Early morning house fire destroys Joplin home

JOPLIN, Mo. — Around 5:30 Friday morning fire fighters responded to a two-story house at 832 S. Pennsylvania Ave. When they arrived they said flames were all through the structure.

The Joplin battalion chief said there was a man inside who managed to escape the flames. He was taken to an area hospital, but his condition is unknown at this time.

“The building is going to be a total loss,” said John Hubbard, Joplin Fire Department Battalion Chief. “We called in Public Works from the City to help tear down the structure.”

Fire fighters need the structure torn down in order to find and get to any hidden pockets of fire that could reignite. They are still investigating the cause.

Mo. American Water employees band together to raise money for Fostering Hope

JOPLIN, Mo. — Employees at a Joplin company have, once again, stepped up to help local foster children this holiday season. About 30 employees at Missouri American Water made it their mission to raise money for the nonprofit, “Fostering Hope.”

They raised half of the more than $2,300 that was presented today, the company matched the other half. The money will benefit Fostering Hope’s annual “Christmas of Hope” program.

“This is something that our employees really grabbed ahold of. We’ve done it for 4 years. We had to take a break during COVID, but they’re very passionate about helping the kids. It’s a lot of fun. We couldn’t do this without our employees. We couldn’t do this without IBEW, our local chapter that donates Chiefs tickets for us to raffle, which is, of course, a great fundraiser. And it’s just a lot of fun for us knowing that we’re helping children in the Four State area,” said Christie Barnhart, MAW.

“It’s amazing just to partner with them each year in this program. We’re getting really close to our goal of sponsoring 600 and about 25 kids this year for Christmas, and those kids are involved in our local foster care system,” said Sarah Burch, Fostering Hope.

The “Christmas of Hope” program has helped provide gifts and necessities to area foster kids for the past 15-years.

Thieves look to take advantage of online holiday shoppers

KSNF/KODE — With online buying expected to hit record levels this holiday season, internet service providers are encouraging consumers to be increasingly vigilant about their online safety.

“Increased online buying activity gives cyber criminals more opportunity to access our personal information. Caution is always key when sharing personal information online,” said Ken Johnson, Senior Vice President of Technology Services at Sparklight.

Below, you’ll find some of the most recommended ways to keep your online holiday shopping from turning into a holiday fraud nightmare.

Think Before You Click

Scammers and hackers often send “phishing” emails, “smishing” instant messages or “vishing” voice calls that appear to be from a trusted source in order to collect confidential account information. No legitimate service will ask you to provide your username and password — they will only ask that you visit their official website and log in. Warning signs of phishing or smishing can include a suspicious address from the sender, or misspellings or grammatical errors in the text of the message. These clues, paired with requests for personal information or requests to click on a link, are signs that the message is not legitimate. Never click the links or open attachments in a suspicious email and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.

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“No matter the method in which they try to reach you, the bottom line is that criminals are trying to trick you into giving them your personal information. Think twice before sharing personal information with unsolicited email, text messages or voice calls,” said Johnson.

Use Strong Passwords

Many people use apps and websites that require passwords and there can be a temptation to use the same password for multiple log-ins. But if a hacker gets your password, this practice enables access to several of your accounts. Be diligent about using strong passwords. The test of a strong password is length, randomness and uniqueness. Aim for 16-24 characters that are completely random and use every character type — uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols – or use four unrelated words strung together. There are several reputable password manager apps that can help.

Look For The “HTTPS”

Before completing an online purchase, make sure the website is security enabled by looking for URLs with https:// at the beginning. The “s” stands for secure and means the website is using encryption to help keep your information protected. There will also be a padlock icon to the left of the URL in the address bar. If you are using an unsecure server (HTTP) or using a public wireless network, do not share personal information such as a credit card number.

Shopping Via Mobile App

Criminals are very good at creating phony retail apps with logos that look like legitimate businesses. Scammers use these apps to steal your identity or infect your device with malware. Verify an app’s authenticity by downloading it from the company’s official website. If downloading from an app store, check to see how long it’s been around, keep an eye out for misspellings in the app description, and take a look at the ratings and reviews — avoid being the first to download a new shopping app.

Be Vigilant

Keep your receipts, shipping, and tracking information, and be sure to monitor your credit card activity even more frequently during the holidays so you can spot any suspicious activity right away. Don’t use a debit card online because if it is compromised, hackers have immediate access to your bank accounts and can empty them quickly. Many credit cards have theft protection in case of unauthorized use.

You’ll find more information on internet safety, including digital security tips, HERE.

Missouri marijuana changes – FAQ

MISSOURI — Many residents in Missouri are still confused about the changes in Missouri’s marijuana legislation and what it means for them. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a newly activated website to help those who still have questions about the changes and what it means for Missourians.

Following is a list of frequently asked questions from the state’s website:

  • NEW Beginning December 8, 2022, applicants or licensees may advise the Department, of any records previously submitted that contain proprietary business confidential information.
  • NEW Instructions on how to apply for a conversion request are now available.
  • NEW Beginning December 8, 2022, existing licensed medical facilities may begin submitting requests to convert to a comprehensive facility license.
  • NEW With the passage of Amendment 3, the Department will quickly make adjustments to the existing medical marijuana program while implementing a new adult consumer program. The Department has planned for these changes. As was the case in implementing the medical marijuana program, the Department will accept and carefully consider public input on how the new law should be implemented in Missouri. Written comments should be submitted using the Amendment 3 Suggestions Form.
  • NEW Pursuant to 19 CSR 30-95.110(3), the department is not currently accepting physician certifications from Dr. Zinia Thomas.
  • The Facility Licensee Renewal webpage is now available.
  • Caregiver Digital Card Additions: As of October 1, 2021, caregiver digital cards will include the patient license number and the patient barcode, in place of the patient name. These additions promote accuracy in verification of the associated patient during caregiver sales at dispensaries and protects personal identifiable information of patients. Current licensed caregivers are encouraged to print an updated version of their digital card from the registration portal. Click here for guidance on downloading your license. For more information on caregivers, visit the FAQ page.

Joplin woman killed trying to cross busy roadway

Approximate location of the crash on Hwy 171 across from Joplin Airport (Google Maps).

JOPLIN, Mo. — A Joplin woman was hit and killed Thursday morning as she tried to cross a busy road near Joplin’s airport.

Police say around 6:15 AM Cheyanne Funk, 22, of Joplin was struck by a vehicle while crossing State Hwy 171 near Swede Lane, in front of the Joplin Airport.

Funk was declared dead at the scene by the Jasper County Coroner.

Police said Funk was attempting to cross the busy road on foot, in the rain, and was nearly struck by a vehicle in the outside lane of the eastbound traffic. She was then hit by a vehicle on the inside lane of the eastbound traffic.

Joplin’s Major Crash Team is investigating the crash, and said the driver of the vehicle involved was not injured. This marks the 9th fatal crash in Joplin in 2022.

JPD Captain graduates from FBI National Academy

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Police Department is congratulating a veteran of the force on his graduation from the FBI National Academy.

JPD Captain Trevor Duncan graduated as an official member of the 284th session of the FBI National Academy on Thursday at a ceremony in Quantico, Virginia.

Fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program, JPD said in a release. The FBI Academy program provides education and raises the standards of law enforcement through its personnel.

Those nominated to the program must have proven records as professionals within their agencies with at least 5 years of experience, among other prerequisites.

While attending the FBI National Academy, Captain Duncan completed five master’s level courses through the University of Virginia Masters of Public Safety Program, which earned him a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education.

Captain Duncan started his law enforcement career at JPD in 2006 before becoming detective three years later, and later working his way up to the rank of Corporal, and then Sergeant. In 2017 he was promoted to Captain.

The 284th session consisted of 237 other law enforcement officers from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class also included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, 5 military organizations, and 5 federal civilian organizations.

“The FBI National Academy is the premier school for executive-level leadership in the United States. We are extremely proud of Captain Duncan and congratulate him on his completion of this challenging course,” said JPD Chief Sloan Rowland.

A total of 53,908 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

Joplin Kiwanis join Bright Futures to feed and clothe kids

JOPLIN, Mo. — Three grades of students at McKinley Elementary in Joplin were given some special lunchtime attention, today. Members of the Joplin Kiwanis Club helped serve them pizza, cookies, and soda. This was part of their annual Christmas luncheon for the kids, in cooperation with Joplin Bright Futures.

Santa also made an appearance.

What’s more Kiwanis members gave each student a winter hat, gloves, and candy.

“Well, for a lot of these kids, this is an opportunity for them to get a set of hat and gloves that they might not otherwise have. The schools that we serve are usually the high-poverty schools, and so for these kids it’s a special opportunity for them. It’s a great feeling. It gives us real pride and helps us to realize how important it is to give back to the community,” said Steve Doerr, Joplin Kiwanis Club.

Kiwanis members will do this again next week. On Tuesday, they’ll be at Jefferson Elementary.

Joplin man sentenced in January robbery

JOPLIN, Mo. — It’s a guilty plea and sentencing for a Joplin man, charged in a January robbery case.

Jasper County Judge, Dean Dankelson, sentenced James Gautney, 33, to ten years in prison for first degree robbery, and seven years for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Gautney must serve 85% of his sentence and will get credit for the 322 days he’s already served.

Earlier this year, Joplin police received a call from a man who said someone broke into his vehicle and pulled a gun on him. The victim said it was his hand gun Gautney stole from the vehicle, along with other items.

Officers arrested Gautney a few blocks away. They said they found the gun, along with a number of ID’s and credit cards that didn’t belong to Gautney.

Wheat pennies could bring you a pretty penny

JOPLIN, Mo — Lincoln Wheat pennies are one of the most popular series of U.S. coins that coin collectors strive to build a complete set. Rare coins such as the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D are the “Holy Grails” of any Lincoln Wheat cent collection. Before you go down the path of building a complete set of Lincoln Wheat pennies, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

“Wheat pennies are one of the two most popular U.S. coins that are collected. The other one that’s very popular is the old Morgan Silver Dollar. Between both coins, there’s a lot of varieties, so a penny is not just a penny, they’re all unique. The value really comes down to a few qualities on the coins,” said Dave Sorrick, coin expert and collector at “In God We Trust, LLC.”

The United States Mint first minted the Lincoln Wheat penny, or “Wheatie” as they are sometimes called, in 1909. Victor D. Brenner designed the coin under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was on a mission to redesign our nation’s coinage. President Lincoln was chosen as a subject for the penny to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth.

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Any wheat penny is worth at least four cents to most dealers. Given the popularity of collecting Lincoln Wheat cents, there will always be a demand for quality coins. If you’re interested in wheat pennies that are worth more money, Sorrick said you’ll need to have high-grade quality coins. A good resource on Lincoln Wheat penny dates and values can be found HERE.

“There are millions and millions of wheat pennies and most commonly they trade for three-to-five cents a piece. If you’re looking for a particular date, it can be much, much more than that. The rarest is the 1909 VDB. Those can be worth anywhere from $700 to $1,500 depending on the coin’s grade. Now, if you’re lucky enough to have one that’s uncirculated, particularly if it’s graded by one of the major grading companies, those alone are $2,000 and $3,000 coins,” said Sorrick.

Regardless of the condition or grade, many collectors do not consider their coin collection complete without the Lincoln Wheat penny. But beware — there are counterfeit Wheat Pennies floating around. So, before celebrating early retirement with your newfound fortune, it’s a good idea to have your coin collection authenticated by a reputable coin dealer.

“Price guides (which you can find HERE) will give you an idea of the value of collectible coins. You can usually find those online and that would give a person an idea of the coin’s value. To determine the exact amount of worth, I would suggest you talk to a coin collector or a coin dealer. So, in terms of figuring out the value of collectible coins, such as the Lincoln Wheat penny, those are the steps I suggest you take,” said Sorrick.

If you’re interested in having your wheat pennies, or any collectible coins looked at, you can contact Dave Sorrick, “The Coin Collector,” HERE. You can also visit the Facebook page for In God We Trust, LLC, HERE.

Gamers and vendors alike attended "JOMO Gamecon 2022"

JOPLIN, Mo. — A local church is using games to spread the message.

Celebration Church in Joplin hosted the first-ever JOMO Game Con.

It’s a convention for videos, cards, and board games.

Participants had the chance to come in and play games, hear from speakers, and see what local vendors had to offer.

The idea behind this event came from something the church was already doing with its youth group, where kids would bring in their video game consoles, build forts and enjoy fellowship.

It was so successful, the church decided to invite the public in to do something similar.

“I think it’s important that churches interact outside their four walls, so that’s kind of the dream and vision behind this mission,” said Tim Tibbles, Celebration Church Youth Pastor.

The church also showcased a new game out of Germany that allowed players to travel back in time to learn about the story of Jesus.