Oronogo woman killed in head-on collision north of Joplin

JOPLIN, MO – An Oronogo, Missouri woman is dead after a head-on collision.

On Highway 43 two miles north of Joplin, Missouri Thursday evening a little after 5:30 P.M.

According to Missouri Highway Patrol 44-year-old Ryan O’Neal of Liberal, Missouri crossed the center line and struck 23-year-old Seveie Davison of Oronogo, Missouri head-on.

Both were taken to Mercy Hospital where Davison was pronounced dead. O’Neal was last reported in serious condition.

Active Winter Storm Pattern in the Northwest; Rainy in the Mid-South

High winds and heavy mountain snow will persist across the Northwest and into the High Plains. Strong, gusty offshore winds in southern California will continue at times through Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms developing along a stationary front may produce heavy rain and local flash floods across the Mid-South. A few storms could be severe.

Doris Jean Barrier

Doris Jean Barrier, 100, a resident of Elmhaven Nursing Home in Parsons, died at 12:48 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in the emergency room of Labette Health.

She was born February 7, 1921, in rural Parsons, to Ira M. and Lucy (Koch) Hart. She grew up in the rural Parsons area and attended rural schools. She graduated from Labette County Community High School at Altamont, Parsons Junior College and Kansas State College of Pittsburg. She taught in rural schools for 30 years, retiring in 1974. She had taught at Pleasant Hill School in Elk County, and Center, Service Valley, Hiatt, Elston, Carpenter and Fairview, all in Labette County.

She had been a member of the Center Bethel Church and currently was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church.

On January 20, 1945 she and Ralph E. Barrier were married in Iola. He preceded her in death on June 23, 1988. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dale Hart.
Survivors include a niece, Becky Hewitt, great-nieces, Kristin Schmaus and Katie Immenshuh, and a great-nephew, Trent Knewtson.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery patio, with Pat McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery.
The Carson-Wall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and friends may stop by there on Friday.

Paul B. Milgrim

Paul Bruce Milgrim, 66, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, February 23rd, at Menorah Medical Center.

Paul was born to the late Pauline and Ben Milgrim in Joplin, Missouri. Paul grew up in Joplin where he lived with his parents in the family home until the passing of his father at age 100. After completing his education at the state school, Paul worked at Joplin Workshops, Inc. He was active in Special Olympics, bowling and special events for people with developmental disabilities. He loved karate and achieved a certificate of proficiency in the level of KYU (9th). In 2013, Paul moved to Kansas City to reside in a Preferred Family Health group home. He attended the Nova Center day program.

Paul is remembered for his cheerful personality, love of music, sense of humor and especially for the joy he brought to all who knew him. Throughout his life, Paul was surrounded by people who lovingly cared for him. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of his PFH group home, especially Hillary Kipkoech, and the staff at Nova for making Paul’s life happy and fulfilled. Paul’s gentle soul will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline (Brown) and father, Ben Milgrim, of Joplin, Missouri.

He is survived by three brothers Martin (Maxine, deceased) Milgrim of Joplin, Eric (Sue) Milgrim of Hightstown, NJ; Robert (Nancy) Milgrim of Prairie Village, KS. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews residing in Kansas, New Jersey, New York and Israel.

Graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO, Sunday, February 28th, at 1:00 PM with Rabbi Doug Alpert officiating. Service will be livestreamed on Zoom. Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to Nova Center, Inc. 8401 Hickman Mills Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132.

Arrangements are entrusted to Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, MO.

Neal Lee Smith

Neal Lee Smith, age 65, of Liberal, Missouri passed away February 25, 2021, peacefully at his home after a 2 year battle with cancer.

Neal was born September 4, 1955 in Lamar, MO, to Ellis and Marie (Phipps) Smith. Neal married Andra Rezzer on May 1, 2020 in Nashville, MO.

Neal worked as an Insurance Agent at Lamar Insurance Center and was also a crop and cattle farmer. Neal attended Nashville Christian Church and was a member of Lamar Rotary, Lamar Masonic Lodge #292, Abou Ben Adhem Shriners, Carthage Shriners Burn Crew, Barton County Shriners and Joplin Scottish Rite, Neal also served as Lamar Public Administrator for four years. Neal was a very loving, caring and bright man. He always had a smile that lit up the room. Neal had a huge heart and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Neal attended Nashville Christian Church and was a member of Lamar Rotary, Lamar Masonic Lodge #292, Abou Ben Adhem Shriners, Carthage Shriners Burn Crew, Barton County Shriners and Joplin Scottish Rite, Neal also served as Lamar Public Administrator for four years. Neal was a very loving, caring and bright man. He always had a smile that lit up the room. Neal had a huge heart and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Andra, one daughter; Amber (Jared) Rabel, Webb City, MO, one son; Zach (Ashley) Smith, Lamar, three step-daughters; Beth (David) Roush, Joplin, Mandie (Jamie) Port, Lakewood, Colorado and Summer Stelk, Marysville, Kansas, four grandchildren; Brynlee, Hadlee, Tucker and Spencer, seven step-grandchildren; Brooklyn, Chase, Draden, Eagon, Telesha, Adilee and Caleb, four step great-grandchildren; Kashton, Kiylan, Kesden and baby Brooks along with numerous cousins and countless friends.

Preceding Neal in death were his parents, an infant brother, James, his grandparents; Edmond and Anna Smith, Henry and Emma Phipps as well as several aunts and uncles.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 1, 2021 at Iantha Cemetery in Iantha, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Daniel Funeral Home.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

Kathy Lynn Bradley

Kathy Lynn Bradley, 64, of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Grand Lake Villas in Grove, Oklahoma.

Kathy was born January 17, 1957 in Joplin, Missouri to the union of Billy Bob West and Catherine Jane (Trease) West. She lived in the Joplin area most of her life and attended Joplin schools. Kathy worked in Home Healthcare as a CNA and CMA. Kathy loved to sing and listen to music. She enjoyed a good book but above all, Kathy loved her family and grandkids and cherished the memories created with them. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents Kathy was preceded in death by her son, Craig Allen Cargile; brother, William Arthur West; sister, Margaret Ann Mayhue.

Survivors include her daughter, Crissa Cargile and husband, Ronnie; son, Chad Cargile; sister, Susan Henson; brother, Terry West; grandchildren, Kendall, Piper, Aimee, Hayden, Drew, Trevor; eight great grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary.

News to Know (2/26/21)

ORONOGO, Mo. – An Oronogo, Missouri women is dead after a head on collision. It happened on Highway 43 two miles north of Joplin Thursday evening a little after 5:30pm. Crash reports show 44-year old Ryan O’Neal of Liberal, Missouri crossed the center line and struck 23-year old Seveie Davison of Oronogo, Missouri head on. Both were taken to Mercy Hospital where Davison was pronounced dead and O’Neal is in serious condition.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The city of Joplin’s mask ordinance will expire at the end of the month. Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley made the announcement Thursday. The ordinance was established last November and will expire this Sunday, February 28th. The city reminds people that businesses can still set their own mask policies.

JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin police Thursday morning respond to a 911 call of an active shooter situation at the Northpark Mall, but say no threat was found. When officers arrived they evacuated the mall as they searched for any threats. Officials say they didn’t find any evidence of an active threat to the mall. JPD is investigating the 911 call.

ALTAMONT, Kan. – Now that the temperatures are increasing, the price for natural gas and electricity has gone back to normal and some southeast Kansas cities are being left with massive bills. One of them is Altamont. Last week, the city asked residents to conserve natural gas because the price per unit had jumped by a hundred times. The city recently received an estimate for its bill — and it totals one million dollars — for just February alone. $800,000 of that is for natural gas.

Should the next COVID relief bill include a minimum wage increase?  http://koamnewsnow.com/vote

Gorilla men fall to Emporia State

WATCH: Emporia State beats Pitt State 78-57 Thursday night.

RELEASE FROM PITTSBURG STATE ATHLETICS:

Jumah’Ri Turner and Austin Downing combined or 49 points to lead the Pittsburg State University men’s basketball team to a 78-57 victory over Pittsburg State University Thursday (Feb. 25) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Turner scored a game high 27 points on 10-15 shooting for the Hornets (11-10, 11-10 MIAA), while Downing added 22 points and six assists in the contest. ESU built a 42-27 halftime advantage against Pitt State (10-11, 10-11 MIAA) and the Gorillas got as close as 10 points, 46-36, with 15:07 to go.

Antonio Givens II was the lone Gorillas player in double figures with 10 points. Quentin Hardrict Jr. added nine points, while Martin Vogts finished with eight points and seven rebounds. Bobby Arthur-Williams Jr. and Cameron Huefner chipped in with seven apiece.

The Gorillas will close out the regulat season Saturday (Feb. 27) when they entertain Newman University at 3:30 p.m.