Tag Archives: Local Breaking News

FBI offers $5,000 reward each escapee

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HARRISONVILLE, Mo. – A criminal complaint was filed this week in the Western District of Missouri Federal Court charging two individuals with escaping the Cass County Jail and a third individual with assisting them.

Tuesday Cass County officials released information of the escape. They stated at the time it’s believed they are outside the Harrisonville, Mo. area already.

| MORE JOPLIN NEWS FIRST >> Rangeline store victim of smash-and-grab burglaries 4 times in 2 weeks

Trevor Scott Sparks, 33, Kansas City, MO, and Sergio Perez Martinez, 43, Panorama City, CA, were charged in a two-count criminal complaint with escape from confinement and aiding or assisting in escape from confinement.

A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, MO, was also charged in the complaint with a single count of aiding or assisting in the escape. Williams met the pair shortly after their escape at a nearby gas station.  It is still unknown how the two fled the jail.

Sparks and Perez Martinez remain at large and are being called ‘armed and dangerous’. Williams, Sr. is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal Magistrate Judge this week.

| RELATED: What charges were the pair being held on? Read… Inmates escape from Cass County Jail

Anyone with information regarding the two escaped individuals are urged to contact law enforcement or the TIPS hotline at (816) 474-TIPS, 1-800-Call-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov if they wish to remain anonymous.

The U.S. Marshals is offering a $5,000 reward for each individual for tips that lead to their capture. In order to receive the U.S. Marshal’s reward you must contact them directly at (816) 512-2000.

This case is being investigated by the following agencies: United States Marshal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Kansas City Police Department, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department with other law enforcement.

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Bogus school shooter threats made in several Oklahoma cities

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MIAMI, Okla. – Emergency crews got false 911 calls in several Oklahoma cities this morning. The hoax calls claim there’s an active shooter at schools.

The Miami Police Department took one of those calls this morning. The agency posted the following to social media around Noon,

“At approximately 1046 today, our agency received a call of an active shooter at Miami High School. We take all calls of this nature very seriously and determined that this was a prank call and there were no actual threat. Multiple agencies throughout the state are receiving the same call and while it’s believed to be a hoax, agencies are taking these calls very seriously.”

According to a CBS affiliate in Tulsa, News on 6, “As of noon, police have confirmed hoax shooting calls at schools in Tulsa, Stillwater, Perry, Miami, Enid, Medford, Durant, and Ardmore Oklahoma.”

The Stillwater Police Department also posted to social media calling it a “Bogus Active Shooter Threat.”

“(STILLWATER, OK) – On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at approximately 10:16 a.m., Stillwater Police Department (SPD) received a call of an active shooter situation at the Stillwater Junior High. An SPD School Resource Officer was on-site during the initial call and confirmed that there was no active shooter at the school.

Chief Watts diverted officers to respond to other schools in the area in case of a “swatting call.” Officers from several agencies responded to assist, and with the help of school administration, staff and faculty, we were able to secure the other sites.

We have been made aware of similar threats to other school districts in Oklahoma. We appreciate the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State University Police Department and Payne County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

“We take all threats of violence against our schools seriously. I am very proud of the coordinated response from the Stillwater Police Department and our partnering agencies. We remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any incidents that threaten the safety of our community, said Chief Watts.”

Joplin Schools plans events for new Dover Hill school

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JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin School Officials are preparing for the opening of the city’s new elementary school.

On January 4, students from West Central and Columbia Elementaries will move into the new building at 1100 N. Main.

“We are so excited to be opening Dover Hill Elementary for the students, staff, parents and community,” said Joplin Schools superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta. “The new building will
address the needs of our students and staff extremely well with the demands of education today. Dover Hill Elementary is another fine example of our community recognizing a need and coming together to support our students’ best interest.”

Before class resumes after the holiday break, the district will invite the public to go check it out. The open house will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on January 3, 2023.

Joplin Schools staff and Dover Hill parents and students will also get the chance to tour the building during additional separate events.

The District says Dover Hill will house 450 students with space for three sections of every grade level.

School officials planned an invite-only ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Joplin School Construction and Bond

Voters approved a 2019 bond to pay for the construction of the new campus. The Board of Education’s total approved project cost was $27,079,351.67. However, the school district states, “Current projections show final construction costs coming in well under budget.”

Crews broke ground for the new school on April 14, 2021.

CGA Architects and the DLR Group, with assistance from Allgeier Martin & Associates, designed the building. “Principal Architect at CGA Architects, Chad Greer, said he believes architecture should speak to time and place, and Dover Hill is no exception,” Joplin School stated in a release.

Crossland Construction managed the project.

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Female struck by car; Fatal crash investigation along MO-171

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JOPLIN, Mo. — Early Thursday, December 8, at 6:13 a.m. area first-responders were alerted to a fatal traffic crash involving a female pedestrian near MO-171 and Swede Lane in the eastbound lanes.

Capt William Davis updates information on a media release, “She has been identified as Cheyanne Funk, age 22 of Joplin. Next of kin has been notified. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision was not injured. Members of the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team are actively investigating the crash.”

EARLIER INFORMATION

Cpl Sean Higgins of the Joplin Police Dept tells KOAM’s Shannon Becker the adult female was pronounced deceased on the scene. “She was attempting to cross the highway.”

JPD Sgt Jared Delzell says their Major Crash Team is investigating.

The driver was not impaired. The driver was not arrested.

Press Release- Fatality Crash 12-08-22

Numerous agencies responded to the scene including MoDOT Emergency Response, Joplin Fire Dept, Joplin Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jasper County Deputies, Webb City Fire, Webb City Police.

Traffic is being affected by MO-171 lane closures:

  • MO-171 East of Stone’s Corner Roundabout
  • MO-171 West of St. Louis/Prairieflower Road

We will update more information here as we continue to follow this breaking news story.

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Vehicle overturns on I-44 at Joplin, motor blocks passing lane

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JOPLIN, Mo. – About 9:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, December 7, reports of a rollover crash along I-44 near 5.9 marker west alerted Joplin E-911.

Joplin Fire Dept, Joplin Police Dept, METS ambulance and Newton County Ambulance responded.

On scene we learn the westbound vehicle overturned and the motor was blocking the passing lane.

The driver was transported to an area hospital with unknown injuries. However they were alert and awake talking to staff. Tipsters tell us the driver was standing near the vehicle.

Both westbound lanes were blocked for about 30 minutes and traffic slowly began one lane westbound.

Watch for updates here. Light rain and 47°, wet pavement was observed at the time of the crash.

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Rangeline store victim of smash-and-grab burglaries 4 times in 2 weeks

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JOPLIN, Mo. – For the fourth time in a two week span a Rangeline convenient store has been burglarized.  Two times in the last two days.

Joplin Police Capt William Davis tells us they are investigating all of the break-ins.

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.

Staff at Zips, 1201 South Rangeline, tell KOAM’s Shannon Becker they are fed up with it. The cost of the glass is in the thousands of dollars, and that doesn’t count the merchandise being stolen.

Plus it is not stopping.  They are coming back again and again and again.

“Vapes. Cartridges for Vapes, then they sell them online.”

Zips staff shared security video of the overnight smash-and-grab from Wednesday, December 7, 2022.  After two males and one female broke doors and windows with rocks, a pair enter the store, male and female.  The female had a backpack ready to fill and quickly went behind the counter to grab vapes.  The male went into a back room and took a large bottle of Fireball Whiskey placing it in the backpack.  The female also grabbed a beverage out of the normal coolers before fleeing out the same way, through a broken window. All done in about 60 seconds.

BURGLARY REPORTS TO JOPLIN POLICE

  • November 23, (Wed) 2:47 a.m. NOTE: two males and one female
  • November 26, (Sat) 3:46 a.m. NOTE: two males and one female
  • December 5, (Mon) 1:43 a.m. NOTE: two males and one female
  • December 7, (Wed) 1:08 a.m. NOTE: two males and one female

Capt Davis asks if anyone has information on the identify of the individuals to contact the Joplin Police Dept at 417-623-3131.

This is a breaking news story, stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more.

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Chanute woman found dead, person of interest developed

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NEOSHO COUNTY, Kan. – Authorities arrest a person of interest after information from North Carolina leads to the body of a Chanute, Kansas woman.

Yesterday evening (Dec. 6) around 5:00 pm, Neosho County, Kansas Sheriff deputies went to 6845 160th Road in rural Chanute. They were conducting a welfare check after the Cumberland County, NC, 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. The KBI Crime Scene Response Team arrived to investigate.

Authorities in Fayetteville, North Carolina, have developed a person of interest in the case. The 37-year-old man also had a warrant out of a North Carolina county for charges unrelated to this case, according to the KBI. He’s currently in police custody.

The coroner’s office has an autopsy scheduled for Dec. 9.

The KBI says they’re still investigating. Authorities are not releasing any more information at this time.

If you have information about this, you can call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office at 620-244-3888. You can also submit tips online here.

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Around 200 sick in an SEK school district; cleaning scheduled

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OSWEGO, Kan. – A 4-State school district closes for the rest of the week starting tomorrow due to hundreds being out sick.

According to Superintendent Mitchell Shaw, USD 504 in Oswego, Kansas, has around 200 students and staff sick. Besides general sickness, some are ill with RSV and Influenza A.

One school has 44 percent of students out. School officials met with the board and health officials to organize a deep clean in all buildings ahead of Monday.

The district has canceled school and all school activities for Thursday and Friday (Dec. 8-9).

At this time, classes and activities are planned to resume on Monday, December 12.

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Home destroyed by fire in Sarcoxie

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SARCOXIE, Mo. — About 5 a.m. reports of a fire in on the 200 block of 8th Street alerted Jasper County E-911.

Sarcoxie Fire Dept, Sarcoxie Rural Fire, Mercy Ambulance, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputies responded. Carthage Fire toned as mutual aid.

Fire reported to have started at the rear of the home. On arrival active flames and smoke visible.

The two adults of the residence were out safely.

Liberty responded to control utilities.

Red Cross was requested to assisted 2 adults who are displaced as a result of the fire.

This is a breaking news story, stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more.

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Joplin Christmas Parade 2022; Christmas in Candy-Land, full live video

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JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System organized the parade and volunteers from Freeman help to execute the Joplin Christmas Parade 2022! The theme this year: ‘Christmas in Candy-Land’.

It’s one of Joplin’s biggest holiday traditions. Funds generated by the 2022 Joplin Christmas Parade will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an organization that makes miracles happen for local children with medical needs.

This year the Grand Marshal Chief Sloan Rowland of the Joplin Police Dept. He was escorted by his officers.  Chief Rowland will mark three years at the helm in just a few weeks.

There were more than 100 entries in the parade.

The weather was nearly perfect.  45° and light fog.

Watch the parade above from our FB page where we broadcast live from 4th and Main.

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to cover Christmas events and stories all season long.  Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email list so you don’t miss an article.

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