Tag Archives: Kansas News

Gordon Parks Museum receives "Award of Excellence"

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FORT SCOTT, Kan. — A new and thought-provoking trail in Fort Scott receives a special honor from the “Kansas Museum Association.”

The “Gordon Parks Museum” can now boast the “Award of Excellence” for the creation of the “Learning Tree Film Scene Sign Trail.”

A ribbon cutting for the trail was held in October 2021.

It features a series of signs throughout Fort Scott and in Mound City, which were different filming locations for the well-known Gordon Parks film, “The Learning Tree.”

QR codes are also on each sign, to give visitors a virtual tour of each location.

The museum’s director, Kirk Sharp, says it’s an amazing honor to receive such a prestigious award from the KMA.

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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Marshalls Grand Opening in Pittsburg

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Sunday, November 13, 2022 is the Grand Opening of the first Marshalls store in the Joplin Metro area.

| RELATED >> We told you first, Marshalls is poised to open in Pittsburg, Kan.

Part of the TJX Company with sister stores as Home Goods and TJMaxx, this Marshalls store is located at 2905 North Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas.

“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.

Brooke Powell, Executive Dir. of Safehouse, tells KOAM’s Shannon Becker, “We were just blown away to hear the news that Safehouse would be receiving the donation from the Marshalls company. We could not do this work without our community supporters, and we are incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

Sunday during the Grand Opening that check will be presented to Safehouse and Bailey Moore, winner of 4-States Idol and now PSU student, will sing the National Anthem.

This SEK opening makes Marshalls stores in all four states across the region. Others located in Broken Arrow, Okla., Springfield, Mo. and  Rogers, Ark. They have 1,100 stores nationwide.

FAST FACTS & FEATURES

  • Location: 2905 North Broadway, Pittsburg Town Center, Pittsburg KS 66762
  • Approximately 25,449 square feet
  • Regular store hours:
    • 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday
    • 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays
  • Single queue checkout for faster shopping

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COPYRIGHT 2022 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

PSU Professors kick-off robotics class in Columbus

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – Pittsburg State University Professors Norman Phillip & Randy Winzer today brought their robotics class to Columbus.

The Adventures in Robotics class uses AIR curriculum based on NASA objectives like:

  •  an introduction to the LEGO SPIKE robotics system
  •  basics of scratch coding in SPIKE
  •  training module on building a basic robot and making it move
  • Stop in Time Challenge

This class is open to youth in grades 4 through 9 and pre-enrollment is required for future classes.

Click here to learn more.

COPYRIGHT 2022 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

Humboldt woman arrested on suspicion of meth possession, distribution

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ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Humboldt Police Department, and Allen County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Humboldt woman on suspicion of drug crimes on Thursday.

(Courtesy: Allen County Sheriff’s Office)

A news release from the KBI says around 9 a.m. on July 14, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment building in Humboldt. Methamphetamine and a weapon were found at the location.

Following the search, 54-year-old Cindy Reynolds was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of a weapon.

An investigation is ongoing.

Andy Reid named 4th Handsomest Coach in the NFL

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – There is no disputing Andy Reid’s excellence in football, however, the Chiefs Head coach now has an accolade causing other coaches to challenge the ruling on the field.

A recent study by Gambling.com used A.I. to score and rank all 32 NFL Head Coaches on the basis of ‘hotness’.

The top 10 are as follows with a score of 10 equating to a perfect beauty score:

  1. Kliff Kingsbury – Arizona Cardinals – 9.20
  2. Brian Daboll – New York Giants – 9.10
  3. Lovie Smith – Houston Texans – 8.98
  4. Andy Reid – Kansas City Chiefs – 8.72
  5. Frank Reich – Indianapolis Colts – 8.71
  6. Arthur Smith – Atlanta Falcons – 8.64
  7. Kyle Shanahan – San Francisco 49ers – 8.57
  8. Dennis Allen – New Orleans Saints – 8.44
  9. Nathaniel Hackett – Denver Broncos – 8.33
  10. Sean McDermott – Buffalo Bills – 8.10

>>NFL flexes Week 11 Chiefs-Chargers matchup to prime time

Whether or not his looks play into his schemes, there’s no doubt the 64-year-old bombshell earned his rank among the top 5.

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What your vehicle needs before winter snow and ice hits

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JOPLIN, Mo. — With the possibility of the first snowfall this season just around the corner, vehicle maintenance experts say now is the best time to prepare your car. There’s no getting around winter, so instead of dreading it, prepare for it by checking out what your car needs, in order to gear up for cold, wet, winter driving conditions.

Vehicle mechanics agree that it’s best to winterize your car before the first flake falls, because small problems that may have been ignored during warmer months could grow worse, leaving you stranded when the temperature plummets. Here’s a few tips that will help keep your car running all winter long:

  • Take your car to a mechanic and have them check the following: battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster.
  • Make sure your tires have adequate tread. If the treads are worn, replace them. Ideally, you should look at snow tires which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions.
  • Inspect your vehicle’s lights. Make sure the front and rear lights are working properly, especially the flashing hazard lights.
  • It’s possible that your windshield wiper fluid may freeze at some point during the winter months, so instead of toughing it out until spring, exchange the fluid with one made especially for freezing, or below freezing conditions.
  • Speaking of windshield wipers, it’s a good idea to purchase winter wiper blades. They’re made to cut through snow and ice instead of using the regular blades all year long.
  • Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by build up and debris. You can use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.
  • Road salt commonly used during the winter months can damage your car’s paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and a coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion — keeping your vehicle looking like new.

| Large Traffic Increase on Missouri Interstates – Want To Know Why? >

It’s also a good rule of thumb to keep a box of emergency supplies in the trunk in case of an emergency. Extra clothing, blankets, non-perishable food, water, and a phone charger can make a big difference. You’ll find an extensive list, HERE of everything that vehicle mechanics suggest you do, so that your car is ready to go for the worst winter weather.

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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Erie High School's automotive program prepares students

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ERIE, Kan. — Erie High School is giving its students some real-life experience… On cars.

“The automotive program here at Erie High School is probably one of the best programs we have. I love this program. I’ve been in this program for four years being here since my freshman year,” said Joey Vincent, student.

“We give them the basics to where they can go on to an institution like a career tech ed program at one of the local colleges. or trade schools,” said Jack Simmons, EHS Teacher.

The automotive career and technical education program gives students the opportunity to do live work on cars.

“Yeah we learn how to work on brake systems, transmissions, and oil changes and all that,” said Timmy Borton, student.

Preparing them for a job in the automotive field, and not just doing repair work.

“There are 1,000s of jobs in the automotive field and yes part of them are working on cars, but many of them are in the engineering design, fabrication, part sales marketing of aftermarket parts, etc,” said Simmons

Next month the program will take its annual trip to Indiana for the national performance racing industry convention and trade show.

“It was probably the best experience of my life. It was so much fun, There are a lot of big colleges out there. Mr. Simmons let us go to all the colleges and talk to colleges to see if we can get scholarships,” said Vincent.

“This is a huge career experience for the students to understand there’s a lot of things out there that are great career opportunities for them. And all these industries right now are looking for help and want to employ people who are coming out of schools right now,” said Simmons.

Missouri marijuana legalization already has some Kansas police concerned

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri voters said yes to legalizing marijuana on Tuesday, but one Kansas City area police department is already raising a red flag.

The unofficial vote on Amendment 3 was closer than what experts predicted, but marijuana legalization garnered about 53% support Tuesday.

“I think Missouri today is a better place based on the fact that we actually have legalized recreational marijuana,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said.

Missouri is now one of 21 states, as well as Washington D.C., to legalize marijuana in the United States.

The new amendment changes the state constitution to allow those 21 and older to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and have up to six flowering plants, six clones and six seedlings.

The Missouri Department of Health previously said the earliest people will be able to buy recreational marijuana in Missouri is February, but across the state line in Kansas, police are already concerned.

“I think so,” KCK Police Chief Karl Oakman said when asked if he think marijuana legalization will make officers’ jobs harder. “I think we’re going to have an increase in some traffic-related issues … It’s legal in Missouri, but it’s still illegal in Kansas.”

Kansas state lawmakers have failed to approve a medical marijuana bill multiple times. It’s one of only three states that has not implemented any kind of public-use marijuana program.

Oakman said education around driving while high must be a top priority for Missouri leaders.

Lucas said it’s time for Kansas to follow in Missouri’s footsteps and legalize marijuana.

Regardless, employers will still have the final say on whether their employees can use marijuana. The new amendment does not prevent employers from enforcing their drug and alcohol-free workplace policies.

The AFGE Local 910 union president also told FOX4 this has no impact on federal employees because there is still a federal ban on the drug.

The amendment will, however, erase past marijuana-related convictions for nonviolent offenders and those whose conviction didn’t include selling to minors or driving while high.

“I think that this will reduce substantial harms, particularly those for minority communities who have been arrested at disproportionate rates for years and years,” Lucas said. “I think this is good.”