Three brothers arrested for 1999 murder of Barry County teen

Three brothers who have long been suspects in the 1999 murder of 14-year-old Justin Hocutt, Seligman, have been arrested, according to a news release from the Barry County Sheriff's Office.

Bobby Ray Scott, 48, Mark Wesley Scott, 46, and David Ray Scott, 49, were arrested for first degree murder with David Scott being held in the Barry County Jail and Mark and David Scott in the Pulaski County, Arkansas Jail.

Barry County Sheriff Danny Boyd has scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Barry County Sheriff's Office.

The crime was described in a public plea for information issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in May.

Hocutt was last seen alive during the morning hours of October 9,1999, at a residence in Seligman. Approximately 22 hours later, Hocutt’s deceased body was located on train tracks near his residence. 

In recent years, several tips and leads have been passed along to law enforcement and investigators have followed up on several credible leads. Investigators have also re-submitted evidence for additional testing/evaluation through the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory. 

Sergeant Bradley Germann (Q/DDCC) said, “Hocutt was 14 years old at the time of his death and there is substantial evidence and/or circumstances regarding this case which make it suspicious in nature. We believe there are individuals who know details about the incident and what happened to Hocutt. This was likely not an accident, and we ask those individuals who know more about the incident to contact investigators. The Hocutt family deserves to know what happened to their child. I believe this case can be solved with the help from the community."

 

Former Joplin Globe reporter wins national award

By Sherman Smith

Kansas Reflector

EMPORIA — Kansas Reflector columnist Max McCoy won a first-place National Society of Newspaper Columnists award for the second year in a row, claiming the top prize for humor writing.

(Note: Max McCoy is a former Joplin Globe reporter.)

The annual awards were announced Thursday evening, with winners in eight categories drawn from more than 80 publications. McCoy won first place for online humor writing and an honorable mention for crisis commentary. Kansas Reflector opinion editor Clay Wirestone placed third in crisis commentary.

This is the third time McCoy has won a National Society of Newspaper Columnists award since he began writing his Sunday column for Kansas Reflector after the publication launched in July 2020.

Last year, he won first place in the online general interest category. He also won first place for online humor writing in 2021, and second place for online general interest in 2023.

This year’s first-place award was based on two columns McCoy wrote last year:

• “When night comes, we might all be listening for Radio Free Kansas.” (March 30, 2025)
• “A theocrat’s prayer to end democracy.” (April 20, 2025)

“We live in absurd times so it is appropriate that two of my columns, dealing with the deadly serious business of authoritarianism and theocracy, should be chosen as winners in the humor category in a national contest,” McCoy said. “How else to get a serious message across except with some wit? I’m pleased to be recognized by the NSNC and am grateful for the opportunity to be published by the Reflector. I’m most thankful, however, to my first and best reader, my wife Kim, and to all of those who check in with me every Sunday.”

Wirestone previously won an honorable mention for crisis commentary in 2024.

Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com.

Kehoe appoints 8 to boards and commissions, including Joplin architect

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

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

John Brown, of Lee's Summit, was reappointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Mr. Brown owned and operated Hollis + Miller Architects for more than 30 years before retiring in 2024. He currently serves as a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Lee's Summit Board of Appeals, and as deacon at Holmeswood Church. Brown earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma.

Chad Greer, of Joplin, was re-appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Mr. Greer is a principal architect at CGA Architects. He is active in the Joplin community as a member of the Historic Design Review Board, Creative Learning Alliance, and a member of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Greer earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Arkansas.

Dr. Holland Haynie, of Raymore, was appointed to the Drug Utilization Review Board.

Dr. Haynie serves as chief medical officer and family physician at Central Ozarks Medical Center. He is a member of the Missouri Primary Care Association and the American Medical Informatics Association. Haynie earned a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Lisa Newcomer, of Jackson, was re-appointed to the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care.

Ms. Newcomer has worked in healthcare for more than 35 years and currently serves as vice president of regional operations for Saint Francis Healthcare System. She previously served as president of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence and as a local program chair for the American College of Healthcare Executives. She also was previously active with the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care. Newcomer earned a bachelor's degree in management and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from William Woods University.

Dr. Ryan Powell, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Optometry.

Dr. Powell is an optometrist and owner of Insight Eyecare Specialties. He previously served as chair of the Missouri Optometric Association and is a member of Rotary International. Powell earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri and a Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry.

Britt Smith, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Mr. Smith served the City of Jefferson as street and parking division director and as operations division director before retiring in 2025. He is a member of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and former member of the American Public Works Association. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

John Szturo, of Independence, was reappointed to the Board of Geologist Registration.

Mr. Szturo has been a longtime member of HNTB's Geotechnical Engineering Department and currently serves as chief engineering geologist. He is a member of the Association of Engineering Geologists (KC–Omaha Section) and the Highway Geology Symposium. Szturo also serves on the advisory board for the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He is a licensed geologist in several states.

Phillip Young, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Mr. Young serves as an architect and senior account manager for Kinetic Design and Development. With more than 20 years of experience in architecture, he has remained active in his community, serving as director of membership value for the Springfield chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a member of the City of Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission, and a member of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast. Young earned an associate degree from Johnson County Community College before receiving a bachelor's degree in architecture from Drury University.

Goodman man sentenced to 10 years for road rage shooting

Newton County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Selby sentenced Anthony Scott Keller, 32, Goodman, to 10 years in prison Wednesday,

A McDonald County jury found Keller guilty following a May trial.

Testimony at the trial indicated Keller shot a man during a road rage incident on MO 59 near Quince Road. The bullet broke a bone in the arm of the other driver.

 

Springfield man sentenced for wire fraud, filing false tax return

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for one count of wire fraud and one count of filing false tax.

Ray Leonard Marple, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool, for one count of wire fraud and one count of submitting false taxes. Marple was sentenced to 18 months incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons for each count to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $415,481.50 to the victim of his embezzlement and $86,210.84 to the Internal Revenue Service, for a total amount of $501,692.34 in restitution and a final order of forfeiture in the amount of $415,481.50. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. 

 

Marple used his position as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to serve as the executor of a trust for a family. As the executor of the trust, Marple then made numerous financial transactions that resulted in him embezzling $415,481.50. In addition, Marple also repeatedly filed false tax returns in 2018, 2019, and 2020, in which he grossly understated the amount of money that he earned during those years. As a result of his false tax returns, Marple owes the United States $86,210.84 in unpaid income taxes.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Diamond man charged with three sex crimes involving children

The preliminary hearing for a Diamond man charged with three sex crimes involving children has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Bourbon County District Court.

The initial appearance for Carter Maxwell Prewitt, 27, was held this morning. Prewitt is charged with attempted commercial sexual exploitation of a child, attempted indecent liberties with a child and attempted indecent exploitation of a child.

The alleged crimes took place July 17, according to court documents and involved a child "14 or more years of age, but less than 16 years of age.

The descriptions of the crimes are posted below:

ATTEMPTED COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD

That on or about July 17, 2026, in Bourbon County, Kansas, CARTER MAXWELL

PREWITT did unlawfully and knowingly attempted to hire a person younger than 18 years of

age by giving, offering, or agreeing to give anything of value to any person; to engage in a

manual or other bodily contact stimulation of the genitals of any person with the intent to arouse

or gratify the sexual desires of the offender or another; sexual intercourse; sodomy; or any

unlawful sexual act, by completing an overt act towards the perpetration of the crime, to-

wit: arranging and arriving at a location with the intent of engaging a minor in prostitution, done

by a person who intended to commit such crime but failed in the perpetration thereof or was

prevented or intercepted in executing such crime. A Severity Level 6 Person Felony, in violation

of K.S.A. 21-6422(a)(1) & (b)(1)(A) and 21-5301(a) & (c)(1).

Penalty Range: From a minimum of 17 months to a maximum of 46 months in prison

and/or a fine of up to $100,000 and 24 months of post-release supervision, pursuant to

K.S.A. 21-6804, 21-6807, 21-6611(a)(3), & 22-3717(d)(1)(B), and amendments thereto.

COUNT II

ATTEMPTED INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH A CHILD

That on or about July 17, 2026, in Bourbon County, Kansas, CARTER MAXWELL

PREWITT did unlawfully attempt to engage in lewd fondling or touching of the person of either

the child or the offender with a child 14 or more years of age, but less than sixteen 16 years of

age, to-wit: Confidential Victim, with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the

offender, the child, or both, by completing an overt act towards the perpetration of the crime, to-

wit: arranging a meeting with a purported minor to engage in sexual contact, done by a person

BBCA Case No: 0038050who intended to commit such crime but failed in the perpetration thereof or was prevented or

intercepted in executing such crime. A Severity Level 7 Person Felony, in violation of K.S.A.

21-5506(a)(1) & (c)(1) and 21-5301(a) & (c)(1).

Penalty Range: From a minimum of 11 months to a maximum of 34 months in prison

and/or a fine of up to $100,000 and 12 months of post-release supervision, pursuant to

K.S.A. 21-6804, 21-6807, 21-6611(a)(3), & 22-3717(d)(1)(C), and amendments thereto.

COUNT III

ATTEMPTED INDECENT SOLICITATION OF A CHILD

That on or about July 17, 2026, in Bourbon County, Kansas, CARTER MAXWELL

PREWITT did unlawfully attempt to entice, command, invite, persuade, or attempt to persuade a

child 14 or more years of age, but less than 16 years of age, to-wit: Confidential Victim, to

commit or to submit to an unlawful sexual act, as defined in K.S.A. 21-5501(d), as amended, to-

wit: rape, by completing an overt act towards the perpetration of the crime, to-wit: arranging a

meeting with a purported minor to engage in unlawful sexual act, done by a person who intended

to commit such crime but failed in the perpetration thereof or was prevented or intercepted in

executing such crime. A Severity Level 8 Person Felony, in violation of K.S.A. 21-5508(a)(1) &

(c)(1) and 21-5301(a) & (c)(1).

Penalty Range: From a minimum of 7 months to a maximum of 23 months in prison and/or

a fine of up to $100,000 and 12 months of post-release supervision, pursuant to K.S.A. 21-

6804, 21-6807, 21-6611(a)(3), & 22-3717(d)(1)(C), and amendments thereto. 

Marian Days returning to Carthage

(From the City of Carthage)

One of the largest religious and cultural gatherings in the Midwest will return to Carthage this summer as thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the world make their way to the community for Marian Days, August 6–9, 2026. Marian Days is an annual pilgrimage and festival for Vietnamese American Roman Catholics that has been celebrated since 1978 on the 28-acre campus of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix in Carthage, Missouri.

Held on the first Thursday of August each year and lasting four days, the celebration honors the Blessed Virgin Mary through worship, prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection. Marian Days offers opportunities for individuals, families, and friends to come together in faith, reconciliation, and community.

While the event is organized by Vietnamese Americans and reflects Vietnamese culture and traditions, Marian Days is open to the public and welcomes people of all backgrounds. Over the years, the event has become a unique cultural experience that draws local residents, visitors, and individuals from many ethnic and cultural groups who come to learn, celebrate, and participate in the festivities.

As of 2018, more than 80,000 Vietnamese Americans were making the journey to Carthage from various parts of the United States and abroad, making Marian Days one of the largest gatherings of Vietnamese Catholics outside of Vietnam. Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere featuring religious services, cultural traditions, fellowship, music, food, and hospitality throughout the weekend.

Residents should anticipate increased traffic throughout the community during the event. In addition, several roads near the festival grounds will be temporarily closed to accommodate the large number of pilgrims and visitors attending Marian Days.

The following roads will be closed beginning Saturday, August 1st at 7:00 AM and will remain closed through Sunday, August 9th until approximately 12:00 PM:

Grand Avenue from Highland Avenue to Fairview Avenue

Fairview Avenue from Main Street to Wynwood Drive

Highland Avenue from Grand Avenue to Fulton Street

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling near the event area.

Marian Days continues to be an important spiritual tradition for the Vietnamese Catholic community while also serving as a unique cultural experience that enriches the Carthage community and welcomes visitors from around the globe.

To learn more about this unique festival and pilgrimage, watch the documentary Marian Days: A Spiritual and Cultural Homecoming.

Additional information is available on the official Marian Days websites:

English Website


Vietnamese Website

Joplin High School student activity center to be named TAMKO Talon Center

(From Joplin Schools)

The Joplin Schools Board of Education has unanimously accepted the “Talon Center” as the official name of the new indoor activity center to be constructed on the campus of Joplin High School as approved by Joplin voters as part of the April 2026 Eagle Bond. The name was selected by a committee of district volunteers, including staff, students, parents, and community members.

Also at the July 21 meeting, the Board approved a multi-year naming rights partnership for the Talon Center with TAMKO Building Products, LLC. Through this 10-year partnership, TAMKO will serve as the facility’s naming sponsor, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing student experiences and strengthening community connections. 

David Humphreys, Chairman and CEO of TAMKO, and his wife, Debra, are also personally sponsoring the facility’s indoor turf field.

“The TAMKO Talon Center will touch many aspects of the student experience," said Superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta, "and we’re grateful to work alongside a partner that continues to invest in opportunities that make a lasting difference.”

The TAMKO Talon Center is designed to meet a wide range of student needs, providing year-round space for athletics, fine arts, student organizations, summer programming, and wellness activities. The addition will also help address current gym space limitations and allow programs to grow and thrive. The TAMKO Talon Center has an anticipated completion date of summer 2028.

Learn more on our website at https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/83100858

City of Joplin launches national search for IT director

(From the City of Joplin)

A national search for the City of Joplin’s next Information Technology Director has begun.

The search for a strategic, insightful and progressive leader to direct the City of Joplin's IT efforts comes after City Manager Nick Edwards announced that Mark Morris, the City’s longtime director of information technology, will retire this September after 25 years of service.

In the position announcement posted today, the City defines the role as an exempt, executive-level position responsible for directing and coordinating the development, operation, and maintenance of the City’s technology systems. The IT Director leads technical staff in the planning, development, procurement, and oversight of the City’s computing infrastructure, network, GIS, ERP, and cyber security, and manages a nearly $3 million budget.

With the support of a search committee led by MGT, candidate applications are due by August 14th and a new Director is anticipated to be on board in September. Visit Information Technology Director – City of Joplin, MO to review the full position responsibilities and requirements, compensation and benefits, and to submit an application, cover letter and resume.

“The need for a future-focused technology leader who can strategize and implement systems that enhance City operations, all while protecting data and meeting the ongoing technological needs of City government, is and will continue to be critical for Joplin,” Edwards said. “We intend to cast a wide net and recruit strong candidates for this position.”

For more information, contact Don Carlsen, MGT Consultant at 1-847-380-3240 ext. 152.

Newsmakers program focuses on Amendments 4 and 5

(From KGCS)

August 4th is election day and, for Missouri voters four constitutional amendments are on the ballot. Two of those have resulted in major media campaigns both for and against them. The pros and cons are the focus of this week’s Newsmakers program.

Jasper County Clerk Charlie Davis first explains the ballot language of all four amendments. Then we hear from those both for and against Amendment 4 which deals with changing the initiative petition rules for amending the state constitution and, Amendment 5 which proposes an eventual elimination of state income tax while allowing other taxes to increase. 

Scott Charton makes the argument against on behalf of Missouri Realtors’ Missourians for Fair Governance committee and Missourians for Fair Taxation committee. State Representative Lane Roberts gives voice to support for Amendments 4 and 5 after coordinating a town hall meeting in Joplin with Amendment 5’s legislative sponsors.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning on KGCS-TV July 26 and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS – Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS-TV programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.