Reconstructed Lime Kiln Rocky Slope Dam ribbon cutting

NEOSHO, Mo. — A Newton County area prone to deadly drownings is now safer thanks to a project three years in the making.

This morning the City of Neosho, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Missouri Department of Conservation cut the ribbon for the reconstructed Lime Kiln Rocky Slope Dam.

The area has been closed since June of last year two people drowned.

At least five people have drowned in Shoal Creek below the Lime Kiln Dam in the last seven years.

Past conditions at the dam also created a hazardous undercurrent and prevented fish from passing through it.

But now thanks to many organizations and construction companies the area is much safer for people to enjoy again.

“Swimming will just be like any other creek that you’ll go to, I mean you’ll swim at your own risk. What we have eliminated is the undercurrent that existed prior to the rocky slope dam,” said David Kennedy, City Manager of Neosho.

The dam itself hasn’t had any work done since its construction in the 1940s.

10 words Americans often mispronounce, according to a new study

(NEXSTAR) — It’s not just you; almost no one knows how to pronounce “acai.”

That’s the major takeaway from a recent study conducted by Unscrambled Words, which sought to determine the words, terms, or names that Americans are often struggling to pronounce.

It wasn’t just “acai,” of course. The analysts at Unscrambled Words — an online resource for players of word-based games like Scrabble or Words With Friends — have found nine other tongue-twisting terms that Americans seemingly don’t know how to say, based on the average number of monthly Google searches for “How to pronounce [X].”

“This data might show that some people may have been mispronouncing words for years without realizing,” a spokesperson for Unscrambled Words stated in a press release. “However, it also shows that there is no shame in wanting to know correct pronunciations, with thousands of people across the U.S. also wanting to find out every single month.”

In addition to “acai” (a species of palm tree that bears a berry of the same name, and is pronounced “ah-sah-EE” or “ah-sye-EE,” per the Merriam-Webster dictionary), the top-searched pronunciations on Google included a number of other food-related words, such as “gyro,” “charcuterie” and “pho,” among others.

Quick, how do you say “GIF”?(Getty Images)

Others from the list include: “Omicron,” currently the name of the predominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus; “Nguyen,” a common Vietnamese surname; and “GIF,” a word for a specific kind of image file format that linguists and software engineers still debate the pronunciation of.

The complete top-ten list is below, alongside the average monthly number of Google searches for those pronunciations, according to Unscrambled Words. Each term is also hyperlinked to pronunciation at Merriam-Webster, unless where otherwise indicated.

  1. Acai – 20,400 monthly searches
  2. Gyro – 17,660 monthly searches
  3. Omicron – 15,530 monthly searches
  4. Charcuterie – 15,140 monthly searches
  5. Nguyen (pronunciation via Heritage-Line) – 14,990 monthly searches
  6. Gnocchi – 11,350 monthly searches
  7. GIF – 11,230 monthly searches
  8. Worcestershire – 8,880 monthly searches
  9. Dogecoin (pronunciation via Benzinga) – 7,540 monthly searches
  10. Pho – 7,270 monthly searches

The folks at Merriam-Webster, meanwhile, would like to remind us that we’re fools to think there are only 10 words we commonly mispronounce. In both June and October of 2022, the editors of the tome have released their own lists of the most mispronounced words in the English language, which include such whoppers as “victuals,” “awry,” “epitome” and, yes, “acai.”

“This famous berry is harvested in Brazil, but it’s featured on menus and in recipes read by English speakers aplenty,” an editor for Merriam-Webster writes of the oft-mispronounced word. “Even if you’re not throwing it into your morning smoothie, you might want to be sure you’re saying acai right.”

Will SCOTUS reject affirmative action? Expert says it’s unlikely

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) — As the conservative-led Supreme Court weighs a case on affirmative action in college admissions at two prestigious universities, some legal experts say a rejection of the practice is unlikely. 

The case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court focuses on admissions practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Both schools consider the race of applicants, as one of many criteria, to achieve diversity. 

Cheryl Nelson-Butler, an Associate Attorney at a law firm in Texas, who teaches Race and the Law as a visiting Professor at Washburn University in Topeka, weighed in on the case in an interview Friday. 

Nelson-Butler said while a rejection of affirmative action could have a ripple effect into employment practices, it’s unlikely that it will have to get to that point. She argues that affirmative action is a “constitutional right.”

“The plaintiffs in the case incorrectly argue that the Constitution says you can’t take race into account at all. And, that’s a misconception, because under the fourteenth amendment of the United States Constitution, you can take race into account to remedy past discrimination,” Nelson-Butler said. “This case may come down to the limited issue of whether Harvard and University of North Carolina are correctly applying race in their admissions process.”

It’s “unclear” how a decision on affirmative action in college admissions at the two schools could impact Kansas universities. 

In a statement, Matt Keith, a spokesman for the Kansas Board of Regents, said that state universities work differently than those involved in this case. 

Public state universities in Kansas guarantee admissions for students who meet minimum GPA or ACT requirements. Board policy also requires that student admissions be made without regard to factors like race. 

“The admissions process for state universities in Kansas is significantly different from that of the institutions involved in the cases you mentioned. While those universities admit a small percentage of their applicants, state universities in Kansas guarantee admission for students who meet minimum GPA or ACT requirements. Further, Board policy requires that ‘all decisions with reference to student status, i.e. admission, academic achievements and discipline, be made without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical handicap or disability, status as a Vietnam Era Veteran, sexual orientation or other factors which cannot be lawfully considered.’ State universities are committed to recruiting and serving students from traditionally underserved populations, but the nature of qualified admissions makes their circumstances substantially different.”

Matt Keith, Kansas Board of Regents spokesman

However, state universities do have “comprehensive affirmative action plans” for employment practices, since they are federal contractors, Keith explained. He said, as of now, it’s not clear how the Supreme Court’s decision could impact those practices.

“…As federal contractors state universities have comprehensive affirmative action plans to provide equal employment opportunity,” he stated. “However, it is unclear at this point how or if the cases before the Supreme Court would impact those. In any case, state universities will continue to follow all applicable federal and state laws.”

Newton County Republicans' Annual "Free Bean Feed"

NEOSHO, Mo. — With the November general election just days away now, candidates are making their last campaign stops.

This evening, the “Newton County Republican Central Committee” held its annual “Free Bean Feed.”

More than 300 people came out for dinner and to listen to several Republican candidates on Tuesday’s ballot.

The committee also discussed each ballot issue, but the priority tonight was voter encouragement.

“We have what’s called a 72-hour plan. So, the last 72 hours before election day, we try and turn people out to vote and remind them it’s election day and have their friends and neighbors go vote. And what’s new this year is there’s no excuse for absentee voting. So, people can vote on Monday up to 5:00 at the Clerk’s Office and not have to have an excuse,” said Nick Meyers, Chairman, of Newton County Republican Central Committee.

The group is recruiting volunteers for even more voter outreach as we get closer to Tuesday.

Veterans Voices: Dream Flight

NEOSHO, Mo. — One organization is helping make lasting memories for hundreds of Veterans around the country.

This morning, it got the chance to give three local men a ride they’ll never forget.

“We want this to be the best day of the rest of their lives, and for a lot of them it is,” said Jeff Klosky, Dream Flight Pilot.

Jeff Klosky is a “Dream Flights” pilot; a volunteer-based organization that takes our country’s Veterans on open cock pit flights as a special way to say thank you.

On Saturday, he took three Veterans from “Gran Villas Residential Care” up into the morning sky.

“It’s very powerful. It means a lot to them. Since we’ve talked about Dream Flight, we talked about their service and their stories are so interesting and what they gave our country is just amazing. We appreciate them greatly and that our country appreciates them greatly,” said Carman Williams, Operator, of Gran Villas Residential Care.

Jeff Klosky is a United States Veteran himself. Saturday’s Dream Flight marked more than 90 flights for him.
The organization alone has held nearly 600 flights just this year.

“Seeing the smiles on faces of our elderly Veterans, we don’t get paid in cash, but we get paid in those smiles. And so, it’s very addictive. It just brings a lot of joy, knowing that you’re bringing joy to somebody else,” said Klosky.

“I think they’d done something that’s good, something that can’t be taken away. It’ll be stuck with me for a long, long time,” said Lloyd Tanner, United States Navy Veteran.

“It was tremendous. Great time to be alive,” said Ron Lacy, United States Navy Veteran.

All three Veterans received a “Dream Flight” hat, signed by Klosky.

“Being able to do something for them, who willingly gave up everything without really asking any questions and they just did it. And so, to be able to connect with them on that is just, it’s so rewarding,” said Klosky.

Purcell water system is officially privately owned

JOPLIN, Mo. —The Purcell water system is now officially under the operations of Missouri American Water. The transition to private ownership started more than a year ago. That’s when the company stepped in to help the city with a growing list of compliance issues.

Purcell voters approved the sale of the system last year — which covers both water and wastewater operations.

“Reliability and compliance and you know, Purcell’s not unique in that there are so many small communities throughout the state, especially on the wastewater side, facing regulatory compliance issues. And they’re understanding and seeing that the amount of investment needed is so much that, it’s a difficult thing for these small municipalities to take on,” said Christie Barnhart, Missouri American Water Company.

The company plans to invest nearly $2.5 million to upgrade the Purcell system in the next five years.

Powerball jackpot: How many times has someone won in Kansas, Missouri?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — People across the Kansas City area and across the nation are hoping for some luck this weekend as the Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1.6 billion after 39 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner.

This is now the largest jackpot in the history of U.S. lottery.

Saturday’s jackpot has officially surpassed the previous record jackpots, including the $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot awarded in 2016 and the $1.537 billion Mega Millions jackpot awarded in 2018.

Powerball has been played since 1992. At the time, there were 14 participating states, as well as the District of Columbia. Since then, 30 more states have joined the game.

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands also participate in Powerball. There are five states that don’t: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.

More jackpot-winning tickets have been sold in Pennsylvania than in any other state, Powerball records show. A total of 18 winners have been recorded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the most recent jackpot in early August worth $122.4 million.

With the exception of the five states that do not participate, there are four states in which a Powerball jackpot has never been hit: Maine, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

According to Powerball records, there have been 12 winners in Missouri and four winners in Kansas.

The most recent in Missouri was July 4, 2015 when Tom Rea, of St. Louis matched all five white-ball numbers and the Powerball to win $70 million.

For Kansas, it has been almost 10 years since someone has claimed the jackpot prize. A Johnson County couple in their 70s claimed the $50 million Powerball jackpot on Dec. 19, 2012. The winning ticket was purchased at a former 7-Eleven in Shawnee.

A couple in St. Charles, Missouri won the $96.5 million Powerball jackpot on March 22, 2014. The couple from Wichita, Kansas said they planned to used the money to purchase some new cars and take a trip to New Zealand where “The Lord of the Rings” movies were filmed.

A Kansas City, Missouri couple got to celebrate winning the $71.5 million Powerball Jackpot on Christmas day in 2013. It was the sixth-largest lottery prize sold in Missouri. The winning ticket was purchased at a BP gas station in Platte Woods.

This year, winning tickets have been sold in Pennsylvania, Vermont, Arizona, Connecticut, California and Wisconsin. 

If you’re lucky enough to win the jackpot during Saturday night’s drawing, you can receive your pot as an annuity (30 graduated payments over 29 years) or as a lump sum. According to Powerball, the jackpot has a cash value of $497.3 million. According to Powerball, the jackpot has a cash value of $782.4 million.

If no one wins the jackpot in Saturday’s drawing, it will tie the game record for the number of consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner. 

Child killed in dog attack near Springdale

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed a child was mauled by a dog.

The incident happened early afternoon Thursday, November 4 in the 20,000 block of Ballerina Rd in the Nob Hill area.

According to the Washington County Coroner’s Office, a toddler’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime lab for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office said the dog accused of the attack is being held at a secure location. The prosecutor’s office said there is no danger to the public.

The dog will be held until the investigation determines whether or not a crime was committed, according to the prosecutor’s office.

KNWA/FOX24 reached out to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for more details but we’re told information at this time is not releasable.

The breed of the dog is unknown at this time.

The investigation is ongoing. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest information.

Monett's "Aspire Academy" connects youth to potential employers

MONETT, Mo. — Monett Middle School students are one step closer to figuring out their careers. The school’s “Aspire Academy” connects the kids to potential employers from high-demand industries — and from right in their hometown.

Friday, students spent time at the Jack Henry Airport, the EFCO Corporation, Life-360, and the Monett Police Department. Each location gave kids a look at what different opportunities could be waiting for them after high school.

“And then that helps them to decide if they want to do it or not before they go into college and spend the money. We want to give them those opportunities to explore while they’re still in school,” said Danelle Bradow, Careers Instructor, Monett Middle School.

“This can also help you gain experience. Like on a resume or something, you can say I’ve been to these places, I understand this and you start to understand more things and you can know how different things work,” said Camden Ellis, Aspire Academy Student.

The Aspire Academy also helps prepare students for the similar “Go Caps” program offered to high school students.

MDC test for wasting disease in deer weekend of open season

MISSOURI KSN/KODE— The M.D.C. is preparing for its latest round of C.W.D. It stands for “Chronic Wasting Disease” — a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other cervids.

Next weekend, the Missouri Department of Conservation will be doing mandatory sample collection for it. C.W.D spreads through improper disposal of deer carcasses and through the environment where a deer comes into contact with infectious material from another deer. There is no cure.

“It’s at a very low prevalence right now, and this mandatory sampling we’ve been doing the last few years has helped keep it at that low prevalence, so that’s why we do it. The reason we’re doing it opening weekend is that is when the bulk of the deer that are harvested throughout the hunting season – throughout archery, throughout muzzle-loader, throughout firearms – all the deer hunting seasons, the bulk of them are harvested in the opening weekend of the deer season, so it’s the most bang for our buck,” said Francis Skalicky, M.D.C.

Between July of 2021 and April of this year — more than 3,200 deer were sampled. Only 86 tested positive for C.W.D.