Nancy Hughes: Right where the Lord wanted you to be

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Jan, a good friend of mine, shared a lesson she learned in, of all places, a supermarket! She had decided to make a quick stop on her way home for one item. The evening meal had already been planned along with a restful outing to the park with her husband and children and the supermarket was the last thing on her list.

After picking up a gallon of milk, Jan scanned the three open checkout lanes and stepped behind a gentleman in checkout lane one, by far the shortest line. Silently going over what she had accomplished on her “to do” list and what she had left to do, Jan noticed that no one in front of her had moved for several minutes.

Peering around the customer in front of her, she saw the cashier struggling to figure out what was wrong with his computer. “Just one thing – that’s all I’ve got,” she groaned silently. “Why is it always MY line that gets messed up?”

A glance to her right showed lane two with a much shorter line and she quickly moved a few steps over and took her place behind a woman with four children but only three items. “This should do it,” she smiled.

Her relief that she would soon be on her way home was shattered by a loud intercom announcement: “Lisa, I need help on two with the register, please.” She then watched in amazement at the arrival of a young woman that Jan determined could not have been more than 12 years of age who frowned at the cash register as if it should spring into life instantaneously and apologize for its bad behavior.

“I just want to get home…in this week!” she thought. A quick maneuver to a third line proved to be a fatal mistake as she watched the newly hired cashier struggle to determine the price of a head of cabbage.

With an exasperated shrug, Jan proceeded to go back to her original line and endure whatever came her way. Her sigh of frustration got the attention of a young man in front of her and he turned slightly and smiled. Jan, believing that he must be sharing her irritation, said “This just isn’t my night to check out! I’ve been in these lines forever!” The young man, though, had another idea. He leaned toward Jan and quietly commented “You are right where God wants you to be.”

In that moment Jan realized that the importance of checking out quickly and going home was overshadowed by the truth in what the young man said. God has a plan in all circumstances and situations.

Perhaps her delay saved her from being in an accident. Maybe God wanted her to encourage someone waiting in line with her. Perhaps He just wanted her to slow down, take a deep breath, and consider how blessed she was to be able to go to a supermarket, shop and pay for what she wanted.

Or maybe, just maybe, God wanted her to be in that exact place, at that exact time, so that a young man could remind her that she was right where her loving Heavenly Father wanted her to be.

Father, help me to slow down and look around at where you have allowed me to be at this particular moment. Show me someone I can encourage. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Do you often find yourself getting frustrated when you are unable to get everything done as quickly as you would like?

What is your reaction when situations seem out of your control, and you are forced to wait on someone or something?

Apply

The next time you are in a long line at a store and feeling frustrated, take a deep breath and silently praise the Lord for a blessing He has given you as each item is being purchased by the person in front of you.

Keep one of the power Scriptures for today in your purse. When a frustrating wait in line occurs, pull out that verse and read it as you wait.

Power

James 4:13-14 (NIV) “Now listen, you who say 'today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement From the War Room.)

 

Stebbins presentation on Connor Hotel owner scheduled at Missouri State Archives

(From Missouri State Archives)

One week from tonight (Thursday), Chad Stebbins will present on his book, “Tom Connor: Joplin’s Millionaire Zinc King,” at the Missouri State Archives. 

Connor was born in Ireland, but lived the classic American rags-to-riches story. After immigrating to the US as a child, Connor was a newsboy during the Civil War. He worked several odd jobs before he landed in southwest Missouri. 

There, he developed a knack for locating mineral-rich land, which he would purchase, and then sell the mining rights. This made him a millionaire by age 31.

For more information on Connor, attend or livestream our Thursday Evening Speaker Series - https://www.facebook.com/share/15jNioSEQpY/ 

Pittsburg woman arrested on meth distribution charge

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On Tuesday night, May 5, 2026, at approximately 8:00 PM, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of the 500 block of N. Broadway Street, in Pittsburg, when they observed a 2015 Nissan Rogue, which was traveling northbound on Broadway, run the red traffic light at the intersection of 5th Street.

The officers initiated a traffic stop on the Rogue at the intersection of 6th and Broadway and met with the driver, 55-year-old Lee A. Simoncic, of Pittsburg. Officers ran Mrs. Simoncic’s information and were informed that she held an active warrant for her arrest out of the Neosho County, Kansas, District Court for failure to appear. Mrs. Simoncic was taken into custody without incident and she was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking on her arrest warrant.

After the officers and Mrs. Simoncic arrived at the county jail, Mrs. Simoncic disclosed that she had several items of illegal drugs concealed on her person. These items, believed to be methamphetamine and related drug paraphernalia, were collected from Mrs. Simoncic. The items of methamphetamine were found to be in several smaller plastic baggies and were of sufficient weight to believe their intended purpose was distribution. 

Mrs. Simoncic was arrested for her Neosho County arrest warrant, as well as felony distribution of methamphetamine, felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and for no proof of liability insurance. Mrs. Simoncic is currently being held in lieu of a $75,000 bond.

Mrs. Simoncic is considered to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This incident is still under investigation. Anyone who has information related to this, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Naming partners announced for Carthage R-9 Performing Arts Center

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

What an incredible celebration as we officially recognized the naming partners for the future Carthage Performing Arts Center!

The event was a powerful reminder that this project is about so much more than bricks and mortar. Thanks to the support of our community and the passage of the 2025 bond issue, this new facility will create opportunities for students to perform, collaborate, grow, and discover their passions for generations to come.

Dr. Luke Boyer shared that this space will not only support student learning and creativity, but also serve as a gathering place where families and community members can come together to celebrate the arts.
We are incredibly grateful to the individuals, families, organizations, and foundations who chose to leave their mark through naming opportunities:

-The Zeiter Family Drama Suite

-Ida Ruth Locarni Vocal Music Suite, sponsored by the Boylan Foundation

-“The Marguerite” Instrumental Music Suite, sponsored by Joe Lyon and Mariann Morgan

-John O. and Carolyn B. Phelps Auditorium Lobby, sponsored by the Phelps and Holman families

Carthage Performing Arts Center naming rights, sponsored by the K.D. & M.L. Steadley Trust

To our naming partners, thank you for investing in the future of our students and helping create a lasting legacy within this incredible new space.

Thanks to the support of our Carthage community, the curtain is rising on a space that will serve generations of Tigers. Together, we’re not just building a structure. We are leaving a legacy and building a future

Jill Carter explains why she supports proposal to eliminate income tax

(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)

Our local governments function primarily on property and sales taxes. Your local schools, emergency services, libraries, etc., all rely on property taxes and sales tax.

The last couple of years, with a rogue State Tax Commission threatening to penalize local governments for not increasing property taxes, with the threat of local schools being underfunded through state dollars, and with the desire to eliminate the threat of homeowners losing their homes because they couldn’t afford the increase in property taxes, there has been a swirl of conversations about how to shift the tax burden but also ensure local services are funded.

Conversations about tax increases, State Tax Commission reform, and broader tax overhaul have dominated headlines. The increase in basic costs, wages, food, etc., has also dominated conversations. Even the feedback in the simple thought of working toward not taxing basic groceries produced feedback on how that would cause a massive blow to local government dollars and threaten the ability to provide the quality of services that we have become accustomed to.

Missouri’s individual income tax code—written in 1939—has functioned. But I hope to get to a place where we cut sales tax on food, have the ability to reduce property taxes, and still help communities that power our state to be able to thrive. The lurking question is, how do we get there?

This reality weighs heavily on me as I sit with working parents, entrepreneurs, and young people across the 32nd District. They share stories of paychecks that never quite stretch far enough, impossible choices between filling the gas tank and the fridge, and dreams that feel increasingly out of reach. I want and need your input on ways to modernize our tax code and let hardworking Missourians have more confidence that they can keep more of what they have worked so hard to gain.

That is why I supported HJR 173 and 174. These constitutional amendments will appear on the ballot in either August or November for voters to decide. If approved, they will set our state on a responsible, step-by-step path to phase out and ultimately eliminate the individual income tax. The General Assembly must enact revenue-triggered rate reductions until the tax is gone. Once eliminated, the constitution will permanently prohibit any future legislature from reinstating it. This would deliver the single largest middle-class tax cut in Missouri history.

I share concerns about funding schools and local services. The amendments address those worries with clear, ironclad constitutional protections. Any expansion of the sales and use tax base must be paired dollar-for-dollar with income-tax cuts in the same bill—Missourians will never see one without the other. Twelve months after any such change, local governments must reduce their own tax rates (either property tax reductions or sales tax) to offset 97 percent of their new revenue. Most importantly, no political subdivision may adjust rates in a way that reduces funding for public schools. Schools remain fully funded.

This is not change imposed from above; it is voter-driven reform. Missourians at the polls will decide whether our state joins economic leaders like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida that do not tax personal income. The legislature is simply giving the people the chance to choose their own future.
Returning more money to Missouri families will strengthen our communities, our schools, and our economy from the inside out. That is the Missouri I believe in—the one where hard work is rewarded, families can thrive, and opportunity is passed down stronger to the next generation.

I’m looking forward to more conversations and more feedback on this issue as you weigh in.
 

Probable cause: 8-month pregnant Webb City woman drove under influence of meth, fentanyl

 

An 8-month pregnant Webb City woman, was driving while under the influence of fentanyl and methamphetamine and with her 1-year-old daughter in the car, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed DWI and endangering the welfare of a child charges against Rainy Nicole King (DOB 2003).

From the probable cause statement:

On 03/30/2026 in the State of Missouri, in the County of Jasper, in the City of Webb City, I have reason to believe that Rainy King committed the offense of Child endangerment in the Ist degree twice and DWI when she knowingly ingested Fentanyl, Methamphetamines, and THC into her system in proximity of her 1 year old child, and while carrying her unborn child, and then operated her motor vehicle. 

Rainy was observed driving by {a witness} who advised that Rainy was passed out at the steering wheel near Gene Hatfield and Main Streets. {The witness} advised that she had to honk several times to wake Rainy up. {She} advised that once Rainy was woken up, Rainy accelerated into the Windfield Apartment Complex and out of sight.

Rainy is approximately 8 months pregnant and was in the care, custody, and control of her 1 year old daughter in the vehicle. 

Rainy King was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and a drug evaluation was conducted. 

Upon the completion of the DRE Rainy was given a saliva test to which she consented to. The saliva test was mailed on March 30th 2026 and the results of the saliva sample came back on the date of 04/06/2026.

The results of the saliva test indicate that Rainy had taken Fentanyl, Methamphetamines, and THC.

The case was investigated by the Webb City Police Department.

Pineville man charged with sexual abuse

A Pineville man who allegedly tried to sexually assault a woman in a chicken house was charged with first-degree sexual abuse today in McDonald County Circuit Court.

An arrest warrant was issued for Samuel Glenn Bise (DOB 2003) with bond set at $2,500.

When the McDonald County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a sexual assault in progress Tuesday, Bise told deputies that he "did in fact attack the victim," according to the probable cause statement.

From the probable cause statement:

I spoke with the victim who stated {she} and the suspect went to the chicken house located on the north of the property.

The victim asked the suspect to turn on the water while she went inside. The suspect entered the chicken house and went behind the victim and grabbed her by the waist forcing her on the ground.

While doing so, the suspect removed the victim's shorts and underwear while having his penis out.

The suspect attempted to have sexual intercourse with the victim, however, the victim was able to keep her legs closed preventing any penetration. The victim then explained to the suspect that they couldn't do it there attempting to get him to release her.

Bise's initial court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 11.

The suspect allowed the victim to get up before pushing her against the wall. The victim explained to the suspect that she couldn't breathe. The victim was then able to run to the residence where she called 911.

I observed near the chicken house, the basket the victim was using to collect eggs was outside in the grass lying sideways along with multiple eggs that were smashed. I also observed marks on her left inner thigh and marks on the right hand.

Joplin man changes plea on federal weapons charge

Mitchell Dean Gibbs, 34, Joplin, pleaded guilty in U. S. District Court in Springfield today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Judge Brian Wimes ordered a pre-sentence investigation. No date has been scheduled for sentencing.

The allegations against Gibbs were detailed in the plea agreement:

On November 25,2025, Joplin, Missouri, Police Officers responded to the 600 block of N. Main Steet, in Joplin, Missouri, within the Western District of Missouri in response to a report of gun shots. 

Upon arrival at the location, law enforcement located a 2005 multi-colored Toyota Corolla in the parking lot at 615 N. Main Street. Officers noted that the vehicle was running and attempting to leave the area. Officers believed the vehicle was involved in a shooting, activating emergency equipment and conducted a traffic stop. Law enforcement identified the driver of the vehicle as Mitchell Gibbs ("GIBBS"). 

Upon being stopped, GIBBS exited the vehicle and distanced himself from the driver's seat and vehicle.
When asked if he had heard the gun shots, GIBBS denied hearing any gun shots.

GIBBS advised that he had three storage units, and he was there with his girlfriend and their l0-month-old child.

As officers spoke with GIBBS, other officers located several spent shell casings near the storage units where GIBBS stated he was renting, When asked if he knew anything about someone shooting, GIBBS advised that his girlfriend, Sha'ann got upset with him, and when he approached her, she started shooting at him. 

At this time, officers looked into GIBBS vehicle and observed in plain view what appeared to be a handgun that was underneath the driver's seat. Officers were advised that GIBBS was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm. GIBBS was placed under arrest. 

A search of GIBBS' vehicle was conducted. A Glock 43x, 9mm firearm, bearing serial number "BSYU350," and a Smith & Wesson Model Airweight .380 caliber firearm bearing serial number *DNL5364," were discovered in GIBBS' vehicle. GIBBS was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Oflicers also located a plastic baggie on the passenger side that contained several glass pipes, several small baggies that contained a crystalline substance that was recognized as methamphetamine. The Smith & Wesson firearm was located within the plastic baggie found on the passenger side of GIBBS'vehicle.

After being taken into custody, GIBBS was search and a single round of 9mm ammunition in his front pants pocket. Officers noted that the empty shell casings previously found near GIBBS' storage units were 9mm rounds that could be used with the Glock 43x firearm found under the driver seat of his vehicle.

When a records check was requested on the firearms, Officers were advised that the Smith & Wesson had been reported stolen.

On December 29,2025, Task Force OfEcer ("TFO") Joshua Hanes with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") conducted a physical exarnination of the firearms found in GIBBS' possession. TFO Hanes conducted a physical examination and test fired the weapons. The fireanns
functioned as designed. 

The plea agreement noted Gibbs' previous felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, several for passing bad checks and one for felony fleeing.

Carthage man pleads guilty to federal weapons charge

Phillip Jordan Neese, 33, Carthage, pleaded guilty today in U. S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

No date has been scheduled for sentencing. No plea agreement has been filed.

According to the indictment, Phillip Jordan Neese, 33, possessed the weapons September 17 in Jasper County.

The indictment stems from a Joplin Police Department arrest that day. Neese was charged in Jasper County Circuit Court with drug trafficking, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Key initiatives update on tap at Joplin City Council work session

 

JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA 

Monday, May 11, 2026
5:45 P.M., 
Council Chambers

602 S. Main Street

1.

FY 2026 And FY 2027 Key Initiatives Update 

Documents:

1. FY 2026 AND 2027 KEY INITIATIVE UPDATE PRESENTATION.PDF