R. Gannaway, 40, Pleasant Hope, felony driving while intoxicated, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Grace E. Kinney, 26, Fair Play, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Irayjuan N. White, 24, Joplin, felony tampering with a motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, Joplin Police Department misdemeanor warrants

Yoscar J. Osorio Quintero, 21, Branson, felony driving while intoxicated- physical injury, felony leaving the scene of a crash

Margaret P. Shotola, 49, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, felony trafficking drugs- fentanyl

Skylar D. Backless, 26, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, no headlights, no taillights, no valid license plate, no insurance

Carolyn F. Howton, 28, Trumann, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated

Jesus S. Sepeda, 63, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, failed to display valid plates, no seat belt

Edgar A. Trejo-Hernandez, 23, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident

Jaxen M. Grams, 22, Dexter, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Karen B. Logan, 45, Stella, felony driving while intoxicated, felony no valid license, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, no insurance, failed to register motor vehicle, failed to title vehicle

Feliciano Ruiz Diaz, 36, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane, driving at a speed that impedes flow of traffic

Jose Carmen Guadarrama Gomez, 39, Miami, Oklahoma, no valid license, failed to dim lights within 500 feet of oncoming vehicle

Brian G. Wallace, 56, Bolivaar, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no seat belt

Clayton W. Baldwin, 30, Marshfield, felony driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Highway Patrol reports 234 crashes, 8 fatalities over holiday weekend

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Memorial Day holiday:

Eight people died and 99 were injured in 234 traffic crashes during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2026.

2026 Memorial Day Holiday Traffic Statistics

Traffic Crashes — 234
Traffic Crash Injuries — 99
Traffic Crash Fatalities — 8
DWI — 107

Boating Statistics

Crashes — 4
Injuries — 6
Fatalities — 0
Drowning — 0
BWI — 7

During the 2025 Memorial Day holiday counting period the Patrol investigated 203 traffic crashes involving three fatalities and 92 injuries. Statewide, four people died and 356 were injured in 868 vehicle crashes in 2025. Three boating crashes were investigated throughout Missouri in 2025.

Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website.

Newton County Marriage Licenses

Madison Mae McDonald, 21, Washburn, and Cameron Thomas Scott, 21, Garfield, Arkansas

Aleks Francisco Salas, 23, Monett, and Kaia Breann Johnson, 22, Monett

Lindsey Michelle Neville, 28, Loma Linda, and Trey Christian Blake, 25, Loma Linda

Christopher Wayne Scott, 45, Joplin, and Emily Rebecca Tygart, 19, Neosho

Lori Ladawn Gilbert, 60, Seneca, and Jerri Lynne King, 58, Seneca

 

Route Z in Carl Junction to be closed

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route Z CLOSED in Carl Junction for Railroad Work May 28

Where: Jasper County Route Z CLOSED at Missouri Route 171 in Carl Junction

When: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, May 28

What: Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railroad working on crossing

Traffic Impacts

Route Z CLOSED at Route 171 in Carl Junction

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

No signed detours are planned

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.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests May 22-23

Jessie R. Knutter, 22, Sugar Creek, driving while intoxicated

Ivan W. Melvin, 51, Reeds Spring, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

Earl D. Hall, 69, Cape Fair, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Phillip R Neill, 36, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated- aggravated offender, felony possession of a controlled substance- psilocybin mushrooms, driving while revoked, speeding

Kalen D. Ponder, 24, Cassville, Barry County felony warrant for property damage

Dakota R. Watson, 22, Rolla, driving while intoxicated

Eduardo Martinez, 19, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, minor visibly intoxicated, speeding

Maxwel R. Duncan, 34, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Claudia O. Vanek, 46, Branson, driving while intoxicated, lane violation

Matthew T. Blanton, 22, Rolla, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Lucas A. Hinnah, 33, Gilliam, driving while intoxicated

Micheal D. Walton, 60, Mascoutah, Illinois, driving while intoxicated

Rodolfo A. Domacasse, 55, Branson, driving while intoxicated, lane violation

Flavio Cesar Mendoza De Leon, 29, Noel, no valid license, immigration hold

Richard C. Suttles, 48, Springfield, Greene County felony warrant for failure to appear on possession of a controlled substance

David A. Janik, 66, Forsyth, driving while intoxicated

Mari K. Pressler, 54, Cassville, Seligman Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on defective equipment

Juan M. Fernandez Flores, 20, Pittsburg, Kansas, no valid license, speeding

Lester J. Krause, 58, Hollister, driving while intoxicated (drugs) 

Two people suffer serious injuries in motorcycle-deer collision on 66

Two Riverton, Kansas residents were injured in a motorcycle-deer collision 8 p.m. Friday on MO 66 two miles west of Joplin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a deer ran into the path of a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by a 52-year-old Riverton man. The motorcycle struck the deer and overturned.

The driver and a passenger, a 44-year-old Riverton woman, were treated for serious injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barry County

Elizabeth Gail Immel

Jasper County

Aaron William Workman and Breanna Dawn Workman

Alexis Eleanor Williams

Lacey Renee Probert

Richard Eugene Bernicke, Jr.

Leonard Gail Franklin, Jr. and Dedria Martell Franklin

Jason Rick Taylor

Camden Dawn Sanders

McDonald County

Jacob Fisher 

Newton County

Saul M. Garcia and Tanya L. Garcia

Stone County

John Gilbert Goodwin and Karyn Lynn Goodwin

Harvey Lee Franks

Dade County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Travis Mallory vs. Tiffany M. Mallory

Ebben R. Feagan vs. Summer E. Feagan

 

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Justin D. Holder vs. Bessie G. Holder

 

McDonald County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Sonya N. Dawson vs. Kenneth D. Dawson

 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jerry L. Thoenen vs. Aaron L. Thoenen

David Q. Liveoak vs. Melissa J. Liveoak

 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Tausha L. Miller vs. Jacob L. Miller

Jordan Dickey vs. Chance Dickey

Jon Bieker vs. Amy Witherspoon

Levi Milford vs. Laura Milford

Cassady L. Treadwell vs. Blaine A. Treadwell

Caylon Freeman vs. Devin Freeman

Alex Oldham vs. Kiersten Oldham

Zachary Hogarth vs. Denielle Hogarth

Natosha N. Styles vs. Timothy D. Styles

Katrina Cooper vs. Harley Myers

Ashton H. Porter vs. Jordan G. Porter

 

Highway Patrol Arrests May 21-22

Devonte Bowman-Ragland, 25, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, no driver's license, following too closely

Brian D. Ashley, 45, Blue Eye, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked or suspended

Jake A Farmer, 43, Diamond, Jasper County felony warrant for possession of amphetamine

Jaylin Contreras Salguero, 18, Carthage, Greene County warrant for failure to appear on speeding

Douglas E. Huse, 65, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in right lane, driving while revoked

Michael I. Valderrama, 36, Victoria, Texas, driving while intoxicated, lane violation

 

Joplin city pools open Saturday

(From the City of Joplin)

Pool season is officially beginning for the City of Joplin! 

The City’s two aquatic centers will open for the summer this Saturday, May 23. Both Schifferdecker Aquatic Center and Cunningham Aquatic Center will open their gates to the community at 1 p.m. 

Schifferdecker Aquatic Center, located at 4th Street and Schifferdecker Road, has multiple water features including a lazy river, a full 50-meter and 25-meter pool with diving boards, a rock wall and water slides. 

 
Cunningham Aquatic Center, located at 2409 S. Maiden Lane, features zero-depth entry, a children’s water playground, interactive splash pads, and a lily pad walk. 

Both aquatic centers will be open this summer from 1-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and from 1-8 p.m. on Fridays. Admission to Schifferdecker is $7 per child and $8 per adult; admission to Cunningham is $6 per child and $7 per adult. Every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. is free swim at both aquatic centers. 

Schifferdecker Aquatic Center will be closed to the public for swim team competitions on the following dates, however Cunningham Aquatic Center will be open: 

June 27-28
July 10-12


Ewert Park, which is undergoing renovations including the creation of a splash area, is anticipated to open later this fall with a new ice-skating feature. The water splash park portion is scheduled to be open to families in the summer of 2027. 

For more information, visit https://www.joplinmo.org/788/Aquatics.

Crowder College announces Carnegie leadership, professional development partnership

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College Workforce Development has announced a strategic partnership with Dale Carnegie Mid-South to launch a high-performance leadership and professional development initiative to strengthen local businesses and drive economic growth across the region.

The collaboration bridges Dale Carnegie’s globally recognized human development framework with Crowder College’s innovative educational ecosystem. By leveraging state-funded scholarships, promotional strategies, and localized classroom hosting, the partnership provides local employers with a seamless, cost-effective avenue to upskill their teams.

The initiative kicks off with an upcoming regional event, Crowder Partnership with Dale Carnegie, scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 4 pm at the Joplin Advanced Training & Workforce Center, 3405 S. Hammons Blvd, Joplin. Snacks and a program voucher for $100 off will be provided to those who attend.

"Our strategic partnership with Crowder College is one of the most innovative I've seen in over 30 years in the global leadership and professional development business," said Dan Heffernan, Partner at Dale Carnegie Mid-South. "Our bold aim is to ensure Southwest Missouri's current and future leaders combine the emotional intelligence and accountability skills necessary to drive the high-performance cultures our local economy demands."

Heffernan emphasized the accessibility and measurable impact of the new program: "Crowder's innovative stewardship of state-funded scholarships combined with its promotional and classroom hosting plans will provide local businesses with frictionless access to Dale Carnegie's proven, transformational human development framework. Carnegie's global research proves empathy is a strategic capability—driving 67% employee retention and making teams 21% more likely to exceed goals—yet it remains largely undertrained. We're excited to partner with Crowder to drive even greater growth and economic success in Southwest Missouri."

As regional industries continue to navigate workforce shifts and retention challenges, this program focuses directly on undertrained, high-value skills such as intentional empathy, team accountability, and workplace cultural alignment. Businesses that use the training can expect to build teams better equipped to hit strategic targets and foster organizational loyalty.

Registration opportunities and details regarding available state-funded scholarship opportunities for regional employers will be coordinated directly through Crowder College Workforce Development.

About Crowder College Workforce Development Crowder College Workforce Development is part of Training and Development Solutions (TDS) that provides high-quality, customized training, professional education, and technical skills development designed to satisfy the workforce demands of regional businesses and industries throughout Southwest Missouri.

About Dale Carnegie Training Dale Carnegie helps people and organizations achieve performance breakthroughs by improving communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Backed by global research and over a century of proven human development frameworks, Dale Carnegie empowers professionals to build high-performance cultures.

 

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

05/20/2026 1415 STEPHEN JUNIOR II

EDWARDS

18212 Highway 59

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 36

101 S WOOD ST 10,000.00

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 3RD DEGREE

05/20/2026 1356 EARL VAN COX Jr

1212 Furance St

JOPLIN, MO 64801

BM 57

6253 SPURGEON RD/ELM DR 193.50

2 SPD NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP. 390.140

3 SPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010

4 SPD RESISTING ARREST 215.390

5 SPD FAIL TO YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLE 310.070

6 SPD DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140

7 SPD NO INSURANCE/ FINANCIAL RESP. 390.140

8 SPD DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED / REVOKED 390.010

9 SPD DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 380.140

1 SPD EQUIPMENT VIOLATION

05/20/2026 1410 DAVID LESLIE CHRISMAN

7596 Highway 43

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64865

WM 70

6253 SPURGEON RD/ELM DR 0.00

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 2ND OR 3RD OFFENSE

05/20/2026 1911 CHRISTOPHER CHARLES

ADAMS

2553 N Wood St

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 40

13000 NEWT DR/LOCUST RD 0.00

1 `DRIVING WHILE REVOKED/SUSPENDED - 2ND OR 3RD OFFENSE