A baseball league organizer did not submit the first lease payment for Joe Becker Stadium by Jan. 15, as specified by a contract with the city of Joplin, but has told city officials the payment is coming.

COLUMBUS, Kan. — Cherokee County commissioners have drafted a proposal establishing three additional fire districts in the county in attempt to ensure sufficient funds are being paid for fire protection services.

Leonard Valdez pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge Thursday in the death of 3-year-old Jonathan Munoz-Bilbrey in a deal sending him to prison for 22 years.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get people to show up for an informational seminar. The Joplin Regional Community Foundation had no such problem on Thursday, and it wasn’t because of the bagels and coffee.

Dear Dave: My husband and I have about $20,000 in credit card debt, plus payments on a new truck. We also have a camper he bought before we got married that we’re still making payments on. I recently received a…

People in business

NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho resident Angela Thomas was chosen Tuesday by members of the Neosho City Council to fill a council seat that opened when former Mayor Ben Baker resigned after he was elected to serve as a state representative.

The prosecutor’s office was forced to dismiss kidnapping charges on two reputed members of the Joplin Honkies gang when their alleged victim failed to show up to testify against them in court.

A fundraiser featuring soups, desserts and more will benefit Faithful Friends Animal Advocates, a local no-kill animal shelter.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will host a regional workshop to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers.