Active explosive device disposed of in Pierce City

(From the Pierce City Police Department)

On October 2, 2026, Officers with the Pierce City Police Department responded to a report of an unexploded device. Officers arrived and confirmed that there was an active explosive device.

A safety perimeter was set up and the Springfield Bomb Squad/Fire Marshall responded to the scene.

The Fort Leonard Wood EOD team assisted with securing and transporting the devise to a safe area outside of Pierce City. The device was safely disposed of.

Nobody was hurt during this incident.

Previous news release

Please avoid Spruce and Olive Streets in between Adams and Pennsylvania due to a current emergency. The roads are closed and will be until further notice.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Carthage R-9 mourns loss of bus driver

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 School District is deeply saddened to share the passing of John LeMasters, a devoted member of our transportation team who faithfully served our students and families for seven years.

Mr. LeMasters was more than a school bus driver. He was a familiar, friendly face and an important part of the Carthage R-9 school community. Every morning and afternoon, he helped ensure students arrived at school and returned home safely, treating each child with patience, kindness, and care.

John truly cared about the students he transported and took great pride in being there for them. Even on days when he wasn’t feeling his best, he wanted to be behind the wheel, transporting “his” kids. He genuinely enjoyed spending time with his students and especially loved working alongside his wife, Carla, on Bus #32.

“John’s service to the district was about much more than driving a bus,” Transportation Director Ryan Huntley shared. “He built relationships, shared smiles and friendly conversations, and became someone that students, families, and staff could count on. Day after day, year after year, John quietly made a difference in the lives of countless children. His dedication, dependability, and genuine care for the students he served will not be forgotten. The district was fortunate to have him, and his years of service leave behind a legacy of kindness and commitment that will continue to be remembered.”

“John LeMasters was more than a bus driver; he was a friend, a trusted member of our school family, and someone who truly loved the students he served,” said Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent of Business. “John had a huge heart and genuinely loved driving a school bus, spending time with his students, and being part of his work family. His friendship and contagious smile made an impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

We extend our deepest sympathies to Carla, the LeMasters family, his transportation family, and all who knew and loved John. Carthage School District is grateful for his years of service and the lasting impact he made on our families.

St. Louis Avenue in Joplin to be closed north of 7th Street

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: St. Louis Ave. CLOSED North of Route 66 (7th Street) in Joplin Beginning Oct. 7

Where: St. Louis Avenue north of Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) in Joplin

When: Beginning Wednesday, October 7 for up to three weeks

What: Contractor crews will install new storm sewer, sidewalk crossings and concrete approach

Traffic Impacts

St. Louis Avenue CLOSED on north side of Route 66 (7th Street) beginning Wednesday, October 7 for up to three weeks

Access to all business on St. Louis Avenue north of Route 66 (7thStreet) maintained during business hours

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

This work is part of a project to make improvements along the Route 66 (7th Street) corridor in Joplin between Jasper County Route P (Schifferdecker Avenue) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road). More information can be found by going to the project website.

Project Information

Prime Contractor: D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, Nixa
Construction Cost: $61.6 million
Contract Completion Date: December 1, 2028

Jasper, Newton County sheriffs named to Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Task Force

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced eight gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.

Randee Kaiser, of Carthage, was reappointed to the Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Taskforce.

Sheriff Kaiser previously served as the assistant chief of police for the City of Carthage Police Department before being elected as Jasper County sheriff. He previously was a member of the Alliance of Southwest Missouri. Kaiser holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

Matthew Stewart, of Seneca, was appointed to the Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Taskforce.

Sheriff Stewart is the sheriff of Newton County. He previously served as executive director of the Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri. He is a member of the Missouri Sheriff’s Association and FBI National Academy Associates, and is the chair of the Tri‑State Major Case Squad. Stewart holds both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Missouri Southern State University. He also completed the FBI National Academy Session #256.

Michael Bonham, of Freeburg, was reappointed to the Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Taskforce.

Sheriff Bonham previously served as the deputy sheriff and chaplain for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office before being elected as the Osage County Sheriff in 2016. He serves on the Osage County Anti‑Drug Community Action Team Board and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and is the second vice president of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association Executive Board. Bonham graduated from Lindbergh High School and attended the Berean School of the Bible.

Darryl Forte, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Taskforce.

Sheriff Forte currently serves as the sheriff of Jackson County and was previously chief of police for the Kansas City Police Department. He is a member of the Prince Hall Masons Coles‑Finch Lodge 186. Forte holds an associate degree in administration of justice from Penn Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Park College. He also holds a Master of Liberal Arts in Management and a Master of Laws from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Christopher Gahagan, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners.

Mr. Gahagan was an attorney for McGonagle Spencer Gahagan PC before his retirement in 2023. He is the treasurer of Beyond the Bench KC – Specialty Court Support and was a founding member of the Hickman Mills Educational Foundation. Gahagan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law.

Jerald "Rusty" Saunders Jr., of Washington, was appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Professional Landscape Architects, and Licensed Interior Designers.

Mr. Saunders has worked at Loomis Associates, Inc. for more than 30 years and currently serves as president of the company. He is also the president of the Missouri Association of Landscape Architects and is a former president of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Saunders holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Minnesota.

Franklin "Shane" Terhune, of Savannah, was appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Professional Landscape Architects, and Licensed Interior Designers.

Mr. Terhune has nearly 48 years of experience as a land surveyor. He is the owner of Terhune Surveying and Mapping and formerly served as the elected Andrew County Surveyor. He also served as a member and president of the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors and is currently a member of the Metropolitan Community College Survey Advisory Board. Terhune is a graduate of Savannah High School.

David Spence, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission.

Mr. Spence is the owner of Riverhorse on Main and Spence Vinyards and the chairman of Legacy Packaging. He serves on the St. Louis Sports Commission and the St. Louis Development Corporation. Spence holds a bachelor's degree in consumer economics from the University of Missouri - Columbia.

Pittsburg residents arrested for drug deal that led to overdose death

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On September 26, 2025, the Pittsburg Police Department initiated an investigation into the death of 35-year-old Ross W. Pitts, a resident of Pittsburg. Early in the investigation, detectives determined that Pitts’ death was believed to be the result of a drug overdose and that the controlled substances involved had allegedly been distributed within the Pittsburg city limits.

On October 2, 2026, at approximately 9:42 a.m., Pittsburg Police Department detectives arrested 43-year-old Talia Bree Blick-Davis, of Pittsburg. Later that same day, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Pittsburg detectives, with assistance from Girard Police Department officers, arrested 29-year-old Sophea Helen Gonzalez, of Pittsburg.

Both individuals were arrested in connection with the death of Ross W. Pitts and transported to the Crawford County Jail. They were charged with the following felony offenses:

• Distribution of a Controlled Substance Causing Death
• Distribution of a Controlled Substance
• Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance Using a Communication Facility

Both Blick-Davis and Gonzalez are currently being held without bond.

Ms. Blick-Davis and Ms. Gonzalez are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having 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). Callers may remain anonymous

Joplin Writers Faire tomorrow (Saturday) at Joplin Public Library

(From Joplin Public Library)

Saturday is the 10th Annual Joplin Writers’ Faire and you’re invited! 

Join Joplin Public Library and Post Art Library on Saturday, October 3rd, 10am-1pm, for the largest
Joplin Writer’s Faire yet: 50 booths featuring local & regional authors, book sales & signings, door prizes, poetry-on-demand, and other activities.

Visitors will have the chance to meet and mingle with writers and creators about their original works in children’s literature, comics, fiction, graphic novels, journalism, memoir, nonfiction, poetry, zines, and more.

The Joplin Writers’ Faire is a FREE, all-ages event held annually each October. It serves to connect writers to their existing and potentially new audiences while encouraging community support of local and regional writers.

JWF is a collaboration between the Joplin Public Library and Post Art Library, with generous contributions and continued support from the Friends of the Joplin Public Library.

Find it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWy4CYGAe/

***

Note: I'll be there with copies of my new book, When Jesse James Came to Pineville, along with copies of my older books. Anyone who buys any of my books can also get a copy of my 2015 book Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud: Greed, Corruption and the Joplin Tornado for $5.

Section of Zora Street in Joplin to be closed during October

 (From the City of Joplin)

A well-traveled portion of Zora Street will be closed during the weekdays throughout the month of October as crews work to relocate gas lines in preparation for the upcoming Zora Phase 3 Improvement Project. 

The Zora Street section from Range Line Road to Duquesne Road will be closed beginning Monday morning, Oct. 5. The road will be closed throughout the daytime and will reopen to traffic each evening. Local traffic will be accommodated, but the road will be closed to through traffic. 

 
Spire Gas will be conducting gas line relocation and upgrade work prior to the beginning of the last phase of the Zora Street improvements. This gas line relocation project is expected to take approximately four weeks. 

Because the terrain is hilly and visibility for drivers can be impacted, an official road closure is being utilized for this project. 

 
For more information, contact Dakota Rusk at 417-624-0820 ext. 1598.

Liberal bicyclist struck by pickup, killed

A 69-year-old Liberal man was killed in a pickup-bicycle collision 10:55 a.m. today on Route K in Liberal

According to the Highway Patrol report, the Dynacraft BSC Peddle Bicycle being ridden by the man "merged" into the side of a 2017 Ford F-250 driven by a 56-year-old Liberal woman.

The man was pronounced dead at 1:17 p.m. at Cox Barton County Hospital, Lamar.

The fatality was the 95th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

The late Robert Dale named Carthage Maple Leaf Parade grand marshal

(From Carthage Chamber of Commerce)

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the late Robert S. Dale, the visionary who brought the first Maple Leaf Festival to life, will be posthumously honored as Grand Marshal of the 60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival. Mr. Dale's daughters, Kathy Atwood, Julie Dale, and Sue Neely, will accept the honor on his behalf and will take part in the week's festivities, riding in the Maple Leaf Parade on Saturday, October 17.

A Life Devoted to Carthage

Born in Carthage on November 23, 1917, Robert S. Dale spent his life in service to his hometown, his state, and his country. A 1935 graduate of Carthage High School and the University of Missouri, he served in the Missouri Army National Guard during World War II, with duty stretching from the West Coast to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. 

Over a 30-year military career, he rose to the rank of brigadier general, one of only a handful of Jasper County residents ever to achieve general officer status.

After the war, Mr. Dale returned home to The Carthage Press, where he served as editor and publisher until 1976. He used that platform and his boundless energy to champion his community. He served as president of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce in 1959, was among the first to call for the restoration of the Kendrick House, helped found Carthage Historic Preservation, and later served as president of the State Historical Society of Missouri. He was a tireless supporter of the Carthage Public Library, the Council on the Arts, the YMCA, youth baseball, and the Boy Scouts, and of nearly every effort to make Carthage a better place to live.

Where the Festival Began

The Maple Leaf Festival was born in Mr. Dale's office at The Carthage Press. In late 1966, he gathered a group of civic-minded neighbors, including Helen Hill, Richard M. Webster, Dr. Oren Ralston, Robert Ellis Young, Ed C. Ulmer Jr., Dr. Emil Oexman, and Marvin VanGilder, to plan a celebration of Carthage's 125th anniversary. With Mr. Dale serving as chairman, the group met with growing frequency throughout 1967. 

At their suggestion, the celebration was timed to coincide with the Four-State Invitational Band Festival directed by Robert W. Stanfield, and the visiting high school bands became the heart of what was then the largest parade in Carthage history.

That first celebration filled an entire week with dances, variety shows, a vintage costume contest, a Belle Starr Day saloon hosted by the Lions Club, a performance by Marching Mizzou, and a lighting campaign led by Dr. Ralston that invited all of Carthage to admire the brilliant October color of its hard maple trees. The week was such a success that the organizers agreed it should become an annual autumn tradition, with the Carthage Chamber of Commerce as its sponsor. Mr. Dale went on to serve as the first chairman of the Maple Leaf Festival, and he never stopped crediting the many volunteers who stood beside him.

Honoring a Legacy

"Robert Dale saw something special in Carthage, and he knew that when neighbors come together to celebrate, a community grows stronger," said Julie Reams, President of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. "Sixty years ago, he and a small group of dedicated leaders started something that has become a cherished part of who we are. This recognition is long overdue, and we are deeply grateful for his vision and his generosity of spirit. While Mr. Dale is no longer with us, it means so much to welcome his family as we celebrate this milestone anniversary together."

"Dad loved a good party, but more than that, he loved Carthage," said Sue Neely, Mr. Dale's daughter. "He treasured the years he spent working alongside the Maple Leaf Festival volunteers and always said the festival belonged to everyone who helped build it. To know that what they started together is still bringing people joy 60 years later would have meant the world to him. Our family is so honored and so grateful to the Chamber and to this community for remembering him this way."

Sixty Years of Many Hands

Over six decades, countless volunteers, sponsors, businesses, and families have shaped the Maple Leaf Festival into the beloved tradition it is today. The Carthage Chamber of Commerce is honored to carry that celebration forward, now and for many years to come. At its heart, the festival remains what its founders intended: a week of fun, joy, and excitement that brings our community together, leading up to the big parade.

Join the Celebration

A full festival schedule is available at www.carthagechamber.com. Residents can register online to take part in this year's contests and events, including the BBQ Cook-Off, Chili Cook-Off, Taco Tuesday, Dog Show and Races, Baby/Toddler Show, Queen Pageants, and Touch-a-Truck. Also returning this year is the Light Up the Maple Leaf lighting contest, a fitting tribute to the very first festival's celebration of Carthage's fall color. Local businesses are encouraged to get involved and get "Maple Leaf ready" by decorating their storefront windows in the fall spirit

Missouri Southern professor receives prestigious award

(From Missouri Southern State University)

The Academy of Management named Dr. Sarah Holtzen, Graduate Programs Coordinator and Associate Professor of Management for MSSU’s Plaster School of Business, as the recipient of the Courageous Experimentation and Innovation in Management Education Award.

Dr. Holtzen’s work has transformed the classroom by integrating generative artificial intelligence into project-based learning. In response to shifting workforce demands, she developed a curriculum that teaches students to use AI tools responsibly and effectively.

Dr. Holtzen has also moved business education beyond textbook theories and into real-world practice. She connects students to major employers, nonprofits, and community organizations to tackle complex organizational challenges. These partners included but were not limited to La-Z-Boy, the Tri-State Human Resources Association, and Johnson Controls. These immersive learning experiences help her students develop skills that are critical to their future careers.

“Having the opportunity to immerse our business students in hands-on, project-based learning continues to be both a fun and rewarding journey,” said Dr. Sarah Holtzen. “Our students always rise to the occasion. Through these projects, our students have shown they are capable of providing quality, evidence-based insights to solve real business problems. It is a joy working with such a motivated group of students and practitioner partners.”

The Award for Courageous Experimentation and Innovation in Management Education honors an educator devoted to leadership in pedagogical innovation and student success.