Independence Day celebration planned at Missouri Southern

(From the City of Joplin)

The 2026 Joplin Independence Day Celebration will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, located on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.

This spectacular event honoring the 250th birthday of our nation will feature live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and the area’s best fireworks show. This year’s celebration recognizes the United States Semiquincentennial and is registered with America 250 – a nationwide effort to coordinate Independence Day celebrations and foster community across the country: https://america250.org/

Live music will begin at 7 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Sound the Alarm, a 2000s rock-and-roll cover band from Springfield. Music will run through the start of the fireworks display (approximately 9:45 p.m.).

Free parking is located in and around the stadium. As always, the show is free for the community.

For more information and a detailed parking map, visit https://www.mssu.edu/independenceday.php., or contact the City’s Parks and Recreation department at 417-624-4750.

MissourI Hot Weather Law goes into effect June 1

(From the Missouri Public Service Commission)

The Missouri Public Service Commission reminds consumers that Missouri’s Hot Weather Law will be in effect from June 1 through September 30.

The law was created to protect residential customers of investor-owned utilities from having their electric or natural gas service disconnected due to non-payment when electricity or natural gas is used as the source of cooling or to operate the only cooling equipment at the residence. 

A change to Missouri law enacted through Senate Bill 4, passed in 2025, expanded the forecast protection period under the Hot Weather Law from 24 hours to 72 hours.

Under the updated law, regulated utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting service if the National Weather Service local forecast between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. predicts that within the following 72 hours the temperature will rise above 95 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index will rise above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The law also prohibits disconnections on days when utility personnel are unavailable to reconnect service during immediately succeeding days and the forecast predicts temperatures above those thresholds during that period. Consumers are still responsible for paying their utility bills during these time periods.

For more information on the Hot Weather Law, consumers can visit the Missouri Public Service Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392-4211. Consumers may also receive Hot Weather Law information from their local electric or natural gas utility company or local community action agency. Additional assistance programs may also be available for consumers needing help paying utility bills.

Personal injury lawsuit filed against Buffalo Wild Wings

A Jasper County woman filed a personal injury lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, 1525 S. Range Line Road, Joplin, Wednesday.

According to the petition, Paulette Ash claims she slipped and fell on a slippery substance July 16, 2025.

In addition to the restaurant's owner, Buffalo Wild Wings International LLC, Jonathan Hedge is listed as a defendant.

While being seated by the host, Plaintiff was walking through a portion of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and slipped and fell on a slippery substance that was on the tile floor of the restaurant in an area designated and intended for customer traffic. As a result of the fall, Plaintiff sustained injury.

Ash claims the fall has "caused or contributed to cause Plaintiff to experience pain, suffering, anguish, loss of enjoyment and quality of life, and garden variety emotional distress."

The four-count lawsuit alleges premises liability against Buffalo Wild Wings and Hedge and negligence against Buffalo Wild Wings and Hedge.

Ash, who is represented by Taylor D. Haas of the Joplin firm of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci, is asking for "fair and reasonable" damages.

Neosho man charged with statutory sodomy

 The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a statutory sodomy charge against a Neosho man today.

An arrest warrant was issued for Canyon Allen Conway, 26, with bond set at $10,000 cash or surety.

From the probable cause statement:

On May 27, 2026, deputies were dispatched to {location redacted} regarding a sexual assault. I contacted Victim 1 (V1), a juvenile, who stated a 26-year-old male grabbed his genitals by reaching into his pants.

Contact was made with Mr. Conway who was advised of his Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with me. Mr. Conway advised that he contacted V1 and asked V1 to "screw him." While speaking with Mr. Conway, Mr. Conway asked VI to perform anal sex on him numerous times prior to engaging in deviate sexual intercourse with V1.

Change of plea hearing set for Carthage man on federal weapons charges

 A change of plea hearing has been scheduled 3 p.m. June 17 in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Trenton David Fickle, 23, Carthage.

Fickle was indicted January 29 on four counts of illegally transporting firearms, three counts of making false statements to licensed gun dealers when buying guns and a single count of making a false statement to a licensed gun dealer while attempting to buy a gun.

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

 JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026
5th FLOOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
602 S. MAIN ST. JOPLIN MO
6:00 P.M.

1.

Call To Order

Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America

2.

Roll Call

3.

Presentations

4.

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

5.

Reports And Communications

1.

News From The Public Information Officer 

6.

Citizen Requests And Petitions

1.

Maurice Filson 

7.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing Procedures 

Documents:

1. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-269

AN ORDINANCE providing to vacate a utility easement for property known as that part of vacated Harlem Ave, lying near property described as 1400 W 4^th St, City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. 269SUMMARY.PDF
2. 269REPORT.PDF
3. 269 MINUTES.PDF
4. 269APP.PDF
5. 269MAP.PDF
6. CB2026-269.PDF

8.

Consent Agenda

1.

Minutes From The May 18, 2026, City Council Meeting 

Documents:

1. MAY 18, 2026 MINUTES.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-128

AN ORDINANCE approving the execution of an Occupancy License Agreement between Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad Company Inc. (MNA) and the City of Joplin, as it pertains to construction of an underground sanitary sewer pipeline crossing related to the 7th Street Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project across railroad right-of-way; establishing certain obligations for the continuation of the occupancy, including payment of an annual fee of Nine Hundred Sixty and 00/100 Dollars ($960.00); and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective. 

Documents:

1. CB2026-128.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-261

AN ORDINANCE amending the Joplin Development Code, Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, being Appendix 29-A of the Joplin Municipal Code.

Documents:

1. CB2026-261.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-612

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. for the Roof Restoration and Repairs of the Joplin History and Mineral Museum through the Omnia Partners Cooperative in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-One Thousand Three Hundred Forty-Eight Dollars and Forty Cents ($121,348.40) and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-612.PDF

9.

Resolutions

1.

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-011 

A resolution to assign the Finance Committee with evaluating the impact of the State’s Income Tax Elimination Proposal.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY SHEET - RESOLUTION ASSIGNING FC - INCOME TAX.PDF
2. RESOLUTION ASSIGNING FINANCE COMMITTEE - MAY 2026.PDF

10.

Ordinances - Expedited

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-008

AN ORDINANCE exempting the City of Joplin from the provisions of section 311.2026, RSMo., relating to liquor licensees; and expediting the enactment of said ordinance.

Documents:

1. CB 202-008 SUMMARY SHEET - ALCOHOL SALES FOR WORLD CUP.PDF
2. CB 2026-008 ALCOHOL SALES EXPEDITED.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-512

AN ORDINANCE approving termination of the Redevelopment Agreement for the 1717 Market Place Tax Increment Financing Plan; and containing an expedited clause. 

Documents:

1. CB 2026-512 SUMMARY TERMINATE 1717 MARKET PLACE TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.PDF
2. CB 2026-512 ORDINANCE TERMINATING 1717 MARKETPLACE TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-513

AN ORDINANCE    dissolving the Special Allocation Fund for the 1717 Market Place Tax Increment Financing Plan and Redevelopment Projects and terminating the designation of the Redevelopment Area of the 1717 Market Place Tax Increment Financing Plan; and containing an expedited clause.     

Documents:

1. CB 2026-513 SUMMARY TERMINATE 1717 MARKET PLACE TIF REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.PDF
2. CB 2026-513 ORDINANCE TERMINATE 1717 MARKET PLACE TIF REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.PDF

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-007

AN ORDINANCE repealing and replacing the Joplin City Code, Chapter 82 - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article III - Offenses Against Public Peace; Division I. - Generally; and specifically, Section 82-74 - Harassment; and establishing a time for such ordinance to become effective.

Documents:

1. CB026-007 SUMMARY SHEET - HARASSMENT.PDF
2. CB2026-007 HARASSMENT ORDINANCE.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO 2026-124

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into a Agreement with McClanahan Construction Company, Inc. for the 2026 Miscellaneous Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements in the amount of Nine Hundred Forty-Eight Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($948,000.00) and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-124 2026 MISC WWTP IMPROVEMENTS SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB2026-124 2026 MISC WWTP IMPROVEMENTS ORDINANCE.PDF
3. CB2026-124 2026 MISC WWTP IMPROVEMENTS AGREEMENT.PDF
4. CB2026-124 2026 MISC WWTP IMPROVEMENTS BID SUMMARY.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO 2026-125

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an Agreement with Joplin Industrial Electric, Inc. for the 2026 Miscellaneous Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Upgrades in the amount of Nine Hundred One Thousand Fifty-Two and 00/100 Dollars ($901,052.00) and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-125 2026 MISC WWTP ELECTRICAL UPG SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB2026-125 2026 MISC WWTP ELECTRICAL UPG ORDINANCE.PDF
3. CB2026-125 2026 MISC WWTP ELEC UPG AGREEMENT.PDF
4. CB2026-125 2026 MISC WWTP ELECTRICAL UPG BID SUMMARY.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-514

AN ORDINANCE    amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025, to adjust appropriations; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.    

Documents:

1. CB 2026-514 SUMMARY BUDGET AMENDMENT FY2026.PDF
2. CB 2026-514 BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE FY2026.PDF
3. CB 2026-514 SCHEDULE A BUDGET AMENDMENT MID-YEAR.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-610

AN ORDINANCE approving a consulting agreement with Place Foundry PLLC. in the not to exceed amount of Two Hundred Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($217,500.00) to provide for the evaluation, planning and implementation services for the commercial and residential development and re-development of applicable land and facilities on and surrounding Missouri Southern State University, the Northpark Mall, and generally the Newman Road, Duquesne, and North Range Line area, authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. 610 SUMMARY.PDF
2. 2026-RFP-13 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.PDF
3. OVERALL SUMMARY SCORES .PDF
4. PFOUNDRY JOPLIN RFP PROPOSAL_FINAL.PDF
5. 610 AGREEMENT.PDF
6. 610 CB.PDF

6.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-614

An ordinance to approve a revised Employee Promotion Policy from the Employee Handbook (Rules and Regulations), and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2026-614 SUMMARY EMPLOYEE PROMOTIONS POLICY.PDF
2. CB 2026-614 EXHIBIT A - EMPLOYEE PROMOTION POLICY (REVISED).PDF
3. 2026-614 ORDINANCE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK REVISION PROMOTION POLICY.PDF

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-611

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) for the purchase of a 2019 Freightliner M2 4x4 Diesel Terex Hi-Ranger Aerial Device Bucket Truck through IEG Infrastructure Equipment Group for the not to exceed price of One Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Four Dollars and Fifty-Nine Cents ($151,774.59) and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-611.PDF

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business

City of Joplin updates storm siren policy

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin has updated its official outdoor warning siren activation policy. The change has been made to ensure the most proactive approach and prioritize the safety of the citizens of Joplin during severe thunderstorms which the NWS labels with a “tornado possible” tag.

The updated policy is intended to provide clearer activation criteria, reduce unnecessary activations outside the threat area, and improve public confidence in the outdoor warning system. Previously, storm sirens in Joplin were not activated when the National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm warning with a “possible tornado” tag. But because such weather events can rapidly turn into a tornado, as was the case in Joplin on April 24, 2026, the policy has been updated. 

 

Fire Chief Gerald Ezell said, “We have communicated with the Springfield office of the NWS, which is responsible for issuing tornado warnings for the Joplin area, regarding our desire to see a tornado warning issued whenever they believe there may be a tornado-like rotation on radar in our area, because adding a ‘tornado tag’ does not trigger alerts on mobile devices, nor do most cities trigger tornado sirens due to a ‘tornado tag.’ The City strongly believes that the best way to protect life and property in Joplin is for the NWS to issue a tornado warning whenever rotation is indicated over Joplin on radar. However, in the interest of protecting the people of Joplin, this policy change is warranted as we adapt to the National Weather Service’s practice of adding ‘tornado possible’ tags when they spot possible areas of rotation embedded within severe thunderstorms.”

The policy revision is intended to improve consistency in emergency notification procedures while ensuring timely public warning for severe weather threats that directly impact the City of Joplin. 

 

Under the revised policy, storm sirens shall be activated when the following conditions are met:

The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, a severe thunderstorm warning with a “possible tornado” tag, ora trained storm spotter reports a tornado:


In Jasper County, Mo.; Newton County, Mo.; or Cherokee County, Kan.; and
The projected tornado path includes the City of Joplin

Or,the National Weather Servicereportsa storm system producing life-threatening winds of 75 miles per hour or greater, and the projected storm path includes the City of Joplin.

For more information about the policy implementation or operational procedures, contact Dave Holden, City of Joplin/Jasper County Emergency Management Coordinator, at (417) 624-0820 ext. 1260.

Charges dismissed in McDonald County voluntary manslaughter case

Voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action charges against Brian L. Hole (DOB 1969), Anderson, who shot and killed his brother June 25, 2025 were dismissed earlier this week.

According to the probable cause statement, Hole was administering lifesaving measures and talking with dispatch when McDonald County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the call.

From the probable cause statement:

Brian advised he went to pick up his brother to take him to work, and his brother became upset and a physical fight between the two occurred. Brian, who had visible signs of trauma on his face from the incident, advised he was actually proud of his brother because this was the first time he has had a job in the last eight years.

Stotts City aldermen schedule special meeting

(From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)

Residents are hereby informed that a Special Meeting of the Board of Aldermen has been requested by two aldermen and scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Stotts City Hall.

At approximately 10:36 a.m. today, the Mayor’s Office received email notification from the City Clerk regarding the requested special meeting. The meeting agenda was later publicly posted at approximately 12:00 p.m.

While notification was provided prior to posting, the agenda itself was prepared and posted without prior coordination or input from the Mayor’s Office regarding its contents or publication.

In the interest of transparency and ensuring residents remain informed about the operations of their municipal government, the posted agenda is being shared publicly alongside this statement.

As Mayor, I believe residents deserve open communication regarding city business, including when meetings are called, how agendas are prepared, and how official actions are communicated to the public.

The City of Stotts City administration remains committed to:
• Maintaining transparency with residents
• Ensuring accurate public records
• Addressing ongoing operational and governance concerns
• Working toward restoring public trust and accountability within city government

Residents are encouraged to attend the special meeting, remain engaged in the process, and continue voicing their concerns and questions regarding city operations and the future direction of the City of Stotts City, Missouri.

Additional information will be shared as it becomes available through official city communication channels.

Go Fund Me page launched for family of Pittsburg child who lost leg in lawnmower accident

A Go Fund Me account has been launched for the family of 8-year-old Jaxsen Woods of Pittsburg, Kansas, whose leg had to be amputated following a recent lawnmower accident.

The following description is from the page:

Jaxsen Wools is an energetic eight-year-old who recently experienced a life-changing accident. After a lawnmower accident, doctors were unable to save his foot, and he now faces a leg amputation. 

Jaxsen is one of six children in a single income, parent household, and his mom and dad just welcomed a new baby. With both parents at the hospital supporting Jaxsen, grandparents are helping care for the other five kids at home. The family is working together to make sure everyone is cared for during this difficult time. 

Jaxsen will need a ramp for the house, medical equipment like a porta potty, wheelchair, and shower chair, and a way to safely travel to the hospital, which is three hours away. He will be undergoing intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and emotional support, not just for himself but for the whole family. With his ADHD, it's important to find safe activities and equipment to keep him engaged and prevent further injury. The family also needs help with gas and food for frequent trips to the hospital, so the burden doesn't fall on just one person.

We would be very appreciative for any help, whether it's a donation or a prayer. This will be a long recovery for Jaxsen and the whole family as they adapt to a new way of life. Anything anyone can do is greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything already done and for continued support and prayers.

The campaign has a goal of $4,500.

Jaxsen Woods Go Fund Me Page