Chamber of Commerce members join KOAM for a ribbon-cutting

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. – There was a big celebration here at KOAM-TV and FOX14 today.

Representatives from 6 area chambers of commerce joined KOAM staff for a ribbon-cutting. (Scroll down for photos)

The FCC approved KOAM-TV and KFJX-TV (FOX14) to increase the station’s transmitter power and antenna strength.

During the project, a temporary antenna was installed and will decrease power for some households who watch over-the-air via an antenna. However, once it’s done, prepare for More Power. As of June 29, 2022, crews have removed the two old towers and installed the new KOAM antenna. They still need to install the new FOX14 tower. Then, some connections will be made and the 4-states will have a MUCH better signal for KOAM, FOX14, The 4-States CW, MeTV, H&I, HSN, QVC, StartTV and Dabl.

> Find updates, video, livestream and more on the KOAM More Power project here 

Vickery says, “The KOAM power will be increased from 14.8 kilowatts to 98.8 kilowatts and the power for KFJX will be increased from 5.6 kilowatts to 45.1 kilowatts.” The project will also add vertical polarization. What does that mean? To simplify it, it will help the signal get through walls and help your antenna pick it up.

Chamber of Commerce members from Joplin, Pittsburg, Carthage, Carl Junction, Neosho and Grove joined the KOAM staff today.

Local artist brings historic Murphysburg to life

JOPLIN, Mo. – To celebrate Historic Preservation Month, Historic Murphysburg Preservation Inc. commissioned a local artist to illustrate the Murphysburg Historic District.

Organizers chose Paula Giltner to create the artwork, and Patti Shade created the key on the back of the promotional material.

According to the HMP, those interested in the artwork could receive a signed copy by Giltner today, May 24th.

The artwork shows how the historic district would have looked when Joplin began booming as a mining town in the late 1800s.

Officials say they intend to use the artwork to promote heritage tourism.

To find out more, click here.

Newton County candidates host event prior to elections

NEWTON COUNTY – People in Newton County had the chance to get to know candidates in some upcoming elections.

According to organizers, the event was sponsored by the Newton County Republican Central Committee.

The upcoming elections include Newton County Presiding Commissioner, Newton County Auditor, 7th District US Congressman, and Missouri State Auditor.

Non-profit gets the blood pumping for donor recipients

NEOSHO, Mo. – A local non-profit today collected blood from donors across the 4-State area.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks hosted a blood drive at Rocketdyne Church of Christ in Neosho.

The Springfield-based non-profit says it supplies blood to over 40 hospitals in the 4-States.

“We need at least 250 units of blood every day because we supply 40 hospitals in southern Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas,” stated CBCO Supervisor Donna Perkins. ” There are people every day that have to have blood to stay alive, and we have to have volunteers to give – only about 5% of the population actually give blood.”

Organizers with the CBCO say one donation could save up to three lives.

To learn more, click here.

 

Joplin Public Library hosts meet and greet with Mitsu Harter

 

JOPLIN, Mo. – Post Art Library (PAL) invites residents to meet the artist and photographer Mitsu Harter today at the Joplin Public Library.

Harter’s photographs feature historic sites, and you can find them on display at the Joplin Public Library until May 31.

For many years, Harter expressed her artistic abilities through drawing and painting. After needing surgery to rebuild one of her hands, Harter began using her artist’s eye to capture photographs.

Those interested can visit the library from 2-3 p.m., May 15 to ask questions and discuss art.

Be sure to catch the whole story tonight on KOAM Channel 7.

To learn more, click here.

Pittsburg student voted to be next Kansas HOSA President

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Kansas Health Occupations Students of America selected Pittsburg High School student Ella Rhuems as their president for the 2022-2023 school year.

To become HOSA president, students are required to complete a long list of applications, speeches, and presentations. The final vote comes down to over 1000 Kansas HOSA members.

As president, Ella will soon lead a team of nine officers. The team will work on professional development and planning in Topeka. Ella will also travel to Washington D.C. next fall to attend the Washington Leadership Academy.

HOSA is a great way for PHS students to find their footing in health sciences and leadership development.

To find out more, click here.

Local law firm donates helmets to young ones in Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. – Local law firm donates helmets to students at Stapleton Elementary in Joplin.

Aaron Sachs & Associates made the donation on May 4th during a school assembly. The school staff says the donation will provide a helmet for all kindergarteners at the school.

Laua Dannegger, of Aaorn Sachs stated:

“Bike helmet safety is a huge part of Aaron Sachs and Associates. It’s great to have bike helmets for outdoor activities, skateboarding, bicycling, and scooters. It’s become a big part of the kids lives and we encourage outdoor activity.”

Aaron Sachs & Associates say they have distributed around 30,000 helmets over the past 20 years.

For more information, click here.

 

International tourist group Czech’s out historic downtown Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. – A tourist group from the Czech Republic stopped by Joplin today to check out historic Route 66 and other Joplin landmarks.

Their journey started in Illinois, and it will take them all the way across the country to Santa Monica, California.

Director of the Joplin Convention Business Bureau Patrick Tuttle stated:

“This is National Tourism Week, and we’ve had some great visitors come in this week. A lot of them came along Route 66. Pre-pandemic we were seeing about 12-15 thousand Europeans travel Route 66 through Joplin”

The group of 26 traveling together consists of 10 motorcycles and 5 caravans.

Fletcher Auto supports the Joplin Ronald McDonald House

JOPLIN, Mo. – Fletcher Auto Group in Joplin today made a donation to a local charity.

The company donated more than $18,000 to the Ronald McDonald House in Joplin.

Officials say the funds will help the charity continue its mission to support families in need.

Fletcher Auto Group has now donated more than $100,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House over the last eight years.

Privacy pods encourage students to open up about mental health

MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo. – Students at McDonald County Schools introduced a private option for students seeking help with mental health.

The Ozark Center recently donated privacy pods to the school district. School officials say the pods are made of glass and have many lighting options.

Counselors encourage students to take advantage of the sound-dampening rooms as they offer more privacy.

School officials say that students are happy the pods do not look like therapy offices.