Inaugural Bear season in Arkansas is underway

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For the first time in modern history, Arkansas hunters will be able to legally harvest a black bear in the Gulf Coastal Plain and portions of the Delta in south Arkansas this weekend. 

While the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is excited about this milestone in conservation and opportunity for hunters, there are a few key points to remember to get the most out of the hunt and ensure it remains a fixture in Arkansas’s outdoors.

| RELATED: Missouri began a bear season in recent years. Harvesting is broken down into zones and hunters chosen by raffle.

Black bear season for Bear Zones 3 and 4 is Dec. 10-16, but may close earlier than Dec. 16 if the quota for the zone is reached.

“We’ve set the quota at 25 bears for Zone 4 and five bears for Zone 3,” Myron Means, AGFC Large Carnivore Program Coordinator, said. “Hunters need to call the wildlife hotline (800-440-1477) before their hunt to check the harvest number and make sure the quota hasn’t been reached. I’ll be updating that hotline every day at noon and every evening at 6 p.m. The season will end  in the respective zone if the quota is reached or Dec. 16, whichever comes first.”

Hunters may use modern guns, muzzleloaders or archery equipment, and the statewide limit is one bear per season.

Hunters successful in killing a bear must immediately check their bear through the AGFC’s mobile app, website or call 877-731-5627 to report their harvest. Just as with deer, once a bear has been checked it does not need to be tagged unless it leaves your possession (left at deer camp, taxidermist, processor, etc.). If a hunter cannot immediately check the bear, they must make their own tag with ink, including their name, date and bear zone of harvest. They may check the bear within 12 hours of harvest.

All successful hunters will also be required to submit a premolar from the bear. The AGFC’s bear team will mail them a packet including bags for the premolar and a hair sample with instructions on how to complete the process.

“The premolar submission is required, but the hair sample is optional; however, getting us a hair sample is very helpful in our research and continued monitoring of the population,” Means said.

Means says the warm weather may have more female bears out feeding instead of denning up, and hunters should avoid shooting any female bears with cubs.

“It’s legal to shoot one, but those cubs are the future of the population and they will den with their mother for an additional year,” Means said. “If you can tell that it’s a female, honestly it would be best to let her pass. We worked on a video to help hunters tell the difference between boars and sows, but obviously if a cub is with the bear, it’s a sow.”

Means also cautions that there are some research bears in south Arkansas that he’d prefer hunters pass on shooting. As part of the new season, biologists and staff have outfitted a few female bears with special satellite-tracking collars to give detailed information about their movements throughout the year, including hunting season. So far 13 of the dedicated 15 collars have been placed.

“Again, it’s legal to harvest a collared bear, but we really would prefer people give them a pass,” Means said. “These bears are giving us some very valuable information about the population and hunting season, and this is new territory that we really want to get some good data to help continue these hunts and keep our bear population healthy.” (SOURCE: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Follow them on social media).

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Firefighters quick work save main house from burning

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — About 9:30 p.m. Saturday night, December 10, 2022, reports of a structure fire at 410 W Walnut alerted Carl Junction E-911.

Carl Junction Fire, METS ambulance and Carl Junction Police responded.

First report on scene state the garage was fully involved and there were booms coming from the structure.

Walnut was closed to all traffic as hoses ran across the roadway.

No one was injured in the fire, or fighting the fire

Neighbors tell us there were loud booms heard as the garage was burning. Source is unknown. There was a vehicle consumed by the fire. Many times tires deflating create a boom effect.  Also propane tanks on BBQ grills can be a culprit.

410 W Walnut in Carl Junction. Google Street View, date unknown. Detached garage noted in image burned.

CJ Fire worked quickly to control the fire from spreading to the main residence, just feet away. The heat of the flames melted siding from the east side of the home.

CJ Police investigators arrived shortly after 10:15 p.m.

Chief Joe Perkins of Carl Junction Fire requested assistance from the State Fire Marshals office. On scene investigation continued until about 1 a.m. Sunday morning.

We will update this article with more information as it becomes available from authorities. Stay with Joplin News First for news where you live (click this link and save bookmark on your phone).  Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email updates so you don’t miss an article.

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Hole forms in I-44 overpass, emergency repairs affecting traffic at Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. – About 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2022, MoDOT was alerted to a hole that had formed in one lane of I-44 westbound on the overpass of South Main Street.

It was determined to fix the hole so traffic was diverted as a lane was closed about 5:45 p.m.

It is unknown how long the repair will take.  But in routine repairs as such it can be into the overnight hours.

Avoid I-44 westbound from South Rangeline (exit 9) to South Main (exit 6).

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Shop with a Cop 2022, helping 175+ kids smile more at Christmas

JOPLIN, Mo. — Despite the early Saturday morning, everyone was all smiles on December 10, 2022, more than 175 kids were able to ‘Shop with a Cop’ at Wal-Mart #59, 1501 S Rangeline, in Joplin.

  • CAPT DAVIS: Today is our Annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ where officers with the Joplin Police and Seneca Police are able to pair up with kids who may not have a great Christmas ahead of them, but we take them Christmas shopping today. It’s a great program we look forward to it each and every year.
  • Q: How many kids are here this morning?
  • CAPT DAVIS: This year we have about 180 kids between Joplin Police and Seneca Police, we both pair up. So kids are from Joplin Schools and Seneca Schools today.
  • Q: We are doing the math in our head? Each child gets $100 to spend on themselves and maybe someone special in their life. Wow! Who pays for all this?
  • CAPT DAVIS: This would not be possible without the generous donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, in and around the Joplin area. We are so thankful that each and every year they continue to donate to help make this possible.
  • Q: How is this event still special to you personally year after year?
  • CAPT DAVIS: This program is really special, when you get paired with a kid and they want to shop for people other than themselves. It really touches your heart. They maybe want to buy a present for mom, dad, brother, sister. It shows the true meaning what this is all about… helping others.

Fraternal Order of Police SWMo Lodge #27 members come together to help organize the event. Lodge members also donate money and time every year. Today we spotted Joplin Police Explorers, Joplin Police Sentinels, MSSU Criminal Justice students, Diamond Police, however dozens of others involved who were not able to attend in person.

Kids are mostly nominated by school resource officers and guidance counselors. They are each allotted a specific amount of money to shop. On a different day, which is more private, the foster children get to shop.

Wal-Mart #59 employees were numerous meeting kids and families in line with donuts, juice, milk and smiles. Dozens were there, including management, helping shoppers find certain items, keep the checkouts running smoothly, and perhaps cleaning up a spill or two quickly that happened while shopping!

I am not a part of this program, I just had to have my tires worked on today. But I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you all do!

Shopper talking to JPD Ofc 

Numerous other police departments and agencies across the area work to within their local communities to help those at Christmas. So there are opportunities to give everywhere.

Holding other events this season include (partial list, click each below to view):

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Joplin Police officer observes smoke coming from a residence; Joplin Fire respond

JOPLIN, Mo. – About 7:15 p.m. Friday evening, December 9, 2022, a Joplin Police officer on patrol noticed smoke coming from a residence at 1925 South Connor. Joplin E-911 alerted the Joplin Fire Dept to respond.

Joplin Fire arrival observed smoke coming from the eaves and roof of the residence.

Joplin Police tell us on scene there was no sign of forced entry.

We never observed visible flames from outside the residence.  Neighbors tell us it is vacant, the owners had fixed the home up for sale and the for sale sign is clearly posted in the front yard.

Liberty Utilities responded to cut electric from the residence. Smoke almost immediately began subsiding.

| MORE JOPLIN NEWS FIRST >> Fire Dept reminders of Space Heater Safety

Joplin Fire will have official information as it becomes available. But for now it appears it was electrical within the walls and ceiling.

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NCAA: MSSU former football coach violated ethical conduct rules

JOPLIN, Mo. – The NCAA says Missouri Southern State and the former head football coach committed multiple violations over two years.

In a release of its findings today, the NCAA states MSSU, “failed to monitor its football program, which committed multiple NCAA violations over two academic years, including impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits, academic misconduct and violations of countable athletically related activities, according to an agreement released by the Division II Committee on Infractions. A former football assistant coach also violated ethical conduct rules and did not cooperate with an NCAA investigation.”

The alleged violations of the former football head coach include:

  • failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance with NCAA rules and was directly involved in violations, according to a decision released by the committee
  • failing to monitor his staff’s involvement in student-athletes’ academics after threatening staff jobs if student-athletes failed to perform academically
  • engaging in unethical conduct when he did not meet his obligation to cooperate with an investigation and denied involvement in the violations.

The university and the enforcement staff used ranges identified by the Division II membership-approved infractions penalty guidelines to agree upon the following penalties:

  • Three years of probation, through Nov. 2, 2025.
  • A $5,000 fine.
  • A reduction in football scholarships to 34.2 for the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A vacation of all football records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible. The university must provide a written report containing the contests impacted to the NCAA media coordination and statistics staff within 14 days of the public release of the decision.
  • A one-week prohibition against off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations during the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A one-year show-cause order for the former academic advisor.
  • A four-year show-cause order for the former assistant coach.
  • A two-year disassociation of the booster, as detailed in the public negotiated resolution.

According to the NCAA, after reviewing the head coach’s case, the committee also prescribed the following penalty:

  • A seven-year show-cause order for the former head coach.

Missouri Southern State University released a statement today about the investigation findings.

“Today, as we move forward, Missouri Southern is committed to a highly competitive NCAA Division II athletics program that supports a great student-athlete experience and prioritizes achieving these goals within a culture of compliance,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President since July 2020. 

“While these circumstances are unfortunate, particularly because the violations occurred prior to Coach Bradley’s arrival, we are pleased to have this matter resolved so that we can continue to focus on the positive progress of our football program,” said Mallory. “I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley’s leadership that Lions football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency.”

MSSU states no current MSSU employees were implicated in this investigation.

You can read the full releases from the NCAA and MSSU below.

NCAA Findings on MSSU former Coach

Missouri Southern State failed to monitor its football program, which committed multiple NCAA violations over two academic years, including impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits, academic misconduct and violations of countable athletically related activities, according to an agreement released by the Division II Committee on Infractions. A former football assistant coach also violated ethical conduct rules and did not cooperate with an NCAA investigation.

(PDF Version)

The former football head coach violated head coach responsibility rules and ethical conduct rules when he failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance with NCAA rules and was directly involved in violations, according to a decision released by the committee. He failed to monitor his staff’s involvement in student-athletes’ academics after threatening staff jobs if student-athletes failed to perform academically, and he engaged in unethical conduct when he did not meet his obligation to cooperate with an investigation and denied involvement in the violations.

This case used different resolution paths. The school and the former academic advisor agreed to the violations and penalties and resolved their case through a negotiated resolution. The former assistant coach did not participate in the investigation, and his violations and penalties were uncontested. The former head coach contested the violations but ultimately stopped participating in the infractions process. The committee considered his violations on the written record.

The university, former academic advisor and enforcement staff agreed that the advisor provided impermissible recruiting inducements and impermissible benefits on multiple occasions. The advisor had existing relationships with two student-athletes from her previous job. The first student-athlete lived cost-free at the advisor’s home for several months prior to his enrollment at Missouri Southern State, amounting to approximately $2,000 in impermissible inducements. The advisor also paid an outstanding tuition bill of approximately $1,500 from his previous school, which allowed him to enroll at Missouri Southern State. The advisor later paid a $500 bail fee for another student-athlete who had been arrested while enrolled at the school. Even though both student-athletes ultimately repaid the advisor, the benefits violated NCAA rules.

The committee also determined that an additional violation involving recruiting inducements occurred when, after being hired by Missouri Southern State, the former football head coach began recruiting a community college student-athlete who had played for the coach at his previous school. That prospect had an outstanding tuition bill at his prior school, and as a result the college would not release his transcripts so he could transfer. The head coach arranged for a booster to pay that tuition bill, which amounted to more than $8,000. The payment constitutes an impermissible recruiting inducement, and the head coach’s direct involvement violated ethical conduct rules. The prospect later enrolled and competed in eight contests, receiving actual and necessary expenses associated with those competitions, while ineligible.

The school and the enforcement staff agreed that during two consecutive summers, the football coaching staff required student-athletes to participate in “captain’s practices,” which involved athlete-led drills and seven-on-seven activities. Those practices were scheduled to accommodate training, summer classes and job schedules for student-athletes, and were directed and observed by members of the coaching staff, resulting in the program exceeding the allowed countable athletics-related activity. The head coach later admitted he was aware of the practices.

Additionally, the school and the enforcement staff agreed that the former assistant coach pressured an enrolled student-athlete to complete coursework for a prospect. The assistant coach threatened to withhold the student-athlete’s scholarship if he did not complete the online courses and strictly advised him not to speak to anyone about that arrangement.

The committee concluded that the head coach failed to monitor his staff’s involvement in student-athletes’ academics after he threated their jobs if student-athletes failed to perform, noting that “as a result of these threats, an assistant coach engaged in academic misconduct.”

The committee also determined that the head coach did not promote an atmosphere for compliance. In its decision, the committee stated, “[H]e personally created an environment where the athletics leadership and compliance were considered the enemy and used fear and intimidation with his staff members to further that divide. His approach was the antithesis of a compliant program[.]”

The school and enforcement staff agreed that Missouri Southern State failed to monitor its football program. While the school was aware of the tensions between the football program and the athletics department, the school did not enforce the reporting structure with the football head coach or his staff.

Finally, the head coach engaged in unethical conduct when he did not meet his obligation to cooperate with an investigation. In addition to providing demonstrably false or misleading information to investigators, the head coach did not agree to violations and penalties in the negotiated resolution with the school and academic advisor but did not respond to the staff’s subsequent notice of allegations or multiple requests for a response from the Committee on Infractions.

The university and the enforcement staff used ranges identified by the Division II membership-approved infractions penalty guidelines to agree upon the following penalties:

  • Three years of probation, through Nov. 2, 2025.
  • A $5,000 fine.
  • A reduction in football scholarships to 34.2 for the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A vacation of all football records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible. The university must provide a written report containing the contests impacted to the NCAA media coordination and statistics staff within 14 days of the public release of the decision.
  • A one-week prohibition against off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations during the 2022-23 academic year.
  • A one-year show-cause order for the former academic advisor.
  • A four-year show-cause order for the former assistant coach.
  • A two-year disassociation of the booster, as detailed in the public negotiated resolution.

After reviewing the head coach’s case, the committee also prescribed the following penalty:

  • A seven-year show-cause order for the former head coach.

Members of the Committee on Infractions are drawn from NCAA member schools and conferences and members of the public. The committee members who reviewed this case are Jessica Chapin, director of athletics at American International; David Hansburg, director of athletics at Colorado School of Mines; John David Lackey, attorney; Richard Loosbrock, faculty athletics representative at Adams State; Melissa Reilly, associate commissioner at the East Coast Conference; Leslie Schuemann, senior woman administrator/deputy commissioner at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference; and Jason Sobolik, assistant athletics director for compliance and student services at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

MSSU Release about the Investigation Findings

The NCAA Committee on Infractions has announced its findings after an investigation into actions of the Missouri Southern State University football program that occurred in 2019 and 2020.

Missouri Southern State University, a proud member of the NCAA Division II and the MIAA, has a history of supporting exemplary academic and athletic programs while adhering to the rules of its governing body. The university routinely and thoroughly investigates all potential violations of NCAA or MIAA rules and self-reports in a timely manner when it is determined that violations have occurred. The athletic department implements regular compliance education for all coaches and staff.

When university NCAA compliance staff was notified of potential violations in July 2020, an internal investigation was conducted, which resulted in self-reporting to the NCAA in October 2020. The university has since worked collaboratively with NCAA enforcement staff on its investigation and has agreed to a fair resolution of the violations that occurred in 2019 and 2020. MSSU fully concurs with NCAA enforcement and the Committee on Infractions regarding this negotiated resolution. The university appreciated the assistance and diligence of the enforcement staff for working closely throughout the investigation process.

Since the time of the violations, both the football program and athletic department are under new leadership, with the arrival of Head Football Coach Atiba Bradley in February 2021 and Director of Athletics Rob Mallory in July 2021. No current MSSU employees were implicated in this investigation.

“Today, as we move forward, Missouri Southern is committed to a highly competitive NCAA Division II athletics program that supports a great student-athlete experience and prioritizes achieving these goals within a culture of compliance,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU President since July 2020.

“While these circumstances are unfortunate, particularly because the violations occurred prior to Coach Bradley’s arrival, we are pleased to have this matter resolved so that we can continue to focus on the positive progress of our football program,” said Mallory. “I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley’s leadership that Lions football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency.”

Flames light up the Joplin sky from large 2-story house fire

JOPLIN, Mo. — Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2022, fire reported at 832 S Pennsylvania alerting Joplin E-911.

Joplin Police, Joplin Fire and METS ambulance responded.

Joplin Fire sounded a second alarm as flames and thick black smoke were visible from an active fire. Tipsters tell us they could see fire and smoke visible in the morning sky near 26th and Pennsylvania nearly two miles to the south.

This residence is on the NW corner of 9th and Pennsylvania. 2-story wood-framed structure with an attic that harbored flames. Even with Ladder 1 and another water cannon on Engine 2 the structure became fully involved within 30 minutes.

One person of the residence was injured exiting the home.  He was transported to an area hospital.  There is no update on his condition at this time.

Shortly before 8 a.m. Joplin Public works responded to assist Joplin Fire in taking down portions of the home to expose hidden fire and hot spots within the structure.

After taking down portions they then continue to soak the areas with water. This also helps to avoid rekindle fires in the coming hours and days.

Fire was declared out at 10:11 a.m.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.  The Joplin Fire Marshal is investigating.

| HOUSE FIRES >>Fire Dept reminders of Space Heater Safety

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Stabbing near Galena, Kan.; Two arrested on Attempted Murder

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, Kan.
  • Ivy Christine Simpson, 23, of Webb City, Mo.

Tyner, who is a registered violent offender after being convicted of Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter in 2007, was transported to the Cherokee County Jail.

  • Steven D. Tyner
  • Conspiracy to Commit Murder
  • Attempted Murder
  • Rape
  • Possessing Methamphetamine
  • Violating the Kansas Offender Registration Act

Simpson was transported to the Cherokee County Jail.

  • Ivy Christine Simpson
  • Conspiracy to Commit Murder
  • Attempted Murder

The victim has since been released from the hospital.

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Christmas Light List 2022 fr. Joplin News First

JOPLIN METRO AREA — These are the light displays to enjoy Christmas 2022! Arranged in sections to visit easily and shorten drive times. Also when you click each DIRECTIONS link it will tell you how far from where you are at that moment.

  • NORTH OF JOPLIN LIGHTS
  • NEVADA, MO: Lights by the Lake, Radio Springs Park, 1100 College 👉🏽DIRECTIONS

Scroll below to enjoy other stories, events and features from the Christmas Season we cover!

Christmas Parade List 2022

Hometown Holidays on the Carthage Square (Ice Skating… more)

Carriage Ride through the Carthage Christmas Lights, G&R Carriage

Way of Salvation Christmas Light Display at Carthage

Christmas on the Square in Bentonville

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express in Pittsburg 

Lighting of the Pump at La Russell, Mo. 

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