Book vending machine installed in Mac Co. school

NOEL, Mo. — It’s the vending machine at school that teachers are encouraging their kids to use. It’s a new book vending machine — and it’s at Noel Primary School. It’s been there for a couple of weeks — school officials and students celebrated it this Thursday morning with an official ribbon cutting.

School Librarian Hannah Granger had the idea to purchase it and passed along that idea to the McDonald County School Foundation — which, in turn, provided the funding. The kids can get books from the machine with the use of special coins they’ll earn by meeting certain expectations in the classroom.

“To be able to get books into our kids’ hands in such an exciting way, but also for them to be able to get them for free, and kind of help them build their home libraries, is one of the greatest parts of getting to have that here,” said Hannah Granger, Librarian.

“You know, I knew it was going to be neat. I knew it was going to be kind of cool, but to see them jumping up and down and holding their book in the air like a trophy was a lot cooler than I expected. It’s something they were very proud of to be able to get it. And so I think our money’s going to pay dividends and that showed today,” said Gary Wasson, Foundation President.

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“Like I always come over here and I’m like when am I going to get a book and called over there? That’s how I was every time, when I came to lunch,” said Arianna Bautista, Student.

The addition of the new machine is timely. Next Tuesday is National Read A Book Day.

New grant hopes to aid Joplin Union Depot rescue

JOPLIN, Mo. — A Joplin landmark will be going under a microscope — thanks to a national grant. The Downtown Joplin Alliance will get $5,000 to take a closer look at the condition of the old Union Depot. The money from the National Trust for Historic Preservation will cover the cost of a structural evaluation of the 110-year-old building. The goal is to make it easier for a potential buyer to understand the condition of the depot — and make the decision to start rehabbing the building.

“We currently do have it listed on the MLS and the nationwide commercial listings. So we’ve been getting some responses and interest there. But we are hoping with a structural assessment of the property that it kind of gives us one more piece to answer questions for them, you know. So, we’re considering this as a possible development project. You know, if the building is in good, better condition than they would anticipate then that kind of saves them money and saves them some stress, or if there’s major issues that will also allow us to be able to be like, well, here’s an issue and here’s what it’s going to take to kind of fix that,” said Lori Haun, Downtown Joplin Alliance.

The Union Depot is part of the Alliance’s “Endangered Properties Program.” The goal is to preserve the historic structure — and match it with a developer who wants to find a new use for the building.

Missouri sees increase in calls following new 3-digit suicide prevention hotline number

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Nearly a thousand Missourians called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the past month since 988 went live in the middle of July

The three-digit number was designed to make it easier to connect you with counselors to help in a time of need. Suicide numbers are on the rise in the Show-Me State for both veterans and civilians, which has lawmakers asking what more does the state need to offer. 

“Missouri constantly has higher than the national average, age-adjusted, suicide rates as well as higher than average veteran suicide rates,” said Stacey Williams, suicide prevention coordinator for the Department of Mental Health. “Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall in Missouri and it is the third leading cause of death among 10 to 17-year-olds and 25 to 34-year-olds.”

In 2019, of the 1,130 suicides in the state, 188 of them were among veterans, ranking Missouri in the top ten in the nation. The House Interim Committee on Veterans Mental Health and Suicide met Wednesday for a second time this summer to discuss the state’s veteran suicide rate is 43.4 when the national average is 31.6, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

“I’ve had many people I know at Whiteman Air Force Base kill themselves,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Sullivan, retired B-2 squadron commander at Whiteman Air Force Base. “Just a few weeks ago, maybe a month ago, another killed himself. As well as in 2018, Whiteman Air Force Base was the number one base in the military that had the highest suicide rate here in Missouri.”

According to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), in 2020 there were 1,125 suicides in Missouri. One year later in 2021, that number increased to 1,176. The new number is expected to decrease hospitalizations.

The new three-digit number, 988, went live on July 16. From the time the number went live until the beginning of August, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) says there have been more than 900 calls than what’s normal for that time of year. 

“988 is for anyone, but if you’re a veteran, service member, or a loved one, you can call 988 and then press 1 to reach a qualified VA [veterans affairs] responder,” said Casey Muckler, Missouri’s 988 state lead. “We do expect to receive about 253,000 contacts in the first year, which includes calls, texts, and chats, about four times the volume that we’ve been receiving in past years.”

Of that 253,000, she expects 68% to be phone calls, the rest will be texts and chats. 

DMH oversees the state’s contract with the national hotline. Last month, the three-digit number went live in all 50 states. Missouri will have six different call centers. When you call 988, you will be routed to the closest call center based on your area code. The following health centers respond to different regions of the state. 

  • Behavioral Health Response – northeast and southeast Missouri, including St. Louis County and City
  • Burrell Behavioral Health – central and pieces of southwest Missouri, including Columbia and Branson 
  • CommCARE – northwest Missouri, including Jackson County 
  • Compass Health – throughout central Missouri, including Lake of the Ozarks, St. Charles County, and Cass County 
  • Ozark Center – southwest Missouri, including Joplin
  • Provident Behavioral Health – southwest Missouri, including Dad, Lawrence, and Barry counties. 

DeafLEAD is the center that monitors text and chats. The text and chats aim to reach younger Missourians and people with disabilities. Missouri is also home to two backup crisis centers, meaning if other states are overwhelmed with calls, callers will be routed to the Show-Me State. Those locations are Provident Behavioral Health and Behavioral Health Response.

The hope is that 988 will decrease law enforcement involvement. 

“Jails have become the fallback dependent mental health centers for which they are completely unprepared,” said Rep. Mike Stephens, R-Bolivar. 

When you call or text 988, you will be connected with a crisis specialist who is trained to deliver support. During that conversation, the specialist will make an assessment on if a future follow-up or referral is needed. If higher care is needed, the responder will either dispatch a mobile response unit or recommend that person seek care at a behavioral health center. 

“We anticipate to be able to keep many more people safe in their communities and prevent a situation from escalating to need a higher level of care,” Muckler said. “The purpose of 988 is to quickly connect someone in crisis to someone they can talk to for support and get them connected to our behavioral health system of care.”

Muckler said there are 10 behavioral health centers in the state, but more are on the way. She said 988 in Missouri was recently awarded a great from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that will be used to connect with veterans or their loved ones if they don’t press 1 after 988. 

“We do have a plan to know what that process is going to look like to ensure that we are getting them the resources that they need,” Muckler said. “Because 988 is confidential, it would really be up to the veteran or family member if they would like to be referred but we always give resources for that person.”

Back in 2020, Missouri lawmakers approved legislation known as the “Buddy Check 22 Day.” On the 22nd of every month, the state asks Missourians to pick up the phone or check in on a veteran they know. 

The Missouri Veterans Commission does offer an online website with a list of resources for military members, both active and past, and their families. In 2020, the National Suicide Lifeline received nearly 2.4 million crisis calls across the state. You can still reach the hotline by calling 1-800-273-8255. 

Visit to chat with someone, visit https://988lifeline.org/.

Midwest WodFest benefits Boys & Girls Club of SWMO

JOPLIN, Mo. — An area gym makes a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri. JOMO Crossfit hosts an annual competition called “Midwest WodFest” at its facility in the Joplin Industrial Park.

Justin Olds is the owner of the gym and donated part of proceeds from the 9th annual event to the Club — a total of $500.

“I’ve got some close relationships here, we believe in what they do for the Joplin community and they’ve always helped us with our event and we’ve used some of their resources, so we thought as whoever we’re gonna start giving back to why want all the money to stay locally, why not start here,” said Justin Olds, Owner, Jomo Crossfit.

The donation will go towards funding for the Club’s After School Program.

Parsons PD awarded for performance 2nd year in a row

PARSONS, Kans. — A southeast Kansas law enforcement agency is recognized for going above and beyond. For the 2nd-straight year, the Parsons Police Department has earned the Lexipol Connect Gold Award.

The public safety policy and training company gives the award to departments across the country that meet a national benchmark. Each is required to have 80% of its staff complete daily training bulletins, testing, training, and stay up to date on policy content.

Parsons PD’s Gold Award status has landed it in the top 10% of Lexipol partner agencies.

Riverton Schools expanding mental health outreach

RIVERTON, Kans. — With school back in session, local districts are putting a focus on the mental health of students.

In Riverton, counselors say they usually see a spike in kids coming to their office the beginning of the school year. It’s often due to anxiety and depression they face as they transition from summer to school life. Officials say many mental health issues — including thoughts of suicide — have been amplified over the past few years. To help, the district partners with places like Spring River Mental Health for social and emotional assistance.

“It’s important, especially for this age of kids to stay in the moment and what’s happening right now. What do we need to focus on right now, what’s happening right now versus all the things we think can happen or might happen, and just being present in the moment, and working from there,” said Shannon Thomas, Riverton Middle School Counselor.

Thomas says one of the best things a student can do is talk about their problems with a friend or trusted adult — no matter how big or small the issue may be.

Eagle Picher Impact on Artemis 1

JOPLIN, Mo. — Yet another Joplin company will help Artemis I get off the ground. Eight different types of batteries from Eagle Picher will be on board the spacecraft, providing power at crucial times during the mission.

Jackie Kennedy is the Senior Program Director and says the company has batteries on almost every component of Artemis I. That includes the solid rocket boosters, the rocket itself, and the vehicle that will fly around the moon and return to earth.

“Two are actually on the booster and two are actually on the rocket and they’re flight termination system batteries and then we also have the four main batteries on the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle,” said Jackie Kennedy, Senior Program Director, Eagle Picher Industries.

The Joplin company has been involved in the U.S. Space Program since it’s beginning in the 1950’s and has provided power to projects Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and the Space Shuttle as well as almost every U.S. satellite.

As we told you Wednesday, Eagle Picher joins fellow Joplin company, Ducommun, in helping the Artemis I with its mission.

2,000 golf balls dropped during fundraiser

Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament Ball Drop

JOPLIN, Mo. — The weather was ideal today for golf, and that made officials at a local non-profit extremely happy.

Today (9/1) Was the 24th annual “Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament” at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club.

It was another year with a packed field of players; 104 in total, divided into 26 teams.

The annual event is always a huge fundraiser for the organization.

SLIDESHOW: View Photos From The Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament

  • Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament Ball Drop

After the teams stepped off the course, it was time for the second big event of the day: The golf ball drop.

Nearly 2,000 balls were all pulled down at once.

Those golf balls were released by Blaze Wilson.

His mom and dad stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while Blaze was placed in the Freeman NICU (newborn intensive care unit) after his birth.

As for the balls that Blaze released, each one was pre-sold for $10.

Those whose ball made it into the holes first, took home some big prizes such as a diamond and sapphire neckless worth more than $4,000.

Overall, today’s fundraiser was a big success and necessary for the operation of the Ronald McDonald House.

“It’s imperative because this event actually runs the house for about a month and a half, so that’s considerable, but you know it’s about the cause. The golfers that come out today, you know, we have very good golfers but more than likely, it’s that support, it’s that cause, so yeah it’s a great event,” said Annette Thurston, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The Ronald McDonald House is gearing up for its next big event.

The annual Big Red Shoe Run is September 24th.

It also includes a one-mile walk and a timed 800-meter race for kids.

If you’re interested in signing up or volunteering, you can find more information, HERE.

Program helps local students through every phase of job search

JOPLIN, Mo. — You’re never too young to start thinking about what you want to do for a living. That’s the goal of a program starting soon at an area youth organization. The program is called, “Career Start” — and it’s being offered to students this fall at the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri. It’s for club members in grades 8 through 12.

Club CEO Rhonda Gorham says the program helps in every phase of the job search.

“To learn how to write resumes and how to do interviews, then it takes a little turn and we kind of show them all kinds of things like how to be an entrepreneur,” said Rhonda Gorham, C.E.O., Joplin Boys & Girls Club.

Don’t know for sure what you want to do after high school? No problem. The program helps participants figure that out too.

“The program is about eight weeks for the entrepreneur part, and then there’s eight weeks for like a research um to kind of define to find out what you like, how much they pay,” said Gorham.

Gorham says the program wouldn’t be what it is without the help of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We got a grant through the Missouri After School Network and partnered with the Chamber and they help us bring in speakers. We try and find those young speakers that 20 something that’s started their own business and it’s been a great program for our kids,” added Gorham.

Carly Garrison participated in the summer session of the program and it opened her eyes to options she had never thought of.

“I think I want to go into something with businesses and entrepreneurship,” said Garrison.

Parsons housing effort includes 3D-printed houses

PARSONS, Kans. —3D Printing is becoming more common across the world, but instead of using it to print toys or machines, some people are using it in other ways.

“It was kind of serendipity and fell out of the sky, it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for,” said Leland Crooks, Mayor of Parsons.

Thanks to the construction company Alquist, the City of Parsons could potentially see a solution to its housing issue. The catch, instead of building it the old-fashioned way, these new homes will use a giant 3D printer.

“It’s a giant computer numeric controlled machine that extrudes concrete and builds houses, it’s truly a crazy piece of technology. If you want to attract industry, you got to have people to hire, and right now we don’t have anybody to hire. All of our industries are looking for help and one of the ways you can attract people to your city is having affordable moderate-income housing,” said Crooks.

The project is expected to cover a dozen locations that are part of the city’s free land program.

“We are just turning all of those over to Alquist for them to develop and build houses,” Crooks added.

“Now that could mean one single-family home or a quadplex which would be four homes,” said Jim Zaleski, Parsons Economic Development Director.

Currently, city officials are working on land transfer details to find the best way to approach the project.

“Staff is working with Alquist right now to see where those fit, where is best to start, and what succession we want to put these pieces of land available to Alquist,” said Zaleski.

And if successful, Crooks says the city may consider turning over land with abandoned and dilapidated housing.

“That will all tie together in with this, and if this program works out we would be able to transfer more properties over,” said Crooks.