News to Know: Coffeyville man sentenced for drive-by shooting and 4 out of 9 suspects sentenced in Lawrence County murder case

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. – A judge sentences Benjamin Mason, II to 25 years without the possibility of parole for killing 19-year-old Kimberly Meeks in 2019. The Coffeyville, Kansas man pled no contest to a charge of first-degree murder in the case. He had originally been charged with a number of other crimes in the shooting, including *attempted* first degree murder. But those charges were dropped as part of a plea deal.  Click here for more details on the case.

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. – A judge sentences Kimberly Henderson to 25 years in prison for first degree robbery. She was originally charged with first degree murder in the 2020 shooting death of Sarah Pasco. Three other suspects in the crime have been sentenced. For more on that, and the status of the remaining suspects, follow this link to the full story.

INDEPENDECE, Kan. – Independence, Kansas police arrest two suspects accused of throwing a chemical bomb out of a vehicle. The incident happened on February 2, 2022. Police say Kendra Musgrove and Josh Wallace made the bomb and threw it near the home of Wallace’s ex-wife. Both Musgrove and Wallace are charged with criminal use of explosives, attempted criminal damage to property, aggravated assault, and attempted arson.  You can find a list of complete charges in this case here.

JOPLIN, Mo. – Mercy Hospital in Joplin is changing its visitor restrictions to pre-pandemic policies, except when visiting covid-positive patients. Hospital visitors will not be screened when they come in, but will still need to wear a medical grade mask. Officials say the change stems from changes to Medicare and Medicaid services guidelines. Read the full story here.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: Some of us work too much while others can’t seem to find enough work to keep busy. Maybe you consider your career(s) load manageable or you have the perfect balance of life versus work? This morning we are asking what is your work/life balance? Join our KOAM Facebook discussion and cast your vote @ koamnewsnow.com/vote.

‘Superhero Theme’ announced for Freemans next big race

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman and Ozark Center officials announce Superhero theme for their upcoming 5K race.

The 15th annual Walk for Autism and Freeman 5K takes place at 8:00 am Saturday, April 23 at the Leffen Center.

“Your participation means the world to us, and without you, we simply couldn’t do what we do at Leffen Center,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to you superheroes, families don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to receive an autism diagnosis, and children on the autism spectrum are receiving life-changing therapy to help them lead their best lives.”

Freeman encourages runners and walkers to break out their superhero costumes. As a result, capes, tights and other accessories are encouraged

“We like to make this event both fun and educational for participants and families,” said Vicky Mieseler, Ozark Center Chief Administrative Officer. “This year’s event will include a vendor fair with information from local community organizations with services and supports. There will be autism awareness items for purchase and free giveaways for kids. We will also welcome food trucks.”

In 2021, the race raised more than $54,500 to support Leffen Center and once again this year, there are prizes for family teams that raise the most money.

Prizes for fundraisers are as follows:

  • 1st – Trip to Branson
  • 2nd – Package with various gift certificates for food and activities
  • 3rd – Pamper Day

Those interested in taking part in the race can sign up here.

Mercy Hospital announces return of pre-pandemic visitor policies

JOPLIN, Mo – Mercy Hospital lifts visitor restriction policies for all facilities.

The hospital announced its plan to return to pre-pandemic visitor policies with the exception of isolated COVID-positive patients.

According to Mercy, the revised Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines enabled this revision.

The plan went into effect Monday, however, Mercy employees say the hospital still requires visitors to wear a medical-grade mask.

Mercy says they recognize the benefits of visitation to patients and their families, but they must also balance those needs while protecting others from a highly contagious virus.

Related article

4th person sentenced in 2020 Lawrence County murder

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. – A judge sentences the 4th defendant in a 2020 Lawrence County murder. Prosecutors charged 9 people in this case.

In 2020, authorities say 9 people played a role in the shooting death of Sarah C. Pasco, 27, of Aurora, Missouri.

Officers say they initially booked Kimberly Henderson with several counts including; 1st-degree murder, armed criminal action, and 1st-degree assault, however, she took a plea deal.

On February 15, Henderson pled guilty to the following:

  • First Degree Robbery

As part of the plea deal, a county judge sentenced Henderson to 25 years.

A judge has sentenced three other defendants in the case. You can read more here.

2020 murder case

On August 16, at around 10:14 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about shots fired. Deputies arrived at the location and found a woman shot multiple times. Emergency personnel airlifted her critical condition. She later was able to speak with detectives at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

The surviving victim and some of the suspects have spoken to investigators about the crime.

The surviving victim says she was hiding under Pasco while one suspect was firing into the well, according to court documents. She says she was shot while inside the well and played dead until they left. She also told a detective that while at the well, she remembered seeing Dunham with Pasco’s sunglasses on her head.

You can read more details from court documents here: 9 arrested as documents detail a Lawrence County murder

SUSPECTS

By Aug. 20, 2020, all 9 suspects were in custody. Prosecutors filed the following charges.

  • Gary W. Hunter, Jr., 23, Mt. Vernon – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Steven C. Calverley. 29, Republic – Requested charges of Murder 1st Degree, 1st Degree Assault,  Tampering with Evidence
  • Lyle B. Delong – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Andrew J. Cypret – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Diona L. Parks – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Frank J. Sheridan, 27, Aurora – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Kimberly K. Henderson, 47, Stotts City – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Siera Dunham – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree
  • Christina Knapp – Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault 1st Degree

Click here to read the previous article.

 

News to Know: Columbus schools launch a state redesign project, and changes to Joplin’s transportation services

COLUMBUS, Kan. Columbus High School is now one of nine Kansas Schools approved to launch a state redesign project. The Columbus School District joined the Kansas CAN, School Redesign Project in 2019. It’s aimed at helping school’s ensure the success of their high school graduates. The school’s counselor, Nicki Strickland, says it’s already been beneficial for student’s futures. The main goal of the program is to help students explore their interests, in addition to core classes they may take.  Watch the full story here.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The city of Joplin announces some changes to its transportation services due to staffing issues. Starting on the 28th the Sunshine Lamp Trolley will begin operating again from 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. MAPS is cutting down it’s services. It will only operate four vans instead of the usual five. The hours of operation for maps will stay the same. The Sunshine Lamp Trolley provides three routes: red, blue, and green.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin School District is introducing a new way to celebrate the accomplishments of its alumni. On Tuesday the Joplin Schools Foundation announced the establishment of the Joplin Schools Hall of Fame. It’ll honor alumni from Lincoln, Memorial, Parkwood and Joplin high schools. The foundation hopes the hall of fame will serve as an inspiration for current and future students to pursue their dreams. The foundation will begin accepting applications on May 15th.

JOPLIN, Mo. – Valentine’s day is over, but that didn’t stop Missouri Southern from using the day after to show it’s students their love with stuff a lion day. Students got the chance to create their own Roary the Lion, Build-a-Bear style. They even come with their own outfits. Southern has been doing “stuff-a-lion” – for about 10 years now.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: With football season over, this morning we are asking… What sport are you watching? Join our KOAM Facebook discussion and cast your vote on our KOAM InstaPoll @ koamnewsnow.com/vote.

Joplin School District announces Hall of Fame

 

JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin School District introduces a new way to celebrate the accomplishments of its alumni.

The Joplin Schools Foundation today announced the establishment of the Joplin Schools Hall of Fame.

It will honor alumni from the following high schools:

  • Lincoln
  • Parkwood
  • Memorial
  • Joplin

The foundation hopes the Hall of Fame will serve as an inspiration to current and future students to pursue their dreams.

 

CASA in Joplin breaks ground on new office building

JOPLIN, Mo. – Court Appointed Special Advocate members in Joplin host groundbreaking ceremony for their new building today, Feb. 15.

Jasper County CASA is dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers who take their time to be advocates for neglected and/or abused children in Jasper County.

CASA is currently looking for volunteers to help better ensure a safe and permanent home for children as quickly as possible.

For more information, click here.

100 Women Who Care donates almost $3,000 to wildlife program

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Jasper/Newton 100 Women Who Care chapter donates almost $3,000 to inspire youth conservation.

The chapter presented their donation of $2,950 to Wildcat Glades Friends Group today, February 15.

Wildcat Glades Friends Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, that exists to open the outdoors to our community. They offer educational programs, trails, and resources for children and adults.

Wildcat Glades will use the funds to purchase educational tools for their Conservation and Education programs. The programs offer opportunities for the community to experience the outdoors in a safe and educational manner.

100 Women Who Care is an international organization of women who gather four times a year for a one-hour meeting, to learn about local charities. Each woman donates a $100 check to a 501(c)3 charity that the group selects.

The Jasper/Newton chapter was formed in April of 2018. Thus far, the chapter has given $34,600 to 15 local 501(c)3 charities.

For more information, click here.

Missouri sponsors water-drinking art contest for students

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – To celebrate ‘Drinking Water Week’, the state invites students from across Missouri to participate in its annual poster design contest.

The contest’s theme remains “There when you need it.”

Water resources play a vital role in our daily lives, as a result, droughts or depleted water sources can threaten a community’s well-being.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners:

  • $300 for first place
  • $200 for second place
  • $100 for third place

The state encourages students to sign their artwork and says it can be no larger than 11 by 17 inches or a 3 MB pdf.

Criteria

Entries will be judged on three criteria:

  • Originality, concept execution and the poster’s relation to public water supplies.
  • The poster should illustrate how tap water is essential to our daily lives and is there when we need it.
  • Entries may be drawn, colored, painted or created electronically.

 

 

$150,000 up for grabs for local non-profits

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Joplin Regional Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Society is now accepting grant applications to pay a total of $150,000 equally to three deserving non-profit organizations.

For this year’s grantmaking, the Philanthropic Society will award $50,000 grants to address three priorities in Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction:

  • Barriers to Work and Prosperity
  • Housing
  • Community Health

The grants will provide seed funding to organizations that can build out current programs or create new services that improve the status of the three categories.

As a result, the selection committee will prioritize proposals from organizations that can communicate a vision and long-term plan.

“The Philanthropic Society looks favorably on grant requests that lay out a plan to find innovative and collaborative solutions that address these issues within Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction,” said Pete Ramsour, foundation manager for the JRCF.

Furthermore, the deadline for applications is 11:45 p.m., Monday, April 4. Organizations with 501(c)3 or similar non-profit status, such as civic, educational or faith-based groups, may apply.