Joplin School Board member fighting DWI charge

Joplin R-8 Board of Education member Phil Willcoxon is battling DWI charges that have been filed against him in Newton County Circuit Court.

Online court records indicate that Willcoxon has hired Neosho attorney Charles Rhoades, who has filed a motion to dismiss, and a request for a bill of particulars, or a more detailed version of the charges.

An 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, arraignment has been scheduled for Willcoxon on the misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated and exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 to 15 miles per hour.

The hearing will be held in the Division II courtroom with Judge Greg Stremel presiding.

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested Willcoxon, 47, CEO of the Ozark Center in Joplin and former CEO of Freeman Neosho Hospital, at 9:50 p.m. Friday, February 14 on Coyote Road.

The citation indicates that Willcoxon exceeded the blood alcohol content, though it does not indicate by how much.

Willcoxon has served two three-year terms on the Board of Education, first being elected in April 2008. He did not choose to seek a third term.