Change of plea hearing scheduled for former Cherokee County deputy charged with child pornography production

A 10:30 a.m. March 30 change of plea hearing is scheduled in U. S. District Court in Wichita, Kansas, for former Cherokee County deputy Garrett Gayoso, who is charged with child pornography production.

Gayoso's trial had been scheduled to begin March 23.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office placed Gayoso, 25, on administrative leave in April after the Fall River, Massachusetts Police Department said it was investigating the deputy for what was described as "an inappropriate relationship" between Gayoso and a juvenile female."

Gayoso later resigned. Massachusetts authorities charged him in May. A grand jury from the U. S. District Court in Kansas indicted him December 17.

A magistrate judge initially released Gayoso following his indictment, but the U. S. Attorney filed a motion asking for reconsideration and another judge overruled the decision and Gayoso was returned to jail.

The allegations against Gayoso were detailed in the U. S. Attorney's motion.

Defendant is a former law enforcement officer who abused his position of trust to groom a teenager online and get her to produce child pornography for his sexual pleasure. During the course of the months-long grooming, defendant was promoted to the role of Detective in February 2025, where he was supposed to be investigating the very types of crimes he was committing in secret.

Defendant is a danger and a flight risk and should be detained.

The case came to light when the victim’s mother searched Minor Victim 1’s laptop and cell phone and found sexually explicit messages and pictures between Minor Victim 1 – a 16-year-old high school student - and Defendant.

Minor Victim 1’s mother also discovered that Defendant had traveled to Massachusetts (where Minor Victim 1 resides) and had sex with Minor Victim 1. Minor Victim 1 confirmed that this all occurred.

Massachusetts law enforcement contacted the KBI to investigate further. Various search warrants were obtained, and Defendant was Mirandized and interviewed. During the interview, Defendant admitted that he met Minor Victim 1 online and moved the chats to snap but claimed they did not text much (but had over 24,000 text messages on his phone). 

Defendant admitted to having sex with Minor Victim 1. Defendant admitted that nude photographs were exchanged and that he sometimes requested the nude photographs. Defendant denied knowledge of Minor Victim 1’s age, but his denial is contradicted by the facts.

For example, Minor Victim 1 states that although they met on a website meant for 18-year-olds, that Defendant asked her almost immediately how old she was, and she responded truthfully that she was 16.

Additionally, a review of the text messages show that it is clear Defendant knew her age. Defendant talks about throwing a prom for the victim, discusses the 7-8 year age gap of Minor Victim 1’s parents and how it matches their age gap.

Additionally, at one point Minor Victim 1 sends her Massachusetts id card that clearly shows her date of birth on it. Defendant comments on the id. Although proving that Defendant knew Minor Victim 1’s age is not an element of production of child pornography, it is relevant to show that he absolutely knew she was a minor in high school.

Defendant’s cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a warrant. Defendant’s common social media handle was some variant of “Bootygoblin.” Agents found well over 24,000 text messages between August 17, 2024 and January 8, 2025.

Minor Victim 1 stated they were communicating through April 2025 (when her mother discovered the messages) and also reports that they communicated on other forums, such as Snapchat. Even with this incomplete picture, agents uncovered 119 images from Minor Victim 1 to Defendant, many of her entire nude body and many focused on her vagina.

There are also videos of Minor Victim 1 engaged in a sex act.

Defendant regularly discusses masturbating to these images. The chats are filled with sexually explicit comments, including when Defendant calls Minor Victim 1 “daddy’s little whore” and “daddy’s little slut” and “my cum slut” and “my whore” and “my obedient little whore.”

Defendant moved quickly in his grooming techniques with Minor Victim 1. Within his first 10 messages to the victim, he asks for a picture to see what she looks like. He starts talking about wanting to be in bed with her and rubbing her thigh within the first two hours of conversation.

After some of Defendant’s subtle suggestions, Minor Victim 1 states “I’m not sending you nudes we literally just met.” Nevertheless, Defendant continued to lavish Minor Victim 1 with praise and grooming and despite starting the conversation on the evening of August 17, already tells Minor Victim 1 he loves her around 1am on August 20.

The next day, on August 21, 2024, Defendant states “show me all of your body. That way nothing is secret or hidden from me.” The victim then sends a full body picture showing her breasts and vagina. It is evident this is new production because Minor Victim 1 states she needs to shave and Defendant responds he isn’t bothered by it before Minor Victim 1 says she will need some time to take a decent picture.

The text messages continue to when Defendant travels to Massachusetts to have sex with Minor Victim 1. After that encounter, the following exchange takes place:

MV1: Yes, I'm a little upset about something though

Defendant: What's that

MV1: I didn't like the whole not putting the condom on right away thing. I'm going to be paranoid as hell now

Defendant: I'm sorry baby

MV1: I don't want to take risks like that

Defendant: I'm sorry

MV1: It's okay just ask me before doing stuff like that next time

Defendant: You're right. I should've asked

Defendant then proceed to buy Plan B for Minor Victim 1.

The rest of the messages continue with the grooming and requests for child sex abuse material. At one point, Defendant asks Minor Victim 1 if she is still horny and suggests that she “take care of it” but then says “Don’t forget to show me.”

When Minor Victim 1 responds that she will, Defendant responds “Good girl.” They also discuss Defendant watching Minor Victim 1 engage in a sex act on a video call. In other words, the Defendant used Minor Victim 1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct in live chats that law enforcement does not have a record of.

Retired Carthage mail carrier's heroism recognized on USPS website

(The following story was posted today on the U. S. Postal Service employees' website Link)

Carthage, MO, City Carrier Karen Outhier was delivering a package at a retirement village on Dec. 9 when she heard someone crying for help.

Outhier looked around but didn’t see anyone.

When she heard the cry again, she followed the sound of the voice around a corner and between some cars to find an older woman on the ground. The woman said she had fallen and needed help.

Outhier ran to her vehicle to get her phone and called 911.

The Postal Service employee stayed with the customer until paramedics arrived. The woman was later found to have a brain tumor and is scheduled for surgery to remove it.

Outhier retired at the end of December.

Joplin Schools announces Teacher of the Year finalists

(From Joplin Schools)

Please help us congratulate the 2025-26 Joplin Schools Teacher of the Year Finalists! 

These teachers were nominated by our community, earned their building's Teacher of the Year award, and will now go on to be interviewed by a panel of judges to determine which one will represent our district as the Joplin Schools Teacher of the Year.

Each of these finalists are talented, experienced, compassionate, collaborative, highly skilled, and above all, dedicated to supporting their students in becoming the very best versions of themselves:

Anne Jakaitis, First Grade, Soaring Heights Elementary

Whitney Benfield, Fifth Grade, Irving Elementary

Stacie Frieze, Special Education, McKinley Elementary

Angela Graves, 7th Grade Reading, North Middle School

Tarryn Gilbert, Science, Joplin High School

Stay tuned for our district Teacher of the Year winner announcement in early April!

A-F rating system for public schools clears Missouri House

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s request to grade public schools on an “A” through “F” scale is pushing House lawmakers to approve legislation some think isn’t quite ready.

With approval and dissent on both sides of the aisle, the House voted a bill to create a new school accountability system through to the Senate 96-53 Thursday despite concerns the letter grades could be a “scarlet letter” for underperforming schools.

“Will this labeling system actually improve schools or will it mostly brand communities, destabilize staffing and incentivize gaming rather than learning?” asked state Rep. Kem Smith, a Democrat from Florissant, during House debate Tuesday morning.

She said the key metrics that determine the grade, performance and growth, are volatile.

“The label itself can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,” she said. “The bill doubles down on high stakes metrics that are known to be unstable.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Dane Diehl, a Republican from Butler, told lawmakers that a performance-based school report card with “A” through “F” grades is inevitable. The details, though, are negotiable.

“The governor’s executive order, it is going to happen either way,” he said. “I think we tried to make that process a little better for school districts.”

Kehoe’s order directs the state’s education department to draw up a plan for the report cards and present it to the State Board of Education. The board could reject the idea, but with a board with primarily new members appointed by Kehoe, lawmakers have accepted the system as fate.

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly and chair of the House’s education committee, told the committee in January that he prioritized the bill as a way to give lawmakers influence over the final outcome. He is happy with the edits the committee made, which gives the education department more leeway to determine grade thresholds and removes a provision that would raise expectations once 65% of schools achieve “A” or “B” grades.

The House also approved an amendment Tuesday that would grade schools’ environment. This would be based on the rates of student suspension, seclusion and restraint incident rates and satisfaction surveys given to students, parents and teachers.

The Senate’s version, which passed out of its education committee last week, does not include those changes.

“I think (the House bill) is the best product we have in the Capitol right now,” Lewis said. “I am not saying it’s complete, but it is the best we have right now.”

The changes have softened some skeptics of the legislation, like state Rep. Brad Pollitt.

Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said he didn’t support the legislation “for a number of years.” But with the edits, he sees potential for the legislation to usher in changes to the way the state accredits public schools.

The current process, he said, “nobody seems to like,” pointing to widespread concerns with the state’s standardized test.

Some of these changes are already happening quietly. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education received a grant from the federal government to develop a state assessment based on through-year testing, which would measure student growth throughout the school year, instead of a single summative assessment.

The department is poised to pilot the new test in 14 classrooms this spring, hoping to eventually offer it statewide within a few years. But the estimated startup cost of $2 million is one of many department requests cut from the governor’s proposed budget as the state grapples with declining revenue.

Creating the “A” through “F” report cards is estimated to cost a similar amount, if not more, according to the state’s fiscal note. The expense is largely frontloaded, going to the programming and technology support required to create the grade cards’ interface.

When The Independent asked Kehoe’s office about the fiscal note, the governor’s communications director Gabby Picard said he would work with “associated agencies” to determine appropriate funding “while remaining mindful of the current budget constraints and maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

The House’s version of the legislation includes an incentive program for high-performing schools, giving bonuses to go toward teacher recruitment and retention, if the legislature appropriates funding for the program.

The bill originally proposed incentives of $50-100 per student to subsidize teacher pay. This had large fiscal implications, and Lewis surmised that it would violate a section of the State Constitution prohibiting bonuses for public employees.

Making the funding optional and directing it to the school’s teacher recruitment and retention fund remedied those concerns. The Senate Education Committee removed the incentive program in its version of the legislation.

The House’s approval Thursday does not stop discussion and possible amendments. Next, the bill will go to the Senate for consideration, and if any changes are made, it will return to the House for more discussion.

Kehoe reappoints Mark Elliott, Ben Rosenberg to MSSU Board of Governors

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

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

T Mark Elliott, of Joplin, was reappointed to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors.

Mr. Elliott currently serves as an agency sales manager at Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance in Webb City and has been a licensed insurance broker since 1987. From 1986 to 2000, Elliott represented Jasper and Newton Counties as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. He is a graduate of Carl Junction High School and attended Drake University and Missouri Southern State University.

Mark Garnett, of West Plains, was appointed to the Missouri Air Conservation Commission.


Mr. Garnett currently operates Garnett Company, LLC, a national distributor of machine-quality drive screw pallet nails serving the wooden pallet industry. He previously worked for his family's company, Garnett Wood Products, for over 40 years. He is an active member of his community, previously serving as president of the board of directors for the Missouri Forest Products Association and the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association. He currently sits on the board of directors for Community First Banking Company, which he co-founded in 1997. Garnett holds bachelor's degrees in business management and marketing from Missouri State University.

Yulissa Gomez-Delgado, of Noel, was appointed as a student member to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors.

Ms. Gomez-Delgado is currently involved in several university-sponsored organizations, including the Student Senate, the President’s Student Ambassadors, Global Leaders, and the Latin American Student Alliance. Off-campus, she works as a teller at Southwest Missouri Bank and volunteers with the Noel Housing Authority. Gomez-Delgado is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration at Missouri Southern State University.

Matt Klumper, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board.

Mr. Klumper is a government accounts officer at Central Bank. Previously, he served as the superintendent of the Michael Prenger Family Center and was a functional unit manager for the Missouri Department of Corrections. Klumper holds a Bachelor of Science in Organization Management from Hannibal-LaGrange College and a Master of Business Administration from William Woods University.

Benjamin Rosenberg, of Joplin, was reappointed to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors.

Dr. Rosenberg is a retired pediatric dentist, having practiced in Joplin since 1968. He holds a strong record of civic service, including membership on the Joplin R-VIII School Board, the Joplin Zoning and Planning Board, and the Joplin Parks and Recreation Board. Dr. Rosenberg has also served as a member of the Joplin City Council. He earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Oklahoma and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Roger Stottlemyre, of Lee's Summit, was appointed to the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Mr. Stottlemyre is a retired colonel and former superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, serving in that role from 2001 to 2006. He also previously served as director of the Missouri Gaming Commission. He has held membership in several civic organizations, including Rotary International, Leadership Missouri, and the Missouri State Troopers Association. Stottlemyre is a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, having earned the rank of corporal.

Meridith Vogeler, DNP, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Ms. Vogeler is a professor and nursing program director at Lindenwood University. Previously, she served as an emergency room nurse for SSM Health and as an instructor at St. Charles Community College. She holds a variety of leadership positions at Lindenwood University, including serving as chair of the Nursing Faculty Academic Council. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, her master's degree in nursing education from Northwest Missouri State University, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education from Arkansas State University.

Crane man killed in crash south of Sarcoxie

A Crane man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 12 a.m. today on Tiger Road at Aspen Road three miles south of Sarcoxie.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse driven by a 25-year-old Crane man traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence, returned to the road, traveled off the right side of the road, struck another fence and overturned.

Newton County Coroner Jerry Deems pronounced the driver dead at the scene at 12:27 a.m.

The fatality was the 19th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Neosho man sentenced to 10 years for child abuse

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

A Neosho man has been sentenced to prison after entering a guilty plea to a Class B felony of Abuse or Neglect of a Child on February 25, 2026. The plea was entered pursuant to North Carolina v. Alford, whereby the defendant admitted there is sufficient evidence to convict him without admitting wrongdoing.

David Matin, 63, of Neosho, Missouri was sentenced to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge John LePage of the 40th Judicial Circuit after pleading guilty as charged.

The charges arose when, in April of 2023, physicians treated a 20-month-old child that was suffering from emaciation. Physicians determined there was no medical reason for the emaciation. Deputy Brad Black with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office determined the defendant was the father of the child and was charged with the care, custody and control of the child and the mother was a ward of the state. 

Matin made statements to Deputy Black that he stopped feeding the child baby food because he understood that baby food had lead and arsenic in it.

“The photos that we were shown of this poor child left an indelible mark on my staff and myself,”
said Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch. 

“Immediately, our team sprang into action and sunk our teeth into this case. David Matin now has a decade sentence to look forward to for failing to adequately care for his daughter, who has by the grace of God made a full recovery.”

“Our officers, medical professionals, and investigator and victim advocates worked tirelessly for this outcome,” stated Sarah Crites, Newton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. “The child’s foster families and guardians also allowed us to fully seek justice while also ensuring the health and safety of our victim.”

The case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Sarah Crites and William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Joplin man charged with statutory rape, statutory sodomy

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney charged a Joplin man with two counts of statutory rape and two counts of statutory sodomy.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Adam Lukes Sauceda (DOB 1989) who is to be held without bond.

Sauceda allegedly molested a 12-year-old girl from the time she was 7, including February 28 and March 1 of this year.

The girl lived in Carthage when the assaults allegedly began and moved to Joplin in 2023. She described how Sauceda assaulted her

From the probable cause statement:

Victim 1 disclosed that when Sauceda would have sex with her she felt pain, that there was never a
time where it didn't hurt. Victim 1 disclosed that Sauceda told her not to tell anyone, that he would get
into trouble or go to jail. 

The girl said Sauceda had used his phone to record some of the assaults, according to the probable cause statement.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Saucedo talked to Joplin Police investigators.

During this interview Sauceda admitted that he had recorded victim 1 performing oral sex on him while at the Joplin, Jasper County address.

Sauceda also acknowledged other sexual assaults, the probable cause statement said.

Pineville woman killed, 2 people injured in crash

One person was killed and two injured in a two-vehicle collision at 9:10 a.m. today on Business Route U. S. 71 in Pineville.

According to the Highway Patrol, a 2024 Ford Expedition driven by a 27-year-old Prairie Grove, Arkansas man was making a left turn when it struck a 2004 Cadillac driven by a 42-year-old Pineville man.

A passenger in the Cadillac, a 23-year-old Pineville woman, was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:29 a.m.

The Pineville man was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Joplin.

The Prairie Grove man was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Bella Vista. 

Stella man killed in collision on 76

A Stella man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 7:10 a.m. Wednesday on MO 76 five miles north of Pineville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Ford F250 driven by a 20-year-old Stella man traveled into the lane of a 2019 Kenworth Tractor driven by a 45-year-old Berryville, Arkansas man.

McDonald County Coroner David Goens pronounced the Stella man dead at the scene at 7:57 a.m.

The fatality was the 17th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Tree management marks beginning of Grand Falls Trail and Overlook Plaza project

(From the City of Joplin)

In preparation for the Grand Falls Trail and Overlook Plaza project, City staff and a contractor are clearing select trees and brush in the project area. This work follows surveying and assessment to identify appropriate species and locations for removal. The City also partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation on native plant species identification and invasive plant management to protect the area.

This work must occur now because removal of suitable habitat trees and snags — typically those greater than three inches in diameter at breast height with exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, or hollows — is restricted to November 15 through March 15. Conducting the work during this window avoids impacts to threatened or endangered bat species identified in the Endangered Species Act review of the project area. In cooperation with U.S. Corps of Engineers to leave organic material in the area, some downed trees will be cut into smaller pieces and remain on the forest ground. 

Designs for the Grand Falls Trail and Plaza are nearly finalized, with the project bid expected to be let this summer. Upon completion, this project will offer the community and travelers a great opportunity to experience Grand Falls, considered the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri, and Joplin’s most visited site.

The Grand Falls Trail will offer a 1.1 mile shared path following Shoal Creek to connect with the Tin Cup Trail and other trails in the area of McIndoe Park.

The Trailhead and Plaza, located in the Grand Falls area, will consist of a falls overlook with about one thousand feet of elevated boardwalk through the area designated as wetlands near the falls. The overlook will be southeast of the falls and provide a view from below the falls. The parking lot will be on the east side of Riverside Drive, with a restroom and pavilion. The project also includes trail signage and a parking lot to accommodate travelers coming by car, truck or tour bus.

Freeman Health buying four NW Arkansas hospitals

(From Freeman Health)

Freeman Health System today announced it has entered into a purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH) to acquire Northwest Health in Northwest Arkansas, including its four hospitals - Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center – Springdale, Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, and Siloam Springs Regional Hospital – along with associated outpatient centers and practices. 

The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, is expected to be finalized in the second quarter this year, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

“This is a meaningful moment for Freeman and the communities we serve,” said President and CEO of Freeman Health System Matthew Fry. “While this marks our first expansion into Arkansas, it is a natural extension of our longstanding regional presence. Northwest Health has a long history of caring for its communities, and we are honored to continue that legacy while bringing forward Freeman’s commitment to compassionate, community-focused care.”

Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system offering more than 80 specialties across more than 30 points of care. As the region’s largest local healthcare provider, Freeman is committed to delivering care in ways that prioritize long-term community well-being. 

Welcoming Northwest Health aligns with Freeman Health System’s Freeman Forward strategic plan to expand access, support caregivers, and invest in clinical excellence throughout the Four-State region.

There will be no disruption to patient care during the transition, and both organizations are working closely together to ensure a smooth, thoughtful process for employees, providers, and patients.

More information will be shared closer to the completion of the transaction. Updates will be shared
online at www.freemanhealth.com/northwesthealth.

Northpark Mall owner buys Nebraska mall, sells open-air center

(From CBL Properties)

CBL Properties (NYSE:CBL) today announced two significant transactions that advance the company’s strategic focus on accretively growing its mall portfolio and increasing cash flow through capital recycling. (Note: CBL Properties owns Northpark Mall in Joplin.)

CBL has completed the acquisition of Gateway Mall, a market-dominant enclosed shopping center located in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a purchase price of $43.5 million from Washington Prime Group (WPG). The acquisition of Gateway Mall was financed through a $21.0 million non‑recourse, five‑year loan provided by Symetra Life Insurance Company. The loan carries a fixed interest rate of 6.46%.

In a separate transaction, CBL has entered into a firm contract for the sale of an open‑air center at an approximately 8% capitalization rate. The transaction is expected to generate net proceeds after debt repayment of $25 million, with an anticipated close in April.

“Gateway Mall is a high‑performing, well‑located asset in a dynamic and growing market,” said Stephen D. Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties. “This acquisition was accomplished at attractive pricing and aligns with our strategy to pursue high-yield enclosed mall opportunities where our operating expertise and capital discipline can drive long‑term value. In addition, the pending sale of another open-air center at an attractive cap rate demonstrates our ongoing progress in recycling capital from stabilized assets into new investments that are accretive to our cash flow yield and support our long‑term growth. We look forward to enhancing the customer experience and strengthening the property’s position as a dominant retail destination for Lincoln and the broader region. Gateway Mall is a natural addition to our portfolio and complements our purchase last year of four market dominant malls, also from WPG.”

About Gateway Mall

Gateway Mall is the dominant enclosed regional shopping center located in Lincoln, Nebraska, serving a trade area of more than 1.3 million residents. The property encompasses approximately 843,000 square feet and features strong small‑shop occupancy of more than 95%. As the only enclosed mall in the region, Gateway Mall benefits from its prime location just three miles from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and its proximity to major governmental, educational, healthcare, and technology employers.

The center is anchored by a diverse lineup of national retailers, including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Round 1, H&M, ULTA, Ross Dress for Less, Sierra, Tesla, and Total Wine & More as well as more than 215,000-square-feet of shops and restaurants. With a longstanding position as Lincoln’s primary enclosed retail destination, Gateway Mall plays a critical role in the region’s shopping, dining, and entertainment landscape.

Police say Joplin man is prime suspect in bar district fatal shooting

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is actively trying to locate Andre Emmanuel Swindell 40, of Joplin in connection with the homicide that occurred on February 28th, 2026, in the 500 block of Joplin Avenue. 

Through an extensive and ongoing investigation, the Joplin Police Department has identified Swindell as the primary suspect involved in the shooting death of Anthony Campbell.

Swindell is described as a black male approximately six-foot three inches in height, weighing one hundred and ninety pounds. He also was known to have long, dreadlock- style brown hair. 

At this time, it is unknown what vehicle he may be in or what he is wearing. Swindell should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with any information regarding Swindell’s whereabouts is to contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911.

If anyone has any information about this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department. Contact options include calling Sergeant Jason Stump at 417-623-3131 ext. 1620, submitting information to TIP411.com, or by using the “Joplin PD” app from your app store.

On February 28th, 2026, the Jasper Prosecutor's Office issued warrants for Swindell, including the charges of First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.Police Department

Earlier news release

Joplin Police are asking for tips as the investigation into a fatal shooting continues, the shooting occurred on 2/28/2026 in the 500 block of Joplin Avenue. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department. Any information is extremely valuable, no matter how insignificant it is believed to be.

Tips and information can be directed to Sergeant Jason Stump at 417-623-3131 ext. 1620 or TIP411.com, or by using the “Joplin PD” app from your app store.

As the investigation has continued, investigators with the Joplin Police Department have relentlessly followed up on numerous leads regarding the homicide investigation.

Joplin Police Investigators have identified the victim as Anthony Campbell, 27, of Joplin.

An autopsy has been scheduled for today, 3/2/2026 in Springfield, Missouri.

The Joplin Police Department believes that this incident was isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

This investigation is active and ongoing. As additional information becomes available, it will be released.

Original news release

On 02/28/26 at 01:48 am, Joplin Emergency Communications Center received a call of gun shots in the 500 block of Joplin Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male subject with apparent fatal gunshot wounds. The suspect fled the scene before officers' arrival.

Detectives with the Joplin Police Department have initiated a homicide investigation.

The victim's name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Updated information will be released as the investigation continues.

If anyone has information related to this incident, please contact Sergeant Jason Stump at 417-623-3131 ext. 1620.

Pleasant Valley principal placed on administrative lead after domestic violence arrest

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education has reportedly placed Pleasant Valley Elementary principal Donald Cox on administrative leave after Webb City Police arrested Cox February 27 on a domestic assault charge.

Cox, 49, posted a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Webb City Municipal Court 1:30 p.m. April 1.

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education placed Brittany Thompson, can ELA instructional facilitator who is scheduled to be an assistant principal at Columbian Elementary next year, and Bobbie Murrell, an instructional coach who is scheduled to be an assistant principal at Steadley Elementary School next year, in charge of Pleasant Valley on an interim basis.

The board recently announced that Cox is transferring to Carthage Intermediate Center to serve as an assistant principal for the 2026-27 school year while continuing to serve as the district's safety reporting coordinator and Title 1 coordinator.

Republicans push forward with proposal to replace Missouri income tax with sales tax

By Rudi Keller

Missouri Independent

The proposal to eliminate the state income tax is moving to the Missouri House floor following a party-line committee vote Wednesday.

The 7-3 vote on Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s top priority followed a heated discussion where Democrats on the House Commerce Committee accused Republicans of steering the state into a fiscally dangerous future.

“You don’t turn an economy around on a dime,” said state Rep. Steve Butz, a St. Louis Democrat. “If there is a mistake made, either by the public or by this legislature — and surely we have enough examples of the legislature making plenty of mistakes — we’re not going to be able to react quickly enough to offset that.”

Republicans, in response, said Missouri is losing out to states like Tennessee and Florida that have no income tax. Eliminating the tax would put each taxpayer in charge of whether they want to spend their money on taxable goods and services or use it elsewhere, they said.

“We can see what’s happened to other states,” said state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson. “It’s affected them in a very positive manner. People are staying. The states are being built and rebuilt. Industries are coming in, and we want to have a piece of that pie.”

As originally filed, the proposed constitutional amendment would ask voters to give lawmakers broad authority to set up a new expanded sales tax system and use the revenue to reduce and then eliminate the state income tax. The committee passed a revised version Wednesday morning that sets revenue growth goals for reducing the top income rate, which is currently 4.7%.

For each additional $20 million in revenue over the base year of fiscal year 2025, the top rate would be cut by 0.01 percentage points, with a cap of a 1.6 percentage point reduction in the top rate in any given year.

To achieve the maximum reduction in a single year, revenue would have to grow by $3.2 billion from the expanded sales tax base.

The tax would be eliminated when those reductions combine to lower the top rate to 1.4%.

Missouri’s personal income tax is almost flat, with the top rate applying to taxable incomes greater than $9,436. There are significant exemptions from the tax, including all Social Security payments, a share of retirement income and capital gains, which are the profits from the sale of property or other assets.

The income tax generated about 65% of the state’s annual general revenue receipts in fiscal year 2025, which were $13.4 billion in the year that ended June 30.

The proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, would go on the ballot in August or November. It would give lawmakers three years to expand the sales tax to “all goods and services” and eliminate exemptions to raise enough revenue to replace the income tax without having to seek another statewide vote.

The current state sales tax is 3% for general revenue, plus 1.225% earmarked for public schools, conservation, state parks and soil conservation. Local option sales taxes add to the 4.225% total, and there are more than 50 locations in the state where the total sales tax is 11% or higher.

Matching the current revenue from the individual income tax without expanding the transactions that are taxed would require raising the state sales tax to nearly 13%.

The proposal would allow sales tax on motor fuel for the first time. It would also exempt revenue from sales tax on fuel from a constitutional provision dedicating all taxes on gasoline and diesel to highway needs.

Missourians will reject the plan, Democrats said during committee debate.

“They’re already worried about the current budget and the cost of living,” state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “They’re concerned about essential programs that are being cut now. The building has been full of people the last couple of weeks worrying about this. No one is asking for the elimination of state income tax.”

Republicans responded by saying the proposal will test what voters want and make the legislature conform to that.

“This really does nothing but go to the voters and say, ‘Do you want to change the system and try a new approach’,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit who is sponsoring the proposal.

And there are plenty of people, he said, asking to eliminate the income tax.

“A lot of times they ask with their feet,” Patterson said. “They move, they go to different places. They might not ask, but they’ve told us what their answers are.”

El Vallarta Restaurant, It's Greek To Me fail Joplin Health Department inspections

 El Vallarta Restaurant, 2330 S. Range Line Road, and It's Greek To Me, 101 N. Range Line Road, failed Joplin Health Department inspections, according to information posted on the department website.

El Vallarta Restaurant

El Vallarta Restaurant recorded four priority violations and 10 core violations.

The priority violations were for the following:

-Salsa and food were being cold held above 41 degrees.

-Food items in the walk-in cooler were missing date markings or were improperly marked.

-The sanitizer concentration for chlorine in the dish machine was less than 10 ppm

-A bottle of Fabuloso and a can of WD-40 were stored on a food preparation surface in the kitchen.

Core violations were noted for the following:

-Soiled and used wiping cloths were in contact with food equipment in the kitchen.

-Boxes and food containers were stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler.

-Food containers were stored uncovered.

-No sanitizer test kit was provided.

-The cutting board on the prep table cooler in the kitchen was excessively worn.

-The walk-in freezer door was in disrepair.

-The fire suppression system components above the grill have a grease accumulation.

-Coving is missing in several parts of the kitchen.

-An accumulation of liquid was on the floor of the walk-in cooler.

-Employee medicine was improperly stored in the kitchen.

It's Greek To Me

It's Greek To Me had four priority violations and eight core violations.

Priority violations were for the following reasons:

-Falafel is stored in non-food grade shopping bags.

-Ready to eat potentially hazardous foods in the walk-in cooler did not have discard dates.

-Cut tomatoes, hummus and ranch were being cold held above 41 degrees.

-Sanitizer concentration for the chlorine in the sanitizer bucket was at 0 ppm.

Core violations were for the following reasons:

-A scoop handled was stored in direct contact with ice

-A container of shredded lettuce was stored uncovered.

-Sanitzer test kits were not being used.

-The floor of the walk-in cooler had debris accumulations.

-The front cold holding table had heavy debris and frost accumulations.

-Chest freezers had frost accumulations.

-Kitchen ceiling tiles and light fixtures were damaged.

-Employee clothes were hanging on soda boxes in the kitchen.

***

The following establishments passed their inspections.

Cecil Floyd Elementary School, 2201 W. 24th Street

Ozark Christian College- Main Kitchen, 1111 N. Main Street

Bloom, 218 S. Main Street

Wiseguys, 612 S. Main Street

Braum's 2410 S. Range Line Road (re-inspection)

Mythos, 1306 S. Range Line Road

Ghetto Tacos (Mobile) (re-inspection)

Tropicana Bar and Grill, 2402 S. Main Street

Turnaround Ranch, 1949 S. Snowberry Lane

Soul's Harbor Kitchen, 915 S. Main Street (re-inspection)

CiCi's Pizza, 1602 S. Range Line Road

Joplin Cafe, 2330 W. 20th Street

Neosho man charged with statutory rape of runaway teen

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a statutory rape charge today against a Neosho man who allegedly raped a 16-year-old runaway girl.

Jonathan Lee Cooper, 23, is being held without bond.

The allegations against Cooper are detailed in the probable cause statement.

Upon arrival, I observed a green Ford F-150 parked in the alleyway behind the residence. I made contact with the vehicle and ordered the passenger to exit the truck. The passenger was identified as Jonathan Cooper. 

While approaching Mr. Cooper, I observed Vl on the driver's side of the truck. I then ordered V1 to
step out of the vehicle, but she refused.

I spoke with Mr. Cooper, who stated that he had walked from his friend's house near his residence toward the Burger King area, where he met V1. Mr. Cooper explained that he was assisting V1 because she was being abused by her sister.

He stated that he took V1 back to his residence and allowed her to sleep in his truck.

Mr. Cooper was taken into custody and charged with Permitting/Aiding a Child to Run Away, under the Division of Youth Services.

V1 stated that she is 16 years old and a runaway juvenile. She reported that she was not permitted to leave her home and alleged that Mr. Cooper had sexually assaulted her. 

At Newton County Jail, Mr. Cooper was read his Miranda rights.

During the interview, he admitted to having sexual intercourse with V1 on two occasions.

Because Mr. Cooper is 23 years old, he committed the offense of Second-Degree Statutory Rape by engaging in sexual intercourse with V1, who is under 17 years of age.

Jasper County Sheriff's Office warns of mail being stolen from rural Carthage mailboxes

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

Over the past several days, investigators have received multiple reports of mail being stolen from residential mailboxes. These incidents appear to be occurring primarily in neighborhoods and housing clusters on the outskirts of the Carthage area. At this time, the investigation is still ongoing.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity. If you observe an unfamiliar person or vehicle stopping at multiple mailboxes, particularly during unusual hours, please contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

The Sheriff’s Office is also asking residents in the affected areas to review any available doorbell cameras, home security cameras, or surveillance systems for suspicious activity that may have occurred near their mailbox or along their street. Any photos or videos that may assist investigators would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone with information related to these incidents, or who may have captured suspicious activity on camera, is encouraged to contact the Det. Metscher at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 417-358-8177 ext 1254.

If you observe suspicious activity in progress, please call 417-359-9100.

We appreciate the community’s assistance and cooperation as investigators work to identify those responsible.

State auditor blames former Fairview mayor and his girlfriend for more than $10,000 in missing funds

(From State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick)

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is urging city officials in Fairview to seek justice after a review by his office found the former mayor and his girlfriend are responsible for more than $10,000 in missing funds. 

Fitzpatrick issued a letter to the city this week that details how a lack of segregation of duties and proper oversight allowed at least $10,314 to go missing under the watch of former Mayor Peter "PJ" Janis and his girlfriend, who served as a city clerk.

"Even though the former mayor has admitted the missing money looks 'horrible' and is willing to take responsibility for it, current city officials in Fairview should still work with law enforcement regarding criminal prosecution and take the necessary steps to obtain restitution. These dollars represent utility bills paid by the people of Fairview that should have gone into the city water account and Peter Janis needs to be held fully accountable for apparently diverting these funds into his own pockets," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. 

Fitzpatrick added, "When taken together, our original audit, the follow-up report, and this letter provide an extensive list of areas where the city should improve its oversight as well as its overall efficiency and accountability to taxpayers. City officials need to prioritize putting our recommendations into place to help ensure large amounts of money don't go missing in the future."

The letter documents how at least $10,314 in cash was received and recorded in the city's accounting system and/or manual receipt books, but not deposited from June 2023 through April 2024. The missing $10,314 was receipted during the period the former Mayor was responsible for overseeing the city's financial functions, and he and his girlfriend were responsible for making deposits. The missing money represents over 43% of utility payments made with cash during the 11-month period. The letter also notes additional money may have been received but not receipted, recorded, or deposited, resulting in possible additional missing money.

Fitzpatrick's office found the missing money was able to go undetected because the city lacked segregation of duties, proper oversight, and adequate reconciliations of utility billings. The letter notes the city's Board of Aldermen did not segregate duties or ensure sufficient oversight, and receipting controls were inadequate. 

The city clerks were responsible for almost all the accounting functions and no one verified the deposits after they were made. Additionally, the former mayor received payments and had access to the accounting system, but no one verified that he issued receipt slips, recorded receipts in the accounting system, and deposited those receipts. Additionally, the former city clerks did not perform monthly reconciliations of amounts billed, payments received, bank deposit slips, and bank statements for the period June 2023 through April 2024.

The review conducted by Auditor Fitzpatrick's office was prompted by concerns raised by residents and city officials during the time auditors were conducting a follow-up review of the city. The State Auditor's Office released a performance audit in 2022 that gave the city a "poor" rating and identified improper payments to a former city clerk and conflicts of interest by a former mayor. The follow-up report issued in 2024 found the city had implemented only 3 of the 22 recommendations made by the 2022 audit.

***
(Note: The following items are from the letter that was sent to Fairview officials.)

The Former Mayor, Peter "PJ" Janis, took office in April 2023 and served as Mayor until April 2024. As
of April 2023, the city also employed a City Clerk and Treasurer. The City Clerk and Treasurer were
responsible for the daily duties of receiving and recording receipts and preparing and making deposits. They were also responsible for preparing utility bills, posting payments in the utility system, making adjustments in the utility system, and monitoring delinquent utility accounts. The City Clerk and Treasurer resigned on June 12, 2023, because they were concerned about a missing deposit from June 5, 2023, and additional missing receipts from June 7 and 8, 2023. City officials indicated the office was closed on those days because the City Clerk and Treasurer were attending training, but the former Mayor opened City Hall.

Upon the resignation of the City Clerk and Treasurer, the former Mayor took over the financial duties and completed all financial functions for the city for approximately 6 weeks. The city then hired a City Clerk at the end of July 2023. The former Mayor also hired his girlfriend, Chelsea Dick, as an additional City Clerk, and she worked for the city from July 2023 until December 2023. The clerks performed the daily duties of receiving and recording customer payments, issuing receipts to customers, posting payments in the utility system, and preparing deposits. The former Mayor received and recorded customer payments when the clerks were not available. The former Mayor and former City Clerk Chelsea Dick were responsible for making deposits. 

In April 2024, the former Mayor's term ended, and he was replaced by the current Mayor.

In May 2024, city officials contacted the State Auditor's Office Whistleblower Hotline indicating they
discovered money was missing after performing a review of utility records. This review was initiated after a utility customer indicated his payment (paid by check) had not cleared the bank. Our review of the same records supported the city officials' conclusions. The current Mayor then contacted the former Mayor and requested that he return any payments still in his possession.

Former Mayor's reaction

In addition to undeposited cash, we noted 36 payments erroneously deposited into the General Account
instead of the utility account, totaling $2,596.

We discussed the missing money in a recorded interview with the former Mayor. When asked if he felt responsible for the money missing because he was Mayor at the time this all took place, the former Mayor stated "Well yeah. . . I mean if. . . I mean that makes it look. . . horrible on my end." 

The former Mayor did not provide an explanation for what happened to the missing money, but stated "I'll take responsibility for it." 

When asked if he would be willing to pay the city back for the missing money, he stated that he would
be willing to do so, and would be willing to make monthly payments for however long it takes, because
"either way I'm responsible for it." 

The former Mayor wrote out and signed a statement indicating, "I Peter Janis former Mayor of Fairview Mo, will take full responsibility for any and all missing funds from city water account, in the amount of $10,358.03."

On April 25, 2024, the former Mayor returned 30 checks and money orders, from 24 customer accounts,
totaling $2,084. The payments were dated from February 8, 2024, through March 19, 2024. 

When asked why he still had the payments in his possession after no longer being in office, the former Mayor indicated that it was the final deposit from the time he was Mayor, and that he had intended to deposit the payments, but the bank bag had gotten lost in his truck. However, this does not fully explain all retained receipts because the checks were from various dates over a 6-week period, and the former Mayor previously indicated he made deposits approximately weekly.

Burlison, Alford file for re-election

Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison filed for re-election Monday, joining two others in the Republican primary.

John Casey, Republic; and Grayson Hunt, Willard, filed on the first day.

One candidate, Missi Hesketh, Forsyth, has filed on the Democratic ticket.

Fourth District incumbent Mark Alford, R-Raymore, filed today. At this point, he has no primary opponent, but five Democrats have filed.

Those filing are Jordan Herrera, Kansas City, Wayne Russell, Columbia, Hartzell Gray III, Lees Summit, G Rick, Morrisville, and Jeanette Cass, Niangua.