Monthly Archives: August 2021

Dream Flights non-profit honoring WWII veterans with a flight over their hometown

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JOPLIN, Mo. — One non profit was flying their way around the four states with a mission of sharing veterans stories and taking them on the flight of their life.

Dream Flights is a non profit that takes veterans in assisted care facilities on flights and making sure their story is told.

Today, they went to Butler, Neosho and Pittsburg. Flying in a ’43 Boeing-Stearman biplane, veterans are flown around their respected town for 20 minutes.

Following the flight, the veterans then sign the tail of the aircraft. After 10 years, the non profit now has planes throughout the country and is aiming to fly 1,000 veterans in 2021.

“They are the greatest generation, and you know we wouldn’t be here today without them. For me, my grandfather was a World War Two Veteran, I didn’t get to meet him, because he died a year before I was born. And, so, to meet all these gentleman that fought with my grandfather means so much,” said Allyssa Vanmeter – Dream Flights Crew Chief

Unfortunately, Marine Core Veteran, William Elmore Bell wasn’t able to make the flight due to an injury he endured on Sunday.

His family tells me that he is recovering and doing well.

I did talk to his son, Tim, on how he feels about representing his father today. We’ll hear from him at 10.

Governor Mike Parson visits southwest Missouri for bicentennial celebration

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Governor stops in southwest Missouri today — in a schedule that’s taking him around the state celebrating the bicentennial.

Governor Mike Parson made appearances in a couple of notable sites this morning. He’s logging countless miles around the state, visiting destinations like the Maple Leaf City.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be in Carthage Missouri today. And it’s an honor and privilege to be the 57th governor of the great state of Missouri,” said MO. Gov. Mike Parson.

Governor Mike Parson toured the historic courthouse, getting a firsthand look at recent renovations.

“This is a beautiful courthouse here in Carthage, Missouri. And when you’re the second most photographed place in Missouri, that’s a huge honor,” said Governor Parson.

Parson is highlighting state history as part of Missouri’s 200th birthday earlier this month. That includes name dropping famous Missouri residents like Walt Disney and Edwin Hubble.

“You look at George Washington Carver and all the commitments he made President Truman, for what he did, General John Pershing the highest ranking military, ever, ever, in our country,” said Governor Parson.

And there are the well known sites, like Route 66 in Joplin.

The Governor also stopped there, talking about it’s importance in attracting visitors to the state.

But he adds that this celebration is about more than famous dates and cities.

“You know I’ve had the opportunity to be around for a little bit – even overseas. But I’m telling you when I come back to Missouri and I get off that plane and step on that tarmac, I say I’ll never leave this state again. Because I just love the people of this state and I love this state,” said Governor Parson.

Governor Parson also visited Wilson’s Creek Civil War Battlefield in Republic and the Missouri Sports Hall Of Fame today.

This is just one part of the state bicentennial celebration — for the link, click here.

Families, authorities continue searching for answers in Sullens’ disappearance

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Cherokee County, Kan – It’s been exactly 30 years since a woman disappeared from the Galena, KS nightclub where she worked.

Karole Sullens was 18-years-old when she was last seen at the nightclub on August 31st, 1991.

In 2002, Donald Kidwell pled guilty to battery and interference with law enforcement for his role in Sullens’ disappearance.

Another suspect has since died.

But still, much of the case remains a mystery.

Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says the anniversary opens new wounds for a family desperately seeking answers “Everday is difficult. But today is an especially difficult day for the family. And as each year goes by hope diminishes but they still have hope that they’ll be able to lay their loved one to rest in a proper burial place” says Groves.

A $30-thousand reward is offered for information that leads to the discovery of Sullens’ remains.

Anyone with information should contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office.

RELATED STORIES: 

Friend of Karol Sullens speaks on the 29th anniversary of her disappearance

$10,000 Reward Offered For Information Leading to Discovery of Karol Sullens

Family marks 25 years since Sullens disappearance

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“Veteran Dream Flight” grounded, family honored

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Pittsburg, Kan. – World War Two veteran William Bell was supposed to take a “Veteran’s Dream Flight” from Pittsburg’s airport. A hip injury grounded his flight – but his family was still able to check out the WWII-era plane.

Bell’s son signed the plane’s rutter with his father’s name.

 

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

Medflight transports more patients longer distances

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JOPLIN, Mo. – After flying in a helicopter every day for seven and a half years, you might think the wonder would wear off.

“Sometimes the coolness wears off in the wee hours of the morning, but it’s still pretty good the next time you come on shift,” says Medflight Flight Nurse Nate Vanwinkle.

And it’s a good thing he still finds his job cool, because he and the others on his crew have spent more and more time in the chopper.

“We’ve got about a 20, 25 percent up tick in transports,” says Air Methods Air Manager Rod Pace.

Medflight has seen an increase in transports since the beginning of the year. Calls in the first quarter were up by 40 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2020. Calls were up 26 percent in Q2, and by 21 so far in Q3.

That increase isn’t being caused just by an increase in patients in COVID-19. Pace explains they’ve been transporting about the same amount now as they were this time last year. He also explains they’ve been able to keep up with the increase. The most challenging thing their navigating is longer transports.

“We’re doing transports into different cities than we ever have in 20 years,” explains Pace.

Pace explains that on average, flight durations have increased by 44 minutes because they can’t find as many open beds in local and regional hospitals. This comes into play much more when hospitals try to transfer patients to a hospital that can provide a higher level of care, or specialized care.

“We have to do some preplanning as far as how much oxygen we’re carrying, making sure that we have the extra medical supplies for the extra distance that we’re going. Have to make sure that we have extra fuel on board to make it to that particular destination,” says Vanwinkle. “Normally when the tones go off we have to make the decision in the moment. We’re typically making that decision in around five to ten minutes worth of time.”

Then, crew members like Vanwinkle have to care for patients in a high stress environment for a longer duration of time.

“We keep a watchful eye out on each individual person that’s in the helicopter. Making sure that we’re not getting too fatigued,” says Vanwinkle.

“I’m not sure there’s an end in sight. But it would be nice if this would slow down,” says Pace.

“We get into this business to be busy and take care of people,” says Vanwinkle. “It’s never any good when people are really really sick. But, we’re happy that we’re here to help take care of them.”

Related stories:

https://www.koamnewsnow.com/ems-grappling-with-increased-calls-longer-transports-amid-covid-surge/

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

Jasper County Health Department reports new covid-related deaths

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JASPER COUNTY, Mo. – The Jasper County Health Department reports six more coronavirus-related deaths. They released the following today, August 31, 2021.

 

The Jasper County Health Department is saddened to report six deaths of Jasper County residents due to COVID-19. This brings the total deaths to one hundred-ninety-six. The residents include four males with one in his 70’s and three in their 60’s and two females in their 60’s. Our condolences go out to the family members.

Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. These actions include:

  • Avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Wear a mask if social distancing cannot be attained.
  • Receive a vaccination as they become available.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice before showing up.

Please note that reports of COVID-19 deaths may be delayed slightly so that death certificate verification can be conducted for accurate reporting. For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

Wildfire Pizza & Pub

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Hours:

Monday & Tuesday

3 PM – 9 PM

Wednesday & Thursday

11 AM-9 AM

Friday & Saturday

11 AM – 10 PM

Sunday

11 AM – 6 PM

About:

We are a wood fired pizza restaurant and bar. We focus on your experience and commit to bringing you the best ingredients and tastes we can provide. Which is why a wood fired pizza is ideal.

People who have experienced food cooked in a wood fired oven often report a significant taste difference. We know this can be subjective, but there is science behind the difference in taste. Wood fired ovens distribute heat more evenly. The wood imparts a unique smoky flavor that is impossible to replicate with modern ovens.

The temperatures a wood fired oven can produce is much greater than conventional ovens. Food cooked in a wood fired oven often cook faster. Thus, reducing wait times for pizza or any of our other options.

One more reason we love our wood fired oven is the energy required to cook. No gas or electric is required.

Specials: 

Lunch Buffet

From 11am – 2pm on Wednesday through Sunday you can come and enjoy all you can eat wood fired pizza!

3-6 Daily Happy Hour

Come hang out and unwind with buy one, get one drink specials!