Joplin man charged with 2024 murder of Travis Wyrick

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges against a Joplin man today in connection with the March 25, 2024 shooting death of Travis Wyrick at Hillbilly Pumping and Hauling, Joplin.

A warrant was issued today for the arrest of Alex Javier Vega (DOB 1990), with no bond.

The allegations against Vega were detailed in the probable cause statement:

On March 25th, 2024, at 0944 hours, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Hillbilly Pumping & Hauling, Inc located at 1945 Pump Ln. in Joplin, Jasper County, MO, in response to a shooting. 

When deputies arrived Travis Wyrick was lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

According to witnesses and video footage from the business, Travis Wyrick and Alex Vega worked at Hillbilly Pump. When they arrived at work that morning, Travis approached Alex outside the office. The two of them exchanged words, but nothing physical occurred. Alex and Travis then separated. Alex then went inside the office. 

A few minutes later, Alex exited the office and proceeded to his work vehicle, which was parked approximately 100 feet from the office. Alex retrieved an AR-style rifle from his vehicle and walked back towards Travis. 

When Travis saw that Alex had a gun, he walked toward Alex shouting at him. As Travis approached, Alex fired multiple shots striking Travis three times. According to the medical examiner, Travis died of multiple gunshot wounds.

DNR awards $437,000 no-interest loan to Everton for drinking water improvement

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $437,000 no-interest loan to the city of Everton for planning and design work related to the city’s ongoing drinking water improvement project.

Provided through the department’s Planning and Design Loan Program, the loan will supply vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while the city works with the department to secure a larger funding package for its drinking water project. The improvement project is expected to total $1.8 million, with construction starting this year.

A large water or wastewater project’s early planning phases often represent a significant financial burden for cash-limited communities. The department’s goal is to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive private financing that allows Missouri communities to develop and deliver vital infrastructure projects for their citizens. These loans bear no interest and come with a five-year term. With the department’s assistance, the city’s ratepayers will save approximately $78,400 in interest over the loan’s five-year term.

“The financial assistance packages we offer can make all the difference in being able to provide safe drinking water to Missourians, support communities and ensure their infrastructure projects are successful and affordable,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.
The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, and for interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rates and from assistance a project manager provides throughout the project.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.

Kehoe signs budget bills

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Delivering on his promise to present Missourians with a reasonable, conservative budget that continues to secure Missouri’s future, today Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state operating and capital improvement budget bills. 

Governor Kehoe’s action to deliver a $50.8 billion budget includes 208 vetoes, totaling nearly $300 million in general revenue, and 32 expenditure restrictions, totaling $211 million in general revenue.

The budget sent to the Governor's Office added 450 items and nearly $775 million in additional spending beyond the Governor’s original budget recommendation. This excessive spending requires decisive action, particularly when combined with reduced pandemic federal dollars, broad tax cuts that benefit Missourians, and the undeniable need for extraordinary emergency disaster relief.

"We appreciate the work of the General Assembly in getting this budget to my desk," said Governor Kehoe. "While we exercised veto authority to rein in unsustainable spending, we are proud to support funding for smart policies advancing our shared vision of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri. We believe this budget reflects our commitment to limited government, fiscal discipline, and a long-term vision to support public priorities."

Approved Budgetary Spending

Prioritizing Public Safety

In his inaugural State of the State Address, Governor Kehoe emphasized that securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety. The FY26 budget includes critical law enforcement and crime prevention tools, training, and resources:$10 million in new funding to assist local communities who prioritize public safety with equipment and training needs through the Blue Shield Program.
$7 million investment for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools.
$2 million in support for the Missouri sheriff’s retirement system.

For more public safety budget highlights, click here.

Emphasizing Economic Development

Missouri’s economy is driven by investing in initiatives that create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and provide critical support to families and businesses. By addressing needs such as rural roads, childcare access, and career-technical training, we foster innovation, strengthen communities, and ensure that Missouri remains a competitive and thriving state for all:$91 million for rural road improvements.
$10 million to offer grant funding opportunities to support partnerships between employers, community partners, and the childcare industry to make more childcare slots available for Missouri families.
$11 million in new funding to address equipment, space, and operational needs of career and technical centers across the state.

For more economic development budget highlights, click here.

Bolstering Agriculture

Missouri’s agriculture industry is the backbone of the state's economy, feeding and clothing not just Missourians, but the world. To ensure the continued growth and resilience of this vital sector, Governor Kehoe is committed to investing in critical infrastructure, modernizing facilities, and supporting animal health initiatives. The FY26 budget includes:$55 million in bonding for Missouri State Fair facilities.
$800,000 in ongoing funding for Missouri FFA.
$330,871 to increase Missouri’s inspection and production capacity in the meat and poultry industry.

For more agriculture budget highlights, click here.

Strengthening Education

Governor Kehoe believes that funding our state’s education system ensures every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential while preparing Missouri’s future workforce for success. The legislature approved the following education spending:$376.6 million to support the state’s full reimbursement of transportation costs to school districts, including $15 million in new funding.
$50 million in general revenue funding to bolster the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
$33.4 million to ensure all teachers are paid at least the statutory minimum.

For more education budget highlights, click here.

Budget Vetoes & Expenditure Restrictions

The Missouri FY26 state operating budget is approximately $50.8 billion, including $15.4 billion in general revenue. In the FY26 budget approved by the General Assembly, nearly $775 million in new general revenue spending was added above the Governor's budget recommendation, including 450 items that Governor Kehoe did not propose or went beyond his recommendation.

Additionally, the Office of Administration’s Division of Budget and Planning estimates a nearly $1 billon shortfall in general revenue starting in FY27. Contributing to this shortfall, ongoing general revenue spending authorized in the FY26 budget is projected to outpace ongoing revenues by nearly over $1 billion and grow larger in future years. While Missouri currently has a general revenue fund balance to absorb some of this imbalance in the short term, the current trajectory of state-level spending grows this imbalance, exhausts any remaining surplus, and leads to the aforementioned $1 billion shortfall starting in FY27, if correction is not made.

There were also several budgetary and legislative decisions made during the 2025 Legislative Session and Extraordinary Session that were not considered in Governor Kehoe’s FY26 budget recommendation but compound the budgetary challenges the State is facing:Additional funding for the K-12 Foundation Formula – In his budget recommendation, Governor Kehoe proposed a $200 million increase for public education funding, representing the largest increase ever seen, and nearly 4 times larger than the average annual increase. The General Assembly chose to spend an additional $297 million on top of Governor Kehoe’s historic recommendation.

 
Tax Cuts – The General Assembly approved, and Governor Kehoe has committed to signing, pro-growth legislation eliminating the income tax on capital gains, which is expected to reduce state revenues by approximately $400 million annually. Governor Kehoe supports tax cuts and is proud to return Missourians’ hard-earned dollars back to them, but the reduction in state revenues must be accounted for in current and future budget decisions.

 
Disaster Relief – Unforeseen severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding have caused unprecedented damage to communities across the state. Governor Kehoe supported, and the General Assembly approved, over $210 million in extraordinary emergency disaster relief for Missourians. While the need is undeniable, the cost must still be reconciled in the budgetary process.

Governor Kehoe issued 208 vetoes, totaling nearly $300 million in general revenue. To view the complete list of budget vetoes, click here.

"As Governor, I have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget, and our administration will always follow the Constitution and rule of law," said Governor Kehoe. "We support funding for education, and have proudly championed tax cuts for hard-working Missouri families and the desperately needed resources for our fellow Missourians affected by natural disasters this spring. However, these initiatives do not come without budgetary consequences."

In addition to his vetoes in the FY26 budget, Governor Kehoe today also restricted spending on 32 budget items, totaling $211 million in general revenue, from the FY26 state operating budget. To view the complete list of expenditure restrictions, click here.

"We do not take this action lightly, but state government cannot spend beyond our means," said Governor Kehoe. "With current circumstances, the fiscally responsible and conservative thing to do is reduce spending and protect Missouri’s nationally recognized financial strength in preparation for difficult budget years ahead. These restrictions are not an indication of project worthiness – we understand their value, and that’s why we chose not to veto them. Rather, these withholds allow us to direct Missourians’ hard-earned tax dollars toward the most critical programs and projects that support Missouri families."

Governor Kehoe is taking these fiscally conservative steps now in an effort to help ease the burden of broader budget cuts required to balance the budget, a constitutional responsibility of the Missouri Governor, in FY27 and future years. Governor Kehoe and his Office of Administration's Division of Budget and Planning budget team, working alongside the General Assembly, will continue to assess Missouri’s financial outlook and evaluate the likely need for additional budget restrictions moving forward.

"We want to assure Missourians that this action is not indicative of a larger economic problem, as our economy remains strong and resilient," said Governor Kehoe. "Just as President Trump and the federal government is reigning in spending, the State of Missouri must do the same. While we do not have an economic problem in Missouri, we do have a spending problem in state government. By working with the General Assembly, our administration commits to the people of Missouri to get spending under control and support Missouri’s economic growth so that our fiscal outlook improves and these restrictions may be released in future years."

To view the FY26 state operating budget bills, click here.

Governor Kehoe Signs FY26 State Operating Budget 6-30-25.jpg

Emanuel Cleaver: Trump's Big Ugly Bill stealing health care, food assistance from poor to fund tax cuts for rich

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

As the cost of living continues to rise, my Republican colleagues have decided to prioritize the targeting of public broadcasting, like PBS and NPR; sources of information and entertainment that are vital to our communities and youth.

Instead of focusing on lowering costs and meeting the basic needs of their constituents, the GOP has set its sights on killing Sesame Street. Which is why I joined fellow House Democrats in introducing an amendment to the Republican recission package to protect funding for these integral institutions. GOP members undermined this effort to retain funding for public information, so when it came time to vote, I voted against these devastating cuts for childhood staples and nonpartisan news.

As if cutting access to public broadcasting wasn't enough, the GOP agenda is threatening an additional pillar of public education: the Job Corps. This national program provides courses for roughly 20,000 young people to learn skills for in-demand vocational and technical job training. Job Corps specifically focuses on the 16-24-year-old population that is neither working, nor in school, and gives them a direct pathway to employment, ensuring they become productive members of the American workforce.

When faced with the proposed cuts to funding for this program, I couldn't sit idly by. Myself and nearly 200 other congressional lawmakers reached out to the Secretary of the Department of Labor, urging her to continue the Job Corps program. In our bipartisan letter, we emphasize the importance of the program and its benefits to young workers and small businesses nationwide.

While Job Corps is a national program, there are a multitude of educational programs here in our 5th Congressional District. Namely, Literacy KC, which I had the honor of visiting just last week. During my time with the students, I was able to hear their stories and better understand the way Literacy KC serves constituents in communities throughout the district. They shared their trials and tribulations, as well as their triumphs and victories.

I was told stories of addiction overcome, education pursued, and lives bettered because of the skills and support Literacy KC provided. Most importantly, I was able to discuss the Trump Administration's proposed "skinny budget", which is threatening to eliminate $729 million in funding to adult education programs - a devastating cut which would weaken Literacy KC's ability to offer their life-altering services to our community members. I stand with the students and educators at Literacy KC and will continue fighting for federal investments in adult education.

Resisting GOP Overreach and Defending our Democracy

Since President Trump's inauguration, there has been a startling misuse of power by the Trump administration and GOP representatives. Since the start, I have been actively working to uphold the rule of law and support my constituents - and these past few weeks have been no different. When it came time to vote on the Big Ugly Bill, a piece of legislation determined to steal healthcare and food assistance from working class families to fund tax cuts for the rich, I voted no.

When Trump spent an estimated $45 million on a birthday parade for himself, I had the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder with my constituents as we peacefully protested at the No Kings Rally. We came together as a community, from all different walks of life, to show our love for our country and defend our democracy.

As political violence has intensified, I have not remained silent, either. When the Justice Department charged Representative LaMonica McIver with assault of an ICE official, an effort to intimidate Congressmembers from exercising their constitutional oversight responsibilities, I immediately expressed my strong opposition to the politicization of the law. 

When Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference for trying to get answers about the immigration raids taking place in Los Angeles, I stood in firm support of his leadership on this issue. When a Minnesota assassin targeted and killed Democratic lawmakers, I extended my condolences and did not hesitate to condemn the political violence. Time and time again, I have spoken up for our democratic processes and showed up to resist GOP overreach.

Eric Burlison: Senate budget bill is a gut punch to fiscal conservatives

(From Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

The rumored Senate version of the budget bill is a gut punch to fiscal conservatives. It torches the House’s modest progress by exploding the deficit while caving on nearly every major reform, including stripping out provisions to remove silencers and short-barreled rifles from the National Firearms Act.

These pathetic revisions stem from two forces: the unelected Senate parliamentarian and moderate Republicans.

The result is a bill that keeps the green energy scam alive, waters down Medicaid reforms, weakens work requirements for welfare, and slashes health savings accounts. I strongly urge the Senate to return to the framework the House passed last month. We must demand dollar-for-dollar offsets to ensure this bill doesn’t add to our already astronomical national debt.

***

On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency held a hearing titled “Locking in the DOGE Cuts: Ending Waste, Fraud, and Abuse for Good.” DOGE’s findings of $180 billion in wasteful spending strike a chord with the American people who want smaller government and an end to taxpayer waste.

 

I’m fed up with Washington throwing money away on frivolous programs while our national debt hits $37 trillion. It’s disgusting. Every wasted dollar is a debt our kids will be forced to repay.

The message is clear: Congress must cut waste and demand transparency to hold federal agencies accountable.

Missouri AG investigating Google, Facebook, YouTube for suppressing speech about guns, ammunition

(From Attorney General Andrew Bailey)

Today, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that he is issuing a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Google, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, within Meta Platforms, Inc., to determine whether the companies have engaged in unlawful business practices by suppressing lawful speech and commerce related to firearms and ammunition on its platforms. The goal of the investigation is to expose any corporate misconduct and restore transparency and fairness to online platforms.

“When Big Tech companies hold the power to control what Americans see, say, and believe, they hold the power to reshape the nation,” continued Attorney General Bailey. “We will not allow Silicon Valley to rewrite the Bill of Rights from behind a firewall.”

The CID, issued under the authority of Section 407.040 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, is a powerful investigative tool granted to the Attorney General. It compels the production of documents, communications, and other materials relevant to potential violations of Missouri’s consumer protection laws. In this case, the investigation will examine whether Google and Meta have used deception, fraud, false promises, misrepresentation, or other unfair practices, such as demonetizing, delisting, or downranking content, to suppress speech related to the legal acquisition, ownership, and use of firearms.

The demand was prompted by troubling allegations that Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are obscuring or penalizing content related to firearms, accessories, hunting, personal protection, and related political viewpoints. Because Missouri law prohibits companies from misleading consumers about their services, our Office is demanding that Google and Meta provide relevant documents, policies, and communications.

As stated in the CID, “The right to ‘keep and bear arms’ is one of the most sacred and cherished rights guaranteed to the citizens of the State of Missouri under the Constitution of the United States.” The document continues by saying, “If citizens are prevented from owning modern firearms, the government holds a monopoly on the use of force, and as history has demonstrated time and again, this consolidation of power inevitably leads to the violation of human rights and the trampling of individual liberty.”

This action aligns with the Attorney General’s mission to defend constitutional rights, hold corporations accountable, and ensure that Missourians are free to exercise their rights without algorithmic censorship or ideological bias.

“The right to keep and bear arms is the cornerstone of every other constitutional freedom,” said Attorney General Bailey. “If tech giants are colluding to silence lawful expression about firearms or shut down commerce protected under the Second Amendment, Missourians deserve to know.”

The full CID to Google can be read here.

The full CID to Meta can be read here.

Nancy Hughes: What I truly deserve

  “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities . . . “

Psalm 103:10 (NIV)

I was looking through the pages of a magazine at the dentist’s office a few weeks ago when a picture of a very well-known singer and actress caught my attention. Her physical beauty was breathtaking. She was facing the camera, her perfect teeth and perfect smile were…well, perfect. Not a hair out of place, not a blemish on satin smooth skin, not a wrinkle in her very expensive slacks and shirt.

I’ve seen some of her movies and read articles about her before, but this particular interview caught my eye because of her statement in bold letters: “I deserve something great. That’s what I want and that’s what I’m gonna have.”

I read both sentences again, but my eyes kept settling on the first one. “I deserve something great.” And silently, I asked the question that needed to be asked. Why? What had she done that caused her to believe that she was deserving of greatness?

According to the article, she has been married several times. That can’t be it. She has children that she adores. So do many, many other people. She has more money than she can ever possibly spend in a lifetime. Well, that one might not apply to very many of us, but deserving greatness because of wealth? I don’t think so.

Her determination to be successful was evident, even though life had not been fair. That is commendable, but I firmly believe that if life WERE fair, we would get what we deserved…and it wouldn’t be greatness!

Consider Psalm 103:10. Jesus truly could have declared: “Look at me! I am the Savior of the world, and I deserve something great!” Instead, He reached out with mercy and forgiveness by humbling Himself and dying for every single one of us. Because we deserved it? Because we are somehow worthy of such an action?

Absolutely not. Romans 5:8 says it all: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did not treat us as we deserved, but, because of the cross, gently wrapped us in the greatness of His forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love.

When I have the attitude that everything I have in life is because of what I have done, I ignore what Jesus did for me. And my attitude of pride in myself will only end in a life that will never be satisfied being “great enough.” I don’t know about you, but I am forever thankful for NOT getting… what I truly deserve.

Father, thank you for not giving me what I rightfully deserve but for covering my sin with mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I love you so much. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you ever felt that you truly accomplished something on your own and that you deserved something great?

If so, how does that thinking fall in line with Psalm 103:10?

Apply

Journal Scriptures that describe what you, as a sinner, truly deserve.

Beside each entry, write Scripture that tells you what the Lord has given you instead.

Power

Psalm 103:10 (NIV) He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…”

Obadiah 1:3 (NIV) “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’”

Romans 5:8 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

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

Mosa Hibachi & Sushi Express fails inspection, third time the charm for Wasab Steakhouse & Sushi

Mosa Hibachi & Sushi Express, 501 W 7th Street, failed its Joplin Health Department Thursday, according to information posted on the department website.

The business had two priority violations and three core violations.

The priority violations were for the following:

-Several potentially hazardous foods in the prep cooler were being cold held above 41 degrees.

-Several potentially hazardous foods in the reach-in area were being cold held above 41 degrees

Core violations were noted for the following:

-Foods in the hot well were not covered with a lid

-Rice was cooling on a closed tub in trailer

-Fly strips were over the dish area

Mosa Hibachi and Sushi Express Commissary passed its inspection.

***

The third time was the charm for Wasab Steakhouse & Sushi, 101 N. Range Line Road, passed inspection after failing two inspections earlier this month.

***

Freeman East Kitchen: Morrison Management Specialists, 932 E. 34th Street, also passed inspection.

Emanuel Cleaver: Trump decision to bomb Iran sites, not only reckless, but unconstitutional

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

President Trump's unilateral decision to bomb three sites in Iran was not only reckless - it was unconstitutional. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution is clear: only Congress has the power to declare war. No matter the party of the president, that authority cannot be bypassed with unilateral military strikes and a press release.

While President Trump has since boasted about the military operation, we cannot allow a president to bomb first and brag later. That's not diplomacy - it's dangerous showboating that risks trapping the United States in another endless, costly, and avoidable conflict.

Even if Iran's nuclear capabilities were significantly weakened, though reportedly only set back a few months, the manner in which this action was taken undermines both our constitutional framework and our national security. Over the past two decades, both Democratic and Republican administrations have increasingly tested and stretched the boundaries of executive military authority. This steady erosion of Congressional war powers is a deliberate power grab - and it 's wrong. That's why I recently co-sponsored two separate War Powers Resolutions to return this power back to the People's representatives in Congress.

This is a bipartisan issue. Congress must reassert its congressional authority. Any further military action in Iran - or anywhere - must be debated, voted on, and authorized by the legislative branch. The American people deserve accountability, not autocracy.

Chiefs ask for extension of Kansas stadium offer, raising possibility of leaving Missouri

By Tim Carpenter

Kansas Reflector

The president of the Kansas Senate said Thursday a meeting with bipartisan legislative leadership would be called July 7 to extend the deadline for the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to accept an offer of financial support for construction of professional sports stadiums in Kansas.

Senate President Ty Masterson said the Republican-dominated Legislative Coordinating Council, which conducts state business when the Legislature isn’t in session, would consider an extension of the one-year STAR bond deadline enacted in July 2024. Masterson didn’t indicate how lengthy the extension could be.

Masterson said Mark Donovan, president of the Chiefs, asked Kansas officials to alter the deadline “in light of substantial progress the Chiefs have made in discussions” with the Kansas Department of Commerce on an NFL development on the Kansas side of the border with Missouri.

Those discussions have included building of a stadium, headquarters, practice facility and related business developments, Donovan said.

“The letter from Mark Donovan indicates that the drive to bring this historic project to Kansas is moving down the field,” Masterson said. “Now that we are in the red zone, this extension will provide stakeholders sufficient time to ensure the ball crosses the goal line.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill last year authorizing issuance of bonds that would cover up to 70% of stadium construction, but the law set the deadline for making a deal at June 30, 2025.

Last month, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation that would finance up to 50% of the cost to renovate or build new stadiums for the Royals and Chiefs. Missouri’s commitment of tax revenue would be capped at $1.5 billion.

The NFL and MLB franchises play at facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, that were built in the early 1970s. Owners of the teams have encouraged formation of public funding packages that would support replacement of those stadiums. Debate about the future of both franchises has rekindled the economic border war between Missouri and Kansas.

The Legislative Coordinating Council would take up the measure altering the deadline at 2 p.m. July 7 in Topeka.

“The complexity and scale of the project, and the importance of crafting a structure that works for all stakeholders, make it clear that more time is needed to bring the effort to full fruition,” Donovan said in a letter to Masterson.

He said the Chiefs had engaged in multiple rounds of dialogue about stadium proposals with the state Department of Commerce. The Chiefs hadn’t received a response to the franchise’s latest proposal in six weeks, he said.

“Extending the secretary’s authority will allow that process to continue productively and will preserve Kansas’ ability to secure the most significant economic development initiative in its history,” Donovan’s letter said.

This story originally appeared in the Kansas Reflector, a States Newsroom affiliate.

Alan Linden named JHS interim assistant principal

(From Joplin Schools)

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Alan Linden as Interim Assistant Principal at JHS effective this fall!

Mr. Linden has taught at JHS/FTC since 2007 and currently serves as the head of the Business Department. He also works as a co-sponsor for DECA, as a Powerlifting coach, and as varsity special teams coordinator for the Joplin High School Football program.

Mr. Linden's "experience at JHS and FTC, leadership, and commitment to student success make him a fantastic addition to our team," said JHS Principal Dr. Randy Oliver. "I’m confident that his positive energy and focus on building strong relationships will have an immediate impact on our school community.”

Sentencing set for Carterville man on federal firearms charge

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. August 21 for Bobby Gene Elliot, 39, Carterville, who pleaded guilty March 4 to possession of a firearm by a felon.

A criminal complaint was filed against Bobby Gene Elliott, 39, October 30 following his arrest by the Joplin Police Department on methamphetamine possession and weapons charges.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the Joplin Police Department made a traffic stop at 7th and Schifferdecker and a search of Elliott's vehicle revealed two bags of methamphetamine, a pistol under the front passenger seat and an AR-15 style rifle with a 41-round magazine that contained 34 .223 caliber rounds.

Final probation revocation hearing scheduled for Joplin man convicted of child pornography possession in 2015

The final probation revocation hearing for Frank Ness, Joplin, is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 10, in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Ness was sentenced to 10 years in a federal prison for possession of child pornography in 2015. If his probation is revoked, it will be the second time.

Ness served eight years of his 10-year sentence before being released in 2023. It didn't take him long to violate the terms of his probation, according to U. S. District Court records.

Though the violation was not specified in records that are open to the public, Judge Douglas Harpool sentenced Ness to seven months in prison in April 2024.

The nature of Ness' alleged violations is not mentioned in court records.

Information about the original 2014 charge against Ness can be found at the link below:

The Turner Report: Joplin man, sentenced for child pornography in 2015, may have probation revoked (rturner229.blogspot.com)

JPD seeking assault, domestic assault charges against Joplin man for shooting at 1329 S. Grand

(From the Joplin Police Department)

UPDATE: After further investigation and review of evidence from this incident, the Joplin Police Department will be seeking charges against Steven Williams, 27 of Joplin, for the following offenses: Assault (misdemeanor), Domestic Assault (misdemeanor), Vandalism (misdemeanor), and Trespassing (misdemeanor). 

He is not in police custody at this time.

No charges will be sought against Teegan Hasty related to the shooting incident as it has been determined to be self-defense. 

Original news release

At 10:22 pm on 06-25-2025 the Joplin Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call stating that a shooting had occurred at 1329 S Grand Ave in Joplin. 

The reporting party stated that her ex-boyfriend, identified as Steven Williams, 27 of Joplin, had arrived at the residence uninvited and began to cause a disturbance. 

A short time later, it was believed that Williams had left the property. 

Another male who was present, Teegan Hasty, 24, of Joplin, went outside to inspect the property for any possible property damage believed to be caused by Williams. 

When Hasty went outside, it was determined that Williams had not left the area. Willams aggressively approached Hasty. A physical altercation took place, which resulted in Hasty being assaulted. 

During the physical altercation, Williams received one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Joplin Police Officers responded to the scene and provided medical treatment to Williams. Williams was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Williams is considered to be in stable condition. Joplin Police Department Investigators arrived at the scene and determined this was an isolated incident.   

Agenda posted for Carthage R-9 Board of Education special meeting

 

Nude trespasser charged with drug trafficking, sexual misconduct

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed drug trafficking, stealing, sexual misconduct and trespassing charges against a Joplin man who was arrested after allegedly breaking into a Webb City home in the nude.

An arrest warrant was issued for Justin Wayne Anderson (DOB 1982) with bond set at $25,000 surety or $3,000 cash.

From the probable cause statement:

On 06/25/25 at 0220 hours. officers were dispatched to a nude individual trespassing on victims' property.

Upon arrival victims stated male had just broken into their home and ran out of the house just prior to our arrival. The male. who was later identified as Justin Anderson, was found next door in the yard still nude attempting to cover his genitals with a baseball cap. 

Justin was placed in handcuffs and victims showed video of male in their backyard, nude, tampering with their camera, breaking it, and breaking into their garage. The camera was never located after Justin tampered with it.

 

Both victims were alarmed and disturbed by finding a nude male displaying his genitals in their home. 

Victims advised Justin had left belongings in their backyard, which I collected. After a search of the items a white crystal substance was located in the pocket of Justin's black sweat pants field tested positive for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl. Weight of the white crystal substance was 1.17 grams. 

After Miranda was advised, Justin stated the black sweatpants were his but had no idea how drugs got there.

Anderson man charged after shooting, killing his brother

The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action against an Anderson man who allegedly shot and killed his brother today.

Brian L. Hole (DOB 1969) is being held without bond in the McDonald County Detention Center.

From the probable cause statement:

On the morning of 06-25-25 around 8:30 a.m., the suspect (Brian Hole) shot and killed {his brother} with a 9mm. handgun after a physical altercation between the two. This incident occurred at the Hole family home outside the Anderson city limits.

Upon arrival of law enforcement, units discovered the victim laying on the covered porch of the residence with the suspect performing lifesaving measures (CPR) on the victim while talking to the McDonald County Dispatch Center via cell phone.

The suspect still had the weapon used in the incident in a holster on his hip.

At the time, the suspect was taken into custody and placed in a secure patrol unit and emergency personnel took over lifesaving measures on the victim. EMS pronounced the victim deceased at 9:17 a.m.

At this time, I made contact with the suspect Brian Hole, read him his Miranda rights, which he verbally acknowledged. Brian advised he went to pick up his brother to take him to work, and his brother became upset and a physical fight between the two occurred.

Brian, who had visible signs of trauma on his face from the incident, advised he was actually proud of his brother because this was the first time he has had a job in the last eight years. Hole stated he would like to speak with an attorney, so no further questions were asked. Hole was then transported to the McDonald County Detention Center for processing.

During the course of the investigation, we discovered the victim sustained two gunshot wounds during the incident both in the chest, with one exit wound through the left shoulder.

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

Carthage fires parks and recreation director

(From the City of Carthage)

During a closed session held at the conclusion of the Carthage City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, by the recommendation of the Mayor and the unanimous consent of the Council, the employment of Parks and Recreation Director Abi Almandinger was terminated, effective immediately.

This decision was made following deliberations under the personnel section of the closed session agenda, in accordance with Missouri state law. 

The City appreciates Ms. Almandinger's service and contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department during her tenure.

Previous posts

The Turner Report: Carthage City Council hears statement of charges against Parks and Rec Director Abi Almandinger (February 23, 2025)

The Turner Report: Abi Almandinger named Carthage Parks and Recreation director- (December 14, 2022)