Candidates filing for state legislature, Congress

Three candidates have filed for Seventh District Congress since the filing period opened earlier this week, but that list doesn't include the incumbent, Eric Burlison.

Filing thus far are two Republican candidates, John Casey, Republic, and Grayson Hunt, Willard.

Missi Hesketh, Forsyth, filed on the Democratic ticket.

A race has developed for the 32nd District State Senate spot with incumbent Jill Carter opposed by Ellen Nichols, both Republicans.

In the six Joplin area state representative positions, four of the incumbents, Lane Roberts, R-Joplin, Bob Bromley, R-Carl Junction, Dirk Deaton, R-Noel, and Ann Kelley, R-Lamar, are term-limited, while the resignation of Ben Baker, R-Neosho, to take a position with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, has left the 160th District seat open.

The only incumbent eligible to run is Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, R-Carthage, in the 163rd District.

Those filing during the first week for state representative are listed below.

127th District- Republicans Ryan Hagedorn, Stockton; and Brenden J. Kelley, Lamar

159th District- Republicans Joel Mace, Goodman; and Mark Bartley, Pineville

160th District- Republicans Chris Wright, Joplin; and Jonathan Russell, Neosho; Democrat Angela Thomas, Neosho

161st District- Republicans Thomas Ross, Joplin; and Louise Curchin Secker, Joplin; Democrat Aaron Joseph Metzger, Joplin

162nd District- Republican Walter Hayes, Carl Junction

163rd District- Republican Cathy Jo Loy, Carthage; Democrat Brenna Barksdale, Carthage

House bill would bring driver’s ed courses back to Missouri schools

By Samantha Jackson

Columbia Missourian

The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would bring driver’s education back to Missouri public schools at the elementary and secondary education levels.

Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, sponsor of House Bill 2195, told the committee at a hearing on Wednesday that he aims to allow public schools to integrate driver education courses in their curricula for students.

Reedy said he believes teaching students about the rules of the road will help reduce the teen fatality rate and make the roads safer for everyone.

Reedy said he recognizes that some schools do have driver education courses, but they are usually in the summer and have a fee attached to them. His bill will be implemented in courses that students are already learning during the school year and will not have a fee.

Students would learn about obtaining a driver’s permit, attitudes, habits and skills on safely operating a vehicle, as well as instruction on distracted driving, traffic stops, and learn data on driver safety in the state. The bill would not require students to actually drive vehicles.

“Anytime we have better-educated drivers, I think we are a safer community,” Reedy said.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri is car crashes; in 2023, 133 people were killed in teen-driver-involved traffic crashes.

The bill asks the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to receive instructional lessons from school districts and professional organizations for safe driving programs. Schools can voluntarily adopt these programs into their classrooms with no cost.

Nick Chabarria, a public and government affairs specialist with AAA of Missouri and the chair of the Missouri Driver Education Coalition, expressed support for this “sensible, low-cost solution” in terms of fostering driver safety at a young age.

“Missouri teens, compared to surrounding states that do require some form of formal driver education, are about 80% more likely on average to be involved in a crash compared to states that don’t,” Chabarria said.

Kimberly St. Clair, inventor and founder of Doc Dash, a federally patented communication safety system for drivers, police, and EMS during traffic stops and medical emergencies, expressed support for the bill as well.

“The loss of young drivers serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a family and a community that is forever changed,” St. Clair said.

Doc Dash has been implemented in five schools, teaching students traffic laws, compliance, safe driving behavior, and clear communication to officials during traffic stops, crashes and emergencies. Their curriculum also includes mock traffic stops and scenarios for students to get a full demonstration of real-world events.

“These students are not only reminded what the law requires, but why compliance matters, and how speed, distraction, documentation, readiness, and respectful engagement are all very necessary,” St. Clair said.


Having trained nearly 600 students, St. Clair says her organization is “more than prepared” to provide curriculum lessons to DESE to enhance students’ knowledge on driver education and safety.

Mark Alford: President Trump's State of the Union message was clear, confident and rooted in results

(From Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

President Trump’s State of the Union wasn’t complicated. It was clear, confident, and rooted in results.

The message was simple: America is back. And the state of our Union is STRONG.

Strength doesn’t come from speeches. It comes from policies that work for real people.

That’s exactly what we’ve delivered.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act is already putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans. No tax on tips. No tax on overtime. Relief for seniors. Relief for parents. Relief for small businesses.

Recently, Melvin from Benton County called my office. His daughter and son-in-law filed their taxes and, because of this law, are receiving $6,000 each back — $12,000 total for one Missouri family. That’s groceries. Mortgage payments. Savings for the future.

At the same time, President Trump has restored order at our southern border. Illegal crossings have dropped to historic lows. Catch-and-release is over. Criminal illegal aliens are being deported. Promises made are being kept.

Here in Missouri’s Fourth District, we’re delivering as well. I helped secure $23 million in responsible federal investments this year to strengthen workforce development and local communities. 

We also introduced legislation to ban Members of Congress from trading individual stocks, because public service should never mean personal profit.

And we’re working to restore housing affordability so young families can once again achieve the American Dream of homeownership.

This is what America-First leadership looks like: secure borders, lower taxes, growing paychecks, stronger communities.

We are witnessing and LIVING in a new Golden Age of American strength and opportunity. And we are just getting started.

Braum's, U Gas, Maverick fail Joplin Health Department inspections

Braum's, 2410 S. Range Line Road; U Gas, 2702 S. Main Street; and Maverick, 3434 S. Range Line Road failed Joplin Health Department inspections, according to information posted on the department website.

Braum's

Braum's received a priority violation for having potentially hazardous foods being cold held above 41 degrees.

Core violations were noted for debris accumulations on the floor in the dry storage area, a damaged floor drain beneath the men's bathroom urinal and for having a worn floor grout in the kitchen area that was holding food and grease debris.

U Gas

U Gas received a priority violation for having a dairy product in cream dispenser being cold held above 41 degrees and a core violation for having dead insects beneath and above the bag-in box system, as well as in a light fixture.

Maverick

Maverick received a priority violation for having potentially hazardous food items in the open air display cooler being cold held above 41 degrees

***

The following establishments passed their inspections:

Dollar Tree, 1502 W. 7th Street

Best Western Breakfast, 3502 S. Range Line Road

Joplin 44 Petro, 4240 S. 43 Highway

Joplin High School Main Kitchen, 2104 S. Indiana Avenue (re-inspection)

Joplin Flea Market; Blue Collar Cafe, 1200 S. Virginia Avenue

U Gas, 2115 S. Connecticut Avenue

Dutch Bros. Coffee, 1036 S. Range Line Road

McAuley Catholic High School, 920 S. Pearl Avenue

Union Station Deli, 705 S. Illinois Avenue

Smoking Crab and Seafood Company, 712 W. 20th Street

Quik Trip, 6601 E. 32nd Street

Queen of Pho, 2914 E. 32nd Street

Subway, 1814 W. 32nd Street

Nice Guys, 101 N. Range Line Road (re-inspection)

Maria's Mexican Grill and Cantina, 2850 S. Range Line Road

Moe's Southwest Grill, 3120 S. Main Street

Joplin Police investigating fatal shooting on Joplin Avenue

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On 02/28/26 at 01:48 am, the 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.

Jill Carter says her bill will strengthen election integrity

(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)

State Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, presented Senate Bill 985 on Monday before the Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee. The legislation is designed to strengthen election integrity and improve the electoral process for Missourians.

“Senate Bill 985 is about strengthening transparency and trust in our elections,” Sen. Carter said. “By requiring the Secretary of the State to assign a unique ID to every voting precinct across the state, and directing local election officials to report results according to their original precinct using those IDs, we are ensuring greater accuracy, accountability, and clarity in the electoral process for every voter.”

Currently, absentee ballots are reported as a separate precinct rather than being attributed back to the voter’s home precinct — a practice this bill seeks to correct to ensure more accurate and transparent reporting.

“This change creates greater transparency for both the public and elected officials,” Sen. Carter said. “By implementing this approach, we can gain a clearer and more accurate picture of public sentiment on the issues that matter most to our communities and the candidates that will represent them.”

Senate Bill 985 further strengthens election administration by requiring the statewide voter file — which is accessible under Missouri law to poll watchers, election judges and the public — to be updated in a timely manner as elections approach.

Ensuring the voter rolls are current helps equip the volunteers and election workers who dedicate their time to safeguarding our elections with accurate information on election night. The committee substitute has already refined this provision, tightening the language to eliminate any potential misinterpretation and clarify the bill’s intent. Finally, Senate Bill 985 extends a sunset provision for a fee that the Secretary of State collects to fund election operations.

Shelby Frakes named principal at Joplin McKinley Elementary

(From Joplin Schools)

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Shelby Frakes as head principal at McKinley Elementary! She will succeed Jason Riddle, who retires at the end of this school year.

Ms. Frakes has served Joplin Schools since 2011 when she began teaching at Emerson Elementary shortly before the May 2011 tornado. She later became part of the consolidation of Emerson and Irving Elementaries, having opportunities to teach both second and third grades. Starting in 2021 as Dean of Students at Columbia and West Central Elementaries, Frakes called upon her experience in school consolidation to ensure a successful transition for Dover Hill students. She has served as Assistant Principal at Dover Hill since 2023. 

Ms. Frakes earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University in 2010 and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from William Woods University in 2018.

“I am honored to join the McKinley Elementary team and continue serving students and families in this new role,” said Frakes. “McKinley’s strong tradition and close-knit community makes it a special place to work. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and working together with staff and families to support every student's success.”

Denise Powley named principal at Webb City Webster Primary Center

(From the Webb City R-7 School District)

We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Denise Powley has been selected as the new Principal of Webster Primary Center for the 2026-27 school year.

Mrs. Powley has passionately served in education for 23 years. Throughout her career, she has taught and held various instructional roles and leadership positions at both the early childhood and elementary school levels. 

She has proudly served as a classroom teacher (primarily in the Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade), a Reading and Math Interventionist, an Instructional Coach, and an Academic and Behavior Specialist. Last year, Mrs. Powley joined the Webb City School District as an Assistant Principal at both Webster Primary Center and the Middle School. 

Prior to that, she served as a Principal in an early childhood and elementary school in the mountains of New Mexico. Mrs. Powley earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Texas Tech University, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Specialty from Drury University, and an Education Administration degree from CES in New Mexico. 

Mrs. Powley is a visionary, student-centered leader who is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where every child can thrive. She is passionate about fostering a positive school culture grounded in innovation, creativity, and high levels of academic achievement. Mrs. Powley believes strong schools are built on meaningful collaboration and open communication. She values her partnerships with parents, families, staff, and the Webb City community, recognizing that together we create the greatest impact for students. 

Over the past year at Webster Primary Center, Mrs. Powley has been deeply invested in cultivating a culture of excellence for both students and staff. In her new role as Principal, she looks forward to inspiring and empowering educators, strengthening relationships, and building upon the school's proud tradition of academic success to ensure every student reaches their fullest potential. 

On a personal note, Mrs. Powley and her husband, Gerald, raised their five children in Southwest Missouri and are proud to call this community home.

Bill to make transgender athlete ban permanent passes Missouri House

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

The Missouri House passed a bill along party lines Thursday that would remove the expiration date on the state’s restrictions for transgender athletes.

In 2023, the General Assembly passed a law that prevents transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity alongside a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Democrats in the Senate filibustered the bill, leading to a compromise that added a four-year expiration date.

Every year since the law’s passage, lawmakers have filed bills seeking to scrap the sunset.

During Monday’s debate, House Democrats said that the provision gave lawmakers time to consider research on transgender athletes and determine whether restrictions were fair. That learning process, they argued, is not complete.

“Removing the sunset should only happen if we as a collective have undertaken a thorough review and study about the topic,” said state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “We have not discussed this topic as a collective.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson, said the expiration “was just a matter of capitulation.” Making the restrictions permanent, he argued, is necessary to “give female athletes a level playing field.”

Allowing transgender women to compete “undermines the fairness and opportunity” for women to succeed, he said.

Other House Republicans spoke about maintaining a competitive environment for women’s athletics, saying transgender women had an “advantage.”

“If we erode sex-based protections in athletics, we do not expand opportunities,” said state Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Republican from Carthage. “We would collapse the very category that allowed generations of women to compete fairly.”

Prior to the law’s passage, regulations on transgender athletes were left to organizations like the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. MSHSAA’s policy allowed transgender athletes that have been taking hormone-suppression medication for at least one year to compete according to their gender identity, opening the door for 12 transgender athletes to try out for school athletics from 2012-2022.

State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary member, pointed out that more bills have been filed targeting transgender athletes than the number of transgender athletes in Missouri high school sports.

“That seems like an incredible misuse of time and taxpayer dollars to spend so many hours, every single year constantly attacking those 12 kids who tried to play recreational sports with their friends,” they said.

Thomas also worried about the law’s enforcement, saying “anyone deemed too masculine will be under investigation.”

The law gives authority to the state’s education and higher education departments to establish enforcement mechanisms, but neither created such rules. A year after the law became effective, education department officials denied any responsibility, telling The Independent that the department “is not involved in school athletics and activities.”

The legislation also gives students and their guardians the ability to sue if they are “deprived of an athletic opportunity” because of a transgender athlete in Missouri.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told lawmakers Monday that she didn’t intend to speak during the House’s debate of the bill. But thinking about how people might try to enforce the restrictions worried her.

The law may have an outsized effect on Black women, who Proudie says are too often “masculinized.”

“How do we enforce this when someone decides they don’t want to face an athletic team and says the players look a little too masculine,” she said, worrying that they might inflict “invasive tests” to determine an athlete’s sex.

Seitz did not comment on the prospect of athletes being subject to physical inspection, reiterating that the bill was only “removing the sunset” from a law currently in effect.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

North Garrison bridges in Carthage to close due to structural issues

(From the City of Carthage)

The City of Carthage announces that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has directed the closure of the two northernmost bridges on Garrison Avenue due to structural issues. 

The routine annual inspection identified significant structural deterioration beyond what was documented during the inspection performed in early 2025.

In the interest of public safety, the affected bridges will be fully closed to all traffic beginning Friday, February 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The bridges will remain closed until further notice. Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize alternate routes.

The City is actively evaluating all available options for the replacement of the bridges and remains committed to maintaining safe infrastructure. The City of Carthage will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

GOP intensifies battle to make it impossible to pass initiative petitions in Missouri

By Rudi Keller

Missouri Independent

While a judge is rewriting the ballot summary for a proposal to put new barriers in front of Missouri initiative campaigns, opponents are focusing on a new line of attack — the measure cuts financial penalties for accepting foreign contributions or committing petition fraud.

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Thursday ruled that he would remove language opponents call “ballot candy” from the description voters will see at the polls. On Monday, he ordered State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick to revise his fiscal note and summary of the potential cost of the measure sent to voters by Republicans in the General Assembly.

Opponents, backed by the Missouri Association of Realtors, argue the problems go beyond the ballot summary. They point out that the amendment’s text would lower the maximum financial penalty for initiative petition fraud from $10,000 under current law to $1,000, and would reduce the civil penalty for illegal foreign contributions from up to five times the contribution amount to three times the amount, while adding the possibility of up to a year in jail.

Green ruled in a case brought by the Missouri Association of Realtors, which is backing an opposition PAC under the name Missourians for Fair Governance.

“It’s laughable for the legislature to try to peddle this flawed proposal as ‘reform’ when it actually reduces the current financial penalty for petition fraud by 90% and creates legal conflicts within the Constitution,” said Scott Charton, spokesman for the Realtor-financed PAC.

The criticisms of the difference in penalties is nothing more than a diversion, said state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Moberly Republican who sponsored the initiative petition changes.

“They’re attacking the entire amendment,” he said. “That’s just their talking points that they’re trying to develop.”

The deception, Charton said, is hiding the real reason for the amendment — making initiative proposals impossible to pass.

The proposal, which would change the way majorities are calculated for initiative petitions that amend the Constitution, will be Amendment 4 on the November ballot. Instead of a majority of all statewide votes, constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters would need both a statewide majority and a majority in all eight congressional districts.

The Realtors have been long-time opponents of proposals to change the initiative process, which the organization used twice, first to block sales taxes on real estate transfers and later to extend the ban to all goods and services not already taxed.

The language Green removed touted provisions in the proposed constitutional amendment to ban foreign influence in Missouri elections and set penalties for fraud in initiative petition signature campaigns. Green removed the lines because they don’t say other laws already make those actions illegal.

Lewis said Tuesday he disagrees with Green’s decision to strike the ballot language. It is harder to change the law against petition fraud if it is the Constitution, he said, and that is an important protection for voters.

“The language that we have in statute does not line up with the constitution, necessarily,” said Lewis, a Republican from Moberly. “What we’re saying and what we’re putting in the Constitution will trump what is in statute, and so I don’t know how the court is saying this is somehow misleading, because if we left it out that would have been misleading.”

For the crime of accepting a campaign contribution from a person who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the proposal would impose a jail term of up to 1 year and a fine of $1,000 plus three times the amount of the illegal contributions.

The Missouri Constitution already contains a prohibition against accepting foreign contributions. The penalty does not include a possible prison term but allows a civil penalty of up to five times the illegal contribution.

For initiative fraud, defined as falsifying signatures, signing another person’s name, deceiving voters about what they are signing or paying people to sign, Amendment 4 would impose a penalty of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

The prison term would match current state law, but the financial penalty in state law is a fine of up to $10,000.

Under the proposal, an amendment proposed by initiative could be defeated by as few as 5.3% of Missouri voters, equal to a majority of the votes cast in 2024 in the area with the fewest number of voters, the 1st Congressional District.

“The lawmakers are trying to make suckers out of Missouri voters, but our citizens are too smart to surrender their long-held constitutional rights and hand that power to politicians who don’t proofread their own legislation,” Charton said.

Green gave the auditor’s office two days to deliver a revised fiscal note and summary. Fitzpatrick responded promptly, revising tthe underlying fiscal note used to create the summary language and making no changes to the summary itself.

The lawsuit attacks the fiscal summary for not estimating the cost of providing every voter with the full text of all constitutional amendments on that election’s ballot. The secretary of state’s office would be responsible for providing the copies, but its cost narrative for the measure spoke generally about the cost of public notices for elections without specifying the additional expense.

In the lawsuit, the Realtors are asking that the cost be estimated in the millions.

“The state auditor’s office is excluding the response from the office of the secretary of state,” the revised fiscal note states. “The information provided does not address the provisions of (Amendment 4).”

From the bench Thursday, Green said he would also delete a line in the ballot language stating that public hearings will be held before initiative petitions are placed on the ballot. The hearings would be held after signatures are submitted and would not prevent the initiative from making the ballot.

Green has not indicated when he will deliver a written ruling with revised ballot language.

Ellen Nichols: Missourians expect private information to be protected, not posted on public website

(From Ellen Nichols, 32nd District Senate Candidate)

“When I file a bill in the Missouri State Senate, my name will be on it — and I take that responsibility seriously.

If elected, I pledge to personally read every bill before it is filed under my name to ensure there are no drafting errors, no unintended consequences, and no language that contradicts the values of the people I represent. That attention to detail is how I handled traumatic brain injuries during life-or-death situations in the hospital and it should be the same in the Missouri Senate. Serving in the State Senate is not symbolic. It carries real consequences for families, victims, taxpayers, and our constitutional rights. There is simply no excuse for not knowing what is in the legislation you introduce.

Last December, Senator Jill Carter prefiled SB 894, which reduced the maximum prison sentence for trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation from 20 years to 15 years. After facing criticism, she described the reduction as a drafting error and said she would correct it.

Let me be clear: I oppose any attempt to reduce penalties for those who exploit or traffic others for sexual purposes. Human trafficking destroys lives, devastates families, and preys on the most vulnerable among us. Missouri should be strengthening protections for victims and increasing accountability for predators — not reducing consequences.

More recently, Senator Carter filed SB 985, legislation that would have required the personal information of all registered Missouri voters, including names, addresses, and dates of birth, to be displayed online. Members of both parties immediately raised serious privacy concerns. Senator Carter later said the requirement to publish the information online was also a drafting mistake.

Missourians expect their private information to be protected, not posted on a public website. I oppose releasing sensitive personal information about Missouri citizens online. Protecting privacy and safeguarding families from identity theft, harassment, and misuse of data is basic, commonsense governance.

These are not small technical oversights. They reflect a broader concern about legislative carelessness and extreme big-government approaches that put citizens at risk. When you file a bill that reduces penalties for sexual traffickers or exposes the private information of millions of Missourians, it matters. Words in legislation matter. Details have always mattered for me in the operating room, and they also matter when drafting legislation.

That is one of the reasons I am running for State Senate in District 32.

Our district deserves steady, principled leadership that reads the fine print, understands the impact of every word, and stands firmly for public safety, personal responsibility, and individual liberty. I will fight to protect victims, hold criminals accountable, defend the privacy of Missouri citizens, and ensure that government works for the people — not against them.

Public office requires preparation. It requires accountability. And it requires the humility to recognize that the laws we pass affect real lives.

I am running to restore trust, defend families, and bring careful, disciplined leadership to the Missouri Senate. The people of District 32 deserve nothing less.”

— Dr. Ellen Nichols
Republican Candidate for Missouri State Senate, District 32

SE Kansas men arrested, trailer stolen in Jasper County recovered

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

In the early morning hours of February 26, 2026, a stolen trailer was recovered following a coordinated effort between the Jasper County Sheriff's Office and Oronogo Police Department.

At approximately 4:58 a.m., Jasper County deputies were notified that a 20-foot homemade gooseneck-style trailer had been stolen. Jasper County deputies and Oronogo officers caught up to the vehicle near SW 80th Road and State Line Road in Barton County.

A felony traffic stop was conducted, and the driver, identified as Ryan Payne, 42, of Frontenac Ks., along with passenger, Raymond Weaver, 34, of Arcadia Ks., were arrested and transported to the Jasper County Detention Center in Carthage.

Charges for Felony Stealing have been submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutors Office on both individuals

This case remains under investigation.

Grand opening, ribbon cutting held for MSSU Public Safety and Forensics Institute

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Public Safety and Forensics Institute, marking a milestone for law enforcement and forensic science education in the region. The facility reflects the university’s expanded statewide mission and commitment to immersive learning that prepares students for real-world careers.

The ceremony was held at the Mills Anderson Justice Center, where faculty, students, community leaders, and public safety partners gathered to commemorate the launch.

MSSU’s Emergency Manager and Chair of Justice Studies Dr. Tim Wilson opened the event, highlighting the Institute’s role in preparing students and strengthening Missouri’s public safety workforce. University leaders and community partners then participated in an official ribbon cutting before guests toured the facility.

“Our students are not just studying public safety and forensic science; they are experiencing it firsthand in an environment with the tools, technologies, and scenarios they will encounter in the field,” Wilson said. “They are having a true immersive learning experience that will benefit them as they enter the workforce.”

The Public Safety and Forensics Institute includes advanced laboratories and specialized technology. Students train in an alternate light source lab to detect and analyze evidence such as bodily fluids, fibers, and trace materials. A crime scene scanning lab features digital imaging and 3D scanning equipment for documenting and reconstructing crime scenes.

The facility also houses an unmanned aircraft systems lab, where students operate drones for crime scene documentation, search and rescue operations, and accident investigations.

An impaired driving investigation lab provides experience in using new oral fluid detection technology to identify drivers under the influence of drugs other than alcohol. Students also have access to a fingerprint scanning lab and ballistics comparison equipment to examine firearms evidence and compare bullet and cartridge markings.

The Institute was funded through Missouri’s MoExcels workforce development grant program, with matching support from MSSU.

“We are grateful for the State of Missouri’s investment through the MoExcels workforce development grant program,” said MSSU President Dr. Dean Van Galen. “The addition of the Public Safety and Forensics Institute will provide impactful experiences for our students and will strengthen the university’s statewide leadership in immersive learning.”

For more information about MSSU’s Justice Studies programs and immersive learning initiatives, visit mssu.edu.

Carthage man charged with rape, sodomy, child molestation

A Carthage man is being held without bond in Jasper County Detention Center charged with rape, sodomy and child molestation.

Charges were filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court against Cory Gene Stuckey, 50.

According to the probable cause statement, Stuckey assaulted the juvenile victim multiple times when he was "either high or intoxicated."

From the probable cause statement:

I interviewed Stuckey on February 25, 2026, at the Carthage Police Department and he initially denied the allegations but after speaking with him more, he finally admitted to touching J1 on her vagina and rubbing her, but he stated he was highly intoxicated on tequila. 

Stuckey denied having intercourse with J1, however stated if she said it happened then it happened. 

The case was investigated by the Carthage Police Department. 

Pierce City woman's ex-boyfriend charged with harassment, sexual misconduct

The Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed felony harassment and misdemeanor sexual misconduct charges against a Kansas City man who allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend, a Pierce City woman.

A criminal summons was issued to Dakota Michael Kurth (DOB 1997).

According to the probable cause statement, Kurth sent a text message to the woman threatening to rape her and threatening "to spank and tie V1 up while he allows dogs to rape her."

Kurth also said he would push the woman face down while choking her in water and threatened to rape the woman's 5-month-old child and said he would humiliate the woman "in front of friends and states he would have people pay to watch him rape her."

 

Mexican national pleads guilty to illegal re-entry to U. S.

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

A Mexican National illegally residing in the Springfield, Missouri area, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal re-entry by an alien after being convicted of a prior felony crime.

Pedro Lopez-Dominguez, 36, entered a guilty plea to U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. to the offense of illegal re-entry into the United States by an alien after having been previously convicted of a felony offense.

On January 18, 2026, deputies from Greene County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department arrested Lopez-Dominguez during a traffic stop after learning that he had an outstanding arrest warrant from Barry County, Missouri, for a previous criminal offense and failing to appear before that court. Upon determining that Lopez-Dominguez was illegally within the United States, local law enforcement contacted agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Customs Enforcement who responded and determined that Lopez-Dominguez was illegally in the United States after having been removed three previous times – once in 2017, once in 2018, and most recently in 2019.

Lopez-Dominguez had been previous convicted of the felony offense of Illegal Entry Into the United States of a Previously Removed Alien in 2019.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Greene County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department.

El Salvadoran national sentenced on fentanyl trafficking, weapons charges

An El Salvadoran national and former Carthage resident who was found guilty of fentanyl trafficking, weapons charges and entering the U. S. illegally following.a one-day bench trial in U. S. District Court in Springfield, was sentenced today.

The following news release was issued by the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri:

An El Salvadoran national has been sentenced in federal court for trafficking fentanyl, illegally possessing firearms, and unlawful entry to the United States.

Jose Navarrete-Hernandez, 42, was sentenced today by United States Senior District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 87 months in federal prison without parole.

Navarrete-Hernandez was found guilty of one count each of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and illegal entry into the United States following a one-day bench trial on May 12, 2025. 

 Specifically, Navarrete-Hernandez was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute; 60 months for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; 27 months for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien; 27 months for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and six months for illegal entry. All of the sentences were ordered to run concurrent to one another, except for the 60-month sentence, which was ordered to run consecutive to the other sentences.

On May 11, 2023, officers with the Carthage, Mo., Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a gray Ford F-250 with an expired Texas license plate driven by Navarrete-Hernandez. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a black backpack containing two drug scales, two glass pipes with white powdery residue, approximately 145 fentanyl pills, a Heritage Rough Rider revolver, ammunition, and a forged social security card. Officers also found a Raven P-25 pistol with an obliterated serial number in the truck. At the time, Navarrete-Hernandez was not a citizen or national of the United States and had entered the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Clark and Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Missouri State Highway Patrol; and the Carthage, Mo., Police Department.

Family friend charged with molesting 9-year-old Washburn girl

 

The Barry County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed second-degree child molestation charges against a Cassville man.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Triston Kordell Garner, 28, with bond set at $100,000 cash only.

From the probable cause statement:

Our Affiant states that on 12/27/25 at approximately 23:30, I was dispatched to 305 South Street located in Washburn, Mo for a possible sexual assault of a juvenile female.

Upon arrival at the address, I spoke with the reporting party the mother of the juvenile female.

STATEMENT BY REPORTING PARTY:

My daughter said she was touched inappropriately by her cousin Triston Garner he is 28 years old. My daughter is 9 years old, she said he said," I will rape you," she doesn't know what that means. sShe also stated he stuck his hands down her pants.

The reporting party went on to say that Triston Garner Suspect 1 had been staying at their residence for a while, and he is friends with her husband, suspect 1 tells everyone they are cousins. The reporting party said when suspect 1 was confronted with the allegations on the night of this incident, he took off walking toward Cassville where he has family.

CONCLUSION

Triston Garner suspect 1 has been staying with the family for a while due to not having a place to live. E.C. also said that suspect 1 attempted to get her to kiss him on the lips and told her it would be fun. It is believed that he was attempting to have sexual intercourse with the 9-year victim but was unsuccessful in the attempt.

However, Triston did take photos of the 9-year-old victim and showed her photos of an AI 
female naked with her face on the female's body. Triston appeared to be grooming her to have sex with him. 

At this time his phone had been recovered from a brush pile he threw it into, before taking off on the night he was confronted. It was learned through Barry County dispatch that Triston had called 911 and Cassville Police Officer went to Cassville heights apartments, because Triston was afraid someone was going to hurt him according to 911 operator. 

Joplin man sentenced to 10 years on kidnapping, weapons charges

Clayton Flowers, 32, Joplin, was sentenced to 10 years in prison during a hearing this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Flowers pleaded guilty March 25 to kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

After he completes his sentence, Flowers will be on supervised release for five years.

The charge stemmed from a July 15, 2024 incident in which Flowers dragged a woman into a house, kicked her numerous times and threatened to burn the house down, according to the probable cause affidavit.

From the affidavit:

On July 15,2024, Newton County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) Deputy S. Mitchell responded to a residence in Joplin, Newton County, Missouri, a location within the Western District of Missouri, after Newton County Dispatch was advised that a male had barricaded himself inside the residence with a .22 caliber firearm and was threatening to burn down the residence.

Upon arrival, Deputy Mitchell identified the subject male as Clayton James FLOWERS (hereinafter "FLOWERS"). A witness on scene advised FLOWERS resided at this residence with his girlfriend, who is identified as Jane Doe, an adult female.

Jane Doe reported to Deputy Mitchell that FLOWERS drug her out of a vehicle and into the residence. Once inside the residence, while Jane Doe was still on the ground, FLOWERS kicked her several times.

On July 16,2024, NCSO Detectives D.l. Mace and T.J. Lombard responded back to FLOWERS's residence to further their investigation. The detectives contacted Jane Doe, and Jane Doe reiterated that FLOWERS had drug her out of a car and into the residence where he then assaulted her. 

Detective Mace asked Jane Doe for permission to enter the residence and Jane Doe allowed the detectives into the home. Inside the residence, Detective Mace observed a large hole in a living room wall he believed to be caused by a shotgun.

Detective Mace also observed damage to a curtain and the window behind it was broken out. The curtain appeared to be damaged by shotgun pellets.

Another apparent shotgun blast was located in the celling. Detective Mace observed a spent 12-gauge shotgun shell, an unused 12-gauge shell, and a .22 caliber round on a nightstand in a bedroom.

Joplin teen killed in fiery crash north of Galena

A Joplin teen was killed in a one-vehicle accident 7:45 p.m. Monday three miles north of Galena on SE 110th Street.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Braxon M. Gough, 19, Joplin, was westbound on SE 110th Street and for some unknown reason crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a tree.

The Highway Patrol was unable to determine if Gough was wearing a seat belt due to fire

Anderson woman killed in head-on collision on 76

An Anderson woman was killed in a two-vehicle accident 9:29 a.m. today on MO 76 at Indian Trail Road in Anderson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a 38-year-old Anderson woman crossed the center line and struck a 2019 Freightliner driven by a 47-year-old Springdale, Arkansas man head on.

The Anderson woman as pronounced dead at 10:43 a.m. at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

The fatality is the 14th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Jason Vieselmeyer named Joplin North Middle School principal

(From Joplin Schools)

We are excited to announce the promotion of Jason Vieselmeyer as the next head principal of North Middle School beginning in July 2026! He will succeed retiring principal Tracy Newell.

Mr. Vieselmeyer is currently serving as assistant principal at North Middle School, a position he has held since 2018. He has also served as the Joplin Middle School summer school principal since 2020. 

With experience teaching middle school and high school social studies, world history and physical education, Mr. Vieselmeyer has been a Joplin Schools educator since 2002. He also currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Missouri Southern State University.

Having graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1998, Mr. Vieselmeyer later earned a Master of Education in Education Administration in 2006, and a Specialist of Education in Education Administration in 2022, both from William Woods University.

“I am honored to accept the position of principal at North Middle School, a community that has shaped me both professionally and personally,” said Mr. Vieselmeyer. “Here, I have built lasting relationships, grown alongside incredible colleagues, and helped generations of students, including my own children, discover their potential. I am committed to leading with integrity, putting students first, and building on the strong foundation that makes this school so special.”

McDonald County officials identify body found on Indian Creek Drive

(From the McDonald County Sheriff's Office)

On February 17, 2026, McDonald County Detectives were notified of a deceased individual located near the 100 block of Indian Creek Drive in Lanagan, Missouri.

Upon arrival, detectives discovered the body partially submerged in a creek. The scene was processed, and the McDonald County Coroner’s Office was contacted to respond.

During the investigation, detectives located a wallet containing a driver’s license. However, the individual’s identity could not be officially confirmed at the scene. An autopsy was conducted to determine the identity and further details surrounding the death.

Following the completion of the autopsy, the deceased was positively identified as Darick Cochran, age 43.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Cochran’s death remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office.

Joplin Fire Department ISO rating remains at 2

(From the City of Joplin)

The Joplin Fire Department’s ISO rating remains at a 2, keeping them in an elite group of fire departments in Missouri. Currently, only 32 agencies in Missouri have the 2 rating.

The department recently underwent a hazard risk analysis conducted by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and was rated a “2”, a level they’ve held since 2016. ISO evaluates three major areas, including:

Fire department operations (staffing, training, equipment, response times)
Water supply systems (hydrants, flow, and testing)
Emergency communications (911 dispatch capabilities)

ISO ratings are significant to a community because they affect home and business insurance rates. The ISO provides information to insurance companies nationwide, which details a fire department’s capability in helping to prevent a fire from happening, as well as in their ability to minimize damage should one occur. The results of this analysis are then utilized by insurance companies to assign a hazard classification or rating to those properties currently protected by the Joplin Fire Department (JFD).

“Maintaining an ISO Class 2 rating is not something that happens by accident. It’s the result of our personnel showing up every day with commitment, discipline, and pride in the customer service we provide,” said Chief Gerald Ezell. “Our firefighters train relentlessly, respond with professionalism, and work hand‑in‑hand with our dispatchers and water department to meet the highest standards in fire protection. Being one of only 32 fire departments in the entire state of Missouri to hold this rating is a reflection of their dedication. I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women who make this level of excellence possible.”

Based on a scale of 1 – 10 (with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst), the ISO rating system’s lower number indicates to the underwriter a lesser probability of a fire and a reduced amount of potential damage should one take place. This generally translates to lower costs for non-residential property owners and for the individual seeking coverage.