aroundCarthage

Local News, History, and Info from around Carthage, Missouri

aroundCarthage

Millions of CPAP and BiPAP masks recalled, serious safety issue

The USDA and FDA issued an alert for millions of CPAP and BiPAP masks due to a “serious safety concern.”

“This latest recall raises further safety concerns both for Philips devices already subject to a recall, as well as additional devices,” said Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “We strongly encourage providers and at-risk patients to review this important safety information and follow our recommended actions to reduce the potential for harm from these products.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tells patients, caregivers and health care providers to check and see whether their mask is one of the recalled Philips masks. The recalled masks are worn by a person when using a BiPAP or CPAP machine and have magnets that connect the mask components to hold the device in place.

The magnets in those masks could potentially cause injury or death to people who use them, or people near a person using the recalled mask, have certain implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body. You can find a list of examples of metallic objects here.

Recalled Masks

The recalled Philips masks are worn by a patient when using a BiPAP or CPAP machine and have magnetic headgear clips to hold them in place. The recalled masks are for single-patient use in the home or multi-patient use in the hospital or other clinical environments. The recalled masks are for patients weighing more than 66lbs (30kg), except for the Wisp Youth Nasal Mask and Therapy Mask 3100 NC/SP which are for patients seven years of age and older weighing more than 40lbs (18kg).

  • Figure 1: Amara View Full Face Mask
  • Figure 2: DreamWisp Nasal Mask
  • Figure 3: DreamWear Full Face Mask
  • Figure 4: Wisp and Wisp Youth Nasal Mask
  • Figure 5: Therapy Mask 3100 NC/SP

This recall is not associated with the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam issue for certain ventilators, BiPAP machines and CPAP machines recalled in June 2021. However, this recall affects masks used with some of the devices that were recalled in June 2021.

Reported Injuries, Information from USDA

To date, Philips reported 14 serious injuries, including pacemaker failure, arrhythmia, seizures and irregular blood pressure related to use of the recalled masks.

Recommendations for Patients and Caregivers from FDA

  • Stop use of the recalled mask and switch to a non-magnetic mask if available, if you or someone near you when using the recalled mask have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks.
  • Ensure the recalled mask is kept at least 6 inches away from metallic medical implants, metallic objects in the body, and medical devices that can be impacted by the magnetic fields.
  • Consult with your health care provider to determine if another mask can be used for therapy and to decide if the plan for your care and treatment should change as a result of this safety issue.
  • Contact your health care provider immediately, if you experience any issues related to your medical device and report the issue through the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.
  • Contact Philips Respironics’ customer service at 1-800-345-6443 or visit their website at www.usa.philips.comExternal Link Disclaimer for more information about non-magnetic mask options.
  • Properly dispose of the recalled mask after you have another alternative mask.
  • You may continue using the mask, if you or someone near you when using the recalled mask, do not have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks.

Recommedations for Health Care Providers from FDA

  • Tell patients to stop use of the recalled mask and switch to a non-magnetic mask if available, if they or someone near them when using a recalled mask have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks.
  • Ensure the recalled mask is kept at least 6 inches away from metallic medical implants, metallic objects in the body, or medical devices that can be impacted by the magnetic fields.
  • Properly dispose of the recalled mask.
  • Discuss the health risks associated with using the recalled masks with patients who may at risk for potential injury or death due to magnets affecting the function or inducing movement of certain implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body.
  • Do not prescribe use of the recalled masks on patients who have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks. Prescribers should also ask about any other people who may be at risk for injury or death if they are near a recalled mask while it is being used.
  • If you have any problems with a recalled mask or if you treat a patient who has been affected, report the issue through the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

Related Information

Twitter is testing the Edit Tweet feature

KOAM-TV NEWSROOM — The social media platform Twitter is testing an Edit Tweet feature. Since the beginning of Twitter when you send a tweet, that’s it. The only way to alter your tweet? To delete it altogether.

This is a screenshot of an Edited Tweet.

Edit Tweet is being tested by the Twitter team internally first, then will be available to Twitter Blue subscribers. 

“Given that this is our most requested feature to date, we wanted to both update you on our progress and give you and a heads up that, even if you’re not in a test group, everyone will still be able to see if a Tweet has been edited.”

Facebook has allowed users to edit a post since it’s inception. However there is a timeline of the edit history available.

Twitter says it will do the same. The tweet will be clearly marked it is edited along with a link to a timeline changes.

Critics say introducing the Edit Tweet feature now is a way to add value to the platform where recently it was revealed to feature tens of thousands of fake accounts and Spambots.

The revelation came as Elon Musk offered $44-billion to buy the company. However he announced his intention to terminate the agreement on July 8, asserting that Twitter had breached their agreement by refusing to crack down on spambot accounts. The company filed a lawsuit against Musk on July 12, and the trial is set to begin on October 17.

Click 👉🏼 here to read more about Edit Tweet on the Twitter Blog

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews1st email list so you don’t miss an article.

Animal Cookies recalled due to potential metal hazard

D.F. Stauffer Biscuit recalled its Animal Cookie snacks from Target and other stores across the nation, as they may contain bits of metal wire.

The company announced the voluntary recall last week after they received reports indicating that a certain snack contained metal pieces.

Officials say in their announcement that all 44-ounce bear-shaped jugs of fudge-covered Animal Cookie snacks from Market Pantry should be discarded or returned to stores for a full refund.

The specific item recalled has a Lot Number of Y052722 with a February 2023 expiration date.

According to Stauffer Biscuit, ingesting one of these particles of metal could cause internal lacerations or other serious health problems.

Click here to learn more.

 

 

Last Call: Dodge to discontinue V8 Challenger & Charger after 2023

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, in current form, are coming to an end, and the Dodge brand is seizing the opportunity to celebrate in true, over-the-top Dodge style, officials said.

Parent company Stellantis said on Monday it will stop the production of Chargers and Challengers in December of next year.

To commemorate the iconic car, the company said next year’s lineup will feature seven different special-edition models, all featuring a ‘Last Call’ plaque under the hood.

The Netherlands-based auto company says they are switching its focus toward electric vehicles.

“We are celebrating the end of an era — and the start of a bright new electrified future — by staying true to our brand,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “At Dodge, we never lift, and the brand will mark the last of our iconic Charger and Challenger nameplates in their current form in the same way that got us here, with a passion both for our products and our enthusiasts that drives us to create as much uniqueness in the muscle car community and marketplace as possible.”

Customers will be able to choose among the following for 2023 models:

  • the Demon
  • Hellcat
  • Redeye
  • Scat Pack
  • Shaker
  • Jailbreak
  • a 7th unannounced model (It will be announced at an auto show this November)

To learn more, click here.

FBI Announces Results of Sex Trafficking Operation, JPD assist in Midwest region

Local agencies assisting FBI Kansas City during Operation Cross Country XII include:

  • Overland Park Kansas Police Dept
  • Kansas City Missouri Police Dept
  • Wichita Kansas Police Dept
  • Sedgewick County Kansas Sheriff’s office
  • Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (CAC)
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • Springfield Missouri Police Dept
  • Joplin Missouri Police Dept
  • Missouri State Highway Patrol

WASHINGTON D.C./KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The FBI, working with its state and local partners during two weeks in August, identified and located 84 minor victims of child sex trafficking and child sexual explotatoin offenses and located 37 actively missing children during a nationwide initiative focused on identifying and locating victims of sex trafficking and investigating and arresting individuals and criminal enterprises involved in both child sex trafficking and human trafficking.

| RELATED >> NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN > FBI finds 200+ victims of child sex trafficking, missing children, adult victims

STATS NATIONAL:

  • 141 Adult victims located
  • 85 Suspects arrested
  • 15.5 The average age of victims rescued
  • 11 The age of youngest victim rescued

Locally, FBI agents from the Kansas City Division worked with law enforcement partners to identify suspects and victims. In Kansas City, 2 adolescent victims were identified and located. Throughout the areas where the operation took place and additional 12 adult victims were contacted and offered services. The operation took place Aug 4-7 and Aug 11-13.

STATS LOCAL (related to agencies listed above incl., Joplin Police Dept):

  • 2 Adolescent victims identified and located
  • 12 Adult victims located (offered services)

The Springfield Police Department arrested two people in the operation according to KY3-tv. Police say 1 man was booked for promoting prostitution. One woman was booked for prostitution.

The Justice Dept is committed to doing everything in our power to combat the insidious crimes of human trafficking that devastate survivors and their families,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a media release to the Joplin region. “I am grateful to the dedicated professionals of the FBI and our law enforcement partners across the country for their tireless work to rescue trafficking survivors, including exploited children, to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of trafficking crimes, and to provide the services and support that survivors need and deserve.”

| RELATED >> Rapha House and police address human trafficking

The FBI is committed to ensure the safety of children and keeping them from harm. FBI Special Agent in Charge, Charles Dayoub states, “Operation Cross Country has a dual mission: targeting traffickers who wish to harm children, but also identify resources to offer these victims a way out from a cycle of abuse.”

Victim specialists provide a “bridge” for victims we are wary of the system, help the victim establish positive relationships with law enforcement, and ensure the humand trafficking victim population receives and appropriate resources available to them. Victim specialists also provide services based on the individual needs of human trafficking victims, to include crisis intervention, emergency food and clothing, transportation to receive emergency services, and locating shelter or housing. The task forces in the recent operation included federal, state, local and tribal partners, with efforts in every state.

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to follow news where you live. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews1st email list so you don’t miss an article.

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Kansas primary voter turnout higher than past

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Registered Kansas voters took to the voting booths for the primary election.

The August 2, 2022,  Kansas Primary elections regarding the “Value Them Both” (HR 5003) amendment and electing representatives in the state are underway.  The “Value Them Both” amendment sparked after the overturning of Roe Versus Wade in the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2022.  This controversial decision has caused debate amongst the states. Kansas voters have the ability to voice their opinions on the amendment through private voting today.

The State of Kansas Secretary of State voter registration statistics show registration numbers have risen in the last month, since the Supreme Court decision in June 2022, by 7,325 voters in July 2022.

Rebecca Stephens, a Kansas voter, said, “I think it’s important that we get votes from all sides of the issues, because it’s just people saying what they truly believe is right.”  The amendment is bringing out voters, which is causing higher numbers for representatives.  “It’s important for people to voice their opinions on that,” said Nancy Ingle, Kansas registered voter. “Even City Commission, it’s not a partisan election, but you should be out supporting who you think will best represent you on the City Council.”

The State of Kansas Secretary of State primary election voter statistics show: 2016 had a 23.5% voter turnout; 2018 had 27.1% voter turnout; and 2020 had 34.2% voter turnout.

Marsha Wallace, a Pittsburg election worker, said, “It seems to me that this has been a much higher turn out for a primary election, more like a general election, so it’s interesting to me to see what the total count will be.”

You can find results to the proposition as they come in below. You can also find more Aug. 2, 2022, election results here.

 

U.S. SENATOR

REPUBLICAN KANSAS

  • Jerry Moran Winner
    79.9%


    60,131

  • Joan Farr  
    20.1%


    15,120

75,251
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

SECRETARY OF STATE

REPUBLICAN KANSAS

  • Scott J. Schwab  
    58.0%


    100,799

  • Mike Brown  
    42.0%


    72,954

173,753
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR

REPUBLICAN KANSAS

  • Derek Schmidt/Katie Sawyer Winner
    77.7%


    93,429

  • Arlyn Briggs/Lance Berland  
    22.3%


    26,885

120,314
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

ATTORNEY GENERAL

REPUBLICAN KANSAS

  • Kris Kobach  
    38.8%


    72,300

  • Kellie Warren  
    38.2%


    71,078

  • Tony Mativi  
    23.0%


    42,826

186,204
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

STATE TREASURER

REPUBLICAN KANSAS

  • Caryn Tyson  
    50.0%


    83,536

  • Steven Johnson  
    50.0%


    83,370

166,906
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

BOARD OF EDUCATION 9TH DISTRICT

REPUBLICAN KANSAS

  • Jim Porter  
    63.8%


    5,679

  • Luke Aichele  
    36.2%


    3,227

8,906
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

U.S. SENATE

DEMOCRAT KANSAS

  • Mark R. Holland Winner
    41.6%


    77,696

  • Patrick Wiesner  
    19.1%


    35,650

  • Paul Buskirk  
    18.8%


    35,167

  • Mike Andra  
    10.4%


    19,430

  • Robert Kingenberg  
    6.9%


    12,880

  • Michael Soeteart  
    3.2%


    6,055

186,878
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

KS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

The Value Them Both Amendment would affirm there is no KS constitutional right to abortion?

  • No  
    63.0%


    365,870

  • Yes  
    37.0%


    214,667

580,537

47.3% precincts reporting
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR

DEMOCRATIC KANSAS

  • Laura Kelly/D. Toland Winner
    94.8%


    189,822

  • Richard Karnowski/B. Franco  
    5.2%


    10,448

200,270
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

PRESIDING COMMISSIONER

REPUBLICAN BARTON COUNTY, MO

  • David W. Johnson Winner
    45.6%


    1,196

  • Judy I. Fast  
    20.4%


    535

  • Garry Garrett  
    13.6%


    357

  • Terry Thieman  
    10.9%


    287

  • Kim O’Sullivan  
    9.5%


    250

2,625
Last updated: August 2, 2022 9:34 PM 9:34 PM CDT

Missouri Task Force 1 assisting in Kentucky Flood Zone

JACKSON, Ky. — “Another round of storms hit flooded Appalachian mountain communities where more than 30 people were killed and search and rescue teams found more bodies on Monday.” – Associated Press

Missouri Task Force 1, based out of Boone County Fire Protection District deployed to Kentucky to assist in the flood zone. They received their first mission assignment.

MO-TF1 is currently performing targeted and wide area search missions near Jackson, KY in Breathitt County which is in the eastern Appalachian portion of Kentucky. This area has been hit hard by record flooding and numerous people are unaccounted for. This area is very rough mountainous terrain and the team is working hard.
Missouri Task Force 1 is also sending two more Human Remains Detection canine assets today as requested by FEMA. That brings our total deployment to 47 people with four HRD canine. MO-TF1 also has two members deployed separately as part of the FEMA Incident Support Team working out of Hazard, KY.
Hazard, Kentucky, where two more Human Remains Detection canine assets were requested by FEMA. MO-TF1 also has two members deployed separately as part of the FEMA Incident Support Team working out of Hazard, KY.

WHO IS MISSOURI TASK FORCE 1  #motf1kyfloods

Urban search and rescue (US&R) involves the location, rescue (extrication), and initial medical stabilization of individuals. Structural collapse is most often the cause for people being trapped, but individuals may also be trapped in transportation accidents, mines, and collapsed trenches.

> BREAKING >> IMAGES > More rain in flooded areas of Kentucky; death toll hits 30

Urban search and rescue is considered a “multi-hazard” discipline, as it may be needed for a variety of emergencies or disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, storms, tornadoes, floods, dam failures, technological accidents, terrorist activities, and hazardous materials releases. The events may be slow in developing, as in the case of hurricanes, or sudden, as in the case of earthquakes.

We will continually update this breaking news story as Missouri is assisting in this Federal Disaster Zone. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews1st email updates so you don’t miss an article.

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Vigil in Webb City and nationwide for Rezwan Kohistani

WEBB CITY, Mo. – Members of the Webb City community and others across the nation continue mourning the loss of student Rezwan Kohistani.

In May, the body of 14-year-old Rezwan Kohistani, a student at Webb City High School, was found unattended on campus. Authorities say the autopsy showed no signs of foul play.

> Previous Articles: 

Thursday evening, friends and family held a vigil outside of Webb City City Hall. Groups in other locations across the US did the same. Many on social media are asking for answers on what led to Rezwan’s death.

Rizwan’s Family

Rezwan’s family is also looking for more answers.

KOAM spoke with the family’s attorney, Bill Fleischaker, today. He tells us he volunteered to be the family’s attorney, representing the interest of the family. He told KOAM’s Jordan Aubey he volunteered because there was so much information coming from different sources, including misinformation.

According to Fleischaker, the family believes their son was bullied and that may have been the reason he committed suicide “if he committed suicide.”

The family would also like to find out if there was any information regarding the possible outside influence that caused his death, according to Fleischaker. He tells KOAM police are waiting for the autopsy to see if it shows any inconsistencies with their stance that this was suicide.

Fleischaker says as an attorney, it’s his job to determine if the family’s thoughts and opinions are backed by evidence.

Police Investigation

During its investigation, the Webb City Police Department in May released some details stating in part,

“We have seen and read the posts on social media saying that the child was a victim of bullying.  We have been working closely with administrators and teachers from the school district from the initial call.  We have been unable to substantiate any of these allegations.

It is unfortunate that a select few have turned this family’s tragedy into an opportunity to get more social media followers or “likes.”  It is also inappropriate that many have chosen to share these posts without attempting to validate the information first.

To date, none of the people posting on social media have contacted the police department to provide information to assist us in our investigation.  We encourage those posting their speculations of bullying to contact the police department so that we can follow up on their information that they have been posting.

We encourage anyone with any information about this case to contact our investigators.  In the end, we want to give the family, the factual truth of what happened to their child. 

We appreciate those who have been patient, trusting us to conduct our investigation without fueling the speculation and hindering our process.” — Police Chief Don Melton, Webb City Police Dept

You can read more from the School District and Police Department here.

(Stay with KOAM News Now for updates on this story)

EV comes home after a quarter of Americans say they would prefer an electric vehicle

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A recent survey from AAA finds that 25 percent of Americans would likely prefer an electric vehicle as their next automobile.

This report comes as petrol prices skyrocket to some of the highest in history. A recent survey from AAA finds that 25 percent of Americans would likely consider an electric vehicle as their next automobile.

Millennials (30%) lead the way in the survey, with 77% citing rising fuel costs as their primary reason.

“The increase in gas prices over the last six months has pushed consumers to consider going electric, especially for younger generations,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “They are looking for ways to save, and automakers continue to incorporate cool styling and the latest cutting-edge technology into electric vehicles, which appeal to this group.”

Though there are many benefits, officials say that consumer hesitation surrounding range and accessibility to charging continues to draw attention.

Other consumer qualms include:

  • Higher purchase price – 60% of those polled
  • Concern regarding lack of places to charge – 60% of those polled
  • Concern about running out of charge when driving – 58% of those polled
  • Unsuitable for long-distance travel – 55% of those polled
  • High cost of battery repair or replacement – 55% of those polled
  • Unable to install a charging station where they live – 31% of those polled

Officials say The survey was conducted on February 18-20, 2022, using a probability-based panel designed to represent the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population.

RVs destroyed by fire, Tulsa Fire and Police investigate

TULSA, Okla. — Thursday Tulsa Fire Dept responded to RV Outlet Center, 10607 E Admiral Place, after reports of multiple RVs on fire.

Engine 27, Engine 17, Ladder 66, Ladder 27, Engine 31, Engine 22, Ladder 22, Rolling Hills Engine 11.” — TULSA FIRE

Reported that four RVs were completely destroyed at the overflow lot of the business.

Fire investigators and District 2 Chief responded for investigation. Details of that investigation have yet to be released.

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