News To Know: Ian regains strength, judge rules self-defense

PITTSBURG, Kan. – A judge drops murder charges against a Pittsburg man. Dominik Short had been charged with murder in the shooting death of his mother, Stephanie Short, and the shooting of Velma Cubie. Short argued he acted in self defense, and the judge agreed. All charges against him have now been dropped. His co-defendent, James Hamilton, is still charged in this case.

MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo. — Sheriff Rob Evenson thanks Detectives in his department for their vigilance as felony charges are filed on a pair for chopping down trees illegally and selling them. The investigation is not over, he tells us about $20,000 worth of walnut, white oak and black oak trees were cut and removed. If you’re interested in reading more about this story, click here.

MISSOURI – Missouri lawmakers approve an income tax cut and ditched plans to cut corporate taxes. The bill cuts income taxes from 5.3% to 4.95% beginning next year. The measure now heads to Governor Mike Parson, who is expected to sign it. Parson had directed lawmakers to cut income taxes during the special session.

NATIONAL – Hurricane Ian strengthened again late Thursday as its track shifted slightly to the east. According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian’s maximum winds increased to nearly 85 miles per hour. A hurricane warning has been issued from the Savannah river at the Georgia-South Carolina border to Cape Fear, North Carolina.

 

News To Know: hospital shooting, escaped inmate back in custody

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A shooting at a hospital near Little Rock takes the life of one person, and authorities take a suspect into custody. The hospital CHI St. Vincent north in Sherwood, Arkansas went on lockdown as authorities responded. Police say the victim was visiting a patient and was shot by a person he knew. Authorities later arrested a suspect at a gas station. Click here to read more about this story.

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. — An escaped inmate finds himself back in the custody of Newton County. Michael Durison escaped from police custody on the 18th while being treated at Freeman Hospital in Neosho. On Tuesday police found Durison in a travel trailer in Joplin. He is facing several new charges in newton county including assault, robbery, and armed criminal action. Authorities also arrested a woman at the scene. If you’d like to read more about this story, click here.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott Community College held an awareness walk for suicide prevention. Linda Her has been organizing these awareness walks in the Southeast Kansas area for seven years in honor of her husband and brother-in-law. Even though national suicide prevention week was three weeks ago, spreading awareness is a year-long effort.

OKLAHOMA – Some folks in Oklahoma got out and ran to show support for first responders and the military. It’s part of the Great American Relay. The relay starts in Santa Monica, California and finishes at the site of the World Trade center in New York. One of the legs of the relay starts at the Afton, Oklahoma fire barn where people run to the fire station in Fairland.

News To Know: voter registration looms, sex crime sentencing

OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation renews its campaign for representation in congress, calling on federal legislators to honor a treaty the US government made nearly two hundred years ago. In a video released last week, the tribal nation reasserted its demand that congress seat its delegate in the house of representatives — a right stipulated by the 1835 treaty of New Echota. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Junior with the Cherokee Nation said in the video, “For two centuries, congress has failed to honor that promise, however, the treaty of New Echota has no expiration date. The obligation to seat a Cherokee Nation delegate is as binding today as it was in 1835.” Hoskin tapped Kimberly Teehee as the nation’s official representative to congress. If Teehee were to be seated, her role would likely be similar to other non-voting members of congress. Although those members can’t vote on the house floor, they can vote in committee, introduce legislation, and engage in debate.

FOUR STATES – Just a reminder; the voter registration deadline for the November elections is coming up in three weeks.

  • Missouri’s deadline is October 12th.
  • Oklahoma deadline is October 14th
  • The deadline in Kansas is October 18th.

PITTSBURG, Kan. – After a plea agreement, a Pittsburg man learns his fate for sexually exploiting a child under the age of 14. The crimes happened on November 21, 2021, in Crawford County, Kansas. Police arrested him and requested 19 counts of sexual exploitation of a child and 13 counts of internet trading in child pornography. According to court documents, Prosecutors charged Rex W. A. Mills with 5 counts of each. In July of 2022, Mills accepted a plea deal. He pleaded nolo contendere, accepting conviction as though he entered a guilty plea, but not admitting guilt. As part of the deal, prosecutors dropped 9 of the 10 charges. The remaining charge, Sexual Exploitation of a Child Under the Age of 14, is an off-grid, person-felony with a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years and a maximum fine of $500,000.  Click here to read more about this story.

GREENBUSH, Kan – Pittsburg’s gifted middle school students on Tuesday participated in stem activities at Greenbush in Girard. Sixth and seventh graders were in the lab learning the difference between animal and plant cells. They looked at their own cheek cells under a microscope. Eighth graders went outside to learn engineering design and problem solving. They worked together to cross a ropes course.

News To Know: fatal crashes, and take a trip to “Hill House”

GIRARD, Kan. – A Mindenmines man is dead following a two-vehicle collision. The crash occurred just 2 miles North of K126 in Crawford County. Police say a Ford F350 driven by Edward Leroy Nutt, 71, was traveling Eastbound on East 570th Avenue when he failed to stop at a stop sign. If you are interested in reading more about this story, click here.

CASSVILLE, Mo. – A head-on collision on Highway 76 in Barry County takes the life of one man. On Saturday, September 23, Police Dispatch received calls regarding a crash on Highway 76 at around 5:30 p.m. Missouri Highway Patrol responded. They learned that a Ford Mustang driven by Dale Roller, 53, crossed the center line and struck a Ford Explorer driven by Wendy Miekley, 60, head-on. Click here to read more about this story.

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. – Flu season kicks off in October. The Newton County health department has only one case of flu reported so far. The health department says it’s still hard to predict the flu season, but as covid cases have dropped from last year, it may lead to more flu cases. That’s because many of the precautions we took to protect against covid also protected us from the flu.
Officials recommend taking the flu vaccine in October. That provides about a six-month coverage, but also has time to kick in before more cases appear. People can take both a covid booster and flu vaccine even on same day.

JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin’s Dream Theatre troupe is almost ready for its next production. Later this week the troupe will perform “The Haunting of Hill House”, based on Shirley Jackson’s novel about a small group of people who are brought to “Hill House”, which is known as a place of evil, in order to research it.

 

News To Know: home engulfed in flames, suspect on the loose

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. – Around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, Duenweg fire department was alerted to a house fire in the Prosperity area. The house located at 19910 Ely road was engulfed in fire by the time the Jasper County deputies arrived. The investigation determined that the resident was not home at the time of the fire. Mutual aid arrived from Joplin, Webb City, Oronogo, and Carthage. The fire was declared under control at 2:55 a.m. and no firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Click here if you’d like to read more about this story.

BOURBON COUNTY, Kan. – The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to look out for a wanted suspect who they say may be armed and dangerous. Officers say Jai Terrance Scott Jr. is wanted in connection with a Felony Pursuit in Bourbon County. Click here for more information about this suspect.

FRONTENAC, Kan. – Every fall Festa Italiana makes its way back to Frontenac Kansas. Festa Italiana gives people the opportunity to see the heritage of Southeast Kansas and why it is the way it is today. The funds raised go toward student development grants and semester scholarships for all Frontenac high school graduates. Enjoy this past article about Festa Italiana: Festa Italiana returns to Frontenac for 22nd year.

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. – Carl Junction today hosted its 25th Annual Bluegrass Festival at Center Creek Park. Officials say they are excited to commemorate 25 years of celebrations with plenty of fun for the family including:

  • Food trucks
  • Crafts
  • Beer & Wine garden
  • Petting zoo
  • Bounce houses
  • Live music

The festival says they have over 20 food vendors and more than 60 craft booths. Click here to read more about the 2022 Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival.

 

The Big 3: fire engulfs apartment building, escapee still at large, 88 Strong pass it on and unclaimed lottery money

BIG STORY #3: JOPLIN, Mo. – Just after 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning Joplin E-911 Dispatch received multiple reports of an apartment building fire at 1921 E 9th. Flames were visible above the neighborhood that lies along the north side of the railroad tracks at 9th and Connecticut.  Kids in this neighborhood attend Eastmorland Elementary School. If you’d like to read more about this story, click here.

BIG STORY #2: WEBB CITY, Mo. – Inspired by the life of young Christian Heady who passed away from childhood cancer, the first ever 88 Strong Passing It On event kicked off in King Jack Park in Webb City. A ton of fun for the whole family, plus the proceeds went to the Christian Heady Foundation to benefit families of children with cancer. Click here if you’d like to read more about this story.

BIG STORY #1: NEOSHO, Mo. – An inmate escapes while receiving treatment at a Neosho, Missouri hospital. The Newton County sheriff’s office warns the public to be on the lookout for 41-year-old Michael Ray Durison, an inmate who escaped while being treated at Freeman Neosho. He is 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, has black hair, and hazel eyes. The sheriff’s office states he was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and orange scrub bottoms. He possibly has no shoes. As of Friday, September 23rd at 8:21 a.m. authorities are searching for him. If you spot this inmate immediately call 9-1-1. To read more about this story, click here.

BONUS STORY: JOPLIN, Mo. – Someone has yet to claim their winnings after buying a lottery ticket in Joplin. The Show Me Cash ticket is worth $472,000. The buyer purchased it at Discount Smokes and Liquor in Joplin. Click here to read more about this story.

The annual Heart Walk takes off in the Four States on Oct. 1

Logan was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect shortly after birth. In April of this year, Logan underwent heart surgery and the health issues she experienced due to a heart defect immediately began to correct. Logan’s is just one story that illustrates the ways the community benefits from funding raised by the annual Heart Walk to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Jana Smith, the chairperson for the 4-States Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association, sat down with Tawnya Bach to get to the heart of what the Heart Walk is all about. Year after year the Heart Walk provides necessary funding to the American Heart Association to help fund critical research. If you are interested in participating, here’s the information you need:

  • 4-State Heart Walk
  • October 1st at 9 am
  • Leggett and Platt Center, MSSU, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin, MO
  • Walk begins at 9:30

And by the way…Logan and her family will be there!

If you’d like to register for the 4-State’s Heart Walk, or just want even more information, click here to head over to their website.

If you’d like to learn more about the American Heart Association, click here.

News to Know: Fire Marshall investigates cause of apartment fire and truckers get shown appreciation

Joplin, MO. — The Joplin fire marshall is investigating the cause of the fire that swept through an apartment building on Thursday. The fire was reported at 1221 E 9th Street just after 5:30 AM Thursday morning. Everyone inside managed to escape safely. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours. The fire was fanned by high winds — with gusts up to 30 miles per hour.

Independence, KS. — Protestors gathered outside the Montgomery County courthouse to spread awareness about the dangers of Fentanyl. They say their goal is to seek justice for loved ones lost — and harsher punishments for anyone caught with the drug. US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas is pushing for federal legislation called “The Cooper Davis Act.” It’s named after a Johnson County teenager who lost his life to a Fentanyl overdose.

Neosho, MO. — The Neosho Arts Council’s Big Spring Gallery hosts work from a native son. It’s the 27th year of the annual Thomas Hart Benton art competition and exhibition. Officials say it’s a chance for aspiring artists to show off their skills in a competition setting.

Joplin, MO. — Joplin 44 Petro shows their appreciation for truckers with a Truckers Jamboree. The Jamboree lasted 10 hours and featured a variety of things to do ranging from a cook-out, live music, and a petting zoo.

Lights, camera, action…Buster Keaton and Gene Kelly head to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center

Daniel Kays, the executive director of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, sat down with Chris Warner to talk about the upcoming Buster Keaton Festival  — now in its 27th year — which includes not just a celebration of film pioneer Buster Keaton, but an intimate look at the life and career of actor and dancer Gene Kelly, as told by his wife Patricia Ward Kelly. Here’s the information you need to know:

  • “Keaton and Kelly: Gotta Dance”
  • September 22-24
  • Bowlus Fine Art Center, 205 E Madison Ave, Iola, KS

The event wraps up Saturday night with the one-woman show “Gene Kelly the Legacy: An evening with Patricia Ward Kelly.”  Patricia Ward Kelly, the wife of Gene Kelly, brings an intimate and touching look at the life and career of the iconic actor and singer as only a wife can.

The event kicks off Thursday the 22nd with a screening of “Singin’ In The Rain” at 7 p.m., as well as a special dance presentation by Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy at 6:45.

For more information about the 27th Annual Buster Keaton Celebration, click here to head over to the Iolakeaton Facebook page.

For more information on Patricia Ward Kelly and her show “Gene Kelly the Legacy: An evening with Patricia Ward Kelly,” click here.

Chef Anthony calls in the reinforcements to make ratatouille

Chef Anthony Fischer from the Pittsburg High School always has something special for viewers of the KOAM Morning Show and today was no exception. Not only did the day feature an amazing ratatouille recipe, but he called in reinforcements to give him a hand: a couple of ratatouille experts from the Culinary Dragons at PHS. Don’t let the reinforcements fool you – this is another Chef Anthony recipe that means easy and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish at home:

  • 2 Eggplants
  • 6 Roma tomatoes
  • 2 Yellow squashes
  • 2 Zucchinis

And to make the sauce:

  • 2 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1 Diced onion
  • 4 Cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 Red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 Yellow bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 28 oz. Can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil, from 8 to 10 leaves

And don’t forget to add some herb seasonings:

  • 2 Tbs. Chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tsp. Fresh thyme
  • 4 Tbs. olive oil

If at any point you need the assistance of a profession chef or some ratatouille specialists, just take a look at the complete Chef Anthony segment and you will be on your way…bon appetit!

Chef Anthony Fischer is the culinary instructor at Pittsburg High School.

Here’s more segments from Chef Anthony on KOAM Morning Show: