Lanagan man bound over for trial on child abuse charge

A Lanagan man who allegedly forced a child to take a shower under water that was between 130 and 150 degrees was bound over for trial for child abuse after waiving his preliminary hearing today in McDonaldCounty Circuit Court.

The allegation against Trent Walker Ramsey (DOB 1995) was detailed in the probable cause statement:

On or about the date of April 24, 2026, suspect Trent Ramsey, stated, juvenile (name redacted) was in the shower, at their home where he watched {the juvenile} turn on the hot water, where Ramsey described the temperature of the water to be in between 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ramsey stated he wanted to teach the juvenile} a lesson and had him stay in the hot water until he was able to figure out how to turn it off. After {the juvenile} was able to turn the water off, hours later, the child was transported to a hospital where he sustained third degree burns to 40 percent of his body

The case was investigated by the McDonald County Sheriff's Office.

Carthage man pleads guilty to federal weapons charges

During a hearing today in U. S. District Court in Springfield, Trenton David Fickle, 23, Carthage, pleaded guilty to trafficking in firearms and unlawful transport of firearms.

Judge Megan Blair Benton ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set a sentencing date of November 24.

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

The remaining six counts against Fickle were dismissed.

Springfield man sentenced on weapons charge

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Calvin Eugene Harrell, 40, who has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest, pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, 2025. Harrell was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 53 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

On Dec. 3, 2024, Springfield Police Department (SPD), responded to Cox Medical Center South, in reference to a four-year-old with a gunshot wound to the hand. Through investigation, officers learned the four-year-old victim accidentally shot himself in the hand with a firearm possessed by Harrell. 

Due to having been convicted of multiple felonies, Harrell was prohibited from possessing firearms. After the victim shot himself, Harrell had a former paramour take the child to urgent care, rather than calling 911. The child was transferred to Cox Medical Center South as the injuries were too great for urgent care to treat. Offices called Harrell and attempted to have him come to the hospital. Harrell lied to officers on the phone about his location, what had occurred, the location of the gun, and refused to come to the hospital.

SPD responded to Harrell’s residence and established a perimeter. After a several-hour stand-off, Harrell eventually exited the residence. When officers conducted a search warrant for Harrell’s apartment, they found that Harrell had been attempting to hide evidence and clean the scene, including evidence that he had attempted to mop up blood. Investigators located a shell casing hidden in a trash can, and a loaded Taurus, 9-mm pistol underneath the stove.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department.

Kehoe appoints Judge Joseph Hensley to Southern District Court of Appeals

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two judicial appointments to the Southern District Court of Appeals and the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Joseph L. Hensley, of Joplin, was appointed as a Judge for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Judge Hensley currently serves as a Circuit Judge in Division 1 of the 29th Judicial Circuit in Jasper County. He remains active in community organizations, having served with Fostering Hope, Joy in the Journey, and the Webb City R-7 Schools Foundation, Inc. Hensley earned both his bachelor's degree and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri. Mr. Hensley will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Don E. Burrell Jr.

√

Michael L. Walton, of St. Louis City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judgefor St. Louis City in the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Walton currently serves as a commissioner in the 22nd Judicial Circuit's Family Court – Juvenile Division and previously owned the Law Offices of Michael L. Walton, LLC. He remains an active member of his community, serving the youth of St. Louis through his involvement with the Urban Golf of Greater St. Louis and the Royal Vagabonds Foundation. Walton earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. Mr. Walton will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Catherine Dierker to the Circuit Bench.

Carthage R-9 base pay for teachers increased to $45,000

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, June 15, 2026, 6:00 pm, at Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mrs. Robin Blair. Mr. Ryan Collier and Dr. Mark Westhoff were absent. 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 meetings, payment of bills, district financial report, re-adopt policy/regulation 0342 (nepotism, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure), grant applications 2026-2027, and student
transportation routes and average ridership counts for 2025-2026.

Ms. Beth Hunt, Curriculum Director, Dr. Angela Holman, Carthage High School Principal, and Mrs.
Becky Chadd, Columbian Elementary Principal, presented to the board the CSIP Priority 1: Developing Successful Students, Objective 1: Student Achievement and Growth (End of Year Results).

Mr. Dustin Perkins, Carthage High School Assistant Principal, appeared before the Board to review the 2025-2026 Carthage High School spring sports. Mr. Perkins highlighted performance awards, overall and COC records, and future outlook.

Mr. Jeff Jones reported he had no update for the Carthage R-9 Foundation.

Mr. Bryan Shallenburger, Director of Special Services, provided the Board information regarding the
Southwest Missouri Special Services Cooperative (Beacon) Agreement.

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding meal prices for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the MOPERM insurance policy for the school
district.

Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the Occupational Health Services Agreement
for 2026-2027.

Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, provided the Board information regarding
Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) Plan for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, presented the official Carthage “C” logo to the Board.

Dr. Boyer provided the Board information regarding the salary schedules for the 2026-2027 school year for all classifications and extra duties. Notable changes include an increase to the base teacher salary, increasing it to $45,000 and increases to the base of all other salary schedules. The board
also approved a step advancement.

Dr. Boyer provided the Board information regarding the preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2027.Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board.

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, student matters, and negotiated contracts in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), (6), and (12) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

In closed session the Board approved the following personnel actions:

Approved the employment of support 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:

Support Hire

Joel Pugh, seasonal maintenance

Jonathan Brooks, seasonal custodian, Carthage Intermediate Center

Alex Mejia, seasonal custodian, Carthage High School

Benjamin Nicholas, seasonal custodian, Carthage High School

Silas Laytham, seasonal custodian, Steadley Elementary

Support Resignation

Dan Titius, custodian, Carthage Intermediate Center

Donald LeMasters, bus driver

Substitute Resignation

Chrystie Orr

Forbes magazine names Mid-Missouri bank best-in-state bank

(From Mid-Missouri Bank)

Mid-Missouri Bank announced today that it had again been named by Forbes as the #1 Best-In-State Bank for Missouri for a second consecutive year.

“Customers have options,” said Brian Riedy, CEO and President of Mid-Missouri Bank. “The fact that they continue choosing MidMo—and telling Forbes why—is the real story. Their feedback reflects everyday moments when our teams provide consultative financial experiences that inspire confidence in customer finances, plans to save for the future, to buy a home or even to start a business.”

Mid-Missouri Bank’s commitment to the region extends well past the customer banking experience. Rooted deeply in the Ozarks for more than 150 years, the bank supports local philanthropies, schools, festivals, other non-profits and small businesses that make southwest Missouri such a great place to live, work and play.

“Being the best is about progress,” said Michael Miller, MidMo COO and General Counsel, “the more we invest in our people, our infrastructure, our services and the customer experience, the more improvements we’re able to share with our customers.”

Forbes uses both surveys sent to bank customers as well as publicly available online reviews to gauge each bank for trustworthiness, transparency, customer satisfaction, digital tools and the quality of financial guidance received.

Mid-Missouri Bank brings our customers better ways to bank. We’re building the community bank of the future with 13 banking locations in 10 communities. We offer a broad range of financial products and services. Our banking locations are in Springfield, Republic, Willard, Mt. Vernon, Bolivar, Stockton, El Dorado Springs, Joplin, Webb City and Lebanon. Our insurance locations are in Springfield, Bolivar, Republic, Stockton, El Dorado Springs, Joplin, Webb City, Lebanon and Richland. Visit us at www.MidMoBank.com or www.MidMoInsurance.com to learn more about our wide array of industry-best products and services. Mid-Missouri Bank is an Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC.

 

KOAM meteorologist pleads not guilty to domestic assault charge

KOAM meteorologist Austin Stance pleaded not guilty to a domestic assault charge June 9 in Joplin Municipal Court.

Judge John Podleski released Stance on his own recognizance.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 1:30 p.m August 25.

According to the citation, the alleged crime occurred June 8.

Stance's photo appears to have been removed from KOAM's website.

Neosho man charged with statutory rape, 3 counts of statutory sodomy

 The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Neosho man with three counts of statutory sodomy and single counts of statutory rape and sexual misconduct involving a child under 15.

An arrest warrant was issued for Jacob Aaron Beatty (DOB 2001) and he was ordered held without bond.

According to the probable cause statement, Beatty allegedly committed the following acts:

-Kissed up her legs and attempted to digitally penetrate the 12-year-old girl

-Masturbated in front of her while attempting to touch her vagina

-Performed oral sex on her

-Attempted unsuccessfully to force her to perform oral sex on him

-Attempted to rape her from behind

From the probable cause statement:

At the Neosho Police Department, Beatty was advised of his Miranda rights, which he stated he understood and waived, agreeing to speak with me.

During the recorded interview, Beatty initially stated he was tickling Victim One and kissed her thigh. He later changed his statement and stated he kissed her below the knee.

As the interview progressed, Beatty made the following admissions:

-That on multiple occasions he kissed or attempted to kiss Victim One;

-That on multiple occasions he attempted to touch Victim One's genitals with his fingers and attempted to place his hand inside her pants, but she kept her legs closed preventing him;

-That on one occasion he touched Victim One's vagina over the outside of her shorts and under the clothing with his fingers coming in direct contact with Victim One's vagina;

That on a couple of occasions he masturbated with his genitals exposed in front of Victim One and attempted to touch Victim One's vagina.

Beatty stated these acts occurred on separate occasions over the course of several weeks.

Following the interview, Beatty wrote an apology letter addressed to the Reporting Party and Victim One, stating that he was wrong for what he did, that he was sorry for touching Victim One, and that he should have never engaged in that behavior. He stated that Victim 1 is not a liar and anything she disclosed to me was the truth.

Based on the statements of the Reporting Party, the disclosures attributed to Victim One, and Beatty's admissions, probable cause exists to believe that Jacob Beatty committed the following offenses:

The case was investigated by the Neosho Police Department.

Four businesses fail Joplin Health Department inspections

Four businesses failed Joplin Health Department inspections, according to information posted on the department's website.

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 S. Joplin Avenue; Sonic Drive-In, 720 S. Maiden Lane; Island Genez Market, 2914 E. 32nd Street; and 4th Street Bowl, 1419 W. 4th Street, received failing marks.

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub had three priority violations and four core violations.

The priority violations were for having cheese and ranch dressing being cold held above 41 degrees and for not labeling flour as required.

The core violations can be found at this link.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In received two priority violations and six core violations.

Priority violations were received for having whipped cream, dairy and orange juice in a cooler being cold held above 41 degrees and for having flies in the kitchen area.

The core violations can be found at this link.

Island Genez Market

Island Genez Market received four priority violations, 11 core violations and two administrative violations.

The priority violations were for the following:

-Evidence indicated food items in a trailer behind the establishment had been thawed and then frozen. "Noxious odors were also observed inside of the white trailer. Food items have been embargoed and must be held on site in the white trailer until a method of disposal is secured and the health department is present to witness the disposal."

-Eggs and other items in a cooler were being cold held above 41 degrees.

-No sanitizer was present for the three-compartment sink.

-Drain flies were seen in the three-compartment sink.

The administrative violations were for not having a permit to operate and for having a freezer truck outside the business that is filled to capacity and has not been inspected by the health department of approved for use.

Core violations can be found at this link.

4th Street Bowl

4th Street Bowl received two priority violations and four core violations.

The priority violations were for having an employee drink stored in the cooler and for having sliced cheese, sausage and pepperoni being cold held above 41 degrees.

Core violations can be found at this link.

***

The following businesses passed their inspections:

Big Apple Travel Centers, 2110 S. Prigmor Avenue (re-inspection)

Chandelier Boutique Cafe, 1027 S. Main Street

Charlie's Chicken, 2020 E. 32nd Street

Millennium Family Fitness- Snack Bar, 1227 N. Range Line Road

Sam's Club: Crossmark, 3536 S. Hammons Boulevard

McDonald's, 2701 S. Main Street

Super Donuts, 1901 E. 32nd Street (re-inspection)

Walmart Neighborhood Market- Meat/Produce, 2426 S. Maiden Lane

McDonald's- Joplin 44 Petro, 4240 State Rd 43

Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, 4240 State Highway 43

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 3102 E. 7th Street

Dollar General, 703 W 26th Street

Joplin Cafe, 2330 W. 20th Street

Homewood Suites Breakfast, 2642 E. 32nd Street

Lucy's Mexican Restaurant, 2526 E. 7th Street

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 3025 S. Main Street

 

Joplin woman charged with DWI, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney charged a Joplin woman Monday with driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

An arrest warrant was issued for Alyssa Marie Crouch (DOB 2000) with bond set at $50,000 surety and $4,000 cash.

From the probable cause statement:

On 05/17/2026, I, Sgt. Adams, responded as backup to a traffic stop conducted by Ptl. Criqui. Ptl.
Criqui had stopped Alyssa Crouch, who was identified as a suspect in a disturbance that had just
occurred and was suspected of being intoxicated. During the investigation, probable cause was
established for Driving While Intoxicated.

During the investigation, Crouch advised officers that her four children were alone at her residence in
Joplin with no adult supervision. The children ranged in age from 3 years old to 3 months old.

Crouch stated the back door to the residence was unlocked. Joplin Police Department Officer McGough #1134 responded to the residence and located all four children alone inside. J4 was crying when officers arrived. The children were subsequently taken into protective custody by Jasper County DFS.

Crouch further advised that the 1-year-old and 3-month-old children were currently being treated for
upper respiratory infections. During a probable cause search of Crouch's vehicle, officers located
breathing treatment supplies consistent with the ongoing medical treatment of the children.

Crouch knowingly left four young children unattended, including two infants with active medical
conditions requiring treatment, while she drove to Carthage in an intoxicated condition, where she
was ultimately arrested for DWI. 

Due to the ages of the children, none were capable of adequately caring for themselves or the younger siblings. During a consent search of Crouch’s phone, I located text messages in which Crouch told a state children’s services worker that she wanted to relinquish her parental rights.

Leaving children of this age unattended, particularly while two were suffering from respiratory illnesses requiring treatment, created a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death. Crouch knowingly created an inherently dangerous situation by leaving the children without adult supervision while she operated a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition.