Tag Archives: Joplin News

News To Know: MO marijuana laws, pedestrian struck by traffic

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CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — Around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022, Cherokee County authorities were notified that a woman had arrived at a Joplin, Mo. hospital suffering multiple stab wounds. Detectives determined the crime had occurred at a property north of Galena, Kan. As a result of the investigation, deputies located and took two suspects into custody: Steven D. Tyner, 49, of Columbus, Kansas and Ivy Christine Simpson, 23, of Webb City, Missouri. Authorities have issued multiple charges to the duo, including conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. Click here if you would like to read the entire article.

AURORA, Mo. — Authorities in Aurora, Missouri say the investigation into a robbery at a Mcdonald’s last week has led to more arrests connected to other robberies. Last week police arrested two people, and now three more have been arrested for robberies outside of Aurora. 19-year-old Elijah Smith, 18-year-old Kyle Carlisle, and a juvenile have also been charged with robbery.

JOPLIN, Mo. — First responders were alerted to a fatal traffic crash involving a female pedestrian near MO-171 and Swede Lane in the eastbound lanes. The incident took place Thursday, December 8, at 6:13 a.m. Authorities have identified the pedestrian as 22-year-old Cheyanne Funk of Joplin. Click here to read more about this article.

MISSOURI — As of yesterday, December 8, 2022, it’s lawful for adults to possess and use marijuana in Missouri….but that doesn’t mean you can legally, buy it just yet, or use it everywhere. Medical marijuana has been legal in Missouri since a ballot measure passed in 2018, but voters went a step further this November by approving a constitutional amendment legalizing the drug for anyone 21 or older. The change comes with some confusion. For one thing, dispensaries can’t yet sell for recreational use. People will eventually be able to grow their own, but applications to do so won’t be taken until next month. And places such as schools and businesses can still prohibit the drug.

 

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News To Know: KBI homicide investigation, Neosho’s dog park

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NEOSHO COUNTY, Kan. – On December 6, at around 5:00 pm, Neosho County, Kansas Sheriff deputies went to 6845 160th Road in rural Chanute. This follows a welfare check after the Cumberland County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office called with information causing concern for a woman who lived at that home. Deputies searched the property and found the body of 47-year-old Elaina M. Asprea next to a field near the home. The Neosho County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation are looking into the case as a homicide. Authorities in Fayetteville, North Carolina, have developed a person of interest in the case. Click here if you would like to read the entire article.

JOPLIN, Mo. – For the fourth time in a two-week span a Range Line convenient store has been burglarized.  Two times in the last two days. These smash-and-grab burglaries have all occurred overnight during closing hours as persons break windows, and/or doors, to gain access, then quickly run inside and grab items before police can respond to the alarm. If anyone has information on the identity of the individuals, contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131. If you would like to read the entire article, click here.

SARCOXIE, Mo. — On December 7, at about 5 am, reports of a fire in the 200 block of 8th Street alerted Jasper County E-911. According to the report, the fire started at the rear of the home. On arrival active flames and smoke were visible. The two adults of the residence were out safely. Red Cross was requested to assist the two adults who are displaced as a result of the fire. Click here to read more about this story.

NEOSHO, Mo. – Scenic Park in Neosho is getting a new addition as construction begins on a new dog park. Features range from cones to dogs can run through, a bridge for dogs, a bench for grooming, and even dog watering stations. It will be free to the public and is expected to open on January 31st. If you would like to read more about this story, click here.

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News To Know: Netflix comes to Joplin, single vehicle fatality

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JOPLIN, Mo. – Netflix’s latest season of its true crime documentary show I Am A Killer features a Joplin man who was sentenced to first-degree murder. Gary Black was convicted of the fatal stabbing of Jason Johnson in 1998. But Jason Johnson was not his only victim. Jackie Clark Senior was robbed and shot by Gary Black near i-44 in Joplin when he was 18 years old…and now he’s telling his story.

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. – According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a single-vehicle crash happened around 11:20 pm Monday night, December 5, 2022. An SUV was driving along 1065 S. 220th Road in Crawford County, Kansas. It left the roadway to the west and hit a concrete culvert where it overturned into a field. The driver, 70-year-old Robert E. Shaver, of Pittsburg, died at the scene. To read this entire story, click here.

COMMERCE, Okla. – Toybox positively impacts children and their families throughout the Four States. KOAM caught up with one of the hundreds of families that benefit from Toybox donations. In Ottawa and Delaware counties, our Toybox partner is the Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots. This year they’re celebrating their 75th year anniversary. This year more families than ever have signed up…in fact, six thousand kids will be receiving toys which is up from two thousand a year ago.

Check out this story of how Toybox saved one family’s Christmas: Local family’s Christmas is saved by Toybox campaign

JOPLIN, Mo. – Alorcia partners with Joplin Fire Department for their 5th Annual Christmas for Kids Campaign. Alorcia has donated over 2,000 gifts and 2,000 dollars in cash to the charity. Click here for more information on this story.

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News To Know: fatal crash, house fire in Newton County

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CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 2006 Pontiac G6 traveling northbound on U-69 alternate crossed the center line and struck a 2016 GMS truck traveling southbound. The Pontiac’s driver, Trey Cunningham, was taken to Freeman West with a fatal injury. Next of kin were notified. His passenger, Valeria Lerma, was taken to Mercy in Joplin with a suspected serious injury. The driver of the GMC, Shannon Taft from Baxter Springs, was taken to Freeman West in Joplin with suspected serious injuries.

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. — About 6:15 a.m. Monday, December 5, a passerby spotted a structure fire just north of Elm Road on State Route E near Diamond alerting Newton County Central Dispatch. The structure appeared to be a former residence, now used for storage. Chief Skosberg said he could see the fire from two miles away easily. If you would like to read more about this story, click here.

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin city staff wants to better the city’s homeless situation by conducting a study about what’s working and what isn’t. In the council meeting on Monday, December 5th, the city council asked to approve a study that would use special use tax funds for homeless research. Robin Smith from Homeless Coalition says right now homeless people with animals don’t have places to go because shelters don’t accept animals. Lack of transportation is also an issue.

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin could get millions of dollars to help with storm and wastewater improvements. The city is eligible to get more than $12,500,000 in matching state funds to help improve and update nine projects. If Joplin matches dollar for dollar, the city will devote a total of more than $25,000,000 for the projects. Click here to see a complete breakdown of the Joplin city council meeting from Monday, December 5th.

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News To Know: house fire fatality, Turkey Trots for two cities

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COMMERCE, Okla. – According to the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service, marshals, and Commerce police responded to a house fire in Commerce where they found a fatality. The Commerce Police Department continues the process of notifying all of the family members and has not released the name at this time. To read more about this story, click here.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. — Thanksgiving travelers got to experience some traffic delays approaching Miami 313 exit thanks to an overturned semi. Click here to read more about this story.

JOPLIN, Mo. — It’s become a Thanksgiving tradition for many people, now in the 11th year — the Turkey Trot in Downtown Joplin. More than 1,300 runners found it to be perfect weather for this year’s event at a brisk 49° and a light mist. If you’d like to read more about the 11th annual Turkey Trot, click here.

PITTSBURG, Kan. – And it wasn’t just Joplin doing the Turkey Trot: a couple who started a running group for all ages and pace hosted their first Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving in Pittsburg. KOAM’s Keri Worthen says the turnout was more than they expected. all participants were excited to show support and gather together on Thanksgiving. From walkers to runners, people pushing strollers and dogs leading the way — the inaugural Pittsburg Turkey Trot was the start of a tradition for many. If you’d like to read more about Pittsburg’s inaugural Turkey Trot, click here.

 

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News To Know: pizza delivery robbery, frozen water pipes

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JOPLIN, Mo. — Law officers search for a domestic assault suspect at a home on the 18-block of Joplin’s west 21st street for several hours on Tuesday. As authorities continue their search they have now released his identity. They say 32-year-old Christopher L. Smith of Joplin assaulted a woman by punching her in the head multiple times and choking her. Smith has an active warrant for second-degree domestic assault.

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI — Authorities charge a Tennessee man in the traffic death of a Southwest Missouri man. The July crash claimed the life of 67-year-old Dell Clark of Neck City. Nashville police say Jeremy King of Troy, Tennessee was driving 89 miles per hour and passing cars when he clipped another car and lost control. He then hit two other cars, including Clark’s. Police say King is still hospitalized. There were no signs of alcohol or drug impairment. King is charged with vehicular homicide by recklessness among other counts.

JOPLIN, Mo. —Authorities charge Austin Bryant with the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Joplin. Investigators say the victim delivered a pizza to a home on west 20th street when a man pointed a gun at him and demanded the pizza, his phone, and all of his money. SWAT was called in to make the arrest. Bryant is charged with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action.

WINTER — Frozen water pipes can be an unexpected frustration during cold weather, and as the temperature continues to drop, it becomes even more important to make sure your pipes are well insulated. An official with Missouri American water says warm pipes are a necessity to get through the cold winter.

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News to Know: Marshalls in Pittsburg, Vietnam veteran recognized

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Marshalls department store opens on Sunday, November 13. “In celebration of its new Pittsburg location, Marshalls will contribute to the local community by donating $10,000 to Safehouse Crisis Center,” Marshalls states in a press release. During the Grand Opening Marshalls presented the check to Safehouse, a ceremonial ribbon was cut. You can read more about this story by clicking here.

JOPLIN, Mo. — Susan Pittman, a program coordinator for the Diabetes Education Clinic at Freeman, says there are two types of diabetes: type one and type two. Type 1 is a genetic condition that you are born with. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and is often lifestyle related. While there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, type 2 can be prevented and treated. It should also be noted that Monday, November 14th is World Diabetes Day.

MIAMI, Okla. – Friends, family, and 4-State residents gathered for an auction that benefits Melissa Roher. Melissa was recently diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, so the event is to help cover medical costs, according to officials. If you would like more information about this story, click here.

JOPLIN, Mo. — In 1966 Lawrence Mccrea was killed in action while serving in Vietnam just a year after graduating from Joplin High School. More than 50 years later it was discovered his name was not listed on Joplin’s Vietnam memorial with other local veterans. Last Wednesday — November 9th — it was finally added. Then on Friday McRea’s former classmates held a rededication ceremony at the memorial to honor his sacrifice. Click here to read the whole article.

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The Big Three: Mojo burger razed, chain reaction crash

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BIG STORY #3: A Pineville, Mo., couple has been charged in federal court for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman. Amber Waterman, 42, and her husband, Jamie Waterman, 42, were charged in separate criminal complaints signed on Thursday, Nov. 3, and filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield Friday, November 4, 2022. The Watermans remain in federal custody pending detention hearings, which have not yet been scheduled. If you are interested in reading the complete article, click here.

BIG STORY #2: The former Mojo Burger location at 702 S Maiden Lane has been razed. According to county records the property changed hands this past quarter paving the way for some changes on this SW corner of 7th and Maiden Lane on Route 66. This is also where local favorite ‘ Mojo the Cow’ was recently located. He has been missing since earlier 2022. Click here to read more about this story.

BIG STORY #1: About 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2022 reports of a 5-vehicle chain reaction crash in the westbound lanes approaching the intersection at E 32nd and Connecticut. To read the complete article, click here.

BONUS STORY: Joplin Vietnam solider killed is added to Memorial Hall Monument.

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News To Know: veterans honored, possible four day school week

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JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin Public Transport is reducing its public transportation trolley service due to a driver shortage. Joplin will suspend the Sunshine Lamp Trolley service until further notice. Riders will be referred to the MAPS service that provides curb-to-curb service. The suspension will start on November 28. For the complete story, click here.

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. – Students in a Southeast Kansas school district may be going to a 4-day school week. The USD 508 invited parents and students to the High School to learn more. School officials laid out what the week would entail. Click here if you would like to read the complete article.

GALENA, Kan. – Galena High School treats local veterans to breakfast and performances the day before Veterans Day. For 26 years now, Galena has hosted this event. Students get the chance to meet local veterans and bridge the gap in community relationships. Students also make posters and flyers to show their support for local veterans. If you would like to read more about this story, click here.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The American Legion Post 13 in Joplin took some time to plant American flags today, honoring veterans. Click here to read the full story.

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News To Know: multi-vehicle crash, Missouri marijuana

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JOPLIN, Mo. – The City of Joplin announced a reduction of public transportation options for Joplin residents starting Nov. 28. At that time, the Sunshine Lamp Trolley service will be suspended until further notice and riders will be referred to the MAPS service that provides curb-to-curb service. Click here to get more information on this story.

JOPLIN, Mo. — About 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2022 reports of a multi-vehicle crash at E 32nd and Connecticut alerted Joplin E-911. Authorities say seven people were injured. Six with minor injuries. And a minor child suffered life-threatening-injuries. If you would like to read more about this story, click here.

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Fire swept through a Pittsburg area home on Langdon Lane on Wednesday evening. The home was occupied, but authorities tell us no-one was hurt. Authorities closed thevehicle crash road from 520th to Centennial as crews fought the fire. A fire-fighter at the scene tells us to appears the fire started in the attic. No word on the extent of the damage.

MISSOURI — Now that Missouri voters have approved recreational marijuana, some previous marijuana crimes could be expunged and the state could get some new tax revenue. The amendment allows the state of Missouri to tax cannabis sales at 6% of the retail price. Localities can tax it an additional three-percent. There will be a lottery process for a limited number of business licenses for those hoping to sell.

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