Seven businesses fail Joplin Health Department inspections

Seven Joplin businesses failed Joplin Health Department inspections since the beginning of last week, according to information posted on the department website.

 Three restaurants, Jimmy John's, 3030 S. Main Street, Taco Bell, 2315 W. 7th Street, and Mac's Stop, 703 W. 7th Street, failed inspections today. It was a re-inspection for Mac's Stop, which failed a recent inspection.

King's Kettle Corn, 321 S. Joplin Avenue; Queen's Bee, 3106 Connecticut Avenue, and Mosa Hibachi, Sushi, 501 W. 7th Street; and Charley's Cheesesteaks, 101 N. Range Line Road, failed inspections last week. Charley's Cheesesteaks and Queen's Bee were being re-inspected after failing earlier.

Jimmy John's

Jimmy John's received priority violations for having employee drinks improperly stored and ready to eat turkey and shredded chicken being cold held above 41 degrees.

Core violations were cited for having worn cutting boards, liquid waste accumulating on the cooling unit in the walk-in freezer and for having a ceiling tile missing.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell received priority violations for having food items in the walk-in freezer being cold held above 41 degrees, having Pico de Gallo being cold held above 41 degrees and for having sanitizer concentration for quaternary ammonium in the sink at <400 ppm.

Core violations were noted for using the handwashing sink to dump drinks, excess condensation freezing on the ceiling of the walk-in freezer and for having no hand towels at the sink by the register.

Mac's Stop

Mac's Stop received a priority violation for having flies in the drain in the cabinet below the tea station and core violations for a debris buildup on soda fountain surfaces behind the nozzles and for having damaged cabinet trim and doors.

King's Kettle Corn

King's Kettle Corn received a priority violation for not having water available at the hand washing station.

Queen's Bee

Queen's Bee received priority violations for having molded food in the walk-in freezer and for having custard being cold held above 41 degrees.

Core violations were cited for having jasmine rice and a food container stored on the floor, having an incorrect sanitizer kit, for having single service items stored incorrectly under the sink and for having a sticky floor in the walk-in freezer.

Mosa Hibachi and Sushi

Mosa Hibachi and Sushi received four priority violations:

-An employee did not wash hands when required.

-Employee drinks were stored above food in the cooler.

-Premade sushi rolls were being held in a cabinet at ambient temperatures and not being marked or discarded within four hours.

-Sushi rice was cold held above 41 degrees.

Charley's Cheesesteaks

Charley's Cheesesteaks received a priority violation for having multiple meats and cheeses being cold held above 41 degrees.

***

The following establishments received passing inspections:

Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, 2130 S. Range Line Road

Qdoba Mexican Eats, 3102 E. 7th Street

Granny's Shaffer's 2728 N Range Line Road (re-inspection)

Las Brasas, 1202 S. Range Line Road

Club 1201, 1201 E. 32nd Street (re-inspection)

China Pantry, 101 N. Range Line Road

CVS Pharmacy, 112 E. 32nd Street

McDonald's, 1123 S. Range Line Road

McKinley Elementary School, 610 S. Forest Avenue

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, 3118 S. Range Line Road

Blackstone Gastropub, 1521 S. Broadway Street

Glow Nail Lounge, 1710 E, 32nd Street

Residence Inn Breakfast, 3128 E. Hammons Boulevard

Holiday Inn: Route 66 Pub and Grill, 3401 Arizona Avenue

Super 8 Breakfast, 2830 E. 36th Street

Casey's General Store, 2764 W. 32nd Street

Jimmy John's, 407 S. Range Line Road

Forest Park Baptist Church Mission Joplin, 725 S. Highview Avenue

Crazy Llama Coffee, 415 W. 32nd Street

Love's Travel Stop, 4013 S. 43 Highway

Discount Express, 2703 E. 32nd Street

Shell Knob man charged after shooting

(From the Barry County Sheriff's Office)

On 5/23/2026 at approximately 0200 hours, Barry County deputies were dispatched to a residence in Shell Knob, MO., for a shooting.

Deputies arrived on scene and detained Raymond Brownsberger, who had made a statement on the 911 call that he shot the victim one time. The victim was transported by ambulance with a gunshot wound.

Barry County detectives were called to the scene and began an investigation. A search warrant was granted and detectives began processing the scene.

Interviews were conducted with a witness and the suspect, who stated that an altercation occurred between the victim, the witness and Brownsberger.

Brownsberger admitted he went to his vehicle and returned with a firearm. Brownsberger stated the victim advanced toward him again, and he shot the victim. One of the witnesses of the incident was a juvenile.

Raymond Brownsberger, 30, Shell Knob, was charged with the following:

-Assault first degree

-Armed criminal action

-Unlawful use of a weapon

-Endangering the welfare of a child.

Brownsberger is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.

Anyone with information related to the assault is encouraged to contact the Barry County Sheriff's Office at 417-847-6556, as the investigation is ongoing.

Cassville man killed in collision

A Cassville man was killed in aa two-vehicle collision 8;20 p.m. Sunday on Farm Road 2200 one mile south of Cassville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1995 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 69-year-old Cassville man and aa 2008 Chrysler Town and Country driven by a 66-year-old Cassville man struck each other in the side.

The Jeep Cherokee traveled off the roadway and overturned, ejecting the driver who was pronounced dead by Dr. Hartman at Mercy Cassville at 9:36 p.m.

The driver of the Town and Country was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Cassville.

The fatality was the 51st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Burlison demands information on 1952 flying saucer report

 

(From Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

As part of the ongoing push for UAP transparency under President Trump’s disclosure efforts, I sent a letter to MIT Lincoln Laboratory demanding answers about a reported 1952 “flying saucer” recording tied to the federal government’s early UAP investigations. 

The letter calls for the tape and any related records to be preserved and transferred to the National Archives as part of the federal UAP disclosure process. 

MIT now has 30 days to explain whether the recording exists and whether it can be released to the public.

 

Agenda posted for Carthage City Council meeting

 

15-year-old Joplin girl killed in ATV crash

A Joplin teen was killed in a one-vehicle crash 11:13 a.m. today six miles north of Greenfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Yamaha 350 ATV driven by a 15-year-old Joplin girl traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Dade County Coroner Gary Banta pronounced the girl dead at the scene at 12:01 p.m.

The fatality was the 50th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.  

Stotts City Council members fail to show for meeting

(From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)

On the evening of May 22, 2026, more than 25 residents attended the scheduled Stotts City Council meeting seeking answers regarding the recently released audit findings, city financial concerns, infrastructure issues, and other matters affecting the community.

Due to the absence of all the Board of Aldermen, the City Collector/Clerk, and the Water/Sewer Chief Operator, the City was unable to establish a quorum necessary to conduct an official Board of Aldermen meeting.

As a result, residents were unable to directly address questions and concerns to several city officials expected to be present.

Mayor Tracy Knight remained present throughout the gathering to hear resident concerns, discuss information currently available to the administration, and reaffirm the City’s commitment to improving transparency and accountability moving forward.

“The residents of Stotts City showed up tonight expecting answers and accountability from their local government,” said Mayor Knight. “I understand the frustration expressed by many members of the community. Citizens deserve officials who are willing to engage openly with the public regarding serious matters affecting the City.”

Mayor Knight further stated that while Missouri law limits the unilateral authority of the Mayor in matters requiring Board action, the administration will continue pursuing corrective action efforts related to the audit findings and advocating for greater transparency in city operations.

“The concerns raised by residents are legitimate and deserve to be addressed publicly and professionally,” Mayor Knight stated. “Avoiding difficult conversations only damages public trust further. My commitment remains to the people of Stotts City, and I will continue showing up, listening, and working toward solutions.”

The Mayor’s Office announced that ongoing efforts will continue in the following areas:

• Development of corrective action measures related to audit findings
• Increased transparency regarding city financial matters
• Improved public communication and access to information
• Strengthened oversight and accountability efforts
• Continued engagement with residents regarding city concerns

Mayor Knight thanked the residents who attended and encouraged continued public participation in local government processes.

“The future of Stotts City depends on an informed and engaged community,” Mayor Knight said. “The voices of our residents matter, and they will continue to be heard.”

Kehoe places tax overhaul, initiative petition limits on August ballot

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

Gov. Mike Kehoe will ask Missouri voters in August to decide whether lawmakers should have new power to expand sales taxes to replace the income tax and whether citizen-led constitutional amendments should face a higher bar for passage.

Kehoe moved four proposed constitutional amendments to the Aug. 4 primary ballot: Amendment 1, renewing a sales tax for state parks and soil conservation; Amendment 2, requiring direct election of county assessors; Amendment 4, changing the threshold for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition; and Amendment 5, authorizing lawmakers to expand sales taxes as part of an effort to eliminate the state income tax.

In a statement Friday, Kehoe defended the August timing on Amendment 5 by pointing to the work lawmakers would face if it passes.

“Modernizing Missouri’s outdated tax code, specifically, will be a momentous task for the Missouri General Assembly, and placing the measure to phase out Missouri’s income tax on the August ballot gives lawmakers additional time to prepare for the next phase of implementation,” Kehoe said.

The governor did not address why Amendment 4, the initiative petition measure, was also placed on the August ballot rather than November.

The decision places two of the year’s most consequential measures before a smaller, historically more Republican-leaning electorate than the November general election.

Major ballot measures have historically driven up Missouri primary turnout, particularly among voters taking Democratic ballots. But the August electorate still skews more conservative than November’s, and Kehoe’s choice keeps Amendment 4 and Amendment 5 off a fall ballot already expected to include fights over abortion rights and Missouri’s congressional map.

Scott Charton, who speaks for the campaign committees opposing both Amendment 4 and Amendment 5, called the August placement of the two measures “the most brazen power grab from our citizens on a single ballot in Missouri history.”

“The common thread between the amendments is luring Missouri citizens to surrender long-held constitutional power and freedom, and giving that power to politicians to use unchecked,” said Charton, whose groups are funded by the Missouri Association of Realtors.

Amendment 5 was Kehoe’s top priority during this year’s legislative session. If approved, it would allow lawmakers to apply sales taxes to transactions not currently taxed, with any new sales-tax revenue tied to cuts in the top state income tax rate, currently 4.7%. Lawmakers would have five years to redefine what is subject to sales tax.

Supporters argue the proposal would make Missouri more economically competitive by moving the state away from income taxes. Opponents warn it gives lawmakers broad authority to tax services and consumer purchases that are not currently subject to sales taxes, shifting more of the state’s tax burden onto working families.

Charton said the proposal is too vague for voters to know what they are being asked to approve. He also pointed to the state auditor’s fiscal note, which says the General Assembly already has the power to reduce the state’s income tax by statute.

“The real agenda behind Amendment 5 is to trick voters into giving politicians a license to ignore current constitutional taxpayer protections approved by the people,” Charton said.

Amendment 5 would also allow lawmakers to override three prior voter-approved laws, Charton said, pointing to a 2010 amendment banning real estate transfer taxes, a 2016 amendment prohibiting new sales taxes on services and the 1980 Hancock Amendment, which requires significant tax increases to be approved by voters.

A lawsuit filed in Cole County argues Amendment 5 should be removed from the ballot because it contains too many subjects and because the ballot language written by lawmakers is misleading. If the measure remains on the August ballot, the legal fight could continue on a compressed timeline as election officials prepare ballots for military and overseas voters by the June 19 mailing deadline.

Amendment 4 would change how constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition are approved.

Instead of requiring a simple majority of votes cast statewide, citizen-sponsored constitutional amendments would need to win a majority in every congressional district. That means voters in one congressional district could defeat an amendment even if it wins statewide.

The proposal has been a priority for Republican lawmakers after Missouri voters used the initiative process in recent years to legalize marijuana, expand Medicaid eligibility, raise the minimum wage and protect abortion rights. Initiative campaigns have increasingly proposed constitutional amendments rather than state laws to make it harder for lawmakers to revise or repeal voter-approved measures.

Amendment 4 would apply only to constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition. Constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by lawmakers would continue to require a statewide majority for passage. The measure would also add prohibitions on foreign donations to ballot campaigns and signature fraud to the Missouri Constitution, though both are already addressed in state law.

“Amendment 4 effectively kills the IP process for citizens, while empowering the Legislature, which can still propose amendments for the ballot with simple majority votes in each chamber,” Charton said.

A legislative proposal that would repeal Missouri’s 2024 abortion rights amendment will remain on the November ballot. That measure would ban abortion except in medical emergencies and in cases of rape or incest during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It would also place Missouri’s ban on gender-affirming treatments for minors in the state Constitution.

A possible referendum on the gerrymandered congressional map passed by lawmakers last year is also expected to appear in November if Secretary of State Denny Hoskins certifies that supporters collected enough valid signatures and that the referendum is legal. The map was drawn to help Republicans flip the 5th Congressional District, held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, and give the GOP seven of Missouri’s eight U.S. House seats.

The August ballot will also include Amendment 1, a 10-year extension of the one-tenth of 1% sales tax split between state parks and soil and water conservation programs. The tax raised about $140 million in fiscal 2025 and has been renewed by voters three times since it was first approved in 1984.

Amendment 2 would require every Missouri county to directly elect its assessor. Jackson County is currently the only county without an elected assessor.

The four measures Kehoe moved to August will appear in an election where the highest-profile candidate races are competitive Republican primaries in the 5th and 6th Congressional Districts and several state Senate districts.

The only statewide candidate race this year is for state auditor. Republican incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick is expected to easily win renomination in August before facing a Democratic challenger in November.

Stotts City mayor presenting formal action to plan to deal with state audit recommendations

(From Stotts City Tracy Knight)

Mayor Tracy Knight announced today that a formal Corrective Action Plan will be submitted to the Stotts City Board of Aldermen in direct response to the recent audit issued by the Missouri State Auditor's Office.

The plan outlines immediate and long-term actions intended to address deficiencies identified in the audit, strengthen financial accountability, improve operational oversight, and restore public confidence in city government.

“The findings identified in the audit are serious and demand immediate attention,” said Mayor Knight. “The residents of Stotts City deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, financially responsible, and fully compliant with the law. This corrective action plan is intended to establish real oversight, measurable reforms, and clear expectations moving forward.”

According to Mayor Knight, the corrective action plan includes:

Implementation of formal financial oversight and reporting procedures;

Increased scrutiny and documentation of city expenditures;

Verification and review of required public official bonds;

Development of written internal control and procurement policies;

Enhanced transparency measures for residents;

Standardized procedures for meeting records and public documentation;

Improved compliance with Missouri Sunshine Law requirements;

Ongoing public reporting regarding corrective action progress.

The Mayor stated that the plan is designed not only to address audit findings, but also to establish stronger systems of accountability to help prevent future deficiencies.

“For too long, residents have raised concerns regarding transparency, financial reporting, and oversight,” Knight stated. “This administration is committed to confronting those issues directly. Accountability cannot simply be discussed — it must be documented, implemented, monitored, and enforced.”

Mayor Knight also indicated that progress on corrective actions should be reviewed regularly in open session so residents can monitor implementation efforts and the status of outstanding audit concerns.

“This process must remain transparent to the public,” Knight added. “The community deserves to see both the problems identified and the steps being taken to correct them.”

The corrective action plan will be presented to the Board of Aldermen for formal review and discussion during the upcoming council meeting on May 22, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to remain actively engaged in the process as the City works toward strengthening governance, financial management, and public trust.

Stolen trailer recovered in Sam's Club parking lot, Miami man arrested

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On May 20, 2026, at approximately 1433 hours, deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stolen trailer at the Interstate 249 and Newman Road interchange in Jasper County, Missouri.

Through investigative efforts conducted by Detectives with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the Joplin Police Department, the suspects were located in a parking lot at Sam's Club in Joplin, MO. The stolen trailer was recovered.

Ben Woodman, 54, of Miami Oklahoma, was placed under arrest for felony stealing and transported to the Jasper County Detention Center. Charges have been sent to the Jasper County Prosecutor for review.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.