Highway Patrol Arrests March 24-25

Berl Harvey, 72, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear, speeding

Amanda M. Whitney, 46, Bentonville, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Christopher L. Lockhart, 37, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

 

Mercy Columbus administrator chosen to participate in prestigious leadership program

(From Mercy)

Mercy Hospital Columbus Administrator Angie Saporito has been chosen to participate in one of the longest-running and most prestigious leadership programs in Kansas.

Saporito is one of only 40 people selected from a field of more than 500 people nominated anonymously to be a part of Leadership Kansas, a program established in 1979 by the Kansas Chamber Education Foundation that is now supported and administered by the Kansas Chamber. The program, with more than 1,600 alumni, is entering its fifth decade of educating and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

 

“It’s truly an honor to be chosen for this amazing program,” Saporito said. “I’m excited to travel around the state and get to know other leaders from different communities, but also to tell people about all of the exciting things going on within Mercy – especially at Mercy Columbus.”

The 2025 Leadership Kansas program runs from April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.

The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development and government.

“Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Leadership Kansas Executive Director Aaron Miller, a 2016 alumnus of the program. “Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders themselves, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state.”

 

Saporito has been administrator of Mercy Hospital Columbus since February 2016. She joined Mercy Joplin in 2006 as a member of the marketing team. From there, she joined Mercy Columbus and provided support and oversight for areas including human resources, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing and marketing. 

In 2012, Saporito led Mercy Joplin’s media relations during the tornado recovery and rebuilding efforts. Saporito earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She and her husband have three boys and are actively involved in community, school and sports activities in their hometown of Columbus.

Crowder College to hold annual Aggie Day competition

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College’s Agriculture division will host its annual Aggie day contests Thursday, March 27, on the Neosho campus. The event will feature nearly 1700 high school students from 79 schools, teachers, and volunteers from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Aggie day is annual held at the end of March by Crowder Agriculture staff, alumni, and community volunteers managing 16 different contests. 

Earlier this month, speaking contests were held for area FFA competitors. In February, the Veterinary Technology program hosted the state Vet Tech competition, with the winning team representing the state of Missouri at the national FFA convention next fall.

“Crowder College’s agriculture program has a reputation of hosting a great competition in preparation for the upcoming southwest Missouri contests that qualify teams for state,” commented Jorge Zapata, Ag Division Chair/instructor. “We have everyone in the ag division as well as alumni and volunteers from Crowder and the community helping to make this a successful event.

 

Jasper Police Department makes meth arrest

(From the Jasper Police Department)

Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 1242 hours, Jasper PD made contact with subjects at Judy’s Cafe located at 401 N. 4th St., (Jasper) Missouri. Contact in reference to suspicious activity.

While on patrol, two white males were observed standing near a silver motorcycle on the south lot of Judy’s Café. The motorcycle had no tags. 

Both subjects went inside the residence attached to Judy’s Cafe. After several attempts and getting no answer, the male subject who was observed have the black backpack on came walking around from the south side. 

Upon contact he was asked his name, which he refused to give, he also refused to give ID. He was later identified as Joshua Hulsey. Hulsey said he traded a PS 5 for the motorcycle from a person off of Facebook. The officer asked him if he had any paperwork on the motorcycle, he advised he did not, and said he just has messages with the person who traded him. 

The officer continued to ask him his name in which he refused to give. Hulsey was advised him to put his hands behind his back where he refused. After mention of a taser being used, he finally complied and put his hands behind his back.

The black backpack was located hidden in a drawer in the bathroom. Gill was asked if the backpack was his in which he stated no. Hulsey was asked if the backpack was his, he said no it was not his.

 
Looking through the backpack, the following was located:

• two syringes

 
•plastic baggie with white powder substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine

 
•small wallet with Hulsey’s Missouri identification card

Hulsey was arrested and charged for obstruction, possession of controlled substance and possession of meth related drug paraphernalia.

Hulsey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court law.

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of Mar 17 – Mar 23, 2025

 
Dispatched calls – 227
Reports - 9
Car Stops – 6
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 1
Total Arrests – 0
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 10
Zone, Business & Residential Checks – 290

03/18/2025 Officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Poplar St in reference to an ongoing civil issue. With newly discovered evidence, a search warrant was obtained and executed. Charges are pending.

03/19/2025 Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Lexington regarding a past-tense burglary. Investigation continues.

March 19, 2025 Officer was dispatched to Wheeler Park in reference to property damage to the bathroom door and toilet. Investigation continues.

March 19, 2025 Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Gulf St. regarding damage caused by a utility pole that fell.

03/21/2025 Officer was dispatched to 19th & Gulf regarding two individuals who had entered the building. Investigation continues.

03/21/2025 Officer took a report of vandalism to the bathroom at the enclosed shelter. Investigation continues.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Chief of Police Shannon Crouch.

Joplin Police Department Weekly Activity Report

 

Joplin Police Department seeking missing person

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is seeking the public's assistance locating Joshua Lee Cowen. 

Cowen is 44 years of age, 5'9" tall, and weighs 160 lbs. He was last seen around 2:00 AM on March 17th, and was wearing a blue tank top, black shorts, and black shoes. 

Cowen is disabled and there are concerns for his safety. If you see Cowen or know his whereabouts, please contact us at 417-623-3131.