Honor Escort of Joplin Police Corporal Ben Cooper on Friday

JOPLIN, Mo. — Early Friday morning Joplin Police formed an Honor Escort to transport fallen officer Cpl Ben Cooper, 46, to Springfield, Mo. for autopsy. Which is routine protocol as part of investigation in an officer death.

Along the route through Jasper County they were flanked by fire departments:

  • Webb City Fire Department
  • Duenweg Fire Department
  • Carthage Fire Department
  • Sarcoxie Fire Deportment

As the convoy of officers escorting a white limousine hearse reached the Lawrence County line they were met with:

  • Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies
  • Monett Police Department
  • Aurora and Marionville Police Department

Upon reaching Greene County at Halltown on I-44 Greene County Sheriff’s Deputies joined the escort.

The Honor Escort returned later Friday afternoon to Joplin with various departments offering escort, fire departments showing respect along overpasses, and finally when reaching the Joplin city limits they were followed by the Joplin Fire Department and METS ambulance along I-44, 13 mile marker.

Missouri State Highway Patrol and Joplin Police then transferred Cpl Cooper to the care of Mason Woodard Mortuary.

Cpl Cooper’s obituary was released Friday afternoon.

The city of Joplin release details on Funeral Arrangements for Cpl Ben Cooper:

Public visitation for Cpl Cooper will be held from 4 PM to 8 PM on Monday March 14, 2022, at the Leggett and Platt Center located at 3950 E. Newman Rd, Joplin, Mo. on the Missouri Southern State University Campus.

A public funeral service for Cpl Cooper will take place the following day on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, beginning at 1 PM hours at the same location listed above.

OFC JAKE REED

Public visitation for Officer Jake Reed, 27, will be held from 4 PM to 8 PM, Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Leggett and Platt Center, 3950 E. Newman Rd, Joplin, Missouri on the Missouri Southern State University campus.

A public funeral service for Ofc Reed will take place the following day on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 1 PM at the same location listed above.

KDOT offers advice following snow-day

SOUTHEAST KANSAS, – In Southeast Kansas road conditions have improved greatly, any driving concerns won’t come in until later Friday night.

KDOT crews have been working to keep Kansas drivers safe, one road at a time.

“We’ve been pretty much out since overnight, clearing,” said Priscilla Peterson, Public Affairs Manager at KDOT.

With many area schools releasing students early for spring break, more people are expected to be out. so, KDOT also has some advice for anyone taking to the roads.

“If you don’t need to travel, you know, we tell people, I know people have places to go when it’s spring break. I know some of the schools have let out for spring break, so, if you can delay your trip for a few hours until we get things back to more normal again, that would be helpful,” Peterson said. 

Many area roads have gotten back to normal, but some plow drivers could still be out, so give them room to do what they need to.

“But they’re mostly getting back to just be careful. People just need to be careful out there. the plows are out and let us work, and let’s let us clear that the highways.”

The real concern has to do with freezing temperatures overnight could lead to slick roads. 

“Well, you know, with with the snow and freezing precipitation, I mean, with driving on it, you know, you do create I mean, you can create slush. And then, of course, with the temperatures warming up during the day and then refreezing at night, you can have these icy you know, the patches left. You just want to be very careful. snow or ice, it’s all can be very slick.”

If everyone does their part to let road crews do their jobs, the faster the roads can be driven on safely.

“We just really appreciate the cooperation of the traveling public in helping us get the roads cleared.”

 Roads later Friday night may have some slick spots, so if you need to be on the roads, take it slow and leave space for other drivers.

News to Know: JPD announces death of 2nd officer, Parsons teacher resigns amid student inappropriate allegations, and Planned Parenthood sues Missouri

JOPLIN, MO. – As Joplin continues to mourn the loss of Corporal Ben Cooper, the city received further tragic news. During a news conference yesterday, Joplin authorities announced that a second police officer, Patrolman Jake Reed, will not recover from his injuries. The third officer, Rick Hershey remains in the hospital. Area businesses are getting involved in raising money. Joplin Sports and Graphics is making shirts and hats with the slogan “Joplin Strong.” The company says all of the proceeds will go to the families of the three officers who were shot. You can watch the entire press conference here.

PARSONS, Kan. – Former Parsons High School students allege a teacher who recently resigned, sent them inappropriate messages. The teacher’s resignation was accepted by the school board on Tuesday. Lori Ray, Superintendent of the Parsons School District says this teacher will not be participating in any school activities. One former student says the teacher reached out to her on Facebook. They have asked to not be identified. Watch the full story here.

ST LOUIS, Mo. – Planned Parenthood is suing Missouri over an effort to defund it. The lawsuit aims to force the state to continue reimbursing it for health care for Medicaid patients. The Republican-led legislature in February passed a bill to block any public funding from going to Planned Parenthood, including clinics that don’t provide abortions.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: Major League Baseball finally makes a labor deal with players officially ending its 99-day lockout. Spring training starts next Friday. This morning we are asking… are you excited for the baseball season to start? Join our KOAM Facebook discussion and cast your vote on our KOAM InstaPoll @ koamnewsnow.com/vote.

Road Conditions First, Joplin News First, Friday, March 11

JOPLIN METRO AREA — Friday morning temps are in the low 20s and light snow has been falling overnight. Snow will continue making some slick spots across the region.

Meteorologist Doug Heady said Thursday evening YOU TUBE video this event is, “not really a snow, more of a nuisance. Any snow that we do get will be gone really quick.” The snow will be done falling around 1 p.m. Friday.

Each banner below links to the respective state where you can download the app, or use the portal to access active maps on your phone or digital device.

 

MSSU hosts panel to discuss Ukraine conflict

JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State University hosted a panel to discuss the war in Ukraine.

The panel included two history professors, a political scientist, and an international business professor who has spent time in Ukraine.

The school also announced a scholarship fund for area high-school students from Ukraine to attend MSSU.

Joplin business fundraises for officer’s families with “Joplin Strong” shirts, hats

JOPLIN, Mo. — Area businesses are getting involved in raising money to support Joplin police.

Joplin Sports and Graphics is making shirts and hats with the slogan “Joplin Strong.”

They say all of the proceeds will go to the families of the three officers who were shot.

Former Parsons students accuse teacher of inappropriate messages

PARSONS, Kan.–Former Parsons High School Students allege a former teacher acted inappropriately toward them as students and that the actions continued after they graduated.

They say their former teacher acted inappropriately toward them and their classmates. As of Tuesday, that teacher has resigned.

“My mindset was always like, oh, if it was weird like he didn’t mean it like that, then I’m like, maybe he did,” said student #1. 

Both girls we spoke with asked to have their identities hidden.

Recently, former students have been posting screenshots of inappropriate messages from the former Parsons teacher.

KOAM is not releasing his identity as no charges have been made against him at this time.

Sherri McGuire with the Parsons police department did share some details over the phone, 

McGuire said the Police Department did investigate the situation and found that while his actions did violate school policy, none of his actions were found to be sexual in nature. That’s based on the initial investigation, McGuire said there is a possibility for this to be re-opened. 

Parsons superintendent Lori Ray said over the phone that this was a personnel issue, and wouldn’t answer when asked if the district was aware of his alleged actions.

“All of those are personell things that I can’t share..he resigned on Tuesday…that resignation was accepted by our board on Tuesday evening …he’s not involved in the upcoming New York trip,” said Ray. 

But former students remember their teacher’s inappropriate actions and comments.

Another, who wished not to be identified, said she remembered thinking nothing of it at the time, but now says she feels weird about it.

“I put a picture of me laying on my back saying something about having no boobs. And he replied to it, saying that it was just because I was lying down and I was like, weird that he would reply, ” said student #1. 

Student #2 said the comments and messages started after they graduated, but still remembers occurrences from him when they were students.

“There was something that did kind of alarm me back then, and it was the fact that, like, my fellow, like, classmate, female students, mainly, they had him on like, social media and they had his phone number,” she said. 

 

Second officer will not recover from injuries in shooting Joplin Police Chief states

JOPLIN, Mo. – In a planned press conference Thursday we learn a second Joplin Police officer will not survive the shooting from Tuesday afternoon in Joplin.  Three officers were seriously injured and transported to hospitals from two shooting locations.  The shooter did not survive.

Ofc Jake Reed, 27, responded to the initial call with Cpl Ben Cooper. Jake began his career with our department in 2017. Jake is a member of the Patrol Division. After consulting with family, and with their permission, we are sad to inform you that Jake will not recover from his injuries. Jake is an organ donor, and plans are underway for Jake’s heroic actions to bring life to people needing organ transplants. We ask that you lift up his family in prayer as they grieve. We are so proud, so thankful and forever in debt for his service to this community. We are honored to have served with Jake.

Cpl Benjamin Cooper, 46, died Tuesday shortly after the shooting from injuries. Cpl Cooper was a veteran officer of the Joplin Police Department starting his career in 2003 before transferring to a sheriff’s department in Colorado. He then returned to the Joplin Police Department in 2013 and promoted to Cpl in 2016. Ben leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

Ofc Rickey Hirshey is currently in serious but stable condition. Ofc Hirshey has over 20 years of service to the Joplin Police Department. He is a member of our crime free team. Ofc Hirshey encountered the suspect as he was trying to steal another vehicle. Ofc Hirshey pulled his patrol vehicle up to box in the suspect, to prevent escape and to end this violent rampage. The suspect fired through the patrol car window, striking Rick in the face. Ofc Hirshey bravely confronted this active threat to protect other officers and citizens from further danger. Rick is facing some challenges but expected to recover. We ask that you lift him and his family up in prayer as he recovers.

Capt William Davis engaged the suspect with his duty weapon and stopped the suspect just after Ofc Hirshey was hit. Capt Davis has been with the Police Department for over 15 years and is our current Public Information Officer. It should be noted that Capt Davis left a position of cover exposing himself while the suspect was firing a weapon at officers. If not for Capt Davis’ actions, additional officers or citizens could have been killed. We ask that you also pray for Will and his family in the days to come.

Funeral arrangements will be made available in the days to come.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt released a statement regarding the Joplin Police officers, “Abby and I are praying for Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed’s wife and family, his fellow officers, and the entire Joplin community. Officer Reed and Corporal Benjamin Cooper rushed toward danger, never hesitating to put the safety of others ahead of their own. There is nothing more selfless, more heroic, and more honorable. We are grateful they answered the call to serve and we are forever indebted to their families.”

The Joplin Police Dept say several have called asking how to help. “One way people can show their support would be to donate blood at the Community Blood Center, located at the Northpark Mall.”

Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley encouraged people to support the Fraternal Order of Police Go Fund Me account to benefit the officers involved in the March 8, 2022, Officer Involved Shooting.

Gofund.me does incur a processing charge, so any donations made will be reduced by the service charge. If citizens would like to maximize their donations, these can be dropped off at the Joplin Police Department front desk or mailed to 303 E 3rd Joplin, MO 64801 C/O Officer Benevolence.” — ASST CHIEF LEWIS

The Officer Memorial has been moved indoors due to the incoming winter weather.  It is available for viewing daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. inside the lobby of the Joplin Criminal Justice Center, 303 E 3rd, Joplin.  Walk into the front lobby and turn right at the courtroom doors and it is down that hall.

The Officer Memorial also has images of all officers who have died in service of the Joplin Police Department.

Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice while serving the Joplin Police Dept

Car overturns in two-vehicle crash near Joplin Fire Station #3

JOPLIN, Mo. — Just before 11:45 a.m. Thursday reports of a two-vehicle crash at E Newman and S Florida alerted Joplin Dispatch.

Joplin Fire Dept were on the scene in seconds, station #3, 2717 E Newman Road, is visible from the crash location. Joplin Police and METS ambulance responded.

One vehicle overturned in the crash, closing part of the intersection for about 45 minutes.

Joplin Police Ofc Darrell Klink tells us on scene the two-vehicle crash involved only two people, the driver of each car. 

Female driver, 26, was transported to Mercy Joplin with non-life threatening injuries. Her Kia overturned in the crash.

Male driver, 68, of a passenger car, suffered non-life threatening injuries and transported to Freeman West.

All traffic returned to normal flow about 12:30 p.m.

We will update this article with more details as they are released by authorities.

Tarzan Zerbini Circus Big Top goes up as shows begin

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The big top of Tarzan Zerbini Circus is up at the former Atwood’s, 1899 S Madison, Webb City!  Showtimes begin Thursday for a two-week run.

🎪 SHOWTIMES

WEEK 1 • Thursday, Mar 10 at 7:30pm
Friday, Mar 11 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Mar 12 at 12, 4, and 7:30pm
Sunday, Mar 13 at 1 and 5pm

WEEK 2 • Thursday, Mar 17 at 7:30pm
Friday, Mar 18 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Mar 19 at 12, 4 and 7:30pm
Sunday, Mar 20 at 1 and 5pm

The Tarzan Zerbini Circus is proud to announce a full season across the US and Canada for 2022.  The first leg of the Big Top Tour kicks off March 10th in Joplin, MO with additional stops in Detroit, MI, Spokane, WA, and Bloomington, MN before we return to Canada for the first time since 2019.” — Tarzan Zerbini Circus

The ticket booth is also open daily at the big top. Details to saving money on tickets is available if you scroll below or click here.

Tarzan Zerbini has called Webb City home for years. Their corporate offices are located in the City of Flags.