Crawford County paramedics, Pittsburg policeman treated for fentanyl exposure

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On Friday afternoon April 24, 2026, at approximately 2:51 PM, first responders with the Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg Fire Department and Crawford County EMS were dispatched a residence located in the 1100 block of W 4th Street, in Pittsburg in reference to a subject suffering from a suspected drug overdose. 

The patient, who was identified as a 32-year-old male, was found to be unconscious and was not breathing. The patient was transported to Pittsburg Mercy Hospital for treatment. Individuals on scene were interviewed by investigators, and the residence was secured while law enforcement officers applied for a warrant to search the residence for illegal narcotics. Once at the hospital, the patient recovered from the suspected overdose and left the hospital against medical advice. 

At approximately 4:33 PM, two Crawford County EMS paramedics who were at the scene and treated the patient, began showing signs of an accidental overdose due to a suspected fentanyl exposure. The two EMS paramedics were transported to Pittsburg Mercy Hospital for treatment. One of the paramedics was later transferred to Joplin Mercy Hospital for further treatment.

At approximately 5:13 PM, a Pittsburg Police Department patrol officer began to feel ill and was taken to Pittsburg Mercy Hospital to be evaluated. The patrol officer has since been released from the hospital. 

Due to the ongoing threat of exposure to illegal narcotics in the residence, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Clandestine Laboratory Response Team (CLRT) was requested to assist in the execution of the warrant. 

While officers were waiting on the KBI’s response team to arrive, a subject at the residence on W. 4th Street began to interfere with officers on scene. As a result, 50-year-old Justin West was placed under arrest for felony interference with law enforcement. 

Mr. West was transported to the jail located at the Crawford County Sheriff’s office for booking and is currently being held without bond. 

Mr. West is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be taking over the investigation and further information will be released by their agency. 

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone who has information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). The KBI can be contacted at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar. Callers may remain anonymous.

17 establishments pass Joplin Health Department inspections

All establishments that were inspected by the Joplin Health Department this week passed their inspections. The list is below:

The Grind (mobile)

Sweet Lemon LLC, 1218 W. 7th Street

Stop N' Shop, 1832 S. Maiden Lane

Taco Bell, 1929 S. Range Line Road

Billy Sims Barbecue, 3025 S. Main Street

IHOP, 2117 S. Range Line Road

Dollar Tree, 426 S. Range Line Road

KCU- Farber Foundation Campus Commons, 2901 S. St. John's Boulevard

McDonald's, 1531 W. 7th Street

Dollar Tree, 2128 S. Maiden Lane

Del Rio Grill and Cantina, 1802 W. 32nd Street

Casa Montez, 4224 S. Main Street

Tilt Studio, 101 N. Range Line Road

Turtleheads Raw Bar, 4218 S. Main Street

Stapleton Elementary School, 101 E. 41st Street

Stop N' Shop, 1930 S. Schifferdecker Avenue

Snak-Atak, 4302 S. Main Street

 

Joplin R-8 Board accepts 19 professional separations, approves 33 professional hires

While the Joplin R-8 Board of Education is still referring to people who will no longer be in the district as "separations," the minutes now reflect whether the people resign or retire. It would still be nice to know what positions the people who resigned or retired held and the jobs of the people who are hired. Still, this is an improvement.

From the minutes:

Justin Crawford, Director of Human Resources and Instructional Support brought before the board the following personnel items. 

1. Personnel Items Not Requiring BOE Action - Info. (Crawford)

The following employees have submitted their resignation and/or intent to retire. These do not require action to be taken by the Board of Education as they have fulfilled their contractual obligations or are otherwise not on an employment contract.

Rita Wilson - Retire
Anthony Miller - Resign
Laurel Wike - Resign
Addison Clarkson - Resign
Ashely Davis - Resign
Zachary Goad - Resign
Austin Demerest - Resign
Stephanie Camerer - Resign
Rebecca Hawkins - Retire
Vicki Sherraden - Retire
Reese Webb - Resign
Kayla Ledford - Resign
Ladenna Evans - Resign
Kimberly Jones - Resign
Bridgett Dillingham - Resign
Emma McPhail - Resign
Stacy Greene - Resign
Kimberly Timm - Resign

2. Professional Separations - Action (Crawford)
Tracy Douglas separation was voted on separately.
Motion made by: John Hird
Motion seconded by: Matthew Robertson
Voting results:Unanimously approved

The following Professional Separations were voted on with remaining personnel items. 

Sylvia Neal - Resign
Tiffany Chiles - Resign
Chelsea Brooks - Resign
Angela Fry - Resign
Brooke Luna - Resign
Shandon Reed - Resign
Chastyti Hagerma - Resign
Cindy Myers - Resign
Tylease DePriest - Resign
Stacey Tracy - Retire
Kevin Hawkins - Retire
Shawn Eklund - Resign
Reece Webb - Resign
Mary Yeoman - Retire
Jamie Moana - Resign
Jessica Tupper - Resign
Katryn James - Resign
Emily Pearce - Resign

3. Professional Hires - Action (Crawford)
Daniel Siever, Evan Overstreet, Lexa Quesenberry, Shelby Needham, Cailyn Sweeney, Madilynn Grundy, Justus Barley, Sheila Dilley, Kynslee Hill, Sara Davis, Michaela McCoy Rodriguez, Zaben Barnes, Emilia Garren, India Reynolds, Savannah Marshall, Claire Jasper, Brittany Davis, Caleb Frakes, Shelby Negron, Halle Walker, James Sumler, Kerri Fields, Madison Bay, Savannah Marshall, Abigail Geering, Lindsay Hussong, Olivia Putney, Lauren Keczkemethy, Ryan Riddle, Luke Hardman, Delainy Jimerson, Jeana Compton, Nichole Valenti

4. Classified Hires - Action (Crawford)
Jackelyne Gutierrez, Hannah Templeton, Melissa Stiffler, Kara Middick, Stacie Kirby, Gavin James, Potter Willis, Andrew Cummings, Amelia Goodwin, Rita Lewis, Hilario Stantillan, Katie Lindsey, Donna Cummins, Gabrielle Bickerton, Caleb Frakes

5. Substitute & Secretary HIres - Action (Crawford)
Pamela York, Amanda Steverson, Lorelai Myers, Lillian Taylor, Taylor Pritchard, Katie Rodick, Savannah Hubbard, emaan Aqeel, Shelby Needham, Caleb Frakes, Rachel Patterson, Brett Heady, Katelynn Blobaum, Abigail Killinger, Christopher Hagerman, Alyssa Barrager, Peggy Holland, Jordyn Butler, Julie Myers, Christine Landis, Claire Lowry, Susan Morehouse, Kandi Dogotch, Caleb Freeman

6. Stipend Hires - Action (Crawford)
James Cessna, Jessica Byrne, Evan Overstreet, Marissa Mitchell, Morgan Secrist, Lude Hardman, Holly Tyson, Jeana Compton, Alexander Curry

7. Summer School Professional Hires - Action (Crawford)
Macie Buxton, Mireya Cateilleja, Craig Gullett, Shannon Harris, Aaron Ketcher, Chase Kilgore, Michael Lawrence, Cassie McCallister, Claire Miranda, Tina Olson, Ava Perrin, Mackenzie Peterson, Morgan Secrist, Kaylyn Simmons, Chantelle Singe, Alex Smith, James Spencer, Annie Stover, Brandon West

8. Summer School Classified Hires - Action (Crawford)
Lindsday Andrews, John Banta, Michele Beckham, Shahida Birkhead, Jermaine Boykin, Charlene Campbell, Adyson Chew, Cassandra Copher, Sydni Cornman, Brianna Daniel, Sherry Dillard, Roanna Dowell, Dora Eastin, Chelsea Edwards, Andra Fields, Faith Griswold, Susan Gust, Jackelyn Gutierrez, Kayla Hess, Tori Hopkins, Elizabeth Jones, Jana Kidd, Destiny King, Faith Knoblauch, Kayla Lunderman, Kindra Marlow, Hadley McBride, Dailyn McNight, Chloe Miller, Cassadra Mueller, Ashley Russell, Brian Starchman, Lara Summers, Amy Swartz, Ayden Taylor, Hannah Templeton, Carly Webster, Sarah Whitten, Melissa Wilkins, Michaela Willis, Berkley Wood

The motion was made to approve the above employment items.
1st - David Weaver
2nd - Matthew Robertson

Jasper County jury convicts Exeter man on first-degree murder charge

(From the Barry County Sheriff's Office)

Last week (4-14-26 to 4-16-2026), a jury trial was held in Jasper County for the criminal charges against Aaron Malone for the murder of Aspen Lewis.

In November of 2024, Aaron Malone reported that Aspen Lewis was missing and possibly abducted.

A criminal investigation was started due to inconsistencies in Malone's statement.

The following day, Malone led investigators to Lewis' body, located in a heavily wooded area in Shell Knob.

Malone admitted to an altercation taking place between him and Lewis and disposing of Lewis' body.

The investigation was conducted by the Barry County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

After three days of testimony from the prosecution and defense, the Jasper County jury found Malone guilty on all counts. Malone is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9m, 2026.

The case was presented by the Missouri Attorney General's office and the Barry County Prosecutor's Office.

This case highlights how multiple agencies working together can build a strong case and successfully remove a violent criminal from the community. The Barry County Sheriff's Office is devoted to keeping our community safe.

Webb City businesses pass alcohol compliance check

(From the Webb City Police Department)

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Webb City Police Officers conducted an alcohol compliance check of local businesses selling package alcohol. 

All twelve businesses were in compliance, and none sold alcohol to our underage buyer. We appreciate our local businesses for helping to keep our youth safe.

Galena man arrested for possession of child pornography

(From the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)

On April 15th, 2026, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was notified by another law enforcement agency that a child in their jurisdiction was being solicited by an adult male from Cherokee County, Kansas. 

Detectives from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office immediately began investigating the allegations. 

During the investigation the suspect was identified as a 20 year old male, who was living in Galena, Kansas. 

On April 22, 2026, a search warrant was executed at 723 E. 7th Street Galena, Kansas in relation to this case. Jason Curtis Long (20) of Galena was arrested for Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Exploitation of a Child, and Internet Trading of Child Pornography. 

Long is currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail. Formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. 

He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Joplin city crews cleaning up after tornado

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin City crews have been working since about 1:30 am to clean up storm debris on city properties and streets after a tornado came through the west side of town around midnight. No injuries reported from the storm have been reported. 

The National Weather Service is now confirming there was a EF-0 to EF-1 tornado despite the fact no tornado warning was issued by the NWS. The storm was warned as a Severe Thunderstorm with a “Tornado Possible” tag. 

Here’s a summary update:

Public Works crews have already completed pick-up of tree debris from city streets. If you do see tree debris in any city street, please report it by calling 417-624-0820 Ext. 1564 or 1566. If no one answers please leave a message with an address and description of the issue. Remember, we do not clean storm damage on private property.

The tree limb drop-off facility (1702 N. Schifferdecker Ave.) is open for tree debris only – not building debris or other trash. Open until 7pm today and it will be open this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 7am-7pm.

Residents and businesses with damage to their properties should contact their insurance provider.

Joplin Parks & Recreation sustained substantial damage at Schifferdecker Park.Schifferdecker Golf Course back 9 holes are closed due to about a dozen large trees which are down. Trees are being cut up, but cannot be transported out yet by large equipment due to wet/soft ground which means equipment would damage the course.

Parks Maintenance Storage Building was a total loss. This U-shaped pole barn was flipped by the winds. Thankfully, parks equipment stored there is okay.

The Parks Maintenance and Cemeteries Office building had its roof peeled back on the NE corner, there is significant damage to the offices, but again, the City is fortunate there is minimal damage to equipment.

Several large trees are also down within Schifferdecker Park.

Other Park facilities in and around the area seem to have weathered the storm okay, including the Museum, JACC, and Golf Course clubhouse.

Jill Carter: CASA volunteers helping foster children

(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)

Imagine every child having a champion—someone who sees their potential, fights for their stability, and helps them believe in their brighter future. In Missouri’s foster care system, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are making that difference every single day.

The numbers tell an inspiring story of hope. Children with a CASA volunteer are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to graduate high school than those without one. They are more likely to stay in the same school, avoid falling behind academically, and pursue college or vocational training. While children in foster care overall graduate at 50–60 percent—compared to 85–90 percent in the general population—CASA volunteers help close that gap by tracking attendance and grades, advocating for school stability, pushing for tutoring, testing, and needed services, and ensuring the child’s own voice is heard loud and clear in court.

The impact goes far beyond the classroom. On average, children with a CASA spend four months less in foster care. Re-entry rates drop dramatically—to less than 1 percent for CASA-supported children, compared to 17 percent statewide. These advocates help build safer, more permanent homes while saving Missouri taxpayers more than $20,000 per child per year. CASA children are also more likely to receive the services they need and thrive once they leave the system.

Across Missouri, the CASA movement is growing hearts and changing lives. In 2025, 1,792 dedicated volunteers contributed over 100,531 hours statewide, supporting thousands of children. Twenty-four CASA programs now operate in 28 of Missouri’s 46 judicial circuits. In 2023, more than 2,000 volunteers helped over 4,600 children—yet more than 12,000 still waited for an advocate. The opportunity to do more is clear and exciting.

Right here in Newton and McDonald counties, New-Mac CASA is a beacon of community compassion. With 19 volunteers currently serving 73 children (and 102 served so far in 2025), the program embodies the original CASA vision. In 1977, a Seattle judge realized he needed better information to protect abused and neglected children. He asked ordinary citizens to step up—and they did. Today, New-Mac CASA’s volunteers research needs, speak in court, and advocate tirelessly for safe, permanent homes in the 40th Circuit. Their work proves that local heroes can transform young lives.

Imagine the ripple effect: a child who stays in one school builds lasting friendships and confidence. A teenager who gets tutoring discovers a love for learning and eyes a future in college or trade school. A family finds stability and avoids the heartbreak of re-entry into care. These are not abstract statistics—they are real Missouri kids gaining hope, resilience, and opportunity.

You can be part of this inspiring movement. A few hours a month as a CASA volunteer can change a child’s entire trajectory. Your donation can bring an advocate to one more child in need.

As part of New-Mac CASA, children in foster care are waiting for someone who believes in them. CASA volunteers are showing us what’s possible when caring adults step forward. Together, we can give more kids the stability, support, and voice they deserve. One advocate at a time, we are building brighter futures.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a meaningful difference, here is one amazing opportunity. Ellen and her team are phenomenal and would love to have you join them in loving on and advocating for these amazing kids.
 

Carthage R-9 Board hires 10 teachers, accepts 6 resignations

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:00 pm, at Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Dr. Mark Westhoff, Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mr. Patrick Scott. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, district financial report, and amendments to FY26 budget.

Dr. Luke Boyer extended his appreciation to Mr. Patrick Scott with a plaque for his years of dedicated service to the Board of Education.

Only three candidates filed for the three open positions on the Carthage R-9 Board of Education this year, making it unnecessary for the district to hold an annual election.

In accordance with RSMo115.124(1), the oath of office was administered to Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Jeff Jones, and Dr. Robin Blair, by Ms. Niki Cloud, Board President.

The Board Officers for 2026-2027 are:

President Niki Cloud

Vice President Ryan Collier

Secretary Lora Phelps

Treasurer Mark Westhoff

Board members volunteered to serve as delegates and committee representatives and the 2026-2027
Board of Education meeting schedule was approved.

Dr. Scott Ragsdale, Carthage Intermediate Center Principal, provided information regarding 2026
summer school. Kindergarten through eighth grade summer school will take place Thursday, May 28th – Wednesday, June 24th. Bus transportation and breakfast and lunch will be provided free to all students.

Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, presented to the board the MSIP 6 report
on CSIP Priority 1 – developing successful students.

Ms. Maria Sanchez provided a Carthage R-9 Foundation update stating the Flanigan and Boylan scholarship winners are being selected and the senior academic awards night will be held May 4, 2026 at 6:30pm at Carthage High School.

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Mr. Dan Hill, Director of Facilities, and
Crossland Construction Company, Inc., representatives provided the Board an update on the progress
of the Carthage R-9 Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Goodnight, Mr. Hill, and the Board discussed the 2026-27 capital improvement projects.

Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board the KE Baker Remodel bid package.

Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board the custodial supplies bid package. Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board the pest management control bid package.

Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board the HVAC-Energy Services Company (ESCO) bid package.

Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board the employee health insurance plan for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board information regarding a third-party administrator for the employee health plan and stop-loss carrier for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board the employee dental insurance plan for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Huntley provided the Board information regarding the 2026-2027 student handbook changes for
their review.

Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board.

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), and (6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

In closed session the Board approved the following personnel actions:

Approved the employment of certified, support, and substitute staff as presented contingent upon
receiving a clear criminal record check from the Missouri Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and a clear check of the Adult Abuse/Neglect Registry maintained by the Missouri
Department of Social Services for all employees new to the district:

Certified Hire
,
Katey Fallis, school counselor, Carthage Sixth Grade Center- Mrs. Fallis is a behavioral health professional with a background in counseling, addiction services, and healthcare administration. She holds a B.S. in HealthAdministration, an M.S. in Health Leadership, and is completing an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2026). Her experience includes serving as a Program Director at Grand Falls Center for Recovery, a Child Welfare Investigator for the State of Missouri, and a counselor with Ozark Center.

Amelia Conkright, kindergarten teacher, Columbian Elementary- Ms. Conkright is an elementary education candidate at Missouri Southern State University with an expected graduation of May 2026. She is currently completing her student teaching at Columbian Elementary,.

Gavin King, assistant band director, Carthage Sixth Grade Center- Mr. King is a Missouri State University student pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental), with anticipated graduation and K-12 certification in May 2026. He has experience as a student teacher at Branson High School and as a marching band intern and brass staff member, supporting band instruction and performance preparation.

Josh Sonis, special education teacher, Carthage High School- Mr. Sonis is an experienced educator and athletic coach with nearly 20 years in secondary education and athletics, primarily in the Neosho and Seneca school districts. He hold a B. S. in Exercise Science from Missouri Valley College and is pursuing a Master of Arts in teaching with Missouri Southern State University.

Laurel Wheeler, English Language Arts Teacher, Carthage High School- Ms. Wheeler is an English Language Arts educator currently teaching sixth and eighth grade reading and communication arts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University and is completing a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (expected May 2026).

Ethan Matlock, Vocal Music Teacher/Choir Director, Carthage Junior High School- Mr. Matlock is a vocal music educator with experience teaching middle school choir (grades 6-8) and a background in K-12 music education. He has held teaching roles in Oklahoma and completed student teaching and internships across Missouri and Iowa. He is a graduate of Graceland University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and K-12 certification.

Nicola Higgs, 5th Grade Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center- Ms. Higgs is an experienced educator with many years in elementary and middle school instruction, currently teaching 6th and 8th grade science in Springfield Public Schools. Her career includes long-term service with Carthage R-9 and Diamond R-IV School Districts, with expertise in science, math intervention, and dual language education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University.

Dawn Cullumber, Instructional Coach, Carthage Sixth Grade Center- Ms. Cullumber is an experienced
educator with 17 years of classroom teaching. She currently teaches 7th grade science at Webb City Junior High. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Missouri Southern State University.

Amanda Lamb, Sixth Grade Center Math, Carthage Sixth Grade Center- Ms. Lamb is a paraprofessional with the Webb City School District who brings several years of classroom support experience working with elementary students, including those with IEPs and 504 plans. She is currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (expected May 2026).

Kayla Boucher, Special Education Teacher, Carthage Sixth Grade Center- Mrs. Boucher is a current behavior interventionist with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She has experience in ABA therapy and working one-on-one with children with autism, as well as prior roles in child welfare, behavioral support, and program facilitation.

Support Hire

Glenn Taylor, HVAC technician
Colton Curry, special education paraprofessional, Carthage High School
Skylor Smith, special education paraprofessional, Carthage High School
Curtis Baker, bus driver

Substitute Hire

Natasha O'Brien-Davies
Vincent Burwick, substitute custodian

Certified Transfer

Katie Gronberg, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary
Robin Brown, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary
Tricia Brust, early childhood teacher, Mark Twain Elementary
Cheyenne Salazar, kindergarten teacher, Steadley Elementary
Delayna Honaker, first grade teacher, Steadley Elementary
Andria Gregory, first grade teacher, Steadley Elementary
Jessiea O'Neill, second grade dual-language teacher, Fairview Elementary
Meghan Frischenmeyer, Title 1 teacher, Carthage Sixth Grade Center
Julie Neher, band teacher, Carthage Junior High School
Stasia Fisher, second grade teacher, Mark Twain Elementary
Regina Guidie, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary
Tammy Davison, Title 1 teacher, Carthage Sixth Grade Center
Amy Bien, K-3 instructional coach, Steadley Elementary
Ashley Sharp, special education teacher, Carthage Sixth Grade Center
Jonathan Brinkhoff, special education teacher, Carthage High School
Brianna Mertens, instructional coach, Carthage Junior High School
Drew Bridges, virtual learning instructor, Carthage High School/VLC
Angela Haas, fifth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center
Crystal Krause, sixth grade math teacher, Carthage Sixth Grade Center.

Support Modification

Corbyn Woodall, maintenance/grounds

Support Transfer

Maddix McCahon, IT computer technician, IT Department
Connie Murray, special education paraprofessional, Fairview Elementary
Odilia Gonzalez-Garza, special education paraprofessional, Carthage High School
Kailyn Schultz, special education paraprofessional, Mark Twain Elementary
Charles Fraser, special education paraprofessional, Mark Twain Elementary
Gloria Lozano, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary
Crystal Merick, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary
Paola Trujillo, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary
Dona Hall, special education paraprofessional, Carthage Intermediate Center
Michelle Endicott, Title I instructional assistant, Carthage Intermediate Center

Certified Resignation

Sylvia McReynolds, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary
Melissa Estes, EL teacher, Columbian Elementary
Eric Stark, band teacher, Carthage Junior High School
Broc Wolfe, social studies teacher, Carthage High School
Ivonna Marcela Chipatecua Fique- seventh grade dual-language teacher, Carthage Junior High School
Garrett Jack, math teacher, Carthage High School

Support Resignation

Johnathan Lashmet, maintenance
Megan Ryan, speech language pathologist, Columbian Elementary
Carson Huston, bus aide
Jarrett Little, accompanist, Carthage High School
Brooklyn Cordova, cook, Fairview Elementary
Michael Dietz, bus driver
Corbyn Woodall, maintenance
Ashton Williams, special education paraprofessional, Carthage High School

Support Retirement

Delores Duncan, head custodian, Steadley Elementary
Angela Williams, federal programs coordinator, District Office
Kathy Smith, kitchen manager, Pleasant Valley Elementary
Joyce Hale, cook, Steadley Elementary
Debra Craig, cook, Steadley Elementary

Substitute Resignation

Willis Potter

Probable cause: Webb City woman attacks boyfriend with hatchet

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, drug trafficking and possession of a controlled substance charges against Pearl Elizabeth Barlow (DOB 1980), Webb City, who allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a hatchet during an argument.

Barlow is to be held without bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On February 18th 2026 at 1623 hours, Officers were dispatched to the 500 Blk of S Roane in the City of Webb City, County of Jasper, State of Missouri, in reference to a 91 1 hangup. When I, Officer Fultz, arrived on scene V1 was laying on his back in the door way screaming for help and that he had been cut. 

While tending to Victim 1's injuries, V1 stated that a female, later identified as Pearl Barlow had cut him with a hatchet. I placed a tourniquet on V1's left leg due to the amount of blood he was losing.

Later on, it was determined that V1 had 3 deep lacerations and 1 superficial. The deep lacerations were
on the inside of VI's right knee, on the outside of his left knee, and on the back of his left Achillies.

The superficial wound was on V1's right pinky toe.

Pearl was located hiding in a shop to the East of the property. During the investigation of the scene,
blood was located on the kitchen floor with a trail of blood leading to the front door where V1 was
located. 

While interviewing other occupants of the home. W1 stated she heard banging, yelling and screaming when Pearl ran into her bedroom and said "I f---ed up, call 911." W2 had a similar story, he stated he heard the same banging, yelling and screaming when Pearl entered the room and said "He's bleeding out call 911." A hatchet was located in the living room.

On February 19th 2026 at 1313 hours, I met with Pearl at the Hospital. I introduced myself and asked
Pearl to explain the events that transpired the night before. Pearl stated VI and her got into an argument that escalated when V1 punched her in the forehead. Pearl tried to calm V1 down, but V1 continued and eventually put Pearl into a "triangle" choke hold. Pearl was able to break free of the choke hold and ran down the hallway to her bedroom where she retrieved a hatchet. Pearl returned to the living room and told V1 to calm down. 

VI noticed the hatchet and V1 and Pearl began fighting over it. Pearl didn't know what happened on the ground, but somehow, she won the fight over the hatchet and hit V1 with it. Pearl was unsure how many times she hit V1 but stated she hit him multiple times. 

Pearl panicked and ran to the room of W1 and W2 to have them call 911. She returned to V1, who had
crawled into the kitchen, and put blankets and towels on V1's legs to try to stop the bleeding. While
attempting to stop the bleeding, VI crawled from the kitchen to the front door where I located him.

Pearl stated V1 looked at her and said "I don't know who you are, but they're here you need to run."

Pearl then ran out the back door and hid in the shed.

Cpl. Putnam asked Ms. Barlow if he could check her pockets before the ambulance arrived and she
stated that was okay. While searching her pockets, He located a baggie with a crystal like rock in her
front right coin pocket. The rock later tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl and weighted
approximately 2.6 grams.

Ms. Barlow and V1 were in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship and living together at the time of the
incident.

The case was investigated by the Webb City Police Department.