Purdy man killed in crash south of Monett

A Purdy man was killed in a two-vehicle accident 12:35 p.m. today on Route BB three miles south of Monett.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1995 Buick Skylark driven by a 62-year-old Purdy man failed to stop at a stop sign on County Road 1090 and was struck by a 2020 Toyota 4Runner driven by a 43-year-old Springfield man.

The Purdy man was pronounced dead at Cox Hospital in Monett at 1:21 p.m.

The fatality was the 93rd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Joplin Globe promises more local news, appears to have canceled AP

The Joplin Globe plans to increase the amount of local news in its pages (and online), according to Editor Andy Ostmeyer.

The change has already begun, Ostmeyer said in a column in today's edition.

It is our plan to continue to prioritize more local news — our franchise — while trusting readers to get their national and international news from the best sources they can find.

Ostmeyer noted that the Globe has been eliminating many of its syndicated features, undoubtedly as part of the parent company's ongoing project to cut costs.

One of the syndicated features that was eliminated, Ostmeyer said, was a medical advice column. That will be replaced by locally written medical columns.

Ostmeyer didn't come right out and say it, but it's apparent that the Globe is no longer using Associated Press articles, undoubtedly due to budget cuts.

The local emphasis appears to be on display in today's editione, but mainly in the form of columns. By my count, the edition includes nine locally produced columns and a local editorial demanding the resignation of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.

The local columns are a mixed bag. The only columns that are news-oriented are Wally Kennedy's business column, always a highlight, and Ostmeyer's.

The opinion page includes a column by Globe Managing Editor Jerry Willis. I probably should know who that is, but I've never heard of him. (Actually, I believe he has been a designer for the paper, so this could be a promotion.)

What the Globe lacks is local news stories. The Saturday paper is supposed to be the Globe's showcase paper of the week, what used to be the now extinct Sunday edition.

Today's edition has three page one local stories, two by John Hacker and one by Debby Woodin. I didn't see any others, except for two sports stories.

I'll be interested in seeing what the weekday editions will look like.

Go Fund Me page created for Madison Macias family

A Go Fund Me page has been created for the family of Madison Macias, 21, Joplin, who was killed in a traffic accident September 4.

From the page:

There are some losses that words simply cannot make sense of, and the loss of Madison Macias is one of them.

At only 21 years old, Madison’s life was tragically cut short in a car accident, leaving behind a family that loved her beyond measure and a community that is struggling to understand how someone so young could be gone so suddenly.

Madison was more than a daughter, a family member, a friend, or a coworker. She was a young woman with a life ahead of her, plans still to make, memories still to create, and so much love left to give.

She had a special love for animals and worked as a pet groomer, spending her days caring for the pets that meant so much to other families. That kindness and compassion were part of who Madison was, and her absence will be deeply felt by everyone whose life she touched.

Her father, Abel Macias, and the rest of Madison’s family are now facing something no parent or family should ever have to endure: saying goodbye to their 21-year-old little girl.

There is no way to take away the pain Abel and his family are experiencing right now. We cannot give them Madison back, and we cannot make this tragedy hurt any less. But we can come together and make sure they do not have to carry every burden alone.

This GoFundMe has been created to help Abel and his family with funeral and memorial expenses and the unexpected financial hardships that come with losing someone so suddenly. Our hope is that by helping with these expenses, we can give the family a little more room to focus on what matters most right now: grieving, being together, and honoring Madison’s life.

If you are able to donate, any amount will mean more than you know. If you are unable to give financially, please share Madison’s story and keep Abel, his family, and everyone who loved Madison in your prayers.

Twenty-One years was nowhere near enough.

Madison should have had so many more birthdays, so many more laughs, so many more ordinary days with the people who loved her. Although her time here was far too short, the love she gave and the memories she leaves behind will remain with her family and friends forever.

Please help us surround Abel and the Macias family with love and support as they face the unimaginable task of saying goodbye to Madison.

Rest peacefully, Madison. You were loved, you mattered, and you will never be forgotten.

As of this writing, the Go Fund Me page has received 238 donations totaling $20,634,

Go Fund Me Page

Probable cause: Joplin man embezzled half a million dollars from Neosho business

A Joplin man embezzled $500,000 from Re-bath in Neosho, according to a probable cause statement filed September 11 in Newton County Circuit Court.

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged Austin Tyler Wren (DOB 1998) with stealing.

Wren's bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety.

From the probable cause statement:

I made contact with Victim One, owner of Rebath. Victim One stated Austin Wren was responsible for managing company finances and had authorized access to company bank accounts, financial records, book keeping records, and other accounting documents for the business.

Victim One stated that on September 8, 2026, Austin Wren contacted him by telephone and admitted he had been stealing money from company accounts. Victim One stated Wren admitted to taking approximately $500, 000 from the company.

Victim One further stated Wren advised he had been searching for ways to avoid going to jail and researching ways to repay the money.

Victim One stated he immediately contacted Witness One and requested she conduct a review of the company's financial records and bank accounts due to Wren's admission.

Witness One stated that while reviewing available financial records she observed numerous expenditures and transactions that appeared unrelated to legitimate business purposes. 

Witness One stated these transactions included expenditures to Whatnot, casino-related transactions, and other personal expenditures. Witness One advised the suspicious transactions she identified exceeded approximately $250, 000.

Victim One stated that when he reviewed company account balances in January of 2026, the company maintained between approximately $750,000 and $800,000 in available funds. Victim One stated that after Wren's admission and review of the accounts, the account balance was found to be less than $200, 000.

Victim One stated the company had also received approximately $250,000 from FEMA assistance, insurance proceeds, and COVID-19 related relief funds. Victim One stated those funds were subsequently utilized to cover shortages and missing funds within company accounts.

Victim One stated that during the week prior to Wren's confession, he directed Witness One to assist Wren with the company's bookkeeping and accounting records because required business documents were not being completed. 

Victim One stated Wren appeared stressed, anxious, and reluctant to provide requested financial records. Witness One stated that while attempting to gain access to company financial records, Wren refused to provide full access and concealed bookkeeping records.

Witness One stated she repeatedly requested access to the records and advised Wren she needed the documents no later than September 7, 2026.

Witness One stated that on September 7, 2026, Wren was largely unavailable and continued refusing to provide complete access to the requested records. The following day, September 8, 2026, Wren contacted Victim One and confessed to stealing money from company accounts.

Victim One advised that the expenditures identified by Witness One were not authorized by him and were not legitimate business expenses, Victim One stated Wren was entrusted with managing the company finances and had access necessary to conduct the transactions.

Law enforcement conducted a preliminary review of available bank statements and financial records provided by Victim One. During that review, numerous transactions were observed occurring over an extended period of time. The transactions included expenditures consistent with those identified by Witness One, including casino-related transactions, Whatnot purchases, and other expenditures that appeared unrelated to company business operations.

I made contact with Austin Wren regarding the allegations. Wren was advised of his Miranda rights and invoked his right to remain silent, Wren did not provide a statement to law enforcement.

Victim One stated that upon looking through bank statements he discovered Mr. Wren had created a business using the money from the company. Mr. Wren also invested in crypto currency.

The case was investigated by the Neosho Police Department.

Webb City man sues Joplin R-8 School District, bus driver for 2022 collision

A Webb City man filed a lawsuit against the Joplin R-8 School District and bus driver Henry Pullum Thursday, claiming a 2022 collision at 32nd and Main left him with severe injuries to his "neck and body as a whole."

In his lawsuit, Ryan Moss claims he was stopped at a red light when Pullum, driving an R-8 bus, rear-ended his vehicle.

From the petition:

On or about August 22, 2022, at approximately 6:25 a.m., Plaintiff was stopped at a red light in the southbound lane of South Main Street at its intersection with West 32nd Street in Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri. At all times Plaintiff was stopped in the designated lane for southbound traffic.

At said time and place, Defendant Pullum was also traveling southbound on South Main Street when he rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle causing Plaintiff to sustain serious personal injuries.

Defendant Pullum had a duty to the public and to Plaintiff to operate his vehicle in accordance with all traffic laws and in a careful and non-negligent manner.

Defendant Pullum was careless and negligent in the operation of his vehicle in the following respects:

a. In operating his vehicle while distracted and inattentive;

b. In failing to keep a careful lookout for vehicles nearby, particularly Plaintiff’s vehicle;

c. In failing to operate his vehicle in a careful and prudent manner;

d. In accelerating from a stopped position before confirming that the roadway ahead was clear;

e. In failing to timely stop, slow, swerve, or otherwise take evasive action to avoid striking Plaintiff’s vehicle;

f. In failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle;

g. In failing to operate his vehicle in a careful and prudent manner.

10. At all relevant times, Defendant Pullum was employed by Defendant Joplin Schools and was at the time of the crash operating the vehicle within the scope and course of said employment, and, therefore, Defendant Joplin Schools is legally liable for the negligence of Defendant Pullum by reason of respondent superior and/or similar legal theories.

As a direct result of the aforesaid negligence, Plaintiff was severely injured including his neck and body as a whole and incurred substantial expenses for medical care and will incur substantial expense in the future; he has lost wages and will continue to lose wages in the future and his earning capacity has been diminished; he has endured pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life and Plaintiff’s injuries are permanent.

Moss is represented by Andrew S. Buchanan of the Joplin firm of Buchanan, Williams & O'Brien, PC.

Carl Junction man charged with domestic assault, endangering the welfare of 2 children

The arraignment for a Carl Junction man charged with second-degree domestic assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child is scheduled for 9 a.m. September 20 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Kyle Flinn (DOB 1989) is free after posting a $75,000 bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On 7/26/2026, Kyle Flinn committed the offense of Domestic Assault 2nd Degree by dragging his girlfriend, Victim 1, with a motor vehicle for several feet. 

Their children in common, Victim 2,Victim 3, and Victim 4, were present in the vehicle at the time of the assault.

Victim 1 stated she was attempting to remove one of the children from the back seat to prevent Flinn from fleeing the area with them when Flinn accelerated at a high rate of speed, dragging her several feet. 

Victim 1 fell to the ground after letting go of the vehicle and sustained road rash to her left arm and the left side of her face, as well as swelling around her left zygomatic arch. Once Flinn reached the end of the block, he turned the vehicle around to check on her. 

Victim 1 again attempted to remove one of the children from the back seat. Flinn then accelerated at a high rate of speed, dragging Victim 1 several feet a second time. 

While her injuries were being assessed by first responders at the scene, Victim 1 advised that she had sustained a neck injury as a result of the incident. Victim 1 was transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Agenda posted for Carthage R-9 Board of Education meeting

 

PSC sets deadline for intervention in Missouri American Water's request for sewer, water infrastructure rate increases

(From the Missouri Public Service Commission)

The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has set an October 7, 2026, deadline to intervene and participate in the Missouri-American Water Company’s (MAWC) request to change its water and sewer infrastructure rate adjustments (WSIRAs).

On September 16, 2026, Missouri-American Water Company (MAWC) filed petitions with the Commission seeking approval to recover the costs of eligible infrastructure system projects through changes to its water and sewer infrastructure rate adjustments (WSIRAs), as authorized by the General Assembly under Sections 393.1500-393.1509, RSMo. MAWC states the proposed WSIRAs would increase annual water revenues by approximately 2.5% and annual sewer revenues by approximately 0.5%.

The WSIRA allows investor-owned utilities to recover the cost of qualifying infrastructure improvements between general rate cases, if approved by the Commission. Only certain types of projects qualify, including infrastructure like water mains, valves, fire hydrants, service lines, meters, and other distribution system components that have reached the end of their useful lives. Routine maintenance, operating expenses, and new system expansion are generally not eligible.

Per Missouri-American Water, the eligible infrastructure system projects included in its request are as follows:

Replacement of, or cleaning and relining of, existing water and sewer pipes and associated infrastructure, including valves, hydrants, meters, service lines, laterals, sewer taps, curb stops and manholes;

Replacement of lead mains, lead goosenecks and lead service lines, along with associated valves and meters;

Replacement of booster station and lift station pumps with equipment of similar capacity and operation, as well as related pipes, valves and meters;

Facility relocations required due to construction or improvement of a highway, road, street, public way or other public works projects;

Replacement of water and wastewater treatment mechanical equipment with equipment of similar capacity and operation, including well and intake pumps, transfer pumps, high service or discharge pumps and metering pumps; and

Replacement of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) components necessary for the operation and monitoring of remote installations, including radio and cellular communication equipment and programmable logic controllers.

The Commission has consolidated MAWC’s water and sewer cases, with Case No. WR-2027-0038 designated as the lead case. The sewer case is Case No. SR-2027-0039.

Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the Commission's Electronic Filing and Information System (EFIS) at www.psc.mo.gov .

Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone 1-866-922-2959, email opcservice@opc.mo.gov ) or the Public Service Commission Staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, email pscinfo@psc.mo.gov ). The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission.

Written comments may also be submitted by using the Commission's online comment form at https://psc.mo.gov/General/Submit_Comments . When submitting comments, please refer to Case No. WR-2027-0038.

Joplin City Council special meeting scheduled to discuss personnel

   

                             JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

WEDNESDAY, September 23, 2026
5:00 P.M., 
602 S. Main Street, Joplin MO
5th Floor Council Chambers


AGENDA 

1.

Call To Order 

2.

Reading Of Special Call 

3.

Roll Call

4.

New Business

1.

Vote To Go Into Closed Session, Which Shall Pertain To The Hiring, Firing, Disciplining, Or Promotion Of An Employee Or Particular Employees Of A Governmental Body Involving Personal Information As Set Forth In Section 610.021(3) RSMo, As Amended, 2020, More Specifically For The Purpose Of Evaluating Certain Council Employees. This Meeting, Record, And Vote To Be Closed To The Extent Provided By Law. The City Council Shall Adjourn At The End Of The Session. 

5.

Adjourn 

PSC sets deadline to participate in Liberty Utilities' request for large load customer rate plan

(From the Missouri Public Service Commission)

The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has set a deadline of October 12, 2026, to intervene and participate in a case filed by The Empire District Electric Company d/b/a Liberty seeking approval of a large load customer rate plan and associated tariffs.

Last year, the Missouri legislature passed Senate Bill 4, which requires that investor owned electric utilities submit proposed tariffs (rate and service schedules) to the Commission which set out how each utility will serve Large Load customers. The law requires that these tariffs must “reasonably ensure such [Large Load] customers’ rates will reflect the customers’ representative share of the costs incurred to serve the customers and prevent other customer classes’ rates from reflecting any unjust or unreasonable costs arising from service to such customers.” 

On September 11, 2026, Liberty filed an application and supporting testimony with the Commission providing its proposal for a Transmission Service Large Load (TS-LL) tariff which would be used to serve customers deemed to be large load energy users. Liberty is requesting that the Commission issue an order approving its application by January 31, 2027.

Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the Commission's Electronic Filing and Information System (EFIS) at www.psc.mo.gov. 

Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone 1-866-922-2959, email opcservice@opc.mo.gov) or the Public Service Commission Staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, email pscinfo@psc.mo.gov). The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission.

Written comments may also be submitted by using the Commission's online comment form at https://psc.mo.gov/General/Submit_Comments. When submitting comments, please refer to Case No. ET-2026-0184.