Cherokee County officials put moratorium on wind farm project

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Mo. — Cherokee County officials are putting a potential wind farm project on hold.

Commissioners have voted, unanimously, to put a one-year moratorium in place. It comes on the heels of a Texas company recenlty reaching out to the county to gauge interest in leasing land, which would house wind turbines.

Commissioners, last week, voiced their opposition on the project.

Many residents have also voiced their concerns. The plan, now, is to weigh the pros and cons for the next year.

“There will be a lot of study going on this year, a lot of land owners are looking at it, and that’s what this moratorium us for, is just to give us time to come up with the information, call the correct information that we would need,” said Kyle Rennie – Cherokee County Clerk

Officials say the moratorium could change, depending on the information they find.

Dream Flights non-profit honoring WWII veterans with a flight over their hometown

JOPLIN, Mo. — One non profit was flying their way around the four states with a mission of sharing veterans stories and taking them on the flight of their life.

Dream Flights is a non profit that takes veterans in assisted care facilities on flights and making sure their story is told.

Today, they went to Butler, Neosho and Pittsburg. Flying in a ’43 Boeing-Stearman biplane, veterans are flown around their respected town for 20 minutes.

Following the flight, the veterans then sign the tail of the aircraft. After 10 years, the non profit now has planes throughout the country and is aiming to fly 1,000 veterans in 2021.

“They are the greatest generation, and you know we wouldn’t be here today without them. For me, my grandfather was a World War Two Veteran, I didn’t get to meet him, because he died a year before I was born. And, so, to meet all these gentleman that fought with my grandfather means so much,” said Allyssa Vanmeter – Dream Flights Crew Chief

Unfortunately, Marine Core Veteran, William Elmore Bell wasn’t able to make the flight due to an injury he endured on Sunday.

His family tells me that he is recovering and doing well.

I did talk to his son, Tim, on how he feels about representing his father today. We’ll hear from him at 10.

Governor Mike Parson visits southwest Missouri for bicentennial celebration

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Governor stops in southwest Missouri today — in a schedule that’s taking him around the state celebrating the bicentennial.

Governor Mike Parson made appearances in a couple of notable sites this morning. He’s logging countless miles around the state, visiting destinations like the Maple Leaf City.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be in Carthage Missouri today. And it’s an honor and privilege to be the 57th governor of the great state of Missouri,” said MO. Gov. Mike Parson.

Governor Mike Parson toured the historic courthouse, getting a firsthand look at recent renovations.

“This is a beautiful courthouse here in Carthage, Missouri. And when you’re the second most photographed place in Missouri, that’s a huge honor,” said Governor Parson.

Parson is highlighting state history as part of Missouri’s 200th birthday earlier this month. That includes name dropping famous Missouri residents like Walt Disney and Edwin Hubble.

“You look at George Washington Carver and all the commitments he made President Truman, for what he did, General John Pershing the highest ranking military, ever, ever, in our country,” said Governor Parson.

And there are the well known sites, like Route 66 in Joplin.

The Governor also stopped there, talking about it’s importance in attracting visitors to the state.

But he adds that this celebration is about more than famous dates and cities.

“You know I’ve had the opportunity to be around for a little bit – even overseas. But I’m telling you when I come back to Missouri and I get off that plane and step on that tarmac, I say I’ll never leave this state again. Because I just love the people of this state and I love this state,” said Governor Parson.

Governor Parson also visited Wilson’s Creek Civil War Battlefield in Republic and the Missouri Sports Hall Of Fame today.

This is just one part of the state bicentennial celebration — for the link, click here.

Medflight transports more patients longer distances

JOPLIN, Mo. – After flying in a helicopter every day for seven and a half years, you might think the wonder would wear off.

“Sometimes the coolness wears off in the wee hours of the morning, but it’s still pretty good the next time you come on shift,” says Medflight Flight Nurse Nate Vanwinkle.

And it’s a good thing he still finds his job cool, because he and the others on his crew have spent more and more time in the chopper.

“We’ve got about a 20, 25 percent up tick in transports,” says Air Methods Air Manager Rod Pace.

Medflight has seen an increase in transports since the beginning of the year. Calls in the first quarter were up by 40 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2020. Calls were up 26 percent in Q2, and by 21 so far in Q3.

That increase isn’t being caused just by an increase in patients in COVID-19. Pace explains they’ve been transporting about the same amount now as they were this time last year. He also explains they’ve been able to keep up with the increase. The most challenging thing their navigating is longer transports.

“We’re doing transports into different cities than we ever have in 20 years,” explains Pace.

Pace explains that on average, flight durations have increased by 44 minutes because they can’t find as many open beds in local and regional hospitals. This comes into play much more when hospitals try to transfer patients to a hospital that can provide a higher level of care, or specialized care.

“We have to do some preplanning as far as how much oxygen we’re carrying, making sure that we have the extra medical supplies for the extra distance that we’re going. Have to make sure that we have extra fuel on board to make it to that particular destination,” says Vanwinkle. “Normally when the tones go off we have to make the decision in the moment. We’re typically making that decision in around five to ten minutes worth of time.”

Then, crew members like Vanwinkle have to care for patients in a high stress environment for a longer duration of time.

“We keep a watchful eye out on each individual person that’s in the helicopter. Making sure that we’re not getting too fatigued,” says Vanwinkle.

“I’m not sure there’s an end in sight. But it would be nice if this would slow down,” says Pace.

“We get into this business to be busy and take care of people,” says Vanwinkle. “It’s never any good when people are really really sick. But, we’re happy that we’re here to help take care of them.”

Related stories:

https://www.koamnewsnow.com/ems-grappling-with-increased-calls-longer-transports-amid-covid-surge/

Jasper County Health Department reports new covid-related deaths

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. – The Jasper County Health Department reports six more coronavirus-related deaths. They released the following today, August 31, 2021.

 

The Jasper County Health Department is saddened to report six deaths of Jasper County residents due to COVID-19. This brings the total deaths to one hundred-ninety-six. The residents include four males with one in his 70’s and three in their 60’s and two females in their 60’s. Our condolences go out to the family members.

Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. These actions include:

  • Avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Wear a mask if social distancing cannot be attained.
  • Receive a vaccination as they become available.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice before showing up.

Please note that reports of COVID-19 deaths may be delayed slightly so that death certificate verification can be conducted for accurate reporting. For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.

Webb City Police investigating assault following football game between Joplin and Webb City

WEBB CITY, Mo. –If you were on Facebook or Twitter this weekend, you’ve probably seen images and videos shared following a football game between Joplin and Webb City high schools.

Many unconfirmed claims were shared around, so KOAM reached out to both of the schools along with the Webb City Police Department who were dispatched to the scene to see what really happened.

Here is the full joint statement from Webb City and Joplin Schools Administration:

“Both Districts have been in communication and cooperating regarding the events surrounding Friday night’s varsity football game at Webb City. After an investigation by Webb City’s administration regarding the events that took place, it was found that after taking inventory of the stadium there is no evidence of damage of the turf or any vandalism in the restrooms. However, there was a sink broken prior to halftime in the ladies’ restroom on the home side. There is no evidence that points to this being part of some kind of vandalism.
In addition, we have identified three instances of skirmishes between students that took place away from the
field. The juveniles involved range from 3rd grade up to high school. Those that have been identified from both districts will be subject to each school’s disciplinary policy. Also, after the game, police were dispatched to an incident off-campus regarding trespassing that potentially ended in an alleged assault among two adults with transport to a medical facility. No students were involved.
Additionally, to both districts’ knowledge, there have been no arrests from Friday night made. We hope this
information helps alleviate any misinformation that may be circulating throughout social media.”

Following claims of fights that broke out, we were sent this statement on Saturday from the Webb City Police Department:

“We were dispatched to three skirmishes on the parking lot of the high school football stadium after the football game.  Officers on working security at the game were able to respond and de-escalate the situations. We are investigating an alleged assault that occurred off campus in the area of the high school over a parking compliant. We will contact the school district on Mon to to see if there are any other incidents that we have not yet been made aware of. ”

-Donald E. Melton, Chief of Police of Webb City.

According to the Webb City Police Department, no arrests have been made following Friday nights incident, and the department is still investigating.

The victim of that assault they are investigating, is Dennis Grissom, a sixty nine year old man who lives nearby the stadium.

Grissom was assaulted after confronting people trespassing on his property.

“The people came back from the game, and Dennis and the kids was sitting there, and Dennis approached the people to see who they were, and the guy put his chest up to Dennis’ chest and the kids looked away for a moment and they looked back and Dennis was on the ground, Dennis was hugging the guy trying to just stop him from hitting…the dad had him in a head lock,” said Ashley Lawless, a family member of Dennis. 

“Split my sternum, and I’ve got a concussion, lumps and bumps beat all over me,” Grissom said. 

No students were reported to be involved with the assault, and the ones identified in the fights taking place in the parking lot, have been identified from each school district and subject to each school’s disciplinary policy.

 

Local emergency response crews aid Louisiana hurricane response

CARTHAGE, Mo. – Emergency response crews from all over the country are headed to Louisiana and Mississippi to aid recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Ida. According to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, around 25 thousand linemen from 22 different states are working to restore power to more than a million residents in areas impacted by the storm. That includes crews from the four-state area.

“All we had to do was tell them that we had received a request, and we immediately had volunteers,” says Cassandra Ludwig with Carthage Water and Electric.

A four-man crew from Carthage Water and Electric left Saturday to make the more than 500-mile journey to Alexandria, Louisiana. On Monday, CWEP Linemen, Jeff Moore, Chris Perry, Chance Adams & Justin Ralston were diverted to Natchez, Mississippi to help restoration efforts there. 

“They have about 50 percent, just under, of their customers are without power right now. So there’s quite a bit of work to be done,” says Ludwig.

Lineworker crews from Higginsville, Independence, Lebanon, Nixa, Palmyra, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri are also in Mississippi.

20 Lineman, vegetation management personnel and police from Grand River Dam Authority, as well as personnel from other departments in Oklahoma, also left for Louisiana on Saturday.

“So far things seem to be going well,” says Justin Alberty with Grand River Dam Authority. “Our guys are well trained and have been in this sort of incident before. So, they know what to expect.”

The response by the crews in Missouri and Oklahoma are lending a hand as part of a nationwide American Public Power mutual aid effort.

“It not us telling them they need to go. It’s them saying, ‘We are ready to help. Send us down there. Let us go,’” says Ludwig.

They talk about an Oklahoma standard. And I think these guys uphold that pretty well when they go into a situation like this to help however they need to. So our objective is just to help our neighbors and to do it as quickly and safely as possible.”

According to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, more than 150 Oklahoma responders are in Louisiana to help with recovery. Those agencies are:

  • ODEMHS
  • Creek Nation Emergency Management
  • Mayes County Emergency Management
  • Grand River Dam Authority
  • Quapaw Tribe Emergency Management
  • Craig County Emergency Management
  • Washington County Emergency Management
  • Pittsburg County Emergency Management
  • Coal County Emergency Management
  • Bryan County Emergency Management
  • Wagoner County Emergency Management
  • Broken Arrow Fire
  • Bethany Fire
  • Edmond Fire
  • Oklahoma City Fire
  • Norman Fire
  • Owasso Fire
  • Sand Springs Fire
  • Tulsa Fire
  • Verdigris Fire
  • Oklahoma City Police
  • Tulsa Police
  • Oklahoma Highway Patrol
  • Oklahoma State Department of Health

How you can help

The American Red Cross currently has more than 350 trained volunteers responding in states impacted by Hurricane Ida. They say people in unaffected parts of the country can help by donating monetarily, by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word IDA to 90999. They also encourage residents to make blood donation appointments “to ensure a sufficient blood supply remains available for patients.”

Joplin Health Department reports new covid-related deaths

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Health Department reports four more coronavirus-related deaths. They released the following today, August 30, 2021.

The Joplin Health Department is sad to report the death of four Joplin residents with coronavirus being a significant condition contributing to the deaths. This announcement brings the total count to 164 deaths in Joplin. The residents who passed included one male, age 57; and three females, ages 34 , 61, and 63.

City statistics are listed on the COVID-19 dashboard at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus . The dashboard is a collaborative project of the Joplin Health Department and University of Missouri Extension Office’s “All Things Missouri”.  Please note additional area and state statistics are listed on the Missouri Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard . As Joplin Health Department continues to work with residents in our community, they remind everyone of the importance in taking self-care actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

If you are fully vaccinated, it is recommended you wear a face mask in public indoor settings due to the current transmission rate in this area. Additionally, wearing a mask or physically distancing may also be required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, you are encouraged to talk to your health care provider and find a vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Information about the Covid vaccine and locations can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website. Information about the City’s Health Department’s vaccination clinics is also available from the Health Department at 417-623-6122.

 If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions, including social distancing and wearing a face mask in public.

The public is reminded to still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should contact your health care provider for medical advice before presenting at their office. Testing information, as well as other COVID-related announcements can be found at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus. More details about coronavirus is also listed at https://www.cdc.gov/ .

The reporting of Covid-19 related deaths from the City may be delayed due to the time it takes to acquire confirmation that the death meets the vital record case definition and lists Covid-19 as a contributing factor.

Dairy Queen is officially back in Pittsburg

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The fast food chain was brought in by owner Raj Patel, who noticed that the chain’s departure from town left a blizzard-sized hole in the hearts of some residents.

So he brought it back, and to a decent amount of fan fare from folks who were happy to have the fast food restaurant closer to home.