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Four States 2022 Year in Review

KSNF/KODE—2022 will run out tomorrow. It’s been a busy year for the Four States – everything from legalized betting and marijuana to deaths that rocked the region.

The legal landscape saw some big changes in the Four States in 2022… starting with marijuana. In Missouri, voters approved the move from medical marijuana only to recreational use starting at age 21.

“Right now the state is doing about 35 million a month through all the 190 dispensaries that are open right now but they expect that to two and a half times that. So they believe that will generate 84 million a month,” said Tom Bommarito, Greenlight Dispensary.

Missouri was also one of the first states to take action after the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade. It triggered a statewide ban against abortions unless there is a medical emergency.

Sports betting was a big change across state lines in Kansas. The legislature passed the measure in the spring and it took effect in September.

“The next time we go to the Super Bowl or hopefully the World Series we can be in a position that people will be able to bet on things going on here in Kansas,” said Sen. Rob Olson, (R) Olathe.

FOUR STATES CRIME…

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, jail reform took center stage. House Bill 4369 changes the rules for parole for certain inmates, factoring in the type of crime and time served. It’s estimated 3,600 inmates will be eligible for release under the changes.

And a former member of the legal community found himself on the other side of the law. Former Ottawa County prosecutor Daniel Thomas Giraldi was charged with bribery of a public official, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Then on Halloween, a Joplin double murder led to a standoff in Newton County.

“Had a handgun, kept us at bay for a couple hours. While negotiations went on, the Joplin Police Department was talking to him over the telephone about the case. Went as long as individual thought he could go and at that point, the individual shot himself,” said Newton Co. Sheriff Chris Jennings.

34-year-old David Rush of Wyandotte had two days earlier killed Stacy Rush of Joplin and Eric Stampfli of Grove at a home on the 2200 block of South Annie Baxter.

Another high-profile crime involves the deadly kidnapping of a pregnant Arkansas woman. Amber and Jamie Waterman, both of Pineville, are charged in the case that left both Ashley Bush and her baby dead.

“Suspect fled the area, a pursuit ensued,” said JPD Assistant Chief Brian Lewis.

And finally, 2022 is a year the Joplin Police Department will never forget, leaving not just one but two officers deceased in a deadly shooting. Corporal Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed passed away after a disturbance call near 4th and Range Line. Officer Rick Hirshey was injured but survived.

Capt. Will Davis fired the shots that ended the pursuit near 9th and Connecticut.

New Year's wine and champagne affected by inflation

JOPLIN, Mo. — New Year’s Eve is a time of year synonymous with champagne and wine. But it you haven’t purchased your favorite brand yet, depending upon where it’s from, you might be in for a rude awakening.

Like almost everything else, the cost of American-made wine and sparkling liquor has increased slightly throughout 2022 at roughly the rate of inflation. But the same can’t be said for foreign produced beverages of the same type.

“Price increase anywhere from 20 to 50 percent, shipping costs have gone up, production costs have gone up, by getting labor, people to fix it, but getting the product itself into the store has been really hard,” said LaNetta Lewis, Manager, Jugz Liquor & Microbrew.

And Lewis says she doesn’t think the price hike and availability of those beverages will change away anytime soon.

“Foreign wines are gonna still get harder and harder to get and distributors are gonna have more and more trouble getting them, getting them off the shipping containers has been a nightmare, getting them to the middle of the country has also been a nightmare, we’re not on a port where it’s going to be close, our distributors are in the middle of the country, they got a long way to go before they get here,” said Lewis.

But Lewis says the same thing can be said for all types of foreign produced liquor, not just wine and champagne. And to add to that, a drought in wine producing countries abroad. She says it’s a “golden” opportunity for domestic as well as Four State area producers.

“You’ve seen an uptick in the number of local wineries that are able to produce a really good product. We push a lot of the local wineries, we want them to succeed. They make wines just as good as some of the imported. So you’re gonna see a lot more of the smaller wineries expand to fill in the gap where imports aren’t,” said Lewis.

Joplin nonprofit rings in the New Year early with fundraiser

JOPLIN, Mo. — A Joplin nonprofit rang in the new year a night early — and also raised some money. “FosterAdopt Connect” hosted a “Novel New Year Celebration” tonight at the “Scottish Rite Cathedral” in downtown Joplin. There was a mocktail-cocktail hour and a dinner.

The fundraising event also later featured a live, interactive performance from members of Joplin’s “Dream Theatre Company” — who put on a murder mystery.

“FosterAdopt Connect” provides support services and advocacy for foster, adoptive, kinship, and biological families.

“We’re a big organization. We have 11 branches across Missouri and Kansas, but all the money raised in Joplin stays in Joplin, so again, being able to serve those families that we have, you know, looking into next year, being able to start with some money in the bank, and push forward into getting into the rural areas around here and meeting the needs of those families,” said Tom Furrh, FosterAdopt Connect.

All proceeds from the night, their goal was $3,000, will support the 9 programs the organization offers.

Kansas City Chiefs surprise Salvation Army volunteer with Super Bowl LVII tickets

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A longtime Salvation Army volunteer is heading to the Super Bowl thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL’s Inspire Change Program.

Jack Larson has volunteered with Kansas City’s Salvation Army branch for more than 30 years, but a recent shift ended a little differently.

“[As a kid] I saw a lot of homelessness, people digging through trash cans for food. It’s always been in my heart since then,” Larsen said. “I just know the Salvation Army does a lot of good work. They’re a people organization. That’s why I got involved with them.”

As Larson sat in a room, wearing a red t-shirt reading “Every Quarter Counts,” talking about his work with the non-profit, Chiefs tight end Noah Gray stood on the other side of the door waiting to deliver a huge surprise.

Gray walked into the room and told Larsen that he’d heard the man had done a lot of good work for the Salvation Army. Gray handed Larsen a gift and told him to open it.

Inside were two giant Super Bowl LVII tickets, shocking Larsen.

“Are these actually tickets for it? These are Super Bowl tickets?” Larsen said.

“Oh you’re going. I mean you can put them on your wall, but you’re going,” Gray said.

“You’re kidding me! You’re kidding me,” Larsen said. “Sometimes you reap what you sow. I’ve really tried to help people, you know and this is so great.”

You can watch the full surprise on the Chiefs Facebook page.

The only thing better for Larsen is if he gets to cheer for his Chiefs in the Super Bowl in Arizona in February.

The NFL’s Inspire Change Initiative works in communities to support education, criminal justice reform, economic advancement, and improve police-community relations.

Every year it also recognizes people, like Larsen, working to improve communities for the less fortunate.

El Dorado man arrested in Nevada home invasion case

VERNON COUNTY, Mo. — An El Dorado man who police said burglarized a home and stole property is now in custody.

The incident took place on December 21st when a 911 call came in for a home intruder with a gun west of Nevada. Before deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office could arrive however, the suspect left.

Detectives with VCSO developed a person-of-interest from a previous crime at the same residence. That led them to an El Dorado Springs home on December 22nd where authorities surrounded the home, and executed a search warrant. The sheriff’s office says Tommy J. Toothaker, 39, surrendered and was promptly arrested.

Inside the home detectives say they found the stolen items and a gun believed to have been used during the crime. Toothaker remains in the Vernon County Jail on no bond and faces the following charges:

  • Armed Criminal Action
  • Robbery – 1st Degree
  • Burglary – 1st Degree
  • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
  • Stealing – All Other
  • Stealing – Motor Vehicle

Suspected tire thieves caught in Pittsburg burglary

PITTSBURG, Kans. — Police arrested two women in connection to a string of tire thefts from a home in Pittsburg Thursday morning.

Officers with the Pittsburg Police Department visited a home in the 1700 block of S. Walnut St. after a call for a burglary in progress. The caller said he spotted two thieves inside his carport stealing tires.

Surveillance footage from the property owner showed the crime he’d just reported, plus another theft from Wednesday night. The video showed two suspects arrive to the carport in a Buick and steal from the carport.

The duo’s Buick was a match to the one seen in the surveillance footage hours prior. They were also still wearing the same clothes, police said.

Shortly after the burglary report Thursday morning, police said they spotted a 2000 Buick Regal with two women inside. They were stopped and identified as 43-year-old Carrie Kay Devore and 41-year-old Kandice Jean Devore, both of Pittsburg.

Carrie and Kandice Devore were placed under arrest and taken to the Crawford County Jail. They were booked on one count of burglary of a non-dwelling and misdemeanor theft. Both are being held without bond.

Police say the victim’s stolen tires were found on a different property nearby and returned.

Your guide to the best after-Christmas clearance sales

(Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

KSNF/KODE — It’s beginning to look a lot like clearance! After-Christmas clearance sales offer mega discounts on holiday décor, gifts, toys, and so much more. If you thought the holiday shopping season ended on Christmas Eve, think again. You won’t find deals like these any other time of year, and the discounts get better and better until everything’s gone.

Each store has a different after-Christmas clearance schedule, so it helps to know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Thanks to The Krazy Coupon Lady, here are the current (as of 12/29) Christmas clearance schedules for your favorite stores:

What are the After-Christmas Clearance markdowns right now?

  • Target: 50% off Holiday Clearance and 30% off food in stores.
  • Michaels: Up to 70% off the Mega Clearance Event online and in stores.
  • Home Depot: 50% off Christmas Clearance online and in stores.
  • Lowe’s: 75% off Christmas Clearance online and in stores.

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  • Kohl’s: Up to 70% off clearance and up to 50% off closeout deals.
  • Macy’s: Up to 60% off the After-Christmas Sale, Plus up to 80% off holiday décor, ornaments, dinnerware, and more.
  • JCPenney: Up to 50% off After-Christmas Blowout, plus an extra 25% off with coupon.
  • Walgreens: 50% off Christmas Clearance in stores.
  • CVS: 50% off Christmas Clearance in stores.
  • Rite Aid: 75% off Christmas Clearance and 50% off food and candy in stores.

You can find the most up-to-date Christmas clearance sales from The Krazy Coupon Lady, HERE.

Carthage R-9 considers performing arts center for 2023 ballot

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage voters may get the chance, again, to decide whether to expand school facilities next year.

The school board is debating putting a performing arts center back on the ballot in the spring. The measure initially called for an $18-million bond, which would not have increased the tax rate. Carthage voters turned down the question earlier this year, but district leaders are considering a second try in April. They point out it the benefit would extend beyond a new performance space.

“We do what’s best for the kids and the students. The performing arts center would give us opportunities for more classroom space as well which is desperately needed for our district,” said Niki Cloud, Carthage R-9 Board President.

The Carthage School Board is expected to make a decision about the issue at its January board meeting.

KMF: Intermittent Fasting

JOPLIN, Mo. — Are you thinking about dieting in the new year? Intermittent fasting is an option but may not be the right call.

“Intermittent fasting is a popular topic,” said Susan Pittman, Freeman Diabetes Educ.: 1:19

Which some use as a diet plan, regularly switching between fasting and eating. And that can prompt some issues, according to the experts.

“My concern with that would be that it’s eliminating time where you need to be fueling your body. So we recommend that when you’re active when you’re up and about doing your work, school exercise that you need fuel for your body,” said Pittman.

Susan Pittman is a Diabetes Educator with Freeman Health System. She points out your body depends on a mix of nutrients.

“I think one of the things that we fail to realize is the body’s only way to get fuel is through food. Specifically, carbohydrates provide us with energy, but we also need protein for rebuilding. We need fats for restoring making sure that our vitamins are absorbed correctly, hormones are built correctly,” she said.

In other words, make sure the body is running correctly.

“So we need all those nutrients to make the body run correctly. And anytime we take one group away, or we don’t need at all the body is not getting what it needs and it’s going to have a stress response to that,” she added.

Pittman recommends a more balanced diet along with regular exercise as a healthier alternative.

“The fads come and go. It really is so simple. As to just taking care of our body, nourishing our body. There’s not a magical or there’s just not that silver bullet. There’s not that one thing that we can say hey, do this in in your body is going to be perfect. health consequences happen regardless of our diet. So I think we tend to blame everything back on diet, but just taking as good care of ourselves as we can. That’s really a good thing to do. And diet is a part of it,” said Pittman.

New Year, New Tech: 2023 provides new options

KSNF/KODE— You may have gotten a new smartphone or tablet for Christmas—which could come in handy in 2023 as digital options continue to grow. 2023 doesn’t just mean a new calendar at your desk, but potentially new options online.

Think virtual reality.

“We see an improvement in that type of technology where the headsets will become smaller, faster, better resolution. Those are fantastic in areas such as gaming, but also fantastic in areas such as medicine, where you can actually literally look at hearts beating in real-time in 3D and turn them around and look at lungs and look at internal parts of the body in real-time, and actually see how those things work,” said John Motazedi, SNC2/Network Dr.

You’re also likely to see more and more facial recognition and voice recognition—especially in social media.

“Furthermore, we also see where they can actually replace faces. So you can actually have actors or actresses or individuals literally say something or do something and then you can put somebody else’s face on it. That is still difficult to do today in 2022 technology but that is becoming so mainstream, where you can literally have anyone do or say anything you want to,” said Motazedi.

Quantum computing is expected to grow as well, meaning technology will be tackling increasingly more complex problems. Also, the growth of 5G, or the 5th generation mobile network, will add more wireless options in the Joplin area.

“5G will open a substantial amount of opportunities. One of those would be basically bringing internet to places that don’t have good quality internet. So high-speed real internet. Traditionally what you’re used to having using like a cable or a wired connection,” he added.

Wearable tech will also find new uses in 2023, everything from your pulse and heart rate to glucose levels and sleep characteristics.

“How well you’re handling stress, all of those things. Ultimately, they’re really trying to find out how much you know about yourself and how much better you can improve your life by knowing all these things that traditionally have been very difficult to get answers to,” he said.