Joplin Police Department releases identity of victim in fatal car-pedestrian accident

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On October 24, 2024, at 5:46 p.m., the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 report of a vehicle-pedestrian crash at Murphy Blvd and North Main St. 

Officers with the Joplin Police Department responded to the scene along with members of the Joplin Fire Department and METS Ambulance. 

The initial investigation indicates that a white 2014 Jeep Wrangler was making a left turn onto southbound Main Street from Murphy Boulevard and struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk. 

The driver of the Jeep, Destinie Steinkraus, age 30 of Joplin was not injured. The pedestrian was transported to Mercy Joplin with serious injuries. 

The Joplin Police Department was notified that the pedestrian, Abby Zeb, age 39 of Joplin was pronounced dead a short time later. The investigation into this incident continues by the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team. 

This marks the 12th fatal crash in Joplin in 2024, and the 4th fatal crash involving a pedestrian.

Newton County Sheriff's Office to perform Halloween compliance checks on sex offenders

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

On Thursday, October 31st, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding agencies will have a dedicated task force performing compliance checks on registered sex offenders residing in Newton County, pertaining to Halloween Restrictions (RSMo 589.426).

Missouri's requirement that registered sex offenders post a sign stating "No candy or treats at this residence" on October thirty-first violates the First Amendment prohibition of compelled speech. This only relates to the enforcement of section 589.426.1(3) of the Halloween Statute and does not affect the validity of its other sections.

 
Sanderson v. Bailey, 4:23CV1242 JAR, October 2, 2024 (E. D. Mo.)

If you have any questions or concerns in reference to a known offender, please contact the Newton County Dispatch Center at 417-451-8333.

Carl Junction woman injured in accident on Black Cat Road

A Carl Junction woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 1:18 a.m. today on Black Cat Road one mile west of Carl Junction.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Ariana N. Atwood, 23, Carl Junction, traveled off the north side of the roadway and struck an embankment and a utility pole.

Atwood was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Joplin.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests October 23-24

Penny A. Bingham, 71, Washburn, felony driving while intoxicated (drugs), speeding

Andrew C. Scroggins, 29, Brookline Station, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane, no turn signal

Bryce C. White, 27, Walnut Shade, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane

Keith Jackson, Jr., 44, Springfield, felony driving while revoked, failed to have two tail lamps, no insurance

 

Feed the Pride program featured on Newsmakers

(From KGCS)

College students can learn more than just academic lessons at Missouri Southern State University thanks to a grant funded program at Spiva Library on campus. This week on Newsmakers, a look at the Feed the Pride program offering cooking classes and supplies to students as well as offerings at the Lion Coop and Library of Things.

Amber Carr, assistant library director discusses how the Feed the Pride program got its start and shares about the mobile kitchen used to help teach students how to cook healthy meals and food safety tips. Students share how the program has impacted them. Students can check out tools and entertainment items from the Library of Things which offers everything from fishing poles to picnic baskets and cake mixers. The library is also the home base for the Lion Coop which offers food and personal items plus cleaning supplies free to students.







Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of October 27 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, November 2 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS - Missouri Southern State University.

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

  

Lamar residents arrested on receiving stolen property charge

(From the Lamar Police Department)

The charge of Receiving Stolen Property was formally filed through the Barton County Prosecutor's Office for each of the two listed. Both are currently in custody being held in lieu of a $25,000 bond.

Last night your Lamar Police Officers were busy, as they served a search warrant to recover stolen property from a residence in the 1100 block of Hagny. Officers had been investigating a burglary that was reported on Monday at a building on E 12th St. here in Lamar. 

Their investigation led them to this residence. A search warrant was secured by working with the Barton County Prosecutor’s Office. Several items that had been previously reported stolen were recovered during the search.

 
Douglas E. Stafford, 54, of Lamar Mo and Tabitha A. McCulley, 46, of Lamar Mo, were both taken into custody and a request for formal charges of Receiving Stolen Property have been submitted to the Barton County Prosecutor’s Office.

 
This incident was investigated by Lt. Steve Shaw, Sgt. Oliver Cornell and Ofc. Kiley Gerster.

As is the case in all arrests, charges are based on probable cause and all persons are considered innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

 
The Lamar Police Department encourages anyone with knowledge of this burglary or any others to please contact the Lamar Police Department at 417-682-3546.

So you want to be a Joplin Police Department officer

 

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is hiring LATERAL Police Officers. 

This includes officers who are licensed or are currently attending a certified law enforcement academy. Lateral Officers will receive a $10,000 recruitment incentive! Other benefits include:

Competitive Salary Plan (15 step pay plan starting at $40,800 and top out at $61,713). Opportunities to start at higher step depending on experience.

Free Employee Health Insurance (affordable family plans available)

LAGERS L-11 Retirement with NO employee contribution

 
Relaxed Tattoo and Beard Policies

Affordable Dental, Vision, Life Insurance plans available

Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, & Comp Time available

10 Paid City Holidays & 16 Hours of Floating Holiday Time

Every other weekend off- 12 hour Shifts on Pitman Rotation

Fringe benefits, including tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, sick leave buy back, care leave options, longevity pay, and health club reimbursement program.

Overtime and Extra Work Detail Opportunities

Promotional Opportunities and Professional Development

Numerous Specialty & Collateral Duty Assignments (K-9, Traffic Unit, DWI Enforcement, Investigations, Community Engagement Unit, Training Division, SWAT, Honor Guard, Task Force Officers, School Resource Officers, Drone Operations, etc...)

Education/Tuition Assistance

All Uniform/Equipment/Supplies Provided

Numerous Training Opportunities

 
And so much more.....

If you have any questions, please contact Captain Austin Wolf at 417-623-3131 x1881 or awolf@joplinmo.org.

 
You can complete and submit and application online at:
https://www.joplinmo.org/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=99...