Joplin Police Department to conduct alcohol compliance checks on retailers

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Over the next several weeks the Joplin Police Department will be conducting a series of alcohol compliance checks at licensed retailers in the City of Joplin. 

The purpose of these checks is to assess the level of accessibility of alcohol within our community and prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, thus creating a safer and healthier environment for our youth. 

Underage buyers, working under the supervision of law enforcement, will visit retailers in the near future and attempt to purchase alcohol beverages. Employees and employers caught selling alcohol to minors will by cited and the case will be referred for appropriate prosecution. Our hope is that all retailers will refuse to sell alcoholic beverages to all underage buyers. 

To achieve this goal, The Alliance of Southwest Missouri provided a free server training program for businesses and their employees. The program provided information and tools to assist employees in checking identification and ensuring they know the law, their responsibilities, and their rights. Better trained and prepared employees will help ensure that we all achieve our goal of reducing underage drinking and its negative consequences.

Lane closures delays expected on Route 86 in Joplin

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Lane Closures, Traffic Delays on Route 86 in Joplin Feb. 26-March 2

Where: On Missouri Route 86 (Hearnes Boulevard) between 44th Street and Newton County Route NN in Joplin

When: Work will happen in two phasesPhase 1: 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, February 26-28
Phase 2: 7 p.m.-6 a.m., Thursday-Saturday, February 29-March 2

What: Contractor crews installing guardrail in two locations

Traffic Impacts

Phase 1

One lane of Route 86 CLOSED during daytime hours where crews are working installing guardrail at either end of bridge over Shoal Creek

Drivers will encounter flaggers controlling traffic where crews are working

All lanes of Route 86 OPEN at night during Phase 1

Drivers should watch for crews and equipment close to traffic

No signed detours

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers are urged to find alternate routes

Phase 2

One lane of Route 86 CLOSED during nighttime hours in each direction where crews are working installing guardrail between 44th Street and 50th Street in Joplin

One lane of Route 86 will be OPEN at all times in each direction during Phase 2

All lanes of Route 86 will be OPEN during daytime hours during Phase 2

Drivers should watch for crews and equipment close to traffic

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

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

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

Joplin city beautification efforts move to Joplin Avenue, continue along Main Street

(From the City of Joplin)

Starting the week of March 11, the City of Joplin will move the recent beautification effort of replacing trees along the street to the 500 and 600 blocks of Joplin Avenue. 

Work will also be done on 5th and 6th Streets from Main Street to Joplin Avenue. Short-term lane closures where crews are working will be necessary during this project, but access to street-front properties will still be available.

Joplin Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments are working on this beautification project with Simpson Lawn Care to remove the invasive Callery Pear trees* and replace them with more appropriate trees, such as the Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac and the fruitless Spring Snow Crabapple tree. These smaller, flowering trees are more suitable for downtown beautification.

Work initially began along Main Street from 2nd Street to 8th Street and is also planned for Main Street from 15th Street to 32nd Street. Simpson crews will work in stages of removing trees and cleaning and prepping planting wells prior to replanting trees. Crews may work in several locations, although may be in different stages, to get the project completed efficiently. The City notified property owners along the work zones affected by this project before starting the work.

 

Replacing the trees along Main Street is a long-planned investment that will enhance the overall appearance of the main corridor through our community and provide an attractive area for existing and new businesses. The City anticipates completing the project by late spring 2024. Funds for this project are a result of the citizen-approved Proposition Use Tax and the associated Beautification Initiative efforts.

*Missouri Dept. of Conservation has identified the Callery Pear as an invasive species that also has a weak structure that cannot endure winds, ice or snow. For details, visit MDC’s website at https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/Callerypearinvasive.pdf

Joplin residents, Willard man injured in collision near Springfield

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Norton Road at the northwest Springfield city limit.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2024 Hyundai Tucson driven by Angela D. Escobar, 46, Joplin, crossed the center of the roadway and struck the front of a 2010 Ford F150 driven by Andrew R. Gaddy, 18, Willard.

Escobar and a passenger in her vehicle, Alura Escobar, 36, Joplin, were treated for moderate and minor injuries, respectively at Mercy Springfield.

Gaddy was treated for minor injuries at Cox North Hospital, Springfield. 

Highway Patrol Arrests February 24-25

Ralina M. Pilcher, 38, Stella, driving while intoxicated, failed to signal

Taylor D. Black, 31, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway

Larry Flenoid II, 44, Springfield, Christian County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on careless and imprudent driving

Brandon L. Gregg, 44, Schell City, St. Clair County warrant for failure to appear on traffic violation

Tara B. Baker, 20, Springfield, two Springfield Police Department misdemeanor traffic warrants

 

Newton County Commission Schedule

Newton County Commission Schedule

Monday, February 26, 2024

8:00 am Commission in Session – Commission meets as a body to receive and discuss administrative issues brought to it by County Officials and Staff, as well as Citizens seeking information.

10:00 am NextEra Energy Resources

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

8:00 am Commission in Session – Commission meets as a body to receive and discuss administrative issues brought to it by County Officials and Staff, as well as Citizens seeking information.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

8:00 am CCAM Training, Osage Beach

Thursday, February 29, 2024

8:00 am CCAM Training, Osage Beach

Meeting Location: Commission Office, Courthouse until otherwise stated.
Posted: 02-22-24, 1:00 pm (RSMo 610.020)

Highway Patrol Arrests February 23-24

Christiian N. Sherrill, 25, Marshfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to display valid plates

Jordan A. Moore, 34, Quapaw, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, lane violation, speeding, no valid license

Romello T. Henderson, 19, Park Hills, driving while intoxicated, failed to yield to approaching vehicle, no turn signal

Wade R. Walker, 66, Kirbyville, felony driving while intoxicated

Sergio Roberto Flores, 34, El Paso, Texas, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to stop for steady red signal

Jesse W. Moore, 49, Springfield, driving while intoxicated