Joplin group holds rally following overturn of Roe v. Wade

JOPLIN, Mo.–Now that the supreme court has struck down Roe v Wade, a Missouri trigger law now effectively ends access to legal abortion in the state

“We all knew it was coming,” said Jamie Lindsey, Editor and Chief of Julie Joplin Media. “They had with the leak that came out a few months ago, like they had told us, that this is essentially what it was going to be. So we all knew it was going to happen any day.”

After the supreme court ruled to overturn roe v wade, Missouri’s trigger law went into place, essentially banning most abortions in the state.

Some women like Natalie Noel say they fear what comes next.

“As a young woman, I think it’s a really scary day in America and in Missouri,” Noel said.

In reaction to the ruling, Julie Joplin Media held a rally Friday evening in opposition of the decision.

Melissa Antone, a Joplin resident in attendance says she showed up to protest the government regulating women’s health.

“It is not the government’s position or place to get involved in medical decisions about a person’s body. And…I think we could all agree, I can’t think of one law that regulates a man’s body. And so this is just a matter of health care privacy,” Antone said.

Missouri’s trigger law bans all abortions in the state except in cases of medical emergency, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Noel said the lack of exceptions scares her.

“I was really scared, especially with there being no exceptions for rape or incest…my biggest fear is that people are going to die. I think whenever you ban abortion, you don’t ban abortion. You ban safe, legal abortion. Women are going to die trying to give themselves at home abortions.”

Not only was the rally a way for people to voice their opinions following the ruling, Lindsey said it was also a space for women to support one another.

“I really wanted to make sure that we had networks around the area, people that we can just turn to and go to whenever we need help or support questions,” she said.

“We want people out there who maybe are afraid, like we are, to know they’re not alone. There’s a support system here. But second, when we’re done making our voices heard here on the street, we’re going to go have a planning session and we’re gonna figure out what we can do today. This week.”

Missouri has become the first state in the country to effectively end abortion following the supreme court decision.

United Way volunteers take part in “Day of Action”

JOPLIN, Mo. — Local chapters of the United Way got out for a “Day of Action.”

The event is a chance for volunteers to work on beautification projects for non-profit organizations throughout the area.

The United Way has hosted the Day of Action annually for over 30 years.

Garbage truck catches fire on US-59 near Elwood Junction

NEWTON, COUNTY, Mo. — About 1:30 p.m. Friday reports along US-59 near Elwood Junction a garbage truck that was showing fire.

Neosho Rural Fire, Newton County Ambulance and Newton County Deputies responded. Missouri State Highway Patrol were notified.

The truck was traveling south on US-59.

Witnesses tell us traffic was limited at first and then came to a complete stop as the garbage truck pulled over became fully involved.

No reports of injuries.

M&M Wrecker were summoned to remove the WCA Garbage truck.

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

MORE JLNews1st:
• More Power Project BIT.ly/3N1itru
• Firefighter dies of injuries in Pleasanton, Kan. BIT.ly/39KmH9z
• Man missing in Grove, Okla. BIT.ly/3OtXgYo
• Joplin Fire new ladder truck ‘wet down’ ceremony BIT.ly/3HEiJLW
• K9 Holi retires from Jasper Co. Sheriff BIT.ly/3tWhQIW
• MUDSTOCK is now SUDSTOCK BIT.ly/3zTtI2m
• Stand-off in Quapaw, Okla. BIT.ly/3tShQtF

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS, SEE NEWS WHILE YOU SURF…

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Joplin News First (@joplinnewsfirst) • Instagram photos and videos

FBI investigating Kansas Co. officials for misuse of COVID-19 money

SHERMAN COUNTY (KSNT) – The Sherman County Sheriff’s Office has announced that federal investigators are involved in examining the case of misappropriated COVID-19 relief money by local county officials.

The sheriff’s office acknowledges the coverage of the “alleged corruption” that was brought to light by 27 News’ Kansas Capitol Bureau in a Facebook post. According to the sheriff’s office, they are aware of the issue and have referred the case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation as this case involves federal funds.

The sheriff’s office goes on to say that the FBI is currently gathering information and evidence regarding this case and are preparing their findings for presentation to the U.S. Attorney Office for determination of prosecution.

Further details won’t be released as this is an ongoing investigation. When Kansas Capitol Bureau reached out to the FBI for comment on the case, a representative said confirmed that no details would be released regarding current cases. Lastly, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office said that they are prepared to pursue charges locally should it become necessary.

27 News’ Kansas Capitol Bureau first broke the story on the missing COVID-19 relief money in Sherman County on June 22. A new update to the original story contains direct quotes from a June 23 Sherman County Board of Commissioners’ “special meeting.”

To see the full Facebook quote from the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, see below:

Many Sherman County Citizens have been inquiring about the breaking news story of the alleged corruption in Sherman County. The Sherman County Sheriff’s Office has known about this and has referred the case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since this incident involved Federal funds. The FBI has been investigating and gathering evidence in this case. They are preparing their findings for presentation to the US Attorney Office for determination of prosecution. Because this is an ongoing investigation, I can not comment on further details. Please know the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to pursue charges locally should it become necessary.

Sherman County Sherriff’s Office, Facebook page

? Download the KSNT 27 News to stay updated on the go.

? Sign up for KSNT 27 News email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

? Find today’s Top Stories on KSNT.com for Topeka and Northeast Kansas.

Two alarm fire in North Heights Neighborhood of Joplin, ruled accidental

JOPLIN, Mo. — Around 9:15 a.m. Friday morning reports of a structure fire at 431 N Jackson in the North Heights Neighborhood alerted Joplin Dispatch.

Joplin Fire Dept responded sounding a second alarm for more manpower and apparatus as active fire was declared. Joplin Police Dept and METS ambulance also responded.

The residence located on the SE corner of D and N Jackson closed roadways surrounding the property.

“First arriving Joplin Fire units arrived to find smoke coming from a residential structure. Crews attacked the fire and had it under control in approximately 20 minutes. There were no injuries to occupants of the home.” – Joplin Fire

Joplin Police Ofc Darrell Kink told us everyone was out of the home safely.

The active flames were extinguished quickly as Joplin Fire began an interior attack. You can see in our live video on our arrival firefighters were inside working on the fire as smoke rolled out from the eaves and roofline.

The Joplin Fire Marshal determined the cause of the fire to be accidental resulting from food left cooking on the stove unattended.

Joplin Fire alerted utilities to disconnect from the residence due to extensive interior damage. Liberty Utilities and Spire Gas responded to the scene.

Fire was declared out by Jackson Fire Command at 10:25 a.m.

This is a breaking news story, stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below and sign up for our JKNews1st email list so you don’t miss an article.

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS, SEE NEWS WHILE YOU SURF…

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Joplin News First (@joplinnewsfirst) • Instagram photos and videos

Two from Webb City, Mo. graduate Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy, becoming Troopers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The 113th class of the Missouri State Highway Patrol will graduate Friday morning at 9 a.m. Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces that 25 troopers will graduate from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, June 24, 2022. The ceremony will take place in the Academy gymnasium, 1510 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, Mo.

The graduation ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and be live-streamed via the Patrol’s Facebook page. The 113th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 18, 2022, to begin the 25-week training to become a trooper. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on Monday, July 11, 2022.”  – MSHP MEDIA RELEASE

There are two Joplin-area graduates included in the class:

  • Trooper Peyton L. Mason was previously employed as a detention officer with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, in Carthage, Missouri. Trooper Mason will be assigned to Zone 8, Laclede County. Trooper Mason is a 2019 graduate of Webb City High School, in Webb City, Missouri. Trooper Mason continued his education at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri, where he studied business administration. His father is Cpl John Mason, DDCC investigator (Division of Drugs and Crime Control).
  • Trooper Christian J. Drum, a native of Joplin, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 11, which serves the citizens of Cass County. Trooper Drum graduated from Webb City High School in Webb City, Missouri. His father is Trooper Joe Drum of Troop D assigned to Jasper County.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe will provide the keynote address, and Colonel Olson will also address the class. The Honorable Patricia Breckenridge, Supreme Court of Missouri, will administer the Oath of Office to the new troopers.

Four class awards will be presented. The recruits accumulate points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earns the respective award. Award categories include physical fitness, firearms, academics, and the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.

The names (hometowns) and first assignments of members of the 113th Recruit Class:

Troop A
Tyler R. Peoples (Lawson, MO), Zone 5, Ray and Carroll Counties
Christian J. Drum (Webb City, MO), Zone 11, Cass County
Braeden A. Perry (Kansas City, MO), Zone 2, Platte County
John M Haines (Deepwater, MO), Zone 8, Lafayette County
Madeleine C. Mennemeyer (Troy, MO), Zone 12, Johnson County

Troop B
Travis M. Wood (Macon, MO), Zone 5, Adair and Schuyler Counties
Santi J. Wilgus (Kansas City, MO), Zone 6, Clark and Scotland Counties

Troop C

Adam P. Billiot (Washington, MO), Zone 4, St. Louis County
Nicholas J. Bringer (Monticello, MO), Zone 13, Jefferson County
Jack J. Collins (Bolivar, MO), Zone 13, Jefferson County
Trey A. Gaedke (Newburg, MO), Zone 3, South St. Louis and Jefferson Counties
Mayer E. Mitchell (Ballwin, MO), Zone 16, Ste. Genevieve and Perry Counties
Eric R. Sikes (Sacramento, CA), Zone 2, North St. Louis County
Richard J. Waite (Troy, MO), Zone 5, Pike and Lincoln Counties
Clayton J. Walker (Marble Hill, MO), Zone 14, St. Francois and Washington Counties

Troop E
Denny J. Smith (Poplar Bluff, MO), Zone 2, Butler and Ripley Counties
Gregory A. Bixler (New Madrid, MO), Zone 8, Pemiscot and New Madrid Counties
Taylor J. Wiebe (Wichita, KS), Zone 8, Pemiscot and New Madrid Counties
Jaxon B. Edwards (Harrison, AR), Zone 10, Dunklin County

Troop F
Shayla C. Latture (Branson, MO), Zone 16, Camden and Miller Counties
Bailey N. Hunsicker (Nixa, MO), Zone 16, Camden and Miller Counties

Troop G
Noah G. Britt (Gainsville, MO), Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties

Troop H
Saxton W. Pliley (Jamesport, MO), Zone 10, Daviess and Dekalb Counties
Jackson D. Schmedding (Clinton, MO), Zone 1, Atchison and Holt Counties

Troop I
Peyton L. Mason (Webb City, MO), Zone 8, Laclede County

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

MORE JLNews1st:
• Man missing in Grove, Okla. BIT.ly/3OtXgYo
• Joplin Fire new ladder truck ‘wet down’ ceremony BIT.ly/3HEiJLW
• K9 Holi retires from Jasper Co. Sheriff BIT.ly/3tWhQIW
• MUDSTOCK is now SUDSTOCK BIT.ly/3zTtI2m
• Stand-off in Quapaw, Okla. BIT.ly/3tShQtF
• Car roof peeled back for rescue BIT.ly/3tVw4tM
• Schermerhon Park is 100 today BIT.ly/3OdAFj6
• Tractor trailer burns near Halltown BIT.ly/3HGhY50
• Wet Down ceremony, new Joplin Firetruck BIT.ly/3HEiJLW
• Big rig overturns, drivers rush to rescue BIT.ly/3tNwe6y

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS, SEE NEWS WHILE YOU SURF…

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Joplin News First (@joplinnewsfirst) • Instagram photos and videos

News to Know: Oklahoma charter school founders face embezzlement charges, and MODOT & KDOT weigh in on a proposed gas holiday

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma law officers arrest three top officials in the state’s Epic Charter Schools program on multiple felony charges. On Thursday the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation announced the arrests of Epic Charter School founders Ben Harris and David Chaney and former Chief Financial Officer Josh Brook. They face a slew of charges including embezzlement of state funds, racketeering and conspiracy to commit a felony. The OSBI says their investigation began nearly a decade ago. Investigators claim the men were involved in a scheme that cost Oklahoma taxpayers more than 22-million dollars.

QUAPAW, Okla. – Authorities deploy a tactical team to end a police standoff in Quapaw, Oklahoma. Marshals responded to a report of shots fired in a domestic disturbance Wednesday. Authorities say they cornered a suspect in a home on Cayuga street in Quapaw. Officials say after he refused to come out, a Cherokee Nation Tactical Team used OC gas to force him from the home. Other people inside were removed safely. Authorities have not released the name of the suspect.  Find more here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Biden proposes a ‘gas tax holiday’ which would suspend the national gas tax for three months. According to AAA, the Joplin area has the lowest average price for a gallon of gas right now in the state, at $4.44 a gallon. The gas tax holiday, would drop that by around 18 cents. Officials with MODOT say it’s too early to know if the holiday, if approved, would impact current or future projects in the state. KDOT officials say they’re not worried.  Read more about the proposed tax holiday here.

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Some 4-staters get a lesson on human trafficking in the work-place. The Crawford County Mental Health Center brought together area human resource professionals for Thursday’s seminar. The guest speaker of the meeting was Adah Hutchcraft, a spiritual care specialist, from Ascension Via Christi. The presentation stressed the importance of observable signs to look for in the workplace and stigmas the professionals should be aware of. The participants were also taught about how to approach sensitive situations involving trafficking to protect the victim and themselves. Read more about the seminar here.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: NCAA athletes can now make a profit from their own name, image or likeness. Some have already begun using their social media following to sign deals and publish books. This morning we are asking if you think student athletes should be allowed to make money from their image? Join our KOAM Facebook discussion and cast your vote on our KOAM InstaPoll @ koamnewsnow.com/vote.

Missing man in Joplin, Mo.; Left for walk and never returned, he suffers from dementia police say

***UPDATE Mr. Mavis was located and returned home safely,” Thank you.***

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Police Department release an image of a missing man who suffers from dementia.

We are asking for assistance in locating Bill Mavis. If located, please contact the Joplin Police Mr. Mavis suffers with dementia. He left for a walk around 9:00 pm [Thursday] night. He resides in the area of 2nd and Maiden Lane.” — JPD

Contact JPD 417-623-3131 or call 911.

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

MORE JLNews1st:
• Man missing in Grove, Okla. BIT.ly/3OtXgYo
• Joplin Fire new ladder truck ‘wet down’ ceremony BIT.ly/3HEiJLW
• K9 Holi retires from Jasper Co. Sheriff BIT.ly/3tWhQIW
• MUDSTOCK is now SUDSTOCK BIT.ly/3zTtI2m
• Stand-off in Quapaw, Okla. BIT.ly/3tShQtF
• Car roof peeled back for rescue BIT.ly/3tVw4tM

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS, SEE NEWS WHILE YOU SURF…

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Joplin News First (@joplinnewsfirst) • Instagram photos and videos

Firefighter dies of injuries suffered fighting Pleasanton, Kan. fire

LINN COUNTY, Kan. — Monday Linn County Rural Fire were called to a fire at Carpenter Chiropractic Clinic, 714 Main, Pleasanton, Kan.

Firefighter Joshua Haynes, 35, suffered life threatening injuries while fighting the fire. He was transported air ambulance to University of Kansas Medical Center.

New information received states that Haynes succumbed to his injuries Wednesday June 22, at the hospital.

Haynes was a longtime firefighter for the department, now in his 17th year of service. Agencies from around the state and region are expressing their condolences.

Sad news. Linn County Firefighter Josh Haynes succumbed to injuries sustained while serving his community. A tragic reminder of how fortunate we are to have selfless and courageous men and women who serve on our area fire departments.” — CHEROKEE CO. SHERIFF DAVID GROVES

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Josh’s family, friends and to his brothers and sisters at LCRFD during this difficult time.” — ARCADIA KANSAS FIRE DEPT

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Services have yet to be announced.

Scroll below to sign up for our JLNews1st email list so you don’t miss an article.

MORE JLNews1st:
• Man missing in Grove, Okla. BIT.ly/3OtXgYo
• Joplin Fire new ladder truck ‘wet down’ ceremony BIT.ly/3HEiJLW
• K9 Holi retires from Jasper Co. Sheriff BIT.ly/3tWhQIW
• MUDSTOCK is now SUDSTOCK BIT.ly/3zTtI2m
• Stand-off in Quapaw, Okla. BIT.ly/3tShQtF
• Car roof peeled back for rescue BIT.ly/3tVw4tM

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS, SEE NEWS WHILE YOU SURF…

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Joplin News First (@joplinnewsfirst) • Instagram photos and videos

Webb City Police Department provides children ID kits

WEBB CITY, Mo. – Parents in Webb City were given a little peace of mind along with a free meal for their child.

the Webb City Farmer’s Market is offering free meals to kids during the summer.

Today the Webb City Police Department also handed out free child identification kits.

The kits include forms that parents can fill out with their child’s physical characteristics and fingerprints.

Those forms can then be turned in to authorities if the child goes missing.

The Webb City Farmer’s Market takes place at King Jack Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.